HOW rapidly the Lord is gathering home, out of this wicked and adulterous generation, such as were as the salt of the earth! On 20th March last the congregation of Halkirk suffered another breach by the removal of Mrs. Alex. Sinclair, Woodcote. She was a niece of Miss Marjory Sutherland, of whom an obituary appears in this issue of the Magazine. They had the same teacher, for of Zion’s children it is written: “They shall be all taught of God.” One evidence of this teaching appears to be self-abasement. The more they learn, the more dissatisfied they become with themselves. Like all others in a state of nature, Mrs. Sinclair was in the world and of the world, until separated by the gracious work of the Holy Spirit.
That separation did not take place without Satan’s bitter opposition and temptations. For over forty years that battle continued, until it ended we believe forever by her removal, after much suffering, to the rest “that remaineth for the people of God.” In the previous year, it had been found that a bodily ailment was developing. A serious operation followed, in Edinburgh, and for a time, this seemed successful. All that medical skill could do was done but the relief was only temporary. The wonderful sustaining and comforting power of the Word of promise was much experienced by her in the hour of trial. She particularly spoke of the words in Psalm 46: “A very present help in trouble” as given to her when being prepared for the operating table, with the result that fear vanished, and her mind became calm and reconciled to the divine will.
Her husband predeceased her by a year. During her prolonged illness she was tenderly nursed by members of her family. With each of them, at home, and from home, and also with her only sister, Mrs. Mackay, we sympathise. We would solemnly remind the family of the many loving exhortations and advices given them by her whose place here below is forever empty.—W. G.