M'Cheyne's Bible-Reading Schedule

[bookslover]

I've tried to use his Bible-reading schedule in the past, but reading the Scriptures in four places at the same time just confused me. And I think that's because I probably don't understand what M'Cheyne was getting at when he designed it.

So, can someone please explain to me the over-arching architecture, so to speak, of his Bible-reading schedule? Why is it organized the way it is? What was M'Cheyne's design in, during a year, being in any four particular places at the same time?

 

[toddpedlar]

Richard -

Here's M'Cheyne's rationale, which he appended to the reading calendar. You can find it in the Banner printing of "Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne" by Andrew Bonar, on pp. 618ff.

Daily Bread,
being a calendar for reading through
the Word of God in a year
by Robert Murray M'Cheyne

"Thy Word is very pure; therefore thy servant loveth it."

Robert Murray McCheyneMY DEAR FLOCK,—The approach of another year stirs up within me new desires for your salvation, and for the growth of those of you who are saved. "God is my record how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ." What the coming year is to bring forth, who can tell? There is plainly a weight lying on the spirits of all good men, and a looking for some strange work of judgment coming upon this land. There is need now to ask that solemn question— "If in the land of peace wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?"

Those believers will stand firmest who have no dependence upon self or upon creatures, but upon Jehovah our Righteousness. We must be driven more to our Bibles, and to the mercy-seat, if we are to stand in the evil day. Then we shall be able to say like David—, "The proud have had me greatly in derision, yet have I not declined from thy law." "Princes have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart standeth in awe of thy Word."

It has long been in my mind to prepare a scheme of Scripture reading, in which as many as were made 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.

I am quite aware that such a plan is accompanied with many

DANGERS.

1. Formality. We are such weak creatures that any regularly returning duty is apt to degenerate into a lifeless form. The tendency of reading the Word by a fixed rule may, in some minds, be to create this skeleton religion. This is to be the peculiar sin of the last days— "Having the form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." Guard against this. Let the calendar perish rather than this rust eat up your souls.
2. Self-righteousness. Some, when they have devoted their set time to reading the Word, and accomplished their prescribed portion, may be tempted to look at themselves with self-complacency. Many, I am persuaded, are living without any Divine work on their soul — unpardoned, and unsanctified, and ready to perish — who spend their appointed times in secret and family devotion. This is going to hell with a lie in the right hand.
3. Careless reading. Few tremble at the Word of God. Few, in reading it, hear the voice of Jehovah, which is full of majesty. Some, by having so large a portion, may be tempted to weary of it, as Israel did of the daily manna, saying—, "Our soul loatheth this light bread;" and to read it in a slight and careless manner. This would be fearfully provoking to God. Take heed lest that word be true of you— "Ye said, also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the Lord of Hosts."
4. A yoke too heavy to bear. Some may engage in reading with alacrity for a time, and afterwards feel it a burden grievous to be borne. They may find conscience dragging them through the appointed task without any relish of the heavenly food. If this be the case with any, throw aside the fetter and feed at liberty in the sweet garden of God. My desire is not to cast a snare upon you, but to be a helper of your joy.
If there be so many dangers, why propose such a scheme at all? To this I answer, that the best things are accompanied with danger, as the fairest flowers are often gathered in the clefts of some dangerous precipice. Let us weigh

THE ADVANTAGES.

1. The whole Bible will be read through in an orderly manner in the course of a year. The Old Testament once, the New Testament and Psalms twice. I fear many of you never read the whole Bible; and yet it is all equally divine. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect." If we pass over some parts of Scripture, we shall be incomplete Christians.
2. Time will not be wasted in choosing what portions to read. Often believers are at a loss to determine towards which part of the mountains of spices they should bend their steps. Here the question will be solved at once in a very simple manner.
3. Parents will have a regular subject upon which to examine their children and servants. It is much to be desired that family worship were made more instructive than it generally is. The mere reading of the chapter is often too like water split on the ground. Let it be read by every member of the family beforehand, and then the meaning and application drawn out by simple question and answer. The calendar will be helpful in this. Friends, also, when they meet, will have a subject for profitable conversation in the portions read that day. The meaning of difficult passages may be inquired from the more judicious and ripe Christians, and the fragrance of simpler Scriptures spread abroad.
4. The pastor will know in what part of the pasture the flock are feeding. He will thus be enabled to speak more suitably to them on the Sabbath; and both pastor and elders will be able to drop a word of light and comfort in visiting from house to house, which will be more readily responded to.
5. The sweet bond of Christian love and unity will be strengthened. We shall be often led to think of those dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, here and elsewhere, who agree to join with us in reading these portions. We shall oftener be led to agree on earth, touching something we shall ask of God. We shall pray over the same promises, mourn over the same confessions, praise God in the same songs, and be nourished by the same words of eternal life.

