James Murray (1732–1782) was a non-conformist minister of the Church of Scotland and prolific religious author. He expressed his views freely, being strongly anti-Catholic and opposed to the American War of Independence. He also made political comments, condemning the administration of Lord North from 1770 onwards. His most infamous publication was the satirical "Sermons to Asses" of 1768 (multiple later editions)[1] and the illustrated history "An Impartial History of the Present War in America".[2]
He was born at Fans near Earlston in Berwickshire the son of John Murray. He was educated locally then, somewhat late in life, went to Edinburgh University where he completed his study of Divinity in 1760.[3]
He became tutor to the family of William Weddell of Belford, Northumberland for a year then became assistant to the minister of Bondgate Church in Alnwick.[3]
Around 1763 he had a dispute and left Bondgate church taking a large proportion of the congregation with him and founding the Bailliffgate Square Church (now a museum).[4]
In 1764 he was offered a position by the Church of Scotland as minister of the newly completed High Bridge Church in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He remained there for the rest of his life and died in Newcastle on 28 January 1782 aged 49[3]
He married Sarah Weddell, daughter of William Weddell.[5] Their children included
