FINLAY MACIVER was a native of Strathconan, which, in the writer’s opinion, is equal to any of the Scottish glens in picturesqueness and natural beauty. This glen had for generations been notable for the numbers of pious men and women inhabiting it. Among these were the grandfather and grandmother of Finlay. It is related of his grandfather that, when his children came to years of discretion, he called them all around him, told them the nature of the vows he had made at the time of their baptism, and in a most solemn manner laid these vows upon their own heads. This was exemplary both as regards parents and children, and the effects which followed in the case of that family proved that the Lord set His seal upon what was done. His grandmother was in every respect a helpmeet to her husband. It is recorded of her that she used to walk twenty miles each way to hear the late Rev. John Kennedy, Redcastle, on the Sabbath day. The godly upbringing of their family and the example they set before them had a good effect; for Duncan MacIver, Finlay’s father, manifested, while he was very young, a real concern about the salvation of his soul. The instructions and encouragement of his mother at that critical period of his life were of inestimable value to him.
Before the Disruption of 1843, he was in the closest fellowship with that eminent man of God, Roderick MacKenzie (Ruaridh Phadric), mentioned in Dr. Kennedy’s “Days of the Fathers in Ross-shire.” This fellowship became, if possible, more intimate as the years rolled on. When Roderick MacKenzie died, the burden of God’s cause fell on Duncan MacIver’s shoulders when he was about thirty years of age. At the Disruption, all the congregation, with the exception of two families, left the Established Church and followed him to a barn, where he conducted services until a church was built.
Finlay MacIver was born the 2nd day of October, 1847, and was the oldest of the family. In the family circle his father was strict as regards discipline, and careful in inculcating the knowledge of law and gospel. All had to attend the public services, and, on returning home, were questioned as to what they remembered of the services of the day. He was specially strict on the observance of the Lord’s day. His influence over his family was such that a look from him was sufficient to correct any of his children when they did or said anything needing reproof. Finlay had this great privilege from day to day at home, and also the example of many of the Lord’s people who frequented their home, such as the late James Matheson, catechist, Garve, Finlay Matheson and Donald Duff. The writer saw Finlay’s mother in his home at Inverness, where she ended her pilgrimage. She was a woman possessed of much modesty, seriousness and gravity in all her conversation, and she struck us as being a true helpmeet for such a husband as has been described above.
When Finlay was sixteen years, he was sent to Inverness to his uncle, Kenneth MacIver, cabinetmaker, to learn wood-carving. He lodged with his uncle, where the same example and also the fellowship of the Lord’s people to which he was accustomed at his father’s house was continued. After he served his apprenticeship, his uncle gave him a shop in Inverness. During the earlier part of his time in Inverness he attended the ministry of the late Dr. George Mackay, but lived quite carelessly as regards the concerns of his immortal soul. It was only a few years before 1893 that he manifested a distinct change as to his state in prospect of eternity. No sooner had this taken place than he began to take a deep and intelligent interest in Church matters, and he felt pained at the heart on account of the departures in the Free Church from sound, evangelical doctrine, and from the principles and practices of that Church in the days of his youth; but, above all, his greatest concern was the salvation of his own soul. He was a very reserved man, of a wise and sober disposition, whose words were seasoned with salt, which proved on many occasions profitable to those to whom they were spoken. But when he met with men who were like-minded with himself, his conversation on spiritual matters revealed a mind well grounded and of deep discernment in the Word of God. The writer, who spent many a night under his hospitable roof, had many a happy and profitable hour with him alone, at which times he would throw off all reserve and would carry on an enjoyable and pleasant conversation till the early hours of the morning. He was often severely tried by temptations and trials, of which he said nothing to any but to a few of the Lord’s people, but, when he got relief through the Word of God, it could easily be discerned in his countenance. On one of these occasions the late Hector Jack came to his house, and, seeing him cast down, said: “He will come again,” so Finlay’s drooping spirit was revived.
He deplored deeply the departures from the good old paths, and mourned especially over the inconsistency of those in our own Church who manifested any inclination to depart from the scriptural position taken in 1893. He understood well that position, and held to it faithfully to the last. The death of Angus Clunas was a heavy blow to him, for he held him in the highest esteem and affectionate regard as being a man of integrity in the things of God, and a truly pious companion. There was hardly a day allowed to pass without their having a while together to converse about the concerns of their souls, and the affairs connected with the Lord’s cause at home and throughout the world. When this came to an end, Finlay became like the sparrow on the housetop, alone. He had a slight stroke some years since, by which his speech was considerably affected, but not his mental faculties.
He passed away to his everlasting rest on the 21st November, 1919, and Miss MacIver, his sister, who kept house for him, died on the 5th December, fifteen days after him, and their remains lie buried beside those of their kith and kin of past generations in Strathconan burying-ground awaiting the resurrection on the last day.
The writer desires to express his sincere sympathy with each member of the family, and with every one who mourns after Finlay MacIver. N. C.