Alexander Hume facts for kids

Alexander Hume (1558 – 4 December 1609) was a Scottish poet. He was also a leader in the Church of Scotland. He served as the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in the early 1600s. This role meant he was like the head of the church's main meeting.

Alexander Hume's Life and Work

Early Life and Education

Alexander Hume was born in 1558. His father was Patrick Hume. He was the brother of Patrick Hume of Polwarth. Alexander studied at the University of St. Andrews, finishing in 1574. After that, he went to Paris to study law.

Serving the Church

He came back to Scotland in 1578. He worked in the Court of Justice for a short time. However, he found the legal system unfair. So, he decided to work for the church instead. In 1597, he became the minister of Logie Kirk in Stirlingshire. His father helped pay his salary, which was called a stipend.

His home, called a manse, was built in 1590. It stood near the church on the grounds of Airthrey Castle.

Church Leadership

Alexander Hume was chosen to be the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland many times. This was a very important job. He likely held this position in 1602, 1604, and 1607. He might have also been Moderator in 1599.

Later Years and Passing

In May 1608, Alexander Hume was attacked. He was hit with a heavy stick by a parishioner. He never fully recovered from this injury. He became very ill in May 1609. Alexander Hume passed away on 4 December 1609.

In his will, he left many books. He also left several musical instruments. He gave a gold ring to his good friend, John Scherar. He also shared his "love and Christian affection" with several important people. These included Dame Marie Stewart, Countess of Mar, and the poet Lady Elizabeth Melvil.

His Published Works

In 1599, Alexander Hume published a book called Hymnes, or Sacred Songs. This book included a beautiful poem named "The Day Estival." It describes a summer day.

Other works he wrote include:

• Thanks for the Deliverance of the Sicke
• Ane Epistle to Maister Gilbert Montcrief

Alexander Hume's Family

Alexander Hume was married to Marion Duncanson. Her father was John Duncanson. He was a leader at St Leonard's College and later at the Chapel Royal.

Alexander and Marion had two daughters, Dinah and Naomi. They also had one son, Caleb Hume. They all lived together in the Logie manse. After Alexander died, his family was asked to leave the manse. This was to make room for the new minister. They received £60 as payment for moving.

His sister, Janet Hume, married Lord David Hume of Law. Alexander Hume's great-nephew was Patrick Hume, 1st Earl of Marchmont.

See also

• Scottish literature