Page:Life of James Renwick.pdf/17

17 disdain. He was then carried before a quorum of the council. And when Graham delivered him off his hand he was heard to say, "Now I have given Renwick up to the Presbyterians, let them do with him what they please." What passed here could not be learned.

He was committed close prisoner, and laid in offer of his life to him, requesting through-bearing grace, and that his enemies might be restrained from torturing his body; all which requests were signally granted, and by him thankfully acknowledged before his execution.
 * where, as soon as he was left alone, he betook himself to prayer to his God, making a free

Before he received his indictment, he was taken before the Chancellor, in the Viscount of Tarbet’s , and there examined concerning his owning the authority of James VII, the cess, and carrying arms at field-meetings, when he delivered himself with such freedom and boldness as astonished all present. The reason why he was interrogated anent cess was, that a pocket-book was found upon him, in which were the notes of two sermons he had preached on these points which he owned. There were also some capitals in the same book; and because the committee was urgent to know the names, he, partly to avoid torture, and knowing they could render the persons no more obnoxious, declared the truth of the matter; which did much allay their rage against him. Being asked by the Chancellor, What peruasion he was of? He answered, Of the Protesant Presbyterian persuasion. Again, How it came pass he differed so much from other Presbyterians, who had accepted of the toleration, and owned the King’s authority? and what he thought of them? He answered, He was a Presbyterian, and adhered the old Presbyterian principles, principles which all were obliged by the covenant to maintain, and