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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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Sermon Summary
Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the urgency of coming to Christ, especially for children, as life is fleeting and uncertain. He draws parallels between the brevity of life and the fragility of flowers, urging the young to seek the Savior while there is still time. M'Cheyne reflects on the joy of knowing God from a young age, as exemplified by Samuel, and encourages children to find rest in Jesus. He reassures that even in death, those who trust in Christ can find peace and joy. The sermon serves as a heartfelt call for the youth to embrace faith early in their lives.
Children Called to Christ
Like mist on the mountain, Like ships on the sea, So swiftly the years Of our pilgrimage flee; In the grave of our fathers How soon we shall lie! Dear children, to-day To a Saviour fly. How sweet are the flowerets In April and may! But often the frost makes Them wither away. Like flowers you may fade: Are you ready to die? While "yet there is room" To a Saviour fly. When Samuel was young, He first knew the Lord, He slept in His smile And rejoiced in His word. So most of God's children Are early brought nigh: Oh, seek Him in youth - To a saviour fly. Do you ask me for pleasure? Then lean on His breast, For there the sin laden And weary find rest. In the valley of death You will triumphing cry - "If this be called dying, 'Tis pleasant to die!" Jan. 1, 1831
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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.”