The Late Mr James Davidson, Helmsdale
On the 3rd September, 1971 James Davidson finished his earthly journey and passed, we believed, to his everlasting rest at the age of 90 years. His memory deserves to be held in the highest esteem.
He was born in Portgower and had the privilege of being brought up in a god-fearing home. The subject of this notice was known as an upright and highly respectable man among his neighbours before he made a religious profession. Removing to Canada to follow his trade, he would readily admit that during these years he walked “according to the course of this world according to the prince of the power of the air” and was by nature a child of wrath even as others.
Despite attempts on my part, I was not able to gather much of his spiritual experiences. It is true to say that the lives and conversation of the godly he knew in his home and neighbourhood made an abiding impression upon his mind. He could recall many precious anecdotes. His whole life was an evidence that rich mercy and great grace were given in goodly measure so that none who knew him could doubt that it was a work of God. Brotherly love, being a grace wrought by the Holy Spirit in the souls of His people is a clear sign of regeneration. “We knew that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren”. This grace was very evident in James Davidson. In fellowship in the Truth and spiritual experience he was sympathetic towards others and always showed an interest in bearing the burdens of others.
During a period of many years this worthy man was an elder in the Halkirk-Helmsdale congregation. He was conscious of his responsibilities as an office-bearer of the Church of Christ and deeply concerned and devoted to the Service of the Lord Jesus Christ. As all who knew him well know he was a beautiful singer of God’s praises. In giving an opinion we look upon James Davidson as an experienced believer—one of the faithful of the land who knew the value of vital godliness and although his words were few he was not disposed to accept that which bore the name but lacked the reality. On Fellowship meetings he was most acceptable, always brief but to the point. Also in public prayers the children of God were encouraged when their own soul longings were expressed in his edifying petitions. His public devotions showed that he was a man who spent time in secret prayer and meditation. The Word of God was his delight. As he was not ignorant of Satan’s devices nor of the plague and deceitfulness of his own heart there was always a sense of need of mercy and grace to help in the spiritual warfare. He often quoted from Psalm 27 and we take it that he derived much encouragement from that precious field.
“The Lord’s My light and saving health
who shall make me dismay’d?”
“One thing I of the Lord desir’d,
and will seek to obtain
That all days of my life I may
within God’s house remain”.
In most of our congregations and Mission Stations in the North James Davidson was well known. He frequently acted as representative elder in Presbytery and Synod for his own congregation and also in a similar capacity on behalf of the Wick congregation, as an assessor elder. He had a conscientious and intelligent attachment to the position of the Free Presbyterian Church. By grace he remained faithful and he endured to the end as a witness who was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.
During the closing illness this loving and friendly Christian was well cared for in his brother’s home. His end was peaceful. A few days before he passed away he told me quietly but convincingly, “Christ is all and in all to me”. I believe he continued in this frame of mind till the Lord took him to the sanctuary above. It was a pleasure to visit him on his death bed. Two nursing sisters belonging to the congregation admired his Christian witness on his death bed and considered it a privilege to attend to him.
James Davidson lived to a good old age and his strength continued favourable until his last illness. Also his faculties were unimpaired to the last. In his case, we believe, the Scripture was fulfilled.
“Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like a shock of corn cometh in in his season”.
The demise of our elder has caused a big blank in our congregation where death has made so many breaches in recent years.
I express my sincere sympathy to the only surviving brother—Mr. A.J. Davidson an elder in our congregation.
“Woe’s me that I in Mesech am
a sojourner so long”.
D.A. Maclean
Because I am His own (God be thanked)
He may use me as He pleaseth. Rutherford.