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Robert Murray M'cheyne
The life and ministry of a young man who lived in the presence of God, and brought an overwhelming sense of that presence to men.
191 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1960
249 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
About the author
Andrew A. Bonar
134 books9 followersAndrew Alexander Bonar (May 29, 1810 in Edinburgh – December 30, 1892 in Glasgow) was a minister of the Free Church of Scotland and youngest brother of Horatius Bonar.
Bonar studied at Edinburgh; was minister at Collace, Perthshire, 1838 – 1856 (both in the Church of Scotland and the Free Church); and of Finnieston Free Church, Glasgow, 1856 till his death. He joined the Free Church in 1843, and was its moderator in 1878. He was identified with evangelical and revival movements and adhered to the doctrine of premillennialism. With Robert Murray McCheyne he visited Palestine in 1839 to inquire into the condition of the Jews there. During the visit of Dwight L. Moody to Britain in 1874 and 1875, Moody was warmly welcomed by Bonar, despite the latter receiving considerable criticism from other Calvinist ministers in the Free Church.
Bonar studied at Edinburgh; was minister at Collace, Perthshire, 1838 – 1856 (both in the Church of Scotland and the Free Church); and of Finnieston Free Church, Glasgow, 1856 till his death. He joined the Free Church in 1843, and was its moderator in 1878. He was identified with evangelical and revival movements and adhered to the doctrine of premillennialism. With Robert Murray McCheyne he visited Palestine in 1839 to inquire into the condition of the Jews there. During the visit of Dwight L. Moody to Britain in 1874 and 1875, Moody was warmly welcomed by Bonar, despite the latter receiving considerable criticism from other Calvinist ministers in the Free Church.
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May 4, 2019
This biography of Robert Murray M'Cheyne (a pastor who lived in the early 1800's) was written by his friend Andrew Bonar. It is a beautiful biography of a life that started out hard and was gradually transformed into an incredible example of Christ like humility and love.
The first few chapters started slow. But when the book picks up, almost every page has something to learn or think about. A few of my favorite quotes:
When writing to a student about studying the Bible, "Never see the face of man till you have seen His face, who is our life, our all."
"If thou meanest to enlarge thy religion [life of faith], do it rather by enlarging thine ordinary devotions than thy extraordinary." The biographer goes on to say that this advice describes very accurately the plan of spiritual life on which M'Cheyne acted... "the real secret of his soul's prosperity lay in the daily enlargement of his heart in fellowship with his God."
"During his years in Dundee, he often rode out in an afternoon to the ruined church of Invergowrie, to enjoy and hour's perfect solitude; for he felt meditation and prayer to be the very sinews of his work."
And scattered throughout this book are little gems like "May God make the Word fire." "He wished to be always in the presence of God." "Lord, wean me from my sins, my cares, and from this passing world. May Christ be all in all to me."
I especially loved the section about his trip with his eventual biographer to Palestine. It was so well written I felt I was right there, in the burning heat of the day and the frigidness of night.
He made the Bible his life, often entertaining himself by making poems and memory games so he could remember things, like the different duties assigned to the Priests in the Old Testament.
A few of the "to-do" sections I marked to try to incorporate in my own life I learned from his personal reformation reflections:
1. "I ought to have a stated day of confession, with fasting--say, once a month."
2. "I ought to have a number of scriptures marked, to bring sin to remembrance."
3. "I must never think a sin too small to need immediate application to the blood of Christ."
4. "I ought to have a number of Scriptures ready, which lead my blind soul directly to Christ, such as Isaiah 45, Romans 3."
This book is a definite keep, take notes on, and re-read at least once a year. It is very encouraging while at the same time being very convicting, while always keeping the focus on Christ.
The first few chapters started slow. But when the book picks up, almost every page has something to learn or think about. A few of my favorite quotes:
When writing to a student about studying the Bible, "Never see the face of man till you have seen His face, who is our life, our all."
"If thou meanest to enlarge thy religion [life of faith], do it rather by enlarging thine ordinary devotions than thy extraordinary." The biographer goes on to say that this advice describes very accurately the plan of spiritual life on which M'Cheyne acted... "the real secret of his soul's prosperity lay in the daily enlargement of his heart in fellowship with his God."
"During his years in Dundee, he often rode out in an afternoon to the ruined church of Invergowrie, to enjoy and hour's perfect solitude; for he felt meditation and prayer to be the very sinews of his work."
And scattered throughout this book are little gems like "May God make the Word fire." "He wished to be always in the presence of God." "Lord, wean me from my sins, my cares, and from this passing world. May Christ be all in all to me."
I especially loved the section about his trip with his eventual biographer to Palestine. It was so well written I felt I was right there, in the burning heat of the day and the frigidness of night.
He made the Bible his life, often entertaining himself by making poems and memory games so he could remember things, like the different duties assigned to the Priests in the Old Testament.
A few of the "to-do" sections I marked to try to incorporate in my own life I learned from his personal reformation reflections:
1. "I ought to have a stated day of confession, with fasting--say, once a month."
2. "I ought to have a number of scriptures marked, to bring sin to remembrance."
3. "I must never think a sin too small to need immediate application to the blood of Christ."
4. "I ought to have a number of Scriptures ready, which lead my blind soul directly to Christ, such as Isaiah 45, Romans 3."
This book is a definite keep, take notes on, and re-read at least once a year. It is very encouraging while at the same time being very convicting, while always keeping the focus on Christ.
December 16, 2018
Dead by age 29, what a remarkable life and example of holiness and love for Christ and his people Robert Murray M’Cheyne was.
“But there has been one among us who, ere he had reached the age at which a priest in Israel would have been entering on his course, dwelt at the Mercy seat as if it were his home - preached the certainties of eternal life with an undoubting mind- and spent his nights and days in ceaseless breathings after holiness, and the salvation of sinners. Hundreds of souls were his reward from the Lord, ere he left us; and in him have we been taught how much one man may do who will only press farther into the presence of his God, and handle more skillfully the unsearchable riches of Christ, and speak more boldly for his God.”
“But there has been one among us who, ere he had reached the age at which a priest in Israel would have been entering on his course, dwelt at the Mercy seat as if it were his home - preached the certainties of eternal life with an undoubting mind- and spent his nights and days in ceaseless breathings after holiness, and the salvation of sinners. Hundreds of souls were his reward from the Lord, ere he left us; and in him have we been taught how much one man may do who will only press farther into the presence of his God, and handle more skillfully the unsearchable riches of Christ, and speak more boldly for his God.”
December 26, 2024
Biography of Robert Murray McCheyne, 19th century Presbyterian minister who died very young. An encouraging and challenging read, ministers must seek first their personal holiness and be zealous in the care of their flock's souls. Top lad so he was.
August 4, 2023
As I have read this, I believe the Lord has placed a sweet balm on my soul. “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us” (Phil. 3:17). To imitate my brother M’Cheyne as he imitated Christ would bring great joy to my soul, and I will certainly recommend this biography to all my brothers and sisters, as it details the ceaseless strivings of M’Cheyne for greater communion with God. O, to breathe after holiness for the sake of Christ’s glory!
July 20, 2016
I do not easily grant a five-star rating. But this biography is exceptional. Its subject was a godly Scottish preacher whom God used mightily, even though he was only given 29 years on this earth. This biography will not only tell you the facts about M'Cheyne's life, but also speak to your soul of M'Cheyne's Saviour. This is one of the most spiritually-enriching books I've read as of late. Highly recommended!
March 3, 2025
The pious life of Robert Murray M’Cheyne is here narrated by his close friend Andrew Bonar. The narrative is punctuated with excerpts of M’Cheyne’s own writing including his journal, letters, sermons, and poems.
It is inspiring to see a Christian with such singular passion for doing the Lord’s work as M’Cheyne. It, too, is inspiring to see what care and love he exhibited for his flock as a pastor, especially how often and fervently he prayed for them.
Also of note was his devotion to God and his personal piety/holiness. It is amazing to read about how every person that he encountered could sense his holiness in the way he spoke, carried himself, and acted. His “Personal Reformation” exemplifies his devotion to God in his personal holiness well. It is worthy of reading all by itself! We would all do well to strive after holiness with the vigor of Mr. M’Cheyne.
It is inspiring to see a Christian with such singular passion for doing the Lord’s work as M’Cheyne. It, too, is inspiring to see what care and love he exhibited for his flock as a pastor, especially how often and fervently he prayed for them.
