WE regret to announce this month the death of Mr. Donald Murray, Scotscalder, who passed away to his rest on the seventh of February at the ripe age of eighty years. His parents were God-fearing persons. His father, Mr. William Murray, was one of the Caithness “men,” to whom there is a short reference in the “Ministers and Men in the Far North,” by the late Rev. Alexander Auld, Olrig.
Donald Murray was a man of very marked piety, and a true and faithful witness for Christ’s cause and truth. Being of a reticent disposition, he did not relate much of his spiritual experience, or of the dealings of the Lord with his own soul. On that account we are unable to give the exact time of his conversion. His godly upbringing might have been the means in the hand of the Lord of bringing about a saving change.
His consistent life and walk from his youth afforded clear evidence that he was brought to the saving knowledge of the truth. Donald was a Christian who feared the Lord above many, and led a prayerful life. His prayers were very edifying and manifested that he was deeply taught of the Lord as to his own spiritual needs and those of others. Owing to his low opinion of himself, it was with difficulty he would be prevailed upon to engage in public prayer, but when he did so, it was a real pleasure to hear him. His prayers were always in Gaelic, that being the language in which he could more familiarly express himself before the Lord. He had a sweet musical voice, which talent he used for the glory of God. He was leader of praise in Gaelic for a number of years in the Westerdale Free Church during the late Rev. David Ferguson’s ministry.
Donald was elected to the office of eldership twice—first in the Westerdale congregation during Mr. Ferguson’s time, and latterly in the Free Presbyterian congregation of Halkirk, but he did not see his way clear to accept office on either occasion, giving as one of his reasons when approached the latter time, his inability to attend to the duties of the eldership owing to his advanced age. He had great delight in reading and meditating on God’s Word, and when others spoke of the things of the world, he tried to turn the conversation to the Word of God. He was a lively conversationalist, but especially in things pertaining to religion and the soul. It was very interesting and instructive to hear him give his mind on some points of doctrine on which he and others differed, and being a firm believer in the supreme authority and infallibility of the Scriptures of truth, he always referred to them for proof. He grieved much over the carelessness and indifference of the present generation towards eternal realities, especially over the great disregard shown to the observance of the Lord’s day. He deplored much the errors in doctrine and corruptions in practice that abounded in the Churches of his day, so when his path of duty was made clear to him, he heartily joined himself to the Free Presbyterian Church, which had been previously formed in the year 1893, when a stand was necessary for truth and conscience owing to the passing of the Declaratory Act, and the prevalence of unsound teaching on the Inspiration of the Bible, in the Free Church. He steadfastly adhered to the principles of the Free Presbyterian Church to the end.
Though in failing health for a few years back, Donald Murray was not much confined to bed until within a fortnight of his death. He was a patient sufferer, and derived comfort from God’s Word. Shortly before the end, he asked one of his sons to read the fifth chapter of First Thessalonians, and gave the departing injunction to his sorrowing family to keep the instructions of this chapter before their minds. He also asked his son to read the Thirty-first Psalm. His wise counsels and prayers we miss. May the Lord raise up the children instead of the father! His removal has created a great blank in the Church, but especially in the Halkirk congregation and community, where, he was much respected. We extend our sincere sympathy to his bereaved widow and family. “Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.”
N. M.