James Morison, the Scottish Finney. II

When James Morison entered the Theological Hall of the United Secession Church in 1834 at the age of eighteen it still taught only in one short session of two months every summer - August and September. Thus Morison could begin his Theological Hall session while still studying at university. Having started with only one professor, who thus took all the classes, it had four professors.
The United Secession Hall professors were full-time pastors as well, and the Hall met at the Church of the Principal, which was in Glasgow in 1834.
The professors at the Hall when Morison started were Rev. Dr. Mitchell, the principal, who taught Biblical Literature; Dr. Balmer, professor of Systematic Theology; Dr. Duncan, professor of Pastoral Theology; and a newcomer, Rev. Dr. John Brown of Broughton Place, Edinburgh (author of the famous Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord, and commentaries on Romans, Galatians, Hebrews and 1 Peter, to name a few of his many works). A great preacher, it was Dr. Brown who was the great influence on the students. "His knowledge, acquirements and talents are beyond all I ever imagined," Morison wrote of Dr. Brown. Morison also appreciated the teaching of Dr. Balmer, and he had a respect for Mitchell and Duncan also. But it was Balmer and Brown in particular who were the deepest influences on young James Morison. From his first meeting with Brown, Morison loved and admired the pastor of Broughton Place Church. For his part, Brown admired Morison's mental power and saw in him great promise. His admiration and love for the student was symbolised by Brown giving Morison a key to his library.
The theology of the United Secession Hall was that of the Secession fathers, the Calvinism of the Marrowmen, Evangelical Calvinism. Christ was described as given for "sinners as such."

What Morison learned at the Hall we shall, God willing, see next time.