Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies) - free ebook by John Howie

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Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies)

John Howie

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Biographia Scoticana:

Biographia Scoticana:

Noblemen, Gentlemen, Ministers, and others: From Mr. Patrick Hamilton , who was born about the year of our Lord 1503, and suffered martyrdom at St. Andrews , Feb. 1527, to Mr. James Renwick , who was executed in the Grass-market of Edinburgh Feb. 17, 1688. TOGETHER WITH A succinct Account of the Lives of other seven eminent Divines, and Sir Robert Hamilton of Preston, who died about, or shortly after the Revolution. AS ALSO, An Appendix, containing a short historical Hint of the wicked Lives and

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OR, A BRIEF HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE LIVES, CHARACTERS, and MEMORABLE TRANSACTIONS of the most eminent SCOTS WORTHIES,

OR, A BRIEF HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE LIVES, CHARACTERS, and MEMORABLE TRANSACTIONS of the most eminent SCOTS WORTHIES,

The Second Edition , corrected and enlarged. The Righteous shall be had in everlasting Remembrance , Psal. cxii. 6. And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her , Psal. lxxxvii. 5 GLASGOW: Printed by JOHN BRYCE, and Sold at his Shop, opposite Gibson's-Wynd, Salt-market . M, DCC, LXXXI...

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To the Impartial Reader.

To the Impartial Reader.

The design of the following work was to collect from the best authorities, a summary account of the lives characters and contendings of a certain number of our more renowned Scots Worthies , who for their faithful services, ardent zeal, constancy in sufferings, and other Christian graces and virtues, deserve a most honourable memorial in the church of Christ;—and for which their names both have and will be savoury to all the true lovers of our Zion, while reformation-principles are regarded in S

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Advertisement to the Public, concerning this Edition.

Advertisement to the Public, concerning this Edition.

That, after what I formerly observed on the subject in the foregoing pages, it were needless to add any thing farther here, than to notice to the Reader, that besides a number of small corrections, there are four lives added, and upwards of fifty other additions or short improvements;—only as Mr. Vetch's life and practice, especially since the Revolution, was not so consonant to the rest as could have been wished, it was desired by some friends to be deleted; but others alledging that he was a s

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BOOKS in OCTAVO.

BOOKS in OCTAVO.

Mr. RALPH ERSKINE's Works, in 10 large vols Trail's sermons, 3 vols Pike and Hayward's cases of conscience, with the spiritual companion Dickenson's religious letters Neil's 23 sermons on important subjects Durham's exposition of the ten commands Owen on the CXXX Psalm Sibb's soul's conflict, together with the bruised reed and smoaking flax Dickson's truth's victory over error Durham's unsearchable riches of Christ, in fourteen communion sermons Adamson's loss and recovery of elect sinners Rawli

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The Life of Mr. Patrick Hamilton.

The Life of Mr. Patrick Hamilton.

He was born about the year of our Lord 1503, and he was nephew to the earl of Arran by his father, and to the duke of Albany by his mother; he was also related to king James. V. of Scotland. He was early educated with a design for future high preferment, and had the abbey of Ferm given him, for the purpose of prosecuting his studies; which he did with great assiduity. In order to complete this laudable design, he resolved to travel into Germany. The fame of the university of Wittemberg was then

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The Life of Mr. George Wishart.

The Life of Mr. George Wishart.

This gentleman was a brother of the laird of Pittarro in Mearns, and was educated at the university of Cambridge, where his diligence and progress in useful learning, soon made him be respected. From an ardent desire to promote the truth in his own country, he returned to it in the summer of 1544, and began teaching a school in the town of Montrose, which he kept for some time with great applause. He is particularly celebrated for his uncommon eloquence, and agreeable manner of communication. Th

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The Life of Mr. Walter Mill.

The Life of Mr. Walter Mill.

He was born about the year 1476, was educated in the Popish religion, and made priest of Lunan in the shire of Angus, where he remained until he was accused by the bishop of St. Andrews of having left off saying mass, which he had done long before this time, being condemned by the cardinal on that account, in the year 1538; but he escaped the flames for this time, by flying into Germany, where he married a wife, and was more perfectly instructed in the true religion; after which he returned home

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The Life of James Stuart, Earl of Moray.

The Life of James Stuart, Earl of Moray.

He was a natural son of K. James V. and brother by the father's side to Mary queen of Scots; in his infancy he was put under the celebrated George Buchanan, who instilled such principles into his mind in early life, as by the divine blessing made him an honour to the Scottish nation. The reader cannot expect a very minute detail of all the heroic and patriotic deeds of this worthy nobleman, considering the station which he filled, and his activity in the discharge of the duties belonging to it.

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The Life of Mr. John Knox.

The Life of Mr. John Knox.

Mr. Knox was born in Gifford near Haddington in East Lothian, in the year 1505. His father was related to the antient house of Ranferlie. When he left the grammar school, he was sent to the university of St. Andrews, to study under Mr. John Mair, (a man of considerable learning at that time), and had the degree of master of arts conferred upon him, while very young. He excelled in philosophy and polemical divinity, and was admitted into church orders before the usual time appointed by the canons

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The Life of Mr. George Buchanan.

The Life of Mr. George Buchanan.

