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APRIL

13, 1742 --Ireland. George Frederich Handel introduces "The Messiah" at the Music Hall in Dublin. When a nobleman compliments him on its entertaining qualities, he will reply, "My lord, I should be sorry if I only entertained them. I wished to make them better." After today's presentation, it will nearly always be presented for works of charity.

13, 1949 --Mexico. In San Luis Potosi, Pastor Samuel Juarez is found dead. He has been stabbed eighty-five times. His murder is attributed to the Roman Catholic priest whose grip on the people has been broken by the preacher.

14, 1521 --Germany. Martin Luther writes his famous hymn, "A Strong Tower Is Our God," better known by the name, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." The place is Oppenheim, Germany.

14, 1660 --England. Charles II returning from his exile in the Netherlands, issues the Declaration of Breda purely for expedience, since he is a Roman Catholic at heart, and a thirty year old cynic who maintains a position of absolutism concerning his royal office.
     The Declaration of Breda first, promises pardon for all who have fought against his father, secondly, restores Parliament, thirdly, issues "a liberty to tender consciences, and that no man shall be disquieted or called in question for differences in opinion in matters of religion." -

14, 1759 --England. George Frederick Handel dies. He has declared, "I want to die on Good Friday in the hope of rejoicing the good God, my sweet Lord and Saviour on the day of His Resurrection." A compassionate man, he in later life has frequently sent gift to his instructor's widow. A Saxon Lutheran he has composed some twenty-eight oratorios, and is called the "Father of the Oratorio." Among the forty-six operas he has composed is his "Rinaldo" which he completed in two weeks. He will be buried in Westminster Abbey, and his manuscripts will be taken into the possession of George III, and preserved in the music library in Buckingham Palace. He composed "The Messiah" in twenty-four days, without leaving his home. While working on the "Hallelujah Chorus" his servant once found him in tears. Mr. Handel cried, "I did think I did see all Heaven before me and the great God Himself.

15, 1562 --France. On March 1st, the Massacre at Vassy took place. Tonight, the Protestants at Rouen determine to seize their city. The new government, however, affirms its loyalty to the king. On May 27th, an army under the Duc d'Aumale invests the city, but will be forced to withdraw on June 12th. King Charles IX will head another army against the city on September 29th. The city was gradually weakened but its leaders will accept no terms of surrender that fail to include the free exercise of Protestantism. On October 26th, the city will be stormed.

15, 1580 --France. Henry of Navarre (IV) and Henry of Conde have arranged for a general uprising today. This is the Seventh Huguenot War. It will be concluded by the Peace of Fleix in December of this year.

15, 1598 --France. Henry IV (Navarre) signs the Edict of Nantes granting the Huguenots equal political rights, and freedom to worship in France along side of the Roman Catholics.





 

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