Walter Mill

In 1558, Walter Mill was 82. As a youth, he was a papist and for some time parish priest in the Church of Lunan in Angus. It was a journey to Germany that changed his life forever, he heard the true Gospel there. Upon returning to Scotland, he renounced the Roman Catholic teachings and began to teach truth. It didn't take the Anti-christ's church long to come after this elderly gentleman. Walter was taken to St. Andrew's church, put in the pulpit, and cross-examined by the Roman Catholic Bishops. Due to his age as well as his treatment while imprisoned, Walter needed assistance in climbing the stairs to the pulpit. The Bishops took this as a sign of extreme weakness and settled it in their minds Walter was too feeble to speak loud enough for all to hear. When Walter opened his mouth, his voice thundered with power and authority; so much so that the Christians who were present rejoiced while his adversaries were in a state of confusion and shame. The examination proceeded as planned, with a demand for Walter to renounce his 'erroneous opinions'. Walter closed out the examination with this bold statement, 'I would rather forfeit ten thousand lives than give up a particle of the heavenly principles I received from the sufferings of my blessed Redeemer'. Walter was sentenced back to prison to await execution the very next day. As he was being led to his place of execution, Walter expressed his beliefs so strongly that it astonished even his enemies. After prayer, Walter said, 'Dear friends, the reason why I am to suffer this day is not because I've committed any crimes, although I consider myself a most miserable sinner before God; but it is for the defense of the faith of Christ as set forth in the Old and New Testament for us. It is that faith for which godly martyrs have offered themselves gladly before, being assured of eternal happiness. So this day I praise God that He has called me to be among those servants, and seal up His truth with my life which I received from Him and willingly offer it back to Him for His glory. Therefore, if you wish to escape the second death, do not be seduced by the lies of the priests, monks, friars, priors, abbots, bishops, and the rest of the sect of Antichrist. Depend only upon Jesus Christ and His mercy, so that you will be delivered from condemnation and receive eternal life." While he spoke these words, there was crying and mourning among the people, for they were stirred by his courage and boldness, his steadfastness and faith; his words inflamed their hearts. As the fire was being lit around him, Walter urged the people to 'pray while there is yet time!'
Walter's life was taken by the children of Satan because he refused to forsake his beloved Christ; just as his Lord had given Himself for Walter, he had now given himself for his Lord.
{thanks to Foxe's book of Martyrs for this encouraging story}
As I read stories like this concerning the faith and boldness of my martyred brothers and sisters in Christ, I am greatly encouraged. It is comforting to know, especially in the times in which we live, that Jesus Christ will never leave nor forsake His own.