Master Robert Bruce: Minister in the Kirk of Edinburgh

by D.C. Macnicol

The sixty stormy years following the death of John Knox - years of conflict, persecution and revival - form the background of this biography by D. C. Macnicol. Robert Bruce's commanding preaching, his iron resolution and, above all, his daily fellowship with God, provided an example which his contemporaries and successors could never forget. 'No man', declared John Livingstone, 'since the apostles' time spake with such power'.

Genres: Biography

270 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1907

About the author

Duncan Clark Macnicol (1861–1910) was a minister of the Free (later United Free) Church of Scotland, pastoring churches in Dunipace, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.

Reviews

[Joshua Schwisow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bruce’s life is a remarkable story of love for God and the fear of God in the ministry of the Word. This was a man that so loved God he was quite willing to offend, when necessary, for the sake of truth and righteousness. His frequent conflicts with King James VI are a testimony of Christian faithfulness.

[Rick Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bruce is an interesting figure, and this book covers a critical time in the history of the Scottish Church. However, the writing here is dry as an old bone.

[Timothy Crockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book brings to light more of Scottish History and the influence of the Reformation under Knox. Master Robert Bruce in the same vein as Knox preached boldly before kings, and people, he suffered imprisonment, and was exiled yet through it all remained steadfast in his faith.

[Stephen Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is ok. I mainly read it because of my interest in the Scottish Reformation, and it is helpful for learning some of the history of the church there after Knox, but it wasn't a very gripping read. Bruce is certainly an interesting character with a very strong will and fierce convictions, but some of the descriptions of events undermined the force of the story because it was so over the top in effusive praise or exaggeration.

Probably because it's so foreign to the brand of conservative evangelicalism I was raised in, it is odd to read about the relationship between 16th-17th century pastors and politics, especially in how they address current issues from the pulpit. The Scottish ministers such as Bruce would routinely reprove the King while he was present in the church service and would make comments about current events. These men were deeply pious and preached the Word of God with power, but they did not separate their love of their homeland and of the national church from their preaching. It's just an interesting, noteworthy difference.

[Ethan McCarter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is by far the best biography on Robert Bruce. Granted, it's pretty much the only biography on Robert Bruce. He's one of those unsung heroes of the Scot Reformation. He succeeds John Knox yet predates the Covenanters and the later Marrowmen. Certainly he's most remembered for his sermons on communion or as the apostle to the Highlands from his exile to Inverness, but there's far more to Master Robert than those aspects alone. It's an excellent biography. The reason for not giving it five stars is simply due to some of the chapters. The last chapter observes some portions of sermons that likely came from Robert Bruce from some manuscripts found near the time of writing. However, it's not clear why that chapter was added when there were many other things that the chapter could focus on. It's an excellent biography though that folks should read. If you're interested in the history of the Scottish Reformation this is a great, easily read biography.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating dive into the life of Robert Bruce, an eminent Scottish Pastor of the 16th century.