Historical Writings

Cencio Savelli was consecrated Pope Honorius III. During his 11-year pontificate,he confirmed two well-known religious orders: the Dominicans in 1216 and the Franciscansin 1223.

French-born Swiss reformer John Calvin wrote in a letter: 'If you make a constantstudy of the word of the Lord, you will be quite able to guide your life to the highestexcellence.'

Birth of John Newton, an English slave ship's captain. He was converted at age22, and entered the Anglican ministry. Newton is remembered today as author of severalenduring hymns, including 'Amazing Grace' and 'Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken.'

Death in Hawkhurst, Kent, of Nathaniel Lardner, author of Credibility of the Gospel History, notable for compiling every known scrap of ancient historical evidence that confirmed the biblical account of Christ and the apostles.

Birth of Josiah G. Holland, American writer who in 1874 authored the Christmashymn, 'There's a Song in the Air.'

Death in Philadelphia of Joseph Pilmore. He had been one of the first two Methodist lay missionaries sent to America by John Wesley, but left the Methodists when John Wesley separated from the Church of England. Pilmore then had become a priest in the Episcopal Church.

Death of Fitch Waterman Taylor. A clergyman, he had sailed as a chaplain and written several books recounting his naval experiences, including The Flag Ship and The Broad Pennant.

Orthodox bishop Theophan the Recluse bids his diocese at Vladimir, Russia, farewell and enters a life of seclusion at Vysha Monastery, to devote himself to prayer, writing spiritual books, and answering the letters of spiritual inquirers.

The Philippine Commission, appointed by the President of the United States, passes ACT #1376 for the speedy disposition of controversies related to church property, convents, etc. When the United States took over the Philippines from Spain, property problems had devolved upon it.

On Mt. Scopus in Jerusalem, the cornerstone for Hebrew University was laid by Dr.Chaim Weizmann. (Weizmann was later elected first president of the modern state of Israel.)

Death of Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, American theologian, pastor, and author of a popular reference Bible.

The Rhineland women's auxiliary joins the Westphalian auxiliary in backing the Barmen declaration of the confessing church which resisted the Nazis.

George W. Hensley, founder of a Pentecostal snake handling movement in Appalachia is bitten, refuses treatment as with previous bites, and dies the next day, aged seventy-five. Snake handlers believe that Mark 16:17-18 is to be embraced literally by all Christians.

In the wee hours of the morning, five men break into the residence of Benjamin Kwashi, Anglican bishop of Jos, Nigeria and threaten to kill him, the second attempt on his life in eighteen months. Inexplicably, they release him, but ransack his house for valuables.