While we hope that the many works of men like M’Cheyne, Bannerman, and the Bonar brothers have wide circulation, we also realize that not everyone has time or energy to commit to an in-depth reading of all of their works. We are grateful to note that there is a helpful resource now available to keep before us the earnest focus of our forefathers. None Other Name: Daily Devotional Readings from the 19th Century Scottish Ministers, by Leen J. van Valen brings together a curated selection of some of the finest examples of this focus.
Mr. Milne kept back nothing from his people, but spoke freely and boldly of all current events and controversies. He was one of the few who could, without awkwardness or difficulty, introduce any subject into the pulpit, either in prayer or discourse. His first morning prayer in church was always very remarkable for the minute fulness with which it entered into the various cases that had come before him; it might be sickness, or pain, or losses, or bereavements, or anxieties, or spiritual trouble; every one was specially indicated and prayed for. This was one of the tenderest and closest of his pastoral bonds; for thus, while his affections were flowing out towards his flock, theirs were drawn towards each other. In many other ways did his ready sympathies get vent to themselves, far beyond his own people. Wherever he heard of sorrow, thither a note from him found its way, or a call was made; and if the parties could not be seen, his card was sent in with John 14:1, or some such text, pencilled on it, and “love and sympathy” written above or below his name.
