1680: Death of Thomas Goodwin, 79, famed English Congregational
Nonconformist preacher. His last words were: 'Ah, is this dying? How I have dreaded as an
enemy this smiling friend.'
1805: Birth of
Sarah Flower Adams, English religious writer. Her most enduring verses today comprise the
lyrics to the hymn, "Nearer, My God, To Thee."
1906: Black
evangelist William J. Seymour first arrived in Los Angeles and began holding revival
meetings. The "Azusa Street Revival" later broke out under Seymour's leadership,
in the Apostolic Faith Mission located at 312 Azusa Street in Los Angeles. It was one of
the pioneering events in the history of 20th century American Pentecostalism.
1944: English
apologist C.S. Lewis wrote in a letter: 'Heaven enters wherever Christ enters, even in
this life.'
1980: American
Presbyterian apologist Francis Schaeffer wrote in a letter: 'None of us are normal, even
after we are Christians if we mean by that being perfect. What is possible, however, is
for us to live in the fullness of life in the circle of who we are, constantly pressing on
the border lines to try to take further steps.'
Source: William D. Blake. Almanac
of the Christian Church, Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1987. Additional
information supplied by the author. Contact via E-mail: William D. Blake. (pilgrimwb@aol.com)
