BY THE REV. ALEX. MACRAE, PORTREE.
DEAR MR. EDITOR,—It is now my turn to send you a report on work among naval men at Portsmouth and Chatham.
The protracted character of a devastating war, responsible for sadness and sorrow settling upon thousands of homes, calls for renewed activities on our part in connection with the Mission to the Forces. It has been my lot to labour among the Forces on two previous occasions. At the request of the Convener of the Committee, I judged it my duty to give a third period of service. The men who magnanimously go forth and bravely risk everything for our protection have every claim upon our tenderest sympathies. It is our duty to encourage them in every possible way in their conflict for the vindication of high and noble principles. While they faithfully fulfil their duties for king and country, it is a privilege to have an opportunity of directing their attention to the
superior claims of the God of the whole earth, and of the necessity of being reconciled to Him—of testifying to them, like the Apostle Paul, of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come; and of presenting Christ to them as the only Saviour from sin, and the infinite efficacy of His atoning sacrifice as the only ground of their acceptance with God.
I undertook to take charge of the Mission to naval men for a period of nine consecutive Sabbaths—from the second Sabbath of September up to and including the first Sabbath of November—and I left home with the intention of arriving at Portsmouth in time for the service on Friday evening before the second Sabbath of September. My plans were, in the kind providence of God, carried out as previously arranged. Mr. James MacLeod, then in charge of our London Mission, kindly met me on my arrival at King’s Cross. He conducted me to the home of Mrs. Mackay, now deeply afflicted by sore bereavement. In the irreparable loss sustained by her, she has the sincerest sympathy of all acquainted with her departed husband, who was universally respected for outstanding estimable qualities.
Hitherto, London constituted the headquarters of our deputies, and from this centre I visited the naval stations of Portsmouth and Chatham alternately. At Portsmouth I met a considerable number of Gaelic-speaking naval men, pretty well distributed over Portsmouth Royal Naval Barracks, Haslar Camp, Whale Island, and the training ships in the harbour. The arrangements for religious services were placed on a much more satisfactory basis than on the occasion of my previous visit. On this occasion, a service, officially recognised by the Admiralty, was held each Sabbath at 9.45 a.m. in the large hall of the Royal Sailors’ Rest. It was kindly granted for this purpose by Miss Weston, who is held in highest esteem for her large-hearted sympathy with every good object, as well as for the unselfish character of her varied activities. I experienced much kindness at her hands, and also at the hands of the ladies associated with her. She kindly granted me the use of a cabin in the large building over which she presides. There I felt quite at home, free from all molestation, and for this privilege I shall ever have grateful remembrances.
All the men, except those on duty, are expected to attend the official service. They are marched in procession to and from the hall, headed by a petty officer. One company was led in this manner from the Royal Navy Barracks, another from Whale Island, and both combined usually presented an attractive congregation. Among them were young men who had but recently left their happy homes for the first time, still unacquainted with the hardships that inevitably fall to the lot of a sailor’s life. Some there were who had, in the tender mercy of the Lord, emerged unscathed from the exciting experience of a naval battle. They nobly played their part in sweeping enemy warships off from the high seas. There were others who had experience of being torpedoed
by enemy submarines, but, although in extreme peril, they were miraculously rescued to bear testimony to the loving-kindness of almighty God. At the close of one of the services at Portsmouth, one of these hardy sailors came up to where I stood, and, after relating his thrilling story, I rejoiced to find that his chief sorrow was over the loss of his Gaelic Bible. I was glad that I was able at the moment to supply him and his companion with a copy.
Besides the forenoon service at the Royal Sailors’ Rest, services were regularly held, according to arrangements, at the Royal Naval Barracks on Friday and Sabbath evenings. At the Sabbath evening service the attendance was usually good, although never so large as at the forenoon service. Attendance at this service was simply voluntary, and then many of the men were necessarily absent on account of their having been on duty. They, however, evinced such an interest in these Sabbath evening services that some joined us whenever they were released from their respective posts, and others had to withdraw before the close in answer to the call of duty. I usually held a service at Haslar Camp on Saturday afternoon. I also visited Whale Island on several occasions, where, as everywhere else, I met with kindly consideration at the hands of officers and men. At Gosport, which is in close proximity to Portsmouth, there is a large Naval Hospital. Unfortunately I found there a number of our Highland sailors in a very unfit condition. I trust the most of them may recover from their ailments, but it gave me much sorrow that some had succumbed to their troubles. On the first occasion of my going to Portsmouth, I visited at that Hospital one of the sturdiest young men I have known in the parish of Assynt, a son of Mr. Murdo MacLeod, long our able missionary at Stoer. I found the young man resting on his bed in one of the open-air sheds adjoining the Hospital, feeble, indeed, in comparison with what he was when I saw him last, but apparently improving favourably. He expressed his intention of getting home in a few days, and he contemplated with peculiar pleasure the prospect of finding himself soon again under his parents’ genial roof. It was after returning to Scotland I heard with extreme regret of his having collapsed on the way, and that he died after arriving at Glasgow. It is an instance of the uncertainty of life, and a solemn warning to all of the certain approach of death to usher us before the divine tribunal. We extend our sincerest sympathy to his sorely bereaved parents and friends in their deep sorrow.
I made my last visit to Portsmouth on the first Sabbath in November, when I took leave of our friends there. I trust and pray that they all may be spared to come back to their native Highlands and Islands. They are exposed to many temptations. Much carelessness and forgetfulness of God apparently abound everywhere. But we have confidence in our brave Highland sailors that, wherever in the providence of God their lot may be
cast, they will never forget the God of their fathers, and, while it is their privilege to protect with all loyalty and faithfulness the interests of their earthly sovereign, we trust they may ever show supreme devotion to the interests of Him in whose hands the nations are counted as the small dust of the balance.
