PREFACE
SOME years before his
death Dr. Andrew Murray is understood to have indicated the Rev.
Professor Marais, of the Stellenbosch Theological Seminary, and the
present writer, as persons to whom the preparation of his biography
might be entrusted. After his decease, early in 1917, his executors
definitely requested these gentlemen to undertake the duty. Professor
Marais, however, while continuing to display the greatest interest in
the progress of the biography, found his physical strength unequal to
the task of collaboration; and it was left to the undersigned to carry
through the work. That he has been able to complete it, in both the
English and Dutch languages, is a matter for which he desires to give
abundant thanks to God.
At the same time he is gravely conscious of many shortcomings. To
portray the life and character of such an one as Andrew Murray, who
lived uninterruptedly in a region so remote from our common unspiritual
life, is a task which might well appal. And yet the trust could not well
be declined ; and the writer has therefore endeavoured, though with many
qualms and misgivings, to fulfil it to the best of his small ability. It
has seemed to him that he could do no better than let Andrew Murray
speak himself ; and a large portion of this volume will be found to
consist of unpublished letters, or of articles that have been retrieved
from the pages of religious journals and fugitive tracts.
Sincere acknowledgments for invaluable assistance are due to the Misses
Murray, daughters of the subject of this Life, and especially to Miss
Annie Murray, for placing at the author's disposal a mass of
correspondence and other material, without which this Biography must
have been very much more imperfect than it is. Similar acknowledgments
must be made to Miss Charlotte Murray and Miss Ella Neethling, nieces of
Dr. Murray, for the loan of letters and photographs in the possession of
the families of the late Professor John Murray and the late Rev. J. H.
Neethling respectively. And finally, heartfelt thanks are tendered to
Mr. Charles Murray, M.A., late acting Superintendent-General of
Education, Cape Province, for kindly reading through the bulk of the
manuscript, and serving the author with most valuable criticisms and
suggestions ; and to the Rev. D. S. B. Joubert, B.D., Secretary of the
British and Foreign Bible Society, Cape Town, for the very elaborate
Bibliography which enriches this work.
May the blessing of God Almighty attend the perusal of this Life, and
may it send thousands to a fresh study of Andrew Murray’s writings,
where they may learn the open secret of that faith-life in which God is
all in all.
J. DU PLESSIS.
Stellenbosch,
25th July, 1919.
CONTENTS
Introduction
Physical configuration of South Africa—First colonization by the
Dutch—Gradual increase of population and extension eastwards— Surrender
of the Colony to the English—Substitution of English for Dutch as
official language—Position of the Dutch Reformed Church—The three
factors in the situation—The two white races of South Africa—Andrew
Murray’s relation to both—Historical events during Andrew Murray’s
lifetime—His sympathy with his people—General condition of South Africa
in the middle of the nineteenth century.
Chapter I. Ancestry, Parentage and Birth
Paternal ancestry—Andrew Murray of Clatt—John Murray of Aberdeen—Family
connexions in Scotland and Canada—Andrew Murray, the father—Letter of
Dr. George Thom on ministers for South Africa—Appointment of Andrew
Murray Sr.—His diary of the voyage to South Africa—Departure—Fellow-travellers—On
the rocks at the Cape Verde Islands—Prolonged voyage—Arrival in Table
Bay—Andrew Murray Sr. appointed minister of Graafi-Reinet—Description of
the place—The parsonage—Andrew Murray’s marriage to Maria Susanna
Stegmann—His attachment to the land and people of his adoption—His
pastoral activity—Vis its of missionaries—Home life—The father's deep
spirituality—The founding of new congregations—Reminiscences of the
mother— Journeys to Cape Town—Birth of Andrew—His character as a child.
Chapter II. Seven Years in Scotland
Backward state of education at the Cape in the thirties—The Bible and
School Commission—Departure of John and Andrew Murray for Scotland—The
old Grammar School of Aberdeen—Letters of Andrew Murray Sr. to his
sons—William C. Bums and the Scottish revivals—Bums’ preaching and its
results—His labours at Aberdeen—Impression made upon Andrew
Murray—Letter of Bums to John Murray—Events leading up to the Disruption
of the Church of Scotland—Andrew Murray Sr. to his sons—Andrew Murray to
his parents and sister—His decision to become a minister—His graduation
at Marischal College—Andrew Murray Sr. to his sous on life in Holland.
