[A Scottish Edinburghian Secessionist Presbyterian Divine]

Ebenezer Erskine (1680–1754), an eminent divine of the Scottish church, stood forth in an age of spiritual declension as a champion for the purity and liberty of Christ’s gospel. Born at Chirnside, Berwickshire, the son of the venerable Rev. Henry Erskine, Ebenezer early imbibed the doctrines of the Reformation and was nurtured in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Educated at the University of Edinburgh, he applied himself diligently to the study of sacred theology and, in due course, received licensure to preach the everlasting gospel. His pastorate at Portmoak, and later at Stirling, was marked by fervent expositions of the Word, distinguished by zeal for Christ’s crown rights and the freedom of Christ’s Kirk. Confronted by the encroachments of patronage and the impositions of an Erastian establishment, Erskine, with deep conscientiousness, protested against all innovations that would fetter the liberty of the Redeemer’s cause. In 1733, along with kindred spirits, he constituted the Associate Presbytery, thereby laying the foundation of the Secession Church, which endeavoured to preserve the pure ordinances of Christ free from worldly defilement. A preacher of uncommon pathos and gravity, his sermons were replete with sound doctrine and practical application, marked by an evangelical fervour rare in his age. Ebenezer Erskine departed this life in 1754, leaving a legacy of godly zeal, uncompromising fidelity to Scripture, and a progeny who would continue in his steps, defending the faith once delivered unto the saints.

Ebenezer Erskine (1680–1754), an eminent divine of the Scottish church, stood forth in an age of spiritual declension as a champion for the purity and liberty of Christ’s gospel. Born at Chirnside, Berwickshire, the son of the venerable Rev. Henry Erskine, Ebenezer early imbibed the doctrines of the Reformation and was nurtured in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Educated at the University of Edinburgh, he applied himself diligently to the study of sacred theology and, in due course, received licensure to preach the everlasting gospel. His pastorate at Portmoak, and later at Stirling, was marked by fervent expositions of the Word, distinguished by zeal for Christ’s crown rights and the freedom of Christ’s Kirk. Confronted by the encroachments of patronage and the impositions of an Erastian establishment, Erskine, with deep conscientiousness, protested against all innovations that would fetter the liberty of the Redeemer’s cause. In 1733, along with kindred spirits, he constituted the Associate Presbytery, thereby laying the foundation of the Secession Church, which endeavoured to preserve the pure ordinances of Christ free from worldly defilement. A preacher of uncommon pathos and gravity, his sermons were replete with sound doctrine and practical application, marked by an evangelical fervour rare in his age. Ebenezer Erskine departed this life in 1754, leaving a legacy of godly zeal, uncompromising fidelity to Scripture, and a progeny who would continue in his steps, defending the faith once delivered unto the saints.

HIS WORKS:

Sermons:

Ebenezer Erskine (c. 1680–1754) on That as Christ is the Everlasting God, so, From All Eternity, He was Fore-ordained and Set Up For the Great Service of Man’s Redemption; This Being a Sermon on Proverbs 8:23