Of the nine Sabbaths I was in England I was four at Chatham. The attendance there was almost a blank for the first two Sabbaths. This was accounted for from the fact that the men, with very few exceptions, were home on leave for three weeks to secure the harvest. The great bulk of the men at Chatham come from Lewis, to whom a word of commendation is due for their unexampled diligence in attending upon the means of grace. On their return from leave the services at Chatham were well attended, and on my last Sabbath there we had the largest attendance. The official service every Sabbath forenoon is conducted on the same basis as at Portsmouth, and the week-day evening services are conducted as on former occasions. In the absence of a minister these are presided over generally by Mr. John MacLeod, a native of Lewis, who exercises much influence for good over his fellow-sailors. The presence of Gaelic-speaking sailors at naval barracks is subject to constant fluctuation, but I was glad to see that there is still a number of praying men at Chatham. There, as elsewhere, I met with kindly and sympathetic consideration at the hands of officers with whom my duties brought me in contact. The Commander was pleased to express the hope that, as an honorary member of the officers’ mess, I would make use of it for my meals, etc., and when a cabin was available I was kindly granted the use of one for the week-end.
I was glad to renew my acquaintance with our London friends, who deserve all encouragement in their laudable efforts to uphold and advance the cause of truth in their great city. I paid occasional visits to some of the many hospitals there. Except on the field of battle, there is no comparison anywhere to the scenes of suffering humanity that are witnessed there. I met with well-known acquaintances from the Highlands, whom, I trust, it may please the Lord yet to restore to health and usefulness.
In conclusion, I may add that, on the whole, I came away from my work on this occasion among our brave sailors with an enhanced interest in them. I trust that it may not have been altogether fruitless. God gives the increase. It is sad to think that any of these gallant fellows should be consigned to a watery grave, and still sadder that any of them should pass into the unseen world in a Christless condition. May those of them who are destined to die in a cruel and unprecedented struggle be covered with the righteousness of Christ and washed from their sins in His blood! Our Highlands and Islands, as well as the country at large, are profusely bleeding. We shall never see again in this world multitudes of young men, whom it was our delight to behold. They have fallen victims to a cruel and devouring
sword. It is the will of the Lord, and His will must be done. The darkening cloud of divine judgment that is still heavily settling over the European nations calls for earnest and sincere pleading at the Throne of Grace, in the hope that the Lord may graciously grant a rich out-pouring of the Spirit of repentance upon all classes—upon rulers and ruled, high and low, rich and poor—in the hope that, amidst all the prevailing grounds of provocation, He may, in His great mercy, speedily turn away from the fierceness of His anger, command signal deliverances still for our beloved land, and also establish truth and righteousness in all nations throughout the whole world.
Brief Obituary Sketches.
MR. ROBERT GUNN, GAIRLOCH.
MR. ROBERT GUNN, fishcurer, Horrisdale Isle, Gairloch, 65 years of age, finished his earthly journey on 12th December, 1916, and the funeral to Gairloch Churchyard took place on the 15th. His death has made a blank in the parish that will not be readily filled. Gairloch and other places testify to his genuine worth, kindness, and generosity. Mr. Gunn was of a humble and retiring disposition, yet he was most congenial in company.
He was not a member in full communion with the Church, but few led such an exemplary life as he did. As a young man he regularly conducted family worship, and throughout his married life he continued that profitable part of Divine service. By word, precept, and example he trained his family in “the good old paths.” It cannot be laid to Mr. Gunn’s charge that he did not teach his family the Word of God. May the fruit sown in their young hearts by such a kind, faithful, and loving father bear abundant fruit in their lives!
Those who knew Mr. Gunn intimately have no hesitation in saying that he was a gracious man. He loved God’s Word, he loved the household of faith, he valued God’s house, and was a most attentive listener, and appreciated the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was given to prayer, and was desirous of the salvation of others, especially his own relatives.
One said of him that he rejoiced in the Saviour of lost sinners. Once he spoke to a friend on spiritual themes, and the spiritual warmth of his conversation was so patent that it could be nothing else than the expression of his inward experience.
Very shortly before he died he was given a drink. He invoked God’s blessing thereon, and then added: “Let all prepare for eternity,” and in a few minutes passed peacefully from time into eternity.
The bodies of two of his sons are in the dust where his own body now lies—Hector, 4 years of age, died on 26th April, 1902; and John, 23 years, died on 1st March, 1905. John was a
favourite in the district, a promising youth, and one who apparently knew the value of the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever, and he confessed it was his only and all-sufficient warrant facing eternity.
By the death of Mr. Gunn, the Gairloch Free Presbyterian Congregation has lost a most genuine friend.
May the Most High be the Husband of the widow, and the Father of the fatherless !
D. McK.
MRS. MACKENZIE (OF OBAN), PORTREE.
MRS. MARY CAMERON or MACKENZIE, late of Stevenson Terrace, Oban, died at the house of her daughter, Mrs. James MacLeod, Mill Road, Portree, on 25th August, 1916. On the 28th her remains were laid to rest in the Old Cemetery, Portree.
She was born 90 years ago at Druimantorrar Farm, Strontian. Her parents were tenants of that farm, but removed to Uig Hotel and Farm, Skye. At the Disruption of the Church of Scotland in 1843, they cast in their lot with the Free Church. The proprietor informed them they would cease to be his tenants unless they remained in the Established Church. They did adhere to the Free Church, and the proprietor evicted them from the Hotel and Farm. For a time they had a temporary home at Uig, above high-water mark. Mr. Robert MacFie, proprietor of Airds, Appin, a practical supporter of the Free Church, heard of their case, and offered them a house and farm at Appin, which they accepted.
