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Seven Leaders: Preachers and Pastors
Spiritual leaders lead people to heaven. Here in Seven Leaders are accounts of seven such men, together with the distinctive features of their lives in John Elias, the necessity of the power of the Holy Spirit; in Andrew Bonar, the reality of communion with Christ; in Archie Brown, the irresistibility of love; in Kenneth MacRae, the need for faithfulness to death; in Martyn Lloyd-Jones, theology and doctrine; in W. J. Grier, passing on the 'sacred deposit'; and in John MacArthur, the governing authority of the word of God.
An Old Testament miracle once took place at a burial. We are told that when the deceased was 'let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet' (2 Kings 13:21).
Through books, the past can be touched, and the consequence may be as much of God as when Martin Luther handled the old writings of Jan Huss. Records of faithful servants of Christ still speak and can bring new life today.
An Old Testament miracle once took place at a burial. We are told that when the deceased was 'let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet' (2 Kings 13:21).
Through books, the past can be touched, and the consequence may be as much of God as when Martin Luther handled the old writings of Jan Huss. Records of faithful servants of Christ still speak and can bring new life today.
296 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
5 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Iain H. Murray
60 books240 followersIain Hamish Murray is a British pastor and author. He was educated in the Isle of Man and at the University of Durham before entering ministry in 1955. He served as assistant to Martyn Lloyd-Jones at Westminster Chapel (1956–59) and subsequently at Grove Chapel, London (1961–69) and St. Giles Presbyterian Church, Sydney, Australia, (1981–84). In 1957 he and Jack Cullum founded the Reformed publishing house, the Banner of Truth Trust, of which he continues to serve as a trustee.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 25, 2020
While this contains short biographies of seven different preachers (some of whom I was familiar with, some of whom I was not), its real value lies in the lessons to be learned from each of these men. The author does an excellent job of taking the strengths of each man and applying them to those who are in ministry. I benefited from this book. 3.5 stars.
October 28, 2018
The author is my favorite biographer, and I’ve read several of his books. He writes that the book originated in an invitation to speak on the subject of preachers and pastors in 2014. He has previously written biographies of three of the seven men here profiled - Archibald Brown, Martyn Lloyd-Jones and John MacArthur. I was familiar with Lloyd-Jones and MacArthur, but not the others included in this volume. The author includes biographical sketches of each man, and then covers important aspects of their ministries, often quoting from their writings.
He writes that we are to learn from leaders yet be imitators of none. While it is his hope that the book will assist younger men called to the ministry of the gospel, it is not meant for them alone.
I highlighted a number of passages as I read through this book. Below are just a few for each man profiled. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it, especially for pastors.
John Elias and Revival
• John Elias was a watchman, as well as an evangelist, and warned of dangers of which the succeeding generation failed to regard.
• He knew that if standards of membership are allowed to be relaxed, and worldliness tolerated, then it is only a matter of time before members want a type of elder and preacher suited to their condition.
• Elias believed in divine sovereignty. If no revivals were taking place it was not because the gospel was not being made ‘wider’ and more appealing.
• It was not only Calvinism but the Bible itself which was to be forgotten. In the 1880s Congregationalists in England were at the forefront of what Spurgeon designated the ‘down-grade controversy’. Deploring the change which was taking place, he commented, ‘We used to debate particular redemption, now the question is whether there is any redemption at all.’
• The attempt to gain more influence and unity through a ‘modified’ gospel was a tragic failure in England and Wales. The effects of error may be slow but they are sure.
Andrew A. Bonar: Fellowship with Christ
• Bonar and M‘Cheyne were at the centre of a group of a dozen or more likeminded young ministers which arose in the Church of Scotland in the 1830s. Marked by their close friendship with each other, by their preaching of Christ, and their love for their people, they were prominent instruments in a remarkable era of evangelism and revival.
• To read Bonar is to be convinced that there are great biblical lessons which we are not taking seriously enough.
• In 1878 a larger building had to be built near West End Park, and by the 1890s over a thousand made up the congregation. By that date Bonar had become something of a legend in the city.
