by Rev. J. A. Macdonald, Fort William
(Continued from page 45)
The late Rev. James Macleod, Greenock, was a most able preacher of the everlasting gospel. To the distressed and longing soul he was particularly helpful. We quote him here: “A seeking soul has the cry and longing of blessed Job in his soul, that is, ‘Oh that I knew where I might find him, O that I might come even to his seat.’ Were you to offer him a ray of hope that he would meet with Christ at the ends of the earth, he would be prepared to make that journey in anticipation of meeting with Him in whom alone salvation is to be found. Neither a stormy nor a wet day, nor distance from the house of God will keep the longing soul on a bed of ease on the Lord’s day, whereas the worldling is too glad of any excuse. Nach fada rachadh cu a dh’iarraidh cnaimh ‘nuair bhitheadh an t-ocras air. (A hungry dog would go a long way for a bone). The longing soul is as anxious to have God’s favour and forgiveness sealed upon his soul as Jacob was when he wrestled all night with the Angel at Bethel, who said: ‘…let me go, for the day breaketh, and he said, I will not let thee go except thou bless me.’” Genesis 32:26. Mr Macleod also remarked: “Like Job, I too went about the streets of a city with the urgent cry, ‘Oh that I knew where I might find him.’ When it pleased the Most High, however, to manifest Himself to me, I by faith could see Him in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, etc., as the One who indeed became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. But today I am in a howling wilderness wishing that it were with me as in months past, when ‘His candle shined upon my head, and when by His light I walked through darkness.’”
Mr Macleod told of a happy and profitable night spent with Rev. D. MacFarlane, Dingwall, shortly before that servant of the Lord was taken to his eternal rest. Mr MacFarlane spoke much of the low state to which Christ’s cause had come in the land. “He reminded me very much,” said Mr Macleod, “of blessed Jeremiah’s plight in similar circumstances when he exclaimed: ‘Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people.’” He was particularly concerned as to what was to befall future generations should this perpetual backsliding continue. He even anticipated much persecution by the Church of Rome. He was confident, however, that the witness raised in 1893 on the side of truth would continue and progress to the glory of God until the Millenium dawn. At family worship that night Mr MacFarlane led the concluding prayer, and had wonderful access at the throne of grace. After he rose from his knees he said to Mr Macleod: “If God’s infallible word were to suggest that we ministers should preach Christ and Him crucified without end in glory, I would forward my humble petition there this very night.”
Mr Macleod also related some of the sayings of those worthies of earlier days who would not yield to the unscriptural views of Dr. Rainy and his followers in the Declaratory Act Free Church. It was obvious that Mr Macleod himself was very much attached to the late Professor John R. MacKay and lamented his leaving our Church. He spoke with delight of the Professor’s godly father and mother, and his two brothers, Donald and Murdo. Of the former two he told this touching story. Mr William MacKay was a very keen admirer of the Rev. Christopher Munro. One day he said to Mrs MacKay: “O, how thankful I should be to the Lord that Mr Munro was taken to heaven before the Declaratory Act of 1892 was passed and became binding on those holding office in that Church. If Mr Munro had followed the Rainy crowd, who can tell but that I would have followed Mr Munro.” To this Mrs MacKay replied: “We would have come out although all the Munros on earth had stayed in.”