There will be peace in Israel, someday
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Eschatology, Theology on October 14, 2023
Over these last few days the Middle East has been weighing heavy on many minds. The holy lands are literally the very landscape of the Bible, so as a Christian, Jerusalem and Galilee are very dear to me. Yet I have never been there.
I have wanted to visit the holy lands for many years, but somehow it has never happened for me. Nevertheless, I have nearly taken that adventurous journey a number of times.
When I was in Cyprus and filming for the Apostles at Paphos, I had no idea if my film project would ever be completed. It was my first documentary and Jerusalem was weighing continuously on my mind. I was very close to taking a voyage over to Israel but I decided I would rather continue filming. So I sat in Paphos and wrote down how Jerusalem holds me captive, and I am in chains to her.
Continuously visiting the site of St Paul’s Pillar was a series of wonderful experiences and as I sat in Agia Kyriaki church, I was met by an elderly lady who was sweeping the floor. She was full of character and was very kind to me and while sweeping the lady began quoting “Our Father, who is in heaven…” and was clearly troubled by world events and said that the Lord’s Prayer means “we have a father, that God is our Father, and people say there is only One God, and yet everyone is fighting and killing one another. If there is One God, why do people fight?”
“Religion” she said “Religion, that’s the problem!”
It was one of those moments that can be remembered for a lifetime.
Someday I know there will be peace in Jerusalem, someday they will lay down their arms and there will be no more wars, no more trouble, no more killings. I know this is true because I am a Christian and it is in the Bible.
In the Book of Revelation John was on the Isle of Patmos and wrote to seven churches in Asia Minor, Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. All of these congregations were 1st century churches and no longer exist. But John wrote to them during a time of Roman persecution and in chapter 21 mentions his vision of the New Jerusalem. It was a very striking and hopeful thing to do.
As a free thinking Amillennialist I believe the millennial reign of Christ began at the Life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ and continued on through the church age. There may be golden eras of Christianity in the future and therein peace may be found. However, I believe there will never be absolute universal peace on this earth until Christ returns when the last enemy to be destroyed is death (1 Corinthians 15: 20-28) Meanwhile peace can be attained individually for those who believe in Jesus Christ and outside of Him no true peace can be found.
In Revelation 21: 1-4 John wrote:
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Those who do not believe in Jesus Christ have no hope in anything but themselves. Kings, rulers, politicians, cannot effect global world peace. All of us who know and trust in Jesus Christ recognise our human limitations and know that someday, somehow, by the power of God, there will be absolute peace on earth. But until that day comes, we strive for peace, we hope for peace, we work for peace, we live for peace, we pray for peace and we say as did John “Amen. Come Lord, Jesus” (Revelation 22: 20)
Visiting the home of Mary Jones
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Mary Jones, The Bible, The Welsh Bible on September 29, 2023
Recently I visited the home of Mary Jones (1784-1864) in Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, Wales.
As mentioned in a previous post I have visited places associated with the story of Mary Jones and her Bible over the past few years.
My intrigue in this historic story is continuing to broaden.
On this leg of my journey we returned to Bala and to the grave of Thomas Charles eventually making our way to the home of Mary Jones.
It was from Llanfihangel-y-Pennant that Mary worked and saved for around six years to buy her Bible. From this house (known locally as Tyn-y-ddol) Mary set off on her voyage to walk around 26 miles across the Welsh countryside to get her Welsh Bible from Thomas Charles. The story is legendary!
For me however, visiting this house is like being on a Protestant pilgrimage. It’s a beautiful little place and there’s a local church where the parents of Mary Jones are buried. Contrary to the published Sunday school versions of the story Mary’s father had died long before she got her Bible. Jacob Jones died in “1789” and his gravestone confirms this. At that time Mary Jones would have been about 4 years old.
Nevertheless the story is true in it’s essence and it’s impact on history is incredible.
The Sentencing of George Marsh
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Church of England, Martyr George Marsh on September 12, 2023
In 2015 Chester Cathedral put on a series of “scheduled short re-enactments” of the trial of George Marsh. These took place in the Consistory Court between 10th – 12th September.
The play was called “The Sentencing of George Marsh” and was performed exactly eight years ago.
