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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's sermon 'To Yonder Side' reflects on the journey of faith as depicted in Luke 8:22-25, where Jesus calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee. M'Cheyne emphasizes the importance of trusting in Jesus during life's tempests, illustrating how the Savior's presence brings peace amidst chaos. He draws parallels between the disciples' fear and the struggles of believers today, reminding them that Jesus calls them to the other side, a place of rest and assurance. The sermon encourages listeners to lean on Christ, who offers calm in the storms of life and reassures them of His constant care. Ultimately, M'Cheyne invites the congregation to embrace faith and find solace in Jesus' promise of peace.
Scriptures
To Yonder Side
Luke viii. 22-25. Behind the hills of Naphtali The sun went slowly down, Leaving on mountain, tower, and tree, A tinge of golden brown. The cooling breath of evening woke The waves of Galilee, Till on the shore the waters broke In softest melody. "Now launch the bark," the Saviour cried, The chosen twelve stood by, "And let us cross to yonder side, Where the hills are steep and high." Gently the bark o'er the water creeps, While the swelling sail they spread, And the wearied Saviour gently sleeps With a pillow 'neath His head. On downy bed the world seeks rest - Sleep flies the guilty eye - But he who leans on the Father's breast May sleep when storms are nigh. But soon the lowering sky grew dark O'er Bashan's rocky brow - The storm rushed down upon the bark, And waves dashed o'er the prow. The pale disciples trembling spake, While yawned the watery grave, "We perish, Master - Master, wake - Carest Thou not to save?" Calmly He rose with sovereign will, And hushed the storm to rest. "Ye waves," He whispered, "Peace! be still!" They calmed like a pardoned breast. So have I seen a fearful storm O'er wakened sinner roll, Till Jesus' voice and Jesus' form Said, "Peace, thou weary soul." And now He bends His gentle eye His wondering followers o'er, "Why raise this unbelieving cry?" I said, "To yonder shore." When first the Saviour wakened me, And showed me why He died, He pointed o'er life's narrow sea, And said, "To yonder Side." "I am the ark where Noah dwelt, And heard the deluge roar - No soul can perish that has felt My rest - To yonder shore." Peaceful and calm the tide of life When first I sailed with Thee - My sins forgiven - no inward strife - My breast a glassy sea. But soon the storm of passion raves - My soul is tempest tossed - Corruptions rise, like angry waves, "Help, Master, I am lost!" "Peace! peace! be still thou raging breast, My fulness is for thee" - The Saviour speaks, and all is rest, Like the waves of Galilee. And now I feel His holy eye Upbraids my heart of pride - "Why raise this unbelieving cry? I said, To yonder side." Begun at the Lake of Galilee, 15th July 1839.
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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.”