William Tyndale, a faithful minister and martyr of Christ, memorable for having made the first translation of the Bible that was printed in English, was born on the borders of Wales, some time before the year 1500. He was brought up from a child in the University of Oxford, where, as he advanced in years, he increased in the knowledge of the learned languages. He applied himself especially to the study of the Holy Scriptures, which he read with a meek and humble spirit, and with prayer for heavenly wisdom to direct him. Nor was he satisfied to hide under a bushel the light which he received from them; for, while he was living in Magdalen Hall, he read private lectures in divinity to some…

There is no history in the world so replete with heroes and heroic actions as the history of England. Our national records, present one continuous portrait gallery, hung with the most brilliant galaxy of noble and patriotic characters. These heroes may be divided into two classes—the world's heroes, and God's heroes. In the former class, we include those who have gained human esteem and favour, such as the military hero, who has earned his fame at the cannon's mouth; or the philanthropic hero, who, at great personal sacrifice, it may be, strives to ameliorate the condition of a part of the human race; or the political hero, who, at some crisis in our history, has skilfully guided our nation's helm. These men have gained the…