h His praise every day, but especially on the Sabbath, which
they kept with great care. Their hospitality was munificent: they
entertained angelic strangers. The latch-string was on the outside, and
many a Covenanter, driven by storms, or hunted by dragoons, found a
welcome here. They came wearied with journeying, wasted with hunger,
weakened with sickness, and worried with trouble, and found rest,
comfort, and inspiration in this habitation, where God was pleased to
dwell.

A society of Covenanters held its meetings in this home. Several
families came across the broad moor on Sabbath morning, and remained
till evening. Sometimes they traveled both ways under star-light, for
fear of the enemy. The day was devoutly spent in prayer, reading the
Word, singing Psalms, and conversing on the heart-stirring doctrines of
redemption. They spoke much concerning the duties and dangers of the
times. This society continued to meet, till broken up by the martyrdom
of its men; one after another was pursued and shot down like game on the
mountains.

John Brown's home became a rendezvous for the Delegated meetings of the
United Societies. This thickened the dangers that were gathering around
his life. He had a presentiment that his blood would be shed for the
cause of Christ, yet he accepted duty at every hazard, and rejoiced in
privileges however perilous.

After the death of Donald Cargill, the Cameronians for a while had no
ministers. They stood, however, unfalteringly by their Covenant. They
even grew aggressive in their testimony; hurled new challenges at the
king; took forward steps in the battle for conscience, liberty, and the
royal rights of Christ. The societies, numbering several hundred, were
able to unify and utilize their strength, by means of the Delegated
meetings. The second meeting of these delegates was held in this
consecrated home. Sixteen men, representative Cameronians, competent and
fearless elders, gathered around this hearth, where the turf-fire
glowed, while the March storms swept the moorland. Here they deliberated
how the Covenanters might continue the struggle, and intensify it by
striking harder blows against error, and giving stronger testimony to
the rights of their kingly Saviour. They were at no time planning for
ease, safety, or deliverance. "We only fear," said one, "that our
sufferings will end before the reformation begins." The glory of Jesus
Christ was their objective point.

Alexander Peden