CALENDAR DIRECTIONS
M'Cheyne's Daily Bible Reading Schedule.

1. The [first] column contains the day of the month. The next two columns contain the chapter to be read in the family. The two last columns contain the portions to be read in secret.
2. The head of the family should previously read over the chapter for family worship, and mark two or three of the most prominent verses, upon which he may dwell, asking a few simple questions.
3. Frequently the chapter named in the calendar for family reading might be read more suitably in secret; in which case the head of the family should intimate that it be read in private, and the chapter for secret reading may be used in the family
4. The metrical version of the Psalms should be read or sung through at least once in the year ... If three verses be sung at each diet of family worship, the whole Psalms will be sung through in the year.
5. Let the conversation at family meals often turn upon the chapter read and the psalm sung. Thus every meal will be a Sacrament, being sanctified by the Word and prayer.
6. Let our secret reading prevent the dawning of the day. Let God's voice be the first we hear in the morning. Mark two or three of the richest verses, and pray over every line and word of them. Let the marks be neatly done, never so as to abuse a copy of the Bible.
7. In meeting believers on the street or elsewhere, when an easy opportunity offers, recur to the chapters read that morning. This will be a blessed exchange for those idle words which waste the soul and grieve the Holy Spirit of God. In writing letters to those at a distance, make use of the provision that day gathered.
8. 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."

St. Peter's, Dundee, 30th Dec. 1842.

Copied by Stephen Ross for WholesomeWords.org from The Works of the Late Rev. Robert Murray M'Cheyne. 2 vols. New York: Robert Carter, 1848-1850.

 

[AV1611]

I've tried to use his Bible-reading schedule in the past, but reading the Scriptures in four places at the same time just confused me.

I use it and it has helped me greatly. The OT once and the NT and Psalms twice in a year, great stuff!!

 

[21st Century Calvinist]

I have made my own modification's to it. I just have a need to meddle! I do two of the readings each day. I have been omitting the psalms/proverbs readings as I've just recently read through them.
There is a hefty chunk of reading each day and at the present I would prefer to read shorter portion's and remember it better.

 

[JM]

I've tried to use his Bible-reading schedule in the past, but reading the Scriptures in four places at the same time just confused me. And I think that's because I probably don't understand what M'Cheyne was getting at when he designed it.

So, can someone please explain to me the over-arching architecture, so to speak, of his Bible-reading schedule? Why is it organized the way it is? What was M'Cheyne's design in, during a year, being in any four particular places at the same time?

I like to read through at one or two places in the Bible and find M'Cheyne's reading schedule a little confusing as well.

 

[Presbyterian Deacon]

I was asked about a similar Bible Reading plan at the beginnig of this year, and here is how I responded at that time, For what it's worth--

The Question:

There is one that today's readings were a couple of chapters in Genesis, another in Psalms and Proverbs and a chapter or two from Matthew.

Is there any way that a person can possibly learn their bible in context reading it this way?

Answer:

It sounds like you already know the answer to this question. No, you will not have any idea of context -- or content for that matter, by following such plans. I do not like those approaches, although I have used them in the past. There is nothing "magical" or "spiritual" about reading your Bible in a year.

It is true, if you follow the plan--you will have read through the Bible in year--but so what? I suppose the reason for such a "skip around approach" is the assumption that people will get bogged down in the seemingly tedious sections of the genealogies in Genesis or the ceremonial laws of Leviticus if they tried to read straight through, so true understanding of context is sacrificed for reader comfort and convenience. (And "New" systems and approaches are very profitable for those who market them!)

I have never gotten much from such plans. In my opinion, it is far better to start at the beginning of the book and read it straight through.

Dedicate two hours or so each day to reading (depending on your reading proficency) and read from Genesis to Revelation. At two hours a day, most people can get through the Bible in far less than year. In fact, you could probably read the whole Bible two or three times a year, if you do away the plans and just read!

 

[Pilgrim]

I do not find M'Cheyne's guide confusing at all. But I have used other guides that had me reading from 3 or 4 passages per day as well.

Remember that his guide is designed to be used in family worship as well, with the "family" and "secret" readings.

 

[jaybird0827]

Trinitarian Bible Society has a 2-year version of the M'Cheyne calendar. Every two years we reverse the positions of family/private. It works for us.

 

[Augusta]

I have been doing it for about 8 months now and I really like it. I haven't had any trouble keeping up. I end up reading ahead sometimes in certain books and then that make for shorter devotion for a few days.