At the Cathedral that day one of the ministers prayed a long prayer and remembered Marsh and all those who have suffered for the sake of the gospel, and for all those who are still suffering for the sake of the gospel. The minister read out the Lords Prayer and the re-enactment began. The beat of the drum sounded and the actors walked up the central aisle. As the telling of the story began the narrator explained how George Marsh was born in Deane and how he was accused of heresy. It was the Bishop of this very Cathedral (George Cotes) who had Marsh executed.
The Sentencing of George Marsh did not re-enact the burning and Marsh kept his Book in his hand throughout the trial.
It was a fitting re-enactment in memory of Marsh and I viewed it as a real breakthrough. To my knowledge no such acknowledgement had ever been done before. For me, to hear the prayer and watch the re-enactment was very significant and showed me how the Church of England can recant its failings in future years. It was a hopeful moment.
Hymn stories: Here is Love Vast as the Ocean
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Hymns, The Welsh Bible, Theology on August 22, 2023
Here is Love Vast as the Ocean is undoubtedly one of the greatest hymns ever written. For many Christians it communicates the essence of Christianity perfectly.
But what’s the story behind the hymn? And when was it written? Let’s look at some of the lyrics and explore. The hymn begins with these words;
“Here is love, vast as the ocean,
loving kindness as the flood:
when the Prince of Life, our Ransom,
shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten
throughout heav’n’s eternal days.”
The above lyrics are an English translation by William Edwards. The original hymn was written by welsh poet, and minister William Rees of Llansannan. Rees was born in 1802 and today a memorial stands near the village church.
In his hometown William Rees was raised a Calvinistic Methodist and as a boy he worked as a shepherd on a farm. He was educated at the local village school during the winter months and he would also educated himself. Later he became involved in a local independent chapel and began preaching and was appointed minister at Mostyn in 1831 and Swan Lane in 1837. He became quite famous for his preaching, and in 1847 his hymn “Dyma gariad fel y moroed” (Here is Love) and was first published. Amidst growing popularity Rees moved to Liverpool and eventually to Chester where he died on 8 November, 1883.
Rees was not only a preacher but a very influential person in welsh politics. He was also the publisher of Yr Amserau (“The Times”) a journal printed in Liverpool. Rees was also in favour of the disestablishment of the church in Wales, views which no doubt contributed to the popularity of his hymn in during the welsh revivals of 1904-1905.
I have visited Llansannan many times and I find it a pleasant yet unsophisticated rural area. I also filmed in the area for my documentary on William Salesbury. Both Salesbury and Rees have Llansannan in common and for this reason I included my instrumental version of the hymn among the opening scenes of my film. For me, the lyrical depths of his hymn demonstrate how accurately he understood the message of Christianity. God is love and His love is vast as the ocean. Yet it cannot be ignored, his use of the ocean as a metaphor has many implications to it. To describe the love of God as being vast as the ocean, is to imply there is something to be feared. As great and vast as the ocean is many have perished in its waves. I have spent many days and hours of years in Wales and it is dominated by its glorious coastline. As a singer-songwriter I am aware how composers interpret the world they live into a lyrical art flow of poetic splendour. I believe the North Wales coast served as the source of illustration for this great hymn and have no doubt that Rees sat along the seafront and reimagined what it all means in light of the love of God. As vast as the ocean is, to journey upon it has been the destruction of many. Yet at the same time, it provides great pleasure, and food for all and helps nation meet nation.
Back in the Biblical times the ocean was one of main ways St Paul reached the gentiles. Yet like so many in the ancient Greco Roman world, he too faced shipwreck. He suffered a great deal for the cause of the gospel. There is no escaping it, life in Christ is both a joy and a conflict at the same time. Rather like the ocean, I admire its breathtaking eternity, yet I do not deny its power. I do not deny that many have taken a voyage upon the ocean, only to find themselves shipwrecked and lifeless at the bottom of the abyss.
I wonder if you think that love vast as the ocean means that because God loves us all, life is all smooth sailing from now on? In his hymn Rees makes a number of references to the “flood” and “fountains open deep and wide”, “floodgates” and “mighty rivers” all of which reflect North Wales in some sense. Likewise he also mentions the pain God in Christ endured to save us “on the mount of crucifixion”. Probably the most horrific and torturous method of execution in the Roman world.
