Horatius Bonar

Descended from a line of godly Scottish ministers, Horatius Bonar was born in Edinburgh, Dec. 19th. 1808, being the sixth son of James & Marjory Bonar. Losing his father when 12, Horatius was molded by the influence of a saintly mother and brothers. As an student at Edinburgh University, he came under the beneficial influence of Dr. Thomas Chalmers. Horatius had two brothers, John James, and Andrew, who also became ministers and were all closely involved  with Chalmers, William C. Burns and Robert Murray M'Cheyne in the important spiritual movements in Scotland in the 1830s and 1840s. He had a passionate heart for revival and was a friend and supporter of revivalists, and defended D. L. Moody's evangelistic ministry in Scotland. He authored many excellent works and many of his sermons remain today.  He wrote many hymns that have been used in churches up to the present.  Later in life, he became pastor of Chalmers' church and continued there for over 20 years.  He was a powerful soul winner, preacher and writer whose works are still renowned.