MRS. FRASER (whose maiden name was Ann Macdonald) was born at Redown, parish of Urray, Ross-shire, in the year 1817—twenty-six years before the Disruption in 1843—and died at 4 Hill Terrace, Dingwall, on Sabbath the 9th April, 1911, in her ninety-fourth year.
The deceased was brought to the saving knowledge of the truth at an early age, and had the privilege of hearing the Gospel from the lips of such eminent ministers of Christ as the Rev. John Kennedy, Redcastle; Dr. Macdonald, Ferintosh; Dr. Kennedy, Dingwall; Dr. Mackay, Inverness; Rev. James Macdonald, Urray; and others. She had great admiration for these worthy men, and often spoke with delight of the many precious things she heard from them. If she was a follower of these men it was because they were followers of Christ. One Sabbath she heard Dr. Macdonald preach five sermons in different districts—two sermons at Ferintosh in the forenoon, two at Maryburgh in the afternoon, and one at Ferintosh again in the evening. Such was her appreciation of the Gospel, and her hunger for the bread of life, that she attended the five services. What a contrast to the state of matters in our day, when many are satisfied with attending Church once on the Lord’s day, and spend the rest of the day seeking their own pleasure!
She married, in 1852, William Fraser, a native of Ullapool, Ross-shire, who was an elder in the Free Church congregation, Dingwall, till a split took place in the congregation on account of the Declaratory Act (1892) having been adopted as the creed of the then Church instead of the Westminster Confession of Faith. He then joined the Free Presbyterian Church. In taking that step Mrs. Fraser was in full accord with him, and continued a steadfast member of our congregation in the town till her death. Owing to the infirmities of old age, she was for many years unable to attend the public means of grace; and for upwards of six years before her end she was bedridden—unable to lift her head from the pillow. But she retained her memory and eyesight unimpaired to the end, and as she did not suffer much pain, she read and prayed much. Some days she read several chapters of the Bible on end. She also read sermons by Dr. Kennedy, Rev. Archibald Cook, and other Gospel ministers. She had no relish for the new theology of the present day. A visitor would always see the Bible in her bed. It was her chief companion, and the source from which, as a means, she derived comfort in her retirement.
Mrs. Fraser was a model of patience. During the long time she had been lying in bed, no murmur was ever heard from her lips, complaining of her condition. She was resigned to the Lord’s will. She often complained of herself, but not of the Lord’s dealings with her. When her godly husband died about four years ago, she missed him much, but she said that she believed he was in heaven with Christ, which was far better, and that comforted her in her bereavement. She longed to join him in the happy place where there is no more parting. One morning shortly before the end, she said to her daughter, who nursed her with all dutiful attention and care, “I was so happy last night, and felt so well that I did not feel that I had a body.” Soon thereafter she left the body, which was committed to the grave, to rest there till the day of the general resurrection, when all that are in their graves shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and shall go forth to appear before His judgment-seat.
Mrs. Fraser has left a grown-up family, to whom we extend our sympathy and prayers.
D. M’F.