THIS is now the fifth time within the last thirty-four months that I am called upon to announce the demise of a very dear one. The excellent and beloved wife, the three dear and promising daughters in peace at home, and the brave and good son in war abroad (Donald fell at the siege of Sebastopol in 1855, at the age of 19 years), having in that short space been removed from me. Sore bereavements, indeed, but my dear Lord enables me to bear all wonderfully. He took them clean through life, and in death He made them more than conquerors.
Having already given an account of the last illness and comfortable dying hours of the others, I now offer to attempt giving you the following in the case of my good Mary Ann—a rich and rare monument of divine grace. My regret is that it has not fallen to the lot of an abler hand to describe and declare such a remarkable instance of redeeming love. However, what I say is true, the Lord knoweth. As you are aware, although naturally a healthy and cheerful girl, her health was gradually declining for some time back. Being of a loving temper, the repeated and sore trials we have had weighed heavily upon her. With sorrow I was observing this, but was cherishing the fond hope that, by the blessing of God upon careful attention, she might regain her usual good health. The All-Wise Being, however, had otherwise determined. To use her own words, which she often uttered during her last days, “He loved her too much to leave her long in the wilderness.”
Since Jessie’s death, who, as you know, was called home exactly seven weeks before her, she sank rapidly; but was up every day except the last eighteen. She herself was fully aware of her state, more so than I was, though anxious enough. On Wednesday, the 29th of
* It was the dying request of Miss Jessie Russell, Inverness, that this little booklet should be printed in the Magazine, but owing to it having gone amissing, it was only recently found by the kind friend who so tenderly nursed Miss Russell in her last days, and in obedience to the dying wish of that saintly follower of the Lord, we reprint the booklet with a few omissions. The author of the tractate was the father of the young woman whose experiences are described.—Editor.
April last, as I was sitting alone, much wearied in mind and body, having travelled a good deal the day before, she, in her usual sweet and smiling manner, came and sat right before me, and with a solemnity and composure which I shall never forget, and which nothing but a Gospel hope could impart, freely disclosed her mind, and gave it as her assured persuasion that her sojourn also was now nigh over, at the same time comforting me by the assurance that, although she had as much happiness here as she could wish for, nevertheless her chief desire was to depart and to be with Christ. At the same time also she, being the only managing person about me, gave such directions about this and that as might do honour to the attainments of an aged and confirmed disciple. For a week afterwards she continued to rise, until Wednesday, the 6th of May, when she got so ill that it was necessary for her to keep her bed. As the servant girl was on that day removing some things out of the way, she, observing her new mourning bonnet and frock carried past, said, with a broad smile, and with holy fire in her eyes, which she fixed on me, “I shall never more see these; but will soon and for ever wear a crown of glory, and the white robe secured for me in my lovely Jesus from all eternity. Oh, I long to be with Him!”
From this time until her departure her soul was one burning flame of desire—first, to get home to the full enjoyment of her Lord; and next, that all mankind might partake of the love of Jesus—the name by which she most frequently named her beloved Saviour. Of this there are many living witnesses, for all the country, from the highest to the lowest, visited her. The clergymen of the parish, both Established and Free, were very assiduous in their attention, and witnessed to the mighty power of Divine grace as manifested in her case. All who saw her, and whose testimony is worth the having, declare that they “never saw it on this fashion.” It was not blind enthusiasm: she knew in whom she believed; all her hope and joy emanated from the Bible Saviour, who, as she often said to herself, loved her, and gave Himself for her, and who gave her such special and sensible manifestations of His love. Often from a reverie, with uplifted hands and eyes fixed heavenwards, would she break out in raptures such as these—”Oh, love of heaven! who can but love Thee; art Thou not altogether lovely? I love Thee, sweet Jesus, and I know Thou lovest me with an everlasting love. I long to see Thee and enjoy Thee in Thy glory. Come, Oh, come and take me home, for I cannot live but in Thy presence!”
