Robert Murray M'Cheyne (1813-1843)

Robert was born at 14 Dublin Street, Edinburgh, on 21st May 1813. He died at the young age of 29, during an epidemic of typhus. but he left a massive legacy in Dundee, Scotland.

He was educated at the University of Edinburgh and at the Divinity Hall of his native city. He spent a year in the parish of Larbert and Dunipace, near Falkirk. He then served as minister at St. Peter’s Church (1836-43) until he died.

In 1838 it was suggested, due to poor health, he should have a break So In 1839 with two senior ministers he went to Palestine. The reportNarrative of a Visit to the Holy Land and Mission of Inquiry to the Jews led to the establlshment of missions to Jews by the Church of Scotland.

While he was in Palestine a great revival broke out in his homeland and swept through Scotland. In his absence William Chalmers Burns, with his powerful preaching, had ran the church. Robert rejoiced in an other man’s work.

Robert exercised a remarkable fruitful ministry in Dundee while in constant demand to minister in other places.

In 1843 Robert prepared his congregation for the coming Disruption. he died before it happened. (See History for explanation of disruption)

Robert was a preacher, pastor, poet and a man of letters. He was also a man of deep piety and a man of prayer He will always be remembered as a man of prayer.

Heroes of the Faith is a beautiful piece of writing. The sexton tells the visitor as he walks him around the church t o -Sit down here. Now put your elbows on the table. Now let the tears flow.Put your elbows on the pulpit. Put your face in your hands. Now let the tears flow. That was the way Mr McCheyne used to do it. (See writing by Albert Hull)

Robert’s frail body was laid to rest at the North West corner of St. Peter’s burying ground. On the day of his burial, business was suspended.

His friend Andrew Alexander Bonar edited Robert’s biography and some of his manuscripts. *The Memoir and Remains of the Rev. Robert Murray M’chyne

went into many editions. It has had a lasting influence on Evangelical Christianity worldwide.

Farewell we say to one of Scotland’s brightest warriors, until the day dawn and the shadows flee away Albert Hull

Sources used
Banner of Truth UK
Free Church of Scotland
wikipedia