john_davidson – The Reformation

JOHN DAVIDSON

Fasti Vol 1, p 387, Preston 1595

 JOHN DAVIDSON was born about 1549, at Dunfermline, where his parents owned property in houses and lands. He entered St Leonard’s College, St Andrews, in 1567, and after graduating, became a regent of the College, pursuing the study of theology. Being introduced to John Knox, he set himself to advance the cause of the Reformation, and one of his earliest services was the production of a play intended to expose the errors of Romanism, which was acted in Knox’s presence. In 1573 there appeared from

his pen Aine Breif Commendation of Uptightness, a poem in praise of

Knox, with accompanying verses on theReformer’s death. Soon after, another

poetical tract was issued anonymously, under the title of Ane Dialog, or Mutuale Talking betwixt a Clerk and ane Courteour; concerning foure

Parhische Kirkes tìll ane Minister

. This was a reflection on theRegent Morton, who had been uniting parishes under one minister to secure part of the benefices for himself. The Regent was deeply offended. Printer and poet were put in prison. On his liberation, he lay hid for a time at Kinzcancleugh, Ayrshire, the residence of his friend Robert Campbell. He then retired to the Continent, where he remained for about three years. In 1577, at the urgent solicitation of the General Assembly, Morton permitted his return, and in 1579 he became min. of Liberton. In June 1581, Morton being under sentence of death was visited by Davidson. Going for a time to London, he became known at the English Court, and from the earnest style of his preaching was called “the thunderer.” Returning, he did not resume  his charge at Liberton, but officiated in various places, and acted as min. of the Second Charge of Holyrood. In 1595 he became min. of this charge, and built a church and manse at liis own expense. He vigorously resented the proposal that certain of the clergy should sit and vote in Parliament, and words that lie then uttered were often repeated: ” Busk him, busk him as bonnily as ye can, and bring him in as fairly as ye will, we see him well eneoch, we see tho horns of his mitre.” He was summoned before the King at Holyrood, and committed to  Edinburgh Castle, but released, and allowed to return home, though interdicted from going beyond the bounds of his parish. He died in Sept. 1604. He left a widow (name unknown).His effects were devoted to the support of the school which he

founded.