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MAY

1, 1801 --Kentucky. As Colonel Robert Patterson writes to Rev. Dr. John King, “At a society on the waters of Fleming Creek, on the east side of Licking, a boy under the age of twelve years became affected in an extraordinary manner, publicly confessing and acknowledging his sins, praying for pardon through Christ, and recommending Jesus Christ to sinners, as being ready to save the vilest of the vile—adult persons became affected in the like manner. The flame began to spread the Sabbath following . . ..” This is the beginning of the revival that is at first largely Presbyterian and is to shake the states of Kentucky and Tennessee.

1, 1845 --Kentucky. In Louisville, the Methodist Episcopal Church South is organized.

1, 1873 --Africa. On an expedition to open up central Africa to trade and evangelism, Mr. David Livingstone planned to pass around the Portuguese colony, but found the expedition so arduous that every pack animal died. When attacked by the Mafitu people his recruits fled back to their homes with the report Mr. Livingstone had been murdered, but he and the remnants of the caravan succeeded in eluding their pursuers. When they finally arrived at Ujiji, on Lake Tanganyika, provisions were to be waiting for them, but an Arab agent, weary of delay, squandered the supplies and embezzled the money.
      Today, at Ilala, Central Africa, David Livingstone is found dead upon his knees in an attitude of prayer. His beloved African servants, Susi and Chuma, will embalm him, pack his body in a bale of merchandise and carry him along with his papers and instruments for eighteen months until they reach Zanzibar where he will be taken to England. On April 18, 1874, his body will be laid to rest in Westminster Abbey, but his heart has already been removed and buried under a tree in the African interior.
     Mr. Livingstone was convinced only the Gospel could bring succor to the people of Africa. To the last he observed regular devotions with his laborers, and until strength left him, he observed worship on Sunday, His Diary relates he was a man of devout piety. He begged the western world to heal the “open sore” of slavery by passing legislation and sending missionaries to open up the African Interior to the Gospel and to trade.

2, 373 --Egypt. In Alexandria, Athanasius dies. A staunch defender of the faith, he has opposed the anti-Trinitarian views of Arius and those who modified his views. He has declared the Son is the same substance with the Father as is the Holy Spirit. As the tenacious defender of the Nicene Creed, Gregory Nazianzus has styled him the “Pillar of the Church.” When the Emperor Constantine ordered him to receive Arius into communion, he refused and was banished. Julian the Apostate banished him, as did the Emperor Valens. Thus of his forty-five years as bishop of Alexandria, he has spent seventeen and one-half years in exile. His famous exposition of the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation will become known as the “Athanasian Creed.”
A woman who bartered her purity once accused him of violating her chastity. While the man of God remained silent, one of his friends pretending to be incensed asked, “Do you accuse ME of this crime?” “Yes,” she replied supposing him to be the man she accused: thus showing her ignorance of the man of God.

2, 1507 --Germany. Martin Luther is ordained a priest of Rome having spent two years in the Augustinian monastery.

2, 1519 --Italy. Leonardo da Vinci dies. His paintings of ‘”the Last Supper”, “Mona Lisa”, and “The Adoration of the Magi” have brought him great fame. In 1512, he was joined by Raphael, Bramante, and Michelangelo to work for Pope Leo X on the designs and construction of St. Peter’s in Rome.

2, 1559 --Scotland. John Knox returns to Scotland from exile. A meeting among the clergy to talk of a Roman Reformation breaks up after receiving word Mr. Knox is back in Scotland. This summer, the Archbishop will threaten him on sight.


 

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