PUBLICATIONS OF THE SCOTTISH HISTORY SOCIETY VOLUME XXIV INVERNESS AND DINGWALL PRESBYTERY RECORDS October 1896 OCT iV- -71 465017 RECORDS OF THE PRESBYTERIES OF INVERNESS AND DINGWALL 1643-1688 Edited, with an Introduction, from the Original Manuscript, by WILLIAM MACKAY EDINBURGH Printed at the University Press by T. and A. Constable for the Scottish History Society 1896 DA "750 INTRODUCTION The Seventeenth Century Records of the Presbytery of Inver- ness, so far as known to exist, consist of one volume, containing the proceedings of the Presbytery from 5th April 1670 to 19th September 1688. 1 The minutes of the year 1643 are printed from a copy taken from an older volume, unfortunately now lost ; and there is recorded on 2nd July 1672 a copy of the minute of a meeting of the Presbytery held at Boleskine on 26th May 1632, which is the earliest record of the Presbytery now extant. That minute is not flattering to the people of Stratherrick, whose minister complained 6 that he could not ' live in Boleskine for the evill neighbourhood of the tenents 6 y r of, who would not permitt his goods [i.e. his cattle] to * pasture on his own grasse, and that the Tutor of ffoyer 6 attempted not only to denude him of the grass, but also a 4 part of the land designed alreadie ' ; but it is interesting as containing early mention of crofts and crofters, and the earliest account probably now known of the formal designation of a glebe in the Highlands. The Seventeenth Century Records of the Presbytery of Dingwall now extant consist of three volumes, in which are found the proceedings of that Presbytery between 19th June 1649 and 13th October 1687. 2 It appears, however, from the Minutes of 17th March and 21st April 1653, that there existed in that year an fi old pbfie booke being at the beginning thairoff 4 of the daite 12 Novemb. 1633 zeires, and ending at the daite ' 18 Octob. 1637.' That old book has, like many another church 1 See footnote, p. 135. 2 See footnote, p. 366. INVERNESS AND DINGWALL RECORDS register, fallen a prey to the troubles or the carelessness of the olden times. The editor, with the approval of the Council of the Society, has not always given the full minute in the following pages. Such portions — chiefly of a formal nature — as were in his opinion of no value from a historical or social point of view have been omitted. Again, such paragraphs as are within brackets [ ] only give the purport of the minutes to which they refer. Certain lists, however, of persons charged with the offence of supporting Montrose and the Royalist cause, which have been omitted from their proper places, have been given as an Appendix. The Presbyteries of Inverness and Dingwall were both pro- posed by the General Assembly in April 1581, and it is pro- bable that they were erected soon afterwards. The Inverness Presbytery is mentioned in 1593 i 1 but probably the earliest reference to that of Dingwall is in the records printed in this volume. The bounds of the former embraced in the seven- teenth century its present parishes of Inverness and Bona, Kirkhill or Wardlaw, Kiltarlity, Urquhart and Glenmoriston, Dores, Daviot and Dunlichity, Moy and Dalarossie, and Petty; as well as Boleskine and Abertarff, which was dis- joined on the erection of the Presbytery of Abertarff in 1724, 2 and Croy, disjoined on the erection of the Presbytery of Nairn in 1773. The bounds of the Presbytery of Dingwall embraced its present parishes of Dingwall, Alness, Contin, Fodderty, Kilmorack, Kiltearn, Urquhart and Logie Wester, and Urray ; together with the wide western parishes of Applecross, Gairloch, Kintail (including the present parish of Glenshiel), Lochalsh, Lochbroom, and Lochcarron, which are now within the Presby- tery of Lochcarron, erected in 1724. The two Presbyteries thus exercised between them an almost unlimited jurisdiction 1 Scott's Fasti, v. 252. 2 Urquhart and Glenmoriston were within the Presbytery of Abertarff from 1724 till 1884. INTRODUCTION vii over an extensive district stretching from sea to sea across the heart of the Highlands, and inhabited by all sorts and con- ditions of men, from the peace-loving, money-making shop- keepers of the burghs of Inverness and Dingwall, to the wild, kilted, Gaelic-speaking mountaineers, who to-day followed their cattle in the glens, and to-morrow their chiefs on the field of battle — from the stern Covenanters of Alness and Kiltearn to the careless, easy -minded Roman Catholics of Strathglass, Glenmoriston, and Abertarff. On the history of that district, and the religious and social condition of its inhabitants, these Records throw light of no inconsiderable power and value. The period covered by them was one of turbulence and unrest, in things temporal as in things spiritual — the last years of Charles the First, the years of Cromwell's rule, and the reigns of Charles the Second and James the Seventh. In 1638, the *■ Second Reformation ' in Scotland was effected by the Glasgow General Assembly, and Episcopacy for a time gave place to Presbytery. Guthrie, Bishop of Moray, in whose province the Presbytery of Inverness lay, was deposed ; and the scholarly Maxwell, within whose diocese of Ross the Presbytery of Ding- wall was situated, was deposed and excommunicated. Still, the Covenant of 1638, which was subscribed with enthusiasm in the South, met but with scant welcome in the North, and it was subscribed by few within the bounds of our Presbyteries, except in the parishes of Alness and Kiltearn, which were subject to the influence of Munro of Fowlis. Fowlis and most of his relatives and clansmen were keen Covenanters, and his admira- tion for . 6 xxxviii INVERNESS AND DINGWALL RECORDS Highlands ; and around the name of the saint himself customs clustered which strongly savour of paganism, and which no doubt had, before his time, some connection with the heathen religion of the country. These survived for centuries. The Presbytery found, in 1656, that the Protestant inhabitants of Applecross, Lochcarron, Lochalsh, Kintail, Contin, Fodderty, Gairloch, and Lochbroom, were in the habit of sacrificing bulls to the saint on his annual festival day (25th August) ; of giving the sacrificed meat and other offerings to those poor, mentally deranged persons who were known as St. Mourie's afflicted ones — derilans 1 — and who owned his special protection ; of making pilgrimages to his monuments of idolatry in various places, including Isle Maree, to which, as well as to Loch Maree, he gave his name ; of visiting and ' circulating 1 ruinous chapels associated with his memory — marching round them sun-wise, no doubt ; of learning of the future, 6 in reference especiallie to lyf and death in taking of jurneys,"' by trying to put their heads into 6 a holl of a round stone,' which, if they ' could doe, to witt, be able to put in thaire heade, they * expect thair returneing to that place ; and faileing, they ' conceaved it ominous ' ; and of adoring 6 wells and uther ' superstitious monuments and stones, tedious to rehearse.' So far as divination by the hole in the stone was concerned, the man of small head had evidently an advantage over the great-heads of the period. The Presbytery took such steps as were within their power to suppress the 6 abhominations ' ; but it was difficult to destroy what had flourished for ages. As late as 1678, Hector Mackenzie, in Mellan of Gairloch, and his sons and grandson, sacrificed a bull on St. Mourie's Isle, ' for the recovering of the health of Cirstane Mackenzie, spouse 4 of the said Hector Mackenzie, who was formerlie sick and ' valetudinarie ' ; and the mentally afflicted are to this day taken to the island to be cured. The custom of adoring and supplicating at holy wells had 1 See footnote, p. 282. INTRODUCTION xxxix also come to be associated with the memory of the ancient Celtic saints. In pagan times mysterious demons dwelt in certain fountains, which were in a sense worshipped by the people. The saints drove out the evil spirits, and the wells were consequently dedicated to themselves. The old custom was, however, continued, with the difference that the adoration was now offered not to the demon, but to the saint. The manner in which wells were changed by the Christian mission- aries from pestilent disease-giving agencies to sources . of health and blessing is well illustrated by the ston~ of St. Columba and the fountain, narrated by Adamnan. 1 The pilgrimages to such wells are repeatedly referred to in the Records. In 1626, and again in 1642, the Synod endeavoured to repress them. 2 A Commission of the General Assembly sitting at Auldearn in 1649, ordered Mr. John Macrae 'to be more painfull to 6 reforme the evil menners of Dingwall, to be [i.e. compel] ye ' residents to refraine from goeing to wells on the Lordes day the well-worshippers of Urquhart of Ferintosh were ordered to be taken in hand by the session in the same year ; and in 1678 the Synod of Moray ordained the brethren of the Pres- bytery of Inverness 4 to intimat that persons goeing to super- stitious wells are to be censured. ' The custom, however, continued into the present century, and has not yet altogether ceased. Among the wells to which pilgrimages are still made is that of Culloden, which is annually visited on the first Sun- day of May by hundreds of people from Inverness and neigh- bourhood. One almost regrets to hear the interesting time- honoured custom still preached against by our clergy as it was two and three hundred years ago. In the same far-off pagan period originated the practice of pouring milk upon fairy knowes for the purpose of appeasing the fairies, 3 who in Christian times became the representatives of the former spirits of the earth ; and of kindling Midsummer 1 Life of St. Columba, Book ii. c. x. 2 P. 88, footnote. * P. 282. xl INVERNESS AND DINGWALL RECORDS fires. 1 The Dingwall Presbytery ordained in June 1655 6 that 6 the severall brethren intimate to thair congregationes that ' they desist of the superstitious abuses used on St. Johnes day ' [24th June], by burneing torches through thair cornes and 6 fyres in thair townes, and thaireafter fixing thair staicks in ' thair Kaileyeards.' The custom, however, continued, and the Synod of Ross passed an act against it in 1671. It has long since died out in the Highlands, but it was at one time known all over Europe, and it still exists in Ireland, Norway, Greece, and, probably, other countries. The minute of July 1655 shows that the oft-repeated statement that kail was not known in the Highlands until recent times is incorrect. In that year, evidently, kailyards were common, and were, along with the corn-fields, made the object of the blessing that came through the ancient sacrifice of the Midsummer Fire. At a time when witches were burnt in England and the Lowlands in hundreds, one would naturally expect to find similar transactions in the Highlands. But although the capital of Sutherlandshire has the unenviable honour of having burnt the last witch put to death in Scotland, the wretched creature suffered as the result of the tardy introduction into the county of that religious zeal which had already mercilessly enforced in the South the Jewish precept, 6 Thou shalt not suffer a witch ' to live." Generally speaking there was, as has already been indicated, little of the nature of religious fanaticism to be found within our bounds during the period of the Records, and the consequence was that when witches and charmers were brought before the Presbytery they were mercifully spared the cruelties and death which would have been their lot had their lines fallen besouth the Grampians, or in the lowlands of Moray. A notorious Fodderty witch, who rejoiced in the name of Agnes Mor nin vick ean glaish — Big Agnes daughter of the son of John the Pale — publicly 'scolded, lyed, menaced, cursed, and used imprecations ' against Mr. 1 P. 323- INTRODUCTION xli Donald Fraser in 1672, and was brought before his Presby- tery ; but all that the brethren did was to ordain her 4 to be publicklie rebuked by her minister after sermon. 1 The court was equally merciful to Finlay Macconochie vie George and his wife, residents of the still witch -ridden Black Isle, for 4 con- 4 suiting with a witch for getting the profite of their drink 4 [milk], formerlie taken away from them as they alleadge, and 4 making use of a charme to that effect, and professing that it 4 took effect to their mynd 1 ; 1 and to those who used charms for the recovery of Donald Glasse from sickness, 2 for interrupt- ing marital relations between Alexander Mac ean vie Gillireich and his wife, 3 for bringing luck and good fortune in connection with a flitting, 4 and even for raising the devil through the turning of the sieve and the shear. 5 It is curious to note that this last expedient, which was resorted to for purposes of divination, was known during the same period in Ross-shire, England, Ireland, and the south of Scotland. Hudibras, ex- pressing his disbelief in the power of telling the future by the aspect of the stars, declares : ' Nor can their aspects though you pore Your eyes out on 'em, tell you more Than th' oracle of sieve and shears, That turns as certain as the spheres/ And in 1682 a servant lass in Irvine, who had learned the art in Ireland, practised it with marvellous success. 6 To ensure prosperity in their new house a Dingwall couple in 1673 'cross-cut all the couples' of the old, and 4 did take a great quantitie of the earth 1 of it with them ; to all which the owner of the old dwelling naturally objected. Other sorceries to which reference is made are the burying of a lamb under the threshold as a preventive against the death of the rest of the bestial, 7 and the keeping of a 4 pocke of hearbs ' in the milk 4 as a preventative against the tacking away the substance 1 P. 181. 2 P. 240. 3 P. 344. 4 P. 329. 5 p - 1 S 6 - 6 Do7nestic Annals of Scotland, February 1682. ' P« 196- xlii INVERNESS AND DINGWALL RECORDS of it." 1 Against 6 witchcraft and devillish practices of that sort' the brethren of Dingwall were in 1649 ordained by the Commission of the General Assembly 6 to preach powerfully ; ' but Northern parsons were not over-zealous, and the probability is that the instruction was pretty generally ignored. In addition to the duties of promoting the true religion and repressing the false, and of putting down crime and vice and superstition, the ministers were expected to inquire into and, to a certain extent at least, to judge in cases of slander, breach of promise, nullification of marriage, and applications for permission to marry again. The petition of Patrick Gordon and his wife against Mr. Alexander Clerk, one of the ministers of Inverness, for slander from the pulpit, is amusing reading ; 2 and reference may also be made to the cases of Mackenzie of Dochmoluak, whose complaint was that he had been accused of undue familiarity with the good wife of his neighbour of Dochcarty ; 3 John Dingwall, who was falsely said not to have been baptized ; 4 Bailie Henry Bain, of Dingwall, who had been maliciously called a murderer; 5 Donald Chisholm, whom Agnes nin Donald Vicay had impudently claimed to be the father of her child ; 6 and William Macmiller, against whom Robert Catanach, an honest man who thought he knew his own father, sought redress for having avowed and asserted strongly ' that he wes father to the said Robert. 1 7 When the charge was proved or confessed the usual penalty was fine, or censure in presence of the congregation. In more recent times slan- derers were sometimes made to stand at the gate of the churchyard while the congregation passed out, and to repeat, in Gaelic, the words, 6 This is the lying tongue.' There are two cases of breach of promise of marriage men- tioned. In the first the charge was made by the woman and the man got off. 8 In the second, the man was the aggrieved 1 P. 196. 2 P. 85. 3 P. 314. 4 P. 321. 5 P. 325. 6 P. 362. 7 P. 34i- 8 Pp. 303. 3°5- INTRODUCTION xliii person, and there appears to have been ground for his com- plaint, for the woman, after he had been contracted with her and the banns had been proclaimed in the church of Alness, 4 broke her promise to him and violated Church orders. The 4 Presbyterie, taking this to ther consideratione, thought good 4 to referr the said supplicant to the Sessione of Alnes, to doe 4 in it as they find most convenient, the business being better 4 knowen to them then to the Presbyterie." 1 Applications for divorce or freedom from the marriage tie are numerous. The most common ground is unfaithfulness in either spouse, or physical defect in the man. The case of Elspit Nickphaile is on 14th September 1670 referred to the Synod in very curious terms ; and in the following January she is, on the recommendation of the Synod, 4 remitted to the Comissar of Inverness for a nullity' — a course which was generally followed. In the case of Donald Kemp, whose application for divorce from Janet Urquhart was considered by the Bishop of Ross, and his assessors and the Presbytery of Dingwall in August 1666, the Bishop taking into con- sideration that Kemp 4 had deported himself soberly without 4 ony known publick scandal, and finding the said suppli- 4 catione to be of verity, 1 undertook 4 either to speak the 4 Commissars of Rosse, or els to write to the Commissars of 4 Edinburgh, for a divorce from the said Jonet Urquhart.' In 1655 and 1656 the Dingwall brethren carefully con- sidered at several meetings the complaint of Duncan Mac Murchie vie Cuile, whose wife, Agnes Kemp, had refused to cohabit with him from the" day of their marriage ; 4 professing 4 hir unwillingnes from the beginning to marie the said 4 Duncan, bot moved and threatned be the superior of the 4 land. 1 Witnesses were examined in support of her allega- tions, but the decision of the Presbytery is not recorded. In another case of connubial infelicity the couple are 4 bitterly 1 P. 313. xliv INVERNESS AND DINGWALL RECORDS rebuked" for 'their intoward cariage toward one another ," and 4 ordained to behave better in tyme to come. 1 Notwithstanding such unhappy experiences it is clear that marriage was not always a failure in the olden times. Sometimes we find women who had already tried the experiment applying to the Presbytery for leave to repeat it. In June 1665 Mr. John Mackenzie, minister of Killearnan, and archdeacon of Ross, 4 advysed with the Presbyterie [of 4 Dingwall] in reference to a woman in his Parish whose 4 husband being caried to Barbados after the battell of Woster, 4 and married ther for certainty, whether the said woman 4 might have the benefitt of marriage with another man.'' The brethren were unable to decide the difficult question, and referred him to the bishop. In November of the same year Mr. John Gordon was also referred to the bishop for advice on the similar case of Janet Nienan (Ann's daughter) in Kiltearn, whose husband had been transported to Barbados after Worcester, and married there, as 4 certified by severalls that have come from Barbados. 1 And in July 1678 the Minister of Contin was authorised to give Agnes nin Donald Oig vie Finlay (Agnes daughter of young Donald son of Finlay) the benefit of marriage with Muroch Mac Allan, she having proved 4 that Alister Mac William vie Ean vie Conel 4 [Alexander son of William son of John son of Donald], 4 her former husband, who went to France, was dead by 4 drowning." Evidence to that effect was given by John 4 Mac Ean vie ryrie (John son of John son of Roderick) 4 who deponed upon oath that he saw the said Alexander 4 Mac William vie Ean dead ; ' and one of the brethren 4 declared that the same was told him by others that came 4 from France." The old intercourse with France had evi- dently not yet been greatly interrupted; but one wonders how men whose only language was Gaelic, and some of whom had not even a surname, but only long Gaelic INTRODUCTION xlv patronymics, managed to make their way among the French. There were in the seventeenth century no church collections for home or foreign missions, or for the conversion of the Jews ; but collections were, nevertheless, by no means un- known. Some of those mentioned in the Records may be referred to. The Presbytery of Dingwall ordered one in 1652 for 4 the destressed people off Glasgowe." It came ' bot slowe speide;' but at last, on 18th February 1653, the brethren paid the contributions of their congregations to commissioners duly authorised to receive the same, 4 and receaved discharges conformed A collection was made in the Inverness parishes in 1679 for 'the Glasgow people. 1 In March 1665, the Moderator of the same Presbytery 4 presented a supplicatione 4 in behalf of the distrest men of Portpatrick, some whereof 4 were captive with the Turks, and others of them totally 4 ruined in fortune.' The Turks were no doubt the pirates of Algiers, who frequently seized British seamen and sold them as slaves, and who sometimes ventured even into British waters. In 1665, a collection was made for the relief of 4 William Mackay, Merchand in Dumbarton, a sufferer under 4 the late usurpatione and rebellione ; ' and, in 1667, one for Captain William Murray, 6 a distressed gentleman ' ; while in 1684 the congregations within the bounds of the Presbytery of Inverness were appealed to for charity for 4 Gilbert Ander- sone in Keith, newly cutt of the gravell.' In 1679 a collec- tion was made for ' the Montrose merchants ' — for what reason is not explained. We also" find congregational contributions solicited for such purposes as the repair of the Kirk Street of Dingwall, and the bulwarks of Peterhead, Stonehaven, and Dundee; the improvement of the harbour of Portsoy; the erection of the bridge of Inverness ; and the repairing of the 4 bruse 1 or brew-house of Alness. The brethren, considering 4 the usefulness of the work," promptly promised to contribute towards the bruse — an early instance, certain modern politicians xlvi INVERNESS AND DINGWALL RECORDS might be tempted to say, of the connection between Beer and Bible. Collections were occasionally made to enable hopeful students to attend the University ; and, in addition to this, each Pres- bytery maintained an 4 Irish bursar , — that is, a Gaelic-speaking student — at college, towards whose expenses congregations were expected to regularly contribute. This custom was the result of an Act passed by the General Assembly of 1643, ordaining 6 that young students that have the Irish language 6 be trained up at colleges in letters, especially in the studies 4 of divinity and recommending Presbyteries and Universities 4 to prefer any hopeful student that have that language to 6 bursaries, that they, by their studies, in process of time 4 attaining to knowledge, and being enabled for the ministry 4 may be sent forth for preaching the Gospel in these High- 4 land parts, as occasion shall require."' The bursar, as well as the poor 'Irish'' boy, who was sometimes maintained by the Presbytery at school, are continually making their appear- ance in the Records. Notwithstanding numerous exhortations to the contrary, their money sometimes came slowly and irregularly ; and it is painful to read that in February 1664 ' the brethren for the most part declynes to pay the burse to 4 Mr. John Mackenzie this year, 'pretending they payed him * at once for both this yeir and the last.' The grand parochial educational system, which was the child of the Church of Knox, and which has done so much for Scotland generally, was sadly slow in extending its benefits to the Highlands. Perhaps its success would have been greater and more immediate if the Privy Council, in ordaining that a school be planted in each parish, had not so bluntly given as one of the great objects to be attained, the abolition of the Gaelic language, which, it was declared, ' is one of the chieff 4 and principall causes of the continuance of barbaritie and ' incivilitie among the inhabitants of the Isles and Heylandis." That order was passed in 1616, and was confirmed by Parlia- INTRODUCTION xlvii ment in 1631, and again in 1646; but in some Highland parishes it was not given effect to until long after the troubles of the Forty-five. Our Records show, however, that the clergy of our bounds did make an effort to plant schools within their parishes, and that in some instances they were not entirely unsuccessful. Early in 1649 a Commission of the General Assembly, sitting at Auldearn, ordered 4 dilligence to be used for the plantation of Schoolles , ; and, later in the same year, a Commission sitting at Chanonry appointed 4 that Schooles be erected in 4 each parish, and diligence thereanent be reported to the 6 next provincial [Synod] of Ross, betwixt this and the next 4 visitation at Chanonrie. 1 There was in that year no school within the bounds of the Presbytery of Dingwall, and probably none within those of Inverness, except in the town itself. In July the minister and elders of Kiltearn promised to join Alness in erecting and maintaining a joint school for these parishes; and next year the latter parish found a schoolmaster in Mr. Donald Monro. In July 1649 the minister of Kilmorack 4 presses a school, 1 and gets his reward in the following February, when Hew Ros is appointed schoolmaster, he having satisfied the Presbytery 4 of his good education and conversation ' and 4 his 4 abilitie for instructing of children and fitting them for gramar 4 Schooles.' But the honour of establishing the first school within the bounds of the Presbytery of Dingwall belongs to the minister and elders of Urquhart of Ferintosh, who in July 1649 4 were goeing about to seik for a man to be scholmaister and clerk to ye session, 1 -with the result that in October William Reid accepted the charge. A Committee of land- owners and other persons of influence was appointed in Sep- tember to assist the clergy in 4 tacking course for erection and 4 plantation of schooles within the Presbyterie, conforme to 4 the tenor of the Act of Parliament 1 ; but it was difficult to get them to act, or even to meet, and on 19th February 1650 they reported that they could do nothing 4 till they did sie xlviii INVERNESS AND DINGWALL RECORDS 4 whether the Parliament would allow their books of revalua- 4 tion of the Shyres of Ross and Inverness, in which ane 4 modification and allocation was made for schooles in everie 4 paroch of the Shyre, which they conceive will be competent 4 if allowed." To get Parliament to grant exceptional privileges to the Highlands was probably not as easy then as it is now ; and we hear no more of the Committee. Strange to say, the capital of Ross, and the parish in which it is situated, were without a school for years after some of their poorer neighbours had established theirs. In January 1650 the learned Mr. J ohn Macrae 4 regrates that he cannot pre- vaile in the mater of planting of a schoole in Dingwall.'' The Committee was appealed to, and Macrae was ordained to summon the magistrates and heritors to appear before the Pres- bytery. Certain of the heritors accordingly appeared on 5th February, and declared the inability of Dingwall to maintain a schoolmaster, unless the neighbouring parish of Fodderty joined. The Committee was again called upon for assistance ; but their work closed with the reference to Parliament on 19th February. Next year Mr. John Macrae was ordained 4 to have ane schoole ; but years passed before he succeeded, and we find no further mention of the matter until July 1663, when his namesake, Mr. John Macrae, was schoolmaster of Dingwall and clerk to the Presbytery. In 1667 Mr. Charles Alexander was the schoolmaster, Macrae having risen to the ministry. Alex- ander soon followed in his footsteps. But, notwithstanding these changes, the school flourished until it acquired the status of a grammar school. In February 1674 Mr. George Dunbar was 4 appointed to be readie to have ane oratione, and to give 4 ane exigesis of these words of Boethius, in his booke de Con- 4 solatione Philosophies — " Tu triplicis mediam natura cuncta moventem Connectens animam, per consona membra resolvis/' 4 and that as a specimen of his abilities to teach the grammar e INTRODUCTION xlix 4 school of Dingwall, unto quhich he was latelie presented." At the March meeting Dunbar 4 hade ane oratione in Latine, 4 with ane exigesis on the poesie formerlie mentioned, in both 4 quhich,' it is pleasant to read, 4 he did acquit himselfe to the 4 full satisfactione of his hearers. 1 So far as the West Coast parishes are concerned, there was not a school within them during the period covered by the Records, and no effort was made by the Presbytery to mend the state of matters. In 1653 the Cromwellian Governor of Inverness took an interest in educational affairs, and 6 directed ane letter to the - Presbyterie [of Dingwall] for tryall quhat mortifications has 4 formalie [formerly ?] bene allotted for mantenance of schooles 4 in all paroches f and it was remitted to two of the brethren of Dingwall 4 to goe to Inverness to answer the Governor's 4 letter, and to be informed in the maner of our procedors in 4 erecting of Schooles.' The brethren accordingly waited upon the Governor, and reported to the Presbytery 4 that schooles 4 ar ordained to be kept, conforme to the Act of Parliament, 4 in the severall congregationes and the members are ordered 4 to intimate the said ordenance in their several congrega- 4 tiones, to understand, if they consented thairto, or for the 4 better accomodatione a conjunctione of paroches be made 4 for acting the work.' The Englishman's interference was no doubt well meant, but it does not appear to have been followed by any practical result. Although the early records of the Presbytery of Inverness do not now exist to show what steps were taken to enforce the provisions of the Acts of Parliament of 1631 and 1646, and to give effect to the ordinances of the General Assembly and the Governor of Inverness, it is certain that, educationally, the bounds of Inverness were on the whole in advance of those of Dingwall. Soon after the Reformation a grammar school was established in Inverness, which was reported in 1672 to be 4 thriveing.' d 1 INVERNESS AND DINGWALL RECORDS Next year it became vacant, and on 5th November Mr. Alex- ander Ross, son of David Ross of Earlsmill, 6 was admitted 4 schoolmaster at Invernes, of the towne of Invernes, and 4 for his tryalls hade the third ode of Horace, and had his 4 oratione de vanitate hum. scientiae, and all other tryalls usuall 4 in the like case, and was fullie approven in every step of his 4 tryalls by the Presbyterie and the magistrates and burgesses 4 of Invernes, and was unanimouslie accepted of the magis- 4 trates and town of Invernes to be their schoolmaster of 4 the Grammar School."' Knowledge of Latin was the great test of the schoolmaster's fitness for his work, and so much was the language studied even by the poorer class of pupils, that wonderful stories are still told of the proficiency to which boys attained in it in the past. There was a school in Kiltarlity in 1671, the master of which, Mr. George Hutchion, gave satisfaction 4 in every thing. 1 He was perhaps excelled by his successor, Mr. John Munro, to whom the minister and elders, in 1677, 4 gave a large 4 applaus of his painfullness and diligent attendance on school 4 and sessione 1 — he being, as was usual for the teachers of the time, session clerk, and probably also precentor — 4 and also 4 that he was of a Christian, civill, blameless conversa- 6 tione.'' In 1682, Kirkhill had a schoolmaster, Mr. Thomas Fraser, who 4 besides his attendance of the schoole, was precentor and 4 clerk, and read the scriptures publicly every Lord's Day in 4 the Irish, betwixt the second and third bell.' For these services he was paid a 4 fixed sallary 1 of a chalder of victual, together with £20 Scots [equal to £1, 13s. 4d. Sterling] out of the session box, 4 and also the baptism and marriage money.' 1 At the same time there was 4 a flourishing schoole ' in Petty, whose master was 4 a great help to the minister." The fame of the Petty school, in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, has come down to our own time. The youth of other parishes flocked to this flourishing institution, and in thoroughness of INTRODUCTION li training it is said to have surpassed even the grammar school of Inverness. But while these parishes did more or less creditably, the remaining parishes within the Inverness bounds were woefully remiss. Daviot, it is true, had 'a school 1 in 1672, but the schoolmaster had been 4 forced to leave for want of manten- ance. 1 Before 1682, the school itself disappeared, the minister declaring in that year 'that they could not nor had any, 6 becaus there was no incurragement for one, nor no mediat 4 centricale place quhere they could fix a schoole to the satis- 4 faction of all concerned.' In 1672, there was no school in Moy, 4 partlie because the 4 townes within the pariochin were far distant one from the 4 other. 1 Boleskine was without one 4 in regard the townes in 4 the parishe were remote the one from the other, and that 4 they hade no convenience of boarding children 1 ; and Dores, Croy, and Urquhart, and Glenmoriston were in the same desolate condition. Most of the Inverness parishes, indeed, as well as the West Coast parishes, were without parochial schools for twenty or thirty years after Culloden. It must not, however, be supposed that the youth of the period were left wholly in darkness. In 1675, the ministers and elders of Dores, while admitting that they had no public school, declared 4 that severall gentlemen had schooles in their own houses for educating and traineing up of their children. 1 In other parishes the same system prevailed — the lairds, wad- setters, and larger tenants combining to employ some struggling student to teach their children during the college recess. Sometimes the children of the more affluent were sent to be taught at Inverness, Fortrose, or Petty. The result was that during the darkest years of the seventeenth century a few were to be found in each parish who could read and write, and express themselves in fair English, and that even the humblest classes took to committing their transactions to writing. Early in the eighteenth century was founded the Society in Hi INVERNESS AND DINGWALL RECORDS Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge, which opened schools in the more desolate districts, and for more than a century and a half continued to do incalculable good in the cause of education, within the bounds of our Presbyteries, as throughout the Highlands generally. In reading these Records one cannot but be impressed with the magnitude of the change that has come over church life since the times of which they speak. Many things meet us which are apt to surprise and even pain us ; but with reference to these it is right to remember that the conduct of the men of the past ought not to be judged by our modern standard of right and wrong. What may appear to us heinous, may have seemed venial in the eyes of the good people of the seventeenth century ; and, so far as the clergy of the Records are con- cerned, it is clear that the great majority of them were Christian gentlemen, who strove to be a pattern to their people, and who did what they could to keep alive the light of the Gospel during days that were, spiritually, somewhat dark. The editor has, in conclusion, to express his indebtedness to the members of the Presbyteries, for the use of the Records ; to Mr. Law, for willing aid and unfailing courtesy ; and to his assistant, Mr. Mill, for the excellent Index, which is wholly his work. WILLIAM MACKAY. Craigmonie, Inverness, Midsummer 1896. RECORDS OF THE PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS. At Invernes, 23 November 1643. Convened, all the Brethren. That day report was made to the Presbitrie that there was in the Paroch of Dunlichitie ane Idolatrous Image called St. Finane, keepit in a private house obscurely; the Brethren, Mr. Lachlan Grant, Mr. Patrick Dunbar, and Alexander Thomson, to try, iff possible, to bring the said Image the next Presbitrie day. At Inverness, 7 December 1643. Convened, the whole Brethren. Alexander Thomson presentit the Idolatrous Image to the Presbitrie, and it was delyverit to the Ministers of Inverness, with ordinance that it should be burnt at their Market Corse the next Tuysday, after sermone. At Inverness, 21 December 1643. Convened, all the Brethren except Mr. Lachlan Grant. The Ministers of Inverness declairit that, according to the ordinance of the Presbitrie the last day, they caused burne the Idolatrous Image at the Market Corse, after sermone, upon Tuysday immediatelie following the last Presbitrie day. 1 At Elgine, Aprile 5, 1670. The Bretheren of the Presbytrie did meet for setleing and appointing y e first presbyteriall meeting, and did conclude that 1 The volume in which the Minutes of 23rd November and 7th and 21st December 1643 ar e recorded is now lost — the first volume in the Presbytery's possession commencing 5th April 1670. The above three Minutes are printed from an old copy in the editor's possession. A 2 RECORDS OF THE [MAY Wednesday the 4 of May 1670 shuld be the first Presbyteriall meeting after the Synod, and Mr. Roderick Mackenzie ap- pointed to haue the exercise, and Mr. James Sutherland the addition. Text, colloss. 1. 24. At Lmerness, May 4, 1670. Being Wednesday y e first meeting after y e Synode, convened y e Moderator and remanent breyren of y e P'bytrie except Mr. Duncane M c Culloch, Mr. Thomas Huistone, and Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Croy, and no letter of excuse from any of them. The Lord's name was called upon. Y* day, according to y e former ordinance, Mr. Roderick M c Kenzie exercised, and Mr. James Sutherland added, Colloss. 1. 24. Being both removed, one by one, were appro ven. Mr. James Sutherland is appointed to exercise, and Mr. James Fraser to adde, y e nixt day, text, Coloss. 1. 25. Y e saide day y e Moderator exhibited y e Synodicall referrs, which were presented and discussed as followeth : 1°. Y e Ministers of Inerness are appointed to processe William Troupe, Messenger, for adherence to his wife and giving maintainance to his childe. 2°. Katherine Gordone, Spouse to Lauchlane M c intoshe, alias Maltman, to satisfye as ane Adulteress upon y e account of her own dela on thereof. 3°. Mr. Alex r Fraser, Moderator, and Mr. Alex r Clark are appointed to attend the subsynod to hold at Forres, May 24 ensuing. 4°. Y e breyren of the P'bytrye were appointed to take up a List of y e names of Papists profest or suspected to be within there respective Congregationes, and to remitte the same with the Moderator to the Bishope to y e fors d Subsynode. 5°. [The Brethren are appointed to supply Aldearn, vacant.] 6°. All y e Bretheren deficient are appointed to pay Mr. John Dunbar, Bursar of Divinity, in y e Presbytrye of Forress. 7°. The Breyne are to intimate that if any person supplicat the Bishope for clandestine marriage, The meanest shall pay twenty marks, and those of quality according to y r ranks. But because that this act was looked upon as someq* obscure, it was recomended to the fors d delegates to the Subsynod to 1670] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 3 inquire qho shuld injoy the benefit of the fors d Act, that is, Qhither the fors d twenty marks, less or more according to the quality of y e persons, were to redounde to the Bishope for granting the licence, or to be made furthcoming to the Church where y e persons receive the benefit of Marriage, and so to be put into the Church treasurye of the respective parochines, and they are appointed to report ane answer to the Bretheren the nixt Presbytry day. [Several cases of discipline, including Christian Chambers in the Parish of Dores, who is contumax and ordained to be pro- cessed.] And withall the s d Mr. James Smith, Minister at Dorres, is appointed to give a list of all the obstinat delinquents within his Parish to Alex r Chissolme, as Baily of Stratharrick and Comissar depute of Inerness, to see if that rude people and obstinate generation may be brought to a more Christian sub- jection and orderly conformity. That day y e Moderator presented a letter from the Bishop of Murray in favours of Mr. James Hay, Student in divinity, and re- sidenter in the toune of Inverness, for admitting of the s d Mr. James to his tryalls in rela°n to expectancy. The qhich the Breyren takeing to y r considera°n, haue appointed Mr. James Sutherland and Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Kiltarlity, to confer with the s d Mr. James Hay, and to get some account from him of his reading, and to know he had improved his time since his manumission and graduation in the Colledge : and to report ther answer y e nixt Presbytrye day, qhich is appointed to hold at Inverness, May 28, 1670. The Meeting closed with Prayer. Innerness, May 28, 1670. Y* day y e Moderator asked y e Breyren if they had brought with y m a Catalogue of y e Papists profest or suspected to be such w*in their respective parishes, to qhich it was by the Breyren then present that they had (blessed be God) few or none such known within ther congregations, or if any such shuld be found w*in either of ther resptive bounds they shuld not failie quam primum to give ane impartiall liste of them. Only Mr. Thomas Huistone is plagued w* Papists. 4 RECORDS OF THE [may [Mr. James Smith, Dores, on being asked whether he had given the list of delinquents to the Bailie of Stratherrick, ' answered y t he was taking pains upon y m at home to bring them to obedience, and if that course shuld failie he shuld follow the Presbytrie's direction as the nixt remede. , J Y* day Mr. James Sutherland, and Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minist r at Kiltarlity, reported that they had conferred with Mr. James Hay, and had found y* y e s d Mr. James had read Calvins Institu on3 and Wendeline his Theological Systeme, Pares, and Ursius Catecheticks, and Willets Synopsis Papismi, and Sharpes Course, etc., and culd give a reasonable accompt of what he had read, and that his conversation had been truely Christian and sober dureing all y e time of his abode at Inver- ness, and that they were so satisfyed w* him in everything that they judged him qualified for to be admitted to more publick tryalls in relation to expectancy. Al the Breyren present, takeing y e fors d report to their consideration, and being satisfied theirw*, haue appointed the s d Mr. James to haue a private Homily the nixt Presbytry day in the session house of Inver- ness, on John 6. 44. At Inerness, June 8, 1670. [Mr. James Hay had his homily on John 6. 44, and, being removed, was approven. He was ordained to have the addi- tion, and Mr. James Fraser to exercise, next day on Col. 1. 27.] Y* day Mr. James Smith, Minister at Dorres, reported that he had given Christian Chamber there 3 publict admonitions from Pulpit on 3 seuerall Lords days : he is appointed to pro- ceed and to make y e first prayer for her y e nixt Lords day, and so to go on till y e nixt Presbytry day, and to report his diligence to y 1 dyet. Y* day Mr. Thomas Huistone regrated to y e Breyren that notwithstanding that his Parishioners had solemly ingaged and publickly promised in audience of y e s d Breyren at the last visita on , holden at Boleskine y e 7th of December 1669, to give him all y e incourragements y t might contribute to y e advancing of the glory of God and y e work of the Ministry in y* place, and particularly ingaged (upon their credit and repu- tation) to give him both countenance and mantinance, yet that 1670] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 5 he had not security for his life or goods ; his house being laitly seized upon by Lochabber Robbers, himselfe threathened w* naked swords and drawne durks at his brest, his money and house- hold stuff plundered, and seing that one of their number suffered death laitly therefor at Inerness, y e rest of them were lieing in waite for his life, and threatening his ruine and dammage, so that in y e evening he is affrayed to [be] burnt to ashes or morning. Nor yet has he that mantinance of them that the laudable lawes of the Land allow him to maintaine himself and his family, and to breed his children at schooles, seeing that some of them are resting him eight yeers, some seven, some six years stipend, 1 and upon qhilk and many moe considerations he does (finding no redress of these unsuperable evils) make his recourse to his Reverend Breyren of y e Presbytery y* in a fellow sympathy and condolency, qhich shuld be betwixt y e members of a gracious body, they wold be pleased to grant him the benefit of that remedy which the laudable Lawes of y e Church of Christ haue afforded his servants in such unsupportable straits, by giveing a transportation from y e Ministry in that place to anye place qhere the Lord in Mercy may be pleased to call him. Ye Breyren, considering these sad reasons and condoling his condition, yet told him that they culd not give him ane Act of Transportation w*out y e Bishop and Synod's order, and therefor the Breyren requested him to haue patiently until the nixt Synod, casting himself upon the Lord for his shelter and refuge against al these dangers and sad discouragements; and so referred him to the Synode. At Innerness, June 29, 1670. [Mr. Jas. Fraser exercised, and Mr. James Hay added on Col. 1. 27. Both being removed, were approven. Mr. James Hay ordained to haue the exercise, and Mr. Hugh Fraser, at Croy, to haue the addition next day on Col. 1. 28. Mr. Smith, Dores, reports that he has given Christian Chamber the first prayer, and is appointed to give her the 2 d prayer next Lord's day.] 1 During the period covered by these records the stipends were paid partly by the proprietors and partly by the tenants. 6 RECORDS OF THE [JUNE Moreover, the Minister at Dores reported that he was taking great pains on those obstinat delinquents y* were w*m his parish, but culd not prevaile to bring them to obedience ; he is ap- pointed therefore to give a liste of them to the Commissar, qho would compel y m to obedience. At Lierness, July 20, 1670. [All present, except Mr. Duncan M c Culloch, 4 qho never keeps meeting w l his Breyren, and Mr. Thomas Huistone, qho sent no excuse.'' Mr. James Hay exercised, and Mr. Fraser, Croy, added on Col. 1. 28. Both appro ven. Mr. Hay 'ap- pointed to haue his exegesis the next day, de Transubstantione, and to sustain disputes.] That day Mr. Smith reported y l he had given in a liste of all the obstinat delinquents wHn his Parish to Alex r Chissolme (Bayly of y* countrey, and Commissar Depute of Inverness), qho promised to take a course w* that obstinat and stiffnaked generation, qreby they might be brought to a more Christian subjection and orderly conformity. August 10, 1670. [Mr. James Hay necessarily absent, and his exegesis con- tinued to next day. 6 His Theses were distributed.' No account from the Commissar Depute as to the Dores delin- quents.] August 24, 1670. Y* day Mr. James Hay delivered his Comon head de Tran- substantione, and sustained his disputes, and, being removed,, was approven. He is appoynted to haue his Popular Sermon the next day on Heb. 12. 24. Septr. 14, 1670. [Mr. James Hay delivers his popular sermon, approven, and is appointed 4 to sustaine his questionary tryalls and of the Languages the nixt day.'] That Day, one Elspit Nickphaile, in y e Parochin off' Ward- lawe, compeired and gave in a Bill shewing Qhereas she had been married these 9 yeers ago to one John M c in Taylor in Moniake, since qhich time the s d John Taylor neiy r adhered to her nor performed any duty belonging to a husband in any 1670] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 7 case qhatsoever, especially in y e wedlock bond, he being Jrigidej et impotentis nature) , as was well known, as y e s d John Taylor confessed befor y e Presbytry, and y r for the s d Elspet Nickphaile supplicated the Presbytry to declare her marriage null and void, that she might be free to injoy any other qhom y e Lord in his providence should provide for her : y e qhich being takin to considera°n by y e Breyren they do referr y e case to y e Synod for advise how to proceed in this and y e like cases, qhereby women that are tyed to Impotent Men for the present may be keeped from all vagae libidines to qhich they may be easily tempted so long as they are tyed to men that are impotens, Jrigidi, et ad omnes opus conjugate prorsus inepti. Sept. 28, 1670. Y* day Mr. James Hay sustained his questionary tryalls, and was examined by the Breyren both anent his knowledge in Chronologie, Reconciliation of Scriptures, Ecclesiasticall His- tories, and Greek and Hebrew Languages ; and, being removed, was appro ven. He is referred by y e Breyren to y e Bishop for opening of his mouth. Y* day y e Bretheren being removed one by one, and diligent search being made of every Brother's diligence in his respective charge, there was nothing found worthy of reprehension. Qhereupon y e Moderator, in name of the Presbytry, Blissed God in there behalfe, and exhorted them to continue diligent in the work of there Ministry, without spot or blemish, and withall pressed each one of them In y e Lord's strength to keep y e meeting of y e Synode. Y e nixt Presbyteriall meeting as to the dyet and place thereof is to be appointed at Elgine. Y e meeting closed with Prayer. Lierness, Novemb. 16, 1670. Y* day y r was a letter exhibited at the Presbytry directed from y e Bishop of Murray requiring a collection from y e re- spective Parishes within y e Presbytry for repairing of y e Bul- wark of Dundye, and thereupon y e severall breyren were injoined to provide y e same and to report y r diligence v r in to the nixt day. 8 RECORDS OF THE [JANUARY January 4, 1671. [Among the 4 Referrs ' from the Synod read this day, is 6 Elspet Niphail, in y e Parish of Wardlaw, is remitted to ye Comissar of Innerness for a nullity upon y e account of her husbands impotency and nonadherence.'] At Invernes, Januar 25, 1671. The said day y e severall Brethren declared y r willingness to contribute to y e repairing of y e Bulwark at Dundie, but withall declared that y r people wer most unwilling and dissatisffyed with the same. Ye ordinance is renewed ut prius. At Innernes, March 8, 1671. That day Mr. James Smith, Minist r at Doores, regrated to the Presbrie that he had ney r countenance nor mantenance amongst his hard-hearted Parishoners, that they ney r fre- quented ye ordinances within y r own Congregation, nor any wise concurred with him for curbing and suppressing of sin and vice abounding amongst many of his people by keeping hand to discipline ; whereupon ye Breyren resolve and conclude (for rectifica°n of these enormities among that crabbed people) ye next Presbyteriall meeting to be holden at Doores this day 20 dayes, where Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minist r at Kiltarlity, is appoynted to preach. At Doores, March 29, 1671. Conveened y e Moderatour and remanent Breeyren of y e Pres- brie, except Mr. Hugh Fraser, of Croy, who sent no excuse. The name of God was called upon. That day Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Kiltarlity, according to the former ordi- nance, preached, text, Hos. 4. 4. The qch done, the Mode- ratour desyred y e Minister to give in a list of his Elders, qch he did and wer present, to wit, William M c Intosh of Borlome, Paul M c Bean of Kynkyle, Angus M c Bean of Drummin, John Fraser of Erogy, younger, Hector Fraser of Dundelchak, Lachlan M c Beane in Darres. The Moderatour asked y e forsaid elders if ye visita°n were tymously intimated, and they declared that it was two severall 1 67 1] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 9 Lord's dayes from Pulpit, and that besides the officer charged the people at y r dwelling houses personally to keep y 1 meeting. The Moderatour desyred y e Minister, Mr. James Smith, to re- move, and y r after he posed all the gentlemen and elders pre- sent, one by one, how they wer satisfyed with y r Minister his life and conversa°n, how with his doctrine and discipline, if he catechised his people and visited y e sick within y e parish, with every oy r query usually proponed at such visita°ns. The said gentlemen and elders answered, one by one, y* they wer wel satisfyed with him, first as to his doctrine, and that they wer refreshed very much by him Sabbath ly both in y e english and irish language, and that his life and conversa°n was ministeriall ; only that he was not so frequent in catechising as they could wish. The Minister was called in, and y e elders report of him was declared to him, and he desyred to walk answerable to their large declara°n of him, and further was asked by the Mode- ratour y e reason why he was not so frequent in examina°n and catechising his people as he ought. To which he answered that of a long tyme bygone he had not any settled residence within the Parish nor mantinance to uphold him in the prose - cu°n of y e work of his Ministry : however y e Moderatour de- syred y* he should not be wanting any longer on this part of his ministeriall function. The Gentlemen and Elders wer removed, and y e Minister being asked anent y m , and of what encouragement they gave him in his ministry, answered that : 1. He had no mantenance among y m , nor culd he gete so much of his own stipend as would carry him through y e parish to manage his Masters affairs, but was keeped as a poor mendi- cant ever since he came amongst that people ; that they had no inclina°n to doe him the least duty herein, though he had sought after it in the most peacable manner y* could be, as if, chameleon-like, he could live upon y e aire. 2. He regrated y* some of his Parishoners dishaunted ordi- nances within y r own parish, and went sometymes to hear oy rs , and sometymes stayed at home without hearing of any, in con- tempt of him and his ministry. 3. That all discipline was shaken loose among y m in regard y* his elders, who should be eyes and hands to him, straitning 10 RECORDS OF THE [MARCH him in y e carrying on of discipline, wer patrons and protectours of obstinat and refractory delinquents, whereby he could not doe y e work of y e Lord with joy, but with great greef, among y m ; and y r upon gave in to y e clerk of y e Presbry a roll of such obstinat and hardened delinquents as wer protected by y r Masters, 1 and could not be brought to obedience or orderly walking. Whereupon, y e gentlemen and elders being called in, The Moderatour held forth these greevances unto y m , and first of all told y m , y* it wer a sad thing if yeir Minister should be made to succumb (as very like he was, for lack of y* mantinance qch was alloted by y e law of y e land to that charge of Doores) under his sad burden, and told y m y* it was a signe of a gasping devotion among y m , when they wer so close-handed to y r "Minister, whose very cold water should not goe unrewarded ; and fury r y Tt y e Pharisees should rise up in Judgment against y m , who payed tenth of all they enjoyed. Whereupon, y e elders and gentlemen y n present promised to doe him duty herein, and y 1 y r should not be reason in any tyme coming for the like complent. 2. The Moderatour haveing asked y m why any of y m dis- haunted y e publicke ordinances within y r own Congrega°n to the great greif and discouragement of y r Minister, answered \ rt they y m selves (while y r affaires permitted y m to be in the coun- trey) did constantly keep, and would so doe in tyme comeing : but y* y r wer oy 1 * 3 within y e paroch on whom they had no influ- ence to draw y m to such c'formity ; q r upon y e Moderatour in y r present audience ordained y e Minister to draw up a list of these dishaunters of ordinances, to haue the same in readiness (in case of y r nonconformity) to be presented to the next ensueing synod, that some more effectuall course might be taken with these slighters of publick ordinances. 3. The Moderatour haveing holden forth to y m the desola°n y* was like to ensue in regard of y r slacknesse and unconcerned- nesse in carrying on of discipline, by reason of y r protecting and patronising of obstinat delinquents, they promised, all and every one of y m y n present, to cause such delinquents as wer 1 Masters — applied not only to employers, but also to the proprietors on whose lands the delinquents resided. l6yi\ PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 11 within y r respective bounds to give obedience to all sessionall appoyntments, but withall declared y fc y e most of these delin- quents wer in y e wester parish, where they could not reach unto them, they being oy r independent gentlemen's followers and servants, and y r fore desyred y e Presbry to fall upon some way for bringing y r Masters to y e like condescen dance. Whereupon the Presby, taking this to y r serious considera°n, haue ap- poynted Mr. Thomas Huiston and Mr. James Smith to meet in y e Wester Parish, and to put y e severall heretours and gentle- men there to y e like condescendance, and to cause every gentle- man and heritour to be answerable for y r servants and followers, y* they may be brought to give satisfac°n to y e discipline of y e session of Doores ; and they to report y r diligence herein to y e next day. That day y e Moderatour haveing enquired y e Minister anent his Session book, Answered y* upon the forsaid accounts he had not the samen in readiness at this tyme, but withall pro- mised to have the same in readiness qaam primum. The Officer being removed, and y e Minister and Elders being enquired anent him, they all gave him ane honest testi- mony of him in discharging his office; being called in was exhorted to be diligent and painfull, and so was approven. This being the last meeting day before y e Synod, the whole Breeyren wer removed one by one and particular inquiry being made anent y r doctrine, lyfe, and conv'sa^, all of y m had a good report among y e breyren, and were approven, and each of y m exhorted to be carefull in y e Lords worke ; only Mr. Rodericke M c Kenzie was ordained to goe in a ministeriall habite whan he went to set about any pairt of his [work]. 1 At Inverness, August 16, 1671. No doctrine in regard y-* Mr. James Smith, who should hav exercised according to y e former ordinance, was absent, who was excused by his letter, in regard y % ane horse being stollen 1 The question of ministerial dress early troubled the Presbytery and Synod. On 13th April 1624, the Synod placed it on record that : 'The Visitors of y° Book of Inverness . . . affirmes that y e bretheren haunts to y e prebrie with un- comly habits, such as bonats and plaides ; whairfor the Assemblie ordaines them . . . not to haunt y e prebrie any mair w* uncomly habitts. 5 12 RECORDS OF THE [AUGUST from y e s d Mr. James, and having gotten intelligence of him, he wes yis day to prov y e horse to be his, oy r wise to lose him. The s d day Mr. Thomas Huston, Minister at Boleskine, reported y e sad and lamentable stat of y e Parish of Vrq rt in regard of Mr. Duncan M c Culloch, Minister y r , his slackness in discipline and neglect of dutie in many things, and absence from his church, q r by sin and iniquitie is abounding and increasing in y e s d parish. The Breyren, taking yis to y r serious considera°ne, haue appoynted a visita°ne off y e Kirk of Vrq* y e 5 of Sept. nixt, and y t y e s d Mr. Duncan shall be advised y r off, and preach at the s d meeting. As also the Brethren appoynted a visitation off y e Kirk off Kirtarlatie to be wpon y e morrow y e 6 off September, and appoynted Mr. Alex r . fraser, Minister at Daviot, to preach at y e s d visitatione. At Vrchart, y e 5 of Septr., 1671. Convened y e Moderatour and remanent breyren off y e Presbytrie off Inv'nes. Mr. Duncan M c Cullach preached, text, I Thes. 5. 17. After prayer, the meeting being tymously intimat, y e roll off elders and deacones wes given in to read, and most of y m all were present. The Session book of Vrq rt being formerly delivered to Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Kiltarlitie, to revise y e same, was exhibited, being inquired at y e formalitie y r off, Answered y t it was not a register but a minut ray r , and y n y* it was deficient, Avanting three yeirs unfilled up. The s d Mr. Duncan, being rebooked for yis great oversight, was y r fore ordeaned by y e Moderator to exhibit a register, and to see q* was wanting y r in, and y* against y e nixt presbyteriall meeting. Mr. Duncan being removed, and y e severall gentlemen being asked anent his doctrin, life, and coversa°ne, were all weill satisfied with him as to yis, but withall they regrated y l he vsed no famely visita°n, nor prayed in y r fameles q 11 he lodged in any of his parishoners houses ; and y % he did not catechise nor administer ye sacrament ever since his entrie to y e ministrie y r ; and y t he is a reproach to y e ministrie and y e Parish in going with so beggerly a habit; and, though much off his stipend be areasted in y e parishoners hands, y 1 yet he hath no 1 67 1] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 13 cair to pay his debt, or releiv y e gentlemen from hazard at legal executiones in y r contrar. The gentlemen and elders being desyred to remov, and Mr. Duncan called in, was sharply rebooked for all yes omissiones, and was injoyned to mend yes things in tymes coming, and y fc sub periculo gravioris censure). The s d Mr. Duncan, being asked anent his elders and gentle- men, q* satisfaction he had off y m . He regrated y* he had ney r countenance nor maintenance among y m ; and y* q n he is wrongd or injured in his person or meanes, they haue not y % due regard to him as to resent yes wronges and Injuries done to him ; q r for he would demitt. The gentlemen and elders being called in, and y e fors d case being holden out to y m by y e Moderator, They did promise, all off y m , to giv y r Minister all y e contenance and assistance y fc lyes in y r power. The Officer being removed, y e Minister and elders being asked anent him, Compleaned on his slacknes ; hee was yrfor injoyned to be more diligent, under pane of deposition. That day y e Session was apoynted to repaire y e Church windowes, and to imploy y r penalties to y t use. The meeting closed w* prayer. At Kiltarlatie, 6 Sept. 1671. The Minister being removed, y e Moderator asked the elders anent y r Ministers doctrin, liff, and conversation and discipline. They all answered one by one, They were weill pleased with him in all yes [these]. The Moderator asked if he did reside wHn y e Parish ; they answered, not : being asked if y r Minister did catechise y e people, answered, not ; and being inquired if he did visit y e faimlies, answered, not. The Moderator asked why were yes things omited, answered becaus y r Minister had no sufficient Manse or biging to dwell in. The elders and gentlemen being desyred to remove, and y e Minister called in, y e Moderator asked him why did he omit yes necessarie duties of Catechising y e people and visita°ne of faimlies and visiting y e sick. Answered y* he had no Manse and yrfor culd not reseid w*in y e Parish, q ch wes y e caus of his omitting y e fors d dueties : as also y r wes no diligence vsed for 14 RECORDS OF THE [September setting up his Manse ; q r upon y e Moderator and breyren posed y e Minister to use all legale diligence against y e Heritors for erecting a manse as y e Law provydes, and w*all seeing y e stent for erecting a manse wes condescended upon and subscribed by each particular Heritor, He might y e more easily goe to work and put y m to it. The Gentlemen and elders being called in, y e Moderator asked y m anent y e Manse why it was not built. They answered they wold use all diligence to collect money and wictuall to build it. And seeing now winter was drawing on and not fit for work, they should hav all things in reddiness against y e nixt Spring, and y* they should search for a fi-tte sufficient man for overseeing y e work, and give him a salarie for his expense so long as y e work were doing. The Moderator earnestly exhorted both heritores and Minister to use all expeditione hearin, y 1 y e Minister, having a manse, might be incurraged to goe about his calling. [The Session Book to be given to Mr. James Fraser, Kirkhill, for examination]. The Moderator enquired y e Minister and Elders anent y r pnt Schoolmaster, Mr. George Hutchion, Answered they were well satisfyed with him in every thing. The Moderator having asked concerning y r officer, Answered y 1 they knew nothing of him but y 1 he was diligent in his office. Y e Moderator exhorted him to continue diligent in his office. At Inverness, Sept. 27, 1671. The s d day y e Minister of Deviot being inquired anent y e refer of John M c intosh q* diligence he hed used, Answered y* he has given him two publick admonitions. As also y e Minister of Deviot reported that y e day he gev y e s d John M c intosh y e first admonitione from pulpit imediatly after divyn worshipe ; ye s d John M c intosh in presence off y e whole congregation cam and s d to him at y e Church dore, 4 You base raskall, how durst yee bee so peart as to abuse mee yis day ? yee wes too bold to doe it, yee might hav used your own equalls so and not me.' Wherupon y e Minister turned about and taks all y e gentlemen off y e Parish witnesses ; and q r upon y e s d John M c intosh s d againe, 4 You base raskall, think you will I eat my words ? were not for little to mee I wold bruiss y or 1 67 1] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 15 bones.' The Breyren, taking yis lamentable case to y r con- sidera°n, and while they were deliberating y r anent, In y e interim y e officer comes and shews y e s d John M c intosh wes without at y e dore desyreing a word off y e breyren ; having gotten access, y e Moderator asked q* hee wold say, or if hee had anything to say to y m . The s d John askt iff they had any thinge to say to him. The Moderator s d , That besides his former contumacie to y e presbyterie, now off leal y r was a gross emergent scandall acted by him upon his Minister; q r for y e fors d opprobrious words being read in his audience he confessed hee spok y m and y t hee s d so much ; and yrupon craved God and mans mercie. The Moderator charged him apud acta to compeir befor y e Synod tuisday com eight dayes y e 10 off Octob. sub periculo ; q ch business is referred to y e Synod. At Inverness, 15 Novr. 1671. The Bretheren of Prie having (after mature deliberatione) laid the sad conditione of the Parish of Vrqrt to their con- sideratione through the omissiones of their put Minister, Mr. Duncan M c Culoch, through his manifold and heavie discourage- ments in his Parochin through want of mantenance and coun- tenance, and by stealling and robbing of the little he hath, have thought good to appoynt a meeting with Mr. Duncan M c Culloch to know if he will hold to his former dimissione verballie past at Vrq rt at the last visitatione of that church the 5 Sep r 1671 ; and y* at the Lochend of Lochness the first Wednesday of December; and Mr. Alex r Clerk, Mr. James Sutherland, Mr. James Fraser, and Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Kiltarlatie, are appoynted to meet, and Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Kiltarlatie, appoynted to writ to Mr. Duncan to keep the meeting the day and place appoynted. 13 Deer. 1671. That day John M c intoshe, broy r to Aberarder, fors d , com- peired of his own accord, who supplicated the Pf ie that the Bretheren should move Mr. Alex r Fraser, his Parish Minister, to desist from processing him, and that he would yield obedience to Church discipline; the Mod r desyred the s d John 16 RECORDS OF THE [December remove to a litle space, and haveing laid the s d supplicatione to their serious consideratione thought fitt to move the s d Mr. Alex r to accept of the said John to his repentance ; being incalled was ordained to goe home and satisfie in sacco till y r be signes of repentance found in him. According to the former order the Bretheren appoynted, to wit, Mr. Alex r Clerk, Mr. James Sutherland, Mr. James Fraser, and Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Kiltarlatie, did meet at the Lochend the day appoynted before, where Mr. Duncan M c Cul- loch, Minist r at Vrq rfc , compeired, who regrated to the brethren then pnt, as he did at the visita°ne at Vrq rt befor, that he hade nether countenance nor yet mantenance nor any kynd of en- couragement in his Parochin to goe about the work of his Master in his parochin, and that he could not any longer sub- sist their, therfor would demitt, and was content that a brother should be sent to declare his church vacant, qlk dimissione he did give to the bretheren in writ sub* with his own hand, whilk was read in the audience of the Prebrie, whilk is registrat as after followes, and the authentick copie sent to the Bishope and patrone of the said Church of Vrq rt . 1 The next meeting is appoynted to hold at Croy the third tuesday of Jarij next for visiting the s d Kirk. Mr. Alex r Clerk, Minister at Invernes, is appoynted to preach y r that day. Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Croy, is appoynted to 1 The space left in the record for MacCulloch's demission was never filled up. The demission, however, appears in the records of the Synod of Moray as fol- lows : — * I, Mr. Duncan Macculloch, Minister of the United Churches of Urquhart and Glenmorestoune, for onerous reasons and causes knowen to my selfe and to my reverend Brethren of the Presbytrie of Invernes, doe demitt, renunce, and resigne my cure and ministrie at the forsaid Kirkes into the hands of the right reverend father in God, Murdo, Lord Bishop of Murray, and give hereby full way and heartie consent that hencefurth my cure may be declared vacand, ay and quhill it please God to provid that people with a man that may have more incouragment to serve among them than I have had dureing my service in that place : In consideratione quheroff I ever from the dait hereoff renunce, discharge, and resigne my cure, stipend, manses, and gleibes thereoff in all tym coming : In full testimonie quheroff I have both written and sub- scrived thir presents with my hand at Davach-in -Craig [Lochend] the first of December 167 1 yeirs, befor Mr. Alex r Clarke, minister at Invernes, and Mr. Hew Fraser, minister at Kiltarlitie. Mr. D. Macculloch.' •Mr. A. Clark, Witnes* 1 Hugh Fraser, Witnessed 1672] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 17 send his session book to Daviot, and the Ministers of Moy and Daviot appoynted to revise the same and be in readines to give y r Judgment to the Prle at the s d visitatione. The meeting closed with prayer. At Croy, 16 January 1672. Convened the Lord Bishope of Murray and the remanent bretheren of the Pbrie, except Mr. Alex r Clerk. Prayer hade. That day Mr. James Sutherland produced a Ire from Mr. Alex r Clerk showing that he was verie sick and that he could not keep that meeting. He is therfor excused. The Lord Bishope, w* consent of the bretheren, thought fitt that this dyet should not hold for ane visitatione in regard the Broy r that should haue hade the doctrine was absent by reason of his sickness. The Lord Bishope, with consent fors d , sent two ministers out to the church yard where the most considerable of the Parochin were attending, showing y m the reason why they wanted doctrine, and that y r for they could not goe about a visitatione of y e church for that dyet. The brethren of the Pbfie are appoynted to provide y r pro- portiones of money for the commissioners expenses, who are to be sent away the next week. The breyren are appoynted to supplie Mr. James Sutherland (ane of the Commissioners) his charge till his returne, begining at the younger broy r , and so going one till his returne. The next meeting to hold at Inv ss the 7 Febij next, and the exercise to hold at prius. The meeting closed with prayer. At Inverness, 28 Febrij 1672. j Q n M c intosh, broy r germane to Lachlane off Aberarder, hath not entered to his repentance in regard he is constantlie from home searching for money to pay the Earle of Morray the fyne that was imposed judiciallie on him for his former opprobrious speeches to his Minister one the Lords day ; therefor his censure continued for a little tyme. At Moy, 26 Martij 1672. The Mod r desyred the Minister give in a list of y e Elders names, which he did, and were pnt, to wit, W m M c intoshe of B 18 RECORDS OF THE [march Corribroch, Angus M c intoshe in Moy, Lachlan M c queen, Jo 11 M c queen, Donald M c William, W m . M c Culbert, Even Roy. The Mod r asked the Elders if this visita°n was tymouslie intimated, they answered that it was, qlk the meeting in itselfe proported. After the Mod r hade declared the end of the Pbfies coming to that place, he desyred the Minister, Mr. Roderick, to remove, and y r efter he posed all the gentlemen and Elders pnt, one by one, how they were satisfied with their Ministers life and conversa°ne, how with his doctrine and dis- cipline, if he catechised his people, if he did visit the sick, if he did visit the families within the Parochines. The gentlemen and elders answered that in all these queries, and all that were asked of them anent y r Minister, that they were well satisfied with him, and that he was painefull and diligint in his ministrie among them, and blessed God for him, and desyred the Pbfie encourage him. The Minister being incalled, the elders report of him held forth unto him, he was exhorted to walk answerable to his sessioners report of him. The gentlemen and Elders were removed, and the Minister being asked anent them, and qhat encouragement they gave him in his ministerie among y m , he answered that he was verie well satisfied with them, and that he hade abundance of con- currence and encouragement of them. The gentlemen and elders were called in, and the ministers good comendatione of them declared to them, the Mod r , in name of the pbfie, blessed God for them, rejoiceing in their comelie order and Christian harmony together. The Moderator asked the Elders if y r were a school in the Pariochin, they answered that there was not a school in the Pariochin partlie because the townes within the pariochin were far distant one from the other, yet they would meet among themselves to see if they could agree upon the most commodious place for erecting of ane school, and that when they hade closed the sowing of y r seed betwixt and the first of May next. [There is a Session book.] The Mod r asked the Minister if he hade ane decreet of plat and lfs (letters) of horning, he answered that he hade neither of them, but that the pariochiners payed him his stipend as 1672] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 19 they were in use and wont ; the matter referred to the Synode for advise. The Mod 1 " ordained the Mins tr and Elders to erect a place for publick repentance, and a sackcloath for the delinquents. Sicklicke the Mod r desyred the Min r and elders repaire the church windows. At Daviot, 27 Martij 1672. Convened the Mod r and remanent Bretheren of the Pbfie. The name of God was called upon. Mr. Alex. Clerk, Minister at Invernes, preached, text 2 Cor. 5. 20. The Minister was verie sicke in a fever, who rose then from his bed, who gave in a List of his Elders names who were pnt, to witt, Angus M c intoshe of Daviot, Donald M c Bean off Falyie, W m M c Gillivrey of Larges, Alex r M c intoshe of Ocht r Urchall, Alex r Rose in Culechuinacke, Hector M c intoshe in Craggie, W m Rose in Belvrait, etc. ; these are the elders of the s d Parochin. The names of the Elders of the Parochin of Dunleitchitie, Lachlan M c Intoshe off Aberarder, Robert Shaw off Torrdaroch, Donald M c gillivrey, tutor of Dunmaglass, Duncan M c Phaile of Inverernie, Even M c Phersone off Fleichitie, Lachlan M c intoshe in Drumboy, etc. The Mod r asked the gentlemen and Elders if this visitatione was tymeouslie intimated, they answered that it was, whilk the meeting in itself did proport. The Mod r did hold forth to the meeting the end of the Pries meeting with them that day, to witt, to know the carriage, life, and conversa°ne of minister and elders, and how the interest of Jesus Christ did thrive in their parochin, and of their own harmony, one with the other. Then desyred the Minister, Mr. Alex r . Fraser, remove, qlk done, the Mod r asked y e gentlemen and elders pnt nominatim, how they were satisfied with their Ministers life and conversa°ne, doctrine, and discipline, with all questiones usual at such tymes. They answered that they were well satisfied with y r Minister in all these things, and in what else was proponed to them by the Mod r . The Minister being incalled, the Elders report of him was 20 RECORDS OF THE [may declared unto him, and God was blessed for him. He was desyred to walk answerable to their deportment of him. The gentlemen and elders were removed, and the minister being asked anent them, he answered that he was verie well satisfied with them in all the queries proposed to him by the Mod r anent them. The gentlemen and elders were incalled, and the Mod r declared to them the Ministers good report of them, they were exhorted to continue in well doing, answerable to their Ministers report of them. [They have a Session Book.] The Moderator asked the Minister and elders if they had a school, they answered that they hade, but that the School- master was forced to leave them for want of mantenance, but that they should notice the deficients and move y m to doe dutie, and that then they would call their Schoolmaster againe. The Mod r exhorted the Minister and Elders to repaire the church windowes. Sicklike to erect a place of repentance and a sackcloath. The officers were appro ven for their diligence m y r charge. Inverness, 1 May 1672. That day some of the Bretheren of the Pbfie regrated that Mr. Alex r Fraser, Minister at Daviot, did not preach in his parioche churches of Daviot and Dunlechtie since the visitatione of the said Churches, whilk was at Daviot 27 Martij 1672. As also that they had occasione of conference with the s d Mr. Alex r , and after long debate hinc hide, the s d Mr. Alex r s d that he intended to quit his charge, and that people of whom he formerlie hade the charge off needed not expect anything more of him except a valedictorie sermon, nor yet would he embrace any other charge whatsomever, and that through the dislike and prejudice he caried to the pnt government of the Church by Episcopacie, which he did by severall asseverationes and solemne attestationes. The Bretheren laying the premisses to their consideratione they desyred Mr. Alex r Clerk, Mod r , writ to the Bishope aqenting him hereof, withall to crave his advice how the Pbrie shall behaue themselves in the particullare. [Among the 6 Refers , from the Synod read this day, are : 1672] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 21 6 That Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Kiltarlatie, receed (reside) at his charge, and use dilligence against the heretours for build- ing the Manse of that church — whilks refer the Mod r did press and urge to be obeyed, and Mr. Hugh promised to use all possible dilligence. 1 — And 6 The Mod r ordained to instruct the Synods mynd to the pariochners of Kiltarlatie concerning y r Ministers receiding yV] Mr. James Smith, Minister at Dorres, ordained to goe to Vrq r t before the next pbiall meeting, and preach y r , and declare that church vacand ; withall to exhort the gentlemen and elders y r to use all possible dilligence to furnish a minister for themselves. At Liver lies, 22 May 1672. [All present except Mr. Hugh Fraser, Croy, and 6 Mr. Alex r ffraser, Minister at Daviot, who is not to be expected to attend any presbyteriall meeting hereafter in regard of his separa 0 n. , J That day noe doctrine in regard Mr. Thomas Houstone reported that he was not prepared, and that because he hade been since the last dyet of the Pbrie, imployed in attending the goodwife of Erchet, his mother in law, in her sicklies, who is now departed this life. The s d Mr. Thomas being removed, and after considera°n of what he hade declared, was not judged relevant ; therefor was sharplie rebuked. The next meeting to hold at Invernes, 12 Junij next, for visiting of the affairs of these churches. Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister of Kiltarlatie, appointed to preach y r , and Mr. James Smith and the s d Mr. Hugh appointed to sight the session book, and give y r judgment y r of to the next meeting. That day the Mod 1 " produced a letter from the Bishope wherein he did regrate the case of Mr. Alex r Fraser, late Minister at Daviot, as also (if y r were no hopes of reclaiming him) to cause the Pbfie officer to goe and fix a literall Sumonds on the s d Mr. Alex r , charging him to compeir before y m the next meeting, to answer for his wilffull deserting of his charge. The Bretheren who had frequent occasione to conferr w* the said Mr. Alex r , reported that their was noe hopes of reclaming him, wherfore the Mod r with consent of the bretheren, called 22 RECORDS OF THE [JUNE the Pbfie Officer, Ross, authorising him to goe to the duelling house of Mr. Alex r foresaid, personallie apprehending, affixing a literall Sumonds on him, sumonding him to compeir befor the Pbfie the next meeting, to answer for his wilful deserting of his charge. Mr. James Smith obeyed the ordinance of the Pbfie anent goeing to Urq r t. [The Min r of Kiltarlatie is dealing with the Heritors for his accommodation among them.] At Invernes, 12 Junij 1672. Conveened the Mod r and remanent Bretheren of the Pbfie, except Mr. Hugh ffraser, minister of Croy, absent without excuse. The name of God called upon. Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister of Kiltarlatie, preached, text 2 Cor. 6. 1. The roll of the Elders wer called, and were pnt, to wit, Alex r Cuthbert, Provost, Robert Rose, late Provest, Alex r Dunbar, late Provest, Jo n Hepburne, Baylie, Thomas Schevies off Moortowne, Philip Fraser, Baylie, Alex r Rose, Baylie, W m Robertsone, Baylie, etc. The Mod r asked the elders if this visitatione was tymeouslie intimated ; they answered that it was as the meeting of the Parochiners did proport. After the Mod 1 " hade declared the end of ye Presbyterie's comeing y* that day, he desyred the Ministers of that con- gregatione remove, and then he posed all the gentlemen and Elders, ane by ane, how they were satisfied with y r ministers in y r lives and conversatione, doctrine and discipline, if they did visit the sicke, if they visited the families in towne and land, if they catechised the people, if they did celebrate the sacrament of the Lords supper, w* all wy r quseries usuall to be proposed at such tymes. The gentlemen and Elders replyed and answered to all these quaeries as they were proposed, That they were verie well satisfied with y r Ministers in all these, and that they were verie painfull and laborious in all y r ministrie, so that they could not object against y m . They blessed God for y m , and desyred the Presb. encourage them. The Ministers were incalled, and the Elders report of them 1672] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 23 held forth to them, They were exhorted to walk answerable to y r Paroichiners laudable commendatione of them. The Gentlemen and Elders were removed, and the ministers being asked anent them, what encouragement they hade of y m in there ministrie, and wy r questiones usuall, they answered that they were well satisfied w* y r gentlemen and Elders, except that they did too much encourage Papists and such as was excommunicat of them, and that by their frequent fellowshipe with them, and kindly salutationes given to them. The gentlemen and Elders were incalled, and y r ministers commendatione of them reported, God was blessed for them, and they exhorted to continue in welldoeing. But wer rebuked for y r frequenting the company of Papists excommunicat, and wy r wayes they were desyred to behave themselves more circum- spectlie in the matter hereafter, as they would wish no to offend God and to incur a heavier censure of men. Wilk they pro- mised to doe. The visitors of the Book reported that they hade read the same, and all therein being formall, was approven. The Clerk to the Session was well reported be the Ministers and Elders, wherefor was, after removeall, incalled and approven. The Ministers and Elders were enquired anent their Gramar School, and deportment of the Schoolmaster, they ansuered that they were well satisfied with the thriveing theirof, and reported that they were well pleased with y r Schoolmaster. He was recommended and exhorted to pietie and continue dilligent in his charge. That day Ross, Presb. officer, gave in a formall literall executione showing that he hade apprehended per- sonallie Mr. Alex r Fraser, late Minister at Daviot, by a literall Summonds to compeir befor the Pbfie that day for his willfull deserting of his charge, and that befor famous witnesses. The said Mr. Alex r being cited at the Kirk door after the ordinarie manner, not compeiring, the officer was ordained to summond him to the next dyet pro secundo. At BolesUne, 2 July 1672. [All present except Mr. James Fraser, Min r of Wardlaw, and 24 RECORDS OF THE [JULY Mr. Hugh Fraser, Min r of Croy. Mr. James Smith preached, text Heb. 10. 32.] The roll of the Elders were called, and were prit, to wit, Alex r Fraser of Faraline, Donald Fraser of Drummond, James Fraser of Dulcrage, James Fraser of Mickle Garth, Donald Fraser of Little Garth, etc. [The visitation was timeously intimated, * as the conventione of the people did proport.'] After the Mod 1 " hade declared the end of the Pbfies comeing to that place, he desyred the Minister remove, then he enquired all the gentlemen and elders pnt nominatim how they were satisfied with their ministers lif and conversation, doctrine and discipline, if he did visit the sick, if he did visit families, if he did catechise and celebrate the sacrament of the Lords supper, and wy r questiones usuall in the like case. The gentlemen and Elders answered that they were well pleased with their minister in all that was proposed to them and blessed God for him, and that he deserved to be encouraged. The Minister was incalled, and the Elders report of him held forth to him. He was exhorted to walk answerable to y r com- mendatione of him. The elders were removed, and the minister asked anent them, what encouragement he hade amongst them in his ministrie ; he ansuered that he was well pleased w* them, except in the matter of his mantenance. The Elders were called in and the Ministers report of them held forth to them, they were exhorted to continue in doeing good and to pay y r Minister his stipend better in tyme comeing, whilk they promised to doe. The visitor of the Book was asked y r anent, who reported that he hade dilligentlie revised the same, and all y r in being formall, was approven. That day Mr. Thomas Houstone, the Minister, regrated that he could not haue the benefitt of his designatione of Manse and Gleib in his grassing and pastorage, as also the s d Min r pro- duced the designatione, whilk was read in audience of the meeting. Whereupyn the Mod r desyred the Minister possess himself of Manse and Gleib and all things belonging thereto. Wherupon he tooke instrument in Hugh Fraser, Notar Publicke at Invernes, his hand, as also desyred the clerk of the 1672] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 25 Prie registrate the designatione in the Pbrie book, with the instrument y r upon, whilk is insert as followeth. 6 Visitatione of the Kirk of Boles'kine, holdin the 26 May, 1632, at Boleskine, the s d day and yeir. ' That day conveened Mr. William Cloggie, Mod r , Mr. Jo n Houstown, Mr. William Fraser, Mr. Patrick Dunbar, Mr. Alex r Grant, Mr. James Wause, Mr, Lachlan Grant, Mr. Alex r Fraser, and Alex 1 " Thomsone. ' Mr. W m Fraser hade the doctrine. ' The Elders, Thomas ffraser of ffaraline, Taus 1 ffraser of Little- Garth, Hugh ffraser off Dulcrag, James ffraser, Tutor of ffoyer, Alex r ffraser of Kinmunovie, and Hugh ffraser in Drummond. * The ordinarie questiones proponed, the Minister removed, the Elders were demanded concerning their Minister his doctrine, life, and conversatione, ansuered that they were satisfied with him as to doctrine, considering his abilities, and knew him to be of ane honest life and conversatione, yet requested the Presbytrie to take dealling betwixt him and the familie off foyer who are in a con- tinuall combustione cuncerning the Gleib. 