Page:Life of the martyr, John Brown, of Priesthill, in the parish of Muirkirk, Ayrshire (3).pdf/9

9 welcome to bis house. ' Do you know me?" said the stranger. I think I do, said John Brown. It was in this house that the societies met that contributed to send you to Holland, and now I fear they have not received you, at least some of them, as they ought. Their reproach has not broken my heart," said Mr. Renwick, for it was he, though he was not named before the family, but the excessive travelling, night wanderings, unseasonable sleep, frequent preaching in all weathers, especially in the night, has so debilitated me, that I am unfit often for my work. The reproach of those who called me to the ministry, I look upon as a device of the enemy to stop the Lord's work: but blessed be his grace that Las hept me from mixing anger or scorn of them with my sorrow. Some have declared, that I will never be honoured of the Lord to do his poor remnant good. But one thing I know, and may say, that the Lord has done me good. Oh! let none fear a suffering lot. Enemies think themselves satisfied that we are put to wander in mosses, and upon the mountains ; but even amidst the storms of these last two nights, I cannot express what sweet times I have bad, when I had no covering but the dark curtains of night. Yea, in the silent wath, my mind was led out to admire the deep and inexpressible ocean of joy, wherein the voliole family of heaven swim. Each star led me to wonder what he must be who is the Star of Jacob, of whom all stars borrow their shining. Indeed, if I may term it, I am much obliged to enemies, they have covered me many a table in the wilderness, and have made me many friends where I never expected them.' When he censed speaking, every one of the family strove to do him soine kindness. He remained another night with them, and was greatly bettered in his health. In those days, hospitality was with many what it ought to be, purely