Benjamin Morgan Palmer (1818-1902) was on the leading
theo-logians of the Southern Presbyterian Church. Palmer was not only a great
theologian and a powerful preacher but also a wise physician of souls. In 2014
the Banner of Truth published a selection of articles Palmer wrote for The
Southern Presbyterian in the years 1869-1870.
The articles are divides in five categories. The
second one con-taining Palmer’s articles on foreign missions are as relevant and
compelling as when he wrote them. The same can be said of his exposition of the
Beatitudes in the third part. Palmer emphasizes that the Sermon on the Mount
must not be read as just ethical education. This ignores that it is fond on the
lips of the Savior of sinners.
The Sermon on the Mount starts with the Beatitudes and
so make clear its evangelical nature. The nature of the kingdom of God, the
whole gospel of Jesus Christ and all the elements of true Christian experience
which are the result of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are unfolded in the
Beatitudes.
The last part contains articles related to Christian
experience. I just give a quote from the second article in which Palmer
explains the meaning of the expression ‘accepted in the Beloved’ (Ephesians 1:6).
‘The measure of God’s love to the
believer is the love he has for Christ. From him it glances upon us – the love
of a Father to those he has given to power to become his sons. And so it will
be throughout eternity. Always seen and always loved only in Christ, the love
will be as unchangeable as it is perfect. The acceptance being without
reservation, the blessedness will be full, and the joy such as overflows from
the Savior’s heart into the heart of his ransomed people forever and forever.’
Palmer lived what he taught and preached. When late on
wet and dismal Saturday night and a communion service before him the next Lord’s
Day a summons came. His wife urged him to delay the response till the following
day. Palmer replied: ‘No. Death waits upon no man’s convenience, and an
immortal soul may be at stake.’ So Palmer is a model for any minister of the gospel
in his care for immortal souls.
Selected Writings of Benjamin Morgan Palmer, selected by Caleb Cangelosi and edited
by C.N. Wilborn, Banner of Truth, Edinburgh 2014; ISBN 978-1-84871-410-6;
hardcover 205 pp., price £9,50.