1 The Minister being called in, and after approbatione, he was enquired anent his satisfactione of the gentlemen and elders, who ansuered that he was well pleased with them, except that he could not live in Boleskine for the evill neighbourhood of the tenents y r of, who would not permitt his goods to pasture on his own grasse, and that the Tutor of ffoyer attempted not only to denude him of the grass, but also a part of the land designed alreadie. ' The Presbytrie, mynding themselves of the great paines they were att betwixt the familie of ffoyer and the Minister before, were not well pleased that the same was renewed againe, wherfor, after long and wearisome debats, and great paines takin betwixt them, they went and measured and marched the gleib and grassing thereof as followeth, That is, the Burn at the West called Ault Sulua to be march till it went in the Loch ; and the Burn at the easterside, whilk goes by Gorten na Keirach, and betwixt Lugg- croft to Gillie more and William Moires croft, to be the march till it entered in the Lochness, and that little grass be north the gleib betwixt the forsaid burnes to belong to the Gleib as propertie. { Together also with sufficient grass and pasturage w fc the ten- nents, wherever the pasture (except their leyrigges) to sex kine, five 1 Taus, i.e. Tavish. 26 RECORDS OF THE [JULY horse, fourtie sheep, and fourtie goats, and this to stand as a con- stant allocatione and mortificatione to the said Minister and his successors, ministers serving the cure. To which Margaret M c Kenzie, relick of ffoyer, and James ffraser, Tutor off ffoyer, with the rest of the gentlemen of that famillie and the whole eldership consented to uno voce. Whereupon the Minister took instrument in the hands of James Duff, Notar burges of Inverness, and ap- poynts thir pnts to be registrate in the Pbfie book ad futuram rei memoriam! Apud Bolleskine, secundo die mensis Julij, anno Dom. Millesimo sexcentesimo septuagesimo 2° : Regnique praeclarissimi principis nostri C. S. D. G. Magnae Brittaniae ffranciae et Hiberniae regis fiddej defen- soris anno vigesimo quarto. In presence of me, Notar Publick underscribing, and Witness underwritin, compeired personallie Mr. Thomas Houstown Minister att Boleskine, within the Paroch Kirk therof, where were conveened for the tyme Mr. Alex r Clerk, Mod r to the Pbfie of Inv'nes, Mr. Ja. Sutherland, one of the Ministers of Inv^nes, Mr. Roderick M c Kenzie, Minister at Moy, Mr. James Smith, Minister at Dorres, and Mr. Hugh ffraser, Minister att Kiltarlatie, all reverend Bretheren of the forsaid Pbfie, Together with the Elders of the fors d parishe off Boleskine, for visiting of the Church therof, who haveing in his hand ane duble or extract of ane act and Judiciall ordinance Be Mr. W m Cloggie, then Mod r of the Pbfie above exprest, with the speciall advise of Mr. Jo n Houstown, Mi r at Kirkhill, Mr. W m ffraser, Minist r att Kiltarlatie, Mr. Patrick Dunbar, Minister att Dorres, Mr. Alex r Grant, Mr. James Wause, Mr. Lachlan Grant, and Mr. Alex r ffraser, then also breyren of the said Presbytrie, bearing date the 26 day of May 1632 yeires, Makeing mentione that, wheras after long debate and great paines taken betwixt Andrew Dow Fraser, Minister serveing the cure at the said Kirk of Boleskine; immediat predecessor to the said Mr. Thomas Houstowne, and the familie of ffoyer, anent the Gleib belonging to the said Kirk and to him as Minister thereof, together with the grassing and pastorage y r of. The said Mr. W m Cloggie, Mod r above named, and the reverend breyren above specif! et, haveing then taken the controversies and debate hinc inde to 1672] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 27 y r serious and judicious consideratione and avisandum, they and all of them marched and meithed the fors d Gleib with one consent and una voce as followes, viz. The Burne att the west called Ault Sulva to be the only inarch till the entrie y r of in Lochness, and the Burne at the east syde that goes by Gorten na Keirach and betuixt Lagg croft to Geillie Moar and W m Moares croft to be the March whill it entered in the forsaid Lochness, and that litle grassing beneath the gleib betuixt the forsaid Burnes to belong to the said gleib as propertie : To- gether with sufficient grassing and pasturage with the tennents wherever they pasture except y r leyrigges, and that for sex cows, five horses, fourtie sheep, and fourtie goats, and further the fors d divisione and ordinance to stand and continue as a constant alloca°ne and mortifica°ne to the s d Minister and his successores serveing the cure at the s d Kirk. Wherunto Margaret M c ken- zie, relick of ffoyer, and the Tutor y r of, with the whole gentle- men of that familie who were their pnt, and the Elders above exprest then convened, unanimouslie consented. Whereupon the s d Minister took Instrument in the hands of James Duff, Notar Publick, as s d Act and Instrument both of the fors d date con- taineing many wy r articles at greater length proport. Likeas the s d Mr. Thomas Houstowne, as successor above speit to the s d Andrew ffraser, himblie required and desyred the forsaid Mod r and remanent bretheren above named to homologat to the above writin designa°ne made be the said Presbytrie mett y r anent the tyme and place forsaid, and to corroborat the same after the forme and tennor therof, and to decerne the samen and haile benefitt and casualtie effeiring y r to simpliciter in his favours as successour fors ds . Which designatione and act being judiciallie read be the s d Mr. James Smith, Presbbytrie clerk, and y r efter seen, considered, and approven be them, The said Alex r Clerk, Mod r , with consent of the fors d Bretheren, and they all with one consent, decerned in favours of the said Master Thomas Houstown according to the mortificatione above exprest, and ordained him to posses himself sine mora with the lands, pertinents, and grassings belonging to the said Kirk, according to the former designatione in all poynts, and that but necessitie of any uther declarator to be hade y r anent, as he should be ansuerable to the Bishope and Synode of Murray : 28 RECORDS OF THE [JULY and moreover the s d Mod r with consent forsaid ordained thir pnts to be orderlie registrate in y r Presbytrie book ad rei memoriam as ane act made y r anent beares ; wherupon the said Mr. Thomas Houstown required Instrument in the hands of me Notar publick underscriving, thir things now done in the s d Kirk of Boleskine tuixt tuelf and one ocloak of the day, yeir and moneth above writen, in pns of Donald ffraser of Drumond, Donald ffraser of Little Garth, Jo 11 ffraser off Migovie, Hugh ffraser of Leadclune, James and Thomas ffraser in Dunchea, Alex r Rose, Kirk Officer in Inv'nes, and severall other witnesses heirto speciallie called and required. Et ego vero Hugo ffraser norius publicus in testimonium veritatis praemissorum rogatus et requisitus hoc praesens publicum Instrumentum signo et subscribo meis, etc. Hu. FFRASER, Norius Publicum. The Mod r asked the Ministear and Elders if they hade a school, they answered that they could not haue a school in regard the townes in the parishe were remote the one from the wy r ? and that they hade no convenience of boarding children. They were asked anent y r officer. They reported that they were well satisfied with him. He was incalled and approven. That day Ross, Pbf ie Officer, gave in a formall literall executione showing that he hade past a literall summonds one Mr. Alex r ffraser, late Minister at Daviot, summonding him to compeir befor the Pbf ie that day for his wilfull deserting of his charge. The said Mr. Alex r was cited after the ordinarie maner in the like case, not compeiring, the Officer was ordained to Sumond him to the next dyet pro tertio. At Wardlaw, 23 July 1672. Mr. James Sutherland preached 2 Cor. 4. 5, for the Irish, and 1 Thes. 5. 19 for the Scots sermons. The catalogue of the Elders was read, and were piit, to wit, Alex r Fraser of Moniack, Alex r Wright in Inglistowne, Donald M c Bean y r , Donald M c Shoirle, Thomas M c Warron in Bunchrwe, Donald M^homas vie Andrew in Inchvarie, etc. [Visitation duly intimated.] 1672] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 29 After the Mod r hade declared the end of pbfies comeing to that place, he dsyred the Minster remove, then he asked the gentlemen and elders, one by one, how they were satisfied with y r minister in life and conversatione, doctrine and discipline, if he did visit the sick, if he did visit families, if he catechised the people, if he did distribute the sacraments, and wy r questiones usuall in the like case. The Gentlemen and Elders answered that they were well pleased with their minister in all the quaeries proposed and what could be proposed ; they blessed God for him, and said that he deserved to be encouraged. The Minister was called in, and the Elders report of him held forth to him, he was exhorted to walk answerable to y r good report of him. [The Minister declared himself well pleased with the Gentle- men and Elders, who were 6 verie willing to contribute w* him in anything that could doe good among them."' The Session Book found in order.] The Mod r asked the Minister and Elders anent the Ministers Manse. They answered that they were now in readi- ness to goe about the erecting of the Manse, in testimony wherof the meassons were imployed in the work, as was mani- fest to the presbytrie. They were asked anent y r Schoolemaster, Mr. Charles Ritchie ; they answered that they were well satisfied with him ; he was incalled, and exhorted to pietie, and dilligence in his charge. They were asked anent y r officer, they did approve of him ; y r for he was commended. That day Rose, Pbfie Officer, gave in a formall literall executione bearing that he hade past a literall Summonds one Mr. Alex r ffraser, late Minister at Daviot, charging him to compeir that day befor the pbfie to answer for his willfull deserting of his charge. The s d Mr. Alex r being cited and not compeiring. The Bretheren laying the sad conditione of the s d Mr. Alex r Fraser to y r serious consideratione, they thought fitt before they would refer him to the Synode to take some paines on him, that is, that some of the Bretheren, to wit, Mr. Alex 1 " Fraser, parsone of Pettie, Mr. James Sutherland, Minister at Invernes, Mr. James Fraser, Minister at Wardlaw, Mr. Hugh 30 RECORDS OF THE Fraser, Minister at Kiltarlatie, should meet at Muckovie, where the s d Mr. Alex r receids for the tyme, and Mr. James Smith was appoynted to acquent some of the most judicious and under- standing of his friends in Stratherig to meet the s d bretheren at the s d place, the same day 14 dayes, to see if they can solve the s d Mr. Alex r of his doubts, and reclame him from his pnt errour, and to give y r report to the next meeting. At Invernes, 14 August 1672. Conforme to the former ordinance of the Pbfie the breyren appoynted did meet at Muckovie, Wednesday last, being the day appoynted for conference with Mr. Alex r ffraser, late Minister at Daviot, but the s d Mr. Alex r hade left his own house that he might not meet the bretheren, yet notwithstanding his promises to the contrare to some of the brethren befor that day, therfor y r goeing was to noe purpose ; therfor the Mod 1 * in name of the Pbfie desyred the Clerk to extract the s d Mr. Alex r his proces that the same may be hade to the Synode. The Presbyterie, considering the sad conditione of the parish off Urq r t, and the manifold abuses committed y r , and their loose and unrullie walking through the want of gospell ordin- ances amongest them : as also the little care they have for providing a minister for themselves, have appoynted Mr. James Smith, Minister at Dorres, to goe to Vrq rt and preach to the people the last Lords day of August instant, and keep session y r , and exhort the people to use all possible dilligence for searching out for one able qualified min r sittled for y* place, and to that effect that they would send some of their number and meet with the Laird off Grant, the most considerable heritor of the Parish, and Mr. James Stuart, Minister of Inveraine, 1 Patrone of the Parishe of L^rq rt , for their help and assistance in the work : and till they be provided the Gentlemen to keep y r people under them in good order. At Invernes, 11. Sept r 1672. That day the Clerk of the Presb. produced the proces of Mr. Alex r fFraser, late Minister at Daviot, and was read in Inveravon. 1672] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 31 Judgment and found formall, the same was delivered to Mr. Hugh ffraser, minister att Kiltarlitie, to be keeped up till the meeting of the Bishope and Synode, that then it may be delivered up. Mr. James Smith obeyed the ordinance of the Pbf ie in goeing to Urq rt in all steps, and Mr. James Hay supplied from his own charge. That day the Bretheren being weighted with the frequent absence of Mr. Hugh frraser, Minister at Croy, that he was only present at three meetings since the last Synode, he was seriouslie enquired anent his absence, answered that he was necessitat to go to the South, which did occasione his absence so often. After he was heard the Mod r , with consent, desyred him remove till he should enquire the breyren anent him, and after he was called in the Mod r told him that he should not goe to the South, not haveing aquent his breyren of the Pbf ie ; he was sharplie rebuked, and was desyred to walk more orderlie and brotherlie hereafter sub perkulo grav'ioris censurae. At Inrfnes, 25 Sep' 1672. That day Alex r Ross, Presbyterie Officer, was appoynted to fix a literall Summonds on Mr. Alex r Fraser, late Minister at Daviot, charging him to compeir befor the Synode the 8 day of Octob. at Elgine, for his wilfull deserting of his charge. That day the Mod r asked Mr. Hugh frraser, Minister att Kiltarlatie, if he hade used any legall dilligence against the Parochmers of Kiltarlatie anent building the manse ; answered that he could not use any dilligence against them in regard he knew not any that did represent the Lord Lovat, the most considerable heritor in the Parochin. At Invernts, Octob 20, 1672. Be vertue of a former order from the Bishope, Mr. Jo n Cuthbert hade a homilie text, 1 Tim. 6. 15, and was appro ven. [Mr. Cuthbert to add next day.] [Among the refers from the Synod are : ' Mr. Hugh frraser, Minister at Kiltarlatie, was appoynted to preach at Daviot and cause Summond Jo 11 M c Intosh, brother of Aberchalder, 1 to the Sic ; but should be Aberarder. 32 RECORDS OF THE [OCT. Pbfie for his reproaching the Minister on the Lords day.'' 'That noe persons be receaved from the Hy lands without testimonialls." 'To intimate the excommimcation of Isobell Davidson, Parish of Keith." ' That noe young man enter upon trvalls without recomendatione simplie from the Mod 1 "."'] The Mod r asked Mr. Hugh fFraser, Min r at Kiltarlatie, if he hade used legall dilligence against the parochioners of Kiltar- latie for building the Manse, Answered that he did not, neither could he, for the cause aforesaid, yet that he was upon a present course to reseid within his own parish for the good of the people and easing of his own person of the great paines and travell he hade been at formerlie by reseiding at Inverness, and that quam primum. That day their was a letter produced and read q Ik came from the Bishope desyreing that Mr. Michael ffraser should add to Mr. Jo 11 Cuthbert the next dyet cum intuitu ad locum to the Church of Daviot and Dunlechtie united Kirks ; as also the Bishope desyred that the Presbyterie should accelerat the tryells of Mr. Michael fFraser to the forsaid Kirks, that is to say, that Mr. Michaell have his Common head Wednesday immediatelie after his additione, and his populare sermon, and the tryell of the languages, with his questionarie tryells, the Presbyterie meeting y re after. Mr. Michaell is appoynted to haue his theses in readiness against the next day, the subject of his commone head being De peccato orig'mali. At Invernes, 27 Now., 1672. Mr. Michael Fraser was appoynted to haue his Commone head this day eight dayes, De peccato originali. He delivered his theses to be disputed that day. The breyren reported that they did intimat the excom- munic°ne of Isobell Davidsone, in the Parish of Keith, from y r respective pulpets. That day compeired Mr. James Grant, Expectant, who pro- duced a presentatione from Mr. James Stuart, Lawfull patrone of the Kirk of Urq rt , to the same Kirk, as also a letter from the Bishope desyreing to put Mr. James Grant to his tryells cum intuitu ad locum to the Church of Urq rt how soone Mr. Michael Fraser hath closed his tryells. 1672J PRESBYERY OF INVERNESS 33 The next meeting to hold at Invemes, 4 Deer. next. The meeting closed w* prayer. 4 Deer. 1672. That day Mr. Michaell Fraser delivered his exegeses de peccato originally sustained his disputs, and was approven. He is appoynted to haue his populare sermon, and what else was enjoyned and prescribed befor, to the next meeting. Mr. Roderick M c Kenzie is appoynted to preach the next Lords day at Daviot, and carie along with him ane Edict subt be the Mod r and clerk of the Pbfie relating Mr. Michael Fraser to be their future Minister. 18 Deer. 1672. That day Mr. Michael Fraser hade his populare sermon text Ephes. 3. 8, with the tryell of the languages, and his ques- tionarie tryells, and wes approven in these and all toy r [t'other] steps of his tryells, Therefor was recommended to the Bishope for ordinatione and collatione and institutione, and the clerk appoynted to draw up his testificat to that effect. Mr. John Cuthbert is appoynted to haue his commone head de extentione Mortis Christi, and sustaine the disputs of his theses, that day. Mr. James Grant is appoynted to haue his homilie the next day, text Jo n 3. 16. Mr. Roberick M c Kenzie preached at Daviot conforme to the former ordinance, and served Edict y r , and gaue execution y r upon. Because the Officer of Dunlechitie was affrayed to summond the delinquents of the Parochin of Dunlechitie to the Pfie, the Mod r , with consent of the breyren, appoynt Alex r Ross, Pbfie officer, to goe to the fors d Parochin and summond Jo n M c intoshe, broy r to Lachlane M c intoshe of Aberarder, for his former guilt, Martein M c Gillivrey of Aberchaliter and Alex r M c intoshe of Far for y r former ploy in the Church on the Lords day, and that to the next dyet of the Pfie. At Invernes, 8 Janry. 1673 Mr. James Grant hade his homilie text Jo n 3. 16. They were approven. c 34 RECORDS OF THE [JAN. That day Alex r Ross, Pbfie Officer, gave in a formall literall executione showing that he hade summoned the delinquents of Dunlechtie, to wit, Martein M c Gillivrey, Alex r M c intoshe, and John M c intoshe, to this day ; they being cited, non compeired except Jo n M c intoshe fors d , who after rebuke confessed guilt in that he should haue spoken unreverentlie to his parochin minister ; whereupon Mr. James Smith, Minister at Dorres, was appoynted to goe to the Kirk of Dunlechtie, and preach y r to the people on ane Lords day befor the next dyet, and receave the s d Jo n in sacco, upon signes of repentance. The Officer fors d is appoynted to summond Martein M c Gil- livrey and Alex r M°intoshe to the next meeting. 29 Janrij 1673. Mr. James Grant is appoynted (w* advise of the Bishope) to have his exercise and additione the next dyet, text Col. 2. 19. Mr. James Smith preached at Dunlechtie conforme to the former order and Jo n M c Intoshe, broyer germane to Lachlan M c intoshe of Aberarder, was receaved. [Martin M c Gillivrey and Alex r M c Intoshe, not appearing, to be summoned to next meeting.] 26 Febrij 1673. Mr. James Grant hade his exercise and additione, text Col. 2. 14, and was appro ven. Mr. James Grant was appoynted to haue his common head to the next dyet de infallibilitate Ecclesiej, and deliver his theses to be disputed the day y r efter. That day the Pbfie officer reported that he could not meet w* Martein M c Gillivery, nor with Alex r M c intoshe, and y r for did not summond them to this day. The Pbfie thought fitt to continue them till the place be settled with a minister. That day the Mod r did present and exhibit a letter from the Bishope desyreing to suspend Mr. Jo 11 Cuthbert from the exercise of preaching the gospell because of some dissatisfac- tione, and that because the s d Mr. Jo n Cuthbert went to preach at Daviot contrare ane express formerlie from the Bishope, the tenor of the pnt letter is insert as follows : ' Mr. Johne, — I perceive by your appologetick letter to me that ye haue advisedly transgressed that express injunctione whereby I 1 673] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 35 did discharge you to preach in the Church of Daviot the last Lords day, being the sexteenth instant, far against my expecta°ne of your moderatione and peaceable temper. But seeing ye haue been pleased to abuse that license granted to you be me, and with ane high hand verie contemptuouslie hes vilified and transgressed my order to you, I doe by these piits suspend my licence of preaching granted to you, and I doe suspend you from preaching the gospell anywhere within this diocess of Morray untill the next Provinciall Synode to be holden at Elgine the second tuisday of Aprill in this instant yeir, and I doe by these straitlie require you to compeir befor the Synode the s d day, with certificate if ye transgress in the performance of these premisses ye shall incur farder ecclesi- asticall censure as accords, and I enjoyne the Mod r of the exercise at Invernes to intimat this sentence to you presbyteriallie, lest you pretend ignorance of the same. Given at Elgine judiciallie (with advice of my bretheren) the 19 day of Febrij 1673. ' Sic subscribitur Murdo, ' Bp. off Morray/ In obedience to the fors d letter the Mod r called Mr. Jo 11 Cuthbert and declared him judiciallie to be suspensed from the exercise of preaching till the next Synode, as also apud acta charged the s d Mr. Jo n to be at the Synode the second tuisday of Aprile next. 1 That day compeired the Laird of Calder for himself, and produced three seuerall charters each of them containeing his right of patronage to the Parochin of Dunlechtie, and in respect the saids Kirk of Dunlechtie and Daviot are united in ane parochin alledged this to be his vice of the patronage and right to present a minister to these united Parishes now vacand through the depositione of Mr. Alex r Fraser late Minist r y re of, who was pnted by the Bishope of Morray, and protested against the admissione, colla°ne, and institutione of Mr. Michaell ffraser to the saidis united Kirks or cure and that anything that hath been done by the Bishope or may be done by the Presbyterie not prejudge his right, and further made offer of Mr. Donald M c Phersone, prit Minister at Calder, to the s ds cure, he required 1 It was only on 29th January 1673 that Cuthbert passed his final trials before the Presbytery. He was ' approven in all the steps of his try ells,' and 1 recom- mended to the Bishope for a licence to preach the Gospell.' 36 RECORDS OF THE [march ane extract of the saids protestatione, which is ordained to be given whenever the same is required. That day the Mod r declared in name of the Pbfie that they would admitt Mr. Michael ffraser to the United Kirks of Daviot and Dunlechtie the 4 March in this pnt yeir 1673. Mr. Alex r Clerk is appoynted to preach. Mr. James Suther- land, Mr. Roderick M'Kenzie, Mr. James ffraser, and Mr. Hugh ffraser, Minister at Kiltarlatie, appoynted to be pnt that day for to bear witness to his admissione. At Invernes, 12 Martij 1673. Mr. James Grant hade his commone head de infallibilitate Ecclesiae and sustained his disputs, and was approven. The Mod r and Breyren went the 4 March last to the Church of Daviot and admitted the s d Mr. Michaell ffraser to the Kirks of Daviot and Dunlechtie conforme to the former order, and Mr. Alex r Clerk, Mod r , preached that day, text Act 8. 29, 33, 31 verses. Mr. James Grant is appoynted to have his populare sermon to the next dyet, text Mat. 8. 12, as also the try ell of the languages, with the questionarie tryells. Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Kiltarlatie, appoynted to goe to Urq rt the next Lords day and serve his edict. At Invernes, 26 Martij 1673. Mr. James Grant hade his populare sermon, text Mat. 8. 12, as also his questionarie tryells, and the tryell of the languages, and was approven in all the steps of his tryells. Wherfor he is remitted to the Bishope to receave ordina°ne, collatione, and institutione. Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Kiltarlatie, preached at Urq rt the last Lords day for serving of Mr. James Grant his edict, and gaue executione y r upon. That day compeired Jo 11 Grant of Corrimony for himself and commissionat be the rest of the Parochiners of Urq rt , suppli- cating the Pbfie that they would send them Mr. James Grant, whom they are most willing to receave as their minister, pro- miseing to him dutie according to y r power, and that in giveing him countenance and mantenance, as also that they will concur 1673] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 37 with him in discipline and what else may contribute for helping one Gods service to Gods glorie and to his encouragement. The Mod r did renew the refer anent Mr. Hugh fFraser, Minister at Kiltarlatie, who told that he did not use any legall dilligence against the Parochiners of Kiltarlatie for building the manse for the cause aforesaid, yet that he did reseid in his own pariochin in the most commodious place he could find for the good of the pariochin and pariochiners. At Inverness, 7 May 1673. Be vertue of ane order form the Bishope of Morray, Mr. Hugh fFraser, Minister at Kiltarlatie, went the last Lords day to Urq rt , and preached to the people, and admitted Mr. James Grant to be future Minister y r , haveing used all the ceremonyes usuall in the like case : the whole parochiners did accept of the s d Mr. James upon the terms forsaid. The said Mr. James receaved colla°ne, institutione, and im- positione of hands, and the right hand of fellowshipe, with everything usuall in the like case, at Elgine the nynth of Aprill last, in this pnt yeir 1673. At Invernes, 4 Junvj 1673. That day Mr. Hugh fFraser, Minister at Croy, pnted a letter to the Pbfie from the Bishope of Morray anent the affaires of the Churches of Daviot and Dunlechtie, insert and registrat verbatim as followeth : ' For Mr. Alex T Clerk, Mod T , and remanent Ministers of the Pblie of Inv emes, These — 'Elgine, 25 Apiill 1673. ' Reverend Breyren, — If I had seen the Laird of Calders right sooner to the patronage of Dunlechtie it might possiblie have pre- vented some of our differs anent the planting of that Kirk. But now haveing seen the Laird of Calder's fors d right (and out of our desyre to settle things amicablie) I thought fitt to show you that I haue resolved and promised to remove Mr. Michaell Fraser betuixt and the fifteenth day of October next, that the Laird of Calder may present ane other the next vice to the united Kirks of Dunlechtie and Daviot, and this is not to derogate from Mr. Michaell, or to inferr any blame on him who is found to be sufficientlie qualified. 38 RECORDS OF THE [JUNE But purelie for preserving the Laird of Calder's right of patronage, and that he may haue ane more comfortable ministry els where. I desire thir piits to be recorded in the Pbrie Books of Invernes, and commending you to the grace of the Lord, I rest. 4 1 desyre also that the parochiners oblidgment in y T letter pre- sented herewith for attending the publick ordinance dureing Mr. Michaell his service of the cure at the s d Church be recorded also in the s d register. e Your affectionat broy r in Christ, Sic subscribitur Murdo, Bp. of Morray/ As also Mr. Hugh Fraser fors d prited ane other letter, to wit, the Parochiners of Daviot and Dunlechtie y r obligatione to Mr. Michaell, insert as followeth : 6 For my Lord Bishope of Morray, These — c My Lord, — Being informed that your Lo. and the Laird of Calder are agreed anent the patronage of this Kirk and that your Lo. hes promised to remove Mr. Michaell Fraser befor the next Synode to the effect the Laird of Calder may present the next vice, and that wee should in the mean tyme countenance Mr. Michaell Fraser in the administrate of divine ordinances, and concur in discipline in that place, wee thought fitt to show your Lo. that we aquiesced to the termes of agreement, and therefor declare and promise that wee will countenance Mr. Michaell dureing the space fors d , your Lo. always according to your promise remove- ing Mr. Michaell Fraser betuixt and the Synode appoynted, and shall at pfit say noe more but that we rest ' Your Lo. humble servants, Sic subscribitur L. M c intoshie. Donald M c Bean. M c INTOSHIE. 1 Robert Shaw. William M c Gillivrey. D. M c Phaile.' At Inverness 9 Julij 1673. That day compeired W m Robertsone and Alex r Fraser, two of the Baylies of Inv'nes, and supplicated the Presbytrie that 1 Initial illegible. 1673] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 39 they would lay to y r consideratione the conditione of Invernes through the sickness of Mr. James Sutherland, by sending some of their number to preach to them till the s d Mr. James his recoverie. The Pbfie, considering the case of Inv'nes, for the cause asserted, they have concluded that they shall preach in the church of Inv^nes every one per vices, and to begin at the youngest minister, and so goe an to the eldest, and Mr. James Grant to begin and preach in Inv'nes the ensueing Lords day. At Invernes, 20 July 1673. Mr. Hendrie Bay lie exercised, and Mr. John Cuthbert added, text Col. 2. 19. They were approven. Bessie Dean in Invernes was referred from the Session of Invernes to the Pbfie for tryell because she had brought forth a child alledged noe to be her husbands, in regard that her husband hade gone from Inv'nes to France the 7 day of May 1672, and her child was brought forth the 16 day of March 1673, y r being one moneth and nyne dayes in differ. The s d Bessie being cited compeired, and being examined on the premisses, she did boldlie and constantlie aver that she hade noe other father to her child but her maried husband ; she is continewed till further tryell, and the Minister of the towne appoynted to take paines on her till the next Pbfie day. At Invernes, 20 August 1673. The Bretheren resolve to keep at Daviot the next dyet for visitatione of that church, and the minister of the parioche is appoynted to preach that day. Bessie Dean in Invernes being cited, compeired, and being dilligentlie examined anent the father of her present youngest child, she asserted as befor, and told that she could never doe otherwise ; she is dimitted till the Pbfie meet at Inv'nes, and the Minister appoynted to take paines on her till then. Margaret Fraser, daughter to the deceased Mr. Alex r ffraser, somtyme schoolmaster at Invernes, is referred from the Session of Inv'nes to the Pbfie in regard that she hath brought forth a male child and will not declare who is the father of her child, being cited, not compeiring, she is to be sumonded to the next meeting of Pbfie at Invernes. 40 RECORDS OF THE [SEPT. At Daviot, 9 Septr. 1673. After that the Mod 1 " hade told the end of the Presbyteries comeing to that place, he desyred the Minister remove, then he asked the gentlemen and elders present how they were satisfied with y r Minister in doctrine, discipline, life, and con- versations They answered that they were verie well satisfied with him in these and in all things that belonged to his minis- teriall functione, and that they nor the rest of the parochiners hade not anything to object in the contrare if he and the Laird of Calder, Patrone, hade settled anent the right of Patronage. The Minister was called in and the elders good report of him declared to him. He was exhorted to walk ansuerable to y r report of him, and that the differ betwixt the Laird of Calder and the Bishope of Morray did noe way reflect on him. [The Minister report well of the Elders, and 'they were exhorted to continue in well doeing in hopes to receave the crown of righteousness] [The Session Book and penalties were taken possession of by the late Min r Mr. Alex r Fraser, and ' The Mod r and remanent bretheren desyred the present Minister, and w 1 him two or three of the elders, desyre the book and former accompts of the hands of Mr. Alex r foresaid, and if he should deny the same, then they were desyred to pursue the actione before the Commisser. , At Invernes, 1. Octob. 1673. [Mr. Hendrie Baylie hade his populare sermon, text Math. 5. 8 ; he sustained his disputs, his questionarie tryels, and the tryell of the languages, and was approven in these and all wy r passages of his tryells : Wherfor the clerk was desyred to writ a testificat to him remitting him to the Bishope to receave a licence to preach the gospell where he may haue a lawfull call. Alex r Rose and Alex r Fraser, Bailies of Inverness, appeared and prayed the Pbfie to supply the now deceased Mr. James Sutherland's pulpit until they get another Minister. Their prayer granted, and the bretheren to preach from the youngest to the oldest, beginning with Mr. James Grant, Urquhart. Bessie Dean still declares that her husband is the father of her child, and is referred to, and summond to appear before the Synode, 15 Oct. next.] 1673] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 41 That day Margaret Fraser was cited and compeired and being enquired anent the father of her child ansuered with many asseverationes that she did not know who was the father of her child, but that on a certaine tyme their came a certaine person in to the shope wher she was in the twilight, and assaulted her, and begate the child on her, she not knowing who he was, from whence he came, nor where he went. Y e Bretheren, not being satisfied with this her answer, after rebuke referred her to the Synode, and was charged apud acta to be pnt the same day with Bessie Dean. The Minister of Dorres delared to the Presbyterie that their came latlie a young knavish fellow from Burgie to the Paroche of Dorres, who had lived lewdlie y r during his abode their, to wit, for the space of ane half yeir and more ; he was delated to haue fallen twise in fornica°ne, and did constantlie prophane the Lords sabbathes by drinking and dancing with harlots, and now and then stealling. He called himself Alex r Sutherland, but wee are informed that his name is Thomas Leith ; he is removed from the s d paroche of Dorres, and non of the parochiners knowes where he is gone to. The Brey rn haue referred the matter to the Synode, that the breyren of the Synode would make dilligent scrutinie for him in their respective bounds. He carryeth his mark about with him, to wit, to be scabbed in head all within the rimm of his bonnet, and black hared, without haveing noe testimoniall from the Parioch of Dorres. [* Margaret Downe, formerlie fugitive from the discipline of InvYies for the space of seven yeirs for her heynous fall in incest w* her deceased husbands broy r son, 1 compears in sacco, confessed, and gaue evident signs of remorse, is referred to the Synod 6 for advise how to receive satisfactione of her, and that because her fall was through ignorance of. the notarietie of her guilt ; after they fell she enquired for marriage as if they were not in for- bidden degrees of affinitie, as the Minister at more length did proport.''] At Inverness 5 of November 1673. This being the first day after the Synode, Mr. Hugh Ros, expectant in divinitie, hade his homilie, text, Math. 5. 14, and was appro ven. 42 RECORDS OF THE [NOV. 1673 As also Mr. Alex r Ros, sone of the deceist David Ros of Earlesmill, was admitted schoolmaster at Invernes, of the towne of Invernes, and for his tryalls hade the third ode of Horace and hade his oratione de vanitate hum. scientiae, and all oy r tryalls usuall in the like case, and was fullie approven in every step of his tryalls by the Presbyterie and the magistrates and burgesses of Invernes, and was unanimouslie accepted of the Magistrates and town of Invernes to be their schoolmaster of the Grammar School. That day Bessie Dean in Invernes was cited and compeired, and was stricklie examined who was the father of her present child, answered as before that she knew no other man to be father of her child, but her married husband. The Presbyterie nott hearing any scandalous conversa°ne or bad report of her since her husbands removall from the natione, haue theirfor appointed Mr. Alex r Clerk, Minister of Invernes, to baptize her child. Margaret Fraser compeired before the Synode, and being examined anent the father of her child, she still denying herself to haue knowne who was the father of her child, the Bishope and Synode not being satisfyed with her and her denyall, haue theirfor appoynted Mr. Alex r Clerke, minister of Invernes, to proceed against her with processe of excommunicatione till the verie sentence (except she confes), and to beginne the next Lords day. At Invernes, the 14 of'Janrij /74. That day the Minister of Inverness reported that he hade processed Margrat Fraser to the verie sentence. The Presbytrie desyred the s d Minister to extract the s d processe and give the same to Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister of Kiltarlatie, to be revised, and the s d Mr. Hugh is appoynted to give in his diligence to the Presbytrie of the formalitie and informalite of the s d processe the next dyet. At Invernes, 1 April 1674. [Letter from the Bishope read, prorogating the meeting of Synod to the first Tuesday of May, 6 upon severall grave and weightie considerations. 1 ] The Bretheren of the Presbyterie are appoynted to bring in APRIL 1674] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 43 a list of all the Papists duelling in y r respective parodies to the Synode. That day the Minister of Boleskine reported that Hugh Fraser, son to Thomas Fraser of Little Glendoe, had fallen in incest with Janet M c Gillivoir, qlks Janet had fallen formerlie in fornication with Jo 11 Fraser of Gortleage, within the Paroche of Dorres, uncle, to wit, Mother's brother to the said Hugh fraser, yet notwithstanding of the hainousnes of their cryme nether of them will ansure nor satisfie the discipline of Bole- skine. The Session thereof have referred them both to the Pbfie, and being both of them summoned to this dyet, they were cited and not compeiring are to be sumond to the next dyet. That day the Minister of Boleskine regrated that Donald dow Mack conachie nan each in Glenlea within the Paroche of Boleskine compeired befor the Session of Boleskine, and boasted as also menaciouslie threatened the Minister with many oppro- brious and barbarous malicious speeches. The bretheren being much weighted with this malicious fellow his carriage, and the cause of his out-breacking, to wit, because he hade desyred the s d Donald his son satisfie the discipline of the Church for his fall in fornication, haue therfor appoynted two bretheren, Mr. James Fraser, and Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister of Kiltarlatie, goe where Alex r Chisholme, Baylie regallitie, is, and hold forth the carriage of the s d Donald to him, that he would take such course with him as that he may be severelie punished to the terrour of others, and the s d bretheren are appoynted to give ane account of y r dilligence to the next dyet. Forsamickle as the Bretheren are informed that y r will be a greatt conventione of Papists in the Castell of Inv'nes where the Laird of Cotts duells for the tyme, and that from all corners about where papists are, and that at Easter next, have therfor appoynted Mr. James Fraser and Mr. Hugh Fraser goe and meet with Alex r Chisolme, Shireff deput, and desyre him put the last and late strick act of counsell against papists in executione against them, or at lest that he use all possiblie dilligence for preventing their meeting, but especiallie on the said day, and the s d bretheren are appoynted to give report of y r dilligence to the next meeting. 44 RECORDS OF THE [may At Elgine, 6 May 1674. Conveened the Mod r and remanent Bretheren of the Pbfie and they appoynt the next meeting of the Pbfie to hold at Inv'nes the 3 day of Junij ensueing. The Bishope, with consent of the Bretheren of the Province, haue appoynted a subsynode, consisting of some ministers forth of every Prbfie, with the Bishope, to hold at Inv'nes the s d third of Junij, for visiting the affaires of the Church within the Pbfie of Inv'nes ; and Mr. James Strachan of Thorntowne being appoynted to preach, whilk is to hold for the doctrine of that day. At Inv^nes, 3 Junij 1674. Conveened the Bishope and respective Bretheren of the severall Pbfies within the province nominat and appoynted, and all the bretheren of the Pbfie of Invernes, except Mr. Alex r Clerk, who was sick and bedfast. The name of God was called upon. That day Mr. James Strachan preached, text Gal. 1. 8. The affaires of that day is set downe at large in the scrolls of the Synode. At Inv^nes, 1 Julij 1674. The Minister of Dorres reported that Margaret M c Hendrick is goeing about from Paroche to paroche begging, not haveing anything of her own, therfor doth not stand in the place of repentance ; she is considered in regard of the scarcitie of the yeir, but especiallie among the Hylanders. The Bretheren Commissioners sent to Alex r Chisolme, Baylie regallitie, reported that Alex r Chisolme promised (after exami- natione) that he would punish Donald Dow M c Conachie nan each in Glenlea, according to his guilt in the cryme given in against him. That day the Bretheren Commissioners from the Pbfie to Alex r Chisolme reported that he promised to use the outermost of his endevour to stope any meeting of the papists at Ester next in the Castell of Inv'nes. The Synodicall referres given at Elgin the 5 of May /74 : — [Among other refers are * That the whole bretheren of the Pbfie attend the Bishope and bretheren of the Subsynode to 1 674] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 45 hold at Inv'nes the 3 Junij, and that flagicious persons and turbulent obstinat papists be sumoned to that day, whilk was done.'' 6 To intimat the excommunicatione of Andrew Innes, boatman in Germouth, Margaret Richie, his wife, Jean Innes, y r daughter, Jo n Glass bucher in Elgine, Anna Stewart y r , all excommunicated for dishaunting of ordinances and obstinacie in poperie." ' To pay the bursar in divinitie betuixt and the third of Junij, and y fc each broy r unpaid give the Mod r six pens (pence) for defraying the expenses of one to be sent to the Chancellor/] At Invernes, 22 July 74. That day it was reported that Hugh M c Allister vie ean roy 1 had convalesced, but that he was one of the Captaines of the Wach, and therfor could not compeir befor the Pbfie to vin- dicat himself in thir troublesome tymes wherin thieves and robbers haue turned insollent and resolute in wickedfness]. [Among the subsynodical refers read to-day are that the bretheren process all the Papists who did not compear at the subsynod, and 'that Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister of Kil- tarlatie, excommunicat S r Jo 11 Byers of Cotts, Lillias Grant, his Ladie, and Robert Monroe, Seminarie priest, for obstinacie, defection, and apostacie from the doctrine and ordinances of the Church of Scotland. Mr. Hugh ffraser promised to obey the order.'' Mr. Fraser was, no doubt, requested to attend to the matter, as Mr. Clerk, Minister of Inverness, was ill.] At Inverness, 12 August '74. Mr. Hugh Fraser promiseth to obey the ordinance anent ex- communicating Sir Jo n Byers of Cotts, Lillias Grant, his Ladie, and Robert Monroe, Seminarie priest, and that precislie the 23 August. At Inver?ies, Sept. 9, 1674. The exercise prescribed the former Pbfie day was delayed till the next Pbfie day, because that by the Bishopes appovnt- ment Mr. Gilbert Marshall, who is presented by the Lord 1 Hugh was remitted by the kirk-session of Dores to the Presbytery for adultery. 46 RECORDS OF THE [SEPT. Kintaile to the vacant charge of Invernes, had his edict served to this day, wherupon Mr. Alex r , Mod r , preached conforme to the ordinance, text Act 20. 28 ; the sermon being closed, the edict being the second tyme read, and being asked if their were any person or persons their present that had ought to object against the admissione of the said Mr. Gilbert Marshall at the most patent Kirk door, and therafter at the severall heritors, magistrates, and others then present, all of them answered negativelie, and earnestlie pressed his admissione, wherupon the Mod r proceeded to the admissione by delivering to him the sacred Bible, the book of discipline, and the key of the Kirk door, as is usuall in such cases, seriouslie exhorting him to pietie, humilitie, fidellitie, and sedulitie in his calling, who with his whol remanent bretheren gave him the right hand of fellowshipe, and immediatlie therafter the heritours, magistrates, and elders present did unanimouslie embrace him by reaching forth y r hands to him, declareing their acceptance of the said Mr. Gilbert for y r Minister, promiseing obedience, faithfullnes, and assistance to him according to their severall stationes. Therafter the said Mod r and remanent brethren passed to the Manse and Gleibe somtyme belonging to the late Mr. James Sutherland, and gaue the said Mr. Gilbert reall possessione in the same, and locall stipend belonging therto, dureing his ministrie and service at the said Kirk of Invtoes, which the said Mr. Gilbert accepted, and tooke instrument ane or moe in Andrew M c Phersone, Nottare publick, his hand, as the same at more length in itself doth proport. That day Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister of Kiltarlatie, reported that according to the ordinance of the subsynode, preached at Invernes the Lords day, being the 23 of August, text, 1 Tim. 1. 19, 20, and did excommunicat Sir Jo n Byer of Cotts, Lilias Grant, his Ladie, and Robert Monroe, Seminarie priest, and that for defectione to, and obstinacie in, poperie. At Invernes, Octob. 1, 1674. Margaret Fraser (mentioned in the 2 Synodicall refer) was not excommunicat in regard that severall speciall friends be- longing to her did earnestlie supplicat Mr. Alex r Clerk, Mod r , that he would not excomminicat her till they should meet with 1 674] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 47 her, she being for the tyme in London, and they being of purpose to goe their to meet with her their, in goeing about their lawfull affairs ; as also Mr. James Fraser, Minister of Wardlaw, reported that he had receaved a letter from the said Margaret bearing that she would do anything that he would persuade her in the affaire, and that she expected a lyne from him, whilk the said Mr. James promised to send w* the first occasione, and that he would aquent the Presbytrie of her replie to him, and entreated that her excommunicatione might be suspended till then. The Bretheren judged this relevant. Invernes, Novemb. 4, 1674. No doctrin that day be reason that Mr. James Grant, q° should exercise, and Master Michael Fraser, q° should add, cum not till eleven a'cloak, who at there comeing were both sharplie rebucked, and Mr. Michael, according to the ordinance of the last Synod, was appoynted to compeare befor the Bishop and Bretheren of y e Subsynod to hold at Elgin the last tuesday of November ensueing for his long absence from his charge in Edinburgh. Anent the Bretheren that were absent y e last Presbfie, Mr. James Fraser, min r at Kirkhill, declared that he was in Morray about his necessarie affaires, and could not keepe that day. Mr. Roderick M c Kenzie declared that he was bedfast y* day. Mr. Hugh Fraser, Min r at Croy, declared y* he behoved in y e forenoone of that day to waite upon Mr. Andrew Massie, Subprinc 11 of the Kings Colledge, for some business of concerne- ment, and so could not be present ; however, he was rebuked for his preferreing his privat to his publict concernement. The said day the Min rs of Invernes reported that, although there was an order for excommunicateing Isobell Robertson in Kinmylies, that they were advised be the Bishope to delay the sentence, seeing they hed some hopes of gaineing her from popery, and to be ane hearer; and that they were takeing paines with her. [Mr. James Fraser had written to Margaret Fraser in London, but no reply yet.] That day George Cuthbert of Castlehill was delated to have spoken reproachfullie of three Bretheren of the Presbfie, wiez 48 RECORDS OF THE [NOV. 1674. Mr. Thomas Houstoun, Mr. Rorie Mackenzie, and Mr. James Smith, that he should see them drunk at the time of the last Subsynod at Invernes, about the 4 of June last. The Presbfie officer is ordained to give him an litterall sumonds to appeare befor them the ensueing Presbfie day w ch is to hold the 9 of Decern, next. The Synodicall refers — 1. To mak intimatione of the excommunicatione of the Laird of Cotts, Lillias Grant, his Lady, and Robert Munro, excommunicated for obstinacy in popery, and dishaunteing of ordinances. 2. That the Mod r mak enquirie concerneing the observatione of the 29 of Maij, and that the Presbfie book beare record that the samen is observ ed. 3. That the Burss Money due to y e Bursar of Divinity for the year 1674 be given to Thomas Fraser, Student in Philosophic Invernes , Janry. 6, 1675. That day Mr. Gilbert Marshall reported that he preached at Dunlichity December 27, according to the Lord Bishope and Subsynods order, and rebucked the Min r , Mr. Michael Fraser, for his long absence from his charge. Sicklike, Mr. Hugh Fraser, Min r at Kiltarlaty, reported that he preached at Kirkhill conforme to the Bishope and Sub- synods order, and did intimat the Min r , Mr. James Fraser, his suspension. That day the Bretheren of the Presbfie appoynt the Min rs of Invernes to tak notice of such Protestants as officiats as Clerk and fiscall to the Laird of Cotts, an excomunicat Papist, his courts in the Castle of Invernes, and to conveen y m before there sessione, and thereafter if need be to the Presbfie, and to report there diligence. The Presbytrie officer reported that he was at Castlehills house, bot that he was absent in Aberdeane, so that he could not fix an Sumonds on him. The Bretheren appoynts to sumond him to the nixt Presbfie day. That day the Officer is ordayned (by order from the Lord Bishope and Subsynod at Elgin) to sumond Thomas Watson and Jo n M c pherson in Invernes to declare q l they know anent 1675] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 49 Mr. W m Smith, Min r at Duthell, his miscarriage in drunkness when the s d Mr. W m was in Invernes last. Invernes, Feb. 3, 1675. The Ministers of Invernes reported that according to y e Presbfie order they called befor ther Sessione Alex r M c intosh, Clerk, and Hugh Fraser, Fiscall, to the Laird of Cotts his Courts, and that both of them confessed that what they did officiat was through ignorance ; craved God and the Inhabitants to whom they gaue offence pardone, and hereafter enacted themselves never to officiat under Cotts, or any other under Church censure. The Bretheren were satisfied with this diligence and procedour. The Moderator and Bretheren appoynt Mr. Gilbert Marshall, and Mr. Hugh Fraser, Min r at Kiltarlatv, to go to-morrow to Castle Stuart to speak to the Erie of Morrav, and to complean to his Lo. as High Sireff, that Robert Munro, an excomunicat Papist, is seduceing seuerall unsettled ignorant people, and to entreat his Lo., according to the Laudable Acts of Parliament and Councell, to lay his restraint upon him in the future. That day George Cuthbert of Castlehill, beeing ceited c'peared, and beeing challanged by the Moderator that he was heard to report that he saw Mr. Thomas Huistoune, Mr. Roderick Makenzie, and Mr. James Smith, drunk at the time of the last subsynod at Invernes, Answered that he was readie upon oath to depone that he saw nether of them drunk then or at any other time, bot that some told him, and he thought that it was through malice, that they saw some Ministers so, bot who these Min rs were or those that told him so, upon his credit he forgot. The Bretheren removeing him, and haveing bot one witness that heard him vent such calumnies, they ordaine the Moderatour to write to the Bishope for his advice how to proceed any farder against y e s d Castlehill, and to report his diligence the next ensueing Presbfie day. The s d day Thomas Watson and Jo 11 Mackpherson beeing ceited compeared and were examined severallie as followeth : Thomas Watson beeing enquired whether or no they saw Mr. W m Smith, Minister at Duthell, drunk when he was in his company in Invernes last in John M c pherson , s house, answered D 50 RECORDS OF THE [FEB. y t beeing in y e s d house with Mr. W m he observed him to call frequentlie for drink, more as did become a Minister of the Gospell, and thereby at last was in such a condition that he thought it unworthie to stay in his company, and removed himself ; beeing enquired if y e s d Mr. W m left y e town that night, answered, not, but heard y* he went to bed after his removall ; being enquired if it was through drunkness that he went to bed, answered that he would not free him bot it was ; being enquired if he heard that he rose agayne that night, answered he heard he did not. Sicklik the s d Jo 11 M c pherson compearing, was enquired as followeth, first, if he saw Mr. W m Smith drunk the forsaid night in his house, answered y* the s d Mr. Wm. cam to his hous upon Saturday afternoone, accompanied w* Thomas Watson and Jo 11 Neilson, and told him y* he was the ensueing Sabbath to preach at Calder in Mr. Donald's absence, who was to preach at Dyck y t day, and y* he called for more drink y n was fitteing for one of his office on such a day ; 2 lie , beeing enquired to be positive and to declare if he was drunkyn, answered that he thought shame to stay with him, and, to get him away, y 1 he absented himselfF from his company, and q n he returned soon agayne that his servants told him y* he was in bed ; 3. beeing enquired if he rose agayne y* night, answered negativelie : 4. beeing enquired if he saw Mr. William y e nixt day, answered, not, y* he rode away befor he or bedfellow were up. 5. beeing enquired if Mr. W m went to Calder and preacht according to his promiss to Mr. Donald, answered, not, but heard since y* all the congregatione mette and stayed till after sermon time and had no Minister : 6. beeing enquired where went Mr. W m to, y* sabbath, if to any church, answered y* he was certainly enformed y* he went to no church, bot posted home and was mett by Connedge the SirefF in the mount betuixt the Parioches of Moy and Duthell, who took offence at his unministeriall travelling upon the Lords day ; beeing lastly enquired if he had any more to say, answered negativelie. The Bretheren referrs both these declarationes in this matter to y e ensueing Synode. The s d day the Bretheren heareing that Collin Chisolme of Mountaitt 1 had sent for Robert Monro the excomunicat Mountaitt — Buntait, the Glen-Urquhart portion of the parish of Kiltarlity. 1 67 5] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 51 priest, and by him baptized his child, and y l the s d Collin and his spouse Lawder, were fallen away to poperie ; therefor they ordaine Mr. Hugh Fraser, Min r at Kiltarlatie, to process the s d Collin and his wife, and to report his diligence to the ensueing Presbfie. Invernes, March 3, 1675. Mr. Rorie Mackenzie beeing enquired where he was absent from y e last Pbfie, answered y* he was hindered by the torrent in the water of Nairne. Excused. [Mr. Gilbert Marshall and Mr. Hugh Fraser reported that they had not seen Earl of Moray, as he had gone to Darnaway, but that they would see him on his return to Castle Stuart.] The Moderator beeing enquired if he wrot to the Bishop anent George Cuthbert of Castlehill, answered he did, and that his advise is that if Castlehill did appeare judiciallie befor the Prebfie and denyed all such calumnies, if we could prove notheing against him by witnesses y* heard him speake against Ministers, that we should pass him untill we find more clearness to fix the guilt upon him, and then censure him accordinglie, bot in the meane tyme for forder cleareing of the three Bretheren, Mr. Thomas Huistown, Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie, and Mr. James Smith, the persons wronged, that an visitatione be keept at each of there Kirks in this moneth of March, and an exact triall be taken of there ministeriall deportement ; and our Presbfie book to carrie our diligence at the ensueing Synod. [The next meeting to be at Moy.] The s d Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Kiltarlatie, reported that he hath begun to process Collin Chisolme of Mountaitt, and his wife Lawder ; the Bretheren ordeaneth him to proceed, seeing there is a great defectione to Popery in these fields. At Moy, y e 17 of March 1675. The Min r beeing desyred to remove the Elders were posed one by one upon the following queries : 1. They were enquired how they were satisfied with there Min rs doctrine, Answered that they were well satisfied y'with, and edified. 52 RECORDS OF THE [march 2. Beeing enquired if he was zealous and impartiall in discipline, Answered that he was, without respect of persons. 3. Beeing enquired if he was frequent in catechizeing, Answered that he used sometimes to catechize, bot wished he were more frequent. 4. Beeing enquired if he made conscience of visiting the sick in both his parishes, Answered he did q n he was desired. 5. Beeing enquired how long since he celebrated the sacra* of the Lords Supper, Answered two years ago. Beeing enquired how long befor y* last time, Answered eight yeares befor: being enquired if at any time since his admissione did he celebrat the said sacrament in his other parish of Dalarossie, Answered, not. 6. Beeing enquired if he used to haunt aile houses to tipple or drink drunk therein, Answered not, bot lived ministeriallie and most soberly alwayes. 7. Beeing enquired if he prayed in any of their families q n he lodged with y m be night, Answered he did frequentlie. 8. Beeing asked if he prayed nightlie and daylie in his own familie, Answered to there certayne knowledge he did. 9. Beeing asked if they had a collector for the penalties, Answered they had, bot was illiterat and so could not keep a book. 10. Beeing enquired if he and they did lay a restraint upon pypeing violeing and danceing at Lickwaks, Answered not as yet. 11. Beeing enquired if he tymely inhibited any to receive servants or strangers from other parishes without testimonial^,. Answered negativelie. 12. Beeing enquired if he had an register for discipline, baptisms, marriages, and collectiones for the poor, Answered that they knew of none, and y 1 they regrate the want of the samen. Mr. James Grant, the visitor, beeing enquired if he received the Session book to revise, Answered, not. The Min r , Mr. Rorie, was called in and the Moderator in name of the Bretheren exhorted him to continue in weledoemg, and blessed God for his diligence and ministeriall, painfull walkeing, and 1. He was desired to be more frequent in catechizeing his people. 1 675] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 53 2. To celebrat the sacrament of the Lords supper more frequentlie, especiallie once each yeare in either of his congre- gationes, and seeing that sacram* was not celebrat in his time in the Parish of Dalarosie to begin there first this ensueing sumer. 3. He was rebucked because his Sessione book was not filled up, and he is ordained that the same may be filled up yearely whether he be visited or not ; and to bring his book full to be revised at the first Presbrie y* holds at Invernes, as he shall be answerable. 4. He and his elders are appoynted there nixt sessione day to choose an Collector that can read and write, y* may keepe an formall account of y r penalties and how the samen are distributed. 5. He is ordained, as he shall be answerable, to keepe the 29 day of Maij , preach y r on, and advertish yearly his people to be present from pulpit that none may pretend ignorance, and seeing he hath two congregationes, to serve and preach y e s d day be vice in each parish yeare about. 6. He is desired to discharge danceing, pypeing, and violeing at likwaks, and to punish y e guiltie with church censures. Lastly, he is desired to discharge receiveing of serv ts or strangers hereafter without testimonial^. All these things he promised to performe, and reforme and amend what he thought amiss. The Elders beeing removed, and the Min r beeing enquired anent them, declared that he was wele pleased with them all, onlie desired the Moderator to exhort them to keepe more frequent at sermon, y* some of y m upon the least impediment useth to do. The s d Elders beeing called in, the Moderator gave them thanks for the countenance and concurrance they gave their minister ; they were exhorted to continue in strengthening his hands and keepe more frequent with him at doctrine and discipline, w ch all of them promised to performe. At BolesMn, 30 March 1675. Conveened the Moderator and remanent Bretheren of the Prebfie for visiteing that Congregatione, except Mr. Hugh Fraser, Min r at Kiltarlaty, who excused his absence be his 54 RECORDS OF THE [march letter, seeing he was to celebrat the sacrament of the Lords supper the ensueing sabboth. The name of God was called upon. The Min r , Mr. Thomas Huistone, preached Luk. 19. 8. The Moderator desired a list of the elders, q ch was deliv d , and were present as follows : wiz* Thomas Eraser of Faraline, James Fraser of Meikle Garth, Hugh Fraser of Kinmonive, James Fraser of Ardachie, Alex 1 * Fraser of Dalcraige, Jo 11 Fraser of Migovie, W m Fraser, Tutor of Foyer, Hugh Fraser his sonn. Deacons, James Mackranold in Knockie, Don d M c phail in Meikle Garth, Hugh Fraser in Corthly ; all present. The Moderator declared to the Gentrie and Elders the reasone of the Bretherens comeing that day to visit that congregatione, viz. to try and know how the work of God was groweing and thriveing amongst them. To this end he enquired at the Min r , Mr. Thomas Houistone, if this visitatione was tymouslie intimated to both his congregationes of Boleskin and Kilcummeing, 1 he declared, and also his elders that it was, as the bretheren might see by the numberous cVentione of the people y r present. The Minister was removed, and the severall elders and deacons were posed, one by one, upon these queries following. [The queries are of the usual nature. The elders are satis- fied with the Min rs life and doctrine and discipline. He cele- brated the sacrament of the Lord's Supper at Boleskine three years ago, but at Kilcuming, ' to there knowledge, never. 1 4 Beeing enquired if there Min r did haunt aile houses or was given to tippleing or drunkness, answered that they knew nothing of y* in him, bot lived soberlie and rebucked others of his flock q° were given to that vice. 1 ' Beeing asked if he lived upon his Manss, answered positively. 1 4 Beeing enquired if he preached as yet upon the 29 of May, answered nega- tivelie. 1 ' Being enquired if he punished Sabboth breakeing and restrained abuses at Likewaks, answered he did.'J The Minister being called in . . . 1. He was desired to celebrat the sacrament of the Lords supper yearly once, and being enquired q* was the reason that 1 Kil-Chuimein, the old name of Fort Augustus. 1 67 5] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 55 he did never celebrat the s d sacrament in Kilchuming, Answered that he had not an kirk to celebrat it in, except he should celebrat it in the open fields, y 1 the Kirk was fallen, and though he used the law against the Heritors, yet none of them valued any procedour he used. The Bretheren referrs this case to the advise of y e Bishope and Synod, what shall such Bretheren do in reference to the celebratione of the Lords supper in such places as want an church to celebrat the same comelie and orderlie in. The Bretheren exhorted him to preach each yeare upon the 29 of Maij, and to press and invite his parishoners from pulpit to there thankfullnesse and loyaltie upon the s d day for his Majesties happie restoratione to his prerogatives, kingdomes, and people. [The Min r is well pleased with his elders. The session Book found formall. The Kirk officer approved.] At Doves, March 31, 1675. The Moderator desired a list of the Elders, w h was given, and read as followeth : W m Macintosh of Borlome, Paid M°baine of Kinchyle, Do d Fraser of Erchett, Jo 11 Fraser of Erigie, Alex r M c bane of Drumond, Alex r Fraser of Leatclone, W m Fraser of Ruthven, James Fraser in Dundelchaige, Angus M c intosh in Drumond, Malcome Mackintoshe in Dores, Lauchlan M c baine in Chappel toune, Donald M c baine in Cloine, Jo 11 M c Coill duj in Borlome, Jo 11 M c ean duj, y r ; all present. [In answer to the usual queries, the elders stated that the Minister never catechised until three years ago ; that he never celebrated the sacrament of the Lords Supper ; that he never preached on 29 May ; that he did not preach 4 befor and after- noone in the long day of Summer;"' that they were pleased with his life and doctrine; that he lived 'soberly and examplary 1 ; and was zealous, impartial, and accurate in discipline. He also zealously punished sabbath-breaking, and 'pypeing, violeing, and danceing at Lykwaks." He had a ' thesaurer 1 to collect and account for the penalties, but he 'was not learned, and no account was taken of him this while ago." The collections for the poor were distributed 4 twice in each yeare, bot especially at Lambmess/ 56 RECORDS OF THE [march 4 Beeing enquired if there Min r lived in his manse and neere the Kirk, answered not, bot two or three mylls off. 1 ] The Minister being called in . . . 1. He was advised to examen and catechise all his congrega- tione at least once each yeare. 2. He is desired to give the Sacrament of the Lords supper to his people once this Summer, as he shall be answerable. 3. He is desired to preach hereafter yearely upon the 29 of Maij, as he shal be answerable, and was rebucked for neglect- ing this loyal dutie so long. 4. He is advised to preach in the long dayes of Summer in y e fore and afternoone to such as are neere the Kirk, within three myles. 5. He was with his Elders ordained to tak an account of the Colleactor, and to put up there glass windowes, and haue a treasurer that culd read and write and could keep an accurat book and accompt. 6. Being challenged and rebucked that he resided not in his manse, he answered that he culd not, for such reasones that he would comunicat to my Lord Bishope and venrable Synod ; however, the Moderator pressed him to dwelle in his manse as he wish d to stope the mouthes of such that took occasione to speake of him for his non-residence there. The Elders being removed, the Min r was enquired how he was satisfied with them, Answered that he was well satisfied in reference to discipline with them all. However, that seurall of the gentlemen had some delinquents that have not paid ther penalties to the Collector. The Elders beeing called in, y e Moderator shew them there Ministers good report of them all, and entreated them to continue in encourrageing and strengthening ther Min rs hands, and to tak in these penalties y 1 were unpayed, y* their glass windowes may be filled up, and other places necessare of the fabrick of the Kirk repared. [The Session book formal, but had no cover — 'only in stormy weather they had few or no Sessiones.'] The Moderator and Bretheren regrated that they had not an school in the Parish of Dores. The Min r and Elders answered that seuerall gentlemen had Schooles in their own houses for cducateing and traineing up of their children, and they were 1 6; 5] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 57 upon an feasable way, if this deare yeare were by, to conveene and stent themselves for an publict school for the comon good of the whole parish. The Bretheren exhorts y m to follow and cherish this good motione, as they wish that the knowledge of God may be upon the groweing hand among y m , and y r posterities to bless there act i ones q n they are gone. At Daviot, Maij 11, 1675. Conveened the Moderator and remanent Bretheren, except Mr. Thomas Huiston, and Mr. Hugh Fraser, Min r at Croy, qho wer both excused be ther letters. No visita°ne or doctrin that day in respect y 1 ther cam no Elders or people present from neither of the parodies, except Donald M c Bain off' Faily allenarly. The name of the Lord being called uppon, the Bretheren present recomends to Mr. Gilbert Marshall and Mr. Hugh Fraser, qho are to keep y e Subsynod att Elgin the eight of Jun ensueing, to represent to my Lo. Bishop and y e Subsynod how wee are slighted be the s ds parochiners in not conveining w t us as they wer ordained, and to report y m for their absence. The Presbrie ordaines Mr. Gilbert Marshall and Mr. Hugh Fraser, Min r of Kiltarlty, to speak to the Earle of Murray anent excomminicat preist and papists as it was formerly ordained. The said day Collin Chisholm in Buntait, and Christan Lauder, his spouse, apostats to popery, being cited, compeired not, they wer ordained to be sumonded pro 3°. The Synodical referrs — First, that the Minr s < of Invernes deall effectually with Isobell Robertson to reclaim from popery. & ly . That y e Bretheren be diligent in obtaining a return from Marg k Fraser in London anent y e child shee brought furth in Inverness. 4. That the 29 day off May be observed be y e Bretheren according to the Act off Parliament. 5 t] y. That Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie mak search for a mother to the child hee baptised to Charles M c Kenzie. The Presbrie ordaines the s ds Mr. Rorie to wryt to Mr. 58 RECORDS OF THE [may Alex r Fordyce, Min r att RafFord, anent the young woman in Burgy q m y e s ds Charles M c Kenzie giveth up to be y e mother of the s ds child, and to report his diligence to the Presbfie and subsynod according to order, as he shall be answerable to both. Invemes, 2 Jun. 1675. The s d day Mr. Gilbert Marshall declared to the Presbfie y* he had taken pavnes with Isobell Robertson, shee being within his division, but had not hopes to reclame her, but shee being baptised in the Popish Church and bred, desyred that the sentence should not proceed against her imtill he had spoken to the Bishop and report his diligence to the Presbfie. The s d day Mr. James Fraser, Min r at Kirkhill, declared he had wrvtten to Margrett Fraser in London, with the Invemes Merchands, and at their returne should signifie her answer to the Presbfie. The Bretheren being required if all of them did loyally keip the 29 day of May according to order, answered positively. [Mr. Rone Mackenzie had written the Min r of RafFord as ordained, but had not received a reply yet.] The s d day Collin Schisome, and his spowse Christen Lauder fors dB , being cited pro 3° and not compeiring, Mr. Hugh Fraser, their Min r , is appoynted to process them from pulpitt, and to report his diligence. Invemes, Jun. 30, 1675. After calling uppon the name of God that day, no doctrine be reason y* Mr. Thomas Huiston was valetudinarie. The Bretheren ordaines the doctrin to be as formerly, except Mr. Thomas, qho was diligent for prepareing his fflock to the sacrament of the Lo. Supper, and, being tender withall, should employ a Brov r to supplv his vice. That day the Bishop directed ane letter to the Moderator and Presbfie desyreing them to confer with Mr. Colin Dalgleish, who had formerly fallen awav from the Protestant religion to Poperie, and now being again enlightened by the Lo. Spirit to see his error and wandring, hath returned to the bosome of his mother church. Accordinglv the Bretheren conferred with him severallie, and y r after joyntlv, and fand y* the s d Mr. Collin i675] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 59 was truely weighted with his bakslyding, and protested in face of Presbrie by the Lo. his assistance to continew a Protestant all the dayes of his lyffe, and to evidence y e same be a publict recanta°n when and wher the Bishop and Presbrie should en- joyne him. The Bretheren, haveing found great satisfactione of him in privat and publict, hawe ordained the Moderator to wryt the same in ther name to the Bishop according to his Lordships desyre in his s ds letter. Invernes, Julij 28, 1675. The s d day the Moderator, present Bretheren, w* the consent and assent of the absent Bretheren the preceding day, for forder encourrageing of Mr. Colline Dalgleish, have unanimously agreed that every broy r provyd for supplying of his present necessity als much as ordinarly they give in a zear to the Bursar of divinity, and to bring in this to the next Presbrie, and that besyd q fc they are to pay for this zeir to the present Bursar in Divinity, and the Moderator is desyred to wrytt to the seuerall absent Bretheren forthwith to bring in the s d money to Mr. Colline, if no sooner, precisely to the next Presbrie. The s d day Mr. Gilbert Marshall reports that its y e Bishop his advyse y* Isobell Robertson fors d being baptised and bred in the popish Church be referred to the Synod as zett before y e sentence of excomminicatione passt ag st her. Invernes, August 18, 1675. The s d day the Mod r haveing enquyred iff the seuerall Brethren in ther respective congrega°ns did keip the day off' fast and humilia°n, they answered positively. Inv ernes, Sept. 8, "75. The Presbrie referreth to the advyce of the Bishop and Synod how to obtaine letters of Intercommuning ag st excomunicat preists and papists. The s d day W m M c pherson, adulterer and y r after fornicator in Invernes, haveing appeared severall yeares in sacco, evidenceing his publict remorse for his s ds gross sinns, supplicated the Presbrie to be absolved, and hee appeareing before them with teares and other signes off" his repentance, is referred to the 60 RECORDS OF THE [SEPT. Ministers of Invernes to be absolved, and to report ther diligence. The Process against Collin Chisolme and Christan Lauder his wyff is goeing on. The s d day the Bretheren wer appoynted to bring in there Burse Money to the Synod to Mr. Georg Dunbar, Bursar in Divinity, qch they promised to doe in his owne presence with- out faill. The s d day the Moderator presented a letter from y e Bishope q r in his desyre is that the Bretheren call before them Mr. Colline Dalgleish, and tack his abjura°n off poperie subscrived under his hand, and to registrat the same in the Presbfie Book in futuram rei memoriam, as also that the s d Mr. Collin mack a publict recanta°n in the High Church of Invernes after sermon, the Minister preaching on a text to that purpose, and y* he subscrive ther publictly before the whole congregation the Confession of Faith, and therafter returne to the ensueing Synod with a declara°n in Latin of his future resolution to adhere to y e reformed religion all the dayes of his lyff, and to abhoir y e false doctrine of the Church of Rome. The s d Mr. Collin being called, gawe in the followeing paper subscryved under his hand. [Here follows a long Latin Renunciation, signed 6 Colenus Dalglisius.'] Qch paper being redd in the audience of the Bretheren to ther great satisfaction, the Presbfie ordaines the Moderate, Mr. Alex r Clerk, to preach, according to the B p his desyre, in the High Church of Invernes, uppon a text fitt for y e occasion, and after sermon to call for Mr. Collin to the readers seatt, and cause him in audience of the whole congregate to hawe a recantation of poperie, and show how hee was seduced and what kyndness the Lo. used for his reclameing to his Mother Church, and lastly cause him subscrive the Confession off Faith of the reformed Church off Chryst in Britain and Ireland, and this to be done the ensueing Lo. day, being y e tuelth day of Sep tr 1675, and to report his diligence to the next Presbytrie. Invernes, Octobris 6, 1675. The s d day the Moderator declared that according to the i6 7 5] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 61 Bish. and Presby tries order hee preached, text Luk. 15. 24, in reference to Mr. Collin Dalgleis, uppon y e 12 day. off Sep tr last, q r after divine service, y e s d Mr. Collin made ane publict recanta°n of Poperie, and subscry wed y e Confession of Faith, both to the great satisfaction of the beholders, and that y r after hee, with y e Magistrats and Elders, according to the Bishops desyre, gave him v e right hand of fellowship, and embraced and receaved him to the bosom of his reformed mother Church againe. The Bretheren by his report receaved also great satisfaction, and desyres y* Mr. Collin be present at the Synod in Elgin y e tuelff of Oct 1 " instant with his declaration, as the same is requyred also by my Lo. Bishop. Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister of Kiltarlaty, is goeing on with y e process against Collin Schisolme and Christan Lauder his spouse for ther apostacie to Poperie. The s d day Mr. James Fraser reported y* hee had wrytin to Margratt Fraser in London according to the Bishop, Synod, and Presbfies order, and hath receaved no satisfactorie answer in reference to a father to her child brought furth in Invernes before shee fled away. Therfore y e Brethren referees this matter for advyce to y e Synod, if the delayed sentence of ex- communication shall be pronounced against her, shee being now fugitive and without the kingdome. That day y e Bretheren thinks fitt } Tt in regard that the tuo Bretheren qho wer appoynted to keip att the Subsynod and did not keip y* dyett, and thereby no diligence returned to the Presbfie from the Bishop and members of the subsynod anent the visita°n of Daviott, that the same be referred to the Bishop and venerable ensueing Synod for advyce and what course the Presbytrie is to tak with those whole parochiners qho absented themselves from the s d appoynted visitation. That day the Moderator earnestly requested all y e Bretheren to keep the ensueing Synod, and to bring in ther seuerall pro- portion off the Burse money then to be given to the Bursar, Mr. George Dunbar, ther Bursar for the zear 1675. Att Elgin*, 13 Octr. 1675. The Moderator and remanent Bretheren haveing con veined, appoynted ther next meitting to hold att Daviott for the 62 RECORDS OF THE [OCT visiting of the s d Church the 9th day oft' November ensueing being tuesday, wher Mr. Gilbert Marshall is ordained to preach, and the Minister off Daviott ordained to give his Session Book to Mr. James Smith, Min r att Dorres, to be revised. The Moderator is to wryte to the Parishioners and Elders of both these Parodies to meitt there the s d dyett, lest they pretend excuise as formerly. j At Daviot, the 9 of Now, 1675. Conveined the Moderator and Remanent Bretheren of the Presbytrie, except Mr. Thomas Hudson, Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Kiltarlatie, and Mr. James Grant. The name of God called upon. The said day no doctrine nor visitation of the affaires of that Church, in respect there was no convention of Gentlemen, Elders, or people, except Angus M c Intosh of Daviot, Lachlane M c Intosh of Aberarder, Duncan M c Phail of Inverarnie, and Donald M c Bain of Phailie, who declared that the visitatione Mas intimate be their Minister two severall Lords days, but in respect of the shortnes of the day, and this day being the terme day of Mertimes, that they culd get none of the people to keep this diet, and so intreated the Presbytrie to prorogate their visitation to summer when the day is at the lenth, and that all the people will be most M illing to keip any diet then, and especially if they meet in the Parish of Dun- lechitie. The Bretheren, taking this slighting of their meeting to con- sideration, haue thought fit that the matter, with the desyre of the present gentlemen, be referred for advice to My Lo. Bishoppe and the ensuing Subsynod, and recomends to the Bretheren that are Commissioners for the said Subsynod to report the Bishopes answer, etc., to our next Presbytrie. The Moderator declaires that according to the last Synods order he caused Alexander Ross, Presbytrie Officer, to give literall Summonds to Mr. Rorie Mackenzie, Minister at Mov, to compeir before the Lord Bishope and the Bretheren of the Presbytrie of Elgin the 3 of Nov r instant. Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie forsaid being pnt declaired that he Mas at Elgin the s d day, and therupon produced ane letter from the Bishope and said Presbytrie, written and subscryved be Mr. Alexander Tod, PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 63 clerk pro tempore ; desyring that the Presbytrie should carefully and exactly examine upon oath the witnesses in that matter of fact relating to Charles M c Kenzie his baptising of his child in the Parish of Moy, and giving his band to Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie for satisfying the Church discipline at Rafart ; whereupon the said Mr. Rorie brought Angus M c Intosh who subscry ved wittnes to the band, and Alex r Noble with whom the child was nursed, to evidence upon oath what they knew in that affair, And moreover reported that Alex r Archibald, the other subscry ved wittness in the band, was in the Parish of Invernes. The said Angus M c Intosh and Alex r Noble being: solemnly sworn, and the said Alex r Noble being removed, The Moderator asked at the said Angus M c Intosh what he knew anent the forsaid band, answered that Charles M c Kenzie, Son to the Laird of Pluscarden, being in Rorie M^enzie^s house in Moy, send a bond to him to his own house, wherein he was insert as a wittness, but not piit when Charles did subscryve it, and that he subscryved wittnes therto, which he repented therafter, seeing he saw not the prin 11 [principal] subscryve it. Next, according to his oath, he declared that the said Charles came therafter to visit that child that was nursed in Alex r Nobles house, and stayed two nights in Mr. Rorie's house. Thirdly he declared that the said Alex r Noble told him that the said Charles sent tuo dollars with the man that brought the child to his house in part of fourtie merks that he and his wife should have for nursing the said child a zeir. 41y That the said Charles came therafter and conveyed the said child away from the said Alex r Noble before severall wittnesses in the Kirktown of Moy, and brought the childs foster Mother alongs with the child to the water of Nesse, and at her returne she told him that she receaved from the said Charles ane mark peice for her pains thither, beside the fortie merks her husband received formerlie according to con- descendence. Sicklyke, the said Alex r Noble compeired and being desyivd by the Moderator, according to his oath declared what he knew anent the forsaid child, Answered that the said Charles M c Kenzie sent a man called Thomas Dunbar, and a woman called Isobell Callom, both in Both, with ane child to his house, 64 RECORDS OF THE [DEC. who brought him two dollars in hand, when he receaved the child, with a promise of more when he should see the father, whom they said was the said Charles M c Kenzie. Next he declared that he went to Alves therafter, and he receaved two other dollars from the said Charles in his fathers stable, before he came away, and faithfully promised to give him the rest at his first coming to the Parish of Moy. 3 dly He declared that the said Churles desired him to seeke baptisme to the said child, from Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie, qch he did, and the child was called George as the said Charles desired. 4 ly He declared that he receaved the rest of the 40 merks compleit in Mr. Rorie M c Kenzies own house, in presence of the said Mr. Rorie, his wiffe, and his family. Lastly, he declared that after the child was a yeir old the said Charles came to Moy, with some others with him, and receaved the said child from him before seuerall wittnesses in the Kirk officers house, and that he sent his wiffe with the child a peece of the way the lenth of the boat of Bonah on the Watter of Nesse, and she received a merk peece for her paines, and at her return told that the child was conveyed by the said Charles and his Company to Strathglasse. The Brethren referred to the Ministers of Invernes to try for the other wittnes, Alex r Archibald, and to take his declara°n upon oath upon the premises, qch declara°n, with the forsaid declara°nes, the Moderator is to direct to the Lo. Bishoppe and ensueing Subsynod, at Elgin the 24 of Nov r instant, and the said Mr. Rorie is ordained to keep there and to report his diligence to the Presbytrie at his returne. At Invernes, Deer. 8, 1675. The s d day the Ministers of Invernes declared that they made search for Alex r Archibald according to the last Presbytries desire, and that he is not either in the brough or landward of Invernes. Also the Moderator declared that he sent ane extract to the Bishoppe and Subsynod of the Bretherens diligence in examining the Wittnesses anent Charles M c Kenzies bond and child. The said day the Moderator and Brethren having ane order 1675] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 65 from the Bishoppe that Mr. Alex r Clark and Mr. Charles Ritchie, Students in divinity, be admitted to tryalls, and come on the exercise, they appointed Mr. Alex r Clark to have for his homilie Text John 17. 3, and Mr. Charles Ritchie for his 1 Tim. 1. 15, at Invernes the 5 of Janr. 1676. Att Invernes, the 5 of Janarie 1676. [All present except Mr. Huiston, Mr. Hugh Fraser, Kil- tarlitie, and Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie, 6 heavilie sick. 1 Alex r Clark, and Charles Ritchie had their homilies, as previously ordained, and ordered to exercise and act next day. Approven.] That day Mr. Michael Fraser, Minister at Daviot, declared that my Lo. Bishope hath left to the Brethrens option to keep the visitation of Daviot or Dunlechetie before or after the ensewing Synod as they think fit. The said day Mr. James Fraser, Minister at Wardlaw, heavily regrated that his hands are weakned in discipline in severall instances by Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister of Kiltarlaty, in marry- ing delinquents belonging to the said Parish of AVardlaw without any testificat, but rather contrare to the said Mr. James his missives. He married two in process before the Presbytrie a while agoe, and a third latlie, called Wrqhart, when the said Mr. James was absent in Murray about the 29 of Dec 1 " last. The Brethren referres to satisfie Mr. James for the said regrates untill the said Mr. Hugh be pnt, and the Moderator is ordained to write to him to be precisely pnt the next Presbytrie day. The said day Mr. Robert Monroe, expectant, prited to the Presbytrie ane supplication given in and subscryved be Mr. Thomas Huison, Minister at Boleskine, Mr. James Grant, Minister at Urquhart, and the heretors of Abertarfe and Glen- moristone, to be directed to the Bishope, Patron of Kilchuimen, and Mr. James Stewart, Chancellor of Morray, Patron of Glen- moristone, for their joynt and mutuall ratification, to haue the said Mr. Robert Monroe settled as Minister and their helper in the said bounds of Abertarfe and Glenmoriston, as the suppli- cation in itself at more length beares. The Bretheren taking* the condition of the said bounds to their serious consideration referr the said supplication to my Lo. Bishoppe and Chancellor forsaid, and desyre that the E 66 RECORDS OF THE [JAN. Moderator write to them both with the said Mr. Robert, and to report his diligence to the next presbytrie. At Inverness, the 26 Janr. 1676. [All present except Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie * who is sick," and Mr. Hugh Fraser, Kiltarlitie, ' who is South about some Law affaires.'] The said day the Moderator pnted to the Presbytrie ane letter from the Bishoppe declareing that he did cordially homologate and ratifie the supplication from the Minister and Heretors of Abertarfe and Glenmoriston to haue Mr. Robert Monroe, expectant, Minister and helper in the said bounds, and seeing the said Mr. Robert was now a great while a preacher in this province and elsewhere, and the people's necessity requiring heast in his tryalls, that the Brethren hereupon appoynt him to haue the exercise, with ane comon head, the languages, and questionary tryalls, and to cause Mr. Thomas Huison and Mr. James Grant to serve his edict in there respective bounds, that after diligence he may returne to his Lo. for ordination ; and withall to register the said supplication in the Pbfie books ad futuram rej memoriam. The Brethren taking the Bishops said order to consideration appoint Mr. Robert Monroe to exercise Coll. 3. 