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Presented  to 


of  tbe 


\Hni\>er0it£  of  Toronto 


Mr.  Murray  harden 


RECORDS  OF  THE  MEETING 

OF    THE 

EXERCISE  OF  ALFORD 


Only  5-?j   Copies  Printed 
No.  .^.y- 


.    \  ..;•  ..    ,    ;. 

IRecoubs  of  the 

of  the 


Erercise  of  Hlforb 


MDCLXII— MDCLXXXVIII 


Edited  by 

THE    REVEREND    THOMAS    BELL 

Minister  of  Keig  and  Clerk  to  the  Presbytery  of  Alford  and  to  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen 


Aberdeen 

printefc  for  the  flew  Spacing  (Hut? 

Mdcccxcvii  :^> 


PRINTED    AT    THK    ADKI.l'HI    PRESS.    AI1F.R  DEKN 

liY    TAYI.OK    AND    HENDERSON 
PRINTERS    TO    I  IKK    MAJESTY    THE    <JUEE\ 


Club. 


Founded  llth  November,   1886. 

patroness : 
HER  MAJESTY  THE  QUEEN. 

OFFICE-BEARERS  OR       1896-97. 

Iprest&ent : 
THE   EARL   OF   ABERDEEN,   LL.D. 


Ii)ice=lpi-esibent8  : 


THE  DUKE  OF  RICHMOND  AND  GORDON, 

D.C.L.,  LL.D. 
THE  DUKE  OF  FIFE,  K.T. 
THE  MARQUIS  OF  HUNTLY,  LL.D. 
THE  MARQUIS  OF  BUTE,  K.T.,  LL.D. 
THE  EARL  OK  ERROLL,  LL.D. 
THE  EARL  OF  STRATHMORE. 
THE  EARL  OF  SOUTHESK,  K.T.,  LL.D. 
THE  EARL  OF  KINTORE,  LL.D. 
THE  EARL  OF  ROSEBERY,  K.G.,  LL.D. 


K.G., 


THE  LORD  FORBES. 

THE  LORD  SALTOUN. 

THE  LORD  PROVOST  OF  ABERDEEN. 

THE  PRINCIPAL  OF  THE   UNIVERSITY   OF 

ABERDEEN. 

SIR  JOHN  F.  CLARK,  Bart.,  of  Tillypronie. 
SIR  GEORGE  REID,  P.R.S.A.,  LL.D. 
JAMES  A.  CAMPBELL  of  Stiacathro,  M.P.,  LLD. 
WILLIAM  FERGUSON  of  Kmmundy,  LL.D. 
EMERITUS  PROFESSOR  DAVID  MASSON,  LL.D. 


iianj  Members  of  Council : 


Colonel  James  Allardyce  of  Culquoich,  LL.D. 
John  Bulloch,  Aberdeen. 

George  Cadenhead,  Procurator-Fiscal,  Aberdeen. 
The  Very  Rev.  /Eneas  Chisholm,  LL.D.,  Preside:'! 

of  Blairs  College. 

The  Rev.  James  Cooper,  D.  D.,  Aberdeen. 
William  Cramond,  LL.D.,  Cullen. 
Peter  M.  Cran,  City  Chamberlain,  Aberdeen. 
The  Rev.  J.  Myers  Danson,  D.D.,  Aberdeen. 
Charles    B.    Davidson,    LL.D.,    President   of  the 

Society  of  Advocates  in  Aberdeen. 
The  Hon.  and  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Douglas,  D.D., 

Aberdeen. 

William  Dunn  of  Murtle. 
John  Philip  Edmond,  Haigh. 
James  Ferguson,  Edinburgh. 
Alexander  M.  Gordon  of  Newton. 
Henry  Wolridge-Gordon  of  Esslemont. 
The  Rev.   Walter  Gregvr,  LL.D.,  deceased. 
John  A.  Henderson,  Aberdeen. 
Sir  William  Henderson,  LL.D.,  Aberdeen. 
Brigade- Surgeon  Lieut-Col.  W.  Johnston  of  Newton 

Dee,  M.D. 
The  Rev.  William  Forbes-Leith,  S.J.,  Selkirk. 


The  Rev.  Robert  Lippe,  LL.D.,  Aberdeen. 

David  Littlejohn,  Sheriff-Clerk,  Aberdeen. 

Peter  Duguid-M'Combie  of  Easter  Skene. 

James  Matthews  of  Spiinghill,  LL.D. 

The  Rev.  John  G.  Michie,  Dinnet. 

James  Moir,   LL.D.,    Co-Rector  of  the  Grammar 

School,  Aberdeen. 
Alexander  M.  Munro,  Aberdeen. 
Chailes  Rampini,  LL.D.,  Sheriff-Substitute,  Elgin. 
Alexander  Ramsay,  LL.D.,  Banff. 
Alexander  W.  Robertson,  Librarian,  Public  Library, 

Aberdeen. 

John  Forbes  Robertson,  London. 
The  Rev.  James  Smith,  B.D.,  Aberdeen. 
Sir  David  Stewart  of  Banchory,  LL.D. 
The  Rev.  William  Temple,  D.D.,  Forgue. 
Alexander  Walker,  LL.D.,  Aberdeen. 
George  Walker,  Aberdeen. 
Robert  Walker,  University  of  Aberdeen. 
John  Forbes  White,  LL.D.,  Dundee. 
Professor  John  Dove  Wilson,  LL.D.,  Aberdeen. 
Robert  M.  Wilson,  M.D.,  Old  Deer. 
The  Rev.  John  Woodward,  LL.D.,  Montrose. 


Secretary : 
PETER  JOHN  ANDERSON,  University  Library,  Aberdeen. 

Urcasurer : 
FARQUH ARSON  TAYLOR  GARDEN,  18  Golden  Square,  Aberdeen. 

Hu&itors  : 
GEORGE  COOPER,  C.A.,  Aberdeen  ;   and  WILLIAM  MILNE,  C.A.,  Aberdeen. 


Contents 


Introduction 


Records  of  the  Meeting  of  the  Exercise  of  Alford 


Notes          .  .  .  297 


Index 


Introduction 

THE  title  of  the  volume  here  printed,  as  given  on  the  first  page 
of  the  original  MS.,  is,  "The  Records  of  the  Meeting  of  the 
Exercise  of  Alfoord."  When  selected  for  publication  by  the  New 
Spalding  Club  the  Editorship  was  undertaken  by  the  late  Pro 
fessor  Christie  of  Aberdeen.  It  must  be  matter  of  regret  to  the 
Club,  it  is  particularly  so  to  the  present  Editor,  that  Dr.  Christie 
was  not  spared  to  finish  the  work.  A  native  of  the  district,  his 
local  knowledge,  as  well  as  his  literary  tastes  and  predilections, 
specially  qualified  him  for  such  work. 

The  "Record"  contains  487  pages,  and  extends  from  2ist 
October,  1662,  to  iQth  September,  1688.  (Approven  by  the 
Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  2nd  October,  1688.)  It  thus  embraces 
the  whole  of  the  last  period  of  Episcopacy  as  the  Established 
Church  in  Scotland.  From  it  we  obtain  a  view  not  merely  of 
the  Church  and  Church  life  of  the  period,  but  also  of  the  social 
life  and  manners  of  the  people  of  that  age,  in  a  somewhat  remote 
and  secluded  district  of  the  country. 

The  history  of  the  "Record"  itself  is  a  curious  one,  and  is 
perhaps  worth  relating.  It  affords  a  very  good  illustration  of 
how  easily  our  old  Church  Records  might  be  lost,  and  frequently 
were  lost,  and  also  how  accidentally,  so  to  speak,  they  were 
sometimes  recovered.  The  story  is  this — The  district  contain 
ing  the  Presbytery  of  Alford  was  the  region  of  the  Earl  of  Mar, 
Marquis  of  Huntly,  &c.,  and  so  was  a  good  deal  under  Jacobite 
influence.  The  result  was  that  when  the  Jacobite  Rebellion  of 
1715  broke  out,  several  of  the  ministers  of  the  Presbtery  es 
poused  the  cause  of  the  Pretender,  and  in  various  ways  showed 


INTRODUCTION. 


their  sympathy  with  the  movement,  and  wish  for   its   success. 
As  is  well  known,  though  Presbyterianism  was  re-established  in 
1690,  yet  many  ministers  attached  to  Episcopacy  were  allowed 
to  remain  in  their  parishes — "Episcopal  Incumbents"  they  were 
called.      Most  of  these  had  Jacobite  leanings.      In  Alford  Pres 
bytery  five  of  them  joined   the   Rebellion,    and   for  this   were 
deposed  by  the   Presbytery.       (Eor   account   of  their   trial   and 
deposition  see  "Historical  Papers — Jacobite  Period,  1699-1750, 
by  Colonel  Allardyce,  LL.D.,"  Vol.  I.,  p.  62.)     One  of  those  so 
tried  and  deposed  was  the  Rev.  John  Alexander,   minister   of 
Kildrummy.     After  his  deposition,  his  wife  and  family  seem  to 
have  fallen  into  great  poverty.      In  March  1718  Mrs.  Alexander 
petitioned  the  Presbytery  to  "  recommend  her  to  the  half-year's 
vacant   stipend   at    Kildrummy."       The    Presbytery    agreed    to 
grant  her  request  provided  she  (amongst  other  things)  "  give  up 
to  the  Presbytery  the  old  Presbytery  Register  which  was  in  the 
hands  of  her  late  husband."     At  the  Presbytery  meeting,  April 
23rd,   it  is  reported  that   "she  is  ready  and  willing  to  comply 
with  the  demands  of  the  Presbytery,  and  to  satisfy  Mr.  Duff 
(the  new  minister)  with  respect   to  the   glebe    of    Kildrummy, 
Church   utensils,   Registers,   &c."      On   July  9th  she   appeared 
before   the   Presbytery,   along   with   her  son-in-law,    Mr.   Colin 
Petrie,  and  delivered  up  to  the  Presbytery,   "  a  pulpit  cloth,  a 
laver  for  baptisms   and   a  damask   cloth   for  that  use,   a  large 
Church  Bible  with  cover,  two  Session  Registers  (1673-1686  and 
1710-1717),   the  Presbyteric  Register  of  Alfoord  beginning  in 
October  1662  and  ending  in  September  1688.      (Other   things 
given  up  are  also  mentioned.)      It  is  the  "  Register  "  1662-1688 
that  is^now  published.      The  above  account  shows  the  way  in 
which  it  was  preserved. 

The  "Record"  is  in  a  wonderful  state  of  preservation.    Some 
of  the  leaves  in  the  earlier  part  of  it  are  "frayed"  at  the  corners, 


INTRODUCTION.  xi 

so  that  occasionally  a  word,  or  a  line  or  two  cannot  be  made  out. 
There  are  one  or  two  minutes  omitted.  In  a  few  places  what 
was  illegible  or  defective  has  been  supplied  from  the  Synod 
Record  of  the  period.  Of  course  this  could  only  be  done  when 
the  defect  was  in  the  parts  recording  Synod  meetings.  Alto 
gether  not  more  than  what  would  amount  to  four  or  five  pages 
has  been  thus  supplied. 

There  were  several  Clerks  of  Presbytery  during  the  period. 
This  accounts  for  what  will  be  noticed,  a  considerable  variety  in 
"  spelling."  But  the  same  Clerk  does  not  always  <( spell"  in  the 
same  way  even  in  the  same  minute.  The  variety  applies  to 
proper  names  as  well  as  to  other  words,  e.g.  "  Irvine,"  "Irving," 
"Garreoch,"  "Garioch" — these  refer  to  the  same  persons.  Latin 
words  are  almost  always  correct,  though  we  have  "  merediem  " 
"meridiem."  It  has  been  thought  best  to  copy  them  as  written, 
unless  when  the  alteration  is  clearly  an  oversight. 

As  regards  penmanship,  a  considerable  portion  of  the  volume 
is  written  in  the  beautiful  old  hand  common  at  the  period.  The 
lines  are  very  close  to  each  other,  but  the  execution  a  marvel 
of  neatness  and  accuracy,  the  writing  not  difficult  to  read  after 
one  gets  into  the  way  of  it. 


PRESBYTERY  OF  ALFORD — PARISHES — MINISTERS. 

For  several  years  after  the  Reformation,  indeed  until  about 
1580,  there  was  no  such  Church  Court  in  the  Presbyterian 
Church  as  the  Presbytery.  Dr.  Cunningham  ("  St.  Giles' 
Lectures"  p.  166)  when  speaking  of  the  other  Church  Courts,  viz. 
the  General  Assembly,  the  Synod,  and  the  Kirk-Session,  says 


xii  INTRODUCTION. 

"  But  what  of  the  Presbytery — the  most  rudimental  Court  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church.  It  is  not  once  mentioned.  The  truth  is, 
it  was  not  yet  clearly  conceived  of  as  a  Court  separate  from  the 
Kirk-Session.  More  than  one  half  of  the  parishes  v/ere  yet 
without  regular  ministers.  One  minister,  in  many  cases,  dis 
pensed  the  Sacraments  in  four  or  five  different  parishes,  where 
there  were  only  readers  to  read  the  Book  of  Common  Order  on 
the  Sundays.  There  was  one  eldership  for  such  a  group  of  con 
gregations.  But  as  the  parishes  were  gradually  supplied  with 
ministers,  an  ecclesiastical  development  took  place  which  re 
sulted  in  every  congregation  having  its  own  Kirk-Session,  and 
every  district  its  own  Presbytery." 

As  regards  the  Presbytery  of  Alford,  Scott  in  his  "  Fasti  " 
(VI.  545)  under  "  Presbytery  of  Alford  or  Kildrummy,"  states, 
that  it  was  "proposed  to  be  erected  by  the  General  Assembly, 
April,  1581,  under  the  latter  name,  that  it  seems  to  have  merged, 
however,  into  Kincardine  O'Neil,  and  that  of  Alford  appears 
first  in  the  General  Assembly  1606." 

The  district  that  forms  the  Presbytery  of  Alford  lies  almost 
entirely  in  the  upper  half  of  the  valley  of  the  Don.  Though  in 
land,  and  by  nature  much  secluded,  yet  there  are  many  indica 
tions  that  at  no  time  was  it  outside  the  currents  of  national  life. 
One  or  two  facts  may  be  adduced  in  evidence  of  this.  To  begin 
with  remote  times  ;  the  so-called  Druiclical  circles  are  numerous 
in  the  district.  At  one  time  they  must  have  been  very  numerous, 
several  in  a  parish.  Whatever  these  were — whether  we  regard 
them  as  representing  the  temples  and  altars  of  a  worship  said  by 
some  to  have  once  been  prevalent  in  our  country,  or  as,  what 
seems  more  probable,  sepulchral  monuments  indicating  where 
some. great  chief  or  warrior  was  buried,  they  show  this  at  any- 
rate,  that,  in  the  district,  there  must  have  been  a  considerable 
population.  Then,  in  addition  to  the  Druiclical  circles  with  their 


INTRODUCTION.  Xlil 

standing  stones,  we  have  loose  stone  circles,  hill  forts,  yeird 
(underground)  houses,  two  vitrified  forts  on  hill  tops  in  the  im 
mediate  neighbourhood,  and  other  remains  of  antiquity.  It  may 
also  be  mentioned  that  the  site  of  the  Devana  of  the  Romans  is 
only  a  few  miles  from  several  of  the  parishes,  so  the  Romans 
when  in  Britain  must  have  traversed  the  district.  Again,  various 
spots  in  the  bounds,  or  in  the  neighbourhood,  are  associated 
with  the  wars  of  Shakespeare's  Macbeth.  But  leaving  what  may 
be  regarded  as  the  field  of  conjecture  and  tradition,  and  coming 
to  authentic  history,  there  is  evidence  enough  that,  however  it 
might  be  in  remote  ages,  in  modern  times  our  district  had  to 
play  its  part  in  the  stirring  events  of  our  country.  We  need 
only  mention  that  Kildrummy  Castle  is  in  the  very  centre  of  the 
district,  Its  extensive  ruins  bear  witness  to  the  strength  and 
importance  of  a  stronghold,  so  well  known,  amongst  other  things, 
for  its  connection  with  Bruce  in  the  wars  of  Scottish  Indepen 
dence.  Still  later,  in  the  Rebellions  of  1715  and  1745,  the 
people  of  the  district  were  much  involved.  The  Earl  of  Mar, 
to  whom  the  Castle  of  Kildrummy  belonged,  Gordon  of  Glen- 
bucket,  whose  castle  is  some  five  miles  further  up  the  Don,  and 
others  we  might  mention,  were  keen  supporters  of  the  Stuarts. 
The  people  of  the  district  were  warlike,  strong  and  hardy.  For 
centuries  no  fight  or  foray  was  there  in  these  northern  regions 
in  which  the  men  of  Upper  Donside  did  not  bear  a  part. 

During  the  period  1662-1688,  there  were  sixteen  parishes  in 
the  Presbytery.  Beginning  at  the  source  of  the  Don  and  coming 
downwards,  these  were  Strathdon  (Invernoughtie),  Glenbucket, 
Towie  (Kinbattock),  Kildrummy,  Leochel,  Forbes,  Alford, 
Tullynessle,  Keig,  Tough,  Cushny,  Auchindoir,  Kearn,  Clatt, 
Kennethmont,  and  Cabrach.  The  first  nine  of  these  touch  the 
river  at  some  point ;  portions  of  Tough,  and  of  (the  original) 
Auchindoir  come  near  to  it,  the  other  parishes  are  more  distant 


xiv  INTRODUCTION. 

from  it,  though  none  of  them  far  distant.  At  the  present  time, 
including  the  quoad  sacra  parish  of  Corgarff,  there  are  fourteen 
parishes  in  the  Presbytery.  Cushnie,  Forbes,  and  Kearn  no 
longer  exist  as  separate  parishes,  Cushnie  having  been  joined  to 
Leochel  in  1/95,  forming  Leochel-Cushnie,  Forbes  to  Tullynessle 
in  1808,  forming  Tullynessle  and  Forbes,  Kearn  to  Auchindoir 
in  1/92.  The  new  parish  is  Corgarff^.  s.  erected  in  1874. 

At  the  period  covered  by  our  "  Record  "  —1662-1688 — the 
parishes  with  their  ministers  were  as  follows  : — 

Alford — 1662-1667,  James  Gordon  (from  Tough)  ;  1668- 
1679,  George  Melvill ;  1679-1716,  Andrew  Jeffray  (deposed  for 
joining  the  Rebellion  of  1715). 

Auckindoir — i6(?33)-i67i,  William  Davidson;  1671-1697, 
William  Thomson. 

Cabrack — 1662-1668,  James  Ross;  1668-1677,  John  Irving 
(or  Irvine);  1678-1681,  James  Irvine;  1682-1705,  Alexander 
Brown. 

Clatt — i6(?33)-i667,  George  Gairdyne  ;  1669-1681,  Thomas 
Gairdyne  ;  1682-1696,  Thomas  Robertson. 

Cushnie  --  1651-1666,  William  Glass  (translated  to  Kil- 
drummy) ;  1667-1671,  John  Leslie;  1672-1710,  Patrick  Copland. 

Forbes--  1651-1676,  Walter  Ritchie;  1677-1687,  William 
Garioch  (translated  to  Kennethmont). 

Glenbucket — 1618-1663,  Andrew  Car  or  Ker ;  1663-1666, 
David  Mylne  ;  1667-1695,  William  Christie. 

Kearn — 1660-1675,  Robert  Dunbar  ;  1678-1693,  Alexander 
Forbes. 

Keig — 1651-1665,  Thomas  Forbes;  1666-1681,  Adam  Bar 
clay  (from  Towie)  ;  1683-1716,  Andrew  Livingston  (deposed 
for  joining  the  Rebellion  of  1715). 


INTRODUCTION.  XV 

Kennethmont  —  i6(?)-i675,  Robert  Cheyne  ;  1676-1687, 
Robert  Farquharson  ;  1687-1738,  William  Garioch  (from 
Forbes). 

Kildrummy — 1653-1666,  William  Duncan  (from  New  Kil- 
patrick  ;  1666-1670,  William  Glass  (from  Cushnie)  ;  1671-1681, 
William  Burnett;  1682-1716,  John  Alexander  (deposed  for  join 
ing  the  Rebellion  of  1715). 

Leochel — i6(?5i)-i68i,  George  Watson;  1682-1683,  Jonn 
Patton  (translated  to  Insch) ;  1683-1707,  Alexander  Seaton. 

Strathdon — 1663-1666,  Robert  Irving  (translated  to  Towie); 
1666-1681,  Andrew  Abercrombie  (translated  to  Tarland  and 
Migvie)  ;  1681-1717,  John  Robertson  (deposed  for  joining  the 
Rebellion  of  1715). 

Tough — 1653-1662,  James  Gordon  (translated  to  Alford)  ; 
1663-1694,  John  Mair. 

Towie — 1648-1666,  Adam  Barclay  (translated  to  Keig)  ; 
1666-1707,  Robert  Irving  (from  Strathdon). 

Tullynessle — 1652-1661,  Alexander  Youngson  ;  1662-1710, 
John  Walker. 

(The  foregoing  statement  regarding  the  parishes  and  minis 
ters  is  taken  mainly  from  Scott's  "  Fasti.") 


STIPENDS. 

The  Act  of  1649  was  that  under  which  Stipends  were  at  this 
time  fixed.  It  authorised  a  minister's  stipend  to  be  augmented 
to  eight  chalders  of  victual ;  or,  when  teind  in  kind  could  not 
be  conveniently  paid,  at  three  chalders,  and  money  for  the  re 
maining  five  chalders  at  a  rate  not  exceeding  ^100  Scots  per 
chalder.  ^100  Scots  would  be  equal  to  £8  6s.  8d.  Sterling. 


xvi  INTRODUCTION. 

A  minister's  income  would  thus  be  at  the  maximum  some  £60 
a  year,  and  the  glebes  are  said  to  have  averaged  about  £^  a 
year.  A  century  after  this,  in  1/50,  a  report  was  presented  to 
the  General  Assembly  showing  that  out  of  833  parishes  704  had 
stipends  under  ^"100  a  year,  272  of  these  being  under  ^50,  and 
one  ^24.  (Was  the  ,£24  one  Glenbucket  which  at  the  present 
day  has  only  ^24  148.  of  teind  stipend,  the  rest  being  Ex 
chequer?)  Some  ministers,  or  at  least  some  preachers,  seem  to 
have  eked  out  their  incomes  by  keeping  taverns.  On  p.  202  we 
find  order  given  by  the  Bishop  that  "all  licensed  to  preach,  and 

yet  exercise  civil  offices,  such  as keepers  of  inns 

are  to  be  noticed." 


CHURCHES. 

At  this  time  Church  architecture  was  not  of  a  high  order. 
The  Churches  generally,  and  particularly  in  country  districts 
such  as  ours,  were  of  the  plainest.  There  are  the  remains  of 
several  old  Churches  in  the  district — Auchindoir,  Cushnic, 
Forbes,  Kearn,  Keig — some  of  them  more  some  less  ruinous. 
From  them  we  have  no  difficulty  in  ascertaining  what  kind  of 
buildings  our  seventeenth  century  Churches  were.  Glenbucket 
is  the  only  Church  (unaltered  or  little  altered)  worshipped  in  now 
that  was  worshipped  in  from  1662-1688.  All  the  others  have 
been  either  rebuilt  or  remodelled.  In  our  description  we  shall 
have  in  view  the  old  Kirk  of  Keig  as  being  best  known  to  us. 
It  was  used  for  worship  until  1834.  The  walls  are  still  stand 
ing,  and  from  these  we  get  a  very  good  idea  of  what  Churches 
in  our  district,  and,  indeed,  throughout  Scotland,  were  in  the 
seventeenth  century.  All  were  similar. 


INTRODUCTION.  xvii 

The  buildings  were  long,  narrow,  low  in  the  roof,  so  low  that 
the   people   in   the  galleries  could   not   stand   erect,   and   a   tall 
person   under  the   galleries   must   have   been   similarly   circum 
stanced.      The  doors  (2)  and  the  windows  were  in  the  South 
wall,    occasionally   a  window   in   the    East   or   West  gable,    but 
none  in  the  North  wall.     The  windows  were  few  and  small,  and 
the  Church  must  have  been  very  badly  lighted.     The  pulpit  was 
placed  about  the  middle  of  the  South  wall.     There  were  gener 
ally  galleries  in  the  East  and  West  ends,  and  sometimes  also  a 
gallery  in  front  of  the  minister.      Part  of  the  gallery  was  fre 
quently  what  was  called  the  "common  loft,"  and  was  let  to  those 
to  whom  no  space  was  allocated.     The  entrance  to  the  gallery  was 
often  by  an  outside  stair — in  Keig  a  stone  stair  at  the  West  end. 
The  area  of  the  church  was  divided  among  the  heritors  accord 
ing  to  their  rentals.     There  were  no  pews,  as  in  the  Churches 
now.    The  heritors  put  in  "desks"  for  themselves.    Some  others 
also  did  so.     But  the  people  in  general    had  chairs    or   stools 
which  they  brought  for  their  own  use,   and  which  they  could 
remove    when   they   pleased.      Often   quarrels   arose   about  the 
desks,  one  man  removing  another's,  or  putting  his  in  the  space 
another  claimed.     We  have  several  instances  of  such  quarrels. 
There  was  no  proper  flooring  in  the  Church,  perhaps  coarse  flag 
stones  along  the  passages  and  a  board  for  the  feet — it  is  so  in 
Glenbucket   still — but  often  no   flooring   at  all,  just  the  earth. 
And  as  to  the  roofing  that  was  mostly  of  heather.      In   1757  the 
Presbytery    minute    bears    that    heather    and   clay  were    to    be 
procured    for    repairing    Cushnie    Kirk.       In    1680    Kildrummy 
Church  is  reported  to  be   "in  sufficient  repair  save   what  was 
wanting  in  the  loss  of  some  heather."  (p.  315.) 


xviii  INTRODUCTION. 

MANSES. 

These  it  would  appear  were  no  better  than  the  Churches, 
frequently  even  worse,  though  perhaps  quite  in  keeping  with 
the  houses  of  the  period.  Like  the  kirks  they  seem  to  have 
been  long  and  narrow.  At  first  the  parish  manses  were  built 
and  kept  in  repair  by  the  ministers  themselves.  When  the 
minister  died  or  left  the  place  the  buildings  were  "  appretiated  " 
to  his  successor.  Examples  of  this,  Keig  p.  98  ;  others  pp.  321, 

347- 

In  1649  it  was  decided  that  a  manse  for  every  parish  minister 
was  to  be  provided  by  the  heritors.  The  heritors  had  secured 
the  larger  share  of  the  Church's  property,  and  it  was  only  fair, 
no  hardship,  that  the  building  of  Churches  and  manses  should 
be  laid  upon  them.  The  seventeenth  century  manses  were, 
however,  neither  very  elegant  nor  very  expensive  structures, 
but  were  mostly  erected  at  the  least  possible  cost.  Like  many 
other  houses  of  the  period,  they  were  built  of  clay  and  turf,  and 
thatched  with  heather.  A  fact  or  two  from  our  own  bounds  will 
give  the  best  idea  of  what  the  manses  were.  In  1/07  we 
find  in  the  Presbytery  minutes  complaint  made  that  the  manse 
of  Glenbucket  has  never  been  divided  by  partitions,  that  it  is 
without  stairs  and  glass  windows.  In  1779,  little  more  than 
a  hundred  years  ago,  it  is  stated  that  in  Kearn  manse  there  are 
no  slab  stones  for  the  fire  except  in  one  room — Manses  in  other 
places  were  similar. 


GLEBES,  ETC. 

From  Duncan's  "Parochial  Law"  we  learn  that  Act  1644 
conferred  on  Presbyteries  the  power  to  design  glebes  at  every 
parish  Church.  Act  1663  declares  that  every  minister,  except 


INTRODUCTION.  XIX 

those  in  Royal  Burghs,  shall  have  grass  for  a  horse  and  two 
cows  in  addition  to  the  glebes  designated  by  other  statutes,  and 
shall  also  have  "  fewel,  foggage,  feal,  and  devots." 

In  these  former  times  when  minister  and  people  alike  lived 
on  home  produce  the  glebe  was  indispensable.  Cattle  had  to  be 
kept  to  do  the  ploughing,  as  well  as  to  supply  milk,  &c.,  for  the 
family.  Then  there  were,  we  may  say,  no  roads.  Consequently 
all  travelling  had  to  be  done  on  foot  or  on  horseback.  Hence 
the  pony — the  minister's  pony  or  "sheltie" — was  needed  to  con 
vey  him  to  the  Presbytery,  to  the  Synod,  and  even  to  the 
General  Assembly,  as  well  as  to  other  places. 

Some  of  these  things  seem  strange  to  us  now.  But  into  the 
present  century  ministers  from  Alforcl  Presbytery  going  to  Edin 
burgh  to  attend  the  General  Assembly  often  went  on  horseback. 
Sometimes  the  horse  was  only  taken  so  far,  to  a  place  from 
which  a  coach  started,  and  either  left  there  till  the  minister's 
return,  or  taken  back  by  his  "man"  who  had  been  sent  on  before 
for  the  purpose,  in  due  course  going  back  to  meet  the  minister 
when  the  Assembly  was  over. 


Before  coming  to  what  we  have  to  say  about  the  Church,  it 
may  be  well  to  try  to  get  some  idea  of  the  religious  and  social 
condition,  of  the  country  at  the  time.  This  will  help  us  the  better 
to  understand  the  state  of  things  with  which  the  Church  had  to 
deal  in  our  district,  as  well  as  throughout  Scotland.  For,  looking 
at  our  "  Record"  and  other  similar  "  Records,"  the  number  and 
nature  of  the  "  discipline  cases  "  in  these,  one  would  be  apt  to 
conclude  that  the  condition  of  the  people  was  most  deplorable, 
lawlessness  and  licentiousness  running  riot  everywhere,  and  this, 
as  some  would  have  us  believe,  caused  mainly,  if  not  entirely,  by 


XX  INTRODUCTION. 

the  restoration  of  the  monarchy — a  revolution  in  government 
and  a  revolution  in  morals  going  hand  in  hand.  We  shall  see  if 
such  a  conclusion  is  altogether  warranted. 

Now  there  can  be  no  doubt  that,  with  the  death  of  Cromwell 
and  the  accession  of  Charles  II.,  Puritan  rule  and  Puritan  ways 
may  be  said,  in  a  great  measure,  to  have  come  to  an  end  in  our 
country.  People  had  chafed  a  good  deal  under  the  firm  rule  of 
the  Protector.  That  rule  was  beneficial  for  the  country.  The 
peaceable  and  well  disposed  were  protected.  Lawlessness  was 
restrained.  The  different  parties  in  Church  and  State  were 
prevented  attacking  and  persecuting  each  other.  In  the  words 
of  Macaulay,  "Under  no  government  since  the  Reformation  had 
there  been  so  little  religious  persecution."  Cromwell's,  however, 
was  a  government  borne  with  rather  than  liked.  But,  if  the 
country  was  to  enjoy  peace  and  prosperity,  it  required  for  its 
ruler  one  who  would  "stand  no  nonsense,"  but  who  would  firmly 
and  fearlessly  restrain  the  turbulent  and  the  lawless.  No 
smooth  easy  matter  was  that,  not  one  to  win  affection  or  earn 
gratitude.  Too  many  had  to  be  curbed,  and  consequently 
offended.  To  compel  the  proud  fierce  barons  of  Scotland,  its 
numerous  chiefs  and  their  retainers,  its  ambitious  and  by  no 
means  peace-loving  and  brotherly-minded  clergy,  its  poor  down 
trodden  but  withal  brave  brawl  loving  peasantry,  to  become, 
outwardly  at  least,  law  abiding,  and  refrain  from  their  turbulence 
and  massacres,  this  was  no  mean  achievement.  But  Cromwell 
did  it.  Still,  though  obeyed,  he  was  not  liked,  neither  he  nor 
his  ways.  And  so  when  the  restraining  hand  was  lifted  there 
was  sure  to  be  a  rebound,  very  likely  to  the  opposite  extreme. 
This  is  just  what  happened  at  the  Restoration.  The  Puritans 
had  entirely  lost  their  popularity  and  their  power.  In  the  Court 
and  high  places  of  the  land  the  very  name  of  Puritan  became  a 
byword  and  a  reproach.  The  king  himself  "lived  an  evil  life, 


INTRODUCTION.  XXI 

and  set  an  example  which  men  who  had  been  forced  into 
hypocrisy  by  the  piety  of  the  Puritans  were  only  too  ready  to 
follow.  The  reign  of  Charles  II.  is  one  of  the  most  disgraceful 
times  in  our  history  "  (Creighton).  And  no  doubt  a  licentious 
sovereign  and  court  are  a  great  calamity  to  a  country.  Specially 
must  this  have  been  so  when  immorality  in  royal  circles  was 
regarded  with  easy  tolerance,  and  awoke  in  the  nation  generally 
no  sentiment  of  disgust  and  resentment.  The  effect  could  not 
but  be  bad,  the  influence  of  the  example  wholly  evil.  Again, 
the  severe  and  unwise  restraints  of  Puritanism,  its  prohibition  of 
even  innocent  enjoyments,  its  too  often  stern  and  repulsive 
aspect  and  ways,  the  rebound  from  these  was  sure  to  go  too  far 
in  the  opposite  direction,  lead  men  of  little  principle  to  throw  off 
all  restraint,  and  give  loose  reign  to  their  evil  passions. 

But  these  things — the  example  of  the  king  and  his  courtiers, 
the  now  prevalent  dislike  of  Puritanism — though  they  may 
account  to  a  considerable  extent  for  the  excesses  that  followed 
the  Restoration,  yet  do  not  account  for  everything.  We  must 
seek  other  reasons  as  well  as  these.  The  conclusion  to  which 
we  are  forced  to  come  is,  that  much  of  the  vaunted  virtue  of  the 
former  period  must  have  been  on  the  surface,  put  on  not  felt,  a 
semblance  not  a  reality.  We  are  quite  aware  that  Kirkton  and 
others  have  delineated  the  state  of  Scotland  under  the  Common 
wealth  in  most  glowing  colours,  making  it  a  golden  age  as 
regards  religion  and  morality.  The  picture,  we  regret  to  have 
to  confess  it,  must  be  taken  cum  granc,  and  that  a  very  large 
one.  "  Not  an  oath,"  we  are  told,  "was  heard,  not  a  child  but 
could  read  the  Bible,  not  a  family  in  which  the  worship  of  God 
was  not  observed."  One  could  wish  it  true.  But  in  the  Records 
of  the  time — both  civil  and  ecclesiastical — we  have  only  too  sad 
evidence  that  vice  still  prevailed  in  our  land,  that  scandals  many 
and  most  disgraceful  were  prevalent.  It  is  best  to  confess  this. 


INTRODUCTION. 


No  good  purpose  is  ever  served  by  concealing  the  truth       The 
profligacy  that  disgraced    the  age,  scandals    such   as    we   meet 
with  in  our  •'  Record,"  ignorance,  and  superstition,  and  kindred 
evils,  tnese  were  not  things  of  sudden  growth.      It  was  no  case 
of  the  spontaneous  generation  of  evil.     A  nation,  any  more  than 
[dividual,  does  not  all  at  once  become  licentious      The  seed 
was  m  the  ground,   the  plants  were  in  existence  that  produced 
seed,  though  men  perhaps  did  not  recognise  the  one  or  the 
this,   we  think,   explains    how  the    "nation    swung    so 
quickly  arid  so  easily,  seemingly  all  at  once,   from  the  austerities 
f  the  Covenant  to  the  most  reckless  and  unprincipled  dissipa- 
Lhe  truth,  we  believe,  is,  that  not  a  few  who  in  Puritan 
days  assumed  the  saintly  guise,  when  it  was  safer  and  more  pro 
fitable  to  do  so,  must  at  heart  have  been  base.     Many  such    it  is 
:1  m  the  constant  practice  of  fraud,  and  rapacity,  and 
secret   debauchery."     The  evil  heart  was    there    all  the  while 
Jh  so  far  hid    from   public    gaze,  kept  under   restraint  by 
selfish  fear,  or  selfish  policy. 


THE  CHURCH— ITS  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT- 
WORSHIP— DISCIPLINE. 

The  Form  of  Church  Government.  This  was  Episcopal.  In 
England,  at  the  Restoration,  the  old  Church  polity  was  very 
easily  restored,  and  with  the  full  approval  of  the  great  majority 
of  the  English  nation.  Bishops  and  the  other  arrangements 

episcopacy  had  for  a  time  been  suppressed,  but  still  the 
people  hankered  after  them,  and  very  willingly  returned  to  them 

It  was  different  in  Scotland.  Though  now  and  then  since 
formation,  Episcopacy,  by  royal  favour  and  power 


INTRODUCTION.  xxiii 

became  the  Established  Church,  yet  the  change,  when  not 
keenly  opposed,  was  rather  outwardly  submitted  to  than  heartily 
adopted  and  approved.  Presbyterianism  seemed  more  suited  to 
the  genius  of  the  Scotch  in  matters  ecclesiastical.  And  had 
they  been  left  to  their  own  free  will,  uninterfered  with  by  royal 
power  or  local  influence,  everything  seems  to  show  that  they 
would  have  preferred  a  church  on  Presbyterian  lines.  Nothing 
could  drive  a  large  portion  of  them  to  abandon  that  and  acqui 
esce  in  Episcopacy,  not  the  dread  persecutions  and  cruelties  of 
twenty-five  years.  And  although  in  the  Northern  parts  of  the 
country,  particularly  in  Aberdeenshire,  under  the  wise  and  con 
siderate  rule  of  Patrick  Scougal,  who  was  Bishop  during  the 
greater  portion  of  the  period  we  are  dealing  with,  ministers  and 
people  so  far  conformed  to  prelacy,  yet  there  cannot  have  been 
any  great  heart  attachment  to  it.  But  for  the  fact  that  the  lairds 
of  the  district  mostly  adhered  to  Episcopacy,  and  that  the  sur 
vival  of  something  of  the  old  feudal  spirit  and  feeling  of  clanship 
led  the  people  to  follow,  or  at  least  not  to  oppose  the  laird,  we 
doubt  if  matters  even  here  would  have  gone  as  smoothly  as 
they  did.  Dr.  Cunningham's  words  in  regard  to  the  Reforma 
tion  from  Popery  may,  in  a  measure,  be  applied  to  the  restora 
tion  of  Episcopacy,  "  Feudalism  was  still  strong  in  Scotland, 
and  the  faith  of  the  lord  naturally  became  the  faith  of  the 
retainer."  ("Church  History"  I.,  218.) 

We  are  not  saying  these  things  in  a  partizan  spirit.  Our 
duty  and  our  wish  are  to  state  the  truth  as  far  as  we  can  discover 
it,  not  to  act  as  special  pleader  for  any  party  or  system.  All 
our  study  of  the  period,  indeed  of  the  history  of  Scotland  from 
the  Reformation  in  1560  to  the  Revolution  in  1688,  constrains 
us  to  conclude  that  the  country  at  heart  was  Presbyterian,  that 
Presbyterianism  and  not  Episcopacy  was  the  Church  polity 
favoured  and  desired  by  the  great  majority  of  the  people.  There 


xxiv  INTRODUCTION. 

might  be,  we  think  there  was,  a  time  when,  under  the  wise  and 
tolerant  rule  of  such  Bishops  as  Lcighton  of  Dunblane  and 
Scougal  of  Aberdeen,  Episcopacy  might  have  been  accepted. 
But  Archbishops  and  Bishops  such  as  Sharp  and  others,  his  and 
their  contemporaries  and  successors,  destroyed  its  every  chance. 
The  people  might  have  been  led  into  prelacy,  but  would  not  be 
driven  or  dragooned  into  it.  The  dour  Scottish  spirit  and  sturdy 
Scottish  character  made  that  impossible.  This  is  not  simply  our 
conclusion.  It  is  the  conclusion  come  to  by  fair  and  candid 
writers,  whether  Episcopalian  or  Presbyterian.  Stephen  (Epis 
copalian)  in  his  "History  of  the  Scottish  Church"  (II.,  338)  says 
very  truly  "  Many  things  shew  that  moderate  constitutional 
Episcopacy  never  had  a  chance  in  Scotland  under  the  Stuarts." 

We  can  do  little  more  than  indicate  the.  measures  adopted, 
and  the  methods  taken  by  the  king  and  his  supporters  for  the 
overthrow  of  Presbyterianism  and  the  establishment  of  Epis 
copacy.  These  are  well  known. 

In  January  1661  the  Scottish  parliament,  at  the  instigation 
of  Commissioner  Middleton,  passed  the  famous  Redssory  Act, 
which  pronounced  illegal  and  cancelled  all  the  legislation  of  the 
last  twenty-five  years,  thus  sweeping  away  at  one  stroke  every 
thing  done  by  the  Presbyterian  Church,  or  in  its  favour,  during 
that  period.  The  result  of  course  was  the  abolition  of  Presbytery 
as  the  Established  Church,  and  the  restoration  of  Episcopacy,  by 
what  means  and  with  what  consequences  we  know.  Act  after 
Act  was  passed  to  compel  conformity  to  the  Established  Church 
and  attendance  on  its  worship.  Persecution,  a  persecution  in 
some  of  its  aspects  of  the  cruellest  and  most  revolting  kind,  was 
tried,  but  in  vain.  The  Presbyterian  spirit  could  neither  be  re 
pressed  nor  destroyed.  The  harshness  led  to  reprisals.  It  is 
sure  to  be  so  in  such  circumstances  as  those  then  existing  in 


INTRODUCTION.  XXV 

Scotland.  When  the  law  fails  to  give  the  protection  it  should, 
and  under  its  name  injustice  and  cruelty  are  perpetrated,  men 
are  apt  to  take  the  law  into  their  own  hands,  and  wreak  a  rude 
vengeance  on  the  wrongdoer.  It  is  most  unfortunate  when  this 
is  so.  But  the  blame,  for  it  is  not  altogether  on  one  side.  No 
impartial  person  will  deny  that  by  Presbyterians,  in  these  times 
of  persecution,  deeds  were  done  all  now  regret  and  condemn. 
No  more  will  any  one  deny  that  the  provocation  was  great,  the 
sufferings  that  had  to  be  borne,  if  men  would  not  conform  to  an 
Ecclesiastical  system  of  which  in  their  consciences  they  dis 
approved,  were  more  than  human  nature  can  patiently  endure. 
There  seemed  no  hope  of  relief. 

We  do  not  mean,  it  would  be  most  unfair  to  do  so,  to  lay  on 
Episcopacy  all  the  blame  of  what  happened  during  these  twenty- 
six  years  of  persecution.  We  gladly  say  so.  It  was,  we  believe, 
not  the  system  itself  which  was  so  objectionable  to  the  Scottish 
people,  but  the  steps  taken  and  the  means  used  to  force  it  on  the 
nation.  Where  wisely  and  considerately  administered,  as  it  was 
by  Leighton  and  Scougal,  all,  on  the  whole,  went  on  smoothly, 
the  people  in  general  conforming.  Its  Bishops,  however,  except 
Leighton  and  Scougal,  and  perhaps  one  or  two  others,  were  not 
men  beloved  and  trusted  by  the  people.  It  was  in  a  great 
measure,  the  way  in  which  the  Bishops  and  other  supporters 
of  Episcopacy  acted  that  proved  so  fatal  to  the  system,  and 
raised  against  it  in  the  hearts  of  the  Scottish  people  a  feeling,  a 
prejudice,  not  altogether  dead  even  at  the  present  day.  And  so 
when  at  length  the  Stuarts  were  driven  from  the  throne,  and  the 
will  of  the  nation  could  be  freely  expressed,  Scottish  Presbytery 
triumphed.  Its  vitality  still  survived,  notwithstanding  all  that 
had  been  done  to  crush  it,  and  cow  the  people  into  submission. 
The  readiness  with  which  the  great  majority  of  the  nation, 


xxvi  INTRODUCTION. 

ministers  and  people  alike,  conformed  once  more  to  Presby 
tery,  shows,  we  think,  that  Episcopacy  had  taken  no  great 
hold  on  the  people. 

Comino-  to  the  events  of  our  district  we  find  that  when  Epis- 

O 

copacy  was  restored  all  the  ministers  in  Alford  Presbytery  con 
formed.  In  Aberdeenshire  the  great  majority  did  so.  The 
Bishops  of  Aberdeen  seem  to  have  acted  prudently  and  con 
siderately.  Patrick  Scougal,  who  was  Bishop  for  nearly  eighteen 
of  the  twenty-six  years  of  Episcopacy,  was  a  man  of  highest 
character  and  moderate  views,  whose  bearing  tended  to  conciliate 
opposition,  not  to  provoke  it.  The  consequence  was  that,  on  the 
whole,  all  went  peaceably  in  his  diocese.  We  have  no  record  here 
of  tyrannous  conduct  towards  and  cruel  persecutions  of  Presby 
terians,  such  as  took  place  in  other  dioceses  ;  and  which  form  so 
dark  and  disgraceful  a  page  in  Scottish  history.  No  doubt  this  was, 
in  part  at  least,  owing  to  the  conduct  of  the  ministers  and  people 
themselves.  The  former  conformed,  and  the  people  seem  to 
have  adhered  to  their  ministers.  And  when  anyone  did  begin 
to  have  scruples  the  Bishop's  advice  to  the  Presbyteries  was  to 
deal  tenderly  with  him.  This  allowed  time  for  reflection,  and 
so  did  not  irritate  and  harden  the  doubter  as  hasty  and  harsh 
measures  would  almost  certainly  have  done.  Thus  did  Bishop 
Scougal  follow  the  things  that  make  for  peace,  and  he  had  his 
reward  in  the  peace  that  prevailed  generally  in  his  diocese. 

Even  here,  however,  in  Alford  Presbytery,  we  can  see  now 
and  then  evidence  in  the  proceedings  of  the  Presbytery  that  the 
patience  and  submission  of  ministers  and  people  were  sometimes 
severely  enough  strained.  As  time  passes  on,  complaints  begin 
to  be  made  that  the  thanksgivings  in  honour  of  the  king,  are  not 
so  well  attended  as  they  used  to  be.  Occasionally  it  is  even 
stated  that  no  one  or  very  few  came  to  the  service.  This  of 


INTRODUCTION.  XXVli 

itself  shows  the  waning  popularity  of  the  king,  that  the  people 
had  lost  their  regard  for  him. 

Again  the  Bishop  himself  is  said  to  have  been  opposed  to 
the  Test  Act  of  1681.  This  Act  placed  Church  and  people  alike 
at  the  mercy  of  the  king.  It  required  every  person  who  held 
any  office  whatever  to  swear  that  he  "acknowledged  the  king  to 
be  supreme  in  all  causes  and  over  all  persons,  both  civil  and 
ecclesiastical  ;  that  he  would  never  consult  about  any  matter  of 
State  without  His  Majesty's  express  licence  or  command ;  and 
never  endeavour  any  alteration  in  the  government  of  the 
country."  The  nation  began  to  be  alarmed  at  such  Acts. 
Clergy  and  politicians  alike  were  roused,  and  raised  objections — 
all  except  those  who  in  parliament,  without  either  spirit  or 
patriotism,  had  passed  the  Act.  So  formidable  did  the  opposi 
tion  become  that  an  Act  of  Council  sanctioned  by  the  king  was 
passed,  with  the  object  of  explaining  the  difficulties  of  objectors, 
and  smoothing  down  the  rising  discontent.  Most  were  so  far 
satisfied.  Some  eighty  of  the  clergy  in  Scotland,  however,  re 
fused  to  take  the  oath,  and  left  their  parishes  rather  than  do  so. 
In  Alford  Presbytery  the  same  objections  as  elsewhere  were  felt 
against  the  Act.  Two  ministers  at  anyrate  were  deprived  of 
their  livings  for  refusing  to  take  the  Test,  viz  :  Adam  Barclay, 
Keig;  and  William  Burnett,  Kildrummy.  Two  more  viz:  James 
Irvine,  Cabrach,  and  Thomas  Gairdyne,  Clatt,  were  probably 
removed  for  the  same  reason,  as  they  also  left  their  parishes  in 
1681.  Then  William  Johnstone  who  is  mentioned  in  our 
"  Record  "  as  not  "cleared  of  scruples  anent  the  Test  Act" 
(p.  329)  is  said  to  have  been  ordained  at  Kearn  without  taking 
the  Test. 


xxviii  INTRODUCTION. 

Church  Courts.  Under  Episcopacy  these  were  three  in 
number  viz  :  the  Kirk-Session,  the  Presbytery,  and  the  Synod. 
The  General  Assembly  was  suppressed,  but  otherwise  there  was 
little  change. 

The  Kirk-Session.  This  existed  in  each  parish  very  much 
as  at  present.  It  consisted  of  the  minister  and  a  certain  number 
of  men  generally  chosen  for  their  influence  and  social  position. 
(As  to  their  duties,  &c.,  see  p.  3  and  Note  6  p.  401.)  In  these 
olden  times  the  office  of  elder  was  often  neither  very  popular, 
nor  much  coveted,  and  no  wonder  considering  the  nature  and 
amount  of  work  elders  had  to  do.  In  the  time  of  the  "Curates," 
refusal  to  accept  office  became  so  common  that  "  King  Charles 
issued  a  proclamation  empowering  them  to  make  their  own 
selection  of  elders  in  their  respective  parishes,  and  ordering 
those  so  chosen  to  accept  office  within  fifteen  days  under  pain 
of  rebellion."  ("St.  Giles'  Lectures,"  p.  229.) 

The  Presbytery  (or  Exercise).  This  consisted  of  the  minis 
ters  of  so  many  parishes.  Under  Presbytery,  the  moderator — 
the  president  of  the  meetings — was  appointed  by  the  members 
themselves,  and  was  frequently  changed,  each  member  in  turn 
taking  the  duty.  But  under  Episcopacy  the  moderator  was 
appointed  by  the  Bishop  and  generally  the  same  minister  was 
continued  for  a  number  of  years.  In  some  Dioceses  the  Presby 
teries  were,  occasionally  at  least,  permitted  to  appoint  their 
moderators.  There  are  instances  of  this  being  done  in  Dunblane 
Synod  under  Leighton.  Here,  however,  the  appointments  seem 
to  have  been  always  made  by  the  Bishops. 

The  Presbyteries  met  frequently,  and  the  meetings  were 
often  lengthy,  beginning  early  in  the  day,  and  sometimes  con 
tinuing  till  late  in  the  evening.  The  meeting  was  opened  by 


INTRODUCTION.  XXIX 

prayer.       Then   one  of  the   members — each    in    turn — had    an 
"  exercise "    on    some    portion    of    Scripture    prescribed    at    a 

previous  meeting.      The  appointment  runs  thus,  "  Mr. 

was  appointed  to  'exercise,'  or  to  'exercise  and  add,'  or  Mr. 
to  'exercise,'  and  Mr.  'to  add."  The  ''exer 
cising"  was  expounding  the  portion  of  Scripture,  the  "adding" 
was  making  additional  remarks.  Then  the  other  members  ex 
pressed  their  opinions  of  the  performance.  These  were  not 
always  laudatory,  but  at  times  bluntly  candid.  For  instance, 
on  p.  157  we  read,  "Mr.  John  Irving  having  exercised 
and  he  being  censured  for  some  imprudence  and 
want  of  exact  method  of  exercise  and  addition,  was  gravely 
admonished  therefor." 

It  was  from  this  practice  of  the  brethren  "exercising"  at 
their  meetings,  that  what  we  now  call  the  "  Presbytery  "  was  at 
first  and  occasionally  afterwards  called  the  "  Exercise." 

Far  the  greater  portion  of  the  time  at  the  meetings  of  the 
Presbytery  was  taken  up  with  Discipline  cases.  Every  step  in 
every  case  had  to  be  reported  to  the  Presbytery  by  the  Session, 
and  instructions  given  as  to  further  procedure.  Under  the  head 
"  Discipline,"  p.  xxxv,  we  speak  more  particularly  of  these  cases. 

Then  among  other  duties  of  the  Presbytery  was  the  examin 
ing  of  young  men  for  licence  to  preach.  Also  when  the  proba 
tioner  received  a  presentation  to  a  parish,  it  was  lodged  with 
the  Bishop,  who  remitted  him  to  the  Presbytery  to  be  taken  on 
trials  for  ordination.  As  to  trials  for  licence  and  ordination  see 
Note  8,  p.  402. 

Regular  attendance  at  Presbytery  meetings  was  required. 
The  names  of  the  "absents"  are  always  entered  in  the  minute, 
and  those  absent  had  to  give  a  satisfactory  reason  for  their 


xxx  INTRODUCTION. 

absence,  or  be  censured,  sometimes  also  fined.  The  members, 
too,  had  to  attend  during  the  whole  meeting,  not  merely  put  in 
an  appearance  and  then  depart. 

The  Synod.     The  Synod  consisted  of  a  certain  number  of 
Presbyteries.      It  is  now  called  the  Provincial  Synod,  because  it 
embraces  a  district  or  province  of  the  country.     Under  Episco 
pacy  it  was  called  the  Diocesan  Synod,  because  it  was  formed  of 
the  ministers  in  a  Bishop's  Diocese.     The  Synods  usually  met 
twice  a  year,  and  the  meetings  lasted  for  at  least  two  or  three 
days.     The    Bishop    presided    over    the    meetings,    though    his 
power  was  not  absolute— the  enactments  always  running  thus— 
"The  Bishop,   with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the  Synod." 
In  its  power  and  jurisdiction  the  Synod  then  more  resembled 
the  General  Assembly  than  the  Synod  of  the  present  day.      It 
supervised,  we  may  say,  all  the  actings  of  the  inferior  courts- 
Presbytery  and  Session— passed  Acts  and  framed  rules  for  tfie 
government  of  the  church  in  such  things  as  worship,  discipline, 
&c.      It  examined  the  Registers  or  Minute  Books  of  the  several 
Presbyteries,  just  as   the   Presbyteries   examined   those  of  the 
respective  Sessions  within  their  bounds.     (Here  we  cannot  help 
remarking  that  we  see  from  our  "Record,"  that  every  Session  and 
Presbytery  had  its  Register,  though  unhappily  most  of  these  old 
parish  Registers  are  entirely  lost).     At  the  meetings  there  was  a 
"diet  for  privy  censure,"   each    Presbytery  having  to  undergo 
that.     At  the  Synod,  as  at  the  Presbytery,  stringent  rules  were 
made  to  ensure  the  attendance  of  the  members. 

Worship.  Under  Episcopacy  in  Scotland  there  was  very 
little  difference  in  the  mode  of  worship  from  what  it  had  been 
under  Presbytery.  So  far  as  we  can  see,  almost  the  only 
differences  were  that,  in  the  Episcopal  period,  ministers  more 


INTRODUCTION.  XXXI 

frequently  used  the  Lord's  Prayer,  the  Creed,  and  the  Doxology, 
had  religious  services  on  Christmas  day,  and  frequently  the 
Communion  at  Easter,  and  also  observed  certain  anniversaries, 
especially  the  izj-th  of  October,  and  the  2Qth  of  May,  the  anni 
versaries  of  the  king's  birth  and  restoration. 

Somehow  it  used  to  be  the  idea,  we  rather  think  it  is  so  yet 
in  some  quarters,  that  the  great  distinction  between  Episco 
palians  and  Presbyterians  in  Scotland  was  that,  in  worship,  the 
former  used  a  liturgy,  the  latter  did  not,  that,  by  the  Scotch, 
Episcopacy  was  disliked  and  contended  against  from  disapproval 
of  a  liturgical  service — read  prayers,  &c.  Indeed,  the  popular 
opinion  in  regard  to  the  Jenny  Geddes  riot  in  St.  Giles's,  in 
1637,  seems  to  be  that  it  was  caused  by  the  officiating  clergyman 
attempting  to  read  prayers  in  that  day's  service.  This  is  an 
entire  mistake.  For  eighty-five  years — from  1 560-1645 — a  liturgy 
was  in  use  in  the  Church  of  Scotland,  viz:  from  1560-1564 
the  Book  of  Geneva  and  from  1564-1645  the  Book  of  Common 
Order  —  Knoxs  Liturgy.  That  very  morning,  as  is  well 
known,  the  prayers  would,  as  usual,  be  read  from  the  Book  of 
Common  Order.  The  objection — what  roused  the  people  and 
caused  the  outbreak — was,  not  reading  prayers  from  a  Book, 
but  the  attempt  to  introduce  a  neiv  Book — Laud 's  Liticrgy — and 
so  supersede  what  the  people  regarded  as  specially  their  own 
liturgy — introduce,  as  the  masses  thought,  a  liturgy  tinged  with 
popery.  After  the  riot  was  over,  and  matters  had  settled  down, 
the  Book  of  Common  Order  continued  to  be  used  as  before,  not 
exclusively,  it  is  right  to  say,  for  liberty  was  granted  to  use 
extempore  prayers  as  well.  It  was  quite  customary  to  have  in 
the  same  service  the  prayers  partly  read  and  partly  (so  called) 
extempore.  It  was  not  till  after  the  Westminster  Directory  was 
drawn  up  and  adopted  (1645)  that  the  Book  of  Common  Order 


XXX11  INTRODUCTION. 

ceased  to  be  used.  But  when  Episcopacy  was  restored  in  1662, 
the  Westminster  Directory  was  discarded,  and  the  Book  of 
Common  Order  enjoined.  It  continued  in  use  throughout  the 
Episcopal  period  we  have  to  deal  with — the  Episcopal  Church 
using  the  Presbyterian  liturgy,  in  a  great  measure  just  as  the 
Presbyterians  themselves  had  done. 

On  Sundays  the  congregations  generally — in  summer  at 
least — met  twice  for  worship.  The  services  were  what  now  we 
would  consider  very  long.  If  the  two  services  were  not  held, 
the  Presbytery  inquired  into  the  reason  of  the  omission.  Some 
times  curious  reasons  were  given.  For  instance,  the  minister 
of  Glenbucket  when  called  to  account  by  the  Presbytery  for  not 
preaching  in  the  afternoon  in  summer,  excused  himself  by 
saying  what  hindered  him  was,  "the  falling  down  of  the  uvula 
of  his  craig,  occasioned  by  his  preaching  in  the  forenoon, 
but  that  in  place  thereof  he  frequently  catechised."  The  excuse 
was  sustained. 

Account,  too,  was  regularly  taken  as  to  the  dispensation  of 
the  communion  in  the  several  parishes.  It  was  also  ordered  that 
the  texts  from  which  the  ministers  preached  should  be  regularly 
entered  in  the  Session  Books. 

But  ecclesiastical  supervision  did  not  stop  here — ministerial 
dress  as  well  as  ministerial  duty  was  regulated  by  the  Church 
Courts.  It  is  said  that  previous  to  the  Reformation  the  Scottish 
clergy  wore  showy  garments.  The  Protestant  clergy,  however, 
disapproved  of  these.  They,  we  are  told,  "clothed  themselves 
in  hodden  grey,  wore  coloured  neckerchiefs,  and  gowns  of  blue 
serge."  In  the  Highlands,  ministers  wore  the  Highland  dress. 
At  a  meeting  of  the  Synod  of  Moray  in  1624,  report  was  made 
that  "the  brethren  haunts  the  Presbytrie  with  uncomly  habits, 
such  as  bonats,  plaides  ;  whairfor  the  Assembly  ordaines  them 


INTRODUCTION.  XXXlii 

not  to  haunt  the  Presbytrie  any  mair  with  uncomly  habitts." 
The  order  does  not  seem  to  have  been  universally  obeyed.  In 
1671  a  Mr.  Rodericke  M'Kenzie  is  ordained  by  the  Presbytery 
of  Inverness  "to  goe  in  a  ministeriall  habite  when  he  went  to 
set  about  any  pairt  of  his  work"  ("Inverness,  &c.  Presbytery 
Records,"  p.  11).  The  habit  ministers  were  ordained  to  wear  is 
thus  given  in  our  "  Record"  (pp.  5  and  34),  they  are  to  "have  a 
cassock  coat,"  and  "  abstaine  from  all  lyght  and  new  fangled 

garments  in  colour  and  fashion and  in  particular 

that  they  have  not  powdered  or  long  hair,  varietie  or  multitude 
of  ribbons,  varietie  in  their  linnens."  Buj:  the  General  Assembly, 
which  at  first  tried  to  regulate  everything,  undertook  what  now 
at  anyrate  would  be  a  rather  hopeless  task,  to  regulate  the  dress 
not  merely  of  the  ministers,  but  also  of  their  wives.  They  were 
forbidden  to  wear  "  all  kinds  of  light  and  variant  hues  in  cloth 
ing,  as  red,  blue,  yellow,  and  such  like  "  ;  also  "  silk  hats  and 
hats  of  divers  bright  colours,  also  rings,  bracelets,  buttons  of 
silver,  gold,  and  other  metal." 

But  the  people  were  looked  after  as  well  as  the  ministers. 
If  the  ministers  were  compelled  to  have  services,  care  was  taken 
that  the  people  should  attend  these.  By  Episcopalians  and 
Presbyterians  alike  attendance  on  worship  was  rigorously  en 
forced.  Whichever  party  was  in  power  all  had  to  conform  to 
that,  or  suffer  persecution.  Religious  toleration  was  unknown. 
The  adherents,  too,  of  the  Church  had  to  be  regularly  at  the 
services,  or  give  a  satisfactory  excuse  for  absence.  (Under 
Discipline,  we  mention  some  of  the  means  taken  to  enforce 
attendance.) 

Gaelic  does  not  seem  to  have  been  used  in  the  Church 
services  in  our  bounds.  We  infer  this  from  its  never  being 
mentioned  in  connection  with  the  settlement  of  ministers  in  our 


xxxiv  TNTRODUCTIOX. 

Presbytery.      It  was,  however,  the  language  generally  spoken  at 
this  time  in  the  upper  part  of  the  Presbytery,  and  was  taught 
in   the  schools.       Indeed,    it  continued  to  be  so   long  aft 
period.      In    1745  the  Presbytery  is  asked  to  retain  the  service 
of  a  Mr   M'Lennan,  the  itinerant  preacher  at  Corgarff,  because 
of  his  great  usefulness,   and  success  in  keeping  the  people  from 
going  over  to  Popery,    "on  account  of    his    having    the    Inst 
language."      As  late    as    1766  schoolmasters   were    required 
teach  "  Erse"  as  well  as  English  in  the  "  Highland  parishes  of 
the  Presbytery,  Strathclon,  &c."     There  was  also  in  the  Presby 
tery  what  is  called  the  "  Highland  Library,"  kept  sometimes  at 
one  manse,  sometimes  at  another.    A  list  of  the  books  is  entered 
in  the  Presbytery  Record,   6th    December,    1710. 
the  books  are,  we  believe,  still  in  existence,  and  are  in  a  library 
in  Strathdon  parish, 

Fast  Days.  At  this  period  in  our  district,  there,  do  not  seem 
to  have  been  any  Fast  days  so-called,  or  preaching  days,  in 
connection  with  the  observance  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  though 
they  were  common  enough  in  the  South  of  Scotland  at  the  time. 
For  other  purposes,  however,  fast  days,  thanksgivings,  days  of 
humiliation,  &c.,  were  frequent  enough.  They  were  held  for 
objects  both  national  and  local,  for  victories  or  defeats,  pestilence, 
bad  or  good  harvests,  and  the  like. 

Catechising.  Another  feature  of  the  ecclesiastical  life  of  the 
time  was  the  Catechisings.  These  were  connected  with  the 
minister's  visitations  of  his  parish.  They  might  be  held  in  each 
family.  More  generally,  however,  the  parish  was  divided  into 
districts,  and  so  many  families— old  and  young,  masters  and 
servants— met  at  certain  places,  the  school,  or  a  farmer's 
kitchen,  or  other  suitable  place.  Devotional  exercises  were 


INTRODUCTION.  XXXV 

engaged  in  ;  but  the  great  feature  of  the  meetings  was  the 
exercise  in  the  Shorter  Catechism.  So  many  questions  in  it 
were  gone  over,  the  minister  "asking"  a  question,  and  each 
one  present  in  his  or  her  turn  having  to  repeat  the  answer. 
Sometimes  all,  old  and  young  alike,  had  to  "say  a  question." 
Then  the  minister  asked  or  gave  an  explanation  of  what  had 
been  said.  Some  ministers  bore  a  great  character  for  their 
"  Catacheesings,"  and  were  quite  a  terror  to  those  not  well  up 
in  the  "  Carritches."  Still,  all  attended,  no  one  in  those  times 
daring  to  be  absent  without  a  good  reason.  The  practice  is  a 
thing  of  the  past,  scarcely  if  at  all  known  now-a-days,  although 
the  name  is  sometimes  given  to  the  minister's  visitations  at  the 
present  day. 

Discipline.  This  in  each  parish  was  the  business  of  the 
minister  and  his  elders  (the  Kirk -Session).  Matters,  civil  as  well 
as  ecclesiastical,  came  under  their  cognisance  and  jurisdiction. 
In  these  former  times  the  church  concerned  itself  with  the  life 
of  the  people  in  a  way  and  to  an  extent  we  can  scarcely  under 
stand,  and  which  would  neither  be  attempted  nor  submitted  to 
now-a-days.  In  addition  to  breaches  of  the  seventh  command 
ment,  the  elders  had  to  look  after  such  things  as  the  following: — • 
those  not  attending  the  church,  swearing,  drunkenness,  charm 
ing,  quarrels  in  families,  people  "  ilyting "  each  other,  try  to 
reconcile  ill-matched  couples  and  quarrelsome  neighbours,  report 
as  to  people  frequenting  alehouses,  sometimes  visit  these  on 
Sabbath  previous  to  Church  service  in  order  to  bring  those 
found  in  them  to  Church,  also  visit  them  after  the  service  was 
over  to  see  that  people  did  not  remain  too  long  in  them. 

As  alehouses  are  frequently  referred  to  in  our  "  Record"  we 
may  say  a  word  regarding  them.  They  were  very  common  in 
the  country  at  this  period,  though  not  very  conducive  to  the 


xxxvi  INTRODUCTION. 

moral  improvement  of  the  people,  if  we  may  judge  from  the 
allusions  made  to  them  in  the  Church  Courts.  At  nearly  every 
Church  was  the  little  hamlet — the  Kirktown  or  Ciachan — and  in 
it  at  least  one  alehouse,  frequently  more  than  one.  Often  yet  we 
find  around  the  country  kirk  a  little  quaint  old  village,  and  in  it 
not  unfrequently  a  licensed  house.  In  not  a  few  places,  how 
ever,  the  "  Kirktoun"  with  its  alehouse  has  entirely  disappeared, 
though  in  old  Records  we  find  both  mentioned  as  existing  where 
there  is  no  "  toun  "  now,  not  even  a  solitary  cottage. 

Most  of  the  Records  of  Kirk-Sessions  of  this  period  have 
been  lost.  There  can  be  no  doubt,  however,  that  their  meetings, 
as  well  as  those  of  Presbytries,  were,  in  a  great  measure,  taken 
up  with  discipline  cases.  These  in  general  came  first  before  the 
Session,  but  for  one  reason  or  another  had  almost  always  to 
come  before  the  Presbytery  also.  In  this  way  we  get,  from 
the  minutes  of  Presbytery,  a  good  idea  of  the  nature  and  amount 
of  work  Sessions  had  to  do. 

The  punishment  or  penalties  inflicted  on  offenders  were 
varied  enough  and  often  severe  enough.  Some  of  them,  such 
as  the  public  appearance  in  Church  before  the  congregation 
Sabbath  after  Sabbath  must  have  had  a  crushing  effect  on  a 
person  any  way  sensitive,  a  hardening  effect  on  those  already 
hardened. 

The  most  common  form  of  punishment  was  public  appear 
ance  in  Church.  Every  Church  at  that  time  had  three  things, 
whatever  else  it  wanted  -  -  the  pulpit  for  the  minister,  the 
"  lateran  "  (desk)  for  the  precentor,  and  the  "place  or  stool  of 
repentance"  for  offenders.  In  the  erection  and  division  of 
Churches  provision  was  made  for  the  stool  of  repentance,  and  a 
place  set  apart  for  it  (see  Tough,  p.  137).  This  latter  was 


INTRODUCTION.  xxxvii 

generally  an  open  space  in  front  of  the  pulpit,  and  in  it  was 
placed  the  "stool"  or  "pillar"  of  repentance.  On  this  the 
subject  of  discipline  sat.  In  all  cases  public  appearance  in 
Church  for  a  prescribed  number  of  times  had  to  be  made, 
and  public  rebuke  received.  In  the  more  serious  cases,  such 
as  adultery,  &c.,  the  offender  had  to  appear  in  sackcloth  (in 
sacco]  and  "  bareheaded  "  — "  barefooted  "  and  with  "one  side 
of  the  head  shaven  "  are  also  sometimes  added,  though  the  two 
latter  are  not  mentioned  in  our  "  Record."  In  this  guise,  and  in 
face  of  the  congregation,  he  had  to  sit  on  the  stool  of  repentance 
Sunday  after  Sunday.  There  are  instances  of  this  being  con 
tinued  for  six  months,  even  longer.  Also  when  the  scandal  was 
connected  with  other  parishes  the  delinquent  was  condemned 
to  go  through  the  same  process  in  the  different  Churches. 
The  reason  for  being  "bareheaded"  was  this:  at  the  time,  the 
custom  was  for  the  people  to  sit  in  Church  with  the  head 
covered.  Those  guilty  of  offences  sat  in  the  place  of  repentance 
"  bareheaded,"  and  were  thus  distinguished  from  the  rest  of  the 
congregation,  and  exposed  to  public  gaze. 

Another  form  of  punishment  frequent  throughout  Scotland 
was  the  "jougs."  An  iron  collar  was  put  round  the  neck,  and 
fastened  by  a  chain  to  a  tree,  or  pillar,  near  the  Church  door,  or 
to  the  wall  of  the  Church,  and  the  offender  had  to  stand  chained 
day  after  day,  seen  by  all  the  people  as  they  passed  by  to  the 
Church.  This  was  a  punishment  inflicted  by  the  civil  courts  as 
well  as  by  the  Church.  Each  burgh  would  seem  to  have  had  its 
"jougs,"  and  an  officer  to  carry  out  its  sentences — take  those  so 
sentenced  to  the  cross,  and  put  the  "jougs"  on  them.  As  late 
as  1 703  the  Magistrates  of  Banff  order  a  certain  Elizabeth  Syme, 
for  cursing  her  mistress  and  other  reviling  expressions  used,  "  to 
be  banished  furth  of  the  town,  and  if  she  return  she  is  to  be 


INTRODUCTION. 


scourged  by  the  hand  of  the  hangman,  and  put  in  the  joggs." 
("Annals  of  Banff,"  New  Spalding  Club,  1.  175.)  In  our  "Record" 
there  is  no  mention  of  any  one  sentenced  to  stand  in  the  "jougs," 
though  the  punishment  was  quite  commonly  inilicted  by  the 
Church  Courts  at  this  period.  For  instance,  in  "  Annals  of 
Banff"  (under  "77/6'  Church,")  II.  48-9,  Dr.  Cramond  gives  these 
cases,  "  October  2  (1670),  Janet  Sherrae  for  her  lewd  conversa 
tion  is  ordained  to  stand  in  joggs  and  sackcloth";  and  again, 
"July  26  (1673),  Patrick  Moorison  and  his  wife,  for  their 
scandalous  carriage  to  one  another,  are  enjoyned  the  following 
Sabbath  in  sacco  to  stand  in  joggs  betwixt  the  second  and  third 
bell,  then  incontinentlie  to  betake  themselves  to  the  public  stool 
of  repentance,  and  with  open  voice  before  the  whole  congrega 
tion  acknowledge  their  offensive  behaviour." 

Fines  or  "pecunial  penalties"  were  also  exacted  as  part  of 
the  discipline.  Sometimes  offenders  compounded  for  appearing 
on  the  stool  of  repentance  by  paying  a  heavy  fine;  also  by 
paying  something  more  than  the  usual  penalty  parties  were  let 
off  with  fewer  appearances  before  the  congregation.  For 
instance,  in  Keig  Session  Record  such  entries  as  the  following 
occur  —  1755  October  5,  a  woman  pleads  to  be  absolved  for  one 
appearance  before  the  congregation  ....  and  promises 
to  give  more  than  the  ordinary  penalty  if  this  is  agreed  to.  It 
is  agreed  to,  and  the  penalty  is  made  "  ios.,  33.  more  than 
ordinary."  On  January  4th  1756,  a  man  urges  a  similar  plea, 
and  is  absolved  for  one  day's  appearance,  paying  "  £6,  £2  more 
than  usual."  But  "  the  Session,  finding  all  urging  the  same 
plea,"  it  was  agreed  on  February  i5th  "to  absolve  none  in 
future  except  on  payment  of  £S  Scots,  ^4  more  than  the  usual 
penalty." 


INTRODUCTION.  XXXIX 

The  fines  in  connection  with  discipline  came,  and  that 
naturally  enough,  to  be  regarded  as  buying  an  indulgence,  pur 
chasing  pardon.  They  went  mainly  for  the  support  of  the  poor. 
Their  exaction  continued  long,  in  some  places  to  a  period 
within  the  recollection  of  people  still  living.  In  the  course  of 
time  payment  of  the  money  became  very  unpopular.  Sessions 
had  great  difficulty  in  enforcing  payment.  Gradually  the  thing 
was  given  up,  discipline  in  this  respect  as  in  others  undergoing 
great  changes. 

Another  form  of  discipline  was  Excommunication.  This  was 
to  be  pronounced  on  what  were  called  ''obstinate  offenders." 
When  the  means  taken  to  bring  a  man  to  the  confession  of  his 
sin  and  submission  to  the  Church's  discipline  failed,  on  him  the 
sentence  of  excommunication  was  pronounced.  Until  he  re 
pented  and  received  the  Church's  absolution  he  was  regarded 
as  given  over  to  Satan.  "  None,  saving  his  wife  and  family 
might  have  any  dealings  in  eating  or  drinking,  in  buying  or 
selling,  in  saluting  or  talking  with  the  excommunicated  man." 
(See  further  on  this  subject  Note  7.,  p.  402.) 

The  Church  often  had  its  difficulties  in  getting  offenders  to 
submit.  Against  those  refusing  a  long  process  had  to  be  gone 
through — thrice  cited,  thrice  prayed  for,  perhaps  the  names 
intimated  from  all  the  pulpits  in  the  Presbytery,  &c.,  all  the 
resources  of  the  Church  put  in  operation.  We  have  a  good 
instance  of  this  in  the  case  of  Innes  of  Sinnahard.  By  persis 
tence  the  Church  generally  prevailed  in  the  end,  no  matter 
what  might  be  the  offender's  rank  or  station.  The  great  did 
not  escape.  As  far  back  as  1574,  the  General  Assembly  had 
enacted  that  "great  men  offending  in  sic  crymes  as  deserves 
sackcloath,  they  shall  receive  the  sament  as  well  as  the  puire." 
("  Book  of  Universal  Kirk"  p.  139.)  In  our  "  Record  "  many 


xl  INTRODUCTION. 

cases  occur  of  persons  threatening  not  to  submit,  and  resisting 
for  a  time,  but  in  the  end  being  compelled  to  yield.  Instances 
might  be  given  of  the  highest  in  the  land  undergoing  the 
severest,  and  what  would  now  be  considered  the  most  humiliat 
ing  censures,  e.g.  in  1567,  Lady  Argyle,  for  "giving  her 
assistance  and  presence  to  the  baptizing  of  the  king  in  ane 
papisticall  manner  "  was  ordained  "  to  make  publick  repentance 
in  the  Chapell  Royall  of  Stirling,  upon  ane  Sunday,  in  tyme  of 
preaching.''  ("  Book  of  Universal  Kirk,"  p.  73.)  In  1612 
(Episcopal  period)  two  noblemen  connected  with  this  district, 
Huntly  and  Erroll,  were  excommunicated  and  banished  from 
the  country  for  their  adherence  to  popery.  Any  number  of 
similar  cases  could  be  given.  "  Great  men  received  the  sament 
as  the  puire." 

In  treating  of  discipline  it  is  right  to  state  that  many  of  the 
things  which  Church  Courts  had  to  deal  with  in  former  times  are 
now  under  the  charge  of  our  rural  police  and  civil  Courts. 
Some  of  the  things,  as  witchcraft,  charming,  and  the  like,  have 
disappeared.  The  spread  of  intelligence  has  proved  fatal  to 
them.  And  though  unhappily  cases  of  wrongdoing  and 
scandals  of  uncleanness  are  only  too  prevalent  still,  yet  no  one, 
we  think,  looking  at  the  cases  in  this  "Record,"  coming  before  the 
Church  Courts,  can  doubt  that  improvement  in  morals  has  taken 
place.  Our  Presbyteries  and  Kirk-Sessions  are  not  now  at 
every  meeting,  and  these  very  frequent,  occupied  with  perhaps 
fifteen  or  twenty  cases  of  scandal.  Formerly,  nearly  every  kind 
of  offence,  great  or  small,  civil  as  well  as  ecclesiastical,  was  dealt 
with  by  the  Church.  In  this  way  our  old  Church  Records — 
though  many  things  in  them  are  anything  but  savoury  reading, 
much  which  decency  forbids  us  to  produce — show  us  more  fully 
than  can  be  learned  elsewhere,  a  life  picture  of  the  moral 
and  social,  as  well  as  religious  condition  of  our  people  at  the 


INTRODUCTION.  xli 

time.  The  picture,  in  many  respects,  is  not  a  flattering  one. 
1  oo  true  it  is  that  superstition,  ignorance,  vice,  coarseness, 
violence,  and  other  evils  were  widely  prevalent.  But  we  may 
easily  go  too  far  in  drawing  unfavourable  conclusions.  Certain 
things  must  be  borne  in  mind.  The  picture  may  appear  fully  as 
blurred  and  bloated  as  it  really  is.  The  side  presented  to  our 
view  may  be  the  worst,  or  it  may  be  only  the  stained  portion  of 
it  we  are  inspecting.  It  would  not  be  right  to  infer  the  moral 
condition  of  a  district  in  these  former  times  from  the  record  of 
the  discipline  cases  brought  before  a  Church  Court,  any  more 
than  it  would  be  right  to  infer  the  moral  state  of  a  district  now 
from  the  cases  brought  before  a  Police  Court.  The  great 
majority  of  our  people  then  did  not  come  as  delinquents  before 
our  Church  Courts,  any  more  than  the  great  majority  now  come 
as  criminals  before  our  Police  Courts.  It  is  only  the  wrong 
doers  real  or  suspected  we  have  a  record  of,  and  however  many 
they  be,  or  however  bad  their  conduct,  they  are  but  few  in 
number  compared  with  the  well-conducted  of  whom  we  hear 
nothing. 

Education.  It  will  be  noticed  that  on  the  visitation  of 
parishes  by  the  Presbytery  one  of  the  inquiries  always  made 
was,  if  there  was  a  schoolmaster  and  what  provision  there  was 
for  his  support.  In  Roman  Catholic  times,  though  Universities 
had  been  established  at  St.  Andrews,  Glasgow,  and  Aberdeen, 
and  Grammar  Schools  in  several  of  the  principal  towns,  yet  little 
or  nothing  had  been  clone  to  provide  for  the  general  education 
of  the  people.  The  great  bulk  of  the  nation  was  uneducated, 
very  few  being  able  to  read  and  write. 

From  the  first  the  Reformed  Church,  alike  under  Presbytery 
and  Episcopacy,  took  a  deep  interest  in  education,  and  used 
every  means  to  get  schools  established  throughout  the  country, 


xlii  INTRODUCTION. 

one  at  least  in  every  parish.     On  this  subject  Dr.  Cunningham 
says  (I.  506-7),  "  The  Reformers  showed  their  anxiety  to  extend 

education In  the  First  Book  of  Discipline   it 

was  proposed  that  every  Church  should  have  a  school  attached 
to  it  ;  that  every  notable  town  should  have  a  college  ;  and  that 
the  existing  Universities  should  be  liberally  endowed.  The 
greed  of  the  nobles  prevented  the  scheme  from  being  carried 
into  effect,  and  with  them  rests  the  sin  and  the  shame,  of  keeping 
Scotland  for  many  years  longer  in  gross  ignorance."  By  them 
the  money  that  should  have  gone  to  provide  schools  was  selfishly 
retained.  In  spite  of  king,  parliament,  Bishop,  Presbytery, 
many  a  parish  continued  till  long  after  our  period  without  a 
school.  The  result  was  that  ignorance  prevailed  with  all  its 
attendant  evils,  superstition,  coarseness,  impurity,  intemperance, 
and  the  like.  And  when  schools  were  provided,  in  very  many 
cases  everything  was  of  the  most  wretched  description.  The 
salary,  schoolhouse,  and  schoolroom  were  disgraceful,  the  salary 
the  least,  and  the  building  the  worst  the  heritors  could  get  off 
with.  To  show  what  was  considered  sufficient  provision  for  the 
schoolmaster  in  former  times  it  may  be  mentioned  that  the  Act 
of  1696 — and  things  would  be  worse  not  better  previously- 
fixed  the  teacher's  salary  at  100  merks  (^5  us.  i/^d.)  for  the 
minimum,  and  200  merks  (^n  2s.  2;3d.)  for  the  maximum. 
The  fees  were  small  and  badly  paid.  The  teacher's  only  other 
emoluments  were  a  small  offering  at  Candlemas,  and  the  pro 
ceeds  of  the  annual  cock  fight,  perhaps  also  a  few  shillings- 
very  few  if  any — for  acting  as  Session  Clerk.  In  most  instances 
less  than  ^20  altogether  was  all  the  schoolmaster's  income. 

Looking  at  the  state  of  matters  educationally  in  Alford 
Presbytery  it  would  seem  from  the  visitations  of  the  parishes 
between  1675  and  1687,  that  of  the  sixteen  parishes  in  the 


INTRODUCTION.  xliii 

bounds,  only  seven  of  them,  when  the  parishes  were  visited,  had 
schools  ;  nine  were  without  a  school.  Two  of  the  nine — Clatt 
and  Tullynessle — report  that  they  had  had  no  school  for  a  time  ; 
Auchindoir  reports  that  there  never  had  been  a  school,  as  the 
heritors  could  not  agree  where  it  should  be  placed  ;  Cabrach 
reports  that  there  was  no  school,  because  the  parish  was  not  able 
to  maintain  one.  In  1687,  Glenbucket  reports  that  it  has  a 
school.  But,  twenty  years  later,  in  1707,  matters  had  changed. 
The  report  is — we  may  quote  it  in  full  as  showing  the  somewhat 
destitute  condition  of  that  unfortunate  parish — it  runs  thus,  "  No 
Schoolmaster,  nor  maintenance  for  one  ;  no  Session  Clerk,  nor 
any  capable  in  the  parish  to  officiate  as  such  ;  no  precentor,  nor 
any  in  the  parish  capable  of  the  affair  ;  no  office -houses  except 
some  built  by  the  minister  at  his  own  expense  ;  the  mansion 
(manse)  never  divided  by  partitions,  without  stairs,  or  glass 
windows." 

From  what  appears  in  our  "  Record" — of  which  the  above  is 
a  sample — it  will  be  seen  how  little  the  educational  wants  of  the 
district  were  attended  to.  Not  half  of  the  parishes  had  a  school. 
The  large  district  comprising  Cabrach,  Kennethmont,  Clatt, 
Kearn,  Auchindoir,  Forbes,  Tullynessle,  Leochel,  and  Cushny, 
had  not  a  single  school.  The  Presbytery,  as  it  did,  might  bring 
the  matter  before  the  heritors,  enjoin  the  minister  of  the  parish 
to  use  every  diligence  to  have  a  school  established,  but  often 
all  in  vain.  The  heritors  of  the  day  might  be  poor.  Very  likely 
they  were  so.  But  they  were  also  penurious,  and  adepts  at  pro 
crastination.  For  one  reason  or  another  they  managed  to  put 
off  the  providing  of  a  school — "no  maintenance  for  a  school 
master,"  "cannot  agree  as  to  a  site  for  the  school,"  and  so  on. 


xliv  INTRODUCTION. 


BlSIIOI'S    OV    ABERDEEN. 

The  Bishops  of  Aberdeen  during  the  Episcopal  period  1662- 
1688  were  four  in  number. 

1.  David  Mitchell.      Dr.    David    Mitchell   was    a   native   oi 
Garvock,    Kincardineshire.      He    is  said    in    early    life  to   have 
sided  with  the  extreme  party  among  the  Presbyterians,  to  have 
been  opposed  to  the  Articles  of  Perth,  &c.      If  this  were  so  it 
was  not  long  until    he  changed    his   opinions,   and  became    an 
Episcopal  minister  in  Edinburgh.       In   1638  he  was  deposed  by 
the  General  Assembly,  no  doubt  mainly  for  not  conforming  to 
Presbytery,  though  other  reasons  also  were  alleged.      Upon  this 
he  retired  to  Holland,  where  he  supported  himself  by  working  at 
clock  and  watch-making  ("Fasti,"  886.)    Afterwards  he  returned 
to  England,  received  the  degree  of  D.D.  from  the  University  of 
Oxford,  and  was  made  a  Prebendary  of  Westminster.     On  the 
restoration  of  Episcopacy  under  Charles    II.,  he  was  appointed 
to   the  See  of  Aberdeen   in    1662,  but  died  in  January  of  the 
following    year,    and     was    buried    in     the     Cathedral   Church, 
Aberdeen.  '    Bishop  Mitchell  is  described  as   "  a  little  man,  of 
brisk,  lively  temper,  well  learned,  a  good  preacher,  of  irreproach 
able  manners,  and  a  single  life."     ("  Fasti,"  886). 

2.  Alexander  Bnrnet.     Burnet  was  the  son  of  James  Bur-net, 
minister  of  Jedburgh.      He  took  orders  in  England,  and  held  a 
rectory  in  Kent,  from  which  he  was  ousted  by  Cromwell  in  1650, 
owing  to  his  being  a  keen  supporter  of  Charles  I.       He  went  to 
the  Continent,  and  resided  there  until  the  Restoration.      He  was 
consecrated    Bishop    of  Aberdeen  in   1663,   but  next  year    was 
translated  to  the  Archbishopric  of  Glasgow,      He  is  said  to  have 
been  a  keen  persecutor  of  the  Covenanters,  who  were  numerous 


INTRODUCTION.  xlv 

in  his  diocese.  He  was,  at  the  same  time,  a  strong  upholder  of 
what  he  considered  the  rights  of  his  own  Church.  For  instance, 
he  opposed  the  Assertory  Act  of  1669,  which  declared  the  King 
supreme  in  all  matters  civil  and  ecclesiastical,  making  Charles,  as 
was  said,  both  "  King  and  Pope."  For  this  he  got  into 
disfavour  and  trouble,  and  was  deprived  for  a  time  of  his 
Archbishopric.  In  1674,  however,  he  was  restored.  On  the 
murder  of  Archbishop  Sharp,  in  1679,  he  was  appointed  to  the 
primacy  as  Archbishop  of  St.  Andrews.  He  died  there  in  1684. 

3.  Patrick  Scougal  (1664-1682).  Scougal  was  a  native  of 
East  Lothian.  He  became  minister  of  Dairsie  in  1636,  of 
Leuchars  in  1645,  of  Saltoun  in  1658,  and  Bishop  of  Aberdeen 
in  1664.  In  1638,  when  Presbytery  gained  the  ascendancy, 
Patrick  Scougal  conformed  and  remained  in  Dairsie.  He  is 
mentioned  in  the  list  of  those  present  at  the  Synod  of  Fife  in 
April,  1639,  and  as  one  of  a  "leet  "  from  which  was  to  be  chosen 
a  preacher  to  a  regiment  to  be  raised  out  of  Fife  to  assist  "  our 
army  in  England."  In  October,  1641,  when  the  report  was 
given  in  to  the  Synod  "  anent  the  searching  of  superstitious 
monuments  by  the  several  Presbyteries,  it  was  declared  there 
were  none  within  the  bounds;  only  Mr.  Patrick  Scougal  reported 
that  there  were  sundry  crosses  in  their  Kirk  at  Dairsie,  which  by 
some  were  not  thought  to  be  superstitious,"  and  he  asked  a 
committee  to  be  appointed  to  visit  the  Church  anent  this,  which 
request  was  granted.  The  result  was  that,  at  Synod,  April 
1642,  it  was  reported  that  the  crosses,  &c.,  were  removed  or  to 
be  removed.1  At  the  same  Synod  (1642)  the  "  Assembly  (Synod) 
concluded  that  a  partition  wall  of  timber  (described  previously  as 
a  "  glorious  partition  wall  of  timber  ....  dividing  the 

i  It  may  be  mentioned  thai  the  Church  of  Dairsie  ha<l  been  erected  by  the  primate  as  some 
what  a  model  of  what,  in  his  opinion,  a  Church  should  be,  and  so  contained  crosses,  &c. 


xlvi  INTRODUCTION. 

body  of  the  Kirk  from  the  choir ")  shall  be  removed,  nothing 
remaining  but  shoulder-heights  to  be  for  backs  of  seats  adjoining 
thereto,  and  this  with  all  convenient  diligence."  At  Synod, 
October  1642,  it  was  reported  by  Mr.  Scougal  that  nothing  had 
been  done  as  to  the  partition.  Upon  this  "  the  Assembly 
requires  and  commands  the  heritors  and  session  to  take 
convenient  order  with  that  part  of  the  superstition  as  they  will 
be  answerable  to  next  Assembly."  In  the  troubles  previous  to 
the  execution  of  Charles  I.,  Scougal  and  the  Presbyterians 
generally  adhered  to  the  king's  party.  After  the  defeat  at 
Naseby,  Patrick  Scougal  was  one  of  two  who,  on  behalf  of  the 
Synod  of  Fife,  presented  a  loyal  address  to  His  Majesty  "  anent 
his  late  escape  to  the  malignants."  (From  Minutes  of  Synod  of 
Fife  1611-1687). 

On  Bishop  Burnet's  translation  to  Glasgow,  Patrick  Scougal 
was  appointed  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  receiving  consecration  from 
Archbishop  Sharp  in  April  1664.  He  was  a  man  of  moderate 
views,  akin  in  spirit  to  Leighton  of  Dunblane,  whose  neighbour 
at  one  time  he  was — the  one  being  minister  of  Saltoun,  the  other 
of  Newbattle.  Bishop  Scougal  managed  his  diocese  with 
prudence,  and  in  a  way  that  gained  him  the  respect  of  all,  though 
it  has  to  be  confessed  that  his  persecution  of  the  Quakers — a 
good  deal  at  the  instigation  of  others — leaves  a  stain  on  his 
otherwise  tolerant  administration.  There  was  in  Patrick 
Scougal  little,  if  anything,  of  the  bigotry  and  persecuting 
spirit  which  made  so  many  of  the  bishops  disliked,  and  which 
doubtless  was  no  small  factor  in  embittering  Presbyterians 
against  Episcopacy.  To  have  recourse  to  severe  measures  seems 
to  have  been  a  step  reluctantly  taken  by  Scougal.  He  opposed 
the  Test  Act  of  1681  which  bore  so  heavily  on  Presbyterians. 
Indeed,  it  is  said  to  have  been  in  a  great  measure  due  to  his 
efforts  that  the  Test  was  allowed  to  be  taken  in  a  modified  form. 


INTRODUCTION.  xlvii 

He  was  certainly  one  of  the  best  of  the  Scottish  Bishops.  He 
died  in  1682,  aged  seventy-five,  and  was  buried  in  Aberdeen 
Cathedral. 

4.  George  Haly burton  (1682-1688).  Halyburton  at  first  was 
minister  of  Coupar-Angus,  and  afterwards  Bishop  of  Brechin. 
On  the  death  of  Scougal  he  was  translated  to  the;  See  of  Aber 
deen,  and  continued  Bishop  there  until  the  Revolution  of  1688, 
and  the  abolition  of  Episcopacy  in  1689.  Scott  ("Fasti,"  816) 
says  "  He  intruded  at  Hilton,  parish  of  Newtyle,  from  the  8th 
of  May  1698  to  the  28th  May  1710,  and  died  at  his  Mansion- 
house,  Denhead,  Coupar-Angus,  29th  September,  1/15,  aged 
seventy-seven  years." 


Explanatory  Note.  In  regard  to  the  plan  followed  in  editing 
this  volume  a  few  words  of  explanation  may  be  necessary.  The 
original  MS.,  if  copied  word  for  word,  would  have  made  up  two 
or  three  volumes  of  the  size  of  this.  The  material  had  therefore 
to  be  compressed.  A  good  deal  in  each  minute,  such  as  the 
mode  of  opening  the  meeting,  giving  the  names  of  those  absent, 
appointing  the  next  meeting,  beginning  each  paragraph  with 
"The  said  day,"  these,  and  such  like  things,  being  merely 
formal,  could  very  well  be  omitted,  and  are  omitted. 

Then  as  to  discipline  cases,  which  occupy  far  the  greater 
portion  of  the  MS.  volume,  these,  as  illustrating  Church  pro 
cedure  and  the  morals  of  the  people,  are  for  a  time  so  far  given. 
Afterwards  the  details  of  the  cases  are  omitted,  unless  something 
special  is  connected  with  them,  or  they  are  useful  for  illustrating 
some  custom,  &c.,  of  the  period.  A  great  many  of  the  discipline 
entries  run  thus,  "  Anent  A.  B.  ut  supra,"  or  "  No  report  anent 
C.  D.,  the  minister  being  absent.  '  It  was  needless  to  copy 


xlviii  INTRODUCTION. 

these  and  similar  entries.  But  in  order  to  furnish  an  idea  of  the 
cases  dealt  with  at  the  meetings,  the  number  is  given  at  the  end 
of  the.  minute  thus,  ("  16  cases  of  discipline.  ")  Latterly  this 
also  is  omitted,  though,  both  in  numbers  and  kind,  the  cases 
continue  all  through  the  volume;.  It  is  right,  however,  to  state 
what  will  occur  to  any  one,  that  the  sixteen  or  twenty  cases  re 
corded  in  each  minute  are,  the  majority  of  them,  not  new  cases. 
Every  case  at  its  every  stage;  had  to  be  reported  and  recorded, 
the  same  person  recurring  minute  after  minute;,  perhaps  ten  or 
twenty  times,  particularly  when  the  delinquent  was  "contu 
macious."  Examples  of  this  are  "M'Kommie"  or  "Innes  of 
Sinnahard." 

Next,  as  to  the  visitation  of  parishes,  it  has  not  been  con 
sidered  necessary  to  give  the  full  minute  in  each  case.  The 
"  Form  of  Visitation  "  (pp.  231-238)  shows  what  was  to  be  done 
on  these  occasions.  And  as  the  procedure,  in  the  opening  of 
the  meetings,  in  the  dealings  witli  minister,  elders,  &c.,  and  in 
the  exhortations  given,  is  virtually  the  same  in  all  cases,  that 
has  not  been  repeated.  One  case,  viz.  Cushny,  the  first  parish 
visited,  is  given  in  full  as  an  example,  and  reference  made  to  it 
thus — "  See  Cushny  228." 

Other  omissions  are  also  made,  particularly  in  the  last 
hundred  pages.  This  became  necessary  in  order  to  keep  the 
volume  within  anything  like  the  prescribed  limits.  But  anything 
thought  worth  retaining  is  given  in  full.  The  omissions  are 

indicated  by  such  marks  as when  the  matter  is 

omitted  altogether  ;  by  [  ]  when  the  nature  of  the  matter 

is  expressed  in  the  editor's  words. 

Index.  The  wish  has  been  to  make  this  as  full  and  accurate 
as  possible.  There  are,  however,  no  doubt  oversights  and 


INTRODUCTION.  xh'x 

omissions  which  should  not  have  occurred.  The  time  avail 
able  for  drawing  up  the  index  was  unavoidably  somewhat 
limited. 

All  the  works  consulted  in  preparing  our  Introduction,  Notes, 
£c.,  need  not  be  named.  They  are  the  usual  histories  of  our 
country,  Hill  Burton's  History,  &c.  Of  our  Church  Historians, 
we  cannot  refrain  from  mentioning  two,  viz.,  Dr.  John 
Cunningham  and  Dr.  William  Stephen,  of  Dumbarton,  the  one 
a  Presbyterian,  the  other  an  Episcopalian.  These  writers, 
though  we  need  not  agree  with  every  opinion  expressed  either 
by  the  one  or  the  other,  yet  for  ability,  candour,  and  fairness  to 
opponents,  are  beyond  all  praise.  One  never  consults  them 
without  satisfaction  and  benefit.  Their  spirit  is  so  different 
from  the  narrowness  and  uncharitableness  which  too  often 
characterise  writers  on  ecclesiastical  subjects,  particularly  Scotch 
writers  on  Scotch  ecclesiastical  subjects. 

In  conclusion,  we  desire  to  tender  our  thanks  to  all  who  have 
so  kindly  assisted  and  encouraged  us  in  the  work.  We  are 
deeply  conscious  how  imperfectly  our  own  part  of  the  work  has 
been  performed.  Our  thanks  are  due  to  the  Presbytery  of 
Alford  for  permission  to  use  the  volume  of  their  minutes.  Very 
specially  are  they  due  to  Mr.  P.  J.  Anderson,  the  accomplished 
Secretary  of  our  New  Spalding  Club.  It  is  not  too  much  to  say 
that,  but  for  the  invaluable  and  ever  willingly  rendered  counsel 
and  guidance  of  Mr.  Anderson,  our  part  of  the  work  could  not 
have  been  accomplished. 

T.  B. 


KEIC,  MANSE, 

December,   1897. 


RECORDS 


The  Records  of 

the 

Meeting  of  the  Exercife  of  Alfoord 

From  the  munth  of  October  ann.  1662 

Refers  from   the   Diocesian    Synod   of  Aberdene   holden   within   the 
Colledge  Kirk  of  Old  Aberdene,  October  21,  Ann.,  1662,  and  dayes  follow 
ing,  under  David,  by  the  mercy  of  God  Lord  Bishop  of  Aberdene. 
(To  ?)  the  brethren  of  the  Exercise  of  Alfoord. 

It  is  enacted  by  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the 
Synod,  that  there  sail  be  Readers  of  the  Scriptures  in  every  congrega- 
tione,  and  that  the  Reader  sail  begin  with  a  set  forme  of  prayer,  espe- 
ciallie  with  the  Lord's  Prayer,  and  thcnifter  they  ar  to  read  some  psalmes, 
with  some  chapteris  of  the  Old  Testament,  thcrafter  they  ar  to  rehearse 
the  Apostolick  creed  publicklie,  and  in  rehearsing  of  it  to  stand  up,  after 
ward  that  they  read  some  chapteris  of  the  New  Testament  according  to 
the  appoyntrnent  of  the  respective  ministers,  and  last  of  all  they  are  to 
rehearse  the  Ten  Commandments  publickly  ;  as  also  it  is  ordained  that 
such  as  in  tymc  of  reading  the  Scriptures  sail  be  found  walking  without 
in  the  Church  Yaird  or  withdrawing  themselves  sail  be  censured,  and  in 
caise  thcr  be  not  a  Reader,  then,  in  that  caise  the  minister  sail  read  him 
self.1 

It  is  enacted  by  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the 
Synod,  that  morning  and  evening  prayers  be  had  in  certain  places,  cspe- 
ciallie  the  following,  viz. :  in  New  and  Old  Aberdene,  in  Banff,  in  Old 
Deer,  in  Peterhcad,  in  Fraserburghe,  in  Kintor,  in  Inveruric,  in  Kincardine 
O'Neill,  in  Turrcff,  in  Kllon,  in  Tarves,  in  Fordyce,  in  Monymusk,  in 
Upper  Banchorie,  and  that  the  liturgic  in  the  old  Psalm  Book  be  prac 
tised." 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the 
Synod  that  the  Readers  of  the  Scriptures  on  the  Lord's  day  shall  not 

1  Note  1.  -  Note  2. 

A 


2  RECORDS   OK   THE    MEETINC  [1662 

pronounce  the  blessing  over  the  people,  but  shall  leave  that  to  be  done 
by  the  minister,  but  the  Reader  on  the  week  clay  may  pronounce  the 
blessing,  as  also  he  may  pronounce  it  on  the  Lord's  day  if  the  minister  shall 
be  necessarly  absent,  and  that  though  in  prayer  the  Reader  use  only  the 
Lord's  Prayer  he  shall  riot  be  censured. 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the 
Synod,  that  every  Reader  in  congrcgationes  shall  be  requyrccl  by  the 
minister  to  appear  before  the  Bishop,  and  be  authorized  by  him,  and  that 
his  abilitie  and  qualificatione  for  the  exercise  of  reading  be  looked  upon 
and  noticed  at  the  next  Synod  or  abefor. 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the 
Synod,  that  a  day  of  thanksgiving  be  observed  in  all  the  congregationes 
of  this  diocic  upon  the  fyft  of  November  next  to  come,  for  that  great  and 
mightie  delyverance  of  King  James  the  sixt  of  blessed  mcmorie,  and  the 
royall  familie,  hatched  and  contryvcd  against  them,  and  by  the  great 
mercie  of  God  discovered.1 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the 
Synod,  that  privat  baptisme  and  privat  communione  be  not  clenyed  be 
any  minister  within  this  diocie,  at  what  tyme  they  sail  be  earnestly  clesyred 
to  give  the  same,  and  in  case  of  necessitie  that  meetings  sail  be  inter 
rupted  by  the  plague  of  pestilence,  then  and  in  that  case  the  minister  is 
free  to  give  it  to  the  diseased  persones,  upon  their  longing  desyr  and  car- 
nest  demand  to  have  it. 

It  is  appoyntcd  by  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of 
the  Synod,  that  the  Directorie  practized  by  order  of  the  late  illcgall 
Assemblie  be  layd  assyd,  and  not  made  use  of  in  tyme  coming.2 

It  is  ordained  by  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the 
Synod,  that  all  the  ministers  within  this  province  shall  tak  particular 
notice  of  all  papists  within  ther  parochins,  and  send  in  their  names  to 
the  Bishope,  as  well  such  as  ar  excommunicat  alreadie  as  those  who 
are  under  process  and  lately  fallen  away  from  hearing  the  word  and 
partaking  of  the  sacrament,  and  that  all  those  who  shall  converse  with 
excommunicat  persons,  or  shall  rccept  Seminarie  priests  and  Jesuits 
upon  the  notorietie  theiroff,  the  respective  ministers  shall  send  in  their 
names  to  the  Bishope,  that  by  his  lordship  their  names  may  be  sent 
to  His  Majcstie's  privie  counsell.3 

1  Note  3.  -  Note  4.  :;  Note  5. 


1 662]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFOKD.  3 

It  is  enacted  by  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the 
Synod,  that  every  minister  within  this  diocie  shall  mak  choice  of  so  many 
within  his  paroch  of  the  most  able,  qualified,  and  understanding  persons, 
to  have  ane  inspectionc  and  oversight  of  the  people,  and  observe  their 
waves  of  walking,  and  that  they  shall  delate  to  the  minister  scandalous 
walkers,  that  they  may  be  censured  according  to  the  approvcn  Actis  of 
the  Church,  and  that  they  concurr  with  and  assist  the  minister  to  the 
effect  fores  aid.1 

It  is  ordered  and  appoyntcd  by  the  BiVnopc,  with  consent  of  the  bre 
thren  of  the  Synod,  that  the  brethren  of  the  several!  Exercises,  in  their 
respective  bounds,  being  mett  for  matters  of  discipline  touching  refcrrs 
that  shall  come  from  severall  sessioncs,  shall  not  proceed  to  sentence  any 
with  cxcornmunicationc,  unless  it  be  by  order  of  the  Bishope,  after  his 
lordship  has  visited  and  approven  the  process^  Likwayes  at  their  meit- 
ting  they  are  impowered  to  try  young  men  in  order  to  the  preaching  of 
the  gospell,  and,  having  found  them  qualified,  to  recommend  them  to  the 
Bishope  that  they  may  be  approven  and  licensed  by  him,  but  they  ar  not 
to  license  them  to  preach  till  they  be  approven  by  the  Bishope.  Further- 
mor  they  are  not  to  censure  any  minister  with  suspensione  or  dcpriva- 
tione  without  speciall  warrand  from  the  Bishope.3 

It  is  enacted  and  ordered  by  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren 
of  the  Synod,  that  the  meitings  of  the  brethren  of  the  Exercises  shall  be 
at  the  same  places  wher  they  did  meet  for  exercise  in  the  tyme  of  the 
Bishopes,  and  the  brethren  of  the  Exercise  of  Aberdene  shall  meet  for  the 
effect  foresaid  in  the  Collcdge  Kirk  of  the  Universitie  of  Old  Aberdene. 

Anentthe  promise  and  professione  of  Canonical!  obedience,  wheroff  the 
tennor  followes  :  I,  A.  B.,  cloe  profess  and  promise  that  I  will  render  to 
my  Ordinaire,  David,  by  the  mercie  of  God,  Lord  Bishope  of  Aberdene, 
and  his  successors,  due  Canonicall  obedience,  and  to  them  to  whom  the 
government  and  charge  is  committed  over  me,  following  with  a  glad 
mynd  and  will  ther  godlie  admonitiones.  The  Bishope,  with  consent  of 
the  Synod,  ordains  that  every  minister  shall  declare  himself  anent  the  fore- 
said  promise  and  professione  of  Canonicall  obedience,  and  subscryve  the 
same. 

It  is  ordained  by  the  Bishope  and  brethren  of  the  Synod,  anent  the 
new  fabrick  of  the  Universitie  of  Aberdene  begune  long  ago,  but  not 
1  Note  6.  '-'  Note  7.  "  Note  8. 


RECORDS   01-    THE   MEETING  [1662 

finished  as  yet  that  such  of  the  ministers  of  this  Diocic  as  befor  promised 
to  contribute  to  the  said  work,  and  as  yet  have  not  payed,  shall  pay 
according  to  ther  promises,  and  such  as  have  not  contributed,  nor  pro 
mised  to  contribute  for  that  effect,  shall  pay  accordingly  betwixt  and  the 

next  Synod. 

A  petitione  being  given  in  to  the  Bishope  and  brethren  of  the  Synod, 
dcsyring  that  all  the  ministers  within  this  Diocic  should  bring  in  with 
them  at  evcric  Synod  the  list  of  the  dead  within  ther  parochines,  and  that 
the  widowcs  shah1  not  be  manyed  till  the  testaments  of  their  former  hus 
bands  be  confirmed  ;  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the 
Synod,  grants  the  forsaid  petitione,  with  this  speciall  provisione,  that  the 
testaments  of  ministers  and  their  relicts  shall  be  confirmed  gratis. 

It  is  enacted  by  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the  Synod, 
that  payment  be  made  to  the  burscrs  of  Divinitie  according  to  use  and 
wont,  viz:  the  one  half  at  the  winter  Synod,  and  the  other  half  in  the 
spring,  and  because  they  cannot  be  payt  at  this  present  Synod,  that  they 
be  payt  betwixt  and  the  clcvcnt  day  of  November,  under  the  pane  of 
censure  ;  as  also  it  is  enacted  that  the  scverall  burscrs  shall  come  in  to 
Aberdeen  immediately  the  forsaid  elevent  day  of  November,  and  attend 
the  professionc  of  Divinitie,  and  shall,  at  ther  coming  from  the  professione 
of  Divinitie,  exhibit  and  present  to  the  brethren  of  the  scverall  Exercises 
the  profcssa  dicta,  and  if  the  forsaid  bursers  shall  not  attend  the  profes 
sione  of  Divinitie  at  the  tyme  above  exprcst,  then,  and  in  that  case,  their 
places  to  be  declared  vacant.1 

The  humble  supplicatione,  under  the  hands  of  William  Karle  Marshall, 
Lord  Keith  and  Altric,  etc.,  and  the  towne  of  Petcrhcad,  was  presentit  and 
read,  holding  out  the  great  necessitie  of  repairing  the  broken  bulwarks  of 
the  townc  of  Peterhead,  and  that  the  ministers  in  this  Diocic  wold  make 
a  contributione  at  their  respective  churches  for  the  said  work.  The  Bish 
ope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren,  recommends  seriously  to  each  mini 
ster  within  this  Diocie  to  deal  seriously  with  their  parishioners  for  the 
effect  forsaid,  and  that  the  moderators  in  evcric  precinct  collect  from  their 
brethren  the  said  contributions  togidder  with  and  under  their  hands, 
that  they  give  them  to  Andrew  Watsone,  Robert  Arbuthnot,  or  any 
whom  they  shall  appoynt,  and  that  betwixt  and  the  second  day  of 
February  next  1663. 

1  Note  9. 


OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  5 

Ane  double  of  an  Act  of  Parliament,  in  favors  of  Collonel  Alcxr. 
Ramsay,  anent  his  losse  in  anno  1648,  was  presented  and  read.  The 
Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  taking  the  said  matter  to  their  serious 
consideration,  do  seriously  recommend  to  the  severall  brethren  within 
this  Diocie  to  deall  effectuallie  with  their  parishioners  for  a  contributione 
to  the  effect  forsaicl. 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the 
Synod,  that  the  ministers  in  ther  publick  prayers  shall  pray  in  the  manner 
after  following  : — • 

Bless  thy  servant,  our  Sovereign  Charles  the  Second,  by  the  spcciall 
grace  of  God,  King  of  Britain,  France,  and  Irland,  Defender  of  the  Faith, 
over  all  personcs,  in  all  cases,  as  well  civill  as  ecclesiastick,  nixt  and 
immediatly  under  thee  and  thy  Christ,  supreme  governor  within  His 
Majestie's  dominiones. 

Likwayes  it  is  ordered  that  the  ministers,  in  ther  publick  prayers,  sail 
bless  the  Lord  for  the  setlment  of  the  church,  for  the  government  therof, 
and  governors  therm,  Archbishopes  and  Bishopes  by  name,  and  our  Ordi- 
narie  David,  by  the  mercie  of  God,  Bishope  of  Aberdene,  and  that  they 
sail  not  faill  therm  under  the  paine  of  censure. 

It  is  enacted  by  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the 
Synod,  that  no  chaplane  sail  have  exercise  in  a  familie,  no  pettagogue 
sail  attend  a  youth,  no  young  man  sail  be  allowed  teach  a  scholl,  no 
young  man  sail  preach  the  gospell  in  burgh  or  land  without  licence  and 
authentic  from  the  Bishope. 

It  is  enacted  by  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the 
Synod,  that  deposed  ministers,  or  any  of  what  qualitie  and  conditione 
soever,  that  sail  goe  about  to  seduce  people,  and  to  speak  against  the 
setlment  of  the  present  government,  either  in  church  or  state,  sail  be  pro 
cessed  by  the  brethren  of  the  Exercise  in  whose  precincts  they  are. 

It  is  recommended  by  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of 
the  Synod,  that,  in  tyme  of  publick  prayer,  people  sail  pray  either  stand 
ing  or  kneeling,  as  the  most  reverend  gesture  in  prayer,  and  that  the 
severall  ministers  within  this  Diocie  sail  recommend  the  same  to  ther 
people,  and  sail  be  exemplarie  therin  themselves,  and  that  at  the  singing 
of  the  doxologie  the  people  sail  stand  and  not  sit. 


6  kl'ICOKDS    OF    THE    MKKT1M,  \\662 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the 
Synod,  that  the  habit  of  ministers  sail  be  such  as  beseemeth  comeliness, 
deccncic,  gravitic,  and  suitablencs  to  ther  calling,  and  particularlie  in 
having  a  cassock  coat. 

Anent  the  supplicatione  for  the  towne  of  Aberdcnc,  under  the  hands 
of  Gilbert  Gray,  late  provost,  Alexr.  Alexander,  and  Mr.  James  Kcnnedic, 
tovvne's  clerk,  dcsyring  it  wold  please  the  Bishope,  and  brethren  ot  the 
Synod  to  appoynt  ministers  of  the  Exercises  next  adjacent  to  Abcr- 
dene,yVr  vices,  or  otherwayis  to  supplic  the  vacancies  of  Aberdcnc  in  the 
duties  of  the  ministeriall  calling-,  so  far  as  convenientlie  they  can  go  about 
this.  The  brethren  of  the  Synod  taking  the  said  supplicatione  to  their 
scriousc  consideratione,  ordained  the  severall  brethren  of  the  Exercises  of 
Aberdene,  Ellon,  Garioch,  and  Kinkardine  to  supplie  the  said  vacancies, 
with  this  speciall  provisionc  that  they  have  ten  days  at  least  advertise 
ment  befor. 

It  is  enacted  by  the  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the  Synod, 
that  such  young  men  as  have  been  licensed  by  the  brethren  of  the 
Exercise  to  preach  sail  first  make  applicatione  to  my  Lord  Bishope,  and 
present  testimonialls  de  novo,  under  the  hands  of  the  moderators  duely 
appoynted  at  this  Synod. 

The  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the  Synod,  judgit  con 
venient  that  no  minister,  who  has  entered  into  the  ministerie  since  1649 
sail  raise  letters  upon  any  other  ground  to  charge  his  parishioners  for  his 
stipend,  unless  he  have  collatione  from  the  Bishope,  upon  a  prescntatione 
from  his  legall  patrone.1 

Mr.  Alexr.  Seatone,  minister  at  Bamff,  having  holden  forth  befor 
the  Bishope  and  brethren  of  the  Synod,  that  his  patrone  was  not  in  capa- 
citie  to  give  him  a  presentatione,  as  also  Mr.  YVm.  Burnett,  minister 
at  Insch,  holding  forth  that  the  patrone  of  his  church  is  not  knowne  to 
him,  the  Bishope  and  brethren  of  the  Synod  taking  the  same  to  their 
consideratione,  ordered  that  the  forsaid  brethren  sail  be  acknowledged 
ministers  in  the  places  wher  they  arc  presently,  and  all  other  ministers 
w^ho  are  in  such  case  to  be  acknowledged  ministers  in  the  places  wher 
they  ar,  till  the  contrarie  sail  appear. 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Bishop  and  brethren  of  the  Synod,  that  the  bre 
thren  of  the  severall  Exercises  sail  requyre  the  absent  brethren  from  the 

1  Note  10. 


1 662]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORIX  7 

late  Synod,  in  ther  respective  precincts,  to  signe  and  subscribe  the  Pro 
mise  and  Professione  of  Cannonicall  Obedience,  and  to  report  to  the 
Bishopc  accordingly. 

Sic  subscribitur, 

Mr.  GEO.  MYLN,  Clerk  to 

the  Synod  of  Aberdein. 

At  Aberdein,  October  24,  1662. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  minister  at  Towy,  by  the  authoritic  of  David,  by 
the  mercie  of  God,  Lord  Bishop  of  Aberdein,  appointed  moderator  of  the 
Exercise  of  Alfoord  togither  with  the  brethren  of  Alfoord  meitting,  con- 
vein,  and  appoint  November  20  for  the  nixt  dyet  of  their  meitting. 

At  Alfoord,  November  20,  1662. 

By  the  autoritie  of  David,  by  the  mercie  of  God,  Lord  Bishop  of 
Aberdene,  the  brethren  of  the  Exercise  of  Alfoord  did  meitt,  befor  whom, 
Mr.  John  Mair,  Student  of  Divinitie  (having  been  formerly  directed  to 
the  said  inciting,  by  order  from  the  said  Bishop,  for  the  passing  of  his 
tryalls,  in  order  to  his  admissione  to  the  Kirk  of  Touch,  and  having  for 
merly  undergone  some  parts  therof)  handled  the  controversie  De  fonnali 
ratione  justificationis  ;  after  the  invocatione  of  the  name  of  God,  in  pre 
sence  of  the  said  meitting,  did  maintain  dispute  therupon,  and  was  therin 
approved. 

The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord  Jany  first,  1663,  and 
it  is  ordained  that  he  have  the  Exercise  and  Additione  upon  Rom.  v.  19 
as  his  point  of  tryall. 

Mr.  William  Glasse,  minister  of  Cushny,  did  give  in  a  supplicatione  to 
the  brethren,  desireing  that  wheras  formerly  they  had  passed  ane  Act  of 
the  Presbiiric  declaring  the  bigging  of  Cushny,  to  the  value  of  eightie 
libs,  therof,  to  be  mortified  for  the  use  of  his  successors,  upon  the  account 
that  the  said  Mr.  William,  at  his  eutrie  to  the  Kirk  of  Cushny,  had 
enjoyed  in  one  year  the  stipends  both  of  the  Kirk  of  Kerne,  from  which 
he  was  removed,  and  of  the  Kirk  of  Cushny,  to  which  he  entered,  and 
that  now,  by  virtue  of  the  Act  of  parliament,  the  collectors  for  vacant 
stipends  had  lifted  the  stipend  of  the  parish  of  Kerne  out  of  his  hand,  and 


8  RECORDS    OF    TIIK    MKKTINO.  \\6C>2 

did  present  their  discharge  therupon,  the  brethren  might  be  pleased  to 
declare  the  former  Act  for  mortificatione  null  ;  which  supplicatione  and 
desire  was  thought  reasonable  by  the  meitting,  which  do  therfor  declare 
the  former  Act  of  no  effect,  and  from  henceforth  to  have  no  force  against 
the  said  Mr.  William. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  minister  at  Towy,  desired  that  the  name  of 
Margaret  Mintie,  excommunicated  for  adultery  committed  within  this 
parish  with  Robert  Name,  being  now  fugitive,  might  be  put  upon  record, 
that  the  severall  brethren  might  have  notice  that  she  should  not  reside 
within  their  parishes. 

Upon  a  petitione  given  in  by  Robert  Forbes  and  Robert  Clerk  (who 
have  been  excommunicated  in  the  parish  (if  Touch)  desireing  that  they 
might  be  relaxed  from  the  sentence  of  excommunicationc  (they  brought 
with  them  a  recommendatione  from  the  Sessionc  of  Touch  for  that  effect). 
The  brethren  thought  it  expedient  to  advise  with  the  Bishop  whether 
they  and  others  in  their  conditione  should  bee  remitted  to  him  for  their 
relaxatione,  whether  (in  respect  they  have  been  excommunicated  only 
by  order  from  the  Prcsbitrie)  the  brethren  might  tak  upon  them  to  relaxe 
them  without  further  order,  and  recommended  the  matter  to  bee  represen 
ted  by  the  moderator  to  the  Bishop. 

The  minister  of  Kildrummie  represented  to  the  meitting,  that  long 
agoc  having  closed  the  processe  against  Patrick  McKommie,  upon  the 
account  of  his  being  convict  of  charming,  that  he  desired  to  bee  advised 
whether  he  should  charge  the  said  Patrick  befor  the  meitting  of  the 
brethren,  to  hear  and  see  the  sentence  of  excommunicatione  ordained 
to  be  pronounced  against  him,  or  whether  he  should  charge  him  bcfor  the 
bishop.  It  is  expedient  that  the  matter  be  advised  with  the  bishop 

ut  supra. 

In  regard  of  the  decrepit  old  age  of  Mr.  Andrew  Kerre,  minister  of 
Glenbuchet,  it  is  ordained  that  Mr.  John  Walker  go  thither  on  Lord's  day, 
and  supplic  the  charge  bcfor  the  nixt  meitting  ;  as  likwisc,  in  respect  of 
the  vacancie  of  Touch,  it  is  ordained  that  Mr.  William  Glasse  supplic 
that  charge  one  clay  befor  the  nixt  meitting. 

Mr.  James  Gordoune  desired  that  it  might  be  put  upon  record  that  he 
had  received  from  Mr.  Alexander  Rosse,  minister  at  Monymusk,  institu- 
tione  to  the  cure  of  the  Church  of  Alforcl,  manse,  and  stipend,  and  privi- 
ledges  therof,  by  virtue  of  ane  ordinance  from  our  Ordinaire,  the  bishop 


1663]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  9 

of  Aberdcne.     Institutione  was  given  November  second,  which  desire  (the 
matter  being  notoure)  was  granted. 

Mr.  John  Walker  desired  that  it  might  be  put  upon  record  that  he  had 
received  from  Mr.  George  Garden,  minister  of  Clatt,  institutione  to  the 
cure  of  the  Church  at  Tillinessel,  manse,  and  glebe,  and  priviledges,  by 
virtue  of  an  order  from  our  Ordinarie,  the  bishop  of  Aberdene,  which  was 
given  November  nynth,  which  desire  (the  matter  being  notoure)  was 
granted. 

At  Alfoord,  January  i,  1663. 

Mr.  John  Mair  had  the  Exercise  and  Additione  upon  Rom.  v.  19,  and 
was  approven.  The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord,  January 
29,  and  Mr.  John  Mair  is  appointed  to  have  his  questionarie  tryall,  and 
give  an  account  of  his  knowledge  of  the  Languages  as  his  last  points  of 
tryall. 

The  meitting  being  unfrequent  in  regard  of  the  stormie  weather  all 
businesses  are  continued  to  the  nixt  meitting,  save  only  that  by  reference 
from  the  Sessione  of  Alfoord,  Isobell  Rae  who  was  convict  befor  the  said 
Sessione  of  a  trilapse  in  fornicatione,  last  with  John  Forbes  of  Petfluge, 
and  was  summoned  to  the  meitting  of  the  P^xercise,  called,  not  compeir- 
ing,  is  ordered  to  be  summoned  pro  2°. 

Alfoord,  January  29,  1663. 

Mr.  John  Mair  sustained  his  questionarie  tryall,  and  his  tryall  in  the 
Languages,  and  is  approven. 

The  brethren  having  revised  all  passages  of  the  tryalls  of  Mr.  John 
Mair,  and  finding  themselves  satisfied  thenvith,  in  order  to  his  entrance 
to  the  ministrie,  did  appoint  that  this  their  act  of  approbatione  therof  bee 
transmitted  to  our  Ordinarie  that  therupon  he  may  receive  orders. 

Anent  Robert  Forbes,  Robert  Clerk,  and  Patrick  McKommie  nothing 
as  yet  could  be  resolved  upon,  in  regard  that  the  moderator  is  detained 
by  sicknes  from  the  meitting,  from  whom  they  were  expecting  a  report 
of  the  bishop's  mynd  theranent 

Mr.  John  Walker  and  Mr.  William  Glasse  reported  that  as  yet  they 
had  not  obeyed  the  former  ordinance  in  preaching  at  Glenbuchet  and 
Touch,  by  reason  of  the  stormienes  of  the  weather.  Wherupon  it  is 

B 


[O 


RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1663 


ordained  that  the}-  repair  and  supplie  thcs  vacancies  once  bcfor  the  nixt 

meitting. 

\2  cases  of  discipline^ 

It  is  appointed  that  the  nixt  meitting  be  at  Alfoord  February  26,  and 
Mr.  Robert  Dimbarrc  to  exercise  upon  the  ordinarie  matter  therof. 

Alfoord,  February  26,  1663. 

Mr.  Robert  Dunbar  exercised  upon  Rom.  xiii.  1 1  ;  the  doctrin  being 
censured  is  approven. 

The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord,  March  26,  and  Mr. 
John  Walker  to  exercise  the  said  day  upon  the  ordinarie  subject. 

Robert  Forbes,  Robert  Clerk  ut  supra. 

Mr.  David  Milne,  Chaplaine  in  Glenbuchct,  appeared  be  for  the  meit 
ting,  and  produced  a  missive  letter  directed  from  the  laird  of  Glenbuchet, 
in  the  name  of  to  the  brethren  of  the  Exercise,  wherin  he 

did  supplicat,  that  in  regard  to  the  vacancie  caused  by  the  decease  of 
their  late  minister,  Mr.  Andrew  Kerrc,  they  would  be  pleased  to  licentiat 
the  said  Mr.  David  to  read  the  Scripture  in  that  church  on  the  Sabbath 
day  till  it  shall  please  the  Almightie  to  provide  a  minister  for  them.  The 
which  pctitione  the  brethren  having  taken  into  their  serious  considcra- 
tione,  they  thought  good  to  grant  the  same,  and  did  licentiat  the  said  Mr. 
David  to  officiat  in  the  church  in  conformitie  to  the  tenor  of  the  petitione, 
and  that  in  regard  they  found  the  said  Mr.  David  cloathed  with  two 
famous  testimonies  from  the  Professors  of  Aberdene,  but  principally  upon 
the  account  they  hade  no  Ordinarie  alive  to  whom  they  might  recommend 
him  for  that  licence.  And  Mr.  John  Walker  having  failed  to  execute 
the  former  ordinance,  in  regard  of  the  tempestuousnes  of  the  season,  was 
appointed  to  intimat  that  licence  to  the  people  of  Glenbuchet  some 
Sabbath  day  befor  the  nixt  dyett. 

It  was  found  that  Mr.  William  Glasse  hade  not  gone  to  Touch  as  he 
was  appointed  in  regard  of  the  stormienes  of  the  weather,  and  he  ordained 
de  novo  to  preach  thcr  befor  the  nixt  meeting. 

The  brethren  of  the  Fxercise  taking  to  their  serious  consideratione 
that  many  persounes  living  without  their  province  do  resort  to  their 
bounds,  some  wherof  are  suspected  to  be  fugitives  upon  the  account  of 


1663]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  I  I 

scandal!,  others  ar  found  to  have  no  apparent  way  of  living-,  therfor  it 
was  thought  expedient  that  it  should  be  enacted,  that  no  elder  or  house 
holder  should  receipt  any  such  pcrsounes  within  their  respective  posses 
sions,  unlesse  they  produced  a  famous  testimonic  befor  the  meitting,  and 
that  under  pain  of  Church  censure.  And  the  brethren  ordained  to  inti 
mate  the  said  Act  to  their  severall  congregationes. 

The  Synodicall  referres  (having  but  lately  come  to  the  Moderator's 
hands)  were  presented  to  the  meitting,  and  judicially  red  and  reco- 
mended. 


Alfoord,  March  26,  1665. 

Mr.  John  Walker  exercised  on  Rom.  13,  12.  The  doctrin  being  cen 
sured  was  approven. 

The  nixt  dyctt  was  appointed  to  be  Apryll  23  ;  and  Mr.  David  Milne 
(who  was  formerly  licentiated  to  exercise  the  office  of  lector  in  the  Church 
of  Glcnbuchet)  appointed  to  have  both  the  Exercise  and  Additione  the 
nixt  dyett  upon  the  ordinarie  subject  (We  having  yet  no  Ordinarie). 

Mr.  \Valter  Ritchie  declared  that  he  went  to  Touch,  and  institut  Mr. 
John  Mair  minister  of  that  church  (he  having  received  letters  of  collatione 
from  the  Archbishop  of  St.  Andrews,  being  ordained  by  his  vicar,  the 
Bishop  of  Edinburgh,  our  Ordinarie  not  being  yet  established)  the  twentie 
second  of  March,  which  letters  of  collatione  and  act  of  orclinatione  the 
said  Mr.  John  presented  to  the  meitting. 

Robert  Forbes  and  Robert  Clerk  again  compeircd  and  did  de  novo 
supplicat  to  be  relaxed.  Wherupon  the  brethren  of  the  Exercise,  being 
informed  by  the  moderator  that,  in  obedience  to  their  ordinance,  he  hade 
acquainted  the  Bishop  with  the  case  of  those  excommunicat,  whose 
mynde  was,  that  seeing  they  were  excommunicated  without  Episcopall 
authoritie,  the  samen  needed  not  bee  interposed  for  their  relaxatione, 
did  refcrre  them  to  Touch  to  be  relaxed  the  Lord's  day  come  eight  dayes, 
but  with  this  proviso  in  reference  to  Robert  Clerk,  that  he  should  pro 
duce  a  sufficient  testimonic  from  the  Sessione  of  Monymusk,  in  which 
parish  he  then  hade  his  residence. 

It  was  resolved,  in  conformitie  to  the  order  of  our  late  Ordinarie 
which  was  represented  to  the  meitting  by  the  moderator,  viz.  :  that  all 
those  persons  who  were  processed  with  excommunicatione,  the  processe 


!  2 


RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [166; 


being  finished,  should  be  cited  to  appear  bcfor  the  brethren  of  the  Exer 
cise,  to  hear  the  said  processe,  and  to  have  libertie  to  except  against  it,  if 
they  could  challenge  the  informalitie  of  it,  which  being  done,  the  said  pro 
cesse  was  to  be  extracted  and  transmitted  to  the  Bishop  ;  that  Patrick 
McKommie,  his  processe  should  be  extracted,  and  any  further  busienes 
continued  till  thcr  should  be  an  Ordinarie  established. 

It  was  found  that  Mr.  John  Walker  and  Mr.  William  Glasse  hade 
obeyed  the  former  ordinance. 

[discipline} 

Mr.  James  Rosse  was  ordained  to  go  to  the  church  of  Strathdoune 
some  Sabbath  befor  the  nixt  meitting  to  preach  ther,  in  regard  of  the 
vacancie  of  that  church,  by  the  removall  of  the  late  minister  , 

as  also  to  hold  Scssione,  and  to  bring  the  minuts  with  him  to  the  nixt 
dyet,  that  the  persons  who  are  under  scandall  may  be  knowen. 

[discipline] 

James  Gordoune  and  Janet  Innes  having  been  delated  by  the  Sessione 
of  Kildrumie  as  guiltie  of  adulterie,  and  being  both  fugitive  together,  the 
said  Sessione  upon  that  account  having  referred  the  matter  to  the  meit 
ting  of  the  Exercise  ;  it  is  ordained,  in  respect  they  could  not  be  found 
whereby  a  personal  summons  might  bee  fixed  upon  them,  that  the  said 
James  Gordoune  bee  summoned  from  the  pulpit  of  Kildrummie,  and  the 
said  Janet  Innes  bee  summoned  from  the  pulpit  of  Towy,  within  which 
parish  she  had  her  residence,  to  appear  befor  the  next  meitting. 

[discipline'] 

Alfoord,  April  23,  1663. 

Mr.  David  Milne  exercised  and  added  on  Rom.  13,  13,  and  the  doc 
trine  being  censured,  was  approven. 

The  nixt  inciting  is  appointed  to  be  May  14,  and  Mr.  David  Milne 
ordained  to  have  a  popular  sermon  on  Psalm  50,  15. 

The  said  day  Mr.  John  Mair  declared  that  Robert  Forbes  was  relaxed 
April  5,  as  also  Robert  Clerk  the  same  day. 
Patrick  McKommie  continued  ut  supra. 

[discipline] 

Mr.  James  Rosse  declared  that,  in  obedience  to  the  ordinance  of  the 


1663]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  13 

inciting-,  he  hade  gone  to  Strathdoune,  and  preached  ther,  likwise  did  hold 
Scssione,  but,  as  for  their  minutes,  he  reported  that  the  elders  did  signifie 
unto  him  that  they  knew  nothing  of  them,  wherupon  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie 
is  ordained  to  go  some  Sabbath  day  befor  the  nixt  inciting  to  preach 
and  hold  Sessione,  and  again  to  call  for  the  minutes  thcrof,  if  he  could 
get  no  account  to  charge  the  Clerk  of  the  Sessione  to  appear  at  the  nixt 
dyett,  befor  the  brethren  of  the  Exercise. 

.,  ......          [discipline] 

The  said  day  compeercd  James  Gordoune  and  Janet  Innes  befor  the 
brethren  of  the  Exercise,  upon  the  account  of  the  publick  citatione  from 
the  pulpit,  and  were  both  convicted  of  adulterie  by  their  own  confcssione, 
and  they  were  ordained  to  undergo  the  usuall  pennance  of  adulterers,  first 
at  the  Churches  of  Towie  and  Kildrummie,  and  afterwards  at  the 
Churches  of  Cabrach  and  Auchindoor,  wher  also  they  had  given  scandall 
by  their  lewdness.  Likwise,  they  are  strictly  inhibited  to  converse  any 
more  together,  with  certificatione  if  they  were  found  to  do  so,  they  should 
be  holdcn  guiltie  of  a  relapse  in  adulterie. 

[discipline] 

Mr.  John  Mair  ordained  to  go  some  Sabbath  befor  the  nixt  mcitting 
to  the  Church  of  Glenbucket  to  preach  and  hold  Sessione  ther. 

The  moderator,  Mr.  George  Garden,  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie,  and  Mr. 
James  Gordoune  were  ordained  by  the  mcitting  to  go  on  the  Moonday  of 
nixt  week  to  wait  upon  the  Earll  of  Marre  (patron  of  the  Church  of 
Strathdoun)  and  to  entreat  his  Lordship  to  present  a  qualified  minister, 
on  account  of  the  urgent  necessitic  of  that  people,  how  soone  his  Lord 
ship  should  find  conveniencie  with  regard  therto. 

The  School  of  Alfoord  (being  desired  by  the  minister  thcrof)  is 
appoynted  to  be  visited  this  day  come  eight  dayes  by  Mr.  William  Glasse, 
Mr.  Walter  Ritchie,  Mr.  John  Mair. 

James  Reid  (being  under  the  sentence  of  the  lesser  excommunicatione) 
(not  legible)  was  recommended  by  the  Sessione  of  Towy  for  admissionc 
(not  legible)  and  was  referred  back  for  that  effect. 

\discipline\ 

Alfoord,  May  14,  1663. 

Mr.  David  Milne  preached  Ps.  50,  15,  and  the  doctrin  being  censured 
was  approven. 


H  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETINC  [1663 

The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoorcl,  Junii   n,and  Mr. 
David  Milne  ordained  to  handle  the  controversie  DC  msibilitate  Ecclesiat 
and  sustain  dispute  theron. 

Patrick  McKommie  continued  ut  supra. 

[discipline'] 

Mr  Walter  Ritchie  declared  that  (in  obedience  to  the  former  ordi 
nance)'  he  hade  repaired  to  Strathdounc,  and  preached  ther,  likwise  d,< 
hold  Scssione,  and  produced  a  paper  containing  the  names  of  some 

quents  within  the  parish  of  Strathdounc. 

\disaplme\ 

No  report  anent  James  Gordoune  and  Janet  Innes,  the  minister  of 
Towy  being  necessarily  absent. 

It  is  reported  anent  Janet  Smith,  that  she  is  continuing  m  her  pu 

professione  of  repentance. 

{discipline} 

It  is  reported  that  Mr.  John  Mair  obeyed  the  former  ordinance  in 

repairing  to  Glenbuckct. 

The  Commissioners  above  ordained  to  repair  to  the  Earll  of  Mar, 
reported,  that  they  hade  spoken  with  his  Lordship,  and  that  they  hade 
found  him  using  all  diligence,  and  that  hec  would  bee  in  readmcs  to  pr< 
sent  a  man  to  the  Church  of  Strathdoune,  how  soone  he  should  get  any 
noturietie  of  ane  Ordinarie  to  whom  hee  should  direct  his  presentations ; 
as   lykwise,  the   said  Commissioners   reported   that,  in   reference   to 
accommodation  of  some  parts  of  that  parish  of  Strathdoune  they  hade 
intreated  his  Lordship  that  hec  woold  present  none  to  that  Church,  u 
out  first  assurance  given  under  the  hand  of  the  pcrsoune  to  bee  pr< 
that   hee   should   neither  directly  nor  indirectly  oppose  or  < 
accommodatione  of  the  clavach  of  Glenkindie  by  vincting  them  to  t 
parish  at  Glenbucket  (at  which  they  might  bee  commochously  served  ,  a: 
by  clisjuncting  them  from  the  parish  of  Strathdoune  (from  the 
wherof  they  ly  at  a  great  distance),  and  that  so  much  the  rather,  that 
said  parish  of  Strathdoune  is  a  great  and  weightie  charge,  in  regard  of  the 
number  of  people  therin,  and  the  ministrie  thcr  may  be  competently  pro- 
vided  without  the  said  lands  ;    and  that  the  parish  of  Glenbucket  is  but  a 
small  charge,  and  of  a  poor  provision  ;  unto  which  his  Lordship  willingly 
condescended.     With  this  report  the  brethren  were  well  satisfied,  and  die 


OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  15 

very  much  approve  their  Commissioners'  care  and  diligent  discharge  of 
themselves  in  that  affair. 

The  Commissioners  appointed  for  the  visitatione  of  the  School  of 
Alfoord  reported  that  they  hade  visited  the  said  school,  and  hade  found 
the  master  diligently  discharging  his  duty,  and  the  scholars  profiting. 

[discipline] 

A  desire  was  given  in  by  Mr.  Thomas  Forbes,  minister  at  Kegge,  and 
Mr.  John  Mair,  minister  at  Touch,  that  ther  might  be  a  letter  directed  to 
the  Lords  Commissioners  for  the  Plantatione  and  Accommodatione  of 
Churches,  bearing  the  grounds  wherupon  the  lands  disjointed  from  the 
parish  of  Monymusk,  and  united  to  the  parishes  of  Kegge  and  Touch, 
were  thus  accommodated,  and  that,  in  regard  that  the  laird  of  Monymusk 
was  studying  to  have  these  lands  revincted  to  the  parish  of  Monymusk 
(to  the  great  prejudice  of  the  parishes  concerned),  that  their  Lordships 
wold  be  pleased  to  forbear  to  do  anything  therin  till  the  [torn  azva}>] 
should  first  tak  cognitione  of  the  matter  ;  which  desire  was  judged 
reasonable,  and  it  was  ordained  that  the  Moderator  should  writt  a  letter 
to  their  Lordships  for  that  effect. 

It  was  ordained  that  Mr.  William  Duncanne  repair  to  Strathdoune 
befor  the  nixt  meitting,  and  hold  Sessione  ther. 


Alfoord,  June  n,  1663. 

Mr.  David  Milne  handled  the  controversie  De  visibilitate  Ecclesiae, 
and  sustained  dispute  theron.  The  brethren,  having  considered  the 
severall  passages  of  his  tryalls  did  approve  his  acquittall  therin,  and  did 
ordain  that  the  moderator  should  give  him  a  testimonie  under  his  hand, 
to  our  Ordinarie,  wherupon  he  might  be  licentiate  to  preach  the  Gospell. 

Patrick  McKommie  is  continued  ut  supra. 

[discipline] 

Anent  James  Gordouneand  Janet  Innes,the  minister  of  Towy  report 
ed,  that  they  had  not  only  not  entered  to  the  professione  of  repentance, 
but  that  also  they  were  continuing  in  their  sinne,  and  travelling  through 
the  country  in  company  together.  Wherupon  it  is  ordained  that  the 
minister  of  Kildrummie  proceed  in  processe  against  them,  and  that  it  be 


i6 


RECORDS   OF   TIIK    MKKTIXC,  [1663 

intimated  from  the  several)  pulpits  within  our  precinct,  that  none  receipt 
them  in  company  together,  under  pain  of  Church  censure. 

{discipline] 

The  moderator  reported  that,  according  to  the  former  ordinance,  hee 
hade  written  a  letter  to  the  Lords  of  Commissione  for  Plantationc 
Accommodatione  of  Churches,  in  favors  of  the  parishes  of  Kegge  and 

Touch. 

Mr.   William    Duncanne  reported  that  hoc  hade  obeye< 
ordinance  in  preaching  and  holding  Sessione  at  Strathdounc. 

It  is  ordained  that  Mr.  William  Glassc  repair  to  the  Churcl 
dounc  and  preach  and  hold  Sessione  ther  befor  the  nixt  meitting. 

A 'letter   was  presented  from  the   Lords   of  his    Majestie's   Counsel 
desyring  that  the  names  of  the  papists  in  the  severall  parishes  might  be 
sent  up  unto  them.      Wherupon  it  is  ordained  that  the  severall  brethren 
give  in  the  names  of  the  papists  within  their  parishes  that  they  might 
sent  up  in  a  roll  to  their  Lordships. 

{discipline'] 

By  reference  from  the  Sessione  of  Kildrummie,  compccred  Bessie 
Adam  (who  had  been  undergoing  pennance  for  charming)  that  she  might 
receive  orders  for  her  absolution^  she  is  remitted  back  to  the  said  Ses< 

for  that  effect 

It  is  appointed  that  the  nixt  meitting  bee  at  Alfoord,  July  2,  at  win 
meitting  (upon  the  desire  of  the  minister  of  Alfoord)  Mr.  William  Bur 
nett   Schoolmaster  ther,  is  to  enter  upon  his  tryalls,  in  order  to  a  licence 
of  preaching  the  gospel.       It  is  ordained  that  he  mak  the  Exercis 
Addition  on  Romans  14,  I,  as  his  first  point  of  tryall. 

(next  3  lines  illegible.) 

Alfoord,  July  2,  1663. 

The  said  day,  Mr.  William  Burnett  made  the  Exercise  and  Addition 
on  Romans  14,  I,  and  being  censured  was  approven. 

The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord  July  23,  and  Mr. 
William  Burnett  to  have  a  popular  sermon  Matt.  24,  37,  as  the  nixt  parl 
of  his  tryall. 


1663]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  17 

The  Moderator  reported  that  (conforme  to  the  former  ordinance)  hee 
had  given  to  Mr.  David  Milne  a  testimonie  under  his  hand,  of  his  acquit- 
tall  of  himself  in  all  the  passages  of  his  tryalls  past  befor  the  meitting. 

Patrick  McKommie  is  continued  ut  supra. 

[discipline] 

Mr.  Robert  Dunbarre  gave  in  a  relevant  excuse  for  his  absence,  which 
is  accepted. 

Ancnt  James  Gordoune  and  Janet  Innes,  the  severall  brethren  report 
ed  that  they  had  intimated  the  Act  of  the  meitting.  The  minister  of 
Kildrummie  reported  that  he  hade  publickly  admonished  the  said  James 
and  Janet  pro  i".,  June  14,  pro  2°.,  June  21,  pro  3°.,  June  28.  The  minister 
of  Towy  reported  that  the  said  Janet  was  entered  to  the  publick  profes- 
sione  of  repentance  in  the  Church  of  Towy. 

[discipline] 

Mr.  William  Glasse  reported  that  he  hade  obeyed  the  former  ordi 
nance  in  preaching  and  holding  Sessionc  at  Strathdounc. 

In  reference  to  the  former  ordinance  anent  the  giving  in  the  papists' 
names,  Mr.  William  Davidsone  gave  up  from  the  parish  of  Auchindoir 
Francis  Gordoune,  of  Craig,  Robert  Hood  his  servant,  Mary  Ogilvie  wife 
of  the  said  Robert,  all  already  cxcommunicat  for  popery.  Mr.  Robert 
Cheyne  gave  up  from  the  parish  of  Kennethmont  Patrick  Gordoune  of 
Cults,  and  Thomas  Gordoune  of  Mostownne,  both  cxcommunicat  for 
popery,  as  likwise  Margaret  Dunbarre,  spouse  of  the  said  Thomas 
Gordoune,  Hugh  Gordoune  of  Kirkhill  and  Elspet  Gray,  his  spouse, 
declared  contumacious  befor  their  Scssione,  upon  the  account  of  po 
pery.  Mr.  John  Walker  gave  up  from  Tillynessel  Anna  Gordoune, 
lady  of  Terpersie,  excommunicat  for  popery ;  Mr.  James  Rosse  gave 
up  from  the  parish  of  Strathdeveraune  James  Mclnnes,  alias  Stewart, 
cxcommunicat  for  popery. 

{discipline} 

By  reference  from  the  Sessione  of  Keigge,  compeered  William  Ander- 
sone,  acknowledging,  that,  whcras  formerly,  having  been  accused  of 
adulterie  with  Beatrix  Douglas,  he  hade  purged  himself  by  his  great 
oath,  in  presence  of  the  congregatione  of  Keigge,  notwithstanding 
that  he  was  guiltie  of  adulterie  with  the  said  Beatrix  Douglas,  he 

C 


!8  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1663 

was  therfor  now  (through  a  sense  of  his  guiltieness,  and  of  the  wrath 
of   God  for  the   same)   come  to   confesse  his   sense  both   of 

perjurie  and  adulterie,  and  to  submitt  himself  to  the  censure  of  the 
meitting  for  the  same.  The  brethren  considering  that  the  scandall 
of  his  'offence  had  spread  itselfe  through  diverse  parishes,  ordained 
that  he  should  undergo  pcnnancc,  and  humble  himselfe  in  turn  in 
the  Churches  after  following,  viz:  that  he  should  beginne  his  profes- 
sione  of  repentance  at  Keigge,  from  thence  go  to  Touch,  from  Touch 
to  Alfoord,  from  Alfoord  to  Tillyncssel,  from  Tillynessel  to  Forbes, 
and  from  Forbes  to  return  to  Keigge  again. 

[discipline] 

Diverse  ministers  gave  in  a  rcgrate,  that  thcr  was  great  profanatione 
of  the  Lord's  day  by  timbermcn  travelling  and  carrying  their  timber  from 
the  Highlands  to  the  low  country  mcrcats,  befor,  after,  and  in  time  of 
divine  service.  It  is  recommended  to  the  moderator,  to  write  to  the 
moderator  of  Kinkardin  (within  whose  precinct  many  of  the  said  timber- 
men  reside)  that  course  may  be  taken  by  the  meitting  of  their  Exercise 
for  restraining  of  such  abuse. 


Alfoord,  July  23,  1663. 

Mr.  William  Burnett  preached  a  popular  sermon  upon  Matthew  24, 
37,  the  doctrine  being  censured  and  approven. 

Compeered  Mr.  Robert  Irvin,  Student  of  Divinitie,  clothed  with  a  letter 
from  the  Bishop  of  Aberdene,  directed  to  the  moderator  and  brethren  of 
the  Exercise  of  Alfoord,  bearing  that  he  hade  seen  two  presentationes 
granted  by  the  Earle  of  Marre,  one  granted  in  favour  of  the  said  Mr, 
Robert  Irvin  to  the  Church  of  Strathdounc,  another  in  favour  of  Mr. 
David  Milne  to  the  Church  of  Glenbucket,  wherupon  the  said  Mr.  Robert 
and  Mr.  David  were  recommended  to  our  meitting  of  the  Exercise,  which 
was  therby  warranted  to  proceed  to  thcr  tryalls  for  thes  respective 
imployments.  The  brethren  having  considered  the  said  letters,  and 
having  received  in  favors  of  the  said  Mr.  Robert  sufficient  testimonials 
from  the  Professors  of  Divinitie,  and  the  meitting  of  the  Exercise  of  Aber 
dene,  in  the  precinct  wherof  the  said  Mr.  Robert  did  reside,  and  finding 


1663]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  19 

themselves  thcrunto  warranted,  did  appoint  the  said  Mr.  Robert  to  have 
an  exercise  upon  Romans  14,  3,  as  the  first  point  of  his  tryalls  at  Alfoord, 
August  13,  which  is  appointed  to  be  the  day  of  our  nixt  meitting.  Fur 
thermore  the  moderator  did  declare  that,  in  reference  to  the  issue  of  the 
above  specified  commissiones,  directed  to  the  Earle  of  Marre,  he  hade 
received  from  his  Lordship  a  bond,  under  the  hand  of  the  said  Mr.  Robert, 
bearing  his  condescendence  to  the  accommodatione  of  some  lands  of  the 
parish  of  Strathdoune,  as  is  above  exprest  by  the  report  of  the  commis 
sioners  directed  to  his  Lordship,  the  tenor  of  which  bond  after  followes  : — 
"  Be  it  kend  to  all  men  by  thes  presents  that  wheras  it  hath  pleased 
the  Right  Honble.  and  Noble  Lord,  John  Earle  of  Marre  etc.,  to  present 
Mr.  Robert  Irving,  Student  of  Divinitie,  to  the  service  of  the  cure  of  the 
Kirk  of  Invernochty,  having  considered  the  vastnes  of  the  said  charge, 
and  the  discommodiousnes  of  some  parts  of  that  parish,  and  particularly 
of  the  lands  of  the  daauch  of  Glenkindie,  which  cannot  be  sufficiently 
served  by  the  minister  of  the  said  Kirk  in  regard  of  the  distance  therof 
from  the  samen,  and  having  advised  the  same  with  some  of  the  brethren 
of  the  Exercise  of  Alfoord,  within  the  bounds  wherof  the  said  parish  of 
Invernochty  lyes,  and  knowing  it  to  be  the  earnest  desire  of  the  brethren 
of  the  said  Exercise  to  have  the  said  tlaauch  of  Glenkindie,  for  the  more 
commodious  service  therof  in  the  Word  and  Sacraments,  adjoyned  to  the 
Kirk  of  Glenbuchet,  will  ye  me  therfor  to  be  bound  and  oblidged,  and  by 
thes  presents  I  do  faithfully  bind  and  oblidgc  me,  notwithstanding  of  the 
former  presentatione,  or  of  any  letters  of  collatione  and  institutione,  or  of 
any  letters  of  horning  that  shall  follow  therupon,  never  directly  or  indi 
rectly  to  come  in  the  contrarie,  or  to  obstruct  any  lawfull  meannes  that 
are  used  for  disvincting  the  said  lands  of  the  daauch  of  Glenkindy  from 
the  church  and  parish  of  Invernochty,  and  for  vincting  the  same  to  the 
church  and  parish  of  Glenbuchet,  and  that  upon  the  first  disvinctione  of 
the  said  lands  from  the  church  of  Invernochty  by  any  lawfull  judicatorie, 
civill  or  ecclesiasticall,  I  do  renounce  myself  of  the  charge  of  the  said 
lands,  and  of  all  rents,  fruits,  and  emoluments  payable  to  me  in  the  books 
of  the  Exercise  of  Alfoord,  or  Synod  books  of  Aberdene,  or  any  other  books 
being  in  force  within  this  kingdome,  that  such  use  may  be  made  therof, 
and  such  extracts  may  be  made  therefrom  as  shall  be  found  convenient. 
And  to  that  effect  constitut  \blank  in  original'}  de  rata, 

by  thes  presents  written   by   Mr.   Adam   Barclay,  and  subscribed  with 


20  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

my  hand  at  Kincausie,  the  twelfth  clay  of  May,   1663  years,  befor  thes 
witnesses,  John  Irving  of  Kincausie,  and  the  said  Mr.  Adam  Barclay. 

Jn.  Irvin,  witnes.  Sic  subscribitur 

A.  Barclay,  writter,  witnes.  Mr.  R.  IRVING." 

Patrick  McKommie  continued  ut  supra. 

{discipline] 

Mr.  James  Rosse  gave  in  some  relevant  excuses  for  his  absence  the 
former  dyetts  which  were  admitted. 

[discipline] 

It  is  reported  that  James  Gordoune  and  Janet  Innes  had  entered,  and 
were  continuing  in  the  professione  of  repentance  at  Towy. 

It  is  ordained  that  the  names  of  papists  be  transmitted  to  the  modera 
tor  of  Aberdene  to  be  sent  up  to  the  Councell. 

[discipline] 

Anent  William  Andersoune,  the  minister  of  Kegge  reported  that  he 
hade  refused  to  obey  the  ordinance  of  the  mcitting.  It  is  ordained  that 
the  minister  go  on  in  processe  against  him. 

Anent  Beatrix  Douglas,  with  whom  the  forsaid  William  Andersoune 

o  / 

had  confessed  himself  to  have  fallen  in  adulterie,  the  minister  of  Kegge 
desired  to  be  advised  how  to  carry  in  reference  to  her,  finding  difficultic 
how  to  ground  a  processe  against  her,  in  respect  that  the  said  William 
hade  once  purged  himself  by  his  oath  of  adulterie  with  her,  and  yet  hade 
now  again  revived  the  scandall,  by  confessing  himself  perjured  by  his 
former  purgatione,  which,  it  may  be  presumed,  he  wold  have  been  loath 
to  have  done  to  fix  any  guilt  upon  her,  hade  ther  not  been  too  much 
truth  as  to  the  fact,  neither  could  he  be  clear  how  to  passe  by  her  satis- 
factione  for  taking  away  the  now  revived  scandall.  The  matter  being 
ambiguous,  as  to  grounding  a  legall  processe  against  her,  is  referred  to  the 
Dioccsian  Synod  for  advice. 

The  moderator  reported  that  he  hade  written  to  the  moderator  of 
Kinkardin,  anent  the  profancrs  of  the  Lord's  day,  by  traillers  of  timber, 
but  had  received  no  rcturne.  It  was  thought  fitt,  both  with  reference 
to  such  within  the  precinct  of  Kinkardin,  and  others  of  that  kind  from 


OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  21 

Abcrnethie,  within  tlie  Diocese  of  Moray,  that  the  matter  be  remitted 
to  the  nixt  Diocesian  Synod,  that  a  gcnerall  course  may  be  taken  for  the 
restraining  of  such. 

It  is  ordained  that  Mr.  Gcorg  Watsonc  shall  repair  to  the  Church  of 
Strathdoune,  and  preach  ther  befor  nixt  meitting,  and  intimat  that  the 
moderator  is  to  hold  Sessione  ther  upon  the  morrow,  who  is  appointed 
also  to  repair  thither  for  that  effect. 

By  reference  from  the  Sessione  of  Lochell,  compeered  Georg  Mitchell, 
with  his  wife  Isobcll  Fyfc,  and  the  said  Gcorg  was  convicted  of  scanda 
lous  carriage,  by  frequently  abusing  and  striking  his  said  wife,  for  which 
he  was  seriously  admonished  to  walk  more  Christianly,  and  more 
conjugally  towards  her,  with  certificationc  that,  if  he  contravene  the 
said  aclmonitione  he  shall  fall  into  church  censure. 

It  is  rcgrated  by  diverse  of  the  brethren  that  many  who  come  within 
ther  parishes  at  the  terms  of  Whitsunday  and  Martinmas  cannot  tyme- 
ously  obtain  testimonialls  to  bring  alongst  with  them,  in  consequence  of 
the  custome  of  diverse  ministers  within  the  precincts  of  other  Exercises 
to  suffer  or  cause  ther  Scssiones  exact  money  for  the  granting  of  ther 
testimonialls.  It  is  thought  fitt  that  the  matter  be  referred  to  the  nixt 
Diocesian  Synod  that  it  may  be  redressed. 

By  reference  from  the  Sessione  of  Kildrummie,  compccrccl  Janet 
Forbes,  who  hade  been  delate  for  the  alleclged  curing  of  James  Gibbonc 
of  the  epilepsie  by  charmes  and  sorcerie.  [A  part  here  illegible,  refers  to 
one  Elspet  Thomson.  See  next  minute.] 

The  said  Janet  being  called,  compeered,  and  being  posed  anent  the 
same,  denyed  that  she  knew  the  said  James  to  be  affected  with  any 
disease,  or  that  she  hade  used  any  manner  of  cure  towards  him.  The 
brethren  (taking  to  considcratione,  that  the  said  Janet  Forbes  hade  been, 
for  matters  of  that  nature,  this  long  time  famous,  and  hade  lurked  under 
the  cunning  of  her  secret  conveyances,  wherby  she  studied  to  elude 
all  censure)  thought  it  convenient  (seeing  ther  was  no  possibilitie  of 
discovering  the  said  Janet's  wickednes,  but  by  the  testimonie  of  those 
who  im ployed  her,  which  they  knew  they  wold  not  obtain,  but  by 
passing  by  any  censure  against  them)  to  call  the  forsaid  James  Gibbone, 
Win.  Gibbone  his  father,  Agnes  Dunbar  his  mother  (who  hade  been 
summoned  to  the  meitting  as  imployers  of  the  said  Janet  Forbes)  that 
they  might  bear  witnes  in  the  matter  ;  who  being  admitted  by  the  said 
Janet  did  tak  the  oath,  and  depouned  as  after  follows : — 


22  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

Wm.  Gibbonc  dcpouned,  that  Janet  Forbes  said  to  him  that  his  soune 
hade  a  disease  called  falling  sicknes,  and  that  she  could  cure  him,  and,  to 
that  effect,  promised  him  a  belt  to  wear,  and  gave  him  a  thing  to  be  ground, 
and  given  to  his  soune  to  drink  three  scverall  mornings,  which  she  said 
was  the  afterbirth  of  a  woman,  and  that  his  soune  had  received  the  belt 
from  her. 

Agnes  Dunbar  dcpouned,  that  Janet  Forbes  said  that  her  soune  had  a 
disease  which  she  called  the  rose,  and  that  her  soune  had  received  for  cure 
therof  a  black  thing  like  a  powder,  to  be  given  him  three  mornings,  which 
she  professed  was  of  the  matter  befor  exprest,  and  a  belt  which  he  wore. 

James  Gibbone  himself  dcpouned,  that  the  said  Janet  said  he  hade  the 
rose,  that  she  gave  him  for  cure  therof  something  to  put  among  a  drink 
severall  mornings,  that  she  asked  why  he  wanted  a  belt,  that  she  pro 
mised  to  give  him  one,  and  afterwards  gave  him  the  samen,  and  desired 
him  to  keep  it  till  such  a  tyme,  which  he  thought  was  the  Bride  even,  and 
that  she  sent  her  soune  to  him,  who  received  it  back  again. 

The  said  Janet  being  called  in,  and  hearing  the  depositiones  read  to 
her,  confessed  she  hade  given  the  said  James  a  belt,  and  that  it  was 
within  the  belt  which  wold  cure  him,  and  it  was  the  assc  of  a  beanie's 
navell.  The  brethren,  taking  the  matter  to  ther  consideratione,  thought 
fitt  to  cause  it  to  be  intimated  from  the  severall  pulpits  the  said  Janet 
her  guilt,  that  all  hence  might  look  upon  her  as  a  charmer  and  sorceressc, 
that  none  might  imploy  her  for  any  cure  under  pain  of  censure,  and  for 
what  further  course  should  be  taken  at  her,  it  is  referred  to  the  nixt  incit 
ing  of  the  Diocesian  Synod. 

By  reference  from  the  Sessione  of  Towy,  compeered  Alexr.  Ogilvie, 
who,  by  his  own  confessione,  was  convict  of  trelapse  in  fornicatione, 
his  third  fall  being  with  Margret  Andersoune,  as  likwise  of  a  qud- 
relapse,  his  fourth  fall  being  with  Helen  Straquhan  in  Abcrdene.  It  is 
ordained  that  he  repair  to  Aberdene,  and  report  a  testimoniall  of  his 
satisfactione  ther,  and  afterwards  undergo  the  usuall  pennance  in  Towy. 

Alfoord,  August  13,  1663. 

Mr.  Robert  Irving  exercised  on  Rom.  13,  3,  4,  the  doctrin  being 
censured  was  approven. 

The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord,  Sepr.  3,  and  it  is 


1663]  OF   THE   EXERCISE  OF  ALFORD.  23 

appointed  that  Mr.  Robert  Irving  preach  a  popular  sermon  upon  John  10, 
1 1,  as  the  nixt  poynt  of  his  tryalls. 

Mr.  David  Milne,  having  been  recommended  back  by  the  Bishop  to 
our  meitting  of  the  Exercise,  was  licentiat,  and  warranted  to  preach,  and 
it  was  recommended  to  him  to  supplie  the  vacancie  of  Glenbuchet  as 
frequentlic  as  he  can,  till  he  be  admitted  minister  ther. 

Patrick  McKommie  continued  ut  supra. 

It  is  reported  that  James  Gordoune  and  Janet  Innes  had  satisfied 
Towy,  and  nixt  tyme  ordained  to  Kildrummie. 

The  moderator  reported,  that  he  hade  sent  the  names  of  papists  to  the 
moderator  of  Aberdene,  to  be  sent  by  him  to  the  Councell. 

[discipline] 

Mr.  Georg  Watsone  reported  preaching  at  Strathdoune,  and  the 
moderator  that  he  hade  kept  Scssione  ther.  Mr.  William  Duncaune 
to  repair  to  Strathdoune,  and  hold  Sessione. 

(Two  lines  not  legible.) 

[discipline] 

Alfoord,  September  3,  1663. 

Mr.  Robert  Irving  preached  a  popular  sermon  on  John  10,  11,  the 
doctrin  being  censured  it  is  approven. 

It  is  ordained  that  the  next  meitting  be  at  Alfoord,  Septr.  24,  and  Mr. 
David  Milne  to  preach  a  popular  sermon  on  Matth.  6,  33,  as  part  of  his 
tryall,  in  order  to  his  admissione  to  the  Church  of  Glenbuchet,  and  Mr. 
Robert  Irving  to  handle  the  controversie  De  efficacia  gratiac,  October  8. 

Patrick  McKommie  continued  ut  supra. 

It  is  reported  that  James  Gordoune  and  Janet  Innes  hade  entered, 
and  were  continuing  in  the  professionc  of  repentance  at  the  Kirk  of 
Kildrummie. 

[discipline] 

No  report  anent  William  Andcrsoune,  in  regard  of  the  minister's 
absence,  who  was  excused  in  regard  of  weakncs  and  infirmitie  of  bodie. 

Mr.  William  Duncaune  reported  that  he  hade  obeyed  the  ordinance 
in  holding  Sessione  at  Strathdoune. 

[discipline'] 


24  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1663 

By  reference  from  the  Sessione  of  Kildrummie,  Marjorie  Reid  (who 
hade  been  delate  bcfor  the  said  Sessione  for  curing  of  Klspet  Thomsoune 
of  the  epilcpsie  by  charming  and  sorceric)  having  been  summoned,  is 
called,  as  likwise  the  said  Klspct  Thomsounc  having  been  summoned, 
is  called,  and  neither  of  them  compeering,  it  is  ordained  that  they  be 
summoned  pro  2°. 

Alfoord,  Sep.  24,  1663. 

Mr.  David  Milne  preached  a  popular  sermone  upon  Matthew  6,  33,  the 
doctrin  being  censured  is  approver,  The  next  meitting  is  appointed  to 
be  October  8. 

Patrick  McKommie  ut  supra. 

It  is  reported  that  James  Gordoune  and  Janet  Inncs  arc  continuing 
in  the  professionc  of  repentance. 

Mr.  John  Mair  was  excused  for  his  absence  the  former  civet,  upon  a 

relevant  reasoune. 

Margret  Inncs  being  called,  and  not  compeering  to  object  against 
anything  in  the  processe  against  her,  it  is  ordained  that  the  processe  be 
abstracted,  and  transmitted  to  the  Bishop,  that,  by  his  authorise,  sentence 
of  excommunicatione  may  be  pronounced  against  her. 

It  is  reported  that  Win.  Andersoune  hade  not  yet  entered  to  the 
professionc  of  repentance,  but  it  is  thought  that  he  will  shortlie  enter. 

\cliscipline\ 

Marjorie  Reid  and  Elspct  Thomsoune  having  been  summoned,^ were 
called,  the  said  Marjorie  Reid  compeercd,  but,  in  respect  the  said  Klspet 
Thomsoune,  who  hade  imployed  her,  compeercd  not,  the  said  Marjorie  is 
charged  apud  acta  to  compeer  the  nixt  meitting,  and  it  is  ordained  the 
said  Klspct  be  summoned  therto  pro  3°. 

By  reference  from  the  Sessione  of  Alfoord,  compeercd  John  Ander 
soune  and  Klspet  Sutherland  his  wife,  who  were  convict  of  drunkennes 
and  scandalous  carriage  thcrby,  on  the  Lord's  day  ;  the  said  Klspet  hav 
ing  miscarried  profanely  and  lasciviously  with  one  David  Leyth,  a  tinker 
and  vagabond.  It  is  ordained  that  they  satisfie  and  do  pcnnancc  in  sack- 
cloath  befor  the  congrcgationc  of  Alfoord,  and  to  that  effect  are  remitted 
back  to  the  said  Sessione.  Ancnt  the  said  David  Leyth,  it  is  resolved 
(in  regard  he  is  a  vagabond,  upon  whom  a  pcrsonall  summons  could  not 


1663]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  25 

be  fixed)  that  his  name  be  given  up  to  the  nixt  Diocesian  Synod,  that 
where  he  may  be  found,  he  may  be  charged  to  return,  and  satisfie  the 
discipline  of  Alfoord. 

The  minister  of  Towy  gave  in  a  processe  led  against  Allaster  Fergus 
and  Janet  Cran,  upon  their  convictione  for  theft,  and  a  littcrall  summones 
lawfully  execute  and  indorsed,  wherby  the  said  Allaster  and  Janet  were 
charged  to  hear  and  see  the  said  processe  visited,  and  to  object  if  they 
hade  anything  in  the  contrarie  ;  who  being  called  and  not  compeering, 
the  processe  visited  is  approven,  and  ordained  to  be  transmitted  to  the 
Bishop  to  receive  his  auctoritie  for  pronouncing  the  sentence  of  ex- 
communicatione  against  them. 


Alfoord,  October  8,  1663. 

Mr.  Robert  Irving  handled  the  controversie  De  efficacia  gratiae,  and 
was  therm  approven. 

Patrick  McKommie  is  continued  ut  supra. 

It  is  reported  anent  James  Gordoune  and  Janet  Innes,  that  they  are 
continuing  in  the  professione  of  repentance  ;  that  Gilbert  Touch  hade  for 
some  days  intermitted  the  publick  professione  of  repentance,  and  it  is 
expected  that  he  will  shortly  appear  befor  their  Sessione  to  give  account 
therof. 

Ancnt  William  Andersoune  ut  supra. 

It  is  reported  that  Alexr.  Ogilvie  had  entered  to  give  satisfactionc  to 
the  discipline  of  Touch,  and  had  petitioned  that  he  might  have  libertie  to 
discontinue  his  publick  satisfactione  for  some  space,  that  he  might  repair 
to  Keyth,  for  reporting  a  testimoniall  thence,  that,  after  he  hade  fully 
satisfied,  there  might  be  no  let  to  his  absolutione,  which  petitione  was 
granted. 

{discipline} 

The  said  day,  Marjorie  Reid  and  Elspet  Thomsoune  being  called, 
compeered,  and  the  said  Elspet  being  convict  by  her  own  confessione 
that  she  hade  imployed  the  said  Marjorie  for  her  cure,  was  posed  what 
kind  of  cure  the  said  Marjorie  had  used  towards  her,  and  declared  that  the 
said  Marjorie,  sitting  upon  her  knees,  hade  caused  her  sitt  down  upon  her 
knees  forgainst  her,  and  speaking  words  unintelligible  by  her,  save  that 


26  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1663 

she  remembered  that  she  mentioned  the  name  of  St.  John  the  Baptist, 
and  washed  her  face  at  every  word  with  water,  all  which  the  said 
Marjoric  confessed,  save  only  that  she  allcdged  that  she  used  but  ane 
intelligible  charme,  which  she  used  to  say  for  fevers.  It  is  resolved  that 
the  matter  be  referred  to  the  nixt  Diocesian  Synod,  to  advise  what  course 
shall  be  taken  therm,  and  that,  in  the  mean  tyme,  the  scverall  brethren 
intimat  from  their  pulpits,  that  none  imploy  the  said  Marjorie  for  any 
cure  under  pain  of  censure. 

It  is  reported  that  John  Andersoune  and  Elspeth  Sutherland  hade 
not  yet  appeared  befor  the  Sessione  of  Alfoord. 

The  said  day,  the  severall  brethren  were  severally  removed  for  privie 
censure,  and  were  approved  for  their  carriage,  both  in  their  calling  and 
conversatione. 

It  is  reported  by  James  Ross,  minister  at  Cabrach,  that  wheras,  by 
(decree?)  of  the  Presbitrie  of  Alfoord  and  Synod  of  Aberdene,  the  lands 
of  Strathdiverane  were  disjoined  from  the  parish  of  Mortlich  and  united 
to  Cabrach  (that  the  said  lands  with  those  of  the  Cabrach  might  mak  up 
ane  competent  parish)  Mr.  Thomas  Stewart  is  studying  to  withdraw  the 
lands  of  Strathdiverane  from  Cabrach,  and  the  and  emolu 

ments  therof 

(The  rest  not  legible.) 

NOTE. — In  Alford  Record  the  leaves  here  are  misplaced,  also  part  is  illegible  and  part 
awanting,  but  is  supplied  from  Minute  Book  of  Synod  of  Aberdeen — the  parts  supplied  being 
in  Synod  Record,  pages  13-23 — nearly  the  whole  minute  of  this  Synod. 

The  Diocesian  Synod  of  Aberdene  holden  in  the  Colledge  Kirk  of 
Old  Aberdene,  and  begun  upon  the  twentie  sevent  day  of  October, 
the  year  of  God  1663  yearis,  by  the  Right  Reverend  Father  in  God 
Alexander,  by  the  mercie  of  God  Lord  Bishope  of  Aberdene. 

Sessio  prima  27  Octr.  1663.     Ante  meredicm,  the  said  day. 

