Here are several helpful links for those who want to explore the life and thought of Thomas Chalmers – for free (or next to free)!
(1) Introductions online
“The Legacy of Thomas Chalmers,” by John Roxborogh – a helpful starter from co-author of The St. Andrews Seven, published by the Banner of Truth.
“Thomas Chalmers and His Vision of the Church of Scotland,” by William M. Mackay – a great little piece from a retired Free Church of Scotland missionary.
(2) Audio resources online
Donald Macleod, “Makers of the Scottish Church (5): Thomas Chalmers”
George Grant, “Scottish and American History #05: Thomas Chalmers and Modernism”
(3) Chalmers’ writings & references
Alan Newble’s page contains many pieces of Chalmers’ writings from his Works.
Googlebooks, of course, has oodles of Chalmers’ writings scanned. A tremendous resource. Check out Hanna’s classic Memoirs, Chalmers’ The Christian and Civic Economy of Large Towns, or his great Astronomical Discourses.
Worldcat – a great way to get a hold of primary and secondary sources. Make use of the inter-library loan! Try Roxborogh’s Thomas Chalmers, Enthusiast for Mission, Hugh Watt’s Thomas Chalmers and the Disruption, and Stewart J. Brown’s Thomas Chalmers and the Godly Commonwealth in Scotland.
(4) Some of my musings, previously posted on this blog
The Practical Pietist. A review of/commentary on several essays on Thomas Chalmers in A. C. Cheyne’s The Practical and the Pious.
Chalmers on Church Establishments. In these posts, we go through Chalmers’ lectures on the controversial topic. They were originally delivered in London largely to the British aristocracy in 1838 and are worth working through, even if one disagrees in the end.
Chalmers & Nasmith on Missions to the City. This is a shorter piece reviewing and interacting with Iain J. Shaw’s essay, “Thomas Chalmers, David Nasmith, and the Origins of the City Mission Movement.”
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If you know of another great resource on Thomas Chalmers, please contact me!
I know Solid ground just reprinted Chalmers Sabbath Readings, but I was wondering if you know of any companies that have or are planning on publishing Chalmers works?
Well, in terms of his entire works, nobody. It is regrettable. I think its because the set involves 20+ volumes with contributions across many disciplines, and Chalmers takes certain stances that some find questionable. Just google ‘Thomas Chalmers’ and find out. In light of that, I rather doubt that it would happen anytime soon. However, I hope that some of his selected works could be republished with great usefulness to the Church. If someone doesn’t, I might consider it.