Spinning a Scottish Yarn: The Reverend David Dickson Part Three The Covenant & Glasgow

The following excerpts provide a timeline of DICKSON’s activities from 1638 to about 1650. They are pieced together from various sources. Roughly covering his last years at Irvine through his tenure at Glasgow University. There are many excerpts from correspondance between David DICKSON and Robert BAILLIE. Just looking at the places he traveled to gives you an idea of how busy he was in securing the Covenanters vision.

THE COVENANT

In 1638 the Lords Loudon and Rothes and the minister David DICKSON sent letters summoning noblemen, lairds and others to Edinburgh to support the Presybyterians—believing Christ is the sole head of the church—and not the King. The organizers were afterward known as Covenanters. David DICKSON was a signer of the Covenant at Greyfriars Church on the 28th February 1638 in Edinburgh. Upwards of 60,000 people had gathered in the city for the event. The covenant opposed Charles I’s Anglican (Laudian) Prayer Book of 1637, which he had imposed on all churches in Scotland. In August 1638 David DICKSON preached in a sermon that obedience to a ruler was neither Mandatory or necessary since it was “Better to Obey God than man.” [ Truth’s Victory Over Error David Dickson ]

“By far the most interesting of the original copies (or, as WARISTON would have called them, principal copies) of the National Covenant still known to exist, is the one in Edinburgh Municipal Museum. The extreme measurements are : across the top, 3 feet 10| inches, and from top to bottom 3 feet 7 inches. On the front there are about thirteen hundred and fifty signatures and initials, all autograph. Among them are many of the leading nobles, including Montrose, Rothes, Cassillis, and Loudoun ; and such prominent ministers as Harry Rollock, Edinburgh ; David DICKSON, Irvine ; and Alexander Henderson, Leuchars… It has long been supposed that this was the copy which was first signed in the Greyfriars’ Church, and, as was believed, in the churchyard. On the back of the document, however, are the words : ” At the South Kirk of Edinburgh the threttein, twentie, and xxvii dayis of Marche, 1638.” … The question remains. Which church was then known as the South Kirk of Edinburgh ? A communion cup of Old Grey friars, bearing the date 1633, is inscribed : ” For the chvrch of the svth vest parich of Edinbvrghe ” (Burns’ Old Scottish Communion Plate, pp. 222, 223)…nineteen hundred of which are autograph signatures, and about nine hundred have been written by notaries. [From PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, FEBRUARY 10, 1908. “BANDS” OR COVENANTS IN SCOTLAND, WITH A LIST OF EXTANT
COPIES OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANTS. BY THE REV. JAMES KING HEWISON, M.A., D.D., F.S.A. Scot pg 172-73]

A bit more detail in the Covenantors, vol. i.,’ p. 264. Of. Act. Parl. Scot., llth June 1640, v. 292-8.1638 Covenant in the Museum of the Corporation of Edinburgh. This magnificent parchment is par excellence the Covenant of 1638. It is preserved and framed between two sheets of glass. The skin, probably that of a deer, is the largest engrossed with the Covenant, and measures 43 inches long and 46 inches broad. Both sides are fully occupied with the names, initials, and marks of subscribers, 3250 in all—1350 on one side and 1900 on the other. The skin shows two cuts and one large hole. It was ” written be James Davie, Schoolmaister in Edinburghe.” Immediately below the terms of the Covenant, but in smaller script and clearer ink, appears the following addendum (of 30th August 1639) embodying the Determination of Glasgow Assembly (Peterkin, Records, 208 ; Scottish Hist, and Life, 1902, p. 98). Then follow these names in order : Montrose, Rothes, Eglinton, Cassillis, Lothian, Boyd, Forrester, Wemyss, Yester, Sinclare, Elcho, Lindesay, Cranstoune, Loudoun, Johnstoun, Balmerino, Flemyng, Lyone, and others of the nobility. Then follow the leading lairds and members of “BANDS” OR COVENANTS IN SCOTLAND. Parliament: S[ir] H[ew] Campbell, …” Mr Andro Cant” made a clear subscription, as did David DICKSON, minister in Irvine, Harie Rollok, minister in Edinburgh, many dames, doctors, advocates, ministers, magistrates ; and illiterates made marks or penned huge initial letters. Notaries signed on behalf of many others. A notarial attestation, “At the South Kirk of Edinburgh the threttein, tweritie, and xxvii dayis of March 1638,” indicates that this deed was subscribed before the 1638 Glasgow Assembly. [History of the Old Greyfriars church Edinburgh by William Moisr BRYGE with Chapter on the Subscribing of the Nat’l Covenant by D. Hay FLEMING 1912] Pg 85]