1.  After  sermon  had  by  the  said  Bishope  in  the  Old  Churche  of  St. 
Machar,  and  incalling  of  the  name  of  God  in  presence  of  the  Synod,  the 
roll  of  the  ministers  names  within  this  Diocie  was  called,  and  absents 
notted,   who    are   as    followes,   viz. :     Mr.    John    Mercer,    Mr.    Andrew 
Gray,  Mr.  Robert  Forbes,  Mr.  Thomas  Forbes,  Mr.  William  Forbes  at 
Inverurie,  Mr.  Alexander  Strachane  at  Chapel  of  Gareoche. 

2.  Bretherene  appointed  for  the  privie  censures  ar  as  followes,  viz. :  Mr. 


1663]  OF   THE   EXERCISE    OF   ALFORD.  27 

William  Douglas  Professor  of  Divinitie,  Mr.  Alexander  Midletoune,  Mr. 
John  Mcnzies,  Mr.  George  Burner.,  Mr.  Andrew  Skene,  Mr.  Adame 
Barclay,  Mr.  George  Gardyne,  Mr.  James  Gorcloune,  Mr.  William  Scroggie, 
Mr.  William  Stevinsone,  Mr.  William  Gray,  Mr.  Arthure  Ros,  Mr.  James 
Mure,  Mr.  Gilbert  Andersone,  Mr.  William  Seattoune,  Mr.  Alexander 
Ros,  Mr.  William  Gordone.1 

Sess.  2°  eodem  die  post  merediem. 

3.  After  prayer  had  by  the  Lord  Bishope,  the  haill  Actis  of  the  last 
proceeding  Synod  wer  red  and  the  practise  therof  recommended  to  all  the 
ministers  of  this  Diocie  within  ther  severall  precincts. 

4.  It  is  ordered  that  a  day  of  solemne  thanksgiving  be  observed  in  the 
congregationes  of  this  Diocie  upon  the  fift  day  of  November,  for  that 
great  and   mcrciefull  delyverance  of  King  James  the   sixt   of  blessed 
memorie,  and  the  royall  familie,  hatched  and  contryved  against  them, 
and  by  the  great  mercie  of  God  discovered. 

5.  (Visitors  appointed  for  the  Presbytery  Books.) 

Sess.  3°  ante  merediem  28  Octr.  1663 — Wednesday. 

6.  It  is  inacted  and  ordered  that  none  be  recommended  for  collatione, 
ordinatione,  or  licences,  but  men  of  known  integritie,  loyall  principles, 
blamles  conversatione,  and  weell  disposed  towardis  the  government  of 
Church  and  State. 

7.  It  is  inacted  and  ordered  that  those  licenced,  or  to  be  licenced 
to  preach   shall    be   requyred    to  subscryve   the    promise  to  canonicall 
obedience. 

8.  It  is  inacted  that  evrie  minister  shall  labor  to  perswade  the  people 
to  uniformitie  and  canonical!  obedience,  and  in  caice  they  shall  not  tak 
paines  herein,  they  shall  be  represented  to  the  Lord  Bishope,  that  he  may 
proceed  against  them. 

9.  It  is  inacted  that  all  ministeris  as  aither  have,  or  not  subscryved 
the  declaratione  for  canonicall  obedience,  and  who  shall  be  found  seduce- 
ing  aither  his  awin  people,  or  people  under  the  charge  of  other  ministeris, 
by  laboring  to  infuse  in  them  such  principles  as  ar  contrarie  to  the  due 
obedience  of  the  canones  of  the  Synocle,  especiallie  to  the  canon  relating 
to  the  gesture  in  publick  worshipe,  shall  be  proceeded  against  as  ane  con- 
temner  of  the  canones  of  the  Synode. 

1Note  11. 


28  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1663 

10.  The   said  day  it  is  declared  the  judgement  of  the  Bishope  and 
Synode  that  the  moderator  of  the   Exercise   of  Turrcffc   shall   requyre 
legallie,  under  hand  of  instrument,  Mr.  Nathaniell  Marteinc  to  delyvcr 
the  old  Presbetrie  Buik  of  Deir,  and  in  caice  he  shall  not  doe  the  same, 
that  with  all  conveniencie  report  be  made  to  the  Bishopc  by  the  modera 
tor  of  Turreffe  to  proceed  against  him  as  he  shall  be  advysed,  and  that  it 
be  reported  to  the  Privie  Councill.1 

Sess.  4°.  eodem  die  ante  meridiem. 

11.  It  is  ordered  that  such  as  have  not  been  put  to  it  to  subscryve  the 
profcssione  of  Canonicall  obedience  shall   be   requyred   by  the   scverall 
Moderators  to  subscryve  the  same  primo  qnoque  tcmporc,  and   in  caice 
they   doe  not,   to   be   processed,  and  the  processe  to  be  represented  to 
the  Bishope  befor  any  censure  shall  pass  against  them  or  any  of  them. 

12.  It  is  recommended  by  the  Bishope  to  the  haill  bretherine  of  the 
Synode,  that  they  buy  from  John  Forbes,  Stationer,  the  queries,  replyis, 
and  duplyis  of  the  Doctoris  of  Aberdcne,  and  Professors  of  Divinitic  ther, 
at  the  pryce  of  fyfteene  shillingis  Scottis  money  the  peecc,  as  also  it  is 
thought  fitt  that  the  declinator  of  the  Bishopes  at  the  pretended  Asscm- 
blie  in  Glasgow  be  printed  and  bought  by  the  haille  bretherine  of  the 

Synode." 

13.  It  is  ordained  that,  upon  a  delatione  given  in  against  Mr.  William 
Rires,  minister  of  Lonmey,  upon  a  flieing  report  of  diveris  scandallis  re 
lating  to  him,  that  the  following  bretherine  viz.  (names  given)  shall  meit 
the  first  Wcdnisday  of  Marche  nixt  to  come   1664  yearis  (fyve  wherof 
being  a  quorum)  with  continuatione  of  dayis,  at  the  said  Kirk  wher  the 
said  Mr.  William  is  to  preach,  and  the  said  Mr.  William  Scroggie,  minis 
ter  at  Rathven  is  to  moderate,  to  try  and  cognosce  upon  all  scandallis 
relating  to  his  conversatione  and  discharge  of  his  ministeriall  functione  ; 
as  also  his  sufficiencie  in  the  samcn.      And  it  is  heerby  provyded  that,  if 
a  lybeller  present  a  lybell  tymouslie  to  the  moderator  of  the  said  meiting, 
the  said  lybell  shal  be  sent  along  to  the  said  Mr.  William  Rires  fourteine 
dayis  befor  the  meiting,  wherby  he  may  be  the  better  prepared  to  answer 
to  the  said  lybell,  and  that  the  said  moderator  issue   furth   sumondses 
tymouslie  to  all  the  witnesses  to  be  contained  in  the  said  lybell,  for  ther 
appearances   befor   the    said    meiting ;    but  in   caice  ther  be  no  lybell 

iNote  12.  'Note  13. 


1663]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  2Q 

presented  as  saicl  is,  that  the  saidis  bretherinc  shall  conveene  with  the 
Exercise  of  Deir,  and  try  all  the  grounds  they  can  find  concerning 
the  fama  clamosa,  and  report  therof  to  be  made  to  the  Bishope.1 


Sess.  5°.  29  Octr.  1663  Ante  merediem — Thursday. 

14.  It  is  ordained  that  all  papistis  recusantis  who  have  been  borne  and 
baptized  within  our  Churche  after  meanis  used  for  reclaiming  them,  and 
they  still  continue  obstinat  and  contumaceous  be  processed  according  to 
the  order  of  the  Churche. 

15.  It  is  ordained  that,  in  respect  some  gentlemen  and  persones  of 
qualitie  have  sent  ther  childrene  beyond  seais  to  be  educated  in  popishe 
Universities,  as  also  that  little  care  is  takin  at  home  for  bringing  up  of 
such  childrene  in  the  knowledge  of  the  truthe  by  ther  parentis,  tutors,  and 
overseeris,  that  a  letter  be  directed  to  his  grace  the  Lord  Bishope  of  Sanct 
Andrewis,  to  the  end  his  grace  would  be  pleased  to  interpose  himselffe 
with    His    Majestic,  that  ane  effectuall    restraint    may  be  put   on   this 
spreading  leprosie  of  poperie,  and  that  a  solide  way  may  be  takin  for 
training  up  the  forsaid  childrene  in  the  Protestant  rcligione,  especiallie 
the  young  noble  Lord  the  Marques  of  Huntlie,  and  that  the  childrene 
alreddie  sent  abroad  be  reduced. 

1 6.  It  is  ordained  that  all  quakeris  and  other  sectaries,  and  mantean- 
eris   of  erroneous  principles,  and  deserteris  of  ordinances  (after   meanis 
used  to  reclaim  them),  shall  be  proceeded  against  with  the  censuris  of  the 
Churche." 

1 8.  It  is  ordained,  in  regard  to  a  reference  made  by  the  Presbetrie  of 
Alford  to  the  Synocle,  anent  Beatrix  Douglas,  that  the  scandall  of  her 
supposed  adultcrie  with  Williame  Andersone  be  tryed  by  the  Sessione  of 
Keg  and    the   Exercise   of  Alford,  and    evident   grounds   being   found 
for  the  scandall,  that  the   censure  of  the   Churche  be  execute  against 
her  accordinglie. 

19.  It  is  inacted  that  evrie  minister  goe  exactlie  about  familie  exercise 
in  having  morning  and  evening  prayeris,  together  with  reading  some  par- 
cellis  of  Holy  Scripture,  and  that  they  shall  stirr  up  and  exhort  the  people 

1  Note  14.  -  Note  15. 


30  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

to  goc  about  such  ductics,  and  evric  Lordis  day  they  shall  catechcisc  thcr 
families,  and  that,  at  the  visitatione  of  families  within  their  parochines, 
they  shall  punctuallie  and  exactlic  inquyre  whither  or  not  familie  worship 
has  been  practi/.ed  among-  theme,  and  if  they  shall  find  that  in  some  fami 
lies  these  ductics  have  not  beene  performed,  that  they  be  exhorted  and 
requyrcd  to  goc  about  the  performance  of  the  same. 

20.  It  is  inacted  that  the  Lordis  day  be  exactlie  keeped,  and  that  all 
attend  the  hearing  and  reading  of  the  Word  befor  sermone,  and  that  none 
depairt  from  the  Churche  befor  the  pronouncing  of  the  blessing,  and  that 
visitors  be  appoyntcd  by  the  minister,  throw  the  sevcrall  pairtis  of  the 
parochin,  for  visiting  taverns  and  ailhouscs,  that   ther   be   no   excessive 
drinking,  nor  that  the  people  continue  tipling  in  these  places,  but  that, 
with  all  diligence,  they  repair  to  ther  awin  homes  for  going  about  ther 
severall  familie  dueties,  sutablc  to  the  holyncs  of  the  day,  and  that  ther 
be  no  bargaining,  buying,  selling,  feeing  of  servandis,  or  any  other  secular 
cffearis  gone  about  on  the  Lordis  day. 

21.  It    is   inacted    that    all   the   moderators    in    the   Diocie   give   anc 
accompt    of  the   vackancies    of  churches   within    ther  precincts   to    the 
Bishope,  since  the  year  1658,  and  that  betwixt  and  the  first  of  Januar 
nixt,  and  what  is  taken  up  of  vakand  stipendis  by  Mr.  Wilkie,  Collector 
generall,  or  any  of  his  deputies. 


23.  It  is  ordained  that  these  be  the  pryces  payable  to  the  Bishopis 
Clerk  viz. :  for  edict  and  collatione  fyve  shillingis  sterlinc  ;   certificat  for 
ordinatione  fyve  shillingis  sterline  ;  and  registrationc  of  ane  presentatione 
fyve  shillingis  sterline  ;  licences  halff  ane  crowne  ;  for  edict  and  preceptis 
twa  shillingis  sterline. 

24.  It  is  inacted  that  the  present  incumbentis  at  the  severall  Churches 
within  this  Diocie  shall  persue  for  the  executione  of  the  Act  of  Parlia 
ment  relating  to  the  freeing  of  ther  manses,  and  setling  of  ther  gleebis 
and  grasses,  betwixt  this  and  October  nixt   1664.      Likewayis  that  the 
incumbentis    at    unprovyded    Churches    shall   use   all    order   of  law    for 
provyding   thcr   Churches   with   augmentatione   of  stipendis   within    the 
tyme  forsaid,  and  that  all  intrantis  shall  doe  the  same  within  a  year 
after  ther  entrie. 


1663]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  31 

26.  It  is  ordained  that  the  moderator  of  the  Exercise  of  Fordyce,  with 
two  of  the  bretherene,  and  the  moderator  of  the  Exercise  of  Alford,  with 
one  of  the  bretherene  of  that  Exercise,  shall  perambulat  the  landis  of 
Strathdoverainc,  and  to  represent  the  commodiousnes  of  disjoyning  the 
said  landis  from  the  parochin   of  Morthlick,  and  joyning  them   to   the 
parochin  of  Cabrache,  and  that  the  dyet  for  the  perambulatione  shall  be 
last  Tuysday  of  Marche  nixt. 

27.  It  is   inactecl    that    notice   be   taken    of  such    as   travell   on  the 
Lordis  day,  and  the  minister  in  whose  parochines  he  leive  be  acquaint 
ed  thenvith,  and  censure  them  according  to  the  qualitie  of  the  offence. 

28.  It  being  represented  that  ther  is  ane  grosse  abuiss  committed  by 
guseris,  especiallie  at  Yooletyme,  and  therby,  it  is  ordained  that  evrie 
minister  in  his  awin  parochin  tak  notice  of  them,  and  with  advyse  of  the 
bretherine  of  the  Exercise,  inflict  such  censure  on  them  as  the  qualitie  of 
the  offence  shall  deserve.1 

29.  It  is  ordained  that  the  names  of  fugitives  from  the  discipline  of 
the  Churche  be  delyvcred  to  the  Clerk  of  the  Synod,  and  that  ther  names 
be  insert  in  the  referris  of  the  severall  bretherine  of  the  Exercises,  and  be 
intimat  from  the  severall  pulpitis. 

Sess.  6°.  eodem  die  post  merediem. 

30.  It  is  ordained  that  the  bretherine  of  the  respective  Presbetries  of 
Alford  and  Kinkardyne,  or  suche  of  them  as  the  respective  moderators 
therof  shall  mutuallie  agree  upon,  appoynt  ane  dyet  for  perambulating 
suche  boundis  within  both,  or  ather  of  the  said  Exercises,  as  neids  to  be 
Jooked  on  for  the  better  accommodatione  and  good  of  soules  within  both 
or  ather  of  the  precinctis  therof,  and  shall  represent  ane  accompt  therof 
to  the  nixt  Synocle. 

31.  It  is  ordered  that  all  personis  titularis  of  teyndis  shall,  with  all 
convenient  diligence,  persue  for  the  possessione  of  the  teyndis  legallie 
belonging    to   the   respective   churches   that   ar   personages  within    this 
Diocie.2 

34.  It  is  ordained  that  penalties  and  peinnall  fynes  be  insert  in  the 
Sessione  buikis  as  formerlie. 

35.  Anent  frequent  absentis  from  Presbyteriall  meetingis,  it  is  ordered 

1  Note  16.  -  Note  17. 


RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1663 

0" 

that  the  brctherine  of  the   Exercises  shall  call  them   to  ane   accompt 
for  ther  absence,  and  impose  a  picnnall  mulct  upon  them,  and 
shall  continue  carles  to  frequent  meitingis  to  proceed  to  further  c 
according  to  the  absentis  dclinquencie,  and  ther  discretione. 

36    The  report  of  the  book  of  the  Exercise  of  Aberdene  being  giver 
in  by  the  visitors  is  found  culpable  in  the  proceedings  with  Mr.  Williame 
Mitchell,  in  not  exacting  from  him  satisfactionc  as  to  his  submission 
the  present  civile  and  ecclesiastick  government. 

27    It  is  ordained  that  wheras,  by  the  visitors  of  the  book  of  At 
dene  a  report  was  made  of  the  laird  of  Cragivarr  his  dispossessing  of  Mr. 
George  Meldrum,  minister  at  Fintrey,  of  a  great  pairt  of  his  gleib  a 
landis  belonging  duclie  to  the  Churche,  that  the  said  Mr.  George  shall 
-ive  in  full  informatione  to  the  Bishop,  whilk  his  lordship  is  to  pres< 
with  all  conveniencie  to  the  commissione  for  the  plantation  of  Kirkis, 
wherby  the  said  Churche  may  be  repossessed  to  what  formerhc  die 
belong  therto. 

^o    Wheras  ther  was  a  reference  made  by  the  Exercise  of  Alford  to 
the  Bishope  and   brethcrine  of  this  Synode,  anent  Janet    Forbes  anc 
Marjorie  Reid,  charmeris,  it  is  ordered  that  the  said   persones,  and   all 
otheris  guyltie  of  suche  crymes,  shall  satisfie  in  sackcloath  and  bare 
footed,  untill  the  scandall  be  removed. 

A2  It  is  ordained  that  the  brctherine  of  the  Exercise  of  Dcir  shall 
labor  to  suplie  the  vaikancics  in  the  Presbetrie  of  Deir  viz.  :  _  Pcterhead 
Fraserburghe,  Aberdoure,  Pitsligo,  and  that  they  shall  not  imploy  any 
persone  or  persones  presented  by  my  Lord  of  Pitsligo  or  Lairds 
Philorth  to  two  of  the  said  Kirkis  viz.:  Aberdoure  and  Pitsligo,  until 
the  Bishope  be  acquantcd  therwith.1 

Sessio  7°.  30  Octr.  1663  Ante  merectiem— Fredday. 
47  It  is  ordained  that  suche  as  have  not  subscryved  the  declaratione 
of  Canonical!  obedience  viz. :  within  the  Exercise  of  Aberdene,  Mr  John 
Mercer,  minister  at  Kynellar  ;  Mr.  Alexander  Lcask,  minister  at  Marie- 
culter  •  Mr.  Williame  Cheyne,  minister  at  Dyce  ;  Mr.  Thomas  Ros,  minis 
ter  at'Aboyne  within  the  Exercise  of  Kinkardyne,  shall  be  present!) 


1  Note  18. 


1663]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  33 

rcquyred  to  subscryve  the  declaratione,  having  hade  formerlic  sufficient 
tyme  for  informatione  and  clecring  any  doubtis  ;  vvherupone  they  being 
called,  compeared  only  the  said  Williame  Cheyne,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Ros, 
and  desyred  a  litle  more  tyme,  whilk  being  indulged  to  them  and  a  quar 
ter  of  a  year  being  allowed  to  them  for  ther  further  informatione,  it  is 
inacted  that  the  said  tyme  being  cxpyred  after  three  severall  admonitiones 
given  to  them  by  the  moderators  of  ther  several  Exercises,  they  shall  be 
declared  contumacious,  and  ther  names  sent  to  the  Bishope,  and  the  lyke 
indulgence  and  tyme  is  granted  to  the  absentis. 

44.  It  is  inacted  that  the  severall  moderators  of  the  severall  Exercises 
inquire  de  now  of  the  brethren,  what  obedience  is  given  to  the  canons  of 
the  former  Synod,  and  that  they  mak  their  report  of  their  dilligcncc  to 
their  respective  Moderators. 

45.  It  is  ordered  that  no  young  men  shall  be  recommended  by  the 
moderators    of   the    severall    Exercises    to    the    Bishope    for    licence    to 
preach,  but  such  as,  amongst  other  qualificationes,  have  subscryved  the 
declaratione  of  Canonicall  obedience,  and  that  such  as  are  now  preach 
ing,  and  have  not  subscryved  the  forsaid  declaratione,  neither  have  yet 
given   obedience   to   the  Act   of  the   former  Synod,  so   far  as   they   are 
concerned,    shall    be    requyred    by    the    severall    moderators,    with    all 
convenience,  to   subscryve    the   forsaid   declaratione,  and   to   give   obed 
ience   as  said  is,  and    if  within   a  moneth   after  they  are  requyred  and 
conferred  with  by  the  moderators,  or  any  other  who  shall   be  deputed 
for  that  effect,  that  report  be  made  to  the  Bishope,  that  his   Lordship 
may  exercise  his  authority  by  silencing  them  if  he  shall  think  fitt. 

46.  It  is  ordained  that  evrie  minister  shall  have  a  care  that  none  shall 
preach  in  the  pulpits  of  the  severall  precincts,  but  such  as  are  licenced, 
approven,  and  allowed  by  the  Bishope,  and  if  any  shall  be  imployed  to 
preach  in  any  place  within  this  Diocie,  without  consent  of  the  minister  in 
the  place,  then,  and  in  that  case,  the  minister  shall  enter  a  protestatione 
against  it,  whilk  protestatione,  under  instrument,  shall  be  insert  in  the 
Presbytrie  book. 

47.  It  is  ordered  by  the  Bishope,  in  his  absence  out  of  the  kingdom, 
that  the  moderators  shall  licentiate  such  men  to  preach,  as  shall  be  found 
qualefied,  and  well  affected  towards  the  present  government,  which  they 
are  to  evidence  by  subscryving  the  declaratione  of  Canonicall  obedience 
and  oath  of  allegiance, 

E 


34  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1663 

48.  It  is  ordained  that,  if  any  scandalous  rcporto  pass  in  the  country, 
upon   any  of  the   ministers   within   this   Diocie,   that,   in   that  case,   the 
moderators  and  brethren  of  the  severall  Exercises  shall  be  dilligent  in 
trying  if  ther  be  any  ground  for  the  said  scandall,  and  if  any  shall  be 
found,  after  the  brethren  have  questioned  him  concerning  the  said  scan 
dall  and  ground  of  the  sammcn,  if  ther  be  any   probable   grounds   for 
moving  the  said  scandall,  the  moderators  and  brethren  of  the  Exercises 
shall  judiciallie  try  the  ground  of  the  sammen,  and  make  reporte  to 
the  Bishope. 

49.  The  Synod  taking  it  to  consideratione  how  nccessarie  and  laudable 
it  is  that  ministers,  masters  of  Schooles  and  Universities,  and  Students  of 
Divinitie  be  grave  in  their  apperall,  it  is  herby  ordained  that  they  use 
apperall  beseeming  their  degrees,  and  abstaine  from  all  lyght  and  new 
fangled  garments  in  colour  or  fashion,  no  wayes  beseeming  the  gravitie  of 
their  personnes  and  paces,  and  in  particular  that  they  have  not  powdered 
or  long  hair,  varietie  or  multitude  of  ribbons,  varietie  in  their  linnens,  and 
that  the  moderators  of  the  severall  Exercises  take  notice  of  the  forsaid 
exorbitances,  and  make  report  to  the  next  Synod. 

50.  It  is  ordained  that,  if  any  deposed  ministers  shall  speak  against 
the  present  government,  or  exercise  any  pairte  of  the  ministeriall  func- 
tione,  especiallie  by  lecturing  or  catechising  in  families,  wherby  they  may 
corrupt  by  dangerous  principles,  and  weaken  the  hands  of  the  present 
incumbent,  after  sufficient  tryall  therof  shall  be  made,  reporte  shall  be 
made  to  the  Lord  Bishope,  and  they  summoned  to  appear  befor  him. 

51.  It  is  ordained  that  all   moderators  of  the  several   Exercises  be 

continued  as  formerlie. 

Sic  Subbr. 

Mr.  GEO.  MYLN,  Clerk. 

Fugitives  exhibited  to  the  Clerk  by  the  brethren  of  the  Exercise  of 
Alfoord,  wherof  as  followes,  &c. 

(Page  20  of  Alford  Record  is  blank.) 

At  Aberdein  October  30,  1663. 

The  moderator  and  brethren  of  the  Exercise  of  Alfoord  did  mcitt,  and 
appointed  their  next  meitting  to  be  at  Alfoord  December  2,  1663,  and  no 
exercise  to  be  in  regard  of  the  shortness  of  the  day. 


1664]  OF  THE   EXERCISE  OF  ALFORD.  35 

Alfoord  December  2,  1663. 

It  is  appointed  that  the  nixt  meitting  be  at  Alfoord  January  6,  and 
Mr.  Wm.  Burnett  is  ordained  to  handle  the  controversie  "  De  Iconolatria  " 
as  the  third  point  of  his  tryall,  in  reference  to  licentiating  him  to  preach. 

It  is  ordained  that  the  minister  of  Auchindoir  cause  summone  Patrick 
McKommic  to  the  nixt  meitting  of  the  Exercise,  to  hear  and  see  if  he 
hade  anything  to  object  against  the  processe  led  against  him. 

Anent  James  Gordoune,  the  minister  of  Kildrummie  reported  that  the 
said  James,  conforme  to  the  ordinance,  hade  satisfied  in  the  severall 
churches  in  which  he  was  appointed  to  satisfie,  and  hade  reported  to  him 
the  severall  ministers'  testimonies  theranent,  and  lykwise  that  he  hade 
satisfied  the  discipline  of  the  church  of  Kildrummie,  and  was  thence 
referred  to  this  meitting  to  receive  order  for  his  absolutione,  wherupon, 
after  his  humble  appeerance,  the  brethren  did  referr  him  back  to  be 
absolved  by  the  minister  of  Kildrummie  befor  the  congregatione. 

It  is  reported  anent  Janet  Innes,  that  slice  having  desisted  from  the 
professione  of  repentance,  the  minister  of  Kildrummie  hade  continued  the 
processe  against  her,  and  hade  prayed  for  her  pro  i°.  Nov.  22. 

No  report  anent  William  Andersoune. 

[discipline] 

It  is  ordained  that  the  minister  of  Kildrummie  cause  charge  Marjorie 
Reid  to  the  nixt  meitting  to  receive  her  sentence  conforme  to  the  forsaid 
referre,  as  lykwise  that  he  sumonne  Elspet  Thomsoune  to  compeer  to  the 
nixt  meitting  to  receive  her  sentence. 


At  Alfoord,  January  6,  1664. 

Mr.  Wm.  Burnett  handled  the  controversie  De  Iconolatria,  and  was 
therin  approved. 

The  nixt  meitting  is  ordained  to  be  held  at  Alfoord  Feby  3,  and 
the  said  Mr.  William  is  ordained  to  maintain  dispute  on  the  forsaid 
controversie,  and  to  undergo  his  qucstionarie  tryall. 

It  is  reported  that  the  minister  of  Auchindoir  hade  not  yet  sumonned 
Patrick  McKommie  to  this  meitting,  wherupon  hee  is  ordained  to  sum 
onne  him  to  the  nixt  meittinp;. 


35  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1664 

It  is  reported  that  James  Gorclounc  was  absolved  at  Kildrummie 
December  6  ;  and  by  the  minister  of  Kildrummie  that  lice  had  publickly 
prayed  for  Janet  Inncs  pro  2°.  December  20,  pro  3".  Jany  3d. 

By  reference  from  the  Scssione  of  Alfoord  compeered  John  Ander- 
sounc  and  Elspct  Sutherland  to  receive  order  for  their  absolutione  and 
arc  remitted  back  to  their  own  minister  for  that  effect. 

[discipline} 

The  minister  of  Kildrummie  reported  that  Marjoric  Reid  was  sum- 
onned  to  this  dyct,  as  likwise  Elspet  Thomsoune,  who  being  called,  not 
compccring,  it  is  ordered  they  be  sumonned  pro  2". 

Alfoord  Fcbry  3,  1664. 

Mr.  Wm.  Burnett  sustained  dispute,  and  did  undergo  his  questionarie 
tryall,  and  having  been  approvcn  in  all  the  points  of  his  tryalls,  in  regard 
of  the  Bishop  his  absence  out  of  the  Kingdome,  conforme  to  the  Act  of 
the  Synod,  the  brethren  did  licentiat  the  said  Mr.  Wm.  to  preach  the 

The  nixt  mcitting  is  appointed  to  be  held  at  the  Kirk  of  Kenneth- 
mont    for  the   trying   of  a   fragrant  scandall   which   was   fleeing  abroad 
upon   Mr    Robt.   Cheync,  minister  their,  that  hce   should   have  cause 
lead   his    comes   in    Octr.    last,   upon    the    Lord's  day    in   the 
The   minister  himself  is  appointed   to   intimate  the  meitting    for    that 
purpose  to  bee  upon  the  second  day  of  March,  and  the  said  mtimatione 
is  to  bee  made  from  the  pulpit,  the  Lord's  day  come  eight  dayes 
and  the  officer  of  the  Presbitrie  is  ordained  to  summon  all  the  members 
of  the  Sessione,  all  the  minister's  domesticks,  the  inhabitants  of  Syde 
mill  of  Syde,  Cragtounne,  Pooll,  and  Kirkhill,  who  were  allcdged  to  be 
actors   in   the  said  businesses,  or  at  least  witnesses  therof; 
Robert  Dunbarre  is  to  preach  at  the  said  dyet,  and  no  other  c 
is  to  be  exercised  that  day. 

None  from  the  minister  of  Auchindeor  compeered  with  any  repo 

anent  Patrick  McCommie. 

The  minister  of  Kildrummie   reported  that  Janet    Innes  hade  ap 
peared  befor  their  Sessione,  and  hade  offered  herself  to  enter  again  t 
her  repentance. 


1664]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  37 

The  minister  of  Alfoord  reported  that,  upon  some  consideratione,  he 
hade  not  yet  absolved  John  Andersoune  and  Elspet  Sutherland. 

[discipline] 

Compcered  Marjorie  Reid,  who  is  ordained  to  repair  to  the  Church  of 
Kildrummic,  and  satisfie  ther  in  sackcloath  and  barefooted,  conformc  to 
the  Act  of  Assemblie  theranent. 

The  minister  reported  that  Elspet  Thomsoune  was  summoned  to  this 
dyet,  who  being  called  and  not  compeering,  it  is  ordained  that  she  be 
summoned  pro  3°. 

The  said  day,  the  referres  from  the  Diocesian  Synod  were  read  and 
recommended. 

In  reference  to  the  Act  of  the  Synod  anent  Beatrix  Douglas,  it  is 
recommended  to  the  minister  of  Kegge  to  mak  dilligent  search  and 
tryall  into  the  scandalous  carriage  of  the  said  Beatrix  with  William 
Andersoune,  and  to  search  what  presumptions  he  can  find  out  of  her 
adulterie  with  him,  and  how  soon  he  can  find  out  any  probable  grounds 
therof,  or  any  matter  of  scandall  that  can  be  made  out  against  her, 
that  he  mak  report  therof  to  the  meitting  of  the  Exercise. 


Kinethmont  March  2,  1664. 

The  said  day,  Mr.  Robert  Dunbarre  preached  on  i  Tim.  4,  6. 

A  literall  summones,  lawfully  execute  and  indorsed,  was  given  in 
against  the  persounes  following  viz.  :  James  Cowttis  in  Kirkhill,  John 
Cowttis  ther,  John  Wright  Earlsfield,  Gcorg  Rosse  ther,  James  Ander 
soune  ther,  James  Robertson  in  Syde,  James  Reidfurd  in  (blank),  John 
Gordoune  in  Kirkhill,  William  Layng  in  (blank),  Alexander  Garioch  in 
Kirkhill,  as  actors  and  witnesses  against  the  minister,  in  the  matter  of  the 
scandall  of  the  breach  of  Sabbath  mentioned  in  former  minute,  and 
alledged  to  have  been  made  by  the  said  minister  of  Kinethmont  and  his 
familie.  The  forsaid  persounes  being  called  compeered.  Compeered  also 
severall  of  the  elders  of  the  Sessionc.  Seriouse  consideratione  being  hade 
if  ther  could  be  any  other  found  that  could  give  clearnes  or  notice  in  the 
said  busieness,  it  was  found  that,  if  any  clearnes  was  to  be  made  therin, 
it  was  to  be  made  out  by  the  forsaid  persounes,  and  that  therefore 
others  were  not  summoned,  as  dwelling  at  such  a  distance  that  they 


3g  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1664 

could    neither   be   privic   to,  nor  witnesses  of  anything  in   the   forsaid 

scandall. 

Mr.  Robert  Cheyne  the  minister  being  called,  compeered,  o 
is  enquired  if  he  hade  ought  to  except  against  the  forsaid  persouns,  why 
they  might  not  bear  witnes  in  the  matter  alledged  against  him. 
declared  he  could  except  nothing  against  any  of  them.     Wherupon  they 
are  solemnly  sworne,  and  under  oath  did  depone  as  followes  viz 

James  Cowttis  deponed,  that  when  they  came  their  minister  forbade 
them  to  lead,  and  said  lie  hade  rather  corne  should  go  with  the  water,  and 
that  he  went  away  from  them,  but  that  they  lead  the  corncs,  and  that  he 
did  the  same  upon  the  call  of  the  minister's  wife,  and  that  it  was  the  night 

following. 

John  Cowttis  deponed  that  he  came  ther,  but  that  the  mimste 
not  imploy  him,  and  that  he  saw  not  the  minister  that  night. 

James  Wright  deponed  that  he  was  not  ther  himselfe,  but  that  the 
minister's  wife  desired  help  from  him  for  leading  of  the  corncs,  and  that 
he  hade  sent  a  servant  and  a  horse. 

Georg  Rosse  deponed  that  he  was  not  imployed  by  the  minister, 
neither  was  he  ther  himselfe,  but  that,  upon  a  desire  from  the  minister's 
wife  he  hade  sent  his  soune,  a  young  boy,  with  a  horse. 

James  Andersoune  deponed  that  he  was  not  at  home  himselfe,  but 
by  a  call  from  the  minister's  wife,  he  hade  ther  a  child  with  a  horse,  and 
that  he  had  no  call  from  the  minister. 

James  Robertsoune  nihil  probat,  James  Reidfurd  nihil probat. 

John  Gordoune  deponed  that  he  saw  the  horse  leading,  but  that 

sky  was  sett. 

William  Layng  deponed  that  he  heard  them  leading,  but  1 

he  saw  them  not. 

Alexander  Garioch  deponed  that  he  saw  them  not,  but  that  the  mm 
ter's  wife  had  come  to  him  seeking  the  lend  of  a  pair  of  currecks. 

It  being  enquired  who  was  the  bigger  of  the  comes,  it  was  found  to 
be  Thomas  Spence,  the  minister's  servant,  wherupon  it  was  inquired 
the  minister,  whither  he  woold  admitt  the  said  Thomas  as  a  witness,  who 
declared  he  would  not  reject  him   nor  any.      The  said  Thomas  being 
solemnly  sworne,  depouned  that  he  bigged  the  comes,  but  not  imploye< 
by  the  minister,  but  without  his  knowledge. 

The  brethren  having  considered  the  whole  depositiones,  founc 


1664]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  39 

minister  directly  under  no  guiltieness  of  the  scandall,  but  only  faultie  in 
that  hee  hade  too  little  exercised  his  authoritie  towards  those  of  his  own 
familie,  either  in  restraining  or  censuring  such  scandalous  carriage,  wher- 
for  they  did  gravely  admonish  him  to  rule  well  his  own  house,  as  he  wold 
wish  to  declare  himselfe  fit  to  rule  in  the  house  of  God  ;  and  that, 
considering  that  he  lived  in  the  midst  of  enemies,  he  wold  studie  to 
bee  both  himselfe  and  his  familie  spotles,  and  to  tak  heed  to  himselfe 
and  to  the  flock  &c. 

The  minister's  wife  being  called,  and  it  being  laid  to  her  charge  what 
hade  been  depouned  anent  her  by  the  forsaid  witnesses,  she  is  by  her 
own  confessione  likwise  convict  of  the  guiltieness  of  imploying  the  people 
to  lead  their  conies  upon  the  Lord's  day  in  the  evening,  and  humbly 
acknowledged  her  offence  therm.  It  is  ordained  that  she  mak  publick 
professione  of  repentance  for  the  same  upon  a  Lord's  day  befor  the 
pulpit,  upon  a  seat  put  their  for  that  effect ;  and  Mr.  Georg  Garden  is 
ordained  to  preach  and  receive  her  to  repentance,  and  upon  her  humble 
professione  to  absolve  her  ;  and,  by  a  publick  declaratione  of  the 
brethren's  care  and  diligence  of  searching  into  the  said  busieness, 
should  purge  off  the  scandall  therof,  which  was  lying  upon  the  said 
Mr.  Robt.  Cheyne  minister,  and  that  this  bee  done  some  Lord's  day 
bcfor  our  nixt  meitting. 

It  is  found  that  some  others  within  the  parish  of  Kinethmont  are  lying 
under  a  scandall  of  the  lyk  guiltienes  of  leading  their  cornes  upon  the 
Lord's  day,  beside  those  that  have  concurred  to  lead  the  minister  his 
corne,  wherfor  the  brethren  do  recommend  to  the  minister  and  Sessione, 
to  go  about  the  tryall  of  their  guiltienes,  and  the  measure  therof,  and  that, 
after  they  have  judicially  convicted  both  those  that  have  lead  cornes  to 
themselves,  and  those  who  have  concurred  in  the  leading  of  the  minister's 
corne,  report  should  be  made  to  the  meitting  of  the  Exercise,  that  course 
might  be  taken  for  censuring  them. 

The  brethren  hearing  it  reported  that  the  fabrick  of  the  church  of 
Auchindoir  was  ruined,  and  receiving  no  reports  from  the  minister,  Mr. 
Wm.  Davidsoune  of  the  exercise  of  his  discipline,  and  considering  that 
the  said  Mr.  Wm.,  in  regard  of  his  age  and  inabilitie,  was  unable  to  repair 
to  our  meitting,  did  commission  Mr.  Robert  Dunbarre  and  Mr.  John 
Walker  to  go  to  the  said  Mr.  Wm.  and  seriously  to  recommend  unto  him 
that  he  wold  diligently  go  about  the  repairing  of  the  fabrick  of  the 


40  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1664 

Church,  and  that  they  should  studie  to  learne  of  him  that  discipline 
were  exercised  within  his  parish,  and  mak  report  thcrof  to  the  nixt 
meitting. 

It  is  appointed  that  the  nixt  meitting  bee  at  Alfoord  March  30,  and  no 
exercise  to  bee  the  said  day  in  regard  the  multiplicitie  of  affairs  will  tak  up 
the  day. 

Alfoord  March  30,  1664. 

The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord  May  4,  1664,  and  Mr. 
Adam  Barclay,  Moderator,  ordained  to  exercise  on  the  ordinarie  matter. 

The  executione  of  a  sumons  was  given  in  against  Patrick  McKommie, 
and  it  being  found  therby  that  the  said  Patrick  was  not  sumoncd  to  this 
day,  but  that  the  clay  hade  been  mistaken  by  him  who  hade  charged  him, 
and  gave  in  the  executione,  therfor,  it  is  ordained  that  hce  be  sumoned  de 

novo. 

It  is  reported  that  Janet  Inncs  hade  satisfied  at  Kildrummie  and 
Cabbrach,  and  is  now  to  bee  transferred  to  Auchindoor  to  mak  publick 
professione  of  repentance  their. 

It  is  reported  that  the  minister  of  Kegge  is  going  on  in  processe 
against  Wm.  Andersoune,  and  that  he  was  publickly  admonished  pro  i°. 

March  13. 

{discipline} 

John     Andersoune    and    Elspet    Sutherland    were    absolved    Eebry 

penultimo. 

It  is  reported  that  Marjorie  Reid  is  entered  and  continuing  in  the  pub- 
lick  professione  of  repentance. 

Compeered  Elspet  Thomsoune,  who  was  ordained  to  repair  back  to 
her  own  Church  of  Kildrummie,  and  their  mak  her  publick  professione  of 
repentance  in  sackcloath  and  barefooted. 

It  is  reported  anent  Beatrix  Douglas,  that  nothing  hade  been  found 
that  cold  yet  bee  made  out  against  her. 

Mr.  Georg  Garden  reported  that  he  hade  repaired  to  the  Church  of 
Kinethmont  March  13,  and  discharged  in  all  points  the  ordinance  of  the 
meitting  of  the  Exercise,  and  that  the  minister's  wife  compeercd,  and  was 
absolved. 

The  minister  of  Kinethmont  reported  that  hce  hade  called  befor  the 
Sessione  all  alledged  guiltie  within  his  parish  of  leading  of  cornes  upon  the 


1664]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  41 

Lord's  day,  and  that  they  hade  offered  to  declare  upon  oath  that  they 
hade  load  none  till  after  the  sky  setting.  It  is  ordained  that  hee  tak  not 
their  own  oath,  but  that  hee  examine  witnesses  against  them,  and  mak 
report. 

Mr.  Robt.  Dunbarrc  and  Mr.  John  Walker  reported  that  they  hade 
gone  to  Mr.  Wm.  Davidsounc,  and  that  they  hade  found  that  hee  was 
using  diligence  for  repairing  of  the  fabrick  of  the  church,  and  that  hee 
hade  no  matters  of  discipline,  wherin  the  Presbitrie  was  concerned  to 
interpone  their  authentic. 

.     .     .     .     Discipline — to  appear  barefooted  and  in  sackcloth. 

In  regard  that  some  heritors  refused  to  mak  payment  for  their  burialls 
within  the  Churches  in  some  parishes  within  the  precinct  of  our  mcitting, 
alledging  that  it  was  no  reason  that  they  who  upheld  the  edifice  should 
pay  for  their  burialls.  It  is  referred  to  the  nixt  Diocesian  Synod  to  bee 
advised  whither  the  heritors  shal  be  lyable  theirto  or  not. 


Alfoord  May  4,  1664. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  Moderator,  exercised  Rom.  14,  5,6.  The  doctrine 
being  censured  was  approven. 

The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord  June  I,  and  Mr. 
Robert  Cheyne  ordained  to  exercise  on  the  ordinarie  matter,  and  Mr. 
James  Rosse  to  adde. 

A  literall  sumons,  legally  execute  was  given  in  against  Patrick 
McKommie,  wherby  hee  was  cited  to  appear  befor  the  meitting  of  the 
Exercise,  and  their  to  give  in  (if  hcc  hade)  any  objectionc  against  the 
cleductione  of  the  processc  lead  against  him.  The  said  Patrick  is  called, 
but  compecred  not,  wherupon  it  is  ordained  that  the  processe  be 
extracted,  and  transmitted  to  the  Bishope  that  the  sentence  of  excom- 
municatione  may  pass  against  him. 

By  reference  from  the  Sessione  of  Kildrumie,  compeered  Janet  Innes 
(having  satisfied  the  severall  Churches  according  to  the  appointment)  to 
receive  order  for  her  absolutione,  she  is  remitted  back  to  the  Kirk  of  Kil 
drumie  for  that  effect. 

{discipline] 
F 


42  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

It  is  reported  anent  Wm.  Andersoune,  that  the  minister  of  Kcgge 
hade  publickly  admonished  him  pro  2".  Apryll  24. 

It  is  reported  anent  Marjoric  Reid,  that  she  is  continuing  in  the  pub- 
lick  profcssione  of  repentance. 

By  reference  from  the  Sessione  of  Kildrumie,  compeered  ,lspet 
Thomsounc  to  receive  order  for  her  absolutionc,  and  is  remitted  back  to 
the  Kirk  of  Kildrumie  for  that  effect. 

Nothing  as  yet  found  against  Beatrix  Douglas. 

Anent  the  breakers  of  Sabbath  by  leading  of  corncs  in  the  parish  of 
Kinethmont,  the  minister  not  being  fully  rype  to  give  a  perfect  account 
of  that  busieness,  hcc  is  exhorted  to  go  seriously  and  diligently  about  the 

samen.  .    . 

[discipline} 

The  said  clay,  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  did  deliver  in  presence  of  the  bre 
thren  to  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie,  minister  of  Forbes,  a  contract  that  hade  past 
betwixt  the  Master  of  Forbes  and  the  said  Mr.  Walter,  and  hade  hitherto 
lyen  among  the  said  Mr.  Walter  his  father's  writts,  the  tenor  of  which 
contract  is  for  a  certain  provision  of  the  minister  of  Forbes  and  his 
successors,  and  required  the  said  Mr.  Walter  to  have  the  same  foorth- 
coming  for  the  use  of  the  Church  of  Forbes. 

Alfoord  June  ist,  1664. 

Mr.  Robert  Cheyne  exercised,  and  Mr.  James  Rosse  added  Rom.  14, 
7-8.  The  doctrine  being  censured  was  approvcn. 

The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  held  at  Alfoord  July  6th,  and 
Mr.  James  Rosse  to  exercise,  and  Mr.  David  Milne  to  acklc. 

The  minister  of  Kildrumie  reported  that  Janet  Innes  was  absolved 

May  8th. 

Wm.  Andersoune  was  admonished  publickly  pro  3°  May  ; 

Anent  Marjorie  Reid  that  she  continues  in  the  professione  of  repent 
ance. 

Elspet  Thomsoune  was  absolved  May  6th. 

Nothing  as  yet  found  that  can  be  made  out  against  Beatrix  Douglas. 

[discipline] 

The  minister  of  Kinethmont  reported  that,  having  examined  such 


1664]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  43 

witnesses  as  he  could  find  against  those  who  have  lead  their  corncs 
upon  the  Lord's  day,  the  depositiones  of  the  witnesses  hade  made  out 
nothing  against  them,  but  what  formerly  they  themselves  hade  confessed. 
It  is  ordained  that  he  mak  search  for  some  other  witnesses  as  yet,  wherof 
ther  be  some  in  the  parish  of  Clatt,  who  (it  is  reported)  can  testifie  more. 

[discipline] 

The  minister  of  Kildrumie  reported  that  hce  hade  written  to  the 
minister  of  Kintor  anent  James  Gordon,  and  hade  as  yet  received  no 
answer. 

[discipline] 

By  reference  from  the  Sessione  of  Kinethmont,  it  is  represented  to  the 
meitting  of  the  brethren  that  Hugh  Gordoune  of  Kirkhill,  Elspet  Hay 
his  spouse,  Margret  Dunbar  spouse  to  Thomas  Gordoune  of  Mostown, 
James  Pirrie  servant  to  Patrick  Gordoune  of  Cults,  hade  been  declared 
befor  the  Sessione  of  Kinethmont  (upon  three  several  sumouns  issued 
against  them  to  compeer  and  answer  for  their  dishaunting  of  the  ordinan 
ces,  and  apostacie  to  Poperie,  and  upon  their  not  appearance)  contuma 
cious,  wherupon  hee  hade  issued  out  sumons  against  them  to  appear  this 
day  befor  the  meitting  of  the  brethren,  and  gave  in  a  litterall  sumons 
lawfully  execute  and  endorsed  against  them.  The  saids  Hugh,  Elspet, 
Margret,  and  James  being  called,  and  not  compeering,  it  is  ordained  they 
bee  sumoncd  pro  2°. 

By  reference  from  the  Sessione  of  Kegge,  it  is  represented  to  the 
meitting  of  the  Exercise  that  Mr.  John  Gordoune  in  Pittendreich  hade 
dishaunted  the  ordinances,  and  hade  apostatised  to  Popery,  wherupon 
hee  hade  three  severall  tymes  been  sumoned  to  appear  befor  the  said 
Sessione,  and  not  compeering,  was  declared  contumax,  as  likwise  for 
not  appearing  befor  the  forsaid  Sessione  to  answer  for  twofold  fornica- 
tione,  for  the  one  wherof  hee  hade  been  under  processe  immediately 
befor  his  apostacie,  and  the  other  was  comitted  since.  Having,  as  said 
is,  being  declared  contumax  upon  the  first  grounds,  hee  was  now 
sumoned  to  answer  befor  this  meitting,  and  a  litterall  sumons  lawfully 
execute  and  endorsed  was  given  in  against  him.  The  said  Mr.  John 
being  called,  not  compeering,  it  is  ordained  that  hee  bee  sumoned  pro  2°. 


44 


RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1664 


Alfoord,  July  6,  1664. 

Mr.  James  Rossc  exercised  Rom.  14,  9,  and  Mr.  David  Milne  added. 
The  doctrine  was  approven. 

The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord  July  27,  and  Mr. 
David  Milne  is  appointed  to  exercise. 

The  minister  of  Alfoord  reported  that  Gilbert  Touch  was  absolved 

July  3- 

Compecrcd  Win.  Anclersounc  professing  that  his  lying  out  from  the 
professione  of  repentance  hade  proceeded  from  fear  of  being  taken  notice 
off  and  seized  upon  by  thos  who  were  searching  after  adulterers.  The 
brethren  taking  the  same  as  a  forged  excuse,  in  regard  that  he  hade  lycn 
out  from  his  repentance  bcfor  there  was  any  ground  of  such  fear,  declared 
unto  him  that,  unlesse  he  wold  enter  to  the  publick  professione  of  repent 
ance,  the  processe  wold  still  go  on  against  him  till  it  should  come  to  a 
close. 

By  refcrance  from  the  Session  of  Kildrumie  compcered  Marjorie  Reid 
to  receive  order  for  her  absolutione.  The  brethren  finding  that  she  was 
not  yet  come  to  such  a  sense  of  her  guilticness  as  to  mak  ane  ingenuous 
confessione  of  her  sinnc,  they  remitt  her  back  to  continue  in  the  publick 
profession  of  repentance. 

Concerning  Beatrix  Douglas,  it  is  recommended  to  the  minister  of 
Kegge  (that  wheras  yet  sufficient  ground  could  not  bee  found  against  her 
to  make  out  any  guilt)  to  look  out  the  Register  for  what  presumptiones 
the  delatione  hade  made,  to  see  if  he  might  thence  gather  anything  to 
help  him  to  a  further  procedure  in  that  busiencss. 

The  minister  of  Kincthmont  reported  anent  his  Sabbath  corne  leaders, 
hee  had  not  as  yet  gotten  any  of  them  to  attend  befor  him,  he  is  required 
to  use  more  diligence  therin,  and  to  mak  report  the  nixt  meitting. 

[discipline] 

A  literal!  sumons,  lawfully  execute  and  endorsed,  was  given  in 
against  Hugh  Gordoune  and  Elspet  Hay  his  spouse,  Margret  Dunbar 
and  James  Peirie,  who  being  called,  and  not  compcering,  it  is  ordained 
they  bee  sumoned  pro  3°. 

A  literall  sumons,  lawfully  execute  and  endorsed,  was  given  in  against 
Mr.  John  Gordoune,  who  being  called,  not  compciring,  it  is  ordained  hee 
bee  sumoned  pro  3°. 


1664]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  45 

By  reference  from  the  Sessione  of  Strathdoune,  it  is  represented  that 
their  hade  been  a  grcivous  outbreaking  into  some  fearfull  scandall  of 
profanatione  of  the  Lord's  day  by  some  gentlemen  of  that  parish,  as 
first  by  Arthur  Andersoune  of  Kandacraig,  Robert  Andersoune  his  brother 
germane,  and  Donald  McKallaster,  the  said  Robert's  brother-in-law,  who, 
on  the  Lord's  day,  in  the  afternoon,  at  ane  ailhouse,  hade  fallen  into  a 
strugle,  and  hade  violently  pursued  one  another  with  drawen  swords,  and 
the  effusione  of  their  bloods.  As  lykwise,  upon  another  Lord's  day,  by 
the  said  Donald  McKallaster,  John  Forbes  of  Ledmakay,  and  Wm. 
Forbes  of  New,  who  {mediately  after  divine  service  was  pursued  by  the 
said  Donald  McKallaster,  and  John  Forbes  assisted  with  Robert  Ander 
soune  foresaid,  befor  the  Kirkyard  styll,  where  ingadging  one  another 
with  swords  and  pistolls,  diverse  present  were  imbarked  into  the  busie- 
ness,  either  as  parties,  or  ridders,  wherof  the  issue  was  much  effusione 
of  blood  and  mutilatione  of  diverse  persons,  which  the  Brethren  of  the 
Exercise  taking  to  their  consideratione,  finding  it  to  be  a  matter  so 
exceedingly  scandalous,  and  the  guilt  therof  so  haynous,  as  if  not  severely 
punished  might  prove  such  a  bad  preparative  in  that  congregatione,  as 
that  therby  a  door  would  be  opened  to  others  their  (whose  humors 
sufficiently  prompt  them  to  break  out  into  the  lyk  wickedness)  to  trace 
the  same  steps  upon  any  the  least  hope  of  impunitie,  or  a  light  censure, 
wherby  it  shall  come  to  passe  that  God  shall  bee  highly  dishonored,  the 
auctoritie  of  the  ministrie  mightily  their  weakned,  and  discipline  rendered 
contemptible;  And  finding  it  above  them  to  inflict  a  censure  suitable  to 
such  guiltienes,  which  wold  not  rather  be  contemned  than  undergone  by 
such  persons,  thought  it  expedient  to  referre  the  wholl  matter  to  the  nixt 
Diocesian  Synod,  that  from  the  Bishop  and  Synod  it  might  be  represen 
ted  to  the  High  Commissionc  to  be  tryed  by  the  Lords  therof,  that 
the  persons  concerned  might  every  one  be  punished  according  to  the 
measure  of  their  guiltincs,  and  course  might  be  taken  for  restraining 
both  thes  and  all  others  in  that  congregatione  (who  might  be  emboldened 
by  their  example)  from  all  such  scandalous  and  haynous  outbreakings 
for  the  future. 

[discipline] 

The  minister  of  Clatt,  by  reference  from  their  Sessione,  represented 
that  John   Barclay  hade  been  judicially  convict  befor  them  of  residing 


46  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

within  the  parish  without  reporting  of  a  testimonic  from  the  parish  where 
he  hade  formerly  been,  bceing  scverall  tymes  required  therto  ;  as  lykwisc 
of  theft  upon  the  Lord's  day  in  tyme  of  divine  service,  as  lykwisc  of 
fornicatione  with  Barbara  Davidsoune,  and  that  hcc  was  sumoned  to 
appear  bcfor  this  meitting  to  be  censured  for  the  said  guiltienes.  Being 
called,  not  compeiring,  it  is  ordained  that  hee  bee  sumoned  pro  2°. 

[discipline] 

At  Alfoord  July  27,  1664. 

No  doctrine  by  reason  of  the  multiplicitie  of  affairs  in  hand,  and  the 
speaker  formerly  appointed  is  ordained  to  have  the  doctrine  at  the  nixt 
meitting,  which  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord,  August  24. 

It  is  reported  that  Wm.  Andersoune  hade  entered  and  was  going  on 
in  the  publick  professionc  of  repentance. 

It  is  reported  that  Marjorie  Reid  is  continuing  in  the  public  profes- 
sione  of  repentance. 

It  is  reported  that  the  minister  of  Kegge  is  searching  what  he  could 
find  out  against  Beatrix  Douglas,  and  how  soone  hee  should  find  out 
anything  that  could  bee  probably  made  out,  hee  should  acquaint  the 
meitting  of  the  Exercise  therwith. 

The  minister  of  Kincthmont  reported  that  Arthur  Dalgarnc,  in  the 
parish  of  Clatt,  had  appeared  and  deponed  anent  those  that  had  profaned 
the  Sabbath  by  leading  of  cornes,  that  he  hade  only  heard  by  report  from 
the  others  that  they  hade  lead  befor  the  sun  sett. 

The  minister  of  Clatt  is  ordained  to  cause  sumon  James  Smith,  with 
his  two  servants  and  wife,  to  appear  befor  the  Session  of  Kinethmont,  to 
bear  witness  in  the  said  busienes. 

[discipline} 

The  said  day,  compcired  Alexr.  Spence  and  Margret  Sherar,  who 
clenyed,  not  only  the  fact  of  adultery,  but  all  scandalous  conversatione, 
as  lykwisc  the  said  Margret  clenyed  her  reviling  the  minister  in  face  of 
Sessione,  they  were  charged  apud  acta  to  appear  at  the  nixt  meiting  of  the 
Exercise  to  hear  and  see  probatione  lead  against  them,  and  it  is  ordained 
that  James  Cuming,  Anna  Cuming,  Janet  Rynic,  Hector  Davidsoune, 
and  Elspet  Thomsoune  bee  sumoned  to  the  same  dyet  as  witnesses,  who 
are  supposed  to  bee  the  only  persons  who  can  testifie  any  thing  in  that 


1664]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD. 


47 


matter.  The  said  Margret  Shcrar  did  moreover  rcmitt  the  matter  of  her 
alledged  reviling  the  minister  to  any  two  elders  of  the  Sessione,  whom  the 
minister  is  ordained  to  sumon  to  the  nixt  meitting  for  that  effect. 

A  literall  sumons,  lawfully  execute  and  indorsed,  was  given  in  against 
Hugh  Gordoune,  Elspct  Hay,  Margret  Dunbar,  and  James  Peirie,  who 
being  called,  not  compeiring,  are  cleccrned  contumacious.  The  brethren 
judge  it  convenient  befor  they  proceed  further  in  their  processc  to  send 
some  of  their  number  to  enquire  at  them  the  ground  of  their  apostacie, 
and  to  require  them  to  give  a  declaratione  of  their  faith,  and  commissioned 
Mr.  George  Garden,  (and)  Mr.  Robert  Dunbar  to  go  to  them  for  that 
effect. 

It  is  reported  that  Mr.  John  Gordoune  is  not  liveing  in  this  part  of  the 
country.  It  is  ordained  as  yet  that  hee  bee  sumoned  pro  3°.,  how  soone 
hec  comes  in  the  fields. 


Alfoord  August  24,  1664. 

Mr.  David  Milne  exercised  Rom.  14,  10.  The  doctrine  being  censured 
was  approven. 

The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord  Sepr.  21,  and  Mr. 
Win.  Garioch  ordained  to  exercise  on  the  ordinarie  matter. 

By  reference  from  the  Sessione  of  Kegge  compeired  Wm.  Andersounc 
(having  satisfied  according  to  the  ordinance  at  all  the  Churches  whither 
hee  was  ordained  to  repair,  and  where  the  scandall  was  most  fragrant)  to 
receive  order  for  his  absolutione  ;  he  is  remitted  back  to  the  said  Sessione 
for  that  effect. 

The  minister  of  Kildrummic  reported  anent  Marjorie  Reid,  that  hee 
hade  debarred  her  from  the  publick  profcssione  of  repentance,  to  see  if 
hee  could  git  any  further  confessione  from  her. 

[discipline] 

The  minister  of  Kildrummie  reported  that  Margret  Hendersoune 
having  been  thrise  sumoned  from  pulpit  to  appear  befor  their  Sessione, 
and  not  appearing,  was  declared  contumax  ;  and  being  by  their  Sessione 
referred  to  the  Exercise  was  sumoned  publickly  out  of  pulpit  to  appear 
this  day  befor  the  brethren,  who  being  called,  and  not  compeiring,  it  is 
ordained  that  shee  be  sumoned  pro  2°. 


48  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1664 

The  minister  of  Kildrummie  reported  that  hcc  hade  sumoned  James 
Gordoune  publickly  from  pulpit,  and,  finding-  him  in  the  parish,  hade 
caused  to  sumon  him  also  litera  scripta  to  appear  at  this  dyett,  who  being 
called,  not  compciring,  it  is  ordained  that  hee  bee  sumoned  pro  3°. 

Compeired  Alcxd.  Spence  and  Margret  Sherar,  compeired  also  as 
witnesses  to  be  examined  in  the  matter  of  their  scandalous  conversa- 
tione,  Jcnet  Rynie,  Hector  Davidsoune  and  Joan  Grey,  James  Cuming, 
and  Anne  Cuming,  and  Elspet  Thomsounc,  the  said  Alcxr.  and  Margret 
being  enquired  if  they  hade  any  exceptiones  against  the  saicls  wit 
nesses,  declared  they  hade  none  against  any  of  them,  save  against  Anne 
Cuming,  who  beeing  of  non  age,  and  ignorant  of  the  nature  of  an  oath, 
they  could  hardly  submitt  to  her  depositione  in  a  matter  of  so  great 
weight  and  consequence,  which  the  brethren  finding  to  be  as  they  hade 
alledged,  sustained  the  exceptionc  as  relevant.  The  rest  of  the  witnesses 
being  solemnly  sworne  did  depoune  as  followes  vh.  : — 

Jenet  Rhynie  deponed  that  she  never  saw  any  scandallous  conversa- 
tione  betwixt  the  saids  Alexr.  and  Margret,  and  that  she  could  prove 
nothing  against  them.  Hector  Davidsoune  nihil  probat.  Joan  Grey 
niJiil  probat. 

Elspet  Thomsoune  nihil  probat.     James  Cuming  nihil  probat. 

Wherupon  the  brethren  declared  that  they  had  found  no  guiltienes 
made  out  against  them,  did  notwithstanding  warn  them  to  walk  circum 
spectly,  and  inhibited  of  any  familiar  converse  together  which  may  breed 
scandall. 

The  elders  of  Kinethmont  having  been  summoned  (as  the  minister 
reports)  to  compeir  this  day,  as  witnesses,  anent  the  said  Margret  Sherar's 
reviling  of  the  minister,  were  called,  and  not  compeiring,  it  is  ordained 
that  they  be  summoned  pro  2°. 

The  brethren  commissionat  to  speak  with  Hugh  Gordoune,  Elspet  Hay, 
Margret  Dunbar,  and  James  Peirie  reported  that  the  said  persounes  hade 
declared  themselves  to  be  of  the  Romish  religion,  and  so  to  be  no  mem 
bers  of  our  Church  ;  wherupon  it  is  judged  convenient  that  the  Moderator 
and  Mr.  James  Gordoune  shall  repair  to  them  once  befor  the  nixt  meit- 
ting  of  the  Exercise,  to  try,  if  by  reason  and  fair  means  they  can  be 
reclaimed,  befor  any  further  processe  go  on  against  them. 

Patrick  Green  for  his  haynous  miscarriage  at  last  meitting,  is  ordained 
to  appear  in  sackcloath,  upon  the  publick  place  of  repentance  in  the  Church 


1664]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  49 

of  Alfoord,  befor  the  nixt  meitting  of  the  brethren,  and  ther  acknowledge 
his  miscarriage  and  misdemeanour. 

Compeired  John  Barclay  confessing  his  theft  on  the  Lord's  day,  in 
tyme  of  divine  service,  and  his  fornicatione  with  Barbara  Davidsoune. 
It  is  ordained  that  he  satisfie  in  sackcloath. 

By  unanimous  consent  of  the  brethren,  it  is  ordained  that  the  meittings 
of  the  Exercise  bee  kept  punctually  bee  two  houres,  and  whosoever  shall 
transgresse  the  said  ordinance  shall  pay  a  shilling. 

By  reference  from  the  Sessionc  of  Kegge,  it  is  represented  to  the  meit 
ting  of  the  brethren,  that  Wm.  Clerihew  was  summoned  to  this  day,  to 
appear  for  a  rapt,  alledged  to  be  committed  by  him  upon  Isobell  Ander- 
soune,  and  for  profanatione  of  the  Lord's  day,  by  violence  used  against 
the  said  Isobell  after  sermon,  by  throwing  her  over  his  boat  into  the 
water  of  Doune,  wherby  her  life  was  endangered,  and  for  his  insolent 
carnage  and  rcproachfull  speeches  to  the  minister  in  the  Sessione,  by 
calling  him  severall  tymes  a  lyar  ;  as  lykwise  William  Wight  in  Cobble- 
seat,  Janet  Gibbone,  and  Catherine  Milne  ther,  Patrick  Sowdoun  ther, 
Margret  Idlo  ther,  were  summoned  as  witnesses.  The  said  William  and 
forsaid  witnesses  being  all  called,  none  compeiring,  it  is  ordained  they 
summoned  pro  2°. 


Alfoord  September  21,  1664. 

Mr.  William  Garioch  exercised  Rom.  14,  11.  His  doctrine  is 
approven. 

It  is  reported  that  William  Andersoune  was  absolved  Sepr.  1 1.    .    . 
that  Marjorie  Reid  is  continued  ut  supra. 

It  is  reported  anent  Beatrix  Douglas,  that  the  Sessione  of  Kegge  is 
proceeding  against  her,  upon  some  strong  presumptiones  lately  found  out. 

Janet  Forbes  having  been  sumoned  is  called,  and  not  compeiring,  the 
processe  is  ordained  to  be  extracted  and  transmitted  to  the  Bishop  that 
the  sentence  of  excommunicatione  may  be  passed  against  her. 

The  above  mentioned  pro  fanners  of  the  Lord's  day  by  leading  of  cornes 
in  the  parish  of  Kinethmont,  having  been  sumoned,  are  called,  and  not 
compeiring,  it  is  ordained  that  they  be  sumoned  pro  2°. 

The  minister  of  Lochell  reported  that  Wm.  Dunbar  was  fugitive  from 
his  parish  to  the  parish  of  Cushny. 

G 


RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1664 

The  minister  of  Cushny  is  ordained  not  to  suffer  him  to  reside  there, 
till  he  report  from  Lochcll  a  tcstimonie  of  his  satisfactione  there. 

{discipline} 

It  is  reported  that  Market  Sherar  and  the  elders  of  Kincthmont 
could  not  compeir,  in  regard  of  the  present  heat  of  ther  busiencs  about  the 
harvest.  It  is  ordained  they  be  sumonccl  to  the  nixt  meitting. 

The  moderator  and  Mr.  James  Gordoune  reported  that  they  hade 
been  at  Kirkhill  and  Mostounnc,  and  that  they  hade  spoken  to  the  papists 
ther,  and  having  reasoned  with  them  found  them  altogether  obstinat,  and 
that  they  hade  declared  that  wee  needed  not  trouble  ourselves  any  more 
with  them,  for  they  wold  not  alter  ther  religion.  Wherupon  it  is  ordained 
that  the  processe  go  on  against  the  said  papists,  to  witt  Hugh  Gordoune, 
Elspet  Gray,  Margret  Dunbar,  and  James  Peirie. 

t  is  reported  that  Mr.  John  Gordoune  is  now  removed  from  the  parish 
of  Kegge,  and  is  dwelling  within  the  parish  of  Old  Aberdene.  Wherefore 
the  brethren  judged  it  fit  to  have  it  recomended  to  the  Bishop,  that 
processe  might  go  on  against  him  by  the  meitting  of  the  Exercise  of 
Aberdene,  within  whose  jurisdictione  hee  now  resides. 

{discipline} 
The  said  day,  the  several  1  brethren  were  severally  removed  for  the 

privie  censure,  and  were  approved  as  to  the  discharge  of  their  personall 

and  functionall  duties. 

The  moderator  and  Clerk,  with  Mr.  James  Gordoune,  and  Mr.  Robert 

Irving,  are  appointed  to  meit  at  Towy,  upon  the  third  day  of  October  for 

extending  the  acts,  and  filling  up  the  register  of  Meitting  of  the  Exercise. 

Old  Abd.  21  Oct.  1664. 

This  Presbetrie  Book  of  Alfurd  produced,  revised,  and  approver!  by 
the  Bishop  and  Synod. 

Mr.  Al.  Forbes,  Clerk  to  the  Assemblie  of  Abd. 

At  Old  Abdein  Octr.  20,  1664. 

The  brethren  of  the  Exercise  being  mett,  did  appoint  their  nixt  meit 
ting  to  be  at  Alfoord  November  Sexth,  and  Mr.  John  Mair  is  appointed 
to  exercise  and  adde  on  the  ordinarie  matter. 


1664]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OE   ALEORD.  51 

The  Dioccsianc  Assemblie  off  Abd.  was  holden  within  the  Collcdge 
Kirk  of  Old  Abd.  by  the  Right  Reverend  father  in  God,  Patrick,  by  the 
mercie  of  God,  Lord  Bishope  of  Abd.  And  begune  upon  the  18  day  off 
October  1664. 

The  said  day,  after  sermone  hade  be  the  Lord  Bishope  in  the  old 
Church  of  St.  Machar,  and  in  calling  of  the  name  of  God  in  presence  of 
the  Synod,  the  roll  of  the  whole  ministers  names  within  the  diocie  was 
called,  and  the  absentis  nottcd  viz.  :  Mr.  Ludovick  Dimlope,  Mr.  Robert 
Forbes,  Mr.  William  Davidsoune,  Mr.  Thomas  Forbes,  Mr.  Walter 
Richie,  Mr.  William  Chalmer  at  Innerboyndie,  Mr.  John  Watsoune 
(excused),  Mr.  John  Robertsoune,  Mr.  Gilbert  Clerk,  Mr.  John  Chalmer, 
Mr.  David  Lindsay,  elder,  Mr.  James  Fraser,  Mr.  Andrew  Boicl,  Mr. 
Alexr.  Straquhan,  Mr.  James  Douglas,  Mr.  Alexr.  Leask,  Mr.  Alexr. 
Gareoch  (but  in  his  absence,  Mr.  Andrew  his  soune,  being  his  helper 
represented  him),  Mr.  William  Chalmer  at  Skeen,  and  Mr.  John  Mercer 
at  Kynnellar. 

Bretherine  appointed  for  the  privie  conference  arc  as  followis  viz.  : — 

Exercise  of  Kincardyn,  Mr.  George  Burnett,  parsoune  of  Kincardyn. 

Mr.  Robert  Reid  of  Banchorie. 
Aberdeine,  Mr.  William  Douglasse,  Professor  of  Divinitie. 

Mr.  Alexander  Middeltoune,  Principall  of  the 

King's  Colledge. 
Alfoord,       Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  Mr.  George  Gardyne,  Mr. 

James  Gordoune. 

Fordyce,      Mr.  William  Scrogie,  Mr.  William  Steinsone. 
Tureffe,        Mr.  William  Jaffray,  elder. 

Mr.  William  Jaffray,  younger. 

Mr.  William  Gray. 
Deir,  Mr.  Andrew  Skeen. 

Mr.  Arthure  Ross. 

Mr.  James  More. 
Ellon,  Mr.  William  Seattone. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Andersoune. 
Gareoche,     Mr.  Alexander  Ross. 

Mr.  William  Gordoune. 


52  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1664 

Sess  2°  the  said  day  post  mercdicm. 

The  said  day,  in  presence  of  the  Bishopc,  and  all  the  brethren  of  the 
Asscmblie  of  Abd.  convened  for  the  tyme,  Mr.  George  Milne,  minister  at 
Kemnay,  did  dcmitt,  and  lay  cloune  his  place  and  charge  of  being  Clerk 
to  the  said  Asscmblie.  Lykas  then  the  Lord  Bishope,  with  consent  of 
the  haill  brethren,  did  approve  the  said  Mr  George  his  fidelitie  and 
honest  behaviour  as  clerk  forsaid,  ever  since  his  entrie,  which  will  be 
the  space  of  fourteen  yeres  by  goune  or  therby,  none  opponand  in  the 
contrarie. 

The  Lord  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  haill  brethren  of  the  said 
Diocie,  did  elect  and  admitt  Mr.  Alexander  Forbes,  wrcater  in  Abd., 
clerk  to  the  said  Diocesian  Assemblie,  and  he  being  pressed  did  accept 
the  said  charge,  and  gave  his  oath  de  fideli  administratione  as  use  is. 

The  said  Mr.  George  delivered  to  the  present  Clerk  the  Actes  of  the 
two  last  Assemblies  of  the  diocie  in  loose  and  in  bound  papers,  the  one 
yeres  begune  be  David  Bishope  of  Abd.  upon  the  21  of  October  1662,  and 
the  other  thense  be  Alexr.  Bishope  of  Abd.  for  the  tyme  upon  the  27 
of  October  1663,  together  with  two  old  Register  Books  of  preceiding 
assemblies. 

Mr.  James  Strachaune  and  Mr.  Alexr.  Swane  appoynted  visitors  for 
the  Exercise  book  of  Abd. 

Item,  Mr.  John  Seatoune  and  Mr.  John  Strachan,  visitors  for  the 
Exercise  book  of  Kincardynne. 

Item,  Mr.  Andrew  Strachan  and  Mr.  George  Meldrume  visitors  for 
the  Exercise  book  of  Alfoord. 

Item,  Mr.  Thomas  Robertsoune,  and  Mr.  Robert  Browne  visitors  for 
the  Exercise  book  of  Fordyce. 

Item,  Mr.  Wm.  Duncaune  and  Mr.  George  Watsoune  visitors  for  the 
Exercise  book  of  Ellonne. 

Item,  Mr.  George  Meldrume  yor.  and  Mr.  David  Lyell  for  the 
Exercise  Book  of  Garrioch. 

Item,  Mr.  Wm.  Douglasse  and  Mr.  George  Inncs  visitors  for  the 
Exercise  book  of  Turrcffe. 

The  book  of  Deir  wanting  and  not  produced. 

It  is  ordered  that  the  fifth  of  November  be  yerely  observed  as  a  day 
of  sollemnc  thanksgiving  for  that  great  and  merciefull  deliverance  of  King 
James  the  first,  of  blessed  memoric,  and  his  royall  famclie  conforme  to 


OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  53 

the   former   Actes  made  theranent,  and  in  particular  the  f  Act  of  the 
Assemblie  holden  in  Oct.  1662,  and  the  24  Act  holden  in  Oct.  1663. 

Sess.  3,  19  Octr.  1664,  ante  merediem,  Wedinsday. 

The  former  Acts  are  renewed,  maid  against  papists,  quakers,  sectaries, 
recusants,  and  dishaunters  of  ordinances,  especiallie  the  loth  and  i6th 
Acts  of  the  Assemblie  holden  in  October  1662,  and  I3th,  Hth,  and  I5th 
Acts  of  the  Assemblie  holden  in  October  1663,  and  ordered  the  t  wen  tie 
shillingis  for  evrie  dayes  absence  be  duelie  recorded  in  the  Sessione  books 
of  evrie  parochin,  and  ane  register  keepit  for  that  effect,  to  be  uplifted 
from  the  recusantis,  and  those  who  dishaunt  ordinances  on  the  Lord's  day 
toties  quoties,  conforme  to  the  Actis  and  ordinances  of  the  estate  and 
Commissione  for  government  maid  theranent,  and  that  intimatione 
therof  be  maid  at  evrie  paroche  Churche. 

The  former  act  is  renewed  anent  Beatrix  Douglass,  being  the  17  Act 
of  Assemblie  holden  in  Octr.  1663,  bearing  that  the  scandall  of  her 
supposed  adulterie  with  William  Andersoune  be  tryed  by  the  Kirk- 
Sessione  of  Kegge,  and  Exercise  of  Alfoord,  and  evident  ground  being 
found  for  the  scandall,  that  the  censure  of  the  Churche  be  executte  against 
her. 

The  ordinance  of  the  late  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  Assemblie 
holden  in  anno  1663,  anent  pryces  to  be  taken  by  Bishope's  Clerk,  is  rati 
fied  and  renewed  bearing  that  the  pryces  to  be  taken  by  him  for  edict  and 
collatione  shall  be  fyve  shillings  sterline,  certificat  for  ordinationc  fyve 
shillings  st,  licences  half  ane  croune,  for  edicts  and  preceptis  two  shillings 
st,  with  this  additione  that  if  the  clerk  exced  this  rule  the  Lord  Bishope 
to  be  acquainted  therwith. 

The  23''  Act  of  Assemblie  holden  Octr.  1663  is  renewed,  anent  freeing 
of  ministers  glebis  and  manses,  bearing  that  the  present  incumbentis  in 
the  severall  churches  within  this  Diocie  shal  persue  for  cxccutione  of  the 
Act  of  parliament  relating  to  the  freeing  of  their  manses  and  selling  of 
their  gleebis  and  grasse  befor  Oct.  1664.  Leikas  the  incumbents  at  all 
unprovyded  churches  shal  use  all  ordere  of  law  for  provyding  their 
Churches  with  augmentatione  of  stipends,  and  that  intrants  shal  use 
the  same  within  a  yere  after  their  entric,  with  this  provisione,  that 
diligence  be  done,  ackording  to  the  forsaid  Act,  befor  Octr.  1665,  and 
that  ther  be  ane  accompt  given  at  the  nixt  Diocesian  Assemblie  of  any 


54  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1664 

diligence  that  can  be  done  therannent  befor  that  tyme,  and  that  evrie 
minister  doe  diligence,  ackording  to  law,  for  accommodating  thcmselfs 
in  foggagc,  fewall,  faill,  and  divott,  in  such  order  as  the  Lord  Bishope 
and  Synod  shal  approve,  as  also  that  they  who  shal  be  undyligent  in 
doing  diligence  therin  shal  be  censured  with  suspensionc. 

The  29th  Act  of  the  said  last  Assemblie,  holclen  in  Octr.  1663,  is 
renewed,  bearing  that  parsouncs  and  titulars  of  teyndis  shal,  with  all  con 
venient  diligence,  persue  for  possessione  of  the  teyndis  legallie  belonging 
to  their  respective  Churches  that  ar  personages  within  this  Diocie. 

Sess.  4°.  eodem  die  post  meredicm. 

The  Lord  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the  haill  brethren  of  the  Assemblie, 
have  seriouslie  recommendit  to  the  haill  Exercises  within  this  Diocie,  and 
evric  severall  pariochin  and  minister  within  the  samen,  that  ther  be  ane 
collectione  from  evrie  pariochin  and  Kirk  Sessiones,  for  supplie  of  two 
young  Pollonian  Students  who  leive  in  Abd.,  and  have  much  neid  of 
charitable  help,  and  left  their  own  countrie,  being  troubled  for  their  pro- 
fessione  of  the  true  Protestant  religione,  and  evrie  minister  is  desyred  to 
add  their  awan  charitic  to  the  collectione  of  the  pariochin,  and  the  collec 
tione  so  raised  to  be  sent  to  the  severall  moderators,  and  frae  them  to  Mr. 
John  Menzeis  Professor  of  Divinitie,  betwixt  this  and  the  first  of  Januar 

nixt. 

It  is  thought  expedient  that  the  proces  depending  against  Mr.  William 
Hires  be  referrit  to  a  visitatione  of  the  Kirk  of  Lonmey,  and  wher  the 
Lord  Bishope  is  to  be  present  (if  not  neccsarlie  withdrawen)  and  his 
Lordship  both  to  appoynt  the  tyme,  and  the  visitors  of  the  said  Kirk. 

It  is  ordered  that  no  testificats  be  given  to  any  for  creaving  supporte 
throw  the  country,  further  than  ane  minister  within  his  own  pariochin, 
evrie  Exercise  within  their  own  precinct,  and  the  Assemblie  within  the 
Diocie  only,  and  that  no  such  licences  be  granted  for  longer  space  but  for 
ane  yeer  allenderlie  after  subscryving  therof. 

Sess.  5°.  20  Octr.  1664  ante  merediem — Thursday. 
It  is  thought  fitt  that  the  mater  of  the  perambulatione  betwixt  the 
pariochines  of  Mortlick  and  Cabrache  be  represented  by  the  Lord  Bishope 
to  the  Commissione  for  the  planting  of  Kirks,  wherby  the  best  remedie 
according  to  law  be  provyded. 


1664]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  55 

The  iQth  Act  of  the  last  Assemblie  holdcn  in  Octr.  1663,  anent  observ 
ing  the  Lord's  day,  is  renewed,  bearing  it  to  be  ordered  that  the  Lord's 
day  be  exactlie  kceped,  and  that  all  attend  the  reading  and  hearing  the 
word  befor  sermone,  and  that  none  remove  from  the  Churche  befor  pro 
nouncing  of  the  blessing,  and  that  visitors  for  evrie  pairt  of  the  pariochine 
be  appoynted  by  the  ministers  for  visiting  taverns  and  ailhouses,  and  that 
ther  be  no  excessive  drinking,  nor  people  continew  tipling  in  thes  places, 
but  that  with  all  dilligence  evrie  one  resorte  to  ther  owin  houses  for  going 
about  ther  familie  cleuties  suitable  to  the  holines  of  the  day,  and  that ther 
be  no  barganing,  feeing  of  servants,  or  other  secular  exercises  on  that  clay. 
As  leikwayes  the  26th  Act  of  the  said  Assemblie  is  renewed,  bearing  that 
notice  be  taken  of  such  as  travell  on  the  Lord's  day,  and  that  the  ministers 
in  whose  pariochin  they  leive  be  acquainted  therwith,  and  that  the  delin 
quents  be  censured  according  to  the  qualitie  of  ther  offence. 

The  I/1  Act  of  the  said  last  Assemblie  holden  in  Octob.  1663,  anent 
famelie  exercise,  is  renewed ;  bearing  that  evrie  minister  go  exactlie  about 
famelie  exercise  in  useing  morning  and  evening  prayers,  and  reading 
some  portiounes  of  holly  scripture,  and  that  they  stirre  up  and  exhort  the 
people  to  goe  about  such  dueties,  and  that  evrie  Lord's  day  they  catecheis 
ther  famelies,  and  at  the  visitatione  of  the  famelies  within  ther  pariochins 
they  shall  punctuallie  and  exactly  inquyre  whither  or  not  famelie  wor- 
shipe  hath  been  practised  amongst  them,  and  if  it  shall  be  found  that  in 
some  famelies  thes  dueties  have  not  been  practised  they  shall  be  exhorted 
and  desyred  therto. 

The  17'  Act  of  the  said  last  Assemblie,  holdin  in  Octob.  1663,  against 
guysers  and  unkenit  exerceses  at  Yoole  is  renewed,  and  that  the  trans 
gressors  shall  be  censured  according  to  the  qualitie  of  ther  offences. 

Ther  being  presented  to  the  Lord  Bishope  and  Assemblie  be  captaun 
John  Dunbarr,  ane  of  the  ballycs  of  Peterhead,  ane  supplicatione,  craving 
warrand  to  the  severall  Exercises  and  pariochins  within  the  diocie,  for  help 
and  contributione  towards  the  repairing  of  the  herbore  and  bulwark  of 
Peterhead,  relating  to  ane  Act  of  parliament  and  former  actis  of  the 
assemblie  granted  to  that  effect.  The  Lord  Bishope,  with  consent  of  the 
haill  brethren  of  the  said  Assemblie,  hes  recornended  ane  contributione  to 
be  raised  furth  of  evrie  Exercise  and  pariochin  within  this  diocie  wher  no 
contributione  hes  been  alredie  for  that  purpose,  and  that  evrie  minister 
deliver  to  ther  respective  moderators  such  as  is  collected  within  ther 


6  RECORDS   OF   TIIF.    MEKTING  14 

pariochins,  and  that  each  moderator  send  the  same  to  Doctor  Andrew 
Moore  in  Abd.,  or  any  other  whom  the  ]5alys  of  Pcterhcad  shal  appoynt, 
betwixt  and  the  first  of  Fcbry  nixt,  1665. 

Thomas  Herd,  cxcomunicat  for  slauchter,  did  appear  bcfor  the  Syno 
in   saek-eloath   to   evidence   his  repentance   for   the  said  crymc    ( 
referred  by  the  brethren  of  l-'ordyce)  and  it  being  represented  to  the  I  or 

i^pe  and  Assemblie  be  the  moderator  of  that  Exerc.sc  Mr.  Andrew 
Hendo'soune  minister  at  Diskfoord,  and  some  other  brctnron    that  I 
hadde  oftcntymes  formerly  given  great  signes  of  repentance  both  to  the 
minister  and  people  of  the  pariochin  where  he  leivs,  and  befo,  e  the  send 
Exercise  also.     The  said  Mr.  Andrew  Ilcndrysounc  ,s  ordained  1 
him  from  the  proces  of  cxcomunicationc. 

The  Exercise  books  of  Abd.  and  Fordyce  ar  visited  and  approve,!. 

Sess.  6th  eodem  die  post  meridiem. 

The  Ballys  of  Abd.  did  appear  in  the  Assemblie  desyring  to  be  pro- 
vyded  with  ministers,  and  that  Mr.  William  Scrogie,  minister  at  I 
mMit  be  one,  and  the  matter  was  referred  to  the  first  of  Januar.  mxt,  that 
betwixt  and  that  day,  with  the  first  convenience,  they  might  resolve  mth 
the  said  Mr.  William  Scrogie  theranent. 

Is  ordained  that  when  any  womane  being  with  chyld  or  bearing 
™  chyld,  cannot  condiscend  upon  ane  certain  father  therto,  she  shal 
be  censured  as  ane  adulterer,  both  in  habite  and  dyets  of  appearance 

'  n  is  ordained  that  the  books  of  evrie  Exercise  be  sent  to  the  Lord 
Bishope  twentie  dayes  before  evrie  Synod,  to  be  revised  by  h,m  for  the 
more  quick  dispatch  at  the  ensuemg  Synod. 

It  being  represented  by  Mr.  Wm.  Jaffray,  yo,,  that  one  Isobc     JacV 
was    relapse  in  fornicatione,  and  ane  excomnnicat  pap.st  and  st.ll  from 
he  be'nning  being  under  the  cours  of  repentance  and  hed  one  ch.ld 
pttcd  with  a  paptst,  it  is  thought  most  meit  that,  ,f  she  be  found  ane 
S  of  repentance,  by  continuing  in  her  uncleanness  wh.lst  she  .s  pro- 
fosing  repentance,  that  ft  may  be  represented  to  the  Bishope,  to  the  effect 
she  may  be  proccst  with  excomumcatione. 

U  is'orda'ined  that  all  persones  who  consults  with  or  ^question    a 
Agnes  Pirie,  within  the  pariochin  of  (««»*)  and  Exerce.s  of  Turef 


OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  57 

be  censured  and  punished,  as  consulters  with  witches  and  inchanters,  and 
the  leik  course  to  be  used  against  those  who  consult  with  any  others  in 
that  kynd. 

It  is  recomcnded  be  the  Lord  Bishope  and  haill  Asscmblic  to  the 
haill  Exercises  and  pariochincs  within  this  diocie,  that  ane  charitable 
contributione  be  collected  for  suppleing  Agnes  Chalmcr,  relict  of  the 
deceased  Mr.  Walter  Kempscid,  sometym  minister  at  Auchterless. 

It  is  recomended  by  the  Lord  Bishope  and  Assemblic  to  the  brethren 
and  Exercise  of  Tureff,  that  they  be  carefull  to  supplie  the  Kirk  of  Mon- 
quhitor  evrie  Lord's  day  until  the  samen  be  provycled  of  ane  minister. 

The  Exercise  Books  of  Kincardyne  and  Tureff  are  visited  and 
approvin. 

Sess.  7°.  21  Octob.  1664,  ante  meridiem.     Fredday. 

It  is  ordained  that  the  bursers  studentis  in  divinitie  give  ane  accompt 
to  the  moderators  of  the  severall  Exercises  within  this  diocie  off  the  pro 
fessors  dictats,  according  to  ther  attendance,  upon  productiounc  of 
which,  they  ar  to  resave  payment  of  ther  second  pairt  of  ther  proportioncs 
from  the  ministers,  and  no  other  wayes. 

It  is  ordained  that  evrie  minister  within  this  diocie  keep  ane  roll  and 
list  in  ther  Sessione  books  of  the  names  of  evrie  persoune  that  dies  within 
ther  severall  pariochins,  to  be  given  up  to  the  procurator  fiscal,  or  any  in 
his  name,  as  the  samen  shall  be  desyred. 

Anent  the  reference  from  the  Exercise  of  Tureff  to  the  Lord  Bishop 
and  Synod  of  Abd.,  concerning  Wm.  Crichtoune  and  Margret  Gardyn 
his  spouse,  pariochiners  of  Auchterless,  ther  grosse  miscariage  in  the  Kirk 
of  the  said  pariochin,  on  the  Lord's  day,  imediately  after  close  of  the 
worshipe  (the  minister  being  in  the  pulpit)  by  blaspheaming,  cursing,  and 
swearing,  also  upbraiding  and  threatning  the  minister  (the  particulars 
wherof  ar  at  length  sett  doune  in  the  Exercise  books  of  Tureffe).  After 
consideratione  therof,  it  was  thought  expedient  by  the  Lord  Bishope  and 
Synod,  that  his  Lordshipe  should  seriously  recomencl  the  samen  to  the 
comissione  for  government,  that  course  may  be  taken  for  the  puneshing 
of  delinquents,  to  the  terrore  of  others  comitting  such  offences. 

Sess.  8th  codem  die  post  meridiem. 

It  is  condiscendit  that  if  Mr.  Alexr.  Arburthnot  shal  give  satisfactione 
II 


58  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1664 

to  Mr.  Alcxr.  Gardyn,  minister  at  Forg,  the  Excrcis  book  of  Turcff  shall 
be  filled  up  without  making  mcntione  of  any  proces  moved  by  the  said 
Mr.  Alexander  against  him. 

Anent  the  perambulationc  betwixt  the  pariochins  of  Strathdone  and 
Glenmuick,  it  is  the  mynd  of  the  Lord  Bishope  and  Assemblic  that  the 
mater  be  referrit  and  represented  to  the  comissioners  for  plantatione  of 
Kirks,  and  that  the  former  Act  made  anent  the  said  perambulatione  be 

renewed. 

The  Lord  Bishope  having  written  severall  letters  to  the  scverall 
cises,  requeuing  ane  accompt  of  the  dishaunters  from  ordinances,  wher 
schools  ar,  and \vher  not,  what  Kirks  are  vacant  within  their  several  pre 
cincts,  and  who  have  intromittecl  with  the  vacand  stipends,  as  also  ane 
accompt  of  ther  several  patrones,  with  the  rate  and  true  value  of  ther 
several  stipendis,  and  having  this  day  presented  and  cause  reid  to  the 
Synod  the  late  Act  of  parliament  relating  to  the  last  particular  in  the  said 
letter,  to  witt,  the  rate  and  true  value  of  ther  several  stipendis,  in  order  to 
the  aditional  help  of  Universities,  together  with  ane  letter  direct  be  His 
Majestic  to  the  Bishopes  in  Scotland  for  that  purpose.  The  several 
Exercises  not  being  in  redines  to  give  ane  present  answer  to  this  last 
particular  did  promise  unto  the  Bishope  upone  his  advertisment,  to  send 
unto  him  the  true  value  and  rate  of  all  ther  stipendis  respective,  wherupon 
the  Lord  Bishope  did  promeise  that,  in  the  manadgment  of  the  money  to 
be  exacted  from  the  ministers  out  of  ther  stipendis,  he  should  labore  that 
it  might  prove  as  litel  burdensome  to  them  as  possible  might  be. 

It  is  ordered  that  the  executione  of  the  last  Act  of  Assemblie  holden 
in  Octr.  1663,  annent  subscraiving  the  Act  of  Cannonical  Obedience, 
be  referrcl  to  the  severall  Exercises,  and  that  the  respective  moderators 
reporte  to  the  Lord  Bishope  what  is  done  therannent,  at  or  before  the 
nixt  Assemblie. 

It  is  ordained  that  no  young  man  be  admitted  to  tryallj 
cises,  untill  they  have  studied  divinity  some  yeers  after  they  be  graduatt, 
unless  extraordinar  pregnancie  in  learning  be  seen  in  theme,  which  is  first 
to  be  reported  to  the  Bishope. 

It  is  ordained  that  such  as  have  been  licenced  by  Exercises  to  preach, 
or  othervvayes,  in  the  Bishope's  absence,  shal  repaire  to  the  Lord  Bishope 
for  ratificatione  therof,  and  have  their  licences  renewed. 

It  is  ordained  that  no  minister  wreat  to  the  Bishope  in  favors  of 


OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  59 

any  persounc  to  be  maricd,  without  proclamatione  of  bands,  unles  it 
be  for  necesr  and  knovven  causes,  towards  personcs  of  good  qualctie 
and  conversatione,  and  not  under  Church  censure. 

All  moderators  of  Exercises  are  continued,  to  witt  Mr.  George 
Burnett  for  Kincardyne,  Mr.  Alexr.  Mideltoune,  prinl.  of  King's  Col- 
ledg,  for  Abd.,  Mr.  Alexr.  Ross  for  the  Garioch,  Mr.  Wm.  Jaffray,  yor. 
for  Tureffe,  Mr.  Wm.  Scrogie,  for  Fordyce,  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  for 
Alfoord,  Mr.  Wm.  Seatton  for  Ellone. 

It  is  recomended  by  the  L.  Bishopc  and  the  brethren  of  the  Synod, 
that  evrie  minister  who  have  not  yet  payt  ther  contributione  promised  to 
the  newe  work  in  the  King's  Colledge  of  Old  Abdn.,  pay  in  the  same  to 
the  respective  moderators  again  the  first  day  of  Januar.  nixt  1665,  and 
that  the  same  be  delivered  to  the  principal  of  that  Colledge,  and  that  all 
now  in  place  that  has  entred  since  the  granting  of  that  contributione,  shal 
be  desyred  by  the  respective  moderators  to  contribute  for  perfyting  of  the 
said  work. 

It  is  ordained  that  evrie  Lord's  day  the  text  wherupon  the  minister 
preaches,  and  how  often  he  preaches,  and  clyets  of  catechising,  be  insert 
in  the  severall  Sessione  books  of  the  parioch,  and  that  the  Sessione  books 
be  in  redines,  upon  tymous  advertesment,  to  be  presented  to  the  Bishope 
at  the  melting  places  of  Exercises. 

The  bussines  of  discorde  and  outfall  betwixt  Wm.  Forbes  of  New 
and  John  Forbes  of  Edinglasse,  with  ther  complices,  and  ther  feighting 
and  wounding  others  on  the  Lord's  day,  being  taken  to  consideratione,  it 
is  thocht  expedient  that  the  same  be  represented  be  the  L.  Bishope  to  the 
Commissione  for  government,  that  they  may  be  censured  and  punished 
as  effeirs. 

It  is  ordained  that  the  handling  of  commone  heads  of  controversie  be 
frequently  performed  by  the  brethren  of  the  several  Exercises,  especiallie 
wher  Poprie  is  most  preached. 

It  is  ordered  that  John  Gorclone  of  Pittendreich  who  removed  from 
the  Exerceis  of  Alfoord,  and  now  resides  within  the  Exerceis  of  Abd.,  be 
procest  for  Poprie  be  the  said  Exerceis  of  Abd.  wher  he  now  remains. 

The  Exerceis  of  Ellone  is  ordained  to  dischairg  ther  Clerk,  by  reasone 
of  many  informalities  in  ther  Exerceis  book,  and  the  approving  therof 
intimated  to  the  nixt  Asscmblie,  that  it  may  be  seen  how  they  shall 
ammend  theirafter. 


Co  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1664 

The  Act  annent  John  Forbes,  Stationer,  is  renewed  and  ordained  that 
evrie  minister  within  this  diocie  shal  buy  thes  books  annent  the  queries, 
replyis,  and  duplyis  of  the  doctors  of  Abdn.,  at  syxtein  sh:  Scots  the 
piece,  and  that  they  who  have  resavcd  any  of  the  said  books  themselves 
shal  either  pay  therfor  at  the  pryce  above  written,  or  otherwayes  shal 
send  back  thes  books  to  himself  betwixt  this  and  the  first  of  Feby 
nixt  1665. 

It  is  ordained  that  evrie  moderator  collect  and  gather  from  evrie 
minister  within  ther  precincts  who  ar  absent  from  this  present  Assemblie, 
thes  dues  which  they  shoulde  pay  to  the  Clerk  and  officer  of  the  Assem 
blie,  and  that  the  Clerk's  dues  be  collected  from  evrie  one  that  midles 
with  the  stipends  of  such  Kirks  as  are  vaccand. 

It  is  ordained  that  such  brethren  as  are  appoynted  for  visiting  of  the 
Colledges  shal  vist  the  scrols  and  minuts  of  this  present  Assemblie  with 
the  Clerk,  in  presence  of  the  L.  Bishope,  wherby  the  acts  and  rcferrs  are 
formally  made  up  therfrom. 


At  Alfoord  Nov.  16,  1664. 

Mr.  John  Mair  exercised  and  added  Rom.  14.  12,  the  doctrine  being 
censured  and  approven. 

The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord  Dec.  21,  and  Mr. 
Robert  Irving  is  appointed  to  exercise  and  acid  on  the  ordinarie  matter 
of  the  Exercise. 

Anent  Marjorie  Reid,  it  is  reported  by  the  minister  of  Kildrummie 
that  hee  having  found  as  much  satisfactione  as  hee  could  expect  from  her, 
hee  had  readmitted  her  long  ago  to  the  professione  of  repentance,  and  that, 
in  regard  to  her  inabilitie  and  age,  she  could  not  come  to  the  place  of  our 
meitting,  and  therefor  the  Session  of  Kildrummie  desired  that  orders 
might  be  given  for  her  absolutione  without  her  appearance,  being  now 
sufficiently  satisfied  with  her  humiliatione,  which  desire  the  brethren 
thinking  reasonable  did  ordain  to  absolve  her. 

No  report  anent  the  corne  leaders  in  Kinnethmont,  the  minister  being 

absent. 

The  minister  of  Cushnie  reported  that  Wm.  Dunbar  was  fugitive  from 


1664]  OF  THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  6l 

his  parish.  It  is  ordained  that  every  one  of  the  brethren  tak  speciall  care 
that  hee  get  no  residence  amongst  them,  till  hee  return  and  satisfic  the 
discipline  of  Lochell. 

[ij  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfoord  December  21,  1664. 

No  doctrin,  the  speaker  Mr.  Robert  Irving  being  absent  and  excused 
for  a  reasonable  cause. 

The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  Feby.  18,  and  it  is  appointed 
the  foresaicl  Mr.  Robt.  Irving  shall  have  the  Exercise  and  Additione, 
conforme  to  the  former  ordinance. 

The  above  mentioned  profaners  of  the  Lord's  day  by  corne  leading 
in  the  parish  of  Kinnethmont,  being  summoned  and  called,  not  compciring, 
it  is  ordained  that  Mr.  John  Walker  repair  to  the  said  kirk,  and  finding 
them  judicially  convict,  to  give  them  their  sentence  according  to  their 
guiltienes. 

Compeered  William  Clerihew,  who  was  convict  by  his  own  confessione 
of  the  profanatione  of  the  Lord's  day  by  using  violence  against  the  person 
of  Isobel  Anderson,  by  throwing  her  over  the  boat  to  her  great  danger, 
and  of  insolent  carriage  before  the  Sessione,  and  revileing  the  minister, 
but  did  deny  ravyshing  of  the  said  Isobel,  and  referred  the  same  with  the 
presumptiones  thereof  to  the  probatione  of  witnesses,  whereof  if  these 
shawe  so  much  proven  as  that  he  once  laid  hands  on  her  at  the  tyme  of 
the  alledged  rapt,  hee  enacts  himself  to  tak  the  fact  upon  him.  Wherupon 
the  witnesses  being  called,  compeered  Margaret  Gordoune,  Andrew 
Patersone,  Janet  Giboune,  Margret  Idle,  who  being  admitted  by  the 
said  William,  and  being  solemnly  sworne,  nihil probanmt.  The  brethren 
taking  the  matter  to  consideratione,  and  finding  the  said  William  (though 
nigh  not  guiltie  of  the  rapt)  haynouslie  guiltie  in  the  matter  confessed  by 
himself:  wherefor  they  ordain  him  to  undergo  the  pennance  usuall  for 
adulterers,  till  that  with  his  humiliatione  the  Sessione  of  Kegge  is  satisfied. 

By  reference  from  the  Sessione  of  Tillinessel,  Agnes  Roy  having  been 
summoned,  not  compeering  for  blasphemously  saying,  if  the  Lord  were 
on  earth  she  would  flyt  with  him  if  she  were  angrie,  it  is  ordained  that 
she  be  summoned  to  the  nixt  meitting  pro  2°. 


62  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1665 

The  brethren  absent  from  the  former  clyctt,  professing  ingenuously 
that  it  was  through  a  mistake  of  the  day  were  excused. 

[16  cases  of  discipline} 


Alfoord  Aprill  5,  1665. 

By  reason  of  the  stormc  all  meitting  of  the  brethren  being  from  the 
last  dyett  to  this  impeded,  who  having  mett,  and  finding  multitudes  of 
offences  and  their  privie  censure  wold  tak  up  the  day,  resolved  there 
should  be  no  doctrin  at  this  dyett. 

The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord  and  the  former 
speakers  are  continued. 

Mr.  John  Walker  reported  that  hec  had  repaired  to  the  Kirk  of 
Kinnethmont,  and  had  held  Scssione  there,  and  finding  the  above 
mentioned  corne-leaders  guiltie  of  the  profanationc  of  the  Lord's  day, 
had  ordained  them  in  face  of  the  congregatione  to  give  publick 
satisfactione  as  Sabbath  breakers,  that  the  same  might  be  reported  to 
this  meitting,  and  it  being  reported  that  the  said  cornc  leaders  had 
declined  to  give  satisfactione  in  obedience  to  the  sentence  given  by 
Mr.  John  Walker,  it  is  ordained  that  they  be  all  summoned  to  the 
nixt  meitting  to  have  the  said  sentence  homologate  by  the  brethren 
of  the  Exercise. 

By  reference  from  the  Sessione  of  Kildrummie  compecrcd  Michael 
Dunbar,  who  being  convict  by  his  own  confcssione  of  clrunkcnnes, 
cursing,  and  atheisticall  speaches,  by  saying  that  hec  had  bound  the 
devil,  when  the  Lord's  day  befor  hee  had  been  at  the  Lord's  table,  it 
is  ordained  that  hce  satisfie  in  sackcloath  at  the  Kirk  of  Kildrummie 
the  next  Lord's  day,  and  upon  his  humble  satisfactione  to  be  absolved. 

The  sevcrall  brethren  of  the  Exercise  being  removed  one  by  one  for 
their  privie  censure  were  approvcn,  and  these  were  exhorted  to  their 
duties. 

NOTE.— Here  follow  3^  blank  pages,  viz:  part  of  41,  and  42,  43,  44.  Then  pages  45, 
46  are  .wanting  altogether.  These  pages  41  to  47  were,  doubtless,  intended  for  Minute  of  Synod 
Meeting,  held  in  April,  1665.  What  follows  marked  [  ]  is  from  the  Synod  Record. 


1 665]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  63 

[The  Dioccsian  Synod  of  Aberdenc  holden  within  the  Kingis 
Colledge  Kirk  of  Old  Abd.,  and  begun  upon  the  18  day  of  Aprile 
1665,  by  ane  Right  Reverend  Father  in  God,  Patrick  by  the  mercic 
of  God  Bishope  of  Aberdene. 

Sess.  prima  ante  merediem  18  Apr.  1665. 
The  quhilk  day  after  sermon  &c. 
(Bretherine  appoynted  for  the  Privie  Conference. 

other  Presbyteries.) 

For   Alfuird,  Mr.  Adame    Barclay,  Mr.  Geo.   Gardyne,  and    Mr.  James 
Gordone. 

2.  All  moderators  are  continued  as  last  Synod,  safe  only  that   Mr. 
John  Robsonc,  minister  at  St.  Fergus,  is  appoynted  moderator  for  Deir 
instead  of  Mr.  Arthure  Ros  who  is  removed  therfrae. 

Eodem  die  post  merediem  Sess.  2°. 

3.  It   is   ordered   that   all    dishaunters   of  ordinances   be    publicklie 
admonished  by  their  severall  ministers  thrie  severall  dayis  out  of  their 
pulpitis    for   conforming   themselfis  to   the   hearing   of  the  Word    and 
observing  their  Churche  ordinances  ;   with  certificatione  iff  they  failzie 
they  ar  to  be  insisted  against,  conforme  to  the  Actis  of  parliament,  by 
excommunicatione  and  other  wayis. 

19  Aprille  ante  merediem  Sess.  3° 

5.  Anent  papistis  and  quakeris  the  Act  of  the  former  Assemblie  is 
renewed,  and  all  ministeris  ordered  and  recommendit  to  doe  all  dilligence 
for  drawing  them  from  their  errors  to  the  truth  by  conference  and  other 
wayis. 

7.  It    is    ordered    that   the    Exercise    of   Kincardyne    requyre    ane 
testimoniall  from  James  Farquharsone  younger  of  Whythous,  anent  his 
satisfactione  to  the  Kirk  for  his  fornicatione. 

8.  It  is  ordered  that  the  Lord  Bishope  and  haill  Exercise  of  Alfurd, 
with  Mr.  George  Burnet,  parsone  of  Kinkardyne,  Mr.  Williame  Douglas 
at   Midmar,  for  Kincardyne,   Mr.   Alexander  Ros  and    Mr.  Alexander 
Seaton   for  Gareoche,  Mr.  Johne  Menzeis   for  Aberdene,   Mr.    Thomas 
Thoiris  for  Fordyce,  keep  the  Presbetrie  of  Alfurd  the  first  Tuysday  of 
Junii    nixt,   and    ther    to    indevor    the    aggriement   betwixt    New  and 


<54  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [l665 

Edinglassie,  and  their  adherents  ;  and  that  the  Eric  of  Marr,  the  Maister 
of   Forbes,   the  Laird  of  Eicht,   or   any  other   fricndis    relating    1 
pairties,  who  have  greatest  influence  upon  them  for  setting  their  Pc; 
and  aggriemcnt,  were  clcsyrcd  to  that  melting. 

o    (Anent  Contribution  to  Pcterhead  Harbour). 

10.  (Account  to  be  given  in  by  every  minister  as  to   contnl: 
towards  Bridge  of  Dye  and  King's  College). 

20  Apr.  1665  ante  mcrcdiem  Sess.  5°. 

12    Ancnt  John  Forbes  Stationer.     It  is  recommended  to  the  scvcrall 
moderators  and   bretheren  that  these  buikis  concerning  the  demand* 
replyis,  and  duplyis  of  the  doctoris  and  ministeris  of  Abd.  anent  the  lait 
Covenant  shall  be  satisfied  for,  or  sent  back  to  him,  conforme 
former  actis  maid  therancnt 

15    It  is  ordered  that  Mr.  Nathaniell  Martyne  be  persued  before 
Commissary  of  Aberdene  for  the  Presbetrie  bulk  of  Deir,  and 
Sessionc  buik  of  Pcterhead,  both  concealed  and  withdrawn  by  him.] 


At  Alfoord,  May  i;th  1665. 

Mr.  Robert  Irving  hade  the  doctrin  Rom.  14,  13-     The  doctrin  being 
censured  was  approven. 

The  nixt  meitting  having  been  appointed  by  the  Synod  (wheral 
Bishop  was  to  be  present  for  some  wcightie  affairs)  upon  the  seventh  day 
of  Tuni  and  no  doctrin  to  be  that  day  because  of  the  busieness  in  hand. 

Anent  the  profancrs  of  the  Lord's  day  in  Kinnethmont  by  corne 
leading  it  is  reported  that  they  were  summoned  to  this  meitting,  wh< 
bein-  called,  and  none  compeering,  save  James  Milne  who  was  convict 
of  no  more  guiltienes,  but  that  his  horses  hade  been  yoked,  am 
therfor  ordained  that,  in  presence  of  the  congregatione  of  Kinnethmont, 
hee   satisfie   by   acknowledging   his   offence   in  standing   up   befor   th 
pulpit      Anent  the  rest  (the  sentence  pronounced  by  Mr.  John  Walker 
being  ratified),  it  is  ordained  that  the  minister  go  on  with  the  pu 
admonitiones  against  them. 

[77  cases  of  discipline] 


1665]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  65 

At  Alfoord  Junii  14  1665. 

The  brethren  not  having  mett  upon  the  day  formerly  appointed,  by 
reason  of  a  publick  fast  observed  the  said  day,  by  advertisement  from 
the  Bishope,  did  meitt  this  clay,  at  which  meitting  his  Lordship  was 
present. 

A  literall  summounes  lawfully  execute  and  indorsed  was  given  in  by 
Mr.  Robert  Irving  minister  of  Strathdoune,  against  Wm.  Forbes  of  New, 

John  Forbes  of  Ledmakay,  Donald  Cattenach  in ,  and  Robert 

Andersoune  in  ,  charging  them  to  appear  befor  the  Bishop  of 

Aberdeen,  and  the  brethren  of  the  Exercise  of  Alfoord,  to  answer  for 
there  profanatione  of  the  Lord's  day,  by  their  feighting  and  sheding 
one  another's  blood,  at  the  Kirk  of  Strathdoune,  imediately  after 
divine  service,  as  likwise  charging  Alexr.  Forbes  of  Culquharrie,  John 
Michie  in  the  Ord,  Alexr.  Michie  in  the  Lochannes,  and  Robert  Michie 
in  Glencarvie,  as  witnesses  in  the  said  matter.  The  above  mentioned 
parties  compeered,  but  the  witnesses  compeered  not.  Yet  notwithstand 
ing  it  was  found  by  there  own  declaratione  that  they  were  guiltie  of  a 
grosse  and  greivous  scandall  in  the  forsaid  matter.  Wherupon  the 
Bishop  and  brethren  of  the  Exercise  taking  the  matter  to  there  consi- 
deratione,  did,  upon  grave  and  weightie  grounds,  think  it  convenient  not 
to  define  at  this  tyme  which  of  the  parties  were  either  innocent  or 
guiltie  in  this  matter,  or  who  were  mor  who  lesse  guiltie,  nor  to 
inflict  any  censure  till  further  deliberatione,  but  thought  most  meitt 
for  eschewing  future  inconveniences,  to  draw  the  parties  to  ane 
agreement,  and  to  bind  them  with  a  bond  for  there  future  peaceable 
and  Christian  behavior,  which  the  said  parties  did  condescend  unto,  and 
did  subscrib  to  that  effect,  which  was  delivered  to  the  Lord  Bishop  of 
Abdene.,  and  so  all  further  tryall  and  censure  for  the  present  was  waved. 

The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord  July  5,  and  Mr. 
James  Gordoune  is  ordained  to  have  the  doctrin  by  way  of  controversie, 
the  subject  whereof  to  be,  The  necessitie  of  the  ministerial!  calling. 

At  Alfoord  July  5,  1665. 

Many  of  the  brethren  being  withdrawn  to  Edinburgh,  and  but  a  few 
brethren  being  mett,  the  meitting  is  adjourned  till  the  19  of  July. 


66  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1665 

Alfoord,  July  iQth. 

Mr.  James  Gordoune  hade  the  doctrin  upon  the  matter  above 
mentioned,  the  doctrin  censured  and  approven. 

The  minister  of  Kinnethmont  reported  James  Milne  hade  satisfied 
the  former  ordinance,  but  that  as  yet  he  hade  done  nothing  against  the 
rest  of  the  profaners  of  the  Lord's  clay  by  leading  of  cornes,  wherupon  he 
is  reprehended,  and  ordained  to  go  on  in  the  processe. 

The  minister  of  Cushnie  reported  that  William  Dunbar  was  now 
removed  from  William  Fyfe,  and  was  now  residing  with  his  father  in  the 
parish  of  Cushnie.  It  is  ordained  that  the  minister  of  Cushnie  summone 
the  said  William  Dunbar  to  remove  befor  the  nixt  meittingof  the  Exercise. 

The  minister  of  Alfoord  delated  Alexander  Forbes  in  Elrick  for 
dishaunting  of  ordinances,  professing  quakaristrie,  and  the  resetting 
persons  of  that  sect  in  his  house.  It  is  ordained  that  Mr.  James  Gordone 
enter  in  processe  with  the  said  Alexander,  and  that  withall,  a  letter  be 
written  by  the  moderator  to  the  Bishop,  now  in  Edr.,  to  represent  the 
matter  to  the  High  Commissione. 

It  being  enquired  at  the  brethren,  what  they  hade  done  in  reference 
to  the  collectione  for  the  Pollonians,  it  is  reported  that  many  hade  essayed 
to  go  about  the  same,  but  that  their  people  hade  declared  their  unwilling- 
nes,  in  respect  they  were  oppressed  with  diverse  burthens,  and  were 
destitute  of  money. 

[/^  cases  of  discipline] 

Alfoord,  August  9,  1665. 

Mr.  William  Glasse  exercised  and  added  on  Rom.  14,  14.  The 
doctrin  being  censured  was  approven. 

The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord,  August  31,  at  which 
Mr.  John  Lesly,  Student  of  Divinitie,  desiring  to  enter  on  his  tryalls,  in 
reference  to  the  licentiating  him  to  preach,  is  appointed  to  exercise  and 
adde  upon  the  ordinarie  matter  of  our  Exercise. 

Anent  the  corne  leaders  in  Kinnethmont,  the  minister  reported  that 
some  of  them  hade  satisfied,  and  were  absolved,  and  the  rest  were 
admonished  pro  i°.  August  6th,  viz.  George  Lesly,  Alexander  Matthea- 
soune,  James  Wrightes,  elder  and  younger,  Alexander  Andersoune, 


1665]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  67 

James  Murison,  John  Couttis,  James  Couttis,  but  in  regard  that  the 
Sessione  of  Kinnethmont  is  much  indebted  to  the  bursers  of  Divinitie, 
the  minister  is  ordained  to  produce  befor  the  meitting  of  the  Exercise 
the  penalties  both  of  the  persons  absolved,  and  also  of  the  rest  when  they 
should  give  satisfactione,  wherby  the  said  bursers  may  be  satisfied. 

Patrick  Green  com  peered  this  day  on  the  piller  of  repentance,  and 
satisfied  the  ordinance  of  the  Presbytrie  for  his  insolent  behaviour.  He 
is  summoned  apud  acta  to  compeer  to  the  nixt  meitting,  as  also  it  is 
ordained  that  Margret  Davidsoune  be  summoned  to  the  same  dyett, 
that  they  may  both  joyntly  receive  their  sentence  for  their  scandalous 
conversatione,  whereby  they  hade  given  no  small  presumptiones  of  the 
guilt  of  adulterie. 

[77  cases  of  discipline} 

Alfoord  August  31,  1665. 

Mr.  John  Lesly  exercised  and  added  on  Rom.  14,  15.  The  doctrin 
being  censured  was  approven. 

Anent  the  corne  leaders  in  Kinnethmont,  report  came  from  the 
minister  that  he  hade  publickly  admonished  James  Wrightis  elder  and 
younger,  James  Morgan,  James  and  John  Cowtessis  pro  2°. 

By  reference  from  the  Sessione  of  Kildrummie,  compeered  John 
Lumsden,  and  being  convict  by  his  own  confessione  of  breach  of  the 
Sabbath,  and  contempt  of  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  by 
saying  he  cared  not  two  pennies  whether  he  got  it  or  not,  it  is 
ordained  that  he  make  publick  professione  for  the  same  in  sackcloath. 

In  regard  to  the  several  abuses  committed  at  pennie  brydalls,  the 
brethren  think  it  convenient  to  referre  it  to  the  Diocesian  Synod,  to 
judge  whether  or  not  the  Innekeepers  wher  the  said  marriages  are 
keeped,  and  by  whose  occasione  many  of  the  said  abuses  are  committed, 
shall  consigne  pledges  for  their  deportment,  as  well  as  the  parties.1 

(Absents,  and  excuses  for  absence  given  in — 2  considered  relevant.) 
\2i  cases  of  discipline} 

Alfoord  September  20,  1665. 

Mr.  Georg  Watsone  exercised  and  added  Rom.  14.  16,  17.  The 
doctrin  being  censured  was  approven. 

19. 


68  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Auchindeor,  Octr.  4,  that  the 
brethren  may  know  how  the  discipline  is  exercised  ther,  since  the 
minister  of  the  place  is  not  able  to  keep  the  meittings  of  the  Exercise. 
It  is  ordained  that  Mr.  William  Davidsoune  shall  preach,  since  it  is  his 
time  to  exercise. 

No  report  anent  the  profaners  of  the  Lord's  day  by  their  leading  of 
cornes  in  the  parish  of  Kinncthmont,  the  minister  being  absent. 

[22  cases  of  discipline} 

Auchindeor  October  4,  1665. 

Mr.  William  Davidsoune  preached  I  Tim.  6.  10.  The  doctrin  being 
censured  was  approven. 

The  nixt  meitting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord  Nov.  15,  and  Mr. 
John  Lesly,  student  of  Divinitie,  appointed  to  handle  the  controversie 
De  presentia  CJtristi  in  Euckaristia,  and  ordained  to  send  his  theses, 
eight  dayes  befor,  to  the  severall  brethren  of  the  Exercise. 

No  report  anent  the  corne  leaders,  Mr.  Cheyne  being  absent. 
Compeered  Mr.  James  Garden,  student  of  Divinitie,  son  to  Mr.  Alexander 
Garden,  minister  of  Forg,  and  presented  to  the  brethren  his  act  of 
admission,  by  the  Presbytrie  of  Turreff,  to  the  burse  of  Alfoord  and 
Turreff,  which  the  brethren  did  homologat,  and  were  exhorted  by  the 
moderator  to  mak  tymeouse  payment  of  their  severall  proportions  to  him. 

Compeered  Robert  Smith,  in  the  parish  of  Auchindeor,  desiring  that, 
wheras  he  hade  lately  putt  up  a  new  desk  in  the  Church,  he  might  have 
libertie,  and  the  approbatione  of  the  brethren  of  the  Exercise,  that 
whensoever  Providence  should  call  him  out  of  that  parish  to  any  other 
place  of  residence  (he  being  but  a  moveable  tennant)  either  to  transport 
his  desk  from  that  church  to  another,  or  to  sell  the  same  to  any  within 
the  parish  who  wold  be  pleased  to  buy  it  ;  which  desire  the  brethren 
thought  reasonable  to  grant  to  the  said  Robert,  his  airs,  executors,  or 
assignayes,  and  therfor  past  the  same  upon  act  in  his  favor. 

A  greivance  being  given  in  by  some  of  the  brethren  of  the  Exercise, 
upon  the  unkindnes  and  undutifullnes  of  diverse  of  their  parishioners, 
that  upon  every  misunderstanding  and  animositie  against  their  ministers, 
they  did  withdraw  from  them  their  assistance,  and  the  assistance  of  all 


1665]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  69 

under  their  command,  from  such  labors  as  is  usuall  for  parishioners  to 
help  their  ministers  with,  such  as  laboring  their  glebes,  and  leading  their 
fevvell,  thefor  the  brethren  thought  it  convenient  to  refer  the  said  regrat 
to  the  Diocesian  Synod,  that  they  might  have  the  advice  and  concur 
rence  of  the  Bishop  and  Synod,  for  taking  course  how  the  same  in  a  most 
feasable  and  legall  way  might  be  redressed,  and  that,  considering  that 
the  laws  do  provide  no  more  grasse  for  ministers,  but  as  much  as  will 
serve  two  cows  and  a  horse,  wherby  they  cannot  publickly  performe 
these  labors  themselves. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  minister  at  Towy,  did  present  a  paper  carrying 
the  division  and  partition  of  the  Church  of  Towy  approved  by  the 
Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  and  desired  the  same  to  be  put  upon  record, 
according  to  the  Bishop's  appointment.  The  tenor  wherof  followes  : — 

At  Towy,  Febry  18,  1664. 

By  virtue  of  a  commissione  given  by  the  Right  Reverend  Father  in 
God,  Alexander  Lord  Bishop  of  Aberdein,  for  dividing  of  the  Kirk  of 
Towy,  and  allocating  and  appointing  to  the  severall  heritors  and  their 
tennants  severall  roomes  therin  for  their  accommodatione,  as  at  more 
length  in  the  said  commissione  is  contained,  which  is  of  date  at  Aber 
dein,  the  second  day  of  November,  a  thousand  six  hundred  and  sixtie 
three  years.  Conveened  Mr  James  Gordon,  minister  at  Alfoord,  Mr. 
William  Glasse,  minister  at  Cushnie,  Mr.  William  Duncaune,  minister 
at  Kildrummy,  with  Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  minister  at  the  said  Kirk  of 
Towy,  all  nominated  in  the  said  commissione,  and  having  caused  call 
ane  edict  lawfully  execute  and  endorsed,  wherby  all  the  heritors,  life- 
renters,  wodsetters,  tennants,  tacksmen,  and  others,  having,  or  pretending 
having  interest,  were  warned  to  appear  the  said  day  to  hear  and  see  the 
forsaids  commissioners  pass  to  the  forsaid  division,  conforme  to  the 
tenour  of  their  commissione  theranent.  Compeered  in  name  of  the 
Earle  Mar  for  his  interest  William  Reid  in  Fichly,  John  Forbes  of 
Towy  for  himself,  William  Thomson  in  Culsh  in  name  of  James 
Thomson,  wodsetter  of  the  Mains  of  Towy,  Alexander  Thomson, 
portioner  of  the  wodsett  lands  viz.  :  Sinnaboth  and  Chappell  for 
himselfe,  and  in  name  of  the  rest  of  the  wodsetters  of  the  lands 
belonging  heretably  to  the  laird  of  Craigievar  within  the  said  parish, 


70  RECORDS   OK   THE    MEETING  [1665 

William  Farqrson,  wodsctter  of  the  town  of  Towy  for  himselfc,  and 
William  Kcr  in  Towy  in  name  of  my  Lord  Elphingstoun,  by  warrand 
from  his  Chamberlane,  who  alledging  no  reasons  which  might  hinder  the 
forsaid  division  to  be  gone  about,  the  said  Commissioners  did  proceede, 
conforme  to  a  stent  roll  given  in  by  the  minister  of  the  said  kirk, 
containing  the  severall  rents  of  the  severall  heritors  and  wodsetters, 
conforme  whcrunto  they  did  allott  and  assigne  to  every  one  their 
porportionall  part  for  their  accommodation  in  the  said  Church,  in 
manner  after  following  viz. :  to  the  Earle  of  Mar  the  whole  East 
gavell,  from  the  fourth  couple  in  the  South  side  to  the  fourth  couple 
in  the  North  side,  for  himselfe  and  his  family  ;  to  John  Forbes  of 
Towy  from  the  fourth  couple  in  the  South  side  to  the  East  side  of 
the  East  door ;  to  William  Farqrsoune  of  Mill  of  Towy  from  the 
West  side  of  the  East  doore  four  couples  Westward  ;  to  Alexander 
Innes  in  Sinnahard  from  thence  Westward  to  the  pulpit,  with  issue 
and  entrie  at  the  East  end  of  his  dask  ;  to  James  Thomsone  of  Towy 
and  the  portioners  of  Sinnaboth,  Westward  from  the  pulpit  to  the 
West  side  of  the  window  nixt  the  pulpit,  reserving  issue  and  entrie 
to  the  pulpit ;  to  the  minister  from  the  fourth  couple  in  the  North 
side  to  the  nynth  couple,  reserving  likwise  issue  and  entrie  on  the 
West ;  to  my  Lord  Elphinstoune  from  thence  Westward  in  the  North 
side  of  the  Church  to  the  thirteenth  couple ;  to  the  Laird  of  Glen- 
kindy,  the  said  Commissioners,  with  the  consent  of  all  interested,  did 
designe  a  roome  from  my  Lord  Elphinstoune's  roome  Westward  to 
the  eighteenth  couple,  reserving  issue  and  entrie  both  for  himselfe  and 
my  Lord  Elphinstoune  betwixt  their  desks  ;  to  the  Earle  of  Mar's 
tennants,  from  the  eighteenth  couple  on  the  North  side  Westward  to 
the  thretty-seventh ;  to  my  Lord  Elphinstoune's  tennants,  from  the 
thretty-seventh  couple  on  the  North  side  Westward  to  the  forty-second; 
to  the  tennants  of  the  whole  Barronry  of  Towy,  from  the  window  nixt 
to  the  pulpit  on  the  west  side  therof  Westward  in  the  South  side  of  the 
Church  to  the  South  corner  of  the  west  gavell  ;  to  the  tennants  of 
Sinnahard's  and  Sinnaboth,  from  thence  along  the  west  gavell  and 
Westward  on  the  North  side  to  that  couple  where  my  Lord  Elphin 
stoune's  tennants  their  roome  doth  end,  reserving  in  the  said  gavell  a 
roome  for  the  stooll  of  repentance.  And  the  said  Commissioners  did 
intimat  to  all  interested  in  the  saides  roomes  that  they  should  fill  the 


1665]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  71 

samen  with  seemly  dasks  betwixt  and  the  feast  of  Lambes  nixt,  under 
pain  of  forfeitting  their  roomes,  and  that  any  other  within  the  parish 
should  have  libertie  to  fill  the  samen  with  dasks  for  themselves  by  the 
tyme  prefixed.  In  witnesse  wherof  these  presents  written  by  Mr.  Adam 
Barclay  are  subscribed  with  the  hand  of  the  saids  Commissioners,  before 
witnesses  Mr.  James  Ross,  minister  at  Strathdiveron,  and  Mr.  John 
Strachan,  sometyme  minister  at  Midmarre. 

Sic  Subscribtur 

Mr.  J.  Strachaune,  witnes.  Mr.  James  Gordoune, 

J.  Ross,  witnes.  Mr.  W.  Duncaune, 

A.  Barclay. 
Mr.  William  Glasse. 

The  above  written  divisione  of  the  Kirk  of  Towie  being  seen  and 
allowed  by  us  we  appoint  the  same  to  be  registrate  in  the  records  of 
the  brethren  of  the  Exercise  of  Alford. 

Sic  subscribitur 

Patr.  Bp.  of  Aberdeen. 

The  severall  brethren  were  removed  for  privie  censure,  and  were 
approven  for  their  carriage  in  their  calling  and  conversatione. 

It  was  appointed  that  Mr.  William  Glasse,  and  Mr.  David  Milne 
should  meet  at  Towy  with  the  moderator  and  Clerk,  for  extending 
regratts,  and  filling  up  the  records  of  the  Exercise. 

Alex.  Duncaune,  Clerk  to  the  meitting  of  the  Exercise. 

The  Exercise  Book  of  Alfurd  is  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishope  and 
Assemblie. 

Mr.  Alex.  Forbes,  Clerk  to  the  Synod  of  Abd. 

Referrs  of  the  Provincial!  Synod  of  Abd.  holden  within  the  King's 
Colledg  in  Old  Aberdeen,  by  ane  Right  Reverend  Father  in  God, 
Patrick,  by  the  mercie  of  God,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  and  begune  17  of 
October  1665. 

Sessio  i°.  ante  merediem. 

After  sermon  and  prayer,  the  roll  of  the  whole  ministers'  names  was 
called,  the  absents  notted,  the  privie  conference,  and  visitors  of  the 
severall  Kirks  and  Exercises  appointed. 


72  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1665 

Sessio  2°.  post  merediem. 

Ordered  that  all  the  books  which  as  yet  are  not  delivered  to  be 
visited  by  the  Lord  Bishop  be  given  in  befor  the  rising  of  the  Synods, 
and  when  visited  they  are  to  be  delivered  to  the  Clerk  within  fyftein 
dayes,  who  therafter  is  to  send  the  same  to  the  Moderators,  as  he  is 
desired. 

Ordered  that  all  ministers  who  shall  be  absent  from  future 
Assemblies,  whether  by  reason  of  sicknes  and  infirmitie,  or  any  other 
lawfull  occasion,  shall  send  in  their  excuse  and  reason  of  their  absence 
in  writ  to  the  Lord  Bishop,  if  they  be  able  to  writ,  and  if  not  able 
that  the  truth  of  their  excuse  be  presented  by  two  or  three  brethren  ; 
the  rest  of  the  afternoon  spent  about  other  affairs. 

Sessio  3°.  Octob.  18.  post  merediem. 

Anent  the  dask  of  Mortlech,  the  tryall  of  the  truth  therof  is  referred 
to  the  Exercise  of  Fordyce,  and  Mr.  William  Jaffray,  younger,  and  Mr. 
William  Gray,  assessors  to  them,  and  to  report  to  the  next  Synod. 

Anent  the  complaint  given  in  by  the  minister  of  Inverurie,  against 
George  Fergusson,  it  is  ordered  that  the  said  George  evidence  his 
repentance  in  sackcloath  before  the  Presbiterie  of  Garioch,  and  ther 
after  one  day  at  his  own  parish  kirk,  and  for  the  pecuniall  mulct,  the 
Lord  Bishop  therafter  is  to  determine  therin. 

Sessio  4°.  eodem  die  post  merediem. 

Ordered  that  all  ministers  within  this  Diocess  bring  in  their 
respective  proportions  for  help  of  Universities  and  Colledges,  against 
Mertimes  next,  and  who  fails  therein  are  to  expect  no  courtesie  nor 
defalcation,  but  the  rigour  of  law  to  be  used  against  them  therfor. 

Ordered  that  all  ministers  within  Diocess  give  ane  account  by  their 
respective  moderators,  and  that  the  moderators  accordinglie  give  ane 
account  to  Sir  Robert  Douglas  of  Tilliquhowie,  or  ane  whom  he  shall 
appoynt,  of  all  their  collections,  for  help  of  the  bridge  of  Dye,  with 
ane  account  to  whom  they  delivered  the  same,  and  receipts  granted 
therupon,  wher  through  it  may  be  known  what  is  collected  for  that 
busines,  and  to  whom  the  same  is  delivered. 

Ordered  that  evrie  minister  give  in  to  their  severall  moderators  ane 
account  and  nott  (as  manie  as  have  not  given  in  the  same  alreadie)  of 


1665]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD. 


73 


their  severall  collections  for  supplie  of  Agnes  Chalmer,  relict  of  Mr. 
Walter  Hempsteid,  minister  sometyme  at  Auchterless,  and  that  the 
moderators  give  ane  account  therof  to  Mr.  John  Dalgarnie,  in  Old 
Abd.,  and  that  all  who  have  not  as  yet  given  in  their  collections  for 
the  use  of  the  said  Agnes  give  in  the  same  to  Mr.  John,  who  is 
im powered  to  receive  the  same. 

Sessio  5°.  Octob.  19.     Ante  merediem. 

Mr.  John  Robertson  moderator  of  the  Exercise  of  Deer,  did  demitt 
his  charge  as  moderator  ther,  by  reason  of  his  personall  infirmitie,  and 
Mr.  William  Setone  did  demitt  his  office  of  moderator  in  Ellon,  on  the 
same  account,  and  reason  of  his  age,  both  which  were  approven  by  the 
Assemblie  as  faithfull  in  their  charge,  and  Mr.  Alexander  Gairden 
appoynted  to  be  moderator  at  Deer,  and  Mr.  George  Melvil  at  Ellon. 

{discipline} 

Anent  the  bursers  of  Divinitie,  ordained  that  they  receive  from  the 
respective  Exercises  and  ministers  within  the  Dioccss,  payment  of  the 
one  half  of  their  allowances  due  to  them  in  hand  payment  befor 
Mertimes  next,  and  the  other  half  at  the  time  they  shall  produce  and 
give  ane  account  to  the  respective  moderators  of  their  respective  Pro 
fessors  of  Divinitie  ther  dictats. 

Sessio  6°.  post  merediem. 

Anent  the  tumult  of  the  Kirk  of  Turreff  in  removeing  Alexander 
Stewart  from  his  seat,  the  tryall  therof  is  referred  to  the  Exercise  of 
Turreff,  and  it  is  appoynted  to  them  as  assessors  Mr.  William  Scrogie, 
Mr.  Alexander  Seton,  and  Mr.  William  Stevenson,  and  all  execution 
of  the  former  act  of  the  Presbiterie  against  Alexander  Stewart  to 
cease  untill  report  be  made  unto  the  Synod  by  the  Presbiterie  and 
assessors. 

Anent  the  delatione  given  in  by  the  minister  of  Clunie  against  ane 
James  Smith,  for  useing  inchantment,  by  casting  of  the  knotts  at 
marriages  for  unlawfull  ends,  it  is  ordered  that  he  evidence  his 
repentance  in  sackcloath,  and  the  tyme,  maner,  and  anie  further 
punishment  to  be  referred  to  the  Exercise  of  Kinkarden. 

K 


74  RECORDS    OF    TITF,    MKFTINT,  [1665 

Sessio  7°.  Octob.  20  ante  merediem. 

Ordered  that  everie  particular  minister  give  in  their  Session  bookis 
to  the  respective  moderators,  as  they  shall  be  required  to  be  visited,  and 
the  Exercise  to  report  what  they  find  worthy  of  reprehension  therin. 

For  helping  of  the  Schoole  of  Hanchorie,  ordered  that  evcrie  minister 
within  the  Diocess  give  in  such  help  for  that  use,  as  it  shall  please  God 
to  move  their  hearts  for  that  charitable  work,  and  that  the  Schoolmaster 
give  ane  account  therof  at  the  next  Synod  what  everie  man  hath  given, 
and  who  have  not  given. 

Sessio  8°.  eodem  die  post  merediem. 

Ane  committee  is  appoynted  to  convene  at  the  King's  Colledge,  in 
Old  Aberdeen,  upon  the  third  Tuesday  of  November,  being  the  21  of 
the  same  moneth,  for  such  cffaires  as  shall  then  occurre,  consisting  of 
the  persones  following  viz. :  the  eight  moderators  of  the  severall 
Exercises,  with  Mr.  George  Meldrum  at  Aberdeen,  for  the  Exercise 
therof,  Mr.  Robert  Reid  for  Kinkarden,  Mr.  James  Gordoune  for 
Alfurd,  Mr.  James  Straquhan  for  Garioch,  Mr.  William  Stevensone 
for  Fordyce,  Mr.  \Villiam  Gray  for  Turrcff,  Mr.  Alexander  Swane  for 
Deer,  and  Mr.  John  Seaton  for  Ellon,  at  which  tyme  the  estate  of 
the  Kirk  of  Mamvhiter  is  to  be  taken  to  consideration,  and  all 
moderators  are  to  be  continued  except  the  said  Mr.  John  Robertsone, 
and  Mr.  William  Seton,  conforme  to  the  former  act. 

Ordered  that  at  the  first  next  meeting  of  evcrie  Exercise,  ane  account 
be  given  by  each  moderator  who  have  collected  for  help  of  the  Pollonian 
Students,  and  what  everie  one  have  given,  and  they  who  are  found 
deficient  to  be  censured  after  tryall. 

Ordered  that  all  licenses  granted  to  seek  help  and  charitie  through 
parish  Kirks  and  Presbiteries,  throughout  the  Diocess,  conforme  to  the 
former  act  granted  to  them  theranent,  shall  as  yet  continue  for  their 
seeking  from  all  those  who  have  as  yet  not  collected  for  them,  albeit 
the  yeer  be  outrunne  after  granting  the  former  licenses. 

Ordered  that  Mr.  John  Fcrres  shall  supplie  the  Kirks  of  Crathie  and 
Bracmarre  by  preaching  and  administration  of  other  ordinances,  untill 
such  tyme  as  the  said  kirks  be  provyded  with  ane  minister,  and  that, 


1665]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  75 

in  the  mean  tyme,  the  Exercise  of  Kinkardcn  shall  supplie  the  said 
Mr.  John  Ferres  his  kirk,  so  long  as  himself  shall  be  vvithdrawen  thcr- 
from  through  that  occasion. 

Ordered  that  all  ministers  who  have  not  given  satisfaction  to  John 
Forbes  printer  for  those  books  of  the  queries,  replies,  and  duplies  of 
the  Doctors  of  Aberdeen,  con  forme  to  former  acts  made  theranent, 
shall  pay  in  the  samin  to  the  respective  moderators,  at  the  first 
meeting  of  their  Exercises,  and  the  moderators  are  ordered  to  take 
ane  nott  of  the  deficients,  and  represent  the  same  to  the  Lord  Bishop, 
within  sex  weeks  after  the  daitt  herof,  that  they  may  be  censured, 
and  course  taken  for  that  effect,  for  satisfaction  of  the  said  Mr.  John 
Forbes,  who  hath  lyen  out  these  two  ycers  bygone,  and  above,  of 
satisfaction  for  printing  of  those  books  at  ane  great  chairge. 

Ordered  that  all  absent  ministers,  as  well  excused  as  not  excused, 
and  others  present  who  have  not  payed  in  their  dues  to  the  Clerk  of 
the  Synod  and  janitor,  either  for  this  or  preceiding  Synods,  shall  pay 
in  the  samin  to  their  own  respective  moderators  befor  the  first 
day  of  Januarie  next,  and  that  anie  excuse  made  to  the  Asscmblie 
(albeit  ever  so  reasonable)  shall  not  be  admitted  till  those  dues  be 
satisfied,  and  in  the  mean  tyme,  the  deficients  to  be  censurable  after 
publication  of  their  names. 


At  Alfurd  December  6,  1665. 

The  said  day,  being  the  first  meeting  of  the  brethren  after  the  Synod 
(former  meeting  having  been  obstructed  through  the  stormines  of  the 
weather)  Mr.  John  Leslie  handled  the  controversie  DC  prcsentia  CJiristi 
in  Eucharistia,  when  he  was  approven  by  the  brethren,  and  it  is  ordained 
that  he  sustean  dispute  thcrupon  at  Alfurd  Januarie  3a. 

No  report  anent  the  come  leaders  of  Kinncthmont,  Mr.  Robert 
Cheyne  the  minister  being  absent. 

By  reference  from  the  Scssionc  of  Forbes,  William  Lange,  is  dclaited 
to  have  fallen  in  a  scandalous  profanation  of  the  Lord's  day,  by  falling 
out  in  reproachfull  speeches  against  the  minister  (after  hec  hade  been 
absolved  from  the  publick  profession  of  repentance  for  a  former  profana 
tion  of  the  Lord's  day)  and  exclameing  against  his  former  sentence  as 


76  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1666 

too  rigorous,  and  haveing  been  summoned  to  appear  against  this  dyet, 
being  called,  and  not  compeiring,  it  is  ordained  that  hee  be  summoned 
pro  2°.  (Had  to  satisfy  in  sackcloth.) 

(Vacancie  in  Keig — supply  granted.) 

Mr.  William  Duncan  desireing  to  demitt  his  office  of  Clerkship  to  the 
Exercise,  it  is  received  of  from  his  hand,  and  Mr.  John  Maire  is  invested 
with  the  office  according  to  the  usuall  manner. 

[.25  cases  of  discipline] 

At  Alfurd  Januarie  3,  1666. 

Ther  being  few  of  the  brethren  who  mett,  in  regaird  of  the 
unseasonablenes  of  the  weather,  the  meeting  was  adjourned  to 
Januarie  10,  1666. 

At  Alfurd  Januarie  10,  1666. 

Several  brethren  being  absent,  to  witt  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  &c.  .  .  . 
the  brethren  present  did  continue  Mr.  John  Leslie  his  disputatione  to 
next  meeting,  appointed  to  be  Feb.  7,  at  which  dyet  it  is  ordained  that 
he  sustean  also  his  questionarie  tryall. 

The  minister  of  Kinnethmont  reported  that  the  elders  of  his  Sessione 
refused  to  give  in  the  penalties  of  the  persons  convicted  of  profanation 
of  the  Lord's  day  by  corne  leading,  conforme  to  the  ordinance  of  the 
brethren  of  the  date  August  9,  1665  ;  wherupon  the  minister  is  ordained 
to  summond  the  said  ciders  to  the  next  meeting,  to  answer  for  their 
disobedience,  in  counteracting  to  the  ordinance  of  the  brethren,  till 
which  tyme  the  brethren  forbeare  to  receive  anie  more  report  anent 
the  corne  leaders. 

It  being  found  that  Mr.  John  Walker  hade  supplied  the  vacancie  at 
Keig  for  one  Lord's  day  since  last  meeting,  it  is  ordained  that  Mr. 
John  Maire  supplie  it  betwixt  and  the  next  meeting. 

[24  cases  of  discipline} 

At  Alfurd  Febr.  7,  1666. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay  excused  himself  for  his  former  day's  absence. 
(Others  also  excused.) 


1 666]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  77 

No  report  anent  the  elders  of  Kinnethmont,  the  minister  being 
absent. 

Mr.  Walter  Ritchie  ordained  to  supplie  Keig  once. 

The  referrs  of  the  Diocesian  Synod  were  publicklie  read  and 
recommended  to  the  bretheren. 

It  is  ordeaned  ther  shall  henceforth  no  excuse  for  absence  be  allowed 
from  anie  of  the  brethren,  unlcs,  in  their  absence,  ther  be  some  sent  from 
them,  with  ane  account  of  their  depending  processes. 

Mr.  John  Leslie  sustained  his  disputes  and  question arie  tryall,  and  is 
approvcn,  and  it  is  ordained  that  he  have  a  popular  sermon  upon  John  3, 
19,  at  next  meeting,  which  is  appoynted  to  be  Febr.  28. 

\22  cases  of  discipline^ 

At  Alfurd  Febr.  28,  1666. 

Mr.  John  Leslie  preached  his  popular  sermon  on  John  3,  19,  and  is 
approven,  and  it  is  appoynted  that  the  next  day  he  give  a  tryall  of  the 
Languages,  which  is  appoynted  to  be  March  21,  and  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie 
is  appoynted  to  exercise  on  the  ordinarie  matter  of  the  Exercise. 

(Absents  named.  No  report  anent  the  elders  of  Kinnethmont. 
Session  Book  of  Towie  to  be  visited — Supply  for  Keig). 

(18  cases  of  discipline,  one  offender  "  being  convict  of  profanation  of 
the  Sabbath  by  reproachfull  expressions  against  the  minister,  and 
publick  exclamation  against  the  minister  and  Session  ....  it  is 
ordained  that  he  satisfie  in  sackcloath"). 

March  21,  1666. 

Mr.  Walter  Ritchie  exercised  on  Rom.  4,  19,  and  his  doctrin  was 
approven. 

It  is  appoynted  that  ther  be  no  more  meetings  befor  the  tyme  of 
the  Diocesian  Synod,  in  regaird  that  diverse  are  about  the  celebration 
of  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  the  next  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  May 
24,  and  Mr.  John  Walker  is  ordained  to  exercise  on  the  ordinarie 
matter  of  the  Exercise. 

Mr.    Robert   Chein    and    Mr.    Robert    Dunbar   wer   absent    through 

o 

sicknes,  Mr.  William  Glass  absent  at  his  brother's  buriall,  Mr.  William 
Duncan  as  yet  in  the  South,  Mr.  James  Ross  restrained  by  the  Katherin. 


•y$  RECORDS   OE   THE   MEETING  [1666 

No  report  concerning  the  elders  of  Kinnethmont,  the  minister  being 

absent. 

(Session  Book  of  Towie  approven.     Kcig  vacancy  supplied.) 
By  reference  from  the  Session  of  Alfurcl  compeired  John  Jamissone, 
and  being  convict  of  three  severall  acts  of  drunknes,  and  of  slandering 
of  ane  ekler  with  lyeing  and   partialitie,  it  is  ordered  that  he  satisfie 

in  sackcloath. 

Mr.    John    Leslie    was    tried    in    the    Languages,    and    gave 
specimens  of  his  knowledge,  but  was  ignorant  of  the   Hebrew, 
bretheren  haveing  revised   the  whole  procedor  of  the  whole  tryalls  of 
Mr.  John  Leslie, 'Student  of  Divinitie,  and  haveing  seriouslie  considered 
the  same,  and  haveing  received  considerable  satisfaction  on  the  severall 
poynts     have   thought    convenient    to   recommend    him    to    my    Lord 
Bishop'  as  being  a  youth  of  good  and  Christian  conversation  and  sound 
principles,  and  who  may,  by  process  of  tyme  be  a  good  instrument  for 
edification  of  soulcs,  that  his  Lordship  may  be  pleased  to  grant  him  an 
licence  for  publick  preaching  of  the  gospell. 

The  bretheren  were  severally  removed  for  the  undergoing  of  the 
privic  censure,  and  were  approven  by  their  fellow  bretheren. 

[16  cases  of  discipline} 

Referrs  of  the  Diocesian  Assemblie  holdin  at  King's  Colledge  Old 
Aberdeen,  by  ane  Right  Reverend  Father  in  God,  Patrick,  by  the 
mercie  of  God,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  and  begune  the  i  May  1666. 

Sessio  i".  ante  merediem. 

After  sermon  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  the  roll  of  the  ministers'  names 
being  called,  the  absents  netted,  the  visitors  for  the  severall 
books  were  appoynted  &c. 

Sessio  2°.  eodem  die,  post  merediem. 

The  afternoon  was  spent  in   rcviscing  and  approveing  the  severall 
Exercise    books    of    disciplin,    and    the    book    of    Aberdeen     Lxcrcis 
approven,  Kinkairden    book,  Garioch   book,  Kllon    book,  and 
book    approven,    and    the    next    meeting    appoyntc 
morning  at  9  aclock. 


1 666]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  79 

Sessio  3°.  May  2.     Ante  mcrediem. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  Assemblic  appoynted  ane  committee  of  two 
bretheren  from  cverie  one  of  all  the  sevorall  Exercises  within  the  Diocess, 
to  meet  at  the  King's  Colledge  of  Old  Abel.,  upon  the  12  day  of  June 
next  (being  the  second  Tuesday  of  that  moncth)  at  2  houres  in  the 
afternoon,  for  planting  of  ane  Professor  of  Divinity  at  the  King's 
Colledgc,  and  for  resolving  on  anie  other  thing  that  is  referred  to  that 
meeting,  and  that  these  two  be  chosen  the  first  clay  of  the  meeting  of 
the  scverall  Exercises  respective,  and  that  these  to  be  chosen  bring 
with  them  the  extract  of  their  commissiones  forth  off  their  owen 
severall  Exercise  books  wherin  they  are  to  be  registrat.1 

Item,  it  is  recommended  to  all  the  Exercises  and  ministers  who 
have  not  alrcadie  collected  their  charitable  contribution  for  reparation 
of  the  Harborie  of  Peterheid,  that  now  they  do  the  same  befor  the 
first  day  of  (blank]  next  to  come. 

Item,  that  the  Bishop  and  Synod,  upon  ane  supplicatione  given  in 
for  ane  charitable  contribution  towards  the  reparation  of  the  harbories 
of  Kelburne  in  the  West  Countrey,  and  Innerkeithen  in  Fyff,  grounded 
upon  severall  warrands  of  Acts  of  Parliament  and  Privie  Councell, 
recommending  the  samen  to  all  Archbishops,  Bishops,  noblemen, 
heritors,  shyres,  and  burroughs,  for  ane  voluntarie  contribution  for  that 
effect,  being  so  necessarie  works  for  the  good  of  the  countrey,  the 
Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  seriouslie  recommendeth  the  samen  to  all 
moderators  and  ministers  within  this  Diocess,  that  they  effectuallie 
and  diligentlie  go  about  the  collecting  of  their  contributiones  to  the 
effect  forsaid,  and  carnestlie  exhort  the  people  therunto,  especiallie 
seeing  these  warrands  do  proceed  from  the  highest  judicatories  within 
this  kingdome,  and  would  not  have  been  granted  without  weightie 
reasons  and  grounds,  and  that  ministers  themselves  show  good 
example  to  their  people,  by  adding  their  own  charitable  help  therunto, 
and  deliver  in  their  severall  contributions  either  to  the  respective 
moderators,  with  ane  particulare  nott  under  each  minister's  hand  of 
what  is  collected  in  everie  parochin,  and  that  the  samen  be  sent  to 
Aberdeen  either  by  the  moderators  or  ministers,  and  deliver  so  much 
as  shall  be  collected  for  the  harboric  of  Kelburne  to  William  Leslie 
B urges  of  Aberdeen,  and  what  shall  be  collected  for  the  harborie  of 

1  Note  20. 


80  RECORDS   OF   THK    MKKTINCi 

Innerkeithen    to    Master    Alexander    Forbes,  Clerk    to    the    Asscmblie, 
who  arc  appoynted  Sub-Collectors  to  that  effect. 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  the  Assemblic  that  Alexander 
Stewart  in  the  parochin  of  Turreff  (as  is  thought),  at  least  frequenting 
the  samcn,  be  cited  to  appear  befor  the  Bishop  and  commission 
appoynted  to  meet  the  second  Tuesday  of  June  next,  being  the  12  of 
that  moncth,  to  be  censured  as  he  shall  be  found  guiltie,  and  that  the 
Exercise  book  of  Turreff  with  the  Kirk  Session  book  therof  be  brought 
in  and  produced  befor  the  said  Lord  Bishop  and  committee,  for  clearing 
the  truth  of  that  bussines  concerning  the  said  Alexander,  and  that  anc 
precept  be  directed  for  summonding  the  said  Alexander  Stewart  to 
compere  the  said  day. 

Sessio  4".  eodem  die  post  merediem. 

It  is  ordered  that  Mr.  George  Burnet,  parsone  of  Kinkairden,  Mr. 
Robert  Reid  at  Banchorie,  for  the  Exercise  of  Kinkairden  ;  Mr.  Adam 
Barclay  at  Towie,  Mr.  James  Gordoune  at  Alfurd  for  the  Exercise  of 
Alfurd  ;  Mr.  Alexander  Ross  at  Mounimusk  for  the  Exercise  of  Garioch, 
shall  perambulat  and  visit  the  Kirks  of  Aboyne  and  Glentaner,  for 
considering  the  convenience  of  uniteing  these  kirks  in  one  parochin, 
and  to  meet  and  conferre  with  the  heritors  of  these  parochines  ther- 
anent,  and  to  report  to  the  Lord  Bishop  what  they  found  therin,  betwixt 
and  the  last  day  of  May  next,  and  at  furthest  the  second  Tuesday  of 
June  next. 

Ordered  that  the  Exercise  Book  of  Deer  be  sent  to  Mr.  William 
Jaffray  elder,  and  he  accordinglie  to  report  to  the  next  Synod  what 
he  finds  therin  to  be  allowed  or  not. 

The  supplication  presented  by  James  Hay,  pewterer  in  Old  Deer 
for  cleareing  and  vindicating  himself  of  the  rapt  whcrupon  he  was 
formerly  accused  by  (blank}  and  her  mother,  the  consideration 
therof  is  referred  to  the  said  Committee,  to  meet  the  second  Tuesday 
of  June  next,  as  is  above  written. 

All  the  bursers  of  Theologie  are  ordered  to  send  in  to  the  severall 
moderators  the  names  of  the  severall  ministers  who  are  deficient  in 
paying  them  their  dues,  to  be  presented  by  the  moderators  to  the  Lord 
Bishop  the  2d.  Tuesday  of  June  next. 

Then  as  to  the  bussines  anent  the  dask  of  Mortlech,  it  is  referred 


1 666]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  8 1 

now  as  formerlie  to  the  Exercise  of  Forclyce,  and  Mr.  William  Seton 
at  Drumblet,  Mr.  Robert  Chein  at  Kinncthmount,  to  be  assessors,  and 
that  they  report  their  diligence,  what  they  find  therin  to  the  next 
Assemblie. 

It  is  ordered  that  everie  minister  give  in  ane  particulare  accompt  to 
the  Lord  Bishop  what  they  have  collected  in  their  kirks,  for  the  bridge  of 
Dye,  and  to  whom  they  delivered  the  samine. 

Mr.  William  Stcvensone,  minister  at  Fordyce,  is  appoynted  moderator 
for  the  Exercise  thereof. 

For  the  better  observing  of  the  Exercise  meetings,  it  is  ordered  that 
if  the  present  respective  moderators  be  occasionallie  absent,  the  other 
persones  after  named  shall  supplie  as  moderators  in  vice  of  the  absents 
viz.  for  Aberdeen  in  vice  of  Mr.  Alexander  Mideltoune,  principal,  Mr. 
Robert  Rynold  ;  for  Fordyce  Mr.  William  Burnet  at  Cullen,  in  vice  of 
Mr.  William  Stevcnsone  ;  for  Deer  Mr.  William  Hay  in  vice  of  Mr. 
Alexander  Gairden  ;  for  Alfurd  Mr.  James  Gordoune  in  vice  of  Mr. 
Adam  Barclay  ;  for  Garioch  Mr.  James  Straquhan  in  vice  of  Mr. 
Alexander  Rosse ;  for  Kinkairden  Mr.  Robert  Reid  in  vice  of  Mr. 
George  Burnet ;  for  Ellon  Mr.  Gilbert  Andersone  in  vice  of  Mr.  George 
Melvin  ;  for  Turreff  Mr.  Andrew  Skein  in  vice  Mr.  William  Jaffray. 

John  Deins,  merchand,  ane  depauperat  man  by  shipwrack  (who 
was  recommended  by  the  former  Synod  for  ane  charitable  supplie)  is  of 
new  recommended  to  the  bretheren  for  the  same  purpose,  to  collect  for 
him  at  their  severall  kirks  who  have  not  as  yet  done  the  samin. 

Item,  the  lyke  recommendation  is  granted  for  John  Semple  and 
Marjorie  Bankis  who  were  burned  and  wasted  by  fire. 

Item,  it  is  recommended  to  the  Commissioners  who  are  to  meet  the 
said  second  Tuesday  of  June  next,  that  they  bring  with  them  ane  list 
of  their  names  who  are  fugitives  from  disciplin  within  their  respective 
parochines,  and  especiallie  such  as  are  not  given  up  as  yet  at  this  Synod. 

It  is  appoynted  that  the  next  Assemblie  shall  bcginne  the  first 
Tuesday  of  October  next  1666. 

It  is  ordered  that  all  absents  and  deficients  in  payment  of  the  Clerk's 
and  officier's  dues  send  in  the  samin  with  the  commissioners  who  are 
appoynted  to  meet  the  said  second  Tuesday  of  June  next,  as  the 
deficients  will  be  answerable. 

[Names  of  fugitives  from  discipline} 
L 


82  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [l666 

At  Alfurcl  May  24,  1666. 

Mr.  John  Walker  hade  the  doctrin  on  Rom.  14,  20,  vvherin  he  is 
approven,  and  it  is  ordained  that  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  exercise  on  the 
ordinarie  mater  at  the  next  meeting,  which  is  appoynted  to  be  June  20. 

Mr.  Robert  Chein  reported  that  the  Elders  of  his  Session  still  declined 
to  give  in  the  penalties  of  those  who  were  convict  for  profanation  of  the 
Lord's  day  by  corne  leading  thcron,  and  the  said  Mr.  Robert  is  sharplie 
reproved  for  his  slackncs  in  that  mater,  and  it  is  ordained  that  the  Bishop 
be  advised  with  what  course  shall  be  taken  in  the  bussines,  and  that  so 
much  the  rather  as  the  bursers  of  Divinity  are  not  satisfied  by  the 
Session,  and  this  advice  is  to  be  sought  of  the  Lord  Bishop  by  the 
commissioners  who  are  to  be  appoynted  to  keep  the  meeting  at  Old 
Aberdeen  the  second  Tuesday  of  June. 

In  obedience  to  the  ordinance  of  the  Bishop  and  Synod,  the  brethren 
did  choose  Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  and  Mr.  George  Watsone  to  attend  the 
meeting  at  the  Colleclge  Kirk  of  Old  Aberdeen,  the  second  Tuesday  of 
June,  for  the  nomination  and  election  of  a  Professor  of  Divinity,  and 
other  maters  ther  to  be  handled,  and  a  commission  is  ordained  to  be 
drawin  up  and  subscrybed  by  the  Clerk,  to  them  for  that  effect. 

cases  of  discipline} 


June  20,  1666. 

There  was  no  exercise,  in  regard  of  the  moderator's  absence  who 
should  have  exercised,  and  Mr.  James  Gordoune  moderat  in  his  roome. 

Mr.  James  Ross  declared  that  his  former  absence  was  occasioned  by 
rough  sickness,  wherfor  he  is  excused. 

Anent  the  Elders  of  Kinnethmount,  no  report  from  the  Bishop  in 
regaird  of  the  moderator's  absence,  who  should  give  ane  account  of  the 


5 

same. 


(Mr.  Walker  had  supplied  Kcig,  Mr.  Chein  to  supply  next.) 
A   regrate  being  given  in  by   Mr.   Robert   Chein,  concerning  some 
licentious  (  ?  deboardings)  at  pennie  bridels,  it  is  referred  to  the  next 
Synod,  to   be  advysed  what  course   shall  be  takin   for  repressing  the 
same. 

Next  meeting  to  be  Julii  18. 

[20  cases  of  discipline} 


1 666]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OE   ALFORI).  83 

At  Alftird  Julie  25,  1666. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay  exercised  on  Rom.  14,  21,  and  the  doctrin  was 
approven.  And  the  same  Mr.  Adam  being  moderator  inquired  at  the 
severall  bretheren  whether  they  hade  gotten  tymous  advertisement  for 
the  observation  of  the  fast,  appoynted  by  publick  authority  to  be  keept 
upon  the  18  of  Julie  (on  the  account  wherof  the  dyet  of  the  Exercise  was 
changed  to  this  day)  for  success  to  His  Majestie's  forces  by  sea,  and 
whether  they  hade  observed  the  samin  ;  as  lykwisc  whether  they  hade 
observed  the  anniversaric  solemnities  May  29.  All  the  bretheren  de 
clared  they  hade  observed  the  fast  ;  onely  Mr.  Robert  Irving  declared 
that,  in  regaird  to  indisposition  of  boclie,  he  hade  not  observed  the 
anniversarie,  and  Mr.  John  Maire  declared  that,  by  a  nccessarie  avocation 
to  Aberdeen  the  day  befor  it,  he  was  withdrawen  from  the  observation  of 
it,  but  that  he  hade  excused  himself  for  it  befor  the  Bishop.1 

The  moderator  reported  that  he  and  Mr.  George  Watsone  hade 
keeped  the  dyet  at  Aberdeen  for  the  effect  conveincd  in  the  Act  of  the 
Synod,  and  that  ther  was  a  new  dyet  appoynted  for  the  same  effect  to  be 
keept  the  second  Tuesday  of  August. 

The  next  meeting  appointed  to  be  August  15,  and  Mr.  Robert 
Chein  to  exercise  upon  the  ordinaric  mater. 

Anent  the  bussines  of  the  corne  leaders  of  Kinncthmount,  the 
moderator  reported  that  he  hade  advyscd  with  the  Bishop  theranent, 
and  he  produced  a  letter  from  the  Bishop,  warranding  the  bretheren  to 
visit  anie  church  where  the  bursers  of  Divinitie  are  not  payed,  and  to 
call  to  ane  rigorous  account  when  the  penalties  and  poores  money  are 
imployed,  and  to  rectifie  these,  or  anie  other  disorders  in  the  said 
churches,  which  being  intimat  to  the  minister  of  Kinnethmont  he  is 
desired  to  intimat  the  same  to  his  ciders,  with  certification  if  he  returne 
not  a  satisfactorie  report  from  them  the  next  dyet,  the  bretheren  will 
appoynt  a  visitation  of  the  church,  and  call  both  them  and  him  to  ane 
account. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay  desired  that  the  day  of  his  institution  at  Keig 
might  be  marked  in  the  Register,  which  is  done  accordinglie,  the  day 
being  the  10  of  this  instant. 

[21  cases  of  discipline} 

1  Note  21. 


84 


RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETINC,  [1666 


At  Alfurd  August  15,  1666. 

Some  of  the  bretheren  having  mett,  but  the  moderator  and  some 
others  being  withclrawcn  by  the  laird  of  Wardchous  his  buriall,  and 
the  speaker  withdrawcn  by  infirmitie  and  indisposition  of  bodie,  the 
meeting  was  adjourned  to  the  5'-  of  Septr 


At  Alfurd  Septr.  12,  1666. 

In  regaird  that  by  order  for  a  publick  thanksgiving  for  the  victorie 
over  the  Dutches,  to  be  observed  on  the  6'-  of  Septr.,  the  bretheren  could 
not  meet  on  the  clay  formcrlie  appointed,  the  meeting  was  continued  till 
this  day.  Mr.  Robert  Chein  exercised  Rom.  14,  22  and  is  approver). 

The  next  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  Septr.  26,  and  no  doctrin  to  be 
the  said  day,  in  regaird  of  multiplicitic  of  cffairs,  which,  together  with  the 
privie  censure,  will  take  up  the  tyme. 

Mr.  Robert  Chein  having  given  no  further  account  from  his  Session 
anent  the  penalties  of  the  profaners  of  the  Lord's  day  by  corne  lead 
ing,  but  that  they  still  refused  to  give  up  the  same,  the  bretheren  have 
appoynted  a  visitation  of  the  church  of  Kinncthmount  to  be  upon  the 
last  day  of  October,  to  call  that  bussines  to  ane  account,  and  to  look 
to  the  other  effairs  of  that  Church,  and  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie  and  Mr. 
William  Glass  are  appoynted  to  visit  that  Session's  books. 

It  being  intimat  to  the  bretheren  that  the  Bishop  desired  that  ther 
might  be  a  more  frequent  handling  of  controversies,  they  resolved  to 
proceed  therin  accordinglie,  and  Mr.  John  Walker  is  ordained  to  handle 
the  controversie  An  quis  possit  sine  crimine  scparare  se  ab  Ecclesia  which  is 
the  next  branch  of  the  controversie  de  Ecclesia  following  in  ordour  after 
the  last  that  was  handled,  conforme  to  the  ordinance  of  the  Presbyterie, 
December  29,  1649. 

The  bretheren  are  inquired  whether  they  hade  kcept  the  publick 
thanksgiveing,  to  be  keept  for  the  victorie  over  the  Dutch.  They  all 
gave  ane  account  that  they  hade  observed  the  same. 

Mr.  Robert  Irving  desired  that  the  dait  of  his  institution  (at  Towic) 
might  be  insert  in  the  Presbiterie  Book,  which  was  accordinglie  done, 
the  dait  thcrof  being  Julie  26  last  bypast. 


1 666]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OE   ALEORD.  8$ 

Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie  desired  the  lyk,  which  was  accordinglie 
granted,  the  dait  therof  being  the  said  26  of  Julie  last  bypast. 

Mr.  Robert  Irving  and  Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie  are  ordained  to 
meet  with  the  moderator  and  Clerk  at  Towie  for  visiting  the  scrolls 
and  filling  up  the  Register,  that  the  book  may  be  in  to  my  Lord 
Bishop  with  all  convenience. 

[20  cases  of  discipline] 

Kingis  Colledge  Old  Abd.  2  Octob.  1666. 

The  Exercise  buik  of  Alford  is  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and 
Synod. 

Mr.  Alex.  Forbes,  Clerk  of  the  Synod. 

Referrs    in    the   Assemblie   of  Aberdeen,  begun    upon    the 

second  of  October  1666. 
Ante  merediem. 

After  sermon  hade  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  and  incalling  upon  the 
name  of  God,  the  roll  of  the  ministers'  names  was  called,  the  absents 
notted,  and  visitors  appoynted  for  examining  the  books  of  the  severall 
Presbiteries  within  the  Dioces. 

Eodem  die  post  merediem. 

This  afternoon  was  spent  in  visiting  and  examining  the  books  of  the 
several  Presbiterics,  and  the  books  of  Aberdeen,  Kinkairdcn,  Alfurd  and 
Garioch  approven. 

3  Octob.  ante  merediem. 

It  is  ordained  that  no  fast  be  kcept  in  anie  privat  congregation, 
without  warrand  obtained  from  the  Lord  Bishop,  and  when  anie 
extraordinarie  emergent  shall  fall  out,  that  ane  fast  shall  be  thought 
necessarie,  the  minister  of  the  place  shall  acquaint  the  Lord  Bishop 
therwith,  for  obtaining  his  warrand  therunto. 

It  is  ordered  that  in  everie  Presbiterie  at  the  meeting  two  common 
heads  be  handled  betwixt  everie  Synod. 

It  is  ordered  that  everie  minister  search  their  books  and  registers  for 
excommunicat  persones,  and  give  in  anc  roll  of  them  to  the  next  Synod. 

The  book  of  Deir  is  approven. 


86  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1666 

Eodcm  die  post  meredicm. 

The  warrand  in  precciding  Assemblies  in  favors  of  John  Deans 
is  prorogat  and  continued  untill  he  receive  ane  charitable  help  and 
contribution  out  of  these  parochines  who  have  not  as  yet  collected  for 
him,  and  the  brethcren  in  everie  parochine  ordered  to  collect  for  him  in 
their  severall  churches. 

The  Book  of  Fordyce  approven. 

Ordered  that  Mr.  Walter  Darge,  within  the  Presbitery  of  Fordyce 
be  deprived  of  the  libertie  of  preaching  or  exercising  the  ministeriall 
function  in  tyme  comeing,  and  if  he  be  found  to  contraveen,  to  be 
excommunicat.1 

The  former  warrands  of  the  last  Synod  anent  contributions  to  be 
collected  in  the  severall  congregations  of  the  Uioces  for  rcparatione  of 
the  herbours  of  Kelburnie  and  Invcrkeithine  are  continued  to  such 
parochines  as  have  not  alreadie  collected  for  that  effect. 

Ordered  that  all  ministers  who  are  to  send  in  their  excuse  in  wreits 
to  the  Lord  Bishop  for  their  absence  in  all  insueing  Assemblies  do  all 
direct  their  letters  to  the  Clerk,  who  is  ordered  to  deliver  the  same  to  the 
Lord  Bishop,  and  that  they  send  in  therewith  the  Clerk's  and  the  officier's 
dues,  otherwise  their  excuse  for  their  absence  not  to  be  admitted. 

The  meeting  of  the  next  Synod  is  appoynted  to  be  the  third  Tuesday 
of  Aprile  next  1667. 

[  TJien  follows  a  list  of  fugitives  from  discipline} 

At  Alfoord  September  26. 

The  moderator  and  bretheren  being  mctt  thcr  was  no  doctrin,  in 
regaird  of  the  multiplicitic  of  effaires,  which  would  take  up  the  tyme. 

Mr.  George  Gairden,  and  Mr.  Robert  Dunbar  were  excused  for  their 
last  daye's  absence,  by  reason  of  their  valctudinarie  condition,  by  which 
reasone  they  are  also  excused  for  their  absence  this  day.  Mr.  James 
Ross  being  absent  is  excused,  through  the  loosenes  of  the  countrey, 
some  parties  of  loose  Highlanders  being  about  the  said  fields.  Mr. 
Andrew  Abercrombie  absent. 

Mr.  William  Glass  desired  that  his  institution  at  Kildrummie,  which 
was  Septr.  13,  might  be  put  on  record,  which  by  these  presents  is 

accordinglie  done. 

1  Note  22. 


1 666]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  87 

Mr.  Robert  Irving  is  ordained  to  supplic  the  vacancie  at  Glenbucket 
on  a  Lord's  day  befor  next  meeting. 

The  bretheren  were  severally  removed  for  privie  censures,  and  were 
approven. 

Mr.  John  Walker  is  advertised  to  handle  his  controversie  the  next 
meeting  at  Kinnethmount. 

\2O  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Kinnethmount  October  31,  1666. 

The  bretheren  being  conveined  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  John 
Walker,  excusing  him  that  he  could  not  be  present  for  handling  the 
controversie  according  as  he  was  injoined. 

Mr.  Robert  Irving  being  absent  is  excused,  in  regaird  he  hade  gone 
to  Braemarre  by  ane  order  from  the  Bishop,  to  celebrat  Roderick 
Mackenzie  his  marriage  with  Invercauld  his  relict. 

Mr.  Robert  Chein,  being  inquired  whether  he  hade  intimat  this 
meeting  to  the  congregation,  reported  that  he  hade  done  so  from  the 
pulpit,  both  Octob.  21  and  28. 

The  elders  names  were  given  up  by  him,  which  were  Robert  Milne, 
Thomas  Barclay,  James  Milne,  David  Andersone,  James  Robertsone, 
John  Craigh,  Gavin  Cruckshank.  These  were  all  present  except  Robert 
Milne  and  David  Andersone. 

Mr.  Walter  Ritchie,  and  Mr.  William  Glass  reported  that  they  hade 
received  the  Session  Book  of  Kinnethmount,  but  that  it  was  not  yet 
filled  up  from  the  date  of  Aprile  1664.  Whereupon  it  is  ordained,  that 
the  minister  have  the  book  filled  up,  and  in  readiness  against  the  second 
of  Februarie,  and  deliver  it  to  the  foresaid  visitors,  that  they  may  give 
in  the  full  report  thereof  to  the  brethren  at  the  next  meeting  after  the 
said  day. 

It  being  found  that  some  of  the  elders  of  the  Session  of  Kinneth 
mount  hade  pledged  themselves  in  some  measure  as  sureties  for  the 
penalties  injoined  on  these  who  were  guiltie  of  the  profanation  of  the 
Lord's  day  by  leading  of  come,  and  the  said  elders  viz.  James  Milne  and 
James  Robertsone  did  now  fullie  obledge  themselves  for  the  same  to  the 
Fresbiterie,  but  desired  some  tyme  wherein  they  might  exact  the  same 


88  RECORDS   OF   TIIK    MEETING  [l666 

from  the  delinquents  :  Wherupon  it  is  ordained  that,  with  all  convenient 
diligence,  they  persue  the  said  delinquents  befor  the  Commissarie,  and 
that  they  have  these  penalties  forthcoming  for  the  defraying  of  the 
ordinarie  publick  dues  of  that  church. 

{Discipline  case — John  Wilson  and  Jean  Burnett.] 


