Horatius Bonar was a Scottish churchman, poet, and hymn writer, known for his profound contributions to Christian literature in the 19th century. Born in Edinburgh, he was educated at the University of Edinburgh and later became a minister in the Free Church of Scotland. His pastoral work deeply influenced his writing, as he sought to express the spiritual experiences and theological insights of his faith through poetry and hymns. Bonar's most notable works include the hymns 'I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say' and 'The Sands of Time are Sinking,' which reflect his deep devotion and understanding of Christian doctrine. Bonar's literary significance lies not only in his ability to articulate the Christian experience but also in his role as a bridge between the poetic and the theological. His hymns have been sung in churches around the world, resonating with congregations for their heartfelt expression of faith and longing for divine presence. Bonar's legacy endures through his writings, which continue to inspire and uplift believers, making him a cherished figure in the history of Christian hymnody and literature.
“For we are not saved by believing in our own salvation, nor by believing anything whatsoever about ourselves. We are saved by what we believe about the Son of God and His righteousness. The gospel believed saves; not the believing in our own faith.””
“It is not opinions that man needs: it is TRUTH. It is not theology; it is God. It is not religion: it is Christ. It is not literature and science; but the knowledge of the free love of God in the gift of His only-begotten Son.””
“Faith is the acknowledgment of the entire absence of all goodness in us, and the recognition of the cross as the substitute for all the want on our part. Faith saves, because it owns the complete salvation of another, and not because it contributes anything to that salvation.””