Also of note was his devotion to God and his personal piety/holiness. It is amazing to read about how every person that he encountered could sense his holiness in the way he spoke, carried himself, and acted. His “Personal Reformation” exemplifies his devotion to God in his personal holiness well. It is worthy of reading all by itself! We would all do well to strive after holiness with the vigor of Mr. M’Cheyne.
May 8, 2018
I thought the first half of this book was rather dry and boring. The author (Bonar) was a friend of M'cheyne's, and I felt like he painted him in only a positive light, rather than this being a balanced biography. However, the last two chapters of this short book were excellent, and very spiritually encouraging, especially in the depictions of revival. It was also challenging/encouraging to me in the area of holiness, by the example of Robert Murray M'cheyne. If Goodreads gave half stars, I think this book would be a three and a half. However, due to the dry writing style, I think I will have to go with a three on this one.
November 1, 2020
4.5 stars. Such an edifying book! It was truly a gem, which showed the short and full life of a holy man, and faithful pastor. Lots to chew on and seek to emulate.
It was a bit slow at times, and left a good bit of questions regarding his life. Yet if read as a biography of His inner life and ministry, it was complete on that count. Andrew Bonar, as a friend of M’Cheyne, added in just enough personal feeling and information to be helpful.
Definitely a recommended read.
It was a bit slow at times, and left a good bit of questions regarding his life. Yet if read as a biography of His inner life and ministry, it was complete on that count. Andrew Bonar, as a friend of M’Cheyne, added in just enough personal feeling and information to be helpful.
Definitely a recommended read.
January 24, 2021
A short 29 years this saint of God lived and what can I say about him except, he loved his Savior. A zeal of the Glory of God was put in him from the moment of his conversion and its light didn’t fade until the Lord took him home. He was wholly devoted to the preaching of the Gospel to sinners and concerned for his own holiness. He realized his own sinfulness and need for private time and devotions with God. Prayer and Bible reading/study were non-negotiable. He was lived by those in his flock and those who had heard him during his travels. He was used much and suffered much for the advancement of the Kingdom of God and now his reward is great. Till we meet at the feet of Christ.
May 28, 2025
An incredible weapon in the hand of God, M’Cheyne’s brief 29 years of life were marked by this powerful conviction that his time would be short. May we all live with something of this Holy urgency and ask ourselves as M’Cheyne so often did, “What right have I to steal and abuse my Master’s time? ‘Redeem it,’ he is crying to me.”
January 13, 2023
Surely, reading biographies of men that hungered After God Is one of the best ways to keep our hearts, warm, and to humble us to the dirt
May 18, 2024
There are certainly beautiful nuggets of gold strewn throughout this biography. But the writing style for me (choppy and seemingly haphazard at times) was difficult to overcome.
January 10, 2024
Nu cunosc un sfant si un duh tanar care a trait 29 de ani, si care sa fii umblat atat de profund, autentic, real in propovăduirea Evangheliei precum a facut-o Robert Murray M'cheyne! Dorinta sa cea mai mare fiind a-L propovădui pe Hristos ca oamenii sa fie mantuiti!
Fie ca Dumnezeu sa lucreze la inima lucratorului in taina, iar mai apoi Dumnezeu sa Isi ia toata Gloria! Asta a cautat M'cheyne si a fost intr-adevar un om fericit!
Fie ca Dumnezeu sa lucreze la inima lucratorului in taina, iar mai apoi Dumnezeu sa Isi ia toata Gloria! Asta a cautat M'cheyne si a fost intr-adevar un om fericit!
November 20, 2023
Robert Murray M'Cheyne was a Scottish minister who lived between 1813 and 1843, aged 29. What a true man of God he was, completely devoted to growing in grace and giving God the glory. He boldly served the Lord across continents and accomplished much; winning many souls to God's Kingdom during the revival, despite his short life.
In 1831 Robert's eldest brother David, whom he loved dearly died, aged 18. This left a deep impression on Robert which the Holy Spirit used to stir his soul. David was a devout Christian who drew very close to Jesus in his last days. Unable to satisfactorily capture the likeness of his brother through portraiture, Robert instead turned to words and wrote a poem. It's a beautiful poem which ends with a dark, somber note in which he ponders the futility of his poetic endeavour and of the darkness of the world. "Ah how oft that eye would turn on me, with pity's tenderest look, and only half up-braiding, bid me flee from the vain idols of my boyish heart." It appears that in the tragic death of his elder brother much of the youth of Robert leaves him and he is overcome with a seriousness and fervour for God that will mark his journey until his last breath. Sometimes God needs us to experience emotional grief so as with an onion's layers we might be stripped of the vanities of youth and grow in spiritual maturity. Later on in the book (pp. 159 he says "if we only saw the whole, we would see that the Father is doing little else in the world but training the vines.")
In the days after his brother's death he becomes much harsher with himself with respect to how he spends his hours. After judging himself to have flitted an evening away lightly he chides himself, "My heart must break off from all these things. What right have I to steal and abuse my Master's time? Redeem it, he is crying to me." This internal moral magnifying glass is a constant theme of Robert's life, he puts himself under constant scrutiny in order to know his heart and guard against the lures of the devil.
He was very keen to grow in faith and surround himself with like-minded people who could help bring him along in his spiritual journey. At one point he muses on the disadvantages of those who are not "daily stirred up by the fellowship of more advanced believers." and of the importance of maintaining faith. "If it be good to come under the love of God once, surely it is good to keep ourselves there." (pp.47)
Robert is most honest in his diaries which Andrew Bonar has combed through of his troubled times, or time when he feels 'dry' of spirit. "hours during which the soul is dry and barren are proofs of how little we are filled with the presence of God, how little we are branch-like in our faith." He always held himself to the highest standard and strove to be spirit-filled at all times. "thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee." Robert was one to get up and spend the first hour of each day in the presence of the Lord and upon waking at night to get out of bed and spend his time praying. And towards the end of the book there is a letter Robert wrote to an inquiring Christian asking whether it would be permissible to record meteorological data on the Sabbath, to which Robert's reply was that we can learn from these scientists that rather than taking measurements of wind speed and temperature every hour, instead our concern should be on taking measurement of our spiritual forecast in order to ensure that every hour we check-in with ourselves and ensure that we are in relationship with God in Jesus Christ. "This is the noblest science , to know how to live in hourly communion with God in Christ."
A lot of Robert's correspondences are included in the book from hymns to letters, poems and more. Of particular levity is this fun poem which he wrote in the book of a schoolboy:
"Peace be to thee, gentle boy!
Many years of health and joy!
Love your bible more than play-
Grow in wisdom every day,
Like the lark on hovering wing,
Early rise and mount and sing,
Like the dove that found no rest,
Til it flew to Noah's breast,
Rest not in the world of sin,
Til the saviour take thee in.
The book also includes Robert's time as a missionary Evangelist on an exploratory Judeo-Christian mission to take the pulse of the European and Palestinian Jews as well as to take in the holy lands and the tribes which dwell there, as well as Jerusalem. "We should be like God in his peculiar affections; and the whole bible shows that God has ever had, and still has a peculiar love to the Jews."
One year on February the second he wrote in his diary, "Not a trait worth remembering! and yet these four-and-twenty hours must be accounted for" and later in the year on June the fourth, "Evening almost lost. Music will not sanctify, though it makes feminine the heart." In the preceding years after becoming a minister Robert is afire with spiritual vigour to get busy proclaiming the word of God and saving souls. It is a major concern of his that his time is not his it is God's and that it is a great shame to waste it. He endeavoured to spend his whole time toiling, working hard to win souls for the Lord and I believe he felt neccesarily burdened by his ordinance to strive greatly so that God may bless his efforts and win hearts and souls.
Robert found that on becoming a minister his love for reading all kinds of books, not just theological helped him in his new position. "he has been known to express regret that he had not laid up in former days more stores of all useful knowledge; for he found himself able to use the jewels in the service of Christ." His previous studies would sometimes provide a flash into his mind of some illustration of divine truth at the very moment when he was solemnly applying the gospel to the most ignorant.