• The life of Andrew Bonar shows us how closely the usefulness of servants of Christ is related to the holiness of their lives.
• What a preacher is as a Christian is of greater consequence than his natural gifts.
• Bonar was certain that the more he was filled with the Holy Spirit the more fully would he preach Christ.
The Rediscovery of Archie Brown
• It is therefore surprising to us that his ministry would largely pass from the memory of later generations until it became almost unknown.
• Times of revival always show the same characteristics, and foremost among them, is prayerfulness.
• He shared with Spurgeon in the Downgrade Controversy of the late 1880s, and together they were profoundly moved as so many in the churches ceased to regard all Scripture as God-given revelation.
• There was gospel in this sermon, too, but its burden was for the awakening of the careless. Such preaching is no longer heard from many pulpits.
• The key to Brown as a Christian and a preacher was the teaching of the Holy Spirit on the person and glory of Christ.
Kenneth A. MacRae: Preacher and Pastor
• For usefulness, it is the life of the man himself that matters most, and no one has ever become a true guide to others without a personal preparation at the hands of God.
• In addition to his own congregation, he had the responsibility for three other churches at a distance from his own, where he preached regularly.
• He believed that all that is of first importance for the life and prosperity of the church is already laid down in the word of God. This is a liberating principle.
• Kenneth MacRae preached to within seven months of his death on May 6, 1964. Two days later, Stornoway saw the sight of a Christian funeral such as is not often seen in this world, and which these pages cannot convey. The life of the town stopped still that Friday afternoon.
Understanding Martyn Lloyd-Jones
• The big thing for him was theology, what he believed about God.
• Man’s fallen condition is the biblical starting point for the presentation of gospel. While there is no one pattern of conversion, there is a common order or sequence in the way sinners are brought to Christ.
• To miss out the preaching of repentance because people have no sense of sin, and to speak to them only of ‘accepting Christ’, is to depart from the order of the New Testament.
• The work of the Spirit is not uniform in all periods, and Lloyd-Jones believed there is only one explanation for times of extraordinary blessing, namely, the sovereignty of God in his administration of grace.
• Sermons born out of a concern for unbelievers, and to lead them to Christ, formed half, if not more, of his entire ministry.
W. J. Grier: Against Frittering Life Away
• The result was that on October 15, 1927 the small company gathered at the café in Fountain Street decided to proceed with the formation of a new church organisation. By the end of the following month, the name was settled as the ‘Irish Evangelical Church’.
• With James Hunter now in his mid-sixties much of the burden of the new work fell upon Grier. As well as the management of the bookshop, he now had the care of two congregations.
• Another consequence of these years was the maturing of his conviction that the doctrines of the reformed faith need to be spelt out definitely and in distinction from the ‘fundamentalist’ type of evangelicalism then prevalent in Ulster.
• These letters which he wrote to me, beginning before the first Banner publications of 1958, ran to hundreds, and no one played a fuller or more important part in decisions on books thereafter published than he did. A number of the Trust’s reprints had their origin in his suggestion.
• While Jim Grier reached the age of seventy in November 1972, he knew no retirement age for ministers of the gospel. He admired the words of Charles Simeon, ‘I am so near the goal that I cannot help running with all my might.’
• The life of Jim Grier exemplifies what can be seen by those who rely on God’s word and promises when success all seems to point to the need for compromise.
John MacArthur: Preaching and Scripture
• MacArthur was called to Grace Community Church as a twenty-nine-year-old Californian, and in that same charge he remains to this day.
• Obedience, not success, is the great thing. What counts supremely is the truth that is preached and in due course, one way or another, men will reap if they do not faint.
• No subject means more to him than the sufficiency of the word of God.
• Obedience, not success, is the great thing. What counts supremely is the truth that is preached and in due course, one way or another, men will reap if they do not faint.
• On occasion, MacArthur has been prominent in controversies which have divided evangelicals.
• He could never have done what he was given to do had he not also been given the support of a wide circle of fellow Christians.
He writes that we are to learn from leaders yet be imitators of none. While it is his hope that the book will assist younger men called to the ministry of the gospel, it is not meant for them alone.
