The Bulwark Magazine of the Scottish Society

July - September 2018 // £2

July - September 2018 1 Rev. Paul Murray The Bulwark Portmahomack Magazine of the 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): Chairman Committee Members an overview of his life and ministry »» Rev Kenneth Macdonald »» Rev Maurice Roberts Vice-Chairman »» Rev Alasdair Macleod »» Mr Allan McCulloch Rev. Paul Murray »» Mr Matthew Vogan Secretary This is the first of two articles on Rev. Robert Finlayson. The second one will »» Rev Douglas Somerset »» Rev John Keddie consider the revival under his ministry in Lochs in more detail. Treasurer »» Rev David Campbell »» Rev Andrew Coghill »» Dr Robert Dickie I. Upbringing Robert Finlayson was born in 1793 in you from the Lord. He is to be reared for a village called Mid-Clyth in Caithness, the Temple Service.” around four miles north of Lybster and cO-OPEraTIOn OBJEcTS OF ThE SOcIETy twelve miles south of Wick. His father When he was five years old, Robert’s In pursuance of its objects, the Society may co- (a) To propagate the evangelical Protestant faith was a schoolmaster and a godly man; his family moved to Dunbeath, which was only and those principles held in common by operate with Churches and with other Societies mother, too, was known for godliness and eleven miles south of Mid-Clyth but it was those Churches and organisations adhering to whose objects are in harmony with its own. the Reformation; came from a godly family. Mid-Clyth was in in a different parish – a parish which had the parish of Latheron and the minister was a godly, gospel-preaching minister. This Magazine Editor: Rev Douglas Somerset (b) To diffuse sound and Scriptural teaching on a Moderate, known neither for godliness exposure to gospel ministry had a deep All literary contributions, books for review and the distinctive tenets of and nor for evangelical preaching. So, young effect on Robert and, from a young age, he papers, should be sent to: Roman Catholicism; Robert’s parents asked a more notable had a concern for his soul. He also seems The Magdalen Chapel minister, the Rev. John Robertson, then of to have had a desire to preach the gospel (c) To carry on missionary work among 41 Cowgate, Edinburgh the Achrenie Mission, to baptise their child. at this stage – Norman C. Macfarlane, in his adherents of the latter faith with a view to EH1 1JR This John Robertson became famous as Apostles of the North, tells that, as a child, winning them to the doctrines of grace and to [email protected] the fellowship of the true Gospel; a preacher in the Highlands and was he would go out to preach to the God’s instrument in the conversion hens and, with tears in his eyes, The views expressed in articles are those of (d) To produce and distribute evangelistic, of Dr John Macdonald of Ferintosh he would plead with them to the contributor and may not necessarily reflect religious and other literature in connection with who himself was the instrument remember the God who cared those of the Editor or the Committee of the the promotion of the Protestant religion; of conversion in the lives of for them. As well as exposure Society. Scriptural references are from the A.V. hundreds of people throughout to gospel preaching, he also (e) To promote the associating together of men except where stated otherwise. the Highlands and beyond. had exposure to good books and women, and especially young people, When Mr. Robertson baptized which he found on his father’s for systematic Bible Study and holding of young Robert Finlayson, he said shelf. Among these were Bunyan’s Unattributed material is by the Editor. meetings for the above specified purposes. to his mother: “Mrs Finlayson, Pilgrim’s Progress, Boston’s I assure you that this is none Fourfold State, and Jonathan Edwards’ History of DESIGNED & PRINTED BY: other than a Samuel www.peppercollective.com that has come to Redemption. Tel:028 9851 2233

2 The Bulwark July - September 2018 3 Young Robert does not seem to have come Not only was it a huge area, but transport to an assurance of faith, however, until he was also problematic. As Donald Beaton went to King’s College in Aberdeen. There explains: “The parish was broken up by he attended the ministry of the famous numerous arms of sea, extending far inland, Dr James Kidd, an Irishman who was an and there were no roads. In visiting he had eccentric and a fierce evangelist, and was to cross numerous ferries, and to walk miles at that time minister in the chapel-of-ease upon miles over rough moorland, and to at Gilcomstom. Under that ministry, and make long voyages by sea in an open boat. with help from a book by James Hervey He had to stay at night in uncomfortable called Theron and Aspasio, Robert came to huts and sleep in uncomfortable beds.” a knowledge of the Saviour that he would Finlayson’s successor – Big John Macrae so faithfully and fruitfully serve for the rest of – had a small yacht called “The Wild Duck” his life. During his Aberdeen days, Robert which was gifted to him by the people of was known as ‘Finlayson of Prayer’, so that, Skye but Finlayson had to make do with a as Macfarlane shares, ‘often the air was The old church, Bruan, Mid-Clyth. small white pony and other peoples’ boats melodious with his song.’ After his years Finlayson’s father’s school was at the back where he could make use of them. in college, he became sick with smallpox, makes a strong case that this is an error before Finlayson’s arrival, would be packed so much so that he went blind for eighteen in the Fasti and that, actually, it was more to capacity, and people would come from Finlayson’s predecessor in Lochs was a days and thought he would die. However, likely that he preached once a fortnight at Stornoway (which then had a Moderate man called Rev. Alexander Simson from God, in his providence, had work for him the Woodside Chapel, a preaching-station minister) to hear him preach. Not only that Ferintosh who spent the best part of forty to do and he made a remarkable recovery. linked to Dr Kidd’s Gilcomston Chapel. but, on week nights, people crowded his years in the parish until his death in 1830. Before long, his preaching was drawing house to hear family worship so that the Although he clearly had affection for his II. Early ministry in Aberdeen crowds, to the point that the Church was living-room, hall, and even the stairs would people, and cared for their physical well- and Knock crowded an hour before the minister turned be crowded with people wanting to hear being and education, yet he did little to Robert Finlayson was licensed by the up and late-comers could not even get him. In 1829, however, after just two years nothing for their souls. He was a perfect Presbytery of Caithness near the door. His preaching, then, was in Knock, he was translated to the parish caricature of Moderatism: what Beaton in 1826. He took his first service in Watten doctrinal, imaginative, quaint and earnest of Lochs by Lady Hood Mackenzie – the calls “a blind leader of the blind”. It is and his text was from Ecclesiastes 9:10: – Macfarlane says that ‘there was a note work in Knock, in God’s providence, being very likely that he himself was a stranger ‘Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it of the heavenly which struck every hearer.’ carried on by another godly minister, Rev. to grace and that evidenced itself in his with thy might.’ Afterwards, the minister Duncan Matheson. ministry. His preaching was boring and of the congregation said to an elder, ‘Well, After three years in Aberdeen, Robert showed the people little of their own souls we had a young minister today.’ ‘Yes,’ the Finlayson took a call to the parish of Knock III. Move to Lochs and the and even less of Christ, the Great Physician elder replied, ‘but he was an old Christian.’ in Point on the Isle of Lewis and became situation of the parish of souls. This was a sign of things to come. only the third evangelical minister, after The parish of Lochs, along with perhaps Alexander Macleod of Uig and Finlay Cook the parish of Lochbroom, must have been The story is told of a communion Sabbath His first charge was in Aberdeen, as the of Cross, to settle on the island. Although among the most difficult places to minister in Lochs after the revival had broken out assistant to Rev. Hugh Mackenzie in the the details of his ministry in Knock are in in the whole of Scotland. For one thing, elsewhere in the island. All adults in Lochs Gaelic Chapel. Although there is confusion scant, we know that it was owned of God. it was massive – bigger than some Scottish were at this time communicant members regarding what other work he did while in His first sermon was preached on the text counties. Its borders were taken from Loch and Mr Simson, as was his custom, gave an Aberdeen (the Fasti (1870) says that he ‘Behold the lamb of God which taketh Seaforth to the Creed and about ten miles indiscriminate, unqualified call to the Lord’s worked part time as a missionary in Dr away the sin of the world’ and, during his inland. As well as that, it included Carloway Table with his usual formula: “My Christian Foote’s congregation (East St Nicholas)), two years in Point, he continued to preach and Shawbost on the west side of Lewis. friends, take your places at the Lord’s Table; Dr Ian R. Macdonald, in his book Aberdeen Christ to the people with great power and That is the equivalent of five Free Church come, every one of you.” At this point five and the Highland Church (1785-1900), effect. The Church in Knock, built just a year parishes today. young men (three from Harris, one from