Anent  the  forcsaid  John  Wilsone,  the  Minister  represented  to  the 
Presbiteric,  that  he  hade  behaved  himself  most  insolentlie  towards  him, 
with  reproachfull  and  threatening  speeches,  and  disdainful!  behaviour, 
bidding  him  scverall  times  hang  himself,  and  that  hce  knew  not  what 
held  his  hands  unopened  him,  and  that  he  should  yet  reward  him,  and 
took  him  by  the  shoulder.  The  said  John  being  interrogat  theranent, 
denyed  the  same.  Wherupon  Mr.  Robert  Chein  desired  that,  seeing 
the  witnesses  were  present,  who  could  prove  the  particulars,  they  might 
be  instantlie  called  to  bear  witness  theranent.  And  the  brctheren 
did  immcdiatlie  call  the  said  witnesses  viz.  Mr.  William  Morgan 
Schoolmaster  at  Kinncthmount,  James  Reidfoord,  John  Jamisone,  and 
Alexander  Couper,  indwellcrs  in  the  said  parochin,  who  being  admitted 
by  the  said  John  were  swornc  in  his  presence,  and  deponed  as  followeth 
viz.  Mr.  William  Morgan  depouned  that  the  said  John  Wilsone  said  to 
the  minister  that  hee  should  reward  him  for  his  good  service,  and  that  hee 
bade  him  lykwise  hang  himself,  and  all  his  kinne,  and  that  hee  knew  not 
what  held  his  hands  unopened  him.  James  Reidfoord  depouned  that  hee 
heard  him  say,  that  as  the  minister  had  served  him  this  day,  so  should 
hee  serve  him  another  day,  and  that  hce  bade  him  scverall  tymes  hang 
himself,  and  that  hee  knew  not  what  held  his  hands  unopened  him,  but 
that  hee  saw  him  not  take  him  by  the  shoulder.  John  Jamisone 
depouned  ut  supra,  except  in  the  first  expression.  Alexander  Couper 
depouned  ut  John  Jamisone.  Wherupon  the  brethren  thought  fitt  to 
referre  the  matter  to  the  Bishop,  and  advised  Mr.  Robert  to  represent 
it  to  his  Lordship,  that  hee  might  represent  it  to  the  High  Commission, 
that  course  might  be  taken  theranent. 

[2  discipline  cases] 

Anent  the  matter  of  Mr.  John  Seaton,  which  was  formerly  referred  to 
the  Synod,  it  being  found  that  it  was  omitted  in  the  referrs  therof,  and  it 


OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  89 

being  reported  that  the  said  Mr.  John  was  removed  out  of  the  bounds  of 
the  Presbiteric  to  the  Presbiterie  of  Aberdeen,  it  is  ordained  that  the 
Moderator  write  to  the  Moderator  of  Aberdeen,  that  the  said  Master 
John  be  processed  till  hcc  report  a  testimonial!  from  us,  and  that  in  the 
meantyme  everie  brother  of  the  Exercise  doe,  from  pulpit,  intimat  in 
their  sevcrall  congregationcs,  that  none  doe  imploy  or  countenance  the 
said  Mr.  John  in  anie  part  of  the  ministcriall  function,  within  their 
families,  under  pain  of  censure.1 

The  day  being  spent,  all  other  matters  are  continued  to  the  next 
meeting,  which  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord  Novr.  29. 

At  Alfoord  Novr.  29,  1666. 

Mr.  John  Walker  handled  the  common  head  formerlie  prescribed  to 
him,  and  the  doctrin  was  approven. 

Mr.  William  Christie  presented  a  letter  from  the  Bishop,  ordering  that 
hce  be  put  upon  his  tryall,  with  institution  to  the  ministerie  at  Glen- 
bucket.  It  is  ordained  that  as  the  first  poynt  of  tryall,  hee  exercise 
and  have  the  addition  at  the  next  meeting,  on  the  ordinarie  matter  of 
the  exercise  at  Alfoord,  Deer.,  27. 

It  is  ordained  that  Mr.  John  Mair  supplie  the  vacancie  At  Cushnie 
once  before  the  next  meeting. 

o 

[12  cases  of  discipline} 

Anent  Mr.  John  Seaton  severall  of  the  brethren  having  forgotten  to 
intimat  the  ordinance,  it  is  renewed. 

At  Alfoord  December  27,  1666. 

Mr.  William  Christie  exercised  on  Rom.  14,  22,  23,  and  was  approven. 

It  is  appoynted  that  the  said  Mr.  William  have  a  popular  sermon 
upon  i  Tim.  I.  15,  which  is  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord  Januarie  24. 

Mr.  John  Maire  reported  that  hee  hade  obeyed  the  former  ordinance 
in  supplying  the  vacancie  of  Cushnie,  and  Mr.  John  Leslie  is  ordained 
to  preach  once  their  befor  next  meeting. 

o 

\2o  discipline  arses] 

1  Note  23. 
M 


90  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1667 

At  Alfoord  Januarie  24  1667. 

By  reason  of  the  storminess  of  the  weather,  no  meeting  but  of  some 
few  of  the  brethren,  who  appoynted  the  next  meeting  to  be  Fcbruarie  7. 

At  Alfoord  Fcbruarie  7,  1667. 

Mr.  William  Christie  preached  a  popular  sermon  I  Tim.  I,  15;  and 
the  cloctrin  is  approven.  It  is  prescrybed  to  him  as  his  next  poynt 
of  tryall  that  hee  handle  the  common  head,  De  principio  formali 
mediationis  in  Christ o  mediatore. 

Mr.  John  Leslie  not  having  supplied  the  vacancie  of  Cushnie,  it  is 
ordained  that  hee  supplie  it  one  day,  and  Mr.  William  Glass  another 

befor  next  meeting. 

[75  cases  of  discipline} 

By  reference  from  the  Session  of  Tough,  a  bill  given  in  by  George 
Wilsone  to  the  said  Session,  desireing  a  room  in  the  Church  of  Tough 
for  ane  desk,  was  presented  to  the  Presbiterie,  which  bill  is  referred  by 
the  Presbiterie  to  the  Bishop. 

Mr.  James  Gordoune,  minister  at  Alfoord,  did  represent  to  the 
Presbiterie,  that  John  and  Alaster  Forbeses,  sones  of  umquhill  Robert 
Forbes  of  Invereirne,  had  murthered  Andrew  Bain,  in  the  Parochin 
of  Alfoord.  The  matter  is  referred  to  the  Synod  to  be  advysed 
what  course  shall  be  taken  theranent. 

It  is  appoynted  that  the  next  meeting  be  March  7th. 

At  Alfoord  March  7,  1667. 

Mr.  William  Christie  handled  the  common  head,  as  was  formerlie 
prescrybed.  And  the  next  dyet  hee  is  ordained  to  sustain  his  dispute 
therupon,  and  the  rest  of  the  pairts  of  his  tryals  viz. :  his  questionarie 
tryall,  and  the  tryall  in  the  languages,  which  clyet  was  appoynted  to  be 
March  28. 

Mr.  John  Leslie  not  haveing  yet  supplied  the  vacancie  at  Cushnie  is 
again  ordained  to  supplie  the  same,  Sabbath  day  come  eight  dayes,  and 
Mr.  William  Glass  Sabbath  day  come  a  fortnight. 

[77  cases  of  discipline] 


1667]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  QI 

Anent  Mr.  John  Seaton,  the  moderator  reported  that  hee  hade 
written  to  Mr.  Robert  Rynolcl  conforme  to  the  former  ordinance,  and 
the  several  1  brethren  give  ane  account  of  their  intimation  of  the 
ordinance  of  the  meeting  concerning  him. 

It  being  found  that  the  tymc  granted  for  filling  up  the  Session  book 
of  Kinnethmont  \vas  expired,  it  was  ordained  to  be  delivered  to  the 
visitors  thereof  viz. :  Mr.  William  Glass  and  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie,  and 
a  report  thcrof  to  be  given  against  the  next  day. 

Mr.  John  Walker  and  Mr.  John  Maire  are  ordained  to  visit  the 
Session  book  of  Clatte,  and  the  book  is  delivered  to  Mr.  John  Walker. 


At  Alfoord  March  28,  1667. 

Mr.  William  Christie  sustained  his  dispute  and  questionarie  tryall, 
and  tryall  of  languages,  and  was  therm  approven. 

The  Moderator  and  brethren  of  the  Exercise  haveing  taken  into  con- 
sideratione  the  severall  poynts  of  tryall,  which  Mr.  William  Christie  hade 
sustained  with  intention  to  the  ministeriall  function,  and  haveing  found 
that  in  exercise,  populare  sermon,  handling  of  controversie,  disputes,  and 
questionarie  tryall,  lice  hade  acquite  himself  to  their  satisfaction,  they 
ordained  that  a  recommendation  should  be  transmitted,  under  the  Clerk's 
hands,  to  the  ordinarie,  the  Right  Reverend  Father  in  God,  Patrick, 
Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  that  the  said  Mr.  William  might  receive  ordination 
from  him. 

Mr.  John  Leslie  reported  that  hee  hade  supplied  the  vacancie  of 
Cushnie  as  hee  was  appoynted. 

Mr.  William  Christie  is  ordained  henceforth  to  supplie  the  vacancie 
of  Glenbucket. 

[ij  eases  of  discipline} 

The  Visitors  of  the  Session  book  of  Kinnethmount  declared  they  hade 
received  the  same,  and  promised  to  have  the  report  readie  against  the 
next  day. 

Ancnt  the  Session  book  of  Clatte,  it  is  reported  that  Mr.  John  Maire, 
one  of  the  visitors,  hade  not  yet  seen  it,  but  it  shall  be  delivered  to  him 
with  diligence. 

The    severall   brethren    were  removed  one  by  one,  for  their  privie 


92  RECORDS  OF  THE   MEETING  [I<367 

censure,  and  were  approval,  but  some  exhorted  to  wait  better  on  the 

^The'  iext  meeting  appoyntcd  to  be  May  iC,  and  Mr.  James  Ross 
following  in  the  ordinarie  course  of  the  Exercise,  the  exerc, 
upon  him. 

Referrs  of  the   Diocesian    Synod  of  Aberdeen,   holden    in 
Apryll  1667. 

Apryll  16.  Sess.   r.  ante  mercdiem 

Imprimis  after  sermon  hade  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  the  roll  of  the 
miniZs<  names  was  called,  the  absents  netted,  and  visitors  appoynted 
for  everie  Presbiterie  book  which  was  produced. 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  that  old  age, 
verie  extreme   and  accompanied  with  other  deseases,  so  that,  through 
nfiJ^e  the  absents  may  not  be  abell,  shall  not  be  ane  sufficient  excuse 
or  aten'ce,  and  that,  conforme  to  the  former  Acts,  ever,  absen    send 
in  his  excuse  in  wret  to  the  Lord  Bishop,  d.rectcd  to  the  < 


Itemoree,  sometyme  Reider  in  Slaines,  is  recommended, 
conformi  o  hi!  former  warrands,  to  all  such  parish  churches,  who  have 
nor  as  vet  contribut  for  ane  charitable  supphe  to  him. 

em    it  Ts  ordered  that  all  ministers  absent  from  the.r  Presb,tenes, 


severall  Presbiterie  books  which  were  produced. 

Sess    3°    Aprill  17.  ante  meredi 
It  is  ordered  that  all  these  who  receive 


,*„«          •»  *• 


1667]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  93 

of  the  Act  of  Assemblie  holdcn  in  October  1662,  few  or  no  ministers 
within  this  dioces  have  given  in  to  the  procurator  fiscall  ane  list  and 
roll  of  the  defunct  pcrsones  within  their  severall  parishes,  therfore  the 
foresaid  Act  is  hereby  renewed,  with  this  express  addition,  that  all 
ministers  who  shall  fail  in  giveing  in  at  everie  Synod  ane  list  of  the 
dead  within  their  parochins  shall  be  deprived  of  all  ease  and  benefit 
of  the  said  former  act  anent  confirmeing  of  ministers  and  their  wives 
testaments  gratis. 

Item,  it  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  that  everie 
minister  within  this  dioces,  who  have  not  as  yet  contribut  at  their 
churches  for  help  and  support  to  the  Polonian  students,  shall  as  yet 
collect  for  them,  and  what  shall  be  received  to  be  sent  in  to  Mr.  John 
Menzies,  Professor,  befor  the  first  of  Julie  next. 

Item,  William  Keith  in  Garlogie  is  seriouslie  recommended  by  the 
Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  to  everie  minister  within  this  dioces,  for  ane 
charitable  contribution,  to  be  collected  for  him  at  each  parochin  Church, 
conforme  to  his  supplication,  and  deliverance  therof. 

Item,  it  is  ordered  that  all  ministers  be  carefull  that  the  bursers  of 
Divinitie  be  punctuallie  payed,  to  witt,  twentie  shilling  for  ilk  hundreth 
communicants,  and  that  each  moderator  take  ane  exact  account  therof, 
and  everie  minister  give  up  to  the  Lord  Bishop  ane  list  of  the  defaulters, 
that  visitatione  may  be  made  at  there  Kirks  for  redressing  therof. 

Item,  it  is  ordered  that  all  ministers  who  have  not  as  yet  collected 
for  ane  charitable  help  and  support  towards  Major  John  Kerr  may  as 
yet  collect  for  him  with  all  diligence  they  can,  conforme  to  his  supplica 
tion,  and  former  order  given  therupon,  October  last. 

Item,  it  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  that,  in  everie 
parish  kirk  within  this  dioces,  it  may  be  notted  in  the  Session  books, 
i.  the  text  wherupon  the  minister  hath  his  sermon  each  Lord's  day,  2. 
next,  that  the  dayes  and  dyets  of  each  minister  his  catechizing  his 
people  be  also  notted,  and  everie  minister  be  carefull  to  goe  through 
all  his  people  at  least  once  everie  yeir,  and  3.  that  ministers  make 
report  to  the  severall  Presbiteries  when  they  have  gone  through  their 
catechizing,  and  how  oft  in  the  yeir  communion  is  administered,  and 
ane  nott  therof  made  in  the  Presbiterie  books,  and  that  the  samin,  with 
the  rest  of  the  Presbiterie  Acts,  be  presented  at  each  Assemblie  to  the 
Lord  Bishop  and  Synod. 


94  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1667 

Item,  in  regard  to  the  multitud  of  fugitives  and  other  loose  people 
wandering  from  place  to  place  to  shift  the  censure  of  the  Church,  it  is 
ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  that  all  ministers  within  this 
dioces  doc  give  tymous  warning  from  pulpit  before  everie  tcrme,  that  no 
strangers  be  received  within  their  respective  congregationes  without 
sufficient  testimonials,  and  that  within  a  moneth  after  everie  terme  they 
cause  their  elders  visit  their  scverall  quarters,  and  demand  testimonials 
from  everie  person  which  hath  come  to  reside  within  the  parochin  at 
that  tyme,  and  that  the  names  of  such  as  want  testimonials  being  given 
by  them  to  the  Session,  the  Session  shall  therupon  forthwith  conveen 
those  personcs  befor  them,  and  process  them,  ay  and  while  they  report 
sufficient  testimonials,  that  they  process  also  such  as  doe  continue 
in  harboring  and  receiving  those  disorderlie  persones,  and  because 
vagabonds  may  come  to  parishes  betwixt  terms,  therfore  it  is  lykwise 
ordered  that  ministers  and  the  elders  in  everie  congregation  make  the 
lyke  inquirie  for  testimonials  once  everie  moneth,  and  give  ane  account 
of  their  diligence  accordingly  to  the  Session,  who  shall  proceed  against 
such  persones,  as  is  befor  ordained,  and  that  the  minister's  and  Sessione's 
diligence  therm  be  recorded  in  the  severall  Session  books. 

Session  4th  eodem  die  post  merediem. 

Item,  in  regaird  of  the  growth  of  error,  it  is  ordered  by  the  Lord 
Bishop  and  Synod  that  everie  minister  keep  ane  watchfull  eye  over  his 
whole  flock,  where  they  have  ground  to  suppose  anie  wavering,  or  lyk  to 
be  drawn  away  by  seducers  from  the  truth,  that,  upon  the  first  notice 
therof,  they  be  carefull  to  deall  with  them  tymouslie,  and  informe  them 
for  the  preventing  of  their  further  desertion,  and  for  this  end  to  call  to 
their  assistance  anie  one  or  more  of  the  brethren  of  the  ministerie,  if  they 
shall  find  it  needfull.  As  also  in  such  parishes  where  profest  papists 
or  quakers  are,  Presbiteries  be  diligent  that  they  be  speedilie  conferred 
with  by  such  as  shall  be  thought  fittest  for  the  work,  and  that  such  of 
them  as  doe  obstinatlie  refuse  conference,  or,  after  sufficient  means 
granted  them  of  information,  shall  give  no  probable  hopes  of  their 
reclaiming,  be  therafter  formallie  procest  with  the  censure  of  the  Church. 

Item,  for  restraining  abounding  profanity,  it  is  lykwise  ordered  as 
aforesaid  that  all  ministers  within  this  clioces  be  careful  in  exerciseing 
Church  censure  against  such  scandalous  persones,  by  uncleanness, 


l66/]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  95 

drunkenness,  curseing,  Sabbath  breaking-,  &c.,  and  for  guarding  against 
the  profanation  of  the  Lord's  day,  that  ministers  be  carefull  to  inculcat 
to  their  people  the  great  dutie  of  sanctifying  the  Sabbath,  and  that  those 
who  are  indwellers  within  anie  town  or  parochin  that  shall  be  found 
unneccssarilie  travelling  on  journey  to  or  from  home  on  the  Lord's  day 
shall  forthwith  be  called  befor  the  respective  Sessions  wher  they  live, 
and  injoined  to  be  admonished,  rebuked,  and  make  confession  of  their 
sinne  befor  the  congregation,  otherwise  to  be  processed,  and  if  anie  be 
found  travelling  without  the  parish  wher  they  reside,  that  their  names  be 
given  up  by  the  minister  of  the  parish  where  they  are  deprehended,  to 
the  minister  of  the  parish  where  they  live,  to  the  effect  they  may  be 
censured  accorclinglie,  and  that  publication  be  made  of  this  Act  by 
everie  minister,  at  each  parish  Church  within  this  dioces,  wherthrough 
none  may  pretend  ignorance. 

Item  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  recommend  Thomas  Findlater, 
in  the  parish  of  Rathin,  to  everie  minister  within  this  dioces,  to  collect 
ane  charitable  contribution  in  their  severall  Churches  and  Church 
Sessiones. 

The  next  Synod  is  appoynted  to  be  and  beginne  upon  the  first 
Tuesday  of  October  next  1667. 

[Here  follows  list  of  "fugitives  from  discipline " — 9  from  Aberdeen 
Presbytery,  19  from  Deir  Presbytery.] 

At  Alfoord  May  16,  1667. 

There  was  no  exercise,  Mr.  James  Ross,  upon  whom  the  exercise  lay, 
having  been  the  former  day  absent,  and  not  knowing  that  it  fell  to  him 
to  exercise. 

The  said  Mr.  James  excused  his  former  daye's  absence  by  inability 
to  travell,  but  in  regaircl  that  he  hade  been  absent  throughout  the  whole 
winter  half  yeir,  hee  is  admonished  and  exhorted  to  keep  the  meetings 
more  punctuallie. 

The  brethren  having  taken  notice  of  Mr.  Robert  Dunbar  his  absence 
for  about  the  twelve  moneth  bygone,  without  anie  letter  or  excuse,  or 
anie  account  of  his  discipline  sent  from  him,  did  appoynt  two  of  their 
number  viz.:  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie  and  Mr.  John  Maire  to  goe  and  confer 
with  him  theranent,  and  to  report  to  the  next  meeting. 


96  RECORDS   OK   THE   MEETING  [1667 

Mr.  John  Leslie  presented  to  the  Presbitcrie  an  order  from  the  Bishop 
to  enter  him  to  his  tryals,  with  institution  to  the  ministerie  at  the  Church 
of  Cushnie  ;  \vherupon  it  is  ordained  that  he  have  the  Exercise  and 
Addition,  upon  the  ordinarie  matter  the  next  meeting,  which  is 
appoynted  to  be  June  5. 

No  report  from  Mr.  William  Christie  ancnt  the  supplie  of  the  vacancie 

of  Glenbucket. 

[ip  cases  of  d is  dpi  in  c\ 

The  visitors  of  the  book  of  Kinnethmont  declared  that  they  hacle  not 
yet  fullie  visited  it,  but  when  soone  they  should  have  done  they  should 
make  report  to  the  Presbiterie. 

Mr.  William  Glass  delivered  the  Session  book  of  Cushnie  to  be 
visited,  and  Mr.  George  \Vatsone  and  Mr.  John  Walker  are  appoynted 
visiters  therof,  and  to  make  report  to  the  meeting. 

A  motion  being  made  by  some  brethren  what  ecclesiasticall  censure 
should  be  imposed  on  such  as  are  guiltie  of  theft,  it  is  referred  to  be 
advised  with  by  the  Bishop  and  Synod. 


At  Alfoord  June  5,  1667. 

Mr.  John  Leslie  did  exercise  and  add  on  Romans  15,  I,  and  is 
approven.  It  is  ordained  that  hee  have  a  populare  sermon  on  Matthew 
5,  8,  at  the  next  meeting,  which  is  appoynted  to  be  June  27. 

The  brethren  sent  to  Mr.  Robert  Dunbar  reported,  that  they  hade 
spoken  to  him  anent  his  absence  from  the  Presbiterie,  who  hade  declared 
that  hee  was  not  clear  to  keep  with  us  under  the  present  government,  in 
regaird  to  his  oath  at  his  admission  to  the  ministerie,  in  regaird  wherof 
hee  could  not  be  a  member  of  our  meetings,  unless  hee  would  come  over 
the  bellie  of  his  conscience.  It  is  ordained  that  the  matter  be  referred 
to  the  Bishop,  and  that  a  letter  thcranent  be  written  to  his  Lordship  by 
the  moderator. 

It  is  reported  that  Mr.  William  Christie  hade  supplied  the  vacancie 
at  Glenbucket  the  Lord's  day  week  eight  clayes. 

The  visiters  of  the  book  of  Kinnethmount  declared  that  they  were 
readie  to  give  in  the  report,  but  is  continued  by  reason  of  the  minister's 
absence. 


1 667]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  97 

The  visiters  of  the  book  of  Cushnie  are  found  not  yet  readie  to  make 
the  report. 

The  severall  brethren  did  report  that  they  had  intimat  the  names  of 
the  severall  fugitives  within  this  Presbiterie  publicklie  from  their  pulpits. 

[16  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfoord  June  27,  1667. 

Mr.  John  Leslie  hade  a  populare  sermon  on  Matthew  5,  8,  and  is 
approven,  and  is  ordained  to  handle  the  controversie,  De  merito  bonorum 
operum,  at  the  next  meeting  which  is  appoynted  to  be  Julie  24. 

The  report  of  the  Session  book  of  Kinnethmount  continued  in  regaird 
of  the  minister's  absence. 

The  visiters  of  the  book  of  Cushnie  not  yet  readie  to  give  in  their 
report,  it  is  ordained  that  they  use  diligence  therin  against  the  nixt 
meeting. 

[12  cases  of  discipline] 

The  moderator,  with  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie  and  Mr.  John  Maire,  are 
appoynted  to  visit  the  Schools  of  Alfoord  and  Tillinessle,  upon  the 
Moneday  and  Tuesday  befor  the  next  meeting. 


At  Alfoord  Julie  24,  1667. 

Mr.  John  Leslie  handled  the  controversie,  De  merito  bonorum  operum, 
and  was  approven,  and  the  next  dyet  he  is  ordained  to  sustain  his 
disputes,  questionarie  tryals,  and  the  tryall  of  the  Languages,  which  is 
appoynted  to  be  August  14. 

The  last  dayes  absents  were  gravelie  admonished  for  their  absence, 
their  reasons  not  being  relevant. 

Mr.  William  Christie  desired  that  the  day  of  his  institution  at 
Glenbucket  should  be  put  on  record  which  was  Julie  24. 

It  is  reported  that  John  Wilsone  is  admonished  pro  3°.  June  9,  prayed 
for  pro  i°.  June  16,  pro  2°.  June  23,  pro  3°.  June  30.  It  is  ordained  that 
hee  be  cited  to  next  meeting  to  object  if  hee  hath  anie  thing  against  the 
formalitie  of  the  process. 

[12  cases  of  discipline} 


98  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1667 

The  brethren  appoynted  for  the  visitation  of  the  Schools  reported 
that  they  hade  obeyed  the  ordinance,  and  hade  warned  the  School 
masters  to  reforme  what  disorders  they  hade  found,  and  particularely 
the  Schoolmaster  of  Tillinessle,  who  was  sharplie  rebuked  for  suffering 
his  schollers  to  wear  armcs,  anent  which  the  brethren  of  the  Exercise 
admonished  him  to  bewarre  of  that,  or  anie  the  lyk  insolcncie  for  the 

future. 

The  moderator  reported  that  he  hade  written  to  the  Bishop  anent  Mr. 
Robert  Dunbar,  conform  to  the  former  ordinance. 

At  the  desire  of  Mr.  Thomas  Forbes  his  relict,  it  is  ordained  that 
the  appretiation  of  the  manse  and  bigging  of  Keig  be  registrate  in 
the  Presbiterie  book,  the  tenor  wherof  followeth. 

At  Keig  August  30,  1666  yeirs,  by  virtue  of  a  commission  directed  by 

ane  Right  Reverend  father  Patrick,  by   the    mercie  of  God,  Bishop  of 

Aberdeen,  for  the  appretiation  of  the  bigging  and  houses  belonging  to 

the  executors  and  aires  of  umquhill  Mr.  Thomas  Forbes,  late  minister 

there,   conveined    Mr.    George    Gairden    minister   at    Clate,    Mr.    James 

Gordoune,  minister  at  Alfoord,  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie,  minister  at  Forbes, 

and    Mr.   John    Maire,   minister   at   Tough,   together   with   John 

wright   in    Folfurd,    Patrick    Snowie,    mason,   wher   ane   edict   lawfullie 

execute    and    indorsit    being     given    in    to    the    said    ministers,    and 

publicklie  called   at  the  Church  doors.      Conveined  William,  master  of 

Forbes,  and   George  Wilsone,  heritors,  who  giveing  no  reason,  neither 

makeing  anie  exception  why  the  said  houses  and  bigging  should  not  be 

appretiat  nor  yet  against  the  workmen  chosen,  the  said  workmen  were 

solemnly  sworn    for  their   faithfulnes.      Wherupon    the   said    ministers, 

together  with  the  workmen,  proceeded  to  the  appretiation,  and  found  as 

followeth.     Imprimis  ane  hall  with  ane  chamber  on  the  one  end,  and  ane 

cellar  on  the  other,  the  hall  and  the  chamber  consisting  of  eight  cuples,  of 

one  balk,  the  chamber  of  one  cuple,  the  cellar  having  above  it  ane  loft, 

and  the  whole  three  having  in  them  five  windowes,  and  ane  fixed  bed  in 

the  hall,  item  ane  kitchen,  consisting  of  sixtein  peece  of  great  timber,  and 

twelve  dissen  of  kebbars,  with  ane  midle  wall,  and  ane  chamber  on  the  end 

of  it,  having  ane  window  of  three  lights,  and  consisting  of  nine  peece  of 

great  timber  ;   item  ane  stable  consisting  of  one  cuple,  eight  pannes  and 

fourtie  kebbars,  doore  and  doore  cheeks,  lock  bands,  manger  and  rings  ; 


OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  99 

item  ane  byre  of  ane  cuple,  with  ten  panne  and  roof;  item  ane  yeat  con 
sisting  of  nine  boards,  foure  bands,  and  two  steples;  item  ane  hill  and 
hill  barne,  of  twentie  great  timber,  eight  dissene  of  kebbars,  with  doores, 
lock,  and  bands  suteable  ;  item  ane  utter  byre  on  the  end  of  the  hill 
barne,  of  nine  great  timber,  and  with  other  necessaries  ;  item  ane  corne 
yard  dyke  bigged  of  dry  stone  ;  item  three  quarters  of  ane  orchyard 
dyke,  within  which  are  fourtie  two  great  trees,  and  threttie  nine  small 
trees,  yeard  doore  and  bands.  All  which  having  been  particularely  veued 
by  the  oversight  of  the  said  workmen,  and  having  taken  the  particulare 
inventor  of  everie  particulare  within  them,  the  said  ministers  did 
appretiat  them  to  the  value  of  three  hundreth  sixtie  nine  pundis  Scottis, 
three  shilling,  eight  pennies — which  to  be  of  veritie  is  testified  by  these 
presents,  written  by  the  said  Mr.  John  Maire  and  subscrybed  by  us, 

Sic  subscribitur 

Jo.  Maire 

Mr.  James  Gordoune 

Sic  subscribitur  by  the  Bishope  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie 

Old  Abd.  Octob.  9,  1666. 

The  above  mentioned  appretiation 
of  the  Manse  of  Keig  is  found  orderly  made, 
and  is  therfor  allowed  by  me, 

Pat  Bp.  of  Aberdeen. 


At  Alfoord  August  14,  1667. 

Mr.  John  Leslie  sustained  his  dispute,  and  the  rest  of  the  pairts  of  his 
tryals,  and  was  approven. 

The  moderator  and  brethren  of  the  Exercise  haveing  taken  to  con 
sideration  the  severall  pairts  of  the  tryals  past  by  the  said  Mr.  John,  and 
rinding  him  to  have  given  satisfaction  therin,  ordained  that  a  letter  of 
recommendation  should  be  transmitted  in  his  favorc  to  the  Bishop,  that 
hee  may  receive  ordination  from  him. 

The  visiters  of  the  book  of  Kinnethmount  were  readie  to  give  in  their 
report,  but  in  regaird  there  were  severall  escapes  found  therin,  wherof 
they  thought  fitt  to  admonish  the  minister,  who  is  now  absent,  the 
moderator  and  brethren  of  the  Exercise  referred  the  said  report  unto 
their  privie  censure. 


too 


RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1667 


No  report  of  the  book  of  Cushnie,  one  of  the  visiters  being  absent. 

Anent  John  Wilsoue,  anc  execution  duelie  indorsit  being  given  in 
against  him,  he  is  called,  but  not  appearing,  the  process  is  ordained  to  be 
extracted  and  transmitted  to  the  Bishop. 

Ther  was  presented  a  letter  from  the  Bishop  desireing  that  some  of  the 
brethren  might  be  appoyntcd  to  goe  to  the  Church  of  Tough  to  indeavor 
ane  accommodation  betwixt  George  Wilsone  of  Finzeach,  and  the  rest 
of  the  heritors  of  that  parochin,  anent  ane  roome  for  a  dask  to  him 
in  the  said  Church,  whcrupon  it  is  appoynted  that  the  moderator,  George 
Watsone,  and  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie  meet  there  together  with  the  minister 
of  the  place  and  the  heritors,  who  are  to  be  advertised  to  that  effect,  on 
the  16  of  this  instant,  that  report  may  be  made  to  the  Bishop  according 
as  his  letter  requires. 

It  is  appoynted  that  the  next  meeting  be  September  5,  and  Mr.  James 
Ross  ordained  to  exercise  on  the  ordinarie  matter  of  the  exercise. 

[/</  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfoord  September  5,  1667. 

Mr.  James  Ross  exercised  on  Romans  15.  23,  the  doctrin  is  censured, 
and  hee  exhorted  to  studie  more  clearnes  in  his  doctrin. 

The  next  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord,  September  18,  and 
no  doctrin  to  be,  in  regaird  to  the  multiplicitie  of  effaires,  and    privie 

censure. 

The  report  of  the  Session  book  of  Cushnie  is  given  in,  and  is  approven. 

The  brethren  appoynted  to  meet  at  Tough  reported  that  they  hade 
obeyed  the  ordinance,  but  could  effectuat  nothing,  whcrupon  they  were 
to  give  a  returne  to  the  Bishop. 

By  order  sent  from  the  Bishop,  it  is  ordained  that  William  Forbes  of 
New,  John  Forbes  of  Ledmakay,  Robert  Andersone  in  Lochans,  Donald 
M'Alaster  now  in  Strathdoune,  be  summoned  to  the  next  meeting  to 
answer  for  their  profanation  of  the  Lord's  day  by  fighting,  wounding,  and 
maiming  one  another,  and  witnesses  to  be  summoned  to  that  effect. 

By  order  also  from  the  Bishop,  it  is  ordained  that  Mr.  Robert  Dunbar 
be  summoned  litera  scripta  to  appear  befor  the  next  meeting,  and  the 


1667]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  IOI 

brethren  ordained  Mr.  George  Gairden  to  caus  his  officer  lay  on  the 
summones  on  him,  and  returne  the  execution  to  the  Presbiterie. 

It  is  ordained  that,  in  reference  also  to  ane  order  sent  from  the 
Bishop,  the  severall  ministers  give  in  the  names  of  the  papists,  as  well 
excommunicat  as  not  excommunicat,  within  their  congregationes,  as  also 
the  names  of  all  professed  quakers  if  anie  be,  that  they  may  be  presented 
by  the  Bishop  to  the  councell  against  the  first  of  November. 

By  reference  from  the  Session  of  Alfoord,  William  Mitchell  being  ane 
elder  of  the  said  Session,  is  delaited  to  have  contumaciouslie  disobeyed 
ane  ordinance  of  the  said  Session,  in  face  of  the  congregation,  by  refusing 
to  collect  for  the  poor.  It  is  ordained  that  hee  be  summoned  to  the  next 
dyet. 

[7  cases  of  discipline'} 


At  Alfoord  September  18,  1667. 

No  exercise  by  reason  of  the  multiplicitie  of  affairs,  and  privie 
censure. 

Though  the  report  of  the  Session  book  of  Kinnethmount  was 
continued  to  this  dyet,  yet,  by  reason  of  the  minister's  absence,  it  is 
found  that  it  must  be  continued  to  the  next. 

A  litterall  summonds,  lawfullie  execute,  was  given  in  against  William 
Forbes  of  New,  John  Forbes  of  Ladmakay,  Robert  Andersone  in 
Lochans,  and  Donald  McAllaster,  chargeing  them  to  appear  befor  this 
meeting:  and  lykwise  against  William  Forbes  of  Culquharie,  John 
Forbes  of  Buquhain,  Robert  Mechie  in  Meikle  Glencarvie,  John 
Milne  in  the  Orel,  John  Morgan  sometyme  Schoolmaster  in  Strath- 
done,  and  John  Milne  in  Dilhandie,  chargeing  them  to  appear  and 
bear  witness  in  the  matter  of  the  pairties  foresaid,  who  being  all  called, 
appeared  onely  William  Forbes  of  New,  who  is  charged  apud  acta  to 
be  present  at  the  next  dyet  of  the  Exercise,  and  it  is  ordained  that  all 
the  rest  of  the  foresaid  persones  be  summoned  pro  2°. 

By  letter  from  Mr.  George  Gairden,  it  is  reported  that  hee  had  not 
summoned  Mr.  Robert  Dunbar,  in  regaird  hee  thought  it  incumbent  to 
the  Presbiterie  officer.  The  brethren  takeing  it  evil  that  hee  hade  so 
slighted  their  ordinance,  as  if  the  officers  hade  not  been  subordinat  to 


102  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1667 

them,  ordained  him  dc  novo  to  caus  his  officer  to  summond  the  said 
Mr.  Robert  to  the  next  meeting,  and  a  letter  to  be  written  to  the  said 
Mr.  George  by  the  moderator  for  this  effect. 

Conformc  to  the  Bishop's  order,  the  brethren  gave  in  the  names  of 
the  papists  in  their  sevcrall  congregations  as  followcth  viz.:  in  Tillinessle 
William  Gordoune  of  Terpersie  professed  papist,  Anna  Gordoune  his 
daughter-in-law  Laidie  Terpersie  cxcommunicat  for  poperic  ;  for  the 
parochin  of  Auchindore  Francis  Gordoune  of  Craig  excommunicat, 
Anna  Gordoune  his  Laidie  profest  papist,  Robert  Hood  in  the  Mains 
of  Craig  excommunicat,  and  Marie  Ogilvie  his  spouse,  Alexander 
Gordoune  servant  to  the  laird  of  Craig  excommunicat  ;  for  the 
parochin  of  Strathdiveran,  Cabrach,  James  Stewart  of  Lcsmurdie, 
Elspet  Straquhan  his  wife,  and  Patrick  Gordoune,  all  three  excom 
municat  ;  professed  papists,  but  not  excommunicat  William  Grant  in 
Ardwell,  Isobell  Gairden  his  wife,  John  Duff  in  Shewell,  Margaret 
Kelman  his  wife,  William  Anderson  in  Socco,  Jean  Corsbie  his  wife, 
Agnas  Murray  ;  in  the  parochin  of  Kinnethmount  Patrick  Gordoune 
of  Cults  excommunicat,  Christan  Grant  his  spouse  profest  papist, 
Thomas  Gordoune  of  Mostoune  excommunicat,  Margaret  Dunbar  his 
spouse,  whose  process  is  closed,  but  not  sentenced,  Hugh  Gordoune  of 
Kirkhill,  and  Elspet  Hay  his  spouse,  whose  processes  are  also  come 
to  the  sentences,  James  Peirie,  servant  to  Patrick  Gordoune  of  Cults, 
whose  process  is  also  come  to  the  sentence  ;  in  Clatte  James  Bettie 
and  Jean  Reedford  professed  papists. 

Appeared  William  Mitchell,  who  being  convict  by  his  own  confession 
of  his  contumacious  disobedience  to  the  Session's  ordinance,  as  before 
said,  is  ordained  to  collect  the  poor's  money  in  the  Church  till  the  next 
dyet  of  the  Exercise,  and  to  deliver  it  to  the  other  collector  appoynted 
by  the  Session,  and  that  under  pain  of  process,  and  withall  hee  is 
charged  apud  acta  to  the  next  meeting  to  receive  his  censure. 

It  is  referred  to  be  advysed  with  the  Assemblie,  what  course  shall  be 
taken  with  elders  who  either  desert  the  Session,  or  slight  the  ordinances 

therof. 

It  is  recommended  to  the  brethren  who  have  not  yet  collected  for  the 
Polonian  Students,  to  collect  for  them,  and  to  carrie  it  into  the  Synod. 

It  is  recommended  also  to  the  brethren  to  collect  for  William  Mackie, 
who  is  recommended  by  the  parliament. 


1667]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  103 

By  reference  from  the  Session  of  Leochell,  William  Paterson,  who 
hade  been  sentenced  befor  the  said  Session,  to  satisfie  for  frequent 
absence  from  the  ordinances  on  the  Lord's  day,  is  declared  to  be  con 
tumacious  to  the  Session's  sentence,  and  is  ordained  to  be  summoned  to 
the  next  day. 

Mr.  John  Leslie  desired  his  institution  to  the  kirk  of  Cushnie  to  be 
put  in  the  record  which  was  September  15,  1677. 

The  severall  brethren  were  removed  one  by  one  to  have  privie  censure, 
and  are  approven,  onely  Mr.  Robert  Irving  is  exhorted  to  attend  the 
meetings  of  the  Exercise  better,  and  Mr.  William  Glass  is  admonished  to 
take  heed  to  himself,  and  beware  of  keeping  trysts  in  change  houses, 
wherby  the  enemies  of  the  ministerie  may  be  readie  to  take  advantage 
of  bringing  him  under  ane  evil  report. 

The  next  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  the  last  of  October,  and  Mr. 
William  Christie  appoynted  to  exercise  on  the  ordinarie  matter  of  the 
Exercise. 

2d-  October  1667. 

This  Presbiterie  bulk  of  Alfurd  approven  be  the  Lord  Bishop  and 
Synode. 

Mr.  Alex.  Forbes,  Clerk  to  the  Synod  of  Abd. 

Referrs  of  the  Diocesian  Assemblie  of  Abd.,  holden  by  ane  Right 
Reverend  Father  in  God  Patrick  Bishop  of  Abd.,  and  begunne  October 
first  1667  yeirs. 

Session  Ist  Ante  merediem  Oct.  I. — 67. 

The  rolls  of  the  ministers'  names  was  called,  the  absents  notted, 
visiters  appoynted  for  the  severall  Presbiterie  books. 

Session  2'1-  eodem  die  post  merediem. 
The  books  of  Garioch  and  Deir  were  approven. 

Session  3d-  2  Octr.  ante  merediem. 

It  was  ordered  that  all  expectants  under  tryals  give  evidence  in 
their  knowledge  of  the  Greek  and  Hebrew  tongues,  and  that  the 
accompt  therof  be  exprest  in  their  respective  recommendations. 

Anent  the  scandall  of  murther  committed  in  Alfoord  parochin  by 


IO4 


RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1667 

John  and  Allastcr  Forbess  dwelling  in   the   parochin   of  Strathdone,  it 
is  ordered  that  they  be  processed  thcrfor  by  their  awin  ministers. 

The  books  of  Alfoord,  Aberdeen,  and  Turreff  were  approven. 

Item,  it  is  seriouslie  recommended  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod, 
that  all'  ministers  who  have  not  already  collected  in  their  severall 
parochin  Churches  within  this  dioces,  for  help  and  support  of  William 
Keith,  sometyme  in  Garlogie,  Agnes  Chalmers,  relict  of  Mr.  Walter 
Hempseid,  and  George  Keith,  sometyme  in  Loarstone,  and  the  Polonian 
Students,  shall  collect  in  their  kirkcs  for  the  forcnamed  pcrsones,  and 
to  deliver  what  they  collect,  with  ane  nott  thcrof,  to  the  pcrsones 
particnlarlie  after  mentioned  viz.  :  Mr.  George  Mcldrum  to  receive  the 
collections  of  Aberdeen  Presbiterie,  Mr.  John  Keith  for  Kinkairden, 
Mr.  Robert  Irving  for  Alfoord,  Mr.  James  Straquhan  for  Garioch,  Mr. 
William  Meldrum  for  Turreff,  Mr.  William  Stevenson  for  Fordyce, 
Mr  George  Melvill  for  Ellon,  and  Mr.  Alexander  Gairden  younger  for 
Deir,  and  all  to  be  sent  in  to  the  said  Mr.  George  Meldrum  minister 
at  Aberdeen,  betwixt  this  and  the  fifteenth  day  of  Januarie  next  to  come. 

Session  4°.  eodem  die  post  merediem. 

In  obedience  to  the  two  Acts  of  Privy  Counccll  against  papists  and 
quakers,  presented  by  my  Lord  Bishop,  and  publicklie  read  befor  the 
Synod,  it  is  ordered  that  cverie  Presbiterie  within  this  diocess,  shall  mee* 
on  the'sixteinth  day  of  this  instant,  and  take  up  ane  exact  account  of  all 
papists  and  quakers  within  their  bounds,  and  that  everie  moderator  bring 
ane  account  of  them  to  the  Lord  Bishop,  at  the  King's  Colledge 
Old  Aberdeen,  upon  the  last  Tuesday  of  the  said  moneth  of  Octob 
instant       And  to  that  effect,  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  nominate  and 
appoynts  the  personcs  after  named  to  keep  the  said  dyet  the  foresaid  day, 
the  Principal  of  King's  Colledge,  and  all  the  ministers  of  the  tonnes  of 
New  and  Old   Aberdeen   for  the   Presbiterie  of  Aberdeen,  Mr.  Georg 
Burnet   and   Mr.  Robert   Reid  for   the   Presbiterie   of  Kinkairden,   Mr. 
Alexander   Ross   and    Mr.    James    Straquhan    for  Garioch,  Mr.  George 
Melvill    and    Mr.    John    Straquhan    for  Ellon,    Mr.   William  Stevenson, 
and    Mr    Alexander  Seaton  for  Fordyce,  Mr.  William  Jaffray  yor.   (if 
hee  be  able  to  travel)  and  if  not  Mr.    William  Meldrum   in  his  room, 
and  Mr  Andrew  Skein  for  Turreff,  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  and  Mr.  James 
Gordoune  for  Alfoord,  Mr.  Gilbert  Clerk  and  Mr.  Alexander  Gairden  yor. 


1667]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD. 


105 


for  Deir.  And  that  everie  excommunicat  papist,  or  anie  of  them  whose 
process  is  led  ad  sententiam,  be  summoned  conformc  to  the  particulare 
precepts  directed  by  the  Lord  Bishop  theranent,  and  delivered  to  each 
moderator,  and  the  said  precepts  and  executions  therof  to  be  reported  at 
the  foresaid  meeting,  the  said  last  Tuesday  of  October  instant. 

Item,  it  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  that  ane  list  be 
given  up  by  each  minister  of  all  persones  living  together  as  married 
people  within  their  parochins,  and  not  publicklie  knowcn  to  be  lawfullie 
married  according-  to  the  order  of  the  Church,  and  how  long  they  have 
so  lived. 

The  books  of  Fordyce,  Kinkairden,  and  Ellon  were  approven. 

Session  5°.     3d-  October  ante  merediem. 

Item,  ordered  that  each  burser  student  in  Divinitie  report  yeirlie  to 

their    respective    Presbiteries,  ane   testimoniall    from    the    Professors  of 

Divinitie,  of  their  attendance  and  proficiencie,  with  certificatione,  if 
they  faylzie  they  shall  lose  their  benefice,  and  others  setled  therin. 

Session  6°.     Eodem  die  post  merediem. 

It  is  ordered  that  all  ministers  absent  from  the  last  Session  of  this 
Synod  be  censured  and  rebuked  by  the  moderators  and  brethren  of 
their  owen  respective  Presbiteries,  as  they  shall  be  given  up  in  the 
referres,  and  that  their  censures  be  recorded  in  the  several  Presbiterie 
books,  and  reported  to  the  next  Synod. 

Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie,  minister  of  Invernochtie,  is  suspended 
from  the  ministeriall  exercise,  untill  the  last  Tuesday  of  this  instant 
October,  for  his  misbehaviour  of  late  at  the  Rawes  of  Strathboggie, 
untill  that  matter  be  further  tryed.  And  Mr.  George  Watsone, 
minister  at  Leochell,  is  appoynted  to  make  intimation  of  the  said 
suspension  to  the  congregation  of  Invernochtie,  upon  the  thirteinth  of 
this  instant,  being  the  Lord's  clay,  and,  dureing  the  suspension,  the 
Presbiterie  of  Alfoord  is  ordered  to  be  carefull  that  his  kirk  be  served 
each  Sabbath  in  preaching,  marriage,  and  baptisme  for  the  people  in 
that  parochin,  and  the  said  Mr.  Andrew  was  chairged  apud  acta  to 
compere  befor  the  Lord  Bishop,  and  the  brethren  who  are  to  convein 
with  him,  upon  the  said  twentieth  ninth  of  this  instant  October. 

O 


io6 


RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1667 

Item,  the  next  Synod  appoynted  to  meet   and  beginnc  the  third 
Tuesday  of  Aprile  next  1668. 

(Here  follow  lists  of  fugitives  from  Discipline,  Presbiterie  of  Ganc 
Georn-e  Forsyth  and  his  spouse  Elspet  McCulloch  for  carrying  away  ane 
unbaptized    child    from    the   parochin   of  Moniemusk,   and    four   other 

fugitives. 

From  Presbiterie  of  Dcir,  8  fugitives.) 

At  Alfoord  October  16,  1667. 

By  particulare  order  from  the  Bishop  and  Synod,  the  dyet   of  the 
Exercise  haveing  been  changed  to  this  day,  Mr.  William  Christie  exercis 
on  Romans  15.  13,  and  was  approven. 

The  next  dyet  of  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  November  14,  and 
William  Burnet,  Schoolmaster  at  Alfoord,  being  found  by  the  brethren 
to  have  carried  himself  piouslie  and  faithfullie  in  his  calling,  and  havir 
now  resided  amongst  them  about  foure  yeirs,  thought  it  expedient  to  put 
him  to  some  tryall  of  his  gifts,  and  therfore  ordained  him  to  have  ane 
common  head,  De perfection  Scripture,  against  the  said  day. 

Anent  the  book  of  Kinnethmount,  the  visiters  reported  that  they  had 
visited  the  said  book,  and  hade  found  i°.  scarcitie  of  collections  for  the 
poor    2°    unfrequent  administration  of  the  communion,  3°.  no 
visiting  of  families,  4".  no  word  of  a  preparatorie  sermon  befor  the  com 
munion,  5°.  no  exact  account  of  exacting  penalties,  6".  unfrequencie  . 
Session  for  a  long  time,  and  7°.  no  pageing  of  the  book,  which  being  1 
to  the  said  Mr.  Robert  his  chairge,  hee  was  seriouslie  exhorte 

these  things. 

Anent  Mr  Robert  Dunbar,  the  matter  is  continued  until  the  ref 
the  Synod  come  out,  in  regaird  severall  of  the  brethren  reported  that  the 
Bishop  and  Synod  advysed  that  hee  should  be  delt  tenderlie  with,  whi 
the  brethren  resolved  to  doe. 

The  brethren  haveing  received  from  the  Bishop  summondses 
directed  against  the  papists  and  quakers  within  their  respective  parishes, 
were  ordained  to  lay  them  on  against  the  day  convemec 

summondses.  .  ,  . 

It  is  reported  that  William  Mitchell,  elder  in  Alfoord,  hath  enterec 

office  of  collecting  for  the  poor. 


1667]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD. 


107 


It  is  reported  that  some  have  collected  for  the  Polonians,  and  given 
the  same,  and  the  rest  were  exhorted  to  remember  them. 

It  is  lykwise  recommended  to  the  brethren  that  they  remember 
William  Mackie. 

In  regaird  to  the  minister  of  Strathdone  his  suspension  from  the 
exercise  of  the  ministeric  for  a  tyme,  the  brethren  ordered  Mr.  William 
Christie  to  preach  once  there  befor  the  next  meeting. 

It  was  reported  by  Mr.  George  Watsone,  that  hee  had  intimat  the 
suspension  of  Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie,  conforme  to  the  ordinance. 

[//  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfoord  November  14,  1667. 

Mr.  William  Burnet  hade  ane  common  head,  De  perfectione  Scrip 
tures,  and  was  approven,  and  his  theses  on  the  said  head  were  distributed 
to  be  disputed  the  next  day. 

The  next  meeting  is  appointed  to  be  December  12. 

The  gentlemen  of  Strathdone  viz.  William  Forbes  of  New,  John 
Forbes  of  Ladmakay  &c.,  haveing  been  summoned,  called,  but  not  com- 
peiring,  are  ordained  to  be  summoned  pro  3°. 

The  referrs  of  the  Synod  haveing  come  to  the  hands  of  the  ministers, 
and  nothing  being  found  therm  anent  Mr.  Robert  Dunbar,  the  brethren 
resolved  to  forbear  for  awhile,  till  hee  be  delt  with. 

No  report  of  the  execution  of  the  summondses  against  the  papists, 
&c.  from  Mr.  James  Ross  and  Mr.  Robert  Chein,  in  regaird  of  their 
absence,  but  the  brethren  present  reported  that  they  hade  obeyed  the 
ordinance. 

The  Polonians  were  again  recommended  to  those  who  hade  not 
collected  for  them. 

William  Ritchie  again  recommended  to  the  brethren  who  hade  not 
collected  for  him. 

The  said  day,  Mr.  WTilliam  Christie  reported  that  he  hade  preached 
at  Strathdone,  according  to  the  ordinance. 

Mr.  Walter  Ritchie  and  Mr.  John  Walker  were  appoynted  to  supplie 
the  vacancie  at  Alfoord  befor  next  dyet  of  meeting. 

[p  cases  of  discipline} 


IOS  RECORDS   OF    THE    MEETING  [l66/ 


At  Alfoord  December  12,  1667. 

Xo  exercise  nor  discipline,  in  respect  that  the  brethren  hade  received 
ane  order  from  the  Bishop,  for  calling  of  ane  edict  (which  was  formerlie 
served  by  Mr.  John  Walker  at  the  Church  of  Alfoord  unto  that  day^  in 
the  favores  of  Mr.  George  Forbes,  minister  for  the  tyrne  of  Inverleithen, 
to  the  chairge  and  cure  of  the  Church  of  Alfoord,  which  edict  being- 
called,  appeared,  Andrew  Farquhar  elder  in  the  said  parochin  of  Alfoord, 
in  name,  and  with  commission  from  John  Forbes  of  Balfluge,  together 
also  with  a  great  number  of  the  people  who  gave  in  a  protestation,  sub- 
scrybed  by  the  hand  of  the  forsaid  John  Forbes  of  Balfluge,  and  the 
names  of  the  rest  of  the  elders  of  the  Session  of  Alfoord  and  parishoners 
who  appeared,  bearing  some  reasons  wherfor  the  said  Mr.  George  should 
not  be  admitted  to  the  cure  and  chairge  of  Alfoord,  which  reasons  in  the 
said  protestation  are  contained  at  length,  protesting  also  that  they  might 
have  libertie  in  tynie  and  place  convenient,  if  need  were,  to  add  more 
reasones  to  their  said  protestation,  and  more  subscriptiones,  which  the}1 
obleidged  themselves  should  to  the  triple  exceed  the  number  contained 
in  the  protestation,  declaring  that,  through  the  violence  of  the  da}-,  they 
could  not  get  conveined  for  the  tvme,  wheruoon  thev  took  instruments  in 

O  »•  A  - 

the  hands  of  a  nottar  publick.  Appeared  also  Alexander  Forbes  in 
Petfeichie,  brother-german  to  the  said  Mr.  George,  protesting  that  the 
pairties  subscribent  of  the  foresaid  protestation,  should  be  obliged  to 
make  out  the  reasones  therin  contained  sub  pocnain  caluuiniac,  wherupon 
hee  also  took  instrument  in  the  nottar's  hand.  The  brethren  haveing 
heard  the  pairties  did  ordain  that,  according  to  the  commission  granted 
to  them  by  the  Right  Reverend  Father  in  God,  Patrick,  Bishop  of  Aber 
deen,  a  report  therof  should  be  made  to  his  Lordship,  conforme  to  the 
tenor  of  the  premisses,  and  that  under  the  hands  of  the  Moderator  and 
Clerk  of  the  meeting,  and  sent  to  his  Lordship,  together  with  the  protes 
tation  foresaid. 

The  next  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  Januarie  16,  1668,  and  Mr. 
William  Burnet  appoynted  to  sustain  the  dispute  of  his  theses,  conforme 
to  the  former  ordinance. 

It  is  reported  that  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie  and  Mr.  John  Walker  hade 
obeyed  the  former  ordinance,  in  supplieing  the  vacancie  of  Alfoord, 


1 668]  OK   THE    KXKRCrSK   OK   ALKORI).  FCX) 

and   Mr.  John  Leslie  and  Mr.  John  Maire  are  appoynted  to  supplie  the 
same,  against  the  next  dyet  of  meeting. 


At  Alfoord  Januarie  16,  1668. 

Some  of  the  brethren  haveing  mctt,  by  reason  of  the  paucitie  of  their 
number  who  did  meet,  and  the  want  of  the  moderator  (no  vice  moderator 
being  as  yet  appoynted)  the  brethren  conveined  for  the  tyme  adjourned 
the  meeting  to  the  jOth  of  this  instant  Januarie,  and  the  forcsaid  Mr. 
William  Burnet  is  ordained  then  to  sustain  his  disputes. 


At  Alfoord  Januarie  30,  1668. 

Mr.  William  Burnct  sustained  his  disputes  De  perfectione  Scripture, 
and  was  approver!. 

The  next  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  Februarie  20,  and  Mr.  William 
Burnet  ordained  to  have  ane  exercise  on  the  ordinarie  matter  of  the 
Exercise. 

The  gentlemen  of  Strathdonc  viz.  :  William  Forbes  of  New,  John 
Forbes  of  Ladcmakay  &c.,  not  haveing  been  summoned  yet  pro  3"., 
the  former  ordinance  anent  them  is  renewed,  and  they  ordained  to  be 
summoned  pro  3". 

Mr.  Robert  Chein  reported  that,  according  to  the  Bishop  and  Synod 
their  order,  hee  hade  summoned  the  papists  within  his  parish,  and  sent  in 
the  executiones  to  Aberdeen. 

The  Polonians  and  William  Mackie  again  recommended  to  the 
brethren  who  have  not  collected  for  them. 

It  is  reported  that  Mr.  John  Mairc  and  Mr.  John  Leslie  hade  supplied 
the  vacancic  at  Alfoord,  and  Mr.  George  Watsone  and  Mr.  William  Glass 
appoynted  to  supplie  the  same  against  the  next  clay  of  meeting,  and  a 
letter  ordained  to  be  sent  to  Mr.  William  Glass,  being  for  the  tyme 
absent,  for  that  effect. 

Mr.  John  Maire  haveing  ane  designation  of  faill  and  divott  for  him 
and  his  successors,  hee  desired  that  the  same  might  be  insert  and 
registrat  in  the  Presbiteriall  records  ad  futuram  rei  memoriam,  which 
was  ordered  to  be  done  as  followeth, — 


1 10  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

At  Tough,  the  first  clay  of  August,  the  yeir  of  God  1667  yeirs,  the 
said  day  by  virtue  of  ane  commission  granted  by  the  Right  Reverend 
Father  in  God,  Patrick  Lord  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  in  favours  of  Mr. 
John  Mairc,  minister  of  Tough,  for  designation  to  him  and  his  succes 
sors  of  foggage,  common  pastorage,  faill  and  divott,  of  the  daits  at 
Aberdeen,  the  tenth  day  of  Julie,  in  the  yeir  of  God  1667  yeirs, 
conveined  Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  Minister  at  Keig,  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie, 
Minister  at  Forbes,  and  Mr.  George  Watsone,  Minister  at  Leochell, 
and  passed  to  the  Church  at  Tough,  and  to  whom  ane  edict  lawfullic 
execute  and  indorsit,  by  Alexander  Innes,  servant  to  the  said  Mr.  John 
Mairc,  was  given  in,  chairgeing  the  whole  heritores,  parishioners,  and 
others  haveing  or  pretending  interest,  to  appear  at  the  Kirk  of  Tough, 
on  the  first  day  of  Agust  in  the  yeir  foresaid,  to  hear  and  see  the  said 
designation,  who  being  thrice  called,  and  no  man  appearing  to  alleadge 
reason  in  the  contrarie,  the  commissioners  above  named  did  proceed  in 
the  bussincs,  and  haveing  perambulated  the  neercst  adjacent  within 
the  said  parochin,  and  finding  no  Church  lands  within  anie  competent 
adjacencie,  wherout  off  the  said  Minister  and  his  successors  could  be 
served  to  the  effect  foresaid,  save  onelie  the  lands  of  Kirktoune  of 
Tough,  and  Endurnoes,  did  therfor  designe,  and  by  these  presents  doe 
appoynt  and  designe  the  said  Mr.  John,  present  Minister  at  Tough, 
and  his  successors  Ministers  there,  to  be  served  in  all  tyme  comeing  in 
foggage,  common  pastorage,  faill,  and  divott,  upon  the  neerest  adjacent 
ground  suitable  for  that  purpose,  of  the  said  lands  of  Kirktoune  of 
Tough,  and  Endurnoes,  where  they  can  find  that  they  can  be  most 
commodiouslie  served,  with  free  issue,  and  enterie,  conforme  to  the 
Act  of  Parliament  made  theranent. 

In  witnes  wherof  these  premisses,  written  by  the  foresaid  Mr.  George 
Watsone,  are  subscrybed  by  the  said  Commissioners  hands,  day,  place, 
and  yeir  of  God  above  written,  before  these  witnesses  James  Reid  in 
Endurnoes  and  the  foresaid  Alexander  Innes. 

Sic  subscribitur 

Sic  subscribitur  by  the  witnesses  Mr.  Adam  Barclay 

James  Reid,  Witness.  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie 

Alexander  Innes,  Witness.  Mr.  George  Watsone. 

[p  cases  of  discipline} 


1 668]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  Ill 


At  Alfoord  Februarie  20,  1668. 

Mr.  William  Burnet  exercised  on  Romans  15.  4,  and  was  approven. 
The  next  meeting  was  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord  March   12,  and 
Mr.  William  Burnet  appoynted  to  have  a  populare  sermone  on  i  Peter 

2.   II. 

The  gentlemen  of  Strathdone  not  being  as  yet  summoned,  the  former 
ordinance  is  renewed. 

The  Polonians  and  William  Mackie  again  recommended  to  the 
brethren. 

It  is  reported  that  Mr.  George  Watsone  hade  not  as  yet  supplied 
Alfoord,  his  dyet  haveing  been  supplied  by  ane  other,  and  that  Mr. 
William  Glass  was  not  able  to  keep  by  reason  of  sickness,  and  therfor 
Mr.  William  Christie  and  Mr.  George  Watsone  are  ordained  to  supplie 
the  vacancie  at  that  place  befor  the  next  meeting. 

By  reference  from  the  Session  of  Towie,  a  literall  summons  lawfullie 
execute  and  indorsit  was  given  in  against  Alexander  Innes  of  Sinnahard, 
who  haveing  been  delait  to  the  said  Session  for  contumacie,  drunknes, 
and  dishaunting  of  the  ordinances,  and  particularlie  for  ane  contumacious 
contempt  of  the  worship  of  God  at  his  owen  Church,  on  the  second  day 
of  Februarie,  being  the  Lord's  day,  upon  which  day,  in  face  of  the 
congregation,  conveined  for  the  service  and  worship  of  God,  at  the  verie 
tyme  when  the  minister  was  entering  the  Church  (haveing  ridden  doune 
the  water  side  from  the  parish  of  Glenbucket),  hee  rod  hard  by  his  owen 
Church  stile  homewards  to  his  owen  son's  (haveing  by  a  servant  called 
for  some  keyis  from  his  wife,  who  was  for  the  tyme  in  the  Church,  and 
deserted  the  worship,  to  the  great  scandall  of  the  congregation)  ;  As 
lykwise  hee,  by  the  offence  committed  by  him  on  the  first  Lord's  day 
of  Januarie,  in  that  hee  came  from  ane  tavern  in  another  parochin,  to 
the  parochin  of  Keig,  and  there,  with  some  companie,  entered  another 
tavern  within  less  than  ane  quarter  of  mile  to  the  Church  of  Keig,  and 
drank  there  till  the  worship  was  begunne,  and,  in  tyme  therof,  did  pass 
from  the  said  tavern  hard  by  the  Church  stile  to  another  tavern,  within 
ane  bow  shott  to  the  Church,  where  hee  stayed  the  rest  of  the  day,  and 
night  following  ;  and  haveing  proven  contumacious  to  the  said  Session, 
was  called,  who  compeired,  and  by  his  confession  was  convict  in  maner 


112  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [l668 

following,  to  witt,  he  confessed  that  he  came  by  the  Church  of  Towie 
whilst  the  people  were  gathering  to  the  Church,  and  was  at  no  Church 
that  day,  as  lykwise  that  hee  came  by  the  Church  of  Keig,  and  was  at 
no  sermon  that  day,  onclie  hee  denyed  that  hee  drank  in  tyme  of  sermon, 
or  anie  thing  cxtraordinarely.  Hee  is  summoned  apud  acta  to  compeir 
again  befor  the  brethren  of  the  Presbiterie  at  Alfoord,  the  next  dyet 
of  their  meeting,  which  is  to  be  March  12,  and  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  is 
ordained  to  chairge  witnesses  from  the  parochin  of  Keig,  to  bear 
tcstimonie  what  was  his  deportment  there,  the  first  Lord's  day  of 
Januarie. 

[10  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfoord  March  12,  1668. 

Mr.  William  Burnet  gave  ane  populare  sermon  on  I  Peter  2.  11,  and 
was  approven,  and  hee  is  ordained  to  sustain  his  questionarie  tryals,  and 
of  the  languages  at  the  next  meeting,  which  was  appoynted  to  be  the  2d- 

of  Aprile. 

A  literall  summonds  lawfullie  execute  and  indorsit  was  given  in 
against  William  Forbes  of  New,  John  Forbes  of  Ladmakay,  and 
Robert  Andersone,  in  Lochane,  who  being  called,  compeired  not,  and 
being  found  contumacious  are  ordained  to  be  summoned  to  the  next 
insuing  Assemblie. 

The   Polonians   and    William    Mackie   again   recommended    to    the 

brethren. 

Mr.  George  Watsone  and  Mr.  William  Christie  reported  that  they 
hade  preached  at  Alfoord  according  to  the  appoyntment,  and  Mr. 
Andrew  Abercrombie  ordained  to  preach  befor  the  next  dyet  of 
meeting,  at  the  said  place. 

Alexander  Innes  being  called,  compeired,  as  lykwise  compeired 
witnesses  chairgit  from  the  parochin  of  Keig  viz.  William  Davidsone, 
Elspet  Andersone,  Isobel  Wallace,  John  Jamisone,  and  Arthure 
Jamisone,  to  bear  testimonie  on  the  matter  of  the  scandalous  carriage 
of  the  said  Alexander  upon  the  first  Lord's  day  of  Januarie,  against 
whom  the  said  Alexander  declairing  that  hee  hade  no  exception,  they 
were  sworne  in  his  presence,  and  depouned  as  followeth  viz.  William 


OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  H3 

Davidsonc  dcpouncd  that  Alexander  Innes,  and  some  others  with  him, 
came  upon  the  Lord's  day,  in  the  morning,  to  the  boat  of  Keig,  and 
called  to  cause  sett  on  ane  fire  in  the  said  William  his  chamber,  but 
did  immediatlie  hurrie  from  thence  to  James  Jamisone's,  whither  the 
said  William  (havcing  something  to  speak  with  William  Forbes  of 
Skclliter  who  was  there)  went  up  to  them,  and  that  he  found  them 
there  drinking,  and  saw  them  drinking  healths,  and  left  them  drinking 
when  hec  came  to  the  Church,  and  that,  after  sermon,  when  hee  came 
home  to  his  owin  son's  (being  also  a  change  hous)  hce  found  them 
there,  but  that  they  hade  received  no  drink  there,  in  regaird  that  hee 
and  his  wife  were  both  at  Church,  but  that  hee  found  them  lying  upon 
beds  when  hce  came  home. 

Elspet  Andersone,  servant  to  the  said  William  Davidsonc,  depouned, 
that  shee  being  at  home,  Alexander  Innes,  and  those  with  him,  came 
to  the  said  William  his  hous,  after  the  people  were  in  church,  and  that 
shee  judged  him  drunk  when  hee  came  in,  but  that  havcing  called  for 
drink  hee  found  none,  in  regaird  her  mistress  was  in  the  Church. 

Isobell  Wallace,  wife  to  James  Jamisone,  depouned  that  when  hee 
came  to  her  hous,  being  unacquainted  with  the  said  Alexander  his 
temper,  shee  could  not  know  whether  hee  was  drunk  or  not,  and  that 
hee,  with  a  considerable  number  with  him,  drank  nine  pints  of  aile, 
and  that  shee  saw  them  drink  ane  health,  and  that  when  they  called 
for  more  shee  declaired  there  was  no  more  aile  in  her  hous,  wherupon, 
one  of  them  haveing  searched  the  bowies,  and  finding  no  more,  they 
begane  to  remove  out  of  the  hous,  but  that  they  lingered  awhile  'about 
the  hous,  and  then  went  away,  but  shee  herself  being  alone  to  keep 
the  hous  went  not  to  church,  so  could  not  tell  whether  sermon  was 
begune  or  not  when  they  removed  from  the  toune. 

John  Jamisone  depouned  that  hee  saw  the  said  Alexander,  with 
those  who  were  with  him,  in  that  hous  befor  sermon,  and  that,  calling 
for  more  drink,  one  of  them  searched  the  bowies,  but  found  none,  bu*t 
hce  knew  not  when  they  removed,  in  respect  hee  stayed  not  long,  but 
came  to  sermon  and  left  them  there.  Arthure  Jamisone  depouned 
that  hee  came  to  that  hous,  but  entered  not  in  companie  with  them, 
and  knew  not  when  they  removed,  being  in  Church  when  they  went 
by. 

P 


114  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [l668 

The   brethren,   haveing   considered    the    premisses,    found    the    said 
Alexander    guiltie    of   ane    high    and    scandalous    profanation    of   the 
Lord's  day,  and  contempt  of  the  ordinances,  abandoning  the  place  of 
publick   worship,   and   traversing   from   tavern   to   tavern  ;    and    lykwise 
takeing    to    consideration    the    notorietie    of   his    customarie    drunknes, 
wherto     severall     of    themselves    could    sufficientlie    bear    witnes  ;     as 
lykwise    takeing    to   consideration    when    that,   at    the    first    day    of  his 
appearance,   hee   came   befor   the    Presbiterie,    being    in    his    cups,   and 
behaved    himself  most  insolentlie,  proudlie,  and   contumaciouslie,  with 
his  head  still  covered  when  hee  spoke  to  the  moderator  and  brethren, 
and    accompanying  almost  everie  sentence  with  horrid   oaths,  and   his 
accustomed   expression  of  his  vowing  to  God,  and  spoke  to  his  owin 
minister  in  most  reproachfull  terms,  giveing  him  ordinarelie  the  com- 
pellation  of  Robin  the  Ranter;  and  that  being  severall  tymes  exhorted 
to  forbear  his  swearing  and  curseing,  hee  still  insisted,  and  used  many 
more  scurrilous,  undervalueing,  and  threatning  expressiones,  telling  us 
hee  would  appeal  to  the  Bishop,  and  then  bid   us  all  hang  ourselves  ; 
and  that  being  inquired,  why   hee  did  dishaunt  ordinances,  answered 
that  hee  would   keep  the  Church  when  hee  pleased,  and  forbear  when 
hee  pleased  ;  as  lykwise  that,  at  the  second  day  of  his  appearance,  his 
deportment   was   after   the   same    maner,  refuseing   to  stand  with   ane 
discovered  head,  notwithstanding  that  hee  was  admonished,  whou   hee 
ought  to  behave  himself  befor  a  judicatorie,  useing  the  same  reproach- 
full   speeches   towards   his   owin    minister   as   formerly,   and    the   same 
insolent  carriage  towards  the  brethren  of  the   Presbiterie  ;    therfor  did 
ordain    that    (notwithstanding    his    guiltines    deserved    a    verie    high 
measure  of  censure)  hee  should  onelie  be  admonished  by  the  modera 
tor  to  forbear  his  drunknes,  swearing,  and  contempt  of  the  ordinances, 
and  should  repaire  to  his  owin  church,  and  there,  in   presence  of  the 
congregation,  upon  the  Lord's  day,  in  the  publick  place  of  repentance, 
should  manifest  ane  humble  sense  of  his  sinne,  and,  after  his  satisfac- 
tione,  the  same  to  be  intimat  from  the  pulpit  of  Keig,  for  takeing  away 
of  the   scandall   there,   and    in    caice    of  disobedience    hee    should    be 
processed.     Which  sentence  when  it  was  intimat  unto  him,  hee  did  so 
contemne,  that  he  declared  hee  should  first  sitt  doune  befor  the  whole 
parochin,  and     (indecent  expression),       and    did    appeal,  pretending  we 
were   partiall  judges.      But  the  brethren  considering,  that  in   crimine 


1 668]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  115 

notorio,  appellatio  non  sit  admittenda,  the  minister  is  ordained,  in  caice 
of  his  contumacie,  to  goe  on  in  process  with  him. 

It  being  found  that  William  Forbes  of  Skellitcr,  Donald  Farquhar- 
sone,  and  some  others,  in  the  parochin  of  Strathdone,  were  in  companie 
with  the  said  Alexander  Inncs,  the  said  first  Sabbath  of  Januarie,  in 
the  parochin  of  Keig,  and  so  were  guiltie  with  him  in  that  scandall,  it 
is  ordained  that  the  minister  of  Strathdone  should  search  for  the  rest 
of  these  persones,  and  should  bring  them  to  satisfaction. 

[//  cases  of  discipline^ 


At  Alfoord,  Aprile  2,  1668. 

Mr.  William  Eurnet  sustained  his  questionarie  tryals,  and  his  tryall 
in  the  languages  of  Greek  and  Hebrew,  and  was  approven.  And  the 
Presbiterie  considering  all  the  pairts  of  his  tryals,  and  haveing  found 
sufficient  satisfaction  therm,  and  being  hopefull  that,  through  the 
blessing  of  the  Lord,  hee  shall  prove  ane  able  instrument  for  God's 
glorie  in  his  church,  ordained  that  hee  should  be  recommended  to  the 
Bishop  for  giveing  him  license  to  preach  publicklie  when  and  wher 
hee  should  be  lawfullie  called  therunto. 

The  next  dyet  of  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  the  2Oth  of  May. 

The  Polonians  and  William  Mackie  again  recommended  to  the 
brethren. 

Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie  reported  that  hee  hade  supplied  Alfoord, 
and  Mr.  Robert  Irving  ordained  to  supplie  that  vacancie  against  the 
next  meeting. 

It  is  reported  that  Alexander  Innes  of  Sinnahard,  not  haveing 
obeyed  the  former  ordinance,  and  continueing  contumacious,  was 
publicklie  admonished  pro  i°.,  March  22. 

It  was  lykwise  reported  that,  immediatlie  after  the  former  meeting 
at  Alfoord,  while  the  brethren  were  gone  out  to  take  some  refreshment, 
the  said  Alexander  Innes  behaved  himself  verie  insolentlie,  in  intrudeing 
upon  the  companie  with  ranting  songs,  and  expressiones,  and  particu- 
larlie  two  or  three  brethren  reported,  that  while  Mr.  John  Walker  told 
him  that  the  brethren  hade  delt  with  him  in  the  spirit  of  meeknes,  hee, 
in  their  hearing,  answered  the  said  Mr.  John,  that,  by  the  wounds  of 


Il6  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETINC.  [1668 

God,  he  was  a  Her  ;  as  lykwi.se,  after  the  minister  of  Towie  and  the 
minister  of  Strathdonc  hade  removed,  hee  could  not  be  restrained  by 
some  gentlemen  who  were  in  his  companic,  from  pursueing  after  the 
minister  of  Towie,  with  all  speed,  whom,  when  hce  overtoke,  hee 
abused  with  contumelious  and  reproachfull  speeches,  accompanied  with 
manie  oaths,  and  laid  hold  on  his  bridle,  and  menaced  with  manie 
provoking  speeches. 

In  reference  to  the  premisses,  the  moderator  produced  ane  letter 
from  the  Bishop,  declaiming  that  all  further  process  in  that  bussincs 
be  delayed  till  the  appeal  be  judged,  and  the  matter  be  heard  by  him 
and  the  Synod.  Wherupon  the  brethren  referred  the  whole  procedor 
to  be  cognosced  and  considered  by  the  insuing  Synod,  and  to  be 
advysecl  therby  what  course  they  shall  take  for  the  future  in  such 
cases,  when  flagitious  persones  studie  to  stop  their  process  by  appeals. 
Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie  reported  that  hee  hade  spoken  with 
William  Forbes  of  Skelliter  and  Donald  Farquharsone,  who  hade 
promised  to  give  satisfaction  to  their  Session. 

It  is  ordered,  that  after  William  Forbes  of  Skelliter  and  Donald 
Farquharsone  shall  give  satisfaction  of  their  breach  of  Sabbath  unto 
the  Session  of  Strathdone,  Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie  shall  report  the 
same  to  Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  that  hee  may  report  it  to  his  people  in 
Keig  to  whom  the  scandall  was  first  given. 

It  being  found  that  the  Church  of  Cabrach  was  vacant  now,  by 
the  removall  of  Mr.  James  Ross  to  Tarlan  and  Migvie,  the  heriteres 
and  others  of  Cabrach  did  present  ane  supplication  to  the  brethren  for 
supplie  of  the  vacancie  of  that  place,  till  the  Lord  should  provide  ane 
minister  of  their  owen  for  them. 

Ane  letter  \vas  presented  to  the  brethren,  from  the  Bishop,  showing 
that  hee  hade  received  ane  presentation  from  the  Earle  of  Marre,  in 
favour  of  Mr.  John  Irving,  Student  of  Divinitie,  for  his  instalemcnt 
in  the  parochin  of  Cabrach  to  the  cure,  and  chairge  therof,  and  therfor 
desired  that  the  brethren  should  enter  him  to  his  tryals,  in  reference 
to  the  said  place,  in  all  convenient  diligence,  which  the  brethren,  con 
sidering,  in  obedience  to  the  said  order,  did  ordain  the  said  Mr.  John 
to  have  ane  common  head,  De  locis  sanctorum  defunctorutn,  against 
the  appoynted  tyme  of  their  meeting,  and  that  hee  should  distribute 
his  theses  theron  at  the  assemblie,  and  lykwise  hee  was  ordered  to 


1 668]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  I  I/ 

preach  once,  or  if  he  could  twice,  at  the  Church  of  Cabrach  befor  the 
next  meeting. 

Referrs  being  read  anent  the  referrs  relating  to  Alexander  and  John 
Forbess  alleadgit  murthcrers,  it  is  found  that  the  church  of  Alfoord, 
wher  the  fact  is  alleadgit  to  be  committed,  is  yet  vacant,  so  that  no 
process  against  them  can  be  intended  until  the  plantation  of  that 
Church. 

The  privie  censure  was  past,  and  the  severall  brethren  haveing 
removed  one  by  one  were  censured  and  approven. 

Mr.  William  Burnet  was  appoynted  Clerk  to  the  Presbiterie. 

\_io  cases  of  discipline] 
Jo.  Maire,  Clerk  to  the  meeting  of  the  Exercise. 

At  the  Kingis  Colledge  in  Old  Aberdeen  8  October  1668. 

Session  4"'  post  mercdiem. 

The  discipline  of  this  Prcsbiterie,  from  October  1667  till  the  following 
Synod  in  Apryle  1668,  is  visited  and  approven  by  the  Bishop  and  Synod, 
excepting  process  of  Alexander  Innes  of  Sinnahard,  which  is  to  be 
rectified  according  to  the  Act  past  by  the  Bishop  and  brethren  of  the 
respective  Presbiteries,  conveined  at  Alfoord  May  12,  1668,  for  cogni 
tion  of  the  said  process,  which  Act  is  ordered  to  be  transmitted  with 
the  referris  of  this  Synod,  and  insert  in  the  Presbiterie  book  of  Alfoord. 

Mr.  Al.  Forbes,  Clerk  to  the  Synod  of  Abd. 

Referrcs  of  the  Diocesian  Assemblie  of  Aberdeen,  holden  by  ane 
Right  Reverend  Father  in  God,  Patrick  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  and 
begunne  the  twentie  ane  of  Appryle  1668. 

Session  i°.  ante  merediem. 

After  sermon  and  prayer  hade  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  the  roll  of  the 
ministers  names  was  called,  the  absents  notted,  and  divers  appoynted 
for  the  severall  Presbiterie  books,  the  Presbiterie  of  Turreff  not  beini>; 

o 

present. 

Sess.  2".  eodem  die  post  merediem. 
The  books  of  Aberdeen,  Kincardine,  and  Fordice  were  approven. 


IlS  RECORDS   OF   TIIK    MEETING  [1668 

Sess:  3°.  Aprylc  22,  Ante  merecliem. 

Concerning  the  Presbiteric  Book  of  Alfoord,  the  visiters  of  the  said 
book  represented  that  there  was  ane  process  therin  ledd  against 
Alexander  Tnnes  of  Sinnahard  for  severall  scandalls  mentioned  in  the 
said  process,  and  the  said  Alexander  his  miscarriages  befor  the  said 
Presbiterie,  and  to  divers  brethren  therof,  and  the  said  Alexander  hade 
appealed  from  the  said  Presbiterie  to  the  Bishop,  the  Bishop  also 
declareing  that  hee  hade  received  ane  letter  from  the  said  Alexander 
Innes,  shewing  as  for  the  present  hee  was  valetudinarie  and  unable  to 
travell,  and  therfore  desireing  to  be  excused  for  not  appeiring  before  his 
Lordship  and  the  Synod.  The  Bishop  therupon,  with  advice  of  the 
Synod,  ordained  that  two  brethren  from  everie  one  of  the  Presbiteries 
viz.  for  Aberdeen  Mr.  James  Gordone,  and  Mr.  Robert  Raynold  ;  for 
Kincardine  Mr.  Robert  Reid,  and  Mr.  John  Keith  ;  for  Garioch  Mr. 
Alexander  Ross,  and  Mr.  James  Straquhan  ;  for  Fordicc  Mr.  William 
Thomsone  and  Mr.  Alexander  Seatone  at  Banff;  for  Deir  Mr.  Alexander 
Gardin  and  Mr.  Gilbert  Clark  ;  for  Turiff  Mr.  Andrew  Skeen,  and  Mr. 
William  Meldrum  ;  for  Ellon  Mr.  John  Straquhan  and  Mr.  George 
Melville  at  Udny,  shall  meet  with  him  at  the  Kirk  of  Alfoord,  upon 
Tuesday  the  12  day  of  May  next  to  come,  by  ten  o'clock  in  the  fornoone, 
for  cognosceing  upon  the  said  process,  and  judging  the  grounds  of  the 
said  Alexander  his  appeall,  and  that  summonses  be  issued  forth  for 
charging  the  said  Alexander  to  appear  befor  the  Bishop  and  fornamed 
brethren,  the  said  clay,  to  hear  and  see  the  said  process  and  grounds 
of  his  appeall  cognosced  and  judged,  as  lykwise  appoynted  the  mod 
erator  and  remnant  brethren  of  the  Presbiterie  of  Alfoord  to  be 
present  the  said  day  and  place,  for  the  caus  above  written. 

The  further  accompt  of  the  visiters'  diligence  and  censure  of  the 
Presbiterie  book  of  Alfoord  is  continued  till  the  meeting  of  the  next 
Synod. 

Anent  supplicants  for  charitable  supplie,  the  former  hail  acts  in  their 
favours  are  renewed  untill  such  tyme  as  they  receive  supplie  from  everie 
parochin  who  have  not  yet  remembered  them,  and  in  particulare  George 
Keith,  sometyme  in  Loarstone,  is  recommended  to  the  Presbiterie  of 
Ellon  as  befor,  and  to  the  rest  of  the  Presbiteries  within  the  Dioces 
who  have  not  yet  contributed  the  charitie  for  him. 


1 668]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  1 19 

The  meeting  of  the  next  Synod  is  appoynted  to  be  the  first  Tuesday 
of  October  next  to  come  1668. 

(Fugitives  from  discipline — names.     8  from  different  parishes.) 

Deficients  in  payments  of  the  Clerk  and  Officer's  dues  within  the 
Presbiterie  of  Alfoord. 

Mr.  William  Glass  deficient  in  May  1666. 

Mr.  Robert  Irving  for  the  said  Assemblie  May  1666,  and  this  last 
Assemblie. 

Mr.  John  Leslie  deficient  the  last  Assemblie  and  this. 

Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie  rests  this  last  Assemblie. 

Mr.  William  Christie  deficient  the  last  two  Assemblies. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay  deficient  October  Assemblie. 

Mr.  William  Davidsone  deficient  all  preceeding  Assemblies. 

Mr.  Walter  Ritchie  deficient  May  1666,  Apryl  1667,  and  the  last 
Assemblie. 

Mr.  Robert  Dunbar  deficient  May  1666,  and  this  last  Assemblie. 

Mr.  Robert  Chein  rests  the  said  last  Assemblie. 


At  Alfoord  May  20,  1668. 

Severall  brethren  haveing  mett  did  adjourn  the  meeting  of  the 
Presbiterie  to  June  third,  in  regard  the  place  of  meeting  was  taken  up 
with  a  great  confluence  of  people,  gathered  together  to  the  Sheriff  Court 
which  was  sitting  there  for  the  tyme. 


Alfoord  June  3,  1668. 

Mr.  William  Burnet,  Schoolmaster  at  Alfoord,  conforme  to  the  former 
appoyntment,  acted  Clerk  and  took  his  oath  de  fideli  administrations. 

There  was  no  exercise  by  reason  of  John  Irving  his  absence. 

The  next  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  June  24,  and  the  exercise  to  be 
upon  Mr.  John  Irving,  according  to  the  former  appointment. 

It  is  reported  that  Mr.  William  Burnet,  Student  of  Divinity,  supplied 
Alfoord  in  Mr.  Robert  Irving  his  vice. 

In  reference  to  the  scandall  of  Alexander  Innes,  in  respect  that  by 
the  Bishop  and  brethren  mett  at  Alfoord  May  12,  for  the  discussing  of 


120  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING 

his  appeal!,  it  was  injoincd  that  the  said  Alexander  should  mak  satis 
faction  by  appearing  befor  the  pulpits  of  Keig  and  Towic,  in  face  of  the 
respective  congregationes,  upon  some  Lord's  dayes  betwixt  and  the  last 
of  June  instant. 

The  minister  of  Kcig  dcsyred  to  be  advised  by  the  Presbiterie  how 
hee  should  carrie  as  to  the  accepting  the  said  Alexander  his  satisfactione, 
in  regard  that  by  ane  emergencie  since,  in  the  toun  of  Lochell,  hee  did 
bewray  that  hee  was  continueing  in  his  sinne  of  customarie  swearing  and 

o 

drunkenness,  haveing  come  thither  on  the  twentie  second  of  May,  and 
being  drunk,  brok  out  in  abominable  cursing,  frequently  in  his  speeches 
upon  the  wounds  of  God,  and  the  devill  take  him,  and  singing  a  vile 
prophane  song.  Wherupon  the  brethren  thought  it  convenient,  that 
befor  hee  be  received  to  satisfaction,  there  be  a  letter  written  by  the 
moderator  to  the  Bishop,  that  they  may  receive  his  Lordship's  mind 
how  to  proceed  in  that  business. 

Anent  William  Forbes  of  Skelliter,  and  Donald  Farquharsonc,  it  is 
reported  that  they  have  satisfied  the  discipline  of  the  Session  of 
Strathclone. 

No  report  of  the  supplie  of  the  Cabrach  vacancie  by  Mr.  John  Irving, 
in  regard  of  his  absence  from  this  meeting. 

All  the  brethren  present  declared  that  they  hade  observed  the  anni- 
versarie  of  the  29  of  May. 

By  reasone  of  a  complaint  given  in  by  the  Presbiterie  officer,  that 
severall  were  deficient  in  paying  to  him  those  fees,  wheras  hee  ought  to 
be  satisfied  off  the  delinquents  in  their  parishes,  it  is  ordained  that  everie 
minister,  the  next  Presbiterie  day,  immediately  after  the  absolution  of 
everie  delinquent,  bring  a  shilling  st.  with  them,  otherwayes  to  pay  it  out 
of  their  own  purses. 

The  refcrrs  of  the  Synod  were  read  and  recommended. 

[12  cases  of  discipline] 

At  Alfoord  June  24,  1668. 

Mr.  John  Irving  handled  the  controversie  De  locis  sanctorum  defunc- 
torum,  and  sustained  his  disputes  theron,  and  hee  was  approven.  It  is 
appoynted  that  hee  have  the  Exercise  and  Addition  upon  Romans  15.  5, 
as  his  next  poynt  of  tryall,  at  the  next  meeting  at  Alfoord  July  15. 


1 668]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  121 

The  Moderator  reported,  that,  conforme  to  the  former  ordinance, 
hce  hade  sent  ane  letter  with  Mr.  John  Mair  to  the  Bishop,  and 
looked  for  ane  return  befor  this  tyme,  but  in  regard  neither  Mr.  John 
Mair  was  returned,  neither  any  answer  come  to  his  hands,  and  the 
brethren  being  confident  that  Mr.  John  Maire  would  be  come  against 
the  next  dyet,  resolved  to  wave  the  bussines  of  Alexander  Inncs  till 
that  tyme. 

Mr.  John  Irving  reported  that  hee  hade  supplied  Cabrache's  vacancie 
twice  since  his  first  engagement. 

By  reference  from  the  Sessions  of  Kildrummie  and  Auchindore, 
compeired  William  Ker,  and  John  Guy  for  the  scandall  of  profanation 
of  the  Lord's  day,  upon  (blank)  day  of  Apryle,  by  a  strugle  in  the  church 
of  Kildrummie,  as  lykwise  the  said  John  Guy  and  James  Cook  for 
strugling  and  beating  one  another  the  same  day,  in  the  parish  of 
Auchindore,  the  said  persones  are  all  cited  apud  acta  to  be  present  at 
the  next  Presbiterie,  and  witnesses  to  be  summoned  as  they  are  given 
up  by  them  both  without  exception  viz.  Francis  Hair  in  Brux,  Robert 
Reid  in  Ley,  John  Bruce  in  the  Denn,  George  Forbes  in  Culfork, 
Arthure  Lumsden  in  Clova,  William  Gunan  in  Neither  Kildrummie, 
James  Shirrer  in  Mossat,  and  Alexander  Shirrer  in  Auchinleith  to 
whose  deposition  alone,  the  said  John  Guy  and  James  Cook  referres 
the  whole  bussiness. 

Mr.  John  Irving  is  ordained  to  supplie  Cabrach,  once  betwixt  and 
the  next  meeting. 

[p  cases  of  discipline} 

At  Alfoord  July  15,  1668. 

Mr.  John  Irving  exercised  on  Romans  15.  5,  and  was  approven.  It  is 
appoynted  that  hee  have  a  popular  sermon  on  Matthew  11.  28,  and  sus 
tain  his  questionarie  tryals,  and  tryall  of  the  Languages,  at  the  next 
dyet,  which  is  appoynted  to  be  August  12. 

Anent  the  matter  of  Alexander  Innes,  it  is  reported  by  the  moderator 
that  hee  has  received  no  return  from  the  Bishop,  and  therfor  the  brethren 
have  continued  him  to  the  next  meeting. 

Anent  the  scandall  of  William  Ker,  John  Guy  and  James  Cook,  com- 
peared  the  forsaid  persones,  together  with  Francis  Mair,  Robert  Reid, 

Q 


122  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1668 

and  Alexander  Shirrer,  witnesses  in  the  forsaid  scandalls,  being  admitted 
by  the  parties,  were  sworn,  and  by  the  dcpositiones  of  Francis  Mair,  and 
Robert  Reid,  the  said  William  Ker  was  vindicated,  in  respect  that, 
according  to  his  master's  command  who  hade  given  him  order  to  keep 
his  dask  from  being  possessed  by  any  upon  the  Lord's  day,  except  by 
such  as  had  his  warrand,  he  had  onlie  desyred  the  said  John  Guy  to 
remove  from  the  said  dask,  and  the  said  John  Guy  was  convict,  as 
having,  upon  that  desyre,  made  in  ane  hostill  way  for  a  duck  against  the 
said  William,  professing  hee  would  sitt  there  who  should  say  the  con- 
trarie,  and  did  afterwards  pull  his  own  sword  belt  from  his  shoulders, 
and  throw  it  to  the  other  side  of  the  church,  and  took  his  sword  loose  in 
his  hand  after  a  threatening  manner,  and  went  and  traversed  the  church 
yard  in  ane  insolent  way,  and  in  the  afternoon  went,  in  contempt  of  the 
said  William,  to  the  ground  of  Drumnahoov,  and  sett  up  props  and 
danced  about  them  in  a  bravading  and  provocking  manner ;  as  lykwise, 
by  the  depositione  of  Alexander  Shirrer,  to  whose  sole  depositione  both 
the  forsaid  John  Guy  and  James  Cook  did  referr  their  scandall  com 
mitted  the  said  day,  in  the  parish  of  Auchendore,  the  said  James  Cook 
was  vindicat,  and  the  said  John  Guy  was  convict  of  prophanation  of  the 
Sabbath,  by  drinking  from  ane  hour  befor  sun-setting  to  midnight,  and 
by  wounding  the  said  James  Cook.  Wherupon  it  is  ordained  that  he 
satisfie  in  the  church  of  Kildrummie  in  sacco,  and  pay  ten  marks  to  the 
session  of  Kildrummie,  and  that  he  satisfie  after  the  same  manner  at  the 
church  of  Auchindore,  under  pain  of  process,  and  the  minister  of  Clat 
ordained  to  process  him,  till  he  report  ane  testimoniall  of  his  satis- 
factione. 

The  said  Mr.  John  Irving  reported  that  he  had  supplied  Cabraches 
vacancie,  and  ordained  yet  once  to  supplie  before  and  the  next  dyet. 

[//  cases  of  discipline] 

At  Alfoord  August  12,  1668. 

Mr.  John  Irving  gave  his  populare  sermon,  Matthew  n.  28,  sustained 
his  questionarie  tryall  and  tryals  of  the  languages,  and  was  approven. 

The  next  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  September  9,  Mr.  John  Mair  to 
exercise  on  the  ordinarie  place  of  the  Exercise. 


1668]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  123 

Ancnt  the  mater  of  Alexander  Innes,  Mr.  John  Mair  stated  that  he 
had  delivered  the  moderator  his  letter  to  the  Bishop,  but  had  received  no 
return,  and  therfor  it  is  continued  till  the  Bishop  send  his  return. 

Ancnt  the  mater  of  John  Guy,  the  minister  of  Kildrummic  reported 
that  he  had  not  as  yet  obeyed  the  former  ordinance  of  the  Presbiterie, 
wherupon  the  minister  of  Clatt  is  again  ordained  to  process  him  till  he 
obey. 

Mr.  John  Irving  reported  that  he  had  supplied  Cabrach  vacancie,  and 
is  ordained  to  supplie  yet  once,  betwixt  this  and  the  next  meeting. 

The  Presbiterie  taking  to  their  consideration  the  frequencie  of  rapt, 
and  particularly  within  the  bounds  of  this  Presbiterie,  how  that  many 
were  accessorie  to  the  violent  taking  away  of  women,  and  either  forceing 
them  to  follie  or  to  marriage,  thought  fitt  to  referr  the  same  to  the  Synod, 
to  be  advised  what  course  shall  be  taken  with  such  persones,  and  their 
assistants  and  adherents,  as  were  guiltie  therof. 

Mr.  John  Irving  having  finished  his  tryals,  in  order  to  his  admission 
to  the  ministrie  of  Cabrach,  the  Presbiterie,  taking  to  their  consideration 
the  whole  poynts  of  his  tryals,  did  find  themselves  considerably  satisfied 
theranent,  so  that  they  resolved  to  grant  him  a  testimonie  and  recom 
mendation  to  the  Bishop,  in  order  to  his  ordination. 

[75  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfoord  September  9,  1668. 

Mr.  John  Mair  exercised  Romans  15.  6,  and  was  approven,  and  Mr. 
Andrew  Abercrombie  ordained  to  exercise  on  the  ordinarie  mater  of 
exercise  at  the  next  meeting,  which  is  to  be  upon  the  28  of  October  at 
Touch. 

The  mater  of  Alexander  Innes  continued  ut  supra. 

No  report  of  John  Guy,  the  minister  absent. 

No  report  of  the  supplie  of  Cabrach,  Mr.  John  Irving  being  absent 

By  reference  from  the  Session  of  Lochell,  Adam  Miln  and  Jean 
Andersone,  husband  and  wiff,  being  delait  of  contumacie  to  the  sen 
tence  of  the  said  Session,  for  cursing  and  beating  one  another,  on  the 
Lord's  day,  to  be  summoned  to  the  next  dyet  pro  2°. 

Mr.    Adam  Barclay,  Minister  at   Keig,  gave   in   his  designation   of 


124  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1668 

faill  and  divot,  which  he  had  off  the  lands  within  the  parish  of  Kcig, 
designed  for  him  and  his  successors,  he  desyred  that  it  might  be 
insert  and  registrat  in  the  Presbitcrie  Records  ad  futuram  rei  niemo- 
riam,  and  which  was  ordered  to  be  done  as  followes — 

(NOTE. — The  "  designation"  is  not  inserted,  as  two  pages — 105  and  106 — seem  to  be  awanting.) 


Referres  of  the  Diocesian  Assemblie  holdcn  at  Aberdeen,  by  ane 
Right  Reverend  Father  in  God,  Patrick,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  and  begun 
the  sixt  of  October  1668. 

October  sixt  Sess  :   I",  post  meredicm. 

The  roll  of  the  ministers  names  was  called,  the  absents  netted,  the 
Presbiterie  books  of  Garioch,  Deir,  Kincardin,  Alfoord,  Fordice,  and 
Ellon  were  presented  to  the  Synod,  brethren  appoynted  to  visit  the 
same,  and  report  to  the  Bishop  and  Synod. 

The  Bishop  did,  in  face  of  the  Synod,  produce  severall  processes  of 
excommunicatione  led  by  the  respective  Presbyteries  against  papists, 
quakers,  and  scandalous  persones,  which  processes  he  had  considered  and 
approven,  and  accordingly  given  orders  that  the  sentences  of  excom 
munication  passe  against  them,  and  for  that  effect,  these  processes  were 
delivered  to  the  severall  moderators.  But  because  none  of  these  processes 
are  against  persones  within  the  Presbyterie  of  Alfoord,  they  are  not  here 
set  down,  yet  the  act  concludes  thus,  As  it  is  recommended  to  the 
severall  moderators  and  Presbyteries  to  be  carefull,  that  the  sentences 
against  these  persones  respective  within  their  bounds,  be  with  all  con- 
veniencie  orderly  executed  by  the  ministers  in  whose  pariochines  the 
processe  was  led,  and  for  that  effect,  it  is  ordered,  that  publick  intimation 
be  made,  the  Lord's  day  precceding,  that,  next  Sabbath,  the  sentence  of 
excommunicatione  is  to  be  pronounced  against  such  a  persone,  and  this 
intimation  to  be  made,  both  in  the  parioch  churches  where  the  processe 
was  led,  and  also  where  the  persones  to  be  excommunicat  doth  reside. 

It  is  appoynted  by  the  Bishop  and  Synod,  that  there  be  ane  uniforme 
order  for  carrieing  on  processe  against  scandalous  persones  that  prove 
obstinate,  and  for  that  effect,  when  any  persone  under  scandall  is  delait, 
in  a  particular  session,  if  (being  thrice  lawfullie  cited),  he  doe  not  appear, 
he  is  to  be  declared  contumax  by  the  Session,  and  the  processe  extracted 


1 668]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD. 


125 


and  exhibited  by  the  minister  to  the  Presbyterie,  who  are  therupon  to 
issue  out  summonds  against  the  said  pcrsones,  befor  whom,  if  (being  thrice 
lawfullie  cited),  he  do  not  appear,  the  Presbyterie  then  are  to  declare  him 
contumax,  and  theraftcr,  order  three  public  admonitiones  to  be  given  him, 
and  after  them  that  he  be  thrice  publickly  prayed  for,  and  that  the  whole 
steps  of  the  processe,  after  it  is  exhibited  to  the  Presbyterie,  shall  be 
carried  on  by  the  Presbyterie's  order,  unto  whom  the  minister  shall  report 
his  diligence  at  each  meeting,  whilst  the  processe  is  going  on,  and  accord 
ingly  be  appoynted  by  them  to  proceed,  and  when  the  whole  processe  is 
closed  and  extracted,  that  it  be  read  in  face  of  the  Presbyterie,  and  being 
approven  that  the  moderator  subscribe  it,  and  therafter  transmitt  it  to 
the  Bishop.  And  withall,  it  is  declared  that,  if  anie  persone  appearing 
befor  the  Sessionc  or  Presbyterie  respectively,  shall  be  convict  of  scandall, 
and,  being  accordingly  censured,  shall  refuse  to  submitt  to  their  respective 
sentences,  for  removeing  the  scandall,  in  this  case  he  is  holden  to  be 
contumax,  and  accordingly  proceeded  against  as  is  above  ordered.  But, 
if  the  persone  so  appearing  and  convict  doe  not  judiciallie  refuse,  but  yet 
postponeth  the  obeying  of  the  sentence,  in  that  case  one  citatione  more  to 
be  given  him  litera  scripta,  with  certifkatione  that,  if  he  compeir  not  and 
give  obedience,  he  shall  be  declared  contumax,  wherin  if  he  failzie  he  is  to 
be  declared  contumax,  by  the  respective  judicatories,  and  accordingly 
proceeded  against. 

October  7,  Sess  :  2".  ante  merediem. 

The  Bishop  and  Synod  doe  ordaine  that  oaths  of  purgation,  in  cases 
of  scandall,  be  not  herafter  taken  by  any  ministers  of"  this  diocie,  in 
their  privat  Sessiones,  or  befor  the  congregationes,  untill  they  have  first 
advised  with  their  respective  Presbyteries,  and  received  their  order  ther- 
anent. 

It  is  ordered  that  the  books  of  the  severall  Presbyteries  be  subscribed 
after  this  by  the  respecive  moderators,  or  clerks,  befor  they  be  sent  to 
the  Bishop,  or  Synod. 

The  moderators  of  the  severall  Presbyteries  were  put  in  mynd  to  be 
carefull,  in  going  about  the  examination  of  the  Session  books  within 
their  respective  bounds,  conforme  to  the  former  acts  made  theranent. 

Item  the  said  day,  because  it  is  needfull  that  uniformitie  be  keeped  in 
executing  the  censure  of  excomunicatione,  therfor  it  is  ordained  by  the 


126  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [l668 

Bishop  and  Synod,  that  (untill  a  more  generall  forme  be  ordered  by  the 
Church  of  this  Kingdome)  the  following  forme  of  excomunicatione  be 
used  and  observed  in  this  Synod  against  apostats  to  poperie,  quakerisme, 
and  other  scandalous  obstinat  persones  respectively,  that  the  Lord's 
day  on  which  their  sentence  is  to  be  pronounced  against  any  persone, 
the  minister,  after  prayer  to  God  for  directione,  and  assistance  in  the 
work  they  are  to  be  about,  shall  then  speak  to  the  congregatione  as 
follows. 

A  forme  of  excomunicatione  to  be  pronounced  against  such  papists 
whose  processes  are  closed  and  approven— 

It  is  not  unknown  to  you  who  are  here  present,  that  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  the  King  and  lawgiver  of  his  church,  hath,  in  his  blessed  Word, 
commanded  us  to  withdraw  ourselves  from  evrie  professed  member  of 
the  church  who  walketh  disorderly,  as  the  Apostle  Paul  shcweth  us, 
2  Thess.  3.  6,  and  for  that  effect  hath  impowered  the  governors  of  the 
church  to  reject  and  cast  out  from  the  comunion  and  fellowship  of  the 
faithfull  such  as,  after  lawfull  admonitione  and  due  meanes  (according 
to  his  appoyntment)  used  for  their  reclaiming,  doth  notwithstanding 
continue  obstinately  in  their  sinfull  and  scandalous  walking,  contrarie 
to  the  wayes  of  truth,  holliness,  and  peace,  according  to  that  of  our 
Saviour  in  the  18  of  Matth.  v.  17,  18  (he  that  neglecteth  to  hear  the 
Church,  let  him  be  to  you  as  ane  heathen  and  publican,  verily  I  say  unto 
you,  whatsoever  ye  shall  bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound  in  heaven,  &c.) 
And  now  forasmuch  as  A.  B.  hath  fallen  off  from  the  truth  of  God,  and 
unitie  of  the  church,  unto  the  errors  and  schism  of  poprie,  and  being 
convict  therof,  hath  according  to  the  law  of  Jesus  Christ,  been  frequently 
admonished  therof,  and  earnestly  prayed  for,  and  his  repentance  long 
and  patiently  expected,  but  as  after  these  meanes  used  hath  not  been 
prevailed  with,  but  yet  continues  obstinat,  without  any  obedience,  or 
signs  of  his  true  repentance,  to  the  great  ^dishonour  of  God,  and  offence 
of  his  people,  therfor,  it  is  ordained  by  the  Bishop,  our  Ordinarie,  and 
the  brethren  of  our  Presbyteries,  that  the  dreadfull  sentence  of  excomu 
nicatione  be  pronounced  this  day  in  this  place  against  him,  by  the 
minister  there  officiating,  and,  in  obedience  to  the  order,  I  doe,  in  the 
name  of  the  great  God,  and  by  the  authoritie  of  his  sone,  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  the  glorious  head  of  his  church,  excommunicat  the  said  A.  B. 


1668]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  127 

from  the  comunione  of  the  church,  and  reject  him  from  the  priviledges 
and  fellowship  of  the  faithfull,  leaving  him  bound  to  the  judgment  of 
the  Lord,  till  he  give  sufficient  evidence  of  his  repentance,  and  reconcile 
himself  to  the  church,  requiring  you  and  all  Christian  people,  according 
to  the  comandment  of  Christ,  to  avoid  the  said  persone,  and  have  no 
company  with  him,  that  he  may  be  ashamed,  untill  he  be  again  reconciled 
to  the  church,  as  he  would  not  incurr  the  displeasure  of  God,  and  censure 
of  the  church,  which,  upon  such  as  therein  transgress,  shall  be  inflicted. 

Let  the  prayer  accompanieing  the  sentence  be  to  this  effect — 

That  God,  who  has  appoynted  this  terrible  sentence,  for  removeing 
of  offences,  and  reduceing  of  obstinate  sinners,  would  make  this  his 
ordinance  effectuall  to  all  these  holy  ends,  for  which  He  hath  appoynted 
it,  that  this  retaining  of  the  offender's  sin  and  shutting  him  out  of  the 
church,  may  fill  him  with  fear  and  shame,  break  his  obstinat  heart,  and 
be  the  meanes  to  recover  him  from  the  power  of  the  divill,  that  he  may 
yet  be  saved,  that  others  also  may  be  stricken  with  fear,  and  not  dare  to 
sin,  so  presumptuouslie,  and  all  such  corrupt  leaven  being  purged  out  of 
the  church,  which  is  the  house  of  God,  Jesus  Christ  may  take  delight  to 
dwell  in  the  midst  therof. 

A  form  of  excomunicatione  to  be  pronounced  against  such  quakers, 
whose  processes  are  closed  and  approven. 

It  is  not  unknown  to  you  who  are  here  present,  that  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  the  King  and  lawgiver  of  his  church,  hath,  in  his  blessed  Word, 
comanded  us  to  withdraw  ourselves  from  evrie  professed  member  of  the 
church  that  walketh  dissorderly,  as  the  apostle  Paul  sheweth  us  2  Thess. 
3.  6,  and  for  that  effect  hath  empowered  us  the  governours  of  the  church 
to  reject  and  cast  out,  from  the  comunione  and  fellowship  of  the  faithfull, 
such  as,  after  lawfull  admonitione,  and  due  meanes,  according  to  his 
appoyntment,  used  for  their  reclayming,  doe  notwithstanding  continue 
obstinately  in  their  sinfull  and  scandalous  walking,  contrarie  to  the 
wayes  of  truth  and  holliness,  and  peace,  according  to  that  of  our  Saviour, 
Matthew  18.  17,  18,  he  that  neglecteth  to  hear  the  church,  let  him  be 
unto  you  as  ane  heathen  and  publican,  verily  I  say  unto  you,  that 
whatsoever  ye  shall  bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound  in  heaven,  and  what 
soever  ye  shall  lose  on  earth  shall  be  losed  in  heaven.  And  now, 


128  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1668 

inasmuch  as  A.  B.  hath  fallen  off  from  the  truth  of  God,  and  unitie  of 
the  Church,  unto  the  pernicious  errors  and  unchristian  practices  of  that 
late  risen  sect  comonlie  called  quakers,  particularly  in  slighting  and 
revyling  the  public  ordinances  of  God,  and  being  convict  therof,  has, 
according  to  the  lawes  of  Christ,  been  frequentlie  admonished  therof, 
and  earnestly  prayed  for,  and  his  repentance  long  and  patiently  expected, 
but,  after  all  these  mcanes  used,  hath  not  been  prevailed  with,  but  con- 
tinueth  obstinat,  without  any  sign  or  evidence  his  true  repentance,  to 
the  great  dishonour  of  God,  and  offence  of  his  people,  and  therfor,  it  is 
ordered  by  the  Bishop,  our  Ordinarie,  and  the  brethren  of  our  Presby- 
terie,  that  the  dreaclfull  sentence  of  cxcomunicatione  be  pronounced 
this  day,  and  in  this  place  against  him,  by  the  minister  there  officiating, 
and,  in  obedience  to  this  order,  I  doe,  in  the  name  of  the  great  God,  and 
by  the  authoritie  of  his  sone,  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  excomunicat  the 
said  A.  B.  from  the  comunion  of  the  Church  &c. — ut  supra. 

The  forme  of  prayer  accompanieing  the  sentence  to  be  ut  supra. 

A  forme  of  cxcomunicatione  to  be  pronounced  against  such  as 
refuse  to  submitt  themselves  to  the  discipline  of  the  church,  for  removing 
the  scandall  of  some  grosse  offences,  after  their  processe  is  closed  and 
approven. 

It  is  not  unknown  to  you  who  arc  here  present,  that  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  the  King  and  lawgiver  of  his  church,  hath,  in  his  blessed  Word, 
comanded  us  to  withdraw  ourselves  from  evrie  professed  member  of  the 
church  that  walketh  disorderly,  as  the  Apostle  Paul  sheweth  us  2  Thess. 
3.  6,  and  for  that  effect  hath  also  impowered  us,  the  governours  of  the 
church,  to  reject  and  cast  out  from  the  comunione  and  fellowship  of 
the  faithfull,  such  as,  after  lawfull  admonitione,  and  due  means,  according 
to  his  appoyntment,  used  for  their  reclayming,  doe  notwithstanding,  con 
tinue  obstinately  in  their  sinfull  and  scandalous  walking,  contrarie  to  the 
wayes  of  truth  and  holliness,  according  to  that  of  our  Saviour,  Matthew 
1 8.  17,  1 8,  he  that  neglecteth  to  hear  the  church  let  him  be  unto  you  &c. 
and  now  forasmuch  as  A.  B.  has  fallen  into  the  grosse  sin  of  (heir 
mention  the  scandall)  and,  being  convict  therof,  has,  according  to  the 
lawes  of  Christ,  been  frequently  admonished  therof,  earnestly  prayed  for, 
and  his  repentance  long  and  patiently  expected  but,  after  all  these  means 


1 668]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD. 


129 


used,  hath  not  been  prevailed  with  to  submitt  to  the  discipline  of  the 
church,  for  removing  the  said  scandall,  but  yet  continues  obstinat,  without 
any  evidence  or  signe  of  his  true  repentance  for  his  sinne,  and  contempt 
of  the  church,  to  the  great  dishonour  of  God,  and  offence  of  his  people, 
and  therfor  it  is  ordained  by  the  Bishop,  our  Ordinarie,  and  brethren  of 
the  Presbyterie,  that  the  dreadful  sentence  of  excomunicatione  be  pro 
nounced  this  day,  in  this  place,  against  him  by  the  minister  officiating  in 
this  place.  In  obedience  to  his  order,  I  doe,  in  the  name  of  the  Great 
God,  and  by  the  authentic  of  his  sone,  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  glorious 
head  of  his  church,  excomunicat  the  said  A.  B.  from  the  comunione  of  the 
church  &c.  ut  supra. 

The  prayer  accompanieing  this  sentence  to  be  ut  supra. 

Sess  :  3°.  eodem  die  post  merediem. 

Anent  the  murther  of  James  Lowrance,  within  the  parish  of  Deskford, 
supposed  to  be  comitted  by  Georg  and  John  Chalmers,  who  have,  upon 
the  murther,  left  their  own  houses,  it  is  ordered  that  the  ministers  of  that 
dyocie  mak  public  intimatione,  that  the  said  Georg  and  John  Chalmers 
be  not  receipt  within  any  of  their  parishes,  as  also  the  minister  of  Desk- 
ford  is  appoynted  to  keep  back  from  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper 
all  that  are  suspect  of  accessione  to  the  said  murther,  till  they  be  cleared 
of  the  said  scandall. 

Wheras  some  brethren  desyred  to  be  resolved  what  course  they 
should  tak  with  men  slayers  who  had  obtained  ane  remissione  and  are 
living  peacably  in  their  parishes  within  this  dyocie,  the  Bishop  and 
Synod  ordaines,  that  such  pcrsones  shall  remove  the  scandall  in  sac- 
cloath  within  the  parishes  wher  the  slaughter  was  comitted. 

It  is  ordered  that  the  Presbyteries  and  ministers  within  the  several! 
parishes,  tak  diligent  notice  of  all  such  as  shall  be  found  to  converse 
scandalously  with  excomunicat  persones,  and  to  be  carcfull  to  censure 
them  according  to  their  guilt. 

Concerning  reference  from  the  Presbyterie  of  Aberdeen,  what  shall 
be  done  anent  the  pronouncing  the  sentence  of  excomunicatione  against 
scandalous  obstinat  persones,  who,  being  therfore  procest,  are  fugitiv 
befor,  or  absent  the  tym  of  the  close  of  their  processe,  the  judgment  of 
the  Bishop  and  Synod  for  the  present  is,  that  the  pronouncing  of  the 

R 


I30  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1668 

sentence  be  delayed  for  some  considerable  tym,  till  tryall  be  made 
whether  the  fugitives  be  living  or  not,  and  for  that  effect  their  names  to 
be  given  to  the  respective  Presbyteries,  and  this  to  continue  till  the  next 
Synod,  at  which  Synod  the  case  of  fugitives  is  to  be  taken  to  further 
consideratione. 

October  8,  Sess  :  4°.  Ante  mercdiem. 

In  regard  it  hath  been  the  custom  heretofore,  in  some  processes,  to 
goe  on  in  proccsse  against  persones,  after  they  had  appeallecl  from  them, 
and  befor  the  appeall  be  cognosced  and  judged  ;  therfor,  for  preventing 
the  lyk,  and  ordcring.thc  maters  of  appeall  that  shall  happen  in  all  tymes 
coming,  within  this  diode,  (untill  a  more  general!  course  be  prescribed  by 
the  church  theranent)  the  Bishop   doth   give  order  and    power  to   the 
respective  Presbyteries  to  tak  cognitione  of,  and  cognosce,  and  judg  such 
appealls  as  are  made  from  the  ministers,  and  particulare  Sessiones  within 
their  bounds  ;    and  when  any  pcrsone  shall  appeall  from  the  Presbyterie 
to  the  Bishop,  it  is  appoynted  that  the  moderator  of  the  Presbyterie  shall 
acquaint  the  Bishop  therwith,  and  that  the  Presbyterie  desyst  from  any 
further  processe  against  the  said  persone,  untill  they  have  received  further 
order  from  the  Bishop  theranent ;  And  because  some  scandalous  persones 
may  tak  occasion  to  appeall  from  Sessions  or  Presbyteries  upon  frivolous 
reasons,  and  without  any  just  ground,  merely   to   stop   and  delay  the 
processe    from    going   on   against   them,   therfor   it    is   appoynted    and 
ordained  also,  that  if  any  persone  shall  be  found  (upon  the  cognoscing  of 
his  appeall  respective)  to  have  appcalled  without  any  just  ground  as  said 
is,  there  shall  be,  according  to  the  nature  and  qualitic  of  the  offence, 
some  further  degree  added  to  the  censure  befor  inflicted  upon  him. 

It  being  represented  to  the  Synod  that  there  hath  been  unmarried 
women  surprysed  and  carried  away  violently,  by  men,  especially  of  the 
Highland  countery,  under  pretence  to  marrie  them,  and  lykwise  that 
there  are  frequent  disorderly  marriages,  contrarie  to  the  order  and 
authorized  custom  of  the  Church,  to  the  great  offence  of  God,  and 
scandall  of  Christian  people,  therfor,  for  curbing  and  restraining  these 
enormities  (in  so  fair  as  it  concernes  the  ecclesiastical  censure)  the 
Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  doe  ordain,  that  ministers  tak  diligent  notice 
in  their  respective  bounds  of  such  scandalous  persones,  and  that,  who 
soever,  after  tryall,  shall  be  convict  of  having  violently  carried  away  any 


1668]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFOR1).  131 

unmarried  woman,  shall  be  censured  in  order  to  remove  the  scandall, 
in  the  same  manor,  in  all  things  as  is  injoyned  unto  adulterers,  albeit 
he  should  afterwards  extort  or  procure  the  woman's  consent  to  marric 
him  ;  and  if  it  be  found  that  the  woman  carried  away  hath  been  privie 
unto  the  same,  and  in  collusione  with  the  man,  without  the  knowledge 
and  consent  of  her  parents,  in  that  caice  that  the  woman  be  censured 
in  lyk  manor  as  the  man.  And  also  it  is  ordained,  that  all  such  persones 
as  shall  be  found  to  have  had  accession  to  the  said  scandalous  violence, 
by  conveying  and  assisting  such  a  man  in  carrieing  away  of  the  woman 
as  said  is,  shall  be  injoyned  to  remove  the  scandall  in  saccloath,  but  for 
the  number  of  the  dayes  of  the  publick  appearance,  that  it  be  at  the 
minister's  discretion,  to  be  ordered  by  them,  according  as  the  persones 
shall  be  found  more  or  less  guiltie  of  accession  to  the  sin,  and  the  persones 
so  censured  to  be  processed  with  excomunicationc,  in  caicc  of  their  dis 
obedience  in  not  satisfieing  as  respective  ordained.  It  is  lykwise  ordained 
that  such  persones  as  do  cohabit  together,  pretending  they  are  married 
by  popish  preists,  shall  be  processed  till  they  instruct  their  marriage  by 
wittnesses,  and  being  instructed  shall  mak  public  acknowledgment  of 
their  sin  of  disorderly  marrieing,  in  face  of  the  congregatione,  otherwayes 
to  be  processed,  as  also  other  persones  who  cohabit  together  as  married, 
alledging  that  they  have  privately  plighted  faith  one  to  another,  but  is 
found  that  there  was  no  intimatione  of  their  purpose  to  the  congregatione, 
nor  the  marriage  solemnized,  or  blessed  by  any  minister,  these  persones 
shall  be  censured  as  fornicators,  and  be  processed  as  conversing  in 
uncleanness,  ay  and  whil  they  scparat  ane  from  another,  and  when 
they  have  removed  the  scandall,  as  is  appoynted,  that  they  be  lawfully 
married,  according  to  the  order  of  the  church.  In  lyk  manor,  where 
two  unmarried  persones  come  befor  the  minister  in  privat  or  publick, 
dcclareing  they  tak  others  as  husband  and  wiffc,  and  doe  presently 
cohabit  together,  and  will  not  wait  the  public  proclamatione  of  their 
purpose  to  the  congregatione,  or  solemninazione  by  the  minister  according 
to  the  order  of  the  church,  it  is  ordained  that  such  as  are  thus  guiltie 
for  transgressing  for  the  tym  that  is  bygone,  shall  mak  their  publick 
appearance  in  their  own  parish  church,  and  there,  in  presence  of  the 
minister  and  congregatione,  confess  and  crav  God  and  the  congregatione 
forgivness  for  their  sin,  and  therupon  receive  the  orderly  blissing  to  their 
marriage  from  the  minister,  but  withall  to  mak  publick  intimatione. 


I32  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1668 

Lykas  it  is  also  appoyntcd  by  the  Bishop  and  Synod,  that  all  such 
as  shall  be  found  to  contraveen  the  order  of  the  church  in  tym  to  come, 
after  the  publicatione  of  this  Act,  shall  be  censured  as  fornicators,  and 
processed,  in  caice  of  their  disobedience.  And  further,  it  is  recomended 
to  the  moderators  and  Presbyteries  of  Alford,  Kincardin,  Fordyce,  and 
Garioch  that  publick  intimatione  be  made  heiroff  in  such  congregationes 
within  their  respective  bounds  as  they  shall  judg  needfull. 

Scss  :  5  .  eodem  die  post  mcrcdiem. 

Anent  the  Presbyterie  book  of  Alfoord,  the  discipline  thcroff  from  the 
sixteenth  of  October  1667  till  the  following  Synod  in  Apryll  1668  is 
visited  and  approven  by  the  Bishop  and  Synod,  excepting  the  process  of 
Alexander  Innes  of  Sinnahard,  which  is  to  be  rectified  according  to  the 
Act  past  by  the  Bishop  and  brethren  of  the  respective  Presbitries,  con- 
vcencd  at  Alfoord  the  twelv  of  May  1668,  for  cognitione  of  the  said 
processe,  which  Act  was  accordingly  read  this  day  in  presence  of  the 
Synod,  and  is  ordered  to  be  transmitted  with  the  refers  of  this  Synod,  to 
be  insert  in  the  Presbitrie  book  of  Alfoord,  the  tenor  wheroff  followes — 


At  the  Kirk  of  Alfoord  12  May,  1668. 

Conformc  to  the  Act  of  the  Synod,  mett  at  the  King's  Colledge  Kirk, 
in  Old  Aberdeen,  the  23  day  of  Apryll  last,  the  Bishop  and  brethren  of 
the  severall  Presbitries  within  this  diocie  being  conveened  at  the  said 
kirk,  for  cognosceing  the  processe  of  the  Presbitrie  of  Alfoord,  led  against 
Alexander  Innes  of  Sinnahard,  and  judgeing  the  grounds  and  reasones 
of  the  said  Alexander  his  appeall  from  the  said  Presbitrie  to  the  Bishop. 

After  prayer  unto  God  for  directione  and  assistance,  Mr.  Robert 
Reynold  was  chosen  Clerk,  and  made  faith  de  fideli  administratione. 

The  roll  of  the  brethren  appoynted  to  meet  here  this  day  being  called, 
non  were  absent  except  Mr.  William  Meldrum,  Mr.  Gilbert  Clerk,  and 
Mr.  James  Straquhan.  Alexander  Innes  of  Sinnahard  being  lawfully 
cited  to  this  meeting,  and  called,  compeired,  the  moderator  and  brethren 
of  the  Presbitrie  of  Alfoord  also  appeareing,  the  process  against  the  said 
Alexander,  as  it  was  recorded  in  the  register  of  the  said  Presbytrie,  was 
first  read,  as  also  the  reasones  and  grounds  of  the  said  Alexander  his 


1 668]  OF   THE   EXERCISE  OF  ALFORD.  133 

appeal!,  together  with  the  answer  given  by  the  moderator  and  brethren 
of  the  said  Presbytrie  to  the  said  reasones  in  lyk  maner  produced  and 
read  ;  and  both  parties  being  heard  at  length  what  they  had  further  to 
alledge  for  themselves  respectivelie,  anent  the  premisses,  and  therafter  re 
moved,  the  Bishop  and  brethren  present,  after  matur  deliberatione  and 
consideratione  had  of  the  whole  mater,  doc  find  first  that  the  grounds  given 
by  the  said  Alexander  Inncs,  in  his  appeall,  are  not  sufficient  or  relevant, 
and  therfor  voice  it  as  to  the  reasones  allcdged  male  appellatum.  But 
withall,  secondly,  havcing  considered  the  sentence  of  the  said  Presbytrie, 
against  the  said  Alexander,  together  with  the  grounds  therof,  as  it  stands  in 
their  register,  they  find  it  male  judicatum,  because  that,  wheras  the  said 
Alexander  was  convict  befor  them  of  diverse  scandalls,  and  each  of 
these  in  severall  places,  namely  ist,  Sabbath-breaking  in  the  Parish  of 
Keig,  the  first  Lord's  Day  of  Januarie  last;  2nd,  of  scandalous  rideing  by 
the  Church  styll  of  Towie  (his  own  parish  Church)  upon  the  second  of 
Februarie  last,  being  also  Lord's  day,  when  the  people  were  conveening 
to  sermone,  wherupon  he  was  at  no  sermon  that  day,  and  3rd  of  the  grosse 
miscariage  in  his  disrespective  insolent  behaviour,  when  he  appeared 
befor  the  Presbytrie,  Februarie  the  twentieth,  and  March  the  twelth,  and 
to  divers  brethren  therof;  yet  the  Presbytrie  doth  onlie  ordain  him,  for 
all  these  scandalls,  to  mak  publick  satisfaction,  on  the  place  of  repentance, 
in  his  own  Parish  Kirk  of  Towie  ;  which  sentence  is  therefor  judged 
disproportioned  to  the  grounds  therof ;  and  withall,  for  the  regular  and 
orderly  removall  of  the  foresaid  scandalls,  the  Bishop,  with  the  advyce  of 
the  brethren,  orclaines  the  said  Alexander  shall,  for  his  Sabbath-breaking 
in  the  parish  of  Keig,  appear  on  some  Lord's  day  betwixt  and  the  last 
of  June  nixt  to  come,  befor  the  pulpit  of  Keig,  in  the  presence  of  the 
minister  of  the  said  parish  and  the  congregationc  then  mett,  and,  accord 
ing  to  the  order  of  the  Church,  mak  publick  confessione  of  his  sin  of 
Sabbath-breaking,  and  profess  his  repentance  for  the  same  ;  2nd  ordaine 
also  that  the  lyk  be  done  by  him,  and  in  the  lyk  maner,  befor  the  pulpit 
of  Towie  (within  the  tym  above  specified)  for  the  sjandall  befor  men 
tioned  given  there  ;  3rd  that  for  his  miscariage  to  the  Presbyterie  and 
brethren,  he  be  appoynted  presently,  in  presence  of  this  meeting,  to  mak 
ane  humbl  acknowledgment  of  the  same,  craveing  Codes  pardon  therof, 
and  the  brethren  whom  he  had  so  much  offended.  Lykwise,  Both  parties 
being  called  in,  the  judgment  of  the  Bishop  and  brethren  conveened  was 


134  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

intimated  unto  them;  wherunto  Alexander  Inncs  of  Sinnahard  submitted 
himself,  and  presently  acknowledged  his  sinfull  rniscariage  be  for  the 
Presbytrie,  and  craved  God  and  the  brethren  pardonc  for  the  same. 

Sic  subscribitur, 

Mr.  Robert  Reinold,  Clerk. 


Item,  the  discipline  of  the  said  Presbytrie  book  of  Alfoord,  for  this 
last  half  ycir,  is  also  visited,  and  approven  onlie. 

Item,  it  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  that  pecuniarie 
mulcts  be  imposed  hereafter  by  Prcsbytries. 

It  being  found  that  Alexander  Inncs  of  Sinnahard  has  not  yet 
admitted  the  scandalls  of  his  Sabbath  breaking  in  the  parishes  of 
Keig  and  Towie,  as  he  was  appoynted  by  the  forsaid  Act  at  Alfoord, 
May  12"',  and  because  of  anc  new  emergent  scandall  wherof  the  said 
Alexander  is  supposed  guiltie,  it  is  hence  recommended  to  the  moderator 
and  brethren  of  the  said  Exercise  of  Alfuird  to  go  on  in  tryall  of  the 
said  scandall,  and  for  that  effect  to  call  the  said  Alexander  befor  them, 
and  to  make  report  as  they  shall  find  therin  to  the  Bishop,  and  therafter 
accordinglie  proceed  as  they  shall  be  ordered  by  him. 

Item,  anent  Robert  Cruikshank  his  supplicatione  for  supplie,  it  is 
found  that  he  has  made  his  forsaid  address  to  the  Kirk-Sessione  of 
Aberdeen,  and  that  some  persones  within  that  Presbytrie  have 
acknowledged  him,  and  now  he  is  recomended  to  the  rest  of  the 
said  Presbytrie,  and  other  Presbytries  within  this  dyocie  to  supplie 
him,  who  have  not  alreadie  done  the  same. 

Item,  anent  George  Keith,  sometyme  in  Loirstone,  according  to  the 
former  recomendationes  in  the  referrs,  he  is  seriously  recomended  to  the 
Presbytrie  of  Ellon,  for  ordering  him  to  be  satisfied  for  his  service  at  the 
Kirk  of  Slaines,  as  also  is  recomended  to  the  said  Presbytrie  of  Ellon,  and 
all  other  Presbytries  within  this  dyocie  for  supplie,  who  have  not  alreadie 
supplied  him. 

Item,  anent  John  Mathie,  in  the  parish  of  Lochell,  he  is  recomended 
to  all  Presbytries  and  parishes  within  this  dyocie,  who  have  not  alreadie 
contributed  for  his  help. 

Item,  anent  Thomas  Gordon,  brother  to  the  laird  of  Brachly,  is 
recomended  to  all  parishes  and  Presbytries,  who  have  not  alreadie 
supplied  him. 


1 668]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  135 

Item,  anent  Georg  Crookshank,  within  the  parish  of  Clunie,  he  is 
recomended  to  all  parishes  and  Presbytries  within  this  dyocie,  who 
have  not  alrcadie  supplied  him. 

The  meeting  of  the  nixt  Synod  is  appoynted  to  be  upon  the  third 
Tuesday  of  Apryl  nixt  1669. 

(Fugitives  from  discipline 
In  Aberdeen  Presbytery  6 — In  Forge  6.) 


At  Touch  October  28,  1668. 

The  brethren  mett  at  Touch,  by  particular  order  from  the  Bishop,  for 
division  of  the  Kirk.  And  by  reason  of  the  shortness  of  the  day,  and 
importance  of  the  present  bussiness,  the  exercise  was  deferred  to  the  nixt 
day,  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord,  the  twentieth-fyve  of  November. 

It  is  ordered  that  Alexander  Innes  be  sumoned  to  the  nixt  day,  for 
the  late  emergent  scandall,  and  witnesses  be  sumoned  therupon  viz. 
Mr.  John  Mair  who  was  sumoned  apud  acta,  and  Mr.  Georg  Robertsone 
ordered  to  be  sumoned. 

[77  cases  of  discipline} 

The  moderator  and  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord  being 
conveened  at  the  Presbyteriall  meeting,  Georg  Wilsone  of  Finzeauch 
presented  a  comission  to  them,  from  the  Right  Reverend  Father  in  God, 
Patrick,  by  the  mercie  of  God  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  warranding  to  passe 
to  the  division  of  the  kirk  of  Touch,  among  the  severall  heritors  of  the 
said  parish,  for  them  and  their  tenants  accomodation,  for  attending 
the  ordinances,  and,  in  reference  therto,  presented  also  ane  execution  of 
ane  edict,  lawfullie  execut  and  endorsed,  warning  the  wholl  heritors,  wod- 
setters,  livrenteirs,  and  all  other  parishioners,  to  compeir  the  said  day,  for 
the  effect  forsaid.  The  which  edict  being  called,  compeired  in  name  of 
William  master  of  Forbes,  William  Forbes  of  Camphell,  and  Elspet 
Esplin,  relict  of  William  Forbes  of  Tilliforie,  George  and  Patrick  Leslies 
of  Kincragie,  William  Forbes  of  Camphell,  and  Agnes  Dugatt,  his  mother- 
in-law,  for  their  own  interests,  Mr.  Alexander  and  Patrick  Farqrs  of 
Tonley,  the  said  George  WTilsone  of  Finzeauch,  John  Gordon  of  Hall- 
head,  and  Archibald  Reid  of  Endurno,  who  being  called  to  give  up  their 


136  RECORDS   OK   THE    MEETING  [l668 

rents  within  the  said  parish,  that  they  might  have  accomodation  in  the 
church,  proportionally  therto.  And  the  said  rents  being  given  up  by 
them,  and  casten,  are,  with  uniforme  consent,  acknowledged  to  be  as 
followes  viz.  the  rent  of  the  said  Air.  Alexander  and  Patrick  Farqrs  of 
Tonley,  seventeen  chalders,  two  bolls,  one  firlott,  and  two  pecks  ;  the  rent 
of  William  Forbes  of  Camphell,  and  Agnes  Dugatthis  mother-in-law,  eight 
chalders,  seven  bolls,  two  pecks,  and  ane  half;  Gcorg  and  Patrick  Leslies 
of  Kincragie,  their  rent  eight  chalders,  six  bolls,  two  firlotts,  and  half  ane 
peck  ;  William,  master  of  Forbes,  and  Klspet  Fsplin,  their  rent  in  the 
Kirktoune  of  Touch  and  Tilliforic,  four  chalders,  eleven  bolls,  three 
firlotts,  and  half  peck  ;  Archibald  Reid  of  Endurno,  his  rent  three 
chalders,  and  six  bolls  ;  John  Gordon  of  Railhead,  his  rent  of  Ardgour, 
one  chalder,  two  bolls,  and  two  pecks  ;  and  Georg  Wilsone  of  Finzeauch, 
his  rent  of  Meikl  Abercatie  three  chalders,  which  rents  being  given  up, 
computed  and  acknowledged  in  manor  forsaicl,  the  moderator  and  brethren 
of  the  Presbytrie  did  proceed  to  measure  the  fabrick  of  the  said  kirk;  and 
found  the  same  to  be  within  the  walls  on  both  sides  (beside  the  door, 
pulpit,  room  for  the  minister's  desk,  which  is  designed  to  be  betwixt  the 
west  side  of  the  door,  and  the  foot  of  the  pulpit,  as  it  now  stands,  and  the 
gavells  which,  for  narrowness  of  the  church,  could  not  be  measured)  four- 
scor,  seaven  feet,  and  ane  half,  which,  with  consent  of  the  hail  forsaicl 
heritors,  was  divided  and  proportioned  as  followes  viz.  there  is  appoynted 
for  the  said  Mr.  Alexander  and  Patrick  Farqrs  of  Tonley,  their  own  dask, 
from  the  east  side  of  the  door  to  the  west  bay  of  the  window  eastward,  on 
the  south  side,  comprehending  eight  foot,  eight  inches  of  rule  Scots 
measour ;  for  Georg  and  Patrick  Leslies  of  Kincragie,  their  dask,  from 
thence  to  the  south  east  corner,  comprehending  six  foot  and  six  inches 
of  measour  forsaicl ;  for  William  Forbes  of  Camphell,  and  Agnes  Dugat, 
his  mother-in-law,  their  dask  from  the  north  east  corner  to  neir  toward 
the  fifth  couple  numbering  westward,  comprehending  eight  foot  measour 
forsaid  ;  for  the  Master  of  Forbes,  and  Elspet  Espline,  their  wholl  pro 
portion  in  the  said  kirk,  from  thence  westward  to  neir  towards  the  nynth 
couple,  comprehending  eight  foot,  eight  inches,  quarter  of  inch,  measour 
forsaid  ;  to  Georg  Wilsone  of  Finzeauch,  his  dask  from  thence  westward 
on  the  north  side  ;  to  (blank)  couple,  comprehending  three 

foot ;  for  John  Gordon  of  Hallhead,  from  thence  westward  one  foot ;  for 
Archibald  Reid  of  Endurno,  his  dask,  from  thence  westward  to  the  midst, 


1 668]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  137 

betwixt  the  twelth  and  thirteenth  couples,  comprehending  three  foot  and 
ane  half,  measour  forsaid  :  from  thence  west  for  another  dask  to  the  said 
Mr.  Alexander  and  Patrick  Farqrs  of  Tonley,  to  the  midst,  betwixt  the 
sixteenth  and  seventeenth  couples,  comprehending  eight  foot,  six  inches, 
and  ane  half,  measour  forsaid  ;  for  Archibald  Reid  his  tenants,  their  seat, 
from  thence  to  betwixt  the  seventeenth  and  eighteenth  couples,  com 
prehending  two  foot,  nyn  inches,  and  ane  half ;  for  the  said  Mr. 
Alexander  and  Patrick  Farqrs  their  tenants,  from  thence  to  north 
west  corner,  comprehending  fyfteen  foot,  seven  inches,  and  ane  half ;  for 
Georg  and  Patrick  Leslies  of  Kincragie  their  tenants,  from  the  west  side 
of  the  pulpit,  on  the  south  side  of  the  church  westward,  to  near  toward 
the  twentieth  couple,  comprehending  nyn  foot,  five  inches,  three  quarters 
of  ane  inch,  measour  forsaid  ;  for  William  Forbes  of  Camphell,  and 
Agnes  Dugat  their  tenants,  from  thence  westward  to  the  fourth  jost 
under  the  loft,  comprehending  eight  foot,  one  inch,  quarter  of  ane  inch, 
measour  forsaid  ;  for  John  Gordon  of  Hallhead  his  tenants,  from  thence 
westward  to  (blank)  comprehending  ten  inches,  and 

ane  half;  for  George  Wilsone  his  tenants,  from  thence  to  the  south  west 
corner,  comprehending  two  foot,  ten  inches.  With  which  division  forsaid, 
the  wholl  heritors  rested  satisfied.  Furthermore  the  moderator  and 
brethren  ordained  that  there  should  be  left  sufficient  room  in  the  midst 
of  the  severall  geavells  for  issue  and  entrie  to  the  severall  dasks  in  the 
severall  sides  of  the  church,  and  the  stool  of  repentance  to  be  fixed  upon 
the  midle  of  the  forbreast  of  the  loft,  and  ordained  the  severall  heritors 
to  fill  their  rooms  with  decent  and  comodious  dasks,  cross  seats  or  pewes, 
betwixt  and  the  second  clay  of  August  nixt,  and  intimation  herof  to  be 
made  out  of  the  pulpit,  by  the  minister  of  the  place,  and  (blank) 
to  be  insert  in  the  Presbytrie  book  ad  futnrani  rei  memoriam. 


At  Alfoord  October  25,  1668. 

The  brethren  mett,  and  Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie  exercised  on 
Romans  15.  7,  and  was  approven. 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord  the  twentieth  third 
December,  and  Mr.  John  Leslie,  minister  at  Cushnie,  ordained  to 
exercise. 

s 


I3g  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1669 

Anent  Alexander  Innes,  it  is  reported  that  he  is  sumoned  pro  i°., 
being  called,  but  not  compeiring,  was  ordained  to  be  sumoned  to  the 
nixt  day  pro  2°.,  and  the  witnesses  lykwise. 

[/p  cases  of  discipline] 

At  Alfoord,  December  23,  1668. 

The  brethren  mett,  and  no  exercise  by  rcasonc  of  the  storminesse  of 
the  morning,  which  hindered  the  brethren  from  tymous  conveening  ;  the 
exercise  is  continued  till  Januaric  twentieth. 

Anent  Alexander  Innes,  the  minister  of  Towie  reported  that  he  had 
sent  his  officiar  to  sumond  him  litera  scripta,  but  that  he  had  menaced 
him  to  keep  it  up  through  fear,  wherfor  it  was  not  laid  on.  The  Presby- 
tric  resolved  to  acquaint  the  Bishop  therwith,  with  the  first  convenience. 

\i8  cases  of  discipline} 

At  Alfoord,  Januarie  2Oth,  1669. 

The  brethren  mett,  and  no  exercise,  because  of  Mr.  John  Leslie  his 
absence,  who  was  excused  through  sicknesse. 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  on  Februarie  17,  and  Mr.  John 
Leslie  be  advertised  to  exercise,  according  to  the  former  appoyntment. 

Anent  Alexander  Innes,  it  is  reported  that  the  Bishop  was  not 
acquainted,  in  respect  that  there  was  no  conveniencie  of  occasion  since 
the  last  meeting,  the  brethren  ordain  Mr.  Robert  Irving  to  return  the 
Bishop  his  answer  theranent,  or  ane  execution  of  a  sumonds  against  the 

nixt  day. 

\i8  cases  of  discipline} 

At  Alfoord  Feb.  17,  1669. 

Mr  John  Leslie  exercised  on  Romans  15.  8,  and  was  approven.  The 
nixt  meeting  ordained  to  be  at  Alfoord  March  17,  and  Mr.  William 
Burnett,  Schoolmaster  at  Alfoord,  ordained  to  handl  that  comon  held 
De  satisfactione  Christi. 


1669]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  139 

It  being  found  that  Mr.  Robert  Irving  had  not  obeyed  the  former 
ordinance  anent  Alexander  Innes,  the  mater  was  delayed  till  the 
brethren  mctt  with  the  Bishop  at  the  Synod. 

[16  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfoord  March  17,  1669. 

Mr.  William  Burnett  handled  the  one  part  of  that  controversie  De 
satisfactione  Christi,  and  appoynted  to  deliver  the  rest  of  it  at  the  nixt 
meeting  to  be  keeped  at  Alfcord  the  31  of  March. 

The  said  day,  the  matter  anent  Alexander  Innes  is  continued 
ut  supra. 

[75  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfoord  March  31,  1669. 

William  Burnett,  Schoolmaster  at  Alfoord,  delivered  the  remainder 
of  the  controversie  De  satisfactione  CJiristi^  and  was  approven. 

The  appoyntment  of  the  nixt  meeting  delayed  till  the  brethren  meet 
at  the  Synod. 

The  matter  of  Alexander  Innes  ut  supra. 

There  was  a  meeting  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord  for  filling  up  the 
book,  the  moderator,  Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  Mr.  Georg  Watsone,  and  Mr. 
John  Leslie  ordained  to  meet  for  that  effect. 

The  severall  brethren  present  were  removed  one  by  one,  and 
censured,  and  nothing  was  found  worthie  of  record. 

Mr.  Wl.  Burnet,  Clerk  to  the  Presbyterie. 


Kingis  Colledge  6  Oct.  1669. 

This    Exercise  buik   of  the   discipline   of  Alfurd  approven    by  the 
Bishop  and  Synod. 

Mr.  Al.  Forbes  Clerk  to  the  Synod. 

Referres  of  the  Diocesian  Synod  of  Aberdeen,  holden  within  the  Kirk 


RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1669 

of  the  King's  Collcdge,  Old  Aberdeen,  by  ane  Right  Reverend  Father  in 
God,  Patrick,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  and  begun  the  twenty  anc  of  Apryl 
1669. 

Sess.  i°.  post  meridiem. 

Certain  personcs  were  nominat  furth  of  cvrie  Presbytrie,  for  meeting 
with  the  Lord  Bishop  at  the  privie  conference. 

Item  a  proposition  was  made  by  the  Bishop,  ancnt  the  expedience 
of  ane  fast  and  humiliatione  throughout  the  wholl  dyocie  for  defectione 
of  so  many  from  the  truth,  to  popric  and  quakerism,  and  for  prophamtie 
abounding  in  this  part  of  the  land,  and  for  a  blessing  upon  the  seasor 
the  yeir,  which  is  referred  to  further  consideration  at  the  nixt  clyet. 

Sess.  2°.  22  Apryl,  ante  meridiem. 

The  Bishop  and    Synod   having   again    taken   to  consideration   the 
reference  of  the  former  dyet,  ancnt  the  publick  fast,  did  appoynt  that 
the   second    Wedensday   of  May  nixt  to  come,  being  the  twelth  day 
therof,  shall  be  observed  and  kept  as  ane  day  of  humiliatione  throwout 
the  wholl   congregationes  within   this  cliocess,  and   ane  draught  of  the 
reasones  therfor  being  publickly  read,  and  allowed  by  the  Bishop  anc 
Synod    was  delivered  to  the  moderators  of  the  severall  Presbytnes,  t 
be  comunicat  to  the  respective  brethren,  that  full  intimation  might  1 
made  therof  in    evrie   congregatione,  upon  the   Lord's  day  imediately 
preceeding  the  said  twelth  clay  of  May  nixt. 

It   beincr   represented    that    the    fearfull    and    damnabl    pract 
witchcraft  a'nd  charming  is  much  abounding  in  all  parts  of  the  country, 
it  is  therfor  statut  and  ordained,  that  all  who  shall  be  found  charmers 
(if  made  out  against  them)  shall  be  censured,  conforme  to  the  ordinance 
and  Act  of  the  Synod  anno  1663,  and  that  consulters  with  witches  am 
charmers,  and  seekers  of  help  from  them,  shall  be  censured,  in   maner 
mentioned    in    the   said    Act,  besid    representatione   therof 

magistrat. 

Anent  privat  censures  in  Presbytries,  the  Lord  Bishop  and 
did  appoynt  that,  at  the  second  meeting  for  exercise,  after  evrie  Synod, 
the   wholl   brethren   be   censured,   in   the   wholl    Presbytries,   and   that 
intimatione  herof  be  made  by  the  respective  moderators,  in  evrie  first 
meetin"  after  each  Synod,  and  the  brethren  warned  to  keep  the  said 


1669]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  141 

dyet  carefullic  ;  as  also  that  the  moderators  of  the  sevcrall  Exercises 
look  well  to  it,  that  the  ordinarie  dyets  of  the  meetings  be  punctuallie 
kept  by  the  brethren  within  their  precincts,  and  that  no  brother's 
excuse  be  admitted  as  relevant,  who  does  not  send  it  to  the  Presbytrie, 
with  anc  accompt  of  his  processes  that  are  depending. 

Sess.  3°.  Apryl  23,  ante  merediem. 

It  is  ordained  that  evrie  minister  within  this  diocess,  give  in  to  the 
Clerk  of  the  Synod  ane  list  of  the  dead  within  the  respective  parodies 
therof,  the  Clerk  is  to  tak  ane  nott,  and  give  in  the  same  to  the  procr. 
fiscall,  othervvayes  the  deficient  minister  not  to  get  the  benefitt  of  the 
former  grant  that  is  made  concerning  the  ease  to  be  enforced  upon 
them,  anent  the  cost  of  their  own  and  relicts  testaments. 

There  being  some  flagrant  reports  of  scandalous  cariages  of  Mr. 
William  Jaffray,  minister  at  Favie  (Fyvie),  and  Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie, 
minister  at  Strathdone,  the  Bishop  declared,  in  face  of  the  Synod,  that 
he  was  resolved,  betwixt  and  October  nixt,  to  visit  both  these  Churches, 
and  therfor  ordered  the  brethren  after  named,  out  of  the  severall  Prcs- 
bytries,  within  this  diocess  viz.  for  Aberdeen,  Mr.  Reynold,  and  Mr. 
James  Gordone  at  Banchrie  ;  for  Kincardine,  Mr.  Robert  Reid,  and 
Mr.  John  Keith  ;  for  Alfoord,  Mr.  Georg  Mclvill,  and  Mr.  Adam 
Barclay,  and  Mr.  Robert  Irving  ;  for  Garioch,  Mr.  James  Straquhan, 
Mr.  William  Garioch,  and  Mr.  Alexander  Rosse  ;  for  Fordice,  Mr. 
William  Steinsone,  and  Mr.  William  Burnet  ;  for  Turreff,  Mr.  Andrew 
Skeen,  and  Mr.  William  Meldfum,  and  Mr.  Robert  Innes  ;  for  Deir, 
Mr.  Alexander  Gordon,  and  Mr.  James  Muir ;  for  Ellon,  Mr.  John 
Straquhan,  and  Mr.  Georg  Andersone,  to  meet  with  him  in  this  place, 
upon  the  second  Tuesday  of  June  nixt,  being  the  eight  day  therof, 
to  prepare  maters  and  lay  down  a  way  how  these  visitationes  shall  be 
most  convenientlie  gone  about. 

The  supplicatione  given  in  by  Mr.  Paul  Shaletti  some  tyme  sen, 
and  now  convert  to  the  Christian  faith,  was  publickly  read  and  con 
sidered,  and  the  Synod  ordered  that  he  should  have  ane  collectione 
furth  of  evrie  parish  church,  within  this  dyocesse,  towards  his  present 
mantinance  and  subsistence,  for  the  reasones  contained  in  the  order 
given  out  to  evrie  moderator  theranent.1 

1  Note  24. 


142 


RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1669 


Item,  the  supplicationc  for  charitable  supplic  of  David  Johnstone, 
sometym  bailie  of  Old  Aberdeen,  Patrick  Rossc  in  Coul,  within  the 
Presbytrie  of  Kincardine,  Margaret  Gordon,  brother's  daughter  to  the 
laird  of  Lesmore,  in  ane  palsic,  were  considered  and  allowed,  and  licences 
granted  to  them  for  seeking  charitable  help  and  supplic,  within  evrie 
parish  within  this  dyocess  for  supplieing  their  necessities,  conforme  to 
their  severall  warrands  under  the  clerks  hands  granted  thcrancnt. 

The  first  day  of  the  nixt  Synod  is  appoynted  to  be  the  first  Tuesday 

of  October. 

(List  of  fugitives  from  discipline  viz. 

From  Aberdeen  Presbytery  3.     Alfoord  i.     Turriff  I. 

Excomunicat  persones  in  Aberdeen,  John  Farquhar  and  Catharin 
Blackball  his  spouse,  John  Abercrombie,  James  Ivetsone,  Christian 
Steven,  and  Marjorie  Midltoune,  these  for  poperic,  and  John  Williamsone 
for  apostacie  to  quakerisme.) 

Kings  Collcdge  Apryl  22,  1669. 

The  brethren  being  mett  in  the  comoun  school,  appoynted  their  nixt 
meeting  to  be  at  Alfoord,  the  nynteenth  of  May,  and  Mr.  George 
Watsone  to  exercise. 

It  was  found  that  the  brethren  appoynted  for  filling  up  the  book  did 
not  meet,  because  of  the  clerk  his  absence. 

At  Alfoord  May  19,  1669. 

The  brethren  mett,  and  Mr.  George  Watsone  exercised  on  Romans 
15,  9,  and  was  approven  ;  the  nixt  meeting  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord 
the  1 6th  of  June,  and  Mr.  William  Glass  to  exercise. 

Mr.  John  Irving  being  yet  absent,  it  is  thought  meet  to  advertise  him 
by  a  lyne  of  the  next  dyet,  that  he  might  keep  the  same,  and  answer  for 
his  former  absence. 

The  brethren  present  reported  that  they  had  observed  the  fast  ap 
poynted  by  the  Bishop  and  Synod. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay  reported  that  he  had  celebrated  the  sacrament  of 
the  Lord's  Super  at  Easter. 


1669]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD. 


143 


Anent  Alexander  Innes,  the  processe  is  to  goe  on,  and  the  Presbytrie 
officiar  is  ordained  to  sumond  him  pro  2°  litera  scripta  to  the  nixt  dyet, 
and  the  witnesses  Mr.  George  Watsone,  and  Mr.  John  Mair  appoynted  to 
be  sumond  also. 

By  reference  from  Towie,  it  was  declared  that  a  scandall  of  charming 
and  curing  of  cattell  by  unwarrantable  means  was  comitted  there,  by  the 
persones  after  following  viz.  James  Durie,  Andrew  Walker  and  his  wife, 
Isobell  Dunbarr,  William  Reid,  John  Bandeen,  James  Gibbon  in  the 
parish  of  Strathdone,  and  Alexander  Greoshich  ther,  some  wherof  were 
present.  The  Presbytrie  considering  the  said  mater,  appoynted  some  of 
their  number  to  meet  at  the  church  of  Towie,  upon  the  third  Tuesday  of 
June,  for  tryall  and  censure  of  the  said  bussinesse.  The  brethren  ap 
poynted  to  meet  were  the  moderator,  Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  Mr.  Robert 
Irving,  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie,  and  Mr.  William  Glasse.  The  persones 
present  were  sumoned  apud  acta  to  keep  the  forsaid  dyet,  and  the  absents 
ordained  to  be  sumoned,  and  the  ministers  of  the  nixt  parishes  to  sumond 
witnesses  to  that  effect. 

Mr.  Adam  Gordon,  son  lawful  1  to  Mr.  James  Gordon,  sometym 
parsone  of  Kinkell,  is  presented  and  admitted  to  the  burse  of  Alfoord 
and  Turreff  with  unanimous  consent  of  the  brethren. 

\i6  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfoord  June  16,  1669. 

The  brethren  mett,  and  Mr.  William  Glass,  who  was  formerly  ap 
poynted  to  exercise,  being  valetudinarie,  employed  Mr.  William  Burnet, 
Schoolmaster  at  Alfoord,  to  supplie  his  vice,  who  accordingly  did  exercise 
on  Romans  15.  10,  n,  12,  and  was  approver! ;  the  nixt  meeting  to  be  at 
Alfoord  the  14  of  Julie,  and  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  to  exercise. 

Mr.  John  Irving  being  present  at  this  dyet  was  gravely  admonished 
for  his  former  frequent  absences,  and  promised  to  keep  in  tymes  coming. 

All  the  brethren  present  reported  that  they  had  keeped  the  29  of 
May,  except  Mr.  John  Irving,  who  confessed  he  had  not  keeped  it. 

Mr.  John  Leslie  declared  that  he  had  celebrated  the  sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  Supper. 


144  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1669 

Anent  Alexander  Innes,  the  Presbytrie  officiar  refusing  to  sumond 
him,  because  of  violence  offered  and  threatened,  as  he  alledged,  the 
mater  was  delayed  till  the  minister  of  the  place  should  be  present. 

The  brethren  mett  at  Tovvie  viz.  Mr.  Georg  Melvill,  moderator,  Mr. 
Walter  Ritchie,  and  Mr.  Robert  Irving  (the  rest  were  found  being  absent). 
After  tryall  and  examination  of  parties  and  wittnesses  in  the  said  scandall 
of  unwarrantably  cureing  of  cattell,  did  pass  sentance  in  mancr  following 
viz.  that  John  Bandeen,  Andrew  Walker,  William  Reid,  Alexander 
Greoshich,  James  Gibbon,  being  found  guiltie  of  practiseing  unwarrant- 
abl  cures  of  their  cattell,  were  ordained  to  mak  their  publick  appearance 
befor  their  respective  congregationes,  at  Towie  and  Strathdone,  and 
acknowledg  their  fault,  and  engadge  to  forbear  from  the  lyk  in  all 
tymes  coming,  under  the  payn  of  the  highest  censure  ;  and  the 
ministers  of  these  Churches  were  ordained  to  discharg  their  peopl  from 
raising  of  needfyr  (as  they  called  it)  practised  by  some  of  them  in  such 
cases. 

Compeircd  two  parishioners  of  Cabrach  viz.  Thomas  Stuart  and 
Thomas  Mackgillchrist,  presenting  a  letter  from  the  Earl  of  Aboyn, 
together  with  another  inclosed  from  the  Bishop  of  Aberdeen  to  the 
said  Earl,  wherin,  it  being  shewed  that  ane  complaint  being  given  in 
to  the  said  Bishop  against  Mr.  John  Irving,  minister  at  Cabrach,  and 
presented  a  libell  subscribed  with  their  hands,  together  with  a  list  of 
wittnesses  for  proving  the  said  libell,  which  being  read  in  the  presence 
of  the  said  Mr.  John,  and  he  required  to  answer  the  samen,  which  libell 
not  being  acknowledged  by  him  in  all  the  articles,  he,  together  with 
the  parties  accusers,  were  sumoned  apud  acta  to  appear  at  Alfoord  the 
nixt  dyet  of  the  Presbytrie,  and  the  witnesses  ordained  to  be  sumoned, 
and  the  Presbytrie  being  impowered  to  proceed  therm,  by  virtue  of  ane 
comission  directed  to  them  from  their  Ordinarie,  the  brethren  accord 
ingly  issued  out  precepts  for  sumonding  wittnesses,  that  they  might  try 
the  said  mater,  and  report. 

[75  cases  of  discipline] 

At  Alfoord  July  14,  1669. 

There  was  no  exercise,  nor  calling  the  ordinarie  referres,  because  of 
the  weightiness  of  the  bussiness  which  concerned  Mr.  John  Irving. 


1669]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  145 

Mr.  Thomas  Garden,  son  to  Mr.  Georg  Garden,  minister  at  Clatt,  and 
student  of  divinitie,  presented  a  letter  from  the  Bishop,  recomending 
him  to  his  tryalls,  in  order  to  a  conjunct  ministrie  with  his  father,  and  the 
Presbyterie  did  accordingly  prescribe  to  him  ane  popular  sermon  on  Acts 
4.  12,  and  ordained  him  to  prepar  his  exegesis  on  that  controversie,  De 
visibilitate  Ecdesiae,  vvherof  he  was  to  distribut  theses  at  the  nixt  dyet,  to 
be  July  28. 

Thomas  Stewart  and  Thomas  Mackgillichrist  insisting  in  the  libell 
formerly  given  in  against  Mr.  John  Irving,  and  eiking  a  second  libell 
subscribed  with  their  hands,  which  being  read  in  the  presence  of  the 
said  Mr.  John,  and  he  required  to  answer  to  both,  or  except  against  the 
wittnesses  there  present,  and  having  given  his  answers  to  the  severall 
poynts  of  the  libell,  the  wittnesses  were  admitted  and  sworn.  Having 
deponed  in  the  said  maters,  and  their  depositiones  being  subscribed  by 
their  hands,  and  the  hands  of  a  notar  in  their  names,  it  was  found  that 
the  libell  was  not  proven  in  all  the  heads  therof  concerning  the  scandalls 
and  ryots  alledged  to  be  done  by  the  said  Mr.  John  ;  therfor  the  said  Mr. 
John  was  sumoned  apud  acta  to  compeir  at  the  nixt  dyet,  in  respect  the 
parties  accusers  demanded  a  competent  tym  to  sumond  their  wittnesses, 
and  the  said  Mr.  John  clesyred  to  get  copies  of  the  libells,  that  he  may 
give  his  answers  advisedly. 


At  Alfoord  July  28,  1669. 

The  Presbytrie  mett,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  taught  popular  doctrin 
on  Acts  4.  12,  and  distributed  theses  De  visibilitate  Ecclesiae,  the  sentance 
of  the  brethren  censuring  his  particular  tryall  was  deferred  till  the  last 
tryall. 

The  nixt  meeting  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord  August  25,  and  Mr. 
Thomas  Garden  ordained  to  handl  the  controversie  formerly  prescribed, 
and  defend  his  theses. 

Mr.  George  Watsone  reported  that  he  had  celebrated  the  sacrament 
of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

Nothing  of  Alexander  Innes,  the  minister  absent. 

No  report  of  the  persones  involved  in  the  scandall  of  charming,  the 
ministers  being  absent. 

T 


146  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1669 

Ancnt  the  libell  given  in  by  Thomas  Stuart  and  Thomas  Mackgili- 
christ  against  Mr.  John  Irving,  after  that  several!  wittnesses  were  examined, 
upon  the  poynts  of  both  libells,  all  which  being,  by  ane  order  from  the 
Bishop,  to  be  reported  to  him,  and  because  the  brethren  being  about,  the 
examination  of  the  cxceptiones  given  and  made  by  Mr.  John  Irving 
against  some  wittnesses,  the  forsaid  accusers  by  their  procurators  Thomas 
Urquhart  and  Patrick  Gordon,  bailie  to  the  Lord  Aboyn,  declared  that 
they  would  insist  no  further  in  the  said  mater  befor  the  Presbytrie,  but 
that  they  would  pursue  the  alledged  ryots  before  a  more  competent  judg. 
Therfor  the  Presbytrie  referred  the  wholl  mater  to  the  Bishop  of 
Aberdeen,  and  the  wholl  libells  and  depositiones  of  the  wittnesses  in 
the  hands  of  the  clerk  to  be  delivered  to  him  as  he  shall  call  for  them. 

[18  cases  of  discipline] 


At  Alfoord  August  25,  1669. 

Mr.  Thomas  Garden  handled  the  controversie  De  insibilitate  Ecclesicu, 
and  defended  his  theses. 

The  nixt  meeting  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord  the  8  of  September, 
and  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  to  undergoe  his  questionarie  tryall  of  the 
Languages,  Hebrew  and  Greek,  and  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  to  exercise. 

Anent  Alexander  Innes,  the  Presbytrie  ofikiar  having  undertaken 
conditionallie  to  sumond  him,  that  is  to  say,  that,  if  he  should  offer 
violence,  he  should  advertise  the  minister  of  Towie,  who,  in  that  caice, 
did  undertak  to  cause  sumond  him. 

It  is  reported  that  John  Bandeen,  Andrew  Walker,  William  Reid, 
Alexander  Greishich,  and  James  Gibbon  have  satisfied  in  their  respective 
parishes  the  scandal!  of  charming,  according  to  the  ordinance  of  the 

Presbytrie. 

[/./  cases  of  discipline] 


At  Alfoord  September  8,  1669. 

The  brethren  mett,  and  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  exercised  on  Romans 
15.  13,  and  was  approven.  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  sustained  his  question 
arie  tryall,  and  that  of  the  Languages,  and  is  appoynted  to  exercise 


1669]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  147 

and  add  on  John  15.  14,  the  29  of  September,  the  tym  of  the  nixt 
meeting. 

A  sumonds  executed  and  indorsed  being  given  in  by  the  officiar 
against  Alexander  Innes,  he  being  called,  compeired  not,  and  was 
ordained  to  be  sumoned  pro  3°. 

The  referrs  of  last  Assembly  were  read. 

The  privie  censure  lykwise  past,  and  the  severall  brethren  were 
removed,  and  approver!. 

It  being  found  that  some  persones  who  are  lawfullie  and  orderlie 
married  have  their  first  children  brought  forth  befor  the  ordinarie  tym, 
which  is  a  presumption  of  their  preposterous  and  scandalous  conversa 
tion  bcfor  their  manage,  concerning  the  punishment  of  which  persones, 
the  Presbytrie  clcsyres  to  receive  the  advice  of  the  Bishop  and  Synod, 
for  preventing  and  punishing  such  unlawful!  precepitationes. 

It  was  appoynted  that  the  moderator  Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  Mr.  John 
Mair,  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie,  Mr.  Georg  Watsone,  and  Mr.  Robert  Irving 
should  meet  at  Alfoord  upon  the  fyftcenth  day  of  September  instant, 
for  filling  up  of  the  Presbytrie  book. 

[75  cases  of  discipline^ 

Mr.  W.  Burnet,  Clerk  to  Presbytrie. 

Kingis  Colledge  6  October  1669. 

This  Exercise  buik  of  Alfoorcl  approven  by  the  Bishop  and  Synod. 
Mr.  Alex.  Forbes,  Clerk  to  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 


At  Alfoord  September  29,  1669. 

Mr.  Thomas  Garden  exercised  and  added  Romans  15.  14,  and  was 
approven,  and  it  being  his  last  tryall  the  brethren  revised  the  rest  of  his 
tryalls,  and  found  he  had  given  satisfactione,  therfor  he  was  recomended 
to  the  Lord  Bishop.  The  appoyntment  of  the  nixt  meeting  deferred  till 
the  meeting  at  Aberdeen. 

Mr.  John  Irving  being  questioned  anent  his  former  absences,  declyned 
to  submitt  to  the  sentence  of  the  Presbytrie,  whcrupon  he  was  referred  to 
the  Bishop  and  Synod,  in  that  and  other  particulares  mentioned. 


148  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1669 

Anent  Alexander  Innes,  the  officiar  reported  that,  being  at  his  house 
he  did  beat  him  greivously  for  laying  on  ane  sumonds  upon  him,  affirm 
ing  that  he  should  doe  no  less  to  any  of  the  ministers  who  should  come 
on  that  errand.  This  was  referred  to  the  ensuing  Synod. 

The  brethren  commissionat  for  filling  up  the  book,  reported  that  they 
had  mett  and  filled  it  up. 

[12  cases  of  discipline} 

Referres  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen  holden  by  anc  Right  Reverend 
Father  in  God,  Patrick,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  at  the  King's  Colledg  in  Old 
Aberdeen,  and  begun  the  fyft  of  October  1669. 

October  5  Sess:  i°  ante  meridiem. 

The  said  day,  after  sermon  had  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  in  St.  Machar's 
Kirk  in  Old  Aberdeen,  the  Brethren  of  the  Synod  did  meet  with  the 
Bishop  at  the  said  King's  Colledg,  and  after  incalling  the  name  of  God, 
the  names  of  the  ministers  were  called,  the  absents  notted,  and  visitors 
appoynted  for  the  severall  Prcsbytrie  books  within  this  dyocie. 

After  representatione  of  severall  bussinesses,  it  is  ordered  that  the 
Moderators  of  all  the  severall  Exercises,  and  certain  other  brethren 
then  nominat,  shall  meet  the  nixt  morning  at  eight  o'clock  with  the 
Bishop,  and  the  whol  Synod  shall  meet  at  ten  hours,  the  said  day,  at 
the  place  foresaid. 

October  6th  Sess  :  2°  post  meridiem. 
[2  cases  of  discipline] 

October  7th  Sess  :  3°  ante  meridiem. 

The  Presbytrie  book  of  Alfoord  is  approven. 

It  is  ordered,  anent  charmers  and  consulters  with  witches,  that  the 
former  Act  made  in  the  last  Synod  be  publickly  intimat  by  evrie 
minister  within  this  dyocie,  at  their  parish  churches,  and  that  the  Act 
made  theranent,  in  December  1663,  be  also  published  in  each  church, 
and  accordingly  put  to  executione  against  the  delinquents,  in  maner 
therin  contained,  viz.  that  all  who  shall  be  convict  of  charming  shall 


1669]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF    ALFORD.  149 

be  appoynted  to  remove  the  scandall  therof  publickly,  befor  the  con- 
gregatione  in  sackcloath,  and  that  all  who  are  heirafter  convict  of 
consulting  and  seeking  help  from  witches  or  charmers  shall,  in  lyk 
maner,  remove  the  scandall  in  sackcloath,  othervvayes  be  processed 
with  excomunicatione. 

It  is  ordered  that  no  minister  shall  on  any  termes  presume  to 
marrie  any  persones,  upon  whatever  pretext,  in  tym  to  come,  upon 
twyce  proclamationes  of  their  bands  in  one  day,  or  within  the  dyets 
of  the  ordinary  proclamationes,  without  licence  and  order  from  the 
Bishop. 

The  rest  of  the  session  was  spent  in  examining  the  wittnesses,  in 
the  process  ledd  befor  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  against  Mr.  John 
Irving,  minister  at  Cabrach,  wherupon  the  ordinance  after  specified 
was  established. 

Sess :  4".  eodern  die.  post  meridiem. 

Anent  the  processe  depending  befor  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord, 
against  Mr.  John  Irving,  minister  at  Cabrach,  it  is  ordained  by  the 
Bishop  and  Synod  that  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  with  Mr.  Georg 
Burnet,  minister  at  Kincardin,  and  Mr.  Robert  Forbes,  minister  at 
Coldstonc,  shall  meet,  and  hold  a  visitatione  at  the  Kirk  of  Cabrach, 
upon  Wedensday  the  tent  of  November  nixt,  for  trying  what  is  not 
clear  by  the  processe  alreadie  led,  and  of  the  new  emergent  scandall  since, 
as  also  generally  of  the  said  Mr.  John  his  life  and  conversation  in  the 
ministrie,  and  Mr.  John  Leslie,  minister  at  Cushnie,  is  ordained  to  preach 
at  the  Kirk  of  Cabrach,  upon  the  last  Lord's  day  of  October  instant, 
and  then  to  mak  public  intimatione  of  the  said  visitatione  to  that 
parish,  and  all  persones  concerned,  that  if  they  have  anything  to  say 
against  the  said  Mr.  John,  they  may  then  appear  befor  the  Presbytrie, 
and  be  heard  therin  ;  and  for  this  effect  that  anc  edict  be  served  by 
the  said  Mr.  John  Leslie,  at  the  Kirk,  and  returned  to  the  Presbytrie, 
duly  execut  and  indorsed,  and  that  ane  precept  be  direct  by  the 
Bishop  to  the  moderator  of  Alfoord,  for  sumoncling  such  particular 
persones  to  the  said  meeting,  as  did  formerly  appear  on  the  said  Mr. 
John  his  process,  but  have  not  alreadie  deponed  therin,  and  what  the 
said  brethren  shall  find  therin  to  mak  report  to  the  Bishop  therof. 


150  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1669 

There  was  no  other  thing  done  in  this  Synod  wherin  the  Presbytrie  of 
Alfoord  is  concerned. 

The  nixt  meeting  of  the  Synod  is  appoynted  to  be  the  first  Tuesday 
of  Apryl  1670. 

(Fugitives  from  discipline^  2  from  Deskford  parish,  and  5  from 
Aberdeen  Presbytery.) 


At  Aberdeen  October  6,  1669. 

The  brethren  of  the  Exercise  of  Alfoord  mett  within  the  Colledg 
Church,  and  appoynted  their  nixt  meeting  to  be  at  Cabrach,  for  visiting 
the  said  kirk,  according  to  the  ordinance  of  the  Bishop  and  Synod,  and 
Mr.  Walter  Ritchie  ordained  to  preach. 

At  Cabrach  November  10,  1669. 

There  was  no  preaching,  the  day  being  short,  and  stormie,  and  fan- 
spent.  The  brethren  that  conveened  were  the  moderator,  Mr.  Walter 
Ritchie,  Mr.  Robert  Irving,  Mr.  John  Mair,  Mr.  John  Leslie,  and  Mr. 
William  Christie. 

The  Act  of  the  Synod  being  read  for  visitatione  of  the  said  church, 
and  finding  that  the  edict  was  served  and  sumondes  executed  according 
to  the  order  of  the  Bishop  and  Synod,  the  brethren  did  proceed  in  the 
tryall  of  the  said  libells,  allreadie  given  in  against  Mr.  John  Irving,  and 
visitatione  of  the  said  Mr.  John  as  to  his  doctrin,  disciplin,  and  conversa 
tion,  according  to  the  comission  granted  to  them  for  that  effect,  all  which 
the  Clerk  was  ordained  to  transcribe  in  mundis,  and  have  them  in  readi 
ness  against  the  Synod.  The  day  being  taken  up  with  the  said  bussiness, 
the  brethren  continued  the  referres  till  their  nixt  meeting  at  Alfoord, 

December  8th. 

[/  case  of  discipline} 

At  Alfoord  Deer.  8th,  1669. 

