1872 Frances Ridley Havergal, in Winterdyne, England, writes the words to the hymn “A Worker’s Prayer” aka “Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak.” One stanza reads, “O teach me, Lord, that I may teach /The precious things Thou dost impart; /And wing my words, that they may reach /The hidden depths of many…
1650 HT: Dan Graves ON THIS DAY, 27 April 1650, a church committee appointed John Flavel to assist Mr. Walplate, the dying minister of Diptford, Devon, England. This marked the beginning of Flavel’s long association with Devon. Realizing that his university education had done little to prepare him for a pastorate, he studied hard on…
This weekend I have the joy and privilege of preaching at the anniversary weekend of New Cumnock Evangelical Church, in Ayrshire. I am preaching three sermons on Habakkuk, one this evening and two tomorrow. I would greatly value your prayers for all who hear God’s word as well as for myself.
1806 HT: Dan Graves On this day, April 26, 1806, Alexander Duff was born in Perthshire in Scotland. The boy, who would win such a name for patient and enthusiastic faith as a man, grew up on a small farm. His father farmed but also had a heart for the things of God. He was…
Of his latest article about Scottish missionaries, Paul James-Griffiths of Christian Heritage Edinburgh writes, “This week is about a Scottish Christian who poured out his heart for the plight of the Australian Aborigines, and changed a nation – and died at 102 years old!” “No money, no hope,” John murmured, as he stooped down to the earth, his face…
1735 Death at Epworth, England, of Samuel Wesley, curate, author, and father of Methodist revival leaders John and Charles Wesley. 1800 Death at East Dereham, Norfolk, England, of English poet William Cowper. Despite lifelong depression, he had produced enduring hymns, including, “Oh For a Closer Walk with God” and “There is a Fountain Filled with…
