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The Second Pastoral Letter of Robert Murray M’Cheyne

03 Sunday Feb 2019

Posted by memoirandremains in Robert Murray M'Cheyne, Uncategorized

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Letter, Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne, Pastoral Ministry

This letter was written to his distant congregation on February 6, 1839. He first notes that in all difficulties, God at the same time and place provides some consolation, some good:

Even in the wildest storms the sky is not all dark; and so in the darkest dealings of God with his children, there are always some bright tokens for good. His way with us of late has been “in the sea, and his path in the deep waters.”

Robert Murray McCheyne and Andrew A. Bonar, Memoir and Remains of the Rev. Robert Murray McCheyne (Edinburgh; London: Oliphant Anderson & Ferrier, 1894), 184–185. He then recounts three blessings which remain in the midst of his absence.

First, they are not left without any care. There are other men, prepared and able who are present to care for the congregation.

Second, he is still able to pray for them. He then makes an interesting observation: that his being left to “only” pray for them may have been given for his good (perhaps more than the congregation):

Still He allows me to give myself unto prayer. Perhaps this may be the chief reason of my exile from you, to teach me what Zechariah was taught in the vision of the golden candlestick and the two olive-trees, Zech. 4:6, that it is not by might, nor by power, but by his Spirit, obtained in believing, wrestling prayer, that the temple of God is to be built in our parishes. I have hanged my harp upon the willow, and am no more allowed “to open to you dark sayings upon the harp,” nor “to speak of the things which I have made touching the King,” who is “fairer than the children of men.” Still my soul does not dwell in silence. I am permitted to go in secret to God my exceeding joy; and, while meditating his praise, I can make mention of you all in my prayers, and give thanks for the little flock, who, “by patient continuance in well-doing, seek for glory, and honour, and immortality.” 

 Robert Murray McCheyne and Andrew A. Bonar, Memoir and Remains of the Rev. Robert Murray McCheyne (Edinburgh; London: Oliphant Anderson & Ferrier, 1894), 185–186.

Finally, he is able to write to them.

He ends with four exhortations:

  1. Abide in Him, little children, whom I have always preached to you, that when He shall appear we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming….
  2. Enjoy the forgiveness of sins — keep yourselves in the love of God…..
  3. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. …Oh take heed, do not give the enemy cause to blaspheme; naming the name of Christ, dear form all iniquity.
  4. Continue in prayer….. [223]

He ends with a desire to see them again and a benediction:

Now, may the God of peace himself give you peace always, by all means, and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits. Amen.

 Robert Murray McCheyne and Andrew A. Bonar, Memoir and Remains of the Rev. Robert Murray McCheyne (Edinburgh; London: Oliphant Anderson & Ferrier, 1894), 187.

Advice for Pastors From McCheyne

12 Wednesday Aug 2015

Posted by memoirandremains in Ministry, Robert Murray M'Cheyne

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Letter, Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne, Pastoral Advice, Robert Murray McC

mccheyne

TO THE REV. W. C. BURNS

On his agreeing to undertake the charge of St Peter’s, during Mr M‘C.’s absence in Palestine

EDINBURGH Hill Street, March 22, 1839.

MR DEAR FRIEND,—For I trust I may now reckon you among the number in the truest sense,—I haste to send you a line in answer to your last. I am glad you have made up your mind to begin your spiritual charge over my flock on the first week of April. The Committee have resolved that I leave this on Wednesday next, so that you will not hear from me again till I am away. Take heed to thyself. Your own soul is your first and greatest care. You know a sound body alone can work with power; much more a healthy soul. Keep a clear conscience through the blood of the Lamb. Keep up close communion with God. Study likeness to Him in all things. Read the Bible for your own growth first, then for your people. Expound much; it is through the truth that souls are to be sanctified, not through essays upon the truth. Be easy of access, apt to teach, and the Lord teach you and bless you in all you do and say. You will not find many companions. Be the more with God. My dear people are anxiously waiting for you. The prayerful are praying for you. Be of good courage; there remaineth much of the land to be possessed. Be not dismayed, for Christ shall be with thee to deliver thee. Study Isaiah 6, and Jer. 1, and the sending of Moses, and Ps. 51:12, 13, and John 15:26, 27, and the connection in Luke 1:15, 16
Robert Murray McCheyne and Andrew A. Bonar, Memoir and Remains of the Rev. Robert Murray McCheyne (Edinburgh; London: Oliphant Anderson & Ferrier, 1894), 180.

Advice to a Young Man

13 Monday Jul 2015

Posted by memoirandremains in Culture

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Advice, John Newton, Learning, Letter, pleasure

On August 24, 1774, John Newton gave the following advice to a young man setting out in life:

Were I more intimate with you, I could have asked the question, and perhaps received the satisfaction to know, that you have already begun to consider him in this light; that you feel a vanity in science, an emptiness in creatures, and find that you have desires which only He who gave them can satisfy. I trust it either is or will be thus. As to learning, though it is useful when we know how to make a right use of it, yet, considered as in our own power, and to those who trust to it without seeking a superior guidance, it is usually the source of perplexity, strife, scepticism, and infidelity. It is, indeed, like a sword in a madman’s hands, which gives him the more opportunity of hurting himself and others. As to what the world calls pleasure, there is so little in it, that even the philosophers of old, or many of them, though they had little of value to substitute in its room, could despise it. You will perhaps meet with some who will talk another language; who will pretend to be too wise to submit to the Bible, and too happy in worldly things to expect or desire any happiness beside; but I trust you have seen enough to enable you to treat such persons with the pity, and such pretensions with the contempt, they deserve.

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