Mrs. MacKenzie’s first home, at Benderloch, Lorne, was, after three years, owing to the death of her husband, broken up. She then removed to Oban where she resided for upwards of 50 years. Ten years ago she went to live with her daughter, Mrs. MacLeod, Portree. There she finished her earthly pilgrimage.
She was a member of the Oban Free Church. Owing to the Union movement of 1863-1873, a number left that congregation, and worshipped in the Old Hall in Tweeddale Street, where they had the services of the late Mr. William Campbell, missionary, Wick. The separate services were continued until the Free Church abandoned the Union negotiations. Then the Tweeddale Street Congregation, of whom Mrs. MacKenzie was a member, returned to the Oban Free Church.
She was among the first who, in December, 1893, joined the Oban Free Presbyterian Congregation, and, throughout, she continued a warm, attached, and interested member of that congregation. She was a genial-hearted and exemplary Christian, generous, hospitable, and of a cheerful disposition. In her home the Lord’s people received genuine kindness. The Christian fellowship enjoyed in that home is fragrant in the memory of not a few. Many in different parts of the globe mourn the loss of this faithful witness of Jesus Christ. She was not only respected by the Oban Free Presbyterian Congregation, but by the whole town,
and by all who knew her. She was second to none in her loyalty to the F.P. Church.
To her daughter, and other relatives, we extend our sympathy.
D. McK.
MRS. JANET SHAW, CLARENCE RIVER, N.S.W.
By the death of Mrs. Janet Shaw, on 28th August last, at Glen-Lewin, Lower Lawrence, Clarence River, New South Wales, our small congregation in that district has lost a most useful, genial and lovable Christian lady. Fifty-three years ago she was born at Woodford-Leigh; and, on 29th August, 1916, her body was interred in Maclean Cemetery.
Her illness, which developed into pneumonia, lasted eight days. She, at times, suffered excruciating pain, yet her soul, with holy solemnity, was rejoicing, with joy unspeakable and full of glory, in God her Saviour. The Most High made Himself very precious to her; and, in a remarkable degree, the Truth fed and sustained her. She declared that the Lord’s left hand was under her head, and that His right hand embraced her; and that Heaven was open to receive her. She was calmly assured that, in the storm through which she was then passing, her gracious and adorable Lord was calling upon her to enter into His eternal joy.
Her conversations with members of her family, and other relatives, were very solemn, soul-stirring, edifying and heavenly. On the threshold of eternity she was perfectly calm and composed. Her last farewell to her relatives was heart-breaking, yet she herself was the most composed in the company. Her sorrowing relatives rejoice in the dreadfully solemn and lovely death-bed their loved one had. Her death-bed has given them an object lesson on the wonderful strength the Most High affords, by His Word and Spirit, to His own when passing through the Jordan of Death.
“Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,
Yet will I fear none ill;
For Thou art with me; and Thy rod
And staff me comfort still.”
Mrs. Shaw possessed a lively knowledge of the preciousness of the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanseth from all sin, and she knew her great need of the application of that blood. She had humble views of herself, and highly appreciated the pure, unadulterated gospel. The desire of her heart was that such gospel, in the power of the Holy Spirit, should dominate not only the Clarence, but the whole world.
She was very much concerned for the eternal salvation of her family, and it is earnestly hoped her death may be blessed to their salvation. Many were the prayers she offered up for them, and many were her exhortations in pointing them to the only Saviour of sinners. She is survived by two daughters and five sons. Two of the sons are engaged in this most dreadful War.
We commend the sorrowing family and relatives to “the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.”
D. McK.
Another correspondent writes us with regard to the death of Mrs. Shaw, and refers to her piety and worth, relating the interesting circumstance that she esteemed and spoke of the late Rev. Walter Scott, as her “spiritual father.”
MR. JOHN GRANT, CLARENCE RIVER, N.S.W.
Died in France.
It is with deepest regret we record the death of Mr. John Mac-Donald Grant, Woodford-Leigh, Clarence River, New South Wales. Mr. Grant was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Grant, Woodford-Leigh. Mr. Hugh Grant is an elder in our Brushgrove-Grafton Congregation. The deceased was a deacon, clerk to deacons’ court, and precentor in the same congregation.
He volunteered for the Front in August, 1915, and fell in action in France on 17th August, 1916. When news of the death reached Woodford-Leigh the father was in hospital suffering from pneumonia. When he was informed of the sad news, he said quite calmly and solemnly: “No son or brother ever gave greater comfort, but the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away.”
The death of this worthy and promising young man, who gave his life for his country, makes another felt breach in the Brushgrove-Grafton Congregation. He became a communicant during the ministry of the late Rev. Walter Scott, who held him in high esteem. He had a high sense of Christian duty, and set a beautiful Christian example before others. He was very much thought of in the whole community, and by all who knew him. His death has cast a gloom over the whole Clarence district. He was of a genial and gentle, but firm disposition. He loved the house of God, and took special interest in the work of the congregation, by whom he is very greatly missed. The Most High, in His inscrutable providence, has removed him from the fierce conflicts of this life to the blessed rest of everlasting felicity in the eternal home, where the din of battle, and the clatter and clang of arms are never known. To the deceased it was a cause of deep silent grief that the young, with few exceptions, were engrossed with the vanities and frivolities of this life, thereby rejecting the only Saviour from sin and misery.
An Australian paper says of Mr. John Grant: “He bore a most striking character, and was an upright, pious, young man, and esteemed by all.”
