WE regret to have to record the death of one of our outstanding office-bearers in the Free Presbyterian congregation of North Uist. Archy M’Lean was born at Dougharry 76 years ago, and died on 26th January last. He was like the rest of Adam’s race till he was twenty-four years of age. It was at the time his godly brother, Alexander, who, in a small boat with a few others, was drowned not more than two or three hundred yards from his own home. Archy at this time began to think of how he would stand in the presence of God if he had been taken before the judgment seat, and while thus thinking he was so deeply touched that he fainted. Ever after that his ruined soul and his sinful state took up all his thoughts. His godly brother always had family worship, morning and night, and Archy would often, after his brother had been drowned, say to himself, “What am I to do?” and at last he resolved to follow his brother’s example. Some time after this he became a communicant in the Free Church, Paible, and shortly afterwards he was ordained an elder in that congregation. In 1893, when the stand for truth had to be made, he was glad that a great number of godly people stood for the infallibly inspired word of God, and he at once cast in his lot with the Free Presbyterians who were then forming a congregation at Bayhead. Mr. M’Lean was about the first to join that congregation, and remained an outstanding elder till his death. He would not turn his coat for any reason, but stood till the last faithful to the cause. His last words were:—”They have killed me; I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day.” We express our sincere sympathy with his widow, sons, and daughters. May the Lord be the stay of his family.
J. M.
THE power of God, considered as exerted in and for His believing people, becomes a gracious medium of their present and eternal felicity. But that same adorable attribute, when set in array against reprobate angels and men, burns as a fire which none can quench. Who knoweth the power of Thy wrath? And O! how irresistibly will that power be made manifest, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that believe not the gospel.—Toplady.