4 The Bulwark July - September 2018 5 Back, and one from Shawbost) stood up the glebe and, in many ways, kept her of Big Macrae, the prim piety of Finlay Cook, good men though they were, left soon after and called Mr Simson a “murderer of souls”. heavenly-minded husband right in the or the remote and authoritarian Alexander for greener pastures and, presumably, for Rev. Murdo Macaulay, in his Aspects of the things of the world. Macleod.” Perhaps more than any of the easier, wealthier, parishes. This shows us that Religious History of Lewis, says of these other ministers of his generation, Finlayson Finlayson was a man of principle and a man zealous young converts that theirs was “a IV. Finlayson’s personal could be described as a people person – who dearly loved his people and was willing zeal without knowledge, which considered character something that can be quite rare amongst to suffer hardship with them and for them. neither time, place, circumstances, nor Macfarlane’s observation of Robert ministers, even in our own day. It was said consequences.” For their trouble, these Finlayson was that “he lived in Heaven”. His of him that there wasn’t a child who didn’t Another example of his masculine godliness young men were given six months in the mind was most upon the main things; his know him, from Aline to Stornoway, and is seen when, in 1849, his two sons Donald, Dingwall prison. When questioned in prison “affection on things above, not on things from Carloway to Gravir. 17, and Robert, 14, drowned when their by the Dingwall minister as to why they on the earth” (Colossians 3:1) He was once boat capsized in Loch Erisort when they did what they did, one of the young men walking on the moor with his brother-in-law His godliness, however, was a manly were out fishing on a perfectly pleasant answered quoting a psalm, “I believed, who asked him, “Where are we?” Finlayson godliness. It was strong, immovable, and summer’s day, in plain view of the manse. therefore have I spoken; I was greatly replied, “I don’t know where you are but exceedingly rare. This is illustrated in two This is still spoken of today by the people of afflicted” (Psalm 116:10). Whatever our view I’m between Genesis and Revelation, and very different examples. First, in 1843, at Lochs and there are crags in Loch Erisort of these men’s actions, this instance gives a good sermon it was too!” He exemplified the time of the Disruption, Finlayson took his which are named after the boys. When the an idea of how dark things were in Lochs what was said by M‘Cheyne: “It is not great whole congregation into the Free Church. bodies had been recovered and lay in the just prior to Finlayson’s induction in 1831. gifts that God blesses but great likeness to The account of Finlayson’s life in Disruption manse in Crossbost on the Lord’s Day, Christ.” And it was this Christ-likeness that Worthies of the Highlands explains that Finlayson went out to preach in the church Finlayson’s manse was in Keose Glebe and distinguished Finlayson from others; it was this was done at great cost to himself and and he did so with great power. One of the the house is still occupied today, although Christ-likeness which gave power to his yet “his mind was clear as to the duty of elders said to him, “This is hard on flesh not as a manse. His Church was in the preaching, profit to his pastoral visitation, renouncing the status and advantages of and blood.” He replied, “this is hard even harbour in Keose, where there is a factory and energy to his prayers. the Establishment, as he could no longer on grace itself.” Finlayson, although feeling today, and it could hold 700 people. He retain them without violating his conscience, that it was his duty to preach that day, did married a Miss Macaulay from Uig, whom Although Lewis has had ministers with and being unfaithful to his Lord and Master.” so with great pain in his heart in light of Macfarlane, having a personal recollection greater intellects, never has a minster in the horror that had occurred in his family. of both Finlayson and his wife, describes Lewis been so loved by his people as Robert So he and his family left the manse in Keose Macfarlane records, however, that more as “an admirable helpmeet, a brilliant Finlayson. John Macleod, in his Banner and moved to Stornoway for two years tears fell from the congregation than did conversationalist, a devout soul, and the in the West, writes: “Placid, affectionate, while a new manse and church were being from him in the church that day; that there personification of kindness.” Indeed, it unhurried and good-humoured, Finlayson built in Crossbost. During this time, he and was an air of transfiguration about him was she who managed the manse and is in striking contrast to the firm manliness his congregation worshipped mainly in and that the glory of the Lord seemed to the open air and Finlayson had to travel to encompass him. After this incident he was Manse at Keose Lochs from Stornoway for all of his pastoral overheard, while standing near the site of work. His first text after the Disruption, the drowning, praying to God and saying: as he preached in the open air, was from “Since thou hast deprived me of my two Hebrews 11:24-25: “By faith Moses, when sons, make up to me my loss by giving me he was come to years, refused to be called more love to thine own Son.” the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of Robert Finlayson’s spiritual life was fed by God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for his reading of the Word and his communion a season.” Significantly, Finlayson was the with the Lord in prayer. He had been known only Disruption minister on the island who as “Finlayson of Prayer” in Aberdeen and remained with his congregation for any he continued to be “Finlayson of Prayer” all length of time after 1843 – all of the others, of his days. In fact, he frequented a small

6 The Bulwark July - September 2018 7 cave by the sea, down from the manse the people of Lochs had for their minister.” in Crossbost, in which he would regularly Even today, many of the men in Lochs pray for his congregation, coming up to a named “Robert” can trace their name back higher spot at times so that he could look to an ancestor who was named after the out upon the villages as he prayed for them. beloved Mr Finlayson. Such prayer knitted him to his people and Captain knitted his people to him. It seems that Finlayson too left part of his heart in Lochs. When conducting a V. Move to Helmsdale and death question meeting in Helmsdale, he asked a ’s In 1856, when Finlayson was sixty- man to stand to speak to the question and three years of age, he was translated to the man dithered and hesitated in humility. Helmsdale. His parish in Lewis was so “Rise, rise sir,” he said to him, “I saw a day Sword large and scattered that, due to his age on a green knoll in Lewis, and you would and lack of health, he did not feel that he not have been asked to rise.” There is, could continue the work. When asked perhaps, an element of wistful nostalgia why he was moving, he said, “How can I towards his adopted island of Lewis in this account for a people whom I cannot even otherwise harsh rebuke. reach?” Helmsdale was a far smaller and Captain John Paton, the Covenanting martyr, is buried in Greyfriars, more accessible parish and he felt that, His last sermon was preached at a Edinburgh, and one of his swords is exhibited in the Magdalen Chapel. even in his old age, he could still be useful communion in Dunbeath on “the marriage We try to disentangle its somewhat confusing provenance. there. Macfarlane says that, the day he left supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). Lochs, the parish was “a vale of tears … the Three short weeks later, on the 23rd of heart of Lewis followed him to Helmsdale June, 1861, he personally tasted the glory and prayer for him never ceased to rise in that he had presented to the people that I. Paton’s life Lochs.” Indeed, Macaulay remarks that the day in Dunbeath when, at the age of sixty- Captain John Paton was born at Paton was prominent in the Pentland number of people named “Robert” in the nine, he was taken into a more glorious Meadowhead in the parish of Fenwick, Rising in November 1666, holding the district “was a mark of the attachment that fellowship. Ayrshire. Nothing is known of his parents. command of a troop. He was not at the As a young man he seems to have served battle of Drumclog on 1st June 1679, in Germany under Gustavus Adolphus, and but he joined in the subsequent uprising Robert Finlayson’s parents’ grave in Latheron then in the Scottish army at the battle of and was one of the leading Covenanting Marston Moor in July 1644. He was with officers. For his part in the battle of the Covenanter forces which were defeated Bothwell Bridge on 22nd June 1679, he by Montrose at the in August was declared a rebel and a traitor. For the 1645, and he had several narrow escapes next five years he evaded apprehension, after the battle. When the were including a narrow escape one night divided after 1649, he was a Protestor, but he at Lochgoin, but early in 1684 he was fought for Charles II at the seized at the house of a Covenanter in September 1651. Thereafter he returned to Robert Howie, in Floak, in the parish of farming in Fenwick. The minister of Fenwick Mearns. By this time he was quite an old was the eminent William Guthrie, author of man, and he was unarmed when he was The Christian’s Great Interest. Paton married captured. He was taken to Kilmarnock, his first wife, Janet Lindsay, about 1652, but Ayr, Glasgow, and, finally to Edinburgh, she died soon afterwards; and about 1666, where he was imprisoned in the Tolbooth he married his second wife, Janet Millar. They on 14th April and tried before the Lords had six children. of Justiciary on 16th April.

8 The Bulwark July - September 2018 9 He was found guilty of rebellion and high of the [eighteenth] century”. It is possible Reformed Presbytery, and at this stage treason during the years 1666 to 1684, that Thomson was conflating Gavin Gavin Rowat left William Wilson, rejoined though most of the weight at his trial was Rowat with his son, as we shall see in a Macmillan, and the following year had his placed on his role at the battle of Bothwell moment. In 1723, Rev. John Macmillan (I) three sons Gavin, Thomas, and James Bridge. His goods were forfeited and he baptised a daughter Grizel of Gavin Rowat (probably the children of a second wife) was condemned to be executed in the of Stonehouse who had been born the baptised by Nairn. Gavin Rowat the father Grassmarket in Edinburgh on 23rd April. previous year. We suspect that this was was still alive in 1750 and may have lived On 17th April, however, in response to a the daughter of Annabella Paton, and that on for quite a number of years. petition which he subsequently regretted, Annabella then died, leaving Gavin Rowat the Privy Council postponed his execution in possession of the two swords and the All this while, Captain Paton’s longer sword to 30th April, and then granted a further Bible. The shorter sword and the Bible he remained in the Rowat (or Rowatt) family. delay “that he may more conveniently passed to James Howie, and many years Gavin Rowat the son, born sometime before prepare himself for death”. General Dalziel, later they came into the possession of John 1744, is probably the same Gavin Rowat, who had fought alongside him at the Howie, the author of Scots Worthies, in the “the esteemed elder”, whom J.H. Thomson battle of Worcester, was trying to secure a way described. identifies as the father of the Reformed reprieve for him but was unsuccessful. He Presbyterian minister Thomas Rowatt was executed on 9th May 1684 and was III. The longer sword (1768-1832), of Penpont, who was married buried in Greyfriars churchyard, Edinburgh. Sometime after 1723, Gavin Rowat to a daughter of Rev. John Macmillan (II). According to , “he was of became associated with the ultra- Rev. Thomas Rowatt must have inherited middle stature, large and robust, somewhat Memorial to John Paton at Fenwick covenanter William Wilson, and he would the sword from his father, and at his death it fair of complexion with large eyebrows. But have separated from Macmillan during that passed to his nephew, the wealthy Thomas what enhanced him more was courage and had lately got in a compliment from my period. In 1743, however, Rev. Thomas Rowatt of Bonnanhill, Strathaven. At some magnanimity of mind, which accompanied wife’s mother, my wife’s father having got Nairn joined Macmillan and formed the point – possibly at his death – it was donated him on every emergent occasion…It might it from the said Captain’s son’s daughter’s to the Protestant Institute or the Scottish truly be said of him, that he lived a hero and husband after her death”. John Howie’s first Reformation Society. died a martyr.” wife died about 1763 and his second wife, Janet Howie (c. 1739-1815), was also his The sword itself probably dates from the II. The shorter sword second cousin. Her father, therefore, – a first second half of the seventeenth century. It and the Bible cousin of John Howie’s father – must have may have seen service at Rullion Green – Three interesting heirlooms from John been called James. John Howie’s father although Howie thinks that the sword that Paton survive: a Bible printed in 1653 which lived from 1700 to 1754, and his first cousin he had was the one that Paton carried at he passed to his wife from the scaffold; a James may have been somewhat younger. Rullion Green – and it was almost certainly shorter “killing” sword of 27 inches (both at Bothwell Bridge. It was designed for use these are exhibited at Lochgoin); and a In his edition of Cloud of Witnesses (1871), by a horseman, and the oval ring in the longer sword of 40 inches which is in the Rev. J.H. Thomson identifies the “Captain’s hilt was to allow the rider to “shorten rein Magdalen Chapel. A notice in the front of son’s daughter” as Annabella Paton, and without letting go of his sword, because the Bible states that “James Howie received her husband as Gavin Rowat. Captain the oval opening allows a loop of reins held it from the Captain’s son’s daughter’s John Paton’s eldest daughter was about in his left hand to be caught by a finger of husband, and gave it to John Howie his fourteen at the time of his death in 1684, his right.” By coincidence, it now reposes nephew”. In his Memoirs (published in and Annabella, therefore, is likely to have on the mortuary table on which Captain 1796), under the year 1785, John Howie been born around 1700. Her husband, John Paton’s body may have lain prior to is more explicit: “I arose and took my Bible Gavin Rowat was, according to Thomson, his burial, and just a couple of hundred (which was that which Captain John Paton “a much esteemed elder in connection with yards from where his dust is awaiting the gave to his wife off the scaffold, which I the Reformed Presbytery in the latter half Captain John Paton Resurrection.

10 The Bulwark July - September 2018 11 Copy of Buchanan’s History showing Buchanan returned to Scotland about one of the cancelled folios 1535, but he fled in 1539 at a time of Lutheran persecution. He lived in France until 1547, and then moved to Portugal where he fell into the hands of the Lisbon Inquisition for eighteen months from August 1550. After further time in France and Italy, he returned to Scotland in 1561. Some parts of his Latin History of Scotland (Rerum Scoticarum Historia) may have been composed earlier, but according to the “Epistle Dedicatory” to James VI, it was on his return to Scotland that his friends started entreating him to write a history, “as if they had joined a conspiracy”. Even then he was slow to settle to the work, and most of the material seems to have been written during the 1570s.

The book covers the period from 330 BC to the death of Regent Lennox in 1571, the most significant part being the contemporary material from 1560 onwards. ’s Buchanan was bitterly opposed to Mary Queen of Scots so his book was highly History of controversial from the beginning George Buchanan II. The early Scottish kings One thing that held Buchanan back in his the sixty-eight monarchs before Kenneth Scotland work was the posthumous publication in MacAlpine with a circumstantiality of detail 1572 of the work of the Welsh antiquary admirably fitted to carry the profoundest Humphrey Lhuyd (d. 1568) which attacked conviction to the innocent reader. The most I. George Buchanan Hector Boece’s account of the first forty trivial acts of these kings, the exact dates of George Buchanan (1506-1582), the both prose and poetry. He studied in Paris Scottish kings from 330 BC to about 450 AD. their births and deaths, the names of their famous scholar, was born at Killearn just between 1520 and 1522 and again from As Buchanan’s argument for “democratic wives and children and various relations are north of Glasgow. Killearn was in a Gaelic- 1526 to 1535, and while he was there he monarchy” made substantial use of Boece’s all given with a confidence and precision speaking area at the time and it is likely that was mixing with humanists such as John account, Buchanan was reluctant to give it which … remind us of the tales of Swift Buchanan could speak Gaelic (indeed he Mair, whose Latin History of Scotland was up, but at the same time he recognised that and Defoe.” Struggling with ill-health, is credited with being the first to observe published in Paris in 1521, so Buchanan there was some force in Lhuyd’s attack. Buchanan continued his History until it was the distinction between the so-called may have started to think about writing Had it not been for the continued pressure ready for printing shortly before he died in P-Celtic languages such as Welsh and a history as early as the 1520s. Hector from his friends, it is possible that he might 1582. the Q-Celtic languages such as Scottish Boece’s Latin History of Scotland, from have abandoned his History at that stage. and Irish Gaelic). He was regarded as the which Buchanan borrowed heavily, was Eventually disregarding the strictures of The portraits of the succession of Scottish greatest Latin writer of his day in Europe, in published in Paris in 1527. Lhuyd, Buchanan described “the reigns of kings from 330 BC onwards, displayed in

12 The Bulwark July - September 2018 13 Holyrood Palace, were painted by Jacob [we] passed over to Edinburgh in order IV. Dating the Melvilles’ visit de Wet in the 1680s; and the argument to visit him and to see the work. When In James Melville’s Autobiography and over the existence or otherwise of the we came to his chamber, we found him Diary, the date of the Melvilles’ visit is early Scottish kings lasted into the early sitting in his chair, teaching his young given as September 1581, but there are nineteenth century, with the disputants man that served him in his chamber several reasons for thinking that the correct including Polydore Vergil, Archbishop to spell, a, b, ab; e, b, eb, etc… date was probably September 1582, James Ussher, William Lloyd, Sir George Thereafter he showed us the Epistle immediately before Buchanan died. Indeed, Mackenzie, Edward Stillingfleet, Thomas Dedicatory to the King; the which, since the eighteenth century, a number of Innes, John Pinkerton, and George when Mr Andrew had read, he told him writers have adopted this revised dating. Chalmers. Eventually it was conceded that it was obscure in some places, that Humphrey Lhuyd had been right; and wanted certain words to perfect One reason for thinking that September but interestingly, the account that is now the sentence. Says he, “I may do no 1582 was the correct date is that James regarded as legendary is itself very old. more, for thinking on another matter.” Melville links the visit with the appearance According to the Scotichronicon of Walter “What is that?”, says Mr Andrew. “To of the History in print, which he seems to Bower (c.1385-1449), a version of the die!”, quoth he; “but I leave that and have thought happened in 1581 though in account was recited at the inauguration of many more things for you to help.” fact it was in 1582. This may account for Alexander III on 13th July 1249. why Melville gives the date of the visit as We went from him to the printer’s 1581. III. The visit of the Melvilles work-house [at the Kirk o’ Field, now While his History was in the press, Edinburgh University Old College], A second reason is that there is a letter by Buchanan received a visit in Edinburgh whom we found at the end of the Christopher Plantin, the famous Antwerp from Andrew and James Melville and seventeenth book of his Chronicle, at printer, to George Buchanan, dated his nephew Thomas Buchanan. At the a place which we thought very hard for October 1581, in which Plantin expresses beginning of 1579, Buchanan had still the time, which might be an occasion the hope that he will be asked to publish been at Stirling Castle where he had been of staying the whole work, anent the the History, of which he promises to make teaching James VI for a number of years, burial of Davie [Rizzio]. Therefore a very elegant job. Indeed, a young man but in October 1579 James VI moved to staying the printer from proceeding, who had been staying with Buchanan had Holyrood Palace, and Buchanan appears we came to Mr George again, and just delivered a message to Plantin from to have moved with him. By the time of found him bedfast by [i.e. contrary to] Mary Queen of Scots Buchanan to this effect. This message his death, however, on 28th September his custom; and asking him, How he would make no sense if Buchanan’s work 1582 Buchanan was staying in a chamber did? “Even going the way of welfare,” George Buchanan and had already been handed over to another in Kennedy’s Close – “first court thereof on says he. Mr Thomas, his cousin, shows were very close to each other, and Andrew printer a considerable time before. your left hand, first house in the turnpike him of the hardness of that part of his had already contributed five Latin epigrams above the tavern there” – (now part of Story, that the King would be offended to the preface to the History, so it is no A third reason is that the folio in the History Hunter Square, towards the top of the with it, and it might stay all the work. surprise that Buchanan was happy to leave recording the burial of David Rizzio is Royal Mile). Although he was still the young “Tell me, man,” says he, “if I have told the revision of the Epistle Dedicatory to number 211 out of 249, and it is hard to king’s official tutor, he was presumably out the truth?” “Yes”, says Mr Thomas, him. The passage on the re-burial of Rizzio credit that the Edinburgh printer, Alexander of royal favour by this time. It seems likely “Sir, I think so”. “I will bide his fead in the royal vault at Holyrood, to which the Arbuthnet, would take a whole year to that it was in Kennedy’s Close that his [enmity], and all his kin’s then!” quod Melvilles drew attention, strongly insinuated complete a further forty sheets. Arbuthnet meeting with the Melvilles took place. Here he: “Pray, pray to God for me, and let that Mary Queen of Scots was guilty of is known to have printed a broadside for is James Melville’s account of the visit: Him direct all.” So, before the printing adultery with Rizzio, with the implication James VI in July 1582, and another small of his Chronicle was ended, that most that he and not Darnley was the true father item in November 1582, but otherwise Hearing that Mr George Buchanan was learned, wise, and godly man ended of James VI. It is little wonder that James VI there is no record of his printing anything weak, and his History under the press, this mortal life. was highly offended at the book. else during 1582. It seems far more likely,

14 The Bulwark July - September 2018 15 therefore, that the Melvilles’ visit was a appeared in 1576, printed by Bassandyne VI. The Act of 1584 1582 edition of the History, including those month or two before the appearance of who died soon afterwards, and the Old On 22nd August 1582, while the History of Andrew Melville (who fled to England in the book, rather than more than a year Testament was finished by Arbuthnet. was being printed, James VI was seized 1584) and of (who did not), but beforehand. Arbuthnet was appointed King’s Printer in the “Ruthven Raid” at what is now none of them has had any pages removed in August 1579 but he was much less Huntingtower Castle outside Perth, and or obliterated. There is one surviving copy, A fourth reason is that the “Epistle skilful than Bassandyne, and his edition for the next ten months he was in the however, which has had two of the folios Dedicatory” to the king is dated “4 Cal. of Buchanan’s History is described in hands of Protestant noblemen. During that replaced with blank sheets, and this may Sept.” (27th August) – presumably 1582; Dickson and Edmond’s Annals of Scottish period, he was unable to do anything about well have been in response to the Act. The and if this was the printing-date for the Printing as “one of the most inaccurate the History, but the following summer he sheets in question are folio 203, which version as revised by Andrew Melville works which ever issued from any press, escaped from Protestant control, and on records a devious plot of Mary Queen of the previous September, surely the book although upon the whole a handsome 22nd May 1584, he secured an Act in the Scots against the Earl of Arran early in would have been ready before Buchanan’s looking volume.” Very few items from Scottish Parliament “for punishment of 1562, and folio 208 which criticises Mary death a month later. The likelihood is Arbuthnet’s press have survived, and he the authors of the slanderous and untrue decision to marry Darnley (James VI’s that Andrew Melville was making small died in September 1585. calumnies spoken against the King’s father), asserting that “many were of the amendments to a page that had already Majesty, his Council and proceedings, opinion that it was more equitable that been set in print a week or so before. It is a measure of Buchanan’s popularity or to the dishonour and prejudice of His the people should choose a husband for that his History was immediately reprinted, Highness, his parents, progenitors, Crown a girl than that a girl should choose a king Against all these reasons, it can be said apparently in Antwerp in 1583 by Gilles van and estate.” This Act stated: for a whole people.” Curiously, however, that James Melville adds in the margin of den Rade, although the printer withheld folio 211 – the one mentioned by James his account that Buchanan and Andrew his name and the place of printing. Van “Moreover, because it is understood by Melville describing the re-burial of Rizzio Melville conferred over Adam Blackwood’s den Rade sometimes cooperated with his Highness and his Three Estates that in the grave of James V – has not been “answer to his book, De Jure Regni”. Christopher Plantin, and he often printed the books of the Chronicle [i.e. Rerum replaced. Perhaps that particular copy was Blackwood’s Adversus Georgii Buchani anonymously. An earlier anonymous Scoticarum Historia] and De Jure Regni still with Alexander Arbuthnet – unbound Dialogum was published in early publication of his had been Buchanan’s De apud Scotos, made by the late Master and unsold – at the time of the Act, and he in 1581, so it is certainly more likely that Jure Regni in 1580, and his 1583 edition George Buchanan and printed since, simply removed a couple of sheets from it they would have been discussing it in of the History also included De Jure Regni. contain sundry offensive matters worthy for form’s sake. September 1581 than in September 1582, Thereafter the two works were almost to be deleted, it is therefore statute and but the latter is far from impossible. On always published together. A Frankfurt ordained that those that possess the said VII. The value of the History balance, therefore, it seems probable that edition of both works followed in 1584, two volumes in their hands bring in and In the mid-seventeenth century, the Melvilles’ visit was just two or three a second Frankfurt edition in 1594, and deliver the same to my Lord Secretary Buchanan’s History was very widely read weeks before George Buchanan died at there were frequent reprintings during the or his deputes within forty days after the in Scotland. The hostile Sir James Turner the end of September. If this is so, then seventeenth century. The two works were publication hereof, to the effect that the said – later a persecutor of the Covenanters Buchanan was not as decrepid in August not reprinted in Scotland, however, until two volumes may be perused and purged – affirmed that at the start of the civil war and the beginning of September 1582 as 1700. The reason for this was the extreme of the offensive and extraordinary matters in 1639, the chaplains of the Scottish he is sometimes represented as being. hostility of James VI and the subsequent specified therein, not suitable to remain as Covenanting army “could produce Stewart monarchs, both to the democratic accords of truth to posterity, under the pain Buchanan’s story as readily as the Bible”. V. The printer Alexander views on government which the books of £200 of every person failing herein.” Most of the officers, even, in the army Arbuthnet expressed, and – in the case of the History possessed a copy of the History, and their The printer of Buchanan’s Rerum – to the exceedingly unflattering account of There is very little evidence that this Act was children were said to be learning Latin Scoticarum Historia was Alexander the reign of Mary Queen of Scots. Indeed, observed, and almost all surviving copies from its pages. So bitterly did Turner feel Arbuthnet, who, with Thomas Bassandyne, James spent much of his subsequent reign of the early editions of both the History about Buchanan’s influence that, during had printed Scotland’s first Bible between countering the views of Buchanan on both and De Jure Regni are intact. St Andrews a period of imprisonment in 1649, he 1574 and 1579. The New Testament these matters. University Library has several copies of the wrote a satirical account of the arrival of

16 The Bulwark July - September 2018 17 Review Buchanan’s ghost in Hell or Hades. After altercations with the ghosts of Macbeth, Julius Caesar, Regent Moray, and others, Buchanan’s ghost was eventually committed to solitary confinement by Pluto on the ground that “such an abominable, pestilent fellow … can never be a friend to the purely Monarchical Government of Hell.” Remembering In the later seventeenth century, Buchanan’s popularity and importance as a political writer was somewhat eclipsed Martin Luther’s Stand: by ’s Lex, Rex, by a heart cry for leadership Naphtali, and by ’ A Hind Let Loose; but nevertheless, the ease in the Church today with which James II and VII was deposed John J. Murray, in 1689 probably owed much to the (Reformation Ireland, 2017), 15 pages, Price: £2.00 widespread dissemination of Buchanan’s ideas. Review by John Smith Buchanan’s History has been fiercely attacked since its first appearance in 1582. Like most histories from that period, Over the last year or so, a great deal has politicians, academics, and journalists are it has long since ceased to be useful as an been written on the 500th Anniversary of now openly and deeply hostile to biblical accurate account of the events covered, the Ninety-Five Theses. In the sovereignty teaching. In Scotland, with the present SNP but it retains its value as an expression of of God, Martin Luther was brought to administration taking a militantly secularist Buchanan’s perspective, and that of his faith in Christ and was sustained in his approach, the public status of circle. A twentieth-century historian, W. determination to challenge the false is in greater danger than in other parts of Croft Dickinson, commented, “Although teaching of Romanism, regardless of the UK. When it is remembered that the a ‘party history’, … Buchanan’s account the consequences. The Westminster Bible forms the basis our nation’s culture, of the period 1559 to 1567 is still useful Confession, Chapter 5, notes how “God the destructive and menacing aspect of the if only as an account of a contemporary in his ordinary providence maketh use of present situation is obvious. revealing the passions and prejudices means, yet is free to work without, above, of that difficult time.” In his biography, and against them.” Both in the pages of As Mr Murray points out in this thought- George Buchanan, Humanist and Buchanan Obelisk, Killearn the Bible and in Church history, there are provoking booklet, it is the responsibility of Reformer (1890), P. Hume Brown said, countless examples of men and women the Church to lead the fightback. Of course, “As one who had daily intercourse with who dared to stand alone against false the Church is very much dependent, indeed Mary, who was intimate with Moray, powers of mind, with his wide experience teaching within the visible Church and entirely dependent, on the help of the Holy Lennox, Mar, Knox and other leaders of of men and things, and intense interest in against powerful political enemies. Spirit. As the prophet wrote, “When the the people, [Buchanan’s] narrative must the great movements of life, puts us in a enemy shall come in like a flood the Spirit needs have an importance which it would far truer relation to his century than any As time goes by it is increasingly obvious of the Lord shall lift up a standard against be a serious mistake to undervalue…Such modern reconstruction we may base on that in the United Kingdom, we have passed him” (Is. 59:19). But in addition, there is a statement from a man of Buchanan’s piles of State documents.” the stage when Christianity is given mere a desperate need for strong leadership, lip service, neglected, or ignored. Many something which, Mr Murray argues, has

18 The Bulwark July - September 2018 19 Review been sorely lacking in the last half-century. Mr Murray encourages us to pray that A lack of boldness has led to the prevailing reformed ministers will be given strength to policy of compromise. Evangelicals in stand by their principles and to refuse to the Church of England abandoned any compromise with the prevailing thought of idea of challenging the dominant liberal the present day. It is particularly important The Irredeemable Papacy theology. And among Nonconformists, a that Christian leaders raise their voices division of opinion meant that Dr Lloyd- in defence of the truth, without worrying David Bryce, Jones was unwilling to take the lead in about being seen as negative or intolerant. (privately published, 2018), 24 pages. Obtainable from David Bryce, GOLS, forming a confessionally-based Evangelical Luther’s influence was unique. A peasant’s Olympia House, Olympia Street, Glasgow G40 3TA, £2 including postage Reformed Church. son from rural Saxony, he challenged the combined authority of the Papacy and Review by John Smith Likewise in Scotland, the group led by Rev. the Holy Roman Emperor. He even called William Still (Aberdeen) opted for a long- himself the German prophet, as opposed The Gospel teaches that no sinner on earth in his hands”. A long succession of men, term strategy of “quiet infiltration” within to the Antichrist of Rome, saying that in is beyond the redeeming love of the God who clothed in white robes and addressed as the Church of Scotland, leaving those of standing against the asses who followed delights in mercy. However, when it comes “His Holiness”, have been adulated by liberal or neo-orthodox views in charge of the Pope, he had to assume such a to the dreadful figure called the Antichrist, millions of people. Church Courts. An obvious lack of decisive presumptuous title. He single-handedly we are to pray only for his downfall. As James Fisher comments in his work The Receiving such idolatry is a grievous enough leadership was seen in the refusal of moulded the German Protestant tradition. Assembly’s Shorter Catechism Explained, sin, but this booklet reveals how the Popes many to take decisive action over a series In England and Scotland, the translation “out of love for our fellow creatures who are have been complete liars and deceivers, of defections from traditional reformed of the Scriptures, the form of worship, the under the yoke and dominion of the Roman professing to be spiritual leaders while teaching from the 1960s onwards. The statements of faith, the style of preaching, Antichrist we are to pray no otherwise focused instead on increasing the Church’s breaking-point was never reached. Even and the materials of praise were the work about him, than that the Lord would soon worldly power, many of them utterly devoid the 2015 endorsement of homosexual of many hands, but in Germany, Luther consume him with the Spirit of his mouth, of religious feeling and sinking into the clergy in ‘partnerships’ had a relatively was a formative influence in all these areas. and destroy him with the brightness of his deepest moral depravity. Numerous Popes, minor impact in terms of the number of While the point made by this booklet coming” (2 Thess. 2:8). By exalting himself usually the more morally upright, who have ministers and members leaving the Church. is undoubtedly a valid one, it must be in the place of Christ, preaching a false attempted to reform corruption – for example noted that even the great Luther needed gospel, and persecuting the saints of God, John Paul I in 1979 – have been poisoned the Antichrist places himself outside the or otherwise murdered. Millions of faithful In the Free Church of Scotland, Mr assistance. The influence of Philip means of salvation. Christians have been murdered as heretics Murray notes how Rev. Kenneth MacRae Melanchthon was crucial. His calmness, on the orders of the Vatican. Any impartial (Stornoway) made himself unpopular by wisdom, and scholarship were essential in Christ himself predicted that “Many shall reader of this booklet must ask, is it possible raising concerns about the influence of channelling Luther’s boundless zeal in a come saying, ‘I am Christ’ and shall deceive that a succession of such men could have Arminian teaching within the denomination. scriptural direction. many”. As Ian Paisley noted, all of the been appointed under the guidance of the Mr Murray somewhat controversially Popes of Rome say, “I am Christ”. Their Holy Spirit? Is it likely that such an institution claims that while the work of the Banner It was written in tribute to the nineteenth- false teaching has led multitudes to eternal is God’s chosen instrument to spread the of Truth led to a resurgence of interest in century defender of the integrity of the perdition. They claim to be Vicar of Christ Gospel, or, as it claims to be, the only true Reformed theology elsewhere, MacRae’s Scriptures, Rev. William Nixon of Montrose, and Pontiff, Pontifex Maximus (the great Church of Christ, outside of which there is association with the organisation meant that “he feared God and knew no other bridge-maker), a title used by the Roman no salvation? No. Rather the Papacy is, as Calvin wrote, “the masterpiece of Satan”. that the Banner had little influence upon fear”. Not everyone has such a strong Emperors who believed themselves to be gods. Thus the Saviour is supplanted as the the Free Church, which instead focused personality as Luther, or even as Nixon, but one Mediator between God and man. Leo By allying themselves with the declining and on children’s ministries and looked to however much those in leadership positions XIII stated in 1885: “The Pope holds upon degenerate Roman empire, the Bishops charismatic individual ministers as the may lack confidence in themselves, they this earth the place of God Almighty”. Many of Rome achieved a dominant role within answer to the denomination’s problems. should never doubt the faithfulness of their readers will remember how John Paul II the Christian church. But in the process, Such tendencies, Mr Murray claims, led to heavenly Master. Even “worm Jacob” can used to revel in the crowds blasphemously the Church of Rome was subverted and the split in the year 2000. “thresh the mountains” (Is. 41: 14-15). singing of him, “He’s got the whole world paganised until it became the Scarlet

20 The Bulwark July - September 2018 21 Woman instead of the Bride of Christ. The of the saints”. The Inquisition was founded title of Pope was first granted to Gregory I by by Gregory IX. This sadistic man insisted: the wicked Emperor Phocas in the year 604. “it is the duty of every catholic to persecute heretics”. To that end, he appointed Mr Bryce has collected an interesting inquisitors from the Dominican order, who selection of biographical details which were directly answerable to him. Pope demonstrate how the debauched personal Innocent IV later authorised the use of torture YOUNG lives of most medieval Popes “made the to extract confessions and an organisation Reformation inevitable”. One such was of tens of thousands of paid informers was Alexander VI, a member of the notorious set up. Hundreds of thousands were burned Borgia dynasty whose lives echo those of alive in public places, including Smithfield in Bulwark Mafia godfathers. At the age of twelve he London under the reign of “Bloody Mary”. stabbed another boy to death. His love Those willing to change their mind and affairs with a widow and her two daughters confess the Roman Catholic faith were still proved no obstacle to his uncle Pope put to death, being garrotted before they Callistus III making him an Archbishop. were thrown into the flames. Borgia subsequently purchased the papal office with four donkey loads of silver. He In more recent history, the so called pastor James Renwick had at least ten illegitimate children. Leo X, angelicus (angelic shepherd) Pius XII, a cruel a member of the rich Medici family and a and imperious character, agreed to support James Renwick was born to poor but godly Lord Jesus Christ. The soldiers tried to stop notorious homosexual, was elected Pope his favoured “catholic soldiers” Mussolini parents in the south west of Scotland. This people from hearing what Cargill was saying when only nineteen. He had to be ordained and Hitler, in exchange for a promise that area was very faithful to the Lord Jesus by beating their drums loudly. to the priesthood before he could take up should the Axis powers triumph in the Christ in a time when that meant a lot of was full of faith, peace, and joy. This made the role! His first words after being appointed coming world war, the Vatican would have suffering.All the other children born to James want to be like him. He was going to were, “Now I can really enjoy myself!”. Leo all the help it needed to exterminate heresy, James’s parents had died at a very young be a preacher too. But there was nowhere set up a personal orchestra and theatre in including not only Protestants but also Soviet age. Like Hannah in the Bible, his mother he could study in Scotland. He had to go to the Vatican and hosted lavish banquets with Communists, Jews, and Eastern Orthodox continued to seek a son from the Lord. Like Holland. He was twenty-one years old when up to 65 courses at which naked young people. Evidence of the destruction which Hannah, too, they prayed that it might he arrived back in Scotland. boys jumped out of the cakes. His grandiose Protestant Britain so narrowly escaped please the Lord to make their son a preacher. plans for a grand new St Peter’s Basilica is seen in the Jewish Holocaust (which They longed for the Lord to give Scotland a There were no church buildings open to forced him to begin the sale of indulgences the Pope refused to condemn) as well preacher whom God could use to strengthen James to preach in. Instead he would preach which so angered Martin Luther. as the murder of almost a million people the suffering Church. to people on the hillside under the open in the Fascist puppet states of Croatia sky. They were places in the middle of the The Counter Reformation clamped down and Slovakia, both of which were ruled by James was drawn to God when he was countryside which were more secret. Many on such open immorality. The wily Jesuits Roman Catholic Monsignors appointed by still very young. Even at the age of two he people travelled long distances to hear him. were well aware of the damage that it did Hitler. The persecution unleashed by these wanted to pray to God on his own and later to the image of the Church. But the Popes so-called “men of God” was such that even by the age of six to read the Bible for himself. The government were not happy with still pursued their Machiavellian intrigues Nazi SS officers were shocked by it. Children should never think that they are too this. They wanted people to worship in in the royal courts of Europe, using tactics young to seek God. He grew up and went to the churches they controlled instead. They which would put the modern KGB or CIA This short publication is an easy read, and university. But he wasn’t allowed to finish made people pay lots of money if they in the shade. “Let us do evil that good may thus very suitable as a gift to anyone who his studies because he wouldn’t swear an didn’t worship in these churches. The king’s come”, might have been their motto. Behind holds the mistaken opinion that Roman oath to the king. The oath made the king soldiers were always on the lookout for the scenes, even today, gambling interests Catholicism is “just another church”. Mr ruler over the Church, but only the Lord James Renwick. If they caught him, he would bring in huge sums of money to the Vatican’s Bryce most clearly illustrates the very Jesus Christ is king over the Church. be put to death. coffers. obvious contrast between the humble, truthful, and gracious Saviour and the James Renwick’s life changed one day. The Once he was riding on a horse with three As described in the booklet, many Popes power-crazed, devious, and corrupt Popes godly preacher Donald Cargill was going friends. They met a group of twenty-two have indeed been “drunken with the blood of Rome. to be put to death for being faithful to the soldiers. The only thing they could do was to

22 The Bulwark July - September 2018 23 turn around and flee for their lives. The other The government were very determined three were captured but James was still to arrest him and put him to death. chased by the soldiers up a high hill, 1600 In Edinburgh one time his voice was feet (500 metres) in height. The soldiers recognised as he prayed in a house. The Key behind shot bullets at him but they were next morning troops broke in to arrest not close enough to have a good aim. Other him. He managed to escape through 1662 soldiers went round the other side of the hill several streets but was eventually caught Dates James Renwick is born. to catch him when he came down again. and brought to the captain of the city guard. The captain was amazed to find that Hundreds of faithful ministers James fired a shot back at the soldiers. this forceful preacher was so young and 1675 are forced out of the churches. When he tried to get back onto his horse, it thin. “Is this boy that Mr. Renwick whom James goes to university. would not hold still for him. Perhaps it was the nation has been so troubled with?”, he scared and upset. What could he do? He only asked. had one bullet left. The soldiers would close in on him and catch him before long. He had James wasn’t scared to die because he 1679 to think quickly. He sent the horse away was trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ. Even Battles of Drumclog and hoping it would escape. He then ran to the though this time he had been captured Bothwell Bridge. top of the hill which was flat ground. and was in the hands of his enemies he knew that it was God’s time. His work on 1680 Where could he go or even hide in such a earth was complete. People tried to get The young preacher Richard wide open place? There was a pile of stones him to change his mind and be unfaithful Cameron is killed. at the very top. Behind this there was a pit to the Lord Jesus Christ. He would not in which he could hide. Would the soldiers change in any way. Even his enemies said find him? He could do nothing else but wait that “he was of old Knox’s principles”. 1681 there and pray to God to hide him. There he James sees Donald Cargill lay praying a verse, Psalm 6:8, over and over He even had joy when he faced death put to death. again: “Depart from me, all ye workers of because he would be with his Lord whom iniquity”. Also Psalm 91:2, “I will say of the he had served faithfully. “Welcome 1682 Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my scaffold, for precious Christ”, he said. He Lanark Declaration is published. God; in him will I trust.” The hiding-place tried to speak to the crowd, but his voice James goes to Holland to study that he was really sheltering in was God’s was drowned out by the constant loud and be ordained as a minister. power and goodness. beating of the soldiers’ drums. He still said 1683 that Christ was “the Prince of the Kings of He stayed in the pit until sunset. James then the Earth, who alone must bear the glory James comes back to Scotland went across the moors and found someone of ruling his own kingdom – the Church.” to begin preaching. who would let him stay in their house. The He sang from Psalm 103, able to praise next night he had a meeting. But even then God even in such a terrible death. 1685 the soldiers were still hunting for him like James 7th of Scotland (James ferocious lions. Renwick escaped from them He was the last of those who would be 2nd of England) becomes king. twice that night – as he says “even out of put to death in public at this time. Within their very paws”. months the persecution, which had lasted 1688 for twenty-eight years, ended. One of his You might think that James had an exciting friends said about James Renwick that James Renwick is arrested life full of adventure. But it was hard having he was not only “heroic in spirit” but “he and put to death. to travel at night, not getting sleep when learned the truth and counted the cost, you needed it, and having no shelter from and so sealed it with his blood”. We need 1688-89 bad weather. Yet James was willing to suffer to know the truth and love the Lord Jesus The Glorious Revolution and anything for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ above all other things. persecution is ended.

24 The Bulwark July - September 2018 25 COVENANTER CARGILL HOLLAND SOLDIER Word PREACHER PSALM ORDAINED BULLET Search SCAFFOLD ARRESTED

Scottish Reformation Society 2017-2018 Writing & Project Competition Winners

Magdalen Chapel Essay Winner: Rachel Campbell (Auckland) Runner up: Lily Craig (Stornoway)

KNOX PRIZE ESSAY Winner: James Campbell (Auckland)

Congratulations to the prize-winners, and we are grateful to the Society’s Branches which have helped to fund the prizes.

26 The Bulwark July - September 2018 27 Scottish Reformation Society

Scottish Reformation Society AGm & Essay Competition day-conference 2018-2019 Saturday 1st September 2018 DV, Magdalen Chapel, Edinburgh Monarchy Project KNOX PRIZE ESSAY (12 years and under) (16-17 years) Winner £25, Runner-up £20 (about 1000 words) Produce an illustrated timeline for the Winner £40, Runner-up £35 Subject: life of the Scottish church leader Samuel Explain what happened in the Disruption The Synod of Dort 1618-1619 – Historical Background and Theology Rutherford (1600-1661). of 1843, and why many ministers made The Rise and Refutation of the Arminian heresy and its relationship such sacrifices to stand for the kingship to English-speaking churches. of Christ over the Church. HAMILTON MEMORIAL ESSAY Speaker: Dr Gerald Procee (12 years and under) (300 words) Winner £25, Runner-up £20 MELVILLE ESSAY Middelharnis, Netherlands Describe two important events in the life (18-25 years) of the Scottish church leader Samuel Winner £60, Runner-up £50 Programme Rutherford (1600-1661). Either: Explain why John Kennedy of Dingwall (1819-1884) wrote The Days 11am: Opening devotions of the Fathers in Ross-shire, and why 11.15-12.15: Dr Gerald Procee MAGDALEN CHAPEL ESSAY it is still an important book for Scottish (13-15 years) (600-800 words) Presbyterians; The Synod of Dort – Historical background Winner £30, Runner-up £25 Or: Explain why the Church of Scotland 12.15-1.15 : Lunch break Write a brief account of John Kennedy sent a Mission of Enquiry to Palestine in (hot and cold drinks will be provided but people will have (1819-1884), the minister of Dingwall 1839 and describe the outcome of the to bring their own lunch or dine locally) and leader of the Highland congregations Mission. of the Free Church of Scotland. 1.15-2.15: Dr Gerald Procee The Synod of Dort – Theology of the Articles Entries should be sent to: 2.15-2.30: Concluding devotions Rev. Alasdair Macleod, 25c Swordale, Point, Isle of Lewis, HS2 0BP. 2.30-3.30pm: AGM business meeting The closing date is 30th March 2019. Admission free

28 The Bulwark July - September 2018 29 Society News Branch News

The following branch meetings have been arranged for the 2018-19 session. New publication Forthcoming publication

The latest item in the “Scots Worthies” Another item in the “Scots Worthies” series, series, Rev. Neil M. Ross on Samuel Matthew Vogan on Alexander Shields, is in Rutherford (48 pages, £3.50 including an advanced state of preparation and should postage), has just been published. It be published shortly, DV. Inverness Branch places “the main facts of Rutherford’s life in a convenient form before the AGM 2018 and Synod of Dort Meetings are on Mondays in the Free Presbyterian Church Hall, modern reader”, highlighting especially day-conference Chapel Street, Inverness, starting at 7.30pm (DV). Rutherford’s significance as a theologian. The Society’s AGM for 2018 will be held on st Saturday 1 September, DV, at the Magdalen 15th October 2018 11th February 2019 Along with the late Rev. Hugh Cartwright’s Chapel, Edinburgh. The business meeting at “Thomas Cartwright, Early English Puritan”, “Women of the Covenant”, account of and Rev. 2.30pm will be preceded by a day-conference Rev K.D. MacLeod (Inverness) Rev Malcolm MacLean (Inverness) Kenneth D. Macleod on Alexander on the Synod of Dort, 1618-1619, from 11am Henderson, it completes the trilogy on to 2.30pm (see p. 29 for the full programme). 12th November 2018 11th March 2019 three of the leading Covenanters. The speaker at the day-conference will be Dr “Scottish Education at the Reformation “Thomas Chalmers and Gerald Procee, Middelharnis, Netherlands and today”, the Disruption”, Please order from: who will give two papers on ‘The Rise and Rev D. Somerset (Aberdeen) Rev John Keddie (Kirkhill) membership@scottishreformationsociety. Refutation of the Arminian heresy and its 14th January 2019 org. relationship to English-speaking churches’. “George Whitefield’s Influence in Scotland”, The conference is free and open to all, and Rev Alasdair MacLeod (Point) there is no need to register.

30 The Bulwark July - September 2018 31 CONTENTS

Rev. Robert Finlayson (1793-1861) 3 Rev. Paul Murray

Captain John Paton’s Sword 9

George Buchanan’s History of Scotland 12

Reviews 19 - Remembering Martin Luther’s Stand: a heart cry for leadership in the Church today - The Irredeemable Papacy

Young Bulwark: James Renwick 23

Essay Competitions 27

2018 AGM and Synod of Dort Day-Conference 29

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: Captain John Paton’s sword

32 The Bulwark