George Buchanan was born in Lennoxshire (commonly called the sheriffdom of Dumbarton), in Scotland, in a country town, situated near the river or water of Blane [35] , in the year of our Lord 1506, about the beginning of February, of a family rather ancient than rich. His father died of the stone, in the flower of his age, whilst his grandfather was yet alive, by whose extravagance, the family, which was below before, was now almost reduced to the extremity of want. Yet such was the frugal care

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The Life of Mr. Robert Rollock.

The Life of Mr. Robert Rollock.

Mr. Rollock was descended from the antient family of the Livingstons. He was born about the year 1555. His father, David Rollock, sent him to Stirling to be educated for the university under Thomas Buchanan, where his genius, modesty and sweetness of temper soon procured to him the particular friendship of his master, which subsisted ever after. From this school, he went to the university of St Andrews, where he prosecuted his studies for four years; at the end of which, his progress had been so

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The Life of Mr. John Craig.

The Life of Mr. John Craig.

Mr. John Craig, was a man of considerable learning and singular abilities; he travelled abroad in his youth, and was frequently delivered out of very great dangers, by the kind interposition of a gracious providence; an instance of which we have while he was in Italy: Being obliged to fly out of that country, on account of his regard for the reformation, in order to avoid being apprehended, he was obliged to lurk in obscure places in the day-time, and travel over night; by this means any little

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The Life of Mr. David Black.

The Life of Mr. David Black.

Mr. Black was for some time colleague to the worthy Mr. Andrew Melvil minister at St. Andrews. He was remarkable for zeal and fidelity in the discharge of his duty as a minister, applying his doctrine closely against the corruptions of that age, prevailing either among the highest or lowest of the people; in consequence of which, he was, in the year 1596, cited before the council for some expressions uttered in a sermon, alledged to strike against the queen and council. But his brethren in the m

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The Life of Mr. John Davidson.

The Life of Mr. John Davidson.

He was minister at Salt-Preston (now known by the name of Preston-pans), and began very early to discover uncommon piety and faithfulness in the discharge of his duty. He was involved in the sufferings brought upon several ministers on account of the raid of Ruthven [40] , and the enterprise at Stirling [41] anno 1584, on which account he fled for England, and remained there some considerable time. Being returned to Scotland, in the year 1596, when the ministers and other commissioners of the ge

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The Life of Mr. William Row.

The Life of Mr. William Row.

He was a son of Mr. John Row minister at Perth, who gave him a very liberal education under his own eye. He was settled minister at Strathmiglo, in the shire of Fyfe, about the year 1600, and continued there for several years. He was one of those ministers who refused to give public thanks for the king's deliverance from his danger in Gowrie's conspiracy, until the truth of that conspiracy was made to appear. This refusal brought upon him the king's displeasure; he was summoned to appear before

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The Life of Mr. Andrew Melvil.

The Life of Mr. Andrew Melvil.

Mr. Melvil, after finishing his classical studies, went abroad, and taught, for some time, both at Poictiers in France, and at Geneva. He returned to Scotland in July 1574, after having been absent from his native country near ten years. Upon his return, the learned Beza, in a letter to the general assembly of the church of Scotland, said, "That the greatest token of affection the kirk of Geneva could show to Scotland, was, that they had suffered themselves to be spoiled of Mr. Andrew Melvil." S

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The Life of Mr. Patrick Simpson.

The Life of Mr. Patrick Simpson.

Mr. Simpson, after having finished his academical course, spent some considerable time in retirement, which he employed in reading the Greek and Latin classics, the antient Christian fathers, and the history of the primitive church. Being blamed by one of his friends for wasting so much time in the study of pagan writers, he replied, That he intended to adorn the house of God with these Egyptian jewels. He was first ordained minister at Cramond, but was afterwards transported to Stirling, where

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The Life of Mr. Andrew Duncan.

The Life of Mr. Andrew Duncan.

Mr. Duncan was settled minister at Crail, in the shire of Fyfe, and was afterwards summoned before the high commission court at St. Andrews, in the year 1619. on account of his faithfulness in opposing the five articles of Perth. At the first time of his compearance, he declined their authority; and at the second, he adhered to his former declinature, upon which the high commission court passed the sentence of deposition against him, and ordained him to enter himself in ward at Dundee. After the

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The Life of Mr. John Scrimzeor.

The Life of Mr. John Scrimzeor.

He was settled minister at Kinghorn, in the shire of Fyfe, and went as chaplain with King James in the year 1590, to Denmark, when he brought home his queen. He was afterwards concerned in several important affairs of the church, until that fatal year 1618, when the five articles of Perth were agreed on in an assembly held at that place. He attended at this assembly, and gave in some proposals [48] , upon being (along with others of his faithful brethren) excluded from having a vote by the preva

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The Life of Mr. John Welch.

The Life of Mr. John Welch.

Mr. John Welch was born a gentleman, his father being laird of Colieston (an estate rather competent than large, in the shire of Nithsdale), about the year 1570, the dawning of our reformation being then but dark. He was a rich example of grace and mercy, but the night went before the day, being a most hopeless extravagant boy: It was not enough to him, frequently when he was a young stripling to run away from the school, and play the truant; but, after he had past his grammar, and was come to b

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The Life of Mr. Robert Boyd.

The Life of Mr. Robert Boyd.