Although she derived much help and comfort from other sources, yet in the Bible lay all her well-springs. One evening, as I sat beside her at worship, I read the 45th Psalm in metre. This I did in course, not intentionally. During the reading of the Psalm she appeared to have fallen into a sweet slumber, which continued until all was over, when she opened her eyes, and beckoned as if wishful to speak to me. When I bowed my ear to her, she said, with the ever happy smile, “Yon is the way I’ll go home.” I asked, “What way?” “The way,” said she, “you sang. Do turn it up and read it again.” I did so, as it is contained in the 13th, 14th, and 15th verses, and to give you an idea of the effect it had upon her is more than tongue or pen can describe. This was the last passage she committed to memory, and a sweet morsel it was to her to the end.
Notes and Comments.
Coquetting with the Mother of Harlots.—In another part of this issue we print part of an extraordinary letter by the Archbishop of Canterbury in reference to the conferences which have been held at Malines. These conferences took place with the full knowledge and approval of the ecclesiastical head of the Church of England, and also of Pope Pius. Perhaps it is as well that the public should know where the false charity of modern times and the unaccountable mania for outward ecclesiastical union are heading. This spurious charity is reflected in the attitude of the press generally to these conferences, and in the utterances of many of the bishops and other dignitaries of the Church of England. Some of the Irish bishops have strongly protested. The Solicitor-General (Sir Thomas Inskip) has also indicated his strong disapproval of the Archbishop’s action. Quite a number of the leading Non-Conformists have been smitten with modern charity, among them the Rev. Dinsdale T. Young, of whom some expected better things from the loud profession he makes. He thinks the whole affair is a magnificent gesture, and the spirit of it should be encouraged.
Honouring the False Prophet.—The “Bible Witness” calls attention to a report of a meeting in the “Daily Post” (Bangalore, India) held to commemorate Mohammed’s birthday. A company of 500 gathered, presided over by the Rev. A. R. Fuller, B.A. Speeches laudatory of the founder of Islam were delivered, and hymns were sung in his praise. The proceedings ended
with a short speech by the chairman, Mr Fuller, who is Principal of the Wesleyan Collegiate High School, and Hon. Secretary of the Bible Society, Bangalore. It would appear that many of the professed servants of the Lord Jesus are never more in their element than when they are dishonouring Him while paying honour to His enemies—the Man of Sin and the False Prophet.
A Wise Decision.—The management of the British Empire Exhibition, which is to be opened in April, have announced that it will be closed on the Lord’s Day. There has been a great outcry on the part of anti-Sabbatarians on this announcement, and a number of the leading dailies are using their influence to have it reversed. Up to the time of writing this note they have not been successful, and according to Sir Henry McMahon, chairman of the board of management, a special Act of Parliament would be required to enable the board to open the Exhibition on the Sabbath and charge for admission. We trust the new Parliament will have more useful and necessary work on hand than framing such an Act.
Church Notes.
Communions.—February—First Sabbath, Dingwall; second, Breasclete; third, Stornoway. March—First Sabbath, Ullapool; second, Portree; fourth, Kinlochbervie. April—First Sabbath, Stoer; fourth, St Jude’s, Glasgow (Jane Street, Blythswood Square), and Wick.
Letter from Rev. J. B. Radasi.—The Rev. N. Cameron, Convener of the Foreign Mission Committee, has forwarded a letter from Mr Radasi with the gratifying news that he has so far recovered that his medical attendant at Johannesburg had given him permission to return to Bembesi. Mr Radasi speaks of the kindness shown to him in the hospital, and concludes by saying:—”I feel better now, and I thank you and the Lord’s people who have been praying for my recovery. It was very kind of you all.”
Deputy to Canada.—The Rev. Murdo Morrison, Lochinver, has consented to go to Canada this year as the Church’s deputy. He will probably sail about the beginning of May. As the field is new to Mr Morrison, the Convener of the Canadian Mission Committee (Rev. D. Beaton, Wick) would be pleased to have communications from those who wish to have services in places not
visited by the Church’s deputies, so that arrangements could be made before Mr Morrison sails. More definite information will be given in future issues.
