Collected Sermons of James Durham: 61 Sermons, Volume 1

by James Durham, Chris Coldwell (Editor)

English Puritanism and Scottish Presbyterianism in the seventeenth century had many bright and shining lights. Of these, James Durham (1622-1658) ranks alongside the greatest for his theological depth, for his faithful preaching, and particularly for his moderate spirit at a time of great controversy. James Walker 'No Scotchman of that age was more profoundly venerated.' Durham, whose father and grandfather served the king as Clerk of Exchequer, was seemingly destined to the life of a Scottish laird, yet through several remarkable providences he came to study for the ministry under David Dickson and did so well that he could have served as a professor of divinity in any university. Yet Durham's brief ministry was spent for the most part preaching in the Inner Kirk of Glasgow Cathedral. He came to excel in 'case divinity' or 'cases of conscience,' and it was thought that he poured so much of himself into his preparations that it brought about his early death. Durham's sermons and expositions left an impression that lasted for centuries, and while he was mostly overlooked in the resurgence of interest in the Puritans in the nineteenth century, in the late twentieth century publishers brought renewed attention with various editions of some of his works. Most of his lectures (on the Ten Commandments, the Song of Solomon, Job, John's Revelation, and the Treatise on Scandal) have been published in new editions. The remaining works are sets of sermons, many of which have not seen new editions since the eighteenth century, and original editions are extremely rare. The publishers are pleased to offer for the first time all the sermons of James Durham in two uniform volumes. Sermons Contained in this
The Blessedness of the Death of Those That Die in the Seven Sermons on Revelation 14:13
The Unsearchable Riches of Fourteen Communion Sermons Preached at Glasgow (1 Cor. 11:29; Matt. 22:2-4; Phil. 1:27; Phil. 3:20; Is. 55:1-3; Ps. 85:8; Jer. 50:4-5; Matt 26:28-29)
Heaven upon Twenty-Two Sermons on the Joys of a Good Conscience (Acts 24:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Rom. 9:1; 2 Cor. 1:12; Heb. 13:18)
Sermons of James Durham (Hebrews 13:18; Hebrews 9:13-14; Hebrews 10:22)
The Great Gain of Contenting Godliness (1 Tim. 6:6-8; 1 Tim. 3:5)
The Great Corruption of Subtle Self (Matt, 16:24)
Miscellaneous Sermons (Neh. 2:4; Matt. 6:31; Matt. 6:32; Luke 10:42; Rev. 22:20; Eph. 4:11-12)
The last sermons includes a recent transcription from manuscript of one of Durham's most important sermons preached at the beginning of the Protester-Resolutioner schism in Scotland. All have been uniformly edited and cross-referenced as needed. Also included is an introduction covering the life and works of Durham.

960 pages, Hardcover

Published August 15, 2017

About the author

James Durham (1622 - 1658) was the eldest son of John Durham of Grange Durham Angus, and proprietor of ‘a good estate,’ then called Easter Powrie, in the county of Forfar. He studied at St. Andrews University, and afterwards lived at his country place. Subsequently he took arms in the civil war and became captain of a troop. Naturally serious and thoughtful, he had come under profound religious impressions on a visit to the relations of his wife (Anna, daughter of Francis Durham of Duntarvie) at Abercorn, near Edinburgh, and it was his being overheard praying with his soldiers by David Dickson, an eminent Presbyterian divine, that led to his devoting himself to the ministry.

After studying at Glasgow he was licensed as a preacher in 1647. That a man of his position should make such a change excited some comment among his old friends and neighbours, but his whole soul was in his new occupation, and he vindicated himself with great fervour.

Durham was a man of intense strength of conviction and great gravity of character. It is said of him, as of Robert Leighton, to whom in certain respects he bore a resemblance, that he was seldom known to smile. His studies, both in Scripture and in the theological and ecclesiastical questions of the day, were carried on with extraordinary diligence. Of his devotion to the Christian ministry he gave decided proof, both by his laboriousness in the work and by his retiring from the position and enjoyments of a country gentleman’s life.

Of his power and faithfulness as a preacher a remarkable illustration is said to have occurred at the time of Cromwell’s invasion of Scotland. It is said that Cromwell entered his church incognito, and got a seat as it happened in the pew of the provost’s daughter, who, as he wore the dress of an English officer, was by no means very courteous to him. At the close of the service Cromwell asked her the preacher’s name. She gave a curt reply and asked why he wished to know. Cromwell replied ‘because he perceived him to be a very great man, and in his opinion might be chaplain to any prince in Europe, though he had never seen him nor heard of him before.’ It is certain that Durham preached before Cromwell against the English invasion. One version of the story has it that Cromwell asked him whether it was his habit to preach on politics, and that he replied that it was not, but seeing him present he thought it right to let him know his mind.

For a time he exercised his ministry in Glasgow, and in 1650 he was appointed Professor of Divinity in the university there. But before he could be settled in that office the General Assembly decided that he should attend as chaplain on the king. The duties of this office he discharged ‘with such majesty and awe’ as to inspire the court with much reverence for him. When free from this situation he was again called to the ministry in Glasgow, and inducted into the ‘Inner Kirk.’

His health had never been strong, and he was prematurely old, partly the effect of the singularly laborious life of study which he led. He died on 25 June 1658, in the thirty-sixth year of his age. He was held by his contemporaries in the very highest esteem as one of the most able and godly men of the time.