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Ralph Erskine

Ralph Erskine (1685–1752) was a Scottish preacher and evangelical minister whose dynamic ministry and writings significantly shaped the 18th-century Scottish church, particularly within the Secession movement. Born on March 18, 1685, in Monilaws, Northumberland, England, he was the sixth son of Henry Erskine, a Presbyterian minister, and Margaret Halcro, both of whom were exiled Covenanters who moved to England after Henry’s ejection from ministry in 1662. Raised in a devout family, Ralph studied at the University of Edinburgh, earning an MA in 1704, and was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Dunfermline in 1709. In 1717, he married Margaret Dewar, with whom he had ten children, though only four survived him; she died in 1739, and he remarried Margaret Simson in 1741. Erskine’s preaching career began with his ordination in 1711 as assistant minister at Dunfermline, Fife, where he served alongside his elder brother Ebenezer until 1737. Known for his fervent, gospel-centered sermons, he drew large crowds with his poetic preaching style, often delivered outdoors during Scotland’s evangelical awakenings, including the Cambuslang Revival of 1742. In 1737, he joined Ebenezer in forming the Associate Presbytery, seceding from the Church of Scotland over issues of patronage and spiritual independence, and became minister of the Queen Street congregation in Dunfermline until his death. A prolific writer, he penned over 400 sermons, published as Sermons and Other Practical Works, and composed evangelical poetry and hymns like “Faith’s Plea Upon God’s Word and Covenant.” Erskine died on November 6, 1752, in Dunfermline, leaving a legacy as a preacher whose eloquence and commitment to free grace theology invigorated Scottish Presbyterianism and influenced revivalist movements. He was buried in Dunfermline Abbey Churchyard.
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Ralph Erskine preaches about the spiritual nourishment and sustenance that believers receive from Jesus Christ, their heavenly husband. He emphasizes how Jesus provides everything believers need, including love, grace, and forgiveness through His flesh and blood. Erskine highlights the sacrificial nature of Jesus as the source of faith and strength for believers, preparing them for the challenges ahead and the ultimate joy of being reunited with their husband in eternity.
Christ the Believer's Sweet Nourishment
Thy food conform to thine array, Is heavenly and divine; On pastures green, where angels play, Thy husband feeds thee fine. Angelic food may make thee fair And look with cheerful face; The bread of life, the double share, Thy husband's love and grace. What can he give, or thou desire, More than his flesh and blood? Let angels wonder, saints admire, Thy husband is thy food. His flesh the incarnation bears, From whence thy feeding flows; His blood the satisfaction clears, Thy husband doth bestows. Th' incarnate God a sacrifice, To turn the wrathful tide, Is food for faith; that way suffice Thy husband's guilty bride. This strength'ning food may fit and fence For work and war to come; Till through the crowd, some moments hence, Thy husband bring thee home: Where plenteous feasting will succeed To scanty feeding here; And joyful at the table-head Thy husband will appear. Then crumbs to banquets will give place, And drops to rivers new: While heart and eye will face to face Thy husband ever view.
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Ralph Erskine (1685–1752) was a Scottish preacher and evangelical minister whose dynamic ministry and writings significantly shaped the 18th-century Scottish church, particularly within the Secession movement. Born on March 18, 1685, in Monilaws, Northumberland, England, he was the sixth son of Henry Erskine, a Presbyterian minister, and Margaret Halcro, both of whom were exiled Covenanters who moved to England after Henry’s ejection from ministry in 1662. Raised in a devout family, Ralph studied at the University of Edinburgh, earning an MA in 1704, and was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Dunfermline in 1709. In 1717, he married Margaret Dewar, with whom he had ten children, though only four survived him; she died in 1739, and he remarried Margaret Simson in 1741. Erskine’s preaching career began with his ordination in 1711 as assistant minister at Dunfermline, Fife, where he served alongside his elder brother Ebenezer until 1737. Known for his fervent, gospel-centered sermons, he drew large crowds with his poetic preaching style, often delivered outdoors during Scotland’s evangelical awakenings, including the Cambuslang Revival of 1742. In 1737, he joined Ebenezer in forming the Associate Presbytery, seceding from the Church of Scotland over issues of patronage and spiritual independence, and became minister of the Queen Street congregation in Dunfermline until his death. A prolific writer, he penned over 400 sermons, published as Sermons and Other Practical Works, and composed evangelical poetry and hymns like “Faith’s Plea Upon God’s Word and Covenant.” Erskine died on November 6, 1752, in Dunfermline, leaving a legacy as a preacher whose eloquence and commitment to free grace theology invigorated Scottish Presbyterianism and influenced revivalist movements. He was buried in Dunfermline Abbey Churchyard.