ALEXANDER MACLEAN, the eldest of a large family, was born at Glendale, Skye, in the year 1856. He had the privilege of having godly parents who brought up their children in a Christian manner, and by their own life and conversation set before them an example of how a Christian life should be led. His father, Donald Maclean, was a man who was greatly respected, and during his whole lifetime was noted for his carefulness in word and deed.
Alexander was a good Gaelic scholar. Few could equal him in the reading of God’s Word. He followed the occupation of his father—being a fisherman. He told that on two occasions while at the East Coast, the crew of the boat lost all hope during a storm. No doubt such an incident had an effect on his mind. We are not able to say at what time in his life the change came, but that it did take place was abundantly evident. He had no hesitation in casting in his lot with the Free Presbyterian cause in 1893, and he never regretted nor was ashamed of the stand he took. He was in full membership for thirty-one years and was made an elder some twenty-five years ago.
He was of a very humble and quiet disposition, yet firm as a rock to his own convictions. He took no step unless convinced in his own mind that he was doing the right thing, and he made sure of his ground before acting, with the result that he always adhered to principles that he considered scriptural.
In prayer and in speaking to “the Question” on the Friday at Communion seasons, his simplicity and tenderness drew the hearts of many towards him, as they felt that they were listening to one of whom it could be said:—”Behold an Israelite indeed in whom there is no guile.”
During the greater part of his life he was afflicted with a severe form of stomach trouble, which he bore with Christian patience. This ultimately was the cause of his death. Sorely afflicted as he was, he was very rarely absent from the means of grace until about three months before the end. In the month of
December last he had a bad attack which rendered him unable to go out much. On the Thursday previous to New Year’s night, he was unable to attend the fellowship meeting, but he made an effort to go out on New Year’s Eve, which was his last.
Shortly afterwards he took to his bed, and it was quite obvious to his friends that life was fast ebbing away. Many of the Lord’s people visited him. He was asked by one of the elders on one occasion, if he had any hopes of recovery. “I don’t know,” he replied. “You were never so sick as you are this time,” continued his friend. “Yes,” he answered, “one other time.” “Were you more willing to die then than you are now?” he was asked. “No,” he replied, “I am more willing to die now.” As soon as he uttered these words, the verse beginning with “Happy art thou O Israel,” came with such light and power to his friend that he felt convinced that his dear brother was nearing the borders of the promised land.
Although he suffered pain during the last few weeks, he was so reconciled to the will of the Lord that he was not heard to murmur. His mind was always on the things above, even when his memory failed him. It was very evident that his heart was knit to Christ and to His cause in the world. His mind was always, although in a semi-conscious condition, in the house of God, where, we believe, his soul had tasted time and again of the precious manna of the pure gospel.
His removal causes a deep blank in the congregation of Glendale, where his person, endowed with such sterling qualities as befitting his office, will be long remembered.—M. M.