Robert was indeed fond of talking with those ignorant of the gospel and illuminating them with its truth. "Oh poor soul, if you are poor literally, or poor spiritually, neither sort of poverty constitutes an unfitness for divine mercy." In fact Robert often was at pains to point out the complacency which can lead Christians to drift away from God imperceptibly and on the importance of regular, daily confrontation of sin and repentance. "To be a great sinner, is a more favourable position and more likely to come to Christ than he who prides himself on his supposed self-righteousness." As a minister Robert no doubt came into contact with people from all walks of life who had endured great setbacks and hardships. He was therefore to stranger to the countenance of the downtrodden and shunned and those who were outcast sinners. He framed it as a great thing, to be in such great need of washing and to desire it.
Robert was also very humble and strived to eliminate pride, self love and self adoration. "I fear that some love the messenger more than the message." He always tried to step aside and let the message and God take prominence but he was all to aware and keen to highlight his battle with the need to kill the ego and the part of his mind which liked the attention and adoration of people. " A man cannot be a faithful minister until he gives up striving to attract people to himself, and seeks only to attract them to Christ, for Christ's sake. His great desire and constant fight was to point people to Christ. (Dec 7, 1842)
His ministry played a huge part in the Scottish revival. He was always in demand and popular with one and all. People would travel from afar to hear him preach and many were converted to Christianity over the course of his ministry. "About a hundred remained; and at the conclusion of the solemn address to these anxious souls. Suddenly the power of God seemed to descend, and all were bathed in tears." (pp.134) Such accounts are corroborated and well documented around his preaching and provide us with some idea of how great and humble a man Robert was and how God used him to further His kingdom.
But again Robert showed spiritual concern for those he had saved towards the end of his life which was cut short when after a visitation he contracted typhus and died days later. Robert knew how difficult it was for himself to remain fruitful and so he doubly-worried for the longevity of those he had seen converted and he tried to impress upon his congregation the importance of remaining in Jesus. "We are truly secure only when our eye is on Jesus and our hand locked in his hand." (pp.143)
"I fear I am not throughly humbled. I feel the pride of my heart and bewail it." It's a reminder as a Christian not to give into delusions and over-estimations of ourselves and our spiritual disposition. To walk with God is not easy, it's the narrow path and it requires an inwardly-looking eye of searing intensity to pierce through the self-deceptions and things we overlook. "Whatever I see to be sin, I ought from this day forth to set my whole soul against it." (pp.180)
This book has been published in over 100 versions and is available through the Banner of Truth Trust for £6.25. I borrowed a copy from a friend from Church however of all the Christian books I have read so far this has been my favourite and one which I will consider purchasing for my own book shelf. It has taken me longer than the other books to read because it is so well edited and densely packed with edifying and useful insights into the life of one of the most celebrated Scottish ministers.
"I am persuaded that nothing is thriving in my soul unless it it growing. Grow in grace!"
In 1831 Robert's eldest brother David, whom he loved dearly died, aged 18. This left a deep impression on Robert which the Holy Spirit used to stir his soul. David was a devout Christian who drew very close to Jesus in his last days. Unable to satisfactorily capture the likeness of his brother through portraiture, Robert instead turned to words and wrote a poem. It's a beautiful poem which ends with a dark, somber note in which he ponders the futility of his poetic endeavour and of the darkness of the world. "Ah how oft that eye would turn on me, with pity's tenderest look, and only half up-braiding, bid me flee from the vain idols of my boyish heart." It appears that in the tragic death of his elder brother much of the youth of Robert leaves him and he is overcome with a seriousness and fervour for God that will mark his journey until his last breath. Sometimes God needs us to experience emotional grief so as with an onion's layers we might be stripped of the vanities of youth and grow in spiritual maturity. Later on in the book (pp. 159 he says "if we only saw the whole, we would see that the Father is doing little else in the world but training the vines.")
In the days after his brother's death he becomes much harsher with himself with respect to how he spends his hours. After judging himself to have flitted an evening away lightly he chides himself, "My heart must break off from all these things. What right have I to steal and abuse my Master's time? Redeem it, he is crying to me." This internal moral magnifying glass is a constant theme of Robert's life, he puts himself under constant scrutiny in order to know his heart and guard against the lures of the devil.
He was very keen to grow in faith and surround himself with like-minded people who could help bring him along in his spiritual journey. At one point he muses on the disadvantages of those who are not "daily stirred up by the fellowship of more advanced believers." and of the importance of maintaining faith. "If it be good to come under the love of God once, surely it is good to keep ourselves there." (pp.47)
Robert is most honest in his diaries which Andrew Bonar has combed through of his troubled times, or time when he feels 'dry' of spirit. "hours during which the soul is dry and barren are proofs of how little we are filled with the presence of God, how little we are branch-like in our faith." He always held himself to the highest standard and strove to be spirit-filled at all times. "thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee." Robert was one to get up and spend the first hour of each day in the presence of the Lord and upon waking at night to get out of bed and spend his time praying. And towards the end of the book there is a letter Robert wrote to an inquiring Christian asking whether it would be permissible to record meteorological data on the Sabbath, to which Robert's reply was that we can learn from these scientists that rather than taking measurements of wind speed and temperature every hour, instead our concern should be on taking measurement of our spiritual forecast in order to ensure that every hour we check-in with ourselves and ensure that we are in relationship with God in Jesus Christ. "This is the noblest science , to know how to live in hourly communion with God in Christ."
A lot of Robert's correspondences are included in the book from hymns to letters, poems and more. Of particular levity is this fun poem which he wrote in the book of a schoolboy:
"Peace be to thee, gentle boy!
Many years of health and joy!
Love your bible more than play-
Grow in wisdom every day,
Like the lark on hovering wing,
Early rise and mount and sing,
Like the dove that found no rest,
Til it flew to Noah's breast,
Rest not in the world of sin,
Til the saviour take thee in.
The book also includes Robert's time as a missionary Evangelist on an exploratory Judeo-Christian mission to take the pulse of the European and Palestinian Jews as well as to take in the holy lands and the tribes which dwell there, as well as Jerusalem. "We should be like God in his peculiar affections; and the whole bible shows that God has ever had, and still has a peculiar love to the Jews."
One year on February the second he wrote in his diary, "Not a trait worth remembering! and yet these four-and-twenty hours must be accounted for" and later in the year on June the fourth, "Evening almost lost. Music will not sanctify, though it makes feminine the heart." In the preceding years after becoming a minister Robert is afire with spiritual vigour to get busy proclaiming the word of God and saving souls. It is a major concern of his that his time is not his it is God's and that it is a great shame to waste it. He endeavoured to spend his whole time toiling, working hard to win souls for the Lord and I believe he felt neccesarily burdened by his ordinance to strive greatly so that God may bless his efforts and win hearts and souls.
Robert found that on becoming a minister his love for reading all kinds of books, not just theological helped him in his new position. "he has been known to express regret that he had not laid up in former days more stores of all useful knowledge; for he found himself able to use the jewels in the service of Christ." His previous studies would sometimes provide a flash into his mind of some illustration of divine truth at the very moment when he was solemnly applying the gospel to the most ignorant.
Robert was indeed fond of talking with those ignorant of the gospel and illuminating them with its truth. "Oh poor soul, if you are poor literally, or poor spiritually, neither sort of poverty constitutes an unfitness for divine mercy." In fact Robert often was at pains to point out the complacency which can lead Christians to drift away from God imperceptibly and on the importance of regular, daily confrontation of sin and repentance. "To be a great sinner, is a more favourable position and more likely to come to Christ than he who prides himself on his supposed self-righteousness." As a minister Robert no doubt came into contact with people from all walks of life who had endured great setbacks and hardships. He was therefore to stranger to the countenance of the downtrodden and shunned and those who were outcast sinners. He framed it as a great thing, to be in such great need of washing and to desire it.
Robert was also very humble and strived to eliminate pride, self love and self adoration. "I fear that some love the messenger more than the message." He always tried to step aside and let the message and God take prominence but he was all to aware and keen to highlight his battle with the need to kill the ego and the part of his mind which liked the attention and adoration of people. " A man cannot be a faithful minister until he gives up striving to attract people to himself, and seeks only to attract them to Christ, for Christ's sake. His great desire and constant fight was to point people to Christ. (Dec 7, 1842)
His ministry played a huge part in the Scottish revival. He was always in demand and popular with one and all. People would travel from afar to hear him preach and many were converted to Christianity over the course of his ministry. "About a hundred remained; and at the conclusion of the solemn address to these anxious souls. Suddenly the power of God seemed to descend, and all were bathed in tears." (pp.134) Such accounts are corroborated and well documented around his preaching and provide us with some idea of how great and humble a man Robert was and how God used him to further His kingdom.
