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Home » Publications » Free Presbyterian Magazine » 1937 » November 1937 » The Late Archibald Ross, Geocrab, Harris

The Late Archibald Ross, Geocrab, Harris

THE subject of this sketch was a worthy member for some years. He was offered office but declined to accept although he was eminently gifted with a far-seeing and judicious mind. He was an uncompromising Free Presbyterian who proved steadfast in his testimony unlike many who waver. When any opposed themselves to our standing as a Church or to individuals in the Church he invariably stood his ground against them. When a witness was raised against error in Harris, no place of worship could be had but the hillside, beyond where the present place of worship is at Kintail. An umbrella was the only protection that the speaker had against the elements. Our friend said to me that he never regretted the step he took in going to the hill-side and, we believe, he does not to-day. He understood the subtleties of the Delaratory Act as few did, and could also give reason for his ecclesiastical position with meekness and firmness. Discerning Christians noticed a decided change come over him before he made a public profession. Although he was never given over to frivolity and vanity, he now began under the Spirit’s teaching to pay more attention to the Word of God, and to listen eagerly as though in concern about his eternal welfare. He was most exemplary in his attendance on the public means on Sabbath and week-day. He was an able speaker to “the question.” Once he remarked that the best legacy he would like to leave to his children was the truth and the Free Presbyterian Church. He preferred the Bible to any other book whenever he had spare time, and especially towards the end. He wanted the 119th Psalm read to him in his last days on earth from beginning to end. I was impressed with: “The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs; and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness; and sorrows and sighing shall flee away,” so much that I had a feeling that some of the Lord’s people were to be taken to eternity. So I preached on that text the last Sabbath our friend was present in Kintail. He seemed perfectly well that day, but next morning he was struck down with paralysis, and never rose again although he lingered on for three weeks. He passed away without pain or struggle but melted, as Surgeon says, into eternal life. We are the poorer by his departure as is also the world. “Ye are the salt of the earth. Ye are the light of the world.” We are left to mourn his loss although our loss is his gain. We should appreciate and cleave more to the Lord’s people while we have them.—D. J. MacA.

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