- Home
- Speakers
- Robert Murray M'Cheyne
- On J.T., A Believing Boy
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.”
Download
Sermon Summary
Robert Murray M'Cheyne reflects on the life and faith of a young boy who faced death with a bright spirit and unwavering belief in Christ. Despite the sorrow of his family, the boy expressed his love for them and his desire to be with Christ, showing a profound understanding of eternal life. M'Cheyne emphasizes the hope of reunion in heaven, encouraging parents to find solace in the promise of resurrection and the joy of meeting their loved ones again. The sermon serves as a reminder of the comfort found in faith during times of grief and loss.
Scriptures
On j.t., a Believing Boy
Who died Feb. 1842. I LITTLE thought, when last we met, Thy sun on earth was nearly set - I said what I can ne'er forget, "Dear boy, we'll meet again." Though thou wert tossed upon thy bed, And sometimes criedst, "My head, my head;" Yet still the smile came back - I said, "Fair boy, we'll meet again." No hope thy weeping mother had. Thy sister's face was pale and sad, But thine was always bright and glad - Dear boy, we'll meet again. "'Twas kind," thou saidst, "in God to die For worms like me. Once I would fly A darkened room - now Christ is nigh" - Fair boy, we'll meet again. "I love you well, my mother dear - "I love you all, yet shed no tear - I'd rather be with Christ than here - Farewell, we'll meet again. "I fain would live to preach to men; But, if my God should spare till then, I would be loth to die again" - Dear boy, we'll meet again. The Sabbath-sun rose bright and clear When thine was setting on us here, To shine more bright in yonder sphere - Farewell we'll meet again. I stood beside thy silent bed, Thy marble brow was cold and dead, Thy gentle soul was fled - was fled - Dear boy, we'll meet again. I saw thee in thy narrow rest, The clods upon thy coffin pressed, The clouds dropped tears, yet in my breast God said, "We'll meet again." Yes, parents, smile through all your tears, A crown of life your darling wears, The grave a shady porch appears, To where we'll meet again. The precious dust beneath that lies, Shall at the call of Jesus rise, To meet the Bridegroom in the skies, That day we'll meet again.
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download
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.”