The above was a worthy elder of North Harris congregation, who passed to his eternal rest some time ago. There cannot be the least doubt but John Gillies was a loyal and faithful witness of Jesus Christ, and it is a matter of regret that, as in other cases, not much can be gleaned concerning him from those who knew him most intimately, in order to do justice to the memory of one who was so devoted in furthering the Cause of Christ in his congregation for many years. As the writer only met him occasionally, it is impossible to give a full account of his activities in relation to the Cause, like the old-time obituaries in the Magazine.
He was received as a member in full communion on 13th April, 1912. Twelve years later he was elected Deacon, and having been proved, and obtained to himself a good degree, and great boldness in the faith, ten years later he was elected and ordained to the office of an elder. An old friend of his says that he was brought to some realisation of his state as a lost sinner, in view of eternity, on the occasion of listening to a sermon preached by one of the late ministers in our Church. John Gillies was one of the humble and meek ones, and scarcely ever made any reference whatever to his Christian experiences, even to his most close associates, but that he adorned his profession in walk and conversation in a manner becoming to the Gospel cannot be gainsaid. His devotedness to the witness raised in defence of the Truth of God in 1893, and his loyalty to the Free Presbyterian Church were outstanding features of his character. It was a privilege to be associated with him in church courts, and to have his company at communion seasons, especially on the Friday, when speaking to the Question. He always spoke well to the Question, but in conversation he was of such an unassuming and retired disposition that he had very little to say. He will be missed at communion seasons in the church militant, but we have reason to hope he is now in the church triumphant. Being a victim of asthmatic complaints for years, he had many sufferings in this vale of tears, which are now at an end for ever. His mortal remains were conveyed by a large concourse of friends, who came to pay their last tribute to the dead. The service was conducted by Rev. Malcolm Maesween, M.A., who happened to be in the district. May the Lord bless the sons and daughter and grandchildren who were left to mourn his loss. May they be enabled to follow his footsteps! There was no prayer at the grave, as this practice is frowned on by the Westminster Divines in their Directory of Public Worship, as leading to prayer for the dead. According to the English Churchman of April 3, there was an R.C. prayer for the dead included in the service from Marlborough House Chapel in memory of Queen Mary, an avowed Protestant.—D. J. Macaskill.
Improve the remembrance of those Gospel truths which you have heard from the mouths of your ministers now at rest: their labours were not intended by the Lord only for a present relief to your souls during their speaking, but for afterward. Remember how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast (Rev. iii. 3).—Samuel Petro: 1682.