iMill;m!p ■;^|f^|^^ BR 784 .E97 1843 Church of Scotland. Presbytery of Strathbogie. Extracts from the presbytei K/-\r\lr , -P C <- T- a 1- K lr\r\ /-f "i zi n EXTRACTS FROM THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. ABERDEEN : PRINTED AT THE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICE, BY WILLIAM BENNETT. .'/ ^^- '"/r6^ EXTRACTS '^'^"^ FROM THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. A.D. M.DC.XXXI.-M.DC.LIV. ABERDEEN: PRINTED FOR THE SPALDING CLUB. M.DCCC.XLIII. THE SPALDING CLUB. AUGUST, M.DCCC.XLIII. THE EARL OF ABERDEEN, K.T. THE DUKE OF RICHMOND, K.G. THE DUKE OF SUTHERLAND, K.G. THE EARL OF ERROLL, K.T. X^ THE EARL OF MURRAY, K.T. THE VISCOUNT ARBUTHNOTT. ~-^ ^\)t OTouncil. - The Honourable The Lokd Provost of Aberdeen. X John Angus, Esq., Advocate, Town-Clerk of Aberdeen. V The Reverend James Brtce, Aberdeen. ^ John Hill Burton, Esq. Advocate, Edinburgh. Sir Robert Abercromby of Birkenbog, Bart. Thomas Abercromby Duff, Esq. of Haddo. The Reverend Sir William Dunbar of Durn, Bart. John Dunn, Esq., Advocate, Aberdeen. Lord Francis Egerton, M.P. ^ The Honourable The Master of Forbes. */ James Giles, Esq., R.S.A., Aberdeen. ^ John Gordon, Esq. of Cairnbulg, Advocate, F.R.S., F.S.A., Scot. Colonel Thomas Gordon of Park. ' William Gordon, Esq. of Fyvie. ^ Robert Grant, Esq. of Tillyfour. \ George Grub, Esq., Advocate, Aberdeen, "j;;; The Very Reverend Principal Jack, King's College, Aberdeen. ^ Cosmo Innes, Esq., Advocate, Sheriff of Murray. ^ Alex. Johnston, Esq., W.S., Tullos House. Professor William Knight, LL.D., Marischal College. The Right Reverend James Kyle, D.D., Preshome. Hknry Lumsden, Esq. of Tilwhilly. The Reverend James Melvin, LL.D. J. P. MuiRHEAD, Esq., Advocate, Edinburgh. Joseph Robertson, Esq., Glasgow. Professor Hercules Scott, King's College. The Right Reverend William Skinner, D.D., Aberdeen. John Smith, LL.D., of Crutherland, Glasgow. Alex. Thomson, Esq., of Banchory. John Stuart, Esq., Advocate, Aberdeen, Ssoinu^xmmxtx^, John Blaikie, Esq., Advocate, Aberdeen. John Ligertwood, Esq., Advocate, Aberdeen. Eocal S>^cxziaxm, London, James Mitchell, Esq. LL.D., 36, New Broad Street, Liverpool, John Alexander, Esq., Goree Piazzas. Reading,. John Richards, Jun., Esq. Edinburgh, John Jopp, Esq., W.S., 30, Albany Street. Glasgow, John Smith, Esq., LL.D., of Crutherland. Elgin, John G. Cameron, Esq. THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. The Extracts in the Volume now presented to the Club have been selected from the original Record of the Proceedings of the Pres- bytery of Strathbogie, during the important period intervenmg be- tween 1631 and 1654. Like many of our ecclesiastical records, the one in question seems to have undergone much hard usage, and is somewhat blurred and imperfect— rarely so much so, however, as to prevent the meaning of almost any part of it from bemg dis- covered It is the earliest Record belonging to the Presbytery, and there is a gap of half a century between its conclusion and the succeeding volume. , The present volume is the first of a projected series of illus- trations from the Ecclesiastical Records of the Province; and it is conceived that, from the variety of characters noticed m it, as well a,s the numerous incidental illustrations of history and manners which it affords, this volume will not be received as an unsatis- factory commencement. ^ , • . It would be difficult to over-rate the value and interest which some of these Records possess, as indicative of the under current and real state of society at the time. Histories are necessarily general, and are most conversant with the surface of things; the more minute and homely details of manners and social intercourse which are necessary for enabling us at all to realize the position ot our ancestors, must be gleaned from such sources as those now referred to. Formerly, many subjects fell under the cognizance of our ecclesiastical courts which in the present day would be viii THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. thought out of place ; and many historical references are given, and traits of manners preserved in their records, which one would not have been prepared to expect. During the period comprehended in the present volume, the Pres- bytery of Strathbogie was composed of the parishes of Botrifnie, Keith, Grange, Rothiemay, Rhynie, Gartly, Glass, Dunbennand and Kinnoir, (united into one parish, called Huntly, in 1727,) Bo- tarie and Ruthven, (united into the parish of Cairnie,) ' Tnver- keithny, and Abercherdour. Most of the district in which these parishes are situated was under the control of the Gordon family, and formed part of what was po- pularly called " the Gordon country." It is on the confines of the Highlands ; and its population would appear, from the Extracts in this volume, to have been sufficiently rude and ignorant. During the first seven years embraced in the Record, the established form of church government in the kingdom was Episcopal ; but no per- 1 [Botarie was the ordinary place of meeting of the Presbytery, and became the parish church of the united parishes. There is here a fragment of an aisle, belonging to the Gor- dons of Pitlurg, and the following inscription : " Sir • Jhone • Gordone • of • Pet- Ivrg . Knycht • cavst • big • this • lie • in • remeraberans • of • his • predicessovris • qvha • ar • bureit • heir • and -to-be • And - to-be • ane - bvrial - to • him • and • his • svccesovris - sae - lang • as - it • plesis • god • thay • continev • 1597 • " An interesting tradition is connected with this burial place. A servant of the family, of the name of " Thom," had saved his master's life in battle, and for his services on that and other occasions, permission was granted to him and his descendants to be interred " at the Gordons feet," and the privilege is still exercised by the vassal's descendants, although the chieftain's family has removed to another district and found another tomb. The gable and belfry of the old church of Ruthven still remain, as well as part of the north wall of the church. In a niche in the latter there is placed the effigy of " Tam of Ruthven," one of the sons of Sir Adam Gordon of Huntly. He is in full panoply, but there is no inscription to his memory. It is said that, on some occasion, he was challenged by " the Monk of Grange," and that they met at a spot on the banks of the Isla, where Tam slew the monk, and where a cairn still exists to his memory. The belfry of Ruthven still contains a bell of a fine tone, on which is the following in- scription, much and very oddly contracted : <' Omne regnum inseipsum divisum desolabitur. 1643." The bell is generally known by the name of the " Wow of Ruthven," and is said to have been brought from the low countries. The people of the district are much attached to the " Wow," and when an attempt was made to remove the bell from its present situation to the church of Cairney, it was vigorously resisted by the amazons of Ruthven, who are said to have had their faces blackened on the occasion, and to have saluted the assailants with showers of stones.] THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. ix ceptible difference appears in the forms and proceedings adopted by the Presbytery after that system was overturned. Mr. Joseph Brody, minister of Keith, and Mr. John Annand, minister of Kinnoir and Dunbennand, left the Glasgow Assembly because " the Commis- sioner had charged the Assemblye to ryse under paine of treason ; " but these gentlemen and their co-presbyters seem, without any dif- ficulty or effort, to have become zealous supporters of Presbytery and the Covenant. Mr. Alexander Innes, minister at Rothiemay, was deprived of his ofSce ; and in giving his penitential sermon, he " re- futed Episcopacie to he juris divini, and to be bot humanum insti- tutum" as a course most likely to recommend him to the tender mercies of his brethren. It may be inferred from these, and many other circumstances which occurred over the whole country, that the hold which the system had generally got in Scotland was but slight, and that it was founded and kept up fully as much from a motive of obedience to the Crown, as from any preference of the principles of Episcopacy. The questions which were discussed at the meetings of the Pres- bytery, afford us an idea of the prevailing theological subjects of debate at the time. Those referred to in the present volume are, An externum regimen ecclesiac sit monarcaicum. De efficacia sacramentorum. An ecclesia possit errare. De formali causa justificationis. De invocatione sanctorum. De libero arbitrio. De perspicuitate Scripturae. De vocatione ministrorum. De hjmho. De paedobaptismo. Some light is also thrown on the prevalent state of feeling on the subject of Witchcraft. The General Assembly held at Edinburgh in 1649, "in consideration of the growth of the sins of witchcraft, charming, and consulting," appointed a commis- sion " for a conference of ministers, lawyers, and phisitians, con- X THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. cerning the punishment of witchcraft, charming, and consulting ;" and it is quite evident that both clergy and laity were persuaded of the existence of this supernatural power, while the numerous trials and executions which occurred in all parts of the country bear lamentable testimony to the generality of the belief. The charming and witchcraft referred to in this volume were generally connected with cures wrought or attempted for some severe disease. The Editor embraces the present opportunity of introducing a few Extracts from the contemporary Kirk-Session Records of the burgh of Perth, and of the parishes of Echt and Belhelvie, to illustrate the variations which prevailed in the belief of this su- perstition in different parts of the country, as well as the state of manners generally. PERTH. ISABELL HALDANE. May 16, 1623. Isabell Haldane compeared before the Session of Perth, and after prayers had been made to God to open her heart and loose her tongue to confess the truth, she was asked if she had any skill of cureing men, women, or bairns, that were diseased ? She answered she had none. Being required to declare if she cured Andrew Duncans bairn ? She answered, that ac- cording to the direction of Janet Trail, she went with Alexander Lokhart down to the Turret Port, and took water from the burn there, being dumb. That she brought it to Andrew Duncans house, and there on her knees washed the bairn in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Afterwards, being accompanied with Alexander Lokhart, she took the water and the bairns sark and cast both into the burn. Being asked if she had any conversation with the fairy folk ? She answered, that ten years since, when she was lieing in her bed, she was taken forth, whether it was by God or the Devil, she knows not ; but she was carried to a hill side, and the hill opened, and she entered. She stayed there three days, viz. from Thursday till Sunday, at twelve hours, when a man with a grey beard came to her there, and brought her forth again. The same .day, John Rioch deponed, that about that same time, being in James Christie, the wrights booth, where he was causing him to make a cradle to him because his wife was near the down lying, the said Isabell passed by and spake to him these words, " Be not so hasty, for you need not, your wife shall not be liglitcred till this time five weeks, and then the bairn shall never lie in the cradle. It shall be born, and baptized, and never suck, but shall die and be taken away ;" and as the said Isabell spake, so it came to pass in every point. The said Isabell being required to declare how she knew that ? She answered, that the man with the grey beard told her. The said John Rioch deponed, that Margaret Buchanan, spouse to David Randie, being well in health, and at her ordinary work, the said Isabell came to her and said, " Make you ready for death, for before Fastens Even you shall be taken away." It was then within a few days of Fastens Even, and as the said Isabell spake, so it happened, for before that term the woman died. The said Isabell being asked how she knew the term of the womans life ? She answered, that she had speired at that same man with the grey beard who had told her. Patrick Ruthven, skinner in Perth, compeared and declared, that he having been witched THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xi by Margaret Hornscleuch, Isabell Haldane came to see him. She went into the bed where he lay, and stretched herself above him, laying her head to his head, her hands over him, and so forth, mumbling some words, but he knew not what they were. May 19, 1623. Compeared Stephen Ray in Muirton, and deponed, that three years since, Isabell Haldane having stolen some bear forth the hall of Balhousie, he followed her and brought her back again. She clapped him on the shoulder saying, " Go thy way, thou shalt not win thyself a bannock for year and day," and as she threatened so it came to pass, for he dwyned and was heavily diseased. The said Isabell confesses the away taking of the bear, and the disease of the man, but affirms that she only said, " He that delivered me from the fairy folk shall take amendis of thee." The said day, she confessed that she made three several cakes, every one of them being made of nine curns of meal, which had been gotten from nine women that were married maidens. She made a hole in the crown of every one of them, and put a bairn through every cake three times, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. There were women present who put the said bairns thrice backward through every cake, using the same words. The said Isabell confessed that she went silent to the well of Ruthven, and returned silent, bringing water from thence to wash .Tohn Gows bairn. When she took the water from the well, she left a part of the bairns sark at it, which she took with her to that effect. When she came home again she washed the bairn with the water. She confessed that she had done in like manner to John Gowerys bairn. May 27. The said Isabell confessed that she had given drinks to cure bairns. Among the rest, that David Morrices wife came to her and asked thrice help to her bairn, for God's sake, because it was a shargie. She sent forth her son for fairy leaves, whereof she directed the bairns mother to make a drink. But the bairns mother deponed, that the said Isabell Haldane came to her house unrequired, and saw the bairn, and said it was a shargie taken away. She thereupon took in hand to cure it, and to that effect gave the bairn a drink, but shortly after the receipt of the drink, the bairn died. JANET TRALL. The accusations and depositions given in against Janet Trail and confessed by her, as follows : May 22, 1623. Janet Trail being convened before the Session of Perth, was asked if she had any skill to cure diseases ? She answered, she had none. Being asked if she had used any cure to Andrew Duncans bairn ? She confessed that Janet Burry, the bairns mother, brought the bairn to her, and told her that the bairn started in the night ; she told the mother that the bairn had gotten a dint of evil wmd ; and she directed her to cause two persons to go down to south running water, and to bring as much of it as would wash the bairn, and that they should be dumb when bringing the water, and that after the bairn was washed, they should carry back again the water with the bairns sark, and cast them into the place where the water had been taken up. She farther directed her to bathe the bairn with black wool and butter. Being asked if she did anything more to that bairn ? She denied that she did ; and said that she was contented to be holden as a witch if anything farther was proven. But immediately thereafter compeared the said Janet Burry, and af- firmed that the said Janet Trail sent into her a shot star, which was to be used with black wool for the bathing of the bairn. The said Janet Trail being asked if that was true ? She confessed that she got a shot star at the burn side, and sent it in with the black wool, and that after the cure was used, the child was healed. Being asked if she had used any cure to Gilbert Fiddes, indweller in Perth ? She confessed that she was sent for to come to him, but she denied that she had done anything to him except that she had directed that white bread and wine and good cheer should be given to him. Yet immediately thereafter, the said Gilbert Fiddes compeared, and affirmed that one day when he was going to Scone, he went over some witchcraft which had been appointed for some other men. That incontinent, he contracted a disease wherewith long after he was xii THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. pined, and then he sent for Janet Trail, who came to his house, and declared that he had gotten a dint of ill wind, and promised to cure him. At the time of her curing him by words, for no means was seen, the house shook, and his face turned in his neck. Janet Trail being asked if this was true ? She confessed that sundry times before she had washed him with south running water, and put him through a hesp of green yarn. She granted that the house shook, and that his face turned in his neck. Afterwards it was demanded of her to declare if Satan, her master, was there ? She answered, that he might have been there, but she saw him not. Being asked if she cured Duncan Tawis bairn, she confessed that Duncan Tawis and Isabel Haldanc came to her at her house in Blackruthven, and Duncan told her that he thought his bairn was taken away, it being stiff as an aik tree, and unable to move. Having heard this, she promised to come in and see the bairn. And when she came she took the bairn upon her knee before the fire, drew every finger of its hands, and every toe of its feet, mumbling all the while some words that could not be heard, and immediately the bairn was cured. Being asked where she had learned to cure such diseases ? She answered that she knew nothing but what she had learned from umquhill Janet Murray and Simmie Brown, her son, who had used her so in the like diseases. Being asked if she had ever had any conversation with the fairy folk ? She answered, that she was sore troubled by them ; but had no other dealing with them. May 26. The said Janet Trail was convened before the Session of Perth. After prayer had been made to God, that he might direct her to declare the truth in those things that should be asked, she sat trembling in hands, head, and body. Being asked what moved her, she said she durst not confess for fear of spirits that vexed and troubled her. She was com- forted by the ministers against that fear if she would confess. And then she was asked, where she had learned her skill? She deponed as follows, viz. " When I was lieing in child bed lair, I was drawn forth from my bed to a dub near my house door in Dunning, and was there puddled and troubled." Being asked by whom this was done ? She answered, " by the fairy folks, who appeared some of them red, some of them grey, and riding upon horses. The principal of them that spake to me was like a bonny white man, riding upon a grey horse." She said, " He desired me to speak of God, and do good to poor folks : and he shewed me the means how I might do this, which was by washing, bathing, speaking words, putting sick persons through hesps of yarn, and the like." Being asked when he came again to her? She answered, " When I was on a rigg, shearing with my neighbours, the same folks came back to me ; and the principal of them appeared, clad in green. They drave me down, and then I was beside myself, and would have eaten the very earth beside me." Being asked the cause why she was so much troubled by them ? She answered, that the principal of them had bidden her do ill, by casting sickness upon people, and she refused to do it. Being asked if she cured Robert Soutar, in Muirton ? She answered, that she did put him through a hesp of yarn, and afterwards cut it in nine parts, and buried it in three lords lands ; and that, in the meantime, while the cure was performing, the house shook. Being asked if these folks troubled her afterwards ? She answered, that twelve years since, when she was going out of this town, they dang her down, and she was then beside herself, ready to cat the ground, and continued so till she came to Isabell Haldanes house, and got a drink from her. 3 June. George Robertson, post, who was sent with the depositions of the witches for purchasing a commission to put the witches to an inquest, received from the session four pounds one shilling and two pennies. Also, the clerk is ordained to direct a missive to Andrew Conqueror, commissioner to Parliament from the town, and another missive to Charles Rollock, baillie, who are both presently in Edinburgh, and to write a letter to Mr. John Guthrie, minister there, that they all three may concur together for obtaining the said commission. THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xiii June 30. Mr. Archibald Steidman received twenty shillings, to enable him to sustain the witches. (N.B. by Mr. Scott of Perth.) A commission having been obtained, directed to the civil magistrates, to try Margaret Hornscleuch, Isabell Haldane, and Janet Trail, accused of witchcraft, these women were put to an assize, and the unhappy creatures being condemned, seem to have sulfered the ordmary punishment, viz., by being strangled at the stake, and afterwards burnt, on Friday, July 18, 1623. After they were executed, the kirk session proceeded to censure the persons who had sought cures from them. ECHT. 4 Feb. 1649. The said day, James Arthour, kirk officer, being delait for singing oft' nevyeir soungis on nevyeiris ewin, throu sindrie housis and tounis off the parisch, and vther negligeancis, in his was suspendit from his office, and ordeined to compeir nixt sessioun, this day aucht dayis, to be tryed theranent. 11 Feb. The said day, compeired the said James Arthour, kirk officer, and, being tryed, was ordeined for his former delinquencie to mak his repentanc the nixt Sabbath, on the piller, and therefter to stand befor the pulpeit, efter sermone, till the minister suld mak knovin the cans to the congregatioun off" his forsaid owersichtis, and giff exhortatioun aganest that and all vther old superstitious customes of that natour. 18 Feb. The said day, James Arthour maid his repentanc, according to the former act, in all poyntis, and was reponed to his office. 26 Agust 1649. The said day, according to the ordinanc of the presbytrie, compeired Capitane Thomas Forbes, and Lievtenant James Forbes, and Enseingie Alexander Dugood, efter sermone, confessing publicklie, with great humiliatioun, their fault and owersight, and scandall giffine be tham for their being in that unlawful! engaigment, in Ingland, with Duk Hammiltone, did subscriwe the band, according to the act of the Generall Assemblie maid theranent, in sing off" their greiff" for the sam, as at niair lenth is contened therin. 13 of October, 1650. The said day, Jhone Arbuthnot, in Fynnersie, was delaitit for breck of Sabboth, in careing of letters dereck from the Erll Marischall to the Earl Maris- challs bailyie of Kintor, on the sext of October last bypast. The officer ordeined to summond him to the nixt Sabboths sessione. 20 of October, 1650. The said day, compeired Jhone Arbuthnot; confessit his breck off" Sabboth, according to the delatioune in the former act. Ordeined to pay xxxiii s. 4 d. penaltie, and sit thrie Sabboths on the piller ; or othervayis, to sit six Sabboths, and be trie of the said pecuniall penaltie. xi of Maij, 1651. The said day, compeired Margaret Forbes, and confessit that sche went one with James Grames armie, from the tym that thai camped at Craigtoun, off the south syd off" the hill of Fair, till thai wer defeat at Philiphauche. Compeired also Chris- ten Chalmer, and confessit that sche, efter hir cuming out of Irland, did follow ane Irische mane, called Edmont O'Neill, in the said James Grame his armie, with quhom sche wes acquent in Irland, till thai war owerthrawin at Philiphauche. The minister was appoynted to vreit to the presbiterie for their advys concernand their censure, and chargit her [them], apud acta, to compeir again befor the sessioune, the 25 of Maij nixt to cum. [They wer sentenced " to sit in the branx, in sackcloth, barfuitted, at the kirk dor, betuix the two last bells, and therefter on the piller, the tym of sermone, alls mony Sabboths as till the tym the sessioune and peopill be satisfeit with thair repentanc."] The last of Agust, 1651. The said day, in respeck off" a great number off" troupers and horsmen quartering in the parische, on Saturday at nicht and this day all day, quhairby, throu fear, the peopill war much distracted and hindered from convening, the fast was delayed, and appoynted to be keiped this day aucht dayis. Juin 6, 1658. The said day, Alexander Carnie in Tillioche was delait for brack of Sabbothe, in bearing ane scheip upon his back from the pastur to his owne hous. Juin 20. The said day, Alexander Carnie compeirit, and declairit that it was of neces- xiv THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. sitie for saiffing of the beastis lyflF, in tym of storme. Was rebukit for the same, and adraonischit not to doe the lyik. January 23, 1659, This' day the people were in such disorder, that Alexander Michall could not be receavit to publick satisfaction ; for, because of wind that hapened sudenly. all were under great feare of their come and biggings. BELHELVIE. May 27, 1649. Delated this day, Janet Ross, suspect of charming ; and also Margaret Gifford, for swearing. They are ordayned to be summondet to the next day. June 3, 1649, Compeared Janet Ross, and denyed any practice of charming ; con- fesst she had prescrybed to a patient sick of the fevers that which she got to herself in that disease, namely, ane egg, mixed with aquavitae and pepper. So the elders were required to use tryall if she did any other thing that myght draw her in the guilt of charming, and she was dismissed for the tyme. 27 January, 1650. William Seaton of Many, and Alexander Innes, chamberlaine of Belhelvie, being formerlie chosen justitiars, according to the Act of Parliament, for taking order and inflicting censures upon delinquents convict in the kirk session ; the said William being denudit of the said office, Robert Annand is substitute and admitted in his room. 28 April, 1650. The said day, compeared Robert Glasse and his wyfFe ; and their reason for not cohabitating being heard, were ordained to cohabitate primo quoque tempore. 30 December 1651. No sermon, the Englishes being in the church with the baggadge. January 8, 1652. No lectur, because the shouldiors marched to their quarters, through the paroch, at twelve hours. September 29, 1676. Compeared Isabell Davidsone, and being enquired if shee had keept tryst with anie parochiners here, on the Sabbath, anent the curing their diseases ; answered 7iegative. 2<^o. Being enquired if she had given at that tyme one cure to diverse persons for different diseases, she confessed that shee had done it, and that she gave all those who came to her ane potion made of ale and herbet. ^^^o- Bein enquired if shee had asked of them the moneth wherein they wer born, answered affirmative ; and bein asked why shee did so, shee answered that, knowing the moneth in which they war born, she could tell them what had befallen them, or might befall them forward. Being asked if she had said to George Lyell that a pain shee had in her syd was occa- sioned by a burst, in running after a calfe, about eighteen years agoe ; answered affirma- tive. Being asked if shee had said concerning Barbara Gibson if she knew her to have a pain in her syde, (having never seen her, or spoken with her) ; answered, that the said Barbara Gibsones mother having told her the tyme of her birth, shee knew her to be troubled with that pain, and that it was occasioned by her falling in a tub full of water when shee was four yeares of age. Being questioned how she had that knowledge ; answered, by the twelve signes, for shee said there was fyve woirdes for men and fyve for women in every signe. Being asked how shee knew that ; answered, by bookes. The session, taking the matter to consideration, referred her to the presbytrie, to be examined ^nd purged by them ; and she was cited, apud acta, to keep the next meeting at Aberdin, upon the last day of October next, and to bring her book with her. October 15, 1676. This day, the minister intimated that Isabell Davidson, who had been before the session for the scandall shee had given in this congregation, had drowned herself, and therefore did warn the people that, if any of them shall afterward have recourse to charmers, or such as have familiar spirits, they shall be censured, as adulterers, in sackloath. " The superstition at Wallak Kirk," which is ordered to be cen- sured, has continued to the present, or at least, recent times. The THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xv church of the ancient parish of Dumeth, which now forms part of Glass, was dedicated to St. Wolok. Walla Kirk and Kirkyard are situated on a haugh, immediately below the castle of Beldor- ney, on the precipitous bank of the Deveron. The Saint's Well is near to the church, and was formerly much resorted to by diseased persons ; and, even in our own day, it is said, a solitary pilgrim may sometimes be seen brushing away the dews, on a May morning, on his way to Walla Kirk. Two pools, called baths, formed by the flowing of the Deveron between two rocks, were also held in great estimation for effecting cures in the month of May ; and till lately, multitudes of diseased children were bathed in these pools, on the first day of that month, and their caps or some other part of their attire left floating in the water. The practice of leaving part of a person's dress, or the halters of cattle who were diseased, at certain wells, was quite prevalent at a very recent period.' The pilgrimages to such sacred wells and chapels, against which so many orders of the Church are directed from the latter part of the sixteenth century, appear to have been made with the view of pro- pitiating the tutelar saints, by leaving some offering for them.^ A kindred superstition was the kindling of neidfyre, for curing diseased cattle,^ to which several references are made in the Ex- tracts. Among the historical personages of whom we get some notices 1 [There is a well of this kind on the summit of the conical hill of St. Mungo, in the parish of Kinnoir.] 2 [In Father Blackhall's MS. the following instance of this practice occurs : " Shortl}' heirafter, in the octave of the Assumption of our Ladye, she [the Lady Aboyne] did go to the Bogge of Gight to sie her mother-in-law, my Ladye Marqueis of Huntly, and to go from thence a pilgrimage, two milles, to our Ladye of Grace, in Murray land. It had bein of old a very devote place, and many pillgrimages had bein made to it from al the partes in the Northe of Scotland ; but then ther was nothing standing of it but some brocken walles, which the minister made throw downe within the chappelle, to hinder the people to pray there ; a great devotion of their holy Covenant, rebellious both to God and their King. She used to make that pillgrimage every year so long as she had health to do it, a mater of threttie milles from her owne house, wherof she made two of them afoot, and bare- footed, next to the chappell."] 3 [" Neidfire. The fire produced by the friction of two pieces of wood." The super- stition seems to have descended from Pagan times, and was forbidden by a council held in the time of Charlemagne. See Jamieson's Scottish Dictionary, vol. ii.] xvi THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. in this volume, is the Lady Elizabeth Gordon, eldest daughter of John, twelfth Earl of Sutherland, and wife of James Crichton of Frendraucht. The House of Frendraucht, as is well known, from the graphic account of the catastrophe given in Spalding's annals, was destroyed by fire in 1630, and in it perished, among others, the Viscount Melgum, second son of the Marquis of Huntly, and John Gordon of Rothiemay, who were Frendraucht's guests at the time. That the fire was accidental, there seems no reason to believe, whether we judge from historical and contemporary documents, or from the invariable tradition of the district ; nor is it easy to ac- count for this mournful event, if we ascribe its occurrence (as is [Upon Wednesday, the 28th of November, afternoon, the Lord of Strabane, other- wayes called the Master of Abercorn, was married with Lady Jean Gordon, the Marques' youngest daughter, within the kirk of Bellie, be ane Irish minister, brought with him of purpose. They were honourablie entertained within the Bog, and within few days departed home. Spalding, Hist, of Troubles. Bann. edit., vol. i., p. 14.] 2 [In this moneth of August, [1643,] the Marques' sister, Jeane Gordone, lady and relict of umquhill Claud Hamilton, Lord Strathbane, cam heir to the north, and took wp her hous in Lesmoir. Spalding, vol. ii., p. 152.] THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. XlX Rhynie was directed to forbid her " the resett of any excommuni- cat persones quhatsomeuer, Jesuitis or masse priestis, and to vatche her hous as narrowlie as he could for that effect ; and during the time of her abod heir, to labour to persuad hir from Poperie how often he could have occasion of conference." In January, 1644, it is reported that the Lady Strabane was resolved to return to Ire- land, and had sent some of her servants to that country, to ascertain if she could return with safety, and that, in the event of their find- ing it unsafe, then she " sould not refuse instructioun be vay of con- ference." In March, it is reported that her servants had returned from Ireland, " and declared hir towne to be rebuilding, and so her ladyship ves addressing hirself for hir remowall vith all convenient diligence." ' The Ladies of Rothiemay, elder and younger, had many visita- tions from the Presbytery with regard to their conformity. The murder of William Crichton, of which several notices occur, is thus alluded to by Spalding : Upon the 23 of August, [1642,] Crichtoun, brother german to the laird of Fren- dracht, was unhappelie slayne at , be Adame Gordoun, ane young boy, with ane pistol ; he is sone to James Gordoun in Fechill, of the folkis of Curridoun, and servitour to Urquhart of Crommy. Dumbar of Burgie, goodbrother to the laird of Frendracht, had drawn on ane melting betwixt Crommy and • Crichtoun, who then stood not in good termes, whair Meldrum of Iden wes ; bet this meiting turned tragicall, and Crommy, his boy, and Iden, haistellie fled the countrie, and saiflie wan away. ^ The priests who performed the hazardous office of visiting the Roman Catholic families in the country, assumed many disguises, with the view of concealment ; but so vigilant a watch was kept for them, that their haunts were soon discovered. Father Blackball, whose name occurs with others in the present volume, was an es- pecially active person in his vocation. He was for some time re- sident at Aboyne Castle, and he wrote an account of the services which he performed to the Lady Isabella Hay, daughter of the Earl • [The castle of Strabane was burnt and destroyed by Sir Phelim O'Neile, in the rebellion of 1641.] 2 [Spalding, vol. ii., p. 76.] XX THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. of Erroll, Dame Sophia, Countess of Aboyiie, and to her daughter, which contains much curious information and local history.^ The following extract from the part of this work which relates to his services to the Lady Aboyne, shows the families whom he visited ; and it will be remarked, that some of them are referred to by the Presbytery as suspected Papists, and that, although they signed the Covenant, they would not communicate : I did never go any way from her [the Lady Aboyne] ungiveing her a note be wreate, show- ing wher I was going, and where I might bee found every day or night until I did returne a^aine to her housse, so that she did know ever wher to send for me, and undoubtedly find me, it^'she needed me befor my returning, and tould her what day precisely I would returne, and never failed to kepe my day, although it should be midnight and more befor I could returne, as for the most it was, because I knew that she would apprehend that I wer tacken prisonnier if I did not returne at the day appointed. My cours was not very great, but only from her house of Aboyne to Aberdein, two and twenty miles, wher I did confesse and communicat al the Catholiks that were ther ; and from Aberdein to Buchan, a mater of nyntein or twenty miles, wher I had but fyve Catholick houses to go to ; Blaire, ten miles from Aberdein ; and Shives, fyve or six miles from Blaire ; and Gicht, as farre from Shives ; and Artrachy, nynne or tenne myles from Gicht ; and Cruden, six myles from Artrachy ; and the dis- tance betwixt theis houses obliged me to stay a night in each of them to say messe, con- fesse, communicat, and exhort the Catholicks be way of a short preaching ; and from Buchan to Strathboggie, wher I used to stay but three or four nights, the first in the village, they cal it the Rause, in Robert Rinne his house, an hostellerye, wher the poor Catholicks con- vened ; the second in Carneborrow, wher Neulesly and his daughter did come to me, and sometimes I did go to Neulesly his house ; the third night to Craigge, six miles from Carne- borrow, and Carneborrow is four myles from Strathboggie ; and last to Aboyne back again, through the Cuishney hilles, as wyld a part as is in al Scotland, which I have crossed many times at midnight al alon, when I could not see whether I was in the way or out of it, but trusted my hors, who never failed nor fanted in the way. The following incident occurred to him while he was in the ser- vice of the Lady Aboyne's daughter, whom he terms Madame de Gordon, now Dame d'attour to Madame, and is strikingly illus- trative of the rude lawlessness of the times : — § 1. WHAT DID BEFAL TO ME AT THE MOORE OF REYNY,2 GOING TO VISIT MADEMOISELLE GORDON. You were not suffered to remain in Aboyne eight dayes after the deceasse of your mother, but was sent to Robert Couts his house. I belive you did find a great cheang- ment. I did go at that tyme to Donald Fai-querson in Braymarre, where I did learn that 1 [The MS. is called " A breiffe narration of the services done to three Noble Ladyes by Gilbert Blakhall, preist of the Scots Mission, in France, in the Low Countries, and in Scotland." The original MS. is in the valuable collection of Bishop Kyle, who was kind enough to allow the Editor the use of a correct transcript o*" it for the Club.] 2 [The Muir of Rhynie.] THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xxi you were transported out of your mothers housse, and wer to be sent to my Ladye Dro- mond, your cousine germaine, or to her sister, my Ladye Haddington, to be bredde in the Protestant religion. Wherfor, I icnowing that I would not get access unto you, being with any of these ladyes, who did know me, and, consequently, that I could not perform my promis made to your mother, unles I could find some moyen to get you out of Scotland in some Catholick contrie, I resolved to go to France, wher your grandmother had retired herself from the troubles alreadie begunne, but not yet come to a height in our contrie, with the intention to work upon her to send for you, and bread you with herself in France. And, if that did not succeid, (wherof I had smal hopes, knowing her humeur,) to sollicitat the Queue of France, or Madame, for maintenance for you, in whom I had greater con- fidence. My resolution being taken for France rather than for Ingland, wher I knew I would have been welcome, and wel used, but could not do any good ther for you, I did mak a tour among my best frinds to tak my leave at them, and to purchase some moneys to mak my voyage, for my pursse was very light, and to get my liors sould, whose price was the greatest found that I had for my journay ; for I got but very litle from my frinds, they persuad- ing themselves that my ladye, your mother, had made me riche at her death, as some indead did say to me that it could not be otherwysse, to find some pretext to themselves not to offer me anything; and I did avouche that it was so, and that I neded non from them ; for it was ever contrair to my nature to meane myself directly or indirectly to any body, what necessity soever I wer suffering. I would not omit to tak my leave of you, and for that purpose did go from Strathboggie to Cromar, and passing by the Moore of Reynie, I in- tended to give my hors a misure of oates ther, becaus ther was no place after that hostellerie wher I could gette oates to him, and I had eight miles to ride over the Cuishnie hills, as wyld a piece of ground as is in al Brittaine ; and coming to the gate of the hostellerie, I did mete a carter dryving out a cartful of horses dung to lay upon the land. I asked him if I would get there good oates for my hors. I had never bein in that hostellerie befor that tym, althought I had gone by the gate above an hundreth tymes. The unhappie rascal answering said. Yes, Sir, and good aile and biere also j but did not tell me that the house was ful of men, as drunk as men could be. I entred in the courte, suspecting nothing, and as I descended from my hors, a gentleman, called Jhon Gordon, sonne to Leicheston, did embrasse me very kyndly. He was exceiding drunk. When I did sie that, I was sorry that I had entred in that housse, but there was no remede. I could not retire then, nether with honor nor sauvetie, for I would have bein taken for an ennemye in theis troublesome dayes, when every unknown man was suspected ; therfor I thought it best to go forward with him, who hartly prayed me to enter in the hall with him. I condescended, but would first put my hors in the stable ; and, through good fortune for me, the door of the stable was low, so that I was forced to tak of my valise from behind the sadle, which, being bigge and ful, was heigher than the sadle, and could not enter the dore. My valise being of, Jhon Gordon called a servande to carie it into the hall, which I would not suffer, but would carie it in myn owne hand, because ther was in it a sute of mes cloathes, which being scene, would have discovered me. How soone I had given my hors stra to eat attending oates, Jhon Gordon would have me go into the hall, which was ful of souldiers, drunck as beastes, and their captain, William Gordon of Tiliiangus, was litle better. This Tiliiangus had bein page to your father, and at this tyme wherof I speak, had gotten a patent to list a company for the then holy bot now cursed Covenant, and Jhon Gordon of Licheston was his lieutenant. They both had bein of that company of light horsemen who spoiled the lands of Frendret, and had bein ever banished since that roade, until the troubles were begune, and then every Covenanting man was more legal than the King himself. • Leicheston and I entred into the hall, my vallise in one hand, and my hate in the other, to salut the companye, and as I was making my courtsie to them, the captain, in a com- manding way, said. Who are you, Sir ? which did presently heat my blood, which was not yet come to a good temperement after the death of your mother, but a matter of three weekes befor. And as I thought he spoke disdainfully to me, I answered in that same tone, D xxii THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. saying, That is a question, indeed, Sir, to have bein asked at my footeman, if you had seine him comeing in to you. He said it was a civile demande, and I said it might passe for such to a vallet, but not to a gentleman. He said it was civile, and I said it was not. Leicheston seing us both very hotte, and readie to come to blowes, taking me by the hand, said. Go with me. Sir, to a chamber, and let this company alone, and we shal be by our- selves. With al my hart. Sir, said I ; for I did not desire to oftend any man. So we went together, and, as I thought, we had bein delivered from the importunity of the captain. He followed us to the chamber, and did sit downe by my syd ; I made him welcome, and prayed him to drink with us, which he would not do, but said, 1 pray you. Sir, tel me what you are. And I answered him, saying, Sir, if you would have had but a litle patience, until I had bein set downe among you, and my hart warmed with a cuppe, as yours hath bein, and then asked me through kyndnes who I was, I would at the very first word have tould you ; but you did begin in a disdainful way to question me, as if I had bein some countrie fellow, and that maner of proceiding did at the very first, heat my blood, and obliged me to refuse to satisfye your demande. And now I cannot, with my credit, accord unto you that which immediatly befor I have refused ; for you wil think that you have forced me to it, and that not complesance but fear hath made me give you satisfaction, and therfor, I pray you, for my honors sake, differre to another tym the curiosity of knowing who I am, since I cannot with honor tel you now ; and I am resolved not to doe any thing prejudiciable to my honor, nather for feare of death nor hope of reward. But at the next meting, whensoever it arrive, I shal freely tel you, for then I hope our partie wil not be so unequale as it is now, and therfor wil not then be ascryved to feare or basenes, as it would be undoubtedly now. With this answer, he went from us to his companye, and, as we thought, (that is Leicheston and I,) if not contented at least payed with raison. In this meantyme, Leacheston did cal for Finden hadocks (or fishes like whitins, but bigger and firmer) ; the mistres did give four to her servand to roste and bring to us. When they wer rosted, the captain did tak them from her, and eat them with his souldiers. The servande came and tould us that the captain would not suffer her to roste any for us, nor bring to us theis that she had rosted for us. Wherupon I said to the mistresse, in great anger, Goodwyf, I pray j'ou give me some hadocks, and I will go into your hall and roste them, or some better thing for them, for I wil not be so brauved by your captain ; my moneyes are as good as his are, and therfor I wil haue haddocks for my moneye, or know wherfor not. She said. You shal have sir ; but you shal not go in among them who are bent to kill you ; I pray God de- liver my housse from murther ; I would give al I have in the world to have you saiffe out of my housse ; I shal go and rost hadocks, and bring them to you myself. Which she did, and we did eat them, and drink to the health of one another without any trouble, for our resolution was taken to selle our skines at the dearest rait that we could, if it behouved us to dye ; for Lichestoun had alreadie sworne to dye or live with me. The captain came in to us againe, and set himself downe by me, and renewed his first demande, that I should tel him who I was. I told him that I had no other answer to give him but that same which I had alreadie given him ; if that could content him, I would be very much his servant, if not, I was resolved to live or dye with honor. Then Licheston did speak to him very generouslye, and did show him how impertinent a thing it was to molest a stranger to know who he were ; and said, Gentlemen may haue some tymes juste and very necessary raisons to not discover themselves, and especially in such a troublesome tym as this is, when it is hard to know frindes from foes even among dore nightbours, much more among strangers who hath never sein one another ; and said, Williame, if ther were peace and justice in the contrie, neither you nor I durst be so bould as to tel who we were. Should not you, then, deale with others as you would be dealed with ? As for myn owne part, I did bring this gentleman into our company in a frindly way, and wil do my best to tak him out againe saiffe, and wil shaire with him in death or lyftie until he be free out of our company. The captain went from us againe very angrie to his company, and I know not what sire they were making, but a servant of Leicheston came to us, al troubled, and told his master. THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xxili in Irish, that they wer making themselves readie to mak me tel who I was, or kill me with- out any forder. Leicheston, hearing this, was mightily troubled, and said they are comeing to use violence against you, but I shal fall or stand with you. Let us defend ourselves. And saying this, did tak his targe and his sword from his man, and said. Let us mete them. No, Sir, said I, by my truth we wil not do so, let them come to us ; they are twentie against two, and may soon oppress us in an open court wher they may environ us. We must keep ourselves within this chamber, and defending the dore, hould them out from us, until we get mor help. Your advice is good, said he ; we shal follow it. I had in my hand a musketon of the wydest sort, charged with nynne balles of pistolets, and two pisto- lets upon my girdle. With thir three shots, said I, in grace of God, we shal mak them smart befor they come within this dore, for I know they wil come out al in a crowd to- gether, which I wil mak thinner with on blow of my musketon. They delayed to come out, and, in the mean while, I said to Leicheston, Sir, you are the captains frind, and he yours ; I pray you rather be a mediator to mak peace then a partenar either with them or me, and go into them in a peaceable manner, without your targe, and show the captain that it will be a great blot unto his honor to bring twenty men against two. Let us rather feight a combat, he and I, hande to hande, if he think that I have wronged him. I am readie to do him reason, my sword in my hand, and lay my gunnes downe at my feete. This will be more honourable to him, and more generously done then to come with twentie drunken fellows to murder two gentlemen in their chamber, which would put such a staine upon him as he could never wash of, although he should heirafter shed al the blood in his vaines. Leicheston, very glad of this motion, said, I wil go tel him, and show him that I will be your frind ; let him choice any other whom he wil ; and he must ather mak peace with you, or accept of this offer, or declare himself a poltron. One of theis three he must do. I prayed him, lykwayes, to bidde the captain choise both the armes and the place, so that it were but a quarter of an mile from his sojors and parti- cular frinds. But for the tym, because I had affairs which requyred my presence, I desired it might be this same day or the morrow befor noon. Leicheston did go in among them, without armes, and tould the captain in his eare what I had said, who, at first, would not belive him ; but Leicheston swearing that I had given him commission to tel him theis things from me, then he mad answer and said. He shal not be wronged any more ; I am sorry for what is past, but I have greater desire now than ever to know who he is, because he is so resolute. I did never mete with a man of greater re- solution, wherfor I shal honour him whersoever I shal sie him ; and tel him, that I nede not feight combats to show my courage, it is wel aneugh knowen in this contrie wher I live, and I belive so be his, wher himself is knowen. Leicheston tould me this from him, wherof I was overjoyed, for I desired nothing so much as to be away with my credit and in peace. Yet, his curiosity to know who I was, mad him to go to the stable, and his soldiers, in a crowd, after him, thinking to find my valise upon my hors, and something in it wherby I might be discovered ; which had arreived, had the dore of the stable bein heigh aneugh to let my hors in and the valleise upon him. I, sieing them runne in a crowd to the stable, said to Leicheston, What do theis men meane runing to the stable ? Do they think that my hors can tel them who I am ? or do they think to tak away my hors ? I did not come by him so lightly ; nather wil I part with him so easily. If I sie him coming out, 1 vow I .shal make some of them lye in the dust. They, finding no vallise, returned unsturred my hors, and went to ther hal. The captain shortly after this did come to our chamber, for the last tym, and, sitting down by me, said, Sir, I am not come to enquyr who you are, for experience teacheth me that you are a resolut gentleman, be who you wil, and therfor I do honor you, and wil be your servant so long as I shal live ; and if you wil honor me with the society of your brotherhood, I shal think myself greatumlye obliged to you ; for I will avouch that I never did know so resolut a gentleman, which the danger you were in doth show, wherof you wer not ignorant, and therefor your resolution is the better knowen. And now I am come to crave you pardon for the affront that we have done. Good Sir, said I, be pleased xxiv THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. to cheange the name, and cal it wrong, but not affront; for a man who is resolved to dye in defending his owne honor may rccive wrong indead, but not an affront ; and as to me, I have never yet received any aflront, nor do I think to be so basse as ever to receive any. I do believe it indead, said he. But, alace ! we were to nere to wrong you. For once ther was but a haire (as we say) betwixt your lyife and your death ; and therfor I crave you tenne thousane tynies pardon, and as many thanks to Almighty God, who, in the twinckling of an eye, cheanged our indignation in compassion, and made me say, O what a pitie were it to kill so brave a man so unworthely ; and saying that, lett the gunne fal out of my hand, with which I intended to pearce your hart, for the affront which I in my wreath judged that you did me, in disdaining to satisfye my curiosity to know who you were ; but now, in your presence, I vow to Almightie God that I shal never heirafter ask anj' gentleman who he is. I shal avouche to have learned this much civilitie from you. I prayed him to cut his discours, that we might drink to the good health of ane another, which he did ; and when each of us had druncken to one another, he asked if I would be ])leased to suffer his company to come into our chamber to drink with me, and upon my word of honor, said he, they shal do you no injury. They shal be welcome, said I, with al my hart. So he did go to them, and brought them in, without armes, and I did tak eachof them by the hand, very kindly, and drank to them, and they to me. They were in al fyve and twentie, and a minister called Mr. Patrick Galloway, who had bein lately banished out of Ireland in the insurrection that the Irishes made against the Scots, in the north of Irland ; wherby you may judge if I would not have bein a good pryse to theis soldiours of the unholy covenant. They would have bein better rewarded then for taking a preist nor for a lord, because thes rebelles covered their traison with the cloak of religion. But my resolution was, al the tym that I was in Scotland to defend myself as long as I could stand, and in myn owne defence dye rather by the handes of gentlemen then of the hangman. But my day was not yet come to dye at that occasion, and God changed thair hatred in love, for we became the greatest frindes that could be, and made promise of brotherhoode one to another. And when I did go to my hors, the captain and the minister and al the soldiers embraced me, and the captain would nedes help me to tye my valise unto my sadle, and hold my stirope ; but I would not suffer him to do the last, althought I could not get him hindered from the first, and I had much adoe to hinder him from the last. For when I did put my foote to the stirope, he reached his hand to the other to hold it, which obliged me to draw my foote bak again from the stirope two divers tymes, and at last I was forced to accept the service which one of his soldiers offered me, for to be delivered from the complimentious civilitie, shal I cal it, or rather officiosity.e of the captain ; and, when I was monted to my hors, I behouved tak every man by the hand again, and drink to the good health of the captain, the lieutenant, and al their soldiers. The visitations of churches made by the Presbytery afford abund- ant evidence that the examinations then made were strict and searching, both as regarded the clergymen themselves and their flocks. Many singular illustrations of the ecclesiastical economy of the time, as well as of the prevailing customs of the people, are afforded by the Records of these visitations ; the existence of a curious superstition is admitted by Sir William Gordon of Lesmoir, at a visitation of the Kirk of Rhynie, in August, 1651, viz., that part of the Mains of Lesmoir vv^as given away to the Goodman, and used not to be laboured, " but that he had a mynd, be the assistance THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xxv of Gocl, to cause labour the same." In November, 1646, Seifwright and Stronach are accused of sorcery, in alloting some land to the Old Goodman. This is another remnant of Paganism, — the piece of ground untilled being specially dedicated to the Devil, whom it was supposed to propitiate, and who is spoken of in very civil terms as the Goodman, in the same way as the fairies were called our good neighhours. Curious illustrations of the state of manners abound in the volume. The Laird of Avochy was found guilty of bringing home a millstone from Morayshire on a Sunday, with a great company of horse and litters.' George Gordon in Rhynie was guilty of " gathering grosers in time of sermon." For a specimen of the rude and licentious life of a provincial cavalier, the declaration of Master James Kennedy may be referred to.^ John Matman^ is one of those ruffians to whom turbulent and unsettled times give birth. He was "the murtherer of Walter Boyne," and was also " guiltie of the murther of umquhill George Wyseman in Drumdelgie, and sicklike he had bound Jeane David- sone, daughter to Alexander Davidsone, webster, to a post, and had brydled her, without ony just caus, and to the gryt effusion of her blood, quho lay bedfast a yier therefter ; and also out of his drunken humour he frequentlie used to brydle his owne wyffe, and he re- garded neither admonitioun nor church censure, bot plainlie affirm- ed that he wold do nothing but that quhilk his maister commanded him to doe." During the period over which the present volume extends, eight ministers were admitted to benefices within the bounds of the Presbytery of Strathbogie. The record of these proceedings are valuable, as indicating the principles and forms which were acted on at the time. The proceedings which took place in filling up ' [Till carts came into use, the bringing home of a millstone was a great event. The country was raised, and a long axle being put through the centre of the stone, multitudes of men attached themselves to both ends, and pulled the stone after them.] -' [Page 181.] 3 [Page 29.] xxvi THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. a vacancy at Keith in 1647, and at Botrifney in 1650, are sin- gular from their complexity. On 7th January of that year, Sir William Forbes of Craigievar, the patron of Keith, sent a list of four clergymen, " desyring the opinion and advyse of the Presby- terie in the said busines. The brethren, takin the mater to their consideratioun, thought it not expedient to give ane present ad- vyse of the forsaid men, vithout the knowledge of the parishioneris, quhom it chieflie concerned ; and therfor ordained the parishioneris to be acquainted with the forsaid list, and to keep the nixt day of meeting, that both parish and presbytrie may mak choice of ane able man for that charge ; and also desyred the Laird of Cragivar to haue ane present the said day for the effect forsaid." At the next meeting, the gentlemen and elders of the parish appeared, and gaue in a supplication subscribed by themselves and for the rest of the parishioners, to be sent to the Laird of Cragivar, and to which they desired the sanction of the Presbytery. The " bretheren, considering the list sent be Cragivar, and the parish- oneris supplication for Mr. William Forbes, minister at Mortlach, to be ther minister, did advyse Mr. Robert Watsone, minister at Grange, [who was on the patron's leet,] to embrace the forsaid charge, vho absolutlie refused the same, in respect the parishion- eris had supplicat for ane vther man." On this the Presbytery resolved to concur with the parishioners in their supplication for Mr. William Forbes. On the 9th June, the patron presented Mr. Alexander Garioch, minister at Cushnie. The elders and parishioners gave in a suppli- cation for Mr. Joseph Brody (their late minister), and the Presby- tery referred the matter to the Synod. On 23d June, Mr. Garioch accepted the presentation in his favour. The Presbytery resolved to meet next day at Keith, where Mr. Garioch was ordained to preach before the Presbytery and people, and to go next Sunday and preach to the people. On 7th July, Mr. Garioch preached, and was approved as " ane orthodoxe popular preacher." The most part of the elders for the time present were content to accept of THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xxvii him for their minister, and Mr. Garioch was ordered to bring an act of transplantation to the next meeting. On 21st July, the act of transplantation was found informal, and the commissioners for the parishioners refused any supplication for Mr. Garioch until the whole heritors of the parish should advise and meet thereanent, which they were to do the next day. On 4th August, Mr. Garioch wrote for a final answer from the Presbytery, but they had expected a supplication from the parish- ioners thereanent, and as it had not come, they could return no an- swer. In the meantime, the parishioners of Keith were ordained to testify their willingness to have Mr. Garioch to be their minis- ter, in supplicating for him next day, otherways the Presbytery would take the matter as altogether deserted by them, and inti- mate to the patron accordingly. On 27th October, Sir William Forbes appeared and informed the Presbytery that Mr. Garioch had returned his presentation, and that he would, on next day, pre- sent Mr. William Kininmont, " ane qualified man, recommendit to him be the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie." On 10th November, the patron excuses his not presenting, " in respect the said Mr. William vas not come north as yet." On 5th January, 1648, the Presbytery requested Sir William to present "ane qualified man against the next day, vthervays the Presbyterie wold proceid to the plantation of the said Kirk on 2d February. The said day vas presented ane letter from the Leiutenant-Generall, showing that Mr. William Kininmont had resaued ane presenta- tioun to the Kirk of Keyth, and desyring the Presbyterie to vreit for the said Mr. William, that vpon their call, vith his presentatioun, he might be the better encouraged to embrace the said charge," which they agreed to do. On 26th April, the patron stated that he had given a blank pre- sentation to David Leslie, Lieutenant-General, which he heard was filled up with Mr. Kininmont's name, and that he had expected him. The Presbytery resolved, with consent of Sir William Forbes, to request him to embrace the charge ; with certification, that if he xxviii THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. sent no answer before the 17th of May, they would proceed to the plantation of the kirk. No answer was received on that day, whereupon they resolved to fill up the charge at once ; and " divers being listed for that effect, patron and parishoneris all in one voyce condescendit upon Mr. Johne Seatone, minister of Keranay, to be ther minister, quhervnto the Presbytrie gaue full assent and consent, knowing the man to be ane able qualified man." Mr. Seatone agreed to preach, that he might be known and heard by the pa- rishioners. Before, however, he could preach, the Lieutenant- General requested the Presbytery yet to present Mr. Kininmont ; but they found they could do nothing till Mr. Seatone returned from the Assembly. Mr. Seatone preached at Keith, and gave much satisfaction ; and it was resolved to proceed with his settle- ment. On 25th October, a presentation is produced in favour of Mr. John Young, minister at Keig, " quhilk the bretheren could not accept, in respect the said Mr. Johne vas not present, nor the parochiners of Keyth, to giue ther consent ; but chieflie becaus they alledgit the richt of patronage pro tempore vas fallen in ther handis jure devoluto, seing no presentatioune nor man presented came to the Presbytrie this yeir and half bygone, since Mr. Alex- ander Garioch did freelie giue bak his presentatioun ;" and as Mr. Seatone had refused a call, they resolved to proceed in the planta- tion, and ordained the parishioners of Keith to attend next meeting. They, however, did not do so ; and as the Presbytery were loath to proceed without their consent, they were again ordained to attend the next day. The Tutor of Craigievar sent a list of three men, that the parishioners might make their choice. The Presbytery resolved to waive their devolved right ; and the parishioners made choice of one of the three, viz. Mr. James Hervie at Upper Machar, (now New Machar.) On 28th March, 1649, Mr. Hervie produced a presentation given to him by Robert Forbes, Tutor of Craigievar, patron of the said kirk, " vpon the nominatioune and call formerlie made of the said Mr. James to the ministrie of the said charge at THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xxix Keyth, be the moderator and remanent bretheren of the Presbytery of Strathbogie and parochiners of Keyth." The Presbytery thought that the right belonged to themselves, but referred the matter to the Synod. On 13th June, the Presbytery, on the ground that there was no chance of getting transplantation to Mr. Hervey, and that most part of the elders passed from the call made to him, " resolved to proceid to the nominatioun of some other qualified man. The gentlemen and elders, all in one voyce, fixed on Mr. William Kininmonth ; " who was at last settled at Keith on 6th September, 1649. In the year 1650, Mr. Alexander Fraser, minister at Botrifney, was deprived of the oflice of the ministry. In September, 1650, one of the parishioners entreated a preaching in that " desolate congregatioune, that they might have the occasione of a sessioune in like maner, for taking order with the great enormities that were beginning to increase amongst them, throughe the want of restraint and correction." The parishioners supplicated for Mr. William Chalmers, minister at Knockandoh, who declined to embrace the charge. They then gave in a new supplication for Mr. James Petrie, schoolmaster of Banff, to be their minister ; but the Presbytery, thinking their pro- cedure abrupt (" seeing the young man had never preached before the people of that pariochin nor yet the brethren of the presbyterie), and inconsistent with the Acts of the Generall Assemblie, gave back the supplicatione, and resolved to call the young man to preach before the Presbyterie, and thereafter to send a minister to Botriff- ney to mak a formal nominatioune ther." On 4th August, Mr. George Chalmer " was appoynted to goe to Botriffney and preach, and after sermon to desyr the pariochiners to nominat and elect a man for the ministrie of that place." No- thing was done at that time, because the most considerable men of the parishioners and elders were absent. The moderator again preached, and " after sermon did hold ane session, and having re- quyred the elders to nominate and elect ane minister, they did un- E XXX THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. animously elect and choose Mr. James Petrie, schoolmaster of Banff, to be their minister." The Presbytery approved of the nomi- nation, but finding no testimony of the consent of the body of the people to the election of the session, they ordained one of their number to intimate, on Sunday next, the election to the whole pa- rishioners, and " requyred them to testifie their mynd thereanent by their commissioners to the Presbytery next day." On that day, some gentlemen of the parish and many of the body of the people testified their dissent from the nomination of Mr. Petrie, alleging his voice to be low and his gift not edifying. The Presbytery, find- ing the parishioners to be differing among themselves, resolved to hold a meeting at Botrifney for settling the matter, and examination of the reasons of the dissenting party ; one of the dissenters stated that he would give in his reasons by next meeting. The Presby- tery found nothing in these to hinder their proceeding immediately to Mr. Petrie's trials, but resolved to delay till next meeting, and charged all that had any scruple or reason against the said Mr. James, " to compeir the nixt day, and give in their reasons, with certification, that if they did not attend, the Presbytery would pro- ceed with Mr. Petrie's trials." On that day, the parishioners who promised to give in their reasons of dissent failed to do so, and the Presbytery resolved to proceed with Mr. Petrie's trials ; " yet, upon some new consideratiouns, and expecting a still more unanimous call," they delayed the matter till next meeting. On that day, he was desired to enter on his trials, to which he stated that he was not clear to give an answer for the time, but promised to give his answer against the next day. On 27th July, " compeired Walter Leslie, in name of the paroche of Botrifnie, and presented a suppli- cation from them to the Presbyterie, desireing that they wold be pleased not to proceed in the plantation of ther church by Mr. James PetrJe, and expressing their dissatisfaction with him, desyre- ing also the hearing of Mr. William Burnet, whom they had some tymes heard befor to ther contentment. The Presbyterie resolved to meet at Botrifnie to try the supplication. In the meantyme, THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xxxi Mr. William Burnet may go preach ther on the paroches call." At the meeting of Presbytery held at Botrifney, " compeired the gen- tlemen, elders, and rest of the parochiners who adhered to their dis- sent to Mr. Petrie, and those who had signed a supplication for Mr. Petrie being few, were resolved not to divide from the elders and people." The Presbytery asked of Mr. Petrie what he thought of the matter, who answered, that he desired to proceed with his trials, " and then he sould giue a satisfactorie answeir, that sould content both Presbytrie and people, and he sould be loth to offend God, or wrong his own conscience, in prosecuting a call against the people's will." The Presbytery, however, resolved to stop the trials of the young man pro tempore, and gave power to Mr. Burnet to preach at Botrifney at the people's desire. The parish again supplicated for Mr. Burnet; and Mr. Petrie, " forasmuch as his call to Botrifnie was made ineffectuall," having passed from his trials, Mr. Burnet was settled as minister of Bo- trifney on 30th August, 1654. Besides these, there were settlements at Dunbennand and Kin- noir (twice), at Glass, Abercherdour, Gartly, and Grange, and in each there is much interesting detail, and a considerable variety of procedure. The Editor takes this opportunity of acknowledging his obliga- tions to the Rev. William Cowie of Cairney, for his kindness in procuring the use of the Record for the Club, as well as for the obliging alacrity which he displayed in making his extensive stores of legendary lore subservient to the Editor's enquiries for informa- tion on various points noticed in the Extracts. JOHN STUART. Crown Street, August 22, 1843. THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE, M.DC.XXXI— M.DC.LIV. At Botarie, 16 February, 1631. [Compeirit] Elspet Wilsoune, parochioner of Graing, desyring the be- [nefit] of mariage, in respect thatt hir husband was lang since [depai]rtit out of the cuntray aught yeires since, and was also de[pairtit] of this pre- sent lyfe, as Johne Brabner in Deskfuird de[clares] befoir the brethrein, wpone his gryt othe sworne, thatt he [was] att his buriall in an toune in Germanic called Suadyes ; [which] also Thomas Michell in Turreff had declairit als [truth], vpone his conscience, befoir the persone of Turreff, as [the] persounes testimoniall theron did testifie. The brethrein ordained Mr. Robert Watsoune to proclaime hir bandis, and to pro[ceed] with the mariage. At Botarie, Maii 4, 1631. Convened the moderator and brethrein. Mr. [Richard Mait]land taught Johne 10, v. 9, and being removed, wes [thought in] the judgment of the brethrein to have erred in a[ffirming] that Christ, as he wes God only wes the doore, and as [man] only the pastor of the church. And it being re- plyed by the brethrein, that actiones Christi wer theandrica, his [answer was,] that he haid Jansenius for his warrand, and gave [ ] other satisfactione. 2. He was found not to have declared ane [ ] in raising vses and deulie applying thame, as it [happe]ned quhen the text wes assigned. 3. He proposed things for truths quhilk ar questiones sine ratlonihus, but alledged summe authors. [ ] Doctor Feild, quhilk quhen the buik wes produced, [ ] quotted by him, he culd not find the place. 4. Being posed be the moderator with sum questions, [ ] served to cleer the text, and his knowledge therin, [ ] to the rules of divine rhetorick [ ] Ego sum ostium [ ] 2 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1631 haide bein ane hearare and [ ] wreattin, and quhat theologes he hade befor acquainted hhnseliF withall, quhither Calvinus, [ ] Parens, etc. that so the brethrein might haue meekle proceedit in his ques- tionari tryall ; [ ] thes or any of thes quherin he professed himself to be versed, quhither notes taickin at the mouthes of the doctours or di- vines redde, he answerit that thes four yeares bygane he had not bein ane hearar of the curse of theologie ; and as for the four yeers preceiding thos, he alledged that he hade harde in all that tyme the Commandments only explicated from the secund to the end. And as for notes, he alledged that he had nane of his awne wreatting at any tyme. And as to the devines fornamed, his answer was, that he haide adstrictit himselff to naine of thame, but vsed thame as occasione offered. Mr. Alexander Fraser ordained to exerceis the next day ; and Mr. Richard Metland to adde vpon the text of the exerceis, Rom. 9, v. 21. Compeired William Gordoun in Bray, and George Gordoun in Gul- burne, parochinars of Ryney, and being accused for not communicating the last yeer bygane, ther answer wes, that Mr. Henrie Ross, ther minister, his onkyndlie vsage of thame, haid scarred thame that they culd nocht com- municat with him, but wer content to communicat with any other minister within the presbiteri housoone it pleased the brethrein to injoyne thame ; nather wold they be altogither refractorie to communicat nou with ther awne pastore. The brethrein ordained Mr. Henrie Ross to celebrat the communione to thame, and thai to communicat in tuentie days, othervays to be processit for recusants. Robert Rinne, elder, being summondit to haue harde a processe of ex- communicatioune ledde to the sentence revised, and to exceptit against it giwe he haid any just reasone, compeired not. The brethrein approved the processe ; and ordained Mr. Johne Annand to send the same to the Bischope, that he might giwe his Lordships approbatioune thervnto, that the sentence might be pronunced. Walter Thomsone, parochinar in Kinnoir, being summondit to haue ansuered for drunkinnes, and opprobrious speitches giwin to Mr. Johne An- nand, compeired not ; ordained to be summondit pro 1°- [Thom]as Gordoun, sonne to Heu Gordoun in Smythstone, and [ ] Gordoun, daughter to the said Heu, being summondit for not communicat- ing, and not resorting to the kirk, [ ] compeired not ; ordained to be summondit. 1631.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 3 Robert Rinne, younger in Rauess ; Thomas Gordoun, Jean Gordoun, childrein to Heu Gordoun, in Smythstoune ; David Launge, servant to Malcolme Launge ; Elspet and Lucretia Forbes, daughters to Arthur Forbes in Inscorsse ; Margaret Gordoun, spous to John Fordyce in Rothi- may, being sumondit pro 1°- for not communicating, and not hearing of the word, compeired nocht. Ordained to be summondit pro 3"- At Botari, May 25, 1631. Mr. William Massie handlit the controversie de lymho. His travells al- lowed. Mr. William Gairne desyred to enter vpon the exerceis, the brethrein ordained the said Mr. William, conforme to the ordinance of the Sinode, to epitomize the histori of the discurse of the Bibile to thame the nixt day. The brethreins contributione to the distressed clergie of the Palatinate : Mr. Alexander Innes, ten lib. ; Mr. Walter Hay, tenne lib. ; Mr. William Mylne, nyne lib. ; Mr. Johne Annand, Mr. William Red, Mr. Robert Jimesone, Mr. Alexander Fraser, eweri ane of thame ane dolour for thame- selflPs, becaus thai culd gate no contributione of thair parochinars. At Botari, Junij 8, 1631. The said day, Mr. Joseph Brody produced ane presentatioun from the Laird of Cragivare to the kirk of Keyth, with ane letter from the Bischope of Murray, desyring ane edict to be served at the forsaid kirk with all con- venient diligence, that the said Mr. Joseph might be admitted thervnto, being now vacand be the dimissione of Mr. Johne Guthry, last minister ther. The brethrein ordained thair next meeting to be at Keyth, Junij 23, and the edict to be served this next Soonday to the forsaid day, and lykvys appointed Mr. Joseph to teach, Rom. 12, v. 1. At Keyth, Junij 23, 1631. Conveined moderator and brethrein, Mr. Robert Irving absent ; and lyk- vys conveined with thame from Murray, Mr. Gawin Dumbar, Mr. James Guthry, Mr. Patrick Tulloch, Mr. Johne Peter, Mr. Alexander Spens. Mr. Joseph Brody taught, Rom. 12, v. 1. His travells allowed. The edict served to this day wes produced, executed Junij 12, be Mr. George Speed, scholmaister at Keyth. The elders quho wer present, viz. Alexan- der Gordoun of Auchanachie, Patrick Gibsone in Kilminnatie, William 4 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1631. Chalmar in Allanbuy, Alexander Phinnie in Couperhill, William Baillie in Carmar, Walter Barcklay in Keyth, Robert Calder in Achanahe, Alexan- der Steuart in Ardmeile, with the body of the people being convened, being demandit particularlie if thai haid any thing to objeck agains the said Mr. Joseph, ether in doctrin, lyife, or conversatioune, thai all in ane voyce affirmed that thai hade no thing to say, but wer most villing to accept of him for thair pastore ; quhervpon the brethrein presentlie ordained the moderator to giwe presentlie to the said Mr. Joseph (quho wes alrady ane minister, as his letters patent from his [ ] buir,) institutione and actuall possessione to the said benefice, quhilk he did be delyvering of the bulk of God in his hand. The brethrein, with the elders present, gave him thair hands of fellowschipe. At Gartlay, 13 Julii, 1631. Conveined moderator and brethrein. Mr. Alexander Innes taught Luce 22, V. 49. Mr. William Read, minister, being removed, reportit weill of him, but regratit that he taxed the faults of the parochinars bitterli, and not in the language of the scripture, quherby the peple, insteade of being edified, wer moved to laughter and derisione ; and that he spendit over schort tyme in catechising his peple befor the communione, viz. four days in the Pasche week. The brethrein exhorted him to amend his defects, and to begine his examinatiounes at least seven weeks befor the tyme of the communione. At Dumbennand, August 25, 1631. In respect of the many abuses and disorders that falls out at penny brydals, speciali of plays and drunkennes, it is ordained that no persone heirefter sail be maryed wnles thai consigne pands that thai be no abuse at theair brydall, vnder paine of tenne pund. At Inuerkethney, October 5, 1631. Conveined moderator and brethrein. Mr. Henri Ross taught, Heb. 13, V. 17. Mr. Robert Irving, minister, removed, wes weill reportit of in doctrin and lyffe. Is ordained to cans the churchyaird dyk to be buildit. Or- daned also to provyd for a reader. 1631.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 5 Thomas Murray, parochinar of Grange, and Issobell Trayl, sum- mondit for recept and consulting with witches ; receawing charms from thame ; for banning, swearing, and execrabill cursing of the minister of Grange, and his famile, and not satisfeing of the discipline of the kirk for thift, committit be the said Thomas ; quhilk last wes his only challange. Thai both compeired, and the said Thomas denyed that in any ways he wes as yit declaired ane theeff be any civill judge in the kingdome ; and therfor he culd not vndertack that guilt vpon him be macking repentance for that quherof he wes innocent. And the saids Mr. Robert, his proba- tiounes being considered be the brethrein, thai wer thoght not altogither [to] be of sick strenth as might convince the said Thomas of thefte, vnto the tyme the civill judge tuick further entres in that mater. And as for Issobell Trail, his spous, shee confeesed that Preip, the witch, that wes brunt at BanfiF, had charmed hir ; for the quhilk shee wes censured alrady be the presbiteri, and hade begune her repentance alrady, and was content to satisfie to the full. And anent Issobell Traylle, her consulting with Walker, the witch, shoe confessed the said witch bad hir tack ane moldewort hillock and muild out of the church yard, and putt it vnder hir gait twys, and that wold mack hir aill to sell. But shoe denyed shoe re- quyred it at the said witch, or that shoe practised it. And anent hir adulteri with Petri Robertsone, wagabound, shoe purged hir selff be hir othe. And anent the cursing of the minister and his famile, she denyed the same ; but the mater being referred to the testificatioune of Johne and William Tailyeours, Johne Winlach, and Johne Watt, be the parteis being all sworne, Johne and William Tailyeour, and Johne Winlach, deponit that Issobell Trail sat [down on] hir kneys, and gawe Mr. Robert Watsone, and his wyff and bairns, [ ] malediction, and all them that called hir a witch [ ] Compeired George Thomsone and Elspet Gray ; and being accused for drinking in Issobell Letch house with the said Elspet Gray, in tym of divin service, and also of adulteri with the said Elspett ; lykas, the said George went out at the back syde of the hous, at his own wyfFes coming to the doore ; thay both confessed thair drinking in tym of divin service, and the said George his outgoing at the back of the house, but denyit the commiting of adulteri with the said Elspett. The brethrein ordained thaim both, for thair drinking in tym of divin service, and for thair suspect behaviour, to pay, ilke ane of thame, four merkis of penalte, and to sitte 6 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1633. on the stoole of repentance tuo Soondays, or then to redeem thameselfs be standing in joggis and brankis. The said Issobell Leitch lykvays, in quhois hous the persones abowe nominat wes resett, wes declarit to be a perjured woman, and a wyld scald, quho resett all sort of infamous persones in her hous, and sold ayle to thame both night and day. The brethrein ordaines hir to. find caution to keep guid ordour in tymes comming, or then not to be resi[dent] in the paroche heirefter fi-om Whitsunday furth. Johne Sharpe and Agnes Morison quadrilapse in fornicatione compeired not. Ordained to be summondit pro 2"- Catharin Thomsone in Keyth being summondit to answer for hir calum- niating the sessione, compeired nocht. Ordained to be summondit pro 3"- At Botari, Martii 28, 1633. Compeirit Jonet Ogilvie, guidvyff of Littilmyln, acknauleging hir former errors in wandring from the truth, desyring most earnestlie to be relaxed from the fearfull sentence of excommunication, and promeising, in all tym comming, for to keep guid ordour, and to be ane ordinar hearar, and com- municat this nixt Pasche ; and to this effect wes content to subscrive ane band to the effect forsaid, quhilk being produced to the moderator, and redde out to hir, she subscryved the samyn be Walter Vocat, notar publicte, in presence of the brethrein ; quherfor the presbiteri ordained Mr. Robert Jameson to receawe hir to hir publict repentance, and to absolve hir on Soonday come eight days. Jonet Abercrombi, spous to James Gordoun at the myln of Botari, and Agnes Jerret, spous to Adam Panton in Aucharn, being summond for not hearing of the word, not communicating thir diverse yeers bygain, for re- sorting to masses, and going in pilgrimage, setting on of bonfyres, and for other superstitious rites and ceremoneis, contrari to the law of God and statutes of this kingdome, as is mor at lenth contained in the principall summonds, execute be James Slorach, kirk officiar, Martii 22, they com- peirit not. Ordainit to be summondit pro 2"- At Botari, April 12, 1633. Johne Smyth, in Ower Kirk, sonne to Androu Smyth ther, being summond to hawe answearit for his prophanacioune of the Sabbath day, be stricking of Agnes Hall, in tym of divin service, to the great effusion 1636.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 7 of hir blood, compeirit nocht, nayther his accompleis, John M'Armick, quho wes lykvays summond pro 3"-, both wer decernit to pay, ilk ane for thair own part, ten merks, and to stand two Soondays in sackcloath and the stoole of repentance. At Botarie, April 26, 1633. Convened the moderator and brethrein. Mr. Richard Metlan exer- ceised, Rom. 10, v. 14. Wes censured that he said God, the Father, wes the author of sendinge out the ministere under the Old Testament, and God, the Sonne, author of sending furth the ministere under the New Testament, and that the lawfulnes of a calling dependit upon the effect of the ministerie. At Botari, [ ] July, 1636. It is ordained that stockes shall be made for the punishment of stubborne and vnruly delinquents. The gentilmen and eldars of the parish of Botarie condescended to give for the maintenance of the schoolemaister ane firlot victuall every pleugh. It is ordained that the schoolemaister shall have of every schollar quar- terly 20s. At Grange, August 25, 1636. George Adamsone, appearand of Braco, summonded to this [daye] to heare himself sentenced for sklandalizing Mr. Robert Watsone, vt supra compeared ; he is ordained, apud acta, to keepe Marnoch kirk this daye fyftein dayes to receive the sentence of the brethren. At Innerkeithny, September 14, 1636. Tuo silver cups, dedicat be James Crichtoun of Frendrauch, for the holy communion, are in the ministers keeping, and he must be answerable for them. The minister is ordained to discipline Thomas Brabner, who is suspected to have slaine his owne sone, and to give the brethren ane account of his diligence against the next meeting. Margaret Fraser suspect of witchcraft, and having broken waird in Aber- dene, is ordained to bring ane testimoniall of her bygone conversation, or otherwyse the receipters of the said Margaret to be punished. 8 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1636. Peter Wat sumonded to this daye for goeing in pilgrimage to the chap- pell beyond the water of Spey, compeared and confessed his fault. Or- dained to make his repentance, and to paye four markes penaltye. Agnes Jack sumonded to this daye for goeing in pilgrimage to the same chappell, compeared, and confessed that she went to the said chappell with ane diseased woman, but gave her great oath that she vsed no kynd of su- perstitious worship. She is ordained to mak her publike repentance, and to abstaine from the lyke in tyme comeing. At Abercherdour, September 15, 1636. Tuo silver cups, dedicated for the holy communion by James Crichton of Frendraucht, wer presented befor the presbyterye.^ The minister being removed, the eldars gave him a good testimonye, both in respect of doctrine and conversation. The minister being demaunded what order the Ladye Frendraucht did keepe, he answered that she was become ane ordinarie hearer. Robert Emlach, schoolemaister, ordained to bring his testimonial against the next day. Johne Stewart sumonded to this daye for adulterye with Barbara Lowrie, compeared in sackcloth, acknowledging his fault. He is ordained to sit in sackcloth till the people be satisfied, and to pay twenty markes penaltye. The said Johne Stewart being accused for intending the rape of Mar- jorie Innes, he is ordained, apud acta^ to keepe the tuenty-nynt of Septem- ber, at Dumbennand, to answer thereanent. Barbara Lowrie compeared also in sackcloth, and confessed her adulterye with John Stewart. She was ordained to stand in the jogges and brankes till the congregation be satisfied, becaus she had no geare. George Adamsone, appearand of Braco, sumonded (apudacta at Grange) 1 [On these cups are the following inscriptions : " GIFTIT TO GOD AND TO HIS CHURCH BE JAMES CREIGHTOUN OF FRENDRAVCHT TO THE KIRK OF ABERCHIRDOR. 1633. " GIVEN TO GOD AND HIS KIRK BE JAMES CREIGHTON OF FRENDRACHT TO THE KIRK OF ABERCHIRDOR. " Ivil tak the cvp of salvation and cat vpon the name of the Lord. 1636." The cups given to the kirk of Inverkeithny bear a similar inscription ; as also two cha- lices, at Forgue, which the Laird of Frendraught and his son James, first viscount of the name, presented to that church.] 1636.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 9 to keepe this daye for hearing the sentence of the brethren passe ao-ainst him for the scandahzing of his minister, Mr. Robert Watsone ; he°com- peared not, but sent in his appellation, appealing to the Lords of his Ma- jestyes Commission for just censure. The brethren finding his appellation to be altogether informall, in respect he refused to give personall presence, according to his promise made at Grange, as also in respect his appellation was given in or sent post litis contestationem, the brethren ordaine the said George Adamesone to come, the next Sabbath, out of his desk, befor the pulpit, and to acknowledge his fault, and to aske God and the minister for- givenes. At Gartly, September 28, 1636. Conveened the brethren. Absent, the moderatour, Mr. Robert Irving, Mr. Richard Maitland. Mr. Robert Watsone taught, Luk 19, v. 47. Mr. Joseph Brodye moderated for the tyme. The minister, Mr. Williame Read, being removed, the eldars gave him a good testimonye both for doctrine and lyfe. Williame Wat, church officier, is found faithfull. Robert Emlach, schoolmaister at Abercherdour, compeared, and pro- duced tuo testimonials, one from Mr. Johne Logye, moderator of the pres- bytery of Cullen, another from Mr. Williame Chalmer, minister at Inner- boyndye. The brethrein embraced him, and allowed him to read in the church, and to teache the children English ; but if the said Robert shall vn- dertake to teache grammar, he is ordained to give ane tryall of his literature. George Gordoune, in Rynie, being cited befor the session of Rynie for prophaneing the Sabbath, by gathering grosers in tyme of sermon, to make sale of them, appealed to the presbyterie, and compeared, and con- fessed that he was not at the sermon by reason of sicknes. He confessed also that he went with his children, after noone, into his yard and gathered grosers, but not in great for sale. Mr. Henry Rosse took him to prove, against the next meeting of the presbyterie after the synode, that he gathered these grosers, with his servants and children, in tyme of divyne service, and that in great, to make sale of them. The said George Gordoune, in Rynie, is suspended from his office of eldarship, and that by his owne consent, becaus he professed avowedly that he would not take the holy sacrament out of his ministers hands, as also becaus he was vnder the censure of the presbyterie. 