At Pozières, France, on 23rd July, Robert, the youngest son of Mrs. and Mrs. Hugh Grant, was dangerously wounded with shrapnel. Another son is with the Army in Egypt.
To Mr. and Mrs. Grant and family, in their bereavement, and afflictions, we extend our deepest sympathy. May the Lord bestow all needed grace and consolation!
D. McK.
Leisgeilan Coitchionn Airson Dearmad a Leigadh air Aodhradh Fholasach le Fhreagraidhean.
IS lionmhor na leisgeilan tha air an cleachdadh, am baile agus air machair, air son dearmad a leigeadh air aodhradh folasach, air là an Tighearna. Tha cuid dhiubh, a bha gu tric air an cleachdadh, le caochladh muinntir, air an aithris an so, agus air am freagairt.
Leisgeil I.—Cha ‘n ‘eil toil agam frithealadh. Tha mi ‘g obair gu cruaidh rè fad na seachduinn, agus is iomchuidh gu’m faighinn beagan fois air là na sàbaid.
Freagradh.—Nach mòr an tròcair, ma ta, gu’n d’ thug Dia dhuit cothram air fois a ghabhail o shaothair corporra, air an là sin nach leat fein, ach mu ‘m bheil esan ag ràdh gur e là an Tighearna e; Taisb. i. 10? An urrainn thusa d’ ùin a chaitheadh ni ‘s fearr na ann am frithealadh air aodhradh folasach an Ti sin a thug bith dhuit, agus a chuir fuidh lagh thu a tha ag ràdh, “Sè laithean saothairichidh tu, ach is e an seachdamh là sàbaid an Tighearna do Dhé?” Tha esan, air an aobhar sin, ag agairt gu’n coisrig thu an là sin gu a thoilsan a dheanamh, agus cha ‘n e do thoil fèin; agus dhasan feumaidh tu a bhi freagarach airson an dòigh anns an caith thu e. Mar a chaith thu sè laithean ann an cuartachadh an arain a théid a dhìth, a tha feumail airson cumail suas a chuirp, gabh comhairle, an seachdamh a chuir air leth airson maith d’ anam neobhàsmhor, ann an sireadh an lòin a mhaireas a chum na beatha suthain, “ni a bheir Mac an duine dhuibh” (Eoin vi. 27).
Leisgeil II.—Tha mi a’ meas a’ Mhinisteir ro-chruaidh—tha e ro gheur—cha doir e saorsa sam bith: Co is urrainn teachd suas r’a bheachdansa? cha ‘n urrainn mi a ràgh gur toil leam a dhòigh searmonaichidh.
Freagradh.—Nach do smaoinich thu riamh gur e a dhleasanasa rabhadh a thoirt do pheacaich teicheadh o’n fhéirg o tha chum teachd; agus ma leigeas e dearmad air so a deanamh, gu’n agair Dia am fuil o a làimh? Tha mòran earrannan dhe ‘n sgrìoptur a tha a’ dearbhadh so: ach foghnadh aon. Ciod i do bheachd air na briathraibh so; “Nuair a their mise ris an eucorach, O dhuine mhi-dhiadhidh, gheibh thu gu cinnteach bàs, mur labhair thusa gu rabhadh a thoirt do ‘n droch dhuine m’a shlighe, basaichidh an t-eacorach sin n’a easaontas, ach agraidh mise ‘fhuil o do laimhsa” (Esec. xxxiii. 8). Am bheil am ministeir, mar sin, ni ‘s cruaidhe na ‘m Biobull?
Cha ‘n ‘eil amharas nach ‘eil e air uairibh, a’ tagair glé dhlùth ris a’ choguis, mar an uair a deir e gur diomhain, a Thighearna agus a Shlànughear a ghairm de Iosa Criost, mar dean sinn na nithe tha e ag àithneadh. Feudaidh tu a chuimhneachadh gu’n d’ thubhairt e, na’n creideadh sinn an soisgeul, gu ‘m biodh so soilleir
le ar n-àicheadh air mi-dhiadhachd agus anamianna feòlmhor, agus a bhi beo gu h-ionraic, gu stuaim agus gu diadhaidh, anns an t-saoghal so a ta an làthair—na’n creideadh sinn, a cheart rireadh, ann an Criosd, a rinn na h-urrad gu sinne théarnadh o thruaighe siorruith, gu’n dugadh so oirn esan a ghràdhachadh, agus seirbhis a dheanamh dha, agus ‘uile àithntean a choimhead. An saoil thusa gu’m feud neach sam bith aig am bheil fior eolas agus gràdh air Criosd teachd beo mar chinneach, a leigeadh dearmad air an Sgrioptur naomh a leughadh, a tha deanamh dhaoine glic a chum slàinte, agus ùrnuigh teaghlaich, agus fòghlam a chuid cloinne, agus an togail suas ann an oilean agus ann an comhairle an Tighearna? Cha ‘n fheud, cha ‘n fheud: cha ‘n ‘eil am Ministear ro chruaidh; oir an uair a tha e, nochdadh dhuinne truailidh-eachd an nàduir, agus ar seachranan lionmhoir, tha e, anns an àm cheudna, ‘g ar seòladh a chum an leigheis, se sin “Uain Dé a tha toirt air falbh peacaidh an t-saoghail,” agus tha e toirt cuiridh dhuinn creidsinn annsan a chum gu’m bi sinn beò. Tha e ag innseadh dhuinn gu’m bheil tobar air fhosgladh airson peacaidh agus neo-ghloine; gur e an tobar so fuil Criosd, a bha air a dòrtadh air a’ chrann-cheusaidh airson mathanais peacaidh; agus gu’m bheil an soisgeul a toirt cuiridh do dhearbh chinn-fheadhna pheacaidh, teachd agus sealbhachadh d’ a beannachdan a dh’ easbhuidh airgid agus a dh’ easbhuidh luach. Ciod e tuille a dh’ iarramaid a chum sith a thoirt d’ ar cogaisibh cionntach, agus fois d’ ar n-intinn, maraon, airson an t-saoghailsa agus an t-saoghail a tha chum teachd?
