The Bulwark Magazine of the Scottish Reformation Society

October - December 2018 // £2

October - December 2018 1 Rev. Paul Murray The Bulwark Portmahomack Magazine of the Scottish Reformation Society Rev. Robert The Magdalen Chapel 41 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JR Tel: 0131 220 1450 Email: [email protected] Finlayson www.scottishreformationsociety.org Registered charity: SC007755 (1793-1861): Revival in Lochs Chairman Committee Members »» Rev Kenneth Macdonald »» Rev Maurice Roberts Rev. Paul Murray Vice-Chairman »» Rev Alasdair Macleod »» Mr Allan McCulloch »» Mr Matthew Vogan This is the second of two articles on Rev. Robert Finlayson. Secretary The first one gave an overview of his life and ministry. »» Rev Douglas Somerset »» Rev John Keddie

Treasurer »» Rev David Campbell I. Finlayson’s preaching »» Rev Andrew Coghill »» Dr Robert Dickie Rev. Robert Finlayson was pre-eminently men could speak broken English but the a preacher. In the first article, we saw the common tongue was Gaelic. effect of his preaching in Aberdeen and in cO-OPEraTIOn OBJEcTS OF ThE SOcIETy Knock – it was no less effective in Lochs. And so Finlayson, without compromising In pursuance of its objects, the Society may co- (a) To propagate the evangelical Protestant faith His preaching, says Norman C. Macfarlane, his message, explained the gospel to them operate with Churches and with other Societies and those principles held in common by “abounded with parable, allegory and in picturesque and illustrative language. So those Churches and organisations adhering to whose objects are in harmony with its own. dialogue, and in pictures of the spiritual much so that one of his co-presbyters in the Reformation; life.” It was characterised by clarity and Lewis, the Rev. Duncan MacGregor, minister Magazine Editor: Rev Douglas Somerset sincerity and it brought weighty and eternal in Stornoway Free Church from 1849 to All literary contributions, books for review and (b) To diffuse sound and Scriptural teaching on 1854, recalls that they used to call him “the papers, should be sent to: the distinctive tenets of Protestantism and doctrines to bear upon the consciences of Roman Catholicism; The Magdalen Chapel the Lochs people. John Macleod explains Bunyan of the Highlands”. Indeed, it is said 41 Cowgate, Edinburgh that “His sermons, rich in illustration and that he carried Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress (c) To carry on missionary work among EH1 1JR pithy saying, were as entertaining as they always in his pocket and in his heart. And adherents of the latter faith with a view to [email protected] were arresting, and as captivating as they so, in bringing the message to the people, winning them to the doctrines of grace and to were solemn.” he brought it to them using terms, the fellowship of the true Gospel; The views expressed in articles are those of concepts, and pictures that they the contributor and may not necessarily reflect (d) To produce and distribute evangelistic, Finlayson’s account of the parish could understand. Macfarlane those of the Editor or the Committee of the religious and other literature in connection with for the Statistical Accounts in explains that “he made the men Society. Scriptural references are from the A.V. the promotion of the Protestant religion; 1833 tells us that, at this time, of old spring into life before the except where stated otherwise. the people in Lochs were eyes of his congregation, and (e) To promote the associating together of men largely illiterate. Half of those his hearers were fascinated as Unattributed material is by the Editor. and women, and especially young people, between 12 and 24 years of he clothed those ancients in the The section entitled “Young Bulwark” is edited for systematic Bible Study and holding of age could read in Gaelic because Lewis tweeds and made them by Matthew Vogan. meetings for the above specified purposes. of the influence of the Gaelic speak in the Lewis accent. The schools; however, only 12 in scenery of his picture was DESIGNED & PRINTED BY: the whole parish could invariably local and www.peppercollective.com write. A few of the vividly painted.” Tel:028 9851 2233 2 The Bulwark October - December 2018 3 It is worth giving a few examples. He was wages. They knocked and Mrs Noah a message which had been so obscured went out to the other side of the parish once preaching on the Prodigal’s return came to the door. ‘Is Noah in?’ ‘No, he’s under the ministry of Rev. Alexander against his wife’s wishes. “Macedonia was to his Father and, particularly, the “best away at the stormy Butt of Lewis for a bull Simpson – a message which was now no further from Paul when he saw the vision robe” with which he was clothed: “The for the Ark.’ A few days later they called blessed to countless souls in Lochs. And in Troas as Eisgean was from Crossbost,” Father calls his servants to bring forth the again. ‘Is Noah at home?’ ‘No, he’s away the message was bolstered by the holiness he would say. “O, my wife, souls at Gravir best robe and the servants come and he to hilly Uig for a ram.’ They came again of the man who preached it, so much so are calling me today and I cannot stay. asks them, ‘What robe is this?’ ‘It is the and found Noah at home. They asked for that MacGregor could say “Never did we It’s easier to battle with the elements than robe of unfallen man’s righteousness,’ the their wages, and he paid them. Then they feel the power of personal holiness in re- to silence the cries that ring though me.” servants answer. ‘Ah, it’s very beautiful, went to Stornoway and called for whisky enforcing the truth spoken from the pulpit The salvation of his people was his ruling but that is not the best. In that garb Adam and brandy, and they drank themselves more than when hearing him.” Macfarlane thought and his chief desire. fell.’ Another, white and more shining, was into wild revelry. They were shouting and recalls how his mother, who was a brought. ‘What,’ asked the Father, ‘is this?’ singing their songs and dancing their communicant member in Lochs during As another said of , ‘This is the robe of the Angels that surround drunken dance when – lo! – a thunderbolt Finlayson’s ministry, would speak to him in it was just as true of Finlayson, that he the Throne and adore their Lord.’ ‘Ah, it’s crashed and the rains began. What peal later years of how the tears would fall freely prayed all day long as if he did nothing but very fine, but there is a better.’ At length of thunders! The like was never heard down the minister’s face as he leaned over pray; he preached all day long as if every one of exquisite loveliness was brought, before. The heavens poured in torrents. the pulpit to plead with unsaved sinners to hour was filled with preaching; and he and the Father asked, ‘What is this?’ ‘This The public house was flooded and a river come to Christ. visited so persistently as if the whole time was woven amid the awful splendours of rushed through it and rose with appalling was occupied with visiting. Calvary. Its every thread was a pang. It is rapidity. Then did the mocking carpenters II. Other aspects of Finlayson’s the choice robe of Thy Son’s sufferings. It is cry. But the Ark was closed and Mercy’s ministry And yet, although Finlayson was a gentle the righteousness of Christ.’ ‘Yes,’ said the day was gone. O people of Lochs, God’s As well as preaching, Finlayson would and kind-hearted man, he was not afraid to Father, ‘that is the best robe. Put it on this, Ark stands open for you today. But the day catechise the people. Twice a year, he speak directly and to issue rebukes where my lost son, who has come home again.’” of the closed door is coming.” would turn up in every village and the that was required. There was not an ounce people would gather to be questioned of fear in him while he carried out his Lord’s His sermon on the completion of Noah’s This was preaching that the people could on the Shorter Catechism and general work. A few examples can be given. Ark is also striking in its illustration and understand, that they could relate to, and Scriptural knowledge. Rather than this application: “When the Ark was finished a that cut to their very hearts. It brought being a dreary affair, the people loved it and When he first came to Lochs, one of the group of the carpenters called in for their home to them the message of the Bible, even looked forward to it. Through these elders in the congregation asked if the new meetings the people, young and old, were minister wanted to hear him pray. “Certainly,” taught in a more interactive atmosphere replied Finlayson. The man began with the Butt of Lewis and the minister became more acquainted Lord’s Prayer, added his own medley in the with his people and their spiritual state. middle, and then finished with the Lord’s Prayer again. He then asked the minister Pastoral visitation was another important how he enjoyed his prayer. Finlayson replied, part of his work. He literally crossed land “It had a beautiful beginning and a beautiful and sea in order to be with his people, in ending that shone like the splendid marbles order to question them about their souls, of the Temple, but in between there was a and in order to seek to apply to them heap of wood, hay and stubble!” personally the balm of Gilead. He was always about the work of the gospel; he The mission house at Eisgean had a leaky seemed to have an interest in little else. roof and it was not really fit for its purpose. That was his passion – his own physical Finlayson addressed the situation by saying safety and comfort were nothing, as was to them that, as he walked in the Eisgean evidenced by the numerous times that he road, he met the Bible and he said to it,

