His Last Months, 1868

Hen speaking of Christ’s second coming, Mr.

Milne said once and again, ‘I may have to lie

down a little before He comes.’! It was to be even so as he said.

Of this he seems to have had some forebodings, for, at

1 In one of his last note-books he has the following broken thoughts as to the Lord’s coming : — ‘ Nature and grace cry for the glorified Christ to complete His work, to rectify disorders. All proclaims and demands His return, all but the unsanctified heart of man. There alone no voice is heard to welcome the mighty Stranger. Dawn is contemplated with hatred, horror, and dismay. Hearts united to the world’s corruption, how will they hail an immortality of meekness, simplicity, and love? Whole hopes, prospects, and calculations bound up with the fortunes of the world, how will they bear to have Him personally and visibly holding the reins? We marvel that He tarrieth so long. Numberless schemes of prophetic chronology, while they keep thoughts engaged on it, yet serve by differences God’s purpose, and show that no absolute certainty is yet vouchsafed. Sure of event, uncertain of time, — knowledge and ignorance. Dimness of light leaves us in a state more suitable and profitable than either absolute ignorance or perfect knowledge, — awakens feelings which former would fail to excite, and latter would quench as they arose. But the very certainty which was meant as perpetual stimulant to watchfulness is abused to security, just as invisibility of God, which is perfection, leads to atheism.’

his last communion, in October 1867, at the close of his sermon (on Heb. ii. 14, 15, death and deliverance) he said, ‘Should I not live to another communion, I wish you to know that Iam quite happy.’ After this he only preached three times. His last sermon was on the transfiguration. In the beginning of January 1868 he went to Edinburgh for medical consultation. Both his head and his heart were found to be affected; but his chief suffering I was from the former. His depression was great. The following is his own statement: —

‘ Edinburgh, 57, Queen Street. — Friday, 17th Fanuary. — We have been here for more than a week. Professor Henderson says that diseased action of the heart is the cause of the fearful headaches from which I have been suffering. He enjoins absolute rest and abstinence for three months, at least, from all duty and brain work. I fancy I am beginning to improve a little under his treatment; but there are many backgoings and sinkings of heart. There are many and sore trials: sitting still when I used to be active, silent where I used to speak; being misunderstood by friends who see the outward appearance of health, and know not the inward sufferings, the aching, confused, and powerless head, the inability to think, speak, or write for a few moments, with the loss of power to do any-

? On leaving for Edinburgh, he writes to his colleague : — ‘I send you the list of the class of young men. I told them last night that I am going away, and that you would take them up. It is a sore pang to leave them, for I am sure that there is among them the ‘‘ making” of a number of good men. We shall ever remember one another in our diverse circumstances. We go to Edinburgh first; thus far we seem to see the Lord leading; where, afterwards, we cannot tell. It is a school of trial; but we have been in it before, and we have always found that the Lord is very gracious and merciful. I think the congregation is in a very living, loving, hearty, workful state. The Lord be with you.’ - thing. It is a great trial, and during last night it seemed as if I were going to faint and give up the conflict. But that word at length seemed to be fulfilled, “Thou hast delivered my soul from the battle which was against me.” I am more cheerful and hopeful to-day, and desire to go in the strength of the Lord. I need the shield and buckler, I need the powerful upspringing of the well of living water. I ask these things for Thine own glory, and for the help and comfort of my dear wife, who has suffered and is suffering so much.’

Shortly after Mr. Milne came to Edinburgh, I met Dr. Henderson, who had been consulted medically as to the case. I remember the day well. It was a gloomy, wet, winter twilight, as I was returning home, between four and five o’clock, along the South Bridge. I learned that the case was a very serious one, hopeless so far as ‘return to ministerial work was concerned; but holding out the possibility of prolonged life, if great care were taken, and ‘entire rest gecured. I saw that it was not a mere return of one of his old low moods; but that some deeper evil was at work in his system, — the original cause of these depressions now developing itself in a more decided form, the stroke received fifty-six years before now working out ‘its long-resisted results. I walked onwards with sad thoughts, wondering if now John Milne was to be taken from us, and if so, was there to be any record or memorial of one whose life had been so signally useful, but who, in the shape of authorship, had given nothing to the Church but scattered papers written in various periodicals, likely soon to be lost sight of. It was then that I thought of

1 The following entry, in one of his Indian journals, touchingly records his own feelings on this point : — ‘ While speaking with B., a collecting into a volume these scattered articles. Being thus minded, I went to him next day and laid my plan before him. He evidently liked it; but modestly said that it would not do, the book would not sell, the thing would be presumptuous, he could not venture on such a volume. I told him, however, that I would undertake to get the whole thing done for him, if he would just give me his consent. He did so, and we resolved to proceed. Mrs. Milne had carefully preserved copies of all the periodicals in which the papers had been inserted, so that there remained no difficulty. He was quite willing, though still diffident, to let me go on with the arrangements for publication, and felt that it would be a pleasant work for him to carry the volume through the press, and that it would almost make him feel that he was still useful, and still

