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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 addresses Rev. J.H. Thomson, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's law as exemplified by Ezra and his followers. He encourages the recipient to reflect on the wisdom of the biblical precept regarding the ox that treads out the corn, suggesting that they are receiving spiritual nourishment that strengthens their labor. Bonar also shares that he has written a preface for Samuel Rutherford's sermons and seeks Thomson's feedback on it. The letter conveys a sense of camaraderie and mutual support in their spiritual endeavors.
Letters: Rev. j.h.thomson, Hightae (1)
CRAIGNURE, ISLE OF MULL, Augst. 16th, 1884. MAN OF ZEBULON, who 'handlest the pen of the writer,' and follower of Ezra and his band, who not only read in the law of God distinctly, but who also 'gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading,' peace be with you. I suppose you are illustrating to yourself the wisdom as well as kindliness of the precept: 'Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn.' Aren't you getting mouthfuls of such food as gives you strength to go on with your labour—many a refreshing thought, many a view of the King's treasures? I have written to-day (being still in the country and somewhat at leisure) the enclosed pages, to form a brief 'Preface' to Samuel Rutherford's Sermons. Will you kindly read it over, and tell me if it meets your approbation ? —Yours truly, dear brother, ANDREW A. BONAR, philo-Rhaetorfortis.
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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.”