14 Thomson Street, GISBORNE, NEW ZEALAND. 8th February, 1978. Dear Mr MacLeod, When speaking to Rev. D. M. MacLeod, Auckland, by telephone last night, he asked me to send to you a copy of a message sent to the Rhodesian Presbytery, for insertion in the magazine. In doing so, I thought it would be appropriate to add a few details regarding Mr MacLeod’s serious illness also, for insertion in the magazine for the information of friends throughout the church.
On Friday, 27th January, the Australia and New Zealand Presbytery met at the Auckland manse. Mr MacLeod had gained sufficient strength only thirteen days after a major operation, and was able to preside as moderator. He regretfully applied for three months leave of absence. In granting the application, the Presbytery expressed deep regret and heart-felt sympathy with Mr MacLeod and his family in his serious illness and the prayerful desire for the Lord’s continued presence with him in this time of great need and if it be the Lord’s will, for restoration to labour in His vineyard. Of the Lord’s presence he has been able to testify abundantly ever since he heard of the nature of his illness after the operation. It has pleased the Lord to pour forth into his soul such abundant consolation that he has rejoiced and is continually praising the Lord with joy that is unspeakable and full of glory as he himself expressed it.
The Auckland communion has consequently been both a sad occasion as well as a happy event; sad on account of Mr MacLeod’s illness but happy on account of copious supplies of grace showered on him and drops falling on others also. The communion Sabbath was particularly a day of great rejoicing for him. On the Saturday he had expressed the desire to come to church on the Sabbath. Accordingly a couch was made comfortable for him in the vestry where during the service on the Sabbath he rested and was able to join in the exercises of worship. He came into church in time to sit at the Lord’s table; then he found he had sufficient strength to address the second table which he did with great solemnity. He felt it his duty to do so as he thought it might be his last opportunity. Not many eyes amongst young and old remained dry. On the Monday, Mr MacLeod felt strong enough to attend the thanksgiving service when he sat in the pulpit during the sermon. On Sabbath, 5th February, he not only attended church, but was enabled to voice his praises of the glorious Saviour, preaching in the morning service from the text “My beloved is mine and I am his” (Song 2:16).
To the praise of the Saviour’s glorious grace we have again clear evidence that “the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in his mercy.” “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee”. Mr MacLeod has expressed much appreciation of the kind messages received from friends in New Zealand and overseas by phone and letter.
With kind regards,
Yours sincerely,
Johannes van Dorp.
(Rev. D. MacLean, Glasgow, expects to pay a short visit to New Zealand this month (D.V.). — Editor).