WE regret the delay in writing this obituary as it took some time to get the details we now give, and after all they are not so full as we could wish. The departure of God’s people is a distinct loss to the cause of Christ, and while we have reason to mourn their removal we would seek to acquiesce in the sovereign will of the Lord, who can raise up others to serve Him in their day and generation.
The late Mr Alexander Matheson was born in the Parish of Portree about the year 1856, and in early life came under the influence of the Gospel. It seems that he was led to the Saviour through the preaching of the late Rev. Mr Graham, at one time minister of the Free Church, Sleat, Skye, and soon afterwards he was ordained a deacon in the Free Church congregation of Portree. When it became necessary to witness against the heresies that began in the Free Church he threw in his lot with those who formed the Free Presbyterian Church in 1893, and to the end continued unswervingly faithful to the position then taken up. As an elder he was associated with the late Mr Neil Mackinnon in looking after the affairs of the Free Presbyterian congregation, Portree. For Mr Mackinnon he had the greatest regard, and they worked harmoniously together. In various places Alexander Matheson acted with much acceptance as missionary, and he was highly respected as a man and Christian by all who knew him.
He was naturally of a quiet and gentle disposition, thinking little of himself and manifesting true Christian humility always in his conduct. As a lost sinner he was led to Christ and realised that salvation is altogether of grace. He knew the working of the carnal mind and the corrupt nature within, this knowledge causing him to look to the precious blood of Christ alone for deliverance from the power and guilt of sin.
His end was beautiful. When he finished the funeral service of the late Mrs Macpherson, Borve, he was called, we believe, to join the worshippers surrounding the heavenly throne above. Our loss is his gain, and his removal is a great blank in the Portree congregation. May the Lord raise up others likeminded to witness for him in this dark and cloudy day!—D. M. M.