18, and Mi\ Alex r Clark, Student, to add, Feb. 9/76. As also the Bretheren appoint the Moderator to draw up the edict according to the Bishopps desire, and Mr. Thomas Huison and Mr. James Grant to read the same in Kilchuimen and Glenmoriston, and to report their diligence the 23 day of Februarie ensewing, being the last day of the said Mr. Roberts tryalls. The said day the Moderator declared that he hath searched the Presbytrie books and cannot find the act anent suspending of Ministers that willfully thryce or oftener absents themselves from the Presbytrie without any excuse. The Brethren calling to mynd that such ane Act was latlie emitted by the Lo. Bishoppe and Synod doe referr this matter as yet to the ensewing Synod that the said Act may be corro- borate by their authoritie as a mean to cause the respective brethren to keep punctually hereafter, otherwise send their relevant excuse why they are absent. 1 6/6] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 67 9 Feb. 1676. [Mr. Robert Monroe exercised Coll. 3. 18, and Mr. Alex r Clark added. Appro ven.] At Invernes, 23 Feb. 76. Conveened the Mod 1 " and remanent Brethren, except Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie tender, Mr. Michael Fraser excused by his lfe, and Mr. Hugh Fraser in the South. The name of God was called upon. Mr. Robert Monroe had his comon head De Jnstificatione, and his theses, q ch he delivered formerlie, were disputed, as also he had his questionary tryalls, and the languages, and what else is usuall in the lyke case, and he was unanimously approven in these and all the other steps of his tryalls. Mr. Alex r Clark, Student, is appoynted to haue the Con- troversie De peccato origincrti the 8 of March ensueing, and to direct his theses tymouslie to the brethren. The said day Mr. Thomas Huison reported that Mr. Ro l Monroes Edict was served at Kilchumen the 13 of Feb. last, and Mr. James Grant reported that the said edict was served at Glenmoriston the 20 Feb. The heretors and Elders of the said places were cited at the Church door, but none compeiring, the Ministers, Mr. Thomas and Mr. James forsaid, answered for them, showing that they were very willing to accept of the said Mr. Robert as their future Minister, according to their former supplication in all points. The brethren, having taken the same to their consideration, have appointed the Moderator to write to the Bishoppe that his Lo. may give Mr. Ro 1 ordinatione conforme to his former letter. At Invernes, 8 March 1676. [Mr. Rob* Monro got ordination at Elgin on 2d March instant, and the Ministers of Boleskine and Urquhart, and the heritors and Elders of Abertarf and Glenmoriston, ordained by the Bishop to be present at Kilchuimen on the 12th current, 'where Mr. Thomas was to preach, and there and then to give collation and institution to the said Mr. Robert,' and to report.] That day Mr. James Fraser, Minister at Wardlaw, regrated 68 RECORDS OF THE [MARCH that notwithstanding of the ordinance of the Presbytrie en- joyning Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister of Kiltarlaty, to send Duncan M c avis Relapse in adultery in the said Parish of Ward- law, and Patrick Harper, fornicator there, both now receeding in the Parish of Kiltarlaty, yet the ordinance is not obeyed and hereby his hands are weakned still. [Here follow, in a different hand, the words 'Anent this see the margen.'' And on the margin the following is written : 6 This regrate was con- demned by the Bishope and Synod in regard of y e Brother's absenc, which synodicall act I witness (signed), Alex. Clerk, Moderator.] The Bretheren referrs the decision of this matter untill Mr. Hugh come home and be heard. The said day Mr. Gilbert Marshall, Minister at Invernes, reported that he was at the Earle of Morray as he was ordained be the Presbytrie, and signified to his Lo. Robert Monroe, the excomunicate pretended preist, his insolence in seducing souls within some bounds of the SheirefFdome of Invernes and Pfie thereof, and that his Lo. respive [respective] answeir and pious resolution is that upon the advertisement and complaint of any of the Ministers of the said Presbytrie against the said ex- comunicate preist, he being found within any of their parishes, his Lo. getting certain notice, that he shall cause secure his persone that he may not mislead the people any longer. At Invernes , March 22, 1676. Mr. Thomas Huison and Mr. James Grant reported that according to the Bishops order they were at Kilchuimen upon the 12 of March, being the Lords day, and Mr. Thomas Huison did preach, text, and after sermone delivered to the said Mr. Robert Monroe the sacred bible, and the keys of the Churches doors, with the books of discipline, as is usuall in such cases, seriously exhorting him to humility, fidelity, and sedulity in his future ministerial! func- tion, and immediatly therafter all the gentlemen and elders piit did cordially and unanimously, by reaching furth of their hands, signifying and declaring by this their acceptance of the said Mr. Robert Monroe for their future Minister in these respective bounds of Abertarfe and Glenmoriston, promiseing 1676] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 69 obedience, faithfullnes, and assistance to him, according to their severall power and charge. Sicklyke the said Mr. Thomas declared that he gave the said Mr. Robert reall possession and infeftment in the manse and gleib by delivering to him timber, stone, and earth, as is usuall in such cases. The said day the Presbytrie referrs to the Synod for advice how to get letters of intercomuning against y e excomunicate preist and papists within their bounds, and especially David Bailly, excomunicate November 27, 1667, by Mr. Alex r Clark, Minister at Invernes, and James Baily, excomunicate by Master James Sutherland, late Minister at Invernes, 21 of June 1668, and since married by Robert Monroe, excomunicate Preist, who also baptized a child to him begotten in fornication, as also the said Robert Monroe, Preist, John Bires of Cotts, Lilias Grant his Ladie, excomuncate the 23 day of Agust 1674, at Invernes by Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Kiltarlatie. The Synodicall referrs. 5. That Mr. James Fraser, Minister at Kirkhill, once more write to Margaret Fraser, fugitive from the discipline of Invernes, to London, for her positive answeir who is the father of her child brought furth in Invernes before her removall. Answer. — The said Mr. James declared that he could not get any sure bearer to London untill the Merchands of Invernes repair thither in May next, and that with them he will be pressing to her for ane satisfactory answeir, and thereafter shall report his diligence to the Synod and Pfie. 6. The Moderator is to write to Abd. [Aberdeen] to the reverend Ministers thereoffe to try if Isobell Robertsone was borne of popish parents, baptised by a preist and educated in the Popish profession. A nsweir. — The Moderator declared that he wrote to the said Reverend Brethren of Abd. and that he received ane answeir from Mr. George Meldrum signifieing that James Robertsone sometymes of Cults, and Katherine Gordone his spouse, lived and died in the Reformed profession of this Church of Scotland, to qch he was wittnes at their severall departing out of this life, and that in their life tyme they caused baptize and educate 70 RECORDS OF THE [march all their children, and especially the said Isobell Robertson, in the Orthodox Religion, and that she never apostatized during her minority, and abode within the town and bounds of the Pbfie of Abd. untill she came to the Lord of Cotts family. Mr. Michael Fraser is appointed to reside in his Parish of Daviot, and to build a chamber for himselfe to that effect. The Brethren appoints the Supplication of Abertarf and Glenmoriston for Mr. Robert Monroe to be insert upon the succeeding page. Meeting closed with prayer. Unto the Right Reverend Father in God Murdo Lo. Bishope of Morray undoubted Patrone of the Kirks of Bole- skin and Abertarfe, and to the Reverend Mr. James Stewart, Chancillour of Murray, undoubted Patron of the Kirks of Urqhart and Glenmoriston, Wee the under-subscryving heretours, gentlemen, and Elders of Abertarfe and Glen- moriston, humblie supplicateth, That Whereas upon mature and serious consideration we the said Ministers and respective Parishioners haue unanimously aggreed and condescended with Mr. Robert Monroe, Expectant, to serve hereafter per vices at Abertarfe and Glenmoriston with the benefice and office according as our said condescendence subscryved mutually be us at more length beares, and that we haue before our eyes the glorie of God, the propagation of his Gospell there, the peoples necessity of constant informa°n and reformation, with repression of popry upon the growing hand neer these bounds, which wee cannot punctually wait on so frequently as wee would wish in respect of the distance of these places and the dangerous waters interjected betwixt them and our usuall residence in our other congregations : Heerfore wee humblie and cordially supplicat your Lo. and Mr. James Stewart, the other Patrone, to homologate and ratifie this our reasonable, mutuall, and just desire, that therupon your Lo. may passe ane order to the Moderator and Prieof Invernes for settling pritly and speedily the said Mr. Robert in the function of the Holy Ministrie there, seeing wee haue had divers tymes great satisfaction of his doctrine in the said congre- gations : And in answeiring this our lawfull desire as your Lo. will doe good and great service to your Master the Lord Jesus Christ, and be instrumental! to settle further illumination and knowledge 1676] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 71 in these dark and remote corners of your dioces, So you will move us allwayes in our severall statione to begg that the Lord may con- tinue you long above us in your most holy function, and to remain, as wee still are, Your Lo. most humble affectionat Servants and Supplicants. Sic subscribitur J. Grant of Glenmoriston. Mr. James Grant, Minister at Urqhart. Mr. T. Houston, Minister at Boleskin. Jo. Fraser of Little Glendo. Jo. Fraser of Borlume. M. Fraser of Culduthell. Alex r . Fraser in Carngodie. ' I, Murdo, Bishoppe of Morray, haveing considered the above written Supplication, doe approve theroffe, and consents thereto so far as concerns me as Patrone of the Churches of Boleskin and AbertarfFe. Given under my hand at Spynie the 19 day of Jar 1676 yeirs. Sic sub. Murdo, Bp. of Morray.' ' I, Master James Stewart, Chancellour of Morray, having con- sidered the above written Supplication, doe approve theroffe, and consents therto so far as concerns me as Patrone of the Churches of Urqhart and Glenmoriston. Given under my hand at Kin- machen the 4 day of Februarie 1676 yeirs. Sic sub. Mr. James Stuart, Chancellor of Morray.' Invernes, 24 May 1676. That day the Moderator and Brethren received ane letter from Mr. George Balfoure, Min r at Ardclach, showing off his sharp visita°n sicknes and weaknes of body through old adge, and yrfore by the advyse of some Brethren of both the Presby- tries of Invernes and Forres hee did settle and condescend with Mr. Charles Ritchie to be his future helper, and yrfore suppli- cated y e Pbfy y l his try alls may be accellerated, and y rafter recomended to the Bishop for a license to preach and withal 1 to shew his Lordship off the s d condescendence. The Brethren, takeing the s d reverend Broy rs condition to considera°n, doe appoynt y r next Presby tries meitting to hold y e 7th of June ensueing. The Ministers of Invernes declare y* Don d Miller, trelaps in 72 RECORDS OF THE [may fornication, is fugitive to Assint, the Moderator is desired to wryt to the Min r of Assint to send him back to satisfie the Kirk discipline. Vh June 1676. [Mr. Charles Ritchie had his disputs uppon De satisfactione Ckristi, y e questionary tryalls, and the languages, and being removed was approven, and is appoynted to haue his popular sermon next day. All had kept the 29th of May.] The Moderator declared y* the Min* off Assint, Mr. John Gray, is deposed by the Bishop and Synod of Caithnes, so y* they could not gett Don d Miller, fugitive from these bounds, as yett untill the place be settled with ane actuall minister. June 21, 76. The Bretheren appoynts the Moderator to wryt to the heretors of Daviott and Dunlechety to know what tyme they may conveniently keip the appoynted visita°n at Dunlechety, and to return ther answer to the next Presbfy, lest the Brethren as formerly travell there in vayne. Att Inverness, July 19, 1676. The Moderator declared that he wrott to Lachlan M c intoshe off Aberarder, and remanent heretors and Elderes of the United parodies off Dunlechety and Daviott, anent y e visita°n, as hee was ordained the last Presbfy day, and y* answer is, y* seeing they are necessitat to abyd in the Glens to shelter and keep ther bestiall and goods ffrom the Lochabber and Glencoa Robbers, y* it is impossible for either of the gentlemen, elders, or people, to keip the s d visita°n untill att least y r harvest be done, and then they will unanimous meit at Dunlechety any dyett the Presbfy app©ynts, and in the mean tyme, before the s d visita°n meitt, y l the heretors are willing to meitt with a select number from y e Presbfy that a forsable way may be taken for a manse to ther min r , qreby hee may bee incourraged to reside still amongst them. The Brethren taking y e premisses to considera°n, to leave the s ds heretors and parochiners excuisless, doe think fitt to delay the s d visita°n as yett untill the 2 d dyett after there 1676] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 73 return from the ensueing Synod, and in the meantyme doe appoynt Mr. James Fraser, Min r att Kirkhill, Mr. Rory M c Kenzie, Min r at Moy, and Mr. Gilbert Marshall, Min r at In- vernes, and Mr. James Smith, Min r att Dorres, to repair with Mr. Michael Fraser, Min r off* Daviott, to the towne and bounds of Gask, a mide place betuixt these United parodies, and to consult with y e s ds heretors anent a speedy way to gett a manse built to the said Mr. Michael, y* yrby hee may constantly reside with his flocke, and more carefully goe about his minis- teriall function, and to report precisely y r diligence herin to y e first dyet in October after the Synod, and in the mean tyme the Brethren appoynts Mr. Michael to reside in some place of his paroches as hee shall be answerable, and q* regrates hee has or shall have for a place of residence to give the same in to the fors d visita°n. Att Invernes, August 16, 1676. The Brethren y* wer appoynted to meitt at Gask with the heretors of Deviott and Dunlechety declared y t they have not kept as yet, because the heretors did not appoynt a day. The Presbfy appoynts Mr. Michael Fraser to speak to these heretors, and to appoynt y e dyett, oyrwyse they will appoynt it them- selfFes at ther next Presbfy day. Att Invemes, 13 Septr. 1676. Mr. Michael Fraser declareth y* the heretors of his united paroches referres y e appoyntment of y e meitting at Gask to the Presbfy, but intreats y* the dyett be not this fourtnight to come, because in y* tyme all of y m will be busie about ther harvest. The Brethren taking this to ther considera°n appoynts y e s d dyett to hold att Gask or Far upon the first Tuesday of October ensueing y* they may report y r diligence as s d is to the Bishope, Synod, and Presbfie. At Dunlichatj, Novr. 1th, 1676. Conveened the Moderator and remanent Brethren, except Mr. Hugh Fraser directed by the Brethren of the Chapter Commissioner to my Lord Arch Bp. of Saint Andrewes, etc. The Lords name being called on, Master Gilbert Marshall preached, text 1 Thess. 5. 12. 74 RECORDS OF THE [NOV. 1676 [The Minister, Mr. Michael Fraser, approved, except that he had not celebrated the Lords supper since his entry to the Parish.] The Gentlemen and Elders being enquired if there Minister resided in aither of his parodies, answered, not. The Minister replied that he had not a manse to lodge in. The heritors being asked why there was no manse in aither of the congrega- tions, answered that they had y r joynt thoughts for building ane in Daviot a good whyle ago, and that y r conclusione is, which they were desired to intimat to the Presbytrie, that they are content to stent themselwes for buildeing of a sufficient manse in the sowme of three hundred mks in hand befor the work is began, as also to furnish upon there own expensses men and horses to lead all the timber to Daviot from Strathspey, or Invernes, beside the hewen work y* is requisit to be in the house : this condescendence satisfied the minister, q° was to build the manse himselff upon the recept of the money. The Bretheren exhorts both Min r and heritors to fulfill there engagements herein, that the minister may dwell and reside among his people. Mr. James Smith, who visited the Sessione book, declared that the same was formall and orderly. [The officer gives satisfaction.] At Invernes, December 6, 1676. The said day Mr. Gilbert Marshall, Minister at Invernes, produced a process led against Marjorie Leith, spouse to Patrick Gordone in Invernes, by the Session y r of, conteaneing severall alledged scandalous guilts, as the process itselff at more length proprts. The same being raid, the Bretheren are not cleare as yet to give there decisive Judgement thereanent, and yrfor recomends to the s d Mr. Gilbert Marshell to use all diligence scrutinie for cleareing the process fullie, and report his diligence to the Presbfie. At Invernes, 4 Aprile 1677. [Marjorie Leith's process referred to the ensuing Synod, by order of the Bishop.] At Urquhart, June 5, 1677. Conveened the Moderator and Remanent Bretheren except Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Croy, absent thorow a paine in his [egg. Gods name called upon. JUNE 1677] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 75 Master Hugh Fraser, Min r at Kiltarlatie, preached, text Ephes. 5. 15. The Moderator declared the reason of this present visitatione, and enquired if the same was tymouslie intimated, the Minister and Elders answered it was, as the populous meeteing of the hearers did testifie. The Moderator desired to give to the Clerk an list of the Elders and deacons, which was given in as followeth : Thomas Grant of Balmakaan, John Grant of Corriemonie, James Grant of Sheuglie, Patrick Grant in Inchbroome, Donald Cuming of Dailshangie, James Cuming his son, James Cuming in Pitkerrell, Farq r Cuming in Garthalie, W m Grant of Achmony, Alexander and Rob t Grants in Carrogarre, Alex r Grant in Balmakan, Duncan Grant in Divech, and Gregone Grant, Pitkerrell, etc. The Minister, Mr. James Grant, being removed, all these Elders severallie were enquired how they were satisfied with there Ministers doctrine, life, and conversatione, all of them gave him ane singullare applaus. Sicklik beeing enquired if he frequentlie catechised, visited the sick, and celebrated the Sacrament of the Lords supper, answered that he went about all these ministeriall duties painfully, and that he was prepare- ing for celebrateing the Lords supper, w ch he could not do untill a period should be put to the harvest. Being asked if he prayed in families q n he lodged with y m out of his owne house, all answered positively. Being enquired if he preached on the 29 of May, answered he did yearely, and pressed all the parochiners to be present. The Minister beeing called in, the Moderator blessed the Lord for the good applause he had of his Elders, and desired him to continu in weledoeing, and to celebrat the sacrament of the Lords Supper as soone as possible he could, which he promised to do. The Elders beeing removed, and the Minister beeing enquired if they were faithfull in there trust, or if he had anything to admonish them of, he answered that they were most faithfull, and that there was notheing could encourrage him in his ministeriall office, bot they were all most cordiall to strengthen his hands. The Elders beeing called in, the Moderator thanked God for 76 RECORDS OF THE [JUNE the sweet harmony that was betwixt them and there Minister, and beseeched them to continu in weledoeing. The Minister beeing enquired if he had an decreite of plat, answered, not. The Bretheren appoynts him for his own pre* sent benefit and successors to provide for one tymously. The Minister and Elders beeing enquired if they had an school, answered that they had none for the present, bot q n the Laird of Grant cam to the cuntrey that they were to require his helpe and assistance how to get some victuall to mantean an Schoolmaster; they were exhorted to do the same, which should be good service done to God. Such as visited the Sessione book declared that they had not a bound register, bot scrolls as yet ; the Presbfie ordeans to get an new book and mak an exact register, w ch they promised to do. [The officer approved of.] The s d day Robert Cuming of Inchbryne, with some others of his rela°ns, did compeare before the Presbbfie for themselves and in name and behalf of William Cuming, Shiriff Clerk of Invernes, and George Cuming his Brother, merchand y r , and gave in there supplicatione sheweing that forasmeikle as John Grant of Corrimony had built an new dask upon that divisione of the Church appropriated and set apart be consent of the whole session as his proper allocatione there, and one part of the s d dask, to wit, the northerest corner therof, beeing sett upon an buriall stone belonging without controversie to there praedecessors, q r fore it was there earnest desire and humble supplicatione that the said dask should be removed to the west the space of an foote of ground or more if needs be, and that alwayes without prejudice to the said dask or reflectione on the s d John Grant q 11 they burie y r dead y r , q n Providence shall offer occasione. The s d John Grant of Corriemony beeing called in, and beeing asked concerneing the premisses, acknow- ledged y l it was such that they supplicated for y m selves and there successors, and consented to the termes above specified, and seeing both parties were content the Presbytrey gave there approbatione to there mutuall decisione. At Kiltarlaty, July 3, 1677. The Moderator declared the reason why this visitatione was 1677] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 77 appoynted, and especially to tak notice and inspectione if popery be upon the groweing hand in the over-paroch of Strathglass, and to this end asked if this visitatione was tymouslie intimated ; both Min r and Elders declared that it was, as the numberous auditores could evidence. The Moderator desired that a list of the Elders and deacons should be given to the Clerk, which was done and read as followeth : Thomas Fraser of Beufort, Hugh Fraser of Culbokie, Hugh Fraser of Glenvakie, Simeon Fraser of Bruiach, Hugh Fraser of Baldown, Thomas Fraser of Teanakyle, Hugh Fraser of Faneblaire, William Fraser of Bowblanie, Jo n Fraser of Culmullin, Alex r Fraser in Killachick. . . . Mr. Hugh Fraser of Eskidaile, Elders. [Then follows list of Deacons.] [The Minister well reported of by the Elders, but he only once celebrated the Lords Supper since his entry to the Parish.] [The Elders] being asked if popery was upon the groweing hand in the over parioch, answered that such as were popish enclyned were in the province of Ross where the Chisolme with is family and dependents were. The Minister being asked q* was the reason that he pro- ceeded not to process Collin Chisolme and Lawder, his spouse, according to the Presbfies order, answered that the s d Collin and wife is nether now in this parioch nor within this Presbfie or province, bot within the province of Ross, and at there removeall he desisted from processeing them, untill he should know the Presbfies mind therein. The Bretheren re- ferrs this for advice to the Synod, whether or no he is to pro- ceed in processing the s ds parties notwithstanding they are out of this parioch and out of the province, because he began to process them. [The Elders well reported of by the Min r ; Register not bound ; and the Minister and Elders promise 4 to produce a good handsome book bound for there register betuixt this and the first Presbfy day at Inverness] The Schoolmaster, Mr. John Monro, beeing removed, both minister and elders gave him a large applaus of his painfull- ness and diligent attendance on school and sessione, and also y % he was of a Christian, civill, blameless conversatione ; he 78 RECORDS OF THE [JULY beeing called in was desired to walk worthy of the good coraen- datione his Minister and elders gave of him. The Minister regrated that some of the heritors did clame some divisiones of the Church as only proper to y m and to none other, however did not plenish the samen nether in dasks or pewes. The Presbfie ordaine them to mak up this defect betuixt this day and some day that the Min r and Elders shall condescend on, other waves to forfault and lose there aledged right. The s d Donald Roy, Shireff Officer forsaid, beeing sumoned to this dyet and beeing cited, compeared, and beeing desired to glorify God and confess his sin of adultery w* Kathrin nic ean Tyre in Bruiach, notwithstanding of the many and fre- quent conferences his Minister had with him, and that two Bretheren were sent out to speak with him, yet he stood to an obstinat denyall, without any hope of confession, except the extraordinarie divyne hand of God work on him. Herefor the Bretheren advised his Minister, Mr. Hugh, to tak him diverse Lords dayes before the pulpit in presence of the whole congre- gatione, and to offer him the oath, and pray for him that God may open his obdured heart, to confess the truth, and if he continu obstinat, to tak his oath at last upon the head of the child as is the practise of this Kirk and Kingdome. At KirWilU August 21, 1677. Conveened the Moderator and Remanent Bretheren. The name of God was called upon. Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Kiltarlaty, preached, text Col. 1. 28. The Moderator enquired if this visitatione was tymously intimated to the congregatione. They answered it was as the numbrous multitud of the auditors in itselff did proport. The Moderator desired that a list of the Elders and deacons should be given in to the Clerk, which was done accordingly and read as folio we th — Elders. — Thomas Fraser of Bewfort, Hugh Fraser of Struy, HughFraser ofCulbokie,HughFraser of'Belladrume, Alex 1 " Fraser of Moniack, James Fraser of Achnagairne, Mr. Simeon Fraser of Finisk, James Fraser in Dunballach, John Fraser in Inchberrie, W m Fraser in Phoppachie, and James Fraser in Kirkhill. i6 7 7] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 79 Deacons. — Andrew Peirie, in Bunchrue, Donald Johnson in Inglishtoun, Alex r Wright ther, Jo" Macksorle in Kirktowne, Donald Macksorle in Lemnech, Finla M c Coil oig in Inshberie, Donald M c phaile in Home, Alex r Smyth ther, etc. The Min r beeing removed, the Elders Were enquired one by one how they were satisfied with there ministers doctrine, life, and conversatione, if he was a visitor of the sick, and if he frequently catechised his people, and celebrated yearely the sacrament of the Lords supper, and preached on the 29 of May, all ane by ane answered that they blessed God for him that he observed all these ministeriall duties, and was so panefull that they were afFrayed that he should thereby shorten his own dayes in all likliehood. The Minister beeing called in, the Moderator in name of all the Bretheren blessed the Lord for the affectionat joynt com- mendatione and applaus he had in all the steps of his minis- teriall functione and carriage, from the whole gentlemen, elders, and deacons prit : he was brotherely exhorted to continu in his zeale within the Lords vineyard, who should give him his crown and reward at his second appearance. The Elders beeing removed, the Minister was enquired q* satisfactione he had of his Elders, and if there were anything q r of he would have them admonished, Answered that he blessed God for the concurrence they gave him in all things that he laves to there charge, that they are able, consciencious men, as forward and zealous in discipline as he can desire, that all of them q° are heritors brings in such delinquents as are within there bounds, and constraines them, nill they will they, to satisfie discipline, and that they are nether countenancers nor pleaders for any vicious person, bot kythes 1 impartial 1 to all suche. The gentlemen and elders beeing called in, the Moderator in name of the Bretheren blessed God for the large applaus and singullare praise-worth commendatione that there minister hath given them, and, as they wish to be styled faithful 1 servants by Christ in the day q r in he will mak up his juells, to continu still zealous and faithfull. 1 Kylhe, to show, to appear. 80 RECORDS OF THE [AUG. The Bretheren of Invernes that did visit the book declared that the book is most formall, and for painfullness and dili- gence of the Minister, Elders, and clerk in there severall stationes decerned therein, it deserves singullare commenda- tione. blaster Thomas Fraser, Schoolmaster, beeing removed, the Minister and Elders were enquired q* satisfactione they had of him, q l was his life and how he attended his charge, all of y m professed that they were verie wele pleased with him ; he beeing called in, the good report of his Min r and Elders was made knowne to him, and was exhorted to walk exemplare in holie- ness before the young ones, and to continu worthie of the commendatione that was given of him. He beeing enquired q t satisfactione he had for his paines and attendance from the Min r , heretors, and Elders, answered that he was pleased and satisfied with them all. [All well pleased with the officer.] The Bretheren thinks fit that the next Presbfie day be an visitatione at AbertarfF, and Mr. James Fraser, Minister at Kirkhill, to preach there, September nixt the 25, becaus the people then shall be all at home from the marcat of Invernes. Mr. Robert Monro is to give tymous advertisement, that the Bretheren may not mak an tedious j urney there in vaine, w ch he promised to do. The Moderator, Master Alex r Clerk, declared that he had an discharge under Mr. William Annands hand for two hundred inks, which he paved to him as heyre to Mr. John Annand, late Minister at Invernes, for meliorateing the manse now in the s d Mr. Alex r his possessione, q ch he keeped from registrateing until he should get under the late Bp. of Morrayes hand q* he received from the s d Mr. John Annand, and seeing he hath both in his possessione that he desyres the Bretheren to homologat to the registratione of both ; w ch the Bretheren condescended to, and are as followeth verbatim from the principalis : — 4 1, Master William Annand, lawfull son to the deceist Mr. John Annand, sometime Minister at Invernes, be thir piits grant mee to haue received from Master Alexander Clerk, one of the prit Min™ thereat, the sowme of two hundred mks money, and that in con- tentation of the like sowme payed be the s d deceist Master John 1 677] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 81 Annand, be order of Prebrie, to an Reverend father in God, Murdo Lord Bishope of Morray, designed therein Minister at Invernes, for the melioratione of the s d umq 11 Master John his Manse, as the act of Presbrie made thereanent at length beares, q r of I grant the receipt in numerat money, and for me my aires exors and suc- cessors, exoners, quiteclames, and simpliciter discharges the s d Mr. Alex r Clerk, his airs, ex rs , and successors, of the samen for ever, and binds and oblidges mee and my forsaids to warrand this my discharge to be good and sufficient to the effect underwritten to the s d Mr. Alex r Clerk and his forsaids at all hands and ag st all mortall, as law will, Consenting thir pnts be insert and regrat in the Books of Councell and Session, Sireff or Commissar Books of Morray and Invernes, therein to remaine adfuturam rej memoriam, and constituts My Pross etc. In Witness q r of I haue subscribed thir pnts writen be George Adamson, Writer in Elgin, the eighteenth day of Jarij 1666 yeares, befor thir witnes John Chalmer, Town Clerk of Elgin, and the s d George Adamson, Writer hereof. sic sub. Master William Annand. J. Chalmer, Witnes. G. Adamsone, Writer and Witnes.' ' I Murdo, Bp of Orkney, late of Morray, do by these presents attest that the above written act of ye Presbitery of Invernes, whereby they ordained that I should haue the above spec 1 sowme from Master John Annand his aires, exors and successors, and I do acknowledge the recept of the said sowme accordingly, as I do testifie the samen under my hand at Invernes the 15 day of August 1677 yeares. sic sub. Murdo, Bp of Orknay/ This visitatione was continewed to this 21 of August, in re- spect of the marcat of Invernes, w ch held upon the 14, 15, and 16 dayes, at w ch the Elders, nether people, could keepe with the Presbrie. > The meeting closed with prayer. At Kilchumen 1 in Abertarff'^ the 25 ofSeptr. 1677. Conveened the Bretheren of the Presbrie, except Mr. Alex 1 ' Clerk, Mod r , q° excused himselff, beeing ordered by the Magis- trats to preach that day the electione sermone for chooseing 1 Kilchumen, now Fort Augustus. F 82 RECORDS OF THE [SEPT. the Magistrats of Invernes, for w ch he appoynted Mr. James Fraser, Minister at Kirkhill, to moderat in his absence. Also Mr. Rorie Mackenzie, Mr. Gilbert Marshell, Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Croy, and Master Michael Fraser were absent. The name of the Lord was called upon. Mr. James Fraser preached, text Eph. 5 cap. 8 v s . After sermon he asked if this visitatione was tymously intimated, they answered positivelie. The Min r , Mr. Robert Monro, gave a list of his Elders, which were read as followeth : — Elders of Abertarff. John Fraser of Borlume, Alex r Fraser y r , Thomas Fraser of Ardochie, W m M c wyre there, Jo. Fraser of Little Glendo, Duncan Fraser of Murvalgan, Duncan M c ean in Inshnacardich, John Miller in Killchumen, Do d Dow in Borlume, and Thomas M c farq r vane in Ardochie. Elders of Glenmoriston. Jon M c evin in Inver, John M c ferq r in Livishie, W m M c alester in Invervuick, James Grant ther, and Donald M c William in Livishie. The Minister was removed, and the Elders were enquired concerning him as to his life, conversatione, doctrine, and dis- cipline, they answered una voce that they were wele satisfied with him (except the Elders of Glenmoristonne regrated he did not keepe with them everie sabbath per vices\ and also the s d Elders reported that severalls of My Lord M c donalds familie 1 doeth of late come to the ordinances, and that others are ex- pected, and that he doeth all that lieth in his power to suppress poperie. The Minister was called in and approven for his ministeriall deportment, was exhorted to continu in weldoeing, and to studie the popish controversies whereby he would be enabled to convince gainsayers and reclame the astrayeing ignorant. The Elders beeing removed, the Mln r was enquired q fc he had to say to them, answered, that he was wele satisfied with them ; bot that for want of an edifice since the kirk fell, that they had no place to put delinquents in for publict repentance, 1 Angus Macdonell of Glengarry, created Lord Macdonell and Arros by Charles II. 1 677] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 83 y'fore he entreated the Bretheren to tak an serious course w* the heritors for seting up and building a place for Gods worship. The Elders were called in and commended and approven in all things q r in they did favour and encurrage there minister, and they were exhorted to hold hand to discipline. The Minister regrated that the Bridg was ruinous : the Elders were exhorted to use all diligence for setting up the s d Bridge, and that because the water is interjacent betuixt the Kirk and y e people that resort the ordinances, which the people do regrate, bot that they are not able of themselves to set up that bridge without the assistance of the whole parioch afarr off as wele as neere at hand. Herefore they entreat the Presbrie to writ to my Lord M c *donald and his friends, who are inhabitants of y e remotest part of the parioch, to giv y r help and concurrence. The Bretheren promises to write to his Lordship q n he returneth from Edinburgh. The Moderator asked at the Elders pnt why they were not buildeing a kirk, they answered that they sent some gentlemen to the session of Boleskin in ther Easter Parioch to concurr with them joyntly in building the said edifice, seeing they are concerned as wele as they, and have not gott an satisfactorie answer with these commissioners. The Presbrie thinks fit that they send other two gentlemen to the fors d sessione as yet the nixt Lords day, and the minister to bring a report of there diligence to the nixt Presbrie. The Minister regrated that there was not a ferrie boat upon the water of Oviach 1 for transporteing of himselff and parishioners, to q ch the gentlemen present replyed that Malcome Fraser of Culduthell did oblige himselff to uphold a boat there, so that the Parishioners would pay the boatman conforme to former condescendence, which the boatman sought not as yet, y r for the Mm r and Elders are desyred to keep y r condescend- ence to Culduthell that he may keepe conditione with them. The Min r also regrated that there was not a boat to transport him to his charge upon the water of Glenmoristonne. Mr. James Fraser and Master Hugh Fraser promised to speak to the Laird of Glenmoristonne for the s d boat, as also anent the most conio- •dious place q r the sermon may be heard each Lords day. 1 River Oich. 84 RECORDS OF THE [sept.-dec. The Officer beeing removed, and enquirie beeing made anent him, it was declared both by Min r and Elders that he was deficient in his office ; being called in he was rebucked by the Moderator and ordayned to waite on his office more diligently inder the paine of depositione. [10th Oct. 1677. Meeting of Synod at Elgin. On 11th the Presbytery met at Elgin. Mr. James Fraser, Minister of Wardlaw, chosen Moderator by the Bishop.] At Invernes the 7 Novem. '77. [Among the refers from last meeting of Synod are : — ] 2. 'That bretheren take narrow inspectione anent traffick- ing priests their preaching or saying mass in famillies or con- venticles, and upon certaine informatione to transmit their names to the Bishope. 3. That persons inorderlie maried be delated to the civill magistrate that they may be punished conforme to the late Act of Counsell. 5. That each broy r thrise every yeir preach against rebellion, chuseing texts for that subject, and that the sacrament be celebrat at Ester. That the king in publick prayer be designed in all his titles, and that Archbishopes particullarie be designed in publick prayers.'' William M c Phersone m Inv ss , adulterer, reported to haue gone away to Holland to be a souldier. At Invernes, 5 Decemb. 1677. Mr Roderick M c Kenzie beeing enquired concerneing his absence the day preceding, answered that he could not cross the water of Nairne, y r beeing a great deluge that day and the day befor. That beeing a known truth, he was excused. That day compeired Patrick Gordon, Burges of Invernes, before the Presbfie y r off, presenting ane supplica°n subscribed be him and Marjorie Leith, his spouse, bearing y t Mr. Alex r Clerk, ane of the Ministers of Innernes, did greivously reflect uppon him, his wyffe and family, and y* publictly in a sermon preached be him on the Lords day in the High Church of Innernes, Octo r 14, 1677, being the sabboth day immediately 1677] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 85 after y e Synod as ye Supplica°n in itselff doth proport, and is registrat verbatim as followeth : — Unto the very Reverend Mod 1 * and Bretheren off y e Presbrie of Innernes, the humble Supplica°n of Patrick Gordon, Burges of Innernes, Most Humbly Sheweth and meaneth, — That uppon the fourteenth day of Octo r , being y e Lords day immediatly followeing y e meiting of the Synod of Murray, Before qch venerable, grave, and impartiall Judicatorie y e s d Marjorie compeired and was (as is knowne to your Reverend wysedomes) absolved of the lait scandall shee was charged for, with q ch tedious proces, by the means and procurement of the Supplicants im- placable adversaries, shee was for y e space of ane yeir compleitt keipt in a most drumly condition, and being by God's providence released of this heavie and unsupportable chaine, and thinking uppon nothing more then friendly to forgive her enemies, especi- allie y e Instruments of her troubles, for furthering and cherishing of q ch resolu°n shee repaired to the publict ordinance an the fors d Sabbaoth, wher the followeing discourse was delyvered from pulpitt be Mr. Alex r Clerk before all y e Congrega°n, and y fc so pressingly y t since y fc day many grave and judicious persons declared they never heard y e lyk delyvered from the chaire of verity, the dis- course followes by q ch the preacher made it palpable y t his intention was to effront and defame y e supplicants, and in cleare termes spok thus : Within thir few dayes I saw a lying letter wrytten be a subtill young man, and subscrybed by a simple old man, and red in my owne audience, q r in w* teares and sorrow he declares his wyffe to be both religious, holy, pious, just, and chast. As for her piety and sobriety God knowes it, and for her chastity all of you heares it. But its observable y fc notorious persons are alwayes defended by persons alyk guilty as themselffs, for wee find y* q n Absolom murdered his broy r Anion, Joab, a murderer lyk himselff, sent y e widow of Tekoa with a number of subtill, devilish, lying tales to mak his peace with his father ; even so shee was defended by persons alyke guilty with herselff. And uppon a tyme a Stranger asking for stabling att her house, a wyse man passing by answered y r is no stabling ther for horses, bot for men y r is stabling. But, iff hee had said right, y r is stabling for divells ; and applyed thus : I desyre you all to refraine from that howse q ch is a plauge and a pest amongst us, for, Jezebell lyk, shee attyres herselff as iff shee 86 RECORDS OF THE [DEC. wer not guilty, but for use of terror to y rt one y* hath sufferings y* it is ane earles of everlasting suffering and vengeance ; and I heard of a man made honest by Act of Parliament, but her shame and reproach shall never be wipped off. They talk shee is come oft in coach, but black is y e coach off it ; and att the close off his dis- course hee desyred all y e people to chewe y ve cuide on what they heard. In his first prayer hee said, O Lord, however wicked and divellish persons may in this world have many to plead y re unjust causes, yet the day will come q n none will be found to excuse them ; and in his prayer after sermon thus : God bless our Magistratts and q t ever way they be weakened be the hands of men, give thou them grace, O Lord, and strength y* that they may crush iniquity. Your wysedomes may easily Judge the supplicants condition to be now worse than at first, beeing so publictly rendered odious in y e eyes and esteime of such as had charity for us, both in towne and countrey, and y* at such high rate y 1 severalls qho formerly profesd slender kyndnes for us began att last to wonder and pity us in this peice off our usage. Yo r Reverend wysedomes may firmly believe the Supplicants to hawe no less than sadd and grieved hearts y l they should be necessitat (and to speak from our hearts ingenuity, it is no les) to mak this sadd address, especiallie y* cause and ground should be given them be ther Pastor qhom they never provocked y r to, but rather honoured and loved him as ther father and ffaithfull ffriend, and accordingly not only intimacie and familiaritie betwext them, but a most intire and unfainzied correspondence never violat by the Supplicants, nor cause given the s d Mr. Alex r Clerk, y r Pastor, to make the least breach y r off. Howbeit hee lies taken offence, the ground q r off hee never so much as once enquyred off the Supplicants, nether footed there floore or spoke to either of them (save once in his owne house nott called be him) thir bypast fyfteen moneths. May it y r fore please your wysedomes to consider of the abowe wrytten discourse, and y e scope and nature of it, and what wrong, shame, and loss y e Supplicants hawe sustained with y e former tedious proces. But worst of all this last unexpected peice of oppen and publict reproach, q ch work from the beginning hath so borne downe the Supplicants y* it hath crossed them in ther per- sons, wasted a considerable part of ther little interest, ecalypsed ther credit, destroyed ther lawfull calling uppon q ch y re lyvelihood depended ; in a word, hath made a clear path to usher in to the supplicants and family both penury and want, iff not in danger to 1 677] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 8T be utterly ruined if not speidily repaired to ther credit, q ch they begg may be looked to and regairded by your Reverend wysedomes, to q m they most humblie make address for y l effect, Almightie God, grant your Reverend wysedomes a dowble portion off his spirit y* yee may be found faithfull labourers in his vyneyard, and att last reap y e comfortable fruitts y r off to your endless comfort and joy, q ch is the strong and ardent desyres off y e supplicants, q hc> shall ever pray. Sic sub. Patrick e Gordonne. Marjorie Leith. [The above supplication taken into consideration by the Presbytry, who allowed the Supplicants to produce evidence of the statements made by Mr. Clerk, who 4 hath not been weill advysed, presumeing to reflect uppon the leidges without any ground, but much more against the late act of the Bishope and Synod of Murray, q r in the s d Marjorie Leith was cleared off all q r off shee was formerly aspersed, and y* without the contra- diction off any one Minister in the Synod, the s d Mr. Alex r Clerk beeing then present there, and by his taciturnity seemed to consent. 1 After various steps, and consultation with the Bishop, the following witnesses amongst others were on 1st May '78 examined, viz. : Alex. Dunbar, Provost ; Finlav Fraser, Bailie ; Robert Barber. Bailie ; Alex r Ross, Dean of Guild ; W m Baillie, Commissar Deput ; W m Cumming, Sheriff Clerk. The Presbytery found the 4 lybell sufficiently proven." On 15th May the evidence was reported to a meeting of the Bishop and Subsynod at Inverness, when the Presbytery's pro- ceedings were approved of. The subsequent proceedings are given in the Synod Register.] Att Invernes, July 31, 1678. That day Mr. Alex r Clerk, Minister of Invernes, reported y* hee had received a letter from Mr. James Wallace, one of the ministers off Orkney, who had given up the names of Alex r Beseck and Janet nein v c Gillmichael, fugitives from Invernes, to all the Ministers of Orkney, to be enquyred for, and promised to give him ane account y r off w* the next occasion. Att Invernes, 25 Septr. 1678. That day the whole Bretheren regrated that Seminary tra- fegueing preists are goeing up and downe through ther parodies 88 RECORDS OF THE [SEPT. awouedly confidently and affronted ly, and w l all doe baptise children begotten of delinquents, and doe heavily regrate y 1 Straglass and y e paroch of Commir is so pestered w* poperie that a totall defection is feared there iff not speidily prevented. It is regrated also that the Leidges doe converse familiarly w* excomminicat Papists and Preists, especiallie in the Towne off Invernes, as if they frie subjects, q ch regrate is referred to the Bishop and Synod of Murray for advvce. [At the i private censure ' it was found that the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper had not yet been celebrated in Kiltarlitv ; that Mr. Michael Fraser, Daviot, did not yet reside within his own Parish, his manse not being yet built — he promised to build before the next Synodical Meeting ; and that Mr. Rod k Mackenzie, Moy, did not reside at his kirk for want of a suffi- cient Manse. 1 He is exhorted to build ane sufficient manse conforme to the Act of Parliament to y* effect, and himself to repaire hither quam primum?] Att Invernes, Nov. 20. 1678. That day the Moderator declared y* hee had received ane letter from my Lo. Bi. showeing y* Mr. Michael ffraser, Min r of Daviott, was suspended for a certaine tyme, and \ rt hee did wrvte to Mr. Roderick M c Kenzie, minister at Moy, to repair to Daviott and there preach on ane Lords day, and to mak in- tima°n to the people off the s d paroch of the suspension of ther Min r , w* the continuance and reasons y r off, and this day v e s d Mr. Roderick declared y* hee had done conforme v r to. As also y e Moderator declared y* y e Bish. desyred to supplie v e s d charg dureing y e s d vacancie. That dav Mr. James Smith, Minister att Dorres, is ordained to preach att Dunlechity the Lord's day com 8 day>. [Among the Synodical refers are : 4 To intimat y 4 per>on> goeing to superstitious wells are to be censured." 1 That ' the 1 The ancient custom of ' going to superstitious wells ' early attracted the atten- tion of the Synod ; but the custom prevailed till far into the present century, and has not yet been entirely discontinued. On 26th April 1626 the Synod records : 1 In respect it is surmized that many people hes gain this yeir to wells and chappellis in forme of pillgrimage from all quarters within this provinces theirfore y e Synod ordaines euerie brother to sumond a number of their 1678] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 89 Bretheren of Invernes provyde a sallarie to y re Presbytrie Clerk according to former practice in that place, viz. ane Dolleare from every Minister per annum ; 1 6 y 1 Bursars off Divinitie haue ther mantenance collected tymously, els y e Moderator to pay them. 1 Att Invernes, Deer. 11, 1678. That day the Moderator presented a letter wryten to him from my Lord Bish. w* a bundell of printed procla°ns ishued from the King and Councell, ordaineing to keep a solemn fast throughout the whole realme v e 18 day of December instant ; and all the Bretheren are ordained to mak intima°n vrof in y r several 1 congrega°ns the next Lo. day, and declare the reasones of y e same. That day y e Moderater presented a letter directed to him from the Lo. Bishop desyreing y* such Ministers as wer present at y e debate betwext Mr. Hugh Fraser, Min r of Crov, and Mr. Michael Fraser, Minister of Daviott, should compeir before the Lo. Bish. and his assessors att the Subsynod y e 8 day of Janrij next ensueing, and Mr. Alex 1 ' Clerk and Mr. Gilbert Marshall, Ministers of Invernes, and Mr. Andrew Fraser, Student in Divinity, are enjoyned apud acta to be present the s d day. Also y e Moderator is to direct ane officer to summond the parochiners to compeir oulklie [weekly] befoir y e bishop and his bailzie, q a hes obtained ane commission for repressing y e same, and that y e brethren of y e exerceis of Elgin begin this course the nixt oulk [week].' The Synod's minute of 4th October 1642 bears that 'The gryt abuse continuing in this province be y e frequent repaireing off persones of all rankes unto superstitious wells and chappells, especiallie to y e Chappel of Grace well nere the "Water of Spey, and it being found y e Lords of his Majesties privie Councill had laitlie made and caused published some werie Lawdable Acts against these and y e lyk abuses, The saidis Acts being publicklie read in y e assemblie, after deliberatione, It is thought fitt zat Intimatione be maid of these Acts to such as are commissioners nominat within the same for repressing of these abuses in this Province, namely to the Shereffe [of] Murray, The Laird of Kilravock, The Laird of Brodie, The Provest and broughe of Elgine, That they be in readiness to concur w* the Laird of Innes at y e tymes requisit for repressing off the said superstitione, and to this effect ordaines coppies of y e saidis Acts to be sent to everie ane of them.' The Well of Grace was the most noted of the many holy wells within the province. On 1st November 1705 the Synod records : 'As to the reference concerning the Chapel and Well commonlie called the Chapel and Well of Grace, apoints ane address to be made to the Assembly for ane Act for suppressing of superstition used at that place ; and appoints everie Min 1 * to suppress it as far as they can.' 90 RECORDS OF THE [FEB. absent Bretheren to attend v e s d meitting for beareing witnes in y e s d matter uppon oath. Att Inverness Febrij 19, 1679. That day Mr. James Smith reported y* hee had preached at Dunlechetie sabboth day was fourtnight, and declared to the s d paroch y l Mr. Michael Fraser, ther Minister, was suspended de novo att the last Subsynod, and yt hee is to continew under the s d censure till the next Synod, intimating unto the s d people the reasons and grounds off the same. Att Invernes, March 5, 1679. That day, after Invocation of y e Lo. his name, y e Moderator [Rev. James Fraser] produced a letter directed to him be the Bishop of Murray, the tenor qreof is as follow es : ' Ther being a proclama°n emitted from y e King his Councill of late come to our hands, ordaineing and commanding all papists of q t soever qualitie wHn this kingdome to mack ther address to the Arch Bishop and Bishopes of this diocess before some certaine dayes in the s d proclama°n specified, to the end they may, after conference had w* y e Archbishopes and Bishopes, be either con- vinced or convicted. These are therefore requyring zou and y e other Bretheren of your Presbytrie (being called by you to meitt pro re nata) to send us tuext this and the 8 day of March preceisly particular lists of all the papists wHn each of ther parodies, and lett the list of each paroch be faithfully wrytten and sub fc by the Minister of the samen, but w* this distinction y* you mark p'ticu- larly : 1. quho are excomunicat papists ; 2 dl ?, qho haweing professed the Protestant Religion ar become apostats; and 3 dl * v , qho hawe been bred Papists from their infancie.' The Moderator, conforme to the fors d ordinance off the Lo. Bishop, gawe tvmous advertisement to each Brether, who accordingly conveened to this day. The Ministers off' Inverness being enquyred what Papists wer w*in ther charge gawe in a list as followes : ' Wee, undersubscribers, Ministers off Invernes, declare that these underwrytten Papists did apostatize from the Reformed Religion, and y r fore wer processed, and, continewing obstinat, they are by y e order of the late Bishope of Murray and Synod y r of excomu- nicat ; ther names are David Bailzie of Dochfure, James Bailzit* i6 79 ] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 91 there, Johne Byars of Cotts and Lillias Grant his lady, resideing in the Castle of Invernes (Agnes Monro, Spouse to James Bailzie, qho is not yet excommunicat, but to be processed). This wee verifie to be of truth, at Inverness y e 5 of Martch 1679- Sic sub. ' Mr. Alex*" Clk. Mr. Gilbert Marshall.' The s d day Mr. James Grant, Min r of Urq rt , sent in a li*t of his papists as followes : 6 I, Mr. James Grant, Min r of Urq 1 , doe testifie and declare y* (blessed be God for it) ther are no Papists in this Paroch of Urq rt , except Katherin M c Donald, spouse to Jhon Grant of Coremony, qho was both borne and bred among Papists, and one Hector M Lean, a young man baptized in our church but bred among Papists since his youth, but nether of these excomunicat ; q ch is verified under my hand att Kilmore in Urq rt , 5 of March 16*79. Sic sub. ' Mr. James Grant.' The Papists of Abertarfr' ar as followes : ' I, Mr. Robert Monro, Minister offAbertarf and Glenmoriston, doe testifie and declaire these Papists did apostatize from the re- formed religion before my entrie, viz*, Allan M c donald of Kieltrie, and Mary Chisolme his spouse, all his children, servants, and tenents ; Donald M c Donald of Culachie, his wyff, servants, and tenents ; Allan M c Donald of Culachie, his whole family (except Mary Fraser, his wyff) ; Ranald M c Donald off Pitmean, his wyff, children, and tennents ; all y e people of Carngoddy and Ochtera ; Jhon M c Donald in Lick, his wyff and whole familie ; the tennents of Oberchalder, Alex r Buj in Portclare, his wyff, and children. ' The Papists of Glenmoriston are, Alex 1 " M c Donald in Achlean, his wyff, and whole familie ; Allan M c Donald in Innervuick, his whole family (except his wyffe) ; Archibald M c conachie v c Phadrick in Innervuick, but not his wyff nor family. 'The excomunicat are, both for Incest and Defection to Poperie, Johne Grant in Duldregin, and Katherin Fraser his wyff, and part of his family. This to be off truth I verify under my hand att Invernes, March 5, '79- ' Mr. R. Monro.' ' A list of such persons as hawe bein bred Protestants wHn the Paroch off Kiltarlitie, and hawe made defection to popery, viz.. Georg Monro in Commer, John M c Rorie v c ean v c Don d v c eachin, Margrat Monro his wyffe, there ; Donald M°allister v c tijre and 92 RECORDS OF THE [MARCH Mary nein Thomas More his wyff, there ; Ferq r M c W m v c ean, and Beatrix nein tyr his wyff, and John his son, there ; Roderick M c Alister v c Rorie and Elspet nein Chlerich his wyffe, there ; Donncan Due M c Hutcheon v c ean Liea, there ; William more M c ean v c William there ; Hutcheon M c ean Miller in Guisachan ; Alex* M c Hutcheon. Smith there ; Donald M c Iver in Erchless ; Alex r Fraser of Kinneras ; Simon Fraser in Kulmaskiak. ' These two followeing are excommunicato viz., Roderick M c Iver in Maald. William M c Hucheon v c William Roy in Commer. This to be of trueth is verified under my hand att Invernes, the 5 day of March 1679- Sic sub. ' Hugh Fraser.' That day there being no other Papists in any Paroch whn this Presbvtrie as each Minister had declared, y e Moderator enclosed the former lists, subscrwed by each Min r concerned, in a letter directed to the Lord Bishope. [The above were the only lists given in.] Att Invernes, April 2, 1679. That day y e Moderator produced a letter sent him from y e Lord Bishope, approveing the formall procedour of the Pres- bytrie in giveing upp the list of ilk Papists wHn y r respective eongrega°ns. Att Liver nes, May 14. "79. Alex r Denoone, Burges off Invernes, being sumonded to this dvett for cohabitinor w* Isobell Robertson, alleado-ed to be marry ed be a priest, being cited, not compeiring, to be sumonded pro 3°. That day the [Moderator presented the Synodicall Refers, cj ch being read wer recorded as folio weth. 1st, That y e Collections for the Montrose [Merchants be given to the severall Moderators and to be keeped by them until] further order. 2 dly , To enouvre for Isobell Ferqhar, fugitive from Rothes, for adultery; for Alex r Sympson and Margaret Reuch, adulterers in Belly ; For Francis Wallace, adulterer in Raffort ; Jhon Forbes, adulterer in Moy ; Janett Gaderer in Kinneder for murdering her owne child ; for Alex r Besack and Janet Fraser, adulterers in Invernes. 1 679] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 93 3 dly , Collection to be made for Glasgow, and the contribution for Christian Fullertowne, to be sent be the severall Moderators to Mr. James Home or Mr. Hugh Ros for her use. 4 ly , That adulterers not sentenced w* death by the civill Magistrat to be censured by the Church for the scandall, and to pay ther penalties according to Law. 5 ly , To enquyre for John Cuming, fugitive from Edenkeily, for suspected adultery. 6 thy , To pay the Bursar money. 7 ly , To cause sumond Mr. Jhon Monro, session Clerk of Kiltarlatie, Alex r Fraser of Kinneras, and Hugh Fraser of Belladrum, and Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister of Kiltarlatie, to compeir before the Lo. Bishop and Bretheren the 30 of Apryle 1679. The Bretheren wer appoynted be the Moderator to notice the Refers of the Synod as every one was concerned. That day the Moderator presented a letter sent him be the Bishope of Murray bearing 1. that y r is ane order of Councill determining that all women of note qho goe to conventicles shall be fyned, and tho ther husbands pay ther fyne for them zett iff they outlive ther husbands the heir shall mak them repay it out of their joyntures : this to be modestly and prudently intimat to such women to prevent ther future danger. 2 dly , That it is requyred be his Majesty his councill y* all schoolmasters, chapplaines, and Paedagoiges shall appear before the Lo. Bishop, and tak the oath of alleadgeance, and declare ther acknowledgement and submission to the present government of Church and State as it is now established by Law, and if any shall refuse ther are to be proceided against, and also the gentlemen qho retaine them will be fyned at the councill. This ordinance is imparted to every Minister apud acta w*in the Presbytrie, that betuext this and the first of June next each Schoolmaster, chaplaine, and paedagouge w*in ther respective paroches may compeir before the Lo. Bishop and tak the s d oath, That qho take it may report his certificat to us to be recorded in our Register, and compareing them w* those y l refuse wee may send the list of such recusants to the Lo. Bishope to be sent to the Councill. 3 dIy , The Bishop showes that y r is a visita°n of the Church of Alderne appoynted to be on 94 RECORDS OF THE [may the last Wednesday of Jim, y r fore all y e Ministers of our Pres- bytrie are appoynted to compeire ther y* day, together w* ther Schoolm 1 " 3 , chaplaines, and paedagouges, because it will be easier for them to come there y n goe to Spynie. Att Invernes, July 23, 1676. That day the Minister of Inverness declared that thay had conferred with Alex r Denoone, and y 1 hee had promised to giwe satisfactione to the discipline, and to produce under the hands of two witnesses to the presbytrie the next day when and where hee had bein married be Priest Dunbar. Alex r Besack and Janet Eraser, fugitives from Invernes, reported to be att Tung in Strathnaver, the Ministers of Invernes are ordained to wrytt to the Minister of the fors d place to remitt them back againe, q ch they promised to doe quam primum. The ordinance concerneing Schoolm rs , chaplaines, and Paeda- gouges is renewed de novo, and enjoy ned to repaire to the Bishope, and report ther testimony back to the Presbyterie. Att Invernes, Augt. 27, 1679. That day the Minister of Abertarff declared y 1 Dowgall M c Conachie v c conill, fornicator in Glenmoriston, did supplicat the Session ye last Sabboth to be receiwed before them, and offered to engadge himselff by cautionrie to satisfy the discipline of the Church, entreating to forbeare the proces before the Presbytrie, q ch for advyce is referred to the Presbytrie. It is therefore judged expedient, because of the distance of y e place, and rudenes of y e people, to yeild to his humble demand, and y e Minister exhorted in his owne pastorall prudence to use all lenity and meikness to gain such. That day the Minister of Dorres reported y* Alex r Bailzie in Borlum compeired before the Session of Dorres y e last Lo. Day, and did humbly supplicat y e Session to receive him to his repentance, and to forbeare processing of him before the Pres- bytrie, obleidgeing himselff w* all submission to giwe due obedience in all poynts, q ch demand the Minister and Session wer not frie to grant w*out consulting with the Presbytrie vranent. The Presbytrie will not yeild to any such practice, 1679] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 9o Therfore enjoyned the Minister to cause sumond once yett to the next dyett, w 4 certification if hee obey not that the proces shall goe on in his contrar. At Invernes, 1 Oct. 1679. The Moderator haveing also enquyred iff the Bretheren in ther respective Paroches have celebrat the Sacrament of the Lords Supper since the last Synod, it is found y 1 most of the Bretheren hawe not given it, and ther reason was y t the frequent charges y* ther people gott to be in armes against the M c donalds obstructed ther friedom to that great work. The s d day, before the meitting closed, the Moderator thoght fitt to declare y l Hugh Eraser of Belladrum, Alex r Fraser of Kinneras, Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister of Kiltarlatie, and Mr. Jhon Monro, Schoolmaster at Kiltarlatie, wer by the Bishop, his last missive to him, desyred to be sumonded to meitt him and his assessors at Alderne, att a visita°n, being the 25 of June 1679, and since that meitting did not hold, therefore did forbear any further summonding of y m till further orders, q ch is not given out as yett. At Elgine, October 14, 1679. [Among the Synodical refers read is, * that the collection for the Glasgow people be given to the several 1 Moderators to be kept till furder order.'] At Invernesse, 3 March 1680. That day, the name of God being called upon, Mr. Alex r Cumming, Preacher of the Gospell, hade his popular sermon, text 1 Pet. 5. 8, cum- intuitu to the Charges of Moy and Dala- rossie, to q ch he is presented by the Bp. of Murray, and the Moderator declared that he had prescribed the s d Mr. Alex r this task by order of the late Bp. of Murray, now of Galloway, and Calen, 1 by y e Mercie of God now Bp. of Murray, both whose letters he this day presented. The young man being removed his labours were approven. The s d Mr. Alex r Cuming is appoynted to have a com on 1 Calen — Gaelic for Colin. 96 RECORDS OF THE [march head y e next dyet de gratia umversaU, and to have his theses in readines to be distributed \ e next day. That dav Mr. James Smith, Minister at DoiTes, is ordered to repair to the Church of Mov, and y r to serve Mr. Alex r Cuming Iris edict, in order to his entrie to the s d charge, and to giwe a full report of his diligence next meeting dav. [John Roy Eraser in Wardlaw, and Angus M c Allan in Dala- rossie. to be proceeded against for deserting their wives.] At Invemesse, Aprill 7. 1680. That day Mr. James Smith, Min r at Dorres, reported z*, conform to z e former ordinance, he hade gone to the Church of Mov in Stratherne, and preachd to y e people y r , being on ane Lords day, March 14 last bypast, haveing caused read ane edict at y e most patent kirk doore imediately befor entring publick worship, and after the close of divine service he declared publicklv that the moderator and remanent breyren of the exercise of Invernes hade sent him there to shew them that Mr. Alex r Cuming, Student in divinitie, and preacher w*in the p'sbitrie of Cromdale. was presented to the Churches of Mov and Dallarassie, and hade past his trvalls to that effect befor the presbetrie of Invernes, and was approven in all the step> therof. a^ the edict read in the forenoone and now indorsed on the Kirk door did proport. Therfor charged y e parishioners, or at least some Comissioners from v m , to compeir befor y e prbetrie q ch is to hold at Invernes the 12 dav of Mav next, to declaire their willingnesse to accept or reject y e s d Mr. Alex r Cuming to be their future Minister. That day Angus M c Allan M c Intoshe, in the parochin of Mov. compeired judicially for himselffe and as Comissioner from the rest of the parishioners of the two parodies of Mov and dallarassie, declaiming that they were all well pleased w* Mr. Alex r Cuming, and were content, and unanimously con- futed to have him to be their future minister ; whereupon the Mod r , w* consent of the Bretheren, desired the Clerk to draw up a sufficient testimonie to y e s d Mr. Alex r of approbation to be given to our ordinarie the Bp. of Murray, along w 4 the former adict, y* he may receive cola°n, institution, and imposi- tion of hands from him, q ch testimonie was granted conforme, and sub 1 be the Mod r and clerk. i68o] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 97 At Invernesse, Julij 1680. That day Mr. James Fraser, Moderator, presented a letter sent him from the Lord Bp of Murray, injoining him to repair to Moy in Stratherne, and y r to admitt Mr. Alex r Cuming to be their future Minister and incumbent at y e united kirks of Moy and Dallarossie, which conforme upon the 23 d of May last, being y e Sabath day, haveing a frequent convention of the parishoners, Heretors, and elders pnt nemine contradicente, per- forming all the ceremonies requisite at such a solemne actione. At Invernesse, August 4, 1680. [All present 'except Mr. Hugh ffraser, minister at Croy, being at Aberdene, and Mr. Hugh ffraser, Minister at Kiltar- litie, who is in Inchgald. 1 *] That day James Fraser in Duntelchake gave in a supplica- tione and grievous complaint bearing y* Duncan Shaw in Knocknikeall had reported in severall places and severall com- panies y* he had struck his own wife w* a joint stoole, w ch was the occasion of her death, and at oy r times y* he had murthered and killed his wife, for q ch he humbly pleads for a redresse. The s d Duncan being sumoned to this dyet, citted, not com- peiring, is to be sumond to y e next dyet pro 2 do . At Invernesse, Septr. 1, 1680. That day Alex r Rose, presbetrie officer, gave in ane execu°ne bearing that conforme to the former ordinance he hade sumoned Duncan Shaw in Knocknikeall, being cited, compeired for him Angus M c Bain, Messenger, and Jo 11 M c bain No r publick, and produced ane advocation in the s d Duncan Shaw his favours, as also the s d Angus did take instrument in the s d John M c bain No r publick his hand, where he hade produced y e s d advocation judicially, and delivered a double y r of in the Moderator his hand, the affaire is continued and referred to the Synod for advice. That day Janet M c Intoshe in Moy compeired befor the presbetrie and gave in a grevous complaint against Duncan M c ean her husband, showeing that he hade violently and 1 Inchgald — Innsigall, the Islands of the Strangers, applied to the Hebrides while in the possession of the Norse. G 98 RECORDS OF THE [sept. wickedly put her away from her house and his fellowship in the moneth of March last, and the Ministers, friends, and christiane neighbours hade dealt most seriously w* him to accept of his wife into his fellowship again, yet could never prevaile with, nor perswade him to that effect, and he being formerly sumoned to compeire befor the p'sbitrie gave in some reasons why he would not accept of his maried wife, and being most convinceingly dealt w* by the Mod r and remanent breyren of y e exercise hi judicio, and apart also, declared that he could give no reason except that he could not love her. This not satisfying the presbetrie he was exhorted to adhere under the pain of being processed, yet, notwithstanding all the paines taken upon him, continues obstinate and hard hearted, and will do no kynde of dutie to his said wife ; y r for Mr. Alex r Cuming, Minister of the s d parochin, is appointed to charge him three severall lords dayes from the pulpit imediately after the close of divine worship to adhere to his wife, and to give report y r of to the next dyet, q ch is to hold at Invernesse Septr. 29. At Invernesse, Septr. 29, 1680. That day Mr. Alex r Cuming, Minister at Moy, reported y t conforme to the former ordinance he hade given the first publick charge to duncan M c ean to adhere to his wife. The s d Duncan, after humble addresse and application to his Minister, promiseing obedience, is referred by the s d Minister w* consent of the Session to this dyet, citted, compeiring, being seriously spoken to by y e Moderator and remanent breyren, and the hazard and great danger that he would incurre in his person and portion by this his malicious and wilful desertion of his fors d spouse, and the strictnes of the civill Law and ecclesiastick discipline against such, even to y e rigour of ex- comunication, he is thoroughly convinced, and, under a deep sense of his former obstinacie, is brought to a knowledge and confession of his sin, and hoped y* God would incline his heart to adhere to his spouse, and supplicated a moneth's continua- tion, and suspending any process against him, q ch the Presbetrie granted, and desired his Minister to be frequent and serious w* him. That day severall breyren of the presbetrie regrated y* how i68o] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 99 soone they did pursue their delinquents many of them would rune to the preists and by y m be maried or haue their children baptised, by this meanes discipline is slighted and contemned, and these turne ey r fugitive or obstinate. Also it was the gfall regrate and greivance of the breyren y* swearing, drinking, and sabboth breaking was current and usuall to their great greife. Therfor desires the advise of the Synode how to goe to work for suppresseing the fors d insolencies and greivous sinnes. That day the Moderator enquyred of all y e breyren if the twentie ninth day of May, y e anniversarie solemne day of thanksgiving for y r kings restoration, was keept ; answered affirmative. % He enquired if the Synodicall referres were observed conforme to the former ordinance in their due methode and maner by all the breyren. Answered affirmative. That day the Moderator enquired if the holy Eucharist or Sacrament of the Lords Supper was celebrate by each broy r w*in his respective charge, at least once a year. Some were found who hade given it, but y e remisseness and neglect of oy rs is sadly rerated. At Livernesse, October 27, 1680. [Among the Synodical Refers read at this meeting were the following : ' That y e Schoolm rs and chaplains repair to the Lord Bp. to be licenciat by him, oy r wayes be suspended ; , * That the preists names be sent into y e Lord Bp. to be sent by him to the Councell. ' 4 To pay the Burses of divinity." 4 To haue in readines the contribution for the bridge of Invernes against the Synod." 4 To intimate and collect y e contributione for the harbor of Portsoy conform to y e act of Councell granted to that effect. 1 4 That every minister of y e Presbetrie give a Rex dollar to Mr. Robert Monro for to officiate as Clerk and whoever refuses to give this to him are ordained to officiat as clerk y m selves. 1 4 To give the sacrament of y e Lords Supper once every year, oy r wise the Minister to be suspended. 1 ] That day compeired doncan M c Ean vie Conchy in y e parochin of Moy, who, alleadging some oy r reasones of non- adhereance w l his wifelsobell M c quine, not insert here formerly, 100 RECORDS OF THE [OCT. they and y e examina on of y m referred to his own session, and the Minister to give ane account to the presbetrie how soon the same is done. At Invernesse, November 24, 1680. Mr. Andrew Fraser (Student in divinity) delivered his comon head de per sever antia sanctorum. Appro ven. The s d day all our referres and ordinary discipline are super- sided because our Bishop is in town (and present at y e meitting) haveing come hither to compose the difference that was betwixt the Frasers and Mackintoshes, and some of our Ministers being concerned as assessors w* him in y l affair, were necessitate to waite upon him. At Invernesse, flecember 22, 1680. That day the Ministers of Invernesse reported that John M c Andrew vain Invernesse did by oath in the face of the Congrega°n purge himselfe from suspected adultery w* Katharein nin Donald vie Cay. At Invernesse, January 12, 1681. The referre concerning Duncan M c ean and his alledgeance ag st his wife referred as yet to the session of Dallarosie for furv 1 " try all, and y e Minister to make report to y e next dyet. At Invernesse, April 6, 1681. The referre concerneing Doncan M c ean and his wife continues as yet till she be cleared of the alleadged scandall of adulterie raised against her by Dugall M c dugall in y e paroche of Dallarosie. That day the Mod 1 " inquired if all the Breyren hade carefully observed the synodicall referres, intimated and recorded the same in their own registers ; answered affirmative. The 3d Synodicall referre it is reported y* preist O'Neil, resided in the Castle of Invernes from y e 25 of Dec r till Easter last, and preist Monro, resides still in Strathglasse, and preist Francis M c donald in Glengerey, Father Hugh Orein, anoy r preist, residing in the Chissolmes Country under the notion of a phisician — y e account of all q ch is referred to y e Bp. and Synod. i68o] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 101 The 11th Referre concerneing y e sacrament of y e Lords supper, it is found y* y e Ministers of Invernes, Daviot, and Wardlaw haue celebrated the same about and after Easter, but y e not giveing it at all, or but verie seldome, is verie much to be regrated, and consequently y e fors d act be yearly renewed. Att Daviot, May 10, 1681. The s d day conveened the Moderator, Mr. James Fraser, and with him Maister Hugh Fraser, Minister at Croy, and Mr. Alex r Cuming, Minister at Moy, w* Mr. Michell Fraser, Incumbent, and conform to the former appointment proceeded to the appretiation of the s d Mans, and having mett w* such Heretours as wer there present, we all went to the parish Church of Daviot, q r after Invocation of y e Lords name, the Moderator enquired the Minister of the place if he had given timous intimation and advertisement to the parishoners of the s d meeting, answered affirmative ; as also the Heretors, elders, and Deacons present confirmed the same ; the Moderator en- quired further if he had brought w 1 him Massones, Carpenters, Smiths, glaziers, and oy r workmen usually called for apretiation of Manses, answered affirmatively ; the which workmen being all present were deeply sworne one by one with uplifted hands, to deale uprightlie and honestly in y e s d appretiation according to their skill and knowledge. All this being done, with consent of the Heretors present, nemine contradicente, the Moderator tooke instrument in Hector Fraser, Notar publicks, hand, and y e s d workmen were immediately thereafter directed to the s d Mans, w* the s d Notar as Clerk, to appretiat the samen ; and seeing the day was much spent we have superceeded the desig- nation of the Gleab of Daviot till a new occasion. The next meeting to hold at Invernes June 8. The meeting closed w* prayer. At Invernes, June 8, 1681. The said day the Moderator presented the referrs of the Synod of Murray, holden at Invernes Aprile 19, and being read Judicially were all recorded as folio weth : 1. That such as haue not given in their contribution for the Montrose Marchants at their first presbiteriall meeting may 102 RECORDS OF THE [JUNE collect ye same and send it Allex r Falconer the Bishops Sone q m prim m . 2. The contribution for Portsoy harbor collected to ye next Synod. 3. That such as haue not given the Sacrament of the Lords Supper the last halfe yeare goe about the samen or the next Synod under the Certificat contained in the last Act. 4. That no widow or widower receave the benefit of mariage unless they have confirmed the testament of the defunct, or secured the doing of the same as accords of Law. 5. That Ministers absent from prin 11 meetings without ex- cuse in write, and these found relevant, are to be censured. 10. That the Bursar of divinity be payed quam primum. Att Liver )ies, 13 July 1681. David M c Kglashen, Saboth braker in the parochin of Croy, being disobedient to the disciplin y r , being summoned to y e dyet, Cited, compearing, denyed the fact, vet the s d scandall being proven legally against him, is appointed to satisfie y e Church disciplin there sub periculo. The last solemn fast appointed to be keept by publick autho- rise for the reasons in the proclamation insert was punctually keept by all the Brethren July 6, 1681. Att Inv ernes, Septr. 21, 1681. Janet Nindonald, an confest adulteress w* James fraser in Kiltarlity, stands to her former confession, and is going on in the profession of her repentance. The s d James standing to his former deniall, both of them referred to this dyet, y e s d Janet being cited, compeareing, declared seriously as before. The s d James fraser cited, compeared, being strictly examined, both confronted, circumstances urged, stands most obduredly and obstinatly to his deniall as before. They are dismist. The Minister enjoined to take great paines on y m , and if he con- tinues obstinat his oath to be taken publickly before the con- gregation with one hand upon the child's head, and the other hand upon the Bible, which is the usuall practice in such cases. 1 1 The result of this order was that Fraser confessed being the father of the child, as reported to the Presbytery on 19th April 1682. i68i] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 103 [Reported that the only Ministers that dispensed the Lords Supper in terms of last Synodical refers, were those of Croy, Inverness, Daviot, Moy. The remissness of the others is ' mater of regreet.'] At Inverness, Novr. 9. 1682. The s d day the Moderator presented the Synodicall refers, and being read were recorded in our Register as followes : — 1. The whole Bretheren are to give up a list of the Papists and oy r separatists in their respective Parishes to the Bp this October [i.e. October 1682, the Synod having met on the 12th of that month]. 2. To mind the Acts of Councell for the severall contri- butiones. At Inverness, March 22, 1682. The said day Mr. Donald Forbes presented a Letter sub- scribed by all the Heretores and elders of Kiltarlity requireing earnestlie that the Presbfie would send them a Minister to preach and keep Session w* them, seing they wanted Sermon since 1st of January last, by the recusance of their own Paster. The prebfie haue granted y r request and appoints the Mode- rator [Rev. Jas. Fraser, Wardlaw] to be w* them the Lords day come eight dayes, if Mr. James Grant keep not w* them next Saboth as he promised. At Invernesse, Aprile 19, 1682. That day the Moderator declared that he had preacht att Kiltarlitie conform to the former ordinance, and keept session y r , where the present desolation of the said parish under their vacancy is very much regrated, sin and ignorance abounding, popery increasing in the upper parish more than ever by the incessant paines of the traffiquing priests, and the resetting of them among some of the Gentrie there who do too much encurrage them. The Moderator desyred the Bretheren to attend the Bishop and Synod ensueing, which is to hold at Elgin 25 instant, and to bring w* them their severall proportiones of the divinitie Bursers money for this halfe year. 104 RECORDS OF THE [APRIL At Elgin, Aprile 25, 1682. Conveened the Bretheren of the Exercise of Invernes, such as were pnt at the Sinod and resolveing to appoint their next meeting day. The Moderator declared that the Bishop was resolved to enter his visitations in our Prebfie next month, and the first visitation to hold at Croy, May 15. Therefore desired all the Brethren to be present, time and place fors d , to attend the Bishop and meeteing. At Croy, May 15, 1682. Conveened the Lo. Bishop, w* Mr. Alex r Tod and Master Berald limes, out of the pfby of Elgin, Mr. Donald Mcpher- son Moderator of the Pfby of Forres, and Mr. William Fal- coner, Mr. Hector M c Kenzie, Moderator of the Presbitry of Abernethy, w* the Bretheren of the Exercise at Inverness, and after Invocation of the Lords Name, Mr. Michel Fraser, Minister of Daviot, preacht, Text John 17. 18, 19. After Sermon the Lo. Bishop and Bretheren haveing con- veened for visitation of the said Church, The names of the Elders of the said Parochin was delivered to the Clerk as followes : Elders. — Alex r Ross of Clava, younger ; John Dallas of Cantra, Hugh Fraser of Daltullich, Alex r Ross of Holme [Holme-Rose], Robert Shaw of Wester Leyes, John Baly of Leves Cruii, John M c Killvray of Midleyes, Lewes Tulloch in Cantra. Deacons. — Kenneth M c Kintoshie, Deacon ; Donald M c Kin- toshie, William Ross, older ; William Ross, younger ; John Dow Ross, John M c Kpherson, Alex r M c Klean, William M c Kay. The Session Booke of Croy was delivered to M r Michael Fraser, Min r of Devy, 1 to be revised — was found formall. The Elders being solemnly posed w* uplifted hands to de- clare truth wherein they should be enquired anent the Minister, if he was diligent in catechising, exemplar in conversation, preacht to their edification, visiting the sick, administring the Sackrament, and impartiall in the exercise of disciplin, and other Ministerial! duties ; in all these he received approbation, 1 Devy (Jevy), the Gaelic pronunciation of Daviot. i632] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 105 and good estimation, from all the Elders and Deacons, being severally inquired. The Minister being inquired if he had satisfaction and con- currence of the Elders, declared affirmatively. The Lo. Bishop inquired if they had a Schoolm r in the Parochiri for educating children and readeing the holy Scriptur. The Min r replied y* they had no fixed sallary for one, it was therefor strongly recommended to take speedy comenceing for settling one and providing mantinance conform to y e Act of Pari. It was inquired if the officer, Donald Davison, was dutifull in his office, sober and christian in his conversation, got appro- bation from all both Minister and Elders. The Minister was inquired if there were any Mortification, he replyed there were none. And if he had Tables, Cloaths, and Cups for celebration of the Lords Supper ; he replied y r was a Communion Table ; other necessaries were borrowed. The Fabrick of the Church being considered, and some defect ruin found in thack and windowes, was recommended to the Minister and Elders to looke carefully to its reparation. It was also recommended to y e Minister and Elders to look to the improvement of the Common Good, and q n delinquents were obstinat and refractory in paying penalties to have immediat recourse to the Authority of the Commissary. The Minister complained of some abuse and indignities he and his wife had suffered of Donald M c Kandrew vain in Croy, saying that he had wrot a testament falsly, and was bribed to that effect. The s d Donald being conveened before the Com- missary, and the s d calumny judiciall proven against him, was fined, and recommended to the Session of Croy back, to satisfy in sacco, and proveing obstinat, is cited and compeareing, is in- joined be the Lo. Bishop to satisfy the disciplin conform to y e ordinance, also to be procest befor the Presby. The meeting closed w th praver. At Daviot, May 16, 1682. The Lo. Bishop and Bretherin haveing conveened for visita- tion of the s d Church, the name of God being invocated, Mr. Hugh fraser, Min r at Croy preacht. Text, Collos 2. ult. 106 RECORDS OF THE [may The session booke M as called for, and not being filled up, it was ordained, under pain of censer, to be written and closed against the next ensueing Synod at Elgin October 11. The list of the Elders and Deacons of the United Parochins off Daviot and Dunlechety are as followes : — Lachlin M c Kintosh of Oberarder, Ferq r M c Killvray of Dounmaglash, Alex' M c Kintoshie of Farr, Eun M c Kpherson of Fluchity, Robert Shaw of Tordarroch, John M c Kintosh in Elrig, Angus M c Kphail in Inverarny, William M c Kilvray in Lergs, Donald M c kbean of Falzie, elder and younger, Doncan M c kphail, Lachlin M c kherson Easter urchol, William Gum- ming, James M c Kintoshie, Lachlan M°Kivirrich, John M c Kbean in Lergs. Deacons. — Alex r M c Kay, Finlay M c Killimicliell, Doncan M c Kbean in Gask, John M c Kilmichel, Doncan M c Kjames, William M c Kgeorge. The Elders present were solemnly required uplifted hands to answer in truth q r in they were to be inquired con- cerning their Minister behaviour personall or pastorall, if he preached soundly and plainly to their edification, catechised frequently, administered the sacrement of y e Lo. Supper, visited the sick, and behaved as a faithfull Min r of ye Gospell, in all points of his duty ; being severally inquired they gave him a good testimony, and declared that they had nothing to say against him but his frequent absence and avocation about his affaires, q r the Lo. Bishop admonished him of seriously and enjoined him to amend and help. The Minister being inquired if the Elders did encurrage him by their concurrance and assistance in disciplin, he declared they did. In regard the Church was found ruinous, wanting thack in severall places, the windowes not glassed, the Lo. Bishop seriously recommended to their care to have this helped with all convenient speed. The Bishop inquired if they had necessaries for the cele- bra°n of the Lords Supper, the Minister replied that they had not o* [aught] a long time before nor since his entry : they are seriously exhorted to provid such necessaries as are meet for y* sacred action w* all convenient speed. 1 682] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 107 It was inquired if there was a Schoolm* in the Parochin, y e Minister answered y t they could not nor had any becaus there was no incurragement for one nor no mediat centricall place q r they could fix a schoole to the satisfaction of all concerned. The Bishop inquired if they keept a Register of Baptisms and mariage, the Minister answered he did. It was inquired if the officers of the two Churches of Daviot and Dunlechity caried soberly and christianly as they ought, and faithfull in their duty, they haue good testimony from y e Minister and Elders of both parishes. The meeting clos d w* prayer. At Kirlchill, May 17, 1682. The Lo. Bishop and remanent conveened for visitation of the said Church, and after invocation of the Lords name, Master Gilbert Marshall, Min r at Invernes, preacht, Text 2 Cor. 15. 