READERS of the Magazine would see from the obituary notice which appeared that another great and serious breach was made in the Stornoway Session by the removal of Donald Murray.
Donald Murray, who was born at North Tolsta, Lewis, 75 years ago, resided all his lifetime in his native township, with the exception of the annual period he served at the East Coast fishing, and one or two short terms he laboured as missionary for the Church outside the island. Over thirty years ago he gave up the fishing vocation, and lived the humble life of a crofter. Latterly he acted as missionary for Tolsta, with a small salary.
As to his early religious experience, we are not in a position to state definitely when he was brought under concern about his soul. Still, we have reason to believe that, at the early age of seventeen years, he realised his ruined and lost condition as a sinner. In this state of mind he probably remained for a year, for he often remarked that the Christ he had when eighteen years old was the same as he had now, and in this connection he often related how he crossed the moor to Barvas Communion and heard “Big” John MacRae preach. From his great regard ever after for Mr. MacRae, it may be concluded that it was on that day in Barvas he was made glad in having peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. His frequent reference to the words, “Thou art mine,” made some think that this was the
passage by which he got spiritual relief. He became a member in full communion at the age of twenty-four, and all the long years between that period and the finishing of his course here below, by his life, in precept and example, he adorned his profession. He was, especially in his latter days, one of the most outstanding men connected with the Free Presbyterian Church in the island.
With several of the worthies, older men then, who now inherit the rest that remains for the people of God, he had no hesitation in casting in his lot on behalf of the testimony raised for truth and principle in 1893, a position which he resolutely and faithfully maintained until the end. He was gifted above the average with a strong, retentive memory, with which was combined a ready and candid admission of the author of the anecdote he was about to relate, which made his repetition of it the more valuable. Few, indeed, could lay claim to the rich fund Donald possessed of these apt sayings and illustrations, which were at once pointed and conducive to the edification of his hearers. He was peculiarly fond of quoting Dr. Kennedy and “Big” John MacRae, and the sayings of the men whom he heard forty or fifty years ago were quite fresh in his memory, and he could quote them at will. Biographers of Highland worthies often appealed to Donald to supply them with information out of his abundant store.
When lecturing or speaking to the “question” on Fridays, he could not hide the peculiar delight he felt in dwelling on the experience of the believer in passing from death to life. While no one listening could doubt but Donald was deeply convinced of his lost state as a sinner, yet to an eminent degree it was evident that he knew in his own happy experience the liberty with which the Son maketh free. On such occasions he would not deny the hope he had through grace. Many who were privileged to hear him under a measure of liberty will remember how he would say, “I see such a wide field here that I dare not enter for fear of encroaching further on the time I have already overstepped.” While it could not be said of him generally that he was an eloquent speaker, such as his brother Alexander, yet at times the liberty of mind he enjoyed was manifest in an easy flow of language which captivated the attention of the hearers.
The Free Presbyterian Church in the island, and in North Tolsta in particular, has much reason to mourn his removal. He was most diligent in attending the means of grace, and often, when a young man, walked across the moor on Sabbath from Tolsta to Ness, a distance of ten or twelve miles, and would be the first at the church. Only ill-health, or some unavoidable circumstances, would prevent him from being present on Communion seasons, and it was his great desire during his last illness that he would be able to come to the Stornoway Communion. His genial and social presence will be as greatly missed as that of any of the men gone before him.
North Tolsta will mourn him, not only as their missionary, but as a friend in their several troubles. The sick-bed, house of mourning, or any other case of distress, had a ready and sympathetic response at any hour of the day or night from Donald. He could uncompromisingly hold his distinctive principles, and at the same time prove a welcome visitor to the sick and mourning of the other denominations in the township. It is indeed probable that it was in attending the house of mourning that he contracted his last illness.
During his illness, which only continued about a fortnight, he suffered greatly, but enjoyed much of the Lord’s presence. Like the Apostle Paul, he had “a desire to depart and be with Christ, which was far better,” and was tempted to think that he was guilty of asking the Lord to take him away, simply because of his great suffering. Shortly before he died he was overheard saying, “Thou hast tried me, and I have tested Thee, and Thou hast promised to do me good;” also, “Oh, happy they will be, when they get with Christ.”
This fresh breach on the walls in North Tolsta will not easily be filled up. The congregation at the moment turn wistfully to the field of battle on sea and land, and pray earnestly for the safe return of several promising younger members, who were helpful to the cause in their midst. May the Lord grant their petition! His funeral was attended by the people of the entire township, and by many from Stornoway. We extend our sincere sympathy to his widow and family, and may this stroke be blessed to them and us.
N. MACI.
A London Minister’s Witness.—Rev. Dr. Dixon, the pastor of Spurgeon’s Tabernacle, has been speaking out well for the national acknowledgment of God and Christ. He says: “I do not think our Government ought to be so sensitive about not using the name of God in their proclamations. They have been driven to the other extreme by the flamboyant manner in which the enemy has paraded the name of God. Let us break the monotony by using the name of Christ. My prayer is that Great Britain shall be the first nation in modern times that shall put into official documents the name of Christ. The United States have never done so. No nation that I know of has crowned Jesus Christ, as he must be crowned according to the Second Psalm, if his enemies are to be broken in pieces. I have the conviction that if this nation would officially acknowledge Jesus Christ, we should have victory in twenty-four hours.”
I AM fully persuaded that Scotland shall eat Ezekiel’s book, that is written, within and without, “Lamentation and mourning and woe” (Ezek. ii. 10). But the saints shall get a drink of the well that goeth through the streets of the New Jerusalem, to put it down.—Samuel Rutherford.