I highlighted a number of passages as I read through this book. Below are just a few for each man profiled. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it, especially for pastors.
John Elias and Revival
• John Elias was a watchman, as well as an evangelist, and warned of dangers of which the succeeding generation failed to regard.
• He knew that if standards of membership are allowed to be relaxed, and worldliness tolerated, then it is only a matter of time before members want a type of elder and preacher suited to their condition.
• Elias believed in divine sovereignty. If no revivals were taking place it was not because the gospel was not being made ‘wider’ and more appealing.
• It was not only Calvinism but the Bible itself which was to be forgotten. In the 1880s Congregationalists in England were at the forefront of what Spurgeon designated the ‘down-grade controversy’. Deploring the change which was taking place, he commented, ‘We used to debate particular redemption, now the question is whether there is any redemption at all.’
• The attempt to gain more influence and unity through a ‘modified’ gospel was a tragic failure in England and Wales. The effects of error may be slow but they are sure.
Andrew A. Bonar: Fellowship with Christ
• Bonar and M‘Cheyne were at the centre of a group of a dozen or more likeminded young ministers which arose in the Church of Scotland in the 1830s. Marked by their close friendship with each other, by their preaching of Christ, and their love for their people, they were prominent instruments in a remarkable era of evangelism and revival.
• To read Bonar is to be convinced that there are great biblical lessons which we are not taking seriously enough.
• In 1878 a larger building had to be built near West End Park, and by the 1890s over a thousand made up the congregation. By that date Bonar had become something of a legend in the city.
• The life of Andrew Bonar shows us how closely the usefulness of servants of Christ is related to the holiness of their lives.
• What a preacher is as a Christian is of greater consequence than his natural gifts.
• Bonar was certain that the more he was filled with the Holy Spirit the more fully would he preach Christ.
The Rediscovery of Archie Brown
• It is therefore surprising to us that his ministry would largely pass from the memory of later generations until it became almost unknown.
• Times of revival always show the same characteristics, and foremost among them, is prayerfulness.
• He shared with Spurgeon in the Downgrade Controversy of the late 1880s, and together they were profoundly moved as so many in the churches ceased to regard all Scripture as God-given revelation.
• There was gospel in this sermon, too, but its burden was for the awakening of the careless. Such preaching is no longer heard from many pulpits.
• The key to Brown as a Christian and a preacher was the teaching of the Holy Spirit on the person and glory of Christ.
Kenneth A. MacRae: Preacher and Pastor
• For usefulness, it is the life of the man himself that matters most, and no one has ever become a true guide to others without a personal preparation at the hands of God.
• In addition to his own congregation, he had the responsibility for three other churches at a distance from his own, where he preached regularly.
• He believed that all that is of first importance for the life and prosperity of the church is already laid down in the word of God. This is a liberating principle.
• Kenneth MacRae preached to within seven months of his death on May 6, 1964. Two days later, Stornoway saw the sight of a Christian funeral such as is not often seen in this world, and which these pages cannot convey. The life of the town stopped still that Friday afternoon.
Understanding Martyn Lloyd-Jones
• The big thing for him was theology, what he believed about God.
• Man’s fallen condition is the biblical starting point for the presentation of gospel. While there is no one pattern of conversion, there is a common order or sequence in the way sinners are brought to Christ.
• To miss out the preaching of repentance because people have no sense of sin, and to speak to them only of ‘accepting Christ’, is to depart from the order of the New Testament.
• The work of the Spirit is not uniform in all periods, and Lloyd-Jones believed there is only one explanation for times of extraordinary blessing, namely, the sovereignty of God in his administration of grace.
• Sermons born out of a concern for unbelievers, and to lead them to Christ, formed half, if not more, of his entire ministry.
W. J. Grier: Against Frittering Life Away
• The result was that on October 15, 1927 the small company gathered at the café in Fountain Street decided to proceed with the formation of a new church organisation. By the end of the following month, the name was settled as the ‘Irish Evangelical Church’.
