james_sibbald – The Reformation

JAMES SIBBALD – An
`Aberdeen Doctor` who rejected the Covenant.

Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae, H Scott (1915) rev 1917, 1920

vol 6 p 36 St Nicholas Aberdeen, 1625

JAMES SIBBALD of Kair, son of 1625 Andrew S. of Kair and Margaret Arbuthnott; educated at Marischal College ;M.A (1618), B.D. (King’s College 1st Aug. 1627) ; was a probationer in Presb. of Deer 28th Oct. 1613; regent in Natural Philosophy, Marischal College, 1622-6; adm. in 1625; D.D. (King’s College 1628). As one of the famous “Aberdeen Doctors” he strongly opposed the Covenant and was obliged to flee from Scotland in 1638, though he had been elected a member of the Assembly that year. In 1639 he waited upon the King at Berwick, but receiving little encouragement, returned 13th Oct. to this charge. In 24th May 1640 he was silenced and dep. by the Aberdeen Assembly, July following, for refusing to subscribe the Covenant and for heretical preaching, he being, according to Principal Baillie, “in many points of doctrine found verie corrupt.” He fled to England a second time, expecting protection and favour from the King, but returned in the beginning of 1641. Removing to Ireland he obtained a charge in Dublin ; died of the plague (caught through unremitting attention to the sick) after 1647. His books and papers had been seized, July 1640,by a party of musketeers by command of a Committee of Assembly, but were on his petition returned to him, with the exception of some manuscripts. He marr. Elizabeth Nicolson who, with her children, had £200 allowed by Parliament, 21st June

1661, in consideration of his sufferings and loyalty.