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James Rae (1872-1940) was an itinerant open brethren worker in North America.
=Words in Season Tribute=
'''With Christ - Phil. 1:23'''
"What makes you say thatOn June 9th, Jimmie?" was the reply. "Oh mother," said he1940, "The Son of God loved me-and gave Himself for me." Mr. James Rae often saiddeparted to be with Christ, that under the influence of such men as John Smithat North Bay, Donald Munro, and others like themOnt., he got a good start in his spiritual life68th year. When going around from door to door with tracts Born inAberdeenshire, Scotland, and inviting born again at the people to come to the meetingsage of 15, in Portage la Prairie, Man., a work sometimes very discouragingwhile Mr. [[John Smith]] of Cleveland, he would often remarkOhio, "There is a word was conducting meetings in the Scriptures that I have proved to be true for over fifty years, it is place. He was alone in Provhis room reading Gal. 142:23; 'In all labor there is profit20, '." That was the tenor The Son of MrGod who loved me, and gave Himself for me. James Rae's life; "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.'' (Rom. 12:11). Being very successful in the shoe businessThe light from heaven dawned on his soul, and there and then he did not let that interfere trusted Christ as his own Saviour. He ran to his mother with his service for the Lordwords, preaching the Gospel"Mother, and taking care of the church of GodI am saved. "
On hearing of their father's serious illness, those of the family who were not with him, took an airplane from Vancouver for North Bay, Ont. As Mr. Rae suffered great pain during got weaker, he longed to go home to be with the Lord, and said to those standing by his last days upon earthbedside, "Why do you try to detain me, I long to go home." Then a little later, "I cannot wait any longer, but desired say good-bye to continue his daily reading of the Scriptureschildren, and spoke of tell all that love the Lord, I will meet them in heaven." When told by his sister that the things plane in which some of God till the end. Just a short time before he was called home family were coming, would soon be here, he quoted that verse in Jude 24said, "Now unto Him that I cannot wait for the plane, my plane is able to keep you from fallingwaiting for me, " and a few seconds later his soul took its departure to present you faultless before be with the presence of His glory with exceeding joyLord."
Mr. Rae suffered great pain during his last days upon earth, but desired to continue his daily reading of the Scriptures, and spoke of the things of God till the end. Just a short time before he was called home he quoted thatverse in Jude 24, "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." Our departed brother will be greatly missed all over the West, in the many Assemblies where his voice was often heard. There were few gifted to do the work of a pastor, as he was, visiting the sick, and comforting the bereaved; he was also an earnest preacher of the Gospel, and a real soul winner.
Mrs. Rae, her two daughters, and Mr. W.H. Harris accompanied the body to Vancouver, where the funeral ser-
vices were conducted by Messrs. W.H. Harris and S. McEwen. The esteem in which our brother was held was shown by the large number attending, including former business associates, and Christians from all the surrounding Assemblies, Mr. Harris announced the opening hymn- ! have a home above. from sin and sorrow free," etc., and following prayer, he read Psa. 37:37, "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace."
Then I Peter 4:17, "What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God." He contrasted Mr. Rae's peaceful end, with the end of those who die in their sins. Mr. McEwen read Psalm 23, calling attention to three things in the psalm, "A Happy Life," "A Happy Death," "A Happy Eternity." These all being true of Mr. Rae. The company then sang, "Here o'er the earth as a Pilgrim I roam." At the graveside, one of Mr. Rae's favorite hymns was sung, "How bright that blessed hope, Jesus will come."
It is estimated that some 700 people were present, and about 100 automobiles followed the bier to the cemetery. Mr. Rae has finished his course, he kept the faith, and ended well. WHOSE FAITH FOLLOW.
Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,
Hector Alves, Jr.
=Sources=
* Words in Season (WiS): 1940-8