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Memoir and Remains of the REV. Robert McCheyne
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1844 edition. Excerpt: ... PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE. TO HEV. R. MACDONALD, BLAIKOOWBIE. Written when first laid aside by that illness which afterwards led to the Jewish Mission. Edinburgh, January l: .'//i, 1839. My Dear Friend, --The very day I received your kind letter, I intended to have written you that you might provide some one to stand in my place on Monday evening next. I am ashamed at not having answered your kind inquiries sooner, but am not very good at the use of the pen, and I have had some necessary letters to write. However, now I come to you. This is Saturday, when you will be busy preparing to feed the flock of God with food convenient. Happy man! It is a glorious thing to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. We do not value it aright till we are deprived of it; and then Philip Henry's saying is felt to be true--that he would beg all the week in order to be allowed to preach on the Sabbath-day. I have been far from alarmingly ill--my complaint is all unseen, and sometimes unfelt. My heart beats by night and day; but especially by night, too loud and too strong. My medical friends have tried several ways of removing it--hitherto without complete success. As long as it lasts, I fear I shall be unfit for the work of the ministry; but I do hope that God has something more for me to do in the vineyard, and that a little patient rest, accompanied by his blessing, may quiet and restore me. O! my dear friend, I need it all to keep this proud spirit under. Andrew Bonar was noticing the providence of " Elijah in the wilderness" being "my allotted part at our next meet 207 ing. I read it in the congregation the Sabbath after, with an envious feeling in my own heart, though I did not like to express it, that I would now be sent a like day's journey to learn...
126 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1844
About the author
Robert Murray M'Cheyne
173 books29 followersRobert Murray M'Cheyne a minister in the Church of Scotland from 1835 to 1843. He was born at Edinburgh, was educated at the University of Edinburgh and at the Divinity Hall of his native city, where he was taught by Thomas Chalmers. He first served as an assistant to John Bonar in the parish of Larbert and Dunipace, near Falkirk, from 1835 to 1838. After this he served as minister of St. Peter's Church (in Dundee) until his early death at the age of 29 during an epidemic of typhus.
Not long after his death, his friend Andrew Alexander Bonar edited his biography which was published with some of his manuscripts as The Memoir and Remains of the Rev. Robert Murray M'Cheyne. The book went into many editions. It has had a lasting influence on Evangelical Christianity worldwide.
In 1839, M'Cheyne and Bonar, together with two older ministers, Dr. Alexander Black and Dr. Alexander Keith, were sent to Palestine on a mission of inquiry to the condition of the Jews. Upon their return, their official report for the Board of Mission of the Church of Scotland was published as Narrative of a Visit to the Holy Land and Mission of Inquiry to the Jews. This led subsequently to the establishment of missions to the Jews by the Church of Scotland and by the Free Church of Scotland. During M'Cheyne's absence, his place was filled by the appointment of William Chalmers Burns to preach at St. Peter's as his assistant.
M'Cheyne was a preacher, a pastor, a poet, and wrote many letters. He was also a man of deep piety and a man of prayer. He never married, but he did have a fiancée at the time of his death, Jessie Thain, who died heartbroken.
M'Cheyne died exactly two months before the Disruption of 1843. This being so, his name was subsequently held in high honour by all the various branches of Scottish Presbyterianism, though he himself held a strong opinion against the Erastianism which led to the Disruption.
M'Cheyne designed a widely used system for reading through the Bible in one year. The plan entails reading the New Testament and the Psalms through twice a year, and the Old Testament through once.
Not long after his death, his friend Andrew Alexander Bonar edited his biography which was published with some of his manuscripts as The Memoir and Remains of the Rev. Robert Murray M'Cheyne. The book went into many editions. It has had a lasting influence on Evangelical Christianity worldwide.
In 1839, M'Cheyne and Bonar, together with two older ministers, Dr. Alexander Black and Dr. Alexander Keith, were sent to Palestine on a mission of inquiry to the condition of the Jews. Upon their return, their official report for the Board of Mission of the Church of Scotland was published as Narrative of a Visit to the Holy Land and Mission of Inquiry to the Jews. This led subsequently to the establishment of missions to the Jews by the Church of Scotland and by the Free Church of Scotland. During M'Cheyne's absence, his place was filled by the appointment of William Chalmers Burns to preach at St. Peter's as his assistant.