Chapter III. Three Years of Preparation in Holland
Departure of John and Andrew Murray for Holland—Description of first
meeting between them and N. H. de Graaf—Religious condition of
Holland—The RSveil—Sechor Dabar—Eltheto—Comparison with the
Methodists—The theological professors—Influence of C. W. Opzoomer—Andrew
Murray’s conversion—Letter to his parents—Friends in Holland—Letter
suggesting further study in Germany—John Murray on conditions in
Holland—Arrival of Neethling, Hofmeyr and Faure from South
Africa—Ordination of John and Andrew Murray at The Hague—Farewell
meeting with the members of Seckor Dabar—Benefits of the sojourn in
Holland —Arrival in Cape Town—Letter to his parents—Reunion with the
family circle—Appointment to Bloemfontein.
Chapter IV. Early Days at Bloemfontein
The Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa—Its dependence upon
Holland—The Church Order of 1803—The Church’s Magna Charta—Dearth of
ministers—The Great Trek—Fortunes of the emigrants—Proclamation of the
Orange River Sovereignty—Battle of Boomplaats—Andrew Murray’s settlement
in the charge of Bloemfontein—Visit to Mekuatling mission
station—Induction of John Murray at Burgersdorp—Circumstances and nature
of the work at Bloemfontein—Description of Bloemfontein in 1849—
Unsatisfactory relations of farmers and natives—Andrew Murray’s labours
and travels—First meeting of Legislative Council— Unrest on the
frontier—Communion services—Foundation-stone of Riet River church
laid—Murray’s extensive parish.
Chapter V. Across the Vaal
Importance of Murray’s first pastoral tour among the Transvaal
emigrants—Visit to Mooi River—The “ Jerusalem Pilgrims ”— The
Magaliesberg—A letter of invitation from Commandant Potgieter—Meeting
with Andries Pretorius—Serious indisposition —Journey to Ohrigstad—Return
to the Magaliesberg—Sitting of the Volksraad—Large attendances at
services—Praying for the authorities—Return journey to
Bloemfontein—Death of Deacon Coetzer—Continued unrest on the Basuto
border—Arrival of teachers from Holland—Correspondence—Visitors—Narrow
escape at Kaffir River—Visit to Graafl-Reinet and return—Preparations
for a second journey to the Transvaal—Departure— Arrival at Mooi
River—Visit to Suikerbosch Rand and Lydenburg —Great fatigue—Visit to
the Warm Bath—Reach the Magaliesberg —Continued fatigue—Zwarte Ruggens—Morikwa—Andrew
Murray put on trial—Schoonspruit—Arrival of Rev. D. van Velden, and
induction at Winburg—Andrew Murray called to the Transvaal— The call
declined.
Chapter VI. Further Visits to the Emigrants
Third visit to the Transvaal—Native unrest—Disastrous battle at Viervoet—Andries
Pretorius invited to restore order—Andrew Murray on the situation—His
visit to Pretorius—Commissioners Hogge and Owen—The Sand River
Convention—Fourth Transvaal visit—Neethling’s description of a
service—Method of travel —Respect paid to the ministers—The Zoutpansberg
emigrants—Services there—Commandant Hendrik Potgieter—Manifold labours—Visit
to a farmer under sentence of death—Arrival in the Transvaal of Rev. D.
van der HofE—His doings—His letter to Andrew Murray —Secession of
Transvaal congregations from the Cape Church— Missive addressed to Rev.
van Velden—His letter of rebuke and warning—Reasons for the
Secession—Later history of the Transvaal congregations.
Chapter VII. The Abandonment of the Sovereignty and the first European
Visit.
The Synod of 1852—Events in the Sovereignty—Battle of Berea— Decision of
the British Government to abandon the Sovereignty— Meeting of people’s
delegates at Bloemfontein—Account of J. M. Orpen—Resolutions passed—Dr.
