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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 a heartfelt letter to his daughter Isabella, reflecting on the nature of life and the inevitability of interruptions, particularly in the context of Communion preparations. He contemplates the mystery of God's providence, especially in light of Dr. Livingstone's unexpected death, emphasizing that God is in control of every event, no matter how trivial it may seem. Bonar also addresses the burdens of anxiety, reminding Isabella that Christ is both the Sin-bearer and the Burden-bearer, providing peace amidst life's trials. He concludes by sharing insights from his Ladies Class on the topic of peace, highlighting how God grants it to His people.
Scriptures
Letters: Isabella, His Daughter (1)
Tuesday, 2nd April 1867. MY DEAR ISABELLA,—. . . This is a week of many interruptions of course, people calling about the Communion, etc. . . . No news here. The stream of life glides on, and we are on its banks. It will take many turns and windings, and then, some day, what a view bursts upon us! Eternity! Dr. Livingstone's death seems to us strange—so like a mere accident—to die in such a way! But this is often God's way of ordering and bringing about great events, while He Himself is there, so that not a hair of the head falls to the ground without Him. I hope little N. is better. Poor Miss M. and her sister must be suffering much anxiety. Few things are so trying as anxiety from day to day, and that is the reason why Christ the Sin-bearer is also the Burden-bearer. He is thus a full Saviour. I finished this afternoon my Ladies Class for the season. Our subject was 'Peace,' and all said about it, and about the way God gives it. . . . Good-bye. —Your affectionate father, 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.”