Page:Life of the martyr, John Brown, of Priesthill, in the parish of Muirkirk, Ayrshire (3).pdf/18

18 of before we were married; and added, with his usual kindness, You see me summoned to appear, in a few minutes, before the court of heaven, as my witness in our Redeemer's cause, against the Ruler of Scotland. Are you willing that I should part from you? Heartily willing, said she, in a voice that spoke her regard for her husband, and her submission to the Lord, even when he called her to bow before his terrible things. “That is all I wait for : O death, where is thy sting ! O grave, where will be thy victory!" said John Brown, while he tenderly laid his arms around her, kissed her and his little boy, and lastly Janet, saying to her, My sweet bairn, give your hand to God as your guide; and be your mother's comfort — He could add no more; a tide of tenderness overflowed his heart. At last, he uttered these words, "Blessed be thou, O Holy Spirit! that speaketh more comfort to my heart than the voice of my oppressors can speak terror to my ears! Thus, when the Lord brought his witness to he tried, he discovered such magnanimity, that, as he fell, he conquered his persecutors. If, in the christian's life, there is a light that discovers the spots of the wicked; so, in the martyr's heroic grappling with death, there was a heat that scorched past enduring. It was doubtless under this feeling that Claverhouse ordered six of his dragoons to shoot him, ere the last words were out of his mouth: but his prayers and conduct had disarmed them from performing such a savage action. They stood motionless. Fearing for their mutiny, Claverhouse snatched a pistol from his own belt, and shot him through the head. And while his troops slunk from the awful scene, he, like a beast of prey that tramples and howls over a fallen victim, insulted the tender-hearted wife, while she gathered up the shattered lead, by taunting jeers : " What thinkest thou of the husband now, woman.' I ever thought mickle good of him,' said she,