• With James Hunter now in his mid-sixties much of the burden of the new work fell upon Grier. As well as the management of the bookshop, he now had the care of two congregations.
• Another consequence of these years was the maturing of his conviction that the doctrines of the reformed faith need to be spelt out definitely and in distinction from the ‘fundamentalist’ type of evangelicalism then prevalent in Ulster.
• These letters which he wrote to me, beginning before the first Banner publications of 1958, ran to hundreds, and no one played a fuller or more important part in decisions on books thereafter published than he did. A number of the Trust’s reprints had their origin in his suggestion.
• While Jim Grier reached the age of seventy in November 1972, he knew no retirement age for ministers of the gospel. He admired the words of Charles Simeon, ‘I am so near the goal that I cannot help running with all my might.’
• The life of Jim Grier exemplifies what can be seen by those who rely on God’s word and promises when success all seems to point to the need for compromise.
John MacArthur: Preaching and Scripture
• MacArthur was called to Grace Community Church as a twenty-nine-year-old Californian, and in that same charge he remains to this day.
• Obedience, not success, is the great thing. What counts supremely is the truth that is preached and in due course, one way or another, men will reap if they do not faint.
• No subject means more to him than the sufficiency of the word of God.
• Obedience, not success, is the great thing. What counts supremely is the truth that is preached and in due course, one way or another, men will reap if they do not faint.
• On occasion, MacArthur has been prominent in controversies which have divided evangelicals.
• He could never have done what he was given to do had he not also been given the support of a wide circle of fellow Christians.
May 15, 2017
Iain Murray continues his impressive output of biographies in this latest volume published by Banner of Truth. Though some are more known than others, his 7 mini-biographies on John Elias, Andrew Bonar, Archie Brown, Kenneth MacRae, Martin Lloyd-Jones, W. J. Grier and John MacArthur makes for enjoyable reading. He intends to show that the Lord uses different individuals to similarly do a mighty work. Still, you might not see the connection in the seven here, and even surmise that a better list could have been assembled, yet that doesn’t hinder the book from being a good one.
Murray is chatty. He at times falls into the minutia of a doctrinal debate, he over-emphasizes election, and can jump around a lot. While being casual would sink most biographers, Murray comes out on top again. I’ve never failed to be blessed by his biographies. It’s the perceptive spiritual and devotional content he draws out of the lives of those he writes about that makes his books as edifying as they are enjoyable.
Any preacher will get a double blessing from this book. He has striking conversations about what we do as preachers from the words and actions of those whose story he tells. He refers several times to the difference in varying texts and the consecutive method and concludes both have a place. It’s only preaching devoid of doctrine that misses the mark.
The three he has already written biographies on were the ones he seemed to purposefully not give as much biographic details. He preferred to make more wry observations instead. I’ve always loved Lloyd-Jones and that chapter was what you’d expect. Of those I knew little, I especially enjoyed John Elias, Archie Brown, and Kenneth MacRae. Though I was familiar with Bonar, his chapter was enlightening and outstanding.
As an added bonus, Banner always provides beautiful volumes with its hardbacks. This book is a worthy choice to find its place on your biography shelves and to provide several hours of reading pleasure.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Murray is chatty. He at times falls into the minutia of a doctrinal debate, he over-emphasizes election, and can jump around a lot. While being casual would sink most biographers, Murray comes out on top again. I’ve never failed to be blessed by his biographies. It’s the perceptive spiritual and devotional content he draws out of the lives of those he writes about that makes his books as edifying as they are enjoyable.
Any preacher will get a double blessing from this book. He has striking conversations about what we do as preachers from the words and actions of those whose story he tells. He refers several times to the difference in varying texts and the consecutive method and concludes both have a place. It’s only preaching devoid of doctrine that misses the mark.
The three he has already written biographies on were the ones he seemed to purposefully not give as much biographic details. He preferred to make more wry observations instead. I’ve always loved Lloyd-Jones and that chapter was what you’d expect. Of those I knew little, I especially enjoyed John Elias, Archie Brown, and Kenneth MacRae. Though I was familiar with Bonar, his chapter was enlightening and outstanding.
