Peter N Millward

Designed by C. M. Clarke.

Another fascinating old picture, this one called the Grace and Glory Clock. I am trying to date this but so little information about it and its designer. But must be close to when Charles H Spurgeon passed away, as there is reference to the late CH Spurgeon in the explanation that goes with the picture. I thought the reference to Holy Hands on the clock face was very original, in fact there is much to recommend and to like about this thought provoking clock. Full of scripture references, we can only summise the designer must have spent many happy and blessed hours meditating with his Bible and listening to the tick tock of an old grandfather clock. These old clocks may have gone out of fashion, but the message of this clock is right up to date, in fact all other clocks do well to be adjusted to the Grace and Glory Clock... a clock which tells the correct time at all times of our life even better than the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. Because the Grace and Glory Clock tells us how to be ready not just for time, but Eternity. I include the explanation text below for anyone interested:

The design of this Clock is to exhibit in a brief, simple, and pictorial manner the plan of Salvation; also that it may serve as a spiritual gauge by which the Believer may test his experience in the Divine Life, and illustrate the wealth of God's grace in man's redemption from grace to glory.

Observe, then, first of all. The door once closed and barred against the Lord Jesus, now flung wide open to Him Who for years had been standing by and saying : " Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Here is represented the complete and absolute surrender of the will to God. When this is done, the old deceitful heart of sin and unbelief is taken away, and through faith in the Blood of His Cross, God gives A Clean Heart, also imparting to the soul a Peace which passeth all understanding, together with a joy unspeakable and full of glory. No longer self-centred, but moving with compassion towards the perishing sons of men, ticks its solemn message. The time is short. Therefore, Now is the Day of Salvation and - After Death, the Judgment.

But that it keeps correct time, going neither too fast, by reason of the flesh and fanaticism, nor too slow, through indifference and sluggishness, it is essential it be weighted on one side by the Spirit of God, and on the other side by the Word of God.

Then, as it is kept wound up with the key of Prayer and Praise, does it Redeem the Time by Gathering up the Fragments that nothing be lost.

Next, note, though the works are invisible, yet they are working, as seen in the finger pointing out the way of happiness by Searching the Scriptures.

So is the Christian's life hidden with Christ in God, and with Paul can testify,

Christ liveth in me, not only to keep the heart and life clean, but to make the hands holy, that they may point the unsaved to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.

It will be observed that time advances from I to XII (the midnight hour). Printed on the dial between the hours are gospel texts for the child of God to mark his growth in grace, and to see how near he is approaching in spiritual stature to Christ Jesus, Who is the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the Valley, and the Light of the World.

If conscious of defeat and failure, let him seek with a contrite heart the power of the Holy Spirit, who, under the form of a Dove, is nigh at hand to bless with all grace and empower with all might. The believer, filled with His Presence, will become a Pillar of Strength and Beauty in the Church on earth, and afterwards a Pillar in the Church Triumphant.

Behold the Riches of His Grace in those glorious words by which the late C. H. Spurgeon was converted to God. "Look unto Me, and be ye saved." Be sure, reader, not to look to anything or anyone for salvation, save Jesus only. Then you will realize that God is Love to save, keep, and bless. Also, God is Light—to guide and protect through this wilderness. Lastly, at the bottom of the clock is a Fountain, and from it is springing up clear, living water to quench and satisfy the thirst of the drooping and dying. Here is a type of Him Who said, and is still saying : "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink."

Connected with the Fountain of Life is the last but wonderful invitation given in the Bible to the sinner to be saved. Note the 3 Comes, with that all-embracing word Whosoever. Full, deep, rich, overflowing grace is here writ large, that none may despair of Mercy.

Grace to save the vilest, Grace to keep the weakest, Grace in plenty or poverty, Grace in trial and temptation; Grace, free, sovereign Grace, all the way from earth to heaven, till glory shall end what Grace has begun. See that no man take thy Crown.

Good Reader, Where will you spend Eternity ? Heaven or Hell ? Choose you THIS DAY whom ye will serve.