dart, as it were, pierced my heart. The sudden thought that all my ministerial life I have given myself to visiting, preaching, dealing with souls, instead of studying systematically. I have prepared nothing that can outlive me, and my work must cease with myself. I shall be like a bubble on the water. It was bitter; but I think I was willing, after a little, to be a hewer of wood and drawer of water, a doorkeeper in His house. Lord, in mercy forgive, wash, sanctify, use me as Thou seest good.’ But even though he had not given us his ‘gatherings,’ his life will live after him, and his works do follow him. His service is not yet done. His voice is not yet silent, and his last sermon is not yet preached. To show how he was cheered by the thought of usefulness through the press, I quote the following note to Professor Smeaton on the 4th February 1867 : — ‘My DEAR BROTHER, — Thank you very much for your kind, cheering words. I don’t know how I have got so much connected with The Revival [magazine]; but your note encourages me to go on. I regret, with you, the strong and frequent advocacy of female preaching, which I regard as an unwomanly, unnatural, and unscriptural thing,”

able to speak. Thus he wrote to me, when sending the papers : —

‘My VERY DEAR HORACE, — Here are my wife’s gatherings. But I am quite out of all regard for them, and think it would be presumption, and probably serious loss, to promote them to the honour you spoke of. I only send them because you asked me to do it. It is kind of you to glance at them. Just let them lie beside you, and we can pick them up the next time we come to you. We enjoyed our visit so very much, and were greatly the better for it. Pray for us that we may be strengthened unto all patience, and especially for B., who suffers more than I. But we should both like to quit us as the followers of a crucified Saviour. Very much love from us both to you all. — Very affectionately yours, Say ely

I did mot let them lie beside me, but set about arranging them and preparing them for the printer. They were printed without delay, and form a most handsome volume, which has met with warm acceptance in many quarters, and presents as authentic a specimen of the preaching of Mr. Milne as can be done through the press, in a case where the voice and the tone and the manner contributed so much to the power of the preacher’s message. He cared little about elaboration and style, but poured out his full heart and well-stored mind in words which critics might carp at, but which admirably expressed the speaker’s meaning, and never missed the mark. If point, and directness, and vigorous English, and vivid illustration, and well-expounded truth be the main elements of pulpit power, Mr. Milne possessed them all. He had no time to polish, and he had no wish to divide his hearers’ attention between the figure and the truth. He spoke nght into his hearers’ eyes and hearts, using great plainness of speech, yet speaking oftentimes with amazing power, as if discharging a whole quiverful of arrows, ‘ Ambitious not to shine or to excel, But to treat justly what he loved so well.’

In the message the messenger was lost sight of. The word was everything, the speaker nothing. Vet Mr. Milne, had he chosen it, could have embellished and elaborated; for he was a student, and a scholar.

But he eschewed ‘the wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect’ (r- Cor: i. 17). He was illustrative, no doubt, in his preaching; but he knew the difference between figures that enforce and figures that swpf/an¢ truth. The truth was foremost and uppermost, the embroidery was subordinate. + With what power those direct, keen, vehement, yet loving appeals came home, those can best tell who have heard them. They were resistless, because so natural, so spontaneous, so unstudied, yet so devoid of everything that was coarse or unpleasant either in manner or in language. For his voice and tone were thoroughly zatural. No one could accuse him of simpering, or whining, or speaking in a falsetto voice. That voice, even when most vehement or most tender, was always his own. I give here some fragments for ministers contained in one of his latest pocket-books : —

‘Placed on the bank of a mighty river, which bears multitudes of perishing, our business is to ply net and drag to extricate. Gracious promises of success. Leave all. Take heed. Watchman! ... Want of call. Not waiting for word of Lord. Not knowing and not declaring whole counsel, Sloth, fear of

HIS FIRST AND LAST VOLUME. aun

man, restraint of prayer, want of Spirit, because not in sympathy, not tending flock, not dealing closely.... Ministers should be able to show register of spiritual birth and of divine call to office. Have mind fully made up to live to God’s glory, to live faithfully to Church; go into the kingdom himself, and carry many with him; purify himself as Christis pure. Should go about work with Christ’s fortitude; be much among his flock; and not suffer himself to be discouraged. When things go heavily, it may profit ourselves, keep from presumption, make acquainted with selves, humble before God, much in prayer. ... Heart filled with Christ’s love will make lively and active, bold and ready. Let not complaining, or anything else, choke up the inexhaustible springs.... As a landed proprietor will often put into court a protest against some invasion of his rights, though he knows that no immediate good will result from it; so a minister should persevere in bearing witness to the truth, though he cannot see what good it will do; for seed cast upon the waters may be found after many days; and, meanwhile, he has delivered his conscience,’

On sending him afterwards a copy of the volume as soon as it came to hand, when he was at Morningside, he wrote to me briefly, thanking me, but still expressing fear that he had done a presumptuous thing. I expected that he would be cheered by it, as he had several times asked me when it would be ready; but he was rather dull, and took it quietly. He was disappointed that I had not written a preface. He would not write one himself, but had urged me to do it, I.could not bring myself to do a thing which seemed as if I were recommending one, from whom it rather became me to receive recommendation. Besides, a sad foreboding haunted me that this was the close of his work on earth; and to write a sketch or commendation of him before the time seemed unbecoming, — as if antici-Be pating his decease. The book came forth without a preface; but, in truth, it needed none. It will become, I trust, a fireside volume in Scotland; and perhaps India too may lovingly accept the last messages of one who took so profound an interest in her welfare to the end.

