Communion.
Portree, 2nd Sabbath of March.
The Passing Away of a Famous Missionary.
The venerable missionary, Dr. J. G. Paton, passed away on Monday, 28th January. It was only three weeks before this that his brother Dr. James Paton, of St. Paul’s Established Church, Glasgow, passed away. Probably no book in the history of missions was ever written so fascinating as John G. Paton, Missionary to the New Hebrides. Dr. Paton’s autobiography was edited by his brother, and the simple story of a consecrated missionary won the hearts of thousands. The writer heard the venerable missionary once; it was a class of theological students he was addressing, and, with tears running down his cheeks, he beseeched us not to give up the old views about the Bible. “When I went to the South Sea Islands,” he said, “the people were cannibals, thirsting for my blood. To-day there is not a home in these islands where family worship is not kept morning and evening, and all that was owing, dear young gentlemen, to the Bible.” The Patons were brought up Reformed Presbyterians, but afterwards formed other Church connections.
Dr. Paton’s Life.
Those who have never read this remarkable missionary book should do so. It reveals what a power the Gospel has over savage minds. The story of the digging of the well has become classic, and the many remarkable escapes the missionary had makes up a volume which sustains the reader’s interest to the end. The book may now be had in paper covers for sixpence. The publishers are Messrs. Hodder & Stoughton, London.
Acknowledgments.
The Treasurer of the Dingwall Congregation begs to acknowledge, with thanks, the following donations received per the Rev. D. M’Farlane, for Church Building Fund:—Mr. Peter Masson, Fort Augustus, 5/; “A Friend,” £5 os. 6d.; Friends in Strathy, per Mr. Murdo Mackay, £2 15/; One who once saw Dingwall, £2; Friends in the Parish of Strath, Skye, 12/; Friend, Inverness, 10/; Friend, £1; Friends, Strathcannaird, Ullapool, £2 10/, and Mrs. Robertson, Kenuchulish, £1, both subscriptions received per Mr. John Macdonald, Strathcannaird, Ullapool. Collected by Mrs. Mackay, Overscaig Hotel, Lairg, from friends, £4 12/; Friend in Poolewe, £2; Friend in Poolewe, 10/; Friends in North Uist, per Mr. John Macdougall, Horisary, £2 13s. 6d. Received per Treasurer:—Friends in Lairg, per Mr. A. Gray, 12/; Friend near Newtonmore, 13/; Friend, Ballintomb, Dulnan Bridge, 7/; Sympathiser, Fearn, 10/; Anonymously, “A Friend,” Ullapool, 10/.
Napoleon and the Divinity of Christ.
“I know men,” said Napoleon, at St. Helena, to Count de Montholon, “I know men, and I tell you that Jesus is not a man. The religion of Christ is a mystery, which subsists by its own force, and proceeds from a mind which is not a human mind. Jesus is not a philosopher, for his proofs are miracles, and from the first His disciples adored Him. Alexander, Cæsar, Charlemagne, and myself founded empires; but on what foundation did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded an empire upon love; and, at this hour, millions of men would die for Him. I die before my time, and my body will be given back to the earth, to become food for worms. Such is the fate of him who has been called the great Napoleon. What an abyss between my deep mystery and the eternal Kingdom of Christ, which is proclaimed, loved, and adored, and is extending over the whole earth.” Turning to General Bertrand, the Emperor added, “If you do not perceive that Jesus Christ is God, I did wrong to appoint you general.”