Frazer and Andrew Murray delegated to England—Further events in the
Sovereignty—Convention of Bloemfontein signed and Orange Free State
established— Proceedings of Messrs. Frazer and Murray in
England—Preaching engagements of Andrew Murray—His visit to
Holland—Meeting of the Ernst-en- Vrede party at Amsterdam—Visit to
Scotland—Feeble health—Visits to water-cure establishments—Second visit
to Holland. and visit to the Rhineland—Return to South Africa.
Chapter VIII. Last Years at Bloemfontein
Calls to Colesberg and Ladysmith—Regarding books and congregational
questions—Founding of the Grey College—Marriage The Rutherfoord
family—Quiet work at Bloemfontein—War between the Free State and the
Basutos—Letter to H. E. Rutherfoord— Birth of a daughter—The Synod of
1857—The question of a theological seminary—Missionary expansion—Arrival
in South Africa and doings of Rev. D. Postma—Murray’s first published
book— Grey College questions—The Separatist movement in the Transvaal
and at Bloemfontein—Murray’s attitude—Disapproval of the
Presbytery—Calls to various congregations declined—Call from the
congregation of Worcester accepted—Preparations for departure—Farewell
to Bloemfontein.
Chapter IX. The Worcester Pastorate and the Great Revival
Situation of Worcester—Its spiritual condition—The Worcester
Conference—Andrew Murray on the proposed Conference—Dangers of the
Church—Proceedings of the Conference—Resolutions passed —Murray’s speech
in moving resolutions—The need of ministers and teachers—Dr. Robertson
deputed to Europe—His letter from Holland—Success of his
mission—Induction of Murray at Worcester—Commencement of a
revival—Character of the movement— Description by Rev. J. C. de Vries—Extraordinary
scenes—Professor Hofmeyr on the results of the revival—Emotional
element— Moral changes effected—Extent of the movement—New zeal
engendered—Testimony of Rev. C. Rabie—Spread of the revival— Home life
at Worcester—Missionary journey to the Transvaal— Letters to wife and
children—Stay at Paul Kruger’s—Spiritual experiences there—Commencement
of Zoutpansberg and Rusten-burg missions—Literary labours.
Chapter X. The Struggle with the Civil Courts and the Extrusion of
Liberalism.
The "Liberal” movement in Holland and at the Cape The “Church Order” and
the “Ordinance”—Synod of 1862 Wreck of the Waldensian—Description of the
Synod by Rev. F. L. Cachet —Andrew Murray, moderator—Other leading
members Elder Loedolff's objection—Orthodox and Liberal parties—Supreme
Court judgment—Disruption of D. R. Church—Withdrawal of members affected
by judgment—Rev. J. J. Kotz6 of Darling on the Catechism—A second
Supreme Court case—Favourable judgment—Resolution to suspend
Kotz6—Events in the Darling congregation—Meeting of Synodical Committee—Kotzb
versus Murray_ Speech of the defendant—Murray complimented by Justice
Bell— Adverse judgment—Principles on which it was based—Apparent victory
of Liberalism—Case of Rev. T. F. Burgers—Burgers suspended—Burgers
versus Murray—Judgment—Proceedings in the presbyteries—Continued
litigation—Appeal to Privy Council— Murray deputed to England—Appeal
fails—The Synod of 1867 and its immediate adjournment—Reasons for
decline of Liberalism— Establishment by Rev. D. P. Faure of the " Free
Protestant Church ”—His sermon in the Cape Town church—Gatherings in the
Mutual Hall—Synod of 1870—Resolution adopted by the moderate
party—Protest of the minority—Suppression of Liberalism in the D. R.
Church.
Chapter XI. The Cape Town Pastorate
Visit of Dr. Duff to South Africa—Andrew Murray to his father —Call and
removal to Cape Town—Andrew Murray Sr. refused leave to preach by the
consistory of Hanover—Murray's colleagues at Cape Town—Death of Andrew
Murray, the father—Letter of Andrew Murray to his mother—Stay in
Europe—Birth of a son—
Call to Marylebone Presbyterian Church—British sympathizers with the
Liberal movement—D. P. Faure’s lectures—Murray’s discourses on “ Modern
Unbelief ”—His lecture in the Commercial Exchange—Rev. G. W. Stegmann
Jr. elected as Murray’s colleague —Secessions from the D. R.