During the winter I saw him very frequently; for, though we dwelt at opposite ends of the city, the distance was not great. I found him ever the same, — as a friend, a Christian, and a minister. He was sometimes low in spirit at first; but ere ten minutes had elapsed he seemed to rise out of his depression, and the visit. ended with prayer and thanksgiving. Many a pleasant hour did we spend together. At our ministerial meetings at Mr. Moody Stuart’s, he was able once or twice to be present, and to take part. He was anxious also to be present at our prophetical meetings at Captain Shepherd’s, and had fixed to accompany me one evening, but found himself unable. His note of apology is as follows : —

57, Queen Street. — Friday, Fanuary 10, 1868. — MY VERY DEAR HoRACE, — I fear that, after all, we must deny ourselves the cherished pleasure of being with you on Tuesday night. It is the only kind of meeting that we should care to be at; but it seems clearly the Master’s will that for the present we should abstain from this. He seems desirous that we should learn brokenness of will, and obedience, by withholding from things which are to us good, and profitable, and enjoyable. I am sadly weak, both in body and mind, and possibly my case is worse than we yet know. But the Lord is with us, and we know that He careth for us, and manages all for us, from hour to hour. Pray for us, that “the blessed hope” may have a more constant, habitual influence upon us. Then will there be no more feeble minds and sorrowful partings. May you have

Led

earnests and outshinings of the coming Lord in your meeting. United love to all at the Grange. We hope soon to reach you. — Believe me, very affectionately yours, Vics Niles

On the gth of January he writes to Mr. Cowan : —

‘My DEAR BROTHER, — We got here on Tuesday night, and on Wednesday we went to see my old and valued friend Dr. Henderson. He came to the same conclusion as our friend

Dr. Bramwell, that body and mind are completely worn out,

and that a considerable season of entire rest is absolutely indispensable. Will you kindly make this known to my dear people, and also to the brethren of the Presbytery, and ask from both their sympathy and prayers? It is not the way we should have chosen, but the Lord knows best, and we hope to learn obedience, as he Himself did, by the things which we suffer. Remember especially my dear wife, who, in clinging to her broken-down husband, has to leave behind her interesting home-duties and work. I grieve to throw such burdens upon you from day to day. But you are young and hopeful, and many prayers and encouragements will cheer and support you. I know the Lord is loving and alJ-sufficient, and I trust we shall yet be spared and brought back to labour with you in the Lord’s vineyard. You will see from this brevity that I am already taking up the yoke.’

On the 16th of January he writes to the same : —

‘We shall be with you in spirit at this time, all through. I trust you will have a very refreshing and encouraging season. ... 1 must walk softly with the Lord. We both find the Lord teaching and upholding us, and hope to gather fruit in the valley.... What a life this is ! — the tossing of a troubled sea; but the rock remains firm amidst it all.’

On the first Monday of each month, last winter, there was a social gathering of all Free Church undergraduates in the Presbytery Hall, under the care of Mr. Main of St.

Mary’s. ‘There was a large attendance of students; several ministers and elders were present. Addresses were delivered; conversation took place; and the young men were then introduced to one another, and to Christian friends in Edinburgh. Mr. Milne felt the deep importance of the meeting, both as bearing on the present interests of the students, and on the future welfare of the Church. No such interest was taken forty years ago in the spiritual welfare of our young men. They were wholly neglected; left without any spiritual superintendence in the midst of a great city. Mr. Milne expressed his desire to be present at one of those meetings, though unable to take part; and he had agreed to accompany me one evening. But he did not appear; and next day he sent the following note : —

“57, Queen Street. — Tuesday. — Mv VERY DEAR HORACE, — I was too weak to venture to the meeting last night. But I thought of you and tried to pray. I trust that it was a place of decision; a Bethel meeting, with the ladder in the midst; and many a young dreaming Jacob had his eyes opened to see, and his heart turned to choose a better world. I trust that parents’ prayers were answered, and that trembling hearts will be encouraged by the results of that meeting.’

Finding himself tolerably well in the beginning of April, he ventured to our prophetical meeting at Captain Shepherd’s. It was a very solemn and profitable evening. Mr. ‘Milne felt it to be so, and enjoyed it exceedingly. He took part in the conversation; and, as usual, threw in something fresh and spiritual, both in interpretation and thought. He conducted the closing services, and proceeded some length in a most interesting exposition on

the last three verses of the Epistle of Jude, till I had to remind him of medical orders, and to request him to spare himself. I have seldom done anything with so much regret; but I felt it was due to himself. In former days, when sitting behind him in the pulpit, I had often, when he had got the length of an hour, or perhaps an hour and quarter, without compunction tugged the gown, to intimate that it was time to stop, and had been answered, with a pleasant nod, ‘Just a few minutes more, my dear friend;’ but now he yielded at once, knowing that the excitement of speaking might be fatal. I was satisfied that I had done a right thing; but I never look back on that blessed evening without regret, feeling as if I had been the means of closing his lips ere God had closed them, and had stopped him in the middle of his last message. The prayer with which he summed up will not be soon forgotten by those who heard it.