But again Robert showed spiritual concern for those he had saved towards the end of his life which was cut short when after a visitation he contracted typhus and died days later. Robert knew how difficult it was for himself to remain fruitful and so he doubly-worried for the longevity of those he had seen converted and he tried to impress upon his congregation the importance of remaining in Jesus. "We are truly secure only when our eye is on Jesus and our hand locked in his hand." (pp.143)
"I fear I am not throughly humbled. I feel the pride of my heart and bewail it." It's a reminder as a Christian not to give into delusions and over-estimations of ourselves and our spiritual disposition. To walk with God is not easy, it's the narrow path and it requires an inwardly-looking eye of searing intensity to pierce through the self-deceptions and things we overlook. "Whatever I see to be sin, I ought from this day forth to set my whole soul against it." (pp.180)
This book has been published in over 100 versions and is available through the Banner of Truth Trust for £6.25. I borrowed a copy from a friend from Church however of all the Christian books I have read so far this has been my favourite and one which I will consider purchasing for my own book shelf. It has taken me longer than the other books to read because it is so well edited and densely packed with edifying and useful insights into the life of one of the most celebrated Scottish ministers.
"I am persuaded that nothing is thriving in my soul unless it it growing. Grow in grace!"
December 3, 2022
One of a kind. This may be the most spiritually challenging biography I have ever read. M'Cheyne lived through the most blessed experiences and communion with God a young man could wish for and even got to witness true revival in his homeland of Scotland. A humbling and necessary read!
August 24, 2014
Much different than any other biography I have read. Mr. Bonar's goal appears not to portray the life of M'Cheyne rather the depths to which he knew the living God. Very different than the approach of writer Eric Metaxas who did the biographies of both William Wilberforce and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Bonar does not give much detail in the practical things of his upbringing or his living, but only the things which are necessary to encompass his approach to preaching. Fundamental to this is how he had communion with God. As a result, there are MANY direct quotes and journal entries of Robert. Was very refreshing!
The greatest theme of the book, was the viewpoint M'Cheyne held on the doctrine of sin. He thought of himself as a worm who could only but cling to Jesus. This lead to much self reflection and many prayers of confession and blessing. He was a man of "secret" holliness and dispised any pride in the pulpit. He did not enjoy the praise he would receive from not only his congregation but also people from afar.
By far the most moving portion of the book, a written account of one of M'Cheyne's reflections of his heart and life, entitled "Reformation". I reccommend this to ALL CHRISTIANS. Such depth can not be written about here. It is less than 10 pages but very impacting.
There were many things lacking in this book as well. There was very little mention of the nature of his sickness as well as the response to his numerous trials. Detail was not given on many of the doctrines he held to. However, if a detailed writting already existed of such opionions, Mr Bonar pointed this out and did not want to take to duplicating such details. I was dissapointed that there was no chapter devouted to his convictions of his reading plan. He viewed it very important that his congregation read the scriptures "in all its breadth".
All in all, an excellent book which I have benefited from greatly!
Bonar does not give much detail in the practical things of his upbringing or his living, but only the things which are necessary to encompass his approach to preaching. Fundamental to this is how he had communion with God. As a result, there are MANY direct quotes and journal entries of Robert. Was very refreshing!
The greatest theme of the book, was the viewpoint M'Cheyne held on the doctrine of sin. He thought of himself as a worm who could only but cling to Jesus. This lead to much self reflection and many prayers of confession and blessing. He was a man of "secret" holliness and dispised any pride in the pulpit. He did not enjoy the praise he would receive from not only his congregation but also people from afar.
By far the most moving portion of the book, a written account of one of M'Cheyne's reflections of his heart and life, entitled "Reformation". I reccommend this to ALL CHRISTIANS. Such depth can not be written about here. It is less than 10 pages but very impacting.
There were many things lacking in this book as well. There was very little mention of the nature of his sickness as well as the response to his numerous trials. Detail was not given on many of the doctrines he held to. However, if a detailed writting already existed of such opionions, Mr Bonar pointed this out and did not want to take to duplicating such details. I was dissapointed that there was no chapter devouted to his convictions of his reading plan. He viewed it very important that his congregation read the scriptures "in all its breadth".
All in all, an excellent book which I have benefited from greatly!
May 18, 2024
Though his life had no great adventures and he died at 29, this is probably the best biography I have ever read. When compared with this man’s amazing zeal for God, I appear like a child. His affections, his devotion, his abhorrence of sin, and his love for our Savior surpassed mine as the sweetness of a strawberry surpasses that of a plantain. Bonar also did an outstanding job in his authorship of this book, and his selection was practically impeccable. He chose the most inspiring information on the most important topics and edited wisely to bring the reader the greatest advantage. Here were my ten best takeaways:
1. M’chenye had an unwavering focus. He was not a double-minded man, but his whole life’s course, he pressed “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” His personal life seemed incapable of being diverted into unworthy bunny trails of thought and commitment. A wise and skilled plumber ought to know water and pipes better than politics and math, and just so a lively and biblical pastor ought to be so immersed in prayer and the word, in spiritual conversations and letters, in confession and adoration, that any number of other pursuits do not seem to occupy a great part of his time. Because I would be a missionary, I found that I have allowed music and business to occupy a majority of my thoughts, relegating devotion to the remnant.
2. His lifestyle and diary provided a plethora of wonderful insights. He gave the best argument I have ever read for performing devotions in the early morning, and not at any other time. He modeled using the Lord’s Day to greatest possible advantage, refusing entertainment or worldly conversation on this day not primarily for silly covenantal or theonomic reasons, but rather because he wished that the whole day might be devoted in worshipping and adoring the Son the best.
3. Due to his great sincerity and destruction of prejudice, he held some views that seemed to contradict his church’s presuppositions because he took the Bible’s words so seriously. He eagerly waited the second coming and the conversation of the Jews, adopting premillennial eschatology and believing Israel to be the clock whereby we may determine the salvation of the world. Also, although a Presbyterian, he acknowledged restrictions on ordinance, and only baptized the children of those in good standing with the church, to Bonar’s great displeasure. He furthermore refused to baptize any child whose parent believed that baptism imparted saving grace to the child.
4. He balanced loving people with dedicating time to study and private devotion. He would present himself in a grave attitude to frivolous friends who often wasted or interrupted his time for study and devotion. However, he constantly visited and comforted the sick and dying, especially during the plague, such that sometimes he lacked any time throughout week to prepare his sermons until Saturday afternoon.
5. He presented a great example of practicing what you preach. “His last discourse had in it saving power to some, and that rather from the holiness it breathed than from the wisdom of the words.” (p.248) He also hated when people honored him simply because he was a pastor or was renowned, but only wanted to be loved in so far as it reflected the person’s deeper love for Jesus. “Ministers are but a pole, it is to the brazen serpent you are to look.” (p.244)
6. In evangelism, he realized the importance of not merely of terrifying sinners with the lake of fire, but of even more inspiring them with love for the Son of God. He did not want merely to convict his hearers, but also to inspire faith. His evangelism, both of children and adults, bears remarkable evidence of a fervor which lacked earthly desires, but rather bore a great passion and urgency, not only to see their souls delivered from Hell, but also that they might be brought to worship and glorify our Lord’s name.
7. Throughout this book, his humility was unmatched. He wrote, “O that I might lie lower in the dust—the lower the better—that Jesus’ righteousness and Jesus’ strength alone might be glorified.” (p.65)
8. The best four pages (230-233) in the book cover his confession of sin, to which I can find no parallel in church history. I can give no greater promotion of these pages than simply to say you should buy the book, even if only for those four pages.
9. His intercession stunned me as well. He said that those who do not intercede for their fellow men are selfish and do not know what it is to love their neighbor. Everyday, he said he sought to intercede for first his family, then his friends, then his church, then his whole town, then the church of Scotland, then the faithful ministers and brethren he knew, then for vacant congregations and other churches, then for students of divinity, and finally for missionaries, both to Jews and Gentiles.
