From the Author
John Harper had been dead for 85 years when he changed my life dramatically. In 1997, I was in the Harper Memorial Baptist Church in Glasgow, which was renamed for their heroic first pastor, John Harper. There I met Bill Guthrie, a member of the church, who has a fantastic knowledge of Harper. Guthrie furnished me with a rare copy of the original book on Harper, church documents and related accounts from people whose families had known this heroic Scotsman.
My personal experience with Harper's story made me determined to pass it on to as many people as possible. This is done with the conviction that the life of John Harper is capable of leaving an indelible imprint upon all who become acquainted with his passionate passage through this world.
Harper stood as a giant of unselfishness in a world where most men are obsessed with looking out for "number one," a giant of sacrifice in a world where most men are unwilling to deprive themselves, a giant passion for souls in a world where few men possess a deep desire for the salvation of their fellowmen.
Joseph Addison, an English essayist said, "Unbounded courage and compassion...make the hero and the man complete." Harper embodied the courage and compassion that made a complete hero.
From the Inside Flap
John Harper: A Man Of God
Published in 1912 The editorship of this volume has been undertaken at the request of Pastor George Harper, who has rendered most valuable assistance, and whose tender and loving tribute to the memory of his brother will be read with special interest. As the biography is composed mainly of tributes by various writers it has been impossible to avoid duplication. But it has been considered proper that the tributes should appear as written, since each contributor writes from his own standpoint. The sinking of the Titanic with its living freight has created a wail of sorrow throughout the civilized world. The idea of 1522 lives being lost through the sinking of one ship is perfectly appalling. Even after the great ship was at the bottom of the sea, the newspapers, not knowing what had taken place, were announcing that the Titanic was "absolutely unsinkable." But the forces of nature in the Polar regions had, under the keen breath of the north wind, massed themselves together, and from that ice zone came floating silently along the huge berg that ripped the steamer's bottom and sent it to its ocean bed. "By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened" (Job 37:10). The iceberg straitened the Atlantic tract, and the great ship was sent to the bottom of the sea. That Mr. Harper should have been taken away in his prime has perplexed many. We have ventured frequently within the past few years to predict for him a great future of usefulness, but: "We know not what awaits us. God kindly veils our eyes." We reverently bow our heads under the shadow of this great calamity that has bereaved us of one who lived not for himself, but for the glory of Him who redeemed him with His own precious blood. It is hoped that this small memento of a life lived for God and for the good of his fellowman will carry a blessing with it, and be a stimulus to many. In this hope it is sent forth. -John Climie 197 St. Andrew's Rd, Glasgow