Feeling himself worse latterly; often borne down with unaccountable depression; afraid of what this might end in, and, at the same time, not unhopeful of restoration if properly cared for, he desired to be put under partial restraint for a time. I saw him more than once at this time, he calling for me and I for him. Though perhaps a little dull, he was just the same in other respects; and we walked together, talked together, prayed together as usual.

The following extracts are from letters of this period. They are touching in the extreme, some very beautiful : —

*I suppose this is the youthful lesson in obedience which was omitted in my early education, but which must be learned by all the members, old and young, of the heavenly family. I wish I could submit to it in this light. If I were peaceful and happy again, I see already that there are not a few I daily meet to whom it would be easy to speak a word of peace and comfort from day to day. There are many broken, bruised hearts, some in absolute despair. If one could speak heartily, effectually, of the blood and righteousness, it would be easy to zather a harvest.

‘I try to anchor myself on that word, “for the present grievous, yet afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruits;” and so I hope that this will turn out a seed-time both for here and ONETAS WANE 5 5c

“I got good from the 25th Psalm to-day. Also from Daily Light, and Here and There. It is pleasant to think that if, soured, mortified, disappointed by the creature, we hunger and thirst for God, we shall be satisfied. I have seen a lark ina dark close garret singing so cheerfully on its little bit of turf; why cannot I? But it won’t do, for I ama sinful man. Grace, conquering grace, can, and I hope will, do it....

‘I did not sleep much last night, and was afraid that it was going to be a trying day; but I was agreeably disappointed. About breakfast time the Lord seemed to come in love and favour to my soul, and continued with me to the end.

‘I was happy; everything prospered; I had many opportunities of reading and speaking with people. It was the best day I have had for months. “The Lord’s hand is not shortened.” Let us trust and not be afraid. My dark thoughts are away, and I am again hopefully and joyfully pressing on to the city which hath foundations, and the gathering together of the saints unto the Lord. I am thankful for this affliction, and am sure that in no other way could the Lord have done me the good which He has intended me from eternity. Covenant mercies are sure mercies, though they are sometimes long hidden and hindered; but wait, and they will spring up and ripen. My head is not strong, will never be; we shall be poor and afflicted; unfit to shine in the concourse and clashings of

men; but we can pray and keep Christ’s word, and He will come to us and make His abode with us....

‘Yes, I know weariness, intense weariness; but I try to think of Him who knew it too. I am often inclined to say, Wherefore hast Thou made all things in vain? But I know this is my infirmity. He will not always chide, and the captive exile shall not die in the pit. I find much scripture opened up and brought home; the passages serve their purpose, and then pass away. Thank you for reminding me of Joseph. I have often thought of him; like him the iron enters into my soul. But if we learn obedience, we shall never regret the schooling. We shall wonder, adore, and praise the patience and care of Him who takes so much pains to train and educate us....

‘ Yesterday Horace and Andrew Bonar called and were very kind. Just now I have a parcel from Horace, containing a few books, one of them my own, which I suppose will be out immediately. May the Lord take it up! I feel like the Jewish matron, when her-son was born, — “Ichabod.” ..«

“I have been reading a valuable book from Dr. Bonar, Saving Truths of Christianity, by Luthardt, a German professor. It is very good, except that it is Sacramentarian. Also another book from him, M/an’s Renewal, by Austin Phelps. But I find my head very feeble, and fear this is to be my thorn and trial, till thorns and trials are done away in the world of rest....

I enjoy so much the 30th Psalm; it just suitsme. I am not anxious how we shall get,on, when I am able to return to social life. I have confidence in God, and am sure that He will make all smooth and easy. It has been a new and sorrowful experience; but I think I have learned many things which, afterward, will turn to profit....

‘J try hard to think that all that has happened is the opening up of the covenant, and it is a comfort. “Be of good courage,” etc.; “Be glad in the Lord,” etc., suit me to-day. God is seeking to humble us, and we must try to be meek and

lowly. ... ‘I have a solemn feeling in the thought of returning again to society. I tremble at the thought of going again into the vortex. But “My grace is sufficient,” sustains me, and the thought that it will not be long. May we have a little gleam of pure, domestic, heavenly peace, ere we are parted again!...

“Grace, mercy, and peace be with you. May the Lord dwell in us both, rule in us both, minister to us both, and then we shall be truly one, though still divided! I believe this will be a profitable time to us both, though for the present there is often weariness and heaviness. But it is one of the “all things.”

‘Forgive the blots in the former page. I have just been thinking that if we are temples of the Holy Ghost, we ought to do everything thoughtfully, carefully, worthy of God.

‘I pray that the Lord in mercy may give a quiet season in the earthly home, ere He takes us to the true home.

