F. W. Bourne

A very popular book was The King's Son; or, A memoir of Billy Bray by F.W.Bourne. The copy I have has a green cover and was once owned by Dora Taylor. That is my assumption anyway as it is her inscription - another assumption - on the front free endpaper, or FFEP for short. The book is a new and revised edition, making the thirty-fifth, published by the Bible Christian Book-Room in 1899, whose catalogue is attached at the end of the book, taking up four pages and advertising similar works such as All for Christ, Christ for all; illustrated by the life and labours of William M.Bailey, described as 'a red-hot Cornish Bible Christian'. Billy Bray was a drunk but by page 7 is upstairs reading the Bible and Wesley's hymns. Billy was converted and in conclusion, page 147, became 'the guide of others' stimulating them 'to follow him as he followed Christ'. Good man.… (meer)

Billy Bray was an alcoholic miner who lived a few centuries ago in England. He was known for his riotous behaviour and for being the life and soul of the party. But after a near fatal accident at work and reading Bunyan's Visions of Heaven and Hellhe became afraid for his eternal welfare. He became a Christian and put as much energy into evangelism as he had into his worldly pursuits prior to his conversion. He was an unconventional preacher preferring to do things as he believed God was leading and thus drew his critics. However, no one could deny his love and care for the souls around him and many came to faith through his witness.

Bray was a little on the charismatic side--often speaking as if relaying a direct message from God and conversing directly with Satan. Maybe this was due to his naivety and his background prior to his conversion. He sometimes made decisions that seem unwise--bringing home two children who would otherwise have headed to the workhouse and telling his wife to care for them despite her protests! But his cheerfulness and joy in serving his Saviour were noted by all around and were clearly genuine.

I recommend this book for those interested in older Christian biographies. Maybe not for newer Christians due to the theology in places. It is a short read. There are many great quotes--I might add some to this later....… (meer)