concourse of people--many of them gathered from great distances, that
met in the open air, near the place of Renwick's birth,--numerous
congregations assembled in different houses of worship, observed the
solemn occasion with solemn devotional exercises. The addresses
delivered were a suitable tribute to the spirit and conduct of the
covenanted martyrs; and various articles of their special testimony were
clearly displayed and ably vindicated. An admirable sermon was preached
at this commemoration by Rev. WILLIAM ANDERSON of Loanhead, which has
since been published under the title of "_the Voice of Renwick_," and
extensively circulated. It contains a condensed, yet lucid sketch of the
life, labours and sufferings of Renwick, a faithful portraiture of his
character, and an able exposition and defence of the great principles of
the testimony of the Scottish martyrs. There has been published in
modern times no juster or more appropriate tribute to the character,
principles, and heroic deeds of these faithful confessors, than is
contained in this discourse. On this account, as well as for the weighty
practical lessons which it enforces, it is of no local or ephemeral
interest, but deserves to be transmitted along with the testimonies of
the Presbyterian martyrs to future generations. These movements indicate
the gracious design of Zion's King to put lasting and increasing honour
upon those who cheerfully suffered the loss of all things in maintaining
his cause, and of yet reviving the principles for which they nobly
contended. Though the day may be distant when these nations shall
voluntarily and generally return to allegiance to Prince Messiah, yet,
as the dimness of the hour is the sure precursor of the perfect day, and
the cloud like a man's hand betokened "abundance of rain," so these
grateful reminiscences of the covenanted martyrs and their distinctive
testimony, point to a day of deliverance and brightness approaching,
when Antichristian error and idolatry shall be overthrown, and the reign
of righteousness and truth shall be universally established.