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  TO YONDER SIDE
  by Robert Murray M'Cheyne
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the peace and safety found in Jesus
amidst life's storms and the journey of faith towards salvation.

Topics: "Faith in Trials", "Peace in Christ"
Scripture References: Luke 8:22

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DESCRIPTION
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Robert Murray M'Cheyne's sermon 'To Yonder Side' reflects on the journey
of faith as depicted in Luke 8:22-25, where Jesus calms the storm on the
Sea of Galilee. M'Cheyne emphasizes the importance of trusting in Jesus
during life's tempests, illustrating how the Savior's presence brings
peace amidst chaos. He draws parallels between the disciples' fear and
the struggles of believers today, reminding them that Jesus calls them
to the other side, a place of rest and assurance. The sermon encourages
listeners to lean on Christ, who offers calm in the storms of life and
reassures them of His constant care. Ultimately, M'Cheyne invites the
congregation to embrace faith and find solace in Jesus' promise of
peace.

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CONTENT
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Luke viii. 22-25.

Behind the hills of Naphtali

The sun went slowly down,

Leaving on mountain, tower, and tree,

A tinge of golden brown.

The cooling breath of evening woke

The waves of Galilee,

Till on the shore the waters broke

In softest melody.

"Now launch the bark," the Saviour cried,

The chosen twelve stood by,

"And let us cross to yonder side,

Where the hills are steep and high."

Gently the bark o'er the water creeps,

While the swelling sail they spread,

And the wearied Saviour gently sleeps

With a pillow 'neath His head.

On downy bed the world seeks rest -

Sleep flies the guilty eye -

But he who leans on the Father's breast

May sleep when storms are nigh.

But soon the lowering sky grew dark

O'er Bashan's rocky brow -

The storm rushed down upon the bark,

And waves dashed o'er the prow.

The pale disciples trembling spake,

While yawned the watery grave,

"We perish, Master - Master, wake -

Carest Thou not to save?"

Calmly He rose with sovereign will,

And hushed the storm to rest.

"Ye waves," He whispered, "Peace! be still!"

They calmed like a pardoned breast.

So have I seen a fearful storm

O'er wakened sinner roll,

Till Jesus' voice and Jesus' form

Said, "Peace, thou weary soul."

And now He bends His gentle eye

His wondering followers o'er,

"Why raise this unbelieving cry?"

I said, "To yonder shore."

When first the Saviour wakened me,

And showed me why He died,

He pointed o'er life's narrow sea,

And said, "To yonder Side."

"I am the ark where Noah dwelt,

And heard the deluge roar -

No soul can perish that has felt

My rest - To yonder shore."

Peaceful and calm the tide of life

When first I sailed with Thee -

My sins forgiven - no inward strife -

My breast a glassy sea.

But soon the storm of passion raves -

My soul is tempest tossed -

Corruptions rise, like angry waves,

"Help, Master, I am lost!"

"Peace! peace! be still thou raging breast,

My fulness is for thee" -

The Saviour speaks, and all is rest,

Like the waves of Galilee.

And now I feel His holy eye

Upbraids my heart of pride -

"Why raise this unbelieving cry?

I said, To yonder side."

Begun at the Lake of Galilee, 15th July 1839.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/robert-murray-m'cheyne/to-yonder-side/
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