I recently enjoyed reading Andrew Thomson’s biography of John Owen (1616–1683), the great seventeenth-century puritan theologian. Despite the author being a Scottish Presbyterian minister, the old rivalry between the two expressions of church government failed to diminish Thomson’s evident admiration for the great man.
St Mary’s Parish Church in the Lancashire-North-of-the-Sands town of Ulverston I saw last month. It is a pleasant building, and one which is kept open mid-week. I enjoyed looking around while a friendly church member rested from her vacuuming.
‘Intermediate Avens’ is one of the dullest names given to a wildflower, the usual examples of which are colourful, vernacular and memorable. It sounds like some kind of examination award for the bored, non-academic 16-year-old. Yet the Plantiary website describes the poorly named flower in a rather charming manner:
Rubens’ Old Woman and Boy with Candles hangs at The Hague and is a wonderful study of the effects of light. It was never made to be sold but was retained by the artist, perhaps as a model for pupils regarding illumination. The grandmother shields her face from the glow with a hand while the child waits for his candle to catch the flame, though her fingers come close to burning.
Portsmouth’s Royal Garrison Church has had a long and chequered history. This is reflected in its current name as well as its previous one, Domus Dei, when it was attached to an alms-house and hospital.
The Hebrew prophet Ezekiel beheld the very presence and glory of God Himself. Little wonder that his writings are considered difficult and incomprehensible to our dull minds. A colour he thrice uses to describe the divine majesty is that of a brown substance called amber:
01282 540 562
pastor @ martintop. org .uk
Salem Chapel, Martin Top
near Rimington, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 4EG
Salem Congregational Chapel is a registered charity No. 252401 (England & Wales)
Sunday Worship 10.45am & 6.00pm