The  brethren  being  late  in  conveening,  and  for  the  shortness  of  the 
day,  the  exercise  was  continued  this  day  also,  and  the  nixt  meeting 
appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord  Januarie  12.  The  absents  from  Cabrach  the 


16/0]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  151 

other  day  were  excused,  because  of  the  stormincss  of  the  day,  and 
length  of  the  journey  from  the  respective  dwellings,  only  Mr.  Andrew 
Abercrombie  alleadged  that  he  mistook  the  dyet. 

It  was  reported  from  the  Bishop  that  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  was 
ordained  Presbyter. 

Alexander  Innes  of  Sinnahard  continued  ut  supra. 

[16  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfoord  Januarie  12,  1670. 

Mr.  Walter  Ritchie  exercised  on  Romans  14.  15,  according  to  the 
former  ordinance,  and  was  approven.  The  nixt  meeting  appoynted  to 
be  this  day  moneth,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  to  exercise  and  add. 

The  absents  the  former  day  excused,  save  only  Mr.  John  Irving  who 
is  continuing  his  absences.  Mr.  William  Christie  absent  this  day,  and 
Mr.  William  Glass. 

Alexander  Innes  ut  supra. 

\I2  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfoord  March  2,  1670. 

It  being  found  that  the  former  dyet  could  not  be  kept,  because  of  the 
storminess  of  the  weather,  the  brethren  mett  were  excused,  and  Mr. 
Thomas  Garden  exercised  Romans  15.  16,  and  was  approven.  The  nixt 
meeting  to  be  March  23,  and  Mr.  John  Walker  to  exercise  and  add. 

Mr.  William  Christie  excused  for  his  last  dayes  absence,  as  also  Mr. 
William  Glass,  through  his  deadly  weakness. 

[9  cases  of  discipline} 

At  Alfoord  March  23,  1670. 

Mr.  John  Walker  exercised  and  added  on  Romans  15.  17,  18,  19,  and 
was  approven.  The  nixt  meeting  appoynted  to  be  Apryl  6,  and  Mr. 
Robert  Irving  to  exercise  and  add. 

[ij  cases  of  discipline'] 


152  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [l6/O 

At  Alfoord  Apryl  6,  1670. 

The  brethren  mett,  and  the  exercise  was  delayed,  because  of  the 
multiplicitie  of  affaires.  The  appoyntmcnt  of  the  nixt  meeting  con 
tinued  till  the  brethren  meet  in  Aberdeen. 

It  being  found  that  Mr.  John  Irving  had  been  ahvayes  absent  since 
the  last  Synod,  and  refusing  to  submit  to  censure  of  his  brethren,  they 
referred  the  same  to  be  considered  by  the  Bishop  and  Synod. 

Alexander  Innes  refer  continued  ut  supra. 

The  moderator,  Mr.  Robert  Irving,  and  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  reported 
that  they  had  celebrated  the  sacrament  at  Easter. 

The  minister  of  Kildrumie  being  dead,  Alexander  Ker,  comissioner 
from  the  parish,  did  desyre  that  ministers  might  be  sent  for  that  supplie, 
and  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie  appoynted  to  go  thither  betwixt  and  the  nixt 
day. 

The  brethren  being  removed  one  by  one,  the  privie  censure  past  upon 
all,  except  Mr.  John  Irving,  who  declyned  as  formerly  ;  he  was  referred 
to  the  Bishop  and  Synod,  and  nothing  was  found  that  needed  to  be 
recorded  on  the  rest. 

Mr.  Georg  Watsone,  Mr.  John  Mair,  and  Mr.  John  Walker  appoynted 
to  meet  with  the  moderator  and  Clerk  for  visiting  the  minuts,  and  filling 
up  the  book. 

Mr.  W.  Bui-net,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord. 

At  the  Kingis  Colledge,  Old  Aberdeen  20  Aprilis  1670. 
This  Presbytrie  buik  of  Alfurd  approven  by  the  Bishop  and  Synod. 
Mr.  Al.  Forbes,  Clerk  to  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 

Referres  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen  begun  Apryl  21,  1670. 

After  sermon  had  by  Mr.  David  Lyell  of  St.  Nicholas  Kirk,  one  of 
the  ministers  of  Aberdeen,  in  St.  Machar's  Kirk,  the  Lord  Bishop  and 
brethren  of  the  Synod  mett,  at  the  King's  Colledg,  and  after  incalling  of 
the  name  of  God,  the  roll  of  the  ministers  names  was  cited,  the  absents 
noted,  and  visitors  appoynted  for  the  the  severall  Presbytrie  books. 


1670]  OF  THE  EXERCISE  OF  ALFORD.  153 

Scss :  2°.  codem  die  post  meridiem. 

The  books  for  discipline  of  the  Presbytrics  of  Kincardin,  Aberdeen, 
and  Alfoord  were  appro ven. 

Sess :  3°.  Ap.  22.     Ante  meridiem. 

It  is  ordered  that  no  minister  admitt  persones  of  neighbour  congrega- 
tiones  to  the  benefit  of  the  sacraments  of  baptisme  and  the  Lord's  Supper, 
without  ane  recomendation  from  the  minister  of  the  parish  where  the 
person  resides,  who  craves  the  samcn,  except  in  caice  of  indispensible 
ncccssitie,  and  that  evrie  minister  within  the  diocie  mak  intimatione 
heirof  from  their  pulpits  with  the  first  convenience,  and  that  imediatly 
befor  the  celebration  of  the  holy  comunion  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  as  often 
as  it  shall  be  administered. 

The  Presbytrie  books  of  Ellon,  Turreff,  Fordice,  and  Garioch  were 
appro  ven. 

Sess  :  4°.  eodem  die  post  meridiem. 

It  is  ordered  that  any  processe  pursued  or  to  be  pursued  against 
Alexander  Innes  of  Sinahard,  befor  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  where  he 
leives,  or  any  other  church  judicatorie,  in  caice  he  shall  threaten  or  offer 
violence  to  the  officer  who  is  to  sumond  him,  and  the  samen  being 
proven  and  made  out,  his  citation  to  any  dyet  from  the  pulpit,  by  the 
minister  after  sermon,  shall  be  sufficient. 

The  Lord  Bishop  produced  befor  the  Synod  ane  Act  of  Privie 
Councill,  bearing  dait  at  Edinburgh,  the  13  day  of  Feb.  1670,  wherby 
the  Lords  of  his  Majesties  Privie  Councill  did  seriouslie  recomend 
to  the  Archbishops  and  Bishops  within  the  kingdomc,  to  requir  the 
severall  ministers  within  the  respective  diocesses,  to  tak  up  lists  of  all 
the  papists  names  within  the  respective  parishes,  who  are  known  or 
supposit  to  be  papists,  and  who,  upon  the  accompt  of  poprie,  doe  not 
resort  to  the  church  and  publick  worship  there,  and  to  condescend  upon 
the  particular  designationes,  qualities,  and  conditiones,  and  which  of 
them  are  in  any  publick  office,  and  upon  such  as  have  been  formerly  of 
the  reformed  religion,  and  made  desertione,  and  return  these  lists  to  the 
Archbishop  or  Bishop  of  the  diocie  under  hands,  that  after  consideration 
therof,  they  may  draw  out  ane  exact  list  of  all  papists  within  the  diocies, 


U 


154  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1670 

condescending  in  manner  above  written,  and  report  the  samen  subscribed 
in  their  hands  to  the  Councill,  betwixt  and  the  first  day  of  June  next,  and 
recomend  to  the  Archbishop  and  Bishop  to  be  careful  1  that  such  pcrsoncs, 
as  being  formerly  protestants  have  made  departure  to  poprie,  be  proceeded 
against,  and  in  caice  of  their  obstinacie  censured  with  excomunication, 
for  the  reason  and  ends  contained  in  the  said  Act,  as  the  same  at  more 
length  proports.  For  the  more  effectuall  obedience  of  which  Act,  it  is 
ordered  that  ane  full  copie  and  doubl  thcrof,  be  delivered  to  each 
moderator  of  the  sevcrall  Presbytrics  within  this  dyocie,  and  comunicat 
by  them  to  evrie  minister,  with  the  first  convenience,  and  mak  report  of 
their  diligence  therin  to  the  respective  moderators,  and  that  they  send 
the  samen  to  the  Lord  Bishop  betwixt  and  the  sixteenth  day  of  May 
nixt,  and  that  evric  minister  deliver  ane  list  of  the  papists  to  the  modera 
tors  respective,  to  be  sent  tymously  to  the  Bishop,  wherthrough  the 
same  may  be  sent  to  the  Privie  Conncill,  befor  the  first  day  of  June. 

The  Lord  Bishop  produced  befor  the  Synod  ane  Act  of  the  lait 
parliament,  of  the  date  at  Edinburgh  the  23  of  December  1669, 
recomending  the  brough  of  Dundie  to  all  Archbishops  and  Bishops, 
and  ministers  of  the  gospell  within  the  Kingdom,  for  a  free  and 
voluntarie  contribution  to  be  collected  and  gathered  for  the  help  and 
supplic  of  the  said  brugh,  towards  the  reparation  of  the  harbors  and 
bulwarks,  through  the  great  storm  and  tempest  in  October  last,  as  in 
the  said  Act  at  more  length  is  contained,  all  which  being  publicklie  read 
and  considered,  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  did  recomend  the  ministers 
within  this  diocie,  to  mak  intimation  therof  from  their  pulpits,  upon  ane 
Lord's  day  after  sermon,  and  earnestlie  desyre  the  peopl  to  bestow 
their  charitie  for  supplie  to  make  up  the  mines  of  the  great  losse  that 
brough  hath  sustained  by  that  fearfull  storm,  and  that  evrie  minister 
exhort  his  peopl  seriouslie  to  that  effect,  and  deliver  their  collections 
to  their  own  severall  moderators,  and  that  the  moderators  give  in  ane 
accompt  of  it,  under  their  hands,  to  any  having  power  from  the  said 
brough  of  Dundie  to  receive  the  same. 

Sess :  5°.  23  Ap.  ante  meridiem. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  taking  to  their  consideration  the 
mortificationes  left  to  diverse  churches  within  this  diocie,  and  seeing 
the  books  of  the  severall  Exercises  bear  nothing  of  these,  it  is 


1670]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  155 

ordained  that,  against  the  nixt  Synod,  the  scverall  brethren  give  in  to 
the  moderators  ane  just  accompt  of  the  mortificationes  within  the 
severall  parishes,  and  whcr  they  are  not  cleir  but  debated,  the 
ministers  arc  appoyntecl  to  use  their  diligence  for  that  effect,  and 
acquaint  the  Bishop  therwith,  that  he  may  appoynt  visitationes  for 
cleiring  of  them,  as  they  shall  find  expedient,  and  that  the  moderators 
transmitt  ane  just  accompt  of  these  mortificationes,  or  bring  them  with 
them  to  the  nixt  Synod. 

Memoranda ;  it  is  to  be  remembred  that  all  Moderators  have  in 
readiness  their  collectioncs  for  Dundie,  against  the  sixt  day  of  June, 
to  be  delivered  upon  demand  to  such  as  shall  be  comissioned  by  that 
town. 

At  Aberdeen  April  22. 

The  brethren  mett  in  the  Colledg  church,  and  appoynted  their  nixt 
dyet  to  be  at  Alfoord  May  8,  and  Mr.  Robert  Irving,  Minister  of 
Towie,  ordained  to  exercise  and  add  on  Romans  15.  20,  21,  22,  and  23 
verses. 

At  Alfoord  May  8,  1670. 

The  brethren  of  the  Exercise  mett,  and,  according  to  the  former 
appoyntment,  Mr.  Robert  Irving  did  exercise  and  add,  and  was  approven  ; 
the  nixt  meeting  ordained  to  be  June  15,  and  Mr.  John  Irving  appoynted 
to  exercise  and  add. 

The  minister  of  Towie  reported  anent  Alexander  Innes  that, 
according  to  the  ordinance  of  the  Bishop  and  Synod,  he  had,  as 
ordained,  to  sumond  him  out  of  pulpit  pro  3°.,  to  compeir  befor  the 
Presbytrie. 

It  was  reported  that  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie  had  supplied  the  vacancie 
of  Kildrumie,  for  ane  Lord's  clay,  according  to  the  former  ordinance, 
and  Mr.  William  Christie,  and  Mr.  John  Leslie  are  ordained  to  preach 
at  the  Church  of  Kildrumie  betwixt  and  the  nixt  day. 

The  book  filled  up  according  to  the  ordinance. 

The  Act  of  Parliament,  in  favour  of  the  town  of  Dundie,  for  repairing 
of  the  bulwark  by  means  of  ane  charitable  collection  from  the  scverall 
congrcgationcs,  was  rccomcnded  to  the  brethren. 

[12  cases  of  discipline} 


1 56 


RECORDS   OF   TIIK   MEETING  [1670 


At  Alfoord  Junii  15,  1670. 

The  brethren  mctt,  and  Mr.  John   Irving,  who  was  formerly  ordained 
to  exercise,  declaring  such  multiplicitic  of  bu.ssiness  wherabout  he  wa 
employed,  and   promising  to    be  rcaclic    against  the  nixt    day  without 
further  delay,  the  Prcsbytrie  admitting  of  this  excuse  did  appoynt  him  de 
novo  to  exercise  and  add,  the  nixt  dyet  to  be  Julie  6. 

The  minister  of  Towie  reported  that  he  had  sumoned  Alexan 
Inncs  pro  3°.,  being  called  compcired  not,  but  the  minister  of  the  place 
declaring  that  he  had  some  hopes  to  bring  him  to  a  willingness  to  satisfie, 
the  Presbytrie  did  indulge  the  favour  of  sisting  the  process  till  the  nixt 

dyet. 

The  kirk  of  Kildrumie  supplied  according  to  the  prior  apj 
and  the  peopl  yet  persisting  in  their  supplication  for  help,  Mr.  Andrew 
Abercrombie,  minister  at  Strathdone,  and  Mr.  William  Burnet,  Studc 
of  Divinitie  at  Alfoord,  were  appoynted  to  supplie  the  vacancie  betwis 
and  the  nixt  clay. 

There  was  a  complaint  given  in  by  James  and  John  Gordo 
Thomas,  Robert,  and    Alaster    Stuarts,  for  violently   removing 
belonging  to  them,  utering  minaceing   speeches  on  the  Lord's   day 
defense  of  that  deed  ;  the  parties  complaining  ordained  to  give  in  ane 
formall  bill,  and  the  minister  of  the  place  ordained  to  sumond  the  parl 
complained  upon,  and  such  witnesses  as  shall  be  given  up  to  him  by  the 
said  complayners,  against  the  nixt  day. 

Mr.  Thomas  Garden  declared  that  he  was  institnt  minister  at 
which  is  ordained  to  be  insert  in  the  Presbytrie  book. 

The  privie  censure  was  past  upon  the  severall  brethren  present. 

[ij  cases  of  discipline} 

At  Alfoord  July  6,  1670. 

Mr.  John  Irving,  on  whom  the  exercise  yet  lay,  did  excuse  his 
absence  by  reason  of  his  wiffes  and  his  sister's  sickness  at  his  house  ; 
the  ordinance  anent  the  exercise  renewed,  the  nixt  meeting  appoynted 
to  be  at  Alfoord  July  27. 

There  was  no  report  of  Alexander  Innes. 


l6/o]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  157 

Mr.  Andrew  Abcrcrombie  and  Mr.  William  Burnct  having-  reported 
that  they  had  supplied  Kildrumie,  Mr.  Georg  Watsonc  and  Mr.  Thomas 
Garden  were  ordered  to  supplie  betwixt  and  the  nixt  dyet. 

Compcircd  James  and  John  Gordones,  and  presented  their  bills 
subscribed  with  their  hands,  against  Thomas,  Robert,  and  Alaster 
Stuarts  in  Cabrach,  and  the  parties  called  upon  compeiring,  did  avow 
and  own  the  removing  of  that  dask,  pretending  a  right  to  the  room, 
but  denyed  any  minaceings,  yet  willing  to  submitt  to  the  sentance  of 
the  Presbytrie  theranent.  After  due  hearing  of  both  parties,  it  was 
ordained  that  the  dask  should  be  reponcd,  and  stand  till  the  said 
Thomas,  Robert,  and  Alaster  Stuarts  should  legally  prove  the  room  to 
belong  to  them,  and  they  were  sharply  rebuked  for  their  disorderly 
removing  the  same,  unto  which  sentarfce  they  promised  obedience. 

Mr.  Thomas  Garden  reported  that  he  had  celebrated  the  sacrament 
on  the  26  of  June. 

[10  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfoord  July  27,  1670. 

The  brethren  mett,  and  Mr.  John  Irving  having  exercised  on  Romans 
15.  24,  and  he  being  censured  for  some  imprudence,  and  want  of  exact 
method  of  exercise  and  addition,  was  gravely  admonished  therfor  ;  the 
nixt  dyet  appoynted  to  be  August  17  at  Alfoord,  and  Mr.  Patrick 
Coupland,  ane  Student  of  Divinitie,  after  his  four  yeirs  comencement, 
offering  himself  to  tryall  as  ane  Probationar,  in  order  to  his  libertie  of 
preaching  the  gospell,  had  his  first  tryal  prescribed  him,  to  be  ane 
popular  sermon  on  John  6.  37.  Lykwise  Mr.  James  Walker,  brother 
to  Mr.  John  Walker  minister  at  Tillinesle,  and  Student  in  Divinitie, 
produceing  sufficient  testimonials  from  the  Professor  of  Theologie  at 
Aberdeen,  and  also  where  he  resided,  and  declaring  his  resolution  to 
abide  at  his  brother's  house  within  the  bounds  of  this  Presbytrie,  and 
that  he  did  not  abide  at  his  sister's  house  within  the  bounds  of  the 
Presbytrie  of  Garioch,  desyring  to  be  admitted  to  his  tryalls,  in  order 
to  the  opening  of  his  mouth,  had  ane  tryall  prescribed  him,  to  witt,  to 
handl  that  theme  De  objecto  formali  fidei  imediately  after  the  nixt 
dyet,  and  to  distribut  his  theses  theranent  the  nixt  day. 


158  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1670 

The  ministers  of  Strath  done,  Towie,  and  Tillinesle  were  excused  for 
their  absence  the  last  day,  but  gravely  admonished  for  not  giving  ane 
accompt  by  lyn  of  their  depending  disciplin. 

Anent  Alexander  Innes,  the  minister  of  Towic  reporting  that  now  he 
had  no  ground  of  hope  to  prevail  with  him  without  process,  he  is  ordained 
to  goe  on  with  the  process. 

Mr.  Gcorg  Watsone  and  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  having  reported  that 
they  had  supplied  Kildrumie,  the  Moderator  and  Mr.  John  Mair 
ordained  to  supplie  betwixt  and  the  nixt  dyet. 

Compeired  John  Gordon  in  Cabrach,  and  declared  that  the  sentancc 
of  the  Presbytrie  anent  the  dask  was  obeyed. 

[12  cases  of  discipline} 

At  Alfoord  August  i;th,  1670. 

Mr.  Patrick  Copland  Student  of  Divinitie  preached  popular  doctrin 
on  John  vi.  37,  and  was  aproven,  and  Mr.  James  Walker  distribut  his 
theses,  De  objecto  formali  fidei,  and  he  was  appoynted  and  ordained  to 
be  readie  to  deliver  his  Exegesis,  and  sustain  his  dispute  the  nixt  day, 
which  was  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord  September  7. 

It  was  reported  by  the  minister  of  Towie  that  he  had  gone  on  no 
further  in  process  against  Alexander  Innes  of  Sinnahard,  upon  his 
promise  to  compeir  befor  the  Presbytrie  this  day,  and  answer  as  he 
should  be  charged,  and  Mr.  Robert  Irving  declaiming  that  he  was  readie 
within  the  bodie  of  the  church,  only  he  desyred  to  know  the  guilt  wherwith 
he  was  to  be  charged,  and  it  being  told  him  that  it  was  intemperance  and 
rash  swearing,  Mr.  Robert  Irving  declared  that  he  had  prevailed  so  farr 
with  him,  as  to  make  confession  and  acknowledgment  of  his  sinnes  befor 
him.  The  brethren  considering  the  said  mater  did  condescend  so  farr 
(except  only  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  who  refused  to  vott  in  the  bussiness)  as 
to  accept  of  the  said  acknowledgment,  and  accordingly  he  compeired 
befor  the  brethren,  and  confessed  all  the  sinnes  and  offences  against  God, 
all  the  dayes  of  his  life,  and  particularly  his  offences  done  that  day  at 
Lochcll,  and  being  admonished  and  exhorted  to  a  more  watchfull  and 
Christian  cariage  in  tym  coming,  which  satisfactione  whether  it  was  suffi 
cient  to  remove  the  scandall  theranent  was  referred  to  the  Bishop  and 
ensucing  Synod,  and  the  process  to  be  sisted  unto  that  tyme. 


1670]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  159 

The  moderator  and  Mr.  John  Mair  reported  that  they  had  supplied 
Kildrumie  two  severall  Lordes  dayes  ;  Mr.  Robert  Irving  and  Mr.  John 
Walker  to  supplie  nixt. 

Mr.  John  Leslie  declared  that  he  had  celebrated  the  sacrament 
August  ii. 

Mr.  Patrick  Coupland  had  his  theme  prescribed  to  him  De  p  er sever  ant  ia 
sanctorum,  and  theses  approven. 

[12  cases  of  discipline} 

At  Alfoord  September  7,  1670. 

Mr.  James  Walker  delivered  his  Exegesis  De  objecto  formali  fidei, 
and  sustained  his  dispute,  and  was  approven,  and  Mr.  Patrick  Coupland 
did  distribut  his  theses  De perseverantia  sanctorum,  and  ordered  to  handl 
the  said  controvcrsie  the  nixt  day,  September  21. 

Alexander  Innes  ut  supra. 

Mr.  Robert  Irving  and  Mr.  John  Walker  having  supplied  the  vacancic 
of  Kildrumie,  Mr.  William  Burnet  appoynted  to  supplie  once  betwixt  and 
the  nixt  day. 

The  referrs  of  the  last  Synod  read,  and  recomended  to  the  brethren. 

[p  cases  of  discipline] 

At  Alfoord  September  21,  1670. 

Mr.  Patrick  Coupland  handled  the  controversie  formerly  prescribed 
to  him,  De  perseverantia  sanctorum,  but  because  of  the  multiplicitie  of 
affairs  the  dispute  was  continued  till  the  nixt  dyet,  the  appoyntment 
wherof  was  delayed  till  the  meeting  of  the  brethren  in  Aberdeen  at 
the  Synod,  and  Mr.  James  Walker  had  ane  popular  text  prescribed  to 
him,  Romans  iii.  20. 

Alexander  Innes  ut  supra. 

The  brethren  who  had  collected  for  Dundie  gave  them  in  to  the 
Moderator. 

Mr.  John  Mair,  Mr.  John  Walker,  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  ordained  to 
meet  and  fill  up  the  book. 

Georg  Melvil, 

Moderator. 
Mr.  W.  Burnet, 

Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie, 


l6o  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [l6/O 

4  October  1670. 

The  Bishop  and  Synod,  approves  this  Presbytrie  bulk  of  Alfurd. 
Mr.  Al.  Forbes,  Clerk  to  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 

Referrcs  from  the  Diocesian  Synod  of  Aberdeen,  bcgunc  upon  the 
fourth  of  October  1670,  holden  by  ane  Right  Reverend  Father  in 
Patrick,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen. 

Sess:  i°.  4  October  1670  ante  meridiem. 

After  sermon  had  by  the  Bishop  in  the  Church  of  St.  Machar,  and 
incallino-  the  name  of  God,  the  roll  of  whol  ministers  names  was  call 
the  absents  noted,  and  visitors  appoyntcd  for  the  books  of 
evric  Presbytrie. 

Scss:  2°.  eodem  die  post  meridiem. 
The    Presbytrie   book    of  Alfoord,    and    sevcrall   other   books    were 

approven. 

It  is  ordered    that   ane   particular   accompt   be   given    in   by   evne 
minister  to   their   respective    Presbyteries   of  the   dyct< 
brating  of  the  Holy  communion. 

October  5  Sess:  3°.  ante  meridiem. 

It  is  ordered  that  there  be  a  contribution  for  supplic  of  the  burning 
of  Kilmarnoch  at  evrie  parish  Kirk,  conform  to  the  Act  and  warrand 
the  Privie  Councell,  and  that  evrie  Moderator  have  ane  copie 
said    Act    and    that   the    Moderator   deliver   ane   copy   therof 
minister, 'and  that  the  severall  collections  be  delivered  by  the  ministers 
to  their  severall  Moderators,  and  sent  in  by  them  to  Mr.  David_Lyall 
Minister  in  Aberdeen,  and  that  betwixt  and  the  first  of  Februan. 

1671. 

Eodem  die  Sess:  4°.  post  meridiem. 

Anent  Bursers  of  Divinitie,  it  is  ordered  that  it  be    insert  in    each 
Presbyterie  Book  twice  in  the  yeir,  betwixt  Synods,  who  has  satisfied  • 
Bursers,  and  who  not,  wherthrough  their  satisfaction,  and  who 
may  be  represented  at  each  Synod. 


OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  l6l 

It  is  ordered  that  wher  any  ministers  shall  faill  to  represent  to  their 
Presbyteries  the  diligence  of  their  discipline,  the  Moderators  and  remnant 
brethren  of  that  Presbyterie  shall  appoynt  their  Presbytcrie  to  be  holden 
at  the  Kirk  wher  such  ministers  shall  be  diffident. 

It  is  ordered  that  Thomas  Watt  and  Grizall  Taylour,  within  the  Parish 
of  Tyrie,  be  delated  in  all  the  referres  as  fugitives  for  incest  and  adulterie, 
and  if  they  shall  return  to  their  wonted  residence,  that  they  shall  be 
processed  for  satisfaction  by  admonition  and  prayer,  and  therafter  that 
the  minister  report  to  the  Bishop. 

It  is  ordered  that  evrie  minister  within  this  dyocess  pay  in  to  John 
Ross,  janitor  at  the  King's  Colledg,  twelv  shilling  Scots  money  at  each 
Synod  for  the  space  of  four  Synods  nixt  insuing,  begining  for  this  present 
Synod  holden  in  October  1670,  to  be  payed  in  to  him  befor  the  nixt 
Synod  to  be  holden  in  Apryl  nixt,  and  that  for  this  present  Synod. 

Anent  the  desyr  for  ane  warrand  to  collect  ane  contribution  for 
bigging  of  ane  brig  at  the  Kirk  of  Towie,  the  granting  thcrof  is  referred 
to  the  nixt  Synod,  and,  in  the  mean  tym,  it  is  appoynted  and  recomen- 
ded  to  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord  to  be  going  about  that  work  as  they  think 
meet. 

The  nixt  Synod  is  appoynted  to  be  at  King's  Colledg,  Old  Aberdeen, 
the  3''  Tuesday  of  Apryl  nixt  1671. 

(List  of 'fugitives  from  discipline  from  several  parishes — 14.) 

At  Aberdeen  October  5. 

The  brethren  mctt  within  the  King's  Colledg  of  Old  Aberdeen,  and 
appoynted  their  nixt  meeting  to  be  at  Alfoord,  the  26  of  October,  and 
Mr.  William  Burnet,  Schoolmaster  at  Alfoord,  being  presented  to  the 
Church  of  Kildrumic,  and  recomended  to  tryalls  by  the  Bishop,  was 
ordained  to  exercise,  on  the  orclinarie  mater  of  the  Exercise,  and  the 
young  men  desyred  to  prepare  themselves  for  their  nixt  tryall,  how 
soon  Mr.  William  Burnett  his  tryalls  should  be  ended. 

Alfoord  October  26,  1670. 

Mr.  William  Burnett  exercised  and  added  on  Romans  15.  25,  26, 
and  was  approven  ;  and  he  is  appoynted  for  his  nixt  tryall  to  handl 


1 62  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETINC,  [l6/O 

that  controvcrsie  DC  formali  causa  justificationis,  and  defend  theses 
thcrupon,  and  sustain  his  qucstionarie  tryall,  and  that  of  the  Languages, 
for  which  cause  the  brethren  arc  appoynted  to  meet  more  tymlie,  and 
the  dyet  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord  November  16. 

Mr.  John  Irving  being  present  was  rebuked  for  his  last  dayes  absence. 

Mr.  John  Walker  reported  that  he  had  celebrated  the  sacrament. 

The  privie  censure  past  on  all  present,  and  nothing  was  found  worthy 
of  censure. 

[ij  cases  of  discipline} 


Alfoord  November  16,  1670. 

Mr.  William  Burnet  handled  the  controversic  De  formali  causa 
justificationis,  sustained  his  theses,  which  he  had  distribut  beforhand, 
and  did  undergo  his  questionarie  tryall,  and  tryall  of  Languages,  and 
because  the  brethren  were  sufficiently  satisfied  with  his  gift  of  preaching, 
having  had  ocasion  severall  tymes  to  hear  him,  he  was  approver!  in  all, 
and  recomendcd  to  the  Right  Reverend  the  Bishop  of  Aberdeen  for 
ordination. 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord  December  21,  and 
Mr.  James  Walker,  Student  of  Divinitie,  ordained  to  preach  popular 
doctrin  on  Revelation  3.  20,  according  to  the  former  appoyntmcnt, 
and  Mr.  Patrick  Coupland,  ordained  to  sustain  his  theses  De  persever- 
antia  sanctorum. 

The  disciplin  was  delayed,  because  the  tym  was  spent  in  Mr.  William 
Burnett  his  tryalls. 


Alfoord  December  21,  1670. 

Mr.  James  Walker  preached  popular  doctrin  on  Revelation  3.  20, 
and  was  approven,  and  is  appoynted  to  sustain  the  questionarie  tryalls, 
and  that  of  the  Languages  the  nixt  day  ;  lykas  Mr.  Patrick  Coupland 
his  theses  De  perseverantia  sanctorum,  and  ordained  to  exercise  on 
Romans  15.  28,  29  the  nixt  day,  which  was  appoynted  to  be  kept  at 
Alfoord  Jan.  18. 

Mr.  Thomas   Garden,   Mr.   Robert   Irving,   Mr.   Adam   Barclay,  and 


1671]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFOR1).  163 

Mr.  Andrew  Abcrcrombie  being  present  this  clay,  did  undergo  the 
privie  censure,  and  nothing  found  worthie  of  record,  onlie  Mr.  Andrew 
Abcrcrombie  is  exhorted  to  be  watchfull,  and  put  to  sheam  those  that 
are  apt  to  speak  evil  of  him. 

[/,/  cases  of  discipline} 


Alfoord  Januarie  28,  1671. 

Mr.  Patrick  Coupland  exercised  and  added  on  Romans  15.  28,  29, 
and  was  approven  ;  Mr.  James  Walker  sustained  his  questionarie 
tryall,  and  that  of  the  Languages,  Hebrew  and  Greek,  and  was 
approven  ;  and  Mr.  Patrick  Coupland  was  appoynted  to  sustain  his 
questionarie  tryall,  and  that  of  the  Languages,  and  Mr.  James 
ordained  to  exercise  and  add  on  Romans  15.  30,  the  nixt  day  to  be 
at  Alfoord  Feb.  15. 

Mr.  John  Irving  absent,  and  having  been  frequently  absent,  both 
befor  and  since  the  last  Synod,  it  was  ordained  that  he  should  be 
advertised  by  a  letter  to  keep  the  nixt  dyet,  with  certification. 

[zj  cases  of  discipline} 


Alfoord  Feb.  15,  1671. 

Mr.  James  Walker  exercised  and  added  Romans  15.  30,  and  was 
approven,  and  Mr.  Patrick  Coupland  past  his  questionarie  tryall,  and 
tryall  of  the  Languages,  and  was  approven,  and  in  consideration  that 
both  young  men  had  past  through  all  the  poynts  of  their  tryalls  with 
approbation,  it  was  ordained  that  ane  recomendation  should  be  directed 
to  the  Bishop  of  Aberdeen  to  procure  a  licence  to  preach  the  gospell. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  and  Mr.  John  Leslie  excused  for  their  last 
dayes  absence  by  reason  of  sicklies,  and  Mr.  Robert  Irving  by  reason 
of  his  wife  her  sicknes,  and  Mr.  Robert  Cheen  excused  for  his  former 
absences  by  reason  of  his  old  age  and  winter  weather,  and  Mr. 
W'illiam  Christie  was  gravlie  rebuked  for  his  former  absences. 

Mr.  John  Irving  having  been  advertised  by  a  letter  from  the 
Presbytrie,  according  to  the  former  ordinance,  made  return  therto  this 


164  RECORDS   OF   TlTE   MEETING  [167 1 

day,  by  excusing  his  former  absences,  and  withall  making  complaints 
against  some  of  his  parish,  the  examination  wherof  required  his  presence, 
and  therfor  all  was  referred  to  the  nixt  day,  at  which  he  promised  to 
be  present. 

Mr.  William  Christie  and  Mr.  Robert  Cheen  did  undergo  the  privie 
censure,  and  both  were  approven,  onlic  Mr.  Robert  Chccn  was  required 
to  follow  ane  effectual  1  course  for  wiping  off  some  reproachfull  speeches 
spoken  against  his  liff  and  conversation  by  the  goodman  of  Law,  befor 
some  ministers  of  the  Presbytrie,  which  he  undertook  to  doe  with  all 
convenient  diligence. 

The  nixt  dyet  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord,  March  15,  and  Mr.  Robert 
Cheen  to  exercise  and  add  on  Romans  15.  31. 

\i6  cases  of  discipline^ 

Alfoord  March  15,  1671. 

There  was  no  exercise,  in  regard  of  Mr.  Robert  Cheen,  the  speaker 
his  absence  upon  the  account  of  sicknes,  as  he  declared  by  a  lyn. 

Mr.  John  Irving  being  present,  and  the  reasones  of  his  absences 
being  heard,  such  as  his  bodily  weaknes,  the  difficultie  of  the  wray, 
and  the  winter  season,  which  (because  the  brethren  were  informed  he 
travelled  to  and  betwixt  Aberdeen  and  his  own  house  and  elsewhere, 
which  he  did  not  deny)  the  brethren  considering,  and  lykwise  concerning 
his  privie  censure,  and  what  might  be  said,  they  referred  to  the  Bishop 
and  ensueing  Synod,  to  which  he  choiced  rather  to  subject  himself  than 
to  the  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie. 

The  referres  of  the  last  Synod  were  read  and  recomended  to  the 
brethren. 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord. 

[/<?  cases  of  discipline^ 

Alfoord  Apryl  12,  1671. 

Mr.  Robert  Cheen  exercised  and  added  and  was  approven. 

Thomas  Stuart  in  Cabrach  was  delait  by  the  minister  for  removing  a 
dask  belonging  to  the  tennants  of  the  laird  of  (?)  Eryht;  being  summoned 
to  this  day  and  called,  compeired  and  confessed  the  same,  and  pretending 


l6/l]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  165 

a  right  to  the  said  room  ;  the  tennants  of  the  laird  of  (?)  Eryht  also  corn- 
peering  and  complaining  of  the  wrong  done  them,  contrarie  to  ane  former 
Act  of  the  Presbytric  in  same  particular  after  much  paynes  taken  for 
that  accomodation.  The  Presbyterie  appoynted  some  of  their  number  to 
meet  the  3d  of  May  at  Cabrach  that  probation  may  be  led,  and  sufficient 
evidence  given  by  the  said  Thomas  Stuart  for  making  out  his  claim,  and, 
in  the  meantym,  that  the  dask  be  reponcd  by  the  said  Thomas,  which  he 
promised  and  engaged  to  doe  under  his  hand.  The  brethren  appoynted 
to  meet  were  the  moderator  Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  Mr.  Thomas  Garden, 
and  Mr.  William  Burnet. 

The  forsaid  Thomas  Stuart  and  others  gave  in  severall  complaints 
against  Mr.  John  Irving,  against  which  Mr.  John  protested  that  they 
might  not  be  heard,  and  did  back  his  protestation  with  ane  appeal  to 
the  Bishop,  declaring  he  would  not  own  us  any  longer  for  a  judicatiorie. 
In  the  meanwhile  he  did  delait  one  John  Straquhan  for  speaking  in  the 
church  to  some  on  the  Lord's  day  {mediately  preceeding  Christmas,  in  the 
tym  of  divyn  service,  being  sumoned  to  this  day  compeired,  and  denyed, 
wherupon  Mr.  John  was  ordained  to  sumond  wittnesses. 

The  refcrres  of  the  Synod  were  read  again,  and  they  were  recomended 
particularly  that  anent  the  contribution  for  Kilmarnoch  and  the  bursars, 
and  it  was  found  that  Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  Mr.  John  Walker,  Mr.  Thomas 
Garden,  Mr.  William  Christie  and  the  moderator  rest  only  this  half-yeir, 
to  be  payed  at  the  Synod,  Mr.  John  Walker  and  Mr.  John  Mair  have 
payed  all  since  their  entrey,  Mr.  Robert  Cheen  and  Mr.  William  Burnet 
for  Kildrumie  rest  all  since  their  entries,  it  was  recomended  to  them  to 
bring  it  with  them  to  the  Moderator,  which  they  promised  to  doe. 

The  Moderator  and  Clerk  were  ordained  to  fill  up  the  book,  and 
transmit  it  to  the  Bishop. 

The  appoyntment  of  the  nixt  Presbyteriall  diet  delayed,  till  the 
brethren  meet  at  Aberdeen. 

[/<?  cases  of  discipline^ 

Mr.  William  Burnet 

Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie. 
26  Apryl  1671. 

The  Presbytrie  buik  of  Alfurcl  approven  by  the  Bishop  and  Synod. 
Mr.  Al.  Forbes,  Clerk  to  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 


1 66  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [167 1 

The  Diocesian  Synod  of  Aberdeen  holden  within  the  Kings  Colledg, 
Old  Aberdeen,  Apryl  25,  1671,  by  anc  Right  Reverend  Father  in  God, 
Patrick,  by  the  mercy  of  God,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen. 

Scss  :   i°.  25  Apryl,  ante  meridiem. 

After  sermon  had  by  Mr.  Patrick  Sibbald,  minister  at  Aberdeen,  in 
the  Kirk  of  St.  Machar,  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  did  meet  at  the 
said  King's  Colledg,  and  after  incalling  of  the  name  of  God,  the  roll  of 
ministers  names  was  called,  the  absents  noted,  and  visitors  appoynted. 

Sess  :  2°.  eodem  die  post  meridiem. 

It  is  ordered  that,  at  the  visiting  of  every  Presbytrie  book,  the 
censures  of  the  Presbytries  shall  be  simul  et  seniel. 

It  is  ordered  that  the  contributiones  collected  in  evrie  Presbytrie 
for  supplie  of  the  brunt  town  of  Kilmarnoch  be  given  in  tomorrow, 
in  the  fornoon,  by  each  moderator,  to  William  Gilmur  in  Kilmarnoch, 
who  is  comissionat,  and  sent  hither  to  receive  the  samen. 

Sess  :  3°.  26  Apryl,  ante  meridiem. 

Anent  two  supplicationes  and  complaints  given  in  to  the  Bishop  by 
Thomas  and  Alexander  Stuarts,  in  the  Kirktoun  of  Cabrach,  against 
Mr.  John  Irving,  minister  at  Cabrach,  for  his  alleadged  scandalous 
misbehaviour,  as  ane  minister  of  the  Gospell,  and  other  alleadged 
deeds  of  wrong,  which  being  publickly  read,  in  presence  of  the  Lord 
Bishop  and  Synod,  they,  finding  no  wittnesses  present  adduced  nor 
sumond  for  proving  these  deeds,  have  appoynted  and  ordained  the 
brethren  after  mentioned  viz.  Mr.  James  Straquhan  at  Oyne,  Mr. 
William  Garioch  at  Culsamond,  Mr.  William  Meldrum  at  Auchterles, 
Mr.  Arthur  Straquhan  at  Methlich,  Mr.  Alexander  Mitchel  at  Lam- 
phanan,  Mr.  Robert  Irving  at  Towie,  and  Mr.  Georg  Watsone  at 
Lochel,  or  any  three  of  them  to  be  ane  quorum,  and  the  said  Mr. 
William  Meldrum  to  be  moderator  of  the  said  meeting,  and  in  case 
of  his  absence,  with  power  to  those  brethren  who  shall  meet  to  choos 
any  other  moderator  of  their  own  number,  and  also  with  power  to 
them  to  choos  their  own  clerk,  to  convcen  and  meet  at  the  Kirk  of 
Cabrach  upon  the  first  Tuesday  of  June  nixt  to  come,  to  tak  notice 
and  cognosce  upon  the  said  complaints  given  in,  or  to  be  given  in  befor 


1671]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  l6/ 

the  said  day,  against  the  said  Mr.  John  Irving,  and  to  use  and  admitt 
all  lawfull  probation  on  the  said  mater,  and  sumond  wittnesses  for 
that  effect,  and  have  ordered  a  just  doubl  of  the  said  complaints  to  be 
given  in  to  the  said  Mr.  John,  fyfteen  dayes  preceeding  the  said  meet 
ing  at  Cabrach,  wherby  he  may  have  his  answers  and  defences  in 
readines,  and  to  report  to  the  Lord  Bishop  what  they  shall  find  anent 
the  premisses. 

The  Bishop  declared  that,  as  he  should  find  occasion,  he  resolved 
to  delcgat,  in  evrie  one  of  the  Presbytries  within  this  Diocess,  certain 
brethren  to  visit  any  kirk  within  the  bounds  of  their  own  Presbytries, 
who  are  to  report  to  the  Lord  Bishop  what  they  find  after  the  said 
visitations,  and  in  the  mean  tym,  seriously  recomend  each  Presbytrie 
to  visit  the  Session  books  of  evrie  parish,  according  to  the  ordinance 
of  former  Synods,  and  to  record  their  diligence  theranent  in  their 
Presbytrie  book. 

The  Presbytrie  books  of  Alfurd,  Garioch,  Turreff,  and  Kincardin 
were  approver! . 

Sess  :  4°.  eodem  die  post  meridiem. 

Ane  supplication  being  given  in  by  Arthur  Forbes  of  Brux,  and 
Mr.  Walter  Cochran  of  Drumbrek,  desyring  ane  order  to  be  granted 
by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  of  Aberdeen,  for  cognoscing  upon 
the  roomes  within  the  Church  of  Udny,  and  divyding  of  the  said 
church,  for  accomodation  of  the  severall  heritors  and  pariochiners 
interested,  and  particularly  in  behalf  of  the  said  petitioners  their 
accomodation,  having  no  roomes  assigned  to  them  in  the  said  church 
as  is  alleadgecl.  The  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  having 
taken  the  said  supplication  to  their  consideration,  did  ordain  ane  edict 
to  be  served  at  the  Church  of  Udny,  charging  and  warning  all  and 
sundrie  the  heritours,  fcwers,  fermers,  lyfrenters,  possessors,  having  or 
pretending  interest  to  compeir  at  the  Church  of  Udny  upon  the  thru! 
Thursday  of  May  nixt  to  come,  being  the  17  day  therof,  befor  Patrick 
Lord  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  with  the  assessors  appoynted  by  him  and 
the  brethren  viz.  Mr.  Uavid  Lyall  minister  at  Aberdeen,  Mr.  James 
Gordon  parson  of  Banchrie,  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  minister  at  Keig,  Mr. 
Georg  Innes  minister  at  Belhelvie,  Mr.  Georg  Meldrum  minister  at 
Fintray,  who  are  to  meet  with  the  said  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  of 


l68  RECORDS   OF   TIIK    MEETING 

Ellon,  at  the  forsaicl  Church  of  Udny,  day  and  place  forsaid,  to  hear 
and  see  the  roomes  of  the  said  church,  cognosce  upon  and  divide 
proportionatly,  if  needs  be,  according  to  the  forsaid  accomodation,  or 
then  to  alleadg  some  relevant  reason  in  the  contrarie,  or  in  case  of 
the  said  Bishop  his  absence,  to  compeir  befor  the  brethren  above 
nominat  with  the  brethren  of  the  Prcsbytrie,  unto  whom  or  any  three 
of  them,  in  case  of  absence  of  the  rest,  together  with  such  of  the 
Presbytrie  as  shall  be  present.  The  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the 
Synod,  gives  and  grants  permission  and  order  to  meet  at  the  said 
church,  upon  the  day  forsaid,  and  therafter  calling  for  the  said  edict, 
to  hear  any  reasones  that  shall  be  given  in  by  any  of  the  parishioners, 
and  to  cognosce  and  judg  therof,  and,  if  need  be,  to  proceed  to  the 
division  of  the  said  kirk,  according  to  the  said  heritors  interests  within 
the  said  parish,  and  to  design  to  them  their  roomes  proportionatly, 
and  to  doe  therin  in  all  things  according  to  law,  and  as  they  will  be 
answerable  to  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod. 

Scss  :  5".  27  Apryl  ante  meridiem. 
The    Presbytrie  books  of  Aberdeen,  Fordyce,  Ellon,  and   Deir  are 

approven. 

Anent  the  visitation  of  Kirks  within  the  Diocess,  the  Bishop,  with 
consent  of  the  Synod,  has  appoynted,  for  the  better  ordering  of  that 
affair,  that  the  moderators  of  the  severall  Presbytries,  together  with 
Mr.  John  Menzies,  professor,  Mr.  David  Lyall,  Mr.  Alexander  Ross 
at  Monimusk,  Mr.  William  Hay  at  Crimond,  and  Mr.  Adam  Barclay 
at  Keig,  meet  with  the  Bishop  at  Old  Aberdeen,  upon  the  third  Tuesday 
of  June  nixt,  for  preparing  overtours  ancnt  the  way  of  procedour  in  the 
said  visitations. 

Anent  the  supplication  given  in  by  Robert  Burnet  Procurator 
phiscall  of  the  comissariat  of  Aberdeen,  showing  that  wherby  severall 
Acts  of  Parliament  were  appoynted  for  secureing  and  protecting  of 
widowes  of  ministers  or  orphanes  in  their  just  rights  and  interests,  and 
that  in  anno  16 —  yeirs,  the  Reverend  Bishops  then  in  office  in  this 
Kingdom  did,  by  their  instructiones,  appoynt  that  all  ministers,  within 
their  respective  parishes,  should  keep  ane  exact  register  of  the  names 
of  defunct  personcs,  and  should  give  ane  extract  therof,  subscribed 
with  their  hands,  to  the  comissioncr  physcall  within  whose  jurisdiction 


OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  169 

they  lived,  at  all  occasions  when  they  shall  be  required,  and  that  they 
should  dcnic  the  benefit  of  mariag  untill  the  confirmatione  of  their 
deceased  wiff  or  husband's  testaments,  and  that  notwithstanding  these 
ordinances  are  not  so  punctually  observed  as  need  requires  within  this 
Bishoprick,  and  that  by  the  neglect  therof  many  of  the  leidges  are 
greatly  prejudged,  and  widdowes,  orphanes,  and  legators  sustain  great 
damage,  and  therfor  desyring  that  ane  Act  be  past  for  faithfull  observing 
of  the  premisses  within  this  Diocess,  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of 
the  Synod,  has  renewed  the  Act  of  the  Bishop  made  theranent,  in  the 
moneth  of  October  1662. 

It  is  ordered  that,  befor  any  person  be  admitted  to  the  profession  of 
repentance,  in  order  to  relaxation  from  excomunication,  that  they  first  be 
sent  in  to  the  Bishop,  and  his  order  obtained  for  that  effect. 

Anent  the  selecting  a  Professor  of  Divinity  in  the  Kings  Colledg, 
referred  to  the  meeting  to  be  the  3  Tuesday  of  June  nixt,  at  Old 
Aberdeen. 

It  is  ordered  that,  in  evrie  Presbytrie,  the  ministers  shall  have  a 
comon  head  of  controversie  handled  at  evrie  other  meeting  alternis 
JioDiinibus  with  their  ordinarie  exercise. 


At  Aberdeen  Apryl  26,  1671. 

The  brethren  mett,  and  appoynted  their  nixt  meeting  to  be  at  Alfuird 
the  24  of  May,  and  Mr.  William  Christie  ordained  to  exercise  upon  the 
ordinarie  mater. 


At  Alfuird  May  24,  1671. 

The  brethren  mett,  and  Mr.  William  Christie  exercised  and  added  on 
Romans  15.  and  last,  and  was  approven. 

A  letter  being  presented  from  the  Ordinarie,  the  Lord  Bishop,  con 
taining  ane  recomendation  in  favour  of  Mr.  William  Thomsone,  student 
of  Divinitie,  for  the  kirk  of  Auchindor,  and  it  being  provided  previous  to 
the  right  of  his  admission  to  tryals,  that  it  should  be  declared  by  some 
brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  who  were  comissionat  by  the  Lord  Bishop  to 
goe  to  Mr.  William  Davidsone  his  house  at  Auchindor,  and  take  his 
oath  anent  his  presentation  to  the  said  Church,  by  whom,  and  when,  and 

Y 


170  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

whether  he  was  in  perfect  judgment  and  memorie  at  that  tyme.  The 
brethren  viz.  the  moderator,  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Garden 
declared  that  they  found  him  in  perfect  mynd  and  memorie,  anent  his 
presentation  to  the  church,  as  the  report  at  more  length  bears.  Where 
upon  the  said  Mr.  William  was  admitted  to  his  tryalls,  and  ordained  to 
have  his  exercise  and  addition  on  the  ordinarie  mater  of  the  Exercise  at 
Alfoord  June  14, 

Mr.  William  Burnet  was  ordained  to  supplie  Cushnie  once  betwixt 

and  the  nixt  day. 

[77  cases  of  discipline] 


At  Alfuird  June  14,  1671. 

Mr.  William  Thomson  exercised  and  added  on  Romans  16.  3,  4,  5, 
and  was  approven,  and  he  is  appoynted  to  preach  ane  popular  sermon  on 
Romans  12.  i,  at  the  nixt  dyet,  which  is  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfuird 
July  6. 

The  brethren  present  declared  that  they  had  preached  on  29  of  May. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  Mr.  Thomas  Garden,  Mr.  William  Christie,  and 
Mr.  Robert  Irving,  and  the  moderator  declared  that  they  did  celebrate 
the  sacrament  on  Easter  and  Mr.  George  Watsone,  and  Mr.  Walter 
Ritchie  Ap  :  16. 

The  referres  of  the  Synod  were  read,  and  recomended  to  the  brethren, 
and  notice  being  taken  of  that  Act  anent  the  filling  up,  and  visiting  of 
Session  bookes,  the  brethren  were  desyred  to  mak  them  readie. 

The  privie  censure  past  upon  all  present,  and  nothing  found  worthie 

of  record. 

[/p  cases  of  discipline'] 


Alfuird  Julie  6. 

Mr.  William  Thomsone  preached  popular  doctrin  on  Romans  12.  I. 
And  Mr.  Patrick  Copland  presenting  a  letter  from  our  Ordinarie  re- 
comending  him  to  his  tryalls,  in  reference  to  the  Church  of  Cushnie,  he 
was  ordained  to  exercise  and  add  on  Romans  6.  7,  &c.  the  nixt  day, 
which  is  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfuird  July  26  ;  and  Mr.  William  Thomsone 
ordained  to  distribut  his  theses  on  that  head  De  infallibilitate  Ecclesiae, 


1671]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFOKD.  \J I 

Mr.  John  Mair  reported  that  he  had  celebrat  the  comunion,  June  18, 
and  Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  Mr.  Georg  Watsone,  and  Mr.  John  Mair  declared 
that  they  preached  May  29,  and  they  did  undergo  the  privie  censure,  and 
were  approven. 

Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie  reported  that  he  had  supplied  Cushnie, 
and  Mr.  Patrick  Copland  ordained  to  supplie,  as  often  as  he  could,  in 
regard  he  was  presented  to  the  place. 

The  minister  of  Strathdon  gave  up  his  Session  book,  which  was 
delivered  to  Mr.  John  Mair  to  be  visited. 

[/7  cases  of  discipline} 

Alfoord  July  26,  1671. 

Mr.  Patrick  Copland  exercised  and  added  Romans  6.  7,  8,  9,  &c.,  and 
was  approven,  and  Mr.  William  Thomsone  distributed  theses  upon  that 
head  De  infallibilitate  Ecclesiae  and  ordr.ined  to  deliver  his  exegesis  ther- 
upon  the  nixt  day,  which  is  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfuird  August  14. 

Mr.  Patrick  Copland  reported  that  he  had  supplied  Cushnie,  and 
ordained  yet  to  supplie. 

Mr.  John  Mair  reported  that  he  had  not  yet  visited  the  Session  book 
of  Strathdone,  but  promised  to  have  it  readie  against  the  nixt  clay. 

The  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  was  celebrated  at  Kinethmont 
May  19. 

Mr.  Patrick  Copland  is  ordered  to  distribut  theses  the  nixt  day  on 
that  head  De  Trinitate. 

[/./  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfuird  August  14,  1671. 

Mr.  William  Thomsone  handled  that  controversie  De  infallibilitate 
Ecclesiae,  and  was  approven;  and  Mr.  Patrick  Copland  distributed  theses 
according  to  the  former  ordinance,  and  ordained  to  handl  that  question 
DC  Trinitate  the  nixt  clay  ;  and  Mr.  William  Thomsone  to  sustain  his 
disput  and  tryall  of  the  Languages. 

Mr.  Patrick  Copland  reported  that  lie  supplied  Cushnie,  and  was 
ordained  to  supplie  yet. 


I72  RECORDS   OF   TIIK    MKKTlNC  [1^71 

There  was  no  report  of  the  Session  book  of  Strathdone,  in  regard  of 
Mr.  John  Mair  his  absence. 

Ane  letter  being  presented  from  the  Lord  Bishop,  requiring  the 
ministers  interested  to  enquir  after  those  children  who  are  disorderly 
baptized  by  persones  unauthorised,  and  the  ministers  being  asked  one 
by  one,  there  was  none  found  but  some  in  the  Cabrach,  wherof  the 
minister  could  not  give  ane  exact  accompt,  wherfor  it  was  rccomended 
to  him  to  search  after  them. 

Another  letter  was  presented  from  the  Bishop,  relating  to  Mr.  John 
Irving  and  his  parishioners,  to  which  the  moderator  was  ordained  to 
return  ane  answer,  and  Mr.  John  Irving  being  posed  anent  John 
Straquhan,  answered  that  what  he  had  to  say  against  him  was  con 
tained  in  his  libell. 

[/j  cases  of  discipline} 

Alfoord  September  6,  1671. 

Mr.  Patrick  Copland  delivered  his  exegesis  De  Trinitate,  and  Mr. 
William  Thomson  sustained  his  disput,  and  tryalls  of  the  Greek  and 
Hebrew  Languages,  and  qucstionarie  tryall,  and  it  being  the  last  of  Mr. 
William  Thomsone  his  tryalls,  and  all  being  revised,  and  it  found  that 
he  had  given  satisfaction  in  the  severall  poynts  therof,  he  was 
recomended  to  the  Bishop  for  ordination,  and  Mr.  Patrick  Copland 
was  ordained  to  have  his  popular  sermon  on  Revelation  3.  17  the 
nixt  clay,  which  is  to  be  at  Alfuird  September  24. 

Mr.  Patrick  Copland  reported  that  he  had  supplied  Cushnie. 

Ane  letter  was  presented  to  the  Presbytric,  in  answer  to  their  last 
letter  directed  by  the  Moderator  to  the  Bishop,  whcrin  it  is  showed  that 
he  had  appoynted  Mr.  John  Irving  to  exhibit  such  grievances  and 
complaints  against  his  parishioners  befor  the  Presbytrie,  as  he  could 
condescend  upon,  and  to  advertise  such  assessors  as  were  nominat  in 
the  said  referre,  and  the  said  John  Irving  compeiring,  and  presenting 
ane  lybell,  which  \vas  read,  and  he  was  desyrecl  to  draw  it  up  in  form, 
and  subscribe  it,  and  give  coppies  to  the  persones  accused,  and  cause 
sumonds  both  parties  and  wittnesses  to  appear  at  the  nixt  dyet  at 
September  24. 

[10  cases  of  discipline} 


1671]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  173 

Alfuird  September  24,  1671. 

There  was  no  exercise  in  regard  of  the  multiplicitie  of  affairs,  and 
that  important  bussincs  anent  Mr.  John  Irving,  minister  at  Cabrach. 

Mr.  Patrick  Copland  reported  that  he  had  supplied  Cushnie. 

It  being  enquired  who  were  deficients  to  the  bursar,  it  was  found  that 
all  had  payed  preceeding  ycirs  except  Cabrach  and  Auchindor. 

Mr.  Robert  Irving,  the  moderator,  and  Clerk  ordained  to  meet  at 
Alfuird  tomorrow,  and  fill  up  the  book. 

Mr.  John  Irving  did  appear,  and  did  exhibit  executiones  of  sumondes 
against  severall  persones,  and  wittnesses  for  probation  of  a  lybell  which 
was  read  and  subscribed  by  him,  and  the  parties  and  witnesses  present 
being  called  and  compeiring,  and  the  lybell  read  in  their  presence  respec 
tive,  and  the  wittnesses  accordingly  examined  in  presence  of  assessors 
convened  for  the  tym  viz.  Mr.  James  Straquhan  minister  at  Oyn,  and 
Mr.  William  Garioch  minister  at  Culsamond,  the  full  report  is  ordained 
to  be  transmitted  to  the  Lord  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  together  with  the 
lybclls,  against  the  ensuing  Synod. 

[9  cases  of  discipline} 

Mr.  W.  Burnett,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie. 

Referres  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen  October  1671,  and  begune  the 
third  day  therof  by  ane  Right  Reverend  Father  in  God,  Patrick,  Bishop 
of  Aberdeen. 

Octr.  3°.  Sess  :  i°.  post  meridiem. 

After  sermon  had  by  Mr.  George  Melvill,  minister  of  A I  ford,  in  St. 
Macher  kirk,  in  Old  Aberdeen,  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  did  meet  in 
the  afternoone,  at  the  Kings  Colledge  in  Old  Aberdeen,  and  after  in- 
calling  of  the  name  of  God,  the  roll  of  the  ministers  names  were  called, 
the  absents  netted,  and  visitors  appoynted  for  the  severall  books  of 
discipline. 

The  Acts  concluded  at  the  meeting  holden  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and 
brethren  conveened  at  Old  Aberdeen  the  20  of  June  last,  conforme 
to  ane  ordinance  of  the  last  Synod  holden  in  Apryl  1671,  being  read  are 
heirby  ratified  and  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  and 


174  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [167 1 

ordered  to  be  insert  in  the  records  of  this  Synod,  and  have  the  strength 
of  Acts  therof,  wherof  the  tenor  followes. 

At  Old  Aberdeen  June  20,  1671. 

Concerning  scandalous  reports  passing  upon  ministers,  it  is  resolved 
that  the  48  Synodicall  Act  of  the  Synod,  holdcn  in  October  1663,  be 
duelie  observed  theranent,  with  this  aclditione,  that  if  after  tryall  there  be 
no  probable  ground  found  for  such  reports,  if  they  can  fix  upon  any 
person  or  persones  that  have  been  spreaders  or  raisers  of  such  reports, 
then,  in  that  caice,  the  minister  defamed  shall  be  obliged  to  persew  him 
or  them  as  slanderers,  befor  the  judge  ordinarie,  as  he  shall  be  answerable. 

Item,  that  in  pariochiall  visitationes,  besydes  the  inquirie  to  be  made 
anent  the  minister's  doctrine,  discipline,  and  conversatione,  as  lykewise 
concerning  the  diligence  and  conversatione  of  the  elders,  search  may  also 
be  made  anent  the  minister's  provisione,  manse,  gleeb,  and  other  privi- 
ledges,  anent  the  Schoolmaster  and  his  maintenance,  anent  the  fabrick  of 
the  church  and  churchyaird  dykes,  anent  mortificationes  if  there  be  any, 
and  how  they  arc  secured  and  imployed,  anent  the  church  registers,  whither 
or  not  there  be  ane  perfect  record  of  dyets  of  preaching,  catechising, 
baptisme,  manages,  burialls,  with  the  due  celebration  of  the  Lord's 
Supper,  the  utensilles  of  the  church,  and  the  improvement  of  the  poore's 
money,  and  penalties  ;  item  concerning  minister's  conversatione,  if  it  be 
scandalous,  and  diligence  in  his  office,  that  the  elders  be  posed  upon  oath 
theranent,  the  minister  being  allowed  to  propone  his  exceptiones  (if  any 
he  have)  against  them  or  any  of  them,  and  that  the  people,  by  ane  edict 
to  be  served  at  the  parish  church,  upone  ane  Lord's  day,  be  warned  to 
attend  at  the  visitatione,  to  object  what  they  know,  or  arc  able  to  prove 
against  their  minister,  with  certificatione  that  if  they  appeare  not  to  the 
effect  forsaid,  but  therafter  shall  give  in  any  accusatione  that  they  could 
have  proven  alsvveell  at  the  visitatione  to  which  they  were  publickly 
warned  as  therafter,  (which  they  must  declare  upon  oath)  that  then,  and 
in  that  caice,  they  are  not  to  be  further  hearcd  in  any  such  matter. 

Item,  that  in  caice  of  afama  dainosa  against  a  minister,  that  if  the 
persones  that  can  give  light  in  that  matter  doe  not  reside  in  the  parochine 
to  be  visited,  if  these  persons  be  within  the  Presbytrie  where  the  minister 
resides,  then,  by  ane  order  from  the  Bishop,  the  Presbytrie  shall  sumond 


1671]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  175 

the  said  persones  to  compeir  befor  them,  and  dcclaire  what  they  know 
concerning  any  such  report. or  scandall  upon  oath,  but  if  these  persones 
reside  within  the  boundcs  of  severall  Prcsbytries,  that  then  they  be 
sumoned  to  a  general  visitation  to  be  kept  hcer  at  Old  Aberdeen,  by  such 
persones  as  the  Bishop  at  the  Synod  shall  nominat  to  that  effect,  betwixt 
Synods. 

Octr.  4  Sess  :  2°.  ante  meridiem. 

It  being  represented  by  severall  brethren  of  the  ministrie,  that  the 
Lord's  day  is  greatlie  prophaned  by  carrying  of  timber  and  packs  to 
and  frae  towns  and  mercats  on  the  Lord's  day,  for  remeed  wherof,  it  is 
ordered  that  the  ministers,  within  whose  parochines  such  abuses  shall 
be  found,  cause  take  notice  of  the  names  of  such  persones,  whither 
they  be  countrie  people,  or  horsehyrers  in  towncs,  or  in  what  parochines 
or  borrowes  they  live,  and  that  they  signifie  and  wreitt  their  offences 
to  the  ministers  at  these  parochines  or  borrowes  where  they  dwell, 
that  they  may  be  processed,  untill  they  rcturne  and  satisfie  for  the 
scandall,  and  prophanatione  of  the  Lord's  day,  in  that  parochin  where 
the  offence  is  given. 

Scss  :  3°.  Octr.  4  post  meridiem. 

Anent  the  referre  of  the  last  Synod  holden  in  Apryl  1671,  relateing 
to  Mr.  John  Irving  minister  at  Cabrach,  and  his  parishioners  lybellers 
and  complainers  against  him,  it  being  found  that  the  said  Mr.  John 
has  not  as  yet  had  the  opportunitie  of  presenting  his  lybell  against 
them,  and  some  of  these  lybellers,  viz.  William  Gordoune  and  Thomas 
Stewart  having  come  to  this  Synod  to  give  in  ane  lybell  against  the 
said  Mr.  John  Irving,  he  being  absent  and  excused,  the  Lord  Bishop, 
with  consent  of  the  Synod,  orclaincs  the  Presbytrie  of  Alford,  with  the 
brethren  appoynted  at  the  last  Synod,  Apryll  1671,  assessors  to  them, 
to  proceed  and  examine  the  said  Mr.  John  Irving  his  lybell  against 
his  parishioners,  and  for  that  effect  to  keep  the  first  meeting  anent 
that  affair  at  Alford,  and  the  nixt  meeting  therafter  at  Cabrach,  and 
if  any  shall  offer  ane  new  lybell  against  the  said  Mr.  John  to  the 
Presbytrie,  that  the  moderator,  in  name  of  the  Presbytrie,  certifie 
them,  that,  after  the  discusseing  of  the  said  Mr.  John  his  lybell,  their 
lybell  shall  be  nixt  heared,  and  then,  after  that  the  lybclls  of  both 
the  said  parties  are  examined,  the  Presbytrie  of  Alford  shall  make 


176  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1671 

report  thcrof  to  the  Bishop.  And  because  there  may  be  anc  conveni 
ence  of  calling-  anc  meeting  of  those  brethren  who  are  presentlie  upon 
the  conference  betwixt  this  and  the  nixt  Synod,  it  is  ordered  that 
upon  anc  call  from  the  Lord  Bishop,  the  said  brethren  shall  meet  at 
Old  Aberdeen  at  any  tymc  to  be  appoynted  by  his  Lordship,  betwixt 
this  and  the  cnsueing  Synod.  It  is  lykcwyse  ordered  that  the  moderator 
of  Alford  shall  have  the  proccsse  and  procedure  betwixt  the  said  Mr. 
John  Irving  and  his  parishioners  in  rcadienes  to  be  sent  to  the  Lord 
Bishop,  befor  that  day,  which  shall  be  appoynted  for  the  meeting  of 
the  Lord  Bishop  and  the  brethren  of  the  conference. 

Sess  :  4"  Octr.  5  ante  meridiem. 

For  the  better  regulatcing  of  the  tryalls  of  young  men  bcfor  they 
be  admitted  to  the  ministrie,  it  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with 
consent  of  the  Synod,  that  all  young  men,  befor  they  be  admitted  to 
their  tryalls,  be  obliged  to  produce  ane  sufficient  testimonie,  under 
the  hands  of  the  maisters  of  the  Universitie  where  they  comenced 
masters  in  Philosophic,  bearing  the  claitt  of  their  graduation,  that  the 
Presbytrie  may  be  satisfied  that  the  Act  of  the  Synod,  in  reference  to 
their  four  yeirs  studie  befor  they  enter  upon  their  tryalls,  be  fullie 

satisfied. 

Secundo,  that  ane  pairt  of  their  quadrienniall  studie  be  imployed 
in  waiting  upon  the  professione  of  Theologie,  and  that  they  shall  be 
oblidged  (befor  their  admission  to  any  tryall)  to  report  testificats,  under 
the  hands  of  the  respective  professors,  of  their  proficiencie. 

Tertio,  that  evrie  young  man  who  passes  his  tryalls  shall  have  six 
dyets  for  that  effect,  and  i°.  he  shall  sustaine  the  tryall  of  the  Languages, 
2°.  his  questionaric  tryall,  3°.  the  Exegesis,  4°.  his  dispute,  5°.  he  shall 
have  the  Exercise  and  Additione,  and  6°.  a  popular  sermon.  And  if  it 
be  found  that  he  is  not  acquainted  in  competent  measure  with  the  letter 
and  received  sense  of  Scripture,  positive  and  polemicall  Divinitie,  and 
Church  Historic,  that  the  Presbytrie  shall  proceed  no  further,  but 
appoynt  him  to  be  at  the  paines  to  studie  some  better. 

Quarto,  That  the  moderator,  with  the  advyce  of  the  Presbytrie,  shall 
prescrybe  the  comon  head  to  the  candidatns,  and  that  the  said  candidatus 
shall  be  oblciclged,  befor  he  divulge  his  theses,  to  acquaint  the  moderator 


I6/I]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  177 

with  the  tenor  of  them,  that  he  may  judge  if  they  be  orthodox,  and 
pertinent  to  be  agitat  in  publick. 

Quinto,  that  they  be  so  weell  at  least  acquainted  with  the  originall 
Languages,  as  to  expone  any  chapter  in  the  Greek  New  Testament, 
and  read  any  parcel!  of  the  Old  Testament  in  Hebrew  (ad  aperturam 
libri]  and  that  over  and  above  the  exposition  of  that  Hebrew  psalm, 
which  shall  be  prcscrybed  to  them  ;  and  that  where,  through  the 
blessing  of  God,  the  Presbytrie  is  numerous,  it  is  thought  fitt  for  the 
exercise  of  evry  brother  his  gifts,  that  about  half  onlie  of  the  number 
be  imployed  to  dispute  or  propone  questiones  when  there  is  such  ane 
dyett  of  tryall,  and  the  remanent  shall  be  put  to  it  at  the  nixt  occasione. 

And  it  is  judged  convenient  for  the  forsaid  reasone,  that,  in  evry 
intcrvall  betwixt  tryalls  of  two  young  men,  one  of  the  brethren  {per 
vices]  shall  be  ordered  to  exercise  or  handle  ane  comon  head,  as  the 
Presbytrie  shall  find  fitt,  their  usuall  method  in  these  caices  being 
observed. 

Ancnt  those  whose  children  are  baptised  in  ane  disorderlie  way,  it 
is  ordered  that  those  ministers,  in  whose  parochines  the  parents  of  such 
children  reside,  may  send  in  their  names  to  the  Lord  Bishop,  that  they 
may  be  presented  by  his  Lordship  to  the  Privie  Counsell,  and  withall 
that  the  respective  ministers  shall  processe  the  parents  of  such  children 
till  they  give  satisfaction  for  the  scandall. 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  that 
the  severall  Presbytries  shall  ask  ane  accompt  of  evry  particular  minister 
within  their  precinct  anent  mortificationes  where  they  are,  and  that  the 
moderators  and  brethren  examine  how  these  mortificationes  are  secured 
and  imployed,  and  if  they  find  that  they  are  weell  secured  and  imployed, 
that  they  keep  ane  record  therof  in  their  registers,  and  if  these  mortifica 
tiones  be  weell  secured  and  imployed,  in  that  caice  not  to  trouble  the 
Bishop  and  Synod  therwith,  otherwyse  to  represent  the  samen  to  the 
nixt  Synod  in  Apryll  1672. 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod, 
that  there  be  ane  publick  fast  and  humiliatione  observed  through  all 
the  congrcgationes  of  this  Diocesse,  upon  the  Lord's  day,  the  15  of 
October  instant,  and  that  in  consideratione  of  the  many  abounding 
sinnes  of  the  land,  and  great  losse  of  the  cornes  and  fruits  of  the 
ground,  sustained  by  the  great  stormes  of  windes  and  raines,  and  to 


1 78  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

supplicat  the  Lord's  blessing  upon  the  harvest  seasonc,  and  ane  blessing 
upon  such  as  rcmaines,  and  that  intimatione  thcrof  be  made  from  the 
several!  pulpits  within  this  Diocie,  the  nixt  Lord's  day. 

For  the  better  obscrvatione  of  the  29  day  of  May  ycirlie,  for  thanks- 
mvein«\  conforme  to  the  Acts  of  Parliament  and  former  Acts  of  Synods 

DO'  » 

made  thcranent,  it  is  ordered  that  cvry  minister  within  their  respective 
Kirks  make  intimation  to  their  parishoners,  the  Lord's  day  imediatlie 
prcccdcing  the  29  of  May  yeirlic,  exhorting  them  to  the  observing  of 
that  day  by  thanksgiving,  conforme  to  the  said  Acts. 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  that 
ane  supplie  be  granted  by  cvrie  minister,  for  help  and  maintenance  of 
Master  Walter  Birnie  blind  man  and  preacher,  and  delivered  by  each 
minister  to  their  respective  moderators,  and  therafter  to  be  sent  by  the 
moderators  to  Mr.  David  Lyall,  minister  at  Aberdeen,  betwixt  and  the 
last  of  October  nixt  to  come,  who  is  to  convey  the  same  to  him. 

It  is  ordered  that  the  meeting  of  the  nixt  Synod  is  to  be  the  third 
day  of  Apryll  nixt  1672. 


At  Old  Aberdeen,  Octr:  4,  1671. 

The  brethren  mett,  and  appoynted  their  nixt  Presbyteriall  meeting 
to  be  at  Alford,  October  the  first,  and  in  regaird  that  Mr.  Alexander 
Barclay  had  been  a  Student  of  Divinitie  these  three  yeirs  bygone,  within 
the  precinct  of  the  Presbytry  of  Alford,  it  is  ordained  that,  as  a  specimen 
of  his  studies,  he  have  ane  exercise  upon  the  ordinarie  matter,  Romans 
1 6  cap:,  and  17  verse,  and  to  be  in  readines  to  deliver  the  samen  when 
ever  he  shall  be  called  therto. 


At  Alford  November  I,  1671. 

Mr.  Alexander  Barclay  haveing  acquainted  the  moderator  and 
brethren  of  the  Presbytrie,  that  he  was  shortlie  to  goe  to  Aberdeen  to 
waitt  upon  his  pupill  at  the  Colledge,  and  knew  not  but  he  might  be 
called  therto  befor  the  nixt  meeting,  therfor  desyred  that  he  might  be 
admitted  to  exercise  the  said  day,  bccaus  he  desyred  not  to  be  mistaken 
in  reference  to  the  former  ordinance,  as  either  to  have  slighted  or 


1671]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFOK1).  179 

neglected  the  same,  if  it  should  happen  that  he  were  necessitat  to  goc 
to  Aberdeen  bcfor  the  nixt  meeting,  which  desyre  is  granted,  and  so 
he  exercised  on  Romans  16  cap.  and  17  and  18  verses,  and  is  approven. 
And  the  brethren  considering  that  they  could  not  this  day  (haveing 
heard  anc  exercise  alreadie)  accept  of  Mr.  Patrick  Coupland  his  popular 
sermon  from  his  hand,  therfor  ordained  that,  in  rcgaird  the  said  Mr. 
Patrick  had  delivered  his  Exegesis  alreadie  upon  the  head  DC  Trinitate, 
and  had  tymeouselie  distributed  his  theses  upon  that  subject  to  be 
disputed,  he  should  sustaine  his  dispute  this  day,  which  he  did,  but  in 
regaird  there  were  some  brethren  that  had  not  disputed,  and  seemed 
not  to  be  altogether  satisfied  with  his  answers  to  the  arguments  pro 
pounded,  it  is  intimate  unto  them  that,  upon  the  day  when  he  shall 
sustaine  his  questionarie  tryall,  they  shall  propose  some  qucstiones 
and  arguments  upon  the  subject  of  his  dispute,  the  more  to  cleare 
them  anent  his  knowledge  thcrin,  and  bccaus  he  had  not  yet  delivered 
his  popular  sermon  (having  been  first  obstructed  by  the  weightines  of 
busines  in  Mr.  John  Irving  his  concernment,  and  afterwards  by  the 
expediencic  of  the  granting  Mr.  Alexander  Barclay,  his  forsaid  desyre) 
it  is  therfor  ordained,  that  he  have  his  popular  sermon  the  nixt  clay, 
which  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  20  dayes,  being  the  22  of  this 
current  November. 

Mr.  Patrick  Coupland  reported  that  he  had  supplied  the  vacancie 
of  Cushnie.  It  is  recomcndcd  to  him  as  yet  to  supplie  it. 

Mr.  Robert  Irving,  minister  at  Towie,  reported  that  he  had  given 
institution  to  Mr.  William  Thomsone  at  Auchindore  to  be  minister  at 
the  said  kirk,  conforme  to  his  letters  of  collatione,  granted  by  the  Right 
Reverend  Patrick,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  which  are  of  the  daitt,  the  sixth 
of  October  1671,  and  that  upon  the  22  of  October  last  bypast. 

Anent  the  Session  book  of  Strathdone,  the  minister  of  Lochell  this 
day  gave  in  the  report  theranent,  and  it  was  approven,  onlie  some  omis- 
siones  and  informalities  of  the  Clerk  were  observed,  which  the  minister 
was  desyred  to  help  in  tymc  comeing. 

Mr.  John  Irving  was  ordained  to  sumond  to  the  nixt  meeting  such 
persones  as  had  not  compeired  the  last  day,  provydeing  always  that  the 
report  of  the  late  Synod  come  to  our  hands. 

It  is  appoynted  that  the  privie  censure  passe  on  the  respective 
brethren  the  nixt  day,  which  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  20  dayes. 


180  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

All  the  respective  brethren  being  inquyrcd  if  they  had  observed  the 
fast  injoyncd  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  declaired  that  they  had 

observed  it. 

[//  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alford  Xov:  22,  1671. 

Mr.  Patrick  Coupland  delivered  his  popular  sermon  on  Revelation 
22  cap:  and  17  verse,  and  when  it  came  to  the  censure  of  the  doctrine, 
it  was  alleadged  by  some,  that  the  said  sermon  was  no  fruits  of  his 
studies,  but  was  taken  almost  verbatim  out  of  Sedgwick  upon  the  54 
of  Isaiah,  wherupon  the  judgment  of  the  brethren  therancnt  is  suspended 
till  the  nixt  meeting,  that  his  papers  be  conferred  with  that  book,  and 
it  is  ordained  that  he  have  his  questionarie  tryall  the  nixt  day,  which 
is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  moneth,  being  the  20  of  the  ensueing  moneth 
December. 

Anent  Mr.  John  Irving,  his  busines  is  referred  as  yet  to  the  nixt  day, 
the  referres  of  the  late  Synod  not  being  come  to  the  Prcsbytrie. 

According  to  the  former  ordinance,  the  privie  censure  past  upon  the 
respective  brethren,  but  nothing  worthie  of  censure  was  observed. 

Mr.  William  Christie  delivered  to  the  Presbytrie  his  Session  book 
of  Glenbucket,  which  was  given  to  Mr.  Thomas  Garden,  minister  at 
Clatt,  to  be  visited,  and  to  report  his  diligence  theranent  the  nixt  day. 

[//  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alford  December  20,  1671. 

Mr.  Patrick  Coupland  haveing,  imediatlie  after  the  last  Presbytrie, 
delivered  up  the  papers  of  his  popular  sermon,  together  with  Sedgwick's 
book,  to  the  moderator,  the  moderator,  with  consent  of  the  brethren,  did 
sett  apart  two  of  the  members  of  the  Presbytrie  for  collationing  the  same, 
who,  after  they  had  read  over  and  revised  them,  reported  that  it  was  far 
otherwise  than  was  alleadged,  and  that  they  had  found  vast  difference 
betwixt  them,  both  in  the  method  and  matter,  he  is  therfor  this  day 
approven  in  that  poynt  of  tryall. 


1672]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  iSl 

Mr.  Patrick  Coupland  sustained  his  questionarie  tryall  of  the 
Languages,  Hebrew  and  Greek,  and  was  approven. 

The  brethren  haveing  taken  to  consideratione  the  severall  poynts  of 
Mr.  Patrick  Coupland  his  tryalls,  found  themselves  satisfied  to  grant 
him  a  recomendation  to  their  Ordinarie,  the  Lord  Bishop  of  Aberdeen, 
in  order  to  his  ordination  and  admission  to  the  Church  of  Cushnie, 
which  the  moderator  of  the  Presbytrie  is  to  transmitt  to  the  Bishop. 

Mr.  William  Murray,  Student  in  Divinitie,  and  servitor  to  the  Laird 
of  Craigivarre,  being  recomended  by  some  of  the  brethren  that  he  might 
have  a  comon  head  prescrybed  him,  as  a  specimen  ingenii,  was  appoynted 
to  have  ane  Exegesis  De  judice  controversiarum  the  nixt  day,  which  is 
appoynted  to  be  this  day  moneth. 

\I2  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alford  Januarie  17,  1672. 

Mr.  William  Murray  delivered  ane  Exegesis  De  judice  controver- 
siaruni,  as  a  specimen  ingenii^  and  was  approven. 

In  reference  to  ane  letter  sent  from  our  Ordinarie,  concerning  a  late 
emergent,  alleadged  to  be  done  by  Mr.  John  Irving,  minister  at  Cabrach, 
by  setting  fyre  to  the  corns  of  a  widow  woman,  named  Jannet  Roy,  and 
some  endeavours  to  kill  some  persones,  the  tryall  of  which  was  recomen 
ded  in  the  first  place,  and  to  be  begunne  at,  befor  any  other  accusationes 
exhibited  by  him  against  his  pariochoners,  should  be  examined,  as  the 
letter  at  more  length  proports.  Mr.  James  Straquhan,  minister  at  Oyne, 
Mr.  William  Garrioch,  minister  at  Culsamond,  Assessors  nominat  by  the 
Bishop,  in  his  letter,  mett  with  the  Presbytrie  for  that  effect.  The  parties 
who  joyned  in  this  accusatione  against  the  said  Mr.  John  Irving  are  as 
follows,  Thomas  Stewart,  Alexander  Stewart,  and  Jannet  Roy  their 
mother,  who  gave  in  a  lybell  to  that  purpose,  which  Thomas  and 
Alexander  Stewarts  subscrybed  with  their  owne  hands,  and  the  woman 
did  authorize  the  Clerk  to  subscrybe  for  her.  And  the  said  Mr.  John 
being  posed  as  to  these  alleadgeances  given  in  against  him,  if  they 
were  true  or  no,  denyed  the  lybell  in  terminis,  and  for  the  probation  of 
the  lybell,  the  accusers  forsaid  give  in  these  witnesses,  Patrick  Gordoune 
servitour  to  the  said  Mr.  John  Irving,  John  Gordoune  in  Larg,  James 


182  kECOKDS    OK    THE    MEETING  [1672 

Moricc  in  the  Kirktownc,  Kathcrinc  Kcllis  there,  William  Gordoune  in 
Ballhillock,  John  Clerk  in  Redfoord,  William  Gordoune  in  the  milne 
of  Cabrach,  and  none  of  these  witnesses  being  present,  save  John 
Gordoune  in  Larg,  and  Patrick  Gordoune,  against  whom  the  said  Mr. 
John  made  no  exception,  only  desyred  that  John  Gordoune  should 
give  his  oath  de  caluiunia,  who  were  admitted  and  sworne  in  presence 
of  the  said  Mr.  John,  and  the  forsaid  accusers,  who  deponed  as  after 
followes.  John  Gordoune  deponed,  in  the  first  place,  that  he  had  no 
malice  against  the  said  Mr.  John,  and  being  interrogat  anent  the  lybcll, 
as  to  Mr.  John  Irving  his  oppressing  Jannet  Roy,  and  minaceing  Thomas 
Stewart,  niliil probat.  As  to  the  other  particulare,  in  setting  fyre  to  the 
corns,  nil  til  probat.  Patrick  Gordoune  being  called  in,  as  to  the  first 
particular  niJiil  probat :  as  to  the  second,  he  deponed  that  he  saw  Mr. 
John  Irving  stricking  Thomas  Stewart  with  his  foot,  whill  the  said 
Thomas  was  holding  him  by  the  shoulders,  and  that  he  heard  the  said 
Mr.  John  say  he  should  be  alyke  with  the  said  Thomas  and  Alexander 
Stewarts,  either  with  swourd,  durk,  or  whinger,  in  the  rest  nihil  probat. 
And  there  being  no  more  witnesses  present,  the  parties  accusing  were 
desyred  to  bring  the  witnesses  given  up  by  them,  or  more  (if  they 
had  any)  to  the  nixt  Prcsbytcriall  meeting,  to  be  holden  at  Cabrach 
the  14  of  the  ensucing  moneth  of  Fcbruarie. 

Mr.  Georg  Watsonc,  minister  at  Lochell,  delated  Thomas  Garden, 
\Villiam  Milne,  Thomas  Cromarre,  Robert  Mitchell,  and  Robert  Ogilvie, 
for  consulting  with  the  sorcerer,  Patrick  M'Komie  anent  stollen  goods. 
He  is  appoynted  to  cause  sumond  them  to  the  nixt  meeting,  to  be 
holden  at  this  place. 


At  Cabrach  Fcbr:  14,  1672. 

Being  stormie,  mett  onlie  Mr.  Robert  Irvine,  minister  at  Towie, 
Mr  Arthur  Strachan,  minister  at  Mortlech,  appoynted  Assessor  by 
the  Bishop,  Mr.  Thomas  Garden,  minister  at  Clatt,  and  Mr.  William 
Thomsone,  minister  at  Auchindore.  Compeired  Thomas  Stewart, 
Alexander  Stewart,  and  Jannet  Roy,  their  mother,  parties,  and  appealled 
not  onlie  from  the  brethren  conveened  at  the  tyme,  but  also  from  the 
wholl  brethren  of  the  Prcsbytric  and  assessors,  nominat  by  the  Bishop. 


l672J  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  ^3 

Whcrupon  Mr.  Irving  took  instruments  in  the  Clerk  his  hands,  and 
protested  that  they  might  have  no  further  hearing  befor  those  'from 
whom  they  had  appeallcd,  in  any  processe  they  were  carying  on  against 
him. 

Jannet  Thomsone  and  Margaret  Hebron  gave  in  a  lybell  against 
the  said  Mr.  John  Irving,  for  stricking  and  bleeding  of  them,  at  the 
tending  of  their  lint,  witnesses  Donnald  Catenoch,  Georg  'llector, 
James  Gordounc,  and  Alexander  Fordycc,  who  being  called,  none  com 
peired,  safe  Alexander  Fordyce,  who  was  admitted  ;  and  being  swornc, 
deponed  that  he  saw  Mr.  John  Irving  pulling  at  the  lint  with  his  owne 
hand,  and  heard  Jannet  Thomsone  and  Margaret  Hebron  desyre  him 
to  take  his  tcynd  where  it  fell  him,  notwithstanding  he  continueing  to 
pull  the  lint  as  formcrlie,  both  the  said  persones  did  fly  in  his  hair, 
whcrupon  the  said  Alexander  endeavouring  to  redd  them,  they  did' 
flee  in  his  hair  also,  and  trailed  him  the  length  of  ten  ox'en  by  the 
hair,  whilk  Mr.  John  Irving  seeing,  strack  the  foresaid  Janet  Thomsone 
to  the  ground  with  ane  clvand,  and  brack  it  on  her  head,  but  declaircd 
that  he  saw  no  blood. 

Mr.  John  Irving  gave  in  a  lybell  against  Thomas  and  Alexander 
Stewarts,  for  stricking  and  miscalling  him,  witnesses  James  Morice, 
Robert  Keith,  and  Robert  Stewart,  who  being  called,  compeired,  and 
being  admitted,  and  swornc,  deponed  as  followes.  James  Morice 
deponed  that  Thomas  Stewart  called  Mr.  John  Irving  dwarf  and  rogge, 
and  threatned  to  trample  him,  and  that  Alexander  Stewart  stroke 
him  with  his  feet,  and  took  the  rod  out  of  his  hand,  wherwith  he  had 
beaten  him,  and  therwith  strake  the  said  Mr.  John  Irving.  Robert 
Keith  nihil probavit.  Robert  Stewart  uihil probavit. 

In  the  forsaid  lybell  also,  Mr.  John  Irving  complcaned  on  John 
Marnoch,  for  calling  him  dwarf  bodie,  and  threatning  to  beat  his 
servant  ;  witnesses  James  Gordounc  and  John  Stewart,  who  being 
called,  compeired  not ;  whcrfor  the  Prcsbytrie,  according  to  the  Bishop 
his  letter  to  them,  offered  the  probation  to  the  oatrT  of  partie,  who 
refuscing  was  judged  guiltie  of  the  calumnies  contained  in  the  lybell. 

Mr.  John  Irving  took  instrument  in  the  Clerk's  hand,  that  Robert 
Keith  called  him  a  lyar  in  face  of  the  brethren  mett  at  the  tyme. 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  at  Alford  this  day  fourtnight, 
and  Mr.  John  Irving  desyred  libertie  to  sumond  such  persons  as  had' 


1 84  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [l6/2 

wronged  him  in  his  good  name  or  otherwise  to  the  nixt  meeting,  which 
was  granted. 

At  Alford  Febr:  28,  1672. 

No  exercise,  in  respect  the  last  meeting  at  Cabrach  was  but  thinne, 
by  reason  of  the  storminess  of  the  weather,  as  also  the  brethren  who 
did  meet  knew  not  whose  vice  it  was  to  exercise,  and  therfor  could  not 
appoynt  it. 

Anent  the  Session  book  of  Glenbucket,  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  having 
now  visited  it,  gave  in  the  accempt  thcrof,  whcrin  there  was  no  substan- 
tiall  thing  found  omitted. 

Anent  the  supplie  of  Cushnie,  Mr.  Patrick  Coupland  is  appoynted, 
not  to  suffer  that  place  to  be  vacant  any  more,  haveing  now  received 
ordination  from  the  Bishop. 

Anent  Thomas  Garden,  William  Milne,  Thomas  Cromarre,  Robert 
Mitchell,  and  Robert  Ogilvie  in  Lochell,  the  minister  reported  that  they 
were  sumoned  to  this  day,  who  being  called,  compeired  onlie  Thomas 
Garden,  who,  confessing  his  sin,  is  appoynted  to  satisfie  the  discipline 
of  Lochell  in  sackcloath.  The  rest  not  compciring  are  appoynted  to 
be  sumoned  pro  2do.  And  ancnt  Patrick  M'Komie,  the  sorcerer  whom 
they  consulted,  it  is  referred  to  the  Bishop  to  clear  the  Prcsbytrie  if 
the  processe  formerly  led  against  the  said  Patrick  be  subscryved  or 
not,  and  that,  in  respect  it  is  found  in  the  records  of  the  Presbytrie 
that  he  was  processed,  but  it  cannot  be  found  that  he  is  excomunicat. 

Mr.  John  Irvine  gave  in  a  literall  sumonds  against  Jannet  Roy, 
Thomas  Stewart,  Alexander  Stewart,  John  Marno,  William  Stewart, 
Christian  Morice,  James  Morice,  James  Millar,  John  Strachan,  Jannet 
Couper,  and  William  Robertsone,  who  being  called  compeired  not.  He 
is  appoynted  to  cause  sumond  them  to  the  nixt  dyet  sub  poena  contuma- 
ciae. 

The  referrs  of  the  late  Synod  were  read,  and  seriouslie  recomended, 
but  chieflie  ancnt  mortificationes,  and  evry  one  that  hath  mortificationes 
is  appoynted  to  give  a  clear  accompt  of  them  the  nixt  clay. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay  declaired  that  he  had  given  institution  to  Mr. 
Patrick  Copland  to  be  minister  of  Cushnie,  conforme  to  his  letters  of 
collatione  to  the  said  kirk,  and  that  upon  the  [18  day  of  this  current 
Februarie. 


OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  185 

It  is  appoynted  that  the  respective  brethren  bring  their  collectiones 
for  Mr.  Walter  Birnie  to  the  nixt  meeting. 

The  nixt  day  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  twentie  dayes,  and  by 
reason  of  a  letter  sent  from  the  Bishop  to  the  Presbytrie  to  receive  Mr. 
Alexander  Barclay,  Student  of  Divinitic,  upon  tryall,  in  order  to  publick 
preaching,  he  is  appoynted  to  sustain  the  tryall  of  the  Languages,  Greek 
and  Hebrew,  the  nixt  day. 

[/£>  cases  of  discipline} 

At  Alford  March  20,  1672. 

Mr.  Alexander  Barclay  sustained  the  tryall  of  the  Languages,  Greek, 
Hebrew  (haveing  presented  a  large  testimonie  of  his  proficiencie  in  the 
Divinitic,  under  the   hand  of  Mr.  John  Menzies,  Professor  of 
)ivinitie  at  Aberdeen)  and    was  approven.       The  nixt  meeting  is   ap 
poynted  to  be  this  day  20  dayes,  and  the  said  Mr.  Alexander  is  appoynted 
to  sustamc  the  questionarie  tryall. 

Anent  Thomas  Garden,  William  Milne,  Thomas  Cromarre  Robert 
;ilv.e,  and  Robert  Mitchell  in  Lochell,  the  minister  reported  that 
Thomas  Garden  had  obeyed  the  ordinance  of  the  Presbyterie  and  was 
absolved  March  the  17  day,  and  that  the  rest  were  sumoned  to  this  day 
pro  2°.,  who  being  called  compeired,  and  confessing  their  sin  were  ap 
poynted  to  satisfie  the  discipline  of  Lochell  in  sackcloath. 

Anent  Jannet  Roy,  Thomas  Stewart,  Alexander  Stewart,  John  Marno 

William  Stewart,  Christian  Morice,  James  Morice,  James    Millar,  John 

•trachan,  Jannet  Couper,  and  William  Robertsone  in  Cabrach,  the  minister 

the  execution  of  a  literall  sumoncls  given  them,  to  be  present  this 

day,  who  being  called  compeired  not,  are  declaired  contumacious,  and  the 

minister  is  appoynted  to  goe  on  in  processe  against  them. 

Anent  the  collectione  for  Mr.  Walter  Birnie,  the  respective  brethren 
promised  to  bring  it  to  the  Synod. 

Anent    mortificationcs,  the    respective  brethren    declaired    that   they 
ew  none  unclear,  or  not  well  secured,  safe  one  in  Glenbucket,  for  the 
g  of  which,  the  minister  of  Glenbucket  is  appoynted  to  use  legall 
diligence. 

[/5  cases  of  discipline] 
A  A 


1 86  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1672 

At  Alford  Apryl  10,  1672. 

Mr.  Alexander  Barclay  sustained  his  questionaric  tryall,  and  was 
approven.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  20  dayes, 
and  Mr.  Alexander  Barclay  ordained  to  have  ane  Exegesis  De  officio 
Christi  mediatorio,  and  to  have  his  theses  in  readiness  to  be  distribute  the 
nixt  day. 

Anent  the  referrs  of  Cabrach,  no  report  because  of  the  minister  his 
absence. 

Anent  mortification.es  ut  supra. 

There  came  ane  letter  from  our  Ordinarie,  adjourneing  the  Synod 
(becaus  he  was  gone  South)  to  the  first  Tuesday  of  October. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  Mr.  George  Melvil,  Mr.  John  Walker,  Mr.  Thomas 
Garden,  Mr.  Robert  Irvine,  and  Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie  declaired  that 
they  had  celebrate  the  Holy  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  on  the  7  of 
this  instant  Apryl. 

Mr.  Thomas  Garden  was  appoynted  to  goe  to  Kinethmont,  and 
inquire  at  Mr.  Robert  Cheyne  the  cause  of  his  so  frequent  absence, 
without  sending  ane  accompt  of  his  referres,  and  to  report  the  nixt  day. 

[75  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alford  May  i,  1672. 

Mr.  Alexander  Barclay  had  ane  Exegesis  De  officio  Christi  mediatorio, 
and  was  approven,  also  he  distribute  his  theses,  and  was  appoynted  to  be 
in  readines  this  day  20  dayes,  to  sustaine  the  dispute  of  the  same,  at  this 
place. 

Anent  the  referrs  of  Cabrach,  no  report,  the  minister  being  yet  absent. 

Mr.  William  Christie  declaired  that  he  had  celebrat  the  Holy  Sacra 
ment  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  on  the  14  of  Apryl  last  bypast. 

Mr.  Thomas  Garden  reported  that  he  had  gone  to  Kinethmont, 
according  to  the  Presbytrie's  appoyntment,  and  enquyred  at  Mr.  Robert 
Cheyne  the  cause  of  his  frequent  absence  from  the  meetings  of  the  Pres- 
bytrie,  who  replyed  that  he  was  so  valetudinary  that  he  was  scarce  able 
to  ryde  one  myl  of  ground,  and  as  for  his  referrs,  he  told  that  it  was  not 
his  fault,  but  the  officer's,  who  was,  evry  Presbytrie  day,  directed  with  a 


1672]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  187 

lyne  from  him  to  the  Prcsbytrie,  with  ane  a.ccompt  of  his  referrs,  and 
returneing  at  night,  said  that  he  was  at  the  Presbytrie,  vvherfor  he 
desyred  that  a  lyne  should  be  directed  back  to  him  from  the  Presbytrie, 
under  the  clerk's  hand  in  order  to  his  referrs,  when  he  wrott  to  them 
(which  he  promised  to  doe  evry  Presbytrie  day).  The  Presbytrie  thought 
,fitt  his  desyrc  should  be  granted,  and  ordered  the  clerk  to  doe  it  in  all 
tyme  comeing. 

The  nixt  day,  it  is  appoynted  that  the  privie  censure  passe  on  the 
respective  brethren. 

Anent  mortificationcs  ut  supra. 

[//  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfoord  May  22,  1672. 

Mr.  Alexander  Barclay  sustained  the  dispute  of  his  theses  De  officio 
CJiristi  mediatori-O)  and  was  approven.  The  nixt  day  is  appoynted  to  be 
this  day  20  dayes,  and  the  forsaid  Mr.  Alexander  is  appoynted  to  have 
ane  Exercise  and  Addition,  on  the  following  matter  of  the  Exercise, 
Romans  16  cap.,  beginning  at  the  19  verse. 

Anent  the  referrs  of  Cabrach,  no  report,  the  minister  being  yet  absent. 

The  privie  censure  delayed  till  the  nixt  day,  becaus  of  the  paucitie  of 
the  brethren  mett  at  the  tymc. 

Mr.  Robert  Cheyne  reported  by  his  lyne,  that  he  had  celebrat  the 
sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  upon  the  12  and  19  dayes  of  this 
current  May. 

Anent  mortificationes  ut  supra. 

[12  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alford  June  12,  1672. 

Mr.  Alexander  Barclay  had  ane  Exercise  and  Addition  on  Romans 
1 6  cap.,  19  and  20  verses,  and  was  approven.  The  nixt  day  is  appoynted 
to  be  this  day  moneth,  and  the  forsaid  Mr.  Alexander  is  appoynted  to 
have  a  popular  sermon  on  I  Timothy  I.  15. 

Anent   the  referrs  of  Cabrach,   no    report,   the   minister   being   yet 


1 88  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1672 

absent,  and  in  respect  of  his  so  frequent  absence,  the  Prcsbytrie  appoyn- 
ted  Mr.  William  Thomsone  to  goe  to  Cabrach,  betwixt  and  the  nixt 
Presbyteriall  meeting,  on  a  Lord's  clay,  and  hold  session,  and  call  for  ane 
accompt  of  his  referrs,  and  to  make  report  at  the  nixt  meeting,  withall  to 
acquaint  the  minister  of  Cabrach  what  Lord's  day  he  is  to  goc  thither, 
that  he  may  sumond  delinquents  tymeouslie  to  that  day. 

Mr.  William  Burnet  dcclaircd  that  he  had  celebrat  the  Holy  Sacra 
ment  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  on  the  26  of  May  last  bypast. 

This  day,  the  privie  censure  past  on  the  respective  brethren,  but 
nothing  worthie  of  censure  was  observed. 

The  respective  brethren  being  enquired,  by  the  Moderator,  if  they  had 
observed  the  29  of  May,  by  preaching,  replyed  they  had,  except  Mr. 
Adam  Barclay,  Mr.  Robert  Irvine,  and  Mr.  William  Burnet,  who  de- 
claired  they  were  in  readines,  but  they  wanted  hearers. 

[//  cases  of  discipline] 


At  Alfoord  Julie  10,  1672. 

Mr.  Alexander  Barclay  had  a  popular  sermon  on  i  Timothy  i.  15, 
and  was  approven  in  this  and  the  rest  of  his  tryalls,  and  is  appoyntecl  to 
have  a  recomendation  from  the  Moderator  to  the  Bishop,  in  order  to  the 
opening  of  his  mouth  for  public  preaching.  The  nixt  day  is  appoyntecl 
to  be  this  day  20  days,  and  Mr.  John  Mair  is  appoynted  to  have  ane 
Exercise  and  Addition,  on  the  following  matter,  Romans  last  and  21 
verse,  and  he  being  absent,  the  minister  of  Leochel  is  appoynted  to 
acquaint  him  with  this  ordinance. 

Anent  the  referrs  of  Cabrach,  Mr.  William  Thomsone  declaired  that 
he  had  gone  there  on  Lord's  day  was  eight  dayes,  and  had  preached  and 
holden  session,  and  found  the  elders  most  willing  to  keep  session  evry 
Lord's  day  with  the  minister,  which  the  minister  would  not  doe,  unles 
they  were  all  sworr.e  de  novo  (pretending  they  all  sweyed  together 
against  him)  which  could  not  be  done  without  a  comission  from  the 
Bishop.  The  delinquents  were  called,  but  none  compeircd,  he  is  desyred 
to  cause  sumond  them  to  the  nixt  Presbyteriall  meeting,  to  be  holden  at 
Alfoord  Julie  10. 


1672]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OE   ALEOKI).  189 

Mr.  William  15 u met  delate  James  Smith  in  the  parochine  of  Auchin- 
clore,  and  Michael  Dunbar  in  the  parochine  of  Kildrumie,  for  Sabbath 
breaking-  by  drinking  in  the  tyme  of  the  afternoon  sermon,  being  on  a 
clay  of  solcmne  thanksgiving  after  the  sacrament,  as  also  by  appoynting 
a  combat  which  they  fought  on  the  morrow  morning  ;  as  also  Patrick- 
Thomson  and  his  wife  Isobel  Davidsone,  in  the  parochine  of  Towie,  and 
Alexander  Forbes  in  the  parochine  of  Kildrumie,  for  Sabbath  breaking, 
by  drinking  in  the  tyme  of  the  afternoon  sermon,  on  the  same  day  of 
thanksgiving.  He  is  appoynted  to  cause  sumond  them  to  the  nixt  meet 
ing,  being  contumacious  to  the  session. 

Anent  mortificationes  the  minister  of  Glenbucket  declaired  that  he 
had  sought  that  hundredth  merks  (left  in  legacie  by  the  umquhill 
Laird  of  Glenbucket  to  the  poor  of  the  pariochine)  from  the  tutor  of 
Glenbucket,  first  in  a  friencllie  manner,  and  then  by  a  sumonds  befor  the 
Comissarie  of  Aberdeen,  and  that  the  tutor  did  not  refuse  it,  but  sought  a 
sufficient  warrandice,  he  not  being  nominat  executor  (as  he  alleadged)  in 
the  testament,  wherfor  the  said  matter  is  referred  to  the  Bishop  and 
Synod,  for  their  advyce  and  assistance  in  the  prosecution  therof,  if  need 
be. 

[10  cases  of  discipline} 

At  Alfoord  July  31,  1672. 

Mr.  John  Mair  had  ane  Exercise  and  Addition  on  Romans  16.  21,  22 
and  23,  and  was  approven.  The  nixt  day  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day 
20  dayes,  and  the  Moderator  is  appoynted  to  exercise  on  the  following 
matter  of  the  Exercise. 

Anent  the  referrs  of  Cabrach,  no  report,  the  minister  being  yet  absent. 

The  Presbyterie  made  a  referre  to  the  Bishop  and  ensueing  Synod, 
anent  the  going  to  wells,  and  anent  the  payment  of  clerks  for  testi- 
monialls.1 

[14.  cases  of  discipline} 

At  Alfoord  August  21,  1672. 

The  Moderator  exercised  and  added  on  Romans  16.  24,  and  was 
approven.  The  nixt  day  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  moneth,  and  Mr. 

1  Note  25. 


190  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1672 

Andrew  Abercrombic  is  appoyntcd  to  exercise  and  add,  on  the  following- 
matter  of  the  Exercise. 

Anent  the  referrs  of  Cabrach,  no  report,  the  minister  being  yet  absent. 

[//  cases  of  discipline] 


At  Alfoord  Septr.  18,  1672. 

There  was  no  exercise,  in  respect  the  speaker,  Mr.  Andrew  Aber 
crombic,  was  necessarlie  withdrawn  to  Glasgow.  The  next  meeting  is 
appoynted  to  be  this  clay  moneth  (if  there  be  not  a  winter  Synod),  which 
if  there  be,  the  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be,  the  second  day  therof, 
at  the  King's  Colledge  Church  in  Old  Aberdeen,  and  Mr.  Andrew  Aber- 
crombie  is  appoynted  to  exercise,  the  nixt  day  of  our  meeting  at  this 
place. 

Anent  the  referrs  of  Cabrach,  no  report,  the  minister  being  yet  absent. 

[ij  cases  of  discipline} 

At  Alfoord  October  16,  1672. 

Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie  had  ane  Exercise  and  Addition  on  Romans 
1 6.  25,  26  and  27,  and  was  appro ven.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to 
be  this  day  moneth,  and  Mr.  Patrick  Coupland,  minister  at  Cushnie,  to 
have  ane  Exercise  and  Addition  on  i  Corinthians  i.  I. 

Anent  the  referrs  of  Cabrach,  no  report,  the  minister  being  yet  absent, 
wherfor  the  minister  of  Auchindore  is  appoynted  to  writt  to  him  in  name 
of  the  Presbytrie,  anent  his  frequent  absence,  and  to  make  report  the 
nixt  day. 

The  nixt  day  the  privie  censure  is  appointed  to  passe  on  the  respec 
tive  brethren. 

[14.  cases  of  discipline} 

At  Alfoord  November  13,  1672. 

Mr.  Patrick  Coupland  had  ane  Exercise  and  Addition  on  i  Corinth 
ians  i.i,  and  was  approvcn.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this 


1672]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  IQI 

day  moneth.  and  Mr.  Georg  Watsone  to  have  ane  Exercise  and  Addition 
on  the  following  matter  of  the  Exercise. 

Anent  the  referrs  of  Cabrach,  no  report,  the  minister  being  yet  absent 
Mr.  William  Thomson,  minister  at  Auchindore,  reported,  that  he  had  sent 
a  lyne  to  him,  as  he  was  appoynted,  but  had  received  no  returne.  The 
former  ordinance  is  renewed  to  him. 

The  privie  censure  past  on  the  respective  brethren  present,  but 
nothing  worthie  of  censure  was  observed. 

[12  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfoord  December  10,  1672. 

Mr.  Georg  Watsone  had  ane  Exercise  and  Addition  on  i  Corinthians 
I.  2,  and  was  approven.  The  nixt  day  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day 
moneth,  and  Mr.  William  Thomson  to  have  ane  Exegesis  De  numero 
sacrament  or  um. 

Anent  the  referrs  of  Cabrach,  no  report,  the  minister  being  absent. 
Mr.  William  Thomson  declaired  that  he  had  sent  a  lyne  to  him,  but  it 
was  miscaried.  He  is  appoynted  to  writt  to  him  against  the  nixt  day, 
and  to  report. 

[p  cases  of  discipline'} 


At  Alfoord  Januarie  8,  1673. 

There  was  no  exercise,  in  respect  the  day  was  far  spent  befor  the 
brethren  conveened  (it  being  stormie  in  the  morning).  Mr.  William 
Thomson  is  appoynted  to  have  his  Exegesis  the  nixt  day,  which  is 
appoynted  to  be  this  day  moneth. 

Anent  the  referrs  of  Kincthmont,  no  report,  becaus  of  the  minister's 
absence. 

Anent  the  referrs  of  Cabrach,  the  minister  of  Auchendore  reported 
that  he  had  written  to  the  minister  of  Cabrach,  dcsyring  him,  in  name  of 
the  Presbytrie,  to  keep  the  meetings  of  the  Prcsbytrie,  and  that  he  had 
received  his  answer,  that  it  was  ane  unreasonable  clesyre  of  the  Presbytrie 
to  him,  and  that  he  would  keep  no  more  meetings  with  them,  untill  the 


RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 


Lord  Bishop  came  home,  which  answer  being  publickly  read  befor  the 
Presbytrie,  and  considered,  he  is  judged  guiltie  of  contumacie,  and  referred 
to  the  Bishop  and  Synod  for  censure. 

[7  cases  of  discipline] 


At  Alfoord  Februarie  5,  1673. 

Mr.  William  Thomson  had  ane  Exegesis  De  ntimero  sacramentorum, 
and  was  approven.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day 
moneth,  and  Mr.  William  Murray,  Student  of  Divinitie,  within  the 
precinct  of  our  Presbytrie,  being  recommended  by  some  of  the  brethren, 
in  order  to  the  passing  of  his  tryalls  for  public  preaching,  and  having 
produced  a  testimony  of  his  proficiencie  in  the  said  studie  of  Divinitie, 
under  the  hand  of  Mr.  John  Men/ics,  Professor,  he  is  appoynted  to  be  in 
readines  the  nixt  day,  to  sustain  the  tryall  of  the  Languages,  Greek  and 
Hebrew. 

Mr.  William  Christie,  and  Mr.  Andrew  Abcrcrombie  not  being 
present  at  the  privy  censure  were  removed,  but  nothing  found  worthie  of 
censure  in  them,  safe  that  they  were  exhorted  to  keep  the  meetings  of 
the  Presbytrie  more  frequentlie. 

[p  cases  of  discipline] 


At  Alfoord  March  5,  1673. 

Mr.  William  Murray  sustained  the  tryall  of  the  Languages,  Greek  and 
Hebrew,  and  was  approven.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this 
clay  moneth,  and  Mr.  William  Murray  appoynted  to  sustaine  the  question- 
arie  tryall. 

Mr.  John  Irvine,  minister  of  Cabrach,  sent  a  lyne  to  the  Presbytrie, 
shewing  that  Jannet  Roy,  Thomas  Stewart,  Alexander  Stewart,  John 
Marno,  William  Stewart,  Christian  Morice,  James  Morice,  James  Millar, 
John  Strachan,  Jannet  Couper,  and  William  Robertsone,  were  literallie 
sumoned  to  this  day  sub  pcena  contumacies,  as  was  formerlie  appoynted  by 
the  Presbytrie,  but  the  Presbytrie  did  forbear  to  call  them,  in  regard 


1673]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  193 

nothing  could  be  done  anent  them,  untill  Mr.  John   Irving  were  present, 
to  instruct  what  he  had  to  lay  to  their  charge. 

Mr.  James  Oare,  son  to  umquhill  Mr.  Arthur  Oare,  sometyme 
minister  at  Culsalmond,  in  the  Garrioch,  being  recomended  by  some  of 
the  brethren,  in  order  to  the  passing  of  his  tryalls  for  publick  preaching, 
and  being  cloathed  with  famous  testimonies,  one  under  the  hands  of  the 
masters  of  the  King's  College,  in  Old  Aberdeen,  for  his  commencement 
with  them  in  the  stuclie  of  Philosophic,  another  under  the  hand  of  Mr. 
John  Menzies,  Professor,  of  his  proficiencie  in  the  stuclie  of  Theologie,  a 
third  under  the  hand  of  the  brethren  of  the  Exercise  of  the  Garrioch, 
where  he  now  resides,  of  his  Christian  behaviour  and  cariage  during  his 
abode  with  them,  is  appoyntecl  the  nixt  clay  to  be  in  readiness  to  stistaine 
the  tryall  of  the  Languages,  Greek  and  Hebrew. 

[c?  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfoord,  Apryl  2,  1673. 

Mr.  William  Murray  being  absent,  Mr.  James  Oare  sustained  the 
tryall  of  the  Languages,  Greek  and  Hebrew,  and  was  approven,  but 
exhorted  to  study  the  Hebrew  more  exactlie.  The  nixt  meeting  is 
appoynted  to  be  this  day  twenty  dayes  at  Cabrach,  in  regard  the 
Presbytrie  had  received  a  letter  from  the  Lord  Bishop,  of  the  dait 
at  Edinburgh,  March  i,  earnestly  desyring  them  to  take  as  speedy  and 
exact  notice  as  they  could  of  ane  emergent  done  by  Mr.  John  Irving, 
minister  of  Cabrach,  against  Alexander  Stewart  his  pariochoncr,  in  ex- 
comunicating  him  without  processe  or  warrand  from  the  Lord  Bishop, 
and  therby  warranting  them  to  suspend  the  said  Mr.  John  Irving  from 
the  exercise  of  his  ministrie,  till  the  nixt  Synod,  if,  after  tryall,  his 
cariage  should  be  found  such  as  was  represented  in  a  letter  subscribed 
under  the  hands  of  a  certaine  number  of  the  congregation  of  Cabrach,  and 
incloysed  in  the  Lord  Bishop  his  lyne  to  the  Presbytery,  and  Mr.  John 
Irving  is  appointed  to  be  summoned  litera  scripta  to  be  present  this  day 
twenty  dayes  at  Cabrach,  to  hear  and  see  probation  ledd  against  him  in 
the  said  matter,  and  Alexander  Stewart  is  appoyntecl  to  have  his 
wittnesses  sumoned  tymeouslie  to  the  said  day. 

BE 


194  RECORDS   OF   TIIK   MKKTING 

Mr.  Patrick  Copland  delate  Agnis  Farquhar,  for  revyling  and  cursing 
himself,  in  saying  base  rascal,  the  vengeance  of  God  be  upon  thce.  He 
is  appoynted  to  cause  sumond  her  to  the  nixt  meeting  at  this  place. 

[<?  cases  of  discipline] 


At  Cabrach  April  23,  1673. 

There  was  no  exercise  or  referrs,  safe  that  which  was  recomended  by 
the  Lord  Bishop  to  the  Presbytrie,  anent  Mr.  John  Irving,  his  cariage  to 
Alexander  Stewart.  The  Presbytrie  being  mett,  Mr.  John  Irving  and 
Alexander  Stewart  being  called,  compeired,  and  Alexander  Stewart  gave 
in  the  exccutiones  of  literall  sumonds  given  to  the  witnesses  after  follow 
ing  viz.  John  Clerk  in  Reedford,  Alexander  Robertson  in  Belchilie, 
John  Mackanla  in  Lesmurdic,  John  Smith  in  Ardwell,  James  Thomson 
in  Over-Charrach,  Robert  Clerk  in  Netherhowbog,  John  Roy  and  James 
Kellis  in  Brackla,  John  Scot  in  Oldownie,  James  Clerk  in  Howbog,  John 
Gordoune  in  Larg,  James  Gordoune  in  Ennercharrach,  all  within  the 
parochine  of  Cabrach,  and  William  Couper  and  John  Strachan  in  the 
parochine  of  Glenbucket,  and  Alexander  Couper  in  the  parochine  of 
Keirne,  who  being  called,  all  compeired,  and  Mr.  John  Irving  being 
desyred  to  give  in  exceptioncs  (if  he  had  any)  against  any  of  these 
persones,  why  they  might  not  be  admitted  wittnesses  against  him  in  this 
matter,  did  except  against  John  Clerk,  John  Mackanla,  John  Smith, 
James  Thomson,  James  Clerk,  and  James  Gordoune,  who  were  all 
•rejected  as  wittnesses  against  the  said  Mr.  John,  but  had  nothing  to 
object  against  any  of  the  rest,  they  first  giving  their  oath  de  calumnia, 
which,  in  his  hearing,  they  did,  and  afterwards  being  sworn,  both  parties 
and  wittnesses  were  removed,  and  witnesses  called  in  as  followes,  John 
Gordoune  being  under  oath  proved  the  lybell  in  terminis. 

Alaster  Couper,  being  under  oath,  proved  the  lybell  in  terminis. 

William  Couper,  being  under  oath,  proved  the  lybell  in  terminis. 

John  Strachan,  being  under  oath,  niJiil probat. 

James  Kellis,  being  under  oath,  deponed  that  he  heard  Mr.  John 
Irving  deliver  Alexander  Stewart  by  name  into  the  hands  of  the  divel, 
but  knew  not  certainly  if  it  was  done  in  the  same  words  of  the  lybell. 

John  Scot,  being  under  oath,  proved  the  lybell  in  terminis. 


OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  IQ5 

Alexander  Robertson,  being  under  oath,  proved  the  lybell  in  terminis. 

The  Presbytrie,  finding  the  matter  sufficiently  proven,  did  call  in  the 
parties,  and  sumoned  them  apud  acta  to  compeir  befor  the  Presbytrie 
this  day  20  dayes,  at  Alfoord,  to  hear  the  sentence  of  suspension  past 
against  Mr.  John  Irving,  according  to  the  Bishop  his  warrand.  And  Mr. 
James  Oare  is  appoynted  to  pass  his  questionarie  tryall  the  said  day. 


At  Alfoord  May  14,  1673. 

There  was  no  meeting  of  the  Presbytrie,  in  respect  Mr.  George 
Watson,  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie,  Mr.  John  Walker,  and  Mr.  William 
Thomson  did  only  conveene,  the  rest  having  sent  lynes  of  excuse 
relevant.  Wherfor  the  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  fourth- 
night,  and  Mr.  James  Oare  to  passe  his  questionarie  tryall,  as  also  Mr. 
William  Murray  being  so  long  postponed,  since  the  last  appoyntment 
anent  him. 

Mr.  John  Irvine  and  Alexander  Stewart  being  present,  were  sumoned 
to  be  present  at  the  nixt  meeting,  for  the  effect  forsaid. 


At  Alfoord  May  28,  1673. 

Mr.  William  Murray,  and  Mr.  James  Oare  sustained  their  questionarie 
tryall,  and  were  both  approven.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be 
this  day  20  dayes,  and  Mr.  William  Murray  to  have  ane  Exegesis  De 
paedo-baptismo,  and  Mr.  James  Oare  to  distribute  his  theses  De  Eucha- 
ristia  sub  utraque  specie. 

Anent  the  referrs  of  Kinethmont,  no  report,  the  minister  being  absent. 

The  ministers  of  Alford,  Keig,  Towie,  Clatt,  Tillinessle,  and  Glen- 
bucket  reported  that  they  had  celebrat  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's 
Supper  on  the  30  of  March,  and  the  ministers  of  Touch,  Kildrumic,  and 
Auchindore  reported  they  had  celebrat  it  on  the  13  of  Apryl,  and  the 
ministers  of  Lochel  and  Strathdone  reported  they  had  celebrat  it  on  the 
27  of  Apryl,  and  the  minister  of  Forbes  reported  he  had  celebrat  it  on 
the  1 8  of  May,  which  they  all  did  by  themselves,  safe  the  minister  of 
Towie  by  his  lyne,  being  absent. 

The  Presbytrie  received  a  letter  from  the  Lord  Bishop,  in  order  to  Mr. 


I96  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1673 

John  Irving  his  suspension  from  the  exercise  of  his  ministrie,  desyring 
them  to  delay  the  pronouncing  of  the  sentence,  if  they  found  any  just 
ground  of  a  farther  demurr,  and  in  respect  the  sentence  had  been  for 
these  5  weeks  delayed,  and  now  not  finding  any  just  ground  of  a  farther 
delay,  they  did  pronounce  the  sentence,  according  to  their  warrand  of  the 
dait,  at  Edinburgh,  the  first  clay  of  March  1673  yeirs,  wherupon  Mr.  John 
Irving  did  give  in  his  appeall  from  this  sentence  of  the  Presbytrie,  to  the 
Lord  Bishop,  and  Synod,  notwithstanding  of  which,  the  Presbytrie  did 
appoynt  Mr.  William  Thomson,  minister  at  Auchindore,  to  goc  to 
Cabrach,  upon  a  Lord's  day,  and  intimate  the  sentence  to  the  people. 

Mr.  Patrick  Coupland,  minister  at  Cushnie,  being  appoynted  by  the 
Presbytrie  to  baptize  a  child,  being  weak,  as  was  alleadged,  did  refuse  to 
obey.  The  Presbytrie  taking  his  disobedience  to  consideration,  appoyn 
ted  him  either  to  obey,  or  submitt  himself  to  censure,  and  he  being 
willing  to  submitt  to  censure  was  removed,  and  being  called  in,  refused 
also  to  undergoe  their  censure,  wherupon  the  Presbytrie  did  referre  him 
to  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  for  censure. 

The  privy  censure  past  on  the  respective  brethren  present,  but 
nothing  worthie  of  censure  observed. 

[12  cases  of  discipline} 

At  Alfoord  June  18,  1673. 

Mr.  William  Murray  delyvered  his  Exegesis  De  paedo-baptismo,  and 
distribute  his  theses  upon  that  subject,  and  was  approven.  The  nixt 
meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  moneth,  and  Mr.  William  Murray  to 
sustain  the  dispute  of  his  theses,  as  also  Mr.  James  Oare  is  appoynted  to 
have  his  Exegesis  De  EucJiaristia  siib  utraque  specie,  having,  according  to 
the  former  ordinance,  distribute  his  theses  upon  that  subject  this  day. 

The  minister  of  Auchindore  reported  that  he  had  gone  to  Cabrach, 
and  intimate  the  sentence  of  suspension  against  Mr.  John  Irving  after 
sermon,  and  that  Mr.  John  Irving  did  enter  his  protestation,  taking 
instrument  in  the  hand  of  one  Robert  Finla,  notar  publick. 

Mr.  William  Christie  is  appoynted  to  supplie  the  vacancie  at  Cabrach 
one  Lord's  day,  betwixt  and  the  nixt  meeting. 

[6  cases  of  discipline'} 


1673]  OF  THE   EXERCISE  OF   ALFORD.  197 

At  Alfoord  Julie  16,  1673. 

Mr.  James  Oare  delyvered  his  Exegesis  De  EucJiaristia  sub  utraque 
specie.  His  censure  is  suspended  till  the  nixt  dyet,  that  he  sustaine  the 
dispute  of  his  theses.  This  day  also  Mr.  William  Murray  sustained  the 
dispute  of  his  theses,  and  is  approven.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted 
to  be  this  day  moneth,  and  Mr.  James  Oare  to  sustain  the  dispute  of  his 
theses. 

Mr.  William  Christie  reported  that  he  had  gone  to  Cabrach  on  Lord's 
day  was  eight  dayes,  and  supplied  the  vacancie. 

The  Presbytrie  considering  that  Robert  Cheyne  at  Kinethmont  was 
old  and  infirme,  and  not  able  to  keep  the  meetings  of  the  Presbytrie,  and 
sins  and  scandals  were  more  and  more  increasing  in  that  place,  thought 
fitt  to  appoynt  some  of  their  number  viz.  Mr.  George  Melvil,  Mr.  Robert 
Irvine,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  to  goe  to  him  betwixt  and  the  nixt 
meeting,  that  they  might  be  acquainted  with  the  state  of  his  affaires,  and 
hear  from  him  what  was  of  concernment  for  assisting  him  in  his  doctrine 
and  discipline,  and,  if  needfull,  that  the  Presbytrie  should  meet  in  that 
place. 

This  day  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  is  appoynted  to  goe  to  Cabrach 
betwixt  and  the  nixt  meeting. 

[//  cases  of  discipline] 


At  Alfoord  August  13,  1673. 

Mr.  James  Oare  sustained  the  dispute  of  his  theses,  and  was  approven 
in  this  and  the  former  tryall.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this 
day  moneth,  and  Mr.  William  Murray  to  have  ane  Exercise  and  Addi 
tion,  on  the  following  matter  of  the  Exercise  I  Corinthians  i.  3. 

The  brethren  comissionat  to  go  to  Kinethmont,  reported  that  they 
had  gone,  and  that  the  minister,  Mr.  Robert  Cheyne,  declaired  to  them, 
that,  although  he  was  weak  in  bodie,  yet  stood  not  in  need  of  any  helper, 
being  able  to  discharge  all  the  parts  of  his  calling,  which  he  again  de 
claired  befor  the  Presbytrie  this  day.  The  brethren  considering  that  this 
his  single  testimonie  of  himself  was  not  sufficient,  without  the  testimonie 
of  his  elders,  and  better  part  of  the  parochine,  did  appoynt  him  to  have 


T98  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1673 

his  session  book  in  rcadincs  against  the  nixt  cnsueing  Synod,  and  to  be 
rcadie  to  receive  what,  by  advyce  and  comand,  should  be  imposed  on  the 
Presbyterie,  in  order  to  the  visitation  of  his  church. 

Mr.   William    Thomson,   minister    at    Auchindore,    is   appoyntcd    to 
supplie  the  vacancie  at  Cabrach  one  Lord's  day,  betwixt  and  the  nixt 


meeting 


Mr.  Robert  Cheyne  declaired  that  he  had  celebrat  the  Sacrament  of 
the  Lord's  Supper  May  18,  and  excused  himself  for  his  former  long 
absence,  by  reason  of  weakncs  of  bodie  to  travell. 

[10  cases  of  discipline] 


At  Alfoord  September  10,  1673. 

Mr.  William  Murray  had  an  Exercise  and  Addition  on  i  Corinthians 
i.  3,  and  was  approven.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day 
20  dayes,  and  Mr.  James  Oare  to  have  ane  Exercise  and  Addition  on  the 
following  matter  of  the  Exercise. 

Mr.  George  Watson,  minister  at  Lochel,  did  delate  William  Kerre, 
contumacious  to  their  discipline  for  Sabbath  breaking,  by  ordinary  dis- 
haunting  of  the  Church,  and  customarie  drinking.  He  is  appointed  to 
sumond  him  to  the  nixt  meeting- 

o 

(Also  case  of  Sabbath  breaking  from  Tillinessle.) 
[75  cases  of  discipline} 

Mr.  Wm.  Thomson,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie. 


17  October  1673. 

This  Presbytrie  bulk  of  Alfurd  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and 
brethren  of  the  Synod. 

Mr.  Al.  Forbes,  Clerk  to  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 

(NOTE.— The  above  entry,  i;th  October,  should  come  after  next  minute,  but  it  is  inserted  here 

in  Alford  Record.) 


1673]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD. 


At  Alfoord  October  i,  1673. 

Mr.  James  Oare  hade  ane  Exercise  and  Addition  on  I  Cor.  i.  4,  and 
was  approven.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  the  second  day  of 
the  ensuring  Synod,  at  King's  Colleclge  Church,  in  Old  Aberdeen. 

Anent  Agnis  Farquhar  in  Cushnie,  scandalous  for  revyling  and 
cursing  the  minister,  who  reported  that  he  had  sumoned  wittnesses 
against  her  to  this  day,  to  witt  Thomas  Bandinne,  Jeanc  Rosse,  and 
Margaret  Rosse,  and  the  said  Agnis  Farquhar  being  sumoned  the  former 
day  apud  acta  to  be  present  this  day,  was  called,  and  compeiring,  and 
the  wittnesses  were  called  also,  who  lykewyse  compeired,  against  whom 
she  having  nothing  to  object  why  they  might  not  be  admitted  wittnesses 
against  her,  were  sworne,  and  deponed  as  folio wes  : — 

Thomas  Bandinne,  being  sworne,  nihil probat. 

Jeane  Rosse,  being  sworne,  deponed  that  she  heard  Agnis  Farquhar 
say  to  the  minister,  hang  yourself,  the  vengeance  of  God  upon  you. 

Margaret  Rosse,  being  sworne,  deponed  that  she  heard  Agnis 
Farquhar  say,  hang  yourself,  the  vengeance  of  God  upon  you.  The 
Presbytrie  finding  her  guiltie  of  censure,  appoynted  her  to  sitte  downe 
on  her  knees  befor  the  Presbytrie,  and  acknowledge  her  sinne,  and  crave 
God  and  the  minister  pardone,  as  a  part  of  her  censure,  which  she  did,  as 
also  to  appear  befor  the  congregation,  and  confesse  her  sinne,  and  on  her 
knees  to  crave  God  and  the  minister  pardone,  which  she  promised  to  doe. 
And  Mr.  Robert  Irvine,  minister  at  Towie,  is  appoynted  to  goe  to 
Cushnie,  and  receive  her  satisfaction. 

Anent  William  Kerre  in  Lochel,  Sabbath  breaker,  the  minister 
reported  that  he  was  fugitive,  wherfor  the  brethren  are  appoynted  to 
make  search  for  him  within  their  respective  bounds,  and  to  report  the 
nixt  day. 

[ij  cases  of  discipline} 

Referres  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen 

Holdcn  by  the  Right  Reverend  father  in  God,  Patrick,  Bishop  of 
Aberdeen,  in  the  King's  Collcdge  of  Old  Aberdeen,  October  1673,  and 
begunne  the  14  day  therof. 


2OO  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

Sess  :   i°.  October  14  post  meridiem. 

Sermon  being  had  in  the  fornoonc  by  Mr.  George  Strachan,  minister 
at  Old  Aberdeen,  the  fornoone  being  spent  befor  ending  of  the  sermon, 
the  brethren  now  appoynted  to  meet  at  the  ordinarie  place,  in  the  King's 
Colledge,  at  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoone,  and  being  mett,  after  invocation 
of  the  name  of  God,  the  roll  of  the  ministers  names  was  called,  the 
absents  netted,  and  visitors  appoynted  for  the  severall  Presbytrie  books, 
and  brethren  appoynted  for  the  privy  conference. 

A  nott  was  taken  by  the  Lord  Bishop  out  of  the  severall  Presbytrie 
books,  what  ministers  have  given  the  comunion  since  last  Synod,  and 
who  not. 

It  is  appoynted  that  evry  Presbytrie,  once  a  year,  shall  visit  their  kirk 
session  books  within  their  respective  bounds. 

It  is  appoynted  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  that  the  moderators 
of  each  Presbytrie  give  up  to  the  Lord  Bishop,  ane  list  and  roll  of  evry 
licenced  preaching  young  man,  within  their  bounds,  and  that  to-morrow 
at  the  nixt  meeting. 

Sess  :  2°.  October  1 5  ante  meridiem. 

The  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  ordaines  that  the 
severall  Presbytries  within  their  respective  bounds  search  if  there  be  any 
expectants  who  ordinarly  help  any  ministers,  and  yet  are  not  authorized 
by  the  Bishop,  and  have  ane  care  in  tyme  to  come,  that  none  have 
libertie  so  to  doe,  untill  the  Bishop  be  acquainted,  and  his  order  obtained 
theranent. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  brethren  have  taken  to  consideration,  that 
many  Students  of  Divinitie  are  admitted  to  tryalls,  in  order  to  ane 
licence  to  preach  the  gospell  in  the  severall  Presbytries  in  this  Diocesse, 
when  they  have  not  taken  up  ane  competent  tyme  in  the  studie  of 
Divinitie,  not  having  spent  full  four  yeirs  in  that  studie  after  their  gradu 
ation,  directly  contrarie  to  the  Acts  of  the  Synod  made  theranent,  and 
this  being  ane  occasion  that  many  are  entered  who  are  not  fitted  nor 
qualified  for  that  office  ;  for  eschewing  of  this  inconvenient  in  tyme 
comeing,  it  is  appoynted  that,  befor  any  offer  to  enter  upon  tryalls,  it  be 
sufficientlie  testified  that  they  have  been  full  four  yeirs  graduat  befor, 
and  have  imployed  their  tyme  in  the  Studie  of  Divinitie,  and  be  first 


OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  2OI 

examined  in  privat  by  the  moderator,  and  one  or  more  of  the  brethren  to 
be  chosen  by  the  Presbytrie  cvry  yeir,  to  concurre  with  the  moderator, 
in  that  affair,  first  severallie,  and  afterwards  joyntly,  and  if  they  find  them 
not  qualified,  to  hinder  them  from  tryall  in  publick,  untill  they  stuclie 
furder,  and  withall,  the  method  formerly  prescrybed  in  tryalls  be  kept, 
and  that,  with  the  tryall  of  the  Languages,  there  be  a  care  had  to 
examine  upon  the  grounds  of  positive  and  catechetick  Divinitie,  and  the 
second  day  for  the  questionary  tryall,  to  question  them  upon  Scripture, 
how  they  understand  the  difficult  places,  the  generall  tract  of  Church 
Historic,  stating  of  controversies  in  polemick  Divinitie,  and  upon 
casuistick  Divinitie,  and  that  no  young  man  enter  upon  tryall  in  publick, 
till,  after  the  said  publick  examination,  they  be  recommended  by  the 
moderator  and  other  brethren  who  have  examined  them  in  privat. 

It  being  represented  to  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  that  certaine 
expectant  Students  of  Divinitie,  who  are  entering  to  their  tryalls,  have 
not  given  obedience  to  the  Presbytrie  where  they  live,  of  their  comunicat- 
ing  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  it  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of 
the  Synod,  that  the  minister  where  such  persones  live,  be  requyred  to  give 
testimonie  concerning  them,  that  they  have  comunicat,  or  otherwyse  not 
to  be  admitted  to  their  tryalls,  or,  if  they  be  already  entered,  to  stopp 
their  tryalls,  untill  the  tyme  that  such  testimonie  be  presented. 

Anent  preachers,  it  is  appoynted  by  the  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the 
Synod,  that  they  keep  all  the  meetings  of  the  Presbytries  within  whose 
bounds  they  reside,  if  they  be  not  hindered  by  their  attendance  of  ane 
charge,  and  that  they  use  their  gifts  in  exercising  in  the  Presbytrie  per 
vices  with  the  brethren  of  that  Presbytrie. 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  that 
cvry  minister  put  in  execution  the  Act  of  Parliament  made  September 
n,  1672,  Act  22,  intituled,  Act  against  profanes,  after  the  forme  and 
tenor  therof  in  all  poynts. 

Scss  :  3°.  eoclem  die  post  meridiem. 

The  said  day,  it  is  ordered  that  the  Presbytries  within  this  clioces  be 
more  carefull  than  formerly  in  takeing  notice  within  their  sevcrall  bounds 
of  Session  books,  and  to  try  in  visiting  them  if  they  specific  the  dycts  of 
preaching,  the  preacher's  name,  the  text,  the  dyets  of  catcchizeino- 

CC 


2O2 


RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1673 


baptisme,  burialls,  and  marriages,  and  if  thcr  be  a  register  of  their 
collcctiones,  distributioncs,  and  of  the  penalties,  and  if  any  of  the  forsaid 
particulars  be  wanting  that  the  said  register  be  not  approven. 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  that  all 
those  who  are  licenced  to  preach,  and  yet  exercise  civill  offices,  such  as 
nottors,  and  clerks  of  courts,  and  keepers  of  Innes,  be  noticed,  and  their 
names  be  represented  to  the  nixt  meeting,  which  is  to  be  kept  in  Januaric 
nixt,  that  course  may  be  taken  theranent  as  effeirs. 

It  being  found   necessar  by  the   Lord   Bishop,  and  brethren  of  the 
Synod,  that  visitationes  of  kirks  be  more  frequentlie  made  than  has  been 
heertofore,  it  is  thcr  for  ordered  that  those  kirks  following  be  begunne  at, 
with  all  convenience,  to  be  visited,  viz. :    Logiedurno,   Montkeigie,   and 
Inverurie,  in  the  Presbytrie  of  Garrioch,  Ellone,  within  the  Presbytrie  of 
Ellone,  and  Kinethmont  within  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  and  for  that 
effect,   that   the   wholl   brethren  of  each   Presbytrie  be  present   at  each 
visitation,  within  their  owne  respective  Presbytrics,  at  those  kirks  within 
their  own   precincts,  at  the  dayes  and  dyets  respective  after  following, 
with  the  other  brethren  after  mentioned  of  other  adjacent  Presbytries, 
who  are  appoyntecl  to  attend  the  said  visitationes   for   their  assistance 
viz. :  for  those  kirks  within  the  Presbytrie  of  Garrioch,  the  brethren  of 
that  Presbytrie,  with  the  assistance  of  Mr.  George  Melclrum,  and   Mr. 
Patrick  Sibbald,  ministers  at  Aberdeen,  Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  minister  at 
Keig,  Mr.  John  Strachan,  minister  at  Tarves,  who  are  appoynted  to  meet 
and  visit  the  forsaid  kirks  in  the  Presbytrie  of  Garrioch,  and  their  first 
dyet  to  be  at  Inverurie,  the  first  Tuesday  of  Februarie  nixt  ensuing,  and 
at  Montkeigie,  the  Wednesday  nixt  following,  and  at   Logiedurno  the 
Thursday  nixt  therafter,  and  that  with  continuatione  of  dayes  and  dyets 
as  they  shall  find  cause,  and  to  try  and  examine  the  respective  ministers 
their  deportments,  personall  and  pastorall,  and  to  report  accordingly  to 
the  Bishop  and  brethren  at  the  nixt  Synod  :  and  for  the  Kirk  of  Ellone 
the  brethren  of  that  Presbytrie,  with  the  assistance  of  Mr.  John  Menzies, 
Professor,    Mr.    James    Gordoune    at    Banchorie,    Mr.    George    Innes   at 
Bohelvie,  Mr.  James  Strachan  at  Oync,  and  Mr.  Robert  Reed  at  Ban- 
chrie-trinities,  and  the  dyets  of  their  meeting  to  be  the  third  Tuesday  of 
Februarie  nixt,  with  continuatione  of  dayes  ;    and   as  for  the   Kirk   of 
Kinethmont,  the  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  with  the  assistance 
of  Mr.  James  Strachan  at  Oyne,  Mr.  Robert  Burnett  at  Raine,  Mr.  William 


1673]  OF  THE   EXERCISE  OF   ALFORD.  20^ 

Douglas  at  Midmarre,  and  Mr.  James  Rosse  at  Clunic,  and  the  first  dyet 
to  be  the  first  Tuesday  of  March  nixt,  with  continuance  of  dayes  ;  and 
that  respective  edicts  be  served,  in  order  to  the  said  visitationes,  at  the 
scverall  kirks  by  the  respective  Presbytries,  who  shall  send  one  of  their 
number  to  preach  the  said  dayes,  and,  after  the  serving  of  the  several  1 
edicts,  the  severall  moderators  are  appoynted  to  advertise  the  respective 
assessors  for  keeping  of  their  respective  meetings. 

Anent  mortificationes,  the  former  Act  made  theranent  is  appoynted 
to  be  put  in  practise  by  the  severall  Presbytries. 

Mr.  James  Gordoune,  minister  at  Banchrie,  having  regrated  to  the 
Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  the  great  trouble  he  has  been  at,  in  observing 
the  management  of  the  rent  belonging  to  the  Professors  of  Divinitie  in 
this  place,  dureing  this  present  vacancie,  and  haveing  requested  them 
that  he  might  be  clisburthened  theranent,  the  brethren  of  the  Synod 
haveing  professed  their  earnest  desyre  that  the  place  so  long  vacant 
should  be  filled  with  some  qualified  person  fitted  for  that  effect,  the 
matter  was  referred  to  be  thought  upon  till  the  nixt  meeting,  being 
to-morrow,  at  ten  o'clock  in  the  forenoonc. 

Sess  :  4,  16  October  ante  meridiem. 

The  busines  anent  the  election  of  ane  Professor  of  Divinitie  being 
taken  again  to  consideratione,  by  the  Bishop  and  Synod,  according  to 
the  reference  of  the  last  Session,  and  the  brethren  professing  their  cleer- 
ness  for  ane  present  nominatione  of  ane  qualified  person,  to  the  said 
vacant  profession,  and  therupon  desyring  that  the  nominatione  might  be 
put  to  a  present  vott,  it  was  accordingly  condescended  upon  by  the 
Bishop.  Wherupon  the  severall  brethren  present  did  nominat  Mr.  Henrie 
Scougall,  minister  at  Auchterles,  to  the  said  profession,  without  ane 
dissassenting  voyce.1 

Mr.  Henrie  Scougall,  after  the  forsaid  nominatione,  did  humblie 
desyre  the  Bishop  and  Synod  (in  regard  the  charge  wherunto  they  had 
nominat  him  was  of  so  great  weight  and  moment)  that  they  would  be 
pleased  to  grant  him  ane  time  of  deliberatione  theranent  till  the  nixt 
Synod,  quhilk  was  accordingly  granted. 

The  Presbytrie  books  of  Alfoord  and  Deir  were  approven,  and  the 
respective  brethren  were  removed  for  censure,  and  approven. 

1  Note  26. 


204  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1673 

The  brethren  did  put  the  Lord  Bishop  in  my nd,  that  there  was  ane 
Act  of  the  last  Synod,  holden  in  October  1671,  \vherby  it  was  found 
expedient  that  certaine  brethren  from  the  several!  Presbytries  should  be 
called  to  meet  with  the  Bishop  upon  his  advertisement,  befor  Apryl  nixt 
thcrafter,  it  being  then  probable  that  the  meeting  in  Apryl  then  ensueing 
would,  upon  certaine  weightie  considerationes,  be  adjourned,  he  had 
indicated  ane  meeting  of  the  brethren  to  be  kept  Februarie  14,  1672, 
which  was  accordingly  keeped,  at  which  meeting,  the  Bishop,  with 
consent  of  the  brethren  present,  found  it  expedient  that  Mr.  David  Lyall, 
minister  at  Aberdeen,  and  Mr.  James  Gordoune,  minister  at  Banchrie, 
should  be  sent  comissioners  to  the  Lords  of  His  Majcstie's  Privy  Coun 
sel!,  to  represent  to  them  the  grievances  of  the  Church  in  this  Diocic, 
against  quakers  and  papists,  appoynting  that  the  forsaid  Comissioners 
shall  have  for  their  expenses  ane  doller  from  evry  minister  of  the 
Diocesse,  to  be  collected  for  their  use  by  the  respective  Moderators  of  the 
severall  Presbytries,  at  their  meetings. 

Ane  supplicationc  being  presented  by  George  Gordoune,  William 
Couper,  Alexander  Stewart,  and  James  Stewart,  in  the  parochine  of 
Cabrach,  in  name  of  the  wholl  parochine,  who  could  not  shew  ane 
comission  therfor,  that  matter  is  referred  to  ane  visitatione  to  be  had  at 
the  said  kirk  of  Cabrach. 

Sess  :  5.  Eodem  die  post  meridiem. 

The  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  having  taken  to  his 
consideratione  the  necessitie  of  ane  publick  religious  fast  and  humiliatione 
within  this  Diocess,  has  therfor  ordered,  that  there  be  ane  publick  fast 
and  humiliatione  observed  throughout  all  the  congrcgationes  within  this 
Diocess,  upon  the  Lord's  day,  the  twentieth  sixt  of  this  instant  October  ; 
the  cause  being  the  great  abounding  of  sinne,  within  the  bounds  of  this 
Diocesse,  the  late  and  untymeous  harvest  occasioned  through  the  stormes 
of  the  weather,  and  the  present  great  danger  of  the  cornes  therthrough, 
and  to  supplicat  the  Lord  for  ane  blessing  upon  the  harvest,  and  such  of 
the  fruits  of  the  grounds  as  are  not  ingathered,  and  that  intimatione  be 
made  by  the  respective  ministers,  the  nixt  cnsueing  Lord's  day,  from 
their  respective  pulpits. 

It  is  ordered  that  any  ministers  who  have  any  grievances  against 


1673]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  2O5 

papists  or  quakcrs,  cither  bring  or  send  the  samen  to  the  Lord  Bishop,  at 
the  said  meeting,  appoynted  the  last  Tuesday  of  Januarie  nixt  to  come. 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  that  all 
those  personcs  who  goe  to  wells,  upon  a  superstitious  designe,  shall 
be  censured  by  the  ministers  within  whose  parochines  they  live,  and  the 
intimatione  therof  be  made  by  evric  minister  from  their  severall  pulpits. 

Ancnt  Mr.  Patrick  Coupland,  minister  at  Cushnie,  referred  by  the 
Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  for  disobedience  to  their  ordinance,  when  votted 
Presbytcriallie,  injoyneing  him  to  baptize  ane  weak  chyld,  and  for  absol- 
veing  ane  man  trelapsed  in  fornicatione  upon  three  daycs  appearance 
without  sackcloath,  contrarie  to  the  Presbytrie's  order,  even  when  the 
guiltincs  was  aggravated  by  contumacie.  The  said  Mr.  Patrick,  appear 
ing,  and  humblie  acknowledgeing  his  failings,  and  promising  to  walk 
more  circumspectly  and  submissivelie  towards  the  brethren  of  Alfoord, 
was  rebuked  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  and  enjoined  to  walk  more  circum 
spectly  in  after  tyme,  with  certificationc  if  he  failzie,  or  fall  in  the  lyke 
againe,  it  shall  be  looked  on  as  wilful  error. 

Sess  :  6°.  October  17  ante  meridiem. 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  that  all 
expectants  who  are  licenced,  shall  come  \\\  per  vices,  and  preach  in  the 
Cathedral  Kirk  of  Old  Aberdeen,  that  the  Bishop  may  be  acquainted 
with  their  abilities  ;  they  who  are  nearest  to  this  place,  in  the  winter,  and 
they  who  are  more  distant  in  sumer,  according  as  they  shall  receive 
advertisement  fr  :  Mr.  George  Strachan,  minister  at  Old  Aberdeen,  and 
those  within  the  Presbytrie  of  Aberdeen  to  beginne. 

Mr.  William  Christie,  minister  at  Glenbucket,  did  rcgratt  to  the 
Bishop  and  Synod,  the  meanncs  of  his  present  maintenance,  and  that  his 
present  Stipend  is  not  legallie  secured,  and  withall  there  have  been  some 
endeavours  for  annexing  the  lands  of  Glcnkindie  in  Strathdone  parochine, 
which  ly  nearer  to  Glenbucket  than  to  Strathdone,  and  the  lands  of 
Culquich  in  Mygvie  parochine,  and  that  in  the  tyme  of  Mr.  David  Milne 
his  incumbencie,  there  were  brethren  appoynted  for  perambulatione  by 
the  Bishop  and  Synod,  but  nothing  has  yet  followed.  The  Bishop  did 
advysc  first  to  sumond  the  heritors  of  Glenbucket  befor  the  Lord 
Comissioners  for  plantatione  of  kirks,  in  order  to  the  setling  ane  locall 


206  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1673 

stipend,  and  then  to  procure  ane  warrand  from  the  Bishop  for  pcrambula- 
tione,  in  order  to  annexatione  of  these  landes  of  Glenkindie  and  Culquich 
to  Glenbucket. 

The  matter  anent  Mr.  John  Irving  being  taken  to  consideratione,  who 
haveing  been  suspended  from  the  exercise  of  his  ministrie  at  Cabrach, 
from  May  to  this  tyme,  by  order  of  the  Lord  Bishop,  for  his  disorderly- 
walking   towards  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  and   for  pronounceing  ane 
disorderly  sentence  of  excomunicatione  against  Alexander  Stewart,  the 
said  Mr.  John  appearing,  and  humblie  acknowledgeing  his  miscarriage 
and   failings   through   rashnes    and   passionc,  and  promiseing   in   God's 
strength,  to  stryve  against  tentationes,  the  matter  being  brought  to  ane 
vott,  whether  lie  should  continue  suspended,  or  be  reponed  to  the  exercise 
of  his  ministrie  at  Cabrach,  it  was  concluded  that  he  be  reponed  to  the 
exercise  of  the  ministry  at  Cabrach,  with  this  certificatione,  that  if  he  be 
found  to  miscarrie  through  rashnes  or  passione,  the  nixt  step  of  censure 
will  be  weightie,  and  withall  it  is  appoynted  that  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  goe 
to  Cabrach,  at  his  first  convenience,  on  ane  Lord's  day,  and  preach  to  the 
people,  and  rcpone  him  in  the  exercise  of  his  ministrie,  and  declare  to 
that  people  that  the  said  Mr.  John  is  now  reponed  againe,  in  hope  of 
amendment,  and  withall  to  rebuke  that  people  for  their  insolent  cariagc 
to  him,  and  to  cause  Mr.  John  to  preach  a  part  of  the  tyme  that  daye, 
and  to  professe  to  the  people  his  former  failings,  and  resolutiones,  and  in-' 
gadgements  to  a  better  behaviour  in  the  tyme  to  come. 

Sess  :  7°.  eodem  die  post  meridiem. 

It  is  appoynted  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  that 
there  be  ane  meeting  of  certaine  brethren  with  the  Bishop,  at  Old  Aber 
deen,  the  last  Tuesday  of  Januarie  nixt,  for  taking  notice  of  such  referrs 
as  are  not  determined  in  this  Synod,  and,  in  particular,  concerning  ane 
appeall  given  in  by  Collonell  Forbes,  a  gentleman  in  the  Presbytde  of 
Deir.  The  persones  who  are  appoynted  to  meet  with  the  Bishop  of  that 
dyet  are  as  followes  viz. :  All  the  moderators  of  the  severall  Presbytries, 
with  the  brethren  of  the  respective  Presbytries  after-named,  to  witt,  for 
Aberdeen  Mr.  John  Menzies,  Professor,  and  Mr.  James  Gordonej'for 
Kincardine  Mr.  Robert  Reid  ;  for  Alfoord  Mr.  Adam  Barclay ;'  for 
Garrioch  Mr.  Alexander  Rosse,  or  Mr.  Robert  Burnet  at  Raine';  for 


l6/3]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  2O7 

Kllonc  Mr.  George  Andersonc,  and  Mr.  John  Rosse  at  Fovcraine  ;  for 
Deir  Mr.  Alexander  Reynold  ;  for  Turreff  Mr.  Alexander  Jafray  ;  for 
Fordyce  Mr.  Alexander  Scatone  at  Bamff,  and  Mr.  William  Burnct  at 
Cullen. 

The  matter  anent  takeing  of  oathes  by  civill  magistrates,  befor  they 
be  taken  by  the  Church,  referred  to  the  meeting  the  last  Tuesday  of 
Januarie  nixt.  The  matter  anent  the  resorting  to  dumb  personcs  for 
the  tryall  of  thift  or  the  lyke,  and  the  matter  anent  salmond  fishing  on 
the  Lord's  day  are  referred  to  the  forsaid  meeting,  to  be  thought  upon. 

It  is  thought  expedient  that  the  severall  Presby tries  within  this 
dioces,  take  notice  of  the  marches  of  gleibes,  whether  they  are  lyke  to  be 
controverted,  as  also  of  ministers'  stipends  within  their  severall  precincts, 
and  that  they  record  the  samen  within  their  respective  registers. 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  that  all 
ministers,  in  each  Presbytrie,  pay  in  to  all  burscrs  in  Divinitie  all  bygones 
rcstand  by  them,  and  the  half  of  this  present  yeir's  burse  more,  according 
to  use  and  wont,  and  that  the  severall  Presbytries  insert  in  their  books 
the  names  of  all  those  who  shall  be  deficient  therm,  as  the  samen  shall  be 
given  up  to  him. 

Alexander  Andersone  in  the  Presbytrie  of  Fordyce,  and      (blank) 
Meldrum  in  the  Presbytrie  of  Turriff,  are  recommended  to  the  severall 
congregationes  within  this  Diocie,  for  supplie,  and  charitable  help  for  ane 
yeir  to  come. 

Mr.  John  Bombathie,  Hungarian,  is  recommended  to  the  brethren  of 
this  Diocie,  that  they  deliver  to  each  respective  moderator  such  help  and 
charitie  as  they  please  to  bestow  on  him,  and  that  to  be  done  the  first 
Presbytrie  day,  and  sent  in  by  the  moderators  to  Mr.  Patrick  Sibbald,  to 
be  conveyed  to  him. 

The  nixt  Synod  is  appoynted  to  meet  the  third  Tuesday  of  Apryl 
nixt,  1674  yeirs. 

(Then  follow  names  of  fugitives  from  discipline  from  the  Presbytries 
of  Fordyce,  Ellon,  and  Aberdeen.) 


At  Old  Aberdeen  October  15,  1673. 

The  Presbytrie  mctt  in  the  King's  Collcdge  Church,  in  Old  Aberdeen, 
and  appoynted  their  nixt  meeting  to  be  at  Alfoord  November  19,  and 
Mr.  William  Murray  to  have  his  popular  sermon  i  Timothy  4.  8. 


208  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1673 

At  Alfoord  November  19,  1673. 

Mr.  William  Murray  had  his  popular  sermon  on  I  Timothy  4.  8,  and 
was  approven.  And  this  being  the  last  of  his  tryalls,  some  of  the  brethren 
who  were  not  present  at  his  questionarie  try  all,  desyred  libertie  to  pro 
pone  some  questiones  to  him,  bcfor  he  was  recomended  to  the  Lord 
Bishop  for  a  licence,  quhilk  was  granted,  and  after  satisfactione  given  by 
him  to  the  said  brethren,  he  is  appoynted  to  have  a  rccomendation  from 
the  moderator  to  the  Bishop,  for  a  licence,  in  order  to  the  opening  of  his 
mouth,  for  the  publick  preaching  of  the  gospell.  The  nixt  day  is  ap 
poynted  to  be  this  day  moneth,  and  Mr.  James  Oare  to  have  a  popular 
sermon  23  psalm,  and  I  verse. 

Ancnt  Alexander  Forbes  in  Towic,  the  minister  of  Kildrummic  re 
ported  that  he  had  satisfied  their  discipline,  according  to  the  sentence  of 
the  Presbytrie,  and  was  absolved  November  10. 

The  respective  brethren  dcclaircd  the}"  had  observed  the  publick  fast. 

[75  cases  of  discipline] 


At  Alfoord  17  December  1673. 

Mr.  James  Oare  had  a  popular  sermon  on  Psalm  23.  I,  and  was  ap 
proven  in  this,  and  the  rest  of  his  tryalls,  and  is  appoynted  to  have  a 
testimonie  from  the  moderator  to  the  Lord  Bishop,  in  order  to  the 
opening  of  his  mouth  for  public  preaching.  The  nixt  meeting  is  ap 
poynted  to  be  this  day  moneth,  Mr.  William  Burnet  at  Kildrummie  to 
have  ane  Exercise  and  Addition,  on  the  following  matter  of  the  Exercise 
i  Corinthians  I.  5. 

Mr.  John  Mair  at  Tough  delated  George  Johnstone,  contumacious  to 
their  discipline  for  dishaunting  of  ordinances.  He  is  appoynted  to  be 
sumonecl  to  the  nixt  meeting  pro  i°. 

Mr.  Alexander  Seatone,  son  to  Mr.  William  Seatone,  minister  at 
Drumblaitt,  presented  to  the  Presbytrie  a  lyne,  under  the  hand  of  the 
Clerk  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Tureff,  shewing  that  he  was  chosen  bursar,  and 
presented  by  them  to  that  benefice,  it  being  their  vice  to  present,  which 
was  accepted  by  the  Presbytrie. 

The  privy  censure  past  on  the  brethren. 


1674]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORIX  2CX) 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay  at  Keig  dcclaired  that  he  had  gone  to  Cabrach, 
and  dcclaired  Mr.  John  Irvine  reponed  to  the  exercise  of  his  ministrie 
in  that  place. 

[ij  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfoord  Apryl  8,  1674. 

Since  the  17  of  December  by  past,  there  has  been  no  meeting  of  the 
Presbytric  untill  this  day,  in  respect  the  brethren  could  not  travel!, 
neither  on  horse  nor  foot,  through  the  greatnes  of  the  storme.  This  day 
Mr.  William  Burnet  had  ane  Exercise  and  Addition  on  i  Corinthians  I.  5, 
and  was  approven. 

[75  cases  of  discipline'} 

Mr.  William  Thomsone,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie. 


24  Apryl  1674. 

This  Presbytrie  buik  of  Alfoord  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and 
Synod. 

Mr.  Al.  Forbes,  Clerk  to  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 


The  Referres  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen,  holden  by  the  Right 
Reverend  Father  in  God,  Patrick,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  in  the  King's 
Colledge  of  Old  Aberdeen,  in  the  moneth  of  Apryl  1674,  and  begunne 
the  2 1  day  therof. 

Apryl  21.     Sess  :   i°.  post  meridiem. 

Sermon  being  had  in  the  fornoone  by  Mr.  James  Garden,  minister  at 
Newmachar,  the  fornoone  &c. 

It  is  recommended  to  the  severall  Presby tries,  and  ministers  in  this 
Uiocic,  to  enquyre  and  try  for  anc  woman,  who  having  come  from  the 
North  in  December  last  or  thcrby,  great  with  child,  did  returne  from  the 
South  about  Februarie  last,  having  left  ane  new-born  chyld  within  the 
parochine  of  Brechine,  and  being  searched  after  from  Brechine,  she  was 
found  to  have  come  the  length  of  the  Kirk  of  Newmachar,  and  was 

DD 


2IO  RECORDS    OF    THE    MEETINC,  [1674 

designed  to  he  a  woman  somewhat  tall,  hard  favoured,  and  gave  out  her 
self  by  name  to  be  Forbes,  and  if  an}-  tryall  can  be  found  of  her,  that 
ane  report  therof  be  made  to  the  Bishop  with  the  first  convenience. 

Apryl  22°.     Sess  :  2°.  ante  meridiem. 

It  is  ordered  that  how  soone  the  referrs  of  this  Synod  shall  come  to 
the  severall  moderators'  hands,  more  strict  notice  to  be  taken  than  former- 
lie  of  the  absents  from  Synods,  who  are  not  excused,  and  the  reasons  of 
their  absence,  and  this  to  be  carefullie  observed  in  all  tyme  comeing. 

It  is  also  recomended  that  how  soone  these  referrs  shall  come  to  the 
moderators'  hands,  there  be  ane  charitable  collectione  at  cvry  church 
within  this  Diocie,  for  help  and  supplie  of  James  Forbes,  son  to  umquhill 
Alexander  Forbes  of  Logic,  now  epiletick,  and  altogether  under  infirmitie, 
and  that  each  minister  deliver  in  their  collectiones  to  their  respective 
moderators,  who  are  appoynted  to  convey  the  samen  to  the  moderator  of 
Garrioch,  who  is  to  be  carefull  that  the  same  be  imployed  for  the  use  of 
the  said  James  allenarlie. 

It  is  ordered,  that  every  minister  within  this  Diocie  give  a  sight  of 
their  registers  of  burialls  within  their  several  parochines,  to  the  comissarie 
fiscall,  or  his  commissioners  or  deputs,  when  requyred,  as  they  will  be 
answerable,  and  that  the  roll  of  the  dead  persones  be  subscrybed,  either 
by  the  ministers,  or  their  clerks  of  Session,  and  however  that  the  said 
roll  be  sent  in  to  the  Clerk  of  the  Synod,  to  be  conveyed  by  him  to  the 
procurator-fiscal. 

April  22.  Sess  :  3°.  post  meridiem. 

In  reference  to  ane  Act  of  the  last  Synod,  wherby  Mr.  Henrie 
Scougall,  minister  at  Auchterless,  was  nominat  by  the  brethren  of  the 
Synod  to  the  Profession  of  Divinitie  in  Old  Aberdeen,  and,  upon  his 
desyre,  they  having  given  him  tyme  to  advyse  untill  this  Synod,  whether 
or  not  he  would  accept  of  that  charge,  it  was  desyred  by  the  brethren  of 
his  resolutione  theranent,  who,  being  enquyred  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  did, 
in  his  answers,  modestlie  expresse  his  sense  of  the  weight  of  that  charge, 
and  his  thoughts  of  himself,  and  humblie  acknowledge  the  Synod's 
favour  in  his  electione,  and  did  acquiesse  in  their  nominatione,  referring 
himself  to  Providence  in  the  issue  of  these  tryalls  that  were  used  in  such 
caices.  Wherupon  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  considering  that  the  old 


1674]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  211 

registers  of  the  Synod,  which  contain  the  way  of  tryall  and  admissione 
of  Professors  of  Divinities  in  former  times  of  Episcopacie,  could  not  be 
found  at  the  present,  therfor  the  Bishop  did  condescend  that  the  way 
which  was  last  used  in  the  tyme  of  Presbytrie  should  be  observed,  but 
withall  protested  that  this  should  neither  be  a  preparative,  nor  yet  pre 
judice  the  former  way  taken  in  tymes  of  Episcopacie  ;  and  therfor  it  is 
appoynted  that  this  day  the  severall  Presbytries  should  meet,  imediatlie 
after  the  dissolution  of  the  Synod,  and  make  choyse  of  two  out  of  each 
Presbytrie,  who  are  appoynted  to  meet  tomorrow,  at  eight  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  for  prescrybing  the  subject  of  the  tryalls  of  the  said  Master 
Henrie. 

Apryl  23.  Sess :  4.  ante  meridiem. 

It  being  enquyred  at  the  severall  Presbytries,  if,  according  to  the  ap 
pointment  of  the  Synod  yesternight,  they  did  meet  and  nominat  two  out 
of  evry  Presbytrie,  for  prescrybing  the  subject  of  the  tryall  of  Mr.  Henrie 
Scougall,  minister  at  Auchterless,  in  order  to  his  admission  to  the  pro 
fession  of  Divinitie  at  Old  Aberdeen,  it  is  found  that  all  did  meet  and 
nominat  their  delegates,  except  the  Presbytrie  of  Kincardine,  and  they 
that  were  nominat  gave  in  their  report  as  followes  viz.  that  they  having 
mett  for  the  effect  forsaid  did  nominat  for  Aberdeen  Mr.  John  Menzies, 
Professor  of  Divinitie,  and  Mr.  James  Gordoune  minister  at  Banchrie- 
Deavinick ;  for  Alfurd  Mr.  George  Melvill,  and  Mr.  Adam  Barclay ; 
for  Ellon  Mr.  John  Strachan,  and  Mr.  George  Anderson  ;  for  Fordyce 
Mr.  Alexander  Seatone,  and  Mr.  Arthur  Strachan  ;  for  Turreff  Mr. 
Alexander  Jaffray,  and  Mr.  John  Barclay  ;  for  Garioch  Mr.  Alexander 
Mowat,  and  Mr.  Alexander  Lunan,  for  Deir  Mr.  Alexander  Rynnold, 
and  Mr.  Alexander  Rosse,  and  having  constitute  Mr.  John  Menzies, 
Professor  of  Divinitie,  moderator,  and,  because  of  absence  of  Clerk  of 
the  Synod,  haveing  appoynted  by  vote  Mr.  John  Barclay,  minister  at 
Monquhiter,  clerk  to  the  said  meeting,  after  prayer,  did  appoynt  that 
the  said  Mr.  Henrie  Scougall  should  have  ane  common  head  De  objecto 
cultus  religiosi  upon  the  second  Tuesday  of  August  nixt,  about  two 
o'clock  in  the  afternoone,  unless  the  Lord  Bishop  shall  find  fitt  that  some 
other  day  be  appoynted  ;  and  that  the  said  Mr.  Henry  Scougall  shall 
send  his  theses  to  the  moderators  of  the  severall  Presbytries,  to  be  com- 
unicat  by  them  to  the  severall  brethren  to  be  delegat  by  the  Presbytries 


212  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1674 

for  disputeing  the  said  theses,  and  that  this  be  done  twentie  dayes,  at 
least  fourteen  dayes,  befor  the  day  designed,  and  the  said  brethren  have 
unanimouslie  appoynted  Mr.  John  Menzies,  Professor,  preses  of  the  said 
meeting.  Lykeas  the  Presbytrie  of  Kincardine  being  enquyred  why  they 
had  not  delegat  with  the  rest  for  the  effect  forsaid,  declaired  they  had 
not  opportunitie  of  meeting,  and  did  cordiallie  homologate  what  was 
done  by  the  fornamed  delegatis.  The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  takeing 
the  wholl  matter  to  consideratione  did  approve  what  was  done  by  the 
for-mentioned  meeting,  and  accordinglie  made  intimatione  therof  to  the 
said  Mr.  Henrie  Scougall,  and  to  be  in  readines  to  doe  as  was  prescrybed, 
and  it  is  recommended  to  the  severall  Presby tries  to  nominat  and 
appoynt  one  or  two  of  their  number,  with  their  moderators,  to  attend  the 
forsaid  meeting,  for  assisting  of  the  tryall  and  admissione  of  the  said 
professor,  and  to  give  their  advyse  in  those  things  that  are  referred  by 
the  Bishop  and  Synod  to  that  meeting. 

It  is  proposed  that  when  Students  of  Divinitie  are  to  enter  upon  their 
tryalls,  there  be  a  testimonie  requyred  of  them,  from  the  Colledge  where 
they  pass  their  courses,  and  were  graduat,  of  their  coversatione  dureing 
the  tyme  they  were  in  the  Colledge,  and  this  referred  to  be  more  fullie 
spoken  at  the  Synod  in  August  nixt 

Apryl  23.     Sess  :  5°.  post  meridiem. 

It  is  found  that  the  ordinance  of  last  Synod  for  ane  dollar  to  be  payed 
by  evry  minister  for  the  commissioners'  charges,  that  were  sent  to  Edin 
burgh,  is  not  yet  obeyed,  therfor  it  is  ordered  that  the  severall  moderators 
use  their  diligence  for  collecting  and  inbringing  the  samen,  at  said 
meeting  in  August  nixt. 

It  is  ordered  that  when  the  books  of  the  severall  Presbytries  are 
presented  at  the  Synodes  holden  in  October,  that  they  bear  in  the  end  of 
them  the  names  of  the  severall  kirks  at  which  comunion  was  given  the 
preceeding  yeir. 

It  is  recomended  to  the  severall  moderators  to  put  their  respective 
brethren  in  mynd  of  that  acknowledgement,  which,  by  an  Act  of  last 
Synod,  was  condescended  upon  to  the  Clerk  and  officer,  for  any  thing 
they  could  crave  for  the  three  Synodes  last  that  were  not  keeped,  which 
was,  by  the  severall  moderators,  condescended  to  be  one  Synod's  due  for 


1674]  OF   TIIE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  213 

all  the  three  that  were  not  keepecl,  but  that  any  thing  so  allowed  at  this 
tyme,  upon  that  accompt,  shall  not  be  a  preparative  for  the  future  in 
like  exigence,  and  to  cause  collect  from  the  brethren  that  allowance  to 
be  delivered  to  the  clerk  and  officer,  at  or  before  the  meeting  to  be 
keeped  the  second  Tuesday  of  August  nixt. 

Anent  the  visitatione  of  the  Kirk  of  Montkeigie,  the  diligence  of  the 
brethren  appoynted  for  that  end  being  regratt  in  the  Presbytrie  book  of 
Garrioch,  was  publicklie  read  and  considered,  as  also  the  former  appoynt- 
ment  anent  the  visitatione  of  the  Kirks  of  Inverurie  and  Logiedurno  is 
heerby  renewed,  and  new  dyets  and  edicts  appoynted  to  be  issued  out  for 
that  effect,  as  followes,  to  witt,  it  is  ordered  that  the  Kirk  of  Inverurie  be 
visited  the  first  Tuesday  of  June  nixt,  with  continuatione  of  dayes,  and 
that  by  the  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Garrioch,  and  the  other  brethren 
as  assessors  to  them,  mentioned  in  the  Act  of  the  last  Synod  made  ther- 
anent,  and  that  the  moderator  of  Garrioch  cause  give  timeous  advertise 
ment  therof  to  the  parochine  of  Inverurie,  and  that  the  said  visitors  shall 
at  that  tyme  condescend  what  kirk  they  shall  think  fitt  and  most  necessar 
to  be  nixt  visited,  and  the  tyme  therof,  and  that  the  moderator  cause 
advertise  the  parochine,  and  issue  edicts  for  that  effect,  and  cause  give 
advertisement  to  the  brethren  that  are  assessors  to  the  Presbytrie. 

Apryl  24,  Sess  :  6°.  ante  meridiem. 

It  is  ordered  that  Presbytries  be  diligent  in  going  about  visitationes 
of  the  kirks  within  their  boundes,  and  to  beginne  at  those  kirks  whose 
ministers  are  most  frequentlie  absent  from  the  Presbyteriall  meetings. 

It  is  recomended  to  all  the  brethren  within  this  Diocie,  who  have  not 
alreadie  supplied  Mr.  John  Bombathie,  Hungarian,  that  they  deliver  such 
charitable  help  as  they  please  to  bestow  upon  him,  either  to  himself,  or 
to  Mr.  Patrick  Sibbald,  minister  at  Aberdeen,  with  the  first  convenience. 

Persones  recomended  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  to  the  severall 
Presbytries  and  ministers,  for  ane  charitable  collectione  at  the  parish 
kirks  within  the  Diocie.  (Here  follow  the  names.) 

Here  follow  names  of  fugitives  from  discipline.  Also  persones 
excomunicat  for  quakerisme  viz. :  Alexander  Forbes  in  Auchorthies, 
and  Anna  Seatone,  his  spous,  John  Gordoune,  in  the  parochine  of 
Montkeicie. 


214  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [l674 

At  Old  Aberdeen  Apryl  22. 

The  1'resbytrie  mett  in  the  King's  Colledgc  Church,  in  Old  Aber 
deen,  and  appoynted  their  nixt  meeting  to  be  at  Alfoord  May  20,  and 
Mr.  Adam  Barclay  (who  succeeded  in  the  exercise)  to  have  ane  exegesis 
DC  perpetua  obligatione  ct  usu  sacra  inentorum  contra  Trcinulos. 


At  Alfoord  May  20,  1674. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay  being  necessarlie  withdrawn  to  Aberdeen,  excused 
himself  by  a  lyne,  and  therfor  no  exercise  this  day. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  minister  at  Keig,  delated  in  his  lyne,  Margaret 
Scot  for  frequent  cursing  and  scolding,  being  contumacious  to  their 
Session.  He  is  appoynted  to  cause  sumond  her  to  the  nixt  meeting. 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  the  nynth  of  June,  at  the 
Church  of  Kinethmont,  in  order  to  the  visiting  of  the  said  Church,  and 
for  that  effect  Mr.  John  Walker,  minister  at  Tillinessle,  is  appoynted  to 
goe  with  ane  edict  to  the  said  Church  and  parish,  and,  after  sermon,  to 
cause  serve  the  edict  at  the  Church  doore,  requyring  all  heritors,  wod- 
setters,  lyverenters,  tennants,  and  others  to  be  present  at  the  said  church 
the  formentioned  day,  and  this  is  done  by  virtue  of  ane  order  from  the 
Lord  Bishop  and  Synod. 