In Carol A Williams Doctoral dissertation at Calvin Theological Seminary in 2005 titled : the Decree of Redemption is in Effect a Covenant: David DIckson and the Covenant of Redemption Ms Williams credits David Dickson (1583-1662) to be the first to precisely formulate the doctrine that becomes the basis of the Covenant. “This dissertation examines the works of one of the under-investigated seventeenth-century theologians whose work illustrates development of the doctrine of the pactum salutis [the covenant of Salvation] . Despite the prominence of David DICKSON (1583-1662) in the history of the Scottish church and his contributions to the trajectory of federal theology, his work has not been adequately explored. Although discussion of the three covenants can be found in print before DICKSON, he appears to be the first to precisely formulate the doctrine in the context that became accepted as orthodoxy.”

The following are excerpts for The Letters and Journals of DICKSON’s friend Robert BAILLIE. There are many references in this volume of Letters and Journals to David DICKSON, some under the name David DICK.

From The letters and journals of Robert Baillie … M.DC.XXXVII.-M.DC.LXII we learn: in a letter to

To MR. WILLIAM SPANG. dated Feb. 27, [1638.] “From the 24th of July to the 10th of August, the posts rann thick betwixt the Court and the Counsell, which satt every other day, to finde means for peaceable introduction of the Service. There wanted not good will in the Magistrates and Ministers of Edinburgh, for to do his Majestie service, as ye may see in the minutes of the Counsell yet all was delayed to the 20th of August ; at which tyme the source Supplications which by the diligence of one man, D.D. [David DICKSON then Minister of Irvine] upon very small, or no hope of successe, was procured from Glasgow, Irwine, Aire, Fyfe, were presented, and that favourable letter which ye have before, was written by the Counsell to the King ; to the which come down that sharp reply, the 20th of September, which ye heard likewise.” [pg 32]

DICKSON “was sent to Aberdeen, with Mistrs. HENDESON and CANT, by the Covenanters, to persuade that City and Country to join in renewing the Land’s Covenant with the Lord. This brought him to bear a great Part in the Debates with the learned Doctors FORBES, BARRON, SIBBALD, etc. [Truth xvi] David DICKSON and Alexander HENDERSON took a road trip which is described in the above booklet printed in 1638 in Aberdeen and mentions stops in Aberdeen, Alford, Deer and Turiff where DICKSON had been exiled for a time [in 1622]. They were clearly securing signers and supporters of the National Covenant

“To the Christian Reader. That you may know our Proceedings, how we are , brought upon the Stage, and contrarie to out expectations, arc pre put in Print. Coming to Aberdeen, on Friday, in the afternoon, we received the Demands of Our Reverend Brethren that night late and, for the greater expedition, without delay, we returned our summarie Answers Sunday at night. On the LORDS Day following, we desired to express our selves to the People in presence of the Ministrie, but the Pulpits and Kirkes were altogether refused, and therefore in the most convenient place we could have ful dio[open air] , and at such houres as were vacant from the ordinarie exerciscs of publick Wordhip, we delivered our Message in the audience of many. After our last Sermon, towards Evening, wee found that our labour was not in vaine in the LORD: for diverse persons, of speciaall note, both for place and wisdome , with willing heart , and great readinesse of minde, did publicklie put their hands to the Covenant. Having the weeke following seene some parts of the Countrey, (where besides the Presbyteries Alforde and Deare [Old Deer Parish] , who had subscribed before, the Moderator, and diverse of the Presbyterie of Aberdene , the Presbyterie and people of Turreff , after they were satisfied in some scruples , did also subscribe ) wee returned the next Saturday to Aberdene, where finding that some others had subscribed that weeke , wee resolved to Preach upon the morne. That night wee receaved a Replye, unto which before our returne home, we have made an Answere. All these we desire may be unpartially considered : and if it shall please the LOTD, that any light should come from our labour unto thy minde, let it be ascribed not unto us, (who neither had time nor helpe for such a taske) but to the brightnesse of the Trueth, and Cause itself, and to the Father of Lights: to whom bee all Glorie.” The Answeres of some brethren of the Ministerie : to the replyes of the ministers and professours of divinitie in Aberdeene, concerning the late Covenent by Alexander HENDERSON and David DICKSON printed