10. He sought provide some spiritual benefits to all those who met him. Paul wrote, “For I long to see you that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift...oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I may have some spiritual fruit among you, even as among other Gentiles.” (Rom. 1:11, 13) M’chenye modeled this same sentiment: “Never was he satisfied unless he could bring the conversation to bear upon things of eternity.” (p.115) He wrote, “M. G. lies sore upon my conscience; I did no good to that woman.” (p.77) Some friends and acquaintances said of him that it was probable a day never passed without their profiting from his friendship. (p.117)
Though he died before thirty, he reached a state of greater spirituality in his life than many ministers do who more than double that age. This book constantly challenged my faith, such that I wondered if I have ever lived done a truly God-honoring deed. I know no biography which so closely images how I believe Christ or the apostles would have lived in modern times. Every true Christian ought to read this book.
1. M’chenye had an unwavering focus. He was not a double-minded man, but his whole life’s course, he pressed “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” His personal life seemed incapable of being diverted into unworthy bunny trails of thought and commitment. A wise and skilled plumber ought to know water and pipes better than politics and math, and just so a lively and biblical pastor ought to be so immersed in prayer and the word, in spiritual conversations and letters, in confession and adoration, that any number of other pursuits do not seem to occupy a great part of his time. Because I would be a missionary, I found that I have allowed music and business to occupy a majority of my thoughts, relegating devotion to the remnant.
2. His lifestyle and diary provided a plethora of wonderful insights. He gave the best argument I have ever read for performing devotions in the early morning, and not at any other time. He modeled using the Lord’s Day to greatest possible advantage, refusing entertainment or worldly conversation on this day not primarily for silly covenantal or theonomic reasons, but rather because he wished that the whole day might be devoted in worshipping and adoring the Son the best.
3. Due to his great sincerity and destruction of prejudice, he held some views that seemed to contradict his church’s presuppositions because he took the Bible’s words so seriously. He eagerly waited the second coming and the conversation of the Jews, adopting premillennial eschatology and believing Israel to be the clock whereby we may determine the salvation of the world. Also, although a Presbyterian, he acknowledged restrictions on ordinance, and only baptized the children of those in good standing with the church, to Bonar’s great displeasure. He furthermore refused to baptize any child whose parent believed that baptism imparted saving grace to the child.
4. He balanced loving people with dedicating time to study and private devotion. He would present himself in a grave attitude to frivolous friends who often wasted or interrupted his time for study and devotion. However, he constantly visited and comforted the sick and dying, especially during the plague, such that sometimes he lacked any time throughout week to prepare his sermons until Saturday afternoon.
5. He presented a great example of practicing what you preach. “His last discourse had in it saving power to some, and that rather from the holiness it breathed than from the wisdom of the words.” (p.248) He also hated when people honored him simply because he was a pastor or was renowned, but only wanted to be loved in so far as it reflected the person’s deeper love for Jesus. “Ministers are but a pole, it is to the brazen serpent you are to look.” (p.244)
6. In evangelism, he realized the importance of not merely of terrifying sinners with the lake of fire, but of even more inspiring them with love for the Son of God. He did not want merely to convict his hearers, but also to inspire faith. His evangelism, both of children and adults, bears remarkable evidence of a fervor which lacked earthly desires, but rather bore a great passion and urgency, not only to see their souls delivered from Hell, but also that they might be brought to worship and glorify our Lord’s name.
7. Throughout this book, his humility was unmatched. He wrote, “O that I might lie lower in the dust—the lower the better—that Jesus’ righteousness and Jesus’ strength alone might be glorified.” (p.65)
8. The best four pages (230-233) in the book cover his confession of sin, to which I can find no parallel in church history. I can give no greater promotion of these pages than simply to say you should buy the book, even if only for those four pages.
9. His intercession stunned me as well. He said that those who do not intercede for their fellow men are selfish and do not know what it is to love their neighbor. Everyday, he said he sought to intercede for first his family, then his friends, then his church, then his whole town, then the church of Scotland, then the faithful ministers and brethren he knew, then for vacant congregations and other churches, then for students of divinity, and finally for missionaries, both to Jews and Gentiles.
10. He sought provide some spiritual benefits to all those who met him. Paul wrote, “For I long to see you that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift...oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I may have some spiritual fruit among you, even as among other Gentiles.” (Rom. 1:11, 13) M’chenye modeled this same sentiment: “Never was he satisfied unless he could bring the conversation to bear upon things of eternity.” (p.115) He wrote, “M. G. lies sore upon my conscience; I did no good to that woman.” (p.77) Some friends and acquaintances said of him that it was probable a day never passed without their profiting from his friendship. (p.117)
Though he died before thirty, he reached a state of greater spirituality in his life than many ministers do who more than double that age. This book constantly challenged my faith, such that I wondered if I have ever lived done a truly God-honoring deed. I know no biography which so closely images how I believe Christ or the apostles would have lived in modern times. Every true Christian ought to read this book.
May 17, 2021
Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813-1843), was the pastor of St. Peter's Church, Dundee, from 1836 until his death in 1843. Although M’Cheyne’s life and ministry were remarkably short—he died a month before his 30th birthday—he was highly regarded in the Church of Scotland as a preacher and a man of deep personal piety and prayer. He is best known for designing a widely used plan for reading through the Bible in one year, which is my favorite plan for daily Bible reading. Bonar was afreind and fellow minister alongside M'Cheyne. His account of his life is as much a devotional work as a biography. This book was a blessed to re-read.
“He did occasionally set apart seasons for special prayer and fasting . . . . But the real secret of his soul's prosperity lay in the daily enlargement of his heart in fellowship with his God. And the river deepened as it flowed on to eternity.”
—Andrew Bonar on Robert M’Cheyne
“He did occasionally set apart seasons for special prayer and fasting . . . . But the real secret of his soul's prosperity lay in the daily enlargement of his heart in fellowship with his God. And the river deepened as it flowed on to eternity.”
—Andrew Bonar on Robert M’Cheyne
April 13, 2019
I’ll admit this book is hard going at times. But I can’t help but give it 5 stars because of all the gems it contains. The section in the last chapter from M’Cheyne’s ‘Reformation’ is absolute gold.
This quote from Bonar about him sums it up for me - “two things he seems never to have ceased from - the cultivation of personal holiness, and the anxious efforts to save souls.”
Let’s pray that God will raise up more like him.
This quote from Bonar about him sums it up for me - “two things he seems never to have ceased from - the cultivation of personal holiness, and the anxious efforts to save souls.”
Let’s pray that God will raise up more like him.
August 31, 2025
En su momento me pareció la mayor joya dentro del género de la biografía cristiana. Después se convirtió en el principal argumento (detrás quizá del diario de David Brainerd) del porqué el cristiano de a pie no debería enfocar su quehacer literario en consumir este tipo de literatura.
June 27, 2024
Când se va sfârși această lume trecătoare, când soarele strălucitor va apune, când vom sta cu Hristos în glorie privind la povestea terminată a vieții, atunci, Doamne, voi cunoaște întru totul, abia atunci, cât de mult Îți datorez.
Robert Murray M'Cheyne
Robert Murray M'Cheyne
February 5, 2021
One of my favorites books.
July 25, 2023
O biografie cu adevărat inedită, ce are puterea de a inspira orice cititor, fie el religios sau nu. În timp ce parcurgeam aceste pagini, mărturisesc că în nenumărate ocazii eu însumi am fost cercetat, iar pe alocuri mustrat în înlăuntrul meu de Dumnezeu potrivit cu Cuvântul Scripturii. Citind despre șirul evenimentelor descrise aici, m-am simțit atât de mic și atât de slab, dar acest lucru nu m-a făcut să îmi pierd nădejdea, ci să o regăsesc.
Robert Murray M'Cheyne a fost un vas de cinste, ales și binecuvântat cu scopul de a duce mai departe această binecuvântare cerească. Din sufletul său a curs râuri de apă vie. A fost om cu o credință fermă și de o profunzime cum nu prea mai întâlnești. Și totuși, nu aceste lucruri l-au făcut să fie atât de remarcat, ci prezența sfințitoare a lui Dumnezeu din inima sa. El a avut o viață pe cât de scurtă, pe atât de înflăcărată pentru Dumnezeu, iar acest lucru a fost vizibil în viața bisericii sale și a trezirilor ce au avut loc în Scoția în anii 1830.
