March 22, 2007

Coming This April - #8 of 8

Letters of Thomas Chalmers
with introduction by Iain H. Murray

Here you have it, the final unveiling of the eighth title next to be released from the Banner .....
-----------------------------------
‘It is not often that the world has seen men like Thomas Chalmers.’ The vast crowds who lined the streets of Edinburgh as Chalmers’ funeral procession made its way from Charlotte Square to the Grange cemetery, no doubt concurred with this statement of Thomas Carlyle. Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847) was indeed a remarkable man – parish minister, popular preacher, social reformer, lecturer in moral philosophy, economics, and theology, the first Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland. His great natural gifts, combined with his fervent determination to serve the Lord who had so signally saved him by divine grace, thrust him to the forefront of the evangelical movement that was to bring such a transformation to Scotland.

This volume, first published in 1853, contains a selection of his correspondence, edited by his son-in-law and biographer, William Hanna. These letters breathe the warmth of Chalmers’ devotion to Christ and reveal his true soul. Here we see the man behind the powerful sermons and impressive lectures, the ecclesiastical debates and the studied volumes of theology – a humble servant of Christ who in spite of his outstanding natural gifts longed to be a true man of God. Writing to a friend he says, ‘I long to realize the joys and exercises and the habits of experimental religion, to love Christ as fervently as good Samuel Rutherford . . . There is nothing of which I am more thoroughly aware than the utter difference which there is between a speculative and an experimental conviction of the same truth . . . I long for more of the life and freshness of an actual contact with these things – for the kingdom of God as abundantly in power as it is in word.’

‘Let us all address ourselves to Him as the alone refuge and propitiation of sinners. We cannot surely trust Him too much; nor is there temerity or presumption in venturing our all upon so sure a foundation, Let us not fear that if our dependence be strong enough, we shall fail in our preparations for eternity; as the simpler and stronger our faith, the more fervent will be our love, the more abundant as well as affectionate will be our obedience.’ (Thomas Chalmers, Letter No. CLXXXI)

3 comments:

stephen lee cavness said...

thanks for the visit, steve.

thanks for all of the work that "banner" does to put such helpful and christ centered resources in the hands of those of us who devour anything it!

have a blessed weekend,
-stephen lee cavness

Steve Burlew said...

Same to you, Stephen. As I mentioned over at your site, it would be GREAT if you, and several others from there at Southern, would join us May 29-31 for the annual Banner of Truth Ministers' Conference! At a price of only $100, which includes registration, lodging, meals PLUS a lot more ... well, it'd be great to have you there! Give it some thought.
Steve

stephen lee cavness said...

steve,

i would actually *really8 love to be there, but my son is due on may 25, so i will not be able to attend.

i do go to southern (only 2 semesters left, lord willing!)> we finish with classes and finals within the first two weeks of may.

if there is anything i can do , as a student, to help spread the word about b.o.t., let me know!

soli deo gloria,
-stephen