Tag Archives: Thomas Boston

Thomas Boston on the corruption of human nature

Posted on April 5, 2012 by neilrobbie

Our view of human nature in the West swung in the past century from believing that we are essentially corrupt and wicked to believing we are essentially good and evolving, as American journalist and talk show host Barbara Walters puts … Continue reading →

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Edward Fisher: The Tree of Life in the Marrow

Posted on March 26, 2012 by neilrobbie

I need some help to find some theological references.  First, some background.  Lots of the earliest posts on this blog were about the function of the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden.  I argue, there, that the promise … Continue reading →

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Lessons for the life of Thomas Boston #6 – don’t let first impressions last

Posted on November 8, 2011 by neilrobbie

This is an extra post in a series of five posts on lessons for ministry from the life and times of Thomas Boston. Lesson #6 – don’t let first impressions last. In 1711 Thomas Boston moved 30 miles east from … Continue reading →

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A glorious summary of the person and work of Christ by Thomas Boston

Posted on October 11, 2011 by neilrobbie

Thomas Boston, the Ettrick Shepherd, was a Christ-centred preacher, a model for preachers today, as Andrew Thompson writes: We have only to look into his sermons in order to see what a blessed extent his practice realized his aim. His … Continue reading →

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Lessons in ministry from the life of Thomas Boston #5: Spend time in the study

Posted on September 22, 2011 by neilrobbie

This is the fifth in a series of five posts on lessons for ministry from the life and times of Thomas Boston. Lesson #5 – spend time in the study There is a simple and unalterable rule in ministry: there … Continue reading →

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Lessons in ministry from the life of Thomas Boston #4: Overcoming addiction

Posted on September 20, 2011 by neilrobbie

The human heart is made to love and this love settles on almost anything in or around us and when it does we face addiction.  Self-image, stimulants, power, money, other people, all compete for our affection and that affection can … Continue reading →

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Lessons for ministry from the life of Thomas Boston #3 – time and scale in ministry

Posted on September 19, 2011 by neilrobbie

This is the third in a series of five posts on lessons for ministry from the life and times of Thomas Boston. Lesson #3 – it takes time to turn a whole parish to Christ. Boston’s first “placement” was in … Continue reading →

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Lessons for ministry from the life of Thomas Boston #2 – denominational politics

Posted on September 13, 2011 by neilrobbie

This is the second in a series of five posts on lessons for ministry from the life and times of Thomas Boston. Lesson #2 – Denominational decisions can have an unexpected and adverse effect on ministry. Denominations make decisions which … Continue reading →

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Lessons for ministry from the life of Thomas Boston #1 – preparation for ministry

Posted on September 12, 2011 by neilrobbie

I’ve always had an interest in the life of Thomas Boston who was born in Duns, just 24 miles from where I grew up in Melrose.  His ministry in Ettrick, which began in 1707, must have influenced the culture of … Continue reading →

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From the vicarage July/August 2011

Posted on July 11, 2011 by neilrobbie

From the Vicarage July and August 2011 Dear Church The summer holidays always feel to me like the end of the church year. School closes for the six-week break, the ministry trainee scheme winds down, the Robbie family head off … Continue reading →

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