He was born on 2 June 1721 in Carnock in
Fife (near
Dunfermline). He attended school in
Cupar then the
High School of Edinburgh followed by an
M.A. at
Edinburgh University. He then studied
law for a time but quickly changed course for a religious career and was eventually
licensed by the
Presbytery of
Dunblane 16 August 1743. He was ordained parish minister of
Kirkintilloch, north of
Glasgow, on 31 May 1744 and subsequently translated to
Culross, in
Fife on 21 February 1753. On 15 June 1758 he took up position in
New Greyfriars Church,
Edinburgh. Then, on 9 July 1767 he was called to Old Greyfriars Church taking up position in 1768, where he became the colleague of
Principal Robertson, the historian. Here he remained until his death, which took place on 19 January 1803. Erskine's writings consist chiefly of controversial pamphlets on
theological subjects. His sermons were clear, vigorous expositions of a moderate
Calvinism, in which
metaphysical argument and practical
morality are happily blended. He was very supportive of foreign missions, which he supported in the
General Assembly - famously beginning a response to an opponent of such missions "
Moderator, rax me (that is, hand me) that bible". His books, etc., show him to have been very prolific and to have been keenly interested in the politics of the day. He was against
Roman Catholic Emancipation and on the side of the
American Colonies in their dispute with
King George III. (Scottish merchants had several days' advantage in crossing the Atlantic, and colonial harbours were often crowded with
Glasgow ships). He received the honorary doctorate of
Doctor of Divinity from
Glasgow University in 1766. He was well connected to the great religious events of the time - for example the religious revivals in Scotland, (see
The 'Cambuslang Wark'), England (
Methodism)and America (
The Great Awakening). He obviously thought he was living in eventful times. In church politics he was the leader of the
evangelical party, often seen as opponents of the
Moderate Party, though his friendship with that Party's great leader,
Principal Robertson belies this simple opposition. He was well loved and respected and was asked to preach throughout the country.
Sir Walter Scott praised Erskine in his novel
Guy Mannering. He died suddenly on 18 January 1803 and is buried in
Greyfriars Kirkyard. The grave lies midway along the eastern side in front of the large Kerr memorial. A memorial window was also added in
Greyfriars Kirk in his name. ==Family==