4 The Bulwark October - December 2018 5 “Oh Bible why are you so sad and where prayed for; to put it simply, the effect are you going?” “Oh, I’m leaving Eisgean was large-scale awakening. “Under the meeting house. The big drops of sooty rain blessing of God,” says Donald Beaton, that fall on me there blacken my pages “the wilderness soon showed signs of and waste me badly.” That very week, the becoming a fruitful field. Prayer meetings mission house roof was repaired. were set up in every township.” A desire was ignited in the hearts of the people to On another occasion he was preaching “hear what God the Lord will speak” (Ps. in the village school in Balallan; Balallan, 85:8) to them. Macfarlane states that “not at that time, was a spiritually hard and more passionately did the devout in Israel careless spot. He addressed the people: regard their Sion than the men of this parish “O Balallan, you are the Devil’s kitchen the church and manse at Keose. Their very where he cooks his meals. He may dine dust became precious. Stormy seas were elsewhere, at Keose, or Cromore or crossed, and dreary miles of bog-land were Crossbost, but it is here he cooks. O traversed by souls eager for regaling. They Balallan, throw water on those cooking wished Sabbath came round more quickly.” fires.” After revival had swept through the village, however, he could say, “O Balallan, There was a thirst for the Word of God, to the Devil’s former kitchen, you are now know more of it in their minds and to feel become a Bethel, a house of God.” He was more of it in their hearts. Lives were changed; not afraid to chastise them for their sins in indeed, the focus of the whole community order to bring them to a realisation of their was changed. Soon, family worship was need of a Saviour. conducted in every home and, as in many places in Lewis at that time, one could not III. The effect of Finlayson’s walk through a village from 7pm onwards ministry without hearing God’s praises being sung or Certainly, there seem to have been some His name being called upon in prayer. Jesus converts in Lochs before Finlayson’s had said concerning Zacchaeus that “This arrival. The village of Aline, which was part day is salvation come to this house” (Luke of the parish, had experienced revival in 19:9). When Robert Finlayson came to the early 1820s through the ministry of a Lochs, salvation came to the district. Murdo school teacher, Malcolm MacRitchie, later Macaulay writes that “the good pastor of View of Lochs minister of Knock. But the revival was Lochs had been, perhaps, made the happy not widespread in Lochs and the people instrument of more numerous conversions, upon the religious thought, and spiritual life stone unturned; it affected the outward as remained, largely, in spiritual ignorance until and more extensive quickening within his of the island.” well as the inward, the mind as well as the Robert Finlayson came. own sphere of labour, and throughout heart, a man’s morals as well as a man’s the whole Island of Lewis than any other Superstition, which was largely prevalent prayers. The sons and daughters of the When Finlayson arrived in Lochs, he did so minister of his time. His record at Lochs throughout the island before the revival, was revival were recognised by their works; they with the specific intention of evangelising was a bright one. By his pastoral oversight, also dispelled. Dr Charles MacRae, minister were known for godliness, for prayerfulness, the people, of bringing them to the his earnest faithful preaching and prayers, in Stornoway, once jokingly asked a boy for zeal, for kindness, for evangelism. That knowledge of the truth, of leading them out and his unique catechising, the whole from Lochs if there were still fairies in his was the effect that Finlayson’s God-owned of darkness and into Christ’s marvellous parish became so transformed as to cause home district. “No,” came the solemn reply, ministry had upon the people of Lochs for light. And the effect of Finlayson’s ministry ‘the desert to blossom as the rose’. He “they all left when Mr Finlayson came.” The twenty-five years and that district is still was as he had intended and as he had exercised a powerful and lasting influence revival was as deep as it was wide; it left no benefiting from its fruit today.

6 The Bulwark October - December 2018 7 IV. The relevance of Finlayson’s He believed in preaching; that was his pre- ministry for today eminent outward work – to preach from the In conclusion, we have to ask, what does pulpit the unsearchable riches of Christ. He it all matter? History is, of course, empty, believed also in pastoral visitation; he was Alexander unless we apply it and learn from it. What amongst his people – he knew their physical do we learn from Robert Finlayson and state and he knew their spiritual state and his ministry? We learn that darkness in a so he was more qualified to preach to them Lindsay: community, as was the case in Lochs before and to pray for them. This is the tried and Finlayson’s ministry, is often the precursor to tested pattern of ministry; it is the only friar, clockmaker, hydrographer, light. Revival often comes when things are at pattern that God blesses with true, deep, their most spiritually dark. That is something spiritual revival. It is the pattern that brought and Protestant that we must consider as we observe the awakening to Lochs in the 19th century and spiritual darkness in our country today and, it is the pattern that will bring awakening to indeed, in many of the churches of the land. in the 21st century. Let us, then, prayerfully stick to it and pray that God will We see also the effect that a godly ministry visit us again in grace. can have. As we have noted, Finlayson was perhaps not the most gifted of preachers, Finally, we learn from Robert Finlayson’s but he was holy, prayerful, zealous and ministry that the Church is always dependent sincere, having a love for his people which on the Holy Spirit to bring quickening, revival, compelled him to spend all of his energy in and awakening. Nobody in Lochs was more seeking to bring them to the knowledge of aware of this than Finlayson himself. Robert Christ. Oh how we need this today; godly Finlayson was no more sincere or faithful ministers who will dedicate themselves than Isaiah, who himself saw little to no to God and to their people; men who will outward blessing. But, in God’s gracious choose “rather to suffer affliction with the providence, He saw fit to bless Lochs with people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures the outpouring of His Spirit in a way which, of sin for a season,” who will esteem “the for a time, was withheld even from Judah. reproach of Christ greater riches than the The awakening was the Spirit’s work – treasures in Egypt” (Heb. 11:25-26). Finlayson was but an instrument in God’s hands, whose preaching and pastoral Trotternish ridge What a challenge to ministers in 21st- ministry was blessed by the Spirit to the century Scotland! Do they love God above souls of many men, women, boys and girls. all else? Do they love their people more than One of the early Protestant preachers in but it is highly likely. Disappointingly little is themselves? Or do they seek popularity, Let us then pray for that same Spirit who Scotland was the Dominican friar Alexander known about the life of this interesting man, power, wealth, and an easy life? It is also a blessed Lochs in the 19th century to bless Lindsay, who was also an eminent but we will relate what there is. challenge to congregations in 21st-century our districts in like manner. He is the same clockmaker. He began preaching in 1543 Scotland – what do we look for in a minister? yesterday, today and forever. He is no less but died soon afterwards. He seems to have I. Alexander Lindsay the friar Is it great gifts or great likeness to Christ? powerful or able today than He was then. been the same person as the hydrographer From the various dates connected with And so let us pray to God with humility and (i.e. surveyor and mapper of seas and rivers) him, it would seem that Alexander Lindsay We see also in Robert Finlayson a pattern confidence, with the words of the Psalmist: Alexander Lindsay who prepared a “rutter” – the friar was born sometime before 1500, for ministry. He was a man of prayer, “The Lord of us hath mindful been, and he will a detailed description of Scotland’s coastline presumably in Edinburgh. His brother and this spirit of grace and supplications bless us still: He will the house of Isr’el bless, – for James V in about 1540. The identity Patrick was an important Edinburgh pervaded his every effort in gospel ministry. bless Aaron’s house he will” (Ps. 115:12). of the two people is not absolutely certain, goldsmith, so their background must have

