Peter N Millward

The inspiration for the picture? A few weeks ago I was watching a Derek Prince video on youtube, I must have dozed off as I had a heavy cold so was drowsy.....and then I woke up to a discussion amongst a group of well known intellectuals, discussing Christianity and the question Does God Exist? Listening to what was being said while still sleepy, made me reflect......then I had some kind of vision.......I saw in the vision small figures running away from the impending darkness that was descending upon the world, they were running as fast as they could....in the direction of light which was in the far distance. In the vision they were terrified at what they saw as the darkness approached. I understood what the vision meant - it was as though those who were discussing are terrified of a world without Christianity....and they are honest enough to understand that the world we see, civilisation has been built on Christian principles and foundations.....they understand they owe so much to Christianity. But the world which has been built with this worldview, the world and its framework is fast crumbling. The darkness is approaching, they see what's coming in the darkness....its terrifying. They are running as fast from it as they can.....

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.

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

(Digital Image Restoration – © Peter N Millward

"Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 1 Peter 5:8.

And "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17