M'Cheyne was a preacher, a pastor, a poet, and wrote many letters. He was also a man of deep piety and a man of prayer. He never married, but he did have a fiancée at the time of his death, Jessie Thain, who died heartbroken.
M'Cheyne died exactly two months before the Disruption of 1843. This being so, his name was subsequently held in high honour by all the various branches of Scottish Presbyterianism, though he himself held a strong opinion against the Erastianism which led to the Disruption.
M'Cheyne designed a widely used system for reading through the Bible in one year. The plan entails reading the New Testament and the Psalms through twice a year, and the Old Testament through once.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 26, 2016
I'm pretty sure I've now read every page of this magnificent collection of diaries, sermons, pastoral letters, personal letters, mission reports, poems, communion meditations, and more from this saintly nineteenth century pastor from Scotland. M'Cheyne used to pray, "Lord, make me as holy as a pardoned sinner can become" and often counseled people, "For every one look at self, take ten looks at Christ." Few volumes in my library have as consistently nourished my soul as this one. I feel sure I'll return to it again and again through the rest of my life.
January 18, 2019
"My terrors all vanished before the sweet name;
My guilty fears banished, with boldness I came
To drink at the fountain, life giving and free—
Jehovah Tsidkenu is all things to me."
"For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ."
A rewarding book for those willing to put in the discipline and effort to read it. Every time I pick up a book like this, I’m reminded of the value of reading the biographies and/or writings of godly men and women. “[O]ne of the things we feel after reading a great work is 'I have got out'. Or from another point of view, 'I have got in,’” wrote C.S. Lewis. Reading this book allowed me to “get in” to the heart and mind of Robert Murray M’Cheyne—a man of joy, a man devoted to Christ, a man earnestly desirous for the salvation of others. He spurs me on to pursue joy, pursue holiness, pursue the lost, pursue Christ.
Early on in the memoir portion of the book, Andrew Bonar says that “[M’Cheyne’s] preaching was in a manner the development of his soul’s experience. It was a giving out of the inward life. He loved to come up from the pastures wherein the Chief Shepherd had met him—to lead the flock entrusted to his care to the spots where he found nourishment.” I love this description of M’Cheyne’s pastoral ministry. Once you move on to the second portion of the book, M’Cheyne’s own writings, you will see this “giving out of the inward life” again and again. It reminds me that we should all pray earnestly for and support our own pastors on the path to soul nourishment and joy in God. Their joy helps us find our joy (credit to a John Piper sermon for helping me understand this principle).
The biggest thing holding me back from a 5-star rating is the constant allegorical interpretations of the Song of Solomon. I’ll reiterate again, however, that there is much to gain from this book. It’s a Christian classic for good reason.
My guilty fears banished, with boldness I came
To drink at the fountain, life giving and free—
Jehovah Tsidkenu is all things to me."
"For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ."
A rewarding book for those willing to put in the discipline and effort to read it. Every time I pick up a book like this, I’m reminded of the value of reading the biographies and/or writings of godly men and women. “[O]ne of the things we feel after reading a great work is 'I have got out'. Or from another point of view, 'I have got in,’” wrote C.S. Lewis. Reading this book allowed me to “get in” to the heart and mind of Robert Murray M’Cheyne—a man of joy, a man devoted to Christ, a man earnestly desirous for the salvation of others. He spurs me on to pursue joy, pursue holiness, pursue the lost, pursue Christ.
Early on in the memoir portion of the book, Andrew Bonar says that “[M’Cheyne’s] preaching was in a manner the development of his soul’s experience. It was a giving out of the inward life. He loved to come up from the pastures wherein the Chief Shepherd had met him—to lead the flock entrusted to his care to the spots where he found nourishment.” I love this description of M’Cheyne’s pastoral ministry. Once you move on to the second portion of the book, M’Cheyne’s own writings, you will see this “giving out of the inward life” again and again. It reminds me that we should all pray earnestly for and support our own pastors on the path to soul nourishment and joy in God. Their joy helps us find our joy (credit to a John Piper sermon for helping me understand this principle).
The biggest thing holding me back from a 5-star rating is the constant allegorical interpretations of the Song of Solomon. I’ll reiterate again, however, that there is much to gain from this book. It’s a Christian classic for good reason.