1638 Monday, 3d of December, we keeped our eleventh Session. The first action was the appointment of preachers for that week… At the entriy Mr. D. Dick[son] made a long harangue of Arminianisem. I admired the witt of the man, and his dextrous expression : he refuted all these errors in a new way of his own, as some years agoe he had conceaved it in a number of sermons on the new covenant. “I was not called upon that day, so I was glad that my task was forgot ; yet at night I studied the article of free will, which before I had no tyme to confider. Mr. David‘s discourse was much, as all his things, extemporall ; so he could give no double of it, and his labor went away with his speech” [Baillie pg 150]

Monday, the 17th of December 1638 ” to have established a Professor of Divinitie among them, for now they had meanes enough for one ; Rutherfurd was named…they and we both intended Mr. D. DICKSONE : yet other great affaires hes taken all their tyme, and thir thoughts are cast by till our estate be settled.” [Baillie pg 172]

To MR. DAVID DICKSON. REVEREND AND BELOVED BROTHER, 21st of July, 1639. In a very long letter Baillie writes “If God bless yow in these endeavours, I will take yow for a blessed and happie instrument to our Church.” Baillie 178]

From David DICKSON to Baillies 1639 . “It was written in answer to this Letter as followes : As for these Overtures, whereof yow and I have been speaking, it is in my heart to indeavour them to the uttermost of my power ; and I hope in God to fee them effectuate. This is from your loveing Brother, DAVID DICKSON.” [Baillies 180]

March 30th, 1640. FOR MR. D. DIKSOUN, PROFESSOR IN GLASGOW. “REVEREND AND BELOVED BROTHER, I long much to understand how all things frames with yow in your new charge(6) ; there is no reason, that at first everie thing would be according to the mind of your friends. If that Towne and Colledge were so disposed alreadie, as to give the lyke of yow fo heartie and kind welcome as they aught, what would you have done there ? Was it not your onlie er[r]and to be God’s instrument among them, by your labours, to gett that dispoition of theirs amend ed, which this long whyle hes been to the land so offend the ; to gett the grace of God, and heartie love to those who mindit pietie, planted in their heart ? Shall we be so unreasonable as to look for those things in them at the first moment, without any of your labour, which we wish may be wrought in them, by all the paines yow can take in your whole life ?” [Baillie 244-45]

While David DICKSON was traveling about the country he still remained at his post in Irvine. The National Covenant pledged those who swore to it to defend the true religion against innovations, such as those that had recently been introduced, that were interpreted by the Reformers, as against their understanding of the Bible. These disagreements led to the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. In England, Scotland and Ireland, which were still separate countries,a series of conflicts fought between 1639 and 1653 began. King Charles I wanted all under his dominion. In June 1639 under Alexander LESLIE, and the Scots Army of Covenanters encamped at Dunse Law, a 700-foot-high hill located in the Scottish Borders. DICKSON acted as chaplain of the Ayrshire regiment, commanded by the 1st Earl of Loudoun, John CAMPBELL, and later at the general assembly which, after the pacification, met at Edinburgh in August of the same year where he was chosen moderator.

GLASGOW

On the 27th Feb. 1640, Mr. David Dickson’s entered his office as Professor and Doctor of Theology. Returning to the school that had educated him must been a bittersweet homecoming, leaving his Irvine parish where he had ministered for over twenty years. The Moderators had undertaken to provide him with a certain salary and dwelling-house. Official residential chambers were built directly into the inner courtyards of the University and stone quadrangles of the old college. As seen below.

In the 17th century ‘Episcopalians’ were governed by bishops, usually appointed by the monarch; ‘Presbyterians’ were ruled by Elders of the church. The Elders were nominated by their congregations. Presbyterians had more local control, whereas the Church of Scotland was ruled by the monarch. Champions of either faction were the subject of vigorous debate. Between 1639 to 1640 the “Bishops’ Wars” began when Charles I marched to confront his Covenanter opponents in Scotland. The 6th Earl of Eglington [Alexander MONTGOMERIE], and members of his family were among those who took part in the “Bishops’ War” in the North of England on the side of the Covenanters.

