Vol 6 - Dumfriesshire & Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian ...

Transactions. 27as their " auncient enemie?." "July, 1640.—John M'Courtie, remittedby the Presbytery to the censure of this Session for hisoften falling into sin with Isobcl Wright, they are ordained toresort to the pillar in sackcloth the ensuing Sabbath, and there, inface of the whole congregation, cancel and destroy the paper whichthey brought from England of their unlawful marriage and disclaimthe same and for ever dishaunt her comijauy. John Maxwell, oneof the elders of the Session, for accompanying his brother over themarch to their unlawful way of marriage contrair to the disciplineof the church, is removed off the session, and ordained to paytwenty punds to the poor." " John Laurie, piper, petitions theSession for liberty to use and exercise his calling of piping andplaying, undertaking not to play at all to any of the English.The Session notwithstanding, conceiving his way of living to beuseless, have unanimously discharged him henceforth to use thesame, and to take himself to some lionester way of living." Itmay be conceived that boycotting would be unlikely to existamongst neighbours at this time, but such undoubtedly was thecase, for we find the Session (April 29, 1647), giving "liberty toMr John Corson and Mr Cuthbert Cunningham to speak withLord Herries, notwithstanding he be excommunicate, in respectthey have sundry business of good with his lordship. Also grantsthe same liberty to Robert Newall anent his affairs vnth. Maynesand John Maxwell of Mylnstone." I simply lay these extractsbefore you as of antiquarian interest, and forbear, as contrary toour custom, to criticise in any way their religious bearings. Theyare matters that concern our good town, and serve to throw lightupon a chapter of our history of no mean importance. Beforeconcluding, permit me to read you the duties laid down totheeldersof the church. Their position at this time seems to have beenparticularly onerous, and the scale of Christian duty and observanceno mean one. Their duties were to enquire as they wentthrough their several quarters every quarter of the year :(1) Howthe master of the family behaves himselfIf his wife walk orderly.If children and servants are obedient. (2) If children be trainedup in their learning and honest trades. (3) If they be kept fromprofaning the Sabbath, and brought to the public worship. (4) Ifthe little catechise be in every family and exactly learned. (5; Ifthere be family wor.ship, and the word read therein ; and if ineach family there be a bible and exhort to private worship. (6)