Hugh Martin (2) (1822–1885)

All my Christian life I have heard people recommend the writings of the 19th century Scots Presbyterian Hugh Martin but somehow I have never got round to reading anything by him. Then in June 2025 I was at a conference where one of his books was being given away to some and was only £5 to others and so I bought "The abidng presence" (originally Christ's presence in the Gospel history) and read it soon after. The book begins by making the point that no ordinary book of memoirs concludes with show more the promise, ‘I am with you always, even to the end of the world.’ But the biography of Jesus is no mere commemoration of the departed; his promise makes the Gospel account a living history. Martin explores things very carefully and helpfully and provides us with a brilliant book of teaching. I particularly liked the way he points out that when Christ was baptised, he identified with us sinners and when we are baptised, we identify with him. It has made me want to read his others books. show less