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.

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 for Christ, enjoyed in life and death, peace surpassing understanding—­his name will be ever fragrant, and his memorial everlasting.