- Home
- Speakers
- Andrew Bonar
- Letters: Rev. Dr. Bannerman, Perth (1)
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.”
Download
Topics
Sermon Summary
Andrew Bonar reflects on a letter from Dr. Bannerman, expressing his appreciation for the insights shared about the Deputation to the Holy Land in 1839. He notes the lack of worldly wisdom among the group, which led to a deeper reliance on prayer, ultimately guiding them to their destination. Bonar also acknowledges the beauty of Mason's Songs of Praise and extends warm regards to Dr. Bannerman and his family, highlighting the joy amidst sorrow.
Scriptures
Letters: Rev. Dr. Bannerman, Perth (1)
GLASGOW, 6th Dec. 1892. MY DEAR DR. BANNERMAN,—I return the old letter.(An old letter, which Dr. Bannernman has sent him to read, describing the Deputation appointed to visit the Holy Land in 1839.) It has, you may believe, a peculiar interest to me, and the writer's estimate of the 'wisdom' of the Deputies to the Holy Land is not far from the truth. There was very little of the 'wisdom of the serpent' among us— very little indeed; but I believe we were on that very account made more prayerful, and it was prayer that filled our sails and brought us into the haven. Thanks for your programme of evening services. I know Mason's Songs of Praise and Penitential Cries. All his pieces have in them the fragrance of the Rose of Sharon. Kindest regards to Mrs. Bannerman and to Miss Omond, who may 'rejoice with them that do rejoice' —her father's joy ! (alluding to the death of the Rev, Dr. Omond, Monzie)—Yours truly, dear brother, ANDREW A. BONAR.
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download
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.”