'Catching the Infection of His Zeal': Francis Johnston, a Baptist Voice in the mid-Nineteenth Century Scottish Evangelical Debate on the Work of the Holy Spirit

Abstract

In the nineteenth century there was a growing divide between
Evangelical Protestants in their understanding of the work of the Holy
Spirit. Traditionally revival had been seen as a sovereign work of God
that took place without the necessity of direct human intervention,
except for appeals in prayer. However, under the influence of American
Evangelist Charles Finney a new understanding was promoted that
suggested that if certain measures were adopted then evidence of a
revival could be expected. In Scotland the most prominent advocate of
this new understanding of this subject was Presbyterian clergyman James
Morison. Another adherent of these views was John Kirk an
Independent minister. These two individuals were the key influences on
Scottish Baptist leader Francis Johnston, whose zealous adoption of the
new measures caused serious division in Baptist ranks in Scotland in the
1840s and 1850s. This study considers the background to Johnston’s
adoption of a fresh understanding of this subject and interprets his
conduct in this period. It also evaluates his interaction with colleagues
and explains his reconciliation with other leading Scottish Baptists in the
early 1860s. The impact of the 1859 revival was the critical factor that
brought Scottish Baptists closer together in their understanding of the
work of the Holy Spirit.