He was first settled minister at Vertal in France, but was afterwards by the interest of Sieur du Plessis translated to be professor of divinity at Saumur, and some time after was invited home by king James and settled principal of the college of Glasgow and minister of Govan, at which place he ordinarily wrote his sermons in full, and yet when he came to the pulpit he appeared with great life and power of affection. While he was in France the popish controversy employed his thoughts, but the ch

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The Life of Mr. Robert Bruce.

The Life of Mr. Robert Bruce.

Mr. Robert Bruce was born about the year 1554. He was second son to the laird of Airth (of whom he had the estate of Kinnaird), who being at that time a baron, of the best quality in the kingdom, educated Mr. Robert with intention of being one of the lords of session, and for his better accomplishment, sent him to France to study the civil law. After his return home, his father injoined him to wait upon some affairs of his that were then before the court of session, as he had got a patent insure

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The Life of Mr. Josias Welch.

The Life of Mr. Josias Welch.

Mr. Josias Welch was a younger son to the famous Mr. John Welch sometime minister of the gospel at Ayr, and Elizabeth Knox daughter to the great Mr. John Knox, who was minister at Edinburgh, from whom he received a most liberal and religious education. But what enhanced his reputation more, was, that he was, heir to his father's graces and virtues. And although he had received all the branches of useful learning in order for the ministry, yet, prelacy being then prevalent in Scotland, he was det

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The Life of John Gordon Viscount Kenmuir.

The Life of John Gordon Viscount Kenmuir.

John Gordon of Lochinvar (afterwards viscount Kenmuir) was born about the year 1599. He received a reasonable measure of education, and yet, through the circumstance of his birth, the corruption of the age, but above all the depravity of nature, and want of restraining grace in his younger years, he became somewhat irreligious and profane, which, when he arrived at manhood, broke out into more gross acts of wickedness, and yet all the while the Lord never left him altogether without a check or w

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The Life of Mr. Robert Cunningham.

The Life of Mr. Robert Cunningham.

After Mr. Robert Cunningham had received a good education, he became chaplain to the duke of Buccleugh's regiment in Holland, and was afterward settled minister at Holywood in Ireland, sometime before Mr. Blair was settled at Bangor, and with whom Mr. Blair, after his settlement in that place, contracted such an acquaintance as was comfortable to them both. He applied himself close unto the work of the ministry, which no doubt to him was the most desireable of all employments, being in the pulpi

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The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.

The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.

He was son to James Mitchel of Dykes in the parish of Ardrossan, and was born about the year 1621. His father, being factor to the earl of Eglinton and a very religious man himself, gave his son a most liberal and religious education.——For, being sent to the university of St. Andrews, when very young, he profited to such a degree, that by the time that he was eighteen years of age he was made master of arts. After this he returned home to his father's house, where he studied for near two years a

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The Life of Mr. Alexander Henderson.

The Life of Mr. Alexander Henderson.

When Mr. Alexander Henderson had passed his degrees at the university with great applause, he was by the bishop of St. Andrews, about the year 1620, preferred to be minister of Leuchars, in the shire of Fyfe. But being brought in there against the consent of that parish unto such a degree, that on the day of his ordination, the church-doors were shut so fast by the people, that they were obliged to break in by a window. And being very prelatical in his judgment at this time, until a little after

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The Life of Mr. George Gillespie.

The Life of Mr. George Gillespie.

Mr. George Gillespie was son to Mr. John Gillespie, sometime minister of the gospel at Kirkaldy. After Mr. George had been some time at the university (where he surpassed the most part of his fellow-students) he was licensed to preach some time before the year 1638, but could have no entry into any parish because the bishops had then the ascendant in the affairs of the church. This obliged him to remain for some time chaplain [68] , in the family of the earl of Cassils.——And here it was, that he

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The Life of Mr. John M'Clelland.

The Life of Mr. John M'Clelland.

Mr. John M'Clelland having gone through several branches of useful learning, kept a school for some time at Newton in Ireland, where he became instrumental in training up several hopeful young men for the university. Afterwards he was tried and approven of by the honest ministers in the county of Down, and being licensed, he preached in their churches, until (among others) for faithfulness, he was deposed and excommunicated by the bishops. He was also engaged with the rest of his faithful brethr

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The Life of Mr. David Calderwood.

The Life of Mr. David Calderwood.

Mr. David Calderwood, having spent some time at the grammar-school, went to the university to study theology, in order for the ministry, where after a short space, being found fit for that office, he was made minister at Crelling near Jedburgh, where, for some considerable time, he preached the word of God with great wisdom, zeal and diligence, and as a faithful wise harvest man, brought in many sheaves into God's granary. But it being then a time, when prelacy was upon the advance in the church

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The Life of Mr. Hugh Binning.

The Life of Mr. Hugh Binning.

He was son to John Binning of Dalvennan, and Margaret M'Kell daughter of Mr. Matthew M'Kell minister at Bothwel, and sister to Mr. Hugh M'Kell one of the ministers of Edinburgh, His father's worldly circumstances were so good (being possest of no inconsiderable estate in the shire of Ayr), that he was enabled to give his son Hugh a very liberal education, the good effects of which appeared very early upon him;—for the greatness of his spirit and capacity of judgment, gave his parents good ground

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The Life of Mr. Andrew Gray.

The Life of Mr. Andrew Gray.

