John Brown

John Brown of Haddington (1722 – 19 June 1787) was a Scottish minister, theologian, and author. He was born in Carpow, Perthshire, Scotland, to a poor family. He was largely self-educated, and he became a minister in the Church of Scotland in 1750. He served as minister in Haddington for 36 years, and he was known for his strong preaching and his commitment to social justice.

Key Principles

• Brown believed in the importance of education and literacy for all people.
• He was a strong advocate for social justice, and he spoke out against poverty, inequality, and injustice.
• He was also a deeply religious man, and he believed that it was the duty of Christians to help the poor and the oppressed.

Notable Works

• Self-Interpreting Bible (1778)
• Dictionary of the Bible (1780)
• Systematic Theology (1787)

Philosophy

Brown's philosophy was influenced by his religious beliefs and his experiences with poverty and inequality. He believed that all people were created equal, and he argued that they had a right to education, opportunity, and a decent standard of living. He was also a strong believer in the power of education to transform lives, and he worked tirelessly to promote literacy and education for all people.

Death and Legacy

Brown died in Haddington in 1787 at the age of 65. He is remembered as one of the most important Scottish theologians of the 18th century. He was a pioneer in the field of biblical studies, and his work on the Self-Interpreting Bible was groundbreaking. He was also a strong advocate for social justice, and his work continues to inspire people today.

Interesting Facts

• Brown was born in poverty, but he was able to educate himself and become a minister.
• He was a prolific writer, and he published over 30 books and pamphlets.
• He was a strong supporter of the American Revolution, and he wrote a number of pamphlets in support of the rebels.
• He was a close friend of the Scottish poet Robert Burns.
• He is buried in Haddington, Scotland.