James Durham

James Durham was born in 1622 in Scotland and studied at St. Andrews University, but dropped out to pursue the life of a country gentleman.^M Shortly after marriage, Durham was converted, and then intense study of the Scriptures and his experiences as a captain in the Scottish Army led him to assurance of salvation. David Dickson overheard Durham praying with his soldiers and was so impressed that he advised him to study for the ministry. Durham did give up his life of luxury for theological studies, earning his Master of Arts in 1647 and served as a minister for three years. In 1650, he was appointed professor of divinity at Glasgow University, replacing David Dickson (who transferred to Edinburgh University). However, he was soon appointed by the General Assembly as chaplain to the king, but, due to war between England and Scotland in which the king fled to Europe, lost that post. He became minister of St. Mungo’s church in Glasgow where he served until his death in 1658. He was known for piety, wisdom, scholarship, and humility. Besides his work on the Sum, he wrote many books.