Faithful until death (1)

Thursday 12 August 2021

We must obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29

Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2.10

You kept my word without denying my name. Revelation 3.8

Faithful until death (1)

Patrick Hamilton (1504-1528), was a descendant of the King of Scotland James II. A student at the University of Paris, he learned of the teachings of Luther. By reading the New Testament, he quickly acquired a profound knowledge of the Word of God which is "the truth" (John 17. 17). He left for Germany in 1527 to deepen his knowledge.

At Marburg University, Hamilton wrote a book that presented the contrasts between law and gospel, between works and faith. He bore witness to this biblical truth: one is made righteous before God only by faith and not by works (Romans 1:17).

After a few months, Hamilton, feeling that he was prepared for it, wanted to return to Scotland to serve his compatriots. Upon his return to his native land, he strengthened the faith of many people through his preaching of the Word of God. Many relatives and some nobles, but also many peasants and workers believed in the gospel.

Soon after, at 24, Patrick Hamilton was accused of heresy because of certain claims in his book, and after a quick trial he was sentenced to death. On February 28, 1528 he was burnt at the stake. The torture lasted six hours, because the wood did not want to ignite. During this time of suffering, Hamilton repelled all attempts to make him renounce what he had taught.

At the end, he prayed aloud and said : "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit".

(end tomorrow)

Source (The Good Seed)