Historical Writings

Pollio is brought before a judge. When he declares he is a church reader, he is burned to death in Gibalea (later a city in Hungary).

Geneva's first Protestant catechism was published. Based on Calvin's "Institutes," it was compiled by John Calvin, 27, and/or by fellow French reformer, Guillaume Farel, 48.

Pope Pius V issues a bull against Queen Elizabeth of England, excommunicating her as "a heretic and favorer of heretics," depriving her of her title to the crown, and forbidding all her subjects to obey her on threat of excommunication themselves. Elizabeth, however, will retain her throne and triumph over an attempted invasion by Catholic Spain, going down in history as one of England's greatest monarchs.

A committee from Devon, England, recommends John Flavel as an assistant to an infirm rector at Diptford. The young man applies himself with much determination, becoming a notable Presbyterian clergyman and Puritan author, often persecuted by the government because his religious views do not conform to those of the Church of England.

English poet John Milton, 58, sold the copyright to his religious epic "Paradise Lost" for ten English pounds (less than $30).

Fénelon submits his book Explication des Maximes des Saints to the judgement of Rome after it is attacked by King Louis XIV and the bishops of France. Rome will eventually condemn its Quietist teachings, which, for example, say mature Christians should not seek reward from God.

Death of Moravian missionary Peter Bohler, 63. Commissioned by Count Zinzendorf in 1737, Bohler encountered the as-yet-unsaved John Wesley, no doubt imprinting within him the later Methodist characteristics of crisis conversion, joyful assurance of God's acceptance and a Christian lifestyle of self- surrendering faith.

The American Baptist Home Mission Society was formed in New York City. During its first 15 years, $1.66 million in contributions were raised, 14,426 churches were organized and 1,116 missionaries were sent out.

Soviets sentence Orthodox priest Daniel Grigoryevich Bykov to death and shoot him three days later.

Soviets arrest Orthodox clergyman Elijah Fyodorovich Yemelyanov, serving in the village of Smolenskoye, Smolensk region, Altai district. A month later he will be sentenced to death and in June will be shot.

The Orthodox Church of Ethiopia unanimously elects Meliktu Welde Mariam to become a bishop. In 1971 he will become the first patriarch (Patriarch Tewoflos) ordained in Ethiopia. Previously patriarchs had been ordained in Egypt.

The modern state of Israel was officially recognized by the British government.

Wanda Fricke, a nurse, arrives in New Guinea to open a medical mission work for the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. She will also author children's stories.

Police in Nowa Huta, Poland, try to remove a cross. Women protest and men join to protect the women from police brutality. Riots develop and the rioters burn the Communist headquarters. This is one of many religious protests that force the Communists to grant a measure of religious tolerance to Poland. Eventually Polish faith will be a factor in bringing down the Communist regime.

A court in Khabarovsk, Russia, bans activity by Grace Pentecostal Church, alleging mental manipulation because of common Pentecostal behavior, such as laying on of hands and speaking in tongues.