THE above mentioned person was an esteemed elder among many who are now at their everlasting rest. In prayer especially he excelled, and also presided at meetings when the occasion demanded it. He was married three times and was attended diligently by his third wife who nursed him to the end. His heart troubled him considerably, so that he had to be conveyed latterly by a car to church. Although some time has elapsed since his death, and no obituary notice appeared about him this was entirely due to the fact that there was no one to take it in hand, and not to any neglect on the part of the Church. It could be truly said about him that he desired the cause of Christ to be advanced, and did all in his power to that end. His utterances in public were weighty and solemn if not copious, but, especially in prayer, his exercises of soul were appreciated and sought after. The weight of godliness was carried by him in his spirit and manner, and not only in his words. He was hospitable and feared God from his youth.
There were few congregations that were favoured with so many outstanding witnesses for Christ in the old Free Church, and even since 1893 there were a goodly number who could speak to “the Question” and engage in public duties. Alas! today their number is sadly decreased as in other places. May the Lord arise and plead the cause that is His own. It refreshes one to call to mind the depth of piety that these old worthies had. When they are taken away the world is all the poorer, as these traded with Heaven and brought down the blessing from the house of Jehovah on others, as well as themselves, as Augustine’s mother Monica plod with Heaven for the conversion of her profligate son until she obtained her heart’s desire. The wrestling spirit at a throne of grace was characteristic of everyone of these men. The world was of little value in their eyes in comparison to the one thing needful. The subject of this account is survived by his wife and a daughter to whom we hope his example will be blessed.—D. MacA.