Page:Life of the martyr, John Brown, of Priesthill, in the parish of Muirkirk, Ayrshire (3).pdf/10

10 exercised for God’s glory, and without display of grandour. The motives were like silver tried ; it was at the risk of all, even life. Hence, the joy of such pure intercourse was sweet beyond description. As iron sharpeneth iron, so doth the face of man his friend. Renwick and Priesthill talked of the sufferings of the church, her testimony, her covenanted cause, and her ultimate triumph. Yes, they had more comfort in the faith that Christ would one day be head over all things, King of Kings, and lord of lords, than the wicked have, when corn and wine do most abound. Mr. McWard, who was some time minister of the Tron Church, Glasgow, wrote a long letter from Holland to the sufferers, concluding with these remarkable words : ‘ Though all the powers on earth should combine to settle the Supremacy on the head of a mortal, the immortal God shall, with the omnipotent power of his arm, shake the usurper out of his seat, and settle the throne of his annointed upon the ruins of his adversaries. Hath Christ bought his crown and sceptre with his blood ? And hath he such a right and title to it ?' And hath he all power in heaven and in earth, for securing him the possession of his purchase ? And shall any mortal offer to mount his throne, pull the crown from his head, and clothe himself with the spoils of the Mediator’s honour ! and keep himself in possession of what be has taken from the Son of God ! O vain attempt ! What says the second Psalm ? O let them read their doom in verses 4th and 5th. He shall dash them in pieces. His crown shall flourish on his own head, and his enemies will he clothed with shame, who dared to take it by our laws, They comforted themselves, in there hopes, and with the assurance'that the Lord would one day return to Scotland, and that the place of his feet would be glorious. Soon after Mr. Renwick left Priesthill, his