John Ross MacDuff was born May 23, 1818 in Bonhard, Scotland. He died at his home in Chislehurst, Kent, England on April 30, 1895. John Ross MacDuff was a Presbyterian minister and a prolific writer of excellent Christian books and materials. He was especially known for the practical, poetic, and devotional qualities of his work. He was also a published poet and hymn writer. John Ross MacDuff had Doctor of Divinity Degrees from the University of Glasgow and the University of New York. He served as a pastor for many years in several churches, including the Church of Scotland.