James Fisher (Secession minister) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids James Fisher |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1697 |
| Died | 1775 |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Denomination | (1) Church of Scotland (2) Secession Church (3) Burgher Seceder |
James Fisher (1697–1775) was an important Scottish minister. He was one of the people who helped start the Secession Church in Scotland. He was born in Barr on January 23, 1697. His father, Thomas Fisher, was also a minister.
James Fisher studied at the University of Glasgow. He became a minister in 1725. He later joined his father-in-law, Ebenezer Erskine, in disagreeing with the main church. They believed the church was not following its own rules.
In 1733, James Fisher became one of the four original members of the Associate Presbytery. This group was the beginning of the Secession Church. He continued to preach even after the main church tried to stop him. He later moved to Glasgow in 1741.
James Fisher's Story
James Fisher was born in Barr, Ayrshire, in 1697. He went to Glasgow University to study. In 1725, he became a minister in Kinclaven, Perthshire.
In 1727, he married the daughter of Reverend Ebenezer Erskine. Erskine was another minister who shared Fisher's strong beliefs. They both felt the main church was making mistakes.
They disagreed with how the church chose its ministers. They also felt the church was not teaching correctly. The church leaders did not listen to their concerns.
In 1732, Erskine gave a sermon that openly criticized the church. For this, the church leaders punished him. But James Fisher and two other ministers supported Erskine.
Because they protested, these ministers were removed from the church. They then formed their own group, called the Associate Presbytery. This was the start of the Secession Church.
Most people in Fisher's church in Kinclaven stayed with him. His congregation grew with new members. In 1741, he moved to Glasgow to lead a new church there.
Later, in 1748, there was a disagreement within the Secession Church itself. This was about something called the Burgess Oath. Because of this, Fisher was removed from his position by one part of the church.
However, another part of the Secession Church, called the Burgher Synod, gave him an important job. In 1749, they made him a professor. He taught future ministers about religion.
His Family Life
James Fisher married Jean Erskine on July 4, 1727. Jean was the daughter of Ebenezer Erskine. She passed away in 1771.
They had several children together. Some of their children included:
- Ebenezer, born in 1739. He died in North Carolina in 1767.
- Ralph, born in 1743. He became a merchant.
- Margaret, born in 1745. She married Walter Ewing Maclae.
- Jean, who married James Erskine, another minister.
- Alison, who married Robert Campbell, also a minister.
- Ann, who married William Wardlaw.
- Mary, who married John Gray.
What Did James Fisher Write?
James Fisher is most famous for his book called Fisher's Catechism. A catechism is a book of questions and answers used to teach religious beliefs. His book helped explain the Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Assembly.
Many ministers helped write Fisher's Catechism. But James Fisher finished the book after the others had passed away. It became a very popular teaching guide in the Secession Church. Many other religious leaders also liked and used it.
Fisher also wrote other books and papers. These were mostly about religious discussions happening at the time. Some of his other works include:
- The Inestimable Value of Divine Truth considered (1738)
- Christ Jesus the Lord, considered as the Inexhaustible Matter of Gospel Preaching (1740)
- Christ the Sole and Wonderful Doer in the Work of Man's Redemption (1745)
- The Character of a Faithful Minister of Jesus Christ (1752)
- The Doors of the Heart summoned to open to the King of Glory (1755)