10 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1636. At Dumbemiand, September 29, 1636. It is ordained that a basin and cups for the holy communion shall be provyded. It is ordained that the earth shall not be opened in the church till the buriall silver be payed. It is ordained that drinkers in tyme of divyne service shall be punished as fornicatours. The gentlemen and eldars present condescend that, for the maintainance of ane schoolemaister, every pleuch within the parish of Dumbennand shall paye ane firlot victuall, according to the Act of Parliament. Bessie Gordoune, spouse to the guidman of Crackwilhe ; Agnes Gor- doune in Raweis ; Robert Rind, younger ; Bessie Patersone, his spouse, sumonded to this daye for not resorting to the church and communicating, goeing to masse, receipting of preists and Jesuites, etc.^ compeared not. Ordained to be sumonded pro 2"- Johne Stewart, sumonded, apud acta at Abercherdour, to have answered anent his intention to force Merjorie Innes, compeared not. Ordained to be sumonded pro I"- The brethrein present regrete much the absences of the brethren from the meetings since the last Synod, especially the absences of Mr. Richard Maitland. They ar remitted to the censure of the Bishop and Synod. The brethren regrate that as yet Mr. Richard hes not sumonded Patrik Guthry befor the presbytery, for baptizeing his chylde by ane layman. The said Mr. Richard his neglect is remitted to the censure of the Bishop and Synod. At Botary, October 19, 1636. Synod. Conveened the moderator and some of the brethren, namely, Mr. Alex- ander Innes, Mr. Richard Maitland, Mr. Robert Watsone, Mr. Williame Read. No exercise, in respect of the absence of the exerciser, Mr. Johne Annand. Mr. Richard Maitland reported (conforme to the ordinance of the Synod) that he had gone to the Ladye of Frendraucht, and conferred with her, and that since that tyme she had resorted to the church, and had promised so to continue. Thomas Garden, parishoner of Abercherdour, sumonded to this day for dissobedience to the ordinance of the session (for the said Thomas being convict befor the session of fornication with Susanna Guidfellow, in re- 1637.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 11 spect that he contemptuously refused to purge himself by his oath, till his delater were manifested, and ordained by the session to mak his repentance, and to paye four markes penalty e, ad pios vsus ecclesiae), compeared, and yet refused to give obedience, or to purge himself by his oathe, and after a proud and menacing maner avowed that befor he gave satisfaction for that fault (vnles the delater wer revealed to him), he should first forsake the kingdome of Scotland ; as also, the said Thomas malapertlye alleadged that the minister himself, out of malice and envye, had delated him. Whervpon he departed abruptlye. The brethren present approved the act of the session, and ordained the said Thomas to satisfie, vnder paine of contu- macye ; and, in cace he remaine obstinat, the minister is ordained to pro- ceede against him with the censures of the kirk, and to excommunicat him. At Botary, November 9, 1636. Williame Mitchell, in the parish of Keath, sumonded to this daye for adulterye with Ketye Mackarmich, spous to Marcus Cowye, compeared in sackcloth, and confessed his fault. He was ordained (in respect he was maried also) to stand in the jogges and brankes, with his head clipped, and barefooted, in sackcloth, till the congregation be satisfied, or otherwyse to redeeme himself from the jogges and brankes by paying forty markes penalty e, and to stand only in sackcloth. At Botary, January 11, 1637. James Fraser, James Burnet, being sumonded to this daye to beare wit- nesse that George Gordoune, Rynie, did cause gather grozers for sale in tyme of sermon, vt supra, at Gartly, September 28, 1636, compeared, and being admitted by the said George, wer sworne, and deponed thus : James Burnet deponed that he nevir sawe George Gordoune gather any on the Sabbath for sale, and that he (being the said George servant) did never gather any, vnles it wer some few to fill his mouth. James Fraser deponed as James Burnet. At Botary, January 25, 1637. Mr. Robert Irving excused his former many absences by the greatnes of the water, which was vnpassable, and his long distance from the presbytery seat. He being removed, the brethren pityed him in respect of his age and infirmity, and admitted his excuse. 12 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1637. George Gordoune, in Rynie, sumonded to this daye for receipt of preists and Jesuites, and not communicating, compeared, and purged himself by his oath of the receipt of preists and Jesuites. The said George confessed that he had not communicated with Mr. Henry Rosse at Rynie, and affirmed that he had communicated with the minister at Culsalmond. And being demaunded why he communicated not with his owne minister, Mr. Henry Rosse, his answere was that he would not communicat with him, nor keepe his doctrine, becaus he was of a scandalous behaviour towards him. And the said George being demaunded how and wherin Mr. Henrye had mis- behaved himself towards him, his answere was, that, befor tuo eldars, Mr. Henry had given him three lyes, and that he denyed to salute him when he met him in the waye ; as also, that Mr. Henrye should hold out his finger to him and saye, Goosehead, sir. Mr. Henry denyed these alleagances. George Gordoune, in Rynie, tooke it to his probation against this day month. Patrick Guthrie, in Abercherdour, for baptizeing his chylde by Thomas Glen, is ordained to stand (with the said Thomas) tuo Sabbaths at the pil- lar foot in sackcloth. At Botary, February 8, 1637. Johne Wilsone, in Abercherdour, sumonded to this daye for the slaugh- ter of Johne Seaton, son to vmquhill Williame Seaton in Tullifafe, com- peared, and denyed the same ; yet, nevertheles, he confessed that he had left the countrey for the same cause, and had offerred of composition tuenty pounds, wherof ane dolar only was payed. He could nocht deny but that he was present when the said Johne Seaton was slaine, but was a ridder only between him and Johne Milne. He confessed, morouer, that he tooke the sword from Johne Seaton, and received tuo wounds in his bodye in the taking of it. The brethren ordained him to agree with the freinds of Johne Seaton, and to bring a letter of Slaines betuixt this and Pasche ; the minis- ter also is ordained to debarre him from the communion, vnles he obey the said ordinance of the brethren. Mr. Robert Watsone regrated that Andrew Mackpharsone was very scandalous in his behaviour, in that, duelling in the countreye and at the churche style, he never came to the churche, nor any of his familye. The said Mr. Robert was ordained to deale privatlye with the said Andrew, and if he find no guid fruit by his travells, that he shall sumond the said An- drew and his familye befor the presbyterie. 1637.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 13 At Botary, February 22, 1637. The said daye, Mr. Patrik Andersone of Miltoun, Alexander Gordoune in Merdrura, James Gordoune of Tilliangus, Patrik Gordoune, sone to Hew Gordoune in Smythstoune, compeared for probation of George Gor- doun in Rynie his alleadgances against Mr. Henrye Rosse, vt supra January 25. They wer all admitted by the said Mr. Henrye, and, being sworne, deponed thus : Mr. Patrik Andersone deponed, 1 . That he never sawe Mr. Henry passe by George Gordoune without ane salutation. 2. He de- poned that he never heard Mr. Henrye give George Gordoune the lye, but that, in Laurence Mercers house, Mr. Henry perceiving George Gordoune to ouervalue ane peice land, and to laye ane greater rentall vpon it then Mr. Henrye thought it did paye, Mr. Henrye said to George Gordoune, that he wondered that he should mantaine such ane vntruth. 3. Mr. Patrik Andersone deponed that Mr. Henrye and George Gordoune falling into ane disputation concerning ane tak and assedation, Mr. Henrye said to George Gordoune either Buckhead or Goosehead, but which of the tuo he said he could not tell. Alexander Gordoune in Merdrum, deponed that he never heard Mr. Henrye give George Gordoune ane lye, nor at any tyme passe by him without ane salutation, nor vtter such ane word as Goosehead or Buckhead, to his remembrance. James Gordoune of Tilliangus deponed that he heard Mr Henrye saye to George Gordoun, It is ane vntruth ; and that George Gordoune answered him, in the same termes. It is ane vntruth which you saye. Item, James Gordoun deponed that George Gordoun, in Rynie, did cast him vpon Mr. Henry, they being all in the floore of the house together. Patrik Gordoune, sone to Hew Gordoune, deponed that these speeches passed mutuallye betueen Mr. Henrye and George Gor- doune : Mr. Henry said that it was vntruth which George Gordoune said ; and George Gordoune said that it was ane vntruth which Mr. Henry said. Patrik Gordoune being demaunded if he sawe George Gordoune cast James Gordoune of Tilliangus vpon Mr. Henrye, his answer was, that in- deed he touked James Gordoune and did cast him vpon Mr. Henrye, but upon what intention he knew not. James Gordoune and Patrik Gordoune deponed both in one voyce, that they never saw Mr. Henrye passe by George Gordoune without ane salutation, and that they never heard Mr. Henrye vtter such a word as Goosehead or Buckhead. The said daye, George Gordoune, in Rynie, alleaged that vpon a tyme he requyred Mr. Henrye to goe to his house and visite, his wyfe and chil- 14 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1637. dren being diseased, and he flatly refused, and for probation he appealed to the testimonye of Mr. Patrik Andersone and Alexander Gordoune, both present, and desyred the moderator to tak their oath upon it. The said Mr. Patrik Andersone and Alexander Gordoune declared, by their oath alreadye made, that they remembred no such thing. Mr. William Milne his absence the former daye of meeting excused by his disease. Mr. Patrik Jamesone handles the commoune head this daye twenty dayes. The brethren tooke the mater betueen Mr. Henrye and George Gor- doune ad avisandum. At Botary, Marche 15, 1637. Mr. James Tailyeour, schoolemaister at Keath, desyred to enter vpon the exercise. The brethren, for the tryall of his knowledge of the grounds of religion, ordained him to explane the Apostles Creede this daye 15 dayes. Johne Wilsone, in Abercherdour, in obedience to the ordinance of the Presbyterie, February 8, 1637, compeared, and produced a letter of Slaines given vnto him by Gilbert and James Seatons, and subscrivit by tuo no- tares, Walter Hacket and Patrik Wilsone. The brethren finding the said letter of Slaines sufficient enough, ordained the said Johne to make his re- pentance, in sackcloth, till the minister and eldars be satisfied. He was ordained also to paye ten markes penaltye, but, in respect his meanes wer exhausted by giuing satisfaction to the partie, the brethren continued the payement therof, and that vpon his good behaviour onlye. It was ordained that every brother should make intimation out of his pulpit, that none of their parishioners receipt Margaret Charles, who was lately parted with chylde in the parish of Dumbennand. The controversie betueen Mr. Henrye K-osse and George Gordoune, in Rynie, remitted to the Bishop and Synod. At Botary, March 29, 1637. Mr. Alexander Fraser excused his absence from the former meeting by reason he was with the Laird of Balvenye, about a business of great weight which he could not neglect. This excuse was admitted. Mr. James Tailyeour explained the Apostolick Creed. His travells wer allowed. 1637.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 15 Patrik Wilsone being sumonded, apitd acta^ to answere this daye anent his night drinking, compeared. Mr. Joseph Brodye, to prove his allea- gances against him, produced witnesses, namely, James Morisone, George Wilsone, Johne Wilsone, who being all admitted and sworne, deponed as after followes : James Morisone deponed, that he continued drinking till cockcrowe, and that he and his companye dranke eleven pyntes aill ; mor- ouer, the said James deponed that in his drunkennes he stroke James Troup, messinger, with his hand, and that he rayled against some gentle- men in the parish. George Wilsone deponed that he left Patrik Wilsone and his companye drinking after cockcrowe, and that he strake and rayled, vt supra. Johne Wilsone deponed that the said Patrik was ouercome with drinke, and that he dranke after cockcrowe. The brethren ordained the said Patrik to stand in sackcloth tuo Sabbaths, and to paye four markes penaltye. At Botary, Apryl 12, 1637. Mr. Williarae Read, Mr. Robert Irving, excused for their absence the former daye by reason of their age and the boysterousnes of the wind. Issobell Malcolme, parishoner of Botarye, sumonded to this daye for charming, compeared, and confessed that she had beene in vse of charmeing this twenty yeeres, and being requyred to name some of these whome she had charmed, she named Jeane Rudderfuird, spouse to James Gordoune, in Torrisoyle, and [ ] Innes, spouse to Johne Ogilvye of Miltoune ; she confessed that she had charmed both these gentlewemen for the bairne bed ; and sicklyke, she confessed that she had charmed ane chyldes sore eye in Bade, within the parish of Ruven. The censure of the said Issobell was continued in hope that she should be found yet more guiltye. The moderator, Mr. Robert Jameson, reported that, he hearing that she vsed charmeing, he raised her from the table, she having a purpose to com- municat. The brethren think it very fitting to regrate to the Bishop and Synod the generall defection to poperye. It is regrated that Alexander Gordoune of Carneburro doth openly re- ceipt preists, Jesuits, recussants, and excommunicat persons, and that he doeth baptize his children by preists. The mater is remitted to the judge- ment of the Bishop and Synod. 16 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1637. At Botary, May 17, 1637. Mr. Robert Irving excused his former absence by the tempest of [raine]. His excuse was rejected, by reason the raine was warrae, and the addition laye vpon him. He was exhorted to keepe the meetings more carefullye, otherwise he should be delated to the Bishop and Synod, to be censured by them. At Botary, May 31, 1637. Mr. Alexander Innes, Mr. Robert Watsone, Mr. Alexander Fraser, absent. Mr. Joseph Brodye excused his absence from the former meeting by reason he was in Murray, visiting the Bishop, who was diseased. His excuse was admitted. Mr. Johne Annand excused his absence from the former meeting by reason he was cited to Inuernes for concealed moneyes. His excuse was admitted. John Morgan, in Botarye, sumonded to this daye, for struggling with Christane Mulloch, and offering to ravish her, as she alledged, compeared, and could nocht denye but that he did cast her doun to the ground. He was ordained to paye ten markes penaltye, and to stand in sackcloth, bare- footed, till the congregation be satisfied ; and the said Christane signifieing to the brethren that she feared yet his rage, they inacted the said Johne that, in tyme comeing, he should offer no wrong to the said Christane, vnder the paine of fourtie pounds. Thomas Wilsone being sumonded to this daye (vt supra), compeared, and the brethren, considering that he was neere kinsman to Patrik Wil- sone, they ordained the said Thomas (by consent of the said Patrik) to humble himself presentlye vpon his knees, and to ask God and the said Patrik forgivenes ; which the said Thomas did, and so they were reconciled. Botary, May 16, 1638. Robert Gordoune of Cowdraine being sumonded to this daye, pro 3"', vt supra, compeared, and confessed that he had not resorted to the churche, nor communicated ; and being demaunded if he would purge himself of the receipt of masse, by his oath, he refused, and referred the probation therof to Mr. Williame Read, his minister. The brethren 1638.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 17 continued their sentence to the next daye, promiseing to the said Robert to produce the councell's warrant for their power of taking oathes in suche cases, and sumonded the said Robert, apud acta, to compeare, and heare it read vnto him. Botary, Junij 6, 1638. The said daye, compeared Robert Gordoune of Cowdraine, and confessed he had not communicated in the church of Gartlye these four yeeres by- gone, neither resorted to the church for hearing of the word. And beino- requyred to purge himself, by his oathe, of the receipt of preists, receiving of the sacrament from them, and in particular, from Mr. Thomas BlaclT- hall, Mr. Johne Smyth, Father Crystie, Mr. Thomas Abernethye, Father Robisone, and that conforme to an act of councell produced and red in his audience, he refused to give his oath, alledging that he was not holden to doe the same, becaus that act was but an act of councell, and not ane act of Parliament. And the brethren replyeing that that act of counsell was relative to ane act of Parliament, he refusit absolutelie to purge himself by his oath. And the said Robert Gordoune being de- maunded whether he was present or not at the baptisme of Alexander Gordoune of Carneburro his chylde, which was baptised be a preist, and bemg posed theranent by his oath, he refused to purge himself by his oath. The brethren ordained the said Robert to make his repentance pub- likehe, in the kirk of Gartlie, and to pay 20s. for every Sabbaths absence from the church, and to paye 20 libs, for everie yeeres not communicating. Mr. Richard Maitland handles the commoun head, the twentieth of Junij Mr. Alexander Innes and Mr. Robert Watsone, having received commission from the Bishop and Synod to conferre with the Ladye of Frendraucht, then reported that they came to her house to that end, but found her not,' although Mr. Richard Maitland had acquainted her with their comeinff befor hand. Botary, June 20, 1638. Mr. Richard Maitland handled the question, an externum regimen eccle- siae sit monarchicum. His travells wer alloued. Botoriphny, August 1, 1638. The minister, Mr. Alexander Fraser, being removed, received ane good testimonye, both for doctrine and conversation, of his eldars. 18 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1638. George Robertsone, church officer, was rebuked for his negligence in collecting the penaltyes. The eldars were vt antea, and none added to their number. The brethren ordained the churcheyard dykes to be helped. The said daye, Johne Andersone of Waster Ardbrake, and Walter Stewart in Easter Ardbrake, compeared, and acclamed that rowme for deskes to themselues which was possessed these many yeeres by Mr. Alex- ander Fraser, minister. The minister alledged that that rowme duely and properly belonged to him, becaus it was his by partition, (which partition is expreslye set doune in the session booke.) The said Johne and Walter made protestation that that partition should not holde, by reason it was made without consent of the Bishop and Patron, and that the acts of the session booke concerning that mater were not subscryved by the eldars. The brethren for the present would determine nothing, but tooke the mater to be advysed upon. Botary, October 25, 1638. The said daye, the brethren vnderstanding that there was ane Generall Assemblye indicted by his Majestic to be holden at Glasgow the twentie ane of November next, thought expedient to meet the tuentie of October next, for choosing commissioners to the forsaid Generall Assemblie ; and to this end euery brother was ordained to conveene his eldars, that out of their number they might send one to the presbyterie, to keepe the forsaid meeting for choosing ane ruling eldar commissioner to the Generall Assemblye. Botary, October 20, 1638. The said daye, according to the former ordinance, the brethren con- veened for choosing commissioners to the Generall Assemblie. The ruling eldars, who, at the desyre of ther ministers, wer nominated to keepe this meeting, and wer present, were these : Patrik Gibsone of Kinmin- nitie, from Keyth ; Adam Duff of Drummuir, from Botoriphnie ; Walter Hacket, from Rothimey ; James Hammiltoune, from Kinnoir ; James Duff of Bad, from Botarye and Ruven ; George Calder of Asuanlie, from Glasse ; George Gordoune, from Dumbennand ; Thomas Innes of Path- nike, from Grange. From the remanent parishes within the presbyterie the ruling eldares refused to come to the meeting, as their pastours reported. 1639.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 19 Mr. Joseph Brodie, Mr. Alexander Innes, Mr. Johne Annand, war put vpon the list ; and Mr. Joseph Brodye, Mr. Johne Annand, wer nominat and chosen commissioners, by a pluralitie of voyces. Of the ruling eldars present, tuo, namely, Patrik Gibsone of Kinmin- itie, Adam Duff of Drummuir, and Alexander Gordoune in Merdrum wilfullie absent, (becaus he was designed and keeped not this dyet,) wer put vpon the list, and, by pluralitie of voyces, Alexander Gordoune was chosen commissioner for the ruling eldars. Botary, December 13, 1638. Mr. Joseph Brodie, Mr. Johne Annand, commissioners, havino- re- turned from the Generall Assemblye, the brethren demaunded them what reason they had to leave the Assemblie so soone, sieing as yet the As- semblie was not dissolued. Their answere was, that my Lord Marques Hammiltoune, Commissioner, had charged the Assemblie to ryse, vnder paine of treason ; in obedience to which charge they had left the Assem- blie, and were come home to their stations. The said day, it was ordained that no minister within the presbyterie should subscryve any writ whatsoever, concerning the coramoun effaires of the churche, without the advyse of the brethren. The said daye, Mr. Richard Maitland was ordained to sumond D. Eliza- beth Gordoune, spouse to James Crichtoune of Frendraucht ; Elizabeth Crichtoune, daughter to the said James ; Elizabeth Elphinstoune, spouse to Robert Coleis ; Agnes Hebron, spouse to Patrik Chalmer, for their not hearing of the word, and not communicating. At Botary, January 23, 1639. The said daye, Mr. Williame Chalmer handled the question, De efficacia sacramentorum. His travells allowed. At Botary, July 10, 1639. Mr. Richard Maitland, sumonded to this daye for deserting the presby- terie, and adjoyning himself to the Presbyterie of Turreff, compeared, and alledged that the brethren of the Presbyterie of Turreff had charged him, vnder paine of deprivation, to adjoyne himself to their presbyterie. He was ordained to adhere to the Presbyterie of Botarie, in all tyme comeing, vnder paine of deprivation. Mr. Robert Irving, having com- 20 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1639- initted the lyke fault, was suraonded to this daye to have answered ther- aneut, but compeared not. He was ordained to be sumonded pro 2"- The brethren, vnderstanding that his Majestie had indicted a Generall Assemblie to be holden at Edinburgh the tuelt of August next, the brethren wer ordained to acquaint ther session therwith, that from everie session within the presbyterie ane laye eldar may come to keepe the next meeting of the presbyterie for choosing of ane ruling eldar to be sent commissioner to the Generall Assemblie, and that according to the constitution of this church. At Botary, July 24. The brethren reported that, according to the former ordinance, they had desyred their eldars to send one of their number to keepe this meeting for choosing ane ruling eldar to be sent commissioner to the Generall Assem- blie. Mr. Henry Rosse, Mr. Alexander Fraser, Mr. Alexander Innes, Mr. Richard Maitland, reported that their sessions had refused simplie and absolutelie to obeye the ordinance of the presbyterie. But from the session of Keith, ther compeared Patrik Gibsone of Kinminnitie. From the session of Grange, compeared Thomas Innes of Pathnick. From the session of Glasse, compeared George Calder of Asuanlie ; from Ruven, compeared George Gordoune of Auchanache. From the session of Gartlie, compeared George Gordoune in Colithe. And by pluralitie of voyces, Patrik Gibsone of Kinminnitie was nominat and chosen to be commissioner to the Generall Assemblie. The said day, Mr. Alexander Innes and Mr. Williame Milne being put vpon the lists, that one of them might be chosen and sent commissioner to the Assemblye, by pluralitie of voyces Mr. Williame Milne was nominat and chosen. The brethren thought expedient to convene August fifth, for furnishing their commissioner with moneyes, and instructing him with a commissione. At Botary, August 5, 1639. The said day, the commissioners to the Generall Assemblie, Mr. Wil- liame Milne and Patrick Gibsone, wer instructed with commission sub- scrivyed with the hands of the brethren ; and also Mr. Williame Milne was furnished with moneyes to beare his charges, by commoun contribution of the brethren. 1639.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 21 George Adamesone of Braco, and Grisell Stewart in Grange, being sumonded to this daye for their cohabitation in fornication, compeared not. Mr. Robert Watsone, their minister, regrated heavilie that the said George, accompanyed with Angus Baine Mackintosh, servant to Johne Stewart in Grange, intercepted him in the way as he was comeing to this meeting, furnished with guns, swords, and targes, and first threatned him for refusing to give him mariage with the [said] Girsell ; and the said Mr. Robert jus- tifieing his refusall, becaus he had not satisfied as yet the discipline of the churche. Then the said George and Angus strooke the said Mr. Robert most violentlie off his horse to the ground, and with their guns and stones knocked him in the armes and breast to his great hurt, so that scarcelie was the said Mr. Robert able (when he did complaine to the presbyterie) to drawe his breath. Also, they strake the said Mr. Robert his servant to the ground, and held ane drawen durke to his breast, and boxed him. Morouer, the said George threatned the church officer that he should not come any more to him to sumond him befor the presbyterie. The brethren, being touched with a fellow-feeling of the great hurt and injurie that Mr. Robert had received, ordained Mr. Williame Milne to represent this great disorder to the Generall Assemblie. At Botary, September 18, 1639. The said daye, Patrik Wilsone, eldar in Grange, compeared, and regrated that their minister, Mr. Robert Watsone, was so diseased that he was not able to discharge his function, and therfor desyred that the people might be helped by the brethren of the presbyterie. The brethren, vnderstanding that Mr. Robert his disease was caused by George Adamesone and Angus Baine, vt supra, they thought it not meet to send any for their helpe till they should see the ministers wrong repaired, or at least see in the pa- rishoners ane desyre and endewour to repaire it. At Botary, October 23, 1639. The brethren, vnderstanding this daye that some brethren vnder everie presbyterie were to meet to-morrow at Elgin, for church effaires, the brethren in one voyce ordained Mr. Johne Annand to keepe that dyet for the Presbyterie of Botarie. At Botary, December II, 1639. Robert Eralach, schoolemaister in Abercherdour, being sumonded to this 22 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1640. daye for proclameing the banes of the young Laird Frendraucht with Generall Leslye his daughter, without the minister his knowledge and con- sent, the said Robert compeared, and alledged that the minister himself was absent, otherwise he would not have presumed to doe so. The said daye, ther was ane supplication given in by the session of Keith, regrating that there were many persones dissobedient to their decreets and ordinances, and they knew not how to order them. The advyse that the brethren gave was, that if those persones were of meane estate, their maisters should be made answerable for them ; and if they were persons of note, that the eldars (cheeflie those of eminent place) should concurre with the minister for the poynding of them ; which, if the minister vrged, and they neglected or refused to doe, they should, at the visitation of the church, be censured by the presbyterie as vnfaithfull in their office. The said daye, ther was delyvered to the brethren by Mr. Johne Annand some litle printed pamphlets, containeing directions for the worship of God in privat families ; as also, ane letter from Mr. David Dick, moderator of the Assemblie at Edinburgh, and Mr. Archebald Johnestoune, clerke of the said Assemblie, wherin the brethren were requyred to receive these pamphlets, and to vrge vpon their severall congregations the practyse of these directions. Morouer, ther was delyuered by the said Mr. Johne the act of the said AssembUe anent these directions, and another letter from the ministers of Edinburgh, wherin the brethren were most gravely exhorted to stirre vp their people to conversion and repentance, that God might be glo- rified in the worke of reformation so happilie begun, etc. At Botary, January 8, 1640. Christane Rind and Thomas Duff, summonded for sending for Issobell Malcolme in Glasse, supposed to be a witche, for consulting with her, and receiving charmes and directions from her. The said Christane com- peared not. Ordained to be sumonded pro secundo. At Botary, January 29, 1640. Issobell Malcolme in Glasse, being sumonded for giving consultations and directions of witchcraft to Christane Rind, compeared, and being chal- lenged for comeing to Christane Rind and sayeing to her. Your guidraan hes gotten wrong in Alexander Spense house ; and in token that this is true, he hes not been able sensyne to doe any thing to you, more then yee to him ; and therfor goe quicklie and reprove them, otherwise yee will not 1640.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 23 be well. The said Isobell refuised all, and affirmed that she said no more, But if yow suspect them, yow should have reproved them. George Gor- doune, sone-in-law to Thomas DuiF, tooke vpon him to prove all that was laid to the said Isobells charge by James Loban, who was lyeing in the chamber beside Thomas DufF when Issobell Malcolrae came to visite, as she alledged. The said James Loban compeared, and being admitted, de- poned that he sawe the said Isobell Malcolme grope the said Thomas, and heard her saye to him. In truth, Thomas, yow have gotten wrong ; in token wherof, yow have done nothing to your wyfe since yee came from Alexander Spense house more then she to you : albeit, yee had had sevin- tein mens lyfes yow could not have [ ], it was laid so strong for yow. The brethren charged the said Issobell to keepe the meeting of the presbyterie this day twentie dayes. At Botary, May 20, 1640. Mr. Alexander Innes and Mr. Robert Irving being yet owing their con- tribution to Mr. William Milne, commissioner sent to the Generall As- semblie at Edinburgh, they promised against the next daye of meeting to paye him. At Botary, July 15, 1640. Mr. Joseph Brodie reported, that he beeing to give the third publike ad- monition to Mr. Williame Levingstoune vpon June twenty seventh, the said Mr. William stoode vp in the church, and affirmed in the audience of the whole congregation that Mr. Joseph Brodie was doing all in malice against him, and did suffer greater faults to slip through his fingers. Also, Mr. Joseph reported that in the churchyard the said Mr. William began to rayle againe. Whervpon the brethren, taking to heart the complaints of Mr. Joseph Brodie, thought fit to represent it, and the fault of the lyke nature, to the approaching Generall Assemblie for redresse ; as also, they thought meet, at the next visitation of the church of Keith, to rebuke the eldars of that parish for suffering such ane greevous enormitie. Morouer, the said Mr. Joseph reported, that he, proceeding to the second publike prayer for Mr. William Levingstoune, vpon July twelfth, Walter Barclaye, one of the eldars, rose vp and promised in Mr. WilHam Levingstoune his name that he should compeare this daye befor the presbyterie ; who, being called, compeared not, and therfor the brethren ordained Mr. Joseph Brodie to goe forward with the processe. 24 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1640. James Adam and Margaret Muirsone, in Grange, having satisfied for ther incest, compeared and wer absolued. The brethren ordained Mr. Alexander Innes his deprivation of the mi- nisterie at Rothimey to be intimated in all the churches of the presbyterie. The said day, by vniforme consent of the brethren, Mr. Joseph Brodie and Mr. Robert Jaraesone were chosen and nominat commissioners to the Generall x\ssemblye holdenat Aberdene the last Tuysdaye of Julij. There commission and instructions wer delyvered vnto them. And the said daye, Alexander Ogilvie of Kemphairne wes nominat and chosen commissionar for the ruling eldars. At Botary, August 19, 1640. The said daye, the parishoners of Kinnoir and Dumbennand gave in a supplication, declaring that they were now destitute of ane pastour by rea- son of Mr. Johne Annand his transportation to the church of Invernes, and professing that their eyes and hearts were set vpon Mr. James Gordoune, minister at Kearne, as being confident in the Lord that his labours amongs them may be fruitfull, and so much the rather becaus the said Mr. James was recommended vnto thame by their lord and maister the Marques of Huntlie, vndoubted patron of the said kirkes. The brethren accepted their supplication, and wer glad of their desyre to have their church planted. This their supplication was subscryved by sundrie of the parishoners, namely, Johne Gordoune in Artlach, Adam Gordoune in Welheads, James Straquhen in Colonach, James Andersone in Dumbennan, James Hammil- toune in Corse, Thomas Duff in Miltoune, Patrik Murraye in Achmuil, George Gordoune in Gibstoune, Johne Gordoune in Torrisoyle, Andrew Murraye in Achmuil, Alexander Spense at the Milne of Maines, Alexander Gordoune in Cowiemure, Johne Hammiltoune at the Mill of Kinnoir, Johne Spense, Jerome Spense in Brountstone, Alexander Henrie in Auchinlek, Johne Gordoune in Rawes, Johne Gordoune in Miltoune. John Maltman in Botarie being sumonded to this daye for the slaughter of Walter Boynd, Mr. Robert Gordoun in Botarie compeared in the said Johne his name, and made ane offer of satisfaction to the church in repent- ance and penaltie. The mater was continued till the next daye of meeting. At Botary, September 16, 1640. The said daye. it was ordained, if any brother shall be found absent tuo 1640.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 25 dayes together without ane sufficient reason showed to ther presbyterie, he shall be suspended from the ministerie. All the brethren who wer owing contributions to the commissioners, Mr. Joseph Brodie and Mr. Robert Jamesone, wer ordained to bring them with them the next daye, vnder paine of suspension. The said daye, a letter, directed from the Laird of Strathloche, Johne Maltman his maister, was presented to the brethren, wherin he desyred the processe against the said Johne to be continued till he should travell with the pairtie for satisfaction. The said Johne his processe was continued for a moneth ; and it was ordained that, after the expyring of ane moneth, the said Johne should be sumonded againe befor the presbyterie. Captaine Alexander Copland in Abercherdour, being sumonded to this daye for receipt of James Con, excommunicat papist, compeared not. He was ordained to be sumonded -pro 2"- The said daye, compeared Mr. James Gordoune, minister at Kearne, and presented ane presentation to the vnited churches of Kinnoir and Dum- bennand, given vnto him by the Right Noble George Marques of Huntlie, etc., vndoubted patron of the said churches. Sicklyke, the said Mr. James produced ane act of transportation from the church of Kerne, subscryved by the brethren of the presbyterie of Aufurd, which act did beare famous tes- timonie of the said Mr. James his qualification. Morouer, George Gor- doune in Gibstoune, and Johne Hammiltoune at the Mill of Kinnoir, for themselves and in name of the parishoners, compeared, and desyred, accord- ing to the presentation and act of transportation, and their former supplica- tion, that the said Mr. James Gordoune should be printo quoque tempore admitted to be their minister. The brethren, duelie considering- the said Mr. James his transportation and presentation granted, and the supplication made by the parishoners, they accepted the said Mr. James to the minis- terie of the said vnited churches ; and ordained him to preache per vices at the said churches the tuo next ensuing Sabbaths, and to serve edicts at the said churches to the last daye of this instant September, on which day the said Mr. James shall preache at the church of Dumbennand befor the pres- byterie and parishoners ; and after sermon, he shall receive collation and in- stitution, according to the [ ]. The said daye, compeared Robert Gordoune of Cowdraine, alledged factor to James Gordoune of Rothimey, and presented Mr. James Gor- doune, sone to Mr. Robert of Strathloche, to be minister at the church of 26 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1640. Rothimey, now vacant by the deprivation of Mr. Alexander Innes, and re- quyred the said Mr. James to be admitted to his tryalls. The brethren, calling to mynd that they had condescended to present Mr. Williarae Milne to the said churche, as having right to the patronage thereof, by reason, as they ar informed, James Gordoune of Rothimey his right of presentation was reduced by the late Bishop of Murraye, and that in foro contradictorio. Therfor the brethren, least they should be thought partiall to themselues as pretending right, or should wrong the said James Gordoune, they referred the mater to the consideration of the next insueing Provinciall Assemblie ; and requyred the said Robert and Mr. James Gordounes to keepe the said Assemblie at Forres the last Tuisdaye of October. The said daye, Mr. James Gordoune, sone to Mr. Robert Gordoune of Strathloche, did aske leave of the presbyterie to preache at the church of Rothimeye ; but becaus as yet they had scene no evidence nor testification of his literature, or being vpon the publike exercise in any presbyterie, they refused to grant his sute. At Dumbennand, September 30, 1640. This daye being appoynted for the admission of Mr. James Gordoune to be minister at the vnited churches of Kinnoir and Dumbennand, and Mr. James having caused serve edicts at both the said churches vpon the Sab- bath preceiding, and none compearing to object any thing against the said Mr. James his admission, the brethren, in the sight of such parishoners as were conveened for the tyme, did give letters of collation to the said Mr. James ; and the said Mr. James going vp into the pulpit, Mr. Robert Irving, minister at Innerkeithnie, did give institution to the said Mr. James, by delyvering the Bible vnto him, as vse is in such cases. Wherupon, in- strument was taken in the hands of James Andersone in Dumbennand, notar publike ; and the said Mr. James having come downe out of the pulpit, he was received and embraced by the parishoners present. The said daye, the brethren finding the presentation given to the said Mr. James by the Right Noble the Marques of Huntlie to be defective in most necessarie clauses, they tooke the said Mr. James his faithfull promise that he should cause the Marques of Huntlie (at his returne into Scotland) to mak vp a new presentation, which should give the brethren full content- ment and satisfaction. The said daye, Mr. James Gordoune, sone to Mr. Robert Gordoune of 1 642.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 27 Strathloche, did present vnto the brethren of the presbyterie a testimonial! subscryved by the brethren of the Presbyterie of Aberden, declaring that the said Mr. James had exercised publikelie befor them, and given them contentment. Wherupon the brethren gave libertie to the said Mr. James to preache at Rothimey the next Sabbath, and befor the presbyterie this daye fifteen dayes, vpon the ordinarie mater of the exercise, Rom. xiv. 4, At Botarie, Maii 18, 1642. The said day, Mr. James Gordon, person of Kinnore, reported that, notwithstanding Mr. James Hendry in Robiestoun, and Robert Rhind in Raweis, had already subscrivit the Couenant, yet, being personallie re- quired to communicate, they had refused to doe the samen ; and sicklike, that Jannat Stewart, spous to the said Mr. James, and Bessie Patersone, spous to the said Robert Rhind, keiped no ordor, nether in resorting to the publict worshipe, nor communicating in the sacramente of the Lords Supper. Therfor the brethren, finding themselfis to be ludified with aequi- vocall subscriptiounes to elude some present danger, and to returne back to their erroris quhen they find occasion, lykas the said persons hade done so already, efter swearing and subscrywing abefor, they ordained the said Mr. James to pronunce the sentence of excommunicatioune against them. Mr. William Reid reported that Robert Gordoun of Coldran wes be- come ane ordinare hearar. Item, he reported, that he hade gone himself to William Mair and Jannat Gordoun, in Kirknie, and hade earnestlie requested them to give obedience to the presbytery the next day, otherwise he assured them they wold be excommunicate ; and that, at the earnest request off George Gordoun in Culithie, Adam Gordoun at the Milne of Gairtly, and Robert Gordoun of Culdrane, he hade already continewit the sentence. The said William Mair was so farre from giving obedience, that he hade earnestlie requestit the said Mr. William Reid to doe him the favour to excommunicate him. Quheropon the brethren conveined ordayned the said Mr. William to obey the request, and to excommunicate him the next Sunday heirefter. Compeired James Mill and Issobell Duncan, his spous, parochiners of Abercherdour, compleaning wpon Walter Chalmer in Kairnehill ther, that he hade abused the said Jannat Duncan, on the Sabbath day, and hade stricken her to the efiusione of her blood. The said Walter Chalmer being present, confessit that he stracke her, and bis reason was, that the 28 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1642. said James Mill and Issobell Duncan wer both his servantis, and, being drunk, hade made a pley in his house, and could not gett them rid untill the tyme that he was forced efter that maner to separate them ; and that they hade abused him with wordis, and hade rent his cloathes. Alvayes the brethren present thocht him to be ane rogh ridder, and ordayned him, for the brack of the Sabboth, to mak his repentance, and pey four merkis penalty. At Botarie, Junij 10, 1642. The said day, efter in calling of the name of God, conveined the mo- derator and brethren. Absentes, Mr. Alexander Fraser. Mr. Alexander Watsone explayned the articles of the Creed. His travellis allovit. Compeirit John Tulloch, and being accused for his cohabitatioun with Elspet Gordon, vt supra, answerit, the devill a care cared he for their excommunicatioune ; excommunicate him the morne, if they pleased. The brethren ordayned him yet to give and subscribe a band, wnder paine of perjurie and infamie, for abstinence from the said Elspet, and to find a sufficient cautioner, wnder payne of ane hundreth libs. ; otherwayes the sentence, quam primum, to be pronunced, becaus he intended altogidder to ludifie the kirk. Compeired John Charles, in Gibstoun, and being accused for not com- municateing this yeir with the rest of the parochineris, he answered that the day quhen the communion was celebrate at Dumbennand, he went to Botruphnie, to his brotheris banquet, bot obledged him to communicate at the next occasion. The brethren ordayned him, for his former neglect, and his profane unfrequenting of the samen, to pey aucht merkis. At Botarie, Junii 15, 1642. Mr. Robert Jamesone handled the controversie, an ecclesia possit errare. His travellis allowit. This day being appoynted be the presbyterie for nominatioun and elec- tioun of commissioners to the next Generall Assembly, to be holdin at St. Andrewis the last Tuysday of July next, and Mr. Joseph Brody, Mr. Robert Jamesone, Mr. William Reid, Mr, Hendry Rosse, Mr. William Mill, Mr. Robert Watsone, being conveined to that effect ; and of the ruleing elderis, Alexander Ogilvie of Kempkairne, for Keyth ; Thomas 1642.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 29 Innes of Pethnik, for Grange ; George Calder of Asvanlie, for Glasse ; James Gordoune of Bogartie, for Gairtlie ; George Gordoun of Achan- achie, for Ruthven ; Adam Duff of Drummuir, for Botruphnie ; and thrie of the ministrie, be common consent, being put wpon list, viz. Mr. Joseph Brody, Mr. James Gordoun, Mr. Robert Watsone, the brethren and ruleing elderis, with one consent, made nominatioun of Mr. Joseph Brody, minister at Keyth ; and for the ruleing elderis, my Lord Gordoun, Kerapkarne, and Pethnik, being put on the list, nominatione, with on consent, was made of my Lord Gordoun, and, failzieing of his accepta- tioune, nominatioun was made of Alexander Ogilvie of Kempkairne. The brethren ordayned their commission to be written furth, and to be sub- scrived the next day, and four libs, of contributioun by ilk minister to be given to the said Mr. Joseph. The said day, Mr. Robert Jamesone reported that he hade given John Matman, murtherer of Walter Boyne, his second admonition to the cen- sures of excommunicatioun, and that he remayned as yet werie obstinate, and was vseing all meanes to elude the censures of the presbyterie, and hade imbarked some of good note in that busines, to beare him out in his wickednes, and disturbe the said Mr. Robert his peace, alledging that he was soght out of splene. Nether wold he pey ony pecuniall mulct, to be imployed ad pios vsus ecclesiae. Incace that the kirk wold refuse his repentance, he wold take instrument of his offer, and then no minister within the presbyterie durst excommunicate him. The ministrie and ruleing elderis this day present, considering the said John to be a wicked and ewill disposed persone, quho hade no true signes of repentance ; and also that, besyde the slaughter of Walter Boyne, he was guiltie of the murther of wmquhiU George Wyseman, in Drumdelgie, for the quhich he hade nether made nor offered any satisfactioun to the partie nor to the church, but was lying under proces (befor the civill judge), yet wndis- cussed, wpon suspensiones raised at the said John his instance ; and sick- lyke, that he had bound Jeane Davidsone, daughter to Alexander David- sone, Webster, to a post, and hade brydled her without ony just cans, and to the gryt effusion of her blood, quho lay bedfast a yeir therefter ; and also, out of his drunken humor, he frequentlie vsed to brydle his owne wyffe ; and that he regarded nether adraonitioun nor church censure, bot plainlie affirmed that he wold doe nothing bot that quhilk his maister com- manded him to doe. In consideratioun of the premisses, the brethren 30 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1642. finding them self bund in conscience, as likwayes be the lawis and statutes of this kirk and kingdorae, to advertise the magistrate in the cans of bluid, quhilk cryes for wengeance wpon the haill land quher the same is shed, without punishment ; and also finding theraselfis bund by the statutes of this kirk to excommunicate such ofFenderis, quho intendes to elude the severitie of justice be ony meanes quhatsoever besyde the tryall of their innocencie, and that such persones are not to be admittit to the societie of the church untill such tyme as ether the magistrate punish according to the law, or els pardon the cryme ; and also quhill the offender give suffi- cient signes of repentance, least, admitting impaenitent persones to the samen, God should be therby mocked, and highlie offended with such as admittis them thervnto. Therfor the whole presbyterie, with one con- sent, discharged the said Maister Robert ether to receive penaltie or re- pentance from the said John Matman wntill the tyme that he wer ether declared innocent of the said crymes be a lawfull assysse befor the civil judge, and hade also satisfied the partie, and obtained a lettre of Slaynes from all haveing interest, as also the supreme magistrates pardon and re- missione for the said slaughteris and crymes ; and withall ordayned the said Mr. Robert to pronunce the sentence of excommunicatioune against him, and to dilate him to the civill judge, that order may be taken heirwith. At Botruphne, 30th Junij, 1642. The said day, efter incalling of the name of God, conveined the modera- tor and brethren. Mr. Robert Watsone teached, Revel. 20 c. 6 v. Absentes, Mr. William Reid, Mr. Hendry Ros, Mr. Robert Irving, Mr. Richard Maitland. Elderis. Deacones. Adam Duff of Drummuire. William Stewart. George Leslie of Towibeo;. Alexander Stevart in Kirktoun. John Stewart of Ardbrak. James Christie in Argathny. John Anderson of Westerardbrak John Bisset, theasurer. John Leslie in Achroy. Arthur Stevart in Tachenheid. The minister, Mr. Alexander Fraser, being removed, all the elderis and gentlemen being severallie suorne wpon their gryt oath to declare quhat they knew of the said Mr. Alexander ; and being particularlie posed con- 1642.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 31 cerning his literature and qualificatioune, and if he was a poverfull preacher, and discharged his duty faithfully within the said paroche, deponed that he was a good populare preacher ; that he administrate his discipline faithfullie. And being posed concerning his life and conversatioun, if they knew ony thing that was scandalous, or might disinable him from being a minister, everie on of them deponit that wpon their conscience they knew nothing bot good of him, and that he was blameles. Bot being particularly posit wpon a scandall that was spred throgh the contrey wpon the said Mr. Alexander, they all in one woyce deponed wpon their conscience that they knew nothing on him bot that he was a werie honest man, and quhatsoever hade bein spoken wes but mere calumnies, forged and devised be foolish or malicious persones. And the said Mr. Alexander himself, being particularlie posit theron, offered to purge himself befor the presbytery be quhatsoever meanes they and the session thocht meet, and soght their advise to that effect. And as for that scandall, all the elderis solemnlie protested that they saw no just ground therof, bot all proceided wpon the report of a foolish litle on, within tuell yeiris of age, quho for feare of punishment hade left the contrey. The brethren ordayned the elderis and the said Mr. Alexander to mak search and inquisitioun for the said litle lasse, and to report quhat they culd find anent that matter to the presbytery quhen they thoght meit. Compeired Elspet Gordoun, spous to Walter Ogilvie in Ardbrone, and being accused for the dishanting of Godis worship and not communicateing, contrarie to her oath and subscriptioun, quhilk wes testified be a band quhich was delivered to Mr. Alexander Eraser, also be Mr. Robert Ja- mesone, quho tooke the said band of her befor the solemnizatioun of her mariage ; the said Elspet confessed that she hade never communicated nor yet suorne, bot that she hade given a band, as her brother Robert Gordoun had done befor, only to expede her mariage. The brethren ordayned the said Mr. Alexander Fraser to deale with her, to instruct her, and catechise her ; and ordayned the said Elspet, within six weeks, viz. the second Sunday of August, to communicate ; with certificatioun, if she failed ether to require instructioun or resolutioun, or resorted not to the kirk for hearing of Godis word, or did not communicate the said day that wes appoynted, they ordayned the proces of excommunicatioun to proceid against her. The said day, the gentlemen, elderis, deacones, and otheris, inhabitantis of the paroche of Botruphnie, such as were present willinglie condiscendit to give a firlot of wictuall out of each pleugh of old to a scoolemaister quho 32 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1642. wold reid befor the sermon, and teach their bairnes. The brethren and rest of the memberis of the presbyterie ordayned Mr. Alexander Fraser, their minister, to provyde for a honest man for that effect, and not to be deficient, seing the parochineris were so well willed. At Rothemay, 12th Julij, 1642. Mr. Alexander Innes taught his panitentiall sermon. His text was Acts XX. 28, quher he refuted Episcopacie to be juris divini, and to be hot humanum institutum. He gave good contentment both to the brethren and to the parochinaris. The said day, the brethren seing the Yle of Rothemay to be ruinous, and finding that the Laird of Rothemay, by a speciall clause conteined in the takis of the teyndis, is bound and obledged to wphold the samen ; ther- for the brethren ordayned the said Mr. James Gordoun, minister ther, to raise letteris against the Laird his factoris and curatoris to re-edifie the samen. The said day, it is appoyntit that no burialles shall be made within the kirk of Rothemay, or in ony other kirk within the presbyterie, without pay- ment of four libs, lair silver be the inhabltantis, and aight merkis be thoise that are without the paroche, being of ripe age ; and that ewerie bairne within seven yeiris of age pay tuentie shillingis ; and if they excede seven, and be within fyfteine, to pay fourtie shillingis ; and all this to be done befor the opening of the mould, or then a sufficient pledge consigned for the samen. John Imblauch, parochiner of Rothemay, for presenting the child of a stranger to be baptized, without the advertiseing of the minister concerning the veritie theirof. His censure is referrit to the minister and elderis of Rothemay. Mr. James Gordoun, minister, regrated that Margrat Gordoun, spous to John Fordyce in Achincrive wes not ane ordinare hearer ; the said Mr. James is ordayned to confer with her, and to vse all meanes possible for her conversione befor he enter in proces with her, and as he findis her to report to the presbyterie, that incaice she continue contumax she may be censured. At Abercherdor, 27th Julij, 1642. Visitation. The Laird of Cromby regratit that the stool of repentance wes sett wp 1642.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 33 contiguie to his dask, and therfor desyred it to be removed to a mor com- modious pairt of the kirk. The presbyterie ordayned the samen to be re- moved thrie pendilingis further of, quherwith all parties wer pleased. At Inverkithnie, 17th August, 1642. It is ordayned that bletcheris of cloth on Sunday be censured as fornica- touris ; and such as keipes not the dayes of examinatioun appoyntit, the husband man and his wyfF, ilk on, to pay half a mark, cotteris and ser- vantis, 40d. The said day, the brethren fand also the fabrik of the kirk well repaired, windowes well glased, dores and pulpit colored with greene, be contribu- tioun for the maist of the Laird of Frendraucht, quha hade given also a pulpit cloth, tuo cupis, vorth aucht score libs, for the communion, and hade erectit communion tables on his owin expenses. Mr. Joseph Brody, minister at Keyth, and commissioner from the Pres- bytery of Strabogy to the last Generall Assembly, holdin at St. Andrewis the last Tuysday of July, returned, and his travellis and diligence was ap- proved be the brethren. He reported that the next Generall Assembly holdis at Edinburgh the first Vednesday of August, 1643 yeiris. At Rynie, l"- Septembris, 1642. Mr. Henry Ros, minister, being removed, and the elderis being suorne quhat they knew concerning the said Mr. Henry, or quhat might inable him in his ministrie, being posit, they deponed, on their oath, all in ane woyce, that concerning his literature he was werie weake, and gave them litle or no confort in his ministrie ; bot, as concerning his life, he was mendit, and was blameles now in his conversatioun. The said Mr. Henry regratit that the parochineris frequentit not the church, nor assistit him in discipline, bot despysit him, and that they hade no discipline, no sessione since Feb- ruare last. The parochineris required that a helper might be adjoyned to the said Mr. Henry, and to that effect produced a presentatioun of the Marqueisse of Huntlie, presenting Mr. George Chalraer to the locall stipend of Rynie and Essie, reserving thrie hundreth merkis, and tuelff bollis wictuall, with manse and gleib of Rynie, to the said Mr. Henry dureing his lifetyme. The brethren, hawing red and considered the samen, thocht good to advyse with the next synod, to be holdin at Elgin the first Tuysday of October £ 34 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1642. nixt, concerning the nature of the said presentatioun ; and, in the meane tyme, thocht meit that Mr. George Chalmer should enter to his tryallis. John Cruikshank, in Keith, being sumondit to hawe answered for his adulterie with Agnes Litlejohn, compeired not ; ordayned to be sumondit pro '2'^°- The said day, it was ordayned that Nicolas Gordoun, good vyfF of Glen- gerak, parochiner of Keyth, and relict of wmquhill Captan Adam Gor- doun, quho now was to be married with James Gordoun, son to Robert Gordoun, bailyie of the Engzie, quho wer both suspect of religion, and hade not communicate thir sundry yeiris bygane, that in no manner of way Mr. Joseph Brody, minister at Keyth, grant the marriage, befor thev subscrive the common band of the presbyterie and communicate, as he wilbe ansuerable for the samen. At Gairtlie, 15th Septembris, 1642. Compeired James Home, in Kinnore, being sumondit befor the presby- terie this day, for his extraordinarie drunkennes, in tyme of divine service, and therefter, out of his drunken humour, compeired befor the session of Kinnore, publictlie railed both against minister and elderis, being cited ther for the scandalizeing of Helen Bien, and saying quhat hade he adoe to be troubled for a whoris taile. All that he hade sayd he wold say it againe, and worse also ; and took wp a stra, and held it out befor the session, and said he wold not give that stroe for all that they could doe or say to him ; and that ther was non ther that wald cause him to mak his repentance for ony thing that he hade said, quhich wes werified to be of trueth be John Gordoun in Affleck, and Alexander Murray, elderis, in Khmor, quho wer send ther, in the name of the sessione, to testifie the samen. The said James, being diverse tymes callit, compeired not ; ordayned to be summondit, pro 2^°-, with certificatioune, if he compeir not, he shalbe censured but any further citatioune. At Grange, S'"- Novembris, 1642. Compeired James Barclay, in Grange, and confessit adulterie with Elspet Gray, in Cantly. Both are ordayned to make their publict repentance in sackecloath, barefooted, tuentie sex Sabbothis, at the kirk dore, first betuixt the second and third bell, and therefter wpon the stoole of repent- ance. 1643.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 35 At Botarie, 14th December, 1642. Compeirit John Ogilvie, younger of Miltoun, and being accusit of forni- catioun with Margrat Adamesoun, at last he confessit the samen. He is ordayned to pay thriescore libs, penaltie, and to stand seven Sundayes at the pillar fit in sackcloath. Compeired Mr. William Harper, bringing with him a letter from the Laird of Frendraught, as also a testimoniall from the Presbitery of Mernis, and another from the Session of Glenbervie, testifieing of his good life and conversatioun, and of his frequent exercises both befor the presbytery and in publict, quhervpon the Laird wes movit to mak petitoun for him to be ane instructor of his children, and a catechizer of his familie, and therfor de- syrit that the said Mr. William should be [admittit] to a present tryall, conforme to the order, that he might enter to his charge. The brethren taking to their consideratioun the forsaid testimonialls, and the o-ood re- port givin to him therin contained, permittis him to enter to instruct the Lairdis bairnes, and howsoone Mr. George Chalmer his tryall shall be endit, they promised to admite the said Mr. William to the exercise. Mr. George Chalmer ordayned to handle the common head, De ecclesia an errare jjossii, and to give his theses against the next day. At Botarie, 4"- Januar, 1643. Anent the Lady Frendraucht her obedience to the kirk, it is ordayned that Mr. Joseph Brodie, Mr. James Gordoun at Rothemay, and Mr. Richard Maitland, requesting also Mr. William Douglas to accompanie them, that they shall goe to the said Lady Frendraucht, and deale with her according to the ordinance of the Assembly, as also to report her finall answer ; and for this effect, they are appoyntit to keip the seventeenth day of Januar peremptorlie. The said day, compeired Mr. William Douglas, minister at Forgie, in name and behalff of my Lord Wicount of Frendraucht, desyreing that the processes of excommunicatioun might proceid against Walter Wrquhart of Cromby, and his complices, for the cruell murthering of his wraquhill brother, William Chrightoune ; and sicklyke, the said Mr. William produced a letter from the moderator of the Generall Assembly, and the clerk therof, advyseing ws that incace the said Walter Wrquhart and his complices wer fled [ .] 36 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1643. At Abercherdour, 1 1th July, 1643. The said day, Mr. Richard Maitland did regrait Mr. WiUiam Harper his malignant and vncharitable speeches to him, the last meeting at Keyth, in presence of the presbitry ; also, in affirming he had ane commissioun from the sessioun of Abercherdour, to signifie to the presbitrie that the said Mr. Richard vas so rigorous in his cariage that he had lost the hearts of all his people. Quhilk being denyed be all the members of the sessioun, the said Mr. William at last pretendit ane commission to speak the forsaid speeches from the Laird of Frendraught, quhilk he vas ordained to pro- duce, the morrow at Inverkethny. It is ordained that vhosoever elder salbe found familiarlie conversing with James Con, salbe deposed, with ignominie, and therafter processed befor the presbitry. The Laird of Carnusie regraited to the bretherin the vant of a rowme in the kirk for himself and his people, quhilk vas thoght verie reasonable to be grantit both be the presbitry and sessioun ; and so, by mutuall con- sent of all, the said Laird of Carnusie vas licenced to pleniss the southsyde of the quire, from the quire door to the east gevill, abow and below ; vith this provision, that Alexander Abernethie and his vyf sould haue libertie to sitt and burie in a pert of the said rowme quher their desk is for the present. Lykvys, the minister protested, in Crowner Leslie his name, for accom- modation to the said Crowner and his familie as Carnusie gott. It is ordainit that the parochineris furniss the elements for the communion to be celebrat the second tyme of the yeir, according to the act of the Ge- nerall Assemblie at Glascow theranent. Mr. Richard Maitland, and thes that ver sent vith him to the Lady of Frendraught, reported that shoe promised to heir the vord, and desyred a tyme for further resolutioune. The bretherin thoght meet that hir minister vith Joseph Brodie sould yet speak hir, and sie if shoe void be a daylie hearer, and keip familie vorship vith ye rest of the familie, then to giue hir some short space, quhilk if shoe refused, the process to goe on against hir. At Innerkeithny, 12th July, 1643. It being regraited be the minister, as also the rest of the bretherin, that 1643.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 37 the people on the Saboth day, quhen they come to the kirk, remained not within the kirk betwixt the second and third bell in tyme of reiding the holie scriptures, it is ordained that vhosoever, after due intimatioun and admoni- tioun, be found guiltie of the forsaid fault, salbe punished as absents from the kirk. Compeired Mr. Henry Ross, vho, being found five severall dayes toge- ther absent vithout any excuse, vas bitterlie rebuiked, and ordained to keip better in tyme comming ; vith certificatioun, if he salbe found absent vithout ane lawfull excuse sent to the presbitry the day of his absence, to be sus- pendit, and if he continow absent as abefor, to be depryved. Compeired Mr. William Harper, and not being able to produce any varrant or commission eyther from the session of Abercherdour or from the Laird of Frendraught, quhilk he pretendit to haue had, for his malicious speeches to Mr. Richard Maitland at the kirk of Keyth, vas ordained, the next Saboth after sermon, to come befor the pulpit, quhen the reider sail call vpon him, and ther vpon his knees sail humblie acknowledge that he had offendit God and the minister by his malicious and vncharitable speeches ; and therfor intreat the minister to pardon him for quhat he had rashlie expressed, as also the vhole elderis for belying them in pretending a varrant from them of quhat he had spoken, and yet had none at all. The said day being appoynted for choosing commissioneris to the Generall Assemblie, Mr. Joseph Brodie and Alexander Ogilvie of Knock wer chosen, be mutuall consent, the ministeris and ruling elderis. Nixt meeting at Gairtly. At Gairtlie, 26th July, 1643. James Vatt in Bucharne, being summondit ])ro 3°- for his disobedience to the session of Gairtlie, in not satisfieing for his going in pilgrimage to vallis and chappellis, for not hearing the vord nor communicating, called, compeired not. Ordained to pay eight merkis, and satisfie as an adulterer. Compeired George Michell, vho was referred to this meeting to answer for his disturbing the session of Gairtlie, for hindering his vyf from satisfie- ing their discipline for hir going to vallis and chappellis, and for thrusting himself in a barbarous and rude maner befor the minister and elderis, not being called, for vpbraiding George Gordoun in Colithie with many oppro- 38 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1643. brous speeches, affirming that he void not be corrected be him, and desyred him goe home and correct his cotteris, and that he sould meit in any part quhair he pleased, vith vther such vnseemhe speeches not fitting for that place. The said George denyed sundrie of the former particularis ; but the mater being referred to the probatioun of James Gordon in Bogartie, George Gordon in Hilhead, William Straquhen, Thomas Skinner, John Cowper, Alexander Gordon, all elderis, vho, being suorn, all in on voice deponit that the said George Michell entered in befor them, vncalled for, in a verie rude and barbarous maner, and gaue sundrie opprobrious and inju- rious speeches to the session, and in particular, to George Gordon in Coli- thie, affirming that he void not be corrected by him, and that he had als much money as himself, and he sould meet him quhair he pleased, and vent out from the session vith threatning and menacing vordis. The bretherin, considering the notable vrong done by him to the session, and in particular to George Gordon, ordained him to mak his publict repentance in the kirk of Gartlie the nixt Saboth, and to ask God, the session, and George Gor- don, in particular, forgivnes, and to pey twenty libs, ad pios vsus ecclesiae to their collector ; vith this restriction, that if he obey pleasantlie the forsaid decreit to the contentment of the vhole sessioun, in that caice the session of Gartlie sail haue pover to mitigat ten merkis of his penaltie ; and, incaice of disobedience, ordaines the minister to goe on vith the censures of the kirk. The said day, George Michell gaue in a bill complaining on George Gordon in Colithie for sclandering him ; but befor it was accepted, he vas desyred to consigne a pledge to proue the same, according to the order, answered, he saw no law for him heir, and void craw no law; ye may decreit quhat ye pleas, he vas not to obey, and he sould get a better forspeaker against the nixt day. The commissioneris sent to the Lady Frendraught reportit that shoe had promised to heir the vord as shoe had done befor. The commissioner vas desyred to advys vith the Generall Assemblie heiranent. At Botarie, 25th Octobris, 1643. Seifvreight. George Seifvright, in Acharn, being summoundit to this day for consult- ing vith Janat Maconachie, ane suspectit vitch, concerning his vyf hir sick- nes, quhom he brought to haue cured hir, compeired, and deponed that he neuer knew hir to be suspect of vitchcraft, and that he neither desyred nor 1643.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 39 knew any charmes gifFen by hir to his vyf. He vas rebuiked, and ordained neuer to consult vith the lyk againe. The said day, Mr. Richard Maitland delyvered to Mr. Joseph Brodie three doloris for the releife of the distressed Irishes ; as also, Mr. Robert Jamesone tuo, and Mr. Robert Vatson promised to giue him eight merkis befor the nixt meeting for the same vse. It is ordained that everie minister vithin the presbitry bring vith them to the nixt meetting the names of their none communicants, as also the names of all their excommunicat persons. Compeired Patrick Duncan, in Mulderie, and being accused for scandel- Duncan. Using the Presbitrie of Abernethie, in alledging that he had a varrand from the forsaid presbitry to baptize children, and that he had alreadie baptized one ; answered, it vas true he had said that out of mirriment, but denyed that euer such a varrand vas gifFen him from the said presbitry, and also confessed he had baptized one child. The brethren [thought] good to re- ferr him to the Presbytry of Abernithie for [censure], and ordained the said Patrik to compeir befor them on [ ] presbiteriall day of Februarie. Att Botarie, 10th November, 1643. The said day, the moderator produced ane letter from the Presbitry of Gordone. TurrefF, desyring vs to process Anna Gordon for hir not conformitie, vho fled from them, and is now in Lesmoir. Mr. George Chalmer reportit that the said Anna Gordon had removed from Lesmoir ten dayes agoe, and that he advertised Mr. Androw Massie, minister at Drumblett of hir removall from vs, and hir present being vithin the Presbitry of TurrefF. Mr. George Chalmer ordained to summound hir befor the presbitry, to report a testi- moniall of hir conformitie from Turreff, if shoe sail happin to return to Lesmoir. The said day, John Lyon of Mures, produced ane presentatioun from Meldrum. my Lord Spynnie, nominating Mr. George Meldrum to the kirk of Glas, quherof my Lord Spynnie pretendit a right of patronage, and took instru- ment on his presentatioun in the handis of Patrick Stewart, notar publict, and also protested that none sould be admittit to the forsaid place till the right of patronage sould be decidit. Lykvys, Mr. James Gordoun, minister at Kinnoir, in name of the Marques of Huntlie, and by varrand from him, protested that for sameikle as the said Marquis of Huntlie and his predi- cessoris had bein still reputed lawfuU and vndoubted patrons of the said 40 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1643. kirk of Glas, and suchlyk had planted that kirk thrie seuerall tyraes vithout question or interruption, that the presbitry vould accept of no presentatioun but such as vas gifFen befor by the said Marquis, and that he adhered to the presentatioun of that kirk alreadie giffen to Mr. William Sanderis, and vpon this took instrument in the handis of Patrik Stewart, notar publict. The said day, the moderator produced ane letter from the Commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, requyring the care and diligence of the brethren in vrging the subscription of the League and Covenant, the tenor quherof followis : " Reuerend and loving brether, The Commissioneris hes returned to vs the Solemne League and Covenant, as it is [appro]ven by the Parlia- ment and Synod of divynes [ ] and soleranlie suorne and subscrivit, quhilk ve f[ind agrees] vith that draught approuen by [ ] and Convention of Estaitis [ ] our last letter, and therfor hes ordained the same to be vniuersaUie resaued, suorne, and subscrivit vith all diligence, and hes prescribed to presbitries order to proceed against thes that sail refuse or shift the samen, as our or- dinance and act theranent printed befor the Covenant beareth. Ve ear- nestlie recommend to your care the zealous performance of the particularis contained in that act. The present danger of religion requyres it of yow. The papistis now being in armes expecting forraine ayd, the cessation of armes nov being concludit in Irland by authoritie, vith verie great advan- tage to the rebellis, vho are treated vith as his Majesties Roman Catholick subjectis. Much, brether, dependis at this tyme vpon your zeale, fidelitie, and example ; and therfor, seing the pressing of so solemne a League and Covenant is so conduceable a meane for promowing that intendit vork of reformatioun and blissed vnion of the tuo kingdomes, and for strenthening ourselfs and veakening and discouring our enimies, we beseech yow to be carefull that this Covenant be reallie and religiouslie suorne and subscribit ; and quher yow conceave ther may be any impediment or slaknes, that yov send some of your number, ministeris and elderis, to countenance and assist the actioun. For your further encouragement heirvnto, yow sail knov that this day the Covenant hes bein verie solemnlie suorne and subscrivit heir in the Eist Kirk of Edinburgh, by the Commissioneris of the Estaitis of this kingdorae, the Commissioneris of the Parliament of England, and vs, Com- missioneris of the Generall Assemblie, in presence of the congregatioun. The blissing of God that followed the renoving the Covenant in former tymes, makes vs confident that if [we] turne to God vith all our heartis, and 1643.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 41 be stedfast in this Covenant, the Lord vill accompanie vs vith the same blissing till his vork be brought to a happie conclusion. We commend vow and all your labouris in this vork to the Lordis grace and assistance, and remaines in him your loving bretherin, the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, Mr. Robert Douglas, moderator, in name of the commis- sioneris. Edinburgh, October 13, 1643." Compeired John Rind, and being accused for not frequenting Godis pub- Rind, lict vorship, for not communicating, nor subscriving the Covenant, the said John promised to be ane hearer of the vord, and tak the Covenant to reid and consider the same, and to come to his minister for resolutioune of his doubtis, and therafter to subscryv the same, vnder the paine of process to goe against him. James Hamiltoun being summounded to this day, compeired not, being gone to the Boigge vith the Marquis of Huntlie, his master ; but the mi- nister reportit that he had promised to compeir howsoon he came vithin the boundis of the presbitery. The moderator, vith Mr. James Gordon, minister at Kinnoir, ordained to goe to Rothemay, and assist the minister for the provision of his school- maister. At Botarie, 29th November, 1643. Mr. Joseph Brodie reportit that he had read and explained the Covenant Brodie. in his church, and had gotten two hundred handis and aboue therto. Mr. Robert Irving reportit that all his people had solemnlie subscryved Irving, the Covenant. Mr. James Gordoun reportit that he had red and explained the Covenant Gordone. at both his kirkis, and requyred them nominatim at Dumbennand to sub- scryv the same ; but they all in one voyce refused till vtheris vent befor them. Mr. Alexander Fraser reportit that he had red and explained the Cove- Fraser. nant, and had gotten no subscription. Ordained to vrge the same the next day. Mr. Robert Vatson reportit that he had red and explained the Covenant, Watsone. and had gotten some handis, but the gentrie and most part of the commun- alitie refused to subscryv till Thomas Innes of Pathnick sould first subscryv ; as also, that George Geddes requyred the Covenant to pervse, and advyse vith it, and send it back to the minister vith a privat subscription, vith the addition for the king and protestant religion. The brethren thought the 42 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1643. Maitland. Chalmer. Reid. Jamesone. Glas. Wrquhart of Crombie. subscription null, and ordained the said George to suear and subscryv the same publictlie in the church. Mr. Richard Maitland reportit that all had subscrivit the Covenant within his parochin except tuo. Mr. George Chalmer reportit that he had [explained] the Covenant in both his kirkis, and [would get the subscrijptionis the nixt Saboth. Mr, William Reid reportit he had red and explained the Covenant, but had gottin no subscriptions saue his owne. Mr. Robart Jamesone reportit that he had red and explained the Cove- nant in both his kirkis, and had appoyntit the nixt Saboth for subscryving the same. Mr. Patrick Glas is ordained to preache the nixt Saboth at the kirk of Glas, and read and explaine the Covenant to that people ; and Mr. Alex- ander Fraser is ordained to goe the nixt Saboth following, and requyr their subscriptiouns. The said day, the summoundis direct from vs, 13th September, charging Walter Vrquhart of Crombie, James Vrquhart of Old Craig, Patrick Meldrum, somtyme of Iden, and Adam Gordoun, their servant, to compeir within thriescoir dayes before vs, to satisfie the discipline of the kirk for their murthering of wmquhill William Creichtoun, sone to the Laird of Frendraught, vas brought back dulie execut and indorsit, be George Neill, messinger, at the marcat croce of Edinburgh, peir and shore, Leith. The forsaid persons being three seuerall tymes called, compeired not. The bre- therin ordained to giue them ane citation out of all their pulpitis to the next presbiteriall day, viz. 20th December. The bretherin gaue in the names of their excommunicat persons, viz. : Alexander Gordoun of Cairnbor- row, in the parochin of Glas. William Mair, in Gairtlie. John Leslie, in the parochin of Dumbennand. John Stichell, elder. John Stichell, younger. Thomas Stichell. Thomas Baxter. James Andersone. John Richie. George Ellies. Patrik Cheyn. Butter his spous. Cuttis his spous. Vithin Botarie. John Gordon, in Brodland. Patrik Gordon, in Cairn [ Janat Dumbar, his spous. In Ruthven. Robert Gordon, in Carmellot. John Gordon, in Litleraill. 1643.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE, 43 This forsaid catalogue vas delyvered to each brother, to mak intimatioun therof out of their pulpitis against the next day. The said day, the bretherin desyred the report of Mr. James Gordon Lady Stra and Mr. George Chalmer, anent the Lady Strabaine. Mr. James Gordon ^^^^ answered, that he had neither leasur nor opportunitie to goe the lenth of Lesmoir, quher the said lady residit, becaus of tuo commissiones that he had bein vpon since the last meeting, viz., that anent the schoole of Ro- themay and the gleib of Abercherdour ; but the said Mr. George reportit hir answer to the presbitrie, viz., that shoe vas bot a stranger vithin this kingdome, and ought to be reputed so, as having no kynd of being heir ; and therfor that hir resolutioune vas, about the spring to remow from this kingdome to hir owne dwelling, if it could be done vithout danger. Quhilk answer the bretherin taking to their consideratioun, desyred that the said Mr. George, inrespect of his charge, and residence within that parochin, void forbid her the resett of any excommunicat persones quhat- someuer, Jesuitis, or masse priestis, and to vatche her hous as nar- rowlie as he could for that effect ; and during the tyme of hir abod heir, to labour to persuad hir from poperie, how often he could haue occasion of conference. And sicklyk, ordained Mr. James Gordoun to goe to Lesmoir, with his first convenience, and assist the said Mr. George in the premisses. Suchlyk, the moderator reportit that the said John Rind had openhe spoken, in the kirkyeard of Abercherdour, that the mutuall League and Covenant vas the Marquis of Argyle his covenant, and that all that sub- scryved the same vould be hanged ; quhich the presbitry desyred Mr. James Gordoun to tell him, that he might compeir and clear himself the next day, vthervayes the speeches to be holden pro confesso, and to be proceidit against vith the censures of the kirk for ane and all. Att Botarie, 20th December, 1643. The said day, the vhole bretherin reportit that thei had mad citatioun out of their pulpitis of Walter Wrquhart of Crombie, and his accom- plices, vt supra, to this day. Being called, compeired not, the bretherin having resolved to goe on vith their processis, according to the act of the Generall Assemblie. Alexander Fraser of Philorth vreat to the presbitry, Fraser of in name of James Vrquhart of Old Craige, and the rest of his freindis, P"'''^"'*"' offering obedience and reason to the presbitry of any thing the said James 44 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1643. sould be found guiltie of, after just tryell ; for performance quherof the said Alexander Fraser of Philorth had keiped this present meetting, if he had not been deteined in Aberdein at the comraittie ; and so desyred to be acquant with the nixt day of meeting, quhilk he promised to keip, for the effect forsaid. The bretherin, taking the mater to their considera- tioun, thoght fitt to heir Philorth, and advertised him of their dyet. Mr. Robert Jamesone reportit that he had solemnlie suorne and sub- scryved the Covenant in presence of his people, and that ten in Botarie and two in Ruthven had subscryvit with him ; and since that tyme, many had come to him in privat, offerring their subscriptions, quhilk he refused to accept but publictlie befor the congregatioun. Mr. Joseph Brodie reportit that he had solemnlie subscryved the Cove- nant in presence of his people, and that all his people had done the same, except John Ogilvie of Miltoun, John Coupland of Haughes, and to the number of fourtie or fyftie of the meaner sort, quherof some ver sick, some ignorant, and some negligent. Mr. William Reid reportit he had solemnlie subscrywed the Covenant befor the congregatioun, and only ten of his people with him. Mr. Robert Vatson reportit that he had subscryved the Covenant with all religious solemnitie, and thirty-three of his congregatioun vith their own handis, and about two hundreth with the clerkis hand. Mr. Alexander Fraser reportit he had subscryved the Covenant pub- lictlie befor his congregatioun, and that many of his people had subscryved also, but had not suorne, and many not at all. The bretherin ordainit the said Mr. Alexander to requyre ther oathes, the next Saboth, to ad- here to ther subscriptiones, vthervayes their subscriptiones to be holden as null. Lykvys, the said Mr. Alexander reportit that he had gone and preached at the kirk of Glas, and resawed the subscriptiones of the most part that ver present, except John Gordoun of Innermerkie, vho refused becaus he vas vithin the parochin of Mortlach. Mr. James Gordoun reportit that he had subscryved the Covenant vith all religious solemnities, and thes of his congregatioun vho ver present thir tuo former dayes had subscryved also, and he hoped for the rest. Mr. George Chalmer reportit that he had solemnlie subscrywed the League and Covenant befor his congregatioun, and that my Lord Gordoun being present, he requyred his lordship goe on befor the rest in good exam- 1644.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 45 pie, quhilk his lordship most villinglie assented to, and so not onlie solemn- lie subscrywed the Covenant himself, but exhorted all that ver present to doe the same, quhilk vas done. Mr. James Gordoun, minister at Rothemay, reportit he had solemnlie subscryved the Covenant, and had reseaved the subscriptions of forty or fifty of his people, and expected the rest. All the bretherin ordained to vrge a perfyet subscription of the vhole congregatiouns against the next meetting, and to bring the names of their none subscribentis, vnder their handis, to the presbitry. Att Botarie, 10th January, 1644. Compeired the said day, Alexander Fraser of Philorth, and Hew Fraser Fraser oi of Easter Tyrie, according to his prorais in his former letter of the 10th Philorth. Decembris, and in name of James Vrquhart of Old Craig, vhose curatour he is ; and in respect the said James Vrquhart vas not vithin the kingdome for the tyme, and vas ignorant of the process intendit against him, the said Alexander Fraser earnestlie besought the bretherein that they void grant him ane competent tyme to aduertise the said James Vrquhart his pupill, and to bring him home to answer befor the presbitry for himself, quhich the said Alexander Fraser of Philorth obleiged himself to performe, vpon conditioun the bretherin vould suspend all process against the said James in the in- terim. The bretherin, taken the said Alexander Fraser of Philorth his pe- tition to their consideratioun, fand that they could not desist from the forsaid process, inrespect of the late act of the Generall Assemblie com- manding them to proceid, vnles thei had the advyse and approbatioun of the Commissioneris of the General Assemblie thervnto. Quhervpon the said Alexander Fraser of Philorth intreated the presbitry to signifie his just request to the said Commissioneris in vreitt, and he void vndertak to report their answer back to the presbitry against that day fyw veekis ; quhervnto the presbitry accordit, and sent ther letter to the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie vith the said Alexander Fraser of Philorth, requesting him to get the report therof vith all diligence. The said day, John Gordoun of Innermerkie requested for the same courtesie to Patrik Meldrum, sumtyme of Iden, and promised in his name Meldrum. to bring him befor the presbitry, and to mak him satisfie the church disci- pline for any dehnquencie that might be layd to his charge. The said day, John Gordoun of Innermerkie compeired, and produced 46 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1644. ane presentatioun from the Marquis of Huntlie in fauoris of Mr. George Meldrum. Meldrum, student of divinitie, designing him for the church of Glas, and desyring the presbitry to admitt him to his tryellis, etc. ; and inrespect the said Mr. George had accepted of ane presentatioun formerlie from my Lord Spynnie, pretending right of patronage to that kirk, the said Mr. George protested he adhered also to the presentatioun giffen be the Marquis of Huntly. Mr. William Reid reportit Mr. James Leith had satisfied their disci- pline in penaltie and repentance, as a fornicator. Becaus the said Mr. William had accepted of his satisfactioun in so light and perfunctorious a vay, vithout the said Mr. James compeirance befor the presbitry, as it vas ordained at the last meetting, the bretherin fand the said Mr. William vorthy of censure ; and, having remowed him, it vas voyced that he be sharplie rebuiked, vith certificatioun, if he committ the lyk rashnes againe, to be suspendit from his ministrie. The said day, compeired James Midltoun, in Tullobeg, and being ques- tioned be the bretherin anent his scandellous prophanation of Godis hous, by his quarrell and [ ] speeches to Mr. James Gordoun, his minister, [ ] and the mater being referred to the probatioun of vitnesses, viz.^ John Ingram, Androw Hardie, Thomas Duff, all thrie being summondit to this day, compeired, and, being admittit be the partie, ver suorne, and deponed as followes : That is to say, that they had hard him say, quhen the minister chided him for his ignorance, that he cared not for him nor any minister in Scotland, and bad him come out to the churchy eard and try himself if he pleased. Also, quhen the minister said he sould cause put him in joggis, that thei hard him say that neither he nor the best minister vithin seven myles durst doe so much. Suchlyk that, quhen the minister told him he vas vnvorthie to come to the Lordis table, inrespect of his vant [of] preparatioun, that he answered he cared not vhither he gott the sacrament or not. All this being deponed, and lykvys that the said James vas drunk quhen he cam to the kirk, quhervpon the bretherin ordained the said James Midltoun to satisfie, in sackcloth, and to pey ten libs, penaltie. The said James, after intimatioun of this ordinance, answered, in audience of the bretherin, that he sould assoone goe hang himself as obey them in that kynd ; and therfor Mr. James Gordoun vas ordained to begin process against him, incaice of not satisfactioun. 1644.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 47 Att Botarie, vltimo Januarii, 1644. Mr. George Meldrum ordained to exerceis the nixt day, and he of his owne accord ofFerred to tak the additioun also, for the more facilitating his tryellis, in respect of his farre distance, quhilk the bretherin accorded vnto. Mr. James Gordoun, minister at Kinnoir, and Mr. George Chalmer, re- ported that they had spoken the Lady Strabane anent hir conformitie, vho Lady Stra- answered that shoe vas not to stay vithin the kingdome, but was to remow "^ vith the first occasion ; to that eflPect, had sent avay some of hir servantis to Irland, of purpos to try and bring hir vord if shoe might vith securitie re- turne back to her owne dwelling ; and that shoe had promised in the interim not to giue scandall either in resetting preists or excommunicat persons ; and suchlyk, that if hir servantis quhora sho had sent to Irland did not find se- curitie for hir repairing thither, then and in that caice shoe sould not refuse instructioun, be vay of conference, from any vhom the presbitry pleased to send to hir for that effect during the tyme of hir residence heir. Att Botarie, 14th February, 1644. Compeired Margaret Ogilvie, and being questioned in all the poyntis of the bill giffen in be Richard Maitland against hir in maner following : — 1. If shoe had called Mr. Richard Maitland ane perjured man? Denyed the same. 2. If shoe had averred his doingis ver contrarie to his conscience ? Lykvys, 3. If shoe had vsed any imprecatiounis and cursing ? Denyed. 4. If shoe said the minister and elderis dealt partiallie and corruptlie in the exerceise of their discipline ? quhich she confessed, becaus shoe had sub- scry ed no less against him. The rest that vas denyed vas referred to the probatioun of witnesses, namlie, these same quhom shoe had brought to prove hir own lybell against Mr. Richard, viz., John Finlasone, Thomas Browne, and James Begg ; all three being admitted and suorne, deponed as efter followes, viz. : John Finlasone, reader at the said kirk, that he hard hir say nothing quhill the minister vas in the pulpit but onlie a confused noise ; but quhen shoe vas conveined befor the sessioun, he hard hir say that the minister vas a perjured man, and that his doingis vas not according to his conscience, and that both he and the sessioun ver partiall judges, and vinked at greater faults vithin the parochin nor vas committed by hir, spe- cially vithin the Laird of Frendraught his house. The other tuo vitnesses deponeit conforme, and professit that they hard nothing shoe said in pub- lict till shoe vas brought befor the sessioune. The bretherin, taking the 48 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1644. mater to their consideratioun, ordained the said Margaret to mak hir re- pentance, in sackcloth, to the contentment of the sessioun, and to pey twenty Hbs. penaltie ; quherin if shoe failled, to be proceeded against as contumacious, and disobedient to the voyce of the kirk. And this hir sentence vas intimat to hirself ; and referred the mitigatioun therof to the said Mr. Richard, upon her good cariage. Hendersone. Christiane Hendersone, being sumonded to this day, for hir scandellous, vngodlie, and unchristian speeches, in the churchyeard of Abercherdour, called, compeired, confessed hir over sight in quhat shoe had done. Or- dained to satisfie the sessioune their decreit for hir forsaid cariage. Anent the forsaid declinator and bill giffen in be the said Margaret Ogilvie against Mr. Richard Maitland, the said Margaret being put to it to proue quhat shoe had subscryved vnder hir hand in the forsaid bill, an- swered shoe had brought hir vitnessis vith hir, viz.., John Finlasone, Thomas Brown, and James Legge, vho ver able to proue any thing shoe had alledged against the said Mr. Richard ; but, to facihtat the busines, shoe desyred the bill to be red openlie in the said Mr. Ribhard his audience, quhom shoe vas confident void deny none of it ; quhich being granted, the presbitry to vnderstand how the said Mr. Richard vas guiltie of selling pennance for money, shoe instanced that he had taken four dolouris from vmquhill WiUiam Creichtoun, for his fornicatioun vith Rebecca Bruise, and had never brought to publict repentance. Vnto quhich Mr. Richard replyed, that quhat [ ] vas doe by the importunitie of the sessioun, [who would] novayes consent that he sould goe to the pillar [if he void] onlie confesse his fault openlie [ ] quhich the said Mr. Richard alledgit he did, and that the said Rebecca, after her fall, had left the parochin ; the tryell quherof vas referred to the nixt visitatioun in Abercherdour. 