Thomas Chalmers

Bitesize Biographies

by Sandy Finlayson

Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847) was the first Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland’s General Assembly and much, much more. He dominated the life of the Scottish Church in the mid-19th Century and his influence was felt much further afield, through his visionary thinking, writing and leadership. He was passionate about the proclamation of the gospel to the people of Scotland and through missionary work, to the rest of the world.

This biography of Thomas Chalmers brings to life and colour one of the most influential stories of Scotland’s past. Chalmers was distinctive among both the people and the church of Scotland in his day. Once he discovered the power of the gospel himself, its vision drove him to bring Christ’s message into every part of society. We are in danger of forgetting how much we owe to men like Chalmers who were salt and light in their generation; Sandy Finlayson has done a magnificent job in reminding us of his life, and he does it in a way that encourages us to go out and be salt and light too.
Iain D Campbell Free Church of Scotland

98 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2015

Reviews

[Chris Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great biography on an import but seemingly forgotten Scottish pastor. It’s not technical or academic, very much for the lay reader. It’s easy to read. I read it in a couple of sittings. This book has inspired me to read more of Chalmers’s works (I have currently only read his sermon “The Expulsive Power of a New Affection”) and to continue doing certain things in my ministry.

[Miles Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good short biography of Chalmers. The analysis can be a bit reductive and goofy; a lot of these Evangelical presses do that, but its a good rundown of Chalmers' life for a layperson.

[Sydney Jacques · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was all good information, and very concise, but to be totally honest the book was badly written. I enjoyed it though.