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The Christian Hero: A Sketch of the Life of Robert Annan by John Macpherson

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Description

If you've never heard of Robert Annan of Dundee, otherwise known as "the Christian Hero," prepare to be astounded at the amazing grace of God in his life as you turn the pages of this incredible little biography. Its thrilling story will stir you to the depths and almost certainly drive you to your knees with an increased desire to be used for God’s glory. The record of his beginning years reads much like that of John Newton - a life of wandering far from God in the ways of sin and rebellion. At least once he miraculously escaped death through the overruling providence of God. As time passed, he became thoroughly discontented with his sinful life; but he didn't want anything to do with God or Christianity. He thought he could overcome sin and live a morally good life by his own efforts. He soon discovered, however, that he was no match for sin or Satan; and casting himself entirely on God's grace and mercy in Jesus Christ, he was gloriously saved. From the very first day of his conversion, he became a tireless seeker of lost souls. He worked during the day time as a stone mason, but his evenings and weekends were spent preaching in the streets or in homes. Frequently he would spend whole nights in secret prayer, pleading at the throne of grace for lost sinners. As he went to his employment in the early mornings, he would often write Scripture verses on the pavement for others to read as they passed by on their way to work or school. Thus he was instant in season and out of season, using every opportunity to present to men the claims of Jesus Christ and the reality of heaven, hell, and the judgment that awaits every human soul. Read his story and be amazed, remembering that what God did for Robert Annan he can and will do for anyone.

Features

Author:
John Macpherson
Format:
Paperback
ISBN:
9781937428334
Pages:
104

Reviews

Average Star Rating:
4.80 (25 reviews Total)
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Comment
Christian Hero – set in the mid 1800’s in the region of Dundee in Scotland – winningly displays how God set His special saving love on a so-called worthless fellow named Robert Annan. Robert had wasted his youth in drinking, brawling and reveling. A three-month stint in jail left him anxious for change, but his attempts at self-reform only left him empty, miserable and in worse condition than before.

One night when he was 26, Robert attended a revival meeting and became deeply affected by the words of Scottish evangelist, Duncan Matheson. Robert left exclaiming, “Great God, am I shut out of salvation for ever?” After three tormented days grieving over his sin and hopeless of ever finding peace with God, the Holy Spirit came and enabled him to lay hold of this truth: “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” From that day on, Robert anchored his hope on Jesus the Rock and never looked back. Instantly, he became like Paul – a “debtor to all men.” The very first night, Robert passed out tracts and preached to all who would listen. Everyone who knew him marveled at the change they saw. The second night he shared at a gospel meeting what the Lord had done for him.

His love for Christ and passion for souls seemed to know no bounds, and often after a day of hard labor, he would tirelessly and ardently preach in nearby towns. Soul-winning was his most important and urgent occupation and he lost no time or opportunity working in “the fields that were white for harvest.” He was especially burdened for those caught in the vice of drink and rabble rousing, as he had been, and often went to the nearby wharf to see if some of the hardest might be saved. Written by Rev. J. MacPherson, who knew Robert from the time he was a babe in Christ, the Christian Hero is an incredible and rousing testament to God’s power and delight to work through the meek and lowly to save the apple of His eye – the human soul. Its pages will surely stir the reader to cry along with Robert Annan, “I wish to do something for Christ!”
Comment
I can identify with this perspective as I myself was saved out of a life of drugs and alcohol--there is no doubt gods power is stronger than any other power.
Comment
I praise the Lord greatly for this remarkable testimony of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ in Mr. Annan's life. I was introduced to this book by Mona Leiter. One of the highlights of this book is the description of his genuine conversion. He struggled and toiled to find the Truth and be saved to no avail. But the Lord in His own time and by His own grace miraculously regenerated this man revealing the glories of Christ's death, resurrection, and infinite love to this man. Throughout his life, he bore much fruit, and only deepened in his love for the saints and his zeal to preach the Gospel to all. I was inspired by his passion and compassion for the people whom he encountered, man and woman, great and small... Perhaps the most blessed portion of the book was the account of his joyous departure into heaven (ch 6). The Lord revealed glimpses of the heavenly pleasures to him before he died and he went home with full assurance of faith and resting in the love of His Redeemer and Shepherd who had carried him all the days of his life! Here is one of my favorite quotes (p. 53). "let Jesus be all; let nothing be in His way--no idols, no stumbling-block. Let Jesus have a clear course into your heart. The nearer a man lives to God's dear Son, the comelier is he in the eyes of God, and angels, and Godly men, but the more unlovely to a wicked world. Build your nest on the Rock of Ages, fast by the altar and the throne of God. Let Christ be your only desire. Care for nought but Him. Nothing else will satisfy your soul. Oh, what a portion He is! The fullness of the Godhead is ours. A glorious God is ours. The Savior is ours. The Holy Ghost is ours. All things are ours. Away then with every idol. Remember the doom of the slothful servant. When the householder went out to hire servants, he did not merely go to those who were full of head knowledge, but to those who were idle. Go to the vineyard and work for Jesus. The devil will try to keep you back; but resist him and cry for strength" Dear saints, you will be very blessed and inspired to read this beautiful testimony unto His glory!
Comment
What would cause nearly three thousand people to show up for church one day after the burial of a 32 year old Scotsman? THE CHRISTIAN HERO tells of the life of that young man of Dundee Scotland, Robert Annan, who spent years serving self and seeking his own way to make his life acceptable to God.