‘I am longing to know a little of “being made perfect by suffering,” and becoming a partaker of His holiness. My life has been a sadly broken, intermitted one; but I know I have a complete and perfect life in Christ. When the Lord turns my captivity, He will show us what to do. He never does things by halves. Look at the end of Job, Nebuchadnezzar.. The valley of Achor is a door of hope. The Lord is with us, and will appear for our help in due time...,

‘I see from many things that God’s word is, “Rest, be still,” and I try to submit and obey. I used to ruz,; I must learn now to walk. My heart’s desire is, that the Lord’s will may be done, and that we may both be partakers of His holiness.’

Here are some scraps of notes, written during his stay in Edinburgh, to his colleague : —

‘I remember you continually before the Lord. Pray for me, that I may not fret or grow weary, but be enabled, with my dear wife, meekly to bear the affliction of Christ, for His body’s sake. This view is what really best reconciles to trial, and carries above and through it.... I like one of your helps “for the Church.” I-fear our well-meant attempt at union is going to cause wide and bitter disunion among ourselves. Let us pray daily for the plentiful rain that would restrain and quench these embers, no longer swppositos, but open and manifest, which are causing already suspicion and estrangement among dear friends. There will be a middle party, crying for delay. Pray for us; we need faith and patience. Help, Lord! I should like to share your danger and labour, at least among the sick.... 2d March. — You are right. I often long to leave this sevenfold heated furnace of restraint and self-denial, and fly back to Perth. But the Lord is teaching me to say, “Not my will, my way.” Or, if I try to presume, the rod soon reminds me that I am in higher and better hands. For instance, that audacious step of going to the forenoon meeting of Presbytery [Edinburgh] cost me too much to venture on a repetition. Yet I was thankful to see for myself the spirit which is prevailing. It is very bad, very sad; and I fear the worst. Our friends are too hot and excited calmly to meet and pray before the Lord, and ask the sending forth of His light, that they may see how little reason there is to quarrel and devour one another. But the Master knows it all, and will in the end get all the glory.... 1 think the Lord is teaching me a little; and I hope He will spare me for a little to help in His work. But compelled inaction ts, I think, the sorest of all trials. Yet the Lord can strengthen for this.’

On Monday, April 26th, my brother Andrew and I spent a most pleasant hour with him, partly walking and partly resting; nor would he have us part without prayer. On coming home, I sent some books which he had asked for, and, among others, his own new volume, which had just arrived. He sent me the following note : —

* Tuesday — MY VERY DEAR Horacr, — Thank you and

Andrew very much for the kind visit of yesterday; also for the books. The “gatherings” are very handsome; but they

want the only thing I cared for, — your introductory brotherly word. Had I been well, I dare say I should have been pleased with the volume; but now I can only say, Ichabod. I have been reading Mazwt Not with profit; but this affliction is so universal, deep, and crushing, that I find it hard to realize and rest in the Father’s love. But I know it is all right. I see reasons for it, and perhaps by and by may be able to rejoice in it, Thank you very much. Love and best wishes for you all. — Yours very affectionately, ‘JOHN MILNE.’

On the 1st of May he began a new diary; but the entries in it are few. The following are some fragments. They show the same spirit of faith and love as in all the previous journals, but they exhibit more of the depression which was settling down upon him : —

‘I long for the seeking, trustful heart, concerned for the glory of the Lord. Show me Thy ways, teach me; but, above all, zad@ me. Remember Thy mercies; remember not my sins. Thy mercies are older than my earliest sins. Let me encourage myself in the Lord. He is good and upright; He will guide the meek, and all His ways are good. “The secret of the Lord,”’ — this is for friends. David got it, and it comforted him in trouble. I greatly need to be assured that all my present afflictions are the evolutions of an eternal counsel of love. Strengthen me to wait meekly and patiently for the end. If I become partaker of God’s holiness, I shall to all eternity rejoice and praise. But the heart rises and rebels, and I fret, and try to take myself out of God’s hand. Lord, help me to lie passive. I have seen the lark, in some dark, close hovel, sitting on its little handbreadth of turf, and singing its cheerful song. Why should not I be such? Now, Lord, help me this day. I lift my soul to Thee, not to man. I expect all good from Thee. I wait for Thy time and way.

‘May 3a. — Perfection is the goal towards which God is tending in all His dealings with His people, — likeness to Himself. For this end He chose them in Christ, gave them to

Christ, redeemed them in Him, in due time calls and severs them to holiness. Already they are perfect in His sight; but He stirs them up to become actually so. Let me be diligent; ask God to search; use the blood. Holiness is happiness. Start at once in the upward course, and hold on.. The blood cuts the connection with the past; don’t return to Egypt. Christ has taken charge of that (the past); it is in His tomb; don’t seek to bring it back. Resist the devil, doubts, darkness, accusations. Keep your heart; keep out error, keep in truth. Lose not your peace, your crown, your life. Be more concerned to be really good than to do great things. It is the greatest of mercies when our house on the sand topples down, and we escape, naked, bruised, covered with shame, from its ruins. The Lord sometimes sensibly delivers men up to the devil for a season, that they may grow in grace. He did it to Job; He sent His people into captivity that they might know the difference between His kingdom and the yoke of the enemy. I have long felt the duty of laying aside every weight, of cutting off the right hand; but I have delayed and procrastinated. But now the Lord has done it forme. May I get grace to see God’s loving, wise hand in this, and embrace the opportunity of entering on a new and higher life. Clear the way, and let me start fair; let me run for the crown; let me wrestle, watch, labour; and let none come between me and the crown. Let me never forget for a moment how unstable I am, or how strong is the hold of the power of darkness.... Pride and self-will are like the law; they drive on without mercy, and give no help nor support. Christ leads gently, and supports.

