PeopleMacduff, John R. (John Ross), 1818-1895

Macduff, John Ross, D.D., second son of Alexander Macduff, of Bonhard, near Perth, was born at Bonhard, May 23, 1818. After studying at the University of Edinburgh, he became in 1842 parish minister of Kettins, Forfarshire, in 1849 of St. Madoes, Perthshire, and in 1855 of Sandyford, Glasgow. He received the degree of D.D. from the University of Glasgow in 1862, and about the same time also from the University of New York. He retired from pastoral work in 1871, lived at Chislehurst, Kent and died in 1887. He has published many practical and devotional works which have attained a wide circulation. In 1857 he was appointed by the General Assembly a member of their Hymnal Committee. His 31 hymns appeared in his Altar Stones, 1853, and were also included with his later poems in his The Gates of Praise, 1876. Of these hymns the following are in common use.:—
1. Christ Is coming! Let creation. Second Advent.
2. Eternal Rock! To Thee I flee. (1853.) Christ the Rock.
3. Everlasting arms of love. (1853.) Support in Christ.
4. From Thy habitation holy. Whitsuntide. I
5. Hasten, Lord, that morn of glory. Second Advent.
6. Jesus wept! Those tears are over. (1853.) The raising of Lazarus.
7. O do not, blessed Lord, depart. Christ's presence desired.
8. Where shall I look for holy calm. (1853.) Passiontide.
9. Why should I murmur or repine? Resignation.

Of these hymns those dated 1953 are parts only of Dr. Macduff’s originals.
[Rev. James Mearns, M.A.]

-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Hymn Texts by John R. MacDuff	As
Abide with me, Thou gracious Guide (2)	John R. Macduff
Christ is coming [come now] let creation (83)	John R. Macduff
Christ is coming! Let creation (4)	John Ross Macduff, 1818-1895
Eternal Rock, to thee I flee (6)	John R. Macduff
Everlasting arms of love (31)	John R. Macduff
From thy habitation holy (3)	John R. Macduff
He who on the accursed tree	John R. Macduff
Jesus wept, those tears are over	J. R. MacDuff
Lo I am with thee bid thy fears	John R. Macduff
Lord, no guardian to defend me	John R. Macduff
My God, my Father, look on me (2)	John R. Macduff
O God, my Father, look on me (2)	John R. Macduff
When far from the hearts where (2)	John R. Macduff
Where shall I look for holy calm (3)	John R. Macduff
Why should I murmur or repine (12)	John R. Macduff