"If I believed" Charles Peace

You almost persuade me to become a Christian

Acts 26:28

Charles Peace was a Burglar and murderer who was hung for his crimes in 1879.
On the morning of his execution, Peace ate a hearty breakfast of bacon, and calmly awaited the coming of the public executioner, who was the inventor of the "long drop". 
He was escorted on the death-walk by the prison chaplain, who was reading aloud from The Consolations of Religion about the fires of hell. 
Peace burst out "Sir, if I believed what you and the church of God say that you believe, even if England were covered with broken glass from coast to coast, I would walk over it, if need be, on hands and knees and think it worth while living, just to save one soul from an eternal hell like that!"^[3] On the scaffold, Peace died instantly and was buried in Armley Gaol.

Covenanters call back

Yesterday I was blessed to receive a packet of blessings in the post from my dear sister in Christ.

In it was a booklet called "Covenanters Call Back", a glimpse into the lives of the saints who died for their faith in Christ, in Scotland during the 17th century, 

Here is a tiny taster of the book, and solemn reminder of the price that was paid by the courageous ones who were not ashamed to call Christ their own in a less comfortable and "tolerant" era.

David Hackston

From Rathillet in the parish of Kilmany in Fife, came David Hackston,

a stranger to grace and to God, until in his youth he went up into the hills 

to hear the homeless, wandering preachers tell forth the good news of the blessed gospel.

Not long after, he experienced forgiveness through the Blood of His cross and took his place among the persecuted people of God.

James Renwick
Although poor, his parents succeeded in providing him with an education,

both at school and at university in Edinburgh. 

Chosen to go abroad to study for the ministry, his life made a great impression on those who knew him, 
and after ordination, he went back to the homeland he loved.

Never strong in body, he laboured incessantly in the work of his Master.

His life was constantly in danger, with government troops pursuing him all over southern Scotland,

forcing him to hide in caves, huts and wherever he could find shelter.

On 17th February, 1688 at 26 years of age, this trustworthy and true servant of Christ sealed his testimony and his ministry with his blood. 

He was among the Christians executed publicly for their faith, and the struggle for religious freedom.

There are many short accounts in this little booklet by M McBride, if anyone is interested, please leave a comment and I will give the address where a copy can be requested.

I can't help but be moved to pray "Lord shake our world and stir our hearts to desire you and you alone" 

A journey of a thousand miles

For a long time I have had this idea of writing a blog about the reality of walking with Jesus, and today that journey has begun. The beginning itself is a marvel, however humble it is in appearance and content. It is the first step, and an simple act of faith in its own right. I trust that God will lead and guide, and that it will serve the purpose that He sees fit.May all who come across this blog be benefited, whatever point of the journey they are one as they walk by faith and not by sight, trusting in Christ as Lord and Saviour in a world of compromise.