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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 reflects on Rev. Duncan Stewart's lectures on the Covenanters, expressing admiration for the dedication and love that went into sharing their legacy. He emphasizes the enduring significance of these faithful witnesses for Christ, who, despite being gone, continue to inspire those who await the Lord's return. Bonar highlights the shared hope of resurrection and eternal reign with Christ for those who remain steadfast in their faith, resisting worldly temptations.
Letters: Rev. Duncan Stewart, Hawick (1)
GLASGOW, I3th Feb. 1886. MY DEAR MR. STEWART, —Your 'Lectures' (On the Covenanters, which Mr. Stewart had been delivering in Hawick.) have reached me this week and last—both of them very fresh and most interesting. It has been to you a labour of love, and of 'brotherly love;' for these true witnesses for Christ's Crown and Covenant, though sleeping in the dust for a time, still live, and are ready to meet us who love their Lord on the Day of His appearing. They will be among those who were 'beheaded for the witness of Jesus,' and we who sympathise with them shall be among 'those who did not worship the Beast nor receive his mark,' either on forehead or hand. We shall reign together! . . .—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.”