Robert Murray McCheyne (1813-1843)

Robert Murray McCheyne was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, May
21, 1813. He taught himself the Greek alphabet at the age of
four. He later distinguished himself as a student of Edin-
burgh University.
    McCheyne became pastor of St. Peter's Church of
Dundee, Scotland (Presbyterian), in 1836, after being li-
censed to preach by the Presbytery of Annan on July 1, 1835.
At age 24, he became a member of a mission of inquiry to
study the best means of evangelizing the Jews, and visited
Palestine for this purpose. While there, he became ill and
devoted much of his time to praying for his flock.
And, the famous revival in Dundee began in his church
under the ministry of William C. Burns. It continued under
McCheyne. The whole city was moved. No less than 39 prayer
meetings were held weekly in connection with this church, of
which five were carried on wholly by children.
    McCheyne died of typhus March 25, 1843. He is buried
in the churchyard of St. Peter's. His monument contains the
words: "...who died in the thirtieth year of his age and the
seventh of his ministry, walking closely with God, an example
of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in
spirit, in faith, in purity, he ceased not day and night to
labor and watch for souls, and was honored by his Lord to
draw many wanderers out of darkness and to the path of life."
One of the most notable characteristics of the man
was the holy consistency of his daily walk. He has been
called "one of the loveliest specimens of the Spirit's work-
manship." The secret of this was his habitual dependence upon
the Spirit of God.

Christian Biographies