20. The session booke being called for, it was delivered to Master Gilbert Marshall to revise, who found it a compleit Register and formall, being filled up to this same very day ; also the register of Baptism and Mariage, with the bill-booke of Mortality of ye said Parochin since the present incumbanfs entry. 1 The List of the Elders and Deacons of the Parochin of Wardlaw were delivered to the Clerk as followes : — Elders. — Thomas Fraser of Strachin, Thomas Fraser of Beufort, Hugh Fraser of Struy, Hugh Fraser of Belladrum, elder, Hugh Fraser of Belladrum, younger, Alex r Fraser, Barron of Moniack, James Fraser, younger thereof, James Fraser of Achnigarn, John Fraser in Inshbary, Master Simon Fraser of Finask, James Fraser of Dunballach. Deacons. — John Wright in Englishtoan, Collector ; Finlav M c Keanroy there, John M c Ksoirle in Kirketowne, Donald 1 ' The Bill of Mortality for the Parish of Wardlaw' (Kirkhill) was, in 1SS4, discovered in a private house in the parish, and is now in the General Register House, Edinburgh. It extends from 1663 to 1709, and contains, not only entries of deaths in the parish and neighbourhood, but also memoranda of other events which the learned author of the ' Wardlaw MS.' found of interest during his long incumbency of the parish. 108 RECORDS OF THE [may M c Ksoirle in Leminech, Finlay M'Koniloig, in Inshbary, Andrew Peery in Rindony, Donald M°Kphail in Holme, John M c Konildonich there, Thomas M c Kean vickonil in Craggag, James M c Kvarran in Drumcharduy, John Clerke there, William Barron in Dmmreach, Andrew M c Konilvickandrew in Moniak, James Spense in Achnigarn, John fraser in Kingilly, Thomas M c Kean vore in Grome, Finlay M c Konil vick robby there, John fraser in flngask, Alex r Smith in Donaldstoun, Donald M c Kthomas there, Alex r M c Kandrew oig in Lovat, Alex r M c Konil vick robby there. The Lord Bishop required these Elders and Deacons w* uplifted hands to answer upon oath wherein they were to be enquired anent their Min r Life and Conversation, personall and pastorall, his doctrin, visitation of the sick, catechising, administration of the sacrament every yeare, and what else concerned his sacred office ; they all gave him an ample testi- mony and approbation being severally enquired. The Minister being called in was enquired if he had all necessary concurrance and assistance from the Elders and Gentlemen in the exercise of disciplin, declared that he had as great incurragement from one and all of them jointly as a Minister could require in all things, and their orderly, sober, examplar life and conversa°n q h adorned all. The Lord Bishop inquired if they had a schoole, and a fixed sallary for a Schoolmaster. The Minister replied y* there was a chalder of victuall stated for him, and Decreet thereupon, w 4 20 libs out of our box, and also the Baptism and Mariage money, and a p* [present] schoolemaster serving who besides his attendance of the Schoole, was precentor and clerk, and read the Scriptures publickly every Lords Day in the Irish betuixt the second and third bell. The Schoolm r , Mr. Thomas Fraser, being removed, the Minister was inquired if he was carefull and dilligent in his charge, sober and christian in his conversation, receaved appro- bation and good testimony from both Minister and Elders in q 1 concerned his office. The Officer, Donald M c Kandrew, being removed, was found faithfull and honest in his trust, and got the approbation of Min r and Elders. 1682I PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 109 The Lord Bishop inquired the Minister if he had necessaries for the celebration of the sacrament of the Lo. Sup., replied that he had a very good large table, two good towells, a Basin also, but y fc he borrowed silver cups yearely. The fabrick of the Church was found compleit in thack, glass windowes, Lofts, dasks, church bible, pulpit cloath, and an excellent Bell and bellhouse. The Bishop gaue them ample commenda°n and incurragement, exhorting them to persist in well doing, Minister and Elders mutually assisting and strength- ening each oy r to y e end. The Meeting closed w* prayer. At Petty, May 19, 1682. The Lo. Bishop and Remanent Bretheren conveened for visita°n of the s d Church, where after invocation of the Lord's name, Mr. James Fraser, Minister at Wardlaw, preacht. Text, 1 Corinth. 4. 1. The Session booke being called for was recommended to Mr. Hugh Fraser, Parson of Croy, to be revised, and found formall, is approved. The List of the Elders aud Deacons of the Parochin of Petty, being citted, was delivered to the Clerk as follows : — Elders. — Donald M c Kqueen of Corribroch, John Cuthbert of Altirlies, David Denune, Chamberlan ; Duncan M c Kqueen, Rachkmore ; Hugh Dallas of Brachly, Hector M c Kintosh in Breachly, John Denune in Connadge, Doncan Cuthbert in Altirlie, Hugh Ross in Altirly, James Lieth in Mid Coule. Deacons. — Malcolm M c Kintosh in Conadge, Donald M c Klean in balnichrie, John M c Kay in Toreingnawn, William fraser in Fermott, Lachlin M c Krory in Altirly, Martin M c Kintoshie in Fleemintoun, John M c Kintosh in Dallichield. The said Elders and Deacons being required w t uplifted hands and solemn oath to declare truth wherein they should be inquired anent their Ministers conversation, personall or pastorall : they all gaue him good name and approbation ; onely they did regreit that he now becomning so weak and infirm through aid age, and could not attend the catechising, or goe at all to visit the sick, that [they] had need of a helper 110 RECORDS OF THE [may for the better advancing the glory of God and the interest of the Gospell, and good of soules in the place. The Minister being enquired if the Elders were assisting and concurring w* him in the exercise of Disciplin, he declared affirmatively, that they carried to his mind. Y e Bishop did seriously exhort them to be examplar in life and conversation to oy rs , and see God honoured and his worship promo ved. The Bishop inquired whether they had a schoole and a fixt Schoolem r , they replied that they had, and his incurragement suteable ; and a nourishing schoole. The Schoolm r , Mr. George M c Kqueen, being removed, the Min* and Elders being inquired if he caried dilligently in his charge and christianly in his life, they declared he did, and was a great help to their Minister. The Minister was inquired if he had all necessaries requisit for the Celebration of y e sacrament of the Lo. Supper, declared that he had a Table onelv, other things he borrowed. The officer being removed, the Bishop inquired anent his life and conversation, and dilligence in his office, he is commended of all and appro ven. The Fabrick of the Church is compleit and plenishit dayly with Lofts and dasks and other things necessary. The Lord Bishop did seriously recommend to y e Minister that in regard of his great infirmity through old age, he was not able to catechise or visit the sick, y* he would therefore have his serious thoughts of providing a sufficient well qualified man for assisting him in the work of the Ministery, and that he would concurr w* him ; this being so absolutely necessary was recommended to the Breyren of the Exercise of Inverness to be active in it with convenient speed. The Meeting closed w t prayer. At Invemes, July 5, 1682. That day, after Invocation of the Lords name, The Moderator presented a Letter direct to him from the Lo. Bishop recom- mending Mr. Thomas Fraser, preacher of the Gospell, to pass trialls before us in order to the Church of Dorris now vacant through the recusancie of Mr. James Smith, 1 late incumbent 1 Smith had refused to take the Test. 1 682] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 111 there, and also enjoining y* the said Mr. Thomas trialls should be ;iccelerat w* all possible speed ; he had this day his exegesis De Primatu Petri, and delivered his theses to be disputed next day. That day the Moderator presented the Synodicall referrs q h being read judicially were recorded as follows : 4. To mind a contribution to Mr. Robert Munro (Minister of Abertarfr ) in regard of his present straites and indigencies. 5. That each Minister absent from the Synod shall send in his letter of excuse twelve fs. (shillings) Scots to the Clerk of the Synod. 6. To mind the Bursar of Divinity his money. No disciplin this day in regard of many Bretheren's absence, and our several] vacancies by not takeing of the Test. The Bretheren to acelerat Mr. Tho. Frasers triall conforme to the Bishop's order, haue appointed the 12 instant to meet again at Invernes and the s d Mr. Thomas to haue his popular sermon, Text, Rev. 3. 19. The Meeting closes w* prayer. At Inverness, July 12, 1682. Mr. Thomas Fraser had his popular Sermon, Text, Revel. 3. 19, and also sustained the Disputes, Questionary trialls, and Languages, cum intuitu ad he., and being removed was approven in all the steps of his trialls, and is forthwith recom- mended to the Bishop by our unanimous testimonie to gett collation and ordination to the Church of Dorris. The process of William Fraser in Gusachan, John Fraser there, and other delinquents within the parochin of Kiltarlity sists in regard of the desolation and vacancie of the place. 1 At Invernes, Sepr. 20, 1682. That day Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Kiltarlity, being recusant formerly, not haveing taken the Test, and now sitting w* his Bretheren, haveing fulfilled the Law, and taken the s d Test, he is earnestly exhorted to advert to that charge which 1 Kiltarlity was vacant for several months through the minister having refused to take the Test. See next minute. 112 RECORDS OF THE [SEPT. lay vacant and desolat this long time, and to renue the process against the severall delinquants of the s d Parochin, and to report dilligence to the pfbrie again the next dav. That day Mr. Gilbert Marshall, Minister at Invernes, suppli- cated the Presbfie for supplying Mr. Alexander Clerk's place who hath been sick this while bygone. The pfbrv considering the necessitie of supply the populus charge of Invernes, by reason of their Ministers present condition, haue ordained Mr. James Smith, Minister at Dorris, to preach at Invernes Sunday eight dayes, and Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister at Crov, the Lords day thereafter. At Inverness, Nov. 15, 1682. [Mr. Michael Fraser absent, ' who is not yet returned from England.'] That day the Parson of Pettv sent his Letter to the Prbfv haveing inclosed in it an Edickt subscribed by the Bp. of Murray for apprising the Mans in Petty, and desireing that the Mod r , w* any oy r Brother of the exercise, should repaire thither the next weeke upon any convenient day they thought fitt. The Mod r , Mr. Gilbert Marshall, are to be there, God willing, next Wednsday ; y r fore y e edickt to be served to y* dav. That day the Moderator presented a Letter direct to him from the Bp. of Murray, of the dait at Elgin Octobr. 12, 1682, anent v e settling of a stipend and stated Benefice for Mr. Alex r Cummin^ Min r of Mov. The Mod 1 " delivered the said Letter to the incumbent, desiring him to draw the Heretores to a meeting in any mediat place where he and some other Bretheren might wait upon them for an amicable setlement. The said day the Moderator presented the Senodicall referrs w h were read and recorded as followeth : 3. To give up to the Bishop the Names of Seminary Priestes and such as mary and baptise w* them, the obstinat to be processt, and, to the end y* Letters of intercommuning may be obtained against the excomminicat, the Bretheren at their next meeting not to faile to send to the Bishop 14 Sh. scots from every Broy r for the expense of the s d Letters of intercom- muning. APRIL 1683] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 113 4. That each Brother mind the Bishops advice in reference to their grave decent and ministeriall habit. At Inverness, Feb. 14, 1683. Janet Prot, Adulteress in Petty, going on in the profession of her repentance, as is reported to us by Mr. Alex 1 ' Denune, Preacher of the Goepell, who is now by the Bishop's ordinance placed helper in Petty by reason of the extreame weakness and age of Mr. Alex r Fraser, the present Incumbent. [Denune had recently been licensed by the Bishop, having completed his trials before the Presbytery on 4 October 1682.] That day the Moderator declared that since the last meeting day he had receaved a letter express from his ordainer, the Bishop of Murray, enjoining him to repaire to the Church of Dorris upon an convenient day and there to institut Mr. Thomas Fraser, Minister of Dorris, haveing formerly receaved ordination and collation from our Bishop to that charge ; the which Institution and admission the s d Moderator expeded after Divin service (and sermon had to y* effect) in the Church of Dorris the last Lords day being 11 instant, w* all the cere- monies requisit in such a solem act, before the Congregation without any objection or opposition made by any of the Heretors or Parishioners against the s d Mr. Thomas his Insti- tution, but on the contrare such Heretors and Elders as were present gave him a cordiall reception. At Tnvernes, Apryle 4, 1683. That day Master Thomas Fraser, Minister at Doris, heaviely regrated to the Breyrane of the Exercise that he was extreamly discurraged and his hands weakned in the s d charge by Mr. James Smith, his Predicessor, who yet liveihg in the manse close by the Church, doeth not only himself and famiely Dishant [dishaunt] the ordinance, to the great scandall of the gospell, but also inhibits others whom he may imped from comeing to the ordinances, and also baptises children w*in the s d paroch clandistinly unknowne to the Incumbent ; q ch grievance is to be redressed only by the Bishop and Synod. That day Master Alex r Denune, preacher at Pettie, piited the apriseing of the s d Manse in Mundo to be recorded in our H 114 RECORDS OF THE [APRIL register at the earnest desyre of Mr. Alex r fraser, parson of Pettie, the tenor q r of is as follows : — ' At the Manse of the Kirk of Pettie y e twentieth day of November 1682 years; the q ch day Master James fraser of Phop- pachie, Minister of Wardlaw, Moderator of y e Presbytery of Inver- ness, and Master Gilbert Marshall, Minister at Inverness, two of y e ministers of the Presbytery of Inverness (w*in the q ch y e manse underwryten of y e s d Kirke of Pettie belonging to Mr. Alex 1 " Fraser, Minister y r of, is situat and built) authorised nominat and appointed be the Bp. of Murray and the s d Presbytery of Inverness for attending and seing the s d Kirk of Pettie to be appretiat and comprised, and haveing taken along with us honest and judicious tradesmen such as masons, wrights, carpenters, and smiths, and oy r workmen, who being all solemnly sworne, viz. William Henrie and Andrew Ross, Massons, burgeses of Invernesse, Robert Fraser alias Gow, Smith in Dallyeild [Dalziel], William M c Gilandrice, Smith in Conadge, Andrew Munro, Wright in Culernie, and Finlay Forbes, Wright in Pettie, and the Edict emitted to the effect above wrytten being duelie and orderly intimated, published, and served to this day, as the Edict, intimation, and execution in them- selves respective at more lenth bears, the s d Andrew Munro and Finlay Forbes, wrights, haveing seen and considered the whole timber and timberworke of the hall, chamber, pantrie, kitchin, and remanent houses and roomes of the s d Manse, and well advised y r anent, they both w l once, but [without] variance, have aprised and aprises the samen to be worth the sourae of ane hundreth and twentie mrks, six shillings, four pennies scots money. 4 Sic suhscribitur ' De mandato dictor/ Andrei Monro and FINLAY FORBES, etc., ' D. Denoone, Noris pub.' ' The s d William Henrie and Andrew Ross, Massons, haveing also seen and considered the whol stone work and mason worke of the s d Manse, being weel advised y r anent, they both, w* one voice but variance or discrepance, have aprised and aprises the samen to be worth the soume of four hundreth and twentie mrks money fors d , and the s d Robert fraser alias Gow and W m M c Gillandrice, Smiths, above named haveing seen and considered the whol iron work of the s d manse and hadhouse y r of, w* the locks, keys, iron bands, windows, stenchels, and remanent Smith worke pertaineing y r to, 1683I PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 115 and being weel advised y r anent, they both, with one advice and voice but variance, have aprised and aprises the samen to be worth the sowme of threttie mrks Scots money, sic subit r W M Henderson, mason. A. R., mason, ' De mandato dictor Roberti fraser and Gulielmi M c Gillandrice scribere nescien ut aserv* etc Da. Denoone Nor Pub. ' And the s d hail workmen abow-nominat haveing seen and con- sidered the hail glasen work and windows of the s d manse and house y r of, and being well adwised y r anent, they all, w* one voice but variance, aprysed and aprises the samen to be worth five mks five shilling four pennys money fors d , the whol sowms respective abowrytten at q ch the s d manse was aprysed being all calculat ex- tending to five hundreth seventie six merks twelve shillings money fors d . In testimony q r of and the truth of the hail premiss thir pre- sents are sub* by the s d Mr. James fraser and Mr. Gilbert Marshall, and ye s ds hail workmen and tradesmen abownamed, and also be David Denune, Notar publick, Clk to the s d apryseing, day, moneth, year of God and place abowrytten. 1 D. Denoone n.p. Clk to the premiss. Mr. J. Fraser, Moderator. At Invernesse, May 23, 1683. No report of the delinquents in Petty because it hath pleased the Lord to remove from this Life our very reverend and pious brother, Mr. Alex r ffraser, late Min r y r . At Inernesse, Sept* 26, 1683. The s d day the Mod r enqrd if all the breyren hade received y e act and proclamation appointing a solemne day of thanks- giving to be keept on the 9 th of Sept r instant for the happy discovery of the late horrid plot 1 against his sacred Matie, his royal highnesse, and the established government, and if they read the same the second day of September conforme to the will of the s d act and proclamation. All the breyren answered they hade gone about the same carefully and seriously. The s d day the Mod r desired the breyren of the exercise would be asisting to supply the Church of Invernesse since it hath pleased the Lord to remove his reverend dear grave colleague, 1 The Rye House Plot. 116 RECORDS OF THE [sept. 1683 Mr. Alex r Clerk, by death, q ch they all promised to doe unlesse the vacancie were speedily supply ed. That day Mr. Thomas ffraser, Min r of Dorres, heavily regrated to the Bretheren of the Exercise that notwithstanding of the former greivance given in against Mr. James Smith, late Minister there, he continues still to weaken his hands by baptizeing children clandestinlv, some of q ch doe belong to persons disobedient to the discipline, dis- hanting all ordinances, and violently possessing the gleib and manse belonging to the s d Mr. Thomas, q ch greivance was re- ferred to the Bishop and Synod for redresse. The s d day Mr. James ffraser presented the Svnodicall referrs which he could not sooner purchase from the Clerk of the Synod, qch were reac [ anc [ i nS ert as after followes 3. That each Minister send in with y e first convenience a dayes collection to the Moderator of Forres or Elgin for Alex r Man, a hopeful student. 4. That Mr. Alex r Cuming, Minister at Moy, use legall dili- gence against his heretors for secureing his stipend as he will be answerable. At Elgine, October 17, 1683. Conveeined the Moderator and remanent bretheren of the exercise of Invernesse, such as were present at the Synod, and appointed their next meitting day to be at Invernesse Novr 7, and appointed Mr. Angus M c bean, Student in divinity (being orderly presented by the Laird of Strichen to be one of the Ministers of Invernesse, and recomended by My Lord Bp. of Murray to the breyren of the exercise to passe his tryalls in order therto) to have the exercise and addition, text, 1 Thes. 1. 8. At Invernesse, November 7, 1683. That day, after invocation of the lord's name, conforme to the former ordinance, Mr. Angus M c bean delivered his exercise and addition, text, 1 Thes. 1. 8. as a part of his tryalls in order to his entrie to the ministrie at Invernesse, and being removed was approven, and is appointed to haue his comon head the next meitting day, de concursu prejvio, and to defend y e theses y r on, q ch theses he is to send tymously to the breyren. FEB. 1684] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 117 At Invernesse, Nov r - 28, 1683. That day after invocation of the name of God Mr. Angus M c bean delivered his comon head de concur su prejvio and y r after defended the theses, being removed was fully approven, and these being the tryalls only appointed him by My Lord Bp., considering the great necessitie of his speedie admission to the vacancie at Invernesse, Therfor the Brethren of the exercise gaue the s d Mr. Angus a full and ample recomandation to the Bp. of Murray that he might receive his Edict, be ordained, and his admission accelerat to the s d place. At Invernesse, December 19, 1683. This being the day appointed by My Lord Bp. for giveing institution to Mr. Angus M c Bean to the vacancie of the Church of Invernesse, he being lawfully presented by the Laird of Strechein, and his Edict being duely served, and he ordained, and the people tymously advertised to be present the s d day at his institution, Therfor the Moderator [Mr. Gilbert Marshall] proceeded to his admission by delivering him the sacred bible, y e book of discipline, and the keyes of the Churches doores, with oy r solemnities used in such cases, exhorting him to humilitie, pietie, and diligence, who, with the remanent breyren, gave him the right hand of fellowship, and y r after all the Magistrates, heretores, and elders, with unanimous consent, received him to be one of their ministers, promiseing obedience, faithfulnes, and assistance to him according to their severall stations ; thereafter the s d Moderator and remanent brethren passed to the Manse and Gleib belonging to the late Mr. Alex r Clerk, and gaue the s d Mr. Angus M c bean real possession in the same and locall stipend belonging y r to dureing his lifetime and service at the s d Kirk of Invernesse, q ch the s d Mr. Angus accepted, and tooke instrument one or moe in Jo 11 M c bean, No tar publick, his hand, as the same in itselffe at more length beares. Thereafter the bretheren supersided the disciplin because of the paucity of their nember, and stormines of the weather. At Invernesse, Feb. 6, 1684. [Mr. Alex. Denune, who had been presented by the Bishop to the 'united churches of Pettie and Brachalie," 1 had his 118 RECORDS OF THE [APRIL popular sermon and ordained to haue a comon head next meet- ing de potestate clavium]. At Invernesse, Aprill 2, 1684. The s d day Mr. Thomas Houston, Minister of Boleskine, regretted by his letter to the breyren of the Exercise, that all persons of all ranks indifferently buried their dead within his church, not only his own parochiners but some oy rs of the neighbouring paroches, so that severall coffines were hardly under ground, which was like to be very dangerous and noisome to the hearers of the word within the s d church, and y r for earnestly intreated the advice of his breyren how to cary y r anent ; which the breyren referred to my Lord Bisp. and the ensueing Synod. The s d day some of the breyren declared that they were severals times importuned to preach funerall sermons when persons were buried who hade left no monument of their charitie to the poor, or oy r necessarie works, notwithstanding of their ability, Therefor they desired that my Lord Bp. and the ensueing Sinod might be consulted y r anent, whether or no such persons should haue the honour of a funerall sermon. The s d day the Moderator inquired whether or no the breyren hade given the sacrament of the Lords supper to their people this year, severalls of the breyren answered they hade given the same ; and the rest told that they were impeded by the greatnes of the stormie winter and oy r inevitable impediments, but they resolved with the first conveniency to goe about the same and were prepareing their people in order thereto. At Elgin, 23 April 1684. Mr. Hugh Fraser, Minister of Kiltarlitie, intreated y t Mr. Donald Forbes, his Schoolmaster, should haue the exercise y e s d day (4th June next) Considering y* he hade begune his try alls alredie conforme to my Lord Bp.'s order, and he undertooke to advertise y e s d Mr. Donald and y* he should haue the exercise and adition, Text, 1 Thes. lc. and 9v. Invernes, June 4*th (1684). [Among the refers from the Synod was the following : — ' 5. To mynd y e melioration of y e Manss of Inverness. "J 1684] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 119 The s d day in obedience to the 5 th referr concerneing v e mellioration of one of the Manss of Invernes, sometymes posest by y e late deceast rev d Mr. Alex r Clerk, y e Breyren haue apointed and referred to the Mod r and Mr. Michael ffraser, Minister of Deviot, to goe upon some convenient day befor y e next meeting, and to bring w* them a competent number of skilfull workmen, chosen by y e mutuall consent of Master Angus MackBaine, now Minister at Invernes, and Jean ffraser, relict to y e s d umq 1 Mr. Alex r Clerk, and to apretiat the s d melioration. The s d day y e Mod r inquired if y e Brethrine hade receaved tymous advertisement, and had solemnly keept y e publicke day of Humiliatione appointed by Authoritie upon y e twenty eight of May : They all answered Affirmatively. Therafter he inquired if all y e Bretheren hade solemnlie keept y e publique day of thanksgiveing upon the Twentie ninth of May. They all answered Affirmativlie. At Invernes , Jullij 2c7, 1684. Donald Bain, suspected Adulterer w* y e s d Agnes Makenzie, continewing in his denyall is ordained to purge himselfe by his oath befor y e Congregation of Invernes, w* his hand on y e childs head, and in presence of y e fors d Agnes, and yet y e Ministers are apointed to be at pains w* him to sie if it be possible to bring him to any acknowledgment. The s d day the Mod r declared y* befor Mr. Michael fraser went South (to Edinburgh) he and the s d Mr. Michael brought workmen chosen as was ordained for apretiating y e melioration of y e Mans of Invernes by Master Alex r Clerk, and y* they hade orderly proceeded in y e same, and y e workmen being deeply sworn did apretiat y e samen to y e sowme of ane hundreth [merks] Scots money, q ch appretiation y e Mod r piited subscr* by a Nottar publique, and y e s d aprysers, containing y e particulars of y e apretiation, and Lykwayes he prited ane oy r discharge (by and attour y e late apretiation) of Two hundred mfks payed be Mr. Alex. Clerk, late Min r at Invernes, to y e executors of Mr. John Annand, sometyme Minister y r , and payd by y e s d Mr. John Annand to y e Right rever d Fay r in God Lord Bishop of Orkney, y n Minister at Invernes, qch Discharge was sub 1 by 120 RECORDS OF THE [JULY Master William Annand, Ex r to y e s d Master John, and homologate by y e s d Lord Bp. of Orkney, and was founded on on ane act of apretiation apointed by y e Presbitery of Invernes in y e tyme y 1 y e s d Lord Bishop of Orkney was minister at Invernes, and since confirmed by the Bretherine of yis exercise and ratefyd in y e Sinod of Murray as yis book bears. And now it is y e earnest desyr of Jean ffraser, relict and executrix to Mr. Alex r Clerk, y t y e s d Two hundred mfks be repayed to her by y e entrant conforme to yese former practises and acts fors d , and lykwayes yis hundred mfks now apretiat. The Mod 1 ' and Bretherine y r for haveing riply and seriously considered y e peapers, acts and whol tract of y e affair, and seeing it was put upon y m by my Lord Bishop and Synod to put a close to the s d mater, w fc unanimous consent Did ordaine and by yir presents Ordaines and Decernes Master Angus MacBain, now Min r at Invernes (befor his en trie to y e s d Mans), to pay to y e s d Relict and executrix of y e s d Master Alex 1 " Clerk, the s d soume of Three hundred mfks scots money, and Lykwayes ordains y* in all tyme comeing y e Intrant be oblidged to pay y e same, and y* y e s d Mans be allwayes affected w* y e s d soume unless y e parish pay of and releave y e samen, and referrs yis y r sentance and Decreit to my Lord Bishop of Murray to be aproved, and y* he may referr y e same to y e Lords of his Maj ties Councell and Session y* y r authority may be interpond y r unto for y e pay 1 y r of, and haue ordained yir prits to be insert and registrat in this Book to that effect. At Invernes, November 19, 1684. [Among the Synod ical refers read this day were] : — 2. To intimat from pulpit in the respective congrega°nes within the Dyocess ane act of Synod intimating that no persons be receaved in ony parish without a sufficient testimony under certificat to the receavers of theiss befor the presbiterie. 3. The former act of Synod for restraining of extravagancies of penny brydalls renewed. 1 1 The following acts of the Synod (Moray) may be noted. On 25th Feb. 1640 — ' In respect off y e gryt disorders yat haw fallen out in dy verse parts off y° land by drunkennes and tuilzieing at pennie brydalls, Thairfor it is ordained that thair be no pennie brydalls maid on y e Sabbothe.' On 27th Oct. 1640 — 'Mr. 1 634] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 121 5. That the Mod r of each presbiterie collect from everie Minister 20 shilling scots at the first meeting, to be sent to the Bp. for Mr. James Cook; lykewayes, that at the same tyme some charity may be expected for Gilbert Andersone in Keith, newly cutt of the gravell. Johne Martiall [Minister of Dundurcos, now united with Rothes] being founde to hawe maid a marriage on the thursday, and w* y e same persones keiped a pennie brydiall on y e nixt Sabbothe day, hawing a minstrell playing to y e Churche and frome y e same befoir them, is sharplie and grawlie rebucked in y e faice of y e Synod.' The following resolutions regarding penny weddings and lykewakes were passed at a meeting of Sub-Synod held 8th June 1675 : — ' The qlk day the L. Bp. and Brethren of the Subsynod convenied for the tym, takeing into y r grave and serious consideration the great disorders, with the scandalous Lascivious and unchristiane cariages of the comonaltie, for the most pairt at pennie Brydells, by y r frequent resort and great confluence ordinarlie at such occasions, for removing of q ch evills, and suppressing q ch disorders, y e L. Bp. w fc Breyren foresaid thought fitt and expedient to constitut these following articles to be observed grally in tym coming : ' 1. That the usuall excessive number be limited to and restrained to eight persons allenarlie on each side of the maried persons. ' 2. That all piping, fidling, and dancing wtout dooresof all q m soever resorting these meetings be restrained and discharged. ' 3. That all obscene Lascivious and promiscuous dancing within doores be discharged. 1 4. That the two dollars consigned at the contract of the maried persons (q cn is also ordained to be deposited not onlie as pledges of performing y r intended purposes of mariage but also of y e civile and sober deportment of all y es that shall countenance y r mariage feast) remaine in the Session Clarke's hands untile the Lords day after the mariage, y* in caise of contravening one or oy r of the foresaid articles be anie q m soever, then and in y* caise, the foresaid two dollars shall be confiscated to the comon good of the parishe Church, and this by and at tour the publicke censur to be imposed upon the transgressors of the fors ds articles. 1 In lykmanner, the L. Bp. and Brey rn foresaid being informed off and deeplie weighted with the superstitious and heathnish custom.es practised at Lykewakes in manie places within this diocie, at q ch tym sin and scandell does greatlie abound, to the dishonor of the great Lord and offence of sober christians, for redressing q r off, and that the deportment and cariages of such who resort y es Lykwakes may be as becometh Christianitie, the L. Bp. and Brey m fors d ordains that the ordinarie cruding [crowding] multitude of profane and Idle persones be debarred, and that none frequent or countenance these meetings but those of the defuncts nearest relations or those y fc may be usefull for christiane Counsell and comfort to the mourners and afflicted, discharging stricklie all light and Lascivious exercises, sports, Lyksongs, fidling, and dancing, and y l anie present at such occasions behave y m selves gravely, christianlie, civilly, and soberlie, spending the tym in reading the scriptures and conferences upon inortalitie ; ordaining this Act to be publicklie read throughout the diocie.' 122 RECORDS OF THE [march 1685 At Invernes, March 11, 1685. The which day the Mod* declared that he had receaved a letter from my Lord Bp. ordaining him and the Bretherine of the Exercise to goe to the Church of Dalarosie for setling severall Debaits y* did aryse concerneing Dasks in the s d Church, y r for the next meeting is to hold at Dalarosie Apryl the 9th, and the Min r of the place appointed to preach the s d day and Mod r apointed to advertise him tymously y r of. At Dalarasie, Apryl, 1685. Conveened the Moderator [Mr. Gilbert Marshall, Inverness] Mr. Angus M c Bean [Inverness] and Mr. Alex r Cuming [Moy and Dalarossie], all the rest being absent by reason of the tempestuous weather and the great speats of y e waters. No doctrine the s d day because the people wer not able to cross the waters till towards night. After Invoca°ne of the name of God, the Mod r and Bretherin pnt haveing heard and considered the severall debeats concern- ing sundrie dasks in the s d church did at length with a great of pains [sic] freindly agree all the persons concerned to all their contentments. At Invernes, Jullij 8th, 1685. The which day the Mod r inquired the reason of the bretherins absence from the last meeting of the exercise [held 10 th June, the only Ministers present being those of Inverness, Kirkhill, Dores, and Petty]. Mr. Hugh Fraser of Kiltarlitie replied that he was not returned from the South, and the rest could not wait upon the dyet considering the great stirrs that was in the Countrie in respect of the prepara°ne to his Majties host. At Invernes, August 26, 1685. The which day the Mod r asked the Bretherin then pnt [all present except Croy, Moy, Daviot, and Boleskine] paflie [particularlie] if they hade observed the day of thanksgiving August the 13 for the happie and successful supression of the rebellion in both Kingdoms. All answered affirmativelie. NOV. 1686] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 123 At Invernes, July 14, 1686. Mr. Michael fraser hade his comon head De infalibilitcite ecclesiae. This day the Mod r receaved a letter from my Lord Bp. recommending Mr. Robert Cuming, expectant in the Ministrie, to the ordinarie steps of his tryaJls cum intuitu ad Joels, haveing receaved ane presentation to the United Churches of Urq rt and Glenmoristone now vacand throw the translation of Mr. James Grant to Abernethie, y r for the Mod r and Brevren appointed the s d Ma r Robert to undergoe his questionarie trials, and trial of the Languages, the next meeting day, q ch is to hold at Invernes August y e 11 th . At Invernes, August 11th, 1686. After invocation of the name of God, conforme to the former ordinance Mr. Rob 1 Cuming, sustained his q rie tryalls and tryall of the Languages, being removed, was aproven, and is enjoined to have exercise and adition, text, 1 Thes. 1. cap. and 14, the next meeting day, q ch is to hold at Invernes the 8 th day of September, and lykwayes thev apointed him to haue his comon head de libero cirb'itrio against the meeting y'after, and to distri- bute his Theses y e s d 8 day of Sept r . The s d day Mr. Rob 1 Monro protested that Mr. Rob 1 Cuming's presenta°ne should be but [without] prejudice to his collation to the Church of Glenmoriston, q ch the Mod r and Brevrine referred to my Lord Bishop and Sinod to determine. At Invernes, Septr. 8th, 1686. [Mr. Rob 1 Cuming had exercise and distributed his Theses.] At Invernes, Septr. 22, 1686. [Mr. Robert Cuming had his comon head and sustained the disputes, was aproved, recommended to the Bishop 4 v 1 he might reccave his Edict, and to be orderly ordained and colated to these churches to q ch he has been prited. 1 ] At Invernes, Xovr. 3, 1686. The said Mr. Hugh [Fraser, Kiltarlitie] declared by his letter that in obedience to mv Lord Bishop of Murrav his order he had gon to the Church of Urquhart on the 24 of October last. 124 RECORDS OF THE [NOV. 1686 being the Lord's day, and did give institution to Mr. Robert Cuming to be Minister there conform to his presenta°ne and Colation, And that with all solemnities use and wont in such caices. The Moderator inquired the Bretheren if they hade solemnly keept the 14 day of October, being his majesty's Birth day. They all answered affirmitively. Lykewayes he inquired if they hade publickly read the proclamation against Leasing-makers. They all lykewayes answered affirmitively. [Among the refers from the Synod was the following] : — That Mr. Alex r Cuming, Min r at Moy and Dalarasie, is apointed to keep and meit with the Bretherin of the exercise of Abernethie, and to carrie on and proceed in his disciplin befor the said exercise untill the next Synod in order to a futur disjunction of the s d Mr. Alex 1 ' from the Exercise of Inverness, and Annexation of the said Mr. Alex r to the said Exercise of Abernethie, if the samen shall be found expedient at the nixt Synod. At Inverness, December 2t7, 1686. The reason why the Bretheren did not meet untill this day was because the Bretheren did atend the Funeralis of the Right Reverend Father in God Colin late Lord Bishop of Murray, whom God called out of this Life November 11, 1686, to the enjoyment of eternall hapines, whose Funerals were honourably and solemnly celibrat with great greef at Elgin, Novemb. 22. At Inverness, March 9.d, 1687. [Mr. Thomas Fraser, Dores, had a common head De peccato veniali et mortal}, Text Rom. cap. 6, v. 23. Approved.] April Titli, 1687. Mr. Angus M c bean had the exercise and addition, Text, 1 Thes. cap. 2. vei. 14. Approved. [At next meeting (June 1st) Mr. Macbean is 4 absent without excuse. 1 On 6 th July he is absent 4 now the 2 d tym without any excuse. 1 At this meeting Mr. Alex r Denoon, Pettie, had a Common head De Transubstantione. Text, 1 Cor. cap. 11. v. 28.] AUG. 1 687 J PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 125 At Inverness, August 3d, 1687. [Mr. Angus Macbean absent without any excuse.] The said day John Grant in Glenmoriston, a papist ex- comunicat 20 yeares ago for ane incestuous mariage, lie being irregularly maried be a popish priest to his uncle's wife, and now she being dead, and the said John haveing forsaken the eiTores of the popish Church and returned and imbraced the Orthodox Religion, did humbly suplicat to be receaved to the publick profession of his Repentance for his guilt and scandall, to the end he might be relaxed from the dreadfull sentence of excomunication and receaved again into his mother Church ; which suplication the Moderator and Bretheren having taken to their serious consideration appointed two of the Bretheren to go and speak privatly to the said John and to search further [sic] or not he was weighted with his guilt and sincerely resolved to forsake his former errores. Thereafter the two Bretheren returning, declared that they had confered with him and found him in all appearance both weighted with his guilt and fully resolved all the dayes of his life hereafter to continue in the protestant Religion. Therfor the Moderator and Bretheren thought fltt to call the said John befor them, who compeired in sacco and acknow- ledged his guilt, and after many grave, weightie, and serious exhortationes, he was remitted back to satisfle the disciplin of the Session of the United Parochins of Urquhart and Glenmoriston. The said day the Moderator and Bretheren haveing taken to their serious Consideration the absence of Mr. Angus Macbean, one of the Ministers of Inverness, three severall dayes without any excuse, and being lykewayes informed that the said Mr. Angus did disown the Government of the Church of Scotland as it is now established by Law, by Archbishops, Bishops, and Presbiters. Therfor they did appoint the Moderator [Mr. Marshall, Inverness] and Mr. Michael Fraser, Minister at Daviot, to go and speake with the said Mr. Angus, and to enquire what was the Reasones of his absenting himselfe. and his disowning the Government as they were informed, and to give a Report of their diligence to the next meet- ing. 126 RECORDS OF THE [sept. At Inverness, September 7th, 1687. [Mr. Robert Cuming, Minister of Urquhart] reported by his said letter that John Grant who was excomunicated for his incestuous mariage, was humbly and orderly going on in the publick profession of his repentance. The said day the Moderator and Mr. Michael Fraser being inquired what answer they hade receaved from Mr. Angus Mackbean anent his willfull deserting the meeting of his Bretheren, and his avowed disowning of the Government ; the said Mr. Michael Fraser Reported that Mr. Angus Mackbean declared plainly that he hade no freedom to keep Synods or presbitries any mor, and that it was over the belly of conviction that he entered into the Ministrie under Bishops, and that his convictions were returning with greater force upon his con- science, he could not overcome them, and that he was convinced that Presbitrie was the only Government that God owned in these nations : and that when he inquired the said Mr. Angus what he thought anent all the Murderes, Rebelliones, and assasina°nes of the west conn trey people, he answered that it was enough for the Moderat partie of these people to hold their tongue anent thes things ; and that his full resolution was, which he could not win over, to make all the satisfaction he could to the Presbyterian partie, to preach for them and in their favoures for his too much appearing against them : and that he could not promeiss, tho he should be dispensed with by Bishop and Presbitrie, from keeping their meetings iff preach- ing in this Town not to give ground of misconstruction to these that owned our Government established by Law. All which Report the Moderator attested. Lykewayes the Moderator declared that Mr. Angus Mack- bean, both in his publick Lectores and sermones, did so reflect upon the Government of our Church, and was like to make such a schism at Inverness as could not be endured by any affected to the present Government, and therefor that he hade called some of his nearest Bretheren, to witt, Mr. James Fraser, Min r at Wardlaw, Mr. Michael Fraser, Min r at Daviot, and Mr. Thomas Fraser, Min r at Doores, and that by their speciall advice and consent hade caused sumond the said Mr. Angus to compear at this meeting to answer for his reproachfull doctrin, 1 687] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 127 and, conform to the Synodicall Referr, to give a further accompt of his absence, with which declaration and proceedor all the Bretheren mett this day were very well pleased, and did aprove the same in every point. The said Mr. Angus not apearing, the Magistrates and other persons who were charged as witnesses of his doctrin interposed themselves with the Moderator and remanent Bretheren, that all process should be delayed till the nixt Meeting, and that they should use their endeavour to persuad the said Mr. Angus to be mor orderly and to meet with his bretheren and satisfie them, which if he would not do they resolved to leav him to himselfe if he would not follow their advice. The Bretheren of the presbitrie thought it fit by reason of the present circumstances to empower y e Moderator to call a select Number of his nearest bretheren whenever necessity required, in order to the expeding of all that may contribut for the peace and unity and standing of the present Government within this precinct. The meeting clos'd with prayer. At Inverness, October 5, 1687. Conveened the Moderator and Remanent Bretheren except Mr. Angus M c bean. Mr. Robert [Cuming] reported that John Grant in Glen- moriston, excomunicated for his incestuous mariag, is humbly and orderly going on in the publick proffession of his Repent- ance, and that the said John was earnestly suplicating to be relaxed from the sentence of excomunica°n. The Moderator and bretheren takeing his circumstances to their serious con- sideration, he being a gentleman of good accompt in his own Countrey, and liveing near by Glengarie, the Inhabitants of q ch countrey are for the most part all papists, and are useing many endeavours to make the said John relaps into his former apostacie, and not being willing in the least to discurrage him, Therfor they referred him to my Lord Bishop of Murray and the ensueing Synod. The said day Mr. Angus Macbean having yet willfully absented himselfe, and neither the Magistrates nor his other freends haveing in the least prevailed with him, and the mater 128 RECORDS OF THE [OCT. being of such weight and of so dangerous consequence, the Moderator and Bretheren have referred it to My Lord Bishop and Synod of Murray. The said day the Moderator enquired if all the Bretheren hade orderly read at the tymes appointed the Act against Leasing makers. They all answered affirmitively. Lykewayes he put all the Bretheren in mynd to observe solemnly the 14 day of this instant October, being the Kings Birthday. At Elgin, October 19, 1687. The said day conveined the Moderator and remnant bretheren then present at the Sinod, and appointed their next meeting to hold at Inverness the 7 of December next. The reason y* they delayed to meet till y* day was that both the Bretheren of the Sinod and of this exercise resolve to use all brotherly, prudent, and tender methods for reclaiming Mr. Angus Mackbane, one of the Ministers of Inverness, to his duty. And the Sinod lykewayes hath appointed four Reverend Bretheren to go to Inverness in their name to conferr with him in the intervall, and to carry with them a serious and brotherly letter directed from the Sinod to him. And in case these brethren should not prevaile with him, conform to our Right Rev d Ordinar his speciall advice and direction, severall Ministers from each Exercise of the Sinod are to go to Inverness at the fors d dyet to be assistants to the Moderator and Brethren in that affair. The Brethren appointed Mr. Hugh ffraser, Minister at Kiltarlitie, to haue a sermon y* day to that purpose, it being a matter of so great weight. At Inverness, Deer. 7, 1687. The said day conveined the Moderator and brethren of the Exercise, but none of the Brethren appointed by the Sinod, nor any lyne from them. Having incalled the Holy Name of God, there was no sermon this day in respect that the Moderator declar d y* Mr. Angus Mackbane, lately one of the Ministers of Inverness, had the next and imediat Lord's Day after the Sinod last by past, being the 23 d of October last, solemnly in his sermon in the forenoone, in the Church of 1 687] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 129 Inverness, dissowned the Church Goverment established be Law, and publickly demitted his charge of the Ministry under the present Goverment, and willfully deserted his flock, And at that same tyme did publickly exhort and entreat all men whatsoever to abstaine from speaking to him any more in that affair. The Report of which all the Brethren judged to be the reason of the absence of the Brethren appointed for their assistance, and the sermon being prepared for the intention of the meetting, the Brethren thought fitt to referr it to ane other occasion, since Mr. Mackbane had willfully deserted his charge, and the Brethren appointed did not come. The said day the Brethren being informed that Mr. Mackbane, the verie next Lord's day after his willfull desertion of his charge, had gone to Ross, and there, in a meetting house, had preachd to the Schismaticks ; and the Lords Day after that did return to Inverness, and preach y r at a conventicle, and so began his schisme in one of the most loyall, orderly, and regular cities in the Nation — Therfore the Brethren desyr'd the Moderator to write to our Ordinary the Bishop of Murray, now lying tender at Glasgow, and to acquaint his Lo/ with the whole affair, and to intreat his advice and direction how to carry herein. The said day Mr. Robert Cuming, Min r at Urchart, Reported that John Grant in Glenmoriston, conforme to the Ordinance of the Sinod of Murray, was solemnly and publickly relaxM from the weighty sentence of excomunication ; and therfore the Moderator appointed that all the Brethren should make publick intimation thereof in their severall congregationes, and like- wayes referred the same to the Sinod that the same might be publickly intimat by all the Brethren. The said day Mr. Donald Forbes, Schoolmaster at Kiltarlitie and probationer in Divinitie, was appointed to haue a comon head, the next meetting day, De Schismate, seeing Mr. Thomas Huistown, who had been formerlie appointed to haue the exercise, was old, infirm, and weak, and not able to travell in the Winter season. The next meeting appointed to be at Inverness January 14, and Mr. James Fraser, Min r at Kirkhill, is appointed to supplie the vacancie at Inverness first, and the Brethren to succeed. i 130 RECORDS OF THE [FEB. At Inverness, February 1, 1688. Conveirfd the Moderator and Brethren, except Mr. Michael Fraser who was chosen and elect by the Chapter to go to Edinburgh, in obedience to the commands of my Lord Arch Bishop of St. Andrews His Grace. Having incalled the name of God, the said day Mr. Donald Forbes had a comon head De Schismate, Text Rom. 16 ch. 17 v. Being removed and his labours considered, he was approven. The said day the Moderator reported that conforme to the ordinance of presbitrie September 7, 1687, he had advised with severalls of his nearest brethren ; and that he, with their advice and consent, had impowered Mr. Michael Fraser, Min r at Daviot, to intreat my Lord St. Andrews His Grace (our Diocess being now vacant) to use all ordinar means for sup- pressing the schisme begun at Inverness, which all the Brethren approved, and desired the Moderator to write south again to the s d Mr. Michael to the same effect. The said day the Moderator enquired all the Brethren if they had read the proclamation against Leasing- making conform to the order of Councell : they all answered affirmatively. At Inverness, March 7, 1688. The said day the Moderator enquired if all the Brethren had solemnised the day of Thanksgiving for her Majesties being with child, conforme to the Act of Counsel published theranent. They all answered affirmatively. The said day the Moderator reported that conforme to the ordinance of the Brethren, he had again written to Mr. Michael Fraser, and Likewayes received ane return from him showing him to be actively going about the affair entrusted to him, and that "gainst next meetting they might expect a more full return. At Inverness, March 27, 1688. The said day the Moderator reported that the reason of changing the day of this meeting was ane letter he had received from Our Ordinary William, Lord Bishop of Murray, who was consecrat at St. Andrews March 11, and had appointed ane Sinod to hold at Elgin the first Tuesday of Aprill next. The said day the Moderator reported that he had received a i6SS] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 131 letter from Mr. Michael Fraser, yet at South, wherin was inclosed The Act of Deposition of Mr. Angus M c bane, lately one of the Ministers of Inverness ; and likewayes ane letter for Our Ordinary, my Lord Bishop of Murray, ordaining the same to be intimat in the Church of Inverness on ane Lords Dav in the forenoon, after divine service : which ordinance was obeyed and performed by Mr. Hugh Fraser, Min r at Killtarlitie, March 11. And it was thought fitt by the Moderator and Bretheren that the said Act should be here insert and registrat, As after followes : ' At Edinr., February 21, 1688. ' The whilk Day, in pnt of The Most Rev d Father in God, Arthur, Lord Arch Bishop of St. Andrews, primat and Metropolitan of all Scotland, and of the Right Reverend Father in God, William, Elect Lord Bishop of Murray, Doctor Alex r Monro, Prin 11 of the Colledge of Edin r , Doctor John Strachan, Professor of Divinity there, D r John Robinson, Moderator of the Exercise at Edin 1 *, D r William Gairnes, one of the Ministers of that Citie, Mr. Andrew Burnet, Min r y r , Mr. Michael Fraser, Min r at Daviot, and Mr. John Mackenzie, Min r at Kirkliston, Compeired personally Mr. Angus M c beane sometyme one of the Min rs at Inverness (as being cited to the s a day) And being interrogated by the s d Lord Arch-Bishop, Praeses of the meetting, How long he had been in Holy Orders, Answered four years or y r by, and that he received Episcopall Ordination : being also inquired whether he had deserted the station and Ministry of the Church q ch had been assigned him, and whether he had affected a Schisme and separation from the said Xationall Church, and whether he was under the Oath of Canonicall Obedience, Answered He could not gainsay it, and that he had interrupted his Obedience since October last bypast. And being further posed, Whether he designed and was willing to returne to his duty again (the Amies of the Church being still open and ready to receive him upon his Repentance) He declared he had no mind to doe so. Whereupon, the matter being taken to serious consideration by the s d meeting, without any dissent, the said Mr. Angus M c bean, for his Perjurie, Schisme, and Con- tumacie, was Judicially by the s d Lord Arch Bishop (in the vertue of his Metropoliticall capacitie) deposed from the Exercise of any part of the pastorall office, and depryved of all benefices that might accrue to him q r by, since the tyme of his willfull desertion, 132 RECORDS OF THE [FEB. wherunto he acquiesced, with certification that if he should trans- gress y r in. the sentence of Excomunication should pass against him ; and further, it was appointed that this present sentence of Deposition and Deprivation should be ptiblickly intimat from the pulpit of Inverness, on ane Lords Day after divine service, in the forenoon, by Mr. Hugh Fraser, Min r at Killtarlity, for vindicating the Churches authority, and Terrour of such Backslyders. ' Sic subscribitur — By Order and Warrant off • Will : Elect Morravien.' [Among the Svnodical Refers read at this meeting were] : 3. That conforme to instructions given be our Ordinary to the Sinod (to take inspection into and cognosce upon the behaviour and disorderlv walking alleadged against Mr. Angus © » © © M c bane, Min r at Inverness) and the resolu°ns of the Sinod y r anent, there are appointed to conferr with the s d Mr. Angus M c bane, betwixt and the 2 d day of November next ensueing, these Brethren, viz* Mr. Samuel Tulloch, Mr. [Michael Cuming, Mr. George Innes. and [Mr. David Cuming, who are to carry © « © 7 and present to the s d Mr. Angus ane earnest and affectionat Letter appointed to be directed, in the name of the Sinod, be Mr. Alex r Ker, [Moderator therof, and to use all v r endeavours to recover and persuade the s d [Mr. Angus to return to his dutie. 4. That in case the said Mr. Angus listen not to the Brethren then the first Wednesday of December next is appointed for several] Brethren to meet at Inverness, and to jovne with the Brethren of the s d Exercise there to consider and cognosce upon what may be laid to the charge of the s d Mr. Angus, viz., Out of the Exercise of Strathbogie, Mr. William Chalmer and Mr. Alex r Rose. Out of the Exercise of Elgin, Mr. Beroald Innes and Mr. James Cook. Out of Forres Mr. William Falconer, [Mr. William Law, and Mr. George Dunbar. And out of Abernethie Mr. Hector M c Kenzie and Mr. James Grant. At Inverness, May 2, 1688. Conveined the [Moderator and remanent brethren, and have- ing incalled the holy name of God, the [Moderator preached a Sermon, Text 2 Cor. 5. 20. 1 683] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 133 The reason why the Exercise was continued and the said sermon preached was because Mr. Hector Mackenzie, Min r at Kingousie (being orderly presented by Kenneth Earle of Seafort, undoubted patron of the Church of Inverness, and his Edict duely served conform to the appointment of my Lord Bishop of [Murray), was this day admitted and institute one of the Min rs of Inverness, with all the solemnities usuall in such cases, as the Instrument of his admission and Institution in itselffe at more length bears. [Among the Refers from the Synod read are] : 2. That the Relaxa°n and absolution of John Grant in Glen- moriston (for Incest and Defection to Poprie) from the sentence of Excomunication be intimat. 3. That at Baptiseing of Infants the parents make confession of y r Faith by owning and acknowledging the Apostles Creed, As also that after prayer the Lords prayer be subjoyned, and after praises the doxologie be sung, and all the Brethren to be particularly enquired thereanent at the pfbrie censure. 5. That the sentence of suspension formerly pronounced against the said Mr. Robert Monro, for his accession to ane Mock-marriage, at Inverness in Nov r last 1687 years is con- tinued untill the first Lords day of May next ensueing, as also in respect of two other unorderly marriages, confessed be the s d Mr. Robert Monro, he is ordained to appear publickly in the Church of Inverness upon the s ds first Lords day of May next, or any Lords day y r after in the forenoone, and at the close of divine service before the pulpit in face of the Congre- gation, to make humble and solemn acknowledgement of his offence anent the s d mock marriage and his other scandalls that accompany'd his miscarriages, Craving God pardon, and all whom he might y r by haue offended. Wherupon Mr. Gilbert Marshall, after grave and serious admonitions, is to tender to the s d Mr. Robert Absolution from the s ds scandalls. 6. That the s d Mr. Robert is under certification that in case he comitt any such misdemeanours hereafter, he shall be depryved and deposed simpliciter. 7. That Mr. Thomas Huistone, the next Sunday next after the said Mr. Robert Monro his absolu°n as said is, go to the Church of Abertarff, and after divine service y r to be performed 134 RECORDS OF THE [may be the s d Mr. Thomas, he give publick intima°n to the Con- gregation of the said Mr. Robert his absolu°n and reposition to his former charges and exercise of his offices in the ministrie as formerly. 8. That all former Acts anent irregular marriages are ratisfied and renewed, and that no Min r take upon hand to celebrat the office of marriage w^ut orderly proclama°nes on three severall Lords dayes (unless ane Licence from the Ordinary allow) w* certifica 0 n the contraveener shall be censured w* suspension for the first, and depriva°n and deposition for the second tyme he shall be found in such irregularity. 9. That the sentence of Deprivation and Deposition pro- nounced be my Lord Arch Bishop of St. Andrews, the Bishop of Morray, and others their assessors, conveined at Edin r the 27 of Februar 1688 yeares, against Mr. Angus Mack bean some- tyme Min r at Inverness, be not only registrat and insert in the Sinod register of Murray but also in the books and Registers of the Exercise of Inverness y r to remaine in futuram rei memoriam. At Inverness, June 6, 1688. The said day Mr. Gilbert Marshall, Moderator, declared that on the first Lords day of May last, he had absolved Mr. Robert Monro publickly in the Church of Inverness, and that the said Mr. Robert had given satisfaction to the Synodicall Referr in all points. Lykewise Mr. Thomas Huistown, Min r at Boleskine, reported that on the second Lords day of May he preached in the Church of AbertarfFe, and after divine service made publick intima°n to the Congregation of the said Mr. Robert his absolution and Reposition to his former charge and exercise of his office in the ministrie as formerlie. At Inverness, July 4, 1688. The said day the Moderator inquired all the Brethren whether they had observed the day of Thanksgiving on the 28 of June for the birth of the Prince of Scotland. All answered that they had all solemnly observed the same. 1688] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 135 At Inverness, September 5, 1688. Conveined the Moderator [Mr. Marshall] and Mr. James Fraser, Minister at Kirkhill, all the rest absent, some by reason of the great stirrs that were in the Countrey anent the late rebellion and bloodshed in Lochaber, and others necessarily wMrawn as their excuses did carry, and therefore this meetting was adjourned to the 19 of Sept r next. The Exercise and place of meetting to continue as formerlie, and the breyren tymouslie to be advertised y r of. At Inverness, September 19^, 1688. Conveined the Moderator and remanent Brethren (except Mr. Hugh Fraser, Min r of Croy, who was tender and not able to travell, excused by his Letter) and having incalled the holy name of God, Mr. Michael Fraser had the Exercise and Addition, Text, 1 Thes. 3 ch. 6 and 7 v., being removed and his doctrine considered, was approven. The s d day the Moderator inquired all the Brethren present if they had publickly read on the Lords day after divine ser- vice the publick proclama°n emitted by the Counsell anent the severall seditious Books and Libells y r in mentioned. All answered affirmatively. Lykewise the Moderator inquired the Brethren if they read from pulpit the Act against Leasing-making at the severall tymes appointed be the s d acts. All answered affirmatively. The s d day the Moderator desyred such of the Brethren as had not payed the Bursar of divinity to bring the s d money with them precisely at the Sinod, q ch they promised to do. The next meetting is appointed to be at Elgin w* my Lord Bishop and Sinod of Murray the first Tuesday of October next, q ch meeting the Moderator seriously exhorted the Brethren carefully to attend. 1 1 This is the last minute of the Presbytery under Episcopacy. A considerable number of leaves at the end of the volume have been cut out. They were probably not written upon. The next volume commences in 1702. The majority of the brethren of the Presbytery adhered to Episcopacy at the Revolution, but still retained their charges ; and the probability is that for many years the Presbyterian clergy of the Presbytery did not hold regular meetings or keep any record of their proceedings. RECORDS OF THE PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL. At Dingll, 19 June 1649. Convened Mr. Do d Fraser, Moderator, Mr. Robert Monro, Mr. Ferq r M c Lennan, Mr. George Monro, Mr. Don d Ma c crae, and Ranaild M c ranaild, Ruling Elder from Kilmorack. The name of God incalled. Mr. Dod. Ma c crae appointed Clerk of y e Pfie ontill Mr. Jon M c crae, qho is ordinare clerk, return from Edinburgh. That day there wes no doctrine, because Mr. Dod. Fraser, who sould handle a comon head, wes not prepared, be reason y 1 he wes all the tyme at the Commission at Chanrie and at Alderne, and be y e Comission directed to the Kirk of Lochbruime. * The References of the Commission at Alderne to y e Pfie of Ding 11 . ' The Errata of y e pbrie and Session Recorded to be Registrat yrin and subscribed vith the Clerks hand. ' The kirks to be visited with all c'nvenient dilligence, Preaching to be in y e afternoone, for y e cause of God and against y e enemies y r off, and the Registers y r off to be marked be the Presbytrie. ' The Covenant to be insert in y e Presbyterie and Session Books. 1 Dilligence to be vsed for the plantation of Schoolles. 1 The Act of y e Generall Assemblie to be observed for choosing Elders. ' Not to neglect testimonials about termes. ' Mr. Jo n M c crae ordained to be more painfull to reforme the evil menners of Ding 11 , to be 1 y e residents to refraine from goeing to wells on the Lordes day. 1 To be: i.e. to compel. JUNE 1649] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 137 ' Mr. Thomas Ross to dely ver to y e Pbfie all the records of the kirk he hed and the presbyterie to requyre the same. ' Maister Robert Monro to be more frequent in catechising. ' Mr. Ferq r M c Lennan to forbear his oft repaire to y e hielands, to be moir cairfull in executing publick orders from the Church, to be moir forward for the cause of God, to keep companie with the brethren ray r then with Mr. Murdo Mackenzie, late Minister of Dinguall. 1 ' Mr. Do d M c crae to be moir cairfull for y e soulles of Killchreist, and diligent in catechising. ' No exaction of oathes of persones suspected of witchcraft. f Mr. Murdo Mackenzie, late Minister of Ding 11 , ordained befoir he be absolved to acknowledge, not onlie in word but also in wreitt under his owen hand, his manifold prevaricatione, and particularlie the equitie of y e sentence pronounced be the Gen 11 Assemblie and yeir Comissio at Alderne, and to acknowledge the reasones of his appeal to be but calumnies and lies, and the prie to report their dilligence to the Gen 11 Assemblie with the Com- missione to the same/ ' (signed) Mr. David Dumbar, Clk. Comm.' * The Comissione of the Genii Assemblie haveing long debated y e processe of Mr. Do d Ross, Minister of Lochbruime, particullarlie anent the scandell of fornicatione with Christian buy, finds much imprudence in not goeing solemnlie and wyslie about his own cleiring qhen this scandell brak out, and find manie presumptiones albeit not a cleir probation that the scandell is not zet removed. 2 ■ Lykwayes finds be the lybell given in be Coline M c kenzie of Tarbeit y* his cariag in manie churches wes not ministerially as in particulare in giveing way to sell wyne in his house, and in keeping companie with some gentlemen drinking wyne upon the sabbath. * In keeping ane adulteress in his house efter y e odious fact known. 1 Mr. Murdo Mackenzie was deposed about 1639 for not submitting to the Acts of the famous Glasgow General Assembly of 1638, which declared against Episcopacy and for Presbyterianism, and thus brought about what is commonly known in Scotland as the Second Reformation. In 1648 the Assembly declared him 1 uncapable for ever of the ministry, with a recommendation to the Presbytery to proceed against him with excommunication.' The Presbytery's proceedings against him frequently appear in subsequent Minutes. 2 See Minute of nth Sept. 1650. 138 RECORDS OF THE Ljune e That upon y e desyre of few elderes upon pretence of avoiding inconvenience he sould marie divers people in a Bairne [barn] for the qlk he hed bene suspended from Sept. 19, 1648 till yis day. 'The Coiiiissione taking y e premisses to yeir c'sidera°n, for purgeing of the scandell, haue appointed Mr. George Monro, Minister at Vrqhairt, to goe to Lochbruime and preach yer the 24f of June instant, being y e sabbath, and with him Mr. Alex r Mackenzie, Minister at Lochcarron, Johne Baine of Tullich, and Andro Monro, portioner of Culkairnie, and in face of the congrega- tion, efter sermon, the said Mr. do d . to purge himselfe be his solemne oath of the alleadged fornica°n with Christen boy, the woman being requyred to be present, and to c'fess humblie his miscarriage above mentioned. ' Efter which he is ordained to be reponed to the function of his ministrie in all thinges as befoir his suspension, and yis to be reported to the clerk of the Comissione imediatlie efter his repone- ing, and that the Prie of Ding 11 , with y e whole prowince of Ross, vse all c'venient dilligence to transplant the s d Mr. Do d wherever the Lord sail open a doore for the better employment of his talent : and the Pfie and Prowinciall Assemblie to be onserable for their dilligence heiranent when they sail be requyred.' '(signed) Mr. David Dumbar, Clk. com.' The Bretheren of the Pfie taking to yer c"clera 0 n the re- ference of the commission anent Mr. Murdo Ma c kenzie, late Minister of Ding 11 , and being informed y* he is sick (as his Ire directed to the comission did proport) ordained Mr. ferq r M c Lennan, and Mr. Dod M c crae, to goe and visitt him and report their dilligence heiranent y e next day. That day Mr. John Ma c crae noiated and chosen Comissioner, and Andro Monro portioner of Culkairnie, Ruling Elder, for y e ensueing Gfall Assemblie. Ordained y e hieland kirks to be visited at Lambmass and to begin at the Kirk of Kintaill. Ordained the Kirk of Kiltearne to be visited y e 3 July nixt- come, and the Minister to preach on his ordinarie. Mr. George Monro and Mr. Alex r Ma c kenzie ordained to go to Lochbruime according to y e ordinance of y e comissio at Alderne, and report yeir dilligence y r in at Kilterne the nixt day. 1 649] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 139 The Brethren reported the thanksgiving for the wictorie at Balvenie observed. 1 The action closed with a blessing. At Kilter jie, Julie 3, 1649. Convened Mr. Do d fraser, Moderator, Mr. ferq r MacLennan, Mr. George Monro, Mr. Robert Monro, and Mr. Dod M c crae, Ministers, and Elderes of the said kirk, Hector Dowglass of Balconie, ferqhair Monro of Teahnaird, Mr. Johne Monro of Swairdell, Hew Monro in Katuell, Johne Roy in Teanaird, Hew Monro in Fowlles, and Hew Monro of Teamerchies. The name of God incalled. Mr. Robert Monro, Minister of Kilterne, preached 125 Psal. 1. 5. The Session Book being requyred nothing presented bot scroilles, Therefor he is ordained to fill up his book, and send it to Mr. ferq r M c Lennan and Mr. George Monro, qho are appointed to visit the same, and report their dilligence the next day. The Minister removed, and the Elderes enquyred and sworne, deponed, that to ther knowledge he preached sound doctorines, and to the tymes, that he is edifieing, frie of Malignancie 2 in preaching and cariage ; and being particularlie enquyred if he did entertaine Malignantes in his house befoir the day of Balvenie, declared that his grandson and Do d baine (a chirur- gian) did frequent his house befoir the s d day, bot that Mr. Robert wes diverting them from y r malignant courses accord- ing to his power : siklyke declares that Biguous 3 and some otheres, being drank, came to his house an Saturday at night, 1 After the execution of Charles I., the Royalists of the North rose under Thomas Mackenzie of Pluscardine (Lord Seaforth's brother) and Mackay, Lord Reay, in support of Charles II. They entered Inverness on 22nd Feb. 1649, expelled the garrison, and demolished the town walls. On 8th May following they were defeated at Balvenie in the parish of Mortlach by Leslie's horse. 3 The 1 Malignants ' opposed the Solemn League and Covenant of 1643, which they considered unconstitutional and rebellious, and were, generally speaking, the supporters of the King and the followers of Montrose. They did not necessarily disapprove of the more moderate Covenant of 1638. As a rule they, like Montrose, adhered to it. 3 Mackay of Bighouse. 140 RECORDS OF THE [JULY bot y* Mr. Robert came not nier yem, and y* therfoir they brak his bairne [barn], strick his man, and tak meat and drink according to y r own pleasure, and y x the morrow, being Sunday, y l he preached expreslie against yeir courses. And being posed what they knew of his cariage toward the mahgnants efter y e day of Balvenie, ansered that he enter- tained none to ver knowledge bot his grandson, and y 1 the most qlk they heard him express wes thus, That he wes sorrie for y e miscarriage of these malignants, q bo had procured yer own fall ; 1 yet y* he rejoiced y* God had scattered his enimies. That he lectures and preaches befoir and efter noon, y* he attends his charge and meddles not with civil affairs, that he keeps familie worship at home and presses the same upon the people, y* he visits y e sick qhen requyred, and y* he is a good disciplinator. The Elderes being removed and the Minister called, and being enquyred, declares that they are faithfull in delating delin- quents bot slak in executing discipline, that they are of good c'sa^ [conversation] and that some of them observe familie worship. The Elderes being called are ordained to be more assistant to y e Minister in putting discipline in execution. The Minister declared resident, y* he labours no land bot his gleeb, and being posed anent the provision of his kirk, declares y* he has agreed with the heritors for 5cm. 2 and 3 chaulders of wictuall : forder declares y* he knew not how much his predecessor had, bot that Mr. David Monro, his pre- decessor, told him y* their wes a c'descendence betwixt him and y e heritors, as those y* wer pressent this day c'fessed the same ; vet that thev wer not oblidged to giiie the same vnto anie other : and the brethren being informed that the c'discendence wes registrate thev ordaine Mr. Robert to seek for y e extract y r off. And y e Brethrein, for forder cleiring of the matter, enquyred the heritors whither their wes anie private pac°n [paction] 1 By their rise under Mackenzie of Pluscardine and Lord Reay, and their defeat at Balvenie. 2 500 merks. 1 649] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 141 betwixt them and yer Minister, deponed that ther wes no such thing. The Minister and Elderes declared y 1 Wednesday is ap- pointed for weiklie catechising, ordained to be moir painfull in catechiseing, and declareing y* the c'munion wes not admini- strate since his entrie, because of y e troubles, he is ordained to haue a formall table for the communion and to administrat y* same with all obsaruences. Mr. Jon Monro declared Thesaurer, and declared honest be y* Minister and elderes. No clerk therfoir ordained to help y e same. And being enquyred what progress they made for planta°n of a schooles, ansered y* they wer to c'tribut for ane schoolle with Alines ; 1 the forder try all of vis c'tinnewed intill the visita°n of Alines. Angus Pyper, kirk officer, declared faithfull in his calling. Declares that ther are colle°nes sabbathlie, ordaines the collect iones to be taken up according to the Act of y e grail Assemblie. Declares that ther is none y* resort to excomunicat p'sones. Mr. ferq r Ma c Lennan and Mr. Do d M c crae enquyred anent their visiting Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie, declares y* Mr. Murdo is bedfast. Mr. George Monro enquyred anent the reference of Mr. do d ross, declared y 4 he, Mr. Alex r . M c Kenzie, and y e guid man of Tullich went to Lochbruime and reponed Mr. do d ross accord- ing to v e ordinance of y e comission. The Kirk of Kilmorack to be visited yis day 15 dayes, and v e Minister preach on his ordinarie matter. The ac°n [action] closed with pray r . At KUmoralk, the 17 Julie 1649. Conveined Mr. ferq r ]\I c Lennan, ~Mr. George Monro, Mr. Johne ^Monro, Mr. do d i\I c crae, and Mr. do d Fraser, Ministers, and Alex r Chissolm of Comar, Hew fraser, fiar of Stray, Jon fraser of Clunwakkie, Allan M c ronaild of Teachknock, Allex r fraser of Little Struy, Jon M c Culloch, Ranaild M c Ranaild, 1 Alness, 142 RECORDS OF THE [JULY Thomas fraser, W m fraser, Allex r M c andro, Jon Smith, David Tailzor, Johne M c finlay, Hutcheon M c William, Elders of the said Kirk. The name of God incalled. Mr. ferq r M c Lennan, who wes late Mod r , appointed to moderate this metting. The Session book being presented, and nothing to visited y r in, because it was wisited be the comission at Alderne latlie. The Provision of the Kirk declared be the Minister to be sex hundreth and twentie merks be decreitt of platt and thrie hundreth merks of augmentation : ^descended upon be the heritors : q lk c'descendence is denyed be all the heritors y* wer present except Allex r Chissolme of Comar 1 who acknowledged y 1 the condiscendence wes, and also his own willingnes to pay cTorme. Declares y* he had sufficient gleib and manse. That he keiped weiklie catechising. Declares that he presses a schooll ; ordained to urge the same moir and moir, and report his dilligence to y e pfie. That y r is no excomunicat person within y e Paroch. Alex r fraser of Little Struy, Thesaurer for y e Wester pairt of the Paroch, and Alex r M c eandowie, y e east, both declared honest and faithfull. The Minister removed. The Elders deponed that his doctrine is sound and edifieing to y r knowledge, that he keiped familie worship in his own house, that he presses y e same upon the people, that he preacheth in y e afternoone at Kilmorack, y 1 he preacheth morning to the tymes, y* he is no tryster in civill business, that he visits the sick when requyred, that he is painefull in discipline and mini- steriall in cVersa 0 !! and lyfe, and gives a good report of him in all thingis belonging to his calling. The Elderes removed, The Minister called and declared the Elderes faithfull and cairfull in y r calling ; ordained the Minister, with some elderes, to goe about y e Paroch and presse familie worship upon y e people, and report his dilligence to y e presbyterie. 1 The Chisholm. 1 649] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 143 At Vrqhairt, 31 Julie 1649. Convened Mr. Dod. fraser, moderator, Mr. ferq r M c Lennan, Mr. George Monro, Mr. Johne Monro, and Mr. Dod MacCrae, Ministers, and Murdo Mackenzie of Little findon, Jon fraser in Kinkel, Jon Monro ther, Andro Monro in Milchaith, dod. baine ther, dod. M c Allister vie finlay in Kinkell, finlay M c Al lister vie finlay ther, Finlay dodson [Donaldson] in Milchaich, doncane oig M c finlay in Kinkel, dod M c rorie yer, Johne M c finlay gowe, and ferq r M c ean waine in Culbokie, Elders. The name of God incalled. The Minister, Mr. George Monro, preached the 4 Johne. A ltre [letter] from Mr. Robert Monro, proporting him sicklie and unable to keip our meitting. No thing presented bot scroilles, and being enquyred why he did not present a book, ansered y* he wes to get a new book ; ordained to doe the same with all dilligence, and report theiroff to be made to the Prie. The Minister removed, The Elderes being sworne, deponed that he preacheth befoir and efter noone, That Tuesday is appointed for weiklie catechising bot y* he hed not entered zit, That he attends his charge, y l he lives ministeriallie, y 1 he keips familie worship in his house, and presses the same upon y e people, That he visits the sick, and y* y r is a zeir since the Com union wes given. The Elderes removed, The Minister called, and being enquyred why he did not administer the Comunion yis zeir bygone, ansered y* be reason of y e troubles he hed not cVenient tyme; he is theirfoir ordained to prepare the people, and give the sacrament with all dilligence. And being enquyred e'eerneing y e Elderes, declared yem faithfull delaters, bot slack in executing discipline. The Elders called, They are ordained to be more cairfull to execut discipline. Because of frequent prophanation of y e Lordes day in yis paroich by aquavitey bearers, 1 ordained that those with whom This was the famous whisky district of Ferintosh. 144 RECORDS OF THE [JULY such merchants are on the Saterdav at night dismisse vem not vntill mondav morning vnder y e paine of censure, and the session to proceid against the c'traveiners with the censures of y e Church. Ordaines y 1 fishers on the Lords day in zairs ebbe or anie other way be severelie censured. Ordaines that tuo Elderes be appointed be y e Session to goe alonges and try q ho within y e Paroich resorts to supplicatione wells, especiallie on the sett day, and delate them to the Session q r be they may be censured conforme. The Minister declared the Provision of the Kirk to be sex hundreth merks and the wicarage, and declareing y* he tabled his ac°n befoir y e Comission for planta°n of Kirks, he is ordained to present the same. Ordaines the Kirk theking [thatching] to be helped, the pulpit repaired, a new table for y e Comunion provyded and all other things necessarie for y e decencie of y e same. The brethren finding y* their hes not bene a compt of penalties exacted this tyme bygone, ordaines the same to be done with all dilligence. Ordaines vniformitie of penalties throwout the whole pfie and that the single fornicator pay 4 m. 1 at lest. And the Minister and Elderes declaring that thev were goeing about to seik for a man to be scholmaister and clerk to y e Session, they are ordained to goe an with dilligence and mak report of y e same to y e Pfie. Jon M c William, Kirk Officer, declared faithfull, saife onlie slak in executing the orders of y e Session, especiallie in poinding; ordaines him to amend vis vnder paine of censure. The Collec°nes for y e poore found to haue beine distributed. Dod. M c ean vie finlay excomunicate declared to be obedient in giving satisfac°ne. [Here follow cases of discipline; ordained 'to mak repentance in sacco.^ The Brethrein taking y e long vacancie of Contain to their c'sidera 0 !!, and c'sidering y 4 they had received no anser from y* Pfie of Invernes annent Mr. Duncane M c cullach his transplanta- 1 4 merks. 1649] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 145 tion to y e s d kirk, and heiring y* the Pfie of Invernes wes to visit y e Kirk of Vrq rt [in Inverness-shire] qher y e s d Mr. Duncane is serueing for y e tyme, upon tuisday nixt, ordained Mr. dod fraser to repair thither the said day for requyreing ther absolut anser in the mater of y e said transplantation. Siklyk, e'sidering ye ordanance of y e Comissio of y e grail assemblie for visita°n of y e kirks of Ross, Southerland, and Catnes, meitt at Alderne, the day of recomend- ing to y e Pfie of Invernes and Ding u to meitt togidder to sie how y e kirks of Kiltarlitie and Kilmorack might be better accomodat as they are for the tyme, and whither a third paroich might be erected in y e bounds of y e s d paroiches ; and being informed y* y e Pfie of Invernes wes to meitt at Kiltarlitie the eight of Agust nixt, ordained all the brethrein to meitt ther y e s d day with the Pfie of Invernes, to the purpose forsaid. Ordaines the Kirk of Vrray to be visited on thursday nixt, and the Minister to preach on his ordinarie text. The Brethrein taking to y r c , sidera°n the scandell of alleadged adulterie of Elspett Baine, ordaines Mr. ferq r Ma c Lennan to preach at Ding 11 y e nixt Sabbath, and to try if Elspet Baine wes within y e bounds and if anie light might be had on y e s d mater. The meitting closed with prayer. At Vrray \ Qdo August 1649. Conveened Mr. Dod fraser, Mod r , Mr. ferq r M c Lennan, Mr. George Monro, Mr. Jo n . Monro, and Mr. Dod Ma c rae. The name of God incalled. The Minister preached 4 Sal. 2. 2. Becaus of the incapacitie of Elderes 1 the Brethren c'tinew their m'dgement for remedieing the same vntill resolu°n hade be their Comissioner from the gfall assembly, and the minister ordeined to act q* in him lyes in the matter of discipline. The Minist r enquyred c'cerning the prowision of the Kirk, declaires the same to be five hundreth threescoir ten merks be decreit of Piatt, q r off the viccarage is overvalued to two hundreth merks ; as also declaires y* when Mr. Jo 11 M c kenzie, 1 That is, through Malignancy. K 146 RECORDS OF THE [AUG. now Minister at Tarbat, entered Minister to the Kirk of Vrray, the heretors of Vrray, secluding Kilchreist, ^descended to give two chalders victuall, threttie two schillings st'ling of augmenta°n for bettering the provision of the said kirk, qlk c'descendence as he heares was acted in a provinciall Synod c'forme q r unto his predecessor, Mr. Jo n M c Kenzie, was payed, zet the greatest number of the heretors payes not him becaus he is not able to produce the said Condescendence ; which the Brethrein tacking to c'sideration they ordeined y* Mr. Jo n M c Kenzie sould be spocken and enquyred c'cerning the matter efter his returne from the South. The Minister declaires y* he hes sufficient gleib and manse, according as was designed to his predecessors. The Brethren, c'sidering how difficult it is for ministers in the low count rie to serve at Strachonan, thinks it fitt y 1 for accomoda°n these bounds be visited how soone they may cVeniently. Mr. Ferq r M c Lennan and Mr. Dod. M c rae ordained to preach at Strachonnan, as is incumbent to them. Duncan M c alister vie conill dowy, relapser in adulterie, being referred from the Session to this meitting, called, not com- peirand, bot his father compeiring in his name and declairing that his guids were stollen from him and that he was upon the persuit of them. The Brethren finding the same to be true, c'tinewes the proces till the visita°n of the hielands be past. To be resolved anent the tyme of which visita°n the Presbyterie of Invernes at Kiltarlitie to haue [a sederunt] at Kilmorack. The Meiting closed with prayer. At Kilmorack, 8 Aug. post meridiem. Conveined Mr. dod Eraser, Mod r , Mr. Ferq r Ma c lennan, Mr. George Monro, Mr. Do d M c rae, and Mr. Jo n Monro. The name of God incalled. The Brethren tacking to their c'sideration the expediencie of visiting the hiland kirks, and the ordinance made theranent formerly, appoynts to tacke journey (God willing) upon Monday nixt, and to visit the kirk of Kintaill upon the Wednesdav, the Kirk of Lochalsh upon the Thursday, and the Kirk of Lochcarrin upon the Fryday immediately following 1649] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 147 and ordaines Mr. Do d Ma c rae to adv'tise them c'forme, and to writt to Mr. Alex r M c kenzie, Minister at Lochcarrin, requiring him in the Presbyteries name to adv'tise Mr. Rorie M c kenzie at Garlich, and Mr. Do d Ross at Lochbroome, to meete with them at Lochcarrin the said fryday for appoyting dyats for visiting their Kirks. Maister Rorie MacLeod appoynted to be readdie to exercise the first Presbyterie day at Dingwall. The meiting closed with a blessing. At Kintaitt, 15 Aug. 1649. That day cVeined Mr. Do d Fraser, Mod r , Mr. ferq r M c Lennan, Mr. George Monro, Mr. Ferq r M c rae, Mr. Jo 11 Monro, and Mr. Do d Macrae, Clk. The name of God incalled. The Minister preached Col. 3. 9. No elders or people present, except some few that were not c^siderable. The minister enquired whither he hade made intima°n of the visita°n to the people and q* wes the reasone they did not cVeene, ansered that he made intima°n, and y t he heard the reasone of their absence was y t they were on the persuit of guids that were stollen and tacken away from the severall corners of the countrie. The Minister, enquired why the Kirk thacking wes not repaired, ansered y* the troubles of the tymes wes the caus therofF. And being enquired deeming the provision of the Kirk, ansered y 1, it wes the third pairt of the viccarage extending to ane hundreth libs, and y* he hade so much land as extended to three hundreth libs, and y* he hade the same by way of c'descendence with the superior, as all his predecessors since the first reforma°n hade the same. And being enquired whither he had gleib or manse, ansered he hade neither of these. No pulpit, no collectiones for the poore, no desks. Referres of the Presbyterie at this visita°n to the minister and Session, 148 RECORDS OF THE [AUG. 1. That the Kirk be repaired, a pulpit made, a suitable stoole for public repentance erected, the Kirk floore pave- mented, the beames of the couples filed, no burialls to be within the Kirk, the Kirk zaird dycks to be bigged, the windowes to be brodded and glasend, the Kirk to be plenissed with desks, and their diligence in the premisses to be reported to the nixt ensueing provincial 1. 2. That the minister seeke for gleib and manse and pro- vision to his Kirk, and that he urge the Presbyterie for designa°n efter resoluti°n hade theranent with their Comissioner from the grail assembly. That he provyd a session book well bound, and that the same be filled and sent to the Presbyterie before the fyfteene day of September nixt. 1 That there be a collector and collec°nes for the poore, a thesaurer, and a kirk box. That prophainers of the sabbaoth, especially by beiring burdens and fisching, be severely censured. That ane week day be keeped for catechising, baptism, and mariage. That familie worship be pressed upon the people, and the severall families visited to that effect. That the people be catechised and prepaired for the Com- munion, zett not to administer the same without advyse q r be malignants their receiving of it before dew satisfaction given may be the better prevented. That trelapsers in fornica°n, adulterers, and incestuous persons, be brought before the Presbyterie before they be received on repentance, and sicklyke before they be absolved. That a schoole be urged, and report of diligence heirin be made to the provinciall. That swearing, drunckennes, and cursing be censured accord- ing to the Act of parliament. That absents from the Kirk on dayes of publick worship be censured. That the Minister have a list of the Malignants within his 1 See Minute of 17th Aug. 1649. 