January 31, 2012

Three Anniversaries to note

The last three days have marked three milestone days in the history of Christianity:

January 31.  Charles Haddon Spurgeon, perhaps the greatest preacher the English language has ever known, died on this date 120 years ago (1892).  Tim Challies has a piece marking this anniversary.

January 30.  Francis Schaeffer, the great American evangelist/apologist was born on this date 100 years ago (1912).  Justin Taylor has a brief memorial, as well as some good deals on Schaeffer's books.

January 29.  Thomas Boston, one of the greatest of many marvelous Scottish pastors (and my historical hero), began the manuscript for his classic work Human Nature in its Fourfold State 300 years ago on this day (1712).  In the generations following Boston's death, it is said that in nearly every humble Scottish Christian cottage could be found a copy of the Bible, of the Pilgrim's Progress, and of Boston's Fourfold State.  Heady company!  This book, written by a then-obscure country parson, is also said to have been the instrument of more conversions than any other book of its generation.  If Boston is unfamiliar to you, listen to this excellent introductory biography by William Hughes.

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