John Eliot – founded, Aug. 22, 1670

“Christ is the only right Heir of the Crown of England”

 

His last words were “welcome joy!”

 

John Eliot a Puritan “missionary” to the American Indians on this date,8/22/1670, founded a church for Indians atMartha’s Vineyard,Massachusetts, and became known as “the Indian apostle.”

 

Earlier he had published The Christian Commonwealth: or, The Civil Policy Of The Rising Kingdom of Jesus Christ.   This was the first book on politics penned by an American.  It also became the first book an American government had banned.

 

Eliot was born in 1604 at Widford, Hertfordshire, England, attended Jesus College, Cambridge, became assistant to Thomas Hooker at a school in Little Baddow, Essex.  Eliot emigrated to Boston, Massachusetts, arriving 11/3/1631.  He died 5/21/1690.

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Haldor Lillenas – birth, Nov. 19, 1885

“The Bible Stands”  (stanza 1 & refrain)

 

The Bible stands like a rock undaunted
’Mid the raging storms of time;
Its pages burn with the truth eternal,
And they glow with a light sublime.

Refrain

The Bible stands though the hills may tumble,
It will firmly stand when the earth shall crumble;
I will plant my feet on its firm foundation,
For the Bible stands.                            (see more at Cyberhymnal.org)

 

Written and composed by Haldor Lillenas, 1917.  Lillenas, born on Stord Island (near Bergen) Norway, emigrated to the US with his parents, living first in Colton, South Dakota and later in Oregon.  He was converted to Christ at 21in Portland and attended Deets Pacific Bible College (later renamed Pasadena College).  His pen left some 4000 hymns/poems.

 

Also read/hear “The Garden of My Heart” “Glorious Freedom” “Jesus Will Walk With Me” “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” 

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