Peter N Millward

Republished and Digitally restored. Private Collection © Peter N Millward - Click on picture for Prints and cards available.

An old picture, faded and forgotten from 1876, what a joy to restore! - It illustrates the text of the famous hymn "Just as I am" by Charlotte Elliott. (1789 - 1871) with scripture -"Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37 Charlotte Elliott's background was of a wealthy evangelical family, and was highly educated and refined. Her maternal grandfather, was the Rev. Henry Venn of the famous evangelical Clapham Sect. Even with growing up with such a background...as an adult she had become a popular member of a social circle where religion was not mentioned. She was a writer of humerous verse and a gifted portrait artist. But 32 years of age her health broke down so severely, she faced a very different future. Now distant from worldly friends and influence, faced with the challenges of her health - the need of the Saviour and the Gospel came into sharp focus. During this time a Rev. Dr Cesar Malan of Geneva, came to visit her father's home, and while there Charlotte met Dr Cesar Malan, and during conversation the Dr asked her whether she was at peace with God?" The story goes she was not too pleased with this line of question and resented it. But some days later Charlotte returned to Dr Cesar Malan, and apologised, she had wanted to make her life clean first before becoming a Christian. At which Dr Malan replied "Come just as you are," and that day Charlotte committed her life to Christ. The story how Charlotte came to Christ, later resulted in this amazing Hymn being written. and the rest as one would say - is history. Translated into many languages it has gone throughout the world, and when Charlotte Elliott passed away a great many letters were found in her home, which had been sent from those who over the years had gratefully acknowledged how the words of this hymn was instrumental in their own profession of faith and coming to Christ. Her illness and physical weakness continued throughout her life, which prevented her from doing much more than stay home......but Charlotte was a prolific writer and wrote many poems and hymns....it was through her pen she was to reach the world for Christ. But it was for the hymn "Just as I am" Charlotte Elliott is remembered. Dr Billy Graham wrote that during evangelistic crusades when they called people to come forward to commit to Jesus Christ it was invariably this hymn "Just as I am" they would use since it presented " the strongest possible Biblical basis for the call of Christ" Isnt this such an amazing story how God would use Charlotte, in spite of her illness and limitations of health, to reach the world for Christ! "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty" 1 Corinthians 1:27. Dont ever think you are too weak, frail or insignificant to be used by God....According to the Bible you are well qualified for His service! As it is written by the Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 12 : 9 - "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

The Divided City - W C Miles. Republished and Digitally restored.

A fascinating picture, full of Bible references - The title, The Divided City, not much is known or how the picture came about. But is definetly a picture to study the Bible with. The city depicted isnt named but with a river running through it could easily apply to London but a spiritual version. What is is noticable the difference between the two sides of the river with many city scenes in the picture, reflecting life, both good or bad, with warnings to avoid the bad streets and roads and encouragement to follow the narrow path called "Pilgrim's Walk" to get to Pilgrim's Walk one has to leave the bad side and its activities to cross bridges to go in the right direction. Once on the other side, a traveller will encounter various streets and roads with Christian activities/meanings, also warnings. It is to be noted and significant - There is only one entrance into "Pilgrim's Walk" and a narrow gate. Two destinies Heaven or Hell await all who travel through life in the Divided City, which path will we take?. In the Victorian era. it would definitly appeal to many Christians living in London. But indeed it could be applied to any major city too. Since the picture has no written explanation. This is just speculation, but it maybe there was a message preached about a "Divided City" at the time which inspired the picture. For those interested - I created a Video - a city tour of the Divided City and brief explanation. With music - The Windmills of your mind, as a way of introduction to the many scenes of this mysterious Victorian picture.

A picture designed by William C Miles, exact date this chromolithograph picture is not known. But was being advertised in the magazine - The Railway Signal, or Lights along the Line in 1915. Looking at the various scenes in the picture, there are no motorcars illustrated, which could mean the design was created pre motorcar era, 1880s - 1890s. Artwork often depicted motorcars when they came into use, much like trains did. If anyone has any further information about the picture, please contact me. 

Detail from picture below - A House of Prayer is featured at the end of a road with No Thoroughfare. Telegraph or telephone lines can be seen attached to the roof - Symbolising prayer. 

 

Detail from picture - Some roads lead away from Pilgrim's Walk, with scripture as a warning. At first they look as though they could be leading to the narrow way......but the scriptures help to see the side roads are where pilgrim's are in danger of wandering off. To the right what looks like a park where various people stopped travelling along Pilgrim's Walk and now occupied with other activities. . 

Posters and Cards available at the link

The newspaper cutting shown is subject to non-commercial purposes, terms and conditions of the British Newspaper Archive (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

When I first saw Phil Saints picture - The Second Coming of Christ a few days ago, (See photo below) I thought how amazing even though the photo was black and white/sepia. I thought it was so remarkable - I decided to make it in colour! During these days of turmoil in the world - There is only one safe option and that is putting your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ - He is coming again, In Glory! Are you ready? Check out the Bible - its all there to read about.

Oil painting The Second Coming of Christ, by Phil Saint. - the original is understood to be in colour, but no colour photos were available - only black and white/sepia