IN many parts of the visible Church of Christ Jesus in this dark day, those who fear, love and serve Him sincerely are few in number—indeed a little flock. To them the Saviour’s precious and sweet words are addressed, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom,” and they are given the fullness of the blessing of the Kingdom when the gates of death are opened unto them to enter the glory of heaven.
We have good reason to believe that Mr. Bruce inherited this divine promise when he died on Wednesday, the 13th day of July, 1949, at the ripe age of 81 years. He was born in the district of Thrumster, several miles south of Wick, Caithness, on 13th June, 1868; and lived all his days in his native county. He resided at Bruandale for many years, where he died.
Mr. Bruce as a Christian was one who manifested that he relied by a living faith on the glorious Redeemer and His atoning blood for the salvation and comfort of his guilty soul. He walked according to the doctrine of the Gospel of His Lord and Master; and was indeed faithful and most consistent in his attachment to the testimony for Truth on the part of the Free Presbyterian Church. In his private life and as father of a family, he ruled his own house according to the principles and counsels of
* Extract from a Sermon.
God’s Word applicable to parents and family life. The Bible and sound profitable literature were given their own proper places, he himself being a constant and highly intelligent reader. He had a special regard for the Sabbath Day. From our personal knowledge of him as a friend, he was amiable and constant, and during eighteen years of friendship, we cannot recall one instance of anything savouring of unfriendly feeling. Our departed friend was ordained an elder by his former pastor, Rev. Donald Beaton, to whom he was deeply attached. This took place on the 1st of June, 1925, so that he held the office for 25 years. He was capable and most useful in the discharge of his duties, and evidenced a wide and spiritual knowledge of the Scriptures when conducting services in the absence of the minister, services which were always most acceptable to the people. Of course during his latter years he was not fit for such public duties.
The ways of Zion do mourn because of the removal of such men from the earth. May the Lord therefore stir up His people to be more zealous for His glory and the prosperity of the Gospel, and awaken and convert sinners among us to stand in the breaches made by death. We extend our sincere sympathy to Mrs. Bruce, the widow, and each member of the family and other relatives. We commend them to God and the Word of His grace.—R.E.S.