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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.”
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Robert Murray M'Cheyne's sermon 'Oil in the Lamp' emphasizes the necessity of being spiritually prepared for the return of Christ, as illustrated by the parable of the ten virgins. He contrasts the wise virgins, who kept their lamps filled with oil, with the foolish ones, who neglected this vital preparation and were ultimately shut out from the wedding feast. M'Cheyne warns that mere outward appearances of faith are insufficient without the inner reality of a heart filled with love for Christ. He calls on listeners to ensure they are ready for the Lord's return, urging them to fill their hearts with the oil of the Holy Spirit. The sermon serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency of spiritual readiness and the consequences of neglecting one's faith.
Scriptures
Oil in the Lamp
Matt. xxv. 1-13. TEN virgins, clothed in white, The Bridegroom went to meet; Their lamps were burning bright To guide his welcome feet. Five if the band were wise -- Their lamps with oil filled high; The rest this care despise, And take their vessels dry. Long time the Lord abode - Down came the shades of night - The weary virgins nod, And then they sleep outright. At midnight came the cry Upon their startled ear - Behold the Bridegroom nigh, To light His steps appear. They trim their lamps; in vain The foolish virgins toil - Our lamps are out, O deign To give us of your oil! Not so - the wise ones cry - No oil have we to spare; But swiftly run and buy, That you the joy may share. They went to buy, when lo! The Bridegroom comes in state; Within those ready go, And shut the golden gate. The foolish virgins now Before the gateway crowd; With terror on their brow They knock and cry aloud:- "Lord open to our call - Hast Thou our names forgot?" Sadly the accents fall - "Depart, I know you not." Learn here, my child, how vain This world, with all its lies, Those who the kingdom gain Alone are truly wise. How vain the Christian name, If still you live in sin:- A lamp, and wick, and flame, No drop of oil within. Is your lamp filled, my child, With oil from Christ above? Has He your heart, so wild, Made soft and full of love? Then you are ready now With Christ to enter in; To see His holy brow, And bid farewell to sin. Sinners! Behold the gate Of Jesus open still; Come, ere it be too late, And enter if you will. The Saviour's gentle hand Knocks at your door to-day But vain his loud demand - You spurn His love away. So, at the Saviour's door You'll knock, with trembling heart The day of mercy o'er, Jesus will say - depart. 1841.
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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.”