Great Doors: Bolton-by-Bowland

The door of the church of Ss Peter & Paul at Bolton by Bowland is rather old. Judging by its flat top, it postdates the fashion for gothic (1150-1500), though I think it likely dates from the sixteenth or possibly late fifteenth centuries. See the great wooden beam which may slide across its width into that stout hole: even the police would struggle to break down this door should occasion demand. Just because something is old does not make it weak; just because something is new, does not render it of an automatic, high quality.

Satan has been assaulting the people of God since the slaying of Abel. Those faithful Israelites and believing Jews, Hussites and Lollards, Reformers and Puritans, all felt his cruel blows and stinging stripes. Today, members of the Church of Jesus Christ are as persecuted as ever. It is therefore nothing new, yet she survives and, in some places, thrives. For all the bruises and cuts, the old girl yieldeth not, for she is affianced to a great Prince; though she be as ancient as Eden, firm she holds and fast she stands.