Church—Murray’s sermon—Strictures by D. P. Faure—Murray’s controversy
with Kotz6 on the Canons of Dort—Home life in Cape Town—Children of the
family—Sojourners under the Murrays' roof—Extent and need of the Cape
Town congregation—Murray’s interest in young men—Y.M.C.A.
founded—Proposals for union between the Anglican and D. R.
Churches—-Bishop Gray’s views—Remarks thereon by Messrs. Murray, Faure
and Robertson—Gray’s reply in Union of Churches —Failure of
negotiations—Zahspiegeltjes—Literary work—The call to the pastorate of
Wellington.
Chapter XII. The Wellington Pastorate and the Huguenot Seminary
The Wagonmaker’s Valley—-Situation of Wellington—Problems of the new
sphere of work—The Voluntary Question—Mission work— Departure of the two
eldest daughters for Holland—Letters to the daughters at Zeist—Journey
to Swellendam—On the study of Dutch—On Home Mission work—Death of two
younger children—Birth of a son—Arrival of lady teachers from
America—-Articles on Our Children—Appeal for girls to be trained as
teachers—Study of Mary Lyon’s life—Papers on the subject—Huguenot
Seminary founded—Circular on the school—Generosity of the Wellington
congregation—Purchase of a site—Opening ceremony, 25 October,
1873—Formal commencement of classes, January, 1874—Mr. Murray’s tour of
collection—His welcome home—Building extensions—Report on progress
made—R. M. Ballantyne on the Huguenot Seminary.
Chapter XIII. Educational Undertakings and Visit to Europe and America
Popular education at the Cape—The task of the Dutch Reformed Church—Mr.
Murray’s influence—A second collecting tour—Urgent letter on the need of
more workers, as ministers, catechists and teachers—Moderator for the
second time—Opening of the Mission Training Institute, October, 1877—Its
objects described—Delegate to the first Pan-Presbyterian Council in
Edinburgh—Aims of journey outlined—Visit to America—Lady teachers
secured—Rev. George Ferguson and Mr. J. R. Whitton—Impressions of the
Pan-Presbyterian Council—Professor Flint’s sermon—Public reception —Dr.
Schafi on the Confessions—Professors Godet and Krafit—Drs. Cairns and
Hodge—Paper by Dr. Duff on Missions—Conference on life and work—Sunday
services—Drs. Patton and McCosh on Unbelief—The Spiritual Life—Closing
meetings—Value of the Council—Conference at Inverness—Letter to his
wife—Brief trip to Holland and Germany—Return to South Africa—Letter of
a lady teacher on Mr. Murray’s tour—His welcome back to Wellington
—Commencement of classes at the Training Institute—Paper on aims and
needs of the institution—Training Institute versus Normal College—Growth
of the Institute.
Chapter XIV. Conferences and Revivals
Intellectual dependence of South Africa upon Europe—Its religious
dependence—Andrew Murray’s position and influence—Influence of the
Holiness Movement—Mr. Murray on spiritual intercourse —The Colesberg
Conference of 1879—-Criticism evoked—Reply of Mr. Murray—Strictures on
his teaching in letter by “V.D.M.”—Mr. Murray’s defence—Influence on
South Africa of the work of Moody and Sankey—Committee for special
Gospel-preaching—Mr. Murray’s observations on the religious needs of the
rural population —His paper on Special Services—Two months’ tour through
the Midland districts—Glen Lynden and Adelaide—Spiritual results.
Chapter XV. Two Years of Silence and the Question of Faith Healing
Mr. Murray suffers from a relaxed throat—Rest in the Karroo— Sojourn at
Murraysburg—The Transvaal War of Independence—The feeling of
nationality—Movements of his daughter Emmie Return to
Wellington—Literary projects—Abide in Christ—Prof. John Murray in
Europe, and his return to South Africa—Set-back in the condition of Mr.