December 3, 2008
I've only just begun reading this book. The biography in the beginning was very moving - this young man (died at age 29) was so devoted to God!
I am in the section containing his letters, and read one when I come home every evening to help me switch gears. I was really enjoying his pastoral letters, letters he wrote to his congregation while he was traveling. Such encouragement to follow Christ from one so purely devoted to Him. When I was in letter #4 I looked ahead and was so happy to find that there were 10!
I am in the section containing his letters, and read one when I come home every evening to help me switch gears. I was really enjoying his pastoral letters, letters he wrote to his congregation while he was traveling. Such encouragement to follow Christ from one so purely devoted to Him. When I was in letter #4 I looked ahead and was so happy to find that there were 10!
February 24, 2025
Biography and writings of Scottish Presbyterian, Robert Murray M'Cheyne, who died in in 1843 (at the age of 29). My main take aways from this volume are encouragement to holiness, prayer, and urgency in preaching.
- "It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus" (p. 282).
- "For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ" (p. 293).
- "You know you would be men of power if you were men of prayer, and yet ye will not pray" (p. 592).
The book starts with a biography by Andrew Bonar (200 pgs). The rest of the book contains M'Cheyne's letters (130 pgs), sermons (200 pgs), and writings (100 pgs). I read the book chronologically, meaning I jumped back and forth so I could read the letters and sermons that corresponded with that section of the biography. I think it helped keep my interest and helped me not get bogged down in the sermons.
(Theological sidenote) It seems like M'Cheyne was part of a new movement of pre-millennialism within the Church of Scotland, including the Bonar brothers and others (everyone else was amillennial, and many people reacted to this new teaching, p. 124). Their commitment to pre-millennial theology, a literal interpretation of Scripture, and focus on the fulfillment of prophecy led them to believe in a literal land fulfillment for ethnic Israel (pp. 87, 192, 194, 196, 292, 489-97, 644). They emphasized Jewish missions and he even visited Israel on a survey trip.
- "It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus" (p. 282).
- "For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ" (p. 293).
- "You know you would be men of power if you were men of prayer, and yet ye will not pray" (p. 592).
The book starts with a biography by Andrew Bonar (200 pgs). The rest of the book contains M'Cheyne's letters (130 pgs), sermons (200 pgs), and writings (100 pgs). I read the book chronologically, meaning I jumped back and forth so I could read the letters and sermons that corresponded with that section of the biography. I think it helped keep my interest and helped me not get bogged down in the sermons.
(Theological sidenote) It seems like M'Cheyne was part of a new movement of pre-millennialism within the Church of Scotland, including the Bonar brothers and others (everyone else was amillennial, and many people reacted to this new teaching, p. 124). Their commitment to pre-millennial theology, a literal interpretation of Scripture, and focus on the fulfillment of prophecy led them to believe in a literal land fulfillment for ethnic Israel (pp. 87, 192, 194, 196, 292, 489-97, 644). They emphasized Jewish missions and he even visited Israel on a survey trip.
March 31, 2013
A remembrance of M'Cheyne's life by Rev. J. Roxburgh:
Whether viewed as a son, a brother, a friend, or pastor, often has the remark been made by those who knew him most intimately, that he was the most faultless and attractive exhibition of the true Christian which they had ever seen embodied in a living form. His great study was to be Christ-like. He was a man of remarkable singleness of heart. He lived but for one object – the glory of the Redeemer in connection with the salvation of immortal souls. Hence, he carried with him a kind of hallowing influence into every company into which he entered, and his brethren were accustomed to feel as if all were well when their measures met with the sanction and approval of Mr. M'Cheyne (p 160).
From sermon on John 14:6:
The whole Bible, and the whole of experience, bear witness that by nature we are ignorant of the truth. No doubt there are many truths which an unconverted man does know. He may know the truths of mathematics and arithmetic — he may know many of the common every-day truths; but still it cannot be said that an unconverted man knows the truth, for Christ is the truth.
Christ may be called the keystone of the arch of truth. Take away the keystone of an arch, and the whole becomes a heap of rubbish. The very same stones may be there; but they are all fallen, smothered, and confused — without order, without end. Just so take Christ away, and the whole arch of truth becomes a heap of rubbish. The very same truths may be there; but they are all fallen — without coherence, without order, without end.
