The Theology and Theologians of Scotland

James Walker (1821–1891) was well equipped to produce a survey of Scottish theology. He was known as ‘a good classical scholar.’ He was just as at home in the Latin works of the great Scottish theologians as the homely English prose of their sermons. He was among the most able of a generation of ministers who had not yet lost access to the older sixteenth- and seventeenth-century systems of theology.

And among the pastoral duties of his office, he devoted significant time to the study of Scottish church history and theology. His brother recounted that ‘his chair was often surrounded by big volumes, which spoke for the extent of his reading. His acquaintance with Scottish history and theology is shown in his Cunningham Lectures.’ His biographer similarly stated, ‘He was well acquainted with the writers of the seventeenth century. He knew all the incidents of the Covenanting struggle. He had studied in all their bearings the principles that animated the Covenanters, and with many of these principles he deeply sympathized. For him, the history of the Secession movements of the eighteenth century seemed to have a special attraction. Hardly any man outside the communion of the religious bodies that eventually formed the United Presbyterian Church, and few within them, could be better acquainted than he was with their divisions and controversies.’

The value of his extensive study of Scottish theology, presented to the public in Theology and Theologians, has long been recognized. John MacLeod speaks of Walker as ‘a remarkably well-read and capable divine.’ He acknowledges this book to be ‘a masterly work … in its own department, a classic.’ Nick Needham calls it ‘the standard work on the subject.’ These testimonies are eminently justified.

The preparation of this edition has been something of a labour of love. As discussed above, Walker’s illness prevented him from offering to the public a properly documented edition with references and notes. In order to enhance the value of Walker’s work, and to guide readers into the treasure trove of books he was referencing, nearly all his citations have now been referenced. The painstaking work of tracing his references has cost many hours. But they were hours spent among the theologians of Scotland—and who would fail to regard that as time well spent! Further references have been added to helpful secondary literature on many of the figures Walker mentions. As well as including references, all Latin has been translated.

The opportunity has also been taken to add the available sermons of James Walker to this volume. These are taken from his James Walker D.D. of Carnwath Free Church: Essays, Papers and Sermons, and the Free Church Pulpit, and demonstrate his abilities as a preacher. The essays and papers have not been added, as they are of lesser spiritual interest and value.

I have no doubt that those who carefully work through this volume will be spiritually enriched and drawn to read more widely in Scottish theology. It is important in this connection to highlight other relevant Banner of Truth books, which will also aid in the exploration of the finest of the genre:

—Donald John Maclean, in the Publisher’s Preface