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Christian History

Today in Christian History

August 17

August 17, 1635: Richard Mather arrives in Boston. He began the "Mather Dynasty" in New England Puritanism that also included his son, Cotton, and grandson, Increase (see issue 41: American Puritans).

August 17, 1761: William Carey, who would become a tremendously influential and effective Baptist missionary to India, is born in Northamptonshire, England (see issue 36: William Carey).

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April 25, 1214: Louis IX, king of France and saint, is born. Leader of the Seventh and Eighth Crusades (he died on the latter), he was known for his humility: he wore hair shirts and visited hospitals—where he emptied the bedpans (see issue 40: The Crusades).

April 25, 1599: Oliver Cromwell, the Puritan lord protector of England, is born near Cambridge. As lord protector, he sought to allow more freedom of religion for Puritans but also introduced intrusive and unpopular authoritarian measures. ...

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