The Rev. John Brown, of Haddington, rose from a poor shepherd boy to
become a distinguished minister, and afterwards a celebrated professor,
author of the "Self-Interpreting Bible," and many other works. Robert
Turnbull said of him in one of his books:--"When a poor shepherd boy, he
conceived the idea of learning Latin and Greek, and having procured a
few old books, actually accomplished the task, while tending his cattle
on the hills. So successful was he that some of the old and
superstitious people in the neighborhood concluded that he must have
been assisted by 'the evil spirit.' On one occasion he went to
Edinburgh, plaided and barefoot, walked into a bookseller's shop, and
asked for a Greek Testament. 'What are you going to do with a Greek
Testament?' said the bookseller. 'Read it,' was the prompt reply. 'Read
it!' exclaimed the sceptical bookseller with a smile; 'ye may have it
for nothing if ye'll read it.' Taking the book, he quietly read off a
few verses, and gave the translation; on which he was permitted to carry
off the Greek Testament in triumph."
--_Rob't Turnbull._
1755