8 The Bulwark October - December 2018 9 been from the burgess section of society. Hope, young William Adamson, Sibilla Both brothers were evidently intelligent and Lindsay, Patrick Lindsay, Francis Aikman; highly skilful with their hands. and in the Canongate, John MacKaw and Ryngzeane Brown, with few others, had In 1513, an Alexander Lindsay is recorded the bruit of knowledge in those days.” as among the 295 crew-members on , however, gives a James IV’s ship Great Michael, which had more positive account, and a different list been launched in 1511 as the largest ship of names: “There were many professors in the world. It is not unlikely that this man at this time (1539), howbeit secret, not was the future hydrographer, who must only among the citizens and burgesses have had considerable experience of the as Sibilla Lindsay, spouse to John Foular, coast of Scotland. If Alexander was indeed George Aldjoy, merchant, John Main, the crew-member of the Great Michael, merchant, Patrick Lindsay, goldsmith, he presumably became a Black Friar and his brother Friar Alexander, a great (Dominican) in the 1520s. mathematician and make of horologes, Francis Aikman, apothecary, and sundry Alexander Lindsay’s brother Patrick is others in Edinburgh, but also among the recorded as an Edinburgh goldsmith nobility.” by 1525. He was active in the political struggles of the time, supporting the Many of the early European clockmakers Anglophile party of Archibald Douglas, 6th were monks or friars because of the interest Earl of Angus, who held the young James that such people had in regulating their V in virtual captivity for three years. James day, with prayers and other religious duties escaped from captivity in 1528, however, to be performed at certain fixed hours. and in May 1529 Angus had to flee to Alexander’s ability with horologes (clocks) England. The following month, Patrick was is confirmed by the fact that on 23rd July among those granted a respite for nineteen 1537, the Aberdeen Council “thought years for having given assistance to Angus. expedient and ordained that their own knok In July 1538, Patrick played a prominent (clock), which was reformed and mended part in the elaborate ceremony staged by by Friar Alexander Lindsay, should be set the Edinburgh Council to greet the new and input again in the most convenient Regent Arran Queen, Mary of Guise, on her first entrance place of their tolbooth where she might be into Edinburgh. He was a member of the securely kept.” On 13th October 1537, the of the burgh of Edinburgh”, was awarded and his fellow-friar Thomas Guillame were Edinburgh Council in 1544, and held a Council ordained a payment of five merks a pension by James V “for the good, provided by the Regent with riding-gowns responsible position as one of the two to be made to Lindsay for the “completing true, and thankful service done by him to with hoods (according to the Treasurer’s coiners to the realm. He was dead by June of their knok”. our Sovereign Lord, and for certain other Accounts). It is known that Thomas 1549 when a new coiner was appointed. reasonable causes and considerations Guillame was appointed a Protestant Whether Alexander Lindsay was resident at moving His Highness thereto.” It is not preacher by Regent Arran at that time, II. Protestant and clockmaker the Dominican friary in Aberdeen at the time stated what this good service was, but it and presumably the same was true of Both Patrick and Alexander were inclined that he mended the clock there is unclear. seems likely that it was the preparation of Lindsay. Indeed it was through the ministry towards Protestantism from the 1530s. He was certainly resident in Edinburgh, the rutter described below. of Thomas Guillame that was Under the year 1543, John Knox states: however, by August 1542, at which converted. Within a short while, however, “The town of Edinburgh was for the most time Alexander Lindsay, “one of the friar The following February, during Regent Alexander Lindsay was replaced as a part drowned in superstition: Edward predicatours [friar preachers or Dominicans] Arran’s short-lived “Protestant fit”, Lindsay preacher by John Rough; and it is likely

