Biography of Robert Murray McCheyne - A Burning Light
By Alexander Smellie
Christian Focus Publications
Classic Biographies (History Makers)
250 pages. £
ISBN 1 85792 184 4
'... A burning light ...'. Quite literally and eagerly, McCheyne burnt himself out for the honour of Almighty God - dying at only 29. Tirelessly he had laboured for the conversion of unbelievers and the holiness of Christians.
Obviously set in an age and culture very different to our own - yet with the 1843 'Disruption' looming, evangelicals faced many pressures similar to those known today - the record stands as a lasting challenge and inspiration, especially to any minister.
McCheyne 'becomes alive' as his words are quoted. Sermons, prayers, voluminous correspondence, notes of pastoral interviews and visits, his Journal and 'Personal Examinations and Reformation' - each gives insights into the spirituality, the unqualified commitment and the systematic methods of this godly, God-fearing and so multi-gifted minister. His unremitting labours, in spite of poor health, as minister of St. Peter's Church, Dundee - fervent evangelist, preacher, teacher, pastor, and missionary advocate - were singularly honoured in the spiritual awakening granted in 1839. Nurtured by McCheyne, the Holy Spirit revival touched many parts of Scotland.
In our present-day context it is instructive to be reminded of the biblical preaching which produced such conviction that agonised cries, falling, and other phenomena were witnessed.
Additions to the 1913 volume (one of which only 'surfaced' in 1955), written by close friends of McCheyne, give further instructive insights into the man, his ministry - and his God.
Buy a copy to give to your pastor - but do read it for yourself first!
