JOB complained that the Lord had “broken him with breach upon breach,” and the same in a measure is true of the Stornoway Kirk Session. One after another of their number is being called away by death to their eternal rest. The January number of our Magazine recorded the death of Donald Mackenzie, elder, North Tolsta, and now we have to record the death of Dugald MacIver, who was removed from the Church below to the Church above on 26th March 1922.
Dugald was born 73 years ago, at Grushadder, Laxdale, Stornoway. During the first years of his life he lived “without God and without hope in the world.” It is generally true of those whom the Lord purposes to save that, however far they may walk according to the course of this world, the Spirit strives with them by His Word and providence. This was true in Dugald’s case, for, even in his most careless days, he was often seen retiring to secret places to pray, and never neglected the commendable practice, which we fear is fast dying out, of holding family worship.
He was very reticent in speaking of his own experience, so that we never could ascertain the means used in his conversion. When, however, the change did take place, it was so apparent that no one doubted its reality. He made a public profession, and had a place among the Lord’s people before the Free Presbyterian Church was formed. The sad departures of the pre-Union Free Church from her own distinctive principles, which culminated in the passing of the Declaratory Act, 1892, caused him and others in Lewis much grief, and they determined that they would not be involved in the guilt of such departures. When, therefore, a few formed themselves into a separate congregation, in defence of truth and principle, Dugald heartily associated himself with them. The congregation soon recognised him as a man of sterling piety and character, and in March 1894, he, with Messrs Donald Macleod and Donald Maclean, was elected an Elder. This was the first election of office-bearers in the congregation. He continued a most useful and intelligent member of the Kirk Session until his death. It might be said of him in a measure, as was said of John Knox, “That he feared the face of no man.” He was never afraid to express his mind in what he thought was right. Though of somewhat fiery temper, yet, if proved to be wrong, he was always ready as a Christian and a gentleman to withdraw and apologise.
During the vacancy which occurred in the congregation, when their minister joined the Free Church, Dugald proved a tower of strength in encouraging the people to remain steadfast, and also in often conducting the services with much acceptance. Though not an eloquent speaker, his public services were always acceptable, and comforting to the Lord’s people.
He was much attached to the late John Macdonald and Danie Maciver, elders, and ever since their death (both died the same day), Dugald was never the same. On the day in which these two worthies died, as he was preparing to go to hold worship with Mrs Maciver and family, word came that John Macdonald had died. At first he could not understand what the message conveyed; he was in a measure stunned. When he did realise it, the shock was so great that he never recovered his normal strength. He began gradually to decline, especially his memory, and for the past six years was practically laid aside. While he had lost all interest in worldly affairs, his mind was as active as ever in the Scriptures. Shortly before he died, he was asked was he afraid of death. “Yes,” he replied, “but I am not afraid of the Judgment Seat.” “Mark the perfect and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.” His death has caused a great blank in the congregation, and may the Lord raise up the children instead of the fathers.
To the widow and two daughters who nursed him so lovingly and tenderly during his illness, and to all the members of the family, we tender our sincere sympathies. May the God of her husband and of their father be their God.
N. M.