El “ardea” pentru Dumnezeu și pentru câștigarea sufletelor pierdute. Cei mai mulți creștini ard ca o lumânare: încet, pe o durată de timp mai îndelungată și din acest motiv, lumina pe care o răspândesc ei este una destul de slabă, rareori având puterea de a-i aprinde și pe alții. În schimb, viața lui R.M.M a fost ca o torță ce ardea cu intensitate! A avut o flacără atât de puternică, încât aceasta nu avea cum să ardă pentru prea mult timp, dar care răspândea o lumină extrem de puternică în toate colțurile pe unde a umblat și toți cei care intrau în proximitarea lui erau "aprinși" în duhul lor. Zicea Bonar la un moment dat că, oamenii din congregația lui erau mișcați în sufletelor lor, cercetați de sfințenia şi trăirea lui profundă alături de Dumnezeu, chiar și atunci când tăcea și nu rostea un cuvânt.
Am fost surprins să aflu că există multe similitudini interesante între el și David Brainerd: amândoi au murit la vârsta de 29 de ani în urma unei boli. Jurnalul și biografia amândurora a fost scrisă de un prieten apropiat, în cazul lui Brainerd a fost Jonathan Edwards, iar în cazul lui R.M.M a fost Andrew Bonar. Amândoi au avut un zel evanghelistic pentru sufletele pierdute. Amândoi erau disciplinați în rugăciune și veghere personală. Amândoi iubeau Scriptura și se hrăneau zilnic din ea. Amândoi consemnam în jurnal. Amândoi au dat totul pentru Evanghelie.
Atunci când un om se pune la dispoziția lui Dumnezeu, cu toată mintea sa, cu tot sufletul său și cu toată ființa sa, precum a făcut el, binecuvântările nu vor întârzia să apară. Prin viața lui mii de oameni au auzit Evanghelia și mii de suflete au venit la Cristos. Mii de oameni au fost binecuvântați prin rugăciunile și scrisorile sale. Congregațiile pe care le vizita erau zidite și hrănite prin mesajele sale îmbibate de Scriptură. El a mai dovedit mai presus decât orice, că a câștiga suflete pentru Cristos nu necesită a avea o inteligență înaltă, ci o credință puternică, combinată cu o lepădare de sine și o umplere cu Duhul Sfânt. Credința doar în Cristos este cea care mișcă munții. Și el chiar i-a mutat.
După toți acești ani, biografiile lor, gândurile lor scrise în mijlocul suferințelor și a bolii au inspirat alți slujitori să sacrifice totul ca să meargă cu Evanghelia până la marginile pământului în ciuda oricărui obstacol. Astfel mărturia lor dăinuie și numele lui Cristos este înălțat tot mai mult pe tot pământul. Întreaga carte abundă de gânduri profunde și citate deosebite pe care el le-a rostit sau scris, dar cel în care am găsit o mare încurajare a fost următorul: "Toți suntem nemuritori până ne isprăvim lucrarea."
Robert Murray M'Cheyne a fost un vas de cinste, ales și binecuvântat cu scopul de a duce mai departe această binecuvântare cerească. Din sufletul său a curs râuri de apă vie. A fost om cu o credință fermă și de o profunzime cum nu prea mai întâlnești. Și totuși, nu aceste lucruri l-au făcut să fie atât de remarcat, ci prezența sfințitoare a lui Dumnezeu din inima sa. El a avut o viață pe cât de scurtă, pe atât de înflăcărată pentru Dumnezeu, iar acest lucru a fost vizibil în viața bisericii sale și a trezirilor ce au avut loc în Scoția în anii 1830.
El “ardea” pentru Dumnezeu și pentru câștigarea sufletelor pierdute. Cei mai mulți creștini ard ca o lumânare: încet, pe o durată de timp mai îndelungată și din acest motiv, lumina pe care o răspândesc ei este una destul de slabă, rareori având puterea de a-i aprinde și pe alții. În schimb, viața lui R.M.M a fost ca o torță ce ardea cu intensitate! A avut o flacără atât de puternică, încât aceasta nu avea cum să ardă pentru prea mult timp, dar care răspândea o lumină extrem de puternică în toate colțurile pe unde a umblat și toți cei care intrau în proximitarea lui erau "aprinși" în duhul lor. Zicea Bonar la un moment dat că, oamenii din congregația lui erau mișcați în sufletelor lor, cercetați de sfințenia şi trăirea lui profundă alături de Dumnezeu, chiar și atunci când tăcea și nu rostea un cuvânt.
Am fost surprins să aflu că există multe similitudini interesante între el și David Brainerd: amândoi au murit la vârsta de 29 de ani în urma unei boli. Jurnalul și biografia amândurora a fost scrisă de un prieten apropiat, în cazul lui Brainerd a fost Jonathan Edwards, iar în cazul lui R.M.M a fost Andrew Bonar. Amândoi au avut un zel evanghelistic pentru sufletele pierdute. Amândoi erau disciplinați în rugăciune și veghere personală. Amândoi iubeau Scriptura și se hrăneau zilnic din ea. Amândoi consemnam în jurnal. Amândoi au dat totul pentru Evanghelie.
Atunci când un om se pune la dispoziția lui Dumnezeu, cu toată mintea sa, cu tot sufletul său și cu toată ființa sa, precum a făcut el, binecuvântările nu vor întârzia să apară. Prin viața lui mii de oameni au auzit Evanghelia și mii de suflete au venit la Cristos. Mii de oameni au fost binecuvântați prin rugăciunile și scrisorile sale. Congregațiile pe care le vizita erau zidite și hrănite prin mesajele sale îmbibate de Scriptură. El a mai dovedit mai presus decât orice, că a câștiga suflete pentru Cristos nu necesită a avea o inteligență înaltă, ci o credință puternică, combinată cu o lepădare de sine și o umplere cu Duhul Sfânt. Credința doar în Cristos este cea care mișcă munții. Și el chiar i-a mutat.
După toți acești ani, biografiile lor, gândurile lor scrise în mijlocul suferințelor și a bolii au inspirat alți slujitori să sacrifice totul ca să meargă cu Evanghelia până la marginile pământului în ciuda oricărui obstacol. Astfel mărturia lor dăinuie și numele lui Cristos este înălțat tot mai mult pe tot pământul. Întreaga carte abundă de gânduri profunde și citate deosebite pe care el le-a rostit sau scris, dar cel în care am găsit o mare încurajare a fost următorul: "Toți suntem nemuritori până ne isprăvim lucrarea."
October 23, 2023
A most worthwhile read, surely this is one of the best books I've read all year. I suppose I could qualify that by saying it's one of the best biographies, or best Christian books, or most encouraging books, or some such, but I will forgo all that and simply reiterate - easily one of the best (if not the best) books I've read all year. Surely this book will long linger in my mind and the lessons and encourage I have received from it will not easily fade (and thus do I pray). This is the biography of a Scottish minister who lived in the 19th century. He did not live long and his name is not remembered by many these days. But he would rejoice in that fact and declare that all our thoughts and praises should be directed to our Lord God. And truly, that's one of the reasons a book like this - while yes, very educational and interesting - is so spiritually stimulating. Continually as I read, I found myself examining my own walk, my own spiritual disciplines, my own attitudes towards my Lord. I walked away from this book with my heart afire to love and serve my Lord more. And what more can one ask than this? This book greatly benefited by being written by one of M'Cheyne's co-laborers and dearest friends, and published not that long after M'Cheyne's death. This is not a book written by an impartial and relatively disinterested party, oh no. This book is written by one who shares M'Cheyne's passion for the glory of God and the salvation of lost souls, and seeks that this book might encourage and enliven those who read. I am not going to pretend this book is full of fine prose and interesting anecdotes. This biography is simply written, with the author sketching the bare essentials of M'Cheyne's life, quoting prodigiously from M'Cheyne's journal and letters, and spending the vast majority of this biography on M'Cheyne's ministry to his flock and service to His Lord. And you know what? Reading the life of one who was faithful to His Lord in all things stirred my soul far more than any beautifully written tome would do (or has done). Yes there are some elements of M'Cheyne's life that make me raise an eyebrow - is there some tendency to legalism in certain things? Perhaps, but we in this day and age stray far more towards the hedonistic excesses of our materialistic culture, even in the most orthodox sections of evangelicalism. In these times, I deem it needful to spend time reading a biography of a man who strived for holiness and to be found to obey God in all things. I need to re-read this book once every few years, minimum. Oh how good it is to think on the glories of Christ and to rest in the knowledge of our salvation - and oh that these thoughts and meditations spur us on to share the beautiful good news of Jesus with all those we know! Oh for God to be glorified far and wide across our land! Some of my favourite parts of this book? Loved the account of M'Cheyne's voyages in Israel. And greatly edified reading M'Cheyne's "Reformations" and the resolves he made in how he lived day-to-day. Honestly? Loved this whole book and it made my heart burn with love for my Savior. O for grace to know Him more. All glory be to Christ, now and forever.