These lyrics reflect the mystery of suffering. Of which some take the viewpoint that if God exists and cares for us, why does suffering exist? I would respond that it is because suffering exists God exists. We cannot have joy without pain. We cannot have goodness without evil. We cannot have light without darkness. As the sea exists so shipwrecks must exist. Suffering is love vast as the ocean, and I say this because God demonstrated His love by sending Christ to suffer and die for us, in our place. As the hymn says,
“Here is love, vast as the ocean,
loving kindness as the flood:
when the Prince of Life, our Ransom,
shed for us His precious blood.”
I have returned to Zipari Kos
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Biblical archaeology, Documentaries, The Bible on July 3, 2023
Those who are familiar with my previous writings and documentary work will know how fascinated I am with Paul’s visits to the Greek islands, especially Kos. On my previous visits to the Island of Hippocrates I repeatedly travelled to an area known as Zipari.
For those who do not know, Zipari is a modern town along the highway of Kos, yet back in the 1st century it would have been quite remote.
Today Zipari is about 8.3 – 11 kilometres from the general area of Kos town, which is without question the definitive location of Acts 21: 1. Kos town harbour is the exact place where Paul and Luke landed.
Yet at Zipari the 5th century remains of St Paul’s basilica can be seen. Here Italian archaeologists have found ancient mosaics.
For some reason previously unknown to me I have been very intrigued by this place and have been unable to let it pass. The sign reads like so:
“St Paul the Apostle
visited this place during his
third missionary journey”
This exact sign can also be scene in St Paul’s Bay, Lindos. Both Rhodes and Kos are present in Acts 21: 1. Likewise both signs quote the same Scripture, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3: 28)
But what is it about Zipari that intrigues me so? The answer is I think it possible St Paul may have visited here? as I think he visited Lindos.
Revisiting Kos once again was a new experience for me. With many things behind and a new path in front of me I wanted to explore the area from another perspective so I followed that instinct and an old wall. This gave me a lot of insight and I’m now on a journey to discover more. Where this will lead I do not know?
My aim has been to explore Acts 21: 1 from an imaginative perspective and discover more about the meaning of that verse. Making my way through the ancient sections of Kos harbour, the agora and the Western Archaeological site, I am gaining a more vivid picture of Luke’s narrative and the pieces of my puzzle are falling into place.
In my fist documentary on Kos I explored the island from the perspective of St Luke. This led me to the ancient Asklepion of Kos, yet in my previous documentary I explored the island from the perspective of St Paul and this took me on a very different voyage.
This is reflective in the closing words of that film:
“Back to the harbour, I found myself contemplating what exactly happened when Paul and Luke visited this island. But I suspect I may never truly know this side of eternity.”
It was at the location of those scenes where I began this new era of my voyage. I am content to follow on as the Lord leads. It seems my voyage to Kos may not be over after all.
Reflections on the Coronation of King Charles 111 at Manchester Cathedral and evangelism on the streets
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Christianity, Evangelism on May 8, 2023
The day of the coronation of King Charles 111 was a very busy day for many folks. People from all over the country and the world flocked to London to be a part of the extravaganza. People lined the streets in London to watch the procession as the king made his way to Westminster Abbey.
I spent the morning at Manchester Cathedral to watch the broadcast and was interviewed for TV. Later I used the opportunity to reach people in the north for Christ. Over 800 people attended the Cathedral that day. Manchester is a great place for evangelism and people are open to calmly receiving the gospel.
So what then are my reflections on the coronation? I actually quite liked the symbolism and the use of Scripture. I recognised a lot of symbolism and Scriptures used. On that note the Bible Society has published a well researched article on this and you can view it here.
After the coronation I took to the streets and did the work of an evangelist, (2 Timothy 4: 5) Plenty of people were reached that day and many tracts given out. As always the day was packed with excellent and open conversations with the people who lingered around the market places.
One to one conversation is very effective, engaging and rewarding.
That’s a day to remember and let’s hope there will be a better, brighter, stronger and greener country to look forward to. Remember, if we didn’t have a monarchy, then parliament would only be answerable to parliament. What happens then?
I like many people have mixed opinions concerning the existence of monarchy but when it’s all said and done it keeps a long standing tradition going and offers our nation an identity.