Leisgeil III.—Tha ar Ministear, air uairibh, ro-bhiorach agus pearsanta na’ bhriathribh, mar gu’m biodh e a’ searmonachadh chugam, an àite bhi searmonachadh dhomh.
Freagradh.—Na creid sin. Tha mi dearbhta nach ‘eil miann aige beum pearsannta a thoirt do neach sam bith as a’ chrannaig. Ann am buntainn gu dileas ri peacaich, ‘se a ghnothach ruigsinn air a’ chogais agus air a’ chridhe, le foillseachadh na firinn mar ann an fianuis Dé; agus an uair a bhioras ‘fhocalsan, a tha beo agus cumhachdach, ionadan diomhair an anama, agus a dhiteas e an cionntach, an iongantach ged ghabhadh a leithid sin de neach an tagradh dhachaidh ‘g a ionnsuidh féin? Tha fios agad gu bheil am Biobull ag ràdh, “Bi cinnteach gu ‘m faigh do pheacadh a mach thu”—agus tha ‘n choisgias na chomhairleach dileas—tha e ‘na mhac-talla do ghuth Dhé ann a fhocal. Tha cuimhn agad cia mar a thachair do’n uachdaran Romanach, Felics, ‘nuair a reusonaich Pòl f’a chomhair mu fhireantachd, mu mheasarachd agus mu bhreitheanas ri teachd; chriothaich am breithamh fa chomhair a’ phriosanich, agus ghearr e gu h-aithcheair caint an abstoil, le innseadh dha gu’n cuireadh e ‘g a iarruidh nuair a gheibheadh e àm ni bu chùimhneiche. An d’fhairich thusa riamh dad de leitbid so fuidh shearmonachad dileas an fhocail?
Leisgeil IV.—Cha chaomh leam a dhol ann; oir an uair mu dheireadh a chuala mi am Ministear, bha e labhairt mu Chrìosd
mar na h-uile anns na h-uile. Thuirt e ma’s math mo chuimhne, gur e a bhàs-san a choisinn slàinte shiorruith dhuinne; agus chaidh e air ‘aghaidh ag ràdh nach robh feum air bith anns na deagh oibrìbh againne a chosnadh ar fireanachadh, no ‘g ar deanamh taitneach ann am fianuis Dé; oir gu’n robh slàinte gu h-iomlan de ghràs, agus cha’n ann de oibrìbh, air eagal gu’n deanadh duine sam bith uaill. Nis tha mi ag aideachadh gu’n do mheas mi ro-thàireil a bhi ag innseadh dhomh gu’n robh na h-uile ni a rinn mi, gach ni a thug mi do na bochdan, gach toileachadh a leig mi dhiom, agus gach dleasanas cràbhaidh a choilean mi, mar neoni, agus nach tugadh iad aon cheum air m’aghaidh mi do nèamh. Cha toil leam a bhi cluinninn deagh oibre air an aithris ann an rathad co eatrom; agus is aithne dhomh pailteas a mhuinnntir glè mhath a tha ag earbsadh asda, aig a’ chuid a’s lugha, ann am pàirt, gu maithghean Dhé a chosnadh, agus an toirt do fhlaitheinnis; agus gu’n dean Criosd suas na bhios an easbhuidh le thoillteanas féin.
Freagradh.—Ach mo thruaighe! ‘n i sin do bheachd? Ach cha ghabhadh tu fearg ris a’ Mhinisteir airson so nan tugadh tu do chràbhaidh o’n Bhiobull. Leig thu dì chuimhn air na tha ‘n t-Abstol ag ràdh ‘na iitir chum na Romanach, “Le oibrìbh an lagha cha’n fhireanaichar feòl bheò an am fianuis Dé; oir leis an lagh tha eòlas peacaidh” (Rom. iii. 20). Agus a ris, a chum nan Galàtianach, a deir e, Tha co liutha’s a tha dhe oibrìbh an lagha fo’n mhalachd: “Oir tha e sgrìobhte, ‘S maluichte na h-uile neach nach fan anns na h-uile nithe tha sgrìobhte ann an leabhar an lagha a chum an deanamh” (Gal. iii. 10). Mar sin tha thu a’ faicinn nach ‘eil an lagh a toirt dòchais sam bith dhunnn, mur glèidh sinn e anns na h-uile litir. Agus tha an t-Abstol ceudna ag ràdh, ann an sgrìobhadh a chum Thituis, “Cha’n ann le oibrìbh fireantachd a rinn sinne, ach a réir a thròcair, thèaruinn e sinn” (Tit. iii. 5). Agus a thuille air so, nach d’ thug thu aire riamh do na tha an t-Abstol ag ràdh mu lagh Dhé anns an caibideal a chum nan Romanach, mar tha e druideadh na h-uile beul, agus a’ toirt a stigh an t-saoghail uile ciontach fa chomhair Dhé; agus an déigh sin a deir e, “Pheacaich na h-uile, agus thàinig iad gearr air gloir Dhé” (ear. 23).
