Introduction to
The Works of Hugh Binning
by Rev. Eric Alexander
I am privileged to introduce modern readers to the Rev. Hugh Binning, a fellow-Scot who ministered in my native city of Glasgow, both in the University and in the Parish of Govan, in the seventeenth century. Binning was a remarkable scholar, illustrated by the fact that he became Professor of Philosophy in Glasgow University at the age of 19. During the three years in which he held the chair in Glasgow, he also studied theology and became minister of Govan on the River Clyde in 1650.
His ministry was brief, since he died when he was only 26, probably of tuberculosis. However, the quality of Hugh Binning's godliness and the depth of his scholarly insight were so great that he made a profound impact on his century and far beyond. Oliver Cromwell was much impressed by the skill of the case Binning argued against independency in a dispute between Presbyterian and Independents in 1651. Yet, he was most amicably disposed towards the Independents and even gave the use of his church to one of their chaplains.
Binning's ministry was marked by several features. First, he has a very distinctive style. It will be recognized by those who are acquainted with this period that the schoolmen, raising division in their exposition of a text of Scripture, and then many sub-divisions with subtle distinctions which may have escaped the hearers and readers. Binning adopted a more simple style, but clothed his thoughts in such eloquence that, in turn, some found it difficult to follow him. The elegance of his language has a power of its own, and Dr. McCrie said of him, "very few writers please me more."
Secondly, he is most thoroughly committed to the authority of Scripture. He says, "there needs be no more question about the divine authority of the Scriptures among those who have their senses exercised to discern between good and ill than among men who see and taste, concerning light and darkness, sweet and bitter." His great emphasis is that it is only when the sinner is enlightened by the Holy Spirit that he will perceive the power and authority of Scripture: "His arm must create an eye in their souls, an internal light, before it can behold that glorious brightness of God shining in the Word."
Thirdly, he preaches pastorally and to the conscience. This, together with his style, is perhaps the most notable feature of Binning's ministry. Listen to him urging the truth of 1 John 1:7 upon discouraged Christians:
Now, my beloved, for you who look upon the gospel by a parcel (portion), and such a parcel as enjoins much upon you, I would earnestly beseech you to open and enlarge your hearts to receive the full body of the truth; to look upon that cleansing blood as well as that pure light; to consider the perpetual use of the one until you have fully attained the other. Know that the fountain is kept open and not shut; not only to admit you to come at first, but to give ready access in all after-defilements; and there is no word more comprehensive than this here, it "cleanseth from all sin." All thy exceptions, doubts, and difficulties, are about some particular sins and circumstances; thy debates run upon some exception. But here is an universal comprehensive work, that excludes all exception - no kind of sin, either for quality, or degree, or circumstance, is too great for this blood. And therefore, as you have reason to be humbled for your failings, so there is no reason to be discouraged, but rather revive your spirits and vigour again in the study of this walking in the light, knowing that one day we shall be in the light, as he is in it.
This volume consists of a series of magisterial addresses on the Common Principles of the Christian religion, a series of 40 sermons on Romans 8 entitled "The Sinner's Sanctuary", a series on I John, and miscellaneous other addresses, amongst them a delightful "Treatise on Christian Love."
Binning is both stimulation for the mind and food for the soul. It is a great benefit to the entire Christian church that this volume is being made available again, and I warmly commend it.
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