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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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Sermon Summary
Andrew Bonar writes to Rev. Malcolm White, offering comfort in the face of sorrow over the loss of a child. He reminds the Whites that while the Lord gives and takes away, there is hope in the promise of resurrection when the little ones will return transformed in glory. Bonar draws a parallel between the sorrow of Joseph's parents and the joy that will come when they are reunited with their child in Christ. He encourages them to find solace in the presence of the Comforter, affirming their faith in God's plan. The letter serves as a heartfelt reminder of the hope and beauty that awaits believers.
Letters: Rev. Malcolm White, Blairgowrie (1)
STRACHUR, 28th August 1879. MY DEAR MR. WHITE,—One word to assure Mrs. White and yourself that you are not forgotten in your sorrow. 'The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.' When the Lord Jesus returns, He will bring with Him the little ones who fell asleep in Him, and how changed they will be! When my little boy died I remember Dr. Somerville read at the funeral some passages about Joseph taken from his sorrowing parents, and contrasted with that time of sadness the after-joy and wondrous delight when his father saw Joseph in all his glory! Even so, when your little boy returns with Christ at His coming, how grand and glorious he will be! what knowledge! what holy beauty! May the Comforter fill your heart with His presence, enabling you both to say to Him, 'Even so, Father!' Yours truly in Him, 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.”