Series 2 > Seafield correspondence from 1685 to 1708

1695]
FIRST EARL OF SEAFIELD
171
of the Episcopall preswasion, that have qualified them¬
selves benorth Aberdein; and lykewayes he is desyrous
to knowe of the number of the Presbyterian ministers
settled in churches since the revolution; and I most
also informe him of the names of the other ministers in
possessione of churches that are unqualified. I knowe
yow cane be helpfull to me in this matter within the bounds
of Ross and Inverness, ffor by calling for on or tuo of your
nighbouring ministers who have qualified themselves,
yow will gett full informa°ne. I beg pardon for this
trouble, and expecting your ansre, I remaine. Sir, Your
most humble srvant, Ja. Ogilvte.
Sir Alexander M'Kenzie, laird of Coull, was one of the two
commissioners for Ross to Parliament in 1693 and 1695.
The Rev. James Chalmers, minister of Cullen, having failed to
qualify by the 1st of September, was deprived of office. The Rev.
John Hay, minister of Rathven, was deprived by the Privy Council
on 7th November 1689, and was deposed in 1694. The next
five letters deal with the filling up of these vacancies. Cullen was
ultimately settled in 1697, and Rathven not until 1700, and even
then temporarily and only in form.
ffor THE EARLE OFF FFINDLATOUR
Right Honourable,—The Presbytry of Aberdein ffind-
ing ye church of Cullin vacand in law, ye former minister
being deprived by act of Parliatt, have appointed our
reverend broyr, Mr. John Sandielands minister of the
gospell to declare the sd vacansie Sabbath next the 29
instant; and they have appointed me heirwt to signifie
soe much to your Lordship by this line, expecting your Lo.
concurrance in yis affair according to law, and yt you
will be instrumental! as soon as possible to heave ye sd
church planted wt ane honest and weel qualified man, and
if your Lordship please and see it meett our broyr Mr.
Sandilands may make the first step in order to ye choicing
of ane legall eldership, for ye more speedy settlement of
a minister ut you.—Beggs your Lordships pardon for yis
trouble, and tho I have not ye happieness of your Lord-
ships acquaintance, yet I doe heirby subscribe my self.