SACRED POETRY,

THE SABBATH.

LORD of the Sabbath and its light!
I hail thy hallow'd day of rest;
It is my weary soul's delight,

The solace of my care-worn breast.
Its dewy morn-its glowing noon—

Its tranquil eve-its solemn night-
Pass sweetly; but they pass too soon,

And leave me sadden'd at their flight.
Yet sweetly as they glide along,

And hallow'd tho' the calm they yield;
Transporting tho' their rapt'rous song,
And heav'nly visions seem reveal'd:
My soul is desolate and drear,

My silent harp untun'd remains;
Unless, my Saviour, thou art near,

To heal my wounds and soothe my pains,

O ever, ever let me hail

Thy presence with thy day of rest.

Then will thy servant never fail

To deem thy Sabbath doubly blest.

A SABBATH MEDITATION.

EAST.

WITH silent awe I hail the sacred morn,
That slowly wakes while all the fields are still;
A soothing calm on every breeze is borne,
A graver murmur gurgles from the rill,
And echo answers softer from the hill,
And softer sings the linnet from the thorn;
The skylark warbles in a tone less shrill.
Hail, light serene! hail, sacred Sabbath morn!
The rooks float silently, in airy drove;
The sun a placid yellow lustre throws;

The gales, that lately sighed along the grove,
Have hushed their downy wings in dead repose :
The hovering rack of clouds forgets to move :-
So smiled the day when the first morn arose.
LEYDEN.

MISCELLANEOUS.

me for himself; and then, whether I die sooner or
later, it signifies but little." On the day of her death,
when her physician asked her how she was, she an-
swered, "Truly happy; and, if this be dying, it is a
To her uncle she said, "I
pleasant thing to die.'
would not exchange my condition with any person upon
earth. O how gracious is the Lord to me! O what a
change is before me!" Looking affectionately at her
aunt, she said, "Do not weep for me, my dear aunt;
but rather rejoice, and give praise on my account." To
her most constant attendant, she said,
"Be sure you
continue to call upon the Lord; and if you think he
does not hear you now, he will at last, as he has heard
me."
She spoke a great deal to an intimate friend,
who was with her every day. Amongst other things,
she said, "See how comfortable the Lord can make a
dying bed!" After her uncle had prayed with her, she
exclaimed, "I am ready to say, 'Why are His chariot
wheels so long in coming?' But I hope He will enable
me to wait his hour with patience." "Towards seven
o'clock," says Mr Newton, "I was walking in the gar-
den, and earnestly engaged in prayer for her, when a
servant came to me, and said, She is gone!' I ran
up stairs, and our whole little family was soon collected
round her bed. She lay upon her left side, with her
cheek gently inclining upon her hand, as if in a sweet
sleep; and I thought there was a smile upon her coun-
tenance. Never, surely, did death appear in a more
beautiful, inviting form! We fell upon our knees, and
I returned, I think I may say, my most unfeigned thanks
to our God and Saviour, for his abundant goodness to
her; crowned in this last instance by giving her so gen-
tle a dismission." Thus died this pious and amiable
young lady, in the fifteenth year of her age.

Rev. Robert Hall.-A remarkable instance of the ardent attachment of the late Rev. Robert Hall, to the memory of his father, occurred on a visit to Arnsby, his native place; and is thus related by the Rev. Dr Cox-On the way from Leicester his mind was filled with recollections of his father, and the scene of his earliest days. No sooner did he enter the house, than he hastened into the parlour, fell upon his knees, and poured forth the most fervent and humble supplications. Wishing not to interrupt these sacred moments, the two or three individuals who witnessed the intensity of his feelings, withdrew. Soon afterwards he went into the burial-ground, and dropping on his knees at The Death of Eliza Cunningham.-Miss Eliza Cun- his father's grave, with his hands extended over the ningham was the niece of the Rev. J. Newton, of top of the monumental stone, and his eyes closed, but at intervals lifted up to heaven, he offered up a most London, and, on the death of her mother, was received and adopted into his family. "From what I had heard remarkable prayer. It showed that a holy fire was of Eliza," says her excellent uncle, "I was prepared burning within, and was characterised by simplicity, to love her before I saw her; although she came after-pathos, earnestness, and humility. He breathed forth wards into my hands like a heap of untold gold, which, above," entreated that he might be permitted to know an impassionate desire to "join the blessed company when counted over, proves to be a larger sum than was expected." Her delicate constitution received a severe shock before she left Scotland, the place of her nativity, so that, during her residence in London, she languished more or less under disease, which, at length, terminated in a fatal consumption. A little before her death, Mrs Newton said to her, "My dear, I have been very anxiously concerned for your life.' "But I hope," said she, "my dear aunt, you are not so now. My views of things have been for some time very different from what they were when I came to you. I have seen and felt the vanity of childhood and youth." "I believe, my dear Eliza," continued her aunt, "you have long made conscience of secret prayer." Yes," she replied, "I have long and earnestly sought the Lord, with reference to the change that is now approaching. I have not that full assurance which is very desirable; but I have a hope, I trust a good hope; and I believe the Lord will give me whatever he sees necessary for me, before he takes me hence. I have prayed to him to fit