2. Shoe manteined the said Mr. Richard to be fraudulent, and to vse double dealling, in so farre as he had alledged to the presbitrey the samen day to haue giffen hir a citatioun of com- peirance, and caused cite hir at the kirk doore thervpon, quhen in effect shoe had gottin none, quherin shoe appealled his own officiar to bear vitness, being ther personallie present, who, indeid, confessed no lesse. To the quhich, Mr. Richard answered, that he gaue ane express ordour to the officiar for the citatioune of hir ; but the officiar, as said is, denyed, alledging that he vas desyred to summond the vitnesses ; for the quhilk Mr. Richard vas rebuiked, and ordained to haue a literall summond execut vpon 1644.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 49 the partie delinquent, vthervas the partie not to be called vpon in the presbiteriall seat. 3. The said Margaret alledgit that he called hir base quyne publictlie out of the pulpit; quhilk Mr. Richard denyed, and the said Margaret could not proue that he spak any such thing of hir in particular. The bretherin finding the lybell not prouen, ordainis the said Margaret to satisfie vt supra, till the minister and elderis ver content vith hir hurailiatioun ; and, quhen the said Margaret salbe found to haue obeyed the former decreit, at the last day of hir repentance, the bretherin ordaines some vther minister to preach at Abercherdour, and absolue the said Margaret, and publictlie declair how that Mr. Richard had fullie cleired himself of the aspersiones layd to his charge be the said Margaret Ogiluie. The said day, ane bill vas direct from the Laird of Frendraught to the bretherin of the presbitry, desyring them to search and try sundrie persons vhom he suspected to be frameris of these reasons giffen in against the ex- coramunicatioun of Crombie and his accomplices, for the murthering of umquhill William Creichtoun his sone ; but, seing that mater vas agitat at the last Provinciall Assemblie, and by them referred to the nixt, the bretherin referrs also to the provinciall the tryell of the saidis persons. The said day, Mr. Joseph Brodie produced ane letter from Mr. David Brodie. Dalgliss, showing his diligence vith the processes of excommunicatioune left with him be the said Mr. Joseph at the last Generall Assemblie, viz.., that he had delyvered their [ ] to the thesaurer deput, that ordour may be giffen for letteris of horning and captioune, vpon the Kings Majesties charges ; and becaus he saw no appeirance of any executioune that vay in haist, some of the ministrie and he did recommend to the Committie of Estatis, that speedie course may be taken theranent, quhilk their lordships hes promised to doe, and also promised to doe such lyk vith thes vhom the presbitry had sent ouer presentlie. Mr. George Meldrum ordained to haue ane popular sermon, Heb. 13, V. 17, the nixt day. At Botarie, 28th Februarii, lo44. The said day, ane lettre vas produced from Alexander Fraser of Phi- Eraser of lorth, showing that he could not returne the answer of the Commissioneris ^n^o'"*"- 50 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1644. of the Generall Assemblie the last day of meeting, according to his promis, inrespect he had sent south for that effect, but the comraittie vas not to sitt doun till the twenty fifth Februarii last ; and now, lykvys, he had sent back to attend ther meetting for ane answer, and sould returne the same vith all possible diligence ; and, vithall, requested the bretherin to continow the process against James Vrquhart of Old Craige, till they resaued bak the answer from the Committie of the Generall Assemblie : and, in caice that they proceeded, he protested that quhat thei did in that processe, befor thei receaw the answer aboue specified, may be referred to the Provinciall Assem- blie and receive ther aduyse therin, as is at mor lenth contained in the said letter. The bretherin, notvithstanding of the former request and protesta- tioun, in obedience to the Act of the Generall Assemblie, thoght meet to proceid to the second admonitioun against the nixt day. Anent sorcereris and charmeris vithin the presbitry, none vas delated as suspect, saue Issobell Malcolme, vho is continowed, vt supra, to the plan- tatioun of Glas ; and Patrik Malcolme, vho compeired this day, and also vitnesses to proue quhat they knew of the said Patrik, viz., Alexander Gray, Alexander [Chrystie], Walter Brabner, parochineris of Grange, vho being admitted be the partie and suorne, deponed as followes : 1. Alexander Gray deponed that the said Patrik came to his hous and said to him. Since [ ] he vas a labourer he had vanted the fusion of [his corne], quhilk had vantaged his neighbour fyw [ ] ; but if he void cans his vyf to iriue him a shirt, he sould mak him gett the fusioune of his corne againe. Walter Brabner deponed that he said to him, Yow haue gottin vroung, and yow know not quhat vay. Lykvys, the said Valter deponed that he, being door neighbour to Alexander Chrystie, saw the clodding and fearfull trouble raised in that hous, and continowed for the space of twenty dayes ; quhilk ves thus occasioned, that ther vas a servant voman vith the said Alexander Chrystie, quhom the said Patrik desyred to goe vith him, and. vpon hir refusall, he told hir that shoe sould not vinne hir fie that yeir, and lykvys told hir quhat shoe had in the ambrie, it being closed ; quhervpon the clodding begud that same night, and continowed till thei ver forced to remow the said vomen out of the hous. Alexander Chrystie deponed that Patrik Malcolme come and ludged in his hous, quher he vrged his servant voman, Margaret Barbour, to committ filthines vith him (as the voman de- clared), and requyred hir left foot shoe and he sould cause hir follow him, 1644.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 51 quhilk the voman refusing, the clodding begud, and continowed till shoe vas remowed. Compeired John Maltman, in Botarie, and deponed that the said Patrik came to his hous and asked milk from his vyfe, and scho, having none for the tyme, refused him, for the quhilk the said Patrik promised to doe them ane ewill turne ; quhervpon ane damosell vent out to milk ane cow, quhilk cow, as soon as shoe tuoched hir for that end, fell down and died. The bretherin having hard the former depositiounis, thoght fittest to continow the said Patrik a month, that euerie minister might try quhat else he could learn of the said Patrik, and summoundit the said Patrik, ajmd acta, to compeir be- for the presbitry this day moneth, vith certificatioune, if he compeir not, he sould be declared guiltie, and tak the crime vpon him. The said day, it was regraited be Mr. Robert Watsone that ther vas neid fyre raysed vithin his parochin of Grange for the curing of cattell, etc. The bretherin thoght to referr the mater to the consideratioun of the Provinciall Assemblie. At Botarie, 12th Martii, 1644. Mr. George Meldrum handled the controuersie, De formali caicsa justi- Meldrum. Jicationis. Vas approuen. The said day, the moderator produced ane letter from the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie for the keiping of a fast the first Vedensday after the sight therof ; as also, the Actis of the last Generall Assemblie ver destributed to everie minister vithin the presbitry, and euerie one or- dained to bring thirteen shillings and fourpence the next day, to pey them. The said day, it vas demandit be some of the bretherin if these vho had not subscrywed the League and Covenant sould be admitted to the holie sacra- ment of the Lordis Supper. The determinatioun of this referred to the Provinciall Assemblie, inrespect some vholl congregatiouns (except so few) had not subscryued the same. The bretherin reported that all of them had giuen the second admoni- tioun to the murdereris of wmquhill Wiliam Creichtoun, sone to the Laird of Frendraught, and ordained to giue the third admonitioun against the nixt day. Att Botarie, 27th [March, 1644.] The said day, Mr. George Meldrum sustained publict dispute of his Meldrum. 52 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1644. theses, being appugned be the bretheren, and lykvys sustained ane ques- tionarie tryall in the groundis of divinitie and chronologie ; as also, gaue notice quhat knowledge he had in the originall tongues ; quherin all he gaue the bretherin satissfactioun, and ver content vith quhat they had hard al- readie of him in his former tryallis, and therfor hes appoyntit the nixt meetting to be at Glas, the seventeenth Aprilis, for his ordinatioun and ad- raissione to the ministrie, and ordained the moderator, Mr. Robert Vatsone, to preach the said day. The said day, compeired George Calder of Assuanlie, younger, vith ane supplicatioun from the parochineris of Glas for the said Mr. George Mel- drum to be their minister, and to keip vith them Sabothlie intymcoming, inrespect of the great desolatioun that is in the parochin by reason of long vacancie of their church. The said day, Mr. George Meldrum produced his testimoniall from the presbitry of Aberdein, giuing euidence of his honest and pious conversa- tioun among them during his abod, as also testifieing his publict exercising in the said presbitry to their great contentment. Vrquhart of The said day, the bretherin reported they had giffen the third adraoni- Crombie. tioune to the murthereris of vmquhill Villiam Creichtone. The bretherin having resolued to proceid to prayeris for the said murthereris, ther vas presented tuo letteris to the presbitry, one from James Vrquhart of Old Craig, ane vther from Patrik Meldrum, sometyme of Iden, quherin they offer satisfactioune for quhat they haue transgressed. The bretherin thoght fitt to continow this one Saboth till advyse of the provinciall anent the said letteris. The said day, it vas regraited be the bretherin that they could not get burialls in kirkis restrained, according to the Act of the Generall Assem- blie mad theranent. The same regrait referred to the Provincial Assem- blie to get ther aduyse theranent. Malcomie. Patrik Malcolmie being summounded, apud acta, twenty-eighth Februarii, to keip this day, vnder paine the forsaid crymes layed to his charge sould be holden pro confesso, and himself declared guiltie of sorcerie, called. Compeired not, but vas declared to haue fled the countrie, and so to haue taken the crime vpon him. The brethren ordained to try if he ver vithin the boundis of the presbitry, and to report the nixt day. Lady Stra- The said day, Mr. George Chalmer reported that the Lady Strabaine bane. ]jjp geruantis, sent to Irland to try if her La[dyship] could haue a peacable 1644.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 53 settlino- in hir owne countrey, vas returned, and declared hir towne to be rebuilding, and so hir ladyship ves addressing hir self for hir remowall vith all convenient diligence. Att Glas, 24th ApriUs, 1644. The said day being appoynted for the admissioun of Mr. George Mel- Meldrum. drum to the ministrie of the said kirk of Glas, vho had giuen sufficient proof of his quaUficatioune and literature in all poyntis of his private tryallis ; and ane edict being servit and indorsat, conforme to the ordi- nance of the presbytrie, and none compeiring on the contrair, and at the speciall desyre of the parochineris of the said parochin, the said Mr. George vas admitted minister, be incalling of the [name of God] and irapositioun of handis, as the man[er of giving] power vnder Christ to preach the vord, administrat the sacramentis, and exercise discipline at the said kirk of Glas, vho gaue his oath of faithfull administratioun and dutifuU obedience to the Kingis Soueraigne Majestic, and submission to the government of the Church of Scotland and his bretheren, vho thervpon gaue him the right hand of fellowship and the parochineris acceptatioun. It beino- enquyred concerning the sessioun book and vther monumentis belonging to the kirk of Glas in the handis of the relict of wmquhill Mr. William Milne and his airis, ther vas onlie found ane sessioune book, vith a bassen for baptisme, ane box and tuo dolouris money therin, quhilk vas delyuered to the said Mr. George, and the keyes of the box continowed in the handis of the coUectoris. The said day, Mr. George Meldrum vas ordained to processe Isso- bell Malcome, sorcerer, conforme to the ordinance of the Provincial As- semblie. Anent the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie for giuing in a list of able men from euerie parochin, for to be insert in a commission for sor- cereris and charmeris, the bretheren gaue in as followes, viz. : for Keyth, Alexander Ogilvie of Kempkairne and William Gordon in Newmilne ; for Grange, Thomas Innes of Pathnik and Mr. William Stewart in Echres ; for Abercherdour, the Laird of Frendraught and Carnusie ; for Inuerkeith- nie, George Spens and George Sinklar ; for Rothemay, the Laird of Ro- themay and John Fordyce ; for Kinnoir, John Gordoun of Artlach ; for Botarie, the Laird of Petlurge ; for Botruphnie, Adam Duff of Drum- muir; for Rynnie and Essie, Alexander Gordoun of Merdrum; for Glas, 54 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1644- John Gordone of Inuermarkie and George Calder of Assuenlie ; for Gart- lie, Walter Hacket and John Leith of Bucharne. The said day, the bretheren being enquyred be the moderator how farr they had proceidit in the process against James Vrquhart of Old Craig ; Patrick Meldrum, somtyme of Iden ; and Adam Gordoun, for the slaughter of wmquhill William Creichtone, answered, all in one voyce, that they had giffen three publict adraontions, and some had proceidit vith tuo publict prayers. In the meane tyme, compeired Mr. William Stewart, nottar publicit in Fraserisbrugh, in name and behalf of the said James Vrquhart, and of the Ryght Honorabill Alexander Fraser of Philorth, ofFerring, in ther names, that the said James Vrquhart sould compeir vithin a competent tyme, and sould justifie his owne innocencie befor any civill or ecclesiasticall judica- torie vithin the kingdome, and if he wer found guiltie, to vnderly the cen- sure of the presbytrie, quhilk the said Alexander Fraser of Philorth did vndertak for [him], pro vy ding he gote such competent tyme, as he [might] acquant the said James Vrquhart heirvith, he being for the tyme out of the countrey ; and so he protested, be his letter, that the bretheren void vse no new practise against the said James Vrquhart, but that they void proceid according to the ordour of processe sett doun in the Book of Discipline (quhilk ordaines, befor excommunicatioune, that the minister sail enquyre if the partie, or any friend in his name, will promis satisfactioun, that then the processe sail desist). Therfor, according to that ordour, he humblie desyred, in the said James name, to haue a competent tyme for his com- pearance, quherthrogh he might remow that scandell ; lykas, the said James alreadie, be his owne letter, wreittin to the Presbytrie of Strath- bogie, of the dait at York, the twentieth of Februarie, 1644, had offerred als much, as the forsaid letter at more lenth bears. And incase that the bretheren void insist and reject the forsaid oflfer, the said Mr. William Stewart, in name forsaid, did appeale to the nixt Generall Assemblie, ther to resaw ther determination in the said processe ; and, in the mean tym, protested that they sould proceid no further against the said James Vrquhart till the Generall Assemblie sould determin heirin. And incaice that they proceidit any further, he protested ther proceiding sould be null, inrespect of their offer to produce the partie befor the civill and ecclesiasti- call judge. And the said Mr. William Stewart produced ane letter, vreitten and subscrywed be the said Alexander Fraser, for his warrand, bearing the particulars aboue specified, and desyred the said protestatioun and appella- 1644.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 55 tioun to be insert in the presbytrie bookis, and to haue ane act thervpon. The bretheren, taking the mater to ther consideratioun, findis that they haue not power to grant any continowatioun, both in respect of the com- mand of the Generall Asserablie and Synod of Murray to proceid heirin instanter. Nevertheles, the bretheren promised the sentence sould not be pronunced till the [ ] Maij nixt, that Philorth might acquant the [ ] of the generall heirvith, that according to their [ ] the presbitry might proceid, and ordained Mr. George Chalmer, clerk to the presbitrie, to insert the act in the presbitrie book, and giue the said Mr. William Stewart the extract heirof, according to his desyr. The said day, gryt drunkenes and prophanatioun of the Lordis day vas Meldrum. regraited be the elderis of Glas to be vithin the parochin since the death of vmquhill Mr. William Miln, ther minister. Mr. George Meldrum ordained to censure the same severlie, and their fornicatoris to pey four merkis. The nixt meeting at Botarie, fifteenth Maij. Mr. George Chalmer exerceises ; Mr. Henrie Ross adds. Att Botarie, 15th Maij, 1644. Mr. Robert Irving excused for his last absence. The said day, it vas inquired be some of the bretheren if they sould re- saue subscriptions to the League and Covenant, since they had sent south the names of all their non subscribents, and now, quhen they ver to admi- nister the sacrament of the Lordis Supper, some did offer to subscryv. The bretherin thoght meet to continow all of that sort to the advyse of the Assemblie. The said day, the bretheren reported that all of them had closed the James Vrqu- processe of James Vrquhart of Old Craio;e ; Patrik Meldrum, somtyme of '^^ .^" ^ ^ ° . . associats ex- Iden ; and Adam Gordoun. Quhervpon the sentence of excommunication communicate. vas pronunced against them be the moderator, and everie brother ordained to intimat the said sentence in their seuerall pulpitis the nixt Saboth, and to report their diligence the nixt day. The said day, Mr. James Gordoun, at Kinnor, informit the bretheren that Arthur Duncan vas cohabiting in fornicatioun with Christian Rind, and that it was surmised they ver married be a masse preist. The bretheren, considering that the Actis of our Generall Assemblie declares all such marriages to be null, ordained Mr. James to summond them both to the nixt day. 56 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1644. The said day, Mr. Robert Jamesone, Mr. Robert Vatson, Mr. Richard Maitland, on the leitis for going in commissioune to the Generall Assem- blie, and the Lord Gordon and Laird of Kempkairne, for ruling elderis to the said Assemblie. Mr. Richard Maitland and the Lord Gordon ver chosen, be pluralitie of voyces, to keep the Assemblie the nixt meeting, the twenty-ninth Maij. Mr. James Gordon, at Rotheraay, exerceises, and Mr. Alexander Fraser adds. Att Botarie, 29th Maij, 1644. Gordone and Conveined the moderator and remanent bretheren. Mr. Henrie Ross, Fraser. -^^ George Chalmer, Mr. Robert Irving, absent. Mr. James Gordoun at Rothemay exercised. Mr Alexander Fraser addit, 1 Cor. 1, v. 3. Ther travailis allowed. The said day vas presented ane letter from the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, of the daitt twelfth Aprilis, 1644, shewing their ordin- ance to Mr. Johne Adamsone, minister at Edinburgh, to excommunicate sumarlie George Marques of Huntlie ; Alexander Irving, younger of Drum ; Robert Irving, his brother ; Sir Johne Gordoun of Haddo ; William Seatone of Schethine ; William Innes of Tippertie ; Mr. James Kennedy, servitor to the said Marques ; and Thomas Hay, servitor to the said Sir Johne Gordoun, for their rebellious conspiracie and insurrec- tioune against this kirk and kingdome ; as also, shewing the performance of the said ordinance be Mr. Johne Adamsone, on the fourteenth Aprilis, in the East Kirk of Edinburgh, and so desyring intimatioun of the said sentence to be mad throgh all our kirkis, quhilk the bretheren ver ordained to doe the nixt Saboth, and to report their diligence the nixt day. Lykvys, the said day vas presented ane letter from the clerk of the Com- missioun of the Generall Assemblie, relative to ane act of the Comittie of Estaitis of the daitt eighth Maii, requyring the comitties of warr in the seue- rall shyres to nominat and delyver to the ministeris ane man to be furnished be the ministeris for the present expeditioun to England ; quhilk act the bre- theren being willing to obtemperate, resolued to present befor the commit- ties, and vpon ther presenting of the men, promised to furnish them vith levye money and armes, according to the ordinance. The bretheren reported that all of them had intimate the excommunica- tioun of James Vrquhart of Old Craig, Patrik Meldrum, somtyme of Iden, and Adam Gordoun. 1644.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 57 The said day, William Gib, Janat Harper, his vyf, William Turtry, Gib, Harper, George Morrison, Jean Vyld, Robert Shand, Janat Harper, parochineris of Turterie, Rothemay, being sumonded for their ryotous drinking and prophanatioun VvTd"^*'"' of the Lordis day, by tulzieing, being a day also of solemne humiliatioun, compeired. The mater being referred to probatioun, vas not onlie proven, but lykvys confessed be the most part of themselfs ; vas ordained to satisfie as followes, viz. : Robert Shand, for his cariage the said day, in drinkino- and keiping companie vith the rest that ver excessivlie drunk, ordained to satisfie as ane fornicatour ; William Gib, for leaning the sermon, and drink- ing and tulzieing vnder night, ordained to stand three Saboths in sackcloth, and pey ten merkis ; Janat Harper, for selling drink vnder night, drinking and tulzieing vith the rest, ordained to satisfie as ane adultress in repent- ance, and pey eight merkis ; and George Morrison to satisfie as ane adul- terer, and pey eight merkis. The said day, Arthour Duncan and Christan Rind, being sumonded for Duncan and recept of masse preistis, for solemnizing ther mariage be a masse preist, ^'"^• called, compeired not. Ordained to be summondit pro 2"- Att Botarie, 12th Junij, 1644. The said day, Mr. William Reid handled the controversie, De mvocatw?ie sanctorum. His travaillis allowed. The said day, vas presented ane letter from the commissioneris of the Ge- neral! Assemblie, of the dait twenty-seventh April, declaring the excommuni- catioun of James Earle of Montros, Lodvick Earl of Crawford, Robert Earl of Nidsdaill, James Vicount of Aboyne, James Lord Ogilvie, and John Lord Herries, for their rebellious invading of their native kingdome in the south vith all hostilitie, quhilk vas done be Mr. John [ ], minister at Edinburgh, the twenty-sixth Aprilis, according to the ordinance of the com- missioneris of the Generall Assemblie, and desyring the said sentence to be intimat throgh all the kirkis the first Saboth efter the said aduertisment come to our handis. The said day, the bretheren reported they had made publict intimatioune of the excommunicatioune of the Marques of Huntlie and his adherentis in ther present rebellioun in the north, vt supra. Compeired Arthur Duncan, and being accused for resawing the benefitt Duncan, of mariage from a masse preist, denyed the same, and oflferred to giue his oath thervpon ; and being accused for scandellous conversing in Christan H 58 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1644. Rind hir hous, not being raaried vith hir, confessed the same, and submitted himself to the presbytrie for quhat he had done. The bretheren referred him to the sessioun of Durabennand. Att Rynnie, 27th Junij, 1644. The said day, the minister regraited the gryt prophanatioune of the Lordis day, by bleiching of cloth, drinking, and not keiping the examina- tiouns on the Saboth afternoone. They ver ordained to satisfie as adul- terers ; and the not keipers of the examinatiouns on the Lordis day to satisfie as absents from the kirk. The said day, the bretheren reported that all of them had intimat the ex- communicatioun of Montros and his associatis, vt supra. Mr. Richard Maitland, commissioner to the Generall Assemblie, being returned, reported he had delyvered James Murray his forty shillings, and for the Covenant, four shillings, quhervpon he produced the said James his tiket of recept. Lykvys he reported that the not subscribents of the League and Cove- nant ver ordained be the Generall Assemblie to be processed befor the presbitry ; and such as vent out in this rebellion vith the Marques of Huntlie, to be tryed and censured be the presbytrie. At Dumbennand, 17th July, 1644. The minister reported they haue a lauer for baptisme cups, for the commu- nion, and linings for the same vse, dedicat be the Lady Marques of Huntlie. Ther vas no scoole found at Dumbennand, quhilk the presbytry thoght meet to be araendit ; and the vhole elderis promised ane firlote victuall of everie pleugh vithin the parochin, or then twenty shillings, for manteining ane scoole ; and the scoole ordained to be at Rawes of Huntlie ; and the pa- rochin of Kinnoir ordained to concurre vith them in the said comon cause. Att Rothemay, vltimo July, 1644. The said day, it vas regraited the Lady Rothemay communicat not, nor yet many of hir familie, and that scho keips the church onlie in the summer tyme. The said Lady being for the tyme in Aberdene, the bretheren thoght meet that vpon hir returne, Mr. Joseph Brodie, Mr. James Gordoun at Kinnoir, sould goe vith hir owne minister, and desyr hir to communicat primo qiioque tempore, vthervayes that the processe vould goe on against her. 1644.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 59 Compeired Michaell Wreight, manslayer of Robert Knight, vho being Wreight. resident in Keyth for the tyme, and was most villing to satisfie the church, and seing he could not haue tutum accessum to Inch, quher the same vas committed, Mr. Alexander Ross declared that ther presbytrie ver content that he sould mak his publict repentance in Keith and Grange, quhilk the said Michaell vas ordained to begin the next Saboth. The said day, vas presented ane letter from the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie, of the daitt thirteenth July, schewing the great mercie of God tovardis our armie in their late encounter with Prince Rupert his armie, second July, at Long Marstoun, four mylis from York, quher they obtained a singular victorie, for quhich caus solemn e thankis vas giffen to God for so great a benefit throughout the armie, seventh July, and so the presbytrie, vith the armie, desyred the same might be done heir in all the congregatiouns of Godis people, quhilk euerie brother vas ordained to intimat the nixt Saboth, and keip the said thankisgiuing the Saboth en- sueing. Att Abercherdour, 14th August, 1644. The minister, Mr. Richard Maitland, remowed and censured ; the elderis being suorne, and seuerallie posed concerning his doctrine, lyf, and conver- satioune, gaue him, in one voyce, approbatioun in all. The minister regraited that some of his elderis keiped not orderlie, nor walked not as became men of their office, viz.^ Robert Creichtoun of Cors- kie, John Abernethie. The bretheren thoght meet thes tuo elderis sould be suspendit from their office to the presbytrie their further pleasur. The minister regraited the vant of the Laird of Frendraught and Car- nusie their concurrence to his discipline. The bretheren thoght fitt to send Mr. Joseph Brodie, Mr. Robert Watsone, vith Knockorth, commissioneris, to ask the laird his reason of not keiping vith his minister and assisting his discipline. Att Gairtlie, 20th August, 1644. The said day, vas presented ane letter from the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie, daitted vltimo Julii, requyring the bretheren vho had not sent furth ther men to the expeditioune in England, to give forty libs. to the captainis, or any having power from Colonel Askein to vplift the same. 60 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1644. The bretheren resolued to obey the former Act of the Committie, and to adhere to the same, be reasone they had provyded amies ah-eadie, and had presented the said Act befor the Comittie of Aberdein and Bamf, and took instrument thervpon, [ ] ver in readines to furnish ther men [ ] presented to them be the said Committie. Mr. George Meldrum ordained [ ] Issobell Malcome hir processe. The said day, vas presented ane letter from the Presbytrie of Brechin, reo-raiting that Mr. Richard Maitland had giuen the benefit of mariage to the Lord Oliphant, befor his satisfactioun to the discipline of Montros for his fornicatioun committed in the said brugh, and therfor desyring the bretheren to try the said mater, and to tak such course theranent as may proue satisfactorie to the discipline of the kirk. The bretheren referred the tryall of the said mater to Mr. Richard his oune presence the nixt day of meeting. Att Botarie, Uth Septembris, 1644. Maitland. Anent the regrait of the Presbytrie of Brechen against Mr. Richard Oliphant. Maitland for marieing the Lord Oliphant vithout a testimoniall from Mon- trois, quhervnto the said Mr. Richard answered, that he had not gone on to the solemnizing of that mariage befor he had vreitten to the minister of Munros to goe on in the proclamatioun of his bandis vith him pari passu^ and being informed vith their proceeding in the said proclamatioun, and no answer being returned, nor impediment mentioned be any letter from Mun- ros, he took the Laird Frendraught and Lord Oliphant obleiged, vnder a pecuniall sowme, that the said Lord Oliphant sould satisfie their discipline in quhat they could lay to his charge, quhervpon he proceedit, at the ear- nest desyr of the Laird of Frendraught, to the solemnizing of the mariage, and also that Oliphant sould report his testimoniall from Muntros vith all diligence. Att Botarie, 25th Septembris, 1644. The said day, no doctrine, inrespect the exerceiser vas abstracted throgh the troubles of the tyme, and for fear of Irish armie, vas forced to leaue ther houses. The said day, it vas enquyred be one of the bretheren if it be lawfuU, 1645.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 61 for alledgit socerie, to tak the suspect persons oath, quhilk vas alledgit to be the practise of some bretheren vithin the province. The bretheren thoght not such courses lawfull ; referred the consideratioun heirof to the provinciall. Att Botarie, 21st November, 1644. The said day, Mr. Joseph Brodie having returned from the Assemblie, reported ther vas a Commission appoynted to meet at Forress, the second Tuysday of Januar, 1645, for plantatioun of the kirk of Elgin, and some other particulars, quher the rest of the bretheren vho ver absent in Elgin ver ordained to keip. The said day, the moderator produced ten copies of the principall acts of the last Generall Assemblie, and destributed the same to the bretheren, and desyred them to bring their pryces the nixt [day] viz.^ ten shillings for everie on copie. Att Botarie, Uth December, 1644. The said day, it vas regrated that the publict fastis on veek dayes vas not so Weill keiped be many as it ought, inrespect many abstaines not from their service vork on such dayes. Quhervpon it vas ordained vorkers on the day of publict fast sould be censured as Saboth breakers. Att Botarie, 1st January, 1645. Mr. Robert Irving handled the controversie, De libera arbitrio. His travaillis allowed. The said day, the moderator reported, since the last meeting, ther vas ane advertisment from the Commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, to his hand, containing the indiction of ane Generall Assemblie, to meet at Edinburgh, the 22d of this instant, speciallie for cognoscing the directorie of worship and order of kirk government, quhich vas come doun vith some of our commissioners from London, and therfor ordaining, vith all expedi- tioun, to mak choise of our commissioners, to be sent to Edinburgh at the tyme appoynted ; and, vithall, to keip a publict fast, the first Lordis day of January, both for a happie close to this ensuing Assemblie, and also a blissing vpon the procedour of the Parliament, quhilk vas to sitt doun the first Tuysday, Januarij, quherof having aduertised the bretheren seuerallie to mak intimatioun in their pulpitis of the said fast, they re- 62 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1645. ported this day they had all obeyed, and had giuen notice therof to thair people. The said day, the bretheren proceedit to the electioun of their commis- sioners. They put vpon the list Mr. Joseph Brodie, minister at Keyth, and Mr. Robert Watsone, minister at Grange, for the ministrie ; and for ruling elderis, George Lord Gordoun and the Laird of Kempkairne. The bretheren being resolued to send but one minister and a ruling elder, mad choyse of Mr. Brodie and my Lord Gordoun for their commissioners. The said [day] Mr. Robert Irving excused his absence. Att Botarie, 18th Februarii, 1645. No meetting, becaus of the enimie vas for the tyme vithin the boundis of the presbytrie, so that the bretheren could not saiflie convein together ; but the moderator, by letter, desyred the bretheren to meet that day fourtein dayes. Att Botarie, 5th Martii, 1645. No meetting, for the reason forsaid ; and, besydes, the vhole bretheren ver forced to flie from their houses. Att Botarie, 19th Martii, 1645. Conveined, the moderator, and tuo of the bretheren nixt adjacent ; all the rest being absent, becaus of the broknes of the countrey, and some of them scarclie yet returned to their owne houses ; and appoynted that day eight dayes for a more plenarie convention, and the moderator to advyse the rest of the bretheren for that effect. Att Botarie, 26th Martii, 1645. Conveined, the moderator, and Mr. Robert Jamesone, Mr. George Chalmer, Mr. George Meldrum ; all the rest absent, vpon the report of some two or three hundreth Highlanders, vho ver sorning and plundring vithin the boundis of the presbytrie, vnder pretext of guarding the Earle of Airlie, vho vas at Huntlie for the tyme. Att Botarie, 2d Aprilis, 1645. The said day, Mr. Joseph Brodie, commissioner, returned, and, being asked of his diligence, quhilk he having reported, vas fund faithful! in his commission. 1645.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 63 The said day, the commissioner reported that ther vas ane supplieatioun giuen in to the Generall Assemblie be the Presbytrie of TurrefF, requyring the church of Innerkethnie and Abercherdour to be joyned to thair number, and that he had supplicat for such kirkis as of old belonged to the Province of Murray and Presbytrie of Strathbogie, viz., the Presbytrie of Fordyce, the church of Forge and Mortlach, [which] being red and considered, vas referred to the comittie, to be holden at Aberdein, for the visitatioun of the [ ] in May nixt. The said day, Mr. Joseph Brodie declared he had vsed all meanis for going ouer Spey, to have keiped the Provinciall Assembly ; and for that effect had wreitten to Buckie for passage, and vas refused, as his letter theranent produced beares. Att Botarie, 16th Aprilis, 1645. Conveined, the moderator, and on or tuo vith him ; the rest absent, in- respect of the gryt troubles of the countrey. Quhervpon it vas concludit be such as ver present, that they sould meet the nixt Vedensday ; quhilk failing, the nixt therefter ; and so furth everie week till ther sould be full convention ; and the moderator promised to aduertise the absents of this conclusion. Att Botarie, 5th August, 1645. Conveined, the moderator, Mr. Robert Jameson, Mr. George Chalmer, Mr. George Meldrum ; the rest absent ; and seing ther could be no con- uenience of meetting had this long tyme bygone, be reason of continowall troubles, armies going among vs euerie week almost ; quhervpon the moderator, vith such as ver present, resolved to meet twentieth August, and promised to aduertise all the absentis of the said day. And becaus the exerceiseris had been long absent, and not being sure of doctrine the nixt day, having the occasion of Mr. Thomas Johnstoun, vho had his testificat from the Professor of Diuinitie in Aberdein of his privat exerceising, and desyring to be hard among vs, vas appoynted to add the nixt day, and Mr. Alexander Gordon to exerceise. Att Botarie, 20th August, 1645. The said day, Mr. George Chalmer reported that William Watt, mur- therer, vas fugitive to the boundis of the Presbytrie of Turreff. The 64 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1646. moderator ordained to aduertise Mr. Alexander Garden, minister at Forge, that he be not resett among them. Att Botarie, 10th September, 1645. The said day, Mr. George Chalmer regraited the vant of necessarie mantenance and accommodatioun, and hauing the vhole burden of Rynnie and Essie, requyred ane act of transportatioun. The bretheren, taking the mater to ther consideratiomi, ordained ane edict to be served at both the paroch kirkis ; and becaus the provincial! vas to intervein betwixt that and the nixt presbiteriall meeting, referred the edict to be called at Elgin the seventh of October nixt. Att Botarie, 8th July, 1646. The said day, compeired John Paterson, being summondit by ane refer- ence from the sessioun of Durabennand, and being accused of incest vith Bessie Geddes, his vyfes sister, confessed the same. The said John or- dained to pey forty libs., and stand bearfooted in sackcloth twenty-five Saboths ; and the said Bessie to satisfie in brankis and joggs to the con- tentment of the paroch in. Att Rynnie, 26th July, 1646. The said day, the bretheren having conveined, and the moderator having showen the cause of ther meetting in that congregatioun, and how discipline vas managed for the restraint of sinne and vyce, to the end if any thing vas vanting for the furtherance ether of Godis vorship or exercise of discipline, that the bretheren ver readie to afFoord ther best concurrence and assist- ance ; and vithall did adjure the elderis, vith vplifted handis, to declare freelie quhat they knew vorthie of reproche or adraonitioun in ether ther tuo ministeris, Mr. Henrie Ross and Mr. George Chalmer, and to this effect did remow them till the elderis ver hard quhat they had to say. And, first, concerning the said Mr. Henrie, they deponed that he vas altogether vncapable of any publict function, being so infatuated that he did misknow his owne vyf and children, nor vas conscious to himself ether of his vordis or actions. All quhich the bretheren did evidentlie sie to be of trueth, to ther gryt greif. Forder, that the said Mr. Henrie he had borne no charge in the ministrie these three yeiris bygone ; and being euerie day more vnable, the elderis desyred the bretheren he sould be prohibited to 1646.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 65 midle vith any part of the ministerial! function. Secondlie, they declared that Mr. George Chalraer vas faithfull in his calling, and blamles in lyf and conversation. The elderis being remowed, and Mr. George Chalmer being demandit concerning ther fidelitie and concurrence in discipline, ver approven ; and George Gordon of Rynnie desyred to assist discipline quhen he residis vithin the parochin ; and George Gordon in Gulburne admitted elder, and gaue his oath of fidelitie. William Young, officiar, was found faithfull in his charge, and continowed in his office. The said day, the minister and elderis regraited the vant of ane schoole for training vp of the youth, having been in vse therof befor the kit troubles, and the bretheren finding a provision for the same, ordained to provyd ane qualified man for that effect vith all diligence, and send him to the presbytry for his tryall to the said charge. And becaus ther vas ane reference from the last Provinciall Asserablie to the presbitry, to sie quhat mantenance vas provyded for the said Mr. Georo-e Chalmer his service, and to consider of the competencie therof, fand that he had receaued no mor since his entrie to the ministrie ther but onlie tuo hundreth merkis and aucht bollis victuall yeirlie, quhich the said Mr. Henrie did at first dimitt off his locall stipend for the sustentatioun of the said Mr. George as his helper in the ministrie, notwithstanding that the parochineris, at the said Mr. George his entrie, had bound themselfs (be- caus they fand such a part as Mr. Henrie dimitted to be so vnconsiderable as it could not serve for sufficient mantenance), to pay yeirlie more attour fourtie merkis money and aught bollis victuall, (quhich befor they ver in vse to pay to ane reader,) and that aye and so long as the said Mr. Hendrie did enjoy the rest of the stipend ; quhich aught bollis and forty merkis, after the discease or remowall of Mr. Hendrie, sould returne againe to the vse of ane reader and schoolmaster ; and suchlyk, besydes the said forty merkis and aught bollis victuall, the parochineris had obleiged themselfs vnto the said Mr. George fourtie libs, at his entrie, to build ane hous vpon the manse of Essie for his present accommodatioun ; for the verificatioun quherof, the said Mr. George exhibited ane decreit arbitral!, containing ane submission on the ane syde to Mr. James Gordon, minister at Kinnoir, and subscryved be Alexander Gordon of Merdrum and George Gordon of Knockespok, for themselfs, and taking burden for the rest of the parochine, giuing power to the said Mr. James to fill wp the blank, quhich vas done be 60 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1646. him accordinglie, in the termes aboue specified; the quhilk decreit the parochineris acknowledged and confessed as said is, but had performed nothing therof as yet, but ver content for the tyrae bygone to assigne the said Mr. George to ane band of tuo hundreth merkis restand be Mr. Henrie Ross to the comongood of Rynnie and Essie ; quhich the bretheren, con- sidering to be imployed to ane pious vse, being bestowed as said is, gaue their approbation thervnto, quhervith the said Mr. George seimed to be con- tent for tymes bygone ; but finding the parochineris averse from contributing for his further raantenance in tyme comraing, in respect (as they pretendit) Mr. Henrie enjoyed the most part of the stipend and boare no burden in the ministrie, quherfor the said Mr. George desyred the bretheren to grant him ane act of transportatioun, or then consider how he might be able to line in that charge in tyrae comming. Quhilk the bretheren hauing thoght maturlie vpon, and hauving hard that Mr. Henrie his vyfe and children, and vther of ther liuest friendis (himself not being capable) ther present, ver content presentlie that the said Mr. Henrie sould remow out of the parochin, and to dimitt the residue of the stipend in fauoris of Mr. George, vpon such resonable content as the presbitry sould think fitt, provyding the said Mr. George sould pey him for his house and manse, according to the just vorth therof, presentlie to be estimat be the bretheren; vith quhich motion the bretheren being veill pleased, finding that it void be ane meane to settle the ministrie in that parochin, and also considering the indigence and necessitie of the said Mr. Henrie, advysed the said Mr. George to bargan presentlie for the hous [ ] plenishing therin, and altho the [value] therof sould exceid the provision of the law, yet, neuer the less, to pey to the said Mr. Henrie as much as the bretheren (vho sould be appoyntit for that effect) sould think it vorth ; to the quhich Mr. George answered, that he void be ruled be the determi- nation of his bretheren in that poynt, provyding alvayes, that the presbitry (quhensoeuer it sould pleas God to remow him by death or vthervayes), void assure him of ther concurrence and assistance, to sie him or his re- founded by his successor, of as much as they sould determine him to giue presentlie to the said Mr. Henrie, hous and bigging left in as good case by him as now they are at his present entrie ; quhervnto the bretheren, all in one voyce, consented, and promised, lykvys, to obtaine the inserting of this present in synodall book of the province. Immediatlie heirvpon, the pres- bytrie designed Mr. Robert Jamesone, minister at Botarie ; Mr. Richard 1646.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 67 Maitland, minister at Abercherdour ; Mr. Robert Chein, minister at Kin- nethmont, sone in law to Mr. Hendrie Ross ; Alexander Gordon of Mer- drum, to go and sight the saidis hous and manse, and equallie and indiffer- entlie, for both parties, to estimat and appreciat the same, according to the just vorth, and report ther judgment to the bretheren. Quhich, quhen they had maturlie considered and thoght vpon, they reported the houg and the rest of the bigging vpon the manse, together vith such plenishing as ves vithin the hous for the tyme, to be vorth, if not better than ane thousand merkis ; quhich the presbytrie advysed the said Mr. George to pey, in readie money, to the said Mr. Henrie, and Mr. Henrie to remow himself and his familie vith all convenient diligence ; quhervnto both parties most willinglie accorded. The said day, the parishoneris finding Mr. George Chalmer, their mi- nister, settled now in a competent vay of liuing, by the demissione of Mr. Henrie Ross, at the desyre of the presbitry, and to giue the said Mr. George further encouragment, did freelie resigne the tak of the viccaraige, and small teyndis of the tuo parishes (quhich Mr. Henrie Ross had for- merlie disponed to them for a certaine dutie), into the handis of Mr. George, vith full power to him to midle vith the said viccarages as any of his prede- cessoris in that station. The said day, Mr. Richard Maitland reported that the Lady Frendraught answered, for hir not frequenting the church and heiring the word, schoe sould keep the church quher hir husband vent, quhilk vas not vithin boundis of the Presbytrie of Strathbogie. Att GairtHe, 27th August, 1646. The said day, Mr. John Gordon vas presented to the presbytrie, for en- tering schoolmaster at the said kirk, vho vas ordained to haue ane firlate victuall of euerie plough, tuentie libs, of the common good, vith the casuali- ties of baptisme and mariage ; and the said Mr. Johne, the nixt day, to haue his tryall for qualificatioun of his literature in handling the first Ode of Horas. Att Botarie, 16th September, 1646. Conveined, moderator and bretheren. Absent, Mr. William Reid, Mr. Robert Irving. Mr. George Chalmer excused his former absens. 68 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1646. Buvie, Hogge, Thomsone, Grant. Geddes. Patersone. Fiddes. Smart. Watt and Guthrie. Crukshank. Robertsone. Browne. Crawford. Milne, and Dun. Slorach, Johnston, Innes, and Watt. The said day, Mr. John Gordon taught ane gramer lesson, first Ode of Horas, and ves found qualified to teach ane gramer schoole, and vas re- ferred back to the session of Gartly for his entrie ther ; but, in the meane- tyme, ther vas presented ane letter from William Reid, shoving that he in- tendit to haue ane able man for that place, vho sould both teach the schoole and also help him in the ministerie. The bretheren, thinking good of the motion, ordained him to performe this his promise betuixt this and Merti- mes, as he void be answerable. Androw Buivie, Margaret Hoge, Thomas Thomsone, and Mariorie Grant, adultereris in Grange, vt supra, sumonded for ther contumacie to the decreit of the presbytrie, called, and not compeiring, ordained to be processed vith excommunicatioun. Mr. James Gordon, minister at Kinnoir, reported that Bessie Geddes had begun hir repentance, and John Patersone had promised to satisfie. Compeired James Fiddes, in Dumbennand, and being accused of his alledgit incest vith Catheren Forbes, denyed the same ; and being posed, on his oath, refused to giue the same, till the nixt day ; quhilk he vas or- dained to keep. Mr. James Gordon, minister at Rothemay, reported that Mr. Thomas Smart had compeired befor the sessioun, and had assured them of satisfac- tioun after Halloday, in respect for the present he vas imployed in his [ ] in Boyne, and could not keep euerie day. Mr. Robert Watsone reported that Gilbert Watt and Elspet Guthrie ver going on in their repentance. Mr. Robert Jamesone ordained to process Elspet Crukshank, contumax to the decreit of the presbytrie. Alexander Robertsone, in Glas, sumonded pro 2"- vt supra, not com- peiring, ordained to be sumonded pro 3'°- Issobell Browne, in Rynye, sumonded pro 2°- vt supra, not compeiring, ordained to be sumonded pro 3*^- Catheren Crafurd, in Glas, sumonded for hir contumacie to their ses- sioun, not compeiring, ordained to be sumonded jjro 2° John Milne, in Glas, adulterer vith Margaret Dun, sumonded, and not compeiring, ordained to be sumonded pro 2"- William Slorach, in Botarie, sumonded for his sexfold fornicatioun vith Margaret Johnstoun ; William Innes, trelaps in fornicatioun vith Janat Watt, not compeiring, ordained to be sumonded pro 2" 1646.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 69 The said day, George Pirie, in Botarie, being long since declared con- Pirie. tumax to the decreit of the presbitry, sumonded, and not compeiring, or- dained to be processed. Compeired John Steinson, in Keyth, and confessed his cohabiting in for- Steinson. nicatioun vith Elspet Gordon ; the quhilk Elspet confessed hir fornicatioun, Gordon. and to be vith child to ane Irish ; and the said John his fall, being the third, ordained to pey twenty libs., and mak his repentance, in sackcloth, to the contentment of the congregatioun ; and the said Elspet to pey eight libs., and mak hir repentance sex Saboths, and to separate presentlie. Compeired George Low, in Keyth, and confessed his adulterie vith Low. Margaret Gray. Ordained to pey twenty libs, each of them, and mak ther Gray, repentance, in sackcloth, according to order. Compeired William Hendrie and Beatrix Gordon, in Keyth, and con- Hendrie. fessed their fall in fornicatioun befor ther mariage. Referred back to the Gordon. Sessioun of Keyth for ther censure. Compeired Barbara Anderson, in Keyth, and confessed hir fornicatioun Anderson, with John Steinson, Johne Stable, and once befor. Vas ordained to satisfie as ane adulteress. The nixt meetting the last of September. Mr. Robert Irving exerceises, and Mr. William Reid addis. Att Botarie, vltimo Septembris, 1646. Conveined, the moderator and bretheren. Absent, Mr. Robert Irving, Mr. William Reid. No doctrine inrespect of thes tuo absentis, on quhom the charge lay. The said day, Mr. Robert Watson reported that he had done nothing vith his recusant adultererirs, and that in respect of ther minacing speeches, threatning him vith fyre and plundering if he sould proceid any further vith them ; the consideratioun quherof referred to the Provinciall Assemblie. The said day, James Geddes, in Grange, being sumonded for sclander- Geddes. ing famous persons vith sorcerie, called, compeired not ; ordained to be sumonded jt^ro 1°- Bessie Steill, in Grange, having compeired befor the session, and con- Jak and Steill. fessed her adulterie vith Alexander Jak, in Abercherdour, sumonded, called, not compering, ordained to be sumonded pro 2"- ; and Mr. Richard Maitland to sumond the said Alexander to the next day. John Patersone, in Dumbennand, ordained to begin his repentance, vt supra. Patersone. 70 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1646. Cniskshank. Robertsone. Milne. Dun. Craford. Steinson. Gordon. Fiddes. James Fiddes, in Durabennand, being sumonded, apud acta^ to compeir and answer for his alledgit incest, called, compeired not ; quherfor, seing he refused to giue his oath the last day, and promised to keep and purge himself this day, vas declared guiltie, and ordained to be sumonded to heir himself sentenced. Mr. Robert Jamesone ordained to process Elspet Crukshank, and the rest of his recusantis. Compeired, Alexander Robertsone, in Glas, and for his contumacie to ther sessioun, and fornicatioun, vas ordained to satisfie as relaps in fornica- tioun, and pay eight raerkis. Compeired, John Milne, in Glas, and confessed his adulterie vith Margaret Dun. Ordained to satisfie ther session, according to the ordour. Catheren Crafurd, being sumonded to ansuer for hir contumacie, vt supra, called, compeired not. Ordained to be sumonded pro 2*- John Steinson and Elspet Gordon, in Keyth, being sumonded, apud acta, the last Saboth, to compeir befor the presbitry, to answer for not obeying the decreit of the presbytrie, and continowing in ther former co- habitatioun, vt supra, not compeiring, ver declared contumaces, and ordained to be processed by the nixt minister that preaches at the said church. Compeired George Hendrie, in Keyth, and confessed his incest vith Janat Forbes, his mother brotheris vyfe. Ordained to pey forty libs., and mak his repentance, in sackcloth, to the contentment of the congregatioun. The said day, Margaret Vishert, in Keyth, being sumonded for hir adulterie vith Johne Shepherd, in Aberdein, quhilk scho confessed befor the sessioun, called, not compeiring, ordained to be sumonded pro 2°- ; and the commissioneris from Aberdein to the next Assemblie, to be adver- tised to send bak the man. Margaret Walker, in Keyth, having been accused of fornicatioun with divers Irishes, and speciallie vith one criple among them, confessed hir fall with the criple, [but] refused the rest. This being her third fall, vas sumonded to this day ; not compeiring, ordained to be sumonded [pro 2"-] Barclay. John Barclay, in Keyth, hauing compeired befor the sessioun, and being accused of incest with Isobell Aquhynanne, the mother, and Elspet Gordon, hir daughter, refused both, notvithstanding it vas prouen in his Hendrie. Forbes. Wishert. Shepherd. Walker. 1646.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 71 presence, be Andrew Chrystie and James Thomson, elderis of the parish, that he confessed to them he had carnall dealing vith Elspet Gordon, the dochter, and that he had lyen tuentie nights in the naked bed with hir mother. To the quhilk the said John answered, that drunkennes mad him onlie confesse that to the said elderis. Being summonded to this day, and not compeiring, ordained to be sumonded pro 2"- The said day, Alexander Stable, in Keyth, being sumonded for qua- Stable, drilaps in fornicatioun, called, compeired not. Ordained to be sumonded pro 2"- Isobell Browne, in Noth of Rynye, being sumonded pro S*"-, for co- Browne, habiting in adulterie with Alaster Mackquayr, called, compeired not; ordained to pey tuentie libs., and to mak hir repentance, in sackcloth, to the contentment of the parish. The said day, the vhole bretheren reported that they had begun the practeis of the directorie concerning publict worship at the former day appoynted, viz.^ twentieth Septembris. The bretheren remoued seuerallie and censured, ver approuen, Mr. Alexander Fraser, Mr. Robert Watson, 3Ir. James Gordon, minister of Rothemay, on the list for to be moderator. Mr. Alexander Fraser vas chosen. Att Botarie, 25th November, 1646. The said day, compeired William Seifvright and George Stronach, in Seifvreight Glas, and being accused of sorcerie, in alloting and giuing over some land ^^^ Stronach, to the old goodman (as they call it), denyed the same; and, becaus it vas so alledgit, they promised to manure said land. The brethren, taking the mater to their consideratioun, continowed their censure till the per- formance of this ther promis. The said day, vas produced ane letter from the Commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, requyring the intimatioun in the seuerall churches vithin the presbitry, of the excommunicatioun of the Earle of Seaforth ; James Ogilvie, somtyme Erie of Airlie ; Alaster M' Donald ; David Grahame, somtyme of Gorthie ; Patrik Grahame, sone to the Laird of Inshbrakie ; Donald Robertsone, somtyme called Tutor Strowan ; Johne Stewart of Schearglasse ; Colonell William Stewart. The bretheren or- dained to intimat this against the nixt day. 72 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1646. Att Botarie, 9th December, 1646. The said day, compeired Johne of Achynachie, and desyred the bretheren to proceed vith the sentence of excommunicatioun against Walter Innes of Pathnick, for the slaughter of Alexander Gordone, his father. The bretheren, considering that, by his remowall from the king- dome, he had taken the fact vpon him, yet, becaus he vas not so declared be the civill magistrate in being denounced to the home, quhilk the said Johne Gordon promised to doe, and bring the executioun therof to the nixt day, against the quhich tyme the bretheren ver ordained to giue him ane publict citatioun out ther pulpitis, to keep the said day ; vith certifi- catioun, if he compeired not, and gave satisfaction, the sentence sould be pronunced the said day. Att Botarie, 16th December, 1646. Innes. The said day, Walter Innes of Pathnick being cited out the seuerall pulpitis to compeir befor the presbytrie, and giue satisfactioun for the slaughter of Alexander Gordon of Achnyachie, called, compeired not ; as also, Johne Gordon of Achynachie produced the executioun of his de- nunicatioun to the borne. The bretheren, taking the mater to ther con- sideratioun, thoght meet to pronunce the sentence of excommunicatioun against the said Walter Innes presentlie ; quhilk vas done be the modera- tor, and ordained to be intimat the nixt Saboth throgh the whole presbytrie. Robertsone. Compeired George Robertsone, in Glas, and being accused for brak of Saboth, and giueing scandellous speech to his minister, denyed the same. The minister ordained to led probatioun of the former accusations befor the session, against the nixt day, and the said George sumonded, apud acta, to keep for that effect. Att Botarie, 7th Januarii, 1647. The said day, compeired Mr. George Watsone, vith ane letter from Sir William Forbes of Cragivar, containing ane list of some men for a minister to be admitted to the church of Keyth, ^7^^., Mr. Robert Watsone, minister at Grange ; Mr. Androw Abercrombie, minister at Fintray ; Mr. Alexander Garioch, minister at Cushnie ; Mr. Johne Menzies, regent, in New Aberdein ; desyring the opinion and advyse of the presbytrie, in the said busines. The bretheren, takin the mater to their consideratioun, 1647.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 73 thoght it not expedient to giue ane present advyse of the forsaid men, vithout the knowledge of the parishoneris, quhom it chieflie concerned, and therfor ordained the parishoneris to be acquainted vith the forsaid list, and to keep the nixt day of meetting, that both parish and presbytrie may mak choice of ane able man for that charge ; and also desyred the Laird of Cragivar to haue ane present the said day, for the effect forsaid. The nixt meetting, twenty-seventh Januarii. Att Botarie, 27th Januarij, 1647. The said day, compeired the gentlemen and elderis of the parish of Keyth, in name of the rest of the parish, vho reported they had maturelie advysed of the list giuen be the Laird of Cragivar, for the chosing of ane minister for the said kirk, and also gaue in a supplicatioun, subscryved be them, for themselfs, and in name of the rest of the parishoneris, to be sent to the Laird of Cragivar, and desyring the presbytrie their concur- rence to the said supplicatioun. The bretheren, considering the list sent be Cragivar, and the parishoneris supplicatioun for Mr. William Forbes, Cragiewar. minister at Mortlach, to be ther minister, did advyse Mr. Robert Watsone, minister at Grange, to embrace the forsaid charge, vho absolutlie refused the same, inrespect the parishoneris had supplicat for ane vther man ; quhervpon the bretheren resolued to concurre vith the parishoneris in the supplicatioun for Mr. William Forbes, (quhom they knew to be ane able man for the said charge,) and so did vreit to the Laird of Cragivar, de- syring him to condescend to the people ther supplicatioun, quhilk vas the best vay for a peaceable ministrie in the said place. Anent the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie, concerning the Lady Frendraught, Mr. Richard Maitland reported shoe vas out of the country till now. The said Mr. Richard ordained to goe on vith the process, as he void be ansuerable to the Provinciall Assemblie. The nixt meetting, the seventeenth February. Mr. James Crukshank exerceises, and Mr. Alexander Gordon addis. Att Botarie, vltimo Martii, 1647. Ther could be no meetting in Februar, by reason of the gryt storme ; nor hitherto in March, be reason of continowall armies and parties of Highlanderis remaining vithin the boundis of the presbytrie. The said day, Mr. Robert Watsone produced ane presentatioun from the K 74 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1647. Laird of Cragivar, patron to the kirk of Keyth, to Mr. Johne Menzies, regent, in New Aberdein. The bretheren, considering the necessitie of ane able qualified man to the said charge, as also the direction of the Pro- vincial! Assemblie to look to the plantatioun of the said kirk, as they void be answerable, seing the Assemblie vas now at hand, referred the presen- tatioun to be considered be them. The said day, vas produced ane letter from the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie, of the dait nineteenth December, schewing that the Earle of Seaforth and James Ogilvie, vpon ther publict satisfactioun, ver relaxed from the sentence of excommunication, and the same to be intimat in the seuerall congregationis of the presbitry ; as also, ane varning, to be red in the seuerall churches ; quhilk, seing it came so long after the pub- lication therof in vthir adjacent kirkis, and the Assemblie now approching, referred to the said meetting to advyse of the expediencie of reiding the same as yet. The said day, Mr. Robert Watsone, regraiting his gryt losses, and dangers he stands in in this tyme of publict calamitie, desyred ane act of transportatioun. The bretheren, considering his case, and yet being loath to sie the vacancie of that station, referred the mater to the consideratioun of the Provinciall Assemblie. Att Botarie, 28th Aprilis, 1647. The said day, vas presented ane letter from Mr. Johne Menzies, quherin he refused to accept the presentatioun for the kirk of Keyth, for- merlie sent be the Laird of Cragivar, in his name. Anent the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie, concerning the Lady Frendraught, hir giuing in a supplicatioun to the Commissione of the Kirk, requyring continowatioune of hir process, for diners reasons con- tained in the said supplicatioune, quhilk [she] vas ordained to subscryv, but now had refused to doe the same. The mater referred to the Commissione of the Kirk. Anent the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie, for provyding helperis for the old ministeris that keeped not the presbyteriall meettings, Mr. Richard Maitland reported that he had spoken both patron and parishoners of Innerkethnie, vho had confessed they had satisfactioune of their minister, Mr. Robert L'ving, and ver desyrous of no helper. The bretheren reported they had keeped the fast, the reasons quherof 1647.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 75 came to ther handis at the Provinciall Asserablie. Mr. Alexander Fraser reported, he had sumondit Mr. James Gordon to compeir befor the Com- missione of the Kirk, at Aberdein, the second Vedensday of May nixt, according to the ordinance of the Provinciall Assemblie. Att Keyth, 9th Junij, 1647. The said day, the moderator reported that the Commissioners of the Lady Fren- Generall Assemblie had granted libertie to the Lady Frendraught to be ane ^■'^^o^** ordinar hearer of the vord at Forge for a tyme. The bretheren ordained to intimate the excommunicatioun of Michaell Vrquhart. Wrquhart. The said day, compeired Isobell Thomsone, in Grange, vho confessed Thomsone. hirself ravished be ane Highlander, on the Knockhill of Strath Ily, quhen the Lord of Aboyne vent first to Bamf. The mater referred to forder tryall against the nixt day. The said day, the bretheren ordained to mak publick intimatioun out of ther pulpitis of the excommunicatioun of Mr. Alexander Innes ; Mr. Wil- liam Maitland ; Lodvik Gordon, sone to the lait Marques of Huntlie ; Arthur Forbes ; John Gordon of Fechell ; Alexander Gordon of Arra- doull ; Patrik Leyth of Arthill ; Patrik Gordon alias Steilhard ; William Gordon, younger of Newtoun, vho ver excommunicat for ther accession to the lait horrid rebellion, and complyance vith the comone enimie. The said day, vas presented be the moderator ane band, drawen vp by the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie, to be subscryved be all thes that had bein in actuall rebellion and complyance vith the comone enimie, the tenor quherof followes, and vas subscryved be all that compeired for that effect : " Ve, wndersubscryveris, considering our ingagement in and accession to the lait horrid rebellione, by quhich we haue bein enimies to the Covenantis and caus of God, and drawen vpon ourselfs the guilt of the blood of the Lordis people that haue bein slain in the land, doe profess our vnfainyed sorow and deep humiliatioun for thes our heinous offences, begging of the Lord mercie and forgiuenes for the same, and promising, in the strenth and power of his grace, to loath and abhorre ourselfs als long as ve Hue, be- caus therof ; and not onlie shune and avoyd such vicked courses, and all the authoris and fauereris therof, for the tyme to come, but also to adhere to the Nationall Covenant, and the Solerane League and Covenant, to be sted- 76 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1647. fast and zealous in promoving all the endis therof, against all enimies and aduersaries quhatsomeuer to the wtterraost of our power ; and this we doe in the sinceritie of our heartis, as in the sight of God. Sic subscribitur, John Gordon in Litlemilne ; Johne Gordon of Achynachie ; Johne Gor- don in Cragihead; James Gordon of Birkinburne ; Johne Gordon in Drumdelgie ; William Gordon in Achinhandak ; Alexander Gordon, bro- ther to Cragihead ; Johne Gordone in Walkmilne ; George Adamson in Floores ; Johne Gordon in Overhall ; Thomas Gordon in Brakles ; James Duff and Adam Duff, sones to James Duff of Bad." All thes having sub- scryved the forsaid band, and in a solemne maner acknowledgit their offence vpon ther knees, ver referred back to ther seuerall parishes, and ther to mak ther repentance, in sackcloth, befor the congregatioun, the nixt Lords day. The said day, being appoynted for the plantatioune of the church of Keyth, so long vacand throgh the transplantatioun of Mr. Joseph Brodie, and for that effect compeired Sir William Forbes of Cragivar, patrone to the said church, and ther did produce ane presentatioun, nominating therin Mr. Alexander Garioch, minister at Cushnie, to be minister at the said kirk of Keyth, and took instrument theron in the handis of James Troup, mes- sino-er. The elderis and parishoneris gaue in a supplicatioun for Mr. Joseph Brodie, earnestlie intreating the patrone to present the said Mr. Joseph to ther church. The bretheren, remembering the ordinance of the Provinciall Assemblie, to requyre the advyse and concurrence of the Fres- bytries of Elgine and Forres in the plantatioun of the kirk of Keyth, ap- poynted the said presbytries to be aduertised of the said presentatioun and supplicatioun of the parish, and to requyre ther commissioneris to keep the nixt day of raeetting, at Botarie, Junii twenty-third, to giue ther advyse theranent. Att Botarie, Junii 23, 1047. The said day, conveined with the bretheren, Mr. William Falconer, Mr. Alexander Sumner, Mr. Alexander Spens, commissioneris from Elgine and Forress, and Mr. Alexander Garioch, minister at Cushnie, vho did accept of the presentatioun giuen in the former day be the Laird of Cragivar, to the kirk of Keyth, in his name. The bretheren, after mature deliberatioun in the said busines, thoght meet to keep the nixt day at Keyth, quher the said Mr. Alexander vas ordained to preach befor the presbytrie and people. 1647.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 77 on the ordinare mater of the exercises, and to goe the nixt Saboth and preach to the people, and exercise discipline in ther session, and to bring with him, at ther nixt meetting, ane act of transplantatioun from his owne presbytrie, vith the reasons therof ; and the commissioneris of Elgine and Forres ver requested to keep the said dyet at Keyth, July seventh, that they might concurre vith the presbytrie in the plantatioun of the said kirk. The said day, compeared Adam Gordon of Welhead ; Johne Ingrame in Vhythill ; Adam Richardsone in Hauches ; Hirome Spens in Kinnoir ; William Langmure in Grange ; George Seifvright in Acharne ; George Malice in Glas ; George Robertsone ther ; Hew Sherrear, William Spens, at the Milne of Carnbarrow, vho all acknowledged their accession to the horrid rebellion, and subscryved the band mad theranent. Ordained to mak ther repentance, in sackcloth, the nixt Saboth, in ther seuerall parriss kirkis, according to the act of the Generall Assemblie. Lykvys, compeired James Gordon of Daach ; Johne Fordyce in Achincrewe ; Patrik Gordon at the Milne of Gartly ; Alexander Anderson in Gartly ; Thomas Gordon, sone to James Gordon of Daach, and acknowledgit ther complyance vith the comone enimie. Ordained to satisfie the discipline of the kirk for ther offence, according to the act of the Commission of the Kirk, mad at Aber- dein in May last. Att Keyth, Julij 7, 1647. Mr. x\lexander Garioch taught, 1 Cor. 2, v. 6. Approuen as ane ortho- doxe popular preacher. The most part of the elderis, for the time present, ver content to accept the said Mr. Alexander for ther minister. The bretheren, taking the mater to ther serious consideratioun, continowed the same to the nixt day of meetting, and ordained the said Mr. Alexander to bring his testimonial! act of transplantatioun, vith the resons therof, to the said day. The said day, ane supplicatioun presented [be] the goodvyf of Carn- Cuttis of barow, requyring relaxatioun from hir excommunicatioun, and some of the Carnborrow. bretheren to conferr with hir for hir further resolutioune of such poyntis as troubled hir conscience in materis of religion. Mr. George Meldrum, hir minister, and Mr. Alexander Fraser, ordained to conferr vith hir, and to report the nixt day ther diligence. Mr. Robert Watsone and Mr. James Gordon on the list for commis- sioneris to the Generall Assembly, and the Laird of Kempkarne and Alex- 78 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1647. ander Ogilvie of Knock for ruling elderis. Mr. James Gordon and Kemp- kearne chosen. The said day, Mr. Robert Jamesone and Mr. Robert Watsone hauing bein appoynted be the Commissioneris of the Generall Assembly at Aber- dein, fourteenth May, to conferr vith Mr. George Chalmer, vho vas sus- pendit from all exercise of his ministrie vntill the second Vednesday of Julie, for wreitting to Harthill for recouerie of plundered goodis and keep- ino- chamber in Lesmoir, quhen [Lues] Gordon vas ther, quhilk he had possessed befor Lues Gordon [his] coming and preaching suratyme in the hous of [ ], and hauing found him sensible of thes his offences, did relax him from his suspension after the said day, according to power granted to them be the said Commission, and ordained Mr. Robert Jameson to goe to his owne church of Rynye, on Sounday come aucht dayes, and receaue him after sermon, quhich he sail haue for that purpos. Att Botarie, 21st Julij, 1647. Reidfurd. The said day, ther vas ane supplicatioun presented befor the moderator and remanent bretheren of the presbytrie, be Alexander Ogilvie of Knock, Robert Crichtoun of Condland, Beroald Innes of Knockorth, and Johne Gordon of Ardmelly, all elderis of the paroche of Abercherdour, and, in name and behalf of the vhole heritors, gentlemen, elderis, and inhabitantis of the said paroche, earnestlie desyring that Mr. Johne Reidfurd raicht be ther minister, and that the patron of the said churche void present him to be ther minister therof ; that they be no longer frustrat of the confort of Godis vord. Quhilk supplicatioun vas red, and villinglie accepted be the whole presbytrie, and did approue the same, and ther aifectioune to the said Mr. Johne. And becaus the presbytrie vnderstandis the right of patronage of the said churche to belong to the Kings Majestie, therfor they haue ordained, at the nixt presbyteriall meeting, to leitt three : quherof the said Mr. Johne Reidfurd salbe one, being onlie supplicat be the vhole paroche to be ther minister. The said day, vas presented ane letter from the Presbytrie of Alfurd, quherin vas found no formall testificat to Mr. Alexander Garioch, nor act of transplantatioun, vith the reasons therof, as vas requyred ; and the commissioneris from Keyth refused any supplicatioune for the said Mr. Alexander, vntill the whole heritoris of the paroche sould advyse, and meett theranent, quhilk they ver to doe again the nixt day. 1647.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 79 The said day, compeired William Browne in Rynye, George Gor- don ther, Johne Walker ther ; acknowledged ther accession to the lait horrid rebellion ; subscryved the band mad theranent. Ordained to raak ther repentance, in sackcloth, befor ther congregation, the next Lordis day. Compeired, the parochiners of Grange, and acknowleged ther com- plyance vith the comone enimie. Referred bak to ther owne paroche, to satisfie according to the ordour ; and euerie brother to tak course vith these of the meaner sort in ther seuerall paroches. Mr. Robert Jamesone reported he had gone to Rynnye the last Lordis day, and ther hauing hard Mr. George Chalmer preach, Prov. 28, v. 13, quherin he gaue him and the congregatioun full content, and so had re- poned him, according to the Act of the Commission of the Kirk, at Aber- dein, fourteenth Maij, 1647. Att Botarie, 4th August, 1647. The said day, according to the former ordinance in the plantatioun of Reidfurd. Abercherdour, Mr. Johne Reidfurd, Mr. Robert Watsone, Mr. James Barclay, ver leitted for the said churche, and the leittis send, ver sent south to the commissioner of the presbytrie. The said day, Mr. Alexander Garioch vreat to the presbytrie, desyring a determinat answer concerning his comming to the church of Keyth. The bretheren, having expected ane supplicatioune from the parochineris ther- anent, according to ther promis the former day of meetting, quhilk, seing it vas not come, could returne no answer to the said Mr. Alexander for the tyme. In the meane tyme, ordained the parochineris of Keyth to testifie ther villingnes to haue the said Mr. Alexander to be ther minister, in sup- plicatting for him the nixt day of meetting, vthervayes the presbytrie void tak the mater as altogether deserted be them, and acquaint the patron heirof immediatlie therafter. At Botarie, 18th August, 1647. Mr. George Meldrum reported that the goodvyf of Carnborrow, vith hir Cuttis. daughteris, continowed heireris of the vord, and had declared themselfs satisfied of ther doubtis, and so intendit to come to the presbytrie and re- ceaue ordour for making hir repentance. 80 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1647- Att Botarie, 1st September, 1G4T. The said day, a generall regrate of the bretheren of the increase of poprie, and dishanting of Godis publict vorship vithin the presbytrie. Re- ferred to the consideratioune of the Provinciall Assemblie. At Botarie, 29th Septembris, 1647. The said day, a general! regrait of all the bretheren of the gryt abuses of trouperis vithin ther boundis, especiallie vpon the Lordis day and that solemne day of thanksgiuing. In a particular maner referred to the con- sideratioun of the Assemblie. Mr. Robert Watsone and Mr. James Gordon on the list for modera- tioune. Mr. Robert Watsone chosen. The bretheren remoued seuerallie and censured, ver approuen faithfull and diligent in ther callings, onlie Mr. Alexander Fraser admonished to be more diligent in censuring his complyers, the principal! men quherof, he reported, had bein south this long tyme. The said day, compeired Mr. Richard Maitland, lait minister at Aber- cherdour. Hauing produced a reference from the General! Assemblie to the Presbytrie of Strathbogie and Synod of Murray, anent his satisfactioun for his complyance vith the lait Marquis of Huntly, for quhich he vas deposed by the Commission of the Kirk, at Aberdein, in May last, and gaue in his supplicatioun, subscryued vith his hand, acknowledging that he did most heartlie acknovledge ane vnfained sorow for offending and scandellizing the Kirk of Scotland, or any member therof, by his correspondence or inter- course be letteris vith the lait Marques of Huntly, for the quhich he vas now deposed ; and that he vas lykvys greiued for offending the Church of Scotland for any thing els besyd his said complyance, and that he accounted his greatest happines on earth for to Hue and dye a faithfull and fruitfull member of this church ; and becaus it vas his earnest desyre that God might be glorified and the church satisfied, and that he might haue peace vith both, did earnestlie desyr the assistance and furtherance of the presby- trie for thes endis, conforme to the reference of the General! Assemblie theranent, produced be him. The bretheren, hauing takin the said suppli- cation to heart, doe recommend the supplicant to the charitable considera- tioun of the nixt Provinciall Assemblie. Examined, October seventh, 1647. Mr. Robert Innes, clerk. 1647.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 81 Att Botarie, 27th Octobris, 1647. Anent the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie concerning the Lady Lady Fren- Frendraught hir process in the Presbytrie of Strathbogie, ther joyning vith ^''^"^^*- Presbytrie of Turreff, quher shoe Hues for the most part, for conformitie, as vas recommendit to the commissioneris sent to the prouince of Aberdein ; nothing done, in respect the commissioneris keeped not the Provinciall Assemblie of Aberdein, only Mr. Robert Irving vas ordained to try quhat shoe had done vithin the Presbytrie of Turreff, and to report the nixt day. The said day, compeired Sir William Forbes of Cragivar, and reported that Mr. Alexander Garioch had giuen bak his presentatioune he had to the church of Keyth, and quyted any right he had to the same, and promised to present the nixt day Mr. William Kininmont, ane qualified man, recommendit to him be the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie. The said day, compeired Beroald Innes of Knockorth, Johne Abernethie Reidfurd. of Tillidoun, Alexander Wilson of Achmaud, heritoris and elderis of Aber- cherdour, vith a new supplicatioune for Mr. Johne Reidfurd to be ther minister, homologating the former. Also, compeired the said Mr. Johne, and produced ane presentation to the said kirk from the Earle of Panmuir, vhose right of patronage being sein and considered by the Provinciall As- semblie, the said Assemblie advysed the presbytrie to proceid heirvpon in the plantatioun of the said kirk vith the said Mr. Johne, provyding the for- said right of patronage be no preparatiue to the plantation of vther kirkis of that nature, till the advyse of the Generall Assemblie be had theranent ; as also, ane act of transplantation from the Presbytrie of Alfurd. And becaus ther had come to the handis of the bretheren ane paper, not sub- scryved, containing some reasons for not admitting the said Johne to that place, at the desyre of the presbytrie, he voluntarie cleared himself therof in euerie particular ; and, in speciall, anent that of reus ambitus, quher he show tuo letteris, vnder the elderis and heritoris handis, earnestlie desyring him to come and giue them ane sermon, but being vnvilling to obey the said desyre till he advysed vith the presbytrie. but not having the occasion of ane presbyteriall meetting, he consulted vith divers of the bretheren quhat to doe in the said caice, vho advysed him to goe and preach as he vas desyred, quhilk the bretheren themselfis confessed ; quhervpon the bretheren, being satisfied, ordained him to preach the nixt day befor them, 82 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1647. vpon the 13th Mathew, v. 44. Mr. Richard Maitland protested that nothing sould be done in the plantatioun of the said kirk prejudicial! to king or church. Att Botarie, 10th November, 1647. Reidfurd. Mr. Johne Reidfurd taught, Mathew 13, v. 44, as he vas the former day of meetting enjoyned, quherin he gaue all the bretheren full contentment, and so vas ordained to preach the nixt Lordis day at Abercherdour, and serve ane edict, charging all having interest to compeir befor the moderator and remanent bretheren of the Presbytrie of Strathbogie, at Botarie, eighth December, to heir and sie the said Mr. Johne admitted, or then to giue reasonis on the contrarie. The said day, ane letter, presented from Cragivar, excusing the not pre- senting of Mr. William Kininmont, according to his promise the former day of meetting, inrespect the said Mr. William vas not come north as yet, and so promised to present him, or some other qualified man, the nixt day. Maitland. The said day, compeired Mr. Richard Maitland, lait minister at Aber- cherdour, and offerred satisfactioune and repentance for his complyance vith the lait Marques of Huntly, for quhich he vas depryved by the Com- mission of the Kirk, at Aberdein, in May last, quher, in a most humble maner, shedding of teares sincerely, he acknowledgit his gryt ofifence he had done to the Kirk of Scotland, and the equity of the sentence pronunced against him, and most submissiuely craned pardon for all his misdoings to the Kirk of Scotland, and to his bretheren of the presbytrie in particular ; quhervith the bretheren, being satisfied, ordained ane testimonie heirof to be giuen to the said Mr. Richard. Vrquhart. Mr. Robert Jamesone reported that James Vrquhart of Old Craige had mad his repentance tuo seuerall Saboths, in sackcloth, at his church of Botarie, according to the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie, and so vas receaved. Att Botarie, 8th December, 1647. No doctrine, this day being appoynted for the agitatioun of Mr. Alex- ander Gordon his theses, vho also vas absent, being sent for by the Pres- bytrie of Aberlour, vhora they intendit to present to Kirk Michell. Reidfurd. The said day, compeired Mr. Johne Reidfurd, and produced ane edict. 1648.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 83 servit and indorsit, as the same at lenth beares, being called, none compeired to oppose the said Mr. Johne, except Mr. Richard Maitland, vho gave in reasons subscryved vith his hand vhy the said Mr. Johne sould not be admitted to the said kirk of Abercherdour, quhilk he ofFerred himself to proue, together vith ane appellatioun to the nixt Provinciall or Generall Assemblie. The bretheren taking the mater to ther consideratioun, re- solued to send the extract of the saidis reasonis and appellatioun to the Coramissioneris of the Generall Assemblie for ther determinatioun heirin ; and ordained the moderator to vreit to them for that effect vith the said Mr. Johne. The said day, compeired Helen Cutis, goodvyf of Carnborrow, and Cutis of having bein ane ordinar heirer of the vord, and having had conference vith Carnborrow. hir owne minister this half yeir bygone, now desired to be relaxed from the sentence of excommunicatioun. The bretheren ordained hir to mak hir repentance according to the actis of the Kirk of Scotland in the lyke caice, and therafter Mr. George Meldrum, hir owne minister, ordained to relaxe hir from the said sentence, and resaue hir as a member of the Kirk of Scotland. Att Botarie, 5th Januarii, 1648. Anent the plantation of Keyth, no report from the patron, nor vord of Mr. William Kininmont. The bretheren ordained to aduerteis Crao-ivar that he void present ane qualified man against the nixt day, vthervayes the presbytrie void proceid to the plantatioun of the said kirk. Compeired Christane Watt in Glas, and being accused of frequent Watt, fornicatiouns vith the souldeouris of James Grahame his armie, con- fessed hir following of the camp, and hir child that schoe had schoe fathered the same on Johne Gordon, sone to Innermerkie, but refused to giue hir oath for the said allegance. Ordained to satisfie in sack- cloth and joggis six Saboths, and to declare vho vas the right father of the child. Att Botarie, 2d February, 1648. The said day, vas presented ane letter from the Leiutenant Generall, showing that Mr. William Kininmont had resaued ane presentatioun to the kirk of Keyth, and desyring the presbytrie to vreit for the said Mr. 84 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1648. William, that vpon ther call vith his presentatioun he might be the better encouraged to embrace the said charge. The bretheren, willing to haue that place settled vith ane able man, (such they ver informed the said Mr. William to be,) and ordaine the moderator to vreit for him in name of the [presbytrie.] The said day, vas presented ane letter from the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie, vith two copies of the Actis of the last Generall As- semblie, and requyring James Murray his restis to be sent south to Patrik Dicksone, now supplieing his vice, as the pryce of the bookis and vther printed papers, quhilk the bretheren ver appoynted to provyd vith all diligence. Compeired James Gordon, younger of Daoch, and acknowledged his accession to the lait horrid rebellion, subscryved the band. Ordained to mak his repentance according to the Act. Mr. George Meldrum declared he had keeped the meeting at Forres, and shew quhat vas done at the said meetting. The vther bretheren that sould have keeped vith him gaue ther excuse, quhilk vas allowed. The said day, compeired Arthur Stewart, James Christie, John M'Vil- liam, Alaster Crukshank, Johne Brabner, Norman Lind, Johne Langmure, parochineris of Botruphnie, confessed ther complyance vith the rebellis. Ordained to satisfie according to the Act of the Generall Assemblie. And Walter Ogilvie, in the said paroch, confessed his accession to the shedding of the blood of the Lordis people. Ordained to satisfie in sackcloth, accord- ing to the Act. Att Botarie, 23d February, 1648. Mr. Robert Jamesone reported, he had vreitten for Mr. William Kinnin- mont, as he vas ordained the former day. The said day, compeired Walter Barclay, in name of the parochineris of Keyth, desyring the presbytrie to provyd ane qualified expectant to teach ther scoole, seing they had a good provision for the same, Alexander Ogilvie, wreitter in Edinburgh, hauing mortified eighty libs, of yeirlie rent of the landis of Achinclech, for the mantenance of ane scoolmaster, as also, ther ordinare stipend of paroche and kirk casualities in vse of payment befor ; and, in particular, they desyred that Mr. James Ross sould be admitted to the said charge, being satisfied in ther opinion vith his 1648.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 85 abilities. The bretheren promised to acquant Mr. James vith the busines, and desyre him keep the nixt meeting, at quhich tyme thei sould resaue his answer. The said day, compeired Jean Gordon, Lady Alter, desyring a testi- Lady Alter, monie to the presbytrie of Forres of hir bygone lyf and conversatione. The bretheren being informed that ther vas some process concerning the said Jeane Gordon befor the session of Keyth, the extract quherof not being produced befor the presbytrie, nor the tenor therof knowen, they continowit the mater to the nixt day, and ordained Walter Barclay, clerk to the session, to extract the said process, and send to the nixt meeting, and the [said] Jeane Gordon to keep the said day to that effect. The said day, compeired William Gordon of Arradouall, James Gor- don, younger of Merdrum, Robert Hendrie in Masle of Keyth, Wiliam Mackerson in Towie of Botruphnie, and confessed ther accession to the last rebellion ; subscry ved the band ; ordained to satisfie in ther seuerall paroche kirkis respectiue^ according to the act of the Assemblie. Att Botarie, 15th Martii, 1648. Mr. Robert Jamesone reported he had keeped session at Keyth, and Lady Altar. Walter Barclay sent the extract of ther session concerning the Lady Altar, as he vas ordained the former day, quher vas found ane delatioune of the said Jeane Gordon, and personall compearance of hir befor ther sessioun, the third day of September, 1647, quher shoe vas accused be Mr. Robert Jamesone, minister ther for the tyme, of ane barne in adulterie to Nathaniell Gordon, and also of ane vther bairne in fornicatioun vith Captain Mortimer ; all quhich shoe denyed, and desyred the sessioun to proue either of them, and she sould satisfie accordinglie. The sessioun that day not being full, many of the heritoris being absent, resolued to con- tinov the mater to further tryall. The bretheren, vpon this information, ordained Mr. James Gordon to goe and hold sessioun at Keyth, the twenty-seventh Martii, and ther search and try quhat presumptions and light could be found in the busines, and to report to the presbytrie the twenty-ninth Martii, that they might proceid heirin according to their in- formation ; and the said Lady Altar vas aduertised to keep the said day, for that efi'ect. Compeired Johne Stewart of Ardbrak, in Botruphnie, and acknow- ledged his complyance ; ordained to satisfie, according to the act of 86 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1648. Assemblie. Also, compeired Adam Leslie, Thomas Mugah, parochineris in Botruphnie, and confessed ther accession to the shedding of the blood of the Lordis people ; subscryued the band ; ordained to mak ther repent- ance, in sackcloth, according to the act. Reidfurd. The said day, compeired Mr. Johne Reidfurd, and presented ane letter from the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie, the tenor quherof followes : " Reuerend and louing bretheren, having considered your letteris, and informations sent thervith, and hard Mr. Johne Reidfurd also, at full lenth ; and finding that yourselfs had once rejected the reasons giwen in against Mr. John, ve think it strange that, vpon the same reasons, yow . sould haue delayed all this tyme his admissione, especiallie quhen they ver giwen by one that vas so justly cast out of that place ; and therfor it is our opinione and aduyse, that you proceed, vithout more delay, to the admissione of your brother, Mr. Johne, (that yow be not found to blame for suffering that kirk of Abercherdour lye vaiking so long,) and that not- vithstanding of thes reasons or appellatioune given to yow by Mr. Richard Maitland, quherin ve sie no veight or ground to refuse or delay the ad- missione. This is all ve haue to say, committing the busines to yow, to doe in it as ye wilbe answerable. And having exonered ourselfs by our full and brotherlie advyse, we remaine, your louing bretheren, the Commis- sioneris of the Generall Assemblie ; Mr. Robert Dowglas, Moderator. Edinburgh, 8th February, 1648." The quhilk being read and considered, the bretheren ordained Mr. Robert Irving to goe, the nixt Lordis day, to Abercherdour, and giue institutione and admissione to the said Mr. Johne Reidfurd to the kirk of Abercherdour. The said day, the bretheren present reported that they had vrgit familie exercise vithin ther seuerall congregations, and had appoynted euerie Thursday in the weeke for catechising and baptisme of children. Att Keyth, 26th Aprilis, 1648. Craigiewar. The said day, compeired the Laird of Cragivar, vho reported that, long since, he had giuen ane blank presentatioun to David Leslie, Liuetenant Generall, quhilk he hard vas filled vp vith Mr. William Kininmont his name ; so he expected the said Mr. William sould haue come, clad vith the said presentatioun. The presbytrie also looked for the same, seing they had vretin, the second Februar, desyring the said Mr. William to come 1648.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 87 and prosecute his presentatioun, shewing him therby his suir calling to the said charge ; and, seing nether himself nor any vord vas come from him, the bretheren, vith consent of the Laird of Cragivar and parishoneris of Keyth, resolued yet to aduertise him, and desyr him come and imbrace the said charge ; vith certification, if he neyther came nor sent vord quhat his mynd vas in that busines, again the seventeenth Maii nixt, they void pro- ceid to the plantatioun of the said kirk, inrespect of the long vacancie therof, and ordinance of the provinciall theranent. The said day, vas presented ane letter from the Coramissioneris of the Generall Assemblie, of the dait Martii vltimo, shewing ther proceidings in the publict effaires of the kirk, together vith a declaratioune to this vhole kirk and kingdome of Scotland, concerning present dangeris and duties ; to be read publictly in euerie paroch kirk, according to the act thervith sent ; quhilk vas ordained to be done, the nixt Lordis day, be the seuerall bretheren of the presbytrie. The said day also, vas presented from the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie, three propositionis concerning the ministrie and government of the kirk, vith ane larger catechisme ; to be advysed vpon again the nixt Generall Assemblie. Att Keyth, I7th Maii, 1648. The said day, Mr. Johne Reidfurd vas desyred to put in executione the Lady Fren- referr of the Provinciall Assemblie concerning the Lady Frendraught, vho ^^^aught. answered he had bein nevir entered, and for the present had no r°esidence in the said paroche, and requyred a tyme to speak and conferr vith hir, and therafter he sould proceid as the presbytrie sould enjoyne. The bretheren, vpon this consideratioun, gaue him tyme to the nixt meetting for this effect. The said day, the seuerall bretheren being posed if any malignants vithin Adamsone ther boundis, vho having testified publict repentance for ther malignancie, ^"'^ ^""^'• and yet speak against the Covenant and the kingdomes procedour in the defence therof, reported they hard of none for the tyme, except George Adamson of Bracco and William Innes in Grange, vho had not satisfied (as ther minister reported) according to the act in all poyntis, and did not cary so as became them in the said busines. The mater referred to the visitatioun of Grange. Anent the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie, concerning restraint of kirk buriaUis, and that by Saboth dayes buriallis the publict worship be not 88 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1648. impedit nor prejudged, the bretheren reported they had begun and vas pro- ceeding for prosecuting the said actis. Anent the raalignants in Keyth, Kinnoir, and Dumbennand, vho had not satisfied, the jninisteris that salbe imployed to preach at the said kirkis ordained to tak vp ther names, and charge them befor the presbytrie ; and Mr. Alexander Fraser to goe to Dumbennand the nixt Saboth, and preach, hold session, and tak notice of ther delinquentis. The said day, being appoynted for resaving ane answer from David Leslie, Leiutennant Generall, concerning Mr. William Kininmont his em- bracing or refusing the presentatioun granted and giffen to him by the Laird of Cragivar, patron of Keyth, compeired the forsaid patron, vho reported he had sent the presbytrie ther letter to the Liuetennant Generall, requyring his last answer, vthervayes that the presbytrie void proceid to the plantatioun of the said kirk ; but no answer vas returned to presbytrie nor patron, and so they expected nothing from that man forder, seing this day ves appoynted for that effect ; quhervpon the presbytrie resolued presentlie to proceed to the nominatioun of a man for the said charge, and after mature deliberatioun, divers being listed for that effect, patron and pa- rishoneris all in [one] voyce condescendit vpon Mr. Johne Seatone, minister at Kemnay, to be ther minister, quhervnto the presbytrie gaue full assent and consent, knowing the man to be ane able qualified man ; and so the presbytrie, vith Cragivar and parishoneris, did vreat vith Alexander Phine of Achanassie, on of the elderis of Keyth, to the said Mr. Johne Seaton, showing him his suir call to the said charge, and requyring him to come to ther paroche kirk of Keyth and giue them a sermon, that all ther people might be the more fullie satisfied vith his abilities and giftis. The said day, vas presented ane letter from the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie, of the dait twenty eighth Aprilis, shoving ther pro- cedour vith the high court of Parliament, by paperis and conferences concern- ing the ingagement of war intendit by them, together vith eight propositiones quhilk by [them] had bein presented to the Parliament for the satisfactioun of all that are weill affected vithin this kingdome in the mater of the intendit ingagement ; requyring, also, everie brother to stedfastnes and constancie in the caus of God, in the midst of all the snares and tentatiounes of those tymes ; indicting, also, a solemne fast to be keeped the last Saboth of Maii, for intreatinir the Lord for mercie and help in this day of our gryt need, quhilk the bretherin ver ordained to obserue in ther seuerall congregatiouns. 1648.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 89 Mr. George Chalmer reported that James Gordon of Merdrum had fled the boundis for the tyme, and so nothing to be done vith his process. Att Glas, 7th Junij, 1648. The communion celebrat this yeir, and ignorantis debarred and ordained to be censured. Compeired the goodvyf of Carnborrow, and being accused for not communicating, answered, that ane particular tumult and trouble fell out that same day of preparatiue sermon, betuixt some of her freindis, quhilk mad hir the mor vnfitt for such ane actioun. Shoe vas ordained to com- municat primo quoque tempore, and the minister to appoynt a particular dyet for that eftect. The said day, the goodvyf of Achinhandak summondit for not commu- nicating, called, compeired not ; ordained to be summondit, pro 2"- The minister and elderis ordained to provyd a bell, and to stent the parish for that effect. Ordained to restraine buriallis in the kirk, and to censure all supersti- tion at Wallak Kirk. Mr. John Reidfurd reported he had spoken the Lady Frendraught, but Lady Freu- had found no effect of his travailis ; yet requyred a tyme to conferr vith ^J'^"?'it. hir, seing his entrie vas so schort, and yet no resident. The tyme vas granted to the nixt day of meetting. Anent the referr concerning the Lady Altar, vas presented ane letter, Lady Altar, vnder hir hand, showing hir inabilitie to travaill, and admitting all these vitnesses that ver mentioned to her, saue the goodvyf of Newmilne ; so Mr. Robert Vatsone ordained to sumond the goodvyf of Floores and George Brabner in Achinheiue, for that effect, against the nixt day. The said day, vas presented ane letter from the moderator of the pro- vince, of the dait the last May, requyring the presbytrie to advyse weill anent the speciall choise of such Commissioneris to the Generall Assemblie as be vndoubtedly veil affected vnto the speciall endis of the Covenant, quhervnto ve are all obleidged, vith all the kirk of this kingdome ; also, ane copie of ane supplicatioune, drawen vp by the Commission of the Assemblie of Murry, to be exhibit to the Committies of Warre vithin this province, for the causes and motiues therin contained ; quhilk suppli- catioun vas red and subscryved be the bretheren, and sent to Mr. Robert Irving, that he might present the same to the Committie of Warre pre- M 90 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1648. sently sitting in Bamf, he being nixt adjacent to the said tovvne, and ordained to report the nixt day. Att Botruphnie, 21st Junij, 1648. Lady Fren- Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported he had spoken the Lady Frendraught, vho draught. yas villing to heir the vord in any kirk saue Abercherdour, and such as are vithin the Presbyterie of Strathbogie. Mr. Robert Irving reported he had gone to the Committie of Bamf, and ther presented the presbytrie ther supphcation, quhervnto ves an- swered, they could doe nothing of themselfs ; seing the ingagment vas concludit by ane superior judicatorie, they behoved to proceid to the present levie. Cragivar. The said day, returned ane answer from Johne Seatone, minister at Keranay, quherin he renderis thanks to presbytrie, patron, and parishoneris of Keyth for ther vnanimous consent and call to the vacant kirk of Keyth, and for his invitatioun to come and preach, that he might be knowen and hard by the parochineris, quhilk he promised to doe immediatly after his returne from the Generall Assembhe; showing also that he hard some vther ves in suit of that place, so intreatis the bretheren to consider that ther vnanimous calling of him, invitatioun of parishoneris and patron, vas a better, more sure, and later right then any former, and so requested he sould not be put of the stage but vith credit in order and loue ; all quhich the bretheren thoght meet to be done, and so resolued to continow all till after the Assembly. The said day being appoynted for choysing commissioneris to the Ge- nerall Assemblie, Mr. Robert Jamesone, Mr. Johne Reidfurd, Mr. George Meldrum, on the list. Mr. Johne Reidfurd and Mr. George Meldrum chosen for the ministrie, and the Laird of Kempkairne for ruling elder. Att Rynnje, 5th Julij, 1648. The said day, was presented ane letter from David Leslie, Liuetennant Generall, desyring Mr. William Kininmont yet to be presented to the vacant kirk of Keyth. The bretheren hauing vreitten divers tymes for that effect, and neuer resaued ane answer till now that they had proceidit to the nominatioun and presentation of another, they could doe nothing till Mr. Johne Seatone returned from the Assemblie, and gaue his answer of accepting or refusing the said charge ; and so appoynted the moderator to 1648.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 91 vreit bak to the Liuetennant General!, and shew him the reall treuth how farr by vord and wreat they ver ingadgit to another. The said day, ane letter from the Commissioneris of the Generall [Assembly], indicting a fast the nixt Lordis day. The said day, the bretheren delyvered to ther commissioneris full pay- ment to James Murray his airis of all vas resting be them. Att Grange, 23d August, 1648. The said day, compeired Mr. Johne Forbes, minister at Kinkarne, and ther did show Mr. Johne Seatoun vas returned from the AssembHe, and vas willing to come and preach at Keyth, as he formerlie promised, saue he had hard that the presbytrie and some of the parochineris of Kevth had resolued yet again on Mr. William Kininmont, and so it ver lost labour to him to come and shew himself, and thus to be deserted inordourlie. The bretheren not having hard from the said Mr. William vord or vreit since ther last advertisment to David Leslie of ther procedour, as also hauino- promised to altar nothing of ther former condescendance, resolued yet againe to acquant the said Mr. Johne vith ther mynd, and requyr him yet to come and giue them ane sermon between the nixt meetting and this, or then to send his mynd heiranent by vreat ; quhilk the moderator vas or- dained to doe, in name of the presbytrie. Att Keyth, 13th September, 1648. The said day, the session of Keyth reported that Mr. Johne Seatoun had preached to them, quherin he gaue them full contentment, and so they all continowed still requyring him to be ther minister ; quhervpon the bre- theren resolued to proceid in requyring the said Mr. Johne to come and embrace so fair ane call; and so appoynted Mr. Johne Reidfurd for the presbytrie, and the elderis appoynted William Gordon of Newmilne for the pariss, to goe to the nixt presbyteriall meetting of Garioch, quhilk they ver informed vas 28th Septembris, and ther, vith letteris of invitatioune from the presbytrie and parish, requyre transplantatioun to the said Mr. Johne ; and they to report to the Provinciall Assemblie, seing ther is no dyet of the presbytrie after the said day till the Assemblie. The said day, compeired the tutor of Cragivar, requyring nothing to be Tutor ot done vith the bygone stipend of Keyth in prejudice of the heire, and that Cragiowa the said tutor be advertised quhen the said stipend is to be destribut, that 92 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1648. he might giue his consent heirto. The Provinciall Assemblie ther advyse to be taken in the said particvlar. The said day, compeired the Laird of Park, regraiting the remowall of ane deask in the kirk of Glas be Beldornie, to quhich James Gordon, in name of his brother Beldornie, did answer, that he being enjoyned at the visitatioun to fill that rovvme befor Mertimes, or lose his rowrae, he did buy ane deask erected be ane George Calder, neuer parishoner of Glas, but vpon his father his buriall, vho departed in that parish, and so filled his de- sio-ned rowme vith that deask. The Laird of Park, showing that his lady did sitt in that rowme for the space of tuo yeiris, and neuer challenged befor this tyme, he not being aduertised of the day of the visitatioun of the kirk, quhen the said rowme vas ordained to be filled be Beldornie. The bretheren, being loath to transgress ther former act, and also to disobleise that reli- gious Lady of Park, ordained the deask to stand voyd from both till forder tryall again the nixt day. The said day, Alexander Phine of Achanasie regrated the stoole of re- pentance vas just aboue his deask quhilk he had erected, quher he vas somquhat disturbit be ther motion in time of divyne service, nether vas the said stoole so conspicuous to the congregatioun as it oght. The said Alex- ander promising to remow it vpon his owne charges, vas ordained to erect the said stoole of repentance to the for part of the comon loft, so that it be vithout prejudge of the said loft. Lady Altar. No report from the Lady Altar, seing it vas declared shoe vas lying in childbirth. Ordained to be aduertised again the nixt day. Hir vitness or- dained to be processit till they compeir. The bretheren having resaued the causes of a fast from the late Gene- rail Assemblie, reported they had keeped the same. Mr. Johne Reidfurd and Mr. George Meldrum, commissioneris to the Generall Assemblie, having returned, produced a declaratioun of the said Assemblie against the present ingadgment, as also tuo other actis, in vreit, to be intimat in the seuerall congregations of the presbytrie, as also ane vther letter from the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie, of the dait twentieth Junij, vith a declaratioun of the saidis Commissioneris, of the dait fifth Mali, pryce quherof six shillings the peice. Att Botarie, 27th Septembris, 1648. The said day, compeired tuo commissioneris from the sessioun of Keyth, 1648.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 93 requyring the advyse of the presbytrie anent some of the bygone stipend of Keyth, quhilk they void giue to Mr. James Ross, ther scoolmaster, vho had preached day lie to them this half yeir, and by reason of the vacancie of the kirk, he vas much prejudged of that quhich vas his due. The bretheren referred the mater to the Provinciall AssembUe, as befor, concerning the imployment of the said stipend. The bretheren remoued, and seuerallie posed concerning ther doctrine, lyf, and conversatioune, and affection to the vork of reformatioune, ver ap- prouen. Onlie, Mr. Alexander Fraser regraited Mr. Robert Watsone had condescendit and setled vith Mr. James Rany, his scoolmaster, vithout his knowledge, advyse, or consent ; quhervpon it vas ordained that no scool- master sould remow, nor be resett, vithout consent of the presbytrie in tymcoming ; and Mr. Robert Irving seldome had keeped this half yeir. Att Botarie, 25th October, 1648. The said day, the bretheren ordained to intimat out of their seuerall pulpitis, that vhosoeuer receitis and converses vith excommunicat personis, sould be processed befor the presbytrie. The said day, Mr. Johne Reidfurd ordained to sumond the Lady Fren- Lady Fren- draught for hir avowed papistrie, receit of masse preistis, etc. Having bein dJ'aught. many tymes cited alreadie for the said cause, and no obedience giuen, to heir and sie hirself declared contumax, and the censuris of the kirk or- dained to proceid against hir, and that again e the fifteenth day of No- uember. Thomas Dey, in Glas, having bein decerned by ther sessioun to satisfie Dey. for his absence from the kirk, in place of giving satisfactioun the day ap- poynted, being called therto by the minister, he satt in his seat against the pulpit and railed against the minister, and vith execrable oaths said he void not acknovledge them nor ther sentence, being summondit to this day for his miscariage, called, compeired not. Ordained to be summondit /to '2°- The said day, compeired Thomas Forbes, in name of Robert Forbes, tutor of Cragivar, and ther produced ane presentatioun, quherin Mr. Johne Young, minister at Keig, vas nominat to be minister at Keyth, quhilk the bretheren could not accept, inrespect the said Mr. Johne vas not present, nor the parochineris of Keyth to giue ther consent, but cheiflie becaus they alledgit the richt of patronage, pro tempore, vas fallen in ther handis jure (levoluto, seing no presentatioune, nor man presented, came to the presbytrie 94 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1648. Gordon. Lady Fren- draught. Lady Altar. this yeir and half bygone, since Mr. Alexander Garioch did freelie giue bak his presentatioun ; and so, according to the ordinance of the Provin- ciall Assemblie vpon Mr. Johne Seatone his refuse of the call to the said charge (quhilk now he had done), they resolued to proceid in the said plantatioun, and the parochineris of Keyth ordained to keep the nixt day. Att Gartlye, 6th December, 1648. The quhilk day, the bretheren posed Mr. William Reid, minister at Gartly, if he had subscryued the Act of Parliament appro uing the lait vnlawfull ingadgment, vho ansuered he could not know, vnles the act ver produced. The elderis that ver present, quhilk ver only tuo or thrie, ver also posed quhat they knev in the said particular, ansuered, they remem- bered no such thing, albeit the bretheren ver informed he had done the same publictly in the pulpit, befor the congregatioun, as vas told the said elderis, vho ansuered they ver not present to sie the same if it vas done ; so that both the minister and his elderis denyed any such thing, so farre as they remembered. Quhervpon the bretheren resolued to charge the whole elderis, and some otheris of the parochin, to compeir befor them at Botarie, twenty seventh December, ther to declare, vpon ther oath, quhat they knew in the said particular, and presentlie charged such as ver present, apud acta^ to compeir day and place forsaid. The said day, compeired Johne Gordone of Artlach, and humblie ac- knowledgit his accession to the late rebellion. Vas ordained to goe nixt Lordis day to Botarie, and mak his repentance in sackcloth, and subscryv the band made thereanent, quhilk vas not present this day. No report, this day, from Mr. Johne Reidfurd, concerning the Lady Frendraught, in respect of the said Mr. Johne his absens ; nether vas ther any report concerning the Lady Altar. A new summondis direct to Johne Grant of Blersindie, against twenty seventh December. The said day, Mr. George Chalmer reported he had spoken thes vho had charge of the Saturdayes mercat at Rynie, and desyred them to change the same, for the better observing of the Lordis day, as the rest of the kingdome had done ; but these vho had it in tak ver loath to doe it, fearing ther prejudice, seing they peyed so much for the same ; but vas villing to doe it quhen they took a new tak therof againe, and quhen Keyth and the rest of the province did the lyk. The report of the bretheren, concerning the enormities of the souldiouris 1648.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 95 in the late levie, vas, that the officiaris ver exorbitant in exactino- the same ; and divers profanatiouns of the Lordis day and divyne service, by the souldiouris. Mr. Johne Reidfurd excused for his former dayes absence. The said day, the Lady Frendraught summondit vt supra, called, com- Lady Fren- peired not. Being oft and diveris tymes cited befor, was now declared draught. contumax, and Mr. Johne Reidfurd ordained to proceid, vith all diligence, vith hir process. Mr. Robert Jamesone reported, that Johne Gordon of Artlach had Gordon, satisfied, as he vas ordained, but had not subscryved the band, quhilk vas not present, being in the clerk his hand ; but the said Johne had promised to doe it quhensoeuer he sould be requyred. No report from the parishoneris of Keyth. The bretheren ver loath to proceid in the plantatioun of the said kirk, vithout ther consent, and so they ver ordained to be aduertised of new by the moderator to keep the nixt day for that effect. As also, the tutor of Cragivar send ane letter to the presbytrie, shewing how willing he vas to sie that kirk of Keyth planted by the consent of the parochineris and presbytrie, and for this effect send ane list of thrie men, viz..^ Mr. Johne Young, Mr. Andro Abercrombie, Mr. James Hervie, that the parishoneris might mak ther choice ; quhilk list the presbytrie sent to the parochineris, and took all to consideratioun till the nixt day. Ther hauing come from the moderator to euerie brother vithin the presbytrie an act of the Commission of the Kirk, of the dait sixth October, for renewing the Solemne League and Covenant, together vith a solemne acknowledgment of the publict sinis and breaches of the Covenant, vith intimatioun of a solemne publict humiliatioun and fast, to be intimat the second Saboth of December, to be kept the nixt Thursday and Lordis day thereafter ; at quhich intimatioun the League and Covenant, and the publict acknowledgment of sinis and engagement vnto duties, are to be publictlie read by the minister, in audience of all the people, and therafter the Solemne League and Covenant to be suorne and subscryved by the minister and all the people, as the act at more lenth proportis. All quhich vas accordinglie performed be the whole bretheren, the dayes forsaid, but all ther congregations had not subscryved as yet. The bretheren ordained to proceid in vrging and requyring the subscriptionis of such as are not debarred by the said act, and to report the nixt day. 96 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1648. Maitland. The said day, compeired Mr. Richard Maitland, being suramondit for transo-ressing some actis of the General] Assemblie, viz., for preaching since his deposition, intromitting vith the stipend, and possessing himself vith o-leib and manse due to Mr. Johne Reidfurd, present minister at Abercherdour. Quher, first, he vas posed if he did preach or mak lecture in Kinardie since his deposition, answered, that being sent for by the Laird of Frendraught, he came in the afternoone to Kinardie, and, according to the practise of that hous, being requyred, said prayeris, and red two or three [verses] of Psalm 119, and gaue ane obseruation thervpon, quhilk he alledgit he might doe as a private man, according to the rules of the directorie for familie worship. Second, being posed if he intromitted with any stipend belonging to the minister of Abercherdour, answered, he had taken vp some teynd siluer and teynd victuall and wicarao-e of the forty seventh yeir ; becaus he thoght, both in conscience, reason, and law, he had right therto. As also, he had vsed arrestment and inhibition, in a legall vay, against all kirk duties for forty eight, and had forbidden the parochineris to giue Mr. Johne Reidfurd any for forty seven and forty eight, quhilk he thoght properlie belonged to himself; as he alledgit that vtheris in his conditione had gotten the forsaid yeiris forty seven and forty eight. Att Botarie, 24th Januarii, 1649. The said day, compeired the tutor of Cragivar, and againe requyred the presbytrie and parochineris of Keyth quhilk of the thrie he formerlie sent in list thei void mak choyce of. The presbytry answered, that all thes thrie ver honest men, and any of them sould be welcome to them ; and so albeit they thoght the right of presenting did properlie belong to theraselfs, and so it vas rather in ther power to give the parishoneris a list, yet, vishing the hastie planting of that too long vacant kirk, and not villing to enter into forder controversie, resolued to giue vay to the list, and so referred the election of the man to the parishoneris of Keyth, from quhom vas come commissi oneris, in name of the whole paroche, William Gordon of Newmilne, James Gordon of Birkinburn, Gilbert Barclay of Allanbuy, and ther did shew that all ther parochin had con- veened among themselfs, and considered of the list sent to them befor, and, after mature deliberation, had resolved, all in one voyce, to accept of Mr. James Hervie to be their minister; quhervnto the presbytry gaue 1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 97 ther assent, thinking therby to haue a speedie plantatioun of the said kirk, and so ordained the parishoneris of Keyth to send one or tuo of ther number, and requyre the said Mr. James to come and giue them a ser- mon, fourth February, quhilk they promised to doe if the presbytry void vreit vith them, as they had done for Mr. Johne Seaton, quhilk also vas granted. Compeired, of the parishoneris of Garlty, only George Gordon, in Cu- lithie, and Patrick Gordon, at the Milne of Gartly, and being requyred to declare quhat they knew anent ther minister his subscription of the Act of Parliament, refused they knev any thing, or to giue ther oath ; quhervpon the bretheren resolued to keep yet once at Gartly, and charge the whole parochineris to be present, to put that mater once to ane poynt, and yet, in the meane tyme, the tuo forsaid elderis requyred the presbytry to giue them ane able man to be ther minister ; and, in particular, gaue in ane supplicatioun, subscryved vith four of ther handis, for Mr. James Ross, now schoolmaster at Keyth, to be helper to ther pastor ; and, immediatly therafter, they gaue ane vther supplicatioun, subscryved vith the same handis, for Mr. Johne Logic, sometyme minister at Ruthven, to be ther pastor. The bretheren answered, they could giue no answer to ther sup- plicatioun till ther minister ver tryed anent the subscription of the Act of Parliament, and the kirk ver declared vacand, and for that eifect they ver to come and visit the said kirk the twenty-first February, and requyred the vhole parochin to keep for that effect. The said day, Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported that, after sermon, out of Lady Fren- the pulpit, he did giue the Lady Frendraught the first publict admonition *^^^"S^*- the last day of December, 1648; and, vpon the seventh day of Januar, after sermon, he had giuen the Lady Frendraught the second publict admo- nition. Ordained to proceid. Compeired Mr. Richard Maitland, and being accused for transgressing Maitland. some actis of the Generall Assemblie, vt supra, answered, that quherin he had transgressed in lecturing vithin Kinardie, against the act, he willinglie submitted himself to any censure of the presbytrie ; and also having granted the possessing of himself as yet vith the gleib and manse, and intromission vith the stipend forty-seven, he vas content to submitt himself simplie to the presbytry, and to tak quhateuer they, vpon ther consciences, thoght sufficient, ether for bigging or of stipend. After he had been hard and given his reasonis, the mater continowed to the nixt day. N 98 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649. The bretheren reported they ver stirring vp ther people daylie to the subscription of the League and Covenant, and ver getting some more handis therto then befor. Ordained to continow and report. The said day, Mr. William Jamesone produced his testificat from the Presbytrie of Deir, quherin they giue him ane good testimonie for his lyf and conversation, and that he had giuen a privat tryall on the mater of ther exerceise, quherin had giuen them satisfation. The presbytry thoght meet to proceed vith the rest of his tryallis, and so gaue him the controversie, De perseverentia sanctorum, to handle the nixt day, seventh February. Att Botarie, 7th February, 1649. Lady Fren- The said day, Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported, by his letter, that, vpon the draught. twenty-eighth of Januar, he had giuen the Lady Frendraught the third and last publict admonition, and vpon the fourth February, 1649, he had giuen the forsaid lady the first prayer. Ordained to proceid. Maitland. The said day, ane summondis, direct to Mr. Richard Maitland, to be present the nixt day, to heir and sie himself decerned to remow from the bigging possessed by him at Abercherdour, and to satisfie for his vther oversightis and breaches. Att Gartly, 2 1st February. No meetting, inrespect of the storme. The nixt meetting appoynted be the moderator to be at Gartly, the seventh of March, quhilk also vas not keeped, inrespect of the gryt storme. Ther having come from the moderator ane letter sent from the Commis- sioneris of the General Assemblie, of the dait sixth February, appoynting a solemne publict humiliatioun to be kept the twenty-second February : 1 , For all the sinis of the land, so, in speciall, that the Lord void delyver the king from the snare of euill counsell, in quhich he is now involued, and teach him in his youth to imploy his power for establishing and advancing the kingdome of Christ and the work of reformation ; 2. That the Lord wold be pleased to blisse those addressis that are now to be made to his Majestic for securitie of religion, the vnion betuixt the kingdomes, and the peace and saiftie of this kingdome ; 3. That he void strengthen and de- lyver our afflicted bretheren in England vho suffer by the violence of sec- taries ; 4. That he void, in his mercy, prevent all thes calamities and con- fusions that the present gryt revolution of effaires doth threatten thes 1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 99 kingdomes with ; vith the quhilk letter vas appoynted a meetting at Gartly, fourteenth Martii, 1649. At Gartly, 14th Martii, 1649. Conveined the moderator and bretheren. Mr. Johne Reidfurd taught, Hosea 12, v. 8. The quhilk day being appoynted for visitatioun of the said kirk, the el- deris being all present, ver suorne, vith vplifted handis, to declare quhat they knew concerning ther minister in the particularis they sould be posed vpon ; and, first, concerning his doctrine, they answered, his voyce vas veak, and himself infirme in body, and had not bein able to come to the church diveris dayes preceiding, and that he vas blameles in lyf [and] con- versatioun. Therafter the minister himself vas asked if he had subscryved the Act of Parliament approuing the late vnlawfull ingagement ; denyed the same as befor, and desyred the act to be produced, or then proue the same. The bretheren being informed of his transgressioun, not only in the forsaid particular, but also diveris vther actis, remoued him, and posed the elderis, according to ther oath, as followes : 1. If he had subscryued the forsaid act ; George Gordon in Culithie, answered, he vas not tyed to de- clare that, but himself had done it, and vas requyerer of the parish to doe it ; but William Gordon in Vestseat, Patrik Gordon at the Milne of Gartly, Alexander Anderson in Gartly, William Chalmer, and the rest, deponed they saw him publictlie tak that act and pen in his hand and subscryv, and saw his name therafter at the same. 2. They ver posed if ther minister keeped a day in the week for catechising and baptizing children, or if he did baptize any in his own private hous ; answered, he baptized quheneuer he vas requyred, and that lately he had baptized privatly in his hous. 3. They confessed he had ane James Marr, reader, continowing in his office, contrar to the directorie. 4. Being posed if he had remowed the subscribentis of that Act from his session, according to the Act of the Commission of the Kirk, answered, Not, for both minister and elderis ver all guilty of the said fault. The bretheren hauing hard thir particularis prouen, did call the said Mr. William Reid, minister, and shew him how all thir ver prouen against him, and that they looked he wold haue beine more ingenous, and, as it became ane of his yeiris and place, to haue de- clared the same at the first, and holdin in the gryt paines of the presbytrie in tryall of the same. After mature deliberatioun, the bretheren, consider- 100 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649. Hamiltoun. Keidfoord. ing the infirmitie and veaknes of his old age, resokied to suspend him till the Provinciall Assemblie ; quhilk sentence of suspension being intimat to him, he said he void appeale to the Provinciall Assemblie, and giue in his reasonis. The said day, the forsaid elderis gaue ane supplicatioun againe for Mr. James Ross to be helper to ther minister, but, as befor, the bretheren answered they could doe nothing heirin till the Assemblie, that the kirk be declared vacand or not, and therafter they sould get the presbitry ther judgment and answer to the said supplicatioun. But they desyred ane present answer, or then that ther supplication sould be presented to the Assemblie, quhilk they promised to attend for answer, quhilk is heir affixed. The said [day], vas produced ane letter from the Commission of the Kirk, of the dait thirtieth Januarii, 1649, requyring the presbyterie to be circumspect, and tak good head quhom they admit to the Covenant ; and also requyring the report of our diligence, vith the names of the persons debarred from the Covenant vithin our seueral parochins ; quhervpon the bretheren ver ordained to bring ther seuerall diligences in the mater of the Covenant the nixt day. Compeired Johne Hamiltoun, in Kinnoir, and oiFered to satisfie the kirk for his accession to the late rebellion, and being guiltie of subscryving the act of parliament, and presenting it to the paroche. The bretheren continowed the receiving of him till they gote the Provinciall Assemblie ther advyse. He also declared, his father, James Hamiltoun, vas altogether vnable to travaill. Compeired Mr. Richard Maitland, and being posed vhy he void not remow from his gleib and manse, according to the act of the Generall Assembly, answered. Let Mr. Johne Reidfurd be remowed, and he sould giue his reasonis, seing he took him as partie ; but the said Mr. Johne shew he vas no partie, but as a minister, delated Mr. Richard Maitland, his parochiner, for transgressing some actis of the Generall Assemblie ; and yet was willing to remow, if the presbitry sould command him. The bretheren referred it to Mr. Johne Reidfurd his owne will to remow or not. Mr. Richard, finding Mr. Johne not remowing, did appeale from the presbytrie, and gaue in his appeale, the tenor quhereof followes : " Forasmuch as the Presbytrie of Strathbogie are threatning to proceid with ecclesiastik censures for civill causes, viz., becaus I vill not quyt my 1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 101 bigging vithout satisfactioun, conforrae to the practice of the countrie, notvithstanding I vas euer willing to referr myself to the said judicatorie, or any judicious freinds, to decerne as they void be answerable to God, (in all our differs, after reasons hard pro et contra,) vpon ther con- sciences ; quherfor witt ye me to be necessitat, for preventing such vnhard practises and partialities, till appeale ; lykas I doe heirby presently ap- peale, for thes and many vther reasons justly to be alledgit and adduced, to the nixt Provinciall or Generall Assemblies, as superior competent judicatories, by this my appellatioune, so subscryved vith my hand, at Gartly, fourteenth Martii, 1649. Subscribitur, Mr. Richard Maitland." The said day, ane letter from Mr. James Hervie, showing he could not keep the day appoynted to him to preach at Keyth, inrespect of the storrae, and that he vas villing to obey the former call of the parishoneris and presbytrie, provyding they obtaine ane act of transportatioun from this presbytrie. Att Botarie, 28th Martii, 1649. Mr. William Jamesone taught, Coll. 2, v. 6. His travailis approuen. Compeired George Brambner, in Grange, and being suorne to depone Lady Altar. quhat he knew anent the child alledgit to be borne by the Lady Altar, befor hir mariage, deponed that the said Lady Altar desyred him to goe to Mr. Robert Watsone, and desyre him baptize ane bairne, quhilk if he did, he sould get freinds ; vthervayes, it sould turne to his hurt and harme ; and that the said Lady said the bairne vas Captain Mortimeris. The said day, vas produced Johne Grant of Blearfindie his deposi- tioun, the tenor quherof followes : Att Inver raven, the twenty first Martii, 1649. The quhilk day com- peired Johne Grant of Blairfindie, being summondit to declare in the mater of a bairne that vas fostered in his boundis, quhilk vas reported to haue beine begottin in fornicatioune by the Lady Glengarak, vho, being suorne, deponed ther vas a bairne brought be a voman to his boundis, and giuen by hir to a cotter manis vyf, to be fostered, and the vomen said the bairne vas a gentlemanis in James Graharae his armie. He confessed lykvys, that, at the request of George Hay of Murifoild, he vent to Mr. Johne Ray, and desyred baptisme to the bairne, quhilk the said Mr. Johne refused. Declaired lykvyse, that the report vas, and he himself also suspected it to be so, that the Lady Glengarak vas mother of the 102 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649. bairne, but affirmed that he had not certain knowledge heirof. His sus- pitione thereof, he said, vas groundit vpon informatioun he had from his vyf, who, as he apprehendit, had it from a sister of hirs, who came tiiise to visit the bairne during the tyme it vas fostering. He declared the bairne vas remowed from thence in the begining of harvest last, but vhither or be quhom he cannot tell. The said day, George Adamson of Fluires sent ane letter, shewing his wyf vas bigg vith child, and so could not keep this day ; but howsoon shoe vas dely vered, she sould come and declare quhat shoe knew in the forsaid ac- tioune ; quhervpon the bretheren thoght meet, to hastin the process, that Mr. Johne Reidfurd, Mr. James Gordon, Mr. Robert Irving, sould goe to hir hous, in ther journey to the Assemblie, and tak her deposition, and report ether to the Assemblie or Presbytrie. Compeired the Lady Altar personally, showing the Presbytrie of Forres vare processing her for not reporting hir testimoniall from vs of her cariage during hir abode in Keyth, quhilk the presbitry could not grant till the probatioun led against hir in the forsaid actioune of ane alledgit bairne to be borne by hir befor hir mariage ver closed ; at quhich tyme shoe promised to satisfie, as she sould be found to haue transgressed. And being asked vhy shoe void not admitt the goodvyf of Newmilne as vitness against hir, answered, they had discordit, three yeiris since, about milne raateris ; quhilk exception, if relevant, referred to the Provincial Assemblie to judge. Mr. Robert Jamesone reported, that all the people of Ruthven, for the most part, had subscryved the Act of Parliament, and so ver not capable of admission to the League and Covenant, having been malignantis befor ; and in Botarie, only fyw had subscryved as yet. Mr. James Gordon reported, that all his people had subscryved, saue Laird of tuo, quhom he hoped to get it, and the Laird of Rothemay, vho com- Rothemay. peired, and acknowledgit he had subscryved the Act of Parliament ; quhilk he said he did vpon informatioune at that tyme, that the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie had agreed vith the parliament ; and thus humblie acknowledgit his oversight in doing of the same. The bretheren, finding after inquisition he had neuer bein vpon the rebellion, but euer for the reformation, ordained to goe the nixt Lordis day to his paroch kirk, and ther, after acknowledgment of his oversight, to be resaued to sweir and subscryve the League and Covenant, and to satisfie for two slaughteris. 1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 103 Mr. Robert Vatsone reported, that all his people had subscryved the League and Covenant, except Bracco and Fluires, vho had subscryved the Act of Parliament, and ver malignantis befor, and so to be excludit. Corapeired, Thomas Boyd in Grange, and confessed his going on in the late ingagement, quhilk he vas forced to by his commander, David Bar- clay ; and so he not having had command in the service, vpon his acknow- ledgment of his doings befor the congregatioun, vas ordained to be resaued to the Covenant. Mr. Alexander Fraser reported, that all his people for the most part had suorne and subscryved the League and Covenant, except Johne Anderson of Westertoun. Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported, that many of his people had subscryved, but some ver debarred by the Act, and vtheris had refused. Mr. Robert Irving reported, that all his people had subscryved except George Spens, quhom he hoped to obtain. Mr. George Meldrum reported, that all his people for the most part had subscryved, and he hoped to get the rest. Mr. George Chalmer reported, that only twenty-four of his people had subscryved, and thes of the comon sort, except the Laird of Lesmoir, elder, and so had no sessioun for the tyme ; some of his elderis having subscryved the Act of Parliament, otheris alledging only (as he vas informed) they had subscryved the Act, and so void not subscryv, albeit he had published the explanatioun of the Act, debarring such from the Covenant. The said day, compeired Mr. James Hervie, minister at Wpper Macher, and produced ane presentatioune to the kirk of Keyth, giuen to him be Robert Forbes, tutor of Cragivar, patron of the said kirk, vpon the nomina- tioune and call formerlie made of the said Mr. James to the ministrie of the said charge at Keyth, be the moderator and remanent bretheren of the presbytrie of Strathbogie, and parochineris of Keyth, be the letteris of invitatioune send be tuo gentlmen of the said parochin to the said Mr. James, desyring him to accept of the said charge. In respect quherof, the said Mr. James declared himself willing befor the presbitry, and readie to obey the call and embrace the said charge, provyding that the presbytrie and parochineris void be pleased, in ane fair vay, to seek and obtaine vnto him from the Presbytrie of Aberdein, quherof he is ane member for the present, ane act of transplantatioun, according to the established ordour and disciplin of the kirk. The presbitry having hard and sein the said presen- 104 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649- tation, thoght that the right of presenting belonged to themselfs, yet re- ferred the consideratioun of ther vhole proceedings heirin to the Provinciall Assemblie. Mr. Robert Watson regrated the kindUng of neidfyre vithin his parochin. Referred to the consideratioun of the Assemblie of course to be taken heir- vvith. Lady Fren- The said day, Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported he had giuen the Lady draught. Frendraught the third and last prayer, after sermon, out of the pulpit, the twentv-fifth Martii ; and lykvys, he had summondit the said Lady Fren- draught to compeir befoir the presbytrie, at Botarie, the twenty-eighth Martii, ther to heir and sie the process revised and allowed, that the sen- tence of excommunicatioun may be pronunced, or then to alledge ane reasonable cause vhy the samen sould not be done ; vith certificatioun, if shoe compeir not, the forsaid sentence void be decerned to be pronunced ao^ainst hir. Immediatlie therafter being called, compeired not. The pro- cesse ordained to be extract against the nixt day and subscryved, [that] the sentence might be pronunced. The bretheren remowed seuerallie, and seriouslie examined concerning ther doctrine, lyf, and conversatioune, and affectioune to the vork of refor- raatioun, ver approuen ; only Mr. Robert Irving his frequent absence re- graited. Att Gartly, 24th Aprilis, 1649. The quhilk day, being appoynted for resauing Mr. William Reid his demissione of his charge, conforme to his offer sent in commissione be Johne Innes and William Straquhen to the Assemblie, no sederunt, in respect the most part of the bretheren ver attending the Leiutennant Generall, vho for the tyme vas vithin the boundis of the presbytrie. The nixt meetting the same day eight dayes. Att Gartly, 1st Mali, 1649. Reid. Anent the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie for receauing Mr. William Reid his dimission of his charge, according to his former offer, compeired the said Mr. William Reid, and most villinglie dimittit his charge of the ministrie, and desyred the bretheren to declare his kirk vacand the nixt Lordis day, and to be carefuU vith all possible diligence to plant the said kirk vith ane honest and able man ; and seing he had bein ane old servant 1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 105 in the Lordis hous thir many yeiris bygone, and diveris restis being justlie awand him for his bygone seruice, requyred the presbytrie ther concurrence and assistance for his better peyment, and lykvys that they void sie him satisfied of his successor for his bigging and manse; quhervnto the bre- theren fuUie condescendit, and promised ther assistance in all that justlie concerned the said William. Mr. George Chalmer ordained to preach at Gartly the nixt Lordis day, and declare the said kirk vacand. Att Botarie, penult Maij, 1649. Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported the Lady Frendraught vas in Muchill for Lady Fren- the tyme, and so he could doe nothing in hir processe till hir returne, that ^''^^^^t. he miofht show hir the Assemblie ther ordinance. Compeired James Henderson, Alexander Gardner, William Dyker, Kendleris of Androw Henderson, William Henderson, Androw Wright, Androw Neidfyre. Crystie, William Brabner, parishoneris of Grange, confessed they ver present at the kindling of neidfyre, and did nothing but as they ver de- sired be James Duncan in Keyth. Also, they delated some of their owne elderis to haue been accessorie therto, viz.^ [ ] Thomas Hender- son, Alexander Gray, George Liuingstoun, Johne Fordyce in Rothemay, all ordained to satisfie according to the ordinance of the Provinciall As- semblie, vith three dayes repentance in sackcloth. The said day, the kirk of Gartly having bein declared vacand be Mr. George Chalmer, vt supra, compeired Johne Innes of Codrane, in name of the parishoneris of Gartly, and most earnestlie entreated the presbytrie for a speedie plantatioun of ther kirk vith ane able and qualified man ; and in particular, did nominat and requyr Mr. Johne Chalmer, minister at In- verraven, to come and giue them ane sermon, that, being found qualified by the presbytrie, he may be admittit ther minister. The bretheren, taking the mater to ther consideratioune, approued the said nominatioune, and resolued to giue the said Mr. Johne ane call to the said charge ; and pre- sentlie ordained Mr. Alexander Fraser to aduertise the said Mr. Johne Chalmer of the intention of the presbytrie to present him to the said kirk of Gartly, and to desyr him, in name of the presbytrie, to come and preach at Gartly on Sounday come eight dayes, that, vpon contentment giuen to the people, the presbytrie might proceid in the said plantatioun vith gryter diligence and contentment. 106 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649. Att Keyth, 13th Junij, 1649. The quhilk day bemg appoynted for plantatioun of the said kirk, and to sie how the manse therof vas repaired vith the four hundred merkis allotted for that vse, compeired the Laird of Keinpkairne, vith the rest of elderis, quher it vas declared that Mr. James Hervie had ane presentatioun to the said kirk, vith ane fair call from presbytrie and people ; yet seing the pres- bytrie saw no appearance of getting- transplantatioune to the said Mr. James, and that the most part of the elderis did pass from any call or invitatioune to the said Mr. James, the bretheren resolued to proceid to the nominatioun of some other quaUfied man. Quhervpon the gentlemen and elderis ver desyred now at last, after so long vacancie of ther kirk, to fix ther eyes on some able man for that charge ; and so, after mature deliberatioun, they all ther present in one voyce nominated and desyred Mr. William Kininmonth (long since presented and called by letteris of invitatioune from the pres- bytrie) to be ther minister ; quhilk electioun of theris the bretheren vnani- mouslie approued, and desyred the parish oneris to joyne with the presbytrie in sending letteris of invitatioune and a new call to the said Mr. William, quhilk the same day vas drawne vp, and sent south accordingly. The said day, compeired Robert Wilson, treasurer at Grange, and being requyred to giue ane compt of ane hundred merkis of comon gud quhilk vas in his handis, answered, it vas plundered from him in the tyme of troubles, quhilk he offerred to proue presentlie be Patrik Longmure and Patrik Neil ; vho being present, declared that they saw his hous plundered, and money taken, but they knew not quhat money it vas, nor how meikle vas of it. The mater referred to the civill judge, as most properlie be- longing to his judicatorie. Chalmer. The said day, compeired Johne Innes of Codran and George Gordon in Culithie, and declared that Mr. Johne Chalmer had come and preached at Gartly, as he vas desyred be the presbytry, quherin he had giuen the pa- rishoneris full contentment, and so requyred a meetting at ther kirk for the more speedie plantatioun therof vith the said Mr. Johne ; quhervnto the bretheren condescendit, and appoynted the said Mr. Johne to preach befor presbytry and people, twentieth Junij ; that, being found to giue content- ment to both, they may giue him a fair call and invitatioune to embrace the said charge. 1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 107 Att Gartly, 20th Junij, 1649. Mr. Johne Chalmer taught, Ephes. 2, v. 19. The parishoneris being present, ver seuerallie posed concerning quhat they had hard the said day and the former Saboth of the said Mr. Johne Chalmer his doctrine, quherin they declared themselfs fullie satisfied, and all in one voyce most earnestlie supplicated the presbytrie to adraitt the said Mr, Johne to be ther minister, and that vith all convenient diligence. The bretheren, taking the mater to ther consideratioun, being satisfied also vith the abilities of the man for the said charge, did vnanimouslie condescend to the said Mr. Johne his admission ; and, for the more speedie performance quherof, (considering the diuers vacand kirkis they had vithin the boundis of the presbytrie,) presentlie appoynted Mr. George Meldrum, vith one of the elders of Gartly, to goe to his presbytrie of Inveraven, and deal earnestly vith the said presbytrie for ane act of transplantatioun to the said Mr. Johne, vho had so fair ane call from presbytrie and people to the said charge. Att Dumbennand, 4th Julij, 1649. The said day having been appoynted for planting the tuo vnited kirkis of Kinnoir and Dumbennand, compeired the gentlemen and elderis therof, who, being posed if they had thoght vpon a minister to serue ther kirkis, seing they had bein so long destitute of the benefite of the word, answered, they had not fallen as yet vpon ane able man quhom they thoght meet for that charge, but requyred a tyme, quherin they sould vse ther diligence, and giue account therof to the presbytrie ; and also desyred the bretheren to tak ther case to ther consideratioun, and labour to inform themselfs of the man they thoght fittest for that charge, that, if both could fall vpon ane qualified man, ther place might be filled, with consent of both. The moderator posed them if they ver villing to haue ther kirkis planted seuerallie, that both might be served Sabothlie, vho answered, they vould giue no consent therto, nether could they, being but mowable tennantis ; albeit they acknowledged a gryt good to them in ther seuerall plantatiounis. The mater continowed till the returne of ther commissioner. The said day, Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported, the Lady Frendraught Lady Fren- vas presentlie returned from Muchill, and vas present at familie vorship draught, vithin hir owne familie, and promised to heir sermon, of quhom he saw nothing but good beginings to giue obedience ; quhervpon the sentence of 108 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649. excommunicatioun quhilk vas ordained to be pronunced against hir vas continowed for a tyme ; and in the meane tyrae, the said Mr. Johne or- dained to be diligent in vsing all raeanis for her conformitie, and to report. Mr. Alexander Fraser ordained to goe the nixt Monday and hold session at Keyth, and preach at Botarie the nixt Lordis day, in the com- missioner his absence. The said day, Mr. George Meldrum reported, he had gone to the Presbytrie of Aberlour, as he vas appoynted, and ther dealt for ane transplantatioun to Mr. Johne Chalmer, having so fair and vnanimous call from the Presbytrie of Strathbogie and pariss of Gartly ; quhilk, after lono- reasoning and mature deliberatioun, vas granted, and presently pro- duced, the tenor quherof followes : Chalmer. " Att Inverraven, twenty-seventh Junij, 1649. The said day, compeired Mr. George Meldrum, minister at Glas, befor the moderator, and remanent bretheren of the Presbytrie of Aberlour, in name and behalf of the Pres- bytrie of Strathbogie, showing that (quheras the kirk of Gartly being now vacand in ther handis, be dimission of Mr. William Reid, late minister ther), they both of themselfs and at the earnest desyre and supplicatioun of the parishoneris of Gartly, hath sett ther eyes vpon Mr. Johne Chalmer, and hath made electioun and nominatioun of the said Mr. Johne to be minister at the said kirk, being satisfied vith the literature and qualificatioun of the said Mr. Johne in all poyntis ; and therfor hes sent him to deall vith the Presbytrie for ane act of transplantatioun to him. Compeired lykvys, Johne Grant of Bellnadallach, Johne Stewart of Kilmachlyn, in name and behalf of the parishioneris of Inverraven, being requyred to keep the said day for that effect, and did oppose the said Mr. Johne, ther minister, his transplantatioun. The Presbytrie vnderstanding that the said Mr. Johne had ane act of transplantation from the Generall Assemblie, of the dait at Aberdein, twenty-second July, 1640, desyred ane sight therof, quhich being presented, together vith ane vther paper containing divers vther weightie o-rewances, besyd the reasons of his transplantatioun contained in the for- said act, all quhich being read and maturely considered, and the forsaid parishioneris being heard at lenth, and all that they did object or alledge ao-ainst the said transplantatioun being pondered, ver found frivolous ; quher- " for the Presbytrie, after mature deliberatioun, did yield and condescend (although exceeding loath to part vith ther fellow labourer and deir brother), to the earnest desyre of the Presbytrie of Strathbogie, and parishioneris of 1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 109 Gartly, and so granted, and by their presentis grantis, an act of transplan- tatioun to Mr. Johne Chalmer, from the kirk of Inverraven to the kirk of Gartly. In testimonie quherof, this present extract out of the Presbytry book of Aberlour, be Mr. William Chalmer, clerk to the Presbytry, and subscryved by him in our name, and at our command. Subscribitur, Mr. William Chalmer, clerk to the Presbytry of Aberlour." Quhilk act of transplantatioun being red and considered, the bretheren resolued to pro- ceid to the admission of the said Mr. Johne, and therfor appoynted the said Mr. John to goe the nixt Lordis day and preach at Gartly, and cause serue ane edict at the said kirk, requiring all having interest that hes any thing to object against his admission, to compeir at Innerkethnie, twenty-fifth Julij, and to haue the said edict indorsit, as effeiris. Att Innerkethnie, 25th July, 1649. The minister ordained to haue ane particular day in the week for baptiz- ing and catechising, and not to baptize children of vther congregatiouns vithout a testificat of the session quher the child is. Corapeired the Laird of Lesmoir, younger, and acknowledged his sub- Gordon of scryving the Act of Parliament, approuing of the late vnlawfull ingagement, Lesmoir, quherin he acknowledged his rashnes, and promised to medle vith nothing of that kynd heirafter vithout advyse of his minister. The bretheren, after tryall, finding him to haue bein free of complyance vith malignantis in his former carriage, ordained him to goe the nixt Lordis day to his owne pariss kirk of Essie, and ther confess his fault, and subscryw the League and Covenant. The said day, vas presented Mr. Johne Chalmer his edict, execut and Chalmer. indorsit be James Marr, at Gartly, twenty-second Julij ; quhilk being called, and none compeiring to oppose the said plantatioun, the bretheren, after mature deliberatioun, and consideratioun of the qualificatioun and good conversatioun of the said Mr. Johne, being nominated and elected be the parishoneris of the said kirk, as the act of the dait at Botarie at more lenth beares, being the penult of May, vho, vpon the parishoneris ther earnest desyre, and presbytrie ther varannd and invitatioune, preached at Gartly the tenth Junij, to ther gryt contentment and approbatioun ; quhervpon the forsaid parishoneris earnestlie solisted the presbytry to convein at Gartly, for the more speedie plantatioun of the same, vho, vpon ther sute, mett accordinglie, twentieth Junij, quher the said Mr. 110 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649- Johne preached befor presbytry and people, vith approbatioun and con- tentment of both, he vas elected and chosen, be vnanimous consent of session, presbytrie, and vhole congregatioun, as the act theranent at Gartly, twentieth Junij, at more lenth proportis ; at quhich tyme, Mr. George Meldrum vas ordained to goe vith one of the elderis of Gartly to the Presbytrie of Aberlour, and ther procure an act of transplantatioun to the said Mr. Johne, quhilk accordinglie vas performed, as the report at Dumbennand, fourth July, at lenth beares. Vpon all these considera- tiounes, and great desyre to haue that place filled vith ane able and honest man, the bretheren admittit the said Mr. Johne Chalmer to be minister at the kirk of Gartly, and to the locall stipend therof, gleib and manse, partis, pendicles, rentis, and emolumentis quhatsomeuer, justly belonging or appertaining therto, of this instant yeir of God 1G49, and so furth yeirlie during the said Mr. Johne his lyftyme ; and ordained Mr. Alexander Fraser to pass to the kirk of Gartly the nixt Lordis day, and ther to giue him institutioun and actuall possession to all aboue specified. Gordon of Mr. Johne Reidfurd regrated the Laird of Craige his remaining vithin Craig. Yiis parochin, he being broght vp in poperie, and continowing in the same profession. Ordained to deale vith him for conformitie, and to summond him to the presbytrie incaice of his refusall. The said day, vas presented ane letter from Mr. William Kininmonth, of the dait at Falkland, twenty-ninth Junij, showing his intention to come to Keyth, according to the earnest call of presbytrie and people. Att Abercherdour, 15th August. Gordon of The Laird of Craig hes done nothing as yet. Mr. James Gordon ap- ^'^^S- poynted to goe speak vith him anent his conformitie, and to report. The Laird of Frendraught, Carnusie, and Oliphant, being cited to this day, for not keeping ther pariss kirk, compeired not personallie, but sent ther ansueris be vtheris, viz., that the Laird of Frendraught could not abyd to come vnder one roof vith the Ladie Crombie since the slaughter of his wmquhill sone William, quhilk he had solemnlie promised not to doe, hir husband having bein actor in the said slaughter. Carnusie answered, be his brother Knock, that he could not keep, inrespect of his long distance from Abercherdour, and want of accommodatioun in the said kirk. Oliphant answered also, his farr distance impedit his keiping, but 1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. Ill being neir Innerkethnie, he keeped ther day lie. All the forsaid answeris referred to the consideratioun of the Provinciall Assemblie, to judo-e of the relevancie therof. Mr. Alexander Fraser reported, he had gone to the kirk of Gartly, Chalmer. twenty-ninth July, and ther gaue institutioun and actual possession to Mr. Johne Chalmer in the said kirk of Gartly, and delyvered in his hand the book of God called the Bible ; and so gaue admission to the said Mr. Johne, in all poyntis, according to the former ordinance of the Presby- try, at Innerkethnie, twenty-fifth July. Att Keyth, 29th August, 1649. The said day, after incalling vpon the name of God, conveined the moderator and bretheren. Absent, Mr. Johne Chalmer. Mr. William Kinninmonth having come north vith Mr. Robert Jamesone, Commis- sioner to the Generall Assemblie, according to the letteris of invitatioune from presbytrie and parishoneris of Keyth, vas varrand to preach at Keyth, the twenty-sixth of August, be the moderator and bretheren ; and also, for the more speedie plantatioun of the said kirk, so long vacand, vas appoynted to preach the said [day] befor presbytry and people, quhilk accordinglie he did, Cant. 1, v. 5, vith approbatioun and full con- tentment to both. Quhervpon the parishoneris most earnestlie intreated the presbytrie to proceid to the admission of the said Mr. William, seing he vas ane actuall minister, as the act of his admission at more lenth beares ; quhilk vas produced and red, the tenor quherof followes : " Att Edinburgh, eleventh January, 1644. This day, the army being Kinninmount. to march into England, Generall Major Lesly as before, and now the generall quarter master, seriously entraited the presbytry that they vould be pleased to giue admission to Mr. William Kinninmount to be minister to the said Generall Major his regiment. Heirfor the presbytry (not- vithstanding of all his former tryallis, both be the Presbytry of Cuper, as ther testimonie beares, as lykvys his exercising befor the Presbytry of Edinburgh), appoynted Mr. Androw Ramsay, Mr. William Bennet, Mr. William Arthure, Mr. John Sharp, and Mr. Androw Fairfoull, ministeris, vith Laurence Henryson and John Pringle, ruling elderis, to meet at three aclock afternoon for the said Mr. William his farder tryall by divers theolo- gical questiones, and thereafter, report being made be the forsaid persons of the said Mr. William his abylitie and qualificatioune for the said employ- 112 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649. ment, Mr. William Colwill vas appoynted to giue the said Mr. William im- position of handis tomorrow after sermon, the forsaid persons, pastors and ruling elderis, being present with the said generall, major, and vther offi- ceris of that regiment, to receav the said Mr. Wiliam. " The quhilk day (amended), the bretheren delegated be the presbytry hauing all conveined vith Mr. William Dalgliss, moderator, after tryall of the said Mr. William Kinninmount by diveris theologicall questionis, findis him qualified for the function of the holy ministry, and therfor desyres Mr. William Colwill, after sermon, vpon the twelfth of this instant, to giue or- dination ; the bretheren aboue specified all being present. " 17th January, 1644. The quhilk day, Mr. William Colwill and the rest of the bretheren reported ther diligence anent the admission of Mr. William Kinninmount to be minister to Generall Major Lesly his regi- ment. Extract forth of the presbytry book of Edinburgh by Charles Lum- misden, clerk." The former act being sein, the moderator reqwyred a testimonie of his conversatioun since the said admission, quhilk accordinglie vas produced, the tenor quherof followes : " To all and sundrie quhom it may concerne, and especiallie our reuerend bretheren of the Presbytry of Strathbogie, we, the moderator and remanent bretheren of the Presbytrie of Cuper, doe testifie that the bearer, Mr. Wil- liam Kinninmount, minister to Lewetennant Generall David Lesly his regi- ment, hath, since the returne of that regiment from Ingland, resided amongst vs, and exercised publictlie vith vs, and helped seuerall of our bretheren in the function of the ministrie, to our gryt satisfaction as ane able and honest minister of the gospell, and approuen himself constantly in his Christian profession to our gryt contentment, sua that, heiring of a call to him by yow and the paroche of Keyth vithin your boundis, we conceaue ourselfs bound in brotherly dutie as to declare the treuth of his behaviour, so to recomend him earnestly to your brotherly caire, hoping that, by the blissing of God, he sail proue a faithfull and painfull servant of Christ amongst yov, as his Majestic salbe pleased to employ him, be thir presentis, sub- scryved be our moderator and clerk in our name, at Cuper, twenty-eighth Junij, 1649. Subscribitur, Mr. Pat. Makgill, moderator ; Mr. J. Givaine, clerk." After consideratioun of the former act and testificat, the bretheren being most willing to satisfie the parishoneris desyre in planting ther too long 1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 113 vacand kirk, and finding the said Mr. William qualified as said is, ordained ane edict to be serued at the kirk of Keyth the nixt Lordis [day], and the bretheren to meet at Keyth the sixth September, for calling the said edict, that, no impediment being made, thei might proceid to the said Mr. Wil- liam his admissione. The said day, compeired Mr. James Hay of Muldavid, and presented Hay. ane Act of the Generall Assemblie, allocating the vacand stipendis of the kirk of Keyth, for the yeiris of God 1648 and 1649, to his sister, Marie Hay, and hir children. Also, vas produced ane vther Act of that same Assemblie by Mr. Robert Jamesone, appoynting the stipend forty-nine to be giuen to the intrant. The said Mr. James Hay requyred ane answer to the Act of the Generall Assemblie, quhilk the bretheren took to ther con- sideratioun till the nixt day. The said day, compeired Mr. Robert Browne, minister at Forgline, pre- Browne, senting ane Act of the Generall Assemblie, ordaining some partis of these nixt adjacent parishes to Forgline to be annexed therto, viz., Carnusie, vithin the parish of Abercherdour, etc., and that be the sight of the Pres- bytery of Turrefi" and Strathbogie; and for this effect, requyred the bretheren to keep at Forgline the sixth of September, quher the Presbytry of Turreif ver to be present for cognoscing the expediencie of such annexatioun. Quhilk dyet the bretheren could not keep, inrespect they had appoynted that day for planting of the kirk of Keyth, and so thoght meett all sould be continowed till the Provinciall Assemblies respectiue, that some commis- sioneris therfrom might be appoynted for assisting the said presbytries in the said particular, and vtheris of the lyk nature, viz., the expediencie of annexing Edinglassie, vithin the parochin of Mortlach, to the kirk of Glas. Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported, he hard the Lady Frendraught had keeped Lady Fren- sermon at Innerkethnie the last Lordis day, and daylie keeped familie vor- "J"*"?"*- ship. The bretheren appoynted the said Mr. Johne to show hir that, if shoe did not conforme in all poyntis, the sentence of excommunicatioun void be pronunced against hir befor the nixt Assemblie, seing, vith some show of obedience, shoe had holden of the process so long. The said day, the bretheren having resaued from the commissioner im- mediatlie after his returne, ane varning of the Generall Assemblie to all memberis of this kingdome, vith ane Act of the said Assemblie concerning the receiving of engageris in the late vnlawfuU varre against Ingland to publict satisfaction ; together vith ane Act of Parliament anent the poor ; 114 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649- also, the causes of a public! fast to be keeped vpon the last Saboth of August, t;«>. : For the al[ ] sinne in the land, especiallie the sin of vitchcraft. 2. [Against] interruption of the Lordis work in Ingland and Irland, intreating the Lord to delyver our [king from the hands] of malio-nants, and to enclyn his heart to giue satisfactioun in these things that concerne relio-ion [ ]. 4. To pray for stedfastnes to this land, especiallie to those who haue publict charge in the effaires of the king- dome. 5. To entreat the Lord to cary on his work in Ingland and Irland ao-ainst all oppressoris of the same. And, lastly. For a blissing vpon the harvest. All quhich varningis and actis ver red and published, and the fast keeped accordinghe. Mr. Robert Jamesone, commissioner, gaue ane account of his diligence, and vas approuen in his commission. Mr. George Chalmer ordained to goe and preach at Dumbennand. Att Keyth, 6th September, 1649. The said day, after incalling vpon the name of God, the moderator and remanent bretheren of the Presbytry of Strathbogie, being conveened for planting of the said kirk vith ane able and qualified man, and seing that Kinninmount. Mr. William Kinninmount vas come north vpon the earnest call both of presbytry and people, (as the act of the dait at Keyth, thirteenth Junij, at more lenth beares,) as lykvys, vpon the parishoneris ther earnest desyre and presbytry ther varrand, he had preached at Keyth vpon Sonday, twenty-sixth of AuD-ust, to ther great contentment and approbation ; and therfor the for- said parishoners having solisted the presbytry to convein at Keyth, twenty- ninth of August, vho vpon ther sute mett accordinglie, and ther the said Mr. William having preached before presbytry and people vith approbatioun and contentment of both, he vas elected and chosen be the vnanimous consent of session, presbytry, and vhole congregatioun, as the act forsaid at more lenth proportis ; quhervpon, the bretheren finding the said Mr. William to be ane actuall minister, and to haue resaued ordinatioun from the Presbytry of Edinburgh, quher his literature and qualificatioun vas sufficientlie tryed, as the testificat of the forsaid presbytrie of the dait at Edinburgh, eleventh January, 1644, heir also insert, at more lenth beares ; as also, having ane famous testimonie from the Presbytry of Cupar of his litera- ture, qualificatioun, and good conversatiomi, as the same at lenth beares, of the dait twenty-eighth Junij, 1649 ; vith ane recommendatioun also from 1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 115 the Commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, of the dait at Edinburo-h nineteenth February, 1647 ; vpon all the forsaid consideratiouns and long vacancie of the said kirk, and so being sufficientlie satisfied vith the said Mr. William in all poyntis ; and ane edict being serued second September at the kirk of Keyth, as the [same] execute and indorsit be Walter Barclay at more lenth bearis ; quhilk being called, and nane compeiring to object against the said Mr. William his admissione, the bretheren of the pres- bytry admittit the said Mr. William Kinninmont to be minister at the kirk of Keyth, and to the locall stipend, both siluerdewtie, and viccraige therof, gleib and manse, with partis, pendicles, profitis, rentis, and emolu- mentis quhatsomeuer [ ] belonging or appertaining [ 1 yeir of God 1649 yeiris, and so furth yeirlie for all the dayes of the said Mr. William his lyftyme ; and ordained Mr. Alexander Fraser to passe to the kirk of Keyth the nixt Lordis day, and ther to giue him institution and actuall possession to all aboue specified. No doctrine this day, inrespect it was appoynted only for calling the for- said edict, as also ther being ane mercat in the said toune. The nixt meet- ting at Rothemay, twenty-ninth September. Mr. Robert Irvine preaches. Mr. George Meldrum visits the session book. Att Rothemay, 29th September, 1649. Mr. Johne Reidfurd being posed quhat diligence he had vsed to the Lady Lady Fren- Frendraught, reported, shoe had hard three sermons, and so, as he thought, draught, shoe intended to continow ane hearer. The bretheren, considering her long continowed contumacie and delay of her process, by heiring a sermon now and then, thought not that kynd of heiring satisfactorie, quherfor Mr. Robert Watson, and Mr. Robert Irving, ver ordained to goe vith Mr. Johne Reidfurd, and requyre the said Lady to subscryv the Covenant, quherby shoe might testifie her conformitie vith the kirk of Scotland, quhilk, if shoe refused, the said Mr. Johne vas ordained to pronunce the sentence of excommunicatioun against hir before the Provinciall Assemblie, as he void be answerable therto. Compeired James Straquhan, in name and behalf of the parishoneris of Straquhan. Kinnoir and Dumbennand, and ther gaue a report of quhat vas recom- mendit to them be the presbytry, anent the plantatioun of the saidis kirkis att Dumbennand, fourth July, and shew that, after due deliberation, they had nominated Mr. Johne Reidfurd, quhom they had hard once preach to 116 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649- them, or Mr. Johne Forbes, minister at Kincairne, to be ther minister, and desyred the presbytry to interpon ther authoritie and assistance for trans- plantatioun of any of the saidis men quhom they wer willing to embrace ; but the bretheren having sein the Act of the Generall Assemblie anent the electioun of ministeris, quherby many of these congregationis ver debarred from having voyce in the said electioun, resolued and promised to the said James Straquhan, ther commissioner, to plant these kirkis according to the said act ; and in the meane tyme, ordained Mr. Robert Jamesone to goe and preach at Durabennand, on Sounday come eight dayes, and Mr. Johne Reidfurd to preach at Kinnoir, the first Saboth after the Assemblie. Corapeired Mr. Richard Maitland, requyring ane answer from the pres- bytry to the Act of the Generall Assemblie, appoynting tuo yeiris stipend of Keyth to his spous and children. The bretheren having seen ane pos- terior Act of the said Assemblie, allocating the stipend for forty-nine to the intrant, quhervnto Mr. William Kinninmont vas admitted now, therfor they referred decision of the said question to the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie. Mr. Alexander Fraser reported, he had obeyed the former ordinance of the presbytery, in going to Keyth, the seventh September, and ther gaue institution and admission to Mr. William Kinninmont to the said kirk, as he vas appoynted in all poyntis. The said day, vas produced ane letter from the Chanclor, requyring euerie presbytry to put in executioun of the Act of Parliament anent the poor, the execution quherof ordained to beginne vpon the first of November nixt, throgh the haill kingdome. The bretheren thoght meet to doe heirin according to the practise and vniforme procedour of the Provinciall Assem- blie. Mr. William Kinninmont shew the presbytery he vas to goe south for transporting his wyf and children, and so could not be able to keep the As- semblie, quher he desyred the bretheren to mak excuse, and desyred Mr. Alexander Fraser and Mr. George Meldrum to go to Keyth, and hold two sessions for keeping his disciplin fast till his returne ; the quhilk vas pro- mised to him be the presbyterie. Anent the reference from the Assemblie for the changing of Saturdayes mercat, Mr. William Kinninmont reported, that Keyth vas proclamed to be on Frydday nixt, and so fourth in tymcoming. Mr. George Chalmer re- ported, that these vho had the sett of the Saturdayes mercat at Rynye had 1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 117 promised to change the same the second Saturday of October, quhilk chano-e they are to publish the second Tuysday of October, quher they haue the occasion of ane publict mercat at Kinethmont, to mak the same known to all, that nane pretend ignorance, nor they vho peyes for the same might be gryt losseris therby. Att Botarie, vltimo Octobris, 1649. The said day, Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported, he had spoken the Lady Lady Fren- Frendraught since the Provinciall Assemblie, anent the subscryving of the d>''i"ght. Covenant, vho had promised to tak the Covenant and consider the same. The said Mr. Johne ordained to vse all diligence for hir subscription, vther- vayes to proceid vith excommunicatioun against hir according to the ordi- nance of the Assemblie ; and also to proceid vith the censures of the kirk against Petfoddellis his daughter, remaining now in Frendraught, if shoe keeped not the kirk. The bretheren ordained to intimat the act anent the poore, and to report. The said day, compeired James Gordon of Daach, Thomas Gordon, his Gordon of sone, Johne Gordon of Cragihead, James Duff of Bad, vho professed them- p^^^Jj' selfs villing to subscryv the League and Covenant. The Moderator de- andlOufF of clared to them they behowed first publictly subscryv the Act of the Generall ^^^• Assemblie, shewing and disclaming that vnlawfull ingagment, quhilk vas giuen them to reid and consider, and they to come the nixt day and sub- scryv the same, and then they sould be resaued according to the Act of the Assemblie mad theranent. Att Botarie, 21st November, 1649. The said day, compeired Johne Cow, and being accused for saying he Cow. had Mr. Robert Watsone his warrand for going to raise neidfyre in Grange, confessed he vent to the said Mr. Robert, and told him that he vas advysed to cure his goodis after that maner, and so desyred him to goe and sie quhat vas done ther, or if he void not goe himself, send his sone vith him, quhilk the said Mr. Robert refused to doe, but said to him, if he vent, tak honest men vith him to see quhat vas done. This being layed to the said Mr. Robert Watsone his charge, denyed all this alledgance, but on the contrair told him, if he vsed such practices the curse of God void follow thervpon, and told him that vas ane Highland practise, and cen- sured alreadie be the Assemblie. The mater referred to the visitatioun 118 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1649. at Grange, and the said Johne vas summondit apucl acta to keep the said day. Kinnoir and Dumbennand. Watson. Lady Altar. Att Grange, 19th December, 1649. The said day, Mr. Johne Chalmer reported, he had preached at Dum- bennand, according to the former ordinance, and had requyred the saidis parochineris to haue keeped this day to heir and sie the saidis kirkis planted vith ane able and qualified minister ; the saidis parishoneris being three seuerall tymes called, and nane compeiring, the bretheren, to mak them yet inexcusable, ordained the moderator to goe to Dumbennand, and desyre them as yet to come and giue ther concurrence for planting of the saidis kirkis ; vith certificatioun, if they failed therin, the bretheren void proceid and mak norainatioun of a man for that effect. The said day, Mr. Robert Watsone, minister, being remoued, and the elderis being seuerallie posed upon ther gryt oath quhat they knew con- cerning ther minister his doctrine, lyf, or conversatioun, and of his good affectioun to the present vork of reformation, deponed, that they knew nothing on the contrair, but discharged himself in his calling faithfullie as ane honest minister ; quhich all in one voyce declared to be of treuth, excepting George Geddes, vho vas last examined, and deponed as followes, viz. : 1 . That he omitted some poyntis of discipline vncensured, as brak of Saboth be his sone and servantis, in striking Patrik Langmure in the kirkyeard after sermon. 2. That his sone had fallen in fornicatioun in his owne hous, and that nether his son nor the voman ver brought to ther repentance. 3, That he sent out men to James Grahame his rebellion, and also to the vnlawfull ingageraent, and furnished the said men vith suord and musket for the said vnlawfull seruice. 4. That the said Mr. Robert vas tuyse drunk in Bamf. All quhich the said George Geddes promised to giue in vreit vnder his hand the nixt day, and proue the same ; quhervpon he vas charged apud acta to compeir at Botarie, sixteenth January, to the effect forsaid. The said day, vas produced ane letter from the Chancier, requyring the bretheren to proceid in plantatioun of their kirkis, according to the Act of Parliament, quhervnto everie brother vas exhorted to vse ther diligence. Anent the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie concerning the Lady Altar hir process, these witnesses following ver summondit, corapeired, and being seuerallie suorne, deponed as after followes, viz. : George 1649.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 119 Geddes, being- first suorne, did depone that he hard it rumoured in the countrey shoe had borne a bairne to wmquhill Nathaniell Gordon, and vpon this he asked the ladie hirself vpon the treuth heirof, quhervnto shoe gaue him no answer but wept. Nixt, WilHara Gordon of Newmilne, being suorne, deponed that he, hearing such a rumor that the said Lady vas vith child, sent his wyf to enquyre and try the same at hirself. Shoe returning, reported to him that the said lady, weeping, told hir that shoe could not weell deny, and that shoe neuer knew the said Nathaniel but once in Aberdein. Janat Gordon, spous to William Gordon of Newmilne, being suorne, Gordon. deponed that having enquyred of the said lady concerning that bairne, shoe, comming out of hir owne hous vith hir, told hir shoe thoght shoe vas vith bairne, and could not deny it, and burst forth in weeping, but vas loath to declare vho was the father therof, quhervpon the said Janat exhorted hir nether to wrong hirself nor that child for any vordlie shame that could follow thervpon. Johne Ogilvie of Miltoun, being suorne, deponed that being in Strath- Ogilvie. doun, he saw a voman and a young child in ane William Innes his house, and asking to quhom that bairne did belong, vas answered to him, it be- longed to ane gentlewomen in Strath-Ily, and on the morrow it vas trans- ported tovardis Inuernes. George Brabner, being suorne quhat he knew concerning that bairne Brabner. supposed to be borne be the Lady Altar, deponed that he knew nothing, but hard rumoris shoe had borne a bairne. Compeired Margaret Gordon, spous to George Adamson of Floores, and Gordon. being requyred to declare vpon hir oath quhat shoe knew concerning the alledgit adulterie of Jean Gordon, Lady Glengarak, and of a child borne be hir to Nathaniel Gordon, the said Margaret refused to giue any oath, or to declare any thing concerning that mater, pretending meer ignorance. The bretheren, divers ministers, and vther gentlemen to deall apart vith hir for that eflfect, and that shoe vald glorifie God by reviling the treuth. Shoe absolutlie refused to giue any oath at all, quhervpon the presbytry declared her contumax, and ordained the minister to proceid vith the censures of the kirk against hir for hir contumacie. The said day, the presbytry finding some pinselis in memorie of the dead hinging in the kirk, presentlie caused them to be pulled doun in face of presbytry, and the minister rebuiked for suffering to hing ther so long. 120 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. Att Botarie, 19th Januarii, 1650. Duff. The said day, corapeh-ed Adam DulF, in Clunibeg. Being suorne to de- clare quhat he knew concerning the Lady Altar hir adulterie vith Nathaniel Gordon, deponed that the said Jean Gordon, Lady Altar, in the tyme of the troubles, vas in a barne of his fourtein dayes or therabout, and for any thino- that he or the vomen therabout could perseaue, shoe vas vith child, and that he knew no moir of the business. Mr. Robert Jamesone ordained to vryt to Mr. WilUam Scrogie to try ane Isobell Reid, duelling in Tanachie, quhat shoe knew in the alledgit adulterie of the Lady Altar, and to report his answer against the nixt day. Geddes. The said day, George Geddes, elder in the sessioun of Grange, having only alledgit some things verbally last day against his minister, this day he gaue in the same in vryt, as foUowes : " Att Grange, nineteenth December, 1649. George Geddes, on of the elderis of the sessioun of Grange, being suorne, and his oath taken be the Presbytery of Strathbogie, and particularlie tryed and examined quhat he knew concerning his minister his lyf and conversatioun, and behaviour tovardis his parishoneris, according to his knowledge, declares : "1. The minister his sone and servantis beat ane herar called Patrik Lano-rauire, on the Saboth day, at the church yeard, immediatlie after ser- mon, till the parochin conveined and sundered them ; his children and ser- uantis scolding pitifullie, yet all resaued by the minister to his hous, and neuer censured for the same. " 2. The said Patrik, at the nixt occasion, comming to ane mariag, the minister void not enter till the said Patrik vas put out ; quhervpon the said Patrik deserted Godis vorship, and vas neuer participant of the benefits of the kirk ; his reason vas, that he durst not come for the minister and his bairnis ; yet neuer brocht to satisfaction as ane delinquent. " 3. The minister his sone, begetting a child vpon his owne kyne voman in the minister his owne hous ; his sone vent south, and the voman to Murray, and broo-ht furth hir child, came bak, resaued a testimoniall from the minis- ter, quhervpon shoe is maried, and yet nana of them brought to repentance. " 4. Contrarie to the command of the Generall Assemblie and Presbytry of Strathbogie, he gaue ane testimoniall, at his own hous, in name of the presbytry (as moderator) against Johne Vilson, his parishoner, vherby the honest man his hail goodis ver taken avay, and depaupered his wyf and children. 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 121 " 5. He gaue ane testimonial! to Johne Tabret, that the said Johne vas neuer on the rebellious seruice, notvithstanding- he followed Huntly and Montrose for the minister his owne lande, quhilk testimonial! James Troup, raessinger, fand among John Tabret his vrytis, and brought to George Adamson of Floores and me, quhilk we read, and vas keeped be the said George Adamson till farder tryell. " 6. His seruand, Alexander Achynachie, vas at the battel! of Old Earne, vith the minister his owne halbert in his hand, quhervith he claimed the killing of the Laird Lares, and is called Lares to this day. "7. The kirk yeard is miserablie abused by the minister his horse and cattell teddering and langalling ther, till it is vorse then a taxfold. "8. George Steiphen, a seruant in Floores, maried by the minister him- self, his child being presented to baptisme, vas refused, and died vithout baptisme. Many vtheris, lykvys refused, hes died vithout baptisme. "9. He hes drawen his parish to gryt miserie and povertie, especiallie in giuing vp the roll of fencible men, quhen he and his parochineris had con- descendit vpon ane particular roll, quhilk he sueir and subscryved to be ane just roll of the fencible men ; aftervard he addit ane second roll by himself privatlie, extending to sex scoir men, quhilk addit tuentie aught souldiouris on the parish in all levies. " 10. It being: the ordinance of the Assemblie that nane sould burie in the kirk, quhervpon he closed doores, and debarred sundrie heireris, and yet sufFerred his daughteris child to be buried in the kirk vithout any impedi- ment, quhervpon great hartburning ariseth betwixt him and his heritoris, they thinking they ver only hindered by him out of malice. " U. He vent to Bamfe vith his parishioneris quher they are about the rigging out of souldiouris to the late vnlawfuU ingagment ; he vent in to ane vyne hous accompanied vith James Troup and Johne Wilson, and some vtheris, drank at the vyne the hail sumeris day, till, as themselfs declare, they ver all merrie. " 12. The comongood is still neglected and taken avay, to the gryt preju- dice of the poore, gryt neglect in visiting the sick, as Robert Wilson, elder, heavilie regraited to myself, that he had lyen a month or sex weekis, Sa- bothlie prayed for, yet neuer comforted by the minister his visit. " The premisses is verie weell knowen to the elderis and vtheris vnder- vrytten, being suorne and particularlie examined, viz., George Brabner in Achincheive ; Johne Christie of Crannay ; Patrik Langmure of Balnamoone ; Q 122 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. Johne Wilsone in Haughs ; Alexander Gray in Grange ; James Richart- sone ther ; Adam Ross ther ; James Troup ther ; Andro Geddes ther ; William Richartsone ther ; David Ruddah in Fortrie ; Adam Ruddah ther ; Johne Tabret in Knok ; George Flemen in Millegne ; Alexander Achy- nacie ther ; Robert Wilson in Edingight ; William Adamson in Nether Milne ; Robert Richardsone in Grange ; Johne Henderson in Cantly ; Johne Langmuir in Nether Milne, etc. Let everie on be examined parti- cularlie on the premisses." The presbytry, having receaved and red the former deposition, ordained Mr. Robert Vatson to cause summond the said vitnessis to the nixt meetting, quhilk he vndertook to doe, and requyred a double of the said deposition, quhilk vas granted, and the said George Geddes summondit, apucl acta, to heir and sie the forsaid vitnessis suorne and examined. The said day, Mr. Robert Watsone opponed the forsaid deposition, al- ledging it ought not to haue bein resaued against him but vnder tuo or three witnessis, becaus the said George Geddes vas no elder. But the bretheren replyed, inrespect he vas giuen vp at the visitatioun of his kirk in the roll of the elderis, and vas found to haue keeped meettings vith them in ther sessioun book, and be comon consent of the session vas appoynted col- lector of the comon good of the church, and seing he vas suorne as ane elder, in the presence of the said Mr. Robert, at the visitatioun, to declare quhat he knew concerning his lyf and conversatioun, and vas not excepted against at [ ], they could not esteeme of the said George his depo- sition but as of ane elder, this exception being now proponed out of seasone. Att Botarie, penult Januarii, 1650. Kinnoir and The said day, Mr. Robert Jamesone reported, that, conforme to the for- Dumbennand. jjjgj, ordinance of the presbytry, he vent and taught at Dumbennand, and peremptorlie had desyred the parishoneris vho clamed or pretendit any right in the electioun and nominatioun of ther minister, to keep the presbytrie this day, that ordour might be taken for planting these kirkis, with certifi- catioun, incase they delayed as in former tymes they had done, that this void be the last advertisement that the presbytrie void giue vnto them, and had certified them the bretheren void proceid and plant the said kirkis ac- cording to the Actis of the Generall Assemblie. The saids parishoneris of Kinnoir and Dumbennand being seuerall tymes advertised, and this day called, nane of them compeired [to shew] ther villingnes for to accept of 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 123 ane minister quhora ether themselfs or presbytry sould nominat ; therfor, the bretheren seing this their neglect to proceid, of wnwillingnes to haue the saidis kirkis planted, understanding the most part of them to be malig- nantis or papistis, and consequentlie excludit be the Act of the Generall Assemblie to haue ane voice in plantatioun of the saidis kirkis, therfor thoght fitt to plant the saidis kirkis vith one man for the present, vntill they sould sie more expediencie for planting them seuerallie ; and so, after ma- ture deliberatioune, they gaue vp a list of some young men, as after fol- lowes, viz. : Mr. Alexander Gordon, now in Frendraught ; Mr. Alexander Gordon, scoolmaster at Rothemay ; Mr. James Chalmer, regent in New Aberdein ; Mr. James Ross, scoolmaster at Keyth ; Mr. William Jamesone, sone to Mr. Robert Jamesone. Quhilk list being given vp and referred to voycing, the bretheren, vith ane consent, nominated and elected Mr. Wil- liam Jamesone as most fitting, in ther opinion, for the said charge (notvith- standing his father protesting against his electioun and nominatioun), and ordained him to begin his first tryell at Grange, thirteenth February, vith ane lecture vpon the first Exodus, and also ordained him to preach at Dumbennand the tenth of February, as he had done at Kinnoir alreadie. The said day, compeired George Brabner in Achinheue ; Johne Christie Witnesses in Cranah ; Alexander Gordon in Grange ; James Richardsone ther ; against Mr. Robert Adam Ross ther ; William Richardsone ther ; David Ruddah in Fortrie ; Watson. Johne Tabret in Knock ; Alexander Achynachi in Millegne ; Robert Wil- son in Edingight ; William Adamson in Nethermilne ; Robert Richardsone in Grange ; Johne Henderson in Cantly ; John Langmuir in Nethermilne ; and being all admitted be the said Mr. Robert as vitnessis, everie on ver seuerallie suorne, vpon his gryt oath, to declare trulie quhat he knew in the mater layed to ther minister, Mr. Robert Watson, his charge ; but inrespect the night vas approaching, ther depositions ver delayed to the nixt meetting at Grange, thirteenth February, appoynted for that effect, and both parties and witnessis summondit, apud acta, to keep the said day. Johne Wilson in Haughes being cited as a vitness, and compeiring, vas excepted against be the said Mr. Robert, becaus, as he alledgit, he had vented himself he [would] rather giue tuo of his best oxen befor George Geddes busines did goe vrong ; and also, becaus he vas a plunderer, and a conjunct complyce vith George Geddes in collecting the poyntis of the lybell throgh all the Presbytry of Fordyce ; quhilk the said Mr. Robert vndertook to proue. 