Whatever a persons view is, when it comes to evangelism and the sharing of the gospel I keep things focused upon that singular event of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I have yet to find anyone who can verifiably object to that reality.
Did Christ Descend into Hell? In his 1549 sermon before King Edward sixth, Hugh Latimer says He did.
Posted by simon peter sutherland in "Calvinism", The Bible, Theology on April 18, 2023
Hugh Latimer (1487-1555) was one of the truly great reformers. He was a Cambridge scholar and Bishop of Worcester and during the English reformation he was Church of England chaplain to King Edward sixth. He became one of the Oxford martyrs and during the reign of Mary Tudor, he was burned at the stake in Oxford in 1555.
Previously, in Latimer’s sermon before King Edward sixth, the reformer preached concerning a doctrine known as the Harrowing of Hell or the Descent of Christ into Hell. In Christian theology there is a belief that the soul of Christ went down into hell (or hades) during the three days between His death and resurrection.
I agree with this teaching. However, today many reformed and Calvinistic theologians and ministers have differences of opinions concerning the Harrowing of Hell. For some, the idea is unscriptural and even heresy. While others interpreted the belief to mean that Christ went only to the place of the dead, he did not go to hell. This is the view that many American reformers present to the younger generation who are new to reformed theology. The Scriptures however do not give us a great amount of detail, so it is not an open and shut case. Matthew 12: 40, Acts 2: 24, 31. Ephesians 4: 9, Colossians 1: 18, 1 Peter 3: 18, 4: 6, are all believed by some to affirm the Harrowing of Hell while others disagree. I however do believe that Christ did in fact go down to hell and I am not ashamed of that. The earliest creeds can be understood to communicate something quite different to the number of modern revisions.
For example the Apostles Creed, believed by some to be as early as 2nd century, affirms Christ’s descent into hell. Early English versions read that way. However the present Church of England version reads “he descended to the dead.” which is quite a significant variation. The place of the dead or hades can imply a place of waiting or a place where certain souls descended after death. Whereas hell implies the place of torment where the souls of unrepentant sinners will go.
The 39 Articles of Religion, 1562, (Article 111) affirms Christ’s descent into hell. However, for many people, the idea of this contradicts the finished work of Christ on the cross (John 19: 30). However I don’t agree with that claim.
There are however differences of opinion throughout Christianity concerning this matter and I am not going to cover all of them in this article. However what I do present is a view defended by Hugh Latimer before King Edward sixth in 1549. In this sermon Latimer affirms his agreement with the Harrowing of Hell in the face of the disagreements of his day.
In his own words Latimer says thus:
“There be some great clerks that take my part, and I perceive not what evil can come of it, in saying, that our Saviour Christ did not only in soul descend into hell, but also that he suffered in hell such pains as the damned spirits did suffer there. Surely, I believe verily, for my part, that he suffered the pains of hell proportionably, as it corresponds and answers to the whole sin of the world. He would not suffer only bodily in the garden and upon the cross, but also in his soul when it was from the body; which was a pain due for our sin.”
Latimer also stated the following,
“I see no inconvenience to say, that Christ suffered in soul in hell. I singularly commend the exceeding great charity of Christ, that for our sakes would suffer in hell in his soul. It sets out the unspeakable hatred that God hath to sin. I perceive not that it doth derogate anything from the dignity of Christ’s death; as in the garden, when he suffered, it derogates nothing from that he suffered on the cross.”
(Sermons by Hugh Latimer. The Seventh Sermon of M. Latimer preached before King Edward, April Nineteenth, (1549) P. 234-235. The Parker Society, Cambridge. M. DCCC.XLIV)
A person can disagree with the interpretations of the Scriptures I have presented here, but let it be not said that the Harrowing of Hell is not true reformed doctrine. It is difficult to find a truer reformer than Hugh Latimer. He was a brilliant 1st generation beacon light of the reformation.
Whatever your belief, I do believe that hell exists and is a very real place where unrepentant souls will go for eternity (Revelation 20: 10). I do not believe in universalism or annihilationism. I do however believe it makes sense Biblically to say that Christ went to hell in the place of those who would follow Him and believe.
I wonder, does that include you?
