Series 1 > Journal of the Hon. John Erskine of Carnock, 1683-1687

JOURNAL OF THE HON.
[JAN.
1st January 1684, Tuesday.—I came this day from Torrie to
Edinburgh with Mr. Thomas Robb; we walked on foot from
the Queensferry to Edinburgh.
Qd.—I was seeing Mr. John Law, Mr. Ctn., and Mr. Sqy.
3c?.—This day compeared before the Council Mr. John
Campbell and Mr. James Vetch, indulged men, being pursued
by the King’s Advocate for not reading the King’s declaration
anent the late plot, and for not observing the injunctions layed
on them by the Council. At their getting that liberty they
acknowledged they had not read the declaration, in their
answers to the lybell, and Mr. Vetch said he had done the
equivalent by advertising the people the Sabbath before that
such a declaration was to be read, and chusing a place of
Scripture fit for such a time, and that he had prayed for the
preservation of his Majesty, and his Royal Highness.
They were put to their oaths if they had keeped their in¬
junctions, and they deposed they had baptised no children
without a testificate from the regular clergy except within their
parishes, and that they had whiles kept the 29th May and
whiles not. Mr. Vetch said he had keeped them ever since his
last absolvitor, his Royal Highness being present, and that he
had keeped the last 29th May, but could not be positive as to
the year preceeding, which I could not reconcile. They were
required to depone if they had prayed or exercised or lectured
in any place without their parishes, and they could not deny
but that they had prayed and spoke about a quarter of an
hour on some portion of Scripture: on which they were
removed, and in a little called in and ordained to oblige them¬
selves by finding caution instantly that within 24) hours they
should find sufficient security under the pain of 5000 merks to
walk orderly, and compear before them when called, or to go
out of the kingdom. The King’s favour and indulgence to
them was declared null, and they discharged from the exercise
of their ministry in their respective parishes.
4ith.—I was several hours in company with Robert Preston,
Alexander and Charles Preston, his half brother, Alexander
Colvill, and the Bruces.
5th.—I was a while this afternoon with Sir Charles Erskine
of Alva, who was this day come to town.