John Brown then went to the field, spade in hand to dig turf.  Peden lingered; he was sad; the shadow of the great distress had fallen on his tender spirit.  Taking his farewell of Mrs. Brown, he paused and said, as if to himself, “Poor woman; a fearful morning; a dark, misty morning!” He then went his way.

“Oh, mother, a great many horsemen are coming down the hill with father,” cried little Janet, rushing into the house.

“The thing that I feared is come upon me,” cried the mother, “O, give me grace for this hour,” she prayed, lifting her eyes to heaven.  Then taking her babe in her bosom, and Janet by the hand, she went out to meet the soldiers, praying as she went.  Claverhouse was in command.  She pleaded that her husband’s life might be spared; but not words nor tears could move the hardened man.

“Will you pray for King James and his supremacy?” said Claverhouse to his prisoner.

“Jesus Christ is the Supreme Head of His Church,” was the fearless reply.

“Will you attend the curate’s service?” continued Claverhouse.

“I cannot attend where God’s law is not honored,” responded Brown.

“Go to your prayers, for you shall immediately die,” cried Claverhouse.  Even the soldiers were horrified at the awful threat.

“Isabel, this is the day I told you of, before we were married,” said he tenderly to his wife.  “You see me now summoned to appear before the Court of heaven, as a witness in our Redeemer’s cause.  Are you willing?”

“Heartily willing,” she answered, her voice tremulous with affection for him and submission to God.  Her heart was breaking, yet she would cheer up the martyr spirit of her husband.

“That is all I wait for,” he said, then added in a rapture of joy, “O, death, where is thy sting?  O, grave, where is thy victory?” He prayed for Covenant blessing upon mother and children, soon to be left so lonely; adding, “Blessed be thou, O Holy Spirit, that speaketh more comfort to my heart, than my oppressors can speak terror to my ears.”

“Shoot” said Claverhouse to the soldiers, drawn up for the bloody work.  Not a gun was discharged.  The brutal leader then fired the deadly shot.  The martyr fell at the feet of his wife, and after a brief struggle the noble spirit departed.  “What think you of your husband now?” said Claverhouse to Mrs. Brown.  “I always thought well of him, but more now than ever,” she quietly replied.  “You deserve the same fate,” said the brutal man.  “And if you had the power, I would receive it,” she defiantly responded.  “But O, how will you answer for this day’s work?” she continued.  “I’ll take God in my own hand,” he replied.  The soldiers silently and sullenly rode away, ashamed of the horrible deed.  Mrs. Brown, with her children, sat down beside the outstretched martyr, and poured out her great sorrow.

John Brown might have saved his life, and his family, by relaxing in his Covenant, and joining another Church.  The family that keeps Covenant with God will surely be tried; difficulties and hardships must be met.  But the victory is always to them who cling close to the Lord, in personal holiness, in family worship, and in Covenant-keeping.