Hugh Binning (1627–53) was born in Dalvennan, Ayrshire, the son of a wealthy landowner. As a young boy he showed a strong aptitude for learning and religious exercises. He graduated from the College of Glasgow in 1646 and soon afterwards, despite his youth, was elected to the chair of Philosophy in the College. Ordained Minister of Govan, near Glasgow, in 1650, he is said to have impressed Oliver Cromwell by the force of his reasoning.
In the division of the Scottish Church into Resolutioners and Protesters he took the side of the Protesters, but maintained an irenic spirit and in this context wrote his Treatise of Christian Love. He died in 1653 aged only 26. Though his preaching differed from that of most of his contemporaries in having fewer divisions and sub-divisions, it was warm and practical and gained him great popularity. James Durham said, ‘There is no speaking after Mr Binning.’