nciples for which he contended,--his martyrdom,
character, and the distinct and honourable position assigned him in the
great work of maintaining and advancing the Redeemer's cause in the
earth.

RENWICK'S LIFE

James Renwick was the child of godly parents in humble life. His father,
Andrew Renwick, was a weaver, and his mother, Elizabeth Corson, is
especially mentioned, like the mother and grandmother of Timothy, or
like Monica, the mother of Augustine, as a woman of strong faith, and
eminently prayerful. As several of her children had died in infancy, she
earnestly sought that the Lord would give her a child, who would not
only be an heir of glory, but who might live to serve God in his
generation. Her prayer was heard and graciously answered. The son of her
vows was born at Moniaive, in the parish of Glencairn, Gallowayshire, on
the 15th of February, 1662. His father died before he reached the age of
fourteen, but not before he felt assured--probably from observing in the
boy remarkable indications of early piety--that, though his course on
earth would be short, the Lord would make singular use of him in his
service. The early training of this distinguished martyr was, in a great
measure, through the instrumentality of a devoted mother, who could
boast of no worldly affluence or accomplishments, but whose heart was
richly pervaded by the grace of the Spirit, and intensely concerned for
the Saviour's glory; and who, in times of great difficulty and great
trial, maintained unwavering confidence in the faithful word of promise.

If James Renwick was not "sanctified from the womb," there was clear
evidence afforded, that, in early childhood, he was the subject of
gracious motions of the Spirit. At two years of age, he was observed to
be aiming at secret prayer; and as his childhood advanced, he evinced
love to the ways of God, by reading and pondering the Scriptures,
delight in secret prayer, and by reverential regard to the authority of
his parents. Like Luther, and other eminent servants of God, Renwick was
trained for his life-work in the school of _temptation_; he experienced
painful mental conflicts, and the assaults of the tempter, at a very
early period. It is recorded that, at six years of age, he was conscious
of distressing doubts, in relation to the Divine existence and
perfections. These exercised and agitated his mind for a period of two
years. In answer to prayer, and by meditation on the power an