THE passing away to his rest of the late Mr. Kenneth Matheson came as a shock both to the godly and to worldly men. Even those who had no sympathy with his views and manner of life felt stunned by the removal of one whom they respected, although he was as a thorn in their flesh. The godly lament the breach made in the ranks of the army of the Saviour, through the death of this devoted servant of his Master. Kenneth Matheson was a native of the Island of Tanera, Lochbroom. He was born over sixty years ago. His father was John Matheson, a man who feared the Lord above many in his day. The family belonged originally to Skye, the father of John, Dugald by name, having come from Sligachan to serve under Macdonald of the Isles, who had at that time a house in Tanera. Dugald Matheson became an elder in the Coigach congregation in his day, and in later days, both John and William, his sons, became elders in the congregation. When the people of Tanera could not come to the mainland on the Lord’s Day, John or William held meetings on the island. We understand that William Matheson was better known than John, and perhaps was not of such a reserved disposition. One of the ministers who was highly esteemed in Coigach was Mr. Finlayson, who died in N.S.W., Australia. Both William and John were elders before 1893. One of the sons of John, who had a large family, was Murdo by name. He held bursaries at Aberdeen University, but was removed by death at the age of twenty-one years. He was evidently a student of great promise. One of his addresses, entitled, “At Jesus’ feet” lies before us as we pen these lines. Kenneth, the subject of our notice, was sent as a young man to Stornoway to learn the grocery trade in the business of the late Alexander Maciver, Elder, there, who died some years ago. He, thereafter, was engaged in travelling in connection with the trade in different places until eventually he settled in Dingwall, where he lived until his passing-away.
We regret our inability to give any definite account of how he got the relief of the gospel, beyond the fact that it was during his stay in Harris that the Lord blessed him with convincing and regenerating grace. He was at that period greatly confirmed and refreshed in soul by a sermon of the late Rev. Neil Cameron. One could see by his reference to the sermon how he must have felt his own experience tallying with the statements made in the sermon. It deserves to be recorded of him that he was a most patriotic man. He served as a soldier during the First World War. Mockery in the army on account of his religious fidelity did not lessen his zeal for the wellbeing of his country and the cause of righteousness nationally. On one occasion, while in the army, he was giving thanks at food. On opening his eyes, he had before him an empty plate. The food had been stolen while Kenneth was praying. When the next meal-time came, Kenneth placed his two hands on his food, and then besought the divine blessing. On another occasion, they were ordered to the ranges on a Sabbath Day to test a new weapon. He refused to go. On being called before an officer, he explained that they had ample time on the Saturday afternoon, or on other days, to test the weapon, that it was neither a work of necessity nor of mercy to be so occupied on the Lord’s Day. The officer dismissed him and told him the rule in the Army was first Obey then Complain. No fault was found with him. As he was in the army, seeking to live according to the Word of God, so he was throughout life.
Reference falls to be made to his loving labours, in season and out of season, for the furtherance of the Kingdom of Christ. His heart was engrossed in declaring the gospel of grace to his fellow sinners. Had his two sons not been called up for war-service, he would very probably have left the business completely in their hands to devote himself to missionary duties. He was most acceptable in his labours both in the way of Sabbath services and the exercises of Fellowship Meetings. He was an experienced believer, and, as far as we may give an opinion, was specially edifying in expressing the yearnings and soul-breathings of the children of God. He was well-known throughout the F.P. Church, having probably visited the most of the congregations and mission-stations. He was conscientiously and intelligently attached to the Church position taken up by the late Mr. Macfarlane and others in 1893, when Mr. Macfarlane effected his separation from the Declaratory Act Free Church. He loved the Shorter Catechism. Not a few copies of this document, with copies of gospel Tracts, were distributed by him, or found their way into parcels of groceries. With his sorrowing widow, he kept an open house for friends of the cause of Christ. He frequently was the representative Presbytery and Synod Elder, and discharged his duties faithfully.
While the closing illness took a rapid course, it is evident that disease was getting a deepening hold for a considerable period before the collapse. He frequently complained of pain, and yet was averse to seek medical aid. All that surgical skill could do was done, but it proved to be too late. His life came to its close very early on the morning of the twenty-eighth day of August. A few hours before the end, we had the solemn privilege of conducting worship briefly with him, reading a few of the concluding verses of the eighth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans. We learn that, before the end, his mind was exercised with such portions as I. John, i. 7; Ps. lvii. 3; and Ps. lxxx. 17. We take this occasion to thank Mr. John Grant, Inverness, for all he did before the end, and on the day of his death, to help the sorrowing widow and relatives. We offer our deep sympathy to the widow, to the daughter, Mrs. Macaskill, Lochinver, and to the two sons, who were both abroad on war service at the time. A very large gathering from the town and many districts gathered to pay their last respects to his memory. His remains lie buried in Mitchell Hill Cemetery. All the ministers of his Presbytery were able to be present,—also Rev. James MacLeod, Greenock. Rev. D. Beaton was unavoidably absent,—also Rev. N. MacIntyre and Rev. M. Gillies, who were on their way, but detained through a train accident.
Henceforth there is laid up for our brother-elder and fellow labourer the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give him at that day, and not to him only, but unto all those who love His appearing.—D. A. MacF.