Mr. Andrew Gray (by the calculation of his age and the date of his entry into the ministry) seems to have been born about the year 1634, and being very early sent to school, where he learned so fast, that in a short time he was sent to the university, and here, by the vivacity of his parts and ready genius, he made such proficiency both in scholastic learning and divinity, that before he was twenty years of age he was found accomplished for entering into the holy office of the ministry. From his

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The Life of Mr. James Durham.

The Life of Mr. James Durham.

Mr. James Durham was born about the year 1622, and lineally descended from the ancient and honourable family of Grange Durham, in the parish of Monuseith in the shire of Angus. He was the eldest son of John Durham of Easter Powrie, Esq; now called Wedderburn after the gentleman's name who is the present professor thereof. Having gone through all the parts of useful learning with success and applause, he left the university before he was graduate, and for sometime lived as a private gentleman at

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The Life of Mr. Samuel Rutherford.

The Life of Mr. Samuel Rutherford.

Mr. Samuel Rutherford a gentleman by extraction, having spent sometime at the grammar-school, went to the university of Edinburgh, where he was so much admired for his pregnancy of parts, and deservedly looked upon as one from whom some great things might be expected, that in a short time (though then but very young) he was made professor of philosophy in that university. Sometime after this he was called to be minister at Anwoth, in the shire of Galloway, unto which charge he entered by means o

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The Life of the honourable Archibald Campbel Marquis of Argyle.

The Life of the honourable Archibald Campbel Marquis of Argyle.

Archibald Campbel having, after a good classical education, applied himself to the study of the holy scriptures, became well acquainted with the most interesting points of religion, which he retained and cultivated amidst his most laborious and highest employments both in church and state ever after. From his earlier years he stood well affected to the presbyterian interest, and being still a favourer of the puritans (the presbyterians then so called) when Mr. Rutherford was, for his non-conform

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The Life of Mr. James Guthrie.

The Life of Mr. James Guthrie.

Mr. James Guthrie son to the laird of Guthrie (a very honourable and ancient family) having gone through his course of classical learning at the grammar school and college, taught philosophy in the university of St. Andrews, where for several years he gave abundant proof that he was an able scholar. His temper was very steady and composed; he could reason upon the most subtle points with great solidity, and when every one else was warm his temper was never ruffled. At any time when indecent heat

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The Life of John Campbel Earl of Loudon.

The Life of John Campbel Earl of Loudon.

He was heir to Sir James Campbel of Lawer, and husband of Margaret Baroness of Loudon. The first of his state-preferments was anno 1633. when king Charles I. came to Scotland, in order to have his coronation performed there [111] . At which time he dignified several of the Scots nobility with higher titles of honour; and among the rest this nobleman, who was created earl of Loudon May 12th, 1633. It appears, that from his youth he had been well affected to the presbyterian interest, for no soone

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The Life of Mr. Robert Bailey.

The Life of Mr. Robert Bailey.

Mr. Robert Bailey was born at Glasgow anno 1539. His father was a citizen there, being lineally descended from Bailey of Jerviston, a brother of the house of Carphin, and a branch of the ancient house of Lamington, all in the county of Lanerk; and by his mother's side, he was of the same stock with the Gibsons of Durie, who have made such a figure in the law. He received his education at Glasgow, and, at that university, plied his studies so hard, that, by his industry and uncommon genius, he at

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The Life of Mr. David Dickson.

The Life of Mr. David Dickson.

Mr. Dickson was born about the year 1583. He the only son of Mr. John Dick or Dickson merchant in Glasgow, whose father was an old fenar and possessor of some lands in the barony of Fintry, and parish of St. Ninian's, called the kirk of the muir. His parents were religious, of a considerable substance, and were many years married before they had Mr. David, who was their only child; and as he was a Samuel asked of the Lord, so he was early devoted to him and the ministry; yet afterwards the vow w

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The Life of Sir Archibald Johnston, Lord Warriston.

The Life of Sir Archibald Johnston, Lord Warriston.

The first of his public appearances in the favours of that glorious work of reformation (commonly called the second reformation period) seems to have been about the beginning of 1638. When it came first to be known that Traquair was going up to the king, the deputies (afterward called the covenanters) were desirous that he would carry up an information, which the lord Balmerino and Mr. Johnston (the only advocates as yet trusted by the petitioners) had drawn up, and that he would present the sam

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The Life of Mr. James Wood.

The Life of Mr. James Wood.

He was, some time after the year 1651, made provost or principal of the old college of St. Andrews, and one of the ministers there, and being one who in judgment fell in with the resolution party, it occasioned some difference betwixt him and Mr. Rutherford at that time professor of divinity in the new college there, and yet he had ever a great and high esteem for Mr. Wood, as appears from a message he sent him when on his death-bed, wherein he said, "Tell Mr. James Wood from me, I heartily forg

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The Life of Mr. William Guthrie.

The Life of Mr. William Guthrie.

Mr. William Guthrie was born at Pitfrothy anno 1620. He was eldest son of the laird of Pitfrothy in the shire of Angus; and by the mother's side, descended from the ancient house of easter Ogle, of which she was a daughter. God blessed his parents with a numerous offspring, for he had three sisters german and four brothers, who all, except one, dedicated themselves to the service of the gospel of God and his son; namely, Mr. Robert, who was licensed to preach, but was never ordained to the charg

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The Life of Mr. Robert Blair.

