OBITUARY.

Clutha Leader, Volume XX, Issue 1030, 20 April 1894, Page 5

OBITUARY.

* THE LATE MR ADAM D. JOHNSTON. We regret very much to have to record the death of another old identity and settler in this district— viz., Mr Adam D. Johnston, who died at his home, Kaihiku, on the 13th inst., at the age of 66, leaving his widow, grown-up family, and a large circle of friends to mourn the loss of a kind and devoted husband and father, a sincere adviser and willing assistant. His death was not unexpected, as he has been in indifferent health for some time, although he was only confined to bed for a few days before his death. Mr Johnston was a native of the parish of Moffat, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, his father and other members of the family being engaged in sheep-farming, which had .for him also strong attractions, but an infirmity compelled him to turn bis attention to a less laborious lifp physically, so he chose teaching as his profession, and in this he was very successful. Mr Johnston, after several years' attendance at Moffat Academy, proceeded to Edinburgh University, where he greatly distinguished himself in classics and mathematics, the latter especially. Amongst other distinguished men he had to compete with was Professor Laidlaw — who was gold medalist—and a host of others now occupying high positions in the educational world. Mr Johnston also took a three years' course at tho Free Church Training College. As evidence of the estimation in which he was held there, he was offered the pcltion of one of the masterships in the training college. This, however, he declined, preferring to accept the charge of the Free Church school in Roihesay, his severance therefrom in 1858 to follow the same vocation in Otago causing unfeigned regret. Several circumstances induced him to emigrate. Tv/o of his elder brothers— John and William — had emigrated to Ota^o some years previous to this. The late Mr John Gillies, a brother officebearer in the same church at Eothesay, and the younger members of whose family attended Mr Johnston's school, had also gone to Otago some years before. Mr Johnston was therefore easily induced to accept an appointment with the Otago Provincial Government, and, along with Mr Gri<jor (of Inch Clutha), arrived in 1858. (By the way the latter is now the father of the teaching staff of Otago.) On arrival he was appointed to the school at Waikari, Halfway Bush. We may mention that Mr Johnston's father and mother, youngest brother, and five sisters also came in the same ship— the Three Bells. ' After having taught successfully for several years his health gave way, and he was advised to give up teaching. He purchased land at Kaihiku and there devoted his attention to farming. For 30 years he has been resident in this district, his name being a household word far and near, associating himself " with every good work ; -a ready and willing worker wherevei his services were required. When his mind was made up to a purpose it was so done after mature deliberation, and the object was steadily pursued. As an instance of this, in his business as sheep farmer he aimed at the highest point of excellence, and that he attained this is abundantly testified by the cups and medals which he gained for his sheep at various competitions, and which with commendable pleasure he willingly showed to his visitors. In religious affairs he took a deep interest. From his earliest years his sympathies were with the Free Church of Scotland, becoming a consistent and honored member and officebearer. Nor did he forget his Home convictions on entering coionial life. He always maintained and defended the distinctive principles and formula of his church, protesting, sometimes almost singly and alone, in the church courts against the innovations which were being introduced and sanctioned. His pen was frequently used to enforce his opinions, and his writings show the clear judgment and sound common sense which enabled him to give good proof that he felt and appreciated and was not afraid to avow what his principles were. No one opposed to him could say but that he sincerely believed what his tongue uttered — that his words were not merely at random, but spoken from deep and earnest conviction. Mr Johnston, during the vacancies which occurred in Warepa and Kaihiku congregation, frequently conducted services. His discourses were always carefully prepared and much appreciated. Since his health failed, some five or six years ago, he was a good deal confined to the house, especially in the winter season. As we have said his miud was ever active, however, and he spent a great deal of his enforced leisure in revising his classics, and in writing articles on theological and church matters to this, and other journals in Otago and Southland. Several of these were afterwards published in pamphlet form, and were very favourably received, Jn particular his reply to Professor Salmond's " Reign of Grace " was considered by many reviewers to have been the ablest written in that controversy, and which most clearly exhibited the leading bent of his mind. He had a keen and subtle intellect, quick to see the defects, in his opponent's arguments, and ever rea.dy to expose them with manifest relish and exactness. He will be greatly missed, and the esteem in which he was held as a man and a Christian was evidenced by the large number, many of whom came long distances to pay their last respects, accompanying his remains to Warepa cemetery on Monday last. His wife and family have our sincerest sympathy in their great loss. On Sabbath last Rev. Mr Kilpatrick preached from the test Numbers 83 cwl 10—

" Let me die the death -of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." At the close cf ' the sermon he spoke as follows : — " Our text has a peculiar interest for us to-day, for one of our number — an officebearer, a- leader — J has died, we believe, the ' death of the* righteous.' Standing in the presence of death our memory is more than usually alive. We remember offices performed and kindnesses done by him who is gone. We wonder how his place can be filled. In his own family circle it never can unless by making real the promise of God : He is as an husband to the widow, and as a father to the fatherless. In the church, of which he was a trusted and trustworthy officebearer, he will be missed very much indeed. Yet we are reminded that he has not gone from the , church, but only from the church militant to the church triumphant, and we rejoice in his promotion and trust in his God. He was a man . honest and courageous in his convictions, held by, rather than holding them. To the last his interest was unabated. While setting his house in order, the affairs and trusts of the church, were not forgotten. He was the first member of the church here I had the pleasure of meeting. We did not think — as we could not — that the one of this flock nearest heaven was meeting and showing kindness to him whose duty and privilege it is to speak of heavenly things, but so it was. We will respect his memory, and seek to follow him as he followed Christ. Three weeks to-day we worshipped together, blending our voices in songs of praise and our hearts in love and sympathy. We spoke of Christ's incomplete flock, of His plan and work to bring back the lost, little thinking that one of our number should so soon be mingling with that flock before the throne of God. He entered his rest — the 'rest that remaineth ' — fresh from the work. His twilight was short but glorious. The last words I remember hearing him utter were, ' Glory, glory,' and these are the first we shall join him in repeating when we see the King in His beauty. Of him we may say : — Engraved in many a sinning word. His thoughts of .wisdom yet endure, Of holy wisdom , high and pure, Breathing the truth of Christ his Lord. Calm wns hits spirit's par,' ing breath, Serene his soul in days of strife : A peaceful do;it.h, « lovely life, Blest aro such souls in life and death. ' Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight.' "