John Brown 2

Without the advantage of a proper education, by his own study he became proficient in Greek and Hebrew and also understood Arabic, Persian, Ethiopian, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and German languages.  He also studied philosophy, natural history and civil law but of all his pursuits history and divinity were his decided preferences.

In 1768 John was elected by the Synod to the Chair of Divinity Professor, an honourable and highly respected trust.  ‘Impartiality’ was his motto and he treated all his students alike.  His parting address at the end of each session was so impressive it brought tears to the eyes of the student, many of whom subsequently became ministers.

John was not only distinguished as a Minister and Professor of Divinity but also famous as an author.

His desire was to write for the spiritual well-being of mankind and never for self-glory.  From all his prodigious works (29 in all) he never gained more than £40.  For volumes published and requested abroad, he would sometimes write them out three or four times in order that they might be easily understood.

His greatest labour was spent on producing the ‘Dictionary of the Bible’.  It is a book of such merit that there is no work of its size more useful in the study of the scriptures.  His fame spread and he was invited by the Dutch Reformed Church in America to be their Professor of Divinity.  Famous men in both America and Britain courted his correspondence but he always maintained a low and unassuming profile.

John’s first marriage was to Mrs Janet Thomson.  She was the mother of several children, some of whom were to become famous in the church.  She died in 1771.  John said he trusted “that she went to her first and best husband”. His second wife, who he married two years later, was Mrs Violet Croumbie by whom he had six children, four sons and two daughters.  Two of his sons entered the ministry and one was a writer.  Others of his descendants in the third and fourth generations have been distinguished in literature, science and theology.

John’s physical well-being became greatly diminished by his long hours of study.  For a number of years his stomach was gradually losing its tone and in the last year of his life - 1787 - almost stopped functioning.  He was not afraid to die and remained collected, cheerful and happy until the end.  If his public usefulness was over in his own words he said “he would not turn a straw for either life or death”.  Everything alarming in respect of his last enemy was removed and “to be with Christ was far better”.

On one occasion he said “I am as assured of my eternal happiness as that there is an eternity”.  At the very close of life with a smile expressing the joy and serenity of his heart he said “the Lord is my strength and song and he has become my salvation”.  With his last breath he said “my Christ!” and closed his eyes in death.

These notes were assembled by the late Mrs J Ferguson, Haddington.

More information about John Brown’s family tree is available on request.

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