Day of Humiliation and Prayer.—The Presbyteries have decided that the 5th or 6th day of March (which-ever day is most suitable to congregations) should be set apart by our congregations as a day of Humiliation, in view of the present state of the country, and as a day of Prayer that God would raise up faithful men in Church and State that would set the interests of His Kingdom first.
Obituaries.—It is with deep regret we record the death of two of our elders—Mr Lachlan Macpherson, Portree, and Mr Donald Murray, Rogart. Fuller notices will appear, God willing, in a later issue.
Acknowledgment of Donations.
Alexander Macgillivray, General Treasurer, Woodbine Cottage, Glen-Urquhart Road, Inverness, acknowledges, with grateful thanks, the following donations up to the 7th January.
SUSTENTATION FUND.—A. M. L., Tomich, 3s; D. Cameron, Pine View, Carr-Bridge, £1.
JEWISH AND FOREIGN MISSIONS.—C. N. (in Memory of the late Mr Tallach, Missionary), for Catechisms for Bembesi School (3s), and for Prize to best English reader (2s), 5s; Mr A. M., of Dornoch, £2, per Mr W. Grant.
The following lists have been sent for publication:—
EDINBURGH CHURCH PURCHASE FUND.—Mr Maclean, 16 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh, begs to acknowledge, with sincere thanks, the following donations:—Anon, 20s; Miss Fraser, Quinish, Dervaig, Mull, in loving memory of our dear Mother, M. F., 20s; Miss Elizabeth Munro, 1 dollar; Mr John Munro, 1 dollar; Mrs Munro, 5 dollars—all of 54 Metcalf Street, Simcoe, Ontario, Canada; A. M., Gourock, 20s; per D. J. Matheson, student, London—A Free Presbyterian, 4s; per Rev. Neil Cameron—Mr Charles Gillies, Lochgilphead, 40s; per Mr James Mackay—Friend, 5s; Friend, 20s; Seafaring Friend, 20s; per Rev. N. Macintyre—Mrs Moffat, Glenelg, 10s; A Friend, 20s.
GLENDALE CHURCH BUILDING FUND.—Mr Murdo Macaskill, treasurer, begs to acknowledge, with thanks, the following donations:—Per Rev. James Macleod—Mr A. Mackenzie, Stornoway, 20s; Mrs McG., Oban, 20s; Free Presbyterian, Gairloch, 7s 6d.
CLYDEBANK BUILDING FUND.—James Nicolson, 58 Second Avenue, acknowledges with sincere thanks the following donations:—’C. N.’ (Kyle Post Mark), in Memory of Captain Macdonald, 17s; M. Macleod, South Arnish, Raasay, 5s 9d; Mr F. Maclellan, Toronto, Canada, 2 dollars; Old Schoolmate, 60s; Mrs Mackenzie, Second Avenue, Clydebank, Collecting card—Friends Gairloch, 22s; Friends Glasgow, 13s; Mrs Mackenzie, Second Avenue, Clydebank, Collecting card—Per Miss Maclean, North Uist, 30s; Mrs Macdonald, 12 Hill Street, Clydebank, 16s. Rev. N. Cameron acknowledges, with sincere thanks, £1 from Friend, Partick.
KAFIR BIBLES.—Per Rev. N. Cameron—Friend, Lochcarron (last July), 20s; Mrs Kerr, Fairlie, 6s.
STORNOWAY SUSTENTATION FUND.—The Treasurer acknowledges, with thanks, the sum of £5 towards the Sustentation Fund from John Bain, Esq., banker, Chicago, U.S.A., per Mrs Bain, Englewood, Stornoway.
TARBERT (HARRIS) MANSE REPAIRS FUND.—Mr Norman Mackinnon, Treasurer, acknowledges, with sincere thanks, the following donations:—Per Rev. D. N. Macleod—Anon., Skye, 10s; William Macangus, Fearn, 10s; per Mr Macgillivray, General Treasurer—Misses Fraser, St Giles, Kingussie, 20s.