CROMARTY, 8th March, 1918.—My dear Friend,—Your loving epistle duly received. Had also the privilege of reading your letter to Lieut. G—t which I received enclosed with his own to-day from France. They were both a treat to my weary soul, and I found them as cold water to a thirsty soul on our way to our everlasting rest, where all our troubles will be at an end and not till then. We have no place here where to compose our weary soul. “In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” So our rest for time and eternity is the bosom of Jesus our Redeemer. I have always been thinking of the Apostles. Some of them revealed more zeal for their dear Master; others were more active; but notwithstanding their zeal and activities they were continually exposed to danger and needing to be rebuked by their Peacemaker. But John took the safest place and lay on His bosom. . . . The bosom of our Beloved then is the place where our souls can be composed, taught, fed, comforted and strengthened on our heavenly journey. “Except ye abide in me and I in you ye cannot bring forth fruit.”
*Mr. John Mackenzie, North Tolsta, was killed in France on 9th June, 1918, a few months after the above letter was written.—Editor.
Friend, it is a great comfort to us to know that we have got oil in our lamps in going forth to meet the Bridegroom. What gives us so many unpleasant experiences is that we forget to keep them trimmed and full of oil—always going to the Master for the same. Gideon’s army had their lights in their pitchers, but the lights were hidden until the containers were broken. So God’s people are like the pitchers—their light is almost hidden in this world with doubts and fears, unbelief, and a sense of their own want of conformity with that glorious image created in them. But when God will break them their lights will discomfit all their enemies who will disappear at its glorious rays. Be not dismayed, dear friend, knowing you must have all things He has appointed and take up the cross. Christ has not only proved to you that He was your surety from all eternity, but He died for your sins and faults, rose again for your justification, and is now employed as your Advocate, defending you at every earthly tribunal whether temporal or spiritual, and will yet acquit and acknowledge you at the great universal tribunal. Let Him, therefore, have the glory of your life and death. “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” May this be your motto going up from this desert to the land that is flowing with milk and honey. To me it is not only given to believe on Him, but also to suffer for Him. Now, your suffering in this world is only preparing you for that unutterable peace of which you are now but getting foretastes. It is only giving you appetite for more glory and keeping you fit to take your food. . . . Who are these who came out of great tribulation and washed their garments and made them white in the blood of the Lamb?
I cannot, in the midst of all your trials, temptations, perplexities, adversities, but ask you to look to Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of your faith. Remember Him who endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself lest ye be wearied and faint in your mind. Many may be your ups and downs at the cavilling of wicked men, from the roaring lion, and, more especially, from your own wicked heart. But David could say that He was the Rock of his salvation. Grace is a wonderful
support and a desirable help, but Christ our fulness is our sufficiency. Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him—even those whom He hath called according to His purpose. Increase our faith, Lord, so that we may say it is good for us that we were chastised. Our Beloved knows best what is good for us and where to place us. Lift your soul through faith to Him who hath paved the way before you, and more wonderful that He Himself is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and say “Shall I not drink the cup my Father hath given me?” I go to your Father and my Father. Now, my friend, before you will receive this I shall (D.V.) be in the danger zone. “The time of my departure is at hand.” A few days ago I have been warned for a draft, so I am now awaiting my draft-time. I feel quite reconciled with my Master’s will. “This is the work of God that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.” I am still having the privilege of speaking His Word to my fellow-sinners, although, I feel as if no one could listen to me. But my command is to be instant in season and out of season. May this find you well, dear friend. I shall never forget our last meeting in the world which I hope is recorded in heaven. Look to Jesus your Redeemer. Have no confidence in the flesh inasmuch as it is cursed. Give your life and death to Christ and your crown is sure. “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” I was in Dingwall recently and they were asking for you kindly. With love, your attached friend, J. Mackenzie.