Follow the Lamb: Counsel to Converts

by Horatius Bonar

In Follow the Lamb, renowned nineteenth-century hymnwriter and preacher Horatius Bonar provides timeless wisdom and practical guidance for every believer seeking to deepen their walk with Christ. Through twelve concise yet profound chapters, Bonar explores the essential disciplines and mindsets required to faithfully follow in the footsteps of our Saviour.

From cultivating a vibrant prayer life to overcoming temptation, from pursuing holiness to serving others with zeal, Follow the Lamb is a veritable roadmap for the Christian journey. Bonar's words, steeped in Scripture and brimming with passion, will reignite your love for Jesus and equip you to live out your faith with renewed commitment.

Whether you're a new convert or a seasoned saint, this powerful little volume is your key to experiencing the joy and victory of a Christ-centred life. Don't just settle for surface-level Christianity – pick up Follow the Lamb today and discover what it truly means to be a disciple. Your spiritual life will never be the same.

Hardcover

Published January 20, 2026

About the author

Horatius Bonar (19 December, 1808 – 31 May, 1889) was a Scottish churchman and poet.

The son of James Bonar, Solicitor of Excise for Scotland, he was born and educated in Edinburgh. He comes from a long line of ministers who have served a total of 364 years in the Church of Scotland. One of eleven children, his brothers John James and Andrew Alexander were also ministers of the Free Church of Scotland. He had married Jane Catherine Lundie in 1843 and five of their young children died in succession. Towards the end of their lives, one of their surviving daughters was left a widow with five small children and she returned to live with her parents. Bonar's wife, Jane, died in 1876. He is buried in the Canongate Kirkyard.
In 1853 Bonar earned the Doctor of Divinity degree at the University of Aberdeen.

He entered the Ministry of the Church of Scotland. At first he was put in charge of mission work at St. John's parish in Leith and settled at Kelso. He joined the Free Church at the time of the Disruption of 1843, and in 1867 was moved to Edinburgh to take over the Chalmers Memorial Church (named after his teacher at college, Dr. Thomas Chalmers). In 1883, he was elected Moderator of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland.

Reviews

[Zorina Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonar lived in the 1800s and was a minister who wrote hymns and sermons. This book has been recently republished, and it is such a great little book for new believers. Honestly, though, it has so many great reminders for the seasoned believer as well.

This book is full of admonitions and encouragement that remind believers of what God has saved us from and continually points us to Christ. There is practical wisdom throughout, along with warnings about the Christian life. Bonar speaks of sanctification as the Christian life being one of gradual growth, as we are made into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

I loved the suggested reading at the end, as well as some of Bonar’s hymns. This is such a wonderful resource and would make an especially lovely gift for a new believer.

* I received a copy of this book for my honest thoughts.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Follow the Lamb, Horatius Bonar offers wise counsel to Christian converts. He writes in a direct and straightforward manner, addressing a variety of topics that will serve new Christians, challenge young ministers, and inspire seasoned saints.

Be Strong in Grace

This book is firmly grounded in the Bible, and Bonar tells it as it is. He begins by urging us to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, reminding us to let nothing come between us and the blood. I was especially encouraged by his exhortation to deal honestly with ourselves, putting away vainglory and the love of praise.

Bonar’s wisdom remains just as valuable today. He frequently warns new converts of danger, often using the word “beware” and impressing upon his readers that the Christian walk is not easy.

Spark Revival, Foster Faithfulness

I was particularly inspired by the chapter titled “Do Something for God.” While we all have different gifts and abilities, Bonar calls us to work while it is still day. We have both an opportunity and a responsibility to labor for the Lord.

The book concludes with a call to live in eager expectation of our Lord. Growing in holiness is of utmost importance, as is developing a true love for Him. This is a book that can spark revival and foster faithfulness in a new generation of young Christians. I pray it will do just that!

I received a media copy of Follow the Lamb and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep

[Todd Burgett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a great little primer on following Jesus that new and seasoned believers can learn from. I love Bonars works but at times in this volume he takes his personal convictions and make them prescribed for all. It’s a small thing, but overall a great read.