by Rev. John A. Macdonald, Fort William
What infinite condescension and kindness on the Lord’s part it is to prolong the succession of His beloved saints in this vale of tears generation after generation. They are “the salt of the earth and the light of the world”. Were God to gather them all to Himself, our cities and towns today would be like Sodom and Gomorrah. “Except the Lord of Hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.” Isa. 1:9. Yes, God did promise that the meek “shall inherit the earth”. Matt. 5:5. Nevertheless, when they have completed their labours here that wonderful intercession is heard in heaven: “Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given me, be with me where I am.”
Naturally, we bemoan their absence from our midst, from the pew and from the lectern, as well as from our pulpits where they declared to us with no uncertain sound the pure doctrine of God’s Word in its entirety. Oh, no! they are not forgotten, nor are their labours of love forgotten as Satan would desire. It is written: “The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance”. Ps. 112:6. Because of this, let us record a few things about some of them. The sweet remembrance of those about whom I purpose to write is still fresh and fragrant in our dear Church. Many are yet spared who still relish what they gleaned under their heart-melting preaching.
We often heard related what a deep and lasting impression a sermon of the late Rev. James MacLeod, Glendale (as he was then) made on young and old the day he declared the Tarbert, Harris, church vacant after the revered servant of the Lord, the late Rev. D. N. MacLeod, was translated to the Ullapool congregation. He spoke from the words: “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because He fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd”. Matth. 9:36. “Now, people of Harris”, he said, “be of good cheer, for God will provide a pastor for you. I am thinking just now of the reply Abraham gave to Isaac that memorable day when he said: “My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering.” Gen. 22:7. The Lord did provide. In the person of the Rev. D. R. Macdonald the people of Harris had a minister who feared the Lord, and one who was kept unspotted from the world to the end.
On his deathbed the late Mr MacLeod spoke much to the writer about various communion seasons at which he officiated, both at home and abroad, in which his soul was particularly refreshed with life, liberty, and unction from on High. But above all he spoke of a communion in Finsbay, Harris, many years ago. He preached that Sabbath morning from the words, “I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.” Song of Solomon 2:1. Of that occasion Mr MacLeod said: “I could say that day in a small measure with John in Patmos that ‘I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day.’ It was the best day I ever had. The Lord strengthened my soul with strength from on High.” God’s people were fed with fresh manna that day and no doubt the Great Day will show that there were sinners pricked in their hearts.
Owing to the frailties of old age, Mr John Morrison, the eminent elder at Struth Mor, was unable to attend any of the preparatory services of that communion. Mr MacLeod visited him on Saturday. After worship he said to him, “Now, John, it is obvious to me from one or two truths which you quoted at worship that the work of sanctification is nearing completion in your soul; therefore I wish you to assist me in serving the Lord’s Table tomorrow, the Lord willing.” John, now approaching his ninetieth year, remarked how feeble and infirm he felt for such a duty. Mr MacLeod replied: “You remind me very much of the palsied man in his infirmity, but Christ said to him: “Take up thy bed and go into thine house.” “Very well,” answered John, “if God will vouchsafe me a little of the strength which He gave that man, I will be happy to serve the Lord’s Table with you tomorrow.” Mr Macleod replied, “John, John, He is worthy, He is worthy, He is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valleys; He is the same yesterday, today and forever.” On Sabbath, as arranged, two men assisted John to a car which brought him to the church where he assisted the Rev. James MacLeod in serving the Table. They both sat together at the second Table and rose from it with tears of joy as they sang:
Who with abundance of good things
doth satisfy thy mouth:
So that, ev’n as the eagle’s age
renewed is thy youth.
Mr MacLeod ascended the pulpit steps while John walked slowly up the aisle. Standing in the door he gave a lingering look towards the pulpit, and the well filled church where he often saw the King’s face and rejoiced in His salvation. Don’t you feel as you read this that you would have loved to be associated with them that day on the Mount. It must have been a foretaste of heaven on earth. Sometime afterwards, the much respected Mrs Murdo Martin, Northton, reminded John of the wonderful liberty Rev. James was given that day. “Oh, yes,” replied John, “we could truly say of dear Mr Macleod, Glendale, since we first heard him; “Is ro mhilis a bheul” (His mouth is most sweet).
The above reminds me of a remark the late Rev. Malcolm Gillies made the last time he served the Lord’s Table in my hearing in Stornoway. He affectionately referred to those saints who had already through faith and patience inherited the promises. “Thus,” he said, “like those poor trembling ones, you often complain of your sins, and indwelling corruption. That, together with your hardness of heart causes you to say: O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Nevertheless, follow in their footsteps and in the footsteps of those with Paul in the ship that stormy night on the Sea of Adria, who, in the midst of the mighty waves landed safely on shore: ‘some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship . . . they escaped all safe to land.’ Acts 27:44. Be faithful and diligent, and indeed you shall one day overtake them.” (Agus a nis biodh sibhse foighidneach agus dichiollach, agus gu cinnteach beiridh sibh fathast orra). O how precious!