Historical Writings

Roman Emperor Honorius (who ruled 395-423) issued a decree denouncing Pelagianism, which taught that humanity can take the initial and fundamental steps toward salvation by its own efforts, apart from divine grace.

Roman Emperor Honorius (who ruled 395-423) issued a decree denouncing Pelagianism, which taught that humanity can take the initial and fundamental steps toward salvation by its own efforts, apart from divine grace.

Pope Urban sails from Avignon to Italy to restore the papacy to Rome. Authority for the date: Durant, Will and Ariel. The Renaissance.

Death in battle of Chevalier de Bayard, considered the epitome of a Christian courtier and one of the finest soldiers in France, a “knight without fear and without reproach.” Authority for the date: Wikipedia

Marguerite Bourgeoys establishes the first uncloistered Catholic misisonary community in the new world at Ville Marie, Canada. Authority for the date: Deen, Edith. Great Women of the Christian Faith. New York: Harper, 1959.

Birth of Orville J. Nave, the U.S. Armed Services chaplain who compiled the "Nave's Topical Bible" -- still in print!

Death at Mount Sheffield, of James Montgomery, author of the Christmas carol "Angels from the Realms of Glory." Authority for the date: Cyberhymnal.

Death of Ithamar Conkey, 52, a popular 19th century English bass vocalist. He also composed the hymn-tune RATHBUN to which we sing today, "In the Cross of Christ I Glory."

Nlemvo (Mantantu Dundulu) converts to Christianity, the first Protestant convert in the Congo. He will collaborate in translating the New Testament, Proverbs, and Psalms into the Kikongo language, with other Christian literature. Authority for the date: Dictionary of African Christian Biography.

Birth of John T. Benson, Jr, religious composer and former president of Heartwarming Music in Nashville. His best-known sacred composition was the hymn, "Love Lifted Me."

English scholar J.R.R. Tolkien wrote in a letter: 'Evil labors with vast powers and perpetual success -- in vain: preparing always only the soil for unexpected good to sprout in. So it is in general, and so it is in our own lives.'

The Scriptures Visualized Institute moves two days before its old lease expires. Almost miraculously, its new building had been completed in time, despite steel shortages. It is one of the earliest gospel film companies that will make a lasting impact in the field. Authority for the date: Hess, Brian. A Brief History of Christian Films: 1918-2002.