The Life of James Renwick: A Historical Sketch Of His Life, Labours And Martyrdom And A; Vindication Of His Character And Testimony — John Shaqi
The Life of James Renwick: A Historical Sketch Of His Life, Labours And Martyrdom And A; Vindication Of His Character And TestimonyHouston, Thomas
History
The Life of James Renwick: A Historical Sketch Of His Life, Labours And Martyrdom And A; Vindication Of His Character And Testimony
Houston, Thomas
Covenanters; Renwick, James, 1662-1688; Scotland -- Church history -- 17th century
Though enemies thus did their utmost to pour dishonour on the name and
memory of Renwick, and to extinguish the cause for which he suffered,
yet the Redeemer whom he intensely loved, and faithfully served, has in
his providence, vindicated the one, as He has preserved, and will yet
more extensively and gloriously display the other. Not only have eminent
historians and other distinguished writers, in recent times, done
justice to the character and labours of Renwick, and the contendings of
the Society people; but within the last few years, by several public
Commemorative services in Scotland, the spirit and testimony of the
later Scottish martyrs, have been held forth as worthy of the grateful
regard of posterity, and commended to their imitation and adoption. The
Bicentenary of the SANQUHAR DECLARATION was commemorated with
appropriate services,--upwards of 4000 persons of different religious
denominations convening at the ancient burgh of Sanquhar for this
purpose. The addresses delivered on the occasion by ministers and
others, ably displayed and vindicated the position assumed by Richard
Cameron, and his followers, and commended to public approval their
testimony. Some three years ago, a like public commemoration of
Renwick's birth and martyrdom was celebrated, at the place of his
nativity near MONIAIVE, in the south of Scotland,--ministers and people
of the Free, United, and Reformed Presbyterian Churches manifesting the
deepest interest in the proceedings. Besides the ministers and large
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
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