This selection of sermons was first published five years after McCheyne's death. They were compiled from notes taken down by hearers 'without the least view to publication', and they bring before us the extemporaneous pleadings with sinners in which few so greatly excelled as did Robert Murray McCheyne. These sermons are stamped with eternity, they are the expression of one upon whose heart the weight of perishing sinners pressed and who earnestly longed for their conversion.

Robert Murray McCheyne (1813 - 1843), has had a tremendous impact not only on the people of his generation but through his writings ever since. He died in his thirtieth year and in the seventh year of ministry while he was the pastor of St Peter's Free Church. His epitaph describes him as a man who 'was honoured by his Lord to draw many wanderers out of darkness into the path of life'.