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  LETTERS: REV. DR. JOHN J. BONAR HIS BROTHER, GREENOCK (1)
  by Andrew Bonar
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Summary: Andrew Bonar encourages his brother to view trials as
opportunities for growth and glory, and to see time in God's perspective
as short and fleeting.

Topics: "Trials and Afflictions", "God's Perspective"
Scripture References: Deuteronomy 1:19

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DESCRIPTION
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Andrew Bonar shares a heartfelt letter to his brother John, expressing
gratitude for his support during a difficult time. He reflects on the
trials they face, comparing their painful experiences to the wilderness
journey of the Israelites, emphasizing that while they may feel
overwhelming, God's perspective reveals them as 'light afflictions'
leading to greater glory. Bonar encourages his brother to see beyond the
immediate struggles and to trust in the blessings that will follow, as
they are part of God's greater plan.

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CONTENT
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GLASGOW, 28th Oct. 1864.

MY DEAR JOHN,

--I cannot tell how helpful you have been to me during this season. No
one could have given more sympathy, no one could have done more to cheer
than you have done. I look upon it all as an intimation sent from the
Elder Brother, through you, of the sympathy of His heart, for He must
have put it into yours. You will surely share in the blessing which I
believe this bitter trial has been sent to usher in. But still it is
sore. On Wednesday I took up Deut. 1: 19-26 and was led to notice that,
while at verses 6-7, the Lord took no notice of the intervening
wilderness between Horeb and Canaan, Moses speaks of it, and speaks of
it as 'a great and terrible wilderness.' This is our estimate of things,
we feel them to the quick.

But God's estimate is different, for He sees the results and He sees the
comparative littleness of all this, exactly as Paul is led to say, 'our
light affliction,' and also, 'but for a moment.' Oh, if we saw the
kingdom close at hand in all its glorious wealth of all things, we too
would ever say 'light affliction,' that is the forerunner of such a
'weight of glory.' And, if we could look at time also in God's way, a
few years would seem but for a moment. . . .--Your affectionate brother,

ANDREW A. BONAR.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/andrew-bonar/letters-rev-dr-john-j-bonar-his-brother-greenock-1/
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