- Home
- Speakers
- Robert Murray M'Cheyne
- "Thy Word Is A Lamp Unto My Feet, And A Light Unto My Path."
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 emphasizes the guiding power of God's Word, comparing it to the fiery pillar that led Israel through the wilderness. He reflects on how Scripture provides direction in times of confusion and fear, much like the angelic reassurance given to Paul during a storm at sea. M'Cheyne also highlights the comfort found in God's Word during life's trials, including the ultimate peace in facing death, as exemplified by Stephen's martyrdom. He expresses a deep love for God's law, which serves as a lamp and light in dark times, guiding believers through their spiritual journeys.
"Thy Word Is a Lamp Unto My Feet, and a Light Unto My path."
When Israel knew not where to go, God made the fiery pillar glow; By night, by day, above the camp It led the way - their guiding lamp; Such is Thy Holy Word to me In day of dark perplexity. When devious paths before me spread, And all invite my foot to tread I hear Thy voice behind me say - "Believing soul, this is the way, Walk thou in it." O gentle Dove, How much Thy holy law I love! My lamp and light In the dark night. When Paul amid the seas seemed lost By Adrian billows wildly tossed, When neither sun nor star appeared, And every wave its white head reared Above the ship, beside his bed An angel stood, and "Fear not" said. Such is Thy holy word to me, When tossed upon afflictions's sea; When floods come in unto my soul, And the deep waters o'er me roll, With angel voice Thy Word draws near And says, "Tis I, why shouldst thou fear? Through trouble great My saints must go Into their rest, where neither woe Nor sin can come; where every tear From off the cheek shall disappear, Wiped by God's hand." O gentle Dove, How much Thy holy law I love! My lamp and light In the dark night. When holy Stephen dauntless stood Before the Jews, who sought his blood, With angel face he looked on high, And wondering, through the parted sky, Saw Jesus risen from His throne To claim the martyr as His own. Angelic peace that sight bestowed, With holy joy his bosom glowed. And while the murderous stones they hurled His heaven wrapt soul sought yonder world Of rest. "My spirit, Saviour, keep," He cried, he kneeled he fell asleep. Such be Thy holy Word to me In hour of life's extremity! Although no more the murdering hand - Is raised within our peaceful land - The Church has rest, and I may ne'er Be called the martyr's crown to wear: Yet still, in whatsoever form Death comes to me, in midnight storm Whelming my bark, or in my nest, Gently dismissing me to rest, O grant me in Thy Word to see A risen Saviour beckoning me. No evil then my heart shall fear In the dark valley. Thou art near! My trembling soul and Thou, my God, Alone are there; Thy staff and rod Shall comfort me. O gentle Dove, How much Thy holy law I love! My lamp and light In the dark night. 1838.
- 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.”