As an added bonus, Banner always provides beautiful volumes with its hardbacks. This book is a worthy choice to find its place on your biography shelves and to provide several hours of reading pleasure.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
April 20, 2023
This book came strongly recommended by a friend who was reading it at the time. The book is 267 pages long and in typical Iain H. Murray fashion the material was relevant, engaging, and informative. Murray is just a phenomenal writer!
Murray has a wellspring of knowledge concerning church history which adds another layer to these short bios. Men of their times! To me, these men represent the Old Paths. With an emphasis on the work and calling of the ministry, sound doctrine, and the importance of the word of God and the challenges of their day against sound preaching and the word of God.
He gives the reader a snapshot of the lives and ministries of John Elias (1774-1841), Andrew Bonar (1810-1891), Archibald Brown (1844-1922), Kenneth Macrae (1883-1963), Martyn Lloyd Jones (1889-1981), W.J. Grier (1902-1983), and John MacArthur (1939 -) It is timeline specific as well.
Each biography is titled with a leading thought about their ministry and influence.
This book is a good place to start before getting a much larger biographical work. My personal recommendation would be to get the diaries of Bonar and Macrae. The thoughts, burdens, and challenges of the ministry contained in these diaries are indicative of preachers through the ages. Macrae in particular pastored through two World Wars his diary entries reveal the heavy burden that lay on his heart as he ministered to families whose sons went off to war and didn't come home.
If you haven't read any of his writings this would be a good start. You won't be disappointed, and you will glean a treasure trove of useful information that will be a blessing, encouragement, and even challenging to you even if you're not a pastor or leader.
Murray has a wellspring of knowledge concerning church history which adds another layer to these short bios. Men of their times! To me, these men represent the Old Paths. With an emphasis on the work and calling of the ministry, sound doctrine, and the importance of the word of God and the challenges of their day against sound preaching and the word of God.
He gives the reader a snapshot of the lives and ministries of John Elias (1774-1841), Andrew Bonar (1810-1891), Archibald Brown (1844-1922), Kenneth Macrae (1883-1963), Martyn Lloyd Jones (1889-1981), W.J. Grier (1902-1983), and John MacArthur (1939 -) It is timeline specific as well.
Each biography is titled with a leading thought about their ministry and influence.
This book is a good place to start before getting a much larger biographical work. My personal recommendation would be to get the diaries of Bonar and Macrae. The thoughts, burdens, and challenges of the ministry contained in these diaries are indicative of preachers through the ages. Macrae in particular pastored through two World Wars his diary entries reveal the heavy burden that lay on his heart as he ministered to families whose sons went off to war and didn't come home.
If you haven't read any of his writings this would be a good start. You won't be disappointed, and you will glean a treasure trove of useful information that will be a blessing, encouragement, and even challenging to you even if you're not a pastor or leader.
January 8, 2018
What a most blessed and encouraging read!
Iain Murray has done it again with his excellent biographical work - this time, masterfully and perceptively shining the light on the continuous golden-thread of God's grace poured out on His Church through the proclamation of the one true Gospel, through the lives of these seven chosen men of God.
I purchased this volume from the BannerofTruth website in the Kindle version. Easy and convenient, now a treasured addition to my library.
Several things stood out for me, here are my top-three observations.
One - the sovereingty of God in each man's life; how it was God who unexpectedly took hold of their lives, and used each one to be faithful heralds of the Gospel in their time.
Two - None were exempt from personal suffering, hardship or opposition to the Gospel message. As Chruistian belivers and preachers of the Gospel of Christ, our primary calling is to be faithful, not popular.
Three - They were God's watchmen. At times, each was a lone-voice or a minority-voice. Like the prophet Isaiah who was appointed by God to be a watchman to warn Israel of approaching danger, so too these men were in their day (and continue to be in the case of Dr. John Mcarthur in the present time).
While I am familiar with Bonar, Lloyd-Jones and McArthur, it was a most edifying to be introduced to the other saints which Murray covers.
As Augustine said, "Take up and read" - you will indeed be greatly enriched and encouraged by this volume.