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his departed father, and that their united prayers on earth might then be turned into praise, while they together beheld their Redeemer face to face."

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of trial, temptation, and sorrow, which never were, and never could be, the lot of a being of spotless innocence, unless voluntarily submitted to. Christ submitted to a life of ignominy and woe, which perhaps no created being, however holy, could have endured without sin, as no holy creature had ever till then experienced any thing but happiness under the moral government of God. But perfect moral purity and uninterrupted sorrow were, for the first time, to dwell in the same bosom. Nor can we rightly estimate how much the aid of Christ's divinity was necessary to support his human nature when exhibiting to heaven and earth the new moral phenomenon of a life of holiness being that of unparalleled suffering and grief. There must have been a strength of temp-ing manner, his willingness to save to the very tation continually presented to Christ, and a power of resistance and of patient endurance manifested on his part, of which we can form but a fecble idea. The broken law was thus magnified in that very nature in which it had been transgressed, while, at the same time, the glory of divine perfection was intimately connected with every one act of that obedience.

presence gladden the disconsolate dwelling, and how frequently was his power exerted to relieve the distressed! Think of the cases of the importunate centurion, of the imploring Jairus, of the mourning widow of Nain, and of Lazarus; and never was commiseration for the sufferings of others more affectingly exhibited than at the very moment when, as the Son of God was extended on the cross, abandoned by heaven and earth, the condition of his sorrowful mother called forth his compassion, and he exclaimed to him whom, while on earth, he loved most, "Behold thy mother." In the numerous instances of the Saviour's love which he has left on record for our encourage ment, do we not see exhibited in the most strikuttermost, every sinner who flies to him as the only refuge for the guilty? While the compassion of him who, when on earth, was the friend of sinners, and the comforter of the mourner, is a view of Christ's character so well fitted to gain the affections and to hush to rest the disquietudes of the afflicted, how suited, at the same time, to convey solid peace and everlasting consolation to But not only in the life, but still more strik- the awakened mind of every sinner, is the consideraingly in the atoning death of Christ, do we see the tion that every invitation, every promise, every ennecessity of "God manifest in the flesh," coming couragement which proceeded from Christ's mouth, into the world as the substitute for sinners. The were the words of "God, manifest in the flesh." sacrifice which was to atone for human guilt re- It is this conviction which invests them with all quired to be of infinite value, and yet only a finite their power to dissipate the sinner's fears, and to creature could suffer and die. Neither the suffer- awaken in the mind of the believer an unshaken ings of men nor of angels could have exhausted confidence. His words ought to be as spirit and the wrath of God due to sin. It was the myste-life to the soul, and to abide in us as a well of rious death of the Son of God upon the cross, who through the eternal Spirit, offered himself as a sacrifice to divine justice, which possessed value enough to take away the sin of the world. It was humanity suffering, while Deity stamped its own glory on the sacrifice, which presented to the Almighty an all-sufficient propitiation for transgression.

In a practical point of view, how admirably suited to the circumstances of our fallen nature is this doctrine! In the human nature of Christ, have we not the love of God to sinners brought down to our capacities, and manifested through the sympathies and feelings of our own nature? Oh! how unlike a mere cold speculation, how fitted to affect the heart and all the moral sensibilities of the soul, is the eventful history of the tender-hearted God-man, while living amongst sinners on earth! As no man ever spake like this man, so no man ever acted like him, in whose bosom compassion ever dwelt, and whose commiseration with human woe, no apathy ever chilled. Read the reality and depth of the divine love to sinners, in every act of benevolence which the Saviour performed, as well as in every suffering which he endured. Who can peruse the simple story of the evangelists, without perceiving that he literally went about doing good? No sufferer ever applied to him and was denied relief, he was ever ready to console the mourner, and to heal the wounded in spitit. How often did his

living water, springing up unto eternal life.

