DAVID was praying : “ Help, Lord ; for the godly man ceaseth ; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.” This has been true in the experience of the Church of God at various periods of her history in the world, namely, that the godly were taken away ; their places were left empty, and none to witness for the truth, and against evil. It is our own experience to a large extent as congregations, and as a Church. The late John Maclennan, Elder, Rogart, passed away some time ago, to his everlasting rest we believe. We are not able to trace how the Lord began to reveal to him that he was a lost, ruined sinner, and that there was but one name given among men by which he could be saved. That he was led by this path-way until, in some measure, he could say that the name Jesus was sweet to his soul, he gave ample evidence by a humble dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. He was twice elected to the office of the Eldership. The last time he said : “ If I can be of any use to the cause of Christ I am willing to be ordained.” He was left for some years doing what he could for the cause of Christ, and when the time came in which he must leave this world, he was not without the hope of experiencing the fulfilment of the prayer : “ Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me be with me where I am ; that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me : for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world ” (John xvii. 24).
To his widow and family, left to mourn his loss, we tender our sympathy, and pray that they all may be persuaded to flee to the only refuge to shelter them for an endless eternity.
Mrs. Murray, Muie, who also ended her course in Rogart some time ago, was a true witness for the Lord Jesus Christ in the parish. Her humility was real, and her soul often thirsted for the living water. When she listened to the gospel on the Lord’s Day it was evident that her need as a poor sinner sent her to God’s house. To her family, who mourn her loss, we would lovingly plead to make choice of the God of their parents, and to know him as their God and Saviour.
Mrs. MacMaster was a sister to Mrs. Murray, and her end came more recently. Mrs. MacMaster passed through a deep law work before she got her feet on the Rock, and a new song in her mouth. She could understand experimental preaching, and the preacher would have no doubt but there were some in the audience who were with him in every step he traced by which the Master led the flock. For some time before her end came, she was longing to be away, and to be with Christ. She was not, however, without fears, and, thus, she was kept unspotted until she came to the river, and passed over to join the great company who have already received the crown and praise their Redeemer forever. We mourn her and others from our midst, but they have fulness of joy. She was tenderly nursed by her niece, Mrs. Macleod, Achillic, Rogart, during her last illness, and to her and the other relations whom she loved, and for whom she prayed, we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
There were others who passed away from our midst who witnessed publicly for Christ: some for a few years, and others for a longer period. They have gone to receive their reward, and may we get grace in a day when the witnesses are few to be faithful to the truth even unto death.—F. M.