THE congregation of Oban has cause to mourn the removal by death of Mr Neil Macdonald. He passed to his eternal rest on Monday, the 11th day of June, after a lingering illness, which became intense and rapid in its course during the closing weeks of his life. He was born at Salen, Loch-Sunart, in the year 1867, where his father, who was a mason to trade, happened to have work at the time. When a young man, he became an apprentice joiner with the firm of the late Mr Angus Macdougall, and was afterwards a foreman joiner in that same firm. It is, however, as a follower of the Redeemer in his walk and conversation, and as an elder for a number of years, that we desire to take notice of him here.
We are told that it was through hearing the Word declared in the Oban Church, in the year 1903, that he knew, for the first time, the spiritual liberty of the Gospel, the portion of the truth blessed to him being the discourse of the Saviour to Nicodemus upon the new birth:—”Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” In the course of time he was elected to the office of the eldership, and we are told that in the days of bodily vigour his public exercises were much appreciated. He was during a number of years the superintendent of the Sabbath School, and being, as he was, of a winning Christian disposition, one may well believe that his labour among children was one of love. Through ill-health affecting him so much latterly, he was unwilling to engage in public prayer. He did so on a few occasions, and while it was evident that his memory was much affected by his trouble, it was also evident that the Lord was graciously making His Word precious to him. The following portion, in particular, was present to his mind at a prayer meeting, although unable to recall it fully:—”And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” His removal to the rest that remaineth makes a real blank in the congregation, and in his home. May the Head of the Church graciously raise up witnesses who will show forth His praise! With his mother and his widow and family we sincerely sympathise.
D. A. M’F.