THE case of the Stornoway congregation is in a manner similar to that of Job, who, while one messenger related to him his sad story, another came with a more dismal one. Many of the Lord’s people, and especially office-bearers, have been removed by death from our midst during the past few years, and scarcely is the notice of some respected member read than we are called upon to write another.
Again we have to record, though very much belated, another breach in the already depleted eldership in the person of Malcolm MacIver, tailor and clothier, who succumbed, on 27th December last, to an illness of about three months’ duration.
Malcolm was born at Breasclete, Lewis, 59 years ago. While a young man he came into Stornoway to learn tailoring, and, after serving his apprenticeship, he started business for himself, which he carried on till the end.
He was evidently brought to a saving knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus when very young, and became a member in full communion many years before the advent of the Free Presbyterian Church, but when the time came to make a stand in defence of truth and principle, he was among the first to cast in his lot with those who stood in defence of these. The Free Presbyterianism Malcolm embraced in 1893 he unflinchingly held to the last. He had no sympathy with those who unfaithfully departed from the testimony raised by our Church, and highly approved of the Synod’s attitude regarding the last move for union.
Owing to physical disability, the result of rheumatic fever, he was prevented from going much or far from home, so that he was little known beyond his native island. He was always ready, when health and circumstances permitted, to supply our mission stations on Sabbath, and these places have much reason to lament his removal. He had a very acute and penetrating mind, and the intelligent grasp he had of the historical and geographical facts of the Bible often surprised us, and the ease with which he could quote them showed a careful study. He many times informed us that his great desire and ambition was to visit the “Holy Land” after the war, and had he been spared we have no doubt but he would have carried out his intention.
Shortly before his death he went South in search of health, but finding the change did not benefit him he returned home. During his short stay in Glasgow, the Communion was held in St. Jude’s congregation, and, in speaking to the “question,” he remarked that “the older he got the more he was afraid of bringing a spot on the cause of Christ, and that that gave him more trouble than death.”
After returning home he was able to attend church only once, and in the absence of the minister he conducted the service. On going home he said to his wife, “That is the last time I will enter the church, and the last meeting I will conduct.” This exactly became true, for that week he took to his bed, and after much suffering he departed eighteen days after. During these eighteen days he often said that “he had no desire to get better, that he was tired of the world, and that he wished to depart and be with Christ, which was far better.” We have much reason to mourn his death, for his removal has caused another great breach in our Session. We are left as a barren wilderness, and have much reason to cry, “Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth.” To his sorrowing widow and family we extend our sincere sympathies, and may the Lord, who promised to be a husband to the widow and a father to the fatherless, be their husband and father, and may they, through grace, be followers of those who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises.
N. M.
SOME WORTHY WOMEN DECEASED.
As an appendix to above notice I may add reference to some of our most promising women who were called away to their eternal rest during the year.
In January, Mrs. John MacLeod, Marybank, a daughter of the late well-known “Granny” Nicolson, Laxdale, was removed. She was of a kind, gentle disposition, and a sincere lover of God’s house and people. In February, Mrs. John Stewart, Melbost, after a long, painful illness, was called away to her rest. In her the Free Presbyterian Church has lost a true wrestler at the throne of grace, and one who could defend its principles with intelligence. Shortly after her, Mrs. Donald Martin, Lurebost, suddenly departed. Many of our ministers and people who were in the habit of visiting Lurebost will have pleasant recollections of her kind hospitality and warm affection to God’s people and cause. In June, Mrs. Finlay was called away. By her humble disposition and regular attendance on the means of grace, often when frail and suffering, she has left an example to all.
Our last breach was in July, in the person of Mrs. MacLean, locally known as Peggy Campbell. In foul or fair weather and in the midst of much bodily suffering her place in the house of God would not be found empty, either on Sabbath or week-days. These have gone “to inherit the kingdom prepared for them before the foundation of the world,” and have left us to mourn their loss. With all these breaches on the walls of Zion we have reason to cry that the Lord would arise to build her walls, and that He would hear the prayer of the destitute.
To the respective families and friends we tender our sincere sympathies, and may the Lord bless to them these sore visitations!
N. M.