Chapter XXIV: The Abercorns and the Kirk
“Nov. 29, 1627.—Mr. John Hay reported that the Countess shewed she could not be resolved to give obedience to the act of the Synod, and therefore that he had proceeded by the third prayer.
“Same entry as to the Earl.
“Isabel Mouat's process to be sent to the Archbishop for her excommunication.
“Mr. Hay to continue with Naismith as before.
“The process against the Countess to be laid before the Archbishop, that warrant may be obtained for her excommunication.”
“Jan. 10, 1628.—The warrant from the Archbishop being obtained, Mr. John Hay was ordained to excommunicate the Countess betwixt and next Presbyterie day.
“Same for John Naismith.”
“Jan. 31.—Mr. John Hay reported that according to instructions he had pronounced the sentence of excommunication against the Countess the 20th day of January, 1628. He also reported that because the said noble Erle had taken journey to Court for his necessarie and lawful busness, he had consulted the Archbishop, who advised him to delay to pronounce the said sentence till his Lordship return, whereunto the brethren assented.”
“April 27, 1628.—Mr. John Hay reported he could profit nothing anent John Naismith. He was therefore ordered to pronounce sentence of excommunication of him and betwixt and the next Presbyterie day.”
“May 8, 1628.—Isabel Mouat ordered to be excommunicated by Mr. Andro Hamilton, minister of Kilbarchan, and as he had refrained to excommunicate the Countess, he is ordained, under pain of suspension, to come to the Kirk of Pasley on the 11th May to preach there, and after sermon publickly to confess his oversight and negligence in not excommunicating the said Countess as he was ordained.
“Mr. Hay reported he had hopes of John Naismith's obedience. He is therefore ordained to continue in reference to the said John.”
“May 22, 1628.—Mr. Andro Hamilton not having excommunicated Isabel Mouat, four members of Presbyterie ordered to go to the Archbishop and complain thereof.”
“June 5, 1628.—The brethren sent to the Bishop report that it is his will that Mr. Andro should be suspended if he did not excommunicate Isabel Mouat betwixt and next Presbyterie day.”
“July 20, 1628.—Mr. Andro Hamilton reported he had excommuni¬cated Isabel Mouat.”
“Nov. 22, 1628.—Mr. John Hay produced a writting subscribed by John Naismith, testyfying his satisfaction to the Kirk, the tenor whereof followeth:—It obliges him to attend the parish church, receive the sacrament, and “attend such conferences as the Presbyterie may appoint for his better instruction in the grounds of true religion.” The Presbyterie accept of it as sufficient to stop the proceedings.”