April 6, 2022
I am 29 years old, the age Robert M'Cheyne died. Talk about a timely read! Reflecting on his life, his legacy, his zeal and love for the Lord--was very convicting and beneficial for me. M'Cheyne was wholly devoted to His Lord. His life is a picture of what can happen if someone gives everything to their Savior, and I suspect his early death was due in part to his relentless exertions.
One of the things that most struck me was how M'Cheyne spent his time. He had resolved each day to not see the face of man before he saw the face of God. He spent much time in secret with the Lord, convinced that his ministry would be fruitless without his own life being touched by the divine. Andrew Bonar comments that it was M'Cheyne's conviction that pastors must "refuse to admit the idea of feeding others, until satiated themselves."
Such a frequent intimacy with God surely left a deep impact on his being and disposition. Frequently people would be struck by his presence or the manner in which he spoke over even the content of his speaking. A country man once said of him: "Before he opened his lips, as he came along the passage, there was something about him that sorely affected me." Such is the Spirit of God.
Another thing that impressed me about M'Cheyne was his contentment letting "ministerial success" fall to others. After laboring intensively at Dundee, he took a trip to the land of Israel to work with the Jewish Mission and recouperate physically. Upon his return to Dundee he finds out that revival has broken out and many in his own congregation have been cut to the heart. M'Cheyne is overjoyed that his prayers have been answered, there is no hint of carnal jealousy that someone else was so blessed to be used in this awakening. Instead of self-aggrandizement, M'Cheyne fears his congregants forming an attachment to him instead of Christ, the messanger instead of the Savior. He is wary of his desire for fame and the dangers of misplaced affection in those under his care. "Ministers are but the pole; it is to the brazen serpent you are to look."
M'Cheyne wrote this poem about Richard Baxter when reading that ancient Puritan's book "A Call to the Unconverted":
Though Baxter's lips have long in silence hung,
And death long hush'd that sinner-wakening tongue,
Yet still, though dead, he speaks aloud to all,
And from the grave still issues forth his "Call:"
Like some loud angel-voice from Zion hill,
The mighty echo rolls and rumbles still.
Oh grant that we, when sleeping in the dust,
May thus speak forth the wisdom of the just!
God granted M'Cheyne his request. His works and this biography have been treasured for generations, and in 2022, the legacy and work of his short 29 years thunder on.
This biography is a must read for Christians, particularly those who are pastors or who are seeking to enter the ministry. A great read.
One of the things that most struck me was how M'Cheyne spent his time. He had resolved each day to not see the face of man before he saw the face of God. He spent much time in secret with the Lord, convinced that his ministry would be fruitless without his own life being touched by the divine. Andrew Bonar comments that it was M'Cheyne's conviction that pastors must "refuse to admit the idea of feeding others, until satiated themselves."
Such a frequent intimacy with God surely left a deep impact on his being and disposition. Frequently people would be struck by his presence or the manner in which he spoke over even the content of his speaking. A country man once said of him: "Before he opened his lips, as he came along the passage, there was something about him that sorely affected me." Such is the Spirit of God.
Another thing that impressed me about M'Cheyne was his contentment letting "ministerial success" fall to others. After laboring intensively at Dundee, he took a trip to the land of Israel to work with the Jewish Mission and recouperate physically. Upon his return to Dundee he finds out that revival has broken out and many in his own congregation have been cut to the heart. M'Cheyne is overjoyed that his prayers have been answered, there is no hint of carnal jealousy that someone else was so blessed to be used in this awakening. Instead of self-aggrandizement, M'Cheyne fears his congregants forming an attachment to him instead of Christ, the messanger instead of the Savior. He is wary of his desire for fame and the dangers of misplaced affection in those under his care. "Ministers are but the pole; it is to the brazen serpent you are to look."
M'Cheyne wrote this poem about Richard Baxter when reading that ancient Puritan's book "A Call to the Unconverted":
Though Baxter's lips have long in silence hung,
And death long hush'd that sinner-wakening tongue,
Yet still, though dead, he speaks aloud to all,
And from the grave still issues forth his "Call:"
Like some loud angel-voice from Zion hill,
The mighty echo rolls and rumbles still.
Oh grant that we, when sleeping in the dust,
May thus speak forth the wisdom of the just!
God granted M'Cheyne his request. His works and this biography have been treasured for generations, and in 2022, the legacy and work of his short 29 years thunder on.
This biography is a must read for Christians, particularly those who are pastors or who are seeking to enter the ministry. A great read.
October 1, 2019
Wow. Spurgeon speaks accurately of this book when he says "This is one of the best and most profitable volumes ever published. Every minister should read it often." This - the life and writings of Robert Murray M'cheyne - is an incredible documentation of a man whose life was fully given to Christ, who lived in amazing intimacy with the Father, and who was deeply passionate about the pursuit of personal holiness and evangelization of the lost. Particularly moving are the last few pages that contain M'cheynes writings on personal reformation. Some points he makes in this part of his writings are as follows:
1) The persuasion that happiness, usefulness in the Kingdom, and bringing God glory are derived from continual pursuit of holiness and communion with Christ.
2) The persuasion that if anyone suggests that that the above is not true, it is the voice of the devil - God's enemy and the enemy of souls.
3) The persuasion that sins ought to be confessed, without reluctance, the moment they are seen; and they ought to be seen in the light of hell, in the light of the cross, and in the light of eternity.
4) The persuasion that sin is something away from my greatest enjoyment; my true happiness is to go to sin no more.
5) The persuasion that nothing is thriving in my soul unless it is growing.
6) The persuasion that each day ought to begin with God, to see His face first, to get my soul near Him before it is near another. It is better to have a few minutes alone with God than to give it up for lost.
"Pray for me, that I may be made holier and wiser - less like myself, and more like my heavenly master; that I may not regard my life, if so be I may finish my course with joy."
M'cheyne spent some time as a missionary in Palestine, during which time he wrote "A foreign land draws us nearer God. He is the only one whom we know here. We go to him as to one we know; all else is strange. Every step I take, and very new country I see, makes me feel more that there is nothing real, nothing true, but what is everlasting."
"Above all things, cultivate your own spirit...what will it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?"
"I fear lest you hurt your own peace and usefulness in not praising God enough for the operation of His hands... the world loves to muse on the scenes where battles were fought and victories won. Should not we love the spots where our great Captain has won his amazing victories?"
1) The persuasion that happiness, usefulness in the Kingdom, and bringing God glory are derived from continual pursuit of holiness and communion with Christ.
2) The persuasion that if anyone suggests that that the above is not true, it is the voice of the devil - God's enemy and the enemy of souls.
3) The persuasion that sins ought to be confessed, without reluctance, the moment they are seen; and they ought to be seen in the light of hell, in the light of the cross, and in the light of eternity.
4) The persuasion that sin is something away from my greatest enjoyment; my true happiness is to go to sin no more.
5) The persuasion that nothing is thriving in my soul unless it is growing.
6) The persuasion that each day ought to begin with God, to see His face first, to get my soul near Him before it is near another. It is better to have a few minutes alone with God than to give it up for lost.
"Pray for me, that I may be made holier and wiser - less like myself, and more like my heavenly master; that I may not regard my life, if so be I may finish my course with joy."
M'cheyne spent some time as a missionary in Palestine, during which time he wrote "A foreign land draws us nearer God. He is the only one whom we know here. We go to him as to one we know; all else is strange. Every step I take, and very new country I see, makes me feel more that there is nothing real, nothing true, but what is everlasting."
"Above all things, cultivate your own spirit...what will it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?"
"I fear lest you hurt your own peace and usefulness in not praising God enough for the operation of His hands... the world loves to muse on the scenes where battles were fought and victories won. Should not we love the spots where our great Captain has won his amazing victories?"
