MRS. MACIVER was born in the Parish of Barvas, Island of Lewis, in 1858 and was into her 86th year when she passed to her eternal rest in 1944.
She was about sixteen years of age when brought to a knowledge of the truth. That meant that she knew herself to be a lost sinner and that in Christ alone there was hope for her. She looked to Him by faith and found rest for her soul. From that time on she lived in accordance with
the precepts of the Gospel and walked by faith in her Gracious and Almighty Saviour who became precious to her and in whom alone she trusted for salvation.
She lived for several years in Lochcarron where her husband the late Sergeant John Maciver of the Ross-shire Constabulary was stationed for a time and there, when the Free Presbyterian Church was formed in 1893 she cast in her lot with it realizing that it was standing for a whole Bible, sound doctrine, and the constitution of the Free Church as established in 1843.
From Lochcarron her husband was transferred to Kyle-of-Lochalsh and she became well known to our people there and to that eminently godly woman Isabel Murchison, Drumbuie, with whom she had fellowship in the Gospel and from whom she would have heard many edifying statements.
On one occasion she walked from Kyle to Lochcarron and back on a communion Sabbath a distance probably of twenty-four miles and would consider the Gospel feast awaiting her worth the fatigue of the journey. In those days there were neither cars nor buses and many showed their love for the Gospel by walking long distances to hear it.
After leaving Kyle she lived for several years in her Native Parish of Barvas, Lewis, and the Police Station being situated midway between Stornoway and Ness she had opportunities of showing hospitality to ministers and others going to and from Ness communion twice yearly.
She had many trials but found comfort and support in the precious promises of her Saviour who helped her in her distresses.
Like many others she had to face several bereavements in the Great War of 1914-18 losing two of her sons. But she, we may well believe, submitted to the Lord’s will and recognized that the rod of affliction was beneficial.
As long as her health permitted she was usually at the various communions held throughout our congregations in Lewis and found them refreshing to her soul. She enjoyed meeting those who were like minded with herself in the things of God.
Her strength began to fail some years before her death and after a weak turn when she would recover consciousness she would say, “What a blessing it is that it is His grip on us that counts. We are such frail creatures. Let Christ get a grip on you when you are young. Nothing else matters in this world.”
The following are notes she seemed to have heard at Stornoway communion. On one occasion the minister who presided at the Friday fellowship meeting made a statement somewhat like this:—”Remember now that the Miller’s boy likes to put his hand in all the bags.” The first man called said, “There are places into which the Miller’s boy cannot put his hand. First, a soul in distress seeking Christ and cannot see his way to find Him and second, a soul getting Christ and giving Him all the glory.” The Miller’s boy was, of course, Self-righteousness.
Another note was, “Christ’s lambs are like the natural lambs. Once a lamb was lost and after two years it returned and was so changed that its owner did not know it. The other sheep were at first afraid of it as it had the fleece of two years on its back. When it came close to its old
friends and they smelt its breath they knew it was one of themselves.” The Lord’s people like to be together and know each other by spiritual marks. They speak the language of Canaan.
Mrs. Maciver’s natural qualities were enhanced by grace and having a retentive memory she could impart instruction by her observations or anecdotes about worthy persons she knew or had heard about. In her early days there were many godly men and women in Lewis as well as great Gospel preachers like “MacRath Mór”—Rev. John Macrae, and Rev. Mr. Macbeth, Ness.
Our desire for the surviving members of her family is that they would be enabled by grace to follow her example and to put their trust in the glorious Redeemer in whom her hope was and with whom, we believe, she now is.—D. M. M.