tions 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.

CONCLUSION.

The record of the life, labours, and testimony, of James Renwick is
fraught with _practical lessons_ of the highest value to the Church in
the present day; and ministers, theological students, and the rising
youth of the Church generally have a special interest in pondering them
deeply, and in seeking to reduce them to practice.

From Renwick's personal history, we see--1. An instance of the Divine
blessing on parental dedication, and early religious instruction,
confirming the truth of the Divine promise, and exhibiting the
unspeakable benefit of the faithful labours of godly parents, especially
of mothers, to the Church. 2. It is impressively shown too, that a
person's work and influence for good, is not dependent on birth or
station in life, or on outward advantages. Many of the most eminent
servants of Christ, like Luther and Renwick, sprung from the humbler
ranks of society, and before they came forward to public usefulness, had
to contend with great difficulties. Grace ennobled them. God often
chooses "the weak things" of the world to "confound the mighty." His
servants are raised from the dunghill to sit among princes. In heaven's
heraldry, a man's rank is taken, not from hereditary titles, or
possessions, but from grace renewing and sanctifying the heart, and a
life of true devotedness to Christ and his service. 3. We are taught to
lay no stress on present prosperity, but to do God's work, looking for
the recompense of reward which He gives. A noble forgetfulness of self,
and mortification to the favour of the world, have characterized all
Christ's most approved servants. Dr. Payson relates about himself, what
has been experienced by many faithful men, "When I thought myself to be
_something_, I never knew happiness of mind; since I came to feel myself
nothing, and Christ all, I have realized full satisfaction and joy."
Renwick reviled, calumniated, and persecuted in his day, while esteeming
all but loss