Author-George Matheson
Publisher-Kregel.
ISBN- ( Women)-0-82543243X
(Men)-0-825432928
George Matheson was a Scottish minister who lost his eyesight early in his life yet persevered in studies and completed two degrees in Glasgow. He carried on an effective pastoral ministry for many years. He lived from 1842 through 1906. Perhaps, because he had lost his eyesight his imagination was quickened to greater use and he spoke powerfully and many attended to his ministry. Perhaps he is best known for his hymn ‘O Love that wilt not let me go’. He wrote a number of books of portraits of Bible characters. Some of these have been reprinted by Kregel and are worth obtaining. Second hand copies of original editions printed a hundred years ago are still readily available quite cheaply. Matheson had remarkable ability to look into the hearts of the subjects of his portraits, they are full of spiritual and psychological insights. The book on women is not a feminist agenda book, but it does show the very high view of womanhood the scriptures reveal and their role and place in God’s purpose. As such it unconsciously refutes notions that the bible is a book encouraging male dominion. Matheson also wrote a portrait of Christ in which he sought to bring together insights from the four gospels. His stated intention in all these portraits was that they should speak to us of the Great Artist who is Almighty God working with, and in these lives. He believes they reveal principles of the ways of God with souls in all times and in all places, God still works with souls, incorporating them into His purposes, changing them and also using their various characteristics. Because these books are a gallery of portraits there is painted something of the variety of God’s ways with souls. His grace working with every sort and type of person. A place in His gracious purposes for ‘the wild ass of a man’ like Ishmael for instance, as well as more winsome characters like Joseph. To dip into these books a chapter at a time will edify our hearts..
