Chapter XXIV: The Abercorns and the Kirk
Thomas Algeo, seems to have fenced a good deal with the members of Presbytery, giving them hopes of his conversion, and thus gaining time. The Countess, his mistress, fled for protection to the Archbishop of Glasgow, who had more respect for her rank than his clergy. They seem to have acted impartially, and taken up cases without reference to the position in life of the persons they cited before them. The record thus proceeds :—
“The which day Mr. Andro Hamilton, minister at Kilbarchan, pre¬sented a letter sent unto him by my Lord Archbishop of Glasgow, willing him thereby not to make any public mention by public admonition of the said Countess of Abercorne's name until they heard from him, for which causes the said Mr. Andro desisted, and produced the said letter for his warrant. Wherefore the brethren acquiesced until they heard from the Bishop, or that he communed with them face to face.”
“November 16, 1626.—The which day being assigned to Thomas Algeo to give satisfaction anent his doubts in religion, yet appeared not to that effect, therefore the brethren ordained to summond the said Thomas Algeo to compear the next Presbyterie day to give satisfaction, with certification if he fail they would proceed by public admonition.”
“Dec. 28, 1626.—The which day it was declared by Mr. John Hay that John Naismith had excused his absence the last Presbyterie day by reason of his necessive employment in my Lady Abercorne's business, as likewise promised to appear the next day ensuing, was continued to be proceeded against by public admonition, who, being called, and not appearing, was ordained to be proceeded against ut prius.”
The Earl of Abercorn having now returned home, followed his mother's example, and declared himself a Catholic. This gave such scandal that the Archbishop was obliged to allow the Presbyters to have their own way.
“Ap. 19, 1627.—The which day the moderator and remanent brethren of the Presbyterie of Paslay, understanding that ane noble Lord, James Erle of Abercorne, had made apostasie and defection from the true religion, . . . . and that he doth openly avowe himself a papist, and verie contemptuously despiseth the word of God, preached publickly or read privately, and all other public religious exercises used in the Kirk and Kingdome, to the great dishonour and offense of God and of all truely religious hearted Christians. Therefore the said brethren ordained the said James, Erle of Abercorne, should be summoned personally if he could be apprehended, or at his dwelling house in Pasley, to appear before them, in the Kirk thereof, the third day of May next, to come to hear and see himself deserned excommunicate for the said apostasie and defection from the true religion; or else to give satisfaction to them anent the premises, with certification if he failed they would proceed against him by the censures of the Kirk to the sentence of excommunication.”
“May 3d, 1627.—The which day the brethren, understanding the mind and will of my Lord Archbishop of Glasgowe that the process should be prosecute against the Countesse of Abercorne, therefore ordain Mr. John Hay to proceed by public admonitions against her in the Kirk of Paisley, her Ladyship having returned out of Blackstoun.
“The Erle of Abercorn, summoned, called, and not compearing, to be summoned—pro secundo.”
“May 18, 1627.—Thomas Algeo to be proceeded against by the third publick admonition, if he give not satisfaction by next presbyterie day.
“John Naismith to be proceeded against by the third prayer if he give not satisfaction.
“The which day Mr. John Hay reported he had superceded to admonish the said Countess publickly, her Ladyship having promised that, so soon as it should please God to give her habilities and strength of body, she should resort to the hearing of God's Word preached, and in the meantyme desired conference with one or two of the brethren anent these doubts which heretofore she had pretended, and therefore the said Mr. John Hay and Mr. John Maxwell were ordained to confer with her Ladyship, and to report the next day.
“The Erle called, and not compearing, to be summoned pro tertio.”
“May 31, 1627.—Mr. John Hay has continued Thomas Algeo's third public admonition, as he promises obedience and solicits conference.
“He has also continued the third prayer for Naismith, who, compearing, is rebuked for his intolerable disobedience. He solicits the Confession of Faith, to resolve his doubts, which is given him.
“He reports he had not had opportunity to confer with the Countess. Her case is continued.
“The Erle summoned, but not compearing, Mr. Hay is to proceed by the first public admonition.”
“June 14, 1627.—Mr. John Hay being absent, Thomas Algeo's case not reported on, and continued.
“Naismith does not compear to give answer to his doubts. To be proceeded against by prayer—pro tertio.