========================================================================
  BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
  by Christopher Love
========================================================================

Summary: Christopher Love's life was marked by his early conversion,
dedication to ministry, family challenges, and tragic martyrdom for his
beliefs.

Topics: "Persecution", "Faithfulness"
Scripture References: Matthew 5:10, Acts 20:24, 2 Timothy 4:7, Hebrews 12:2, Revelation 2:10

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Christopher Love, a devoted Presbyterian minister, faced many challenges
and hardships in his life, including difficulties with ordination and
political arrests. Despite these trials, Love remained steadfast in his
faith and commitment to his beliefs. His dedication to teaching theology
and catechizing children exemplifies his passion for spreading the Word
of God. Love's ultimate sacrifice of being beheaded for a charge he
denied showcases his unwavering faith and loyalty to his principles.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Christopher Love was born in Cardiff, Wales in 1618. He was converted at
the age of 15 and attended New Inn Hall, Oxford, against the wishes of
his father, but supported by his minister and mother. While at Oxford,
Love was tutored by Dr. Christopher Rogers, a man with Strong Puritan
leanings.

Love pastored in London after several short stops along the way. Before
he assumed the pastorate of St. Lawrence Jewry in London, Love
catechized and taught theology to the children of the sheriff of London.
He married Mary Stone, the daughter of a London merchant, whom he met
while they were both employed by Sheriff Warner. They had five children,
two girls who died early in life, and three boys, the last who was born
a week after Love's death. Love, a Presbyterian, obtained ordination in
the Church of England after much difficulty. He would have had it easily
in Scotland, but not without leaving England to live in Scotland, which
he was loathe to do.

Because of his political leanings and involvements, he was arrested by
Oliver Cromwell's forces for his alleged involvement with a plan to
raise money for the restoration of the monarchy, a charge Love denied.
He was arrested along with six other prominent ministers in London (all
Presbyterians, the venerable Thomas Watson being the most noted), for
treason. The rest were released after six months; Love was beheaded on
Tower Hill, London on August 22, 1651

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/christopher-love/biographical-sketch/
========================================================================