This is a review of the book Andrew Bonar, Diary and Life.
I first came across Andrew Bonar (1810-1892) and his brother Horatius through reading Barry Horner’s book Future Israel. Horner has two websites called Bunyan Ministries and Future Israel Ministries, which I also recommend.
Andrew Bonar was a contemporary and close friend of Scottish minister Robert Murray M’Cheyne. We can thank him for the classic Memoir and Remains of R.M. M’Cheyne, among other books. M’Cheyne is also noted for his One Year Daily Bible Reading Plan.
Andrew Bonar Diary and Life is published by The Banner of Truth Trust and is 440 pages long (Hardcover). The book is divided into two main sections: a) Diary and b) Reminiscences of his life. These are followed by an Appendix: Bonar’s Introduction to Nettleton and his Labours and the Index.
The Introduction to the book is by John J. Murray. The Preface by Bonar’s daughter captures the man and the theme of the book perfectly. It is reproduced below:
THE DIARY IS THE REVELATION of the life of one who prayed always, who prayed everywhere, who, the nearer he came to the other world, was every day more constantly enjoying closer intercourse with it. As he led his congregation in prayer at a Sabbath-day service, or an evening prayer-meeting, often it seemed as if he had forgotten the presence of any other, and were speaking with his unseen God and Saviour ‘face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.’ His diary does not reveal much of the bright, joyous, happy spirit which was so characteristic of him, but his letters are pervaded by it, as was his whole life and conversation. We think of him now as having entered into the joy of his Lord, in whom on earth he rejoiced ‘with joy unspeakable and full of glory.’
The diary is published at the earnest request of many of Dr. Bonar’s congregation and personal friends, by whom it will be read reverently, as the expression of his deepest and most sacred spiritual experiences. Only one consideration has led to its publication, and that is the belief that the voice now silent on earth will still be heard in these pages calling on us from the other world to be ‘followers of them who through faith and patience are inheriting the promises.’ ~ Marjory Bonar (Glasgow, 1893)
It’s obvious from nearly every page that Bonar dedicated himself to the service of the Lord that he loved so much, and the people he ministered to. Like his brother Horatius and his friend M’Cheyne, he also had a passion for the Jews. He often spoke about needing to do more fasting and prayer. So often he confronted his own motives and humbled himself. He wrote:
I learned one thing over again, viz., that while the Lord seems to use evangelists to awaken souls, He keeps a place for older labourers, in the instruction and leading of the saved. We must all know our place and be satisfied.
Bonar also wrote often and touchingly about the loss of his wife Isabella. He understood suffering. Meanwhile his impending death prompted the following observations:
It was this week fifty-two years ago that I was set apart for the ministry in Collace, and now I have arrived at a new stage of my journey, the last stage of it. O what a comfort to me that, if I be soon called away, my successor will be a man of God, most earnest to do faithfully the whole work of the ministry, and holding fast the old truth, the everlasting gospel. Many prayers have been answered, and many more prayers are going up, here and elsewhere, for me and my beloved people. Lord hear! Yesterday and today I have had some glimpses within the veil, as if to prepare me more for what may now soon come. It is very solemn to find myself near the threshold of Eternity, my ministry nearly done, and my long life coming to a close. Never was Christ more precious to me than He is now.
While he wasn’t a dispensational pretribulationist, Bonar loved and studied prophecy. He believed that Christ could come at any moment. He often stated to his congregation that, “I may not live to see His return, but I expect some of you listening will.” Responding to a compliment that he would be given a crown of righteousness he said, “And not to me only, but to all them also who love His appearing.”
I’m very thankful to Bonar’s daughter and his congregation for their dedication and effort in getting this wonderful timeless classic into print. It ministered to me, and I will go back to it often.
Purchase Andrew Bonar, Diary and Life !
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