1692 - In Massachusetts, Increase Mather published his "Cases of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits," which effectively brought an end to the Salem Witch Trials which had begun earlier this year.
1778 - Anglican clergyman and hymnwriter John Newton wrote in a letter: 'A real conviction of our weakness we cannot learn merely from books or preachers. The providence of God concurs ... in making us acquainted with ourselves.'
1832 - Birth of Carolina (aka Lina Sandell) Berg, hymnwriter. Known as the "Fanny Crosby of Sweden," her most enduring songs which survive today are: "Day by Day (And With Each Passing Moment)" and "Children of the Heavenly Father."
1875 - Hebrew Union College was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio under Jewish auspices. It was the first Jewish college in America to train men for the rabbinate.
1929 - The Church of Scotland merged with the United Free Church of Scotland, retaining the name Church of Scotland. Though it maintains an official state connection, its ecclesiastical government is presbyterian (elder-led) in nature.
© 1987-2008, William D. Blake. Used by permission of the author, from Almanac of the Christian Church
