Letters: Rev. William Armstrong, Rutherglen (2)
Andrew Bonar's letters to Rev. William Armstrong provide encouragement and insights on the importance of meditation, prayer, and community support in ministry challenges.
Andrew Bonar writes to Rev. William Armstrong, expressing his gratitude for updates on Armstrong's progress and encouraging him during a time of reflection and prayer. Bonar shares thoughts on the importance of meditating on God's love and the potential spiritual growth that can come from periods of being laid aside. He draws parallels to Samuel Rutherford, emphasizing that even in silence, one can find profound insights and intercede for others. Bonar encourages Armstrong to embrace this time for deeper communion with God and to remember the needs of the Church and brethren in prayer.
Text
20 INDIA STREET, 1st Decr.1885.
MY DEAR MR. ARMSTRONG,
-- It was very kind in Mrs. Armstrong to write to me, letting me know that you are making some progress. I wonder what your meditations have been. Did you ever see the little book I enclose (Thoughts in Prospect of Death, by D.Rintoul)-- the observations of one (I remember him in my college days in Edinburgh) who thought himself drawing nearer and nearer Eternity, like one in a boat gliding down the river to the sea? Perhaps you will have some 'thoughts' to give us. You may have got some fresh and suggestive views of the ministry-- 'thoughts by a minister laid aside for some months.' You no doubt get special visits of the Master, for He says, 'In the time of trouble I will hide I him in My pavilion, in the secret of My Tabernacle (far, far in!) will I hide him.
With kindest thanks to Mrs. Armstrong and brotherly sympathy for you, dear Trophimus,--
Believe me, yours in the Lord,
ANDREW A. BONAR.
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GLASGOW, 1886.
MY DEAR MR. ARMSTRONG,
--It is very kind in you to write me. At our last prayer-meeting (it was in my house), we all remembered you and offered special prayer for you. But you must not be at all cast down (Mrs. Armstrong : 'Easy to say this, but he is not laid aside yet himself! '). You are like Samuel Rutherford feeling so keenly his 'dumb Sabbaths,' and yet these days became vocal with strains of heavenly poetry, as he got time to muse upon the love of Him who had loved His servant 'out of the pit of corruption' (see Isa. 38:17; margin, Hebrew). Who knoweth but you have been drawn aside in order to bring down showers by your strong cries and intercession for the Land; the Church, your Congregation, your Brethren, etc. Do you know I almost envied you when I read your letter, for often I get scarcely an hour free from interruption through the week, and it seems so desirable to have every day many hours for meditation and prayer.
Kindest sympathy as well as kindest regards to Mrs. Armstrong. Sing Psalm 42:11 and 43:5, and when praying for the brethren remember me also--Yours truly, dear brother,
ANDREW A. BONAR.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction and context of the letters - Importance of meditation and prayer - Encouragement in times of struggle
- II points: - Reflections on the ministry - The role of personal trials in spiritual growth - The significance of intercession
- III points: - The value of community support - Lessons from historical figures like Samuel Rutherford - The call to remain steadfast in faith
- IV points: - The joy of deepening one's relationship with God - The power of scripture in times of need - Final thoughts and prayers for the congregation
Key Quotes
“In the time of trouble I will hide him in My pavilion.” — Andrew Bonar
“Who knoweth but you have been drawn aside in order to bring down showers by your strong cries and intercession for the Land.” — Andrew Bonar
“I almost envied you when I read your letter, for often I get scarcely an hour free from interruption.” — Andrew Bonar
Application Points
- Take time for meditation and prayer to strengthen your relationship with God.
- Support your fellow believers through intercessory prayer, especially during their struggles.
- Learn from historical figures in faith to inspire your own spiritual journey.