‘There is a fulness of time and ripeness in all God’s ways; and happy are they who patiently wait for it. But this is very hard. We are doing nothing; perhaps see no progress; and our heart sinks. Soldiers find it the hardest part of the battle just to stand still and do nothing. Our hasty soul cries, “What shall I do?” and the answer is, “Be quiet and wait.” This is the trial of trials. Abraham knew it; Christ knew it.

But look to the Lord; expect from Him; search the poe: in due time they will speak, and not tarry.’

The rest of this little manuscript volume is chiefly occupied with brief extracts from some books which I had lent him, one of which was Man’s Renewal, by Austin Phelps. I need not quote these extracts; but I give here a short fragment written about this time in connection with Christian responsibility : —

‘I must be faithful — to men — to my trust. I know not why God may have been pleased to place me for a single hour in connection with others, Their happiness for eternity may depend on that hour. Waste no hour. Be about my Master’s business. Seek not self. Lord, what have me do? my question in every crisis and relation of life. Many temptations to be unfaithful: indolence, selfishness, worldly distraction; much sinful and low example. Let me waste no more of my Master’s goods.

‘Realize responsibility. Have to give account. Let house and heart be in order. Every day’s work finished. Soon

judgment-seat, where we shall meet souls with which we have been connected.’

If I remember right, the last day I saw him was Wednesday, 20th May. He called for me in the afternoon. We had some pleasant converse alone in the study first, and afterwards with some friends who were calling. We walked out together and enjoyed some fellowship. He talked of the past, — his own early years; and then of his present trial. He was anxious to get back to Perth. I saw him that same evening in an omnibus, going into town. He left the omnibus at Charlotte Street, and bid me good-bye with his own expressive nod and kindly smile. I saw him no more. Nor shall we meet again till the resurrection morning.

His last public service was in the Barclay Church. After the Tuesday’s lecture, he was suddenly called on to pray. The prayer impressed many who heard it. It was the breathing of fervent desire for the Lord’s coming; the utterance of earnest petitions that time, and years, and every obstacle might be ‘ shovelled out of the way.’ The effort, however, excited him greatly, and he suffered for it.

On the Tuesday before his death he attended a meeting in connection with the Religious Conference at Perth, suggesting the subjects for the ensuing one, which was to be held on the first, second, and third days of September. On the following Friday he filled up the texts suitable to the subjects; forwarding the needful papers to others, as he felt that he had no prospect of being able to take that part in the Conference, or in preparation for it, which he had hitherto done.’

1 We give the programme thus drawn out by Mr. Milne : —

‘ Tuesday, ist Seplember — Lorenoon.

‘FAITH. ‘ Ephes. ii. 8: ‘‘ By grace are ye saved, through faith.” Heb. xii. 2: “¢ Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Rom. v. 1: ‘Being justified by faith, we have peace with God.” Acts xv. 9: ‘* Purifying their hearts by faith.” Mark ix. 23: “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him who believeth.”

* AFTERNOON AT TWO O’CLOCK FOR FREE CONVERSATION.

‘ Subject — The Gift and the Ministry of the Spirit. ‘Luke iv. 17, 19: ‘‘ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” Acts i. 8: “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” 2 Cor. iii. 6: ‘‘ Ministers not of the letter, but ef the spirit.” 1 Thess, i. 5: ‘‘ Our gospel came to you, not in word only, a ae ee A few days before his death he was calling for a friend, who expressed a hope that he would soon be better. ‘Thank you,’ was the reply; ‘ weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morming, and wz won’t be long;’ referring, as he often did, to the Lord’s appearing, and our gathering together to Him. He lived, latterly, very much under the power of that blessed hope. He did

but in power and in the Holy Ghost.” Zech. iv. 6: ‘Not by power, nor by might, but by my Spirit.”

‘ Wednesday, 2d September — Forenoon.
‘HOPE.

“1 Tim. i. 1: ‘‘ Jesus Christ who is our hope.” 1 Peteri. 3: ‘Begotten again to a lively hope.” Ephes. ii. 12: ‘ Without Christ, having no hope, and without God in the world.” Rom. xv. 13: ““The God of hope fill you with all peace and joy in believing,” Heb. vi. 11: ‘* We desire that every one of you do show the same

diligence, to the full assurance of hope unto the end.” Titus ii. 13:

“‘Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” The whole creation waiteth and groaneth for this hope. It sanctifies — it is an anchor — a life-buoy — a helmet — a light in a dark place.