Easter reflections on Simon Peter and the Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Christianity on April 6, 2023
One of my favourite modern Biblical documentaries is David Suchet’s “In the Footsteps of St. Peter”. In this film the actor traces the steps of St Peter from his early days in Israel, to his possible connections to Cappadocia and the final events of his life in Rome. Although I don’t connect St. Peter with the Vatican, I believe he was in Rome. It’s a fascinating place!
Fascinating for me, since St Peter is one of the leading figures of the New Testament and a person I can connect with. I was named after the apostle by my parents. Simon Peter is my given name. When I was growing up my father had a book called “The Big Fisherman” and it meant a lot to me. As a family we often watched “Peter and Paul” (1981) starring Anthony Hopkins, as Paul and Robert Foxworth, as Peter. I still enjoy that series and when we were in Rhodes, we visited a number of filming locations where key scenes were shot. One of these was in Rhodes Town, near St Paul’s Gate. Lindos also features as a filming location, which adds more realism to the film since Paul visited there (Acts 21: 1)
Like David Suchet’s documentary, “Peter and Paul” portrays Peter as a very strong person, and does not white wash his humans faults. In the gospels Peter is up and down, he makes mistakes and even denies knowing Jesus (John 18: 15-18) Yet in Acts 2: 14-39 Peter’s sermon is courageously outstanding. A proof of the indwelling presence of Holy Spirit.
Peter’s life can be understood to show that Christian’s are not perfect, if they were they would not need to be Christian’s. Yet his life also shows a progression from a sinful man to an apostle absolutely dedicated to Christ.
No surprise then that Simon Peter, (Shimon or Simeon) is an important figure in my Christian life. Like Peter I too have been a preacher and also a fisherman. One of my favourite pastimes are my days of sea fishing along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea. For me there would be no greater pleasure than going out on the boat, catching fish from the shore and cooking them on the beach. Mackerel never tastes so good as when it cannot be fresher.
Back in the day I was just a simple musician desperately trying to get a recording contract, but each time something to do with church would deter or call me. Sometimes independent churches pressurise church goers to minister or evangelise even when it may not be their calling. I too at times wanted to be a minister but that has not yet come to pass. For me, going about in the Biblical lands, making free documentaries without all the fuss and clutter, works well. Maybe I’ve found my place in that.
But out of all the things in life, the uncertainties, the changes, the progressions, the ups and downs, one thing remains absolutely certain and that is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In 2 Peter 1: 16 Peter wrote; “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”
In John 20: 6 Peter witnesses the empty tomb and sees the “linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief” that had been around the head of Christ. These were not scattered about, but folded together in a place by themselves. The eyewitnesses saw these happenings and believed. But it was not all a bundle of roses. The gospels communicate the real reactions of people. When the resurrection had happened and the body of Jesus wasn’t in the tomb, the apostles went fishing.
In John’s gospel Peter and the apostles are out on the boat and they weren’t catching anything. Then Jesus came along and told them where to fish and they caught “one hundred and fifty-three” (John 21: 11) In John Rylands Library, (my place of escape), there is a section above a stairway where the architectural dimensions are said to be built around St John’s reference. In sacred geometry 153 is apparently a sacred number communicating something of the dimensions of heaven.
In these days when Christianity is so difficult and it would seem like the whole world hates us and will not let us simply live in peace and practice our faith, there are times when I too (like Peter), withdraw and say “I’m going fishing” (John 21: 3) Then Jesus shows up and says ‘Simon, do you love Me, “Feed My sheep”.
For this reason I focus upon the truth of Christianity rather than the distortions of it. Feeding the sheep is better than arguing with wolves. I believe the proclamation of the Bible will overcome error. However, there has been many times when I have felt like walking away from Christianity and just keeping my faith to myself and simply go on living, doing my own thing. ‘Christianity’ has become so corrupt in many ways, I think. Too many churches are just exploitive money grabbing establishments of narcissism, power and people pleasing. If I focus upon them, it does no good. But then when I withdraw and keep focused upon who I am in Christ, and hold on to my Bible, I carry on and speak the truth. Christ raises me up and as one era draws to a closure, a new era opens up.
Perhaps some of you have felt this way? We are all only human after all.