Christ may be called the sun of the system of truth. Take away the sun out of our system, and every planet would rush into confusion. The very same planets would be there; but their conflicting forces would draw them hither and thither, orb dashing against orb in endless perplexity. Just so take Christ away, and the whole system of truth rushes into confusion.
M'Cheyne, impressed by Baxter's "Call to the Unconverted" wrote this poem (p 26):
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!
M'Cheyne, in a letter to a friend writes (p 29):
Beware of the atmosphere of the classics. It is pernicious indeed; and you need much of the south wind breathing over the Scriptures to counteract it. True, we ought to know them; but only as chemists handle poisons – to discover their qualities, not to infect their blood with them.
If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million of enemies. Yet the distance makes no difference; he is praying for me. (Page 154)
Whether viewed as a son, a brother, a friend, or pastor, often has the remark been made by those who knew him most intimately, that he was the most faultless and attractive exhibition of the true Christian which they had ever seen embodied in a living form. His great study was to be Christ-like. He was a man of remarkable singleness of heart. He lived but for one object – the glory of the Redeemer in connection with the salvation of immortal souls. Hence, he carried with him a kind of hallowing influence into every company into which he entered, and his brethren were accustomed to feel as if all were well when their measures met with the sanction and approval of Mr. M'Cheyne (p 160).
From sermon on John 14:6:
The whole Bible, and the whole of experience, bear witness that by nature we are ignorant of the truth. No doubt there are many truths which an unconverted man does know. He may know the truths of mathematics and arithmetic — he may know many of the common every-day truths; but still it cannot be said that an unconverted man knows the truth, for Christ is the truth.
Christ may be called the keystone of the arch of truth. Take away the keystone of an arch, and the whole becomes a heap of rubbish. The very same stones may be there; but they are all fallen, smothered, and confused — without order, without end. Just so take Christ away, and the whole arch of truth becomes a heap of rubbish. The very same truths may be there; but they are all fallen — without coherence, without order, without end.
Christ may be called the sun of the system of truth. Take away the sun out of our system, and every planet would rush into confusion. The very same planets would be there; but their conflicting forces would draw them hither and thither, orb dashing against orb in endless perplexity. Just so take Christ away, and the whole system of truth rushes into confusion.
M'Cheyne, impressed by Baxter's "Call to the Unconverted" wrote this poem (p 26):
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!
M'Cheyne, in a letter to a friend writes (p 29):
Beware of the atmosphere of the classics. It is pernicious indeed; and you need much of the south wind breathing over the Scriptures to counteract it. True, we ought to know them; but only as chemists handle poisons – to discover their qualities, not to infect their blood with them.
If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million of enemies. Yet the distance makes no difference; he is praying for me. (Page 154)
June 23, 2024
Reading M’Cheyne challenges me to be a better Christian and pastor. This collection is one of the most precious books that I own. I’m sure I will revisit this account again.
January 13, 2025
I finished the biography, and I'll likely jump around the sermons and letters here and there. A wonderful book about an inspiring man. If I only had half the zeal for gospel ministry that M'Cheyne had!
August 21, 2026
Though his life had no great adventures and he died at 29, this may be 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 and compilation of this book; his selection of works and the structure was near impeccable in my judgment. 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:
First, 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.
Secondly, 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.
On this note, I at first smirked, and then wondered at his sermon on pp.547-554 and then his letter to the railway manager on pp.554-558, because it seemed too strong, even if those statements could be proven from Scripture. Nevertheless, as he mentioned, those who have modeled the greatest Christianity consistently have a high regard for the whole of the Lord’s Day, and those who try to reduce the number and length of services as well as permit prolonged labor or entertainment on the Lord’s Day are consistently those who are adopting a worldly mentality in many other areas. Somehow, we need to divorce the foolish exegesis that leads to how the OT commands for the Sabbath from the beneficial (but nowhere in the NT) mandatory practice of using the whole Lord’s Day for spiritual practices.
Thirdly, 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 for 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 some restrictions on the ordinance of baptism and only sprinkled 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.
Fourthly, 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.
Next, 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.161) 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 the pole, it is to the brazen serpent you are to look.” (p.159)
Additionally, 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.