10 The Bulwark October - December 2018 11 from this, together with the non-payment about 1540 and it is presumed that it violence upon the coast of Scarba that The general accuracy of the rutter is of his pension, that Lindsay died about this was prepared for this voyage. The royal they return to the coast of Jura with a impressive. It has been estimated that time. pension appointed to the friar Alexander great noise, making in their return a deep about three-quarters of its 200-odd Lindsay in 1542, mentioned above, “for the horlepool, wherein if ships do enter there is statements are substantially correct, and III. Alexander Lindsay the good, true, and thankful service done by no refuge but death only. Notwithstanding, some of the remaining errors may be hydrographer and the him to our Sovereign Lord” is one of the the best time that may be had of it is the scribal or typographical. For instance, the expedition of 1540 reasons for thinking that it was the friar who time of full sea and low water. This passage rutter describes the time of high water in 28 Meanwhile, in the summer of 1540, James compiled the rutter. is called Correbreykin.” places by giving the bearing of the moon V embarked on a major nautical expedition from the port at the time of high water when round the north of Scotland, starting IV. Alexander Lindsay’s rutter For the complicated geography of the west the moon is full. Of these times, 17 are from Leith on 13th June and returning to Lindsay’s rutter contains about 200 items coast, the rutter was an immense advance accurate to within one hour, and another Edinburgh via Dumbarton on 6th July. of information and covers the coastline on contemporary maps. For example, 6 to within three hours. The remaining five The expedition stopped at Kirkwall to from the River Humber round the north in Bishop ’s 1578 account of are seriously inaccurate, but four of them be entertained by the Bishop of Orkney, of Scotland to the Solway Firth. Not the 1540 voyage, Lesley speaks of the can be corrected by supposing a copying and then at Lewis and at Skye. Part of its surprisingly, it is more detailed for the east fleet sailing to the “Ile of Trauternes” (i.e. error: for example, the time of high water at purpose was to “apprehend” a number of coast than for the west. For Montrose, Trotternish) which is marked, erroneously, Ardnamurchan is reasonably accurate if the warring Highland chiefs (MacLeod of Lewis, for example, it says, “If ye enter to the as a separate island on his accompanying bearing of the full moon is taken as “W. to MacLean, MacDonald of Moidart, and haven of Montrois, hold the south side map. The rutter does not have occasion S.” rather than “S. to W.” others), and to bring them south, where of the entrance to avoid a sand bed.” to mention Trotternish (which is in fact they were detained until they had provided For Aberdeen it says, “At the foreland of a prominent mountain ridge in the north The rutter was originally written in Scots, hostages for their good behaviour. Aberdeen not far from the shore lieth a rock of Skye), but it does correctly mention but no Scottish manuscript survives. It was called the Girdle, and if ye will enter into the Handa Island (“good riding for ships within then “translated” into English – of which The flagship for the expedition was the haven take three-quarters flood with you, Ilen Handa xvii miles from the Stoer of three manuscripts survive – and also into Salamander; which had been part of for there lieth a dangerous sand bed in the Assynt”), Stoer Point, the Shiant Islands, French, in which language it was printed Francis I of France’s wedding present to river’s mouth.” It notes that the Cromarty Loch Broom, Loch Ewe, Rowra, Gairloch, in Paris in 1583. One of the early French James V when James married his daughter Firth is the best haven in Britain “for all Loch Torridon, Raasay, the Crowlin Islands, manuscripts of the rutter dates from 1559 Madeleine in 1537. Other ships included kinds of winds and storms, in which haven Scalpay, Strome Castle, Loch Alsh, and the and was prepared by the famous French the Mary Willoughby, the Great Unicorn, the ships may enter at all time of flood [i.e. narrow passage through Kyle Rhea. geographer Nicolas de Nicolay for Cardinal Little Unicorn, the Lion, and nearly a dozen tide]”, but warns about “the Swelle” at the others. The trip had been in preparation for north end of Stroma, off Caithness, “which some time, and as early at 1538, payment is the meeting of iiii or v contrary tides with had been made for “four horologes and a great circulation of water causing a deip compass” for the Salamander. A “horologe” hurlepoole in the midst, dangerous for all at that time might have been a clock, a ships, both small and great.” sundial, or a sandglass, but it is likely that the last of these was in mind. A still greater danger, however, was the Corrievrechan whirlpool off the coast Another preparation for the voyage was of Argyll, described by the rutter in the probably the “rutter” that was compiled by following terms: “Betwixt Scarba and Jura Alexander Lindsay. A rutter was a sixteenth- is the most dangerous stream knowing in century sailing guide specifying tides, all Europe, for many of the seas which distances, hazards, havens, and other floweth betwixt the Mull of Kintyre and Islay matters of navigational interest. Lindsay’s passeth through this narrow channel, and rutter is known to have been compiled in the passing they fall with such a great Corrievrechan whirlpool

12 The Bulwark October - December 2018 13 and the leader of the expedition. Nicolay was detailed to accompany them.

The purpose of the expedition, which involved sixteen galleys and several other warships, was to re-capture Castle from the so-called “Castilians” who had been holding the Castle since the assassination of Cardinal Beaton there the previous summer. The rutter may have helped the French fleet to avoid the danger of the North Carr reef “which lieth east northeast of the foreland [of Fife Ness], but hold the steeple of Crail in sight and ye shall avoid it”; and would have informed them that “if ye will lie at St Andrews, cast anchor one mile east of the town and you shall have riding at viii fathoms.” The French fleet reached St Andrews in mid-July 1547, and St Andrews Castle John Knox, who had joined the Castilians in the spring of 1547, gives an account of Charles Lorraine, the brother of Mary of admiral, Lord John Dudley, later Duke of the beginning of the assault: Guise, Queen Regent of Scotland. On Northumberland, who had it “translated” the accession of the 15-year-old Francis into English. His Scottish copy he passed “First they began to assault by sea, and Leone Strozzi II to the French throne in July 1559, the to Nicolas de Nicolay (mentioned above) in shot two days. But thereof they neither got Cardinal and his brother the Duke of 1546-7, who was staying with him at the advantage nor honour; for they danged the Guise had supreme control in France; time, England and France being temporarily slates off houses, but neither slew man, Knox does not express more sympathy and it seems likely, from the date, that the at peace. Nicolay, recognising the value nor did harm to any wall. But the Castle for them, especially given that he was 1559 manuscript was part of an attempt of what he had, gave a copy to Odet de handled them so that Sancta Barbara (the soon to be among their number. The rutter to persuade the Guises to send military Selve, the French ambassador to Henry gunners’ goddess) helped them nothing, may have helped in the conveying of the aid to their sister in Scotland. The 1559 VIII, and took his own copy back to France. for they lost many of their rowers, men damaged galley to Dundee because it manuscript states that the rutter was Here he had it translated into French by chained in the galleys, and some soldiers, warns: “if ye will enter Dundee, hold north composed by “Alexander Lindsay, Scot, at Giovanni Ferrerio, a Piedmontese humanist both by sea and land. And further, a galley towards the church of Barry, and then the command of the Scottish king James scholar who had learned Scots during his that approached nigher than the rest northwest till Broughty, for in the course V.” The 1583 publication states further long stays at Kinloss Abbey between 1528 was so dung with the cannon and other lieth dangerous sands called Drumlaw.” that Lindsay was “an excellent pilot and and 1544, and a copy of the translation ordnance that she was stopped under After the initial rebuff to the assault by sea, hydrographer”. was presented to the new king of France, water and so almost drowned, and so Strozzi hit on the idea of winching cannons Henri II. At the time, Henri II was planning had been were it not that the rest gave her onto the towers of the cathedral and of St V. The capture of St Andrews a naval and military expedition to Scotland succour in time, and drew her first to the Salvator’s College, where they overlooked Castle in 1547 to assist Regent Arran and the Scots in west sands, without the shot of the Castle, the Castle, and in less than a day of The history of the rutter has an unfortunate their ongoing war with England, and he and thereafter to Dundee.” bombardment, the Castle surrendered. A sequel, as far as Protestants are immediately passed the rutter to Leone week later, the French departed with 120 concerned. Sometime after 1542, a copy Strozzi (1515-1554), the prior of Capua, Many of the rowers were probably prisoners including Knox, and with spoil of it came into the hands of the English who was a professional soldier and sailor Huguenot prisoners and it is surprising that from the Castle worth £100,000 Scots –

