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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 a heartfelt letter to his brother-in-law David, expressing concern for David's ill son and encouraging him to find solace in God's love and purpose during this difficult time. He reassures David that God's afflictions are not given lightly and may serve to deepen their prayer life and reliance on Him. Bonar shares a touching story of a boy who, despite his illness, expressed faith in Christ, reminding David and Charlotte of the hope and peace found in trusting God.
Letters: Mr. David Dickson, His Brother-in-Law (1)
ABERNYTE, Saturday, 3rd August 1867. MY DEAR DAVID,—Your note was another cloud in our sky. I thought you had got better accounts of your dear boy. But if the Lord is indeed threatening to let him continue with you only for a short time, be assured that all the while 'He doth not willingly afflict.' There must be some real and special blessing on its way to Charlotte and you, and what if this illness be, after all, rather to quicken you both in prayer. Remember 'He made as though He would go farther,' all in order to draw out the desire and get expression of their importunate earnestness from the disciples. I will try to keep you much in mind, asking for Jamie, whether spared longer or shorter time, the faith of a boy of his own age of whom I heard here. The boy calmly spoke of his Saviour and pointed upwards. 'My place is ready.' And then as his father held his hand, 'Father, you must let my hand go, and take hold of Christ's instead.' Dear Charlotte, 'He knoweth our frame.' —Your affectionate 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.”