[229] A historian says, that Mr. Blackadder was as free to have declared his disapprobation of what was done there, as he was of his not being there—But whether it be not a slur thrown upon the memory of this worthy man, to insinuate that he should suffer such hardships and so many years imprisonment merely out of ill nature, when he was free to have declared what would have satisfied them, must be left with the reader.
[230] See this in his testimonials from the classes, which are inserted in his life at large, pag. 25, &c.
[231] This seems to have been when he made a hasty journey thither in the year 1684 and 1686. See his letters page 98, and 136.
[232] See his letters and the answers, with the reasoning on Cathcart's affair at large from page 84 to 97.
[233] Mr. Peden on his death-bed sent for him, and after some conference owned he had been misinformed anent him; exhorted him to go forward, and he would be carried honestly through; asked his forgiveness, and desired him to pray with him before he departed: all which Mr. Renwick did with great cheerfulness. See Walker's remarks of the life of Mr. Peden.
[234] See his letter to Earlston, page 163.
[235] Mr. Hugh Kennedy then moderator.
[236] This testimony was again of late republished by some friends to the same cause.
[237] For besides these reproaches already noticed, with many others, he and his followers were charged as men of anarchical, murdering and bloody principles, which makes it the less wonder that their successors should be still charged with the same.
[238] And it is to be remarked, that many of the Jury were professors, and eminent in the tolerated meetings; while others, even of the malignants, chose rather to run the hazard of the penalty, as the laird of Torrence, who compeared not, and Somerville chamberlain of Douglas, who, though when he appeared, yet when he saw Mr Renwick turn about, and direct his speech to them, he ran away, saying, He trembled to think to take away the life of such a pious like man, though they should take his whole estate. The list of the Assizers is as follows: