John Brown of Wamphray: a study of his life, work and thought

Abstract

This thesis is divided into throe parts:The first is entitled "Hie Life mid Work," After a first chapter concerned with the historical background, there is set down all that can be learned of his life in Scotland, The sources are tremendously meagre, a few references in the letters of Samuel Rutherford, a few notes in the records of Edinburgh University, The story of his arrest for non-recognition of the Restoration Church, his trial, his sentence of exile are told as the contemporary records reveal them. In the third Chapter his life and work in Holland are discussed. Since his life-work consisted largely of waiting, a summary of his books is given in this chapter.Part II of the thesis is entitled "His Thought," The main subjects which Brown dealt with in his voluminous writings in English and Latin are set forth.Chapter 1 concerns Scripture, For Brown, the Hoard of God verbally inspired, wholly infallible, is the complete and sole authority for all doctrine and life. Chapter 2 discusses to® Sovereignty of God. God is declared to be Absolute Master of all* With regard to the moral law, to the eternal decrees, to the sufferings of His people, to their prayers, His will is supremo. Chapter 3 concerns the Way of Salvation. Brown is always an evangelist and a steadfast protagonist of justific¬ ation by faith alone. Chapters 4 and 3 concern the Church, Chapter 4 Its nature, Chapter 5 its headship* In these sections the moat controversial issues of his time are dealt with dearly and passionately* Chapter 6 entitled "Concerning Christian living" reveals another side of Brown's character and work* In Rotterdam he assisted in the work of the Scottish Church, in preaching and in pastoral work and his concern that Christians should grow in grace and in the knowledge of their Lord is reflected la the various thoughts which are brought together la this chapter* The closing chapter of this Part, concerns Brown's doctrine of to© Sabbath* A Book in two massive volumes, written in Latin, Is summarised in this chapter and gives perhaps the moat complete doctrine of the Sabbath that has emerged in cur Scottish theological writings.Part III is a brief section entitled "The Man and the Writer," Since we know so little about Brown outside his own books it is on these that thin study is based. In Chapter 1 "Controversial and Devotional Writer" the two strangely conjoined sides of his character and work are discussed* In Chapter 2 "Some Illustrative Extracts "from the Devotional Writings" are given*