Excerpts below are from the Letters and Journals of Robert BAILLIE. BAILLIE and DICKSON shared many similarities. [I have mostly left the original spelling] BAILLIE was born 1602 in Saltmarket, Glasgow, the eldest son of James BAILLIE, also a merchant and burgess of Glasgow, like DICKSON’s father. Although younger, he somewhat followed in DICKSON’s footsteps. He was licensed by Archbishop James LAW and became a regent of Philosophy in the University, and tutor to the son of Alexander MONTGOMERIE, 6th Earl of Eglinton, a good friend of DICKSON from the Irvine area. He was ordained to Kilwinning on 25 May 1631 and admitted burgess of Glasgow 6 July 1631. In 1642 he was made Professor of Divinity at the University of Glasgow, holding the chair jointly with David DICKSON.

From Baillie’s letter to To MR. WILLIAM SPANG, AFTER ABERDEEN ASSEMBLIE. [September 1640.] “When we came to the committee, all fyve acts was read[ Perth Articles]… I sett myself to perswade that his draught might be accepted, for truelie it had nothing that was contraverted : It confided of three articles ; — the Second, ” That read prayer was not unlawful!, ” Mr. D. DICK[SON] did inlarge, That it should be lawfull to read prayers, both in private and publick.” [Baillie Vol 1 pg 253]

“Act of ratificatioun of the Professor of Theologie in the University of Glasgow,” in favour of Mr. David Dicksoune,” was passed by Parliament, Sept. 11, 1641, (Acts Parl. vol. v, p. 938.)

In 1642 the Glasgow University Archive retains a manuscript [GB 248 GUA 35377] which includes an account for David Dickson for plastering, glazing, locks and keys.

This Letter in David DICKSONe’s hand I record in full. It is advice to the younger man, BAILLIE, on how to negotiate the present difficulties and challenges. :

“To MR. ROBERT BAILLIE. REVEREND AND BELOVED BROTHER, I KNOW you have your own miscontentments in the place where you are, which I foresaw and told you of before, and you have used your own way in refusing apparentlie God’s calling elsewhere ; and namelie to Glasgow, in such a way as none could but yield unto you, except they would have resolved extreamlie to crosse and grieve you ; if you doe so still, it is in vain for any man, hot for your enemies, to move any thing for your transportation. Yow know the estate of the Colledge for the present, and all our parts : yow remember also that yow have made this a main exception against the taking on a profession in the Colledge, that yow doubted whether yow might be able and fitt to discharge your self as became, whereof we and such as know yow, makes no doubt. Now the matter is so contrived in God’s providence, as I fee not how you can refuse the call, as yow will particularlie see by the bearer. Therefore my advyce to yow as to a friend is this, that yow professe to your brethren openlie, and to all your friends, that seeing the Colledge of Glasgow, which hes such interest in yow, doe call unto yow to under take a profession, which as you dare not altogether refuse, so till yow take tryall how yow may be worthie of the trust put upon yow, yow cannot so deep ingadge into as to be fad for ever : If the Colledge will be content with what yow can doe convenientlie for a year or two, whill yow are upon a course of sitting your studies for that service, then yow will yield unto them, and cannot refuse, having so fair an offer of being free, if yow find not yourself after such a tyme able and willing to be tyed dureing life unto them. If thus yow doe, I say it is weell ; your brethren and your paroche shall find yow allwayess the same ; the sentence of the Generall Assemblie is dulie respected, and yours credit is provyded for, for the present, and for tyme to come, whatsoever hand yow shall turn yourself to, after two years serving the profession as yow may. But if this course seem not good in your eyes, I should be glad to hear your reasons, face to face ; that either ye might make me of your mind, or I you of my mind, and both might rest ; for till now, doe what I could, I was never able to find a lyklie ground to goe upon to bring you hither, since the Generall Assemblie gave then’ sentence. What comfort you may, God willing, expert in our fellowship, I will not speak much of it, wishing rather reallie to be friendlie than largelie to undertake. The Lord direct you, and I rest. Your loving Brother, March 28th, 1642. DAVID DICKSONE. [Baillie Vol 2 pg 13-14]

And this entreaty a couple of months later from DICKSON.

