- Home
- Speakers
- Ralph Erskine
- Benefits Accruing To Believers From Christ
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.
Download
Topic
Sermon Summary
Ralph Erskine delivers a powerful sermon on the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ as our husband and champion, emphasizing how He saves us from sin, stands by us in times of trouble, and empowers us to overcome the schemes of Satan. Through vivid imagery and poetic language, Erskine paints a picture of the intimate relationship between believers and Jesus, highlighting the divine exchange where Christ took on our sin to make us righteous. He encourages listeners to lean on the strength and promises of Jesus, who is both God and man, and to find courage in the unwavering presence of our faithful husband.
Benefits Accruing to Believers From Christ
Art thou by lusts a captive led, Which breeds thy deepest grief? To ransom captives is his trade, Thy husband's thy relief. His precious name is JESUS, why? Because he saves from sin; Redemption's right he won't deny, Thy husband's near of kin. His wounds have sav'd thee once from woes, His blood from vengeance screen'd; When heav'n, and earth, and hell were foes, Thy husband was a friend. And will thy captain now look on, And see thee trampled down? When, lo! thy champion has the throne, Thy husband wears the crown. Yield not, though cunning Satan bribe, Or like a lion roar; The Lion strong of Judah's tribe, Thy husband's to the fore. And that he never will forsake, His credit fair he pawn'd ; In hottest broils, then, courage take, Thy husband's at thy hand. No storm needs drive thee to a strait, Who dost his aid invoke: Fierce winds may blow, proud waves may beat; Thy husband is the rock. Renounce thine own ability, Lean to his promis'd might; The strength of Isra'l cannot lie, Thy husband's pow'r is plight. An awful truth does here present, Whoever think it odd; In him thou art omnipotent, Thy husband is a God. JEHOVAH'S strength is in thy head, Which faith may boldly scan; God in thy nature does reside, Thy husband is a man. Thy flesh is his, his spirit thine; And that you both are one, One body, spirit, temple, vine, Thy husband deigns to own. Kind, he assum'd thy flesh and blood This union to pursue; And without shame his brotherhood Thy husband does avow. He bore the cross thy crown to win, His blood he freely spilt; The holy One assuming sin, Thy husband bore the guilt. Lo! what a bless'd exchange is this? What wisdom shines therein? That thou might'st be made righteousness, Thy husband was made sin. The God of joy a man of grief, Thy sorrows to discuss; Pure Innocence hang'd as a thief: Thy husband lov'd thee thus. Bright beauty had his visage marr'd, His comely form abus'd : True rest was from all rest debarr'd, Thy husband's heel was bruis'd. The God of blessings was a curse, The Lord of Lords a drudge; The heir of all things poor in purse Thy husband did not grudge. The Judge of all condemned was The God immortal slain: No favour in the woful cause Thy husband did obtain.
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download
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.