November 24, 2019
I decided to read this biography of Robert Murray M'Cheyne after reading a book by Tozer in which he expressed high regard for M'Cheyne. Tozer considered M'Cheyne a spiritual role-model, a giant of spiritual example. That piqued my curiosity!
The book itself follows the life of M'Cheyne, briefly his life before becoming a follower of Jesus and then through his ministry, to his early death at age 29. One of the strongest features of the biography is that the author, Andrew Bonar, was a close friend of M'Cheyne's. He quotes significant passages from M'Cheyne's diary and some of this letters. Therefore, a good portion of this biography is auto-biography.
Personally, I did not find it to offer incredible detail into the locations or the historical context in which M'Cheyne lived and ministered. It certainly is not a novelized biography. So, it is a little dry. If it were not for the spiritual insights one finds frequently in the work it would be a difficult read due to the writing style.
That said, one sees much of M'Cheyne's spiritual life. Several spiritual disciplines were a regular part of this daily life. He had a commitment to and desire to become ever more holy in his personal life. Seeing how sin and disobedience, even negligence, pained him - recorded in and reported from his personal diary - was inspiring. His philosophy of ministry is clear to see and quite a model to follow.
He was Presbyterian so some of that theology comes through, but no detailed treatment of theology is in view. He lived during the Awakenings in Scotland in the 1800's and was involved in them. Exact details are lacking, but it is interesting to see. M'Cheyne's diary entries where he struggles through the end of the Awakening is very interesting. What is God's role? What influence does man have on the Awakening? Very interesting and important questions!
It is an insightful read. If I were teaching classes for preachers or pastors, I think this book would be required reading. Not for the theology, but for the descriptions of a thriving spiritual life and solid philosophy of ministry.
The book itself follows the life of M'Cheyne, briefly his life before becoming a follower of Jesus and then through his ministry, to his early death at age 29. One of the strongest features of the biography is that the author, Andrew Bonar, was a close friend of M'Cheyne's. He quotes significant passages from M'Cheyne's diary and some of this letters. Therefore, a good portion of this biography is auto-biography.
Personally, I did not find it to offer incredible detail into the locations or the historical context in which M'Cheyne lived and ministered. It certainly is not a novelized biography. So, it is a little dry. If it were not for the spiritual insights one finds frequently in the work it would be a difficult read due to the writing style.
That said, one sees much of M'Cheyne's spiritual life. Several spiritual disciplines were a regular part of this daily life. He had a commitment to and desire to become ever more holy in his personal life. Seeing how sin and disobedience, even negligence, pained him - recorded in and reported from his personal diary - was inspiring. His philosophy of ministry is clear to see and quite a model to follow.
He was Presbyterian so some of that theology comes through, but no detailed treatment of theology is in view. He lived during the Awakenings in Scotland in the 1800's and was involved in them. Exact details are lacking, but it is interesting to see. M'Cheyne's diary entries where he struggles through the end of the Awakening is very interesting. What is God's role? What influence does man have on the Awakening? Very interesting and important questions!
It is an insightful read. If I were teaching classes for preachers or pastors, I think this book would be required reading. Not for the theology, but for the descriptions of a thriving spiritual life and solid philosophy of ministry.
May 22, 2020
I read recently about this young man's life. He died in his early 30's and what I'd read mentioned that when people met him they likened it to what meeting Jesus might be like. That captivated me. Who wouldn't want to meet such a person and who wouldn't want to be such a person?
So I came to this biography hoping that I'd get a good sense of how this young man had surrendered his life to Jesus and came to be 'Christ-like' to those who he met him. However, I found the book hard going. Clearly, M'Cheyne was captivated by Jesus, the Word, holiness and preaching the gospel. Much of the book recounted his passion for preaching and his evangelical zeal for saving souls.
The rest of the book included diary entries woven in and out of Bonar's text. I found most of these diary entries to be transactional, stating what M'Cheyne did, eg, preached at such and such a church, x number of salvations. However, there were some entries particularly near the end where we get an insight into his zeal for holiness, confession and giving over his sinful nature.
M'Cheyne demonstrated that continual meditation on the Word, obedience to that Word and a willingness to do whatever the Lord put in his path were instrumental to his surrendered life. He perhaps, like others who have an intimate connection with God, demonstrate that the desire for more of God and giving oneself over to the spiritual disciplines are the ingredients for such a connection. There isn't any secret sauce.
So I came to this biography hoping that I'd get a good sense of how this young man had surrendered his life to Jesus and came to be 'Christ-like' to those who he met him. However, I found the book hard going. Clearly, M'Cheyne was captivated by Jesus, the Word, holiness and preaching the gospel. Much of the book recounted his passion for preaching and his evangelical zeal for saving souls.
The rest of the book included diary entries woven in and out of Bonar's text. I found most of these diary entries to be transactional, stating what M'Cheyne did, eg, preached at such and such a church, x number of salvations. However, there were some entries particularly near the end where we get an insight into his zeal for holiness, confession and giving over his sinful nature.
M'Cheyne demonstrated that continual meditation on the Word, obedience to that Word and a willingness to do whatever the Lord put in his path were instrumental to his surrendered life. He perhaps, like others who have an intimate connection with God, demonstrate that the desire for more of God and giving oneself over to the spiritual disciplines are the ingredients for such a connection. There isn't any secret sauce.
April 4, 2025
Robert Murray M’cheyne… a dear and godly mentor to myself. Oh that God would make me even half the holy minister as he has made M’cheyne to be. Oh that God would make me to be “a supply of holiness and grace sent down from heaven to bless the people of his land”just as it has been said of M’cheyne.
M’cheyne was a man convinced of exegetical, expository preaching; valuing the importance of theology and of knowing the original languages. Yet, it was his zeal, his passion, his urging and pleading with sinners, his admonition and exhortation, his emphasis of the gospel - that overflowed from his absolute love and submission to the Lord - that tore down the walls of his listeners hearts, SO THAT his expository preaching would send the gospel through that opening in the walls and besiege the city of their souls and make Jesus to sit upon the throne of their hearts will and desires. A “holy minister as Gods weapon” indeed.
As I seek to imitate Paul, just as Paul imitates Christ, I am encouraged to do so by the example of M’cheyne. I long to be a man of prayer and personal holiness; a man that loves his people and who lives with eternity stamped upon his eyes; just as he was. And that is only possible by a deeper, deeper, deeper love for God and for his blessed Son. I thank God for M’cheynes example and for Bonars loving kindness and willingness to capture it for ages to follow.
M’cheyne was a man convinced of exegetical, expository preaching; valuing the importance of theology and of knowing the original languages. Yet, it was his zeal, his passion, his urging and pleading with sinners, his admonition and exhortation, his emphasis of the gospel - that overflowed from his absolute love and submission to the Lord - that tore down the walls of his listeners hearts, SO THAT his expository preaching would send the gospel through that opening in the walls and besiege the city of their souls and make Jesus to sit upon the throne of their hearts will and desires. A “holy minister as Gods weapon” indeed.
As I seek to imitate Paul, just as Paul imitates Christ, I am encouraged to do so by the example of M’cheyne. I long to be a man of prayer and personal holiness; a man that loves his people and who lives with eternity stamped upon his eyes; just as he was. And that is only possible by a deeper, deeper, deeper love for God and for his blessed Son. I thank God for M’cheynes example and for Bonars loving kindness and willingness to capture it for ages to follow.
September 10, 2024
This has probably been my favorite book that I have read all year! It is one of the richest and most powerful biographies that I have ever read. The Life of Robert Murray M’Cheyne is on that truly pursued holiness and godliness. This book, written by his best friend, gives a glimpse into the thought life of such a godly man. It combines M’Cheyne’s journal with what his best friend observed about his ministry in powerful ways. Robert’s thoughts on weddings, funerals, letters, shepherding, church disciple, and so many other things were tremendously helpful. His personal time with the Lord was a huge component of his life and spilled over into everything that he did. Time and time again I was struck by his commitment to the word of God and his desire to have his congregation love God rather than himself. I will be coming back to this book time and time again! If I was in charge of teaching a class on personal devotion to the Lord, this book would be required reading! Would recommend and purchase this book to anyone who would read it and doubly recommend it to those who work in ministry! I have been so blessed by this work and the Bible reading plan that M’Cheyne wrote and will be looking into his other works!!
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