Readability
Original Sources
Devotional Quality
Avoids Hagiography
Biblical Clarity
| Field | Scotland (his homeland) |
| Missionary | Robert Murray M’Cheyne |
| Author | Andrew Bonar |
| Era | 1820s–1840s |
Overview
Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813–1843) nearly left Scotland for the mission field. He read the biographies of David Brainerd and Henry Martyn, compelling him to consider foreign fields. Yet, God drew him to his homeland to reach the thousands in his own perishing parish. Driven and devoted, M’Cheyne preached the gospel to his countrymen, serving as a key figure in the Scottish Revivals. Instead of becoming a missionary, he inspired future missionaries, including his assistant pastor, William Burns who went to China and mentored Hudson Taylor.
When M’Cheyne died at age 29 from typhoid, his friend and colleague Andew Bonar took his journals and wrote M’Cheyne’s biography. This classic work reveals the heart of a man dedicated to God and His work. It will encourage any believer who reads it to follow God more passionately for His glory.
Learn more about both Robert Murray M’Cheyne when my new missions devotional comes out. I highlight M’Cheyne on Day 6. Subscribe for updates about its launch date (if you received this book review by email, you are already subscribed!).
Highlights
- M’Cheyne’s spiritual journey and devotion to God.
- How God worked through M’Cheyne despite health difficulties.
- How God burdened M’Cheyne for the salvation of the Jewish people through his study of Scripture and a missions trip to the Middle East.
- How God used M’Cheyne to influences missionaries William Burns and Alexander Duff.
Quotes
- “Life of David Brainerd. Most wonderful man! What conflicts, what depressions, desertions, strength, advancement, victories, within thy torn bosom! I cannot express what I think when I think of thee. To-night, more set upon missionary enterprise than ever” (p.24).
- “To be a finger-post is all that I want to be–pointing out the way” (p. 59).
- “He has set me down among the noisy mechanics and political weavers of this godless town. He will make the money sufficient. He that paid his taxes from a fish’s mouth will supply all my need. . . My Master has placed me here with his own hand; and I never will, directly or indirectly, seek to be removed” (p. 81).
- “Many a time, when I thought myself a dying man, the souls of the perishing thousands in my own parish, who never enter any house of God, have lain heavy on my heart” (p. 84).
- “I find that I am never so successful as when I can lie at Christ’s feet, willing to be used or not as seemeth good in his sight” (p. 154).
Other Sources
Robert Murray M’Cheyne is highlighted in my upcoming missions devotional, Daring Decision: a 31-Day Journey with those who Followed God’s Leading.