14 The Bulwark October - December 2018 15 Review a huge sum of money which gives some queen was travelling, bearing the address idea of the extravagant sums that Cardinal “the roadstead of the island of Lamlash, this Beaton spent on his personal comfort. 6th August”, of which the rutter says: “on the side of Arran, at the iyle of Lamlash a One consequence of the 1547 expedition good road for all sort of ships”. It would not – at least probably so – was that a copy of have been Lindsay’s intention in compiling the rutter in French came into the hands of the rutter that it should be used against true Regent Arran (a Hamilton), and continued religion, but so it was to prove. The Scottish among the Hamilton possessions until 1882. In that year, the improvident 12th Nicolas de Nicolay subsequently attained Duke of Hamilton, who had spent the fame for his travels in Turkey, an account : vast inherited wealth from the Lanarkshire of which was published posthumously in coalmines on gambling, eased his 1598 and achieved extensive sales. The Their Origins, History enormous debts by selling many of the book was “hailed as one of the earliest and and Distinctive Doctrines family possessions to the Royal Museum of most accurate depictions of the Islamic Berlin (which received funding for the sale world to appear in Europe.” The rutter from the Prussian government). Some of itself he published, in French translation, J. G. Vos, (Blue Banner Productions, the items of Scottish interest were returned in 1583, probably in connection with a 2018), 256pp. £7.95. to Scotland in 1889, but the Hamilton copy planned joint French and Spanish attack on of the rutter was not among them, and it Protestant England with the help of Roman Available from: remains in Berlin to this day. Catholic nobles in Scotland. Whether he James A. Dickson Books, ever saw the book in print, however, is Tel: (01236) 827 978 VI. Taking Mary Queen of Scots uncertain because he died on 25th June www.jamesdicksonbooks.com to France in 1548 1583. Meanwhile the rutter continued to The following year, the rutter was probably be transcribed in English, and in the early used for something perhaps even more seventeenth century a copy was made damaging to Protestantism. The five- for the great manuscript collector James Review by Matthew Vogan year old Mary Queen of Scots, whom Balfour which subsequently came into the the English were seeking as a bride hands of and is now in the “If you only read one book on the The first two chapters cover the period of for the young Edward VI, was moved National Library of Scotland. Covenanters, this should be the one. the Reformation in 1560 up to 1637 and to Dumbarton Castle for her safety, on Not only does Vos provide an insightful, two further chapters cover the period up to account of an English invasion. In August As we have said, it is not certain that readable and enjoyable account, but he 1660. The benefit of the narrative presented 1548, she was taken to France in a fleet Alexander Lindsay the friar was the sets it in proper context, taking us from is that it does not become overloaded of galleys commanded by Nicolas Durand compiler of the rutter, but it seems likely the Reformation in 1560 through the with commentary. The reflections that are de Villegaignon. The fleet originally docked – both from the otherwise unexplained Revolution period.” This commendation on offered are usually of value. For instance: at Leith, but fearing an English attempt at pension that he received from James V, and the back cover is not mere exaggerated “The modern notion that while doctrine interception, it then sailed round the north from the improbability that there should be advertising; this book is probably the should be Scriptural, worship and of Scotland, collected Mary at Dumbarton two such clever men of the same name in most concise yet thorough and readable organization are matters of indifference to in the Clyde, and took her to Roscoff in Scotland at the same time. Lindsay was an introduction to the history of the Scottish be arranged according to expediency or Britanny, apparently by way of the Irish Sea. early member of that school of religiously- Covenanters. Without wasting words, Vos human preference was entirely foreign to Nicolas de Nicolay accompanied this trip as inclined Scottish scientist/mathematicians covers the important personalities, events, the Westminster Assembly and the Church well, and it would seem almost certain that which was later to produce such geniuses and issues necessary for understanding the of Scotland of the period of the Second the rutter was to hand. A letter survives, as John Napier, Colin Maclaurin, James importance and place of the Covenanters Reformation. Great stress was placed written from the galley on which the young Clerk-Maxwell, and Lord Kelvin. in the history of the Church. on the importance of Scriptural forms of

16 The Bulwark October - December 2018 17 Review

worship and organization. Probably the called treason and rebellion, became The case made at the time against joining has suffered more the deliberate act of the nation, in the the Revolution Church of Scotland was than any branch of the Christian Church Revolution of 1688” (p. 132). that it would involve union and communion through the ages on account of insistence with those guilty of various degrees of upon a pure and Scriptural form of Chapters added to the close of the book, defection during the persecuting times. organization” (p. 65). on the sole headship of Christ over the Other issues were simply added on, Church and on the continuing obligation and, over time, the successors to Robert This was the sort of resolve that was of the Covenants, help to highlight the Hamilton found it necessary to focus on The Scottish behind ’s reply to Cromwell’s ongoing relevance of the struggle narrated some more constitutional arguments Reformation soldiers that invaded the Church’s General in the book. rather than the argument of guilt by Assembly in 1653. They asked him as association. This is reflected in the points Society moderator whether the Assembly was Dr J.G. Vos (1903-1983) was a noted raised by Vos which are well reasoned and GDPR convened on the authority of Charles II or minister, missionary, and professor in the though not persuasive. Cromwell. Dickson said, “we sit here by Reformed Presbyterian Church of North Important notice concerning your the authority of Jesus Christ and by the America. He edited an influential periodical Those who would not join with the privacy and rights as you support law of this land” (p. 78). called the Blue Banner Faith and Life. Revolution Church of Scotland were, after the Scottish Reformation Society This complete overview of Covenanter fifty years, able to form the Reformed Vos covers the period of persecution history was originally a thesis and first Presbyterian Church of Scotland. With The new General Data Protection 1660-1688 highlighting the key events published in 1940. This edition has been a personal attachment to this Church, Regulation (GDPR) is designed and personalities. His focus is on re-typeset and typographical errors have Vos narrates the history although he to provide additional layers of witness-bearing and so the various public been corrected. The index has also been skips certain points along the way such security to safeguard your privacy declarations are given specific focus. The expanded. as the 1822 division and understandably as you share information with controversy surrounding the Indulgences neglects some of the more extreme organisations. The Regulation is carefully explained, and issues such as Not everything in this book is going to positions adopted in the first few came into effect on 25th May 2018. the lawfulness of armed self-defence are attract widespread agreement. As Rev. generations of this body. Written in 1940, The Society wishes to assure all of discussed in a helpful way. Ultimately the Andrew Quigley notes in the endorsement the book highlights the distinctiveness its subscribers that the information brutal executions, imprisonment, and fines on the back cover: “many may not agree of the Reformed Presbyterian position shared with us when requesting would be brought to an end. Vos makes wholeheartedly with the … position … on political dissent. This position fell into Membership and/or subscription the important observation: “Years before presented in the third part of the book.” abeyance several decades later and so to The Bulwark magazine is stored the nation as a whole, the Covenanters Vos devotes a chapter to assessing this leaves the book somewhat out of securely and in full compliance with anticipated the inevitable revolution which the Revolution Settlement in a way that date. A footnote at least would help to this legislation. came in 1688…They had appealed to the is altogether negative. The Settlement explain this point to readers. nation; they had appealed to God himself; certainly had its defects but it also had Furthermore we wish to assure and they awaited the outcome with grim positive elements. Ultimately the majority These caveats aside, the book will be you that we will never share or determination not to yield or compromise, of Covenanters decided that despite useful for reference for those who wish sell your personal information to come what might. They stood for the these defects, they were not obliged to sin to be informed or to inform others about any other organisation. We also rights of God, and endured as seeing if they joined the Church of Scotland at the this period of Church history. As Andrew wish to remind you that you can Him who is invisible” (pp. 148-9). Again: Revolution. It can be shown that those who Quigley mentions, it “breathes life into unsubscribe from our publications “… in a few short years, the Covenanters’ justified this position did so on the basis of one of, if not the, most disturbing and at any time simply by contacting us rejection of tyrannical rulers became the the principles held by Covenanters such exhilarating periods in Scottish Church to request removal of your details nation’s rejection, and what had been as Cargill and Renwick. history.” from our mailing lists.

