Page:Life of the martyr, John Brown, of Priesthill, in the parish of Muirkirk, Ayrshire (3).pdf/2

 AN ACCOUNT OF

JOHN BROWN.

About a hundred and forty years ago, lived in the district of Kyle, in Ayrshire, John Brown, of Priesthill, in the parish of Muirkirk, on the borders of Lanarkshire His house, which stands to this day, is on the brow of a hill, behind which rises an extensive tract of heath, moss, hags and rocks, some of which command a view of several counties. The house is of stone and lime, and is covered with heather. It had no grate ; the fire was burned on the floor ; and having no openings in the wall, the smoke rose tardily to the chimney top. Yet dark and smoky as it was, many had found it a little sanctuary ; not only for refuge, but for God’s presence. Though simple in their habits and furniture, the inhabitants of those wild districts were well informed. John Brown was only a boy when upwards of three hundred ministers were deposed, in one day, by Charles the II.; because they would not submit to be lorded ever by bishops. He often described the distress that prevailed in the country on that occasion ; and the anguish and weeping throughout the churches on the sabbath then ministers preached their farewell sermons. It was heart-rending to part with such men, so remarkable for grace, as the fruits of their ministry were every where conspicuous. You scarce could lodge in a house where God was not worshipped. Iniquity, ashamed, hid its hand. But what a dreadful reverse was felt, when Prelacy was introduced by arbitrary means.