THE South Harris congregation has suffered a great loss in the death of this worthy deacon, who was deeply imbued with the spirit of his office. He purchased to himself “a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” He looked after the financial affairs of the Church with great care. He was also accustomed to lead the praises of Zion, which he did with much acceptance. His greatest delight was to be in the house of God, and even after his strength had failed, he wanted to get out of bed and go to the meeting. He said to the writer personally that he longed to be away with Christ and singing of the glory of the Saviour. I had the privilege of being at his death-bed many times during the 14 weeks he was ill. Although his voice had become feeble, he would receive new strength when one began to sing at worship. Many of the psalms he had by memory. It was a very happy death-bed. The subject of our sketch was a bright example of a Christian facing death, the king of terrors, without a qualm or a groan. His appearance was quite patriarchal, with his venerable beard and noble features. Not only reconciled to the prospect of death, he was yearning to depart this life and be clothed with immortality, that death might be swallowed up in victory. He was noted as a sage counsellor in the gates of Zion. His advice was greatly respected by his fellow office-bearers in the Church. One of his greatest desires was to see a minister set over the congregation, who would be a faithful shepherd of souls, and would take charge of Christ’s Kingdom in South Harris.
We believe that the holy angels were round about him at his departure to watch over his body, and convey his blessed soul to glory. “Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.”
Angus was a brother of John Macleod who did faithful service for the Church at Strond. They were the sons of an eminent missionary, Allan Macleod, who is buried at Rodil with many other famous saints, including the renowned blacksmith of Harris—Iain Gobha (John Morrison). He was early brought into contact with vital godliness, but seems to have been unimpressed savingly until settled in life. Then his conscience was awakened and he became greatly perturbed about his present state and his eternal destiny. He continued for a time in distress of soul but ultimately experienced the peace of the gospel. The Holy Spirit is thus sovereign in His dealings with the souls of men. Some are prevented from sleep and every comfort until they obtain the Saviour, while others are gently drawn by the loving kindness of the Lord from youth upwards. Everybody doesn’t feel the same terrors of conscience, so that one cannot lay down a hard and fast rule about conviction of sin. To know one is lost is sufficient, although one would not neglect his or her duties in the world and the legitimate comforts of everyday life. Our friend was the last link with a former generation of worthy men and women in Strond. We have great need that the Most High would raise up the children in place of the fathers, who are being taken away to their everlasting rest. Mr. Macleod is survived by his widow, three sons, and one daughter. We hope that the Lord will be to them, according to His promise, a Husband to the widow and a Father to the fatherless in their sore bereavement, and that they will be fellow-heirs with him of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.—D. J. Macaskill.