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Ralph Erskine

Ralph Erskine


Ralph Erskine was the brother of another prominent churchman, Ebenezer Erskine. After studying at the University of Edinburgh, Ralph was ordained assistant minister at Dunfermline in 1711. He ratified the protests which his brother laid on the table of the assembly after being rebuked for his synod sermon, but he did not formally withdraw from the establishment till 1737.

He was also present at, though not a member of, the first meeting of the "associate presbytery". When the severance took place over the oath administered to burgesses, he adhered, along with his brother, to the burgher section.

His works consist of sermons, poetical paraphrases and gospel sonnets. The Gospel Sonnets have frequently appeared separately. His Life and Diary, edited by the Rev. D Fraser, was published in 1842.
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Ralph Erskine

The Free Gospel-Call

"Ho, every thirsty soul, and all That poor and needy are, Here's water of salvation's well For you to come and share. Here's freedom from sin and woe, And blessings all divine, Here streams of love and mercy flow, Like floods of milk and wine. Approach the fountain head of bliss, That's open like th... Read More
Ralph Erskine

The Right Rule of Our Love to Christ

See here the right rule of our love to Christ, namely to love him as the Father loves him. Wherein should our love to Christ resemble the Father's love? Why, the Father's love to the Son was evidenced in choosing him to be our Saviour and Surety: so should our love to Christ be manifested in making ... Read More
Ralph Erskine

The Spiritual Feelings of Believers and Hypocrites Compared

The Difference between the Pleasant Spiritual Impressions peculiar to true Believers, and those which Hypocrites may have in the Ways of Religion. 1. True and saving impressions are sociable; they accompany one another and go hand in hand together: for example holy fear does not cast out love nor lo... Read More
Ralph Erskine

The Wind of the Holy Ghost Blowing upon the Dry Bones in the Valley of Vision

[Preached in the Tolbooth-Church, Edinburgh, upon a fast-day before the sacrament of our Lord's supper, March 15, 1715. From "The Whole Works of the Rev. Ebenezer Erskine: Consisting of Sermons and Discourses. To which is Added, an enlarged memoir of the Author, by the Rev. D. Fraser," Volume 1 (of ... Read More
Ralph Erskine

Thy Husband is thy Maker

"Thy Maker is thy Husband."—Isa 54.5 Of light and life, of grace and glore, In Christ thou art partaker, Rejoice in him for evermore, Thy husband is thy maker. He made thee, yea, made thee his bride, Nor heeds thine ugly patch; To what he made he'll still abide, Thy husband made the match. He made a... Read More
Ralph Erskine

Unbelievers' Joy in the Word?

An Important Question concerning the Joy which Hypocrites may have in the Word. "May not hypocrites and unbelievers have joy and delight in the word, like these, Isaiah 58:2. and like Herod, that heard the word gladly; and the stony ground hearers, that received the word with joy?" Answer: Such is t... Read More
Ralph Erskine

What Sinners Should Plead with God

1. Plead his promise, Ezek 36:26,27. "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws." It is a free, gracious promise: ... Read More
Ralph Erskine

Erskine, Ralph "The Vanity of Earthly Things and Worldly Enjoyments"

The Vanity of Earthly Things and Worldly Enjoyments Ralph Erskine, January, 1723 "Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; vanity of vanities, all is vanity." Ecclesiastes 1:2 The words of a king are commonly reckoned very witty — the words of a wise king, speaking by experience, deserves special cons... Read More

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