[77  cases  of  discipline] 


At  Kinethmont  June  9,  1674. 

After  sermon  by  Mr.  Robert  Cheyne,  present  incumbent,  minister  at 
Kinethmont,  and  that  upon  Revelation  3,  and  latter  part  of  the  first 
verse,  the  brethren  of  the  Exercise  did  meet,  together  with  Mr.  James 
Strachan,  minister  at  Oyne,  and  Mr.  Robert  Burnet,  minister  at  Raine, 
assessors  appoynted  by  the  Bishop  and  Synod,  and  having  taken  his 
sermon  to  consideration  did  approve  him  in  what  he  spoke,  but  unani- 
mouslie  concluded  that  he  stood  in  need  of  a  helper.  Therafter  the 
edict  being  called  for  was  returned,  lawfullie  execut  and  indorsit,  quhilk 
edict  being  publicklie  read  at  the  most  patent  door  of  the  said  Church, 
evry  person  and  persones  contained  therein,  who  knowes  and  can  prove 


1674]  OF   TIIE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  215 

anything  that  was  scandalous  in  the  conversation  of  the  said  Mr.  Robert 
Cheyne,  or  defective  in  his  doctrine  or  discipline,  were  requyred  to 
appear  instantlie  befor  the  Presbytrie,  and  declaire  the  samen,  assureing 
them  that,  if  they  compeired  not  for  the  effect  forsaid,  or  compeiring  shall 
keep  up  or  conceall  anything  they  know,  or  can  prove  at  the  present, 
alsweell  as  heerafter,  that  then,  in  that  caice,  they  are  to  have  no  further 
hearing  in  any  such  matter,  against  the  said  minister,  in  any  tyme  come- 
ing,  and  none  compeiring,  the  moderator  did  call  from  the  said  minister 
for  ane  roll  of  his  elders'  names,  which  he  did  give  up,  and  is  as  follows, 
to  witt,  James  Robertsone  in  Syd,  Andrew  Rennie  in  Slack,  William 
Moore  in  Wakemilne  of  Wardes,  William  Hay  in  Seggiedenne,  Alexan 
der  Crookshank  in  Erlsefield,  and  John  Gordoune  in  Kirkhill.  And  then 
the  moderator  did  enquyre  of  the  said  minister,  if  he  had  any  exception 
to  propone  against  all  or  any  of  his  elders,  that  might  hinder  all  or  any 
of  them  from  being  admitted  to  be  examined  upon  oath,  concerning  his 
deportment  either  personall  or  pastorall,  he  answered  he  had  none,  and 
did  admitt  of  them  all.  Wherupon  the  moderator  did  declaire  to  the 
said  elders,  that  he  was  to  examine  them  upon  oath  concerning  those 
particulars  viz.  :  i".  Whether  or  not  they  knew  or  could  prove  Mr. 
Robert  Cheyne  present  incumbent  minister  at  Kinethmont  to  be  scandal 
ous  in  his  conversation.  2°.  Whether  or  not  he  was  diligent  in  preaching 
God's  Word  to  the  people  of  that  congregation  publicklie,  by  having  two 
sermons  every  Lord's  day  in  the  Sumer,  and  one  in  the  Winter,  and 
whether  or  not  his  doctrine  was  edifying  to  them.  3°.  If  he  be  diligent 
in  examining  the  people,  in  visiting  of  the  sick,  in  celebration  of  the 
sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper.  4°.  Whether  or  not  he  be  diligent  and 
impartiall  in  exercising  discipline  against  all  scandalous  persones  that 
are  conveenecl  befor  their  Session.  And  therafter,  in  presence  of  the  said 
Mr.  Robert,  did  solemnelie  swear  them  all.  Therafter  the  said  Mr. 
Robert,  and  all  of  them  being  removed,  the  said  elders  were  called  in 
singillatim,  and  examined  upon  the  forsaid  particulars  :  Who  deponed 
that  they  neither  knew  nor  could  prove  anything  scandalous,  in  the  said 
Mr.  Robert  his  conversatione,  and,  as  to  the  duties  of  his  calling,  they 
deponed  that  he  preached  twise  evry  Lord's  day  in  the  Sumer,  and  once 
in  the  Winter,  but  his  inarticulat  speaking  hindered  somewhat  their 
edification,  as  also  they  deponed  that  he  was  diligent  in  catcchiseing  the 
people,  in  visiting  the  sick,  in  celebration  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  in 


216  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [16/4 

exerciseing  of  discipline,  though  not  so  able,  through  infirmitie  of  old 
age,  to  discharge  these  duties  as  was  necessarie.  Wherupon  being 
further  demanded  if  they  judged  him  to  stand  in  need  of  a  helper,  they 
all  answered  that  they  thought  he  did,  and  would  be  the  better  of  one. 
When  the  said  Mr.  Robert  was  called,  and  enquyred  anent  his  present 
provision  of  stipend,  glebe,  manse,  grasse,  and  mosse,  who  declaired  his 
stipend  ycirly  to  be  three  hundreth  merks  of  money,  three  chalder  of 
victual!,  and  the  small  vicarage,  which  was  decreeted  to  him  for  two  hun 
dreth  merks,  and  that  he  was  sufficiently  provided  with  a  gleeb,  manse, 
and  mosse,  but  had  no  grasse,  wherfor  he  is  appoynted  to  use  legall 
diligence  against  the  heritors  for  his  provisione  theranent. 

Anent  the  Schoolmaster,  the  minister  declared  his  name  Mr.  George 
Birnie,  who  being  present  was  enquyred  if  he  had  any  exception  to  pro 
pone  against  the  minister,  or  all,  or  any  of  the  ciders,  that  might  hinder 
them  from  being  admitted  to  be  examined  concerning  his  conversatione, 
and  discharge  of  duties  as  Schoolmaster  at  this  place.  He  answered 
negativelie,  and  did  admitt  of  them  all.  Wherupon  the  said  Mr.  George 
being  removed,  the  minister  together  with  the  elders  were  examined  con 
cerning  him,  who  did  all  declaire  that  they  knew  nothing  to  be  scandalous 
in  his  conversatione,  or  defective  in  his  discharge  of  dutie  as  School 
master  at  this  place. 

Anent  the  Session  book,  the  minister  declaired  that  he  had  no  book- 
but  scrolls,  for  which  he  was  rebuked,  and  appoynted  to  get  a  book,  that 
it  might  be  visited. 

Anent  the  utensiles  of  the  Church,  the  minister  declaired  that  they 
had  two  comunion  tables,  a  laver  of  tiune,  two  cups  of  tiune,  and  a  table 
cloath,  all  belonging  to  the  Church. 

Anent  the  fabrick  of  the  Church,  and  Church  Yard  dykes,  they  are 
found  to  be  somewhat  ruinous.  Wherfor  the  Presbytrie  did  appoynt 
the  minister  to  use  legall  diligence  against  the  heritors  for  repairing  of 
them. 

The  Presbytrie  did  make  choise  of  Mr.  George  Melvill  moderator, 
Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  and  Mr.  Robert  Irvine,  for  trying  of  young  men 
befor  they  enter  upon  tryalls  in  publick,  according  to  the  Act  of  the  late 
Synod. 

The  rcferrs  of  the  Presbytrie  are  continued  till  the  nixt  meeting, 
which  is  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord  July  8,  and  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  to 


1674]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  2i; 

have  his  Exegesis  De  perpetua  obligatione  et  usu  sacramentorum  contra 
tremulos. 

At  Alfoord  Julie  8,  1674. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay  had  anc  Exegesis  De  perpetua  obligatione  ct  usu 
sacramentorum  contra  tremulos,  and  was  unanimouslie  approver!  in  the 
samen. 

The  respective  brethren  declaired  that  they  had  observed  the  29th  of 
May  by  preaching. 

The  privy  censure  passed  on  the  brethren. 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  twentic  dayes,  and  in 
regard  Mr.  William  Garrioch,  Student  of  Divinitie  within  the  bounds  of 
the  Presbytrie,  was  this  day  recomended  to  the  Presbytrie  by  severall  of 
the  brethren,  for  entering  upon  his  tryalls  in  order  to  publick  preaching, 
having  produced  a  testimonie  under  the  hands  of  the  Professors  of 
Philosophic  of  King's  Colledge,  in  Old  Aberdeen,  of  his  profkiencie  in 
the  studie  of  Philosophic,  and  graduation,  together  with  testimonies 
under  the  hand  of  the  Professor  of  Divinitie,  and  respective  brethren 
with  whom  he  did  reside  since  his  graduation,  was  appoynted  to  be  in 
readines  the  nixt  day  to  sustainc  the  tiyall  of  the  Languages,  Greek 
and  Hebrew. 

\_i8  cases  of  discipline] 

At  Alfoord  Julie  29,  1674. 

Mr.  William  Garrioch  sustained  the  tryall  of  the  Languages,  Greek 
and  Hebrew,  and  was  approven. 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  moneth,  and  Mr. 
William  Garreoch  to  sustaine  the  questionarie  tryall. 

[ij  cases  of  discipline} 

At  Alfoord  September  2nd,  1674. 

The  Presbytrie  mett,  being  eight  dayes  after  the  day  appointed,  by 
reason  Barthol  fair  in  Kincardine  of  Neil  happened  to  be  that  day,  not 
withstanding  they  had  appoynted  formerlie  a  moneth  to  be  betwixt  the 

EE 


2i8  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

last  Presbytrie  and  this  for  shun  ing  that  day.  The  meeting  of  the 
Prcsbytrie,  this  day  was  by  advertisement  from  the  moderator. 

Mr.  William  Garrcoch  sustained  his  qucstionaric  tryall,  and  was 
approven. 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appoyntcd  to  be  this  day  twenty  dayes  the  23  of 
September,  and  Mr.  William  Garrcoch  is  appoyntcd  to  have  ane  Exegesis 
De  infallibilitatc  Ecclesiae,  and  to  distribute  his  theses  upon  the  said 

subject. 

[/p  cases  of  discipline] 

At  Alfoord,  September  23,  1674. 

Mr.  William  Garreoch  had  ane  Exegesis  De  infallibilitate  Ecclesiae, 
and  was  approven,  as  also  he  delivered  his  theses  upon  the  samen  subject 
to  the  respective  brethren,  to  be  dispute  at  the  nixt  meeting  at  this  place. 

Mr.  William  Christie,  minister  at  Glenbucket,  did  delate  John  Watson 
and  William  Watson,  for  breach  of  Sabbath,  by  goeing  to  the  wood,  and 
bringing  home  barks  on  the  Lord's  day.  He  is  appoyntcd  to  cause 
sumond  them  to  the  nixt  meeting,  they  being  declaired  contumacious  by 

the  Session. 

The  Presbytrie  did  refcrre  the  matter  anent  some  persones  who 
refuse  to  partake  of  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  meerlie  upon 
account  of  malice,  for  advyce  to  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod. 

The  Presbytrie  did  referre  the  matter  anent  persones  who  use  on  the 
Lord's  day  to  dry  cloaths,  stretch  out  webs  and  linnens,  to  the  Lord 
Bishop  and  Synod,  for  their  advyce  theranent. 

The  ministers  of  Keig,  Clatt,  Towie,  Kildrumie,  and  Glenbucket 
reported  that  they  had  celebrat  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  on 
Easter,  as  also  the  ministers  of  Alfoord  and  Auchindore  reported  that 
they  had  celebrat  the  Holy  Eucharist  on  Pentecost.  The  minister  of 
Touch  reported  that  he  had  celebrat  it  on  the  sixt  of  September.  The 
minister  of  Kinethmont  reported  that  he  had  celebrat  it  on  the  fyft  of 
Julie.  The  minister  of  Tillinessle  reported  that  he  had  celebrat  it  on  the 
26  of  Julie.  The  minister  of  Cushnie  reported  he  had  celebrat  the  same 
on  the  24  of  May.  The  minister  of  Forbes  reported  he  had  celebrat  the 

same  on  the  22  of  Julie. 

\2i  cases  of  discipline} 

Mr.  Wm.  Thomonsone,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie. 


1 674]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  2IQ 

At  King's  Colledge  of  Aberdeen  9  October  1674,  this  Presbytrie  buik 
of  Alfuird  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 

Mr.  Al.  Forbes,  Clerk  to  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 


The  Referres  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen  holden  by  the  Right 
Reverend  Father  in  God,  Patrick,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  in  the  King's 
Colledge  of  Old  Aberdeen,  in  the  moneth  October  1674,  and  begunne 
the  6  day  thereof. 

October  6  Sess  :   r.  post  meridiem. 

Sermon  being  had  in  the  Kirk  of  Old  Machar,  by  Mr.  Alexander 
Seatone,  minister  at  Banff,  the  fornoone,  &c. 

Sess  :  2.  October  7,  ante  meridiem. 

The  Act  of  the  last  Synod  anent  those  who  are  absent  from  Synods 
not  being  excused,  ordaining  that  the  reasons  of  the  absents  their  absence 
be  strictlie  examined  by  moderator  at  the  privie  censure,  renewed. 

Sess  :  3°.  eodem  die  post  meridiem. 

It  being  represented  that,  in  severall  parochines,  the  money  is  taken 
out  of  the  kirk  boxes  for  upholding  the  fabricks  of  the  churches,  it  is 
ordained  that  whatsoever  of  the  said  money  is  imployed  for  that  use,  ane 
accompt  shall  be  kept  therof  in  their  registers,  untill  the  nixt  stent  of  the 
parochine  for  reparatione  of  the  church,  that  then  it  may  be  repayed  by 
the  heritors,  for  the  use  of  the  poor. 

The  brethren  of  the  Presbytery  of  Alfoord  were  removed,  and  they 
and  their  session-book  approven. 

Sess  :  4.  October  8,  ante  meridiem. 

It  is  ordained  by  the  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  that  accord 
ing  to  the  Act  of  the  last  Synod,  the  several  Presbytries  shall  be  diligent 
in  visitatione  of  churches  within  their  respective  bounds,  for  the  better 
accomplishing  wherof,  there  was  a  paper  presented  to  the  Synod,  con 
taining  directiones  for  visitation  of  churches,  and  for  the  privat  tryall  and 


220  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETINC  [1674 

censure  of  ministers  in  the  respective  Presbytries.  Which  paper  being 
publicklie  read,  and  seriouslie  considered,  after  mature  deliberation,  was, 
by  the  vott  of  the  Synod,  approven  ;  and  appoynted  to  be  made  use  of, 
in  their  respective  visitationes  and  privat  censures. 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  that  full  copies  of  the 
forsaid  directioncs  anent  visitation  of  churches  and  privat  censure  of 
ministers,  shall  be  transmitted  to  the  severall  Presbytries,  with  the  other 
referrs  of  this  Synod,  that  they  may  be  read  and  made  use  of  at  their 
privat  censures,  and  that  evry  minister  may  provyde  himself  tymeouslie 
of  a  copie  therof,  under  the  clerk's  hand  of  their  respective  Presbytries, 
but  that  the  registration  therof  in  their  Presbytrie  books  be  forborne  till 
the  nixt  Synod,  that  it  may  be  furthered  considered  if  it  be  expedient 
that  anything  be  added  thcrto,  or  altered  therm. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  taking  to  consideration,  that  there  are 
severall  particular  affairs,  which  cannot  be  convenientlie  determined  at 
this  Synod,  have  therfor  appoynted  ane  meeting  to  be  keeped  at  Old 
Aberdeen,  the  first  Monday  of  October  next,  with  continuance  of  dayes, 
and  those  who  are  appoynted  to  meet  then  with  the  Bishop  are  the 
moderators  of  all  the  Presbytries,  the  wholl  Presbylrie  of  Aberdeen,  with 
so  many  of  the  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Ellone  as  can  keep  that 
dyet,  and  if  any  of  those  moderators,  from  sicknes,  or  any  other  neces- 
sitie,  be  absent,  that  one  be  appoynted  in  his  place  to  keep  dyet. 

Anent  the  insolencie  of  quakers,  referred  to  be  taken  to  considera- 
tione  at  the  same  meeting  in  October  nixt. 

It  is  ordained  that  John  Menzies,  Professor  of  Divinitie  in  New  Aber 
deen,  James  Gordoune,  minister  at  Banchorie,  together  with  the  ministers 
of  New  and  Old  Aberdeen,  shall  meet  upon  the  Bishop's  call,  to  take  ane 
accompt  of  the  rents  belonging  to  the  Professor  of  Divinitie  in  King's 
College,  Aberdeen. 

It  is  ordered,  that,  at  the  meeting  in  October  nixt,  the  forsaid  persons 
imediatelie  above-named,  shall  take  into  consideration  the  caice  of  per 
sons  who  withdraw  from  participatione  of  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's 
Supper,  that  something  may  be  determined  anent  them  at  that  meeting, 
or  in  the  nixt  Synod. 

Anent  the  paying  of  ane  dollar  by  each  minister  for  the  comissioners' 
charges,  that  were  sent  south  to  the  secret  counsell,  it  is  ordered  that 
evry  moderator  collect  the  same  from  their  severall  brethren,  at  their  first 


1674]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFOKD.  221 

Presbyteriall  meeting,  and  send  it  to  Mr.  Patrick  Sibbald,  who  is  appoyn- 
ted  to  collect  the  samen. 

It  is  ordered  that  evry  minister  shall  come  in  tymeouslie  to  their 
respective  Presbytries,  and  those  who  come  late  to  be  censured,  unles 
that  the  excuse  be  found  very  relevant. 

It  is  ordered  that,  upon  the  last  Wednesday  of  Februarie  nixt  1675, 
there  be  ane  day  of  publick  fasting  and  humiliatione,  throughout  all  the 
Diocie,  that  solemne  supplicatione  may  be  made  unto  God,  for  ane  bless 
ing  upon  the  approaching  seed  tyme,  and  this  to  be  intimate  from  the 
severall  pulpits,  on  the  Lord's  day  imediately  preceiding. 

The  Lord  Bishop  having  caused  call  the  catalogue  of  the  ministers' 
names  the  last  Session  of  this  Synod,  the  absents  names  were  appoynted 
to  be  sent,  with  the  referrs,  to  the  severall  Presbytries,  that  the  absents 
may  be  censured  accordinglie. 

It  is  ordered  that,  when  the  severall  Presbytrie  books  are  sent  in  to 
the  Bishop  to  be  revised  befor  each  Synod,  that  the  copies  of  the  referrs 
of  the  last  Synod  be  sent  in  therwith. 

At  Old  Aberdeen  October  7. 

The  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  did  meet  in  the  King's  Colledge 
Church  in  Old  Aberdeen,  and  appoynted  their  nixt  meeting  to  be  at 
Alfoord  November  4,  and  Mr.  William  Garrioch  to  sustaine  the  dis 
pute  of  his  theses  De  infallibilitate  Ecclesiae. 

At  Alfoord  November  4,  1674. 

None  of  the  brethren  did  meet  (by  reason  of  the  tempest  of  weather) 
safe  Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  and  Mr.  John  Mair  with  the  Moderator,  therfor 
there  could  be  no  meeting  of  the  Presbytrie  this  clay.  The  nixt  meeting 
is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  eight  dayes,  and  the  Exercise  ut  supra,  and 
the  absent  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  to  be  advertised  of  this  dyet  by  a 
lyne  from  the  Moderator. 

At  Alfoord  November  11,  1674. 

Mr.  William  Garrioch  sustained  the  dispute  of  his  theses  De  infallibi 
litate  Ecclesiae,  and  was  approven.  The  nixt  meeting  (by  reason  of  the 


222  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1674 

shortnes  of  the  day,  and  the  great  distance  of  some  of  the  brethren  from 
the  Presbytric)  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  five  weeks,  and  Mr.  William 
Garrioch  to  have  ane  Exercise  and  Addition  on  the  following  matter  of 
the  Exercise  I  Corinthians  I.  5. 

According  to  the  Act  of  the  late  Synod,  the  Moderator  did  requyre 
ane  dollar  from  each  minister  now  present,  for  paying  the  comissioners' 
charges,  who  were  sent  south  to  the  secret  counsell.  Some  promised  to 
give  it,  and  some  not. 

\_i6  cases  of  discipline} 


At  Alfoord  December  r6,  1674. 

Mr.  William  Garrioch  had  ane  Exercise  and  Additione  on  I  Corinth 
ians  i.  5,  and  was  approvcn.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this 
day  five  weeks,  for  the  cause  befor  mentioned,  and  Mr.  William  Garrioch 
to  have  ane  popular  sermon  on  Revelation  14.  13. 

[/</  cases  of  discipline} 

At  Alfoord  Januarie  20,  1675. 

Mr.  William  Garrioch  had  a  popular  sermon  on  Revelation  14.  13, 
and  was  approven  in  this,  and  the  rest  of  his  tryalls,  and  appoynted  to 
have  a  recomendation  from  the  moderator  to  the  Lord  Bishop,  in  order 
to  the  opening  of  his  mouth  for  publick  preaching.  The  nixt  meeting  is 
appoynted  to  be  this  day  moneth,  and  Mr.  Alexander  Garrioch,  Student 
of  Divinitie,  within  the  precinct  of  the  Presbytrie,  being  dcsyrous  to  have 
a  subject  prescrybed  to  him,  as  a  specimen  ingenii,  was  appoynted  at  the 
nixt  meeting  to  have  a  comon  head  De  natura  et  efficacia  sacramentorum. 

The  nixt  day  the  privy  censure  is  appoynted  to  passe  on  the  respec 
tive  brethren,  and  they  exhorted  to  be  present. 

[16  cases  of  discipline} 

Mr.  Alexander  Garrioch  had  ane  comon  head  De  natura  et  efficacia 
sacrainentoruDi)  and  was  approven.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to 
be  this  day  moneth,  at  Cushnie,  for  a  visitatione  of  that  church,  in 
regard  the  minister  of  that  place  had  of  late  mett  with  a  barbarous 


OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  223 

act  done  against  him  by  some,  in  killing  of  his  horse  in  the  stable, 
and  cutting  out  the  tongue  of  his  cow  standing  in  the  byre  on  the 
night,  and  did  suspect  one  John  Garrioch,  whom  he  had  laterlie  ex- 
comunicated,  having  this  presumption  against  him,  that  when  processe 
was  appoynted  to  goe  on  against  him,  he  said  judiciallie,  whosoever 
should  processe  him  should  find  frost  in  it,  as  is  recorded  in  this  register 
of  the  Presbytrie,  page  174.  The  minister  desyring  a  recomendation 
from  the  Presbytrie  to  the  Lord  Bishop,  his  Ordinarie,  that  he  might  be 
pleased  to  recomend  him  to  the  judge  competent  for  criminall  letters, 
the  Presbytrie  thought  fitt  first  to  call  a  visitation  at  his  Church,  that 
they  might  know  how  the  case  stood  betwixt  him  and  his  parishioners, 
that  therafter  they  might  be  the  more  cleer,  how  to  recomend  him  to  the 
Lord  Bishop,  he  earnestlie  desyring  the  same. 

Mr.  John  Irvine  of  Cabrach  did  delate  John  Mill,  Christian  Marno, 
Elspet  Morice,  Robert  Mackie,  John  Stewart,  John  Craig,  and  Thomas 
Roy  for  running  out  of  the  Church  befor  closour  of  divine  worship.  They 
are  appoynted  to  be  sumoned  the  nixt  meeting. 

The  privy  censure  past  on  the  brethren,  but  nothing  censurable 
observed,  safe  that  Mr.  William  Christie  was  sharplie  rebuked  for  his 
absence  from  the  last  Session  of  the  Synod,  and  his  frequent  absence 
from  the  Presbytrie,  and  Mr.  John  Irvine  advysed  to  peace  with  his 
parochioners. 

The  Presbytrie  received  a  lyne  from  the  Lord  Bishop,  appoynting 
them  to  supplie  the  vacancie  of  Kerne,  by  reason  of  the  present  incum 
bent  his  sicknes,  and  infirmities  of  bodie,  in  obedience  to  which,  the 
Presbytrie  appoynted  Mr.  William  Thomson,  minister  at  Auchindore, 
and  Mr.  William  Christie,  minister  at  Glenbucket  to  supplie  the  vacancie 
on  Sabbath  day  come  eight  dayes,  and  Sabbath  day  come  twentie  dayes, 
betwixt  and  the  nixt  meeting. 

Mr.  Walter  Ritchie  is  appointed  to  preach  at  the  nixt  meeting  at 
Cushnie,  and  failing  him  (becaus  now  absent)  the  moderator. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay  presented  to  the  Presbytrie  a  division  of  the  kirk 
of  Keig,  approver!  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  and  by  the  brethren  of  the 
Presbytrie,  comissionat  by  him  for  that  effect,  desyring  that  it  might  be 
insert  in  the  Presbytrie  register  ad  futuram  menwriavi,  which  was  granted, 
and  is  as  after  followes  :~ 


324  RECORDS  OF  Tin:    MEETING 


At  Kcig  the  fourth  day  of  June  the  year  of  God  1674  yeirs. 

The  said   day,  by  virtue  of  a  comission  from   the   Right   Reverend 
Father  n  God,  Patrick,  by  the  mercie  of  God,  Lord  Bishop  °   Aberdeen 
of  theda.t  at  Old  Aberdeen,  the  fyft  day  of  December  ,673  yehfcon 
veened  at  the  Church  of  Keig,  Mr.  Robert  Irvine  minister  at  To    fe  M 
William  Burnet   minister  at  Kildrumic,  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie  minister  at 
Forbes   Mr.  John  Walker,  minister  at  Tillinessle,  and  Mr. 'Adam  Bar 

t hree  "fT"  *          ?"*'  "*  **  wUch  (Orsd  <°™-°°  «>ey or  any 
th.ee  of  them  were  authorized  to  proceed  to  the  division  and  partition  of 
the  Church  for  the  accomodation  of  the  several!  heritors  and  pariochoncrs 
accordmg  to  then-  interests  in  their  roomes,  for  attending  the  pub,    k 
ordmances.      Ane  edict   lawfuliie  executed  and  indorsed  being  called 
whcrby  the  forsa.d  heritors,  pariochoners,  and  others  having  or  pretend 
rng   mterest  were  warned    to  be  present  the  said  day  for    Lt  effect 
Compe.red  al,  the  heritors   of  the   pariochine,   to  win,  William  Lo  d 
Forbes,  James  Gordoune  of  Terpersie,  John  Forbes  of  Leslie   George 
W,  son  of  l,nc,Zach    James  Farquhar  of  Tulioch,  and   the  said   Jame 
Gordoune  of  Terpers,c,  ,„  name  of  William  Gordoune  of  Balgowen.beTng 
minor  and  W.lham  Reid  of  Pittendreich,  with  diverse  others  parishoners' 
who  be,ng  cnquyred  by  the  forsaid  Comissioners,  whether    t  was    S 
;r  .f  there  was  any  necessitie  for  proceeding  to  the  partition  and 
dis  ribution   of  the  roomes  of   the   said    Church,  James   Farquhar  of 
Tulioch  declared  that  there  was  a  necessitie  for  it,  and  that  he  had  ju°t 
reason  to  complaine,  that,  having  the  greatest  interest  in  the  said  paroch- 
me,  saving  the  laird  of  Terpersie,  he  had  not  so  much  roome  as  to  sett  up 

"hat'    'was  r    r6  f!™lfeI.The  laird  °f  TW  l>'kewise  declairecl 
hat  ,  h,s  desyre  that  a  d.v.sion  should  be  made  for  his  better  accomo- 

dat,on,  ,n  regard  he  had  not  ane  equal!  proportion  of  roome  answerable 
to  h,s  rent  w,th,n  the  parochine,  wherunto  evry  one  of  the  rest  of  the 
heritors  did  freehe  declair  that  they  did  consent.  Only  William  Reid  of 
dre.ch.gave  ma  protestation  against  the  same,  wherof  the  tenor 
follows:  Forsomeikle  as  there  is  ane  division  of  the  kirk  of  Keig  at 
Ke,g  the  23  day  of  June  ,673  yeirs,  wherin  the  wholl  heritors  of  the  safd 
parochine  and  annexed  lands  are  aecomodate,  and  thcrfor  seeing  there  is 
a  new  ed.ct  .ssued  by  Patrick,  by  the  mercie  of  God,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen 


1674]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  225 

for  a  new  division  of  the  kirk,  therfor  seeing  all  heritors  have  their  pro- 
portiones  alloted  in  the  former  division,  therfor  I   protest    against   any 
present  division,  and  appeall  to  any  superior  judge  competent  for  that 
effect,  and  in  testimonie  I  have  subscrybed  thir  presents  with  my  hand, 
at  the  kirk  of  Keig,  the  fourth  day  of  June  1674  yeirs.     Sic  subscribitur, 
W.  Reid.     On  the  other  hand,  James  Farquhar  of  Tulloch  protested  that 
the  said  comissioners  should  proceed,  and  that  the  forsaid  protestation 
made  by  William   Reid  should  be  no  impediment    therunto,  and  that 
because,  first,  the  former  division  alleaclged  was  not,  nor  is  presumed  to 
be  a  formall  nor  equall  division,  adjudging  to  evry  heritor  his  due  pro 
portion,  but  was  onlie  intended  for  the   present  accomodation    of  the 
annexed  lands.    2dlie.    In  regard  though  it  had  been  intended  as  a  perfect 
division,  yet  the  heritor  of  Tulloch  being  at  that  tyme  minor,  and  his 
lands  within  the  parochine  then  liverented  by  Mr.  Thomas  Gordoune  of 
Pittendreich,  and  none  present  at  that  tyme  to  represent  Tulloch,  the 
said  division  was  made  without  his  consent,  and  therfor  he,  or  his  repre 
sentatives  now  might  be  heard,  and  have  redresse  of  what  injurie  they 
have  sustained  by  the  said  pretended  division.    3dlie.    Wheras  it  is  alleadged 
in  the  forsaid  protestation,  that  all  the  heritors  have  their  proportiones 
alloted  them  in  the  former  division,  the  contrarie  is  manifest,  for  there  is 
therin   no    mention  of  any  localitie  or  proportion   for   the  heritors,  or 
tennants  of  the  lands  belonging  to  the  laird  of  Tcrpersie,  or  to  the  good- 
man  of  Balgowen,  or  to  the  goodman  of  Pittendreich,  but  onlie  that  they 
should  continue  in  the  roomes  prcsentlie  possessed  by  them,  wheras  it  is 
knowne  that  the  dask  belonging  to  Pittendreich  is  not  now  in  that  roome 
which  was  then  possessed  therby.     4"°.     Because  none  can    judge  that 
which  is  alloted  by  the  forsaid  pretended  division  to  the  lands  of  Tulloch, 
to  be  a  just  proportion,  havcing  therby  but  about  four  foot  in  the  wholl 
church,  wheras  others  who  have  not  the  size  of  the  rent  possesse  much 
more,  and  particularlie  the   goodman  of  Pittendreich,   possesseth  eight 
foot,  whose  rent  is  little  above  the  third   of  the  rent  of  Tulloch.     5''°. 
Because  none  can  judge  it  reasonable  that  Tulloch  should  be  obleidged 
to  uphold  about  the  fyft  part  of  the  wholl  fabrick  by  his  rent,  and  not 
have   half  so   much  roomc   allowed    him  as  one  who  is  not  obleidged 
by  his  rent  to  uphold  the  fourteenth  part  of  the  fabrick  of  the  said  church, 
and  finallie,  the  said  protestation  of  William  Reid  ought  to  be  no  impedi 
ment  to  the  procedour  of  the  forsaid  comissioners,  in  regard    the  said 
FF 


226  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

William  hath  not  thcrin  appealed  to  any  ccrtaine  judge,  or  judicatorie, 
before  whom  the  matter  may  be  discussed,  but  leaves  the  same  unccrtaine, 
and  thcrfor  the  said  James  humblie  desyred,  and  protested,  that  the  said 
comissioners  should  proceed,  according  to  their  comission,  wherby  he 
might  have  accomodation.  The  said  comissioners  having  heard  both 
parties,  and  having  seen  the  extract  of  the  former  pretended  division, 
and  having  seriouslie  considered  the  reasonableness  of  the  said  James 
Farquhar  his  dcsyre,  and  protestation,  resolved  to  proceed,  and  to  this 
effect,  call  for  a  new  rentall  from  the  said  heritors,  which  having  been 
formerlie  agreed  upon  (as  followes)  was  given  in  by  them  viz.  the  Lord 
Forbes  his  rent  within  the  said  parish  being  five  hundreth  sixtie  eight  libs. ; 
the  laird  of  Terpersie's  rent,  six  hundreth  seventic  eight  libs.;  the  laird  of 
Leslie's  rent,  two  hundreth  fourty  six  libs.  ;  Tulloch's  rent  five  hundreth 
and  fiftic  libs.;  Findzach's  rent,  four  hundredth  sixtie  seven  libs.;  Pittcn- 
dreich's  rent,  two  hundreth  libs.  ;  and  Balgowen's  rent,  one  hundreth 
nyntie  eighth  libs.,  Scots  monie  ;  according  to  which  they  desyred  the 
Church  to  be  measured  and  clivyded,  excluding  the  roome  for  the  pulpit 
and  minister's  desk,  as  not  to  come  under  measuring  and  division,  but  to 
stand  as  they  were  in  the  south  side  of  the  Church,  betwixt  the  Church 
door  towards  the  west  end,  and  the  window  at  the  east  side  of  the  pulpit 
and  so  their  proportiones  to  be  alloted  to  them  accordinglie.  And  so 
the  wholl  Church  within  the  walls  being  measured  (excluding  as  said  is) 
extends  to  one  hundreth  and  nynteen  foot  of  Scots  measure.  And  the 
heritors  being  desyred  to  make  selection  of  their  roomes,  conforme  to 
their  rents  ;  All  with  one  consent  (except  William  Reid,  who  had 
removed  himself  befor)  yeelded  that  the  Lord  Forbes  should  continue  in 
the  possession  of  his  loft,  and  roome  under  the  same,  in  the  East  end  of 
the  Church,  for  himself  and  tennants,  as  he  presentlie  possesseth  the 
same.  And  to  the  rest,  according  to  the  forsaid  measure,  their  severall 
proportiones  are  desygned,  and  allotted  to  them  as  followes  viz.  :  to  the 
laird  of  Terspersie  for  his  owne  dask  from  against  the  chamfret  on  the 
east  syde  of  the  window  which  joynes  to  the  pulpit,  eight  foot  Eastward  ; 
to  James  Farquhar  of  Tulloch,  for  his  dask  Eastward  from  Terpersie's 
roome,  seven  foot,  issue  and  entrie  being  to  the  left,  betwixt  his  and 
Terpersie's  dask  ;  to  William  Gordoune  of  Balgowen,  from  James 
Farquhar's  roome,  Eastward  under  the  Lord  Forbes  his  loft,  to  the  South 
east  corner  of  the  Church,  being  his  wholl  proportion  for  himself  and 


1674]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  22/ 

tennants  ;  to  William  Reid  of  rittcndreich,  from  two  foot  and  anc  half 
by  East  the  comou  loft  upon  the  north  syde  of  the  Church,  eight  foot  and 
two  inches,  extending  Eastward  to  betwixt  the  eleventh  and  twelfth 
couples,  being  his  wholl  proportion  for  himself  and  tennants  ;  to  George 
Wilson  of  Eindzach,  from  thence  Eastward  upon  the  same  syde  of  the 
Church,  for  his  dask,  seven  foot  and  fyvc  inches,  extending  to  the  laird 
of  Eeslie's  dask,  between  the  fifteenth  and  sixteenth  couples,  leaving  issue 
and  entrie  betwixt  his  and  Pittendreich's  dask,  with  which  proportion  he 
declaircd  himself  satisfied,  both  for  himself  and  tennants  ;  to  the  laird  of 
Leslie  close  from  George  Wilson's  dask  Eastward,  ten  foot  for  himself  and 
tenants,  extending  three  foot  eastward  under  the  Lord  Eorbes  his  loft  ; 
to  the  laird  of  Terpersie  his  tennants,  from  the  chamfret  of  the  West 
window  on  the  South  syde  Westward  to  the  corner,  and  Northward  to  the 
west  gevill  of  the  Church  extending  to  betwixt  the  sixth  and  seventh 
josts  of  the  comon  loft  under  the  said  loft,  numbering  northwards,  with 
issue  and  entrie  on  themselves  ;  to  Tulloch's  tennants  from  thence  to  the 
northwest  corner,  and  thence  to  the  stair  of  the  loft,  under  the  comon  loft 
on  the  North  syde,  and  on  the  South  syde  from  the  door  Westward  to  the 
midle  of  the  westmost  window.  The  which  forsaid  division  and  parti 
tion,  as  is  above  designed,  being  made,  and  evry  one's  proportion  and 
roome  thus  assigned  unto  him,  the  said  comissioners  did  intimate  the 
same  to  those  present,  giving  them  right,  by  virtue  of  their  comission,  to 
possesse  the  same  in  all  tymc  comeing.  Wherewith  the  said  heritors 
were  weel  satisfied.  And  so  in  confirmation  of  the  premisses,  the  said 
Comissioners  have  subscribed  the  same  with  their  hands. 

Sic  Subscribing         Mr.  John  Walker. 
Mr.  W7alter  Richie. 
Mr.  Robert  Irvine. 
Mr.  William  Burnet 
Mr.  Adam  Barclay. 

We,  Patrick,  by  the  mercic  of  God,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  having  seen 
and  considered  the  above  written  accompt  of  the  comission  given  by  us 
to  our  reverend  and  beloved  brethren  Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  Mr.  Robert 
Irvine,  and  Mr.  William  Burnet,  for  sctling  the  accomodatione  of  the 
several!  heritors  and  parishioners  of  the  kirk  of  Keig,  according  to  their 


228  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1675 

respective  interests  in  their  roomcs,  for  attending  the  publick  ordinances, 
doe  approve  of  the  cair  and  diligence  of  the  said  Comissioners,  and  their 
wholl  proccdour  in  that  affaire,  and  doe  order  that  the  above  written 
accompt,  together  with  our  approbation  therof,  be  rcgratt  in  the  Presby- 
trie  book  of  Alfoord  ad  futnrani  rei  memoriam.  Given  under  our  hand, 
at  Old  Aberdeen,  the  twentie  seventh  day  of  Januarie  1675  ycirs. 

Sic  Subscriber         1'at.  Bp.  of  Aberdeen. 

The  moderator  did  put  the  brethren  present  in  mynd  of  the  Act  of 
the  late  Synod,  ordering  that,  on  the  last  Wednesday  of  this  current 
Februarie,  there  be  ane  day  of  publick  fasting  and  humiliation,  through 
out  all  this  Diocic,  and  appoynted  that  the  said  clay  should  be  observed 
by  them,  according  to  the  said  Act 

The  Presbyteric  appointed  Mr.  Patrick  Coupland,  minister  at^Cushnie, 
to  make  intimation  of  the  visitation  of  the  said  church  two  Lord's  dayes, 
immediately  preceding  the  same,  and  to  invite  all  to  the  worship. 


At  Cushnic  March  17,  1675. 

Mr.  Walter  Ritchie  preached  on  Romans  10.  15,  and,  after  sermon, 
did  requyrc  the  heritors,  elders,  and  masters  of  families  to  attend  the 
visitatione.  Therafter  the  Presbytrie  mett,  and  after  prayer,  Mr.  Patrick 
Coupland  having  declaired  that  the  visitatione  was  intimat  to  the  con 
gregation,  gave  in  a  list  of  the  elders  of  the  Session  viz.  Patrick  Gordoune 
of  Halheid,  Alexander  Tais,  William  Tais,  James  Morgane,  Robert  Rosse, 
and  Alexander  Milne,  who  being  called  upon  by  name,  and  the  heritors 
and  master  of  families  desyred  to  stay,  the  wholl  order  for  visitatione  of 
churches  was  publicklie  read  ;  After  which  the  minister  being  removed, 
and  those  of  the  heritors,  elders,  and  masters  of  families  who  were 
present,  being  interrogatt,  if  there  was  anything  in  the  deportment  of 
their  minister  which  did  offend  them,  answered,  negative.  After  this, 
the  elders  being  one  by  one  posed  upon  all  the  particulars,  relating  to 
the  discharge  of  the  minister  his  dutie,  sett  cloune  in  the  forme  of  visita 
tione  of  churches,  answered  positivclie,  and  that  they  could  object  nothing 
to  the  contrarie. 

Therafter,  all  being  removed  (except  the  members  of  the  Presbytrie) 


1675]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  22Q 

the  minister  was  called  in,  and  such  interrogatories  as  concerned  the 
most  substantiall  and  necessarie  duties  of  his  ministrie  and  convcrsatione, 
which  are  contained  in  the  forme  of  visitatione,  were  proposed  to  him, 
all  which  he  answered  that  he  used  his  best  endeavourcs,  though  he  came 
short  of  what  he  ought  to  doe. 

Therafter  the  heritors  and  masters  of  families  being  called  in,  and  the 
elders  only  removed,  the  minister  wras  interrogat  anent  their  diligence, 
who  answered  that  he  knew  nothing  in  which  he  could  have  one  or  all  of 
them  to  be  admonished.  After  this,  the  elders  being  called  in,  the 
minister  was  further  interrogat  T.  If  there  were  any  mortifications  in 
that  parish,  who  answered  negative.  2°.  If  there  was  a  schoolmaster,  to 
which  he  answered  negative,  whcrfor  the  heritors  were  seriouslie  delt 
with,  for  the  amendment  of  this  defect.  3".  If  the  fabrick  of  the  Church 
and  Manse  was  sufficientlie  repaired,  to  which  he  answered,  that  they 
were  for  the  present.  4°.  If  he  had  a  sufficient  stipend,  gleeb,  and  grasse, 
f°C"Sage>  fcwall,  faill,  and  divott,  conforme  to  the  legall  allowance,  he 
answered  that  he  had  a  glceb  but  scarce  sufficient,  that  he  had  foggage, 
fewall,  faill,  and  divott,  but  little  grasse,  and  that  he  had  fyve  hundreth 
merks  all  money  by  a  decrcet  of  yeirlie  stipend.  He  is  appoynted  to 
provyde  himself  according  to  law  of  what  he  wanted  of  gleeb  or  grasse. 
5°.  If  there  were  requisite  utensilcs  and  furniture  for  administration  of  the 
Sacraments,  he  answered  there  was  a  lavarre  for  the  Sacrament  of  bap- 
tisme,  and  communion  tables  for  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper, 
but  no  cupps,  nor  table  cloaths.  After  all  which,  the  minister  was 
exhorted  to  diligence  and  faithfullncss  in  all  parts  of  his  office,  and 
requyred  to  renew  his  ingadgement  therto. 

The  heritors,  elders,  and  masters  of  families  were  exhorted  to  prayer 
and  reading  of  the  holy  Scriptures  in  their  families,  and  to  excite  their 
children  and  servants  to  pray  in  secret,  and  a  promise  requyred  of  them 
for  their  best  endeavours  therin. 

The  elders  were  exhorted  to  walk  unblameablie,  and  assist  the 
minister  in  the  exercise  of  discipline,  and  to  be  faithfull  in  all  the  poynts 
of  their  dutie,  and  requyred  to  renew  their  promise  theranent. 

The  Presbytrie  thought  fitt  to  call  the  referres  of  this  place,  which 
are  as  after  follows. 

The  Presbytrie  thought  fitt  to  referre  the  privat  censure  of  those  of 
the  brethren  who  were  absent,  the  last  day  and  now  present,  to  the  nixt 


230  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1675 

meeting,  at  the  ordinary  place,  which  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  twentic 
dayes,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  to  have  ane  Exercise  and  Addition  on 
the  following  matter  of  the  Exercise,  who  being  this  day  absent  the 
clerk  of  the  Presbytrie  is  ordained  to  advertise  him  of  this  appoyntment. 
This  day,  the  Presbytrie  appoynted  Mr.  George  Watson  and  Mr.  John 
Mair  to  supplie  the  vacancie  of  Kerne,  March  28,  and  Apryl  4. 

At  Alfoord  Apryl  7,  1675. 

No  exercise  in  regard  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  declaired  that,  since  he 
got  advertisement,  he  had  been  much  taken  up  about  the  preparation  for 
the  celebration  of  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  could  not 
have  spare  thoughts  about  ane  Exercise  befor  the  Presbytrie,  which 
was  judged  relevant.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  the  second 
day  of  the  ensueing  Synod,  in  the  King's  Colleclge  Church  in  Old 
Aberdeen. 

(Mr.  Walter  Ritchie,  and  Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie's  privy  censure.) 

Mr.  William  Thomson,  minister  at  Auchindore,  declaired  that  he 
had  supplied  the  vacancie  there  for  one  day,  as  he  was  appoynted,  by  the 
Presbytrie,  and  Mr.  William  Christie  being  asked  if  he  had  done  the 
lyke,  answered  negative,  being  that  week  called  to  Aberdeen,  upon  a 
peremptor,  but  that  he  had  excused  himself  at  my  Lord  Forbes  his 
hands,  wherfor  he  is  appoynted  to  supplie  that  vacancie  on  Sabbath  day 
come  eight  dayes. 

The  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  declaired  that,  upon  the  last  Wednes 
day  of  Februarie  they  had  observed  ane  public  Fast,  according  to  the 
Act  of  the  late  Synod. 

The  Presbytrie  did  referre  to  the  Lord  Bishop  the  matter  anent  those 
persones  who  had  sett  about  their  servile  work  upon  the  day  of  the 
publick  fast  and  humiliatione,  for  their  advyce  anent  their  censure. 

Mr.  Wm.  Thomsone,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie. 

22  Apryl  1675. 

The  Presbytrie  buik  of  Alfurd  is  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and 
Synod  of  Aberdeen. 

Mr.  Al.  Forbes,  Clerk  to  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 


l6/5]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  231 

The  Referres  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen,  holden  by  the  Right 
Reverend  Father  in  God,  Patrick,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  in  the  King's 
Colledge  Church,  in  the  moneth  April  1675,  and  begunne  the  twentieth 
day  therof. 

April  20,  1675.     Sess  :   i°.  post  meridiem. 

Sermon  being  had  in  the  Kirk  of  Old  Machar,  by  Mr.  Henry 
Scougall,  Professor  of  Divinitie,  the  forenoone,  &c.  Therafter,  the 
brethren  for  visiting  the  Presbytrie  books,  and  privie  conference,  were 
nominat. 

Apryl  21.  Sess:  2°.  ante  meridiem. 

The  Direction  for  the  visitation  of  Churches,  which  was  presented  at 
the  last  Synod,  and  approven,  was  appoynted  to  be  rcgistratt  in  the 
Provinciall  and  Presbytrie  Registers  within  this  Diocie,  with  some 
additions  and  alterations  which  were  also  publicklie  read,  and  approven, 
and  now  insert  therein. 

F'ollowes  the  tenor  of  direction  for  visitatione  of  Churches. 

That,  on  the  Lord's  dayes  preceeding  the  visitation  of  each  parochine, 
intimation  therof  be  made  to  the  congregation,  and  all  invited  to  be  at 
the  worship,  and  that  the  heritors,  elders,  and  masters  of  families  be 
required  to  attend  the  visitatione,  and  that  some  of  the  ministers  of  the 
Presbytrie  be  tymeouslie  appoynted  to  preach  at  the  said  dyet,  and 
another  of  them  appoynted  to  be  Clerk  to  the  said  visitatione. 

After  prayer,  the  minister  haveing  declaired  that  the  visitatione  was 
intimat  to  the  congregatione,  he  shall  give  in  a  list  of  the  elders  of  the 
Sessione,  who  shall  be  called  upon  by  name,  and  the  heritors  and 
masters  of  families  shall  be  desyred  also  to  stay. 

Befor  further  procedour,  the  wholl  Order  for  visitatione  of  Churches 
is  to  be  publicklie  read,  that  also  they  who  arc  present  may  know  how 
farre  they  are  heerin  concerned,  and  understanding  the  minister  to  be 
obliclgcd  to  such  offices,  they  may  be  the  more  willing  to  admitt  of  them 
from  him. 

After  this,  the  minister  being  removed,  these  of  the  heritors,  elders, 
and  masters  of  families  that  are  present,  shall  be  interrogatt,  if  there  be 
anything  in  the  deportment  of  their  pastor  which  does  offend  them,  and 


232  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1675 

that  they  be  exhorted,  if  there  be  no  publick  scandall  (which  they  are 
able  to  make  out)  given  by  him,  to  impairt  that  wherwith  they  are 
dissatisfied  to  one  or  more  of  the  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie,  and  to  the 
Bishop  (if  present)  that  he  may  be  warned  and  admonished  therof,  and 
that  also  they  all  may  be  advertised  that  no  private  failings  in  their 
minister  be  publicklic  allcadged  against  him,  untill  they  have  either  repre 
sented  it  to  himself,  and  to  the  Bishop,  and  to  some  one  or  two  of  the 
bretheren  of  the  Presbytrie,  and  he  admonished  therof,  least  they  insnare 
themselves  in  the  transgression  of  the  law  of  Christ,  which  provydes  that 
we  tell  our  brethren  their  offences  to  themselves  in  privat,  and  afterward 
befor  two  witnesses,  befor  we  declair  them  to  the  Church. 

After  this,  the  elders  being  requyrcd  to  answer,  as  it  becomes  ingenu 
ous  and  honest  men  in  such  trust  and  place  shall,  be  interrogatt  one  by 
one  (all  others  being  removed)  in  presence  of  the  heritors  and  masters  of 
families  as  followes,  i ".  If  there  be  preaching  on  the  Lord's  day  and  how 
often  ;  2  .  If  the  minister  preaches  to  their  edification,  and  be  carcfull  in 
reproveing  sinnc,  both  privatlic  and  publicklic,  especiallie  these  sinnes 
which  most  prevaill  among  the  people  ;  3°.  If  he  keep  at  home,  not 
stirring  abroad  iinnecessarilie  ;  4".  If  his  conversatione  be  without  light- 
nes  or  vanitie,  grave  and  exemplarie  in  pietie  ;  5".  If  he  doe,  without 
necessitie  resort  to  taverns  ;  6".  If  he  administrat  the  sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  Supper,  and  how  often  in  the  yeir  ;  /".  If  he  be  carefull  to  debarr 
from  it  all  such  as  are  scandalous  ;  8".  If  discipline  be  diligcntlie  and 
impartiallic  exercised  ;  9'.  If  he  be  carefull  to  visit  the  sick  when  he  is 
informed,  and  called  therto  ;  io\  If  he  be  a  good  example  to  the  people 
in  ordering  his  owne  familie  ;  11°.  If  he  visite  the  townes  and  families  in 
his  parochine,  and  excite  them  to  pietie  and  familie  duties  ;  12".  If  he  be 
diligent  in  catcchiseing,  especiallie  in  takeing  paines  to  prepare  young 
persones  befor  they  partake  of  the  Lord's  Supper  ;  13°.  If  he  be  carefull 
to  maintaine  and  promote  peace  and  love  among  all  people,  and  to 
reconcile  these  that  are  at  variance. 

And  because,  beside  the  testimonie  of  others,  it  is  also  necessarie  that 
the  minister  have  a  good  testimonie  from  his  own  conscience,  thcrfor, 
theraftcr  the  minister  being  called  in,  and  all  (except  the  members  of  the 
Presbytrie)  removed,  such  interrogationcs  arc  to  be  proposed  to  him  as 
concerne  the  most  substantiall  and  necessarie  duties  of  his  ministrie  and 
conversatione,  particularlie  these  after  following:  i°.  If  there  be  preach- 


16/5]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  233 

ing  on  the  Lord's  day,  and  how  often  ;  2°.  If  in  his  preaching  all 
unedifying  discourses  be  avoyded  ;  3°.  If  the  explication  of  such  articles 
of  the  Christian  faith  as  are  most  necessarie  to  be  knowne  be  most 
insisted  on  ;  4°.  If  the  great  and  indispensable  duties  of  Christianitie  be 
frequentlie  recommended  and  pressed  ;  5°.  If  the  sinnes  that  most 
prevaill  among  the  people  be  frequentlie  reproved  ;  and  finallie,  If  all 
this  be  done  in  a  plaine  and  intelligible  manner,  and  decent  expressions, 
without  affectation  of  strange  words. 

2°.  If  diligence  be  used  for  informatione,  anent  the  dispositione  and 
deportment  of  particular  persons  within  his  charge  ;  2°.  If  he,  on  all 
occasions,  endeavour  to  instruct,  exhort,  and  rebuke  as  he  finds  cause  ; 
3°.  If  he  use  his  faithfull  endeavours  to  awaken  such  as  are  careles, 
irreligious,  and  profane,  for  their  reformation  and  amendment  ;  4°.  If  he 
encourage  these  in  whom  he  findeth  ane  inclination  to  godlines  and 
Christian  virtues,  and  direct  them  to  the  proper  meanes  for  advancing 
themselves  in  holines  ;  and  5°.  If  he  endeavour  to  prevent  the  spread  of 
errors,  and  in  particular  of  Poprie  and  Quakerisme,  among  his  flock,  and 
to  informe  and  establish  them  in  the  truth  who  stand,  and  recover  them 
who  are  fallen. 

3°.  If  he  keep  at  home,  not  stirring  abroad  unnecessarilie ;  2°.  If  his 
conversation  be  without  lightnes,  vanitie,  grave,  and  stayed  ;  3°.  If  he 
avoyd  and  discountenance  all  profane,  and  irreligious  practises  ;  4°.  If  he, 
in  his  deportment  with  these  under  his  charge,  beheave  himself  humblie 
and  lovinglie,  that  they  may  the  more  willinglie,  upon  all  occasions, 
address  themselves  to  him  as  the  guyd  of  their  souls;  5°.  If  he  endeavour, 
in  all  Christian  virtue,  to  be  an  example  to  his  people,  keeping  himself 
from  everything  that  savours  of  pryde,  passion,  covetousnes,  intemper 
ance,  and  sensualitie  ;  6°.  If  he  shunne  unnecessarie  resorting  to  taverns. 

4°.  If  he  administrat  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  how 
often  in  the  year  ;  2°.  If  he  debarre  from  it  all  such  as  are  ignorant 
and  scandalous  ;  3°.  If,  in  tyme  of  administratione,  he  shunne  all  imper 
tinent  (though  at  other  times  profitable)  discourses,  suggesting  breflie  to 
the  communicants  what  is  proper  to  that  busines. 

5°.  If  as  often  as  parents  resort  to  him  for  the  benefit  of  baptisme  to 
their  children,  he  put  them  in  mynd  of  their  owne  baptismal  vow  to  live 
Christianlie,  and  of  the  obligatione  lying  on  them  to  bring  up  their 


GG 


234  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1675 

children  in  the  knowledge  and  fear  of  God,  and  that  they  be  carcfull 
in  due  tyme  to  put  them  to  Schooles. 

6°.  If  discipline  be  diligentlie  and  impartiallie  exercised,  and  that 
without  needles  procrastinationc  or  delay,  for  removing  of  scandall  ;  2". 
If,  in  privat,  he  deall  earnestly  with  penitents,  to  bring  them  to  a  true 
sense  of  their  sinne,  and  doe  not  absolve  any,  or  admitt  any  to  partake  of 
the  Lord's  Supper,  untill  some  probable  signes  of  repentance  be  seen  in 
them. 

7°.  If  he  visit  the  sick  when  once  informed  of  their  sicknes  ;  2°.  If  he 
use  his  endeavours  to  awake  in  them  a  sense  of  their  sinnes,  that  they 
may  be  humbled  for  them,  confesse  them,  and  repent  of  them,  and  have 
recourse  to  God,  through  Jesus  Christ,  for  pardon  ;  3°.  If  he  stirre  them 
up  (if  God  shall  lengthen  their  dayes)  to  live  more  Christianlie  ;  4°.  If  he 
exhort  them  to  patience  under  the  hand  of  God,  and  cheerfull  submission 
to  His  will  ;  5°.  If  he  represent  unto  them  the  happie  estate  of  them  that 
die  in  the  Lord,  and  the  miserie  of  such  as  die  in  their  sinnes  ;  6°.  If  he 
suggest  unto  them  what  is  proper  for  lousing  their  affectiones  from  the 
world,  and  to  begett  in  them  a  livelie  hope  of  the  glorie  of  heaven  ;  7  . 
If  he  exhort  them  to  forgive  all  that  have  wronged  them,  and  to  satisfie 
these  whom  they  have  offended,  and  to  make  restitution  if  they  have 
gotten  anything  by  fraud  or  violence  ;  8°.  If  he  exhort  them  to  frequent 
and  fervent  prayer,  he  himself  praying  with  them,  and  for  them  ;  9°.  If 
he  exhorts  them  (as  he  sees  need)  to  make  a  just,  prudent,  and  charitable 
distribution  of  their  goodes,  and  to  consider  the  poor,  if  their  estate  can 
yeeld  anything  for  their  supplie  ;  10°.  If  he  frequentlie  visit  these  who 
are  under  infirmitie  of  bodie  and  sickness,  confyned  to  their  beds  or 
houses;  11°.  If  he  show  the  lyke  cair  and  compassion  on  the  fatherles, 
poor,  and  widow,  prisoners,  and  such  lyke  as  are  under  any  hard 
difficultie,  under  his  charge. 

8°.  If  he  visite  each  familie  yearlie,  or  oftner  (if  the  families  be  few) 
and  recommend  to  them  the  great  and  indispensable  duties  of  Christi- 
anitie,  and  the  true  and  proper  meanes  of  perfecting  holiness  in  the  fear 
of  the  Lord  ;  2°.  If,  in  his  visitatione,  whither  the  masters,  with  such  of 
the  familie  as  are  of  age,  make  a  conscience  in  takeing  the  sacrament  of 
the  body  and  bluid  of  Christ,  when  it  is  in  their  offer,  and  whither  the 
parents  are  carefull  in  putting  their  children  to  Schooles,  and  to  instruct 
them,  and  their  servants  in  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  put  them  to 


16/5]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  235 

prayer,  morning  and  evening,  in  secret ;  If  the  holy  Scriptures  be  fre- 
quentlie  read  in  the  familie  by  the  master  of  the  familie,  or  (if  he  himself 
cannot  read),  by  some  other  that  can  doe  it ;  If  there  be  familie  prayer 
used  morning  and  evening  ;  If  there  be  any  person  received  in  the 
familie  without  testimoniall  presented  to  the  minister  ;  If  he  doe 
seriouslie  exhort  them  to  attend  the  preaching  of  the  Word,  and 
publick  worship  of  God,  especiallie  on  the  Sabbath,  and  excite  them  to 
sanctifie  the  Lord's  day  throughout,  and  if  he  enquyre  if  any  be  disorder- 
lie  in  any  of  these  ;  If,  after  these  and  such  lyke  inquiries,  he  seriouslie, 
prudentlie,  and  loveinglie  apply  his  admonitiones,  exhortationes,  and 
directiones,  to  the  master  and  others  of  the  familie,  as  :  their  condition 
doth  requyre. 

9°.  If  he  himself  be  a  good  example  to  the  rest  of  the  people  in  order 
ing  his  own  familie,  and  in  constantlie  performing  all  familie  duties 
therein. 

10°.  If  he  catechise  these  of  his  parochine  at  least  once  a  year,  takeing 
the  most  convenient  season  for  it,  and  not  putting  off  till  a  few  weeks 
befor  the  Communion  ;  2".  If  he  take  notice  of  all  the  persones  (of  whose 
knowledge  he  hath  not  sufficient  proof)  of  their  knowledge  in  things  of 
religion  that  are  most  necessar  to  be  done  by  all  ;  if  he  put  them  to 
rehearse  the  belief,  the  ten  Commandments,  and  the  Lord's  prayer  ;  if  he 
try  their  knowledge  of  the  sinne  and  miserie  of  man,  examining  also 
what  care  they  have,  or  resolve  to  have,  for  performing  these  conditiones 
on  which  we  must  be  saved  by  the  Redeemer,  and  about  the  meanes  of 
obtaining  grace  from  God,  for  enabling  them  to  performe  what  is 
requyred. 

11°.  If,  befor  the  admission  of  young  persones  to  the  sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  Supper,  he  endeavour  to  begett  in  them  a  true  sense  of  the  obliga 
tion  lying  on  them  by  being  baptized  into  Christ,  to  renounce  the  divell, 
the  world,  and  the  flesh,  and  of  their  resolutione  to  serve  and  obey  him, 
and  endeavouring  to  persuade  them  to  yeild  ane  advysed  and  expresse 
consent  to  adhere  to  their  vow  for  ever  theirafter. 

12°.  If  he  mantaine  and  set  forth,  as  much  as  in  him  lyeth,  quietnes, 
love,  and  peace  among  all  Christianes,  especiallie  among  them  that  are 
committed  to  his  charge. 

These  queries  are  to  be  proposed,  not  as  if  it  were  to  be  presumed 
that  every  minister  doth  attaine  to  perfection  in  these  duties,  (for  who  is 


236  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [167 5 

able  for  these  things?)  but  that  we  ought  to  excite  one  another  to  studie 
to  goe  on  to  pcrfectione,  and,  by  sense  of  obligatione  to  dutie,  that  they 
may  be  quickened  to  conscientious  diligence  therin,  and  humbled  for 
their  failings  which  may  fall  to  be  through  humane  infirmities  which 
come  not  under  the  censure  of  man. 

Then  the  heritors  and  masters  of  families  being  called  in,  and  the 
elders  onlie  removed,  the  minister  shall  be  interrogat  concerning  their 
diligence  in  delateing  of  scandalles,  assisting  him  in  the  exercise  of 
discipline,  and  representing  the  condition  of  the  poor  and  sick  in  their 
severall  quarters,  and  if  ther  be  anything  in  which  he  would  have  any  of 
them  admonished. 

Afterwards,  the  ciders  being  called  in,  and  spoken  to  anent  the 
minister's  testimonie  concerning  them,  the  heritors,  ciders,  and  masters  of 
families  being  present,  the  minister  shall  be  interrogat  further,  first,  if 
there  be  any  mortificationes,  and  what  they  are,  for  what  end,  and  how 
improven,  if  due  consideratione  be  had  of  the  poor,  and  if  they  be  sup 
plied  by  a  due  distribution  of  what  is  provyded  to  that  effect. 

2°.  If  there  be  a  School  in  the  parochine,  and  what  encouragement 
ther  is  for  a  Schoolmaster  ;  2°.  What  diligence  is  used  for  moveing 
these  who  have  their  children  come  to  age  to  put  them  to  School  ;  3".  If 
anything  be  allowed  to  the  Schoolmaster,  out  of  the  poores  money,  for 
teaching  the  poor  Schollers  ;  4°.  If  the  Schoolmaster  be  blameles  in  his 
conversatione  ;  5°.  If  he  cause  all  his  schollers  learne  the  Catechisme  ;  6°. 
If  he  enjoyne  them  to  learne  ane  forme  of  prayer  for  morning  and  even 
ing,  and  ane  blessing  befor  and  after  meat ;  7°.  If  he  chastise  them  for 
cursing,  swearing,  lying,  speaking  profanelie,  and  disobedience  to  parents, 
and  other  vices  that  appeare  in  them. 

3°.  Ifthefabrick  of  the  church  and  manse  be  sufficientlie  repaired; 
2°.  If  he  have  a  sufficient  stipend,  gleeb,  grasse,  foggage,  fewall,  faill,  and 
divott,  conforme  to  the  legall  allowance ;  3°.  If  ther  be  requisit  utensiles 
and  furniture,  for  administration  of  the  sacraments,  and  ane  inventor 
therof  to  be  produced,  and  keeped  in  retentis. 

That  the  minister,  elders,  and  masters  of  families  be  interrogat  what 
sinnes  and  errors  prevaill  most  among  the  people,  which,  by  their 
authentic,  they  cannot  overcome  ;  whither  any  withdraw  from  hearing 
the  preacher  sett  over  them,  and  doe  either  gadd  about  from  place  to 
place,  or  stey  at  home  on  the  Lord's  day  ;  whether  ther  be  any,  that,  for 


1675]  OF  THE   EXERCISE  OF   ALFORD.  237 

a  long  tyme,  doe  forbear  the  receiving  of  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's 
Supper  ;  whither  ther  be  any  that  haunt  the  conventicles  of  preachers 
legallie  deposed  ;  whither  ther  ^be  any  that  haunt  the  conventicles  of 
quakers  ;  whither  ther  be  any  quakers  who  disturb  the  publick  worship 
of  God,  or  affront  the  minister  by  revyling  him  befor  the  people  ;  whither 
ther  be  any  that  haunt  the  companie  of  excommunicat  persones  ;  if  their 
neighbors,  these  in  their  families  and  tennants  repair  to  the  publick 
worship  and  dyets  of  examination,  and  in  caice  it  appear  that  any  are 
wanting  in  these  things,  they  be  seriouslie  exhorted  to  use  their  best 
endeavours  with  their  neighbors  and  these  under  their  authentic,  to 
amend  these  defects,  and  that  they  assist  the  minister  in  curbing  such 
vyces  as  are  prevalent  among  them,  and  they  be  desyrecl  to  engage 
themselves  therunto  by  their  promise. 

The  minister,  elders,  and  masters  of  families  being  present,  that  the 
minister  be  exhorted  to  be  diligent  and  faithfull  in  all  parts  of  his  office, 
and  holy  in  all  manner  of  conversatione,  that  he  may  be  ane  example 
and  paterne  to  his  flock,  and  that  he  be  requyrecl  to  renew  his  ingadge- 
ment  therunto. 

That  the  heritors,  elders,  and  masters  of  families  be  exhorted  to  pray 
and  read  the  holy  Scriptures  in  their  families,  and  excite  their  servants 
and  children  to  pray  in  secret,  and  that  a  promise  be  requyred  of  their 
best  endeavours  therin. 

That  the  elders  be  exhorted  to  walk  unblameablie,  and  to  assist  the 
minister  in  the  exercise  of  discipline,  to  delate  impartiallie  all  such 
scandalles  as  come  to  their  knowledge,  and  that  they  give  seasonable 
advertisement  of  the  condition  of  the  sick  and  poor,  and  that  they  be 
requyred  to  renew  their  promise  therof. 

That  the  heritors,  magistrats  of  burrowes,  and  masters  of  families  be 
exhorted  to  use  their  authoritie  for  moveing  the  people,  and  these  in 
their  families,  to  repair  duelie  to  the  publick  worship  of  God,  and  attend 
the  dyets  of  catechizeing,  and  to  report  to  their  minister  when  he  shall 
think  needfull  to  call  for  them  ;  that  they  be  lykewyse  desyred  to  give 
encouragement  to  the  minister,  and  that  by  due  and  seasonable  peyment 
of  what  is  provyded  for  him  by  law  for  his  mantenance,  that  he  may  be 
eased  of  the  trouble  of  craveing  it,  or  of  a  legall  pursuit  of  it,  and  of  such 
other  cares  as  attend  wants  which  are  so  distracting,  and  that  in  all  these 
they  sincerelie  promise  their  faithfull  endeavoures. 


238  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETINC, 

That  if,  after  tryall,  it  appear  that  ther  is  no  Schoolmaster,  nor  suffi 
cient  provision  for  a  Schoolmaster,  that  the  fabrick  of  the  Church  stand 
in  need  of  reparatione,  or  any  necessar  and  decent  furniture  for  adminis 
tration  of  the  sacraments  be  wanting,  or  the  minister's  mantenance  be 
insufficient,  or  any  of  these  accommodationes  allowed  to  him  by  law 
be  withheld  from  him,  that  the  heritors  be  seriouslie  dealt  with,  and,  if 
need  be,  that  other  endcavoures  be  used  for  amendment  of  these  defects. 

Order  for  the  privat  tryall  and  censure  of  ministers  in  their  respective 
Fresbytries. 

Primo.  That  it  be  gone  about  with  the  first  convenicncie  after  evry 
Synod  ;  that  on  the  Presbytrie  day  imediatlie  befor,  advertisement  be 
given  to  evry  brother  of  the  dyet  therof,  and  the  absents  be  acquainted 
therwith  by  the  moderator  ;  that  in  the  day  appoynted  for  it,  it  be  gone 
about  befor  other  parts  of  discipline,  and  a  competent  tyme  allowed  for 
it,  that  befor  they  proceed  further  therin,  the  Order  of  Visitatione  for 
Churches  be  publicklie  read  and  attentivelie  listened  unto  by  all,  that  a 
right  sense  of  their  dutie  be  preserved  in  their  mynds. 

That,  therafter,  these  interrogatories  be  proposed  to  evrie  minister,  i°. 
If  he  be  diligent  in  praying  and  reading  the  holy  Scriptures  ;  2°.  If  he 
doe  all  faithfull  diligence  to  disintangle  himself  from  evrything  that  may 
unfitt  him  for  discharge  of  his  dutie  in  the  ministrie,  especiallie  from 
excessive  worldlie  affaires,  and  distracting  imployments  ;  3".  If  he  order 
his  familie  and  evry  person  therin,  (so  much  as  in  him  lyes)  that  they  be 
exemplarie  to  such  as  behold  their  conversatione  ;  4°.  If  he  mantaine 
and  set  forth,  as  much  as  in  him  lyeth,  quietnes,  peace,  and  love,  both 
among  his  brethren,  and  all  Christian  people,  especiallie  among  those 
that  are  committed  to  his  charge. 

Each  minister  being  thus  interrogatt,  and  after  removed,  the  modera 
tor  shall  ask  the  rest  of  the  Presbytrie,  if  anything  be  knowne  to  them 
of  the  brother,  or  brethren,  which  they  think  fitt  to  be  imparted  to  the 
Presbytrie. 

After  all  this,  the  moderator  is,  in  few  words,  to  exhort  all  to  faithfull- 
nes  and  diligence  in  all  parts  of  their  office,  and  that  they  be  so  faithfull 
and  friendlie  one  to  another  that  they  admonish  one  another  privatlie 
when  they  see  cause,  and  that  when  they  meet  with  such  freedome,  they 
faithfullie  and  kyndlie  accept  of  it  one  from  another,  and  that  they  lay 


1 675]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD. 


239 


hold  on  all  occasiones  to  excite  one  another  to  faithfullnes,  zeal,  and 
diligence,  to  all  which  each  of  them  shall  faithfullie  ingadge  themselves. 

If  any  of  the  brethren  be  absent  from  the  tryalls,  the  next  day  that 
they  are  present,  the  reason  of  their  absence  shall  be  strictlie  examined, 
and,  unless  the  same  be  found  very  relevant,  they  are  to  be  rebuked,  and, 
however,  they  are  to  undergo  the  privie  tryall  and  censure,  after  the  same 
manner  with  the  rest  of  their  brethren,  onlie  it  shall  not  be  necessar  to 
read  again  in  publick  the  Order  for  Visitation  of  Churches  upon  their 
accompt,  but  onlie  they  are  to  be  demanded,  whither  or  not  of  lait  they 
have  read  and  seriouslie  pondered  the  samen  ;  and  to  this  effect  evry 
brother  is  to  provyde  himself  ane  extract  of  the  forsaid  Order  for 
Visitatione  of  Churches,  and  for  the  privat  tryall  and  censure  of  minis 
ters,  with  his  first  conveniencic,  from  the  Clerk  of  the  Presbytrie,  for  his 
privat  use. 

Which  paper  being  publicklie  read  and  seriouslie  considered,  after 
mature  deliberatione,  was,  by  the  vote  of  the  Synod,  approven,  and 
appoynted  to  be  made  use  of  in  all  their  respective  visitationes  and 
privie  censure. 

Eodem  die,  post  meridiem,  Sess  :  3°. 

It  is  ordered  that,  at  each  parish  Church  within  this  Diocie,  ther  be 
ane  charitable  collection  for  relief  of  Walter  Gibsonc,  skipper  of  the 
Marie,  in  Ennerkeithine,  and  John  Reed,  his  mate,  who  are  prisoners 
with  the  Turks,  in  a  miserable  and  pitieful  condition,  and  who  are  to  be 
ransomed  and  relieved  with  no  less  than  five  or  six  hundred  dollers  a 
peece,  and  this  is  recommended  by  ane  Act  of  Privie  Counsell,  of  dait,  at 
Edinburgh  the  7  of  November  1674  yeirs,  the  Presbytrie  of  Abdn  :  hav 
ing  collected  alreadie  for  the  effect  forsaid,  and  that  what  shall  be 
collected  at  each  kirk  is  to  be  given  to  the  respective  moderators,  and 
delivered  by  them,  (when  called  for)  to  Captaine  James  Bennet  at  Inner- 
keithine,  or  at  his  order.1 

It  is  ordered  that,  when  any  young  men  are  passing  their  tryalls,  in 
order  to  obtaining  a  licence  for  publick  preaching,  if,  in  the  mean  tyme, 
there  shall  be  any  young  man  recommended  by  the  Bishop  to  his  tryalls, 
in  order  to  his  entrie  to  ane  kirk,  the  tryalls  of  the  young  man  that  is 
onlie  passing,  in  order  to  ane  licence  to  preach,  shall  cease  untill  the 
other  be  at  a  close. 

1  Note  27. 


240  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1675 

It  is  ordered  that  such  of  the  brethren  as  have  not  peyed  in  their 
doller  for  the  commissioners'  charges  that  were  sent  South,  shall  pey  it  in, 
the  first  Presbytrie  day  without  delay,  and  if  any  shall  be  wanting,  that 
the  severall  moderators  send  in  to  the  Lord  Bishop  the  names  of  such  as 
are  deficient. 

There  was  a  supplicatione  presented  be  William  Lynne,  in  Monlettie, 
and  Mr.  Alexander  Lynne  his  son,  for  ane  charitable  supplie  to  the  said 
Mr.  Alexander,  who  is  heavelie  afflicted  with  a  grevious  palsie,  and  his 
caice  being  so  considerable,  (besydes  any  supplie  that  each  minister 
present  is  to  give  him)  he  is  recommended  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and 
Synod  to  the  haill  churches,  and  severall  Presbytries,  within  this  Diocie, 
and  the  moderators  appoynted  to  receive  it  from  the  respective  ministers, 
and  send  it  to  Mr.  George  Anderson,  Minister  at  Methlick,  to  be  con 
veyed  by  him  to  the  supplicants. 

It  being  represented  that  some  ministers  doe  not  so  carefullie  obey 
the  orders  of  their  respective  Presbytries  as  becomes,  for  preventing 
wherof  for  the  future,  it  is  ordained  that,  if  any  shall  neglect  to  obey  the 
order  of  the  Presbytrie,  that  the  first  tyme  they  shall  be  admonished,  but 
if  the  order  be  renewed,  and  they  give  no  satisfactorie  excuse  why  they 
have  not  obeyed  it,  that  the  moderator  send  in  ane  account  therof  to  the 
Lord  Bishop. 

The  book  of  Alfoord  is  approven,  and  the  brethren  of  that  Presbytrie 
removed  and  approven. 

Apryl  22.  Sess  :  4th.  ante  meridiem. 

It  is  ordered  that  these  Presbytries  that  have  not  called  the  School 
masters  and  Chaplaines,  within  their  bounds,  to  take  the  oath  of 
Alleadgance,  and  promise  of  Canonicall  obedience,  doe  it  with  the  first 
convenience,  and  that  a  Copie  of  the  oath  of  Alleadgence,  and  promise 
of  Canonicall  obedience,  be  sent  to  each  Presbytrie,  with  the  referrs  of 
this  Synod. 

Followes  the  Oath  of  Alleadgance. 

I  for  testificatione  of  my  faithfull  obedience  to  my  most 

gracious  and   redoubted   Soveraigne  Charles,   King  of  Great   Brittaine, 
defender  of  the  faith  &c.,  affirme,  testifie,  and  declaire,  by  this  my  solemne 


l675]  OF  THE   EXERCISE  OF  ALFORD.  241 

oath,  that  I  acknowledge  my  said  Soveraigne  onlie  supreme  governour  of 
the  kingdome,  over  all  persones,  and  in  all  causes,  and  that  no  foraigne 
prince,  power,  state,  nor  persone,  civill  or  ecclesiastical!,  hath  any  juris- 
dictione,  power,  or  superioritie  over  the  same,  and  therfor  I  doe  utterlie 
renounce,  and  forsake  all  foraigne  powers,  jurisdictiones,  and  authorities, 
and  shall,  at  my  utmost  power,  defend,  assist,  and  mantaine  his  Majestie's 
jurisdictione  forsaid,  against  all  deadlie,  and  shall  never  declyne  his 
Majestie's  power,  and  jurisdictione,  as  I  shall  answer  to  Gocl. 

Followes  the  promise  of  Canonicall  Obedience. 

doe  professe  and  promise  that  I  will  render  to  my 
Ordinarie,  Patrick,  by  the  mercie  of  God,  Bishop  of  Abd :,  and  his 
successors,  due  Canonicall  obedience,  and  to  them  to  whom  the  govern 
ment  and  charge  is  committed  over  us,  following,  with  ane  glad  mynd 
and  will,  their  godlie  admonitiones. 

It  is  ordered  that,  if  any  generall  recommendationes  be  given  to 
supplicants  for  charitie  by  any  minister,  whensoever  the  said  recommen- 
datione  shall  come  to  the  hands  of  any  minister  within  this  Diocie,  that 
they  shall  keep  them,  and  present  them  to  the  Bishop  and  Synod. 

It  is  recommended  to  the  brethren  that  have  not  helped  James 
Forbes,  in  the  parochine  of  Enverurie,  con  forme  to  his  former  recom- 
mendatione,  that  they  doe  it  now,  and  send  their  contributiones  to  Mr. 
James  Strachane,  parson  of  Oyne,  for  the  use  of  the  said  James. 

George  Ogstoune,  epiliptick,  recommended  for  supplie,  &c. 

It  is  recommended  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  to  the  moderators 
and  ministers  throughout  this  Diocie,  to  be  carefull  that  their  Presbytrie 
Clerks  are  satesfied  for  their  paines,  wherthrough  they  may  be  the  more 
encouraged  to  goe  about  their  duties. 

The  meeting  of  the  nixt  Synod  is  appoynted  to  be  first  Tuesday  of 
October  nixt  to  come  1675. 

(Here  follows  list  of  14  fugitives  from  discipline  in  the  Presbytrie  of 
Aberdeen.) 

At  Old  Abd:  Apryl  21. 

The  bretheren  mett  in  the  King's  Colledge  Church,  in  Old  Abd  :,  and 
appoynted  their  nixt  meeting  to  be  at  Alfoord  May  19,  and  Mr.  Alexan 
der  Seatone,  bursar  of  Divinitie  to  have  ane  Exegesis  De  notis  Ecdesiae, 

T  T  TT 


mi 


242  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1675 

as  a  specimen  of  his  proficicncie;  at  which  meeting  the  brethren  gave  ane 
charitable  collection  for  Mr.  Alexander  Lynnc. 


At  Alfoord  May  19,  1675. 

Mr.  Alexander  Seatonc,  bursar  of  Divinitie,  had  ane  Exegesis  De 
notis  Ecclesiac,  and  was  approven. 

(Case  of  revyling  and  cursing  the  minister.) 

(Isobel  Chalmer  in  Touch,  contumacious  for  frequent  cursing  the 
minister.) 

Ancnt  the  supplic  of  the  Church  of  Kerne,  Mr.  William  Christie 
reported,  that,  in  obedience  to  the  Prcsbytrie's  order,  he  rode  the  length 
of  Auchindore,  upon  designe  to  supplie  the  vacancie  therof,  but  the 
minister  of  Auchindore  declaired  to  him  he  had  a  comission  from  my 
Lord  Forbes,  to  inhibit  him  from  going  thither,  wherupon  he  returned 
to  his  owne  charge,  and  for  the  future,  Mr.  George  Watson  is  ordained  to 
supplie  that  vacancie,  betwixt  and  the  nixt  meeting. 

Elspet  McKallane  contumacious  for  cursing  of  her  mother. 

The  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  designeing  to  goe  on  in  the  course  of 
visitatione  of  the  severall  Churches,  appoynted  the  nixt  meeting  to  be  at 
Cabrach  June  15,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  at  Clatt  to  preach  at  the  said 
meeting,  as  also  for  the  more  specdie  accomplishing  of  their  designe,  did 
appoynt  another  meeting  at  Glenbucket  June  16,  and  Mr.  Andrew  Aber- 
crombie  to  preach  at  the  said  place.  The  Session  book  of  Glenbucket  is 
appoynted  to  be  visited  by  Mr.  William  Burnet,  minister  at  Kildrummie. 


At  Cabrach  June  15,  1675. 

There  was  no  meeting,  for  however  Mr.  John  Irvine,  minister  of  the 
place,  was  tymeouslie  advertised  of  this  dyet,  and  desyred  to  give  notice 
of  it  to  his  people,  by  ane  edict  to  be  published  two  Lord's  dayes  befor 
the  meeting,  yet,  upon  various  pretences  suggested  to  the  moderator, 
the  speaker,  and  the  Clerk,  and  others  of  the  brethren,  he  discharged 
them  from  going  thither  upon  the  account  of  a  visitatione,  and  although 
he  was  pressed  and  requested,  by  the  moderator,  to  goe  along  with  the 
brethren  in  the  former  ordinance,  yet  wilfullie  he  refused,  affirming 


1675]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  243 

plainlie  that,  if  they  came  there  on  such  a  designe,  he  would  withdraw 
himself;  and  when  some  of  the  brethren,  who  had  not  gotten  notice  of 
Mr.  John  his  intention,  went  to  the  place,  they  found  it  so  as  he  had 
promised.  With  this  disappoyntment  the  wholl  brethren  of  the  Presby- 
trie  were  dissatisfied,  but  have  referred  his  censure  to  the  Lord  Bishop 
and  Synod. 

At  Glenbucket  June  16,  1675. 

Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie  preached  on  I  Corinthians  3.  9,  and,  after 

sermon,  did  requyre,  &c The  minister  gave  in  ane  list  of 

the  elders  of  the  Session  viz.  William  Couper  of  Miltoune,  William 
McKcook,  Duncan  Gordoune,  Duncan  Kellis,  John  Alexander,  elder, 
Alexander  Moor,  Duncan  Morgane,  who,  being  called  upon  by  name,  did 
compcir,  together  with  the  heritors  and  masters  of  families.  (Then  usual 
course  followed  as  to  minister  and  elders,  and  usual  exhortations  given 
to  minister,  heritors,  ciders,  and  heads  of  families — see  Cushnie  p.  228.) 
After  this,  the  elders  being  called  in,  the  minister  was  further  interrogat 
i".  If  there  were  any  mortificationes  in  that  parochine,  who  answered 
that  there  was  onlie  one,  to  witt  ane  hundred  libs :,  left  in  legacic  by  the 
laird  of  Glenbucket  last  deceased,  for  which  his  son  promised  to  the 
Presbytrie  to  give  bond,  till  he  could  convenientlie  pay  it,  which  promise 
was  thus  cautioned,  if  it  should  be  found  in  his  father's  testament  as  was 
alleadged,  professing  himself  unwilling  to  cletaine  what  his  father  had 
bequeathed  for  the  use  of  the  poor.  2°.  If  there  was  a  Schoolmaster,  to 
which  he  answered  negative.  Wherfor  the  heritors  were  seriouslie  dealt 
with  for  the  amendment  of  this  defect.  3°.  If  the  fabrick  of  the  Church 
and  manse  was  sufficientlie  repaired,  to  which  he  answered  that  they 
were  for  the  present.  4°.  If  he  had  a  sufficient  stipend,  gleeb,  and  grasse, 
foggage,  fewall,  faill,  and  divott,  to  which  he  answered  that  the  stipend 
was  onlie  three  hundreth  merks  eight  lesse,  and  of  other  things,  he  had 
such  provision  as  the  law  allowed.  5°.  If  there  were  requisite  utensiles 
and  furniture  for  administration  of  the  Sacraments,  to  which  he  answered 
that  there  were  two  comunion  tables,  two  cupps  of  tiune,  and  a  lavarre 
for  the  sacrament  of  baptisme. 

The  heritors  did  heartlie  regrate  that  their  minister  was  not  provyded 
of  a  sufficient  Stipend,  and  that  the  rent  of  their  parochine  was  so  small 


244  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1675 

that  it  could  not  allow  him  a  sufficient  mantenancc,  wherfor  they 
desyred  that  a  parcell  of  the  nearest  adjacent  lands,  particularlie  those 
of  Glenkindie,  might  be  annexed  to  their  parochine,  and  that  the  brethren 
of  the  Exercise  would  consult  the  Lord  Bishop  theranent. 

The  affaires  of  the  visitatione  not  being  concluded  till  six  o'clock  at 
night,  there  were  no  Prcsbytcriall  refcrrs  taken  in,  but  such  as  could  not 
be  superceeded  to  another  dyet,  and  these  were  as  followes — 

Mr.  William  Burnet  gave  in  the  report  of  the  Session  book  of  Glen- 
bucket,  which  was  approven  by  the  Presbytrie. 

Mr.  George  Watson  reported  that  he  had  supplied  the  vacancie  of 
Kerne  June  12. 

The  brethren  appoyntcd  as  befor  two  dyets  of  visitatione,  the  first  at 
Strathdone  Julie  13,  where  Mr.  Robert  Irvine  at  Towie  is  ordained  to 
preach,  the  other  at  Towie  where  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  at  Clatt  is 
enjoyned  to  preach,  upon  the  morrow  being  Julie  14,  and  the  referrs  of 
the  Presbytrie  are  then  to  be  taken  in.  The  Session  Book  of  Strathdone 
is  appoyntcd  to  be  visited  by  Mr.  William  Christie,  and  that  of  Towie 
by  Mr.  William  Thomson. 

At  Strathdone  Julie  13,  1675. 

Mr.  Robert  Irvine  preached  on  2nd  Corinthians  12.  20,  and  after 

sermon  did  rcquyre  &c The  minister  gave  in  a  list  of 

the  elders  of  the  Session,  which  are  as  followes,  William  Forbes  of 
Skelliter,  Alexander  Forbes  of  Culquharrie,  John  Forbes  of  Buchain, 
Mr.  Michael  Elphinstone  of  Bellabeg,  Donnald  Farquharsone,  John 
Rosse,  John  Cordoner,  William  Allanach,  Thomas  Michie,  George  Wat 
son,  Donnald  Moor,  Thomas  Nerne,  Robert  Michie,  Alexander  Taylour, 
who  being  called  upon  by  name,  compeired  with  the  heritors  and 
masters  of  families  who  were  present.  (The  usual  course  followed  as  to 
ministers  and  elders,  and  the  usual  exhortations  given  to  ministers, 
heritors,  elders,  and  heads  of  families — see  Cushnie  p.  228.) 

After  this,  the  elders  being  called  in,  the  minister  was  further  interro- 
gat  i°.  If  there  were  any  mortificationes  in  that  parochine,  to  which  he 
answered  negative.  2°.  If  there  was  a  Schoolmaster,  and  sufficient 
provision  for  his  mantenance,  to  which  he  answered  that  there  was  one, 
and  for  his  mantenance,  there  was  allowed  him  from  the  parochine  eight 


1675]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  245 

bolls  of  victuall,  and  from  the  Session  twentie  libs:  of  money.  3°.  If  the 
fabrick  of  the  Church  and  manse  was  sufficientlie  repaired,  answered  that 
the  fabrick  of  the  manse  was  somewhat  ruinous,  but  the  heritors  were 
about  the  repairing  of  it.  4°.  If  he  had  a  sufficient  stipend,  gleeb,  grasse, 
fewall,  fail,  and  divott,  answered  that  his  stipend  consisted  of  eight  hun- 
dreth  merks,  that  he  was  not  sufficientlie  provyded  of  gleeb,  grasse, 
foggage,  fewall,  faill,  and  divott.  Wherfor  he  presented  a  comission  from 
the  Lord  Bishop,  of  the  dait  at  Aberdeen  June  4,  for  a  legall  designation 
of  all  these,  and  therupon  caused  call  ane  edict,  which  had  been  lawfullic 
execut  and  indorsit.  Therafter,  the  brethren  nominat  within  the 
comission  proceeded  to  the  forsaid  'designation  of  gleeb,  grasse,  foggage, 
fewall,  faill  and  divott,  onlie  they  medlecl  not  with  the  inlarging  of  the 
gleeb,  in  respect  it  could  not  be  measured  till  the  cornes  should  be  cutt 
doune,  wherfor  the  minister  protested  that  what  was  not  done  as  to  the 
gleeb  might  be  done  when  he  fand  it  convenient.  5°.  If  there  were 
requisit  utensiles  and  furniture  for  administration  of  the  sacraments,  to 
which  he  answered  that  they  had  tables,  table  cloaths,  four  cups  of  thine, 
and  a  laver  for  baptisme. 

The  minister  regrated  that  many  of  his  parochine  did  abstaine  from 
participatione  of  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  though  he  invited 
and  took  pains  to  persuade  them  therto,  as  oft  as  the  administratione  of 
that  ordinance  did  recurre,  which  was  at  least  once  a  yeir  ;  morover  he 
complained  that  some  of  those  who  were  comunicants  did  utter  con 
temptuous  and  blasphemous  speeches  of  that  blessed  Sacrament,  and 
instanced  one  William  Dumbar,  whose  irreverent  discourse  of  the  forsaid 
ordinance  was  as  followes.  This  day  the  minister  did  invite  me  to  a  free 
feast  without  money  and  without  pryce,  and  yet  I  was  no  sooner  sitten 
doune,  than  Mr.  Michael  Elphinstone  came  and  took  my  eight  pennies 
from  me,  and  I  would  have  bought  as  much  bread  and  wyne  in  Aberdeen 
for  a  babie.  Of  these  the  minister  reported  that  he  was  convict  guiltie, 
his  censure  referred  to  the  Presbytrie,  and  sumoned  apud  acta  to  this 
meeting.  Who  being  called,  and  not  compeiring,  is  ordained  to  be 
sumoned  pro  2°.  to  the  nixt  meeting  at  Towie. 

The  report  of  the  Session  book  of  Strathdone  was  given  in  by  Mr. 
William  Christie,  and  approven  by  the  Presbytrie. 

The  brethren  appoynted  to  meet  to-morrow  at  Towie  at  ten  o'clock 
in  the  fornoone. 


246  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

The  respective  brethren  present  declairecl  that  they  had  observed  the 
29  May  last  bypast,  by  preaching  on  it. 


At  Towic  June  14,  1675. 

Mr.  Thomas  Garden  preached  on  Acts  i.  36,  and,  after  sermon,  did 

requyre  &c The  minister  gave  in  a  list  of  the  elders' 

names,  which  are  these  K\van  McKgregore,  Alexander  Kellis,  Robert 
Mcsser,  John  Cunnand,  and  William  Anderson,  who  being  called  by 
name  did  compeir,  with  the  masters  of  familes  (none  of  the  heritors  being 
present). 

After  this,  the  elders  being  called  in,  the  minister  was  further  interro- 
gat  i".  If  there  were  any  mortificationes  in  that  parochine,  who  answered 
there  were  three,  the  first  of  three  hundreth  merks  sufficientlie  secured 
upon  bond  for  the  use  of  the  poor  ;  the  second  in  the  hands  of  my  Lord 
of  Forbes  a  part  of  which  he  payed,  and  continued  comptablc  for  the 
rest  ;  the  third  is  supposed  to  have  been  given  by  the  late  laird  of 
Glenkindie,  but  his  son  hath  not  yet  acknowledged  it,  nor  undertaken 
to  secure  for  it,  wherupon  it  is  recomended  to  the  minister  to  deal  with 
him  theranent ;  2°.  If  there  was  a  Schoolmaster,  and  how  he  was 
provyded,  to  which  he  answered  that  there  was  one,  and  that  he  had  from 
the  parochine  nyne  bolls  of  victuall  for  his  maintenance,  and  from  the 
Session  fourtie  merks  of  monie.  3°.  If  the  fabrick  of  the  Church  and 
manse  was  sufficientlie  repaired,  to  which  he  answered  positive.  4  .  If 
he  had  a  sufficient  stipend,  gleeb,  grasse,  foggage,  fewall,  faill,  and  divott, 
to  which  he  answered  that  his  stipend  was  no  lesse  than  the  law  allowed, 
that  his  gleeb  was  full,  but  wanted  of  what  the  law  allowed  as  to  grasse, 
that  he  had  a  designation  for  foggage,  fewall,  faill,  and  divott,  but  had  no 
peaceable  possession  of  it.  5°.  Whether  there  were  requisit  utensiles 
and  furniture  for  administration  of  the  sacraments,  he  answered  that  he 
had  onlie  two  Comunion  cups  of  tiune,  a  table  cloath,  and  a  laver  for 
baptisme. 

(The  usual  course  followed  as  to  minister  and  elders,  and  the  usual 
exhortations  given  to  minister,  elders,  and  heads  of  families  —  see 
Cushnie  p.  228.) 

The  report  of  the  Session  book  of  Towie  was  delayed  to  another 


1675]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  247 

occasion,  in  regard  it  came  too  late  to  the  hands  of  Mr.  William  Thomson, 
that  he  had  not  leasure  to  peruse  it  be  for  the  visitationc. 

Margaret  Laing,  contumacious  to  their  discipline  for  cursing  and 
scolding  imcdiatlie  after  the  sacrament. 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  at  Auchindorc,  in  order  to  a 
visitatione  of  that  Church,  and  Mr.  William  Christie  ordered  to  preach  at 
thatdyet. 

At  Auchindore  August  18,  1675. 

The  said  day,  Mr.  William  Christie  preached  on  i  Timothy  5.  17,  &c. 

Mr.  William  Thomson,  minister  of  the  place, 

gave  in  a  list  of  the  elders  of  the  session,  which  are  as  followes,  Patrick 
Gordone  in  Auchcnlcith,  Arthur  Lumsden  in  Newtounc,  Alexander 
Smith  in  Birkenbreul,  Robert  Reid  of  Xewmilne,  Alexander  Gordounc, 
John  Gordoune,  James  Gordounc,  George  Ronald,  James  Gardner,  George 
Murray. 

After  this,  the  elders  being  called  in,  the  minister  was  further 
interrogat,  i°.  If  there  were  any  mortificationes  in  that  parochinc,  to 
which  he  answered  that  there  were  none.  2°.  If  there  was  ane  School 
master,  and  how  provyded,  he  answered  that  there  never  had  been  any 
there,  and  that  the  heritors  could  not  agree  upon  the  setling  of  a  pro- 
visione  for  one,  in  respect  they  pretended  that,  by  reason  of  their  distance 
from  the  church,  many  could  have  no  benefit  by  the  school,  as  to  the 
educatione  of  their  children.  It  was  therfor  seriouslie  recomended  and 
pressed  upon  them  by  the  moderator,  to  consider  the  necessitie  and  ad 
vantage  of  a  sufficient  Schoolmaster,  both  for  the  educatione  of  children, 
publick  reading,  and  precenting  in  the  church,  and  to  see  to  the  specdie 
establishment  of  one  for  these  effects.  3°.  If  the  fabrick  of  the  kirk  and 
manse  was  sufficientlie  repaired,  to  which  he  answered  positivelie.  4".  If 
he  had  a  sufficient  stipend,  gleeb,  grasse,  foggage,  fewall,  faill,  and  divott, 
to  which  he  answered  that  his  stipend  consisted  of  fyve  hundreth  merks, 
or  therabout,  and  that  his  stipend  was  not  setled  upon  tack  dutie,  by 
virtue  of  tacks  of  byths,  formerlie  given  by  his  predecessors  the  parsons 
of  Auchindore,  further  he  acknowledged  that  he  had  a  sufficient  gleeb, 
but  no  grasse,  foggage,  fewall,  faill,  or  divott.  It  was  therfor  recomended 
to  him  to  provyde  the  Church  of  all  these  necessaries  according  to  law. 


248  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING 

5°.  Whether  there  \verc  rcquisit  utensiles  and  furniture  for  the  administra 
tion  of  the  sacraments,  to  which  he  answered  that,  since  his  entrie  he  had 
provyed  the  Church  with  a  lavcr  for  the  sacrament  of  baptisme,  of  two 
tables,  and  as  manic  cups  of  tiunc  for  the  holy  comunion. 

(The  usual  course  followed  as  to  minister  and  elders,  and  the  usual 
exhortations  given  to  minister,  heritors,  elders,  and  heads  of  families — see 
Cushnie  p.  228.) 

The  particulars  of  this  visitatione  were  minuted  by  Mr.  William 
Burnet,  minister  at  Kildrumie,  the  minister  of  the  place  being  clerk  to 
the  Presbytrie.  Therfor  that  the  premisses  are  conforme  to  what  was 
minuted  by  the  forsaid  Mr.  William  Burnet  is  testified  by  his  subscription. 

Mr.  W.  Burnet,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie  pro  tempore. 

The  respective  brethren  present  being  enquyred  whether  they  had 
observed  the  nationall  fast  enjoyned  by  the  Lords  of  His  Majestie's 
Privy  Counsel,  upon  the  account  of  the  present  dearth  and  threatened 
famine,  answered  that  they  all  had  kept  the  same. 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord  September  15,  and 
Mr.  John  Irvine  is  ordained  to  have  ane  exercise  upon  the  ordinary 
matter,  it  being  now  his  proper  vice,  who  being  this  day  absent,  the  Clerk 
of  the  Presbytrie  is  appoynted  to  acquaint  him  tymcouslie  of  the  ordi 
nance. 

It  was  seriouslie  recomended  to  the  brethren  present  to  meet 
tymeously  and  earlie  at  Alfoord,  the  day  formerlie  appoynted,  in  respect 
they  were  then  to  have  their  privie  censure,  and  the  referrs  of  the  Synod 
were  to  be  read  and  recomended  to  them,  both  which  were  unavoydablie 
deferred  to  that  dyet,  in  respect  the  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  were  so 
much  taken  up  in  their  circular  visitationes,  that  they  could  not  spare  so 
much  tyme  as  these  serious  exercises  did  requyre. 

Mr.  William  Thomson  preferred  to  give  in  the  account  of  the  Session 
book  of  Towie,  which  was  deferred  to  the  nixt  meeting,  by  reason  the 
day  was  so  farre  spent  alreadie. 

At  Alfoord  September  15,  1675. 

There  was  no  exercise,  in  regard  that  Mr.  John  Irvine  was  absent, 
whose  vice  it  was  to  exercise,  notwithstanding  that  the  Clerk  of  the 


l6>5]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  249 

Presbytric  had  tymcouslie  acquainted  him  with  the  Presbytric's  ordi 
nance,  as  this  day  he  reported,  and  being  further  asked  if  he  had  any 
excuse  from  him,  replyed  he  had  none,  save  onlie  that  his  wyfe  being 
occasionalie  at  a  mercat  at  Auchindore,  that  day  imediatlie  preceeding 
the  meeting  told  him,  at  her  husband's  desyre,  as  she  asserted,  that  he 
was  not  to  keep  the  meeting  to-morrow  at  Alfoord,  being  to  be  from 
home  that  day,  which  was  thought  fitt  to  be  represented  to  the  Lord 
Bishop  and  Synod,  as  also  that  he  had  very  seldom  attended,  and  most 
ordinarlic  dishaunted  the  Presbyteriall  meetings,  notwithstanding  of  his 
solemne  ingadgements  therto,  when  the  sentence  of  suspension  was  taken 
off. 

All  the  brethren  who  had  not  alreadie  payed  the  cloller  for  the 
Comissioners'  charges  hath  promised  without  fail  to  bring  it  to  the 
Synod.  As  for  the  rest  of  the  referrs,  viz.  the  supplying  of  the  necessitie 
of  Walter  Gibsone  and  his  fellow-prisoners  to  the  Turk,  and  the  other 
which  requyres  the  moderator  to  call  chaplaines  and  schoolmasters  to 
take  the  oath  of  alleadgiance  and  canonicall  obedience,  which  two  are 
not  yet  answered  by  those  of  our  meeting,  the  brethren  are  resolved, 
imediatlie  after  they  returne  from  the  Synod,  to  satisfie  both. 

The  ministers  of  Keig,  Towie,  Clatt,  Tillinessell,  Kildrumie  reported 
that  they  had  celebrat  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  at  Easter  ; 
Mr.  William  Christie  (now  absent)  on  the  said  day ;  the  minister  of 
Strathdone  on  Apryl  18  ;  the  ministers  of  Lochel  and  Auchindore  on 
Apryl  ii  ;  the  minister  of  Cushnie  on  June  27  ;  the  minister  of  Clatt  re 
ported  that  he  certainlie  knew  that  Mr.  Robert  Cheyne,  minister  at 
Kinethmont,  had  celebrat  the  same  about  the  end  of  June,  but  he  knew 
not  the  particular  day. 

According  to  the  former  ordinance,  the  privy  censure  past  on  the 
respective  brethren,  but  nothing  found  censurable  in  any  of  them,  either 
in  their  doctrine  or  conversatione,  save  only  anent  Mr.  Andrew  Aber- 
crombie,  minister  at  Strathdone,  it  was  reported  by  some  of  the  brethren, 
that  they  heard,  he,  of  late,  had  rode  downe  the  countrie  in  the  companie 
of  John  Garrioch  excomunicat  in  Cushnie,  with  which  the  brethren  were 
verie  dissatisfied.  Wherfor  calling  in  the  said  Mr.  Andrew,  they  en- 
quyred  him  into  the  truth  of  what  had  been  suggested  in  this  matter,  and 
he  for  his  owne  vindication,  and  clearing  of  the  Presbytrie,  declaired  that 
he  had  ingadged  to  accompanie  John  Lumsden,  brother  to  the  laird  of 

II 


250  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1675 

Cushnie  to  Turrcf  about  a  very  nccessar  affair,  upon  whom  the  said  John 
Garrioch  was  attending  as  a  servant  at  that  tyme,  and  that  he  had  come 
ten  myles  from  his  home,  befor  he  saw  either  of  them,  and  how  soone  he 
saw  the  said  John  he  was  highlie  offended  with  the  gentleman  for  bring 
ing  such  a  servant  along  with  him,  and  told  him,  if  he  were  thus  atten 
ded,  he  would  abandon  his  fellowship,  but  the  affair  being  so  necessarie, 
and  such  as  could  not  be  exped  without  him,  and  the  gentleman  at  such 
a  distance  from  his  owne  hous  that  he  could  not  comand  another 
servant,  his  importunitie  prevailed  with  him  to  go  forward,  and  since  he 
was  casten  into  such  circumstances,  he  took  opportunitie  of  the  present 
necessitic  to  bring  John  Garrioch  to  a  sense  of  his  sinne,  and  the  danger 
of  his  present  estate,  which  so  farre  prevailed  with  him,  that  he  ingadged 
to  acknowledge  his  sinne,  and  to  supplicat  the  church  how  soone  he 
returned  for  takeing  off  the  sentence  of  excomunication,  that,  upon  his 
repentance,  he  might  be  reconciled  to  the  church,  and  partake  of  the 
benefits  of  other  Christianes.  But  the  brethren  being  afrayed  that  his 
journey  had  given  offence  to  those  who  knew  not  this  good  effect  of  it, 
did  rebuke  him  for  his  inadvertencie,  and  advysed  him  with  all  circum 
spection  to  bewarre  of  such  snares  for  the  future,  which  accordinglie  he 
promised. 

Mr.  William  Thomson  gave  in  the  account  of  the  Session  book  of 
Towie,  which  was  approven  by  the  Presbytrie,  onlie  the  minister  was 
advysed  to  look  more  circumspectlie  to  the  Clerk  of  the  Session  in  filling 
up  of  the  book,  because  of  some  informalities  found  in  it,  through  his 
neglect. 

Mr.  Thomson,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie. 

6  October  1675. 

The  Presbytrie  buik  of  Alfurd  is  approven  by  the  Bishop,  and  Synod, 
and  the  brethren  therof  removed  and  approven. 

Mr.  Al.  Forbes,  Clerk  to  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 

The  Referres  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen,  holden  by  the  Right 
Reverend  Father  in  God,  Patrick,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  in  the  King's 
Colledge  Church  of  Old  Aberdeen,  in  the  moneth  of  October  1675,  and 
begunne  the  fifth  day  therof. 


OF   TIIE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  251 

October  5,  1675.  Sess  :   i°.  post  meridiem. 

Sermon  being  had  in  the  kirk  of  Old  Machar,  by  Mr.  Adam  Barclay, 
Minister  at  Keig,  the  forenoone  being  spent  &c. 

October  6.  Sess  :  2°.  ante  meridiem. 

It  being  found  that,  in  regard  of  the  absence  of  diverse  ministers, 
from  the  Synod,  anc  satisfactoric  account  could  not  at  this  tyme  be  had 
anent  the  deficients  in  payment  of  their  sevcrall  proportiones  towards 
the  charges  of  the  Comissioners  sent  to  His  Majestie's  Privie  Counsel,  it 
is  ordered  that  the  moderators  of  the  severall  Presbytrics  shall,  with  all 
expedition,  collect  what  is  yet  wanting,  from  the  ministers  of  their 
respective  Presbytries,  and  send  the  same  to  Mr.  Patrick  Sibbald,  or 
otherwayes  the  names  of  such  as  declyne  to  pay  it,  as  they  will  be 
answerable. 

Eodem  die  Sess  :  3  post  meridiem. 

It  being  represented  by  some  brethren,  that  severall  persons  are 
found,  who,  in  the  tyme  of  their  publick  profession  of  repentance  for  their 
scandalls,  doe  relapse  in  the  same  or  other  scandalous  sinnes,  and  yet 
will  still  professe  a  willingness  to  submit  to  discipline,  whilst  yet  they 
continue  (for  ought  that  can  be  seen)  stupid  and  careles,  it  is  therfor 
thought  fitt,  that  if  the  Presbytrie  find  sufficient  evidence  of  these  new 
scandalls,  or  stupid  carelesnes  under  profession  of  repentance,  that,  by 
order  of  the  Presbytrie,  such  persons  publicklie,  and  by  name,  be 
publicklie  debarred  from  the  benefit  of  participating  the  Sacrament  of 
the  Lord's  Supper.  And  for  the  more  orderlie  and  uniforme  way  of 
performing  it,  that  this  be  done  after  the  manner  following. 

In  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  at  comand  of  his  Church, 
I  declare  A.  B.  to  be  unworthie  to  "partake  of  the  holie  sacrament 
of  the  bodie  and  blood  of  Christ,  and  therfor,  and  in  name  and 
authoritie  forsaid,  I  solemnlie  suspend  him  from  fellowship  with 
the  people  of  God,  in  the  Supper  of  the  Lord,  untill  he,  upon  his 
repentance,  obtaine  relaxation  from  this  dreadfull  sentence  ;  as 
lykewyse  I  requyre  all  the  Lord's  people  to  look  upon  him  as 
such,  that  he,  being  ashamed  of  his  sinne,  may  seriouslie  lay  it  to 
heart,  and  humblie  supplicat  for^absolution. 


252  RECORDS   OF  THE   MEETING  [1675 

But  no  minister  is  to  think  himself  hereby  disoblidged  from  takeing 
cair  of,  or  pains  upon,  such  persons,  but  even  after  pronounceing  of  the 
sentence,  the  respective  minister  is  to  continue  in  the  use  of  all  fitt  means 
for  bringing  such  to  repentance  ;  and  also  it  is  thought  fitt  that  none  be 
relaxed  from  this  censure,  untill  they  supplicat  the  Presbytrie,  being 
recommended  to  them  by  the  Session. 

It  is  recomendcd  also  to  the  further  considcratione  of  the  brethren, 
whether  or  not  it  might  be  found  both  orderlie  and  edifying,  that  after 
convictione  of  any  publick  scandall,  there  be  some  publick  binding  by 
censure,  alsweel  as  there  is  ane  publick  absolutione,  and  they  are 
requyred  to  give  in  ane  account  of  their  thoughts  therin  at  the  nixt 
Synod. 

And  seeing  the  edificatione  of  persons  by  censure  doth  much  depend 
on  the  orderlines  and  solemnitie  of  the  censures,  it  is  ordered  that  no 
private  minister  doe  debarre  any  person  by  name  from  the  Lord's 
Supper,  for  dishaunting  of  ordinances,  neglect  of  catechiseing  or  such 
lyke,  untill  the  matter  be  represented  to  the  Presbytrie,  and  the  person 
delinquent  cited  befor  the  Presbytrie,  that,  upon  evidence  of  the  guilt, 
they  may  judge  upon  the  expediencie  of  the  censure,  and  may  give  order 
for  it. 

Anent  Mr.  Robert  Cheyne,  minister  of  Kinethmont,  it  being  found 
requisit  that  he  have  ane  assistant  and  helper  in  the  work  of  the  ministrie, 
the  said  Mr.  Robert  (being  present)  did  declair  befor  the  Lord  Bishop 
and  brethren,  that  he  had  been  dealing  with  ane  young  man  to  come  and 
assist  him  in  the  work  of  the  ministrie,  and  promised  that,  befor  the  first 
of  Januarie  nixt,  he  should  (God  willing)  settle  with  the  forsaid  young 
man,  and  give  ane  acompt  therof  befor  that  tyme  to  the  Lord  Bishop,  for 
his  approbatione  of,  and  authorizeing  the  said  young  man  in  that  charge. 

The  Presbytrie  Book  of  Alfoord  is  approven,  and  the  brethren  of  that 
Presbytrie  removed  and  approven. 

Oct.  7  Sess :  4°.  ante  meridiem. 

It  being  represented  to  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  that,  albeit  by 
Acts  of  the  Synods  in  October  1673  and  Apryl  1674,  it  was  ordered  that 
the  Clerk  of  the  Synod  and  officer  should  have  payed  to  him  so  much  as 
is  due  for  one  Synod,  for  the  three  vacand  Synods  then  preceeding, 


1675]  OF  THE   EXERCISE  OF  ALFORD.  253 

which  were  not  keepcd  whilst  the  Bishop  was  at  Edinburgh,  to  witt,  one 
shilling  sterling  to  the  Clerk,  and  sixpence  to  the  officer,  and  that  the 
samen  is  not  yet  payed  to  them  ;  And  sick  lyke,  that  in  the  latter 
Synods,  the  Clerk  hath  been  at  more  than  ordinairie  pains,  in  making  up 
for  the  severall  Presbytries  many  doubles  of  long  Acts  of  the  Church's 
concernment,  without  an}'  satisfaction  therfor  ;  And  that  the  Clerk  is  con 
tent  to  accept  for  all  the  said  allowance  ordered  for  him  by  the  Acts  of 
the  said  two  former  Synods,  therfor  it  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop, 
with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the  Synod,  that  now,  at  last,  evrie  mini 
ster  pay  in  to  their  respective  moderators,  or  any  whom  the  moderators 
please  to  appoynt  for  collecting  the  same,  the  forsaid  shilling  sterling  for 
the  Clerk,  and  sixpence  for  the  officer  for  the  said  three  Synods  that 
were  not  keept,  and  that  at  their  first  Presbytrie  meetings,  to  be  sent  in 
by  them  with  first  conveniencie. 

The  Bishop  having  found,  in  his  reviseing  the  Presbytrie  books,  that, 
at  visitatione  of  churches,  divers  things  anent  the  church  and  utensiles 
therof  have  been  recomended  to  the  minister  and  heritors,  which  are 
afterwards  as  forgotten,  no  accompt  therof  being  requyred  till  the  nixt 
visitatione  of  that  church,  therfor  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the 
Synod,  appoynts  and  ordaines,  that  whatsoever  is  recomended  to  any 
minister  or  heritors  at  the  visitatione  of  churches,  inquyrie  shall  be  made 
by  the  Presbytrie,  at  the  nixt  privie  censure,  what  diligence  hath  been 
used  therm,  and  record  taken  therof. 

The  Lord  Bishop  having  inquyred  of  the  brethren  what  fruit  and 
advantage  they  had  found,  in  setting  about  the  privie  censure  in  Presby 
tries,  in  the  solemne  and  serious  way  recomended  by  order  of  the  Synod, 
it  was  acknowledged  that  they  found  the  said  order  very  usefull  for 
begetting  and  maintaining  on  their  hearts  a  fresh  sense  of  the  duties  of 
their  calling,  and  it  being  that  (seeing  all  other  exercise  and  doctrine  was 
laid  asyde  that  day)  it  would  be  for  cdificatione,  if,  besydes  the  brief 
exhortationes  of  the  moderators,  one  of  the  brethren  did  open  up  some 
Scripture  relating  to  the  ministeriall  duties  :  It  was  ordered  by  the  Lord 
Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  brethren,  that,  in  the  day  of  the  privie  cen 
sure,  one  of  the  brethren  (having  been  therto  appoynted  by  the  Presby 
trie)  shall  preach  from  some  Scripture  suitable  to  the  purpose  on  hand, 
and  this  per  vices,  that  they  may  advyse  one  another,  and  mutuallie 
excite  one  another  to  the  conscientious  discharge  of  the  duties  of  their 


254  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [l6~75 

calling,  and  that  the  sermon  hinder  not  the  rest  of  the  work,  it  is 
ordered  that  it  doc  not  exceed  half  ane  hour. 

It  is  ordered  that  in  after  tymes,  imeadiatlie  after  the  delivering 
of  the  severall  Presbytrie  Bookes,  the  Synodicall  Acts  shall  be  read, 
and  the  severall  moderators  enquyrcd  what  is  done  in  obedience 
therto. 

It  is  ordered  that  the  severall  ministers  shall  recomend  to  their 
heritors,  and  Kirk  Session,  to  take  some  effectuall  course  for  supplying 
the  poore  of  their  owne  respective  parochines,  that  so  they  may  not 
be  burdensome  to  other  congregationes,  and  that  they  give  ane 
account  therof  to  their  respective  moderators,  and  the  moderators  to 
the  Lord  Bishop,  betwixt  and  the  first  of  Januarie  nixt. 

(Case  of  discipline  from  Presbytery  of  Alford). 

Eodem  die  Sess  :  5  post  meridiem. 

There  being  some  grievances  and  complaints  given  in  to  the 
Bishop  and  Synod,  by  the  moderator  and  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord, 
against  Mr.  John  Irvine,  minister  at  Cabrach,  after  some  notice  and 
tryall  taken  therof,  the  further  consideratione  of  that  busines  is 
continued  untill  the  morrow,  at  the  nixt  meeting. 

It  is  ordered  and  appoynted  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent 
of  the  brethren  of  the  Synod,  that  there  be  ane  solemnc  fast  and 
humiliatione  observed  and  keeped  in  all  the  congrcgationes  throughout 
this  Diocie,  upon  the  last  Wcdnsday  of  Februarie  nixt  1676,  being 
the  23  day  of  that  moneth,  to  supplicat  the  Lord  for  ane  blessing 
upon  the  ensueing  seed  season. 

There  being  diverse  complaints  and  regrates  given  in  to  the 
Synod  by  some  brethren,  that  some,  under  the  pretence  of  transes, 
or  familiaritie  with  spirits,  by  going  with  those  spirits  comonlie  called 
the  fairies,  have  spoken  reproachfullie  of  some  persons,  wherof  some 
are  dead  and  some  living,  it  is  recomended  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and 
Synod  to  the  Presbytries  and  ministers  interested,  carefullie  to 
endeavour  the  suppressing  of  that  seductione  by  warning  the  people 
of  the  danger  of  it,  and  calling  befor  them  the  seducers,  and,  if  the 
seducers  be  competes  mentis,  to  proceed  in  censure  against  them,  as 
lykewise  against  the  consumers,  if  after  admonition  publicklie  given 


16/5]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  255 

they  forbear  not  such  practices,  or  to  vent  and  spread  such  rcproachfull 
speeches,  wherof  the  seducers  are  the  authors. 

October  8  Sess :  6  ante  meridiem. 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  that 
those  who  have  not  alreadie  collected,  and  given  in  their  charitable 
help,  for  relieving  of  those  persons  taken  by  the  Turks,  conforme  to 
the  Act  of  Secret  Counsel  represented  at  the  last  Synod,  shall  now 
bring  in  their  collectiones  theranent  with  all  diligence. 

Anent  Mr.  John  Irvine,  minister  at  Cabrach,  the  said  Mr.  John 
having  humblie  acknowledged  first  befor  the  Lord  Bishop  and 
brethren  of  the  conference,  and  afterwards  publicklie  befor  the  wholl 
brethren  of  the  Synod,  his  overreaching  and  miscariage  towards  the 
moderator  and  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  and  humblie 
craved  pardon  of  the  Lord  Bishop,  moderator,  and  remanent  brethren 
of  that  Presbytrie  in  particular,  the  said  brethren  did  pardon  him, 
and  the  Lord  Bishop  having  (by  advyce  of  the  brethren)  first  rebuked 
the  said  Mr.  John  for  what  he  had  done,  did  gravelie  admonish  and 
exhort  him  to  studie  mortification  of  passion  and  a  more  prudent 
walking  towards  all  men,  and  especiallie  his  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie, 
assureing  him  that,  if  he  did  againe  miscarie,  all  his  former  failings 
would  be  remembered  against  him  for  the  more  weightie  censure. 
The  Lord  Bishop  did  recomend  to  the  moderator  and  brethren  of 
the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord  to  have  compassion  on  the  said  Mr.  John, 
although  he  did  not  attend  the  clyets  of  their  meetings  so  constantlie 
as  others  did,  becaus  he  hath  ingenuouslie  profest  the  straitnes  of  his 
condition  did  sometyme  occasion  it. 

Mr.  John  Ross,  now  minister  at  Tarlane,  and  late  minister  at 
Cabrach,  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod, 
to  search  and  look  out  such  papers  as  he  has  in  his  custodie 
concerning  the  Stipend  of  the  Kirk  of  Cabrach,  and  designatione  of 
the  gleeb  therof,  and  to  give  ane  account,  and  deliver  the  same  to 
Mr.  George  Melvil,  moderator  of  Alfoord,  betwixt  and  the  twentie 
seventh  of  October  instant,  being  VVednsday,  and  ane  Presbytrie  day 
at  Alfoord,  which  the  said  Mr.  James  Ross  promised  to  doe. 

William   Gordoune   of  Cracullie   is   recomended   for   ane  charitable 


256  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [l6"75 

help  from  evric  minister  within  this  Diocie,  and  the  moderators  are 
desyrcd  to  collect  the  same  at  the  first  Prcsbyteriall  meetings,  after 
the  rcfcrrs  of  the  Synod  shall  come  to  their  hands,  and  send  it  in  to 
Mr.  George  Mcldrum,  minister  at  Aberdeen,  with  their  first  conveniencic. 

All  former  recomendationcs  given  to  poor  people  for  supplie  are 
continued  for  one  yeir,  after  the  granting  therof,  towards  those  who 
have  not  supplied  them  alreadie. 

The  nixt  Synod  is  appoyntcd  to  meet  the  third  Tuesday  of  Apryl 
nixt  1676. 

(Here  follows  list  of  fugitives  from  discipline,  6  in  Aberdeen 
Presbytery,  and  I  in  Alford). 

At  Old  Aberdeen  October  1675. 

The  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  mett  in  King's  Colledge  Church, 
and  appoynted  their  nixt  -meeting  to  be  at  Alfoord  November  3,  and 
Mr.  John  Irvine  to  have  ane  Exercise  and  Addition  upon  the  ordinarie 
matter  of  the  Exercise. 


At  Alfoord  November  3,  1675. 

Mr.  John  Irvine  exercised  on  I  Corinthians  I.  7,  and  being  removed 
was  censured  for  some  incoherencies  in  his  discourse,  and  when  called 
in,  was  gravelie  admonished  to  be  more  methodicall  heirafter,  that  the 
Exercise  and  Addition  might  appear  distinct. 

Anent  William  Dumbar  in  Strathdone,  scandalous  for  speaking 
blasphemouslie  of  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  the  minister 
reported  by  his  lyne,  that  he  was  referred  to  this  meeting  for 
absolution,  who  being  called,  and  not  compeiring,  is  referred  till  the 
nixt  meeting,  that  the  minister  be  present. 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  fyve  weeks,  and  becaus 
the  privie  censure  was  to  passe  on  all  the  brethren  that  day  (in  order  to 
which  the  moderator  was  to  have  a  discourse  relative  to  the  ministeriall 
duties)  and  the  referrs  of  the  Synod  were  to  be  read,  it  is  seriouslie  re- 
comended  to  all  present  that  they  meet  more  tymeouslie  upon  these 
accounts,  and  that  the  absents  be  advertised  heirof  by  a  lyne  from  the 
moderator. 


1676]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  257 

At  Alfoord  December  8,  1675. 

The  privie  censure,  and  the  moderator's  discourse  relative  therto,  were 
both  superseded,  not  onlie  in  regard  to  the  infreqnencie  of  the  meeting, 
through  the  stormines  of  the  weather,  but  also  becaus  many  of  the 
brethren  were  withdrawn  upon  very  urgent  occasions,  as  their  severall 
letters  of  excuse  did  bear^wherfor  the  former  ordinance  conveining  the 
privie  censure  and  the  advertisement  of  the  absent  brethren  was  renewed ; 
and  becaus  the  ministers  present  had  processes  depending,  for  the  further 
ing  of  which  the  referrs  were  taken  in  as  followes — (Names  follow). 


At  Alfoord  Januarie  5,  1676. 

The  Moderator,  in  obedience  to  the  former  ordinance,  had  a  discourse 
relative  to  the  ministeriall  duties,  from  i  Timothy  4.  15. 

After  the  privie  censure  past  on  the  respective  brethren  then  present, 
the  referrs  of  the  late  Synod  were  publicklie  read,  and  seriouslie  re- 
comended,  but  speciallie  those  which  requyred  present  obedience,  such  as 
that  anent  the  deficients  in  payment  of  their  proportion  towards  the 
charge  of  the  comissioners  sent  to  His  Majestie's  Privie  Counsell,  of 
whom  such  as  were  present  promised  preciselie  to  pay  it  at  the  nixt 
Synod,  except  Mr.  Patrick  Coupland,  who  pleaded  imunitie,  in  respect  he 
alleadged  he  was  not  then  entered  into  the  ministrie.  As  also  that  anent 
the  charitable  contributions  for  relieving  of  the  prisoners  with  the  Turks, 
and  others  recomended  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  the  respective 
brethren  promised  to  intimat  them  from  their  severall  pulpits,  and  to  en 
deavour,  so  farre  as  they  could,  to  procure  something  for  their  relief. 

As  also  that,  anent  the  supplie  of  their  owne  poor  within  their  owne 
parochines,  some  of  the  brethren  had  endeavoured,  but  ineffectuallie,  and 
others  had  alreadie  accomodat  their  owne  poor. 

As  also  that,  anent  seducers,  under  pretence  of  transes,  or  converse 
with  familiar  spirits,  there  is  none  yet  knowne  to  be  within  the  bounds  of 
this  Presbytrie,  but  one  Patrick  Elles,  within  the  parochine  of  Auchin- 
dore,  wherfor  the  minister  of  Auchindore  is  appoynted  to  cite  him  befor 
their  Session,  and  question  him  therupon,  and  if  he  deny  it,  and  be  not 
convict,  to  warne  him  to  bewarre  of  the  lyke  in  all  tyme  comeing,  under 

KK 


258  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

the  pain  of  censure,  but  if  he  be  convict  to  charge  him  befor  the  Presby- 
trie,  that  he  may  receive  sentence  accordinglie. 

It  was  enquyred  at  the  respective  brethren  whose  churches  had  been 
visited,  what  paines  they  had  taken  in  those  things  which  were  re- 
comended  to  them  at  their  severall  visitationes  viz :  for  mantenance  of  the 
Schoolmasters,  Church  utensiles  &c.,  to  which  they  answered  that  they 
had,  and  should  continue  to  doe  their  outmost  for  the  supplieing  of  all 
such  defects. 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  20  dayes,  and  in  regard 
the  Presbytrie  had  this  day  received  a  letter  from  the  Lord  Bishop, 
clesyring  that  Mr.  Robert  Farquharsone  might  be  admitted  to  his  tryalls, 
in  order  to  the  ministrie  at  the  church  of  Kinethmont,  in  whose  favors  he 
had  received  a  presentatione  to  the  said  Church  from  my  Lord  Forbes, 
patron  of  the  same,  in  obedience  to  which,  the  Presbytrie  appoynted  the 
said  Mr.  Robert  to  be  in  readiness  at  the  nixt  meeting,  to  sustaine  the 
questionarie  tryall,  together  with  that  of  the  Languages. 

At  Alfoord  Januarie  26,  1676. 

Mr.  Robert  Farquharsone  sustained  the  questionarie  tryall,  and  that 
of  the  Languages,  and  was  approvcn.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to 
be  this  day  fyve  weeks,  and  the  said  Mr.  Robert  to  have  ane  Exegesis 
De  satisfaction?  CJiristi. 

Elspet  Mckallane  in  Touch  had  relapsed  in  the  same  sinne  of  cursing 

her  mother Sentence  of  lesser  excommunication  to  be 

pronounced  upon  her. 

Anent  charitable  contributiones  for  relieving  the  prisoners  with  the 
Turk,  and  others  recomended  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  the  re 
spective  brethren  reported  that  in  regard  of  the  generall  penurie  and 
numerousnes  of  poor,  both  of  their  owne,  and  from  other  places,  they 
could  at  present  procure  nothing  that  bears  any  proportion  to  the 
necessities  of  those  that  were  recomended  to  them,  and  on  this  account 
were  necessitat  as  yet  to  supersed  it. 

Anent  Patrick  Files  in  Strathdone,  the  minister  reported  that  he  was 
a  comon  beggar,  and  on  this  account  could  not  find  him  to  cause  sumond 
him  befor  their  Session.  He  is  appoynted  to  use  his  endeavoures  therin, 
which  he  promised  to  doe. 


1676]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  259 

The  moderator  did  recomend  to  the  respective  brethren  the  last 
Wednsclay  of  Februarie  nixt  ensuing  to  be  observed  by  them,  a  day  of 
publick  fasting  and  humiliation  for  a  blessing  upon  the  ensueing  seed 
tyme,  according  to  the  Act  of  the  Synod  made  theranent. 


At  Alfoord,  March  I,  1676. 

Mr.  Robert  Farquharsone  had  ane  Exegesis  De  satisfactione  C/tristi, 
and  was  approven.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoyntcd  to  be  this  day 
moneth,  and  the  said  Mr.  Robert  to  have  ane  Exercise  and  Addition 
upon  the  ordinarie  matter  of  the  Exercise,  as  also  to  sustaine  the 
dispute  of  his  thesis  De  dicto  sub/ecto,  which  he  distribute  this  day  to  the 
respective  brethren. 

Ancnt  Patrick  Elles  in  Auchendore,  the  minister  reported  that  he, 
having  found  him  within  the  parochine,  caused  sumond  him  befor  the 
Session,  who  being  called,  did  compeir,  and  denyed  that  he  ever  studied 
to  seduce  any  person,  under  a  pretence  of  his  lying  in  trance,  or  having 
converse  with  familiar  spirits,  or  any  otherwayes.  Wherupon  he  did 
warne  him  to  bewarre  in  all  tyme  comeing  of  the  lyke,  nnder  paine  of 
censure. 

The  moderator  did  enquyre  at  the  respective  brethren,  if  they  had 
observed  the  last  Wednsday  of  Februarie  as  a  day  of  publick  fast  and 
humiliation.  They  all  answered  positive. 

The  Presbytrie  appoynted  Mr.  William  Thomson,  and  Mr.  Patrick 
Coupland  to  preach  at  Strathdonc  betwixt  and  the  nixt  meeting. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay  delated  John  Merchand  contumacious  for 
Sabbath  breaking  and  for  slandering  his  neighbour  of  theft,  and  being 
convict,  he  is  appoynted  to  be  sumoned  to  the  nixt  meeting. 

At  Alfoord  March  29,  1676. 

Mr.  Robert  Farquharson  had  ane  Exercise  and  Addition  on  I 
Corinthians  i.  7,  and  was  approven  ;  as  also  he  sustained  the  dispute 
of  his  thesis  De  satisfactione  CJiristi,  and  was  approven.  The  nixt 
meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  the  morrow  eight  dayes,  and  the  said 
Mr.  Robert  to  have  ane  popular  sermon  on  Isaiah  53.  i. 


260  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1676 

Mr.  William  Thomson,  minister  at  Auchindore,  being  enquyred 
by  the  moderator,  if  he  had  obeyed  the  former  ordinance  of  the 
Presbytrie  in  preaching  at  Strathdone,  on  ane  Lord's  day  since  the 
last  meeting,  answered  positive.  And  Mr.  Patrick  Coupland  being 
enquyred,  if  he  had  lykewyse  obeyed  the  ordinance,  answered  he  had 
not,  in  regard  he  could  not  goe  from  home,  his  wyfe  being  sick. 


At  Alfoord  Apryl  6,  1676. 

Mr.  Robert  Farquharsone  had  a  popular  sermon  on  Isaiah  53.  I, 
and  was  approven  in  this  and  the  rest  of  his  tryalls,  wherfor  he  is 
appoynted  to  have  a  recomendation  from  the  moderator  to  the  Lord 
Bishop,  in  order  to  his  ordination  and  admission  to  the  Church  of 
Kinethmont. 

Anent  the  referrs  of  Cabrach,  the  minister  this  day  sent  a  lyne  of 

excuse  for  this  dayes  absence, the  Presbytrie  not 

finding  clearnes  anent  the  relevancie  of  his  excuse,  or  his  discipline, 
were  ncccssitat  to  lay  them  over  to  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod, 
to  judge  therof  as  they  shall  think  convenient,  upon  the  sight  of  his 
letters,  which  are  in  the  hands  of  the  Clerk. 

(John  Merchand  to  be  cited  pro  3°.) 

Mr.  Win.  Thomsone,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie. 


19  Apryl  1676. 

This  Presbytrie  buik  of  Alfurd  approven  by  the  Bishop  and  Synod. 
The  brethren  therof  removed  and  approven  by  the  Bishop  and  brethren 
of  the  Synod. 

The  Referrs  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen  holden  by  the  Right  Reverend 
Father  in  God,  Patrick,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  within  the  King's  Colledge 
Church,  in  the  moneth  of  Apryl  1676,  begunne  the  eighteinth  day  therof. 

Apryl  18.  Sess  :  i°.  post  meridiem. 

Sermon  being  had  in  the  Church  of  Old  Machar,  by  Mr.  Robert 
Bruce,  minister  of  Old  Deir,  the  fornoone  &c. 


1676]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  261 

Apryl  19.  Sess  :  2°.  ante  meridiem. 

It  is  ordained  by  the  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  that  if  any 
minister  within  this  Diocic  being  admonished  once  and  againe,  for  not 
keeping  of  Presbyteriall  meetings,  if  therafter  he  faill,  he  shall  be  delated 
to  the  Bishop  and  Synod  for  censure. 

It  is  recommended  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  to  the  scverall 
Presbytries,  and  brethren  within  this  Diocie,  to  take  all  feasable  and 
prudent  cources,  within  their  respective  congregationes,  for  restraining  of 
abuse  of  pcnnie  brydalls,  as  shall  be  most  competent  to  the  brethren 
within  their  owne  boundes. 


Eodem  die  Sess  3°.  post  meridiem. 

It  is  appointed  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  that 
the  severall  ministers  within  this  Diocie,  at  their  intimatione  of  dayes  of 
fast,  humiliation,  and  thanksgiving  (as  shall  be  occasionallie  appoynted) 
they  lykewise  recomend  to  the  people  of  their  respective  congrega 
tiones,  to  abstain  from  their  ordinar  imployments,  handieworks,  and  such 
exercises  as  may  indispose  them  for  the  observatione  of  their  duties  on 
such  dayes,  but  especiallie  befor  the  publick  service. 

It  is  recomended  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod, 
to  the  severall  ministers  and  Presbytries  within  this  Diocie,  to  notice 
those  persons  who  are  most  usuall  dishaunters  of  ordinances  and  seducers 
of  others  to  error  and  apostacie  from  the  truth  within  their  boundes,  and 
to  proceed  against  them  with  Ecclcsiastick  censures,  if  they  continue  so 
to  doe. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  considering  that  there  have  been 
severall  Acts  of  former  Synods,  and  particularlie  in  October  1663  and 
1664,  ordaineing  all  those  ministers  who  arc  not  sufificientlie  provyded  to 
competend  Stipends,  conforme  to  the  Acts  of  Parliament,  to  persue  for 
augmentationes,  which  as  yet  hath  not  taken  full  effect,  therfor  the  Lord 
Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  does  heirby  renew  the  said  Acts,  and 
appoynts  that  all  such  ministers  as  are  not  sufficientlie  provyded  as  said 
is,  shall  use  all  diligence  for  obtaineing  their  augmentationes  by  law,  and 
give  ane  accompt  therof  to  the  nixt  Synod,  as  they  will  be  answerable  to 
the  Bishop  and  Synod. 


262  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [l6/6 

Apryl  20.  Scss  :  4°.     ante  meridiem. 

It  is  appoynted  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  that 
the  second  Tuesday  of  August  nixt,  being  the  nynth  of  that  moneth,  be 
observed  as  a  day  of  solemne  fast  and  humiliatione,  for  craveing  a  bless 
ing  from  God  upon  the  ensueing  harvest,  and  that  when  the  severall 
brethren  make  intimatione  therof  to  their  congregationes,  they  recomend 
their  people  to  abstaine  from  their  handiwork  and  ordinarie  imployments 
and  exercises,  which  may  indispose  them  to  the  observatione  of  their 
dutie  on  that  day,  but  especiallie  bcfor  the  publick  service. 

The  Presbytrie  book  of  Alfoord  and  severall  other  books  are 
approven,  and  the  brethren  of  that  Presbytrie  removed  and  approven. 

Eodem  die  Sess  :  5°.  post  meridiem. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  brethren  on  the  conference  haveing  taken  to 
their  consideratione  the  straites  and  necessities  wherinto  the  relicts  and 
children  of  manie  ministers  are  often  tymes  redacted,  and  finding  how 
comendable  and  charitable  a  work  it  would  be,  to  contribute  for  supplie 
and  honest  mantenance  of  such,  especiallie  seeing  (besydes  the  comon 
motives  of  charitie)  the  credit  of  ministers  is  neerlie  concerned  heirin,  did 
fall  upon  ane  Overture  for  that  effect  viz  :  that  everie  minister  within 
this  Diocie  should  give  in  yeirlie,  the  hundreth  pennie  of  his  yeirlie 
stipend,  to  be  imployed  for  the  end  above  mentioned,  and  after  the 
manner  that  shall  be  afterwards  condescended  upon.  Which  Overture 
being  publicklie  proposed  to  the  Synod,  it  was  cordiallie  approven  and 
entertained  by  them,  and  the  catalogue  of  the  ministers'  names  being 
called  the  Lord  Bishop,  and  all  the  brethren  present,  did  particularie, 
and  by  name,  consent  to  the  same,  and  ingadge  themselves  therto, 
exccptione,  Mr.  John  Irvine,  who  was  non  lionet? 

And  seeing  the  particular  way  and  method  for  collecting  and  in 
gathering  the  said  contributione,  and  imploying  the  same,  could  not  at 
present  be  fullie  condescended  upon  as  requyring  more  mature  delibera- 
tione,  therfor  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  did  recomend  to  Mr.  John 
Menzies,  and  Mr.  Henrie  Scougall,  Professors  of  Divinitie,  Mr.  George 
Meldrum,  minister  at  Aberdeen,  Mr.  George  Gordoune  at  Banchoric,  and 
Mr.  Adam  Barclay  at  Keig,  with  any  others  whom  they  shall  think  fitt  to 
adjoyne  to  themselves,  to  think  upon  such  proposals  wherby  the  said 

1  Note  28. 


1 6/6]  OF  THE   EXERCISE  OF   ALFORIX  263 

Overture  may  be  rendered  more  effectuall  and  practicable,  and  to  give  in 
their  thoughts  theranent  with  the  first  conveniencie,  to  be  transmitted  to 
the  severall  Presbytries,  that  the  respective  brethren  may  be  acquainted 
thenvith,  and  give  in  their  judgement  theranent  at  the  nixt  Synod.  It  is 
lykevvise  recomended  to  the  above  named  brethren  at  their  meeting,  to 
take  in  considcratione  that  referre  in  the  late  Synod,  holden  October 
1675,  anent  the  expediencie  of  publick  binding  by  censure,  upon  the 
convictione  of  scandall. 

All  recomendationes  of  poor  persons  for  [help  are  continued  for  one 
yeir  after  the  dait  heirof  towards  their  supplic  from  all  congregationes 
who  have  not  already  supplied  them,  their  names  are  William  Gordoune 
of  ,  James  Forbes,  Patrick  Farquhar,  Andrew  Meldrum, 

(blank)  Fraser,  and  Mr.  Alexander  Lynn. 

(List  of  fugitives  from  discipline,  3  from  Aberdeen,  and  I  from  New 
Machar.) 

At  Old  Aberdeen  Apryl  19,  1676. 

The  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  mett  in  the  King's  Colledge  Church, 
and  appoynted  their  next  meeting  to  be  at  Alfoord  May  17,  and  in 
regard  Mr.  John  Barclay,  son  to  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  at  Keig,  Student  of 
Divinitie,  within  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytrie,  was  this  day  recomended 
by  severall  of  the  brethren,  for  entering  on  his  tryalls,  in  order  to  publick 
preaching,  being  cloathed  with  testimonies  under  the  hands  of  the 
Professors  of  Philosophic  in  King's  Colledge,  in  Old  Aberdeen,  of  his 
proficiencie  in  the  studie  of  philosophic,  and  graduation,  as  also  under 
the  hands  of  the  Professors  of  Divinitie,  of  his  proficiencie  in  the  studie 
of  Divinitie,  was  appoynted  to  be  in  readines  to  sustaine  the  tryall  of  the 
Languages,  Hebrew  and  Greek,  the  forsaid  day. 


At  Alfoord  May  17,  1676. 

Mr.  John  Barclay  sustained  the  tryall  of  the  Languages,  Hebrew 
and  Greek,  and  was  approven. 

The  moderator  did  seriouslie  recomend  to  the  respective  brethren 
the  29  of  this  current  May,  for  observance,  according  to  the  Act  of 
the  Synod,  as  they  would  be  answerable. 


264  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1676 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  moneth,  and  Mr. 
John  Barclay  to  sustaine  his  questionarie  tryall  upon  the  seventh  and 
eight  centuries,  the  said  day. 

At  Alfoord  June  14,  1676. 

Mr.  John  Barclay  sustained  his  questionarie  tryall,  and  was 
approven. 

Anent  the  referrs  of  Cabrach,  the  minister  being  this  day  present, 
reported  that  he  had  forgotten  to  cause  sumond  those  who  were 
under  discipline  in  his  parochine.  Me  is  appoynted  to  cause  sumond 
them  to  the  nixt  dyet. 

Anent  John  Merchand  in  Kcig, of  his  owne 

accord,  appearing  and  confessing  his  sinne,  was  appoynted  to  satisfie 
the  discipline  of  Keig  three  severall  Lord's  dayes,  upon  the  publick 
pillar,  which  sentence  he  hearing,  answered  that  he  should  be  as  soon 
hanged,  as  obey  that  sentence,  wherfor  processe  is  appoynted  to  goe 
on  against  him. 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  20  dayes,  and  Mr. 
Adam  Barclay  to  have  half  ane  hour's  discourse  relative  to  ministeriall 
duties,  in  regard  that  the  privie  censure  is  appoynted  to  pass  on  the 
respective  brethren  that  day,  and  the  said  Mr.  Adam  is  to  be 
advertised  by  his  son  Mr.  John  Barclay  of  this  ordinance. 

Mr.  John  Barclay  is  ordained  to  have  his  theses  in  readines  to  be 
distribute  to  the  respective  brethren  the  nixt  day,  on  that  head  De 
penitentia. 

The  moderator  having  enquyred  the  brethren  if  they  had  observed 
the  29  of  May,  all  who  were  present  answered  affirmative,  but  regrated 
that  they  could  have  but  very  few  to  hear  them. 

At  Alfoord  Julie  5,  1676. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  in  obedience  to  the  former  ordinance  of  the 
Presbytrie,  had  a  discourse  relative  to  ministeriall  duties,  from  i 
Corinthians  4.  I.  And  therafter  privie  censure  past  on  the  respective 
brethren  present  (being  removed  one  by  one)  after  the  forme  of 
visitatione  of  Churches  was  publicklie  read,  and  listned  unto  by  all, 


OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  265 

but  nothing  was  found  ccnsureablc  in  any,  cither  in  their  conversation 
or  doctrine,  worthie  of  a  public  rebuke. 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  20  dayes,  and  Mr. 
John  Barclay  to  have  ane  Exegesis  De  penitentia,  as  also  to  be  in 
readines  to  sustaine  the  dispute  of  his  theses  (being  distribute  this 
day)  if  tyme  could  permitt,  in  regard  he  had  been  postponed  this  day 
from  having  any  tryall,  becaus  of  the  privie  censure. 

At  Alfoorcl  Julie  26,  1676. 

Mr.  John  Barclay  had  ane  Exegesis  De  penitentia,  and  was  appro ven. 

John  Merchand  in  Keig, admonished  pro  i°.  Julie  16. 

Minister  to  proceed. 

Mr.  William  Thomson,  minister  at  Auchindore,  gave  in  a  Session 
processe  led  against  Isobel  Strachan,  wherin  she  was  declaired  contu 
macious  to  their  discipline,  for  frequent  cursing  her  neighbors,  and 
dishaunting  of  ordinances.  He  is  appoynted  to  cause  sumond  her  to 
nixt  meeting. 

The  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  finding  that  they  had  not  sufficient 
tyme  to  oppugn  Mr.  John  Barclay  his  theses  De penitentia,  thought  fitt  to 
supersede  that  tryall  to  the  nixt  meeting,  which  is  appoynted  to  be  this 
day  20  dayes,  and  the  said  Mr.  John  is  also  appoynted  to  have  ane 
Exercise  and  Addition  on  the  following  matter  of  the  Exercise. 

Mr.  George  Watson  did  delate  Robert  Mitchell  and  Margaret  Adam 
his  wyfe,  Patrick  Strachan,  Agnes  Farquhar,  James  Reid,  Elspet  John- 
stoune,  and  Robert  Walker  for  ther  contemning  of  the  holy  sacrament  of 
the  Lord's  Supper.  The  Presbytrie,  after  serious  consideration,  thought 
fitt  to  referr  their  censure  to  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod. 

The  Presbytrie  considering  that  the  Church  of  Forbes  was  now 
vacant,  appointed  Mr.  William  Burnett,  minister  at  Kildrumie,  to 
supplie  that  vacancie  one  day,  betwixt  and  the  nixt  meeting. 

The  moderator  did  recomend  to  the  respective  brethren,  that  they 
would  be  carefull  to  observe,  within  their  scverall  congrcgationcs,  the  13 
day  of  the  ensueing  moneth  of  August,  being  the  Lord's  day,  as  a  day  of 
solemne  thanksgiving  to  God,  for  his  wonderfull  mercies  in  the  by  past 
season,  and  withall  to  creave  his  blessing  on  the  ensueing  harvest, 
according  to  the  Lord  Bishop  his  letter,  directed  to  the  Presbytrie  for 
that  effect. 

LL 


266  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1676 

At  Alfoord  August  16,  1676. 

Mr,  John  Barclay  had  anc  Exercise  and  Addition  on  i  Corinthians 
I.  9,  and  was  approven,  as  also  sustained  the  dispute  of  his  theses  De 
penitcntia,  in  which  tryall  he  was  also  approven. 

The  moderator,  having  enquyred  if  the  brethren  had  observed  the 
day  of  thanksgiving,  according  to  the  former  order,  all  answered  affirma 
tive. 

The  brethren  of  the  Prcsbytrie  hearing  that  Mr.  John  Irvine,  minister 
at  Cabrach,  was  gone  to  Edinburgh  without  acquainting  them,  or  desyr- 
ing  any  brother  to  supplic  his  place,  judged  themselves  concerned  to 
send  one  of  their  number  to  preach  at  Cabrach  anc  day  betwixt  and 
the  nixt  meeting.  Wherfor  they  appoynted  Mr.  William  Thomson, 
minister  at  Auchinclore,  to  supplic  that  place  on  Lord's  day  come 
eight  dayes ;  as  also  ordained  Mr.  John  Walker  to  supplie  the 
vacancie  of  Forbes  once,  betwixt  and  the  nixt  dyet  of  the  Presbytrie. 


At  Alfoord  September  13,  1676. 

Mr.  John  Barclay  had  a  popular  sermon  on  I  Samuel  2.  30,  and 
was  approven  in  this  and  the  rest  of  his  tryalls,  and  appoynted  to 
have  a  recomendation  from  the  moderator  to  the  Lord  Bishop,  in 
order  to  the  opening  of  his  mouth  for  publick  preaching  the  gospell. 

Anent  the  referrs  of  Cabrach,  the  minister  of  Auchindore  reported 
that,  according  to  the  ordinance  of  the  Presbytrie,  he  had  supplied 
that  place  on  Lord's  day  was  eight  dayes,  by  preaching  to  the  people, 
but  had  not  kept  Session,  in  regard  that  there  was  no  established 
officer  to  call  the  delinquents,  neither  were  they  cited  to  that  dyet, 
nor  could  he  have  ane  elder  to  sitt  with  him. 

Anent  Isobel  Strachan to  be  cited  to  the  nixt 

meeting  pro  3°.,  under  paine  of  contumacie. 

Mr.  John  Walker  reported  that  he  had  supplied  the  vacancie  at 
Forbes,  on  the  Lord's  day  was  eight  dayes.  The  Presbytrie  appoynted 
Mr.  William  Garrioch,  Student  of  Divinitie,  and  preacher  of  the  gospell, 
to  supplie  it  one  Lord's  day  betwixt  and  the  nixt  meeting. 

The  Presbytrie  finding  that  the  young  men,  Schoolmasters,  within 
their  boundes,  had  not  as  yet  taken  the  oath  of  alledgeance,  appoynted 


1676]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  267 

the  respective  brethren  to  call  them  befor  the  nixt  meeting,  that  they 
might  take  the  said  oath  in  presence  of  the  Presbytrie,  which  they 
promised  to  doe. 

The  brethren  finding  that  they  had  not  made  a  collection  for  the 
relief  of  the  prisoners  with  the  Turk,  appoynted  that  the  collection 
might  be  in  readines  to  be  given  in  to  the  moderator  at  the  nixt  meeting. 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  fourthnight,  and  Mr. 
Arthur  Forbes  is  appoynted  to  handle  the  Prologue  of  Perseus  in  a 
grammatticall  and  prosodicall  way,  in  order  to  his  admission  to  be 
Schoolmaster  at  Keie. 


At  Alfoord  September  27,  (1676) 

Mr.  Arthur  Forbes  handled  the  Prologue  of  Perseus  in  a  gramma- 
ticall,  prosodicall,  and  rhetoricall  way,  and  being  approven,  was  judged 
qualified  to  be  Schoolmaster  at  Keig. 

John  Merchand was  prayed  for  pro  i°.  September 

24.     Minister  to  proceed. 

Mr.  Robert  Mackie,  Schoolmaster  at  Kildrumie,  Mr.  John  Robertsone, 
Schoolmaster  at  Envernochtie,  Mr.  Arthur  Forbes,  Schoolmaster  at  Keig, 
did  take  the  oath  of  Alleadgeance,  in  presence  of  the  brethren  mett  for 
the  tyme. 

Some  of  the  brethren  reported  that  they  had  their  collection  for  the 
relief  of  the  prisoners  with  the  Turk  in  readines,  and  others  not,  wherfor 
they  are  all  ordained  to  have  them  to  give  in  at  the  ensueing  Synod. 

Mr.  William  Garrioch,  preacher  of  the  gospell,  reported  that  he  had 
supplied  Forbes  on  Lord's  day  last  eight  dayes,  and  the  said  Mr. 
William  presenting  a  letter  this  day  to  the  Presbytrie,  from  the  Lord 
Bishop,  desyring  he  might  be  admitted  to  his  tryalls,  in  order  to  the 
ministric  at  the  said  church  of  Forbes,  in  whose  favors  his  Lordship 
had  received  a  presentation  to  the  said  church  from  my  Lord  Forbes, 
patrone  of  the  same,  was  appoynted  at  the  nixt  meeting  at  this  place, 
to  sustaine  the  tryall  of  the  Languages,  as  also  his  questionarie  tryall. 

The  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  was  celebrat  at  the  churches 
of  Keig,  Alfoord,  Towie,  Clatt,  Tillinesscl,  Kildrumie,  Glenbucket,  and 
Auchindore  on  Easter,  at  Forbes  May  7,  at  Lochel  June  18,  at 
Envernochtie  June  25,  at  Touch  Julie  16,  at  Cushnie  May  21. 

Mr.  Wm.  Thomsone,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie. 


268  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1676 

At  King's  Colledge,  11  October  1676. 

The  said  day,  the  Presbytrie  buik  of  Alfurd  is  approver!  by  the 
Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  and  the  brethren  therof  removed  and  approven. 

Mr.  Al.  Forbes,  Clerk  to  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 

The  Referrcs  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen,  holden  by  the  Right 
Reverend  Father  in  God,  Patrick,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  within  the 
King's  Colledge  Church,  in  the  moneth  of  October  1676,  and  begunne 
the  tenth  day  therof. 

Sess  :  i°.  post  meridiem. 

Sermon  being  had  by  Mr.  Arthur  Strachan,' minister  at  Mortlick, 
in  the  Kirk  of  Old  Machar,  the  fornoone,  &c. 

Sess:  2°.     October  n.  ante  meridiem. 

The  roll  of  the  ministers  names  was  called,  and  absents  notted  to 
witt  Mr.  Robert  Dumbar  at  Keirne.  The  other  absents  are  excused. 

It  is  ordered  that  dishaunters  of  ordinances,  after  privat  dealing 
with  them  by  the  minister  of  the  place,  be  thryse  cited  befor  the 
Session  where  they  live,  and,  in  caice  of  contumacie,  that  they  be 
thryce  cited  before  the  Presbytrie,  and,  if  they  still  remain  contumacious, 
that  they  be  sentenced  with  the  lesser  excommunicatione,  according 
to  the  order  formerlie  prescrybed. 

Sess  :  3°.     Eodem  die  post  meridiem. 

The  Presbytrie  book  of  Alfoord  is  approven,  and  the  brethren 
removed  and  approven. 

Sess:  4".     October  12  ante  meridiem. 

It  is  thought  fitt  by. the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  that  if  it  happen 
at  anie  Presbyteriall  meeting  in  this  Diocie,  both  the  moderator  of 
the  Presbytrie,  and  he  who  is  appoynted  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and 
Synod  to  moderat  in  his  place  be  absent,  that  the  rest  of  the  brethren 
who  are  mett  (if  there  be  a  quorum)  shall  have  power  to  choise  one 
of  their  number  to  moderat  pro  temporo. 


l6;6]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  269 

It  is  appoynted  that,  when  the  brethren  of  anie  Presbytrie  shall 
suspend  their  judgement  of  the  doctrine  delivered  at  their  meeting, 
they  either  give  a  relevant  reason  therfor  at  the  Presbytrie,  or  els 
positivelie  approve  or  disapprove. 

Sess  :  5°.     Eodem  die  post  meridiem. 

It  is  recomended  that  the  Act  of  the  Synod  in  October  1673,  relating 
to  the  takeing  of  two  dyets  for  the  questionarie  tryalls  be  observed. 

It  is  ordered  that  Mr.  William  Thomson  at  Auchindore,  Mr.  Thomas 
Gardin  at  Clatt,  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  at  Keig,  Mr.  James  Strachan  at 
Oyne,  or  anie  three  of  them,  with  the  moderator  of  the  Presbytrie  of 
Alfoord,  meet  at  the  Kirk  of  Cabrach,  for  accomodating  the  minister 
there  of  a  gleeb,  either  by  consent,  or  by  law,  at  whatsoever  clay  they 
can  condescend  upon,  and  to  adjourne  their  meeting  to  whatsoever 
other  dyet  as  they  shall  think  fitt. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  in  pursuance  of  the  notione  which 
the  brethren  had  so  unanimouslie  imbraced  the  last  Synod,  anent 
the  hundreth  part  of  their  yeirlie  Stipend  to  be  sett  apart  for  the 
supplie  of  ministers  widows  and  children  in  their  necessitie,  to  make 
the  said  notione  more  practicable,  found  it  expedient  that  a  bond 
should  be  drawn  up  in  parchment,  to  be  subscrybed  by  the  severall 
ministers  of  the  respective  Presbytries,  which  was  accordinglie  clone 
by  the  ministers  then  present.  Onlie  the  moderator  of  the  Presbytrie 
of  Deir,  in  regard  the  most  part  of  the  brethren  of  that  Presbytrie 
were  then  absent,  desyred  that  the  subscriptiones  of  those  who  were 
there  present  of  that  Presbytery  might  be  forborne,  till  they  had  dealt 
with  the  brethren  then  absent  to  joyne  with  them  in  that  subscription, 
which  he  was  verie  hopefull  they  would  doe ;  as  also  the  first  moyetie 
of  the  forsaid  yeirlie  charitable  contributione  is  ordered  to  be  brought 

.  o 

in  at  the  nixt  Synod,  and  Mr.  George  Meldrum,  minister  at  Aberdeen, 
is  appoynted  Collector  therof,  to  whom  it  is  recomended  to  procure 
the  subscriptiones  of  those  who  have  not  as  yet  subscrybed. 

It  being  found  frequentlie  in  manic  congrcgationcs  that  some 
persones  doe  withdraw  from  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  when 
it  is  celebrat  in  the  parish,  upon  the  profest  account  of  the  variance 
and  discord  with  their  neighbours,  which  yet  they  refuse  to  remove 
by  a  fricndlie  reconciliatione  upon  reasonable  tcrmcs,  and  that  such 


2/O  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1676 

persons  appear  to  be  the  more  hardned  in  that  unchristian  and 
uncharitable  practise,  in  regard  no  publick  censure  has  been  made 
use  of  against  themselves,  it  is  therfor  ordered  by  the  Bishop  and 
Synod,  that  upon  any,  (after  pains  taken  to  convince  them  of  the 
sin  and  danger  of  such  ane  unchristian  practise)  doe  refuse  to  be 
reconciled  with  their  neighbour  upon  reasonable  termcs,  that  the 
Presbytrie  be  acquainted  with  it,  and  they  cited  befor  them,  and  if 
they  shall  refuse  to  be  reconciled  as  said  is,  that  the  Presbytrie  give 
order  to  the  minister  of  the  place  to  sentence  them  with  the  lesser 
sentence  of  excommunicatione,  according  to  the  forme  prescrybed 
by  the  Bishop  and  Synod. 

It  is  ordered  that  ane  solemne  fast  and  humiliatione  be  keept 
throught  all  this  Diocie,  in  each  parochine,  for  ane  blessing  from  God 
upon  the  ensueing  seed  seasone,  upon  the  last  Wednsday  of  Februarie 
nixt. 

The  nixt  meeting  of  the  Synod  is  appoynted  to  be  the  third 
Tuesday  of  Apryl  nixt  1677. 

(List  of  fugitives  from  Church  discipline,  3  from  Aberdeen  Presby 
tery,  and  4  from  Ellon  Presbytery.) 


At  Old  Aberdeen  October  11,  1676. 

The  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  mett  in  the  King's  Colledge  Church, 
and  appoynted  their  nixt  meeting  to  be  at  Alfoord  November  8,  and 
Mr.  William  Garrioch  to  sustaine  the  tryall  of  the  Languages,  according 
to  the  former  ordinance. 

At  Alfoord  November  8,  (1676). 

Mr.  William  Garrioch  sustained  the  tryall  of  the  Languages,  and 
was  approven.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  moneth, 
and  the  said  Mr.  William  to  be  in  readincs  to  sustaine  his  questionarie 
tryall. 

Anent  Agnes  Farquhar  in  Cushnie,  scandalous  for  revyling  and 
cursing  the  minister,  the  minister  of  Cushnie  reported  that  according 
to  the  former  ordinance  of  the  Presbytrie,  he  had  received  her 
satisfaction,  and  had  absolved  her  November  5. 


1677]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  271 

John  Merchand, prayed  for  pro  2°.  November  5. 

Minister  to  close  the  processe  against  the  nixt  meeting. 

Isobel  Strachan the  minister  reported  that  he  had 

given  her  the  first  admonition  November  5,  but  she  this  day  appearing 
of  her  owne  accord,  befor  the  Prcsbytrie,  and  confessing  her  sin  of 
cursing,  together  with  her  contumacie  to  the  Presbytric,  and  promiseing 
to  give  satisfaction,  was  appoynted  to  satisfie  the  discipline  of  Auchen- 
dore,  as  she  should  be  enjoyned  by  the  Session,  and  the  minister  is 
ordained  to  absolve  her,  upon  evidences  of  her  repentance. 


At  Alfoord  December  6  (1676). 

Mr.  William  Garrioch  sustained  his  questionarie  tryall,  and  was  ap- 
proven.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  fyve  weeks,  and 
the  privie  censure  to  passe  on  the  respective  brethren  the  said  day,  and 
Mr.  George  Watson  to  have  half  ane  hour's  discourse,  relative  to  minis- 
teriall  duties,  according  to  the  Act  of  the  Synod,  and  the  minister  of 
Cushnie  is  appoynted  to  advertise  him  of  this  ordinance. 

Anent  John  Merchand  in  Keig,  the  minister  reported  that  he  was 
prayed  for  pro  3°.  December  3,  who  tin's  day  appearing,  and  submitting 
himself  to  the  sentence  of  the  Presbytric,  was  appoynted  to  satisfie  the 
discipline  of  Keig,  as  he  was  formerlic  enjoyned  by  the  minister  and 
Session,  in  all  poyntes,  with  certification  if  he  failed  therm,  that  the 
processe  ledd  against  him  would  be  extracted,  and  sent  in  to  the  Lord 
Bishop,  that  order  might  be  given  for  the  extraction. 

Anent  Isobel  Strachan  in  Auchindore,  the  minister  reported  that  she 
had  given  satisfaction  to  their  discipline,  and  was  absolved  December  3. 

At  Alfoord  Januarie  10,  1677. 

Mr.  George  Watson,  in  obedience  to  the  former  ordinance,  had  a 
discourse  relative  to  ministeriall  duties  on  Colossians  4.  17,  and  therafter 
the  privie  censure  past  on  the  respective  brethren  present. 

No  referres  were  taken  in,  safe  those  which  could  not  admitt  of  a 
delay  viz.  John  Mitchell  and  Isobel  Edward  being  cited  to  this  day  were 
called,  and  compeiring  in  sackcloath  confessed  their  sin,  and  were  ap 
poynted  to  satisfie  the  discipline  of  Keig  in  sackcloath. 


2/2  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

The  nixt  meeting  is  appoyntcd  to  be    this  day  20  dayes,  and   Mr. 
William  Garrioch  to  have  ane  Exegesis  De  veritate  religionis  CJiristianae. 


At  Alfoord  Januarie  31  (1677). 

The  said  day,  (by  reason  of  the  stormincs  of  the  weather)  mctt  onlie 
Mr.  Robert  Irvine,  Mr.  John  Mair,  Mr.  Patrick  Coupland,  and  Mr. 
William  Thomson,  and  appoynted  the  nixt  meeting  to  be  this  day  eight 
dayes. 

At  Alfoord  Februarie  7,  (1677). 

Mr.  William  Garrioch  had  his  Exegesis  De  veritate  religionis  CJiristi 
anae,  and  was  approvcn.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day 
moneth,  and  the  said  Mr.  William  to  have  ane  Exercise  and  Addition, 
on  the  following  matter  of  the  Exercise,  and  to  sustaine  the  dispute  of 
his  theses  De  dicto  subjecto  he  having  distribute  theses  to  the  respective 
brethren  this  day. 

No  referres,  in  regard  the  most  part  of  the  brethren  were  absent 
through  the  stormines  of  the  weather.  Onlie  conveened  this  day  Mr. 
Adam  Barclay,  Mr.  John  Walker,  Mr.  Thomas  Garden,  Mr.  William 
Burnet,  Mr.  Patrick  Coupland,  and  Mr.  W'illiam  Thomson,  who  (in 
the  absence  of  the  moderator)  did  choose  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  moderator 
pro  tempore. 

The  moderator  did  rccomend  to  the  respective  brethren  present, 
the  last  Wednsday  of  this  moneth  to  be  observed  by  them,  a  day  of 
publick  fast  and  humiliation,  for  a  blessing  upon  the  ensueing  seed 
tyme. 

At  Alfoord  March  7,  (1677). 

Mr.  William  Garrioch  had  ane  Exercise  and  Addition  on  I  Corin 
thians  i.  10,  and  also  sustained  the  dispute  of  his  theses,  and  was 
approven  in  both.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day 
20  dayes,  at  the  Cabrach,  in  order  to  the  designation  of  a  gleeb, 
grass,  foggage,  fewall,  faill,  and  divott,  to  the  present  incumbent  there, 
for  which  the  Presbytrie  had  received  ane  edict  to  be  served  at  the 
said  church,  with  a  comission  for  that  effect,  at  which  meeting  Mr. 


OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  273 

William  Garrioch  is  appoynted  to  have  a  popular  sermon  on  Genesis 
3-  15,  and  Mr.  William  Thomson  is  ordained  tymeouslic  to  serve  the 
edict  at  the  said  church. 

Anent  John  Merchand  in  Keig,  the  minister  reported  that  he  had 
refused  to  give  satisfaction  to  their  discipline,  as  he  was  enjoyned, 
wherfor  the  processe  ledd  against  him  is  appoynted  to  be  extracted, 
that  it  may  be  sent  to  the  Lord  Bishop  with  the  first  conveniencie,  to 
be  subscrybed. 

The  respective  brethren  present  declared  that  they  had  observed 
the  last  Weclnsday  of  Februarie,  as  a  day  of  publick  fast  and 
humiliation,  except  Mr.  George  Watson,  who  asserted  that  he  knew 
not  of  that  ordinance,  and,  through  ignorance,  he  had  not  observed  it. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  Mr.  Robert  Irvine,  Mr.  Robert  Farquharsone, 
and  Mr.  William  Christie's  privie  censure. 

The  moderator  did  delate  John  Reid  contumacious  for  cursing, 
and  Jannet  Chalmers  for  perturbing  the  publick  worship.  They  are 
appoynted  to  be  sumoned  to  the  nixt  meeting. 

At  Cabrach  March  29,  (1677). 

Mr.  William  Garrioch  had  a  popular  sermon  on  Genesis  3.  15,  and 
was  approvcn  in  this  and  the  rest  of  his  tryalls,  wherfor  he  is  appoynted 
to  have  a  recomendation  from  the  moderator  to  the  Lord  Bishop,  in 
order  to  his  ordination  and  admission  to  the  church  of  Forbes. 

The  Presbytrie  having  mett  in  order  to  a  designation  of  glecb, 
grasse,  and  other  priviledgcs  deficient  to  the  present  incumbent,  after 
incalling  of  the  name  of  God,  did  call  for  the  Edict  from  Mr.  William 
Thomson,  who  was  formerlie  appoynted  to  serve  the  samen  at  the 
Church  of  Cabrach,  and  the  said  Mr.  William  delivered  up  the  same 
duelie  execut  and  indorsed.  The  Presbytrie  caused  call  the  heritors, 
lyferenters,  woodsetters,  and  others  having  interest  in  the  said  parochine. 
There  appeared,  in  name  of  the  Marques  of  Huntlic,  David  Tyrie  in 
Collithie,  Alexander  Duff  of  Kethmor,  and  James  Gordoune  in  Tirrisoull, 
and  carncstlic  dcsyred,  in  name  of  the  said  Marques,  that  the  said 
matter  might  be  delayed  to  some  day  to  be  appoynted  at  the  ensueing 
Synod  in  Apryl  nixt  to  come,  and  undertook  that  the  said  designation 
should  be  befor  the  last  day  of  May  nixt,  and  that,  after  the  designation 
MM 


2/4  R I '.CORPS    OF    THE    MKETIXC.  [1677 

made,  the  incumbent  at  the  Church  of  Cabrach  should  have  peaceable 
possession  of  gleeb,  grasse,  and  other  priviledges  to  be  designed,  and 
the  validitie  of  the  said  gleeb  for  this  cropt  to  sow  should  be  payed 
and  delivered  to  the  incumbent  for  the  tyme,  at  farrest  at  the  ingathering 
of  the  cropt  ;  as  also  they  undertook  that  the  present  incumbent  should 
have  libertic  without  trouble  for  feeding  and  maintaining  of  ane  hors  and 
two  kyne  in  the  nearest  adjacent  grasse  to  his  manse,  and  that  for  this 
Sumer  tyme,  or  at  least  till  such  tyme  as  there  were  a  designation  of 
grass  legallie  made  to  him,  all  which  they  oblidged  themselves  to 
performe  in  name  of  the  said  Marques,  by  a  lyne  subscrybt  with  their 
hands,  of  the  clait  at  Cabrach  March  29,  1677  yeircs,  which  lyne  was 
consigned  in  the  Clerk  of  Presbytrie  his  hands,  to  be  forthcomeing  as 
occasion  should  serve.  The  Presbytrie  taking  this  to  their  serious 
consideration  granted  the  desyre. 

No  rcferrs,  in  regard  the  day  was  farre  spent  and  verie  tempestuous. 

Mr.  Wm.  Thomsone,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie. 


At  King's  Colledge  of  Aberdeen,  25  Apryl  1677. 

The  Presbytrie  buik  of  Alfurd  is  approven  by  the  Bishop  and  Synod  ; 
the  brethren  therof  removed  and  approven. 

Mr.  Al.  Forbes,  Clerk  to  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 

The  Referrcs  of  Synod  of  Aberdeen,  holden  by  the  Right  Reverend 
Father  in  God,  Patrick,  Lord  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  within  the  King's 
Colledge  Church,  in  the  moneth  of  Apryl  1677,  and  begunne  the  twentie 
fourth  day  therof. 

Scss  :   i°.  post  meridiem. 

Sermon  being  had  by  the  Lord  Bishop  in  the  Colledge  Kirk  the 
fornoone  &c. 

The  Lord  Bishop  did  present,  and  caused  publicklie  read  bcfor  the 
brethren  of  the  Synod,  the  Act  of  His  Majestie's  Councell,  anent  ane 
contribution  for  building  and  repairing  the  harbour  of  Eymouth,  and 
caused  delyver  printed  copies  of  the  said  Act  to  the  severall  moderators 
of  each  Presbytrie,  to  be  transmitted  by  them  to  evrie  respective  minister 


OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORlX  2/5 

within  their  bounds,  and  did  recomend  to  all  the  brethren  to  be  carefull 
and  diligent  in  collecting  and  gathering  their  severall  contributions  (when 
requyred)  to  such  personcs  as  should  be  appoynted  to  receive  the  same. 

I  he  Lord  Bishop  did  also  present,  and  caused  read  publicklie,  another 
Act  of  His  Majestie's  Councell  for  giving  up  the  names  of  all  School 
masters,  preachers,  or  chaplains  that  doe  officiatt  in  the  bounds  of  anie 
Diocie,  without  licence  from  their  Ordinarie,  and  that  against  the  second 

^ 

Iuesday  of  June  nixt.  And  the  Lord  Bishop  did  recomend  to  the 
severall  moderators  in  their  respective  Presbytries  to  use  diligence  ther- 
anent,  and  to  send  in  the  names  of  such  (if  anie  be  within  their  bounds) 
tymeoulie  against  the  said  day. 

Apryll  25.  Sess  :  2".  ante  meridiem. 

It  is  ordained  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  that  if 
anie  person  shall  report  strangers  from  another  parish,  they  who  report 
them  shall  give  notice  of  these  persons  names  to  the  minister  of  the 
parish  where  they  are  receipt,  within  fourtein  dayes  after  their  coming 
therin,  and  if  anie  shall  conceall  such  persons  for  the  said  space,  not 
having  acquainted  the  minister  as  said  is,  or  the  persons  concealed  by 
them  be  found  afterwards  to  be  scandallous,  the  persons  receipters  of 
them  shall  be  censured  by  a  publick  appearance  befor  the  congregation. 

The  Presbytrie  book  of  Alford  is  approven,  the  brethren  therof  re 
moved  and  approven. 

Eoclem  die  Sess  :  3".  post  meridiem. 

