"OF WHOM THE WORLD WAS NOT WORTHY"

 -98-

APRIL

 26, 1521 --Germany. Martin Luther leaves the city of Worms riding in his wagon with his brother, John, and two other persons. His destination is Wittemberg, his home, but he has been declared an outlaw and a price has been put upon his life. Someone can be heard to ask him, “Where will you hide?" Luther replies, “Under Heaven!"

26, 1562 --France. At Orleans, the Third National Synod of the Reformed Church in France is held. Pastor Morelli's doctrine regarding the right of voting at ecclesiastical elections is condemned.

26, 1847 --Illinois. In Chicago, the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church meets today for the first time.

26, 1875 --Korea. Syngman Rhee is born. In 1910, Japan will annex the country of Korea as a colony and will set about to convert its inhabitants to Shintoism. Its oppressive rule will result in the burning of churches and the imprisonment of thousands of church officials. Travelers stopped at roadblocks will be asked their religion, and Christians will be murdered on the spot. Momentary relief will come when the Japanese surrender at the end of the Second World War, but the Russian troops remaining behind will divide the nation and establish a "socialist paradise" in the north. Persecution will again resume. Mr. Rhee will become president in South Korea, and an estimated five million refugees will flee the north to the south. President Syngman Rhee, himself a professed Christian, will declare Communists who repent of their sins are to be forgiven and pardoned.

27, 1642 --England. Thomas Goodwin, an Independent, preaches before Parliament.

27, 1696 --England. In order to regain his throne, the Catholic and ex-King James II has plotted the murder of William III, Prince of Orange. The plan is that the acting King be ambushed when he rides home from his weekly hunting in Richmond Park on his way to Kensington Palace. He is to be murdered in a narrow lane through which he must pass at Turnham Green. The murderers have arrived to fulfill their plans but as they have not kept their intentions secret, William has already announced the pernicious plot to Parliament. Thus the assassination plot is foiled, the culprits are apprehended and executed, and an intended invasion by the French is also foiled.    Today, Parliament responds with the "Association Oath", which declares, "Whereas there has been a conspiracy ...We declare that His Majesty is rightful, and lawful king ... and we engage to assist each other in the defence of His Majesty and his government."

27, 1739 --England. George Whitefield begins open air preaching in London.

27, 1791 --Massachusetts. In Charlestown, Samuel Morse is born to the town pastor. He will be remembered for his invention of the telegraph and for the code that bears his name. In his early manhood, he will come to Christ.

27, 1795 --Pennsylvania. The first synod of the Reformed (German) Church in the United States is held at Lancaster.



 

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