18 The Bulwark October - December 2018 19 sermon to them he warned them not to worst dungeon possible on the . forget and go away from the truths he It was damp and filthy, and the sea water had taught. He said that the hard times often splashed in through the window. would be like a storm that lasted for a long time. But the sky would clear and But instead of dying, YOUNG the troubles would come to an end. actually got better! It was a very strange sort of medicine that did him good! After Thomas Hog went to live in a farmhouse some time he was released and went back in another part of the Highlands. He to carry on his work. He was arrested and Bulwark preached in the farmhouse but then put in prison another time but now the the services had to be held in the barns government said he must leave Scotland because the house was too small for altogether. He went to England and then everyone who came. Then the barns were Holland. too small for everyone to get in. They now had their services in the woods and When a new king called William of Orange Thomas Hog in a field where there was a little dip in came, the faithful ministers were able to the ground. Hog used a big boulder as a go back to their churches without being of Kiltearn pulpit. forced into wrong beliefs. Hog could go back to his old congregation once again. Thomas Hog was a faithful minister in the the death he had died. “He is my life, my When the authorities heard about it they But Thomas Hog was much older and very Scottish Highlands. The faithful ministers heaven and my all!” One special promise sent solders to arrest Hog, and they put weak in his body. It was not long before he of this time were called Covenanters. from the Bible told him that God would him in prison. Even in prison he spoke to would leave this world. This is because they would not break the never leave him. He was going to need everyone about the Lord Jesus and some promise or Covenant that they had made this promise in difficult times. were converted. When he was released, But his faith had not become weak; he to God, even though it meant suffering. he went back to carry on with the secret showed this at the time of his death. He became a chaplain to a nobleman meetings. The soldiers came to arrest “Never did the sun shine more brightly As a boy, Thomas worked hard at school. in the Highlands. He had to teach and him a few times but God kept him safe so to the eyes of my body”, he said to a More importantly, he was careful to live instruct the family and servants but he that they did not find out where he was friend who visited him, “than Christ, according to God’s Word. When he went learned many spiritual lessons himself hiding. Later on he was again arrested the Sun of Righteousness hath shined to university, he wanted to be with people from the nobleman’s godly wife. Then and put in prison. on my soul”. He described the strength who loved God. He loved the things of he became a minister in a Highland of his faith to someone else, “I cannot God. This was a very good thing but it village. He was faithful in visiting people The first prison was bad enough but then give a look to the Lord but I am fully did not make him a true believer from the in their homes, praying with them, and they sent him to the Bass Rock. This was persuaded of his eternal love. He has heart. He had not yet been born again. teaching them from the Bible. People had a small island in the sea which was a very assured me a hundred times that I shall many superstitious ideas that he had to high rock. The government bought it so be with Him forever.” The old promise It was not enough to do the right things correct. He preached the Gospel of Jesus that they could have a horrible prison received all those years before had never and say the right things, Thomas needed Christ faithfully. Many were converted. for the faithful ministers. It was a scary been broken; God had never left him a new heart. He came to see that all his place in the storms, and food and water in all of his troubles. He said that “the good deeds were no better than filthy But this time was coming to an end. often ran out. Here he was kept in one of unchangeableness of my God is my rags. They would not save him. He saw Thomas Hog was one of the many the terrible dungeons. He was getting rock.” Now he could face death knowing that his sins were terrible in the sight of ministers who had to leave their very ill and his doctor pleaded with the that, even in this, God would be with him. God. He felt this very, very deeply. He congregations because they would not government to set him free or he would His last words were, “Now he is come, came to see that he could only trust in disobey the Lord Jesus. His people were die. Instead of listening to this the my Lord is come; praise, praise him for the life that the Lord Jesus had lived and sad because they loved him. In his last government ordered him to be put in the evermore.”

20 The Bulwark October - December 2018 21 1628 Hog asked for these words to Key Born in Tain, Ross-shire. be carved on a stone at Kiltearn Thomas church: “This stone shall bear 1638 witness against the parishioners Dates National Covenant signed. of Kiltearn if they bring an Hog Name: Creungodlyated with T ministerheTeache rinsC here.”orner.net Word Search Maker 1654 Word SearchThomas Hog Becomes minister of Kiltearn, C E L E E N I C I D E M I F I Y N V I W Ross-shire. L P Z Y I L L D O K W C W X M Z L E E V 1660 Charles II becomes king. A R H L P O A D J R F T A T J W N O A V B O M W R R E L C E D H M A X A C Q O F 1662 H M E S I F S R V D N I N Q M D W Q C Z Forced out of his parish, he moves to Auldearn near Nairn. E I Q B S T X H P L A R N E N T M P D Y 1668 N S M P O D A U T U L Z L Y W F B P T A Imprisoned for preaching N E B W N N O F S O L B L T A J S Q G K at “illegal” services but 1677 afterwards released. A I T R J I K Y H B O Y S R U Y T A J Y Imprisoned on Bass Rock W R M U R A E Y V N H A M P P Z W T Q H and later released. T N P H C L G T J L E H L H P E O P E P 1679 N I V K N P N I Q P O F T K A Z R D U P Imprisoned in Edinburgh for a short time. G A B P T A N S O U X R Z H K C Y H P E 1684 R T G V N H M R S V Q R Y K I V G H Q B Sentenced to be banished from S F S E Y C K E A J H C C H M G G T O D Scotland and arrested in London. 1684 E K V I A V R V Z I L L E G A L R I K G After release Hog went Z O R J A S F I A W B C Q S J H J L O D to Holland. C O C I W U G N J W R H G M G V A D M R 1688 I G O N V N Y U C P S W V T K N D H W D Returned to Scotland. R B I K G L H Z K W T E O L S X Z K V S 1691 COVENANT PROMISE TAIN Appointed chaplain to King BOULDER FACOVENANtRMHOUSE PROMISEIL LEGAL TAIN William III and returned to UNIVERSITY NOBOULDERBLEMAN FARMHOUSECHAP LAIILLEGALN 1692 parish of Kiltearn, Ross-shire. HOLLAND PRUNIVERSIISON TY NOBLEMANMEDICINCHAPLAINE Thomas Hog dies. HOLLAND PRISON MEDICINE

