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EXTRACT FROM A LETTER OF DR. STUART
UNDER DATE OF 17TH DECEMBER,
1883
[C. Stuart Ross, Life and Times of D. M. Stuart, D.D., pp. 142-3.]
"Mr. Hepburn, the last of
my first elders, died on Sabbath morning, the 9th, after an illness
stretching over three months. He died as he had lived, trusting in the
mercy of God in Christ. For nigh 24 years he was my cheerful helper and
adviser. He was a Sabbath School teacher for 61 years, and was as
enthusiastic to the last as he was in his hot youth. I feel now that the
old advisers have gone, as if I should prepare my house to follow. I have
worthy office-bearers, but the old wine was of the best quality. The Lord
be praised for the service they rendered to the Gospel. Death has of late
been mowing down several of our good men. Still, God’s cause does not
depend on individuals. The divine rule is the next man foremost, and there
is an Isaac to succeed Abraham, a Solomon to succeed David, and a Philip
to succeed Stephen.
". . . His considerate service to the wife of my youth
always rose up in my mind, and gave softness to my voice and tenderness to
my hand as I tried by prayer and sympathy to help him in his dying hour." |
