The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning by Hugh Binning

(4 User reviews)   1587
By Abil Kile Posted on Nov 15, 2025
In Category - Neval
Binning, Hugh, 1627-1653 Binning, Hugh, 1627-1653
English
Ever wonder what a 17th-century Scottish minister would say to us today? Hugh Binning's collected works are a surprising conversation across four centuries. This isn't dry theology—it's a passionate, personal plea for a meaningful life. Binning grapples with the biggest questions: How do we live with purpose? What does real faith look like in a messy world? His voice feels urgent and fresh, like he's writing for our own anxious times. If you're curious about spiritual classics but find them intimidating, Binning's direct, heartfelt style might be your perfect gateway. It's like finding a wise old friend in the pages of a very old book.
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An Engagement In War, And Associate With The Malignant Party. Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. A Treatise Of Christian Love. To The Reader. Chapter I. Chapter II. Chapter III. Chapter IV. Chapter V. Several Sermons Upon The Most Important Subjects Of Practical Religion. The Publisher To The Reader. Sermon I. Sermon II. Sermon III. Sermon IV. Sermon V. Sermon VI. Sermon VII. Sermon VIII. Sermon IX. Sermon X. Sermon XI. Sermon XII. Sermon XIII. Sermon XIV. Sermon XV. Sermon XVI. Sermon XVII. Sermon XVIII. Sermon XIX. Sermon XX. Sermon XXI. Sermon XXII. Footnotes The Works Of The Rev. Hugh Binning, M.A., One of the Regents in the University of Glasgow, And Afterwards Minister of Govan Collected and Edited by The Rev. M. Leishman, D.D., Minister of the Parish of Govan NOTANDA. The following Notes, by the Editor, ought to have been inserted at the foot of their respective pages. Page 1, line 25 Nulla est tam facilis res, quin difficilis siet, Quam invitus facias—_Terent. Heaut._ iv, vi. 1 “There is nothing so easy, as not to become difficult should you do it unwillingly.” P. 1, l. 35. Nam illud verum est M. Catonis oraculum, nihil agendo, homines male agere discunt. “For that is a true oracle of M. Cato—by doing nothing, men learn to do ill.”—_Columel._ lib. xi, cap. 1. P. 5, last line. Ει γουν αηδων ημην, εποιουν τα της αηδονος, ει κυκνος, τα του κυκνου, νυν δε λογικος ειμι, ὑμνειν με δει τον θεον. “Were I a nightingale, I would perform the office of a nightingale, or a swan, that of a swan; but since I am a rational creature, it is right that I should celebrate the praises of God.”—_Epictet. Dissert._ lib. i, cap. 16. P. 7, l. 53. Quidam vivere tunc incipiunt, cum desinendum est. Si hoc judicas mirum, adjiciam quod magis admireris, quidam ante vivere defecerunt, quam inciperent. “Some then begin to live when they are near the close of life. If you think this wonderful, I will add what you will wonder at still more, some have ceased to live before they have begun to live.”—_Senec. Epist._ xxiii. P. 9, l. 18. Cicero represents the saying— _Amicorum omnia communia_ (Friends have all things in common)—to be a Greek proverb—_De Offic._ lib. i, cap. xvi. P. 12, l. 50. Ubi in contrarium ducit, ipsa velocitas majoris intervalli causa fit. “When it leads to an opposite direction, velocity becomes itself the cause of a wider separation.”—_Senec. De Vita Beata_, cap. i. P. 13. l. 7. At hic, tritissima quæque via, et celeberrima, maxime decipit. “But here, every path that is most beaten, and most famous, deceives most.”—_Ibid._ P. 13. l. 16.—pergentes, non qua eundum est, sed qua itur—“proceeding, not where we ought to go, but where others go.”_—Ibid._ P. 15, l. 30. Aut prodesse volunt, aut delectare—_Hor. Ars Poet._, v. 333. “They wish either to improve or delight.” P. 16, l. 6. Omne tulit punctum, qui miscuit utile dulci—_Id._, v. 343. “Profit and pleasure them to mix with art Shall gain all votes.”—_Francis Translation_ P. 37, l. 4. Pluris est oculatus testis unus quam auriti decem Qui audiunt audita dicunt, qui vident plane sciunt—_Plaut. Trucul._ ii. vi. 8. “One eye witness is worth more than ten witnesses who speak by hearsay. They who hear tell what they hear, they who see have a perfect knowledge of what occurs.” P. 37, l. 50. The title πολυωνυμος (distinguished by many names) was often applied by the Greeks to the principal object of their idolatrous worship. Cleanthes begins his Hymn to...

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Let's be clear: this isn't a novel with a plot. The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning is a collection of sermons and writings from a Scottish preacher who lived from 1627 to 1653. The 'story' here is the journey of his thoughts. Binning wrote during a time of huge political and religious upheaval in Scotland. His writings tackle the core ideas of Christian faith—love, grace, and how to live well—but he does it by addressing the everyday struggles of his congregation. He's not building abstract arguments; he's trying to mend hearts and make faith practical for farmers, families, and folks just trying to get by.

Why You Should Read It

What stunned me was how immediate Binning feels. You expect dusty, complicated language from the 1600s, but he writes with a fiery, pastoral warmth. He's less concerned with doctrine and more with the experience of faith: the joy, the doubt, the daily effort. Reading him, you get the sense of a man who deeply loved people and wanted them to find peace and purpose. His focus on love as the central force of a good life cuts through centuries of religious baggage. It's profoundly humane.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for readers of spiritual classics who appreciate a direct, heartfelt voice. If you've enjoyed writers like C.S. Lewis for their clarity, or if you're curious about historical Christian thought but find older texts dense, Binning is a fantastic and accessible entry point. It's also a great pick for history lovers who want to understand the personal, emotional landscape of 17th-century Scotland, beyond just the politics and battles. Just be ready for a conversation, not a page-turning thriller.



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Donna Flores
1 year ago

Thanks for the recommendation.

Donna Moore
1 year ago

This is one of those stories where the atmosphere created is totally immersive. Absolutely essential reading.

Robert Robinson
1 year ago

Compatible with my e-reader, thanks.

Linda Thompson
1 year ago

Good quality content.

4.5
4.5 out of 5 (4 User reviews )

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