After entering the ministry, my appreciation of Professor Murray identified itself with no particular doctrine. My first impressions of many aspects of theology were made by his teaching. Many other truths were profoundly confirmed through his lectures. But something else had occurred during these years with Professor Murray. An attitude was instilled. Habits were forged on the anvil of his lectures. Three qualities in particular are the indelible marks this mad of God made upon my soul.
Fear of God dominated Professor Murray's classroom. Though he was a cheerful gentleman with a good sense of humour, there would never be levity when speaking of the Lord and His Word. Each period began with prayers from the professor's lips which brought all into the presence of an awesome God. Each subject was handled in a dignified and solemn manner which conveyed deep reverence for the Almighty. Professor Murray breathed the attitude that all things in his lectures were holy and majestic. Not a study of the fear of God, but the professor's visible and audible manifestation of that fear became a main lesson for his young disciples.
Careful, almost painful, effort to state the truth with precision was another hallmark of our teacher. One who attended lectures could sense the struggle for exactness in communicating theology. It was a forceful example of fidelity to God's word, instilling a love for accuracy in declaring the same.
Finally Professor Murray was an exegetical theologian. Discussion of each doctrine began with lengthy exegesis from the original languages of those texts central to its study. Only after the Word was scrutinized would a doctrine be formulated, and then with specific appeal to exegetical material. Never would he discuss a doctrine philosophically or logically with mere allusion to 'proof texts.'
Reverent, precise exegesis was our daily fare in Professor Murray's lectures. Thus he fed our souls with that which is sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. And thus he showed his pupils how to study theology and how to feed solid meat to their flocks. Some students wished that Professor Murray would adopt more popular methods of class instruction. But in his methodology were to be found some of his greatest lessons: fear of God, faithfulness to the Word, precision in the communication of truth.
