Category Archives: Today in History
On January 19th
1563 – The Heidelberg Catechism was first published in Germany. Written by Peter Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus, it was a statement of Calvinist tradition, and was soon after adopted by nearly all of the Reformed churches in Europe. The complete text can be found here. Today is the birthday of American author Edgar Allan Poe [...]
On January 18th
1782 – Lawyer and statesman Daniel Webster was born in Salisbury, N.H. A few quotes from Webster follow. “A strong conviction that something must be done is the parent of many bad measures.” “There is nothing so powerful as truth, and often nothing so strange.” “I mistrust the judgment of every man in a case [...]
On January 17th
1706 – Benjamin Franklin, statesman and inventor, was born. At the age of 26, he outlined a list of virtues, which he then attempted to emulate in his daily life. The following is taken from wikipedia: These are the virtues[13] that Benjamin Franklin used to develop what he called ‘moral perfection’. He had a checklist [...]
On January 16th
1604 - John Rainolds presents to King James I the motion ‘…that there might bee a newe translation of the Bible.’ Approved the next day, Rainolds’ motion led to the 1611 publication of the King James version of the Bible. 1740 - English revivalist George Whitefield wrote in a letter: ‘If I see a man who loves the [...]
On January 13th
Today in Norway is Tyvendedagen (Twentieth Day, after Christmas). As this site explains: “Saint Knut drives Christmas away,” is an old folk saying which explains why, in many country areas it was customary on this day to hold the traditional “Christmas race.” People piled into their sleighs and sledges and drove madly across ice-bound lakes [...]
On January 12th
1876 – Jack London, American novelist and author of Call of the Wild, was born. London once wrote: “I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of [...]
On January 11th
1813 – The first pineapples were planted in Hawaii (And you thought they were native to Hawaii, didn’t you? I know I did). 1903 – Alan Paton, South African writer and author of Cry, the Beloved Country, was born. Some quotes from Paton follow. “But there is only one thing that has power completely, and this is [...]
On January 10th
1776 – Thomas Paine published the pamphlet “Common Sense.” Oh, how I wish today’s politicians would read it. 1858 – English poet and hymnist Frances R. Havergal wrote the words to her first popular hymn while on a trip to Germany “I Gave My Life for Thee” by Frances R. Havergal, 1836-1879 I gave My [...]
On January 9th
On January 9, 1777, Francis Asbury, who would become a bishop in Methodist Church, wrote in his journal: “My soul lives constantly as in the presence of God, and enjoys much of His divine favor. His love is better than life!” Hmmm . . . While I can certainly agree on the last part of [...]
