Page:Life of James Renwick.pdf/7

7 .a-wanting) and though in a rude dress, was sustained The classis being convened, they were called in and had an open harangue, wherein open testimony was given against all the forms and corruptions of their church; whereat they were so far from being offended, that after a solemn and serious consideration of their eausecause [sic], they declared it was the Lord’s cause, and cost what it would, though all the kings of the earth were against it, they would go through with it. They all three should have passed together, but upon some differences arising, the other two were retarded. It was the custom of the place, that every one that passes must pay twenty guilders, for the use of the church; but the classis declared, that they would be at all the charges themselves.

But the next diffeultydifficulty [sic] was, that being told it was impossible for any to pass without subscribing their Catechism, and observing that their forms and corruptions were therein justified, Mr Renwick resolutely answered, he would do no such thing, being engaged by a solemn covenant, to the contrary. This was like to spoil all; but at length they condescended that he subscribe the Confession and Catechism of the church of Scotland, a practice never before heard of in that land; which was accepted. The day of ordination being come, Mr Renwick was called in a very respectful way. After spending some time in prayer, the examination began, which lasted from ten in the morning to two o’clock in the afternoon. Then his friends, who were attending in the church, were called in, (amongst whom was his honoured friend Mr Hamilton, and another elder of the church of Scotland) to witness the laying on of hands, which, after the exhortation, they performed with prayer, the whole meeting melting in tears; and thereafter he had a discourse to the classis. With this solemnity the classis were so much affected, that at dinner, to which he and his friends were invited, the preses declared the great satisfaction all the brethren had in