From the obituaries which have appeared in our Church Magazine since it was first issued in 1896 it is apparent that many of those who cast in their lot with the Free Presbyterian Church in 1893 were men and women of strong conviction and of knowledgeable zeal. It is cause of sorrow that so very few are now left of those who at that time felt constrained to follow Christ through good and evil report. Their places here know them no more for ever. They have been taken home as sheaves of corn fully ripe. “The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart, and merciful men are taken away none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.”
The subject of this notice was born at Wick on 15th February, 1870, and was the eldest daughter of Mr. G. Sutherland, and of Mrs. H. Sutherland, Wick, and a granddaughter of Captain Ross, a man of note among the religious community. An obituary of Mrs. Sutherland appeared in our Church Magazine in January, 1930. Another granddaughter of Captain Ross was the wife of the Rev. Donald Beaton, whose labours as a preacher, as Editor of the two Church Magazines for a considerable time, and as tutor of our students up to the present time, have been very much appreciated. Mrs. Beaton was highly esteemed as a lady of sterling character, and of deep and tested piety, and her death over two years ago was felt keenly by as many as had the privilege of making her acquaintance.
Mrs. Sinclair was the wife of the late Rev. James S. Sinclair, whose death at a comparatively early age took place over thirty years ago. He was a most faithful Messenger of Christ, and has left behind him a name fragrant and precious which will not be forgotten.
It was after her marriage Mrs. Sinclair experienced the deliverance of the Gospel, and it was her own worthy husband the Lord used as an instrument to that end, as the following letter to her daughter shows:—
My Dearest Jessie Johanna,
248 Kenmure Street,
Pollokshields, Glasgow.
We were happy to have your welcome and interesting letter about all our dear friends in Wick and Halkirk. Halkirk holds such sweet memories for me, as it is there, if ever, I got deliverance after years of waiting, through the gospel. It was your beloved father who was preaching. It was a communion time. The leper said, “If thou wilt, thou canst.” Happy, happy time and yet now I am so often in doubt to have ever known the Power of the Gospel. I see when reading, and it gives me some hope, great men having this trial. It is so great that no wonder poor sinners get under unbelief and doubts. However, He hath done all things well for me and mine. But I am still making requests for more favours, not for gold and silver. With fondest love.
Your devoted mother, JESSIE SINCLAIR.
Of the events which led to the formation of the Free Presbyterian Church Mrs. Sinclair had a thorough grasp, and ever since she experienced joy in believing she showed a great interest in the cause of Christ at home and abroad. Nothing grieved her more than the unfaithfulness of some who were looked up to, before and after 1893, as men of truth and integrity. She deeply mourned the prevalent declensions of the times.
From its inception our South African Mission had a very deep interest for her, and since her daughter Annie became the wife of the Rev. John Tallach, who laboured in that mission for over twenty years, her interest by no means decreased. When she was not able to be present at the meetings held in Glasgow in connection with the South African Mission Clothing Fund, she always sent a letter which was full of interest and which was most highly appreciated. Her superior gifts and her intense love to those whom she believed were of the household of faith endeared her to many. The hospitality shown at her home in Pollokshields for a long number of years is gratefully remembered.
For some time she had been in indifferent health but was able to be present at the services in St. Jude’s as recently as last year. Her presence in the House of God was a source of help to the preacher for we believe nothing in this world would give her greater joy than that the Word preached would be blessed to perishing souls.
Her last illness was brief. On Tuesday night the day before she died her daughters, Jessie Johanna and Helen, were attending on her as she lay in bed. While one of her daughters was alone with her, Mrs. Sinclair quoted those words, “The Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to His Temple.” The daughter said to her mother, “Are you not going to stay with us a little longer?” She replied, “It is not looking like it. Don’t mourn for me.” She saw her daughter weeping. Later the following words were repeated to her, “Who thy diseases all and pains doth heal and thee relieve.” She replied, “Many a time He healed me.”
Her family of three sons and six daughters were left fatherless while they were yet young, but the Lord, who is the widow’s stay and the orphan’s help, proved to her the truth of His Word—”Thy maker is thine husband.” All the members of the family were most dutiful to her, but her daughter Helen, who was always with her cared most faithfully for her mother over a period of many years, and we feel assured Miss Sinclair will have no cause of regret on that account. The fifth commandment is as binding to-day as it was at any time, and the promise attached to it will not be left unfulfilled.
After her death the following counsel which was found among her papers shows how intensely interested she was in the eternal salvation of her loved ones:—
248 Kennure Street,
Pollokshields, Glasgow.
I have not wealth or lands to bequeath to my family, but I wish that they may inherit eternal life one and all. Trusting that the God of their fathers will continue to provide and bless them. He has done wonders for us in the past ever since we came to this home nigh upon fifty years. Especially could that be seen after the beloved father and head of the home was removed from us. To each one of my endeared family circle, sons, daughters, grandchildren, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law I would leave the advice: Whose faith follow considering the end of their conversation, Jesus Christ the same yesterday and to-day and for ever. With fond love.
Your devoted mother,
JESSIE SINCLAIR.
It was a very great comfort to her that some of her family had chosen rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. There can be no doubt but it gave her much joy to see her youngest son Robert raised up to take the place of his father—as a preacher of the Gospel and as the Editor of the Free Presbyterian Church Magazine.
On Wednesday, the 26th March, 1952, at her home in Pollokshields, Glasgow, Mrs. Sinclair passed away to be, we believe, for ever with the Lord. She was buried beside her late revered husband in Cathcart Cemetery, Glasgow. To her sorrowing family of three sons and six daughters, and to her sister, Miss Gena Sutherland, we tender our heartfelt sympathy. May they all be “followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”—D. J. M.