MRS MacCuish, who died on the third of September, 1936, was well known in Harris, Lewis and Uist wherever Free Presbyterian Communions were held. Her house was ever open to anyone that might come to supply Stockinish district, and I can speak from personal experience of her great kindness and consideration. Her days were almost all spent in Harris. She saw many changes and had a varied experience in her wilderness journey. To give a little of that experience that might be helpful to others is the purpose of this notice.
Her family to which she belonged were left first fatherless and then motherless at a very early age. There were two brothers and one sister in the family, and one brother was evidently a God-fearing person. Although educational facilities were not then as they are now, oftentimes the example and instruction of godly neighbours produced most desirable results. This was true in the case of Mrs MacCuish. Even as a young girl she loathed certain sins and prayed much to be kept from them, and she was preserved from them to the end of her journey. Another point that she dwelt much upon was the liveliness exhibited by professing acquaintances, most of whom, if not all of them, were called home before herself. Often did they walk to the means of grace in all kinds of weather. On the return journey they sat in a certain place and ate their pieces. The poor fare outwardly was more than counter-balanced by the inward feast arising from the truths received and their power felt, and then their communications one with another. She was often harassed in her mind and knew much of the spiritual miseries of this life. The fear of being deceived was another matter that deeply concerned her, for she knew that she had a deceitful and desperately wicked heart to contend with. She managed to read her Gaelic Bible although, as has been stated, placed under disadvantages in early life. In endeavouring to make use of the Word the inward ruin, the power of the world, the destructive ability of Satan manifested their opposition. Christ’s righteousness and resignation to His will were among the last words she spoke in this world. She fought a good fight and brought no reproach upon Christ’s cause in this world. She gave good instruction and left a good example to her family. May all these things work towards their eternal welfare!—D. R. MacDonald.