A Scottish Christian Heritage

by Iain H. Murray

For 300 years a school of evangelical Christianity changed Scotland as a nation. Passing on the evangel of the Reformation, and growing stronger in persecution, it turned a people to the Bible, and finally gave many of its best sons and daughters to the ends of the earth. For fidelity, joyful perseverance in hardship, and improbable advance, the record remains a witness to the faith that overcomes the world.

The compelling interest of this account lies in the way it draws on contemporary records - many of these Christian leaders being authors as well as men of action. Iain Murray's narrative explores this rich heritage and underlines its remarkable relevance for our own day. While not a Scottish Church history, this is a gripping introduction to the many glorious successes, and some of the painful failures of the church, from the days of John Knox to those of Horatius Bonar. Explaining this panoramic tapestry are the words of Knox's own commentary, 'God gave his Holy Spirit to simple men in great abundance.'

As various recent publications have indicated, Scotland exercised an influence on world history out of all proportion to its size. But the real reason for this has been obscured. It will be found here, however. And in the discovery of it the reader will be introduced to a wealth of little-known literature that is a vital part of the inheritance of the whole Christian church.

IAIN H. MURRAY, born of Scots parents, was educated in the Isle of Man before serving with the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) in the Emergency in Malaya. After study at Durham University, he entered the Christian ministry, serving as assistant to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones at Westminster Chapel, and subsequently as minister of Grove Chapel, London, and St. Giles, Sydney. From 1955 (to 1987) he edited the Banner of Truth magazine, and in 1957 became co-founder of the Banner of Truth Trust with which he remains closely

Genres: Church History, History, Biography, Theology, Scotland, Christianity, Nonfiction

403 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2006

About the author

Iain Hamish Murray is a British pastor and author. He was educated in the Isle of Man and at the University of Durham before entering ministry in 1955. He served as assistant to Martyn Lloyd-Jones at Westminster Chapel (1956–59) and subsequently at Grove Chapel, London (1961–69) and St. Giles Presbyterian Church, Sydney, Australia, (1981–84). In 1957 he and Jack Cullum founded the Reformed publishing house, the Banner of Truth Trust, of which he continues to serve as a trustee.

Reviews

[Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book by a family member and, being a native Scot myself, I was intrigued by the title but didn’t know what to expect. The author takes the reader through the remarkable era from the Reformation to the era of the “Higher Critical” thinking that destroyed much of the work of the previous centuries in Scotland. Like a parabolic curve, we see the growth of the church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit rising to great heights and sending missionaries to the ends of the Earth and then, as the Word of God loses its prominence we see the decline of spirituality in Scotland.
This is a masterful, well researched and footnoted work that ought to be read by every Reformed pastor (at the very least) and by all thoughtful Christians. Truly outstanding!

[Mark Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable and encouraging read about God's work in Scotland through the last 5 or so centuries.

Iain Murray doesn't give a comprehensive view of this time period but rather focuses on a number of influential ministers, missionaries, and church issues, which just whets the readers appetite to explore further. I appreciate Murray's analysis even if I don't always agree with his conclusions, for instance, chapter 10's "The problem of the 'elders'".

Overall, a book a greatly appreciated reading, and found challenging as well as thought provoking.

[Chase Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this read. Iain Murray is an exceptional writer. The biographies of Scottish ministers and missionaries contained within are excellent and stirring. The last chapter is still applicable today.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t let the title fool you. This book does not praise Scotland as such, or suggest some kind of Scottish pattern to emulate. Rather it examines and exults the acts of the Spirit of Christ among some key figures and issues during the last few hundred years.

Murray is an exceptional biographer, and his historical work shines in the first half of this book. Yet he is a stellar theologian as well, and I found the chapter on Scottish Preaching—quite to my surprise—to be my favorite of them all.

For a book to contain helpful history, solid doctrine, pastoral counsel, and biblical encouragement is rare. For it to have all of these in the quality and abundance found here is a gift. I thank God for the prose and passion of Murray in these pages. Highly recommended.

[Tori Samar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some church history, some missions history, some biography, some doctrine—but all with a Scottish flavor! This is actually my first time reading Iain Murray. And while I don't think this is the best place to start with him, I did get a great taste of his style. The biographical sections made for enjoyable reading. Admittedly, some of the chapters in the second half of the book—most notably, the chapters about church elders and Scottish preaching—did not bring quite the same level of enjoyment (due merely to the nuance of the topic, not the writing style). The final chapter, on the other hand, was noteworthy because of its implications both for the Scottish church and the universal church. In overviewing the steady disintegration of the Scottish church once men started questioning the inspiration, inerrancy, and supremacy of Scripture, Murray reminded me that what has happened in Scotland is not unique. Where Scripture is not valued correctly, you are sure to find a weak and false church.

(Read for the 2017 Tim Challies Christian Reading Challenge: A book about church history)

[Jon Pentecost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an encouraging read. Helpful real life demonstrations of the importance and power of God’s Word in any meaningful ministry. You will leave impressed—not with the gifting as of these particular pastors and gospel workers—but with how mightily God loves to use the small efforts of his children.

It is not written as a critical academic history, but more a devotional study of the lives of men the Lord has used in Scotland and beyond. It doesn’t discuss much of the more controversial parts of these men’s ministries, but that’s not the point of the book, and Murray doesn’t leave the reader feeling as though you’ve learned the sum of these men’s lives, rather the briefest of introductions.

