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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 Mr. Robert Noble, sharing the sorrow of losing two beloved elders from their congregation, George Jackson and William Ralston, who both served faithfully and have now passed away. Bonar reflects on the impact of their lives and the hope of eternal rest and reward in Christ, expressing a deep sense of loss akin to that of John the Apostle in his old age. He emphasizes the need for spiritual wisdom and revelation in knowing Christ amidst the trials faced by their community, while also noting that his family remains in good health despite the surrounding sickness.
Scriptures
Letters: Mr. Robert Noble, Clapham (1)
GLASGOW, 14th Dec. 1891. MY DEAR MR. NOBLE,—You sympathise with us, I know, though far off; and so I write to tell you of another stroke on our congregation. Last week George Jackson, (an elder in Finniston Church for many years) who to the last was always with us in spirit, if not in presence, was laid in the grave; but we did not think that another bereavement was near. William Ralston died (also one of Dr. Bonar's elders, and well known in connection with his work in the Bethany Hall) on Saturday evening! Influenza and erysipelas combined carried him off after only four or five days illness. What a useful life he lived! what a calm rest he now enjoys! what a bright crown awaits him in the day of Christ! I feel as I suppose John the Apostle felt in his old age—all his fellow-disciples gone before him. But I have no visions in my old age,— only I pray much (O you, brother, must help me in this) for what Paul calls the 'Spirit of wisdom and revelation (it is "apocalypse ") in the knowledge of Christ.' Remember me and mine. We are in health as a family, but on every side sickness is to be met with among our congregation. . . . Your brother in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Christ, 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.”