To MR. ROBERT BAILLIE. REVEREND AND BELOVED BROTHER, BECAUSE the chock of tyme is now, when either yow must resolve this obedience of the sentence of the Synod, ere we resolve in our dayes to quite thoughts of you ; therefore, for my exoneration, I have resolved to speak home to you. Remember, that you was the first motion-maker of my coming to the Colledge, and the chief instrument of bringing it about, and that you used for arguments, such as I lay now to your doore back againe : the good of the publick, in the weell of the seminarie ; the comparison of both preaching in the kirk and teaching in the schooles, with the worth of preaching, etc ; the obligation to the Colledge of Glasgow, and to the West-countrie, for whose use chieflie it doth serve ; and others lyke. I pray you, (partialitie laid aside,) think upon how oft you have been called upon, to say no more, in. God’s providence, which is not lightlie to be looked upon? How manie Assemblies your name hes been tossed into ? How news went at Aberdeen, that you should have been fanged? for that Universitie ? And how impossible it is to keep your appellation undisscussed, except you judge Glasgow, town and presbytrie, so sensless as to quyte the sentence of the Synod with shame and skaith both ? How foolish a proposition it will be thought to be, to make ane motion of an act of never transportation of you ; and that everie wife hearer will judge it as much as if the proponers would say to the Assemblie, Settle this man in some Universitie, for there will be no rest till it be done ; and either doe it now, or else bind your own hands, never to medle with him hereafter, how usefull soever he may seem. Therefore, doe not mock yourself and others also ; either testifie your refpect to this Colledge now in tyme, or be allured to be disposed of otherwayes than either your Presbytrie or we would. If you will not delay to put this matter to a poynt, blow mist in your own eyes as yow will, you are gone [lost] to that West-countrie, as any reasonable man may see. I will seek to submitt my self to God’s will, which, within two or three dayes after this, in my expectation, will be revealed. He that refuses a calling, and he that intrudes in a calling, is [alike] blame worthy before God. I have said, and God doe as he pleases. I rest, Your loving Brother, May 15th 1642. DAVID DICKSONE. [Letters Vol 2 pg 21]

In a very long letter BAILLIES brings DICKSON Up to date. [1642]

To which Baillie replied [in part ]
REVEREND AND BELOVED BROTHER, I CANNOT but acknowledge, with thanks, your love and respects to me in all these your continued cares and pains for me. I professe your reasons and your affectionat importunitie vexes me… By God’s grace, a little after my Communion, I shall be a little peremptor ; before I cannot, for I refolve to conferre with the men I named. Wonder not at this my resolution, the matter is verie weightie ; I am weak and simple, and have powerfull attractives on both hands : but I hope the goodnefs of God, which hes ever been to me verie great, will guide this matter to all our satisfactions. I rest, Your verie loving and much obliedged Brother, Kilwinning, May l7th 1642. R. BAILLIE. [Letters Vol 2 pg 22-23]

FOR MR. DICKSON. REVEREND AND DEAR [BROTHER,] The Lord is yet going on here after his wonted way : he gives us no more outward ground of hope than is compassed with just reasons of feare, and tryes us with no more matter of fear than he setts about with evident grounds of hope…As all former disasters, so this, I hope, shall doe us good. Yesterday was a gracious day of prayer. Manchester has used all dilligence to draw down his forces ; and we trust is so strong, that Prince Rupert shall make small use of his great advantage at Newark. Though HOPTON and Sir Jacob ASHLEY be strong at Winchester, yet BALFOUR and WALLER is lying foreannent, with more resolute forces. The Parliament is much wakened. Essex at last is going to the field, with ten thousand good men : it was no wayes his fault but he had been recruited long agoe ; have with Oxford. The Admirall is making out, with fortie good ships. I hope to-day or tomorrow we mail present (as on Monday it was appointed) in the Aslemblie our modell of a Presbyteriall Ordination presentlie to be put in practice. After a thick darkness God will fend light. [Letters Vol 2 pg 155]

Letter FOR MR. W. SPANG, July 26th 1643. “1643 At the day June 22d, was a most frequent meeting, never a Parliament so great ; all the Barrones and Burghs, without exception of one, were for the common weell. The bavard Lords came with great backs, and none greater than Carnwath ; hot at once Fyfe[ Fife] and the West gentlemen came in so thick, that the backs of the others were overshaddowed and vanished. There was a great meeting of the Ministrie ; all went one way ; our reply to the King’s Answer was printed ; we were put on a remonstrance of the Church and Kingdome’s dangers. Mr. David DICKSON and I had resolved at home to be verie quiet in this meeting, and so we were ; we thought the necessitie of putting our countrey in a posture for armes great, and our assisting of the Parliament of England also neccessare against that partie, whom, we doubted not, intended our overthrow no lesse than theirs.” [Baillie Vol 2 pg 75]