124 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. James Troup being cited as a vitness, compeired, but was not admitted be the said Mr. Robert, inrespect, in the accusatioun, he vas giuen vp as ane informer and a partie. Adam Ruddah, absent, and vas not admitted be the said Mr. Robert, vnless he gaue his oath that he caried no malice against him. George Steiven, being present, and cited as a vitness, vas admitt, but not suorne for the present, inrespect Mr. Robert challenced him as a notorious plunderer in the tyme of the rebellioun. Irving. The said day, Mr. Robert Irving vas ordained to be summondit to the nixt meetting at Grange, by the officiar of Rothemay, to heir and sie him- self ordained to haue ane helper, according to the ordinance of the Provin- ciall Assemblie, as also to answer for resett of ane fugitive vitch, Margaret Fraser, comming from the province of Aberdein, and that he bring the poynt of hir accusation from the Presbytery of Turreff, shoe being fugitiue from them. Att Grange, 13th February, 1650. Irving. Mr. Robert Irving being asked for his frequent absence from the pres- bytry, answered that, inrespect of his age and infirmitie of bodie, he vas not able to travail in the vinter season ; quhervpon the bretheren thoght fitt to visit his kirk, to sie how he discharged himself in his calling, or if ther ver necessitie of ane helper to be adjoyned to him, and to this effect ap- poynted the nixt meetting at Innerkethnie, the penult of February, and ordained the said Mr. Robert to preach on his ordinare text and lecture on his ordinare. Also, the said Mr. Robert being asked if Margaret Fraser, witch, fugitiue from the province of Aberdein, had bein resett in his paroch, reported shoe vas dead. The said day, conveined vith the bretheren, Mr. William Chalmer and Mr. Alexander Seaton, commissioneris from Fordyce, as they ver requyred, but nane from Elgin. Watson. The said day, the moderator produced the appellation sent to him be Mr. Robert Watson, befor the tenth day, as the former day he promised, the tenor quherof follows : " Reasons of appellation of Mr. Robert Watsone, minister at Grange, from the Presbytry of Strathbogie to the Provinciall Assemblie of Murray : "1. It hath bein and is the laudable and charitable practise of the Kirk, since the begun vork of reformatioun, to p[ ] such bretheren from 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 125 leading process against malignantis as ver knowen to be overawed be them, menaced be ther freindis and complices. " 2. It is knoven manifestlie, that besyd my former sufferings since 1639 to this day, that I haue my abode among most malicious malignantis, so that, in the visiting of the sick, I haue bein persewed for my lyf amongst them. '* 3. Besyd terroris vithin, I haue bein minaced vith burning of my hous after it vas plundered, third Mali, 1635, and that be the said Margaret Gordon hir brother german and other complyces. "4. And if such vrong and injurie vas done and offerred to me for adhering to the Covenant and vork of reformatioune vithout any quarrell, it may be thoght wpon in quhat condition I sould be in processing and excommunicating the said Mai-garet Gordon, spous to George Adamson of Floores, both be hirself and hir complyces. "5. Since the visitatioun of my church, nineteenth December, 1649, (vpon ane pretendit ground of ane speech wttered be ane pretendit poor man that could not lye, and of a trouper and officiar called Melvill, come from Irland, and neuer quartered in the parochin of Grange, vho did not compeir before the meetting at Oldearne vith any regrat anent the minister his remisnes in his calling,) the most part of malignantis vithin the parochin, hatcheris of the forsaid calumnie, vith ther vther complices, are so sett vpon edge as to insnare the minister, and catch all occasiones of a quarrell against him, quhilk is not vnknoven to the bretheren of the Presbytry of Strathbogie. "6. Quherfor since, be the moderator of the Generall Assemblie and Commission of the Kirk for the tyme, the haill Presbytrie of Strathbogie ver exeemed from processing such malignantis and complyeris as overawed them, quhat charitable respect vas had to the haill presbytrie, I am confident that charitable constructioun of the church, the Provinciall of Murray will not deny to any afflicted brother. Sic subscribitur, Mr Robert Watsone, minister at Grange." Quhilk reasons being considered be the bretheren, ver not found relevant ; yet in respect his vther process vas not yet closed, they thoght meet to heir the Provinciall Assemblie ther judgment of both processes. The said day, being appoynted for trying such vitnesses as formerlie ver admittit to depone in Mr. Robert Watsone his busines, compeired Watsone and George Geddes, and alledgit divers of the said vitnesses to haue bein Geddes. suborned be the said Mr. Robert, vho conveened them, red the particularis 126 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. of the depositioun to them in privat, and shew them the best vay how they might depone therin ; quherof Mr. Robert being posed, vas content that the vitnesses sould be tryed theron vith the rest of the forsaid particularis of the depositioune, quhervnto the presbytry acquiesced. The said day, George Geddes excepted against the sitting of George Adamson as ruling elder for Grange, in respect he vas not formallie chosen be the sessioun for that eflfect ; but the session book being produced and wisitted, ther vas found ane particular act for his electioun. Brabner. Compeired George Brabner in Achinheiv, being formerlie admittit and suorne in presence of Mr. Robert Vatsone, and being enquyred in the forsaid particular, deponed, that the said Mr. Robert had red befor them both the accusatioun of George Geddes and his owne reply therto, in the loft, after the rising of the sessioun, but did not put any thing in ther mouths theranent. 2. Deponed that Mr. Robert his sone and servantis had struken Patrik Langmuire vith a rod on the Saboth day, immediatlie after sermon, and they neuer sought nor challenged befor the sessioun for the same, his sone at that tyme being com from the colledge in the vacance. 3. Deponed, the said Patrik Langmuire vas remowed out of the kirk befor Mr. Robert void enter to celebrat a mariage, for quhat reason he knew not, quhich occasioned the said Patrik to absent himself from the publict vorship for a long tyme, and vas not dealt with for to come and keep the kirk. 4. Deponed, anent the child begottin be the minister his sone in his owne hous, that it vas so indeed, and no repentance mad for the same be ether partie, ther being a gryt scandall therof in the parish befor ther remowing out of the hous. 5. Being asked anent the giving of ane testimoniall against Johne Wilson at his owne hous, as moderator of the presbytry, deponed, that he knew nothing of a testimoniall giuen against him containing more than the treuth. 6. Being asked if Johne Tabbert had bein vpon the rebellion vith James Grahame and Huntlie for the minister his owne land, and if notvithstanding therof he had received ane testimoniall from the minister as free of all such delinquencie, deponed, that he had bein vpon the rebellion vith them, but knev nothing of ane testimoniall. 7. Being asked if Alexander Achynachie vas at the battell of Oldearne vith ane halbert quhich he had resaued from the minister, and if, after his returne, he had vented the killing of Lairs therwith, deponed, that he did goe furth, but for Talbert, vith ane halbert quhilk Johne Tabret had resaued from the minister long befor ; and being asked if the 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 127 minister had any men furth in the rebellion, deponed, ther vent tuo men out for the minister his land, but knew not quhat hand the minister had in it. 8. Being asked if the kirkyeard vith the minister his horse vas abused, deponed, his horse, as divers vtheris, ver frequentlie in it. 9. Beino- asked concerning the not baptising of George Steiven his child, quhilk vas begotten in lawfull mariage, quhich died vithout baptisme, and if any vther had died also throgh his negligence, deponed, the bairne came to the kirk, vent home vnbaptised, and died in the wood of Braico, befor it could be brought home, the minister being still readie at that tyme to baptise vtheris that asked of him. 10. Being asked if, after the number of fensible men giuen vp by himself and the rest of the elderis vpon ther oath and conscience, he had addit a roll of sex scoir of men moe vnto that quhilk was formerlie subscryved be him and tham, deponed, he had giuen vp by himself alone, and not ane elderis subscription sought thervnto. 11. Being asked if, contrarie to the ordinance of the Assemblie, he had passed vith silence the buriall of his owne daughter hir child in the kirk, other heritoris and parishoneris being debarred by him, deponed, the child vas buried in the kirk, and the buriall vas not quarrelled, nor the officiar reproued for doing the same. 12. Being asked if he knew him to haue been drunk at Bamfe, deponed, he knew nothing therof. 13. Being asked if the comongood had bein taken avay by him, and he vas negligent in visitting the sick quhom himself publictlie had prayed for months or six weeks at once, deponed, the comongood vas giuen to his sones for ther clerking, and he did visit the sick being sent for. Compeired Johne Chrystie of Cranah, having bein suorne and admittit Chryste. witness as befor, and being questioned on all the particularis, vt supra, deponed conforme to George Brabner in all, saue that he knew nothing of Patrik Langmuire his removing from the mariage befor the minister his entrie into the kirk ; nor of the alledgit roll giuin vp by the minister himself after his owne and the elderis subscription to the former; nor quhat he did concerning the buriall of his daughter hir child ; nor of the minister his giving testimoniallis. Compeired Alexander Gray in Grange, having bein admittit and suorne. Gray. vt supra^ deponed in all poyntis conforme to George Brabner his deposi- tioune ; and concerning the giuing vp of the roll of fencible men, he knew nothing of the first roll, but he vas sure of latter ; and for the comongood, ther ver many meettings for taking compt of it, but could not get it. 128 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. The rest of the witnesses ver continowed, in respect the night vas come, till the nixt meetting at the presbyteriall seat. Cow. The said day, compeired Johne Cow, ordained to satisfie the disciplin of Grange, according to the Act of the Asserablie, for his kindling of neidfyre. Chalmer. The said day, Mr. Johne Chalmer regrated the insufficiencie of his o-leib and manse, and requyred a new designatioun therof; quhilk the bretheren taking to ther consideratioun, appoynted Mr. James Gordon, Mr. Robert Jamesone, Mr. George Meldrum, vith ther ruling elderis, to meet at Gartly vith all convenient diligence, and mett and measure to him a sufficient and competent gleib, according to the Act of Parliament mad theranent. The said day, the presbytry requyred the commissioneris from Fordyce to come and perambulat and consider the expediencie of annexing the landis of Edinglassie vithin the pariochin of Mortlach to the parochin of Glass, conforme to the ordinance of the Generall Assemblie ; quhilk the said commissioneris promised to advertise ther presbitry off, and report ther answer the nixt day. The said day, George Geddes produced answeris to Mr. Robert Watsone his former reply es, affixed vt sujjra, quhilk heir also are affixed, that the Assemblie may consider and cognosce of them as of the rest. " The twentieth of January, 1650, the minister of Grang, efter sessione in the efternoone, conveined so many of the people that vere apoyntit to be sumondit be the presbytrie (as he could have occasion), and read the parti- cularis quherupoun they sould be examined to them, constructing them the best vay he could, informing the people how they might depone. This was privatlie in the church loft, directing the officer to stand at the doore, saying, Sir, sie that none enter in, neither go out of that yourself till yie sie me come downe. Lykwayes, the twenty-seventh of January, 1650, he conveined the rest of them ; sending to the churchyaird for them, he read the particulars again to them, with some invented replyes, exponing ewerie poynt to them, and ewerie excuse to them, quherby they might know how to delait. Judge if this was suborning or not. " Ansvers to the notional reasones quherby the minister stry wes to prowe George Geddes no elder. "1. It is grantit be the moderator, the sixteenth of Januar, 1650, in pre- sence of the presbytrie, that he read in the sessioun book not only as elder, 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 129 but also collector of the commoun guidis and penalties. 2. The said George oathe was takin be the minister and admittit, in October, 1648, in sessioun, befor Mr. William Stewart, George Brabner, Johne Vilson, Johne Chrystie, and the rest of the elders, quhilk they can witnes. 3. The minister hath takin delationes since from the mouth of the said George, as elder. Yet, for farder satisfaction to the reverend bretheren, answers ewerie particulare reason. 1. He calles the said George ane malignant. The said George can produce ewidence and token of his behawiour wnder the handis of those quho at seuerall occasiones had cheifest command in the parliamentis armies ; as also, receawit ane testimoniall from his minister, (the said George heir chargit south the eighth of July, 1647,) testifieing of the great losses and distresse the said George had suffered be plundering of armies ; and after farder triall^ his name vas blottit out of the rebellious roll, in presence of the grand committie, (the estaite not finding him ane malignant,) as the Laird of Less Muireffe and Valter Hackatt can declair. 2. Neither did the said George so much as keipe ane randevous, or anie out of his land, with anie malignantis since before Oldearne, quhilk he is able to instruct. 3. Let the minister proue that ewir the said George drew ane svord to anie man, or anie to him, either for publick or privat quarrell, all salbe grantit. " Wheras the minister calles the said George ane plunderer, the contraire is knowne ; and let the minister proue that ewir he plunderit sex shillings or so much vorth from all the world, all salbe true he sayes. But true it is, the Irishes (the minister speakes of) came to George Geddes house of intention to plunder him, but were hinderit at that tyme be the Lady Glengarock, Muirifold, and Thomas and Mr. John Gordouns. But in ther comming from Bamff, they came to the said George his housse, touk fywe horses out of his stable, loadined them with the insicht of his housse, strok his vyff and serwandis, fearfully cutted the coat of his vyffis back and wncovered hir head, left nothing transportable, not so much as one plead among fyftein houshold, but tuo quhilk the said George and his serwand had with them, (being fled to Auchindowne.) Lykwayes, it is verie veil knowne how contrey enimies lowsed the said George oxin out of his pleughes, and had them to the randevouse, because he vould not go himself, searching his housse oftentyme to apprehend himself, till he was forced to putt away his cattell, and banishe himself of the countrey till the Generall Leiwtenant came to Strabogie. This is but confyning of tyme, nothing 130 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. pertinent to the minister his purpose, since kirk and estait has bein satis- fied for the litle coraplyance alleadgit against the said George (at the first), and now cannot be fund so much as ane disafected person be the committie. Howbeit, the minister caused hira sitt in sheitts, contrar to ordinance, yit the said George obeyed in all manner, following the example of those vho sat befor him, (and especiallie Paithnik, vho murdered Auchinachie,) he not being but aleadgit comply er, went in and satt the tyme of preaching, and was absolvit without question. As for the said George fornicatioun, his penalty and repentance was satisfactorie at the tyme, and hes bein absolvit this [ ] bygone. As for the minister saying that George manalsed the minister, and [ ] saying he intimated himself with malignants be collector [ ] probation. Among the rest of [ ] scandalous calumnies." " Arguments ah instantia confuting the groundles replyes and forged excuses invented be the minister, instructing the people therby that they might depone. " Conf. 1. In the first reply, the minister contradictes himself ridiculuslie, saying it is ane scandall past prescription, and referres it to tryall, and the judges to vhom it belongeth ; then confessis the offence, and alledgis that it is censured. Howbeit his sonne vas and is ane scholler, he had ane svord befor that tyme, coft be John Vilsone and Androw Geddes at Laurent day, neither vas his hyrmen ane scholler, vho secondit his sonne with all violence, as the witnessis can declair. " Conf. 2. In his second reply, he sayes it vas for fear of trouble he caused putt Patrick Langmuir out of the church. Contrar it vas ; because (not only at that tyme) afterward the said Patrick hawing ane chyld to be baptised, the minister caused putt the said Patrick out of presence till Androw Geddes in Kirktowne held wp the chyld and said the beleife. Let it be enquyred of Patrik and the rest of the witnesses how long he was that he durst not come to the kirk heirefter. " Conf. 3. In his third reply, the minister contradictis himself, saying, it is ane scandall and alledgit fornication. Then he grantis he gawe ane testimoniall wppon caution for satisfaction, and lykwayes that the voman is brought to repentance. But true it is, the minister knowing the parties guylty, send for William Adamsone, vho came to his owne house, sub- scryvit the testimoniall, and made ane faschon (at the ministeris fyresyde) of inacting himself caution, (incaice of backspearing,) quhilk was never 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 131 called in question till now. It may be askit vho gawe his sonne ane testi- raoniall, or vho sought him to repentance. " Conf. 4. He not only gawe ane testimonie against John Wilsone, but also insert more then treuth, saying he was at all the bloodie fights, quher- att the witnessis acceptit, and wold not subscryue but with ane caveat, as, for example, Mr. William Stewart testified that he only knew him to be at Oldearne. " Conf. 5. The minister, in his fyfth reply, contradicts himself publictlie, saying, Let Sandie Troup be tryed to the full ; and vhen he is presented, he rejected him as witness. Giue the minister sould say that the testimo- niall vas that John Talbert vas no blood schedder, it is werie hard to the minister to testifie, since the said John was with Montrose vhen Baylzie chased him from Strabogie to [ ], vher, on both sydes, some vere takin, some killed, and auchtein horse and men takin and killed in one night, and aftervard vent ouer to the hillis of Skessache and throughe the braes of Anguse with them. It may be askit of the said Johne, if the ministeris land had ane protection from Montrose or not ? " Conf. 6. The minister, in his sext reply, sayes Alexander Achynachie vas not his serwand. Howbeit not his houshold man, yit vas ane souldiour for the ministeris land of Millegin, and had the ministeris staf in his hand (quhilk he losit). Aske Alexander if the minister sought half ane crowne for it ? Lykwayes, ther was tuo vther souldiouris for the ministeris land of Balnaman, as the witnessis can declair. But George Geddes desyres the minister and the vhole parlshe to say that he was either in the countrey himself, or that anie vho dwelt one his land (howbeit he hes half Daoche in the parishe) was at Oldearne, or that ewir anie of them carried armes, or went in companie with either Huntly or Montrose. " Conf. 7. In his sevinth reply, he denyes langelling and teddering horse and ky in the church yaird. He not only doth this, but also caused keip the grass of it till his bondage horse of Balnamane and Millegin came to lead his peits, and it served them, as the schoolmaster and the rest of the Kirktowne can declair. Vher he turnes it ower on the lybeller, it salbe put to his probatioun. " Conf. 8. In his aucht reply, the minister contradicts himself, impu- dentlie saying he referres to George Stevine his declaratioun, and when he compeirs rejectis him as witnes, be reason he hes not satisfied for his malignancie, quhilk he hes done in presence of the vhole congregatioun. 132 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. Wheras the minister sayes he was in exyle ; no such matter, he was in his owne grass rowme, wher the [ ] wyfF [ ] as the witnessis can testifie. He lykwayes refused Elspet Geddes chyld baptisme [ ] and vther [ ] offering themselfs suretie for all satisfaction. " Conf. 9. He sayes it is ane calumnie (all are calumnies in his conceit), yit the roll testifies his oath and subscription. The rollis was never sent back, neither hard the parishoneris of his addition till they payit for it. The committie admired at it. He had interlynned, blottit out vhora he pleasit, and putt in on the margine vhom he pleasit. The parishe vrged him to vrytt ane supplicatioun and goe to Bamff, but he vent in to the vyne, and did not sie to present it to the committie till this houre. The mi- nister sayes, It passed ower vith silence that ther was fourscoir at Oldearne, quheroff thrie vas the ministeris men. To one the minister his vyff bor- rowed ane svord from Adam Ross, another claimed the killing of Lairs with the ministeris halbert, the third confessit that he plunderit the kirk box of Duffus. Let the witnesses be tryed heiranent. " Conf. 10. He denyes the buriall of his oy in the church. The minis- teris vyff caused the officer burie it ther (as the officer declaires), but re- fused the key to Bracho and William Innes. All are satisfied with the act, but not with the ministeris partialitie in observing the act. " Conf. 11. In his elevinth reply, he sayes he came home from Bamft". It is ane culumnie. It vas notat one tyme he vent to William Cummingis house. This particular vilbe veil prowin ; it is ane odious true taile. " Conf. 12. In his twelt reply, he calles it ane calumnie. The common guid is thryce taken away, and vhat is preserwed the minister and his bairnis gettis most pairt of it (being called former clerkis), and hes payit not long since to his sonne, vho went away in fornicatioun thrie yeiris agoe ; this Robert Vilsone, vho was collector, can declair, if veil examined, and more. As for visiting the sick, the said Robert regratit to Bracho, Mr. William Stewart, and George Geddes (saying he sent for him) ; also, Androw Geddes, hes bein sick this month at the church style, yet nevir visited be the minister ; and, in generall, it is ewir so throw the vhole parishe. " Anent the witnessis to whom he gives so scandalous ane commendatioun (being chosin as the bodie of the vhole honest men in the parishe,) calling them infamous, let it be enquired of the minister vher is the famous men of 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 133 his parishe ? His badge he gives them is ane guid tokin of his guid aedifi- catiouns and instructiones he gives them, and of his guid example. Qiiaeri- tur quo jure the minister sould hawe spokin the witnessis till they had bein tryed (to mak them more infamous) ; or quhy sould his excuises bein haird till the witnessis had bein examined ? or quhy sould anie lybell bein takin from the minister (bein vnder process) till he had being fund honest or guylty ? Let the minister mak the reasones guid vhervpoun he rejected so manie witnesses. As for his scandalous lyes, raaliciouslie invented against him vhom the minister calles libeller, they, and vther lyes collected out of the replyes, are referred to the ministeris probatioun, quhilk (God villing) sail turne to his disgrace and shame that hatches such diabolicall calumnies. " Nota. The minister sayes George Geddes sayd that he declaired out of malice against the minister, because he had givin him ane charge of horning for resting teind siluer and vicarages, 1649, and vther yeires pre- ceiding. This is ane calumnie. Giwe ewir George receavit ane charge, or if anie in the parishe hard of anie charge for 1649, and yeiris preced- ing, all sail be true he sayes, because the said George hes his discharges for 1648, and for all the yeirs of lyftyme before that. " Let the witnessis vho are svorne be tryed both uppon the [ ] particulars and the confutatioun of the replyes." Att Innerkethnie, penult of February. No meetting, in respect of the storme. The nixt meetting sixth Martii. Att Innerkethnie, 6th Martii, 1650. Conveined the moderator and remanent bretheren, after the incalling vp- on the name of God. Absent, Mr. William Kinninmont, Mr. George Chalmer, nether of them having as yit returned from the south. Mr. Robert Irving, minister at Innerkethnie, taught ane lecture on the 125th Psalm, and ane sermon on his ordinare text, Hosea 12, v. 6, as he vas the former day injoyned. The minister being remowed, and all the elderis being present and Irvint suorne, ver enquired concerning the lyf, conversatioune, qualificatioun of ther minister, and of his aifection to the vork of reformatioune ; everie on being particularhe questioned, approved him for an ane honest minister, and able for discharging of his ministerial! function ther as befor at any tyme, 134 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. as also, all the parishoneris that ver present gaue him the lyk testiraonie. Therefter, the bretheren taking to ther consideratioun the doctrine de- lyuered in his lecture and sermon this day, all did approue him, and de- claired themselfs satisfied thervith, and thoght fitt to continow him in his charge ; only he vas admonished concerning his expression, throgh the de- fect of vant of teeth, earnestlie requyred him to help it, so farr as he could ; as also, quhen he fell vpon poyntis of controversie, befor disaffected per- sons, that he sould stryv to be verie satisfactorie in his answer, or then to hold himself to popular doctrine, and to presse in his sermonis the present vork of reformatioune. But, for clearing of his abilitie further to some of the bretheren, vho ver absent, and neuer had hard him as yet, the bretheren requested him, the nixt day of meeting, for that satisfactioun, also to haue a sermon on the said 12th of Hosea, his ordinare, quhilk he villinglie vnder- took to doe at Botarie, twentieth Martii. The said day, the minister vas ordained to conveine his heritoris and elderis, and choose a parish magistrat ; and the rest of the bretheren ordained to doe the lyk. Laird Fren- The said day, it is recoraraendit seriouslie to Mr. Johne Reidfurd, draught. -^^^ Robert Watsone, and Mr. Alexander Garden, then present, to deall vith the Laird of Frendraught for his reconciliatioune vith the Lady Crombie, that no scruple might remaine in his mynd to mak him absent himself from his owne parish kirk of Abercherdour ; and to report ther diligence the nixt day. limes. The said day, compeired Beroald Innes of Turterie, and produced ane supplicatioun, subscryved be himself and the Laird of Frendraught, as heritoris of Turterie, requyring that part of the parish of Rotheraay to be disjoyned therfrom, and annexed to the kirk of Abercherdour, pre- tending better accommodatioun ther then at ther owne parish kirk of Rothemay, because of the neirnes of the situation therof ; and to this effect desyred perambulation of the boundis, for tryell of the truth therof. As also, compeired Johne Gordon of Walkmilne, in name of the heritoris and parishoneris of Rothemay, gaue in protestation subscryved be him- self on the contrar. The bretheren, having considered the mater, inrespect the actis of the Generall Assemblie ver not present to informe them sufficientlie theranent, and some bretheren absent, and the supplica- tioun being subscryved be one that hes interrest, delayed ther answer till the nixt day, quhen the petitioner vas requyred to be present. 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 135 The said day, vas produced ane letter from Colonell John Innes, re- quyring SabothUe sermonis at Strathbogie, and ane course to be taken for celebrating the communion to the souldiouris of the garrison, and cans them renew the League and Covenant. The bretheren thoght the de- mand verie reasonable, and ver willing to obey it in all poyntis, vith as conuenient diligence as they could; tuo of ther number, Mr. Alexander Fraser and Mr. Robert Jamesone, having preached alreadie to them, and Mr. Robert Watsone to goe the nixt Lordis day, and preach to them and the rest of the bretheren in ther owne vice. This day vas produced ane letter from the Moderator of the Generall Assemblie, vith two copies of the actis of the Generall Assembly, 1649, vith two copies of the table of incest, requyring payment of the same, vith all vther publict restis ; quhilk the bretheren ver ordained to provyd, vith all diligence. Mr. Johne Reidfurd being inquyred if the Lady Frendraught had sub- Lady Fren- scryved the League and Covenant, according to the ordinance of the <^^^"?ht. Provinciall Assemblie, answered, that shoe vas ane ordinare heirer of the vord, but vas not fuUie satisfied for subscryving the Covenant, and that the Laird mad vther ministeris to conferr with hir. The bretheren or- dained him to vse all diligence in the said mater, as he wold be answerable to the Assemblie. Att Botarie, 20th Martii, 1650. Mr. Robert L'ving taught, Hosea 12, v. 11, quherin he gaue the bre- Irving'. theren such satisfactioune as they ver content he sould remain in the mi- nistrie at Innerkethnie. But in respect of his age and inabilitie to keep the meettings of the presbytry, quher he might beare equall burden vith the rest in discipline, asked if he void haue ane helper, nothing of his owne stipend being diminished, answered, he sould consult vith his parishoneris theranent, but for himself he vas not content vith the motion, but promised to keep more frequentlie heirafter, health and weather seruing. The bretheren ver content vith this promis for a tyme, assuring him if he failled they void joyne ane helper to him ; and in the mean tyme, ordained him not to be negligent in the provision of that kirk, according to the Act of Par- liament. The said day, Mr. Robert "Watsone reported that he and Mr. Johne Laird of Reidfurd had gone to Frendraught, and had conferred vith him anent his i'^'endrauglit. 136 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. reconciliatioune vith the Lady Crombie, vho declared himself to haue no yrudge at the said lady ; but for keeping the kirk of Abercherdour, requyred a breathing tyme till he sould goe south and get satisfactioune of some things from kirk and estat ther. Lady Fren- Mr. Johne Reidfurd being absent, no report concerning the Lady draught. Frendraught hir subscryving of the Covenant. Anent the former supplicatioun of Beroald Innes, desyring perambula- tioun of the landis of Turterie, vt supra, being called, compeired not him- self, but Johne Abernethie of TiUidoun compeired, alledging a commission from him, but could not produce the same. And Walter Racket of Meyen, vithin the parochin of Rothemay, compeired also, protesting all parties hauing interrest sould be hard befor any perambulatioune of the boundis. In respect of Mr. Johne Reidfurd his absens, and the supplicatioun vas not subscryved be the inhabitants of Turterie, quhom it mainlie concerned, and the Laird of Rothemay being south, the bretheren thoght fitt to continow ther answer till the Assemblie gaue ther advyse theranent. Mr. Robert Irving to preach the nixt [day] at Strathbogie, and then Mr. James Gordon. Declaratioun Ther having come to the moderator ane letter from the Commission of ot Estat and ^|^g Kirk, vith two copies of a declaratioun both from kirk and estat, in re- futatioun of a scandellous pamphlet of James Grahames, intitulated and reputed a declaratioune of James Marques of Montrose, etc. ; the quhilk havino- bein destribut by him throgh the bretheren this day, they all pre- sent reported they had publictlie red the same, according to the ordinance therof. Fast. Lykvys this day vas produced ane other letter from the Commission of the Kirk, indicting a publict fast to be keeped vpon the first Lordis day of April, or any other convenient day therefter, as for the causes conteined in the former fast, so especiallie for craving a blissing from the Lord to the proceedings and travaillis of our Commissioneris vith his Majestic. The bretheren being to keep ther Provinciall that week preceeding the first Lordis day of April, could not keep the said day, but resolued to keep the said fast the second Saboth of April. The said day, the commissioneris appoynted formerlie for designatioun of the gleib and manse of Gartly reported they had done accordinglie, the tenor quherof followes : — Qartlv. " -^tt Gartly, 18th Martii, 1650. The said day, conforrae to the ordin- 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 137 ance of the Presbytrie of Strathbogie, at Grange, thirteenth February, conveined vpon the ground, Mr. Robert Jaraesone, moderator, and Mr. James Gordon, minister at Rothemay ; Mr. George Meldrum, minister at Glas ; Mr. Alexander Garden, minister at Forge ; and vith them Alexan- der Anderson, in Gartly ; William Chalmer, at the Kirk of Gartly ; Alex- ander Chalmer, in Colonah, ruling elderis, having full power from the for- said presbytry to designe the gleib and manse of the Kirk of Gartly, vith grass for enterteinment of ane horse and tuo ky, conforme to the late Act of Parliament mad theranent ; the forsaids persons all present, conveining vpon the ground, first past to the old gleib and manse, and ther measured, vith rood and roap, the forsaid old gleib, as it lyes merched and moothed of old, and vas possest be Mr. William Reid and vther ministeris befor, and finding the same deficient, extending only to thrie akeris of land and ane half, therafter the forsaid ministeris and ruling elderis past to ane plot of D-round called Nicolsons Croft, quhilk of old had bein possest be the clerk and ministeris seruing the cure, but by injurie of tyme had bein put out of possession therof, mett and designed a parcell therof, having on the east the kirkyeard dyk ; on the south, ane foot rod, lineallie descending from the kirkyard dyk to the nuik of the old manse, and thence lineallie going to the south burne, cutting throgh the endis of some riggs to ane merch stone erected at the cruik of the burne, and from thence keeping the cruik of the burn, both on the south and west, till they com to ane vther vay, quhich is the comon kirk gaite, lying on the north therof, and ascending lineallie the forsaid kirkgate till they come to the kirkyard dyk, for the making vp of a perfyit manse and gleib ; and therafter passed to ane parcell of ground called Dubiscroft, and designed the same, as it lyes marched and moothed vith the burn on the north, the comon kirk and court gate on the east, and ane dyk compassing the samen on the south and west part therof, evein till they come to the inverr of the burn on the north of the said parcell of ground, and gaue reall and actuall possession therof to Mr. Johne Chalmer, minister at the forsaid kirk of Gartly, by delyuerance of earth and stone, according to the comon ordour, and this vas done in presens of Johne Rind, notar publict ; Johne Nicolson, kirk oificiar at Gartly ; and James Slorach, kirk officiar at Botarie ; quhervpon the said Mr. Johne Chalmer took instrument in the handis of Johne Rind, notar publict ; and in verifica- tioune of the premissis, the principall copie of the designatioune is sub- scryved by the designatoris forsaid." 138 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. Examinatioun of the rest of the witnessis in Mr. Robert Vatsone his process : Ruddah. The said day, compeired David Ruddah in Fortrie, being admittit wit- ness and suorne, vt supra, deponed, in omnibus, according to George Brab- ner his depositione, and that thes men vent out of the ministeris land to the rebellion vith Huntly and James Grhame ver caused mak ther repentance at ther returne, but knew not if the minister had any hand in ther out- ffoinff. Adamsone. Compeired William Adamsone, at the Nethermilne, being admittit and suorne, vt supra, deponed conforme to the rest, as also, that Patrik Lang- muire drew a durk in his defence from the minister his sone and seruantis, on the Lordis day. being struken be them. Deponed also, that he himself vas cationer for the woman fornicatrix vith his sone, for hir satisfactione, but vas neuer sought for the same. Achyiiachie. Compeired Alexander Achynachie, being admittit and suorne, vt supra, deponed that he knew nothing of the first four particularis of George Geddes his depositioune. In caeteris, deponed conforme to the deposition of Georofe Brabiner and the rest of the witnessis. Richardson. Compeired Robert Richardsone, in Grange, being admittit vitness and suorne, vt supra, deponed conforme to the rest. Henderson. Compeired Johne Henderson, ane elder, being admittit and suorne, de- Richardson, poned conforme to the rest ; and William Richardson, kirk-officiar, deponed also conforme to the rest, in omnibus that he knew. The bretheren having hard and considered the former depositionis, quher- Watsone. by finding diveris poyntis prouen against the said Mr. Robert, and incaice it be found needfull ther are diuers other witnessis alreadie suorne and ad- mittit vho may be tryed if the forsaid probatiouns be not sufficient ; and seing the said Mr. Robert had accused some of the bretheren, in face of presbytry, of partiall dealling, and had appealled, in ane vther process aboue specified, from ther sentence, therfor the bretheren thoght good to referr both the processis to the consideratioun and censure of the As- sembly. The bretheren seuerallie remowed, and being seriouslie examined con- cerning ther lyf and conversatioune, good affection to the work of refor- mation, ver approuen, except Mr. Robert Watsone, vhose process vas de- pending. 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 139 Att Botarie, 1 6th Aprilis, 1650. The said day, corapeired Hugh Gordon in Rynnie, and George Ander- Gordon. son of Miltoun, and humblie supplicated the presbytrie to be resaued to the Anderson. subscription of the League and Covenant, having bein debarred therfra in ther owne parish for subscryving the Act of Parliament approuing the late wnlawfull ingagment, quhilk ingagment now they disclaimed vnder ther handis as unlawfuU, and acknowledgit ther breach of covenant therby, pro- mising neuer to subscryw any thing, in tyrae coming, of pubhct concern- ment vithout advyse of the kirk ; quhervpon they ver ordained to be re- saued in ther owne parish kirk, according to the Act of the Generall As- semblie. The said day, George Gordon in Culithie, Alexander Leith in Bucharne, Gordon. William Gordon in Gartly, gaue in ther supplicatiouns to be resaued to Leith. the subscription of the League and Covenant. The bretheren, not finding such satisfaction in ther cariage as they void haue vissed, continowed them for a tyme, and ordained Mr. Johne Chalmer, ther minister, to conferr vith them, and to search quhow they haue caried themselfs since the subscrip- tion of the Act of Parliament approuing the late unlawfull ingagement, and according as he findis them humbled to report to the presbytry. Mr. Robert Watson reported he had given the goodvyf of Flooris the Godvyf of first admonition. Ordained to proceed, vt supra. Flooris. Att Keyth, 23d ApriUs, 1650. Conveined Mr. James Gordon, minister at Rothemay ; Mr. Robert Ja- Act of Desig- mesone, minister at Botarie ; Mr. Johne Reidfurd, minister at Abercher- ^^.*^'9"' ,. Minister of dour ; vith the Laird of Rothemay ; George Calder of Assuenlie ; Gilbert Keyth his Barclay of Allanbuy, commissioneris nominat and elected by the Presbytry gi'^'^^s^- of Strathbogie at Botarie, sixteenth Aprilis, 1650, for designatioun of grasse to Mr. William Kinniraount, present minister at Keyth, and his successoris, and accordinglie they conveined vpon the ground and landis of Culsardie callit the Cruikit Hauch, as the nixt adjacent landis to the mi- nister his gleib and manse, and ther, according to the power granted and giuen to them as said is, after mature deliberatioun and inspection of such proportion of landis as they thoght expedient for accommodating the said Mr. William, present minister, and his successoris, for grasse, according to the late Act of Parliament, appoynted and designed to the said Mr. Wilham, and his successoris, ministeris at Keyth, the said Cruikit Hauch 140 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. of Culsardlie, belonging to the Laird of Grant, lyand vpon the north syd of the water of Ha, vith ane vther litle hauch vpon the south syd of the said water, raithit and merched as followes, viz.^ beginning at the north end of the said Cruik Hauch, at the steping stones of the said water, and therfra wpp the neirest rodd vpon the brae head, and therfra ascending southvard in the brae head as the hie rodd goes, and as the same is mithit and merched to the south end of the same hauch, and therfra descending as the same is merchit to the water of Ila ; and descending doun the said water againe to the forsaid stepping stones at the north quher they begod, and therfra cross- ino- the said water to the south syd of the same, and ther layed of and de- signed ane vther litle hauch of the forsaid landis of Culsardlie, as the same is presentlie occupied and possessit be Johne Cruikshank in Keyth, and as the same is merchit, viz.^ from the north end therof, ascending vpon the east syd therof as the corne growes to the south end of the same quher it is merched, and therfra going to the said water of Ila vpon the north wast svd therof, and descending againe, as the said water runis, to the north end of the same quher it merchis vith landis called the Floores of Kirkhill ; and ther gaue reall and actuall possession to Mr. William Kininmount, for him- self and his successoris, ministeris at Keyth, of the saidis hauches, merched and mithit as is aboue expressit, by delyverance of earth and stone, as vse is, no man opponing the contrair. This was done in presens of Walter Bar- clay, notter publict in Keyth ; James Gordon of Birkinburne ; Johne Rob in Keyth. Quhervpon the said Mr. William Kininmount took instrument in the handis of the said Walter Barclay ; and, in further werificatioun of the premissis, the principall copie of the said designatioun is subscryved by the designatoris forsaid. Att Botarie, 15th May, 1650. Anderson. The said day, corapeired Mr. Patrik Anderson, sone lawful! to George Anderson of Miltoun of Noth, and gaue in a supplicatioun, humblie re- quyring to be resaued to subscryv the Solemne League and Covenant, being but of late returned to the kingdom, vho, befor his reraowall, had bein in actuall rebellion vith George Lord Gordon, vhose domestik seruand he vas, all quhich he declared and humbhe acknowledgit in his supplicatioun ; quhervpon he vas ordained presentlie to subscryv the band made in behalf of such delinquentis, at Aberdein, May, 1647, be the Coramissioneris of the Generall Assemblie, quhilk he obeyed, and vas ordained the nixt Lordis 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 141 day to mak his repentance, in sackcloth, in his owne parish kirk of Rynnie, according to the practise in the lyk cases, and therafter to be resaued ac- cording to the ordour. Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported the Laird of Craig vas keeping the kirk. Laird of Craig. Compeired Johne Gordon of Awachie, William Murray of Achmull, Johne Hamiltoun, at the Milne of Kynnoir, requyring the Assemblie ther answer anent the plantatioun of the kirkis of Kinnoir and Dumbennand ; to Kinnolr and quhom it was answered, ther commissioner was present at the Assemblie, Dumbennand. vho could report his diligence to themselfis, and for any thing as yet alledgit be them, they wer to proceid in Mr. William Jamesone his tryallis for the said charge of Kinnoir, and, being found qualified, ver to admitt him. Compeired Mr. Alexander Innes of Culvie, and gaue in his supplicatioun, Innes. humblie requyring the presbytrie ther concurrence for his relaxatioun from the fearfuU sentence of excommunicatioun, quhervith he seemed mightelie dejected. The bretheren promised to assist him by ther commissioneris to the Generall Assemblie in presenting his supplicatioun, and shewing quhat they knew of his carriage since his excommunicatioun. The said day, Mr. Alexander Fraser regraited that Johne Andersone of Fraser. Westertoun had scandellized him, in calling him an adulterer. The said Johne being present, vas presentlie called, and confessed he had hard, and also had said the said Mr. Alexander had committed adulterie vith ther milvort his vyf, but he vas not the author of it, nor thoght it to be trew. The mater referred to further tryell at the wisitatioun of ther kirk, fifth Junij. The said day, Mr. Robert Jamesone, Mr. Johne Reidfurd, Mr. James Act anent Gordon, ministeris, George Calder of Assuenhe and Gilbert Barclay of the Mansse Allanbuy, ruling elderis, having been nominated and appoynted be the Presbytrie at Botarie, sixteenth Aprilis, to goe to the kirk of Keyth, and tak particular notice and inspection of the minis of the mansse of Keyth, and bigging belonging therto, and the imployment of four hundreth merkis formerlie alloted for repairing the edifice of the housse and mansse of the said kirk, being brunt and demolished be the comon enimie, in tyme of the rebellion, did report, they had seriously gone about ther com- mission, and ther fund the former four hundreth merkis to be exhausted alreadie on the said building, and yet the said mansse not to be half repaired, having found more houssis demolished then first vas thought vpon at the tyme of allowing the former hundreth merkis of the wacand 142 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. stipend for the said vse, and that, in ther judgment, vther fyw hundreth raerkis (by and attour the former four alreadie disbursit) will hardlie put the said manse in its former integritie. Quhich report, the presbytry taking to ther consideratioun, and still mynding ther owne, and the inten- tions of the Synod of Murray, vas (vpon the frequent desyris and supplicatioun of the parishoneris of Keyth) to repair and build vp the said mansse to that integritie it vas in befor the burning and demolishing therof, out of the wacand stipendis of the said kirk, doe therfor appoynt and ordaine vther fyw hundreth merkis, by and attour the former, allowed to be wplifted by the coUectoris formerlie appoynted, for that vse, out of the readiest of the forsaid wacand stipendis, and employed for the per- fecting of the said building, for the better accommodatioun of the present minister and his successoris ; the said collectoris being still comptable to the presbytery for ther intromission, and giuing ane compt of ther de- bursments to the said vse, as they salbe requyred at the finishing of the said worke. And we are confident that our proceedings in this busines will find the approbatioun of the Provinciall Assembly, or ther commis- sioneris appoynted for wisitatioun of the province, and that the Generall Assemblie will not think it fitt that the wacand stipendis of the said parish sould be imployed to any vse till first the forsaid mansse and houssis belonging therto be fuUie repaired, wpbuildit, and made free, in all tyme coming, to the rainisteris, and that in regaird the parishoneris of Keyth had once made the said mansse free to the kirk, vpon ther owne charges, befor the burning and demoHshing therof. Att Botrufnie, 5th Junij, 1650. Jamesone. Mr. William Jamesone taught, Mathew 4, v. 11. His travailis ap- prouen ; onlie he was admonished to be more cleir in the explicatioun of the wordis. Ogilvie. The said day, George Ogilvie in Keyth, having beine ane leivtenant vpon the late vnlaufull ingadgment, gave in his supplicatioun, confessing the evill and wickednes therof, humblie requyring to be receaued into the League and Covenant. He was ordained to be resaued in his owne parish kirk, according to the Act of the Generall Assemblie. The minister, Mr. Alexander Fraser, remoued, and his elderis, viz., William M'Fersone of Drummuire; Arthur Stewart of Auchcroy ; James Christie of Hachinhead ; Johne Grant, in Bowmakelache ; Arthur 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 143 Stewart, in Bellihack ; William Stewart, in Bodinfinach ; Alaster Stewart, in Kirktoun ; Thomas Sheipheard, in Drumuie ; Patrick Duncan, in Cowie ; James Cobin, in Ardbrodin ; being all suorne, vith vplifted handis, to declare according to ther knowledge in the particularis they ver to be posed concerning ther minister. And, first, being posed concerning his preaching, if they ver edified therby, if he preached for the worke of reformatioune, and how oft he preached on the Lordis day ; answered, they ver edified therby, and that he preached tuyse in the long day, and that he had spoken more for the reformatioune vithin this yeir then befor. 2. Being posed anent the celebration of the com- munion, how oft it was celebrat in the yeir, and if he did it decentlie, according to the Directorie for Publict Vorship ; answered, it vas not celebrat but once thir five or six yeiris, and on that tyme had reid- ing of scripture in tyme of the celebration ; and that the people ver not ofter catechized then the communion vas gilFen. 3. Being posed how he celebrat the sacrament of baptisrae, if he did that according to the Directorie, and if he had ane particular day in the week for lecture or catechising, and celebration of the sacrament of baptisme, as they sould occurre ; deponed, that he vsed to baptize on the Lordis day, after the blissing, and after sessioun, and on any week day, vithout lecture. 4. Being posed how he exercised his discipline, if all malignantis in the parish ver censured according to the Actis of Assemblie, and if compt ves taken vith the collector of his resett and debursments, and if ther vas ane good harmonic of amitie and concord betuixt the minister and his sessioneris in punishing all kynd of vyce ; deponed, that some malig- nantis vithin the parish, namlie, Johne Anderson of Westertoun, had neuer satisfied as yet, and that ther vas some discord betuixt the minister and the said Johne Anderson, quhilk they thoght arose for the minister his augraentatioun of his stipend, and that the said Johne vas remowed from the sessioun onlie ane tuentie days since. Also, that they were not so decent in ther sessioun as became such ane judicatorie ; the minister his stipend being collected somtyme in face of sessioun, and frequentlie on the Lordis day, be the collectoris appoynted be the parishoneris for that vse ; and that ther ver some superstitious practices, viz., ther conveining in the kirk on the first Monday of the quarter, and taking ther nighbours oaths that they sould not harme ane another, the minister also being present, and no censure inflicted heirvpon. 5. Being posed if the minister residit at his 144 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. kirk, attendit his charge duelie, if he had any distractions, and concerning his lyf and conversatioun, if he hued as it became the minister of Christ Jesus ; deponed, he vas blameles in lyf and conversatioun, and that he duelt halfmyle from the kirk, having some labouring quhervith he vas litle or nothino- taken up, having a sone that did attend the same. And, lastlie, beino- asked if he vrged familie worship, and also ver requyred to declare quherin they void haue ther minister to be admonished, answered, he vrged familie worship publictlie, but void wish all absentis and conteraneris of afternoonis exercise on the Lordis day to be more strictlie looked to and censured. The elderis being remowed, and the minister being posed of ther fidelitie and cariage in ther places, answered, he knew nothing of them saue onlie they ver careles in delating any vyce but fornicatioun and adulterie, quhilk they ver admonished off, and requyred to amend. The minister and elderis ordained to restrain pennie brydellis. Duff". The said day, ane regrait giffen in be Alexander DufF in Westertoun for want of accommodatioun in the kirk, not knoving the particular division of the kirk for the people ther accommodatioun, the minister vas ordained to mak publict intimatioun out of pulpit, requyring the heritoris to meet some week day for divyding the kirk in just proportion of rowme for the vhole heritoris and inhabitantis of the parish ; and vpon ther advertisment, Mr. Robert Jamesone, Mr. William Kinninmount, Mr. George Meldrum, Assuenlie, and Gilbert Barclay, ordained to convein vith them for assisting of them in the said busines. Anderson. Anent the referr from the last meetting, concerning the minister his scandell of alledgit adulterie be Johne Anderson of Westertoun, compeired the said Johne Anderson, and being asked vhy he had scandellized his minister vith ane alledgit adulterie, answered, he had not scandellized him, nor vas he the spreader of that scandell ; but quhat he had done or spoken in that particular vas in obedience to ane referre of the presbytry, 1642, ordaineing the elderis to search quhat they could learn of that scandell raised be ane young lass then duelling vith that milvort vith vhose vyf he vas scandellized. It vas declared to him, and mad manifest by the sessioun book, that at the nixt wisitatioun, 1643, the minister vas fred of that as- persion be him and the rest of the elderis, the said Johne answered, he vas not present at that visitatioun, nor knew he of it, nether had he euer keeped any wisitatioun since the 42 ; and that now, hearing of a provin- Fraser. 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 145 ciall visitatioun quher all elderis ver to be suorne anent ther minister hi. lyf and conuersatioun, he vas vsing his diligence in the inquirie of the former referr. He being posed if he had gotten any further tryell or li^ht ni the said busines, answered he had, quhilk he vas villing to decla^'re provyding he sould not be holden for the sclanderer, he giuing authoris for quhat he spak, quhervnto the presbytry condescendit, provyding hisauthori« owned the said speeches. And, first, the said Johne Anderson declared ' that William Anderson, Elspet Johnston hir husband, said, if the minister sought him by any decreit, he sould seek him for a vorse thing, for defyling his wyf. 2. That James Cobin said to the minister himself, I hard ye was seek vpon a tyme, and vpon the night ye wold goe to the kirk and pray, and instead of going to the kirk ye vent to the milvort his house. 3. That Elspet Corbie, spous to James Roy in Argathnie, being asked on a tyme be the minister his wyf quhat newes shoe hard, answered, that a seruant women of hiris being in Bocharne, hard Burges Innes saying that the mi- nister of Botrufnie had fallen vith Elspet Johnstoun, the milvort his wyf vho desyred hir goe to hir own house, and tell hir husband the minister so much, quhich shoe did. Also, he said he vas informed that Magdalen Mill had spoken much of the said busines, and diveris vtheris, as he sould call to memorie; but seing the night vas approaching, these witnesses ver con- tinowed till the provinciall visitatioun at Aberlour, the last Tysday Junii, ther to be examined; and the said Johne Anderson summondit apud acta to keep the said day and place, and the minister ordained to summond such elderis as ver not present this day to keep the said dyet, and thir witnesses also to be summondit for the effect forsaid. The said Johne Anderson not having satisfied for his complyance vith Andersc the rebellis, gaue m his supplicatioun desyring to be resaued, and humblie submitting himself to the censure of the presbytry, the bretheren ordained him to mak his repentance in sackcloth in his owne parish kirk, and sub- scry ve the band, according to the ordour; and Mr. George Meldrum to preach at Botrufnie the nixt Lordis day, and resaue him ; and Mr. Alex- ander Eraser to preach at Glas. The said day vas produced ane letter from the Presbytry of Fordyce, of Fordyce. the dait thirtieth Maii, requyring the bretheren to meet with them at Nether Milne of Strath Ila, twentieth Junij, for going to perambulat the landis of Edmglassie, and cognoscing the expediencie of disjoyning them from the kirk of Mortulach and annexing them to the parish kirk of Glas, 146 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. according to the ordinance of the Generall Assemblie, at Edinburgh the [ ] day of [ ] 1649 ; as also, for considering the better accommodatioun of some vther landis vithin the boundis of the presbytry ; quhervnto the bretheren condiscendit, and ordained the moderator to acquant the Presbytry of Fordyce of ther willingnes to keep day and place for said. The bretheren resaued advertisraent from the commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie of ane solemne thanksgiuing for that happie victorie over James Grahame and his associatis in rebellion against our kirk and kingdome in the north partis. Lady Fren- Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported, the Lady Frendraught had subscryved the draught Solemne League and Covenant, and abjured Poprie in the seuerall headis SRtisflGd and articles in the National Couenant. Att Botarie, 12th Junij, 1650. Commission- The said day being appoynted for nomination and election of comrais- eris elected, gioneris for the Generall Assemblie, and for commission of plantatioun of kirkis, if the said commission sail happin to sitt ; Mr. Robert Jamesone, Mr. William Kinninmount, Mr. George Meldrum on the list, Mr. William Kinninmont and Mr. George Meldrum ver chosen; and the Laird of Rothemay, Assuanlie younger, Gilbert Barclay of Allanbuy, ruling elderis on the list, the Laird of Rothemay vas elected to attend the insuing Ge- nerall Assembly. The said day, the Laird of Kinardie requyred, by his letter, the presbytry ther determinatioun anent the accommodatioun of the people of Turterie for Godis publict worship, after ther perambulatione of the parish of Rothemay and landis of Turterie, (granted vpon the humble supplicatioun of the Laird of Kinardie and Leivtennant Colonell Beroald Innes, vod- setteris of the saidis landis, in name of the inhabitantis therof,) both to the presbytry and Provinciall Assembly of Murray ; quhilk landis, after per- ambulation and serious consideratioun, vas found to be tuo myles, or there- by, distant from the kirk of Rothemay ; and that the rest of the parish, in the circumference therof, to be as farr equallie distant, the kirk being si- tuated in medio ; and the saidis landis of Turterie ver but ane quarter myle distant from the kirk of Abercherdour, the said kirk being situated in the west end of the parish next Rothemay, the water of Devren being inter- sected betwixt the saidis landis and both the saidis kirkis ; the presbytry 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 147 tinding farther that the parish of Rothemay vas lesse in boundis, in rent and fewer communicants then the parish of Abercherdour, doe, for these and vther reasonis giffen in, and to be giuen in, by both parties to the Generall Assembly, referr the determinatioun of all to the Assemblie. Compeired George Gordon in Culithie, and gaue in his supplicatioun, Gordon, quherin he acknowledgit, in all humilitie, his offence against God and brak of Covenant, by subscryving the Act of Parliament for the vnlawfull in- gagement, and confessit his vnfained sorow for the same, promising, by the grace of God, in all tym comming to keep himself free of all such wicked courses, and humblie requyred to be resaued to the bosome of the kirk vpon his repentance, that he might be made capable of the sacrament of the Lordis Supper vith the rest of the congregatioun. The bretheren finding themselfs better satisfied vith his cariage and humiliatioun then be- fore, and his minister reporting that, since his entrie, he fand nothino- but ane modest and humble way of walking in lyf and conversatioune, or- dained him to be resaued in his owne parish kirk, according to the Act of the Assemblie. Att Botarie, 10th July, 1650. The said day vas produced the result of the presbytry ther meetting vith the Presbytry of Fordyce at Nethermilne, twentith Junij, the tenor quher- of foil owes : " Att Nethermilne of Strathila, 20th Junij, 1650. The quhilk day and Act anent the place being appoynted by the mutual consent of the Presbytries of Strath- annexing of bogie and Fordyce, anent the disjoyning of the landis of Edinglassie, partes kirk"omass* and pendicles theirof, from the parish kirk and paroch of Mortulach, vithin the Presbytry of Fordyce, and annexing the same to the parish kirk and parochin of Glass in all tym coming, conforme to the ordinance of the Ge- nerall Assemblie at Edinburgh, the [ ] day of [ ] 1649, for that effect. The quhilk day, the moderator and bretheren of the Presbytrie of Strathbogie having conveined, and the Presbytry of Fordyce, notvithstand- ing of ther letter at Fordyce, May thirtieth, 1650, desyring vs of the Pres- bytrie of Strathbogie to meet, day and place forsaid, for that purpos, pro- mising themselfs to be present, sent only ane commissioner of the ministrie, and ane ruling elder, clothed vith no absolut power to concurr vith vs in the said particular ; after incalling of the name of God, the presbytry, finding themselfs disapoynted of the concurrence of ther neighbour pres- 148 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. bytry vnto so pious a vorke, so much concerning the honour of God and the accomraodatioun of the inhabitantis of the saidis landis of Edinglassie to his publict worship and seruice, notvithstanding of the frequent supplica- tiouns of the saidis inhabitantis to the Presbytry of Fordyce to the effect forsaid, and considering the neir approch of the General! AssembHe, and of our necessitie of giuing obedience vnto ther Act of the dait aboue wretten, and vithall, perfyctlie knowing the wicinitie of the landis aboue wretten wnto the parish kirk of Glass, the most part quherof are not aboue half myll distant from the kirk of Glass, and the farrest part therof distant not much aboue ane myll, and all inclosed vithin the bosome of the said parochin, quheras part of the saidis landis is distant from the kirk of Mor- tulach four myles, and the farrest part aboue four myles of verie roch way, tuo riveris, raountainis, and mossis, hardlie passible, interjected, quhilk is both knowen and acknowledgit be the Presbytry of Fordyce. All quhich being deliberatlie considered, together vith the meanness of the present provisione of the parish of Glass, and largeness of the other parish of Mortulach, doe therfor declair, that the saidis inhabitantis of the saidis landis of Edinglassie, vith all the partis, pendicles therof, can in novayes be commodiouslie serued at the kirk of Mortulach, and may be verie commo- diouslie serued at the kirk of Glass, and no quher elis so weel ; quherfor the said Presbytry of Strathbogie doe, in all humilitie, intreat the right honorabill Lordis and vtheris Commissioneris appoynted for waluatioune of teyndis and plantatioune of kirkis, to interpone ther authoritie and judiciall act for disjoyning the saidis landis of Edinglassie from the parish kirk and parish of Mortulach, and annexing the same to the parish kirk and parochin of Glas in all tyme coming." Innes. The said day, Mr. Johne Innes produced his testificates of his tryallis as ane expectant, quherby he vas licentiated to preach by the Presbytry of Garioch, as also of his lyf and conversatioun, as from the presbytry so in particular from the sessioun of the Chappell of Garioch, quher he had his particular iraployment in teaching ane gramer scoole ; quhervpon he vas admittit schoolmaster at Abercherdour. Att Innerkethnie, 24th Julij, 1650. The said day, after incalling the name of God, conveined the moderator and bretheren. Absent, Mr. George Meldrum, Mr. William Kininmount, commissioneris to the Assemblie. 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 149 Mr. Robert Irving taught, Hos. 14, v. 1, 2, 3. The said Mr. Robert Irving being remoued, and doctrine censured, the bretheren thoght him lyvles in his applicatioun, and not applying himself to the tymes ; his speech somquhat inarticulate. The elderis being seuerallie posed how they ver edified by his doctrine, Irving. how he caried in lyf and conversatioun, and how he discharged himself in his ministerial! calling, declared, all in one voyce, he was no worse in preaching then befor, and that by him they ver edified, and he vas blaraeles in his lyf and conversatioun. It being shewen them that the bretheren could not distinctlie vnderstand his expressionis in manie wordis ; answered, throgh custome they vnderstood him better then vtheris. Notvithstandino- heirof, the bretheren thoght expedient that ane helper sould be adjoyned to him, and posed the elderis if they thoght not the same, vho answered, they ver content vith ther owne minister, and thoght him als able to discharo-e his calling as befor. And yet, be ther discourse, the bretheren perceiued ther unwillingnes to haue ane helper proceidit cheiflie from feare of impos- ing the said helper his mantenance on them ; quhervpon the bretheren or- dained the said Mr. Robert to prosecute the lawes of the kingdome for pro- vision of his kirk, and he, and four of his elderis at least, to keep the pro- vinciall visitatioun at Cromdell, the second Tysday of September nixt, ac- cording to the ordinance of the said visitatioun at Aberlour, to quhich they referred the consideratioun of all. The said day, compeired the Lord Oliphant, being summondit for not Oliphant. keeping his parish kirk of Abercherdour, vho declared his inabilitie of bodie many tymes, and the want of houses for accommodating him and his familie so farr distant from the same, vas the onlie cans, quhilk he promised to amend in tyra comming. Mr. John Reidfurd ordained to report the same to the presbytrie, and vpon his continowed absence, to processe him. The Laird of Kinardie being summondit for the same effect, called, com- Kinardie. peired not personallie, but sent ane letter containing some frivolous excuses, quhilk the bretheren novayes thoght relevant. His minister vas ordained to deall vith him for his keeping till the Provincial Assemblie, and ther report quhat he had eff"ectuat, as also to deall vith him for subscryving the League and Covenant. The said day, Mr. Johne Chalmer reported that William Gordon, Parishoneris Patrik Gordon, Alexander Anderson, parishoneris of Gartly, had satisfied °^ Partly, according to the former ordinance in all poyntis, and so wer resaued to the League and Covenant. 150 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. Ane letter from the Presbytry of Edinburgh. limes. Duncan. The bretheren having resaued, since the last meetting, ane varning from the Commissioneris of the General! Assemblie, of the dait twenty-fifth Junii, in relation to the sectaries now threttning to invade this kingdome, together vith causes of a fast for a blissing on the present Generall As- semblie, ane happie successe to our commissioneris gone to his Majestie, and diueris vther causes contained and expressit in former fastis; the quhilk fast sould haue been keeped the last Lordis day, Junij, but came not sooner to our handis. All reported they had read the said warning, and intimate the said fast to be keeped the nixt Lords day. The said day vas produced ane letter from the Presbytry of Edinburgh, showing the threatning of the sectaries in England to invade this kingdome, vho having dealt so deceitfuUie in the cans of God and his Covenant, and that the Parliament had taken course for a present and speedie levie in re- ference to the defence of the countrey against these men vhose successe, in all appearance, void bring forth ruine of religione and government amongst vs ; quhervpon it vas thoght expedient that everie minister sould contribute according to the proportion sett doune in the said letter for ane regiment of horss, to be presentlie levied for that said expeditioun. The bretheren re- solued to giue obedience heirvnto vith all possible diligence, and appoynted the nixt meetting vltimo Julii, at Botarie, quher everie one sould report ther diligens, the tyme being short and the busines of gryt weight. Att Botarie, 14th August, 1650. Mr. William Kinninmont, Mr. George Meldrum, commissioneris to the Generall Assemblie, hauing returned and giuen accompt of ther diligens, ver found faithfull, and approuen in ther commission. The said commis- sioneris having advysed ther bretheren of ane fast indicted by the Generall Assemblie, to be intimat the first day after ther return from the Assemblie, for religion, king, and kingdome, according to quhich aduertisment the bretheren reported they had intimat and keeped accordinglie. Compeired Mr. Alexander Innes of Culvie, requyring his former sup- pHcatioun for his relaxatioun from that fearfull sentence of excommunicatioun to be sent be the presbytry to the commission of the kirk, vith ther owne testificat of such signes of humiliatioun as they had seen in him. The bretheren ordained him to renew the same in plain and simple expressionis of the treuth, againe ther nixt day. The said day, Mr. Robert Jamesone reported ane Normand Duncan had bein sein committing buggarie, now fled from the boundis. Ordained 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 151 the said Mr. Robert to excommunicat him the nixt Lordis day, and report to the presbytry. The said day, Mr. George Meldrum reported, that having hard of ane Gordon ot child recenthe borne be one Christan Gordon, sister to the goodman of Beldomie. Beldornie, sent for tuo of his elderis, and vent to the place of Beldornie for the tryall of the same, and ther askit hirself, hir sister, and rest of the familie if ther vas such ane thing, all denyed any thing of that kynd ; bot they being crediblie informed of the birth of a child ther, vent to ane more narrow search throgh the seuerall rowmes of the hous, quher they saw some signes of childbirth, and yet nothing could be had but close deniall from the woman hirself, till at last, after long and earnest paines in dealling vith hir, shoe confessed the same, and shew the rowme, quher they fand the child murthered ; and being askit vho vas the father of the child, answered, ane trouper, notvithstanding it vas surmising among them that hir brotheris sone vas the father of the same ; quhervpon the said Mr. George resolues to committ hir in custodie to some sure hand, till he sould advyse vith the shirreff anent the murther of the child, and vith the presbytry anent hirself and father of the child, but hir goodsister and people vithin the house vndertook to keep hir, and to be comptable for hir. The minister and elderis acquiesced heirvnto for the tyme. The said Christan getting too much libertie, and litle attendance vithin the house, throwes hirself over the house wall of Beldornie, and brwses all hir bones ; after which fall, shoe confessed to some that hir brother sone vas the father of the child. Ther- after, the said Mr. George comming to hir, and spending some certaine tyme in prayer and conference vith hir, could find no ingenous confession, and at last, throgh the vehemencie of pain occasioned by hir said fall, ex- pyres this mortall lyf. The bretheren, having hard this greiuous report, ordaines Mr. George Meldrum to summonde the said Johne Gordon of Beldornie, younger, and all these that ver about the said Christan, in the familie or wtherwayes, to the nixt dyett. The nixt meetting twenty- eighth August, quher Mr. Williame Jamesone hes his questionarie tryall in theologie and chronologic. Att Botarie, 28th August, 1650. Corapeired Johne Gordon, appearand of Beldornie, and being accused Gordon of of incest and adulterie vith Christan Gordon, his fatheris sister, vho had Beldornie. murthered both hirself and the child, denyed the same ; and it being showen 152 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. Vitnessis against Beldorny. Calder. Gordon. Gordon. Colly. him that, at hir death, shoe confessed him to be the father of the child, he granted the same to be said be hir, but alledgit shoe vas distracted, and therafter denyed it. The witnessis that had any converse vith her about the said tyme, or vho ver thought to know any thing of the said busines, being summondit, compeired personallie, and being seuerallie suorne, de- poned as followes, viz. : George Calder of Assuenlie being suorne, deponed as he vas demandit ; and, first, being posed if he knew any thing of the scandellous conversatioun of Johne Gordon, appearand of Beldorny, vith Christan Gordon, his fa- theris sister, deponed he knew nothing. 2. Being posed if he vas suborned by these people of Beldorny, that he sould not tell the treuth, answered not. 3. Being posed if he knew the said Christan vas distracted from the tyme of hir fall till the tyme of hir death, answered, he thoght shoe was not, but vas sensible and penitent. 4. Being posed vhither or no shoe named young Beldorny to be the father of the child, deponed, that quhen he spak vith the voman hirself and asked, shoe answered, shoe affirmed it in his presence, and said if he ver brought in hir presence he durst not deny it ; quheropon his mother threatned hir for quhat shoe said, and denyed his presence. Margaret Gordon Lady Assuenlie being suorne, and posed the same interrogatoris, after the same ordour they are sett down, answered to the first, vt supra ; to the second, vt supra negatiuely ; to the third, shoe an- swered shoe thoght hir somquhat distracted ; and to the fourth, that shoe hard hir not speak any thing concerning Johne Gordon that he vas the father of the child. Jeane Gordon, goodvyf of Achinhandak, being suorne, vt supra, deponed conforme to Margaret Gordon in the first three quaeres ; and for the fourth, deponed that shoe named a trouper to be the father of the child. Elspet Gordon, spous to Mr. William Hay, being suorne and posed conforme to the rest, vt supra, deponed conforme to Jean Gordon in omnibus. Jeane Gordon, daughter to the goodvyf of Achinhandoch, being suorne, deponed to the first, negatiuely ; to the second, answered negatiue ; to the third, negatiue ; to the fourth, negatiue, and said shoe sueir, let neuer the sunne shyne on hir that if shoe said that, shoe knew not quhat shoe vas saying. Janat Colly being suorne, deponed to the first, negatiue ; to the second, negatiue; to the third, shoe said shoe thought hir not at hirself; to the fourth, negatiue. 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 153 Elspet Morisone being suorne conforme, deponed to the first, negatiue ; Morison. to the second, negatiue ; to the third, negatiue ; to the fourth, that after hir fall shoe affirmed a trouper to be the father of the child, and that shoe hard hir say shoe sould mak them repent that void not keep. Marie Gordon, seruand in the hous of Beldornie, being'suorne conforme Gordon and posed, to the first, answered negatiue ; to the second, negatiue ; to the third, shoe thoght hir distracted after hir fall till death ; to the fourth, shoe affirmed that Elspet Morison said that it vas surmished among themselfs that young Beldorny vas the father of the child. Janet Kerre being suorne and posed conforme to the rest, answered, to Kerr, the first, 7iegatiue ; to the second, negatiue ; to the third, negatiue ; to the fourth, that shoe hard hir affirme a trouper vas the father of the child. Bessie Bettie being suorne and posed conforme to the rest, answered, to Bettie. the first, negatiue ; to the second, negatiue ; to the third, negatiue ; to the fourth, that shoe being sent be the minister to sie her and enquyr vho vas the father of the child, shoe declared to hir that Johne Gordon vas the father. Isobell Cowper being suorne and posed conforme, vt supra, answered, to Cowper. the first, negatiue ; to the second, negatiue ; to the third, that shoe affirmed hirself shoe vas not at hirself ; to the fourth, shoe said the goodvyff of Beldorny said to hir, God nor hir sould be condemned for laying the child on hir sone. The voman Christan Gordon hir answer vas, They had gotten all of hir they void gett. After examinatioun of the saidis witnessis, the said Johne Gordon vas Gordonis of called vpon and summondit, apud acta, to compeir the Provinciall Assemblie Beldorny. of Murray, to be holden the first Tuysday Octobris nixt, to quhich tyme all vas referred that concerned the said busines. The said day, the goodvyfe of Beldorny vas requyred publictlie to dis- haunt hir brother-in-law his companie ; and Mr. George Meldrum is or- dained to look quhat obedience shoe giues to the said advyse, and report to the presbytry, as he wold be answerable. The said day, Mr. George Meldrum heavilie regraited, that quhile ther sessioun of Glasse ver about the tryall of ane scandell of adulterie betuixt Gilbert Gald, one of ther elderis, and Janet Duncan, vho had bein fugitiue ane yeir and more from ther parish vith ane child to the said Gilbert Gald wnbaptized, as now, having returned, shoe confessis ; and quhill he vas accusmg his elderis for ther neglect in delating so crying and sinfull fact, u 154 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. and in particular reprehending one James Robertsone, nixt adjacent elder, yea, duelling in the nixt house almost quher the said woman liued vith the child for a good space, for concealing the same ; quhom he posed if he knew not the said woman to haue that child ther, answered, he had no notice of the said scandell ; and in place of taking his admonitioun patientlie, and confessing his neglect of dutie in delating, the said James spake most baslie and scandellouslie of his minister, saying all the notice he had of the said busines ves from one vhose tailes, if they ver all trew, he vould cause the best ther haue foull faces, (meaning the minister) ; and being asked quhat that ves, refuised to tell ; quhervpon he is remowed, and the elderis enquyred quhat they thoght of such speeches, if they could be passed, or be made to explain himself quhat he raeaned, and by quhom he meaned, quhilk was thoght expedient, he being on of ther number, and speaking so, judi- ciallie in face of session ; and so being called back, he declares publictlie that George Robertsone had said he sould cause that lowne the minister haue a fowll face, for he gottin ane bairne in fornicatioun vith Elspet Gor- don, daughter to Innermerkie, quhilk that he wold stand till. 2. That he had ane bairn in Buchan at the schoole. 3. That he had taken ane dunne cow from one James Brabner, for concealling his fornicatioune vith Mar- garet Gordon. And, 4. That he had taken ane firlat of malt after ane vther vas done, for concealHng Margaret Straquhen hir fornicatioune. Quhervpon the said James Robertsone vas summondit apud acta to keep this day befor the presbytry, and to bring his author and proofes with him. Compeired this day the said George Robertsone, quhom the said James did giue for author of these scandellous speeches, and being posed of all the particularis, denyed the same. The said James brings ane Alexander Gald for witness, vho being adraittit be the said George and suorne, de- poned that he hard George Robertsone say the minister vas a lowne, and had gottin ane dunne cow from James Brabner for concealing his fornica- tioune ; and that he spak also of the malt alledgit be him gottin from Mar- garet Straquhen for concealling hir fornicatioun, but he hard no more. The mater continowed to farther probatioun, quhilk the said James wnder- tooke to bring the nixt day ; and to that effect, both George and James Robertsones ver summondit apud acta to compeir. Brabner. Compeired the said James Brabner, from quhom the minister receaued the dunne cow, and being solemnilie suorne vpon his gryt oath to declare how and in quhat termes he gaue that cow to the minister, deponed he 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 155 sold hir to him for twenty-four merkis, and had resaued so much from him for hir pryce. Compeired Johne Gordon in Ouerhall, James Duff of Bad, Thomas Gordon, sone to the goodman of Daache, and gaue in ther seuerall suppli- catiouns to be resaued to the League and Covenant, that they mio-ht be admittit to the holie communion ; but the bretheren persauing them not to be so humble as ver to be wished, and that ther supplicatiouns declared small remorse for any thing they had done, they ver referred back and continowed till they further testifie ther humiliatioun. The said day, George Geddes gaue in a supplicatioun, desyring Mr. Gcddes. Robert Watsone his oath of weritie, quhateuer vas resting to him be his father, grandfather, etc.^ and he sould satisfie him ; but Mr. Robert not knowing heirof before, declared he could not presentlie giue his oath con- cerning any particular comptis, but requyred tuo or three brether sould try the mater ; quhervith the presbytry being satisfied, did appoynt Mr. Wil- liam KInninmont, Mr. George Meldrum, and Mr. Johne Reidfurd, vith Gilbert Barclay, ruling elder, to meet at Keyth, fifth September, to try the mater, and report to the presbytry or the provinciall visitatioun, now at hand. Att Botarie, 25th September, 1650. The said day, after incalling one the name of God, conveined the mo- derator and bretheren. Absent, Mr. Robert Irving. Mr. Johne Reidfurd exercised, 1st Cor. 4, v. 1, 2. No addition, inrespect of Mr. Robert Irving his absens. His doctrine approued. Mr. George Chalmer excused his former dayes absens. Mr. James Gordon reported he had preached at Kynnoir, eight Septem- Plantation oi ber, and, according as he vas ordained, he had serued ane edict, chargino- Kynnoir. all heritoris, wedsetteris, and parochineris quhatsomeuer, that had any thing to object against Mr. William Jamesone his doctrine, lyf, and conversation, being formerlie nominat and tryed now by the presbytry to be minister at Kynnoir, to compeir this day, as the said edict execute and indorsit at more lenth beares, quhilk being called, compeired Johne Gordone of Avachie, William Murry of Achmull, produced ther commission from the rest of the parishoneris to compeir this day at Botarie, to answer ane edict seruit at Kynnoir, eight September, giuing and granting full power to the saidis commissioneris to doe heirin as they thoght meet, promising quhateuer salbe 156 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. done by them salbe allowed be the rest of the parishoneris. Ther commis- sion bein sein and approuen, the moderator asked them quhat they had to object against Mr. William Jamesone, vhy he might not be admittit to be ther minister at Kynnoir, according as they ver requyred by the edict in all poyntis, and seing they had ther commission in vryt, so they ver requyred to giue in ther reasonis vnder ther handis, that the presbytry might consider of them and giue them ther answer, quhilk they vndertooke to doe, and ac- cordinglie performed, the tenor quherof followes : " 1 . We of the parish of Kynnoir findis, first, that this edict is vnfor- mallie seruit for admitting Mr. William Jamesone to our kirk, conforme to the Act of Generall Assemblie, therfor ought not be admittit. " 2. We cannot object any thing in the young manis contrair till w^e heir him three or four Lordis dayes, and then, as we find him for our edifica- tioune or not, we sail giue our answer to the presbytry, or to any particular minister therof, provyding this is found no consent in vs of accepting him. " 3. That we haue ane considerable number of parishoneris vho are in capacitie of ane voyce in election of the minister, notvithstanding are ne- glected by the presbytry. " 4. That our cheife and master is at one now with the kirk, and ought to haue ane voyce in electioune of his owne actuall minister, and conforme to the Act of the Generall Assemblie, that noblemens kirkis, quher them- selfs are heirers, ought to be planted vith eminent men. Suhscribitur, Johne Gordon, Awachie ; William Murray, Achmull." The bretheren, after consideratioun of the saidis reasonis, thoght nane of them relevant. For the first thrie reasonis concerning the informal pro- cedour of the presbytry may be soon answered from former actis of presby- try, as in particular, twenty-first November, 1649, and at Grange, nine- teenth December, 1649, and at Botarie, vltimo Januarii, 1650, and at Dum- bennand, fourth Julij, 1649 ; and for the last, it is vnknowne to the presby- try that ther cheife and master is reconciled to the kirk as yet. Alvayes seing the Assemblie vas now at hand, the bretheren referred all ther pro- cedour in the said busines, vith these commissioneris objectionis, to the con- sideratioun of the said Assemblie. Robcrtsoiies Compeired James and George Robertsones, in Glass, and the said in Glasse. James being asked quhat more proofes he had brought of these base forged calumnies vttered by him against ther minister, answered, he had tuo brotheris of his owne, and ane Alexander Crukshank ; but the said George 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 157 wold not admitt his owne bretheren as witnessis, and also excepted against the said Alexander Crukshank, he being his owne brotheris ser- uant ; and also the said Alexander his brother had broken the said George his barne. Yet, seing thir vas no raor witnessis, the presbytry resolued to heir quhat he could declare in the said busines; vho declared that, lono- since, all these people being drinking together, he hard George Robert" sone speaking baselie of ther minister, but the particularis he took no notice of them, (the said George being drunk, as he thought,) till at this tyme he was put in memorie of them be the said James Robertsone. So then, the forsaid calumnies not being prouen fullie to haue bein spoken be the said George Robertsone, the said James being called, and posed on his great oath if he knew any more of the said particularis, or hard of them be any other, or if he knew the said Elspet Gordon to haue borne a child at all, or if he knew any thing in his minister, his lyf and conversa- tioun, worthie eyther of censure or admonition, deponed solemnlie, that he neuer hard any such thing, but of the said George Robertsone ; nether knew he nor thoght he any thing but good and honestie to Mr. Georo-e Meldrum, his minister. Also, the said George Robertsone being called, and posed if he had spoken such calumnies, answered, he vas drunk at that tyme, and rememberis not quhat he said ; and being solemnlie suorne vpon his gryt oath to declare if, euer since or befor, he hard any such thing against his minister, or if he beleiued that any of them ver trew, or could instruct any such thing, and if he knew the said Elspet Gordon to haue borne any child at all, and so vas requyred vpon his gryt oath to declare quhat he knew of his minister, his lyf and conversatioun, either in his walking as a priuate Christian, or as a minister, in preaching the word, discipline, or any vther way, vho most solemnlie, vpon his k°nees, vith uplifted handis, deponed, he neuer hard such things of him, nor thoght he any of them to be trew, nor knew he any child to have bein borne be Elspet Gordon, nor knew he any thing but good and honestie to the mmister, in his lyf and conversatioun, and in discharging his calling, both m preaching, exercise of discipline, and any vther vav ; and if he had spoken such things as ver layd to his charge, it vas in his"' drunkennes, and rememberis not. The bretheren, taking the mater to ther consideratioun, thoght both the said personis worthie of most high censure ; the said George for drinking to such ane excesse as he knew not quhat he vas saying, and at 158 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. Watson and Geddes. Gordonis of Carnborovv. Gordon. Duff. that tyme sould vent such calumnies as now he sueiris he neuer hard befor nor after ; and the said James being ane elder, and neuer contra- dicting his forged calumnies, nor acquainting the minister, till of late, in face of sessioun, he vpbraded him thervith ; quherfor they ordaine both thes George and James Robertsones to mak ther publict repentance, in sackcloth, throgh all the kirkis of the presbytry, and ther to testifie ther vnfained sorow for ther base and forged calumnies. And Mr. George Chalmer ordained to preach the next Lordis day at Glas, quher they most begin ther repentance, and intimat ther censure ; and mak publict intimatioun of James Robertsone his depositioun from being elder, as wnvorthie to beare office in the hous of God, having so foullie prevaricat, as said is. And from thence they most go throgh the rest of the kirkis ; and, vpon ther humiliatioun, to be absolued again, at ther owne parish kirk of Glas. The said day, Mr. William Kinninmont and Mr. George Meldrum, nominat and appoynted the former day to meet at Keyth, fifth September, and try the particular restis that was betueen George Geddes and Mr. Robert Watsone, reported ther diligence ; that accordinglie they mett, and posed Mr. Robert Watson, vpon his oath, vhither is George Geddes his father or grandfather iustlie restand yow the summe of fourtie one libs, yeirlie, for the yeiris 1620, 1621, 1622, and 1623, for quhich ye haue denunced George Geddes to the home. The said Mr. Robert re- fused to answer the question aboue vretten, vpon oath, till he haue a better ground for taking his oath, and did appeall to the provinciall visita- tioune at Cromdell, tenth September. The said day, Catheren, Marie, and Jean Gordonis, daughteris to Carnborrow, having been summondit, 7>ro S'"-, for ther not heiring the word, communicating, etc., called, not compeiring, ver ordained to heir the vord, communicat, subscryv the League and Covenant, under pain of excommunicatioun. The said day, Johne Gordon in Overhall, James Duff of Bad, gaue in ther supplicatiouns, humblie acknowledging their hainous guiltines, not onlie in being accessorie to the late wnlawfull engadgment by the sub- scryving the act approuing the same, contributing ther men and meanis for careing on the same, but also for not being perfyctlie humbled for ther former rebellione vith James Grahame, and his associatis ; all quhich courses they vnfainedlie declared to be detested and abhorred by them ; 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 159 and so in all humilitie requyred to be resaued to the Lague and Covenant, promising faithfuUie neuer, by the grace of God, to fall into such sinfull courses againe. The bretheren, finding more signes of repentance then before, and being satisfied vith ther supplicatiouns, ordained Mr. Robert Jamesone to resaue them, according to the ordour of the kirk. Compeired James Gordon of Daach, and his sone Thomas, vho gaue in Gordonis of ther seuerall supplicationis, the said James acknowledging his accession to I^^^ch. the late unlawfull ingadgment, by subscryving the act theranent. Ordaned to satisfie in his owne parish kirk, according to the ordour. The said Thomas humblie acknowledging his sorow of heart for not joyning in the League and Covenant vith the rest of Godis covenanted people, quherby he vas drawen to ane course contrarie therto, by joyning with his freindis at the rebellion at Balvenie, for all quhich he declared his vnfained sorow, and desyred to be resaued to the League and Covenant. He was ordained to subscryv the band containing the acknovledgraent of his rebellion, and mak his repentance in sackcloth, and therfor his minister vas ordained to resaue him to the League and Covenant. The said day, Johne Ogiluie of Miltoun in Keyth, did compeir and gaue Ogilvie. in his supplicatioun, humblie acknowledging his accession to the late horrid rebellion against God and his cause, ingenuuslie declaring his gryt greif of heart for the same, promising to walk more religiouslie in all tyme coming, and so, for taking avay his scandell of his gryt offence, he humblie sub- mittit himself to the presbytry, quhervpon he vas desyred to subscryw the band made theranent, quhilk he presentlie obeyed, and ordained to mak his repentance, in sackcloth, in Keyth, and therafter to be resaued to the League and Covenant. Att Botarie, 23d Octobris, 1G50. The said day having been appoynted for ane presbyteriall meetting, the bretheren keeped not, inrespect of a great invndatioun of wateris. The nixt day of meetting, thirtieth Octobris, quhilk dyet vas not keeped, in- respect Lues Gordon, vith ane malignant partie of horses, ver vithin the boundis of the presbytry, neir and about the presbyteriall seat, seeking and (as the bretheren ver informed) taking horses quhereuer they might appre- hend them. The nixt meetting continowed till thirteenth Novembris, inre- spect the Commission of the province ver to sit down at Elgin the first Tysday of November, quher the most part of the bretheren ver to be present. 