perfidious race of monarchs, whose oppressive and galling yoke was felt
by many, and whose rule the whole nation soon after rejected. The
fidelity of Renwick to the cause of God and truth powerfully reproved
those who had made defection; while his holy living and devotedness
strongly condemned such as, to secure immunity from suffering and the
world's favour, were at ease in Zion. Therefore was it, that, in the
spirit of apostates in all ages, they laboured to misrepresent and
calumniate him and the cause which he maintained, and abetted the
designs of those who persecuted him to the death.


RENWICK'S MARTYRDOM AND TESTIMONY.

This devoted servant of Christ, though worn with incessant labours, was
found actively engaged in his darling work when he was called to receive
his reward. On the 24th and 27th of January, he preached in Fifeshire,
and at Borrowstoness, on the 29th. The last night of the month, he
lodged with a friend in Edinburgh. On the morning of the 1st of
February, the house was beset with soldiers, in the employment of the
persecuting Council. When Renwick attempted to escape, he was arrested
near the Cowgate, and was carried by Graham the captain of the guard,
before a quorum of the Council, by whom he was committed to close
prison, and laid in irons. When he stood in the presence of those who
had issued against him fierce proclamations, and had sought his life,
they were surprised at his youthful appearance, and his comely
countenance, and one exclaimed, "Is this the boy Renwick, that the whole
nation was so troubled with," Renwick replied only with a quiet smile.

On the 3d of February, he was brought before the Council, and received
his indictment. In it, he was charged with casting off the fear of