In the forty years prior to these lectures, Scotland had been favoured with true revivals, for example, at Moulin in 1800; in Skye in 1814; in Arran in 1818; in Lewis in 1834; and at Kilsyth in 1839. This adds a special lustre to this book. It is no theoretical reflection on revival. Those who delivered these lectures knew what they wrote about. Indeed, it was “in consequence of… the time of refreshing” at Kilsyth that “it was thought expedient that a course of lectures should be delivered in Glasgow on the subject of Revivals of Religion, for the purpose of communicating right views and removing prejudices on that all-important topic.”

But it was no mere experience that formed these men’s views on revival. Indeed, references to contemporary events are remarkably few, either relating to revivals of the time, such as Kilsyth, or the momentous events which would lead to the formation of the Free Church of Scotland. Rather, it was theological conviction, born from a close study of Scripture and informed by church history which led these men to the views on revival that they held. And it is these timeless truths which are outlined in this volume.

—Donald John MacLean
from the Introduction

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Book Description

Mary, the mother of Jesus; Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus; and Mary Magdalene all feature prominently in the gospel narrative. But what can Christians learn from the faith displayed by these women?

In these moving and engaging chapters, Alexander Moody Stuart draws out their characters and helps readers learn from each one’s relationship to Jesus. Perhaps too often known only at the surface-level, these three women, brought into sharper focus by Moody Stuart’s reflective and often vivid portrayals, have much to teach us about the faithful Christian life.

Moody Stuart’s preaching and teaching were marked by a keen sensitivity to the human condition and its needs, combined with challenging practical application. This, linked with a deep tenderness and love, well-qualified him to write The Three Marys.

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John Duncan was born in Aberdeen in 1796. His father, a local shoemaker, was once described as ‘upright…walking in the fear of God, strict in his Secession principles, rugged and strong, in family discipline inexorable’. Duncan’s own spiritual pilgrimage was, however, tortuous and painful. His pathway to faith took him through unbelief and heresy, even although he had offered himself for the work of the Christian ministry. In retrospect his experiences prepared him for the quality of Christian service which later characterized his life and work, most notably as Professor of Hebrew in New College, Edinburgh.

A man of brilliant intellect, Duncan is often only known today by the anecdotes which memorialise the eccentricities which marked his life- as is often true of men of genius. But it is by his spiritual experience he is best remembered. It was deep and all-demanding, and not without its on-going struggles. But through it he came to a grace, understanding and wisdom possessed by few. For that reason alone contemporary Christians can learn much from these reminiscences of his life.

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