John Macpherson Collection (6 vols.)

In Christian Dogmatics, John Macpherson gives a systematic presentation of all the leading doctrines of the Christian faith. The standpoint is that of a moderate Calvinism. The history of the dogmas has been introduced only insofar as it’s necessary for the clear and intelligible statement of the positive doctrine. Macpherson provides lists of literature at the head of several sections, leading readers to treatises and works that are distinctly helpful in the discussion of those section’s subjects. The introduction is a helpful preface to the systematic study of Christian doctrine. Christian Dogmatics is divided into the following seven sections:

• Introduction
• Doctrine of God and the World
• Doctrine of Man and Sin
• The Doctrine of Redemption
• Application of Redemption
• The Means of Grace
• The Last Things

In the introduction to Presbyterianism, John Macpherson explains the various forms of church polity, the distinctive principles of Presbyterianism, the divine right of Presbytery, and the literature of Presbyterianism. The book is then divided into two parts: “Office and Office-Bearers in the Presbyterian Church,” where Macpherson defines the roles of elders, teachers, and deacons; and “Constitution and Gradation of Courts in the Presbyterian Church,” in which the functions of the several church courts are examined.

“The Sum of Saving Knowledge” is a short treatise on Christian doctrine that was attached to the Westminster Confession of 1646. It is a practical application of the doctrine of the Confession. This volume contains the treatise, along with commentary and notes by John Macpherson. As he states in the introduction, “For those who may be somewhat doubtful as to the effect of strictly doctrinal summaries on the spiritual condition of our youth, it may be interesting to learn that M’Cheyne attributes his first clear perception of the way of salvation to the reading of this treatise.” M’Cheyne’s diary of March 11, 1834, has this entry: “Read in ‘The Sum of Saving Knowledge,’ the work which I think first of all wrought a saving change in me.”

The type of doctrine here presented is precisely the same as that set forth in the Westminster Confession. Macpherson has in his notes entered into detailed exposition of the earlier sections, where historical references are helpful; while in the later sections, which do not call for such treatment, he has confined himself to short, explanatory notes.

In the Epistle to the Ephesians we have the most mature and sustained of all the statements of Christian doctrine which have come down to us from the hand of the great apostle. In almost all his other epistles Paul is now and again, and in some of them very frequently, carried away form the particular argument which he is pursuing, in order to deal with matter of local or temporary interest to his immediate readers. But in this epistle he goes on to utter forth uninterruptedly all that has taken possession of his own mind, in reference to those matters of faith and duty which must always be of utmost concern to the members of Christ’s body, who, while living upon earth, seek to have their conversation in heaven.

“A commentary on such an epistle ought to be exegetical,” writes Macpherson in the Preface. He deals with all questions of textual and grammatical criticism where they arise, in so far as these seem of importance in elucidating the particular and precise meaning of the passages in which they occur. Yet, he also gets at the heart and truth of the epistle. “It is the task of the expositor to make everything contribute to the elucidation of those great truths, with regard to the Christian creed and conduct, which the apostle here lays down for the instruction of those who no longer need to be fed on milk nor to be taught again what are the first principles of the oracles of God.”

History of the Church in Scotland gives a comprehensive account of the ecclesiastical and religious movements in Scotland from the original planting of Christianity to the close of the nineteenth century. Avoiding as far as possible details of civil history, attention has been given to Acts of Parliament and contrivances of statesmen only in so far as these have affected the interest of the Church in regard to its government and constitution. Macpherson deals faithfully and generously with the memories of the great men who in all the various divisions of the Church of Scotland have contributed to the theological literature and to the religious life of the country.

The Doctrine of the Church in Scottish Theology consists of six lectures given by John Macpherson, originally delivered in successive sessions to the United Free Colleges of Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Lectures include:

• The Scottish Theology—Its Literature and Its Distinctive Characteristics
• The Idea of the Church and Membership in It
• Church Unity—The Sin of Schism
• Church Purity—Censures and Excommunication
• Church Power—The Jurisdiction Claimed
• What According to Scottish Theology Is of Divine Right