Historical Writings

Wulliam Tracie [William Tracy] dates his will "The x daye of October, in the xxii yere of the rayne of King Henry the VIII." In it he rejects masses for the dead, declaring that salvation is by faith in Christ alone. Following Tracie's death, his statement becomes known to Archbishop of Canterbury William Warham, who declares Tracie a heretic and orders Thomas Parker, Chancelor of Worcester, to exhume the body. Parker will burn it publicly.

Birth of Jacob Arminius, the Dutch theologian from whose writings and doctrines Protestants opposed to Calvinism have since been called "Arminians."

John Cotton, famed early American preacher and author, is named a teacher of Boston Church, Massachusetts.

Death of Archbishop of Canterbury John Potter, a high churchman who tried to restore some lapsed practices of the Church of England. He authored useful books, including a mathematics textbook, and Antiquities of Greece.

Charles Finney, 29, claimed to have received "a mighty baptism of the Holy Ghost," and was converted to a Christian faith. Finney soon abandoned his pursuit of law and embarked on a 50-year career in evangelism and higher education.

Birth of William A. Ogden, American sacred composer. A student of Lowell Mason, Ogden became a well-known music teacher, and penned the hymns "Bring Them In" and "He is Able to Deliver Thee."

Birth of W. Robertson Nicoll, Scottish theologian. At one time editor of five periodicals, his most enduring achievement was "The Expositor's Greek Testament," a series of 50 volumes of commentaries he edited and published between 1888-1905.

Death of starets (elder) Ambrose, considered the most outstanding figure among the Optina Monastery's startsi (elders). He was bed-ridden for many years and learned that it is in our weakness the power of God is revealed. Considered a prophetic figure by his contemporaries, many consulted him. He recommended repentance and the humble contrition of heart that is acquired by turning one's life toward God and by hating sin with all one's strength. The lives of many of his visitors changed completely after they conversed with him.

Jonathan Udo Ekong is baptized and takes communion at Afaha, Nigeria, in the Scottish Free Church. However, because the Free Church is unable to maintain a work in the area, he will migrate to the Lutheran Church from which he will receive his theological training and become its first indeginous missionary to the Nigerian people, serving them forty-six years.

Death of George Bennard, American Methodist evangelist and hymn writer, who authored and composed the music for the popular hymn "The Old Rugged Cross."