STRATHY HEAD, May 7th, 1898.
MY DEAR FRIEND,—I write these few lines as I would like to hear how you all are. M. got his knee badly hurt, so he is in bed for some time, but he is getting better, and we hope that he will soon be able to go about. I was myself for the most part at home since I left Glasgow, and often weak in body and mind. We had a good time at Wick, though I compared myself to a person who would have the privilege of getting much fish set before him but was only able to digest a little; but a little good food is better for the stomach than much lighter food. I hope, if the Lord will, to go to Lochcarron first week, and I hope you may all pray for me that I may get the Holy Spirit. . . .
Be you strong and of a good courage in the Lord’s cause. Moses esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. Remember me very kindly to all the dear friends. May the Lord pour on us of his own Holy Spirit.—With kindest regards, I remain yours truly,
DONALD MACKAY.
108 W. GRAHAM STREET, GLASGOW, February 10th, 1898.
I was pleased to get your kind letter a few days ago. You spoke of my long silence, and indeed I have little excuse except that I write very little to anyone. If I am learning any song these times I learn that one, “Of death the cords and sorrows did about me compass round.” I hope you are getting a taste of a better one, and when you will, try and remember your poor friend. Mr. — gave us a lecture last night on the 3rd chapter of Matthew and 11th verse—”I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance; but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” It’s the power of that that I stand in need of. My own poverty of spirit is great, without a deep sense of it. I would think I would commence to rejoice if I could groan for my poverty. For that is a great part of my burden that I cannot pray or groan. I will be sometimes thinking that grace in a soul may be compared to a newly put on fire in the morning. The first thing which rises off it is smoke, and that pretty black, but at last it changes into a flame. So I thought that grace in the soul in this life is very much a spirit of groaning, but in eternity it will become a flame of the love of Christ.—With kindest regards to all friends, your loving friend,
DONALD MACKAY.
Third Letter Snippet
O that we had hearts to praise His holy name. . . . May His love be poured out on you. We have great need of a closer walk with Him who is the way, the truth and the life. The carnal mind will say, “What meaneth this waste by going so far to a communion?” but the carnal mind never saw the beauty of Jesus. The spiritual mind will say, “I count all things loss and dung that I may win Christ.” May He remember us with the love that He beareth to His own!—Your dear friend,
DONALD MACKAY.
The Pope’s Army in Ireland.
The Irish Protestant states that in the 40 years, 1861-1901, the Roman Catholic population of Ireland has decreased 26 per cent., but priests have increased 23 per cent., nuns have doubled their numbers, and monks have multiplied tenfold. The tax on the resources of the country implied in this horde of devourers is appalling to think of, and the sure demoralisation of the Protestant population so grievously pervaded by these agents of superstition and error is a result to be foreboded.