Peter N Millward

Tuesday, 26 November 2019

Jerusalem - William Blake

Picture illustrating the words of the poem by William Blake "Jerusalem" A Warrior riding a fiery Chariot, holding a burning bow, arrows and sword.

Jerusalem - William Blake

William Blake’s splendid and stirring hymn “Jerusalem”

“And did those feet in ancient time,
Walk upon England's mountains green:
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On England's pleasant pastures seen!”

It was always a mystery, singing it at school, wondering as we sang… “And did those feet in Ancient Times walk upon England’s mountains green?” Well…Did they? But I finally understood a few years ago. Blake was asking four rhetorical questions, questioning a popular myth. (There was a myth going around during the time of Blake, some believed Jesus visited England as a boy.) William Blake’s amazing response was – Jerusalem!.

Unfortunately all through my school days and even attending churches – It would seem – No one actually understood the kind of treasure this hymn represents.…So many still don’t know the meaning of William Blake’s profound poem or implications!.The poem turned into the stirring and marvelous anthem and hymn by Sir Hubert Parry, is still speaking to those who want to build Jerusalem – But Blake’s poem is for mobilizing the Church to do the works God prepared for those who love Him. Blake underneath the poem writes scripture “Would to God that all the Lord’s people were Prophets” Numbers 11:29

William Blake’s poem puts the rhetorical question, 4 times – Did Jesus visit England’s green and pleasant land? And in the last line writes – “And was Jerusalem built here, Among these dark Satanic Mills?” The answer is obviously – No! But then William Blake, a Non-Conformist Christian, concerned about all the social injustice and exploitation of the poor – gives the inspiring response in the next lines – In other words it is a prophetic call to all God’s people to be the hands and feet of Jesus in England – The true church, the body of Christ to walk upon England’s mountains green making a difference, bringing heaven to earth. In the light of Church history – With the likes of the Wesleys, Charles Spurgeon, George Muller, General Booth and many, many others….we can see Jesus did make a difference to England through His people……But if we fast forward to 1973 and listen to “Jerusalem” played by the band, Emerson Lake and Palmer – Would you believe their version got banned by the BBC in 1973! but what about today? How far have things drifted? But the call to build Jerusalem – still goes forth and will be answered by those who will understand!

And did those feet in ancient time,
Walk upon England's mountains green:
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On England's pleasant pastures seen!

And did the Countenance Divine,
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here,
Among these dark Satanic Mills?

Bring me my Bow of burning gold:
Bring me my Arrows of desire:
Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold:
Bring me my Chariot of fire!

I will not cease from Mental Fight,
Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand:
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In England's green & pleasant Land.

For Posters and Cards click link

Artwork - © Peter N Millward

Peter N Millward 0

Saturday, 26 October 2019

Prophetic Art 20:41

Vision of the Bonsai Church

Vision of the Bonsai Church

.........At that point in the middle of the redwood forest, Chris had a vision. Now, when I say vision, it wasn't anything otherworldly. Jesus didn’t appear in a blinding light. An angel didn't show up dressed like a warrior with a scroll in his hands. This was all in Chris’s mind - one of his powerful spiritual insights. In the vision, Chris was on a guided tour of a popular megachurch campus. The pastor, excited about his wonderful church, was leading Chris around, showing him the facility and commenting on all the great things that God was doing there. When the pastor got to the sanctuary and opened the doors, Chris was shocked at what he saw. The pews were packed out, but in each seat, instead of a person there was a bonsai tree - thousands of bonsai trees. Each little tree represented a member of the church. The staff, all paid professionals, were running around frantically pouring tiny thimbles of water into them. Other staff were trimming the bonsais with pruning shears, making sure they all looked alike and stayed the size they were. There seemed to be a lot of twisting and manipulating going on in an effort to maintain them. It was obvious that the staff was way overworked, exhausted, and stressed.