To MR. WILLIAM SPANG, September 22d 1643. August 1st. “Being advisedments by my Lord Waristoun to be in town some tyme before the Synod, for advisements, Mr. David DICK[SON] and I came in on Tuesday August 1 ; where some few of us meeting in Waristoun’s chamber, advysed whom to have on committee for bills, reports, and other things.” [Baillie Vol 2 pg 83]

“1643 Sunday the sixth, Mr. David DICK preached well, as allwayes, in the New Church, before noone, but little of the present affaires; for as yet men knew not what to say, the English Commissioners not yet being come.” [Baillie Vol 2 pg 88]

The National Records of Scotland record Letter from Mr David DICKSON, professor of divinity at Glasgow, to Alexander, 6th Earl of Eglinton; rejoices at latter’s return from the army, 29th of July 1644. [GD3/5/345]

To RIGHT REVEREND [BAILLIE] , TAKING to consideration the postur of effairs as now they ar, and the insolenc of this wicked enemie, quho is now sturing, for incuraging of our pairtie, and waikening of the hands of the enemie, wee have beine thinking that it wald be most conducable for their ends, that so suin as the declaration again 11 thair wicked band beis emitted, sum abill and honest gentilmen and ministers shall deill with thes of ther shyr, and obtein, thatsthe shyr being conveined, declair this wicked remonstranc to be destructiv to our Solemne League and Covenant, and so to religioun and libertie, and thervpon ty them lelss one to another, that they will, to the vttermoft of thair indevours, oppose this combination of the enemie, and adher to the declaration emitted against the samin by Kirk and Stait [State] . This motioun wee have thouht good to communicat with you, that if yee find it convenient, it may, by you, tak farther lyf in thes bounds ; and withall wee intreat that fo fuin as yee can have the convenience of a beirer, wee may vnderftand that wee think fitt to be don heirin, for if yee allow of it, wee resolve throuh God’s help, activlie to bestur our selfs in our bounds for furtherance of the famin. Wee ar vpon Tuysday next to cum to be at Hammiltoun, the place where our Synod meits, at that tyme at fartheft wee expeft the declaration, and your judgment concerning this overtur. Thus commending yow to the grace of God, wee remain, Your affectionat Brethern, Falkirk, 2d Apr 1644. DAVID DICKSON. H. BIRSBANE. GEO. YOING [Letters Vol 2 pg 513]

To MR. DAVID DICKSONE : APRIL 29TH 1644. REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER, YOURS, in the beginning of Aprile, we receaved yeternight. Your letters and memorie, believe it, is very sweet to all here. I hope before this you have received many of mine since the 18th of February…Yow have in my wife’s letter a paper for forraigne news…I am glad of what yow writt to Mr. Henderson of your ending the Epistles [A volume by DICKSON, entitled, ” Expositio Analytica Omnium Apostolicarum Epistolarum,” was printed at Glasgow, 1645] by all means go on with diligence in that work. I remaine in my old opinion of the great use may be of it, and of your fitness for it above any man I yet heare of: who flights it, understands it not. I yet look for a blessing on our labours ; so much the more of the sharp oppositions Satan has made hitherto to our intentions. I hope the moft of the ftorme is fallen out, that the weather shall shortlie be faire. Let me know, I pray yow, how all goes. The Lord be with yow. Your Brother, Aprile 29th [1644.] R. BAYLIE. [Letters Vol 2 pg 171-173]

FOR MR. D. D[ICKSON.] JULY 23 [1644.] REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER, NOT knowing where you were from Aprile till the time of your son’s [John] coming hither, I directed my letters to Mr. Robert. You have in my publick letter and papers the outside of our affaires ; but the infide of the thoughts of many here is this. Our difficulties in all our affaires, both of Church and State, are great and many, as they have ever been, from the beginning till this day ; yet the Lord hes carried us through hitherto…The viclorie at Yorke, fo farr as we are informed, appears to us more and
more miraculous. We cannot praise God enough for it. It was exceeding great, and exceeding feafonable, if all the truth were known. By the assistance of your prayers, we truft to obtain from God a happie conclusion of the whole work in his due time. All our companie are, praised be God, in good health. [Letters Vol 2 pg 211-214]

