Here is a wonderful presentation of gospel truth by Ralph Erskine. His presentation of the offer of the gospel explains who the gospel is offered to. He shows what it is to receive Christ by faith. Then he shows how we who have received Christ must show our faith by a living, active obedience. "A gospel faith should have a gospel practice because hereby the beauty of faith appears to others and our light shines before men, so as they, seeing our good works, do glorify God."
Ralph Erskine was the brother of another prominent churchman, Ebenezer Erskine. After studying at the University of Edinburgh, Ralph was ordained assistant minister at Dunfermline in 1711. He ratified the protests which his brother laid on the table of the assembly after being rebuked for his synod sermon, but he did not formally withdraw from the establishment till 1737.
He was also present at, though not a member of, the first meeting of the "associate presbytery". When the severance took place over the oath administered to burgesses, he adhered, along with his brother, to the burgher section.
His works consist of sermons, poetical paraphrases and gospel sonnets. The Gospel Sonnets have frequently appeared separately. His Life and Diary, edited by the Rev. D Fraser, was published in 1842.
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