What does it look like?

The picture shows Isaac Milner seated, wearing his Cambridge doctoral robes (he was a Doctor of Divinity – the highest degree within the University). Underneath, are clothes that show he was also a member of the clergy.

In the background are several scientific books, including one with the name “Newton” on the spine. Isaac Newton (1643-1727) was a highly influential physicist, astronomer, mathematician who developed the law of universal gravitation.

Who, what and where?

The picture was painted by George Henry Harlow (1787–1819). It shows Milner in later life, in celebration of his significant contributions to scientific and theological education in Cambridge and his role within the Church of England.

Why is it significant to the study of religion?

Milner was a devout Christian and became Dean of Carlisle. He was a leading British evangelical of the late Georgian period. It was through his influence and that of Charles Simeon, (1759-1836), that the Evangelical Revival was established in Cambridge. He helped to convert William Wilberforce, (1759-1833), to a more vital form of Christianity, with an emphasis on personal salvation. Historians have argued that this led directly to Wilberforce later becoming the leading British figure in the campaign to abolish the slave trade.

He was also a notable scientist and his achievements include serving on the Board of Longitude that helped improve the ability of ships to navigate accurately around the globe. He also gained a reputation as an innovative experimental chemist, and developed a way of making nitrous acid, a key ingredient in the production of gunpowder.

Milner saw no incompatibility between his scientific and religious beliefs. He argued that understanding how the world worked would help show that there must be a divine creative presence behind it, thus combatting atheist ideas, which were on the rise in that period.