The last section helpfully demonstrates in different challenges the church has faced the profound and practical ways in which confidence in the Word of God shapes a church and a ministry.

[Grant Van Brimmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not diminish my love for the Scots...BUT reading makes me leary to read anything else my Murray.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! One of the most edifying books I've read recently. The format consists of shortish essays or biographies, so this isn't an in-depth or complete history of Scottish church history. But I feel as though I have a much better understanding of key events and people, as well as greatly benefited from Murray's thoughtful analysis.

Also read in Jan 2013.

[James Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully encouraging and God-glorifying book. I read this once some years ago, but it's been a while and recently I looked on the shelf and saw it sitting there and knew I needed to read it again. Iain Murray has long been one of my favourite authors and this book of his is especially dear to my heart, as it's written about a country where I spent a few years (near on ten years ago now!) and discusses many of the great works of God and the blessings of His hand upon the country of Scotland and its people. This book is a wonderful book to read to remind one of the actual real workings of God in the lives of men and women and nations. Each chapter focuses on a particular person or era in Scotland, beginning with John Knox post-Reformation and ending with sad developments in the Free Church in the past few hundred years. This book is an "easy" read, one that can be broken up and profitably read a chapter at a time per sitting. I wish I could more easily describe what moved me so as I read this, but suffice it to say that it thrills my heart to read of the work and glory of God displayed in this world in which we live. Murray clearly has a passion for Scotland and its history and his heart for the gospel of God is clear. May all else fade if Christ is preached. So many times reading this was my heart convicted as I meditated on the way the people described in this book gave their all for Christ. Oh may our hearts burn so as we long to see God glorified, both now in this present life, and in the life to come. May we not be unduly influenced by the howling winds of secularism and modernism, but instead may we rest in the faith and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, looking to the Word of God to guide our paths and resting in the surety that is Christ's kingdom that has come and is coming and shall never cease. Oh may our hearts burn.

[Ethan McCarter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't a thorough historical retelling of the story of the Scottish Church nor is it exhaustive in what it does focus on. What it does zoom in on is the ongoing legacy of many of the godly forefathers of the Scottish Church, her missionaries, and some of the theological positions that were hashed out and discussed in bygone years. Scotland is, of course, by and large a nation that has rejected her Christian heritage. The Scotland that Iain Murray writes about really does give a great yearning for the old fires of the past. Being a Presbyterian minister in Ulster it really does make the heart groan for our mother church across the sea. Not all of the chapters are as strong as others. I found the missionary biographies (Robert Moffatt, James MacDonald) were particularly well written and presented. The theological chapters I found a little more disagreeable (I would differ on his some of his stances on church government but this is a small issue) and that he didn't work with the strongest arguments of the other side such as George Gillespie's arguments. That being said it's a good read that you can get through quickly and that leads to more looks at the heritage of Scottish Reformed Christianity.

[Caleb Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

9 out of 10. This excellent book covers eleven different categories of Scottish Christian history is a well-researched interesting format. His selection for the most part I really liked. His chapters on Knox, Bruce, Bonar, Moffat, and the end were particularly powerful for me. If you desire a quick overview of some of the most striking events of God's work in Scotland, read this book.

Unfortunately I must dock Mr. Murray one point one logic because of his weak chapters 8 and 10. In these chapters he admitted the danger of Presbyterian church polity, but nevertheless promoted it without giving a good counter answer. His support rest largely on tradition and history. Still I was deeply affected by and would strongly recommend this book.

[Matthew Deans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich, sweet history that informs Christian reform for all eras. Well written; a good mix of biography, events, ideas, and commentary; a healthy length without being arduously long.

This also challenged me, personally, in how I view ministry and the broader impact of individuals, schools, and ideas. But more truly, the power of the Holy Spirit in the timing and place of His work. Even the sad sunset of the reformation in Scotland informs how the world ought to learn from their failure--the rise or fall of a nation's spiritual fervor rests heavily on its view and adherence to the Word.

I was particularly interested in this book as an American Presbyterian who was interested to see more of our Scottish roots. I was not disappointed. Loved this journey!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read as an Englishman beginning to minister in Scotland. I enjoyed the blend of history and theology—Murray has a good way of drawing theological lessons from history. Some chapters were very engaging but a few I skipped through more quickly.

[Pat Roseman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very dry and hard to get through. I skimmed quite a bit.

[David Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for any Christian, especially those interested in church history, as every Christian should be.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read overall with three minor quibbles. Murray ends the book in 1900 leaving the reader wondering what happened with twentieth-century Scottish Christianity. Second, the final chapter ends on a rather depressing note without any glimmer of hope for Scottish Christianity. Third, Murray curiously leaves out any treatment of the Scottish Baptists. While the Presbyterians and Free Church men obviously had a marked impact on the Scottish religious scene, one cannot overlook the Baptists' contribution to the evangelical heritage.

[David Meiklejohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book on the development of evangelical Christianity in Scotland. It's divided into several sections, looking firstly at some of the great giants of Christianity in the last four hundred years. Then we have a section on Scotland's missionary efforts in the New Hebrides and Africa. Finally there are some chapters on the development of the church, including the split of the Church of Scotland, some of the arguments about elders positions, and he problems more recently of leaders who no longer believe in the whole truth of the bible.

[Rachel]

great book

[Seth Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scotland’s amazing history includes revivals that have much to teach us about piety and doctrinal fidelity today.

[Pete Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

another fascinating historical treatment by Murray.