When Chris stepped out of the building and looked back, the whole church was a massive greenhouse for growing bonsais. Above it was a sign that read, “The Bonsai Church.” Chris realized the bonsai trees were so completely dependent on the greenhouse environment, the professional clergy feeding them and tending them, that they would not survive if taken outside of the greenhouse. They were tiny and being kept that way. All growth revolved around church programs and activities. Outside of the greenhouse, the bonsais had little or no impact on the environment. Instead, the environment impacted them negatively. Many wilted and died, unable to withstand the brutal climate - winds, storms, heat, fires. On the other hand, the mature redwoods that Chris was experiencing in the forest actually created their own climate by the power of being what they were meant to be.

There are reasons why redwoods impact environments instead of environments impacting them. It doesn't just happen.

First redwoods are relational. As forests, they thrive in community with roots that go down deep and intertwine with the other redwoods for extra strength. Being connected is vital to other redwoods for extra strength. Being connected is vital to their survival. When storms hit, they support and anchor one another. Why do you think they live to be thousands of years old? A bonsai’s roots, however, are shallow because they are in the pot all the time and can’t get connected to anything on a deeper level. In fact, bonsai roots are trimmed so they won’t break out of the pot. Sunday pews have defined their community. Let’s go to church sing some songs, hear a sermon, hug some folks, and go home…..and oh, don't forget to tithe. Bonsai trees’ shallow root system keeps them in a dwarfed shape. It’s the religious system versus an authentic relationship with Jesus. The latter allows God to occupy our lives 24/7 and move into deeper relationship with others, which challenges the issues in our lives. While going to church is important, church won’t sustain you.

From the book by author Max Davis - When Jesus was a Green Eyed Brunette

Peter N Millward 0

Prophetic Art 12:00

Christian Education - Resuscitating the Canary"

Christian Education - Resuscitating the Canary

(At the Coal face of Education)

"Wiktionary - An allusion to caged canaries (birds) that miners would carry down into the mine tunnels with them. If dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide collected in the mine, the gases would kill the canary before killing the miners, thus providing a warning to exit the tunnels immediately."

"Judging by how things are in most places - it looks like business as usual, or trying to…..but it would appear over the last 50 or so years - For all the truck loads of message tapes, books, dvds, conferences, seminars, worship bands, technology, celebrities etc - it looks pretty much like many churches developed a system which devoted itself to tucking itself up on a bed of comfort and ease…

A church system creating generations of Bonsai Christians more dependent on leaders and pastors than standing up on their own two feet of faith and reaching their full stature in Jesus Christ. That will be hitting the bullseye for some of you reading this... because we all know places and churches run exactly like this..but there is no such thing as Christianity by proxy in the Kingdom God.. we all are called to seek God for the plans and callings He has for each of our lives. We are all called to hold the line…...and it would appear desperately few really are holding the line, and will be fewer still as the older generation of Christians pass on.

And the word for the “Church” today is - Repent - The Church belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ and Him only! We only have to read through the book of Revelation to realise how serious the Lord takes this.

Going by what has happened the last 50 yrs one thing is for sure the church cannot go on sleepwalking into a future pretending everything is fine - will it be fine in say 10 - 20yrs time? are we going to be like selfish King Hezekiah - when the prophet spoke of a future generation taken into captivity?. The king was reassured bad things wouldn't happen in his lifetime. I wonder how King Hezekiah feels now looking from eternity?

Our children, and grandchildren will not thank us for being too nice, timid, tame, too at home and comfortable, friendly with the world...to make a difference for Jesus Christ in our generation.

What built great nations 200 years ago or more was built on the foundation of Christian education embedded in the worldview, laws and fabric of those nations…..and it was built on the back of martyrs who fearlessly translated the Bible and the faithful who obeyed it - we are kidding ourselves if we think we are equal to their faith back then - their faith went through the fire and turned the world upside down…. What does our faith do exactly today? Is it too late?