The Life of Mr. Robert Blair.

Mr. Blair was born at Irvine anno 1593. His father was John Blair of Windyedge, a younger brother of the ancient and honourable family of Blair of that ilk; his mother was Beatrix Muir of the ancient family of Rewallan. His father died when he was young, leaving his mother with six children (of whom Robert was the youngest). She continued near fifty years a widow, and lived till she was an hundred years old. Mr. Robert entered into the college of Glasgow, about the year 1608, where he studied ha

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The Life of Mr. Hugh M'Kail.

The Life of Mr. Hugh M'Kail.

Mr. M'Kail was born about the year 1640, and was educated at the university of Edinburgh, under the inspection of his uncle Mr. Hugh M'Kail (in whose family he resided). In the winter 1661, he offered himself to trials for the ministry, before the presbytery of Edinburgh, (being then about 20 years old) and being by them licensed he preached several times with great applause. He preached his last public sermon from Cant. i. 7. in the great church of Edinburgh, upon the Sabbath immediately preced

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The Life of Mr. John Nevay.

The Life of Mr. John Nevay.

Mr. John Nevay was licensed and ordained a minister (in the time of Scotland's purest reformation) and settled at Newmills in the parish of Loudon; and was, besides his soundness in the faith, shining piety in conversation, and great diligence in attending all the parts of his ministerial function, particularly church-judicatories, one who was also very zealous in contending against several steps of defection, which were contrary to the work of reformation carried on in that period. Thus, When t

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The Life of Mr. John Livingston.

The Life of Mr. John Livingston.

Mr. Livingston was born anno 1603. He was son to Mr. William Livingston, minister first at Monybroch or Kilsyth, and afterwards transported to Lanerk, he was nearly related to the house of Calender. Having first taught his son to read and write, he put him to the Latin school at Stirling, under Mr. Wallace a godly and learned man. He stayed here till summer 1617, when he returned home. In October following he was sent to the college of Glasgow, where he stayed four years, until he passed master

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The Life of Mr. John Semple.

The Life of Mr. John Semple.

Mr. John Semple was, for his exemplary walk and singular piety, had in such esteem and veneration, that all ranks of people stood in awe of him, and particularly the clergy, he being a great check upon the lazy and corrupt part of them, who oftentimes were much afraid of him.——One time, coming from Carsphairn to Sanquhar, being twelve miles of a rough way, on a Monday morning, after the sacrament, the ministers, being still in bed, got up in all haste, to prevent his reproof; but he, perceiving

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The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.

The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.

Mr. James Mitchel [152] was educated at the university of Edinburgh, and was, with some other of his fellow-students, made master of arts anno 1656. Mr. Robert Leighton (afterwards bishop Leighton), being then principal of that college, before the degree was conferred upon them, tendered to them the national and solemn league and covenant; which covenants, upon mature deliberation, he took, finding nothing in them but a short compend of the moral law, binding to our duty towards God and towards

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The Life of Mr. John Welwood.

The Life of Mr. John Welwood.

Mr. John Welwood, born about the year 1649, was son to Mr. James Welwood, sometime minister at Tindergirth (and brother to Mr. Andrew Welwood and James Welwood doctor of medicine at London). After he had gone through the ordinary courses of learning he entered on the ministry, and afterwards preached in many places, but we do not hear that he was ever settled minister in any parish, it being then a time when all who intended any honesty or faithfulness in testifying against the sins and defectio

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The Life of William Gordon of Earlstoun.

The Life of William Gordon of Earlstoun.

William Gordon of Earlstoun was born about the year——. He was son to that famous reformer Alexander Gordon of Earlstoun, and was lineally descended of that famous Alexander Gordon who entertained the followers of John Wickliffe, and who had a new testament of the vulgar tongue which they used to read in their meetings at the wood near Airds beside Earlstoun. William Gordon, having thus the advantage of a very religious education, began very early to follow Christ. As early as the year 1637, Mr.

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The Lives of Messrs. John Kid and John King.

The Lives of Messrs. John Kid and John King.

Messrs. John Kid and John King suffered many hardships during the persecuting period, namely, from the year 1670, to the time of their martyrdom 1679. Mr. King was sometime chaplain to lord Cardross; and it appears, he was apprehended and imprisoned in the year 1674. but got out on a bond and surety for 5000 merks, to appear when called. Next year he was again, by a party of the persecutors, apprehended in the said lord Cardross's, but was immediately rescued from their hands by some country peo

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The Life of Mr. John Brown.

The Life of Mr. John Brown.

Mr. Brown was ordained minister at Wamphray in Annandale. There is no certain account how long he was minister there, only it was some time before the restoration of Charles II. as appears from his great faithfulness in opposing prelacy, which was then about to be intruded upon the church; insomuch that, for his fortitude and freedom with some of his neighbouring ministers for their compliance with the prelates, contrary to the promise they had given him, he was turned out of that place. Upon th

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The Life of Henry Hall of Haugh-head.

The Life of Henry Hall of Haugh-head.

Mr. Hall of Haugh-head (in the parish of Eckford in Teviotdale), having had a religious education, began very early to mind a life of holiness, in all manner of godly conversation. In his younger years he was a most zealous opposer of the public resolutions (that took place anno 1651) insomuch, that when the minister of that parish complied with that course, he refused to hear him, and often went to Ancrum to hear Mr. John Livingston. After the restoration of that wicked tyrant Charles II. being

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The Life of Mr. Richard Cameron.