1649] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 149 paroch, and the severall degrees of their guilt, to be given to the Presbyterie q n it sail be required. That testimonial^ be sought at termes. That Do d M c conchie vie finlay dowy be sent to the session of Lochalsh, to anser for his adulteries committed in that paroch. Ordaines all the saids references to be insert in the session booke, and intima°n to be made of them the nixt sabbaoth. The meiting closed with a blessing. At Lochalsh, 16 Aug. 1649. Conveened Mr. Do d Fraser, Mod r , Mr. ferq r M c rae, Mr. ferq r M ac Lennan, Mr. Do d M c Lennan, Jo n Monro, and Mr. Do d M c rae, elk of the Presbyterie of Ding u . The name of God incalled. The minister preached Math. 9. 3. No elders in capacitie. Nothing found in this Kirk but the bare walls. The tryall of the scrolls of the Session of Kintaill being c'tinewed till this day, Mr. ferq r M c Lennan and Mr. Jo 11 Monro appoynted to visit them, and give in their report tomorrow at Lochcarron. 1 Mr. George Monro and Mr. Jo 11 Monro appoynted to visite the scrolls of the session of Lochalsh, and to macke their re- port tomorrow at Lochcarrin. The Minister enquired anent gleebe and manse, declares y* there is neither gleebe nor manse designed. And being enquired anent the provision of his Kirk declaires the same to be five hundreth merks, and y l only be way of cdescendence with the superior. The Presbyterie inquiring of the minister if he hade made intima°n of the visita°n, and q* was the reasone of the people not conveening, ansered he did macke intima°n bot knew not q 1 was the reasone of the peoples absence. The brethren, hearing y* ane Christine neine ean vie Kenneth, incestuows within the He of Sky, did reside in Lochalsh, ordained y fc she sould be removed and not suffered to abyd in See Minute of the 17th Aug. 150 RECORDS OF THE [AUG. the countrey vntill she proported a testimoniall from Mr. Archi- bald Ma c queen, minister at [place blank in register.] 1 Jo n buy, Kirk officer, declaired be the Minister faithfull and painfull. Referres to Session and Minister. That the Minister raise letres of horning, and charge the parochiners to roofe and thech the Kirk, and his diligence to be reported to the nixt ensueing provinciall vnder payne of censure. That pulpit be made, a stoole of publick repentance erected, the Kirke floore pavemented, y* no burialls be within the Kirk, the kirkzaird dyck be bigged, and windowes brodd and glassened, the Kirk plenissed with desks, and report to be made anent all these particulars to the nixt ensueing provinciall. The Visitation of y e Kirk of Lochcarron. At Lochcarrin, 17 Augt. 1649. Conveined Mr. Do d fraser, Mod r , Mr. do d M c Lennan, Mr. George Monro, Mr. ferq r M c Lennan, Mr. Alex r M c Kenzie, and Mr. do d M c cra, Clerk of y e Pfie of Dingwall. The name of God incalled. Mr. Alex r M c Kenzie, Minister yer, preached, Rom. v. 10. No elderes, in capacitie be reason of Malignancie. Ordaines that the Kirk thacking be helped. A formall stoole of repentance found, bot ney r pulpit nor dasks. Ordaines a pulpit and dasks to be made, the windowes to be glassened, the kirk zaird dyck bigged, the Kirk floore to be pavemented, the beames of y e couples to be filled, and y l no burialls be within y e Kirk. The late Elderes being present declares that the minister did urge the subscription of the League and Covenant first and last, bot that yey refused the same both the tymes for fear of yer Superiors j Qlk the Brethren taking to yer c*sidera°n, con- tinewes proceiding against them till resolu°n had from the gfall assemblie. 1 Mr. Archibald Macqueen was minister of Snizort, but his parish was evidently not known to the Presbytery of Dingwall ! 1 649] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 151 The Minister enquired if he did keip a week day for catechising, Baptisme, and mariage, ansered y* he did appoint Thursday for y* effect. The Pfie ordaines the s d day to be keiped, and the people to be prepared for y e Comunio" bot not to administrate y e same vntill the Pfie^ advyse be had. Ordaines the Minister to present the Sumonds of Walua°n for prowyding his Kirk, and mak report of his dilligence to y e nixt ensueing Prowinciall. Ordaines him to urge y e Pfie for designa°n of Gleib and Manse efter resolu°n had from the gfall assemblie. Doncane M c do d vie Wurchie declared collector of y e penalties. No collectiones for y e poore, and no kirk box — q r foir ordaines to haue both. The Minister ordained to vrge a school, and mak report of his dilligence to y e next Provinciall. [Cases of discipline : Greadich nein ean vie Conchie Ryach, 'being declared fugitive, ordained to be summarlie ex- cumunicat the nixt sabbaoth for her incest, adulterie, and severall fornicatione, and mak report of y e same to y e pfie, and to adwertise y e rest of y e hieland ministers to mak intima°n theiroff.'J The report of the Scroilles of Session of the Kirk of Kintall. Mr. ferq r M c Lennan and Mr. Johne Monro reported y* they are informall, manie of y e errata not mended. No mention of the Thanksgiving for the wictorie at Balvenie. The Report of the Scroills of y e Kirk of Lochalsh. The said Scroilles being visited be Mr. George and Mr. Johne Monros, their report y* he mended the former errata much, bot made no mention of y e Sederunts. Report of the Scroilles of y e Kirk of Lochcarrin made be Mr. ferq r M c Lennan and Mr. Johne Monro. No mention of keiping the Thanksgiving for y e wictorie at Balvenie notwithstanding intima°n y r off insert; zet the late Elderes declared y* the same was keiped. No satisfaction appointed to fornicators, ney r cfessing nor c'peiring. 152 RECORDS OF THE [AUG. No mention of anie penalties of delinquents. A Session ordaineing Banishment. Ordaines Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie, Minister at Lochcarrin, to observe the directiones of y e Comission at Alderne for remedie- ing the former errata. The visitation of Gairloch and Lochbruime c'tinewed be the way long not rydable and inabilitie of brethren to goe afoote, and because of our Comissioners home coming of, when the Brethren expects forder information and new directiones from y e Genfl Assemblie, and because ther could no certain dyat be appointed for visiting these Kirks in regard of y e Ministers ther absence. Ordaines Mr. George Monro and Mr. Jo n Monro to visit Mr. Murdo Makenzie, late Minister at Ding 11 , and report his Edition for y e tyme to y e pf ie the first day of Meitting. Ordaines the nixt pfie day to hold at Ding 11 y e 28 August 1649, and the Ministers of y e hieland Kirks ordained to sum- nond the delinquents unto y e said day. Mr. ferq r M c Lennan ordained to adwertise Mr. Rorie M c cleoud to exercise y* day according to the former appoint- ment. The Meitting closed with prayer. At Dingwall, 28 Aug. 1649. Conveined Mr. do d fraser, mod r , Mr. Robert Monro, Mr. ferq r m c Lennan, Mr. George Monro, Mr. Jo n M c crae, Mr. Johne Monro and Mr. do d M c Crae, Ministers, and Neill Beton, ruling Elder from Abies. The name of God incalled. Mr. Rorie M c Cleoud haveing exercised, Act. lc. 9, 10, 11 v 8 . Removed, his doctrine tryed and approven. Mr. Johne M c Crae haveing directed the declara°nes of the gfall assemblie, and the reasones of y e fast appointed be the gfall assemblie to be keiped upon y e last sabbaoth of yis instant to all the Brethren seuerallie, and enquyreing if they had receaved yem, all acknowledged the reset of them, and declared y t they red the declara°n and intimat the fast y e last sabbaoth. The Summe of the Reasones of y e said fast. 1 649] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 153 1. The c'tineuance and increase of sin and prophanitie, especiallie of y e sin of Witchcraft. 2. Secondlie, The interruption of y e Lordes work in England and Ireland and sore oppression of his people, by prevale- ing partie of Sectaries in y e one, and Malignantes in y e other. 3. The King his not granting y e just and necessarie of yis Kirk and Kindome for secureing of Religion, and his making peace with the Irish Rebells. Wee are to entreat y e Lord to delyver y e king from y e snare of Malignant counsells, and to enclyne his heart to giue satisfaction in yese thinges y* c^cerne Religion y 1 he may be estableished on his throne. To pray for stedfastnes to this land, especiallie to yose qho haue the charge of publick affaires, y* in y e middest of so manie snares and tenta°ns, they may keip ther integritie and not declyne to y e Right or to y e left. That the Lord would strengthen those who suffer for his cause in England and Ireland, and break y e yock of yer oppressors, and carie on his work amongst them unto the praise of his own name, comfort of his people, and shame of his enemies. That he would regaird y e necessitie of the poore by giveing a fair and seasonable harvest, and bestow upon his people a plentifull measure of y e fruits of y e earth, for preventing y e famine threatened and feared, and enabling the kingdome to beare necessarie burdens without repyneing. Mr. Thomas presented ane Act of the genfll Assemblie for opening of his mouth, the tenour wheroff followeth : ' Edinb. 24 Julie 1649 post merid. 'Sess. 23. ' The Assemblie haveing considdered the deposition of Mr. Tho. Ross, who was deposed about a year since, and haveing heard the s d Mr. Thomas himselfe give evidences of his sence of sorrow for his miscarriage, As also Considdering the testimonies from the prebie, Synod, and Commission for visitation of Ross, concerning this satis- faction given to them, doe y r fore refer him to the prie of Dingwall, and doe heirby ordayne them with all diligence to open his mouth, 154 RECORDS OF THE [AUG. and to put him in a capacitie for the Ministrie q r it may please God to giue him a law 11 call. ' Sic subscriber., < H. Ker.' The ansers y r of c'tinewed untill y e nixt day in regaird the tyme wes farre spent be reason of y e manie referres ; and the Commissioner his dilligence as it to be enquyred. Mr. John M c cra, Comissioner, haueing dlyvered in Pfie thrie Actes of the gfall Assemblie c'cerneing y e [ ] of receaveing the Engagers. 1 Seven actes of Parliament anent y e poore, and one Act of Redresse, and haueing sent fyve declara°nes, fyve reasones of the fast, fyve actes anent y e poore, one act annent the receaueing of the Engagers for y e Ministeres of y e hieland Kirks, and Mrs. [Messrs.] George and John Monroes declareing they receaved them, and directed y e same to y e severall ministeres, all ordained to mak use of yem with all dilligence. Suchlyk, declareing y r wes a Comission appointed be y e gfall assemblie for visiting y e Province of Ross, to meitt at Chanrie the last tuesday of September nixt, ordained all y e Brethren to mak intima°n of the same, and advertise yer elderes to be present ther. Sicklyk, reportes that Mr. Thomas Ross delyuered one hundreth merks and himselfe fourtie and fyve pounds to Patrick Dickson for James Murray his restes, and promises to report a full discharge upon the resett of tueentie and sex merks. His dilligence approven. Allex r Baine of Knockbaine, c'peiring and acknowledging a sense of his errour for his accesse to y e late Rebellion by his goeing to Invernes, 2 and supplicating the Pfie to tak his re- pentance and receave him — his anser continewed to y e nixt day. 1 The Engagers were those who had taken part in the Duke of Hamilton's 1 Engagement' in 1648 — their purpose being to reconquer England for Charles 1. Hamilton led an army into England, but was defeated by Cromwell at Preston. The General Assembly opposed the Engagement, and after its collapse the famous Act of Classes was passed enacting penalties against the Engagers, and excluding them from office and Church privileges. 2 The rising for Charles 11., under Mackenzie of Pluscardin and Lord Reay, which came to an end at the Battle of Balvenie. During its progress, the 'rebels' took Inverness (February 1649), and demolished its walls and forti- fications. 1 649] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 155 Ordaines ane Ire to be wreitten and directed with y e Kirk Officer of Lochalsh for advertiseing y e mmisteres of Lochcarrin, Lochalsh, and Kintaill, of y e dyat of y e Comission for visita°n of y e Prowince, and ordaines Mr. John Ma c crae to adwertise y e minister of Garloch, and ferq r M c Lennan y e minister of Lochbruime. The nixt meitting appointed to be 11 Sept. The meitting clos d with prayr. At Dingwall, 11 Sept. 1649. The exercise c'tinewed because of the many referrs, and many ingadgers to come in before the Presbyterie. Maister Ferq r M c Lennan and Mr. George Monro enquired c'cerning their diligence anent the revising of Mr. Rob. Monro his Session booke, reports they revised it, and gaue in the observationes following : 1. Delinquents ordained to be jogged. 1 2. Intima°n of one fast, and y e reasons not specified. 3. Sessiones intermitted, and y e reason not insert. 4. Intima°n of the Thanksgiveing for y e wictorie at Balvenie, bot no mention of y e keiping of it. 5. Elderes elected not c'forme to the order. Ordaines the errata to be helped according to the directiones of the Comission at Alderne. This day a formall session booke wes sent to the Presbyterie be Mr. Ferq r Ma c rae, Minister at Kintaill, according to the ordinance of the visita°n at his kirk, which wes delivered to Mr. Ferq r M c Lennan and Mr. George Monro to be visited, and they ordained to macke report of ther diligence the nixt day. Catherine nein rorie vie ean vie conichie Riach, within the Paroch of Lochcarrin, reported from the minister to haue been excomunicat according to the ordinance at the visita°n of Lochcarrin, ordaines the Brethren to macke intima°n thereof in their severall Kirks. All the brethren reports that they keiped the fast. The opeining of Mr. Thomas Ros his mouth c'tinued, vntill That is, put into the jougs. 156 RECORDS OF THE [sept. he deliver the evidences of the Kirk of Alnes to the Presbyterie according to the ordinance of the commission of visita°n at Chanrie the day of Margaret Monro in Culcraiggie delated for charming and referred be the Session of Alnes to the Presbyterie, called, compeired and acknowledged the turning of the seive and the sheir, and being enquired how she learned the same declaired y* it was from Shihag Vrq rt in Delines, and that the said Shihag, her two sonnes, "William dunes and Finlay riach, were pnt q 11 she learned it ; ordained to compeir againe before the Presbyterie q n ever she sould be required, for which Neill Beaton inacted himselfe cautioner. And Mr. Jon Monro advettised to caus the Presbyterie of Tayne to tacke course with the said Shihag and her sonnes, seeing they reside within that Presbyterie. The Presbyterie c'sidering the expediencie of the planta°n of schooles and the Act of Parliament made theranent, thought fitt that the vnderwritten persones sould be required be the ministeres of the severall parodies q r they reside, to meete with the Presbyterie the nixt day for tacking course for erection and planta°n of schooles within the Presbyterie c'forme to the tenor of the Act of Parliament : for which effect the persones following were nominat and ordained to be required, viz., Rob 1 Monro of Obstill, Hew Fraser of Eskadaill, Hector Douglas of Balkney, Androw Monro, portioner of Culcairne, Do d Finlay- sone, portioner thereoff, Hew Monro of Teaninich, Hew Monro of Foiris, Androw Monro in Teanuar, 1 Hew Monro in Keatuall, Jo n Monro in Xewtowne, Jo n Monro in Kinkell, Mr. Jo n Monro of Swardill, Ferq r Monro of Teanaird, and Neill Beaton in Culcraigie. Mr. Jo n Ma c rae was this day no'at and appoynted Comissioner for the Presbyterie for repairing to the Presbyterie of Invemes to require their anser in the matter of Mr. Duncan M c culloch his transporta°n from Vrq 1 to Contin, giving him full power to reasone and anser q* sail be propounded in name of the Presbyterie. That day a number of Ingadgers from severall paroches com- Teanuar : Tigh-nuar — Gaelic name of Novar. PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 157 peired before the Presbyterie upon their hearing of the act of gfall assembly intimated by their severall ministeres, offering themselves to tryall and declairing their willingnes to give satisfaction according to their guilt, and desire to be received : which the Brethren tacking to c'siderat 0 !! proceided in tryall of them as follows. The names of the Ingadgers compeiring the said day from the Paroch of Alnes : Jo 11 Ma c kenzie of Davachcairne compeiring as said is, and exhorted to be ingenuous in his cYession, acknowledged he was classed before for complyance with James Grahame 1 and y 1 he did c'tribut by giving men and meanes to the vnlawfull in- gadgment against Englande, being forced to it by q r tering, and that he was at the casting downe of the walls of Invernes in the late Rebellion. [Dod Monro, Robt Monro, and 6 Hew Monro sonne to Teannich, 1 confessed being in the 'Ingadgment against England.'] Ingadgers within the Paroch of Kilterne : Jo n Monro in Culnaskeah confessed that he was a Lieuetenent in the vnlaw 11 ingadgment against England. David Monro in Keatuall cYessed that he was ane ensagne bearer in the vnlaw 11 ingadgment, and accessarie also to the late insurrection in the north. Jo 11 Monro of Ardully cYessed y l he was in the unlawfull ingadgement against England, and accessorie to the late re- bellion, bot y* he had office in neither of them, and that he knew not the intention of the Insurrection vntill he came to Keassack. [Several others confessed they were common soldiers in the Ingadgment and rebellion.] Ingadgers within the Paroch of Dingwall : Alex r Bayne of Knockbayne c'fessed y 1 he subscrived the remonstrance, 2 and was censured for the same, y t he contribut 1 The Marquis of Montrose. 2 In June 1646 the General Assembly excommunicated the Earl of Seaforth for contriving a 1 perfidious Band ' under the name of ' an humble Remonstrance,' against the National Covenant and the League and Covenant of the Three King- doms. It consisted of several articles, one of which invited the King to come to Scotland. It was extensively subscribed in Ross-shire. 158 RECORDS OF THE [SEPT. to the vnlaw 11 ingadgment in men and meanes being forced and compelled thairto, and that he chanced to be in the late in- surrection and rebellion bot knew not their intention vntill he came to Keassack, and y 1 he forsooke them befoir the walls of Invernes were cast down. [Jo n Bayne his brother made similar confession.] Ingadgers compeiring from the Paroch of Fottertie : Jo n Ma c kenzie in Davochcairne c'fessed he was accessorie to James Grahames rebellion in Seaforts company, y 1 he was to receive the office of a lievetennant in the vnlaw 11 ingadgment, and that he was in the late rebellion and at Invernes. [Several others confessed to being * at both Invernes and Balveinie 1 — and others confessed having been 6 at Invernes bot not at Balvenie.'] Ingadgers from the Parish of Urray : Maister Coline Ma c kenzie of Kinnock, and Duncan M c alister vie conell dowy, confessed. Parish of Urquhart : Xeill Monro of Findon confessed he was a member of a Comittee y* was for the vnlaw 11 ingadgement, and y* his contri- buting men and meanes to it was be compulsion, and y* he was at Invernes in the late Insurrection, bot stayed not. The classing and enjoyning censure to the said Ingadgers c'tinued till farther tryall and advysement, and they are sumoned apud acta to compeir before the Presbyterie againe q n ever they sould be advertised by their severall ministers. That day Jo n Monro of Lemlair compeiring before the Presbyterie acknowledging his error, and, professing great greife and sorrow for his accession to the vnlawf 11 ingadgement and the late rebellion in the North, and c'sidering y* according to the act of the gfall assembly none above the degree of a leivetenant guiltie as he was, can be received on repentance vntill they haue their recourse to the gfall assembly or their comissioners, Therefore supplicated the Presbyterie to grant him a certificat of his cariage before the vnlaw 11 ingadgment and since his coming off the late rebellion, to be proported to the Comission of the gfall assembly, to which he intended to haue his recourse with all cVenient diligence for receiving such censure as they would be pleased to enjoyne : Quhich being 1649] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 159 c'sidered by the Presbyterie, his desyre was thought relevant, and granted. Sicklyke, Captaine Androw Monro acknowledging his accesse to the vnlaw 11 ingadgment for England, and professing his greife for the same, and supplicating the Presbyterie for a certificate of the Lyke tenor upon the same ground, and the same effect, his desyre thought relevant, and granted. The Brethren c'sidering y* many of the malignants and In- gadgers were not come in zet, appoynted y* the acts of gfall assembly sould be intimated againe, and y 1 a list be given of such as sail not compeir be their severall ministeres, q r be they may be processed. At Ding. 18 Septemb. 1649. Mr. Jo n M c rae absent, being direct comissioner to the Pres- byterie of Invernes for receiving their anser in the matter of Mr. Duncan M c culloch his transportation. Mr. Do d M c rae did give in a list of Ingadgers within the Parochins of Vrray and Kil- chreist, c'teining the persones following : Rorie Mackenzie of Davachmoluagg, Kenneth M c Kenzie his servant, W m M c conill vayne vie ean vreick, Duncan M c conill vie ean riach, James M c vic rob in Wester Farburne, Hector M c Kenzie of Farburne, Rorie M c Kenzie fier of farburne, Jo n buy M c finlay gowne, Thomas begg M c chlachar, Thomas Moir M c chlachar, Jo n Keil [Caol] M c coule, Jo n M c conill dowy vie W m , Jo n M c ean vie conill vie Thomas, Duncan M c ferq r voir, Jo n riach M c W m vie conill roy, Jo n roy M c Jock, Kenneth Kaird, Do d M c finlay tailezeor, Do n M c ean greasich, Alex r Bayne of Tarradaill, Thomas Roy M c conill vaine, Captaine Bayne, Brahan. 1 Of the which persones compeired the said day the persones following : Hector M c Kenzie of farburne, cYessed y* his men vere readdie to goe with Seafort on the vunlawfull ingadgement, and went with his sonne to Inv'ness and Balveinie on the late rebellione. Alex r Bayne of Tarradaill compeired, cYessed only his sub- scribing the remonstrance, and that he c'tribute for the vnlaw- full ingadgement through compulsion. 1 And many others, the list containing seventy-six in all. 160 RECORDS OF THE [SEPT. A list of ingadgers given in be Mr. Robt Monro, Minist r at Kilterne, c'teining the p'sones following : W m Smith his sonne, Andrew Logan, Do d Bayne, Jo n M c ranald, Jo 11 dow cordiner, Jo n Miller, Do d Gardiner, do d M c Jaspartj Hector frank man. . . . Rob 1 Monro, Lemlair his sonne. 1 List of Ingadgeres within Vrq rt and loggie : [List of fifteen given in — of whom six compeared — some of whom confessed that they were at Inverness, others that they were at Balvenie, and others that they were at Inverness and Balvenie. [Several Ingadgers from the Paroch of Alness appeared, and confessed they were 4 with James Graham and in the late Insur- rection ' — some at Inverness, others at Balvenie.] Alex r M°Kenzie of Coule, compeiring from the Paroch of Contin, c'fessed only his subscriving of the remonstrance and y* he wes privie to the late Insurrection, bot wes against it in judgement. Alex r M c Kenzie, sonne to Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie, late Minister at Dingw 11 , compeiring from the Paroch of fottertie, cYessed he wes at Keassock in James Grahames rebellion, and went over the ferrie to James Grahame his camp, and that he wes at Invernes and Balvenie in the late rebellion. The censuring and classing c'tinewed as before, and farther trvall and sumonding of pairties not compeiring as zet referred to the several! ministers. Mr. ferq r reported y l he caused sumoned Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie, late Minist' at Dingw 11 , according to the formere ordinance, and a letre prited [presented] from Mr. Murdo him- selfe proporting the c'tinuance of his infirmitie, and his willing- nes to obey when health sould serve him. The lfe ordained to be keeped and the processe c'tinewed. Androw Monro, portioner of Culcairne, Do d finlasone por- tioner theroff, Hew Monro of Teahninich, Hew Monro of Foiris, Androw Monro in teanuar, Hew Monro in Keatuall, Jo 11 Monro in newtovne, Jo n Monro in Kinkell, Ferq r Monro of Teanairdich, and Mr. Jo n Monro of Suardell, all formerly 1 And others, the list numbering twenty-two in all. 1649] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 161 noat comissioners for planta°n of Schooles, compciring and required be the Presbvterie to meete among themselves for thinking upon and setting doune a course for planta°n of Schooles ; having met and resolved accordingly, reported to the Presbvterie they thought y l twell libs out of the thousand merits rent might suffice, bot ctinewed the absolute determina°n of anything vntill they met with the rest of the members noiat by the Presbyterie, Viz. Robt Monro of Obstill, Hector Douglas of Balkinv, and Thomas Eraser of Eskidaill, who were neces- sitated to be absent this day, for attending the comission of revalua°n of rents. Continewes the referres of Highland kirks to the nixt day becaus the day was farre spent. The Brethren reports y* their several] Parishiners desires a ("tinua°n of the execu°n of the act of Parliament anent the maintenance of the poore, vntill the end of harvest. A supplica°n given in be the burgh of Ding 11 for a pairt of the vacant stipend of Contin for putting up of their brigg. The anser c'tinued. Siclyke a Supplica°n given in be the Parisheneres of Alness and other ucntlemen, for a supply out of the said vacant stipend for upputting the bridge of Alness. The brethren did allocat two hundreth merks of the said stipend of crop 1 m. vi° fortie nyne [1649] for that purpose. Siclyke, Mr. Coline M c Kenzie, late Minister at Contin, his Edition buing c\sidered and tacken to heart by the brethren, Because of his good behaviour and indigence, allocates to him the said vacant stipend for cropt 1 m vi c fortie eight yeires : ordcining him withall to repair the manse upon his receipt theiroff. Mr. ferq* M°Lennan reports he did wreitt to Mr. Do d Ros, bot received no anser as zet. At DingTcaU, 9 Octob. 1649. Mr. Ferq r exercised Act 1. 12, removed, his doctrine trved and allowed. Mr. Jo" Ma c ra, adder, absent, excused be ane ltfe proporting he was attending ane child of his owne at the poynt of death, proporting also y* he hade repaired to Invernes the last tweaday to the Presbvterie, and y 1 they ctinewed their L 162 RECORDS OF THE [OCT. absolute ans r anent Mr. Duncan M c culloch his transporta°n, vntill thursday come eight dayes. Mr. Jo n M c ra appoynted to exercise, and Mr. Robt Monro to adde the nixt day. That day (cYorme to ane ordinance of the Comission of the gfall assembly for visiting the Kirks of Ros at Alderne the day of last) there was ane declara°n drawen up to be subscribed be Mr. Murdo Ma c Kenzie, late Minister at Ding 11 , bearing his acknowledgement of the equitie and justice of the procedours and sentences of the respective Judicatories of the Kirk against him for his privious trafficking with the malignants, and acknowledging the reasones of his appela°n from the sentence of the Presbyterie of Dingwall against him to haue bene bot calumnies and lies, which declaration was ordeined to be directed to him, and Mr. George Monro and Mr. Colline Ma c Kenzie to goe alongis to be witness 3 to his subscribing it, and report their diligence thereanent the nixt day. Continewes the referrs to the Hielands vntill the ministers of these parochens come to the Provinciall. Considering that the Comissioners for planta°n of schooles haue not set dovne as zet any solid course for planta°n of schooles, The ministers of the severall parochins q r they reside ordeined to adVtise them to be prit in Presbyterie the nixt day, and bring with them the act of parliament theranent. Conforme to the Act of the gfall Assembly ordeining Mr. Thomas Ros his mouth to be opened, The Presbyterie declaires him capable of the benefit of the said act in all poynts. [A number of Ingadgers appeared and confessed being in the late rebellion, amongst whom is Captaine Alex r Bayne who 4 c'fessed he wes with James Grahame at Inviies and on the late Insurrection at Inv'nes and Balvenie. , J Ordaines Mr. Jo n M c rae to repair to the Presbyterie of Inwnes thursday come eight dayes to receive their vttermost anser anent Mr. Duncan M c culloch his transporta°n. It is ordeined that a list of poore boyes having the Irish language be given in to the Presbyterie the nixt day for election of one to be trained up at Schooles on the Presbyteries charges, providing alwayes that ther parentes be not able to susteene 1649] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 163 them nor disaffected to the publick. The benefit of giving in of which list is for this vice c'ferred upon the Parochin of Alnes. The meiting closed with prayer. At Ding., 23 Octob. 1649. That day compeired Mr. Do d fraser, Mod r , Mr. George Monro, Mr. Jo n Monro, Mr. Do d M c ra, Mr. ferq r M c Lennan, Mr. Jo n M c ra, elk ; Robt Monro of Obstill, and Neill Beaton in Culcraggie, ruling elderes. The name of God incalled. Mr. Jo n Ma c ra exercised Act 1. 15-22. Mr. Robt Monro, adder, absent, excused by his Ire propos- ing his infirmitie. Mr. Jo n Monro to exercise, and Mr. George Monro to adde the first day of meitting efter the Provinviall. That day the referres of the Comission of grail assembly for visiting the Kirks of Ros, to the severall Presbyteries pre- sented, and delivered to the Presbyterie, togither with a warrant from the said Comission for sumonding the ministers of the hilands with literall sumonds to the nixt meiting of the Comission in Maij. Mr. George Monro and Mr. Coline Ma c Kenzie enquired deeming their diligence in repairing to Mr. Murdo Ma c Kenzie to see him subscribe the declara°n drawen up the last day, reported z* he refused to subscribe the same, aleadging z* it wes more rigid as the Comission gaue warrant, which being c'sidered be the Presbyterie, ordaines z* a Ire be written to Mr. Murdo requiring him to come dovne to the Presbyterie to the nixt meiting to be resolved of his doubts, and to give satis- faction to the ordinances of the Kirk, with certifica°n he sould be excomunicated in caise of failze, and appoyntes z l the draught of the declara°n formerly drawen up sould be brought and pnted to the Provinciall to advise with them theranent. The classing and censuring of the malignants c'tinewed be the Presbyterie vntill they be advysed with the Provinciall. Mr. M c ra reporting he wes not able to repair the day appoynted to Inv'nes, ordained to goe the nixt Presbyterie day. 164 RECORDS OF THE [OCT. W m Reid, late Schollmaister at Kincardin, compeiring before the Presbyterie and shewing his desire and willingnes to enter Schoolemaister at Vrq*, bringing with him ane testimoniall subscribed be Mr. Hector Monro, late Minist. at Kincardin, testifieing of his literature, good educa°n and cariage, re- comended to Mr. George Monro to receive Schoolemaister at Vrq*. None of the Comissioners noiat for planta°n of Schooles com- peiring, being severall wayes taken up. The matter c'tinewed vntill they might with more cVenience. Two Irish boyes being brought before the Presbyterie be Mr. Jo 11 Monro, Minister at Alnes, one of them called Jo n Monro, sonne to Hutchone Monro, wes elected and prited to the Pres- byteries bursse, and appoynts Mr. Jo 11 Monro to have a care to see him enter to the schoole without any delay. All the Brethren being severally tryed and examined, approven, except y* Mr. George Monro wes found to haue preached notte for a long tyme at Loggie, and y* Mr. Ferq r M c Lennan preached none at all at Strachonnan, both ordeined to help this fault vnder payne of censure. The nixt day of meiting to be appoynted at the Provinciall. The meiting closed with prayer. At Dingwall, the 20 of Now . 1649. The exercise was continewed because of the shortnes of the day and multiplicitie of particulars to be ordered the s d day. Mr. Jo n M c crae reported y* he went to Invernes according to the former ordinance, and y* the Pfebie promised to conclude that particular at y r next meiting at Aldearne, and to send y r last answere w h Mr. Duncan M c culloch himselfe lmediatelie after the s d meiting. That day Mr. Jo n M c crae, by consent of the whole breyren of the Prebie, is chosen Moderator, and Mr. Jo 11 Monro elk. for the next provinciall assemblie. That day the prebie haueing advysed w h the provinciall anent the draught to be subscryved be Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie, doe appoynt Mr. Do d fraser and Mr. Jo n Munro to repaire to the s d Mr. Murdo w h the declara°n appoynted formerlie to be sub* by him, and to requyre his subscription y r to, w h certifi- 1649J PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 165 cation if he refuse the same to be sentenced w h excomunica°n sumarlie. Compeired Rorie M c Kenzie of Davachmoluag and confessed his accession to Ja. Grahames rebellion, and that he was in readines to goe to the late vnlavv 11 ingagement as Major, and his accession to the late rebellion in the north, asserting his reall greife for the same, and his earnest desyre to be received to the Covenant and satisfac°n for his s d miscarieages ; c'tinewed till his minister make furder tryall of his cariage, w ch is reco- mended to him accordinglie. Compeired Rorie M c Kenzie yo r of farburne and Confesses his accession to Ja. Grahames rebellion and to the late rebellion in the north, reporting his being reallie griewed for the same and desyring to be received to the Covenant and satisfac°n for his s d miscariages who is continewed till his minister make furder tryall of his cariage w ch is recomended to him accordinglie. The maner how one Irish boy shall be mantained continewed till the next day. Compeired Tho. fraser in Crochell and confesses that he was desyrous to haue had a charge in the late vnlaw 11 ingagem* bot not his actuall ingagem* w h the rest that went to England, reporting his earnest desyre to be received to the Covenant and satisfac 0 ", his answere is continewed to the next prebie day, and his minister appoynted to make furder tryall of his cariage. The references from the Comission of the gfall assemblie appoynted for visiting the Kirk of Ross are appoynted to be insert in the prebie book, and all the breyren to take extracts y r off and to report ther diligence of performance of q t is reco- mended in the s cl references, q r in they are p*icularlie concerned against the next day. The classing of the severall malignants according to the severall maners of satisfac on to be injoyned to each of them c'tinewed till the next day. Mr. Do d M c crae supplicated for ane act of transporta°n for such reasones as the s d supplica°n did at lenth proport, bot the breyren suspend y r giveing answere y r to vntill they sie him haue ane orderlie call to ane other congregation. [Letter from Mr. George Gray, Minister at Dornoch, request- ing Florence Munro adulteress, who had fled from Dornoch to 166 RECORDS OF THE [NOV. Kilteam, to be sent back. Mr. Robt. in Kiltearn ordered to use all diligence.] Meiting closed with prayer. At Dingwall, the 11 of Deer. 1649. Mr. Do d fraser and Mr Jo 11 Munro report that they repaired to the hight of Strachonnan q r Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie was prited vnto him the declara°n appoynted be the Kirk to be sub 1 be him, who promised to be heir this day himselfe, health serving, or oyrways his vther answere, who being cited, c'peired not, bot sent his lfe and a declara°n drawn vp be himselfe vnder his owne hand, w ch being red and considdered, The breyren in one voyce doe declaire that they ar not satisfied w th the draught of his s d declara°n, And therfore haue drawn vp y r owne declara°n over againe, And appoyntes the same to be directed to him againe by his sone Allex r , w th a lfe requyring his subscription y r to but anie furder altera°n or c'tinewa 0 !! to be at vs the next prebie day, with certifica°n if he fayle to be sentenced with excomunication sumarlie. The breyren declaire that they ar not as yet throchlie resolved about the maner of mantaining the Irish boy vntill they deale furder w th y r Sessiones, w ch is accordingly recomended to be performed with diligence vnto the severall breyren. Mr. Dod fraser reportes he learned nothing of Tho. fraser in Crochell his furder accession to anie malignant courses then he declared himselfe before the presbyterie the last day, and y* he had vsed all the tryall possiblie he culd for furder infor- mation. followes the references of the Comission of the grail assemblie appoynted for visiting the Kirk of Ross. 1 That the nationall covenant of this Kingdome w h the solemne league and covenant of the thrie Kingdomes w h the renova°n y r off and subscrip on y r to be insert and regrat in all regres of presbyteries and sessiones repiue [respectively]. * That the trayning of boyes haueing the Irish language at Schooles be carefullie performed, and y r respue regres [respective registers] bear record of diligence y r anent. 'That bursars students of divinitie be carefullie educated and mantained be the whole province. 1649] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 167 ' That all the people in everie congrega°n grallie be requyred as well as the elders to be pnt at visita°nes of kirks, and posed grallie if the people haue anie thing to object against ministers cariage in y r pastorall charge. ' That Session bookes be tymously delyvered and examined at visita°n of Kirkes. ' That adulterers and incestuous p'sones y r names be sent south to the civill Magfat. 'That the Prebrie of Tayne admitt not Mr. Neil M c leod, Schoolem r at Tarbat, trelapse in fornica°n and deposed be the Comission, to anie charge till he give evident singes [signs] of his repentance and good cariage. ' That no oathes be taken or sought in the mater of witchcraft or suspicion of danger y r by from y r neighbours, and y fc the persones suspecting to haue reciued wrong be witchcraft doe not seik anie cure anie way from the suspected witch, and whosoever c'traveines to be procest till they satisfie in sackcloath and till they giue evident singes of y r repentance. ' That the act anent beggers be intimat in everie paroch kirk, and be put in pnt execution betwixt this and the first lords day of No r next. 'That Schooles be erected in everie paroch, and diligence y r anent be reported to the next provinciall of Ross betwixt this and the next visita°n at Chanfie. ' That the prebrie of Chanrie prosecute the planta°n and pro- vision of the Kirk of Chanrie betwixt his and No r next and to giue an accompt of y r diligence to the provinciall and next visita°n at Chanrie. ' That Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie not able to come to the prebrie of Dingwall be dealt w h by some breyren of the prebrie and requyred to acknowledge his offences and subscryve the band conceiued be the Comission at Aid. [Auldearn] 1647, and satisfie in publick q n he is able in bodie. ' That all Min res within the p'vince preach po r fully against witch- craft and devillish practises of y fc sort. ' That prebrie take compt of everie broy r how he spends the saboth day in lecturing and preaching, and y r everie session book mention textes of lecture and sermone. ' That the prebrie of Chanrie haue care of planting a schoole at Kilmuir West. ' That the prebrie of Tayne inquyre furder and try concerning 168 RECORDS OF THE [dec. the scandalous carriage of Mr. Jo n M c Kenzie, and to injoyne him repentance for his former miscariage and for q fc shall be furder fund against him. ' That the prebrie of Dingwall be carefull of the cariage of Mr. Robt. Munro, Min r at Kiltearn, and to be diligent in vseing all meanes q r by he may haue a helper becaus of his infirmitie. ' The furder tryall of Mr. George Munro, minister at Rosemarkie, is referred to a comission to sit at Aldearne ad kunc actum only the first tuesday of No r next, or, in cace impedim ts fall in, at anie oy r tyme the Mode r sail appoynt, witnesses y r anent to be cited be the prebrie of Chanfie, and y fc the s (l prebrie haue a care of the s d Mr. George his charge. 'That the prebrie of Tayne settle the difference betwixt Mr. W m Ross and Mr. Hector Munro, and to be c'ptable [accountable] to the next Comission at Chanfie y r anent. 'The next meiting of this Comission to be at Chanfie the 1 twysday of May next. 'That the prebrie of Dingwall summond the M rs [ministers] at Lochcarron, Lochailsh, Gerloch, and Kintayle, repiue with y r ruel- ing Elders to be at the next Comission at Chanfie. 'That all the Min rs and rueling elders within Cathnes and Suy r land be requyred to be pnt at the next visita°n at Chanrie. ' That the severall prebries be carefull y l the errata and remedies be insert in y r regres. ' Sic subscribitur, bi- teriall meiting, and to declaire y e enormities that ar in y e parochin, w* certificatione if he compeire not anoy r Kirk officer salbe choosen to supplie his place and to discharge a duetv in his calling. Ordaines Allex r Clerk, Servitour to Culcowies brother, to be summond, and Allex r M c Kenzie summond apud acta to this day 15 dayis. The said day Ronald M c Ronald in Teach uick was elected and choosen ruleing elder w* Mr. George Monro to the grail assemblie for v e prebie of Ding well. Ordaines Mr. George Monro to censor all that had interest in heiring or approweing of the charme vsed for recovereing Donald Glasse in Kilkell of his sickness, for thaire consulting and charmeing, according to the Acts of the grail assemblie. DingweB, 27 Julij 1652. The said day Allex r Clerk cited, called, compeired as witness to quhat Allex r M c Kenzie in Kildinne did speake against Mi". Jo n M c era, minister at Dingwell, quho being sworne deponed that reallie he hard Allex r M c Kenzie call M r Jo n a lyar, bot determinatelie he knewe not quhidder he called him a knave or not, bot his best thought it was said. Ordaines Allex r M c Kenzie to compeire this day 15 dayes, and to this effect to be summond 1652] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 241 And that Ronald Bayne, Notare, be summond to y e nixt meiteing to beare witness in quhat he hard Allex r M c Kenzie utter against Mr. Jo n M c cra. Ordaines that all be east the Kirk of Fottertie 1 repaire to the Kirk of Dingwell, and all be west y e kirk of fottertie to resorte to the Kirk of Contane, and to be plyable to the ordenances of the saids kirks, and that y e kirk officer goe w* them to the saids kirks to mak them knowen. Ordaines ane letter to be wryten be Mr. Jo n M c cra to Mr. Wm. Lauder concerning finlay Roy, Trumpeter, fornicator within the parochin of fottertie. Dingwell^ 11 August 1652. Allex r M c Kenzie cited, called, compeired not, ordaines to be summond againe to the nixt meiting, and that Ronald Bayne be cited to the said day to beare witness betwixt Mr. Jo n M c cra and Allex r M c Kenzie. Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie at Lochcarron being accused for bap- tizeing ane childe gottin in fornicatione to Culcowie elder without anie warrand from presbiterie or Sessione, The said Mr. Allex r declaired y* Culcowie affirmed that thair was no minister at y e kirk in quhose parochin the childe was gottin, and y* Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie of Culcowie obliest himself be his band to satisfie the ordenance of the kirk quheneuer he wer required, qlk band Lochcarron hes, Quho is ordained to exhibite the said band to the presbiterie the next meiting day, and con- tinewes the censor of the said Mr. Allex r of Lochcarron till our brethren absente nowe be prite. Ding., August 31, 1652. Efter Incalling the name of God, All the brethren pnt except Mr. Dod M c cra. No exercise in respect of the exercisers lawfull abstractioune with the Erie of Seafort quho came laitly to the meiteing. Ordaines the former Brethren to exercise and add ye next day. Allex r M c Kenzie not being lawfullie be the kirk officer ordained to be summond to y e nixt meiting to heire his censure, and the 1 Vacant for the time. RECORDS OF THE [AUG. executiounes of the cita n e to be literallie exhibited with the witnesses. It is statuted that Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie of Lochcarron exhibite and produce Culcowies band he haid of him in satisfactioime for his fornica on e w* Isabell Hosack. It is appoynted that Mr. Jo 11 Monro repaire to Kilterne to preach, keep sessione, and exact of the parochiners a list of ministers to be represented the nixt pfie day as ane anser to Andro Monro and Robert Monro, Commissioners from Kilterne, and to this effect ordaines Mr. Andro Monro, expectant, to preach the said day at Alnes qlls Mr. Jo n Monro is at Kilterne. Allex r M c Kenzie in Kildune compeired and charged apud acta to compeire this day 15 days to heire himselfe sentenced for his irreverentiall words against his minister. The said day Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie, expectant, presented testi- moniall from Elgine, approwen be ye pfie of Cha'rie, declaim- ing of the lyf, con versa 0 une, and doctrine of y e said Mr. Rorie, q r upon libertie is granted to him to preach within this pfie quhan he is callit lawfullie be ony minister within y e presbiterie, and ordaines him to preach at fottertie y e next Lords day. The said day Mr. George Monro, Commissioner, exhibited his diligence in presenting y e acts of y e grail assemblie, with ane ordenance of a solemne fast to be observed tuo severall lords dayes immediatelie efter the intimatione of the said fast the nixt lords day. Causes of a fast to be appoynted be y e generall assemblie to be keiped in all y e c'gregationes of this land, to be keeped y e 2 and 3 Sabbothes of Septemb. 1652. Albeit our sadd conditione of itself cry aloud to mourneing, it being our deutie to stir wp the lords people to tak on him in this day of his displeasour, we find it incumbent to all the land, and charges in it uppon them as they wold have the lord to turne away from his fearce wrath so hoate perscheweing and burneing ws wp, that they wold search and try y r wayis and murnefullie befoire y e lord, and at this tyme ly in y e dust, for all these provocates w h ar y e chiefe causes of all the evills that ar come wpon ws. 1. Besydes manie sinnes heirtofoire mentioned in former causes of fasts, we ar to mourne for the land destroying sinne, 1652] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 243 The contempt of the gospell, qlk the comprehensone of so manie oy r sinnes set doune be ye commissione of the assemblie 1650, a sinne so odious in y e sight of God, that neglecting so gryte a salua°ne and slichting the bloode of y e covenant, we cannot escape y e vengeance of y e gospell. 2. Becaus the sadd dispensatione we haue mett w* and the wonderfull work wrought amongst us ar neiy r exed (?) nor improwen be ws, our wound is greivous that we hawe not greived, the lord hes smitten ws, bot we refused to retarie, zea none taking y e lord for thair partie nor accepting y e punish- ment of y e iniquitie, we revolt more and more, this is a lamen- tatione and salbe for a lamentatione. 3. Becaus of Covenant bracking, especiallie in this our day of our calamitie and tryall, committed oppinly in y e midds of all the land, and y e schameless dispyseing of y e oathe of God so often and so solemly sworne be ws, nor thinking to escape by iniquitie lyes y re refuge, thus y e lord is mocked and his name prophaned, for which he will not hold ws guiltless. 4. Becaus of Zions breach which seemes wnreparable, shee is brocken breach uppon breach, hir vaile is torne, hir headge brocken downe, hir pretious thing defyled, blasted, exposed to foxes and beares, and q u it is thus with hir, hir louers forget hir, hir children still contending in y e fornace, notwithstanding of y e gryte contraversie y e lord hath w f * the wholl land. 5. Becaus of y e fowle dep'tor from y e true doctrine of C. 1 receawed in yis kirk, and separa°ne from y e communion and government y r of, y* some ministers and some wy r wnsteable soules hes turned asyde wnto, contrarie to y e solemne covenant and wowes, to y e hiest contempt of y e name of God and gryt scandell of y e gospell. 6. Becaus of gryte oppositione made to y e work of God be y e royall familie, and manie eminent families of y e blood, op- pressione, ignorance of God, wnbeleiffe, wncleanenesse, covet- ousnes, falshood, decept, hypocrisie, and wy r grosse iniquities that hes abounded among all rankes of y e land, both in y e preceiding and prit genera°nes. 7. Becaus of y e manie sinnes of y e ministers, the work hes 1 Christ. 244 RECORDS OF THE [AUG. not bene strenthned, nor those quho hes bene driven away soucht for, for we have not worked for soules, bot done dueties by commissione, nor the thingis of God, for theise we aught to mourne and requeist y e Lord through Jesus C. that he would pardone all these abominationes, subdue ws by his spirit, that we may fall in love w* Chryst, be obedient to y e gospell, y 1 seeing many things we may observe them and regard the works of y e lord and opera°ne of his hands, yat he wald heale our backslydings, repaire our breaches, reclame y e seduced, and tak away all our iniquities, furnishe y e contrarie w* y e king, nobles, ministers and y e people, comfort our prisoners, and y* he wald be pleased to stay amongst ws and preserve vnwiolable y e liberties of his house, and help ws for his names sack, becaus we are brought werie low, and y* remediing y e distressed esteate of Gods people in these lands, wald carie on y e work of reforma°ne to the w c we ar ingadged by covenant, and wald build his Zion, and appeire in his glorie. Closes y e meiting w* prayer. DingweU, 14 Sept 1652. Conforme to the ordinance, Mr. Jo n Monro repaired to the Kirk of Kilterne, quho keeped Sessione and willed them to list quhan they wald, quho unanimously, except Fowlis, did nominate Mr. Andro Monro ; as also Robert Monro compeired as commissioner from Kilterne, protesting that y e pbfie wald labour with all diligence to put the said Mr. Andro Monro in capacitie for y e call forsaid. Ordaines Mr. Donald fraser to keep the meiting of y e parochiners of Kilterne on fryday nixt, being y e 17 of Septemb. yre; the said Mr. Do d , w 1 Mr. Jo 11 Monro, ar appoynted to confer with the heritors of Kilterne, and especiallie w* Foulis, for y e planta°ne of the said Kirk, and to mak report to y e pbfie the nixt meiting day. The said Mr. Andro Monro being asked be the brethren and be the Commissioner of Kilterne if his mind goes to accepting the said call, q re the said Mr. Andro zields himselfe to the dis- position of y e brethren in the said call, so that he sie the parochiners of Kilterne goeing unanimously to the accepta°ne of him to the said charge. 1652] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 245 Ordaines Allex r M c Kenzie in Kildine to mak his repentance publickly Sonday come eight dayis in y e Kirk of Dingwell, being for a pairt on ane stoole opposite to the pulpit, for speaking irreverentlie to Mr. Jo n M c cra, being his ordinarie minister, in calling him ane lyar and ane kneve, and to this effect ordaines Mr. Donald Ross to preach the said day at Dingwell, and to report his diligence in y e obedience of y e said Allex r M c Kenzie, and Ordaines Mr. Jo n M c cra to preach the said day at Contain, and Mr. Donald Ross to receive the said Allex r . Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie, Expectant, declared that he taught at fottertie Sunday was eight dayes. The Brethren declaires that the first day of the fast was keeped, and ar to keep the nixt lords day for y e second. Ordaines the brethren to use all diligence in the contribu- tione for Glasgowe with all sort of people in y r cfgregationes. Ends the meiting w* prayer. Dingwell, 29 Sept. 1652. Mr. Don d fraser reports that Fowlis refused to give his anser till the Kirk wer provyded first in a stipend, as also Mr. Jo n Monro reports that y e Laird of Fowlis refuses to woyce to y e acceptable of ony minister, bot such as wer approwen be y e godlie in y e west cuntrey, nor any adheiring to the grail assemblie or approweing the samyne wald be receaued be him ; qrefore continewes to be resoluit with the province in this poynt. Mr. Jo 11 M c cra and Mr. Donald Ross were willing to obey the ordenance of pbfie, wer not that they receawed ane letter beareing the manner of ane appella°ne to the province of Ross, qlk being considered be the brethren, finds the appella°ne not valide, in respect of the insufficiencie of y e reasonnes, as also in respect the same was not delyvered to the Moderator tymeously conforme to the acts of y e grail assemblie, and y r foire ordaines y e said Allex r M c Kenzie to be procest be Mr. Donald Ross at Dingwell for the first day, and Mr. Donald to report his diligence heirin the nixt pbfie day. And Mr. Johne M c cra to preach at Containe q lls Mr. Donald is at Dingwell. Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie, expectant, be ane ordenance of the 246 RECORDS OF THE [sept. pbfie, and at the dasyre of some of the heritors of Fottertie, is licentiate to preach at the Kirk of Fottertie, being vacande, and no dilligence used be the parochiners of Fottertie in the planta°ne of thaire Kirk. Ordaines Mr. Jo 11 M c cra and Mr. Donald Ross to travell with the heritors thaireof, qrbe some of their number may compeire the nixt pbfie day. The Brethren report that y e fast was keiped. Ordaines ewerie brother to use all possible diligence in the contributione for Glasgowe. Continewes the processe of Lochsline and Mr. ferq r M c cra, in regaird of Mr. ferq r his inabilitie to travell. DingweU, 12 Octob. 1652. Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie, Minister at Garloch, is continewed to exercise to the nixt occasione, and ordained to preach Sonday come eight dayis at Kilterne, if he be in health. Mr. Jo n M c cra being sick and not able to preach at Containe conforme to the ordinance, qrfoire Mr. Donald Ross shawed that he could not goe the said day to Dingwell, in respect of ane conventione of Nobles quho appoynted to be at Containe the said day. Mr. Johne M c cra haueing spocken the laird of Tarbat and Dawachmaluack in y e matter of the Kirk of Fottertie, quhose promise was to keep our meiting y e next presbiterie day. The brethren reports them to use all diligence anent the contributione for Glasgowie, quho comes bot slowe speide, zit exhorted to use diligence. Ordaines the brethren to use diligence for bringing thair contributione for the Irishe students mentenance against the nixt presbyterie day. The said day the brethren pnte wer severallie removed, tryed, and examined, were weill reported off, and approwen in lyf and doctrine. Compeired the said day the laird of Tarbat in name of the rest of y e parochiners of Fotterie, shaweing it to be the parochiners desyre that the presbiterie sould concurr with them to sie if Mr. Allan M c Lennan could be moved to accept of that charge, and to that effect desyred ane letter wer wryt 1652] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 247 be the pbfie to the said Mr. Allane, and accordinglie it was done, and the Laird of Tarbat ordained to mak report of the anser of the said letter to the nixt presbiteriall meiting. Dingwett, 9. Novemb. 1652. This day being the first day of our meiting efter the pro- vinciall assemblie according as it was concluded be the brethren at Tayne efter the said provinciall assemblie, Conveined all the brethren, except Mr. John Monro, Mode- rator. [Mr. John Monro was ' detained at Dornoch be the Com- missioners of the Kirk, he being one of the members thairof.'] Continewes Allex r M c Kenzie in Kildine to the nixt presbi- teriall day, to the end that Mr. Johne Monro, Moderator of the province, be present to informe ws in the determinate of the province anent the agriement betwixt the said Allex r and Mr. Johne M c cra. Ordaines Mr. J ohne M c cra to speak the Laird of Tarbat in reference to our letter sent to Mr. Allan M c Lennan his coming to the Kirk of Fottertie. The brethren ar ordained to vse diligence in the contribu- tion for the distreassed people off Glasgowe, and in speciall such as ar present of the brethren in the hielands or they leave the cuntrey, and that they acqueint Mr. Ferq r M c cra and Mr. Donald M c Lennan of this ordenance, leist they pretend ignorance heirof. Ordaines diligence to be used in the contributione allotted to the bursers of divinitie, and the Irishe boyes, leist they be stayed from thair studies for want yreof. The said day Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie, Minister at Lochcarron, was gravely rebuked for baptizing of a child gottin in fornica- tione be Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie of Culcowie uppon Cristaine Hosack within the Parochin of Suddie, without ordors from the presbiterie of Chanonrie or of the elders of the parochin of Suddie, notwithstanding of the vacancie of the said Kirk for the tyme. Dingwell, 23 Novemb. 1652. Continewes Allex r M c Kenzie in Kildine his particulare to the nixt pbfie day. 248 RECORDS OF THE [NOV. 1652 Mr. Jo n M c cra being inquired concerneing his diligence w* Tarbat, declaires he haid occasione to meit w* him in reference to the pbfie letter to Mr. Allan M c Lennan. Ordaines ane letter to be wryten be the Brethren to Mr. Allan, quho is in the cuntrey for the pnte, to knowe of his anser to our former letter concerneing the kirk of Fottertie. Ordaines the Brethren to use thair best diligence in collect- ing of the contributione for Glasgowe, and the students off divinitie against the nixt meiteing day. Ordaines the Laird of Tarbat to anser Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie, some tyme minister at Suddie, the sowme of ane hundreth four pounds of the stipend of Fottertie of the cropt 1651, with ane chalder of wictuall of the forsaid stipend of the cropt 1652, and that of y e readdiest pay yreof, in respect of his indigencie, and quho is recomended be y e grail assemblie to be cared for. Siclyk that Tarbat anser W m Reid, student, iij bolls wictuall. Continewes ane anser to Mr. Jo 11 M c cra his desyre of transporta°ne to the nixt pbfie day, till we receave the desyre of the parochiners of Kintaile in seeking the said Mr. Jo n to the charge thairof, and to testimonie of thaire willingnes in his acceptatione. Ordaines Mr. ferq r M c Lennan, sometyme Minister at Fottertie, to be supplied out of y e foresaid parochin in the number of xx bolls wictuall of the readdiest pay y r of of y e cropt 1652 zeires. It is appoynted that Mr. Jon M c cra cause summon d Jo 11 Bayne of Tulloch, Ronald Bayne, Notare, Allex r Bayne of Knockbayne, etc., to y e next pbfie day to declaire quhat they knowe of the designatione of the gleib of Dingwell of old in Mr. Johne M c Kenzie , s tyme. Mr. John Monro choosen Moderator, and the clerk con- tinewed. Closes the meiting w* prayer. Dingwell, 21 Decemb. 1652. Ordaines ane letter to be wrytin to the laird of Tarbat, and to the rest of the heritors of the parochin of Fottertie, and the FEB. 1653] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 249 plantatione of the kirk thairof, and that in respect Mr. Allan M c Lennan, quho was once or twyse wry tin wnto, is in the cuntrey for the present. Ordaines the brethren to use diligence concerneing the con- tributione to Glasgowe. The Brethren promises pay* to the students of divinitie or they depart of the towne. Dingwell, 4 Jam) 1653. No doctrine the said day in respect of the weather, and Mr. Donald frasers necessarie absence, quho is excused be his letter and the sloweness of the conventione of the brethren. Conforme to the ordenance of the brethren at Dingwall, 23 Novemb. 1652, Johne Bayne of Tulloch compeired, quho declaired ingenuously in pbfie that the gleib of Dingwell was mett and measured be the brethren of the kirk of Ross, such as Mr. George Monro in Chanrie, Mr. Jo 11 Malcome, Allex r M c Kenzie at Containe, Mr. Robert Ross at Alnes, Mr. Robert Monro at Urquhart, Thomas Pape at Cullicudden, and divers wyrs in Mr. Jo 11 M c Kenzie his tyme. Sickly ke Jo n Kaird, burges of Dingwell, and Jo n M c Zlassich, quho in theas dayis was kirk officer to Mr. Jo n M c Kenzie, Minister at Dingwell, deponed solemnly that the gleib nowe in Mr. Jo n M c cra his possessione was the gleib be designation mett and measured be the abovewrytin brethren. Ordaines Mr. Jo n M c cra his designation of the gleib of Dingwell to be insert and registrate in the presbyterie booke. In respect the court day is keeped on the pbf iall meiting day, and some of the brethren lies particulars to be present attend- ing the court. It is ordained that the pbfie day be altered for a tyme, and that Thursday be keeped, and Thursday come fyftene dayis be keeped at Dingwell. Dingwell, 3 Feb. 1653. Ordaines the brethren to use diligence in paying their con- tributione to the Irishe student. Commissioners from Lochbroome compeiring and desyreing ane minister to be sent to them to preach, use discipline, and to give the benefite of baptisme and marriage to such as ar honest 250 RECORDS OF THE [FEB. men, appoynts Mr. Donald Ross to repaire to Lochbroome to the effect forsaid, and to receave of the delinquents the ordinarie contributiones for the students of divinitie and humanitie, Commissioners charges, and quhat els is incumbent to them as is in wyere paroches. Dingwell, 18 Feb. 1653. The brethren all present except Mr. Do d Ross, quho is in Lochbroome conforme to former ordenance. No doctrine the said day in respect of the slownes of y e brethrens coming through tempest and invundatione of waters, and the clerks absence. The said day the Commissioners for y e contributione of Glasgowe presented thair Commissione for receaving of the samyne, quhaire the Brethren presented payment of thair con- tributione and receaved discharges conforme. It is granted the said day to Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie, some- tyme Minister at Suddie, to be supplied in his livelihoode in quhat is not disponed of the vacande stipend of Fottertie, and that ane act be wrytin heirwppon, and to extract the said act, and that it be subs uit be the moderator and clerk. Dingwell, 3 March 1653. Conveined all the brethren. No additione in regard the adder (Mr. Dod Ross) was storme stayed in Lochbroome. Ordaines that the minister of Lochalse and Gerloch be advertised concerneing thair contributione to the bursers. Dingwett, 17 Marcij 1653. The parochiners of Kilterne regraiteing thair sadd conditione, sinne abounding, and no discipline, Ordaines them to be supplied once in the moneth be the severall brethren of the pbfie of Dingwell to preach and exercise discipline, ordine Catologi. Referres Mr. Jon M c cra his anser to Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie his bill to the provinciall. Ordaines Mr. Hector Monro, sometyme minister at Kin- cardin, to be supplied out of the parochin of Kilterne be Hector Dowglas and wy r Heritors within the said parochin, 1653] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 251 except Fowles and Lemlaire, and that they pay the supplicant quhat they wer in use to pay formerlie to the minister of Kilterne, and that the clerk of the pbfie extract the act, and give it wnder his hand to the said Mr. Hector Monro. The brethren of the pbfie being desyred be Mr. Jo 11 M c cra to trye by quhat meanes the Gleib of Dingwell was put out of the ministers possessione, and in particular that a commissione be sent from the pbfie to Jo n Bayne of Tulloch, nowe in the bed of infirmitie, for taking his declarable anent the said gleib, and if he knowe of any transactiones betwixt the Erie of Seafort and Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie, and becaus it is wncertaine bot the said Jo n Bayne may dye befoire the nixt pbfie day, that the brethren meit at Dingwell Monday nixt, being the 21 March, and the said Mr. Murdo to be summond to compeire the said day and place forsaid, to anser for the old pbfie booke he had in his custodie. Dingwell, 21 Marcij 1653. Conforme to the former ordenance Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie being lawfullie sumnoned, cited, compeired not. Ordaines he be sumnoned pro 2 do to the nixt pbfie day. Mr. Johne M c cra being demanded why Mr. Murdo was not summond to sie if he haid ony thing to object against Johne Bayne of Tulloch : ansered that Jo n Bayne was in the way of recoverie, and hopes he may be weile personallie to keepe the nixt pbfie day. Ordaines ane letter to be wrytin to certaine of the parochiners of Dingwell to be pnte the nixt pbfie day for inquireing of them some things for the kirk of Dingwell. Dingwell, 7 Appr. 1653. Conforme to the former ordenance Mr. Murdo Mackenzie being lawfullie summond be Jo n Dingwell, in presence of Do d M c finlay and Anguse Betoune, was called, compeired not, ordaines to be sumond pro 3°. Or the brethren closed Mr. Murdo directed ane man of his to declaire his intentione in cuming conforme to the sumonds giwen him, haid not sicknes interweined. Sicklyk, compeired W m Dingwell, Ronald Dingwell, bailzie, 252 RECORDS OF THE [APRIL Donald Dingwell, Allex r M c conill duj, Allex r M c Ronald, James Kempt, all burgesses wHn the brough of Dingwell, according to the desyre of the pbfies letter, to giue informatione so farre as they knowe of the esteate of the gleibe of Dingwell, quho declaired the haugh of Kildine (as they haid be report) was designed for ane gleib in Mr. Johne M c Kenzies tyme, and that it was reputed as a gleib, bot that they knewe not whidder Mr. Jo n possest it long, nor quhat way. The brethren desyreing them to call all things in this matter to mynd against the nixt day of meiting, and to be readdie to declaire quhat they knewe in it as led witnesses, and particularly whidder they did wnder- stand any thing of a transactione, reported to have bene made be Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie by taking Usie in contenta°ne of it from the heritor, all being continewed apud acta for that purpose, ordaines that literall sumonds be directed to Tulloch, Towie, and Knockbayne, to the effect forsaid, and Mr. Murdo to be summond to compeire the said day to sie if he can object ony thing against the forsaids. Receawed the said day ane letter from the Commissioners of y e church, with reasones of a fast to be observed w* all con- veniencie, which is appoynted to be kept. [Space left for the reasons, but same not filled in. Unfilled space also for c Act of Mr. Jo n M c cra his designate of Gleib. 1 ] 21 Appryll 1653. Conforme to ordenance compeired Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie, sometyme minister at Dingwell, and did exhibit and delyver the old pbfie booke being at the beginning thairoff of the daite 12 Novemb 1633 zeires, and ending at the daite 18 Octob. 1637. The wholl consisting of 20 leaves wrytin, q re it is ordained that the clerk of y e pbfie wryte the recept thairof and giue a note of y e recept of y e same to Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie. Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie refuses to anser the brethren in refer- ence to the witnesses laid for tryall of the haugh qlk is called the gleib of Dingwell, bot desyres the pbfie to goe on the best they can in tryall thaireof. And for the better tryall of the forsaid gleib, compeired 1653] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 253 Ronald Bayne, Notare, quho confessed that he hard be comone report that it was in excambioune that Mr. Murdo past the gleib of Dingwell to the heritor. Jo n Kaird confessed the lyke, and forder that he hard that Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie receawed some bolls of wictuall zeirly for the said gleib dureing his seruice at the Kirk of Dingwell. Donald Dingwell confesses the samyne to be constantlie reported. W m Dingwell, and Ronald Bayne, bailzie, confesses in lyk maner the same. Keneth M c Kenzie in Brackanord deponed that he hard his wmqll father say that Mr. Murdo hade the land of Usie partlie for the said gleibe. In respect that Jo n Bayne of Tulloch his tendernes, being bedfast, it is ordained that Mr. Jo n Monro, Mr. George Monro, and Mr. Donald Ross travell to Tulloch for to try of him quhat he knowes of the said gleib. Dmgwell, 19 Maij 1653. Being the first day of our meiteing efter the Provinciall, as it was deluded be the brethren at Chanfie efter the said pro- vincial assemblie. Conveined Mr. Jo n Monro, Moderator, Mr. George Monro, Mr. Dod frasere, Mr. Don d M c cra, Mr. Donald Ross. Mr. Donald Fraser chosen Moderator. It is statute that such as hes not payit the students of divinitie, and y e Irishe boyis to vse diligence in paying the samyne, and yat ane particular letter be wryten to Mr. ferq re M c Lennan, td send y e saids c'tributiones eiy r be taking them of the delinquents of Lochbroome conforme to the trust put wppon him, and his wndertaking to our broy r Mr. Dod Ross, sent them be ws at y e desyre of certaine parochiners y r of, or else to pay y e samyne of y e deuties of y e kirktounes, qlk is in his possessione be wertue of our po r , and that ane letter be wry tin to Mr. Dod Clerk, Minister at Lochalsh, for his part of ye saids co'tributiones, lest the students be hindered from y r studies. Referres the particular referred be y e province anent Mr. Jo n M c cra and Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie to the tyme yat Mr. Jo n M c cra be present. 254 RECORDS OF THE [may [Mr. Jo n M c cra , s absence was excused, ' haveing obteined live to goe to Kintaile.'] The brethren appointed to speak Tulloch reports that Jo n Bayne faithfullie deponed in thair presence that Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie made vse of him, and of Rorie M c Kenzie of Knock- baxter to deale w* Seafort in yat transactione of y e hawgh and Usie, and yat Seafort consented thairto. It is recommended to the brethren to be diligent to y re po re in vseing weekly catechising and familie exercise. It is appoynted that Mr. Jo n M c cra, Mr. Donald M c cra, Mr. George Munro, and Mr. Donald Ross keepe at Loggie Weaster 22 Maij for rectifieing and filling wp the pbfie booke against the meiteing of correspondence. The said day compeired Mr. Andrew Monro, exhortant, desyreing a testificate of his lyfe and doctrine dureing his abode with ws, qlk the brethren ordaines to be giwen to the said Mr. Andrew, and to be sub vit be the Moderator and clerk, and that Mr. Andrew mark himselff in the pfie booke that he tak no charge elsquhaire without acquenting the pbfie of dingwell. Recomends to the seuerall brethren within the pbfie to search if thaire hes beene ony with child quho hes absented themselves as fugitives, or remaines in y e cuntrey without a child, being formerlie with childe, qrby the murder of a child within the parochin of Urray may be tryed. Alms, 21 Junij 1653. Ordaines ane wy r letter to be wrytin to the Minister of Lochalsh and to Mr. ferq re M c Lennan for the co'tributiones granted to the students of divinitie and Irishe boyis. It is appoynted that Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie in Usie cornpeire this day fyfteine dayis at Dingwell, to anser the poynts of his bill against Mr. Jo n M c cra, minister at Dingwell. And that the witnesses formerlie summond for cleireing quhat they knowe of the benefice of the Kirk of Dingwell be sumond de novo against the said day. Ordaines Mr. Donald M c cra to be diligent in searching c'cerneing the child murdered in his parochin of Urray. Ordaines ane letter to be wrytin to y e ministers of Loch- 1653] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 255 carron, Garloch, and Lochalsh, to come or send heire thair co'tributione for the c'missioner appoyted to y e grail assemblie. DingweU, 7 Julij 1653. Ordaines diligence to be vsed be such as hes not payit thair c'tribi^ne to the students of divinitie and Irishe boyis. Conforme to the Sumonds giwen, compeired allex r Bayne of Knockbayne quho deponed that umq 11 George Erie of Seafort caused him drawe up a procuratorie to his brother Simon M c Kenzie to perschewe Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie for the deuties of Usie in respect that Mr. Jo n M c cra evicted the rychts he gawe his Lp [Lordship] of y e haugh of Kildine in contenta ne of Vsie, or else to debar Mr. Murdo from Vsie. Rorie M c Kenzie, from Towie, compeireing deponed that he hard it constantlie reported that thair was a transactione betwixt Seafort and Mr. Murdo. Donald Kempt and Jo u M c Kenzie in Vsie deponed the samyne. It is ordained that Tulloch be cited to this day fyftene dayis to give presbyteriallie a more cleire declara°ne of the said trans- actione. It is appoynted that Mr. Jo n Monro get ane extract of the reference of the provinciall relateing to Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie and Mr. Jo n M c cra from y e clerk of y e province to y e nixt pbfie day, seing Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie protests for the samyne befoire he give his ans r , and Mr. Murdo is sumond apud acta to the said day. Mr. Donald M c cra declaires his diligence in try all of y e murder of the child wHn his parochin, zit could find no furder tryall then one, Kenneth M c eane v c conill Zlass, quho con- fessed that he wrought once such a plaid as was found about the deade childe to Agnes neine Ronald woire in Ord, zit y r after denyed the samyne, acknowledging himselff in so say- ing to be a lyar : qrefoire ordaines Mr. Donald to try forder in the particular. Mr. Donald fraser is nominate and appoynted as Commis- sioner at the grail assemblie, and that all the pnte brotheren haue thair co , tribu°ne Monday nixt to be delyvered at Loggie Wester tymely, and that Mr. ferq r M c Lennan pay for Loch- broome, and Mr. Jo 11 Monro, Mr. Johne M c cra,and Mr. Donald 256 RECORDS OF THE [JULY Ross pay for the vacant Kirks of Kilterne and fottertie pro rata. George Monro of Teanowar 1 is nominate and choosen rule- ins elder for the general assemblie. It is appoynted vat Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie, minister at Lochcarrone, Garloch, and Lochalsh [sic] repaire to the pbfie, and, co'forme to former ordenances, exercise and add, and that they send thair proportione of y e co'tributione to the Comis- sioner of y e grail assemblie, students of divinitie and Irishe boyis, wnder the paine of suspensione, and that within a month in cace they faile in performance in y e premisses. The brethren taking to thair consideratione the necessitie and penurie of Robert Munro, son to wmq 11 Mr. David [Don d ?] quho supplicates some thing for his livelyhoode, ordaines Jo n Monro of Lemlaire to pay his proportione of the stipend of Kilterne to the said supplicant. Dingwell, 21 July 1653. All the brethren pfite except Mr. Donald Ross quho was appoynted to goe to Lochbroome to give the benefits of baptisme and marrage y re at the desyre of the parochiners yreof. Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie cited, compeired, as for ans r to the reference promised to pass from his bill giwen against Mr. Jo n M c cra, and to subscryve ye samyne, so that Mr. Jo n M c cra doe y e lyke. Alnes, 10 August 1653. Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie compeired and presbyteriallie consented to tak up his bill giwen in to the pbfie of Dingwell against Mr. Jo n M c cra, and so pass from ye same : as also Mr. Jo 11 M c cra promised never to mak use of the said bill heirefter directlie or indirectlie. Ordaineing the papers giwen in be Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie to be keeped till the samyne be seene be the province. Dingwell, 25 August 1653. Mr. Donald fraser, comissioner, reported the maner of the 1 Teanowar — Tigh-nuar, the Gaelic name of Novar. 1 65 3] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 257 bracking wp of the grail assemblie, and recomends to the brethren severallie to mak the best vse in publick and private of theise sadd dispensations. 1 Ding-well, 15 Sept, 1653. [No business minuted except two cases of discipline.] Dingwell) 6 Octob. 1653. [Mr. Jo n M c cra excused for his absence the previous day, 'being in Kintaile and stayed through the inundatione of watters. 1 Mr. John Monro excused 6 being bedfast. 1 ] 18 Octob. 1653. At the desyre of the Moderator the brethren mett at Ding- well, q re the governor of Inverness derected ane letter to the pbfie for tryall quhat mortifica 0 nes hes formalie bene allotted for mantenance of Schooles in all paroches. Quhaire Mr. Jo 11 Monro and Mr. fraser comissionate to goe to Invernes to ans r the governors letter, and to be informed in the maner of our procedors in erecting of Schooles. Dingtvell, 91 Octob. 1653. The Commissioners appoynted for Invernes reports that schooles ar ordained to be kept conforme to the Act of parlia- ment in y e severall congregationes, and thairfoire ordaines the brethren to intimate the said ordenance in thair several con- gregationes, to wnderstand, if they consented thairto, or for the better accomodate a conjunctione of paroches be made for acting the work. The brethren being severallie removed, and tryed in lyf and doctrine, are approwen. At Dingwell, 17 Novemb. 1653. [No business, except discipline.] 1 The General Assembly met on 20th July, but the members were immediately turned out of doors by the English under Colonel Cotterell, and marched out of Edinburgh. There was not another Assembly until after the Restoration. R 258 RECORDS OF THE [dec. 1653 Dingwell, 8 Decemb. 1653. Conveined all the brethren, except Mr. George Monro, quho is excused, being bedfast. The said day Mr. Johne M c cra is choosen Moderator. Ordaines Mr. Jo n M c cra, Mod r , to repaire to Inverness ccerneing the schooles within the pbf ie of Dingwell. Mr. Dod Ross excused, being stormestayed in Lochbroome. The said day the Irishe bursar c'peired, and efter tryall and examina°ne is found wnsufficient for the place bestowed on him, declaires the burse to be vacand, Ordaineing that with all diligence ane wy r be found to the said place against this day 15 dayis. Dingwell, 22 Deceb. 1653. Mr. Jo n M c cra declaires he went gateward to Invernes, con- forme to the ordenance of the brethren, zit was forced to reteire himselff in respect of y e storminess of the weather, and wnderstanding of the Governor's sicknes, to quhom thaire was no access. In respect the Irishe students place was declaired vacant, and the diligence of the brethren in supplieing the place inquired, compeired ane youth called Hew Monro, sonne to Allex r Monro, wmq 11 Minister at Stranaver, quho hes past ane zeire of his cours of philosophie, and wndertaking to prosecute his studies, being of gud expecta°ne, nominates and admittis him to the benefite allotted for the Irishe boy. Inacting himself to exercise his talent be the advyse of the brethren of y e pbfie of Dingwell, and that he withdrewe not himself to ony wy r pbfie without licence sought and obtained of the forsaid brethren. Dingwell, 29 Decemb. 1653. Pro re nata conveined Mr. Jo n Monro, Mr. George Monro, Mr. Donald M c cra, moderator for the tyme, and Mr. Donald Ross. The name of God incalled. The said day ferq re Monro and Andrew Monro, c'missioners from the parochiners of Kilterne, exhibiteing y re comissione cub vit desyreing the c'currence of y e pbfie in the planta°ne of the Kirk of Kilterne FEB. 1654] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 259 Ordaines Mr. Jo n Monro to repaire to Sutherland as Comis- sioner from the pbfie to speake and invite Mr. Thomas Hogg, student of divinitie, to repaire to the Kirk of Kilterne, and to preach thair on anie Lords day, and that ane letter be wrytin and sub uit from ws with Mr. Jo 11 Monro to that effect. Closes w l prayer. Dingwett, 26 Janij 1654. Mr. Jo n M c cra reportes that he spoke the Governour of Invernes concerneing the establishing of Schooles, whose anser was that he could doe nought in the bessines till he mett with Fowles. No report this day from Mr. Jo 11 Monro, c'cerneing Mr. Tho. Hogg. The said day a letter was presented from y e pbfie of Dornoch sub vit be Mr. George gray, desyreing and intreateing ws to desist from suteing Mr. Thomas Hogg. Ordaines ane anser to be wrytin to the said letter, but [without] prejudice to our sute. Ane Supplica°ne was presented be Knockbayne from the Parochiners of Fottertie, desyreing one of our number to preach and keep sessione to tak course for the planta°ne of the Kirk thaireof. The pbfie ordaines the supplica°ne to be ansered, and one to be numinate the nixt pbfie day. At DingweU, 9 feb. 1654. Mr. Jo n Monro reports yat he acted conforme to his comis- sione in goeing to Sutherland, and that he acted also power- fullie as he could with Mr. Thomas Hogg for to come to Kilterne of quhom he hade a promise, quho conforme hes come and preached tua severate Lord's dayis at Kilterne, qre the wholl people vnanimously wer satisfied, hopeing and protesting for y e c'currence of the pbfie for his planta°ne with them with all possible diligence, as is represented be Andro Monro of Culcairne and ferq re Monro of Teanoard commissioners from y e said paroche snb uit be the heritors, elders, and commonnes, as the Comissione at lenth beares. The said day the pbfie sends thair Call conjunctlie w* the 260 RECORDS OF THE [FEB. parochiners of Kilterne for Mr. Thomas Hogg to be heire at the pbfie this day 15 dayis, and that a letter to this effect be wrytin to him sub vit be the moderatour. ZSfeb. 1654. At Dingwell. The said day Mr. Thomas Hogg be the desyre of the pbfie and parochiners of Kilterne c'peired, quho is injoyned to handle the controverted head of paedobaptismo in reference to his actuall planta°ne at the Kirk of Kilterne, to be delyvered this day 20 dayis. And the said Mr. Thomas, being inquired wppon the former act, declaires that wpon the conditiones for- saids he will be present with ws to delyuer the said comonne head, or to give his definitive anser concerneing obtempering or not obtempering the former call, with the reasones for y e same. Ordaines ewerie brother to bring in thaire contribute for the Irishe boy the nixt pbfie day. Dingwell) 16 Marcij 1654. Conveined all the brethren. Efter incalling the name of God. No doctrine the said day in respect of Mr. Thomas Hogg's absence. Ordaines the former brethren to exercise and add this day 15 dayis, in cace Mr. Thomas beis not present. Mr. Donald M c cra excused for his last dayis absence, being impeded and molested be the Englishe garisone. Donald M c Zowne in Auchnafoile [in Urquhart] adulterer, repudiating his maried wyfe, compeired with his maried [wife], quho is ordained to satisfie for his adulterie, and to adhere to his maried wyf, Recommending to W m Dingwell, one of the bailzies of Dingwell, to put the said Donald in ward till he find cautioner wnder the paine of ane hundreth pounds to doe duetie to his lawfull wyf. The said day the brethren, taking to their considerable the conditione of Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie, sometyme Minister of Suddie, and the indigencie of his wyfe and children, conforme to the recommenda°ne to us from the grail assemblie and pro- vinciall in fawors of him and wy rs of his qualitie, we appoynt and ordaine that he be ansered of the wholl stipend of fottertie 1654] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 261 nowe vacant, and y t of the cropt J m. vi. c. and fiftie zeires, and tha ane act heirwppon be extracted to him be the clerk. Closes the meiting with prayer. Dingwell, SO Marcij 1654. Donald M c Zowne in Auchnafoile hes found cautioner to accept and cohabite with his maried wyf, as Mr. Donald M c cra reports. Dingwell, 20 Mai} 1654. Conveined all the brethren. Being the first day of our meiteing efter the provinciall, con- tinewes the electioune of the moderator till the nixt day. No exercise, the meiteing of that day being for establisheing of our nixt meiteing, becaus the meiteing was not appoynted at the provinciall. Continewes the exercise as before to this day 15 dayis. [No meeting again till 5th Sept.] Alms, 5 Sept 1654. All the brethren of the Pbfie of Dingwell present. Mr. Jo 11 Dallass, Assess, from Tayne. Mr. Gilbert Andersonne Assess, from Chanrie. The name of God incalled. No exercise that day in respect Mr. Thomas Hogg was not in readdiness conforme to former ordenance, being necessarie employ it be y e Erie of Sutherland. The wholl parochiners of Kilterne compeireing the said day protests that thaire is not a call presented be the commissioners of Golspie or Pbfie of Sutherland to the said Mr. Thomas Hogg, and thairfore no ground to be a lett to the pbfie of Dingwell in proceding in reference to Mr. Thomas Hogg's admissioune to the parochin of Kilterne, and desyres this thair protesta°ne to be insert in our registers. Quhilk efter serious considerable, and dealeing with the Com- missioners of Golspie and Pbfie of Sutherland for cleirnes in the matter of the said call, and finding no call, Thairefore judgeing the parochiners of Kilterne to haue full interest in the said Mr. Thomas through the fullnes and formalitie of thair 262 RECORDS OF THE [SEPT. procedours, and requires Mr. Thomas to enter his tryalls as is set downe in former ordenance, finding the said Mr. Thomas to have nothing to say in the formalitie of Kilterne be his owne confessione, and so to delyver theses on the commone head eight dayis befoire the meiteing qlk is to hold at Dingwell this day 15 dayes. Closes with prayer. Dingwell, 19 Sept. 1654. Conveined all the brethren of the Pbfie. The name of God incalled. Mr. Thomas Hogg compeired, zit delyvered no doctrine in respect of ane call sent to him the said day from y e parochin of Golspie, and the pbfie of Sutherland willing him to halt for a tyme, qlk hes bene ane interruptione on a sudden, and a steepe to hinder his willingnes in obedience to the former ordenance, qlk excuse was not appro wen be y e brethren. Quhairefore ordaines that the said Mr. Thomas delyver the comone head this day 15 dayis at Dingwell. Receiwed the said day ane letter from y e Erie of Sutherland willing the brethren to desist from admitting Mr. Thomas Hogg to the Kirk of Kilterne, or to ony wyther charge w*5n the diosce of Ross, in respect his lps [Lordship's] interest in the said Mr. Thomas. The brethren ordaines ane letter in anser to the Erie of Sutherland to be wrytin with Mr. George Gray, quho brought the said letter. Mr. George Gray, haveing nothing for the pbfie bot the delyuerie of ane letter, not contenting himselfe with ane letter, bot with obediencie to y e Erie of Sutherland, protests, notwith- standing of the former declarator, as not haveing commissione, bot as ane of the number of the pbfie of Sutherland, that thaire be no forder procedors in reference to Mr. Thomas Hoggs tryells or planta°ne at all, qlk he desyred to be insert in our records. Appoynts the burss qlk is for the Irishe boy, to be giwen to Robert Monro, sonne to Mr. George Monro at Urquhart. Dingwell, 26 Sept. 1654. Convened all the brethren. 1654I PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 263 The name of God incalled. Mr. Thomas Hogg delyuered the comone head, 1 Cor. 7. 14, quhose travells in giveing of theses convenientlie, and doctrine conforme, ar approwen. The said day Rorie M c Kenzie of Dawachmaluack and Jo n M c Kenzie of Dawahcarne, being commissioners from the Kirk of fottertie, chosen wppon y e 24 Sept. in presence of Mr. Jo n M c cra, quho preached y e said day at fottertie, quhose concur- rence the heritors and elders desyrit to be represented to the pbfie in wryting to Mr. Andro Monro, expectant, to the end they mig* heire him preach. The brethren ordain es ane letter to be wry tin to the said Mr. Andro to the effect forsaid. Dingwell, 4 Octob. 1654. Mr. Jo n Monro exercised, Mr. Tho. Hogg added, Act 6. 11, quha ar approwen. Ordaines Mr. Thomas hogg to exercise, and Mr. Donald Ross to add, 10 Octo. at Dingwell. Ordaines Mr. John Monro to preach at Kilterne the nixt Lords day being the 8 of this instant, and serve ane edict the said day, intimateing the planta on e thaireof be Mr. tho. hogg, and that all haveing entresst compeire to declaire if ony thay [have which] may be lawfullie objected in the contrare, at Kilterne 17 Octob. Dingwell, 10 Octob. 