22 The Bulwark October - December 2018 23 On the 25th August 1618, exactly four hundred years ago, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland met in Perth. The careful planning was evident, with the What were the Assembly being packed with supporters of the Five Articles, and with the Moderator, Archbishop Spottiswoode, a strong supporter himself, acting as Moderator, Five Articles not by election but due to the fact that Perth was in his diocese. Spottiswoode was under pressure from the king (who of Perth ordered him through a letter) to enforce the changes, so he took matters a step further and why were Scottish Presbyterians by warning members of the Assembly that their vote would be recorded and that the so strongly opposed to them? king would be notified as to who had voted against. A letter had also been sent to the Privy Council ordering them to withhold James Campbell stipends from rebellious ministers. Such This is the winning entry for the 2017-2018 Knox Prize. was the bullying that not only were there few in the Assembly who opposed the Articles, but those who did were threatened I. What were the Five Articles? five new canons for the Church; however, with harsh consequences. Voting then took King James VI of Scotland The Five Articles of Perth were five changes bishops who feared the negative impact of place, with a vote of 86 in favour and 45 to the worship practices of the Church of imposing these new canons voiced their against. The result was inevitable; however communion made it like the Roman Scotland that King James VI of Scotland concerns, and the matter was left for the the 45 who voted against the Five Articles Catholic mass. The view was held that proposed and which were introduced at next General Assembly. were very brave in doing so against the kneeling at the communion table implied the General Assembly at Perth in 1618. threats and opposition. Many had to pay a either that the elements contained the The practices were Episcopal and Roman In May 1617, King James visited Edinburgh, price for their stand. real presence of Christ’s body and blood Catholic, which were in stark contrast to with the intent of imposing his planned or that communicants were worshipping the views held by the Calvinist Church changes on the Church of Scotland, in the The Five Articles were: the elements in an act of idolatry. As members and those who supported belief that “the people and their ministers Scottish Presbyterians and the Church Presbyterian Church governance. were now quite submissive to all his wishes 1. Kneeling at the Lord’s Supper. at large were opposed to this doctrine on the point of Church government.” James 2. Private baptism. of transubstantiation, this change to the Prior to proposing the Five Articles of Perth, put pressure on his bishops, demanding 3. Private communion for the sick and mode of worship which could be viewed King James had focused on structuring the that if they were reluctant they must infirm. as supporting the doctrine received strong Church of Scotland as he found fit. At the provide reasons against the Five Articles 4. Confirmation by bishops. opposition. This was exemplified when the Aberdeen General Assembly of 1616, a he proposed; and he set its legislation as 5. The observing of “Holy days” such as congregation of Rev. William Annand in Ayr new Confession of Faith was produced; a priority for his bishops to deliver upon. Christmas and Easter. “all left the church and departed”, leaving and a new catechism for schools and a new In order to achieve this, a careful plan was “only the pastor alone” when he attempted liturgy for public worship were proposed, to set about to select all those in favour of II. Why did Presbyterians oppose to impose kneeling at the communion. replace the Book of Common Order dating the Five Articles to be present at the next the Five Articles? from the time of John Knox. It was also at General Assembly, to ensure a majority in The argument against kneeling at the Private baptism was opposed because this Assembly that King James mooted his voting for the Five Articles. Lord’s Supper was that kneeling at baptism was not essential for salvation.

24 The Bulwark October - December 2018 25 Catholic principle, and much opposed by III. Conclusion reformers who found no scriptural authority Although not everybody in the Church in the New Testament nor any need for opposed the Five Articles, there was such confirmation. Secondly, Presbyterians enough opposition to give rise to a in the Church of Scotland were very permanent nonconformist group within opposed to the attempted introduction of the Church which held private meetings bishops and Episcopalism into the Church in Edinburgh and elsewhere, in defiance of Scotland. In 1572, the Concordat of of the king. Some were punished for Leith had been adopted which allowed the their opposition, such as those formerly Crown to appoint bishops with the Church’s mentioned, and such as David Dickson approval. This had been reluctantly who was banished from his parish for his conceded by the Presbyterians, and an concerns regarding Episcopacy. internal division between the supporters of Episcopalism and Presbyterianism was The Articles had affected the whole formed in the church. By passing the article Church and divided many; however they allowing for the confirmation by a bishop, also shone light on the issue of Church King James gave further power to bishops and State, and the power that the king in the Church of Scotland. had over the Church. The Five Articles of Perth were one of the examples of the Observance of so called “holy days” received undue and unscriptural power that the much opposition. At General Assemblies State usurped over the Church, which after the repealing of the Five Articles (in later was the cause for the separation 1638, 1639, and 1645 respectively), three of the Free Church of Scotland from the St John’s Kirk, Perth acts were passed opposing the observance Church of Scotland. of such “festival days”. The substance The five articles stated that baptism was biblical warrant for having communion in of these was: that festival days were not It was in the providence of God that the not to be withheld longer than one Lord’s one’s home, but rather Acts 20:7 says: commanded in scripture (the only truly Five Articles of Perth, which could have led Day and to be administered privately “And upon the first day of the week, when holy day that the New Testament Church to a backsliding of the reformed Church were it necessary, if for example the baby the disciples came together to break was meant to observe was the weekly to the Roman Catholicism from which was about to die. Those who were of the bread”. This coming together associated Sabbath or Lord’s Day); that they were it had escaped, were later condemned view that baptism was not necessary for with the “breaking of bread” or the Lord’s contrary to the National Covenant; and and repealed by the Glasgow Assembly salvation (most of the Church) found fault Supper, was proof of a biblical warrant for they were censurable (as observation of of 1638, along with the abolition of with this as there was no need to have a assembling (coming to church) to hold the such days was viewed as observation of Episcopacy from the Church of Scotland. private baptism in the case where a child Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper involved “superstitious and Papistical rites, to the The Articles served as a wake-up call may be about to die as the baptism would a fellowship and communion both with dishonour of God, contempt of true religion for Scottish Presbyterians who began to not save the child spiritually. This would be to Christ and his people. Private communion and fostering of great error among the understand that under the governance accept the idea of baptismal regeneration, lacked this important aspect of fellowship people”). The Five Articles were rigorously of the king, the biblical principles of the a doctrine Scottish Presbyterians strongly between Christ’s people. enforced in some instances, and when John Church of Scotland were very vulnerable. denounced. Scrimgeour, minister at Kinghorn in Fife, did On occasions, a temporary division of The attempt by King James to introduce not preach on the holidays nor administer Church and State could be – and in 1843 As with the lack of necessity in private Episcopalism into the Church of Scotland, communion as prescribed by the Articles, would prove to be – necessary to remain baptism, so there was no need for private was manifest in the article allowing the he was summoned before the Court of High true and steadfast to the word of God and communion, as partaking of the Lord’s confirmation by bishops. First, confirmation Commission and banished from his parish prevent the introduction or reintroduction Supper is not saving. There was also no or blessing by bishops was a Roman to Bowhill, in the parish of Auchterderran. of error into the Church.