And if anyone thinks this is extreme...I doubt very much Jesus Christ would agree…..I rather think He would like it to stay in the minds and hearts of all who read this…..

As Leonard Ravenhill once wrote, "Five minutes inside eternity and we will wish that we had sacrificed more, wept more, grieved more, loved and prayed more, and given more."
and that dear friends is exactly why I write this…….. Has the canary snuffed it? Is it on life support? Who do you think is the canary? Take a look in the mirror - and you may see "

Peter N Millward 0

Sunday, 20 October 2019

Remembrance 23:43

The Gospel Lifeboat

The Gospel Lifeboat - Click image for Prints cards and much more

THE GOSPEL LIFEBOAT or, Salvation for the Perishing.

A New Edition based on the Original “Gospel Lifeboat” circa early 1900s produced for The Lighthouse Literature Mission – Samuel H. Strain, Director. “The Lighthouse” Belfast, Ireland.

This new edition of “The Gospel Lifeboat” we hope will be a fitting memorial and remembrance of the valuable work and ministry of the Lighthouse Literature Mission and Samual H Strain who founded it in 1904. During his lifetime, Mr Strain maintained communication with hundreds of Lighthouse keepers and their families all over the world for 36 years, supplying much needed parcels and literature to those engaged in this lonely and at times perilous enterprise of Lightkeeping.

The Gospel Lifeboat Picture - Most people when they hear or read about lifeboats, will think of the amazing and courageous work of the Lifeboat service – The RNLI – Royal National Lifeboat Institution. But many may not realise of another intrigueing application for the lifeboat – A spiritual one! Little information is available about how the picture came about…..Although Charles Spurgeon was often using mariner metaphors in his sermons and gave the sermon illustration of the "Gospel Lifeboat" delivered at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington 1862 “Yet There is Room” This was eventually published in 1910 and it may well have inspired the designer of the original “Gospel Lifeboat” published for the LLM.

From Charles Spurgeon's Sermon 1862 -

“Here is another picture. There has been a wreck out there upon the coast. The ship has struck upon the rocks and she is fast going to pieces. Some of the poor mariners are clinging to the mast—they have been hanging there for hours. Heavy seas have broken over them and they can hardly retain their hold. Some of the crew have already become exhausted and have fallen off into the deep—and the others who are clinging for dear life are almost frozen with cold! But look there—a rocket goes up—they believe that they have been spotted and, after a while, they see that a lifeboat is coming to their rescue! Perhaps the brave men give a cheer as they row with all their might to let the poor shipwrecked sailors know that there is help at hand. As the lifeboat comes nearer, its captain cries, “Oh, what a lot of men! What can we do with so many? We will take as many of you as we can, but there is not room for all.” The men are helped off the wreck, one after the other, until they seem to fill the boat. Each man’s place has two crammed into it, but at last the captain says, “It’s no use. We can’t take any more. Our boat is so full that she’ll go down if we put in another man.” It’s all over with those poor souls that must be left behind, for before the gallant boat can make another trip, they must all have fallen into the waves of the sea and been lost.

But I have no such sad tale to tell you tonight, for my Master’s gospel lifeboat has thus far taken in but few compared with those she will yet take! I know not how many she will hold, but this I do know, that a multitude which no man can number shall be found within her and, amid songs of everlasting joy, they shall all be safely landed on the blessed shore where rocks and tempests will never again trouble them! The lifeboat is not yet full—there is still room in her for all who will trust in Jesus! Poor mariner, give up clinging to that wreck on the rocks! Poor sinner, give up clinging to your works and to your sins! There is room in the gospel lifeboat for you and all who will put themselves under the care of the great captain of salvation, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

Source - www.spurgeongems.org

The Gospel Lifeboat

The Gospel Lifeboat Rescueing the Lost

There is no information when Samual H. Strain of the LLM would have had the design of the “Gospel Lifeboat” published. But must be sometime after 1904. The LLM also published the Lightkeeper magazine which ran from about 1909 till 1911.

