Historical Writings

Death of Maximus, Metropolitan of all Rus, who had spoken in behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church to the Golden Horde, as well as taking sides and urging peace in Russia's internal power struggles.

Christopher Columbus names a port on the Island of Haiti "Saint Nicholas" in honor of the saint's day.

German Reformer Martin Luther stated: 'With all our thoughts we can't get beyond the visible and physical. No man's heart comprehends eternity.'

Death at Great Munden, Herts, England, of John Lightfoot, a bible scholar and clergyman in the Church of England. He had been a member of the Westminster Assembly, often preached before Parliament, and had made major contributions to the Polyglot Bible published in his day.

Father Louis Hennepin, visiting the Niagara Falls, draws the first known sketch of the awe-inspiring landmark.

Catholic priest Oliver Plunkett is arrested in County Dublin, accused of being in league with the French government and of plotting to aid a French invasion of Ireland. He has been hiding there under the name Mr. Meleady. He will be executed, the last of the Catholic martyrs in Britain.

During the illness of a close friend, English poet William Cowper, 38, penned the lines to the hymn, "Oh, For a Closer Walk with God."

Cokesbury College, the first Methodist college in America, opened its doors in Abingdon, MD. The campus consisted of a three-story building 108 feet long and 40 feet wide.

Tsar Alexander I signs a decree allowing a Bible Society in St. Petersberg, Russia.

Missionary William Carey learns that Sati (widow-burning) has been abolished in India. Although it is Sunday morning, he decides that translating the declaration into Bengali is more important than preaching, and he races to prepare the announcement before nightfall, fearing delay may cost lives.

Death of evangelist John Vassar at Poughkeepsie, New York.

Death of Baptist pastor Russell Conwell, founder of Temple College (Temple University) and author of a popular sermon titled "Acres of Diamonds" that argues Christians should seize honest opportunities to earn wealth for good uses.

Missionary linguist Frank Laubach wrote in a letter: 'Sometimes one feels that there is a discord between the cross and beauty. But...a man has not found his highest beauty until his brow is tinged with care for some cause he loves more than himself. The beauty of sacrifice is the final word in beauty.'

English apologist C.S. Lewis wrote in a letter: 'It is a dreadful truth that the state of having to depend solely on God is what we all dread most... It is good of Him to force us; but dear me, how hard to feel that it is good at the time.'

Elijah Abubakar Yisa, Muslim convert to Christianity, a priest of the Anglican Church, opens his church as a haven for displaced people during rioting in Nigeria. Acting in his capacity as a pastor, he also will speak with authorities, defusing the crisis.