1654. Mr. Thomas hogg exercised, Act 6. 12, 13, quho is approwen. Ordaines Mr. Thomas hogg to hawe a populare sermon this day eight dayis at Kilterne, that the brethren may heire him, and knowe the approbate of the people of the parochin, and to anser such questiones as salbe proponed be the brethren, 17 Octo. Mr. Jo 11 Monro reports his diligence in preaching at Kilterne, and served ane edict the said day. Kilterne, 17 Octob. 1654. Mr. Thomas hogg preached a populare sermone Math. 9. 6, both in Englishe and Irishe, quhose travells are approwen, and ansered such questiones as was proponed be the brethren* 264 RECORDS OF THE [OCT. 1654 The edict served at Kilterne, execute and indorsate, was pre- sented, and the people being inquired if ony they hade to oppone against Mr. Thomas hogg, ansered negatively, being weile pleased with him. The said day Rorie M c Krishe is constitute Kirk officer at Kilmorack conjunct w* the former kirkofficer in respect of the spatiousenes of the parochen. Kilterne, 24 Octob. 1654. All the brethren convened. Mr. Jo n Monro preached, 1 Timoth. 1. Mr. Thomas Hogge was lawfullie admitted to the charge of the ministerie at Kilterne, qre the heritors and elders thairof were all present. Closes w* prayer. Dingwell, 21 Novemb. 1654. Conveined all the brethren, except Mr. Jo n M c cra quho is bedfast. No exercise in respect of the weatheir, and not cuming tymely. Ordaines the brethren to praepaire them to stay a night in the towne for filling wp thair pbfie booke. Recommends to the brethren diligence in paying the students of divinitie. Continewes the divisione of the thrie chalders wituall allotted be the province to the supplicants to the nixt meiteing of the brethren. Dingwell, Decemb. 12, 1654. The said day convened all the brethren. The name of God incalled. No exercise the said day, in respect the exerciser was abstracted be quartering on, and wther causes known to the brethren, quho is excused. The said day Mr. Jo n Monro is chusen Moderator. Ordaines zit diligence to be vsed be such as lies not pay d Mr. Thomas Ross, student in divinitie. The brethren not being fullie resoluit for the tyme that Mr. Murdo M c Kenzies sonne, to o r knowledge, is ane object for FEB. 1655] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 265 bestoweing on him quhat is ordained to be bestowed to poore supplicants, till forder tryall of the indigencie of his father, qrefore desyres to tak notice of his fathers abilitie to the nixt day of meiting. Dingwell, 2 J any. 1655. All present, except Mr. Donald Fraser, quho is bedfast. The brethren, efter notice taken of W m M c Kenzie his sup- plicate given in to the Synodall at Tayne the last day of Octob. 1654, and referring the distribute of three ch alders wictuall out of the vacant stipend of Fottertie to the discre- tione of the pbfie of Dingwell, hes found that the said W m M c Kenzie is not for the present of ony part or portionne of the forsaid wictuall, in regard Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie, sometyme Minister at Dingwell, quho is father to the said W m , is power- full to sustaine at Colledge, without any support of anie wther in this manner at the present till he be considered heirefter of the superplus of the forsaid stipend, qlk is referred for a tyme with a proviso. Ordaines the three chalders wictuall to be equallie devyded betwixt Jo n M c Kenzie, sonne to wmq 11 Mr. W m M c Kenzie, Minister at Tarbat, and Allex r Ross, supplicants, in respect we knowe perfectlie them to be altogidder indigent and objects of the said contributione. The said day Rorie M c Kenzie of Dawahmaluck hes inacted himself to purchase to the Pbfie the consent of the heritors of Fottertie in fawors of thease supplicants for the contributione granted, with certificatione if he obtaine not the said consent he salbe anserable for thrie chalders wictuall. Dingwell, 23 Janry 1655. Conveined all the brethren, except Mr. George Monro, bedfast. [No business recorded except discipline.] Dingwell, 13 Feb. 1655. Referres the unbaptized lass of 15 yeires, fathered on Captane Hector M c Kenzie, to be catechized and instructed in the artickles of the faith, and to be brought before the Pbfie the nixt Pria 11 meiteW. o 266 RECORDS OF THE [march Dingivell) Marcij 6, 1655. The unbaptized lass compeired, and promiseing to reside in the parochin of Contane, Referres to Mr. Donald Ross to instruct hir, and, efter knoweledge, to giue hir the benefite. It is recommended to the brethren to think wppon and report the nixt day thair best thoughts concerneing quhat particular evidences of repentance ar to be required of delin- quents is necessaire befoire the benefite of absolution be granted to them. Mr. Ferq re M c Lennan his supplica°ne for a recomenda°ne of his lyf and conversa°ne since his depositione continued to the nixt meiteing day. D'ingwell, m Mar. 1655. Continues the brethrens thoughts concerneing the evidences of repentance to the nixt day. M r ferq re M c Lennan haveing giving in a supplic°ne to the Pbfie desyreing thair Testimoniall of his cariage since the tyme of thaire last testimoniall granted to him, w* a recomenda°ne to the provinciall in reference to the oppining of his mouth, The Brethren taking the samyne to thair considerable, and considering he did not reside ordinarlie amongst them since that tyme, bot some certaine space at divers tymes, they hawe, efter try all of the brethren, found that dureing his resorting amongest them he lies caried himself humble, modestlie, and as it became a man wnder censour, in so far as they knewe, and that according to the best informa°ne they could hawe wppon try all he did carie himsehT in lyk manner dureing his residence elseq re , qlk they recommend to the provinciall to tak to thair considerable, as thair wisdome sail think expedient. Dingwell) 17 Appryll 1655. Ordaines that the brethren search diligentlie at the pro- vinciall w c of the brethren of the province hes the booke of discipline, q r be thair may be ane inspectione taken thaireof, to be advysed with to the forder informa°ne anent the evidences of repentance. The brethren, severallie removed and tryed, ar approwen in lyf, doctrine, and conversable. i655] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 267 Alnes, 15 Maij 1(J55. All the brethren of the Pbf ie present. Assessors to the meiteing. Mr. George Monro at Rosemarkie. Mr. Johne Dallass at Tayne. Mr. David Ross at Loggie. Mr. Rob. Monro at Roskeene. Mr. Andro Ross at Tarbat. The brethren, considering the laudable acts of the assemblie of this Kirk 1619, in rela°ne to the receaweing in to the fellowe- shipe of the Kirke such personnes as fall in publick scandall, and the shoort cuming of many, if not of all among ws, in putting the samyne in executione, at leist in the full rigour of it, Doe heirefoire recommend to the speciall care of the severall brethren hencefoirth to observe the tennor of the said acts in receaweing all sorts of delinquents in thair respective places ; particularly that everie brother may have some experience and warrand in y r awin consciences, that such personnes sail have some meassor of knoweledge of thaire sinne, and apprehensione of mercie in Chryst, nixt to be found forsaking his former sinnes, also and keything 1 his hatred of it and all wy r knowen sinnes also both in himself and wy re [others] and that thaire be seene evidences of his desyre of grace in seeking God by prayer, and so everie way manifest a reaall purpose and some beginning of change and reforma°ne of lyfe, privatelie and publicklie, befoire both sessione and congrega°ne. The Pbfie recommends not only weekly catechiseing, and owerseeing the familie exercises, bot also that ilk Minister give ane accompt of his diligence in the same to the Pbfie, that transgressors yreof may be judged in cace they act not conforme to the act of y e generall assemblie, 30 August 1645. Ordaines the meiteing to be at Dingwell this dayis xx day is. Sicklyke recommends to the brethren to tak a generall [sic] w* swearers, drunkards, railers of the lyf and conversa°ne of ministers and elders, Sabboth brackers, and quhat els breeds scandell either to the professione or personnes. 1 Kythe, to make known, to show. 268 RECORDS OF THE [JUNE Dingicell, 5 Junij 1655. Convened the brethren except Mr. Jo n Monro and Mr. tho hogge, Mr. Jo n Monro excused. Referres Mr. tho. till he be present. The said day Mr. W m Lawder, minister at Awoch, presented ane letter directed to him be the Erie of Seafort comissionate- ing him to deale w* the Pbfie of Dingwell for Mr. Donald M c cra, Minister at Wrray, his transporta°ne to y e Kirk of Kintaile, since his fay r is most willing to demit in favors of y e said Mr. Donald, and the people most desyrous to have the said Mr. Donald to be thair minister, since thair pnte minister is both old and weake, and not able to discharge the deutie required. The anser qreof is continued to the nixt Pbfie day, in respect of the absent brethren. Dingwell) 26 Junij 1655. All the brethren present, except Mr. Thomas hogg, quhose lfe of excuse is suspended till he be present. The said day ane letter from Seafort was exhibited relateing Mr. Donald M c cra his transporta°ne to the Kirk of Kin- taile. The brethren ordaines a formall course to be vsed in the procedore, and to that effect that the minister of Kintaile call his sessione, and that the minister of Kintaile mak his will appeire to the brethren be his letter, and that a call be the Sessioners and people, and incace it heis Mr. ferq re,s will that he call Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie at Lochcarron to keepe sessioune with him and his people, that the procedor may goe on the more ordourly, and that a letter be wry tin to Mr. ferq re and Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie to this effect. [Agnes neine Kilmorack, confessing incest, 6 is ordained to be excommunicat be her ordinaire pastor the lords day come eight dayis."*] It is ordained that the severall brethren intimate to thair congrega°nes that they desist of the superstitious abuses vsed on S* Johnes day by burneing torches through thair cornes, and fvres in thair townes, and thaire-efter fixing thair staicks in thair Kaileyeards. 1655] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 269 Aines, 17 Julij 1655. C'peired the said day Mr. W m Lawder, Mr. Pat. Durham, Mr. George Monro at Rosmarkie, Mr. David Ros, Mr. Androw Ros, Assessors, with the whole brethren of Dingwell except Mr. Donald M c cra, quho is excused, obtaineing licence to goe to Kintaile, quho sould add ye said day. Continewes the ordenance concerneing the transporta°ne of Mr. Dod. M c cra to the nixt meiteing 7 August. Ordaines Mr. tho. hogg to repaire to the Kirk of fottertie to keepe Sessionne and to learne the will of theas in the planta°ne of ye kirke yreof. Dingzvell, 7 Aug. 1655. The said day Mr. Colline M c Kenzie at Kill ernan, and Mr. W m Lawder compeired as Commissioners for the Erie of Seafort and parochiners of Kintaile concerneing Mr. Donald M c cra his transporta°ne from Wrray to Kintaile. The brethren doe find it expedient, befoire the giweing of thair anser to the Commissioners, that they in a Christiane prudencie sould by Mr. George Monro appoynted by ws to repaire the nixt lords day to the Kirk of Urray, and efter divine service to sound the peoples mynds in reference to the said Mr. Do d his transporta°ne, in a discreit way informe our- selves of thair mynds thairannent for better inabling ourselves to ansere the saids commissioners the nixt day, and that this be no sett stopp of discipline against the said transporta°ne, or our giveing ansere the said day. Mr. Thomas Hogge reports his goeing to fottertie, quho preached y r and moderated in Sessionne, qre the people wer desyrous to heire Mr. Jo n M c Killicane preache one day amongst them. The brethren appoynts Mr. Thomas hogg to repaire to Morray with thaire letter to invite Mr. Jo" M c Killican to come and preach at fottertie, conforme to the desyre of the paroch- iners yreof. At Roskeine, 28 August 1655. Mr. George Monro, Moderator, Mr. Jo n Monro, Mr. Thomas Hogg, Mr. Jo n M c cra, Mr. Donald M c cra, and Mr. Donald 270 RECORDS OF THE [AUG. Eraser, brethren of the Pbfie of Dingwell. Mr. Gilbert Andersoune, Mr. George Monro, and Mr. W m Lawder, Assessors for correspondence with the said Pbrie from the Pbfie of Chanrie, and Mr. David Ros, Mr. Jo 11 Dallass, and Mr. Andro Ros, Assessors for correspondence from the Pbfie of Tayne, and diverse wy r brethren of the Province of Ros, namely, Mr. Robert Monro, minister at Roskaene, Mr. Hector Monro at Eddertayne, Mr. W m Ross at Feme, Mr. Thomas Ros at Kincarden, Mr. James M c culloch at Kilmuire, Mr. James M c Kenzie at Nig, Mr. Coline M c Kenzie at Killernan, Mr. George Dunbar at Suddie, Mr. Charles Pape at Cullicudden, and Mr. Robert W m soune at Kirkmicheal, did meit day and place foresaid, and taking to consideratione the many addresses made be Mr. ferq re M c Lennan, late Minister at fottertie, to severall Judi- catories of the Kirk, in reference to the oppineing [opening] of his mouth, though they did not conceave themselves a com- petent Judicatorie for such a purpose according to the acts and ordinarie practice of the Church, zit taking to heart the gryte neide and exigence of the planta°ne of vacand Churches, especi- allie in the Hielands, the evidences of the said Mr. ferq re , his sincere remorse and humilitie in reference to the particular causes of his depositioune, and of his Christian carriage as became a man under censure, and becaus of the improbabilitie of a superior Judicatorie competent to be hade with such con- venient diligence as the present exigence of faithfull preachers calleth for : 1 Thairefoire the said Pbfie of Dingwell, with thair said assessors, togidder with theas wy r fornamed brethren of the province thaire advyse and concurrance, did conclude (with- out prejudice of, and with submissioune to any superior Judi- catorie competent) to proceide cum perkulo in the said matter, and accordingly they did all unanimously oppon the said Mr. ferq re his mouth, and declaire him in a capacitie for the ministerie wppon a lawfull call, and that in reference to the Kirk of Lochbroome first, he haweing a lawfull call thairto. Dingwell, 4 Sept. 1655. No exercise the said day, the meiteing being pro re nata. 1 There was no General Assembly since Cromwell broke up the Assembly of 1653, and none till after his death. 1 65 5] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 271 Absents Mr. Jo n Monro, Mr. Do. M c cra, Mr. Do. Fraser. The name of God incalled. Mr. Thomas Hogg reports conforme to his commissioune, that he went tua severall tymes to Mr. Jo 11 M c Killican to call him to preach at fottertie, quho in obedience to the Pbfies letter preached at fottertie 2 Sept. The said day Donald Kaird, Commissioner from fottertie, compeired, quha declaires that the parochiners yrof vnani- mously doe call the said Mr. Jo 11 M c Killican to be thair pastor, and desyreing the Pbfie to concur with them in calling the said Mr. Jo n to goe about ane expedient deutie, according to the custome of this church, in reference to his spedie planta°ne to the Kirk of fottertie. The Pbfie ordaines that the desyre of the parochiners of fottertie be ansered. Mr. George Monro suspends his anser in his diligence con- forme to his commissioune with the Parochiners of Wrray, to Mr. Dod M c cra and the rest of the absent brethren be present. DingweU, 25 Sept. 1655. The anser of the letter directed be the Pbfie returned from Mr. Jo n M c Killican, bearing that divers difficulties and per- plexities made him unable to give a peremptorie anser for the tyme. The Pbfie taking the same to consideration thought meit to renue thair former desyre of his repaireing to the Pbfie the nixt day, and for that effect to wryt and send a second letter. DingweU, 23 Octob. 1655. No anser receiwed from Mr. John M c Killican, the considera°ne qreof is continewed wntill Mr. Thomas Hogg returne from Morray. Mr. George Monro reports from the parochiners of Wrray that they admire [wonder] that thair minister sould be taken from them without acquenting them thairof, and that they wald send commissioners to the Pbfie the nixt Pbfie day. Mr. Colline M c Kenzie, minister at Killernan, appeireing as Commissioner for the parochiners of Kintaile, did wrge ane 272 RECORDS OF THE [OCT. 1655 anser from the Pbfie to thair proceidings in Mr. Donald M c cra his transporta°ne to Kintaile. : The Brethren continewes to pro- ceide in rela one to the said transporta one wntill thair full number be pnte, in regaird of the importance of the matter, and paucitie of thair number, with which the commissioner did acquiesce, desyreing yat Mr. Dod M c cra sould be acquented of the next meiteing. DvngweU, 13 Novemb. 1655. All present except Mr. Thomas hogg. Ordaines ane edict to be served the nixt lords day in the Kirk of Wrray. Continewes Mr. Thomas Hoggs diligence conserneing Mr. Jo n M c Killican, to Mr. Thomas hogg be pnte. Ordaineing the ministers to repaire to the Pbfie with thair delinquents quhen they sand ony to give ane full informa°ne to the brethren of the manner of thair offence, and for the better informa°ne of themselves. Duncan M c Murchie v c Cwile in the parochin of Garloch regraiteing his wyf to haue deserted him, being referred to the Pbfie from the Sessione of Garloch, compeired befoire the brethren, and being asked in the cause of y e desertioune declaired be his owne confessioune himselfF to be impotent for a certane space efter his mariage, bot thairefter finding himselfF potent, was repudiate be his wyf, and deserted him and went to hir parents. Agnes Kempt in Garloch, being maried wppon the said Duncan, compeired, professing hir unwillingnes from the beginning to marie the said Duncan, bot moved and threatned be the superior of the land, acknowledging hirselff to be free from any carnall dealing with the said Duncan ewer to this tyme. Ordaineing some of the brethren, such as Mr. George Monro, Mr. Donald M c cra, with certain wther frends mett with the forsaids at Loggie to sie quhat they can work wppon these maried persons to agree them and advyse them in thair Chris- tiane deutie towards wthers [each other], and thair diligence to be schewen the nixt Pbfie day, and that theis people be cited to compeire day and place forsaid. JAN. 1656] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 273 Dingwell, 4 Decemb. 1655. All the brethren present. The name of God incalled. No exercise in respect of the shoortnes of the day and the Impossibilitie of goeing or rydeing in the way. Ordaines the former brethren to delyver the exercise the nixt day. Mr. Thomas Hogge diligence in his Commissioune in dealeing w* Mr. Jo n M c Killican appro wen, quho reported that he was in Morray tua severall tymes acting in his commissioune, quho is ordained to prosecute his diligence. Conforme to the ordenance ane edict was served at the Kirk off Urray 25 Novemb. 1655, duely execute and indorsate be Jo 11 Glass, Officer and clerk to the Sessioune of Urray. Ordaines Mr. Colline M c Kenzie and Mr. W m Lawder to give in thair reasonnes for the wrged transporta°ne, and that the parochiners of Wrray compeire the said day to heare theas reassonnes. Donald M c Kenzie of Loggie compeiring for Agnes Kempt in Garloch takes wppon them to qualifie and prowe the mariage past and solemnized betwixt Agnes Kempt and Duncan M c Wurchie v c cwile to be wnlawfull and never with consent, quha protests a day to be granted for calling his wytnesses, qlk was granted. Dingwell, 8 Janry. 1656. The said day appeired Mr. Jo n M c Killican conforme to his promise he wryte and anser to o r letter in reference to the planta°ne of the Kirk of Fottertie. Quhaire he is injoyned to handle the contra verted heade De potest ate clauium the 17 Jan ry 1656. Conforme to former ordenance, Mr. Colline M c Kenzie and Mr. W m Lawder, commissioners for the wrged transportatione of Mr. Donald M c cra from Wrray to Kintaile, presented reassonnes for the samyne. Ordaines that the Parochiners of Urray anser theas reassonnes the 17 Janry. nixt come, and especiallie Seafort, quho is con- cerned in both paroches of Urray and Kintaile, quho is to be in the cuntrey shoortlie. s 274 RECORDS OF THE [JAN. Compeired Daniell M c Kenzie of Loggie, Allex r M c Kenzie in Auchlanachan, Donald M c gillichean in Kinkell, and Duncan M c erichie v c Cwile quha was maried wppon the said Agnes Kemp, testifieing and deponeing that neither consent nor mutuall deutie to thair knoweledge hes bene performed either befoire or efter mariage be the said Agnes, bot only constrained thairto be the Superiour of the land and hir parents. Ordaines Mr. Donald Ross to wryte ane letter to Mr. fer- quhere M c Lennan to be pnte J 7 Jan y 1656 to anser the peti- tioune of Lochbroome. Dingwell, 17 Janry. 1656. Compeired all the Brethren. The name of God incalled. Mr. Jo 11 M c Killican, conforme to the ordenance of Pbf ie, gaue in his theases, and handled the comone head enjoyned him, and ansered such as impugned the theases, quho is approwen. Ordaines the said Mr. Jo n to exercise wppon the ordinarie matter of exercise 24 Janry. Compeired the said day Mr. ferq re M c Lennan, qre the Call of the parochiners of Lochbroome was exhibited and reade be y e brethren. Quhaire they ordaine ane letter to be wry tin to theas of Lochbroome in reference to the call given be them to the said Mr. ferq re to incurage him, wtherwayis that Mr. ferq re salbe disposed on be the Pbfie in cace they act not heirin as efFeires within fyfteine. Receawed ane letter from Seafort c'cerneing the wrged trans- portage, promiseing with all conveniencie to plant the Kirk of Wrray elsweile as Kintaile, to quhose letter ane anser was wrytin and sub vlt . The said day ane supplica°ne was presented, wrgeing a trans- plan ta°ne of Mr. George Monro in Urq 1 to the paroch of Snysard. Continewes the supplica°ne of the parochiners of Snysard to the nixt pbfie day. Dingwell, 24 Janry. 1656. Mr. Jo 11 M c Killican exercised, Act 7. v s 17, quhose travell is approwen. Ordaines Mr. Jo n M c Killican to lectour in a popular manner 1656] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 275 and give some specimen of his Irishe, Collos. 3. 1, this day 15 dayis. The said day receawed ane Returne to o r former letter, from Seafort, by the former Commissioners, Mr. Colline and Mr. W m . Continewed Mr. George Monro Supplica°ne in reference to the Call from Snysard the nixt day of meiteing. DvngweU, 7 Feb. 1656. Mr. Jo 11 M c Killican taught conforme to y e former appoynt- ment, Coll. 3. 1, a populare sermon, quho is approwen. It is appoynted that Mr. Jo 11 M c Killican preach at Fottertie the nixt lords day, to the end the people may heire him, and that ane edict be fixed at the Church doore yreof the said day, reade and execute duely, and that the said Mr. Johne lector wppon Math. 28, and give some specimen of his Irishe the nixt pbfie day at Dingwell, being 14 feb. Continewes wy r referres to the nixt Pbfie day at Dingwell. And that some of the brethren speake the erle of Seafort on that day to mak ws knowe his intentioune. Dingwell, 14s feb. 1656. Mr. Jo n M c Killican lectured Micha 7, 5, 6, 7, approwen. The brethren all present, and wnderstanding of Seafort his willingness in the planta°ne of y e Kirk of Wrray, doe vnani- mously consent to Mr. Donald M c cra his Transporta°ne from the church of Wrray to the Church of Kintaile. And to that effect doe ordaine ane edict to be served at Kintaile for Mr. Donald M c cra his admissioune with all diligence. And that Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie repaire to the Church of Kintaile with the edict, and cause execute the same in reference to Mr. Donald M c cra his admissioune, and that the same be returned w*in a moneth. Appoynts the brethren to meit at Fottertie 26 Feb. to admitt Mr. Jo n M c Killican. Fottertie, 26 feb. 1656. Conveined all the brethren. The name of God incalled. Mr. George, Moderator, preached. 276 RECORDS OF THE [FEB. Conforme to the ordenance, receaued the Edict duely execute and indorsate, and hes found no contradictioune in the contrare, qrefoire gave presenta°ne and admissioune to Mr. Jo n M c Killican to the charge and ministeriall functioune of Fottertie. Ordaines the nixt meiting to hold at Dingwell 18 Marc lj '. Ordaines Mr. Donald M c cra to preach at Wrquhart the nixt lord's day, and ane edict to be served at the Kirk yreof intimate- ing Mr. George Monro his transporta°ne to Snysart ; and Mr. George Monro to preach the said day at Urray. Closes the meiteing with prayer. Dingzcell, 18 Marcij 1656. That day ane letter was receawed from Mr. ferq re M c Lennan, schaweing that the edict conforme to the ordenance of the Pbfie was served at Lochbroome, and the executione of the edict was presented that day. Quhaire Mr. Donald Ross was ordained to repaire to Lochbroome, and to admit Mr. ferq re M c Lennan to the Kirk of Lochbroome. The said day receaued ane letter from Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie reporteing his diligence anent the edict he serveit at Kintaile ; continewes the samyne to the nixt day till the clerks cuming with such papers as concernes the foresaid particular. Receaved the said day the executione of y e edict from Wrq 1 returned, and the people called and not compeired, nor none cumming to prosecute the call, continewes it to the nixt day. Dingwell, 15 Appryll 1656. Conveined all the brethren except Mr. Donald Ross, quho is in Lochbroome be appoyntment of the Pbfie for to admit Mr. ferq re M c Lennan to the charge thairof. The referres of Lochbroome and Kintaile referred to the Clerks cuming. The said day Mr. George Monro is transported to the Church of Snysard and Rasay within the Province of Skye, and ordaines Mr. Thomas Hogg to repaire to the Church of Wrq* the nixt lords day and intimate the Kirk thairof to be vacant. 19 Mai) 1656, At Fottertie. Conveined all the brethren — -fro re nata — Efter prayer — 1656] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 277 Conforme to the former ordenance Mr. Thomas went to the Church of Wrquhart, and intimated the vacancie of the Kirk y re of. Ordaines Mr. George Monro his act of transporta°ne to be extracted be the Clerk of the Pbfie. Closes the meiteing with prayer. Dingwell, 3 Junij 1656. Conveined all the brethren. The name of God incalled. Mr. Donald Fraser handled the contraverted head whidder the infants of beleivers not considderat by explicite covenant within a particular church may be baptized. The said day Mr. Jo n M c cra is choosene Moderator. It is statute and ordained that the wholl brethren meit at Containe the tent day of this instant, for the visita°ne of the Kirk of Lochcarron and Appelcross, and that Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie 1 be wrytin to that he may conveine his people the 13 day of this moneth, lest ony excuse be pretended. Mr. Donald Ross reports his diligence in admitting Mr. ferq re M c Lennan, Minister at Lochbroome, 6 Appryll 1656, the parochiners thairof being present, without ony opposi°ne. Dingwell, 24 Junij 1656. No exercise in respect the causes of the fast and acts of the Synode wer to be coppied and wrytin. In rela°ne to Mr. Donald M c cra his transporta°ne and admissioune to the Church of Kintaile, appeired Mr. W m Lawder, Commissioner appoynted formerlie for the Erie of Seafort and congrega°ne of Kintaile, and desyred conforme to the former act ordo r for the said Mr. Donald M c cra his admis- sioune to the charge thaireof, and to that effect presented ane letter wnder Mr. ferq re M c cra his hand schawing his willingnes in the accepta°ne of the said Mr. Donald as his helper, fellowe labourer, and conjunct minister with him in the said Charge, Thairefore the Pbfie consents and condiscends that Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie, Minister at Lochcarron, repaire to the Kirk of Kintaile the third lords day of July nixtocome, and admitt the said Mr. Don d to the charge thairof. 1 Minister of Lochcarron. 278 RECORDS OF THE [JULY Dingwell, 29 Julij 1656. No exercise in respect of the laite and slowe meiteing, the brethren not being fullie advertised of the dyate, and the adders absence. The reasoune of this interwall was the appointement of the brethren at Kincarden and Roskeine, and the intima°ne and keeping of the fast. No report as zit from Kintaile in reference to Mr. Do d M c cra his admissioune, neither ony anse r from Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie or Applecross of the Ires sent to them for tryeing the Idolaters, if ony be in Appilcross or in the adjacent partes yreof. Ordaines certaine brethren to speak the Erie Seafort of o r goeing to Appilcross 4 Sept. to the end his lp. countenance our goeing thair, and that Mr. James M c Kenzie be aduerteised to be in readiness to goe the lenth the said day w* the rest of the brethren. Ordaines ane letter to be wrytin to Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie, Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie, of the necessitie of thair meiteing with thair Brethren at Appilcross the said day, and in the meantyme that they keep the Pbfie this day 20 day at Dingwell. Ordaines Mr. ferq r M c Lennan in Lochbroome to be acquented or nixt dayis meiteing, that he with his delinquents referred to the Pbfie may appeire the said day. Conforme to ordenance the brethren declaires that the fast was observed. Ordaines the brethren quho hes not payit thair contribu- tioune to Robert Monro, quho is Ireshe student (be consent of the Pbfie), pay all thair pairt yreof with all diligence as they salbe anserable to the Pbfie. 21 August 1656, Dingwell. The said day conveined all the brethren, except Mr. Donald fraser, quho is excused be his letter. The name of God incalled. Ordaines the brethren to be more tymeous in meiteing. Receawed the said day ane Ife from Applecross declaireing his diligence and concurrence in discipline with the Minister, and especiallie in restraining the abuses formerlie vsed in the worshipe of God in a superstiteous manner. 1656] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 279 It is appoynted that Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie (quho is present at this meiteing conforme to ordenance) adverteis the people of Appilcross 1 to be present at the Kirk thaireof conforme to the former ordenance the 4 Sep., and all the brethren to meit, conforme to the act, at Contan. Appoynts Mr. Donald Ross to adverteise the ministers of Lochbroome and Garloch to keepe at Appilcross y e 4 Sept. peremptorly, and Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie to acquent Mr. Donald M c cra at Kintaile, wnder the paine of censour in cace they keepe not the said day and meiteing, and to censor the said Mr. Dod Ross and Mr. Allex r in case they aduerteise not thaire brethren. Ordaines Mr. Jo 11 M c Killican to aduerteise Mr. Donald fraser to keepe day and place forsaid, with certificate as said is. At Appilcross, 5 Septemb. 1656. Conveined Mr. Jo n M c cra, Moderator, Mr. Jo 11 Monro, Mr. Thomas Hogg, Mr. Jo 11 M c Killican, Mr. Donald fraser, Mr. Donald M c cra, Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie, Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie, and Mr. Donald Ross. The name of God incalled. Mr. Jo n M c cra haid doctrine. Mr. Jo n Monro reports that he adverteised Mr. James M c Kenzie, and receaweing his anser schaweing the impossibilitie of his cumming in respect of his wyfes seeknes, and wthers of his familie. Mr. ferq re M c Lennan being tymeously adverteised could not keep the meiteing in respect of his tenderness in taking phisick, as his letter beares, bot if possible he may travell to keepe with the brethren at Garloche. The minister being inquired be his brethren of the maine enormities of the parochin of Lochcarrone and Appilcross, declaires some of his parochiners to be superstitious, especiallie in sacrificeing at certaine tymes at the Loch of Mourie, 2 1 There was no minister at Applecross at this time, nor, indeed, until 1731. The district was served by the minister of Lochcarron. There was a parish at Applecross during Roman Catholic times, but after the Reformation it, for a time, ceased to exist. The parish was re-erected in 1726. 2 Loch Maolrubha— St. Maelrue's Loch — now Loch Maree. Maolrubha crossed from Ireland to Scotland in 671 A.D., and two years later founded the church of Aporcrosan, now Applecross (in Gaelic, A'Chomaraich — the Sane- 280 RECORDS OF THE [sept. especiallie the men of Auchnaseallach, quho hes bene sumond, cited, bot not compeireing, executiones lawfullie giwen be Tho. Rorie [blank], Kirkofficer of Lochcarron, quhose names ar as followes : Donald M c conill chile, Murdo M c ferq re v c conill oire, W m M c conill oire, Gillipadrick M c rorie, Duncan M c conill wayne v c conill buj, Allex r M c finlay vie conill duj, Donald M c eane roy v c chenich, Johne M c conill reach, Murdo M c eane roy, Murdo M c eane woire v c eane zlaiss, Finlay M c Gillifudricke. Ordaines the kirkofficier to charge theas againe to compeire at Dingwell the third Wednesday of October nixtocome, and that thair minister compeire the said day at Dingwell, and that he preach at the vacand kirk of Wrquhart the ensueing lords day he is in the cuntrey. The said day the Pbfie of Dingwell, according to the ap- poyntment of Synode for searcheing and censureing such prin- cipalis and superstitious practizes as sould be discovered thaire, haveing mett at Appilcross, and finding amongst wy r abomin- able and heathinishe practizes that the people in that place were accustomed to sacrifice bulls at a certaine tyme wppon the 25 of August, w c day is dedicate as they conceave to St. Mourie, as they call him, 1 and that thair wer frequent ap- proaches to some ruinous chappells and circulateing of them, and that future events in reference especiallie to lyf and death in taking of jurneys was expect to be manifested by a holl of a round stone, qrein they tryed the entreing of thair heade, w c if could doe, to witt, be able to put in thaire heade, they expect thair returneing to that place, and faileing, they con- ceaved it ominous ; and withall thair adoreing of wells, and wther superstitious monuments and stones tedious to rehearse, hawe appoynted as followes : That quhosoeuer sail be found to commit such abhominationes, especiallie sacrifices of ony kynd tuary). From that centre he evangelised the portion of the Highlands now embraced roughly in the counties of Ross and Cromarty. Next to Columba, Maolrubha was the most famous of the early missionaries to the Highlands. 1 St. Maolrubha (see footnote, p. 279). The brethren had evidently no idea that Mourie was the same as Maolrubha — if they ever heard of that saint. Even the late learned Rev. Dr. John Kennedy of Dingwall, in referring to this minute, wrote : ' Whether this Mourie was a heathen deity, a Popish saint, or one of Columba's missionaries, it maybe impossible to determine.' — The Days of the Fathers in Ross-shire, second edition, p. 6. 1656] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 281 or at ony tyme, sail publickly appeire and be rebuked in sack- cloath sex severall lords dayis in sex severall churches, viz. Lochcarron, Appilcross, Contane, Fottertie, Dingwell, and last in Garloch paroch church, and that they may wppon the dela- tione of the Sessioune and minister of that paroche he sail cause sumond the guiltie persoune to compeire befoire the Pbfie to be convinced, rebuked, and yreto be injoyned his censo re , and with all that the Justice sould be acquent to doe y re deuties in suppressing of the forsaid wickedness, and the for- said censure in reference to thaire sacrificeing to be made vse of incace of convict and appeireing and evidences of remors be found : and, faileing, that they be censureing w 1 ex- comunica°ne. Ordaines the minister to exercise himselff w* his people in such manner as at his dimming to Appilcross once in the fyve or sex weekes, at each lords day of his dimming, he stay thrie dayis amongst his people in catechiseing a pairt of them each day, and that he labor to cVince the people of thair former error by evidenceing the hand of God against such abhomina°nes as hes beine practised formerlie. Appoynts Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie to informe the Presbiterie of any strangers that resorts to theas feilds as formerlie they hawe to thair former heathinishe practises, that a course may be takin for thair restraint. The said day the said Mr. Allex r reports that, conforme to the ordenance of the Pbfie, he went to the Church of Kintaile and admitted Mr. Donald M c cra to the charge thaireof, qre it is appoynted that the act of transporta°ne and the admissioune be insert in the Pbfie book. j Q n ]Vl c rory in Glencannich, Adulterer wHn Kilmorack, being declaired penitent be his ordinarie pastor, compeired, confessing his sinne of adulterie, is referred to be receaved at Kilmorack. Closes with thanksgiveing. Kenlochewe, 9 Sept. 1656. The brethren all present except Mr. Jo n M c cra, Mr. Donald Fraser, and Mr. Donald M c cra. Ordaines Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie, minister at Lochcarron, to cause summond Murdo M c conill v c Wurchie v c conill v c al lister 282 RECORDS OF THE [sept. in Torritan, and Donald Smyth in Appilcross for sacrificeing at Appilcross, to compeire at Dingwell the third Wednesday of October, with the men of Auchnaseallach. The brethren taking to thair considerable the abhomin°nes within the parochin of Garloch in sacrificeing of beasts wpon y e 25 August, as also in poureing of milk wpon hills as abla°nes, quhose names ar not particularly signified as zit, referres to the diligence of the minister to mak search of theas persounes and Summond them as said is in the former ordenance and act at Appilcross, 5 Sept. 1656, and with all that by his private diligence he have searchers and tryers in euerie corner of the cuntrev, especiallie about the Lochmourie, of the most faithfull, honest men he can find, and that such as ar his elders be par- ticularly poseit concerneing former practises, in quhat they knowe of theas poore ones quho are called Mourie his derilans, 1 and ownes theas titles, quho receawes the sacrifices and offerings wpon the accompt of Mourie his poore ones, and that at leist some of theas be sumond to compeire befoire the Pbfie the for- said day wntill the rest be discovered, and that such as haue boats about the loch transport themselves or wthers to the He of Mourie, quharein ar monuments of idolatrie, without warrand from the superiour and minister towards lawfull ends, and if the minister knowus alreaddie ony guiltie that they be cited to the nixt pbfie day, and all contra veiners y r efter as occasioune offers in all tyme cuming. The brethren heireing be report that Minrie [Mourie] hes his monuments and remembrances in several! parodies within the province, bot more particularly in the paroches of Lochcarron, Lochalsh, Kintaile, Contan and Fottertie and Lochbroome, It is appoynted that the brethren of the con- gregationes haue a correspondence in trying and curbeing all such w*in thair severall congrega°nes, and for thease that cummes from forren cuntreyis that the ministers of Garloch 1 The Rev. Dr. Kennedy {Days of the Fathers in Ross-shire) reads this word deviles, and Sir Arthur Mitchell ( The Past in the Present) makes it devilans. The word is, however, plainly derilans. In the vocabulary appended to Kirke's Bible, deireoil is given as Gaelic for afflicted. Derilans would thus mean the afflicted ones, the poor ones, the insane. To this day the mentally afflicted are taken to St. Mourie's Isle, Loch Maree, to be cured. 1656] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 283 and Lochcarron informe themselves of the names of theas and the places of thair residence, and informe y c Pbfie yreof, that notice may be giwen to theas concerned. Recommends to the ministers of Lochcarrone and Lochalsh diligence in catechiseing as said is in y e act at Appilcross, 5 Sep., and that they be cairefull in thair visita°ne of the sicke, and that the act of Synode be observed anent baptisme of children, and that they [be] cairfull to keepe provincialls and pbfies as they ar advertised, according to the acts of Synods. Closes with prayer. At Dingwell, U feb. 1656. 1 That day the Pbfie of Dingwell taking to thair considera°ne the call giwen to Mr. Donald M c cra, minister at Wrray, by the congrega°ne of Kintaile with consent of Mr. Donald 2 M c cra, pnte minister at Kintaile, nowe adged and infirme, and so wnable to doe deutie as formerlie (or as is necessarie) to em- brace or exerce the office and functioune of the ministerie at the said Kirk as thaire lawfull or actuall minister, and thairefoire desyreing the Pbfie to grant ane act of Transporta°ne, for that effect presenting also wnto thair cleire reasounes and evident demonstrates of the necessitie and expediencie of the said transporta°ne, by thair Commissioners, as thair wrytin call and reassounes thaireof at gryte lenth proports. After mature and long deliberate of the praemiss the Pbfie, with ane unanimous consent, did condiscend to the forsaid call and desyre of Trans- porta°ne, and by the tennour heirof doe grant ane act of Transporta°ne, inacting and ordaineing that Mr. Donald M c cra, being so lawfullie called by the congregate of Kintaile, is pntlie in full right and capacitie of Transporta°ne from Urray to Kintaile, without ony impediment or obstacle, and without all reclameing and gainesaying of the Pbfie, Ordaineing also that the same be put in execute with all convenient diligence'. And yrefoire ordaines ane edict to be served for that effect at the Kirk of Kintaile, that none pretend ignorance, appoynteing Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie, Minister at Lochcarron, to preach at the Kirk of Kintaile, and sie the said edict returned and indorsed within a moneth. 1 This and the next minute not engrossed according to the order of their dates. 2 Should be Farquhar. 284 RECORDS OF THE [JUNE At Dingwell, 24 Junij 1656. Notwithstanding of the Act of Pbfie 14 feb. 1656, anent Mr. Do d M c cra his transporta°ne to Kintaile, and the edict giwen and served according to that act, zit wppon certane scruples and emergent difficulties, the full settilment of the transporta°ne and admissioune according to the forsaid act and edict being hidderto delayed, The desyre of the con- gregatioune off Kintaile was this day renued by thair commis- sioner, earnestlie seeking the executioune of the presbiteroes former act and ordenance, and to y 1 purpose wes pnted to the Pbfie a letter from Mr. ferq re M c cra, Minister at Kintaile, nowe adged and infirme, proporting his willingnes and earnest desyre to accept Mr. Donald M c cra as a fellow-laborer and conjunct actuall minister with him in the charge and functioune of the ministerie at Kintaile, Thairefoire the Pbfie be the tennour heireof doe renue and ratifie the former act, and further consents and condiscends to Mr. ferq re ' 3 desyre, that is, that he and Mr. Dond. M c cra be actuall conjunct ministers at Kin- taile, both haveing interest and right to office and benefice (except in so farr as for the pnte mantenance they may mutuallie condiscend in a proportionable way) so that the longest liver of them is and remaines actuall minister of Kin- taile, and further it is ordained that ane act of presentatione and admissione heirwppon be drawin wp in name and favors of Mr. Do d M c cra to the forsaid office and benefice, without pre- judice to Mr. ferq re his pnte or future ryght, if be providence he sail survive the said M r Donald ; but that efter his death, if the said Mr. Do d survive, this pnte act of presenta°ne and admissione followeing thairwpon salbe sufficient wnto him for his due ryght to the office and benefice forsaid, dureing all the day is of his lyfe, without all oppositione or gainesaying in the contrarie, excepting only the Pbfies liberties at his desyre to renue the samyne. And finallie it is ordained, that the said act of admissioune and pnta°ne be drawin wp in the tennour forsaid and sub vit be the clerk. Also it is appoynted that Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie goe to the Kirk of Kintaile and admitt the said Mr. Donald according to the ordinarie solemnitie, and by delyuering to him the act of admissioune and letter of pnta°ne wppon y e tuentieth day of Julij nixtocome, or at leist im- mediatelie wpon the nixt lords day yreafter. 1656] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 285 * To all and sundrie quhom it may concerne, Be it knowen that for as much as wnto ws, Moderator and remanent members of the pbrie of Dingwell, thair hes bene presented ane earnest desyre and formall call from y e congregatione of Kintaile with the express consent of Mr. ferq re M c cra, piite minister of Kintaile, nowe adged and infirme, that we wald grant ane act of Transporta°ne in favors of Mr. Donald M c cra, minister at Wrray, to be thair pnte actuall minister, or at leist conjunct minister with the forsaid Mr. ferq re nowe adged and infirme, and that the forsaid call and desyre, efter long and mature delibera°ne, hath bene found be ws relevand, necessarie, and expedient, Thairfoire we haue granted and assented to the forsaid call and desyre, and made ane authentick act of transporta°ne for the finall and full accomplisheing and satisfieing of the samyne, as the said act at more length proports ; And furthermore we, as wndoubted patrones by Act of Parliament of the forsaid Kirk of Kintaile, doe by the tennour heirof lawfullie present and actuallie admitt the abovenamed Mr. Donald M c cra to the functioune of the ministerie at Kintaile, and to the benefice thaireof, and to the fruits, rents, parsonage, wicarage, profites, pro- vents, emoluments, and casualties, and all wther deuties belonginge or that may belong thairwnto ; and to the manse, gleib, and kirk- lands of the samyne, and all priviledges and liberties belonging yrwnto, or that by lawe may belong thairwnto, Giveing for this effect our full po r to Mr. Allex r M°Kenzie, Minister of Lochcarron, to pass to the Kirk of Kintaile wpon the tuentieth day of Julij in this instant zeire of God 1656 zeires, and thair to enter and admitt the said Mr. Donald M c cra into the office of the ministerie at Kintaile, and benefice belonging thairto, and to all that belong or be law may belong thairwnto, he investing him thairwnto by the ordinarie rites and solemnities, and by delyuering wnto him this our present act of admissione and letter of presenta°ne, Provyde- ing alwayis that this act of admissione and letter of presenta°ne be conceaved as to a conjunct ministrie with Mr. ferq re M c cra, and without all prejudice to the said Mr. ferq re his piite and future ryght to the forsaid office and benefice incace by providence he survive the said Mr. Donald, but that the longest liuer of the tua is and remaines actuall minister of Kintaile, with full and just ryght and title to the office and benefice, and that if the said Mr. Donald sail by providence suruive the said Mr. ferq le , Then and in that case this present act of admissioune and letter of presenta- tioune salbe sufficient wnto him for his due ryght to the said office 286 RECORDS OF THE [JUNE and benefice, and to all things belonging or that lawfullie may belong thairwnto, for all the dayes of his lyfe, without all oppo one , exceptioune, or gainesaying in the contrarie, excepting only the pbfies libertie to renue this letter of presenta°ne simplie in his owne name. Wherefoire we humblie require the hono 1 Judges and commissioners for ministra°ne of Justice in this natioune, wppon sight of this our Act of admissioune and letter of presenta°ne, to interpone thaire po r and Judiciall decreit wppon a simple charge of ten dayes allennarely, 1 for causeing the said Mr. Donald, his factors and serwants in his name, be thankfullie ansered, obeyed, and payed of all and sundrie fruits, rents, tenthes, and emoluments belonging or that may belong by lawe wnto the benefice of the forsaide ministerie of Kintaile, and that of this instant cropt and zeire of God 1656, and zeirely and termely in tyme cumming dureing his lyfetime and seruice at the said Kirk, conforme to his piite admissioune yreunto, and the colla°ne and institutioune to be granted and takin thairewppon in competent forme as effeires. Giwen in our pbfie at Dingwell, and appoynted to be sub uit in name of the Pbfie, 24- Junij 1606, by Mr. Donald Ross, Clerk to the said pbfie. Sic subscribitur, Mr. Donald Ross, minister at Contane, Cke. Pbrij. DrngweU, Sept. 23, 1656. The said day Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie, sometyme minister at Suddie, gawe in a supplicatioune for the oppening of his mouth, and proposed some abstractiounes qlk he asserted was the cause he supplicated not soonere, wntill thease wer removed, and the brethren taking the same to thair considera°une, and finding that by thease abstractiounes he meaned the miscariage that was alledged of him in Tayne by demneing and drinking, and that all that he produced for his vindica°une from it wes a testimoniall from David Ross in Tayne, in quhose house he was that night, thought not the said testimoniall a sufficient vindicatioune, in respect it was bot in a priuate manner, and from a partie coincident in the samyne guilt, and becaus it seemed to reflexe wpon the Sessioune of Tayne, quho did putt to censoure thease quho wer less guiltie, as they thought. Johne M c finlay v c chenich, adulterer with a sojours wyf 1 Only. 1656] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 287 within the parochin of Kilmorack, referres him to the Sessioune thaireof to give obedience. Neile Munro of findoune, desyreing a minister to keepe Sessioune at Wrquhart with them the lords day come aucht day is, appoynts Mr. Johne Munro to keepe the said day in obedience to his desyre. Dingwell) 15 Octob. 1656. The said day Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie in Knockbaxter pre- sented ane wy r testimoniall wnder Mr. Johne Dallass hand, qlk the presbiterie conceaved not evident, and apprehended it could not be receaved better then befoire the provincial!. To qlk it is referred. Mr. Jo n Munro declares that in obedience to the former ordenance he went to the Church of Urquhart and did heare Mr. David Monro, expectant, preach 5 Oct. 1656. The Brethren haueing receaved ane letter from Mr. Allex r M c Kenzie, minister at Lochcarron, purporting his infirmitie, Referres ane anser to his owin cumming to the cuntrey. In respect that none of the hyland ministers compeired not conforme to the ordenance of the presbiterie, referres thair sensoure to the province. The sacrificers within the parochin of Lochcarron and within the land of Auchnasellach, being all alwfullie sumond be the Kirk officer of Lochcarron, conforme to the ordenance of the pbfie, called, compeired not, ordaines literall Summonds to [be] sent to them be pbfie, with the Kirk officer of Lochcarron, to compeire at Chanfie the last tuysday of Octob, befoire the Synode of Ross, and that ane letter be wrytin to the guidman of Culcowie, within quhose lands they are in, to Interpone his authoritie in making thease Idolatrous people repaire to the Synode according to the ordenance of the brethren. And that ane wther letter be wrytin to Mr. Colline M c Kenzie, minister at Killernan, to sollist Culcowie to giue his assistance in the premiss. Ordaines ane letter to be wrytin at desyre of the Commis- sioners of Wrquhart to Mr. W m fraser, minister at Inver- ness, to repaire to the Kirk of Urquhart, and to preach on ane lords day, that the people may heire him. 288 RECORDS OF THE [OCT. 1656 Ordaines such brethren as hes not payit thair proportioune to Robert Monro, Burser, to pay the samyne with all con- veniencie as they salbe anserable to the Synode. The brethren being severallie reproved, tryed, and examined, wer weile reported in lyf and doctrine. At DingU, 18 Nor. 1656. Mr. Jo n Makillican having represented to the brethren the insufficiencie of the pnt Gleib appointed for the M r at Fottertie, wch being pondered, it was ordained that ane edict sould be served the next ensueing Lords day that tymous warning might be giwen and parties c'cerned of the Brethren's Intentione to designe a sufficient and compleit Gleib for the vse of the pnt M r and his successors, this day 20 dayes, being the 9 of Dec r . Att DingU, Der. 9, 1656. The Mod r haveing inquired qt dilligence had been vsed in reference to the former ordinance annent the serving of ane edict annent the designa°ne of a Gleib at Fottertie, The said edict was found to be duly served and indorsit, execu°ne , s y re of being pnted, the piit day being apointed for the designa°ne, and finding no appearance of any oppositione, haveing lykwayes the adwise of Sir George M c Kenzie of Tarbat, heritor of the gleib to be designed, and consent of James M c dod [Macdonald] piit possessor, they resolved to goe about the business, which efter prayer they did effectuallie, goeing to the place appointed of ther orderlie walking, and legall steps and [ 1 ] descriptione lykwayes of the Gleib and its marches. Dingwett, Penult Decr. 1656. The said day Mr. John Monro made report of his obtemper- ing the pbfies desyre by preaching and keeping Sess. at Vrqht the day appointed, the result yrof was ane letter sent to Mr. W m fraser intreating to exercise them whither he conceived he might fastly loused from his piit charge, hovever this might have been [ x ] to be ane formall progress in calling a M r to that place, yet it was thought expedient to wait for y e result of y e forsaid dilligence. 1 Ink faded. JUNE 1657] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 289 That day was pnted a supplica°ne in name of Jo n Mackra, student in humanitie, for a part of y e wacand stipend of Wrray, to his better mentenance at the Pbrie Schooles. The supplicant was referred to obtaine the heritors consent, wch being pnted, the petitioune vas to be considered. Att Fottartie, March 25, 1657. The said day the Brethren, Masters Johne Munro, Johne M c cra, Don d Eraser, Johne M c Kilican, Don d Ross, Thomas Hog, being met together prayer was made. There had beene no exercise becaus the time was conceived short enough for goeing about intimelie the executione of there intentioune at yt time, to witt, the designa°ne of a Glebe. Mr. Johne M c ra presented a supplicatione in name of Johne M c cra. The Brethren referred anie anser till Mr. Donald M c ra suld be present in person, when, with consent of the heretours, they ar to grant his petitioune as sallbe thought expedient. That day Johne Munro of Limlaire reneued his petitioune in behalfe of Christiane Munro, relict to the late deceist Mr. George Munro, and anser was continued till the full number of hands of the heritours concerned should be at the condescendence, which being presented lacked many subscriptiones mainlie requisite ; Thereafter the Brethren having ane intentione to goe about the designatione, which was done warrantablie thereafter according to the law of the natione and practice of the Church in such cases, as the designatione subscrived by the Brethren's hand, containing the bounds and marches thereof, can evidence. The nixt dyett being appointed to be at Ding 11 . At Dinguall, June 2, 1657. Mr. Johne Munro, upon certain considerationes mouing him, amongst others the incompletione of his present provisions, in- treated the Brethren for ane Act of Transportabilitie. Some of the brethren informing the meeting that there wer specious grounds to hope the occasione of his motione might be remoued, ane anser was continued till the nixt meeting. That day Christiane Munros supplicatione was reneued, together with the consents of the heritours represented, and her desyre granted therin, and withall the Brethren being privie to T 290 RECORDS OF THE [JUNE and having compassione on the supplicants low conditione, and considering how of the s d stipend of fiftie sex appointed to be disposed of in anser to the supplicatione forsaid, that some part was alloted to Mr. Murdoich M c Kenzie, they concerned it there duetie in charitie that the part alloted to Mr. Murdoich being as yet onuptaken, should contineue with her, and for satisfac- tione to the s d Mr. Murdoich, that, with the consent of the heretours, Farburns proportione of the yeire fiftie seven be added to Couls out of 56, q ch make an 100 merks, of yis Couls proportione, being 26 merks, is all q ch is excepted of the stipend 56 indisponed of to y e s d relict. The Commissioners from Wrq rt appearing by there applica- tion to the Presf ie, did seeme to passe from there applicatione, and prest concurrence of the Presf ie as formerlie. The Brethren, taking there desire to consideratione, found ane impediment then q ch appeared not formerlie, which oc- casioned yet more a retreiting from progress in y fc business, for one of y r number gave in some scruples as reasones of his dissent against the sending a Commissionere from the Presbfie, and protested for libertie to add as convenientlie he might and conceived duetie thereafter. 1. Of these were given in the s d day tuo following, first — private correspondence and condescendence of the s d Mr. William 1 with the parochiners by letter and promise, possiblie before the presbfies call was obtained, and so preposterous, before the ordinarie way of learning the Lords mind was known. 2. The said Mr. William his professing of ane intention willfullie to desert the parochin q r in he is for the time, not- withstanding of all satisfactione offered by them to him, especiallie his present dispositione being compared with his severall transplantationes before, in some of which, (as is supposed) his way was neither orderlie nor himself patient therin. These being pondered, and y t others were promised, the Brethren conceived it duetie not to proceed untill the nixt Presbyterie day, when the member informer is required to haue in readinesse all the known exceptions he hath, ore then they 1 Mr. William Fraser. See Minute of 15th October 1656. i6$7] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 291 not to be relevant for obstructing the progresse of the fors d businesse after. Mr. Murdoich M c Kenzie requireing a testificatt, receiued no anser untill the nixt meeting, appointed to be this day twentie dayes. Dinguall, June 23, 1657. The appointment anent burials in Kirks is reported by the brethren to be obtempered. That day compeared Commissioners from Wrq rt , with ane letter from Mr. William Fraser, q r in (as it appeared) hauing perused them, he alleadged the reasons were aspersions and detractiones and calumnies, wishing the brother to disoun them, otherwayes he would studie his own reparatione, which the brother refused, apprehending it duetie not to disown that which he conceived to be truth, which the brethren signified in ther returne to him by a letter qrin they desired him to doe as he thought expedient. That day the brother fors d gaue in some other additionall reasons, first the sinnfullnesse of emptieing Invernes (in case Mr. William be a qualified man) of a Minister, together with the disadvantadge may be sustained by transporting of such a man (it being as is supposed) not onlie out of such ane eminent place of itselfe, but where there is comonlie repairing and re- siding a confluence of strangers and intelligent countrey gentlemen. 2. Secondlie, the disconformitie of y* transplantatione with several 1 acts of assem. 3. 3 d lie. The nonharmonious concurrence of the parochiners to that transplantatione, in that severalls of note and qualitie concerned in the place being strangers to and dissenting from the calling of the s d Mr. Will. 4. 4 lie , the said Mr. Will was observant of keeping presby- teriall meetings while he was in this province before, tegether with the dissatisfactione he gave to the samen, and especiallie to the presbfie of Chanrie (as may be seen in retentes q n he transplanted himselfe to Invernes.) It was judged requisite that the Presfie sould be satisfied, and these exceptiones discussed ; And it was apprehended yt 292 RECORDS OF THE [JUNE uthers more weightie might be after added, as should be found expedient, therefore as yet they proceeded not in that business. A testimonie was giuen to Mr. Murdoich M c Kenzie, as no known cleare guilt was to be layed to his charge discovered to the presbfie. At DingweU, Jul 28. 1657. That day the Brethren ordinarlie conveening were mett, except the clerke, whose excuse of his infirmitie was sent. The Moderator not coming preciselie at teun o'clocke, tho shortlie efter, the rest of the brethren for the most part would not stay anie longer then the peremptorie houre appointed. The nixt meeting they resolved should hold that day fourth- night. At Dingwall, Aug. 11, 1657. That day a letter was appointed to be wreittin from the Presfie to Mr. Donald Ross to direct it to the Highland ministers, relateing to there negligence in obtempering the act of the Synod anent there monthlie meeting at Kainlochew, and there corresponding with the Presbfie. At Dinguatt, Septemb. 1, 1657. That day Mr. George Munro, Minister at Rosemarkine, pre- sented a letter from the Presbfie of Chanrie anent the trans- porting of Mr. Johne Munro, minister at Alnes, to the Kirk of Killicuddin, some gentlemen being present from the fors d parochine for that effect. But the brethren considering that after inquirie these gentle- men had no commissione, and some of the brethren being absent, continued the anser to the next dyett. In the meanetyme Mr. John M c ra was appointed to returne ane anser to the Presbyterie of Chanrie's letter, with Mr. George Munro fors d . There was ane appointment y* day that the brethren of the Highlands sould be acquented againe to repaire to the presfie according to the act of Synod, to exercise and concurr with y r brethren as sail be required and injoined. That day the brethren considering how Mr. Donald Ross had severall times regrated, and as yet did, the bad incourage- ment he had in the parochine of Conton, by reason y* he was not at all duelie satisfied of y* small provisione which he had in 16S7] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 293 the place, as also of the peoples want of accommodate, by reason of wantinge bridges vpon the waters, and dasks in the church to sit. The nixt dyet was appoynted to be at Conton y* day twentie dayes, to comone with the parochiners in the fors d particulars, and Mr. Donald Ross was appointed to make intima°ne to them and the people for there convoca°ne to the s d day, q n Mr. Johne M c Kilican was appointed to preach, and in case of his necessarie abstractione, which he feared, Mr. Johne Munro was appointed to be advertised tymeouslie to undergoe y* dutie. [No meeting at Contin on 23 Sept. as some of the heritors from home.] At Conton, Octob. 6, 1657. That day these concerned in the parochine of Conton, as Coul and some others, being present, who being inquired of anent the discouragement of their minister, by reasone of unsatis- factorie deliverie of his provisione, made it evidentlie appeare y fc the blame should be transferred wpon Mr. Don d Ross, whose remissnesse and unfittnesse to take ane effectual course for up- lifting the samen onlie occasioned ane ondutifullnesse to him, and likewayes promised to be assisting to him to make his due provisione forthcuming. As for anie disadvantage ore hinder- ance the people might haue by want of bridges and seats in the church [Minute stops here, being incomplete]. At Dingwall, Octob. 20, 1657. That day conveined all the brethren ordinarie conveeners, except Mr. Tho. Hog. Prayer was made. The reasone of Mr. Thomas Hog his absence was his waitting my Lo. Seafort, who representing the Parochine of Urray in calling of Mr. Geo. Cuming, then at Elgine, had gone from Invernes thitherwards, but upon the 16 of the instant month, and upon supplica°ne to the Presbfie for one of there number [Record destroyed]. The s d day compeared Mr. Coline M c Kenzie, desiring the transplantatione of Mr. Johne Munro to the Kirk of Kilcuddin. Likwayes Mr. Johne Munro required ane anser to ane petitione formerlie given in by him anent his transplantabilitie. 294 RECORDS OF THE [OCT. In the meantime compeared also F[ ] and George Munro, in Alness, Commissioners from the parochine therof, for retentione of the s d Mr. Johne with his present charge, and to imped the intended transplantatione. Thereafter compeared from the parochine of Kilcuddin, Ar- dullie, Kinbeachie, and Charles M c leane, commissioners, pressing the transplantatione of the s d Mr. Johne. The Presfie, after solid consideratione, hauing heard both parties, Judgeing it requisit, ordained ane edict to be served at the Church of Alnes the nixt Lords day, intimating the desire and diligence of the parochiners of Kilcuddin to have the s d Mr. Johne transplanted from Alnes and settled with themselves, that in case the parochiners of Alnes haue anie laufull objec- tiones against the progresse of the s d businesse they may haue seasonable advertisement to give in ther reasons the nixt pbfie day, being the tent of Novem., with certificate to them if they faill to doe as s d is the Presbfie sail proceed in the due and orderlie steps as is requisit in such cases. As also Mr. Johne Munro desired y* ane act of transplanta- bilitie might be insert in the Edict, which was agreed. That day the brethren present being severallie removed and tryed, Mr. Donald Ross was exhorted to be painfull and diligent in wisiting and examining the people. Mr. Johne M c Killican to indevour to pray in the Irishe lan- guage, and to own a portione of Strachonin for a part of his parochine, which he profest he could not condescend on, not knowing the samen to be annexed to the parochine of Fottartie at his entrie to the ministrie. This matter was referred to the consideratione of the Synod at Chanrie Oct. 27. The rest of the Brethren exhorted to be painfull and diligent. Dinguel, November 10, 1657. It pleased the Brethren to choose and constit y* Mr. Thomas Hogge be Moderator of the Presbyterie, and Mr. John M c Kil- lican dark. The execution of the edict served at Alnes relative to Mr. John Monros transportabilitie was returned to the Presbytrie. The Laird of foulis, zounger, and the goodman of Assin, Commissioners from the parochin of Alnes, compeared, and 1657] PRESBYTERY OF INVERNESS 295 intreated no act shuld be givin that day for declairing ther minister transportable, But that the Presbytrie shuld be pleased to appoint ther nixt days meeting to be at Alnes, wher they engaged in the names of the rest, that rational satisfaction shuld be given for the pleasant commodious settling of Mr. John amongst them, else they suld woluntarlie condescend to his transporta°n. The Commissioners beeing removed, the presbytrie considered y e mater, and thought it convenient the desir shuld be granted, wherfor the nixt days meeting was appointed to be Alnes. Rorie M c Kenzie of Davauchmaluack, and the Goodman of Farbourn, younger, Commissioners from the Parochin of Urray, compeared and requested the Presbyteries concurrence for calling of Mr. Georg Cuming to enter on such parts of his qualifica°ns befor them as was requisit, that with al possible diligence he might be planted actual minister among them. Those gentlemen being removed the Brethren thought fit to appoint Mr. John M c Killican to go alongs with them when- ever they pleased. Alnes, November 24, 1657. The heritors, gentlemen, and parochiners of Alnes compeared befor the Presbytrie, and after some debats and reasonings ther was ane harmonious condescendens for Mr. J ohn Monros accom- modation at that place, and not onlie for him but also for his successors after him serveing ther. Neil Monro of Findon, and some other gentlemen, commis- sioners from Wrquhart, compeared, and intreated one suld be given them to preach the nixt Lords day that a call might be dravin vp for Mr. Robert Rosse — the Brethren, taking this to consideration, appointed Mr. John M c Killican to preach at Wrquhart the nixt day. The Brethren inquired what diligence was used in the matter of Urray, the Commissioner reported if the people and pres- bytrie were striving and serious that Mr. Georg Cuming might be engaged and gained. Dinguel, December 15, 1657. Noe exercise this day because of the exerciser's (Mr. John Munro) bodilie infirmitie and weaknes. 296 RECORDS OF THE [DEC. 1657 No addition, because the adder, Mr. Donald Rosse, was not prepared, for which the Brethren thought fit to give him an admoniti°n be way of reproofe. There was ane heavie and a sad regrait made by Mr. Farquhar M c ra of Kintail in a letter sent to the Presby, upon the wnna- tural, wnchristian, and unministerial carriag of his sone Mr. Donald, in depriveing him of his livelehood by wnjust, obscure, and wnlawful ways, as his letter doth more fullie declair ; the Brethren, seriouslie considreing the matter, ordained a letter (containeing a somance) shuld be written to Mr. Donald for presenting himself the nixt day befor the presbitrie. The Brethren inquired what was doen at Urquhart, the report was that y e parochiners wnanimouslie subscrived a Cal for Mr. Robert Rosse, and besought the Presbytrie, because none of them culd be present, to appoint on of ther number with a cal to goe alongs with ther commissioners on such a day ] to invite him. The Brethren appointed Mr. John M c Killican to goe with the cal for Mr. Robert. Dinguel, 29 December 1657. Mr. Donald Rosse added, and the brethren was much dis- satisfied with his method, matter, and weaknes, and desyred he should be reprehended with a premonire. Mr. George M c uloch is to add. Mr. Donald M c ra was this day present in presby ; and the Mod r inquired what was the reason of his cruell and wnhumane dealing with his father, his replie was y* he had as great reason if not mor to complaine on his father, but for the tyme he would forbear reflex°n and recrimination, onlie he desired to have two of the Brethren to whom he would communicat his mind in privat — which was granted him. These brethren (when returned) culd not learn by what he informed the certaine ground of the controversie, but suspected ther was foul play among them, and therfor the presbytrie thought it necessarie a visitation shuld be at Kintail, haveing the concurrence and assistance of the Sinod alongs with them, and in the meantyme ordained that Mr. Don d shuld restore his livelehood to his father againe, especiallie the wiccarage, which Mr. Do d promised to perform e. FEB. 1658] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 297 pointi lent an 1 Mr. Thomas Hogg Mr. Georg M c uloch Mr. George Cumin with both, and desire* Mr. Georg Cumin< John M c cra is appoin day for his bodilie inf the presbitries a becam untractable, wndertak his duetie. remove him, and whe about were inquired thought he greatlie Mr. John beeing calle to him, and rebuked tion, and his former stubbourn nor wndergoe the ag l it, and desired his The Brethren though insert in ther scroles hand, and gaue him tym he promised to p Ther was a letter Seafort intreating th trials, that with al minister at Urray ; W Mr. George M c cull wpon Universal re den fa r wntractable: Lesse Dingv Mod r . exercised vpon Acts added — the Breth the Mod 1 " to encour is to exercise the ed to add because h( rmitie. But Mr. Jo , and entred in a would not by ani Wherfore the Pres the thoughts of all (he being removed) lliscaried, and deserv for, the Mod r signi lim for his litigiousi But he reman sse and wilfulnes, But declaired declara°n (as he tear it necessar that no [The Mod 1 " and remanent Mr. Georg Cuming cei sur svntil he gaue it in continuation to the esent it. irected to the presb 7 accelera°n of Mr. ( iligence he might hich desir was grant ch is appointed to ] Dtion, and to give hi Brethren xercised on Acts 7. 3 Z, Jan. 19, 1658. 1 7. 35, and n were weil satisfied ge them. lixt day; and Mr. was spared the last n began to controle needlesse strife, and means or entreatie >ytrie was forced to the Brethren round of his carriage, all d a sharpe censure, ed the Presb. mind es, needlese conten- ing and insisting in Mould not accept of, b^ way of protesta°n ned it) to be insert, such thing shuld be writ wnder his ovn nixt day, at which from the Erie of reorg Cumming his >e admitted actuall d. lue a common head theses the nixt day. Februar 15, 1658. 2 prese it.] and was appro win. 1 The portions of this and next Minute through which the lines are drawn are, in the original, deleted in different ink. On the margin are written, in a different hand, the words, 'Shamelesse lying.' The Minutes are written by Mr. John M'Killican. 2 See footnote to Minute of 19th January 1658. 298 RECORDS OF THE [FEB. Mr. John M c cra added vpon the same vords, and the Brethren were not a little d ssatisfied with his we irieing tediousnes, mis- applica°n of scrip ;ure, want of edifical ion in severall farr off sought passages sj .vouring of much bit ternes and disaffection, and for somethirg that the Brethrex that the mane an 1 principal qualifica 0 was knovledg. Ft r these things the br< to give him an admonition. Mr. Georg dimming is appointed to haue a disput on the perseverance of the sancts and to hav his thesee in readines ag* the nixt dav. judged wnsound, viz. 1 of a minister as such thren desired the Mod r The Mod 1 pres M c cra to the nixt it to be extrajud id the Brethren finding of it the dav before) msueing Provincial, a cial (no word being unecessar, and une xpedient, dealt with J Lr. John, both in privat and publick, to ta ; up his paper, but 1 e would not, But gave how to tearm it we nted an appella°n nceived from Mr. John in a second paper it himselfe a sup )lica°n for inserting receaveing an ex1 ract of a processe w ider the clark's hand The Brethren find ng his deportment un and much mor a n inister of the Gospel peace with his br thren, Judged it coi be givin him til he Sinod ; and that shuld be onlie 1 eept (without trans provincial. new not, but he called his appella°n, and for )eseeming a supplicant, that desired to live in venient no anser shuld the authentick papers •riveing them) to the Februar. 23, 1658. The Brethren ordained Mr. Do d Rosse to writ a letter to the high-land Ministers to inquire why y e Sinods ordinance was neglected. March 2, 1658. Rorie M c Kenzie of Tollie, beeing referred from the session of Dinguel to the presbvterie for drunkenesse, but the fact culd not be judicial provin ; wherefor the Mod r in the nam of the presbvterie exhorted the supposed delinquent that he shuld watch ag 1 that evil, and seek the lord to guard him ag* that tempta°n. 1658] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 299 March 9, 1658. Mr. John M c Killican sought the Brethrens advise, what shuld be doen with a young man falling in incest and not coming to the years of discretion. The finding the matter difficult referred it to the Sinod. Mr. George Cuming is to preach in Irish the next day. March 16, 1658. The Brethren ordained Mr. John M c Killican to drav vp an edict to be served at Urray by Mr. Rosse the nixt Lords day in relation to Mr. Cumings planta°n. Mr. George M c culoch is licensed to preach publicklie when and whereever he is lawfullie called. Coul M c Kenzie and Garloch, Commissioners from Urq rt , compeired, and intreated the Presbyterie shuld goe alongis with them to invit Mr. Fraser of Invernes to be ther minister. The anser is referred to the nixt day. Mr. George Cuming is to be admitted to the Church of Urray on the last day of March. March, Penult, 1658. The Commissioners of Urquhart compeired and desired to know why the presbyterie did not concurr willinglie and cor- dialie with them in calling Mr. W m Fraser, and the Brethren told they had some exceptiones ag* it, and desired that the Mod r shuld deliver these exceptiones to Coul M c Kenzie, who was on of the Commissioners. On of the Brethren inquired of Coul if he had ani assurance of Mr. W m , and he told that Mr. W m promised to com. The Master of the parochin of t shuld not proceed have a hearing of to them on the m conceiving that tl then to receive an their demand to s sion was prorogated Lovat and young F rray, compeared and in Mr. Cumings pi lis Erish. The Pres )row, But this would wnlesse they shuk hear him on a Lor Is day. The Brethren eir drift was rather satisfaction of his q irbourn, with others of desyred the Presbytrie n tat ion till they shuld yterie offered a hearing not please their fancie to hinder his admission alifiea°ns, they granted onne contention, anc so Mr. George's admis- 300 RECORDS OF THE [march 1658 The Presb. resolve( admission on the 13 But Mr. John M c cn pertenacious and wei wer forced to say y 1 them, and wished a to other preb. 1 to go on cum pericul of April, after his stickled ag* the resolution e loquacious, that part of the minis destruction of the t lat pre? 3 ) with Mr. Cumings reaching at Urray. and becam of the Brethren rie was bitternes to i. and to be anext so ne Urray, April 13, 1658. Al the Brethren, except Mr. Thomas hogg and Mr. John M c cra, conveened, and desired the lords presence by prayer. After sermon preached by Mr. John Munro, Mr. George Cuming was admitted without anie let or pro- testa°n, and receaved by al concerned in the parochin of Urray who were present. Coul M c Kenzie and others of the Parochiners of Urqhart compeired and professed they would no further prosecut their calling of Mr. Fraser to be their minister, but the presbytrie would be pleased to send on of their number to preach to them the nixt lords day. It pleased the Brethren to appoint Mr. John M c Killican to preach at Urquhart. [At the end of the Minute of 13th April 1658, which also closes the volume, is written by the hand which wrote the marginal remarks on the previous Minutes : — ' Maister Johne Macgillican was elk. to thir lying Records. , No further Minutes are recorded until 1663 — after the Restoration, and the establishment of Episcopacy.] 1 The portion deleted is so deleted in the original. On the margin is written, ' The spirit oflieing and malice.' may 1663] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 301 At Dinguatt, May 19, 1663. 1 The brethren of the Presbyterie haveing at the last synod appoynted this day to be the first dyet of their meitings, con- veened all, except Mr. Rob* Ross, who sent ane ltre of excuse. At Dinguatt, 9 June 1663. Mr. John Mackenzie signifieing to the prebf ie that he wanted accomoda°n for residence at his chairge, the prebfie appoints Mr. Donald Fraser, Moderator, to writ to Mr. John MacKilli- can 2 to make the house q r in he dwelled readd for Mr. John Mackenzie against Lamb-messe. At Ding. 1663, upon Julie 21. A meiting of the chapter haveing avocated the brethren from keeping the day appointed, this day conveened M rs John Macra, Mod 1 ", John M c Kenzie, Do d fraser, Rob 1 Rosse, George Cumine, Donald Rosse. Master John Macra, Schoolm r of Dinguall, is constitute Clerk to the Prebfie. In reference to the ordainance of the prebfie anent writing to Mr. John M c Killican to give assurance to Mr. John M c Kenzie whither he would quit the hous of Inchrorie to Mr. John Mackenzie at Lamb-masse, Mr. Don d Rosse to whom the lfe directed to Mr. MacKillican wes delyvered, reports he sent to him with William Miller, and hearing that the lfe miscaried he 1 This Minute, which is the first of a new volume, is also the first under the Episcopacy established by Charles II. 2 Mr. MacKillican, Minister of Fodderty, refused to conform to Episcopacy, and was deposed in May 1663 for 'absenting himself from the Diocesan meeting, not answering the citation, and preaching, praying, and reasoning against pre- latical government.' Along with Mr. Thomas Plogg, of Kiltearn, who had also been deposed for his opposition to Episcopacy, he continued for years to hold conventicles in Easter Ross. They both consequently suffered fines, and im- prisonment in various prisons, including the Bass. Mr. John MacKenzie was Mr. MacKillican's successor in Fodderty. 302 RECORDS OF THE [JULY went himselfe personallie to Mr. MacKillican and made knowen to him the pfie's desyre requiring ane answere, whose answere wes, that he received not their Ire to q ch tyme he would delay his answere ; which the Prebfie finding to be bot a shift, especiallie considering that MacKillican himselfe begged as a favour of Mr. John M c Kenzie to suffer him to keep the house till Lambmesse ; The Mod r in name of the Prebfie is appointed to writ to the Bishop and Tarbet, shewing the state of things. A Petition given in be Agnes MacKenzie for divorce from John Dinguall her husband, having fallen in adulterie with anoy r woman, considered, and the matter being proven be extracts out of the session book of Kilmorack, her Petition is granted, and her condition referred from the Prebfie to the Comiss 1 " 3 . Kathrine, Spous to Donald M c Allister in the parioch of Wfq rt , brought in her appeal to the Prebfie from the Session of Wfq rt for appointing her to stand two Lords dayes in sacco and to mak profession of her rep. [repentance] for asserting that those things that looked lyk sorcerie q ch were found after she flitted in the hous out of q ch she flitted were put there be Isobell MacKenzie, spouse to Andrew Fraser, Chamberlane of Ferintosh ; And the prebfie considdering the slander and cen- sure, she is remitted to satisfie accordinglie, provyding that if she give sufficient evidence of her rep. the first day, y* she shal be urged no more. The Mi r of Dinguall representing to the Prebfie that he could not get the tounes men moved to build the kirk yard dyk, both the Baillies ordained to be sumoned to the nixt prebfie. The Prebfie homologates the act of the session of Dinguall anent the stent they laid upon the parioch for maintenance of the poore within it. The Prebfie ordaines that the vacand Kirk of Kiltearn and Alnes 1 be served be the bretheren of the prebfie per vices so oft as they can, and Mr. Rob 1 Rosse to begin at Kiltern Sunday com eight dayes. 1 Kiltearn was vacant through the deposition of Mr. Thomas Hogg, who refused to conform to Episcopacy. Alness was vacant through the death of Mr. John Monro in 1662. 1 663] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 303 At Dinguall, 11 August 1663. The Baillies of Dinguall cited, not compeiring, to be sumoned pro 2 do . Enquirie made if Mr. Robt Rosse obeyed the ordinance anent preaching at Kiltern, it is found that he did ; Mr. Donald Fraser ordained to go the nixt day to Kiltern and Mr. George Cumin the sabath following to Alnes. A letre being sent to Mr. Donald Macra, Mif of Lochelshe, complaining on Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie, Mif of Gerloch, for deny- ing him marriage upon the bare alleadgence of a young man, that he had a promise of marriage of the woman — The Mod r is appointed to writ to Mr. Rorie that he send with all dilligence to the young man to mak out his allegations, or to find surtie to doe so within a convenient tyme, which if he doe not that he goe on in the manage. Jo n Maconil oig in the Parish of Wrray cohabiting in adulterie with Agnes nic ean chile, and both relapsers in adulterie, being referred to the Prebfie, cited, and not com- pearing, it is ordained y 1 the Mod r writ to Farburn in whose land they reside to cause separet them and satisfie. At Dinguall, 1 Septemb. 1663. The Baillies of Dinguall cited, compeiring, being enquired why they did not caus build the Kirk yard dyk answered they culd not without consent of y r tounes counsel, the result of q ch y r anent they promised to bring to the nixt prebfie. At Dinguall, 22 Septr. 1663. The Baillies of Dinguall cited compeiring gives in the answere of the tounes counsell, viz. That they are content to build the Kirkyard dyk March nixt (considering they could not doe it sooner be reason of the season of the year) upon condition that neither Mi r nor toune meddle with the grasse of the Kirkyard untill it be desyded whether has best right. Jo" Maconil vie ferq r and Marie nien khenich ghlaise, both trelapsers in fornica : being referred from the session of Kil- morack in order to enter y r repent: cited and compeiring, confessed, and after exorta°ne were remitted to the Session to satisfie in sacco, and in the meantyme, forasmuch as the woman 304 RECORDS OF THE [SEPT, alleadges a promise of mariage of the man, q ch he deneyes, they are desyred q n charged to come to the pbfie, and the woman to bring her broy r alongs, who wes (as she sayes) present q n that promise wes made to her. At Dingutd, 13 Octob. 1663. That day conveened Mess" John Macra, Mod r , Donald Rosse, Donald Fraser, Rob 1 Rosse, George Cumin ; Mr. John Mackenzie absent sent ane Ire of excuse q ch wes accepted. The name of God incalled. No doctrine be reason of the brethrens late cuming, all except Mr. John Macra, and Mr. Donald Fraser, the doctrine continued as formerlie. Whereas it wes condescended to, upon a prebfie day be al the bretheren, that everie broy r cuming late should give in a sex pens to be given to the poore, M rs Donald Rosse, Robt Rosse, George Cumin, who came behind tyme today being desyred to pay, refused. Mr. Robt Rosse pretexts that he is willing to pay his 6 ps. provyding the uthers pay theirs. M rs John Macra and Donald Fraser declares that they think them censurable who refuses, and doe refer the mater to the Bishop's determina°n. Mr. Rob* Rosse protests that two bretherens opinion be not enough to mak acts without the major part of the prebfie. Mr. John Macra protests that it be q n the Mod r with the minor part is right and the major part guiltie. 1 At Dingual, 3 Novr. 1663. The Mod r urged that according to the Bishops ordainance the vacand Kirks of Alnes and Kiltearn should be supplied, but the most of the brethern declyned becaus of the winter season. Hector Mackenzie, referred from Urray for drunknes and disobedience, to the Session, cited, and not compeiring, to be summond pro 2 d0 . 1 At several meetings before this complaint was made of the ' lateness ' of members, and the 1 exercise' was, in consequence, repeatedly 'continued.' 1663] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 305 Lykwise Finlay Buy referred from the Session of Urray for drunkness and beating of his moy r , cited, compeiring, and being rebuked, is remitted to the Session to satisfie in sacco. Jon Maconie vie ferq r and Marie nien khenich ghlaishe, and y r witnesses viz, Do d M c eachan and Alex 1 " MacKenich, ordained to be sumoned to the nixt prebfie, with certifica°n in case the parties compeir not probation shal be laid and the prebfie decern accordinglie. At Dingual, Nov. 24, 1663. The bretheren being informed that the parochiners of Kiltern and Alnes exclaimes ag* them for not supplieing y r vacancies according to the Bishops desyre, The Prebfie appoints y* Mr. Robt Rosse preach Sunday come eight dayes at Alnes and Mr. Donald fraser that day 15 dayes at Kiltern, Bot Mr. Donald protesting ag* y r appointment, and chooseing ray 1 " to submitt to censure then to obey, be reason of the winter weather, the greatnes of his owne chairge, and the vast distance of the places, Mr. George Cumine is ordained to goe to Kiltern to preach the s d day. It coming to the prebfies hearing That Mr. Thomas Hog exercises part of the ministerial function in some families within his late parioch of Kiltern, appoints him to be sumond to the nixt prebfie. 1 John Maconie vie ferq r and Marie nien Kenich glaish, with Donald Maceach, and Alex r Mackenich glaish, witnesses, not compeiring efter citations, except John Maconil vie ferq r , and the prebfie not being able to say anie thing ag* him, dimits him. Hector M c Kenzie, not compeiring, to be Sum d pro 3°. At Dingual, 22 Deer. 1663. The Mod r being enquired concerning his diligence in sumond- ing Mr. Thorn. Hog conforme to the former ordainance, answered that he could not get intelligence q r he wes that he might fix a sumonds on him, and that haveing meat with the deane (q n he wrat to the Bishop anent him) he desyred him to wait on the Bishops answere. 