Page:Life of James Renwick.pdf/16

16 time, he went to Mr Hugh Kennedy, a minister great note among them, who he heard was moderator, and delivered a protestation into his hands and then, upon some reasons, emitted it in public as his testimony against the toleration.

From thence he went to Fife, and preached some Sabbaths; and upon the 29th of January, he preached his last sermon at Borrowstounness. Then he returned to Edinburgh, and lodged in a house on the Castlehill, who dealt in uncustomed goods; and wanted his wonted circumspection ( time being come), one John Justice, a waiter, discovered the house that very night; and hearing him praying in the family, suspected who it was attacked the house next morning, February 1st, and pretending to search for uncustomed goods, they got entrance; and when Mr Renwick came to the door, Mr Justice challenged him in these words “My life for it, this is Mr Renwick.” After which he went to the street, crying for assistance to carry the dog Renwick to the guard.

In the meantime, Mr James and other two essayed to make their escape at another door, were repelled by the waiters. Whereupon he discharged a pistol, which made the assailants give way; but as he passed through them, one with a long staff hit him on the breast, which doubtless disabled him for running. Going down the Castle-wynd, towards the head of the Cowgate, having lost his hat, he was taken notice of, and seized by a fellow on the street, while the other two escaped.

He was taken to the guard, and there kept for some time. One Graham, captain of the guard, seeing him of a little stature and comely countenance, cried, "What! is this the boy Renwick that the nation hath been so much troubled with?" At the same time, one Bailie Charters coming in, with great insolency accused him with bawdy-houses, to which he replied with deserved