“Servant of God, well done.”
“Beyond the glittering, starry skies,
Far as the eternal hills,
Here, in the boundless worlds of light,
Our great Redeemer dwells.
Legions of angels round His throne
In countless armies shine —
At His right hand, with golden harps,
They offer songs divine.”
Alexander Mackay was called home on the night of 8th February, 1890. He died in the fullness of his manhood. He died at the post of duty and danger. He obeyed Christ’s injunction to His disciples. Persecuted beyond all hope of further continuance of useful work in one place, he flew to another, and in those last months of his precious life at Usambiro he was mightily instrumental in strengthening old mission stations and establishing new ones, which are now continuing a work which must go on, making the inevitable harvest more precious than all the gold of the Indies.
His death was as chivalrous as his life had been. Time after time the authorities at home begged of him to return to England for rest. Though thirsting for personal communion again with those who occupied the first place in his noble heart, he, time after time, refused to leave the work he had begun. Mr. David Deekes, in sending news of his death to Mackay’s father, recounts the fact that only a week or so before he was struck down with malaria fever which quickly ended his life, he was busily engaged in fitting him (Mr. Deekes) out for a return journey to England on account of his health. He always thought of others before himself; he died in thinking of others. Though dead, his life, his works, will speak for generations to come. His life, his death, must be an inspiration to Christians in every part of the world to renew their efforts to evangelize the dark land which, despite so many discouragements, is pregnant with immeasurable possibilities.
What need to recount the history of Uganda from the time Mackay ceased his personal contact with it! His heart contact never ceased until his heart ceased to beat. It is common knowledge how the people of Uganda were driven into insurrection by the violent deeds of the miscreant Mwanga, who was compelled to flee from the throne he had polluted; how in his craven fear and avowed penitence he sought the aid of Mackay in recovering his kingdom; how Mackay, with truly Christian magnanimity, did all he possibly could to destroy the feud and to assist the wretch back to his throne.
In a letter he wrote to Mackay, the fallen king says (25th June, 1889): “Do not remember bygone matters. We are in a miserable plight; but if you, my fathers, are willing to come and help me to restore my kingdom, you will be at liberty to do whatever you like. Formerly I did not know God, but now I know the religion of Jesus Christ. Sir, do not imagine that if you restore Mwanga to Uganda, he will become bad again. If you find me become bad, then you may drive me from the throne; but I have given up my former ways, and I only wish now to follow your advice.” Then with a truly regal way of overlooking previous facts which rear their ugly heads in testimony against him, he signed himself: “I am your friend, Mwanga.”
Judging from Mackay’s last message, the young king’s protestations of repentance were sincere. He was successful in recovering his throne. “All the posts of authority are occupied by Christians; all the land falls into their hands; even the king himself is no more their despotic master and murderer, but a helpless instrument in their hands. God has given them the victory.” Later in the same sad last letter, Mackay writes: “Mwanga writes, ‘I want a host of English teachers to come and preach the gospel to my people.’ Our church members urge me to write imploring you to strengthen our mission, not by two or three, but by twenty. Is this golden opportunity to be neglected, or is it to be lost forever?”
No, thank God, Britain will not allow such an opportunity to be lost. Mackay would certainly have gone back to Uganda, but he had done his work, and God called him home to his rich reward.
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At home the news was received with infinite regret. All the great English papers paid warm tributes to his memory, and everything was done by the Church Missionary Society to soothe the old father who was strong enough to part with his dear son for the sake of Africa and the cause of Christ. Mere words of eulogium are too small to apply to such a man as Mackay. His work in Uganda mirrors in the most accurate manner the character of the man who initiated it — a bold, honorable, Christian gentleman. The work must go on, though Mackay sleeps, until the great day when the Christians of Uganda, and the Christians of Great Britain, and all other countries, will stand purified from the dross of flesh, before their Redeemer. Then Mackay’s life work in Uganda will be estimated, but not until then.