Series 1 > Diary of Sir Archibald Johnston of Wariston 1632-1639

INTRODUCTION
xxi
Hay, a daughter of Lord Foresterseat. His first inclination
was towards the latter, but in the kirk his mind changed to
Catherine Morison; and his sister, Lady Curriehill, and his
uncle all inclined towards her. ‘ At evening I got libertie of
tears and groans in my prayer . . . telling the Lord that the
counsail and consent of my freinds, quhilk was the ordinair
means by Gods apointment of effectuating busines of this
kynd, and ane apearance of inaibling me to serve God in my
calling by the P1 companie, was the tuo cheif reasons
mooved me to the particular.’2 But his brother-in-law, Burnet,
told him plainly that a proposal for her would be absolutely
rejected, because her family were proud and had already
refused good matches for her. They trusted 4 to be suited be
barons of good qualitie,’ and, moreover, they were very greedy
and looked chiefly to gear. All thoughts of Catherine
Morison were therefore given up. But Burnet went further,
and told him that it was too soon to think of marrying
again.3 Lady Curriehill, however, in whose opinion he had
great confidence, advised him differently.4 Accordingly his
attention reverted to Helen Hay, and he made proposals to
her, telling her at the same time of his 4 imperfections of can-
kerdnes, sillines, and profaines, to the end schoe might be
forwairned of the hazard.’5 She was willing to run the risk,
and accepted him. His sister and brother-in-law were at first
bitterly opposed to the match, and there was much difficulty
in adjusting the settlements. But in the end all was arranged.
The marriage was celebrated in the Kirk of Currie on 4th
September 1634, fifteen months after the death of his first
wife, and he wrote, I 4 blisse God fore setling my affections
on sutch ane object as I kneu not the lyk eyther for his fear
or my contentment.’6 But for the poor lady it was an ill-fated
marriage. His sincere affection for her may have remained,
and she must have been proud of his rapid advancement from
2 P. 177.
» P. 188.
1 P may stand lor Prestongtange.
* P- 179.
3 P. 178.
6 P. 194.