Right now I do not know what the future holds for Christianity in Britain? I believe the truth will conquer in the end. Being in the Church of England I may well be seeing the final days of orthodoxy in that establishment? Glorious buildings, excellent liturgy, and when sung, Christ magnifying hymns edify the soul. Conservative evangelical Churches are growing. As for the rest, it’s not so good. Too many progressive liberal revisionists spend half their time arguing their way out of the liturgy.
Nevertheless, I wonder how you might let Christ serve you this Easter or Passover? Will you simply eat chocolate or attend a service? Or will you believe and go on believing. Will you let Christ serve you with a better breakfast than you have ever known before? Make life different this season, don’t let another year go by without doing something about it. If Jesus Christ truly rose from the dead, and I believe He did, the event cannot be anything else but earth shatteringly important and if He truly cares for you enough to die in your place, you cannot ignore Him.
No one need think that becoming a Christian means you must be perfect. Peter was not perfect, neither is any Christian. If we were we would not need a Saviour. Likewise believers need not feel over pressurised by other Christians as though imperfections make us false. We need the resurrected Saviour, without Him, humanity has no hope, and all our efforts and plans are nothing.
The Gospel and the Coronation of King Charles 111
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Christianity, Evangelism, The Bible on March 29, 2023
This week I received my Charles 111 Coronation gospel tracks from Living Waters. They look great! Full colour and the quality is excellent.
These tracks are basically well designed free handouts that make it easy to share the gospel with people in the events surrounding the Coronation of King Charles 111 in May, 2023. On the back of each of them you’ll find the plain gospel, 110%.
Recently the Church of England has said it plans to use the coronation to convert people to Christianity. What better way to do it? Since a majority of the bishops appear to be busy spreading confusion and division rather than converting anyone, I thought things sound ripe for the gospel. After all, people don’t need to be clergy or a bishop to evangelise. Politicians cannot change people, and bishops can’t either, it’s the evangelists who change things. And all of us have the right to share our faith.
With so much division being spread throughout the land it can never be a bad thing to invite souls into the kingdom of Christ. Never in my lifetime have I seen such a growing need for the gospel and indeed such a hunger for it. Make no mistake, people are hungry for the gospel in the uk despite what some would have you to believe. But so often, converts decrease because evangelists are few, and more often than not it is the church itself that prevents the gospel being shared. With apostasy all around us, and the Church of England in crisis, what better time than to use this opportunity to share the good news of the kingdom and win souls for Christ. There’s no need to cause offence, no need to argue with people, no need to shout on street corners, just be kind to people, share the good news of the gospel and be a light in the darkness. Let God do the rest!
Remember quality is better than quantity.
The gospel is simple, effective and when properly communicated, life changing. Keep things focused, don’t get caught up in distractions, Christ is crucified, Christ is risen, and no one is without sin, and we broke the moral law of God (contained in the Ten Commandments) “Jesus paid their fine.” so repent today and trust in Jesus Christ and God will give you eternal life.
Remember, you too can spread the gospel to a nation that has lost their way. Be you rich or poor, employed or unemployed, clergy or lay person, you too can be a powerful witness for the gospel and it’s free and available for all.
On this day 12th March 1554
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Christianity, Documentaries, Martyr George Marsh on March 12, 2023
On this day in 1554, a warrant was issued for the arrest of a farmer and preacher by the name of George Marsh. At that time Marsh was a Curate in the Church of England and had been to Cambridge and had run a school and ministered in both London and Lincoln. Upon learning the Church of England had swayed over to popular culture and had committed the apostate act of bowing the knee to Roman Catholicism, Marsh left his ministry and returned to his home town to preach in Bolton, Deane, Bury, and Eccles. A warrant was issued by the Earl of Derby for preaching without a licence, and after hearing about this Marsh wondered around the area of Deane Church, and the following morning he received a letter from a friend who advised that he should in no wise flee, but abide and “boldly confess the faith of Jesus Christ.”
In those days, the authorities gave the reformers the option of either leaving the country and going to Germany or Geneva. At that time the reformation was in full bloom in those countries. After reading the letter Marsh chose to stay and handed himself in to the local sheriff, master Barton.
It was a very costly decision. Marsh stood a small trial at Smithills Hall, and was sent to Latham, Lancaster, and eventually to Chester where he was burned at the stake on April 24, 1555.
May we never forget.
Simon Peter Sutherland
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Simon Peter Sutherland 