Ker

Ker, JOHN, D.D., Presbyterian minister and professor, was born in 1819 at the farmhouse of Bield, in Peeblesshire, and early in life removed with his parents to Edinburgh. He was educated at the High School and university, and was for a time under Tholuck at Halle. He was licensed as a preacher in 1844, and ordained at Alnwick in 1845. He accepted a call as assistant to East Campbell Street Church, Glasgow, in 1851, where, in the course of a few years, his popularity and the demands made upon his services broke his health. From 1863 onwards he travelled much, visiting America, and residing in Italy. He occupied the chair of Practical Training in the United Presbyterian Theological Hall from 1876 till his death, October 3, 1886, and his ability, culture, large-heartedness, and quiet earnestness made a deep impression. His Sermons (1868, 14th ed. 1888; second series 1886, 3d ed. 1888), by their intellectual power, chastened eloquence, insight, and spiritual tone, carried his name far beyond the bounds of his own denomination. His other works, mostly posthumous, are The Psalms in History and Biography (1886); Lectures on the History of Preaching (1888); Letters, 1866-85 (1890); Thoughts for Heart and Life (1888). See Memorial Discourses on his Death (1886).