The Biography of Robert Murray M'Cheyne eBook

Andrew Bonar
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 281 pages of information about The Biography of Robert Murray M'Cheyne.

The Biography of Robert Murray M'Cheyne eBook

Andrew Bonar
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 281 pages of information about The Biography of Robert Murray M'Cheyne.

June 22.—­Variety of studies.  Septuagint translation of Exodus and Vulgate.  Bought Edwards’ works.  Drawing—­Truly there was nothing in me that should have induced Him to choose me.  I was but as the other brands upon whom the fire is already kindled, which shall burn for evermore!  And as soon could the billet leap from the hearth and become a green tree, as my soul could have sprung to newness of life.”

June 25.—­In reference to the office of the holy ministry; “How apt are we to lose our hours in the vainest babblings, as do the world!  How can this be with those chosen for the mighty office? fellow-workers with God? heralds of His Son? evangelists? men set apart to the work, chosen out of the chosen, as it were the very pick of the flocks, who are to shine as the stars forever and ever?  Alas, alas! my soul, where shall thou appear?  O Lord God, I am a little child!  But Thou wilt send an angel with a live coal from off the altar, and touch my unclean lips, and put a tongue within my dry mouth, so that I shall say with Isaiah, ‘Here am I, send me.’” Then, after reading a little of Edwards’ works:  “Oh that heart and understanding may grow together, like brother and sister, leaning on one another!”

June 27.—­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.”

June 28.—­Oh for Brainerd’s humility and sin-loathing dispositions!”

June 30.—­Much carelessness, sin, and sorrow.  ’Oh wretched man than I am, who shall deliver me from this body of sin and death?’ Enter thou, my soul, into the rock, and hide thee in the dust for fear of the Lord and the glory of his majesty.”  And then he writes a few verses, of which the following are some stanzas:—­

      I will arise and seek my God,
       And, bowed down beneath my load,
      Lay all my sins before Him;
       Then He will wash my soul from sin,
      And put a new heart me within,
       And teach me to adore Him.

      O ye that fain would find the joy—­
      The only one that wants alloy—­
        Which never is deceiving;
      Come to the Well of Life with me,
      And drink, as it is proffered, free,
        The gospel draught receiving.

      I come to Christ, because I know
      The very worst are called to go;
        And when in faith I find Him,
      I’ll walk in Him, and lean on Him,
      Because I cannot move a limb
        Until He say, “Unbind him.”

July 3.—­This last bitter root of worldliness that has so often betrayed me has this night so grossly, that I cannot but regard it as God’s chosen way to make me loathe and forsake it forever.  I would vow; but it is much more like a weakly worm to pray.  Sit in the dust, O my soul!” I believe he was enabled to keep his resolution.  Once only, in the end of this year, was he again led back to gaiety; but it was the last time.

Copyrights
Project Gutenberg
The Biography of Robert Murray M'Cheyne from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.