lands, and
to the constitutional liberties of the nation. So far as we can see, but
for the singular power and devoted spirit of Renwick, and the firm and
unyielding position which the Cameronians through him were led to
assume, the cause of truth would have been completely borne down, and
Erastianism, and Popery, and Despotism had triumphed. Renwick and his
followers were the vanguard "in the struggle for Britain's liberties,
and for the Church's spiritual independence." Though, like other
patriots born before their time, they were doomed to fall, yet posterity
owes to them a large part of the goodly heritage which they enjoy.

The _manifold labours and sufferings_ of Renwick, which were ended by
his martyrdom, deserve a brief notice. For a period of five years, after
he entered on his public ministry, he was in constant movement and
unremitting and exhausting labours. He was employed at all seasons, and
often in the night time, and in the most inclement weather, preaching
the gospel in the fields, visiting families, and conversing with the
people individually and in groups, attending stated general
meetings--taking part in their deliberations, composing differences,
confronting gainsayers and opponents, and writing the papers and
manifestoes of the persecuted party. His services were in constant and
increasing demand, in various places widely scattered. After he had been
engaged in the most arduous labours, he had little or no rest, and no
comfortable place of retirement. He was obliged to lodge in moss-hags,
sheils of shepherds, or holes dug in the ground by his followers; when
sticks were kindled for a fire, and children conveyed to him food, not
unfrequently without the knowledge of their parents. Naturally of a weak
constitution, he was, at times, so borne down by sickness and total
prostration of strength, that he was literally carried on the shoulders
of faithful followers, or supported when on horseback. He had frequently
to flee from one hiding place to another, barefoot, or without some of
his garments, as he had also to travel in disguise. Letters of
intercommuning were launched against him. A price was set upon his head,
and persons were forbidden, on pain of death, to yield him shelter, or a
mouthful of food, to converse, or correspond with him by writing, or
offer him the smallest service of humanity.

It is recorded that in 1687, the year before Renwick's martyrdom, the
royal troops, _thirteen times_, m