Since the stand on the side of the Truth, in 1893, the Lord favoured our dear Church with men and women who loved the Saviour, and had a single eye to the glory of God. The subject of this short obituary was one of those, no doubt.
He was born in Rona, in 1884. He lost his father at the tender age of ten years; nevertheless, he found the Lord true to His promise, “A father to the fatherless” Psalm 68-5. He had a vivid recollection of life in Rona both temporally and spiritually. As regards the latter, he often spoke of how the Sabbath was adhered to, and how well people respected the Gospel, and those who professed godliness, especially the high esteem in which they held Alexander MacLennan, their Catechist. It was not however until later on in life that the great change took place; thus the Holy Ghost convincing him of his sins, and the bitterness of having sinned against the God of all the earth. It pleased the Lord to leave him for a while under the heavy burden of sin and its guilt at times he would be almost driven to the verge of despair. But the God who said, “And I will bring the third part through the fire and will refine them as silver is refined,” graciously heard his supplication while listening to the late Rev. N. MacIntyre, Edinburgh, when the peace of God which passeth all understanding flowed spontaneously into his soul; thus his bonds were loosed, and David like, could say, “my sackcloth loosed and girded me with gladness.” (Psalm 30-11).
Shortly after this he made a public profession which he held fast without wavering to the end.
The Synod appointed him a Missionary, and his services in that capacity were highly appreciated in the Raasay Congregation. Although in somewhat delicate health, he would often walk three miles to the Torran Church to hold services. The last few Sabbaths he attended Church he told the writer that the language of the Church in the forty fifth psalm was his daily companion, viz.; “they shall be brought with gladness great and mirth on ev’ry side, Into the palace of the King, and there they shall abide.” Psalm 45-15.
On the 23rd day of July our friend was taken to that heavenly palace to be forever with the Lord. To his widow and all relatives we extend our unfeigned sympathy, and may they also be made heirs of the Kingdom of God.
John A. Macdonald.