But this union of deity and humanity is also intimately connected with all that Christ is now carrying on in heaven for the salvation of his people, as well as with what he has already finished on earth. As our great high priest, Jesus has passed into the heavens, to appear and to intercede in the presence of God for us. It is his glorified human nature in which he acts in that character. By appearing as the Lamb that was slain in the midst of the throne, he makes the incense of that sacrifice, which he once offered on earth, still ascend before God as an everlasting memorial of his redeeming love to man, and of the efficacy of his atonement, as the ground upon which every blessing is dispensed to his Church upon earth. No doctrine is more essential to the Christian's stability, peace, and consolation, in every situation in which he may be placed, than the belief, that the same Saviour who died on earth, and manifested such love to sinners, now lives and reigns in heaven as a compassionate high priest, who is touched with a fellow-feeling of our infirmities, and who himself having suffered, being tempted, is able to sympathise with those who suffer, and to succour those who are tempted; and that, as the mediatorial King of Zion, he has all power committed to him, for the purpose of strengthening, supporting, and defending those who are his followers. However numerous, therefore, may be their spiritual eneinies,

which he had fallen. Having sent for Mr Renwick, the following interview took place :

"Are you the Mr James Renwick about whom there is so much noise?' wick, my name is James Renwick, but I have given 'Father,' replied Mr Renthe world no ground to make any noise about me, for I have espoused no new principles or practices, but what our reformers and covenanters maintained.' Mr Peden then desired him to give a distinct account of his principles, which Mr Renwick having done, the dying saint thus addressed him: Sir, you have answered ine to my soul's satisfaction. I am very sorry that I should have believed any such evil reports of

This view of God manifest in the flesh, acting as our Mediator in the presence of God, is what every man professes to believe who makes mention of the name of Christ in his various acts of religious worship, and who, in that name, concludes all his petitions, as the only medium through which they are to find acceptance with the Al-you, which not only quenched my love to, and marred mighty. And were the power and faithfulness of the Redeemer, as the exalted, living head of his Church, more firmly believed in and relied upon by Christians, would not this belief banish from the mind many a fear, and administer consolation in many a time of trial? Into his hand is specially committed the mediatorial government of our world, and in that hand he holds the destiny of every nation, as well as of every individual; and he is now saying, amid all the proud waves of the world's present infidel opposition, "Hitherto shalt thou come, but no farther."

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
JAMES RENWICK,

THE LAST OF THE SCOTTISH MARTYRS.
(Concluded from p. 294.)

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In the beginning of the year 1685, Charles the second died, and the covenanters enjoyed a short respite from the fierce persecutions with which they had been visited. A few months, however, had only elapsed, when James VII., who succeeded his brother Charles, openly avowed it to be his determination to extirpate Presbyterianism from the land. Against this popish and tyrannical monarch, Mr Renwick, at the request of the United Societies, drew up a declaration, which was published at Sanquhar on the 28th of May. A few days before the appearance of this declaration, the Earl of Argyle, with the consent of a number of exiled noblemen, set sail for Scotland with an expedition, intending, if possible, to overturn the government of James. It was fully expected by the Earl and his adherents, that their enterprise would be gladly hailed by the covenanters. In this, however, they were disappointed. Mr Renwick, in the name of the party, declined all interference, chiefly on the ground that the expedition was not concerted according to the ancient plea of the Scottish covenanters, in defence of our reformation expressly, according to our covenants, national and solemn league." This refusal was a source of great uneasiness to Mr Renwick, from the reproaches which were heaped upon him, more especially by some of the Presbyterians who had come to Scotland along with the Earl of Argyle. One of the most virulent calumniators of Renwick was Robert Cathcart, who accused him of error, heresy, and pride. These accusations were fully answered, but no means were left untried to weaken the influence and destroy the usefulness of this devoted servant of the Lord. With the utmost meekness he endured all the reproaches of his open enemies or pretended friends; but his mind was deeply affected by the alienation of one who, though personally unknown to him, was dear to him as his own soul. This was Mr Alexander Peden, who had put faith in the statements of Mr Renwick's opponents, and had, in consequence, disclaimed all interest in him. It is gratifying, however, to think that on his death-bed Mr Peden acknowledged the error into

my sympathy with you, but led me to express myself bitterly against you; for all which I have sadly smarted. old, and going to leave the world. With this request But, Sir, ere you go, you must pray for me; for I am Mr Renwick cheerfully complied; upon which Mr Peden took him by the hand, saying, Sir, I find you a faithful servant to your Master. Go on in a single dependance upon the Lord, and ye will get honestly through, and clear off the stage, when many others who hold their heads high will lie in the mire and make foul hands and garments."

