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Born in Scotland in about 1662, James Renwick was a passionate and powerful Presbyterian preacher. His birth was also an unexpected answer to prayer. His parents, Andrew and Elizabeth lived in the hills of Glencairn, and though just a young couple, great tragedy had already befallen them. Every one of their children had died. But Elizabeth, didn’t give up. She prayed day and night for another baby and God soon answered her heart cry. Fittingly, they named their new little boy James—a name meaning “gift of God” or in the Hebrew language, “supplanter” or “one who follows.”[1] James Renwick was both a gift from God and the one who followed after his deceased siblings.
Because he was born into such a strong Christian family that took seriously God’s command in Deuteronomy 6 to teach the Holy Scriptures diligently to your children, little James was weened in the Word from infancy. As a result, he developed into a very smart but tender-hearted young man. In fact, he was a top student at the University of Edinburgh, but because he would not accept Charles II as the head of the Scottish church, they refused to give him a degree.[2] Charles II was the king of England, Scotland, and Ireland and even though he himself believed in religious tolerance for both Catholics and Nonconformists (i.e., Non-Anglican Protestants), Charles acquiesced to the Parliament’s policy which banned these religious groups.[3]
“their severed heads and hands nailed to the city gates”
Robert J. Morgan
James Renwick watched in horror as non-conformists like himself were brutally murdered and “their severed heads and hands nailed to the city gates” as a warning to anyone who dared defy the government.[4] James did end up leaving Scotland for the Netherlands, but only for the purpose of being trained in ministry and he soon returned to his home country to teach and preach the Word of God. Despite being in a hostile place, James was unwavering in his commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and put every ounce of energy into the building up of God’s kingdom. As he admitted to his friend, “Excessive travel, night wanderings, unseasonable sleep and diet, and frequent preaching in all seasons of weather, especially at night, have debilitated me.”[5] Of James Renwick, Robert J. Morgan writes, “He trudged with diligence through moors and mountains, in the cold stormy nights and by day. His study was often a cold glen or cave; his pillow, a rock or log. He managed a hundred escapes, but, at length, one winter’s night in Edinburgh, he was captured, put in irons, and convicted of treason.”[6]
His heartbroken mother, now a widow, came to visit her only child in prison. And her tearful words are recorded in history: “O James! How shall I look up to see your head and hands upon the city gate? I shall not be able to endure it.”[7] He tried to comfort her and later was able to smuggle a note to her which read: “There is nothing in the world that I am sorry to leave but you…Farewell, mother. Farewell, night wanderings, cold, and weariness for Christ. Farewell, sweet Bible and preaching the gospel. Welcome, crown of glory. Welcome, O Thou blessed Trinity and one God! I commit my soul into Thy eternal rest.”[8]
The next morning, which was February 17, 1688, he wrapped his arms around her for the last time before he was led away to be hanged at the young age of twenty-six. Truly, James Renwick lived and died by the words Jesus said: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)
Ryan Hembree is a daily co-host, speaker, and writer of Bible Discovery. He also hosts a YouTube channel that shows the unity of the Bible and how science and Scripture fit together. Ryan also has an honorary Masters of Ministry in Creation Science from Phoenix University of Theology.
[1] The name James is derived from the Hebrew name Jacob.
[2] Robert J. Morgan, On This Day in Christian History, February 16, Child of Promise.
[3] New Standard Encyclopedia, Vol. 4, Charles II, P. 224.
[4] Robert J. Morgan, On This Day in Christian History, February 16, Child of Promise.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Ibid.