160 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. Names of nilinsr elderis. Robertsone. Chalmer. Watsone. Geddes. Ane letter from the Assemblie of Aberdein anent the annexed landis of Abercher- dour to Forsrlin. Att Botarie, 13th November, 1650. The said day, the bretheren gaue in the names of ther ruling elderis as followes : The Laird of Lesraoir, for Rynnie and Essie ; Johne Innes of Codran, for Gartly ; Mr. Robert Gordon, for Botarie ; Johne Gordon of Achynacie, for Keyth ; George Abernethie, for Rotheraay ; Johne Gordon of Achinhandak, for Glass ; George Sinclair, for Innerkethnie ; Johne Gor- don of Ardmellie, for Abercherdour. Compeired Agnes Robertsone in Keyth, and having stand half yeir in iofifo-is and sackcloth for her cohabiting in fornicatioun vith David Palmer in tyme of the vacancie of thair kirk, quherin having satisfied the congrega- tioun, hir sinne being layed to hir charge, quhervith shoe seemed to be tuoched, vas referred back to her owne parish kirk to be absolued the nixt Lordis day. Mr. Johne Chalmer reported he had preached at Grange, and intimat Mr. Robert Watsone his depravatioun, and declared the kirk vacand, as he vas ordained be the Assemblie, and also had giuen the second prayer for the goodvyf of Floores, vt supra. The said day vas produced ane letter from Mr. Andro Cant, desyring the presbytry not to be hastie in declaring Mr. Robert Watsone his kirk vacand, schowing he wold get heiring befor the Generall Assemblie. The mater being done alreadie by ordinance of the Assemblie, the moderator vas ordained to vryt back ane answer, and declare rem gestam. The said day, Mr. William Geddes being nominat scoolmaster at Keyth, vas ordained to haue his tryell on the first ode of Horace the nixt day. The said day, ane letter produced from Mr. Alexander Cant, as Mo- derator of the Assemblie of Aberdein, and ane vther letter from the Pres- bytry of Turreff" to the same purpos, showing that Mr. Robert Browne, minister at Forglin, had obtained ane decreit befor the Lordis of Com- mission for plantation of kirkis, annexing ane part of the parish of Aber- cherdour to the said kirk of Forglin, together vith the stipend payable out of the saidis annexed landis, quhilk stipend Mr. Johne Reidfurd, minister at Abercherdour, still takis vp, and the said Mr. Robert requires be vertew of his decreit, quhilk decreit vas produced and giuen to Mr. Johne Reidfurd to pervse and report the tenor therof the nixt day, that accordinglie the presbytry might frame an answer for clearing of the question betuixt the tuo forsaid bretheren befor they sould goe to heiring by law. 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 161 The said day, Mr. George Meldrum reported he had preached at Mddrum at Kynnoir, according to the referr of the Assemblie, and had intimated to Kynnoir. them of the parish that Mr. William Jamesone was to preach ther the nixt Lordis day, and the day therafter at Dumbennand ; and requyred them to keep the kirk the saidis dayes ; and also publictlie cited such malignantis as yet had not satisfied, to compeir befor the presbytry this day t'o o-iue satisfactioun. ^ Compeired Johne Hamiltoun at the Milne of Kynnoir, and gaue in his Hamiltoun. supphcatioun desyring to be resaued into the League and Covenant, humblie acknowledging his former error, and therin showing his destes- tatioun of all malignant courses ; quhilk the bretheren having considered, vith his former supplicatiouns to the same purpos, ordained Mr. Johne Reidfurd to goe and preach at Kynnoir some Lordis day befor the nixt meetting, and ther resaue the said supplicant, according to the ordour of the kirk, and to cite William Gordon of Avachie to the nixt day. Compeired Alexander Hendrie in Kynnoir, supplicating also to be re- Hendrie. saued, humblie acknowledging his sinne in following the late Marquis of Huntly in his rebellious courses ; he neuer having compeired till this day to shew any dislyk of his former vayes, vas continowed till ane vther day. According to the referr of the Provinciall Assemblie, the bretheren Ordinance ordamed to search for these fugitiues : William Grant, suspect to be ane ^^''^''^• warlocke, fled out of Belly ; Johne Gray, fled from Riven ; George Suther- ^""'*'"^'- land and Annas Keyth, cohabitantis in adulterie, fled from Duffus ; Elspet Shand, fled from Germouth ; and also to intimat the excommunicatioun of Alexander M'Intosch, in the Presbitry of Inuernes, for rap and murther ; James Reah and Margaret Smith, wagaboundis adultereris ; Normand Duncan, for bestialitie, in the parish of Ruthen. Mr. Johne Reidfurd ordained to preach at Kynnoir the nixt Lordis day Reidfurd. after Mr. William Jamesone had preached ther, and requyre the parishon- eris, if they had any thing to object vhy Mr. William Jamesone sould not be ther minister, to compeir the nixt day of meetting, fourth December. Botarie, 4th December, 1650. Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported he had preached at Kynnoir, and resaued Kynnoir. Johne Hamiltoun, as he vas formerlie ordained ; and also had publictlie requyred all that had any thing to object (against Mr. William Jamesone vhy he might not be ther minister, having now frequentlie hard him, and 162 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. Gordon in Avachie. Jamesone. Intiinatioun made of ex- communicat personis. Gordon of Floores. shew them also that the said Mr. Wilhara had preached befor the commis- sion of the province at Elgin, the first Tysday of November last, vith appro- batioun, as his testiraonie vnder the clerk his hand did manifest,) to compeir this day and declaire the same. The saidis parishoneris being called, nane compeired saue one Alexander Hendrie, (vho had no commis- sion from the rest, but vas come ane supplicant,) vho declared the gentle- men of the parish ver in Aberdein vith ther souldioris at the randevouz ; quhervpon the bretheren, to mak them yet more inexcusable, ordained them to be cited againe to the nixt meeting at Rothemay, eighteenth December ; vith certificatioun, if they compeired not, the presbytry void proceid to the admissione of the said Mr. William ; and this to be done be the presbytry ther officiar. William Gordon in Avachie having bein summondit for professed poprie, called, not compeiring, ordained to be summondit pro 2"- Mr. William Jamesone reported he had preached at Kynnoir, as he vas ordained be Synod and Presbytrie. Mr. William Kyninmont produced ane answer to Mr. Androw Cant his letter concerning Mr. Robert Watson, quhilk being red, vas ordained to be sent to him vith the first occasion. The bretheren reported they had intimat the excommunicatioun of thes persones : Alexander M'Intosh, in the Presbytry of Invernes, for rapt and murther, excommunicat ; James Reah and Margaret Smith, vagaboundis adultereris ; Normand Duncan, for bestialitie, in the parish of Ruthen ; and also had searched, and ver further to search, for such fugitives as for- merlie they ver ordained, but found nane of them vithin ther congregationis. Mr. James Gordon reported he had preached at Grange, but had not proceidit vith the goodvyf of Floores hir processe, inrespect of hir per- sonall compearance the said day, and giuing assurance to keep this day, and glue the presbytry satisfactioun ; vho accordinglie compeired, and being suorne on hir gryt oath to declaire quhat shoe knew of ane bairne alledgit to be borne by the Lady Altar to Nathaniel Gordon, deponed shoe knev nothing but quhat shoe hard be report. Being posed if shoe vas present at the birth of that child, supposed to haue bein in Glengarak, or if shoe hard it of them that vas present, deponed not. Being posed quhat shoe knew of that bairne sent from Glengarak to Blearfindie, quher- vnto it vas thoght shoe vas accessorie, deponed shoe knew nothing, but hard a report therof, as wtheris did. Being posed if the said Lady Altar 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 163 had said euer to hir shoe vas vith such child, answered not, they wsed not such discourse. All this shoe deponed somquhat haesitanter et quasi cum lucta, and did quhat shoe could to mak hir answeris dubious somtymes Also, the said Mr. James Gordon, having holden session at Grano-e Gillen reported he had enquyred vho gaue ane call to Mr. WilHam Gillen^o preach ther, quhilk they all denyed; quhervpon he had desyred the elderis to search if they could learne of any among them vho had giuen any invi- tatioun to the said Mr. William, and keep this presbyteriall dyet, and report ther ddigence heiranent, vho being called, compeired Alexander Gray and Adam Richartsone, elderis, and being asked vho gaue ane call to Mr. William Gillen to preach in ther kirk, answered, they knew nane • but all they could learne of the said busines vas, that one Adam Rudduh' on of ther number, having bein in Bamf, quher occasionaUie he meettis vith the said Gillen, and ther, among vther discourses, the said Mr. William sould say to Adam Rudduh, I hear your kirk of Grange is now wacand, and, xi I knew your people void giue me intertainment for a tyme, I void come and preach to them. And the said Adam sould answer, he hoped no man void refuse for such paines, and if he came, for himself, he sould gme him ane part of such as he had, and this vas all the invitatiune he gote. Also, they declared he had baptized four bairnes, and maried George Cowplen and Christan Browster, William Crukshank and Iso- bell Edvard. The saidis personis ordained to be summondit to the nixt day. Compeired James Duncan in Keyth, and confessed trelaps in fornica- Duncan tioun vith Margaret Mill, and also cohabiting vith hir in tyme of the vacancie of ther kirk. Ordained to satisfie, in sackcloth, euer till he ^aue such evidences of his repentance as the congregation reported thev^'ver satisfied. "' The said day, ane letter produced from the Presbytry of Turretf shewmg the people of the annexed landis of Abercherdour to Forglin vill not acknowledge themselfs to be memberis of the parish of Forglin quherby discipline is interrupted, and vtheris Godis ordinances are ren- dered vnprofitable among them ; and so requyred the presbytrie by ane act to discharge that people from being receaued at the kirk of Abercherdour, as members therof, and to ordaine the same to be pubhctlie intimat, the nixt Lordis day, be the minister at Abercherdour ; quhervnto Mr. Johne 164 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. Hendrie. Gordon of Beldorny. Gordon ot Carmellit. Reidfurd answered, he had done als much befor as they now requyred. Notvithstanding, he vas ordained to renew the said intimatioun, reseruing this condition, he be not deteriorat in his stipend. Compeired Alexander Hendrie in Kynnoir, and gaue in his suppli- catioun to be resaued to the subscription of the League and Covenant, hum- blie acknowledging that too willinglie he had followed the sinfull and wicked courses of the enimies of God against the Covenant, acknowledging his presence at diveris ther bloodie battellis, and so by vord and vreit manifested his unfained sorow for his former rebellious courses ; quhilk the bretheren taking to their consideratioun, ordained him to mak his repent- ance in sackcloth, according to the ordour in their owne kirk of Kynnoir, the first Lordis day that ane minister happinis to be present, and presently he subscryved the band made theranent. Compeired Johne Gordon, appearand of Beldornie, to quhom Mr. Johne Reidfurd vas sent a parte for conference and dealling vith him for a confession of that alledgit incest and adulterie vith Christian Gordon, his fatheris sister, vt supra, vho reported he could find no confession from him. The young man being called in and presbyteriallie delt vith anent the said particular, void confesse nothing. Ordained to goe and conferr vith Mr. William Kinninmont, and vith Mr. George Meldrum his minister, and they to report the nixt day. Anent the former referr for processing all papistis vithin boundis of the presbytery, Mr. Robert Jamesone reported he had summondit Alexander Gordon and Christan Gordon, children to Robert Gordon in Carmellit, Agnes Jirret, spous to Adam Panton ; called, not compeiring, ordained to be summondit pro 2°- The said day vas produced ane copie of ane letter from the Com- missioneris of the Generall Assemblie, of the dait at Stirling, twenty-third October, 1650, shewing the lamentable conditioun of our pure bretheren now prisoneris in England, dying and pining avay for vant of wictuallis, etc., and so requyring a contributioun to be collected for ther supplie ; quhilk vas seriously recommendit to euerie brother to vse ther diligence therin, and report. Also vas produced ane varning from the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie against malignantis latly in armes. Ordained to be red in the seuerall kirkis of the presbytry the nixt Lordis day. 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 165 Att Rothemay, 18th December, 1650. The quhilk day, after incalling the name of God, conveined the mode- rator and remanent bretheren. Mr. William Kininmont tauo-ht, 2d Kino-s 5, V. 12, 13. OS, The said day having been appoynted for wisitatioun of the kirk of Visitatioun of Rothemay, by ordinance from the Commission of the Provincial! As- Rothemay. semblie, at Elgin, the first Tysday of November last, the minister, Mr. James Gordon, being remoued, and the elderis, viz., James Gordon of Rothemay ; George Abernethie of Auchinclech ; George Abernathie of Claymyr; Johne Fordyce of Auchinheiv ; Johne Watt in Wood- fauld ; Johne Gray in Coldhame ; Johne Layng in [ ] ; William Lemman in Inchcorsie; George Sharp in Turterie ; Robert' Sharp in Corskeuie ; Johne Fordyce in [ ] ; William Ruddah in Reid- hill ; James Lorimer in Milton ; Thomas Henrison in Knachlee ; being air solemnlie suorne, vpon ther gryt oath, to declare in the particularis they sould be posed anent ther minister, vho being remoued, and called vpon seuerallie, as followes : 1. The Laird of Rothemay being posed how the minister caried in his hous, if he had familie worship"^ if he resett scandellous personis ; in all quhich he gaue hime ane good tes- timonie. 2. Being asked how oft he preached on the Lordis day ; an- swered, tuyse, till the short day. 3. Being posed if he preached against the corruptiouns of the tymes, and spoke home, to the capacitie of all his heireris, against malignantis and sectaries ; deponed, affirmatiue. 4. Being posed if he celebrat the holie communion decentlie, accordino- to the ordour of the Kirk of Scotland, and debarred ignorant and scan'^ dellous persones ; deponed, affirmatiue. 5. Being posed if he pressed familie worship publictlie and privatlie, and vas faithfull in exercise of discipline ; deponed, affirmando. 6. Being posed if he was scandellous in his lyf or conversatioun, if he vas a suerar, or conversit frequently with malignants ; answered, not. And being particularlie asked if he conversit vith Patrik Gordon, alias Steilhand ; deponed, in tyme of the troubles, the said Patrik came sumtyme to the minister his hous, but knew not if the minister spoke vith him ; but, since the forty-seven yeir of God, he neuer knew him to haue come to his hous. Being posed if his mother, the old lady, did communicat, and how long shoe had bein the parish ; deponed, that shoe did not communicat, and that shoe had bein heir two or thrie yeiris since shoe came from BamfF; quhervpon Mr. Robert Jame- 160 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. sone and Mr. John Chalmer ver ordained to speak hlr anent her commu- nicating, and exhort hir to more frequent keeping the kirk in the winter season. Being asked if his owne lady keeped the kirk, and comraunicat ; answered, shoe vas ane constant heirer, and for hir communicating, desyred some of the bretheren to goe speak her, (being presentlie in the minister his hous,) and report hir owne answer theranent. Quhervpon Mr. Johne Reidfurd vas presentlie direct to hir for that effect, vho, after his returne, reported that shoe said it vas knowen shoe vas ane constant heirer, and had neuer bein heir in tyme of the communion but tuyse, the first tyme quherof vas immediatlie befor hir childbirth, and the second vas immediatlie after the death of hir oldest brother, quhilk made her indisposed for the tyme, and that shoe was willing to communicat the first occasion. Being asked if the minister had ane weiklie lecture, and quhen he baptized the children ; answered, he had ane day of the week for catechising, on quhilk day also he baptised, (as occasion offerred,) as he did publictlie on the Lordis day. Being asked if the League and Covenant vas publictlie sub- scryved be the congregatioun, and if he himself did it publictlie, and the rest of the gentlemen vithin the parish ; answeret, it vas done publictly, and himself subscryued it publictlie, but knew not if all did so, himself being absent befor all the subscriptionis ver gotten. Being asked if his owne sister had satisfied for hir fornicatioune, and quhat vas the minister his part therin ; answered, Mr. Alexander Innes vas minister at the tyme of hir fall ; that shoe declared the fault to haue been committed in Ordifull, and that he hard the said Mr. Alexander had wretten to the minister at Ordifull, showing so much, but hard it neuer delate to ther session of Rothemay. Being asked if he had communicat himself; answered, he was in Edinburgh at the tyme of celebratioun therof, and vas willing to communicat at the first occasion. The Laird of Rothemay remowed, and George Abernethie of Achinclech called, and being posed of the selfsame particularis concerning the minister his doctrine and discipline, preaching for the cans and against the cor- ruptionis of the tymes, deponed conforme to the Laird of Rothemay, vt supra. Being posed if all the gentlemen of the parish subscryued the League and Covenant publictlie, and if Walter Hacket of Meyen did sub- scryv it publictly; deponed, all did it publictly, but he saw not Walter Hacket doe it in the publict congregation, he not being in the parish 1648, quhen it vas done in the publict be all. Being asked if the young lady vas 1650.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 167 ane constant heirer of the word ; deponed, afirmatiue. Being asked if Rotheraay his sister had satisfied hir fornicatioune, and quhat the minister his part was in that busines ; deponed, he knew not if shoe had satisfied, the fault having been committed in Mr. Alexander Innes his tyme, and that he heard neuer any delatioun of it to ther session. Being asked if the Laird of Rothemay comraunicat or not, or if he vas at home in tyme of celebratioun of the sacrament of the Lordis Supper ; deponed, he saw him not communicat, and so farr as he rememberis, he vas not at home quhen it vas last celebrat. Being asked how long the old lady had bein in the parish together ; answered, three yeiris or therabout. Being asked if the Laird mad his publict repentance for subscryving Hamiltonis band ; answered, affirmatiue. Being asked if the minister conversit frequentlie vith malignantis, and in particular vith Steilhand ; deponed, negatiue. Johne Fordyce being called and posed in all the particularis formerUe proponed concerning the minister his doctrine, lyfe, and conversatioun, etc., deponed in omnibus vt supra. Being particularlie asked if the Covenant was publictlie subscryved by the Laird and the rest of the gentle- men ; deponed, it vas done publictlie be all, 1648, except Walter Racket, vho at that tyme vas residing in Bamff", but now had subscryved it eight or nine weekis since. Being asked if Rothemay his sister had satisfied for her fornicatione ; answered, he hard nothing of it, the fault having bein committed in Mr. Alexander Innes his tyme. And being asked how all this time shoe wes not delait ; answered, immediately after hir fall shoe went to London, and since her return shoe had very short abode in the parish. Being asked if the young lady ves ane ordinare heirer, and if the Laird made his publict repentance for subscryving Hamiltonis band ; in both deponed affirmatiue. George Abernethie of Clayrairis being called and posed in omnibus vt supra the rest, deponed conforme. Being particularlie posed of all ther gentlemen, if the Laird and Walter Hacket had publictlie subscryved the League and Covenant ; deponed, he saw all doe it publictlie except Walter Hacket. Being asked if the Laird made his publict repentance for sub- scryving Hamiltonis band; deponed, affirmatiue. Being asked if the minister conversit frequently vith Steilhand ; answered, he never saw it. Concerning the old and young ladies, deponed conforme to the rest. All the rest of the elderis being called and posed on everie one of the former particularis, all in one voyce deponed vt supra. Anent the gentle- 168 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1650. men their publlct subscription of the Covenant, they deponed it vas done publictly be all, except Walter Hacket, vho did it befor the session ; and anent the Lairdis sister hir fornicatioun, they deponed the fault was in Mr. Alexander Innes his tyrae, and ther vas neuer any delatioun of it ; and being asked vhy they did not delait the same, answered, ther vas nane of them elderis at that tyme except George Sharp, vho gaue the reason he did not delait her becaus shoe residit not in this quarter, and he hard the fault vas committed in OrdifuU. All the elderis being asked if they wold have ther minister admonished in any thing, answered, they void haue him continow in pressing the old lady for better keeping the kirk in winter season, and to visit the families and exhort them to familie vorship, quhilk accordinglie was done be the moderator. The elderis remowed, and the minister posed concerning ther fidelitie in ther office, vho did approue them ; only desyred they sould be ad- monished to tak particular notice of sueareris and drunkardis, and them- selfs to be exemplarie in both ; quhilk adraonitioun vas grauelie giuen them be the moderator. The session book having bein visited, Mr. Robert Jamesone and Mr. George Meldrum reported they fand diligence therin, and that they fand publict intimatioun of Walter Hacket his subscription of the League and Covenant befor ther sessioun, quhilk the elderis acknowledgit ves done. Also, they fand that Margaret Gordon, spous to Johne Fordyce, had bein ane heirer of the vord about the tyme of the last visitatioun of the kirk, 1649, but fand no more of hir till now of late. Also, they fand ane adulterer resaued, upon sixteen or seventeen Saboths publict repentance, quhilk the elderis declared they desyred to be, having sein evident signes of his repentance. Tbey fand also some ab- sentis from the kirk excusit, and no cause of ther excuse expressit. The minister ordained to look to the formalitie of his book better, in tyme comming. The bretheren reported, they ver going about the collecting of the contributioun for the puire prisoneris. Ordained to bring ther seuerall dihgence the nixt day, and the moderator desyred to ask the commission of the province ther advyse for transporting of the same. Kynnoir. The people of Kynnoir not having bein cited to this day as formerlie, concludit therfor the bretheren ordained Mr. Johne Chalmer to preach the nixt Lordis day at Kynnoir, and require them yet once more to compeir befor the presbytrie tifteenth Januarij, if they had any thing to object 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 169 against Mr. William Jamesone his being ther minister ; and appointed the said Mr. William to preach at Dumbennand. The night being come, the rest of the presbytry thir processis continowed till the nixt day, fifteenth Januarij, quher Mr. William Kinninraont exer- cises and Mr. Johne Innes addis. Att Botarie, 15th January, 1651. After incalling the name of God, convelned the moderator and remanent bretheren. Absent, Mr. Johne Reidfurd, Mr. Robert Irving. Mr. William Kininmont exercised, 1st Cor. 4, v. 6. Vas approuen. No addi- tion, inrespect of Mr. Johne Innes his absence, vho vas yet againe or- dained to add, and Mr. Robert Jamesone to exercise the nixt day of meetting at the presbyteriall seat, and to answer for this dayes absence. The said day, Isobell Leslie in Gartly, being smnmondit for not Leslie, keeping the publict worship, in heiring the word, communicating, etc., called; not compeiring, ordained to be summondit pro 2°- Ther having come to the moderator his handis ane letter from the Commission of the Kirk, showing that they had appoynted a solemne fast and humiliatioune to be keeped in all the congregatiouns of this Kirk, vpon the twenty-second day of December, being the Lordis day, for the contempt of the gospell branched out in the severall partis therof ; also, appoynting Thursday, twenty-sixth December, for a solemne fast and humiliatioune for the sinis of the Kings familie and court, causes heirof heirvith sent, together also vith ther sense of the remonstrance of the Fast keeped. gentlemen officereris and ministeris attending the forces in the west ; as also, ther resolutioune concerning thes that wer accessorie to the lait rebellion in the north. Quhilk letter and paperis having come from hand to hand among the bretheren, they have accordinglie made vse off and keeped the forsaidis fastis the first convenient dayes they could most con- venientlie, the appoynted dyettis being expyred befor the causes therof came to ther handis. The Laird of Rothemay ordained to be summondit to the nixt day, to Rothemay. be censured for his accidental slaughteris. Compeired Johne Milne in Keyth, and having stand twenty-five Milne. Saboths, in sackcloth, for his adulterie, in quhom the congregatioun haue sein signes of repentance, his sinne having been layd to his charge, Y 170 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. quhervith he seemed to be affected, vas referred back to be absolued befor ther congregatioun, the nixt Lordis day. The presbytry hauing resaued ane Act of the Commission of the Kirk, of the dait Perth, fourteenth December, 1650, against complyeris vith sectaries, ordained to be intimat in the seuerall kirkis of the presbytry. Mr. Johne Chalmer reported, he had preached at Kynnoir, as he vas formerlie ordained, and ther had resaued Alexander Hendrie his repentance, vt supra ; also, he had requyred the parishoneris to compeir, this day, befor the presbytry, and giue ther long expected answer anent Mr. Wil- liam Jamesone, nominat to be ther minister, vho being called, nane as Kynnoir. yet compeires. Quhervpon the bretheren, after mature deliberatioun, resolued to keep the nixt meetting at Kynnoir, twenty-ninth of this instant, that ther they might get ther seuerall answeris, eyther of approuing or not approuing the said Mr. William, nominat to be ther minister ; and appoyntis Mr. James Gordon to direct ther officiar to them all, domatim, and acquant them of the said object, that nane sould pretend ignorance, and requyre them all to keep sermon ther the said day. Mr. George Mel- drum appoynted to preach the said day. Botruphnie. Mr. Robert Jamesone ordained to goe preach at Botruphnie on the nixt Lordis day, and hold session ther; also, to request the parishoneris to mak payment to Mr. Alexander Fraser, ther late minister, of the vacand stipend of the said kirk, 1650, the one-half quherof vas serued for be the said Mr. Alexander, and the vther half the presbytry conferred it upon him also. Att Kynnoir, 29th Januarij, 1651. Conveined the moderator and bretheren, after incalling the name of God. Absent, Mr. Kobert Irving. Mr. George Meldrum taught 2 Thess. 1, v. 6, 7. Mr. Johne Reidfurd excused his former dayes absence. The congregatioun being frequentlie conveined, ver desyred to stay till they ver called vpon, and the gentlemen and honest men ver called seuer- allie and questioned as followes, viz. : Johne Gordon of Avachie, and being posed if he had any thing to object against Mr. William Jamesone his lyfj conversatioun, and doctrine, or if he knew any thing that might imped the said Mr. William from being ther minister ; answered, he knew 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 171 nothing but good to him in his lyf and conversatioun, nether could he object any thing against his doctrine, only he thoght him too youno- for thes tuo conger eolations. Johne Hamilton in Corse called, and posed conforme concernino- his doctrine, lyf, and conversatioun, or if he knew any thing vhy the said Mr. William might not to be ther minister ; answered, he knew nothing but good to his doctrine, lyfe, and conversatioun, and for ought he knew he might serue ane better congregatioun then theris. Compeired William Murray of Achmull, and being posed in the same termes as the former tuo ; answered, he knew nothing but good of the young man, eyther in doctrine, lyf, or conversatioun, only he void haue a man of more experience, the charge being gryt, and the people vnruly. Alexander Murray in Achinbo, posed sicut antea ; answered, he knew nothing against his doctrine, lyf, and conversatioun, but vas villing to tak him for ther minister befor they waked any longer. William Gordon in Avachie answered conforme to the rest concerning his doctrine, lyf, and conversatioun, but thoght him not fitt to be ther minister. Compeired Thomas Spens in Gibston, vithin the parish of Dumbennand, and being posed vt supra, gaue him approbatioun in all, and vas most will- ing to embrace him as ther minister. Alexander Hendrie in Afflect gaue him approbatioun in doctrine, lyf, and conversatioun, and vas willing to embrace him to be ther minister. Johne Browne answered, he knew nothing but good to the young man, and vas content for his part (if the rest of the parish ver so content) to embrace him for ther minister. George Mitchell in Afflect answered, he knew nothing but good to the young man, and vas content of him, for his part, if they could not get ane man of better and more experience. Johne Gordon in Afflect answered, he vas content for his part, befor they waiked any longer. Johne Hamilton, elder, Johne Wilson, answered, they knew nothing but good to the young man, and ver content to embrace him to be ther minister, for they thoght they vanted too long. After the elderis ver thus seuerallie called in, and asked if they knew any thing agauist Mr. William Jamesone his doctrine, lyf, and conversatioun, and if they ver content to embrace him for ther minister, answered, they 172 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. knew nothing against him, but thoght they had vanted too long, and for ther partis ver willing he sould be ther minister. The gentlemen and elderis being againe called in, the moderator shew them that the most part of the elderis and people ver willing to embrace the said Mr. William to be ther minister, and nane at all had any thing to object against him, quhilk was ground sufficient for the presbytry to pro- ceid to his admissione ; and therfor exhorted them to giue the young man ane lovino- invitatioune for his better incouragment to the work, who answered they could not do that, inrespect ther cheif and master vas not content, and if he wer satisfied, they sould rest content vith the man ; and in token of his dislyk, they produced ane letter from him, quhilk, after deliberatioune, vas publictlie red in the presbytrie, quherin he desyres the presbytrie not to be hastie in planting the saidis kirkis vith Mr. William Jamesone, quhom he said he hard vas novayes able for that charge ; and seino- he vas in fair vay to be resaued into the church againe, desyred continowatioun for a tyme, till he sould be relaxed from his excommunica- tioun, that he might concurr vith the presbytrie in the plantatioun of the saidis kirkis vith ane able and qualified man. Quhill the bretheren ver taking the business to ther consideratioun, Mr. George Chalmer regraited how the said Lues Gordon had inhibited his parishoneris to giue him any stipend, and had send some threattning wordis to him for having care to plant his kirk, and the kirk of Gartly, according to the Act of Parliament, in March last ; and so seing he could haue no stipend, desyred the bre- theren to grant him ane act of transplantatioun. The presbytry, vpon both thes consideratiouns, thoght meet to giue commission to the said Mr. George to goe and speak the said Lues Gordon anent his owne stipend, as also anent the plantatioun of the kirk of Kynnoir vith Mr. Wilham Jamesone, and declare to him rem gestam, and report his answer the nixt day. Quhilk commission being giuen to the said Mr. George, he promised to goe about it, howsoone he hard he vas in the countrey. Crukshank. Compeired William Crukshank and Isobell Edvard in Grange, and Edvard. beino- accused for seiking and taking the benefit of mariage from one Mr. William Gillen, not knowen to be ane minister, answered, vtheris had done the lyk, and they knew nothing but he had bein ane minister, he having baptised bairnes in ther parish, and maried vtheris too. The pairtes ver ordained to separat till the presbytrie be better advysed against the nixt day. 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 173 Mr. Robert Jamesone reported he had preached at Botruphnie and Clark, holden session, quher he found many delinquentis, and had cited to this day ^'"^s^''- William Clark and Margaret Fraser, relaps in fornicatioun, and cohabitino- therin ; vho compeired, confessit ther fault ; ordained to separat qiiam primum, and suramondit apud acta to keep the nixt day of meettino-. The said day, ane letter from the Commission of the Kirk, vith ane act anent complyeris vith sectaries, to be intimat, quhilk ves accordinglie ordained to be done the nixt Lordis day. Botarie, 12th February, 1651. After incalling the name of God, conveined the moderator and remanent bretheren. Absent, Mr. Johne Chalmer. Mr. Robert Irving excused for his former absens. Mr. Robert Jamesone exercised, 1st Cor. 4, v. 7. Mr. Johne Innes, scoolmaster at Abercherdour, addit. Ther travaillis approuen. Compeired William Gordon in Avachie, and being posed vhy he fre- Gordon in quented not Godis publict worship, and communicated not, answered, he ■^"*'*c"*^- vas not of our profession, but vas ane Roman Catholic, vho vas brought vp in the hous of Huntly in the popish religion. Being desyred to conforme himself to the reformed religion of the Kirk of Scotland, answered, he could not at the first till better informatioun ; quhervpon he was ordained to conferr with Mr. James Gordon, and heir the vord, and Mr. James to report, vthervayes the censures of the kirk to proceid against him. Compeired William Crukshank and Isobell Edvard in Grange, maried Crukskank, by ane pretendit minister, and having seperat as they ver formerlie ordained, ^^vard. vho ver desyred to continow so till the presbytrie advysed vith the Assem- blie quhat course sould be taken vith them, and vtheris of that kynd in the said parish, and with children baptised by the said pretendit minister ; all quhich referred to the Provinciall Assemblie. Compeired WilHam Clark in Botruphnie, and confessed his relaps in Clark. fornicatioun, and cohabiting in fornicatioun vith Margaret Fraser. Or- dained to separat vnder pain of excommunicatioun, and to satisfie as ane adulterer, and to begin his publict repentance quheneuer ther come ane minister to preach at ther kirk. Compeired Margaret Fraser, and confessit relaps in fornicatioun, and Fraser. also adulterie vith ane Johne Robertsone, then in Boig ; ordained to sa- tisfie in sackcloth three quarteris of ane yeir. 174 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. Anderson. Fraser. The bretheren reported, they had all made publict intimatioun of the Act of the Commission of the Kirk, anent complyers vith sectaries. Anent the sixth referr from the Provinciall Assemblie, the bretheren reported, they knew no judges in their boundis vho haue sett malefactouris free, vithout doing of justice. For the seventh referr, concerning masteris who, in levies, mantenance, etCf layes the vhol burden vpon poor tennantis, the bretheren ver looking to it, and ordained to preach against all kind of oppression. Anent the eighth, ninth, and tenth referris, the bretheren ver carefull of putting them in execution. Touching the twelfth referr, for doeing dutie in susteining ane Irish boy at the scoole, the bretheren declared ther inabilitie for the same, ther parishes being brought to such povertie that they cannot get so much as sustein themselfs ; and some, for vant of mantenance, ver seiking trans- plantatioun. The eleventh referr, concerning those who takis or giues oaths of in- deranitie for witchcraft, the bretheren hard of none vithin ther boundis saue some practises for that kynd vithin Botruphnie, quher they hard Johne Anderson of Westertoun vas present. The said Johne ordained to be summondit the nixt day. The said day, Mr. Robert Watsone being present, vas demandit how he spent the Lordis [day], quhen ther vas no sermon at Grange ; answered, he went sumtymes to Ordifull, and in the winter season, quherin his familie hes bein visited vith sicknes, he stayed at home vith them. The said day, compeired Mr. Alexander Fraser, late minister at Bo- truphnie, and gaue in his supplicatioun, seriouslie acknowledging, and vith deip greif ingenowslie confessing, his manifold faultis and enormities, com- mitted be him in the tyme of his ministrie, for quhich he was justlie deposed ; and being referred, be the commission of the province, at Elgin, November sixth, to the presbytrie, for evidencing his repentance, quherof he gaue signes to the gryt contentment of the bretheren, Mr. William Kinninmont vas ordained to preach at Botruphnie the nixt Lordis day, and resaue the said Mr. Alexander Fraser his repentance before the congregatioun. Att Botarie, 5th Martii, 1651. After incalling the name of God, conveined the moderator and bre- 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 175 theren. Mr. Jone Chalmer excused his former dayes absence, being then in the highland. Mr. George Chalmer handled the controuersie, De perspicuitate Scrip- turae. His travailis approuen. The said day, Mr. George Chalmer reported, he had spoken Lues Kynnoir. Gordon, according to his former commission, vho answered him anent his stipend, he had inhibited to giue him any augmentatioun of his stipend, and wold not grant he sould haue more then formerlie he vas provydit too. And for the plantatioun of Kynnoir vith Mr. William Jamesone, all the steps of the presbytrie their procedour having bein showen to him, an- swered, he vas now on his journey to Aberdein to be relaxed from his excommunicatioun, and, at his returne, promised to heir the said Mr. William preach, of quhom finding content, he sould be so farre from im- peding, that he sould giue him ane invitatioune and call from the people also. After quhich report, the said Mr. William himself was asked quhat he thought of the busines, if he void be content the presbytrie sould proceid to his admission presentlie, or if he void stay on ane further call from the people, vho in gryt modestie declared his inabilitie for such a charge, having no encouragment from the people ; but as from the begin- ing he hes bein a meir patient, humblie submitting himself to the presbytry in all that euer they enjoyned him, so as yet he referred the disposing of himself to the arbitriment of the bretheren. Vpon mature delibera- tioun of the busines, the presbytry thoght expedient (for the young man his better encouragment) in getting consent of all the matter concernis, to continow till they sould sie if the said Lues Gordon sould be relaxed, that he might heir him preach, as he promised, and that the bretheren might more freelie speak vith him in that busines, and quhat vther any of ther number had to represent to them in the mater of their stipendis. The Laird of Rothemay being summondit, vt supra, compeired not, but Rothemay. sent ane letter acknowledging his summondis ; but, being a colonell in the shyre, vas necessitat to be in Aberdein, for keeping the randivouz for resauing his men ; quhilk the bretheren knowing to be of treuth, did con- tinow his censure till the nixt day, quhilk he promised to keep vpon aduertisment, and Mr. James Gordon appoynted to cite him therto. Mr. James Gordon reported, that William Gordon had hard one sermon Gordon in at his kirk, but had not come for conference as yet. He and the Master Avachie. 176 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. Johne Gordon of Avachie ordained to be summondit to the nixt day be the officiar of Rotheraay. Leslie. Isobell Leslie in Gartly, being summondit, vt supra, pro 2°-, called, not compeiring, ordained to be summondit pro S'"- The said day, compeired Mr. Alexander Innes, and presented ane refer- ence from the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie, of the dait at Perth, thirteenth Februarii, 1651, to the Presbytrie of Strathbogie, giuing full power to them to relax the said Mr. Alexander from his excommunica- tioun, vpon sufficient evidence of his repentance for the sins for quhich he vas excommunicat ; vpon sight quherof, the moderator layed to his charge (as fi'equentlie had bein done befor) the sinis for quhich he vas lying vnder so heavie a sentence, quhilk he humblie acknowledgit, and seiraed to be weighted therwith, and acknowledgit the equitie of the sentence lying heavie vpon him, and euerie vay expressit his deep sorow and humiliatioun for thes sinis for quhich he vas excommunicat. Quhich evidences of repent- ance, together vith quhat formerlie they had sein in him, vas thoght suffi- cient ground to enter him to his repentance, and so vas ordained to goe the nixt Lordis day to the kirk of Abercherdour, and ther begin his publict re- pentance in sackcloth, and Mr. Johne Reidfurd to report quhat signes of repentance he fand in him befor the congregatioun. Straquhan. The said day, Mr. James Gordon reported he had made inquirie anent Janet Straquhan hir bairne in Rothemay, and had cited befor them such persones as they could learne knew most of the said child. And, first, Janet Farquhar being posed, on hir oath, quhat shoe knew of that bairne borne be Janet Straquhan in Glass, suspectit to haue bein broght furth in hir hous ; deponed, that the said Janet Straquhan did come to hir hous about the tyme of the fight of Alfurd, and did leave a maide child in hir hous ; and about ten or twelve dayes therafter, the said Janet Straquhan said to hir the child was to one James Irving. 3. Confessed that the said Janet returned some four weekis after hir departure, and mowed on Christan Reid, ane poor women, to foster the child. 4. That shoe saw the child dye at Mertimes therafter in Christan Reidis hous ; Johne Litlejohne, hus- band to the said Christan Reid, and Margaret Litlejohne, witnessis to the death. 5. The said Janet said to them, at hir returne, that the child vas baptized at Strathbogie. Also, that Christan Reid had compeired befor them, and confessed all the former declaratioune of Janet Farquhar and 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 177 diveris vtheris witnessis vho vas present at the buriall of the bairne • and being all questioned how they had all concurred to conceale the birth and buriall of such ane childe, did answer, it vas not concealed but knoven to many, but, being in tyme of the warre, it vas not taken notice off, no elder being at that tyme in that quarter of the parish. The said day vas presented ane supplicatioune from Mr. James Ken- Kennedye. nedye, showing he had laithe supplicated the Commissione of the Kirk, at Perth, in all humilitie, to be relaxed from that dreadful! sentence of excom- municatioun, so justhe inflicted on him, for his accessione to that wnlawfull rebellione stirred vp by the laite Marques of Huntly and his complices, in the yeir 1644 or therby ; quhilk supplicatioun having bein considered by the Commissione of the Kirk, by ther ordinance, fourteenth February last, they did referr him to the Presbytrie of Strathbogie to conferre, vt supra, and to labour to bring him to some sense of his guiltinesse, and to report the result of their labouris, as the supplicatioune and reference therwith producit beares, and so, humblie supplicated the presbytry to grant him the benefit of the said reference, by giuing him audience and conference, that they might report the result of ther travaillis accordinglie. After reiding and considering therof, the said Mr. James vas called vpon, and au- dience granted to him. The moderator posed him quhat moued him thus to supplicat for his relaxatioun at this tyme, having so long neglected it. Answered, no worldlie respect, but only the weight of that sen- tence quherby he vas affected ; nayther had he altogether neglected his dutie in this kynd, having formerlie supplicat the presbytrie and Commis- sion of the Kirk. Aftervard laying it to his charge his haynous sinis, and some particular vicked courses committed by him in tyme of his rebellione, that had brought him now wnder so heavie a sentence, desyred him to ex- presse himself quhat he thoght of those sinis, and of the equitie of that sentence, and of his present conditione, standing at such ane distance vith the church ; answered, he humblie acknowledgit his former rebellious courses to be great sinis, and that the sentence of excommunicatioun most justlie vas inflicted for the same ; and if his tongue could express in publict quhat invard greif of heart he had for these sinnes, he hoped the bretheren wold corapassionat his present condition. Quhervpon, that he might be brought to ane farther sense of his erroris, the presbytrie appoynted ane particular dyet for conferrence vith him, and ordained Mr. WiUiam Kin- ninmont, moderator ; Mr. Johne Reidfurd, minister at Abercherdour ; Mr. z 178 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. George IVIeldrum, minister at Glas ; vith Mr. James Gordon, to meet vith him at Rothemay, tenth Martii, to conferr vith him in the forsaid particular, and to report quhat they fand in him. Rothemay. Kynnoir. Gordon. Thomsone. limes. Botarie, 19th Martii, 1651. Compeired the Laird of Rothemay, and humblie acknowledgit his deip sorow for his tuo accidental! slaughteris, vho now being on expeditioun to march vith his regiment, vas ordained to mak his publict repentance, in sackcloth, the nixt Lordis day, in the kirk of Rothemay ; and Mr. Robert Jamesone appoynted to preach the said day, and resaue him. The plantatioun of Kynnoir continowed vpon the former groundis, and Lues Gordon being now in the south, vho promised to heir the young man preach, and therafter concurr vith the presbytry in the said busines, as he sould find contentment. Hew Gordon and Isobell Thomsone in Botarie being summondit for continowall absens from Godis publict worship, called, not compeiring, ordained to be summondit pro 2"- Mr. Johne Reidfurd reported, that Mr. Alexander Innes had begun his repentance, in sackcloth, in Abercherdour, as formerlie he vas or- dained, quher he gaue such evidence of his repentance for the sines for quhich he is excommunicat, as they ver layed to his charge, that, vith many teares, he acknowledgit the hainousnes of these sinis that had brought him vnder so heavie a sentence, quhilk he confessed vas most justlie inflicted vpon him, and so caried himself in such ane penitent vay as the vhole congregation ver mowed to shed teares for him. Also, vas presented ane letter from the said Mr. Alexander, shewing his inabilitie to keep this day to resaue further censure, being so veakned in body that he sensiblie perceaued death following him vith so swift a pace, that he layed his accompt quicklie to be ouertaken by it, and shewing that, of all greifes and disconfortis, that void be the grytest to end his sinfull dayes out of the churches peace, and so humblie supplicated the presbytry to hastin his receaving into the bosome of the church againe, fearing death to prevent him. Quhilk report and letter, the bretheren taking to ther con- sideratioun, thoght meet to resaue him the nixt Lordis day, and so ordained him to corapeir at Abercherdour the said day, in sackcloth, as befor, and ther, vpon further manifestatioun of his wnfained sorow for such sinis as he vas excommunicated for, appoynted Mr. Johne Reidfurd to 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 179 relax him from the said sentence, and immediatly therafter resaue his sub- scriptioun to the League and Covenant. Mr. Johne Chalmer reported, he had preached at Botruphnie, as he Fraser. vas ordained, and also had resaued Mr. Alexander Fraser his repentance for these enormities for quhich he vas deposed, quhilk he ingenowuslie confessed befor the congregatioun, as also the equitie of that sentence of depravatioun pronunced justlie against him, and so seimed euerie vay veighted vith his sinne. The commissioneris formerlie nominat to conferr vith Mr. James Ken- Kennedye. nedye reported, accordinglie they mett the day and place forsaid, quher at lenth they had layed to his charge his former haynous sinis and rebel- lious courses, for quhilk he vas excommunicat, as also, so farr as they could call to mynd, diueris particular wickednessis and enormities at that tyme committed be him ; all quhich he humblie acknovledgit, and, so farr as they could judge, he seimed to be weighted vith his sinne. Further, they demandit of him his judgment anent the Covenant, League and Covenant, the lait wnlawfull engagement against England, and the religion presentlie professed ; vho confessed for a long tyme he had ane dislyk of both the Covenant and League and Covenant, being induced therto by ane prejudicat opinione and wilfull neglect of the meanis to have bein in- formed ; but now, being convinced of his error, professed himself so satis- lied, as he thoght them groundit on the word of God ; also, he esteimed the last wnlawfull engagement to be most vnlawfuU, and contrare to the Covenant, League and Covenant. And as for the religion presentlie pro- fessed, he thoght no difference in mater of doctrine from that he vas educat in, and quhervnto he promised to adheir by professione all the dayes of his lyf. After quhich report, the said Mr. James compeired personallie, and judiciallie declared his deip sorow of heart for his former sinfull courses, and acknowledgit that fearfull sentence of excommunicatioun iustlie pronunced against him, and expressed himself fullie in the parti- cularis mentioned to him at the former conference, conforme to the report of the bretheren in all poyntis. Further, he vas asked vhey, all this tyme he vas supplicating to be relaxed, he did not frequent sermonis ; answered, he void haue done that most willinglie, if he had knowen to haue been admittit therto ; to quhom it vas showen nane void haue debarred him from heiring the word, but only from the publict prayeris of the congrega- tioun, and so he promised to be ane heirer quhereuer he happened to be 180 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. Anderson. on the Lordis day. The bretheren, taking the matter to ther considera- tioun, ordamed him to draw vp, vnder his owne hand, ane declaratioun and confessione of his sinnis and vicked courses, for quhich he vas excom- municat, and therin also mak answer to these demandis proponed to him both at the conference and presbyteriallie, and delyuer it to the presbytrie the nixt day of meetting ; as also, the moderator desyred the bretheren to search and try quhat they could learne more of the said Mr. James his lyf and conversatioun, that he might be charged thervith the nixt day of meetting. Johne Andersone of Westertoun being summondit to this day, vt supra, corapeired not, being in Bamff at the randevous, as vas showen by his letter. Ordained to be summondit against the nixt day. The bretheren remowed seuerallie, and seriouslie examined concerning ther lyf, conversatioun, and cariage in ther callings, ver approven, and encouraged to goe on in the Lordis work. Irving-. Kyniioir and Dumbpnnand. Att Botarie, 16th Aprilis, 1651. The said day, ane letter produced from Mr. Robert Irving, shewing that sicknes deteined him from the meetting this day. The said day was produced ane letter from the Marquis of Huntly, showing his willingnes to haue the kirkis of Kynnoir and Dumbennand planted with Mr. Wiliame Jamesone, formerlie nominat and tryed be the presbytrie for the said charge ; and withall, requyring the wacand stipend of the yeir 1650 to be allocat for building ane new kirk at Huntly, quhilk he intendit to doe with the first conveniencie. The bretheren, taking the mater to ther consideratioune, approued his Lordships consent for planta- tioun of the saidis kirkis as said is, and appoynted the nixt meetting at Kvnnoir, seventh Mail, for the admissione of the said Mr. Wiliam Jame- sone ; as also ordained Mr. William Kininmont, Mr. Johne Reidfurd, Mr. Robert Jamesone to goe and show his Lordship, that the Commissione of the Provinciall Assemblie had appoynted the saidis kirkis to be dis- ioyned, and severallie planted, so that the presbytry could doe nothing in prejudice of the said act; and lykevys desyred them to informe his Lord- ship, that by the actis of this kirk, the wacand stipend belongs to the intrant at least from the day of his nominatioun, quhilk vas at Botarie, penult Januarij, 1650, and therfor the presbytry alreadie had disposed the said stipend to the said Mr. William, as belonging to him ex jure^ according to the act. 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 181 The said day, ane letter produced from the Commissioneris of the Ane letter General! Assemblie, requirmg everie presbytrie to tak paines to search and ^™™ ^^^ try if ther wer any among them that did labour to obstruct the work of e^rotthe"' the defence of religion, king, and kingdome, according to the publict re- General! solutiouns of this kirk, by preaching, wreitting, or persuading to the ^'''''"''^^^• contrar, and to censure the transgressoris. In obedience quhervnto, the moderator required the seuerall bretheren to report ther cariage theranent the nixt day. The warning emitted be the Commissioneris of the Generall Assemblie Warning, anent sectaries red be all the bretheren. Compeired Master James Kennedie, and produced his declaratioune Kennedye, under his hand, as he was formerlie ordained, who being remoued, the moderator asked the bretheren particularlie if they had hard any more concerning the said James his scandellous lyf and conversatioune, that thev might charge him with, who declared they hard nothing more than thes things that alreadie had bein objected to him, saue onlie that they hard he was not ane good instrument for the countrey about the Marquis of Huntlie his hand. The said Mr. James called, was accused of the forsaid evill counsell to the said Marquis, denyed the same, and promised to o-ive instances of the contrair if he sould be further to it. Therafter, beino- desyred to expresse his humilitie be word as he had done by wreit in his declaratioune, who compeired in sacco wpon his knees, declaring him- self to haue gryt sorow of heart for thes sinis for quhich he was excom- municat, and that he was vnfeinedly tuoched with the weio-ht of that sentence, earnestlie longing for to be resaued into the communion of the people of God. By all quhich wordis and gesture the bretheren perceiving him tuoched, referred him back to the Commissione of the Generall As- semblie, with the extract of the presbytrie ther wholl procedour with him, vnder the clerk his hand, as the result of ther travaillis, and especiallie of that declaratioune of his wicked lyf and conversatioune that he had giffen vnder his hand, quhilk was ordained heir to be insert ad fiituram rei me- moriam, the tenor quherof followes : " Presented by Master James Kennedy, excommunicated persone, to the reuerend moderator and bretheren of the Presbyterie of Stra- bogie, holdin at the kirk of [ ] the [ ] day of [ ] 1651, in answer to seuerall propositions and demands proponed to him by them at seuerall former presbyteres, and diuerse 182 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. conferences had with him be seuerall of the bretheren for that effect. " Wheras wpon ane supplicatione presented by me to the Commissione of the Generall Assembly, whereby I did humbly supplicat their reverend wisdomes to be relaxed from the dreadfull sentence of excommunication so justlie inflicted wpon me for these greivous sinnes and haynous crymes mentioned therin, it did pleas ther reverend wisdomes, be ane act of dait the [ ] day of February last, to remit me to your wisdomes of the Presbyterie of Strabogie to confer with me, and bring me to a sense of my guiltines, and to report to them the result of your travellis. Wherwpon your wisdomes, wpon my supplicatioune presented to yow, haue granted me audience, and conferred with me at severall meltings of your presbyterie, as lykwayes at diverse conferences had with me by severall of the bretheren for that effect : Therfor, and for further satisfactione to the said Com- missione and to your wisdomes, it is my most humble and earnest desyr that I may have that libertie and friedome heirby to ingenuouslie acknow- ledge and sincerlie declair (so far as it shall pleas God of his mercie to enable me) my reall sense of all these wicked courses which I haue formerlie runne, and of the sinnes and wnlawfulnes of my former wayes, with my resolutiounes theranent, and anent my futur behaviour in tyme cumming. And siklyk, my we[ak] judgement anent these vther particularis proponed by your wisdomes to me, as followeth, wherby God may be glorified, his people satisfied, and my conscience, so much weighted with the heavie burthen of sinnes, eased and refreshed. " I doe, in all humilitie, most ingenouslie confesse and sincerlie acknow- ledge, to the glorie of God and my oune shame, that at the beginning of that horrid and wnnaturall rebellione raised in the northerne pairts of this kingdome, being moved with the spirit of presumptione and sin- o-ularitie, I did abandon the societie of Gods people within the toune of Edinburgh, amongst whom I lived formerlie about the space of ten yeirs or therby, with George Gordon, sumtym Marquis of Huntly, about the yeir 1643 ; and having caried armes wnder him in the forsaid re- ])ellione in the yeir 1644 or therby, against authoritie, both civill and ecclesiastick, I was, about that tym, most justlie excommunicat by the Commissione of the Generall Assemblie for the same, and for my de- linquencie and wickednes in opposing the Covenant and work of God in this land, and endeavoring the mine and subversione theroff according 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 183 to my pouer, the justice of which sentence I doe heirby most sincerelie and seriouslie acknowledge. " That, being defeited by the Spirit of Grace, and therby left to mysellF, I proceided from sinne to sinne, till at last I became altogidder insensible of sinne, having my conscience cauterized with the habit and custum of sinning, wherwpon I not onlie continowed in armes with the said wmquhill George Gordoune, sumtym Marquis of Huntlye, after my said excommu- nicatione, wntill such tym as he wes forced to disband and leaue the feilds, and retire hiraselfF to Stranaver, bot did immediatlie therefter associat my- selff to wmquhill James Grahame, excommunicat traitour, who had invaded this kingdome with ane number of bloodie Irishes and barbarous Hielanders, with whom I continoued in armes for the space of ane yeir and aboue, untill I wes takin prisoner efter Philiphauch ; being also partaker and high- lie guiltie of all that bloodshed, raising of fire, rapine, plundering, and all other barbarous insolencies, and wnnatturall creuelties and outrages com- mitted all that tym. " And not being sensible of that happines and blessing conferred wpon me at that tym by the mercifuU hand of God, first, in arr easting me by prisone, therby to haue stopped that violent course and torrent of my by- past wicked and sinfull lyfi", and to haue recalled me to himselff"; and nixt, in releiving me from the snares of a violent death, which I daylie expected and justlie deserved, by setting me at libertie furth of prisone, I wes so baselie ungrate to so gracious a God, and mercifuU a father, that in place of returning thanks, and acknouledging of his benefits, being givin over to a strong delusione, and possessed with seven worse spirits then the former, I returned againe to my oune vomit, and walloued myselff* of new in the myre and puddle of my former wickednes and sinfulnes, so that, efter my releift' furth of prisone in the tolbuith of Edinburgh, I retired myselff" north againe to the said George Gordoune, sumtym Marquis of Huntly, who had raised a new rebellione in the yeir 1646, to whom I adhered till October therefter, 1647, that he wes takin prisoner. " To all which sinfull and wicked proceidings, I doe also confesse that one of my cheifest motives which induced me to follow the same wes a blind obedience to [ ] of the last king, which now I acknowledge to have bein most [ ] to touch me with some sense of all those former haynous and greivous ofifences, efter so many wandrings and warnings, and with some kind of remorse and sorow for the same, as appeared to me. 184 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. wharwpon I did supplicat the said Commissione of the Generall Assembly in June, 1649, or therby, and since that tym lykwayes ; yet such wes my pronnes and dispositione to my former wicked and sinfull courses, that in place of continouing and cherishing these good motiones, and prosecuting so happie a designe, I wes tempted be my oune lusts and wicked nature to a fearfull backslyding, by joyning myself to that associatione of insurrectione and rebellione laitlie raised in the north, in October last, by some malignant and factious spirits, authors theroff. " I doe also, in all humilitie, most seriouslie confesse and sincerelie ac- knouledge that the whole course of my lyff, both befor and since my ex- communicatione, hath bein nothing but a progresse of wickednes and daylie heaping of sinne wpon sinne, by drunkennes, whordom, cursing and swear- ing, break of the Saboth, neglect of Gods worship, pryd, envy, malice, contempt of the means of grace, mocking of religione, profanitie, and all sort of wickednes and excesse of ryot ; by all which I have offended Al- mightie God in the highest maner, and given great occasione of scandall and offence to his people. And the rather that no pretext or cloack of ig- norance wes left me, having had sufficient occasiones of the ordinaire means of my educatione and instructione, and being educat and bred both at schooles and coUedges, and other seminaries of learning within this king- dome ; all which doe so much the more aggravat and aggrage my sinfulnes and wickednes, having sinned so highlie both against my knouledge and the light of my conscience, and against the light of the gospell shyning so cleirlie for the tym. " As for these demands proponed unto me, anent the Covenant, League and Covenant, the lait unlawfull engagement, and religione presently pro- fessed, I doe ingenuously confess and sincerely acknouledge that I wes for a long tym possessed with a dislyk of the Covenant, League and Covenant, and all the meanes used for promoving theroff, being induced thervnto by a prejudiced opinion wharwith I wes possest, and a wilfull neglect of the means to have bein informed of the necessitie and laufulnes of the same, bot most by ane affected singularitie. Bot having informed myselff more par- ticularlie theranent, and especiallie by these several conferences above mentionat, which I haue had with your wisdomes, not only sufficientlie sa- tisfied and fuUie convinced [ ]. " And as to the said Covenant and League and Covenant, in relation to the king, I doe ingenuouslie profess and declare, and lykwayes solemnlie 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 185 promeis, that gif the King should (out of a malignant dispositione) change his principles, and tak armes against the said Covenant and Leao-ue and Covenant, therby to oppose or persecute the cause of God and the work of reformatione in this land, I wald not only not follow him therin, but wald stand in the defence of the cause of God to my wttermost power, and op- pose him and all others whosoever who sould attempt so unlaufull a desio-ne. " And as to the kit unlawfull engagement against England, I doe es- teim the same most unlaufull and sinfull, as being destructive and contrarie to the Covenant, League and Covenant, and to the judgement of this kirk, delyvered by these severall declarationes emitted by the Generall Assembly and ther Commissioners to that effect. " And as for the religione presently professed, I doe not apprehend any difference in mater of doctrine from that I wes educat in from my infancie, and wherwnto I have still adhered be ray professione, and shall, God wil- ling, continow in all the dayes of my lyftym, though I confesse to my great greiff, that my practise hath bein far contrarie. Bot for the discipline and church government, I doe professe ingenuouslie I wes not so weill satis- fied therwith till of lait, by the forsaids several conferences I have had with your wisdomes to that purpose, whereby I am so fullie satisfied therin, that I doe confidentlie beleive that Presbyterian government, as it is pre- sently established in the Kirk of Scotland, is the only trew and laufull church government, grounded upon the word of God, and institut be Chryst and his apostles. " And I doe protest and solemnhe promeis, by the grace of God, faith- fullie to adher wnto the said Covenant, League and Covenant, and all the ends theroff, and to the religione presently professed, both in doctrine and discipline, and to promove the same to the wttermost, according to my place and power, heirefter, as God shall enable me. And not only to shunne such wicked and sinfull courses heirefter (by the grace of God) as I haue hitherto folloued, but also to prove active and instrumentall, accord- ing to my pouer, for furthering of the work of reformatione in all tymes cumming, that these people who have bein stumbled and so much offended by my sinfulnes and fall may be raised againe and encouraged by my good exemple of lyff and conversatione, and God may be glorified in my humi- liatione and repentance for all my bygaine sinnes and wicked courses, and in my returne to his church and people, wpon the reall evidences of ray sinceritie therin. To the whilk effect, I hurablie beg of Almightie God the 2 A 186 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. assistance of his Holy Spirit to direct me in all my wayes, and to continow that good work of grace in me till he bring it to a finall perfectione. " Master James Kennedye." The nixt meetting at Kynnoir, 7th Maii, and Mr. Johne Chalmer or- dained to preach the said day, as also the Lordis day preceeding, and intimat the meetting of the bretheren ther the said day for admissione of Mr. William Jamesone ; and Mr. William Jaraesone ordained to preach at Gartlie the said Lordis day. Plantatioun of Kynnoir. Querie proponned. Agnes Anderson. Att Kynnoir, 7th Maij, 1651. Mr. Johne Chalmer taught, 1st Thess. 5, v. 12. The said day having been appoynted for admissione of Mr. William Jamesone to the ministrie of the wnited kirkis of Kynnoir and Dumben- nand, who had giuen sufficient proof of his qualificatione and literature in his privat tryallis, and ane edict being seruit and indorsit, and nane compeiring on the contrair, the said Mr. William was admittit minister at the said wnited kirkis of Kynnoir and Dumbennand, be incalling the name of God, and imposition of handis, according to the order of the Kirk ; giving him power, vnder Christ, to preach the gospell, administrat the sacramentis, exercise discipline at the saidis wnited kirkis ; who gaue his oath of fidelitie in his charge, and subscryved League and Covenant, and promised obedience to the government of the Kirk of Scotland and his bretheren, who thervpon gaue him the right hand of fellowship, and the parochineris accepted him, together with George Gordon of Achanachie, commissioner from the Marquis of Huntly, for the said effect. The said day, the moderator asked the bretheren severallie, (according to the letter of the Commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, the former day produced,) if they did obstruct the work of the defence of religion, King, and kingdome, by preaching or wtherwayes, and whow they wer satisfied vith the publik resolutiounes of the Kirk theranent ; all that wer present declared themselfs satisfied, and schew that they wer promowing the work, according to ther places and calling. The said day, compeired George Morison in Rothemay, and being accused for scandellizing Agnes Anderson, spous to Peter Meldrum, with adulterie, confessed he said the same. Being asked quhat mowed him so to doe, or quhat presumptiones he had therof, answered, becaus the said Agnes had scandellized his wyf first, and that the mater was trew, he 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 187 finding them in a scandellous cariage together alone in the hous, quhilk he oiFerred himself to proue by his nighbouris, Alexander Michell and Andro Scot; who, being present, and admittit be the said Agnes Anderson as witnesses, wer suorne, deponed they neuer knew any scandellous cariao-e betuixt the said Agnes and Alexander Frost, alledgit adulterer with hir. Then the said George Morison being asked if he had any more witnesses, answered, nane but his owne wyfe, vho also being present, declared con- forme to hir husband in the maine point, but not in all circumstances. The bretheren, having seriouslie considered the mater, and wpon diligent search, findis all to be groundit wpon malice ; also, the minister, Mr. James Gordon, reporting that ther wes no scandell but quhat wes raised be these personis ; and the said George having promised to proue the mater sub periculo causae, quherin he had failled, ordained the said George Morison and his wyf to mak repentance in sacco for the said scandell. The said day, the presbytrie ordained the youngest minister of ther Ordinance for number to be clerk, and so Mr. William Jamesone wes admittit therto. '^^^'■'^• Att Botarie, Maij 21, 1651. Ther was no exercise this day, in respect of the absence of Mr. Robert Doctrine. Irving, quho excused himselfe by a letter writtin by his sonne-in-law in his name, he himselfe not being able be reason of ane heavie sicknes. Mr. George Meldrum, quho should only haue addit, did much in his discourse to supply the defect of exercise. The text this day was, 1st Cor. 4, V. 12. Quhich being ended. The meitting was blest by the raoderatour, and the name of God incalled. Absent. Mr. George Chalmer absent. Meetting ^ , . -11 (. broken up. Mr. Robert Irvmg his excuse considered, was found verie relevant, m irvinge. respect it was declared by some bretheren that he was sick indeed. Mr. George Meldrum being remowed, was generallie approven in his Censure, great paines takne wpon the forsaid text, and the Lord was blest in him at his incomming, he being exhorted to be thankfull and diligent. The said Mr. George his excuse for the last dayes absence was consi- Meldrum. dered, and in respect it was generallie knowne of all the bretheren that he ussed not to disfrequent such meettings, but made conscience of keepping them, it was allowed and past ouer without censure. George Low, parochiner of Keythe, haueing now satisfied the discipline Low. ther for his adulterie with Margaret Gray, compeired this day in sackclothe, 188 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. Lady Altare. Melvilles supplicatioun. and being put to it, gaue a humble confession of the fault, and the guilti- nesse therofF, that the said George fand himselfe sensibly weighted vith, promising, in the strengthe of the Lords assistance, to be more forseeing over himselfe, and more vatchfull in tyme to come, and craueing pardon at the Lord and his people for that hainous provocation, etc. The bretherne understanding the mans desire of mercie, and his willingnes to christian walking in hatred of such sins, quhilk he did proffesse both befor them and his owne congregatioune (as they were informed by the minister theroflp), remitted him back to the session of Keythe to be absolued. The said day, Mr. George Melvill compeired, and being sworne, did de- ponne quhat he knew anent the Lady Alters uncleannes, eyther of adul- terie or fornication, towitt, that Janet Gray, somtyrae servant to the forsaid ladie, did declare to the forsaid Mr. George, in the upper chalmer of the palace of Altare, in Murray, that about the tyme of the said Mr. George his going abrod to visit his freinds, the ladie being at that tyme valitude- narie, yea, and gone to bed at his goeing away, the said Janet told the said Mr. George that the ladie forsaid was delivered of a child befor the said Mr. George his returne, quhich declaratione, according to his present know- ledge and memorie, he subscribis as true and upright. That it is written with the said Mr. George his owne hand in the presbyteriall scrolles verba- tim, and subscribed Mr. G. Melvill. Mr. George Melvill presented a supplication acknowledgeing the hainous- nes of his sinne in forging a testimoniall, the justice of the sentence of the Synode of Murray, quhich was pronounced against him for the said fowl! fact of his in forgeing the samen, and humblie professing himselfe ane earn- est and assiduous penitent, greiueing verie much that euer he should bein actor or accessorie to that evill quhich now he perceiued to be ane hainous and highe prevarication, and ane mater full of guiltines and danger, quherof he desired to be penitentiallie myndfull befor the throne of mercie all his days ; wishing also the prayers of the faythfull to be assisting unto him in the fervent desire he now had found for the pardon of that sin quherwith he fund himselfe to be heavilie leadened, only because he was now by the mercie of God preferred to be a minister of the gospell, and servant of Jesus by special trust, and was verie unwilling that the office he bore, the person he represented, or the message that he brought should be discredited in him in these places, quher, althoughe the fault was committed, yet the scandell had never been much heard of, he earnestly desired a mitigation of 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 189 the forsaid sentence, if not in qualitie (for he acknowledged that he was worthie of more then sackcloathe), yet in respect of the place of compeir- ance, or any other way that they should thinke fittest to be taken bothe for purgeing of scandell and for the saucing of the credit of that highe calling quherwithe he was laufullie invested. The brethren, taking the mater to heart, and perseiueing the young man to be in all likliehood humbled under the sense and burthen of the sin, and understanding that ther was a meetting of ane commission of the province to be betuixt that and ther next dyett, quher some of ther owne number wer to be present, they did referre the mater unto them to be advised, that the proceeding might be the more cleare and unanimous ; and in the meane summondit Mr. George to keep the nixt meetting of the presbytrie, with resolution to giue satisfaction as he should be enjoyned, quhich the said Mr. George did faythfullie promise to doe. Compeired Elspett Crukshanke, parochiner of Botarie, and being ac- Crukshanke, cused of adulterie with Lodovicke Lindsay, some tyme Earle of Crawfurd, adulteresse, both in the parioch of Botarie and Rothemay, she confessed the same in both parochines, and after that the filthines of her offence was laid forthe unto hir by the moderatour, and she mightly rebuked for her contumacious and lewd life, quhich (as was reported be the minister of Botarie), she had for ane long tyme spended in the service of Sathan, by whorring and per- jurie, she was remitted to the sessions of both the kirkes of Rothemay and Botarie, to satisfie per vices, as ane adulteresse in sackcloathe, barefootted, till the disciphne should be satisfied according to the order of this kirke ; and if she should desist at any tyme from guieing obedience, that then in- continent she should be excommunicated, her processe being alreadie neir the closure in the parochin of Botarie, quher she had most resided, and the ministeris to report. The question that was asked of euerie brother, the last day, concerning Querie their affection to carie on the work of defence of religion, King, and iterated. kingdome, by ther preaching according to the publicke resolutiounes of the Commission of the Kirke, being demanded of Mr. George Meldrum, quho was absent at the last meetting, answered, that he could not giue a present answer therto, in respect he had not acquainted himselfe so fullie with the businesse as he could have wisht, and that he could not recollect his memorie upon such a short tyme to giue satisfaction unto everie parti- culare, but promised to informe himselfe better theranent with all convenient 190 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. diligence, and to giue them ane answere at the nixt occasion that he were put to it, quherupon the mater was not more pressed for the time, in respect the said Mr. George was knowne to be diligent and honest in his calling, and verie ingenuous to declare himselfe freely, quhen he should be asked therin the nixt tyme. This day it was ordained (seeing the summer tyme was now drawing on), that they should proceed unto the visitatioune of the kirkes of their bounds that were not visited the yeare bygonne, and that they should begin at Abercherdor, second Junii, quher Mr. Wm. Kinninmonthe is appoynted to preache. Mr. John Redfurd, minister at Abercherdor, declared that he could not haue his discipline in readinesse against that tyme, in respect he could not be at leisure to fill up the book, because of ane necessitie lying upon him to keep the commission of the Synod interveening. Chalmer excused. Visitatioun of Aberchirder. At Aberchirder, 11th Junij, 1651. Mr. William Kinnynmonthe taught, Exodus 32, v. 11. Conveened the wholl memberis of the presbytry, and, after incalling on the name of God, Mr. George Chalmer excused his former dayes absence because of some important affaires he had to doe that day at home, besyde the attending of his wife lying bedfast wnder ane heavie disease. The ex- cuse admitted. The said day, Mr. John Redfurd, minister at the place, gaue in a list of the elders and deacounes that were admitted to exercise thes functions within the parioche of Aberchirder, as followethe : [ ] Quho being all sworn e with uplifted hand, as in the presence of Almightie God, to quhom they were to render ane accompt one day, to declare them- selues faythfullie in quhat they knew concerninge their ministeres doctrine, conversatioune, and exercise of discipline within the parioch of Aberchirder, and of his afiectioune for carying on the worke of God in this kirke and king- dome, according to his vocatioune and calling. The minister and other elders Robert Colleis remoued, Robert Colleis deponned as foUoweth, viz. : being demandit con- his report of cerning the ministeris personal cariage and in his familie, answered, that he was a verie honest man, free of any vyce in himselfe for any thing that he could learne of him, being frequently with him in companie ; and that he used prayer in his famiUe twise a day, with reading of scripture and singing of psalmes after meat ordinarly, and was verie diligent in the instruction of 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 191 his familie, children, and servants, in the way of their right conversing with God and his people, and that others adjacent were much the better of their good example. Being demandit concerning his doctrine, answered, for himselfe, he was verie much refreshed by him, and (according to all the Ho-ht that the Lord had bestowed upon himselfe) he knew nothing hot that he was orthodoxe in his preaching, prompt and eloquent in his deliverie, and fraughted ordinarilie with store of food to distribut to the necessitie of them committed unto him at everie occasion, both for comforting of lono^inff soules and terrour of the obstinat. Being demandit if he used to speake against the most raging errours of the tymes, especialHe sectarisme and malignancie, and if he pressed the refutatioune of these evills solidly by sound and good scriptures and sufficient reasounes quhen he fell upon them, and if he were zealous and powerfull for the laying forthe of sufficient grounds that the people might lay up in store for strengthening themselues against the cor- ruption of these distroying evills, if at any tyme they shold be solicited therunto, and for convinceing them that were alreadie takne and lying still in the drogges of malignancie ; answered, he did not omitt his dutie in any of these things, hot taught his people as a man of God forseeing their dan- ger, and convincing by applying the phisicke of the word to the sore, with- out respect of the persounes of any man. Being demandit how oft he preached upon the Lords day, and if he used lectureing and catechiseing ; answered, he preached twise a day in the summer tyme, and lectures halfe houris space and aboue befor his first sermon ordinarily everie Sabothe, with due solemnitie keepped ; and in the weeke tyme did frequentlie cate- chize his parochiners, instructing them in the grounds of the Christian faythe, and tooke great paines for planting their hearts in the sincere know- ledge of Christ crucified. Being asked if he did exercise discipline towards all impartiallie, reproued sin freely, and used meanes with all to restore such as had failed in the spirit of meekenes ; answered, that he stroue for verie much exactnes in all these, and behaued himselfe verie prudently among them, as a man macking conscience of his calling, equallie punishing all that were alike guiltie, without carnalitie or by ends, so farre as he under- stoode, and, in loue, doeing quhat he could to mack sinne to be hated, and the Lord get glorie in the returne of all that had fallen therin or walked scandelously. Being asked if there were any in the parisch that gaue them- selues out as papists, or were popishly inclyned and non communicants, and that had not subscribed the Covenant and League and Covenant ; answered. 192 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. Gordons testimonie Redfurds testimonie. The wholl elders testi- monie. that he knew none of that sort. And, last of all, being asked quhen he used to celebrat the sacraments ; answered, that he baptised eyther at the weekly lecture or other exercise, hot especiallie on the Lords day, in the face of the wholl congregation, after the first sermon ; and as for the other sacrament of the Lords Supper, he used to giue it once a yeare, and was macking preparation for the administration therofF how soon he could con- veniently, and was preparing his people the more diligently because of that. And being desired to be ingenuous, remembring his oathe, to declare if ther wer any thing that he wished him to be admonished of, and particu- larlie if he did presse familie worshipe to be sett up in everie familie in the parishe ; answered, he knew nothing of that kynd, and for pressing of fa- milie worshipe he was instant in it, both in privat and publick to exhort un- to it, and had prevailed so much, that sundrie had begun to usse prayers and reading of scripture ordinarly in their houses, of quhich number himselfe was one that had begun to doe the saraen. He was thanked for it, and en- couraged be the moderator, and was intreated to continue therin, without intermission in tyme comming, quhilk undoubtedly would tend to his good if he should labour to grow in that duetie. The gentleman tooke the exhorta- tioune kyndly, and promised, by the grace of God, to labour to giue obe- dience to the desire, for the good example of others, and his oune growths in true acquaintance with the Lord. John Gordon being called and sworne, ut supra, did giue unto the minister the like testimonie in euerie thinge as was befor giuen unto him be Robert CoUeis, nether did he know any thing that he thought he needed to be admonished of, but thanked God that they had the happines to haue him ther minister. George Redfurd being sworne, ut supra, called, deponned in everie thinge as the other two, and heartily blessed God in him. He knew nothing quheroff he should be admonished. All the rest called, did homologat the forgoeing testimonies in euerie thing, adding with all, that he was carefull in taking notice of such poore ones as were in the parish, and in supplieing them in their necessities, and at some set tymes of the yeare, by the distribution of such moneyes amongst them as were usuallie gathered in the congregatioune at their ordinarie meettings to worshipe. They had nothing to haue him ad- monished for. The minister being called, was heartily incouraged to the worke, and 1G51.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 193 desired to be diligent in his calling, and earnest seeking of God ; and be- sought the Lord to continue with him to that effect. The elders being remoued, and the minister asked concerning their Admonition to asistance unto him in the discipline of the kirke, and their diligence in *^^ elders, privat admonition and delatioune, and Christian cariage and brotherly correspondence amongst themselues, gaue them a good testiraonie in all, only desired them to be wakened to farther dutie in all the forsaids, and especiallie that they should be carefull to take notice of any common swearings, that, after once or twise admonitioune, they might dilat them to the session, that they might be censured according to the measure of guiltinesse found in them. Quho being called in, were grauely admonished to fidehtie in euerie one of the particulares forsaid, that they should walke like their calling, and withall, were earnestly exhorted euerie on of them to sett up the worshipe of God in their families, that so they might learne to feare God, and follow the example of such of their owne number that had begune to doe it. The session book was not yet visited, in respect of the ministers being in Murray, as is befor specified, so that he could not haue leasure to cause fill it up. This day, Mr. John Redfurd and Mr. William Kinnynmonthe reported Lady Fren- they had conferred with the Ladie of Frendraught anent her usuall not di^^ug^t. countenancing the publicke worshipe in the familie, and had tryed her if she used to any idolatrous worshipe, or if she did acquant her selfe most with the reading of the popishe bookes, or keepped besid her any monu- ments of idolatrie, as they were enjoyned by the Synode of Forres last. In all quhich they fand her not averse from the lawfull commands of the Kirke of Scotland, promiseing in euerie thing to conforme her selfe therto, both in the publicke and private worshipe therof, in all tyme comming ; and that she should not giue herselfe to any further acquaint- ance to the detestable wayes of poprie or popish idolatrie, in any tyme heirafter, quherin the brethren acquiesced for the tyme. Also, the forsaid brethren haueing bein at the Commission in Murray, Melvills reported they had advised with them anent the abouewrittin supplication, '"epentance. giuen in the last day of meetting by Mr. George Melvill, but received no answer from them in that particulare, in respect they judged it not per- tinent for them to haue any medling therin, it being without their bounds for the tyme, and belonging particularlie to the presbytry themselues, by 2b 194 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. Ladyes of Rothemay communicat. Kennedie to be receiued and absolued. way of reference from the Synode at Forres. Quherfor the bretherne, takne the raater to heart, and after due consideration of the particulares of the abouewrittin supplication, and finding the remorse of conscience that was to be desired in the younge man, thought fitt that the said Mr. George should humble himselfe in sacco presently, in presence of God and his servants of the presbytry their conveined, to declare his humilitie and selfe detestatioune in the mater of forging of that testificate, remitting quhat further censure should be enjoyned him unto the graue and wise decreet of the Synode nixt following, and withall, that he should be takne strickely obleiged to giue obedience unto their determination in everie thing, if they should not rest satisfied in his present obeying of this decreet of presbytry enjoyned him. The said Mr. George being called, compeired, and after the mater was weightily put before him cle novo, and he acquainted with the great guiltines theroff, rebuked for the samen, and exhorted to a serious takeing of it to heart, and repenting for it befor the Lord, the aboue writtin censure was made knowne unto him ; quherunto he promised to giue obedience most willingly in everie particulare therofl", and especiallie that he should be glade to attend the farther censure of the nixt Synode, with desire to satisfie accordingly to their enj unction, as he was willing to doe presently for the obeying of this. Quherupon the said Mr. George remoued, and compeiring againe in sacco, and upon his knees, in presence of all the members of the present meetting, acknowledged the fault, and both verballie, and (as it seimed) reallie, declared himselfe weighted with it, and earnestly begged pardon of the Lord for the samen, and all that were present to be dayly suiteres befor the throne to that efi'ect. The said Mr. George being aduertised to be myndfull of his late [promise,] was dismissed. Mr. James Gordon reported that the two Ladyes of Rothemay, elder and younger, had receiued the sacrament of the Lord's Supper in this vice without any scruple, being now ordinarie hearers of the word ; and that the Laird himselfe would haue receiued the samen in like manor, if he had not been absent at the armie in the tyme of the giueing of it, for he was certaine that he had no scruple in his mynd against it, if his actions and frequent professions to himselfe therin should meett. Compeired Mr. James Kennedie, and produced the extract of the Act of the Commission of the Generall Assembly for absolueing of him from the dreadfull sentence of excommunicatioun under quhich he, to his greife, 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 195 had long lyen, the tenor quherof followeth : " Perthe, 23d Maij, 1651. The Commission of the Generall Assembly, haueing considered the report of the Presbytrie of Strathbogie, and heard Mr. James Kennedie person- ally present diverse tymes befor themselues, considering also the report of some of their owne number appoynted to conferre with him, bearing their satisfaction with the expressions they find of his sense of, and sorrow for, his offences for quhich he was excommunicat ; doe therfor refferre him to the Presbytrie of Strathbogie, that, after publick satisfaction in sackclothe, according to the order prescribed, they may relaxe him from the sentence of excommunication, glueing to them full power to that effect, quherin they shall make report of their diligence to this Commission, or the nixt Gene- rall Assemblie. Subscribitur, T. Ker." The bretherne perceiueing the mynd of the Commission heirin, and finding the said Mr. James following forth the same way of greife for his sins for quhich he had bein excommu- nicat as he had begunne to doe of late, and that he declared himselfe op- posite to such wicked courses quherunto he had bein glueing himselfe, ordained Master William Jamesone to take his repentance the nixt Lords day at Dumbennan, quher he had bein resident in the tyme of his wickednes, and to receiue him to the societie of the faythfull againe, by absolueing him from that dreadfull sentence, according to his repentence, as he shall be answerable to them, and to report his diligence therin at the nixt meetting. In the meane tyme, hearing that the said Mr. James was maliciouslie set against Thomas Spense, ane honest man, that had liued christianly in the countrie all this tyme, and being asked anent it, denyed any malice or hatred at all that he caried towards him, or any other man ; and in tokne of the treuthe, he was content to referre any thinge that was in question betwixt them to the decision of any two brethren of the presbytry, and to stand to quhat they should conclude therin, under the paine of 10,000 libs., quhich gaue the brethren verie much contentment for the tyme. Compeired George Adamsone of Fluires, and requyred Mr. Alexander Ker to preach Ker, a young man quho was occasionallie present, this day to giue them a ^^^^^ *!