An interesting feature is the many scripture references which help us to understand and see what the Gospel Lifeboat is all about. Excellent for Bible study, Churches and Youth Groups. Placed at the entrance of churches and fellowships it is sure to focus hearts and minds on the Great Commission.

A number of Gospel themed lithographs have been made during the Victorian era with connections to the sea – The Gospel Compass and The Bible Wheel are among those which are also available.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Gospel Lifeboatmen

Another Sermon by Charles H Spurgeon using the illustration of the Lifeboat.

A Sermon Delivered On Sunday Morning, January 6, 1861, By Pastor C. H. Spurgeon. At Exeter Hall, Strand.

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving. (Col 4:2) 14. 3.

....................."Thirdly, continue in prayer, because souls shall be saved as the result of your entreaties. Can you stand on the beach for a moment,—you can scarcely see, but yet you may discern by the lights of lanterns, various brave men launching the lifeboat. It is out—they have taken their seats; helmsman and rowers, all strong hearts, determined to save their fellows or to perish. They have gotten far away now into the midst of the billows and we have lost sight of them, but in spirit we will take our stand in the midst of the boat. What a sea rolled in just then! If she were not built for such weather, she would surely have been overturned. See that tremendous wave, and how the boat leaps like a seabird over its crest. See now again, it has plunged into a dreary furrow, and the wind, like some great plough, turns up the water on either side as though it were clods of mould. Surely the boat will find her grave, and be buried in the sheet of foam;—but no, she comes out of it, and the dripping men draw a long breath. But the mariners are discouraged, they have strained themselves bending those oars, and they would turn back, for there is small hope of living in such a sea, and it is hardly possible that they will ever reach the wreck. But the brave captain cries out, “Now, my bold lads, for God’s sake, send her on! A few more pulls of the oar and we shall be alongside; the poor fellows will be able to hold on a minute or two longer, now pull for dear life.” See how the boat leaps, see how she springs as though she were a living thing, a messenger of mercy intent to save. Again, he says “Once more, once again, and we will do it,”—no, she has been dashed aside from the ship for a moment, that sea all but did her in, but the helmsman turns her around, and the captain cries, “Now, my boys, once more;” and every man pulls with lusty sinews, and the poor shipwrecked ones are saved. Indeed, it is just so with us now. Long have Christ’s ministers, long have Christ’s Church pulled with the gospel lifeboat, let us pull again. Every prayer is a fresh stroke of the oar, and all of you are oarsmen. Yes, you feeble women, you confined to your beds, confined to your bedrooms, who can do nothing else but pray, you are all oarsmen in this great boat. Pull yet once more, and this week let us drive the boat ahead, and it may be it will be the last tremendous struggle that shall be required, for sinners shall be saved, and the multitude of the redeemed shall be completed. Not us, but grace shall do the work, yet is it ours to be workers for God."

Source - www.spurgeongems.org

Artwork © Peter N Millward 2019

Peter N Millward 0

Tuesday, 1 October 2019

Antique Prints 17:00

Der Breite und der Schmale Weg Litho - Alexander Gysin, Basel

Prints and Posters available

Der Breite und der Schmale Weg Litho - Alexander Gysin, Basel

Modern German Translation - Gerda Dinwiddie, alteschrift.com

Digital Image Restoration - © Peter N Millward

Der breite und schmale Weg nach den Worten unseres Heilandes Jesu Christi zur ernstlichen Betrachtung der Menschheit gegenwartiger Zeit bildlich dargestellt. Math. Cp 7 v.13.14.

(Text translated below image) The broad and narrow way, pictured in the words of our Savior Jesus Christ for the serious consideration of mankind at the present time. Mathew. Cp 7 v.13.14”

The print is somewhere around the 1840s A number of prints by different artists and designers were made during the period depicting the Broad and Narrow Way. This particular design can be seen in similar versions and could be one of the best examples available. Alexander Gysin had great ability in capturing the themes.

