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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 delivers a powerful sermon on the profound love and provision of Jesus Christ as our heavenly Husband. He emphasizes how Christ is not only our relative, friend, brother, father, but ultimately our God who purchased us with His precious blood. Erskine beautifully illustrates how Christ's sacrifice and love pave the way for us, guiding, guarding, and providing for us in every aspect of our lives, ensuring that we lack nothing and are secure in His care.
Comfort to Believers in Christ's Relations
Behold the patrimony broad That falls to thee by line; In him thou art an heir of God, Thy husband's Father's thine. He is of relatives a store, Thy friend will help in thrall; Thy brother much, thy father more, Thy husband most of all. All these he does amass and share, In ways that most excell; 'Mong all the husbands ever were, Thy husband bears the bell. Whence run the streams of all thy good, But from his piercèd side? With liquid gold of precious blood Thy husband bought his bride. His blood abundant value bore, To make his purchase broad; 'Twas fair divinity in gore, Thy husband is thy God. Who purchas'd at the highest price, Be crowned with highest praise; For in the highest paradise Thy husband wears the bays. He is of heaven the comely rose, His beauty makes it fair: Heaven were but hell, couldst thou suppose Thy husband were not there. He thither did in pomp ascend, His spouse along to bring: That hallelujah's without end Thy husband's bride may sing. Ev'n there with him for ever fix'd His glory shalt thou see; And nought but death is now betwixt Thy husband's throne and thee. He'll order death, that porter rude, To ope the gates of brass; For, lo! with characters of blood Thy husband wrote thy pass. At Jordan deep then be not scared, Though dismal-like and broad: Thy sun will guide, thy shield will guard, Thy husband paved the road. He'll lead thee safe, and bring thee home And still let blessings fall Of grace while here, till glory come: Thy husband's bound for all. His store can answer every bill, Thy food and rainment's bought; Be at his will, thou'lt have thy fill, Thy husband wants for nought. What can thy soul conceive it lacks? His store, his pow'r is thine; His lib'ral heart to lib'ral acts Thy husband does incline. Though on thy hand, that has no might, He should not task enlarge; Nor work, nor warfare, needs thee fright Thy husband bears the charge. Thou wouldst, (if left,) thyself undo, So apt to fall and stray. But he uplifts, and leads thee too; Thy husband knows the way.
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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.