THE LATE REV. JOHN MACKY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8475, 28 January 1891, Page 3

THE LATE REV. JOHN MACKY.

The Rev. G. B. Monro, of St. Luke's, Remuera, referred on Sunday morning last to the death of the Rev. John Macky, of Otahuhu. In the course of his sermon he said:—lt was impossible, I would venture to say, to know Mr. Macky without feeling that he was one of the kindest and most warm-hearted of men. His deep and genuine sympathy always drew forth confidence and respect. You felt that you could make him a friend, and open your mind to him in all kinds of trouble. He was so interested, kind, and sympathetic, that you at once felt at home in his presence. I have often heard of his sympathy in sickness and sorrow : and his exceptional gift •in imparting comfort in the sick room, where he was always welcome. He had learned the art "of speaking a word in season to him that is weary and many will remember to their dying day his tender, loving words when their hearts were almost crushed and broken by grief. If I were asked the leading feature in Mr. Macky's character I would reply : Sympathy, deep, genuine sympathy ; manifesting itself in his face, mauner, words, and even shake of the hand. His religion was of a most cheerful and happy nature. There was nothing gloomy and dull about him. " Happy are the people whose God is the Lord !" and our departed brother was a grand illustration of this truth. He lived what he preached ; his life was a constant commentary upon his preaching. I need not say much about his pulpit ministrations ; which were always earnest, evangelical, and practical. It was a great pleasure to his brethren to hear him speak on public occasions, such as at ordinations and inductions. His remarks were so thoughtful and appropriate. He had great fluency in speaking, for he had cultivated from the earliest years of his ministry the art of extempore speech. In prayer he had exceptional power. His readiness in expressing himself; his reverent and devout manner; his earnestness and fervency, made his public devotions most refreshing. They were most comprehensive, and seemed to enter into your very soul and read your needs. It was a privilege te have him lead your petitions at a throne of grace. His wise counsels in the courts of our church will not soon be forgotten. ' In Presbytery and Assembly he was listened to with the deepest respect. His lengthened experience of colonial church work ; his intricate knowledge of church law; his carefulness in expressing his opinions, along with his sanctified common sense, made his counsels very helpful. He was firm but kind ; decided, but considerate in expressing his opinions. I have often admired his courtesy, dignity, and charity in discussions, which sometimes ruffled the spirits of the younger and less experienced brethren. We shall certainly miss his venerable presence, wise counsels, sympathetic, kindly manner when we meet in Presbytery and Assembly. Lately, through increasing infirmities, he has not been able to attend our Presbytery meetings; but when able, he was a most regular and interested member. Up till within a few months ago he was able to take one service on the Sabbath, but lately he was compelled to retire from the active duties of the pastorate. Some of you may not know that Mr. Maeky was the first Moderator of the New Zealand Presbyterian Church, which met in St. Andrew's Church, Auckland, on the 25th November, 1862, now over 28 years ago. There were twelve ministers and seven elders

present at that first assembly. . . . His work is over, and he has passed—as we shall all by-and-bye—into the presence of the Master to give an account of his stewardship. May God grant that his brethren in the ministry may be found faithful, earnest, and steadfast to the grand cardinal truths of our holy religion ; that the office-bearers and members of the whole Church may remember his thoughtful words in the address already quoted : " Our external Zion may be perfect in her proportions, and beautiful to behold ; but if the Lord be not known in her palaces as a refuge. 'Ichabod' will be written on all her goodly stones and buildings, and she shall be desolate and forsaken." May God grant us grace that we may have the testimony that we please Him, and then, when our work is finished, we too shall enter upon " those pleasures which are at God's right hand for evermore."