George  Gordon  of  Hadclo,  within  the  parochine  of  Cabrach,  compeired, 
and  did  present  to  the  Bishop  and  Synod  ane  lybell,  subscrybed  with  his 
hand,  against  Mr.  John  Irvine,  minister  at  Cabrach,  accusing  him  of 
severall  scandals,  which  lybell  being  read  was  sustained  as  relevant,  and 
admitted  to  probation.  And  for  the  better  examination  and  tryall  of  the 
said  matter,  and  in  respect  the  said  Mr.  John  Irvine  was  not  present  at 
this  Synod,  nor  witnesses  adduced  against  him,  it  is  appoynted  and 
ordained,  that  the  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  together  with 
Mr.  John  Forbes  at  Coldstane,  Mr.  John  Keythe  at  Birse,  for  the  Presby 
trie  of  Kincardyne,  Mr.  James  Strachane  at  Oyne,  and  Mr.  Alexander 
Mowatt  at  Leslye  for  the  Presbytrie  of  Garioch,  Mr.  George  Gardync  at 


276  KKcokns  OF  Tine  MKKTINC;  [1677 

Korgue  for  the  Presbytric  of  Turrcff,  and  Mr.  Arthur  Strachanc  at 
Mortlick  for  the  Prcsbytric  of  Fordycc  (or  anic  fyve  of  them  to  be  a 
quorum)  to  meitt  at  the  kirk  of  Cabrach  upon  the  sixteinth  day  of  May 
nixt,  being-  Wednsday,  for  tryall  and  examination  of  the  lybell  given  in 
against  the  said  Mr.  John  Irvine,  by  the  said  George  Gordon,  or  anie  new 
emergent  complaints  that  shall  be  given  in  and  offered  to  be  proven 
against  him  at  the  said  clyett,  and  for  examining  the  witnesses  to  be 
adduced  for  that  effect.  And  it  is  appoynted  that  the  said  Mr.  James 
Strachan,  minister  at  Oyne,  be  moderator  at  the  said  meeting,  if  he  be 
present,  and  if  absent,  with  power  to  the  remanent  brethren  above  named 
to  choose  their  moderator,  and  appoynts  Mr.  William  Thomson,  minister 
at  Auchindore,  present  Clerk  to  the  Presbytric  of  Alfoord,  to  be  Clerk  to 
the  meeting;  and  appoynts  him  to  cause  his  officer  lay  on  the  sumondses 
against  the  witnesses  to  be  adduced  in  the  said  matter  ;  and  to  deliver 
tymeouslie  to  the  said  Mr.  John  Irvine  ane  copie  of  anie  lybells  to  be 
given  in  against  him;  for  which  ends  ane  comission  was  granted,  and 
subscrybed  by  the  Lord  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  to  the  fornamed  persons  ; 
and  the  said  comissioners  are  appoynted  to  make  report  of  their  diligence 
to  the  Bishop,  and  those  that  were  appoynted  for  the  privie  conference 
at  this  Synod,  and  of  what  they  shall  find  thcrin,  at  the  meeting  of  ane 
sub-Synod,  to  be  keeped  at  Old  Aberdeen  the  second  Wednsday  of 
June  next  to  come. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  considering  how  much  the  sin  of  whore- 
dome  and  uncleannes  doth  abound  in  the  land,  and  that  some  persons, 
after  profession  of  repentance  for  one  fall,  doe  relapse  againe  and  againe 
into  the  same  sin,  to  the  great  dishonour  of  God,  and  reproach  of  the 
gospcll,  therfor  have  ordained  that  when  anie  persons  doe  fall  so 
frequcntlie  in  whorcdomc,  as  that  they  be  appoynted  to  appear  in  sack- 
cloath  for  removing  the  scandal!,  and  if  therafter  they  fall  de  novo  in  some 
new  scandall  of  uncleannes,  that  they  be  sentenced  with  the  lesser 
excomunication,  according  to  the  manner  formerlic  prescrybed  by  the 
Synod,  both  for  the  terror  of  others,  and  that  they  being  ashamed  for 
their  multiplied  sins  may  be  humbled  therfor,  and  supplicatt  the  Church 
to  be  admitted  to  the  profession  of  their  repentance  therfor,  and  for 
absolution  therfrom. 

Apryll  26.  Sess  :  4°.  ante  meridiem. 
It  is  ordered  that  the  bursers  of  Divinitie  shall  not  receave  their  dews 


OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  377 

from  the  several!  ministers  untill  such  tyme  as  they  shew  to  the  respective 
ministers  the  Professors  dictates,  and  that  the  Professors  of  Divinitie,  in 
all  the  testimonialls  which  they  give  to  the  Students  attending  the  pro 
fession  in  tyme  coming,  shall  express  whether  or  not  they  did  wryte  their 
dictates. 

It  is  appoyntcd  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  that 
their  be  no  person  presented  by  anie  Presbytrie  to  their  burses  of  Divin 
itie  untill  the  Lambmass  imcdiatlie  befor  the  Profession  shall  sit  down. 

It  is  appoyntcd  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  Synod,  that 
the  moderators  of  the  respective  Presbytries  shall  enquyre  at  the  scvcrall 
brethren  of  their  Presbytrie,  if  they  have  payed  their  moyetie  of  their 
contribution  for  the  ministers'  widows,  which  is  due  at  this  Synod,  and 
delyvered  it  to  Mr.  George  Meldrum,  Collector. 

(List  of  fugitives  from  discipline.) 


At  Old  Aberdeen  Apryll  25,  1677. 

The  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  mett  in  King's  Colledge  Church, 
and  did  nominatt  and  present  Mr.  William  Garden,  Student  of 
Divinitie,  to  the  Divinitie  burse  of  Alfoord  and  Turreff  Presbytries,  it 
being  their  vice,  and  appoynted  the  said  Mr.  William  to  have  a 
specimen  of  his  abilities  befor  the  Presbytrie  on  that  head  De  Revelatione 
znimcdiata  contra  EntJiusiastos,  and  to  bring  with  him  testimonies  from 
the  severall  Professors  where  he  had  resided,  of  his  conversation  and 
profkiencie  ;  the  tyme  when  he  shall  handle  his  subject  is  referred  to 
himselfe  when  he  shall  have  conveniencie.  The  brethren  appoynted 
their  nixt  meeting  to  be  this  day  moncth  at  Alfoord,  and  Mr.  John 
Walker  to  have  the  exercise  on  the,  ordinarie  matters ;  and  lykwise 
Mr.  William  Jele  chosen  Schoolmaster,  Alfoord,  is  appoynted  to  have 
a  specimen  in  Grammar,  and  prosoclie. 


At  Alfoord  May  23,  1677. 

Mr.  William  Jele  sustained  a  tryall  in  Grammar  and  Prosodie,  in 
order  to  his  admission  to  be  Schoolmaster  at  Alfoord,  and  was 
approven  therin,  and  therfor  there  was  no  exercise  this  day.  The 


278  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1677 

nixt  meeting  is  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord  this  day  moncth,  and 
Mr.  John  Walker  is  ordained  to  have  a  discourse  ad  dcrum  on 
pastorall  duties.  [Theraftcr  the  privie  censure.] 

The  moderator  reported  to  the  brethren  that  lie  had  received  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Patrick  Sibbald,  moderator  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Aberdeen, 
which  he  caused  the  Clerk  publicklie  read,  recomending  Mr.  Alexander 
Litster,  Student  in  Divinitic,  to  be  tryed  by  this  Presbytrie,  in  order  to 
be  licensed  to  preach  the  gospcll,  and  the  moderator  likewise  testified 
that  he  and  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  had,  in  private  conference,  examined 
his  abilities,  and  found  matter  and  ground  to  receive  him  to  publick 
tryall  ;  with  all  which  the  Presbytrie  was  satisfied,  and  appoynted  the 
said  Mr.  Alexander  to  be  readie  against  the  nixt  dyet  to  sustaine  the 
tryall  of  the  Languages,  and  prescrybed  the  twentie  third  psalm  to  be 
interpreted  by  him  in  Hebrew,  and  that  he  bring  with  him  testimonies 
from  the  Universitie  where  he  commenced  Master  of  Arts,  and  the 
Professors  of  Divinitie  where  he  had  resided. 

The  Presbytrie  did  elect  and  nominatt  Mr.  William  Garioch  to 
be  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie,  who  gave  his  oath  de  fuidi  administratione. 

It  is  enacted  that  all  the  Schools  within  the  Prcsbytric  shall  be 
visited  once  a  yeir,  or  at  least  two. 

The  moderator  reported  that  he  had  given  institution  to  Mr. 
William  Garioch  to  be  minister  of  Forbes,  and  that  upon  the  13  day 
of  May  last  by  past. 

At  Alfoord  June  20,  (1677). 

Mr.  John  Walker,  conforme  to  the  ordinance  of  the  Synod,  had 
a  discourse  concerning  pastorall  duties,  on  2  Timothy  4.  5,  and 
therafter  the  privie  censure  upon  the  brethren  passt  (being  removed 
one  by  one),  but  nothing  found  censurable,  either  in  their  doctrine, 
discipline,  or  conversation. 

According  to  the  former  ordinance,  Mr.  Alexander  Litster  sustained 
the  tryall  of  Languages,  Greek  and  Hebrew,  and  not  bringing  testi 
monies  as  was  enjoyncd  him,  to  bring  them  against  the  nixt  dyet, 
which  is  ordained  to  be  this  day  twentie  dayes,  and  to  sustaine  his 
questionarie  tryall  that  day. 

In  respect  of  the  privie  censure,  no  referrs  were  taken. 


1677]  OF  THE  EXERCISE  OF  ALFORD.  279 

The   moderator  cnquyred  of  the  scverall   brethren   present,  if  they 
had  observed  the  29  of  May,  to  which  all  present  answered  positive. 


At  Alfoord  July  11,  (1677). 

Mr.  Alexander  Litster  sustained  his  questionarie  tryall 

and  is  to  have  ane  Exegesis  De  priinatu  Petri  et  Papce,  and  to  be  readie 
to  distribute  his  theses  theron. 

The  moderator  produced  a  letter  from  the  Bishop,  which  he  caused 
the  Clerk  publicklie  read,  appoynting  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord  to 
intimat  the  vacancie  of  Cabrach,  through  the  deposition  of  Mr.  John 
Irvine  late  minister  therat,  desyring  likewise  the  Presbytrie  to  have 
a  care  to  supplie  its  vacancie,  wherupon  the  Presbytrie  ordained  Mr. 
William  Garioch,  on  the  nixt  Lord's  day  to  repair  thither,  and  intimat 
the  same,  and  Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie  nixt. 


Mr.  Alexander  Litster  had  ane  Exegesis  De  priinatu  Papa;,  &c. 
theses. 

Mr.  William  Garioch  reported  that,  conforme  to  the  ordinance  of 
the  Presbytrie,  he  had  intimat  the  deposition  of  Mr.  John  Irvine,  and 
the  vacancie  at  Cabrach,  Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie  is  appoynted  to 
supplie  it  betwixt  and  the  nixt  meeting. 

John  Merchand satisfied,  and  was  absolved. 

[Collections  for  the  harbour  of  Eymouth.] 

At  Alfoord  August  22,  1677. 

Mr.  Alexander  Litster  had  ane  Exercise  and  Addition  on  i 
Corinthians  i.  11,  12,  and  theraftcr  sustained  the  dispute  of  his 
theses,  and  in  both  was  approven,  and  he  earncstlie  desyring  that 
the  Presbytrie  would  indulge  him  to  have  his  popular  sermon  bcfor 
the  Bishop,  they  consented,  provyding  his  Lordship  would  accept  of 
the  samyn,  and  assigned  him  for  a  text  I  John  2.  15,  and  ordained 
him  to  get  a  recomendation  from  the  moderator  to  the  Lord  Bishop 
in  order  to  his  obtaining  a  licence  to  preach  the  gospel  1. 


280  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1677 

[Vacancie  of  Cabrach  supplied]. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay  did  delatt  William  Forbes  of  Tulloch,  Jean 
Ross  his  spouse,  Margaret  Smith,  their  servant,  James  Davidson  in 
Uppermylne,  Alexander  Leith  in  Bridghall,  William  Kirk  in  Craig- 
pott,  all  contumacious  to  the  discipline  of  Keig,  for  despising  and 
abandoning  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  at  their  owne  Church, 
some  of  them  for  three  yeirs  together,  and  gave  in  a  formall  process 
against  them,  wherupon  the  Presbytrie  ordained  their  owne  officer 
to  sumond  them  all  litcra  scripta  to  the  nixt  day. 

Mr.  James  Irvine,  Student  of  Divinitie  presented  a  letter  from  the 
Bishop,  ordaining  him  to  be  entered  upon  his  tryalls,  in  order  to  his 
admission  to  the  Kirk  of  Cabrach,  My  Lord  Marr,  the  patron  therof, 
having  presented  him  therto.  \Vherupon  he  is  ordained  to  be  in 
readines  against  the  nixt  day  to  sustaine  the  tryall  of  the  Languages, 
and  to  bring  with  him  testimonies  from  the  Universitie  and  Professors. 


At  Alfoord  September  19,  (1677). 

Mr.  William  Garden  elected  burser  of  Divinitie,  conforme  to  the 
ordinance  of  the  last  Synod  hade  ane  essay  and  specimen  DC 
immediata  Rcvelatione,  and  was  approven  in  it,  as  lykewise  he  produced 
testimonies,  one  from  the  Universitie  where  he  commenced,  two  others 
from  Professors,  one  from  Dr.  Keith,  another  from  Mr.  Charters, 
Professor  at  Edinburgh,  wherupon  he  is  appoynted  to  have  a  testi- 
monie  from  the  Moderator  to  the  Presbytrie  at  Turreff. 

Mr.  James  Irvine  sustained  his  tryall  of  the  Languages,  Greek 
and  Hebrew,  and  not  giving  satisfaction  to  anie  of  the  brethren,  he 
was  ordained  against  the  last  of  his  tryalls  to  give  better  satisfaction, 
else  the  Presbytrie  could  not  grant  him  a  testimonie  upon  this  poynt 
of  his  tryalls.  He  is  appoynted  lykewise  to  be  readie  against  the 
nixt  day  at  Alfoord  to  sustaine  the  questionarie  tryall  ;  he  is 
lykwayes  appoynted  to  supplic  Cabrach  once  or  twice  betwixt  and 
the  Synod. 

Anent  John  Fordyce  and  Isobel  Irvine,  both  compeiring,  the 
said  John  being  interrogatt  why  he  deserted  his  lawfull  married  wyfe, 
he  affirmed  that  he  could  not  live  for  her,  that  she  had  threatned 


OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  281 

to  take  his  life  on  the  night,  all  which  the  woman  denying,  the 
Presbytrie  ordains  him  to  return  and  live  with  her,  and  her  to  carrie 
herself  dutifullie,  the  minister  of  Kinethmont  to  do  his  endeavour  by 
instructions  and  exhortations  to  mitigate  and  appease  their  minds, 
and  by  prayer  with  and  for  them  to  labour  to  make  them  live 
peaceablie,  and  Christianlie  in  tyme  coming,  together. 

Anent  William  Forbes  of  Tulloch  and  the  rest,  sumond  to  this 
day  pro  I0.,  the  Presbytrie  officer  gave  in  ane  formall  execution  of  a 
sumonds  fixt  upon  them,  wherupon  being  called,  and  not  compeiring, 
they  are  all  ordered  to  be  sumoned  literatorie  to  the  nixt  meeting 
at  Alfoord  pro  2°. 

The  moderator  recomended  to  the  severall  brethren  present,  that  they 
should  be  carefull  to  bring  in  their  moyetie  of  the  Contribution  for  the 
ministers'  widows  to  the  approaching  Synod,  which  ought  to  have  been 
payed  at  the  last,  which  they  all  promised  to  do. 

[Contribution  for  Eymouth.  The  privie  censure  past  upon  brethren. 
The  Lord's  Supper  observed.] 

It  being  reported  by  the  moderator  and  others,  that  severall  servants 
did  forbear  to  comunicate,  pretending  they  were  not  to  remaine  within 
the  parochine  after  the  nixt  terme,  or  had  been  partakers  of  the  sacra 
ment  in  the  congregation  from  which  they  came,  therfor  it  was  thought 
neidfull  by  the  Presbytrie  to  referr  it  to  the  Bishop  and  Synod  ensueing, 
whether  it  was  neidfull  to  expresse  in  testimonials  their  not  comunicating, 
that  they  may  not  frustrate  themselves  of  such  a  precious  benefitt,  or 
give  scandall  to  others  by  their  refusall. 

It  being  also  represented  by  severall  brethren  that  severall  persons 
did  consult  ane  dumb  woman  (alledged  to  be  within  the  bounds  of  the 
Presbytrie  of  Kincardine)  in  relation  to  stoln  goods,  and  other  secret 
things,  wherby  was  attained  great  enmitie  among  neighbours  and  scan 
dall,  that  such  persons  should  with  impunitie  harbour  or  advise  an  ill 
report  upon  their  neighbours,  therfor  the  Presbytrie  judged  it  fitt  to  be 
recomended  to  the  Bishop  and  Synod  to  obtaine  their  advice  theranent. 

It  is  lykwayes  humblie  and  earnestlie  desyred  by  the  brethren  of  this 
Presbytrie,  that  the  Bishop  and  Synod,  if  they  find  it  consistent  with  the 
veneration  due  to  their  Acts  and  Institutions,  that  such  of  them  as  con- 
cerne  the  people,  and  severall  congregations,  be  appoynted  to  be  publick- 
lie  intimated  to  them,  and  notice  therof  expressed  in  the  severall  Session 


NN 


282  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

books,  that  the  people  who  pretend  ignorance  thcrof  may  be  duelie  and 
tymeouslie  acquainted  thenvith. 

[Fugitives  from  discipline  in  Alford  Presbytrie.] 

Wil.  Garioch,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie. 

At  the  King's  Colledge  Kirk  October  10,  1677. 

This  Presbytrie  book  of  Alfoord  is  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and 
Synod,  and  the  brethren  of  the  said  Presbytrie  being  removed  were 

approven. 

Mr.  Thomas  Crevey, 

Clerk  to  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen  pro  tempore. 

Referrs  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen,  holclen  at  the  King's  Colledge  of 
Aberdeen,  by  ane  Right  Reverend  Father  in  God,  Patrick,  Lord  Bishop 
of  Abercleine,  and  begun  the  nynth  day  of  October  1677  yeires. 

9  October  1677,  post  meridiem.     Sess  :   i°. 

Sermon  being  had  in  the  Kirk  of  St.  Machar,  by  Mr.  George  Gordon, 

minister  at  Forgue absents  noted  viz.  Mr.  George 

Watson,  Mr.  John  Walker,  and  Mr.  Robert  Farquharson,  but  Mr.  William 
Christie  is  excused — all  these  absent  out  of  Alfoord  Presbytrie.  Ther- 
after,  brethren  are  appoynted  for  visiting  the  severall  Presbytrie  books  as 
follows : — 

For  the  Presbytrie  book  of  Aberdeine,  Mr.  James  Ross,  at  Clunie. 

For  Kincardine,  Mr.  Alexander  Lunan,  at  Daviott. 

For  Alfoord,  Mr.  William  Blair,  at  Fordyce. 

For  Garioch,  Mr.  Alexander  Barclay,  at  Auchterless. 

For  Turreff,  Mr.  James  Whytt,  at  Strichen. 

For  Deir,  Mr.  John  Barclay,  at  Monqhwither. 

For  Ellon,  Mr.  George  Strachane,  at  Old  Aberdeen. 

For  Fordyce,  Mr.  John  Cockburne,  at  Udnie. 

And  that  such  affairs  as  are  to  come  befor  the  Synod  might  be  better 
prepared,  and  more  speedilie  dispatched,  the  Lord  Bishop  did  appoynt 
the  brethren  afternamed  to  meet  for  privie  conference  viz.— 

All  the  moderators  of  the  severall  Exercises,  with  those  of  their 
brethren  added  to  them  out  of  the  respective  Presbytries. 


1677]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  283 

For    Aberdeen,    Mr.    George    Meldrum,    minister   at   Aberdeen  ;  Mr 
James  Gordon  at  Banchorie  ;  and  Mr.  Hendrie  Scougall,  Professor. 
For  Kincardine,  Mr.  Walter  Alexander,  at  Eicht. 
For  Alfoord,  Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  at  Keig. 
For  Garioch,  Mr.  Alexander  Ross,  at  Monimusk. 
For  Fordyce,  Mr.  Arthur  Strachane,  at  Mortlich. 
For  Turreff,  Mr.  George  Garden,  at  Forgue. 
For  Deir,  Mr.  Robert  Bruce,  at  Deir. 
For  Ellon,  Mr.  John  Cockburne,  at  Uclnie. 


10  October  Sess  :  2°.  ante  meridiem. 

It  is  appoynted  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  that  there  be  a  day 
of  solemne  thanksgiving  observed,  throughout  all  the  congregations 
within  this  Dyocie,  upon  the  Lord's  day  come  a  fourtcine  dayes,  being 
the  28  of  this  present,  for  returning  praise  to  the  Lord  for  his  goodnes 
and  mcrcie  towards  us,  in  giving  us  such  a  seasonable  and  plentifull 
harvest  ;  as  also  that  the  third  Wednesday  of  Fcbruarie  nixt  be  kept 
throughout  all  the  congregations  of  this  Dyocie,  as  a  day  of  solemn 
fasting  and  humiliation,  for  begging  God's  blessing  upon  the  seed  tyme 
and  Summer  therafter  ensueing. 

It  is  appoynted  that  when  anie  persons  remove  from  one  parish  to 
another,  the  minister  of  the  parish  from  which  they  do  remove  insert  in 
the  certificat  which  he  giveth  to  them,  if  they  have  neglected  participation 
in  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  during  their  abode  in  the  said 
parish,  when  it  was  in  their  offer  ;  and  that  the  severall  ministers  be  care- 
full  to  make  intimation  therof  to  their  respective  congregations,  as  also  of 
all  other  Acts  of  the  Synod  which  doe  concerne  their  people,  that  none 
of  them  may,  in  tyme  coming,  pretend  ignorance. 

It  is  appoynted  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  that  when  anie 
ministers  within  this  Dyocie  who  have  a  liquidat  soume  condescended 
upon  by  decrcit,  for  provyding  comunion  elements  yeirlie,  shall,  for  some 
urgent  reasoncs,  be  necessitat  to  forbear  the  administration  of  the  sacra 
ment  to  their  people  for  a  yeir  or  more,  that  the  said  ministers  shall  make 
forthcoming  the  said  soume  appoynted  for  comunion  elements,  yeirlie, 
and  so  long  as  the  sacrament  is  not  administered  by  them,  to  be  im- 
ployecl  for  supplie  of  the  poor,  or  other  pious  uses. 


284  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1677 

The  Presbytrie  book  of  Alfoord  is  appro ven,  the  brethren  also  of  the 
said  Presbytrie  being  removed  had  a  good  testimonie,  and  were  approven. 

Eodem  die  post  meridiem.  Sess  :  3°. 

It  is  appoynted  that  the  brethren  nominat  for  privie  conference,  to 
gether  with  Mr.  John  Menzeis,  Professor,  shall  be  in  readines,  upon 
advertisement,  to  keep  meetings  with  the  Lord  Bishop,  betwixt  and  the 
nixt  Synod,  if  it  shall  be  found  neidfull  to  call  them,  and  that  Mr. 
Robert  Burnet  at  Rayne  keep  the  said  meetings,  in  case  Mr.  Alexander 
Ross  at  Monimusk  be  necessarlie  hindred. 

[Contributions  for  the  repairing  of  the  harbour  of  Eymouth.] 

1 1  October  Sess  :  4°.  ante  meridiem. 

It  is  ordered  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  that  such  ministers  as 
are  deficient  in  paying  the  bursers  of  Divinitie  shall  have  no  voice  in  the 
nomination  of  their  Presbytrie  bursar,  when  the  place  is  vacant,  as  also 
that  no  Students  of  Divinitie  who  are  chaplaines,  or  have  anie  other 
charge,  wherby  they  may  be  sufficientlie  maintained  at  the  profession, 
shall  be  presented  to  the  Presbytrie  burses  in  anie  tyme  coming,  and  if  it 
shall  happen  that  anie  who  shall  be  presented  to  Presbytrie  burses  shall 
therafter  come  to  enjoy  anie  other  benefice  or  charge,  wherby  they  may 
be  maintained  at  the  profession,  that  in  this  caice  they  shall  instanter 
clemitt  their  Presbytrie  burses. 

It  is  recomended  to  the  Parish  of  Alfoord  to  call  Mr.  James  Gordon, 
some  tyme  minister  at  Coule  befor  them,  and  try  whether  he  doth  bap 
tize  and  marrie,  he  being  deposed,  and  prohibited  so  to  do,  and,  if  they 
find  evidence  therof,  to  carrie  on  a  process  of  excomunication  against 
him. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  did  appoynt  two  of  the  brethren  of  each 
Presbytrie,  to  take  ane  accompt  of,  and  notice  the  mortifications  within 
their  bounds,  whether  they  are  secured  and  improven,  and  make  re 
port  viz.  The  moderators  of  the  severall  Presbytries,  and  for  Aberdeen, 
Mr.  James  Gordon  at  Banchorie,  for  Deir,  Mr.  Robert  Burnie,  for  Ellon, 
Mr.  John  Ross,  for  Garioch,  Mr.  Robert  Burnet,  for  Fordyce,  Mr.  William 
Blair,  for  Turreff,  Mr.  John  Barclay,  for  Kincardyne,  Mr.  John  Keith, 
and  for  Alfoord,  Mr.  Adam  Barclay. 


1677]  OF   THE   EXERCISE  OF   ALFORU  285 

Mr.  Alexander  Lynd,  some  tyme  Schoolmaster  at  Meithlick,  is 
recomendcd  to  the  charitable  supplie  of  the  several  1  congregationes 
within  this  Dyocie,  but  especiallie  those  who  have  not  alreadie  supplied 
him. 

As  also  Alexander  Ross  ane  aged  and  indigent  person,  within  the 
Presbytrie  of  Kincardine,  is  recomended  to  the  charitable  supplie  of  the 
severall  congregations  within  this  Dyocie. 


At  Old  Aberdeen  October  10,  1677. 

The  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  mett  in  King's  Colledge  Church,  and 
appoynted  their  next  meeting  to  be  at  Alfoord  October  31,  and  Mr. 
James  Irvine  to  be  in  readines  to  sustaine  the  questionarie  tryall,  accord 
ing  to  the  former  ordinance. 

At  Alfoord  October  31,  1677. 

Mr.  James  Irvine  sustained  his  questionarie  tryall,  and  because  manie 
of  the  brethren  were  absent,  they  thought  fitt  to  delay  the  passing  of 
censure  upon  this  poynt  of  tryall,  till  the  most  should  be  present. 

And  in  respect  the  moderator  had  received  a  letter  from  our  Ordin- 
arie,  the  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  desyring  that  Mr.  Alexander  Forbes, 
preacher  of  the  gospel,  within  the  bounds  of  this  Presbytrie,  might  be 
admitted  to  his  tryalls,  in  order  to  his  being  setled  in  the  ministrie  at 
the  Church  of  Kearne,  in  whose  favors  he  had  received  a  presentation 
therto,  from  my  Lord  Forbes,  patron  of  the  samcn,  which  letter  was 
publicklie  read  by  the  Clerk,  carrying  lykewise  that  the  Presbytrie,  in 
respect  of  the  said  Mr.  Alexander's  more  than  ordinarie  abilities,  should 
expede  his  tryalls  at  two  dyets  sett  apart  for  that  effect ;  therfor  the 
Presbytrie,  in  obedience  herto,  appoynted  the  said  Mr.  Alexander  to 
have  ane  popular  sermon  on  2  Timothy  3.  15,  and  lykewise  to  be  in 
readines  against  the  nixt  day  to  sustaine  the  tryall  of  the  Languages, 
and  the  questionarie  tryall. 

In  respect  there  were  two  young  men  passing  their  tryalls,  the 
Presbytrie  thought  fitt  to  delay  the  passing  of  the  privie  censure  upon 
the  severall  brethren  at  the  nixt  meeting,  as  the  custome  hertofor  was, 


286  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

till  the  meeting  imediatlic  befor  the  next  Synod,  at  which  meeting  Mr. 
John  AT  air  is  appoynted  to  have  halfe  ane  houres  discourse,  relative  to 
ministerial!  duties. 

Anent  William  Forbes  of  Tulloch,  Jean  Ross  his  spouse,  James 
Davidson  in  Uppermylne,  and  several!  others  in  Keig,  contumacious  to 
the  discipline  there,  for  abandoning  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper 
at  their  owne  parish  Church,  the  Prcsbytrie  officer  reported  that  he  had 
not  cited  them  to  this  day.  He  is  appoynted  to  summoned  them  to  the 
nixt  meeting  pro  2°. 

[Supplie  for  the  vacancie  at  Cabrach.  Mr.  James  Gordon  in  Soccoh 
to  appeir  befor  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord.  Brethren  observed  the 
thanksgiving.] 


At  Alfoord  November  21,  1677. 
Air.  Alexander  Forbes  had  a  popular  sermon  &c. 

Anent  William  Forbes  of  Tulloch,  Jean  Ross  his  spouse,  and  the  rest, 
the  officer  gave  in  ane  execution  of  a  summonds  laid  upon  them,  wherfor 
being  called,  they  compeircd,  and  William  Forbes  of  Tulloch  being  posed 
if  he  was  guiltie  of  the  forbearing  of  the  sacrament  at  his  owne  church, 
answered  that  he  desired  to  have  ane  extract  of  his  processe,  wherupon 
it  was  read  in  his  audience,  but  they  denyed  to  give  him  ane  extract 
therof,  till  he  should  professe  guiltie  or  not  guiltie,  which  he  refused  to 
doe  unles  he  got  ane  extract  of  his  processe,  wherupon  the  moderator 
summoned  him  judiciallie  to  appeir  at  the  nixt  meeting  December  19, 
pro.  3°. 

William  Leech  and  Margaret  Smith  submitted  themselves,  wherfor 
they  are  appoynted  to  return  back  to  Keig,  and  satisfie  there  as  it  should 
be  appoynted  them.  The  rest  refusing  to  submitt  are  summoned  judi 
ciallie  pro.  3". 

Mr.  William  Thomson  dclat  Janet  Petrie  in  Auchindore,  for  cursing 
and  imprecating  grievouslie  in  their  Church,  befor  all  the  people.  He  is 
appoynted  to  cause  summond  her  to  the  nixt  day. 

Mr.  Robert  Farquharson  to  supply  Cabrach,  and to 


1677]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORIX  287 

cause  the  officiar  of  Cabrach  fix  a  literall  summonds  upon  Mr.  James 
Gordon  in  Soccoh,  to  appeir  befor  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord  December  19. 

The  moderator,  cnquyred  if  those  brethren,  who  were  absent  the 
former  day,  had  observed  the  publick  thanksgiving;  all  answered  positive, 
except  Mr.  Robert  Farquharson,  Mr.  John  Mair,  and  Mr.  George  Watson, 
who,  being  absent  from  the  Synod,  alledged  they  knew  not  of  the 
appoyntment  therof,  not  being  acquainted  by  the  moderator,  or  Clerk. 

[Thanksgiving  observed]. 

At  Alfoord  December  19,  (1677). 
Mr.  Alexander  Forbes  had  ane  Exegesis  De  ScJiismate,  &c. 

and  is  to  receive  a  recomendation  from  the  moderator  to  the  Bishop, 
in  order  to  his  ordination  and  admission  to  the  Church  of  Kearne. 

Mr.  John  Irvine  is  appoynted  to  have  a  common  head  De  perfectione 
Scriptures,  &c 

Mr.  Robert  Farquharson  reported  that  he  had  supplied  Cabrach, 
and  had  charged  Mr.  James  Gordon  in  Soccoh  verballie,  which  "was  not 
sustained,  wherfor  Mr.  Patrick  Copland  being  ordained  to  supplie 
next,  his  servant  is  to  carrie  a  literall  summonds  to  the  said  Mr. 
James  to  the  next  dyct,  Januarie  16,  1678  pro  i°. 

Compeired  William  Forbes  in  his  own  name,  and  in  the  name  of 
Jean  Ross  his  spouse,  and  being  desired  to  give  his  answer,  whether 
he  was  guiltie  or  not  guiltie  of  the  constant  contempt  of  the  sacrament 
of  the  Lord's  Supper,  by  withdrawing  from  the  same  at  his  owne  church 
for  severall  yeirs,  he  answered  that  he  desired  ane  extract  of  his 
process  ;  it  was  answered  that  there  was  no  further  process  than  was 
alreadie  told  him,  nor  is  it  usuall  to  give  out  extracts  befor  delinquents 
either  doe  denie  or  confess  their  guilt,  wherupon  the  said  William,  in 
his  owne  name  and  wife's  did  appcall  to  the  Bishop  and  Synod,  and 
promised  to  give  in  his  appeall  to  the  moderator  within  terme  of  law. 

Compeired  James  Davidson,  and  being  charged  with  the  guilt  of 
the  contempt  of  the  Sacrament,  for  three  severall  yeirs  within  the 
parish  of  Keig,  denyed  the  said  fact  as  it  was  charged,  but  he  being 
found  guiltie  by  the  sentence  of  the  Session  and  declared  contumacious, 
the  minister  of  Keig  is  appoynted  to  pronounce  the  sentence  of  Lesser 


288  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1678 

Excomunication  upon  him,  if  he  still  continue  refractorie.  Alexander 
Leech  and  the  rest  did  not  appeir,  but  the  minister  reported  he  was 
hopefull  they  would  submitt  themselves. 


At  Alfoord  Januarie  16,  1678. 

There  was  no  exercise. 

Mr.  Patrick  Copland  reported  that  he  had  supplied  Cabrach,  and 
had  caused  his  officer  lay  on  a  summonds  upon  Mr.  James  Gordon 
in  Soccoh,  to  appeir  befor  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord  upon  the  16  of 
Januarie,  who  being  called,  and  not  compeiring,  is  ordained  to  be 
summoned  pro  2°. 

Mr.  William  Burnet  is  appoynted  to  go  to  Cabrach  betwixt  and 
the  next  meeting,  and  preach  to  the  people,  and  to  take  his  officiar 
with  him,  and  lay  on  a  literall  summonds  upon  Mr.  James  Gordon 
in  Soccoh,  to  appeir  befor  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  pro  2°. 

Mr.  Thomas  Garden  reported  that  he  had  given  institution  to  Mr. 
Alexander  Forbes,  and  that  upon  the  13  day  of  Januarie  last  1678. 

This  day  being  stormie  and  tempestuous  absents  are  excused. 


At  Alfoord  Februarie  6,  1678. 

Mr.  James  Irvine  handled  that  head  De  perfectione  Scripturae, 
and  therafter  sustained  the  rest  of  the  questionarie  tryall.  Most  of 
the  brethren  were  not  satisfied  therwith.  Touching  the  Exegesis, 
they  judged  the  matter  of  it  tolerable,  but  were  dissatisfied  with  his 
imperfect  way  of  delivering  it.  He  is  appoynted  against  the  next 
day  to  have  ane  exercise  upon  the  ordinarie  matter,  i  Corinthians  i.  13. 

Mr.  William  Burnet  reported  that  he  had  not  gone  to  Cabrach, 
according  to  the  ordinance  of  the  Presbytrie,  by  reason  of  the  stormines 
of  the  weather.  Mr.  James  Irvine  is  ordained  to  supplie  it  once,  betwixt 
and  the  next  meeting,  and  to  cause  the  officiar  of  Cabrach  to  lay  on  a 
literall  summonds  upon  Mr.  James  Gordon  in  Soccoh,  to  appeir  befor 
the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord  Februarie  27,  pro  2°. 

The  moderator  reported  that  William  Forbes  of  Tulloch  had  delivered 
to  him,  within  terme  of  law,  a  formall  appeall  from  the  Presbytrie  of 


1678]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  289 

Alfoord,  to  the  Bishop  and  Synod  of  Aberdeen,  which  was  publicklie 
read,  and  was  delivered  to  Mr.  Adam  Barclay  to  give  in  a  replye  to  the 
same,  seeing  he  was  best  acquaint  with  the  circumstances  therof. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay  reported  that  James  Davidson  in  Uppermylne  had 
refused  to  submitt  himself  to  the  Session  of  Kcig,  and  that  therfor  he  had 
pronounced  the  sentence  against  him. 

He  reported  likewise  that  Alexander  Leith  in  Bridghall  had  satisfied 
their  discipline,  and  that  he  was  hopefull  that  William  Leech  and 
Margaret  Smith  would  be  the  same. 

[Fast  and  humiliation,  for  a  blessing  upon  the  good  tymes.] 

The  nixt  meeting  appoynted  to  be  at  Alfoord,  Februaric  27. 


At  Alfoord  Februarie  27,  (1678). 
Mr.  James  Irvine  had  ane  Exercise  &c. 

The  said  Mr.  James  reported  that  he  had,  according  to  the  ordinance 
of  the  Presbytrie,  supplyed  Cabrach,  but  that  there  was  not  a  summonds 
fixt  upon  Mr.  James  Gordon  in  Soccoh,  in  respect  of  his  absence.  He  is 
appoynted  yet  at  once  to  supplie  it,  betwixt  and  the  nixt  meeting,  and 
Mr.  William  Thomson  undertook  to  cause  his  officiar  go  to  Soccoh,  and 
fix  a  litterall  summonds  upon  Mr.  James  Gordon  there,  to  appeir  befor  the 
Presbytrie  of  Alfoord  pro.  2°.,  March  20. 

[Fast  and  publick  humiliation.] 


At  Alfoord  March  20,  (1678). 

Mr.  James  Irvine  had  a  popular  sermon  upon  Matthew  9.  13,  and 
therafter  sustained  the  dispute  upon  his  theses,  and  was  approven  in  both. 
Therafter  the  brethren  coming  to  revise  the  severall  poynts  of  his  tryalls, 
and  finding  that  he  had  not  given  satisfaction  in  the  second  point  of 
tryall,  the  questionarie  tryall,  as  well  as  in  the  first  that  of  the  Languages, 
they  appoynted  him  against  the  nixt  meeting  to  be  in  readines  to 
sustaine  the  questionarie  tryall  over  againe,  and  the  tryall  of  the 


OO 


290  RECORDS    OK    TIIK    MKKTINC,  [I(^7>S 

Languages,  Greek  and  Hebrew.  The  nixt  meeting  is  appoyntcd  to  be 
Apryll  20,  at  which  Mr.  John  Mair  is  to  have  a  discourse  for  half  anc 
hourc,  relative  to  ministeriall  duties. 


Mr.  Adam  Barclay  presented  a  paper  subscribed  by  some  of  the 
heritors  of  Keig,  desiring  it  might  be  insert  in  the  records  of  the  IVesby- 
trie,  which,  was  granted,  the  tennor  of  it  is  as  follows — 

At  Keig  the  23  day  of  October  16/6  yeirs,  George  Gordon,  younger 
of  Terpersie,  William  Forbes  of  Tulloch,  and  James  Farquhar  of  Little 
Cattie,  having  convcined  themselves  of  their  owne  free  will,  for  accomo- 
dating  themselves,  or  their  servants  in  the  roomes  allotted  to  their 
res])ective  lands,  (within  the  said  parish  of  Keig)  have  found  it  conven 
ient,  with  all  their  consents,  that  James  Farquhar  of  Little  Cattie  shall 
have,  for  the  accomodation  of  himself  and  his  familie,  or  anie  others  that 
shall  possess  or  indwell  upon  Little  Cattie,  the  roome  after  mentionat, 
that  is  to  say,  the  said  roome  designed  to  him  shall  begin  at  the  West- 
most  cheik  of  the  door  of  the  Kirk  of  Keig,  extending  itself  to  the  South- 
most  corner  of  the  said  Church,  and  from  that  corner  Northward  the 
gavill,  till  it  come  within  four  fingers  breadth  to  the  third  geist  of  the 
common  loft,  as  it  is  presentlie  marked.  And  the  said  George  Gordon 
and  William  Forbes  for  themselves,  their  heirs,  and  successors,  do 
renounce  all  title,  claime,  or  interest  they  could  have  or  pretend  to  the 
samyn  roome,  by  virtue  of  anie  former  division  of  the  said  Kirk,  or  anie 
other  manner  of  way  whatsomever ;  which  roome,  designed  in  the 
manner  above  expressed,  the  said  James  Farquhar  for  him,  his  heirs,  and 
successors,  accepts  of  as  his  proportion  of  the  said  Kirk  and 
both  for  himselfe  and  tennants,  belonging  to  the  lands  of  Little  Aber- 
cattie,  without  prejudice  of  anie  right  he  has,  or  may  pretend  to  the 
common  loft,  or  anie  other  common  stall  of  the  said  Church,  in  common 
with  the  rest  of  the  heritors  and  parishioners.  And  since  the  said  James 
has  herby  accepted  of  the  place  above  designed,  as  his  full  proportion  of 
anie  roomes  he  can  ask  or  requyre  for  the  lands  forsaid,  by  vertue  of  anie 
division  made  formerlie,  and  regraitt  in  the  Presbytrie  books  ;  therfor  the 
said  William  Forbes  binds  him  and  his  forsaicls  to  warrant  the  roome  so 
designed  to  the  said  James  and  his  forsaids  forever,  at  the  hands  of  him 
selfe  and  forsaids  allanerlie.  And  for  the  more  securtie  all  parties  are 


l6/8]  OF   THE   EXKKCISK   OF   ALFORD.  2QI 

content  and  consent  that  the  above  written  premisses  be  regratt  and 
insert  in  the  Presbytrie  books  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  or  anie  other 
books  competent  within  this  kingdome,  there  to  remaine  ad futumin  ret 
memoriam,  or  to  have  the  strength  of  anie  of  their  decreits  interponit 
therto,  and  that  these  and  all  other  rolls  may  passe  thcron  in  forme  as 
effeirs  and  constituts  (iiauies  not  entered]  their  lawfull  procurators  to 
consent  therto. 

In  witnes  \\-herof  ther  presents  are  subscribed  by  all  the  above- 
named  persons,  day  and  dait  forsaid,  befor  witnesses  Mr.  Adam  Barclay, 
Minister  at  Keig,  Mr.  Arthur  Forbes,  Schoolmaster  there,  and  Patrick 
Farquhar  of  Minnar. 

Written  hcirof  Subscribitur 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  Witnes.  George  Gordon. 

Mr.  Arthur  Forbes,  Witnes.  W.  Forbes. 

Pat.  Farquhar,  Witnes.  James  Farquhar. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay  gave  in  a  replye  to  the  appcall  of  William 
Forbes  of  Tulloch,  which  was  read  in  audience  of  the  Presbytrie,  and, 
as  to  the  substance  of  it,  was  approved,  and  both  the  appeall  and 
replye  to  the  same  were  deposited  in  the  Clerk's  hands  to  be  for  the 
command  of  all  who  have  interest. 

Mr.  James  Irving  reported  that  he  hud  supplyed  Cabrach  since  the 
last  meeting,  and,  seeing  Faster  was  now  approaching,  at  which  tyme 
most  of  the  brethren  were  to  celebrate  the  sacrament,  therfor  none 
would  engage  to  supplye  it  betwixt  and  the  nixt  meeting. 

Mr.  William  Thomson  reported  that  he  had  caused  his  officiar 
repair  to  Soccoh,  and  fix  a  literall  summonds  upon  Mr.  James  Gordon 
there,  to  appeir  bcfor  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  pro  2".,  who  being 
called,  and  not  compeiring,  is  ordained  to  be  summoned  pro  3".,  and 
Mr.  William  Christie,  moderator,  to  cause  his  officiar  lay  it  on. 

At  Alfoord  Apryl  10,  1678. 

Mr.  John  Mair  according  to  the  former  ordinance  had  half  ane 
houris  discourse  of  pastorall  duties,  and  theraftcr  privie  censure  past 
upon  the  brethren  present  (being  removed  one  by  one)  after  that  the 
forme  of  visitatione  of  Churches  was  publicklie  read  by  the  moderator, 


292  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1678 

listened  to  by  all,  but  nothing  found  in  anie  worthie  of  publick 
censure,  except  in  Mr.  Patrick  Copland,  who  was  gravelie  admonished 
by  the  moderator,  for  his  indiferent  behaviour,  and  unmanerlie 
expressions,  at  the  tymc  of  the  designation  and  measureing  of  his 
gleibe  and  grass,  which  gave  no  small  scandall  to  the  gentlemen  and 
witnesses  present,  which  is  aggravated  by  his  present  stubbornes  in 
not  accepting  the  present  admonition.  Therfor  the  brethren  did 
certifie  him  that,  if  he  did  persevere  in  that  his  proud  unpersuadable 
humour,  they  would  report  to  the  Bishop  their  Ordinarie,  for  further 
censure. 

Mr.  James  Gordon  in  Soccoh  being  summoned  to  this  meeting 
pro  3".,  compeired,  and  being  charged  with  his  irregular  and  unwar 
rantable  baptizing  and  marrying  of  persons,  and  particularlie  of  one 
Donald  McLachlan  and  Christian  Cruckshank,  within  our  bounds,  he 
did  denye  the  same  flatlie,  and  the  said  Christian  being  present  did, 
on  the  other  hand,  confidentlie  averr  that  she  was  married  by  him, 
offering  to  verifie  the  same  on  her  knees  by  oath,  in  presence  of  the 
Presbytrie,  which  the  said  Donald  appearing  a  little  after  did  confirme, 
offering  the  self  same  evidence  ;  this  being  done  in  the  presence  of 
the  said  James  Gordon,  he  persevered  in  his  deniall,  and  did  not 
decline  to  give  his  oath  in  the  verie  contrarie,  if  the  Presbytrie  would 
accept  it,  but  because  the  case  was  doubtfull,  and  not  ordinare,  it 
was  referred  to  the  Bishop  and  Synod  for  advice. 

Mr.  James  Irvine  sustained  ane  second  questionarie  tryall,  and 
was  tryed  in  the  Languages  againe,  that  the  brethren  might  be  more 
clear  in  determining  in  reference  to  their  testimonie  they  were  to  give 
to  the  Bishop  theranent.  He  was  as  yet  found  ignorant  in  the 
Greek,  and  although  he  did  not  give  such  abundant  satisfaction  in 
his  other  tryalls,  yet  the  pluralitie  of  the  Presbytrie,  from  a  compassionat 
consideration  of  the  case  of  the  people  of  Cabrach,  and  of  the 
condition  of  the  said  Mr.  James  who  promised  to  improve  himselfe 
more  and  more  by  prayer  and  studie,  did  recomend  him  to  the  Lord 
Bishop  for  ordination. 

[Supply  for  Cabrach.] 

The  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  seriouslie  considering  the  irreverence 
of  people,  in  the  tyme  of  publick  prayer  and  praising  God  in  their 


1678]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  293 

severall  churches,  by  their  sitting  and  uncomelie  gesture  in  tyme  of 
sermon,  covering  their  heads,  and  making  no  more  difference  in  their 
behaviour  in  the  house  of  God  than  in  their  privat  houses,  or  rather 
less,  seeing  that  they  kneeled  in  their  privat  worship,  therfor  the 
Presbytrie  did  referr  the  regulating  of  the  said  indecencies  to  the 
Bishop  and  Synod. 

(4  cases  of  discipline,  and  names  of  fugitives  from  discipline  for  the 
half  year.) 

Wil:  Garioch,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord. 

Refcrrs  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen  holden  Apryll  1678. 

Apryll  16.  After  sermon  had  in  the  Church  of  Old  Machar,  by  Mr. 
Robert  Reid,  minister  at  Upper  Banchorie,  &c. 

The  visiting  of  the  Presbytrie  book  of  Alfoord  is  for  some  reasons 
continued  till  the  nixt  Synod. 

It  is  recommended  to  the  severall  moderators  to  be  carefull  in  calling 
to  ane  account  the  brethren  within  their  boundes  if  they  do  not  celebrat 
the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  in  their  respective  congregations,  at 
least  once  within  each  year  ;  and  that,  conforme  to  ane  ordinance  of  the 
former  Synod,  they  requyre  such  ministers  as  have  not  given  the  com 
munion  as  said  is,  to  make  furthcoming  what  is  condescended  upon  by 
law  for  provyding  communion  elements,  to  be  imployed  for  pious 
purposes. 

It  is  recommended  to  the  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Garioch  to 
correspond  with  the  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  in  examining 
the  matter  anent  Mr.  James  Gordon,  sometyme  minister  at  Coule,  his 
disorderlie  marrying  of  persons. 

It  is  appoynted  that  when  anie  persons  under  sentence  of  excommu 
nication  do  supplicatt  a  Presbytrie  for  relaxation,  that  the  Presbytrie 
referr  them  to  the  Lord  Bishop,  bcfor  they  be  admitted  to  the  publick 
profession  of  their  repentance. 

It  is  appoynted  that  if  anie  minister  within  this  Diocie,  after  frequent 
admonitions  given  him,  for  his  absence  from  Presbyteriall  meetings, 
shall,  notwithstanding,  continue  to  absent  himselfe  without  a  relevant 
excuse,  the  moderator  of  the  Presbytrie  give  notice  therof,  with  the  first 
conveniencie,  to  the  Lord  Bishop,  from  whom  the  Presbytrie  is  to  receive 
order  for  suspending  such  a  brother  from  the  exercise  of  his  ministrie. 


294  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1678 

The  Act  of  the  former  Synod,  anent  taking  anc  accompt  of  Mortifica 
tions,  is  againe  renewed  and  recommended. 

It  is  appoynted  that  the  sevcrall  brethren  have  in  readines,  against 
their  second  Presbyteriall  meeting  after  this  Synod  at  farthest,  the 
collections  from  their  respective  congregations,  for  relieving  the  Monross 
(Montrose)  captives  taken  by  the  Turks,  and  repairing  the  harbour  of 
Kymouth,  conforme  to  the  Acts  of  his  Majesty's  Councell  theranent, 
printed  copies  vvherof  had  been  formerlic  sent  by  the  Lord  Bishop  to 
most  of  the  Presbytries  ;  and  that  the  said  contributions  be  delivered  to 
the  moderators  of  the  several!  Presbytries,  who  are  to  deliver  the  same  to 
the  generall  collectors  appoynted  by  his  Majestie's  Secret  Councell. 

It  is  appoynted  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  that  there  be  a  meet 
ing  of  some  brethren  out  of  each  Presbytrie,  kept  at  Old  Aberdeen  upon 
the  21  day  of  May  nixt  ensuing,  being  Tuesday  ;  and  from  the  Presby 
trie  of  Alfoord,  the  moderator,  Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  Mr.  Robert  Irvine  at 
Towie,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  at  Clatt. 

Robert  Farquhar  ane  aged,  blinde,  and  indigent  person,  within  the 
Presbytrie  of  Kincardine,  is  recommended  to  the  charitable  supplic  of 
the  severall  congregations  within  this  Diocie. 

Nixt  meeting 

[List  of  fugutives  from  discipline.] 

At  Old  Aberdeen  Apryll  17,  1678. 

The  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  mett  in  King's  Colledge  Church,  and 
appoynted  their  nixt  meeting  to  be  at  Alfoord  May  8  ;  and  in  respect 
Mr.  John  Robertson,  Student  of  Divinitie,  within  the  bounds  of  the 
Presbytrie,  was  this  day  recommended  by  severall  of  the  brethren,  for 
entering  upon  his  tryalls,  in  order  to  publick  preaching,  the  moderator, 
Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  and  Mr.  Robert  Irvine  declaring,  that  after  private 
examination  of  him  in  the  severall  poynts  of  Literature,  they  had  found 
ground  to  recommend  him  to  publick  tryall.  Wherupon  he  was 
appoynted  to  be  in  readines  to  sustaine  the  tryall  of  the  Languages, 
Greek  and  Hebrew,  against  the  next  day,  and  to  bring  with  him 
testimonies  from  the  Universitie  where  he  commenced  Mr.  of  Arts,  and 
from  the  respective  Professors  of  Divinitie,  of  his  proficiencie  in  the 
studie  therof. 


OF   THE   KXKRCISE   OF   ALFORI). 

At  Alfoord  May  8,  1678. 
Mr.  John  Robertson  sustained  his  tryall,  &c. 


295 


At  Alfoord  June  5,  (1678). 

Mr.  Robert  Irvine  had  a  discourse,  for  halfe  an  hour,  from  Titus  i.  7. 

[Privy  censure Mortifications  and  frequent  absence  of 

brethren  from  Presbyteriall  meetings.] 

In  respect  there  was  much  discipline  pending,  the  brethren  thought 
fitt  to  supersede  Mr.  Robertson's  tryalls,  and  take  in  the  discipline,  and 
the  said  Mr.  John  is  appoyntect  to  be  in  readines  to  sustaine  the  question- 
arie  tryall  at  the  next  dyett. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay  reported  that  James  Davidson  had  supplicated 
their  Session  for  absolution.  lie  is  appoynted  to  cause  summoncl  him 
to  the  Prcsbytrie  to  receive  his  sentence. 

Mr.  Thomas  Garden  reported  that  he  had  given  institution  to  Mr. 
James  Irvine  upon  the  12  of  May  last. 

[Anniversarie  of  the  King's  nativitie.] 


At  Alfoord  July  3,  1678. 

Mr.  John  Robertson  sustained  the  questionarie  tryall,  &c. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay  reported  that  Mr.  James  Davidson  was  sum 
moned  to  this  meeting,  and  that  he  intended  to  have  kceped  it,  but  that 
he  was  sent  to  Aberdeen  by  my  Lord  Forbes  in  the  beginning  of  the 
week.  The  Presbytrie  therfor  remitted  to  the  said  Mr.  Adam  to  accept 
of  his  satisfaction. 

It  was  thought  fitt  by  the  Presbytrie  that  all  the  mortifications 
within  the  samyn  should  be  given  up,  and  recorded  in  the  Presbytrie 
books.  The  respective  brethren  present  were  therupon  desyred  to  give 
up  a  list  of  their  severall  mortifications  the  next  day. 

At  Alfoord  July  24,  1678. 
Mr.  John  Robertson  had  ane  Exegesis  De purgatorio,  &c. 


296  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1678 

Mr.  William  Thomson  reported  that  Janet  Petrie  had  offered  satis 
faction,  and  that,  through  her  infirmitic  and  \veaknes  of  bodie,  she  could 
not  travel  to  the  meeting  place.  Wherupon  the  Presbytrie  remits  her  to 
the  minister  and  Session. 

According  to  the  appoyntment  the  last  day,  touching  the  mortifica 
tions,  the  respective  ministers  gave  in  ane  accompt  as  follows,  the 
moderator  of  25OOth  merks  well  secured,  Mr.  Robert  Irvine  of  3<X)th 
merks,  Mr.  George  Watson  of  2OOth  merks,  Mr.  John  Mair  of  200  merks. 

At  Alfoord  August  21,  (1678.) 

Mr.  John  Robertson  sustained  the  dispute  upon  his  theses,  &c.   .     .     . 

James  Davidson,  in  Keig,  has  satisfied  their  discipline. 

William  Garrioch  of  Archballoch  produced  a  paper,  desiring  it 
might  be  regrat  in  the  records  of  the  Presbytrie,  which  was  granted, 
the  tenor  therof  is  as  follows — 

At  the  Kirkton  of  Alfoord  the  20  June  1676  yeirs,  I,  George 
Garioch,  in  Bogincuill,  have,  by  the  tenor  herof,  given  and  granted, 
and  by  ther  presents  dispones,  assignes,  and  overgives  to  William 
Garioch  in  Broadhaugh,  my  brother's  son,  ane  dask  within  the  Church 
of  Alford,  lying  upon  the  West  side  of  the  pulpit,  next  the  Southmost 
side  of  the  Church,  which  pew  I  possesse  these  fourtic  yeirs  for  my 
accomodation  and  familie,  and  now,  for  onerouse  causes,  I  have 
disponed  and  assigned  my  right  and  title  to  the  said  William 
Garioch,  his  heirs,  and  assigneys,  to  be  used,  brooked,  and  enjoyed 
by  him,  as  his  ovvne  seat,  oblidging  me  and  my  heirs  that  I  nor 
they  have  not  done,  or  shall  doe  anie  thing  to  the  contrarie  herof; 
that  is  to  say,  warranting  this  present  right  of  alienation  from  my 
ovvne  proper  fact  and  deid.  And,  for  the  more  securtie,  I  am  content 
that  this  present  right  freelie  granted  by  me,  be  put  in  the  Presbytrie 
and  Session  books  of  Alford,  there  to  remaine  in  futuram  rei  memo- 
riam — In  witnes  wherof  thir  presents  are  written  by  Alexander 
Garioch,  son  to  the  said  William  Garioch,  and  subscribed  with  my 
hand  at  Bogincuill,  the  twentie  second  day  of  June  yeir  forsaid,  befor 
witnesses,  Mr.  George  Melvill,  minister  at  Alford,  and  William  Ritchie, 
son  to  Mr.  Walter  Ritchie. 

William  Ritchie,  witnes,  George  Garioch. 

George  Melvill,  witnes. 


OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  297 

At  Alfoord  September  11,  (1678). 
Mr.  John  Robertson  exercised  &c. 

At  Old  Aberdeen  October  10,  1678. 
This  Presbytrie  book  of  Alfoord  is  appro ven. 

Mr.  Th.  Crevey,  Clerk  to  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 

At  Alfoord,  October  2,  1678. 

Mr.   John    Robertson   delivered   a    popular    discourse    from    Psalm 
9,  and  was  approven  in   this  and  the  rest  of  his  tryalls  ;    and  is 
appoynted  to  have  a  recommendation  from  the  moderator  to  the  Lord 
Jishop,  in  order  to  his  being  licensed  to  preach  the  gospell  publicklie. 

Mr.  John  Walker  produced  a  paper  containing  a  division  of  the 
Kirk  of  Tillinesell,  hoping  it  might  be  insert  and  regratt  in  the  records 
of  the  Presbytrie,  which  was  accordinglie  granted,  the  tenor  of  the 
paper  is  as  follows — 

At  Alfuird  the  25  of  September  1628. 
After  incalling  of  God's  holie  name. 

The   brethren   appoynted   by  the   Presbytrie,  for  parting  the    Kirk 
Tillinessell,  reported  their  diligence,  namelie,  that,  with  consent  of 
the  minister  and  heritors  of  the  parish,  they  had  divyded  the  Kirk  as 
after  follows-To  the  goodman  of  Terpersie  is  allotted,  with  his  owne 
:onsent,  according  to  his  heritage,  four  ells  from  the  East  side  of  the 
pulpit,  beginning   at   the    East  stanshion  of  the  window   next   to   the 
pulpit,  and  leading  Eastward   to  the  West  side  of  the  fourth  couple 
East   gavell.      To   the   goodman  of  Whythaugh  is   allotted 
East  side   of  the   said   fourth  couple  twelve   ells,  containing 
the   whole    East    gavell,   and    Westward    the    North    side   of  the    Kirk 
equalhe  betwixt  the  thretteinth  and  fourteinth  couples.     To  the  Laird 
of  Echt  two  ells  leading  to  the  West,  betwixt  the  said  pulpit  and  the 

i>r>  r      r  *~ 


PP 


298  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [l6/S 

Kirk  doore.  Behind  the  doore  on  the  South  side  in  the  West  gavell 
is  allotted  to  the  goodman  of  Whythaugh  six  ells.  Extracted  out  of 
the  register  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord  by  me  under  subscrivand. 

Sic  subscribitur  John  Young,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie. 

The  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  was  celebratt,  &c. 

Wil:  Garioch, 
Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord. 

Referrs  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen  holden  in  October  1678. 

At  Old  Aberdeen  October  8. 

After  sermon  had  in  the  forenoon  by  Mr.  John  Barclay,  minister  at 
Crouden,  &c. 

October  9  Sess  :  2'.  ante  meridiem. 

There  was  presented  ane  Act  of  His  Majestie's  Councell,  appoynting 
a  voluntarie  contribution  to  be  gathered  for  repairing  the  harbours  of 
Peterhead  and  Stonehyve,  which  Act  being  read  publicklie,  and  printed 
copies  therof  delivered  unto  the  moderators  of  the  severall  Presbytries,  to 
be  distributed  by  them  to  their  respective  brethren,  it  was  seriouslie  re 
commended  to  all  the  brethren  within  this  Diode,  to  be  carefull  of 
intimating  and  reading  the  said  Act  unto  their  respective  congregationes, 
and  that  they  deliver  the  contributions  from  their  severall  parishes  to 
their  respective  moderators,  who  are  appoynted  to  bring  the  same  in  at 
the  next  meeting  of  the  Synod,  that  the  said  collections  may  be  delivered 
to  Andrew  Watson,  Bailie  in  Peterhead,  conforme  to  the  said  Act  of 
Secret  Councell. 

It  is  ordained  that  if  anie  of  the  ministers  within  this  Diocie  shall  be 
found  negligent  of  the  observation  of  the  29  of  May,  as  the  same  is 
ordered  to  be  kept  by  authoritie,  that  they  be  publicklie  admonished 
befor  the  Presbytrie,  and  if  they  continue  therafter  so  to  doe,  that  the 
matter  be  represented  to  the  Bishop,  who  is  to  give  order  for  the  suspend 
ing  of  them  ;  and  it  is  likewayes  appoynted  that  no  ministers  withdraw 
from  home  about  that  time,  without  first  representing  their  excuse  to  the 
Presbytrie,  or  moderators  therof,  and  being  approven. 


OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  299 

It  is  recommended  to  the  severall  brethren  within  this  Diocie,  to 
make  search  if  there  be  anie  within  their  respective  charges,  who  are 
about  the  sending  of  their  children  out  of  the  country  to  Popish  Colledges, 
and  to  give  notice  therof  tymouslic  to  the  Bishop. 

It  is  appoynted  that  the  bursars  of  Divinitie,  who  do  presentlie  enjoy 
the  Presbytrie  burses,  or  herafter  shall  be  admitted  unto  them,  be  payed 
out  of  ilk  parish  church,  conforme  to  the  quota  and  proportion  which 
hath  been  at  anie  tyme  formerlie  paid  out  of  the  said  parishes  unto 
others,  and  no  less  ;  and  it  is  likewise  ordained  that,  in  each  Presbytrie 
register  where  there  is  ane  account  given  of  the  congregationes  in  which 
the  communion  hath  been  celebrat,  there  be  likewise  in  the  same  place 
yeirlie  ane  account  given  of  those  ministers  who  have  payed  the  bursars 
of  Divinitie,  and  of  such  as  are  deficient. 

The  book  of  Alfoord,  and  brethren  of  the  same  Presbytrie  were 
approven. 

[Thanksgiving  for  seasonable  and  plenteous  harvest] 

It  is  appoynted  that  the  brethren  of  the  Synod  be  in  readines,  when 
soever  the  Bishop  shall  find  needfull  to  call  them,  to  meet  upon  a  four 
teen  dayes  advertisement,  with  certification  of  censure  to  the  said  who 
shall  be  found  absent. 


At  Old  Aberdeen  Oct  9,  1678. 
[Next  meeting  of  Alford  Presbytery  appointed.] 

At  Alfoord  November  6,  1678. 
[There  was  no  exercise Next  meeting  privy  censure.] 


The  minister  of  Kildrummie  reported  that  Helen  Archibald  was 
summoned  to  this  dyett  pro  2°.,  to  answer  for  her  profanation  of  the 
Lord's  day,  by  drinking  and  selling  of  drink  in  tyme  of  sermon,  being 
called,  and  not  compeiring,  it  is  ordained  that  she  be  summoned  pro.  3°. 

[Thanksgiving  for  harvest  observed.] 


KKCOKDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1679 

At  Alfoord  December  4,  (1678). 

By  reason  of  the  stormincs  of  the  weather,  onlie  five  of  the  brethren 
did  meet  viz.  Mr.  Adam  Barclay,  Mr.  John  Walker,  Mr.  Robert  Farquhar- 
son,  Mr.  Patrick  Copland,  together  with  the  Clerk,  befor  whom  a  letter 
being  produced  from  my  Lord  Bishop,  ordaining  Mr.  Adam  Barclay 
moderator  of  the  Presbytric,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  to  supplie  his  place 
at  the  dyets  of  his  necessarie  absence,  and  the  meeting  being  constitute, 
they  did  appoint  their  next  meeting  to  be  at  Alfoord  Januarie  first,  but 
could  not  till  the  winter  was  over,  appoint  a  dyet  for  the  privie  censure, 
but  appoyntcd  Mr.  John  Walker  to  have  the  exercise  upon  the  ordinarie 
matter. 

[Supply  for  vacancie  at  Alford.] 

It  is  ordained  that  a  fast  should  be  kept  upon  the  first  Wednesday  of 
December,  in  reference  to  the  further  discoverie  of  the  Popish  plott 
against  the  king,  and  the  Protestant  Religion  within  his  dominions.1 

At  Alfoord  Januarie  I,  1679. 
Mr.  John  Walker  exercised  &c. 

[Vacancie  at  Alford  supplied.] 

It  is  referred  to  be  advised  with  the  Bishop  and  Synod,  what  course 
should  be  taken  with  those  who  had  absented  themselves  from  the 
church  upon  the  day  of  fast,  which  was  appointed  by  the  Councell. 
[Fast  was  observed.] 

The  moderators  enquyred  at  the  severall  brethren  present,  if  they  had 
observed  the  forsaid  fast,  who  all  answered  that  they  had. 

At  Alfoord  Januarie  29,  (1679). 

Mr.  Robert  Irvine  exercised  &c. 

The  minister  of  Kildrummie  reported  that  he  had  given  three  publick 
admonitions  to  Helen  Archibald.  The  processe  is  ordained  to  be  carried 
on. 

[Vacancy  at  Alfoord  supplied.] 

1  Note  29. 


1679]  OF   THE   EXERCISE  OF   ALFORD.  301 

Absence   was  judged  excusable,  in   regard  of  the  stormines  of  the 
weather. 


At  Alfoord  Februarie  26,  (1679). 

There  was  no  exercise,  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  excusing  himselfe,  in 
regard  it  was  not  his  vice ;  Wherupon  the  scroll  of  the  order  of  the 
exercise  is  ordained  to  be  looked,  wherby  it  is  found  that  there  had 
been  a  mistake  in  the  former  ordinance,  and  that  it  falls  to  Mr.  William 
Garioch,  who  is  ordained  to  follow  upon  the  ordinarie  matter  of  the 
exercise. 

The  minister  at  Strathdon  reported  that  the  stormines  of  the 
weather  had  hindered  much  the  exercise  of  their  discipline,  and  Elspet 
Ross  was  not  yet  absolved. 

The  minister  of  Kildrummie  reported  that  Helen  Archibald  was 
prayed  for  pro  i°.  Februarie  16,  but  that  she  had  come  to  him  this  morn 
ing,  and  promised  to  give  obedience  to  the  discipline  of  the  Church,  but 
could  not  come  this  day  to  the  Presbytrie,  wherupon  no  farder  ordinance 
was  to  pass  upon  her  till  the  next  meeting. 

[Supply  for  vacancy  at  Alfoord.] 

The  minister  of  Strathdone  did  delait  James  Smith,  as  being  con- 
tumax  to  their  Session,  not  satisfying  the  discipline  therof,  for  profanation 
of  the  Lord's  day,  by  wronging  his  neighbour  in  killing  his  dogg.  He 
is  ordained  to  be  summoned  to  the  next  meeting  pro  i°. 

Anent  the  observing  of  the  anniversarie  fast  for  the  season. 

The  Moderator  reported  that  Mr.  Thomas  Garden  had  made  applica 
tion  to  him  desiring  that  his  brother,  Mr.  William  Garden  might  be 
admitted  to  his  tryalls,  in  order  to  his  being  licensed  to  preach,  but  that 
he  declared  he  could  not  take  it  upon  him  without  the  advice  and 
consent  of  the  Presbytrie  to  have  him  admitted  therto,  onlie,  at  the  said 
Mr.  Thomas'  request,  he  was  content  to  prescribe  him,  and  did  prescribe 
the  twentie  fourth  psalme  in  the  Hebrew  to  be  part  of  his  tryall  of  the 
Languages,  if  so  be  the  Presbytrie  were  pleased  to  admit  him  therto  at 
this  dyett.  The  matter  being  put  to  the  voice  of  the  brethren,  the  said 
Mr.  William  having  produced  a  famous  testimonie  from  the  Professors  is, 
by  unanimous  consent,  admitted  to  the  said  tryall ;  and  having  given 


302  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING 

proof  in  reading  the  Hebrew,  expounding  the  said  psalme,  and  of  his 
skill  in  Greek,  by  expounding  a  portion  of  the  New  Testament  ad 
apertnram  libri,  he  was  approven  in  the  said  tryall  of  the  Languages,  and 
is  appoyntcd  to  have  his  questionarie  tryall  at  the  next  meeting. 

The  moderator  did  intimat  to  the  brethren  that  he  had  received  a 
letter  from  the  Lord  Bishop,  which  he  read  unto  them,  appointing  the 
next  Synod  to  be  upon  the  third  Tuesday  of  March,  and  requyring  them 
to  give  up  the  names  of  the  papists  within  their  respective  parishes,  upon 
the  account,  and  with  the  qualifications  contained  in  the  said  letter. 

VVil:  Garioch,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie. 


At  Old  Aberdeen  March  20,  1679. 

This  Presbytrie  book  of  Alfoord,  and  brethren  of  the  said  Presbytrie, 
are  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 

Mr.  Th:  Crevey,  Clerk  to  the  Synod. 
Referrs  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen  holden  in  March  1679. 


After  sermon  had  in  the  forenoon  by  Mr.  Alexander  Mowat,  minister 
at  Lesley,  &c. 

The  Lord  Bishop  did  represent  that,  upon  the  Act  of  Secret  Councell 
ordering  a  list  of  papists'  names  to  be  given  up  by  the  Bishops  of  each 
Diocess,  the  laird  of  Cults — Gordon, — in  the  parish  of  Kennethmont,  had 
come  and  offered  conference.  Wherfor  it  is  appointed  that  Mr.  Adam 
Barclay,  moderator  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  and  Mr.  Robert 
Farquharson,  minister  at  Kennethmont,  call  for  the  said  laird  of  Cults, 
and  confer  with  him,  anent  the  point  of  his  religion. 

March  19  Sess  :  2°.     Ante  meridiem. 

[Collections  toward  the  repairing  the  harbours  of  Stonehyve  and 
Peterhead.] 

It  is  recommended  to  the  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord  to 


1679]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  303 

enquyre  at  the  executor  of  the  late  Mr.  George  Melvill,  moderator  of 
the  said  Prcsbytrie,  anent  the  collections  for  the  relicfe  of  the  Mon- 
tross  captives,  or  anie  other  contributions  delivered  to  him  when 
living,  by  anie  of  the  brethren  of  the  said  Presbytrie. 

There  was  presented  ane  Act  of  his  Majesty's  Secret  Councell, 
appointing  ane  voluntar  contribution  to  be  granted  unto  ane  Mercurius 
Lascaris,  a  minister  of  the  Greek  Church,  for  ransoming  his  brother 
and  children,  who  arc  captives  with  the  Turks  at  Algiers. 

[Collection  recommended.] 

It  is  appointed  that,  in  all  tyme  coming,  the  visitors  of  the  Presby 
trie  books  excerpt  the  names  of  fugitives,  or  excommunicat  persons, 
recorded  in  the  Presbytrie  registers,  and  give  them  in  to  the  Clerk  of 
the  Synod. 

It  is  recommended  to  the  moderators  of  the  severall  Presbytries 
to  receive  from  their  respective  brethren  ane  mark  Scots  money, 
appointed  by  the  Synod,  in  October  last,  to  be  advanced  to  Mr.  John 
Cockburne,  minister  at  Udny,  for  defraying  his  expenses  in  going 
South,  commissioner  from  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  to  the  Arch 
bishop  of  St.  Andrews,  anent  the  affair  concerning  the  Kirk  of  Mary- 
Culter,  and  that  the  Clerk  of  the  Synod  send  out  with  the  referrs  the 
names  of  such  as  have  not  already  payed. 

Patrick  Watson,  indigent  person  in  Bamph,  is  recommended  to  the 
charitable  supplie  of  the  severall  congregations  within  this  Diocie. 

The  names  of  such  as  have  not  payed  the  commissioners'  charges, 
within  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord — Mr.  John  Mair,  Mr.  George  Watson, 
Mr.  John  Walker,  Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie,  Mr.  William  Garioch, 
Mr.  Alexander  Forbes. 

(List  of  fugitives  from  church  discipline,  Ellon  Presbytrie  5  ;  Deer  I. 
Names  of  excommunicate  persons  given.) 

At  Old  Aberdeen  Martii  18,  1679. 

The  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  did  meet,  and  such  of  them  as  had 
anie  papists  within  their  parishes,  gave  in  a  list  of  them  to  the 
moderator,  to  be  presented  to  the  Bishop. 

It  is  appointed  Mr.  John  Mair  supplie  the  vacancie  of  Alfoord, 
betwixt  and  the  next  dyet  of  the  Presbytrie. 


304  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1679 

At  Alfoord  Aprylis  9,  (1679). 

Mr.  William  Garden  sustained  the  questionarie  tryall,  &c 

and  is  approven.  It  is  appointed  he  handle  that  head  De  invocatione 
sanctorum,  at  the  next  dyet,  and  distribute  his  theses. 

Helen  Archibald  for  profaning  the  Lord's  day  by  drinking,  appearing 
of  her  own  accord,  and  confessing  her  sin,  was  ordained  to  satisfie  as  the 
minister  and  Session  should  ordain  her. 

The  minister  of  Cabrach  did  delait  Mr.  James  Gordon,  for  exercising 
the  ministeriall  function  within  his  parish.  He  is  appointed  to  cause 
summoned  him  litera  scripta,  and  witnesses  to  prove  the  charge. 

[Supply  for  vacancy  at  Alford.j 


At  Alfoord  May  7,  1679. 

Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie  had  a  discourse  relating  to  ministeriall 
duties,  from  Acts  5.  42,  and  therafter,  the  privie  censure  passed  upon 
the  respective  brethren  (after  that  the  order  for  trying  of  ministers 
within  their  respective  Presbytries  was  publicklie  read,  and  the 
brethren  removed  one  by  one),  but  nothing  found  worthy  of  a  publick 
rebuke,  save  in  Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie,  who  was  rebuked  for  his 
irregularitie  in  admitting  James  Smith  to  his  profession  of  repentance, 
befor  he  appeared  befor  the  Presbytrie. 

[Collections,  Peterhead,  and  Mercurius  Lascaris.] 

Mr.  William  Garden  handled  the  head  De  invocatione  sanctorum,  &c. 

[Supply  for  a  vacancy  at  Alford.] 

At  Alfoord  June  4,  (1679). 
Mr.  William  Garden  sustained  dispute  &c. 

[Anniversary  of  king's  birth  and  restoration.] 

The  minister  of  Cabrach  reported  that  he  had  no  officer  who  would 
undertake  to  summond  Mr.  James  Gordon.  He  is  appointed  to  cite  him 
from  the  pulpit. 

[Supply  for  vacancy  at  Alford.] 


1679]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  305 

At  Alfoord  Julii  2,  1679. 

Mr.  William  Garden  exercised  &c.          ...... 

The  moderator  presented  a  letter  from  the  Bishop,  recommending 
Mr.  Andrew  Jeffray,  a  preacher  of  the  gospell,  to  his  tryalls,  in  order  to 
his  plantation  in  the  ministrie  at  the  Church  of  Alfoord,  appointing  the 
first  point  of  his  tryalls  to  be  a  head  of  Divinitie  to  be  handled  the  first 
dyet,  and  dispute  therupon.  In  obedience  to  which,  he  was  appointed 
at  the  next  meeting  to  handle  that  head  De  binis  fideribus  &c. 

[Supply  for  vacancy  at  Alford]. 


At  Alfoord  Julii  30,  (1679). 

There  was  no  exercise. 

The  minister  of  Cabrach  reported  that  Mr.  James  Gordon  was  cited 
to  this  meeting.  Being  called,  and  not  compeiring,  he  is  ordained  to  be 
summoned  pro.  2°. 

The  minister  of  Kildrummie  reported  that  Bessie  Leith  was  contu 
macious  to  their  discipline  for  cursing  her  neighbour  on  her  knees,  and 
that  she  was  cited  to  this  dyet.  Being  called,  and  not  compeiring,  it  is 
appointed  she  be  summoned  pro  2°. 

[Supply  for  vacancy  at  Alford.] 

Mr.  William  Gordon  requyring  a  tcstimonie  from  the  Presbytric  upon 
the  severall  poynts  of  his  tryall  as  they  had  heard,  and  desyring  that,  in 
respect  of  his  great  distance,  his  popular  sermon  might  be  referred  to  the 
audience  of  the  Bishop,  the  Presbytrie  condescended,  and  reflecting  upon 
the  severall  points  of  tryall,  approved  of  the  samme,  and  appoint  him  to 
have  a  recommendation  from  the  moderator  to  our  Ordinarie,  in  order  to 
his  being  licensed  to  preach  the  gospell  publicklie. 


At  Alfoord  Augusti  13,  (1679). 

Mr.  Andrew  Jeffray  delivered  his  exegesis  &c 

Bessie  Leith  ordered  to  be  cited  pro  3°. 

The  minister  of  Cabrach  reported  that  he  had  forgot  cause  summond 

QQ 


306  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1679 

Mr.  James  Gordon  to  this  meeting.     It  is  appoynted  he  be  summoned 
to  the  next. 

[Supply  for  vacancy  at  Alford.] 

At  Alfoord  Septembris  3,  (1679). 

Mr.  Andrew  Jeffray  delivered  a  popular  sermon  &c 

The  said  Mr.  Andrew  reporting  that  he  was  under  the  necessity  of 
going  South  to  my  Lord  Bishop  of  Dumblane,  in  order  to  his  settlement 
at  Alfoorcl,  did  supplicat  the  brethren  that  he  might  not  be  put  to  anie 
further  tryall,  and  this  being  considered,  together  with  the  long  vacancie 
of  the  church  of  Alfoord,  it  was  thought  fitt  that  his  desire  should  be 
granted,  wherupon,  after  he  was  removed,  and  the  brethren  interrogat 
concerning  their  satisfaction  in  all  the  points  of  his  tryall,  he  was  unani- 
mouslie  approven,  and  to  be  recommended  to  the  Lord  Bishop  of  Aber 
deen  that  he  might  have  ordination,  as  he  thought  fitt. 

The  minister  of  Cabrach  reported  that  Mr.  James  Gordon  was  cited 
to  this  dyet.  Called  and  not  compeiring,  it  is  ordained  he  be  summoned 
pro.  3°. 

[Vacancie  of  Alfoord  supplied.] 

Mr.  William  Garioch  was  appointed  to  have  a  discourse  concerning 
Pelacaus  and  his  heresie. 


At  Alfoord  Octobris  I,  (1679). 

There  was  no  exercise,  although  the  speaker  was  in  readines,  in 
respect  the  day  was  farr  past  befor  the  brethren  met,  it  being  exceeding 
rainie  and  tempestuous. 

The  minister  of  Cabrach  reported  that  Mr.  James  Gordon  was  law- 
fullic  cited  to  this  dyet.  Who  being  called,  and  compeiring,  was  accused 
of  intruding  himself  irregularlie  into  the  ministeriall  calling,  and  particu- 
larlie  of  administrating  baptisme  to  a  child  begotn  betwixt  Thomas 
Gordon  and  (blank)  Burges,  in  the  parish  of  Cabrach,  and  of  celebrating 
marriage  to  William  Fcrror  and  (blank}  Melvin,  citizens  in  Aberdeen. 
But  the  said  James  obstinatlie  denyed  the  first,  and  that  he  had  not 
baptixcd  anie  child  of  late,  and  refused  to  give  anie  account  of  the 
second  till  probation  should  be  led  against  him,  alledging  that  he  had 


1679]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  307 

been  illegalic  deposed,  adding  further,  that,  if  the  Lord  Bishop  would 
see  him  payed  of  the  just  expense  he  had  been  at  in  repairing  the  Kirk 
of  Coul,  he  should  find  sufficient  suretie  that  he  should  never  presume 
upon  any  part  of  the  ministerial!  office  till  he  should  be  lawfullie  called 
thcrto,  but  if  otherwise  he  would  not  spare  to  provyde  for  himselfe  by 
that  sameter  means,  with  some  other  wild  and  unseemlie  expressions 
unworthie  to  be  recorded  here  ;  he  is  cited  apud  acta  to  compeir  at 
our  next  meeting  here  this  day  six  weeks,  and  it  is  recommended  to 
the  moderator  to  get  ane  account  of  the  witnesses  at  the  next  Synod, 
as  they  were  named  by  William  Ferrar  to  the  ministers  and  Session  of 
Aberdeen. 

[Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  observed.  Collections  for  Peterhead 
and  Stonhyve  harbours,  Mercurius  Lascaris  the  Grecian  priest,  and  the 
prisoners  of  Pittenwyme.] 


At  Old  Aberdein  Octobris  15,  (1679). 


At  Alfoord  November  12,  (1679). 

There  was  no  exercise,  the  day  being  spent,  and  the  speaker  being 
hindered  by  the  baptizing  of  a  child. 

[Next  day  privie  censure.] 

The  moderator  presented  a  letter  from  the  Lord  Bishop,  signifying 
that  it  was  his  pleasure  he  should  continue  to  moderate,  and  Mr.  John 
Walker  to  moderate  in  his  absence. 

The  minister  of  Cabrach  presented  ane  excuse  from  Mr.  James 
Gordon  in  Soccoh,  for  his  absence  this  day,  which  was  that  his  wife 
was  latelie  dead,  and  his  affairs  in  such  disorder  that  he  could  not  come 
abroad,  but  that  he  promised  to  keep  the  next  dyet,  to  which  he  is 
appointed  to  be  cited,  with  a  certificat  that,  if  he  compeir  not,  the 
Presbytrie  will  proceed  to  the  examination  of  witnesses. 

Likewise  the  moderator  reported  that  he  had  sent  the  names  of 
the  witnesses,  as  they  were  given  in  by  William  Ferrar  to  the  minister 
and  Session  of  Aberdeen,  which  were  John  Stuart,  William  McWilliam, 
John  Broune  in  Cabrach,  and  Michael  Dumbar  in  Glenbucket,  to  the 
respective  ministers  of  these  parishes,  with  a  precept  from  the  Lord 


308  RECORDS   OK   THE   MEETING  [1680 

Bishop  and  Synod,  to  cite  them  to  our  meeting  this  day,  to  depone  upon 
oath  in  the  affair  of  Mr.  James  Gordon. 

There  was  also  ane  execution  of  a  summonds  lawfullie  fixed  upon 
the  forsaid  witnesses,  given  in  by  the  respective  ministers,  who  being 
called,  and  not  compeiring,  were  appointed  to  be  cited  to  the  next 
meeting  pro  2". 

At  Alfoord  Deccmbris  3,  (1679). 

Mr.  William  Christie  had  a  discourse  relating  to  ministcriall  duties, 
and  therafter  the  privie  censure  passed  upon  the  respective  brethren,  &c. 

[Collections  recommended  by  the  Lords  of  his  Majestie's  Councill. 
Mr.  John  Irving's  pension.] 

In  obedience  to  the  Act  of  the  late  Synod  appointing  anc  election 
of  two  out  of  evrie  Presbytrie,  to  meet  with  the  Lord  Bishop  the  first 
Tuesday  of  Februarie,  for  regulating  the  mortification  for  ministers' 
relicts,  and  other  affairs  of  great  importance,  the  brethren  did  nominatt 
the  moderator,  and  Mr.  John  Walker,  who  were  appointed  to  attend  the 
said  dyet,  and  demean  themselves  conforme  to  the  injunctions  that 
should  be  given  them. 

The  names  of  the  fugitives,  contained  in  the  referres,  are  appointed 
to  be  publicklie  intimated  out  of  pulpit  by  evrie  minister. 

At  Alfoord  Decembris  31,  1679. 

Mr.  William  Garioch  had  a  discourse  concerning  Pelagius  and  his 
heresie. 

The  minister  of  Cabrach  sent  ane  execution  of  a  summonds  fixed 
upon  John  Stuart,  John  Broune,  William  McWilliam,  witnesses  against 
Mr.  James  Gordon,  who  being  called,  and  not  compeiring,  it  is  ordained 
that  advertisement  be  sent  to  the  said  Mr.  James  of  the  next  meeting, 
and  the  witnesses  to  be  cited  pro  3°. 

[The  collections  injoyned  by  the  Privie  Councill,  and  Mr.  John 
Irvine's  pension.] 

At  Alfoord  Januar.  28,  1680. 
The  moderator  exercised  &c. 


l68o]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  309 

The  next  meeting  is  appointed  to  be  this  day  moneth,  and  Mr. 
Arthur  Forbes,  Schoolmaster  at  Keig  is  recommended  by  the  minister 
of  Keig,  as  a  person  that  had  made  some  proficiencie  in  the  studie  of 
Divinitie,  and  fit  to  have  a  specimen  befor  us.  He  is  therfor  appointed 
the  next  day  to  have  a  discourse  DC  communione  sub  utraque  specie. 

The  minister  of  Cabrach  gave  in  ane  execution  of  a  summonds  fixt 
upon  John  Stuart,  John  Broune,  William  McWilliam  in  Cabrach,  to 
bear  witness  in  the  affair  of  Mr.  James  Gordon  in  Soccoh,  who  being 
called,  and  compeiring,  together  with  the  said  Mr.  James,  the  said 
Mr.  James  being  interrogat  whether  he  could  object  anie  thing  in 
law  against  these  witnesses,  that  would  render  them  incapable  of 
bearing  testimonie,  did  answer  that  they  all  did  bearr  him  deadlie 
malice,  and  therfor  requyred  their  oathes  de  calumnia,  which  when 
the  moderator  offered  to  tender  to  the  said  persons,  they  obstinately 
refused  it,  and  because  the  brethren  were  suspicious  that  the  witnesses 
were  suborned  by  the  said  Mr.  James  in  the  matter,  after  they  were 
removed  it  was  thought  fit  they  should  be  further  put  to  it,  to  declare 
upon  oath  whether  they  were  ingenuous  in  what  they  had  said,  or 
were  suborned  by  the  said  Mr.  James,  and  being  called  in  so  to  do, 
they  flatlie  refused  to  obey.  Upon  this  they  were  convict  of  disingen- 
uitie,  and  contempt  of  the  discipline  of  the  Church.  Wherfor  the 
minister  of  Cabrach  is  ordered  to  discipline  them,  and  to  give  them 
the  first  admonition  betwixt  and  the  next  meeting. 

The  said  Mr.  James  was  cited  apud  acta  to  compeir  here  this  day 
moneth,  and  hear  and  see  the  same  or  further  probation  led  against 
him,  with  certification  that,  if  he  compeired  not,  the  Presbytrie  would 
proceed  to  the  examination  of  witnesses. 

[William  Lumsden  fishing  on  the  Lord's  day.] 

At  Alfoord  Februar  :  25,  (1680). 

Mr.  Arthur  Forbes  handled  the  head  De  communions  sub  utraque 
specie,  &c. 

Mr.  Alexander  Forbes  is  ordained  to  have  a  discourse  in  English  con 
cerning  Transubstantiation,  next  day 

The  minister  of  Cabrach  reported  that  John  Stuart,  and  William 
M'William  were  not  admonished,  in  respect  they  had  promised  to  the 


jIO  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [l6So 

moderator  and  him  to  come  this  day,  and  declare  upon  oath  what  they 
knew  in  the  matter  of  Mr.  James  Gordon.  Wherupon  the  said  John 
Stuart  and  William  M'William,  after  they  had  given  their  oath  dc 
calumnia,  did  declare  that  they  saw  and  heard  the  said  Mr.  James  celebrat 
marriage  to  William  Ferrar  and  (blank*}  Melvin  in  Aberdeen,  and  the  said 
John  had  subscribed  witnesse  to  a  paper,  in  which  Mr.  James  acknow 
ledged  his  marrying  of  the  forsaid  persons. 
[Fast  lately  appointed  observed.] 


At  Alfoord  Martii  17,  1680. 

Mr.  Alexander  Forbes  had  a  discourse  concerning  Transubstantiation, 
and  was  approven. 

The  minister  of  Kildrummie  reported  that  Bessie  Leith  was  prayed 
for  pro  3°.  who,  of  her  own  accord  appearing,  was  sharplie  rebuked  for 
her  contumacie,  and  was  returned  to  give  publick  satisfaction  to  the  con 
gregation  of  Kildrummie,  and  humblie  acknowledge  her  offence  against 
God  and  her  neighbour,  and  afterward  to  be  absolved. 

Compeired  Michael  Dumbar  in  Glenbucket,  gave  his  oath  de  calumnia, 
and  deponed  that  he  saw  and  heard  Mr.  James  Gordon  marric  William 
Ferrar  to  (blank}  Melvin  in  Aberdeen,  and  that  the  said  Mr.  James  had 
lead  his  hand  in  subscribing  witnesse  to  his  acknowledgement  of  the 
forsaid  deid. 

And  it  being  now  found  that  the  forsaid  scandall  was  sufficientlie 
proven,  by  the  deposition  of  three  severall  witnesses,  it  is  appointed  that 
the  said  Mr.  James  be  cited  literascripta  to  appear  befor  the  Lord  Bishop 
and  Synod,  according  to  the  demerit  of  his  offence. 

[Collections  recommended  by  the  Privie  Council!.] 

Wil:  Garioch,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord. 

At  Old  Aberdeen,  Apryle  1680. 

This  Presbytrie  book  of  Alfoord  is  approven  by  the  Bishop  and 
Synod  of  Aberdeen. 

Mr.  Th:  Crevey,  Clerk  to  the  Synod. 


l68o]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  311 

Rcferrs  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen,  holden  in  Apryle  1680. 
At  Old  Aberdeen  Apryle  20,  1680. 

Sess:  i°.  post  meridiem. 

[Contributiones  for  the  harbours  of  Peterhead  and  Stonehyve.]  .     .     . 

Contributiones  for  reliefc  of  the  Pittenweem  captives 

Anent  the  supplie  of  Mr.  John  Irvine,  sometyme  minister  at  Cabrach, 
the  Bishop  and  brethren  of  the  Synod  thought  fitte,  out  of  comiseration 
unto  his  mean  and  distracted  condition,  to  add  a  shilling  sterling  more  at 
each  Synod,  by  and  attour  what  was  granted  unto  him  formerlic,  and 
that  this  additionall  supplie,  where  it  can  be  convenientlie  had,  be  taken 
out  of  the  kirk  boxes  of  the  severall  parioches  within  this  diocie,  and 
brought  in  to  him  at  each  Synod. 

Apryle  21.  Sess:  2.  ante  meridiem. 

It  is  appointed  that  intimation  be  made  unto  the  severall  congrega 
tions  within  this  diocese,  that  whereas  Mr.  James  Gordon,  sometyme 
minister  at  Coule,  having  been  for  severall  scandalls  deposed  from  the 
office  of  the  ministrie,  doth  notwithstanding  intrude  himselfe  upon  the 
said  holy  function,  by  baptising  and  marrying  of  severall  persons,  for 
which  he  is  under  church  process  and  censure,  that  therfor  no  persons 
doe  resort  unto  him,  either  for  the  benefit  of  baptisme  or  marriage,  with 
certification  of  severe  censure  to  be  inflicted  upon  those  who  shall  be 
found  to  counterveen. 

It  is  appointed  that  no  excuse  be  taken  of  the  hands  of  such  brethren 
as  shall  be  absent  from  the  Prcsbytries,  although  their  excuse  be  other- 
wayes  relevant,  if  they  neglect  send  ane  account  of  their  referrs  which 
are  depending  befor  the  Presbytrie,  and  the  Presbytrie  appoint  their  next 
meeting  to  be  at  the  kirk  of  such  a  brother  as  is  ordinaric  absent,  and 
who  sends  no  account  of  his  severall  referrs. 

The  Presbytrie  book  of  Alfoord,  and  brethren  of  the  said  Presbytrie 
are  approven.  It  being  represented  unto  them,  that  there  is  one  Janet 
Menzies,  who  hath^come  from  the  parioch  of  Glenbucket,  being  under 
scandall  there,  and  hath  brought  along  with  her  to  the  minister  of 
Tarves,  in  whose  parioch  she  now  resides,  a  tcstimoniall,  as  from  the 
minister  of  Glenbuchet,  which  is  found  to  be  feigned  and  forged,  the 


312  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1680 

Bishop  and  Synod  doe  appoint  that  the  said  Janet  be  processed,  untill 
she  reports  a  sufficient  tcstificat,  and  seeing  it  is  reported  that  the  person 
who  hath  been  the  forger  of  the  said  testimonial!  doeth  reside  within  the 
boundes  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  it  is  therfor  recommended  to  the 
brethren  of  that  Presbytrie  to  enquyre  for  him,  and  censure  him  for  so 
doeing. 

This  day,  was  presented,  and  read  publicklie,  ane  Act  of  His 
Majestic's  Secret  Counsel!,  appointing  a  voluntarie  contribution  to 
be  gathered  throughout  all  this  Kingdom,  towardes  the  building  of 
ane  harbour  at  Portsoy  in  the  Parioch  of  Forclyce,  this  recommended 
to  the  several!  brethren  within  this  Diocese 

Likwayes  was  presented  and  read  publicklie  ane  Act  of  His 
Majestie's  Secret  Counsell,  appointing  a  voluntarie  contribution  to  be 
gathered  throughout  all  the  Kingdom,  for  building  a  stone  bridge 
over  the  famous  river  of  Ness  ;  this  recommended 

Anent  Mr.  James  Gordon,  formerlie  minister  at  Coule,  it  being 
found,  by  rcviseing  the  Presbytrie  register  of  Alfoord,  that  the  said 
Mr.  James  is,  by  the  depositiones  of  severall  witnesses,  convict  of 
intruding  upon  the  ministeriall  function  by  marrying  persones  dis 
orderly,  and  as  did  appeare  by  the  production  of  ane  summondes 
given  in  against  him,  that  he  is  cited  lawfullie  to  appeare  befor  this 
meeting  of  the  Synod,  to  answer  and  undcrgoe  censure  for  his  said 
disorderly  carriage,  and  being  called,  but  not  appeareing,  the  Bishop 
and  brethren  considering  that  great  scandall  he  has  given,  and  does 
still  continue  to  give  by  his  disorderly  mcdlmg  as  said  is,  did  therfor 
think  fitc  that  the  said  Mr.  James  be  forthwith  sentenced  with  the 
lesser  excommunication,  with  certification  that,  if  against  such  a  time 
as  be  prefixed  by  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  he  doe  not  submit  himselfe 
to  the  discipline  of  the  Church,  and  remove  the  scandall  he  has  given, 
that  therafter  the  greater  sentence  of  excommunication  be  pronounced 
against  him,  and  that  he  be  cited  litera  scripta  to  appeare  befor  the 
Presbytrie  of  Alfoord  to  hear  and  sec  himselfe  decerned  to  be  forthwith 
sentenced  as  said  is  ;  and  if  lie  compcare  that  the  certification  above 
expressed  be  intimat  unto  him  ;  and  in  like  manner  that  he  be  assured 
that,  if  he  doe  not  give  sufficient  surtic  for  his  carriage  in  time  coming, 
and  that  he  shall  no  wayes  intrude  upon  anie  pairtc  of  the  ministeriall 
function,  his  carriage  will  be  represented  to  the  civil  magistrat  for 


l68o]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD. 


313 


restraining  of  him.  And  it  is  recommended  to  Mr.  Thomas  Garden, 
moderator  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  with  the  very  first  convenience 
after  that  the  said  Mr.  James  is  cited  to  compeir  befor  the  Presbytrie 
as  said  is,  that  he  repaire  to  the  Kirk  of  Cabrach  upon  a  Lord's  day, 
and  pronounce  said  sentence  of  the  lesser  excommunication  against 
the  said  Mr.  James,  and  intimat  to  the  congregation  the  certification 
above  expressed. 

Sess  :  3°.  post  meridiem. 

It  is  appointed  that  when  any  Presby tries  doe  call  in  for  the  Session 
bookes  within  their  boundes,  that  some  particular  dyetes  of  the  Presbytrie 
be  held  apairte,  for  revising  of  them  in  presence  of  the  whole  Presbytrie. 

Brethren  appointed  by  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord  to  meet,  upon 
advertisement  from  the  Bishop,  for  revising  and  subscriveing  the  Collector 
of  the  Centesima  his  accounts. 


Apryle  22.  Sess  :  4°.  ante  meridiem. 

It  is  recommended  to  Mr.  Andrew  Jeffray,  present  minister  at 
Alfoord,  to  defend  by  leave  his  right  to  the  stipend  of  the  said  Church, 
conforme  to  his  presentation  and  collation  unto  the  said  benefice  (if  the 
same  shall  happen  to  be  questioned),  as  he  will  be  answerable  to  the 
Bishop  and  Synod. 

It  is  appointed  that  such  of  the  brethren  as  arc  clear  to  advance  seven 
yeares  annuitie  of  their  stipends  together  for  supplie  of  ministers'  widows 
and  orphans,  conforme  to  former  Acts  of  the  Synod,  to  give  in  the  same 
to  the  Collector,  either  at  this  Synod,  or  at  farthest  at  Whitsunday  next, 
and  that  the  rest  continue  to  pay  termlie  conforme  to  the  bond. 

[Indigent  persones  recommended  to  the  charitable  supplie.] 

(List  of  fugitives  from  Church  discipline). 

At  Old  Aberdeen,  April  22,  1680. 

Mr.  Adam  Barclay  reported  that  Mr.  Arthur  Forbes  Schoolmaster  in 
Keig,  who  had  been  a  Student  of  Divinity  four  yeirs  past,  sustained  a 
tryall  befor  the  Professor  at  Aberdeen,  and  being  examined  by  himselfe 

RR 


3 14  RECORDS   OF   TIIK    MEETING  [1680 

and  Mr.  Robert  Irvine,  was  by  them  thought  fit  to  be  admitted  to  the 
ordinarie  tryalls,  in  order  to  the  preaching  of  the  gospell,  whcrupon  the 
brethren  present  appointed  the  said  Mr.  Arthur  to  be  in  readines  to 
sustainc  the  tryall  of  the  Languages,  at  the  next  dyet  according  to  the 
Acts  of  the  Synod. 


At  Alfoord  May  12,  (1680). 

The  brethren  did  examine  Mr.  Arthur  Forbes  &c. 

[The  next  meeting  privy  censure.  Bessie  Lcith  satisfied  discipline 
and  was  absolved,  also  William  Lumsden.] 

The  minister  of  Cabrach  is  appoynted,  according  to  the  order  of 
the  Synod,  to  cause  cite  Mr.  James  Gordon  in  Soccoh,  guiltie  of  cele 
brating  irregular  marriage  to  William  Ferrar,  and  Elizabeth  Melvin, 
in  Aberdeen,  to  the  next  meeting  to  hear  and  sec  himselfe  decerned 
to  be  sentenced  in  the  lesser  sentence,  according  to  the  order  of  the 
Synod  anent  him. 

The  moderator  distribut  Acts  of  His  Majestie's  rrivic  Councill, 
for  a  voluntarie  contribution  for  building  a  stone  bridge  upon  the 
water  of  Inverness,  and  recomcncled  to  the  severall  brethren,  that  they 
would  tymouslie  and  carefullie  remember  the  same. 


At  Alfoord  June  9,  (1680). 

The  moderator  had  a  discourse  concerning  ministeriall  duties,  &c. 

[Privic  censure  passed  upon  the  brethren.  Anniversaries  of  our  sove 
reign's  nativity  and  Restoration  observed.] 

Mr.  James  Irvine  reported  that  no  man  would  undertake  to  cite 
Mr.  James  Gordon  in  Soccoh,  for  that  he  threatened  violence  to  any 
who  should  presume  to  be  officer  in  his  affair.  It  is  appointed  the 
minister  give  him  a  publick  citation  from  pulpit,  betwixt  and  the 
next  meeting. 

The  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  intending  to  begin  their  course  of 
visitation  of  Churches  for  this  yeir,  have  appointed  to  meet  at  Kil- 
drummie  upon  June  23,  where  Mr.  John  Mair  is  appointed  to  preach. 


l68o]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  315 


At  Kildrummie  June  23,  (1680). 

Mr.  John  Mair  preached,  text  Hebrews  13.  17.,  &c 

The  names  of  the  elders  of  Kildrummie  are  as  follows,  Alexander 
Kcr,  Robert  Durret,  John  Cunnan,  John  Bunson,  Peter  Watt,  who  being 
called  did  compcir,  with  such  of  the  heritors  and  heads  of  families  as 
were  present. 

(The  usual  course  taken  as  to  minister  and  elders,  and  the  usual 
exhortations  given  to  minister,  heritors,  elders,  and  masters  of  families — 
see  Cushnie  p.  228.) 

The  minister  was  further  interrogat  whether  there  were  anie  mortifi 
cations  in  the  place.  Unto  which  he  answered  that  there  were  none,  but 
what  was  so  inconsiderable  that  it  did  not  deserve  to  be  recorded. 

The  minister  did  further  declare,  upon  enquiry,  that  there  was  a 
schoolmaster  in  the  parish,  who  had  for  maintenance  seven  bolls  victuall 
of  the  parish,  with  eighten  pounds  out  of  the  poors  money,  for  teaching 
poor  schollars. 

He  further  reported  that  the  fabrick  of  the  kirk  was  in  sufficient 
repair,  save  what  was  wanting  in  the  loss  of  some  heather,  which  was  to 
be  helped  with  the  first  conveniencie. 

He  further  declared  that  he  had  a  sufficient  manse  and  gleib,  com- 
petencie  of  grass,  foggage,  fewall,  feall,  and  divott. 

Concerning  church  utensils,  he  declared  that  they  had  none  save  a 
basin  for  baptisme,  and  two  tables  for  the  holy  communion. 

[The  Privie  Censure  passed.] 

The  brethren  appointed  the  next  visitation  to  be  at  Clat  July  21, 
when  Mr.  Andrew  Jaffray  is  appointed  to  preach.  There  is  also  another 
visitation  to  be  at  Tullinessell  July  22,  and  Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie  is 
appointed  to  preach  there. 


At  Alfoord  Julii  7  (1680). 

Mr.  Arthur  Forbes  sustained  his  questionarie  tryalls,  &c. 
[Contributions  for  the  bridge  of  Inverness,  and  harbour  of  Portsoy.] 


316  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1680 

At  Clatt  Julii  21,  (1680). 

Mr.  Andrew  Jaffray  preached,  text  John  21.  17 

The  names  of  the  elders  of  Clat  are  as  followes,  John  Gordon  of 
Knokcspoke,  Arthur  Dalgarno  in  Blairdinny,  Thomas  Paterson,  Andrew 
Coupcr,  John  Shirreffe,  who  being  called  did  compeir  with  such  of  the 
heritors,  and  masters  of  families  as  were  present. 

(The  usual  course  followed  as  to  minister  and  elders,  and  the  usual 
exhortations  given  to  minister,  heritors,  elders,  and  heads  of  families — 
see  Cushnie  p.  228.) 

It  is  found  there  were  no  mortifications  in  the  place,  that  there  was 
no  schoole  nor  schoolmaster  for  the  tyme.  The  minister  is  exhorted  to 
deal  with  the  heritors  to  setle  a  provision  for  a  schoolmaster,  and  to  use 
legall  diligence  for  that  effect,  if  neid  be. 

The  fabrick  of  the  Church  is  found  to  be  entire. 

As  for  Church  utensils,  there  were  two  tables  and  a  linnen  cloath  for 
covering  for  the  samyn,  two  silver  cups  for  the  use  of  the  holy  Com 
munion.  Such  as  are  wanting  are  to  be  provided  very  shortlie. 

The  minister  of  Cabrach  reported  that  Mr.  James  Gordon  was  cited 
to  this  meeting  litera  scripta,  who  being  called,  and  not  compeiring,  the 
Moderator  is  to  go  to  the  Cabrach,  according  to  the  sentence  of  the 
Synod,  to  excommunicat  him  with  the  lesser  sentence. 


At  Tullinessell  Julii  22,  (1680). 

Mr.  Andrew  Abercrombie  preached.     After  sermon  &c 

The  names  of  the  elders  are  as  followes,  Alexander  Chalmer  in 
Mongerrie,  William  Stewart,  in  Firrmilne,  Arthur  Donaldson,  James 
Smith,  Patrick  Clerihew,  William  Green. 

(The  usual  course  followed  as  to  minister  and  elders,  and  the  usual 
exhortations  given  to  minister,  elders,  and  heads  of  families — see  Cushnie 
p.  228.) 

It  is  found  that  there  is  of  money  mortified  for  the  use  of  the  poor, 
four  hundred  and  fiftie  merks,  which  the  Session  thinks  to  be  sufficientlie 
secured. 

That  there  was  no  Schoole  nor  Schoolmaster  for  the  tyme.      The 


1680]  OF   THE   EXERCISE  OF  ALFORD.  317 

minister  is  appointed  to  deal  with  the  heritors  to  setle  a  provision  for  a 
Schoolmaster,  and  to  use  legall  diligence  for  that  effect,  if  neid  be. 

The  fabrick  of  the  church  is  found  to  be  entire. 

As  for  church  utensils,  there  are  found  a  basin  for  baptisme,  two 
tables,  a  linnen  cloath  for  covering  the  same,  and  two  cups  of  tiun  for 
the  use  of  the  holy  communion. 

The  minister  desired  to  be  excused  for  that  the  Session  book  was 
not  filled  up,  and  presented  to  the  ministers  at  the  visitation.  He  is 
appointed  to  make  it  ready  betwixt  and  the  next  Synod. 


At  Alfoord  Julii  28,  (1680). 

Mr.   Arthur  Forbes  handled  the  head  De  perseverantia  sanctorum, 

&c 

[Session  book  of  Kildrummie  approven.] 

At  Alfoord  Augusti  18,  (1680). 

Mr.  Arthur  Forbes  sustained  dispute  upon  his  theses,  &c 

Anent  James  Gordon  in  Soccoh,  the  moderator  reported  that  he 
had  come  to  Clat,  and  offered  sufficient  suretie,  that  he  should  both 
satisfie  for  whatsoever  scandall  he  had  already  given  by  intruding 
himselfe  upon  the  ministeriall  calling,  and  for  his  good  deportment 
for  the  future,  and  that  in  order  to  this  he  had  appointed  to  meet  at 
Whytlumbs  to  the  said  Mr.  James,  who  was  to  bring  his  sureties  to 
the  forsaid  place,  for  the  effect  above  mentioned.  The  moderator 
desiring  the  concurrence  of  some  of  the  brethren  in  this  affair,  it  is 
appointed  that  he  have  the  assistance  of  Mr.  William  Thomson, 
minister,  at  Auchendore,  in  the  expeding  heirof. 

The  referres  of  the  Synod  were  publicklie  read  and  recommended, 
particularlie  the  referr  concerning  the  prohibiting  of  all  persons  from 
having  recourse  to  Mr.  James  Gordon,  for  baptisme,  or  marriage,  or  anie 
other  part  of  the  ministeriall  calling. 

[Collections  for  the  bridge  of  Inverness,  and  the  harbour  of  Portsoy.] 

It  is  likewise  recommended  that  the  names  of  the  fugitives  contained 


RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  rl6go 

in  the  referres  be  intimat  from  all  the  pulpits  of  the  Presbytrie,  and  that 
all  the  brethren  be  carefull  hcirof. 


At  Alfoord  September  15,  (1680). 
Mr.  Arthur  Forbes  exercised  &c. 

Concerning  Mr.  James    Gordon  in'soccoh,' the  moderator  'reported 

the  former  appointment  was  frustrate,  through    the  neglect  of  the 

James  and  his  sureties,  who  had  not  come  to  the  place  appointed 

till  three  o  clock  m  the  afternoon,  and  that  he  had  appointed  with  him 

agame,  at  the  same  place,  and  should  give  account  of  the  issue  therof  at 

the  Synod. 

[Sacrament  observed.] 

It  is  likewayes  found,  upon  enquyrie,  that  the  brethren  had  prohibited 
all  persons  within  their  respective  parishes  to  have  recourse  to  Mr 
James  Gordon  in  Soccoh,  for  baptisme,  or  marriage  &c.,  according  to  the 
ordinance  of  the  last  Synod. 

[Most  of  the  brethren  present  had  paid  the  bursar.       Session  book  of 
:iatt  approven.     Mr.  John   Irvine's  ordinary  pension.     List  of  fugitives 
from  discipline.] 

Wil:  Garioch,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord. 

Rcferres  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdein  holden  in  October  1680. 
At  Old  Aberdeen  October  12. 

It  is  appointed  that  the  moderator  of  each  Presbytrie  doe  call  to 
account  such  of  their  brethren  as  are  absent  from  the  Synod,  and  enquyre 
whether  they  have  payed  their  dues  to  the  clerk  and  janitor,  and  the 
contribution  appointed  for  Mr.  John  Irvine,  and  that  report  be  made 
theranent  in  their  Presbytrie  register,  and  for  that  effect,  that  the  Clerk 
the  Synod  send  out  the  names  of  the  deficients,  with  the  referres  of  the 
Synod,  that  the  moderator  may  cause  them  send  in  these  dues,  with  the 
first  conveniencie  thereafter. 


l68o]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  319 

October  13. 

Mr.  George  Meldrum,  Collector  of  the  Annuitie  of  ministers'  stipends, 
did  represent  that  there  were  some  of  the  brethren  within  this  Diocese, 
who,  although  they  have  subscribed  the  bond  for  the  said  annuitie,  yet 
have  not  payed  in  anie  moitie  therof,  and  therfor  it  is  hereby  ordained 
that,  if  they  do  not  give  satisfaction  theranent,  once  befor  the  next 
Synod,  that  the  collector  do  use  legall  diligence  against  them  ;  as  also 
it  is  appointed  that  such  as  shall  chuse  to  advance  seven  yeirs  annuitie 
together  shall  pay  in  the  carent  therof  from  Whitsunday  last. 

[Collections  for  the  bridge  of  Inverness,  and  for  relief  of  the 
Pittenweyme  captives.] 

October  14. 

The  Presbytrie  book  of  Alfoord,  and  brethren  of  the  said  Presbytrie 
are  approven.  It  is  recommended  to  the  brethren  of  the  said  Presbytrie 
to  call  in  for  the  Session  books  within  their  bounds,  and  to  visit  the 
samen. 

It  being  found  that  the  sentence  of  the  lesser  excommunication  hath 
not  as  yet  been  pronounced  against  Mr.  James  Gordon  in  Soccoh,  as  was 
appointed  at  the  former  Synod,  thcfor  the  former  order  is  renewed.  And 
seeing  it  is  reported  that  the  said  Mr.  James  doth  as  yet  continue  to 
marrie  persons  disorderlie,  therfor  it  is  appointed  that  the  matter  be  ex 
amined,  and  that  the  said  Mr.  James  be  requyred  to  remove  the  frequent 
scandals  he  hath  given  by  his  intrusion  on  the  holie  ministrie,  and  in 
caicc  of  his  refusall,  that  a  process  be  carried  on  against  him,  in  order  to 
the  greater  excommunication.  As  also  it  is  appointed  that  all  such  per 
sons  as  pretend  to  have  been  married  by  the  said  Mr.  James  be  processed 
in  the  severall  congregations  where  they  live,  as  cohabiting  together  in 
uncleanness,  except  they  instruct  their  marriage  by  witnesses. 

It  is  appointed  that  the  severall  moderators  of  Presby tries,  together 
with  anie  other  whom  the  Presbytrie  shall  name,  be  in  readines,  upon 
advertisement,  to  come  into  Aberdeen,  in  order  to  the  tryals  and 
admission  of  Mr.  James  Gordon,  minister  at  Cairnbie,  to  be  Professor 
of  Divinitic  in  Old  Aberdeen. 

At  Old  Aberdeen  October  13,  1680. 


320  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [l68l 

At  Alfoord  November  3,  1680. 

Mr.  Arthur  Forbes  delivered  a  popular  sermon  from  Ecclesiastes 
12.  I,  and  the  brethren  upon  a  serious  reflection  upon  this,  and  all 
his  other  tryals,  thought  that  he  should  have  a  recommendation  to 
our  Ordinarie  from  the  moderator,  that,  if  he  think  fit,  he  may  have 
a  license  to  preach  the  gospell  publicklie,  where  Providence  shall  allow 
him  a  lawfull  call. 

[At  next  meeting  privie  censure.] 


At  Alfoord  December  i,  (1680). 

The  minister  of  Kildrummie  had  a  discourse  concerning  ministeriall 

duties  from  i  Timothy  4.  i,  and  therafter 

[Privy  censure  passed  upon  all  the  brethren  present.] 


At  Alfoord  Januarii  5,  1681. 

The  exercise  was  superseded,  in  respect  the  day  was  short,  and  very 
far  spent  befor  the  brethren  con  veined. 

[Collections  for  prisoners  to  the  Turks,  bridge  of  Inverness.] 
In  obedience  to  the  ordinance  of  the  late  Synod,  and  a  letter  from 
our  Ordinarie,  the  brethren  did  nominat  the  moderator  and  the  minister 
of  Kenncthmont  to  attend  the  publick  Act  and  tryals  of  Mr.  James 
Gordon,  minister  at  Cairnbie,  his  admission  to  the  profession  of  Divinitie 
at  Old  Aberdeine,  upon  the  first  Wednesday  of  Februar  next. 

Concerning  Mr.  James  Gordon  in  Soccoh,  the  moderator  reported 
that  he  had  pronounced  the  sentence  of  lesser  excommunication  against 

him. 

The  minister  of  Cabrach  reported  that  Mr.  James  Gordon  had  joyned 
in  ane  irregular  marriage  William  Milne  in  Cabrach,  and  (blank}  Gordon 
in  Gartlie,  moreover  that  he  had  privately  confessed  to  him  fornication 
with  (blank}  Sivewright,  his  domestic  servant.  It  is  therfor  appointed  that 
the  minister  prohibit  her  to  remaine  any  longer  in  his  house  or  service, 
and  that  he  cause  cite  the  said  Mr.  James  to  the  next  meeting  pro  i°. 


l68l]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  321 

At  Alfoord  Januar  26,  (1681). 

The  minister  of  Kennethmont  exercised  &c 

The  minister  of  Cabrach  reported  that  Mr.  James  Gordon  was  cited 
to  this  meeting,  who  being  called,  and  not  compeiring,  it  is  appointed  he 
be  cited  pro  2°. 


At  Alfoord  Februar  23rd,  (1681). 

There  was  no  exercise  in  respect  the  minister  of  Cabrach  was  not  able 
to  travell  for  the  storme. 

Mr.  John  Robertson,  Student  of  Divinitie,  presented  a  letter  from  our 
Ordinarie,  recommending  the  said  Mr.  John  to  tryals,  in  order  to  his 
admission  to  the  kirk  of  Strathdone.  In  obedience  to  the  letter,  they 
prescribed  to  him  the  tryall  of  the  Languages,  according  to  the 
regulation. 

Concerning  Mr.  James  Gordon,  he  (the  minister  of  Cabrach)  reported, 
that  upon  the  foresaid  account,  (the  storminess  of  the  weather)  a  citation 
could  not  be  fixed  upon  him.  The  former  ordinance  is  renewed. 

The  brethren  of  the  Presbytrie  taking  to  consideration  the  desolation 
of  Strathdone,  and  that  Mr.  John  Robertson,  who  was  presented  to  that 
place,  had  his  residence  in  that  place,  they  ordained  him  to  supplie  the 
vacancie  of  the  said  church. 

The  manse  of  Auchendore  being  legallie  appretiat,  the  minister 
desired  that  the  appretiation  might  be  insert  in  this  register.  The  desire 
was  granted,  and  the  tennor  of  the  said  appretiation  is  as  followes  : — 

At  Auchendore  the  fourth  day  of  March  1680. 

The  said  day,  by  vertue  of  a  commission  given  by  the  Right  Reverend 
Father  in  God,  Patrick,  Bishop  of  Aberdein,  of  the  date  at  Aberdein,  the 
fourth  day  of  Februar  1680  yeirs,  for  the  apprysing  of  the  manse  and 
bigging  belonging  to  Mr.  William  Thomson,  present  minister  at 
Auchendore ;  conveined  Mr.  Thomas  Garden,  minister  at  Clat,  Mr. 
William  Burnet,  minister  at  Kildrummie,  Mr.  Alexander  Mowat,  minister 
at  Lesley,  and  Mr.  James  Irvine,  minister  at  Cabrach,  with  William 
Gordon  and  Alexander  Ross,  masons,  James  Smith  and  James  Thomson, 

SS 


322  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [l68l 

wrights,  James  Smith  and  George  Duncan,  smithes,  Arthur  Lumsden 
and  John  Young,  skilled  in  building  of  earthen  houses,  and  all  these  men 
of  approven  skill  and  honesty,  and  finding  anc  edict  lawfullie  execut  and 
indorsed,  did  pass  to  the  gate  of  the  foresaid  manse,  and  caused  James 
Morgan,  their  officer  for  the  tyme,  call  all  heritors,  lifcrcntcrs,  wodsetters, 
and  others,  having  or  pretending  interest  within  the  parish  of  Auchendore, 
to  compeir,  and  hear,  and  see  the  said  manse  and  bigging  legallie 
apprysed,  that  the  said  Mr.  William  Thomson  might  receive  satisfaction 
for  the  same  according  to  law.  Whcrupon,  compcired  William  Lord 
Forbes,  Francis  Gordon,  younger  of  Craig  of  Auchendore,  Robert  Reid 
of  Newmilne,  and  consented  to  the  apprysing  of  the  foresaid  manse  and 
bigging.  And  thereafter,  the  foresaid  commissioners  having  taken  a 
judiciall  declaration  of  the  above  writn  workmen,  concerning  their 
diligence  and  fidelity,  did  admit  them  to  the  apprysing  of  the  foresaid 
manse,  houses,  bigging,  yeard  dykes,  and  others  belonging  therto,  who, 
after  mature  deliberation,  and  due  and  valuable  consideration  of  all  the 
houses  and  bigging,  stone,  and  earthen  wals,  with  door  and  windows 
conforme,  couples,  and  roofe,  agreeable  to  the  said  wals,  timber,  lofts, 
cellars,  stairs,  and  others  belonging  therto,  did  find  that  the  whole  work 
and  value  of  the  said  houses  and  bigging  above  named,  did  amount  to 
the  soume  of  seven  hundreth  and  fourteine  marks,  six  shillings,  and  eight 
pennies  ;  the  number  and  species  of  the  houses  and  bigging  of  the  said 
manse  being  as  followcs  :  anc  half  of  stane  wals  the  height  of  the  door 
and  window,  to  ane  hewen  door,  and  windows,  glassed,  cased,  and  stein- 
choned  conforme,  with  a  timber  cellar,  and  a  loft  above  it;  ane  inner 
chamber  with  a  back  and  bosome  chimney ;  ane  hewen  window,  glassed, 
cased,  and  steinshoned,  door  and  door  cheeks  of  timber,  with  lock  and 
bands,  clivyded  from  the  hall  with  a  stone  wall  from  the  floor  to  the 
roofe,  a  kitchin  in  the  other  end  ;  to  two  hewen  windowes  cased  and 
steinshoned,  with  door  and  door  checks  of  timber,  divycled  likewise  from 
the  hall  by  a  partition  half  of  stone,  half  of  earth  ;  ane  utter  chamber 
with  hewen  door  and  windowes,  glassed  and  cased,  with  timber  portall ; 
to  a  studye  in  the  end  of  it,  having  two  windowes  hewen,  glassed  and 
cased,  with  a  loft  above  the  said  studye,  both  divydcd  from  the  chamber 
by  a  partition  of  timber  ;  to  a  timber  stair  and  two  fixed  beds  joyncd  to 
the  said  wall ;  a  stable  of  two  couples,  with  locks  and  bands,  and  come 
bannc  of  two  couples  to  fore  and  back  doors,  with  lock  and  bands  ;  ane 


l68l]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD. 


6-5 


kilnbarne  on  the  end  therof,  of  one  timber  couple  and  a  stone  couple, 
with  a  kiln,  two  doors,  lock,  and  bands  conforme  ;  ane  brewing-  house, 
with  a  timber  door,  lock,  and  bands  ;  to  a  forgate,  hcwen  cheeks  ;  to 
a  timber  wicket,  iron  bands,  bolts,  and  knock  with  ane  back  gate, 
and  yeard  gate,  door,  and  door  cheeks  of  timber  ;  ane  byre  and  pete- 
house,  all  the  forsaid  with  timbere,  divveted  and  thatched,  as  is  usual  1 
and  neidfull,  together  with  the  keil  and  corne  yeard,  dikes,  calsies  within 
and  without  the  close  ;  all  which  in  cumulo  (the  growing  timber  of  the 
yeard  being  excepted  out  of  the  said  apprysing,  and  so  of  right  being 
proprietie  to  the  present  minister  of  Auchendore)  extend  in  worth  and 
value  to  the  foresaid  soume  of  seven  hunclreth  and  fourtein  merks,  six 
shillings,  and  eight  pennies  Scots  money.  In  testification  wherof  the 
premisses,  writn  by  Mr.  William  Garioch,  minister  at  Forbes,  are  sub 
scribed  with  the  hands  of  the  foresaid  commissioners  at  Auchendore,  the 
fifth  day  of  March  1680  yeirs. 

Sic  subscribitur  Thomas  Garden 

Ja:  Irvine 
Mr.  Wm.  Burnet 
Mr.  Al:  Mo  watt. 

Wee,  Patrick,  by  the  mercie  of  God,  Bishop  of  Aberdein,  having  seen 
and  considered  the  above  writn  account  of  the  diligence  of  the  brethren 
commissionat  by  us,  for  visiting  the  manse  of  the  parish  Kirk  of  Auchen 
dore,  and  whole  buildings  therto  belonging,  do  find  the  brethren  foresaid 
have  proceided  orderly,  according  to  our  commission,  wherfor  wee  doe 
ratifie  and  approve  the  samyn.  Given  under  our  hand  at  Old  Aberdeen, 
the  fifteinth  day  of  October  1680  yeirs. 

Sic  subscribitur  Pat:  Bp:  of  Aberdein. 


At  Alford  March  23,  1681. 

The  minister  of  Cabrach  had  a  discourse  De primatu  Petri. 

Margarat  Thomson  appeared  in  sackcloath,  and  humblie  craved  par 
don  for  her  insolent  deportment  befor  the  brethren,  and  upon  her  confes 
sion  was  appointed  to  satisfie  the  discipline,  &c. 


324  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [l68l 

(She  had  "  compeired  bcfor  the  Presbytrie,  and  behaved  hersclfe  in 
solently  to  the  minister  of  Towie.") 

Mr.  James  Gordon  in  Soccoh,  he  (the  minister  of  Cabrach)  reported 
that  he  was  removed  out  of  the  parish  toward  the  South.  It  is  appointed 
that  he  make  cnquyric  for  him  against  the  next  meeting. 

The  minister  of  Kildrummie  presented  a  Session  process,  by  which  it 
was  found  that  Margarat  Dason  was  convict  of  the  profanation  of  the 
Lord's  day  by  dancing,  and  contumacious  to  the  discipline  thereupon. 
The  brethren  thought  fitt  that  a  process  should  be  commenced  against 
her,  and  that  she  should  be  cited  to  the  next  meeting  pro  i°. 

Mr.  John  Robertson  sustained  the  tryall  of  the  Languages,  according 
to  the  regulation,  and  was  approven  therein. 

The  brethercn  considered  that  Mr.  William  Gordon,  late  bursar  of 
Divinitie,  had  demitted  his  title  to  the  foresaid  burse,  and  no  person  to 
their  knowledge  nominated  by  the  Presbytrie  of  Turreffe,  to  whom  the 
right  of  presentation  belongs  for  this  vice,  they  desired  it  to  be  determined 
by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  how  to  dispose  of  the  burse  money  for 
this  yeir. 

Concerning  the  Centesima,  the  most  of  the  brctheren  declared  they 
had  payed  it  in  the  slump,  and  that  such  as  had  not  were  resolved  to 
continue  to  pay  it  by  moyeties. 

Concerning  the  collections  recommended  by  the  Privie  Councill. 

In  obedience  to  ane  ordinance  of  the  last  Synod,  it  was  recommended 
to  the  brethren  who  were  first  visited,  to  have  their  Session  books  in 
readines  to  present  them  to  their  bretheren  to  be  visited  by  them. 

Wil.  Garioch,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord. 

At  Old  Aberdeen  Apryle  20,  1681. 

This  Presbytrie  book  of  Alfoord,  and  bretheren  of  the  said  Presbytrie 
were  approven  by  the  Bishop  and  Synod  of  Abdn:. 

Mr.  Th:  Crevey,  Clk  to  the  Synod. 

At  Alfoord  Aprilis  13,  1681. 

The  minister  of  Cabrach  reported  that  William  Milne  there  was,  con- 
trarie  to  the  laws  of  the  Church,  married  by  Mr.  James  Gordon  to  a 


l68l]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  325 

woman  in  the  parish  of  Gartlie.  It  is  appointed  the  forcsaid  persons  be 
cited  to  the  next  meeting  pro  i°.  He  reported  likewise  that  the  said  Mr. 
James  Gordon  had  celebrat  the  disordcrlie  marriage  aforesaid  in  his 
journey  towards  Ireland,  and  that  there  was  little  hopes  of  his  return  to 
this  countrey. 

Referres  of  the  Synod  of  Abel:  holden  in  Apryle  1681. 

At  Old  Aberdein  Aprilis  20. 

The  Presbytrie  book  of  Alfoord,  and  bretheren  of  the  Presbytrie  are 
approven. 

Anent  James  Coulie,  in  the  parish  of  Keig,  under  sentence  of  the 
lesser  excommunication,  and  contumacious  to  the  discipline,  it  is  appoin 
ted  that  he  get  one  publick  admonition  and  three  publick  prayers,  in 
order  to  the  pronouncing  the  greater  sentence  against  him,  and  the  pro 
cess  being  thus  closed,  it  is  to  be  sent  in  to  the  Bishop,  for  receiving  order 
to  pronounce  the  said  sentence,  and  that  the  same  method  be  followed  to 
Janet  Anton  in  Clat,  providing  always  that  there  be  some  new  evidence 
of  scandall  made  out  against  her,  and  that  this  be  intimat  unto  her. 

The  Bishop  and  Synod  taking  to  their  consideration,  the  matter 
anent  the  scandalous  report  which  hath  been  spread  through  the  coun 
trey,  of  prophane  carriage  in  the  laird  of  Glenbucket's  house  at  Christ- 
mass,  did  appoint,  for  clearing  that  affaire,  that  there  be  a  visitation  kept 
at  the  Kirk  of  Glenbucket  upon  the  third  Wednesday  of  May  next,  and 
that,  together  to  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord,  the  brethren  after  named  do 
meet  viz. :  Mr.  Robert  Reid,  moderator  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Kincardin, 
Mr.  John  Keith  at  Birse,  Mr.  John  Forbes  at  Coldstone,  Mr.  James 
Strachane,  moderator  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Gareoch,  Mr.  John  Burnet  at 
Monimusk,  Mr.  Alexander  Mowat  at  Leslie,  and  Mr.  Arthur  Strachan  at 
Mortlich,  and  for  this  end,  a  commission  is  to  be  granted  to  the  said 
bretheren,  and  precepts  are  to  be  issued  forth  by  the  Bishop  for  citing 
both  parties  and  witnesses  against  that  dyet,  and  they  are  to  give  in 
report  of  their  diligence  with  the  first  occasion. 

It  is  appointed  by  the  Bishop  and  Synod  that  all  expectants  shall 
exercise  per  vices,  befor  their  respective  Presbytries,  which  if  anie  of 
them  shall  decline,  or  refuse  to  do  when  requyred  thereunto,  it  is  appoin 
ted  that,  if  they  have  received  licence  for  preaching  from  the  Bishop  of 


326  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [l68l 

this  Diocess,  that  their  licence  be  called  back  from  them,  and  they  inhibit 
to  preach  within  the  Diocess  ;  if  they  be  such  as  have  to  be  licensed  by 
the  Primat,  it  is  ordained  that,  if  thereafter  they  shall  be  presented  to  a 
church  within  this  Diocess,  befor  ever  they  be  recommended  for  tryall  in 
order  to  the  ministric,  they  be  appointed  to  exercise  befor  that  Presbytrie 
where  formerlie  they  declined  the  exercise,  and  that  either  once  or  twice, 
as  the  Presbytrie  shall  think  fit. 

It  is  appointed  that,  when  anie  delinquents  are  referred  by  a  Session 
to  a  Presbytrie,  in  order  to  absolution,  the  minister  give  ane  account  to 
the  Presbytrie  of  the  severall  dyets  of  their  publick  appearances  befor  the 
congregation,  and  that  single  adulterers  appeare  in  publick  for  the  space 
of  halfe  a  year  professing  repentance,  befor  they  be  absolved,  and  that 
relapsers  in  adulterie  do  appeare  for  the  space  of  a  whole  year,  and  if  a 
Presbytrie  shall  find  just  cause  at  anie  tyme  for  abridgeing  the  dyets  of 
their  appearances,  yet  that  no  adulterers  shall  be  absolved  under  a  quar 
ter  of  a  year's  publick  appearances  at  least. 

(Here  follow  regulations  as  to  other  cases  of  discipline.) 

It  is  appointed  that  the  Collector  of  the  Centesima  give  up  a  list  of  the 
names  of  such  ministers  within  this  Diocess,  as  have  not  as  yet  sub 
scribed  the  bond  for  the  said  annuitie,  that  their  names  may  be  sent  out 
with  the  referres  of  the  Synod,  that  their  respective  Presbytries  may 
require  them  to  subscribe  the  bond  and  pay  accordinglie ;  as  also,  it  is 
appointed  that  legall  diligence  be  used  by  the  Collector  against  those 
who  have  subscribed  the  bond,  and  have  not  payed  conforme. 

Indigent  persons  recommended  to  the  charitable  supplie  of  the 
severall  congregations  of  this  Diocess,  are  Margaret  Forbes,  ane  old 
distressed  woman,  diseased  of  the  cancer,  Mr.  Alexander  Lynd,  some- 
tyme  Schoolmaster  at  Methlick,  now  paralytick,  William  Davy  in  the 
Presbytrie  of  Fordyce,  paralytick. 

It  is  appointed  that  no  absents  from  the  Synod  be  at  any  tyme 
excused,  except  they  pay  their  publick  cleues  to  the  Clerk  and  janitor, 
and  the  supplie  for  Mr.  John  Irvine. 

(Here  list  of  fugitives  from  Church  discipline.) 

Names  of  such  as  have  not  subscribed  the  bond  for  the  Centesima, 
Mr.  William  Garioch  at  Forbes,  Mr.  James  Irvine  at  Cabrach. 

At  Old  Aberdein  Aprilis  20. 
[Next  meeting  of  Presbytery.] 


l68l]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  327 

At  Glenbucket  May  18  (1681). 

The  minister  of  Keig  preached  upon  Ecclesiastes  11.9.  After  sermon, 
the  bretheren  conveined  with  Mr.  John  Keith,  minister  at  Birse,  Mr.  John 
Forbes  at  Coldston,  Mr.  Alexander  Mowat  at  Leslie,  inquired  into  a 
scandall  supposed  to  be  committed  in  the  laird  of  Glenbucket  his  house, 
upon  the  25  and  27  of  December,  and  appointed  ane  account  of  that 
tryall  to  be  sent  in  to  their  Ordinarie,  with  the  first  conveniencie. 

At  Alfoorcl  June  I  (1681). 

Mr.  John  Robertson  delivered  his  Exegesis,  De  operum  bonorum 
meritis,  &c 

[The  feast  of  His  Majestie's  Nativitie,  and  Restauration  May  29, 
observed.] 

The  moderator  reported  that  Janet  Anton,  whilst  she  was  petitioning 
to  be  admitted  to  the  profession  of  repentance,  was  convict  of  cursing  her 
neighbour  with  a  dreadful  imprecation,  upon  the  Lord's  day,  that  she 
gave  no  signes  nor  evidences  of  true  repentance,  speaking  to  the  minister 
disdainfullie,  or  none  at  all.  Wherupon  it  is  appointed  a  process  be 
commenced  against  her,  in  order  to  the  sentence  of  the  greater  excom 
munication. 

Mr.  William  Johnston  presented  a  letter  from  our  Ordinarie,  appoint 
ing  him  a  questionarie  tryall  and  popular  sermon,  in  order  to  a  licence 
for  publicklie  preaching,  the  foresaid  Mr.  William  producing  testimonies 
from  the  Professor  of  Divinitie.  It  is  appointed  he  sustaine  a  question 
arie  tryall  the  next  day,  and  the  1 1  and  1 2  Centuries  are  prescribed  to 
him. 

At  Alfoord  June  15  (1681). 

Mr.  John  Robertson  exercised  on  I  Corinthians  i.  23,  and  in  respect 
Mr.  William  Johnston  was  sick,  and  not  able  to  travell,  he  sustained  dis 
pute  upon  the  theses  formerlie  distribut,  and  was  approven.  Moreover 
the  said  Mr.  John  did  intreat  the  bretheren  of  the  meeting,  that,  in  respect 
he  had  preached  in  most  of  the  pulpits,  his  popular  sermon  might  be 
superseded,  which  being  granted,  the  bretheren  did  reflect  upon  the 
steps  of  his  tryals,  in  all  which  he  was  approven  by  the  pluralitie  of  them 


328  RECORDS   OV   THE    MEETING  [l68l 

that  were  present,  and  by  them  recommended  to  the  Lord  Bishop  for 
ordination. 


At  Alfoord  Julie  13,  (1681). 

There  was  no  exercise. 

The  moderator  enquyred  whether  the  bretheren  present  had  receaved 
and  publicklie  read  the  Council's  proclamation,  enjoyning  the  observance 
of  a  religious  fast  for  averting  the  wrath  of  God  threatned  against  their 
land,  and  for  obtaining  his  blessing  upon  the  ensueing  parliament,  and  all 
that  were  present  declared  they  had  tymouslie  receaved  and  publicklie 
read  the  foresaicl  proclamation,  and,  in  obedience  thereto,  had  religiouslie 
observed  the  foresaid  fast. 


At  Alfoord  August  10,  (1681). 

The  minister  of  Auchendore  had  a  discourse  concerning  ministeriall 
duties  &c 

[Privie  censure  passed  upon  the  bretheren  present.] 

Mr.  John  Robertson  desired  it  might  be  recorded  that  he  was  institut 
minister  at  Strathdone,  Julii  24.  It  is  recommended  to  the  said  Mr.  John 
to  call  for  the  Session  book  of  Strathdone,  and  to  bring  ane  account  of 
the  referres  to  the  next  meeting. 

Mr.  William  Johnston  sustained  the  qucstionaric  tryall,  and  the  tryall 
of  the  Languages,  &c. 


At  Alfoord  August  24,  (1681). 

Mr.  William  Johnston  preached  on  i  Peter  i.  17,  and  being  approven 
in  this  and  the  other  tryall,  is  recommended  to  the  Lord  Bishop,  to 
obtaine  a  licence  in  order  to  publick  preaching. 


At  Alfoord  September  21,  (1681). 
The  minister  of  Glenbucket  exercised,  &c. 


1682]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  329 

[Communion  had  been  observed.] 

Most  of  the  bretheren  had  payed  the  bursar. 

The  ministers  who  had  not  signed  the  bond  of  mortifications  for 
ministers'  widows,  promised  to  pay  in  their  Centcsiuia  at  the  ensuing 
Synod. 

Mr.  Andrew  Abcrcrombie,  late  minister  of  Strathdone,  presented  a 
bond  of  ane  hundreth  pound,  mortified  for  the  use  of  the  poor  of  the 
parish  of  Strathdone  by  Arthur  Forbes  of  Glencarvie,  which  bond  was 
delivered  to  Mr.  John  Robertson,  present  minister  at  Strathdone,  to 
whom  it  was  recommend  to  secure  the  forcsaid  mortification,  as  he  would 
be  answerable  to  his  superiors. 

(Here  is  given  list  of  fugitives  from  discipline.) 

It  was  found,  upon  enquirie,  that  the  names  of  all  the  fugitives  con 
tained  in  the  referres  of  the  Synod,  are  publicklie  intimat  from  all  the 
pulpits  within  this  Presbytrie. 

[The  indigent  persons  supplied.] 

Wil:  Garioch,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytric  of  Alfoord. 

At  Old  Aberdeine,  October  12,  1681. 

The  bretheren  of  the  Presbytrie  mctt,  and  finding  that  Mr.  William 
Johnston,  who  was  formerlie  appointed  to  distribute  his  theses  De  Ttsibi- 
litate  Ecclesiac  at  this  meeting,  was  not  present,  thought  fit  to  alter  the 
tryall  formerlie  prescribed,  and  to  appoint  him  to  have  anc  Exercise  and 
Addition  on  I  Corinthians  I.  25,  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Presbytrie  at 
Alfoord. 

At  Alfoord  November  16,  (1681). 

Mr.  William  Johnston  had  anc  Exercise  and  Addition,  &c 

By  reason  of  the  stormines  and  other  important  considerations,  there 
was  no  discipline,  save  the  case  of  a  woman  who  appeared  in  sackcloath 
supplicating  absolution,  and  who  was  referred  to  the  minister  and  Session 
of  Tullincssell  for  that  effect. 

At  Alfoord  Martii  8,  1682. 

Mr.  William  Johnston  not  being  as  yet  cleared  of  his  scruples  anent 
TT 


33O  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1682 

the  Test,  was  not  present,  but  Mr.  Alexander  Broune  presented  by  the 
Earle  of  Marr  to  the  Church  of  Cabrach,  being  recommended  by  our  late 
Ordinarie  for  passing  the  tryall  of  a  popular  sermon  befor  the  Presbytric 
(which  recommendation  was  directed  to  the  Moderator,  and  he  therin 
appointed  to  prescribe  him  a  text  for  the  said  tryall)  had  a  popular  ser 
mon  on  Isaiah  26.  3,  and  was  approven  ;  and  the  said  Mr.  Alexander 
having  formerlie  sustained  the  other  points  of  the  tryall  befor  the  Lord 
Bishop  and  brethercn  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Aberdein,  was  recommended 
to  the  Lord  Primate. 

No  account  of  the  referres  of  Keig,  Clat,  Lochell,  in  respect  of  the 
vacancie  of  these  places. 

There  were  onlie  present,  &c 

[In  regard  of  the  storminess  of  the  day,  few  present] 


At  Alfoord  March  29,  (1682). 

Mr.  John  Patton,  Professor  of  Philosophic,  and  preacher  of  the  gospell, 
being  recommended  by  the  Lord  Primate,  for  passing  the  tryall  of  a 
popular  sermon  befor  the  Presbytrie,  in  order  to  his  entrie  to  the  exercise 
of  the  ministrie  at  the  Church  of  Leochell  (which  recommendation  came 
into  the  moderator's  hands  shortlie  after  the  last  meeting  of  the  Presby 
trie,  he  had  prescribed  a  text  to  the  said  Mr.  John  Patton  for  his  tryall, 
to  be  receaved  this  day,  in  regard  there  was  no  exercise  formerlie  appoin 
ted)  had  a  popular  sermon  on  Ephesians  4.  30,  and  was  approven,  and  by 
order  from  the  Lord  Primate,  was  recommended  to  His  Grace  for  ordina 
tion. 


At  Alfoord  Aprilc  26,  (1682). 

There  was  no  exercise. 

[Supply  for  the  vacancy  of  Keig.] 

At  Alfoord  May  24,  (1682). 
The  moderator  presented  a  letter,  directed  to  him  from  Mr.  George 


1 682]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFOR1).  33! 

Midleton,  Sub-principall  of  the  King's  Collcdge,  bearing  that  he  had 
spoken  to  our  elect  Bishop,  anent  Mr.  William  Johnston  his  proceeding 
in  tryals,  in  order  to  his  entering  the  office  of  the  ministerie  at  the  church 
of  Kearne,  and  that  it  was  his  opinion,  and  desire,  that  the  Presbyterie 
should  cause  him  proceed  in  his  tryals,  notwithstanding  he  had  not  as 
yet  obeyed  the  law  in  taking  the  Test.  Wherupon  the  said  Mr.  William 
being  present,  and  desiring  that  he  might  deliver  his  Exegesis  De  visi- 
bilitate  Ecclesiae,  which  was  formerlie  appointed,  and  sustaine  dispute 
thereupon  this  day,  having  formerlie  distribute  his  theses,  the  brethren, 
taking  to  consideration  the  long  vacancie  of  the  Church  of  Kearne, 
granted  his  desire,  in  both  which  tryals,  and  others  heretofore  submitted 
by  him,  he  was  approver),  and  appointed  to  have  a  recommendation  to 
the  elect  Bishop  for  ordination. 
[Supplies  for  vacancy  at  Keig.] 


At  Alfoord  June  21,  (1682). 

The  minister  of  Tough  had  ane  Exercise  and  Addition  &c. 
[Supply  for  the  vacancy  of  Keig.] 

The  ministers  of  Clat  and  Cabrach  reported  that  they  had  received 
institution  to  their  respective  churches,  upon  the  30'"  day  of  Apryll  last. 
[The  29th  of  May  observed.] 


At  Alfoord  Julie  19,  (1682). 

There  was  no  exercise,  in  respect  the  minister  of  Alfoord  reported, 
that  he  was  under  advertisement  to  assist  his  brother  in  giving  the  holy 
communion,  and  therefore  could  not  be  in  readines  to  have  the  exercise 
at  this  dyet. 

[Supply  for  the  vacancie  of  Keig.] 


At  Alfoord  August  16,  (1682). 

The  minister  of  Alfoord  had  ane  Exercise  and  Addition  &c. 
[Supply  for  Keig  vacancy.] 


332  KKCOKDS    OF    TIIK    MKKT1NO  [l682 

At  Alfoord  September  13,  (1682). 

There  was  no  exercise,  in  respect  the  speaker  came  not  tymouslie, 
through  indisposition  of  body. 

The  minister  of  Glut  reported  that  he  \vas  informed  by  the  elders  of 
the  Session,  that  the  late  minister  had  absolved  Janet  Anton,  being  in 
extremis  as  was  supposed,  but  now  she  being  recovered  had  offered  satis 
faction  to  their  discipline,  and  was  delayed  for  a  tyme,  because  of  the 
many  new  emergent  delinquencies  in  that  place. 

Ancnt  Anna  Thomson  in  Forbes,  the  minister  reported  that  she  had 
several!  tymes  offered  her  oath,  but  he  was  loath  to  tender  ane  oath  unto 
her,  in  regard  she  was  scarce  compos  mentis.  The  Presbytrie  considering 
his  declaration  thought  fit  in  that  caice  to  dispense  with  it,  and  gave 
order  for  her  absolution. 

[Supply  for  Keig  vacancy.     At  next  meeting  the  privie  censure.] 


At  Alfoord  September  27  (1682). 

The    minister    of  Cushnie    had   a    discourse    concerning    ministerial! 

duties,  &c 

[Privio  censure  p-.issed  upon  the  brethercn.] 


At  Old  Abd:  October  11  (1682). 

The  bretheren  met  i:i  King's  Golledge  Church,  and  the  moderator 
reported  that  the  Lord  Bishop  had  recommended  to  them  Mr.  Andrew 
Livingston,  preacher  of  the  gospcll,  and  Chaplaine  to  the  Karle  of  Kintor, 
in  whose  favours  he  had  received  a  presentation  to  the  Church  of  Keig, 
from  the  Lord  Bishop  of  Dumblane,  undoubted  patron  thereof,  for  pass 
ing  his  tryals,  in  order  to  his  entry  to  the  charge  of  the  ministery  thereat. 
Wherfor  the  bretheren  did  appoint  that  the  said  Mr.  Andrew  should 
sustaine  the  tryall  of  the  Languages  at  the  next  meeting,  which  is 
appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord  November  I. 

Refcrres  of  the  Provincial!  Synod  of  Abd:  holden  at  the  King's 
Colledge  Church,  by  ane  Right  Reverend  Father  in  God,  George,  Lord 
Bishop  of  Abd:,  and  begun  upon  the  tenth  day  of  October  1682. 


I0o2j  OE   THE    EXERCISE   OE   ALEORI). 

Sessio  prima  ante  meridiem. 

After  sermon  had  in  the  Cathedral  Church  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  &c. 
the  Lord  Bishop  does  hereby  recommend  to  all  the 
bretheren  of  this  Diocess,  to  be  carefull  in  observing  the  dyets  of  the 
Synods  punctallie  in  all  tyme  coming,  as  they  will  be  answerable.  There 
after  bretheren  were  appointed  for  the  privic  censure,  and  for  visiting  the 
Presbytrie  books. 

Sess:  2'.  post  meridiem. 

The  Lord  Bishop  did  represent  that  he  having  received  from  Mr. 
George  Meldrum,  Collector  of  the  Centesima,  his  accompts  of  his  intro 
missions  with  the  said  annuitie,  both  Discharge  and  Charge,  it  had  been 
recommended  to  some  bretheren  of  the  conference  to  examine  the  said 
accompts,  and  give  in  their  report  at  this  Session  of  the  Synod.  Wher- 
upon  the  brethren  did  represent,  that  they,  having  accordinglic  visited 
the  said  accompts,  had  found  that  there  had  been  a  mistake  in  casting 
up  the  accompts  of  the  said  Centesima  in  Apryle  81,  and  that  the  said 
Collector  had  been  thereby  burthened  with  about  40  pounds  more  than 
he  had  reallie  received  ;  as  also  they  reported  that  the  whole  summ  of 
what  had  been  collected  by  the  said  Mr.  George,  since  the  first  enacting 
of  the  Centesima,  is  two  thousand,  two  hundreth,  nintie  and  nyne  pounds, 
and  thrcttein  shillings  Scots,  and  that  the  discharge  of  the  foresaid 
summ,  conforme  to  the  particulars  contained  in  his  accompts,  is  two 
thousand,  two  hundreth,  and  eightie  pounds,  twelve  shillings,  and  eight 
pennies  Scots  money,  so  that  there  remains  in  his  hands  as  yet  nynteen 
pounds,  four  pennies  Scots,  and  it  being  found  that  the  said  Collector 
had  caused  transcribe  from  his  accompts  a  just  accompt  of  what  everie 
minister  in  their  respective  Presbytries  have  payd  of  the  said  annuitie, 
together  with  a  note  of  such  as  have  cither  not  subscribed  the  bond,  or 
not  payed  anie  thing  of  the  said  Centesima,  and  delivered  the  list  to  the 
severall  moderators,  it  was  enquyred  if  there  were  anie  of  the  bretheren 
of  the  Synod,  who  did  question  anie  of  the  particulars  of  the  said 
accompts.  Wherupon  the  whole  bretheren  of  the  Synod  did  heartilie 
approve  of  the  said  accompts.  And  by  reason  that  Mr.  George  Meldrum 
Collector  foresaid  doth  earnestly  desire  to  be  exonerated  of  that  burthen, 
and  that  another  Collector  may  be  established  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and 


334  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1682 

Synod,  and  that  he  may  be  discharged  of  hi.s  whole  intromissions  with 
the  said  annuitic,  thcrfor  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  with  unanimous 
consent,  did  nominat  and  choice  Mr.  George  Inncs,  parson  of  Bclhelvie, 
to  be  Collector  of  the  said  annuitie  in  tymc  corning,  and  did  recom 
mend  to  the  said  Mr.  George  to  receive  from  Mr.  George  Mcldrum  the 
whole  bonds,  and  other  papers  of  the  said  Centcsiina  ;  as  also  the  Lord 
Bishop  and  Synod  do  appoint  that  there  be  a  discharge  drawn  up,  in  as 
ample  forme  as  shall  be  neidfull,  by  the  advice  of  men  of  law,  for  exon 
erating  the  said  Mr.  George  Meldrum  of  his  whole  intromissions  with 
the  said  annuitie. 

It  is  appointed  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  that  such  bretheren 
as  have  not  yet  subscribed  the  bond  for  the  Centesima,  doe  subscribe  the 
same  befor  the  dissolving  of  this  Synod,  whether  they  be  such  as  have 
latelie  entered  to  the  ministrie,  or  any  others. 

It  being  represented  that  there  are  some  ministers,  who,  having  payed 
in  seven  years  together  of  the  said  annuitie,  have  since  that  tyme  removed 
from  their  charges,  by  reason  of  their  not  taking  the  Test,  the  Lord 
Bishop  did  ordaine,  that  the  Collector  shall  refound  to  them  whatever  is 
over  and  above  the  yeirlie  annuitie  of  their  stipends,  during  the  tyme  they 
did  enjoy  their  places.  And  seeing  there  are  others  who,  although  they 
subscribed  the  bond  for  the  Centesima^  yet,  in  their  lifetyme  payed  nothing 
thereof,  and  are  now  deceast  being  in  bonts,  leaving  neither  widow  nor 
children  behind  them,  therfor  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  did  ordaine 
that  the  Collector  should  requyre  the  said  annuitie  from  their  executors. 

It  is  recommended  to  the  bretheren  of  the  Synod,  that  they  pay 
Mr.  John  Irvine  his  contribution  condescended  unto  by  former  Acts  of 
Synod  ;  as  also  it  is  represented  to  the  severall  Presbytries  to  be  carefull 
in  paying  their  bursars  of  Divinitie  tymouslie. 

It  is  appointed  that,  in  tyme  coming,  there  be  sermon  upon  the 
second  day  of  each  Synod,  and  for  this  end,  that  one  be  nominat  by  the 
Lord  Bishop,  out  of  the  respective  Presbytries  per  vices,  for  preaching  at 
the  foresaid  dyet,  and  Mr.  John  Menzies,  Professor  of  Divinitie,  is  nomi 
nat  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  to  preach  upon  the  second  day  of  the  next 
Synod  in  Apryle. 

Sess  :  3°.     Ante  meridiem,  Octobris  u. 
It  being  represented  to  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  how  much  the 


1682]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  335 

Lord's  day  is  prophaned  by  salmond  fishing,  carrying  of  loads,  travelling 
to  mercats,  feying  of  servants,  making  of  other  bargaines  and  civill  con 
tracts,  and  many  such  other  abuses,  and  being  deeplie  sensible  of  the 
dishonour  done  to  God  thereby,  the  contempt  of  religion,  the  great  scan- 
dall  given  to  others  ;  and  finding  that  there  have  been  many  laudable 
Acts  of  Parliament  made  for  restraining  these  abuses,  particularly  the 
19  Act  of  the  first  Session  of  the  2".  Parl:  of  K.  Charles  the  2tl.,  inhibiting 
all  salmond  fishing,  going  of  salt  pans,  milnes  or  kils,  all  hyring  of  ser 
vants,  carrying  of  loads,  keeping  of  mercats,  or  using  anie  sort  of 
merchandise  on  the  said  day,  and  all  other  prophanation  thereof  what 
soever,  under  the  penaltie  and  pecuniall  mulcts  contained  in  the  said 
Act;  and  seeing  by  the  22d.  Act  of  the  third  Session  of  the  3".  Parl:  of 
our  gracious  sovereigne,  power  is  given  to  all  the  Sherriffs,  commission 
ers,  or  anie  other  judges  specified  in  the  said  Act,  who  reside  in  anie 
parish,  and  in  parishes  where  none  of  these  reside,  to  a  person  nominat 
by  the  minister,  Kirk-Session,  and  the  major  part  of  the  heritors,  con- 
veined  by  publick  intimation  from  the  minister,  the  said  person  being 
presented  to  the  Sherriff,  commissar,  or  anie  other  judge  specified  in  the 
said  Act,  and  deputed  by  them  for  that  effect,  to  conveine  the  trans 
gressors  of  the  foresaid  Statute,  and  to  judge  in  them  according  to  law, 
and  this  besides  the  exercise  of  church  discipline,  according  to  the  lawes 
and  practise  used  in  this  church;  and  finding  that  there  have  been 
severall  Acts  of  Synod  alreadie  made,  cnjoyning  the  censures  of  the 
church  to  be  severly  execute  against  the  profaners  of  the  Lord's  day,  it 
is  therfor  recommended  to  the  severall  bretheren  within  this  Diocess,  not 
onlie  that  they  testifie  against  those  abuses,  and  seriouslie  dehort  the 
people  from  them  in  their  publick  sermons  and  private  dealings  with 
them,  but  that  also  they  be  strict  in  executing  the  censures  of  the  church 
against  such  offenders,  and  that  they  seek  the  concurrence  of  the  Civill 
power  to  restraine  them  as  the  laws  of  the  land  do  allow,  and  that  pub- 
lick  intimation  of  this  be  made  to  the  people  of  the  respective  parish 
Churches,  and  report  made  at  the  next  Synod. 

It  being  represented  to  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  that,  notwith 
standing  the  severall  Acts  of  Synod  formerlie  made,  appointing  the  mini 
ster  of  each  parish  to  cause  give  up  to  the  commissar,  or  his  procurator 
fiscall,  ane  exact  list  of  the  cleccast  persons  within  their  congregations, 
yet  manic  are  wanting  herein,  therfor  the  former  Acts  of  the  Synod  made 


336  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1682 

theranent  are  hereby  renewed,  and  it  is  recommended  to  the  severall 
ministers,  to  cause  the  Clerks  of  their  Sessions  draw  up  a  list  of  their 
defunct  each  half  ycir,  with  their  conditions  and  qualities,  to  be  exhibited, 
that  he  may  accordinglie  know  how  to  proceed  against  their  executors. 

The  Lord  Bishop  doth  hereby  continue  the  moderators  of  the  respec 
tive  Prcsbytrie:-.  as  they  are  at  this  Synod,  viz.  for  Alfoord  Mr.  William 
Thomson  at  Auchendore,  and  in  his  absence  Mr.  Andrew  J affray  at 
Alfoord. 

The  bretheren  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord  being  removed,  in  order 
to  privie  censure,  had  a  good  testimonic,  and  was  approvcn. 

[Collection  for  building  the  harbour  at  Rosehartie.  Contributions 
appointed  by  Act  of  Secret  Councill,  for  building  the  bridge  of  Inverness, 
for  reliefe  of  the  Inverness  prisoners  taken  by  the  Turks,  and  for  repairing 
the  harbours  of  Peterhead,  and  Stonehyve,  and  Portsoy.  Contribution 
to  Mr.  Al.  Lind,  somctymc  Schoolmaster  at  Methlick.] 

Since  the  dissolving  of  the  Synod,  the  Lord  Bishop  thought  fit  hereby 
to  recommend  unto  all  the  brethren  of  this  Diocess,  to  be  observant  in 
saying  the  Lord's  prayer,  and  singing  the  doxologic  at  the  publick 
worship  in  their  respective  congregations,  as  also  that  they  be  carcfull 
when  anie  parents  or  others  present  children  to  baptisme,  to  cause  them 
make  a  solemne  profession  of  their  faith  ;  as  likewise  that  all  be  observant 
of  the  29  of  May,  as  the  same  is  appointed  to  be  kept  by  authority  ;  in 
like  manner  that  all  be  carefull  in  observing  the  order  and  practise  of  the 
Church  anent  marriages,  viz.  that  no  persons  be  married  without  licence 
from  the  Bishop,  except  they  be  three  severall  Lord's  dayes  publicklie 
proclaimed  befor  the  congregation,  and  that  none  be  proclaimed  thrice  in 
one  day,  and  that  no  minister  take  upon  them  to  dispense  with  the 
publick  appearance  of  delinquents  for  evidencing  their  repentance,  by 
making  a  commutation  for  a  sum  of  money,  or  anie  other  way,  and  that 
no  minister  indict  anie  publick  Fasts  in  their  respective  congregations, 
except  such  as  are  alreadic  appointed  by  the  Church,  and  that  accounts 
be  given  in  the  respective  Presbytrie  books  at  the  privie  censure  if  all  the 
bretheren  do  observe  these  things  above  recommended. 

[List  of  fugitives  from  discipline.] 

At  Alfoord  October  I,  1682. 
Mr.  Andrew  Livingston  sustained  the  tryall  of  the  Languages,  &c.  .  .  . 


l682]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OE   ALFORD.  337 

[Supply  for  Keig  vacancy.] 

The  minister  of  Kcnncthmont  being  present,  was  cnquyrecl  by  the 
moderator  the  reason  of  his  long  absence  from  the  Presbytrie,  answered, 
that  for  the  most  part  of  the  tyme  he  had  been  absent,  he  was  scarce  able' 
to  preach  to  the  people,  let  be  to  travcll  to  the  Presbytrie,  being  visited 
by  sicknes,  therfor  he  is  excused,  but  exhorted  to  attend  the  meetings  of 
the  Presbytrie  better  hereafter,  which  he  promised  to  doe. 

At  Alfoord  November  29,  (1682). 

Mr.  Andrew  Livingston  sustained  the  questionaric  tryall,  &c. 
[Supply  for  Keig  vacancy.] 


At  Alfoord  December  20,  (1682). 

Mr.  Andrew  Livingston  handled  the  head  De  universali  redemptions 
&c 

The  next  meeting  is  appointed  to  be  this  day  moneth,  and  in  regard 
the  moderator  had  received  a  line  from  the  Lord  Bishop,  desiring  that 
the  tryals  of  the  said  Mr.  Livingston  may  be  expedc  with  all  conveniencic, 
therfor  he  is  appointed  to  have  anc  Exercise  and  Addition  on  i  Cor 
inthians  i.  29,  and  also  to  sustaine  a  dispute  upon  his  theses  de  dicto 
subjecto. 

[Case  of  "  horrid  imprecations  and  cursing."] 

The  moderator  reported  that  he  had  received  the  rcfcrrcs  of  the  late 

Synod,  from  the  Clerk  therof,  which were  recommended 

to  all  ^for  observance,  and  particular-lie  these  [Anent  "  the  annuitie  of 
the  ministers  stipends,  collections  for  pious  uses,  and  indigent  persons, 
the  payment  of  the  bursar,  and  Mr.  John  Irvine  his  contribution."] 

The  bretheren  finding  great  necessity  for  intimating  the  late  Act  of 
the  Synod,  made  against  the  prophanation  of  the  Lord's  day,  thought  fit 
that  the  samync  should  be  publicklie  intimat  to  the  people  of  the 
respective  parish  churches  within  this  Exercise,  and  after  intimation, 
seriouslie  and  gravelie  recommended  to  them  for  observance,  on  Lord's 
day  come  eight,  dayes,  and  the  ministers  now  absent  to  be  acquainted  by 


UU 


338  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1683 

a  line  from  the  moderator  of  this  ordinance,  and  report  thcrof  to  be  given 
in  at  the  next  meeting. 

[Supply  for  the  vacancie  of  Kcig. 


At  Alfoord  Januarii  17,  1683. 

Mr.  Andrew  Livingston  had  ane  Exercise  and  Addition,  also  sustained 
dispute  De  universal:  rcdcinptionc  &c.  ...... 

The  moderator  enquyred  of  the  respective  bretheren,  if 

[Act  of  Synod  on  prophanation  of  the  Lord's  day,  was  intimated.] 


At  Alfoord  Februarii  14,  1683. 

Mr.  Andrew  Livingston  delivered  a  popular  sermon  from  John  5.  40, 
and  was  approven  in  this,  and  all  the  former  tryals,  and  appointed  to 
have  a  recommendation  to  our  Ordinarie,  the  Lord  Bishop  of  Aberdeen 
for  ordination. 

[Supply  for  vacancie  of  Kcig.] 


At  Alfoord  Martii  7,  (1683). 
The  minister  of  Strathdone  exercised,  &c. 

At  Alfoord  March  28,  (1683). 

The  minister  of  Kinnethmount  had  a  discourse  concerning  pastorall 
duties,  &c. 

[Privy  censure  passed.] 

The  moderator  enquyred  of  the  respective  bretheren  if  they  had 
observed  the  referres  of  the  late  Synod,  and  particularlic  those  recom 
mended  to  the  bretheren  by  the  Lord  Bishop,  after  the  dissolving  of  the 
Synod  ;  and,  after  cnquyrie,  it  is  found  they  have  observed  them,  and 
promised  hereafter  duelie  to  observe  them. 


1683]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF  ALFORD.  339 

[The  scvcrall  brethren  were  again  reminded  of  the  Collections,  Centc- 
si>na>  and  Mr.  John  Irving.] 

[List  of  fugitives  from  discipline.] 

Wil:  Garioch,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytrie. 

At  the  King's  Colledge  Kirk,  Apryle  18,  1683. 
The  Presbytrie  book  of  Alfoord,  and  bretheren  approver). 

Mr.  Th:  Crevey,  Clerk  to  the  Synod. 

At  Old  Abd:  Apryle  18,  1683. 
The  bretheren  did  conveine,  &c. 

Referres  of  the  Dioccsian  Synod  of  Abd:  holden  by  the  Reverend 
Father  in  God,  George,  Lord  Bishop  of  Abd:,  and  begune  at  the  King's 
Colledge  Kirk,  the  scvcntenth  of  Aprill  1683. 

Aprill  Sess:  prima.     Ante  meridiem. 
After  the  sermon  had  by  the  Lord  Bishop  in  the  Cathedrall  Church, 


Sess:  2°.  post  meridiem. 

After  prayer,  the  catalogue  being  cited,  and  absents  noted,  the  Lord 
Bishop  and  Synod  thought  fitt  to  recommend  to  the  present  Collector  of 
the  Centesima  to  gather  in  such  moneys  therto  belonging  as  are  lent  out 
in  small  parcells,  that  they  may  be  lent  furth  unto  others  in  greater 
soumes,  upon  sufficient  securitie,  and  for  that  effect  it  is  appointed  that 
upon  advertisement  from  the  Collector,  the  moderators  of  the  severall 
Presbytries,  together  with  the  Professores  of  Divinitie,  and  ministers  of 
New  and  Old  Abd:  shall  meet  at  Abd:,  to  consult  ancnt  the  lending 
furth  and  secureing  of  the  moneys  foresaid,  with  power  to  them  to  adjurn 
their  meetings  as  they  shall  think  expedient,  and  anie  three  of  them,  with 


340  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1683 

the  Collector,  is  hereby  declared  to  be  a  quorum,  and  it  is  appointed  that 
such  of  the  bretheren  as  have  not  yet  subscrybed  the  bond  for  the  Ccnte- 
sinia  shall  doe  it  once  befor  the  ryseing  of  this  Synod. 

It  being  found  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  that,  in  obedience  to 
an  Act  of  the  former  Synod,  in  October  last,  the  respective  Presbytries 
had  berime  to  process  the  seditious  and  disorderlie  preachers,  and 
keepers  of  Conventicles  within  their  bounds,  but  the  process  was  not 
cariecl  on  to  any  considerable  length  against  them,  it  was  therfor  appoin 
ted  that  the  several!  Presbytries,  in  whose  bounds  any  of  these  preachers 
doc  reside,  shall  go  on  in  the  process  against  them,  and  that,  with  all  dili 
gence,  as  they  shall  be  answerable. 

The  Lord  Bishop  did  represent  that  he  had  given  in  a  petition  to  the 
lords  of  His  Majestie's  Privie  Counsell,  for  demolishing  the  Schoole  and 
meeting  hous,  which  the  quakers  had  built  in  the  parish  of  Kinkell, 
and  for  reformeing  their  insolencies  in  severall  other  places  within  this 
Diocess,  and  that  the  Counsell  had  referred  the  matter  to  be  examined 
by  the  provost  of  Abd:,  and  Shireff  of  the  Shyre,  and  had  promised  there 
after  to  give  order  for  restraining  these  abuses  ;  but  that  it  were  fitt  in 
lyke  manner  that  the  Church  should  doe  what  is  incumbent  to  them, 
in  provideing  against  such  disorderlie  persones  with  ecclesiasticall  cen 
sures  ;  and  therfor  it  is  appointed  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  that 
the  respective  Presbytries  within  this  Diocess  shall  furthwith  begin,  and 
carie  on  a  process  of  excommunication,  against  the  most  remarkable  and 
turbulent  of  the  quakers  in  their  bounds,  and  this  without  any  respect  of 
the  persones,  whatever  may  be  their  qualities  or  conditiones. 

It  is  recommended  to  the  severall  Presbytries  to  cause  record  in  their 
books,  that  their  meetings  are  constitute  by  prayer,  as  also  that  at  their 
first  meetings  after  each  Synod,  it  be  insert  in  their  books  who  is  modera 
tor,  and  who  is  clerk  of  the  Presbytrie. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  considering  that  there  have  been  many 
laudable  Acts  of  the  Synod  made  for  regulateing  the  discipline  within  this 
Diocess,  which,  notwithstanding,  are  cither  altogether  unknowne  to  some, 
or  little  observed  by  others,  and  therfor  that  it  was  fit  that  the  said  Acts 
were  revised,  and  drawne  up  in  one  boundle  together,  and  copies  therof 
transmitcd  to  the  severall  Presbytries,  for  being  a  rule  of  their  discipline 
in  tyme  comeing,  did  therfor  appoint  that  the  moderators  of  the  respective 
Presbytries,  together  with  the  Professors  of  Divinitie,  and  ministers  of 


1683]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFOKD.  34! 

New  and  Old  Abel.,  Banchric  Devcnick,  and  Turrcff,  shall  meet  with  the 
Clerk  of  the  Synod,  upon  the  second  Tuesday  of  June  next,  for  reviseing 
the  wholl  Acts  of  this  Synod  since  the  resolution  of  the  government, 
which  are  of  severall  concernment,  and  for  considering  what  they  find 
neidfull  to  be  altered  in  these  Acts,  or  added  therunto,  with  power  to  the 
forsaid  bretheren  to  adjurn  their  meetings,  and  to  constitute  a  quorum  as 
they  shall  think  ntt,  and  to  make  report  of  the  diligence  at  the  Synod. 

It  is  appointed  that  the  severall  moderators  receave  from  their 
respective  bretheren  a  just  list  of  the  haill  papists,  quakers,  and  other 
disorderly  persons  within  their  bounds,  and  cause  the  Clerk  of  the 
Prcsbytrie  subscribe  the  same,  and  therafter  transmitt  it  to  the  Lord 
Bishop  and  Synod. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  considering  that  there  are  severall 
bretheren  within  the  Diocess,  who  are  frequently  absent  from  the  meet 
ings  of  the  Synod,  pretending  infirmitie  and  age  as  their  excuse,  who, 
notwithstanding,  doe  usualie  travcll  throw  the  countrey  at  other  tymes 
about  their  affaires  &c.,  thcrfor  ordaine  that  each  minister,  who  shall,  in 
tyme  comeing,  be  found  absent  from  the  Synod  without  a  relevant  excuse 
sustained  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  shall  pay  ten  merks  for  his 
absence  toties  quoties,  to  be  improved  for  pious  uses  as  the  Bishop  and 
Synod  shall  think  fitt  ;  and  this  besydes  ecclesiasticall  censures  to  be 
inflicted  on  them,  and  no  excuse  is  to  be  admitted  from  any  of  the 
absents,  unless  they  pay  in  their  publick  deues.  And  it  is  moreover  ap 
pointed  that  the  bretheren  after  named  shall  be  cited  to  the  next  Synod 
in  October  literally,  with  certiiicatione  of  severe  censure  if  they  compeir 
not,  viz.  Mr.  John  Ferries  at  Tulloch,  Mr.  Alexander  Ewan  at  Pitsligo, 
Mr.  John  Jamieson  at  Fyvie. 

April  1 8.  Sess :  3°.  Ante  meridiem. 

After  prayer  had  in  the  Cathedrall  Church  by  Mr.  John  Menzies, 
Professor  of  Divinitie,  the  bretheren  of  the  Synod  did  meet,  and  after 
prayer,  the  Catalogue  was  cited,  and  absents  noted. 

Compeired  befor  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  Mr.  Alexander  Robert 
son,  toun  Clerk  of  Abd.,  and  -Walter  Gorclone,  merchand  there,  as  being 
commissionat  by  the  Town  Counsell  of  the  said  burgh,  and  did  represent 
that  the  Lords  of  His  Majestie's  Trivie  Counsell  had  been  pleased  to 


342  KKCOUDS    OF    TIIK    MKKTINC  [1683 

grant  a  warrant  and  order  for  a  voluntaric  contribution  to  be  gathered 
throughout  all  this  kingdome,  for  rcpaireing  of  the  harbour  and  bulwark 
of  Abd.,  and  therfor  did  supplicat  that  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod 
would  recommend  the  foresaid  contributione  to  the  sevcrall  ministers 
within  this  Dioccss,  to  make  intimatione  of  the  said  contributione  to 
their  respective  congregationcs,  and  for  that  effect  it  is  appointed  that 
printed  copies  of  the  said  Act  of  Secret  Counsell  be  delivered  to  the 
moderators  of  the  Presbytrics,  to  be  by  them  distributed  among  their 
bretheren. 