The Life of Mr. Richard Cameron.

Mr. Richard Cameron was born in Falkland, in shire of Fyfe (his father being a merchant there). He was of the episcopal persuasion at first; for, after he had passed his course of learning, he was some time schoolmaster and precentor to the curate of Falkland. He sometimes attended the sermons of the indulged, as he had opportunity; but at last it pleased the Lord to incline him to go out to hear the persecuted gospel in the fields; which when the curates understood, they set upon him, partly by

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The Life of David Hackston of Rathillet.

The Life of David Hackston of Rathillet.

David Hackston of Rathillet, in the shire of Fife, is said in his younger years to have been without the least sense of any thing religious, until it pleased the Lord, in his infinite goodness, to incline him to go out and attend the gospel then preached in the fields, where he was caught in the gospel net, and became such a true convert, that after a most mature deliberation upon the controverted points of the principles of religion in that period, he at last embarked himself in that noble caus

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The Life of Robert Ker of Kersland, Esq.

The Life of Robert Ker of Kersland, Esq.

Robert Ker of Kersland being born and educated in a very religious family, began early to discover more than an ordinary zeal for religion. But the first public appearance that we find he made for the cause, and interest of religion, was in the year 1666, about Nov. 26, when he, Caldwell and some others of the Renfrew gentlemen, gathered themselves together, and marched eastward to join Col. Wallace and that little handful who renewed the covenant at Lanerk. But, having heard that General Dalzie

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The Life of Mr. Donald Cargil.

The Life of Mr. Donald Cargil.

Mr. Cargil seems to have been born sometime about the year 1610. He was eldest son to a most respected family in the parish of Rattray. After he had been sometime in the schools of Aberdeen, he went to St. Andrews, where having perfected his course of philosophy, his Father prest upon him much to study divinity, in order for the ministry; but he, through tenderness of spirit, constantly refused, telling his father, That the work of the ministry was too great a burden for his weak shoulders;—and

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The Life of Mr. Walter Smith.

The Life of Mr. Walter Smith.

Walter Smith was son to Walter Smith in the parish of St. Ninian's, near Airth in Stirling-shire. He was an eminent Christian and good scholar. He went over to Holland, where he studied sometime under the famous Leusden, who had a great esteem and value for him, as being one both of high attainments and great experience in the serious exercise and solid practice of christianity. In the year 1679, we find that he made no mean figure among that little handful of the Lord's suffering remnant, who r

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The Life of Mr. Robert Garnock.[194]

The Life of Mr. Robert Garnock.[194]

Robert Garnock was born in Stirling, anno ——, and baptized by faithful Mr. James Guthrie. In his younger years, his parents took much pains to train him up in the way of duty: but soon after the restoration, the faithful presbyterian ministers being turned out, curates were put in their place, and with them came ignorance, profanity and persecution.—Some time after this, Mr. Law preached at his own house in Monteith, and one Mr. Hutchison sometimes at Kippen. Being one Saturday's evening gone ou

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The Life of Mr. Robert M'Ward.

The Life of Mr. Robert M'Ward.

Mr. Robert M'Ward was born in Glenluce. After he had gone through his courses of learning at the university, he was ordained minister of the gospel at Glasgow, where he continued for some time in the faithful discharge of his duty until the year 1661, that this good man and affectionate preacher began to observe the design of the then managers to overturn the whole covenanted work of reformation. In the month of February that year, he gave a most faithful and seasonable testimony against the gla

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The Life of Captain John Paton.

The Life of Captain John Paton.

John Paton was born at Meadow-head, in the parish of Fenwick and shire of Ayr. He was brought up in the art and occupation of husbandry till near the state of manhood.—But of the way and manner in which he went at first to a military life, there are various accounts.—Some say, that he inlisted at first a volunteer, and went abroad to the wars in Germany, where, for some heroic atchievement, at the taking of a certain city (probably by Gustavus Adolphus king of Sweden), he was advanced to a capta

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The Life of John Nisbet of Hardhill.

The Life of John Nisbet of Hardhill.

John Nisbet born about the year 1627, was son to James Nisbet, and lineally descended from one Murdoch Nisbet in Hardhill, who about 1500, joined those called the Lollards of Kyle; but, a persecution being raised against them, he fled over seas, and took a copy of the new Testament in writing. Sometime after, he returned home, digged a vault in the bottom of his own house, unto which he retired, serving God, reading his new book, and instructing such as had access to him. But to return, John Nis

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The Life of Mr. Alexander Peden.

The Life of Mr. Alexander Peden.

Mr. Alexander Peden was born in the parish of Sorn in the shire of Air. After he had past his courses of learning at the university, he was, for some time, employed to be schoolmaster, precentor and session clerk to Mr. John Guthrie, minister of the gospel then at Tarbolton [218] . When he was about to enter into the ministry, he was accused by a young woman, as being the father of a child, which she was with. But of this aspersion he was fully cleared, by the confession of the real father. The

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The Life of Mr. John Blackadder.

The Life of Mr. John Blackadder.

