Publication of “Pilgrim’s Progress” in 1678
18 February, 1678: John Bunyan publishes the” Pilgrim’s Progress”. Puritan preacher John Bunyan publishes “The Pilgrim’s Progress” the best selling book (apart from the Bible) in history. The allegorical tale, which describes Bunyan’s own conversion process, begins “…I saw a man clothed with rags…. A book in his hand and a great burden upon his back.”
The Pilgrim’s Progress, was first published in Holborn, London in an edition of 191 pages. It was an immediate success with more editions until Bunyan’s death in August 1688. The English text comprised some 108,260 words and it has never been out of print. It is been read around the world and translated into more than 200 languages.
14 February, 1919: Formation of the Marthoma Sevika Sanghom
The Mar Thoma Suvisesha Sevika Sanghom was formed on Friday 14 February 1919 in a meeting held at the Maramon Convention Pandal under the leadership of Dr. Abraham Mar Thoma Suffragan Metropolitan. On the next day a committee with two secretaries and 15 members were selected for the running of the Sanghom. Polachirakkal Puthiya Veettil Mariamma Abraham and Anjilivelil Rachelamma were its first secretaries.
Pages from History:- Death of Martin Luther
18 February, 1546: Martin Luther, (b.10 Nov 1483) leader of reformation, passes away. The reformation was a rediscovery of a lost gospel, a fresh realization that man is saved by faith alone, through grace alone. Luther died of a heart attack on 18 Feb.1546 while he was on a preaching tour at his birth place Eisleben in Germany.
Pages from History – Poikayil Shri Kumara Guru
17 February, 1879: (Kumbham 5, 1054 M.E): Birth of Mr. Poikayil Yohannan. (Poikayil Shri Kumara Guru) Mr.Poikayil Yohannan – (Kumaran) – was born on 5 Kumbham 1054 M.E (February 17, 1879) in Eraviperoor in Tiruvalla Taluk in a slave family. His masters gave him the name Yohannan and made him a member of the Mar Thoma Church. He studied the Bible thoroughly and became an evangelist of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church. His messages were against the social injustice and evils such as slavery, untouchability etc. The Church couldn’t accommodate his teaching. He left the Mar Thoma Church and later founded the organization PRDS – Prathyasha Raksha Daiva Sabaha.
Nalloor Library 