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The King's Son, or a Memoir of Billy Bray

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Excerpt from The King's Son, or a Memoir of Billy Bray: Compiled Chiefly From His Own Memoranda
Sufficient evidence of the truth of the remark, that no person in Cornwall, in the humbler ranks of life at least, was better known or more respected than William, commonly called Billy Bray. His and eccentric sayings caused him to be thus widely known, and his deep and fervent piety to be as gene rally respected.
About the Publisher
Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com
This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1877

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About the author

F.W. Bourne

5 books

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5 stars
22 (61%)
4 stars
6 (16%)
3 stars
5 (13%)
2 stars
3 (8%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
38 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.
802 reviews91 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.
1,563 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.
294 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2026
This book perfectly illustrates the joy that Billy found in close communion with the God he loved and served. It gladdens the heart, makes one long for that same close communion and is an inspiration
Profile Image for Ole Madsen.
32 reviews
May 12, 2020
Very good, love stories about christians life with God
Profile Image for Bethany Joy Warner.
121 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.
670 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 - 13 of 13 reviews