Mr. John Blackadder was a lineal descendent, and the only representative of the house of Tullialen. After he had undergone his courses of classical learning, he was ordained minister of the gospel at Traquair near Dumfries, where he continued faithfully to discharge the trust committed unto his charge, until he was with many others of his faithful brethren thrust out by that act commonly called, the drunken act of Glasgow, in the year 1662.—At that time, a party came from Dumfries to seize him;

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The Life of Mr. James Renwick.

The Life of Mr. James Renwick.

Mr. James Renwick was born in the parish of Glencairn in Nithsdale, Feb. 15, 1662. His parents though not rich, yet were exemplary for piety. His father Andrew Renwick (a weaver to trade) and his mother Elizabeth Corsan, had several children before Mr. James, who died young; for which when his mother was pouring forth her motherly grief, her husband used to comfort her with declaring, that he was well satisfied to have children, whether they lived or died, young or old, providing they might be h

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The Life of Mr. Alexander Moncrief.

The Life of Mr. Alexander Moncrief.

In virtue of an act of the general assembly 1642, appointing a list of six able men for the planting of vacant churches, Mr. Moncrief was pitched upon for the church of Skunie in Fife; and upon Sept. 26. 1643, was received there with great contentment. After which he had an active hand in carrying on the work of reformation at that time; and was nominated in the commission for the affairs of the kirk. In the years 1650 and 1651, he made no small appearance among these called protestors; and had

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The Life of Mr. Angus MacBean.

The Life of Mr. Angus MacBean.

Mr. Angus MacBean was born about the year 1656. After he had spent some time at the grammar-school with good proficiency, he went to the university of Aberdeen; where he began to distinguish himself, no less for his great regard to practical religion (altho' he was yet of the episcopal persuasion), than for his extraordinary parts and abilities in learning. About this time the bishops, having found their mistake in sending men of little learning and less religion to the south and west parts of S

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The Life of Mr. Thomas Hog.

The Life of Mr. Thomas Hog.

Mr. Thomas Hog was born in the beginning of the year 1628, in the burgh of Tain, in the county of Ross. His parents were careful to give their son a liberal education; for which purpose he was early sent to school, and, from his commencement to the study of letters, he discovered an uncommon genius, and soon made such proficiency as rendered him respected during his youth. He was much addicted to the harmless diversions of that age, yet they did never abate his progress in his studies, nor his d

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The Life of Mr. Robert Fleming.

The Life of Mr. Robert Fleming.

Mr. Robert Fleming was born at Bathens anno 1630. He was son to Mr. James Fleming minister of the gospel there, who, being a very godly and religious man, took great care of his son's education; and for that purpose sent him first to the college of Edinburgh, where he ran through the course of philosophy with great applause, and made great progress in the learned languages. Then being translated to St. Andrews, he passed his course of theology in that university under the conduct of worthy Mr. R

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The Life of Mr. Alexander Shields.

The Life of Mr. Alexander Shields.

Mr. Alexander Shields, son to James Shields of Haugh-head in the Merse, born anno 1660, or 1661, and being sent to school (when capable of instruction) made such proficiency there, that in a short time he entered upon the study of philosophy under Sir William Paterson, then regent of the college of Edinburgh, (afterwards clerk to the bloody council) where he made no less progress. For, being of a lively genius and penetrating wit, he soon commenced master of arts, and that with no small applause

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The Life of Mr. John Dickson.

The Life of Mr. John Dickson.

Mr. John Dickson born of creditable parents (as some say, related to Mr. David Dickson) was sent to the grammar-school, and from thence to the university; where, after he had gone through his courses of learning, he studied divinity, and then passed his trials for the ministry; and, being found duly qualified for that office, he was licensed. And, some time before the restoration, was ordained and settled minister at Rutherglen, where he continued for some time a most faithful, diligent and pain

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The Life of Sir Robt. Hamilton of Preston.

The Life of Sir Robt. Hamilton of Preston.

Mr. Hamilton (afterwards Sir Robert Hamilton) brother to Sir William Hamilton of Preston, was born about 1650, and probably a son to Sir Walter Hamilton the reformer, and lineally descended from that famous Sir John Hamilton of Preston, who was commissioner for east Lothian at that black parliament held at Edinburgh, 1621, where he most boldly voted against the ratification of the five articles of Perth; for which, and because he would not recall his vote, the king's commissioner, the marquis of

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The Life of Mr. William Vetch.[261]

The Life of Mr. William Vetch.[261]

Mr. William Vetch was born in the shire of Clydesdale, at Roberton seven miles from Lanerk, an. 1640. He was the youngest son of Mr. John Vetch, who was minister of that place for about the space of 45 years. His brethren were, Mr. John Vetch, who was minister of Westruthers in the shire of Berwick 54 years; another brother, Mr. James Vetch was ordained minister in Mauchlin in the shire of Ayr, 1656; a third, Mr. David Vetch, the most eminent of them all, was sometime minister at Govan near Glas

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The Life of John Balfour of Kinloch.

The Life of John Balfour of Kinloch.

John Balfour of Kinloch (sometime called Burly) was a gentleman in the north of Fife. He joined with the more faithful part of our late sufferers, and altho' he was by some reckoned none of the most religious, yet he was always zealous and honest-hearted, courageous in every enterprize and a brave soldier, seldom any escaping that came in his hands. He was the principal actor in killing that arch-traitor to the Lord and his Christ, James Sharp. After which his goods and gear were inventoried by

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An Abstract of a Speech delivered by Lord Warriston, before the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, after the delivery of some Queries from the Parliament to them.