It really helps to incorporate it into your day so that it becomes a habit. It takes me about a half hour, with my tea in the morning. It has become my morning wake up ritual, both spiritual and physical, and now I don't think I can do without it. On days when I have to skip it, I miss it.

 

[bookslover]

Thanks for all the responses, so far.

I seem to remember, dimly, reading somewhere that M'Cheyne had a theological rationale for always being in four places at once, and that this rationale starts with the four places he starts with on January 1. I could be wrong about this, but I do have some dim memory along this line.

 

[ChristopherPaul]

I've tried to use his Bible-reading schedule in the past, but reading the Scriptures in four places at the same time just confused me. And I think that's because I probably don't understand what M'Cheyne was getting at when he designed it.

So, can someone please explain to me the over-arching architecture, so to speak, of his Bible-reading schedule? Why is it organized the way it is? What was M'Cheyne's design in, during a year, being in any four particular places at the same time?

Good question. I don't use M'Cheyne's either for the same reason. It seems too random. I require some sort of logical order that will profit understanding. In reading M'Cheyne's rationale that was posted, it did not answer why he chose the organization regarding the specific books.

 

[vkochetta]

Another Plan with four readings per day...

Another Bible reading plan can be found here:

Perpetual Bible Reading Schedule - Main Page


It is by Michael Lancto. His is structured so that each day there is a reading from Historical, Devotional, Prophetical and Doctrinal passages. (This is his description... I realise that there is a lot of cross over)

In his rationale for this method, he addresses if following four passages is confusing. He says, "Occasionally someone initially says, 'I cannot keep track of FOUR different Bible passages from day to day.' But research has shown that the AVERAGE person can easily track TEN different stories at one time. But it's OK to be skeptical ... take the challenge and give it a try. More often than not the skeptic becomes a believer by the end of the first week."

I could not find on his website what that research specifically is.

I have been using this method and find it quite refreshing.

--- Vinny Kochetta

 

[Pilgrim]

Trinitarian Bible Society has a 2-year version of the M'Cheyne calendar. Every two years we reverse the positions of family/private. It works for us.

TBS also has his reading schedule included in some of the AV's that they sell.

 

[py3ak]

John Stott says about M'Cheyne's Bible reading schedule that you begin at the 4 great beginnings of Scripture. I don't know if he got that hint from M'Cheyne or deduced on it his own, however.

 

[JBaldwin]

I have used the various Bible reading plans here: Devotions (ESV Bible Online)
This website is one of my favorites. In addition to the Bible reading plans. The entire Bible is online. From there you can compare translations side by side, etc. Since I am online every day, I spend more time here than I do with my hard copy of the Scriptures.

 

[JBaldwin]

There is also a chronological Bible reading schedule at this site. Devotions (ESV Bible Online)

 

[jambo]

I developed my own schedule which involves three readings a day first thing in the morning, last thing at night and somewhere around lunch time.

Group 1 OT: Starting at Gen 1-2 and read two chapters a day it takes about 11 months to complete a cycle

Group 2 Wisdom
Ps 1-41
Job (Read 1 speech per day)
Ps 42-72
Proverbs
Ps 73-89
Ecclesiastes
Ps 90-106
Song of Sol
Ps 107-150
(Ps 119 can be read as one psalm or 22)
This takes 245 days to complet a cycle)

Group 3 NT Read one chapter per day
Luke
Acts
Romans
Mark
1 & 2 Cor
Gal
Eph
Mat
Phil
Col
1 & 2 Thes
1 & 2 Tim
Tit
Philm
Heb
John
James
1 & 2 Pet
1, 2 & 3 Jn
Jude
Rev

I find doing it this was seperates the gospels by aprox 40 chapters and it takes 260 days to complete a cycle.

With the likes of M'Cheynes readings you alwasy read the same chapters on the 1st Jan or whenever you read Gen 1 you always read Mat 1. With my scheme if you start on Jan 1st with Gen 1, Ps 1 and Luke 1 then the following Jan 1st you would be reading something from Gen 44, Prov 25 and Eph 2.

I find it helpful and it can be varied to suit. For instance there was one year when each Sunday I only read Col 1 -nothing else at all- and used the scheme for the other six days.

 

[JM]

There is also a chronological Bible reading schedule at this site. Devotions (ESV Bible Online)

Daily Light on the Daily Path, excellent.

 

[bookslover]

John Stott says about M'Cheyne's Bible reading schedule that you begin at the 4 great beginnings of Scripture. I don't know if he got that hint from M'Cheyne or deduced on it his own, however.

Maybe this is what I was half-remembering. Thanks. Stott, by the way, is 87 this year.