Seventh, throughout this book, his humility was unmatched. He wrote, “Oh, then, that I might lie low in the dust,—the lower the better,—that Jesus’ righteousness and Jesus’ strength alone be admired.” (p.42) Again, he says, “I think I could be happy among devils, if only the old man were slain in me, and I was made altogether like Jesus.” (p.295) I may try to memorize the poem “I Am Debtor” on pp.587 and 588 because of how inspirational it was.
Eighth, the best four pages (pp.149-152) 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.
Next, 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. Every day, 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.
Finally, 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 guide the conversation to bear upon things of eternity.” (p.75) He wrote, “M. G. lies sore upon my conscience; I did no good to that woman.” (p.50) Some friends and acquaintances said of him that it was probable a day never passed without their profiting from his friendship.
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 don’t know any biography which so closely images how I believe Christ would have lived in recent times. Every true Christian ought to read this book in my opinion, at least the section on his life.
First, 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.
Secondly, 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.
On this note, I at first smirked, and then wondered at his sermon on pp.547-554 and then his letter to the railway manager on pp.554-558, because it seemed too strong, even if those statements could be proven from Scripture. Nevertheless, as he mentioned, those who have modeled the greatest Christianity consistently have a high regard for the whole of the Lord’s Day, and those who try to reduce the number and length of services as well as permit prolonged labor or entertainment on the Lord’s Day are consistently those who are adopting a worldly mentality in many other areas. Somehow, we need to divorce the foolish exegesis that leads to how the OT commands for the Sabbath from the beneficial (but nowhere in the NT) mandatory practice of using the whole Lord’s Day for spiritual practices.
Thirdly, 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 for 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 some restrictions on the ordinance of baptism and only sprinkled 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.
Fourthly, 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.
Next, 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.161) 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 the pole, it is to the brazen serpent you are to look.” (p.159)
Additionally, 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.
Seventh, throughout this book, his humility was unmatched. He wrote, “Oh, then, that I might lie low in the dust,—the lower the better,—that Jesus’ righteousness and Jesus’ strength alone be admired.” (p.42) Again, he says, “I think I could be happy among devils, if only the old man were slain in me, and I was made altogether like Jesus.” (p.295) I may try to memorize the poem “I Am Debtor” on pp.587 and 588 because of how inspirational it was.
Eighth, the best four pages (pp.149-152) 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.
Next, 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. Every day, 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.
Finally, 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 guide the conversation to bear upon things of eternity.” (p.75) He wrote, “M. G. lies sore upon my conscience; I did no good to that woman.” (p.50) Some friends and acquaintances said of him that it was probable a day never passed without their profiting from his friendship.
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 don’t know any biography which so closely images how I believe Christ would have lived in recent times. Every true Christian ought to read this book in my opinion, at least the section on his life.
October 16, 2023
While this book took me a LONG time to work through, it was still excellent. Probably not going to appeal to one who is more accustomed to high-action, compelling dialogue, etc. But Robert Murray M'Cheyne, a young Scottish man (1813-1843), modeled the joy that can be attained by seriously pursuing Christ-likeness and devoting oneself to winning souls.
I read the memoir portion and a few letters, a sermon, etc. M'Cheyne was, I think, more compelling in speech than his biographer, but all was pretty good.
I appreciated how, in some ways, he wrestled through problems I feel today, and he posed similar questions that I wrestle with now. There is a long line of saints who have gone before us and it is so refreshing to look to these mentors-of-sorts for advice and wisdom.
Here are a few quotes I appreciated most:
"After spending an evening too lightly, he writes: "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."
"Clear conviction of sin is the only true origin of dependence on another's righteousness, and therefore of the Christian's peace of mind and cheerfulness."
"If nothing else will do to sever me from my sins, Lord, send me such sore and trying calamities as shall awake me from earthly slumbers. It must always be best to be alive to Thee, whatever be the quickening instrument."
"[journaling] ensures sober reflection on the events of the day as seen in God's eye."
"Lord, teach me to be always speaking as [one] dying to [those] dying"
"...the dew (blessings) comes down when all nature is at rest - when every leaf is still"
"Holiness and happiness are like light and heat...every sin is something away from my greatest enjoyment...the devil strives night and day to make me forget this or disbelieve it."
~~~
I anticipate returning once in a while to read M'Cheyne's letters and sermons. Good read.
I read the memoir portion and a few letters, a sermon, etc. M'Cheyne was, I think, more compelling in speech than his biographer, but all was pretty good.
