Page:Life of the martyr, John Brown, of Priesthill, in the parish of Muirkirk, Ayrshire (3).pdf/19

19 and now more than ever' He seeing her courage, said, 'It were but justice to lay thee beside him.' She replied, 'If ye were permitted, I doubt not your cruelty could go that length; but how will ye answer for this morning's work.' With a countenance that belied his words, he answered, 'To men I can be answerable, and as for God, I will take him in my own hands.' Thus saying, be hastily put spurs to his horse, and left her with the corpse. She tied up his head with her napkin, composed his body, covered it with her plaid, and when she had nothing further to do or contend with, she sat down on the ground, drew her children to her, and wept over her mangled husband.

But think not, render, she was miserable; it is only when we have brought on ourselves our afflictions, that we are miserable under them. Nor think that she was alone. Are not angels ministering spirits to believers in their troubles? And being spirits they are well fitted for the service. They can reach the spirit with healing on their wings—They soothe, they comfort the afflicted widow.—There are also kindred spirits with angels, here on earth, in whom the Most High God puts his Spirit, to speak a word in season to the weary soul.

The mourner of Priesthill did not long want friends. The report of the foul deed circulated rapidly, creating dismay and abhorence. Who now could think themselves safe, when John Brown was thus treated, who was not otherwise obnoxious to government than in not attending the curate, and he several miles distant? The first who arrived on the spot was David Steel's wife, one well fitted to comfort in the most trying dispensation. She ran up to the group, and throwing her arms around them, saluted Isabell thus, "Wow woman! and has your master been taken from your head this day? and has be won the martyr's crown; and has God taken you and your children under his own