Biography
William Chalmers Burns was born in Scotland in 1815, the son of a Presbyterian minister. He initially considered other work before his Christian conversion in 1832 redirected him toward ministry. He studied at Aberdeen and Glasgow and developed a strong ability in biblical languages.[1] [2]
In 1839 he supplied Robert Murray M'Cheyne's pulpit in Dundee while M'Cheyne travelled abroad. His preaching was associated with the awakening there and with revival at Kilsyth, where his father ministered. These events brought invitations to preach more widely.[2]
Burns went to China in 1847 under the Presbyterian Church of England. There his work included evangelism, language learning, the training of Chinese evangelists, and the translation of Christian literature, including Pilgrim's Progress and hymns. His ministry crossed linguistic and cultural boundaries and depended on relationships with Chinese believers.[1]
He died in China in 1868. Burns is remembered both in Scottish revival history and in the history of Protestant mission in China. His legacy includes the literature he translated and the Christian workers he helped train. The account of his life must hold these quieter forms of service alongside the better-known public awakenings.[1] [2]
Sources and references
Sources
“I am ready to burn out for God. I am ready to endure any hardship, if by any means I might save some.”
“The longing of my heart is to make known my glorious Redeemer to those who have never heard.”
“The longing of my heart would be to go once around the world before I die, and preach one gospel invitation in the ear of every creature.”
“Always be ready, for the servant of Christ must not wait for comfort before he obeys the call of God.”
“Brother, we must hurry. Souls are perishing, and the gospel must not be delayed.”
“Your days at the most cannot be very long, so use them for the glory of God and the benefit of your generation.”
“God is not dead, and the gospel has lost none of its power. It is we Christians who have lost our power with God.”
“Are you willing to let God search your heart, that no sin may grieve Him and keep back the blessing?”
“When asked when I would be ready to go, my answer was, Now.”
“I would rather spend and be spent for Christ than preserve myself and leave souls without the gospel.”