1 See footnote, p. 301, supra. U 306 RECORDS OF THE [dec. 1663 Hector Mackenzie cited, and not compeiring, the prebrie ordaines Mr. George Cumin, his Mi r , to speak Fairburn and the rest of the s d Hectors friends to deale with as powerfullie as they could. At Dingual, 12 Jan. 1664. Mr. George Cumin reports that he spok Hector Mackenzies friends who promised that they should tak some course with him. The Bretheren ordained to bring the 50 shil. each man for the divinitie burser ag* the nixt day. At Dingual, 9 Feb. 1664. The Bretheren for the most part declynes to pay the burse to Mr. John M c kenzie this yeir, pretending they payed him at once for both this yeir and the last. The bretheren ordained to bring in money for Doctor Sibats books peremptorilie the nixt day. At Dingwall, 1 March 1664. Mr. John Macra, Schoolm r of Dinguall, ordained to haue a privat tryal before the Prebrie against the nixt day, text Matt. 11. 28. At Dinguall, 5 April 1664. No presbyteriall meiting this day 15 dayes becaus Mr. John Macra, Moderator, and Mr. John Mackenzie, arch-deacon, were both necessarilie withdrawn, the one to Kintaill, the other to Rosse. No public exercise in reguard the bretheren had much adoe, and also because of a privat tryal q ch Mr. John Macra, younger, had before them, Matt. 11. 28. Murdo Buy referred from the Session of Urray for dis- obedience to the Session, cited and compeiring, and finding suretie to satisfie, is remitted. Hector Mackenzie, referred from the session of Urray for habitual drunknes and unrulines cited and compeiring, con- fessing nothing, continued till the nixt day. The nixt meiting of Prebrie to be appointed at the provincial meiting. dec. 1664] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 307 At Dingwal, November 15, 1664. 1 [Mr. John Macra, Student in divinity, preached de Judice controversiarum and was approved. He resigned the Clerkship to the Presbytery, and Mr. John Gordown was appointed Clerk he ' being the youngest Minister. 1 Mr. John Mackenzie, Arch- deacon, absent on account of sickness, and at his request Mr. Don d Ross appointed to preach at Foderty next Lord's day. Hector Mackenzie not compeiring, was summoned pro 3°.] At Dingual, Deer. 7, 1664. ' [Hector Mackenzie not cited, as his residence uncertain. Mr. George Cumine 4 to make search for him and to fasten a sumonds on him compeir against the nixt day.'* Mr. Donald Ross did not preach at Fodderty, having been engaged in Strathconan. His excuse found relevant, and he is ordained to preach at Fodderty next Sunday.] DinguaU, Deer. 27, 1664. [Mr. Donald Ross who ought to haue added, absent. His censure continued until he be present.] ' Hector Mackenzie, who wes ordained to be summond to this day pro 3 do , wes not summoned because the officer could get no informatione of his residence. Wherefor the Presbyterie ordaines Mr. George Cumine to fasten a Summonds on him q r ever he can be apprehended. That day the Moderator reports that he had received a letter from the Bishop to be intimated to the Presbyterie, appointing tuo of ther number to be at Chanery the fyft of Januarie next, anent some publick concernment. The Presbyterie taking this to ther consideratione did ordain Mr. Donald Fraser and Mr. John Kordown to be present at the said meeting. The Bishop did signify in the said letter that he as Patron of the Kirk of Vrq rt had given a presentatione to Mr. Donald Fraser, present incumbent at Kilmorack, to be Minister at Vrq rt , therfor required the Presbyterie to send on of ther number to Vrq rt the first of J a ry to serve his edict ; Wherfor the Presbyterie appoints Mr. George Cumine to be at Vrq rt for that effect. 1 No Minute is recorded between 5th April and 15th November 1664. 308 RECORDS OF THE [dec. 1664 The Bishop did signify in the said letter that tuo of ther number should be at Chanry the fyfteenth day of Ja riJ next for Mr. Donald Fraser his ordinatione; Therfor the Presbyterie appoints Mr. George Cumine and Mr. Walter Rosse to that effect. Dingwall, Janry. 24, 1665. [Both the Moderator and Mr. John M c Cray, Student in divinity (who was to haue preached a popular sermon) absent, having been called to Chanry by the Earl of Seaforth.] The said day Mr. Donald Fraser declared that he had excomunicated Donald M c ean vie ean glash in his Parish of Vrq rt ; Therfor desyred the Presbyterie in ther respective con- gregations should intimate the same. Dingwall, March 4, 1665. [Mr. Johne M c cra, Student, had a popular sermon on Col. 3. 1. The Presbyterie declared they were satisfied with it.] The Presbyterie appoints Mr. John Kordoun to give a Testi- mony to Mr. John M c Cray, Student in Divinity, to be presented to the Bishop, bearing the Presbyteries approbatione of all the ordinary steps of his tryalls ; q ch accordingly wes done. The said day the Moderator presented a supplicatione in behalf of the distrest men of Portpatrick, some whereof were captives with the Turks, and others of them totaly ruined in fortune. The Presbyterie taking this to their consideratione it wes ordained that they should make intimatione thereof to ther respective people, and to haue ther proportions ready against the next Synod. That day the Moderator reports that the Bishop appointed him to speak the Presbyterie to use all possible diligence to celebrate the Holy Sacrament of the Lords Supper against the next Synod, q ch they promised to doe. That day Mr. George Cummine delivered five pounds as his proportione of the money due by him to the Bursar in divinity. [Hector M c Kenzie not appearing, Mr. George Cumine ordained to advise with the Bishop what to do concerning him.] may 1665] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 309 Dingwall, March 28, 1665. That day Mr. Donald Fraser gave fyve pounds money as the proportione due to the Bursar in divinity from the Session of Vrquhart. The said day the Brethern being enquired what diligence they had used in providing ther proportione of money due to the Bursar in divinity, they that were deficient promised to haue it in readines against the ensuing Synod. That day the Moderator produced ane order of his Majesties Secret Councell of Scotland in reference to William M c Ky, Merchand in Dumbarton, a sufferer under the late vsurpatione and rebellione, recomending him to the charity of the severall parishes of this kingdome. The Bretheren taking this to ther consideratione, were ordained to make intimatione of the same to the severall con- gregationes, and to give ane accompt of ther diligence against the ensueing Synod. Dingwall, April 11, 1665. That day Mr. Murdoch M c Kenzie, Min r at Lochbroome, regrates that he is constrained to leave his Ministry for want of maintenance, and therfor did desyre to be advysed with the Presbyterie what course to take heeranent. The Bretheren taking this to ther consideratione thought fitt to referr the samen to the Bishop and ensuing Synod. The said day the said Mr. Murdoch regrates that he hes not a convenient meeting place for preaching, the Kirk of Loch- broom being un thatched, the Bretheren did advise him to advise with the Bishop and Synod thereanent. Dingwall, May 30, 1665. [Mr. Walter Ross excused his absence from the last meeting (11 April) as he was at the funeral of Balnagown's Brother. Mr. Don d Ross made the same excuse. The Brethren reported that they had all preached on 29th May.] That day William M c cleod and Christian nien Alister beg, referred from the session of Foderty to the Presbyterie in reference the said Christian had brought furth a child, alleadg- ing the said William to be the father of it, both compeiring, 310 RECORDS OF THE [MAY and being enquired he (as before) denyed the same, the woman adhereing to her former confessione : The Presbyterie, taking this to their serious consideratione, ordained the said William M c cleod to clear himself of the said scandall by oath befor the congregation. The said day ane order presented by the Moderator, sent to the Presbyterie from the Bishop, requiring his Majesties pro- clamatione for a publick fast to be keeped the second Wednes- day of June in behalf of the Royal Navy, and for a blessed successe to the intended warr against the United Provinces, 1 to be intimated by the Bretheren to ther severall congregationes the Lord's day preceding the said Wednesday, and which the Bretheren that were present promised to doe. Dingwall, June 20, 1665. [The Bretheren reported that they had all kept the fast ordained last meeting.] The said day Mr. Johne M c Kenzie, Archdeacon, advysed with the Presbyterie in reference to a woman in his Parish whose husband being caried to Barbados after the bat tell of Woster, and married ther for certainty, whether the said woman might haue the benefitt of marriage with another man ; The Presbyterie, taking this to ther serious consideratione, ordained the said Mr. John to advyse with the Bishop heer- anent. That day Donald don M c leich, referred from the sessione of Vrq rt for disobedience and deforceing the officer, sumoned to this day, and compeiring, wes ordained to be imprisoned till he shuld furnish surety to give obedience to the said sessione, and to satisfy discipline for his former disobedience. Dingwall^ July 11, 1665. The said day the Moderator presented a letter to the Pres- byterie from che Bishop, ordaining the Presbyterie to receive Mr. John M c Kenzie, Student in divinity, to pass his tryalls in reference to the Ministry of Kilmorack. The Presbyterie, taking this to their consideratione, ordained the said Mr. John 1 This, the Dutch War, had actually been declared on 22nd February 1665. The proclamation was evidently issued before the declaration. 1665] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 311 to haue the additione against the next day, and Mr. Donald Fraser the exercise. That day Mr. George Cumine being enquired what diligence he had used in advising with the Bishop in reference to Hector M c Kenzie, declared that he had spoken the Bishop thereanent, who desyred him to get Hector M c Kenzie his processe with the first convenience, Wherfor the Presbyterie ordains Mr. John Gordo wn, Clerk, to have it in readiness against the next day. That day Mr. George Cumine gave fyve pounds money as the proportione of money payable by the Sessione of Urray to the Bursar in divinity for anno 1664. That day the Moderator presented a Proclamatione from his Majestie commanding a Publick thanksgiving to be kept for the glorious victory obtained by the Royall Navy over the fleet of the United Provinces ; 1 The Bretheren taking this to ther consideratione, did ordaine to make intimatione of the samen in ther severall congregationes, and to keep the same. Dingwall, August 1, 1665. [Mr. Donald Fraser exercised, and Mr. John M c Kenzie, Student in divinity, added on Rom. 3, 7, 8. Both approved. Mackenzie ordained to exercise, and Cumine to add, next day. The Clerk delivered Hector Mackenzie^ Process to Cumine. The Bretheren declared that the thanskgiving had been kept.] That day the Moderator presented a letter sent from the Bishop to the Presbyterie, ordaining one of ther number to be sent to Foderty the next Lords day to make intimation to the Heritors and others of the Parish of Foderty of a visitatione of the Church and Parish y re of, that they might be present the said day, being the nynth of August. The Bretheren taking this to ther consideratione, ordains Mr. Donald Rosse to be at Foderty the said day, and to make intimatione therof. At Foderty, August 9, 1665. That day conveened with the Bishop all the Presbytery of 1 This victory was won off the coast of Suffolk on 3rd June. The tables were soon turned, and before the end of the war the Dutch fleet sailed up the Thames, destroying shipping and other property ; and ' the roar of foreign guns was heard for the first and last time by the citizens of London. ' 312 RECORDS OF THE [AUG. Dingwall, the Archdeacon excepted, Mess rs James and William M c Kenzies, Assessors from the Presbyterie of Tain. After preayer, acted as follows : That day Mr. Jo 11 M c cra preached. That day Mr. Donald Rosse being enquired if he had preached at Foderty, and instructed the visitatione of the said Church, according to the Bishops and Presbyteries order, declared he had used diligence therin. That day none of the Heritors, fewars, woodsetters, nor elders compeired, except David Monro, Alex r Dinguall, Gilbert Beth, Duncan M c Phaile, Donald Mathesone, and Donald Tailer, elders. That day the Minister, Mr. John M c Kenzie, wes not present, nor no excuse sent from him. That day the Reverend father the Bishop called for the Session books, the list of penalties, collectiones, Baptismes, and Marriages from the Clerk, who declared that he had all thes, though not to hand. That day the said Reverend father enquiring whether the Holy Sacrament of the Lords Supper wes celebrated in the said Parish, and whether the people were frequently examined, and if ther wes frequent preaching ; To the first it was answered that the sacrament was not given in the said Parish thes twelve yeers bygone : That the people were not wholly examined, But Mr. Roderick M c Kenzie sone to the said Archdeacon did sometymes preach, and catechise. The Bishop and his said assessors, taking to ther considera- tion how the said meeting wes slighted by the Heretors and gentlemen of the said Parish, notwithstanding the said visita- tione wes intimated according to order : It wes concluded that ther should be a meeting for the forsaid effect at Chanry the 30 day of August next, which Mr. Roderick M c Kenzie was ordained to intimat the next Lords day to the said Heretors and others concerned, with certificatione if they did not com- peer, that the Bishop and his said Assessors would proceed according to law, in the Plantatione of the said Church. Dingwall, Sept. 5, 1665. The said day the Moderator presented ane order sent from i66s] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 313 the Bishop to the Presbyterie, ordaining a day of Publick fast and humiliatione to be keeped in the severall congregationes for the rageing of the plague of pestilence in England, and for preventing it in Scotland, and the said day to be keeped the 13 of Sept r next ; which the Bretheren taking to ther con- sideratione promised to do. Dingwall, Septr 13, 1665. That day convened with the Moderator none excepte M rs Donald Fraser and John Gordown. After prayer acted as followes : That day Mr. John M c Kenzie had ane exigeses de voluntate Dei, and disputs thereanent, a questionary tryall, and a tryall in the Greek language, wherein (being removed) he wes approven. Dingwall, November 21, 1665. The said day Mr. Walter Rosse reportedthat Mr. Johne M c Kil- lican as yet had not required baptism to his child, twentie dayes and more being expired ; Therefore required that the Presby- terie would fasten a summonds on him according to the Bishops and Synods appointment; The Presbyterie taking this to ther con- sideratione, ordained the Clerk to issue Summonds to that effect, and the said Mr. John to be summoned to the next day pro 2 C . That day compeered John Monro in the Parish of Alnes, complaining on Helen Fraser in the said Parish of Alnes, that whereas he had been contracted with her and been proclaimed before the Congregatione of Alnes, and that the said Helen had sworn before honest witnesses that she should never do good to any other man so long as he wes alive : Notwithstand- ing of all this (upon what accompt he knew not) the said Helen hed broken promise to him and violated Church orders, and incurred the failzie usual in such cases ; Therfor requested the Presbyterie to take the premises to ther consideratione, and to give him redresse. The Presbyterie, taking this to ther con- sideratione, thought good to referr the said supplicant to the Sessione of Alnes, to doe in it as they find most convenient, the business being better knowen to them then to the Presby- terie. That day Mr. John Gordown advysed with the Presbyterie 314 RECORDS OF THE [nov. 1665 in reference to a woman in the Parish of Kilterne called Janet Xienan, whose husband hes bein abroad these fyfteen yeers and upward, and married abroad which hes been certified by severalls that have come from Barbados wher the said person is, whether the said woman (having caried herself civily free of Church censure during the said tyme) may haue the benefit of marriage with another man : The Presbyterie taking this to ther serious consideration ordained the said Mr. Johne to advise with the Bishop thereanent. Dingwall, Jamj 2, 1666. [Mr. Donald Rosse rebuked as he was not prepared to add.] That day Mr. Walter Rosse reports that he had caused Summond Mr. John M c Killican for not requiring baptism to his child according to the Presbyteries order, who declared that he had receiued the benefitt of baptism already to his child from Mr. Andrew Monro, Minister at Thursay in Caitnes : The said Mr. John being cited and not compeiring Mr. AValter is ordained by the Presbyterie to advise with the Bishop ther- anent. Dingwall, Janij. 23, 1666. That day Mr. Donald Rosse had a common head, De notis ecclesiae, who being removed, the Moderator enquiring the Bretherns Judgement anent what Mr. Donald Rosse had delivered upon the said subject, Judged him to have been very confused, and ordained him to mend it. Dingwall, Feb. 11, 1666. [No doctrine, as Mr. Don d Rosse absent he having 6 alleadged that he wes impeded from his own house by the water. '] Dingwall, March 6, 1666. That day Rorie M c Kenzie of Dochmoluak compeering, desyred ane answer to his former supplicatione, requiring that Mathew Robertsone of Dochcarty sould be ordained to make satisfactione for slandering the said Rory with alleadged mis- cariage with Mathew Robertsones wife. The Bretheren con- sidering that by the witnesses led in the said mater ther wes nothing but suspicion and Jealousie, and the said Mathew JULY 1666] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 315 Robertsone being called and inquired concerning the said particular, did openly profess that he wes in no wayes jealous of the said Rory M c Kenzie and his wife, and if any words did escape him upon which others might put such a construction he was heartily sorry for it, and wes content to acknowledge so much to Rory M c Kenzie of Dochmoluak, and crave pardon for the same. Which the Brethern taking to ther considera- tione, and the Bishop referring it to them (as the Moderator reported), they haue, according to the Bishops appointment, ordained the said Mathew Robertsone to acknowledge so much befor the Presbvterie to the party, and to crave him pardone in any thing he lies given him offence ; The which being done by the said Mathew Robertsone, Rory M c Kenzie of Doch- moluak did acquiesce to it without ony furder prosecutione of it. Dingwall, April 10, 1666. That day the Bretheren being severallie removed, and the Moderator enquiring anent ther personall and ministerial! deportment, all present wer found diligent in preaching and catechising, save that Strathconan wes much neglected ; Wher- for the Bretheren concerned, viz. : Mr. George Cumine and Mr. Donald Rosse, ordained to take pains upon the people of the said place. That day the Moderator admonished Mr. Donald Rosse for giving marriage and Baptisme to severall persons without testimonialls. Dingwall, June 19, 1666. That day the Moderator enquiring if the 29 of May had been keeped as a Day of Thanksgiving for the King's restora- tione and coronatione, the Bretheren present declared they had. Dingwall, July 31, 1666. That day the Moderator reports that ther is one in his parish of Dingwall called Katerin Rosse, who lies brought furth a child to Donald Bain in Dingwall, as she alleadges, both being referred by the session of Dingwall to the Presby- terie for further clearnes, the said Donald being called and not compeering wes ordained to be summoned against the next day. 316 RECORDS OF THE [JULY The said Katerin being called and compeering, adhered to her former confessione, wes ordained to be present the next day. That day the Moderator enquiring the Bretheren if the 18 of July, injoyned to be keeped by his Majestie for imploring the Lords blessing and concurrence to the Royall Navy against the fleet of the United Provinces, wes observed, the Brethren declared it wes. That day the Bretheren were ordained to have the Bursers money in readines against the ensuing Synod. The said day M rs Donald Fraser, Walter Rosse, Donald Rosse, George Cumine, Donalds M c craes, 1 yo r and elder, Rory M c Kenzie. Alex 1 " M c Kenzie, and John Gordoun declared that they had satisfied Mr. John Rosse Bursar in divinity, in his proportione for the last half year. That day Mr. John Bain, Student in divinity, declared that he had applied himself to the forsaid study, desyred that he might be admitted to give a tryall or specimen of his endea- vours. The Preby taking this to ther consideratione ordained him to haue a homilie on Matt. 11. 28 against the next day. Dingwall, August 21, 1666. The said day Mr. Johne Bain had a Homily on Matt. 11. 28, and being removed, the Presbyterie were satisfied with him as a beginner, and hoped that betime he might doe good in the Church of God, and desyred him to acquaint himselfe with the controversies that he might the better enable himselfe for the Ministry. That day compeered Donald Bain, Sumoned to this day pro 2° for alleadged fornicatione with : Katerin Rosse, both in the Parish of Dingwall, and being enquired anent the same adhered to his former denyall ; The said Katerin not being present both were ordained to be sumoned against the next day. Dingwall, August 28, 1666. The said day assembled with the Right Reverend father in God, John Bishop of Rosse, the Presbyterie of Dingwall ; M rs Sic, but should be Johns M c craes. 1666] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 317 George Monro and James Houstone, assessors from the Presby- terie of Chanry. After prayer acted as followes : That day Mr. Walter Rosse had a popular sermon on 2 Tim. 2. 15. That day the said Reverend father, with his forsaid assessors, did appoint Mr. John M c cray to give Institutione to Mr. Johne M c Kenzie the day of who wes to be trans- planted from Kilmorack to be Minister at Foderty. The said day compeered Donald Kempe, indweller in Ding- wall, supplicating the said Reverend father and his assessors, that whereas his wife Jonet Vrq rt had fallen in that heinous sin of adulterie with one Johne Kaird a vagrant, and had brought furth a child to him ; That the said Reverend Father would be pleased either to speak the Comiss rs of Rosse, or els to write to the Comiss rs of Ed r for a divorce from the said Jonet Vrq rt ; The said Rev d Father and his assessors taking this to ther consideratione, and that the said Donald Kemp, suppli- cant, had deported himself soberly without ony known publick scandal, and finding the said supplicatione to be of verity, The said Reverend father granted his supplicatione to him. The meeting closed with prayer. Dingwall, Septr. 11, 1666. The said day compeered Donald Bain and Kater Rosse both Sumond to this day, who being confronted she alleadged as befor, the said Donald denying as befor, q r upon he declared himself willing to give his oath. The Presbyterie taking this to ther consideratione, ordained the said Donald to clear him- self by oath publickly befor the congregatione of Ding 11 . The said day Mr. Walter Rosse reportes that Grudach Nickillandris, ane excommunicate woman, came to the sessione of Alnes (since her last supplicating the Presbyterie) offering all kynd of obedience to ther Church discipline, and supplicat- ing that she might be relaxed from the fearful sentence of excomunicatione under which she lay ; The Presbyterie remitts her to the Bishop and ensueing Synod. That day the Moderator enquiring if all the Bretheren had keeped the fift of Sept r as a day of publict thanksgiving for 318 RECORDS OF THE [sept. 1666 the glorious victory obtained by the Royall navy over the fleet of the United provinces, all the Bretheren declared they had. That day all the Bretheren being severally removed and inquiry made by the Moderator what were each ones deport- ment, both in ther personall and pastorall functione, all were found to be exemplary in ther personall carriages, and diligent in pastorall functione. Dingwall, October 16, 1666. [Letter read from the Bishop ordaining the Presbyterie to receive Mr. John M c cra, Student in divinity, to pass his tryalls befor them. The said Mr. John ordained to add the next day.] Dingwall, Nov. 6, 1666. [Mr. John M c cra, Student, added on Rom. 4. 5. 6. — approven — ordained to exercise next day. The Presby ordaines Mr. John Bain, Student, to haue ane Exigesis De Notis Ecclesiae, and to haue it in readines whenever he should be required.] Dingwall, Nov. 26, 1666. [That day Mr. John M c cra, Student in divinity, exercised, and Mr. John Gordoun added, on Rom. 4. 6, 7, 8, — approven. The said Mr. John M c cra ordained to haue a comon head De fide Justificante, and to emitt theses thereanent against the next day.] Dingwall, Deer. 17, 1666. [Mr. John M c cra, Student, 4 had a common head De Jide Justificante, and disputes thereon.'' He is ordained to haue a popular Sermon on Mat. 7. 14, 15, next day.] Janry 29, 1667. [John M c cra, Student in divinity, had a popular sermon on Mat. 7. 14, 15 — approven. He was 'ordained to haue a questionarv tryall, and a tryall in the Languages, against the next day.'] Dingwall, Feb. 19, 1667. [' Mr. John M c cra, Probationer in divinity, had a questionary tryall and a tryall in the Greek." JUNE 1667] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 319 'That day the Presbyterie ordained a testimoniall to be given Mr. John M c cra, Student in divinity, bearing the Presby- teries approbatione of him in all the steps of his tryalls.'] That day the Moderator declared that the Bishop wrot a letter to be intimated to the Presbyterie, specifying that the Bretheren in ther respective congregationes should mak intima- tione of a collectione for Alex r Ogilvy, Student in Philosophy, to be sent to Chanry against the midst of March. Dingwall, April 2, 1667. [The Bretheren intimated that they had used diligence in the collection for Alex r Ogilvy. Mr. Walter Rosse intimated that he 4 had relaxed Grudach Nickgillanders from the sentence of (ex)communicatione, and therefor desyred that the Bretheren might mak intimatione thereof in ther respective congrega- tiones.'] Dingwall, May 16, 1667. That day no exercise. Mr. John Bain, Student in divinity, having ane exigesis de Notts Ecclesiae, and disputs theranent, which the Bretheren taking to ther consideratione, judged him to be somewhat confused in both, and advised him to acquaint himself better with the theological controversies that he might the better enable himself for the ministry. Dingwall, June 1667. That day no exercise, because Mr. Jo n Bain, Student in divinity, had a popular sermon on Jon. 3. 16, who being re- moved, and the Bretheren taking to ther consideratione what he had delivered upon the said subject, thought fitt to advise him to acquaint himself better with the study of divinity. [Meetings held on 2 July, 23 July, and 13 August, but no business of interest, except that on 23 July 'Mr. Charles Alexander, Schoolmaster of Dingwall, was ordained be the Prebf ie to haue ane exegesis de justitia originali the next day 1 ; and that on 13 August he delivered his exegesis, 'and like- wise sustained the thesis, and wes recomended for his pains and dilligence.'] 320 RECORDS OF THE [sept. 1667 At DingwaU, Septr. 3. 1667. The Bretheren being removed severallie, and the judgement of the rest being required of eyerie one, Thev were all weill reported of and commended, and Mr. John Gordon [Kilteam] deelareing how he wes much hindered in the exercise of his ministerie by some disloyall and disaffected persons, namelie, Mr. Thorn. Hog and Mr. John Mackilliean, their frequenting several] places and families in his parioch, he wes enjoined by the Prebfie to report his condition to the Bishop at the Synod. At Dmgwatt, 31 Decemb. 166T. No ministeriall meeting untill this day in respect of severall other subsynodicall meetings indicted by the bishop, vherin the Moderatour and most pairt of the Brethren wer taken up. The Brethren wer ordained to collect some charitie from their respective congregations for ane captaine W m Murray, a distressed gentleman, against the nixt prebfie day. 1 Dingii-aU, 21 Janrij 1668. Mr. Charles Alex 1 " having formerly past some privat trvalls vas received on the publict trvalls, and accordingly enjoyned to adde the nixt day, but the moderator declaring that hee could not bee present the s d day for to exercise, the said Mr. Charles was therefor ordained to haue a popular sermon on Tit. 2 and ii. vse [verse] again this day twenti days. Mr. Donald Rosse his excuse thes three last days in respect of the greatnes of the waters and his not knowing the prbfiall meetings vas irrelevant, and therfor was rebuked for his leasines, and ordained to bee mor observant. The Brethren delyvered ther charitie for Captain William Murray collected out of ther resptve parishes. DinguaL FebL ii. 1668. [Charles Alex r preached, and the Brethren are satisfied. He is ordained to add next day.] Dinguai, 3 March 1668. [No exercise, by reason that the day vas far spent and the Brethen wer late in coming.] dec. 1668] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 321 [On 14 April Chas. Alex r exercised, and on 19 May he had a common head de certitudine salutis. Approved.] At Dingwall, Jun. ult. 1668. [The Bretheren declared that they had kept the 29th of May as a day of thanksgiving for the Restoration.] That day compeered Jo n Dingwall in the Paroch of Fodertie, alleadging David Monro in the said Paroch to have said that he wes not baptised ; the said David being sumoned to this day, compeered, and being asked anent the said allegatione, declared that he said he knew not whether he wes baptised or not. Which the Presbyterie taking to ther consideratione, and finding it to be spokin animo malitioso, judged him censurable, and so to be publickly rebuked after sermon in his own desk. At Dinguall, Jidij 21, 1668. That day no exercise, Mr. John M c cra, younger [of Kil- morack], who sould haue exercised, being employed in the visitatione of the Highland Churches. At Dingwall, Septr. ij. 1668. The forsaid persons, viz. Keneth Euay, Kenneth M c Kenzie, Duncan M c Kenzie, and Jo n M c ean vie Alister, referred from the Session of Contan, summoned to this day pro 2°, not compeer- ing, to be summoned pro 3° : Withall the Presbyterie ordains Mr. Donald Rosse to speak the Lady Seaforth, on whose land they dwell, that she may cause her Chamberland make y m yeeld obedience. That day Mr. Walter Rosee ordained to try whether Mr. Jo" M c Killican had advertised severalls in the Paroch of Alnes to com and hear him on a Lords day in the Minister his absence, and to make report thereof to the Bishop and ensu- ing Synod. Dingwall, Deer. 15, 1668. That day a letter sent from the Bishop to the Presbyterie ordaining the Brethren to preach an Christs nativitie day, which wes intimated them. The Moderator [Mr. Don d Fraser] undertakes to acquaint Mr. George Cumine [absent]. Mr. x RECORDS OF THE [dec. 1668 John M c cra, Mi r at Dinguall, undertakes to acquaint Mr. John M c Kenzie and Mr. John M c ra, younger [both also absent]. Dinguall, 26 ofJanry. 1669. Mr. John M c Kenzie [Archdeacon] had a Common head de Dej Scientia, who, being removed, was approven. Dingwall, June 24, 1669. Compeered Angus M c Donald in the Parish of Kilmorack, who being fyned by the Session of Kilmorack in twentie pounds for giving a house to Agnes Nick killichoan contrary to the ordinance of Sessione, desyreing that the Presbyterie would free him of the said penaltie, seeing (as he said) he wes not in knowledge of that act of Sessione, he not being in the countrey when it wes made. The Presbyterie, taking this to ther con- sideratione, remitts him to the session, ordaining him to haue the penaltie modified by the sessione in readiness against the visitatione at Kilmorack. Compeered a boy of about ten or twelve years desyreing the benefitt of Baptisme, which wes granted, and Mr. John M c Kenzie ordained to baptise him. Dingwall, 12 April 1670. Mr. John Gordone and Mr. Walter Rosse regrated that severall persons of their parishes did frequent Mr. John M c Kilican his house on the Sabboth day, to whom the said Mr. John used to preach ; the consideration q r of is referred to the nixt Synod. * At Dingwall, 29 Nov. 1670. Mr. William Fraser, Student in Divinitie, was ordained to haue a comon head de perseverantia sanctorum, 20 Dec r . At Dingwall, Ja ri i 11, 1671. That day Mr. Valter Ros, Clerk to the Synod, delivered to the Bretheren ane list of the fugitives from the severall parishes of the Dyocess of Ross, and the Moderator desyred publique intimation to be made thereof in there severall congregationes, to the end all such bright be found out and punished. JULY 1671] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 323 That day according to the act passed be my Lord Bishop (in Synod in favours of Mr. Allex r fearne admitted then burser) sex of the bretheren were appointed to pay to him there severall proportiones of the burse yeirly during his localitie. That day the bretheren, taking to consideration Mr. Donald Ross his need of ane helper for dischargeing his ministeriall duety, did ordaine him to repaire to my Lord Bishop to be advised with him hereanent. At Dingwall, the last qfJan ri i, 1671. Mr. John Gordon delivered the comon head (de praedesti- natione) and gave full satisfaction to the bretheren, finding his opinion orthodoxe and conforme to the Judgement of the more learned and sound Divines. That day the bretheren declared that they hade made publique intima°ne in there severall congregationes, of the names of such as were contained in the list of fugitives de- livered to them the former day. At Dingwall, 21 Feby. 1671. [Mr. Donald Ross reports 'that the Bishop promised to furnish him with ane helper.'] At Dingwall, Apryle 11, 1671. [' The Scrols of the Presbyterie of Kennlochiu were visited, which tooke up so much tyme as that there could be no exercise.'] Dingwall, 13 June 1671. The Brethren were ordained to make publique intimatione to there severall congregationes of the act passed in Synod against Middesummer fires. At Dingwall, 24 July 1671. Mr. George Cuming desired that it might be [word illegible] wher he was forced to pay his present Manss 8 to his predecessor min r , so that he conceaved it lawfull that compensate be given to him according to law and his expenss 8 from those bound and concerned to make a Manss to the Minist, according to law ; and the Presbyterie appoints the s d Mr. George to use diligence 324 RECORDS OF THE [JULY 1 67 1 with the Parishioners to gett compensate, either freindly or legallie, and to report his diligence to the Prebrie how soon he may. That day Thomas Fraser being referred from the Session of Alnes for keeping of Conventicles and dishaunting the publique ordinances, and for disobedience, called, and not compeiring, was appointed to be Sumoned pro 2°. 15 August 1671. That day Thomas Fraser being cited, and not compeiring, as ordained to be sumoned pro 3°. 5 Septr. 1671. Thomas Fraser being literally sumoned, cited, and not com- peiring, was declared contumatious, and yrefore referred to the Bishop. 17 Oct. 1671. That day Do d M c quien in Dingwall compeired, referred from Dingwall Session for alleadging y* Mr. John M c cra, Minister at Dingwall, did violentlie beat his daughter, and did so terrifie and chace her J* he almost drave hir to the sea to drowne hir iff her father the said Don d had not come to hir speeddie release, all q ch the said Don d denyed, and Mr. John M c cra undertooke to prove the nixt day. Dingwall, November 14, 1671. The meeting is ordained to keep yet at Loggy 1 in order to Struy younger, who being under a civill restraint, could not com to Dingwall. Dingwall, Deer. 19, 1671. In regard that the meeting appointed to hold at Loggy did not keep, Mr. M c cray, younger, reports that he sent tuo elderes to speak Struy younger, but as yet they made no report. 1 Conan. The members of Presbytery appear to have been accommodating to such as were under civil restraint, that is, against whom warrants of im- prisonment (in all probability for debt) had been issued. On 19th July and 9th August 1670 they met at Loggie to try John Kaird for adultery, he 'being under a civil restraint, so that he could not come safely to the Presbyteries ordinary place of meeting.' may 1672] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 325 Compeered William Glass, referred from the Sessione of Urq* for disobedience, who being ordained to find surety to give obedience, Donald Monro in the said Parochin entered surety for him. Janur. 9, 1672. Compeered Henry Bain, late Bailzie in Dingwall, petitioning the Presbyterie to give him redresse of a slander of murder cast on him by Donald Monro at the Milne of Bridge end and his wife, which wes continued till the next day, and the said donald and his wife to be sumond to the said day. Compeered Donald Monro, Petitioner, intreating the Presby- terie to turn over that slander cast upon Henry Bain by his wife, on her authors. Continued to next day. Jamj 30, 1672. The referr anent Henry Bain his Petition continued till the next day. Feb. 20, 1672. Henry Bain his Petitione continued to the next day. Mr. George Cumine regrates that ther is ane excomunicate person in his parochin whose company is to much frequented. AVherfor he is ordained to censure such as correspond with him. March 12, 1672. Compeered Henry Bain and Katharin Monro, sumoned to this day, but were continued to the next in regard of the Clerk's absence, who had the whole processe, as also in regard of the absence of other Bretheren. April 2, 1672. Compeered Katharin Monro, who confessed the Bill, and being removed, the Presbyterie, taking the whole processe to consideratione, ordained her to appear in publick in sacco tuo Lords dayes, and she remitted to the Sessione to cause her satisfy. DmgwaU, May 14, 1672. That day Mr. Don d Fraser, Mod r of the Prebrie of Dingwall, delated and regrated how that Agnes mor nin vick can glaish, 326 RECORDS OF THE [may now in the Parish of fottertie, had publicklie on the high way and in presence of ane brother, Mr. John Gordowne, scolded, lyed, menaced, cursed and used imprecations ag* him. and it being nottour that the said Agnes is malae famae in the matter of witchcraft, the presbyterie ordained to sumoned hir to the next day. June 5, 1672. Mr. Walter Rosse is appointed to have a comon head de creatione hominis. [The Bretheren reported that they had preached on the 29th May.] That day no returne from the Highland Min rs , and notwith- standing that they wer acquainted and written too to keep this day with the prebrie at Dingwall, yet non came nor anie word from them except from Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie off Gerloch, who wrott a letter off' excuse q ch was not judged relevant at that tyme, bot is continewed till his coming, and another letter from Mr. Murdoch M c Kenzie, who declared he could not meet for fear off caption. Therefore the prebrie appoints to writt to the Highland Min rs to come and meet with the Prebrie at Dingwall the tenth day of Julie next. Agnes more nin vie ean glaish sum d , cited, and not compear- ing, to be Sum d pro 2°. 25 June 1672. [' The above agnes not compearing, to be summoned pro 3°']. 10 Julie 1672. Conveened the Mod r and the brethren, with Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie, Min r of Gerloch. The Prebrie considering that though the Min rs off the Highlands was reanexed to the Prebrie of Dingwall, by appoyntment and ordinance of the Bishop and Synod, and that now they had written to y m and acquainted them to meet with y m tuo severall diets, and yet none of them came, They appoynt and ordaine y fc they be y e third tyme written too, to come (as they will be answerable to the Bishop and Synod). That day Mr. John M c cra, younger, declared that he was readdie to processe young Struy [on 25th June he was in- 1672] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 327 structed 6 to processe him with excommunication], bot that he came to him and desired continewation, and that the Prebrie wold be pleased to meet him some convenient place without Dingwall, to which he could not come for fear of caption and arrest, and that he wold endeavour to give them satisfaction. Therfore the Prebrie appoynted Mr. Don d fraser, Mr. George Cuming and Mr. John M c cra, younger, to meet at Loggie Wester anie day they pleased, twixt this and the nixt Prebrie day, and cite Struy before them and report ther dilligence to the nixt day. That day Agnes More nin ean glaish compeared, and being inquired why shee menaced and threatned that she wold mak Mr. Do d fraser repent the sending hir goodson out off the countrey, and why shee used imprecations ag* the said Mr. Do d fraser, Shee answered that shee repented to haue so said, and confessed hir ignorance and follie in doing, and therefore shee was ordained to be publicklie rebuked by hir Min r after sermon for the same. That day John M c doir, referred from Kiltearne for drunknes and tuilzing on the Lords day, declared that he did nothing bot qhat he did in his owne defence, that himselfe being sober was persewed to his owne house and assaulted by Andrew Morrich, being drunk, and the Prebrie, finding the same to be truth, absolved him. 6 August 1672. [Mr. James M c Lennan, expectant in divmitie, found of 'good report and competent abilities to looke towards the functione off the ministrie,"' and appointed * to give a specimen iugenij by delivering a comon head de Sabbatho the next prebrie day. Meeting with young Struy at Loggie on 22 d July, when he declared his readiness to obey church censure.] 26 August 1672. That day Mr. James M c Lennan delivered ane exegesis or Comon head de Sabbatho, and sustained a disputt on the theses off the same subject, after q ch being removed the bfen present declared that they had abundant [satisfaction?] oft' him, and incourradged him to go on in his studies, and to be readdie to RECORDS OF THE [AUG. 1672 accept off another try all, when the Prebrie wold enjoyne the same. Dingwall, 12 Septr. 1672. The Prebrie referrs to the Bishop and Synod to consider on the disobedience off the Highland Min rs in not attending the meetings off the Prebrie at Dingwall, notwithstanding that they were so oft written too. Dingwall, December 2, 1672. The Presbyterie ordains Mr. Rory M c Kenzie, Student in divinity, to haue ane exigesis de Paedobaptismo against this day sex weeks, and to emitt Theses therupon. In regard that Mr. John M c Kenzie refuses to serve the people of Main in Strathconan because the benefice is takin from him, The Bishop is to be spokin to theranent with all conveniencie. Mr. John M c Kenzie regrates that ther wes not a competent gleib at Fodertie, therfor requires the Brethren according to the Bishop his order to meett at Fodertie the last of December for designing a Gleib out of the Kirk Lands next adjacent to the Kirk. Dingwall, December ult, 1672. [The meeting at Fodertie not kept, in regard the principal Heretor of the parish wes absent.] Dingwall, J amy. 21, 1673. The next meeting is appoynted to be at Fodertie the eleventh day of Feb ry next, and the Clerk is ordained to give warrand to serve edict against the said day, that non concerned may pretend ignorance. Fodertw, Feby. 17, 1673. Conveened with the Moderator [Mr. Don d Fraser], M rs George Curnine, Jon M c cra, younger, and Mr. John Gordoun. The last meeting appointed to be the 11 of ffebruary did not hold in regard the weather wes so boysterous. Conveened lykwise of the Heretors, The Lord Tarbat, Mathew Robertsone of Dochcartie, Kenneth M c Kenzie, younger of Dach- maluak, John M c Kenzie of Dochcairne, and Alex r Dingwall of JUNE 1673] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 329 Urie, and Thomas Fraser, Notar Publick, and having gone the length of Tollie as the neerest Lands to the Church of Fodertie (as is alleadged) designed as followes. [Space for designation left blank.] Dingwall, Maij 13, 1673. That day ane act of Frivie Counsell against conventicles being read, was ordained to be intimated publicklie to the severall congregationes of this Prebfie. June 3, 1673. The Gierke of the Prebrie is appointed to wreitt a letter to the Highland Bren of this Prebrie, desiring them to meet at Dinguall this day sex weekes, and that Mr. Alex r M c Kenzie, Min r of Lochcarron, come prepared to preach a populare sermon on Coll. 3. v. % The Minister of Kilmorack did regrate that Thomas Chis- solme, younger, with his sonn, Donald M c ivur, Thomas M c hut- cheon moir, with some others of his parishe, did not onlie dishaunt fpublict ordinances, but moreover did freqnent the fellowshipe of a preist, which the Bren considering adwised him to deal with them in privat about ther offensive cariage, and if he should find them to be refractorie, to cause warn them to the Presbfie. That day Mr. John M c Kenzie, minister of fottertie, did pro- mise according to ordinance of Synod to discharge ministeriall dutie to that part of Strathconan q ch belongs to the parishe of Fottertie, untill a way be found and condescended on for estab- lishing his mantenance. Jun. 24, 1673. The Clerk shoues that he did wreitt a letter to the Highland Bren of this Presbrie, as was appointed at the last meeting. The Minister of Kilmorack reports that these dishaunters of religious ordinances delated by him to the last meeting would not compeare before sessione, wherfore he is ordained to cause warn them to compeare the next Presb. meeting. That day compeared Alex r M c Kenzie of Touvie, being referred from the Session of Dinguall, and complained on Donald Munro in Dinguall and his wiff, affirming that they, flitting from ane 330 RECORDS OF THE [JUNE house of his, did take a great quantitie of the earth of the house with them, and did cross-cut all the couples thereof ; which cariage appearing unwarrantable and superstitious, did hinder the tenant's entrie who had agreed to duell in the s d house. Donald Munro and his wifF cited, compearing, and inquired whether they had either done ore caused doe these things, answered that they removing from the house in q cb they latlie duelled did sueep a little quantitie of earth haueing some corn in it, and take it with them to be meat to their foules, but simplie denyed that they cutted, ore caused cutt, the couples of the house ; which the Bren taking to their con- sidering continued for further tryell, ordaining Touvie that if he knew anie witnesses who might give further clearenesse about these things, he would tell their names to the Kirk officer of Dinguall, that they might be warned to the nixt meeting. That day it being found that Mr. Don d Rosse had baptized a child to a man y 1 was a fugitive from discipline, and that he had also married a man and a woman upon ane insufficient testimonie, the matter was referred to the Bishope and the Synod e nixt to meet. Jul 15, 1673. [None of the Highland Ministers appear, except Mr. Murdo M°Kenzie, Minister of Lochbroom. The Clerk ordained to write them to attend the Presbytery meeting on 5th Augt. The Kilmorack popish dishaunters had not been cited, and the Minister again ordered to cite them for next meeting. None appeared to prove the charge ag* Donald Munro and his wife.] 5th August 1673. [None of the Highland Ministers appeared notwithstanding the Clerk's letters to them. The Kilmorack ' Popishe Dishaunters were not cited in reguard that they were dwelling at their sheallings, and there- fore it is ordained that they be summonded at their dwelling places to compeare to the nixt meeting/ The Bren haueing considered the abuse q ch Mr. Donald Ross and his sonn sustained by his Kirke Officer, ordaines to summone him to compeare at the nixt meeting.] i6/3] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 331 Augt. 26, 1673. [Mr. William Fraser, Student in divinitie, handled a Common head dc gratia universal}. No report as to the Kilmorack papists, Mr. M c cra being absent. No report of the wrong done Mr. Don d Ross bv his Kirk officer, Mr. Ross being absent.] The Bren c'sidering the desolate cMitione of the parish of Dingual by the removal of their late Minister, Mr. John M c cra, ordained Mr. John Gordone to preach at Dinguall the Sabboth comes eight days. Oct. 14, 1673. Mr. John M c cra reports that some of these suspected papists in his parishe were sicke, and others not at home, and there- fore he was ordained to cause warn them to the nixt meeting. That day compeared James Cattanach, Kirke Officer of Contane, and being inquired whether he did strikk Mr. Do d Rosse as was alleadged and comonly spoken, answered, that being highlie prowoked by Mr. Donald Rosse his son, he did strikk him, and y* Mr. Donald interveening to defend his sonn, his hatt fell off his head, but simplie denied that he did strik him ; which presumptuous cariage the Bren taking to their consideratione, discharged the s d James Cattanach from exer- cising the dutie of a Kirk Officer, and ordained him to stand in sacco 3 Lords dayes before the Congregation of Contan, and on the third to be sharplie rebooked, and his dischargement from being Kirk Officer declared by a minister afterward to be appointed to preach in Contan y* day. Novr. 4, 1673. Mr. John M c cra reports that he had caused personallie warn Don d M c ivur, Thomas Chissolm, and John Chissolm, his son, William M c hutchson in Innerchannich, as being suspect of poperie and dishaunters of publict ordinances ; who being cited, and not compearing, are ordained to be warned pro 2 do . John M c Phatricke and Alex r M c 'Konil vie allister, referred from the Sessione of Vrquhart for breach of Sabboth, warned, cited, and not compearing, is ordained to be warned pro 2 do to the nixt meeting. * Nov. 25, 1673. That day compeared John M c Phatricke, referred from the 332 RECORDS OF THE [nov. 1673 Session of Urquhart, quo being found guiltie of breach of Sabboth by buying oxen and trawailing with them through three parishes on the Sabboth, is remitted and ordained to satisfie in these parishes. That day it was ordained that the act made by the last Synod against wagabond beggars should be intimated out of pulpite to the severall congregationes of this presbyterie. The Bishope sent a letter desireing to surrogate Bernard M c Kenzie, Student of Ph'hie, to the burse q ch Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie, late Schoolmaster of Dingwall, had. Dinguall, December 16, 1673. The Popishe dishaunters of ordinances referred from the Sessione of Kilmoracke, warned, cited, and not compearing, and their minister morover regrating that these formerlie mentioned with severall others in that Parishe, did keep frequent meetings with a priest called Robert Munroe, he is ordained to advise with the Bishope theranent. It is reported that the Act of Synod against wagabond beggars was intimated. Dinguall, Feb. 17, 1674. The Moderator is appointed to exercise, and Mr. George Cuming to add, at the nixt meeting ; and Mr. George Dunbar is likwise appointed to be readie to haue ane oratione, and to give ane exigesis of these words of Boethius in his booke de Consolatione Philosophice. ' To triplicis mediam naturae cuncta moventem Connectens animam, per consona membra resolvis. 1 and that as a specimen of his abilities to teach the grammare school of Dinguall unto q ch he was latelie presented. Mr. John M c cra reports that he spake to the Bishope anent these popishe dishaunters of ordinances in the Parishe of Kilmoracke, who adwised him to processe them with excom- municatione, and to speake to the civile magistrate to exercise his dutie therein. The Presbfie appoints Mr. John M*cra, now Minister of Dinguall, to preach in Kilmoracke betwixt this and the nixt meeting, and to declare that congregatione wacant. dec. 1674] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 333 Dinguall, Mar. 10, 1674. That day Mr. George Dunbar hade ane oratione in Latine, with ane exigesis on the poesie formerlie mentioned, in both q ch he did acquit himselfe to the full satisfactione of the hearers. The Bishope sent a letter desireing that anie of the Bfen of this presbfie who knew anie papists to be in their parishes, should send a list of their names to him ; and the Bfen prit being inquired if there were anie such in their parishes, answered that they knew of none except such as are in the parishe of Kilmoracke whose names are given up to the Bishope alreadie. July 21, 1674. The officer haveing neglected to Sumoned the persons suspected of poperie wHn the parish of Kilmorack, hee is ordained to use diligence, and summond y m pro 3° ag* the next day of meeting. John M c finaly vie conil donich, referr from the session of Contan for disorderly baptizing of Infants, beeing sumonded, cited, and not compeiring, hee is ordained to be sumonded pro 2°. August 18, 1674. [The Kilmorack papists cited, not compearing, are declared contumacious, and referred to the Bishop aud next ensuing Synod. John M c fmlay vie conil donich, not compearing to be cited pro 3°.] Sept. 10, 1674. John M c fmlay vie conil donich beeing sumonded, and cited, compeired ; and beeing accused for disorderly baptizing of infants, hee c^fessed his fault, ailed ging y t q 1 hee did was done through ignorance, and after the sinfullnes of his scandalous usurpa°n was held out to him hee was remitted to the session to satisfie in sacco. December 29, 1674. [Mr. John M c Kenzie, Student in divinity, delivered a Comon head de universali redemptione. Approven.] Anne M c Ley, convicted of charming, referred from the 334 RECORDS OF THE [dec. 1674 Session of Dingwall, being summoned and cited, compeired, and after the sinfullnes of her offence was declared to her, shee was remitted to the Sessione to satisfie in sacco, and upon evi- dence of remorse, to be absolved. Dingwall, 14 Dec. 1675. That day Donald Loban and Katrin Robertson, both from the paroch off Urquat, who had compeered severall other days before the Presbitrie seeking for a divorce be reason of the said Donald Lobars impotencie, as was asserted by the woman and freely confessed by himself after a twelwrnoneth's cohabitation, they were desyred to haw ther recourse to the comishars for a divorce. July 11, 1676. That day William Dingwall, Baylie of Dingwall, compeared before the Presbyterie in behalf of the towne of Dingwall, supplicating the Brethren of the Presbyterie for a contributione to help the repairing of the kirk street of the said towne, to q cb request the Moderator and the rest of the Bretheren assented, and promised each of them ther respective contri- butions therto. Sept. 19, 1676. [The Highland Bretheren, who were ordained to attend to- day, all absent except Mr. Don d M c ra.] That day in reguard that the Bretheren in the Highland were so frequently absent from the presbyteriall meetings, the Bretheren of the Presbyterie reports them to the Bishop and Synod. Nov. 28, 1676. That day Maister Collin Douglesse (who obtained libertie from the Bishop to enter on tryalls at the preceeding Synod) delivered a comon head de Lumine interno. Feb. 13, 1677. That day compeired Donald M c Ley from the parochin of Contane, giving in greivance that notwithstanding of the severall endeawours he had made to cause his wife adhear to him according to the Presbyteries appointment, yet that she FEB. 1678] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 335 still contineus refractorie, q r for the Presbitrie recommends him to the commissars. April 12, 1677. That day the Minister of Containe having represented to the Bretheren Mr. Donald Rosse his disorderly administra°n of baptisme and mariages without his knowledge, they referred him to the Bishop and ensuing Synod. May 22, 1677. That day Cattir M c finlay v c ean v c conill in the parochin of Containe, compeired befor the moderator and the rest of the bretheren, regrateing that her husband, Donald M c Ley, did not adheare to her, and that he at severall tymes did abuse her most inhumanly, qrfore the Presbyterie ordaines them both to be sumoned to the nixt Presbyterie day. June 19, 1677. That day Cattir nien finlay v c ean v c conil and Donald M c Ley in the Parochin of Containe, being sumoned, cited, and not compeiring, is ordained to be sumoned pro 2 do . At Dingwall, July 5th, 1677. That day the brethren conveined with the Moderator except the brethren in the heighlands who should haw come to that dyat. That day Cattir nien finlay v c ean v c conil and her husband, Donald M c Ley, in the paroch of Containe, being sumond, cited, and compeired, confessed their into ward cariage toward ane another, and after they were bitterly rebuked for the same, they are ordained to behaue better in tyme to come. 29 Janr. 1678. [All the brethren had preached on 25th December except Mr. George Cumine 6 who wes tender for the tyme. , J 25th of Feb. 1678. Finlay M c ean chile, and Katrine nic coil voire, both c^peiring from the Presbyterie [sic, ought to be 6 Session '] of Containe, and confessing that, notwithstanding they had been married thir twelve moneths agoe, yet they never knew one anoy r lyk 336 RECORDS OF THE [FEB. man and wife, and that by reason of the s d finlay's acknowledged impotencie, and both desyreing they might be divorced, at least that they might be recomended to the judge ordinar, The prebfie does recomend them to the nixt ensueing Synod. April 11, 1678. [' Mr. Donald Macra in Lochels, Mr. Allex r Mackenzie, Mil of Lochcaron, Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie, Mir of Gerloch, and Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie, Mif of Lochbroom, , absent, * who sent not so much as a letter of excuse for y r absence/] Mr. Walter Ros, ctmforme to the Bishop of Ros his order, declaired that he sumoned Jo n Mackillican 1 to the Prebrie for calumniating and slandering him ; the said Jo n Mackillican cited, and not cpearing, is to be charged pro 2°. At Dingwall, April the last day, 1678. That day conveened with the Moderator, Mr. George Cuming, Mr. Walter Ross, Mr. Jo n Gordowne, Mr. William Fraser. After prayer acted as followes. That day no exercise in regard that this meeting was appointed (to interveene betuixt and the Presbyterie day formerlie appoynted by the Moderator and the bretheren for delivering the exercise), and that for dispatcheing of Mr. Roderick Mackenzie, Chanter, south as Commissioner from the Synod of Ross to the Primate, in order to the processe deduced ag 1 Mr. Thomas Vrq rt , late Minister at Cromartie, and there- fore the exercise is established as formerlie. That day appoynts that the Moderator, with Mr. George Cuming, Mr. Walter Ross, Mr. William Fraser, and Mr. John Gordowne, do meet at Chanfie and concur with the rest of ther brethren off the Presbiteries of Chanfie and Tayne for sending ther Comissioner South for the affair foresaid. Dingwall, 4 June 1678. That day the Moderator inquired the brethren present if they had preacht upon the twentieth and nynth day of May last, and had observed and solemnized the same in commemora- 1 Son of Mr. John Mackillican, minister of Contin. 1678] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 337 tion of his Maties happie restauration. They all answered that they did so. That day the Moderator presented ane letter from the Right Reverend Father the Bishop, desireing that the Moderator, with a select number of the bretheren, should repair to Chanrie to put a finall period to Mr. Thomas Vrq rt his process, and therfore the Moderator and the rest of the brethren appoynted (y* with the said Mod r ) Mr. John M c cra, Mr. George Cuming, Mr. William Fraser, and Mr. Walter Ross, should tomorrow (being the fift day of June) meet at Chanrie w* the rest of the Min rs off the prebfies off Chanrie and Tayne to that effect. That day Hugh Fraser [young Struy] cited and not com- pearing, to be sumonded pro 3°, and seeing y* the said Hugh Fraser hes so oft troubled the Fresbiterie, and was formerlie declaired contumax, and somtymes promises to give obedience to the presbiterie and session and yet turnes refractorie and disobedient, the Moderator and the bfen desired Mr. William Fraser to advise with the R. Reverend Fay r the Bp qhat shall be done with the said Hugh Fraser. That day Mr. Walter Ross declared y* John M c Killican (Son to Mr. John M c Killican) has given satisfaction for his mis- behaviour and miscarriage to him according to the prebries [ordinance] given to the said Mr. Walter theranent. Dingwall, %d Julie 1678. That day Mr. William Fraser declared that he had advised with the R. R. Bp. concerning Hugh Fraser, and that he was desired to admitt Hugh Fraser to the publick profession of repentance, and therefore his processe before the prebrie is sisted at this tyme. That day compeared Agnes nin dod. oig vie finlay, from the parish of Con tan desireing that she might be suffered to marrie Murdoch M c allan with whom she was contracted, and that because ther could be no further stop in hir way, since their was proofe that Alister M c W m vie ean vie conel hir former husband who went to France was dead by drowning, and to that effect compeared John M c ean vie ryrie, who deponed upon oath that he saw the said Alex r M c W m vie ean dead, as also Mr. John Gordowne declared y* the same was told him by Y 338 RECORDS OF THE [JULY others y* came from France ; qlke the Prebfie considering desyred Mr. John M c Kenzie, Min r at Contan, to give hir the benefit off marriage with the said Murdoch M z Allan. 6 August 1678. That day Mr. Roderick Mackenzie, Minister at Gerloch, by his letter to the prebfie, declared that he had sumonded by his officer to this prebfie day, Hector MacKenzie in Mellan, in the Parish of Gerloch, as also John, Murdoch, and Duncan M c Kenzies, sons to the said Hector, as also Kenneth M c Kenneth, his grandson, for sacrificing a bull in ane heathnish manner in the iland of St. Ruffus, comonlie called Elian Moury in Lochew 1 for the recovering of the health of Cirstane Mackenzie, spouse to the said Hector Mackenzie, who was formerlie sick and valetudinarie, who being all cited, and not compearing, ar to be all sumoned againe pro 2°. Compeared John M c conel vick ean oig in Attadell, in the Parish of Lochcarron, complaining that Marie nin dod. vick James alias Crookshank his spouse had run away fugitive with another man called donald M c ean vick ryrie, and intreated the Prebrie, seeing that the said Marie had deserted him, and wold not adher to him, that they wold be pleased to grant him a recomendation to the Comiss rs of Ross as Judges competent to prosecute and obtaine a divorce from the said Marie nin do d vick James ; Qlk the Prebrie taking to ther consideration, and finding that qhat the said John M c conel vie ean oig had asserted was also attested by a letter from Mr. Alex r M c Kenzie, Min r of Lochcarron, they granted him a letter off recomenda- cion, and desired the clerk off the prebrie to writt the same and subscrive it as ther clerk for the said effect. 3 Septr. 1678. [The Mellan Sacrificers not compearing, to be cited to the next meeting, pro 3°]. That day Mr. John Gordowne complained y* ane Mr James Vrq rt , a deposed and intercommuned minister, 2 did keep con- 1 Loch Maree. But the head of Loch Maree is still called Kinlochewe — the Head of Lochewe. 2 Mr. Urquhart had been minister of Kinloss, to which he was restored after the Revolution. 1678] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 339 venticles at the Laird of Foulis his house, and that the said Mr. James did baptise diverse childeren in the parish of Kilterne, such as a child to the Laird of Foulis, to Hector Munro of Drummond, to John Beatowne in Culniskea, to Alex r Munro, Smith in Foulis, and to Hector Sutherland, Milne Knave 1 in Catwell, and to diverse others, who all de- layed and postponed to baptize ther children (though the said Mr. John Gordowne had diverse tymes desired and required them to baptise ther children) till they could get the occasion of a deposed disloyall person, such as the said Mr. James Vrquhart, as also regrated y 1 Mr. Walter Denune keept con- venticles in Culbin, with Lemlairs relict, notwithstanding y 1 the said Mr. Walter was prohibit be the Earle of Seaforth by a letter sent to him ; 2 Qlk the Presbiterie taking to ther con- sideration, thought fitt that a letter be sent to the Bishop of Ross complaining off these disorders, to the end y fc he might acquaint his son the Bishop of Galloway (being now in this countrey) therewith, and y* ther names be presented to the Councell, y l such disorderlie courses might be suppressed, and withall appoynted Mr. John M c cra and Mr. John Gordowne tomorrow (being the fourth of Sept r .) to complaine Mr. Walter Denune his keeping of seditious conventicles, and represent the same to the Earle of Seaforth, who was to be at Dingwall to- morrow, to take some course for suppressing the said Mr. Denunes insolencie and disorderlie walking. Compeared John M c ean vie Thomas and Marjorie nin william, from the Parish off Vrray, who both intreated and mutuallie desired to be recomended by the Moderator and Bren to the Comiss rs to obtaine a divorce in regard that it was mutuallie confest both by the man and the woman y* the s d John M c ean vie Thomas was impotent and not able to discharge the dutie off ane husband to the s d Marjorie notw^tanding of ther being married thir some years bygone together, and therefore the Presbyterie recomended them to Comiss r to that effect. 1 Knave, a male servant. Milne Knave, the miller's servant, who enjoyed the mill dues known as knaveship. 2 See Scott's Fasti. Eccl. Scot., vol. iii. part i. p. 335, for an account of Mr. Denoon's persecution and eventful career. After the Revolution he became minister of Golspie. 340 RECORDS OF THE [SEPT. 1678 That day Mr. John Mackenzie, Mod r , presented ane letter from the R. Reverend Bishop (together with ane copie off ane Act off Councell) desireing to uplift a contribution for the bulwarks off Peterhead and Stonhyve, qlk was read publicklie in the prebrie, and ane copie delivered to everie Min r , and desired to bring ther contribution to the nixt Prebrie day and deliver the same to the Md r . 1st Octobr. 1678. [No diligence from the Minister of Gairloch as to the Sacrificers, and their process continued.] Mr. John M c cra declared that he had spoken My Lord Seaforth anent Mr. Walter Denune, and y l the said Earle promised that he wold acquaint the Councell anent him, as also Mr. Walter Ross declaired y* he delivered the prebries letter to the Bp of Ross in presence of the Bishop of Galloway, who promised to acquaint the Councell with thes disorders (according as they wer appoynted the last meeting day.) The Mod r inquired the Bfen anent the contribution ap- poynted to be uplifted for Peterhead and Stonhyve — they all promist to bring it in to the Synod and deliver it to the Mod r y r at. Alex r M c lean alias Bayne, adulterer with Anne Ninickgil- livichell, Sumnonded to this day, compeared in sacco, and being earnestlie exhorted to repent, confest his guilt and was remitted to testifie his repentance publicklie before the Congregation at Vrqhart, from whence he was referred to this diet. That day it was delated y 1 the said Alex 1 " M c Lean had spoken blasphemie, to wit, That C. Jesus was a sinner all the tyme he lived on earth, and that the same had been proven agst the said Alex 1 * M'lean by one witness before the Session of Vrqhart, the extract off q ch process Mr. Don d Fraser was appoynted to send to the prebrie the next day, and his son Mr. Alex r Fraser (who was present) ordained to acquaint his father, Mr. Don d Fraser, to that effect ; yet the said Alex r M c lean, being posed y r upon before the prebrie, he utterlie refused y* ever he had spoken anie such thing, bot John Glass in Brahan, who was sumded to the prebrie as a witness agst the said Alex r in the said matter off blasphemie, was excepted ag* be the said Alex r , sept. 1678] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 341 and declared y* he wold give in reasons the nixt prebfie day why the said John Glass could not be admitted agst him, and so they wer sumded apud acta (both the said Alex r Bayne and John Glass) to compeare the next day. April 8, 1679. This day compeered Alex r M c Lean, and John Glasse who wes led witnesse against Alex r M c Lean in that processe deduced against him. It being notourlie known that the said Alex r M c lean wes an habit uall drunkard, and latelie in the Parish of Urray, at which tyme he uttered some unbeseeming expressions. Therefor the Presbyterie appoynts him to repair to the Session of Urray, and to satisfie the Church discipline ther. Compeered Robert Catanach in the Parish of Alnes suppli- cating the Presbyterie that redresse might be given him of a slander cast on him be W m M c miller in the parish of Kilterne ; the said William avowing and asserting stronglie that he wes father to the said Robert. The said W m M c miller being called, not compeering, is ordained to be sumoned pro 2° to the next day. May, 1, 1679. Compeered W m M c miller complained on be Robert Catanach and being enquired anent the slander cast on Robert Catanach be him alleadging the s d Robert to be begottin be him in fornication three and thrtteie yeers agoe, confest the same and not being able to qualifie the same otherwise then be his owne allegatione, the Presbyterie taking the premisses to con- sideration, doe ordain the s d William M c miller to satisfie as a fornicator and a slanderer both in the parishes of Alnes and Kilterne. Sept % 1679. That day compeired befor the Preby John M c Curchie in the Parish of Dingwall, regrateing the undutifull and unchristian carriage of Isobell Gow his married wife, and representing y* notwithstanding of the frequent endeavors used by the session of Dingwall for makeing the s d Isabell Gow adhere to and cohabite w 1 him, she did willfullie insist to desert his company and refused to cohabit w fc him. And in regard that Mr. John 342 RECORDS OF THE [SEPT. M c cra, Min r at Dingwall, declared y* they were referred from the Session to the Prebfy, the fors d Isabell being sumonded was cited, and compeired, and beeing asked why shee refused to live w* her husband, shee answered that shee had conceived such ane aversion for him ever since the time of the solemniza°n of y r marriage, y t shee could not obtaine of herselfe to love him or live with him. And beeing further asked (after the sinfull- nesse of her s d confessed aversion was represented to her) if shee had resolved and would promise for the future to cohabite and live w* her husband, shee would neiy r make any satisfactorie declara°n of her inten°ns nor give any assurance or promise (as the Prebry required of her) y* shee would in aftertimes behave according to her dutie, and live w* her husband. And there- fore the Prebfy judged it meet y* the fors d John M c Curchies request to recomend him to the Judge ordinarie for obtaineing a divorce, and appoynted y r clerk to give the extract of this y r act to the s d John M c Curchie after ten days were expired if hee should be advertised by M . John M c cra that the fors d Isabell Gow would not (within that time) condescend to live w* her husband, as the Presbyterie exhorted her to doe. [Dingwall, Jan. 6, 1680. Mr. George Monro, Student in Divinitie, had a common head de anima. Approven.] Dingwall, Feb. 3, 1680. That day the Moderator produced a Comission directed to him by the R. R. Bishop for visiting the Kirk of Dingwall in order to the reparation y r of, and enjoyning him and the rest of the bretheren of the Prebrie to appoynt a day and nominate some of y r number to meet to y* effect, q r upon they appoynted Mr. John M c ra, Mr. John Gordon, Mr. John M c Kenzie, Min r at Contan, and Mr. William fraser, to meet at Dingwall upon the 12 day of Februarie 1680, and ordered Mr. John M c Ra, Min r at Dingwall to call wrights and masons and to give intimation of the diet to the heretors of the Parish of Dingwall and oy 1 " 3 concerned. At Dingwall, Feb. 12, 1680. Conveened, with Mr. John M c Kenzie, Moderator of the i68o] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 343 Presbyterie of Dingwall, Mr. John M c Ra, Mr. John Gordon, Mr. John M'Kenzie, Minister at Contan, and Mr. W m fraser, together with the town and heritors of the Parish of Dingwall, and after prayer, The Moderator haveing declared that the meeting was appoynted in order to the settling of a way for the repara°n of the Church of Dingwall, did produce the Comission directed to him by the Bp. for the effect fors d , q ch beeing read by the Clerk of the Prebry, the Moderator fors d exhorted the heretors of the Parish of Dingwall, and the representatives of the brugh of Dingwall there present to fall npo a speedie course for repair- ing the ruinous fabrick of y r Church ; q r upon, after advice taken, they condescended upon the termes following, That is to say, Donald Bayne of Tulloch and Alex r M c Kenzie of Tollie (beeing the heretors of the land wart pairt of the parish) did undertake for their share to build the north side of the Church of Dingwall from corner to corner, and the eastern door upon the south side of the same w* a window above it, together w* the equall halfe of the whole roofe, they getting the equall halfe of q 1 materialls are alreadie prepared for the work. And the Brugh of Dingwall, with the territories y r of, did undertake to put up the rest of the Church sufficiently and decently, and all the fors d parties concerned did promise and engage to begin the reparation of the s d Church in the latter end of the next ensueing spring, and to goe one w 1 the work w* all convenient diligence. The meeting closed with prayer. March % 1680. Donald Roy, Donald M c finlay vie ean and Do d M c Donald vie ean, referred from the Session of Urq rt for profana°n of the Lord's day and useing charmes, beeing sumded and cited, com- peired and after confession of y r sin, the hainousnesse q r of was held forth to them, they were remitted to the Session fors d to satisfie in sacco. Aprile 6, 1680. [Alex r M c Curchie from Urquhart confesses profanation of the Lord's day and charming, and remitted to the Session to satisfy in sacco.J 344 RECORDS OF THE [july 1680 July 6, 1680. Alex r M'ean vie gillireich, guiltie of adulterie with Ann nin William vie yoke, q ch Ann was guiltie also of using charmes and superstitious ceremonies such as witches are s d to use, to the end that she might render the s d Alex r impotent to his own wiffe ; both these persons being referred from the Session of Urray and cited, compeared in sacco, and the evill of these their abhominable sinns being gravelie held furth to them, they were remitted to the s d Sessione to enter the evidencing of their repentance ; and the woman was ordained not onlie to undergoe Church discipline in Vrray but also in other parishes adjacent, viz., to stand in sacco one Lords day before the con- gregatione of Kilmorack, and 2 d at Contane, and a 3 d at Urqr*. Andrew M c Andrew, referred from the sessione of Urq rt for striking a man on the Lords day in the Church in time of divine service, compeared, and being gravelie reproved for y* his sinn, was remitted to ths s d sessione to satisfie the discipline thereof. Dingwall, May 3, 1681. The Minister of Kiltern regrated that there were frequent Conventicles in his parishe to the dividing of his congregatione, and weakening of his ministrie in that place, q ch the Bfen referred to the consideration of the Bishope and the next ensueing Synod. That day some of the Bfen regrated that their Churches were werie ruinous, that they had not gotten free manses, but such as themselves had bought and builded on their oun expensis, and that a considerable part of their stipends in use to be payed formerlie was detained from them since thair entrie to the ministrie, q ch also was referred to the consideratione of the Bishop and the next ensueing Synod. 1 1 This is the last Minute in volume ii. of the Records. DEC. 1681] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 345 At Dingiial, the 1th day of July 1681. 1 The 7 of July being appointed at the last Synod to meet on it presbiteriallie, al the brethren in the Low countrie belonging to the Presbiterie of Dingual, viz. Mr. Jo 11 Mackenzie, minister of fodertie, and archdeacon of Ros, the Moderator, Mr. Donald fraser, minister of Urq rt , Mr. George Cumin, minister of Urray, Mr. Walter Ross, minister at Allies, Mr. Jo n Gordon, minister of Kilterne, Mr. William fraser, Minister of Kilmorack, Mr. Jo n M c Kenzie, minister of Contane, and Mr. Jo n M c cra, Minister of Dingual, did meet, and after prayer acted as follows : — The rest of the ministers of that Presbiterie, viz. Mr. Donald Macra, Min' of Kintail, Mr. Donald Macra, min r of Lochels, Mr. Rorie M c Kenzie, Min r of Gerloch, and Mr. Murdo M c Kenzie, Min r of Lochbroome (Lochcarron being vacand through the decease of Mr. Alex 1 " Mackenzie) were absent be consent of y r distance. That day Hugh Fraser of Struy being referred from the Session of Kilmorack for disobedience, and summoned pro tertio, cited, and not compearing, is continued be ordour from the Bishop until] the bretheren who were appointed at the Synod to goe to Straglaish to confer with the Papists there, should speake to him, and to give in their report to the nixt Synod. 6 Sept. 1681. Mr. Jo 11 Gordon, Mi r of Kiltern, did regrait and complaine to the Presbiterie that Mr. Jo n Mackillican keeped ane con- venticle at Ketual the 28 of August last by past — which the brethren referred to the Bishop and ensueing Synod. 3 Oct. 1681. Mr. Jo n Gordon did complaine to the Presbitrie that Mr. Walter Denune, a vagrant preacher, did keep a conventicle at Ketual the first of Octob. last, which the Moderator and remanent brethren refer to the Bishop and ensueing Synod. 13 Deer. 1681. That day the Moderatour delyvered a letter to be read be the Clerk in presence of the Brethren sent from the Bishop 1 The first Minute of Volume iii. 346 RECORDS OF THE [dec. i 68 i anent the Test, together with the Councells explanation, and his Majesties approba°n y r of. The tenor of which Letter sent from the Bishop follows : 1 Revered bretheren, — You have had under your consideration for some good tyme the oath q ch the King and Parliament have judged necessarie to require of all who have now, or who hereafter shal haue, any publict trust, office, or imployment, in this Church or Kingdome. The designe of which oath is verie distinctly expressed in the act, viz. to cut off al hope from papists and other dissenters of being hereafter imployed in anie office of publict trust ; which designe being good, and nothing unlawful contained in the oath, I cannot conjecture why anie man who is a true Protestant and loyal subject should refuse to take this oath, being enjoined be lawful authoritie. It is now high tyme to be at ane end of your resolutione in this mater, and in case you should inclyne to refuse, which I hope none of you will, I would haue you remember that they cannot be anie light or frivolous pretenses or exceptions that will ether satisfie your owne consciences or vindicat you from the slighting or contempt of the comands of that authoritie which yourselves acknowledge to be the highest under God, without whose countermand you ought not to withdraw your readie obedience. And that you may yeeld it in this case with safe and comfortable consciences I earnestly advise not to put rigid meanings upon anie clause of the oath (as I have perceaved some haue been too apt to doe) but to think, as in al dutie you should, that the meaning of the King and parliant in al the parts of it, was no other then what may consist with the Law of God, the Law of the Kingdom, and sound reason ; and if al the articles of the oath (as I judge they are) be capable of a sense agreeable with these, and not contrarie to anie of them, I see not why anie honest man who is a protestant may not take it. Therefor I beseech you use no longer delay in tacking up your final resolutions to obey, which will prove a more effectual meane for preserving religion then anie thing we can hope may follow your refusal. I shal be here, God willing, to attend you till the first of Januarie ensueing, and so praying God to give you counsel what you ought to doe in this and whatever else is incumbent to you, I continue, ' Your most affectionat brother, 'Sic subscribitur, Alex r . Rossen. 'Chanorie, November 1681/ OCT. 1682] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 347 Al the brethren of the presbitrie concluded to meet at Chanorie Thursday the 28 of December current, to close y r resolutione anent the Test. 5 Sept 1682. That day Mr. George Cumin declared that David Monro, of Killichoan, 1 and Do d his broy 1 ' (as he was informed) did profane y e Kirk of Killichrist by putting some oxen and encloseing y m y r in over night, and he haveing written to y m to y* effect they returned him answere to doe y m the to suffer 2 y m to vindicat themselves from y t aspersion before y e Prebrie of Dingual, to whose censure, if they should be found guiltie, they were willing to submitt, and y e s d David and Do d having this day compeared before the prebrie to y l effect, and being interrogat be the Moderator whether they had comitted such profanation, they answered y* they did not put anie of y r cattel into y e church, but y t some beasts of theirs y* were feeding about y e Kirkyard, becaus they could not gett y m keeped within a fold, did stragle into y e church, which had neiy r doore nor roofe, q r upon y e Mod 1 ' offering to proove that they did drive y m into y e Kirk, as was reported, and closed y e doore upon y m , he summoned them apud acta be the Prebrie y e first tuesday of October, and Mr. George Cumin was appoynted to Summond witnesses to ) rt day. Janet Monro referred from y e Paroch of Contin, compeared before y e presbfie, and did complaine on her husband Do d macdunichie vie ol vane for not adhereing to her, nor giveing her anie part of his meanes for her sustainance, and y e said Don d being sumoned to this day to give a reasone of his non adherence cited and not compearing is appointed to be cited pro 2°. 3 Oct. 1682. Don d and David Monros compearing, did stand to y r formal deneyal, and Mr. George Cumin having sumonded as witnesse ag* them Thomas Mac ean vie Gillereach and Dod. mac can chile, who being cited and compearing, The Mod 1 ' enquired if they had anie exceptiones against these witnesses, they answered negatively, q r upon y e Mod r haveing 3 the nature of 1 In Kiltearn. 2 Sic. 3 Blank in the record. 348 RECORDS OF THE [OCT. 1682 ane oath and haveing swore y e wittnesses, all were removed except y e s d Thomas deponed as followes, viz, That y e s d David and Do d comeing from Innernes marcat in August last, haveing a certaine number of oxen and bulls, and after they had put y m in a fold, and y e beasts did break y e fold, they offered to put y m within y e Kirk, and that he and his neighbour did inhibit them to doe so, but yet, notwithstanding y*, upon y e morrow, after y e s d David and Do d were away, they found y e marks of y e beasts within y e Kirk, and a cart and a beir q ch was brought from y r houses at y e kirk doore, but he refused to depone y l he sawe y m drive or send y m into y e Kirk. He being removed, and y e s d Don d mac ean chile being called in, deponed y e same with his fellow id supra. The prebrie, takeing y e matter to y r c^sidera^e, with all y e circumstances, appointed y e said David and Donald Munros to goe on a Lords day once betwixt that and y e nixt presbfie to y e Kirk of Killichrist, q n Maister George Cumin was to preach y r , and after sermon, in presence of y e congrega°ne, Mr. George should give y m a publict rebuke, and y* they should humblie acknowledge and c'fess y r fault for offering to profane such a place. Don d mac ean vie al vane sum d , cited, and compearing, and being enquired why he did not adhere to his wife Janet Munro, he deneyed his non-adhereing to his wife, and affirmed y t his wife fled from him to her fay r without his c'sent, and promised to prove kind to her from hence, q r upon her fay r , who was pnt, was adwised to send his wife to the said Donald. March 7, 1683. Mr. Rory M c Kenzie, Deacon, had a popular Sermon on 1 Tim. 1. 8'. April 3, 1683. Compeared Donald Og m c ean dui, suspect of adultery with Mary Nien Dul vie ean vore, she confessing the same formerly, he denying, notwithstanding of the variety of presumptions proven be severall witnesses against him, is appointed to stand in sacco and afterwards to clear himself be oath. The Presbyterie considering that the Bretheren in the High- lands doe neither com nor send to the Presbyterie, and in regard that referrs from them canot be closed without ther own MAY 1684] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 349 presence, The Presbyterie referrs them to the Bishop and Synod ensueing. Compeered Arthur Ssoiles in Obstell, supplicating the Pres- byterie for a contributione to the repairing of the bruse 1 of Alnes. The usefulness of. the work considdered, the Bfen pro- mise sexteen pounds scotts, payable the next Presbyterie day. Mr. Philip M c cra, Student in divinity, being recommended be the Bishop to the Presbyterie, is ordained to haue ane exegesis de satisfactione Christi against the next day. April 1, 1684. Jean Bayne for the time in the paroch of Dingwall being lately brought to bed of a child as she alledged to Thomas Watson a Souldier of Suddey's Company, being referred from the Session of Dingwall for examina°n, was called and com- pearing, after tryall alledged the s d Thomas was ffay r to her child, She is ordained to be present the nixt dyet being May 6. May 6, '84. Jean Bayne being called, compeared, and adhereing to her former declara°n, was y r upon asked why she hade defamed Mr. John Gordon, Mi r at Kilterne, giveing him out to be y e fay r of her child, and denyed she ever spoke any such thing. Some of y e Brethren upon her denyall replyed they were informed she hade said to severall women in Dingwall, y* Mr. Gordon was ffay r to her last Birth ; and y* she spoke so paftarly to Kath. Monro her midwiffe, q ch she stiff'ely refuseing, the s d Kath : was y r upon pntly called, and compearing, being askt anent the premisses, declared y 1 q 11 the s d Jean was yet in her pangs she asked her q° was ffay r to her child, and y l she answered M r John Gordon, and for further verifica°n hereof the s d Kath : appeared to the testimonie of severall oy r women q° were y n and y r present, q n she urged her as said is, namely Agnes Ding- wall, Agnes and Elspet Bayns, all in Dingwall. But notwith- standing, the s d Jean still adhered to her former declara°n. Q r upon the s d Mr. John Gordon craved y* the s d Kath. Munro 1 Brew-house. 