Free Presbyterian Manse, Stornoway.
22nd March 1932. My dear Mrs Campbell, The Lord has wrought such desolations among us during the last few weeks that it is difficult to overtake even the sad duty of sending a note to one like yourself who has reason like Naomi to be called Marah. It is likely in spite of bitterness that you are experiencing how the Tree of Life can sweeten even the bitter waters of Marah, and make them at least, drinkable. The time is short, and let us weep as those that wept not. The Heavenly Father is summoning His children home to His own warm fireside; let us therefore take it more and more to heart that this is a cold, bleak, sin-cursed world, where Christ’s hairns get their own share of the misery of the world’s winter and no summer, except when a ray of Divine love from the Sun of Righteousness will make its power felt to the comforting of their souls.
Your loss in the removal of your dear husband, is also the loss of the Church and generation. He was a burning and a shining light, a true friend of all good, and a firm enemy of everything false and base. He asked for us down here till he was taken from us, now he asks no more, but praises and blesses. These now at rest asked for us, while here—”Let, I pray Thee, a double portion of Thy Spirit rest upon them.” They have ceased, but let us now pray for ourselves for grace for our own souls and grace to be faithful to the end.
Dear Mr Cameron has now fought his last battle and received his crown of righteousness. We are left, not able to realize our poverty, but with his godly example as our heritage and the same Fountain of Grace to apply to from which he drew all that made him a faithful witness in his day.
The Church is being moved by the King’s reapers in every corner. Andrew Cameron, Oban was another stalwart who did a servant’s work and who has been set over ten cities.
All these events cry to us, Dear Friend, to make all diligence; to make sure of our own calling and election; to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. There was never more need that the witness raised by the departed should be diligently maintained than now. May we be endued with power from on high to do our duty.
We wish to express our deep sympathy with you in your sore bereavement and with every member of the family.
May the God of all comfort be your portion and may His presence and consolations keep your heart and mind.
I will conclude at present,
Yours very sincerely, Malcolm Gillies.