I appreciated how, in some ways, he wrestled through problems I feel today, and he posed similar questions that I wrestle with now. There is a long line of saints who have gone before us and it is so refreshing to look to these mentors-of-sorts for advice and wisdom.
Here are a few quotes I appreciated most:
"After spending an evening too lightly, he writes: "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."
"Clear conviction of sin is the only true origin of dependence on another's righteousness, and therefore of the Christian's peace of mind and cheerfulness."
"If nothing else will do to sever me from my sins, Lord, send me such sore and trying calamities as shall awake me from earthly slumbers. It must always be best to be alive to Thee, whatever be the quickening instrument."
"[journaling] ensures sober reflection on the events of the day as seen in God's eye."
"Lord, teach me to be always speaking as [one] dying to [those] dying"
"...the dew (blessings) comes down when all nature is at rest - when every leaf is still"
"Holiness and happiness are like light and heat...every sin is something away from my greatest enjoyment...the devil strives night and day to make me forget this or disbelieve it."
~~~
I anticipate returning once in a while to read M'Cheyne's letters and sermons. Good read.
August 4, 2012
Read through the biography.
July 28, 2019
I am a pastor, and I have spent the better part of my vacation reading about a 19th-century pastor. Why would I invest so much time of my vacation no less with a pastor who has been dead for close to 200 years? The answer in part is pastors and even Christians have much to learn from those who have gone before us.
There are two observations I see in the life of R. M. M'Cheyne. First, he was zealous for personal holiness. It was not enough for M'Cheyene to appear holy when he ministered on Sundays or visited those in Dundee during the week. He was deeply concerned about maintaining in secret that he portrayed in public. This began every day by spending two hours each day in Bible reading and prayer, and he concluded each day with Bible reading and prayer. M'Cheyne longed to commune with the Holy God by living his life in the pursuit of personal holiness.
Second, M'Cheyne cared about evangelism. He was not content just to preach Christ and him crucified just on Sunday mornings. Rather, he longed for all people in all places to know the God who saves. When M'Cheyne would make pastoral visits, he would visit the lost as well as the saved in Dundee. He preached and pleaded that they would repent & believe the gospel. M'Cheyne's evangelistic heart comes out more when we consider how he left his congregation for six months so that he could travel from Scottland to Israel for the sole purpose of evangelizing those who are ethnically Jewish. This was a deep desire for R. M. M'Cheyne.
Pastors and Christians would do well to reflect on the life of this 19th-century Scottish pastor. Just like M'Cheyene, we too would do well to give ourselves over to greater measures of personal holiness and evangelization. These themes are for all Christians in all times and all places.
There are two observations I see in the life of R. M. M'Cheyne. First, he was zealous for personal holiness. It was not enough for M'Cheyene to appear holy when he ministered on Sundays or visited those in Dundee during the week. He was deeply concerned about maintaining in secret that he portrayed in public. This began every day by spending two hours each day in Bible reading and prayer, and he concluded each day with Bible reading and prayer. M'Cheyne longed to commune with the Holy God by living his life in the pursuit of personal holiness.
Second, M'Cheyne cared about evangelism. He was not content just to preach Christ and him crucified just on Sunday mornings. Rather, he longed for all people in all places to know the God who saves. When M'Cheyne would make pastoral visits, he would visit the lost as well as the saved in Dundee. He preached and pleaded that they would repent & believe the gospel. M'Cheyne's evangelistic heart comes out more when we consider how he left his congregation for six months so that he could travel from Scottland to Israel for the sole purpose of evangelizing those who are ethnically Jewish. This was a deep desire for R. M. M'Cheyne.
Pastors and Christians would do well to reflect on the life of this 19th-century Scottish pastor. Just like M'Cheyene, we too would do well to give ourselves over to greater measures of personal holiness and evangelization. These themes are for all Christians in all times and all places.
December 31, 2022
Robert Murray M'Cheyne was born in Scotland in 1813 and heeded only 30 years later in 1843. But the tine between his birth and his death was of such consequence that his name is still known among the Churchmen of Scotland and, indeed, throughout the world. Andrew Bonar, also a famous Scottish minister, has preserved M'Cheyne's memory in "Memoir and Remains of R.M. M'Cheyne."
