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Home » Publications » Free Presbyterian Magazine » 1956 » December 1956 » Literary Reviews

Literary Reviews

Ministers and Men in the Far North.—This book was written by the late Rev. Alexander Auld, minister in the Free Church, at Olrig, Caithness. Two editions were published by Mr. Auld himself, the second being in 1891. And now a new and third edition has just been published, October, 1956, by the Publications Committee of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. The printers are N. Adshead and Son, Ltd., 13 Dundas Place, Glasgow, C.1, and they have produced an excellent copy of this book of 300 pages. The type is large and black, and easily read, and the paper and binding are of the best quality. As to the contents of this book, Mr. Auld has left on record a great deal of information about eminent and pious ministers and many godly men and women who resided in the Northern Counties of Caithness and Sutherland, especially Caithness. He writes of the Rev. Alexander Gunn of Watten, who died in 1836, and of his powerful gospel ministry in that parish. There are also attractive and savoury sketches of Revs. Finlay and Archibald Cook who ministered in Reay and Bruan respectively while in Caithness. And much interesting material is recorded regarding the spiritually minded Rev. John Munro, Halkirk, who died in 1847. Of him it is recorded that Sir George Sinclair sent him word that he could not follow him in joining the Free Church at the disruption. “Tell Sir George,” Mr. Munro replied, “that I am going to heaven, and let him be sure to follow me there.” There are pen pictures of nearly sixty of the pious and prominent men of those times of gospel and spiritual warmth. James MacDonald, father of the “Apostle of the North” (Dr. MacDonald) and Alexander Gair or Sandy Gair as he was called, are among those whose memory Mr. Auld keeps alive. An unorthodox minister of the times said to Sandy Gair, “How dare you expound Scripture who never studied the original tongues!” His reply was, “How dare you do so, who never studied original sin!” Then the names of godfearing women of those days, such as Mrs. MacKay, better known as Peggy McDiarmid, appear in this informative volume. There are also sermons and letters from some of the ministers and men. Indeed, this book provides a most varied, spiritual, and engrossing account of members of the living Church of our Lord Jesus Christ in days past, in these northern parts of Scotland. Those interested in such reading should not fail to buy a copy; and this book will make an excellent gift to give to any friend. It is 8/6 per copy, postage 9d. extra. U.S.A. and Canada 1 dollar 50 cents per copy, post free. Obtainable from Mr. John Grant, 4 Millburn Road, Inverness.

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