‘AFTERNOON AT TWO O’CLOCK FOR FREE CONVERSATION,

Subject — JZutual, brotherly, co-working of Ministers with other labourers, who may come, or be sent to their aid,

‘ Thursday, 3d September — Forenoon.
‘LOVE.

“1 John iv. 16: ‘God is love.” John iii. 16: “God so loved the world that he gave His only-begotten Son.” John iii, 1: “* Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God!” Verse 11: ‘If God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” Verse 19: ‘* We love Him, because He first loved us.”?

not speak much of it-to those who differed from him; for he thought that the Lord only could give them the seeing eye, and that their seeing how it comforted and strengthened him would impress them more than words. Yet he often said that he could not understand how people did not see the pre-millennial advent in Scripture, and that, since he had got that key, he had found his way into many an obscure text. This was after his return from India; for, in the earlier part of his ministry, he was somewhat opposed.

On the Friday evening he strolled with Mrs. Milne through the Grange Cemetery, and returned to his lodgings at Spring Valley, Morningside, certainly not worse. ‘Plans were formed for going abroad as soon as possible; and these thoughts occupied him on the following Saturday. He was in town during the day, and returned home in the omnibus in the afternoon. As usual, he began to converse with the passenger next him, who happened to be one connected with my own congregation; true to his Master to the very last, and carrying out to the end of his busy and consistent life the principle on which he had acted from the first, of speaking some word for Christ to every one whom he could possibly reach.

These words in the Morningside omnibus, to the stranger sitting next him, were his last spoken in the Master’s service.

On coming in, he said to the servant that he was hungry, and asked if dinner were ready. She brought it in, and waited till he should give the blessing. Instead, however, of the usual kind of blessing, he said, very strikingly and solemnly, ‘Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. And truly such was his life; that hunger and thirst increasing more and more, and manifesting themselves with greater intensity during the last months of his course.

On Saturday, the 30th of May, he thus wrote to Mr. Cowan, and this was the last letter he wrote : —

‘Muss Aird’s Lodgings, Spring Valley, Morningside. — My VERY DEAR BROTHER, — You have been a brother indeed in this time of trouble. I thank you for your sympathy, your prayers, and many substantial acts of kindness. You have been a helper and comforter to my dear wife, and, best of all, you have been feeding wisely and prosperously the flock of God which He hath purchased with His own blood. I am better, but not strong, and we are living quietly here for a little, till the Lord opens up our way. We have been passing through great and sore adversities; but it is the Lord, and we seek to be dumb. I thank you for your ever welcome letters, by which I have been kept informed of what was passing among you, and have been trying to be thankfully, prayerfully present with you in spirit. It was peculiarly gratifying to find that we were so constantly and lovingly remembered and mentioned by our friends in prayer, both in public and private. The Lord return to you all abundantly, even “into your own bosoms.” The annual report was very encouraging. The Lord continue and increase the prosperity, both spiritual and material, of dear St. Leonard’s a hundredfold. How easily He can do it, if we will but open our mouths wide! The fountains are full and overflowing, and He is ever ready to open the sluice. “He hath géven gifts.” ... How quietly the Assembly seems to be passing away! When the Lord gives peace, who can cause trouble? Let us thank Him for His kindness at this present time, and leave the future to His wisdom and love.’

. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 393

The above reference to the General Assembly leads me to add a brief remark on that subject, which was so much upon his mind — union between two of the Presbyterian bodies in Scotland. Up till 1867 he was decidedly in - favour of the present union scheme; and I find in his journal one or two expressions of dissent from myself personally in this matter. But in the beginning of 1868 he became persuaded that matters were not ripe for union, and that it ought to be postponed. He wrote his views at some length in March; but afterwards destroyed what he had written, which I regret. Not that they altogether coincided with my own; but they were the words of a man of peace. Delay, and prayer, and brotherly conference were the things he wished to urge. He spoke to me very freely upon the subject; but I would not venture to give what might appear to some a one-sided report on so delicate a matter.. ‘I see it won’t do, my dear friend,’ was his frequent conclusion. He was thoroughly a man of peace, and his leanings were towards union; so much so, that at the time of the revival in 1860, he tock part in a meeting in one of the Established churches of Perth. On the 2d of March 1868, he thus wrote to one of his elders: ‘What is going to become of our poor Free Church? I fear we are on the eve of a disruption which will rend us in pieces, ruining our usefulness, and making us a scorn in the earth. It is sad for all lovers of peace. We need to pray much, that the evil spirit which has already begun to work may be cast out, and that we may be preserved from consuming and devouring one another.’

On the morning of his death (May 31, 1868), he rose between five and six for prayer, as he frequently did; and then, on returning to bed, asked his wife if she knew what psalm they were to read that day; they being in the habit of reading the same portion of Scripture daily. It was the 57th, a great favourite of his:

‘Be merciful unto me, O God,

Be merciful unto me;

For my soul trusteth in Thee,

Yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge

Until these calamities be overpast.’