FOR MR. D. D[ICKSON]. SEPTEMBER 16th 1644. REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER, How affaires goe here you may see in my publick letters and printed papers : but beside all these, yow may know more. At this time we are put to live by faith ; for fo farr as we can reach with the eye of our sence, there is one of the thickest clouds above us that we have feen since the beginning of our affaires. Beside your troubles in Scotland, which we feare are very great, and the small hopes of carying Newcastle in haste, we walk here very heavily. We can gett money for nothing : very vast soumes are mispended…The Chancellor is here in a very needfull time. Blessed be God, all our company is in health and cheerful! ; trusting God, and resolving to doe our duty with all the care and prudence God will enable us, be the fuccefs what it may, as truely we are hopefull it mail be very good. These things to you, Mr. Robert, and Mr. George. I rest, your Brother, September 16th 1644. R BAYLIE. [Letters Vol 2 pg 229-231]

FOR MR, DAVID DICKSON. JANUARY 31st 1646. REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER, WITHIN these ten or twelve dayes I wrote to you at great length how all affaires here went. Though I can adde little now, yet ane express going from us, I could not but write salutations. The King sends thick messages for a personall treatie. The Parliament answers as they may in their way ; so at this time they have three of the King’s to answer together : what the matter will produce, we know not yet…Our hearts are oft overburdened ; albeit on Monday the matter of tolleration went better with us than we expected, yet we are so deceaved, that we will say nothing yet. We proceed but slowlie in the Confession of Faith. This must be ended before the Catechise be resumed. The Parliament will have a Court of civill Commissioners erected in every church, on pretence to make report to the Houses in every new case of scandall, but reallie to keep down the power of the Presbyteries forever, and hold up the head of Sectaries. It’s our present work to gett that crushed, and I hope we have done some good in this. Our hearts aikes for griefe and fear for that poor land. The calamities on you, and the greater danger, seems yet to us to be above our head. The Lord arise ere we perish, so I refs, Your Brother, R. BAYLIE. London, January 31ft (Saturday) 1646. [PS] Will that fool Johnstone never take any course for your books ? My service to your wife and sonnes. The King’s designe on our armie here, if it was reall, we hope we have tymouflie prevented it. Sinclare seems to be scarce a good man. We are on vindication of ourfelfes from scurvie aspersions, to the shame of the foolsh contryvers. [Letters pg 347-349]

FOR SCOTLAND. To MR. DICKSON. MARCH I7TH 1646. SINCE my lad, this day fortnight, all the account I can give of our affaires here is this. In the Aflemblie we are fallen on a faftiious propofition, that hes keeped us diverse dayes, and will do fo diverse more, coming upon the article of the church and the church-notes to oppofe the Eraztian heresie, which in this land is very strong, especiallie among the lawyers, unhappie members of this Parliament…The King will not in a fortnight know whither to go. Never man did him worse service than Montrose, and all thefe men who have weakened and divided Scotland : I believe the King feels that folly, among other errors, which now he cannot remeed. A few days will clear many things of Church and State that for the time are in great darkness. London, March 17th 1646. POSTSCRIPT…If my Lady Argyle be with you, remember my heartie affections to her, and to my Lord, and all his : for all that is come, he is my choice of all the Noblemen I know : The Lord be with him, and aflift him. Remember me to all friends. So I rest, Your Brother. 31st March 1646 [Letters pg 360-362]

FOR MR. DICKSON. AUGUST 18th 1646. IN the Assemblie we are returned to the Confession of Faith, and are drawing towards the end of it. The Catechise is almost all past through the Committee. If these were done, lyklie the Assemblie may adjourne, that the members thereof may go downe to their severall shyres, to assist the erecting of sessions, presbyteries, and synods. They have gone on in London, and chosen many very gracious and able elders. [The tumult across Europe has put the fighting against the Presbyterian Army less profitable and there is lots of bargaining to be had.] [Letters pg 390-392]

