God is removing his people to their eternal rest throughout the Church, and that is a call to earnest prayer that He would raise up faithful witnesses to take their place.
Mr. MacSween, who was born at Strond, Harris, on the 12th July, 1872, passed to his eternal rest on the 6th August, 1949. Both his parents feared the Lord, and his father, Malcolm MacSween, was an elder in the Free Presbyterian congregation, South Harris, for some time. When very young he may have been influenced by the teaching of that great and godly man—John Morrison, the Harris blacksmith and Christian poet. Many, we believe, were brought to a saving knowledge of the truth through his ministrations. The beautiful poems on gracious experience and Gospel doctrines have edified and comforted those who have read them with spiritual understanding. Being reared in a Christian home, our friend would have heard of John Morrison’s sayings, and that along with the godly example of his parents, would no doubt lead him to think of his soul’s salvation. But it is the Holy Spirit alone who can enlighten sinners, and in early manhood He began to bring Mr. MacSween under soul concern. After some time under conviction of sin, he received Gospel liberty towards the end of the year 1904, just after the death of his father; the portion of Scripture which loosened his bonds being Isaiah liv, 10: “For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed; saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.” He used to speak of this time as a time of love.
After his marriage in 1902, he came later on to reside in Portree, whence he proceeded to Raasay in the prosecution of his trade of stonemason in the year 1910.
In August, 1911, he became a member in full communion in Portree congregation, and in 1915 he was asked by the Raasay Kirk Session to assist the late worthy and faithful Mr. Andrew Tallach, Missionary. From that time he began to take public services. Ordained an elder in the Raasay congregation in November, 1922, he was later on appointed part-time Missionary at Raasay.
When it was decided to build a new church there, he took the contract, and the present comfortable and commodious place of worship is a testimony to his skill as a builder.
In 1937 he retired and came to reside at Stein, Waternish. Latterly he resided with his son, Rev. M. MacSween, in Bracadale, where he continued to give valued assistance till his death. On his own initiative he greatly improved the surroundings of the Manse in Portnalong, spending time and labour on the work without charge, thus showing his unselfishness and practical interest in the welfare of the congregation.
He had his own share of trials and sorrows, being predeceased by his wife and three daughters. These afflictions he bore with great fortitude and submission to the Lord’s will. They would have helped him to sit more and more loosely to the things of this world.
Mr. MacSween was gifted with a clear, musical voice and was a splendid precentor. On different occasions he led the praise at Communion services in Portree with great acceptance.
Knowing himself as a lost and ruined sinner by nature, and realising that only grace could save him, he walked humbly with God. Conscientious in all things, he abhorred what was evil and sought to do that which would be for the honour and glory of his Saviour.
His public and private exercises were edifying, and during his last illness he was much engaged in praising the Lord, showing that he was of the same spirit as the sweet Psalmist of Israel. At the same time he was impressed with the low condition into which sin had brought the soul of man and with the awfulness of going to a Christless eternity. The following Scriptures were often quoted by him:—Lamentations iii, 39: “Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?” Philippians iv, 19: “But my God shall supply all your need,” etc.; Psalm cxli, 3: “What is man that thou art mindful of him?” and very often Psalm xxi, 6: “For thou hast made Him most blessed for ever: Thou hast made Him exceeding glad with thy countenance.” He was particularly happy with this portion.
Two nights before his death he sang the first three verses of Psalm 23 in Gaelic, precenting the lines very sweetly. At the end of verse 3 he said, “And so on, there is no end to it.” On the morning he died, he called twice on the name of the Lord, and peacefully entered into rest, and the joy of his Lord.
To his son, daughter-in-law, and other relations, we extend our deepest sympathy in their heavy loss, and may the God of all consolation be with them and comfort them in their sorrow.—D. M. M.
The water of the saint’s failings cast on the fire of God’s love cannot quench it. “Whom He loves, He loves unto the end.”—Gurnall.