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Andrew Bonar
Andrew Alexander Bonar (1810–1892). Born on May 29, 1810, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Andrew Bonar was the youngest of seven brothers, including hymn-writer Horatius, in a devout Presbyterian family. Orphaned by his father at seven, he struggled with faith until finding assurance at 20 through William Guthrie’s Saving Interest of Christ. He studied divinity at Edinburgh University, was licensed to preach in 1835, and ordained in 1838 at Collace, Perthshire, serving 18 years. A friend of Robert Murray M’Cheyne, he co-wrote a mission report on Palestine’s Jews in 1839 and authored M’Cheyne’s memoir, a lasting Christian work. Joining the Free Church of Scotland after the 1843 Disruption, he preached in a tent until a church was built, fostering revival during the 1839–1840 Kilsyth movement. In 1856, he became minister at Finnieston Free Church, Glasgow, until his death on December 30, 1892. Married to Isabella Dickson in 1848, he was widowed in 1864 after having six children. Known for expository preaching and fervent prayer, Bonar’s ministry bore a guiding principle from Proverbs 11:30, as he wrote in his diary, “He that winneth souls is wise.”
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Andrew Bonar writes to Rev. William Armstrong, expressing his gratitude for updates on Armstrong's progress and encouraging him during a time of reflection and prayer. Bonar shares thoughts on the importance of meditating on God's love and the potential spiritual growth that can come from periods of being laid aside. He draws parallels to Samuel Rutherford, emphasizing that even in silence, one can find profound insights and intercede for others. Bonar encourages Armstrong to embrace this time for deeper communion with God and to remember the needs of the Church and brethren in prayer.
Letters: Rev. William Armstrong, Rutherglen (2)
20 INDIA STREET, 1st Decr.1885. MY DEAR MR. ARMSTRONG, — It was very kind in Mrs. Armstrong to write to me, letting me know that you are making some progress. I wonder what your meditations have been. Did you ever see the little book I enclose (Thoughts in Prospect of Death, by D.Rintoul)— the observations of one (I remember him in my college days in Edinburgh) who thought himself drawing nearer and nearer Eternity, like one in a boat gliding down the river to the sea? Perhaps you will have some 'thoughts' to give us. You may have got some fresh and suggestive views of the ministry— 'thoughts by a minister laid aside for some months.' You no doubt get special visits of the Master, for He says, 'In the time of trouble I will hide I him in My pavilion, in the secret of My Tabernacle (far, far in!) will I hide him. With kindest thanks to Mrs. Armstrong and brotherly sympathy for you, dear Trophimus,— Believe me, yours in the Lord, ANDREW A. BONAR. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GLASGOW, 1886. MY DEAR MR. ARMSTRONG, —It is very kind in you to write me. At our last prayer-meeting (it was in my house), we all remembered you and offered special prayer for you. But you must not be at all cast down (Mrs. Armstrong : 'Easy to say this, but he is not laid aside yet himself! '). You are like Samuel Rutherford feeling so keenly his 'dumb Sabbaths,' and yet these days became vocal with strains of heavenly poetry, as he got time to muse upon the love of Him who had loved His servant 'out of the pit of corruption' (see Isa. 38:17; margin, Hebrew). Who knoweth but you have been drawn aside in order to bring down showers by your strong cries and intercession for the Land; the Church, your Congregation, your Brethren, etc. Do you know I almost envied you when I read your letter, for often I get scarcely an hour free from interruption through the week, and it seems so desirable to have every day many hours for meditation and prayer. Kindest sympathy as well as kindest regards to Mrs. Armstrong. Sing Psalm 42:11 and 43:5, and when praying for the brethren remember me also—Yours truly, dear brother, ANDREW A. BONAR.
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Andrew Alexander Bonar (1810–1892). Born on May 29, 1810, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Andrew Bonar was the youngest of seven brothers, including hymn-writer Horatius, in a devout Presbyterian family. Orphaned by his father at seven, he struggled with faith until finding assurance at 20 through William Guthrie’s Saving Interest of Christ. He studied divinity at Edinburgh University, was licensed to preach in 1835, and ordained in 1838 at Collace, Perthshire, serving 18 years. A friend of Robert Murray M’Cheyne, he co-wrote a mission report on Palestine’s Jews in 1839 and authored M’Cheyne’s memoir, a lasting Christian work. Joining the Free Church of Scotland after the 1843 Disruption, he preached in a tent until a church was built, fostering revival during the 1839–1840 Kilsyth movement. In 1856, he became minister at Finnieston Free Church, Glasgow, until his death on December 30, 1892. Married to Isabella Dickson in 1848, he was widowed in 1864 after having six children. Known for expository preaching and fervent prayer, Bonar’s ministry bore a guiding principle from Proverbs 11:30, as he wrote in his diary, “He that winneth souls is wise.”