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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 using the metaphor of smoking tobacco to reflect on the transient nature of life, the vanity of worldly pursuits, the reminder of sin and mortality, and the ultimate return to dust. He encourages the congregation to contemplate on their spiritual state and the need for divine inspiration to ignite their hearts. Through tobacco smoking, Erskine draws parallels to the deeper spiritual truths of life, faith, and the promises of God.
Smoking Spiritualized
This Indian weed now wither'd quite, 'Tho' green at noon, cut down at night, Shows thy decay; All flesh is hay. Thus think, and smoke tobacco. The pipe so lily-like and weak, Does thus thy mortal state bespeak. Thou art ev'n such, Gone with a touch. Thus think, and smoke tobacco. And when the smoke ascends on high, Then thou behold'st the vanity Of worldly stuff, Gone with a puff. Thus think, and smoke tobacco. And when the pipe grows foul within, Think on thy soul defil'd with sin; For then the fire, It does require. Thus think, and smoke tobacco. And seest the ashes cast away; Then to thyself thou mayest say That to the dust Return thou must. Thus think, and smoke tobacco. PART II. Was this small plant for thee cut down? So was the plant of great renown; Which mercy sends For nobler ends. Thus think, and smoke tobacco. Doth juice medicinal proceed From such a naughty foreign weed? Then what's the pow'r Of Jesse's flow'r? Thus think, and smoke tobacco. The promise, like the pipe, inlays, And by the mouth of faith conveys What virtue flows From Sharon's rose. Thus think, and smoke tobacco. In vain th' unlighted pipe you blow; Your pains in inward means are so, 'Till heav'nly fire Thy heart inspire. Thus think, and smoke tobacco. The smoke, like burning incense tow'rs So should a praying heart of yours, With ardent cries, Surmount the skies. Thus think, and smoke tobacco.
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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.