Diary entry of Andrew A. Bonar, Monday, 27th March 1843.

Diary entry of Andrew A. Bonar, Monday, 27th March 1843. -- from ‘Andrew A. Bonar Diary and Life’ published by Banner of Truth, p.98,99.

[Written two days after he learned of the passing of his beloved friend, Robert M. M’Cheyne]

Yesterday was truly solemn from morning to evening. I was able to preach composedly, but often at intervals, while the psalms were singing, and sometimes in prayer, the thought of Robert away was overwhelming. I had too much feeling of the event, too little care for God’s glory in it. The sight of his people coming out at the door, where often we passed out so happily together, his books, and then body laid that night out of our view forever! I feel as if there were less of God’s presence among us. I must myself live near God, and find what he found. Preached on Romans viii. 38, 39, and then upon verses 28-30; Patrick Miller upon Rev, vii., toward the end. He spoke of him removed from us in mercy and judgment; in judgment upon us for prizing the man and forgetting the Master; and mercy in order to bring us more to the Master. His forgetfulness of all that was not found to God’s glory was remarkable, and there seemed never a time when he was not himself feeling the presence of God. I feel submission, for I see my sins so great that I wonder at nothing God does in chastising me. How very unlike Robert am I! 2 Kings ii. much in my mind. O that his mantle would fall upon me! Evil days are begun. He was so reverent toward God, so full also in desire toward Him, whether in family prayer or at common ordinary meetings. He seemed never unprepared. His lamp was always burning and his loins always girt. I never knew it otherwise, even when we were journeying in Palestine. Lord, grant me henceforth more holiness; may I work among my people with deepest solemnity. Whether they feel God present or not, may I teach them I feel He is there. I have had joy also in this season through the sight of a living Saviour with whom I shall soon be, but especially in feeling how sweet it is to be near God, and drawn off from earth; the thought too of Christ coming again, it may be very soon. This terrible blow may be the answer to my prayers for holiness, for I used to pray that even if very awful, it were better that God should take the way that would make me holier, although I should suffer.

Feeding in the Same Portion of the Green Pasture

Robert Murray M'Cheyne wrote the following to his congregation indicating his purpose in creating a Bible reading schedule: 'It has long been in my mind to prepare a scheme of Scripture reading, in which as many as were willing by God might agree, so that the whole Bible might be read once by you in the year, and all might be feeding in the same portion of the green pasture at the same time.' M'Cheyne wrote this in 1842, shortly before he died. From page 619 of Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne written by Andrew Bonar and published by Banner of Truth.

Robert Murray M'Cheyne: The Making of a Man of God by Rev John J Murray

Rev. John J. Murray of the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) gave a lecture on Robert Murray M’Cheyne at the 2006 Family Conference of the Presbytery of the United States. Rev. Murray, author of; Behind a Frowning Providence; Robert Murray M'Cheyne: The Making of a Man of God; and 'The Reformation 1560: The Greatest Year in Scotland's History', ministered to congregations in Oban and Edinburgh, Scotland, until his retirement in 2002. He is presently an assistant editor of The Banner of Truth Magazine.

Being present at Rev. Murray’s lecture on Robert Murray M’Cheyne was an unforgettable and blessed experience! As members of the Atlanta congregation of the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing), our lives have been enriched through our brothers in Christ who have kindly and sacrificially traversed the Atlantic to bless us with their preaching and fellowship at our annual family conferences. Rev. Murray vividly and compellingly brought M’Cheyne to life for us, kindling an interest in M’Cheyne, and a desire to learn more of this wonderful man of God and his life.

Rev. Murray originally lectured on Robert Murray M’Cheyne at Welsh Chapel, London, as part of the Evangelical Library Lectures in 1993. Quoting from Rev. Murray’s lecture, entitled Robert Murray M’Cheyne, The Making of a Man of God,

"He was a man of God whose desire was to walk humbly with his God in utter dependence on the grace of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. This was worked out in the down-to-earth context of visiting among the poor, preaching the Gospel, pleading the cause of Church extension, contending for the Headship of Christ in His Church, praying for revival and maintaining a widespread interest in missionary endeavor."

One of the enduring gifts many generations have enjoyed from the loving ministry of Robert Murray M’Cheyne is his Daily Bible Reading Schedule. The Lord has led me at times to read each of the four portions of Scripture that are listed on the daily schedule, in my personal Bible reading. Reading four or more chapters of Scripture per day, over time, has proven to be a great source of spiritual encouragement. From Rev. Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s own words, written from St. Peter's, Dundee, on 30th December, 1842:

"Above all, use the Word as a lamp to your feet and a light to your path — your guide in perplexity — your armor in temptation — your food in times of faintness. Hear the constant cry of the great Intercessor, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."