Tha thus ag iarruidh cuis na slàinte a roinn ri Criosd; ach cha d’ thug thu fainear ciod a tha an sgriobtur ag ràdh mu thimchioll slàinte, gu’m bheil i de ghràs, agus cha’n ann de oibrìbh, air eagal gu’n deanadh duine sam bith uaill (Eph. ii. 8, 9); agus mar sin deirear gu’m bheil sinn air ar fireanachadh gu saor le a ghràs, trid na saorsa tha ann an Iosa Criosd (Rom. iii. 24). Nis, ‘se’s ciall do ghràs, maithghean saor, fior thròcair, càirdeas gun toillteanas, agus iochd a thaobh nam muinntir a tha gu buileach neo-fhuimhor, agus aig nach ‘eil oibre math sam bith ri thagair fa chomhair Dhé; tha dhe nàdur co uasal agus nach diù leis, ann an obair fireanachaidh, a’ ghloir a roinn, ann an tomhas sam bith, ri oibrìbh. A thaobh gnìomh fireanachaidh, feumidh e bi gu
h-iomlan dhe oibríbh, air-neo gu h-iomlan de ghràs; oir tha an dà ni so an ceart aghaidh a chéile ‘nan nàdur; agus do réir sin tha an t-Abstol Pòl a’ suidheachadh na cuise eatorra mar so, Ma ‘s ann de ghràs, an sin cha ‘n ‘eil e ni ‘s mò de oibríbh, air-neo cha ghràs tuilleadh gràs; ach m’ as ann de oibríbh, an sin cha ‘n ‘eil e ni ‘s mò de ghràs, air-neo cha ‘n obair tuilleadh obair (Rom. xi. 6).
Tha fios agad a deir an t-abstol ris na Galatianich, a bha troimh bhuaidh luchd teagaisg truailidh, a sireadh an dà ni so a cho-mheasgadh, se sin oibre an lagha agus gràs an t-soisgeil: “Feuch tha mise Pòl ag ràdh ribh, ma timchioll-ghearr sibh, cha bi buannachd sam bith agaib o Chriosd—Co-air-bith agaibh a tha air ur fíreanachadh leis an lagh, tha sibh air tuiteam o ghràs” (Gal. vi. 2, 4). Agus thug so e gu ràdh ris a ‘mhuinntir cheudna, “Cha ‘n ‘eil mi a cur gràsa Dhé an neo-bhrì; oir ma thig ionracas, no beannachd fíreanachaidh, tre ‘n lagh, an sin bhàsich Crìosd an diomhanas; Gal. II. 21—litir a dh’ fheumas innseadh dhuinne, ma tha brì sam bith ann, gur e ‘n dearbh aobhar airson an do bhàsich Crìosd, gu’n coisneadh e ionracas fíreanachaidh airson a phobuill; agus an t-ionracas so iarruidh air dhòigh sam bith eile, ‘se sin a bhàs a dheanamh n’ a ni faoin.
Tha ar ministear a’ cumail a mach gu’m bheil ar nàdur air a thruailleadh le peacadh air a’ leithid de dhòigh agus gus am bi daoine air an ath-ghinmhinn le focal agus le Spiorad Dé, nach urrainn iad oibre math sam bith a dheanamh, a dh’ fheudas Dia a thoilleachadh; oir ‘s aithne dhuit ciod a deir an sgriobtur; “Tha ‘n inntinn fheolmhor ‘na nàimhdeas an agaidh Dhé; cha ‘n eil i umhal do lagh Dhé, ni mò, gu dearbh is urrainn i bhith.” Mar sin, air an aobhar sin, “cha ‘n urrainn iadsan a tha san fheòl Dia a thoilleachadh” (Rom. viii., 7, 8). Agus nach ‘eil ar Tighearn Iosa Crìosd ag ràdh, “An toiseach dean a’ chraobh math, agus an sin bithidh an toradh math?” Tha tri nithe feumail a chum obair sam bith a dheanamh math ann am fianuis Dhé: ‘Se an ceud ni, gu’m feum i éirigh o dheadh rùn, agus ‘se sin gràdh do Dhia, is e a cheud àithn, agus àithn mhòr an lagha. ‘Se ‘n dara ni, gu’um feum i bhi air a seòladh a réir riaghailt mhaith, is i toil fhoillsichte Dhé. Agus ‘se ‘n treas ni, gu’m feum i bhi air a stiùradh a chum crìch mhaith, agus ‘se sin a chum glòire Dhé. Ach gus am bi daoine air an tabhairt gus an soisgeul a thuigsinn agus a chreidsinn, cha ‘n ‘eil spéis ac’ do aon ni dhiubh so; oir tha na h-uile deadh obair a’ sruthadh o chreidimh ann an Crìosd, agus o ghràdh dha, airson a’ ghaoil mhòir a thaisbean esan ann am bàsachadh airson ne.
Leisgeil V.—Thig mi air an ath dhidòmhnuich.
Freagradh.—Ach am bheil thu cinnteach gu’m bi thu beò seachduin eile? Ann am meadhon beatha tha sinn an am bàs. Cha’n ‘eil fios againn ciod a thachaireas am mairreach; oir ciod i ar beatha? Cha ‘n ‘eil i ach mar cheò a shuibhlas air falbh. An diugh tha sinn air fòndòchas—am mairreach feudaidh sinn a bhi
air ar sumanadh fa chomhair a’ chaithir bhreitheanais mhòir, gu cunntas iocadh do Dhia, Breitheamh nan uile.
Leisgeil VI.—Cha ‘n fhaic mi gu’m bheil iadsan a tha frithealadh, aon dad ni ‘s fearr na iadsan a tha fuireach aig a’ bhaile. Sin Iain agus Eadard—a tha frithealadh gu conbhalach, tha iad co olc, mar ‘eil ni ‘s measa na ‘n nàbidhean.