^^ preaching the Lords day ensueing. The said George being remoued, that ^^ ^ '^' he might receive his answer to his demande, it was concluded that the said Mr. Alexander should be entreated at the nixt visitation, in respect some did not thinke it so convenient that any should have warrand from them to preach in a vacand congregatioune till they themselues should once heare him. Intimation heiroff was made to the said George Adamsone, 196 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. Commissioner chossen for the General! Assemblie. being called, and the said Mr. Alexander was entreated to embrace the call, quhilk he promised to discharge, God willing, at the nixt day of meetting. Mr. William Kinnynmonthe this day was ordained to attend the nixt Generall Assemblie, as commissioner from the presbytry at this tyme ; and Alexander Ogilvie of Kempcairne, as railing elder ; glueing them full power to dispute, voice, conclude, debat, etc.^ according to the word of God, Covenant, Solemne League and Covenant, as they will be answerable to ws at their returne. The said Mr. William accepted, and his expenses ordained to be brought in by everie brother against the nixt meetting. Elders of Innerkeithny At Innerkeythnie, 26th Junii, 1651. Conveined the moderator and remanent brethren, and after incalling of the name of God, Mr. Alexander Ker taught, Hos. 5, v. 6. The doctrine was appro ven. This day being appoynted for visiting the kirke of Innerkeythnie, the ininister, Mr. Robert Irving, called, gaue in the list of elders and deacones as followes : George Sinclare of Haddo Mill ; Beroald Innes of Turterie ; James Elshunder in Haddo ; Patrik Elshunder ; George Merns in Fortrie ; George Harper in Ardfour ; George Spense of Tullo ; Patricke Neper in Drachlo ; William Smyth in Auchingoul ; Robert Farskein in Downeis ; Robert Elshunder ; John Irvinge ; Alexander Elshunder ; quho being all particularely sworne to declare honestly and faythfullie quhat they knew concerning their minister his discharging his calling amongst them, and Georg Spense his Christiane conversatioune, etc. ; the rest remoued, Georg Spens of Tullo being demanded of the ministers personall cariage in the place, or if he ussed tipling or tavernes, and did not attend his studies ; answered, he knew no thing bot honestie to him, was no tipler nor ailhouseman, hot, according to his knowledge, diligent at his booke. Being asked how he behaued himselfe in his farailie, and if he had morning and evening worship in it, and reading of scriptures ; answered, he had all these. Being asked concerning his doctrine ; answered, he taught soundly out of the scriptures ; and that if the people liked to take heed unto him, being now acquainted with his manor of probatioune and deliverie, they might reape benefitt by him. Being asked how often he preached upon the Lords day, and quhen he lectured ; answered, he preached twyce everie Sabothe, and lectured befor the sermon in the fornoone ; quhich course he still held in the summer his testimonie. 1631.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 197 tyrae quhill as the day was long, and baptised ordinariely after sermon, except upon speciall emergent, and then he ussed still some doctrine befor the baptisme, grounded wpon particulare place of scripture; and as for his gift in preaching, he thought it no whitt diminisht from what it was twentie yeares since, bot rather encreasing dayly. Being asked how he administered the sacraments ; answered, in ane sincere and pious way, as he conceived, the Lords supper once a yeare, and ussed examination of all his parochiners befor hand severall dayes and dyetts in the week appoynted for that exercise, and was somtymes upon the examinatioune of all the yeare over upon a sett day for the purpose. Being asked if he was diligent in the other duties of his calling, in pressing familie worshipe, censureing of delinquents impartiallie, and causeing the necessitie of the poore of the parische to be seriously takne to heart ; answered, that in all these he saw nothing in him bot care eneugh, for he was diligent to doe his part if the people could be drawne to be obsequious, bot he wearied not in labour- ing amongst them, and had sett tyraes for the distributing of the ordinarie collections to the use of the poore, takeing compassion of such as he saw needfull of the charitie of them that the Lord had dealt with more largly, in respect of possessing earthly meanes, and that he went befor others himselfe in good example. In a word, he had nothing at all that he thought he needed to be admonisht of, bot besought the Lord to blesse him in his labours. And last of all, being asked concerning the necessitie of ane helper, and exhorted to be ingenuous in expressing him therin, as befor the Lord and not men ; answered, he thought indeed ther was some sort of ex- pediencie of it, if the parisch, being bot poore, could be able to beare it. George Sinclare in Haddo Milne, being sworne ut supra, declared him- George Sin- selfe in everie thing as was befor done by George Spense, only he thought ^'^'"f ^'®. 1 1 T • 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1-1 11 testimonie. ther was no such expediencie that he should be burthened with ane helper at this tyme ; and withall, he declared that he visited the sick ordinarily quhen he was sent for, and spake against both raalignants and the sectaries in his sermon as he fand occasioune. All the rest of the elders being called, gaue unto him the same testimonie The testi- with George Sinclare ; and being asked particularly, they thought ther was "^P"jf ia nothing that he needed to be admonished of, bot was diligent in his calling, and needed not a helper more now then befor at any time. As for his pro- bation, being acquainted with it for such a longe tyme, they understood it well eneughe, and it was no impediment unto their edifieing. 198 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. Elders censured. Ker to preach at Grange. Kers testi- monialls. Mr. James Kennedie absolued. The minister being called, was exhorted to be carefull and painfull in that weyghtie calleing, and to be earnest with God to that effect, and was besought to amend his probatioune if he could, being withall incowraged to ffoe on with the worke. The elders remoued were commended be the minister for fidelitie in their office, only he wished them to be admonisht of their too much favour to dellinquents. The elders returning, were exhorted to take wpon them their place, and to hold hard to censure the scandelous without respect of person, and to doe quhat they could to helpe forward discipline, and the downe bearing of sin amongst them, and particularly to beware of common swearing, and were besought to walke worthie of such a highe and weyghtie calling. The parochiners of Grange gaue in a supplication for Alexander Ker to be ther minister ; hot in respect this motioune of theirs was thought too precipitant, and not whollie aggreeing with the Act of the Generall As- semblie, quhich doth set forthe the way of calling of a minister, the said Mr. Alexander was ordained to preach at Grange the nixt Sabothe, ac- cording to the parochiners their request the last day by their commissioner ; and Mr. John Redfurd, moderatour, the day following after sermon, is ordained to inquire of the people their satisfaction with him, and affection unto him to be their minister, and to report against the nixt day of meetting. Mr. Alexander Ker produced this day his testificats from Alford, quher his mouthe had bein opened, and Aberdein, quher he had attended the profession of divinitie, declareing his gift for the ministerie, and abilities for that calling, quhen God should offer occasion unto him. They were read, and found sufficient. He was also incowraged to promowe in his studies, and to be thankfull unto that Lord quho had endued him with such abilities. Mr. William Jamesoune reported he had receiued Mr. James Kennedie, according to the ordinance the last day, at the kirke of Dumbennan, in tyme of divine service, befor the whoU congregatioune, quher, after he had oppened up the way of true repentance befor him, and charged him, as in the sight of God, to beware of the bitter roott of dissimulatioune in such ane serious busines, he did particularly charge the said Mr. James with euerie one of these sins that he had acknowledged himselfe guiltie of in his owne papers, and at his publicke examination befor the brethren of the 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 199 presbytry, quho tooke verie well with thera in the audience of the wholl people, and expressed such probable signes of repentence before the Lord under the sense of his drinking, whordome, perjurie, raurther, malignancie, etc., that even heartie sorow (as appeared) was to be found in him at the mentioning of any of them, and besought the prayers of all the people to the Lord in his behalfe, that he might be yet more, in mercie, peirced with the exceeding weyght and sense of them ; and acknowledged, in the raeane tyme, the equitie of that highe and weyghtie sentence of excommunication that had bein past against him, and that, indeed, he was not worthy of any Christian societie of fellowshipe of the people of God ; quhill, as he lined so scandelously and disobediently befor the Lord and his people, and now being come to ane sense of his former errors and wickednes, and finding the burthen of such a sad sentence, he earnestly longed for relaxatioune againe and restitutioune to the blest liberties of other Christians, that he might haue the benefitt of partaking with them in the ordinances, word and sacraments, and Christian fellowship, etc., resolueing, in the strengthe of the Lords assisting grace, neuer to fall back againe into the cwynish puddle of uncleannes that he had been wallowing into for such a long tyme ; upon quhich serious (as it seemed) profession of guiltines, and greife of lying under such a sentence, and desire of new obedience, he was receiued in the bosome of the kirke againe, as the maner is, by giuing him the right hand, and absoluing him from the sentence, according to his repentence, he being for a verie long tyme humbled in sackcloth. Afterwards, hauing subscribed the Covenant negatiue, Confession, and Solemne League and Covenant, with due reverence, and being exhorted to be watchfull over himselfe in all tyme comming, and to employ the Lord to preserue him from failling in such a dangerous maner as he had done befor, and to giue ane example of holines and Christian conversation in his wayes heirafter, was dismissed to his place againe till the service should be clossed. In the meane tyme, he was exhorted to abstaine from counselling any to wickednes unto quhom he was or should be tyed unto in service heirafter, quhilke he promised solemnly, as in the sight of God, to doe. This day, aduertisment being receiued from the Commission of the Kirke Fast to be for keepping of a solemne fast and humiliatioune for the continueing under beeped, the sinis formerly mourned for, sensuall securitie, the profanitie of many, especiallie of these that are soldiours, the selfishnes of the tyme, the great diflFerences in judgment, and the extreame distresse of our brethren and de- 200 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. solatioun of the land, quhich, comming too late, was appoynted to be keep- ped the nixt Lords day, and the Thursday following, in all kirkes of the presbytry. Mr. George Chalmer, minister at Rynie, regrated this day the great losse he had sustained by the casuall burning of his house the last yeare, and of sundrie other things in it, and supplicated the brethren to represent his conditioune to the Generall Assembly by their comissioner, that he might be supplied out of the vacand stipend of Botrifnie. It was thought titt that the commissioner should be diligent for him theranent, and to re- port at his home comming. The nixt meetting is heirby appoynted to be at Gartly, for visiteing of the kirke, (and Mr. Robert Jamesoune is to preache and visite the ses- sioune booke) upon the sixteenth July, 1651. The meetting closed with prayer. At Gartly, 16th July, 1651. Conveined moderatour and remanent brethren, and after incalling the name of God, Mr. Robert Jamesoune taught upon Zach. 8, v. 19. Mr. William Kinnynmonthe, commissioner to the Generall Assemblie, is only absent this day. This day being appoynted for the visiteing of the kirke, the minister, Mr. John Chalmer, called, gaue in the list of the elders and deacones in the parisch as followethe : John Innes of Codraine ; George Gordoune in Colithy ; Patrick Gordon at the Milne of Gartly ; William Gordon in Whyt Lummes ; Adam Duget in Tilliminnet ; William Gordon in Milne- hill ; Alexander Andersoune in Gartly ; Robert Allan in Bordellseat ; William Straquhen in Birkenhill ; David Spense in Shanchare ; Andrew Straquhan in Edendiach ; Alexander Hendrie in Colithie ; John Watt in Coinachy ; John Browne in Tilliethrowies. Deacons, William Chal- mer at the Kirkestyll ; John Cowper in Faichhill ; Alexander Crysty in Coinachy ; and John Short in Brallanknow ; quho being sworne to declare efoldly quhat they knew in their minister, his doctrine, life, and conver- satioune, and exercise of his calling amongst them, as in the sight of God, befor whom they were shortly to answer ; the minister and other Innes his tes- elders remoued, John Innes of Codraine being asked whether the minister timony. ^^jj^ behaue himselfe like a man of his calling in his privat conversatioune ; answered, he did lead an innocent, blameles life, and exemplarie in 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 201 these places, and that he did not frequent aillhouses or such places, but was diligent in the restraint of such unlawfull exercise quhen occasion offerred. Being posed whether he had the worship of God sett up in his familie, and reading of scriptures morning and evening ; answered, that he had indeed, and that he was not fotgetfull of such holie exercise to haue his children also acquainted therwith. Being asked concerning his doctrine, how he taught and how often, and if in the weeke tyme ; answered, that he did teach them soundly and convincingly out of the scriptures, and seasonably, bringing forthe ordinarily abundance of food, convenient, sensibly, and articulatly deliuering the samen in such maner as all might be capable, and that som tymes, as his text led him, as he saw ne- cessitie, that he did expresse himselfe against the knowne errors of the tyrae, towitt, malignancie and sectarisme. In his sermons, continuallie he dothe evidence his mynd against them bothe, and presseth obedience to the pub- licke resolutiones of the tyme. He preaches twyce Sabothely, and lectures befor sermon in the summer tyme, baptises after it, before the blessing, with such reverence and due respect as becommethe, stirres up all to be attentiue and to countenance the ordinance. Somtymes he lectures in the weeke tyme, and somtymes catechizethe ; hath alwise the psalmes sung in the tyme of divine service ; and befor the celebration of the sacrament of the Lords Supper, is more punctuall and frequent in examining his people then ordi- narily. Moreover, he declared that he was exact in discipline, and ussed no partialitie in punishing of delinquents, and was carefull bothe in admonishe- ing and censureing quhen he saw expediencie. Also he declared that he visited such in the parish as were sicke, and presseth familie worshipe, and as for himselfe, he had it alreadie set up in his familie ; quherunto he was exhorted to continue, and no question he would find the benefitt of it. In a word, he had nothing to haue him admonisht of for the present that he could remember. George Gordon in Colithy being sworne, vt supra^ compeired, and de- Gordons testi- clared in everie thing conforme to the aboue writtin, adding with all, that ™°"'^- he had a good populare gift of preaching, and was everie day growing in it, for he applied himselfe to his booke more than befor, and was lesse given to engadge in worldly businesse. All the rest called, compeired, and declared themselves after the same The testimo- maner, and also that he was diligent in the distributioun of the poores "i^e^g ^f ^he^ money at some sett tymes of the yeare, according to their necessitie, and minister. 2c 202 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. The minis- ters testimo- nie of the el- ders. Schooll- masters cen- sure. Marquis of Huntly his consent to the planta- tioune of Grange. Stewart or- dained. was not behind any other in remembring them of his owne quhen he saw expediencie. The minister called, was grauely encouraged to the worke, with serious intreatie to consider the weight of his calling, and to be earnest with God for assistance and direction in it. In a word, that he should be carefull to take paines, without medling with any other thing that might imped him, and to be instant in prayer to that effect. The elders remoued, were approven in their fidelitie and handholding to discipline be the minister. He reported of them that some of them had familie worshipe alreadie, and others were inclining unto it. Being called, they were incouraged to farther diligence, and such as had begun to serue the Lord in the familie, exhorted to proceed therin; and others that had not, were wakened not to be behind the rest in that exercise, quherunto they and theirs both were much concerned. Mr. James Rany, schoollmaster being remoued, was reported of as one quho waitted on upon the schooll, and that the bairnes profitted under him, and, for any thing that they could perseiue in him, was honest and Christian in his life and conversatioun. Compeirand, he was exhorted to carie well, as a man of his calling, and to beware of any scandelous walking. The presbytrie was glade for quhat they heard of him that he [was] growing to the better. This day my Lord Marquis of Huntly sent ane letter, giuing a full and heartie consent to Mr. Alexander Ker that he shoulde be minister at the kirke of Grange, quhen it pleased the presbytry to giue him admission therto. James Stewart, parochiner of Dumbennan, being summondit to answer for his iterated fornications for these many yeares, together with Agnes Watt, and also not without the suspicion of adulterie, being abefor maryed to ane quho deserted him, and doth not know whither or not she be dead, compeired and confessed the samen, submitting himselfe to obedience of quhatsoever sentence of theirs should be enjoyned him. The brethren being informed of their long abode togither, and that ther was sundrie children begotten betuixt them, and that they could not be gotten separated, ordained the said James to' be making his repentance in sackcloathe at the pillare foot of Dumbennan as ane adulterer, he separating himselfe from haueing any companie or communione with the woman, under the paine of summar excommunication if he should be found to transgresse untill the 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 203 tyme of the meetting of the Synode in Elgine, in October nixt, quher he was charged to be present, to attende quhat farther censure or punishment that he should at that tyme be enjoyned be them ; and the minister of Dum- bennan to report how he gaue obedience to the first part of this sentence the nixt day. The said James did faythfullie promise to labour to o-iue them obedience in all the particulares willingly, under the forsaid paine, and to attend the Synode at the tyme appoynted be them. The nixt meeting to be at Botarie, penultimo Julij, 1651, for visiting of Nixt meeting the kirkes of Botarie and Ruthven, quher Mr. John Chalmer preaches, and ^* Botane. Mr. James Gordon visits the sessione booke. It is heirby ordained that ten hours in the morning be the ordinarie tyme of meetting heirafter. Att Botarie, penult Julij, 1651. Conveined moderatour and brethren. Absent, Mr. William Kinnyn- monthe, commissioner to the Generall Assemblie. After incalling on the name of God, Mr. John Chalmer taught. Psalm 37, V. 34. This day being appoynted for visiting the kirkes of Botarie and Ruthven, Mr. Robert Jamesoune, minister, gaue in a list of the elders as followeth, viz.: in the parisch of Botarie, Robert Gordon of Petlurge ; William Gordon in Drumquhill ; Walter Spens in Bogforth ; James Sinclare in Broadland ; John Young in Litle Petlurge ; William Broune in Smallburne ; Mr. Robert Gordon in Botarie ; Alexander Innes of Roraurrack ; Robert Jameson in Davidstowne ; Thomas Robertson in Davidstowne ; William Leghtoune in Wythillock ; quho were all present except the Laird of Petlurge, quho was not in the countrie for the tyme, John Younge and William Leghtowne, quho were ordained to be reproued at the nixt session for their negligence therin, the day being intimate unto them, and to be exhorted to remember their dutie in tyme comming. In the parishe of Ruthven, James Gordon of Daach, John Gordon in Overhall, both absent, and to be rebuked; Alexander Gordon, at the Milne of Ruthven ; John Gordon in Mortlach ; Alexander Innes in Haddo ; James Crukshank in Whythill ; James Duffe of Bade ; John Hendrie in Tillietermont ; Alexander Crukshanke in Cumrie ; James Robertsoune in Achindraine ; being all present, were solemnly sworne, with uplifted hand, as in the sight of God, befor quhom they were to answer, to declare faythfullie and honestly quhat they knew concerning their minister 204 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. Mr. Robert Gordon his testimonie of the minister. his doctrine, life, and conversatioune, and discharging himselfe in his minis- terial! dutie and calling amongst them. The minister and other elders being remoued, Mr. Robert Gordon in Botarie, being exhorted to be mindfull of his calling and oathe presently giuen, was demandit first anent the minister his conversatioune in the countrie quher he lined, and in his familie, whither or no he gaue example of good unto others beside him and not of evill ; answered, that he lined Christianly, and was not scandel- ous in his cariage any quher, and soberly eneughe bothe in his familie and elsquher, and ussed publickely to dehort people from any excesse, and that prayers and reading of scriptures in his familie everie morning and even- ino-, with singing of psalmes, and was carefull, by his frequent exhortations, to cause others in the parisch to doe the samen. Being asked concerning his doctrine, and how he thought the people might be edified be him ; answered, midway well, and that his gift was (as he thought) dayly increasing with him, being better now then it was for a long tyrae befor, and that he gaue himselfe verie much to reading, keipping home well and his booke, without medling with any other things. Also, he declared that he ussed ordinariely to speake home to the people, and that the errors of the tyme were not forgotten be him to be refuted and spokne against in his sermons and pri- vate conversing with his people ; in a word, he was a knowne enimie to all poprie, malignancie, and sectarisme, and declared himselfe so in publicke ao-ainst them, that all might be made sensible of the evill and great hurt that they might haue by any of them if they should rest themselues upon the beleife of any such errors. Being asked how often he preached upon the Lords day and quhen he lectured ; answered, that he preached twyce on the Lords day in the summer tyme, in the fornoone in the one kirke and in the afternoone at the other, and lectured usuallie quher he preached be- for noone. Being asked how and quhen he did administer the sacraments ; answered, he baptised usuallie after sermon, except upon some occasion, at quhich tyme he used alwise some exhortatioune befor, grounded upon place of scripture for the edifieing of the people ; and as for the Lords Supper, it had not bein giuen thir two yeares past, but was now makeing diligent preparatioune for it, and that he was about the giuing of it how soone he might haue occasion to haue the elements in readines, without any farther delay, and was examineing the people to that same effect. Being asked if he ussed weekly lectures or catechising ; answered, he did lecture som- tymes, but most frequently catechise, but especiallie about the tyme of 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 205 glueing the sacrament of the Lords Supper. Being asked how he went on in his discipline ; answered, that quhen faultes were dilated, he censured them according to the order of the kirke, without partialitie, and did ex- hort his elders to giue him assistance. Last of all, being asked whither he had a care of the poore ; answered, that he had indeed, and that he ussed to cause distribute such collections as were gathered for them at such tymes as they were most needfull of it, and at some tymes of their greatest neces- sitie, exhorted people to be more liberall, goeing before them himselfe in that dutie. He had nothing to haue him admonished of. Alexander Gordon at the Milne of Ruthven declared in omnibus ut supra, Alexander adding with all, that he ussed ordinarily to keep the fasts at one kirke the p'^^rdon his , ,, , J r testimonie. wholl day. All the rest of the elders being called, gaue him the like testimonie. All the el- affirming that he ussed to presse familie worshipe, and that it was begune ^f^^ testimo- alredie in some families. They had nothing that they would haue him to be admonisht of. The minister being called, was encowraged to dutie and the attendance Censure, of his ministrie, and exhorted to giue himself to reading, and to strenthen himselfe in the Lord for such a great imployment, and to be diligent to seeke him by prayer, being also applauded in quhat diligence they had found in him. The elderis being remoued, the minister reported of them that they ussed The minis- to keep the session, and that they were constant hearers of the word, and .f ^^ report o some of them had begun familie worshipe, but had need of a word of exhor- tatioune to giue in dilatiounes, and to continue in their begun seruing of God. The elders being called, were exhorted earnestly to the feare of God, Their cen- and that they should forgett their old wayes of vanite, and serue the liueing ^"'"®' God without scandelous conversation, or example of evill, and that they wold remember their calling, and be diligent to admonish and dilate scandelous faultes, and to giue their assistance to the censuering of such as were delated to the gaineing of the delinquent and the terrour of others, and last of all, that they should be carefull to promowe in and set up familie worshipe. Mr. John Redfurd reported, that he had preached at Grange, and had Grange. found all the parochiners, let be heritors and elders, well satisfied with Mr. Alexander Ker, quhom the presbytrie had sent to preach unto them, and 206 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651, had found a full, cordiali, and unanimouse invitatioune unto the young man to come and exercise the office of the ministrie amongst them. Compeired George Adamsoune of Braco, James Gordon in Milegne, Georg Geddes in AchinhuiflPes, parochiners of Grange ; and haueing war- rande from the wholl heritors, elders, tennents, and others of the forsaid parisch, gaue in a supplicatioune de novo, regrating seriously the great losse and want of the word amongst them : first, by the suspension ; nixt, by the deprivatioune ; and lastly, be the death of Mr. Robert Watsoune, their late minister, wishing this their hard case, quhilk they could not any longer lye under, to be takne to heart, and perticuleraly nominating and Ker admitted designing Mr. Alexander Ker, student in divinitie, to be their minister in totryaliand j.|jjg y^-^^^ applauding him in quhat they had heard, and resting confident Grange. that he should be found sufficiently qualified to feed them with food con- venient as a wise stewart of God ; and last of all, earnestly entreating a call unto him to preach the gospell amongst them quhen he might haue conveni- encie or leasure from his other studies and tryalls, quhich they wisht to be begun quam primum. This supplicatioune, being subscribed by Alex- ander Ogilvie of Kerapcairne ; John Innes of Edengight ; George Adam- soune of Braco ; James Gordon in Millegne ; George Adamsoune of Floores ; Alexander Adamsoune ; George Gedes, portioner of Auchin- huife ; Thomas Wilsoune of Mostowne ; Adam Ruddach of Fortrie ; Patrick Langmuire in Ballamure ; James Troupe, notare publick ; Wil- liam Symme in Lymhillock ; George Livingstowne, portioner of Millegne ; John Crysty in Crano ; William Innes of Boige ; George Gordon of Croilett ; William Gordon in Nether Milne ; Alexander Gray ; Robert Wilsoune ; Adam Richardsoune ; John Duffe ; John Thomsoune ; William Gordon Millegne ; Artur Forbes ; John Langmuir ; John Brabner, and others that could not wreitt, did subscribe, by hand of the notare, James Troupe, in great numbers, (the greatest part of all men in the parisch), was con- sidered and publickly read, and, after serious consideratioune of the same, togither also with the testificates of the said Mr. Alexander his cariage and profitting in his studies in Alford and Aberdein, and the Marquis of Huntly his consent unto him ; haueing also heard the younge man them- selues with not small contentment, the brethren did therfor homologate the forsaid parochiners of Grange in this their free and cordiali nomination of the said Mr. Alexander to the ministrie amongst them, granting unto the parochiners quhat they did desire to be done in all their supplicatioun. 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 207 and ordained the said Mr. Alexander Ker to enter his tryall at Rynie the nixt day of raeetting, with ane populare sermon, giueing him that place of the 1st epistle to the Corinthians, 2d chap., 2d verse, to be his text ; the words, For I have determined^ etc. And with all, au- thorised him with power to preach the word, at the forsaid kirk of Grange, quhenever he had occasion or vacancie from his other studies and poyntis of tryall. All quhich was intimat unto the Commissioners of the [ .] At Rynie, 13th Augusti, 1651. Conveined the moderatour and brethren ; after incalling the name of God, Mr. Alexander Ker taught, 1st Cor. 2, v. 2. His travells allowed. Mr. William Kinnymonth, commissioner, being now returned from the Assemblie, ther was none absent this day saue Mr. Robert Irving only, quho was excused be reason of his age and the distance of the place. This being appoynted for the visitatioune of the kirke, Mr. George Chal- mer, minister, gaue in a list of the elders of Rynie and Essie promiscue, as followeth, viz. : Sir William Gordon of Lesmore ; Hughe Gordon in Rynie ; John Walker in Myttess ; Thomas Black in Boggancloch ; Robert Glennie in Essie ; William Browne in Nothe ; Alexander Gordon of Mer- drum ; George Anderson of Miltowne ; Thomas Duncan ther ; Patrick Mair at the Milne of Lesmoire ; James Wilson in Gulburne ; quho being all sworne to declare as in the sight of God faythfullie and honestly quhat they knew concerning their minister, his doctrine, life, and conversation, and the exercise of his wholl ministeriall function amongst them ; the mi- nister and rest of the elders being remoued, Sir William Gordoune of Les- Lesmores more declared as followeth, viz. : Being asked concerning his behaviour in testimonie. private, and exemplarines to good and christian cariage amongst the people; answered, he knew nothing to the contrarie, but that he was discreet and honest in his cariage as it did become a man of his place, and in his familie, devout, giuen to prayer and reading, as also to attention in his calling as ther was necessitie. He prayed twyce a day in public, and was carfull that no scandelous person should abide with him, provockeing everie on of them both by his example and exhortatiounes to the feare of God. Againe, being asked quher he preaches, when, and how often, and if to the edificatioune of the people, and against the evils of the tyme ; answered, he preached at one kirke all the Sabothe day, preached twyce, and lectured befor the ser- 208 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. mon in the forenoone, alwise delivering (as hiraselfe judged) orthodoxe doctrine, meeting with malignancie and sectarianisme as the text gave occasion to refute them, and to stirre up the people to lye still or suffer themselues to fall in the snare of eyther of them, and did declare him- selfe pleased with the publicke resolutions of this kirke and kingdome in the prosecution of the work of God. Being asked quhen and how he did administer the sacramentis ; answered, that he baptised ordinarily after sermon, befor the pronounceing of the blessing, except upon some speciall, at quhich tyme ther was a congregatioune of people, and some place of scripture explained before the action constantly; as for the other sacrament, it was publickly celebrated the yeare bygonne, and that he was prepareing his people for it now againe. Being asked quhat he did in the weeklie time ; answered, that he ussed oftest to examine the people ; and as for lecturing, the people could not be gotten drawne to conveene unto it at the appoynted tyme, and that he hathe a verie good way of stirring up the affections of the people both in preaching and lecturing, so that for himselfe he was satisfied with him. Being asked how he ussed to censure faultes ; answered, that ther was no defect in him, bot that he set himselfe whollie in the spirit of meeknes for the curbing of sinne, equallie censuring all, without partialitie, according to their measure of guiltines that was found in everie one. Being asked whether he pressed familie worshipe publickely and in private, visited the sicke, and was carefull of the poore ; answered, he did indeed, and had prevailled so farre that some families were beginning to make them- selues acquaint with God in their families, and prayers euerie morning and evening. That he visited the sicke, quhen sent for, and had some set tymes for distributeing the poores collections ; and quhen ther was great necessitie, exhorted to greater liberalitie then ordinarie, going befor others himselfe in the way of good example. Being asked if ther was any thing quherof he would have him admonischt; answered, that ther was nothinge that he could speake of, but that he wisht him to be exhorted to forbid excessiue drinking used of some of the elders them- selves, and especiallie at the 3Ioore upon the market dav ; and that he was doeing quhat he could therin, bot could not get it restrained. Lastly, beino- asked whither or no ther was any land in that parisch that was giuen away (as is commonly said) to the Goodman, and used not to be laboured ; answered, it was reported to him that ther [was] some of that 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 209 in his owne maines, bot that he had a mynd, be the assistance of God, to cause labour the samen ; quherupon he was commended for his ino-enuitie in declareing it, and exhorted to take paines shortly to haue it laboured. The minister called, was encouraged to the worke, and exhorted to Censure, continue instant with God, and to giue himselfe unto his studies more and more, mynding that great depositum that the Lord had committed unto him, and that he would seriously apply himselfe therunto, as he was doeing in euerie thing ; only they desired him that he would be carefull to restraine drunkennes. The elders being remoued, the minister declared that the sessioune was Elders report- not well keepped by some of them, and that because they would not follow ^^ ^^• him from their owne parisch kirk. Moreover, that some of them were giuen to tipling and drinkeing, quhom he had alreadie admonisht, but in vaine as yet. Also, he regrated that the weekly lectures could not be gotten keepped, quhich he had begun, bot was forced to leave of againe for want of hearers to heare him. It was ordained that the tipling elders, after once or twyce admonisht, should be rejected. The elders called, were grauely rebuked for their negligence in their Censured. dutie, and such of them as were faythfull indeed, were exhorted to be the more vigilant, because of that. They were exhorted also to beware of drinking, and to be ane example of excesse and debosherie unto them quhom they should be willing to goe befor in the way of sobrietie and pietie. They were also exhorted to be more earnest and frequent in seeking of God in their families, and acquainting themselues with his word, quhen they might haue occasion of it. Mr. William Watsone, schoolmaster, being remoued, was called a tipler Schoolmaster and idle speaker some tymes, but was carefull eneughe of the bairnes, and ^^^ censure, did take paines upon them for their educatioune. He was admonisht for the tyme, and exhorted to amendment ; otherwise to be remoued. This day, Mr. William Kinnynmonth reported that the Assemblie Deelaratioune had emitted a deelaratioune, quhich, how soon it came to their hands, *° ^^ ^^''^^• euerie brother was ordained to cause read the samen, within the con- gregatioune, upon the Lords day, at the closure of the worshipe in the fornoone. Also, the said Mr. William desired that tryall should be made whither any souldiers had bein takine up to the leavies one the Lords day, within the severall parisches, and to report ; as also, if ther be any expectants, 2 D 210 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. William Gordon to be summondit. Contraversie injoyned. Gordon in Avachie ordained. paedagogs, or schoolmasters, disafected to the publick resolutiounes of the kirke for the tyme, that they might be censured. Mr. William Jamesoune did also report, that he had spoken with William Gordon in Avachy, anent his affection to the religion, and disposition to take the Covenant, and fand him, for all that he could perceiue in him, inclyning therto. Notwithstanding, the brethren, not being satisfied ther- with, doe heirby ordaine both his master and him to be summondit to the next day. At Botarie, 26th Augusti, 1651. Mr. Alexander Kerr lectured upon Jeremiah 12. His travells allowed. He is ordained to haue a contraversie for his nixt tryall, viz. : De vocatione ministrorum, or any part of it that he shall thinke fittest, against this day monethe, both exegesis and dispute, if things fall not out contrarie to ex- pectatioune to hinder the samen, and that he deliver his theses tymously eight dayes befor hand. William Gordon in Avachie, being summondit, compeired, and, after conference with him, is ordained to subscribe the Covenant, League and Covenant, etc.^ or to be remoued from the parisch and place he Hues in, and from haueing any attendance or hand in the educatioune of children, and the minister to report his diligence therin. At Glasse, 10th September, 1651. Conveined the brethren. Absent, Mr. John Redfurd. Moderator, Mr. Robert Irving. The name of God was incalled. No preaching this day, in respect altho the preacher was present and readie, hauing receiued tymous advertisment, yet the Marquis of Huntlys people being in the countrie, and the enemie vehemently feared to be verie neir hand, ther was none in the parisch that came to heare the samen. Visitatioune of The visitatioune of the kirke of Glasse was delayed for this yeare, and of the kirks sus- q[\ other kirkes, in respect people were now so busied in the harvest tyme veare. ^^ ^^ that ther was exceeding great slackness amongst them in attending such mettings. Botrifnie sup- John Andersoune of Westertowne, parochiner of Botrifnie, compeired plied with a ^jjis day, earnestly entreating a preaching in that desolate congregatioune, that they might haue the occasione of a sessioune in like maner, for taking preaching. 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 211 order with the great enormities that were beginning to encrease amono-st them throughe the want of restraint and correction. Mr. George Meldrum was ordained to goe unto them [ ] come eight days, and to report his dihgence the nixt day of meetting. Compeired John Gordon of Beldornie, parochiner of Glasse, and, after Beldomie that he was seriouslie entreated to ingenuitie for clearing himselfe of the ordained, slander of incest that was lying on him, did persist in his former denying the samen. He was ordained to goe befor sundrie congregatiounes, that, in presens of the wholl people quher the scandell was vrgent, he might giue a Christian declaratioune of his innocencie therintill, and that on a day of publicke fasting appoynted for the purpose, according to the referre of the late Synode at Forres, and that he should begin at his owne parische kirke the nixt Lords day, quher the minister is appoynted to keeppe ane fast for praying the Lord that the treuthe may be gotten cleared, and to report his dihgence therin the nixt day of meetting. The said John Gordon also is summondit, apud acta, to compeir the nixt day, to attende the farther orders of the presbytry that should be then enjoyned him. All quhiche he promised to obey. Everie brother that was present reported that the fast ordained be the Fast obserued Generall Assemblie to be kept the last of August, had come to ther hands, °^^" P'^^s^"*^- [the causes quheroff were, L The not considering the just hand of God against the land for the abounding of sin. 2. The negligent use of the Lords plenteous and pure ordinances. 3. The base preferring of mens selues to the things of Christ, even by the ministrie. 4. The obstinacie of some in adhereing to such evills as the Lord is discovering to be the wicked- nes of the enemie. And, lastly, the odious and hatfull fighting against the Lord, by adding sin to sin, thoughe we be lying in the fornace of Gods correction for these things alreadie], and that they had obserued it in due tyme, within their severall congregatiounes. The said day, Mr. William Jamesoune reported that William Gordon William in Avachy had sought the perusall of the negative Confession and Co- 9^ u" '" J ^ r o ^ Avachie. venant, and League and Covenant, resolueing to read and consider the same, without prejudice, as he was exhorted ; and that he had promised to giue his determinat answer whether or no he would take the samen, and conforme himselfe throughly unto the profession and practise of religion with this kirke and kingdome, against the nixt Sabothe day, quhich was his faythfull promise to the said Mr. William. 212 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. Patersoune. Crukshanke reported to preach at Huntly. At Botarie, 24th Septembris, 1651. This day, John Patersoune, ane incestuous person, quho hues within the parisch of Dumbennand, gaue in a supphcatioune to be absolued, ex- pressing some sense of guiltines by reason of the sin and provocatioune of the Lord against him, and the wholl land quher he lined, in a highe maner, unlesse it were repented for ; alledging also, that he had stood aboue a yeare and half, in sackcloathe, at the kirke of Dumbennand, quhenever he could haue the occasion of a sermon, and constantly without intermission since the entrie of the minister. The brethren not perceiuing the man sufficiently peirced as yet with unfained greife and remorse of heart in relation to such ane abominable filthines, nor yet acquainted with the treuthe of his allegiance of such a progresse alreadie made in the way of repentence for so long a tyme, did ordaine him to continue therin till he should be better weighted with it, and the mater better knowne to them- selues, against the nixt day of raeetting ; at quhich time, if he did come befor them as a true penitent, and evidenced any soundness in repentence, they wold ordaine him to be absolued, if it were found that he had satisfied the former ordinances. It was reportit this day, by some, that one Mr. John Crukshanke, quho had bein this long tyme bygon a scandelous person, and ane associat of James Grahame, in his rebellion, had fallen in of late within the parisch of Dumbennan, in the house of Huntly, and ther had preached publickly in the familie, the last Lords day, in the audience of my Lord Marquis himselfe and his Lady, and that, the sermon being ended, he went out into the Rawes, and filled himselfe beastly full, as his maner is, so glueing great scandell by his badde conversatioune in these places of the countrie. The minister being enquired of the treuthe theroff, answered, he had never heard of the said Mr. John ; that he had bein a residenter with them till that same morneing, at quhich tyme also he heard a surmise amongst them that he was about to give my Lord a sermon that day. The minister was ordained to try the mater, and to report against the nixt meettinff. At the Synode at Elgin, October 7th, 1651. The last halfe yeares proceidings of- this book wer revised and obserued therin a young man ordained for the first part of his tryelles to the ministrie, to haue a popular sermon at a visitatioune of a kirk. The As- 1651.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 213 semblie ordaines this practise to be foreborne. Item^ Observed therin two brethren excused for absence from the presbyterie, and the reason insert not relevant. Item, Two kirks visited, and the sessione bookes not sein. The Assemblie ordaines these bookes to be verified. In caeteris approven. Mr. Robert Tod, clerk to the Assemblie. At Botarie, 29th Octobris, 1651. Compeired James Gordon, in Merdrum, (being summondit out of pulpit Gordon in by the minister of Rynie, as was ordained the last day of raeetino-V and Merdrum • • 1 &/' sentenced being humbled, in sackcloathe, was accussed of quadrilaps in fornicatioune, deserting his repentance, contempt of the session at Rynie, drunkennes, re- lapsing into rebellion with James Grahame, and the setting lightly of his father and his admonitiounes. Confessed all (as it seemed), being somquhat sensible of his exceeding great guiltines in everie on of the forsaid particu- lares. The brethren, takeing the mater to their serious thoughts, and being willing to gaine the man, ordained him to be rebuked, and exhorted to a Christian cariage, and that he should abstaine from such fearfull acts of impietie as he respected the glory of God and the good of his owne souU ; quhich was accordingly performed by the moderator. In the meane tyme, the said James was ordained to satisfie the discipline of Rynie, in sack- cloath, thrie quarters of a yeare, for purgeing away the long continued scandell of his former ill spent life, in maner aboue written ; and the minis- ter to report his cariage therin, as he was to be answerable ; quhich being intimate to him by the moderatour, promised obedience therunto in everie thing according to his abilitie, and was dismissed with ane serious exhorta- tioun to repentance. At Botarie, 19th Novembris, 1651. The said day, James Broune, parochiner of Kinore, compeired and gaue Browne to be in a supplicatioune to be receiued and absolued, since he had stoode in ^bsolued. sackclothe, according to the ordinance, aboue halfe a yeare, and was desir- ' ous to repent for that fearfull sin of adulterie (that he had committed) all the dayes of his life, being sorie at the heart that he had greiued the Spirit of God in such a maner, and giuen cause of offence unto the people. The minister being inquired anent his satisfactioune, answered, he had expressed some sort of remorse, bot that he was not so fuUie humbled as he could wish or as were necessarie. Quherupon the bretheren, taking the mater to 214 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1651. Fiddes. Gordon in Avachy. The edict for planting of Grange to be published. their serious thouo;hts, and perceiueing the man weighted according to his knowledge, ordained him to be seriously dealt with, and absolued the nixt day, quhen it should please God the minister should be at Kinore, and exhorted the said James to deall with the Lord for raercie by prayer. At Botarie, 3d Decembris, 1651. Mr. William Jamesoune reported that he had intimate the sentence of the Synode against James Fiddes in the congregatioune, and had required him to giue obedience, under paine of excommunicatioun. As also, that William Gordoune, servant to Avachy, was not in the way of glueing obedience to the ordinances, eyther of Synode or Presbytrie, since now he had deserted the publick worshipe ; quherupon he had intimat the act that he should not be resett within the parisch, under paine of processing. Other things were omitted this day, in respect of the danger that was to be feared in respect of the continuall approche of the English ; and therefor, Mr. Alexander Ker being ordained to defende his theses, December 24, and to make readie for the questionarie triall and languadges, the raeetting was clossed with prayer. At Botarie, 24th Decembris, 1651. Conveined Mr. Robert Jamesoune, moderator ; Mr. William Kinnin- monthe ; Mr. George Meldrum ; and Mr. William Jamesoune ; hot in respect ther was not a competent number for acting this day, the waters being impassible, ther was no sederunt nor doctrine ; albeit Mr. Alexander Ker was also present, and readie to haue sustained the dispute and to haue undergone his other trialls that were enjoyned him the last day, quherfor the meetting was delayed till the thirty-first Decembris, according to the maner and custome in former tymes in such cases. Only that the planta- tioune of the churche of Grange might be hastened, since the people were desirous, and the enormities in that parisch many, throughe want of a minister to take order that they should be repressed, and that God should be glorified amongst, it was thought expedient by all that were present that after sermon Mr. Alexander Ker himselfe should cause James Troupe, notare publicke, publishe ane edict, (being subscribed be the moderator,) and giue ane indorsatioune accordingly, requireing all and everie on that had any thing to object against Mr. Alexander Ker, either in doctrine or conversatioune, or convenient qualificatioun for the ministrie of Grange, 1652.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 215 that they should doe the samen at the first frequent meeting of the pres- bytry, otherwise that they would get no heareing ; and the said Mr. Alexander is to carie the paper alonge with him, and to returne the indorsatioune. At Botarie, 31st Decembris, 1651. The said day, the storme being great, and the countrie exceedingly Grange to be troubled with the Englishe, ther was no conventioune of the brethren, the P^^"*^*^* moderator, clerk, and Mr. Alexander Ker, only being present. Quherfor the moderator, being loathe to delay the forsaid plantatioune, and to keeppe the younge [man] in suspense any longer, did resolue to aduertise all the brethren to keeppe the seventhe of January, at Botarie, for the dispute and other tryalls, and calling of the edict, (quhich was this day returned in- dorsed be the said Mr. Alexander) ; and upon the morrow therafter to keeppe at Grange, for the admissioune of him to the ministrie of the place, quher the moderator hiraselfe resolued to preach e, and then proceed unto the admission, in the ordinarie way ; of the quhich resolutioune and dyett the said Mr. Alexander was to giue notice to the parochiners of Grange, that they might conveine to the effect forsaid. At Botarie, 7th Januarij, 1652. Convened the moderator and remanent brethren. Absent, Mr. John Tryalls Redfurd, Mr. Robert Irving, Mr. James Gordon ; and Mr. George Chal- approven. mer excused be his letter. The brethren present proceeded to the dispute and tryall of Mr. Alexander Ker, by some theologicall and chronologicall questiones and language. The name of God being incalled, and the said Mr. Alexander remoued, was approuen in the part of his tryalls that he had undergone, and sustained presently. Also, he was well thought of, and applauded in all and euerie particulare tryall in relatioune to the mi- nistrie of Grange, so that, unanimously and with full consent, he was de- clared capable of the samen. The edict also that was returned the last day, Grange to be execut and indorsed by James Troupe, messinger, and in testimonie theroff planted. The sealled and subscribed by him, requiring all heritors, wedsetters, and quhatsomever other parochiners that had any thing to object against Mr- Alexander Ker his doctrine, life, or conversatioune, or due qualificatioune for the ministrie at the forsaid kirke of Grano^e, beino^ called and none com- peirand in his contrare, it was unanimously resolued upon and concluded 216 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1652. Gordon in Avachy and Fiddes their obstinacie re- grated with approbation. Stewart ordained to renue his testificate. Roger Hastie his declara- tioune and undertaking. that, according to the moderator his resolutioune and advise to the brethren in the aduertisement sent unto them for the keepping of this dayes meetting, that all the brethren present should keeppe Grange to-morrow, eight Janu- arij, for the admissioune of the said Mr. Alexander to the charge forsaid, the parochiners being alreadie acquainted with the dyett, as Mr. Alexander himselfe did report. The said day, Mr. William Jamesoune regrated William Gordon, ser- vant to Avachy, his obstinacie and obdurednes in his course, that now he had avowedly taken against the hearing of the word, and against conforme- ing himselfe to the reformed religioune and joyneing to the Covenant, so that he could heare nothing from him hot ill talke quhen he talked with him anent these particulares, and since the tyme was dangerous, and the people amongst quhom he was fallen not so plyable as he could wish, he expected that the brethren would not take it ill albeit he should not proceed against either the said William or James Fiddes in such stricknes as was enjoyned him abefor both be synode and presbytery. The brethren, taking the mater to their consideration, and perceiueing the treuthe of quhat was spokne in the said Mr. William his regrate, thought fitt (till the Lord should send better tymes) that he should deall with Avachy and the parochiners of Dumbennan, to grant their assistance for the caussing of the forsaids per- sounes giue their obedience or then to remoue them from their places, and the said Mr. William to report his diligence. John Stewart, parochiner of Botrifnie, compeired, desireing mariage with a woman in the forsaid parische, and, being required, presented a tes- tificate from Neilstoune kirke, quher he and his forbeares had lined from a verie longe tyme (as he affirmed), bot so unformaU and unworthy of any man that bore the name of a minister, that the brethren could in no wise credit the samen, but supposed it to be bot fained. Quherfor the said John was ordained to goe back with expedition to the forsaid place for a new testimonial! more worthy of credit ; and, in the meane tyme, was ordained not to converse with the woman quhom he intended to marie, under the paine of processing, quhich he promised to doe. Roger Hastie, parochiner of Keithe, compeired, desireing mariage of a woman in the forsaid parische, and being demanded concerning a testificate from Irland, quher he had resided of late, as he alleadged, answered in- genuouslie that he had brought none over with him from thence, being forced to omitt it through e the troubles of the countrie, but was able to 1652.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 217 giue his oathe, and qualifie otherwise, that he was nether maried as yet, nor scandelous in his cariage in the place quher he had lined. The brethren taking- the mater to their serious consideratioune, and understanding by the minister at Keithe that he lived Christianly since he had his abode within his parische (quhich was about sixteen weeks or therby), thought fitt to put him to ane Christian declaratioune of the realitie of quhat he had alleado-ed presently, and that he should bring witnesses with him against the nixt day of meetting, that were credible men, if he could find such in the countrie to do the like. Quherupon the said Roger did declare, as a Christian, that he was free from any bond to any woman, in reference to mariage, and promised to bring with him such as could testifie the samen against the next dyett. At Grange, 8th Januarij, 1652. Conveined the moderator and brethrene present at Botarie the day pre- Ker's admis- ceiding, and haueing appoynted this day for admitting of Mr. Alexander !l,"""® *° Ker to the ministrie of the kirke of Grange, quho had giuen sufficient '^^"^^' prooffe of his literature and qualificatioune for the samen in his privat tryalls, and quho had the full consent of the parochiners, none compeiring to his contrare after that his edict was serued and indorsed, as is aboue written ; Mr. Robert Jamesoune preached, Matthew 10, v. 16, 17, and after exhor- tatioune, the said Mr. Alexander was admitted to the ministrie of the forsaid kirke of Grange, be incalling the name of God, and impositioune of hands, according to the order of the kirke, and power being granted unto him to preach the gospell, administrat the sacraments, and to exercise discipline as a minister of Jesus Christ within the forsaid parische, he gaue his oathe of fidelitie in his charge, subscribed League and Covenant, and promised obedience to the lawful! constitutiounis of the Kirke of Scotland, and to be subject to his brethren, quho therupon gaue him the right hand of fellow- shipe, and the said Mr. Alexander was gladly accepted of the parochiners, being frequently conveined to that effect. At Botarie, 28th Januarij, 1652. George Hamiltoune, parochiner of Keithe, compeired, and haueing the Hastie his report of a well liueing Christian of Mr. William Kinninmonthe ther ^^od report minister, being demanded anent him, did declare upon the word and honestie of a Christian, that he haueing conversed with Roger Hastie in Irland, and 2 E 218 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1652. being- verie inwardly acquainted with him as belonging unto him by kinred, that he was a free man, unmarried, and without scandell in his life, but that he lined still in his trade as a man of good esteem. Quherupon the breth- ren, haueing receiued this testimonie, delayed to giue their answer till the fuller meetting of the presbytery. Eupheme Adamsoune her supplica- tioune an- SNvered. Hastie to be marled. Commissioners directed to the Marquis of Huntly, for re- moueall of ex- communicantsj and payment of the minis- ters within his bounds. At Botarie, 11th Februarij, 1652. Eupheme Adamsoune her supplieatioune being againe that day presented by Mr. Alexander Watson, her sonne, in her name, desyreing the donatioune of the wholl stipende of Grange, of the yeare 1651, be way of charitie, quherby she might be helped in her widowhood, and her fatherlesse children supplied, that they might be brought up in the feare of God; it was takne to heart, and the young man presenter theroff remoued, the mater was de- bated, and at last the viccrage stipende of the forsaid yeare was ordained to be made forthcoming for the use of the supplicant, the teind siluer and victuall being being reserued for the use of the present minister, and the act ordained to be extracted. The brethren present the last day haueing giuen notice of George Hamil- toune, parochiner of Keith, his testimonie in Roger Hastie his bussinesse, the brethren were well pleased therwith ; only that the mater should not be smothered, it was appoynted that the said Roger should testifie so much of himselfe, by oathe, at Keithe, and then after that he is to be maried. The said day, the fowre ministers of the Lordshipe of Strathbogie re- grated the want of payment of their stipends thir two yeares bygone, all of them, and some thrie yeares, quherthrough they were verie much prejudged in the meanes of their subsistence at the forsaid kirkes, so that they were necessitate to desire ane act of transportatioune to be conceived in their favours. The brethren taking this regrate to their consideratioune, and being certified of the realitie therofi', and calling to mynd a report that was goeing through the countrie that the Marquis of Huntly had receiued some excommunicat personnes as his speciall servants within the house, contrarie to his oathe and subscription, they thought fitt to direct Mr. John Red- furd and Mr. William Kinninmonthe, invested with ample power and com- mission from them, to put his Lordship in mynde of his oathe, and exhort him, in the name of God, to remoue all the scandelous persounes out of the familie ; and that his Lordship would be pleased to frequent the place of publicke worshipe quhen he might haue occasion of the samen, causing 1652.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 219 his Lady doe the like ; and to deall with him anent the ministers that had regrated their case, that their stipends might be payed unto them, with all possible diligence, quherthroughe they might be iucouraged to attende their charges ; and the saids commissioners to returne his Lordshipes answer to the nixt meetting, and ordaines thir presentis to be extracted for their warrande. At Botarie, 3d Martii, 1652. Mr. George Meldrum delivered the contraversie against the Inde- Common head pendents, in defence of Presbyteriall governeraent. delivered and The name of God being incalled, and the said Mr. George remoued, he PP''^^^"* was verie well thought of, and applauded in quhat he had delivered, and was encouraged to continue in his studies, in expectation of the blessing. Mr. William Jamesoune reported, that he had preached at Botrifnie, Botrithie sup- according to the ordinance. P^i^''- The said day, the seuerall brethren present reported, that they had '^"™ons intimate the excommunicatioune of John M'Gummon. tion intimate. Mr. John Redfurd, one of them that had gone in commission to the The Commis- Marquis of Huntly, being required to deliver the answer that they had ^^'^^ *S. !">' . received of his Lordship in the severall particulares of their commission Huntly, their befor mentioned, did reply, that they could haue no accesse to his Lordship ^"swer, and personallie, the gattes being clossed, so that it behoued them to intimate resolutioifn"^^ the particulares to his Lordship by letter ; quherunto was returned under his thempon. Lordships hand that he would stande to his oathe, bot spoke nothinge of the remoueall of the excommunicat persons, or payment of his ministers. The brethren thought fitt (upon this ungratious returne) to remitt [to] the care of the nixt ensuing Synode, being confident of their brotherly assistance in this case. At Botarie, 24th March, 1652. Mr. William Jamesoune did also report, that he had dealt with Avachy, Gordon of and did only find him enclined to put away William Gordon, his servant, Avachy. how soon he could haue occasion of one to wait upon his children, in his rowme, quhich he hopped should be verie soon. Quherupon the said Mr. William was ordained to proceed in processe against him, if he should make further daliance in the businesse. The said day, the brethren present taking to their consideratioune the 220 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1652. why Irish boy not referre anent the furnishing of ane Irish boy, did so regrate their owne furnishit, and conditioune in thir dangerous tymes, that it was not possible for them to get it done at this tyrae, and expected that the brethren of the province would in no wise impute it as ane oversight in them, the relevancie of the exception being rightly considered. At the Synode at [ ], the 6th of April, 1652. The last halfe yeares proceidings of this book wer revised and examined. Their was found therin twa particulares, quherin they had informallie and vnwarrantablie proceidit. 1 . One day, no sederunt, yit ane ordinance was past for serueing ane edict to ane indefinite day, for admissione of a young man to a kirk, his tryelles not being completed. 2. Another day, the moderator and dark onlie present, it is recorded the moderator resolues to preach on a certain day, for admissione of a young man to the ministrie. In caeteris approven. Mr. Robert Tod, Clerk to the Assemblie. At Botarie, 28th Apryl, 1652. Restand The said day, came a letter from Mr. Jhon Row, together with a compt papers. ^^ ^^^ restand publick papers. The matter is recommended to the severall brethren, to be thought on. At Botarie, May 3, 1652. Conventioune. The moderatour and brethren being occasionallie met, for choosing some commissioners to goe to Murray (as the moderatour of the province his letter desyred), ther to meet with other brethren of the rest of the presbytries, for sending some commissioners to Edinburgh against the twelfth of May, to speak with the dissatisfied brethren anent the setling of the church in peace and union amongst themselves ; after incalling of the name of God, the presbytrie listed Mr. William Kinninmonth, Mr. John Meldruni and Reidfurd, and Mr. George Meldrum, who being remoued, Mr. John Reid- Reidfuird £^j.^ ^^^ ]y[j.^ George Meldrum were chosen and invested with power from Commission- . i m p • j ers. the presbytrie to the enect lorsaid. At Botarie, May 26, 1652. Supplicatioun Anent the plantatioune of the church of BotriflPney, compeired Alexander from Botriff- Duff^ commissionat from the said pariochin, requyring ane answer to the "^■^ ' supplicatioune given in to the presbytrie for Mr. Villiam Chalmer, minister 1652.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 221 at Knockandoh, it being declared by some of the brethren who had receiued letters from the said Mr. Villiam, that he would not in any termes em- brace the charge, the presbytrie desyred the commissioner to think upon it, and get his full answer against the next day. At Botarie, Jun 9. Mr. Villiam Jameson reported that Jhon Gordon of Avachie had removed Avachie obey- Villiam Gordon, the popish schoolmaster. '"°' Mr. Robert Jamison came about the sitting doune of the meeting, and Jamison ex- his absence from the doctrine was excused, be reason he declared he was ^^^^ ' attending upon the Marquis of Huntlie to get his stipend. Compeired Jhon Anderson of Westertowne, Villiam M'Ferson of Drum- more, Arthur Stewart, etc., pariochiners of Botriffney, commissionate from that pariochin, and passing from their former supplicatioune given in for Mr. Villiam Chalmer, because he declared himselfe unwilling to come, gave in a new supplicatioune for Mr. James Petrie, schoolmaster at BamfF, to be Supplication their minister. The presbytrie, finding their procedour to be abrupt (seeing Petrie. the young man had never preached befor the people of that pariochin, nor yet the brethren of the presbytrie,) and inconsistent with the Acts of the Generall Assemblie, gave back the supplicatioune, and resolved to call the young man to preach before the presbytrie, and therafter to send a minister to Botriffney to mak a formall nominatioune ther. This day came a letter from the Commission of the Kirk, desyring pres- Commission bytries to send their commissioners to the Generall Assemblie to be held at ^^*'*' Edinburgh the third Wedinsday of July year instant, and to bring such annueties as was resting by the presbytrie to the clerks of the Assemblie. Anent the vacand stipend of Botriffney, Mr. George Chalmer, minister Vacand Sti- at Rynie, having represented the great losse he had by burning of his P^nd of Bo- house and best part of his plenishing, quhich mad him unable to pay his posed of. proportioune of the horse levy raised by the ministrie for the publick service of the kingdome ; as also, that, in regard his stipend was not payed, he was not in capacitie to reaedifie his house, did supplicate the presbytrie for the forsaid vacand stipend. Lykwyse, Mr. Alexander Fraser, late minister at Botrifibey, representing his great necessitie and charges *he had been at in setling the stipend of the forsaid church, did supplicat also for the for- said vacand stipend. The presbytrie, taking both their cases into consider- atioune, and being certified of their necessities, did ordaine the stipend of 222 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1652. anno 1651 to be aequallie divyded betwixt them, and gaue them power for the uplifting of the same. L'oiiveuit. Doctrine ap- proven Gordons de- clinator and excommunica- tionne. Commissioners chosen. At Gartly, Jun. ultimo, 1652. After incalling of the name of God, the moderatour and brethren con- veined. The said day, Mr. James Petrie preached upon Psalm 17, verse ultimo. The presbytrie were weill satisfied, and did permitt him to preach at Bo- triftney, upon the call of the pariochiners. William Gordon, pariochiner of Dumbennan, corapeiring, gave in a de- clinatour, with many false, lying, scandalous reproaches against the Kirk of Scotland, and government therofF, the tenour quherof followes : " I vnder- scryber, of the pariochin of Dumbennan, and Presbytrie of Strathbogye, having, by manie and sundrie sad experiences, found the manie bloodie and barbarous inconveniences quhich hav alvayes accompanied the Presbyterian government by their usurpatioune, and mixed auctorite with the civill power, and tyrannous persecuting of mens consciences who, out of tender scruples, did difFere from their opinions in matters indifferent and circumstantiall ; as also, finding that the greatest part of their prayer and preaching doth more tender the advancment of their private interest and factioune then the propagatioune of the gospell ; and seeing their frequent railing against the auctoritie and civill power which God hath set over us, quherby the peoples mynds ar keeped unsetled and averse from the cordiall compliance and union of both nations, quhich, by God's great mercie, we ar now lyk to enjoy. For thes reasons, I doe therfor declare that I neither will nor can continue a member of the Presbytrie of Strathbogye, and that I shall no mor esteeme of their excommunicatioune than thei did formerly of the Pope, but intend, God willing, to live in such a gospell way as the Lord hath dispensed in his sacred word, and not occasion any disturbance to this present government of the commonwealth of Great Brittan. And, to tes- tifie this solem separatioune, I have subscribit thir presentis with my hand. Williapa Gordon." The presbytrie, haveing read and considered the paper, how malitious and invective it was against the servants and government of Christs church, did ordaine Mr. Villiam Jamison to excommunicate the said Villiam qiiam primum ; quhilk sentence beeing intimate to him, he lookit verie frowardly, and uttered himself most proudly and malitiously. The said day, Mr. Jhon Chalmer, Mr. Villiam Kinninmonth, and Mr. 1652.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 223 Jhon Reidfurd beeing listed, after their removing, the presbytrie choose the said Mr. Villiam and Mr. Jhon Reidfurd to be commissioners unto the General! AssembHe ensueing. The Laird of Kerapkairne and Rothemay being listed, Alexander Ogilvie of Kempkairne was chosen ruling elder. The fast appoynted by the Provinciall Assemblie, for the sins and judo-- Fast. raents of the tyrae, was ordained to be keeped, July eleventh, by all the congregatiouns of the presbytrie. At Botarie, July 12, 1652. Mr. James Gordon produced this day the particular compt of the restand Compt pro- publict papers, and it was recommended to the severall brethren to think duced. upon payment of them. At Botarie, August 4, 1652. After invocatioune of the name of God, the spekers being severallie re- Doctrine e(Mi- moued, and the brethrens judgments concerning the doctrine beeing asked, ^i^''^^- they were approven, only Mr. Robert Irving was admonished of some things, and desyred to stryve against his inarticulat expression. The said day, Mr. George Chalmer was appoynted to goe to Botriffney BotrifFney suj)- and preach, and after sermon to desyr the pariochiners to nominat and elect P '' a man for the ministrie of that place. The said day, it was represented by Mr. Alexander Ker to the presby- Avachie de- trie, that Jhon Gordon of Avachie, upon a Sabbath day befor the sunne '^*^' set, went through the pariochin of Grange, and other pariochins of the presbytrie, with a great company of horse and litters, towards Murray, for bringing along of a milstone. The presbytrie, taking the matter to their consideratioune, ordained Mr. Villiam Jamison to try the matter, and to cause summond Avachie to the presbytrie. Sicklyk, Mr. Robert Irving represented to the presbytrie that Lord Lord Oliphant Oliphant was begunne to decline to poperie, dishant ordinances, and fre- apostatizing, quent the companie of on James Con, ane excommunicate papist. The presbitrie desyred him to cause cite the said Lord Oliphant befor the ses- sioun of Inverkeithnie, and to mak report. At Botarie, August 25, 1652. It being found that Jhon Gordon, pariochiner of Dumbennan, was not as Ordinance yet excommunicate, in respect of difficulties, the minister reported he did ^nent Gordon 224 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1652. meet with [ ]. The ordinance was renewed, and the minister ordained to report against the nixt day. Durt to be The said day, Mr. Villiam Jamison declared that ther was a murder summonea. committed by ViUiam DufF, pariochiner of Keith, at a pennie brydall in the pariochin of Kinor, as was alledged, the said VilUam being drunk. The presbytrie ordained Mr. Villiam Jamison, minister at Kinor, to try the matter and report it against the nixt day, and Mr. Villiam Kininmonth to cause summond the said Villiam DufF. The said day, the commissioners returned from the Generall Asserablie were present, and the brethren appoynted to meet September third, pro re nata^ to get ane accompt of their diligence, seeing the day by this was farre spent. The ordinar day of meeting to be September fifteenth. Mr. Jhon Chalmer to handle a common place of divinitie. The meeting closed with prayer. At Botarie, September 3, 1652. Commissioners Conveined moderatour and brethren, and, after invocatioune of the name Report. Qf God, the commissioners gave in their diligence, and the judgment of the presbytrie theranent referred to the nixt day, until the presbytrie should be more full ; three of the brethren, Mr. George Chalmer, Mr. James Gor- doun, and Mr. Robert Irving, being absent. Fast to be The said day, presented by the commissioners causes of a fast appoynted P^ ' to be keeped the second and third Sabbathes of September: 1. For the great contempt of the gospell ; 2. Not looking to the hand that smiteth us ; 3. Covenant-breaking in day of calamitie ; 4. For Sions breaches and ex- posure to foxes ; 5. For departure from the true doctrine, separatioune from the communion and government of the church of Christ in the land ; 6. For the oppositioune made by the royall familie and other eminent fami- lies to the work of God amongst us; 7. For the sins of the ministrie. Acts of the Presented also, the Presbyteriall Acts of the late Generall Assemblie, Assemblie to quhich were recommended to Mr. Jhon Chalmer to cause transscrybe them, that euery on of the brethren might have a coppie of them. The meeting closed with prayer. At Botarie, September 15, 1652. Commissioners The said day, the brethren sent to the Generall Assemblie were appro- approven. ^^^ ^^ faithfull and vigilant in the trust committed to them. 1652.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 225 Mr. Jhon Reidfurd having regrated that the Ladie Kinardie was relapsed to poperie, notwithstanding her former seeming to have forsaken it and embraced the true doctrine of Christ, the presbytrie appoynted Mr. Wil- liam Kinninraonth, Mr. James Gordon, and Mr. George Meldrura, to goe and speak hir, and see quhat they could effectuate by exhortatioune and admonitiouncj befor the presbytrie entered in processe with hir. Vpon the Lady Rothe- lyk regrate also from Mr. James Gordon, concerning the youno- Ladie ^^y- Rothemay, the presbytrie appoynted the said commissioners to speak hir in the way, and to report against the nixt day. The said day, ther having come a letter from the presbytrie of Aber- Answer to the lour, anent the tryall of some brethren vpon scandelous speaches alleado-ed ^''esbytrie of . . ^ Aberloiir to have been uttered by Mr. Villiam Watson, minister at f 1, and heard by them, the presbytrie appoynted the moderatour, seeing he was the alleadged bearer of the speaches, to wryt ane answer to the presbytrie of Aberlour, and declare. what he knew anent the said Mr. Villiam. The presbytrie (as it was appoynted by the last Provincial Assemblie) Meldrum's this day did enquyre at Mr. George Meldrum, minister at Glass, his J^^dgment judgment anent the constitution of the General Assemblie holden at St. Generall As- Andrews, and continued at Dundie, aniio 1651. Answered, he was not ^®'"^^'^- resolued for the tyme either to allow or disallow of it ; and any scruple he had anent the constitutioune of the said Assemblie he said out so farre as he could, not to giue any scandall by venting himselfe in publict of it. At Botarie, October 27th, 1652. The brethren sent from the presbytrie to speak the Ladie Rothemay, Commissioners younger, and the Ladie Kinardie, anent their falling away to poperie, for Lady Km- reported, that the Lady Rothemay promised to communicate hir scruples themay, their to hir owne minister, and to conferre with him ; and that the Lady Kinardie report. was obstinate, declaring hirselfe to be none of our church, and shee would neither hear hirselfe nor suffer hir daughters to heare ; professing, moreover, that shee repented of her former repentance more than of anie sinne that ever shee committed, and thought that shee had reason to repent all hir lyfe time for subscryving the Nationall Covenant and Solemne League and Covenant. They reported also, that Janet Williamson and Janet Knows, two professed papists, were kept by the said Ladie, within the familie, contrare to hir husbands mynd. It was ordained that shee 2 F 226 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1652. Henderson in Abercherder. Leith of Bucharne. Hannah's sup' plieatioune answered. Reid, school- master. should be summonded against the nixt day, to answer for hir perjurie and apostacie; and recommended to Mr. Jhon Reidfurd to proceed against the two women, and mak report to the presbytrie. Villiam Henderson, parochiner in Abercherdour, formerlie ordained to be somequhat more summarly excommunicate, compeired in sackloth, humblie beo-o'ing with teares that the former ordinance might be repealed. The presbytrie, upon his ministers declaratioune that he was more seriously affected with his sinnes, and had shewed greater evidences of his re- pentance since the last day, ordained him to compeir befor the session of Marnoch, to quhom he was referred to be censured, according to the acts of the Generall Assemblie theranent. Mr. Jhon Chalmer reported, that Alexander Leith of Bucharne being proclaimed pro \°- with Elizabeth Jhonston, pariochiner of Kineller thair, Robert Gordon of Colythie made public interruption, in his daughter Anna Gordons name, quhom the said Alexander had formerlie defloured, alledging a praecontract with the said Anna. This matter being referred by the session to the presbytrie, they ordained that ther should be a tyme praefixed to the said Robert to make out his alledgiance befor the civill judge, and the processe till then to be stopped. The said day, Mr. George Hannah, sometyme minister at Avas, pre- sented a supplicatioune, earnestly desyring the presbytrie would tak to heart his poore and distressed conditioune for the tyme, and give him some supplie out of the vacand stipend of Botriffney. The presbytrie, being as- sured of his necessitie by a letter from the Presbytrie of Elgin, in quhich he lived for the present, disposed to him, and for the supplie of his poore family, the just halfe of the stipend of the forsaid place, anno 1652, and gave him the whole power to uplift the samen. The said day, compeired Mr. James Reid, nominated and elected be the session of Grange to be schoolmaster ther, and having produced famous testiraonie of his literature and Christian conversatioune under the hands of the members of the Presbytrie of Old Aberdein, the presbytrie ap- proved the electioune, and, for his tryal, praescryved him the 3d od., lib. 4, Horat., to expone and explaine grammaticallie, logicallie, and rhaetoricallie. At Botarie, November 17, 1652. The goodwyfe of Carneborrow and hir daughters, summoned to hear and 1652.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 227 see themselues decerned to be excomraunicat, were called and n . peiring, ordained to be excommunicat notwitW.n^- 7 °^ com- Goodwyfe of tions, it was thought fit that the nrnl . /"^' ^'' ^'^"" considera- Carnbc-row to f^. ""ftiit nt tnat the pronouncing of the sentence flo-pjn.f .v, ^"^ excommu- two young „„„e„ m.ght be waved for a spac°e till further adv emfn *" '"''' Mr. Jhon Chalmer reported he went tn T!nt,.,-ff„ "*«™ent. nothing was done anent the non,inatiZ a „t^t tT th^t "'' ""' ""'"-'■ respect the most considerable men of the pariochiners ,„ d .1, ^''^'' J" sent that day. The presbvtrip nrd=;„ /J"^""'"'""^'"' and elders were ab- and the nixt dyet of thenresbv.r e "•"deratonr to goe, betuixt this a minister, witrlrtircati:^"^:: MeYIuTe '" TT ^"^ ^'^^' on to plant the church. ^ ' "" P'-«*J""e would goe The said day. Lord Oliphant, beeing summonded for anostacie ,„ „ • and keeping companie with excommunicat nanl^t. ! apostaeie to poperie Lord Oliphant not, therefore ordained to be summonde" /™T' "' '"' """'''"'' ''"""""^^ ^°- ing?:h::wl:';„tar;:'srnd iftf T'rr ""''- '""-^"'^ °f p-^^- ^--..^ Aberdein, tLy drrniroily ^tT:lX/t^ V'T'^' '" """ '"™- to Mr. George Garden, minister at Clat and ft T ?"''™' '""' testimonialls from the PresbySe If OU A f I "«'" '^ '^™°"^ Ai J , j-iKbuynie 01 UJd Aberdein, quher thp smiVl M„ Alexander was laureat, did nominate and present him to Z i T /' the^Srslttffe^atererour""^' '" '"' ^'^ ^"- ^ "^^^ Compeired also Peter Meldrum somptvmp nf t^^ beeing accessorie to the slau^hterof V^r^ n . ' ^^^^^^^^^^^te for Meldiun. ot to be relaxed from thlr T^T °^^^"'^"^ Cnchtoune, desyring earnestly W^n supplica- andi-t:attr:rbe~L^^^^^^^^^^ auced also, for the presbytrieslarrani, ^etimonl o/l -fc tiiratLi;:: "cTanSercf tr: i troiif -7^- ^^ "isters hands that were Commissioners to the Arebi'TD"" T" """ sideratioune, resolved to arrpnt .f .u . o/"e premisses to their con- through iniquitie tyme the ferr of h! '" ™™""! ,- -'«-"*. -ing and appoinL the m^oderl tr^lt «: .fnTd t°7^^^^^ to meet at Rothemay, on Moonday next, and to confer ^ h "sat. pft: ' 228 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1652. Gregorie or- dained. to sie quhat sense of sinne and evidences of repentance they fand in him, to mak report the next day. Corapeired also Jhon Gregorie [ ], being summond for a quad- ruple in fornicatioune, and being accused, confessed the same. The Pres- byterie, not seeing answerable sorrow for his sinne, but rather hardnes of heart and impaenitence, ordained him to be more summarlie excommunicated according: to the act of the Generall Assemblie. Carneborrow. Lady Rothe- may. Ogilvie to be summond. At Botarie, December 8, 1652. Conveined the moderator and remanent brethren, and after invocatioune of the name of God, Mr. Villiam Burnet susteined his theses upon that question. An ecclesia possit errare. The said Mr. Villiam being removed, was approven. Mr. Jhon Reidfuird and Mr. Robert Irvine absent. The said Mr. Villiam Jamison produced a list of all the parents names who had anie children at schoole with Villiam Gordon, excommunicat papist ; and having summonded thes that were within his owne pariochin, they were called, only Villiam Browne compeired, who, being accused for keeping his Sonne with ane excommunicat papist, to be trained up, confessed his guylti- nesse, and, professing he did it out of ignorance, promised to tak him away, primo quoque tempore, from that schoole. The presbyterie having sharply rebuked him, accepted of his said promise, and ordained the rest that com- peired not, viz. : [ ] to be summoned against the next day ; and thes parents who had children with the said Villiam Gordon, and were without the bounds of the Presbyterie, ther ministers to be advertised to processe them untill they took avay their children from that schoole. Goodwyfe of Carneborrow not excommunicat, because the minister had not gotten the extract of the former ordinance, quhich he thought expedient to have besyde him before he pronunced the sentence. The ordinance re- newed, and the minister ordained to tak the extract of the act along with him befor he depart. Anent the Lady Rothemay, Mr. James reported shee was gone to dwell in Aberdein. The said day it was reported that Normand Lyd was returned to Bo- trifihey, and was recept by Jhon Ogilvie. It was ordained that the said Jhon should be summond befor the presbytrie for the recept of a scandelous fugitive. Compeired Villiam Duff in Keith, and affirmed he had ane act of assoyl- 1653.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 229 ment for his casuall slaughter from thes that had the civill power for the tyme; and, moreover, ane absolutioune from the parties injured. The presbytrie ordained him to bring thes along with him the next dly, and summoned him, apud acta, to compeir January fifth. Mr. Jhon Chalmer reported that Alexander Leith and Elizabeth Jhon- stone were married by on Mr. Nicoll Black, in the pariochin of Kineller. He was ordained to wryt to Mr. Jhon Mercer of the said place, and try out the mater more fullie, and whether the said Mr. Nicoll were an actuall mi- nister, and to processe the said Alexander Leith euer until he produced ane suflScient testimoniall from the minister and elders of the place wher he was married. Mr. Villiam Kininmonth reported that he went to Botrifftiey, according Electioune of to the ordinance, and preached, and after sermon did hold ane session, and P^*""'^' having requyred the elders to nominate and elect ane minister, that they did unanimously elect and choose Mr. James Petrie, schoolmaster at Bamff, to be their minister, as the extract of the act of their session, that day pro- duced by their commissioners, Jhon Anderson of Westertoune and Villiam M'Ferson of Drummoor, at more length proports. The presbytrie, taking the praemisses to their consideratioune, did approve the nominatioune, but finding no testimonie of the bodie of the people their approbatioune of the said electioune past in the session, therefor ordained Mr. George Chalmer to goe the nixt Sabbath to Botriffney and intimate the electioune to the whole pariochiners, and requyre them to testifie their mynd theranent by their commissioners to the presbytrie the nixt day. Compeired William Brebiner, parochiner of Grange, desyring to be Brebiner and married with Margaret Rosse, pariochiner of Ruthven, a papist. The pres- ^^^se. bytrie, upon ane testimonie under the ministers and elders hands of Ruthven, that the said Margaret was not scandalous, and had lately begun to hear the word, ordained the said Margret to renounce and abjure publictly all the heads of poperie contained in the Nationall Covenant befor the con- gregatioune of Grange, and the minister of the place therafter to cause proclaime their bands. At Botarie, January 5th, 1653. Mr. Jhon Reidfuird reports that the lady Kinardie is gone to Edin- Lady Kinar- brugh. The processe waved till her return. die. Compeired Villiam Duffin Keith, and produced ane act of assoylment from Duff ordained. 230 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1653. thes that were in civil power for the tyme, exempting him from anie civill punishment ; moreover, ane absolutioune from the freinds of the woman killed; yit, notvithstanding of all that was produced, the presbytrie finding the scandall still to remaine, ordained him, for purging away the scandall, to compeir in sackcloth befor the congregatioune of Dumbennan, quher the scandal was given, and ther to testifie his sorrow for his sinne. Some parioch- Mr. George Chalmer reported he went to BotrifFney and preached, and t""^^"^^'' after sermon, haveing intimate the nominatioune and electioune of Mr. assenting. James Petrie, be the session, to the whole congregatioune, and desyred all that did dissassent therfrom to come to the session and declare themselues, that the session being conveined, some gentlemen of the pariochin and manie of the bodie [of the] people testified ther dissassent from the nominatioune of the said Mr. James, alledging his voyce to be low and his gift not aedi- fieing. Compeired also Walter Lesley, sonne to [ J Leslie of Bommiekellach, praetending a commission from the bodie of the people, and presented a paper to the eff'ect forsaid. The presbyterie finding the pa- riochiners to be differing amongst themselves about the electioune, resolved to meet at Botrifihey, February second, for settling of the matter, and examina- tioune of the reasons of the disassenting partie ; and for the more fazable efi'ectuating of the business, appointed the said Mr. James Petrie to preach ther both befor presbytrie and pariochin, and Mr. Alexander Ker to inti- mate the presbytries meeting ther befor the forsaid day of February. At Botriffney, February 2, 1653. Conveined moderator and remanent brethren. Mr. Robert Irving only absent. Mr. James Petrie preached on Col. 3, v. 1. After invocatioune of the name of God, the presbytrie being mett to search and examine the reasons of the disassenting partie of the pariochiners, did, by their officiar, lawfullie and publictly requyr all that did disassent from the nominatioune of Mr. James Petrie to come in to the presbytrie, and ther give in ther reasons. After they were thryce publictly desyred to present themselves, compeired only Alexander Naughtie and Adam Leslie, Sonne to Bommakellach, and sonne-in-law to Mr. Alexander Fraser, late minister at Botriffney, and some others of Bommakellachs tennants, who testified ther disassent to the forsaid electioune ; and being asked of ther reasons, the said Alexander Naughtie alledged some frivolous things, of quhich Mr. James Petrie did vindicate himselfe to the satisfactioune both 1653.