This is not a typical biography. In fact, I only gave it 3 stars because although this book gave me a sense of the man's heart, it provided paltry information about his relatively short life. M'Cheyne was known for his heartfelt preaching, his burden for lost souls and for his personal holiness, and these elements for the core of Bonar's account, much of which is M'Cheyne's own diary entries.
If one who is in ministry is seeking an example of ardent faithfulness and love for the flock of God, then M'Cheyne would be a wonderful, if intimidating, example to follow. His was a life devoted first to God, and then to his congregation. His life was his greatest sermon and the gospel of Christ was his greatest hope, One will wonder how someone like M'Cheyne was able to live out so much life in 30 short years. Happy reading!
This is not a typical biography. In fact, I only gave it 3 stars because although this book gave me a sense of the man's heart, it provided paltry information about his relatively short life. M'Cheyne was known for his heartfelt preaching, his burden for lost souls and for his personal holiness, and these elements for the core of Bonar's account, much of which is M'Cheyne's own diary entries.
If one who is in ministry is seeking an example of ardent faithfulness and love for the flock of God, then M'Cheyne would be a wonderful, if intimidating, example to follow. His was a life devoted first to God, and then to his congregation. His life was his greatest sermon and the gospel of Christ was his greatest hope, One will wonder how someone like M'Cheyne was able to live out so much life in 30 short years. Happy reading!
February 7, 2026
Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M’Cheyne, gathered by Andrew Bonar, presents a life that burns brightly precisely because it burned briefly. The biographical portion proved especially encouraging to me, not merely for its account of events, but for the window it opens into the formation of a soul that learned to measure time by eternity. M’Cheyne’s letters and sermons reveal a minister who spoke to conscience rather than reputation, and whose counsel carries the gravity of one who believed he must soon give account for every word. His poetry, scattered quietly through the volume, often lingers in the mind longer than expected, expressing spiritual realities with a restraint that deepens their force. I confess, not without some shame, that this beautiful book has rested on my shelf since 1981, and only now can I say I have finished it. I am grateful that it waited for me. The book leaves the impression not simply of a gifted minister taken early, but of a man who labored to keep his heart near Christ, and who still calls his readers to do the same.
August 24, 2018
Well worth reading, I'm still amazed that this guy had the level of spiritual insight as a young pastor in his 20's. As I read it in my 30's I felt embarrassed that it had taken me so much longer to see the same things.
That's probably not the healthiest response, but oh well. M'Cheyne suffered from serious illness basically his entire life and died I think by like 28, and the suffering he endured through his weak heart seem to have set his eyes on eternity in a way I simply didn't have in my twenties. It also seems as though that near-constant struggle served to produce a deep wisdom in him. I certainly benefited from it.
That's probably not the healthiest response, but oh well. M'Cheyne suffered from serious illness basically his entire life and died I think by like 28, and the suffering he endured through his weak heart seem to have set his eyes on eternity in a way I simply didn't have in my twenties. It also seems as though that near-constant struggle served to produce a deep wisdom in him. I certainly benefited from it.
May 3, 2026
At times this book can be slow going but it is worth the read for the great treasures to be found. R M M’Cheyne had a deep love for God and His Word and his journal entries are convicting and inspiring. Every pastor should read this book in my opinion as M’Cheyne, as a pastor, is a model for pastors in his passion for the lost, his authenticity in his relationship with the Lord, and his care for those in his flock.
May 14, 2023
Assigned Reading, but man…what a great read. Reading through the personal journals of a pastor from his childhood to his short time in the ministry before his early passing, very enlightening and gives inspiration on personal devotion and one’s want to journal more in-depth about life and personal study in scripture. Highly recommend.
January 13, 2024
Excepțională. M-a mișcat de nenumărate ori. Una din cele mai pătrunzătoare cărți citite. M-a zguduit serios. Scrisorile și predicile lui Robert Murray M'Cheyne sunt de o profunzime rară, iar acest lucru nu mi-a luat decât câteva pagini să realizez.
September 2, 2024
What a privilege, what a grace, what a treasure it is to read of and from RMM! Truly he was a blessing of God to the church. M’Cheyne reminded me what it is to truly love Christ, His gospel, be convicted over sin, and to love the unconverted into the kingdom.