Then, at the age of 26 he came to truly understand the words of Jesus: "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37). He was a changed man. His passion for sin was replaced with passion for His Savior. His drunkenness was replaced with a drive to win souls for Christ. His former wasted energy was used to proclaim the Gospel day and night.

An amazing man serving an amazing God. This challenging book is hard to put down.
Comment
This was a precious and timely book--from the beginning encouragement of a young man converted who seemed to be one of those "impossible cases" to his creative approach to reaching the lost, fueled by his passion to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. I was both encouraged greatly, and challenged, as well as blessed with new ideas which are both simple and practical on how I can easily do some of the same things which Robart Annan did in his time and place. This is a wonderful book for young men, but really for anyone--our family plans to use this book as gifts to lost people, as the gospel presentation is very clear, and the story compelling. We praise the Lord for the example of Robert Annan!
Comment
Thank you for the opportunity to review The Christian Hero A Sketch of the life of Robert Annan. I knew a little of his story from On This Day in Christian History. It was very enlightening to read more about his life.
This story really gives glory to God for saving Robert out of his sin. We all are sinners before our Holy God, so we all have a story to tell when we become a child of God. Robert's life change was dramatic and a challenge to me in that he lived to help others to be saved from their sin.
Selfless, even to the point of praying without sleeping just to fellowship with Jesus was truly amazing. Although the book does not mention his wife much, she must have been very selfless as well, as Robert spent his evenings witnessing to the poor lost souls.
I love reading of the saints of old and how their time was really the Lords. Such a conviction to my heart, and I really enjoy being challenged. I look forward to ordering more books from Kingsley Press!
Comment
This moving biography recounts the short life of Robert Annan, a Scotsman born to caring parents in Dundee in 1834. As a boy he was fearless and daring, and those traits characterized him throughout his life. As he entered his teenage years, he was even more reckless and became a ringleader in swearing, fighting, and drinking. A stint in prison did nothing to change his downward plunge. His father sent him to America in the hope that he would reform, but to no avail. He eventually joined the army, but later deserted. For a short time, he resolved to turn over a new leaf and returned home to his parent’s house. However, soon after he went to a tavern, and the desire to drink was irresistible. A drunken carousal ensued. But God had His hand on him, and Robert’s life was soon to change forever. He attended a revival meeting, where, as the author says, “the arrows of conviction stuck fast in his conscience”. Several days later, through the witness of the author Robert was gloriously saved. He knew without the shadow of a doubt that Jesus’ words, “whoever comes to me I will never cast out”, applied to him, and he served God with all his heart and soul from then on.
The rest of Robert’s life was spent in ceaseless witness to many of the saving grace of God. He was just as fearless as he had been previously, but his goals were entirely different. He began to witness the day he was converted, handing out tracts. His chief delight was preaching in the street, but he would also save up his meager wage as a stonemason, and travel around the countryside on preaching missions. His heart was tender and he yearned to see the sinner come to the Savior. His favorite topic was salvation by free grace not by works. He loved to sing, and often preceded his speaking with a hymn. He shared his meals with those that were hungry, and was not reticent in speaking with prostitutes, urging them to leave their life of sin. Although he was often attacked and insulted with blows, scorn, and blasphemy in his street meetings, he was able to bear it all with meekness. He was tireless in his work for God. The Lord supplied his physical needs as well, for he married and had children.
Robert Annan’s life should be an example to us all. We need the faithfulness in prayer, the compassion for lost souls, and the love of God’s Word to fill our hearts just as it did his. This book, although written in 1867, is just as applicable today as it was then. It is short and can easily be read in one sitting. I have read many biographies, and this one ranks high on my list. Do not think the language is antiquated, for it is not. The book itself is excellently reproduced, and the typography makes for very easy reading. I add it to my library with joy and thanksgiving. I encourage you to also read it, and I know your life will be blessed.
Comment
I have been very impressed with this short life story of "The Christian Hero." Of all the Christian biographies I have read or known of, this one about Robert Annan is different in some wonderful ways.
Robert Annan was not a missionary or church planter or pastor; he was a lay-minister. His dedicated work for the Lord was in his home town, without pay or pretense. He was driven by a constant burden for souls, and he could just as easily speak to the rich and proud as to the poor and needy. He saw the need of their souls was the same, and their destiny the same without God. But he had a particular compassionate heart for the rough and destitute of society, ones among whom others might fear to work. And he did it all while keeping his own job, providing for his family, and living on little means. He was simply driven by God, and it comes through so well in this book.
Another unique quality is that this book was written by Robert Annan’s pastor. The respect this pastor had for Annan comes through every page. Written from a pastor’s perspective, you see the great care the writer had for Annan, and a desire they shared for bringing souls to God. Written from a preacher’s perspective, the writer interweaves the message of truth with the biographical story he is telling.
Thirdly, this biography goes beyond telling about Annan’s ministry and speaks of Annan’s personal walk with God. Robert Annan desired more than just getting souls saved; he desired hearts and lives, saved and unsaved, to come to truly know God and live in holiness. His heart for the Lord was deep, and his unvarnished love for the Saviour is inspiring. This needs to be seen in Robert Annan; his work for the Lord is amazing, and his walk with the Lord is exemplary.
“The Christian Hero” is more than a story of a man’s life; it is a wonderful message of truth. I would recommend this book to any reader, saved or unsaved. It is a valuable little gem for any library.