The image seen here represents many hours of digital restoration, and also professional translation into modern German language.

It is an amazing work of art with a very powerful message....And also the litho is of particular interest and importance in that it may well be the "earlier representation" mentioned of by Charlotte Reihlen in the German Explanation of her own design. The influence of this older picture is very intrigueing, and is a window also to help us understand how different the world was back then. Reading closely the quotes in Charlotte's Explanation and comparing them to those in the foreground of the said litho we discover they are virtually the same texts. While quite a number of similar designs had been made in Europe, they do differ quite alot from each other in content and execution, but the research so far points only to the litho by Alexander Gysin as being the closest match ......Is this the "earlier representation" mentioned by Charlotte Reihlen? or could there be another litho so far unidentified and undiscovered? This unusual litho is also made available for the benifit all who wish to enjoy and study the picture. If any visitors know of this litho and other similar ones please contact me as I hope to write a book about them (date 30/09/2019)

Image Restoration © Peter N Millward

An English Explanation was produced some years later for Gawin Kirkham's English version of the Broad and Narrow Way print based on Charlotte Rehlen's

From the English Translation of Charlotte Reihlen's Explanation:

“I have found in an earlier representation of the two ways, where several persons are trying to quiet themselves about not walking in the narrow way, by saying, “We go regularly to church,” (“We take the Lord’s Supper,” “We attend Christian meetings,” ) “I give freely to the poor,” “I have a good conscience,” “To be honest is my endeavor,” “God is not so exact,” “I am very busy,” “Innocent pleasures are lawful,” “Who can refuse young people joy, if they turn in old age,” " Who would be such a fool as not to enjoy life?" “We go with the crowd,” " I hope to be saved too." With these and similar superficial excuses one can indeed for a time stifle heart and conscience. Before the holy God, whose eyes are as a flame of fire, none can stand. The Lord Jesus says, with decision that admits of no doubt, " Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.“— (John 3:3).”

Detail in foreground of picture

Other interesting details about the picture - The above text are lines from a well known Poem Der Kampf der Tugend - "The Fight of Virtue" By Christian Fürchtegott Gellert - German Poet (1715 – 1769) Berthold Auerbach paid tribute to Gellert in his story "Gellerts letzte Weihnachten"
Translated into English as "Christian Gellert's Last Christmas", first published in 1869 The poem also was set to Choral music Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788) German Classical period musician and composer, the fifth child and second son of Johann Sebastian Bach and Maria Barbara Bach. With grateful thanks for translation from old German script into modern German - Gerda Dinwiddie, alteschrift.com

Peter N Millward 0

Wednesday, 25 September 2019

Prophetic Art 17:14

Prayer and Intercession for Germany - Jesus Christ is Lord!

Click image or Link for Prints and Posters

Prayer and Intercession for Germany - Jesus Christ is Lord!

A picture for Germany and a call to prayer - The picture shows the nation of Germany pictured as a giant map that intercessors are holding up in fervent prayer and shaking....praying according to God's will shall bring answers - "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission." Hebrews 5:7

The picture is in 3 parts -

The Christians on the earth below united in praying and Interceding for Germany.
Areas for Prayer - Seven Mountains of Influence in the World - Media, Family, Education, Government, Religion, Business, Arts and Entertainment.
The heavenly places where Spiritual Warfare is waged - The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12

Prayer moves the Hand that moves the world and the spiritual warfare generated through faithful people surrounding Germany in prayer will shake the heavenlies and the principalities and powers of darkness. There is no neutral ground today - True Christians must take up spiritual arms and take their place in the line and wield the authority they have in Jesus Name, waging spiritual warfare against the forces of darkness ranged against God's will *- it will bring a shaking in the heavenlies and on the earth below in Germany. Pulling down strongholds!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prayer Moves the Hand That Moves the World

by John A. Wallace

There is an eye that never sleeps

Beneath the wing of the night;

There is an ear that never shuts

When sink the beams of light.

