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The King's Son: Or, a Memoir of Billy Bray

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This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

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138 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1877

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20 people want to read

About the author

F.W. Bourne

5 books

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5 stars
21 (60%)
4 stars
6 (17%)
3 stars
5 (14%)
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3 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
37 reviews
June 26, 2022
A thought-provoking, short read of the simple yet powerful faith of a Cornish tin miner who became "the son of a king".

This book is an important reminder of what lived out faith should look like. That is, a faith bold and upfront in it's proclamation of the name of Jesus yet kind and compassionate to the cares of those around.

I found myself drawn to Billy Brays seemingly unending joy in the Lord and I think others who read this would be similarly challenged by this as well.
Profile Image for Bill Forgeard.
798 reviews90 followers
May 18, 2017
What an amazing character. I'm so distant in time, culture and place (and theology) that it's hard to know what to make of him in many ways - regardless, his passion and boldness for Jesus are encouraging and challenging to read about.
1,533 reviews8 followers
December 20, 2017
I enjoyed this book as an inspirational book, but it is sadly lacking as a biography. Billy Bray "always" did positive things and "never" did negative things. Well, Christian or not, life is not like that. Still, I am glad I read it, and I was encouraged.
Profile Image for Ole Madsen.
31 reviews
May 12, 2020
Very good, love stories about christians life with God
Profile Image for Bethany Joy Warner.
110 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2025
Absolutely amazing life story. I love Billy Bray. He set the bar high and is a true inspiration. To be a joyful saint should be the aim. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Al.
28 reviews6 followers
December 30, 2017
It's a great story poorly told with little depth or analysis, a poor structure and a rambling style.

Bray was a Cornish miner, converted from a background of drunkenness and violence in the early C19, and who became an effective gospel preacher and church planter in his native county.

Bourne's narrative, however, failed to engage me or warm me to Bray himself.

Which is unforgivable, considering the wonderful subject matter.
3 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2013
This book explains in quite a light-hearted way the life of Billy Bray, a hard drinking Cornish miner, who completely abandoned his ways to follow Jesus Christ. What strikes me in this story is the way he expressed his joy and quite openly told people about his conversion to Jesus Christ. I believe anyone looking for answers as well as struggling with their own journey will find this book a very good place to start.
Profile Image for Andy Gore.
646 reviews5 followers
November 23, 2020
This was written in 1884 and its heart and soul is to rejoice in the work of Jesus in the life of Billy Bray. It is abundant in joy, faith, hope and above all love where Billy’s exuberant joy and trust in Jesus shine through on every page. It is a work of the heart, to build up our hearts and to enslave our hearts afresh for Jesus.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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