Mr Renwick felt too strongly the importance and responsibility of his office as an ambassador of Christ, to be deterred by reproach or persecution from making full proof of his ministry. He preached, catechised, and dispensed sealing ordinances to the oppressed wanderers, who were scattered up and down the country like sheep upon the mountains. His adherents, instead of diminishing, were every day on the increase; and it soon became apparent to the Council, that unless decisive steps were taken, they would become a very powerful body. The most strenuous efforts, accordingly, were made to crush the good cause, and, as one of the most effectual means of doing so, the military not merely dragged to prison, or cruelly murdered all the covenanters who fell in their way, but they redoubled their exertions to secure the person of Mr Renwick, whom they considered as the leader of the party. Still he and his followers assembled, as often as they conveniently could, for the worship of the God of their fathers. And not only so, but they held stated meetings to concert measures for their own defence. At one of these meetings a paper was drawn up, entitled the "Informatory Vindication," which having been revised by Mr Renwick, was printed in Holland, and circulated throughout the kingdom. In that paper they avowed it to be their determination to maintain and contend for the principles of the Reformation. A declaration of this nature only enraged the government the more against them. James, accordingly, under the mask of tolerating "moderate" Presbyterians, issued three different proclamations, threatening vengeance against the more resolute of the party. Some individuals, not being aware of the hidden purpose which the crafty monarch had in view, to support Popery, accepted the indulgence held out to them. Mr Renwick and his adherents, however, decidedly refused to avail themselves of the offer made, declaring that "nothing can be more vile than when the true religion is tolerated under the notion of a crime, and when the exercise of it is allowed only under heavy restrictions."

The decided opposition which Mr Renwick had made to the indulgence, led those who had yielded to the tempting bait, to load him with reproaches and calumnies of every kind. But, amid all the persecution of treacherous friends, he manifested an equal firmness with that which he had displayed when exposed to persecution from his open enemies. He knew that, in present circumstances, his time on earth would be short, and therefore he exerted himself to the utmost in warning, exhorting, and encouraging his afflicted country"Our troubles are growing," says he at this time,

men.

"and enemies are stretching out their hands violently to persecute; and they want not instigations from our false brethren; so we are made the contempt of the proud, and the scorn of them that are at ease. Our sufferings were always rightly stated, but never so clearly as now; and why should we not endure these trials? for they shall work for truth's victory, and Christ's glory. O let all the suffering remnant keep clean hands, for therein shall be their strength; and wait with patience, for He will not tarry, who cometh to plead his own cause, to lay claim to his own interest, that is basely and deceitfully abandoned, and betrayed into the hands of man, to give a fair decision."

the protestant presbyterian persuasion. Chan. How comes it to pass that you differ so much from other presbyterians who have accepted the toleration and owned the king's authority? And what do you think of them? Ren. I am a presbyterian, and adhere to the old presbyterian principles, principles which all are obliged by the covenant to maintain, and which were once professed and maintained by the nation from 1640 to 1660, from which the clergy have apostatised for a little liberty-they know not how long, as you yourselves have done for a little honour. Chan. We believe that these are the presbyterian principles, and that all presbyterians would own them as well as you, if they had but the courage."

On the 3d of February, Mr Renwick was served with an indictment to stand trial before the High Court of Justiciary. Meanwhile his mother was permitted to visit him in prison. On one of these occasions, he expressed to her his regret at parting with his poor flock, but he added, “That if it were his choice, he could not think of it without terror to enter again into, and venture upon, that conflict with a body of sin and death; yet if he were again to go and preach in the field, he durst not vary in the least, nor flinch one hairbreadth from the testimony, but would look on himself as obliged to use the same freedom and faithfulness as he had done before.' On another occasion his mother having asked him what were his feelings in so trying a situation? Since my last examination,' replied Renwick, I can hardly pray.' Seeing her startled at his answer, he added, I can hardly pray, being so much taken up with praising, and ravished with the joy of the Lord.' But how shall I look upon that head,' said she, and those hands set up among the rest upon the ports of the city? I have so much of self, that I shall never be able to endure it.' With a smile, he told her that she should never be called upon to endure such a trial; for,' said he, I have offered my life to the Lord, and have sought that he may bind them up, that they may do no more; and I am persuaded that they shall not be permitted to torture my body, nor touch one hair of my head farther.'"