350 RECORDS OF THE [MAY should be reputed the author of y e s d slander, untill she found anoy r , and accordingly pleaded she should be sum d apud acta to compeir y e nixt dyet to make good her alleadgance, q ch was accordingly done. The officer is enjoy ned to siid all Kath : Monros witnesses to the nixt dyet, being June the third. June 3, '84. Jeane Bayne and Kath : Monro being called compeared, both adhered to y r former respective declara°ns. Kath : Monros witnesses being called, compeared, and being all deeply sworn anent the premisses, the rest being removed, Agnes Bayne declared, by the oath she made y* she was present q u y e said Jean Bayne was in travell and delivered, and y 1 the s d Kath : Monro charged the s d Jean upon oath to declare q° was fay r to her child, and y t the s d Jean answered as she should make account to God in y e great day, she knew no oy r ffay r but the s d Thomas Watson, notw t standing the s d Kath : (as y e s d Jean did then insinuat) wold have her saying oy'wise. Agnes Dingwell declared she was not present at the delivery, and y r fore she was not in bona fide to say, she heard Jean Bayne averring Mr. John Gordon to be y e fay r of her child at y* time and in y* place, but y* she heard her alleadge no less elseq r and at oy r times. Elspet Baine declared y* the s d Jean Baine answered upon oath to y e s d Kath : y* Thomas Watson was fay r to her child, and further said she never heard y e s d Jean affirme the s d Mr. Gordon was fFay r to her child, either y n or y r or at any oy r time or place, only she heard by report he was ffay r , but not from herself. Jean Baine being againe called and askt whether or no she was able to depone upon oath y* Mr. John Gordon was not fay r to her child, answered she could not only vindicat him by oath, but also all oy rs of his character from ever offering to be anyways base w 1 her. Kath : Monro haveing succumbed in proba°n by the former witnesse is againe called, and being askt whether or no she hade oy r witnesses could prove the truth of her former declara°n, answered she hade, and being desyred to name y m , spoke of 1 684] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 351 Do d Whyte and his wiffe, Isabell Anderson, Agnes Bayne, daughter to Baylie Bayne, elder, all in Dingwall, who being all called, only Isabell Anderson, Agnes Bayne, and Do d Whites wiffe compeared, and being all deeply sworn, Isabell Anderson, the rest being removed, declared by the oath she made, y* the s d Jean Bayne said in her shope y l Mr. Gordon was ffay r to her child. Agnes Bayne declared y fc the s d Jean Bayne s d to herselfe y* the s d Mr. Gordon was fay* to her child, and desired her to goe to Kath. Monro, Midwiffe, and cause her conceale q* she hade formerly revealed to her anent Mr. Gordon. Do d Whites wiffe declared she never heard her say any thing anent Mr. Gordon. This processe suspended to the nixt dyet, being Jully 1. Jtdly 1, '84. The Moderator and remanent Bfen, takeing to considera°n whether or no they should proceed to censure Kath. Monro and Jean Bayne for y r falsifications in the slander alleadged by y m ag 1 Mr. Gordon, resolved it was not fit to proceed to any present censure untill Mr. Gordon were brought to the utmost tryall anent y* slander, q ch they judged could not be done by y m in the absence of y r Ordinary, or at least w*out a license from him ; q r fore being for the present deprived of both, thev suspend all future proceeding in y 1 affair till Providence send y r Bp. amongst y m , or y* he declare his pleasure y r anent. And least in the mean tyme the said Jean should make her escape and leave the s d Mr. Gordon under the slander, they recomend to the s d Mr. John to affoord her maintenance a peck of vict 1 weekly, q ch at the Bf ens desire the s d Mr. John Gordon aggreed to. Dingwall, Sepr. 16, '84. The meeting this day held be order of Synod, because of Mr. John Gordon's proposeing before the Bp at the last Synod to bring witnesses to prove ag* Kath Monro, q m he formerly charged as his accuser in the slander above men°ned, y* she promised in name and behalf of y e Laird of Fowlis to give fyve 1 Victual : meaning grain, or meal. 352 RECORDS OF THE [SEPT. hundred merks to Jean Bayne so she should affirme Mr. Gordon to be ffather to her child, qlk witnesses, together w l the said Kath. were called as follows. Kath. Monro being first called, comp. and being askt whether she acknowledge Mr. Gordon charged her w t at the last Synod, viz., y l she promised in name and behalf of the Laird of ffowlis to give Jean Bayne fyve hundred mks so she should affirme Mr. Gordon to be fay r to her last Birth : the s d Kath. denyed : whereupon the witnesses adduced by the s d Mr. Gordon to prove his s d charge are all called, and compeared, and the s d Kath. being askt whither or no she hade any just excep on ag 1 any ®r all of these witnesses, answered negatively : the Witnesses y r fore (qose names are as follows, Alex r M c Andra, Don d White, Agnes Dingwall, Elspet Bayne, all in Dingwall) being deeply sworn one by one, anent the premisses, were all comanded to remove, and after delibera°n, are againe cited by course, and first Alex 1 * M c Andra in Dingwall being called, compeared, and being desired to tell the truth according to his knowledge and according to the oath he gave, in the matter aleadged by Mr. Gordon before the Bp and Synod, answered by the oath he tooke, y t he never heard the s d Kath. Monro speake or promise the like to the s d Jean Bayne ; q r upon he is desired to remove. Do d White in Dingwall being also called to the effect fors d , deponed as said is, and being removed, Agnes Dingwall is called and comp., deponed in manner above specified, and removing, Elspet Bayne is called and comp. deponed as said is. The nixt meeting to be held at Kilterne, 23 Septr current, q r all the Bf en of this Pbf ie w* a select number out of y e pfbies of Tayne and Chanonrie are to hold a visita°n at the Bp^ desire as his Comission given y r anent doth more fully bear. The meeting closed w* prayer. At Kiltearn, Septr. 23, 1 84. Conveened w* the Moderator all the Bfen of the exercise at Dingwall, together w t the Remanent Members of y e visita°n above spec 1 , as they are nominate in the above-mentioned Comission, except Mr. Do d ffraser, Ml r at Wrquhart, Andrew Ross, Min r at Tarbat, and Rorie M c Kenzie, Chanter of Ross. 1 684] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 353 The Moderator preached in the English language on first Pet. 3. 16, and in Irish, Jam. 3. 1. After Prayer, The Commission for holding the visitat°n being publictly read, The Mi r of y* paroch was desired to give account of his Elders, q ch were only three, qose names are as follows, W m Urquhart, Do d Ross, and Do d ffinlayson, Elder. The Ml r being removed, W m Urquhart was called and being examined whether or no he could give any account of the originall of y* scandall charged upon his paroch Mi r , declared as follows, y* Jean Bayne was charged to compeare before y r session touching a suspicion of her being w* child, and being askt if she was w* child, acknowledged she was, and being further interrogat q° was the fay r y r of refused to tell, and, being more hotly put to it, ask 1 q* was y r concern, she was able to free herself from all men in y* paroch, q r upon she was y n dismissed, and a little after craved a testifica°n of her honest behaviour dureing her abode amongst y m , q ch she obtained. But the s d W m Urquhart being further examined if she was put to oath answered negative, only (s d he) the Mi r presented the Bible to her, and no more. Donald Finlayson, Elder, being called to the effect fores d , declared he knew nothing in the affair. Don d Ross being called, declared id supra. Don d Finlayson, yo r , Clerk to y e Session, being askt why he gave her a testificat untill she were further tryed, answered, he gave it her at y e Minister's desire. Mr. Andrew Ross, Mi r at Contan, Clerk to y e s d visita°n, being desired by the Moderator to get a list of y e heritors of y* paroch, hade account of y m from Hugh Munro of Swardale and ov 1 * as follow : Sir John Monro Elder of ffowlis, Hector Monro of Drummond, W m Monro of Teanaird, Hugh Monro of Swardale, Hector Monro of Kilterne, W m Monro, Portioner of Keatwall, Ro* Monro of Clyne, Ro* Monro of Lemlair, Rob 1 Poison of Clyne, David Monro of Kilchoan, Hugh Monro of Tearibban, Alex r M c Kenzie for Balconie ; all present except Sir John Monro of ffowls. and being all akst if they hade any informa e n to give anent z 354 RECORDS OF THE [SEPT. the scandall charged upon y r Mi r , answered y* for v r pts [parts] they hade nothing to say, but referred the evidence of y e matter to such witnesses as were personallie summoned to give y r declara°ns anent the s d scandall ; q ch witnesses are as follows, Kath. nin doil vie horish, woman-servant, and Ronald M c indoir and John M c phail, men-servants to the s d Mr. John Gordon ; Muirach Reildach, Kath. nien ullay ic ulliam, James Logan, Christian nien doil ic alien in the paroch of Kilterne, Agnes Bayne, Elspit Bayne and Agnes Dingwall, in Dingwall, and Donald Deisse, Beddall to the s d Mr. Gordon. M r . Gordon being askt whither he could except ag fc any or all these witnesses, answered he excepted ag 1 Kath. nin doil vie horish because of her nonage, being but sexteen years old as herselfe declared ; ag* Murach Reildach as Minor, because clade w* a husband ; ag* Christian nine doil ic alien as no sufficient witnesse in a matter criminall because a woman ; ag* Agnes Bayne because a whore and a scold ; ag* Agnes Bayne and Elspet Dingwall as no fit witnesse in a matter criminall, being women ; ag* James Logan, because a thiefe as he alledged ; ag* Donald Deisse because a lyar and a talebearer. No exception ag* Ronald M c indoir or John M'phail, who being y r fore called and deeply sworn to declare q 1 they knew anent the s d scandal, John M c Phail (the oy r being removed) declared y* by night or by day, hour or moment, he never could observe any unseemly behaviour betwixt the s d Mr. Jo 11 Gordon and the s d Jean Bayne : being hereupon removed, Renold M c Indoir is called to the effect fors d and deponed as s d is. The members of the visita°n, takeing to considera°n whether Mr. Gordons exceptions were relevant, yea or no, Mr. John M c ra, Thesaurer, declared he thought not the minoritie of women because married, or of women under one and twentie or y* women in grail could not be sustained witnesse in Criminall maters, relevant except ons , nor any oy r aledged by Mr. Gordon except he made good his allega°ns by cleare and evident proofe; Mr. Thomas Fraser, Chancelour, was of the same mind, and y r fore the matter was to be examined at the nixt meeting at Dingwall, being Nov* 4, 1684, and this meeting to close. But y* the Heritors pleaded y* Jean Bayne, q° was principall accuser, should be allowed audience before the visita°n. 1684] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 355 To q ch the Moderator, subdean, and oy rs of the Bf en answered it was ag* the rules of discipline and law to admitt a person as accusser q° hade alreadie judiciallie assoiled the s d Mr. Gordon and y* it was more than they could answer for to y r Ordinary, haveing no Commission to y t effect. But oy rs of the Bfen replyed it was reasonable to admitt her for satisfac°n to y e gentlemen y n and y r present ; q ch , together with the gentlemen s won importunitie, prevailed, but still the Moderator urged it was to no purpose, for anything she could said ag t Mr. Gordon could have no weight, seeing she hade alreadie vindicated him in sacco. But, notwithstanding, they still pleaded to admitt her, and y r fore being called, and askt q* she hade to say, answered she hade nothing to say but y t Mr. Gordon was fay r to her child, q ch she asserted w* all imaginable confidence, and desired some one or two of the Bfen to retire w 1 her, and she should convince y m of y e truth hereof by some secret token twixt her and the s d Mr. Gordon. Q r upon Mr. Thomas Fraser, Chancelour, and Mr. George Cuming, Min T of Urray, were enjoyned to goe apart w* her, and learn q t this meant, q° made account upon y r returne y* any- thing she said wold not prove or inferre guilt, but the thing they concealed as being unworthie of audience. Mr. John Gordon is desired by the Moderator to provide ag fc the nixt dyet to make good his exceptions ag* the witnesses led and adduced ag 1 him, oy r wise yey wold receave y r declara°ns, q ch he accorded to. Dingwall, Novr. 4, 1684. This day y r was nothing to be done except to examine the relevancie of Mr. Gordons exceptions ag* the witnesses adduced at Kilterne, q ch being required, Mr. Gordon reponed y r could be nothing done w*out a stated accuser, and such could not be found. Therefore the Bfen taking to considera°n y* the Moderator hade alreadie written to the Bp to know his mind anent the visita°ns progresse at Kilterne, and y* he hade not as yet receaved a return, they thought fit to suspend all further pro- cesse till the Bp's homecoming, and ordained y e nixt meeting to be keept at Dingwall the first twesday of Dec 1 , and ordained Mr. Walter Ross to acquant Mr. W m M c Kenzie and Mr. James Houston of the pbfies resolution anent the premisses. 356 RECORDS OF THE [nov. 1684 This day John Beaton of Coulnaskie undertook to prove ag* Mr. Gordon y* he s d out of pulpit y* some of the parochiners of Kilt erne did subom persons to belye him in the matter of Jean Bayne, q ch he promised to make good by witnesses the nixt day. Mr. John Gordon at the Bfens desire promised to keep his man-servant to the nixt meeting if it should hold twixt and Candlemas. Mr. George Cuming appointed be order of Pfie to preach at Urquhart y e next Sabbaoth. Dingwall, Deer. 2, 1684. The Moderator recomends to the Bfen to observe the feast of our Saviours nativitie. Jarij 6, 1685 [The Bretheren had observed the feast of the Nativitie.] This day the Elders of the paroch of Urquhart haveing sup- plicated the Pfie to have y r vacancie supplied, the Bfen resolved that it should be supplied by the Thesaurer qose Charge thei thought it was, and y r fore should be served either by himself or his vicar. March 3, '85. This dav the Moderator made account of a letter receaved from the Bp anent Mr Gordon's processe, in q ch the Bp desired Jean Bayne should be sum d to compear before this seat, and askt whether or no she should adhere to the Synods sentence, if not y* she should be processed. The Moderator haveing y r fore caused summond her to this dyet, and she being called and compearing, was askt as s d is, but she obstinately refuseing to adhere to the Synods sentence, was told she should be pro- cessed according to the Bp's order. But the Bfen referred y e matter to further considera°n. April 7, 1685. This day the Bfen takeing to considera°n y* Jean Bayne obstinately refused to submitt to the Synods sentence, advised q° should processe her, But the Moderator advertised he wrote for further advice to the Bp, and y r fore the matter was delayed to the nixt meeting, being May 5, 1685. AUG. 1685] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 357 May 5, 1685. There being a standing statute for perpetuall solemnization of the 29 of May, in comemora°n of our late Soveraigne Charles the 2 d of blessed memorie his birth and restoration, the Moder- ator recomended to the Bfen to observe y e s d anniversary as formerly. Jully 7, 85. That day Jannet Fraser in the paroch of Dingwall, and serv 1 in TullocrTs familie, was conveened before the Pbfie on pre- sump°n of her being big w* child, and destroying yrof, of q ch presump°n y e Mm r of y e s d paroch produced written evi- dences upon the disposition of severall persons examined by him to y* effect, as the s d evidences in y r selves doe bear ; But the Bfen finding y 1 cryms of y* nature were above y r cog- nizance and decision, determined to represent y e case to the civil Judge, q zh was accordingly done, the clerk w* the desire of the Pbfie haveing wrote a letter to Sir Rorie M c Kenzie of Findon, Shereff Deput of Ross to y* effect; The s d Jannet being sent also to him accompanied w* the Kirk Officers of Dingwall and Urquhart. August 4, '85. Hector M c lean [in contin quadrulapse in fornication, and last with marion nin Archie] called, comp. and being sharply rebuked, is remitted. The Minf of Contan haveing advertised the Bfen y 1 the s d Hector hade a purpose to marry shortly, advised whether or no he should shorten the ordinary dyets of pennance appointed to such delinquents, It was resolved y* seeing he was a person habituated to y* sin, and y* marriage (nixt to the grace of God) was the best remedie to provide agst his further falling, he should stand three or four days, and if y n he gave any reason- able evidence of his remorse, he should be absolved. There being a proclama°n issued by his Majestie Privie Counsell to celebrate a thanksgiveing through this kingdome for the late defeat of the Kings enemies, 1 upon the 13 of 1 The defeat of the Duke of Monmouth at Sedgemoor on 6th July 358 RECORDS OF THE [NOV. August current, being Thursday, The Moderator notw^tanding y e s d proclama°ne was not come to his hand, advertised y e Bfen to intimate to y r respective congregations y* the s d thanks- giveing was to observed the fors d thursday. Dingwall, Now. 10, 1685. This day the Bfen mett be vertue of the Bps and Synods order to examine the witnesses adduced in Mr. John Gordons processe, and accordingly Mr. John M c ra and Mr. Walter Ross, to q m it was recomended to examine the witnesses led in the Paroch of Kilterne on some stated occasion preceeding this meeting, being askt whether or no they were carefull of this trust, Mr. Walter Ross answered it was not possible for him to attend it y e day appointed, because the waters interjected twixt his and Kiltern paroch were unpassable. Mr. John M c ra answered he went to the s d paroch and examined the witnesses, q ose names are as follows, viz*, Kath. nin ulay vie ulliam, Christian ni vie allan, and being further askt q* y r depositions were, answered y* Christian ni vie Allan deponed she was never witnesse to any of Mr. John Gordons and Jean Baines converse, and y* she was never to her know- ledge in one house or town w* y m both together, except q n the visita°n held at Kiltern, but y* she heard Kath. nin doil vie horish say, y t she saw the s d Mr. John Gordon and the s d Jean Bayne miscarry. Kath. nin ullay vie ulliam deponed she never saw them together but at y e visita°n at Kiltern, and y* the s d Jean Bayne told her y* her child was begot in the paroch of Dingwall by a Souldier. The Moderator haveing enquired whether y r was any account from Mr. Arthur Suy r land anent Kath. nin doil vie horish, Mr. John M c ra told he receaved a letter from him importing his diligence in searching for her, q ch letter is delivered to the Clerk to be given up to the Bp and sub-synod. That day the Moderator haveing enquyred of the Bfen how they should proceed ag* the s d Kath. nin doil vie horish in her absence, and they being in recent memorie y l it was the Bp's will y l Mr. Gordon's witnesses to prove her a thiefe should be receaved whether she were present or no, after search made for 1685] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 359 her, y r fore they thought fit to examine the witnesses adduced by Mr. Gordon, whose names are as follows : John M c Curchie, a married man of age fourtie year, Mary Chisholm, ane un- married woman of age 30 year, and Mary nin doil uyre, ane unmarried woman, about 40, q° being all deeply sworn, and the two women w* Mr. Gordon being removed, John M c Curchie deponed, y* the s d Kath. nin doil vie horish was wont w* false keys to open the s d Mr. Gordons cellars and amberies and steal part of everything belonging him and dis- pone y r of at her pleasure, and y* at her goeing away she stole a white plaid from him. Mary Chisholme deponed she was in certaine knowledge y 1 the s d Kath. stole ten elns of white plaid and ane half stone of cheese at her way goeing out of Mr. Gordon's house, as also some cheese at diverse times from herself, and y* about Whit- sunday last she proffered y e said white plaid to Mr. Gordon and his wiffe, but being afraid to come in y r presence went away w* againe, threatening she should either steal a Cow or ane herse from y m in compensa°n of her wages, which she aleadged was owing by the s d Mr. Gordon ; and the s d Mary Chisholm further declared y* she heard it s d y* the said Kath. nin doil vie horish made use of false keys to steal Mr. Gordons goods, but y 1 she was in no certaine knowledge yrof. Mary nin doil uyre deponed she was in certaine knowledge of her stealing small linnens, some cheese, and ane white plaid from y e s d Mr. Gordon and his wiffe. Thereafter the Bfen proceeded to examine the relevancie of Mr. Gordons exceptions ag t Agnes Bayne, and Mr. Gordon being askt if he called his witnesses to this effect, answered he did. Their names are as followes, viz., Don d Ross and Gilbert Robertson, both in the Paroch of Kilterne, and Jannet nin ean vie ulliam, the latter absent ; the oy r two comp. viz., Don d Ross and Gilbert Robertson, the former a married person about fourtie, the latter unmarried about one and twentie years. Agnes Bayne being called and askt if she hade any excep- tions ag* these two, answered negatively; they yrfore being deeply sworn, all the parties and witnesses being removed, except Don d Ross, the s d Donald deponed he heard the s d Agnes Bayne threaten she should be fit side w* Mr. Gordon. 360 RECORDS OF THE ]nov. 1685 Gilbert Robertson being called deponed as follows, one a certaine time he heard the s d Agnes Bayne say she should be fit side w* Mr. Gordon, and on anoy r time the week before Synod last partlafly, he heard her swear y* after nixt Sabbaoth he should never fill the pulpit. The Bfen referred the relevancie of yese objections to the Subsynod, and accordingly summond the s d Agnes Baine apud acta to be pnt at the Subsynod. 5 Janr. 1686. The Right R. Bishop and Synod having recommended to the Presbyterie the examina°n of Mr. John Gordon's process ag* Malcome M c gillicharich in Kinardie in the paroche of Ding- well, importing that some persons had promist ten bolls of beare to the said Malcome for fastening Jean Baynes allega- tion upon the said Mr. John Gordowne, as also the processe agst Agnes Bayne in Dingwell, bearing that she threatened that she wold cause shoot the s d Mr. John Gordowne through the head with a pair of balls, Mr. John Gordowne being present stands to his allegations. Malcome M c Gillicharrich being called, compeared, and being inquired whether he had said that some persons offered him ten bolls beare as is aforesaid, he answered negative ; qrupon Mr. John Gordowne leads in the witnesses afterwritten, viz. Rod. Bayne, Tutor of Tulloch, Cristan nin Tir and Helen nin ferq r in Milninch. The witnesses called, compeared, except Cristan nin Tir fors d , and, no exception made ag st y m , wer deeplie sworne and admitted, both parties removed. The said Rorie Bayne, a married man about the age of 50 years, deponed that he heard the s d Malcome Mackgillicharrich say as is libelled. The s d Helen nin ferq r , a married woman about 40 years of age, deponed negative. Lykwyse, The said Agnes Bayne being called, compeared, and being Inquired whether she spoke as is lybelled, denyed. The said Mr. John Gordowne, to prove his lybell ag st the said Agnes Bayne, leads thes following persons as witnesses, viz., the said Rorie Bayne, Katherin Ross his spouse, Agnes nin vie onil in Dochcartie. The Witnesses called, compeared, JAN. 1686] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 361 and no exception made agst y m . They wer sworne and admitted, and both parties removed. The said Rod. Bayne being inquired if he heard Agnes Bayne say as is libelled, answered positive. Katherin Ross, a married woman of the age of 36 years, being inquired, deponed positive. Agnes nin Conel, about the age of 32 years, being inquired, deponed positivlie. Cristin nin Tir not present, is to be sumded to the nixt day. That day Agnes nin Dod vicay, referred from Contan, who brought a child a whyle ago and fathered the same on Keneth M c Curchie in Dingwell, who then acknowledged the same and satisfied the discipline of the Church, yet now it is found out that the said Keneth was not indeed the father of it bot one John M c finlay duj in Contan, who was married to the s d Agnes hir sister, and that the said Kenneth owned the said child out of his relation to the said John M c finlay duj being his vncle, and to clock y 1 Incest. The said Agnes being present, was inquyred who was the reall father of her child answered, That Donald Chisolm in Contan was the father of it, and neither the said John M°finlay duj nor the said Kenneth M c Curchie. The said Donald Chisholme called, compeared, and being in- quired, denyed the same, and did instantlie prove that the said Agnes nin Dod vicay did confess before the Session of Contan, that ther was scandalous converse betwixt hir and the s d John M c finlay duj. That day Keneth M c Curchie, referred from Dingwell, called, and not compearing, to be cited pro 2°, and the s d Agnes nin vicay sumded apud acta to compeare the nixt meeting day. John M c W m voir, referred from Vrq rt , who had been several 1 dayes formerlie before the Presbiterie for not cohabiting with Agnes nin Tarlich vie Alister his spouse, called, compeared and confest y 1 he was impotent and could not performe conjugall duties; q r upon the Presbiterie recommended the said Agnes, who was also present, to procure a divorce before the Com- missars as Judges competent. [No account of 6 Katherin nin Do d vie horish for q m Mr. James M c Kenzie, subdeane, promist at the last subsynod to make search for hir in his paroche of Nigg, and to send hir to the Presbiterie.'] 362 RECORDS OF THE [FEB. Dingwall, 2 Fehr. 1686. That day Cirstan nin Tir, spouse to Malcome M c Gilli- charrich in Kinardie, called, compeared, and being inquired if she heard the said Malcome M c Gillicharrich at anie tyme say y* ther was ten bolls of beare promist him be some person for causing Jeane Bayne to father the child brought forth by hir on Mr. John Gordowne, shee being admitted and sworne, and no exceptions made agst hir, deponed negativlie. 2 March 1686. Kenneth M c curchie, from Ding u , and Agnes nin dod vicay, from Contan, sumded, cited, and compearing, the said Keneth being inquired, declared y* he was not father to the child brought forth by the said Agnes, bot that he tooke that guilt upon himselfe for his relation to and at the persuasion of John Du in Contan, who was the true fay r of it. The presbiterie therefor appoynted the said Keneth M c curchie to stand in sack cloath in the Church of Contan untill signes of repentance should be seen in him. Donald Chisolme in Contan regrated to the Presbiterie that the said Agnes nin do d vicay had impudentlie and felslie slandered him by alledging that he was father to the child that she brought to John Du in Contan. The Presbiterie, after search, finding that the said Donald Chisolme was wronged by. hir, absolved him, and censured the s d Agnes. Dingll., 6 April 1686. Mr. Donald Forbes preacht a populare Sermon, Heb. 12. 12, and was appro ven, and the Brethren considering that the said Mr. Donald Forbess had past all the ordinarie steps off tryall as Expectant, and had given sufficient proofe of his abilities for the ministrie, and had given abundant satisfaction to the Bfen in all the forsaids steps, did therefore recommend him to the R. R. Bishop for a license to preach the Gospell, and appoynted the Clerk of the Presbiterie to draw up a recomenda°n to be sub* be the Mod r and the said Clerk to y* effect. [The following were the 'steps of tryall' passed by Mr. Forbes: On 5th Janry. 1686, he 'had a Comon head de 1686] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 363 satisfactione Christi and delivered the same, for q ch he was approven and was appoynted maintaine disputs yrupon the nixt presbiterie day." On 2d Feb. he 6 maintained disputs upon the theses de satisfactione Christi, and was approven, r and was 'appoynted to exercise the nixt day of meeting on Rom. 9. ch. 15. 16 v 363 .' On the 2d March he exercised accordingly, and was approven, and appointed to have deliver a popular sermon on the 6th April, when the above minute was passed.) 4 May 1686. [The Synod had not kept its last intended meeting ' because the Bishop went to attend the Parliament. 1 The 29th of May to be observed.] 6 July 1686. That day Mr. John Gordowne complained that John M c calich in the Paroche of Kilterne suffered two off his children contemptuouslie to die withfout] Baptisme, and is therefore to be sumded to the nixt day for his contempt of the sacra*. [M c calich was cited to severall subsequent meetings, but not appearing, he was, on 14th April 1687, referred to the Bishop and Synod. He declares himself a Conventicler. See Minute, 2d Aug. '87.] 7 Septr. 1686. Mr. John M c Kenzie [the Moderator and Arch-deacon] absent because he was commissioned by the R. R. Bishop to goe to Mr. John M c Killigin in Alnes, to prohibte him to keep conven- ticles in this diocess. 18 Oct. 1686. That day conveened, with Mr. John Mackenzie, Moderator, M rs John M c cra, Geo. Cuming, William Fraser, Andrew Ross, Walter Ross, John Gordowne, with M rs Do d M c cra, Min r of Lochailsh, Mr. Donald M c cra, Min r of Kintaile, Mr. Roderick Mackenzie, Min r of Gerloch, Mr. Alex r M e Kenzie, Min r of Lochcarron, Mr. John M c Kenzia, Min r of Lochbroome. [The Brethren had all preached on 14th October, the Kings Birth day.] 364 RECORDS OF THE [OCT. 1686 [Finlay M c ean vuy, Sum d from Kintail for not cohabiting with Duesh his wife, 6 confest that he was impotent and not able to do his wife the dutie of ane husband. Therefore the said Duesh desired a recomendation to the Comiss rs to pro- secute a divorce, q ch was granted.'] That day Mr. W m Fraser complained that Ewen M c Hucheon vie ewn (who had fallen in adulterie with Margret nin homas in his paroche of Kilmorack) profest himself a Papist to shun the censure of the Church, was referred to the Bishop and Synod nixt. 1 Feb. 1687. Marie nien Dhonchie roy, referred from the Session of Loch- broom, for a recomendation to the Commiss rs in order to the obtaining a divorce from her husband Kenneth M c Curchie, who refused to adhere, and in the mean time had fallen in adulterie, compeared and was continued in regard that the s d Kenneth, being sum d and cited, did not comppear, and is appoynted to be sum d pro 2°. March 1, 1687. Donald M c Ley in Strachonnan sum d , cited, and not com- pearing, is to be sum d pro 3°, and Mr. George Cuming was appoynted to make a representa°n to the s d Donald his liveing in habituall adulterie, to the Justices of Peace for y r con- currence. April 14, 1687. Mr. George Cuming declared that (as the Brethren had re- comended to him) hee had represent to the Justices of peace, particularly to the Laird of Coul, the s d Donald M c Leay his liveing in habituall adulterie. The Brethren considering that though their supplying the Parish of Contan was someq* troublesome to them, yet never- theless, diverse of the parishinoers did repine verie much that they were left so long unprovided of a settled minister, they judged it fit to haue the desolate condition of the s d parish of Contan represented to the R. R. Bishop and Synod. FEB. 1687] PRESBYTERY OF DINGWALL 365 6 Deer. 1687. There was no doctrine delivered that day, Mr. John M c cra, late Schoolmaster of Dingwall (who was appointed to exercise), haveing gone to Aberdene in order to attend the profession of Theologie. Feb. 7, 1687. The Min r of Wrq rt reported y* he had begun to pray publictlie for Donald M c Lennan. [Donald M c Lennan was suspected of 'being guiltie with Jonat Fraser. 1 On 6 Dec. 1687 he appeared before the Presby. at the Bishop's request (he having failed to appear at previous meetings of the Synod and Presbytery), and denied guilt, 'qrupon he was then ordained to compeare before the session of Urq rt q r that scandal had been raised on him and Jonat Fraser, and that in order to further examination and getting clearnenesse in that matter : and the min r of Urq r t was ordained to take his oath before the congregation after his compearance and examination before the Sessione.' On 3d January 1688 'the Min r of Wrq rt reported that Donald M c Lennan had not compeared before the Session of Wrq rt as was ordained, the reason q r of could not be known till Mr. Walter Ross came, in whose Paroch the s d Donald resides.' On 7th Feb. the Minister reported that M c Lennan had ap- peared ' as was ordained, and haveing been seriouslie exhorted to deal ingenuouslie, did still adhere to his innocencie : q r upon since clearing him of the scandal under q ch he lay but his oath, he was ordained to be readie to give his oath before the con- gregation of Wrq rt Sabboth come eight dayes thereafter. 1 Then follows the above report as to public prayers for him. These had their effect, for on 7th March, the Minister having reported that M c Lennan 'had confessed before the Session guilt with Jonat Fraser, and therefore had referred and caused summoned him to compeare before the pnt meeting, the said Donald compeared in sacco, confessing that he was guiltie with the said Janet, yet denying he was father of the child lately brought furth by hir: being seriously exhorted to glorifie God in the true and full confession of his sin, was remitted to the Session to satisfie Church discipline.] 366 RECORDS OF DINGWALL [AUG. 1687 Aug. 2, 1687. The Minister of Kiltern informing that John M c halich awoues himselfe to be a conventicler, the Bfen thought it not their concern to follow him further untill they adwise with the Bp and Synod. 4 Oct. 1687. Mr. John M c cra, Schoolmaster of Dingwall, is ordained to haue a Common head de libero arbitrio at the first meeting of the Prebrie efter the nixt Synod. 1 1 The last Minute recorded in volume iii. is dated 13th Oct. 1687. The next volume begins in 1716. In the interval there was not a sufficient number of Presbyterian ministers within the bounds to constitute a meeting, and, other Northern presbyteries being in the same position, an attempt was made by Mr. William Stewart, minister of Kiltearn, Mr. Hugh Anderson, minister of Cromarty, Mr. William Mackay, minister of Dornoch, and Mr. Walker Denune, minister of Golspie, to carry on the work of the Church, by getting themselves formed into the ' Presbytery of Ross.' That Presbytery did not long survive. Its records, beginning 25th July 1693, and ending 12th November 1701, contain some interesting reading. APPENDIX The following are the Engagers in Kiltearn whose names are omitted on page 157 : — ' David Monro c'fessed only that he was in the unlawfull ingadgement against England, bot that he hade no office. ' Rob* Monro sonne to Lemlair c'fessed lykewyse that he was in the unlaw 11 ingadgement against England, bot had no charge. ' Hutcheon Monro c'fessed he was a com'on sojour both in the unlawfull ingadgement and the late rebellion. 4 Andrew Logan, Do d Monro, W m M c allan, Do d M c nicoll, Do d M c conill vie Jaspairt, c'fessed y* they were com'on souldiers in the unlaw 11 ingadgement.' The persons omitted from the Fodderty list (p. 158) are : — ' Murdo M c conill oir, Do d M c James vie Rob*, James dow, Do d M c ean vie thomas, Gillandries M c ean dowy, c'fessed there accesse to the late rebellion by being at both Inv'nes and Balvenie. ' Do d M c conill oir, Gilbert Boyth, Andrew M c conchie vie andrew, Duncan M c conill vie conchie vie andrew, Jo n M c thomas vie alister, W m M c alist r vie William vie Finlay, Murdo Vrq rt , Do d M c conill voir, Thomas Ross, Jo n M c W m vie thomas, Do d M c gillighlaish, Jo n M c conill vie andrew, W m M c george, Alex 1 " M c gilliriach, Alister Graisich, Alex r Dowyn, Do d M c allist r vie finlay brembner, David M c ean vie gilliphatrick, and Duncan M c phoid c'fessed they were at Invernes, bot not at Balvenie.' The following is the complete list of Engagers within the parishes of Urray and Kilchrist (p. 159) : — 'M r Do d M c rae did give in a list of ingadgers within the parochins of vrray and kilchreist, c'teining the persones following : Rorie Ma c kenzie of Davachmoluagg, Kenneth M c kenzie his ser- servant, W m M c finlay, W m M c conill vayne vie ean vreick, Duncan 368 INVERNESS AND DINGWALL M c conill vie ean riach, James M c vic rob in Wester Farburne, Hector M c kenzie of Farbume, Rorie M c kenzie fier of farburne, Rorie begg M c eachin, Do d M c alister vie gillandries, Jo n buy M c finlay gowne, Thomas begg M c chlachar. Thomas moir M c chla- char, Jo n M c W m Mersall, Jo n M c ridler in mid farburne ; Jo n keil M c coule, Jo n M c conill dowy vie W 1U , Jo n M c conill vie ean, Do d M c conill riach, Jo n Vrq rt , Alister M c ghowin, W m Moir, Duncan Greisone, Do d M c soirle, in bellvraid ; Jo n M c ean vie conill vie thomais, Do d M°finlay na loigh, Alister M c conill vie ean, Jo n M c alister vie conill dowy, Do d M c ean roy, in teahnafile ; Duncan M c ferq r voir, Do d M c ritchie, Do d W m roy, Do d M c tormoid, Duncan M c anteir, Jo n riach M c W m vie conill roy, Jo n M°gillimichaell, in kinchuldruim ; Jo n M c kenzie of oird, Kenneth M°ean dowy, Andrew besack, in oird ; Andrew M c James ghow, Alex r M°conill ghow, Jo n roy M c jock, Jo n M c conill vie gillichalm, Jo n M c rorie vie Mathon, in Achnasole ; Finlay M c rorie vie Mathon, Alex 1 * M c con- chie, Kenneth kaird, Do d M c rorie vie Mathon, Do d M e conill roy vie curchie, in arkon ; Do d M c alister vie conill dowy, Kenneth and Duncan his brethren, Finlay M c James gow thair ; Do d M°conchie vie Kenneth, W™ roy M c George, Jo n M c con- chie vie ean vreick, Do d M c finlay taielzeor, Kenneth M c conchie, Do d M c alister vie coule, in moy ; Do d bayne M°george, Do d M c cay vie thomas, James M c W m vie andrew, Alex r M°conill vie ean dowy, James Grant, in Brahan ; Captaine Bayne thair ; Alex r M c George in Vrray ; W m M c chaptin, Rorie M c jock, W m M c jock, Jo n M c ean vie cuvan, Do d his brother, Alex r M°ghowin, in Rih-dun; W m M c ritchie, Jo n M c thomas dowyne, Murdo M c ritchie, in ardnacraisk; Do d M c ean greasich, Alex r Bayne of Tarradaill, Thomas roy M c conill vaine, Jo n M°toirmoid, Do d M c ean vie cathie in Tarradaill.' The following are the persons omitted from the list of the Kiltearn Engagers (p. 1()0) : — ' Alex r M°ean vie George, Hector M°reacan, George M c conill monro, W™ M'ean vie gillimichaell, Jo n Bayne in Dargon, Jo n M c alister roy, Do d M c finlay vie alister dowy, Alister roy M c cay, Hector Monro, W m Vrq rt , W m M°W m vie cay, David M c alister.' The Engagers from Urquhart and Logie (p. l60) are : — 1 Patrick Skinner, Do d roy, Alex r M°ritchie, W m M c thomas, in \ T rq rt ; Do d Glasse, Thomas Glasse, Jo n bayne M c ritchie, Jo 11 M c Andrew vie ritchie, Do d oig M c ritchie, in Gerloch Kinkell ; Finlay M nakaird, Kenneth M°curchie, Do d roy M thomas, Hutcheon APPENDIX 369 M c rob^ Jo n Fraser, Andrew greasich, in Loggies ; of which com- peired Do d M c ritchie, c'fessed only he wes at Inv'nes, Patrick Skinner, that he wes at Balvenie, Do d M c W m , that he wes at Inv'nes, Do d Glasse at Inv'nes and Balvenie, Jo n bayne M c ritchie at Inv'nes and Balvenie, Do d oig M c ritchie, idem' ' Ingaders compeiring this day from the Paroch of Alnes [See p. 160]. ( Gillicalm M c ean c'fessed he wes with James Graham [Mon- trose] and in the late Insurrection at Inv'nes ; Hector Monro y fc he wes on the vnlawfull ingadgement ; W m bulgich, W m roy, Do d Monro, Duncan M°gillichalme, Finlay M c chattich, Jo 11 M c conill roy, idem ; Ranald M c conchie vie Ranald, at Balvenie; Do d M c keallie, the ingadgement.' Engagers omitted, p. 162. ' Alex r roy in Inschrorie within the Paroch of Kilmorack, com- peiring and examined anent his accession to the rebellion, c'fessed he wes on the late Insurrection against Inv'nes.' 1 Ingadgers compeiring from Vrray. ■ Kenneth M c ean vie eachin c'fessed his going to Invernes ; \V m M c finlay at Inv'nes and Balvenie ; W m M c connill vaine, Inv'nes and Balvenie ; Duncan M c conill vie ean riach, Keassack, Inv'nes and Balvenie ; James M c vic rob, Inv'nes and Balvenie ; Do d M c alister vie gillandries, Inv'nes ; Jo n buy M c finlay dowyie, Inv'nes ; Thomas begg and Thomas moir M c chlacher, at Inv'nes and Balvenie ; Jo n Mersall, at Inv'nes ; Jo 11 Ma c ridler, at Inv'nes and Balvenie; Jo n M c coule, Kessack, Inv'nes and Balvenie; Jo n dow M c W m , Kessack and Inv'nes ; Jo n M c conill vie ean, Inv'nes ; Do d M c conill riach, Kessack, Inv'nes and Balvenie; Jo n Vrq rt , Inv'nes and Balvenie ; Alister M c ghowin and W m Moir at Inv'nes and Balvenie. 'Captaine Alex r Bayne c'fessed he wes with James Grahame at Inv'nes, and on the late Insurrection at Inv'nes and Balvenie. ' Alex r M c Kenzie in Cuiltaldod, within the paroch of fottertie, c'fessed his being at Kessack first and last, and seemed truely penitent.' Malignants in Dingwall (p. 171). 'Compeired Alex r Bayne Ranaldson, Do d M°Kenzie, Jo n clk [clerk], Jo n Elder, Do d M c curchie, Do d glass, Alex r elder, W* M« Do d vie rorie, Hector Taylor, all within the paroch of Dingwall, r~ A 370 INVERNESS AND DINGWALL RECORDS vho did c'fess ther accession to the late rebellion in the north, all professing y r greefe for the same, and petitioning to be received to the Covenant and satisfaction, who all ar recommended to Mr. Jo n Macrae to be received according to the act of classes, and before he receive y m to make all the tryall he can anent ther furder accession to former malignant courses and cariages.' The names of the malignants contained in the lists given in by Mr. Donald Fraser and Mr. Farquhar Maclennan on 5th March l650 (p. 176), and in the lists submitted by the minister of Kiltearn and Mr. John Munro on the 19th of that month (p. 177) were never recorded in the Minutes. INDEX Aberchalder, xxxi, 91. Abertarff, vi, vii, xvi, xxxiv, 65, 67, 70, 80, 82 ; list of papists in, 91. Act of classes, 173, 370. Adamson, George, writer in Elgin, 81. Adultery, xvii, xviii, xxxi, 2, 39, 41, 59, 68, 78, 84, 92, 100, 102, 145, 149, 151, 165, 174, 281, 286, 303, 317, 338, 340, 344, 364. Agnes nin Dod. vicay, xlii, 361, 362. nin ean chile, 303. nin vie onil, 360, 361. nin Tarlich vie Alister, 361. nin Ronald woire, 255. more nin ean glaish, xl, 325-327. nick Killichoan, 322. nin dod. oig vie finlay, xliv, 337. Alexander Charles, schoolmaster of Dingwall, xlviii, 319-321. graisich, 367. M'Conchie vie ririe, 191. M'conill vie ean, 368. M'conill vie ean dowy, 368. M'conill ghow, 368. M'ean vie gillireich, xli, 344. M'ean vie George, 368. M 'Finlay vie conill duj, 280. M'Konil vie Allister, 331. M'Konil vick robby, 108. roy, in Inschrorie, 369. roy M'Cay, 368. M 'William vie ean vie conal, xliv, 337- Alness (Alines), vi, vii, ix, xlvii, 141, 156, 157, 192, 197, 199, 210, 269, 294, 302 and n, 304, 305, 313, 321, 341 ; 'engagers' in, 157, 369 ; contribu- tion for Alness brew-house, 349 ; bridge of, 161. Alves, 64. Andersone, Gilbert, xlv, 121, 261, 270. Anderson or Whyte, Isabell, 351. Andrew greasich, in Loggie, 369. M'conchie vie Andrew, 367. M 'James ghow, 368. M'Konilvickandrew, 108. Angus M'ean vie conill, 191. Annan, John, 80, 119, 193. William, 80, 81, 120. Anne nin William vie yoke, 344. ninickgillivichell, 340. Applecross, vi, xxx, xxxvii, xxxviii, 277, 278, 279 and n, 280, 281. Aquavita merchants, 143 and 11. Archibald, Alex., 63, 64. M'Conachie v c Phadrick, 91. Ardullie, 294. Assynt, xxxi, 205, 294. Auchnaseallach, 280, 282, 287. Auldearn, 2, 93, 136, 137, 142, 152, 155, 167, 168. Ault Sulua, Boleskine, 25, 27. Baillie, Alex., in Borlum, 94. David, of Dochfour, xxxvi, 69, 90. Hendrie, 39, 40. James, a papist, xxxvi, 69, 90. John, of Leyes Cruii, 104. William, 87. Bain or Bayne, Agnes, 349, 350, 351, 354, 359-36I- Alex., of Knockbaine, 154, 157, 248, 253, 255. of Tarradaill, 159. captain Alex., 159, 162, 368, 369. Donald, xxxii, 119, 139, 143, 160, 315-317, 343. Elizabeth, 145, 174, 176, 177, 181, 349-353- . Gilis, in Knockbaxter, 238. Henry, bailzie in Dingwall, xlii, 325- Jean, 349-35 6 , 35§, 362. John, 158, 368. of Tulloch, 1 38, 141, 174, 175, 218, 238, 248, 249, 251-254. student of divinity, 316, 31S, 319- Roderick, 360, 361. Ronald, 175. notar, 237, 23S, 241, 248, 253. 372 INVERNESS AND DINGWALL RECORDS Bain, Ronald, bailie, 253. Balconie, 353. Balfoure, George, at Ardclach, 71. Balnagown, 309. Balvenie, battle of, viii, 139 and n s 140 », 151, 154 «, 156, 158, 162, 367, 369. Barber, Robert, 87. Barron, William, in Drumreach, 108. Bayne. See Bain. Beaton (Betoune), Angus, 251. John, in Culniskea, 339, 356. Neill, 152, 156, 163. Beggars, act of synod against, 332. Beseck, Alex., xxxii, 87, 92, 94. Andrew, in Oird, 368. Beth, Gilbert, 312. Bighouse. See Mackay of Bighouse. Blasphemy, 340. Boat of Bonah, 64. Boleskine, v, xvii, li, 4, 23, 25, 26, 53, 83. Bona, vi. Both, 63. Boy or Buy, Alex., 91. Christian, 137, 138, 196, 200. Finlay, 305. John, 150. Murdo, 306. Boyth, Gilbert, 367. Brahan, English garrison in, ix, xxvii. Brembner, Dod. M'Allister vie Finlay, 367. Brodie, laird of, 89. Bulgich, William, in Alness, 369. Bulls, the sacrifice of, 280, 338. Burnet, Andrew, minister in Edinburgh, I 3 I - Byers, sir John, of Coats, xxxi, xxxv, 43, 45, 46, 48, 49, 69, 91. lady. See Grant, Lilias. Caird (Kaird), Donald, 271. John, 249, 253, 317, 324 n. Kenneth, 159, 368. Calder, laird of, 35, 37, 38, 40. Callom, Isabell, 63. Carbisdale, defeat of Montrose at, 184. Carngoddy, 91. Castlehill. See Cuthbert, George. Castle Stuart, 49. Catherine nin rorie vie ean vie conichie Riach, 151, 155. Cattanach, James, 33 1. Robert, xlii, 341. Cattir, M'Finlay v c ean v c conill, 335. Chalmer, John, town clerk of Elgin, 81. William, 132. Chambers, Christian, 3, 4, 5. Chanonrie, xlvii, 167, 168, 175, 200, 247, 270, 292, 308, 312, 336, 337, 347- Charles II., viii, x, xiii, xxii, xxiii, 99, 357. Charms, xh, 156, 196, 240, 333, 344. Child murder, xxx, 92, 254, 255. Chisholme (Schisome), Alex., xxx, 3, 4, 6, 43, 44- of Comar, 141, 142 and n. Colin, of Buntait, a papist, xxxvi, 50 and «, 57, 58, 60, 61, 77. Donald, xlii, 361, 362. John, 329, 331. Mary, 91, 359. Thomas, 192, 193, 197, 199, 329, 33 1; Chleiich, Elspet, 92. Christian nin doil vie alien, 354, 358. nin Alister beg, 309. neine ean vie gillichallum, 196. neine ean vie Kenneth, 149. Church collections, xlv, xlvi. Clerk, Alexander, xlii, 2, 15, 16 and n T 17, 19, 20, 26, 36, 42, 44, 46, 60, 65-67, 69, 80, 81, 84-87, 89, 91, II2„ 116, 119, 239, 240. Donald, in Lochalsh, 171, 253. John, 108. Cloggie, William, 25, 26. Clunes, William, 156. Coats, laird of. See Byers, sir John. Cogaich, 196, 233. Commir, 88. Connan, 182. Contin, vi, viii-x, xxxi, xxxviii, 161,, 174, 178, 179, 186, 191, 199, 203, 205-209, 218, 220, 221-228, 234, 241, 246, 277, 281, 282, 292, 293, 364- Conventicles, xiii, xiv, 93, 301 n, 324,. 329, 338, 339, 344, 345, 363, 366. Cook, James, 121, 132. Cotterell, colonel, 257 n. Covenant of 1638, vii, viii. Cristan nin Tir, 360-362. Cromwell's soldiers in the north, ix. Crookshank, Marie, 338. Croy, vi, xxii, xxx, li. 16, 103, 104. Culbin, 339. Culcowie. See M'Kenzie, Alex. Culduthell. See Fraser, Malcom. Culloden, holy well at, xxxix. Cumming, Alex., 95-98, 101, 112, 116,, 122, 124. David, 132. Donald, of Dailshangie, 75. Farqr., in Garthalie, 75. INDEX 373 Cumming, George, 76, 293, 295, 297. 301, 304-308, 311, 315,321,323,325, 336, 337, 345, 355, 35$. James, 75. in Pitkerrell, 75. John, 93. Michael, 132. Robert, of Inchbryne, 76. of Urquhart, 123-125, 127, 129. William, sheriff-clerk of Inverness, 76, 87, 106. Cuthbert, Alexander, 22. Doncan, in Altirlie, 109. George, of Castlehill, 47-49, 51. John, 31-35 and 11, 39, 109. Dalarossie, vi, 52, 95, 97, 122. Dalgleish, Colin, his abjuration of popery, xxxvi, 58, 59, 60, 61. Dallas, Hugh, of Brachly, 109. John, 104, 174, 261, 267, 270, 287. Dancing at lyke wakes, 52-55 ; at penny weddings, 121 n. David M'ean vie gilliphatrick, 367. Daviot, vi, xvi, xvii, xxii, li, 19, 32, 35, 37, 57, 61, 62, 65, 72-74, 101, 103, 104 and n, 105, 106 ; parish registers of, 107. Davison, Donald, 105. Isobell, 32. Dean, Bessie, 39, 40, 42. Declarations of Estate and Kirk, 180. Deisse, Donald, 354. Denune or Denoone, Alex., 92, 94, 113, 117, 124. David, 109, 114, 115. John, in Connadge, 109. . Walter, 339 and », 340, 345. William, 202. Derilans, 282 and n. Dickson, Patrick, 154. Dingwall, 248-255, 302, 303, 343 ; per- secution of malignants in, viii. « bridge, ix. Agnes, 349, 350, 352, 354- Alex., 312, 328. Donald, 252, 253. John, xlii, 251, 302, 321. Ronald, 251. William, 238, 251, 253, 260, 334. Donald bayne M 'George, 368. dow Mack conachie nan each, xviii, 43, 44- M'Alister vie coule, in Moy, 368. M'Alister vie gillandries, 368, 369- M'Alister v c tyre, 91. Donald M'Alister vie Finlay, 143. M'Alister vie conill dowy, 146, 149, 158, 368. M'Cay vie thomas, 368. M'Conchie vie Kenneth, 368. M 'Conill roy vie curchie, 368. M 'Conill voir, 367. M 'Conill chile, 280. M'Conill riach, 368, 369. M'Conill vie Jaspairt, 367. M 'Donald vie ean, 343. Macdunichie vie ol vane, 347-8. M'Ean chile, 347, 348. M'ean greasich, 159, 368. M'ean roy, 368. M'ean vie cathie, 368. M'ean vie cayan, 368. M'ean vie finlay, 144, 174. M'ean vie ryrie, 338. M'ean vie Thomas, 367. M'ean vie ean glash, 308. M'ean roy v c chenich, 280. M'ean na loigh, 368. M 'finlay vie alister dowy, 368. M 'finlay vie ean, 343. M 'James vie Rob 1 , 367. M'rorie vie Mathon, 368. M 'Thomas vie Andrew, 28. og M'ean dui, 348. oig M'ritchie, 369. Roy, 368. Roy M 'Thomas, 368. William roy, 368. Donaldson (Dodson), Finlay, in Mil* chaich, 143. Dores, vi, xvi, xviii, xxi, xxx, li, 55, 94, no, 113. Douglas, Collin, 334. Hector, of Balconie, 139, 156, 161, 183, 235. Robert, 187. Dow, Donald, in Borlume, 82. John, 160. Margaret, 196. Dowgall M 'Conachie vie conill, 94. Downe, Margaret, 41. Dowyn, Alex., 367. Dress of the clergy, xix, xx, 1 1 and Drummond, Donald, of Drummond, 24. Drunkenness, xxiv, xxv, 48-50, 99, 139, 341. Lt . , c Duff, James, notar pubhek, 26, 27. Dugald Macconachie vie Conill, xxxiv. Dunbar, battle of, x, 188 a priest, 94. Alex. 22, 87. David, 137, 138. George, xlviii, 60, 61, 132, 270, 332, 333- 374 INVERNESS AND DINGWALL RECORDS Dunbar. John, 2. Patrick, I. 25, 26. Thomas, 63. Duncan M'Alister vie conill dowy, xviii, 368. M 'Conill vie conchie vie Andrew, 367- M'Conill vie ean riach. 159, 368, 369- M 'conill wayne v 0 conill buj, 280. M'ean vie Conchy, 99. Due M'Hutcheon v 0 ean Liea, 92. M'Do d vie wurchie, 151. M'ferq r voir, 368. M'Murchie vie Cuile, xliii, 272- 274. o:g M 'Finlay, 143. Dundee, viscount, xix. Dunglust, 228. Dunlichity, vi, rviii, xxv, xxxi, I, 19, 20, 32-35- 37, 62, 65, 72, 73, 106. Durham, Patrick, 269. Eddertayne. 270. Education and maintenance of Irish students, xlv, 162, 164-166. 169, 177, 178, 216-218, 246, 247, 249, 253-256, 258, 260, 262, 27S. Eileandonan castle, 220 and n. Elder, John, 369. Alexander, 369. 'Engagers,' viii ; lists of, 154 and n, 156-162, 367. Episcopacy, xiii-xv, xix. Erchet, the good wife of, 21. Euay, Keneth, 321. Ewen M'Hucheon vie ewn, xxxiii, 364. Falconer, Alex., 102. Colin, bishop of Moray, 95, 112, 113, 116, 117 ; funerals of,' 124. William, 104, 132. Farr, xxxi. See Mackintosh, Alex. Fasts, xi, xxii, xxiii, 152, 153, iSo, 182, 188, 192, 204, 210-213, 221, 226, 242, 313- Feame, Alex., 323. Feast of the Nati%-ity, observance of the, 356. Ferintosh whisky, xxv. Ferae, 270. Ferquhar, Isobell, 92. M'Conill vie Hutcheon, 191. M'ean waine, 143. M 'William \ c ean, 92. Finane, St., image of, xxxvi, 1. Finlay M 'Coil oig, 79. M 'conchie vie Finlay, xli, 181, 196. Finlay, M 'Conchie vie ririe, 191. M'Conill vie Finlay, 191. M'Conill vick robby, 108. M'Ean chile, 335. M'ean vuy, 364. M 'James gow, 368. M'Koniloig, 108. M'rorie vie Mathon, 368. riach, 156. Finlayson, Donald, 156, 160, 353. Fodderty, vi, viii, x, xii, xxi, xxxviii, xlviii, 174, 176, 191, 197, 199-203, 206, 208, 209, 213-219, 224-229, 233 and w, 240, 273, 276, 281, 282, 288, 294, 301 », 309, 311, 317, 328 ; ' engagers ' in the parish of, 158, 367. Forbes, Donald, 103, 118, 129, 130, 362. Finlay, 114. John, 92. Fordyce, Alex., minister at Rafford, 58. Fornication, xxxi -xxxi v, 39, 41, 43, 59, 68, 72, 137, 138, 144, 151, 196, 200, 236, 241, 242, 303, 309, 315, 316, 349, 35°, 365- Fort Augustus, 54, 55, 65-67, 81 and;/. Foulis, laird of, 244, 245, 251, 294, 339, 351- Frankman, Hector, 160. Fraser, Alexander, xxxvi, 2, 12, 14-16, 19-26, 28, 29, 31, 35, 38-40, 55, 71, 77, 78, 82, 92, 93, 95, 100, 107, 113- 115, 141, 142, 340. Dow, 26. Andrew, 27, 89, 302. Donald, xi, xx, 24, 28, 55, 136, 139, 141, I45-H7, 199, 203, 208, 209, 213, 215, 216, 218, 223, 234, 237, 2/4 passim. Duncan, of Murvalgan, 82. Finlay, 87. Flector, of Dundelchak, 8. notary publick, 10 1. Helen, 313. Hugh, 43. notary publick, 24, 28. of Baldown, 77. of Belladrum, 78, 93, 95, 107, 204-206, 208, 209, 216. in Corthly, 54. of Croy, 2, 5, 6, 8, 16 and «, 21, 22, 24, 31, 37, 47, 57, 74, 82, 89, 97, 101, 105, 109, 112, 135. of Culbokie, 77, 78. of Dalcraige, 25, 54. of Daltullich, 104. of Daviot, 104. in Drummond, 25. of Eskadaill, 77, 156. INDEX 375 Fraser, Hugh, of Faneblaire, 77. of Glenvakie, 77. of Kinmonive, 54. of Kiltarlity, 3, 4, 8, 12, 15, 16, 21. 22, 26, 30-32, 36, 37, 42, 43, 45, 46, 48, 49, 51, 53, 57, 61, 62, 65-69, 75, 77, 78, 93, 95, 97, in, 118, 122, 123, 128, 131, 132. of Leadclune, 28. of Stray, 78, 107, 141, 221, 324, 326, 327, 337, 345. James, 2, 4, 5, 15, 16, 36, 43. fornicator, xxxii, 102. tutor of Foyer, 25-27. of Achnagairne, 78, 107. of Ardachie, 54. of Borlum, 82. Barron of Moniack, 107. of Dulcrage, 24. in Dunballach, 78, 107. in Dunchea, 28. in Dundelchaige, 55, 97. of Meikle Garth, 24, 54. James, of Phoppachie, minister of Wardlaw, ix, xxii, 14, 23, 29, 47, 48, 58, 65, 67, 69, 73, 78, 80, 82, 84, 90, 97, 101, 103, 109, 114, 126, 129, 135 ; unpublished writings of, xxix. Janet, 92, 94, 357, 365. Jean. 119, 120. John, 194, 369. of Borlum, 71. of Clunwakkie, 141. of Culmullin, 77. of Erigie, 8, 55. in Fingask, 108. of Gortleage, 43. in Gusachan, III. in Inchberrie, 78, 107. in Kingilly, 108, 143. of Little Glendo, 71, 82. of Migovie, 28, 54. Katherin, 91. Margaret, xxxi, 39, 41, 42, 46, 47, 57, 58, 61, 69, 91. Michael, 32, 33, 35-38, 47, 48, 65.- 67, 70, 71, 73, 74, 82, 83, 88-90, 101, 104, 112, 119, 123, 125, 126, 130, 131. Philip, 22. Robert, 114. Simon, of Briuach, 77. of Finask, 78, 107. in Kulmaskiak, 92. Tavish, of Little Garth, 25. Thomas, 48, 142, 324, 354, 355- notary public, 329. schoolmaster, 1, 80, 108. Fraser, Thomas, of Ardochie, 82. of Beufort, 77, 78, 107. in Beulie, 217. in Crochell, 165, 166, 185. of Dorres, no, ill, 113, 116, 124, 126. in Dunchea, 28. of Eskadaill, 161, 205, 206, 208, 209, 216. of Faraline, 25, 54. of Strachin, 107. of Teanakyle, 77. William, 25, 142, 287, 288, 290, 291, 299, 300, 322, 331, 336, 342. tutor of Foyer, 54. of Bowblanie, 77. in Fermott, 109. in Gusachan, in. at Kiltarlatie, 26. in Phoppachie, 78. of Ruthven, 55. Frasers and Mackintoshes, quarrels be- tween, 100. Fullertowne, Christian, 93. Gaderer, Janett, 92. Gairloch, vi, xxxviii, 152, 168, 1 7 1, 188, 192, 272, 279, 281, 282. laird of. See M'Kenzie, Kenneth. Gairnes, William, minister in Edin- burgh, 131. Gardiner, Donald, 160. Gask, 73. Geillie More, 25, 27. General assembly, dissolution of the, 257 and n. Gillandries M'ean dowy, 367. Gillicalm M'ean, 369. Glasgow, contribution for, 245, 246, 248, 250. Glasse, Donald, 239, 240, 368, 369. John, 45, 273, 340, 341. Thomas, 368. William, 325. Glencoe robbers, 72. Glengarie papists, 127. Glenlia, xviii. Glenmoriston, vi, vii, xvi, xxxiv-li, 65- 67, 70, 82, 83, 123 ; list of papists in, 91. Glenshiel, vi. Glen Urquhart, xxi. Golspie, 261. Gordon, John, xxi, xliv, 307, 308, 311, 313, 320, 322, 323, 326, 336-339, 342, 345, 349-352, 354-356, 35S-363- Katherine, 2, 69. Patrick, xlii, 74, 84-87. Gorten na Keirach, 25, 27. 376 INVERNESS AND DINGWALL RECORDS Gow or M'Curchie, Isobell, 341, 342. Grahame, James. See Montrose, mar- quis of. Grant, laird of, 30. • Alexander, 25, 26. in Carrogarre, 75. in Balmakan, 75. Duncan, in Divech, 75. Gregorie, in Pitkerrell, 75. James, 32-34, 36, 39, 40, 47, 52, 62, 65-68, 71, 75, 91, 103, 123, 132. in Brahan, 368. ■ in Invervuick, 82. of Sheuglie, 75. John, of Glenmoriston, an ex- communicated papist, xxxv, 125-127, 129, 133. of Corrimony, 36, 75, 76, 91. in Duldregin, 91. Lachlan, 1, 25, 26. Lilias, (lady Byers), xxxv, 45, 46, . 48, 69, 91. Patrick, in Inchbroome, 75. ■ Robert, in Carrogarre, 75. Thomas, of Balmakaan, 75. ■ William, of Achmony, 75. Gray, George, at Dornoch, 165, 259, 262. John, of Assint, 72. Greisone, Duncan, 368. Grudach Nickillandris, 317, 3 1 9. Guthrie, John, bishop of Moray, vii. Hamilton, Duke of, viii. Harper, Patrick, 68. Hay, James, 3-7, 31. William, bishop of Moray, 1 30, . 131, 135. Hector M'Reacan, 368. Helen nin ferq r , 360. Henrie, William, 1 14. Hepburne, John, 22. Highland dress among the clergy, xix, xx. Holy wells, xxxviii, xxxix, 88 and n t 136, 144, 280. Hogg, Thomas, xii-xiv, xx, 259-264, 269, 271, 273, 276, 289, 293, 294, 297, 301 n, 305, 320. Home, James, 93. Hosack, Isabell or Cristaine, 242, 247. Houston, James, 317, 355. John, 25, 26. Thomas, xv, xxvi, 2-4, 6, II, 12, . 21, 24-28, 48, 49. Sh 54, 57, 58, 62, 65-68, 71^118, 129, 133, 134. ^ Hugh M'AUister vie ean roy, xviii, 45 and «. Hutcheon M'Robt, 369. George, schoolmaster, 1, 14. Idolatrous Practices, xxxvi-xxxix y 1, 279, 282. Impotency, cases of, xliii, 6-8, 272, 334-336, 339, 361, 364. Incest, cases of, 41, 43, 125, 149, 151, 299, 361. Inchgald, 97 and n. Inchrorie, 301. Innerchannich, 331. Innes, laird of, 89. Andrew, 45. Berald, 104, 132. George, 132. Jean, 45. Inverness, English garrison in, ix ; taken by rebels, 154 «, 157-159, 162; bridge of, 99. castle, xxxiv, 100. James dow, 367. M'vic Rob, 159, 368, 369. M'W m vie Andrew, 368. Janet nin An, xliv, 310, 314. nin Donald, 102. nein vie Gillmichael, xxxii, 87. nin ean vie ulliam, 359. John M'Alister roy, 368. M'Alister vie conill dowy, 368. bayne M 'Ritchie, 369. buy M'finlay gowne, 159. M 'Andrew vie Ritchie, 368. Keil M'coule, 159. M'conchie vie ean vreick, 368. M 'Conill roy, 369. M 'conill reach, 280. M'ean vie Alister, 321. M'ean vie ryrie, xliv, 337. M'conel vick ean oig, 338. M'conill vie Andrew, 367. M 'conill vie ean, 368, 369. M 'conill vie conill vie Thomas, 159. M'conill vie gillichalm, 368. M 'conill dowy vie W m , 159, 368. M'finlay vie conill donich, 333. M'finlay duj, 361, 362. M'finlay v c chenich, 286. M'ean vie conill vie Thomais, 368. M'ean vie cuyan, 368. M'ean vie Thomas, 339. M'ean vie Conil Doniet, xxxi. buy M'Finlay dowyie, 369. buy M'Finlay gowne, 368. gowe, 143. Maconie vie Ferq r , 303, 305. M'Konildonich, 108. INDEX 377 John Maconil oig, 303. riach M'W m vie conill roy, 368. M'Rorie v c ean v c Don d v c eachin, M'rorie vie Mathon, 368. oig M'vic ean, 191. riach M'W m vie conill roy, 159. Roy M'Jock, 159, 368. M' Thomas dowyne, 368. M 'Thomas vie Alister, 367. M'W m vie Thomas, 367. dow M'\V m , 369. M'William voir, 361. Johnson, Donald, in Inglishtoun, 79. Kainlochew, 292. Kaird. See Caird. Katherine nin Donald vie Cay, 1 00. nic coil voire, 335. nin Donald vie Horish, 354, 35S, 359, .361, nic ean Tyre, 78. nien ullay vie ulliam, 354, 358. Keanlochbeancharan, 169, 170. Keassack, 157, 158, 160. Kempt, Agnes, in Garloch, xliii, 272- , 274- Donald, xliii, 255, 317. James, 252. Kennedy, Colline, 231. Kenneth M 'Alister vie conill dowy,368. M'ean dowy, 368. M'eane v c conill zlass, 255. M'ean vie eachin, 369. M'Kenneth, 338. Kennlochiu presbytery, 323. Ker, Alexander, 132. H., 154. Ketual, 345. Kilchrist, raid of, xxxvii, 215; 'en- gagers' in the parish of, 159, 367; . profanation of Kilchrist church, xxxi, 347- heritor of Urray, 146. Kilcumming. See Fort Augustus. Kildine haugh, 252, 255. Kilernan, 175, 186, 238, 239, 287. Killicuddin, 292-294. Kilmorack, vi, xlvii, 141, 142, 145, 146, 204-206, 208, 213, 216-219, 281, 302,303,310, 317, 330-332, 345, 369. ]£ilmuir, 167, 270. Kilravock, laird of, 89 ft, £iltarlity, vi, xvi, 1, 12, 13, 77, 103, . in and «, 145. 3£iltearn, vi-viii, xii, xiii, xlvii, 138, 183, 235, 238-240, 244, 250, 256, 258, 260-264, 302 and «, 3°3-3°5> 327, 341; 'engagers' in the parish of, 157, 160, 367, 368. Kinbeachie, 294. Kincardin, 233, 235, 270, 278. Kinneddie. See Kennedy. Kintail, vi, xvi, xviii, xxxviii, 138, 146-148, 151, 168, 188, 209, 248, 268, 269, 271-278, 282-285, 296. Kirk-burial, xvii, 118, 150, 195, 226. Kirkhill or Wardlaw, vi, xix, xxi, xxix, 28, 101, 107 and ft, 186; parish registers of, 107 and n. Kirkmichael, 201, 209, 270. Knockbayne, 174, 177-179. Lauder, Christan, a papist, 51, 57, 58, 60, 61, 77. William, 241, 269, 270, 273. Law, William, 132. Leasing-makers, 124, 128, 130, 135. Leith, James, 109. Marjorie, 74, 84-87. Thomas, 41. Lemlair. See Munro, John. Loban, Donald, 334. Lochaber, rebellion in, 135; robbers in, xix, 5, 72. Lochalsh, vi, viii, xvi, xxxviii, 146, 149, 151, 168, 188, 282. Lochbroom, vi, xvi, xxi, xxxviii, 136, 138, 141, 152, 191, 192, 194, 198, 200, 203, 207, 221, 224, 226, 228, 230-232, 233 n, 235, 237, 239, 249, 253, 255, 270, 274, 276, 277, 282, 3°9- . ... . Lochcarron, vi, vm, xvi, xxxvm, 146, 147, 150, 151, 168, 277, 279-282, 287, 345- Lochend of Lochness, 1 5. Loch Maree, xxxvii, xxxviii, 279 and 282, 338 n. Lochslin. See Mackenzie, Simon. Logan, Andrew, 160, 367. James, 354. Logie, 210, 232, 272, 324 and n ' engagers' in the parish of, 160, 368. Wester, vi, ix, 254, 255. Lovat, lord, 31. master of, xi, 209, 216, 299. Luggcroft, 25. Lykewakes, xxiv, 52-55, 121 «. M 'Alister, David, 368. John, 179. Kathrine, 302. Murdo, 191. Wm., in Invervuick, S2. M 'Allan, Murdoch, xliv, 337, 33S. William, 367. 378 INVERNESS AND DINGWALL RECORDS M' Andrew, Alex., 108, 142, 352. Andrew, xxv, 344. Donald, 105, 108. John, 100. M'Avis, Duncan, 68. M'Bain or M'Bean, Alex., of Drumond, 55- Angus, xiii, xiv, 8, 97, 11 6- 120, 122, 124-129; deposition of, 131, 134- Donald, 28, 38, 55. of Faily, 19, 57, 106. Doncan, in Gask, 106. John, in Lergs, 106. notary public, 97, 1 1 7. Lachlan, 8, 55. ■ Paul, of Kynkyle, 8, 55. M'Calich, John, 363. M'Chaptin, Wm., 368. M'Chattich, Finlay, 369. M'Chlachar, Thomas Begg, 159, 368, 369- Moir, 159, 368, 369. M'Coill, John, in Borlome, 55. M'Conchie, Kenneth, 368. M'Conill, Alex., 252. M'Coule, John, 368, 369. M'Culbert, Wm., 18. MacCulloch, Duncan, xvi, xxi, 2, 6, 12, 14, 16 and n, 144, 156, 162, 164, 189, 192, 193, 197, 199, 202. George, 296, 297, 299. James, at Kilmuir, 270. John, 141. M'Curchie, Alex., 343. Donald, 191, 369. John, 341, 342, 359. Kenneth, 361, 362, 364, 368. M'Doir, John, xxv, 327. Macdonald, lord, (Glengarry), xxxvi, 82 and «, 83. Alex., in Achlean, a papist, 91. Allan, of Culachie, 91. of Kyltrie, xxxvi, 91. in Innervuick, 91. Angus, 322. Donald, of Culachie, xxxvi, 91. Francis, a Roman catholic priest, xxxv, 100. James, 288. John, in Lick, 91. Katherin, 91. Ranald, of Pitmean, xxxvi, 91. M'dugall, Dugall, 100. M'eachan, Donald, 305. M'Ean, Duncan, 82, 97, 98, IOO. John, 55. M'eandowie, Alex., 142. M'evin, Jon., 82. M'Ferq 1 "., Duncan, 159. John, 82. M'finlay, Donald, 159, 251, 368. John, 142. William, 367, 369. M 'George, Alex., in Urray, 368. William, 106, 367. M'ghowin, Alister, 368, 369. M'Gilandrice, William, 114. M'gillichalme, Duncan, 369. M'Gillicharrich, Malcome, 360, 362. M'gillichean, Donald, in Kinkell, 274. M'Gillifudricke, Finlay, 280. M'Gillighlaish, Donald, 367. M 'gillimichaell, John, in Kinchul- druim, 368. M'Gilliriach, Alex., 367. M'Gillivrey, Donald, tutor of Dunma- glass, 19. Ferq r ., of Donmaglass, 106. Janet, 43. John, of Midleyes, 104. Martin, of Aberchalder, xxv, 33,- 34- Wm., of Largs, 19, 38, 106. M'glashen, David, sabboth braker, 102. M'Gorrie, Alex., 190 and n. Agnes (nien Donald vie Vurrich), 190 n. M'halich, John, 366. M'Hendrick, Margaret, 44. M'Hutcheon, Alex., 92. M'indoir, Ronald, 354. M'Inroy (M'Keanroy), Finlay, 107. M'intyre, Beatrix, 92. (M'Anteir), Duncan, 368. MTver, Donald, 92, 329, 331. John, 230. Murdo, 194, 195, 198, 226. Roderick, in Maald, 92. M 'James, Doncan, 106. M'Jaspert, Donald, 160. Mackay of Bighouse, riotous proceed- ings of, 139 and n. Alex., 106. John, in Toreingnawn, 109. William, 104. merchant in Dumbarton, xlv, 309. M'Keallie, Donald, 369. MacKenich, Alex., 305. MacKenzie of Kintail, xxxvi. Agnes, xxxii, 119, 302. Alex., minister at Lochcarron, 138, 141, 147, 150, 152, 166, 169- 171, 177-181, 185, 187, 188, 191, 193, 194, 197. J 99i 22I > 22 4> 22 5t 236, 238, 239, 256, passim ; death of,- 345- in Auchlanachan, 274, 276. INDEX 379 MacKenzie, Alex., of Balconie, 353. of Coule, 160, 290, 293, 299, 300. in Cuiltaldod, 369. of Culcowie, 230, 236, 238, 241, 242, 247, 287. of Tollie, 343. of Touvie, 329. Bernard, 332. Charles, xxxiii, 57, 58, 63, 64. Cirstane, xxxviii, 338. Colin, x, xxvi, 161-163, 186, 187, 199, 202, 203, 209, 223, 237 n, 270- 271, 273, 287, 293. at Killernan, 269. of Kinnock, 158. of Tarbeit, 137. of Tarvie, 178, 179, 191, 224. Donald, 369. of Loggie, 202, 273, 274. ■ Duncan, 321, 338. sir George, of Tarbat, 288. Girsell, 178. Hector, 104, 132, 133, 194, 304- 308, 311. ■ of Assynt, 180, 184, 185. of Farburne, 159, 224, 290, 295, 299, 303, 306, 368. in Mellan, xxxviii, 338. captain Hector, 238-240. Hew, 206, 223, 224. Isobell, 302. James, 205, 210, 218, 270, 278, 279. 312. John, xliv, xlvi, 131, 145, 146, 168, 174, 176, 248, 249, 301 and n, 302, 304, 306, 310, 311, 313, 322, 333, 338, 342, 345» 363- of Applecross, 17 1. — — of Davochcairne, 157, 1 58, 202, 263, 328. of Ord, 177, 201, 202, 368. in Usie, 255. sir John of Tarbat, x, 198, 201, 209, 214, 224-226, 228-230, 232, 233, 246-248, 328. Kenneth, 159, 321, 367. of Assynt, 168, 172, 174, 175. in Brackanord, 177, 253. of Coul, 186, 193. of Dachmaluak, 328. of Gairloch, 171, 172, 174, 175, 180, 299. in Knockbaxter, 201, 202. of Scatwell, 168, 172, 174, I75» 177, 198, 201, 233. Margaret, 26, 27. Murdoch, xv, 137 and n, 138, 141, 152, 160, 162, 163, 166-187, 191,217, 218, 232, 234, 237 and 239, 248, 250 passim, 286, 290-292, 309, 326, 336, 338, 345- MacKenzie, Murdoch, of Achiltie, 224. in Knockbaxter, 287. of Little Findon, 143. bishop of Moray, 3, 7, 17, 34, 37, 38, 7o, 71, 81, 89, 90. Roderick, xix, xxxiii, 2, II, 47, 48, 49, 5Ii 57, 58, 64, 201, 228, 242, 24$, passim. student of theology, 201, 328. of Corie, 204-210. of Davachmoluagg, 159, 165, 172, 174, 176, 177, 190, 192, 246, 263, 265, 295, 314, 367. of Farburne, 159, 165, 172- 175, 177, 190, 193, 368. of Findon, xxx, 357. at Gairloch, 147, 171, 181, 191, 203, 303, 326, 336. of Knockbaxter, 254, at Moy, 26, 33, 36, 62, 65- 67, 73, 82, 84, 88. of Redcastle, 186. of Tollie, 168, 255, 298. Simon, of Lochslinn, xi, xii, 220 and «, 230 and n, 231, 232, 246. 255. Thomas, of Inverlaoll, 233. of Pluscarden, viii, 139 11, 140 n, 154 «, 184. William, 265, 312, 355. M'Killimichell, Finlay, 106. John, 106. Mackillican, John, xii-xiv, xx, 269, 271, 273, 274-276, 288, 289, 293- 302, 313, 314, 320-322, 336 and;/, 337, 345, 362. Mackintosh, in Conadge, 109. Alex. , 49. of Farr, xxv, 33, 34, 106. of Ochtr. Urchall, 19. Angus, of Daviot, 19, 62, 63. in Drummond, 55. in Moy, 18. M 'Allan, 96. Donald, 104. Hector, in Craggie, 19. in Breachly, 109. James, 106. Janet, in Moy, 97. John, xvii, 14-17, 31, 33. 34. in Dallichield, 109. in Elrig, 106. Kenneth, 104. Lachlan, 2, 38. of Aberarder, 19, 62, 72, 106. in Drumbog, 1 9. Malcome, in Dores, 55. 380 INVERNESS AND DINGWALL RECORDS Mackintosh, Martin, in Fleemintoun, 109. William, of Borlome, 8, 55. of Corribroch, 17. M'Kivirrich, Lachlan, 106. M'Krishe, Rorie, 264. M'Kvarran, James, in Drumcharduy, 108. M'Lauchlan, Alex., 178, 179, 181, 183, 185-187. M'Lean, Alex., 104, 340, 341. Charles, 294. Donald, in Balnichrie, 109. Hector, 91, 357. M'Leich, Donald don, 310. M'Lennan, Alex., 194. Allan, 246-249. Donald, 149, 191, 247, 365. Ferq r ., moderator of Dingwall presbytery, xxvi, 136-149, 185, 187, passim. James, 327. Murdo, 194. M'Leod, Neil, schoolmaster at Tarbat, 167. Rorie, 147, 152, 217, 218, 231- 233. William, xxxii, 309. M'Ley, Anne, convicted of using charms, 333. Donald, 334, 335, 364. Macmiller, William, xlii, 341. M'nakaird, Finlay, 368. M'Naoise, Thomas, xviii, 176, 180. M'Neil, Donald, 206. M'nicoll, Donald, 367. M'phail, Angus, in Inverarny, 106. D.,38. • Donald, in Home, 79, 108. in Meikle Garth, 54. Duncan, 106, 312. of Inverernie, 19, 62. John, 354. M'Phatricke, John, 331. M'Pherson, Andrew, notary public, 46. Donald, 35, 104. Even, of Fleichitie, 19, 106. John, 48-50, 104. Lachlin, in Easter Urchol, 1 06. William, xxxiii, 60, 84. MThoid, Duncan, 367. Macqueen, Archibald, at Snizort, 150 and n. Donald, 324. of Corribroch, 109. ■ Duncan, Raigmore, 109. Isobell, 99, 100. ■ John, 18. Lachlan, 18. Macrae, Donald, ix, xi, xv, xxvi, 136- 149, 199-210 passim. Farquhar, 147, 149, 155, 171, 191, 193, 220, 231, 246, 283 «-285, 296. John xii, xiii, xviii, xxvi, 136, 138, 152, 154, 156, 161, 162, 173, 178-180, 194, 199, 202, 203, 205, 207, 209, 210 passim. schoolmaster at Dingwall, xlviii, 306-308, 318, 319, 321, 324. M'Ridler, John, 368, 369. M' Ritchie, Alex., 368. Donald, 368, 369. John Bayne, 368. Murdo, in Ardnacraick, 368. William, 368. M 'Ronald, Alex., 252. Allan, of Teachknock, 141. James, in Knockie, 54. John, 160. Ronald, 136, 141, 204-216. in Teachuick, 240. M 'Rorie, Donald, in Kinkel, 143. Gillipadrick, 280. John, in Glencannich, 281. Lachlin, in Altirly, 109. M'Shoirle, Donald, 28. in Bellvraid, 368. in Lemnech, 79, 108. John, 79, 107. M'thomas, Donald, in Donaldstoun, 108. MTormoid, Donald, 368. John, 368. M'Warron, Thomas, 28. M'William, Donald, 18, 82. Hutcheon, 142. John, 92, 144. M'wyre, William, 82. M'Zlassich, John, 247. M'Zowne, Donald, in Auchnafoile, 260, 261. Main, in Strathconan, 328. Malcome, John, 249. Malignants, viii, 139 and n, 140, 153, 159, 162, 163, 168-177, 182,185, 187- 189, 191, 197, 369, 370. Man, Alex., student, 116. Maolrubha, St., xxxvii, xxxviii, 279 and n, 280 and «, 282. Margret nin Thomas, 364. Marion nin Archie, 357. Marjorie nin William, 339. _ Marriage, breach of promise of, xlii, 3°3» 305, 3!3 5 marriages by priests, 92, 94, 99, 112 ; regulation concern- ing marriage of a widow, 102 ; irregu- lar marriages, xxxiv, 2, 133, 134* 138. INDEX 381 Marshall, Gilbert, minister at Inverness, I 45, 46, 48, 49, 5*i 57-63, 68, 73, 74, 82, 89, 91, 107, 112, 114, 115, 117, 122, 125, 133-135- Johne, minister of Dundurcos, 121 n. Marie neine Donill Roy, 196. Donald vie Wurchie, 230, 231. nien Dul vie ean vore, 348. nien Dhonchie roy, 364. nin doil uyre, 359. neine Ferq r ., 196. nien Khenich ghlaise, 303, 305. neine vie neill, 196. Massie, Andrew, 47. Mathesone, Donald, 312. Murdo, 191. Maxwell, John, bishop of Ross, vii. Meldrum, George, 69. Mersall, John, 369. M 'William, 368. Midsummer fire superstition, xl, 268, 323. Miller, Donald, xxxi, 71, 72. Hutcheon M'Ean, 92. John, 82, 160. William, 301. Moir, William, 25, 368, 369. Monmouth's rebellion, xix, xxiii, 357 Monro. See Munro. Montrose, assistance for merchants of, 101. marquis of, rebellion of, vi, viii, 157, 158, 160, 162, 165, 168, 170, 172, 177, 180, 191, 201, 209, 369 ; lands in Caithness, 182 ; de- feated at Carbisdale, 184. Moray, earl of, xxxv, 17, 49, 51, 57, 68, 70. More, Mary, 92. Thomas, 92. Morrich, Andrew, 327. Moy, vi, xvi, 18, 95-97, 103. Muckovie, 30. Mulroy, xix. Munro, Agnes, 91. Alex. , 208. in Foulis, 339. principal of Edinburgh uni- versity, 131. Andrew, 172, 174, 231, 234, 236, 242, 244, 254, 263. in Culcairnie, 1 14, 138, 156, 160, 259. in Milchaith, 143. in Teanuar, 156 and 11, 160. in Thurso, 314. captain Andrew, 159. Christiane, 289. Munro, David, 140, 186, 187, 208, 287, 312, 321, 367. of Killichoan, 347, 353. Donald, xlvii, 157, 192, 325, 329, 347, 367, 369- Ferqhair, of Teahnaird, 139, 156, 160, 183, 259. Florence, 165. George, 136, i45-*47, 163, 193, 194, 198, 207, 208, 210 fassim. in Alness, 294. in Rosemarkie, 168, 292. of Teanowar, 256 and n. at Urquhart, 136, 138-143, 185, 186. in Commer, a papist, 91. M'conill, 368. Hector, 168, 369. of Coul, 210. of Drummond, 339, 353. of Eddertayne, 270. in Kiltearn, 193, 353, 368. in Kincardine, 164, 233 and n, 235, 250, 251. Hew, 258. of Foiris, 156, 160. in Foulis, 139. in Katuell, 139, 156, 160. of Swardale, 353. of Teamerchies, 139. ofTeannich, 156, 157, 160. of Tearibban, 353. Hutcheon, 367. Janet, 347, 348. John, 164, 288. in Alnes, 164, 178, 180, 1S6, 192, 199, 292, 302 n, 313. in Ardully, 157. in Culnaskeah, 157. in Dingwall, xxvi, 141, 143, 145- J 49, passim. in Kinkel, 143, 156, 160. schoolmaster at Kiltarlity, 1, 77, 93, 95- of Lemlair, 158, 174, 193, 251, 256, 289. in Newtoune, 156, 160. of Sordell, 139, 141, 156, 160, 183. sir John, of Foulis, vii, 353. Katharin, 325, 349-352. Margaret, in Culcraiggie, delated for charming, 156. papist, 91. Neill, of Findon, 158, 2S7, 295. Robert, 99, 123, 133, 134, 155, 157, 163, 174, 256, 262, 27S, 2SS. a Roman catholic priest, xxxv, 45, 46, 48-50, 6S, 69, IOO, 332. 382 INVERNESS AND DINGWALL RECORDS Munro, Robert, of Abertarff, and Glen- moriston, iii, xvi, 65-68, 70, 80, 82, 91, passim. of Baillchladdich, 183. ofClyne, 353. of Kiltearn, xxi, 136, 137, 139, 160, 168, 234-238, 242, 244. of Lemlair, 160, 353, 367. of Obstill, 156, 161, 163, 183, 186. of Roskeen, 267, 270. « at Urquhart, 249. William, of Keatwall, 353. of Teanaird, 353. Murders, xxx, 92, 97, 254, 255. Murdo M 'Conill oir, 367. M'Conill v c Wurchie v c Conill v c Allister, 281. M'eane Woire v c eane Zlaiss, 280. M'eane roy, 280. M'ferq re v c conill oire, 280. Murray, earl of. See Moray. James, 154, 186. captain William, xlv, 320. Neilson, John, 50. Nickphaill, Elspit, xliii, 6, 8. Nigg, 361. Noble, Alex., 63. Obstinate delinquents, 3, 6, 10. Ochtera, 91. Ogilvy, Alex., 319. O'Neil, a Roman catholic priest, xxxv, 100. O'Rien, father Hugh, xxxv, 100. Pape, Charles, at Cullicudden, 270. Thomas, at Cullicudden, 249. Papists, xiv, xxxiv, 23, 43-48, 57, 60, 61, 68, 69 ; lists of, to be prepared, 2, 3, 103 ; convention of, in Inverness castle, 43, 44 ; proclamation on, 90 ; papists in Abertarff, Glenmoriston, and Kiltarlity, 91, 103 ; in Glengarry, 127 ; in Kilmorack, 330, 331, 333 ; in Strathglass, 345. Parish registers of Daviot and Ward- law, 107 and n. Paterson, John, bishop of Galloway, 339, 340. Peirie, Andrew, in Bunchrue, 79. in Rindony, 108. Penalties, uniformity of, 144. Penny weddings, xxiv, 120 and n. Perjury, 198. Peterhead bulwarks, 340. Petrie, Wm., 193. I Petty, xxii, 1, 109, 1 14, passim. Pitglassie, 180. : Plague in England, xxiii. I Poison, Robert, of Clyne, 353. Popery, xxxvi, 51, 77, 82, 84, 87, 88, 103 ; the popish plot, xxiii. Portpatrick, 308. Portsoy harbour, 99, 102. Presbytery meetings, difficulties con- nected with, xxvi-xxviii. Proclamation concerning papists, 90 ; against leasing-makers, 124, 128, 130, 135 ; on seditious books and libels, 135 ; for a fast, 310 and n ; on the defeat of the Dutch navy, 311 and n ; for victory at Sedgemoor, 357 and n. Prot, Jane, in Petty, 113. Psalms, metrical version of, 184 and ;z, 185. Punishments of evildoers, xxxiii. Pyper, Angus, kirk officer, 141. Rafart, 63. Ranald M'conchie vie Ranald, 369. Ranaldson, Alex. Bayne, 171, 369. Rasay, 276. Reay, lord, viii, 139 140 «, 154, 229. Reid, William, xlvii, 164, 231, 248. Reidcastle, 203. Reildach, Muirach, 354. Remonstrance against Charles II., 204 and n. Restoration of Charles II., thanksgiving for, 321. Reuch, Margaret, 92. Ritchie, Charles, student in divinity, 65, 71, 72. schoolmaster at Wardlaw, 29. Margaret, 45. Robertson, Gilbert, 359, 360. Isobell, 47, 57-59, 69, 70, 92. James, of Cults, 69. Katrin, 334. Mathew, of Dochcarty, 314, 328. Wm., 22, 38. Robinson, Dr. John, 131. Rorie, Tho., 280. M'Alister v c Rorie, 92. begg M'eachin, 368. M'Jock, 368. Rosemarkie, 175. Ross, kirks of, 162, 163, 165, 166. Alexander, 1, 22, 23, 28, 29, 31, 33, 34, 42, 62, 87, 97, 132,265. of Clava, 104. in Culechuinacke, 19. of Holme-Rose, 104. INDEX 383 Ross, Andrew, 114, 267, 270, 352, 353. Arthur, archbishop of St. Andrews, 130, 131. David, 267, 269, 270, 286. of Earlesmill, 42. Donald, xviii, xx, xxiv, xxviii, 137, 141, 143, 147, 185, 187-189, 191, 193, 194, 197-201, 203-210, 214, 216-218, 220-221,223-230, 274, 276, 279, 286, 289 passim. Hugh, 41, 93, 109, 176. John, 191, 199, 316. Dow, 104. Katherine, 315-317, 560, 561. Robert, 22, 249, 295, 296, 301- 303, 305. Thomas, 137, 153-155. 161, 162, 192, 233 n, 264, 270, 367. Walter, 308, 309, 313, 317, 322, . 326, 336, 337, 345, 355, 358. William, 19, 104, 168, 270. Rosskeen, 236, 269, 278. Rous, Francis, 184 n. Roy, Donald, 343. a sheriff officer, xxxii, 78. Even, 18. Finlay, trumpeter, 238, 239, 240, 241. John, in Teanaird, 139, 183. William, 369. Rye-house plot, xxiii, 115. Sabbath-breaking, xxiv, xxv, 41, 54, 99, 102, 137, 143, 144, 148, 190 and «, 196, 327, 33i, 332., 343, 344. Sackcloth to be provided for delin- quents, 19, 20. Sacrament of the Lord's supper, xxi. St. Ruffus island, 338. Schevies, Thomas, of Moortowne, 22. Schisome. See Chisholm. Schools and schoolmasters, xlvi-lii, 18, 20, 23, 28, 93, 94, 99, 105, 107, 108, no, 156, 161, 162, 164, 167, 172, 174, 175, 257-259. Seaforth, earl of, 133, 157 n, 159, 173, 175, 179, 237 n, 241, 254, 255, 268, 269, 273-275, 277, 293, 297, 308- 340. lady, xxx, 321. Seaforth' 's Remonstrance, viii, 157 and 11, 168, 172. Seminary priests, xxxv, 84, 87, 103, 112. Shaw, Duncan, in Knocknikeall, 97. Robert, 38. of Tordarroch, 19, 106. of Wester Leyes, 104. Shiack nein Do d , in Tarvie, charmer. i8r, 182. nein finlay vie George, 181. Skinner, Patrick, 368, 369. Slander, cases of, xlii, 84-87, 321, 325, 341, 349, 350. Smith, Alex., in Donaldstoun, 108. in Home, 79. Donald, in Applecross, 282. James, minister at Dores, 3-6, 8, 9, 11, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31, 34, 48, 49, 51, 62, 73, 74, 88, 90, 96, no and n, 112, 113, 116. John, 142. William, 160. minister at Duthell, xxiv, 49, 50. Snizort, 274-276. Solemn League and Covenant, viii. Spense, James, in Achnigarn, 108. Ssoiles, Arthur, in Obstell, 349. Stewart, Anna, excommunicated, 45. James, chancellor of Moray, 65, 70, 71. minister of Inveravon, 30, 32. Stonehaven bulwarks, contribution for, 340. Strachan, James, of Thorntowne, 44. John, prof, of divinity at Edin- burgh, 131. Stragairve, 220. Strathconan, xii, 146, 166, 181, 220, 294, 307, 315, 328, 329. Stratherrick, v, 30. Strathglass, vii, xxxiii, xxxiv, xxxvi, 64, 77, 88, 100. Strathnaver, 169, 206, 229. Stricken, laird of, 116, 117. Struy. See Fraser, Hugh. Stuart. See Stewart. Suddie, 237, 247, 286. Superstitious customs, xxxvi-xli, 88 and n, 156, 196, 268, 279-282, 287, 338, 344. Sutherland, 259, 261, 262. earl of, 261, 262. Alexander, 41. Arthur, 358. Hector, in Catwell, 339. James, minister in Inverness, 2-4, 15-17, 26-29, 36, 39, 40, 46, 69. Sympson, Alex., 92. Tarbat, 175. See M'Kenzie, sir John. Taylor, David, 142. Donald, 312. Hector, 370. 384 INVERNESS AND DINGWALL RECORDS Taylor, John M'in, 6. Test, the, letter on, from the bishop of Ross, 346. Thomas M'Kean vickonil in Craggag, 108. Mac ean vie Gillereach, 347. M'Kean vore, in Grome, 108. M'farq 1- . vane in Ardochie, 82. M'hutcheon moir, 329, 331. roy M'conill vaine, 159, 368. Thomson, Alexander, I, 25. Tod, Alexander, 62, 104. Tollie, 228, 329. Troupe, William, 2. Tulloch. See Bain, John. tutor of, 360. Lewis, in Cantra, 104. Samuel, 132. United provinces, war with the, 310 and n, 31 1 and n. Urquhart, vi, li, 12, 15, 21, 30, 32, 36, 123, 234, 277, 280, 287, 295, 296, 299, 307, 309, 340 ; list of « en- gagers ' in, 158, 160, 368. of Ferintosh, xxv, xxx, xlvii. Donald, 197. James, 338 and «, 339. Janet, xliii, 317. John, 368, 369. Murdo, 367. Shihag, in Delines, accused of charming, 156. Thomas, 336, 337. William, 353, 368. Urray, vi, viii, ix, 145, 170, 171, 233, 234, 254, 269, 271-274, 283, 289, 295> 304, 3°5> 3"; list of 'engagers* in, 158, 159, 367, 369. Usie, 252, 254, 255. Wallace, David, 238-240. Francis, 92. James, minister of Orkney, 87. Wardlaw. See Kirkhill. Water of Ness, 63, 64. of Oviach (Oich), 83 and n. Watson, Thomas, 48-50, 349, 350. Wause, James, 25, 26. Wells, pilgrimages to, xxxviii-xxxix y 88 «, 136, 144, 280. Whyte, Donald, 351, 352. William M'alister vie William vie Finlay, 367. M'conill oire, 280. M'connill vaine, 369. M'conill vayne vie ean Vreick, 159, 367. M'Do d vie rorie, 370. M'ean vie Gillimichaell, 368. M'ean vie William, 191. M'Hucheon v c William roy, 92. M'jock, 368. more M'ean v c William, 92. ■ roy M 'George, 368. M'thomas, in Urquhart, 368. M'Wm. vie cay, 368. Williamsoune, Robert, 270. Witchcraft, xxii, xl-xlii, 153, 156, 167, 181, 196, 326. Worcester, battle of, viii, xii, 188. Wright, Alex. , 28, 79. John, 107. Young, J., 168. Printed by T. and A. Constable, Printers to Her Majesty at the Edinburgh University Press £>cottt£l) tytetoxv g>octetp THE EXECUTIVE. President. The Earl of Rosebery, K.G., K.T., LL.D. Chairman of Council. David Masson, LL.D., Historiographer Royal for Scotland. Council. G. W. Prothero, Professor of History in the University of Edinburgh. J. R. Findlay. P. Hume Brown, M.A. J. Ferguson, Advocate. Right Rev. John Dowden, D.D., Bishop of Edinburgh. Professor Sir Thomas Grainger Stewart, M.D. J. N. Macphail, Advocate. Rev. A. W. Cornelius Hallen. Sir Arthur Mitchell, K.C.B., M.D., LL.D. Rev. Geo. W. Sprott, D.D. J. Balfour Paul, Lyon King of Arms. A. H. Millar. Corresponding Members of the Council. C. H. Firth, Oxford; Samuel Rawson Gardiner, LL.D.; Rev. W. D. Macray, Oxford ; Rev. Professor A. F. Mitchell, D.D., St. Andrews. Hon. Treasurer. J. T. Clark, Keeper of the Advocates' Library. Hon. Secretary. T. G. Law, Librarian, Signet Library. RULES I. The object of the Society is the discovery and printing, under selected editorship, of unpublished documents illus- trative of the civil, religious, and social history of Scotland. The Society will also undertake, in exceptional cases, to issue translations of printed works of a similar nature, which have not hitherto been accessible in English. % The number of Members of the Society shall be limited to 400. 3. The affairs of the Society shall be managed by a Council, consisting of a Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, and twelve elected Members, five to make a quorum. Three of the twelve elected Members shall retire annually by ballot, but they shall be eligible for re-election. 4. The Annual Subscription to the Society shall be One Guinea. The publications of the Society shall not be delivered to any Member whose Subscription is in arrear, and no Member shall be permitted to receive more than one copy of the Society's publications. 5. The Society will undertake the issue of its own publica- tions, i.e. without the intervention of a publisher or any other paid agent. 6. The Society will issue yearly two octavo volumes of about 320 pages each. 7. An Annual General Meeting of the Society shall be held on the last Tuesday in October. 8. Two stated Meetings of the Council shall be held each year, one on the last Tuesday of May, the other on the Tues- day preceding the day upon which the Annual General Meeting shall be held. The Secretary, on the request of three Members of the Council, shall call a special meeting of the Council. 9. Editors shall receive 20 copies of each volume they edit for the Society. 10. The owners of Manuscripts published by the Society will also be presented with a certain number of copies. II. The Annual Balance-Sheet, Rules, and List of Members shall be printed. 12. No alteration shall be made in these Rules except at a General Meeting of the Society. A fortnight's notice of any alteration to be proposed shall be given to the Members of the Council. PUBLICATIONS OF THE SCOTTISH HISTORY SOCIETY For the year 1886-1887. 1. Bishop Pococke's Tours in Scotland, 1747-1760. Edited by D. W. Kemp. (Oct. 1887.) 2. Diary of and General Expenditure Book of William Cunningham of Craigends, 1673-1 680. Edited by the Rev. James Dodds, D.D. (Oct. 1887.) For the year 1887-1888. 3. Panurgi Philo-caballi Scoti Grameidos libri sex. — The Grameid : an heroic poem descriptive of the Campaign of Viscount Dundee in 1689, by James Philip of Almerieclose. Translated and Edited by the Rev. A. D. Murdoch. (Oct. 1888.) 4. The Register of the Kirk-Session of St. Andrews. Part i. 1559-1582. Edited by D. Hay Fleming. (Feb. 1889.) For the year 1888-1889. 5. Diary of the Rev. John Mill, Minister of Dunrossness, Sand- wick, and Cunningsburgh, in Shetland, 1740-1803. Edited by Gilbert Goudie, F.S.A. Scot. (June 1889.) 6. Narrative of Mr. James Nimmo, a Covenanter, 1654-1709. Edited by W. G. Scott-Moncrieff, Advocate. (June 1889.) 7. The Register of the Kirk-Session of St. Andrews. Part ii. 1583-1600. Edited by D. Hay Fleming. (Aug. 1890.) 4 PUBLICATIONS For the year 1889-1890. 8. A List of Persons concerned in the Rebellion (1745). With a Preface by the Earl of Rosebery and Annotations by the Rev. Walter Macleod. (Sept. 1890.) Presented to the Society by the Earl of Rosebery. 9. Glamis Papers: The ' Book of Record/ a Diary written by Patrick, first Earl of Strathmore, and other documents relating to Glamis Castle (1684-89). Edited by A. H. Millar, F.S.A. Scot. (Sept. 1890.) 10. John Major's History of Greater Britain (1521). Trans- lated and Edited by Archibald Constable, with a Life of the author by jEneas J. G. Mackay, Advocate. (Feb. 1892.) For the year 1890-1891. 11. The Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies, 1646-47. Edited by the Rev. Professor Mitchell, D.D., and the Rev. James Christie, D.D., with an Introduction by the former. (May 1892.) 12. Court-Book of the Barony of Urie, 1604-1747. Edited by the Rev. D. G. Barron, from a ms. in possession of Mr. R. Barclay of Dorking. (Oct. 1892.) For the year 1891-1892. 13. Memoirs of the Life of Sir John Clerk of Penicuik, Baronet, Baron of the Exchequer, Commissioner of the Union, etc. Extracted by himself from his own Journals, 1676-1755. Edited from the original ms. in Penicuik House by John M. Gray, F.S.A. Scot. (Dec 1892.) 14. Diary of Col. the Hon. John Erskine of Carnock, 1683- 1687. From a ms. in possession of Henry David Erskine, Esq., of Cardross. Edited by the Rev. Walter Macleod. (Dec. 1893.) PUBLICATIONS 5 For the year 1892-1893. 15. Miscellany of the Scottish History Society, First Volume — The Library of James vl, 1573-83. Documents illustrating Catholic Policy, 1596-98. Letters of Sir Thomas Hope, 1 627-46. Civil War Papers, 1645-50. Lauderdale Correspondence, 1660-77. Turnbull's Diary, 1657-1704. Masterton Papers, 1 660-1 7 19- Accompt of Expenses in Edinburgh, 1715. Rebellion Papers, 1715 and 1745. (Dec. 1893.) 16. Account Book of Sir John Foulis of Ravelston (1671-1707). Edited by the Rev. A. W. Cornelius Hallen. (June 1894.) For the year 1893-1894. 17. Letters and Papers illustrating the Relations between Charles ii. and Scotland in 1650. Edited, with Notes and Introduction, by Samuel Rawson Gardiner, LL.D., etc. (July 1894.) 18. Scotland and the Commonwealth. Letters and Papers relating to the Military Government of Scotland, Aug. 1651 — Dec. 1653. Edited, with Introduction and Notes, by C. H. Firth, M.A. (Oct. 1895.) For the year 1894-1895. 19. The Jacobite Attempt of 1719- Letters of James, second Duke of Ormonde, relating to Cardinal Alberoni's project for the Invasion of Great Britain on behalf of the Stuarts, and to the Landing of the Earl Marischal in Scotland. Edited by W. K. Dickson, Advocate. 20. 21. The Lyon in Mourning, or a Collection of Speeches, Letters, Journals, etc., relative to the Affairs of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, by the Rev. Robert Forbes, A.M., Bishop of Ross and Caithness. 1746-1775. Edited from his Manuscript by Henry Paton, M.A. Vols. 1. and 11. (Oct. 1895.) 6 PUBLICATIONS For the year 1895-1896. 22. The Lyon in Mourning. Vol. in. 23. Supplement to Lyon in Mourning — Itinerary and Map. Edited by W. B. Blaikie. 24. Extracts from the Presbytery Records of Inverness and Dingwall from 1638 to 1688. Edited by William Mackay. 25. Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies {continued) for the years 1648 and 1649. Edited by the Rev. Professor Mitchell, D.D., and Rev. James Christie, D.D. In preparation. Journal of a Foreign Tour in 1665 and 1666 by John Lauder, Lord Fountainhall. Edited by Donald Crawford, Sheriff of Aberdeenshire. Journals and Papers of John Murray of Broughton, Prince Charles' Secretary. Edited by R. Fitzroy Bell, Advocate. Note-book or Diary of Bailie David Wedderburne, Merchant of Dundee, 1587-1630. Edited by A. H. Millar. Sir Thomas Craig's De Unione Regnorum Britannle. Edited, with an English Translation, from the unpublished ms. in the Advocates' Library, by David Masson, Historiographer Royal. A Translation of the Statuta Ecclesle ScoticaNjE, 1225-1556, by David Patrick, LL.D. Documents in the Archives of the Hague and Rotterdam concerning the Scots Brigade in Holland. Edited by J. Ferguson, Advocate. The Political Correspondence of Jean de Montreuil with Cardinal Mazarin and others concerning Scottish Affairs, 1645-1648. Edited from the originals in the French Foreign Office, with Translation and Notes by J. G. Fotheringham. Scotland during the Protectorate, 1653-1659 ; in continuation of Scotland and the Commonwealth. Edited by C. H. Firth. Records of the Commissions of the General Assemblies {con- tinued), for the years 1650-53. PUBLICATIONS 7 Register of the Consultations of the Ministers of Edinburgh, and some other brethren of the ministry from divers parts of the land, meeting from time to time, since the interruption of the assembly l653 } on the public affairs of this distressed and distracted klrk, with other papers of public concernment, 1 653-1 660. Papers relating to the Rebellions of 1715 and 1745, with other documents from the Municipal Archives of the City of Perth. The Diary of Andrew Hay of Stone, near Biggar, afterwards of Craignethan Castle, 1 659-60. Edited by A. G. Reid from a manuscript in his possession. A Selection of the Forfeited Estates Papers preserved in H.M. General Register House and elsewhere. Edited by A. H. Millar. A Translation of the Historia Abbatum de Kynlos of Ferrerius. By Archibald Constable. Documents relating to the Affairs of the Roman Catholic Party in Scotland, from the year of the Armada to the Union of the Crowns. Edited by Thomas Graves Law. t DA 750 Scottish Mass^sxy ^Mt^pt Bapst Library Boston College Chestnut Hill, Mass. 02167