It  is  recommended  to  the  severall  Prcsbytries  to  be  diligent  in  going 
about  the  visitation  of  kirks  within  their  bounds,  conforme  to  the  Act  of 
Synod  formerlie  made  theranent. 

It  is  appointed  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  that  no  privat  minis 
ters  doe  give  general!  recommendations  for  supplie,  to  any  persones 
whatsomever,  as  they  shall  be  answerable. 

It  is  appointed  that  the  severall  1'resbytries  call  befor  them  such 
Schoolmasters  and  Chaplans  as  have  not  taken  the  Test,  and  administer 
the  same  unto  them. 

It  is  appointed  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  that  no  young  men, 
who  have  not  formerlie  been  admitted  to  the  ministrie,  shall  be  receaved 
to  any  Church  within  this  Dioccss,  except  they  first  pass  the  ordinarie 
and  usuall  tryalls  bcfor  the  Presbytries,  and  be  approven  and  recom 
mended  by  them  to  the  Bishop  for  reccaveing  collatione. 

It  is  appointed  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  that  there  be  an 
accompt  kept  upon  record,  in  the  respective  Presbytrie  books,  of  all 
divisiones  of  Churches  for  seats,  of  apretiationes  of  ministers'  manses,  of 
designations  of  gleeb,  grass,  foggage,  fevvall,  faill,  or  divott,  of  all  mortifica- 
tiones  for  pious  uses,  and  of  ministers'  stipends,  and  the  securities  therto 
belonging,  ther  to  remaine  ad  futuram  ret  memoriam. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  takeing  to  their  consideration  a  represen- 
tatione  made  anent  the  necessitie  of  buildeing  a  bridge  over  the  burne 
of  Tippertie,  in  the  parish  of  Foverane,  by  reasone  of  the  great  hazard 
that  people  are  many  tymes  brought  under  in  the  winter  tyme,  when  that 
burne  is  in  spett,  seeing  it  lyes  in  the  hie  road  to  Buchane,  did  therfor 
give  libertie  to  any  concerned  in  building  the  said  bridge,  to  supplicat 
the  severall  Presbytries  within  this  Diocess,  for  a  voluntarie  contributione 
for  that  effect. 


1683]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  343 

The  collcctiones  for  the  harbour  of  Rosehartie,  for  the  bridge  of  Invcr- 
ncs,  and  for  relieff  of  the  Invernes  prisoners,  are  againe  recommended  to 
those  who  have  not  as  yet  brought  the  same  in. 

The  Lord  Bishop  did  recommend  to  the  moderators  of  the  severall 
Presbytries,  to  acqaint  the  bretheren  with  ane  Act  of  Secret  Counsel!, 
past  in  favour  of  Mr.  William  Geedes,  lait  minister  at  Urquhart,  for  pub- 
lisheing  two  books,  as  the  Act  in  itself  at  more  length  proports,  and 
with  the  termes  contained  in  a  printed  paper  sent  therwith,  wherupon 
the  bretheren,  or  any  others  that  are  desyrous  may  have  copies  of  the 
books. 

[Alexander  Leask,  charitable  supplye.] 

Since  the  ryseing  of  the  Synod,  the  Lord  Bishop  doth  hereby  con 
tinue  Mr.  William  Thomson  to  be  moderator  of  the  Presbytrie  of  Alfoord 
until  the  nixt  Synod,  and  in  his  absence  Mr.  Robert  Irvine  at  Towie  is 
to  moderate. 

At  Alfoord  May  16,  (1683). 

The  minister  of  Cushnie  exercised,  &c. 

Mr.  William  Thomson continued  moderator,  and  Mr. 

William  Garioch  continued  Clerk. 


At  Forbes  June  13,  (1683). 

The  minister  of  Cushnie  preached  on  2  Corinthians  5.  20,  and,  after 
sermon,  &c 

(The  usual  course  followed,  as  to  minister  and  elders,  and  the  usual 
exhortations  given  to  minister,  heritors,  and  heads  of  families — see  Cush 
nie  p.  228.) 

It  is  found  there  is  no  mortification  in  the  parish  for  the  use  of  the 
poor. 

That  there  was  no  School  (master),  in  regard  the  parish  was  not  able 
to  afford  him  a  maintenance  any  waycs  competent. 

The  fabric  of  the  Kirk  is  found  to  be  entire. 

As  for  church  utensils,  there  are  found  to  be  a  table  and  two  cups  for 
the  use  of  the  holy  communion. 


344  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1683 

Thereafter  the  minister  was  interrogate  if  he  had  a  sufficient  Stipend, 
manse,  gleeb,  forage,  fewall,  feall,  and  divvot,  conforme  to  the  legall 
allowance,  he  answered  that  he  had  a  gleeb  and  manse,  but  not  sufficient 
according  to  law,  and  that  he  had  no  legall  provision  of  foggage,  fewall, 
fcall,  or  divot,  and  that  his  stipend  was  some  more  than  four  hundreth 
merks,  by  a  decreit  of  the  Lords  of  Surrenders  of  tithes  thereupon. 
Whereupon  he  is  appointed  to  provyde  himselfe  and  the  Church  of  those 
things  wanting,  according  to  law. 

[Discipline  of  Forbes  diligently  and  impartiallie  exercised.  The  anni- 
vcrsarie  of  the  King's  nativity  and  restauration  duely  observed.] 

Mr.  Robert  Chcync,  Student  in  Divinitie,  presented  a  letter  from  the 
moderator  of  the  Presbyterie  of  Aberdeine,  recommending  him  to  this 
Exercise,  in  order  to  the  passing  of  his  tryals  as  a  preacher,  having  the 
Lord  Bishop's  advyse  and  consent  therto,  and  the  said  young  man  having 
produced  testimonies  from  the  Professors  of  Divinitie  and  Universitie  of 
Abd.,  the  Presbyterie  appointed  the  said  Mr.  Robert  to  have  the  tryall  of 
the  Languages  at  the  next  meeting,  which  is  to  be  at  Tough  July  4,  for 
visitation  of  that  Church  &c. 


At  Tough  Julii  4,  (1683). 

The  minister  of  Lochell  preached  &c The  minister 

gave  up  the  names  of  the  elders  as  follows,  viz.  John  Milne,  Alexander 
Lainge,  William  Clerihew,  Alexander  Gellan,  William  Lainge,  who  being 
called,  compeired,  together  with  some  heritors,  and  masters  of  families. 

(The  usual  course  followed  as  to  minister  and  elders,  and  the  usual 
exhortations  given  to  minister,  heritors,  elders,  and  heads  of  families — 
see  Cushnie  p.  228.) 

It  is  found  there  is  a  mortification  of  one  hundreth  merks,  by  one 
Blaire,  secured  upon  bond. 

That  the  poor  are  supplyed  at  least  once  every  halfe  year. 

That  there  is  a  school  in  the  parish. 

The  fabrick  of  the  kirk  being  something  ruinous,  it  is  recommended 
to  the  minister  to  requyre  the  heritors  to  see  to  the  reparation  thereof. 

The  minister  declared  there  were  no  utensils  belonging  to  the  church. 
It  is  recommended  to  him  to  provyde  these. 


1683]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD. 


345 


The  minister  being  interrogate,  if  he  had  sufficient  stipend,  glceb,  fog- 
gage,  fewall,  and  divot,  con  forme  to  the  legall  allowance.  He  answered 
that  he  had  the  same. 

[Discipline  duly  and  impartially  exercised.] 

Thereafter,  Mr.  Robert  Cheyne  sustained  the  tryall  of  the  Languages, 
&c 

Mr.  William  Jele,  Student  in  Divinitie,  and  Schoolmaster  at  Alfoord, 
was  recommended  by  some  of  the  brethcrcn  of  this  Exercise  for  entering 
upon  his  tryals,  in  order  to  publick  preaching,  the  said  Mr.  William 
having  undergone  formerlie  a  privat  tryall  of  some  of  the  brethercn  ap 
pointed  by  the  Presbyterie  for  that  effect,  and  producing  a  testimonie 
from  Mr.  John  Mcnzies,  Professor  of  Divinitie,  was  appointed  to  sustaine 
the  tryall  of  the  Languages  the  next  day. 


At  Alfoord  July  25,  (1683). 

Mr.  Robert  Cheyne  sustained  his  questionarie  tryall,  and  Mr.  William 
Jelc  the  tryall  of  the  Languages,  and  were  both  approven. 

The  minister  of  Tough  did  delate  John  Carter,  contumacious  for  his 
inhumane  and  unchristian  carriage  towards  his  brother.  He  is  appointed 
to  be  cited  to  the  next  meeting  pro  i°. 

The  minister  of  Kildrummie  delated  Alexander  Dumbar  contumacious 
for  publick  swearing,  in  his  own  hearing,  and  irreverent  carriage  towards 
him,  when  he  did  but  mildly  rebuke  him.  He  is  appointed  to  be  cited  to 
the  next  meeting  pro  i°. 

The  minister  of  Keig  delated  Bessie  Thomson,  contumacious  for  curs 
ing  and  scolding,  and  not  reporting  a  testimonie.  She  is  appointed  to  be 
cited  to  the  next  meeting  pro  i°. 


At  Alfoord  August  22,  (1683.) 

The  brethcrcn  conveined,  and  after  prayer,  Mr.  Robert  Cheyne,  had 
XX 


346  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1683 

anc  Exercise  DC.  objccto  cultus  religiosi,  and  Mr.  William  Jele  sustained 
the  questionarie  try  all,  and  both  were  approvcn. 

The  brcthercn  talcing  into  consideration  that  there  was  anc  act  of  the 
late  Synod,  requyring  all  Chaplains  and  Schoolmasters  within  their 
bounds,  who  had  not  as  yet  taken  the  Test  to  compcir  befor  them,  that 
the  samcn  might  be  administered  unto  them,  it  is  recommended  to  the 
respective  brethercn  to  requyre  such  of  these  as  reside  within  their 
bounds,  to  be  present  at  the  next  meeting  for  the  effect  foresaicl,  as  they 
will  be  answerable  to  authority. 

The  bretheren  considering  they  had  onlie  visited  two  Churches  this 
summer,  and  finding  there  were  other  two  viz:  the  Churches  of  Kenneth- 
mount  and  Alfoord  not  at  all  as  yet  visited  since  the  present  incumbents 
their  entrie  to  the  mmistrie  at  the  said  churches,  did  therfor  appoint  a 
visitation  of  the  Church  of  Kenncthmount  September  fifth,  and  another 
at  Alfoord  September  sixth.  The  respective  ministers  hearing  this  ordi 
nance  declared  they  could  not  be  in  readines  for  a  visitation  of  their 
churches  at  the  forsaid  dyets,  wherfor  the  Presbyterie  appointed  their 
next  meeting  to  be  at  Alfoord  September  12,  and  the  privie  censure  to 
passe  upon  the  bretheren,  in  order  to  which,  Mr.  William  Garioch  is  ap 
pointed  to  have  a  discourse  relating  to  ministeriall  duties,  and  thereafter, 
if  tyme  permitted,  Mr.  Robert  Cheyne  is  to  sustaine  dispute  upon  his 
theses  de  dicto  subjecto,  having  distribute  the  same  to  the  respective 
bretheren  at  this  meeting. 


At  Alfoord  September  12,  (1683). 

Mr.  William  Garioch  had  a  discourse  relative  to  ministeriall  duties, 

&c Thereafter  the  privie  censure  passed  on  all  the 

bretheren  present. 

Mr.  William  Elphinston,  Chaplaine  to  the  laird  of  Balfluig,  Mr.  Robert 
Mackie,  Schoolmaster  at  Kildrummic,  Mr.  John  Gray,  Schoolmaster  at 
Kennethmount,  Mr.  Alexander  Mitchell,  Schoolmaster  at  Keig,  Mr. 
Alexander  Stephen,  Schoolmaster  at  Strathdonc,  Mr.  William  Young, 
Schoolmaster  at  Tough,  and  Mr.  William  Godon,  Schoolmaster  at  Auch- 
endore,  did  all  take  and  subscribe  the  Test,  in  presence  of  the  bretheren 
mett  at  the  tyme. 


1683]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OE  ALFORD.  347 

The  moderator  particularlic  cnquyred  the  respective  brcthercn,  if  the 
nynth  of  September,  cnjoyned  by  publick  authority,  as  a  clay  of  solemne 
thanksgiving  for  the  preservation  of  His  Majestic  and  his  Royall  brother 
from  the  late  treasonable  conspiracic  intended  against  them,  by  persons 
of  phanaticall  principles,  was  religiouslie  observed  within  their  congrega 
tions.  To  which  they  all  answered  positive.1 

[A  list  of  the  disorderly  persons  within  the  bounds  given  in.] 


At  Alfoord  September  27,  (1683). 

By  reason  of  the  tempest  of  weather,  conveined  onlie  the  moderator, 
&c. 

[1  he  contributions  for  pious  uses  and  indigent  persons  again  recom 
mended.] 

Mr.  Alexander  Seaton  was  removed  and  censured,  not  being  present 
the  last  day  at  the  privie  censure,  of  whom  some  things  were  observed 
worthy  of  a  publick  rebuke,  but  not  to  be  insert  in  a  publick  register. 

[Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  observed.] 

Mr.  Robert  Cheyne  had  ane  Exercise  and  Addition,  and  Mr.  William 
Jcle  had  ane  Exegesis  De perseverantia  sanctorum.  [Both  approven.] 

About  the  close  of  this  meeting,  Mr.  John  Mair,  minister,  in  name  of 
the  heritors  of  Lochell,  and  Mr.  George  Watson,  presented  ane  approba 
tion  of  the  manse  and  bigging  of  Lochell,  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop 
of  Abd:,  and  desired  the  samen  might  be  insert  in  the  Register  of  the 
Presbyterie,  therein  to  remaine  ad  futurain  rei  Diemoriain,  to  which  desire 
all  the  bretheren  consented.  The  tenor  of  which  approbation  is  as 
folio  wes: — 

At  the  Kirk  of  Lochell,  the  second  day  of  November  1682  years, 
by  virtue  of  ane  edict  and  commission  granted  by  the  Right  Reverend 
Father  in  God,  George,  Bishop  of  Abel:,  which  is  dated  at  Abd:,  the 
first  of  said  November,  1682  yeirs,  for  appretiating  the  manse  of  the 
Church  of  Lochell  to  the  true  worth  and  value  thereof.  Conveined  Mr. 
William  Thomson,  minister  at  Auchcndore,  Mr.  Patrick  Copland,  minis 
ter  at  Cushnie,  and  Mr.  John  Alexander,  minister  at  Kildrummic,  for  the 
effect  foresaid.  The  foresaid  commissioners  finding  ane  Edict  lawfullie 


•  Note  30. 


34^  RECORDS   OK   THE    MEETING  [1683 

scrvit  and  indorsed,  did  cause  call  at  the  most  patent  door  of  the  said 
Kirk,  all  heritors,  lyfe  renters,  wodsetters,  and  all  others  having  or  pre 
tending  an  interest  in  the  said  parish,  on  the  one  part,  and  the  late  in 
cumbent,  and  the  present  incumbent  on  the  other  part,  charging  them  to 
object  the  same  day  by  themselves,  or  proxies  in  their  name,  upon  the 
said  manse  for  hearing,  and  send  the  same,  duly  apprctiat  according  to 
law.  Whereupon  compeired  Sir  John  Forbes  of  Craigievar  for  himself, 
and  Mr.  George  Watson  late  incumbent,  and  Mr.  John  Patton  present 
incumbent  at  the  said  church,  and  presented  befor  the  said  commission 
ers  these  workmen  after  mentioned  viz. :  Alexander  Morgan  in 
George  Chalmer  in  Little  Endovie,  Alexander  Forbes  in  of 

Lochell,  William  Anderson  New  Milne  of  Sauchen,  and  William  Thom 
son  in  Xcther  Aforsquc,  equallie  chosen  by  the  said  heritors  and  incum 
bents,  all  men  of  approver!  honcstie,  accustomed  to  apprctiatc  manses, 
against  whom  none  of  the  parties  (being  enquyred)  having  anie  thing  to 
object,  they  were  judiciallie  sworne,  and  thereafter  were  put  to  make  in 
the  said  apprctiation,  and  proceeded  therein  as  follows,  Imprimis  anc  hall 
with  ane  inner  chamber  on  the  South  end,  and  ane  pantrie  on  the  North 
end  thereof  (the  ,  and  stone  couples  in  the  said 

house,  being  already  payed  by  the  heritors,  as  the  said  late  incumbent 
did  judiciallie  declare)  were  apprctiate  to  the  soume  of  nyntie  four  pound, 
six  shilling,  eight  pennies,  Scots  money;  the  doors,  windows,  and  other 
particulars  within  the  said  house,  belonging  to  the  late  incumbent,  were 
appretiate  to  the  soumc  of  twentic  pound,  two  shilling,  money  foresaid  ; 
item,  ane  outter  chamber  consisting  of  two  couples  sufficientlie  timbered 
and  thatched,  with  three  windows,  appretiate  to  sevcntie  eight  pounds,  six 
shilling,  eight  pennies  ;  item  ane  barn  of  two  couples,  with  back  and 
facing,  appretiate  to  fiftie  pound,  six  shilling,  eight  pennies  ;  item  ane 
kitchin  of  ane  couple,  appretiate  to  twentie  two  pound,  thirtein  shilling, 
four  pennies;  item  a  stable  appretiate  to  thirtein  pound,  six  shilling, eight 
pennies  ;  ane  byre,  utter  cellar,  and  henhouse,  all  under  roof,  appretiat  to 
twentie  four  pounds,  the  castes,  gutturs,  &c.,  in  and  without  the  close, 
appretiate  to  sixtein  pound  ;  the  corne  yeard  dykes  appretiate  to  twelve 
pound  ;  the  kail  yeard  dykes  appretiate  to  twentie  six  pound,  thirtein 
shilling,  four  pennies  ;  the  glasse  in  the  windows  of  the  hall,  inner  and 
upper  chambers,  appretiate  to  one  pound,  fiftein  shilling — the  soume  of 
all  which  amounts  to  three  hundreth  sixtie  nyne  pound,  ten  shilling,  four 


1683]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  349 

pennies,  money  foresaid.  The  which  appretiation  being  ended,  the  said 
commissioners  did  call  the  workmen  befor  them,  who  all  unanimouslie 
declared  (having  heard  the  samen  in  every  particular  read  unto  them) 
that  the  prices  above  set  downe  were  the  just  and  true  value  of  the 
manse.  In  testimonie  wherof  thir  presents,  writn  by  Mr.  John  Alex 
ander,  minister  at  Kildrummie,  are  subscribed  at  Lochell,  by  the  said 
commissioners  the  first  day  of  November  1682  yeirs. 

Sic  subscribitur  Mr.  Wm.  Thomson 

John  Alexander 
Mr.  Pat:  Copland. 

We,  George,  by  mcrcie  of  God,  Lord  Bishop  of  Abd :,  finding  that  our 
Edict  was  duely  executed  and  returned  to  the  moderator  of  the  Presby- 
terie  of  Alfoord,  to  whom,  with  other  of  his  bretheren,  commission  was 
given  anent  the  appretiation  of  the  manse  of  Lochell,  finding  that  they, 
conformc  to  the  commission,  have  proceeded  legally  in  the  said  appretia 
tion,  we  doe  approve  the  samen,  that  all  lawfull  diligence  may  proceed 
thereupon,  by  this  under  our  hand,  at  Edr:,  the  first  day  of  F'ebruarie 
1683  yeirs. 

Gco  :  Abcrdonen. 
Wil :  Garioch,  Clerk  to  the  Presbyterie  of  Alfoord. 

At  the  King's  Colledge  Kirk  Octr:   10,  1683. 

The  Presbyterie  book  of  Alfoord,  and  bretheren  of  the  said  Presby 
terie  were  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod. 

Mr.  Th:  Crevey,  Clk. 

At  Old  Aberdeen  October  10,  1683. 

The  bretheren  did  conveine,  and  after  prayer  appointed  their  next 
meeting  &c. 

Referres  of  the  Diocesian  Synod  of  Abd  :  had'n  at  the  King's 
Colledge  Kirk,  by  ane  Reverend  Father  in  God,  George,  Lord  Bishop 
of  Abd:,  and  begun  October  9,  1683. 

Sess  :   i".  ante  meridiem. 
After  sermon  had  by  the  Lord  Bishop  in  the  Cathedral  Church,  &c. 


350  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [l68- 


Scss  :  2°.  post  meridiem. 

The  Collector  of  the  Ccntcsima  having  represented  that  few  or  none 
have  given  in  anie  thing  thereof  since  the  last  Synod,  therefor  it  is  ap 
pointed  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  that  these  brethcren  who  shall 
not  pay  in  their  proportion  of  the  said  annuitie,  conformc  to  former  Acts 
of  Synod  made  theranent,  and  that  against  Martinmas  next  preciselie, 
shall  be  pursued  legallie  therfor  by  the  Collector,  and  the  Act  of  the 
former  Synod,  appointing  such  soumes  of  money  belonging  to  the  said 
annuitie,  as  are  lent  for  the  small  parcels,  to  be  gathered  in,  and  lent  out 
in  greater  soumes  together,  is  hereby  renewed. 

It  is  appointed  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  that  there  be  ane  uni- 
formitie  observed  in  catechizing  the  people  within  this  Diocess,  and  for 
that  effect  that  there  be  anc  Catechisme  drawn  up  in  the  best  and  plainest 
manner,  touching  all  the  principall  heads  of  Christianitie,  which  are  most 
necessarie  to  be  known  by  all,  as  also  that  there  be  a  forme  of  morning 
and  evening  prayer  drawn  up  for  church  readers,  and  it  is  recommended 
to  the  Professors  of  Divinitie,  the  ministers  of  New  and  Old  Abd:,  the 
parson  of  Banchorie  Devenick,  to  meet  together  at  such  dyets  as  they 
shall  think  fit,  for  drawing  up  the  Catechisme,  formes  of  prayers  foresaid, 
who  are  to  give  ane  account  of  their  diligence  herein  at  the  next  Synod  ; 
as  also  it  is  recommended  to  the  forsaid  bretheren  to  draw  up  a  forme  of 
absolution  and  relaxation  for  the  sentence  of  excommunication. 

October  10.  Sess :  3°.  ante  meridiem. 

It  is  appointed  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  that  such  persons  as 
work  upon  dayes  of  publick  thanksgiving,  or  humiliation,  and  doe  not 
keep  the  publick  worship,  shall  be  censured  as  contemners  of  the  publick 
ordinances  and  Synod  referres,  and  that  intimation  hereof  be  made  to 
the  severall  congregations  within  this  Diocess. 

It  being  represented  to  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  that  wheras  there 
have  some  differences  latelie  arisen  in  parishes  anent  the  nominating  and 
presenting  a  bedel  all,  or  kirk  officer,  when  the  place  is  vacant,  occasioned 
by  the  heritors  their  pretending  a  right  of  nomination  therunto,  and  that 
therfor  it  was  expedient  for  obviating  anie  such  debates  in  tyme  coming, 


1683]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD. 


351 


that  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  should  declare  their  judgement  there- 
anent,  which  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  taking  to  their  consideration, 
and  finding  that  the  duties  which  are  chieflie  incumbent  to  the  beddall  are 
such  as  wherein  the  minister  is  more  particularlie  concerned,  and  for  the 
honest  and  faithfull  discharge  of  which  the  minister  is  to  be  accountable 
to  the  Church,  namclic,  the  citeing  of  delinquents  befor  the  Session  and 
Prcsbyterie,  opening  of  church  doors,  and  ringing  the  bels  to  the  publick 
worship,  and  keeping  the  utensils  which  belong  to  the  church,  and  seeing 
in  reason  it  cannot  be  expected  that  a  minister  shall  be  answerable  for 
the  beddal's  readie  and  faithfull  discharge  of  these,  and  such  like  offices, 
if  there  be  a  person  chosen  by  the  heritors  onlie,  and  consequentlie  having 
his  dependence  upon  them,  and  who  will  therefor  be  more  readie  to  obey 
them  than  the  minister,  did  therefor  ordainc  and  declare  that,  for  the 
said  and  scverall  other  reasons,  the  right  and  power  of  nominating  and 
choosing  the  kirk  officer  docs  belong  to  the  minister,  only  he  is  to 
acquaint  the  members  of  the  Session  with  the  person  whom  he  is  to 
pitch  upon  for  that  office,  that  if  any  lawfull  impediment  shall  be  objected 
and  made  out  against  him  another  may  be  chosen  by  the  minister. 

It  is  appoynted  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  that  no  ministers 
within  this  Diocess  grant  supplie  out  of  their  Sessions  to  such  persons  as 
go  to  the  country  with  pretended  testimonials,  unless  they  be  either  re 
commended  by  the  Lords  of  His  Majestie's  Privie  Councill,  or  Lord 
Bishop  of  Aberdeine. 

It  is  recommended  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  to  the  Bretheren, 
to  correspond  with  one  another  in  processing  scandallous  persons,  who 
remove  from  one  congregation  to  another,  untill  they  returne  to  the  par 
ish  where  they  are  under  scandall,  and  remove  the  same. 

It  is  recommended  to  such  of  the  brethcren  of  this  Diocess  as  have 
not  yet  brought  in  the  contribution  appointed  by  Act  of  Secret  Coun 
cill  for  building  the  bridge  of  Leven  at  Dumbartan,  to  collect  the  samen 
with  the  first  convenient  dilligence,  and  send  it  to  William  Mackie,  jani 
tor  of  the  King's  Colledge,  who  hath  a  factorie  from  the  generall  collec 
tors  for  receiving  the  forsaid  contribution. 

[Contributions  for  the  harbours  of  Aberdeene  and  Rosehartie  againe 
recommended.] 

The  Presbyterie  book  of  Alfoord,  and  brethcren  of  the  said  Presby- 
terie  are  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod. 


352  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1684 

Anent  ane  supplication  presented  by  Mr.  Arthur  Farquharson  of 
Cults,  humblie  shewing  the  great  necessity  of  building  a  bridge  over  the 
water  of  Garden,  in  the  Parish  of  Glengarden,  and  earnestlie  supplicating, 
that  ane  warrand  might  be  given  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  for  ane 
voluntar  contribution  from  the  severall  congregations  within  this  Diocess 
for  that  effect  ;  which  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  taking  to  their  serious 
consideration,  do  hereby  give  order  and  warrand  for  a  voluntar  contribu 
tion  to  be  gathered  from  the  severall  congregations  within  this  Diocess, 
for  the  effect  forsaid,  and  do  scriouslie  recommend  to  the  severall  minis 
ters  to  make  intimation  thereof  to  their  respective  congregations,  to 
cause  deliver  the  said  collections  to  the  said  Mr.  Arthur  Farquharson,  or 
his  factors,  that  they  may  be  imployed  for  the  effect  as  said  is,  and  that 
with  the  first  convenient  diligence. 

Indigent  persons  recommended  to  the  charitable  supplie 

are  Patrick  Gordon,  sometymc  of  Gordonemilne,  and  Mr.  Alexander 
Lind. 

The  Lord  Bishop appointed  Mr.  Robert  Irvine, 

minister  at  Towie,  to  be  moderator  of  the  Prcsbyterie  of  Alfoord,  and  in 
his  absence  Mr.  Andrew  Jaffray  minister  at  Alfoord. 


At  Alfoord  November  7,  (1683). 

Mr.  Robert  Cheyne  had  a  popular  sermon  on  Matthew  5.  48,  and  was 
approven  in  this  and  the  rest  of  his  tryals,  and  appointed  to  have  a 
recommendation  to  the  Lord  Bishop  for  licence  to  preach  publicklie. 


At  Alfoord  December  5,  1683. 

By  reason  of  the  great  storme  lying  on  the  ground,  conveined  onlie, 
&c. 

[Appointed  trials  of  Mr.  William  Jele.] 

At  Alfoord  Januar  2d,  1684. 
Mr.  William  Jele  exercised,  &c 


1684]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORI).  353 

By  reason  of  the  great  stormc  lying  on  the  ground,  there  conveined 
onlie  the  ministers  of  Auchendore,  Kildrummie,  Alfoord,  Lochell,  with 
the  Clerk. 


At  Alfoord  Januar  23'',  (1684). 

By  reason  of  the  great  storme  lying  on  the  ground,  there  was  no 
meeting  of  the  Presbyterie. 


At  Alfoord  Februar  20'",  (1684). 
Mr.  William  Jele  preached,  &c. 

[Next  meeting  is  appointed.] 


At  Alfoord  March  19,  (1684). 

By  reason  of  the  tempcstuousnes  of  the  weather,  there  was  no  meet 
ing  of  the  Presbyterie. 

At  Alfoord  Aprylc  9,  (1684). 

The  meeting  being  constituted  by  prayer.  The  said  day,  it  being 
found  that,  by  virtue  of  ane  order  from  the  Lord  Bishop,  appointing  the 
last  tryall  of  Mr.  William  Jele  to  be  cxpcde  for  sustaining  of  his  dispute 
by  two  or  three  of  the  nearest  ministers  to  the  Presbyterie  seat,  which 
was  accordinglie  done,  and  he  approven  of,  and  thereupon  he  had  receaved 
the  Lord  Bishop  his  licence  to  preach  publicklie,  upon  which  considera 
tion,  there  was  no  Exercise  this  day,  because  of  the  former  appointment 
to  take  up  and  expedc  the  last  tryall  of  the  said  Mr.  William  Jele. 

[The  contributions  for  the  bridges  of  Leven  and  Garden,  Aberdeene 
harbour  and  Rosehartie  were  particularlie  recommended.] 

As  also  it  was  intimate  that  the  other  Act  appointing  the  punctual! 
observation  of  fasts  and  feasts  and  abstaining  from  mannuall  exercise 
and  working  on  the  said  dayes  should  be  imediatly  intimate  from  the 

YY 


354  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1684 

scvcrall  pulpits,  in  order  to  the  more  punctual!  observation  thereof,  and 
bringing  of  delinquents,  contraveners  of  the  said  Act,  to  due  and  cxemp- 
larie  punishment. 

[The  privy  censure  undergone.] 

Application  being  made  by  Mr.  John  Walker,  minister  of  Tullinessell, 
unto  the  bretheren,  in  behalf  of  his  son  Mr.  Alexander  Walker,  for 
presenting  of  him  to  the  Divinitie  burse  of  Alfoord  and  Turreff,  now 
vacant,  and  whose  vice  it  is  to  present,  the  bretheren  finding  the  justice 
of  the  desire,  and  the  consistencie  therof  with  the  foundation,  did  unani- 
mouslie  accord  therunto. 


Will  :  Garioch,  Clerk. 


Aprylc  1 6,  1684. 


The  Presbyterie  book  of  Alfoord  is  approvcn  by  the  Lord  Bishop 
and  Synod  of  Aberdein. 

Mr.  Th  :  Crevey,  Clerk  to  the  Synod. 

At  the  King's  Colledgc  Abd  :  Apryle  16,  1684. 
The  bretheren  did  conveine,  and  appointed  their  next  meeting  &c. 

Referres  of  the  Dioceslan  Synod  of  Aberdcine  holden  in  Apryle  1684. 

At  King's  Colledge  Kirk  Apryle  15. 
Scss  :  2  .  post  meridiem. 

The  Collector  of  the  Centesima  did  represent  that  the  brethren  are 
verie  slow  in  paying  that  annuitie,  notwithstanding  of  severall  Acts  of 
Synod  made  theranent,  and  some  have  never  as  yet  subscribed  the  bond, 
nor  payed  anything  of  the  said  annuitie.  Therfor  the  Lord  Bishop  and 
Synod  did  appoint  that  the  Collector  give  up  the  names  of  such  as  have 
not  subscribed  the  bond,  to  their  respective  moderators,  and  that  they  be 
requyred  to  subscribe  once  befor  the  rising  of  this  Synod. 

The  Lord  Bishop  did  represent  that,  conforme  to  ane  Act  of  the 
former  Synod,  he  had  made  his  application  to  the  Lords  of  His  Majestie's 


OF  THE   EXERCISE  OF  ALFORD.  355 

Secret  Council!,  anent  the  changing  of  the  Timber  mercat  in  summer, 
from  Munday  to  a  more  convenient  clay  of  the  week,  for  preventing  any 
further  prophanation  of  the  Lord's  day,  by  people  travelling  to  mercats 
upon  the  Sabbath  ;  and  that  accordinglie  they  had  past  ane  Act,  ap 
pointing  the  Timber  mercat  of  St.  Serf's  and  Laurence  fairs  to  be  changed 

o 

from  the  Munday  to  Tuesday,  which  Act  is  to  be  publicklie  intimate  at 
the  Mercat  Crosses  of  the  head  Burghs  of  Shyres  nearest  adjacent. 

[The  contributions  for  the  harbours  of  Aberdeen  and  Roschartic,  for 
the  bridges  of  Lcven  and  Garden.] 

It  is  recommended  to  the  severall  Presbyteries,  to  be  diligent  this 
ensuing  Summer  in  going  about  the  visitation  of  Churches  within  their 
bounds,  and  that  they  give  ane  account  of  their  diligence  thereanent  at 
the  next  Synod. 

It  is  appointed  that  when  any  persons  are  excommunicat  in  a  con 
gregation,  intimation  thereof  to  be  made  throughout  all  the  congregations 
within  the  Presbyterie. 

The  severall  Presbyteries  being  scverallie  removed,  in  order  to  privie 
censure,  were  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  and  the  modera 
tors  are  continued  as  formerlie. 

Indigent  persons  recommended  for  supplie  are  Janet  Paip,  relict  of 
the  cleceist  Mr.  James  Rennie,  lait  Schoolmaster  at  Kemnay,  who  had 
her  house  with    a  child    and   whole  goods    burned    by  accidental    fire. 
Davie  Hay,  a  poor  man  in  the'parish  of  Peterhead,  George 
in  the  parish  of  Rathven,  and  Alexander  Lind. 


At  Alfoord  May  14,  1684. 
The  minister  of  Alfoord  had  the  discourse  &c. 

[Publick  fast  had  been  observed.] 

By  appointment  of  the   Ordinarie,  Mr.  Robert  Irvine    is    continued 
moderator,  and  Mr.  William  Garioch  officiating  as  Clerk. 

At  Alfoord  June  4,  (1684). 
There  was  no  exercise,  &c. 


356  RECORDS  OF   TIIK   MEETING  [1684 

[Centcsiina,  bridges  of  Leven,  Garden,  harbour  of  Abd  :,  and  visitation 
of  churches  recommended.  The  29th  of  May  had  been  duly  observed.] 

The  next  meeting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Kenncthmount  July  2'1.,  at 
visitation  of  that  Church,  the  minister  of  Auchindore  is  appointed  to 
preach  &c. 


At  Kennethmount  July  2,  (1684). 

The  minister  of  Auchendore  preached  &c 

The  minister  gave  in  a  list  of  the  Elders  names  as  followes,  Patrick 
Lcith,  John  Robertson,  John  Gordon,  James  Wright,  John  Mathieson, 
David  Couts,  Francis  Farquharson,  Alexander  Farquharson,  who  being 
called  compeircd  with  such  other  of  the  heritors,  and  masters  of  families 
as  were  present. 

(The  usual  course  followed  as  to  minister  and  elders,  and  the  usual 
exhortations  given  to  minister,  heritors,  ciders,  and  heads  of  families — 
see  Cushnie  p.  228.) 

Thereafter,  the  elders  being  called  in,  the  minister  was  further  in 
terrogate  if  there  were  any  mortifications  in  the  parish,  who  answered 
there  were  none. 

It  is  found  there  is  no  School.  The  heritors  were  seriouslie  dealt  with 
to  provyde  a  maintenance  for  a  Schoolmaster. 

Anent  utensils,  it  is  found  there  is  a  laver  for  baptisme,  two  tables  for 
the  Communion,  two  cups  of  tiun,  a  table  cloath. 

It  is  found  that  the  kirk  is  sufficientlie  repaired. 

That  the  minister's  stipend  is  three  chalder  of  victuall,  three  hundreth 
merks  of  money,  and  the  vicarage  estimate  to  two  hundreth  merks,  that 
he  is  provyded  of  foggage,  fewall,  faill,  and  divot,  only  he  wants  grasse, 
which  he  is  appoynted  to  provyde  the  Church  of. 

[Session  book  visited,  the  discipline  diligently  and  impartially 
exercised.] 

The  next  meeting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord  for  a  visitation  of 
that  church,  where  the  minister  of  Kildrummie  is  appointed  to  preach, 
&c. 

(14  cases  of  discipline — one  of  them  Margaret  Couper,  from  Kildrum 
mie,  "  in  sackcloath  humblie  supplicating  to  be  alsolved.") 


UK   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  357 

At  Alfoord  July  30,  (1684.) 
The  minister  of  Kildrummie  preached  &c.,  and  after  sermon,  &c. 

The  minister  gave  in  a  list  of  his  Elders'  names  as  followes,  Archibald 
Reid,  William  Smith,  James  Elmslie,  William  Elmslie,  William  Morti 
mer,  William  Mathie,  John  Coupland,  Patrick  Tailor,  who  being  called 
did  compeir,  with  such  of  the  heritors,  and  masters  of  families  as  were 
present. 

(The  usual  course  followed  as  to  minister  and  elders,  and  the  usual 
exhortations  given  to  minister,  heritors,  elders,  and  heads  of  families— see 
Cushnie  p.  228.) 

It  is  found  there  are  sevcrall  mortifications,  amounting  to  two  thou 
sand,  five  hundreth  pounds,  for  the  use  of  Schoolmaster  and  poor,  suffici- 
entlie  secured. 

That  there  is  a  Schoolmaster,  and  competent  provision  for  him,  who 
being  enquyred  after  was  found  to  attend  and  discharge  his  calling  faith- 
fullie,  and  that  the  School  was  in  a  flourishing  condition. 

That  the  fabrick  of  the  Church  was  in  repaire. 

Anent  the  utensils,  it  is  found  there  is  a  laver  for  baptisme,  a  large 
table  for  the  communion,  two  tiun  cups  for  the  same. 

That  the  minister  has  a  competent  Stipend,  manse,  gleib,  foggage, 
fewall,  faile,  and  divvot,  and  grass  legallie  setled. 

[Session  book  visited,  the  discipline  impartiallie  exercised,  and  the 
money  for  pious  uses  duly  distributed.] 


At  Alfoord  August!  20,  (1684). 

The  minister  of  Lochell  exercised,  &c. 
[Next  meeting  privie  censure.] 


At  Alfoord  September  10,  (1684). 

The  Minister  of  Clat  had  a  discourse  relating  to  the  duties  of  minis 
ters  the  severall  bretheren  present  did  undergo  the 
privie  censure. 


358  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1684 

At  Alfoord  October  Ist,  1684. 
The  minister  of  Auchendore  exercised,  &c. 

[Communion  observed Centesima  and  Bridge  of  Garden.] 

The  ministers  of  Kennethmont,  Glenbuckct,  and  Cabrach,  having 
referrs,  and  giving  no  account  of  them  by  a  line,  are  appointed  to  be 

censured. 

Wil:  Garioch,  Clerk. 

At  the  King's  Collcdge  Kirk  October  15,  1684. 

The  Presbyterie  book  of  Alfoord,  and  brethercn  of  the  said  Presbytrie 
were  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  of  Aberdeine. 

Mr.  Th:  Crevey,  Clk: 

Referres  of  the  Diocesian  Synod  of  Aberdeine  holdcn  in  October 
1684. 

At  the   King's  Colledge   Kirk,  Octobris    14.  Sess:   i°.   post 
meridiem. 

The  Collector  of  the  Centesima  did  report  that  he  had  his  accompts 
in  readines  to  be  revised,  and  therfor  desired  that  the  Lord  Bishop  and 
Synod  would  appoint  some  bretheren  to  meet  with  him  for  that  effect. 
Wherfor  it  is  recommended  to  Dr.  James  Garden,  Professor,  Dr.  Patrick 
Sibbald,  Dr.  Blair,  and  Dr.  George  Garden,  to  meet  with  the  Collector, 
and  revise  his  accompts,  and  make  report  to  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod 
at  the  next  sederunt.  The  Collector  forsaid  did  likewise  represent  that, 
notwithstanding  the  advertisement  given  by  the  Lord  Bishop  in  face  of 
Synod,  Apryle  last,  yet  there  are  severals  deficient  in  paying  in  their 
proportions  of  the  said  annuitie,  and  that  some,  who  have  latelie  entered 
into  the  ministerie,  have  not  as  yet  subscribed  the  bond,  therfor  the  Lord 
Bishop  and  Synod  do  appoint  that  such  as  are  deficient  in  making  pay 
ment,  shall  take  course  to  satisfie  the  Collector  once  this  night,  other- 
vvayes  legall  diligence  is  to  be  used  against  them,  and  that  such  as  have 
not  subscribed  the  bond  shall  do  it  once  after  the  rising  of  the  Synod. 


1684]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  359 

It  being  represented  that  Mr.  William  Garioch,  minister  at  Forbes, 
doth  decline  to  subscribe  the  bond  for  the  Centesiwa,  or  to  pay  any  part 
therof,  therfor  it  is  recommended  to  the  moderator  of  the  Presbyterie  of 
Alfoord,  to  call  him  to  ane  account  hereanent  at  their  next  Presbyteriall 
meeting,  and  to  require  him  to  give  satisfaction  to  the  Collector,  and  that 
report  be  made  in  the  Presbyterie  book  of  the  said  Mr.  William  his 
obedience  thereunto. 

It  is  recommended  to  the  severall  Presbyteries  to  process  such  per- 
sones  as  have  been  disorderly  married  within  their  bounds,  as  also  all 
such  as  have  received  the  benefit  of  baptisme  to  their  children  from 
persons  not  authorized. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  considering  that,  although  there  had 
been  severall  Overtures  proposed  for  ane  uniformitie  of  Catechisme 
within  this  Diocess,  and  some  Acts  of  Synod  had  been  made,  appointing 
some  bretheren  to  meet  for  expeding  that  affair,  and  other  particulars 
anent  formes  of  morning  and  evening  prayer  for  Church  Readers,  and  a 
forme  of  relaxation  from  the  sentence  of  excommunication,  and  other 
such  things  then  recommended,  yet  little  or  nothing  had  been  done  in 
order  therunto,  did  therfor  appoint  that  the  Doctors  and  ministers  of 
New  and  Old  Abd:,  Dr.  Innes,  Dr.  Rose  parson  of  Banchorie,  and  mod 
erator  of  Garioch,  shall  meet  at  the  Bishop's  lodgings,  upon  Tuesday 
next,  for  setting  that  work  upon  foot,  and  for  taking  course  to  prosecute 
the  same  at  such  dyets  as  shall  then  be  condescended  upon. 

It  being  represented  to  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  that  some  minis 
ters  have  taken  upon  them  to  transact  anent  the  Church's  rights  and 
priviledges,  with  heritors  and  others,  to  the  great  detriment  and  prejudice 
of  the  church,  therfor  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  did  ordain,  that  no 
ministers  shall,  upon  any  account  whatsomcver,  transact  or  exchange  the 
Church's  rights  and  priviledges,  with  any  persons  whatsomever,  as  they 
will  be  answerable,  unles  they  have  the  Bishop  and  Synod's  consent 
and  approbation  therunto. 

October  15  Sess  :  3  ante  meridiem. 

The  bretheren  appointed  to  revise  Dr.  Innes  his  accounts  of  the  Cen- 
tesima  gave  in  their  report  theranent  viz  :  that  they,  having  revised  the 
same,  have  found  them  very  exact  and  orderly,  and  that  he  hath  taken 
considerable  pains  in  that  affair,  and  that  there  is  the  soum  of  three 


360  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1684 

thousand  libs.  Scots  of  the  said  money  lent  forth  upon  sufficient  securitie, 
and  that  there  is  ane  hundreth  and  sevcntie  eight  libs,  lying  in  his  hand, 
which  he  hath  but  lately  received  from  some  brethcrcn  as  their  propor 
tions,  as  his  accompts  at  more  length  doe  bear,  wherupon  the  Lord 
Bishop  and  Synod  found  themselves  oblidged  to  return  their  heartie 
thanks  to  the  Collector  forsaid  for  his  pains  and  diligence  in  that  affair, 
and  did  approve  his  accompts  and  continue  him  Collectour. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  considering  that  severall  young  men  who 
pretending  a  purpose  of  prosecuting  their  studies  in  order  to  the  minis- 
terie,  and  having  been  presented  to  Presbyterie  burses,  have,  notwith 
standing,  afterwards  turned  of  to  secular  imployments,  did  therfor  ordain 
that  no  young  men  shall  be  nominatte  Presbyterie  burses,  except  they  be 
found  upon  examination  to  be  of  good  parts  and  qualifications,  and  will 
oblidge  themselves  to  follow  their  studies  in  order  to  the  ministerie. 


The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  considering  that  wheras,  by  severall 
Acts  of  Synod,  there  have  been  dayes  of  solemne  fasting  and  humiliation 
observed  throughout  this  Diocess  befor  oatseed  and  harvest,  for  begging 
the  Lord's  blessing  upon  the  seasons  of  the  year  respective,  and  seeing 
that  the  Lord  hath  been  calling  loudlie  upon  all  ranks  and  degrees  to  be 
humbled  and  repent  for  the  abuse  of  plentie,  and  abounding  iniquities  in 
the  land,  and  that  both  by  the  severity  of  the  last  winter,  and  extreme 
drought  of  this  summer,  wherby  the  fruits  of  the  ground  were  in  hazard 
to  be  burnt  up,  and  by  the  great  and  continued  inundations  of  rain  in 
and  since  the  harvest,  wherby  the  cornes,  both  in  the  y cards  and  fields, 
have  been  greatly  cnclamaged  by  rotting,  have  therfor  thought  fitt  to 
appoint  that  there  shall  be  a  day  of  solemne  fasting  and  humiliation 
observed  yearly  throughout  all  this  Diocess,  upon  the  second  Weddens- 
day  of  February,  for  begging  of  a  blessing  upon  the  seed  tyme,  and  anc 
other  day  of  solemne  fasting  and  humiliation  observed  yearly,  upon  the 
second  YVcddensday  of  July  for  supplication  for  a  blessing  upon  the 
harvest,  and  that  intimation  hereof  be  made  tymously  to  the  respective 
congregations  within  this  Diocess,  before  the  forsaid  seasoncs. 

It  is  recommended  to  the  brethcren  of  this  Diocess  to  be  present  at, 
and  countenance  the  reading  of  the  holy  Scriptures  in  the  respective 
churches  upon  the  Lord's  day  befor  sermon,  that  therby  their  people  may 


OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  361 

be  oblidged  the  more  frequentlie  to  repair  to,  and  more  reverently  to 
attend  upon  the  said  ordinance,  which  is  so  much  everywhere  neglected. 
The  contributions  for  the  harbours  of  Pcterhead  and  Stonehyve,  and 
for  the  bridges  of  Leven  and  Garden  respective,  are  again  recommended, 
conforme  to  the  Act  of  the  Secret  Councell  theranent. 

Anent  a  petition  given  in  to  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  by  Arthure 
Robertsone,  tenant  in  Cabrachstoune,  in  the  pariochin  of  Old  Machar, 
humblic  shewing  that  it  having  pleased  God  that,  upon  the  22  clay  of 
September  last,  one  of  his  barncs  did  accidentally  take  fire,  wherby  not 
only  the  barnes  and  comes  therin,  but  his  whole  corne  yeard,  were  irre- 
coverablie  lost,  so  that  he  is  reduced  to  great  misery,  and  utterly  incapable 
of  labouring  his  land  again,  unles  good  and  charitable  Christians  whose 
heartes  the  Lord  shall  move  doe  contribute  for  his  supplie,  and  therfor 
earnestly  supplicating  that  order  and  warrand  may  be  given  for  a  volun 
tary  contribution  to  be  gathered  throughout  this  Diocess  for  the  effect 
forsaid.  The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  taking  the  caise  of  the  said 
Arthure  unto  their  serious  consideration,  herby  recommend  him  to 
charitable  supplie  of  the  severall  congregations  within  this  Diocess; 
and  to  the  end,  that  it  may  be  more  speedie  and  effectual!,  it  is  re 
commended  to  the  severall  moderators  to  requyre  the  bretheren  to 
make  intimation  herof  to  their  respective  congregations  forthwith  after 
the  coming  of  the  referrs  to  their  hands,  and  that  they  shall  receive 
the  Collections  from  the  bretheren,  and  send  the  same  to  the  Clerk  of 
the  Synod,  who  will  be  found  at  Catharine  Rosse's  house,  at  Old  Abd:, 
and  will  grant  receipt  to  each  Presbyterie  therupon. 

Mr.  Arthur  Abercrombie,  late  Schoolmaster  at  Towie,  and  now  para- 
lytick,  and  therby  redacted  to  great  povertie  and  distress,  is  recom 
mended  to  the  charitable  supplie  of  the  severall  congregations  within 
this  Diocess. 

The  severall  Presbyteries  being  removed  in  order  to  privie  censure, 
had  a  good  testimonie,  and  were  approvcn,  and  the  moderators  are  con 
tinued  as  formerly. 


At  the  King's  Colledge  October  15,  1684. 
The  bretheren  did  conveinc,  and  after  prayer,  appointed  their  next 


362  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1685 

meeting  to  be  at  Alfoorcl,  November  12th,  and  the  minister  of  Kildrumie 
to  have  the  exercise  upon  I  Corinthians  2.  5. 


At  Alfoord  November  12,  1684. 
By  reason  of  the  stormines  of  the  day,  &c.     [Meeting  adjourned.] 

At  Alfoord  December  ioth,  (1684). 
The  minister  of  Kildrumie  exercised,  &c. 

The  moderator  is  continued  by  the  appointment  of  the  Lord  Bishop. 


At  Alfoord  Januarii  7th,  1685. 

The  minister  of  Keig  exercised  &c 

The  minister  of  Kennethmount  being  enquired  the  reason  of  his  fre 
quent  absence,  declared  that  all  the  while  he  was  valetudinarie,  and  could 
not  personallie  keep,  but  was  sharply  rebuked  for  not  wryting  having 
referrs. 


At  Alfoord  Februarii  4th,  1685. 
The  minister  of  Forbes  exercised,  &c. 

[Fast  enjoyned  by  the  Synod  to  be  keeped  upon  the  Second  Tuesday 
of  Februar,  for  craving  the  Lord's  blessing  upon  the  seed  tyme.] 

The  ministers  of  Glenbucket  and  Cabrach  being  required  to  give  ane 
account  of  their  absence  for  the  severall  clayes  bypast,  gave  in  their 
severall  excuses,  which  were  sustained,  but  were  rebuked  for  not  sending 
their  referrs,  and  were  enjoyned  to  keep  better  in  tymc  coming. 

At  Alfoorcl  March  4,  (1685). 
The  minister  of  Clat  exercised,  &c. 


1 685]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  363 

The  next  inciting          the  privie  censure  to  pass  upon 

the  respective  brethcren,  &c. 

[The  fast  hath  been  observed.] 


At  Alfoord  Apryle  I,  (1685). 
The  privie  censure  did  not  pass. 

The  next  melting  is  appoyntcd  to  be  Apryle  22. 
[Next  day  the  privie  censure  is  to  pass.] 


At  Alfoord  Apryle  22,  (1685). 

The  minister  of  Strathdonc  had  a  discourse  regarding  the  duties  of 

ministers,  &c. 

[The  privie  censure  past  upon  the  respective  brethren.] 

The  next  melting  is  appoynted  for  a  visitation  of  the  Church  of  Keig, 

May  20th,  &c. 


At  Keig  May  20'",  (1685). 
The  minister  of  Forbes  preached,  &c. 

The  minister  gave  in  a  list  of  the  elders'  names  as  followes,  George 
Leith,  Patrick  Mor,  John  Farquharson,  Alexander  Vicar,  Alexander 
Leslie,  John  Forbes,  Alexander  Foulertoim,  who  being  called,  compeired, 
with  such  other  of  the  heritors  and  masters  of  families  as  were  present. 

(The  usual  course  followed  as  to  ministers  and  elders,  and  the  usual 
exhortations  given  to  minister,  heritors,  elders,  and  heads  of  families— see 
Cushnie  p.  228.) 

It  is  found  there  is  a  mortification  of  twentie  merks  sufficientlie 
secured. 

That  there  is  a  School  and  Schoolmaster  competently  provyded,  unto 
whom  the  minister,  heritors,  and  elders  gave  a  good  testimonie. 

It  is  found  lykwayes  that  the  edifice  of  the  Church  and  Kirkyard 
dykes  were  in  sufficient  repair. 


364  RECORDS   OK   THE    MEETING  [1685 

Ancnt  utensils,  the  minister  delaired  that  they  were  provydcd  of  two 
tiun  cups  for  the  Communion,  a  laver  and  a  bason,  two  table  cloathes, 
and  a  Kirk  Bible. 

The  minister  being  interrogat  if  he  had  sufficient  provision  legallie 
setled  as  to  his  manse,  gleeb,  grass,  foggage,  fewall,  fail,  and  divvet,  and 
stipend,  answered  affirmatively. 

[Session  Book  formal,  and  discipline  orderly.] 


At  Alfoord  Junii  17,  (1685). 
The  minister  of  Tullinessell  exercised,  &c. 

[Fast  for  God's  blessing  upon  the  harvest.] 


At  Alfoord  July  15,  (1685). 

The  moderator  exercised,  &c. 

The  next   meiting   to   be   at    Lochell    for   visitation    of  the  forsaid 
Church,  &c. 

[Fast  was  observed.] 


At  Lochell  Augustii  19,  (1685). 
The  minister  of  Keig  preached,  &c. 

The  minister  gave  in  a  list  of  the  elders'  names,  viz. :  James  Stirdes, 
Alexander  Couts,  William  Sharp,  William  Copland,  William  Farquhar- 
son,  Alexander  Milne,  and  John  Garioch,  who  being  called  did  compeir, 
with  such  other  of  the  heritors  and  masters  of  families  as  were  present. 

(The  usual  course  followed  as  to  minister  and  elders,  and  the  usual 
exhortations  given  to  minister,  heritors,  elders,  and  heads  of  families — see 
Cushnie  p.  228.) 

It  is  found  there  is  no  mortification  in  the  parish. 


1685]  OK   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALKOkD.  365 

That  there  is  no  School.  It  was  seriously  recommended  to  the  heri 
tors  to  setle  such  a  competent  maintenance  by  law,  as  the  parish  was 
capable  to  bear,  who  peremptorily  engaged  so  to  doe,  and  that  with  all 
possible  diligence. 

It  is  lykwayes  found  there  are  two  silver  cups,  tables,  and  anc  table- 
cloath  for  the  communion,  lykwayes  a  Kirk  Bible,  but  no  laver  for  bap- 
tismc.  lie  is  ordained  to  provydc  the  Church  therof. 

That  the  Kirk  is  in  sufficient  repair. 

That  the  minister  hath  a  competent  Stipend,  manse,  glceb,  foggage, 
fewall,  feall,  and  divvet,  with  grass  Icgallic  setled. 

[Nothing  in  the  Session  register  worthie  of  public  notice  or  censure.] 

The  next  melting Mr.  Alexander  Walker,  bursar  of 

Divinitie  to  have  a  comon  head  De  traditionibus  non  scriptis. 

The  moderator  having  enquyred  of  the  bretheren,  anent  the  observa 
tion  of  the  publick  thanksgiving  enjoyned  by  Authoritie,  for  the  victories 
obtained  by  His  Majestic  over  his  rebellious  subjects.  All  of  them  being 
present,  declaired  they  had  punctually  observed  the  samen.1 

At  Alfoord  September  9th,  (1685). 

Mr.  Alexander  Walker  had  his  common  head  De  traditionibus  non 
scriptis,  &c. 

[The  next  meiting the  privie  censure  to  pass  upon 

the  respective  bretheren.] 


At  Alfoord  September  23,  (1685). 

The  minister   of  Cabrach    had    the   discourse    relating   to    pastorall 

duties,  &c [The  brethren  sustained  the  privy  censure. 

Contributions  and  Centesinia  recommended.     Sacrament  observed.     Pay 
ment  of  the  bursar  of  Divinitie.] 

Wil:  Garioch,  Clerk. 

At  the  King's  Colleclge  Kirk  October  6,  1685. 

The  Presbyterie  book   of  Alfoord  is  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop 
and  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 

Mr.  Th:  Crevey,  Clerk. 

1  Note  31. 


366  UKCOKDS   OK   TIIK    MKKTING  [1685 

At  Old  Aberdeen  Oct:  7th,  1685. 

The  brethercn  did  conveen,  and,  after  prayer,  appoynted  their  next 
inciting  to  be  at  Alfoord,  October  28,  and  Mr.  Alexander  Walker,  bursar 
of  Divinitie,  to  sustainc  dispute  upon  the  theses  de  dicto  subjecto,  having 
distribute  the  samen  to  the  respective  brcthcren  at  this  melting. 

Rcferrs  of  the  Diocesian  Synod  of  Aberdeen,  in  October  1685. 

At  the  King's  Colledge  Kirk  October  6.    Sess:  2°.  post  meri 
diem. 

After  prayer,  the  Lord  Bishop  did  represent  that  there  being  ane  Act 
of  the  Synod  in  October  last,  appoynting  some  bretheren  to  meet,  for 
drawing  up  some  forms  of  prayer  for  Kirk  Readers,  and  for  doing  such 
other  things  as  were  then  recommended  to  them,  he  had  in  the  confer 
ence  requyred  ane  account  from  the  said  bretheren  of  their  diligence 
thereanent,  and  had  found  that  they  had  keeped  severall  meitings  in 
Abd :  since  the  last  Synod,  for  promoveing  that  work,  and  had  conde 
scended  upon  some  prayers  to  be  used  by  Kirk  Readers  in  the  churches 
where  there  are  prayers  morning  and  evening,  and  to  be  used  upon  the 
Lord's  day  befor  reading  the  Scriptures  ;  as  also  that  they  had  drawn  up 
some  short  petitions  or  Collects,  to  be  insert  and  made  use  of  in  the  said 
prayers  upon  some  particular  occasions,  and  that  they  had  noted  some 
places  of  Scripture  which  they  judged  most  proper  to  be  read  at  extraor 
dinary  dyets ;  and  that  they  had  condescended  upon  a  method  of  reading 
the  holy  Scriptures  in  congregations  throwout  the  year,  and  had  drawn 
up  some  forms  of  prayer  to  be  used  in  families  morning  and  evening, 
together  with  some  prayers  to  be  said  by  children,  but  that  the  forsaid 
prayers  were  not  as  yet  drawn  up  in  vmndo,  but,  God  willing,  they  are 
shortly  to  be  expeed,  and  copies  thcrof  to  be  sent  forth  to  the  severall 
Presbyteries  ;  and  it  is  recommended  to  the  bretheren,  that  each  of  them 
shall,  with  all  diligence,  provide  themselves  with  a  copie  of  the  said 
devotions,  how  soon  they  come  to  the  moderator's  hands,  and  that  they 
be  carefull  to  cause  observe  the  same  within  their  respective  congrega 
tions. 

Anent  the  Centesima,  the  Collector  gave  ane  account  of  his  diligence 
in  collecting  the  same,  and  it  is  appoynted,  that  such  as  have  not  yet 


1685]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  367 

payed  in  their  proportions  therof  shall  wait  upon  the  Collector  once  this 
night,  for  that  effect,  and  that  such  as  are  laitly  entered,  and  have  not 
subscribed  the  bond,  shall  doe  it  once  befor  the  rysing  of  the  Synod. 

The  Professors  of  Divinity  having  represented  that  some  of  the  Pres- 
byterie  bursars  arc  very  negligent  in  attending  the  profession,  therfor  the 
Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  did  renue  all  former  Acts  of  Synod  made  anent 
them,  and  did  appoint  that  they  shall  come  in  and  attend  the  profession 
yearly,  against  the  first  of  December  precisely,  and  shall  continue  punctu 
ally  to  attend  until  the  first  of  June,  and  if  it  shall  happen  that  they  doe 
not  present  themselves  at  the  day  forsaid,  they  arc  to  lose  a  dollar  of 
their  bursar's  money  for  everie  weeke's  absence  therafter,  and  if  any  of 
them  shall  be  absent  from  the  profession  untill  the  first  of  January,  they 
are  to  lose  their  burs  intirely  for  that  year,  and  if  they  remove  befor  the 
first  of  June  as  said  is,  they  are  to  lose  a  dollar  of  their  burs  money  for 
everie  weeke's  absence  befor  the  tyme,  iboth  money  is  to  be  delivered  by 
the  moderators,  upon  advertisement,  to  the  Professors  of  Divinity,  to  be 
imployed  by  them  as  they  shall  think  most  convenient.  And  the  Pro 
fessors  are  herby  ordained  to  send  advertisement  to  the  respective  mod 
erators  if  their  bursars  be  come  in  to  attend  the  profession  at  the  dyet 
prefixed,  and  how  long  they  have  been  absent,  and  in  lyke  manner  shall 
acquaint  the  moderators  with  the  tyme  of  their  removall,  and  how  they 
have  behaved,  or  attended,  during  their  stay,  and  the  Professors  are  to 
admit  none  of  the  bursars  into  their  school,  but  such  as  are  grave  in  their 
habit  and  deportment,  and  lest  any  of  them  should  complaine  that  they 
cannot  come  in  tymously  to  attend  the  profession,  by  reason  of  their  not 
being  payed  of  their  bursar's  money,  therfor  it  is  appoyntecl  that  the 
severall  Presbyteries  cause  pay  their  bursars  the  one  half  of  their  burs 
money  precisely  at  Martinmess,  or  at  farthest  befor  the  first  of  December, 
and  the  other  half  to  be  sent  in  to  them  with  the  first  convenience  ther 
after,  and  that,  in  tyme  coming,  none  be  admitted  to  Presbyterie  burses, 
but  such  as  are  of  hopefull  pairts,  and  will  give  assurance  that  they 
intend  the  ministeriall  calling,  and  that  speciall  respect  be  had  to  minis 
ters'  children,  and  they  preferred  to  Presbyterie  burses  befor  others. 

The  Lord  Bishop  did  report  that  there  is  ane  Act  of  His  Majestie's 
Counsell  laitly  emitted  appoynting  the  fourteenth  of  this  instant,  to  be 
observed  throughout  this  Kingdom,  as  His  Majestie's  birthday,  and  that 
the  Shirrcffs  are  appoynted  to  distribute  copies  of  the  said  Act,  to  the 


368  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1685 

ministers  within  their  respective  shyrcs,  to  be  read  from  pulpit  the  Lord's 
day  imediatly  preceiding,  for  giving  advertisement  to  their  congregations 
of  the  said  dyet,  and  therfor  it  is  seriously  recommended  to  all  the 
brethercn  \vithin  this  Diocess  to  be  carcfull  to  observe  the  day  forsaid, 
conforme  to  the  said  Act  theranent,  in  all  poynts,  and  it  is  lykwayes  or 
dained  that  the  severall  moderators  call  their  bretheren  to  anc  account, 
how  the  said  day  hath  been  observed  by  them  in  their  congregations,  and 
cause  insert  the  report  theranent  in  their  Presbyterie  registers. 
The  Presbyterie  book  of  Alfoord  is  approven. 

Octobris  /.     Sess:  3'.     Ante  meridiem. 

It  is  appoynted  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  that,  when  any  per 
sons  arc  excommunicate  for  scandals,  the  peopell  be  frequently  exhorted 
to  abandone  their  society,  that  so  they  may  be  brought  to  a  sense  of 
their  sin,  and  ashamed  therof. 

The  ministers'  relicts  formerly  enrolled  for  supplic  are  appoynted  to 
be  againe  supplied  by  the  Collector  of  the  Centesima^  and  each  of  them  is 
to  get  at  this  tyme  twentie  merks,  by  reasone  they  have  received  nothing 
from  the  Synod  in  October  last. 

The  Lord  Bishop  did  seriously  recommend  to  such  of  the  bretheren 
as  have  not  brought  in  the  contributions  from  their  respective  congrega 
tions  for  the  harbours  of  Peterhead  and  Stonehyve,  and  for  the  Bridges  of 
Garden  and  Dumbartoune,  to  be  carcfull  to  collect  the  same  with  the 
first  diligence,  and  deliver  the  same  to  the  respective  Collectors,  as  was 
formerly  appoynted. 

The  severall  Presbyteries  being  removed  in  order  to  privie  censure, 
had  a  good  tcstimonie,  and  were  approven,  and  the  moderators  are  con 
tinued  as  formerly,  and  the  Lord  Bishop  did  seriously  exhort  the  bre 
theren  to  look  to  themselves  and  to  their  severall  flocks,  over  which  the 
Lord  had  made  them  overseers,  and  that  they  be  carefull  to  guard  their 
people  against  apostacie  to  popcrie  and  quakerism,  and  for  this  effect 
that  they  be  diligent  in  instructing  and  catechising  them  in  the  principles 
of  the  true  religion,  and  exhorting  them  to  the  severall  duties  of  Christi 
anity,  both  of  piety  towards  God,  loyaltie  to  the  King,  and  righteousness 
towards  all  men,  and  seriously  recommended  to  them  to  be  rigorous  in 
the  exercise  of  discipline,  conforme  to  the  former  Acts  of  Synod,  and 


1685]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  369 

that  such  old  processes  as  are  lying  over,  be,  with  all  diligence,  brought 
to  a  close,  and  when  scandalous  persons  remove  from  one  parish  to 
another,  they  are  to  be  sent  back  with  all  diligence  for  removing  the 
scandall. 

[Indigent  persons  recommended  for  supply.] 

Since  the  rysing  of  the  Synod,  the  Lord  Bishop  hath  thought  fitt  to 
recommend  to  the  bretheren  to  be  carefull  in  administering  the  Sacra 
ment  of  the  Lord's  Supper  at  Easter  yeirly,  and  to  instruct  their  peopell 
in  order  therunto,  and  that  no  minister  appoynt  dayes  of  fasting  in  their 
congregations  upon  the  Lord's  day. 

At  the  Kirk  of  Cushnie  the  14'"  day  of  March,  in  the  year  of 
God  1678  years. 

By  virtue  of  a  commission  from  the  Right  Reverend  Father  in  God, 
Patrick,  by  the  mercie  of  God,  Lord  Bishop  of  Abd:,  conveened  Mr. 
George  Melvill,  moderator  of  the  Presbyterie  of  Alfoord,  Mr.  Adam 
Barclay,  minister  at  Keig,  Mr.  William  Burnet,  minister  at  Kildrumie, 
and  Mr.  Patrick  Gordon,  minister  at  Coull,  who  finding  ane  Edict  law- 
fullie  execut  and  indorsed,  chairging  the  severall  heritors  of  the  parioch 
of  Cushney,  to  compeir  the  said  day,  at  the  forsaid  Kirk,  to  hear  and 
see  the  forsaid  commissioners  pass  to  the  designation  of  gleeb,  foggage, 
fewall,  faill,  clivet,  and  grass,  conform  to  Act  of  Parliament,  in  the  behalf 
of  Mr.  Patrick  Copland,  and  his  successors,  ministers  at  the  said  Kirk. 
The  said  Edict  being  called,  compeired  Arthour  Forbes  of  Brux,  and  Mr. 
Lumsden  of  Cushney  for  their  interests,  and  neither  they  nor  any  else 
objecting  any  relevant  reason  in  the  contrarie,  the  said  Commissioners 
did  proceid  as  follows  viz:  having  measured  the  gleeb  they  found  the 
samen  competent  and  full  according  to  law,  as  lykewayes  they  designed 
the  said  Mr.  Patrick  Copland  and  his  successors  to  be  served  of  foggage, 
faill,  and  divet,  upon  the  nearest  adjacent  lands  belonging  to  the  said 
Alexander  Lumsden,  of  the  Kirktoune  of  Cushney,  when  the  tennants  and 
and  possessors  are  served,  with  free  issue  and  entrie  therto;  as  lykewayes, 
whilest  they  were  about  to  designe  other  grass,  if  any  could  be  found, 
or  value  conform  to  the  Act  of  Parliament,  the  said  Alexander  Lums 
den  produced  a  paper,  containing  ane  allowance  of  ane  certainc  ward, 
bewest  the  church,  formcrlic  designed  by  Mr.  Alexander  Guthrie,  minister 

AAA 


370  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1685 

at  Tullincssell,  and  Alexander  Lumsden  of  Clova,  by  virtue  of  a  refer 
ence  made  to  them  by  John  Lumsden  of  Cushney,  and  Mr.  James  Leisk, 
minister  at  Cushney,  which  was  done  upon  the  second  day  of  September, 
in  the  year  of  God  1614  years,  as  the  said  paper,  subscribed  with  their 
hands,  at  more  length  conteines,  which  ward  the  said  Alexander  Lums 
den  offered  should  be  appropriat  to  the  minister,  and  his  successors  in  all 
tyme  coming  for  grasse.  And  the  said  commissioners  having  viewed  the 
ground  of  the  said  ward,  as  it  is  meithcd  and  marked  in  the  said  paper, 
and  finding  the  samcn  to  be  sufficient,  and  the  offer  rational,  did  decern 
the  samen  to  belong  to  the  minister  and  his  successors  in  all  tyme  com 
ing  ;  and  the  said  commissioners  having  viewed,  and  some  of  them  being 
acquaint  with  the  ground  of  the  mosses  of  the  said  parish,  judged  that  the 
moss  of  Curquhinderland  was  the  neerest  adjacent  to  the  Church,  and  of 
which  they  thought  it  fitt  that  the  minister  and  his  successors  should  be 
served,  and  that  designation  might  passe  therupon  at  any  tyme  con 
venient,  when  the  minister  might  require  the  samen,  not  being  sufficient 
tyme  to  exped  the  same  at  present.  In  tcstimonie  of  which  the  pre 
misses,  they  are  written  by  George  Ross,  notar  publick,  and  subscribed  by 
the  said  Commissioners,  day,  place,  moncth,  and  year  of  God  forsaid. 

Sic  Subscribitur  Geo.  Melvill,  Moderator. 

A.  B  arc  lay 
Mr.  Wil:  Burnet. 

We  Patrick,  by  the  mercie  of  God,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  having  seen 
and  considered  the  above  written  designation  of  glceb,  grass,  faill,  and 
divet,  for  the  minister  at  the  Kirk  of  Cushney,  and  his  successors,  doe 
find  the  samen  orderly  gone  about,  and  doe  ratifie  and  approve  the 
samen. 

Given  under  our  hand  at  Aberdeen,  March  18,  1678. 

Sic  Subscribitur  Tat:  Bp:  of  Aberdeen. 


At  Alfoord  October  28,  1685. 

The  meeting  being  constitute  by  prayer,  &c. 

Mr.  Alexander  Walker  sustained  dispute  upon  his  theses  DC  tradi- 
tionibus,  and  was  approvcn. 


1685]  OF    Till-]    KXERCISK   OK   ALFORI).  371 

In  order  to  a  slander  unjustly  cast  upon  the  minister  of  Kildrumie,  by 
Mr.  Alexander  Mitchell,  Schoolmaster  at  Keig,  concerning  alleaclged 
command  given  by  him  to  his  servants,  for  cutting  clounc  of  his  conies 
upon  the  Lord's  day,  the  first  motion  wherof  was  made  by  some  bre- 
theren  of  another  Prcsbyteric,  in  the  conference  in  the  laite  October 
Synod  1685,  and  for  the  clearing  of  which,  application  being  made  by 
the  minister  to  the  Lord  Bishop  theranent,  humblie  craving  his  Lord 
ship's  best  advyce  for  reparation  of  his  good  name,  and  vindication  of  his 
office  so  unjustly  impeached,  was  desired  for  to  cite  the  forsaicl  Mr. 
Alexander  Mitchell  befor  the  Presbyterie,  which  accordingly  being  done, 
he  compeired,  and  having  acknowledged  the  chairge,  was  cnjoyned  to 
make  publick  acknowledgment  of  the  samen  befor  the  congregations  of 
Kildrumie  and  Keig  two  severall  Lord's  daycs,  subscribed  with  his  hand. 
The  tenor  wherof  is  as  follovves  : — 

I,  Mr.  Alexander  Mitchell,  present  Schoolmaster  at  Keig,  in  regaird 
that  of  late  I  have  imprudentlie,  and  contrarie  to  charitie,  misreported 
Mr.  John  Alexander,  minister  at  Kildrumie,  asserting  that  he  had  caused 
cut  doune  some  of  his  comes  on  the  Lord's  day,  wherfor  by  these  pre 
sents  I  testifie  and  declaire  that  it  was  a  gross  mistake  by  me,  and  spoken 
by  me  upon  no  just  ground,  and,  being  sensible  of  this  my  offence  am 
heartily  sorie  for  it,  and  willing  to  submit  myself  to  any  censure  which 
the  Presbyterie  of  Alfoord  shall  be  pleased  to  impose  upon  me.  As 
witnesseth  my  hand  at  Alfoord  the  28  day  of  October  1685  years. 

Sic  subscribitur  Al:  Mitchell. 

which  declaration  is,  by  appointment  of  the  Presbyterie,  to  be  intimate  in 
the  respective  parish  Churches,  within  the  bounds  of  the  Presbyterie. 

[Anent  the  observation  of  the  fourteenth  day  of  October  last,  appoyn- 
ted  by  Authentic  for  the  solemn  observation  of  His  Majestie's  birth,  and 
it  is  found  that  it  hath  been  duely  observed  by  all  present.] 


At  Alfoord  November  25,  1685. 
The  minister  of  Kearn  exercised,  &c. 


372  RECORDS   OK   THE   MKETINC  [1686 

The  former  ordinance  anent  Mr.  Alexander  Mitchell,  upon  enquirie, 
it  is  found  to  be  observed  as  it  was  enjoyned. 


At  Alfoorcl  December  23,  1685. 
The  minister  of  Kennethmount  had  the  exercise,  &c 

At  Alfoord  Januarii  27,  1686. 

Mr.  Alexander  Broune  had  the  exercise  &c. 

The  next  meeting'  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  moneth.  And  Mr. 
Alexander  Mitchell,  Schoolmaster  at  Keig,  supplicating  the  Presbytcrie 
to  be  allowed  to  appear  befor  them,  and  to  have  a  common  head,  his 
desire  was  granted,  and  that  them  DC  cultu  imaginuui  proposed  to  be 
handled  by  him  against  the  next  day. 


At  Alfoord  Februarii  24,  1686. 

Mr.  Alexander  Mitchell  had  ane  specimen  De  cultu  imaginum  &c. 
[The  privie  censure  next  meeting.     Anniversary  fast  observed.] 


At  Alfoord  March  24,  (1686). 

The  minister  of  Kildrumie  had  the  Coucio  ad  cleruin  &c. 

The  next  inciting,  if  the  Synod  hold  a  dyet,  of  which  we  are  not 
quite  certaine,  is  appoynted  to  be  this  day  moneth. 

Mr.  George  Sharp,  present  Schoolmaster  at  Rhynie,  being  nominat 
by  the  minister  of  Alfoord  for  the  attendance  of  that  Schooll,  being  now 
vacant,  desyring  the  Presbyterie  (the  place  being  very  considerable,  and 
requyring  a  person  of  suitable  qualifications  for  the  suitable  dischairge 
of  that  trust)  that  they  would  appoint  ane  tryall  in  order  therto,  which 
accordingly  was  granted,  and  the  forsaid  Mr.  George  appointed  to  be  in 
readines  to  make  ane  account  therin,  at  the  next  Presbyteriall  meiting. 

Will:  Idell,  Clerk. 


OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  373 

At  the  King's  College  Abd:,  Aprile  21.  1686,  this   Presbytcrie  book 
of  Alfoord  is  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  of  Abd:. 

Mr.  Th:  Crevey,  Clerk. 


Referres  of  the  Diocesian  Synod  of  Abd  :  holden  in  Aprylc  1686. 

At  the  King's  Colledge  Kirk  Apryle  21,  1686,  Sess  :  2°.  post 
meridiem. 

After  prayer,  the  collector  of  the  Centcsima  did  represent  that  some 
of  the  bretheren  are  verie  slow  in  paying  in  their  proportions  therof,  and 
notwithstanding  of  sevcrall  Acts  of  Synod  that  have  been  made,  yet 
severals  have  neither  subscribed  the  bond,  nor  payed  anie  thing,  and 
others  that  have  subscribed  are  deficient  in  making  payment.  Wherfor 
it  is  appointed  that  the  Collector  shall  send  forth,  with  the  refers  of  the 
Synod,  a  list  of  the  deficients  within  the  respective  Presbyteries,  and  the 
moderators  are  ordained  to  take  particular  bonds  of  them  for  their  re 
spective  proportions,  and  deliver  the  same  to  the  Collector,  with  the  verie 
first  conveniencie  ;  and  if  anie  shall  refuse  to  give  bond  as  said  is,  that 
they  shall  be  represented  to  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  that  they  may 
be  called  to  account  thereanent,  and  it  is  further  appoynted  that  such 
as  shall  enter  into  the  ministerie  hereafter,  shall,  befor  admission  to  their 
places,  give  bond  for  the  Centesima. 

The  ministers'  relicts  formerlie  enrolled  for  supplie,  are  appoynted 
againe  to  be  supplied  out  of  the  Centesima,  and  each  of  them  is  at  this 
tyme  to  receive  ten  merks. 

[Harbours  of  Peterhead  and  Stonehyven,  and  bridges  of  Garden  and 
Dumbarton,  againe  recommended  to  such  as  have  not  as  yet  collected 
for  the  same.] 

Apryle  22.    Sess  :  3°.  ante  meridiem. 

After  prayer,  severall  Presbyteries  being  removed  in  order  to  privie 
censure  had  a  good  testimonie,  and  were  approven,  and  the  Lord  Bishop 
did  seriouslie  recommend  to  the  bretheren  to  look  to  themselves,  and 
their  flocks,  over  which  the  Lord  had  made  them  Overseers,  and  to  give 
all  diligence  in  their  ministeriall  callings,  shewing  themselves,  by  the 


374  RECORDS   OF   THE    MKKTINO  [1686 

puritie  of  their  doctrine,  innocencie  of   their  lives,  by  their    loynll  and 
peaceable  deportment,  as  \vorkmen  that  need  not  to  be  ashamed. 

The  next  meeting  of  the  Synod  is  appoynted  to  be  upon  the  second 
Tuesday  of  October  next  1686. 


At  the  King's  College  Apryle  21,  1686. 

The  bretheren  appoynted  their  next  meeting. 
[Next  meeting  of  Presbyter}'.] 


At  Alfoord  May  12,  1686. 

After  prayer,  Mr.  George  Sharpe  sustained  a  grammaticall  tryall,  in 
order  to  his  admission  to  the  School  of  Alfoord,  and  was  approver). 

The  next  meiting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Kearn  for  the  visitation  of 
that  Church,  &c. 

[No  reports  from  Cabrach  and  Strathdon,  the  ministers  to  be  cen 
sured.] 

At  Kearne  June  9th,  (1686). 

The  minister  of  Clat  preached,  text  Jeremiah  3.  15,  and,  after  sermon, 
&c. 

The  minister  gave  in  a  list  of  the  elders'  names,  viz. :  George  Mackie, 
John  Rennie,  James  Gardner,  John  Gilchrist,  James  Roger,  who  being 
called  did  compeir,  with  such  heritors  and  masters  of  families  as  were 
present. 

(The  usual  course  followed  as  to  minister  and  elders,  and  the  usual 
exhortations  given  to  minister,  heritors,  ciders,  and  heads  of  families — see 
Cushnie  p.  228.) 

It  is  found  there  is  no  mortification  in  the  parish. 

That  there  is  no  School,  the  parish  not  being  able  to  afford  a  main 
tenance  for  a  Schoolmaster. 

The  fabrick  of  the  Kirk  is  found  to  be  in  sufficient  good  case. 

There  are  for  the  use  of  the  communion  two  cups  of  silver,  table,  and 
table  cloathes,  a  laver  for  baptisme,  and  Kirk  Bible. 


1 686]  OF   THE    EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  375 

The  minister  his  stipend  is  not  competent,  the  parish  being  mean,  and 
inconsiderable.  He  hath  a  competent  manse,  gleeb,  foggage,  fewall,  fail, 
and  divvct,  with  grasse. 


At  Alfoorcl  July  7,  1686. 

The  minister  of  Glenbucket  exercised,  &c. 

The  next  meiting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Strathdone,  July  28,  for  a  visi 
tation  of  that  church,  &c. 

[Fast  for  blessing  on  harvest] 


At  Strathdone  July  28,  (1686.) 

The  moderator  preached  instead  of  the  minister  of  Tullinessell  his 
vice,  &c. 

The  minister  gave  in  a  list  of  his  elders'  names  as  followes,  William 
Forbes  of  Skellater,  Alexander  Forbes  of  Culquharric,  Donald  Farquhar- 
son,  William  Allenach,  James  Allenach,  Thomas  Michie,  Alexander 
Greshach,  James  Strachan,  James  Law,  George  Watson,  John  Forbes, 
who  being  called  did  compeir,  with  such  of  the  heritors  and  masters  of 
families  as  were  present. 

(The  usual  course  followed  as  to  minister  and  elders,  and  the  usual 
exhortations  given  to  minister,  heritors,  elders,  and  heads  of  families — see 
Cushnie  p.  228.) 

It  is  found  there  is  a  mortification  of  ane  hundreth  pounds,  by  Arthur 
Forbes  of  Glencarvie,  sufficientlie  secured. 

That  there  is  a  Schoolmaster,  and  competent  provision  for  him. 

That  there  are  tables  for  the  holy  communion,  two  cups  of  tiun,  a 
laver  for  baptisme,  and  table  cloathes. 

The  minister's  Stipend  is  eight  hundreth  mcrks,  with  a  sufficient 
manse,  gleeb,  foggage,  fewall,  faill,  and  divvct,  but  no  grass. 

The  fabrick  of  the  Kirk  is  not  sufficientlie  repaired,  which  was  repre 
sented  to  the  heritors,  and  they  desired  to  repaire  the  same. 


376  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1686 

The  minister  of  Kildrumie  reported  that  the  Session  book  was  for 
mal  1. 

The  next  inciting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord  August  25,  and  the 
Schoolmaster  of  Tough  to  have  a  grammatical!  tryall,  and  the  first  Ode 
in  Horace  prescribed  to  him. 

[Fast  has  been  observed.] 


At  Alfoord  August  25,  (1686). 

The  meiting  being  constitute  by  prayer,  the  Schoolmaster  of  Tough 
sustained  a  tryall  in  grammar,  and  was  approven. 
[The  next  meiting  privy  censure  to  pass.] 


At  Alfoord  September  15,  (1686). 

The  minister  of  Kearne  had  the  concio  ad  clerum,  &c. 
[The  privie  censure.     The  sacrament  has  been  observed.] 

Wil:  Garioch,  Clerk. 

At  the  King's  Collcdge  Kirk  October  5,  1686. 

This  Presbyterie  book  of  Alfoord  is  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop 

and  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 

Mr.  Th.  Crevey,  Clk. 

Referres  of  the  Synod  of  Abd:  holden  in  October  1686. 

At  the  King's  Colledge  Kirk  Octobris  5.     Sess:  2.  post  meri 
diem. 

(NOTE.— The  minutes  are  not  entered,  part  of  page  457,  and  pages  458,  459  being  blank.) 

At  the  King's  Colledge  October  6,  1686. 

The  brctheren  did  conveine,  and  appointed  their  next  inciting  to  be 
at  Alfoord,  November  3,  and  the  minister  of  Tough  to  have  the  Exercise. 


1 687]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  377 

At  Alfoord  November  3,  1686. 

The  minister  of  Tough  exercised,  &c. 

The  next  meiting  is  to  be  at  Alfoord,  December  8,  and  the  School 
master  of  Kildrumie  appointed  to  have  a  tryall  in  grammar,  and  the 
sixth  Ode  of  Horace  prescribed  him. 

[Anniversary  of  the  King's  birth  has  been  observed.] 


At  Alfoord  December  8,  1686. 

After  prayer,  the  Schoolmaster  of  Kildrumie  sustained  a  grammaticall 
tryall,  and  was  approven,  and  encouraged  to  go  on  in  his  studies. 

[Mr.  William  Young,  Schoolmaster  at  Tough,  had  trials  prescribed.] 


&c. 


At  Alfoord  Januar  12,  1687. 
The  Schoolmaster  of  Tough  had  ane  Exegesis  De  transubstantiationet 


At  Alfoord  Februar  16,  1687. 

There  was  no  exercise,  the  minister  of  Alfoord  being  at  South. 
[The  fast  for  the  seed  tyme  has  been  observed.] 


At  Alfoord  March  9,  1687. 

The  minister  of  Alfoord  exercised,  &c. 

[The  next  meeting privy  censure.] 


At  Alfoord  Apryle  6,  1687. 
The  minister  of  Lochell  did  discourse,  &c.     [Privie  censure.] 

Wil :  Garioch,  Clerk. 
BBB 


3/8  RECORDS    OF    THE    MEETING  [1687 

At  the  Kind's  Collcdgc  Kirk  Aprilc  19,  1687. 

This  Presbytcrie  book  of  Alfoord  is  approvcn  by  the  Lord  Bishop 
and  Synod. 

Mr.  Th  :  Crevcy,  Clk. 

Rcferrcs  of  the  Diocesian  Synod  of  Abd:  holden  in  Aprile  1687. 

At  the  King's  Colledge  Kirk  Aprilc  19,  1687.     Sess:  2°.  post 
meridiem. 

After  prayer,  the  Lord  Bishop  did  represent  what  had  come  under 
consideration  in  the  conference  viz  :  that,  after  reading  of  the  Act  of  the 
former  Synod  ancnt  the  Centesima^  Mr.  Adam  Sutherland,  present  Collec 
tor,  had  desired  that  his  accompts  might  be  revised,  and  seeing  he  is  now 
transplanted  from  being  minister  at  New  Machar  to  be  parson  of  Duffes 
in  Morrow,  that  another  might  be  nominat  and  appointed  Collector,  and 
that,  for  the  more  speedy  and  effectual  ingathering  of  the  Centesima  from 
the  deficients,  ane  Overture  had  been  proposed,  that  each  moderator 
might  be  impowered  to  receive  the  same  from  the  respective  brcthercn  in 
their  Presbyteries,  and  deliver  it  to  the  generall  Collector,  and  seeing  the 
moncyes  alreadie  lent  out  are  in  sevcrall  hands  in  small  parcels,  that  it 
had  been  proposed  that  the  soumes  might  be  uplifted,  and  secured  in  the 
hands  of  some  Society  and  Corporation,  who  will  pay  the  yearly  curent 
therof,  which  will  much  facilitate  the  work  of  the  generall  Collector.  The 
bretheren  of  the  Synod  did  unanimouslie  approve  of  the  said  Overtures, 
and  the  moderators  of  the  severall  Presbyteries  are  hereby  ordained  and 
impowered  to  collect  the  Centesima  from  their  bretheren,  to  take  bonds, 
grant  discharges,  and  use  all  legall  diligence  against  deficients,  as  fully  as 
the  generall  Collectors  have  done,  or  might  doe,  and  that  the  moderators 
shall  give  ane  accompt  of  their  diligence  herein  at  the  next  Synod  anent 
the  uplifting  of  the  money  of  the  Centesima  from  the  severall  hands  in 
which  it  lyes,  and  securing  it  in  one  hand  as  said  is. 

Anent  the  electing  of  a  generall  Collector,  the  Lord  Bishop  having 
proposed  a  list  of  three  of  the  Synod  viz:  Dr.  Blair,  and  Dr.  George  Gar 
den,  ministers  at  Abd:,  and  Mr.  John  Keith,  minister  at  Old  Machar,  the 
bretheren  did,  by  their  unanimous  vote,  nominat  and  choose  Dr.  George 
Garden  to  be  generall  Collector,  and  did  appoint  that  where  there  is  any 


1687]  OF  THE  EXERCISE  OF  ALFORD.  379 

of  the  moncyes  of  the  Centesima  which  is  not  sufficicntlie  secured,  he 
shall  use  legall  diligence  for  uplifting  the  same,  and  lending  it  forth  upon 
better  security;  and  for  revising  the  late  Collector's  accompts,  the  Lord 
Bishop  and  Synod  did  appoint  that  the  parsones  of  Bclhelvey,  Turray, 
Oven,  and  Kincardine,  with  Dr.  George  Garden,  and  the  Clerk  of  the 
Synod,  shall  meet  this  nyght,  and  revise  the  said  accompts,  and  give  in 
their  report  theranent  at  the  next  Session. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  considering  that,  although  there  have 
been  severall  Acts  of  Synod  formerly  made,  anent  the  drawing  up  of  a 
forme  of  Catechisme,  and  some  bretheren  nominat  for  that  effect,  yet 
there  had  nothing  been  done  as  yet  in  order  thereunto,  and  finding  that, 
for  making  the  thing  more  feasable,  it  were  fitt  that  one  should  be  im- 
ployed  for  drawing  up  a  draught,  and  that  he  should  present  the  same  to 
be  considered  by  the  rest  of  the  bretheren,  did.  therfor  seriously  recom 
mend  to  Dr.  Sybbald,  Professor,  to  draw  up  the  said  Catechism,  and  that 
Dr.  Alidelton,  Principal],  Dr.  Garden,  Professor,  the  ministers  of  New  and 
Old  Abd :,  with  the  parsones  of  Banchory  and  Belhelvey,  shall  meet,  when 
Dr.  Sybbald  shall  call  them,  for  revising  the  samen,  and  that  they  give 
ane  accompt  of  their  diligence  at  the  next  Synod. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  considering  a  supplication  given  in  by 
one  Andrew  Bowheir,  a  French  protestant,  who,  upon  the  account  of  the 
persecution  raised  in  France  against  them  of  the  Reformed  Religion,  was 
necessitat  to  leave  that  Kingdome,  with  his  estate  and  fortune  therin, 
and  is  at  present,  with  his  wife  and  children,  living  at  Abd:,  in  a  very 
mean  condition,  and  seeing  the  Presbyterie  of  Abd:,  and  some  others, 
have  alreadie  contribute  for  his  supplie,  therfor  intreating  that  order 
and  warrand  may  be  given  for  a  voluntarie  contribution  to  be  gathered 
throughout  the  rest  of  this  Diocess,  for  supplying  him  and  his  family,  did 
therfor  seriously  recommend  him  to  the  severall  bretheren  within  this 
Diocess  for  receiving  a  charitable  contribution  from  the  respective  con 
gregations  which  have  not  alreadie  collected  for  him,  and  that  the  severall 
moderators  be  carefull  to  gather  in  the  collections  from  their  bretheren, 
and  send  the  same,  either  to  the  said  suppliant,  or  to  Dr.  Midelton,  Prin- 
cipall. 

The  ministers'  relicts  formerly  inrollcd  are  again  appointed  to  be 
supplyed,  and  each  of  them  is,  at  this  tyme,  to  receive  ten  merks  ;  as  also 
(blank)  Ross,  son  to  Mr.  James  Ross,  late  minister  at  Tarland,  is  inrollcd 


3^0  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1687 

for  supplic.  Lyk \vayes  (blank)  Forbes,  who  is  a  grand  child  of  Bishop 
Patrick  Forbes,  is  inrolled,  and  they  are  to  be  supplied  conforme  to  the 
ministers'  relicts. 

The  Presbyterie  book  of  Alfoord  is  approven,  and  it  is  appointed  that 
the  scverall  Presbyterie  books  shall  bear  accompt  of  the  observation  of 
the  King's  birthday,  of  the  publick  fasts,  and  of  reading  the  proclama 
tions  against  leasing  making. 


Aprilc  20.     Sess:  3.  ante  meridiem. 

After  prayer,  the  bretheren  appointed  to  revise  Mr.  Sutherland's 
accompts  having  mett,  gave  in  report  of  their  diligence  viz. :  that  they 
have  found  that  the  principall  soume  given  in  by  Dr.  Inncs,  in  October 
last,  amounted  to  three  thousand,  five  hundreth,  sixtic  and  nine  libs:,  six 
teen  shillings,  and  eight  pennies  Scots,  out  of  which  was  to  be  deduced 
the  soumes  contained  in  three  severall  bonds,  granted  by  the  late  minis 
ters  of  Fyvie,  Clat,  and  Leslie  respective,  amounting  in  all  to  the  soume 
of  eightie  eight  pounds,  six  shillings,  and  eight  pennies  Scots,  conforme 
to  Act  of  Synod  theranent,  which  being  done,  there  remained  of  princi 
pall  soume,  three  thousand,  four  hundreth,  and  eighty  one  pound,  and  ten 
shillings  Scots,  and  that  Mr.  Adam  Sutherland,  Collector  forsaid,  has 
received  bonds  from  three  severall  ministers  for  their  proportions  of  the 
Centesmia>  amounting  in  all  to  fiftie  two  pound  Scots,  and  that  he  hath 
received  in  readie  money  from  severall  persones,  the  soume  of  fourtie  six 
pound,  seventeen  shilling,  and  that  he  hath  debursed  the  soume  of  fourtie 
pound  Scots,  to  ministers'  relicts,  conforme  to  Act  of  Synod  theranent,  so 
that  there  remained  in  his  hand  six  pound,  seventeen  shilling,  which  he 
instanter  delivered  to  Dr.  Garden  present  Collector,  so  that  the  bonds, 
and  six  pound  seventeen  shilling  forsaid  being  added  to  the  former  prin 
cipall  soume,  it  amounts  in  all  to  three  thousand,  five  hundreth  and  four- 
tie  pound,  seven  shilling  Scots,  and  this  besides  the  carents  given  up  in 
Dr.  Innes  accompts  which  are  yet  resting,  except  what  Bailie  Robertson 
and  Bailie  Gordon  have  payed  for  the  term  of  Martinmas  last,  after  mak 
ing  of  which  report,  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  did  approve  of  Mr. 
Adam  Sutherland's  accompts,  and  did  exoner  him  of  his  haill  intromis 
sions  with  the  Centesima,  and  returned  to  him  their  heartie  thanks  for 
his  pains  theranent. 


OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF  ALFORD.  381 

The  former  Act  of  Synod  is  herby  renewed,  appointing  that  such 
women  as  cloe  father  children  begotten  in  uncleanness  upon  decent  per- 
sones,  who  were  neither  delated  by  them,  nor  confessed  guiltines  while 
able,  shall  remove  the  scandall  as  adulteresses  in  sackcloath. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  considering  the  miserable  and  indigent 
condition  of  the  persones  after  mentioned,  thought  fitt  to  recommend 
them  to  the  charitable  supplie  of  the  severall  congregations  within  this 
Diocess,  Mr.  John  Sandison  who,  being  some  tyme  a  minister  in  Morray, 
was  necessitat  to  leave  his  charge  by  reason  of  bodily  distemper;  Mr. 
John  Corbat,  \vho  sometymes  taught  a  Schooll,  is  now  incapacitate 
through  age  and  infirmity  ;  William  Chrightone  in  the  parochin  of  Ach- 
reddie  ;  Gilbert  Anderson  heavily  diseased  of  the  stouny  gravell  ;  Peter 
Forbes,  in  Kincardine,  who  had  his  house  and  goods  consumed  by  acci- 
dentall  fire. 

The  severall  Presbyteries  being  removed,  in  order  to  privie  censure, 
had  a  good  testimonie,  and  were  approven,  and  the  Lord  Bishop  did 
seriouslie  recommend  to  all  the  bretheren  to  attend  carefullie  upon  their 
charge,  and  that  they  be  diligent  in  going  about  the  severall  duties  of 
their  ministeriall  calling,  that  they  preach  Christ  Jesus,  and  warn  every 
man,  and  teach  every  man,  both  in  their  dutie  to  God,  and  to  the  King, 
and  that  they  beware  of  suggesting  to  the  people  needless  feares  and 
jealousies,  or  raising  in  their  minds  any  bad  opinion  of  their  superiours, 
or  their  actions,  or  doing  anything  else  which  may  have  a  tendencie  to 
allienating  of  people's  affections  from  their  governours,  and  so  concluded 
with  prayer. 

Deficients  to  the  Centesiina  within  the  Presbyterie  of  Alfoord  are  : — 

Mr.  Andrew  Jaffray  rests  five  years. 
Mr.  Livingston  three  years  and  an  halfe. 
Mr.  Thomas  Robertson  six  years. 
Mr.  John  Robertson  five  years. 
Mr.  John  Alexander  has  payed  nothing. 
Mr.  Alexander  Browne  rests  five  years. 
Mr.  Alexander  Seatone  has  payed  nothing. 
Mr.  William  Johnstoun  rests  six  years. 


3§2  RECORDS   OF   THE   MEETING  [1687 

At  the  King's  Colledge,  Apryle  20,  1687. 

The  bretheren  did  conveine,  and  appointed  their  next  inciting  to  be 
at  Alfoord  May  18,  and  the  minister  of  Strathdone  to  have  the  exercise. 


At  Alfoord  May  18,  1687. 

The  minister  of  Strathdone  exercised,  &c. 

The  next  meiting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Cabrach  June  15,  in  order  to 
a  visitation  of  that  Church,  &c. 


At  Cabrach  June  15,  1687. 
The  minister  of  Tullinessell  preached,  &c. 

The  minister  gave  in  a  list  of  the  elders'  names  as  foil  owes,  James 
Shyde,  William  Grant,  John  Gordon,  Alexander  Roy,  George  Gordon, 
William  Whitson,  John  Marnoch,  who  compciring,  with  such  of  the  heri 
tors  as  were  present. 

It  is  found  there  is  no  mortification  in  the  parish. 

Lykewayes  there  is  no  School,  the  parish  not  being  able  to  afford  any 
provision  competent  for  a  Schoolmaster. 

That  the  fabrick  of  the  Kirk  is  not  altogether  in  repaire,  which  was 
represented  to  the  heritors. 

That  the  minister  has  a  sufficient  Stipend  legallie  secured,  with  all 
the  other  conveniencies,  &c. 

There  are  of  church  utensils,  a  laver  for  baptisme,  tables,  and  two 
cups  for  the  holy  communion. 

The  Session  book  not  being  as  yet  in  readines,  it  is  appointed  to 
be  filled  upflrimo  quoqiie  temp  ore. 

(The  usual  course  followed  as  to  minister  and  elders,  and  the  usual 
exhortations  given  to  minister,  heritors,  elders,  and  heads  of  families — see 
Cushnie  p.  228.) 

[The  next  meiting  is  appointed.] 


1687]  OF  THE  EXERCISE  OF  ALFORD.  383 

At  Alfoord  July  6,  1687. 

There  was  no  exercise,  in  respect  of  the  minister's  absence,  \vho  is 
reported  to  be  very  sick 

The  meiting  being  constitute  by  prayer,  it  is  appointed  there  be  a 
visitation  of  the  parish  of  Glenbucket,  &c. 

[Fast  for  craving  God's  blessing  on  the  harvest.] 


At  Glenbucket  July  27,  1687. 

The  minister  of  Kearne  preached,  &c. 

[Fast  for  harvest  observed.] 

The  minister  gave  in  a  list  of  the  elders'  names  as  followes,  Mr. 
William  Ferguson,  Arthur  Nories,  Peter  Gordon,  John  Alexander, 
Archibald  Reid,  Jerome  Spense,  William  Marnoke,  William  Couper, 
William  Bettie,  who  compeired,  with  Adam  Gordon  of  Glenbucket,  and 
such  masters  of  families  as  were  present. 

(The  usual  course  followed  as  to  minister  and  elders,  and  the  usual 
exhortations  given  to  minister,  heritors,  elders,  and  heads  of  families — 
see  Cushnie  p.  228.) 

There  is  no  mortification  in  the  parish. 

That  there  is  a  School,  and  some  tolerable  maintenance  for  a  School 
master. 

That  the  minister  hath  a  competent  Stipend,  with  other  conveniencies 
allowed  by  law. 

That  the  Kirk  is  sufficientlie  repaired. 

That  there  are  of  utensils  for  church  service,  a  laver  for  baptisme,  two 
tables,  two  cups  with  cloathes  for  the  communion. 

[Discipline  formallic  carried  on,  and  the  poors'  money  distribute 
duely.] 

Anent  a  petition  given  in  by  George  Benton,  concerning  his  wages  as 
officer  to  the  Session,  the  Presbyterie  thought  fit  to  refer  the  same  to  the 
laird  of  Glenbucket,  and  the  Session. 

[Mr.  Alexander  Walker,  Student  of  Divinitie,  had  trials  prescribed.] 

At  Alfoord  August  24,  1687. 
The  minister  of  Cushnie  exercised,  &c. 


384  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1687 

[The  next  inciting privy  censure.] 

Mr.  Alexander  Walker,  having  presented  testimonies  from  the  Pro 
fessors  of  Divinitic,  sustained  the  trial  of  Languages,  Greek  and  Hebrew, 
and  was  approven. 


At  Alfoord  September  21,  1687. 

The  minister  of  Keig  had  a  discourse  concerning  the  duties  of  minis 
ters,  &c. 

[Act  anent  the  Centesima  recommended.  The  sacrament  has  been 
celebrate.  Cabrach,  the  discipline  formally  carried  on,  and  the  poors' 

money  distribute.] 

Wil:  Garioch,  Clerk. 

King's  Colledge  Kirk,  October  5,  1687. 

The  Prcsbytrie  book  of  Alfoord  is  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and 

Synod. 

Mr.  Th:  Crevey,  Clk. 

Rcferres  of  the  Diocesian  Synod  of  Abd:  holden  in  October  1687. 

At  the   King's    Colledge   Kirk,  Octobris  4th  Sess:  2°.   post 
meridiem. 

After  prayer,  the  Lord  Bishop  did  require  of  the  severall  moderators 
an  account  of  their  diligence  anent  the  Centesima,  conform  to  the  Act  of 
the  former  Synod,  and  all  of  them  reported  that  they  had  requyred  such 
of  their  bretheren  as  were  deficient  to  pay  in  their  proportions  therof,  and 
that  they  had  ingaidged  either  to  pay  in  the  money,  or  give  bond  therfor 
at  this  Synod.  Wherfor  it  is  appointed  that  they  shall  meet  with  the 
gcnerall  Collector  for  clearing  that  affair  once  befor  the  rysing  of  the 
Synod,  and  the  former  Act  of  Synod  is  hereby  renewed,  in  order  to  such 
as  shall  as  yet  be  found  deficient. 

It  is  appointed  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  that,  upon  the  two 
Lord's  dayes  immediatly  preceeding  the  publick  fasts  befor  seed  time 
and  harvest,  intimation  be  made  by  the  severall  ministers  to  their  respec 
tive  congregations,  anent  the  observation  of  the  said  dyets,  that  the 


1^7]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORT).  385 

people  being  seriously  exhorted  to  their  duty,  and  tymously  advertised 
of  the  dyets  of  these  fasts,  none  of  them  may  pretend  ignorance  therof, 
or  do  anything  unsuitable  therunto,  and  that  no  minister  shall  homolgatc 
the  nonobservance  of  the  forsaid  fasts  in  their  people,  as  they  shall  be 
answerable. 

The  contribution  for  repaireing  the  harbours  of  Peterhcacl  and  Stonc- 
hyvc  is  again  recommended  to  such  as  arc  deficient. 

The  Lord  Bishop  did  represent  that  Sir  Philip  Anstruther,  of  that 
ilk,  had  obtained  an  Act  of  Privic  Councell,  for  a  voluntary  contribution 
for  repaireing  the  harbour  of  Anstruther,  Fyfif,  and  that  the  copies  of  the 
said  Act  are  already  come  to  his  hands  to  be  distribute  amongst  the  bre- 
theren  of  this  Diocess,  and  therfor  did  recommend  to  the  bretheren  to  be 
carefull  in  making  intimation  of  the  said  contribution  to  their  respective 
congregations,  and  gathering  in  the  soume,  how  soon  the  coppies  shall  be 
sent  forth  to  them. 

Alexander  Amidacus,  an  Italian  Professor  of  the  Hebrew  Language 

o         o     ' 

who  is  lately  come  to  Abd:,  and  being  an  aged  man  in  a  mean  condition, 
is  recommended  to  the  bretheren  for  supply,  in  order  to  his  better  in- 
couragement  in  this  place. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  considering  the  mean,  and  necessitous 
condition  of  Mr.  John  Irvine,  late  minister  at  Cabrach,  did  againe  recom 
mend  him  to  the  charitable  supply  of  the  severall  bretheren  of  this 
Diocess,  and  that  they  may  the  more  freely  and  willingly  contribute  for 
him,  have  therfor  forborn  to  impose  any  particular  quota,  but  have  left 
it  to  their  own  discretion,  as  God  shall  be  pleased  to  move  their  hearts, 
and  for  the  said  Mr.  John  his  greater  ease  and  convenience  in  receiving 
what  the  bretheren  shall  be  pleased  to  allow  him,  it  is  recommended  to 
the  moderators  to  cause  collect  the  samen,  and  send  it  in  to  Abd:  to  him. 

Octobris  5.     Sess:  3°.  ante  meridiem. 

After  prayer,  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  considering  a  representa 
tion  made  anent  the  Professor  of  Divinitie's  manss,  how  that  Dr.  Gardin 
hath  expended  considerably  upon  the  reparation  therof,  and  is  going 
about  for  doing  of  these  and  other  thinges,  which  at  the  former  Synod 
were  judged  expedient  to  be  done  for  making  it  a  sufficient  lodgings,  and 
therfor  it  were  just  that  some  course  should  be  fallen  upon  for  refunding 

CCC 


RECORDS    OF    TUT,    MEF.TINT, 

to  him  the  said  expenses,  did  thcrfor  condescend  that  each  minister  in 
this  Dioccss  should  contribute  the  soume  of  two  incrks  and  a  half  against 
the  next  Synod  for  that  effect,  and  therafter  the  manss  is  to  be  com- 
prysed  and  delivered,  as  was  enacted  at  the  former  Synod. 

The  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod  considering  the  deplorable  condition  of 
the  corncs  and  fruits  of  the  ground,  by  reason  of  the  great  deluge  of 
raincs  which  hath  fallen  out,  and  constant  foggs  and  mists  which  have 
continued  since  the  harvest  began,  wherby  both  the  cornes,  which  are  for 
the  most  pairt  as  yet  in  the  fields,  and  those  which  are  in  the  yairds,  are 
in  hazard  of  being  destroyed  by  rotting  and  heating,  and  seeing  that  Al 
mighty  God  doth,  by  His  present  dispensation,  call  for  unfeigned  repen 
tance  and  humiliation  from  all  ranks  of  people,  did  therfor  appoint,  that 
the  Lord's  clay  come  eight  dayes  shall  be  observed  throughout  this  Dio 
ccss,  as  a  day  of  solemne  supplication,  for  begging  that  the  Lord  would 
be  pleased  of  I  Us  infinite  mercy  to  pitie  us  in  the  season  of  the  year,  to 
avert  the  present  judgement  which  threatens  the  land  with  famine  and 
scarcity  of  bread,  and  to  send  in  such  seasonable  weather  for  gathering 
in  the  fruits  of  the  ground  as  the  present  exigencie  calls  for,  and  that  the 
people  may  be  the  better  prepared  for  the  severall  duties  incumbent  to 
them  at  such  a  time,  it  is  appointed  that  intimation  hereof  be  made  by 
the  bretheren  to  the  respective  congregations  the  very  next  Lord's  day, 
and  that  the  bretheren  who  are  present  shall  advertise  such  as  are  absent 
of  this  appointment,  how  soon  they  go  home. 

[Contributions  recommended.     Privy  censure  of  the  Presbyteries.] 

At  the  King's  Colledge  October  5,  1687. 
[Next  meiting  to  be  at  Alfoord.] 

At  Alfoord  November  2,  1687. 

The  meiting  being  constitute  by  prayer,  Mr.  Alexander  Walker  de 
livered  his  Exegesis  De  pur  gator io^  &c. 

Anent  the  proclamation  against  leesing  making,  and  the  ordinance 
for  a  solemne  supplication,  it  is  found  the  first  has  been  intimate,  and  the 
second  duely  observed  by  all  present. 


l688]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OK   ALFOKU  387 

At  Alfoord  November  3,  1687. 
Mr.  Alexander  Walker  sustained  the  questionarie  tryall,  &c. 


At  Alfoord  Januar  4,  1688. 

Mr.  Alexander  Walker  exercised,  &c. 

Next  inciting  is  appointed  to  be  this  day  moneth,  and  Mr.  Robert 
Milne,  preacher  of  the  Gospell,  being  recommended  by  our  Ordinarie  to 
the  bretheren  of  this  Exercise,  for  passing  of  his  tryals,  in  order  to  his 
setlement  in  the  ministrie  at  the  Church  of  Forbes,  in  whose  favour  his 
Lordship  had  received  a  presentation  from  the  Master  of  Forbes,  un 
doubted  patron  thereof,  is  appointed  to  sustaine  the  tryall  of  Languages, 
Greek  and  Hebrew,  at  the  next  inciting,  and  likewise  Mr.  Alexander 
Walker  to  have  a  popular  sermon  upon  I  Timothy  4.  8. 


At  Alfoord  Februar  i,  1688. 

Mr.  Alexander  Walker  had  a  popular  sermon  and  was  approven  in 
this,  and  all  other  his  tryals,  and  appointed  to  have  a  recommendation  to 
the  Lord  Bishop,  to  have  a  licence  to  preach  the  gospell  publicklie. 

Mr.  Robert  Milne  sustained  likewise  the  tryall  of  Languages. 


At  Alfoord  Februar  29,  1688. 
Mr.  Robert  Milne  sustained  the  questionarie  tryall,  &c. 


The  Moderator  having  enquyred  the  sevcrall  bretheren  if  they  had 
observed  the  fast  for  the  seed  tyme,  and  the  publick  thanksgiving  for  the 
Queen's  being  with  child,  declared  they  had  cluely  observed  them  both. 


RECORDS  OF   THE   MEETING  [1688 

At  Alfoorcl  March  21,  1688. 

Mr.  Robert  Milne  delivered  his  Exegesis  DC  peccato  originali>  &c. 
[Next  meeting  privie  censure.] 


At  Alfoorcl  Aprylc  4,  1688. 

The  minister  of  Tullinessell  had  a  discourse,  &c.     Mr.  Robert  Milne 
exercised  upon  I  Cor.  3.  5,  and  after  prayer,  was  approver!. 
[The  privy  censure  passed  upon  the  respective  brethren.] 
The  minister  of  Tough  proposed  that  Mr.  William  Young,  School 
master  there,  should   have  allowance  to  enter  tryalls   for  opening   his 
mouth,    in    order   wherunto    the    ministers  of  Alfoord    and    Keig   were 
recommended  by  the  Presbytcrie  to  have  previous  conference  with  him, 
and  make  report. 

Wil:  Garioch,  Clerk. 


At  King's  Colledge  Kirk,  Aprile  18,  1688. 
[Presbyterie  book  of  Alfoord  approven.] 

Mr.  Th  :  Crevey,  Clk  :  (of  Synod.) 

Referrs  of  the  Diocesian  Synod  of  Abel  :  holden  in  Aprile  1688. 

At  King's  College  Kirk,  Aprile  17.   1688.       Sess  :  2°.  post 
meridiem. 

After  prayer,  the  Lord  Bishop  did  represent  that,  in  the  Conference, 
Dr.  Garden  having  given  in  his  accounts  of  the  Centesiina  during  his  intro 
missions  the  last  year,  he  had  earnestly  desired  that  his  accompts  might 
be  revised,  and  he  exonered  of  that  charge,  since  he  could  not  any  longer 
wait  upon  it ;  wherupon  it  had  been  recommended  to  Dr.  Innes,  Dr. 
Ross,  and  Dr.  Blair,  the  parsones  of  Kincardin  and  Oyen,  to  meet  this 
night  with  the  Collector  forsaid  and  Clerk  of  the  Synod,  for  revising  the 


1688]  OF  THE   EXERCISE  OF   ALFORD.  389 

said  accounts,  and  giving  in  the  report  to  the  Synod  to-morrow,  and  that 
they  were  to  think  upon  the  chooseing  another  Collector  against  that 
time. 

The  Lord  Bishop  did,  in  like  manner,  represent  that  the  matter 
anent  the  Professor  of  Divinitie  his  manse,  having  come  under  considera 
tion  in  the  Conference,  and  it  having  been  found  that,  although  there  had 
been  an  Act  past  at  the  last  Synod,  wherby  the  brethren  were  willing  to 
burthen  themselves  in  two  merks  and  anc  halfe  each  of  them,  for  making 
up  to  the  Professor  what  expense  he  had  been  at  in  repairing  the  said 
manse,  and  for  doing  some  other  small  things,  which,  at  the  last  visita 
tion  therof,  had  been  judged  expedient  to  be  done  for  making  it  a 
sufficient  lodging,  yet  there  had  been  nothing  of  the  money  appointed  for 
the  end  forsaid  as  yet  collected,  and  therefor  it  is  recommended  to  the 
moderators  of  the  respective  Presbyteries,  to  call  the  brethereh  this 
night,  and  that  they  collect  the  said  two  merks  and  a  halfe  from  each 
of  them,  and  make  report  at  the  next  session. 

Alexander  Amidaeus,  Hebrew  Professor,  is  again  recommended  for 
supply  to  such  as  have  not  supplied  him. 

It  is  seriously  recommended  to  the  severall  Presbyteries  to  be  diligent 
in  going  about  the  visitation  of  kirks  within  their  respective  bounds  this 
summer,  and  that  particular  visitationes  be  kept  at  the  kirks  of  such 
bretheren  as  are  frequentlie  absent  from  Presbyteries  or  Synods,  and  that 
they  call  them  to  ane  account  anent  the  Centesima,  and  concerning  the 
Clerks  of  Synod  and  Presbyteries  their  dues,  and  the  paying  such  other 
things  as  have  been  imposed  by  Act  of  Synod,  and  insert  account  of 
their  diligence  hereanent  in  the  Presbyterie  books. 

Aprilis  18.  Sess :  3°.  ante  meridiem. 

The  bretheren  appointed  to  revise  Dr.  Garden's  accounts  of  the 
Centesima,  gave  in  their  report  as  follows,  viz.  That  the  summe  of  his 
wholl  charge  amounts  to  four  thousand  and  nynety  seven  pounds,  eleven 
shillings,  four  pennies  Scots,  and  the  wholl  summc  of  his  discharge 
amounts  to  four  thousand  fourtie  eight  pounds,  two  shillings  Scots  ;  so 
that  the  charge  exceeds  the  discharge  in  fourtie  nyne  pounds,  nyne 
shillings,  and  four  pennies  Scots,  which  the  Compter  is  to  deliver  to  the 
succeeding  Collector ;  and  it  is  found  that  the  summe  which  was  given 


390  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1688 

up  of  free  money,  when  Dr.  Garden  entered  Collector,  was  three  thousand 
five  hundred  and  fourtie  pounds,  seven  shillings,  Scots,  and  it  is  at 
present  (all  cleburscments  to  ministers'  relicts  and  children  being 
defalcate)  four  thousand  pounds,  lacking  five  shillings,  and  this  besides 
what  he  is  to  give  in  as  the  balance  of  his  accompts,  so  that  it  is  in 
creased,  since  Dr.  Garden's  intromission  thcnvith,  in  the  summe  of  four 
hundred  and  threescore  pounds,  two  shillings  Scots.  After  making  of 
which  report,  the  Lord  Bishop  did,  in  name  of  the  Synod,  return  their 
hearty  thanks  to  Dr.  Garden  for  his  paines  in  this  affair,  did  approve  his 
accounts,  and  he  is  hereby  discharged  of  his  wholl  intromissions  therwith. 

The  moderators  of  the  respective  Presbyteries  report,  that,  con  forme  to 
appointment  yesternight,  they  had  called  the  bretheren  together  for  pay 
ing  in  what  was  condescended  upon  for  repairing  the  Professor's  manse 
and  that  they  were  all  ready  to  deliver  the  same  presentlie,  but  with 
this  speciall  proviso,  that  seeing  it  was  declared  by  those  who  were  ap 
pointed  to  visit  the  said  manse  the  former  year,  that  if  the  walls  were 
pinned,  and  some  other  little  things  done,  which  the  Professor  desyred 
then  might  be  done,  the  expense  wherof  would  amount  to  fiftie  merks 
Scots,  the  said  manse  would  be  a  sufficient  lodging,  and  seeing  they 
were  willing  to  advance  the  forsaid  fiftie  merks  for  making  it  sufficient, 
by  and  attour  the  refounding  of  what  had  been  formerly  expended  upon 
it  by  the  Professor,  that  he  shall  be  oblidged,  during  his  incumbencie,  to 
maintaine  the  said  manse,  and  to  leave  it  in  as  good  condition  at  his  re- 
movall  as  it  is  at  present,  \vhich  the  Professor  promised  to  doe,  and  did 
exoner  the  Synod  of  any  further  expenses  for  repairing  the  said  manse, 
unless  the  roofe,  or  any  other  part  of  that  lodging  should  happen  to  fall, 
or  decay  through  length  of  time,  or  any  other  casualitie  not  occasioned 
by  his  neglect,  and  which  he  could  not  possibly  prevent.  Wherfor  it  is 
ordained  that  such  of  the  money  forsaid,  as  is  in  readines  to  be  delivered, 
be  given  up  into  the  hands  of  the  Clerk  of  the  Synod,  who  is  to  be 
accountable  therfor,  and  that  the  moderators  shall  requyrc  of  such  of  the 
bretheren  as  shall  be  deficient  at  this  time,  their  proportion  of  the  said 
money,  how  soon  they  go  home,  and  send  it  in  with  all  diligence  to  the 
Clerk  of  the  Synod,  as  said  is. 

The  matter  anent  Mr.  John  Irvine  his  supplie  coming  under  the  con 
sideration  of  the  Lord  Bishop  and  Synod,  and  it  being  put  to  the  free 
vote  of  the  Synod,  what  they  would  think  fitt  to  allow  him,  they  did 


OF    TIIK    KXKRCISF    OF    ALFORD.  39! 

unanimouslie  condescend  to  give  him  a  fourteen  pence  at  each  Synod 
from  each  minister,  and  it  is  recommended  to  the  moderators  to  rcquyre 
the  bretheren  to  pay  the  said  fourteen  pence  to  the  said  Mr.  John  in 
time  coming. 

Concerning  the  Presbytcrie  book  of  Alfoord.  It  being  found  that 
there  were  some  things  insert  thcrin,  anent  a  young  man's  tryals,  which 
both  the  moderator  and  brcthcren  of  the  Prcsbyterie  had  disowned  as 
done  by  them,  and  seeing  it  is  declared  to  be  only  the  Clerk's  action, 
therfor  it  is  recommended  to  the  moderator  and  Presbyterie  to  call  the 
Clerk  to  account  thcranent,  and  censure  him  therfor,  and  otherwaycs  the 
book  is  approven. 

The  next  melting  of  the  Synod  is  appointed  to  be  upon  the  first 
Tuesday  of  October  next. 

The  sevcrall  Presbyteries  being  removed,  in  order  to  privie  censure, 
had  a  good  testimonie,  and  were  approven,  and  the  moderators  continued 
as  formerly,  and  the  Lord  Bishop  did  seriously  exhort  all  the  bretheren 
to  take  heed  to  themselves,  and  to  the  flock  of  God  committed  to  their 
charge,  and  that  both  in  their  doctrine  and  behaviour  in  private  and  in 
publick  they  shew  themselves  examples  of  piety  toward  God,  loyaltie  to 
the  King,  and  purity  in  the  eyes  of  all  men,  and  that,  conforme  to  former 
Acts  of  Synod,  they  shall  conclude  their  publick  prayers  with  the  Lord's 
prayer,  and  their  publick  praises  with  the  doxologie,  and  that,  when  chil 
dren  are  presented  to  baptisme,  there  be  a  publick  rehearseall  made  of 
the  Christian  faith,  as  the  same  is  contained  in  the  Apostolick  Creed,  that 
they  be  carefull  to  administrat  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  at 
least  once  a  year,  taking  the  most  convenient  time  for  it,  viz:  at  Easter,  if 
they  can  possiblic  doc  it  ;    as  also  did  recommend  to  all  the  bretheren  to 
give  a  good  example   to  the  people  in  all  places  where  they  come,  in 
using  such  a  reverent  and  grave  behaviour  while  they  arc  about  the  pub- 
lick  worship  and  service  of  God,  either  in  time  of  hearing  or  preaching 
the  Word,  as  the  message  of  God,  and  respect  due  to  the  place  of  His 
publick  worship  call  for,  and  finallie  concluded  with  prayer. 

Names  of  such  bretheren  within  the  Prcsbyterie  of  Alfoord  as  are 
resting  their  two  mcrks  and  a  halfc  for  the  Professor's  house  viz. :  Mr. 
John  Alexander  at  Kildrummie,  Mr.  Alexander  Browne  at  Cabrach,  Mr 
John  Robertson  at  Strathdone,  Mr.  William  Garioch  at  Kennethmount 
and  the  minister  of  Forbes, 


392  RECORDS    OF    THE    MEETING  [l6S8 

Deficients  in  Ccntcsima  in  Alfoord. 

Mr.  Andrew  Livingston  rests  three  years  and  anc  halfe. 

Mr.  Andrew  J affray,  fyvc  j'cars. 

Mr.  Thomas  Robertson,  six  years 

Mr.  John  Alexander  has  payed  nothing. 

Mr.  Alexander  Seatone  has  payed  nothing. 


At  the  King's  Colledge  Aprylc  18,  1688. 

The  bretheren  did  meet,  and  appointed  their  next  dyct  to  be  at 
Alfoord,  May  9,  and  Mr.  Robert  Milne  to  have  a  popular  sermon  upon 
Philippians  2.  9,  10. 


At  Alfoord  May  9,  1688. 

Mr.  Robert  Milne  preached  &c.,  and,  after  prayer,  was  not  unani 
mously  approven,  in  regard  they  judged  it  too  Scholastick,  but  by  others 
sustained  as  a  competent  tryall. 

The  next  meeting  is  appointed  to  be  May  30,  1688,  and  the  ministers 
of  Alfoord  and  Keig,  who  were  appointed  to  conferre  privately  with  Mr. 
William  Young,  having  judged  him  fitt  to  be  recommended,  the  tryall  of 
the  Languages  was  prescribed  unto  him,  to  witt,  the  fourth  psalme  in 
Hebrew,  and  the  Greek  ad  aperturam. 

Concerning  the  referrs  of  Towie,  Cushnie,  Strathdone,  Glenbucket, 
Cabrach,  Lochell,  and  Tullinessell,  no  report,  in  regard  of  the  respective 
ministers  their  absence,  who  were  notwithstanding  excused,  by  reason  of 
the  storminess  of  the  weather,  and  the  unpassibleness  of  the  waters. 


At  Alfoord  May  30,  1688. 

Mr.  William  Young  sustained  the  tryall  of  Languages,  and  was 
approven. 

The  next  meiting  is  appointed  to  be  this  day  fyve  weeks,  July  4,  at 
Kildrummie,  for  a  visitation  of  that  Church,  &c, 


1 688]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD. 


393 


Mr.  John  Leslie,  Schoolmaster  at  Towie,  was  established  Clerk  to  the 
Presbyterie,  upon  the  minister  of  Kcnncthmount  his  demission,  who  was 
formerly  in  that  office. 


At  Kildrummic  July  4,  1688. 

The  minister  of  Kenethmont  preached  &c 

The  minister  gave  in  a  list  of  the  ciders'  names  as  followers,  Alexander 
Kcrr,  William  and  John  Conans,  George  Frazer,  Patrick  Watt,  John 
Dunne,  John  Esson,  who  being  called,  compeired  with  such  of  the 
heritors  and  masters  of  families  as  were  present. 

(The  usual  course  followed  as  to  minister  and  elders,  and  the  usual 
exhortations  given  to  minister,  heritors,  elders,  and  heads  of  families- 
see  Cushnie  p.  228.) 

There  is  no  considerable  mortification  in  the  parish. 

There  is  a  School  and  a  maintenance  for  a  Schoolmaster,  and  the 
Schoolmaster  approven  of. 

That  the  minister  hath  a  competent  Stipend,  with  other  conveniences 
suitable. 

That  the  Kirk  is  in  sufficient  repair,  and  provided  of  these  utensils 
viz. :  Communion  tables  and  two  cups,  a  laver  for  baptisme,  and  a  laro-c 
Bible. 

The  severall  brethercn  being  interrogate  if  they  had  observed  the 
thanksgiving  for  the  prince  his  birth,  all  present  declared  that  they  had 
carefullie  observed  it. 

Anent  the  Act  against  leasing  making,  it  being  enquyrcd  whether  it 
had  been  published,  as  injoyned  by  the  Act  of  his  Majestie's  Secret 
Counccll,  it  was  answered  affirmatively. 

The  next  inciting  to  be  at  Alfoord  July  25,  and  Mr.  William  Young 
to  sustain  the  questionarie  tryall. 

At  Alfoord  July  25,  1688. 

Mr.  William  Young  sustained  the  questionarie  tryall,  and  was  approven. 
The  next  meeting  is  appointed  to  be  at  Alfoord  August  22,  and  Mr. 
DDD 


394  RECORDS   OF   THE    MEETING  [1688 

William  Young  to  have  anc  Exegesis  DC  antJioritate  Scriptnrac.  The 
which  dyet  was  intended  by  the  Presbyterie  for  a  visitation  of  the  Kirk 
of  Clatt,  but  in  regard  that  the  minister  informed  that  his  manse  was  not 
in  repair,  and  that  therby  lie  could  not  convenientlie  sustain  it,  it  was 
deferred. 

[Annual  fast  observed.] 

It  was  inquyred  of  the  brethcren  who  were  absent  the  former  dyet,  if 
they  had  intimate  the  proclamation  against  leasing  making,  and  observed 
the  thanksgiving  for  the  prince  his  birth,  who  declared  they  had  duely 
observed  the  same. 


At  Alfoord  August  22,  1688. 

Mr.  William  Young  delivered  an  Exegesis  DC  autJioritatc  Scripturae, 
and  was  approven. 

[Next  meeting  privy  censure.] 


At  Alfoord  September  19,  1688. 

The  minister  of  Tough  had  a  discourse  relating  to  the  conscionable 
and  faithfull  discharge  of  ministerial  duties,  &c. 

[Privy  censure.] 

The  referrs  of  the  late  Dioccsian  Synod  being  read  for  the  second 
time,  and  the  referrs  therin  mentioned  that  did  concern  this  our  Presby 
terie  were  taken  into  consideration  as  followes  viz. :  That  concerning  the 
Ccntcsima  it  was  particularly  recommended  to  such  as  were  deficient,  that 
they  should  take  in  the  money  with  them  at  the  ensuing  Synod,  and  de 
liver  the  same  unto  the  Collector  appointed  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and 
Synod  for  receiving  of  the  same,  or  satisfic  him  by  secureing  him  ther- 
anent,  whose  names  we  need  not  here  make  publick  mention  of,  for  that 
they  are  well  enough  known  unto  him. 

As  also,  as  to  that  other  referre  anent  the  contribution  for  reparation 
of  the  manse  belonging  to  the  Professor  of  Theologie  in  Old  Abd:,  it  was 
seriouslic  recommended  to  all  them  who  had  not  been  present  at  the  for 
mer  Synod,  and  so  consequentlie  deficient  of  their  severall  proportions 


1 688]  OF   THE   EXERCISE   OF   ALFORD.  395 

condesended  upon,  that  they  should  punctuallie  be  in  readines  to  pay  it 
up  at  this  time,  which  they  engaged  to  doe. 

And  moreover,  ancnt  that  other  refcrrc  appointing  the  former  Clerk 
of  our  Presbyterie  his  censure  mentioned  in  the  forsaid  referre,  the  Pres- 
byterie  did  injoyne  him  to  make  a  publick  acknowledgement  of  his  fault, 
which  he  declined  to  doe,  in  regard  that  the  charge  against  him  was,  as  to 
him,  res  judicata,  and  also  for  that  he  had  no  probation  led  against  him, 
nor  was  he  convict  of  any  malversation  by  his  own  confession,  and  thcr- 
for  is  well  satisfied  to  referre  himselfe  unto  the  sentence  of  the  Lord 
Bishop  and  Synod. 

The  referre  made  in  favour  of  Mr.  John  Irvine  his  supplie  is  seriouslie 
recommended  to  the  severall  bretheren,  and  that  he  be  no  further  post 
poned  therin. 

As  also  the  two  other  referres,  the  one  concerning  Amidaeus  his 
supplie  by  those  who  have  not  supplied  him  formerly,  and  the  other 
concerning  the  punctuall  payment  of  the  Clerks  of  Synod  and  Presby 
teries  their  dues. 

[Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  observed.  Session  register  of  the 
Church  of  Kildrumie.] 

The  next  meeting  is  appointed  to  be  October  the  3'',  at  the  King's 
Colledge  in  Old  Abel:. 

Absent  this  day,  the  moderator,  being  under  his  former  indisposition 
and  inabilitie  for  to  travell,  and  the  minister  of  Clatt,  upon  whom  the 
privie  censure  is  ordered  to  passe,  upon  their  next  appearance  at  the 
Presbiterie. 

Jo :  Leslie,  Clerk  to  the  Presbiterie. 


At  the  King's  Colledge  Kirk,  October  2,  1688. 

This  Presbiterie  book  of  Alfoord  is  approven  by  the  Lord  Bishop  and 
Synod  of  Aberdeen. 

Mr.  Th:  Crevey,  Clk. 


Notes 

READER.         NOTE  i,  PAGE  i. 

THE  office  of  reader  seems  to  have  had  its  origin  in  the  Roman  Catholic  Church  ; 
at  least  a  similar  office — that  of  lector — existed  in  that  Church  previous  to  the 
Reformation.  It  arose  in  this  way.  After  the  invention  of  printing,  copies  of  the 
Scriptures  were  multiplied.  Very  few,  however,  could  read  them  for  themselves. 
Accordingly,  a  person  called  the  lector 'was  appointed  to  read  portions  of  the  Bible 
to  the  people  in  Church. 

The  reader  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  had  somewhat  similar  origin  and 
duties.  It  was  not  one  of  the  Ecclesiastical  Orders  of  the  Scotch  Reformed 
Church,  but  was  devised  to  meet  a  want.  At  the  Reformation,  and  for  many 
years  afterwards,  there  was  a  great  scarcity  of  ministers.  "In  1567  there  were 
only  257  ministers  assisted  by  151  exhorters,  and  455  readers;  and  in  1574  the 
numbers  had  increased  to  289  ministers  and  715  readers."  The  reader  was  thus 
a  necessity.  Frequently  one  minister  had  charge  of  several  parishes  with  a  reader 
in  each.  The  "  First  Book  of  Discipline,"  drawn  up  by  Knox,  &c.,  and  which 
contains  what  we  may  call  the  Ecclesiastical  Polity  of  the  Scotch  Reformers, 
enacted  that  "  in  the  Churches  where  no  minister  can  be  had  presently,  must  be 
appointed  the  most  apt  men  that  distinctly  can  read  the  Common  Prayers  and 
the  Scriptures."  In  1580,  when  ministers  were  more  numerous,  the  General 
Assembly  took  into  consideration  "  qwhither  readers  should  be  sufferit  to  con- 
tinow,"  and  came  to  the  conclusion  that  "  so  many  as  beis  sound  and  travellit  in 
reading  be  the  space  of  twa  yeares,  and  hes  not  profited  that  they  are  able  to  be 
pastores,  and  to  preach  the  Word  of  God,  shall  be  deposit  from  the  reading." 
Next  year,  in  1581,  the  office  was  abolished,  the  Assembly  decreeing  that  "in  no 
tymes  comeing  any  reader  be  admitted  to  the  office  of  reader  be  any  having 
power  within  the  Kirk."  The  Act,  however,  was  not  strictly  enforced,  for  now 
and  then  afterwards  we  meet  with  instances  of  the  appointment  of  readers,  or 
application  for  their  appointment. 

In  1662,  when  Episcopacy  again  became  the  Established  Church,  the  office 
of  reader  was  revived,  and  continued  throughout  the  whole  Episcopal  period. 
After  the  Revolution  of  1688  and  the  restoration  of  Presbytery,  the  office 
gradually  fell  into  disuse,  though  in  some  districts  of  the  Highlands,  it  is  said  to 
have  lingered  on  to  a  period  not  very  remote. 


NOTKS. 

The  duties  of  the  reader  were  various.  At  the  first  meeting  of  the  Diocesan 
Synod  of  Aberdeen  after  the  Restoration — held  2ist  October,  1662 — "it  was 
enaeted  by  the  Bishop,  with  consent  of  the  brethren  of  the  Synod,  that  there 
shall  be  readers  of  the  Scriptures  in  every  congregation."  The  reader  required  to 
be  authorised  by  the  .Bishop,  and  the  Synod  was  to  take  notice  "of  his  ability 
and  qualification  for  the  exercise  of  reading.''  To  mention  some  of  his  duties,  he 
was  to  read  the  Scriptures  before  the  morning  and  evening  services,  to  keep 
Books  of  baptisms,  marriages,  and  burials,  to  receive  the  names  and  proclaim  the 
banns,  to  hear  persons  about  to  be  married,  "rehearse  the  Lord's  Prayer,  the 
Beleve,  and  the  Commandments  of  God."  On  the  other  hand,  he  was  not  to 
pronounce  the  blessing — the  minister  was  to  do  that ;  on  week-days  he  might 
pronounce  it,  and  on  .Sabbath  days  if  the  minister  was  necessarily  absent,  and 
though  in  prayer  he  used  only  the  Lord's  Prayer  he  was  not  to  be  censured. 

Dr.  Sprott,  in  his  "Introduction  to  the  Book  of  Common  Order,"  thus 
describes  the  reader's  service  in  Church  : — "The  bell  having  been  rung  an  hour 
before  was  rung  the  second  time  at  8  o'clock  for  the  readers  service.  The  con 
gregation  then  assembled,  and  engaged  for  a  little  in  private  devotion.  The 
reader  took  his  place  at  the  '  lectern,'  read  the  Common  Prayers,  and  in  some 
Churches  the  Decalogue  and  Creed.  He  then  gave  out  large  portions  of  the 
Psalter,  the  singing  of  which  was  concluded  with  the  Gloria  Fatri,  and  next  read 
chapters  from  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  going  through  in  order  any  Book 
that  was  begun,  as  required  by  the  '  First  Book  of  Discipline.'  After  an  hour 
thus  spent  the  bell  rang  the  third  time,  and  the  minister  entered  the  pulpit,"  and 
conducted  the  minister's  service.  As  we  have  already  indicated,  the  office  of 
reader  in  the  Scottish  Churches  has  long  ceased. 

LITURGY  IN  OLD  PSALM  BOOK.     NOTE  2,  PACK   j. 

This  was  the  "Book  of  Common  Order,"  often  called  "  Knox's  Liturgy." 
After  Knox's  return  to  Scotland  in  1559,  the  "Book  of  Geneva,"  drawn  up  for 
the  Scotch  congregations  in  Geneva,  seems  to  have  been  in  use  in  the  Scotch 
Reformed  Church.  Between  1562  and  1564  this  Book  was  revised,  new  prayers 
added,  and  the  psalter  completed.  The  "  Book  of  Geneva  "  thus  revised  consti 
tutes  the  "Book  of  Common  Order."  The  General  Assembly  in  1564  ordained 
that  "  every  minister,  exhorter,  and  reader  shall  have  one  of  the  Psalm  Books 
lately  printed  in  Edinburgh,  and  use  the  order  contained  therein  in  prayers, 
marriages,  and  administration  of  the  Sacraments."  This  Psalm  Book  was  just  the 
"  Book  of  Common  Order."  It  was  used  in  the  worship  of  the  Scotch  Church 
alike  under  "  Presbytery  "  and  "  Episcopacy  "  from  1564  to  1645.  At  this  latter 


NOTES. 


399 


date  the  "Westminster  Directory,"  the  present  law  of  the  Scottish  Church  as 
to  worship,  was  adopted.  But  in  1662,  when  Episcopacy  was  restored,  the 
"Westminster  Directory"  was  forbidden,  and  the  "Liturgy  in  the  old  I'salm 
Hook  "  enjoined.  Still,  though  the  general  practice  was  as  stated  above,  there  is 
little  doubt  that,  both  in  Presbyterian  and  Episcopal  times,  there  were  ministers 
who  preferred  and  used— some  parti)-,  some  altogether— extemporaneous  prayers. 

THANKSGIVING  ON  5th  NOVEMBER.         NOTE  3,  PAGE  2. 

The  reference  is  to  the  "Gunpowder  Plot."  The  account  generally  given  of 
the  "  Plot "  is  this.  The  Catholics  disappointed  that  James,  on  his  accession  to 
the  throne  of  England,  did  not  favour  their  party,  as  his  mother,  Queen  Mary 
had  done,  formed  a  conspiracy  to  destroy  the  King,  Lords,  and  Commons.  A 
cellar  beneath  the  House  of  Lords  was  hired.  In  it  were  stored  barrels  of  gun 
powder  and  other  articles.  November  the  5th,  1605,  was  the  day  fixed  for  the 
explosion.  A  few  days  previously,  however,  the  plot  was  discovered  through  a 
hint  given  in  an  anonymous  letter.  The  vaults  were  searched,  and  one,  Guy 
Eawkes,  a  Spanish  officer,  was  caught  in  the  very  act  of  preparing  the  matches 
for  the  explosion.  The  plot  was  thus  frustrated,  and  for  long  the  5th  of 
November  was  observed  throughout  the  kingdom,  as  a  day  of  thanksgiving  for 
the  discovery  of  the  plot,  and  the  escape  of  the  king,  &c.  Rightly  or  wrongly, 
the  Catholics  were  regarded  as  connected  with  the  dreadful  crime  contemplated! 
Severest  penal  laws  were  enacted  against  them,  and  often  enforced  with  but  little 
regard  to  justice  or  to  guilt.  To  be  a  "  papist  "  was  enough  to  create  suspicion, 
and  expose  to  trouble,  if  not  to  something  worse.  No  doubt  in  those  days —and 
not  in  them  alone— the  party,  or  at  least  the  Church  party,  out  of  power,  was 
prone  enough  to  plan  and  plot  for  the  overthrow  of  its  adversaries.  Not  very 
scrupulous  was  it  in  trying  to  help  its  case  by  making  the  most  of  anything  that 
would  excite  suspicion  against  the  other.  And  so,  after  all,  papists  and  protes- 
tants  were  probably  not  so  black  as  by  each  other  they  are  painted.  Not  all  said 
by  either  can  be  accepted  as  gospel. 

As  regards  the  Gunpowder  Plot,  it  is  right  to  add  that  a  work  has  lately  been 
published  strongly  denying  any  general  connection  of  the  Catholics  with  the  plot,  if 
plot  there  were  at  all.  The  book  is  by  one  leather  Gerard.  Its  title  is  "  What 
was  the  Gunpowder  Plot  ?  "  Father  Gerard's  work  has  been  criticised  by  several 
writers,  and  its  conclusions  disputed.  The  fullest  and  at  the  same  time  the 
fairest  reply  is  one  just  published  (1897)  under  the  title  "  What  Gunpowder  Hot 
was,"  by  Dr.  Samuel  Rawson  Gardiner.  The  result  is  to  leave  the  question  very 
much  as  it  was  before  Father  Gerard's  publication. 


400  NOTKS. 


DIRECTORY  OF  THE  LATE  ILI.F.OAL  ASSEMIU.Y.         NOTE  4,  PACE  2. 

The  "  illegal  Assembly  "  was  the  Westminster  Assembly.  The  "  Directory  " 
to  be  laid  aside  was  the  "  Directory  for  the  Public  Worship  of  God"  drawn  up 
by  that  Assembly  in  1644.  The  "Directory"  was  sanctioned  by  the  General 
Assembly  of  1645  on  February  the  3rd,  and  on  the  6th  was  ratified  by  the 
Scottish  Parliament,  and  ordered  to  be  observed  by  all  ministers  in  the  kingdom. 
After  its  sanction  by  Parliament  and  the  General  Assembly,  it,  in  a  great  measure, 
superseded  the  "  Book  of  Common  Order."  From  1645  to  the  present  day,  it 
has  been  the  "Directory  for  Worship"  in  the  Scottish  Presbyterian  Church, 
though  many  of  its  requirements  are  not  now  acted  on.  ."But  although  drawn  up 
with  the  intention  of  securing  "  happy  unity  and  uniformity  in  religion  amongst 
the.  kirks  of  Christ  in  these  three  kingdoms"  it  soon  and  signally  failed  in  this. 
Episcopalians  and  Independents  discarded  it.  And  in  Scotland,  in  1662,  only 
seventeen  years  after  its  sanction  by  Parliament  and  Assembly,  the  Diocesan 
Synods,  on  the  re-establishment  of  Episcopacy,  ordered  it  to  be  "  layd  assyd,  and 
not  made  use  of  in  tyme  coming."  It  thus  came  to  be  the  Directory  for  the 
Presbyterians  alone. 


PAPISTS.         NOTE  5,  PAGE  2. 

After  the  Reformation  severe  measures  were  taken  against  the  Catholics. 
They  were  suspected  of  being  constantly  engaged  in  plotting  against  Church  and 
State.  In  those  days  the  Churches  had  no  idea  of  religious  toleration.  The 
persecuted  in  turn  became  the  persecutors.  Roman  Catholics,  Episcopalians, 
Presbyterians,  were  equally  intolerant,  equally  prone  to  persecute  when  they  had 
the  power.  So  the  abolition  of  Presbyterianism  at  the  Restoration  brought  no 
relief  to  the  Roman  Catholics.  The  only  thing  in  their  favour  was,  that  those  in 
power  were  generally  so  engrossed  in  persecuting  the  Presbyterians  that  they  had 
not  much  time  to  attend  to  the  Catholics,  whom  they  equally  hated  and  dreaded. 
In  Aberdeenshire,  and  other  parts  around,  there  was  still  a  considerable  number 
of  Catholics.  Doubtless,  in  the  Alford  Presbytery  and  neighbouring  district,  this 
was  due  in  no  small  measure  to  the  influence  of  the  Marquis  of  Huntly,  who  all 
through  remained  a  keen  adherent  of  popery,  and  who  is  said  to  have  boasted 
that  he  could  set  up  the  mass  in  three  counties.  It  is  noticeable  that  very  often 
when  the  names  of  those  accused  of  popery  are  mentioned  there  is  a  "  Gordon  " 
among  them,  e.  g.  in  Kennethmont,  Gordon  of  Cults,  Gordon  of  Mosstown  ;  in 
Auchindoir,  Gordon  of  Craig  ;  in  Tullynessle,  Gordon  of  Terpersie  ;  in  Keig, 


NOTES. 


4OI 


Gordon  of  Pittendreigh.  In  October  1662,  at  the  very  first  meeting  of  the  Synod 
of  Aberdeen,  severe  measures  were  taken  against  Roman  Catholics.  Ministers 
were  enjoined  to  take  particular  notice  of  papists  in  their  parishes,  and  to  send 
their  names  to  the  Bishop  that  they  may  be  sent  to  his  Majesty's  Privy  Council. 
No  one  was  to  "  recept  seminarie  priests  and  Jesuits."  At  Synod,  October  1663, 
because  "some  gentlemen  and  persones  of  qualitie  had  sent  their  children  beyond 
the  seas  to  be  educated  in  popishe  universities,"  means  were  to  be  adopted  to 
prevent  this  in  future,  to  restrain  the  "spreading  leprosie  of  poperie,"  and  a  "  solid 
way  taken  for  training  up  the  children  in  the  Protestant  religion,  especially  the 
young  Lord,  the  Marquis  of  Huntly,  and  that  the  children  already  sent  abroad  be 
reduced,"  (p.  29).  Again  and  again  we  find  similar  enactments.  "  In  this  respect 
(persecution  of  Roman  Catholics)  Episcopacy  abated  nothing  of  the  fervour  of 
Presbytery.  It  was  equally  zealous  and  equally  intolerant."  (Stephen  II.,  210.) 


PERSONS  TO  HAVE  OVERSIGHT  OF  THE  PEOPLE.     (KIRK  SESSION) 
NOTE  6,  PAGE  3. 

This  was  just  the  Kirk-Session,,  though  not  so-called  in  Episcopal  times. 
Synod  1662  enacted  "that  every  minister  within  this  diocie  male  choice  of  so 
many  within  his  parioch,  of  the  most  able,  qualified,  and  understanding  persons 
to  have  ane  inspection  and  oversight  of  the  people,  &c."  (p.  3.)  It  is  from  the 
"First  and  Second  Books  of  Discipline  "  (1560  and  1581)  we  get  the  constitution 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  One  of  the  Ecclesiastical  Assemblies  was  the  Con 
gregational  Assembly,  which  came  to  be  called  by  the  better  known  name  of  the 
Kirk-Session.  The  office  and  duties  of  elders  as  given  there  are  almost  identical 
with  what  are  given  in  our  "Record."  They  were  to  be  "  men  of  best  knowledge 
in  God's  Word,  and  cleanest  life,  men  faithful  and  of  most  honest  conversation 
that  could  be  found  in  the  Church."  They  were  to  "assist  the  minister  in  all  the 
public  affairs  of  the  Kirk,  delate  to  him  scandals,"  &c.  At  first,  elders  were 
appointed  only  for  a  year,  "lest  they  should  presume  too  much."  They  might, 
however,  be  re-appointed.  "No  stipend  was  to  be  assigned  them  for  their 
labours,  which  were  not  deemed  to  be  such  as  to  withdraw  them  from  their  usual 
employments."  During  the  Episcopal  period  there  was  no  representation  of  the 
eldership  in  the  Presbytery  or  Synod.  With  this  exception,  the  eldership,  though 
Presbyterian  in  its  origin,  yet  continued  in  full  operation  in  the  Episcopal  Church 
in  Scotland  from  1662-1688. 

EEE 


402  NOTES. 

EXCOMMUNICATION.         NOTE  7,  PAGE  3. 

There  were  two  kinds  of  excommunication,  "  Lesser  "  and  "  Greater."  Lesser 
excommunication  was  simply  suspension  from  Church  privileges.  If  the  offence 
was  acknowledged,  and  submission  to  discipline  made,  then,  after  undergoing 
sufficient  penalty,  the  offender  was  restored.  But  if  he  did  not  submit— was 
"  contumacious  " — the  "  process  "  went  on  before  the  Session,  was  reported  to 
the  Presbytery,  sometimes  also  to  the  Synod,  and  instructions  received  as  to 
further  procedure.  The  next  steps  were  that  the  delinquent  was  cited  by  name 
three  several  Sabbaths  from  the  pulpit  of  the  parish  of  his  residence,  but  if  he 
absconded,  or  his  residence  was  not  known,  from  all  the  pulpits  of  the  Presbytery  ; 
this  failing,  he  was  prayed  for  publicly  three  several  times,  and  the  sanction  of 
the  Bishop  having  been  obtained,  the  sentence  of  greater  excommunication  was 
pronounced  against  him.  Some  of  the  offences  or  crimes  for  which  this  latter 
sentence  was  inflicted  were  murder,  adultery,  refusing  to  abjure  popery  and  attend 
the  parish  Churches,  witchcraft,  charming,  &c.  The  sentence  was  a  terrible  one, 
and  if  literally  carried  out  must  have  been  almost  unbearable  to  the  excommuni 
cated.  For  instance,  he  was  not  allowed  to  reside  in  another  parish,  and  in  his 
own,  people  were  not  to  receive  him  into  their  houses  or  have  any  intercourse 
with  him,  those  doing  so  might  themselves  be  excommunicated.  On  one  occasion 
a  minister  was  rebuked  by  his  Presbytery  for  asking  a  blessing  before  supper  when 
an  excommunicated  person  was  present.  The  law  of  the  Church  was,  that  no 
parishioner  was  to  "  haunt  or  keep  company  "  with  an  excommunicated  person. 
(For  "  Forms  of  excommunication  "  see  pp.  126,  127.) 

LICENSING  YOUNG  MEN.         NOTE  8,  PAGE  3. 

The  course  of  study  for  the  ministry  was,  we  may  say,  similar  to  what  it  is  at 
present  in  our  Presbyterian  Churches.  Students  attended  first  the  Arts  Classes, 
then  a  four  years'  course  of  Divinity.  Each  year  they  had  to  appear  before  the 
Presbytery  to  be  tested  on  the  progress  they  were  making  in  their  studies.  Before 
receiving  licence  to  preach,  they  had  to  undergo  "  trials,"  the  name  still  used. 
The  "  trials  "  consisted  of  (i)  "  Questionary  trials,"  an  examination  in  Philosophy, 
&c.  ;  (2)  a  "  Popular  Sermon  "  ;  (3)  trials  in  the  "  Languages,"  Greek  and 
Hebrew;  (4)  a  "  Common  Head  of  Controversy,"  a  discussion  in  Latin  on  some 
subject  prescribed  by  the  Presbytery,  such  as  De  formali  ratione  justificationis, 
De  visibilitate  Ecdesiae,  De  efficacia  gratiae  ;  (5)  an  "  Exercise  and  Addition,"  a 
critical  discourse  on  some  portion  of  the  Hebrew  of  the  Old  Testament ;  (6)  an 
"Exegesis"  or  "Critical  Discourse"  of  some  portion  of  the  Greek  of  the  New 


NOTES.  403 

Testament.  If  the  student  passed  his  trials  satisfactorily  he  was  "censured  and 
approven,"  and  got  a  letter  of  recommendation  to  the  Bishop  that  he  might  be 
licensed  to  preach — "  his  mouth  opened."  Sometimes  the  Presbytery  was  not 
satisfied  with  the  appearance  made.  On  page  280  we  have  an  instance  of  this. 
The  young  man  was  ordered  to  study  Hebrew.  It  was  also  enacted  (p.  176)  that 
if  the  student  did  not  know  "  positive  and  polemical  Divinity,"  the  trials  were 
not  to  go  on.  When  the  probationer  got  a  presentation  to  a  parish,  "trials" 
similar  to  those  for  licence  had  again  to  be  gone  through,  and  if  approven  he  got 
a  testimonial  to  the  Bishop  that  he  might  receive  ordination  ;  then  he  was  sent 
back  to  the  Presbytery  to  receive  institution,  /.  e.  admission  to  the  charge. 

From  the  above,  it  will  be  seen  that  the  Presbytery  tried  the  young  men  and 
instituted  them  after  ordination,  but  that  the  Bishop  licensed  and  ordained  them. 
If  the  Bishop  was  out  of  the  country,  or  the  See  vacant,  another  Bishop  ordained, 
e.g.  Mr.  John  Mair  was  ordained  by  the  Bishop  of  Edinburgh  (p.  u).  In 
similar  circumstances  the  Presbytery  was  allowed  to  licence  ;  e.g.  Mr.  Burnet  was 
licensed  by  the  Presbytery  (p.  36).  But  when  the  Presbytery  licensed,  the  parties 
had  afterwards  to  go  to  the  Bishop  to  get  his  approval  of  what  had  been  done. 
Thus  licence  or  ordination  by  the  Presbytery  when  authorised  was  not  regarded 
as  invalid,  but  rather  as  defective,  wanting  something  which  Episcopal  ordination 
was  supposed  to  confer. 


BURSARS.         NOTE  9,  PAGE  4. 

It  was  long  the  custom  for  the  Presbyteries  to  support  a  young  man  studying 
for  the  Church.  Generally  each  Presbytery  had  its  bursar,  though  occasionally 
two  united  to  maintain  one,  and  nominated  the  bursar  alternately.  Each  con 
gregation  contributed  so  much.  As  we  find  from  our  "  Record"  as  well  as  the 
Records  of  other  Presbyteries  and  Synods,  there  were  often  difficulties  in  getting 
payment  made  to  the  young  men.  Frequently  the  bursars  complain  of  arrears 
being  due  to  them,  and  stringent  measures  had  to  be  taken  to  enforce  payment. 
Sometimes  the  bursars  got  leave  to  "  persue  by  law  the  persones  deficient  for 
payment."  Occasionally  the  penalties  exacted  from  offenders  were  ordered  to  be 
produced  to  the  Presbytery,  in  order  that  payment  of  what  was  owing  to  the  bur 
sar  might  be  made.  The  object  of  this  bursary  system  was  to  educate  for  the 
ministry  young  men  of  "pregnant  pairts"  who  themselves  had  not  the  means.  It 
would  appear,  however,  that  it  was  not  always  such  that  got  the  bursaries.  In  the 
Register  of  the  Synod  of  Dunblane  (p.  18 1),  it  is  stated  that  a  supplication  anent 


404  NOT  MS. 

this  was  presented  to  the  Bishop  and  Synod,  and  it  was  enacted  that  "  persones 
who  were  able  by  themselves  and  their  parents  to  stay  there  (at  College)  without 
the  benefit  of  a  bursary,  were  not  to  have  the  right,  where  others,  especiallie 
ministers'  sons,  were  capable  of  the  benefit." 


MINISTERS  .SINCE  1649.         NOTK   10,  PAGE  6. 

The  reference  is  to  the  patronage  of  Churches.  Since  the  Reformation 
various  changes  had  taken  place  in  regard  to  this.  Speaking  generally,  we  may 
say  that  when  Presbytery  prevailed,  the  tendency  was  to  restrict  or  abolish 
patronage  ;  when  Episcopacy  was  in  power,  to  restore  it.  In  1638,  when  Presby 
tery  gained  the  ascendancy,  patrons  in  a  great  measure  lost  their  power,  though 
it  was  not  until  1649  that  patronage  was  abolished  by  law.  In  that  year  Parlia 
ment  condemned  patronage  "  as  an  evil  under  which  the  Lord's  people  had  long 

groaned,  as  having  no  warrant  in  the  Word  of  God, as  a  popish 

custom  brought  into  the  Church  in  the  time  of  ignorance  and  superstition." 
Strong  terms  these — too  strong  to  last.  For  many  who  were  keenest  against 
patronage  that  year,  were  as  keen  for  its  restoration  in  1663.  The  General 
Assembly  of  1649  followed  up  what  Parliament  had  done,  by  enacting  that  the 
Kirk-Session  of  each  congregation  was  to  elect  the  minister,  who,  if  approved  by 
the  congregation,  was  to  be  tried  and  admitted  by  the  Presbytery,  but  that  should 
a  majority  of  the  congregation  dissent,  the  Presbytery  were  to  appoint  a  new 
election  to  be  made,  unless  the  reasons  of  dissent  were  grounded  in  causeless 
prejudice.  It  is  this  abolition  of  patronage  by  Parliament  and  General  Assembly 
that  is  referred  to  in  the  "  Record."  All  ministers  settled  under  the  Act  of  1649 
were  either  to  apply  to  and  receive  presentation  from  their  patrons,  and  collation 
(i.  e.  admission  to  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  parish  and  congregation)  from  their 
Bishops,  or  lose  their  livings.  Observe  there  was  no  re-ordination,  the  ordination 
by  Presbytery  was  accepted,  considered  valid,  The  great  object  of  this  Act  of 
1662  seems  to  have  been  to  get  the  authority  of  Bishops  acknowledged.  No 
minister  could  retain  his  living  "  unless  he  have  collatione  from  the  Bishope  " 
(p.  6),  thus  acknowledging  to  the  fullest  extent  the  Bishop's  authority.  The 
result  was  that  sooner  than  comply  with  what  they  believed  to  be  an  unrighteous 
Act,  some  three  hundred  ministers  left  their  manses  and  livings.  In  the  South 
and  West  of  Scotland  the  majority  of  ministers  did  so.  In  Aberdeenshire  nearly 
all  conformed.  In  Alford  Presbytery  all  seem  to  have  conformed. 


NOTES.  405 

PRIVY  CKNSURKS.         NOTE   u,  PAGES  26,   27. 

Privy  censure  has  been  defined  as  "  a  species  of  Church  discipline  in  which 
Presbyteries,  or  the  members  of  Presbyteries  sat  in  judgement  upon  themselves." 
When  or  why  it  originated  we  have  not  been  able  to  discover.  But  it  long  pre 
vailed  in  the  Scotch  Church  both  in  the  Presbyterian  and  Episcopal  periods.  All 
the  ministers  had  to  undergo  it  once  a  year.  On  the  day  appointed  for  "  privy 
censure  "  each  minister  in  turn  was  questioned  as  to  the  state  of  his  parish,  his 
discharge  of  duty,  how  often  he  preached,  visited  his  parish,  catechized  the  people, 
dispensed  the  communion,  administered  discipline,  in  short,  everything  a  minister 
was  expected  to  be  and  do.  When  this  questioning  was  finished,  he  was  asked  to 
retire — "  was  removed  " — and  the  brethren  were  questioned  regarding  him,  and 
every  inquiry  having  been  made,  approval  or  censure  was  resolved  on.  He  was 
then  called  in,  and  the  approval  or  condemnation  communicated  to  him.  Such 
proceedings  are  apt  to  become  a  mere  form.  On  the  whole,  however,  the  work 
appears  to  have  been  gone  about  faithfully  and  honestly.  The  brethren  were 
often  by  no  means  sparing  of  each  other,  and  in  no  way  backward  in  taking  up 
and  carrying  on  a  case  against  one  of  their  number  who  was  in  fault ;  as  witness 
the  cases  of  John  Irving  of  Cabrach,  who  was  at  length  deposed ;  Robert  Chein 
of  Kennethmont,  for  corn-leading  on  Sunday,  and  whose  wife  was  publicly 
rebuked  in  Church  for  her  part  in  the  doings ;  and  William  Davidson  of 
Auchindoir,  who  was  found  to  be  too  old  and  infirm  for  parish  work. 

Synods  had  also  "  a  diet  for  privy  censures."  Each  Presbytery  was  "  removed  " 
in  turn,  and  the  other  Presbyteries  questioned  about  the  one  removed — any 
failure  in  duty,  anything  against  it,  and  the  like.  Such  "  privy  censures  "  have 
long  been  a  thing  of  the  past.  Some  Synods  still  have  what  is  called  Privy 
Censures.  The  diet,  however,  is  mainly  for  business  that  it  is  thought  desirable 
to  take  in  private,  a  thing  very  different  from  what  "  privy  censures  "  once  were — • 
no  removing  and  censuring  of  Presbyteries.  Indeed  the  very  name,  as  well  as  the 
thing  itself,  is  all  but  obsolete. 


REV.  NATHANAEL  MARTIN.         NOTE  12,   PAGE  28. 

From  Scott's  "  Fasti,"  we  learn  that  Mr.  Martin  was  minister  of  Aberdour, 
from  which  he  was  translated  to  Peterhead.  In  1651  he  attached  himself  to  the 
Protesters,  the  extreme  party  among  the  Presbyterians.  After  the  re-establishment 
of  Episcopacy  in  1662,  he  was  deprived  of  his  charge  for  not  conforming.  On 
this  he  removed  to  Turriff,  taking  with  him  the  Minute  Book  of  the  Presbytery  of 


406  NOTES. 

Deer.  It  is  the  carrying  away  of  this  book  and  the  steps  taken  to  recover  it  to 
which  reference  is  made.  The  case  was  reported  to  the  Privy  Council,  and  the 
book  was  at  last  restored.  In  July,  1671,  a  decree  was  passed  against  Mr.  Martin 
and  others  for  holding  Conventicles  ("Fasti,"  622  and  633).  Wodrow  (I.,  329) 
gives  Mr.  Martin  as  one  of  the  ministers  in  the  Presbytery  of  Deer  who  did  not 
conform  in  1663. 


ABERDEEN  DOCTORS.         NOTE  13,   PAGE  28. 

These  were  Dr.  John  Forbes  (second  son  of  Bishop  Patrick  Forbes  of 
Aberdeen),  Professor  of  Divinity  in  King's  College  ;  Dr.  Baron,  Professor  of 
Divinity  in  Marischal  College  ;  Dr.  Leslie,  Principal  of  King's  College  ;  Dr. 
Scrogie,  minister  of  St.  Machar's  ;  Dr.  Sibbald,  minister  of  St.  Nicholas  Church, 
and  Dr.  Ross,  his  colleague.  The  Doctors  were  zealous  champions  of  Episco 
pacy.  After  the  events  of  1637,  when  most  of  the  other  large  towns  adhered  to 
the  Covenanters,  Aberdeen  stood  out  against  them.  Steps  were  taken  to  force 
the  Covenant  on  the  citizens.  For  the  purpose  ttiere  were  sent  North,  Henderson, 
Dickson,  and  Cant,  leading  men  amongst  the  Covenanters,  and  also  the  Marquis 
of  Montrose  who  not  long  after  distinguished  himself  on  the  other  side.  The 
demand  that  the  Covenant  should  be  accepted  led  to  a  keen  controversy.  The 
Doctors  drew  up  a  paper  challenging  the  authority  of  the  Covenant.  To  this 
Henderson  and  his  party  replied.  A  reply  from  the  Doctors  followed,  then  a 
reply  to  that.  Those  by  the  Doctors  are  the  "  demands,  replys,  and  duplys  " 
referred  to  in  our  "  Record."  The  discussion,  at  the  time,  made  no  small  stir. 
As  usual,  neither  party  succeeded  in  convincing  its  opponents,  though  each 
claimed  the  victory  for  its  champions.  The  pamphlets  give  us  a  good  idea  of  the 
state  of  Ecclesiastical  opinion  and  controversy  at  the  time,  though,  as  one  well 
qualified  to  judge,  remarks,  "  The  controversy  is  now  wearisome  reading " 
(Stephen,  II.,  265). 


REV.  WILLIAM  RIRES.         NOTE  14,  PAGE  28,  29. 

Mr.  William  Rires  was  appointed  assistant  and  successor  to  his  father  as 
minister  of  Lonmay  in  1649.  Like  Nathanael  Martin  of  the  same  Presbytery 
(Deer)  he  joined  the  Protesters  in  1651. 

Here  it  may  be  well  to  explain  what  is  implied  in  "joining  the  Protesters." 
At  this  time  (1651),  the  Presbyterians  were  divided  into  two  parties,  Protesters 
and  Resolutioners.  The  names  aiose  in  this  way — in  1649  the  more  rigid 


NOTES.  40/ 

Presbyterians  had  got  an  Act  passed,  called  the  "Act  of  Classes,"  which  excluded 
from  the  army  and  offices  of  trust  all  in  any  way  opposed  to  the  Covenant. 
Charles  I.  had  been  beheaded.  The  great  bulk  of  the  nation,  including  the 
extreme  Covenanters,  wished  not  Cromwell  but  Charles  II.  as  sovereign.  An 
army  was  needed  to  oppose  Cromwell.  The  Act  of  1649  stood  in  the  way. 
Parliament  and  the  majority  of  Presbyterians  were  willing  to  repeal  it,  or,  at  least, 
so  far  to  modify  it  that  those  excluded  would  be  permitted  to  fight  for  their  king 
and  country.  The  difficulty  was  to  get  the  consent  of  the  Church.  A  meeting 
of  the  Commission  of  Assembly,  held  in  December  1650,  passed  resolutions 
permitting,  with  certain  exceptions,  all  "  fencible  persons  "  to  fight  for  defence  of 
the  kingdom.  On  this,  the  Parliament  in  May  following  repealed  the  "  Act  of 
Classes."  The  Assembly  which  met  in  July  (1651),  after  long  and  bitter  debates, 
approved  by  a  majority  the  resolutions  of  the  Commission.  A  strongly-worded 
protest  against  what  had  been  done  was  drawn  up  and  signed  by  twenty-two  of 
the  minority.  Three  of  the  leading  protestors  were  deposed.  The  Church  was 
rent  into  two  factions  bitterly  hostile  to  each  other.  Those  who  approved  of  the 
resolutions  of  the  Commission  were  called  Resolutioners  ;  those  who  protested 
againt  them,  Protesters.  Such  was  the  origin  of  the  names.  To  the  party  of 
Protesters  Mr.  Rires  adhered.  Keen  and  out-spoken  opponents  of  Episcopacy — 
black  prelacy — they  were.  And  now  that  a  king  reigned  and  a  Church  was  in 
power  that  hated  both  them  and  their  Covenant,  they  were  sure  to  get  into 
trouble,  and  receive  no  mercy.  Hence  m  ist  probably  the  proceedings  against 
Mr.  Rires.  There  may  have  been  other  reasons,  but,  if  so,  these  we  have  not 
been  able  to  discover. 


QUAKERS.         NOTE  15,  PAGE  29. 

Quakers  appear  to  have  given  a  good  deal  of  trouble  at  this  time.  They  were 
pretty  numerous  in  some  parts  of  England.  In  Scotland  they  never  were  num 
erous,  although  at  this  period  and  onwards  we  find  them  often  mentioned,  and 
prosecutions  instituted  against  them  in  most  parts  of  the  country.  It  was, 
however,  in  certain  districts  of  Aberdeenshire  and  Kincardineshire  they  were  prin 
cipally  found,  chiefly  in  and  around  Aberdeen,  Inverurie,  and  Stonehaven.  Near 
Stonehaven,  the  Barclays  of  Urie,  their  best  known  supporters  in  Scotland,  had 
their  residence.  About  1663  the  quakers  obtained  a  footing,  and  began  to  gain 
adherents  in  Aberdeen,  where  several  people  of  position  adopted  their  tenets. 
Some  of  these  settled  in  Inverurie,  and  their  opinions  spread  in  the  district.  In 
what  is  now  the  united  parish  of  Keith-hall  and  Kinkell,  and  the  neighbourhood, 


4O8  NOTES. 

many  joined  them.  They  had  a  "Meeting-house"  in  Kinkell,  which,  at  one  time, 
was  largely  attended  The  "  Meeting-house  "  still  exists,  though  now  very  few 
belong  to  the  body.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Donald,  the  present  minister  of  Keith-hall, 
who  has  kindly  favoured  me  with  some  interesting  information,  mentions  that  old 
parishioners  still  living  remember  when  a  considerable  quaker  congregation  met 
for  worship  on  .Sundays  and  Wednesdays.  Gradually,  however,  the  numbers 
dwindled.  Mr.  Donald  gives  instances  of  several  persons,  from  1718  onwards, 
renouncing  quakerism.  and  receiving  baptism  by  his  predecessors,  the  parish 
ministers.  In  1870,  he,  himself,  bapti/ed  a  young  family  of  two  brothers  and  two 
sisters — ages  from  13  to  22.  He  adds,  "  When  my  ministry  commenced  here,  in 
1867,  tne  number  of  quakers  in  the  parish  was  about  eight,  now  there  are  only 
two  aged  quakers,  above  eighty,  my  friends  Robert  and  James  Gray." 

At  first,  both  in  England  and  Scotland,  the  quakers  were  equally  obnoxious  to 
the  Civil  Government  and  to  the  Churches.  In  England,  it  was  "puritan  and 
quaker,"  in  Scotland,  "papist  and  quaker"  (publicans  and  sinners.)  In  Scotland, 
Presbyterians  and  Episcopalians  alike  hated  and  persecuted  the  quakers.  The 
reason  seems  to  have  been,  not  that  they  persecuted  others,  or  even  in  self-defence 
returned  blow  for  blow.  Their  tenets  forbade  retaliation.  Their  great  offence 
was  their  denial  of  the  Scriptural  character  of  the  ministry  and  sacraments,  hold 
ing  that  there  was  no  New  Testament  warrant  for  these.  The  Spirit,  as  they  put 
it,  often  "moved"  them  to  say  so,  to  speak  slightingly  of  ministers  and  their  ways, 
sometimes  even  to  appear  in  Church  during  service,  and  show  their  contempt  of 
what  was  being  done.  No  doubt  this  was  provoking,  not  what  Ecclesiastical 
human  nature  then,  and  I  daresay  even  now,  likes,  or  is  prone  to  submit  to  it  if  it 
can  be  helped.  Happily  it  cannot  now  be  resented  by  "pains  and  penalties." 
Happily,  too,  quakers  do  not  now  give  the  same  provocation.  Scarcely  one  is 
found  in  the  district.  Like  other  sects  holding  peculiar  or  extreme  opinions,  they 
prospered  when  persecuted,  but  decayed  in  peaceful  times  and  when  let  alone. 


GUYSERS.         NOTE   16,  PACE  31. 

