david_black – The Reformation
King`s displeasure.
Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae, H Scott (1915) rev 1917, 1920
vol 5 p 420 Arbirlot, 1597
DAVID BLACK, educated at Univ. of St Andrews; adm. (on the recommendation of Andrew Melville) min. of St Andrews Nov. 1590. Having offended JamesVI. by” certain unreverent, reproach full and infamous speeches in his sermons,” he was summoned before the Privy Council 18th Nov. 1596, but declined its jurisdiction “in matters spiritual.” In this he was supported by “his whole brethren of the ministrie.” Twelve days later he lodged a second declinature, but was found guilty on 2nd Dec, and ” the penaltie referred to the King’s will and pleasure.” On 9th Dec. he was ordered to enter his person in ward. The Synod of Fife petitioned the King to restore B. to his charge, but that was not done, and he was trans, and adm. here in 1597; pres. to the vicarage by James VI. 15th May 1598. “While on his way to Perth he died suddenly at Dundee, of apoplexy, immediately after having given thanks at a meal, Tuesday 12th Jan. 1603. He had preached and dispensed the Communion on the preceding Sunday. He is characterised as a man of singular fidelity and diligence, mighty in doctrine, a powerful preacher, a zealous, faithful, and painstaking pastor, whose ministry was productive of much fruit. He was strongly opposed to Episcopacy. He marr. Katherine Prattie, who survived him, and had issue Sarah, who with her mother was recommended to charity by the Synod of Lothian and Tweeddale 4th Nov.
1659.