Significant Biographies of R. M. M'Cheyne

Tim Leaman has been kind enough to share a number of Selected (and often annotated) Bibliographies with us and I would like to share another one with you. The following is a list Tim has compiled of one my favorite figures from church history–Robert Murray M'Cheyne.

Bonar, Andrew A. Memoirs and Remains of the Rev. Robert Murray M'Cheyne. (Dundee: William Middleton, 1845), 606 pp.

This is a classic biography of a godly pastor written by his close friend. In some ways this can never be bettered due to the familiarity of the writer to his subject. The blood earnest zeal and holy life of this young preacher are an inspiration to any man of God. Every pastor should read this biography as least once.

Howat, Irene. Robert Murray McCheyne: Life Is An Adventure. (Geanies House: Christian Focus Publications, 2004), 144 pp.

This is written for ages 9-14.

Lamb, William. M'Cheyne from the Pew. (Belfast: Ambassador Production Ltd., 1893, reprinted 1987). 157 pp.

This small book is the recollections of an elder who served under M'Cheyne. It provides a candid view of this legendary pastor. This is nothing like a complete biography but interesting to any M'Cheyne enthusiast.

Robertson, David A. Awakening: A Biography of the Life and Ministry of Robert Murray M'Cheyne. Paternoster: Authentic Books, 2004), 201 pp.

Smellie, Alexander. R.M. M'Cheyne: A Burning Light. (Geanies House, Scotland: Christian Focus Publications, 1995), 250 pp.

This Scottish author is famous for his Men of the Covenant. He writes a fine life of M'Cheyne. However, it is not as helpful as Bonar or Van Valen's works. This volume includes extracts from the diary of Jessie Thain and Alexander Cumming's record of the revival.

Smith, J. C. Robert Murray M'Cheyne: A Good Minister of Jesus Christ. (Belfast: Ambassador Productions Ltd., 1910, reprinted 1998).

This is a poorly written biography. The author has just gleaned much from Bonar's great work. Its chief value seems to be the quotations the author has collected from noteworthy preachers about M'Cheyne. This book will still be a blessing to many because of the impression left by M'Cheyne.

Van Valen, L. J. Constrained By His Love: A New Biography on Robert Murray M'Cheyne. (Geanies House, Scotland: Christian Focus Publications, 2002), 491 pp.

This is the finest historical biography of M'Cheyne. The author has researched his subject very thoroughly. He provides many details not found in the older biographies. This volume abounds with letters, sketches, and pictures related to M'Cheyne's brief life. The author presents a well rounded factual portrait of this servant of God. The historical context provided by Van Valen makes M'Cheyne come alive Must reading for anyone who has been touched by this preachers life.

* There are numerous other sketches in separate works that summarize his life and ministry.
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See also...
The Published Writings of G. Campbell Morgan

Robert Murray M'Cheyne & James Hudson Taylor

Significant Biographies of R. M. M'Cheyne