1804-1870
Books (8)
Comfort in Affliction: Meditations, Buy 1851, 254 pages, the substance of these meditations were given in 1832
This is some of the dearest and most poignant Christian literature, filled with comfort for those suffering in affliction.
The Doctrine of Justification, Buy 1867, 510 pages, being one of the series of the Cunningham Lectures
This is the standard classic on the doctrine of justification. Read it first. Being a “justified sinner” is a contradiction to a Roman Catholic, it is the highest glory of the gospel to the believer. For many more reasons why you should read this work, read this review at A Purtian’s Mind.
The “Essays and Reviews” Examined, 1861, 284, articles on the authority and interpretation of scripture which originally appeared in a newspaper, being reviews of various works coming out of England
Modern Atheism: compared to Faith in God in their essential natures, theoretic grounds, and practical influence, 1855, 510 pages. This is volume 1 of Buchanan’s two volume work on Atheism.
This book consists of three parts, (1) arguments for the existence of God from general revelation, (2) an examination of such proofs, and (3) a critique of the theories that underly Atheism. “Modern Atheism” refers to the specific stripe of atheism that was rising in Buchanan’s day, though it is hardly different than the atheism of our own day.
Modern Atheism: under its forms of Pantheism, Materialism, Secularism, Development and Natural Laws, 1857, 423 pages, here is an HTML version. This is volume two of Buchanan’s two volume work on Atheism. The first two chapters (128 pages) are the same as section three in the first volume.
Buchanan initially entered the Free Church college in 1845 as professor of Apologetics. These two volumes reflect his competency and work in that field. Here he takes on the prevailing secular worldviews of his day, most of which are the same as in our own day.
The Office and Work of the Holy Spirit, Buy 1843, 519 pages
A classic, book length exposition of the beloved third person of the Trinity. This as well as his book on Justification reflect his work as professor of Systematic Theology, following Dr. Thomas Chalmers in that chair in 1847 in the New College of the Free Church.
On the “Tracts for the Times”, 1843, 112 pages, seven letters critiquing the Tractarian Movement at Oxford, England
Very relevant today as many people are being attracted to “High Church” Christianity. Read here why High Church views are unBiblical.
Chapters from Books
Cornelius – Acts 10, HTML, 1843, from his The Office and Work of the Holy Spirit, p. 174-185, Banner of Truth edition
Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Each Have a Part in Saving Sinners, HTML, 1867, from his Doctrine of Justification, 388-392, Baker edition
The Holy Spirit Enlightening the Mind, HTML, 1843, from his The Office and Work of the Holy Spirit, Banner of Truth edition
The Immediate and Only Ground of Justification: The Imputed Righteousness of Christ, HTML, no source info, probably from his The Doctrine of Justification
The Spirit as the Comforter, HTML, 1843, from his The Office and Work of the Holy Spirit, p. 277-284, Banner of Truth edition
The Work of the Spirit as the Spirit of Holiness, HTML, 1843, from his The Office and Work of the Holy Spirit, p. 239-249 Banner of Truth edition
The Work of the Spirit as the Spirit of Prayer, HTML, 1843, from his The Office and Work of the Holy Spirit, p. 269-276 Banner of Truth edition
Introduction
Prefatory Discourse: Containing a General Statement of the Case on Behalf of National Religious Establishments, 1835, 85 pages, by James Buchanan, an introduction to Lectures on the Nature, Lawfulness, Duty, and Advantages of Civil Establishments of Religion, 1835, 678 pages.
A more in depth treatment of the Establishment Principle than your average article. While you’re at it read the whole book by various other prominent Scottish ministers. It also defends the Biblical and historic reformed principle of the State endowing the Church, that is providing for it monetarily out of public funds.
Prefaces
Preface, four pages, by James Buchanan and his colleague James Bannerman, to Discussions on Church Principles: Popish, Erastian, and Presbyterian, 1863, 565 pages, by William Cunningham
Preface, four pages by James Buchanan and his colleague James Bannerman, to The Reformers and the Theology of the Reformation, 1862, 608 pages, by William Cunningham
Preface, six pages by James Buchanan and his colleague James Bannerman, to Historical Theology, vol. 1, 1863, 664 pages, by William Cunningham
Extracts
The Bible and Consolation, no source info, three paragraphs
New Birth Repentance and Faith, 1847, 10 paragraphs, from The Office and Work of the Holy Spirit
Thoughts and Reflecting on the New Year, no source info, 4 paragraphs
Related
A Review of The Doctrine of Justification, by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon at A Puritan’s Mind
Here’s a teaser that will make you want to read more of Buchanan