FOR MR. DICKSON. 22nd SEPTEMBER 1646. REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER, IT’S lyke tomorrow James Gray may agree with some stationers to sell your books as they may best [Expositio Analytical] : We purpose to sett in a half-meet, in the be-ginning, the order of the House of Lords, and the Elogia, that we three and some other divines here has and mall write upon it If the Lord send us peace, I wish God may give yow time and srength to goe on with the whole work : It will be exceeding profitable ; and because it will not be posslble to bring it into a manuell, as yow first intended it, I think yow need not hamper yourself into too great a shortness, but take a little more libertie ; for it will be the more pleasant both to yourself and your hearers...We have ended the Confession of Faith for the matter, and have perfected the most half of it, nyneteen chapters ; the other seventeen, I hope, in ten or twelve days will be perfected, and so all be sent up to the Houses…If that choyse fall wrong, Scotland is in hazard to be ruined. It’s lyke yow may fee the Marquess of Argyle shortlie : The Lord help him out of his trouble ; his enemies are many, and friends for any purpofe bot few : yet God is not dead. My service to Margaret, and Mr. John, and all the rest. I rest, Your Brother, London, 22d September 1646. R. BAYLIE. [Letters pg 397-398]

While David DICKSON was serving as a captain in the covenanting army during the civil war he overheard James DURHAM exhorting his soldiers concerning their souls. Recognizing his ministerial gifts DICKSON told him, “Go home, Sir, for you seem to be called to another work than this!” About 1645 DURHAM entered the University of Glasgow and studied divinity under DICKSON “There the holy and learned Mr. DURHAM passed his trials, and was earnestly recommended by the Professor [DICKSON] to the Presbytery and Magistrates of Glasgow, and in a little Time ordained Manlier to that City. Great was the Friendship and Familiarity between these two eminent Lights of this Church there ; and among other effects of their familiar Conversation, which still turned upon profitable Subjects and Designs, we have, the “Sum of Saving Knowledge,” which hath been so often printed with our Confession of Faith and Catechisms.” [The Bullwark Jan-Mar 2010: The Authors of ‘The Sum of Saving Knowledge’ Matthew Vogan pg 18.] James DURHAM graduated M.A. Glasgow, 1 May 1647 in record time Durham such was his outstanding acumen. He was ordained to Blackfriars in Glasgow. He was licensed for the ministry by the Presbytery of Irvine 18 May 1647. In 1650 he was appointed professor of divinity at Glasgow University. But before he was settled in that office the general assembly decided that he should attend as chaplain to the king. DURHAM died 25 June 1658 of Tuberculosis.

As fate would have it six years later, in 1647 the plague was raging in Glasgow. The Masters and Students of the University removed to Irvine upon Mr. DICKSON‘s Motion. Prior to the 1647 relocation, the Irvine Burgh Council had actively supported the University and besides David DICKSON, many prominent University leaders, such as John STRANG (1584–1654) had served in Irvine. The university’s operations were said to have been located in a Malt Barn behind the Elephant Inn off Eglington Street bounded by Seagate. Note it is labeled in the 1819 map by John Wood as Lord Eglinton’s property. So it makes perfect sense that when the University left Glasgow in 1647 Alexander, 6th Earl of Eglington would lend his property in Irvine.

According to a document titled “Typed Copy of the Faculty of the College of Glasgow” [GB 248 GUA 34628] at Irvine dated April-October 1647 we know the University operated there for at least 6 months— About this Time, Mr. DICKSON had a great share in the printed pamphlets upon the unhappy debates betwixt the Resolutioners and Protestors. He was in his Opinion for the public Resolutions, and most of the Papers upon that Side were written by him.”

I am unable to find what DICKSON was up to in 1648-1649. His correspondence with BAILLIE is strangely silent. This however was during the second English Civil War. A faction of the Covenanters known as the “Engagers” formed an alliance with King Charles I . In January of 1649 King Charles 1 was executed and Charles II took the throne. Another more radical branch of the Covenanters The Kirk party was led by the Marquess of Argyll and backed Charles II.

We will continue the final chapter in 1650.

Brief outline from above when not otherwise in Glasgow:

• Feb 1638 Edinburgh: Greyfriars signing of Covenant
• Mar? 1638 on road to Aberdeen, Alford, Deer, Turiff to urge signers to the Covenant
• Dec 1638-1644 Glasgow
• Apr 1644 Falkirk
• Mar 1646 Inverary–with Marchioness of Argyll
• Apr-Oct 1647 Irvine
• 1648-1650 Glasgow

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