He then asked her if the Lord was with her this morning, adding, ‘You know I cannot be happy unless I feel the love of God.’ Soon after he rose to dress in the adjoining room; but after a little returned to say something that would tend to her comfort. He then went back into the other room, and within a quarter of an hour afterwards a groan was heard; the servant went in; he was found lying on the floor on his back, not having finished his dressing; but his dressing materials all neatly put aside in his own careful manner. He had passed away. From prayer he had gone to praise.

His Bible lay on the bed, open at Ephesians iil. and iv. He had been kneeling in prayer, for the bed was pressed down on each side of the Bible, as by his arms; suddenly his heart had ceased to beat; he had fallen backward: his eyes open as if looking upward; his face entirely placid, as if there had not been a pang ora struggle.!

1 In connection with the death of those who have thus died alone, such as Dr. Chalmers and John Milne, the exquisite words of the great pagan historian Tacitus, regarding the death of his father-in-law Agricola, have often occurred to me, though he was one of those who

—

He died not at home, but in lodgings, and when just preparing to move elsewhere. He died within a few minutes’ walk of the house where Dr. Chalmers fell asleep, twenty-one years before. He was buried in the Grange cemetery, on Friday, June 5th; not far from Chalmers, and Tweedie, and Cunningham, and Bannerman, and M‘Tntosh, and a band of others, like-minded with himself, whose memory is blessed, and whose names are household words. It was a bright sunny afternoon when we laid him down, and spread the green turf over him. Mr. Moody Stuart, in that memorable prayer offered up ere we left the house of death, had dwelt on these words of the Lord, ‘ Father, I will that they whom Thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory;’ and we could not but feel, as we stood in that graveyard, how much better it was with him who was taken, than with those who were left. To have the Lord ‘with us’ here was much; but to be ‘with Him’ was more and better far. And then the promises summed up the whole: ‘ Thy brother shall rise again;’ ‘Them that sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him; ‘ They rest from their labours, and their works do follow them.’ In one of his last sermons he spoke these words: ‘ You are troubled about that thing death. Well, He has the keys of death; He is Himself the door; He will open it, and when you are at the other side you are WITH HIM.’

Some men God raises up for a certain work, and then sets them aside, like broken vessels; some He uses to the

‘ sorrowed as those who have no hope:’ ‘ Paucioribus tamen lacrimiscompositus es, et novissima in luce desiderayére aliquid oculi tui, last. So was it with Rutherford and Whitefield and Chalmers; so was it with John Milne. He was made use of to the last. ‘I began my ministry,’ he said, ‘amid revival; so amid revival may I pass away.’ He had feared a period of uselessness; he was spared that. God took him in the midst of his work.

After his death his purse was found full of sixpences and fourpenny pieces, meant to be given away to the poor. All his life through he was noted for his generosity; and so strong did he feel the temptation to giving, — sometimes indiscriminately, as he was conscious, — that he was afraid to carry a purse at all. He could not say ‘no’ as long as he had any money in his pocket. He denied himself many things that he might give the more away.

I close with a few extracts from letters. The first is from Mr. Somerville, one of the few remaining members of that happy brotherhood, of which the first who left us was Robert M‘Cheyne : —

“Christ’s garden on earth has been deprived of a flower of rare beauty and sweetness of odour. A more unselfish and

SEE SY

‘Since Mr. Milne’s death, a friend writes: — ‘ Having to travel several times up and down between Perth and Edinburgh, one of the railway guards was always very attentive to me. At last I one day said to him, ‘‘ You are not one of the St. Leonard’s people?” ‘Oh, no,” he said. Then I added, ‘‘ You must have known Mr. Milne?” Oh, yes,” he said in the most tender way, “almost as long as I have known myself; and I am so sorry for him.” ‘Do you know Mr. Milne’s Master?” I ventured to say. The man hesitated, and then said, “No.” Oh,” I said, ‘‘ why don’t you seek Him? why not try to trust in Him? I am sure Mr. Milne must have told you to do so.” “Told me!” said he; ‘‘ay, MANY A TIME he told me,”?

pure spirit than that which our late friend possessed it would be difficult to find. Christ glowed in the man as well as in his preaching. This gathering away of John Milne, James Hamilton, and William Burns, within so short a period, warns ws to be ready.’

The second is from a Calcutta civilian, not connected with the Free Church : —

‘Calcutta will long remember your husband. I doubt whether it ever saw a Christian of equal attainments. Certainly it has not seen many such. His memory is green amongst us all. For ourselves, we shall ever think it one of the choice privileges of our lives that we knew him. He was one, in many respects, greatly favoured of his Master. I never saw a more loving, earnest, unselfish Christian.’

The special characteristic of a river is its onwardness. Not its clearness, or depth, or breadth, or volume; for in these each stream differs from the other; but in that onwardness which is common to all. From the time it leaves its source till it reaches the sea, it 1s moving on. Such is the man of God. Such was John Milne. Through much warfare, sorrow, change, — still moving on; pressing towards the mark; often weary in the work, but not of the work; faithful unto death.

‘7 know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and THE LAST TO BE MORE THAN THE FIRST.’