Historical Writings

Death of Anthony of the Caves, who will be known as "The Father of Russian Monasticism" because he had attracted a wide following even among the nobility. His monastery will flourish for over one thousand years.

Birth of John Calvin, French religious reformer. His 'Institutes of the ChristianReligion' became the most popular doctrinal statement of the Protestant Reformation.

Under pressure from her parents and her father-in-law, the Duke of Northumberland, Lady Jane Grey, a Protestant, assumes the throne of England, reigning nine days. It is an ill-fated move that will result in her execution seven months after Mary Tudor comes to power.

Death of the Dutch Protestant leader William the Silent, who is the first head of state assassinated with a pistol. After the bullets strike him he is said to have exclaimed, "O my God, have mercy upon my soul! O my God, have mercy upon this poor people!"

The first non-separatist Congregational church in America was established atSalem, Massachusetts.

Thomas Babingdon Macaulay makes a speech in British Parliament on the Indian question, outlining the positions Britain should take. Deeply influenced by Christian ideals, he urges that India be given self-rule. His speech becomes the Christian position on India as long as Britain rules that country.

California Wesleyan College was chartered in Santa Clara, under sponsorship ofthe Methodist Church. In 1961 its name was changed to the University of the Pacific.

Death of Clement C. Moore. In 1819 he had established the General Theological Seminary, where he taught Greek and Hebrew Literature for twenty-eight years. He has also authored "A Visit from St. Nicholas," better known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Death of Phoebe Palmer Knapp, active American lay Methodist, who had published more than five hundred Gospel songs, including the hymn tune ASSURANCE, to which we sing "Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine."

The famous 'Scopes Monkey Trial' began in Dayton, TN, after high school biologyteacher John T. Scopes, 24, was charged with teaching evolution to his students.

American missionary and martyr Jim Elliot wrote in his journal: 'I am just tryingto deliver familiar truth from the oblivion of general acceptance.'