Freagradh.—Feudaidh sin uile bhi firinneach gu leòr. Ach bu chòir dhuitse barachd fios a bhi agad no gu’n tagradh tu droch cleachdanna dhaoin’ eile mar aobhar c’ uime gu’n leigadh tusa dearmad air aoradh folasach Dhé, agus gu’n tionndaidheadh tu cluas bhodhar ri soisgeul na sìthe. Cha ‘n fheum creidimh Iosa Criosd a bhi air a dheanamh freagarach airson droch cleachdad muinntir sam bith a tha ‘g ‘a aideachadh mar chàirdean. Is leòr gu’m bheil an creidimh sin a’ diteadh na h-uile mi-mhoghalachd, agus na h-uile seòrs easaontais, agus a’ cur mar impidh air na h-uile creidmheach naomhachd a dheanamh foirfe ann an eagal Dé. Bithidh cealgairean agus luchd aidichidh breugach air am faighinn, ann an àireamh beag no mòr, am measg eaglaisibh Chriosd, anns na h-uile linn, gus an tig e ris; oir cha ‘n urrain sinne sealtuinn a steach air a chridhe, gu fhiosrachadh co tha na fhear aidichidh firinneach agus breugach. Fàsaidh an cogal am measg a’ chruthneachd; tionaillidh lion an t-soisgeil iasgan olc agus math; agus bithidh òighrean glic agus amaideach anns na h-uile linn.
Leisgeil VII.—Tha neach àraidh a’ frithealadh a’ gearain gur h-olc mi, agus cha toil leam a bhi air m’ fhaicinn far am bi e.
Freagradh.—’S gàbhaidh an t-aobhar so gu dearbh! Agus ma ‘s fior, do bhrigh gu’n do ghearan cnuimh talmhaidh cosmhuil riut féin thu, tha thus a’ duiltadh aoradh a dheanamh do d’chruithear fo ‘n aon fhardach ris! C’ uime nach fhag thu do choir ann an làmhan Dé, a bheir breitheanas cothromach a mach eadar thus agus do namhaid; agus a thubhairt, “Buinidh dioghaltas dhomhsa, iocaidh mise, deir an Tighearn?” Agus an urrainn thu dì-chuimhn a leigeadh air na tha e ag ràdh ruinne air a’ cheann sin; “Ma bhios ocras air do namhaid, beathaich e; ma bhios iotadh air, thoir deoch dha; oir le sin a dheanamh, carnaidh tu eibhlean teine air a cheann” (Rom. xii. 19, 20). ‘S iognadh leam an d’ àireamh thu féin làmh suas cia co tric ‘s a bhris thu féin lagh do Chruithir; agus gidheadh tha thu faicinn nach ‘eil e sguir dhe bhi deanamh maith dhuit; tha e, gach là, agus gach là, agus gach uair a’ frasadh sios beannachdan a fhreasdail ort. Agus thoir feart, n’am buineadh esan riutsa do réir na riaghailt a tha thus a’ gabhail ri do cho chreutairibh, ciod a dh’éireadh dhuit? Seadh, dhùineadh ea chluasan ri d’ ùrnuighean uile, agus bhagradh e thu a mach as ‘fhianuis! Tha mi’n dòchas g’um bheil thu, air uairibh, a’ cur suas an iartrais sin a theagaig Criosd d’a dheiscioblaibh, “Math dhùinn ar peacaidhean, mar a mhathas sinne dhoibhs’ a chionntaicheas ‘n ar n-aghaidh.” Nis do neach a ghùlulaineas spiorad dioghaltach neo-mhaitheachail do thaobh
neach eile, ciod i an athchuinge so ‘na bheulsa, ach ùrnuigh, nach fhaigh e féin mathanas o Dhia? O! guidh air Dia, air sgàth Chriosd, gu’n ‘dean e comasach thu air mathanas a thoirt do mhuinntir eile, mar a dh’ iarras tu mathanas air du shon féin.
Leisgeil VIII.—Cha ‘n ‘eil eudach, freagarach agam anns an taisbean mi mi féin: tha m’ earradh duaichni, no air caitheadh as, agus is nàire leam mi féin a nochdadh am measg chàirdean agus nàbidhean, ann an eudach co olc.
Freagradh.—Nis, ged tha e ‘na ni taitneach, an uair a théid muinntir gu tigh an Tighearna, gu ‘n deanadh iad iad féin co glan agus co ciatach o ‘n leth a muigh’s a dh’ fhuillingeas an crannchur; gidheadh dearmad a leigeadh air aoradh folasach Dhé do bhrigh nach ‘eil iad co uasal ‘nan cur a mach agus bu mhath leo, tha so, air a char a’s lugha, ro-mhi-ghlic, agus ro-choireach. Ma sheallas sinn gu ceart air a’ chuis, gheibh sinn a leithid so de leisgeilean ag éirigh o fhéin-bheachd agus o àrdan cridhe an duine. Cha ‘n ‘eil an leithid so de mhuinntir à gabhail gu cridhe na comana fuidh ‘m bheil iad d’ an cruithhear, gu ‘n naomhaich iad là na sàbaid, a dh’ àithn esan dhoibh a dheanamh, agus iad féin a chruinneachadh maile ri muinntir eile, chum buidheachas fholasach iocadh-dhasan airson nan sochairean leis am bheil e ‘g an luchdachadh gach là, a’ tagradh gu h-iriosal gu ‘m bi iad air an cumail riu, ag éisdeachd ‘fhocail naoimh, agus a’ gabhail fòghlum mu thimchioll slighe na slàinte, agus nan nithe a’ bhuineas d’ an sìth shiorruith, mu ‘m bi iad gu bràth air am folach o ‘n ùrnuigh. Nan smaoinicheamaid ni ‘s mò mu Dhia, fa chomhair am feum sinn seasamh gu h-aithghearr, gu cunntas a thabhairt as ar caitheadh-beatha anns an t-saoghal so, cha chluinnte focal gu bràth de na leisgeilean beaga sin a tha ‘g éirigh o easbhuidh eudaich.