26 The Bulwark October - December 2018 27 In 1600 the King told him he was not punishment, only I am careful not to suffer allowed to preach anymore and strictly as a malefactor or evildoer.” He was then commanded him to depart from the kept in the castle at Edinburgh until on country and go to France. However, he April 21st, 1622 he was ordered to return was permitted to return to Scotland in to Inverness and stay confined to an area the following year. He was commanded where the King wanted him to be. Again, to stay in his own house at Kinnaird near his ministry was blessed in Inverness. He Larbert. When James became king of stayed there until September 1624. Soon England on the death of Queen Elizabeth after this, Charles I came to the throne I in 1603, Robert Bruce had a break from when his father King James had died. persecution for about a year or two. Big For a short time, Robert Bruce had more efforts were made in 1605 to remove freedom. him formally as minister of the church in Edinburgh. At one time he was banned About this time of having more freedom, from preaching but he did not obey the Robert Bruce acted as the minister of the command. King James then requested parish of Larbert near Falkirk. It was under him to stop from preaching for a few days. his ministry that Alexander Henderson was Robert Bruce Robert Bruce stopped preaching for a converted. There are many stories told few days at the will of the King but quickly which show evidence of how his preaching realised that he should not have done of the gospel was greatly blessed in this Miss Rachel Campbell this, as it was going against God’s will for place. This is the winning entry for the 2017-2018 Magdalen Chapel Essay prize. him – which was to preach the gospel. That night he got a fever, which probably As the time of his death drew near, he was developed from his terror of conscience, mostly restricted to his bed. His friends and Robert Bruce was born about the year 1554. church of St. Giles in Edinburgh – the church and he then promised that he would never family regularly visited him at this time. On He was the second son of Sir Alexander John Knox used to preach in – in the place of obey such wicked laws again. the morning of his death in August 1631 he Bruce the Laird of Airth. Both his parents James Lawson. Robert Bruce was unwilling had a stroke and from it he lost his sight. He had strong desires for him to study law, and to take the call to minister at St Giles at first The King now required him to leave called for his family and requested them to to become one of the Lords of Session, but after some time he complied. Even King Edinburgh and go to Inverness. He find the eighth chapter of Romans and put and so they sent him to France. When James VI recognised him as a man whom stayed there for four years preaching his finger on the words, “I am persuaded, he returned from France to his homeland he could reverence and trust. But at a later every Wednesday and Sabbath and he that neither death, nor life, nor angels, of Scotland, he felt God working strongly time, King James VI came into conflict with read public prayers every other night. His nor principalities, nor powers, nor things on him to the extent that he felt he could Robert Bruce. In 1599 the King had Robert preaching was bountifully blessed. Many present, nor things to come, nor height, not continue studying law. His conscience Bruce and some other ministers arrested. went through a spiritual change under his nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be remained against him until he went to St. The day before this, Mr Bruce was preaching ministry. Later he was allowed to leave able to separate us from the love of God Andrews to hear . When his on Psalm 51 and said, “The removal of your Inverness and go back to his home in which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8: parents (especially his mother, for she was ministers is at hand; our lives shall be bitterly Kinnaird. On 19th September 1621 he was 38-39). Now he asked, “Is my finger upon a strong Roman Catholic) heard this they sought after; but ye shall see with your eyes, told by the King to appear before the Privy them?” And when he heard it was, he said, were much displeased. His mother went to that God shall guard us, and be our buckler Council, to answer for disobeying the law “Now, God be with you, my children. I have the point of forcing him to give up his right and defence.” This was in part brought to of his imprisonment. In defending himself, breakfasted with you and shall sup with to some of the family property. pass. Robert Bruce went through much trial he said, “The King hath exhausted both my Lord Jesus Christ this night.” Now this and trouble, and this was the beginning of my estate and person, and has left me godly man is in everlasting happiness with When Robert Bruce was aged 33 years he persecution that hardly ever stopped until nothing but my life, and that apparently his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, never to received a call to become the minister in the his death in 1631. he is seeking. I am prepared to suffer any see persecution again.

28 The Bulwark October - December 2018 29 Society News

Proposed Waldensian tour Branch News There are provisional plans for a tour to the Waldensian Valleys in the Italian The following branch meetings have been arranged for Alps from 17th to 21st or 22nd June the 2018-19 session. 2019. Dr Robert Dickie (Stornoway) is organising this on behalf of the Scottish Reformation Society. Please contact him by email (robertdickie@ Inverness Branch Aberdeen Branch doctors.org.uk) if you are interested Meetings are on Mondays in the Meetings are on Fridays at the Church in joining the trip – numbers will be Free Presbyterian Church Hall, Hall, Craigiebuckler Parish Church, limited. Chapel Street, Inverness, starting Springfield Road, AB15 8AA, starting at at 7.30pm (DV). 7.30pm (DV) Purchase of New publication on Monteith hand-bell 15th October 2018 26th October 2018 A hand-bell, made by the Edinburgh The latest item in the “Scots Worthies” series, “Thomas Cartwright, Early English Puritan”, “General Hugh Mackay of Scourie: Hammerman and Covenanter James Matthew Vogan on Alexander Shields (42 Rev K.D. MacLeod (Inverness) a Christian soldier in the Monteith around 1640, came up for pages, £5 including postage), is just being seventeenth century”, th auction recently and was purchased published. Shields was a prolific writer and he 12 November 2018 Dr John Smith (Aberdeen) by the Edinburgh Hammermen. The ably defended the Covenanter principles in his “Scottish Education at the Reformation intention is to exhibit it in Ashfield, classic book A Hind Let Loose (1687). After and today”, 30th November 2018 the museum of the Convenery the Revolution of 1689, he was chaplain to the Rev D. Somerset (Aberdeen) “Thomas Cartwright: of the Edinburgh Trades, at 61, regiment fighting against France in early English Puritan”, 14th January 2019 Melville Street, EH3 7HL. It may defence of Holland and the Protestant cause. Rev K.D. Macleod (Inverness) also be displayed in the Magdalen In 1699, he was also among the first foreign “George Whitefield’s Influence in Scotland”, 22nd February 2019 Chapel from time to time. Monteith missionaries of the Church of Scotland in Rev Alasdair MacLeod (Point) “The offence of the Cross made several of the church bells the infamous Darien venture to what is now 11th February 2019 around Edinburgh including that of known as Panama. He died and was buried in in the Modern Church”, “Women of the Covenant”, Rev James Clark (Inverness) St Andrews, North Berwick which Jamaica in 1700 at the age of forty. Principal Rev Malcolm MacLean (Inverness) was in use until 1928 and is now on John Macleod well describes him as “one of the 29th March 2019 th display. It is hoped to give a short most striking figures of his epoch”. The life of 11 March 2019 “The Hudson Taylor Ministries in China”, account of this interesting man in a this zealous young man is uniquely interesting “Thomas Chalmers and the Disruption”, Rev Andrew Allan (Glasgow) subsequent Bulwark, DV. and instructive. Rev John Keddie (Kirkhill)

30 The Bulwark October - December 2018 31 CONTENTS

Rev. Robert Finlayson (1793-1861): Revival in Lochs 3 Rev. Paul Murray

Alexander Lindsay: 9 friar, clockmaker, hydrographer, and Protestant

Book Review: The Scottish Covenanters 17 Matthew Vogan

Notice: The Scottish Reformation Society and GDPR 19

Young Bulwark: Thomas Hog 20

What were the Five Articles of Perth and why were 24 Scottish Presbyterians so strongly opposed to them? James Campbell

Robert Bruce 28 Rachel Campbell

Society & Branch News 30

Membership & Bulwark Subscriptions All correspondence regarding Membership and Bulwark subscriptions should be sent to the Membership Secretary, Mrs Deborah Coghill, Free Church Manse, Outend, Scalpay, Isle of Harris, HS4 3YG. The subscription is £8 per annum for membership of the Society and £12 per annum for the Bulwark. Membership forms can be obtained from the Membership Secretary or downloaded from the website www.scottishreformationsociety.org

Front cover: Torre Pellice, Turin 32 The Bulwark