BROWN, JOHN (1784-1858), Scottish divine, was born at Whitburn, Linlithgow, on July 12 1784, and died at Edinburgh on Oct. 13 1858. He belonged to the "Burgher" section of the "Secession" church, and held successively pastorates at Biggar, Lanarkshire (18o6), Rose street (1822) and Broughton place, Edinburgh (1829). His most important work was done as pro fessor in the theological hall of the Secession church, where he taught the exegetical method of the exposition of Scripture.
The part he took in the discussion on the atonement, which agitated all the Scottish churches, led to a formal charge of heresy against him by those who held the doctrine of a limited atonement. In 1845, after a protracted trial, he was acquitted by the synod. From that time he enjoyed the thorough confidence of his denomination (after 1847 merged in "the United Presby terian Church").