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Robert Murray M'Cheyne
Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813–1843). Born on May 21, 1813, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Robert Murray M’Cheyne was a Scottish Presbyterian minister known for his fervent piety and preaching. The youngest of five, he excelled at Edinburgh University, studying classics and divinity, and was licensed to preach in 1835. Ordained in 1836, he served St. Peter’s Church in Dundee, where his passionate sermons and pastoral care revived a spiritually dormant congregation. A close friend of Andrew Bonar, he co-authored a report on Jewish missions in Palestine in 1839, fueling missionary zeal. M’Cheyne’s frail health led to breaks, but he spearheaded a revival in Dundee during 1839–1840, preaching alongside William Burns. He emphasized daily Bible reading, creating a plan still used today, and wrote hymns like “Jehovah Tsidkenu.” Unmarried, he died of typhus on March 25, 1843, at age 29, mourned widely for his holiness. He said, “A man is what he is on his knees before God, and nothing more.”
Sermon Summary
Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the profound debt of gratitude we owe to Christ for our salvation and the transformative power of His love. He reflects on the ultimate understanding of this debt that will come in glory, contrasting it with our current struggles and the need for divine assistance in recognizing and demonstrating this debt through our lives. M'Cheyne encourages believers to show their love for Christ and others as a reflection of how much they owe Him, even amidst trials and tribulations.
Scriptures
"I Am debtor."
When this passing world is done, When has sunk yon glaring sun, When we stand with Christ in glory, Looking o'er life's finished story, Then, Lord, shall I fully know - Not till then - how much I owe. When I hear the wicked call On the rocks and hills to fall, When I see them start and shrink On the fiery deluge brink, - Then, Lord, shall I fully know - Not till then - how much I owe. When I stand before the throne, Dressed in beauty not my own, When I see thee as thou art, Love thee with unsinning heart, Then, Lord, shall I fully know - Not till then - how much I owe. When the praise of heav'n I hear, Loud as thunder to the ear, Loud as many water's noise, Sweet as harp's melodious voice, Then, Lord, shall I fully know - Not till then - how much I owe. Even on earth, as through a glass Darkly, let Thy glory pass, Make forgiveness feel so sweet, Make Thy Spirit's help so meet, Even on earth, Lord, make me know Something of how much I owe. Chosen not for good in me, Wakened up from wrath to flee, Hidden in the Saviour's side, By the Spirit sanctified, Teach me, Lord, on earth to show, By my love, how much I owe. Oft I walk beneath the cloud, Dark, as midnight's gloomy shroud; But, when fear is at the height, Jesus comes, and all is light; Blessed Jesus! bid me show Doubting saints how much I owe. When in flowery paths I tread, Oft by sin I'm captive led; Oft I fall - but still arise - The Spirit comes - the tempter flies; Blessed Spirit! bid me show Weary sinners all I owe. Oft the nights of sorrow reign - Weeping, sickness, sighing, pain; But a night Thine anger burns - Morning comes and joy returns; God of comforts! bid me show To Thy poor, how much I owe. May 1837.
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Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813–1843). Born on May 21, 1813, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Robert Murray M’Cheyne was a Scottish Presbyterian minister known for his fervent piety and preaching. The youngest of five, he excelled at Edinburgh University, studying classics and divinity, and was licensed to preach in 1835. Ordained in 1836, he served St. Peter’s Church in Dundee, where his passionate sermons and pastoral care revived a spiritually dormant congregation. A close friend of Andrew Bonar, he co-authored a report on Jewish missions in Palestine in 1839, fueling missionary zeal. M’Cheyne’s frail health led to breaks, but he spearheaded a revival in Dundee during 1839–1840, preaching alongside William Burns. He emphasized daily Bible reading, creating a plan still used today, and wrote hymns like “Jehovah Tsidkenu.” Unmarried, he died of typhus on March 25, 1843, at age 29, mourned widely for his holiness. He said, “A man is what he is on his knees before God, and nothing more.”