HERE we have no continuing city. The truth of this is brought forcibly home to us as we witness our members called, one after another, to the better country. During the past few years we have been called to mourn the departure of three persons of long-standing and gracious experience. We feel that something, however small, should be placed on record for the praise of the Lord’s grace, as well as, for the benefit of their relations and friends. For the most part, they were unknown beyond their native island.
Mrs. Mackenzie, Glen, Tarbert.
Mrs. Mackenzie, Glen, Tarbert, was the daughter of Neil Morrison who composed a poem in praise of John Morrison, the famous religious poet of Harris. The divinity appearing in John Morrison’s works appealed very much to her; and it gave her great pleasure to share these books with her less-favoured friends.
For a number of years, in the providence of the Most High, she was confined to her bed; yet she was able to read her Bible and other good books. There was another great mercy in her lot; for, her son Norman with commendable affection and unremitting care attended to her bodily wants during the long years of her illness. Doubtless, many prayers ascended on his behalf and on behalf of the other members of her family.
She seemed to be politeness itself. Gratitude and humility, plants of heavenly origin, seemed to be very conspicuous in her character. One felt that if the Lord did not give her many left hand blessings, He evidently gave her many right hand blessings.
She is gone; but her descendants are still here. Sons, daughters, grandchildren, would do well to lay to heart, the stand she made, the life she lived, and that they continue the witness, “Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.”
John Mackinnon, Deacon.
John Mackinnon, Deacon, lived many years without God and without hope in the world. During those years, the Lord’s Day, the preached Gospel and godly living were of little account in his estimation. Often did he express in prayer his regret for this and warned others whom he well knew to be as carnally minded as he had been himself. He never learned to read but a good memory enabled him to retain much of what he heard read. His exercises in public showed much concern for his native parish.
The late Mrs. MacDonald, widow of the late T. MacDonald, postman, Kyles, Tarbert.
The late Mrs. MacDonald, widow of the late T. MacDonald, postman, Kyles, Tarbert, deserves, we think, to be remembered for several reasons. She was a member in the Free Church before the passing of the infamous Declaratory Act. Time revealed that the Act intended to heal the breaches, instead of healing, made more. Her father’s home was a considerable distance from the Church; but, nothing daunted, she often walked what seems a long distance now. The distance would be less felt for more than one reason in those days. One concludes that for many years she was the oldest professing female member on our Roll. Being very reserved, it was impossible to know much of her spiritual experiences. As far as we could ascertain she had no delight in dwelling on the sins of other people; her own sins troubled her more.
Her descendants are here and elsewhere. They all are going to an endless eternity. It behoves them to consider the end of her life and conversation, repentance towards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
—D. R. M.