November 20, 2025
Honestly this was not as good as I hoped it would be in terms of a biography. It is more of a chronological string of anecdotes from the author interspersed with journal entries from M’Cheyne. One thing stands out: M’Cheyne was a man of holiness, and God bore much fruit through him.
December 28, 2017
The first half of the book is a 19th century recounting of Robert Murray M'Cheyne's life. A hard read for me. The second half of the book is a collection of his sermons. Some are inspiring.
May 2, 2018
One of the most impactful books you can read about the Christian life or gospel ministry.
October 17, 2020
Wonderfully inspiring account of a Christ-like man. Maybe at times a tad “hagiographic,” seeming to exalt M’Cheyne a little too much?
May 9, 2023
This man was a spiritual giant. His memoirs and writings are a challenge to any committed Christian and, particular, to any gospel minister. Prepared to be stirred and challenged.
January 30, 2024
A favorite!
July 21, 2026
Fundamentally changed me
March 6, 2017
4.5/5 stars
March 25, 2013
However much the word "holiness" is derided or misunderstood in our day, it is no understatement to claim that Robert Murray M’Cheyne was a man of holiness. Although he only lived to about the age of 28, his years were full as he sought above all else to please and live for Christ. Written three years after his death by his good friend Andrew Bonar, these memoirs (largely based on M'Cheyne's journals and sermons) are deeply encouraging and provide a glimpse at an imperfect, yet faithful, man of God. And how desperately the Church needs more men and women like him: men and women who tremble before God, aware of their own inadequacy, yet at the same time aware of Christ and his perfect righteousness that comes by faith.
Andrew Bonar writes of M’Cheyne: “His soul was prepared for the awful work of the ministry by much prayer, and much study of the word of God; by affliction in his person; by inward trials and sore temptations; by experience of the depth off corruption in his own heart, and by discoveries of the Savior’s fulness of grace.” Good ingredients for every aspiring minister!
Andrew Bonar writes of M’Cheyne: “His soul was prepared for the awful work of the ministry by much prayer, and much study of the word of God; by affliction in his person; by inward trials and sore temptations; by experience of the depth off corruption in his own heart, and by discoveries of the Savior’s fulness of grace.” Good ingredients for every aspiring minister!
November 27, 2011
So many of my Sunday afternoons have been filled with reading this volume that reaching its conclusion doesn't actually seem to be the attainment of a goal. I read the final page with a sense of loss, not triumph. While not an entertainingly written volume, it presents a man so much worth knowing that one hates to say "goodbye" by turning the final page. He sought God, strove to live for Him, and reflected both His holiness and love in his own life. I am confronted by the beauty of life lived for God, and challenged by comparison. I didn't really expect to enjoy reading his sermons, but I did appreciate them. He's very direct. Knowing the man behind the teaching matters. His poetry is included as well, and is very well written. I'm very familiar with two of the poems as hymns and was pleased to discover some unknown (to me) stanzas.
December 29, 2016
Reading the letters, sermons and songs of M'Cheyne's pastoral heart and love for his Savior is incredibly humbling and challenging; particularly the driving force of this man from the 1800's in contrast to our postmodern obsession with making a mark on the world. M'Cheyne desired God-honoring obedience more than accomplishing great things for God.
"I need to be made willing to be forgotten. Oh, I wish that my heart were quite refined from all self-seeking! I am quite sure that our truest happiness is not to seek our own, just to forget ourselves and to fill up the little space that remains, seeking only and above all that our God may be glorified. But when I would do good, evil is present with me."
"I need to be made willing to be forgotten. Oh, I wish that my heart were quite refined from all self-seeking! I am quite sure that our truest happiness is not to seek our own, just to forget ourselves and to fill up the little space that remains, seeking only and above all that our God may be glorified. But when I would do good, evil is present with me."
August 9, 2011
I've been reading this book in addition to my regular devotions and have found it to be a huge refreshment and challenge to my soul. M'Cheyne was one of those Christians who had a deep and clear understanding of his salvation and this mark is stamped on everything he said and wrote. This book inspired me in two ways chiefly - 1) M'Cheyne challenges lukewarm affections for God and is for me an example of what godly zeal looks like; 2) M'Cheyne's other main occupation was in the stirring up of others' souls to love for Christ and obedience to him, whether they believed themselves to be Christan or not. In this regard, he is an example of singular passion toward preaching to all people the good news of Jesus and calling them to repentance.
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