Murray's throat—Departure for England— Wm. Hazenberg on Faith
Healing—Pastor Stockmaier on the same subject—At Bethshan Institute of
Healing—Instruction by Stockmaier—Discussion with Boardman—And with
Stockmaier— Cures effected by faith—Jezus de Geneesheer der Kranken— The
principles of Faith Healing expounded—Later attitude of Mr. Murray—The
case of Rev. P. F. Hugo—And of Rev. P. Stofberg— Cure of Miss
McGill—Final remarks.
Chapter XVI. Andrew Murray as a Church Leader
Mr. Murray six times Moderator of Synod—His view of his task— His
special qualifications—Powers of work—Ability and tact as chairman—Gifts
of leadership—Interest in Sunday-school work— The aims of the
Sunday-school defined—Establishment of the Bible and Prayer Union—The
subject of prayer—The Andrew Murray Prayer Union—Controversy on the
total abstinence question— Professor Hofmeyr’s attitude—Antagonism of
the wine-farmers— The question in the Synod—Review of Rev. S. J. du
Toit’s book, De Vrucht des Wijnstoks—End of the controversy—The union of
the Dutch Reformed Churches—Mr. Murray’s share in the movement towards
union—The Council of the Churches—Proposals for union—Parliamentary
legislation—Rejection of the union proposals—Ministerial jubilee,
1898—Address presented—Mr. Murray’s reply.
Chapter XVII. Andrew Murray as a Missionary Statesman
Mr. Murray’s early interest in missions—His influence as missionary
leader—Establishment of the Ministers’ Mission Union—Question of a new
field of work—Letter of the executive—Commencement of work in Nyasaland
by A. C. Murray and T. C. B. Vlok—The crisis of 1899 and call to
prayer—The Anglo-Boer war and its influence —Transference of the Nyasa
field to the Synod—The deficit of 1908, and the mission congresses—Mr.
Murray on deputation work—Mr. Murray’s connexion with the Cape General
Mission—Spencer Walton’s first visit to South Africa—Services in the
Exhibition Building —Appreciation of Walton's work—Cape General Mission
founded— Its objects—Holiness conventions—Inauguration of the South
African Keswick—The new departure in Swaziland—Enlargement of the C.G.M.
to the South Africa General Mission—New fields— Estimate of Mr. Murray’s
influence hy A. A. Head—Mr. Murray’s writings on missionary subjects—The
Key to the Missionary Problem —The four principles enunciated—Impression
produced by the book—Results of the week of prayer for missions in South
Africa— The Kingdom of God in South Africa—Prayer in missions.
Chapter XVIII. Andrew
Murray as an Educationalist
Early Interest in education—Baptismal Sunday—Founding of Grey
College—Dr. Brill’s appreciation—Educational undertakings in the Western
Province—Mary Lyon’s influence—The Huguenot Seminary and other girls’
schools—Teachers’ conference at Worcester—Institutions affiliated to the
Huguenot Seminary—Good-now Hall—Address of Mr. Murray on
education—Training Institute —Popular education for the rural
districts—Circuit schools—Poor whites—Address at Fraternal
Conference—Present position of "poor whites” question—The teaching of
Dutch—Report of Committee on the question—The “ Taal Bond ”—Influence on
Mr. Murray’s educational views of Thring’s Life—And of Spencer’s
Sociology—Letter to his daughter—Degree of D.D. from Aberdeen
University—And of Litt.D. from the University of the Cape of Good
Hope—Dr. Walker on the graduation ceremony.
Chapter XIX. Andrew Murray as a South African Patriot
Andrew Murray’s love for his native land—His devotion to his'flock in
the Free State and the Transvaal—Paper in the Catholic Presbyterian on
The Church of the Transvaal—Chari Cilliers—Religious attitude of the
Transvaal Boers—Their attitude towards the natives—Their spiritual
life—History of the Transvaal—The Annexation of 1877—The Boers appeal to
arms—Independence secured—Growth of the feeling of nationality in South
Africa— Dangers of the situation—Kruger and Rhodes—The Jameson Raid
—Embittered feelings—Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr—Commencement of hostilities—Mr.