A  "  guyser  "  or  "guy"  has  been  defined  as  "one  arrayed  in  a  queer  dress, 
said  to  have  been  so-called  from  the  fantastic  way  in  which  the  effigy  of  Guy 
Eawkes  was  decked  out  and  burned  on  5th  November."  The  practice  at  first 
seems  to  have  been  associated  with  the  sports  of  people  at  Christmas  time  and 
New  Year,  when  the  young  decked  themselves  out  in  all  kinds  of  fantastic  dresses. 
What  originated  in  fun  and  frolic,  degenerated  into  midnight  revels  and  indecent 
street  dancing,  and  became  a  scandal  and  moral  nuisance.  Repeated  efforts  were 


NOTES.  409 

made  by  the  Church  Courts  to  put  down  the  custom,  e.g.  the  Kirk-Session  of 
Aberdeen,  in  1606,  ordained  "  that  na  man  nor  woman  in  this  burgh,  about  the 

superstitious  time  of  Yuill  or  New  Yeris  day shall  presume  to 

mask  or  disagye  thameselffis  in  ony  sort,  the  men  in  wemennis  claythis,  nor  the 

wemen  in  niennis  claythis under  the  pane,  &c."    (See  "Selections 

from  the  Ecclesiastical  Records  of  Aberdeen,"  pp.  49,  50.  Old  Spalding  Club.). 
\\  e  see  from  our  "  Record,"  however,  that  in  spite  of  the  Church  the  practice 
continued.  It  did  so  long  after  this  time.  Old  customs  such  as  this  die  hard. 
Their  origin  and  original  purpose  are  forgotten,  but  the  practice  survives. 


TITULARS  OF  TEINDS.         NOTE  17,  PAGE  31. 

Previous  to  the  Reformation  a  large  portion  of  the  land  of  the  country 
belonged  to  the  different  Orders  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church.  At  the  Refor 
mation  these  Church  lands  were  annexed  to  the  Crown.  Out  of  them  various 
grants  of  lands  and  tithes,  along  with  the  patronage  of  the  Churches,  were  made 
by  James  VI.  to  his  favourites.  Those  so  possessing  were  styled  "  lords  of 
erection,"  also  "  titulars  of  tithes,"  and  became  invested  with  the  right  of  presenta 
tion  or  patronage.  Duncan  ("  Parochial  Law  ")  says,  "  Many  of  the  teind  rights 
which  had  been  acquired  by  Religious  Houses  in  times  of  popery  had,  on  the  eve 
of  the  Reformation,  been  feued  out  to  laymen,  whilst  many  of  those  rights  which 
still  remained  to  the  Roman  Catholic  Church  at  the  time  of  the  Reformation 
passed  to  the  Crown,  and  were  by  it  conferred  on  laymen,  called  '  lords  of 
erection,'  or  '  titulars  of  teinds.'  "  "  Titulars  of  teinds  "  were,  therefore,  persons 
who  "enjoyed  the  Ecclesiastical  benefice  without  performing  its  duties,''  possessed 
the  Church  property  but  did  no  Church  work. 


LORD    OF    PlTSLIGO    AND    LAIRDS    OF    PlIILORTH.  NOTE    1 8,    PAGE    32. 

Pitsligo  (Forbes),  a  branch  of  the  Forbes  family  ;  Philorth,  the  Frasers.  At 
this  period  the  Forbeses  and  Frasers  were  supporters  of  the  Covenanting  party — 
the  Presbyterians.  Consequently  they  were  in  bad  odour  with  the  Episcopalians, 
and  after  the  Restoration  of  Charles  II.,  and  the  re-establishment  of  Episcopacy, 
were  distrusted.  Hence  the  statement  in  our  "  Record  "  that  no  minister  pre 
sented  by  Lord  Pitsligo  or  the  lairds  of  Philorth  was  to  be  accepted  for  Aberdour 
or  Pitsligo.  The  Master  of  Forbes  and  other  Forbeses  are  named  in  the  list  of 
those  fined  in  1662  for  having  been  on  the  side  of  the  Covenanters.  (Wodrow, 
L  275-) 

FFF 


410  XOTF.S. 

PENNY  BRYDALS.         NOTE  19,   PAGE  67. 

Regarding  these,  Dr.  Cunningham  in  his  "Church  History  of  Scotland"  says, 
"  How  or  when  penny  hrydals  originated  it  were  hard  to  say,  but  it  is  certain  that 
in  spite  of  both  Parliament  and  Assembly  they  did  exist,  and  exist  in  some  remote 
districts  of  the  country  to  the  present  day.  When  a  cottar's  daughter  is  about  to 
become  a  wife,  every  neighbour  lad  and  lass  are  made  welcome  to  the  wedding 
who  will  contribute  a  penny  to  pay  the  fiddler,  but  friendly  hands  bring  some 
thing  more,  to  help  the  garnishing  of  the  young  couple's  house,  and  the  evening 
is  spent  in  vigorous  dancing  and  boisterous  fun,  and  amid  these  delicacy  and 
decency  are  sometimes  forgotten."  In  1645  and  1649  lne  General  Assembly  had 
passed  Acts  anent  "  Penny  Brydals,"  and  the  "promiscuous  dancings"  that  went 
on  at  them.  These  Acts  were  appointed  to  be  read  in  Church,  before  the  con 
gregations,  and  Synods  and  Presbyteries  were  enjoined  to  inquire  as  to  their 
observance.  The  Church  Records  show  that  the  custom  with  its  abuses  prevailed 
throughout  the  whole  country.  Everywhere  we  meet  with  the  same  complaints 
as  to  the  scandalous  scenes  enacted  at  "  Penny  Weddings,"  and  with  similar 
measures  taken  to  restrain  them,  but  for  long  seemingly  with  not  much  success. 


PLANTING  PROFESSOR  OF  DIVINITY.         NOTE  20,  PAGE  79. 

The  chair  of  Professor  of  Divinity  in  Aberdeen  University  was  founded  by  the 
Synod  of  Aberdeen.  The  money  raised  for  the  Professor's  salary  was  invested  in 
land,  (Cairntradlin  in  the  parish  of  Kinellar).  The  mode  of  appointing  the 
Professor  is  peculiar  to  this  Chair  in  Scottish  Universities.  It  is  by  open  com 
petition.  When  a  vacancy  occurs  it  is  advertised,  and  applications  from 
Candidates  are  received.  On  a  day  appointed  for  the  purpose,  the  Candidates 
appear,  and  in  terms  of  the  Deed  of  Foundation,  are  examined  on  (i)  Languages, 
vi/.  Latin,  Greek,  and  Hebrew  ;  (2)  Apologetics  ;  (3)  Dogmatics.  The  exam 
iners,  who  are  also  the  patrons,  are,  the  Moderator  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen,  who 
acts  as  Convener  (failing  whom  the  Moderator  of  the  Presbytery  of  Aberdeen, 
failing  whom  the  Dean  of  the  Theological  Faculty),  two  commissioners  from  each 
of  the  eight  Presbyteries  of  the  Synod,  the  Principal  of  the  University,  another 
member  of  the  University,  the  Dean  of  the  .Theological  Faculty,  or  another 
member  of  that  Faculty.  The  examination  generally  lasts  three  or  four  days. 
The  University  commissioners  continued  the  Chair  very  much  as  formerly. 
The  following  is  from  their  Ordinance,  "  Whereas  the  Professorship  of  Divinity 
in  King's  College  was  endowed  by  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen,  and  the  patronage 


NOTES.  41  ] 

of  the  said  Professorship  has  heretofore  belonged  to  the  Synod, 

and  wheras  it  is  expedient  to  define  the  manner  in  which  such  patronage  shall  be 
exercised;  the  Commissioners'  statute  and  ordain: — 

That  the  patronage  of,  or  right  of  presenting  to  the  said  Professorship  of 
Systematic  Theology,  shall  be  exercised  as  nearly  as  possible  in  the  manner 
pointed  out  by  the  charter  of  erection  of  the  said  Professorship  of  Divinity  in 
King's  College,  dated  the  i2th  March,  1642,  that  is  to  say,  on  a  trial  and  election 
by  the  following  persons,  vi/.  the  Moderator  of  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen,  two 
Commissioners  from  each  Presbytery  of  the  Synod  to  be  chosen  for  the  purpose, 
the  Principal  of  the  University  of  Aberdeen,  a  Professor  of  the  University  to  be 
chosen  by  the  Senatus  Academicus,  and  the  Dean  of  the  Faculty  of  Divinity 
therein,  or  a  Member  of  that  Faculty  to  be  chosen  for  the  purpose  by  the 
Faculty." 

FAST  "  FOR  SUCCESS  TO  His  MAJESTY'S  FORCES  AT  SEA."     NOTE  21,  PACK  83. 

This  refers  to  the  war  with  the  Dutch  into  which  Charles  II.  had  recklessly 
plunged  his  country.  Some  years  previously,  the  two  countries — England  and 
Holland — had  been  keenly  contending  with  each  other  for  naval  supremacy. 
For  some  time,  however,  peace,  concluded  by  Cromwell,  and  honourable  to 
England,  had  prevailed.  But  in  1665,  Charles,  for  no  sufficient  reason,  declared 
war  against  the  Dutch.  It  was  on  this  being  done  that  the  Fast  was  appointed  to 
pray  for  "  success  to  his  Majesty's  forces  at  sea."  On  the  6th  September,  the 
English  fleet  gained  a  great  victory  near  Lowestoft,  and  for  which  the  thanksgiving 
for  "  the  victorie  over  the  Dutch  "  (p.  84)  was  appointed.  The  rejoicing  did  not 
last  long.  In  1667,  a  terrible  retribution  followed,  and  there  came  on  England 
what  has  been  called  "  the  greatest  humiliation  she  has  ever  endured."  The 
Dutch  fleet  destroyed  Sheerness,  took  and  burned  the  ships  lying  at  Chatham, 
and  threatened  London  itself,  sailing  up  the  Thames  to  within  some  twenty  miles 
of  the  Capital.  To  quote  Macaulay's  well-known  words,  "  The  roar  of  foreign 
guns  was  heard  for  the  first  and  last  time  by  the  citizens  of  London."  Fortu 
nately  the  Dutch  Admiral  retired  with  the  tide,  and  further  danger  and  indignity 
were  escaped. 


REV.  WALTER  DARC,.         NOTE  22,  PAGE  86. 

Scott  ("Fasti"  part  vi.,  p.  674)  says  that  Mr.  Darg,  who  was  minister  of  Deskford, 
was  deposed  for  insufficiency  prior  to  24th  October,  1651,  and  that  in  1666  and 
1674  he  was  accused  of  marrying  persons  irregularly. 


412  NOTKS. 

In  the  "Synod  Record,"  2yth  April  1671  (p.  115)  the  Bishop  of  Aberdeen 
states  that  he  had  received  a  letter  from  the  Bishop  of  Moray,  complaining  of  Mr. 
Walter  Darg,  a  deprived  minister,  marrying  several  persons  within  his  Diocese  in 
a  disorderly  way  ;  the  Bishop  of  Aberdeen  and  Synod  ordain  that  the  Presbytery 
of  Fordyce,  where  he  resides,  cite  him  before  them,  and  ordain  him  to  appear 
before  the  Bishop  of  Moray  for  trial  "  as  to  his  misbehaviors  forsaids,  utherwayis 
that  he  be  processed  with  excommunicatione." 


REV.  JOHN  SEATON.         NOTE  23,   PAGE  88-9. 

Mr.  Seaton  was  one  of  the  ministers  of  Old  Machar.  At  Synod  held  June 
1652  ("  Synod  Record,"  p.  47-8)  the  ministers  within  the  Province  were  "  posed  " 
as  to  their  views  on  Church  Government.  The  whole  ministers,  it  is  stated, 
unanimously  approved  the  constitution  and  government  of  the  Kirk  of  Scotland 
by  Sessions,  Presbytries,  Provincial  (Synods),  and  General  Assemblies,  except  Mr. 
John  Row,  Mr.  John  Menzies,  and  Mr.  John  Seaton,  who  did  not  see  that  there 
were  Scriptural  grounds  for  the  different  Church  Courts,  and  who  also  objected  to 
the  "  promiscuous  administration  of  ordinances,  without  due  distinction  betwixt 
the  precious  and  the  vile."  The  Synod  condemned  their  opinions,  but  delayed 
sentence  until  advised  by  the  General  Assembly.  At  Synod  meeting,  2ist 
October,  1652  (p.  67),  it  was  found  that  the  above  brethren  had  separated  them 
selves  to  Independency,  but  it  was  agreed  that  before  proceeding  further,  certain 
brethren  should  be  appointed  to  confer  with  them.  Those  so  appointed  reported 
that  they  were  still  of  the  same  mind.  Whereupon,  the  matter  was  remitted  to 
the  Presbytery  of  Aberdeen  to  be  dealt  with.  This  being  the  time  of  Cromwell, 
Seaton's  "  Independency  "  may  have  secured  his  being  let  alone,  as  it  did  in  the 
case  of  others  similarly  situated.  After  the  Restoration,  he  again  got  into  trouble, 
and  was  treated  as  stated  in  our  "  Record."  How  he  was  in  the  bounds  of 
Alford  Presbytery  we  have  not  discovered. 


MR.  PAUL  SHALETTI.         NOTE  24,  PAGE  141. 

In  "Scottish  Notes  and  Queries,"  January  1894,  p.  122,  there  is  the  follow 
ing  quotation  from  the  Diary  of  John  Row,  Principal  of  King's  College  : — "  Mr. 
Paul  Shaletti,  a  Jew,  a  Rabbin,  a  preacher,  came  to  Aberdeen  about  the  beginning 
of  Aprile  1669,  professing  to  teach  Hebrew  and  the  Oriental  languages  :  convert 
from  Judaisme  about  six  yeares  ago." 


NOTKS.  413 

HOLY  WELLS.         NOTE  25,   PAGE  189. 

At  one  time  almost  every  parish  had  its  well,  as  well  as  \\sfair,  named  after  the 
patron  saint  of  the  parish.  There  are  said  to  have  been  above  six  hundred  holy 
wells  in  Scotland.  Some  of  them  were  very  famous  for  their  supposed  miraculous 
virtues — such  as  St.  Fithac's  Well,  Aberdeen  ;  the  Well  of  Seggat,  and  others  in 
our  county.  To  the  holy  wells  multitudes  flocked  every  year  on  the  Saints' 
days,  bringing  their  children  to  be  healed  of  infantine  troubles,  or  seeking  to  be 
themselves  cured  of  such  ailments  as  lameness,  diseases  of  the  eyes,  epilepsy, 
scrofula,  even  lunacy.  Many  superstitious  practices  and  evils  came  to  be  con 
nected  with  the  pilgrimages  to  the  holy  wells.  After  the  Reformation,  when  the 
reverence  for  saints  and  saints'  days  had  somewhat  declined,  both  Parliament  and 
Church  passed  frequent  enactments  forbidding  people  to  go  to  these  wells,  but  for 
long  with  not  much  effect  in  putting  down  the  practice.  In  this  respect  education 
and  the  consequent  enlightenment  have  been  more  successful  than  Acts  of  Parlia 
ment  or  discipline  of  Church — though  the  superstition  is  said  still  to  exist  in  some 
places,  and  now  and  then  a  holy  well  is  visited. 


PROFESSOR   HENRY  SCOUGAL.         NOTE  26,  PAGE  203. 

Henry  Scougal  was  son  of  Bishop  Patrick  Scougal,  and  was  born  in  1650, 
when  his  father  was  minister  of  Leuchars.  He  was  ordained  minister  at  Auchter- 
less  in  1672,,  where,  alike  by  his  pulpit  services  and  pastoral  work,  he  proved 
himself  a  model  Christian  minister.  The  very  next  year — October  1673 — when 
he  was  only  twenty-three  years  of  age,  it  was  unanimously  agreed  by  the  Bishop 
and  Synod  to  nominate  him  to  the  Professorship  of  Divinity  in  King's  College. 
He  shrank  from  accepting  the  nomination,  and  requested  to  be  allowed  time  to 
consider  the  matter.  This  was  granted.  Next  Synod — April  1674 — he  accepted 
the  appointment,  and  the  usual  steps  were  taken  to  test  his  qualifications  for  the 
office.  In  every  respect,  in  the  class-room  and  in  intercourse  with  his  students, 
Henry  Scougal  proved  a  worthy  Professor  of  Divinity.  Not  long,  however,  was 
he  spared  to  the  work.  He  died  on  the  i3th  June,  1678,  only  twenty-eight  years 
of  age,  yet,  as  Dr.  Cooper  has  so  well  said,  "  leaving  behind  him  a  name  and 
record  such  as  have  not  been  surpassed  by  the  most  distinguished  of  his 
successors."  His  principal  work  is  "  The  Life  of  God  in  the  Soul  of  Man,"  an 
edition  of  which  has  lately  been  published  under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  James 
Cooper,  D.D.,  Aberdeen.  To  the  little  volume,  Dr.  Cooper  has  prefixed  an 
interesting  and  appreciative  account  of  Henry  Scougal  and  his  work. 


414  NOTKS. 

PRISONERS  WITH  THE  TURKS.         NOTK  27,   PACK  239. 

During  the  i6th,  i7th,  and  iSth  centuries,  there  are  in  the  Church  Records  of 
the  period,  in  P>urgh  Records,  as  well  as  in  Acts  of  the  Privy  Council,  many 
references  to  "  Prisoners  with  the  Turks,"  and  recommendations  as  to  raisii^ 

O 

money  for  their  ransom.  For  centuries,  the  Turks  in  North  Africa  were  no  better 
than  pirates,  and  pirates  of  the  worst  sort.  The  Algerine  "  gallies  "  were  the 
scourge  of  the  Mediterranean,  continually  attacking  and  capturing  the  trading 
vessels  of  Christian  nations,  and  reducing  their  crews  to  slavery.  Many 
Scotchmen  were  so  captured.  It  was  to  obtain  the  release  of  these  that  contribu 
tions  were  solicited  in  our  Churches.  Often  a  large  sum  had  to  be  paid  for  their 
ransom.  (On  the  whole  subject  of  the  "  Pirates  of  Barbary  in  Scottish  Records," 
there  is  in  the  "  Scottish  Antiquary"  of  April  last  (1897)  a  most  interesting  article 
by  Dr.  Cramond  of  Cullen,  which,  by  his  kind  permission,  we  have  been  allowed 
to  use  as  far  as  wished).  Dr.  Cramond  shows  that  some  of  the  "  prisoners  "  were 
from  our  own  district.  Amongst  others,  he  mentions  Arthur,  son  of  Hugh  Rose, 
fourteenth  baron  of  Kilravock,  whose  second  wife  was  Mary,  daughter  of 
Alexander,  Lord  Forbes  ;  also  a  son  of  Provost  William  Duff  of  Craigston,  an 
ancestor  of  the  Duke  of  Fife. 


CENTESIMA.         NOTE  28,  PAGE  262. 

This  was  a  fund  raised  by  the  ministers  of  the  Diocese  for  the  benefit  of  their 
widows  and  orphan  children.  Each  minister  was  to  pay  to  the  fund  annually 
the  xooth  part  of  his  stipend.  An  account  of  the  receipts  and  disbursements  was 
regularly  made  to  the  Synod.  What  became  of  the  Aberdeen  Centesima  funds 
after  1688  we  have  not  been  able  to  discover. 

We  may  mention  that  a  similar  fund  was  raised  in  the  Diocese  of  Edinburgh, 
and  still  exists.  The  money  amounting  to  ^1,050  is  invested  in  City  of  Edin 
burgh  Stock.  An  agreement,  authorised  by  the  Court  of  Session,  was  come  to  in 
1712  that,  on  the  death  of  the  last  of  the  widows  of  the  Episcopal  ministers,  the 
benefits  should  devolve  to  those  of  the  ministers  of  the  Presbyteries  that,  in 
Episcopal  times,  formed  the  Diocese  of  Edinburgh.  (See  Dr.  Mair's  "  Digest  of 
Church  Laws,"  433-4.) 

POPISH  PLOT.         NOTE  29,   PAGE  300. 

This  refers  to  the  well-known  "  Popish  Plot ''  connected  with  Titus  Oates. 
On  the  Continent  at  this  time  reports  were  rife  as  to  plots  to  massacre  Protestant 


NOTES. 


415 


sovereigns,  and  overthrow  the  Protestant  religion.  The  conduct  of  Louis  XIV. 
and  others  gave  only  too  good  grounds  for  such  reports.  There  was  general 
alarm.  In  our  own  country,  the  public  mind  got  into  a  state  of  great  agitation 
—people  ready  to  believe  almost  anything  against  the  Catholics.  Gates,  fitly 
described  as  "  one  of  the  vile  imposters  who  are  always  thrown  to  the  surface  at 
times  of  great  public  agitation  "  (Green),  first  a  Baptist  minister,  next  a  curate 
and  navy  chaplain,  then  a  Roman  Catholic,  fraternising  with  the  Jesuits,  but  cast 
off  by  them  also,  took  advantage  of  the  general  panic,  and  invented  a  story  of  a 
plot  to  murder  the  king  and  leading  Protestants,  and  place  on  the  throne  the 
Duke  of  York  (James  II.),  the  Roman  Catholic  brother  of  the  king.  This  is  the 
"  Popish  Plot"  referred  to.  In  the  then  state  of  alarm  the  story  was  believed. 
Severest  measures  were  taken  against  the  Catholics.  Many  of  them  were  executed. 
The  story  is  now  believed  to  have  been  entirely  without  foundation. 


THANKSGIVING,  QTH  SEPTEMBER.         NOTE  30,  PAGE  347. 

Two  plots  well  known  in  history  belong  to  this  year — 1683.  These  are  the 
Ryehouse  Plot  and  the  Assassination  Plot.  The  object  of  the  former  was  to 
murder  the  king.  It  was  to  be  done  in  this  way :— As  Charles  returned  from 
Newmarket  races,  he  would  pass  a  roadside  farm  called  Ryehouse.  As  he 
approached  the  place,  a  cart  of  hay  was  to  be  overturned  on  the  road,  thus  stop 
ping  the  royal  coach.  In  the  confusion  the  king  was  to  be  shot.  The  object  of 
the  Assassination  Plot  was  the  murder  of  both  the  king  and  his  brother  the  Duke 
of  York.  The  plots  were  discovered.  Many  implicated,  or  supposed  to  be  im 
plicated  in  them,  were  executed,  amongst  others,  two  whose  names  are  well  known, 
Lord  Russell  and  Algernon  Sydney.  "  For  the  preservation  of  His  Majesty  and 
his  royal  brother  from  the  late  treasonable  conspiracy,"  a  solemn  thanksgiving  was 
enjoined. 


THANKSGIVING  "FOR  VICTORIES  OVER  REBELLIOUS  SUBJECTS." 
NOTE  31,   PAGE  365. 

Charles  II.  died  6th  February,  1685.  His  brother,  the  Duke  of  York, 
succeeded  as  King  James  II.  Monmouth,  Argyle,  and  others,  who  since  the 
Ryehouse  Plot  had  found  refuge  in  Holland,  now  resolved  to  return  to  their 
country,  and  raise  the  standard  of  revolt— Monmouth  in  England,  Argyle  in 
Scotland.  Both  attempts  signally  failed.  On  July  6th,  Monmouth  was  defeated 
at  Sedgemoor,  captured  two  days  afterwards,  and  shortly  thereafter  executed. 


416  NOTES. 

Argyle's  attempt  in  Scotland  ended  quite  as  disastrously.  The  clans  did  not 
join  him  as  he  expected.  The  little  army  that  did  gather  was  soon  and  easily 
dispersed.  For  these  results — "victories  over  his  rebellious  subjects" — the 
thanksgiving  was  appointed. 


Explanation   of  Antiquated   Words,   etc. 

(Mainly  from  "Jamicson's  Dictionary.") 

Ca/sies.  Causeways,  originally  a  road  or  other  place,  in  making  which  lime 
(calx)  was  employed.  The  "  calsie  "  would  be  what  is  now  called  the  causewayed 
courtyard. 

Cham/rets.  A  small  furrow  or  bevel  cut  in  wood  or  stone,  or  the  sharp  edge 
of  a  lintel  cut  to  a  square  or  flattened  surface. 

Crne/s.  Scrofulous  sores,  the  "king's  evil."  Some  of  the  holy  wells  had  a 
reputation  for  curing  the  cruels.  There  is  the  well-known  description  of  St. 
Ronan's  well.  "  The  waters  used  to  be  thought  good  for  naething,  but  here  and 
there  a  puir  body's  bairn  that  had  got  the  cruels  and  could  not  afford  a  penny 
worth  of  salts." 

Citrrecks.  "  A  small  cart  made  of  twigs,"  carried  on  the  back  of  horses,  as 
all  farm  produce,  &c.  had  to  be  conveyed  then  and  long  after  ;  much  the  same  as 
"  creels,"  though  the  remark  is  made,  "  The  fuel  was  carried  in  creels,  the  corn  in 
Curracks." 

Davoch  of  land.  A  small  district  comprising  about  416  acres.  It  was 
reckoned  thus,  i  ox-gate  =13  acres;  8  ox-gates  =104  acres,  or  i  plough-gate; 
4  plough-gates  =  41 6  acres,  or  a  davoch  (dauch,  &c.). 

Hand  fasting.  At  fairs  and  on  other  occasions  it  was  the  custom  for  a  man 
to  take  a  woman  with  whom  he  was  to  live  for  a  year  without  marrying  her.  If 
both  parties  were  pleased  at  the  end  of  the  year  they  were  married,  and  any  chil 
dren  born  were  legitimated — if  not  pleased  they  separated,  and  the  man  main 
tained  the  children.  After  the  Reformation,  the  Church  used  every  means  to  put 
down  the  immoral  custom. 


NOTES. 

Homer.  One  proclaimed  an  outlaw.  "To  put  to  the  horn  "  was  to  denounce 
as  a  rebel  or  outlaw.  The  king's  messenger  at  the  Cross  or  other  place  gave 
three  blasts  with  a  horn.  Upon  this  the  person  proclaimed  was  regarded  "and 
treated  as  an  outlaw  or  rebel  -  lost  his  civil  rights,  and  his  goods  were 
"  escheated  "  to  the  Crown. 

Kebbars.     Rafters  or  beams   made  of  pieces  of  wood  roughly  split  and  un- 
Thcy  were  laid  across  the  couples  under  the  divots  or  thatch,  their  use 
;omething  like  that  of  sarking  nowadays.     Pannes  (pans)  were  much  the  same. 

This  was  used   as   a   charm  for  curing  cattle  of  certain  diseases 

The  fire  was  raised   by  rubbing  one  stick  against  another.     The  charm  doctor 

superintended  the  raising  of  the  fire.     From  the   fire  so  raised  other  fires  were 

lied,  water  boiled,  and  sprinkled  on  the  cattle  for  murrain  and  other  diseases. 

This  was  a  coarse  linen   garment  worn  by  offenders  when  doing 
on   the  stool  of  repentance.     Dr.  Rogers   ("Social   Life  of  Scotland" 
II.  199)  gives  tins  account  of  ordering  the  garment :-" September  24th    1693 
ie  Session  (Kirkmichael,  Ayrshire)  appoints  John  Forgan  to  employ  a  Straiten 
to  make  a  coat  or  covering  of  sackcloth  for  Janet  Kennedy  (the  offender) 
like  unto  that  which  they  have  in  Straiten,  there  having  been  no  such  thin*  these 
many  years  ;  it's  thought  none  of  the  tailors  of  this  parish  know  how  to  make  it." 

Wadset,   Wadsetter,    Wodsetter.      To   wadset   was   to  alienate  land   or  other 

roperty  as  a  security  for  debt,  under  reversion  to  the  owner  when  the  debt  was 

The  «  wadsetter"  was  the  person  who  held  the  deed  or  «  wadset  "  by  which 

the  debtor  gave  his  lands  into  the  hands  of  his  creditor,  so  that  he  received  the 

rents  in  payment  of  the  debt. 


Index 


Aberc.Uie  (Meiklc)  136. 

Abcrcrombie,  Andrew  (Minr.,  Stralhdoi;) 
\v  ;  85,  86  ;  suspended,  105  ; 
107,  112,  116,  137  ;  charge 
against,  141  ;  156,  157  ;  exhorted, 
163  ;  171,  iSb,  190,  230,  242,  249, 
303  ;  rebuked,  304  ;  315,  316, 
329- 
Arthur,  help  to,  361. 

Aberdeen  (City)  supply  of  ministers  6,  56  ; 
harbour,  341-2;  harbour,  351, 
353  :  355.  35<5. 

(Exercise  or  Presbytery),  to  meet  in 
College  Kirk,  3  ;  Book  of,  32  ;  50, 
51  :  bk.  56  ;  modr.  59  ;  63  ;  bk. 
78  ;  vice-modr.  81  ;  bk.  85  ;  89, 
95  ;  bk.  &c.  104;  ny,  129,  141  ; 
bk.  153  ;  do.  1 68  ;  206,  211,  220, 

344; 

-  (Old  >S:  New)  Morning  and,   Evening 

Prayers,    I  ;  Old,   294;  341,  350, 

359,  379- 
Aberdour,  32. 
Abernelhy,  21. 
Aboyne  (Lord),  complaint  against  Rev.  J. 

Irving,  144,  146. 

•  (Parish)    32  ;    union    of  and  Glen- 

tanar,  80. 

Absents  from  Synod,  names  of,  26  ;  do.  51  ; 
must  send  excuses,  72  ;  do.  86  ; 
do.  92  ;  to  be  rebuked,  105  ; 
regulations  as  to.  2IO  ;  219  ;  to  be 

censured,   221  ;    318,    326,    Tr?  : 
^       '  •jj*jjjj*j> 

(me  iXc.  for,  341. 

I'rom  Presbyteries,  31-2  ;  to  be  lined 
49  ;  regulations  as  to,  77  ; 
admonished,  97  ;  to  be  suspended 
293  ;  regulations  as  to,  311  ;  337. 

Achreddie,  381. 

Acts  of  Parliament — see  Parliament. 

Acts  of  Synod,  things  done  on  Lord's  Day, 
335  5  ('°-  33'^  ;  us  to  discipline  to 
be  revised,  340;  as  to  Centesima, 
35°  ;  354  ?  as  to  illegitimate 
children,  381. 

Adam,  Bessie  (charming)  16. 


Adultery,  12,  13,  17  46  ;  and  incest,  161. 
Alexander,  John  (Glenbucket)  24},  383. 

John  (Minr,  Kildrummy),  xv ;  347, 
371  ;  arrears  Centesima,  381  ;  391, 
392. 

Rev.  Walter,  283. 

Alford  (Parish),  xiv  ;  Mr.  James  Gordon 
settled,  8  ;  school,  13;  do.  report, 
15  ;  78,  90  ;  school,  97  ;  101  ; 
murder  in  103,  ;  vacancy,  107  ; 
Mr.  George  Forbes  appointed  and 
objected  to,  108  ;  vacancy  sup 
plied,  300  ;  361,  303,  304,  305, 
3.o6,  331,  345,  353,  355  ;  visita 
tion  of,  357  ;  school,  372  ;  do., 
374  ;  376,  377,  38^  392;  bk., 
395- 

•  (Presbytery),  20,  31,  32,  34  ;  bk., 
50  ;  51,  53  ;  modr.  of,  59  ;  63  ; 
bk.,  71  ;  81  ;  bk.,  85  ;  bk.,  103  : 
supply  to  Invernochtie,  105  ;  bk., 
Il8  ;  124,  132  ;  bk.  entries  in, 
133  ;  bk.,  134  ;  139;  141  ; 
bk.,  147  ;  149  ;  bk.,  152  ; 
160  ;  bk.,  165  ;  198  ;  203  ; 
moderator,  206;  bk.,  209;  211, 
219,  289,  291,  293,  294,  296; 
bk.,  299  ;  302  ;  303  ;  bk., 
311  ;  312  ;  bk.,  319  ;  325, 
343  ;  bk.,  349  ;  351  ;  354  ; 
368  ;  369,  370  ;  lik.,  378  ;  do., 
380;  bk.,  384;  388;  bk.  errors 
in,  391  ;  clerk  in  error,  395. 
Algiers,  303. 
Allanach,  James,  375. 

—     William,  244,  375. 
Allegiance,    Oath    of,    licentiates    to    sub 
scribe,  33  ;  form  of,  240-1. 
Amidaeus,  Alexander,  help  to,  385,  389. 
Anderson,  Arthur,  fighting  on  Lord's  day, 

45- 

Rev.  George,  141,  207,  211,  240. 
Rev.  Gilbert,  27,  81. 
-     Gilbert,  help  to,  381. 

Isobcll— see  Clerihew,  William. 


42O 


INItKX. 


Anderson,  Jean-  -see  Milne,  Adam. 

John,  and    Klspet   Sutherland  (di^ci- 

pline),  24,  26,  36,  37,  40. 
Margaret  -sec  Ogilvie,  Alexander. 
Robert,    lighting  on  Lord's  da)',  45, 

65,  100,  loi,  1  12. 

\\'illiani  ;\nd  Beatrix  Doiigla.^ 
(diM-ipline),  17,  20,  23,  24,  25, 
-'9,  35.  37,  40,  42,  44,  4",  47,  49. 
53; 

William  (Newmilne),  349 
"William  (Si.ecoh),  papist,  IO2. 
"William  (Towie),  246. 
Anniversary     of     Restoration,      &c.  ,      see 

Thanksgiving. 
Anslruther,  harbour,  385. 

Sir  Ralph,  385. 
Anton,  Janet,  325,  327,   332. 
Apparel  of  Ministers,  6,  34. 
Appeals,  regulations  as  to,    130  ;   by  [ohn 
Irving,    165  ;    by  parties  in   Cab- 
rach,  182-3  5  by  John  Irving,  196; 
by  Col.  Forbes,  206. 

Appretiation  of  Manses,\c.  —  see  Valuation. 
Arbuthnot,  Alexander,  57. 
Archballoch,  296. 
Archbishop  of  St.  Andrews,  II. 
Archibald,  Helen  (disc.)  299,  300,  301,  304. 
Ardwell,  I  O2,  194. 

Auchindoir,  \iv  513;  papists  in,  17  ;  State 
of  Church,  39  ;  40  ;  Presby.  meet 
ing  at,  68  ;  desk  in  Church,  68  ; 
papists  in,  102  ;  121,  122;  minister 
for,  169  ;  bursars,  173  ;  minister 
settled,  179;  191,  196,230,  242, 
247,  257,  317,  valuation  of  Manse, 
321  -  323;  328,  336,  346,  347,  353, 

J56,  35^. 

Auchinlcith,  121,  247. 
Auchterless,  57,  73,  166,  210. 


Bain,  Andrew,  murderers  of,  90. 

Balfluge,  108  ;  (Baltluig),  346. 

Balgowen,  224. 

Balhillock,  182. 

Banchory,  morning  and  evening  prayers  at, 

I  ;  School,  74  ;  80,  202,  203,  211, 

220,  283,  293,  341,  350,  359,  378. 
Bandeen,  John  (charming),  143,  144. 

Thomas,  146. 
Banff,  morning  and  evening  prayers  at  I  ; 

207,  219,  303. 
Banks,  Marjorie,  Si. 
Banns,  regulations  as  to,  59,  149. 
Baptism,    admitting    persons    to,    153  ;    by 

those  unauthorised,  172;  177;  re 

gulations  as  to,  336. 


Barclay,  Adam  (Minr,  Towie  and  Keig), 
xiv,  xv  ;  8  ;  19,  27,  40,  41 .  42,  59, 
63,  69,  80,  8l,  82  ;  settled  at 
Keig,  83  ;  104,  1 12,  1 16,  123,  139, 
141,  146,  147,  158,  162,  163,  165, 

167,    1 68,    184.,   1 88,  202,  20(),   209, 

211,  214,  2l6,  221,  223,  224,   251, 

283,  289,  290,  231,  294,  295,    jOO, 
302,  313,  369. 

-  Alexander  (Student),  178,  179,  185, 

186,  187,    1 88  ;     Rev.  Alexander, 
282. 

Rev.  John,   211,  282,  298. 

Barclay,  John,  and   Barbara   David 
son  (discipline),  45-6,  49. 
Barefooted  (discipline),  32,  40. 
Bargaining,  &c.,  on  Lord's  Day,  30. 
Barthol  Fair,  217. 
Bedle,  appointment  of,  350-1. 
Belchilie,  194. 

Belheivie,  167,  2O2,  334,  379. 
Bellabeg,  244. 
Ber.net,  Capt.,  239. 
Benton,  ( Icorge,  383. 
Bettie,  fames  (papist),  IO2. 

William,  383. 
Birkenbreul,  247. 
Birnie,  George  (Schoolmaster),  216. 

Rev.  Walter  (blind),  178,  185. 
Birse,  275,  325,  327. 
Bishops  of  Aberdeen  :  — 

-  (i)  David  Mitchell,  xliv,  l;dead  n; 

52. 
—     (2)  Alexander  Burnet  xliv,26,  52,  69. 

-  (3)   Patrick  Scougal,  xlv,  5. 

-  (4)  George  Ilalyburton,  xlvii. 

-  of  Edinburgh  ordains  John  Mair,  II. 
Bishop  licensing  preachers  when  absent,  10 

&  notes  p.  402. 

Reports  and  references  to,  8,  21,  25, 
26,  32,  34,  41,  49,  58,  59,  65  ; 
quakerism,  66  ;  as  to  uniting 
Aboyne  and  Glentanar,  8o;8l,  88, 
90,  92,  96,  loo,  105,  108,  120, 
134,  138,  146,  147,  149,  152,  158, 
161,  164,  173  ;  John  Irving, 
175-6  ;  177,  184,  189,  196,  218, 
243,  300,  327,  341. 

Blair,  Rev.  Dr.,  358,  378,388. 

Blair,  Rev.  William,  282,  283. 

Blairdinny,  316. 

Blasphemy,  61,  245,  256. 

Bogincuil,  296. 

Bombathie,  John  (Hungarian),  help  to, 
207,  213. 

Book  of  Common  Order  (Knox's  Liturgy) 
xxxi,  and  notes  pp.  398,  400. 


INDEX. 


421 


I'  ><>k  of  Geneva,  \\.\i,  and  notes  p.  398. 
Books  ( Presbytery),  regulations  ;is  to  visit 
ing   of,   56,   72,    78,   85,  92,    117, 
125,  147,  166  ;  entries  as  to  com 
munion,  212;  221. 

Books  (Session),  entries  in,  59,  74,  87,  91  ; 
regulations  as  to,  93  ;  96,  99, 
omissions,  lo(>  ;  i  emulations  as  to 
visiting  of,  and  entries  to  he  made, 
201  -  2  :  Auchindoir,  no  Hook, 
2I(>;  regulations  as  to,  313  ; 
order  as  to,  519  ;  324  ;  Strathdon, 
bk,  328  ;  Alford,  365  ;  Keig, 
304. 

Bowheir,  Andrew,  help,  379. 
Brachly,  134. 
Brackla,  194. 

Braemar  Church — see  Crathie. 
Braemar,  87. 
Brechin,  209. 
Uridgehall,  280,  289. 
Bridges,  contributions  to,  64,  72,  Si,  161, 

312. 

Broadhaugh,  296. 

Brown,      Rev.     Alexander,      presented     to 
Cabrach,  xiv  ;  330,  372,  381,  391. 
Brown,  John,  307,  309. 
Bruce,  John,  121. 

Rev.  Robert,  283. 
Biux,  121,  167,  369. 
Buchan,  342, 
Bunson,  John,   315, 
Buquham,  IOI,  244. 
Burial  in  Church — see  lleritors. 
Burial  Registers — sec  Dead. 
Burnet,  Bishop — -see  Bishops. 

Rev.    George,   27,   59,   63,  So,   Si, 

104,  149. 

Jean — see  Wilson. 
Rev.  John  (Monymusk),  325. 
Robert  (Fiscal),  168. 
Rev.  Robert,  202,  206,  214,  284. 
William,   trials  for  licence,    16,    18, 

35  ;  licensed  by  Presbytery,  36. 
Rev.  William  (Cullen),  Si,  141,  207. 
William  (Schoolmaster,  Alford), 
xv  ;  trials  for  licence,  16  ;  18,  35, 
licensed  by  Presbytery,  36  ;  106, 
107,  108,  109,  in,  112,  115; 
appointed  Clerk  of  Presbytery, 
117  ;  119  138,  139,  143,  159; 
presented  to  Kildrummie,  161  ; 
162,  165,  170,  188,  189,  209, 
224,  244,  248,  321,  323,  369. 
Bursars,  Regulations  as  to,  4  and  Notes  p. 
4"3>  57  ;  penalties  to,  67  ;  68,  73, 
So,  82,  83,  93,  105,  143,  160  ; 
arrears  dae  to,  165  ;  173,  207, 


208,  242,  276-7,  280,  284  ;  how 
to  be  paid,  299  ;  318,  324,  329, 
334)  354  ;  regulation  as  to,  360  ; 
3&5,  367- 

Cabrach,  xiv,  13  ;  lands  to,  26  ;  do.  31  ; 
40,  54  ;  papists  in,  102  ;  John 
Irvine  presented  to,  116;  120,  121. 
122,  123,  144,  149  ;  visitation  of, 
150  ;  157,  158  164, 165,  166,  187, 
iSS,  .190,  191,  193,  196,  107,  198, 
204  ;  minr.  reponed,  206  ;  223, 
242,  273,  289,  291,  292,  304,  305, 
3o6,  307,  308,  309,  312,  316,  320, 
32I>  323»  324»  326  ;  presentation 
t°»  33°  ;  minr.  settled,  331  ;  362, 
3°5 »  374  !  visitation  of,  382  ;  384, 
385>  391,  392. 

Cabrachstoune,  361. 

Calsies,  416. 

Camphill,  135. 

Canonical  obedience,  Form  of,  3  ;  absent 
from  Synod  to  sign,  6;  7,  27,  28  ; 

certain  minrs.   to    sign,  32-?;    c8, 
t.   >  j     j  >    j   > 

240  ;   iorm  of,  241. 

Carnbec,  319. 

Carter,  John  (disc.),  345. 

Catechising  xxxiv,  diets  of  to  be  entered  in 
Session-Book,  59,  93. 

Catechism,  379. 

Cateran  (Katherin),  77. 

Catechism,  proposal  as  to,  350,  359. 

Cathedral  Kirk — sec  St  Machar. 

Cattenach,  Donald,  lighting  on  Lord's 
Day,  65. 

Centesima,  262  and  Notes  p.  414,  269,  313  ; 
payment  of  319  ;  324,  326,  329, 
333  ;  as  to  those  who  have 
left  their  parishes  for  Test,  334  ; 
337  ;  investing  of,  339  ;  340,  354, 
3S«»  359,  360,  365,  366,  368,  373, 
378,  379,  jSo  ;  arrears,  381  ;  384, 
388  ;  account  of,  389  ;  391,  392, 
394- 

Chalmers,  Agnes,  contrib.  to,  57,  73. 

-  Alexander,  316. 

-  George  and  John,  for  murder,  129. 

-  George,  348. 

Isobel,  cursing  minr.  242. 

Chamfret,  416. 

Chaplains,  to  take  Oath  of  Allegiance  ;  to 
take  Test,  342  ;  do.,  346. 

Charming,  &c.,  Patrick  M'Kommic — see 
M'Kommie,  Patrick  ;  Janet  For 
bes — see  Forbes,  Janet;  Marjorie 
Reid — see  Reid,  Marjorie  ;  James 
Smith— see  Smith,  James;  witch 
craft  and  charming,  enactments  as 


422 


INDKX. 


to,  140  ;  charming  and  curing 
cattle,  143  ;  do.,  144  ;  145  ; 
order  as  to,  148  ;  consulting 
Patrick  M'Kommie,  182;  do., 
184-185  ;  fairies,  &c.,  254  ; 
trances,  ivc. ,  257. 

Chcyne,  Robert  (minister,  Kcnncthmont), 
xv,  17  ;  leading  corn  on  Lord's 
day,  36  ;  rase  tried,  37-9  ;  41-2, 
68,  75,  82,  83,  84,  87,  88  ; 
papists,  107  :  do.  109  ;  164,  165, 
186,  197,  214,  215  ;  helper  to, 
252. 
Robert  (student),  trials,  344,  345, 

.54"-  347,  352- 
Rev.  William,  32,  33. 
Child  desertion,  209. 
Children,  147  ;  illegitimate,  381. 
Christie,  Professor,  i. 

William  (minister,  Glenbucket),  xiv; 

89,  90,    91,    96  ;    settled  at,  97  ; 

103,    106,    107,    in,    112,    155  ; 

rebuked,    163  ;  arrears  to  bursars, 

165  :    169,    I  So,  192,    197  ;   small 

stipend,  205  ;  218  :  rebuked,  223; 

244,   247,  291,  308. 
Church  Attendance,  none  to  leave  during 

service,  30. 

-  Architecture,    xvi  ;     old    Churches, 

xvi. 

-  Government,  sketch  of,  1662-1688, 

xxii-xxvii. 
Rights,  &c.,  359. 
Clatt,  xiv,  9,  43,  45,  46  ;  papists  in,  102  ; 

122,  123,  145,  156,  180,  182,  294, 

315   ;    visitation    of,    316  ;    317  ; 

bk.,  318  ;  321,  325  ;  vacant,  330  ; 

minr.  settled,  331  ;  332,  357,  362, 

374,  380,  394,  395. 
Clerihew,  Patrick ,  316. 
Clerihew,  William  and   Isobel     Anderson 

(disc),  49  ;  sentence,  61. 

-  344- 

Clerk  (of  Presbytery),  W.  Duncan,  John 
Mair,  76;  Wm.  Uurnetl,  117; 
fees  to,  241. 

-  (of  Synod),  fees,   30  ;  do.,  53  ;   60, 

75,  81,  86,  92  ;"  deficients  "  in 
payments,  119;  189,  212,  252, 
282. 

Clerk,  Rev.  Gilbert,  104,  132. 
fames  (Howbog),  194. 
John  (Reedford),  182,  194. 
Robert  (disc.),  8,  9,  II,  12. 
Robert  (Nether  Howbog),  194. 
Clova,  121,  371. 
Cluny,    73,  135,  203,  282. 
Cobbleseat,  149. 


< 


chran  167. 


C  ckburn,  Rev.  John,  282,  283,  31)3. 

C   Idstone,  149,  275,^325. 

C  liege  Kirk — see  King's  College. 

C  llithie,  273. 

C  mmissary  of  Aberdeen,  64,  92. 

('   mmission,  High.  45,  66.  88. 

Commissioners  for  Plantation  of  Churches. 

I5,_i6,  32,  54,  58. 

—  to  Privy  Council,  payment  of.  240, 
249.  251,  257,  303. 

Committees,  of  Presbytery;  case  of  charm 
ing.  143  ;  charges  against  mini 
ster  of  Cabrach  1 66  ;  dividing 
Udny  Church,  167  ;  for  mortifica 
tions,  284. 

-  of  Synod;  electing  I'rofessor  of 
Divinity,  79  ;  uniting  Aboyne  and 
Glentanar,  80 ;  James  Hay's 
case,  80  ;  anent  papists  and 
quakers,  104;  Innes,  118; 
scandals  about  certain  ministers, 
141  ;  Colonel  Forbes,  206  ; 
various  matters.  220;  Laird  of 
Glenbucket's  case,  325  ;  for 
Catechism,  379. 

Common  Head— see  Controversy. 

Communion — see  Lord's  Supper. 
Elements,  283. 

Complaints  against  parishioners,  68. 

Conans,  John,  393. 
William,  393. 

( 'ondition  of  Country,  xix. 

Contributions,  &c.,  4,  54,  55,  57,  59,  64, 
72,  73,  74,  79,  *>i,  86,  92,  93,  95, 

102,   104,    107,   109,    III,   112.    115, 

118,  134.  135,  141,  154,  1 60,  161, 

178,  185,  207,  210,  213,  239,  240, 
241,  255,  294,  298,  303.  307.  308, 
311,312,  313,  320,  324,  326.  336, 

339,  342,  343,  347,  35i,  352,  353, 
354,  355,  36i,  369,  373-  379,  381, 
3S6,  395- 

Controversies  (Common  Head). 

Subjects,  for,  14,  15,  23,  35;  brethren  to 
handle,  59;  65,  66,  68,  75,  84,  85, 
87,  90.  97,  106,  116,  138,  145, 
157,  !59>  J62,  169,  170,  171.  177, 
181,  186,  191,  223,  241,  295,  305, 
309-  33i,  337,  34.6,  372-  386,  394- 

Conventicles,  deposed  ministers,  quakers, 
i\:c.,  237  ;  disorderly  preachers, 
&c.,  measures  against.  340. 

Cook,  James,   fighting   on   Sabbath,    121, 

122. 

Corbat,  John,  help  to,  381. 
Cordoner,  John,  244. 
Corgarff,  xiv. 


INDEX. 


423 


Corn,  leading  on  Sabbath,  36  ;  witnesses, 
37  ;  38  ;  decision,  minister's  wife 
to  1)0  publicly  rebuked,  39  5 
others,  40 ;  42,  44,  46,  49,  66,  61, 
62,  64,  66,  68,  75,  76,  82,  83,  84, 
87. 

Corsbie,  Jean  (papist),  102. 

Coulie,  |aines,  lesser  ex-coin.,  325. 

('mill,  142,  284,  293,  307.  311,  312,  369. 

Council.  Privy  (His  .Majesty's),  16,  104. 
153,  1 60,  177,204,  239,248,  257, 
294,298,  302,  303,  308,  311,  312, 
314,  324,  329.  336,  340,  341,  343- 
351,355,  361,367-  335.393- 

Couper,  Alexander,  194. 

•  Andrew,  316. 
Margaret  (disc.),  356. 
William,  194,  204,  243,  383. 

Coupland,  [ohn,  357. 

Patrick,  xiv.,  157,  158,  159,  162; 
recom.  for  licence,  163  ;  trials  for 
Cushnie,  170  ;  171,  173,  179  ; 
charge  of  Plagiarism,  1 80  ;  181,  ; 
settled  at  Cushnie,  184;  190,  194, 
196  ;  rebuked,  205  ;  228  ;  ad 
monition  to,  292  ;  300.  347.  369. 
William,  365. 

Couts,  Alexander,  364. 
David,  356. 

Covenant,  Doctors  of  Aberdeen  on,  64. 

Cracullie,  255. 

Cragtoune,  36. 

Craig,  17,  102. 

Craig,  John,  223. 

Craigievar,  complaint  against  laird  of,  32, 
69,  181,  348. 

Craigpot,  280. 

('ran,  Janet — sec  Fergus.  Alaster. 

Crathie  and  Hraemar,  74. 

Crevey.  Thomas,  Clerk  of  Synod,  282,  297, 
302,  339,  365,  373,  376,  384,  388, 

395- 
Crighton,   William  and   Margaret   Garden 

(disc.),  57. 

Chrighton,  William,  help  to,  381. 
Crimond,  168. 
Cromarre,     Thomas,     consulting    sorcerer, 

182. 

Cromwell,  xx. 
Crookshank,  Alexander.  215. 

•  George.  135. 
Cruickshank,  Robert,  134. 
Cruckshank,  Christian,  292. 
( Iruden,  298. 

Cruels,  416. 

( 'ulfurk,  121. 

Cullen,  81,  207. 

Culquharrie,  65,  101,  244,  375. 


Culquhich,  lands  to  Glenbucket,  205. 

Culsalmond,  )66,  1/3,  181,  193. 

Culsh,  69. 

Cults,  17,  43,  102,  laird  of  (papist),  302, 
350- 

Cunnan,  John,  315. 

Currecks,  416. 

Curriculum  (Students'),  176-7- 

Cushnie,  xiv.  ;  stipend,  7  ;  49,  5°'  60.  66. 
69  ;  vacant,  89 ;  90,  91,  100,  137, 
149,  170,  171,  172,  173,  179  ; 
minister  settled,  184  ;  196,  199, 
205,  218,  222,  223  ;  visitation  and 
elders  of,  228;  249,  332,  343,  347  ; 
visitation  of,  for  glebe,  &c. ,  369  ; 
approval  by  bishop,  370;  3^3,  392. 


Dalgarne,  Arthur,  46,  316. 

Dalgarnie,  John,  73. 

Darge,  Rev.  Walter,  86  and  Notes  p.  411. 

Davidson,  Barbara — sec  Barclay,  John. 

—  Isobel — see  Thomson,  Patrick. 
James,  280,  286,  287,  289  295,  296. 
Margaret — see  Green,  Patrick. 

—  William  (minister,  Auchindoir),  xiv., 

17  ;  old  age,  &c. ,  of,  39  ;  41,  68  ; 
inquiry  anent  by  Presbytery,  169. 

Daviot,  282. 

Davoch,  416. 

Davy,  William,  help,  326. 

Dawson,  Margaret  (disc.)  324. 

Dead,  lists  of,  for  Synod,  &c.,  4  ;  for  fiscal, 
57  ;  not  sent,  93  ;  141  :  register  of 
to  be  kept,  168,  210,  335. 

Deed  (or  Bond),  lands  to  Glenbucket,  19. 

Doer,  Old,  morning  and  evening  prayers, 
I  ;  So,  283. 

Deer  (Presbytery),  Old,  Book  of,  28,  and 
Notes  p.  405  ;  vacancies  in,  32  ; 
51  ;  modr,,  63  ;  bk.,  64  ;  modr,, 
73  :  80  ;  vice  modr.,  81  ;  85,  95, 
103,  104,  106,  124,  141,  168,  203, 
207,  211,  269,  282,  283,  284,  303. 

Deins,  John  (Deans),  help  to,  81,  86. 

Den  (Kildrummy),  121. 

Deposed  ministers,  enactment  as  to,  5. 

Designations  of  glebes,  grass,  fuel,  &c., 
Tough,  1 10  ;  Keig  (not  inserted), 
123-4  ;  Strathdon,  245  ;  Cabrach, 
269  ;  272,  273  ;  to  be  entered  in 
Presbytery  Books,  342. 

Desks  in  Churches,  xvii.,  68  ;  72,  80,  100, 
122;  removing,  156;  157,  158, 
164. 

Desk  ford,  56,  129,  150. 

Dilhandie,  101. 

Directory  of,  &c.,  2  and  Notes  p.  400. 


424 


INDEX. 


Discipline,   xxxv.-xli.  ;     regulations  as  to, 

161  :    326  ;    form  for    absolution, 

&c.,  350  ;  351. 
Dishaunters   ot   ordinances,  29,  43,  53,  58, 

63.  66,    10^,   in,   198,208.261, 

268,  280. 
Divinity,  study  of,  58  ;  course  for  students 

of,  176-7  ;  4  years,  200- 1  ;  and  to 

communicate,  201. 
Professor    of,    election   of,    79,    and 

Notes  p.  410  ;  delegates.  82  ;  83  ; 

election,  169  ;  203.  220,  319,  320. 
Division     of     Churches,     Towie,     69-71  ; 

Tough.     135-137  :     Udny.     167  ; 

Keig,  224-227  ;    to  be  entered  in 

Presbytery  Monks,  342. 
Doctors  of  Aberdeen,  28  and  Notes  p.  406, 

60,  64,  75. 
Don,  49. 

Donaldson,  Arthur,  316. 
Douglas,  Meatrix — see  Anderson,  William. 
Douglas,  Sir  Robert.  72. 
Douglas.  Rev.  William,  (Professor),  27. 

-  (Midmar).  63,  202. 
Doxology,  people1  to  stand  at,  5>  33^- 
Drum  blade  (Drumblet),  81. 
Drumbreck,  167. 
Drumnahoove  ( — hive),  122. 
Drunkenness,  24  ;  and  athiestical  speeches, 

62  ;  ill,  122,  189. 
Duff,  Alexander,  27.'-}. 

John  (papist),  102. 
Duffus,  378. 
Dugatt,  Agnes,  135. 
Dumb  persons  (consulted  as  to  theft).  207. 

281. 

Dumbarton — see  Leven. 
Dunbar,  Agnes,  21,  22. 

-  Alexander,  swearing,  345. 
—     Captain  John,  55- 

Isobel,  (charming),  143. 

Margaret  (papist),   17.  43,  44.   47, 

48,   50,    IO2. 

Michael,  62,  189,  307,  310. 
Robert  (minister  of  Kearn),  xiv.,  10, 

17,  36,  37,  39,4i,  47,  77,  86,  95, 

scruples,  present  government,  96  ; 

98,    100,    101,  ;    to    be   tenderly 

dealt  with,  106  ;   107. 
William   (disc.),    49;    fugitive,  60  ; 

66  ;  blasphemy,  245  ;  256. 
Dunblane,  bishop  of,  306,  332. 
Duncan,  Alexander,  71. 

-  George,  322. 

William  (minister,  Kildrummy),  xv. , 
15,  16,  23,  69  ;  resigns  clerkship, 
76  :  77- 


Dundee  (Contributions  for  Harbour),  154, 

155,  159- 
1  )unn,  John,  393. 
Dune,  James,  (charming),  143. 
Durret,  Robert,  315. 
Dutch,   War  (fast),    83   and  Notes  p.  411  ; 

victory  over,  84. 
Dycc.  32. 
i  )yc.   I '.ridge,  64,  72,  Si. 


Earlsfield.  37,  215. 

Easter,  Sacrament  at,  142,  152,    170.    218. 

249,  291,  369. 

Kchl,  laird  of,  64  ;  parish,  283.  297. 
Fdinburgh,    Prethrcn    to,     65  ;      Act      of 

Council  at,  153. 
Fdinglassie,  59,  64. 
Education,  xli. 

Elders,  deserting  Session,  102. 
Files,    Patrick    (trances,    &c. ),    257,    258. 

259; 

Fllon      (parish),      morning     and    evening 

prayers  in  r. 

•     (  Presbytery  of),  51,  59;  to  discharge 
clerk,  59  ;  moderator  of,  73  ;  78, 
81,  104.  105,  118,  124,    134,  141, 
153,  168,  202,207,  211,  220,  282 
283,  284,  303. 
Elmslie,  fames,  357. 
William,  35!- 
Flphinstone,  Lord,  70. 

William,  Schoolmaster,  Test,  346. 
Elrick,  66. 
Fndurno,  foggage,    &c. ,  for    Tough,    no. 

135- 

Enncrcharrach,  194. 

Episcopacy,  xxii-xxvi. 

•Episcopal  Incumbents,  x. 

•Error,  Growth  of,  94. 

•Eryht,  165. 

•Esplin,  Elspet,  135. 

•Esson,  John,  393. 
Ewan,  Rev.  Alexander,  341. 
Excommunication,  xxxix. ;  regulations  as 
to,  3  and  Arotcs  p.  402  ;  relaxa 
tion  from,  8  ;  II  ;  lesser,  13  ;  41, 
49  ;  for  murder,  56  ;  roll  of 
persons  excommunicated  for 
Synod,  85  ;  92  ;  for  popery,  102  ; 
105  ;  regulations  as  to,  124  ;  Form 
of  against  papists,  126  ;  prayer. 
127;  Form  against  quakers  and 
prayer,  127-8  ;  Form  against  those 
contumacious  and  prayer,  128-9  ! 
none  to  converse  with,  129  ; 
fugitives,  129  ;  130  ;  list  of  for 


INDEX. 


425 


popery  and  quakerism,  142  ; 
charmers  &c. ,  148  ;  bishop  must 
sanction  relaxation,  169  ;  for 
quakerism,  214  ;  lesser.  258  ;  do., 
287  ;  relaxation  of,  293  ;  303  ; 
intimation  of,  355  ,  as  to  relaxa 
tion  from,  359  ;  as  to  society,  369. 

Exercise     Presbytery. 

Exercise  and  addition,  xxix,  9,  II,  16,  41, 
42,  50,  60,  61,  66,  67  89,  96,  151, 
155,  161, 163,  164,  170,  187,  188, 

189,  190,  IQI,  198,  2O8.  222,  256, 
259,  265,  272,  270,  331,  337,  338. 

Eyemouth  Harbour,  274,  279,  281,  284, 
294. 

Fairies,  &c.,  254. 

Family  worship,  ministers,  29,  55. 

-  others,  30,  35. 

Farquhar,  Agnes,  cursing  minister,  194, 
199,  270. 

-  Andrew,  108. 
James  (Tulloch),  224. 
James  (Little  Cattie),  290. 
Patrick,  263,  299. 
Robert,  help,  294. 

Farquhars,  Alexander  and  Patrick  (Tonley), 

135- 

—  Arthur  (Cults),  352. 
Farquharson,  Alexander,  356. 

Donald    (scandal),    115,    116.    120, 

244,  375-  . 

James  (Whitehouse,  disc.),  63  ; 
Francis  (elder),  356. 

-  John,  363. 

Robert  (minister,  Kennethmont), 
xv.,  258,  259,  273.  286,  287,  300, 
302. 

—  William,  364. 

Fasts  and  Humiliation  xxxiv,  65  ;  Dutch 
War,  83  and  Arotes  p.  411  ; 
warrant  for,  85  ;  defections  to 
popery,  ^c. ,  140;  observed,  142  ; 
for  sins,  loss  of  crops,  &c. ,  177  ; 
obs.,  1 80;  do.,  204;  208;  seed 
time,  221  ;  228,  230  ;  dearth,  248  ; 
season,  254  ;  259  ;  regulations  as 
to,  261  ;  seed  time,  270  ;  do., 
272  ;  do.,  289  ;  popish  plot,  300 
and  Notes  p.  415;  310;  regula 
tions  as  to,  353  ;  had  season,  &c., 
360  ;  seed  time,  362  ;  363,  364  ; 
harvest,  375  ;  376,  383  ;  regula 
tions  as  to,  384  ;  regulations  as  to, 
385  ;  harvest,  386  ;  seed  time, 

387 ;  394- 

Feeing  servants  on  Lord's  Day.  335. 


Fees  to  (Bishop,  Synod)  Clerk,  for  colla 
tion,  t\:c.,  30;  do.,  53;  60,  75, 
81,  86,  92  ;  deficients  in  payment 
in  Alford  Presbytery,  119;  212, 
252,  318,  326,  389,  395. 
to  Janitor,  75,  81,  86,  92,  119,  161, 
212,  252,  318,  326. 

Fergus,  Alaster,  and  Janet  Cran  (disc.),  25. 
—     St. — see  St.  Fergus. 

Ferguson,  George  (disc.),  72. 
William,  383. 

Ferres,  Rev.  John,  74,  341. 

Ferror,  William  and — Melvin,  306,  307, 
310. 

Fife  (County),  79,  385. 

Fighting  in  Strathdon  on  Lord's  Day,  45, 
59,  63  ;  decision  as  to,  65  ;  100, 
101,  109 ;  in  Auchindore,  &c., 
189. 

Findlater,  Thomas,  help  to,  95. 

Fines — see  Penalties. 

Finla,  Robert  (Notary),   196. 

Fintray,  32,  167. 

Finzeach  (Findzach),  100,  135,  224. 

Firrmilne,  316. 

Foggage,  &c.,  and  regulations  as  to,  54  ; 
Alford.  357 ;  Auchindoir,  none, 
247  ;  Cabrach,  382  ;  Cushnie, 
229  ;  369  ;  Forbes,  344  ;  Glen- 
bucket,  243  ;  383  ;  Kearn, 
374  ;  Keig,  364  ;  Kennethmont, 
356  ;  Kildrummy,  315  ;  Leochel, 
365  ;  Strathdon,  245  ;  375  ; 
Tough,  no;  345  ;  Towie,  246. 

Forbes,  Alaster — see  Forbes,  John  and 
Allaster. 

•  Alexander  (Auchorthies)  and   wife, 

(quakers),  213. 
Bishop,  help  to  son  of,  380. 

•  Alexander    (Culquharrie),    65,    101, 

244,  375- 

Alexander  (Elrick),  quakerism,  66, 
348. 

•  Alexander  (Synod  Clerk),   50  ,    ap 

pointed,  52  ;  71,  80,  85,  103,  117, 

139,  147,  152,  160,  165,  198,  209, 

219,  230. 
Alexander,  appointed  to  Kearn,  xiv, 

285,   286,   287  ;    settled  in,   288  ; 

303,  309,  310. 
Alexander  (disc.),  189,  208. 

•  Alexander  (Pitfichie),  168. 

•  Arthur  (Brux),  167,  369. 

•  Arthur  (Glencarvie),  329. 

Arthur  (Schoolmaster,  Keig),  267, 
291  ;  trials,  309  ;  313,  315,  317, 
318,  320. 


HUH 


426 


INDEX. 


Forbes,   Rev.  George,  presented  In  A 1  ford 
and  opposed,  loS. 

-  George  (( 'ulfork),  121. 
James,  help  to,  210.  241. 

Janet   (charming).  21  ;     trial  of.  and 
Presbytery's  decision,  22  ;  32.  49. 
John  (Rulquhain),  101,  244. 
Rev.  John  (Coldstone),  325. 
John  (Fdinglassie).  59,  63. 
John  (Keig),  363. 
John    (Inverernan)    90,    104,     117, 

375- 

—  John  (Ledmakay),  45,  65,  TOO,  101. 

IO7,    lOQ,    112. 

John  (Leslie),  224. 

—  John  (Petlluge),  (disc.). 9;  (Bclfiugc), 

108. 

—  Sir  John.  348. 

—  John  (stationer),  28,  60,  64,  75. 
Margaret,  help  to,  326. 

Lord  William,  224,  230,  242,  246  : 
presents  minister  to  Kennethmont, 
258;  do.,  to  Kearn,  285;  295, 
322. 

Master  of  42,  64,  135  ;  patron  of 
Forbes,  387. 

•  (Parish),  xiv.,  42.    195,    218,    224; 

vacant,  265  ;  266  ;  minister 
appointed,  267  ;  273  ;  settled,  278  ; 
323,  326,  332;  visitation  of,  343; 
344,  362,  363  ;  appointment  to, 

387 ;  391- 

Peter,  help  to,  381. 

Robert  (disc.),  9,  II,  12. 

Rev.  Robert,  26  ;  (Coldstone),  149. 

Robert  (Invererne),  90. 

—  Thomas    (minister    of    Keig),    xiv.  ; 

lands  from  Monymusk,  15,  26  ; 
valuation  of  manse,  cVc.,  98. 

—  Rev.  William,  26. 
William  (Camphill),  135. 
William  (Culquharrie),  IOI. 
William  (Newe),  fighting  on  Lord's 

Day,  45,  59,  65,   100,   101,    107, 
109,  112. 
William    (Skelliter),    115,    116,  124, 

375- 
William  (Tillyforie),  135. 

—  William         (Tulloch),        neglecting 

sacrament,    280,    281,    286,    287', 
288,  290,  291. 
Fordyce,   morning  and  evening  prayers  at, 

I,  282,  312. 

(Presbytery),  31,  51,  56,  ;  modr.,  59; 
63,  72  ;  bk.,  78  ;  vice-modr. ,  81  ; 
bk.,  78  ;  8 1  ;  bk.,  86;  104.  ;  bk.. 
105;  bk.,  117;  124,  132,  141; 
bk.,  153  ;  168,  207,  211,  276,  282, 
283,  284,  326. 


Fordycc,  John  and  Isobel  Irvine  (disc.). 
280. 

Forgue.  58.  68,  282,  283. 

For.yth,    George    and    Elspet    M'Culloch, 

carrying  off  an   unbaptised   child. 

1 06, 

Foulerton,  Alexander.  363. 
Fovetan,  342. 

Fraser, .  help  to,  263. 

George,  393. 
Fraserburgh,  morning  and  evening  p/ayers, 

i.  32. 
Fugitives  from    discipline,   31,   34.  81,  86, 

regulations  as  to,  94  ;  95,  97,  106; 

119,  142,  150,  207.  213.241,256. 

263,  270,  277,  282.  303,  308, 313  ; 

as  to,  317  ;  326,  329,  336,  339. 
Fife,  Isobel — see  Mitchell,  George, 
r'yvie.  141,  341.  380. 


Gaelic,  xxxiii. 

Gairden,  Rev.   Alexander,  modr.   of  Deer. 

73,  81,  104. 

[sobel— see  Grant,  William. 
Garden,  Rev.  Alexander  (Forgue),  58.  68. 

-  Garden  bridge,   352,  353,  355,  356, 

358,  361,  368.  373. 

—  George  (Minr.  Glatt),  xiv,  9,  13,  27, 

39,  40,  47,  63,  86,  loi.  145. 
Rev.  George  (Forgue),  275,  283. 
Rev.    Dr.    George  (Aberdeen).   358, 

37^,  379,  38°  5  housc,  385  ;  388  ; 

do.,  389,  ;  do.,  390  ;  391,  394. 

—  James  (bursar).  68. 
Rev.  Dr.  James,  358. 

—  Rev.  James  (Newmachar).  209. 

—  Margaret — see  Crichton,  William. 
Thomas,  xiv,  trials  for  licence,  145, 

146,  147  ;  ordained,  151  ;    settled 
at  Clatt.  156;  157,  158.  159,  162. 

165.  170.  i  So,  182.  184.  186.  197, 
230,  242,  244,  269,  272,  288,  294, 
300,  301,  313,  321,  323. 

—  Thomas,  consulting  sorcerer,  182. 
William,    student,    277,    280,    301. 

304-  305- 
Gardner.  James  (Auchindoir),  247  ;  Kearn. 

374- 
Garioch,  John,  364. 

-  (Parish),  26. 

-  (Presbytery),  51,  59.  63,  72,  78,  So, 

Si,  85,   104,   106,   124,   132,  141, 
!53,  J57,  J67,  193,  202,  206,  210, 

211,   275,   282,   283,  284,  293,  324. 

359- 
Rev.    William    (Culsalmond),    141. 

166.  173.  181. 
William  (Archballoch).  296. 


INDKX. 


427 


Gatioch    Rev.  \\i\\.  (!•'( iilics  and   Kenneth- 
monl)  xiv,  \v.  217,  221,  222    266  ; 
appointed    to    Forbes,  267       270, 
271,     272,     273  ;     ap.      ckrk    of 
I'ichliy. ,   278  ;  settled  in  Forbes, 
278  ;  270,  293,  298  301,  302,  303, 
305,  308,  310,  318,  323.  324,  326, 
329,    339-    343-    34<J.    34s,     355> 
35''-  3»5-  377,  3';4>  39 1- 
( iailogie,  93.  104. 
(iarrioch,  Alexander  (student).  222. 
George  (Bogincuill),  296. 
John,  excommunicated,  249, 
Gartly;  320,  325. 
decides,  Rev.  William.  343. 
Gellan,  Alexander,  344. 
Gibbon,  James,  21,  22  ;    charming,    143  ; 

sentence  for,  144  ;    146. 
Gibson,  Walter,  prisoner  with  Turks,  239, 

249. 

Gilchrist.  John.  374. 
( lilmur,  William.  160. 
Glasgow  Assembly,  28. 
Glass,    William    (Minr,    Cushny    and    Kil- 
drummy),  xiv,  xv,  7,  8,  9,  10,  12, 
13.    16,   17.  66,  69,    71,   77,  84  ; 
settled  at  Kildrummy,  86  ;  87,  90, 
91,  96  ;  not  to  keep  "  trysts  "  in 
change    houses,    103  ;     109,    III, 
142,  143,  151. 

Glebes,  xviii,  marches  of,  207. 
Glenbucket,  xiv.  9,  13  :  lands  from  Strath- 
don  to,  14  ;  appointment  to,  18  ; 
lands  to,    19  ;    23  ;    vacant,    87  ; 
appointment    to,     89  ;    91,     96  ; 
minr.      settled,      97  ;     180,    184  ; 
mortification,  185  ;  do. ,189;  194, 
195,  205,  218,  223,    242  ;    visita 
tion    of,    243  ;    244,     307,     311  ; 
visitation  of,  327  ;  328,  362,  375  ; 
visitation  of,  383  ;  392. 
Glcncarvie,  65,  101,  329,  375. 
Glenkindie,    lands    of  to    Glenbucket,    14, 

205.  246. 
lenmuick,  58. 
lentnnar — see  Aboyne. 
ord'.'ti.  Adam  (bursary).  143. 
Rev.  Alexander,  141. 
Alexander  (papist)  102. 
Bailie,  380. 

Anna  (papist),  17,  102. 
!  hmcan,  243. 

Francis  (papist,  Craig),  17,  102. 
-     George     (Cabrach),   204,     (Iladdo) 

275- 

Rev.  George  (Banchory),  262. 
George  (Innercharroch),    194.    204, 

275,  382. 
Rev.  George  (Forgue),  282. 


Gordon,  George  (Terpersie),  290. 

Hugh  (papist)  and  wife,  17,  43,  47, 
48,  50,  102. 

James  (disc.),  43,  194,  247. 

James  and  Janet  Innes  (disc.),  15, 
14,  15,  17,  20,  23,  24,  25,  35  ; 
absolved.  36  ;  Janet  Innes,  40, 
41  ;  absolved,  42. 

Rev.  James  (Tough  and  Alford) 
xiv.,  xv.,  13,  27,  48,  50,  63,  65, 
66,  69,  So,  Si,  82,  90,  104. 

Rev.  James  (Banchory),  141,  167, 
202,  203,  ;  quakers  and  papists, 
204  ;  206,  211,  220,  283,  284. 

Rev.  James  (Carnbee),  Professor  of 
Divinity,  319,  320. 

James  and  John,  desk  in  Church, 
156,  157,  158. 

James  (Coull  and  Soccoh — deposed 
minister),  284,  286,  287,  288.  289, 
291,  292,  293,  304, 305,  306,  307, 
308.  309,  310,  311  ;  sentenced  to 
lesser  excommunication,  312  ; 
314;  to  be  excom.,  316;  offers 
to  satisfy,  317  ;  fails,  318  ;  319, 
320,  321  ;  has  left  place,  324  ; 

Rev.  James  (Kinkell),  143. 
James  (Terpersie),  224. 
James  (Tirrisoull),  273. 

—  John  (elder,  Cabrach),  382. 
John  (Hallhead),  135,  228. 
John  (Knockespock),  316. 
John  (Kirkhill),  215,  247,  356. 
John  (Larg),  181,  194. 

John  (Pittendreigh,   papist),  43,  44, 

47,  50,  59- 
John  (quaker),  213. 
•     "Margaret,  help  to,  142. 
Patrick  (Auchenleith),  247. 
Patrick  (Cabrach,  papist),  102,  146. 
Rev.  Patrick  (Coull),  369. 

—  i'atrick  (Kennethmont,  papist)   17, 

43,  102. 

Patrick,  help  to.  352. 
Peter,  383. 
Thomas,  help  to,  134. 

Thomas,  and- •  Purges,  306. 

Thomas  (papist),  17,  43,  102. 

—  Thomas  (Pittendreigh),  225. 
Walter,   341. 

William  (Palgowan),  225. 
William  (P.alhillock),  182. 
William  (Cabrach),  182. 
William    (Cracullie),    hel 

263..: 
William    (Terpersie,    papist), 

224,  225  ;  Auchindoir,  321 
Rev.  William,  27. 


428 


INDEX. 


Gordon,  William  (bursar),  324. 

William,  schoolmaster,  Test,  346. 
Gordonmilnc,  352. 
Grant,  Christina — see  Gordon,  Patrick. 

William  (papist),  102. 

William  (elder,  Cabrach),  382. 
Gray,  Rev.  Andrew,  26. 

—  Elspet — see  Gordon,  Hugh. 
John,  schoolmaster,  Test,  346. 
Rev.  William,  27,  72. 

Greoshich    (Grassick)    Alexander,    charm 
ing,    143  ;     sentence,    144  ;   146, 

375; 
Green,    Patrick    and    Margaret    Davidson 

(disc.),  48,  67. 

Greek  and  Hebrew,  students  to  know,  103. 
Green,  William,  316. 
Guisers,  31,  and  Arotcs  p.  408. 
Gunnan,  William,  121. 
Guthrie,  Rev.  Alexander,  369. 
Guy,  John,  fighting  on  Sab.,  121  ;  penalty, 

122^;   123. 

"  Habit  "  of  Ministers — See  Apparel. 

Hallhead,  135,  228. 

Ilandfasting,  416. 

Hay,  David,  help,  355- 

Hay,  Elspet  (papist) — see  Gordon,  Hugh. 

—  James  (disc.),  80. 

—  Rev.  William,  81,  168. 
William  (Seggieden),  215. 

Ilempsteid,  help  to,  57,  73,  104. 
Henderson,  Rev.  Andrew,  56. 

Margaret  (disc.),  47. 
Herd,  Thomas  (murderer),  56. 
Heritors,  burials  in  church,  41. 
Highlanders,  86. 

Hood,  Robert  (papist),  and  wife,  17,  102. 
Hovvbog,  194. 
Homer,  416. 
Humiliation — see  Fasts. 
Huntly,  Marquis  of,  to  be  trained  in  1'ro- 
testant  religion,  29,  273. 

Iclell,  William,  372. 

Innerkeithen — see  Inverkeithing. 

Innes,  Alexander  (Sinnahard)  (disc.),  ill  ; 

trial  of,    112-115  ;    insolence   of, 

115  ;    116,    117,    118  ;  sentence, 

119,  1 2O  ;  conduct  of,  120  ;  121  ; 

appeal,     and     decision,  132-134  ; 

135  ;  threatens  officer,  138;   143, 

144,  146,  147  ;  beats  officer,  148  ; 

153,  155,156;  appears,  confesses, 

decision,  158  ;  159. 
Rev.   George,   167,    202  ;    collector 

of    Centesima,    334  ;    Dr.,  359  ; 

380,  388. 

—  Janet — see,  Gordon,  James. 


Innes,  Margaret  (disc.),  24. 

Rev.  Robert,  141. 
Innkeepers,  penny  brydals,    67,    and  Xo!c> 

p.  410. 

Inns,  preachers  keeping,  202. 
Institution    of    ministers    at.    Alford.     8  ; 

Auchindoir,  179;  Cabrach,   331   : 

Clatt,  331  ;    Cushnie,  103  ;    184, 

Forbes,    278  ;    Glenbucket,     97  ; 

Kearn,     288  ;     Keig,     83  ;     Kil- 

drummy,     86  ;     Strathdon,     85  ; 

328  ;   Tough,     II  ;    Towie,    84  ; 

Tullynessle,  9. 
Invercauld,  87. 
Invererne,  90. 
Inverkeithing,  79,  86,  239. 
Inverleithen    108. 
Inverness,  bridge  at,  314,  317,    319,    320, 

336,  342- 

Invcrnocty  —  Slrathdon. 
Inverury,  morning  and  evening  prayers,  I  ; 

72,  202,  213,  241. 
Ireland,  325. 

Irvin,  John  (Kincausie),  20. 
Irvine,  Isobel — see  Eordyce,  John. 

—  James,  xiv,  to  Cabrach,  280  ;  trials 

not  satisfactory,  280  ;  285,  288  ; 
not  give  satisfaction,  289  ;  291  ; 
ignorant  of  Greek,  292  ;  314,  321, 
323,  326. 

—  John  (Cabrach),    xiv,  appointed  to 

Cabrach,  116;  119,  120,  121,  122, 
123,  142  ;  admonished,  143  ; 
complaint  against,  144  ;  libel, 
145;  146,  147  ;  tried,  149  ;  150, 
151,  152,  155,  156  :  faults  in 
exercise,  157  ;  rebuked,  162  ; 
163  ;  excuses  for  absence,  164  : 
complaints  against,  165  ;  166,  172; 
trial  and  decision,  173  :  libel  by 
against  certain  parishioners,  175, 
1 80  ;  new  charges  against,  181  ; 
183,  184,  185,  192,  193  ;  trial  of, 
194-5 !  suspended.  196  ;  to  be 
reponed,  206  ;  209  :  complaints 
by,  223  ;  opposes  visitation, 
242  ;  248  ;  complaints  against, 
254  ;  rebuked,  255  ;  faults  in 
exercise  ;  256,  266  ;  libel  against, 
275  :  deposed,  279  :  his  pension, 
307  ;  311,  318,  334,  339,  385,  390, 

395- 

Irving,  Robert  (minr.,  Strathdon  and 
Towie)  xv,  presented  to  Strath 
don,  18  ;  20,  22,  23,  25,  60,  61, 
64,  65,  83  ;  transl.  to  Towie,  84  ; 
86,  87;  absences,  103;  104,  115, 
119,  138,  139,  141,  143,  144,  147, 


INDEX. 


150,  151,  152,  155,  158,  159,  102, 
163,  166,  170,  179,  182,  iSS,  197, 
216,  224,  244, 272,  294,  295,  296, 
300,  314  ;  mudr.,  352,  355. 

lark,  Isobell  (disc.),  56. 

(affray,  Rev.  Alexander,  207,  211. 

Rev.     Andrew     xiv,     appointed  to 

Alford,  305  ;  for  ordination,  306  ; 

stipend,  313  5315,  316,  336  :  vice- 

inodr.,  352,  392. 
Rev.  William,  yor.,  56,  59,    72,  Si, 

104. 

Rev.  William,  elder,  So. 
Rev.      William      (Fyvie),      scandal 

against,  141  ;  arrears,  Centesima, 

381- 
Jamieson,  John,  (disc.),  78. 

Rev.  John,  341. 

Jele,  William   (schoolmr. ),  277  ;    trials   for 
licence,  345  ;  346,  347,  352,  353. 
Johnstone,  David,  help  to,  141. 
—     Elspet  (disc.),  265. 

•  George  (disc.),  208. 

William,  trials  for  licence,  327,  328. 
329  ;  scruples  as  to  test,  329,  3^0  ; 
do.,  331  ;  arrears,  Centesima,  381. 
Jougs,  xxxvii. 

Kandacraig,  45. 

Kathcrin  (Cateran),  77. 

Kearn,  xiv.  ;  vacant,  223  ;  230,  242,  244, 
268  ;  appointment  to,  285  ;  287, 
331,  371  ;  visitation  of,  374  ;  376, 

383. 

Kebbars,  417. 

Keig,  xiv.  ;  lands  to,  from  Monymusk,  15  ; 
16,  17,  20,  29,  37,  40,  42,  43.44, 
46,  47,  49,  50,  53,  61  ;  vacant, 
7°,  77,  78  ;  vacancy  supplied,  83  ; 
valuation  of  manse,  iSic.,  98  ; 
Alexander  Inncs,  in;  witnesses 
against,  112  ;  scandal  in,  by 
Innes,  &c.,  115;  116,  120;  de 
signation  of  fail,  &c. ,  123  ;  134, 
167,  168,  195,  202,  209,  218  ; 
division  of  Church,  223  ;  228  ; 
rental  of,  226  ;  approval  by 
bishop,  227-8  ;  262  ;  schoolmr., 
267  ;  271,  280,  283,  286,  287,  289; 
division  of  Church,  290  ;  296,  309, 
313  ;  vacant,  330;  331,  332,  336, 
33«,  345,  346,  362,  363,  365  ; 
visitation  of,  363  ;  369,  371,  372. 
384,  388,  392. 

Keith,  25. 

Dr.,  280. 

-  George    (reader,    Slains),    92,    104, 

118,  134. 


Keith,  Rev.  John,  104,  141,  275,  284,  325, 

327,  378. 
\\  illiam  (Garlogie),  93,  104. 

Kelburne,  Harbour,  79,  86. 

Kellis,  Alexander,  246. 
Duncan,  243. 
James,  194. 
Katherine,  182. 

Kelman,  Margaret — see  Duff,  John. 

Kemnay,  52,  355. 

Kennethmont,  xv.  ;  papists  in,  17;  lead 
ing  minister's  corn  on  Sabbath, 
36  ;  case  tried,  37-39  ;  40,  42  ; 
papists,  43  ;  do.,  44  ;  corn  lead 
ing,  46  ;  48,  49,  50,  60,  61,  62,  64, 
66,  67,  68,  75,  76,  77,  78,  82,  83, 
84,  87  ;  visitation  of,  87  ;  bk., 
91  ;  do.,  96  ;  do.,  97  ;  errors  in 
bk.,  99  ;  do.,  101  ;  papists  in, 
102;  bk.,  106,  171,  1 86,  195; 
helper  to  minr.,  197  ;  202  ;  visita 
tion  of  214-216,  218  ;  helper, 
252  ;  appointment  to,  258  ;  281  ; 
papists  in,  302  ;  valuation  of 
manse,  321  ;  323,  337,  338,  346  ; 
visitation  of,  356  ;  372,  391,  393. 

Tver,    Alexander    (Kildrummy),    152,   315, 

393- 

-  Andrew   (minr.,  Glenbuckel),  xv.  ; 

old  age,  &c. ,  8  ;  dead,  10. 
Major  John,  help  to,  93. 
—     William  (disc.),  198,  199. 

William,    disturbance     in    Church, 

121  ;  vindicated,   122. 
Kethmor,  273. 

Kildrummy,  xv.,  8,  12,  13,  15,  16,  17,  21, 
23,  24,  35,  36,  37,  40,  41,  42,  43, 

47,    48,    6O,    62,  67,  69,    121,    122, 

123  ;  minr.  dead,  152  ;  155,  156, 
157,  158,  159  ;  appointment  to, 
161  ;  165,  189,  195,  208,  218, 224, 
242  ;  schoolmr.,  267  ;  299,  300, 
301,  305,  310,  314  ;  visitation  of, 
3r5  5  31?,  320,  321,  324,  345,  346, 
353,  356,  357,  362,  369,  371,  372, 
376.  377,  39i,  392  ;  visitation  of, 
393;  bk.,  395. 
Nether,  121. 

Kilmarnock,  contribution  to,  160,  165,  166. 

Kincardine  O'Xcil  (Parish),  morning  and 
evening  prayers,  i  ;  51,  63,  So, 
149,  217,  379,  381,  388. 

•  (Presbytery),    18,    20,    31,    32,    51  ; 

1'k.,  575  59,  63,  73,  755  bk.,7S; 
So,  81  ;  bk.,  85  ;  104  ;  bk.,  105  ; 
do.,  117;  132, 141  ;  bk.,  153  ;  do., 
167  ;  206,  211,  212,  275,  281,  282, 
283,  284,  285,  294,  325. 
Kinbattock — Towie. 


430 


INDEX. 


KiiuYiiiMe,  20. 
Kincraigie,  135. 
Kinellar,  32. 

Kind's  College,  3,  50,  (14,  72  ;  elect  I 'rot. 
of  l)iv.,  79,  104  ;  Prof  of  l)iv., 

169  ;  331-  3<S6- 

Kirk  (Synod  meetings  in),  i.  26,  51, 
03,  71,  74,  78,  82.  85,  117.  132, 
140,  147,  150,  152.  15$,  161,  1 66, 
173.  109,  207.  200,  214.  219.  221, 
231,  241.  250.  250.  268,  274,  277, 
282,  294,  332,"  330,  349,  354, 

357-  364-  3W',  373,  37",  37^  384, 

388,  392,  395. 

Kinkcll,  143  :  (Quakers'  School.  <\c..  vfO. 
Kintore,  morning  and  evening    prayers,  i, 

43- 

Earl  of,  332. 
Kirk,  William,  280. 
Kirkhill,  36,  37.  43,  50,  102.  215. 
Kirk-Session,  \\viii,  3  and  A'o'es  p  401. 
Kirkton,  xxi. 
Kirktown,  of  Alford,  296  ;  Cabrach,  106  ; 

182  ;    Tough,    foggage,     ixc.     to 

minr. .  no. 
Knockespock,  316. 
Knotts  at  marriages,  73. 
Knox's    Liturgy — see    Book    of    Common 

Order. 

Laing,  Margaret  (disc.),  cursing  and  scold 
ing  after  sacrament,  247. 

Laird  of  Cushnie,  249. 

-     of  Glenbucket,  legacy  to  poor,  243  ; 
scandal,  325,  do.,  327. 

Laing,  Alexander,  344. 
William,  344. 

Lang,  William  (disc.),  75. 

Languages,  trials  on,  9,  77,  78.  90.  97, 
112,  121,  146,  162,  163,  171,  181. 
185,  192,  193, 217,  258,  263,  270, 
278,  285,  292,  294,  301,314,321, 

332,  330,  344,  345,  384,  387>  392- 
Larg,  181,  194. 
Lascaris,  Mercurius,    captive  with    Turks, 

303,  3°4,  3.07- 
Laud's  Liturgy,  xxxi. 
Laurence  Fair,  355. 
Law,  good  man  of  and  Mr.  Cheyne.  164. 

—     James,  375. 

Leasing  making,  380,  386,  393,  394. 
Leask,  Rev.    Alexander    (Maryculter),  not 
subscribe  canonical  obedience,  32. 
Rev.  James,  370, 

Lcdmakay,  45,  101,  101,  107,  109,  112. 
Leech,  William  (disc.),  286.  289. 
Leith,  Alexander,  280,  289. 

Bessie,  cursing,  305,  310,  314. 
— •     Uavid  (disc.),  24. 


Lcith,  ( ieorge,  363. 
Patrick,  356. 

Leochel.  xv. ,  21,  49,  :;o,  6i,  103,  105,  1 2o, 
123,  134.  160,  179.  182.  184,  188, 
195,  198,  199;  vacant.  330;  pre 
sentation  to.  330  ;  vahrition  ol 
manse,  &c.,  347  ;  349,  353,  357  ; 
visitation  '^365  ;  377,  302. 

Leslie.   224.  225,  302,  321,  325.  327,  380, 

-  Alexander,  363. 
(ieorge,  66. 

-  George    and     Patrick    (Kincraigie), 

135- 

-  John  (student),  xiv. ,  66,  67.  68,  75, 

7^,  77  !  ignorant  of  Hebrew.  78  ; 
89,      90,      91,      96,      97  ;      trial.-, 
approven,  99;  settled  at  Cushny, 
103  ;  109,  13,  138,  139,  143,  149, 
!5°.  155,  ISO-  163. 
—     John,  clerk  of  Presbytery,  393. 
William  (Kelburn  Harbour),  79. 

Lcsmore,  142. 

Lesmurdie,  102. 

Leven  {Dumbarton),  bridge,  351,  353.  355. 
356,  361,  369,  373. 

Ley,  121. 

Licences  for  seeking  help,  54,  74.  142,  241, 
256,  263/351.  _ 

Licensed  young  men  (licentiates),  lists  of, 
for  bishop,  200  ;  to  preach  before, 
205. 

Licensing  young  men,  course  of  study,  kc., 
3  and  Notes  402. 

Linnc  (Lynd),  Alexander,  help  to,  240, 
242.  263.  285,  326.  336,  352,  355. 

Little  Endovie,  348. 

Litster,  Alexander  (student),  278,  279. 

Liturgy  in  Old  Psalm  Book,  to  be  used  at 
morning  and  evening  prayers,  I 
and  Notes  p.  398. 

Livingstone.  Rev.  Andrew  (Keig),  xiv.  ;  to 
Keig,  332  ;  336,  337  f  for  ordina 
tion,  338  ;  381,  392. 

Loar^tone.  104.  118.  134. 

Lochans,  65,  100,  101.  112. 

Logic ,  210. 

Logiedurno,  visit,  of,  202,  213. 

Lonmay,  28,  54. 

Lord's  Day.  profanation  of.  18,  24  ;  how 
to  lie  kept,  30:31  ;  leading  corn 
on,  36  ;  lighting  <\;c.  on,  45  ; 
Act  as  to  observance.  55  ; 
blaspheming,  <\:c.  in  Church,  57, 
61,  66,  67,  77,  95  ;  fighting  on, 
100  ;  fighting  in  Church,  121  ; 
123  ;  carrying  timber  \c.  to 
markets  on,  175  ;  drinking  <.\:c. 
on,  189  ;  198  ;  fishing  on,  207  ; 


INDEX. 


431 


218,  259  ;  dancing  on,  324  ;  pro 
fanation  of,  335  ;  355. 

Lord's  Supper,  contempt  of  67  ;  observance 
of  to  l>e  entered  in  Presby.  books, 
93  :  observed,  142  ;  143,  145,  152, 
'57>  !59>  1 60,  162,  170,  171,  186, 
[87,  188,  195.  198,  200,  212  ; 
staying  a\\ay  from,  218  ;  220  ; 
neglect  of  in  Strathdon,  245, 
observed,  249  ;  Form  debarring 
from,  251  ;  regulation  as  to,  252, 
speaking  blasphemously  of,  256  ; 
contemners  of,  265  ;  observed, 
267  ;  neglect  of,  269  ;  280  ; 
observed,  281  ;  283,  287,  293. 
307  ;  observed,  318  ;  329,  358. 

365,  369,  376,  384, 395- 
Lords  of  Surrender  of  Tithes,  344. 
Lo\s  ranee,  James,  murder  of,  129. 
Lumphanan.  166. 
!  .umsden,  Alexander,  369,  370. 
Lumsden.    Arthur    (Clova),     121  ;      New- 
toune,  247,  322. 

John,  Sabbath  breaking,  «N;c.,  67. 

John,  249  ;  Cushnie,  370. 

William,    fishing    on    Lord's     Day, 

3°9.  3I4- 

Lunan,  Rev.  Alexander,  211,  282. 
Lyall,    Rev.    David,    152,    160,    167,  178, 

204. 

Mackanla,  John  (Lesmurdie).  194. 
Macken/.ie,  Roderick,  marriage  of.  87. 
Mackgillchrist,  Thomas,  144,  145,  146. 
Mackie,  George,  374. 
Mackie,  Robert  (schoolmaster),  267  ;  Test, 

346. 
Mackie,  William,  help  to,    IO2,    107,    109, 

III,    112,    115. 

Mair,  Francis,  121. 

John  (minr,  Tough),  xv,  trials,  7  ; 
settled  at  Tough,  u  ;  12,  13,  14  : 
as  to  lands  from  Monymusk,  15  ; 
24,  50,  60  ;  appointed  clerk 
of  1'resby.,  76,  83,  89,  91,  95, 
97.  108,  117,  121,  122,  123,  135, 
143.  147,  150,  152,  158,  159,  165, 
171,  172,  188,  208,221,  230,272, 
2S6,  287,  290,  291,  296,  303,  315. 

347- 

.Manses,  glebes,  &c.,  xviii.  ;  enactments  as 
to,  30,  53- 

Mar.  Earl  of,  minr.  for  Strathdon,  13,  14  ; 
presents  to  Strathdon  and  Glen- 
bucket,  1 8  ;  64,  69  ;  presents  to 
Cabrach,  116  5280;  presentation 
to  Cabrach,  330. 

Marischal,  Earl,  Peterhead  Harbour.  4. 

Markets  on  Lord's  Day,  175. 


Marno,  Christian,  223. 

Marnoch,  John,  382. 

(Marnoke),  William,  383. 

Married,  living  as,  105  ;  married  dis 
orderly,  130  ;  359. 

Martin,  Rev.  Nathanael,  28  nnd  AWrv 
p.  405  ;  64. 

Maryculter,  32,  303. 

Mathie,  John,  help  to,  134. 
William,  357. 

Mathieson,  John,  356. 

M'Innes,  James,  17. 

M'Kallan,  Elspet,  cursing  mother.  242, 
258. 

M'Kallaster,  Donald,  fighting  on  Lord's 
Day,  45,  100,  101. 

M'Kcook,  Wiliiam,  243. 

M'Kgregore,  Ewan.  246. 

M'Kommie,  Patrick  (charming),  8,9.  12, 
14,  15.  17,  20,  23,  24^  25.  35,  36, 
40,  41  ;  consulting  as  to  stolen 
goods,  182  ;  184. 

M'Lachlan,  Donald,  292. 

M'William,  William,  307,  308,  309,  310. 

Meldrum,  Andrew,  help  to,  263. 

Rev.  George  (Fintray),  glebe.  32, 
104,  167,  202,  26.1  ;  collector  of 
Centesima,  269  ;  277,  283,  319  ; 
statement  of  accounts  of  Cente 
sima,  333  ;  334. 
Rev.  William,  104,  132,  141,  166. 

Mclvil  (Melvin),  Rev.  George,  modr.  of 
Ellon,  73,  81,  104;  at  Alford, 
141  ;  modr.,  144;  159,  173,  197, 
211,  216,  255,  296;  as  to  col 
lection  for  Montrose  captives,  303  ; 

369- 

Rev.  George  (Alford),  xiv. 
Melvin — see  Terror,  William. 
Men/ies,  Janet  (disc.),  311. 
Menzies,  Rev.  John,  27  ;  I'rof.  54  ;  63,  93, 
1 68,  185,  192,  193,  202.206,211, 
22O,  262,    284  ;     Synod    sermon, 
334  5  34i,  345- 
Mercer,  Rev.  John,    26  ;    has   not   signed 

Canonical  obed.,  32. 
Merchand,  John  (disc.),  259,  264,  267,  271, 

273,  279. 

Messer,  Robert,  246. 
Methlick,  166,  240,  326. 
Michie,  Alexander  (Lochans),  65. 
-     John  (Ord),  65. 

Robert  (Glencarvie),  65,  101,  244. 
Thomas,  244,  375. 
Middleton,  Rev.  Alexander,  27  ;  Principal, 

59  ;  81,  104. 
Rev.  George,  331,  379. 
Midmar,  63,  203. 
Migvie— see  Tarland. 


432 


INDEX. 


Milnr-,  Adam  and  |cnn  Anderson  (disc.). 
123. 

Alexander,  228,  364. 

David  (chaplain  and  minr.,  Glen 
bucket),  xiv,  10,  u,  12,  I  ],  14, 
15,  17  :  presented  to  Glenbuoket. 
18  ;  23.  25,  42,  44,  47,  71,  205. 

James,  leading  corn  on  Sabbath,  64, 
66.  ' 

John  (Dilhandie),  101. 

-  John  (Ord),  101. 

-  John  (Tough),  344. 

Robert,  to  Forbes,  387,  388,  392. 
William,  consulting    sorcerer,    182  ; 
Cabrnch,  320,  324. 

Miltmme  (Glenbucket),  243. 

Ministers,  since  1649  to  obtain  anew 
collation  and  presentation,  6  and 
Notes  p.  404  ;  where  patron  not 
known.  6  ;  enactments  as  to,  27  ; 
apparel  of,  34  ;  as  to  deposed,  34  ; 
reviling,  46  ;  as  to  scandalous 
reports  against,  174-5. 

Ministerial  duties.  Presbyteries  to  have 
discourses  on.  256  ;  discourses  on, 
264,  290,  291,  308,  314,  320,  328, 
331.  332,33^,346,  355,  357-  365, 
372,  376,  384. 

Minnar  (Mr.nar).  291. 

Mintie,  Margaret— see  Name,  Robert. 

Mitchell,  Rev.  Alexander,  166. 

-  Alexander,     schoolmr.,     test,    346; 

slandering   minr.    of   Kildruivnny, 
371  ;  trials,  372. 

-  George  and  Isobell  Fyfe  (disc.),  21. 
John   and    Isobell    Edwarcl    (disc.), 

271. 
Robert,    consulting    sorcerer,    182  ; 

and  wife  contemning  Sacrament, 

265. 
Rev.    William,    not    submitting    to 

present  government,  32. 
William  (elder,   Alford),  refusing   to 

collect  in  Church,  101,  102,  106. 
Moderators    of   Presbyteries   appointed   by 

bishop,  xxviii.,  7,  34,  59,  63,  74  ; 

and  vice-moderators,  Si;  268,  T,^6, 
,  ~>~>  i 

355-  362. 

Money  belonging  to  poor,  219. 
Monlettie,  240. 
Monquhiter,  57,  74,  211,  282. 
Montkeigie,  202,  213  ;  quaker  in,  213. 
Monross  (Montrose),  294,  303. 
Montgarrie,  316. 
Monymusk,   morning  and  evening  prayers, 

I  ;   8,    11,    15,   80,  106,  168/283, 

284,  325. 

Moor,  Alexander,  243. 
Donald,  244. 


Moor,  Dr.  Andrew,  56. 

William,  215 
Mor,  Patrick,  363. 
Moray,  diocese  of,  21,  381. 
Morgan,  Alexander,  348. 
Morgan,  Duncan.  243. 
James,  228,  322. 
William  (schoolmaster),  101. 
Morning  and  evening  prayers,  where  to  be, 

I. 

Morricc,  Elspct, 
John,  182. 
Mortifications,    account    to    be    given    of, 

J54'5,    !77,    184,  185,  186,  189  ; 

Act  anent,  294  ;     to   be  recorded, 

205  ;  account  of,  296;    for  minrs. 

widows,    308  ;    in      Kildrummy, 

315  ;    in    Clatt,    316  ;    in  Tully- 

nessle,  316  ;    in  Strathdon,  329  ; 

regulations      as      to,      342  ;       in 

Cushnie,    343  ;  in    Tough,    344  ; 

in  Kenncthmont,  356  ;  in  Alford, 

357  ;    in    Keig,    363  ;  in  Kearn. 

374  ;       in        Strathdon,         375  ; 

Cabrach,  382  ;  Glenbucket,  383  ; 

Kildrummy,  393. 
Mortimer,  William,  357. 
Mortlach,  lands  from  to  Cabrach,    26,    31, 

54  :  other  matters,  72  ;   80. 
Mossat,  121. 

Mosstown,  17,  43,  50.  102. 
Mowat,   Rev.   Alexander,    211,    275,  302, 

321.  323,  325.  327. 
Murder,  by  Forbeses,  in  Alford,  90.  103-4, 

117  ;     in    Deskford,      129  ;       to 

satisfy  in  sackcloth,  129. 
Mure,  Rev.  James,  27,  141. 
Murray.  Agnes  (papist).  102. 
-     George,  247. 

William    (student),    181,    192,    193, 

195.  196,  197,  198,  207. 
Myle,  David  (minr.,  Glenbucket),  xiv. 
Myln,    George    (clerk    of   Synod),    7,   34; 

resigns  office,  52. 

Name,  Robert  and  Margaret  Mintie,  S. 
Needfire  (curing  cattle),  144,  417. 
Nerne,  Thomas,  244. 
Ness  Bridge,  312. 
Nether  Aforsque,  348. 
Newe,  45,  59.63,  100,  101,  107,  112. 
Newe    and    Edinglassie,  attempt  to  recon 
cile.  63. 

New  Machar,  209,  379. 
New  Milne  (Auchindoir),  247.  322. 
Newtounc  (Auchindoir),  247. 
Nodes,  Archibald,  383. 
Notary  (Notar)  Public,  145,  202. 


INDEX. 


433 


Oarc,  Rev.  Arthur,  193. 

James    (student),    trials,     193,   195, 

196,  197,  198,  199,  208. 
Oaths,    of  purgation,    125  ;    before    magi 
strates,  207. 
Ogilvie,  Alexander  and  Margaret  Anderson 

(disc.),  22,  25. 
Mary — see  Hood,  Robert. 
Robert,  consulting  sorcerer,  182. 
Ogston,  George,  help  to,  241. 
Old  Machar — see  St  Machar. 
Oldownie,  194. 
Ord,  65,  i or. 

Oyne,  166,  173,  181,  202,  214,  241,  275, 
379,  388. 

Paip,  Janet,  help  to,  355. 

Papists,  names  of  to  bishop,  2  and  Notes 
p.  400;  16  ;  in  Auchindoir,  &c., 
17  ;  20,  23,  29,  43,  44,  47,  48,  50, 
53,  56,  63,  94  ;  in  parishes,  102  ; 
104,  106,  107,  rog  ;  excommuni 
cated,  124  ;  Form  of  excom., 
125-6  ;  plot,  300  and  Notes  p.  415; 
302  ;  lists  of  to  bishop,  34 r. 

Parliament,  Acts  of,  stipends,  58  ;  help 
to  Dundee,  r54;  as  to  Lord's  Day, 

335- 
Paterson,  Thomas,  316. 

William  (disc.),  103. 
Patrons  of  Kirks,  58. 
Patton,   Professor  John,   to  Leochel,  xv. , 

330,  348. 

Pedagogues,  to  be  licenced  by  bishop,  5. 
Pelagius,  306. 
Penalties,  xxxviii.  ;    to  be  inserted  in  ses. 

books,    3r  ;      for    absence    from 

Presbytery,    31-2;    from  Church, 

53  5    given   to   bursars,  67  ;    72  ; 

account  of,  83  ;    87,  122  ;    money 

for  relaxation,  336. 
Penance  in  different  Churches,  18. 
Penny  Bridals,  67  and  Notes  p.  410  ;    82, 

261. 

Pentecost,  218. 
Perambulations,    lands    of    Strathdoveran, 

31  ;    Alford  and  Kincardine,  31  ; 

Mortlach      and      Cabrach,      54; 

Strathdon    and    Glenmuick,    58  ; 

Aboyne  and  Glentanar,  80  ;  Glen- 

kindie    and    Culquich    to    Glen- 
bucket,  206. 

Perseus,  Prologue  of,  267. 
Persons  for  oversight  of  people,  3. 
Peterhead,    morning  and  evening  prayers, 

r  ;      Harbour,    4 ;    32,    55,    56  ; 

session  book,  64  ;    Harbour,   79  ; 

298,  302,  304,  307,  3ir,  336, 361, 

368,  373,  386. 
Ill 


Petfliige,  9. 

Petric,  Janet,  cursing,  &c.   in  Church,  286, 

296. 

Pewterer,  80. 
Philorth,    Laird    of,    presenting    minrs.    32 

and  Notes  p.  409. 
Pirie,  Agnes  (charming),  none   to  consult, 

56-7- 
Pirrie,   James  (Cults,  papist),   43,  44,  47, 

48,  50,  102. 
Pitsligo,  32,  341. 

Pitsligo,  Lord,  32  and  Notes  p.  409. 
Pittendreigh,  43,  59,  225. 
Pittenweem,  captives,  311,  319. 
Pollonian  students,  54,  66,  74,  93,  ro2,  ro4, 

107,  109. 
Pooll,  36. 

Poor,  support  of,  254,  257,  283. 
Popish  Universities,  children  not  to  be  sent 

to,  29,  299. 
Popular  Sermon,  12,  r6,  r8,  23,  24,  77,  89, 

96,  IIT,  121,  145,  r59,  r7o,  r87, 

208,  222,  259,  273,  285,  289,  320, 

327,  329,  352,  387. 
Portsoy  Harbour,  312,  315,  317,  336. 
Postures  in  worship,  5,  27,  292-3. 
Prayers,    morning     and     evening,     places 

where,  r. 

Public,  for  King,  Church,  &c. ,  5. 
Preachers,  must   be  authorised   by  bishop, 

200 ;    attend    Presbyteries,    201  ; 

as  to  holding  civil  offices,   202  ; 

seditious  and  disorderly,  proceed 
ings  against,  340. 
Presbyterianism,  xi.-xv. 
Presbytery,    xxviii.  ;     licensing    if   bishop 

absent,      33 ;       William     Burnet 

licensed  by,  36  ;  constituting,  &c., 

340. 

—  Books — see  Books. 

Meetings,  fine  for  not  attending,  49  ; 
those  late  for  meetings,  22r  ; 
obedience  to,  240  ;  26r. 

Private  Baptism  and  Communion,  2  ; 
baptism,  92. 

Privy  Censure  (Presbytery),  26  and  Notes 
p.  405  ;  50,  62,  78,  87,  91  ; 
two  minrs.  admonished,  ro3  ;  ir7, 
*39  5  regulations  as  to,  140  ;  r47, 
r52,  rs6,  162,  170,  i7r,  r8o,  r88, 
I9T,  192,  196,  208,  2r7,  222  ;  one 
minr.  rebuked,  223  ;  order  for, 
238-9;  report  against  one  minr., 
249  ;  inquiry  as  to  effect  of,  253  ; 
264,  273,  278,  281,  304,  308,  315, 
320,  328,  332,  346,  354,  357,  363, 
365,  377,  381,  386,  388,  394- 

—  Synod,  26  and  Notes  p.  405  ;  333, 

355,  36i,  368,  373,  39i- 


434 


,  , 

appointed  at  each  Synod, 
-     Council — see  Counril. 

Procurator  Kiseal,  lists  of  dead  to,  57,  9.5, 
141,  i6S,  210,  335. 

Profanity,  94-5-  '4°>  ~OJ- 

I'rofessor  of  Divinity  -see  Divinity.  Pro 
fessor  of. 

I'urgations — see  oath  of. 

Puritanism,  xx. 

(Quakers,  29  and  Notes  p.  407  ;  53,  63  ; 
Alford,  66  ;  94,  IOI  ;  account  of, 
104  ;  summonses  against,  106  ; 
127  ;  defections  to,  140  ;  142  ; 
grievances  against,  204  ;  213, 
220  ;  meeting  house  and  school 
to  he  demolished,  and  other 
measures  against,  340  ;  341,  368. 

Ouestionary  trials.  9,  35,  36,  76,  90,  97, 
112.  121,  146,  162,  163,  185,  186, 
i<)2.  195,  217,  258  ;  no  diet  for, 
269  :  270,  285,  292,  327,  345, 
3S7,  393- 


Rae,  Isohel  (disc.),  9. 

Ramsay,  Colonel  Alexander,    contribution 

for,  5. 

Rape,  49,  61,  80,   123. 
Rathen,  95. 
Rathven,  28,  56,  355. 
Rawes,  105. 

Rayne,  202,  206,  214,  284. 
Readers,    in    every    congregation,     I     and 

Notes   p.   397  ;    service  of,  i  ;  2  ; 

must  be  authorised  by  bishop,  2  ; 

catechism  for,   359  ;  ministers    to 

attend,  360  ;  prayers  for,  366. 
Recusants,  53. 
Redford,  182. 
Reed,  John,  239. 
Reedford,  Jean  (papist),  IO2. 
Referrs   of  Synod,    n,    37,    77,  107,  147, 

159,    164,    165,    170,     184,    317, 

338,  394- 
Reid,  Archibald  (Endurno),  135  ;  (Alford) 

357  ;  (Glenbucket),  383. 
—     James  (disc.),  13,  265. 

John,  cursing,  273. 

Marjorie  (charming)  and  Elspet 
Thomson,  24,  25  ;  decision  of 
Presbytery,  26;  32,  35,  36,  37, 
40,  42,  44,  46,  47,  49,  60. 

Robert  (Ley),  121,  122. 

Robert  (Newmilne),  247,  322. 

Rev.  Robert,  80,  8l,  104,  141,  206, 
293. 325- 


Reid,  William  (charming),  143  ;    sentence, 

144  ;  146. 

\Villiam  (Pittendreigh),  224,  225. 
Rennie,  Andrew  (Slack),  215. 
-     James,  355. 

John,  374. 
Repentance    Stool,    xxxvi  ;    place  of.  48  ; 

67. 
Reynold,  Rev.  Alexander,  207,  21 1. 

Rev.     Robert,    81,     91  ;     clerk    of 

Synod,  132,  134,  141. 
Rhynic.  372. 
Rires,    Rev.    William,    scandal  against,  28 

and  Notes  p.  406. 

Ritchie,  Walter  (minr.  of  Forbes),  xiv,  II, 
13,42,  77,  84,  87,  95,  97,    ioo, 
108,  143,  144,  147,  150,  151,  152, 
155,  170,  195,  223,  224,  228,  230. 
William,  help  to,  107. 
William,  296. 

Robertson,  Alexander  (IJelchilie),  194. 
ISailie,  380. 

-  (ieorge,  135. 

-  James  (Syde),  215. 

Rev.  John,  modr.  of  Deer,  73. 
John     (schoolmaster),      xv,      267  ; 
student,   294  ;    295,     296,     297  ; 
appointed     to     Strathdon,     321  ; 
324,    327  ;    settled,    328  ;     329  ; 
arrears  Cenlesima,  381,  391. 
John  (elder),  356. 

Rev.  Thomas,  xiv  ;   arrears    Cente 
sima,  381  ;  392. 
Robson,  Rev.  John,  63. 
Roger,  James,  374. 
Roll    (Synod)   called,   26,   51,  &c.,   called 

each  Synod. 
Ronald,  George,  247. 
Rose,  Rev.  Dr.,  359. 
Rosehearty  Harbour,  336,  343,  351,  353, 

355- 
Ross,  Alexander,  321. 

-  Alexander,  help  to,  285. 

Rev.  Alexander  (Deer),  27,  211. 
Rev.  Alexander  (Monymusk),  8,  59> 

63,  80,  81,   104,    141.    168,   206, 

283,  284. 

—  Rev.  Arthur,  27,  63. 
Elspet  (disc.),  301. 

—  James    (minr.,    Strathdeveran    and 

Cabrach),  xiv.,  12,  17,  20,  26,  41, 
42,  44,  77,  82  ;  absent,  looseness 
of  country,  86  ;  92,  95  ;  removed 
to  Tarland  and  Migvie,  116  ;  255  ; 
son  of,  help  to,  379. 
Rev.  James  (Cluny),  203. 

—  Jean,  199. 

Jean — see  Forbes,  Tulloch. 


INDEX. 


435 


Ross, 


John  (janitor),  161. 

Rev.  John  (Foveran),  284. 

John  (Strathdon),  244. 

I'atrick,  help  to,  142. 

Robert  (Cushnie).  228. 

Rev.  Thomas.  32,  33. 
Agnes,  blasphemy,  01. 

Alexander,  382. 

Janet — see  Stewart,  Thoina:- 

John,  194. 

Thomas,  223. 


Sabbath  profanation  —  sec  Lord's  Day. 

Sackcloth  (in  sacco),  24  ;  charmers  to 
satisfy  in.  32  ;  and  barefooted, 
37  ;  do.,  40  ;  48,  49  ;  murderer, 
56:  62,  67,  72,  73,  76,  77, 
122.  120;  charmers,  <.\;c.  149; 
iS4.  185",  205,  271,  323,  329.  356, 
381,  417. 

Sacrament— see  Lord's  Supper. 

Sandison,  Rev.  John,  help  to.  381. 

Satisfying  in  different  Churches  —  sec 
Penance. 

Sauchcn.  348. 

Scandals  on  ministers,  against  William 
I  affray  and  Andrew  Abercrombie, 
141  ;  John  Irving,  144  ;  regula 
tions  as  to,  174. 

Scandalous  persons,  procedure  against, 
124. 

Schools  and  schoolmasters,  authority  from 
bishop,  5  ;  visit  Alford,  13  ;  15  ; 
where  art',  58  ;  help  to  Banchory, 
74  ;  Alford  and  Tullynessle,  97  ; 
schoolmr.  of  Tullynessle  relinked, 
98  ;  inquiry  as  to  school mrs.  and 
their  maintenance,  174  :  to  take 
oath  of  allegiance,  240  ;  do.,  249  ; 
supply  of,  258  ;  Oath  of  Allejr., 
266-7  ;  to  be  visited  yearly,  278  ; 
one  in  Rildrummy,  315  ;  none  in 
Clatt,  316  ;  to  take  Test,  342  ; 
none  in  Forbes,  343  ;  one  in 
Tough,  344  ;  take  Test,  346  ; 
Kennethmont,  none,  350  ;  in 
Alford,  one,  357  ;  Leoche!.  none, 
365  ;  Kcig,  one,  363  ;  Kearn, 
none,  374  ;  Strathdon,  one,  375  ; 
Cabrach,  none,  382  ;  (ilenbucket, 
one,  383  ;  Kildrummy,  one,  393  ; 
Towie,  393. 

Scott,  John  (Oldownie)  194. 
Margaret  (disc.),  214. 

Scougal,  Rev.  Henry  (Auchterless),  203 
and  Arofcs  p.  413  ;  Professor  of 
Divinity,  210;  steps  for  exami 
nation  of,  211-212;  231,  262, 
283. 


Scougal,  Patrick — sec  Bishops  of  Aberdeen. 
Scrogie,  Rev.  William,  27,  28,  56,  59,  73. 
Scaton,    Rev.  Alexander   (Banff),    73,  104, 
207,  211,  219. 

—  Rev.       Alexander      (Cushnie      and 

Insch),   xv.,   63  ;    rebuked,    347  ; 
arrears  Centesiina,  381  ;  392. 

—  Alexander  (bursar),  208,  242. 

Rev.   John,   case  against,  88-9  and 

Notes  p.  412,  91. 

Rev.  William  (Drumblade),  81,  208. 
Rev.    William    (Logic    1  Indian  and 

Methlick),  27,  59,  73. 
Sectaries,  &c.,  Acts  against,  53. 
Sedgwick,  alleged  plagiarism  from,  180. 
Seggieden,  215. 
Semple,  fohn,  help  to,  81. 
Session  Books — see  Books. 
Shaletti,  Paul  (few),  help  to,  141  and  Notes 

p.  412. 

Sharp,  George,  schoolrnr.,  372,  374. 
Sheiuvell  (Shewcll),  102. 
Slierar,  Margaret— see  Spcnce,  Alexander. 
Sheriff,  court  at  Alford,  119. 
Shirrelf,  John,  316. 
Shirrer,  Alexander  (Auchinleith),  121,  122. 

James  (Mossal),  121. 
ohyde,  James,  382. 
Sibbald,  Rev.  Patrick,  166,  202,  207,  213, 

221,  251,  278  ;  Dr.,  358  ;  379. 
Sinnahard,  in,  117,  118,  132,  153. 
Sivewright,  — ,  320. 
Skelliter,  115,  116,  120,  244,  375. 
Skene,  Rev.  Andrew,  27,  81,  104,  141. 
Slack,  215. 

SI  u'ns,  Reader  in,  92,  134. 
Smith,  Alexander  (Birkenbrcul),  247, 

James  (Clatt),   46;    (Clnny)  casting 
knotts    at    marriages,    73  ;     (Kil- 
drummy)   lighting  ivc.   in  time  of 
sermon,    189  ;  (Stralhdon)  killing 
dog&c.  301  ;  304,  316,  321,  323. 
Janet  (disc.),  14. 
John  (Ardwell),  194. 
.Margaret,  286,  289. 
Robert,  desk  in  Auchindoir  Church, 

68. 

William,  357. 
Snowie,  Patrick,  98. 
Soccoh,  102,  289,  291,  292. 
Spence,  Alexander,  and  .Margaret  Sherar 

(disc.),  46,  48,  50. 
-     Jerome,  383. 
St.  Andrews,  29,  303. 
St.  Giles,  causes  of  riot  in,  xxxi. 
St.  Fergus,  63. 

St.    Machar    (Old    Machar),   meetings    of 
Synod,    26,    51,    148,    152,    160, 


436 


INDEX. 


166,  173,  219,  231,  251,  260,  268, 
282,  293,  338,  378. 
St.  Nicholas  Kirk,   152. 
St.  Surfs  Fair,  355. 

Stephen,  Alexander,  schoolmr.,  Test,  346. 
Stewart  (Stuart),  Alexander,  riot  in  Turritl 

Kirk,  73,  80. 

-     Alexander  (Cabrach),  193,  195,  204. 
James  (Lesmurdie,  papist),  102,  204. 
John,  307,  308,  309,  310. 
Thomas,     Robert,    and    Alexander 
(Alaster),      Thomas,      lands      of 
Strathdiveran,     26 ;      complaints 
against    minr.,    144;     145,    146; 
Thomas,    Robert  and   Alaster  re 
moving  desk,  156  ;  157,  164,  165  ; 
complaint  against  minr,  165  ;  166, 
175,  181  182. 
William,  316. 

Stipends,  xv.  ;  providing  for  Churches,  30  ; 
53  ;     complaint    minr.    of    Glen- 
bucket  as   to,   205  ;     Presbyteries 
and,    205  ;    augmentations,    261  ; 
of  Kennethmontj    356,  ;    Kearn, 
3/4  :   Strathdon,   375  ;    Cabrach, 
382  ;     Glenbucket,     383 ;     Kil- 
drummy,  393. 
Stirdes,  James,  364. 
Stonehyvc    (Stonehaven),    298,    302,    311, 

336,  361,  368,  373,  385. 
Storms,  9,   10,  62,  75,  76,  90,   138,    150, 
151,  182,  191,209,  221,  257,  272, 
288,  299,  301,  306,  307,  321,  329, 
330,  347,  352,  353,  362. 
Strachan  (Straquhan,  &c.). 
Rev.  Alexander,  26. 
Rev.  Andrew,  52. 

Rev.    Arthur,    166,    182,    21 1,    208, 
^276,  283,  325. 
Elspet  (papist),  102. 
Rev.  George,  200,  205,  282. 
Helen — see  Ogilvie,  Alexander. 
Isobel  (disc.),  265,  266,  271. 
Rev.  James,  81,  104,  132,  141,  )66, 
173,  181,  202,  214,  241,  269,  275, 

325- 

James  (elder),  375. 
Rev.  John,  104,  141,  202,  211. 
—     John  (Cabrach),  speaking  in  Church, 

165,  172,  194. 
Patrick  (disc.),  265. 
Strangers  in  parishes,  regulations  as  to,  IO, 

21,  45-6,  94,  275. 
Strathbogie,  105. 
Strathdeveron,    papists  in,    26  ;    lands   to 

Cabrach,  26  ;  papists  in,  102. 
Strathdon,   xv.,   12,   14,  15,  16  ;    presenta 
tion  to,  1 8  ;  lands  from,  to  Glen- 
bucket,  19  ;    21,  23  ;    scandal  in, 


fighting  on  Lord's  Day,  45  ;  59, 
65,  100,  101  ;  minr.  suspended, 
105  ;  107,  109,  in,  115,  116, 
120,  141,  143,  144,  158,  171,  172; 
omissions  in  Session  liook.  179  ; 
195,  205  ;  visitation  of  and  elders, 
244-5  ;  256,  258,  259,  301  ; 
minr.  to,  321,  338,  346,  363  ; 
visitation  of,  375  ;  391. 

Strichen,  282. 

Students  for  licence — see  Young  men. 

Supplicants  for  charity — see  Licences  for 
help. 

Sutherland,  Rev.  Adam,  378,  380. 

Sutherland,  Elspet — sec  Anderson,  John. 

Syde,  36,  37,  215. 

Synod,  xxx. 

Synod  of  Aberdeen  meetings  —  October, 
1662,  I  ;  October,  1663,  26  ; 
October,  1664,  50  ;  April,  1665, 
63  ;  October,  1665,  71  ;  May, 
1666,  78  ;  October  1666,  85  ; 
April,  1667,  92  ;  October,  1667, 
103  ;  April,  1668,  117  ;  October, 
l66S,  134  ;  April,  1669,  139  ; 
October,  ,1669,  148  ;  April,  1670, 
152  ;  October,  1670,  160  ;  April, 
1671,  166;  October,  1671,  173  ; 
October,  1673,  199  ;  April,  1674, 
209  ;  October,  1674,  219  ;  April, 
1675,  23!  ;  October,  1675,  250  ; 
April,  1676,  260;  October,  1676, 
268  ;  April,  1677,  274  ;  October, 
1677,  282  ;  April,  1678,  293  ; 
October,  1678,  298  ;  March,  1679, 
302  ;  April,  iGSo,  311  ;  October, 
1680,  318;  April,  1681,  325  ;  (no 
record  for  October,  1681,  and 
April,  1682),  October,  1682,  332; 
April,  1683,  339  ;  October,  1083, 
349  ;  April,  1684,  354;  October, 
1684,  358  ;  October,  1685,  366  ; 
April,  1686,  373  ;  October,  1686, 
376  ;  April,  1687,  378  ;  October, 
1687,  384  ;  April,  1688,  388. 

Synod,  references  and  reports  to,  32,  34, 
4i,  45,  53,  57,  59,  67,  69,  72,  73, 
75,  80,  82,  90,  93,  96,  116,  148, 
161. 

Synod  clerk,  resigns,  52  ;  Alexander 
1'Orbes  appointed,  52  ',  Robert 
Reynold  appointed,  132. 


Tailor,  Patrick,  357. 

Tais  (Tawse),  Alexander,  228. 

William,  228. 

Tarland  and  Migvie,  116  ;  lands  in  Migvie 
to  Glenbucket,  205  ;  255,  379. 


INDEX. 


437 


Tarvcs,  morning  and  evening  prayers,   I, 

202,  311. 
Taylour,  Alexander,  244. 

-  Grizall — sec  Watt,  Thomas. 
Teachers — see  Sehools. 

Teinds,   titulars  of,   31   and  Notes  p.  409  ; 

54- 

Terpersie,  17,  102,  224,  225,  297. 
Test,  330  ;  Centesima  and,  334  ;  342  ;  by 

schoolmrs.,  346. 

-  Act  of,  1681,  xxvii. 
Testaments,  of  ministers,  to  be  confirmed 

gratis,  4. 

Testimony   (Recommendation),    to    Bishop 

for  licence,    15,    17,  78,  115,  163, 

188,  208,  222,  292,  320,  352,  387. 

for  ordination,  18,  91,  99,  123,  147, 

162,  181,  273,  287,  330,  331,  338. 

Texts,  ministers',  to  be  entered  in  Session 
Book,  59,  93. 

Thanksgivings,  5th  Nov.,  2  and  Notes  p. 
399  ;  do.,  27  ;  do.,  52  ;  29th 
May,  83  ;  victory  over  Dutch,  83 
and  Notes  p.  411  ;  291)1  May, 
143;  do.,  170;  do.,  171;  do., 
1 88  ;  do.,  217  ;  do.,  263  ;  good 
harvest,  265  ;  May  29th,  246  ; 
do.,  279  ;  for  good  harvest,  299  ; 
king's  nativity  &c. ,  314  ;  do., 
327  ;  May  29th,  331,  344  ;  escape 
of  king  &.c.,  347  and  Notes  p. 
415  ;  working  on  days  of,  350  ; 
victory  over  enemies,  365  and 
Notes  p.  415  ;  Queen  and  child, 
387  ;  prince's  birth,  393,  394. 
King's  birth,  371  ;  do.,  377;  do., 
380. 

Theft,  censure  for,  96. 

Thoirs,  Rev.  Thomas,  63. 

Thomson,  Anna  (disc.),  332. 
Bessie,  cursing,  345. 

Thomson,  Elspet — see  Reid,  Marjorie. 
James  (Overcharroch),  194,  321. 
Margaret  (disc.),  323. 
1'atrick,      and       Isobel       Davidson 

(disc.),  189. 

William,  xiv  ;  presented  to  Auchin- 
doir,  169,  170,  171  ;  settled  at, 
179;  182,  188,  191,  192,  195, 
196,  198,  223,  230,  244,  248,  259, 
260,  265,  266,  269,  272,  273,  276, 
286,  289,  291,  296,  317,  321,  322, 
336  ;  modr.  of  Alford,  343,  347, 
,348. 
William  (Nether  Aforsque),  348. 

Tilliquhowie,  72. 

Timbermen,  18,  20,  175  ;  market,  355. 

Tipperty,  bridge,  342. 

Tirrisoull,  273. 


Titulars  of  teinds— see  Teinds. 

Tonley,  135. 

Touch,  Gilbert  (disc.),  25,  44. 

Tough,  xv.  ;  appointment  to,  7  ;  8,  9,  10, 
II  ;  lands  from  Monymusk  to,  15  ; 
16  ;  desk  in  Church,  90  ;  do. 
100  ;  designation  of  foggage,  &c., 
HO  ;  123  ;  division  of  Kirk,  135- 
137  ;  195,  242,  258,  331  ;  visita 
tion  of,  344  ;  345,  346,  376,  377, 
388,  392,  394. 

Towy,  xv.,  8,  12,  13,  14,  15,  17,  20,  22, 
25,  50  ;  division  of  Church,  69- 
71  ;  77,  78,  80,  84,  85,  in,  116, 
1 2O,  134,  138  ;  charming,  143  ; 
do.,  144;  146,  155,  156,  158; 
bridge  at,  161  ;  166,  182,  195, 
208,  218,  224,  244;  visitation  of, 
246  ;  250,  294,  352,  392,  393. 

Trials  for  licence,  9,  16,  18,  23,  35  ; 
course  of  study,  58  ;  66,  68,  75, 
77,  89,  90,  91,  103,  106,  109,  in, 
112,  138,  157,  158,  162,  163  ;  re 
gulations  as  to,  176-7  ;  178,  181, 
185,  187,  192,  193  ;  regulations 
as  to,  201  ;  208,  212,  216,  217, 
222  ;  regulation,  239  ;  263,  301, 
309,  327,  344,  345,  353,  377,  388. 
For  ordination,  7,  18,  89,  96,  97, 
99,  116,  i2i,  123,  145,  161,  162, 
170,  172,  179,  180,  181,  2^8,  280, 
285,  306,  321,  330,  332,  387. 

Tulloch,  224,  225,  280,  286,  290,  291,  341. 

Tullynessle,  xv.,  9  ;  papists  in,  17  ;  61  ; 
school,  97  ;  schoolmr.  rebuked, 
98;  papists  in,  102  ;  157,  158, 
195,  198,  214,  224  ;  division  of 
Church,  297  1315;  visitation  of, 
316  ;  329,  364,  371  ;  visitation  of, 

375  ;  382,  392. 

Tumult  in  Turriff  Church,  73. 

Turks,   prisoners   with,   239   and    Notes  p. 

414,  249, 255, 257,  258,  267,  294, 

320,  336. 
Turriff,  morning  and  evening  prayers  at,  I, 

80,  341. 
Turriff  (Presbytery),  28,  51,  56,  57,  58,  59, 

68,  81  ;  bk.,  104  ;  do.,  117  ;  141, 

143;    bk.,    153;    do.,  167;    207. 

208,  211,  276,  280,  282,  283,  284, 

324,  354  ;  (Turray),  379- 
Tyrie,  David,  273. 


Udny,  division  of  Church,  167,   282,   283, 

.303- 

Uniformity  and  canonical  obedience,  27. 
University  of  Aberdeen,  contribution   to — 
see  King's  College. 


433 


INDEX. 


Unmarried  women  carried  away,  &c.,  regu 
lations  as  to,  130-132. 

I'ppermilne,  280,  286,  289. 

Urquhart,  Thomas,  146. 
•     (Parish),  343- 

Utensils  Church,  Alford,  357  ;  Auchin- 
doir,  248;  Tribrach,  382  ;  Clatt, 
316  ;  Cushnie,  229  ;  Forbes, 
343  ;  (llenbuckct,  243,  383  ; 
Kcarn,  374  ;  Keig,  364  ;  Kcn- 
nethmont,  356  ;  Kiklrunimy, 
3LS,  393  :  Lcochel,  365  ;  Slrath- 
clon,  245,  375  ;  Tough,  none  ; 
Tovvie,  246  ;  Tally nessle,  317. 


Vacancies  in  Churches  sfnce  1658,  30  ;  in 
Deer  1'resbytcry,  32  ;  stipends  of, 
58. 

Victory  over  rebel  subjects,  565  and  Note 
P-  4I.S- 

Valuation  of  Manses  ("  Appretiation  ") 
Keig,  98  ;  Auchindoir,  321-323  ; 
Leochel,  347-349  ;  regulations  as 
to,  342. 

Vicar,  Alexander,  363. 

Visitation  of  families  by  minr.,  30. 

-  of  Parishes,  Alford,  357  ;  Auchin- 
doir,  247  ;  Cabrach,  273  ;  382  ; 
Clatt,  316  ;  Cushnie,  228  ;  369  ; 
Forbes,  343  ;  Glenbucket,  243  ; 
383  ;  Kearn,  374  ;  Keig,  363  ; 
Kennethmont,  356  ;  Kildrummy, 
315  ;  Leochel,  364  ;  Strathdon, 
244  ;  375:  Tough,  314  ;  Towie, 
246  ;  Tullynessle,  316  ;  recom 
mended,  389  ;  Kildrummy,  393. 

Visitors  of  Colleges,  60. 

for  Presbytery  Looks,  27,  52,  71,  78, 
85,  92,  103,  117,  124,    148,    152, 
160,  166,    173,  200,    282  ;    direc 
tions  to,  303  ;  333. 
for  taverns  &c.  on  Sunday,  30,  55. 


Walker,  Alexander  (bursar),  354,  355,  366, 
370,  383,  384. 

Andrew  (charming),  143  ;  sentence, 
144,  146. 

John  (minister,  Tullynessle),  xv,  S  ; 
settling,  10,  II  ;  papists,  17;  39, 
41,  61^  62,  64,  76,  77,  84,  87,  89, 
91,  96,  107,  108,  115,  151,  152, 
J57>  !59>  J62  ;  arrears  to  bursars, 
165,  i 86,  195,  224,  266,  278, 


-07,    3oo,    303,    307,    3oS,     754, 
386,  387. 

-  James    (Student),     157,     158,     159, 

162,      163  ;      recommended      for 

licence,  163. 
Rev.  John,  277. 
Walker,  Robert  (disc.),  265. 
Wallace,  Isobel,  113. 
Wardhouse,  laird  of,  84. 
Watson,  Andrew,  298. 

•  (jeorge  (minister,  Leochel),  xv,  21, 

23,  67,  82,  83,  96,  100,  105.  107, 
109,  in,  112,  139,  142,  143.  145, 
147,  152,  157,  158,  1 66,  170,  171, 
182,  191,  195,  198,  230,  242,  273, 
_  287,  296,  303,  348. 

•  Ceorgc  (Strathdon),  244,  375. 

-  John  and  William  (disc.),  218. 
Patrick,  help  to,  303. 
Patrick,  393. 

Watt,  Peter,  315. 

Thomas  and  Crizall  Taylour  (incest 
and  adultery),  161. 

Wells,  Holy,  189  and  Notes  p.  413  ;   205. 

Westminster   Directory,  xxxii.,  and   Notes 
p.  400. 

White  (YV'hitt),  Rev.  James,  282. 

Whitehouse,      Farquharson,      James     of 
(disc.),  63. 

Whitson,  William,  382. 

Whythaugh,  297. 

Whytlumbs,  317. 

Wilkie,  Mr.,  vacant  stipend,  30. 

Wilson,  Ceorge  (Fin/each),  desk  in  Tough 

Church,  90,  100,  135,  224. 
-     John    and    Jean     Ilurnett,     reviling 
minr.,  >\c.,  88,  97,  100. 

Witchcraft — see  Charming. 

Witnesses    in    cases,    Alexander  Spcnce's 
46  ;  William  Clerihew's,  49  ;  61 
John  Wilsone's,  88  ;  Forbes's,  iVc. 
Strathdon,     101  ;    Innes's,     112 
Ker's,     &c.,    121  ;     Innes,     135 
against    minr.    of  Cabrach,    181 
minr.   against  others,  183  ;     184 
192;    against  minr.,    194;     199  r 
irregular  marriage,  307  ;  308. 

Wodset,   Wodsetters,   69,    135,    322,   348, 
417. 

Women  not  declaring  father  of  children,  56. 

Worship  under  Episcopacy,  xxx. — xxxiv. 

Worship,  puplic,  regulations  as  to,  336. 

Wright,  James,  356. 


INDEX. 


439 


Young,  John,  298. 


men  for  ministry,  to  he  tried  by 
Presbytery,  but  licensed  by 
bishop,  3.  and  Notes  p.  402  ;  not 
to  preach  unless  authorised  by 
bishop,  5  ;  lately  licensed  to  ap 
ply  to  bishop,  6  ;  to  subscribe 
Canonical  Obedience,  33 ;  how 
licensed  if  bishop  absent,  33  ; 
those  licensed  in  bishop's  absence 
to  obtain  bishop's  ratification,  58, 


regulations  n>  to  trials.  176;  do., 
239;  as  to  "exercising"  before 
Presbyteries,  325  ;  regulations  as 
to  trials  of,  342  ;  as  to  bursaries, 
360. 

Voung,  William,  Schoolmr.,  Test,  346; 
trials,  377  ;  388,  392,  393,  394. 

Youngson,  Alexander  (minr.  Tullynessle), 
xv. 

Yuletime,  abuses  at,  31  ;  55. 


T.iyi,.r  .4  Henderson,  IVii.te 


TENTH    REPORT   BY  COUNCIL 


1896 


(Club 


Founded   nth  November,   1886. 


HI*:] 


JJatronrsa : 
M. \JESTV  TMK  QUKI'LN. 


OFFICE-BEARERS    FOR    1896-97. 

president : 
THE  EARL  OF  ABERDEEN,  LL.D. 


THE 

THE 

THE 
THE 
THE 
THE 
THE 
THE 
THE 


DUKE    OF     RICHMOND  AND    GORDON, 
D.C.L.,  LE.D. 
DUKE  OF  FIFE,  K.T. 
MARQUIS  or  HUNTLY,  LL.D. 
MARQUIS  OF  BUTE,  K.T.,  LL.D. 
EARL  or  ERROLL,  LL.D. 
EARL  or  STRATHMORE. 
EARL  OF  SOUTHESK,   K.T.,  LL.D. 
EARL  OF   KINTOKE,  LL.D. 
EARL  OF   ROSEHERY,  K.G.,   LL.D. 


Ilire-yresiiients  : 

K.G.,        THE  LORD  FORBES. 
THE  LORD  SALTOUN. 
THE  LORD  PROVOST  OF  ABERDEEN. 
THE  PRINCIPAL  OF  THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  ABERDEEN. 
SIR  JOHN  F.  CLARK,  Bart.,  of  Tillypronie. 
vSiu  GEORGE   REID,   P.  R.S.A.,   LL.D. 
JAMES  A.   CAMPBELL  of  Stracathro,  M.P.,  LL.D. 
WILLIAM   FERGUSON  of  Kinmundy,   LL.D. 
EMERITUS  PROCESSOR  DAVID  MASSON,   LL.D. 


(Oi-Jiimtrvt  Members  of  Council 


Colonel  James  Allardyce  of  Culquoich,  LL.D. 
John  Bulloch,  Aberdeen. 

George  Cadenhead,  Procurator-Fiscal,  Aberdeen. 
The  Very  Rev.  /Eneas  Chisholm,  LL.D.,  President 

of  Blairs  College. 

The  Rev.  James  Cooper,  D.D.,  Aberdeen. 
William  Cramond,  LL.D.,  Cullen. 
Peter  M.  Cran,  City  Chamberlain,  Aberdeen. 
The  Rev.  J.  Myers  Danson,  D.D..  Aberdeen. 
Charles    B.    Davidson,    LL.D.,    President    of  the 

Society  of  Advocates  in  Aberdeen. 
The  Hon.  and  Right  Rev.  Bishop  Douglas,  D.D., 

Aberdeen. 

William  Dunn  of  Murtle. 
John  Philip  Edmond,  Haigh. 
James  Ferguson,  Edinburgh. 
Alexander  M.  Gordon  of  Xewton. 
Henry  Wolrige-Gordon  of  Esslemont. 
The  Rev.  Walter  Gregor,  LL.D.,  Bonnyrigg. 
John  A.  Henderson,  Aberdeen. 
Sir  William  Henderson,  LL.D.,  Aberdeen. 
Brigade-Surgeon     Lieut. -Col.      W.    Johnston     of 

Newton  Dee,  M.D. 
The  Rev.  William  Forbes-Leith,  S.J.,  Selkirk. 


The  Rev.  Robert  Lippe,  LL.D.,  Aberdeen. 

David  Littlejohn,  Sheriff-Clerk.  Aberdeen. 

Peter  Duguid-M'Combie  of  Easter  Skene. 

James  Matthews  of  Springhill,  LL.D. 

The  Rev.  John  G.  Michie,  Dinnet. 

James   Moir,   LL.D.,   Co-Rector  of  the   Grammar 

School,  Aberdeen. 
Alexander  M.  Munro,  Aberdeen. 
Charles  Rampini,  LL.D.,  Sheriff-Substitute,  Elgin. 
Alexander  Ramsay,  LL.D.,  Banff. 
Alexander  W.  Robertson,  Librarian.  Public  Library, 

Aberdeen. 

John  Forbes  Robertson,  London. 
The  Rev.  James  Smith,  B.D.,  Aberdeen. 
Sir  David  Stewart  of  Banchory,  LL.D. 
The  Rev.  William  Temple,  D.D.,  Forgue. 
Alexander  Walker,  LL.D.,  Aberdeen. 
George  Walker,  Aberdeen. 
Robert  Walker,  University  of  Aberdeen. 
John  Forbes  White,  LL.D.,  Dundee. 
Professor  John  Dove  Wilson,  LL.D.,  Aberdeen. 
Robert  M.  Wilson,  M.D.,  Old  Deer. 
The  Rev.  John  Woodward,  LL.D.,  Montrose. 


ferret-are  : 
PETER  JOHN  ANDERSON,    University  Library,  Aberdeen. 

Treasurer : 
FARQUHARSON  TAYLOR  GARDEN,    18  Golden  Square,   Aberdeen. 

^Vuftitors  : 
GEORGE  COOPER,  C.A.,  Aberdeen  ;   and  WILLIAM  MILNE,  C.A.,  Aberdeen. 

[Subscription  for  1897,  £I  I5-i  d'1*-'  lst  January.} 


TENTH    REPORT   BY  THE  COUNCIL. 

Approved  at  the  Tenth  Annual  General  Meeting  of  the  New  Spalding  Club, 
held  on  l^riday,  i8/A  December,  1896,  at  3  p.m. 

SINCE  the  last  General  Meeting  of  the  Club,  held  on  Friday, 
2Oth  December,  1895,  two  volumes  have  been  issued  to  mem 
bers  :— 

I. — MUSA  LATINA  ABERDONENSIS.  Vol.  II.  Arthur 
Johnston's  Epigrammata  and  the  remaining  secular 
poems.  Edited  by  Principal  Sir  William  D. 
Geddes,  LL.I).  (Pp.  Ivi.  +  307,  with  nine  plates. 
Eighth  Annual  Report.) 

O  if 

This  volume  formed  part  of  the  issue  assigned  to  the  year 
1895- 

II. — HISTORICAL  PAPERS  RELATING  TO  THE  JACOBITE  PERIOD, 
1699-1750.  Edited  by  Colonel  James  Allardyce, 
LL.D.  Vol.  II.  (Pp.  lii. +  314,  with  twelve 
plates.  Ninth  Annual  Report.) 

This  volume  formed  part  of  the  issue  assigned  to  the  year 
1896.      The  other  volume  promised  in  last  Report,  viz.  ;— 

III. — FASTI  ACADEMIAE  MARISCALLANAE,  SELECTIONS  FROM 
THE  RECORDS  OF  THE  MARISCIIAL  COLLEGE  AND 
UNIVERSITY.  Edited  by  the  Secretary.  Vol.  II. 


Officers,  Graduates,  and  Alumni  ;  has  not  yet  been 
issued.       The    amount    of   labour    involved    in    an 
notating'    the    various    Marischal    College    lists    has 
proved   unexpectedly  great  ;   but  the  printing  of  the 
volume  is  well  advanced,  and  the  Council  anticipate 
that  it  will    be  distributed   to  members  at  an   early 
date.       The    Editorial   Committee    have    authorised 
the  restriction  of  this  volume  to  the  "  Fasti  "  proper. 
It  will  contain  portraits  of  the  following  twelve  emi 
nent    alumni    of   the    College  :    Robert    Gordon    of 
Straloch,    Bishop    Gilbert    Burnet,   Professor  James 
Gregory,  Dr.  John  Arbuthnot,  Field- Marshal  James 
Keith,  Duncan  Forbes  of  Culloclen,  Professor  James 
Beattie,      Principal     George      Campbell,     Professor 
Thomas    Reid,    Sir    James    M'Grigor,    Dr.    James 
Melvin,  and   Professor  John  Cruickshank. 

For  the  year   1897   the  Council  have   approved  the   issue 
of:- 

IV. — THE  FOLKLORE  OF  NORTH-EASTERN  SCOTLAND.  Edited 
by  the  Rev.  Walter  Gregor,  LL.D.  Vol.  I.  The 
Hours  of  the  Day,  the  Days  of  the  Year,  and  the 
Months. 

V. — THE  RECORDS  OF  THE  MEETING  OF  THE  EXERCISE  OF 
ALFORD,  1662-88.  Edited  by  the  Rev.  Thomas 
Bell,  Minister  of  Keig,  Clerk  to  the  Presbytery  of 
Alford,  and  to  the  Synod  of  Aberdeen. 

The  Council,  at  their  last  meeting,  remitted  to  the  Editorial 
Committee  to  confer  with  Mr.  A.  W.  Robertson,  with  the  view 
of  encouraging  him  to  widen  the  scope  of  his  Bibliography  of 
the  shires  of  Aberdeen,  Banff,  and  Kincardine,  as  indicated  in  the 
Ninth  Report  by  the  Council.  Mr.  Robertson  explained  to  the 


Committee  that  such  limitations  as  lie  had  proposed  arose,  not 
I rom  any  desire  on  his  part  to  restrict  the  scope  of  the  work, 
but  from  his  fear  lest  the  time  at  his  disposal  should  prove 
insufficient  to  enable  him,  if  unaided,  to  complete  a  more  ex 
haustive  local  Bibliography  within  any  definite  period.  Me. 
suggested  that  Mr.  Kellas  Johnstone.  a  member  of  the  Club, 
whose  recent  contributions  to  Scottish  Notes  and  Queries  have 
shown  a  special  knowledge  of  the  subject,  should  be  asked  to 
co-operate  in  the  undertaking-.  In  this  proposal  Mr.  Johnstone 
has  cordially  acquiesced,  and  it  has  been  remitted  to  him  and 
Mr.  Robertson  jointly  to  prepare  and  submit  to  the-  Editorial 
Committee  a  revised  scheme  for  a  book,  the  title  of  which  will 
now  stand  on  the  programme  of  the  Club  as  :- 

VI.  — BIBLIOGRAPHY    OF    THE    SlilRKS    OF    AlJERDEEN,    BANFF 

AND    KixcARuixF.      Edited   by   A.    W.    Robertson, 
M.A.,  and  J.  F.  Kellas  Johnstone. 

Mr.  Farquharson  of  Invercauld  recently  expressed  his 
willingness  to  submit  the  papers  in  his  charter  chest  to  examina 
tion  on  behalf  of  the  Club,  and,  at  the  request  of  the  Editorial 
Committee,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Michie,  Dinnet,  prepared  a  report 
thereanent.  Mr.  Michie  finds  that  only  a  small  portion  of  the. 
Farquharson  papers  appears  to  have  been  seen  by  the  late 
Dr.  John  Stuart,  when  reporting  to  the  Historical  Manu 
scripts  Commission  (Report  Xo.  iv.,  p.  533),  and  that  among 
the  papers  are  many  calculated  to  form  a  volume  of  great  local 
and  genera]  interest.  Of  especial  value  are  a  large  package  of 
letters  from  Lord  George  Murray,  commander  of  the  Prince's 
army  in  the:  Forty-live,  covering  the  period  from  1/42  to  1/47  ; 
and  a  still  larger  package  of  papers  by  Francis  Farquharson  of 
Monaltrie,  the  "  Baron  Ban,"  who  led  the  Farquharsons  in  that 
rising.  The  Editorial  Committee  have  approved  the  addition 


of  such   a   volume,   under  the  editorship  of   Mr.  Michie,  to  the 
programme  of  the  Club. 

VII. — HISTORICAL  RECORDS  OF  IXYKRCAULD.  Edited  by 
the  Rev.  J.  G.  Michie,  Minister  of  Dinnet. 

Other  works,  named  in   former  Reports,  are  the  following, 
the  first  nine  being  in  progress  under  their  respective  editors  :— 

VIII. — DIARY  OF  THE  SCOTS  COLLEGE  AT  DOUAI,  AND 
NECROLOGIES  OF  THE  SCOTS  COLLEGES  AT  RATIS- 
130N  AND  PARIS.  Edited  by  the  Rev.  W.  Forbes- 
Leith,  S.J.,  Selkirk. 

IX. — REGISTER  OF  THE  SCOTS  COLLEGE  AT  ROME.  Edited 
by  the  Right  Rev.  Monsignor  Campbell,  D.I)., 
Rector  of  the  College. 

X. — RECORDS  FROM  THE  ARCHIVES  OF  MIDDELIUJRG, 
FLUSHING,  CAMPVERE,  ETC.  Edited  by  the  Rev.  A. 
W.  Frater,  M.A.,  Minister  of  the  Scotch  Church, 
Middelburg. 

XL — HISTORY  OF  THE  FAMILY  OF  BURNETT.  Edited  by 
the  late  Lyon,  George  Burnett,  LL.D. 

XII. — PLACE  NAMES  OF  ABERDEENSHIRE.     Edited  by  James 

Macdonald,  Huntly. 
XIII. — RECORDS  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  MORAY,  ETC.  :  with  Fasti 

of    Schoolmasters.      Edited    by   the    Rev.    Stephen 

Ree,  B.D.,  Minister  of  Boharm. 

XIV. — PAPERS  OF  DAVID  SKENE,  M.D.  Edited  by 
J.  W.  H.  Trail,  M.D.,  F.R.S.,  Professor  of  Botany 
in  the  University  of  Aberdeen. 

XV. — RECORDS  OF  OLD  ABERDEEN.  Edited  by  Alex 
ander  M.  Munro.  This  will  incorporate  the  more 
reliable  portions  of  Orem's  work,  with  extracts  from 
the  records  of  the  Town  Council  (from  1602)  ;  Trades 


7 

(from  1608);  Kirk  Session  (from  1621);  Merchant 
Society  (from  1686),  etc. 

XVI. COLLKCTIONS      ILLUSTRATIVE     OF     TIIK      HlSTORV      OF 

KlNCARDINESHIRE    OR    TIIK    MKARNS.        Edited  by  the 

Rev.  Douglas  Gordon  Barron,  B.I).,  Minister  of 
Dunottar. 

XVI  I. --COLLECTIONS     ILLUSTRATIVE     OF     THE     HlSTORV    OF 
FORFARSHIRE  OR  ANGUS. 

XVIII. — Tni':  MISCELLANY  OF  THE  CLUB.     Vol.   II.     For 
this  several  interesting  papers  have  been  promised. 

XIX. --HLSTORV  OF  THE  FAMILY  OF  FORBES. 

XX.  —  RECORDS  OF  THE  MATURIN,  DOMINICAN,  CARMELITE, 
AND  FRANCISCAN  FRIARS  OF  AIJERDEEN,  1211-1560. 

XXI. ICONOGRAI'IIIA    SCOTICA    SEI'TENTRIONALIS  ;    being    a 

catalogue  raisoimt  of  extant  portraits,  original  or 
engraved,  of  eminent  persons  connected  with  the 
North  of  Scotland  ;  with  reproductions  of  selected 
portraits.  It  is  intended  to  issue  a  circular  letter 
to  members  of  the  Club  and  others  likely  to  be 
interested  in  this  work,  inviting  information  and 
co-operation. 

The  Treasurer  has  again  the  satisfaction  of  reporting  no 
members  as  in  arrears.  The  total  receipts  since  the  founding  of 
the  Club  amount  to  ,£5536  i  ;s.  gd.  (including  ^73  IDS.  in 
compositions  from  Life  Members)  ;  the  total  expenditure  amounts 

to  /,~4/94  (9s. 

Since  the  last  Report  submitted  by  the  Council  nine, 
members  of  the  Club  have  died  : — Mr.  Alexander  Allardyce, 
Edinburgh  ;  Dr.  Arthur  Anderson,  C.B.,  Pitlochrie  ;  Sir  Thomas 
1).  Brodie,  Bart.,  of  Idvies  ;  Rev.  T.  Nairne  Imrie,  Dunfermline  ; 
Mr.  George  Arbuthnot  Leslie,,  of  \Varthill,  a  member  of  the 
Council;  Mr.  Charles  A.  Mollyson,  Aberdeen;  Mr.  John 


Shiell.  Dundee:  Mr.  James  Spittal,  Ellon  ;  Mr.  Thomas  \Vil- 
sone,  Aberdeen  :  all  members  in  their  several  spheres  much 
and  justly  regretted.  Where  no  representative  of  a  deceased 
member  has  desired  to  continue  his  membership,  the  vacancy 
created  has  been  filled  from  the  list  ot  applicants  for  admission. 

The  Club  has  now  been  in  existence  for  a  decade;,  the 
inaugural  meeting  having  been  held  on  iith  November, 
1886.  The  Council  have  satisfaction  in  pointing  out  that  the, 
primary  objects  of  the  Club  --"  To  promote  the  study  of  the 
History,  Topography  and  Archaeology  of  the  North-eastern 
Counties  of  Scotland,  and  to  print  works  illustrative  thereof  " 
have  hitherto  been  promoted  in  a  manner  \vhich  reflects  credit 
on  the  Acting  Committees,  and  more  especially  on  the  various 
editors  who  have  so  readily  placed  their  services  at  the  disposal 
of  the  Club.  During  the  ten  years  .1806-96,  sixteen  volumes  have 
been  issued  to  members,  containing  a  total  of  6493  quarto  pages  of 
matter  with  133  full  page  plates.  These  volumes  comprise  con 
tributions  to  Political  History,  in  Colonel  Allardyce's  Historical 
Papers  Relating  to  the  /acobitc  Period ';  to  Municipal  History, 
in  Dr.  Cramond's  Annals  of  Banff,  and  Mr.  Munro's 
Register  of  Burgesses  of  Aberdeen  ;  to  Ecclesiastical  History,  in 
Dr.  Cooper's  Chartulary  of  the  Church  of  St.  Nicholas,  Dr. 
Lipne's  Selections  from  Wodrows  Collections,  and  Dr.  Moir's 
Translation  of  Boece's  Lives  of  the  Bishops  ;  to  Academic  His 
tory,  in  the  Secretary's  Fasti  of  King's  College  and  of  Marischal 
College  ;  to  Family  History  and  Heraldry,  in  Lord  Huntly's 
Records  of  Aboyne,  Dr.  Skene's  Memorials  of  the  Family  of 
Skenc,  and  Sir  William  Geddes  and  Mr.  Duguid-McCombie's 
Heraldic  Ceiling  of  the  Church  of  St.  Machar ;  and  to  Litera 
ture,  in  Sir  William  Geddes'  Mnsa  Latina  Aberdonensis. 

The  Council  would  acknowledge  their  continued  obligation 
to  the  Society  of  Advocates  for  permitting  the  Annual  General 
Meeting  of  the  Club  to  be  held  in  the  Society's  Hall  ;  and  to 
the  Public  Library  Committee,  and  the  Curator  of  the  University- 
Library,  for  granting  the  use  of  rooms  for  Committee  Meetings. 

\VM.   D.  GEDDES,   C. 


ABSTRACT 

Framed    from    the    Annual  Accounts  of  the  Club  for   the   period   from 
I2lh  December,  1895,  to  nth  December,  1896. 

THE  CHARGE. 

Assets  at  close  of  last  account,  .  •  £565     7  TI 

Subscriptions  for  year  1896,-  •      5°^     4     ° 

Subscriptions  for  year  1897, 
Payments  by  new  members  for  back  volumes,      21     o     o 

Payments  by  members  dying  during  1896 

Rule  9),      .  660 

Composition  for  life  membership.  10   10     o 

Bank  interest.     .  9     5     2 

Amount  of  the  Charge,  .  £"^L  *.     l 

TUP:  DISCHARGE. 

T8(K).  I.    MISCELLANEOUS    ACCOUNTS    PAID. 

Dee.  23.  Grosvenor,    Chater    &     Co.  (per 

Edmond  &  Spark),    .  £118   16     6 

G.  W.  Wilson  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  .         .         35  J7  IO 
1896. 

Feb.  21.  A.  P.  Reid,  .  080 

Mar.    3.   British  Record  Soc.,      .  i      I 

Apr.  10.  Miss  M.  Craig,      .  5   16     6 

}un.  12.   G.  W.  Wilson  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  -                      3     *     6 

„    .,     A.  King  &  Co.,      .         .  6153 

„    „     Edmond  &  Spark.  44     2   TI 

„    29.    D.  Wyllie  &  Son,  o  13     6 

Oct.  31.   Milne  cv  Hutchison.       .  71    17     6 

Nov.    2.    J.  P.  K.  Johnstom-.  T      I     o 

..    19.  J.  Macmahon,        .  1102^ 

„     Milne  &  Hutchison,      .  3  IT     9 

,'      „     Pklmond  cV  Spark.          .  39   19     5 

G.  W.  Wilson  &  Co..  Ltd.,  .                     8   14     o 

20.   D.  P.  Menxies,       .  220 

28.  A.  King  &  Co.,                  •  •            096 

-^345   18 


Carry  forward,       £345   l$ 

x  A'o/f.—  At  the  close  of  the  account  the  membership  of  the  Club  stood  as  follows: 
Life  members,        ...-••••••• 

Members  that  paid  for  1896  during  period  of  last  account,    . 

DO  do.  do.  present  account,       .         .     4°4 

Total,    ..........     50" 


10 


Brought  forward,         £345 
II.    SECRETARY  AND  HONORARY  TREASURER. 
Secretary's  Salary,  1895-96,         .         .         .    £26     5     o 
Secretary's  Postages,  I3th  Dec.,  i8g5,to  date,        663 

Hon.  Treasurer's  sundry  outlays,  including 

Insurance  on  paper,  etc.,     .         .         .         8  12     6i 


III.  ASSETS  AS  AT  IITII  DECEMBER,  1896. 
Deposit  Receipt  with  Town  and  County 
Bank,  Ltd.,  dated  nth  December,  1896, 
being  Composition  received  from  seven 
Life  Members  (see  footnote  on  preced 
ing  page),  .  .  £73  10  o 

Nine  do.,  with  do.,  of  same  date,          .         .     667     7     9 
Balance  in  hands  of  Hon.  Treasurer,  .         i     i     o 

741   18     9 


Amount  of  the  Discharge,  equal  to  the  Charge,  £1129     i     i 


Note  i. — The  Miscellaneous  Disbursements  above  are  allocated  as  follows  : — 
I.  "  MUSA  LATINA  ABERDONENSIS."     VOL.  II. 

Illustrations:  W'ilson, £2  10  10 

Binding:  Edmond  &  Spark,  Cases,  per  estimate,  .         .         .         .         22     i     8 
»  ,,  ,,       Add  for  Extra  Sheets,  etc.,         .         .  266 

Packing, 4     5   n 

Carriage, n     6     4 

-   £42   ii 
II.  "  HISTORICAL  PAPERS."     VOL.  II. 

Paper,  16  reams  (for  printing  224  pp.) £32     8     4 

Printing:   Milne  &  Hutchison,  42^  sheets,  per  estimate,         .         .  60  n     C 

»                    ,,            Extra  for  Small  Type,  etc.,         .         .         .  774 

,,                    ,,            Corrections, 388 

Illustrations:  Wilson, 45     2     6 

Binding:  Edmond  &  Spark,  Cases,  per  estimate,           .         .         .  22     i     8 

>t                         ,,                  Add  for  Extra  Sheets,  etc.,         .         .  2  13   10 

Packing, 4     5  ii 

Carriage, 10  10     o 

1 88     9 


Carry  forward,  £-3^ 


'  Together  with  £196  as.  nd.  from  last  account :  in  all  £238  145. 2d. 
1  Together  with  £21  iGs.  id.  from  last  account :  in  all  £210  55.  gd. 


II 

Brought  fonvard,         £231      i     o 

III.     "FASTI    ACADEMIAE    MARISCALLANAE."       VOL.    II.* 

Paper,  2^  reams ...       48   12     6 

IV.  LIBRARY. 
Books  of  Reference,         .........        £2   15     6 

Subscription  to  British  Record  Society  (Scottish  Section),     .          .  112 

3    16     8 

V.  SUNDRIES. 

Printing  Reports,  Circulars,  etc.,    .......      £11     6     6 

Miscellaneous  Transcribing,  etc., 8   15     8| 

Stationery,      ...........  4   10     6 

Paper  in  Stock  (17^  reams), 37  15     8 

62     8       i 


Amount  of  Miscellaneous  Disbursements,  as  above,  .....  £345   18 


:i  It  will  be  observed  that  the  accounts  for  the  printing,  illustrations,  binding,  etc.,  of  this  volume  have  not 
yet  been  paid.     This  explains  the  large  apparent  increase  in  the  assets  of  the  Club. 


12 


RULES. 


2.  The  Club  shall  consist  of  five  hundred  members,  subscribers  of  one  guinea 
annually:  each  subscription  to  be  paid  on  or  before  the  first  day  of 
January  in  each  year. 

j.  The  general  management  of  the  affairs  of  the  Club  shall  be  vested  in  a 
Council,  consisting  of  a  President,  at  le-'.st  trn  \'iee-rresidents,  and  not 
fewer  than  forty  ordinary  members,  including  a  Secretary  and  a  Treasurer  : 
all  to  be  chosen  yearly  at  a  General  Meeting  of  the  Club,  to  be  h  -id  at 
Aberdeen,  in  the  Month  of  October,  or  at  such  other  time  \vithin  each  year 
as  may  be  found  convenient.  At  all  Meetings  of  the  Council  seven  members 
shall  form  a  quorum. 


7.  Vacancies  in  the  membership  shall  be  filled  up  according  to  priority  of  application. 

8.  Members  ma}-,  at  any  time,  compound  for  all   future   annual   subscriptions.   In 

payment  of  ten  guineas  over  and  above  the  subscription  for  the  current  year  ; 
and  it  shall  be  in  the  po\ver  of  the  Council  to  exempt  from  subscriptions, 
annual  or  other,  any  member  who  may  present  to  the  Club  a  work,  the 
printing  of  which,  as  a  Club  publication,  has  been  sanctioned  bv  the  Council. 

c).  livery  member  shall  receive  one  copy  of  every  volume  assigned  bv  the  Club  to 
the  years  for  which  he  has  paid  subscriptions  ;  and  the  editor  of  each 
work  shall  receive  five  additional  copies  of  his  work.  The  heir,  executor 
or  representative  of  a  member  shall  have  no  claim  to  volumes  issued  by 
the  Club  after  the  member's  death,  unless  he  be  admitted  a  member  of  the 
Club  in  place  of  the  deceased. 


13 

to.  The  number  of  copies  printed  in  each  case  shall  not  exceed  five  hundred 
and  twenty-five,  and  no  copy  of  any  work  printed  by  the  Club  shall  be 
offered  by  it  for  sale. 

:i.  The  Club  shall  undertake  the  issue  of  its  books  without  the  intervention  of 
publishers  or  booksellers. 

i.:.  A  General  Meeting  of  the  Club  may  be  called  at  any  time  on  presentation  to  the 
Secretary  of  a  requisition  signed  by  twenty  members  ;  and  the  above  rules 
maj-  be  altered  at  any  General  Meeting,  provided  that  the  members  have 
received  from  the  Secretary  at  least  fourteen  days'  notice  of  the  proposed 
change. 


14 
VVORKvS  ISSUED  BY  THE  NEW  SPALDING  CLUB. 

{"MEMORIALS  OF  THE  FAMILY  OF  SKENE  OF  SKENE,  FROM  THE  FAMILY  PAPERS, 
WITH    OTHER    ILLUSTRATIVE    DOCUMENTS.       Edited    by  William    Forbes 
Skene,  D.C.L.,  LL.D.,  Her  Majesty's  Historiographer  for  Scotland.     (Pp. 
1887]          269  +  xv.,  with  six  full-page  plates.      First  Annual  Report.) 

CARTULARIUM  ECCLESIAE  SANCTI  NICHOLAI  ABERDONENSIS.  Recognovit  Jaco 
bus  Cooper,  A.M.,  in  Ecclesia  supradicta  Presbyter.  Toinus  prior.  (Pp. 
278  +  xix.,  with  three  plates.  List  of  members,  nth  November,  1887.) 

LACUNAR  BASILICAE  SANCTI  MACARII  ABERDONKNSIS  :  The  Heraldic  Ceiling  of 
the  Cathedral  Church  of  St.  Machar,  Old  Aberdeen.  Described  in  His 
torical  and  Armorial  Detail  by  William  Duguid  Geddes,  LL.D.,  and  Peter 
Duguid.  (Pp.  172  +  xix.,  with  thirty  plates,  twenty-four  in  heraldic  colours. 
Second  Annual  Report.) 


1889  FASTI  ACADEMIAE  MARISCALLANAE  :  Selections  from  the  Records  of  the  Maris- 
chal  College  and  University,  MDXCIII.-MDCCCLX.  Edited  by  Peter  John 
Anderson,  M.A.,  LL.B.  Vol.  I.  Endowments.  (Pp.  577  +  xxxi.,  with 
five  plates.) 

SELECTIONS  FROM  WODROW'S  BIOGRAPHICAL  COLLECTIONS  :  Divines  of  the 
North-east  of  Scotland.  Edited  by  the  Reverend  Robert  Lippe.  (Pp. 
360  +  Ixxxv. ,  with  two  plates.  Third  Annual  Report.) 

THE  MISCELLANY  OF  THE  NEW  SPALDING  CLUB.  Vol.  I.  (Pp.  391  +  Ixii. 
Fourth  Annual  Report.  List  of  members,  i2th  December,  1890.) 

CARTULARIUM  ECCLESIAE  SANCTI  NICHOLAI  ABERDONENSIS.     Recognovit  Jaco 
bus  Cooper,  S.T.D.    Tomus  alter.      (Pp.  496  +  Ixvi.,  with  twelve  plates, 
.          eight  in  colour.) 

THE  ANNALS  OF  BANFF.  Compiled  by  William  Cramond,  M.A.,  Schoolmaster 
of  Cullen.  Vol.  I.  (Pp.  385  +  xv.,  with  nine  plates.) 


'MusA   LATINA  ABERDONENSIS:    Arthur  Johnston.     Vol.    I.     The   Parerga  of 
1637.     Edited  by  Sir  William  Duguid  Geddes,  LL.D.     (Pp.  318  +  xxiv., 
„      ,          with  six  plates.     Fifth  Annual  Report.) 

THE  ANNALS  OF  BANFF.     Compiled  by  William  Cramond,  M.A.,  LL.D.     Vol. 
II.     (Pp.  498  +  xi.,  with  eleven  plates.     Sixth  Annual  Report.) 


15 

(OFFICERS    AND    GRADUATES    OF    UNIVERSITY    AND     KlNG's    COLLEGE,    ABERDEEN, 

MVD.-MDCCCLX.      Edited  by    Peter   John    Anderson,    M.A.,    LL.B.      (Pp. 
399  +  xx.,  with  four  plates.) 

93  J  HECTORIS  BOETII  MURTHLACENSIUM  ET  ABERDONENSIUM  EPISCOPORUM  VITAE. 
Edited  and  Translated  by  James  Moir,  M.A.,  LL.D.,  Co-Rector  of  Aber 
deen  Grammar  School.  (Pp.  210  +  xx.,  with  two  plates.  Seventh  Annual 
Report.  List  of  members,  3oth  June,  1894.) 

1894  ^Hli  RECORDS  OF  ABOYNE,  MCCXXX.-MDCLXXXI.  Edited  by  Charles,  nth 
Marquis  of  Huntly,  Earl  of  Aboyne,  etc.,  P.C.,  LL.D.  (Pp.  590  +  xliv., 
with  eleven  plates.) 

("HISTORICAL  PAPERS  RELATING  TO  THE  JACOBITE  PERIOD,  1699-1750.  Edited 
by  Colonel  James  Allardyce,  LL.D.  Vol.  I.  (Pp.  338  +  1.,  with 

eleven  plates.) 
1895-, 

MUSA  LATINA  ABERDOXENSIS  :  Arthur  Johnston.    Vol.  II.     The  Epigrammata 

and  remaining  secular  Poems.     Edited  by  Sir  William   Duguid  Geddes, 
LL.D.     (Pp.  308  +  Ivi.,  with  nine  plates.      Eighth  Annual  Report.) 

.HISTORICAL  PAPERS  RELATING  TO  THE  JACOBITE  PERIOD,  1699-1750.  Edited 
by  Colonel  James  Allardyce,  LL.D.  Vol.  II.  (Pp.  314  +  Hi.,  with  twelve 
plates.  Ninth  Annual  Report.) 


1896  - 


FASTI  ACADEMIAE  MARISCALLANAE  :  Selections  from  the  Records  of  Marischal 


College    and    University,    MDXCIII.-MDCCCLX.      Edited    by    Peter    John 
Anderson,  M.A.,  LL.B.     Vol.  II.     Officers,  Graduates  and  Alumni. 

(/;/  the  press.) 

•THE  FOLKLORE  OF  NORTH-EASTERN  SCOTLAND.    Edited  by  the  Reverend  Walter 
Gregor,  LL.D.     Vol.  I.     The  Hours  of  the  Day,  the  Days  of  the  Year,  and 
1897^          the  Months.  (In  the  press.) 

THE  RECORDS  OF  THE  MEETING  OF  THE  EXERCISE  OF  ALFORD,  1662-88.    Edited 
by  the  Reverend  Thomas  Bell.  (In  the  press.) 


Church  of  Scotland. 
Presbytery  of  Alfor.d 

Records  of  the  meeting 
of  the  excercise  of  Alford 


PLEASE  DO  NOT  REMOVE 
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