The Bonar Brothers (2/3): Horatius

The second of three episodes inspired by David Campbell's mini-series on three remarkable brothers who ministered in 19th Century Scotland.

This week we consider Horatius Bonar (1808–1889), pastor, author, and hymnwriter. We read David Campbell's article on him, an excerpt from Iain H. Murray, and then read a piece by Bonar himself critiquing the idea of 'religion without theology'. We close with a rendition of Bonar's hymn, Everlasting Light.

 

Featured Content:

– 'Horatius Bonar—The second of the three Bonar brothers', David Campbell, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 722, November 2023.

– Excerpt from 'Horatius Bonar (1808–1889) and his Writings', Iain H. Murray, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 314, November 1989.

– 'Religion Without Theology' (taken from the preface of Catechisms of the Scottish Reformation, edited by Horatius Bonar, London 1866), featured in the Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 93, June 1971.

– 'Everlasting Life', a hymn of Horatius Bonar (public domain).

 

Featured Hymn: Everlasting Light

1 O everlasting Light! Shine graciously within; Brightest of all on earth that's bright, Come, shine away my sin.

2 O everlasting Truth! Truest of all that's true; Sure guide of erring age or youth, Lead me, and teach me too.

3 O everlasting Strength! Uphold me in the way; Bring me, in spite of foes, at length To joy, and light, and day.

4 O everlasting Love; Wellspring of grace and peace, Pour down Thy fullness from above, Bid doubt, and trouble cease.

5 O everlasting Rest! Lift off life's load of care; Relieve, revive this burdened breast, And ev'ry sorrow bear.

7 Thou art in heav'n our all; Our all on earth art Thou; Upon Thy glorious name we call: Lord Jesus, bless us now.

 

We are grateful to Mr. Jack Adair for singing this hymn.

 

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