Iain Murray has done it again with his excellent biographical work - this time, masterfully and perceptively shining the light on the continuous golden-thread of God's grace poured out on His Church through the proclamation of the one true Gospel, through the lives of these seven chosen men of God.
I purchased this volume from the BannerofTruth website in the Kindle version. Easy and convenient, now a treasured addition to my library.
Several things stood out for me, here are my top-three observations.
One - the sovereingty of God in each man's life; how it was God who unexpectedly took hold of their lives, and used each one to be faithful heralds of the Gospel in their time.
Two - None were exempt from personal suffering, hardship or opposition to the Gospel message. As Chruistian belivers and preachers of the Gospel of Christ, our primary calling is to be faithful, not popular.
Three - They were God's watchmen. At times, each was a lone-voice or a minority-voice. Like the prophet Isaiah who was appointed by God to be a watchman to warn Israel of approaching danger, so too these men were in their day (and continue to be in the case of Dr. John Mcarthur in the present time).
While I am familiar with Bonar, Lloyd-Jones and McArthur, it was a most edifying to be introduced to the other saints which Murray covers.
As Augustine said, "Take up and read" - you will indeed be greatly enriched and encouraged by this volume.
November 15, 2021
A great book that gives a short biography on 7 leaders of the Christian Church and the areas where they had a profound impact.
John Elias - The necessity of the power of the Holy Spirit
Andrew Bonar - The reality of communion with Christ
Archie Brown - The irresistibility of love
Kenneth MacRae - The need for faithfulness to death
Martin Lloyd Jones - Theology & Doctrine
W. J. Grier - Passing on the 'sacred deposit'
John MacArthur - The Governing Authority of the Word of God
John Elias - The necessity of the power of the Holy Spirit
Andrew Bonar - The reality of communion with Christ
Archie Brown - The irresistibility of love
Kenneth MacRae - The need for faithfulness to death
Martin Lloyd Jones - Theology & Doctrine
W. J. Grier - Passing on the 'sacred deposit'
John MacArthur - The Governing Authority of the Word of God
September 10, 2019
Seven brief biographical sketches on pastors ranging from well-known to lesser-known (to me, at least). As a pastor of a smaller church, it was an encouragement to be reminded that faithfulness to the Word triumphs over numerical success and popularity, for give an account of our stewardships to the Lord, not to men.
February 25, 2023
Excellent and stirring book by Murray. Very accessible read. Seeing the example of these seven men who spent their lives for Christ's glory was challenging and inspiring. All of the men profiled here were zealous evangelists and stood firm and unwavering on the true doctrine of God's Word. Highly recommend.
March 25, 2018
Superb. The chapters on Elias, Bonar, and Grier were especially impactful and moving.
This is also an excellent example of how the production of a book should match its content. Beautiful cloth bound covers, beautiful endpapers, and a beautiful font! Makes the reading that much more enjoyable.
This is also an excellent example of how the production of a book should match its content. Beautiful cloth bound covers, beautiful endpapers, and a beautiful font! Makes the reading that much more enjoyable.
June 13, 2021
Super encouraging, humbling and informative to see some of the ways the LORD has worked in pastors over the last 3oo years. Such wise & Biblical insight thru the author, Mr. Murray; read everything he has written!!!
December 16, 2025
I usually find Murrays writing a bit thick and technical. It his strength: I learn doctrine and history. It is his weakness: I hesitate to recommend his books to many lay people. Overall a very good book.
December 23, 2017
One of the most encouraging reads! I highly recommend it to anyone seeking or in pastoral ministry!
September 24, 2018
Excellent bite-sized biographies of some Christian preachers, some of whom I wasn't familiar with at all. Well-written and just enough to whet your appetite for more.
September 3, 2019
Fantastic read. Some chapters were more interesting than others, but it's worth the read for the chapter on Bonar alone.
December 16, 2021
This book contains the stories of preachers and pastors. Some are well-known, some are obscure. All seven led God's people, remained faithful to their calling, and relied on the power of God's Word. These stories will be encouraging to young men preparing for ministry, as well as pastors serving in gospel ministry.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews