Chapter XXIV: The Abercorns and the Kirk
They report similarly regarding the Earl.
“Which day also compeared Mr. Thomas Boyd, commissionar for continuation of prosecuting the process against the said noble Earl for a certain space, hoping that by their favourable dealing his Lordship might be the more easily moved to obedience and satisfaction in all points. The brethren answered they could not intermit without great scandal, unless his Lordship would condescend and faithfully promise to come and hear God's word publickly preached, and to this effect they ordain Mr. J. Hay and Mr. John Maxwell to go and confer with his Lordship, and if he assenteth to the will of the Presbyterie, to continue, if not, to certify his Lordship that he would be proceeded against by prayer.”
“Isobel Mouat has been proceeded against by the second public admonition. To get the third.”
“James Crawford, servitor to the Countess, certified as a Papist, and summoned to appear before the Presbytery.”
“Sep. 28, 1627.—Mr. Hay reported, that according to the Archbishop's warrand, he had pronounced the sentence of excommunication against Thomas Algeo.”
“The warrant of the Archbishop for the excommunication of John Naismith produced.
“Mr. Hay and Mr. Andro Hamilton report that the Countess had not performed as she had promised. They had therefore proceeded to the first prayer. They were ordained to proceed to the second prayer.
“Isabel Mouat to be proceeded against by prayer, pro primo.
“The which day Mr. James Crauford produced a confession of his faith,
which the brethren thereof not accepting as sufficient for their
satisfaction, he was ordained to be cited—pro secundo.”
“Oct., 1627.—The Countess to be proceeded against by the third prayer.
“Mr. John Hay and Mr. Hamilton report they had proceeded by prayer pro secundo against the Earl. Ordained to proceed by the third
prayer. Notwithstanding of which ordinance, compeared William
Hamilton, brother german to the Earl, as commissionar sent from
him, who shewed that his Lordship would willingly have compeared
himself if his absence had not been occasioned by some important
business, and therefore most humbly entreated the brethren that they would supersede any further proceedings till his Lordship's return, at which time he hoped he would give satisfaction.
“The brethren were pleased, therefore, to continue his Lordship till the next presbyterie.
“Isabel Mouat to be proceeded against by prayer—pro secundo.”
“Mr. John Hay reported he had delayed to pronounce the sentence of excommunication against John. Naismith publickly because of a verbal warrant he had obtained of the Bishop, and because of his earnest entreaty and promise to appear this day, who compearing, was demanded upon sundry points of religion, and being urged, the said John said he was not resolved at that time, and therefore craving time to the effect he might be resolved, ordain him to give in his doubts to Mr. John Hay upon Sunday next following, and him to confer with the said John anent the same, and if he give satisfaction, to continue ; if not, to proceed on Sunday come eight days by the sentence of excommunication.”
“November 19, 1627. Mr. John Hay reported he had desisted to proceed against the Countess by the third prayer, upon some hopes of obedience, as her Lady's son, William, commissioner from her Ladyship, had shown unto him.—Which day the act of the Synodal Assemblie was produced, ordering the process against the Countess to be concluded, except her Ladyship promised by her writt, subscribed under her hand, and sent to the Presbyterie, that, upon her conscience and honour, she shall resort ordinarlie to the hearing of the Word when she may for her health, which act the brethren ordained Mr. John Hay and Mr. Andrew Hamilton to intimate to her, and if she promise not to give obedience thereunto, the said brethren ordain them to proceed by the third prayer, and to conclude the process.
“An act of General Assembly also produced regarding the Earl, importing that if his Lordship would resolve whether he would come to the church or not for hearing God's word betwixt and the 1st Dec., and to confer with Mr. Hay and Mr. Maxwell, that then the Assembly would grant him a suspension till the said day. Otherwise he is to be proceeded against by the third prayer.
“Mouat to be proceeded against by third prayer.
“Mr. Hay reported he had not proceeded against Naismith as he promised to confess his disobedience before the congregation, and to come to the hearing of the word.
“The brethren were ordained to make intimation of the excommunication of Thomas Algeo in their several kirks upon Sunday next, after sermon, to the intent no one should have familiar conversation or conference with him, under the pain and penaltie contained in the acts of the Kirk.”