William Reid

The late Edwin Cross provided a good brief survey and listing of Reid's publications in the BAHN Review ii. 2 (Autumn 2003) 126-131. Timothy Stunt

The late William Reid, M.A.
It was our melancholy privilege to be present at the funeral of our beloved, departed brother and fellow-labourer on the 11th of August. Many of our readers are well aware that he was the founder of this paper, to the editing of which we succeeded when he devoted his time to editing The British Herald. Associated with him more or less for the last twenty years in active evangelistic work for the Lord, and for a considerable
part of that time with another departed beloved one, Duncan Mathieson, we felt peculiarly lonely leaving that open grave, but got much divine joy to think that he was now at rest for ever on "the blood of Jesus," which he so exalted, that his fight was fought, and he was graciously taken away from the evil to come; and thus we could sing—
“There is rest for the weary,"
as we wait to meet him
“Mid the splendours of the glory."
Many men talk of living by faith—William Reid did it, and never talked of it, and truly his epitaph might be, "Of whom the world was not worthy."
His most widely known literary work was the book entitled, "The Blood of Jesus." This, his first great production, was of the same class as Angel James's "Anxious Inquirer," Dr. Bonar’s "God's Way of Peace," and others. It is known all over the world, has been circulated by millions, and in various' languages. Trained for the ministry, and being a very acceptable preacher, he was at home, and had his special force, when the pen was in his hand, and he is thus most widely known in connection with his writings.
Along with the late Mr. P. Drummond, he originated The British Messenger, which was the first periodical of its kind that appeared in any land, and under his editorship, reached an immense circulation, and exists to this day under able editing.
He was also superintendent for some time of the Stirling Tract enterprise. From Stirling, he came to Edinburgh, where he originated The British Herald, now known as The Bible Herald. He also made a valuable selection of hymns called "The Praise
Book," and a splendid volume of much literary value, "The Praise Book, with Music." For some time, he undertook pastoral work at Carlisle, and there originated The British Evangelist, which still exists. Returning to Edinburgh, he was chiefly occupied in literary work, having written. "Pentecostal Times," "Song of Songs," &c, and edited "The Bible Witness and Review," in three volumes, with many other writings. Never robust in health; and being kept fit for his so varied works only by much care, he gradually sank, and expired on the 8th [August], aged fifty-nine. He was buried in Grange Cemetery, Edinburgh, on the 11th.
We would request the earnest prayers of our readers for the bereaved widow and the two fatherless daughters and feel confident that they will be remembered at the throne of grace by many thousands.
“The British Evangelist” September 1881