An Abstract of a Speech delivered by Lord Warriston, before the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, after the delivery of some Queries from the Parliament to them.

Mr. Prolocutor, I am a stranger. I will not meddle with the parliament privileges of another nation, nor the breaches thereof, but as a christian, under one common lord, a ruling elder in another church, and a parliament man in another kingdom, having commission from both that church and state, and at the desire of this kingdom assisting in their debates, intreat for your favour and patience to express my thoughts of what is before you. In my judgment, that is before you which concerns Christ an

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The Lives of Messrs. Robert Trails.

The Lives of Messrs. Robert Trails.

Messrs. Robert Trails, the father and son, deserve a place among the Scots Worthies, as they were brought to much trouble for their faithfulness and zeal for our reformation-principles. Old Mr. Robert Trail, one of the ministers of Edinburgh, along with Mr. James Guthrie and others, met in a private house in Edinburgh, and assisted in drawing up a humble address and supplication to the king; but before it was finished, they were apprehended by the managers of the times, and committed prisoners t

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ERRATA.

ERRATA.

Page 262. Line 5. from the foot, after cried , read, The covenants, the covenants shall yet be Scotland's reviving . P. 292. l. 18. from the foot, for 1657, r. 1651. P. 505. l. 29. for in r. from . P. 448. l. 29. for Fanquirs r. Tanquirs . P. 452. l. 7. for Learmoril r. Learmond . P. 499. l. 10. from the foot, for Fullialen r. Tullialen . P. 500. foot note, for Stirleg r. Stirling . P. 502. l. 17. for first r. farther . P. 603. foot note, last line, for they r. the king . [1] Mr Renwick's life w

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PROPOSALS For Printing by Subscription, In Two Octavo Volumes. A COMPENDIOUS VIEW Of Natural and Revealed Religion.—In Seven Books. By John Brown, Minister of the Gospel in Haddington.

PROPOSALS For Printing by Subscription, In Two Octavo Volumes. A COMPENDIOUS VIEW Of Natural and Revealed Religion.—In Seven Books. By John Brown, Minister of the Gospel in Haddington.

Book I. Of the standard of all religion;—the law of nature in its foundation and contents ,—the insufficiency of the light of nature to render a man truly virtuous and happy;—the possibility , desireableness , necessity , propriety , reasonableness , credibility , divine authority , properties and parts of that revelation which is contained in the scriptures of the old and new Testament. Book II. Of God , the author, or, object and end of all religion,—in his perfections, persons, purposes and w

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OR, A BRIEF HISTORICAL HINT OF THE Wicked Lives and Miserable Deaths of some of the most remarkable Apostates and bloody Persecutors in Scotland, from the Reformation till after the Revolution;

OR, A BRIEF HISTORICAL HINT OF THE Wicked Lives and Miserable Deaths of some of the most remarkable Apostates and bloody Persecutors in Scotland, from the Reformation till after the Revolution;

COLLECTED FROM Historical Records, Authenticated Writings, and other well-vouched Relations. By JOHN HOWIE. Psalm lv. 23. But thou, O God, shalt bring them down to the pit of destruction. Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days. Psalm vii. 12. He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death, he ordained his arrows against the persecutors. 2 Thess. i. 6.— It is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you. GLASGOW: Printed by John Bryce

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THE INTRODUCTION.

THE INTRODUCTION.

I presume, that any person, who has diligently perused the history of the lives of our noble Scots worthies, will by this time be able to form some idea in their own minds of the religious, virtuous and faithful lives, joyful and comfortable deaths of a certain number of Christ's noble witnesses, confessors and martyrs, who through much tribulation emerged forth of all their difficulties in much faith and patience, and are now inheriting the promise in that land and celestial Jerusalem above, wh

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The Judgment and Justice of GOD Exemplified, &c.

The Judgment and Justice of GOD Exemplified, &c.

JOHN CAMERON, sometime bishop of Glasgow was a most wicked wretch: he not only committed many acts of avarice and cruelty upon the poor people of his diocese, but also encouraged those in place and power to do the like: So that he became the author of almost all the mischief in that part of the country.—But in this he did not long escape the just judgment of God; for in the night before (what they call) Christmas day, 1446, as he lay in his own house in Lockwood about seven miles from Glasgow, h

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PROPOSALS For Printing by Subscription, In One large Octavo Volume. An Elegant Edition of Three Hundred and Fifty-Two LETTERS, By the Eminently Pious Mr. SAMUEL RUTHERFORD, Professor of Divinity at St. Andrews.

PROPOSALS For Printing by Subscription, In One large Octavo Volume. An Elegant Edition of Three Hundred and Fifty-Two LETTERS, By the Eminently Pious Mr. SAMUEL RUTHERFORD, Professor of Divinity at St. Andrews.

To which is added, The Author's Testimony to the covenanted work of Reformation, as it was carried on between 1638 and 1649.—And also his Dying Words , containing several Advices to some ministers and near relations. As also, A large Preface and Postscript , wrote by the Reverend Mr. M'Ward. I. The book will be printed on a fair paper and good large Type, to consist of nearly 600 pages. II. The price to Subscribers will be Two Shillings and Sixpence Sterling to be paid at the delivery of the boo

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