The Abiding Presence

by Hugh Martin, Sinclair B. Ferguson (Foreword)

Introduction by Sinclair B. Ferguson. No ordinary book of memoirs concludes with the promise, 'I am with you always, even to the end of the world.' But the biography of Jesus is no mere commemoration of the departed; his promise makes the Evangelists' account a living history. "Take the Gospel record in your hands," says Hugh Martin, "and you have the means of causing you to realize Christ's presence." Whether you are burdened, anxious, failing, sorrowful, or hardened, Jesus' promise means that his perfect words come with power to people in every condition and that he is present with his people in every situation.

Genres: Theology

240 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1984

About the author

Hugh^^^Martin

19th century Scottish Minister

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a place in C.S. Lewis's book the The Magician's Nephew called the Wood between the Worlds. It's a forest filled with ponds, and each one is a portal to a different world. Reading Hugh Martin is something of a visit to the Wood. Each thought he introduces is a door to a new world, and what makes each of them so thrilling is that the places he takes us are real. They’re worlds built of facts—concrete, solid, eternal facts.

[Joshua Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, though written in 19th-century English, is one of the most profound, gospel-centered, heart-enriching reads one could hope for. Hugh Martin, which Goodreads has mistakenly associated with a 20th century preacher of the same name, explores the reality of Christ's real, visceral presence with all believers. For if it is true that the same Holy Ghost dwells within both Christ and His people, and that this same Holy Spirit has authored the Bible, then we can and do meet with Christ presently in prayer and in His Word. In this way, as Martin rightly points out, we meet with Christ in his present and living ministry recorded in the Gospels. Thus, as Martin writes early in the book:

"Questioning your own heart may bring no response of grace. But the Lord himself draws near to ask. Behold he comes after you. He finds you at your weary task. He takes you as he finds you--weary, toiling, restless, dissatisfied; making nothing of it; no candle of the Lord shining on your head; no joy of the Lord your strength. Just as you are he takes you in hand to deal with you again. And he comes, the same as ever; the same gracious Lord, unchanged, the same yesterday, today, and for ever. Behold he calls you by name: 'Simon, son of Jonas!' Look up into his face, and read whether he has come in wrath or love. That face!--burning tears ran down there for sinners; sinners such as you" (pp. 46-47).

I strongly recommend this book to all. Though the truths Martin expresses may be difficult to understand (and it definitely helps to read the book with others and work out what he says together), the result is transformative. Christ is not a distant, disengaged Monarch. Instead, he is a loving, intimate, and indwelling Savior--"the same yesterday, today, and forever!"

[Matthew Prydden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was excellent. On numerous occasions I felt my heart burning within me as I read about the ministry of Jesus that is as real today through the working of the Holy Spirit as it was when Jesus walked the earth in person. This work of Hugh Martin's was real food for the soul as well as for the mind.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugh martin expounds on the last verse of Matthew in chapter 28 verse 20.

His insights are deep and original. They will make you reconsider verses that you thought you knew well, and old ideas in fresh ways.

For me, not an easy read because his thinking is deep and requires thought. Being a mathematician, he follows the logic of the Scriptures to its end providing rich exposition and understanding.

This book will give you a new wonder of the Scriptures and of Jesus' last words to his disciples in Matthew's gospel.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were parts of this book that were absolute gold. Especially 'The Galleries of the King Visited' parts I and II on Christ's baptism into union with His church. Insights that I'd never seen before. Some other chapters I ended up skimming through and found more hard going. He sometimes gets all passionate and poetic which is a bit harder to digest in written form than in a sermon. But overall a very good book.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by this author. Every time I read something by Hugh Martin, I am always struck by how outstanding it is and how I really should be getting more out of it than I have on first reading. For this reason, Martin's books are ones that definitely warrant a second and third reading.