Donald Cargill facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Donald Cargill
Born	1619
Died	(1681-07-27)27 July 1681
Nationality	Scottish
Occupation	pastor
Known for	Covenanter

Donald Cargill (born around 1619 – died 27 July 1681) was a Scottish Covenanter. Covenanters were people who signed special agreements called Covenants. They wanted to protect their church, called Presbyterianism, in Scotland. Presbyterianism meant that local churches were run by elders, not by bishops or the king.

Donald Cargill worked hard to keep the promises of the National Covenant (1638) and the Solemn League and Covenant (1643). These agreements aimed to make sure the Presbyterian Church was strong and free. He was born in Rattray, Perthshire. His father was a public official. Donald studied at the University of St Andrews and became a pastor in 1655.

Donald Cargill's Life Story

Donald Cargill was a brave and determined man. He stood up for his beliefs, even when it was dangerous.

Early Years and Ministry

Donald Cargill was born in Rattray, Blairgowrie. He went to university in Aberdeen and St Andrews. In 1655, he became a minister at the Barony Church in Glasgow. He was known for his strong beliefs and loyalty to them. He became very well known after the king returned to power in Scotland.

Standing Up for Beliefs

After King Charles II returned, new rules were made for the church. Donald Cargill refused to follow some of these rules. For example, he did not celebrate a special day of thanksgiving for the king's return. Because of this, he was removed from his job in 1662. He was also told to leave the area.

But Donald Cargill did not stop preaching. He became a "field preacher," meaning he preached outdoors to large groups of people. He spoke out against other ministers who accepted the new rules. The government tried to stop him many times for holding these outdoor meetings.

Escape and Return

In 1679, Donald Cargill was hurt during a fight between the king's soldiers and the Covenanters at the Battle of Bothwell Bridge. He then escaped to the Netherlands for safety.

He returned to Scotland in 1680. He continued to fight for the Covenanters' cause.

The Queensferry Paper

When he came back, Donald Cargill helped write an important document called The Queensferry Paper. This paper explained the Covenanters' goals. It said they wanted to "overthrow the kingdom of darkness" and make sure people could worship God freely. It also said people should have their civil rights and freedoms without being bothered.

The paper criticized the rulers, saying they had become unfair and were hurting people's consciences and rights. It stated that the Covenanters would defend themselves and their rights until they won. This document was found by the government when Cargill narrowly escaped arrest in Queensferry.

The Sanquhar Declaration

On 22 June 1680, Donald Cargill's friend, Richard Cameron, made another strong statement called the Sanquhar Declaration. This declaration called for war against King Charles II. It also said the king's brother, James, should not become the next king.

After Richard Cameron died, Donald Cargill continued to preach. In September 1680, he did something very bold. At a place called Torwood, he publicly removed King Charles II and other powerful government figures from the church. This act, called "excommunication," was a very serious religious punishment. He accused them of hurting God's people.

Arrest and Execution

The government offered a large reward for Donald Cargill's capture. After many close calls, he was finally arrested on 12 July 1681. He was caught by soldiers at Covington Mill in Lanarkshire.

Donald Cargill was put on trial for treason, which means betraying the king. He was found guilty and sentenced to death. On 27 July 1681, he was hanged in Edinburgh. It is said he told the crowd that he felt less fear going to his execution than he did when he preached a sermon.

There is a monument to Donald Cargill in his hometown of Rattray, Perthshire. His name is also on the Covenanters' Memorial near Maybole, South Ayrshire.

Personal Life

Donald Cargill married Margaret Browne in 1655, but she passed away in 1656.

Even though some of Donald Cargill's ideas were very strict, he was admired by many people. He was known as a kind and selfless man. He was completely dedicated to his duty. People respected him for his strong beliefs and his courage to act on them, even when it meant great danger for himself.

Images for kids

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  Donald Cargill Monument at Rattray, Perthshire

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  King Charles II, the first monarch to rule after the Scottish Restoration

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  Cargill's Leap on the River Ericht

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  Title page of The Fanaticks New-Covenant, a book from 1680 that spoke against Cargill and the Cameronians.

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  Covenanters' Memorial, Grassmarket, Edinburgh

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  Monument to Donald Cargill, Thankerton

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  Cargill's name appears on the base of the Maybole monument

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  The Cargill Stone, Cargill Court, Maybole