JOHN MACKAY was born in Hilton on 10th September 1846, and died there on 17th May 1926. The street in which he lived was formerly referred to as the Land of Goshen, because of its God-fearing tenants, but in John’s latter days it was truly seen that he was the last of that host of witnesses.
Not openly wicked in his youth, he, about the age of 40, was first known to be under real concern about eternal realities at the death-bedside of his father-in-law, Hugh Sutherland, elder in the Free Church. The 9th and 25th Psalms were known to be especially dear to John. In his prayers he was very mindful of the King and the legislators of our land, as well as the people of his own village at home and abroad. Though he was unable to read the Word, he could quote with strict accuracy both from the Word of God and from the Shorter Catechism. Staunch and unyielding to error, he was most loving to and tender with the young. His bodily trouble prevented him latterly from travelling long distances to the means of grace, but it was his testimony shortly before his removal that his happiest place on earth was in the House of God. He was present at the Wednesday prayer meeting, and passed away on Monday morning. His presence now is greatly missed.
A. STEWART HUNTER.