Edward Irving is an important, if controversial, figure to examine if we want to understand the nineteenth century origins of both dispensationalism and the charismatic movement. This well-researched work draws upon earlier studies, Irving's extensive sermons, and new materials as the author portrays the husband, father, pastor, preacher, theologian, student of prophecy, and friend who often adopted controversial positions and eventually was dismissed from the Church of Scotland. Beginning with his Scottish background, education, and work under Thomas Chalmers in Glasgow, The Lord's Watchman traces Irving's rise as a gifted and popular preacher at the specially built National Scotch Church in London. Throughout his life, Irving, who was convinced of his own position, sought to be true to his understanding of God's will for his life. He did so even when it forced him to adopt unpopular positions such as the renewal of the gifts of tongues, healing, and prophesy and the new emphasis on the imminent return of Christ with the fulfilment of various prophesies and an emphasis on the particular place of the Jewish people in the end times. Tim Grass traces the importance of Irving's friendship with Mary Campbell and others who experienced speaking in tongues in 1830. This, in turn, led to the foundation of the Catholic Apostolic Church. Interestingly, Thomas Carlyle's friendship runs as an illuminating thread through the story. This work offers a new and important look at both Irving's life and theology, although tracing them both in one work makes each difficult to follow.