Letters: His Niece in School at Kelso (1)
The sermon emphasizes the importance of looking to Calvary and the power of touching the Lord for healing and strengthening.
Andrew Bonar writes a heartfelt letter to his niece Emily, encouraging her to embrace her time at school in Kelso and to seek knowledge and spiritual growth. He reflects on their family heritage and the joy it would bring their ancestors to see her thriving. Bonar emphasizes the importance of looking to Jesus for strength and healing, reminding her that every encounter with Him brings virtue and support. He also shares a book about the year's spiritual awakening, hoping it will inspire her. The letter is filled with love and encouragement from her uncle and family.
Text
GLASGOW, 14th December 1874. MY DEAR NIECE EMILY, --It was very good in you to write me so nice a letter. It was well written every way, and makes me think you are already greatly the better of being away from home, breathing your native air. Your great-grandfather never saw Kelso, but I am sure he would have rejoiced to see his descendant, who is so like him in form and feature, walking by the banks of the Tweed and Teviot, and storing her mind with solid learning and precious truth.
I enclose a little book (not so big as a Christian Treasury, nor so attractive as Hymns of Faith and Hope, but) containing a brief history of this year's awakening.
Perhaps it will interest you. 'The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all that have pleasure in them.' Dear Emily, every day look to Calvary, and to the Right Hand of the Throne, to see there the Lord Jesus 'crowned with glory and honour.' Every time our soul 'touches' Him, there comes virtue out of Him, to heal and strengthen. Your cousins here are all well and send their love to you. . . . --Your affectionate uncle, ANDREW A. BONAR.
Sermon Outline
- The Blessing of Being Away from Home
- The Importance of Looking to Calvary
- The Power of Touching the Lord
- Family and Love
- Cousins well and send love
- See the Lord Jesus 'crowned with glory and honour'
Key Quotes
“The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all that have pleasure in them.” — Andrew Bonar
“Every time our soul 'touches' Him, there comes virtue out of Him, to heal and strengthen.” — Andrew Bonar
“Your great-grandfather never saw Kelso, but I am sure he would have rejoiced to see his descendant, who is so like him in form and feature, walking by the banks of the Tweed and Teviot,” — Andrew Bonar
Application Points
- Make it a habit to look to Calvary every day for healing and strengthening.
- Store your mind with solid learning and precious truth.
- Nurture family relationships and show love to one another.