Ralph Erskine (minister) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ralph Erskine |
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Portrait of Ralph Erskine by Richard Waitt
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 March 1685 |
| Died | 6 November 1752 (aged 67) |
| Buried | Dunfermline |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Denomination | (1) Church of Scotland (2) Secession Church (3) Burgher Seceder |
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Ralph Erskine (born March 18, 1685 – died November 6, 1752) was an important Scottish religious leader. He was known for his strong beliefs and his writings.
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Ralph Erskine's Family Life
Ralph Erskine was the son of Henry Erskine, who was also a minister. He had an older brother named Ebenezer Erskine, who was also a very well-known church leader.
Ralph Erskine's Career as a Minister
From 1705 to 1709, Ralph worked as a private teacher and religious guide for Colonel John Erskine. After studying at the University of Edinburgh, Ralph became a minister in Dunfermline in 1711.
He supported his brother's protests against the main church leaders. Even though he agreed with his brother, he didn't officially leave the main Church of Scotland until 1737.
He was also present at the first meeting of a new group called the "associate presbytery." This group was formed by ministers who had left the main church. Later, a split happened in this new group because of a disagreement about an oath that townspeople had to take. Ralph and his brother joined the "Burgher" part of this new church group.
Ralph Erskine's Writings
Ralph Erskine wrote many things. His works include sermons, which are religious speeches. He also wrote poems that explained parts of the Bible. These were called "poetical paraphrases." He also wrote special poems called "gospel sonnets." His book The Gospel Sonnets was very popular and was printed many times. His life story and personal journal were published in 1834.
Ralph Erskine's Statue
There is a large bronze statue of Ralph Erskine in the center of Dunfermline. It stands on a tall base not far from the main street.
Ralph Erskine as a Free Gardener
Ralph Erskine was a member of the Dunfermline Lodge of Free Gardeners. He joined this group in 1721. The Free Gardeners were a friendly society, similar to other clubs of that time. They were not actually involved in gardening.
Famous Sayings by Ralph Erskine
Ralph Erskine was known for his thoughtful words. Here are some of his quotes:
- "Faith, without trouble or fighting, is a suspicious faith; for true faith is a fighting, wrestling faith." – Ralph Erskine, 1733
- "A rigid matter was the law,
demanding brick, denying straw,
But when with gospel tongue it sings,
it bids me fly and gives me wings"
– Ralph Erskine
