Biographical Sketch
Christopher Love's life was marked by his early conversion, dedication to ministry, family challenges, and tragic martyrdom for his beliefs.
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.
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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
Sermon Outline
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I
- {'A': 'Born in Cardiff, Wales in 1618', 'B': 'Converted at age 15', 'C': 'Attended New Inn Hall, Oxford'}
- Early Life and Conversion
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II
- {'A': 'Tutored by Dr. Christopher Rogers', 'B': 'Pastored in London', 'C': 'Catechized children of the sheriff of London'}
- Education and Early Ministry
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III
- {'A': 'Married Mary Stone', 'B': 'Had five children', 'C': 'Two daughters died young'}
- Family Life
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IV
- {'A': 'Obtained ordination in the Church of England', 'B': 'Faced difficulties due to political leanings', 'C': 'Preferred to remain in England'}
- Ordination and Challenges
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V
- {'A': 'Arrested by Oliver Cromwell's forces', 'B': 'Accused of treason', 'C': 'Beheaded on August 22, 1651'}
- Political Involvement and Arrest
Key Quotes
“Love was beheaded on Tower Hill, London on August 22, 1651.” — Christopher Love
“He was converted at the age of 15 and attended New Inn Hall, Oxford.” — Christopher Love
“Obtained ordination in the Church of England after much difficulty.” — Christopher Love
Application Points
- Reflect on the importance of early spiritual formation in one's life.
- Consider the sacrifices made for faith and the impact of family on ministry.
- Recognize the potential consequences of political involvement in religious contexts.