There is an arm that never tires

When human strength gives way;

There is a love that never fails

When earthly loves decay.

That eye is fixed on seraph throngs;

That arm upholds the sky;

That ear is filled with angel songs;

That love is throned on high.

But there's a power which man can wield,

When mortal aid is vain,

That eye, that arm, that love to reach,

That listening ear to gain.

That power is prayer, which soars on high,

Through Jesus, to the throne,

And moves the hand which moves the world,

To bring salvation down.

Peter N Millward 0

Sunday, 22 September 2019

Remembrance 16:05

UK NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Posters and Cards available at the link

UK NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER - The Potter’s Wheel

The Lord said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel. Jeremiah 18:6 .......then how much more the Lord can say this to every other nation on the face of the earth...including the UK.

Are we not clay taken up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay" (Ps. 40:1-2 and for centuries had foundations centred on the Word of God and Christ.

The political turmoil which has engulfed the UK Parliament is a symptom of a much deeper problem - what we really need as a nation is to return to the Lord Himself.....and we would find the answers.

And in case anyone doesnt know or remember what a nation looks like centred on the Word of God.........

King George VI called for a National Day of Prayer in May 1940, when British troops were trapped at Dunkirk, about to be annihilated. People queued to get into Westminster Abbey so they could fall to their knees and pray. the population in millions went to local churches and chapels which were so full that congregations had to stand in churchyards or pour out onto the street. And the King made a broadcast to the nation, urging people to repent and turn to the Lord. A storm arose over Dunkirk which grounded the Luftwaffe, and the English Channel became a sea of tranquility which allowed hundreds of boats, large and small to rescue 336,000 soldiers. And so the miracle was sent by God, and the multitudes gave thanks and praise for their deliverance.

Peter N Millward 2

Friday, 5 July 2019

Antique Prints 13:42

The Gospel Target for Soldiers and Volunteers

The Gospel Target for Soldiers and Volunteers

‘By kind permission of the Trustees of the Museum of Army Chaplaincy’ The Trustee of the owners / guardians of the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department Museum Collection.

Posters and Cards available at the link

The poster went into battle in the knapsacks of British soldiers 134 years ago, but is still as relevant today as ever. Below is a news article which features the remarkable work the Thames Church Mission were doing during those days - visiting the many ships, barges and boats......Distributing New Testaments and Gospel Targets

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE CHESHIRE OBSERVER. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1885.

A MORNING'S WORK AMONGST THE GRENADIERS.

The morning was both cold and raw, but work was to be done, and little time was wasted over the
matutinal coffee. We were betimes at London Bridge, and an hour later reached Gravesend,
finding the town all bustle and stir, for were not the Grenadier Guards expected from Windsor
to embark on board the SS “ Australia " for the Soudan?

Our concern with the embarkation was evangelistic, not military. The Thames Church Mission
have Government authority to board all transports and work amongst the soldiers ; this
permission is thoroughly taken advantage of, and not least during the stirring scenes of the
past week, when the three battalions of the Guards have sailed from the Thames for the
Soudan. Amongst these troops alone, Coldstream, Grenadiers, and Scots Guards, 2,500
New Testaments, a similar number of Gospel Targets, and a large quantity of other literature,
have been distributed, while every man heard the Word of God spoken clearly in simple language.

On our arrival at the pier we found the mission launch with steam up, and soon with boxes and
books we were alongside the transport. While the Grenadiers were marching through the town,
and thronging into the river steamer for conveyance to the large vessel, we were at work
between decks laying on every mess table copies of the Leisure Hour and other interesting
periodicals, as well as a supply of tracts ; besides popping into each tin mug one of
Mrs. Grimke's text cards. Soon the tramp of many feet told that the Guards were on board;
the roll was called, not a man was absent. They were told off into companies and marched
below, where the messes were formed.