Murray’s papers in the South African News— His Appeal to the British
People—His support of the Boer cause— Intercourse with Christian
brethren uninterrupted—Views on the feeling of nationality—The Women’s
Monument at Bloemfontein —Description of the ceremony of unveiling—Mr.
Murray’s address on the occasion—Letter to Dr. D. F. Malan—Mr. Murray’s
endeavours to heal ecclesiastical dissensions—Letter on the "national
sentiment.”
Chapter XX. Andrew Murray as a Spiritual Force
Impossibility of measuring Mr. Murray’s influence—His evangelistic
labours—Preparation for meetings—Letters written on his tours
—Conference at Somerset East—Visits to Dordrecht, Barkly East Lady Grey
and Maraisburg—Overseas evangelists in South Africa' —Dr F. B Meyer’s
appreciation—The Ten Days of Prayer observed by the D.R. Church—Andrew
Murray’s influence as a writer —Visit to Europe and America in
1895—Appreciation by Rev. H. V. Taylor—Welcome at Exeter Hall—Addresses
at Keswick—Rev. Evan H. Hopkins on bis message—[Visit to America—North-
-field—Chicago—^Evangelistic services in Holland—Closing meetings in
London—Description in The British Weekly—Mr. Murray’s account of bis
spiritual growth—The influence of William Law—Law’s career and published
works—Mysticism—Bernard of Clair-vaux—Meister Eckhart—The " Friends of
God ”—Jacob Bohme— fObj ections to mysticism—Andrew Murray’s avoidance
of the errors of mysticism—His estimate of Law’s weakness and strength—
Wesley’s dispute with Law—Andrew Murray the reconciler of the views of
both—Dr. Whyte on Andrew Murray's spiritual autobiography.
Chapter XXI. Andrew Murray as an Author
Early literary efforts, how occasioned—Books written at Worcester —Blijf
in Jezus—Abide in Christ—The School of Prayer—Professor James Denney on
The Holiest of All—How the books were written—The books of later years
dictated—How the “ Pocket Companion ” series originated—Andrew Murray’s
style—The eloquence of intense earnestness—Illustration from The Holiest
of All— Methods of work—Periods of literary production—Messages
delivered at critical junctures—The State of the Church and its
influence—Translations into other tongues—Influence of bis books in
China—The publisher of the German editions—Letters of correspondents on
blessing received—Extracts from the letters—In Time of Trouble,
say—Letter from Dr. Alexander Whyte—Mr. Murray’s reading—Influence of
William Law—Mr. Murray’s interest in mysticism—Books on prayer—Projected
writings—Quotations from books—Remarks on books read.
Chapter XXII. Andrew Murray’s Home Life
Life at Wellington—The Parsonage—Clairvaux—Mrs. Murray—Her activities
and influence—The children—Death of Haldane Murray—The family
hymn—Circular letter—A family re-union at Kalk Bay—Addresses on the
beach and in the church—One-day conferences—Mr. Murray in the pulpit—A
typical day described—A journey in his old age—Reminiscences at
Graaff-Reinet, Bur-gersdorp and Bloemfontein—Cart journey to
Rhodes—Goings and doings a year before the end—Details of Mr. Murray’s
personal life —His sense of smell and colour—His love for
children—Praying in his sleep—Outlined reply to Berlin professors—Sense
of humour —Gift of illustration—"Sweet reasonableness”—Advice in
difliculties—Pertinent sayings—Ability to speak the fitting word—
Services in connexion with the death of Rev. William Murray.
Chapter XXIII. Death,
Funeral and Tributes
Last months—Last sick-bed—The end—Funeral ceremony—Tributes to the
deceased—From Hon. J. X. Merriman—From the Cape Times—From Dr. F. C.
Kolbe—From De Kerkbode on traits which characterized him—From Professor
Marais on his wide in-ence, his writings, his philoiimia—The “ man of
prayer ” and the “ man of affairs ”—His influence in South Africa—His
influence v in the Christian world.
Appendix A. Chronological Outline of the Life of Andrew Murray. 519
Appendix B. Bibliography of Andrew Murray’s published works
chronologically arranged by D. S. B. Joubet. |