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 231 of the presbytrie and accuser. The said Adam Leslie being asked his reasons, answered, he had them not in readinesse, but should, both in his owne and others name, present them the next day. The presbytrie, finding nothing quhich could hinder their procedour in admitting the said Mr. James to his tryals for the ministrie ther, resolued to proceed with the said Mr. James ; but because the presbytrie was to meet at Gartlie the next day for visitatioune of that church, and that all scruple against the said Mr. James might be taken avay, resolued not to enter him on tryall befor the next presbyteriall meeting, but to delay till then ; and charged, apud acta, all that had anie scruple or reason against the said Mr. James, to compeir the nixt day, and give in their reasons ; with certificatioun, if they keeped not the next dyet, the presbytrie would enter the said Mr. James to his tryals for that charge. At Gartlie, February 16, 1653. The said day, Robert Gordon of Colythie gaue in a bill of slander upon Bill of Gordon Alexander Leith of Bucharne, compleaning that the said Alexander should ^^^^^^ have said, in a publict taverne, that the said Robert was drunk in [ ] Gordon of Cocklarachies house, and should have vomited such ane hudge quan title that he drown a bitch whelps therwyth. The said Alexander beeing summonded to this day by the session, who hath referred the cog- noscing of the bill to the presbytrie, was called, and compeiring, confessed he spok the words, but that he heard them of another. He was ordained to present the nixt day his author befor the presbytrie, or else to be holden for the slanderer himselfe. Sickly k, compeired Mr. James Kennedie in Gibstoune, and Margret Bill, Kennedie Ogstoune, his spouse, and gave in a bill of complaint upon James Petrie ^"^'^^ and Janet Mawer, pariochiners of Dumbennane, that the said parties, upon twenty-third Januari, being the Sabbath day, should have come drunk to the said Mr. James his house at Gibstoune, and alledging that he had slandered them with a shirt quhich was stollen from on of his servants, the said James did imperiously command the compleaner to ryse from his chaire and mak the words of the alledged slander good, othervayes he should put ane durk in him, and did call him base lyar in his throate, haveing all this tyme ane long durk by his syd halfe drawne out ; and that the said Janet should have called his wyfe, Margret Ogstoune, base whore, drunkard, thieef-faced bitch, English jade, landlooper, queane, etc. etc., as the tenor of 232 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1653. the bill more fullie proports. This bill being also referred from the session of Kinor to the presbytrie, and the said James Petri e and Janet Mawer summonded to be present this day, wer called, and not compeiring, ordained to be summonded pro 2°- ; and Mr. James Kennedie to have his witnesses in readinesse against the next day. The said day, Adam Lesly, sonne to [ ] Lesly of Bommakellach, and the pariochiners of BotrifFney, who promised to giue in their reasons of dissassent from Mr. James Petries electioune, were called, and none compeiring, the presbytrie resolved, after so long delay, to enter the said Mr. James to his tryals, yet, upon some new consideratiouns, and expecting still a more unanimous call, delayed the matter till the nixt day, and de- syred the said Mr. James to be present for that effect. Lord Oliphant The said day. Lord Oliphant summoned for poperie, called, compeired summond 3» jj^^^ ordained to be summonded pro 3°- At Botarie, March 9, 1653. The said day, James Petrie and Janet Mawer being summonded, wer called, and compeiring, were accused upon the whole poynts of the bill given in by Mr. James Kennedie and Margret Ogstoune, but they denyed them all, onlie confessed that they come upon a Sabbath day to the said Mr. James his house to enquyr if the said James had (as they heard reported) said that they stoll away a shirt from ane of his servants. James Petrie also confessed that the said Mr. James Kennedie had said thes words, and slandered him with theft, he should be alyk with him, though he were the Marquesse of Huntlies brother. The witnesses summond for probatioune of the bill were George Knight, Jhon Wilson, and Thomas Stichell. The former two were admitted by the said James Petrie and Janet Mawer, the third declined, because the said Thomas, as they alledged, was a conjunct eventer of the slander with the said Mr. James, and because they had given in ane bill upon the said Thomas, as another abefor to the session of Kinoir. Mr. Villiam Jamisone [being asked] if James Petrie and Janet Mawer had given in ane bill, as they aflBirmed, to their session, answered, he was not cleare in the poynt for the tyme, but promised to extract the act of the session, and bring it along with him the nixt day. The presbytrie referred anie further examinatiounes of the said James Petrie his reasones against Thomas Stitchell untill the next day, that the act of the session of Kinor 1653.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 233 theranent wer seine, and proceeded to tak the depositioune of the tuo wit- nesses admitted. The said George Knight and Jhon Wilson being suorne, and desyred to Knio-ht de- declare, as in the sight of God, the truth of the matters, deponed as fol- poning- lowes, viz.: Jhon Wilson being removed, George Knight deponed, 1. That he thought both James Petrie and Janet Mawer were in drink that Sabbath they came to Mr. James Kennedies house. 2°- That the said James had a durk by his syd, and had his hand on it, but drew it not. 3°- That Janet Mawer called Margret Ogstoune, spouse to Mr. James Kennedie, drunken beast, landlopper, and bitch. 4"- That the said James called the said Mr. James a lyar in his face, and uttered manie fearfull oathes. 5"- That he imperiously commanded the said Mr. James to ryse from his chaire, and mak good his speeches, otherwayes he would put ane durke in him. Suchlyke, Jhon Wilson beeing called in, and George Knight removed, Wilson de- deponed that the whole businesse twixt the forsaid parties beeing ended poning. befor he was a spectator, he heard onlie Janet Malwer calling either Mar- gret Ogstoune or hir servant woman (he knew not whether of them) by the tytles of landlopper and quean, and manie other opprobrious speeches. Being asked if he saw a durk by the said James Petries syd, or if he or Janet Mawer were drunk, or if they suear, or if the said James called the said Mr. James a lyar in his face, answered to thes particulars negatively. The said day, the aboue mentioned James Petrie and Janet Mawer gaue Bill upon in a bill of complaint upon Mr. James Kennedie and Margret Ogstoune, Kennedie. his spouse, shewing that, upon the forsaid day, January twenty-third, the said James Petrie and Janet Mawer having come to ask Mr. James Ken- nedie if he or his wyfe had called them the thief of the sark that they wanted, that the said Mr. James took Janet Mawer and violentlie hurled hir to the door, to the crushing almost of all hir bones, and that the said Margret Ogstoune called Janet Mawer a drunken jade. Moreover, that the said Mr. James should have said to Jhon Birnie, postmaster in Aberdein, that James Petrie was as great ane theife as went twixt halter and rop. The presbytrie, taking this bill in consideratioune, appoynted Mr. James Ken- nedie to be summonded against the next day, and ordained James Petrie and Janet Mawer to mak good the poynt of their bill by witnesse, and gave order to the church oflSciar of Kinor to summond witnesses at the com- pleaners instance. 2 G 234 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1653. Jhonston, The said day, James Jhonston and Margret Nicolson, pariochiners in Abercherder, being summond for a mocking of the ordinance of marriage, in cumming with ane English pyper, called [ ], and joyning hands in the church of Aberchedour, and proclaiming them- selues married persons and wilfuUie cohabiting ever since, contrarie to the ordinance of the session, were called, and compeired the said James Jhon- stoune, and being ordained to separate and put away that whore from him, answered he would not, shee was his lawfullie married wyfe, but protested against the presbytries procedour with them, and appealed to the Synod of Murray, to whose censure he promised to subject hiraselfe, and the reasons of his appeal promised to giue in befor next day. Irving ex- cused. Fraseris sup- plication. Petrie. Jhonstons ap- pellation. At Botarie, March 23, 1653. The said day, Mr. Villiam Burnet having past through all the poynts of his tryals according to the' acts of the Generall Assemblie, and having given the presbytrie full satisfactioune, was licentiate to preach the word of God publickly, and authorized to exercise his gift as occasion should offer, and exhorted to seek to God by prayer for increase of his gifts and sanctifica- tioune of them, that he might be ane instrument to doe God service, as they should call him. Mr. Robert Irvings long absence was excused because of his old age and the winter, and desyred to keepe the presbytrie himself, or at least be his offi- ciar, that anie processe brought to the presbytrie might uninterruptedly go on. The said day, no report of the goodwyfe of Carneborrow and hir daughters, in respect Mr. George Meldrum was absent. Anent Mr. Alexander Fraser, late minister at Botriffney, his supplica- tion for the halfe of the vacant stipend of BotriiFney, anno 1652, the presbytery being informed by a letter from the pariochiners of the forsaid place that the shirreff of Aberdein had summoned them to mak an accompt of all the stipendis since the said Mr. Alexander his depositioune, ther- for thai resolved yit to delay his answer, and to advyse vith the synod anent questions of that nature. The said day, Mr. James Petrie being present, was desyred to enter upon his tryals in relatioun to the kirk of Botriffney, answered, he was not cleare to giue the presbytrie ane answer for the tyme, but promised to giue his answer against the next day. The said day, James Jhonstoune, pariochiner of Abercherder, gaue in 1653.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 235 ane appellatioune under his hand from the presbytrie to the Synod of Murray, bearing thes reasons. 1. Because he had giuen up his banns of marriage. 2"- That he was thryce proclaimed; and, 3°- had set suirtie that the testimonials quhich were suspect by the session of Abercherder to be forged, should be found famous. i°- Because the church part of marriage was but a ceremonie, parties consent being the substance. Mr. Alexander Ker this day reported, that according to the referre of Gilles. the Provinciall Assembly, he had censured the parents that presented their children to be baptised, and persons that presented themselues to be married by [ ] Gilles, a praetended minister, and had baptized the children and married the persons according to the ordinances. Only tuo praetended to be married by the said Gilles, lately come from the pariochin of Keith to the pariochin of Grange, not censured, quhom the presbytrie ordained the said Mr. Alexander to censure and marrie with all diligence. This day having come a letter from the Commission of the Kirk anent Letters from keepinff of a fast, and the dissenting brethren their deserting' of the meet- *. ^om"iis- mg, and conference for unitie, were presented. Causes of a solemne fast Kirk, and and humiliatioune to be keeped the last Sabbath of March, and first of causes of a Fast. Aprdl : 1. For the sinnes formerlie mentioned in other hurailiatiounes. 2. The continuance of the Lords rod, notwithstanding the former hurai- liatiounes. 3. The grouth of sinne of all sorts, particularly pryd, uncleannesse, con- tempt of ordinances, oppression, violence, fraudulent dealing. 4. The hightening and encreasing of the wofull differences of the tyme. 5. The manie sad encroachments upon the libertie of the kingdome of Christ. 6. The general distemper upon the spirits of all men euerie on seeking himself e. The said day, the brethren being severallie removed, were examined, and nothing found rebukable, only Mr. Robert Irving was admonished to keep the presbytery better now in the summer tyme, and to provyde ane helper by the presbyteries adyce, which he promised to doe with all convenient diligence. At Botarie, Apryl 27, 1653. Mr. John Reidfurd advertisd the presbytrie of the Ladle Kinardie hir Gordon, Ladie Kinardie. 236 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1653. KnoUis, Hebron, and Williamson. Avachie cen- sured. Harper ad- mitted to the Jonston and Nicolson to be excommunicat. Stewart. returne from Edinburgh. He was ordaind to cause sumond her to the next day, for her apostasie to poperie. Sicklyk, the said Mr. John Reidfurd delated Janet Knollis, Agnes He- bron, and Janet Williamson for poperie. Ordained to sumond them to the next day. Compeired John Gordon of Avachie, and confessed that he had trans- o-ressed in travailing on the Sabbath day with horse, going for a milston. Referred to the session of Kinor for censure. Mr. James Petrie was admitted to his tryalls in relation to the church of Botrifnie, he having declared his willingnes to the same, and was ordained to have the addition the next day. The said day, Mr. William Harper, an expectand, haveing latelie come to the presbytrie, produced testimonials of his abilities and Christian car- riage from the Presby tries of Kincairn and Deer, and desireing to enter on the exercise, it was granted to him, and he was ordained to exercise the next day on the ordinarie place. The said day, James Johnston and Margrat Nicolson, in Abercherder, were ordained to be excommunicat for the abuse and contempt of the ordi- nance of marriage, for wilfull and obstinat cohabitation in whoordoom, against admonitions from session and presbytrie, and for his appealing from the presbytrie to the synod, and then passing from it. The said day, William Stewart, parochiner of Ruthven, being referred from the session for hewing doun the publict place of repentance, for pley- ing on the Sabbath, for drunkenness, for braking vp on Andro Grays door on the night, and vaunting of vncleannes ; of which he confessed the hewing doun of the place of repentance, ploying on the Sabbath, and drunkennes. Was sumonded, apud acta, to compeir the next meeting day, till mor sould be tryed out against him. Couts of Cairnborrow, etc., to be ex- communicat. Leith. At Botarie, 11th May, 1653. The said day, Mr. George Meldrum wes ordained to excommunicat Helen Couts, goodwife of Cairnborrow, and her daughters, Catharin, Mary, and Jean Gordons, according to the former ordinance, as he wold ansueir to the presbytrie, and the day before he pronounced the sentence to intimat he was to do the same. The said day, Mr. John Chalmer reported that Alexander Leith of Bucharn had promisd to him to com with his testimoniall to the presbytrie, 1653.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 237 but seing he had not compeird, the said Mr. John was ordaind to processe him if he bring it not the next meeting day. Sicklyk, the said Alexander Leith being sumonded to this day, to pre- Leith. sent his author for slandering George Gordon in Colythie, compeird not, but sent a letter, under Mr. Robert Cheyn his hand, shewing his author for quhat he spoke, the tenour quherof follows : " Reverend and deir brother, these ar showing yow that Hew Morise hes com befor Alexander Forbes of Culquharrie, Robert Muir, Walter Rosse, and me, and confessed that he said that he hade publictlie spoke that Collithie had spued as much as wold have dround two whelps, and sail giue his informer quhen he sail be posed, which is all he hes for the tyme, who is your loveing brother, subscribitur^ Mr. Robert Cheyne. Kenethmont, 11th Maij, 1653." The presbytrie finding the said Alexander had given his author, as he was appoynted, and the said author of his wes nocht in the bounds of the presbytrie, the brethren acquiesced in the former declaration. The said day, Patrik Lord OHphant being sumonded pro 3°- for poperie, Oliphant. compeird not. Wes ordaind to heir and comraunicat, etc.^ vnder the pain of excommunicatioun. At Botarie, 25th May, 1653. Mr. John Reidfurd reported that Dame Elizabeth Gordon, Ladie Kin- Gordon of ardie, was not sumonded to this day, according to the ordinance of the Kinardie. presbytrie, and that in respect the officer who sould have sumonded her was sick. The ordinance was renewed. Mr. Robert Irving reported that he had intimat to Patrik Lord Oliphant Oliphant con- the former decreet of the presbytrie against him, who, not compeiring to tu™ax- give obedience, was declared contumax, and the minister ordained to go on with the processe against him. Sicklyk, according to the referre of the synod anent processing the Ladie Ladie Rothie- Rothemay, younger, for poperie, Mr. James Gordon was ordained to go ^^^' speak with her, and get her answeir anent her affection to the reformed re- ligion, and to mak report the nixt day of meeting. Mr. James Gordon regrated that Georg Preist and Christian KelHs, tuo Preist and of his parochiners, had upbraided him with suffering ther child to die want- Kelhs to be ,. .,.,. ,. ,. sumonded. mg baptisme, cursemg him bil^terlie, abusmg and railing on him to his face. Ordained to cause sumond them to the next presbytrie day to answeir for the said faults. 238 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1653. Couts of CairnboiTow and her eldest daughter ex- communicat. Ladie Kinar- die. Avachie re- ceaved. Oliphant. Preist and Kelles cen- sured. Charles sup- plicating to be relaxed. At Botarie, June 8, 1653. Conveend moderator and remanent brethren. Absent, Mr. William Kinenraont, at the Commission of the Church ; also, Mr. George Chalmer. Mr. James Petrie lectured on Jerem. 23. The said day, Gods name being incalled, the speiker removed, and his doctrine sifted, the most part of the brethren were not satisfied. Reported also the said Mr. Georg Meldrum, that according to the or- dinance of the presbytrie, he had excommunicat Helen Couts of Cairnbor- row, and her daughter, Katharin Gordon : the excommunicatioun to be intimat in the severall congregatiounes of the presbytrie. As for the other tuo daughters, Mary and Jean Gordons, the on being valetudi- narie, and the other without the bounds of the presbytrie, the sentence was continued. Dame Elizabeth Gordon, Ladie Kinardie, being summonded to this day, called, compeird not, ordained to be sumonded pro 3°- Mr. William Jameson reported that John Gordon of Avachie had satis- fied ther session as he was appoynted, and was receaved. Mr. Robert Irving reported he had given the first admonition to Patrik Lord Oliphant, apostat to poperie. Ordained to go on in the processe. Compeard Georg Preist and Christan Kellies, parochiners of Rothemay, and being accused for vpbraiding ther minister for letting ther child die vnbaptized, for their cursing him, and railing on him, etc. ; and being dealt with, wer brought to a confession and acknowledgment of ther miscarriages towards him, submitting themselves to any censure the presbytrie sould impose vpon them. The moderator haveing sharpelie rebuked them, and laboured to make them sensible of their ignorance anent the absolute ne- cessitie of baptisme, as also to instruct them in that poynt, they wer referred to the session of Rothemay to be censured. Compeired William Charles in Ruthven, in sackcloath, on knees, desire- ing earnestlie to be relaxed from excommunication, promiseing, by Godis assistance, to amend his life, to seek after the knowledg of God, and to abstain from all such wickednes in tyme comeing. The presbytrie, not finding him sufficientlie sensible of his case, laboured to make him sensible both of his fault and ignorance, and delayed till the next day ; and the mi- nister ordained, in the mean tyme, to take pains on him for that effect, that he might be made sensible of, and sorrowfull for, the same. 1653.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 239 At Botarie, 6th July, 1653. The said day, after incalling of the name of God, the speaker beino; removed, and his doctrine examined, in respect he had got too large a text, both in his former lecture, and also in this sermon, and so was not so po- pular in his doctrine as some wold have expected, the presbytrie ordained him the next day of meeting to lecture on Psalm 122, and to preach on Luke 3, V. 9. The said day, being appoynted for choising Commissioners to the Gene- Commissioner rail Assemblie, Mr. Georg Chalmer and Mr. James Gordon being listed, ^*^osen. the said Mr. Georg was chosen. Also, Robert Gordon of Petlurg and James Sudderland of Kinminnitie, being listed as ruleing elders, the said James was chosen ruleing elder to attend the next ensueing Generall Assemblie at Edinburgh. Compeird William Charles, excommunicat for octolapse in fornication, Charles ad- in sackcloath, humblie supplicating to be relaxed from the sentence of ex- ™*'*'^'^ *° ^^' f. . , . , p,.. pentance. communication, proiessing his repentance and sorrow tor his sin, and pro- mising to amend his life. The moderator, labouring to make him sensible of the greivousnes of his sinnes, and of the miserable condition he was in, and his minister testifying that he carried himself weill outwardlie, abstain- ing from all publict sins he was given to abefor, and frequented sermons to be instructed in the way of God, the presbytrie resolved to admit him to repentance, ordaining the minister to deal with him in the mean tyme, to work a true remorse in him for his sin. John Ogilvie and Katherin Innes in Grange, being summonded, and not Ogilby and compeiring, the presbytrie thought good to send Mr. William Kinenmont to I""®^- moderat the session of Grange, and ther with the session to examine and try the busines anent the slander of the minister of Grange, with power to censure the slanderers as they wer found guiltie. At Botarie, 27th July, 1653. Mr. William Kinenmont reported that, according to the ordinance of Ogilby and the presbytrie, he had bein at Grange, and had examined the slander of the minister theroflF, and accordinglie had censured those who wer guiltie, as the extract of the act of the session of Grange made theranent at mor lenght bears, the tenure quheroff followes : [ ] Compeired Thomas Tailyeor, parochiner of Ruthven, complaining to Tailyeor and the presbytrie that his mother, Bessie Gordon, did impede his raarriag with- Grordon. 240 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1653. out any just reason. She is ordained to be suramonded to the next day to giue in her reasons why she did so, and in the mean the marriag to desist till she wer heard. Supplication Compeird Walter Leslie, in name of the paroche of Botrifnie, and pre- _of the p^-och- sented a supplication from them to the presbytrie, desireing that they wold trifnie. be pleased not to proceed in the plantation of ther church by Mr. James Petrie, and expressing ther dissatisfaction with him, desyreing also the hearing of Mr. William Burnet, whom they had some tymes heard befor to ther contentment. The presbytrie thought fit to go to Botrifnie the next day, viz., August tenth, to try the supplication, and to giue an answer vnto it. In the mean tyme, Mr. William Burnet may go preach ther on the paroches call. At Botrifnie, 10th Augusti, 1653. The paroch- The said day, after incalling of the name of God, the presbytrie haveing inersof Botrii- ^^^ ^q examine and try the supplicatioun given in the last day by Walter nieS SUppllCa- , i . ^• • c • • i tkjt t -r* • i tion answered. Lesly, declaring ther dissatisiactioun with Mr. James retrie, and to give an answer to it, compeired the gentlemen, elders, and rest of the parochiners of Botrifnie, and the moderator haveing declared to them at length the reason of the meeting of the presbytrie ther, did cause reid in audience of them all the forsaid supplicatioun, and did demand whether or not they ownd it ; they answered affirmatiuelie they did, and in particular, these gentlemen who had not subscrived it being demanded if they likeways ownd it, answered, though they had indeid subscrived a supplication befor for Mr. James Petrie, yet now, being but a few number, could not nor void divyde from the rest of the elders, who had subscrived this late supplication, and from the whole bodie of the people. The presbytrie called the forsaid Mr. James Petrie, and demanded of him quhat he thought himself of that matter, who answered he desired to go on in his tryalls, and then he sould giue a satisfactorie answeir that sould content both presbytrie and people, and he sould be loath to offend God or wrong his own conscience in pro- secuting a call against the peoples will. Quherupon the presbytrie taking all things to consideration, haueing examined the supplication, concluded in ansueir to it, to stop the tryalls of the young man pj-o teynpore, and with all gave power to Mr. William Burnet to preach at Botrifnie at the peoples desire. At Innerkeithnie, 31st August, 1653. Visitation of Conveend moderator and brethren. Absent, Mr. James Gordon and Innerkeithny. 1653.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 241 Mr. Alexander Ker. Mr. Georg Meldrum preached on Matthew 26, V. 39. The said day being appoynted for the visitatioun of the said church of Innerkeithny, after incalling of Gods name, the minister produced the list of his elders as followes : Georg Spence of Tullo ; Georg Sinclair of Haddomill ; James Alshioner in Haddo ; Patrik Alshioner in Auchino-oul : Patrik Naper in Fortrie ; William Smith in Achingoul ; Robert Al- shioner in Achinhamper ; Alexander Alshioner in Achnina ; Robert Farscan in Downie ; Georg Harper in Ardphour ; John Irving in Log ; who wer solemnlie sworn, with vplifted hands, to declare quhat they knew Elders depo- anent ther minister, his doctrin, life, and conversation, exercise of disci- sition. pline, etc.^ and all removed except Georg Sincler, who deponed that his minister preached euerie Lordis day tuyse, and also lectured once upon ane ordinarie text ; that he kept home and did not gad abroad ; that he preached Christ and spak to their consciences, and was aedifying, onlie he had a stop in his speach, which they wer acquainted with, and did not hinder ther instruction ; that he catechisd on the week day. Anent his life and conversation, that he carried blamleslie ; went not to ale houses, or any bad company, or any vnfit places, but was christian like and exemplarie in his life and conversation, had God worshipped in his familie, and no scandalous persons in it. For his discipline, he exercised it diligentlie and impartiallie ; took care of the poor by the advice of the session ; that he censured those of his people who conveend not to sermon, etc. Also, that ther was no schoole. Ther was nothing he would haue him adraonishd of, for he went about his calling faithfullie. Lastly, as concerning an helper to the minis- ter, according to the provinciall referr, he said he thought it neidles, seing no defect was in him saue a stay in his speach, which they were acquainted with, and notwithstanding of it understood him. James Alshioner being called, depond that he was as able as befor ; visited the sick, and sometyms also the families of his congregation ; ad- ministrat baptisme on Thursday, and the Lordis day, and that befor a con- gregation ; had not celebrat the Lordis supper thir three yeirs ; and in all other things as Georg Sincler had depond alreadie. Ther was nothing he wold have him admonisht off. All the rest of the elders did homologat to the former deposition. The minister being called, was put in mynd of his former willingnes to Helper to admit of a helper, also of the Synods referr anent that particular, answered, J^^- Robert irvmg. 2 H 242 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1653. Letter from Lord Oli- phant and Ladie Kin- ardie. his condescendence was conditionate if he sould fail in his gift ; but seing the Lord continued with him giftes and abilities for performing his dutie himself, he thought it not neidfull till he sould faill, and then he sould willinglie receav on. But if the gentlemen, and elders, and rest of parochiners sould find a way to provide for on he sould be willing, but for his provision it was so small, he could not live on it and maintain another. The gentlemen and elders being again called, and demanded quhat they wold do in relation to the provideing mantenance for an helper, answered, they wer so poor, and so burthened with public imposts of the land, that they could hardlie mantain ther own minister ; and that they thanked God for ther ministers gifts and neided not an helper to him, but sould giue in ther reasons in wreit, the next presbyterie day, at more lenght, quherfor they did not provide for an helper to their minister. The elders being removed, and the minister asked concerning them, testifyed that, according to his knowledg, they were verie diligent in exer- cising discipline, carried Christianlie in their life and conversation. Ther was nothing he wold have them admonished of. They being called, wer exhorted to go on in diligence and faithfulnes in ther calling. The said day, ther was presented a letter from Patrik Lord Oliphant and Dam Elizabeth Gordon, Lady Kinardie, the tenor quheroff follows : " Right Reverend, please seing by order from yow, the ministers of Abercherder and Inverkeithnie ar going on in processe against ws, quherfor it is our humble desire to yow that ye wold be pleased to giue direction that the processe may be continued till we haue some competent tyme for our resolution in a busines which so neirlie concerns ws ; and if we sail not then resolue to giue obedience to quhat ye sail command ws, we sail desire no further delay therefter. So, referring the tyme and this our request to your charitable consideration, we commend ws heartlie to yow, and rest your verie assured to serve yow. Sic subscribitur, Oliphant. E. Gordone." For ansueir to which letter the presbytrie granted them a moneth, and ordaind Mr. William Kinenmont, Mr. John Reidfurd, and Mr. Robert Irving, to go conferr with them. Georg Jinkin and John Christie referred from the session of Abercher- der, for ryming and cuculling, called, compeird not. Ordained to be summonded pro 2"- 1653.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 248 At Botarie, 28th September, 1653. Mr. William Kinenmont, Mr. John Reidfurd, and Mr. Robert Irving, Ladie who wer sent to speak with Patrik Lord Oliphant and Dam Elizabeth Kinardie. Gordon, Ladie Kinardie, reported they had done so, with small hope of oibhant gaining them. The tyme granted to them the last day now being neir spent, and they not compeiring to giue obedience, Mr. John Reidfurd and Mr. Robert Irving was ordained to get ther ansueirs in wreit respective, and to bring them to the brethren of the presbytrie at the synod ; which, if not sufficient then, to go on in processe against them befor the next day of meeting. Reported Mr. James Gordon, that he had been conferring with the Ladie Ladie Rothemay, younger, and found her popishlie disposed. Was or- I^othemay. dained to go on in conference with her. Mr. Robert Irving presented from the parochiners of Inverkeithnie ther Reasons of ansueir to the propositioun of the presbytrie anent an helper to him in the ^^'^ parochin- .... i«/ X QTS of Inv6r- ministrie, which was, that they thanked the presbytrie for the cair they keithnie for had of ther good, but that they did not see any sufficient ground quherfor ^^^r refusing the presbytrie sould vrge or presse an helper on them, or yet they desire the^minister. on. P- Because the Lord had continued with ther pastor his giftis and graces for the dischargeing his dutie, also health and strenght of bodie ; and they his flock wer sufficientlie content with him in all poynts. 2"- Ther provision was so small, it could not maintain tuo ministers. 3"' The paroche being so litle, ther was no hope of obtaining an augmen- tation. 4"- They forsaw such difficulties in setling of an helper, that the intending of such a thing sould rather mak worse nor better ther condition. Compeird Walter Leslie, commissioner from the parochiners of Bo- Supplication trifnie, and gave in a supplication, subscryved with the hands of the f Botnfme gentlemen, elders, and rest of the parochiners, unanimouslie supplicating William the presbytrie to admit to tryalls in relation to the ministrie among them Burnett. Mr. William Burnet, ane expectant in the presbytrie, whom they, to the contentment of all, had severall tyms heard, and that with as great speid as could be, seing they had vaked so long. In ansueir to which, the presbytrie promised to send a minister to preach at Botrifnie, who sould ther declare the presby tries ansueir to them. Anent the former act at Botrifnie, Augusti tenth, for waveing of Mr. Petries for- James Petrie's tryalls, pro tempore, the presbytrie, on mature deliberation, ^e taken in.*' 244 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1653. resolved to take in the next day of meeting the tryall that was formerlie prescrived him, viz. the contraversie, De paedobaptismo ; and ordaind Mr. John Reidfurd to advertise him to send his theses to the brethren eight days befor the next meeting. No doctrine. Petrie. Botrifnie. Ladie Kinardie. Oliphant. Ladie Rothemay. Jinkin. At Botarie, 26th Octobris, 1653. The said day, no doctrine, in respect of Mr. James Petrie his absence, who excused himself by letter, showing that forasmuch as his call to Bo- trifnie was made ineffectuall, and by reason of his charge to which now he was tyed he could not attend the presbytrie, and onlie desyred a testimonie from the presbytrie of the tryalls he had alreadie passed, which the presby- trie granted. The said day, in respect that Mr. James Petrie, finding his call to Bo- trifnie ineflfectual, had passed from it, Mr. John Chalmer was ordained to go to Botrifnie and preach, and after sermon to convein the session for nomination and election of a minister ; as also, to require the people to stay for homologation ; and withall, to require them to send commissioners to attend the presbytrie the next day of meeting. The said day, Mr. John Reidfurd reported that, in respect Dam Eliza- beth Gordon, Ladie Kinardie, was continued by the Synode, vpon her letter of request for that effect, to this day of meeting for declaration of her mynd in relation to poperie, he had delayed the processe, and hade intimat that vnto her. The presbytrie, finding that neither she, nor any in her name, came to ofier obedience, ordaind the said Mr. John to go on with the processe against her ; as also, against Agnes Hebron and Janet Wil- liamson. Reported Mr. Robert Irving that he had closed the processe against Patrik Lord Oliphant ; but in the mean tyme it was found that he had baptised a child to the said Lord Oliphant, being under processe, not acquainting the presbytrie with it, for which he was gravelie rebuked, and willed to be more carefuU in his ministrie ; as also, he was ordaind to ex- communicat the said Lord Oliphant. Reported Mr. James Gordon he had bein conferring with Margrat Meinzies, Ladie Rothemay. Was ordained to go on in conference with her. The said day, Georg Jinkin in Abercherder, being summonded pro 2"- for his ryraing and cucuUing, being called, compeired, and being accused of the forsaid fault, confessed he onlie spoke three words of that ryme. 1653.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 245 Being sharpelie rebuked, and instructed of the grosnes of that sin, was ordained to satisfie in sackcloath, which he promised to doe. John Christie in Abercherder, being sumonded pro 2"- for ryraino- and Christie, cuculling, being called, compeired not. Ordaind to be sumonded pro 3'°- Reported Mr. William Kinenmont that John Guthrie, in his drunkenes, Guthrie to be had publictlie vented malitious, contumelious, and reproachfull speechis summonded. against him his minister, and the schoolmaster had giuen him base con- temptuous language to his face. He was ordaind to cause summond him to the next day. The said day, Mr. John Reidfuird regrated that ther wer papists reset Laird of in the Laird of Kinardie his house, that his servants wer papists, and his Kinardie. Sonne, with his familie, being likeways papists, stayed all ther. The pres- bytrie, taking to consideration the harme accrueing therby, ordained Mr. William Kinenmont and Mr. Alexander Ker to go speak with him anent that matter. At Botarie, 23d Novembris, 1653. The said day, Mr. John Chalmer reported that, according to the ordin- Election of a ance of the presbytrie, he had bein at Botrifnie, and after sermon had ^"^{.^r ^^ conveend the session ; and that the elders, vnanimi consensu^ had elected and chosen Mr. William Burnet ther minister ; and therefter the bodie of the people being called in, homologat the former call, and nullo reclamante gaue ther consent therto ; and for this effect wer to send Arthur Stewart and Walter Leslie commissioners to declare the samen, humblie to entreat the presbytrie to put the said Mr. William to his tryalls ; and he brought an act of the session vnder his hand testifying the same. Sicklike, compeird the said Arthur Stewart and Walter Leslie, commis- Commission- sioners from the parochiners of Botrifnie, desireinof, in the name of the ®P **^ Botnf- nie. people, that the forsaid Mr. William sould be admitted to tryall. The presbytrie judged the election laufull and formall ; onlie they continued his entrie to tryall to the next day, that a supplication may come from the bodie of the people ; and ordaind the said Mr. William to supplie the va- cancie of that church, by preaching on the parochiners call as oft as he could. Compeird John Guthrie in Keith, and being accused for abuseing the Guthrie, scoolmaster and schollers in his drunkennes, railing on and vilipending his minister, confessed the samen ; and being sharpelie rebuked, and instructed 246 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1654. Supplication of Botrifnie for Mr. Wil- liam Burnet. Lard Kinar- die. of the haynousnes of his sin, was referred to the session of Keith to be cen- sured by them. At Botarie, 21st Decembrisj 1653. The said day, the commissioners from Botrifnie being present, with a supplication for the new elected minister, that he sould be admitted to tryall, could not be heard till the presbytrie wer full, but wer desired to keep the next dyet. At Botarie, 28th Decembris, 1653. Compeird Walter Leshe, commissioner from the pariochiners of Botrif- nie, and presented a supplication, vnder ther hands, desireing that Mr. Wil- liam Burnet sould be admitted to his tryalls in relation to the ministrie among them. The brethren present granted the supplication in omnibus, and ordaind the said Mr. William the next day for the first poynt of his tryall to have the addition. At Botarie, 18th Januarii, 1654. Reported Mr. William Kinenmont and Mr. Alexander Ker that, accord- ing to the former ordinance, they hade gon to Kinardie to speak with the Laird anent his resetting of papistes, etc., but found him not at home ; that they hade dealt with the Ladie Kinardie, but to no effect, she remaining still obstinat. Ladie Kinar- die, Hebron, and William- son to be ex- communicat. LordOliphant to be excom- municat. At Botarie, 1st March, 1654. The said day. Dame Elizabeth Gordon, Ladie Kinardie, Agnes Hebron, and Janet Williamson, being suraonded to compeir to hear and see the processe against them revised, etc., was called, but non of them compeiring, the presbytrie ordained the sentence of excommunication to be pronounced against them the next Lords day, the fifth of March, for ther apostacie to poperie, perjurie, etc., and this ordinance to be sent under the clerks hand to Mr. John Reidfurd, which was done. The said day, Mr. Robert Irving sent an extract of the processe against Patrik Lord Oliphant, being sunimonded to accept against it if he could ought on reasonable grounds, was called, but not compeiring, was ordaind to be excommunicat the next Lords day, March fifth, without longer delay, and this ordinance, under the clerks hand, was sent to the said Mr. Robert. 1654.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 247 The said day, Mr. James Gordon related to the presbytrie that Jean Symson. Symson, parochiner of Rotheraay, fornicatrix with John Wat, a boy of about fourteen yeirs of age, had come to him, alleadging she had cats in her bellie, desireing a testificat to physicians in Aberdein for cure, which he refused ; that she had gone, together with her mother, Issobell Crichton, Crightoun and gotten drinks for destroying these cats, as she alleadged, and yet, not- f^^g^^^* ^^' withstanding of all, was now found to be with childe. That, also, ther was a surmise that the boys father, Alexander Wat, had also had carnall deal- ing with her, and that to cloak the adulterie, she had intised his sonne, John Wat, to vncleannes, and efter had laboured to destroy the child she had conceaved, under pretence of cureing her of these cats. The brethren of the presbytrie, takeing to heart the matter, ordaind the said Mr. James to seek after more light, and to sumond these persons, Alexander Wat, Issobell Chrichtoun, and Jean Symson, to the next day. At Botarie, 22d March, 1654. Reported Mr. Robert Irving, by his letter, and also ane extract of the LordOliphant excomi cated. session vnder his hand, that he had, according to the ordinance of the pres excommum bytrie, excommunicat Patrik Lord Oliphant. The excommunicatioun was ordained to be intimat in the severall congregations of the presbytrie. The said day, Mr. James Gordon reported that, according to the ordi- Jean Symson nance of the presbytrie, he had been examining, with the session of Rothe- examined. may, the mater anent Jean Symson, Issobell Crichtoun, and Alexander Wat ; that he hade sumonded them all to compeir this day befor the pres- bytrie ; as, also, quhat presumptions he hade, and quhat they hade con- fessed in the session, and quhervpon they wer to be accused, as efter foUowis in ther particular examinations. The said persons being called severallie, wer posed and examined on the poynts after mentioned, viz. : First, The said Jean Symson being called, compeird, and being accused for alleadging she had cats in her bellie, and thervpon pressing to the mi- nister of Rothemay to give her a recommendation to the physitians in Aberdein for medicin, which he refused her ; and that, the twenty-seventh of December, 1653, for going to the goodwife of Aredoule and getting a drink from her ; for going to Mr. William Jaffray, minister at Kinedward, to get a potion from him to kill cats in her bellie, who told her it was a child, and not cats, and thervpon would giue her none ; for going to Annas Bain, a suspected witch, on the seventh of February, 1654, to get a 248 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1654. potion from her. Confessed that she indeid, thinking herselflp to have cats in her bellie, had gone to the minister and sought a recommendation ; that she had gone to the goodwife of Aredoule and gotten a drink for the bairn- bed ; had gone to Mr. WiUiam Jaffray, and in her return cam to Annas Bain to get a potion for these cats. 2°- Being posed if she got a drink from the said Annas, denyed it ; but efterwards being put to her oath, and more stricthe examined, confessed that she got a hot drink, with something like garlick or onions among it. 3"- Being asked quhat tyme she fell with the young boy, John Wat, confessed that they lay togither from February twenty-third to September [ ], 1653, and began to have carnall dealing together June twenty-ninth. 4"- Being accused of fornication with Andro Gray, and posed if she did not say to the boy, John Wat, he might adven- ture to have to doe with her, for she had dealt with others befor without conception ; denyed it, but promised if the said John Wat wold say so much, she sould grant her self guiltie. Lastlie, Being accused of adulterie with the said Alexander Wat, denyed it, and offered her oath. Being posed if she had not bein sein in verie lascivious carreing with the said Alexander in the mill, denyed any such miscarriage, and offered to take with the guiltines if that sould be proven. The said Jean being removed by her selff that she sould not meet with her mother, Issobell Chrichtoun, Alexander Wat being called, compeired, and being accused for causing his sonne and Jean Symson to ly in on bed, answered, he gave them distant beds in the same [ ], albeit they had made on of tuo. 1°- Being posed and accused, why he had [ ] vnder pretence of killing cats, to destroy his owne sonnes child, seing he knew that his sonne had to doe with her, and, as he had formerly con- fessed, challenged them, about the begining of September ; answered, he hade not spoke with her since she alleadged she had cats in her bellie. 3°- Being accused of playing vncomelie carriage with her in a mill ; denyed. Being asked quhat if it wer qualified ; answered, he sould take with the fault. 4"- Being posed quhat he said to his sonne quhen the minister sent for him ; answered, he forbad him to say any thing but quhat he could and wold stand to. Being asked why he said so, seing he knew not for quhat end the minister had sent for his sonne ; answered, he was a boy, for fear he sould lay the fault on him or any other man. The said Alexander being removed, Issobell Chrichtoun, the mother, was called, who, compeiring, was posed as follows, viz. : If she went to the 1654.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 249 goodwife of Arridoule for a drink to her daughter ; if she cam with her to Issobell get a recommendatioun to physicians in Aberdein, from the minister, for kil- Crichton . . . posed find ling of cats in her bellie ; iff she went with her to Mr. William Jaffray to examined. get cure for that effect ; if she cam in to Annas Bain, the suspected witch, to get a drink for that cats in her bellie. Confessed all, but said she thought indeed it hade bein cats, and her daughter hade not bein with child. Beino- posed if her daughter got a drink from Annas Bain, denyed it ; but being confronted with her daughter, who confessed it before, excused it, that she left her daughter ther, and went away an errand on the morrow. The presbytrie, finding the difficultie of the matter, and finding it requi- sit that the young boy, John Wat, wer present, sumonded them all, ajmd acta, to compeir the next day, and ordaind the minister to seek out the matter diligentlie, if he could by any means get more light in it, and to sumond the said John Wat to the next day. At Botarie, 31st March, 1654. The said day, after incalling of the name of God, the brethren haveing Commission- met occasionallie, a letter was presented from the moderator of the Synode ^^^^ **^ of Murray, showing that, by reason of the difiicultie of the tyms, and distractions of the brethren, it was thought if the gravest and most ex- perienced brethren met with him for the tyme, that all could not possiblie keep the ordinarie day of the synode, and that to avoyd inconveniences, for consulting on the fittest tyme for adjourning, and for preserving the liber- ties of the church, some from everie presbytrie sould be warranted to keep tyme and place appoynted. Which letter being red and considered, the presbytrie, taking to consideration the troubles of the tyms, choose Mr. William Kinenmont and Mr. William Jameson commissioneris from them to attend the meeting. At Botarie, 19th Aprilis, 1654. Compeird John Wat, a boy of fifteen yeirs, and being accused of fornica- Alexander tioun with Jean Symson, confessed. Being posed at what tyme, ansuered, j ^*' ^j about the first of September last. If any had suborned him to take with that guiltines, and with the child the said Jean was with ; ansuerd, non ; and, being put to his oath, offered to swear it. Being accused if she had said to him he might haue to do with her, because she had tryed others and had no chil- dren ; ansueird, she indeed said she wold have no bairns, but no more. 2 I 250 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1654. Burnet's tryalls and approbation. Edict to be publislied at Botrifny, At Botarie, 17th Maij, 1654. The said day, efter incalling of the name of God, Mr. William Burnet was put to a questionarie tryall in poynts of divinitie, scripture chronologic, etc. ; also was tryed in the originall languages, and, being removed, was in this and everie other poynt of his tryalls approven. The said day, an edict was ordaind to be published at the church of Botrifnie, requireing all and sundrie that hade any thing to object against Mr. William Burnet in doctrine, or life and conversation, to compeir the next presbytrie day to doe the samen, otherwise to get no hearing afterwards ; which edict the said Mr. William was ordaind to cause publish. Visitation of Glasse. Elders. Aswanlie. Elders depo- sition. At Glasse, Junij 7, 1654. Conveend, moderator and remnant brethren ; absent, Mr. Robert Irving. Mr. Robert Jameson preached on Heb. ii. 6. Efter incalling of Gods name, the brethren formerlie absent were ex- cusd, and Mr. John Reidfurd and Mr. James Gordon being listed for the moderation the next half yeer, the said Mr. James was chosen. The said day being appoynted for visitatioun of the said church, Mr. Georg Meldrum gave in a list of his elders, viz. : Georg Calder elder of Aswanlie ; Alexander Gald in Corshalloch ; Georg Calder, younger of Aswanlie ; Georg Robertson in Waterside ; James Slorach in Achinhan- dach ; George Wains in Balnaboth ; who being all sworn, with vplifted hands, in the presence of God, to declare anent ther ministers doctrine, exercise of discipline, life, and conversation, both privat and publict, they wer all removed save Georg Calder, elder of Aswanlie, who depond as follows, viz. : That he preachd soundlie and orthodoxlie, to his knowledg, so that he was aedifted by his doctrine ; that he preachd tuise everie Lordis day, in the long days, and lectured once, and in the short days lectured once and had on sermon ; that he catechised constantlie on the week day, and lectured once a fourtnight on a week day ; that he yeerlie visited fami- lies, and took up a roll of his parochiners ; that he visited the sick. For discipline, he was vnpartiall, and no respecter of persons ; did make alike enquirie of all scandalous sins and miscarriages ; that he medled not with the comon good, but was carefull of the poor ; that ther was collection for them, and distribution as they neided. For the administration of sacra- ments, that he was carefull that parents sould be intelligent, and know their dutie ; that he did administrat it publictlie ; that the communion had 1654.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 251 not been celebrat a long while ago, but quhen it was, he deponed it was done according to order ; that, lastlie, he found him faithfull in his calling, and declared he knew no defect in him. Concerning his conversation in his familie, God was worshipped in it, no scandalous person tolerat or kept in it. For his privat life and conversation, that he was conscientious, given to no vice, but walked verie Christianlie ; and that he thanked God they had got him among them. Nothing he would have him ad- monished oflF. Georg Calder, younger of Aswanlie, being called, deponed in all Aswanlie, things as Geors', elder, had done, and added that the minister, when he y^""?^.'*' ^'^ •! 1 f 1 • deposition, visited the sick, laboured to make them sensible or ther spirituall estate, and dealt with them accordinglie ; that he kept of ignorants from the sacra- ments till they sould learne ; that he was carefull to get testificats from these that entered the parochin ; that he wold have him admonishd of nothing. All the rest of the elders being called, did homologate to the forsaid deposition. No scoolmaster, nor Psalms sung. The minister being called, was encouraged to go on in faithfull discharg- Minister ing of his calling ; and being enquired the reason of the paucitie of his encouraged, elders, declared they wer as many as he could possiblie haue that were qualified. Reported the minister that severall men had fallen with a breach of Sab- Gordon of bath by playing at football, whom they had censured, onlie some had refused J^""™^*"' obedience to ther censure put vpon them, viz.^ John Gordon of Beldornie ; Achinhandak, James Gordon, brother to Achinhandak ; Alexander Gordon of Dummeth ; o'^^J"^?'^' ^^'''' William Braraber, etc. Those being referred from the session, wer called, breakers, and compeired these, viz., James Gordon, Alexander Gordon, and William censured. Bramber, and being accused, confessed ther breach of Sabbath, and sub- mitted to the censure of the church ; quhervpon, being rebuked, and in- structed of the grosnes of ther sin, they wer ordaind to mak publict acknowledgment of ther guiltines in face of congregation, by humbling themselvs on ther knees befor the pulpit. And it was recommended to the session to censure in like maner the rest who had not compeired ; which if they did not obey, to summond them to the next meeting. ^ , ,. John Gordon of Beldornie, for playing at football, and vpbraiding the Beldornie to minister and session, ordaind to be sumonded pro S'"- ^^ sumonded ^ pro S". 252 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1654. Grant return- Reported also the minister, that Thomas Grant, who formerhe had lyen ing to keep ^^^ |-j.q^ ^]^g worship of God, through strong temtation (as he affirmed) of worship. his father-in-law, wife, and preists reset by them, hade come in and acknow- ledged his fault, and promised to keep the worship in tyme comeing, and submitted himselff to disciplin for his standing out. He being called, com- peired, and being enquired the reason of his dishaunting the publict wor- ship and ordinances, answered, that through evill companie, exemple, and allurements of his father-in-law, wife, and preists, he hade bein drawen to scruples, but now they wer removed, that he sould continue constant in the true religion. He was recommended to the minister to be dealt with and instructed, and ordaind to keep the publict worship constantlie, and to con- verse as litle as could be with papists. Compeird Alexander Wains, and being accused of breach of Sabbath, contumacie to the session, and vilifieing it by going away abruptlie, con- fessed ; and being sharplie rebuked, was ordaind to stand in sackcloath till he sould giue satisfaction to the congregation. Edict indorsat The said day, ane edict served at the church door of Botrifnie, dulie returned from gxecut and indorsat by James Christie, clerk to the session of Botrifnie, was returned. The parochiners wer called, but none compeiring to object any thing to Mr. William Burnet, the presbytrie found nothing remaining but that he sould be admitted to the said church. Yet, on some considera- tions, and at the desire of the said Mr. William, the admission was delayed for a tyme. At Innerkeithny, 19th Julij, 1654. Visitation of The said day, being appoynted for visitatioun of the said church, and Inner ei ny. g^jjg^gj.jjjg ^\^q referr of the Synod in provideing a helper to the minister, efter incalling of Gods name, the referr of the synode was showen to the minister, and he put in mynd of his former assent to tak an helper, he answered he was willing to admit on if the presbytrie and parochin wer not satisfied with him ; onlie he regrated the meannes of the mantainance of the said church. The presbytrie proponed to him that in consciens he wold considder his growing infirmities, also that he wold mynd his former pro- mise to do nothing without the advise of the presbytrie in the matter of an helper. He taking it to consideration, desired the presbytrie to go on for provideing an helper, and to deale for mantenance to him with the paro- chiners, and he sould willinglie accept of him, and for his part sould be con- 1654.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 253 tent to give a portion of his mantainance to him, being willing to content the presbytrie for quhat belonged to him. Then he gave in a list of his elders, viz. : Georg Spence of Tullo ; Georg Sinclar of Haddomill ; Patrik Neper in Fortrie ; James Alshioner in Haddo ; William Smith in Achino-oul ; Patrik Alshioner in Auchingoul ; Robert Alshioner in Achinharaper ; Robert Farskan in Downies ; Alexander Alshioner in Acknynna ; John Irving in Log. Those being all called and present, the reason of the meeting was declared to them, for provideing ane helper to ther minister, according to the referr of the synode, quhich was red vnto them. It was represented likeways to them, that both synode and presbytrie and ther owne minister thought it meet and expedient that ther sould be ane helper to ther minister at that church ; that now ther minister, being willing to embrace on, and to contribute for his mantainance, it did ly vpon them to provide for on, and a liveliehood for him. They answered, they could not bear the burthen of an helper, by reason of publict burthens alreadie lyincr on them. The presbytrie represented to them the great neid of one ; the shortnes of the tyme that burden was like to endure ; and that alreadie it was concluded ther sould be a helper to ther minister, and now onhe the meanes of his liveing wer to be looked to. Then the question was put to everie on of them in particular, whether or not, ther minister haveino- agreed to admit a helper, and to contribute for his liveliehood, wer they content also to do the same, or wold they consent to it ? To which they answered, everie on by himself, as follous : Tulloch, he was content ; Haddomill, no helper; Patrik Neper, he did consent; James Alshioner, no helper ; William Smith, he mistred not on ; Patrik Alshioner, he con- sented not to a helper ; and so verbatim Robert Alshioner, Robert Forscan, Alexander Innes, and John Irving. The minister being called, wes enquired quhat he wold give for man- tainining ane helper ; said he wold bestow [ ], which was all he could doe, the provision being small and his burthen great. At Kinnor, 9th Augusti, 1654. Conveend moderator and brethren ; absent Mr. John Reidfuird, ex- cused by his letter. Mr. John Chalmer preached on Jude, verse 3. The said day being appoynted for visitation of the church of Kinor, Visitation of the minister gave vp a list of his elders of the parochin of Kinnor, viz. : Dumbennand. 254 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1654. John Hamiltoun of Corse ; John Spence in Burntstone ; Alexander Gordon, at the Mill of [ ] ; Alexander Hendrie of Aflek ; Thomas Gordon, at the Mil of Kinnor ; Herora Spence in Burntstone ; John Gordon, portioner of Afleck ; Alexander Murray in Achmull ; William Murray ther ; John Brown in Brig ; James Morison in [ ] : Georg Mitchell ; who wer all present, except John Gordon of Aflek, Alexander Murray, James Morison, who wer ordained to be rebuked for ther not attendance, the day being intimat to them. Sicklike, the minister gave in the names of the elders of Dumbennan, to whom he had intimate the day of meeting, and who for the most part wer present, viz. : John Gordon of Artloch ; Andro Tailyeor in Westertoun ; James Gordon in Gibstoun ; Alexander Chalmer in Colonach ; John Henrie ther ; Alex- ander Spence in Nether Rawis ; Thomas Spence in Cracullie ; Andro Rudderfoord in Gibstoun ; John Robson in Vttiestoun ; William Broun in Westertoun ; James Jessiraen ther ; John Ingram in Tullochbeg. Of these wer absent, John Gordon of Artloch, John Henrie, Andro Rudder- foord, John Robson, and James Jessimen ; ordained to be rebuked, if they brought not a relevant excuse. The elders of both the congrega- tions wer enquired if efterward they wold joyne in ane session, and meet together at each church ; they answered, as occasion sould offer, they wold meet together, but would not tye themselvs to it. The presbytrie finding that both sessions wer come vp to this meeting, beside some of ther expectations, efter debateing the matter, concluded for this time to tak the elders of both congregations ther deposition concerning ther minister, and his testiraonie of them ; but referred to the synode to advise what sould be the practise of visiteing these tuo vnited congregations in time comeing, and how both the sessions could be vnited ; and, for the time, ordaind the book of disciplin of Dumbennan to be visited efterward, quhen the pres- bytrie sould call for it. Elders deposi- All the forsaid elders of both congregations being solemnlie sworne, to *'**"• depon ingenuouslie concerning ther minister, his doctrine, exercise of dis- ciplin, life, and conversation, etc., and being all removed except John Corse depons. Hamiltoun of Corse, he deponed as follows : That he was edified by his preaching ; that he hade on lecture, and on sermon on an ordinarie text, the lecture coutinueing one hour and the sermon tuo ; that baptism was onlie publictlie administrat ; that weeklie catechising was not still practised, but that the minister propoud meetings, yet could not get catechiseing 1654.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 255 well put in practise ; that he visited the sick, being called for, and some even vncalled, quhen he got any notice they wer sick. For discipline, that ther was a constant session ; that the minister was no accepter of persons, but impartiallie censured all scandalous sins that wer delated, and laboured to make them sensible of ther guiltines that wer convict. For his private life, he was given to no vice, but he wished to God they could follow his good example, commending him much as verie exemplarie ; that God was worshipped in his familie. Ther was nothing he would have him admonished off, but that he sould enter the publict worship more tymouslie on the Lords day, that he sould catechise for celebrating the communion, sould be frequent in familie visitations, and preach shorter in the sermon, and have ane efternoons sermon. James Gordon in Gibstoun, on of the elders of Dumbenan, being called, Gordon in did depone as the said John Gordon had done in omnibus ; added, that he "p^"s*o"" . . ,. ., . depons. took care of the poor orderlie, everie quarter distribution was made to them ; that he was as good a man in his life and conversation as he knew, and walked in the way of godlines befor his people verie exemplarlie. He wold have him admonishd to catechise on the week day constantlie, and to cele- brat the sacrament of the Lords Supper, of no other thing. John Spence in Kinor, being called, did depone in omnibus, vt supra ; Spence in added, that the minister visited families tuise a yeir, and took vp the names Burntston of his parochiners. He wold have him admonishd to cause the people convein more tymouslie, and to begin the worship more earlie on the Lords day, of nothing more. Thomas Spence in Dumbennan, deponed likewise in omnibus, vt supra. Being particularlie posed, declared ther was nothing he wold have him ad- monishd off, but that if ther was any defect, it was in the people and not in the minister. All the rest being called, and posed on the forsaid things, did homologate the former deposition, and desired him to be admonished to celebrat the sacrament, and to take effectuall course for conveening the people more tymouslie and more frequentlie on the Lords day then they did, which they affirmed to be the [ ]. The minister being called, was commended for the good testimonie [ ] of his elders, was exhorted to constant catechising ; to which he answered, it sould have been so, onlie this yeir had omitted a litle, quheroff he sould give a reason. Anent the celebration of the Lordis Sup- 256 THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. [1654. per being enquired, he answered, how soon they sould be redie he sould set forward in that work, and sould take pains to make them ready. Being demanded why he did not sooner begin the publict worship ; he answered, he sould be willing, and was readie in tyme, but they would not convein tymouslie, but he sould endeavour to helpe that. For an efternoons ser- mon, he testified he could not get them to kepe it, and to witness that, on humiliation days, they wold not abide nor return to the efternoons sermon, and that, therfor, he was forced to make his sermon as long as both sould be. He was exhorted to preach tuise a day, catechise constantlie, lecture on the week day, and go through the families of the congregation, and to be strict in censureing dishaunters of ordinances in Dumbenan. For pa- pists, he declared he hade severall in Dumbennan, both men and women, and sould incontinentlie give in a list of ther names. Histesti- Concerning his elderis, they being removed, he gave a good testimonie elders. * ^^ these of Kinor, that in ther life he could quarrel nothing ; that some of them wer wise men, and some he knew to have the fear of God, and had nothing to desire them to be admonishd off. Concerning the elders of Dumbennand, that they wer not so able, yet faithfuU ; he had nothing they sould be admonishd off, but that they sould not have the faith of Jesus Christ in respect of persons, sould keep ther own church, and abstain from minched oaths. Ther censure. The elders being called, wer applauded for ther diligence and carefull walking in ther calling ; wer exhorted to continue, and to show themselvis in such backslideing times worthe of the good commendation given, then to keep ther oun church, to mak conscience of all suearinge, and to be exem- plarie in holines. No scool- No scoolmaster. Recommended to both the parochins to provide for master. ^j^^ ^^^ recommended to the minister to question some that taught children privatelie, concerning ther religion. Officer a])- The officer, [ ] , was approven as faithfuU in his calling, proven. ^^^ honest in his life and conversation. Session to be Recommended to the elders to find out a way for joyning of both ses- joyned. sions in one, and to report to the presbytrie, which they promised to doe. Gray excom- Reported the minister that, according to the ordinance of the presbytrie, mumcat, j^g hade excommunicat Bessie Gray, adulteresse. The excommunication ordained to be intimat. Reported also the minister, that he had not as yet excommunicat Mai- 1654.] THE PRESBYTERY BOOK OF STRATHBOGIE. 257 come, by reason that when he went about it the whole people in the church Malcom to of Dumbennand rose vp and went out of doors, except some few. He was ^? excommu- ordaind the next day to excommunicat him, and to cause close the doors, "'^^** and if any did break out, to observe the ringleaders, and to delate them, if the said John did not come in and give obedience to discipline. The session book being visited by Mr. John and Mr. Georg Chalmers, Session book, was approven ; they wer found diligent and comended. At Botrifnie, Augusti 30, 1654. Conveend the moderator and brethren. Absent, Mr. Robert Irvino-, Mr. Georg Meldrum, Mr. William Jameson, and Mr. Alexander Ker. Preached Mr. James Gordon on Heb. 13, v. 17. This day being appoynted for admission of Mr. William Burnet to the Burnets ad- ministrie of the said church of Botrifnie, who hade given sufficient proof of m'ssipnto his abilities and qualifications in his tryalls, an edict haveing bein served, and non haveing compeired, nor yet compeiring to object any against the said Mr. William, the parochiners being satisfied with him and desirous of him to be ther minister, after exhortatioun, the said Mr. William was ad- mittit to the ministrie of the said church, by prayer and laying on of hands, according to the order of the church, and power given to him to preach, administrat the sacraments, exercise discipline as a minister of Jesus Christ within the said parochin [of Botrifnie] ; and the said Mr. William gave his oath of fidelitie in his charge, and obedience to the lawfull constitutions of the Church of Scotland ; as also, to be subject to the brethren, to be ad- monished, rebuked, or censured by them, who thervpon gave him the right hand of fellowship, and the whole pariochiners that were present, ther being a great congregation of people, did gladelie and heartlie accept of the said Mr. William for to be ther minister, as also the whole eldership, in testi- raonie of ther heartie [regard] of him, did give him ther right hand. 2 K INDEX. INDEX. Abercherdoitr, 36, 37, 63. Plantation of, 79, 146. Visitation of, 190. Abercrombie, Mr. Andrew, minister at Fintray, 72. Aberlour, 145, 148. Aberlour, Presbytery of, 82, 108, 225. Abernethie, George, of Auchinclech, 165, 166. Abernethie, John, of Tilliedoun, 81, 136. Abernethie, Presbytery of, 39. Abernethy, George, of Claymyr, 165. Aberneythye, Mr. Thomas, a priest, 17. Aboyne, James Viscount of, 57- Achanassie, 88, 92. Acharn, 38. Achincrive, 32. Achinbo, l7l. Achinclech, 84, 165, 166. Achindoun, 129. Achindraine, 203. Achinhamper, 253. Achinhandak, 76, 152, 160, 250, 251. Achmad, 81. Achmull, 141, 254. Achynacie, 122, 160. Achynachie, Alexander, 138. Ach3machie, John of, 72. Acknynna, 253. Adamson, George, in Floores, 76, 102. Adamson, George, appearand of Braco, 8. Of Braco, 21. Afflect, 171, 254. Airlie, Earl of, 62, 71. Alford, Presbytery of, 78. AUanbuy, 96. Alter, Lady, 85. Accused of adultery with Nathaniell Gordon, 85. And of fornication with Captain Mortimer, 85, 89, 92. Appears personally, 102, 118, 119, 120, 162, 188. Anderson, James, notar public, 26. Anderson, John, of Westerton, calls his minister an adulterer, 141. Annand, Mr. John, minister of Kinore, transported to Inverness, 24. Ardbrake, Easter, 18. Waster, 18. Ardbrone, 31. Ardbrodin, 143. Ardmellie, 78, 160. Ardfour, 196. Argathnie, 145. Argyle, the Marquis of, 43. Arradoul, 75, 85, 249. Arthill (Harthill), 75 Arthure, Mr. William, 111. Artlach, 254. Askein, Colonel, 59. Assuanlie, 18, 20, 29, 52, 54, 139, 144, 152, 250. Auchanachie, 20, 186. Auchcroy, 142. Auchincheive, 121, 126, 165, 206. Auchingoul, 196, 253. Awachie (Avochie), 141, 155, 162, 170. Bad, 76, 117, 154. Bain, Annas, a suspected witch, 249- Balnaboth, 250. Balnamoon (in Grange), 121, 131. Balvenye, Laird of, 14. Ballamure, 206. Banff, 90. Barclay, Gilbert of Allanbuy, 96, 139, 144, 146. Barclay, John, accused of incest with mother and daughter, 70. Barclay, Walter, notary public, 140. Beldornie, 92, 151, 153, 164. Bellihack, 143. Bellnadallach, 108. Bennet, Mr. William, 111. 262 INDEX. Birkenhill, 200. Birkenburn, 76, 96, 140. Birnie, John, postmaster in Aberdein, 233. Bishop of Murray, diseased, 16. Black, Mr. Nicoll, 229. Blackball, Mr. Thomas, a preist, 17. Blersindie, 94, 162. Bletcheris of cloth on Sunday to be cen- sured as fornicators, 33. Bodinfinach, 143. Bogforth, 203. Boggancloch, 207. Boigge, The, (Bog of Gicht, now Gor- don Castle), 41. Bordellseat, 200. Botarie and Ruthven, visitation of, 203. Botrifney, 174. Botriphney, visitation of, 30. Another visitation, 144, 257. Bowmakellache, 142, 232. Braco, 132. Brakless, 76. Broadland, 203. Brody, Mr. Joseph, 3. His institution as minister of Keith, 4, 28, 49. Brown, Mr. Robert, minister at For- glen, 113, 160. Bruise, Rebecca, 48. Bucharn, 37, 139, 226, 236, 237. Burials in kirks difficult to restrain, 52. Burnett, Mr. William, 250. Licensed to preach, 234. Gets a call from Botrifney, 240. Admitted as minister at Botrifney, 257. Caxder, George, of Assuanlie, 18, 20, 29,54, 139, 152,250, 251. Calder, George, of Assuanlie, younger, 52, 250, 251. Calvinus, 2. Cant, Mr. Alexander, moderator of the Assembly at Aberdeen, 160. Cant, Mr. Andrew, 160, 162. Cantly, 122. Carmellit, 164. Carnborrow, 158. Carnborrow, Goodwyf of, 79, 83, 89, 228, 236, 238. Carnusie, the Laird of, 36, 53, 110. Chalmers, Mr. George, 47. Requires an act of transportation from Rhynie and Essie, 64. Chalmer, Mr. James, Regent in New Aberdeen, 122. Chalmer, Mr. John, 139. Chalmer, Mr. John, minister at Inver- avon, 105, 106. Admitted as minis- ter at Gartly, 110, 166. Chalmer, Mr. William, minister at In- nerboyndye, 9. Chancellor, The, a letter from, as to the Act of Parliament anent the poor, 116. Another letter from him as to the plantation of kirks, 118. Chapel of Garioch, 148. Charming, 15, 22. Chein, Mr. Robert, minister of Kineth- mont, 67, 237. Clatt, 227. Claymyr, 165. Clunibeg, 120. Codrane, 105, 200. Coinachy, 200. Colonach, 137, 254. Colwill, Mr. William, 112. Con, James, excommunicat papist, 25, 223. Condland, 78. Copland, Captain Alexander, 25. Corse (of Kinnoir), 171, 254. Corshalloch, 250. Corskie, 59. Covenant, The, subscribed, 27. Cowie, 143. Co wye, Marcus, 11. Craig, the Laird of, " broght vp in po- perie, and continowing in the same profession," 110. Is keeping the kirk, 141. Craigiehead, 76. Craigievar, Laird of, a presentation by him to the kirk of Keith, 3. A letter from, with a list of some men for a minister at Keith, 72, 73, 86, 87, 88. Cranah, 123. Crawford, Ludovick, Earl of, 57, 189- INDEX. 263 Crichtoun, James, of Frendraucht, de- dicates two silver cups at Inver- keithny, 7. And two at Abercher- der, 8. Crichton, Robert, 78. Crichton, Robert, of Corskie, 59. Crichton, William, the Laird of Fren- draucht's Son, 42, 49, 51,52,54,227- Murder of, 36. Crichton, Elizabeth, daughter of the Laird of Frendraucht, 19- Croillet, 206. Cromby, the Laird of, 32. Cromby, Lady, 110, 136. Cromdell, 149. Cromley, 35. Cruikit Hauch of Culsardlie, 139. Crukshanke, Mr. John, preaches in the House of Huntly, 212. " Filles him- self beastly full in the Rawes, as his manner is/' 212. Crukshank, Elspett, confesses adultery with the Earl of Crawford, 1 89. Crystie, Alexander, " clodding and fear- ful trouble in his hous," 50. Crystie, Father, 17. Culithie, 97, 139, 147, 200, 226, 231. Culquharrie, 237. Culsalmond, 12. Culsardlie, 139. Culvie, 141, 150. Cumrie, 203. Cupar, Presbytery of. 111. Cushney, 72. Daach, 77, 117, 155. Dagliss (Dalgleish) Mr. David, 49- Davidsone, Jean, " brydled," 29- Deir, Presbytery of, 98. Deskfuird, 1. Devren (the water of Deveron), 146. Dick, Mr. David, moderator of the Ge- neral Assembly at Edinburgh, 22. Directory of public worship, the practice of begun, 71. Douglas, Mr. Robert, 41. Douglas, Mr. William, minister of Forgue, 35. Downeis, 196. Drachlo, 196. Drumblett, 39. Drumdelgie, 29. 76. Drum, 56. Drumuie, 143. Drummuir, 18, 53, 142. Drumquhill, 203. Dubiscroft, 137. Duff, Adam, in Clunybeg, 120. Duff, Adam, of Drummuir, 18, 53. Duff, James, of Bad, 18, 117, 155. Dumbar, Mr. Gawin, 3. Dumbennand, 25, 70, 122. Dummeth, 251. Duncan, Normand, 150. Edendiach, 200. Edinburgh, General Assembly of, 20. Commissioners chosen for, 20, 33. Edingight, 122, 206. Edinglassie, 113, 145, 148. Elgin, 33. Essie, 33. " Excommunicat persons," list of, 42. Fairfoull, Mr. Andrew, 111. Fechill, 75. Feild, Dr., 1. Fintray, 72. Floores, 76. Floors of Kirkhill, 139. Forbes, Arthur, in Inscorsse, 3. Forbes, Mr. Johne, minister at Kincar- dine, 91, 116. Forbes, Robert, tutor of Craigievar, 93, 103. Forbes, Mr. William, minister of Mort- lach, 73. Forbes, Sir William, of Craigievar, 72, 76, 81. Fordyce, Presbytery of, 63, 123, 147- Fordyce, John, of Auchinheid, 165. Forgie (Forgue), 35, 63. Forglen, 113, 160. Part of Abercher- dour annexed to it, 160. The people will not submit to the change, 163. Forres, 61. Fortrie, 122, 196. Eraser, Mr. Alexander, minister at Bo- 264 INDEX. triphney, 30, 143. His deposition, 174. Repentance, 179. Fraser, Alexander, of Philorth, 43, 45, 49, 54. Fraser, Hugh, of Easter Tyrie, 45. Fraser, Margaret, a fugitive witch, 124. Frendraucht, the Laird of, 33, 35, 36, 37,49,53, 60, 96, 110, 134, 135. Frendraucht, the Lord Viscount, 35. Frendraucht, the Ladye of, 10, 17, 19. To be dealt with, 35. Promises to hear the word, 36. The General Assembly to be consulted anent her, 38. Offers to go to the church to which her husband goes, 67- Out of the country, 73. Gets liberty to attend at Forgue, 75, 81, 87, 89- Is willing to hear the word in any kirk but Abercherdour, 90. To be summoned for her avowed papistrie, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 104, 105, 107, 1 1 3. Required to subscribe the Co- venant, 115. She promises to con- sider of it, 117, 135, 136. Subscribes it, 146. Promises to give up the de- testable wayes of poperie or popish idolatrie, 193. See Lady Kinardie. Garden, Alexander, minister of Forgue, 64, 134, 137. Garden, Mr. Alexander, 227. Garden, Mr. George, minister at Clatt, 227. Garioch, Mr. Alexander, minister at Cushney, 72. Presented to Keith, 76, 78, 93. Gartly, 29. Visitation of, 99. Gleib of designed, 137. Visitation of, 200. Geddes, Andrew, 130. Geddes, George, 118, 120, 128, 131, 138. General Lieutenant (Leslie), within the bounds of the presbytery, 1 04. Gibstoun, 28, 171. Gibson, Patrick, of Kilminnatie, 3, 18, 20. Gillon, Mr. William, 163. Glasgow Assembly, commissioners chosen for, 18, 19. The commis- sioners return, and asked why they have done so, 19. Glenbervie, 35. Glengerack, 34, 102, 162. Lady, 119, 129. Glasse, Parish of, 29, 52, 147. Visita- tion of, 250. Goodman, The Old, 71. Goodman, The, land on Mains of Les- moir given away to, 208. The laird ordered to labour it, 209- Gordon, Adam, of Wellhead, 77. Gordon, Captain Adam, 34, 54. Gordon, Alexander, of Auchanachie, 3, 20, 29. Gordoune, Alexander, of Carneburro, accused for receipt of priests and Jesuits, 15. Gordon, Alexander, in Merdrum, 19- Gordon, Alexander of Arradoul, 75. Gordon, Alexander of Merdrum, 53. Gordon, Alexander of Dummeth, 251. Gordon, George of Croillet, 206. Gordon, George, in Colithie, 20, 139> 147. Gordon, George, in Rhynie, cited " for gathering grosers in time of sermon," 9. Suspended from the eldership, 9. Gordon, George, of Knockespock, 65. Gordon, George, in Gulburne, 2. Gordon, Heu, in Smithstone, 2. Gordon, James, of Tilliangus, 13. Gordon, Mr. James, minister at Kearne, 25. Presented to the united parishes of Dumbennand and Kinnoir, 25, 26, 27. Gordon, James, of Rothiemay, 25, 165. Gordon, Mr. James, son of Robert Gor- don of Strathloche, presented to the church of Rothiemay, 25, 27, 35, 137, 139. Gordon, James, of Birkenburn, 76, 96, 140. Gordon, James, of Daach, 77, 117. Gordon, Sir John, of Haddo, 56. Gordon, John, of Artlach, 52. Gordon, John, of Invermarkie, 44, 45, 54. Gordon, John, in Walkmilne, 76, 134. INDEX. 265 Gordon, John, in Overhall, 76, 155. Gordon, John, in Drumdelgie, 76. Gordon, John, in Littlemilne, 76. Gordon, John, in Craigiehead, 76, 117. Gordon, John, of Fechill, 75. Gordon, John, of Ardmellie, 78. Gordon, John, of Achynachie, 72, 76, 160. Gordon, John, younger of Beldorney, accused of incest and adultery, 151, 152. Gordon, John, of Avochie, 141, 155, 170. Brings home a millstone from Murray on a Sunday, with a great company, 223. Confesses, 236. Gordon, The Lord, 29, 56, 62, 140. Gordon, Ludovick, 75. Gordon, Lues (Lord Lewis), 78, 159, 172, 175. Gordon, Nathaniel, 85, 119, 120, 162. Gordon, Patrik, at the Milne of Gartly, 77, 97. Gordon, Patrick, alias Steilhand, 75, 165. Gordon, Robert, baillie of the Enzie, 34. Gordoune, Robert, of Cowdraine, 16, 17, 25, 27. Gordon, Thomas, in Brakless, 76. Gordon, Sir William, of Lesmoir, 207. Gordon, William, in Avachie, summoned for professed popery, 162. Brought up in the house of Huntly in the popish religion, 178. Ordered to confer with Mr. James Gordon, and hear the word, 173. Hears one ser- mon, 1 75. Ordered to subscribe the Covenant, League and Covenant, &c., or to be removed from the parish, 210. Seeks a perusal of the Nega- tive Confession, 211. His obstinacy and obduredness regrated, 216. He is removed from Avachy, 221. Gordon, William, parishioner of Dun- bennan, protests against Presbyterian government, 222. He is ordered to be excommunicated, 222. " On hear- ing his sentence he lookit verie fro- wardly, and uttered himself most proudly and malitiously," 222. 2 Gordon, William, in Bray, 2. Gordon, William, in Newmilne, 53. Gordon, William, in Auchinhandak, 76. Gordon, William, younger of Newton, 75. Gordon, Anna, 39- Gordon, Christian, sister to the good- man of Beldorney, 151, 152. Gordon, Dame, Elizabeth, spouse of James Crichton of Frendraucht, 19. Gordon, Elspet, 31. Gordon, Jean, goodwife of Auchin- handak, 152. Gordon, Jean, Lady Altyre, 85. Gordon, Margaret, Lady Assuanlie, 152. Gordon, Nicolas, goodwife of Glen- gerack, 34. Gorthie, 71. Graham, David, of Gorthie, 71. Graham, Patrik, 71. Grange, 34, 122. Grange to be planted, 214. Delayed, the storme being great, and the coun- trie exceedingly troubled with the Englishe, 215. Grant, John, of Bellnadallach, 108. Grant, the Laird of, 140. Grant William, suspected to beane war- locke, 161. Gulburne, 207. Guthry, Mr. James, 3. Guthry, Mr. John, sometime minister at Keith, 3. Hachinhead,, 142. Hacket, Walter, notary, 14. Hacket, Walter, of Meyen, 136, 166, 167, 168. Haddo, 56. Hamilton's Band, 167. Hamilton, John, in Corse, 171. Hammiltoune, the Lord Marquis of, 19. Hannah, Mr. George, sometime minister at Avas, 226. Harper, Mr. William, permitted to in- struct the Laird of Frendraucht's bairns, 35. His malignant speeches " regrated," 36. Ordained to ac- 266 INDEX. knowledge his offence on his knees in church, 37. Harthill, 78. Hay, Mr. James, of Muldavid, 113. Hay, George, of Murifold, 101. Haughs, 123. Henryson, Laurence, 111. Herries, Lord John, 57. Hervie, Mr. James, 95, 96, 101. Mi- nister at Upper Machar, 103. Pre- sented to Keith, 103. Huntly, the Right Noble George Mar- quis of, 25, 26, 33, 46. To be ex- communicat, 56, 57. Huntly, Marquis of, 80, 180, 182, 183. 202, 219. Huntly, " The Lady Marques," 58. Iden, 42, 227. Ila, Strath, Nethermill of, 145. Ea, the Water of, 140. Inch, 59. Inchbraikie, 71. Innes, Mr. Alexander, minister at Ro- thiemay, 4. Deprivation of, 26. Teaches his penitential sermon, 32. His text, 32, 166, 167. To begin his repentance in sackcloth, 176. Begins, 178. Innes, Alexander, of Culvie, 141, 150. Innes, Beroald, of Knockorth, 78, 134. Innes, Lieutenant-Colonel Beroald, 146. Innes, John, of Codrane, 105, 160. Innes, Colonel John, 135. Innes, Mr. John, 148. Innes, John, of Edingight, 206. Innes, Thomas, of Pathnik, 18, 41. Innes, Walter, of Pathnik, to be ex- communicated for the slaughter of his father [in-law], 72. Innes, William, 132. Innes, William, of Tippertie, 56. Innermarkie, 44, 54. * Inveraven, 101, 105. Inverkeithny, 63. Visitation of, 133. Another visitation, 149. Visitation, 241. Inverkeithny, elders at, 196. Irish army prevents doctrine, 60. Irishes, the distressed, 39. Irvine, Alexander, younger of Drum, 56. Irvine, Robert, 56. Irving, Mr. Robert, minister at Inver- keithny, 4. Ordained " to provyd for a reader," 4, 135. To strive against his inarticulate utterance, 223. Jamieson, Mr. William, 123. Objec- tions to his admission at Kinnoir, 156. Thought not relevant, 156. He is admitted, 186. Jansenius, 1. " Jesuites, or Masse Preists," 43. Johnestoune, Mr. Archebald, 22. Keig, 93. Keith, 74, 90, 93, 95, 96. Grass glebe designed, 139. Manse of, burnt by the common enemy, 141. Kemnay, 88, 90. Kempcairne, 29, 62, 78, 90, 106, 206. Kennedy, James, servitor to the Mar- quis of Huntly, 56, 177, 179, 181. Declaration of his wicked life and conversation, 181. He is absolved, 198. Ker, Mr. Alexander, 198. Supplication for, by the parishioners of Grange, 206. He is admitted minister, 217. Kerne, church of, 25. Kilmachlyn, 108. Kinardie, 96. Kinardie, the Laird of, 146, 149. His servants and family are papists, 245. Kinardie, Lady, 225, 229, 230, 237, 238, 242, 243, 244, 246. Kinellar, 226. Kinkarn [Kincardine], 91, 116. Kinnethmont, 67, 237. Kinninmont, Mr. William, 81, 84, 88, 90, 111, 112. Settled at Keith, 115, 139, 140, 207. Kinnoir and Dumbennan, 141, 156, 161, 175, 186. Kinnoir, 25, 34. Plantation of, 155. Milne of, 141. Kirknie, 27. Knachlee, 165. Knock, brother to Carnusie, 110. INDEX. 267 Knock, 37, 122. Knockandoh, 221. Knockespock, 65. Knockorth, 59, 72. Langmure, Patrik, of Balnamoon, 121. Lares, Laird, 121. Laurent Day, 130. League and Covenant, Letter from the General Assembly anent, 40. Leitli, Alexander, in Bucharn, 139, 226, 236, 237. Leith, Patrick, of Harthill, 75. Leslie, Crowner, 36. Leslie, David, Lieutenant-General, 86, 88,90, 91, 111- Leslye, General, 22. Lesly, Walter, of Bomakellach, 232, 240, 245. Lesmoir, 39, 43, 78. Lesmoir, Mill of, 207. Lesmoir, Laird of, 160. Lesmoir, Laird of, elder, 103. Younger, 109. Lindsay, Ludovicke, sometime Earl of Crawford, 189- Logye, Mr. Johne, moderator of the Presbytery of CuUen, 9. Logie, Mr. John, sometime minister at Ruthven, 97. Lyon, John, of Muiresk, 39- Machab, Upper, 101. Maconachie, Janet, " ane suspectit witch," 38. Maitland, Mr. Richard, censured for his doctrine, 7. His absence from meet- ings of Presbytery "regrated," 10, 35. Accused by one of his parishioners, 48. Deposed, 80. His supplication, 80. Summoned for preaching since his deposition, &c., 96, 97, 98, 100, 101. Malcolme, Issobell, accused of charming, 15. Confesses that she has charmed for twenty years, 15. To be pro- cessed, 52. Malice, George, 77. Marston, Long, 59- Massie, Mr. Andrew, minister of Drum- blett, 39. Matman, John, 29. " Vsed to bridle his owne wyffe," 29. Meldrum, Mr. George, presented to the Kirk of Glass, 39. Admitted minister there, 58, 146. Is spoken " scandel- lously" of by one of his elders, 154, 225. Meldrum, Patrick, sometime of Iden, 42, 52, 54, 227. Melvill, Mr. George, 188. Menzies, Mr. John, Regent in New Aberdeen, 72. Presented to the Kirk of Keith, 74. Refuses, 74. Mercer, Mr. John, 229. Merdrum, 19, 53, 65, 207. Meyen, 136, 166. Milne, John, stands twenty-five Sab- baths in sackcloth for his adultery, 169. Milton of Noth, 140. Millegne, 122, 123, 131, 206. Milltown, 35. Montrose, James, Earl of, 57, 58. Mar- ques of, 136. Mortimer, Captain, 85. Mortlach, 44, 63, 73. Mortulach, 145, 148. Muchill, 105. Muireife, Less, Laird of, 1 29. Muldavid, 113. Mulderie, 39. Mures (Muiresk), 39- Murifold, 101, 129. Mytess, 207. Neidfyre, kindlers of, for curing of cattle in Grange, 51, 104, 105. Nethermilne, 138, 147. Newmilne, 53, 96. Newtoun, 75. Nicolson's Croft, 137. Niddisdail, Robert, Earl of, 57. Noth, 207. Ogilvy, Alexander, of Knock, 37, 78. Ogilvie, Alexander, of Kempcairne, 28, 196. 268 INDEX. Ogilvie, Alexander, Writer in Edin- burgh, 84. Ogilvy, George, in Keith, 142. Ogilvy, James, Lord, 57. Ogilvy, John, of Milton, 44. Ogilvie, Walter, 31. Ogilvie, Jonet, guidvyff of Littilmyln, 6. Ogilvie, Margaret, 47. Old Craig, 42. Old Earne (Auldearn), Battle of, 121, 129. Oliphant, Lord, 60, 110, 149- Declines to poperie, 223, 227, 232, 237, 238, 242, 244. He is excommunicated, 247. OrdifuU (Ordiequhill), 166. Overhall, 76, 154. Palatinate, the distressed clergy of, 3. Park, the Laird of, 92. Paterson, John, confesses himself guilty of incest, 64. Penny bridals, abuses at, 4. Peter, Mr. John, 3. Petlurg, 203. Petlurge, the Laird of, 53. Petrie, Mr. James, schoolmaster at Banff, 221, 222. Elected by the session of Botriphney to be minister there, 230. Some dissent, 230. His trials stopped, 240. Philorth, 43, 49, 54. Phine, Alexander, of Achanassie, 88, 92. Pilgrimage, going in, 6. To the chappell beyond the water of Spey, 8. Pitfoddels, the Laird of, his daughter to be excommunicated if " shoe keep- ed not the kirk," 117- Poperye, generall defection to, regrated, 15. Preip, the witch, burnt at Banff, 5. Pringle, John, 111. Ramsay, Mr. Androw, 111. Rawes, Nether, 254. Rawes (of Strathbogie), 212. Reid, Mr. William, minister of Gartly, taxes his parishioners faults " bitterli, and not in the language of the scrip- ture," 4. Posed if he had approved of " the engagement," 94. Demis- sion of, 104. Reidfurd, Mr. John, 81, 86, 97, 134, 136, 139, 164. Reidhill, 165. Rhynie and Essie, 33, 66. Rhynie, visitation of, 207, 213. Richardson, Robert, 138. Rind, John, notary public, 137. Robertson, Donald, tutor of Strowan, 7 1 . Ross, Mr. James, schoolmaster at Keith, 97, 123. Robisone, Father, 17. Romurrack, 203. Ross, Mr. Henry, minister of Rhynie, 2. " Bitterli rebuked " for his ab- sence from meetings of Presbytery, 37. Misknows his owne wyf and children, 64. He demits, 66. Rothiemay, 25. No burialls to be al- lowed in kirk of, without payment, 32. Visitation of, 165. Rothiemay, the Aisle of, 32. Rothiemay, the Laird of, 32, 102, 139, 146. To be summoned for his acci- dental slaughter, 169. At the ren- dezvous in Aberdeen, 175. To make his repentance in sackcloth, 178. Rothiemay, the Lady, 58. Rothiemay, the young Lady of, 225, 228, 237, 243, 244. Row, Mr. John, 220. Rupert, Prince, 59. Ruven, Parish of, 15. Saint Andrews, General Assemblie of, 28. Commissioners chosen for, 28. Schethin, 56. Scrogie, Mr. William, 120. Seaforth, Earl of, 71, 74. Seaton, Mr. John, minister, at Kemnay, 88, 91, 94. Seaton, Johne, slaughter of, 12. Seaton, William, of Schethine, 56. Seifwright, W^illiam, accused of allotting some land to the " old Goodman," 7 1 . INDEX. 269 Shanchare, 200. Sharp, George, in Turterie, 165. Sharp, Mr. John, 111. Smyth, Mr. Johne, a preist, 17. Sorcery, 71. Sorcererisand charmeris within the pres- bytery, 50. A Commission for ex- amining into, 53. Speed, Mr. George, schoolmaster, Keith, 3. Spens, Mr. Alexander, 3. Spens, Hierom, in Kinnoir, 77. Spynie, My Lord, 39, 46. Stewart, John, of Schearglasse, 7 1 • Stewart, John, of Ardbrak, 30. Stewart, Patrick, notary public, 39. Stewart, Colonel William, 71- Stewart, William, notary public, 54. Stocks ordained to be got for stubborne and unruly delinquents, 7. Strabane, the Lady, 43, 47, 52. Strabogy, 33, 135, 136, 176. Strathbogie, Presbytery of, 67. Strathbogie, Lordship of, 218. Four ministers of, 218. Strathloche, the Laird of, 25. Strowan, 71. Symson, Jean, in Rothiemay, allegis that she has cats in her bellie, 247, 248. Tabret, John, 121. Tachenheid, 30. Tailyeor, Thomas, parishioner of Grange, complains that his mother impeded his marriage without any reason, 240. Thomson, Isobel, ravished by a High- lander, 75. Tillieangus, 13. Tilliedoun, 81, 136. TiUieminnet, 200. Tillietermont, 203. Tilliethrowies, 200. Tippertie, 56. Tod, Mr. Robert, 213. Towiebeg, 30. Troupe, James, notary public, 206. Tullo, 196. Tullobeg, 46, 254. TuUoch, John, 28. To be excommuni- cated, 28. Tulloch, Mr. Patrick, 3. Turreff, Presbytery of, 19, 63. TurrefF, Persone of, 1. Turterie, 134, 136, 146. Tyrie, Easter, 45. Urquhart, James, of Old Craig, 42, 43, 50, 52, 54, 55, 82. Urquhart, Michaell, 75. Urquhart, Walter, of Cromby, 35, 43, 45. VocAT, Walter, notar public, 6. Watson, Mr. Robert, minister, 1. Min- ister of Grange assaulted, 21 . Threat- ened with fire and plundering, by his recusant adultereris, 69- Accused by George Geddes, 118, 120, 134. His deprivation, 160. Walker, Margaret, accused of fornica- tion with divers Irishes, 70. Walker, the witch, 5. Wallak Kirk, superstition at, to be cen- sured, 89- Wellhead, 77. Westerton, 141. Wilson, Alexander, of Achmad, 81. Wilson, Patrick, notar public, 14. Witches, consulting with, 5. Woodfauld, 165. York, 54. Young, Mr. John, minister at Keig, 93, 95. ABERDEEN : PRINTED AT THE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICE, BY WILLIAM BENNETT, ^ ^#/ BW5519 .S89A3 Extracts from the Presbytery book of Princeton Theological Semmary-Speer Library 1 1012 00038 5544