Leisgeil IX.—Bhithinnse glé dheònach frithealadh; ach cia mar is urra mi ‘nuair a tha teaghlach chloinne, agam gu sealltainn riu? Tha cuid diubh a’ fàs suas; agus feuch mo naoidhean nach urrainn mi fhàgail.
Freagradh.—Cha ‘n ‘eil amharas nach bi e ni ‘s dorra do phàrantaib frithealadh gu conbhalach na dhoibhs’ aig nach ‘eil clann; ach ma bhios iad air am bacadh o fhrithealadh air cuid de sheirbhisibh an ionaid naoimh, ‘nuair a bhios aon de na chloinn gu tinn, no gle’ òg; bu chòir da sin an deanamh ni ‘s eudmhoire gu bhi an làthair ‘nuair is urrainn iad. Feudidh a’ chlann a tha sean gu leòr, a dhol do thigh Dé maile ris a’ chloinn eile. Agus airson an naoidhean, mur h-eagal ort a thoirt leat, air eagal gu ‘n cuireadh e dragh air càch, nach feud thu ‘fhàgail aig nàbi, do ‘m feud thus caoimhneas ceudna a dheanamh aig àm eile? Feudidh aon neach cùram a ghabbail de dhithis no trùir a chloinn; agus leis an t-seòl so feudaidh neach no dithis frithealadh air aoradh Dhé, a bhiodh, air a chaochladh dhòigh, air am bacadh. Feudidh am fear-pòsd agus a’ bhean-phòsd fantuinn maile ris a chloinn, agus frithealadh air seirbhis Dé ma seach. A dh’ aon chuid feuch ris agus, le beannachd Dhé air d’ oidhear, chi thu nach ‘eil a’ chuis cho duilich ‘s a tha thus air bheachd.
Sabbath Review of Volunteers: A Protest.
THE following Protest was sent to the Glasgow Herald and the Glasgow Citizen. It was inserted by the latter paper only:—
Sir,—We, the undersigned ministers of the Free Presbyterian Church, desire to raise an earnest protest against the Sabbath desecration involved in the review of Volunteers to be held by Viscount French on the 17th instant. We are fully convinced that there is no “necessity” in the matter, and that another day could be found when the review might be held to equal advantage, if there was any anxiety to maintain the sacredness and rest of the Lord’s Day.
While in full and patriotic sympathy with all lawful efforts to prosecute the war to a victorious issue, we greatly deplore the widespread violation of the Sabbath in connection with military movements, and cannot but regard the breach of the Divine Commandment in this particular as one of “the causes of God’s wrath,” and a decided bar to the success which we all so much desire. To abuse the Lord’s Day in the way it is being done is to court defeat. If we really desire victory, let us seek to have “the Lord of Hosts” upon our side.
It may be but a small measure of comfort to those who love the sacred day of rest, but we hail with pleasure the announcement that the new War Council intends to meet every day of the week, Sabbath excepted. May this be the precursor of better things at the seats of War! Meantime, we raise our solemn protest against the deplorable desecration that is to take place on the approaching Sabbath.—We are, etc.,
JAMES S. SINCLAIR.
NEIL CAMERON.
Glasgow, 15th December, 1916.
My desire is that my Lord would give me broader and deeper thoughts, to feed myself with wondering at His love. I would I could weigh it, but I have no balance for it. When I have worn my tongue to the stump in praising of Christ, I have done nothing to Him. I must let Him alone, for my withered arms will not go about His high, wide, long, and broad love. What remaineth, then, but that my debt to the love of Christ be unpaid for all eternity? . . . O, if this land and nation would come and stand beside His inconceivable and glorious perfections, and look in, and love and wonder and adore! Would to God I could bring in many lovers to Christ’s house! But this nation hath forsaken the fountain of living waters. Lord, cast not water on Scotland’s coal. Woe, woe will be to this land because of the day of the Lord’s fierce anger, that is so fast coming.—Samuel Rutherford.
The late Rev. Archibald Cook’s Sermons.
ALL lovers of evangelical theology among Gaelic-speaking people will be pleased to learn that the Rev. J. R. Mackay, Inverness, has issued another edition of the Gaelic sermons of the late Rev. Archibald Cook, Daviot. In the first edition his English sermons were included, with the result that some who bought the book found that the one half of it was to them in an unknown language. This disappointment has been averted in this volume as it contains only the Gaelic sermons. We trust Mr. Mackay will follow the same principle, by issuing also the English sermons separately. Such as can read both languages will be well rewarded by purchasing the two volumes.
It would be quite superfluous on our part to endeavour to recommend these sermons to the public, seeing that Mr. Cook held a place as a preacher of the gospel, especially in the north of Scotland, which was truly unique. However, we venture to say that, in our opinion, these Gaelic sermons hold first rank as regards depth of thought in doctrine and experience. None can read them without realising the profound seriousness with which Mr. Cook treats the responsibility of man under the privileges of the gospel, his accountability to God for the use he will make of them, and the awfulness of the everlasting ruin that must follow the rejection of God’s grace in Christ offered freely in the gospel. The vigour and the penetration of thought which run throughout these sermons betray a mind possessed of much of the unction which comes from the Holy Spirit. In one word: they are a very valuable addition to Gaelic theology, calculated to revive serious godliness.
The volume contains twenty-four discourses—”All that are extant of the Rev. Archibald Cook’s Gaelic sermons.” The price is three shillings, not including postage.
N. C.