Hugh Binning was born in Dalvennan, Ayrshire, in 1627, and, as was the same with so many other ministers of the period, he was from a relatively affluent family. His father, John, was a wealthy landowner, which meant he was able to provide his son with an excellent education.
After completing his studies at the local Grammar School by the age of thirteen, Binning went on to study at the University of Glasgow, beginning in 1640, earning his Master of Arts degree in Philosophy in 1646. Speaking of his academic abilities, Alexander Grossart wrote “He easily outstripped his schoolfellows of twice and thrice his years, and in his thirteenth and fourteenth years, his gravity and piety were recognized with a kind of awe by all.” Subsequently, he was appointed Professor of Philosophy. During this time, however, he was also studying theology under David Dickson, always intending to enter the Ministry. “It is said that his lectures were both profound and practical.” With Binning, he felt that Philosophy and Theology were inextricably linked. Robert McWard titled him “The Scots’ Cicero” on account of his eloquence.
On the 25th of October, 1649, he was called to the parish of Govan, Glasgow, and ordained on the 8th of January, 1650. This being his only charge, he would go on to serve the congregation faithfully until his death in 1653. He was well known in his final years as a God-fearing, eminent preacher and able scholar. Large crowds flocked to hear his preaching. His sermons were warm, practical, and above all, rich in the gospel. A contemporary and fellow Glasgow minister, James Durham, said, “There was no speaking after Binning.”
On the 17th of May, 1650, he married Mary Simpson, (also known as Barbara,) daughter of James Simpson. Simpson was a Chaplain during the Civil War and later minister of Airth Parish, Scotland. With Mary, Binning had one son called John. Binning was active in the debates between the Protestors and the Resolutioners, siding with the former, although without the same ferocity of some of his Protesting Brethren. Although not published until much later, it was during this time that he wrote his Treatise on Christian Love. In this, he demonstrates his caring and more temperate nature.
In 1651, when Cromwell and his forces had invaded Scotland, Binning took part in debates between the Scottish Presbyterians and the English Independents whilst they had encamped in Glasgow. Cromwell was so impressed with his theological knowledge and ability to embarrass the Independents during the debates, and especially once learning Binning was only 24, that he is reported to have said, making a pun of binding for Binning, “He hath bound well indeed, but,” pointing to his sword, “this will loose all again.”
From this time on, he laboured diligently at Govan until he was called home to the Lord, dying of Consumption, or tuberculosis as it is known today, in September 1653 and was buried in Govan Parish churchyard. His friend, and the Principal of Glasgow University at that time, Patrick Gillespie, paid for his gravestone to be erected. Gillespie would go on to edit and publish many of Binning’s works.
Binning was well respected, and his name was remembered for generations in the Parish of Govan. It is said he “was a person of singular piety, of a humble, meek and peaceable temper and a judicious and lively preacher…” He was the quintessential Puritan Pastor and an exemplary God-Fearing Christian. His writings are well worth reading, True Christian Love is still in print. This also contains three sermons on Romans 8:1-15, entitled the Sinners Sanctuary. The entire collection of sermons were reprinted this year by Soli Deo Gloria, they also reissued his collected works in 2018.