For a few minutes the soldiers sat round their respective tables, in groups of fourteen, doffing
their helmets, bells, knapsacks, and other accoutrements ; taking stock of their new
surroundings, and examining the books and papers provided for their use.

Now was our time, and it was promptly taken hold of, for every moment was precious.
“Wouldn't you like to have a copy of the Word of God to carry with you, to read on the voyage,
and by the campfire in the desert?" "We would," was the unanimous response, and every hand
was extended to receive a copy of the New Testament. Then each man received a Gospel Target,
which awakened intense interest, and called forth expressions of delight. Then the missionary
spoke to the men at the table, very briefly - for there were 830 to speak to—but seeking that
each man should hear some word to himself.

A corporal at the second table greatly helped our work, and secured the interest of the men by
a few straightforward words of testimony. "You gave me a little Testament when I was sailing
two years ago. I took it with me to Egypt; I read it; it was in my pocket when we charged at
Tel-el-Kebir. God made it a blessing to my soul. I thank God for that Testament. And what’s
more, I'm sure the Testaments were a great help to many of our fellows.'' Such words as
these coming from one of themselves, made the men most willing, and even anxious to
receive the books presented.

A few tables further on a young soldier grasped our hand, and said, "I'm a Christian, though
I've been a cowardly one; God help me to show my colours." After a few words to the soldier,
the missionary said to his comrades,"One of you is a Christian, won’t you join him in serving
the same God, and following the same King?" Several said they would like to; one said in a
low but firm voice, " I have been wanting to, pray for me." A little prayer union was arranged
at this table before we quitted it. One young officer, lieutenant, cheered our hearts very much
by coming forward and confessing himself a Christian, and expressing deep concern in the
welfare of the men, and in the work of the Thames Church Mission. and obtained a few spare
copies of the New Testament and the Gospel Target, “Lest any should lose their copies.”
Said he, “May heaven’s smile rest upon your Mission, and every missionary connected with
it, and every one who helps such a good work."

So from table to table, amid all the bustle of arrangement settling down, we passed on,

meeting with no refusals, but with considerable number of professed enquirers. Sons of

Christian mothers were there, many of them ready to recall mother’s loving words, and

solemnised by such memories, were led to listen attentively and well. We managed to reach

every man on board, so far we could ascertain, and that just in time to clear away before the

last bell sounded, and the transport began to go slowly ahead, en route, with her precious

cargo of souls, for the seat of war. We had been on board a little over three-and-a-half hours,

and a busy and interesting time it had proved. Such was a morning’s work among the Grenadiers.

Similar work was done on Thursday amongst the Coldstreams on board the SS “ Manora;”
and on Saturday, on board the Pembroke Castle, amongst the Scots Guards, as well as on
board the various other transports leaving the river. Then at Portsmouth, Southampton, and
Portland, the chaplain of the mission, with a few helpers, has boarded every transport and
distributed 2,500 Testaments, an equal number of Targets, and a large number of text cards,
tracts, and other literature.

From the offices of the Thames Church Mission, 31, New Bridge-street, E.C., may be had
every information as to their particular work, as well as the general operations the society.
May I urge the claims of such work upon the sympathy, prayers, and liberal support of the
Lord’s people.

A Helper on Board.

-------------------------------------------------

The newspaper cutting shown here 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.

Photo 1st Battalion Scots Guards disembarking at Alexandria on 12 August 1882 Public Domain

The photo taken in 1882 shows Britih soldiers in similar expedition. They may well have been carrying New Testaments and Gospel Target posters in their knapsacks!

The news article above features the remarkable work the Thames Church Mission were doing during those days - visiting the many ships, barges and boats.

Photo below - Centre low - Rev Henry Bloomer, Secretary of the Thames Church Mission, visiting one of the many Thames barges that traversed the river (Date unknown) It gives us an insight into the world that existed during the Victorian era. With special thanks to Mr Andy Bloomer for kindly supplying the photo.