The St Andrews Seven

by Stuart Piggin

The St Andrews Seven is the moving and inspiring story of six young men whose remarkable influence on one another as fellow students in the University of St Andrews, Scotland, in the 1820s led them to the profound conviction that ‘Only one thing seemed to matter: to discover God’s will and do it’.

The chief characters in this extraordinary account of a teenage enthusiasm to serve Christ to the end of the earth are the great Thomas Chalmers, and six of his students: Alexander Duff, John Urquhart, John Adam, Robert Nesbit, William Sinclair Mackay, and John Ewart. Their influence in later life, especially in India, was to be far beyond their wildest expectations.

The authors trace vividly and popularly the story— the aspirations, fears, doubts, struggles, opposition, sorrows, triumphs—of these six most gifted and dedicated young Christians, including one of their number who died before he could fulfil his heart’s ambition.

First published in 1985, The St Andrews Seven once again brings the names of these men to the fore, and challenges the church of today to put aside its mediocrity and respond obediently to Christ’s great commission.

Genres: Biography, History, Christian, Church History

168 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Stuart Piggin is the Director for the Centre for the History of Christian Thought and Experience at Macquarie University and Head of the Christian Thought Department of the Australian College of Theology.

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. It does a good job at representing the attitudes that brought about the modern missions movement. With language such as this:

"There is such a thing as being saved, yet so as by fire; such a thing as being least in the kingdom of heaven. And even this is a thought of highest ecstasy; but there is a thought more ecstatic still. It is the thought of an abundant entrance, and an exceeding great reward, and a crown of glory that fadeth not away, and a splendour like the shining of the stars in the firmament." p 62

While only a brief work it gives a good sketch of how God worked through one man, Thomas Chalmers, to provoke six other men: Alexander Duff, John Urquhart, John Adam, Robert Nesbit, William Sinclair Mackay, and David Ewart. These men faced theological opposition from within the church, and parental opposition from their families. They were led by the Lord to do a work which few others had attempted. It was viewed by many as fool hearty, and deadly. While their roles, and spiritual gifts differed their fervency and obedience did not. In my opinion all good missionary biographies focus on the heart of the faithful, not primarily on the result God blessed them with, and that is largely true of this book.

The epilogue is also interesting as it introduces some of the considerations and varieties in missions philosophy. That is, what is the "best" means for a missionary to engage the indigenous culture. While certainly not a comprehensive reflection it provides enough historic insight to contribute to a good discussion.

The book is excellent but a bit too brief. I'm off to look for Urquhart's 2 vol biography now.

[Ben House · Rating 5 out of 5]

George Grant has recommended this book for years. He writes concerning questions about what to read regarding the Scottish preacher Thomas Chalmers, “The first book that I always send readers to is the short profile by John Roxborough and Stuart Piggen entitled, The St. Andrew Seven (Banner of Truth). Though not entirely about Chalmers (most of the text is devoted to six of his students and the way he influenced the trajectory of their lives and ministries) it is nevertheless the best single, accessible work available in a modern edition.”
I thoroughly enjoyed these short, inspiring biographical sketches. This is not just a bit of obscure Scottish history. It is the history of mission movements with lessons on education and Christian dedication. Worthy of several readings.

[Levi Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished it while drinking some scotch, which I didn’t realize till afterwards how fitting that was!

First time reading a missionary book since I was a little kid. They always cause me awe. Sometimes they make me want to go follow in their footsteps into foreign missions. Maybe that’s the case. More likely, it’s to take their same zeal and use it here, in my nation, to reach it with the gospel.

[Tim Sanduleac · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good. Tracing the lives of Thomas Chalmers and six of his students, culminating in their work in establishing churches and schools in India, which would impact should for centuries. My only complaint is how brief this book is.

[Benjamin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief account, based on the two authors' dissertations, of the beginnings of Scottish missions to India among a group of students at St. Andrews in the 1820's. Somewhat hagiographical, but not annoyingly so.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief summary/history of six students at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland being highly influenced by their professor Thomas Chalmers and their growing zeal for missions.
The passion with which these young men desired to spread the Gospel, even through opposition, fears and sorrow, is truly inspiring.

[Timothy Denning · Rating 5 out of 5]

The St Andrews seven is about a university professor and six of his students. The story of their years together at Scotland's oldest university is a remarkable flowering of evangelistic and missionary enthusiasm in the history of Scottish Christianity.

[Max Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an excellent book, meticulously describing the lives of the St. Andrews Seven, a group of godly men who stirred up in Scotland, zeal and enthusiasm for missionary work and the fulfilment of the Great Commission.

[Gwen Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It was not so much his words, as the virtue that went out of him, that turned our hearts to the heathen."
W.S. Mackay
on Thomas Chalmers (1860)

[Ryan Denton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book.

[William Alderman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots to learn from the passion of Dr. Chalmers and his students. Their zeal for learning encourage me to study harder. Their ability to make sure missions is a biblical concept and questioning their call encourage me to think about my own. Lots to learn from this great generation of men in Scotland.

[Ak Hauck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful story of how the good works of God, be they missionary or otherwise, will have their effects felt far into future generations. Great book to read to your high schoolers or those going off to college.