Mr Renwick's zeal in his Master's cause, far from being checked by the dangers to which he was subjected, only became the more ardent and persevering; and although the council had, in the course of five months after the toleration was granted, made no fewer than fifteen desperate attempts to apprehend him, this devoted servant of God continued instant in season and out of season, preaching the Gospel both publicly and privately. It was evident, however, to himself as well as to his friends that, amid such vigilance on the part of his enemies, and with a price of one hundred pounds set upon his head, he must ere long fall a victim to the relentless fury of James and his minions. Knowing, therefore, that his end was approaching, he drew up a paper against the indulgence, and hastened to Edinburgh, in the beginning of January 1688, with the design of presenting it to a meeting of the tolerated ministers which was expected to take place. Finding, on his arrival in town, that the information he had received, concerning the meeting, was incorrect, he lodged his protestation in the hands of Mr Hugh Kennedy, the moderator of their last meeting. He now set out for Fife where he preached several sermons, and again crossing the Firth, preached at Borrowstouness. This was the last discourse Mr Renwick preached in public, and the concluding sentences of it clearly show the fidelity and uncompromising firmness with which he declared the truth."It is a sure token of sad wrath and desolation approaching, when preaching hath little or no other effect than to make the hearts of people more fat, His trial took place on the 8th of February, and the their ears heavy, and to shut their eyes that they neither charge of treason against the king's majesty, having, see, hear, nor understand, for then may we look for dread-after a mock investigation, been pretended to be estabful desolations, as it is in Isa. vi. 9-12. O, this is the great sin of Scotland, that the report of the Gospel hath not been believed by the generality of the people; that that which the faithful ministers of Christ have had in commission from him to tell them, hath not been credited as it should. And what doth this say, but that desolation and wrath are approaching? Happy are they who are preparing for the same."

Mr Renwick returned to Edinburgh on the 30th January, and lodged in a friend's house on the Castlehill. Here he was apprehended. A custom-house officer having received information, went to the house, pretending to be in search of contraband goods. No sooner had he got admission than he recognized Mr Renwick, and called his associates to assist him in carrying "the dog Renwick," as he termed him, to prison. Perceiving that he was now in imminent danger of being taken, however, the intrepid covenanter made a violent effort and escaped, but having received a blow from one of the party, he fell several times in running down the Castle-wynd, and he had scarcely reached the head of the Cowgate when he was seized and lodged in the guard-house. He was afterwards committed to prison, and laid in irons.

Before receiving his indictment, Mr Renwick was brought before the chancellor, and privately examined. At the close of his examination the following conversation took place, which shows the undaunted boldness with which this courageous man could avow his principles ::"Chan. Of what persuasion are you? Ren, of

lished against him, he was sentenced to be executed in the Grassmarket, on the Friday following. On being asked by the Lord Justice General if he desired longer time, he immediately replied that, "it was all one to him; if it were protracted it was welcome; if it were shortened it was welcome; his Master's time was the best." In hope of his making concessions he was respited till the 17th. All, however, was to no purpose. He remained firm to the true covenanted presbyterian principles.

During the short time allotted him before the day of execution, Mr Renwick was much harassed by repeated visits from Popish priests and others, who used all their endeavours to urge him to recant. Dalrymple, the King's advocate, also entreated him to sue for pardon, and to own the authority of the King. Petitions were written by several individuals, praying for a commutation of his sentence; but on being sent to him for his signature, he positively refused, lest he should in the slightest degree countenance the idea that he was guilty of apostasy. On Tuesday the 14th, he was brought before the council and again examined, chiefly in regard to the "Informatory Vindication." He decidedly refused, however, to testify against his brethren. After this examination, he was observed to be remarkably cheerful, and on one of his friends asking him How he did?" he replied that he was well, but he hoped in three days to be still better. The day before his death, he wrote what is termed his dying testimony, an extract from which may be interesting.