Christian Literature for Your Family
John Warburton (1776-1857) is born the son of a poor weaver in Stand, England, near the large, industrial city of Manchester. Like his father, John becomes a weaver, but the Lord has another task laid away for him: preacher of the Gospel! After serving a congregation in Rochdale for a few years, John becomes preacher in Trowbridge in 1815.
Imprisoned for 38 years… 250 years ago this is what happened to Marie Durand, simply because she was a Huguenot.
Marie’s mother died while in prison, her father was imprisoned for more than fourteen years, and her brother Pierre, a well-known Huguenot preacher, was hanged.
For 38 years, Marie Durand herself was held captive near the Rhine River in the Tower of Steadfastness, together with other women. While being held in this tower, Marie Durand was a blessing to others; she cared for the sick, comforted grieving ones, and encouraged those in despair.
“I cannot understand that there are still no missionaries in China,” nine-year-old Hudson said as he and his sister Amelia were sitting on the couch with their father. “I often pray that I may become a missionary in China when I’m older.” When Hudson turned seventeen, the Lord heard his prayer and personally called him to go to China and proclaim His Name to the Chinese people. Hudson prepared for the journey by learning the Chinese language and studying to be a doctor. He began his journey when he finally had enough money.
Startled, he froze. What was that? A cracking sound! A soldier perhaps? His heart pounded in his throat…. As quickly as he could, he hid the secret packet under his vest again. Would his mission end in failure after all? He held his breath as he peered into the darkness. But everything remained silent. Cautiously he moved closer…
In the night of November 2, 1561, a sealed packet was thrown over the wall of the castle in Tournai. It was the Dutch Confession which Guido de Bres had written. There was also a letter to King Philip II in which Guido de Bres wanted to make clear to him that the heretics did not have bad intentions. They wanted to honor God and the king!
Mac quietly tiptoed out the door on the second floor and slid down a greasy rope. He looked furtively around him and put his fingers between his teeth, letting out a sharp whistle that could be heard throughout the slums. Soon some thin, lanky boys came running around the corner. Curious, they stood by their leader. In a dark alley of the London slums the boys were being instructed in how they could see to it that the Bibles being smuggled into the country did not end up on a burn pile…