Gilbert Rule facts for kids

Gilbert Rule (born around 1629 – died 1701) was an important Scottish minister. He was a Nonconformist, meaning he didn't follow the official church rules of the time. He became the Principal (like the head) of the University of Edinburgh from 1690 until he died in 1701.

Early Life and Education

Gilbert Rule was born around 1629, possibly in Edinburgh, Scotland. His brother, Archibald, was a merchant and a local leader there. It's thought his father might have been George Rule, a minister.

Gilbert was a very bright student. He studied at the University of Glasgow, where he did very well. After that, he became a Sub-Principal at King's College, Aberdeen in 1651, which was a big achievement for someone so young.

Standing Up for His Beliefs

After his time in Aberdeen, Gilbert Rule moved to Alnwick in England. There, he became a minister for a group of people who didn't agree with the main church's practices. After the king returned to power in 1660, Gilbert faced problems. Local leaders tried to make him use the Book of Common Prayer, which was the official English church service book.

Gilbert Rule believed strongly in his own way of worship. He preached against using the Prayer Book. He was even taken to court for it, but the person who accused him passed away, so Gilbert was found not guilty.

A Doctor and Preacher

In 1662, a new law called the Bartholomew Act forced many ministers like Gilbert to leave their churches. He returned to Scotland but soon had to flee to France and Holland because the Scottish government (the Privy Council) was unhappy with him.

While abroad, he studied medicine at Leyden University and became a doctor in 1665. He then worked as a doctor. In 1672, Gilbert and his brother Robert, who was also a minister, traveled to Derry in Ireland. Robert became a minister there.

Facing Challenges in Scotland

By 1679, Gilbert Rule was in Berwick-on-Tweed, a town on the border of England and Scotland. He worked both as a doctor and a minister. He was very successful as a doctor. At the same time, he preached in "conventicles." These were secret religious meetings held by people who didn't follow the official church. These meetings were often dangerous.

Preaching in Secret

Near Prestonkirk in Scotland, a nobleman named Charles Hamilton helped set up a meeting-house for Gilbert. This place was allowed by the government for a short time.

The Auld Brig - East Linton

Imprisoned on Bass Rock

The next year, Gilbert visited his niece in Edinburgh. He preached a sermon at St Giles' Cathedral and baptized her child. For this, he was brought before the Privy Council. They saw it as an offense because he was not allowed to preach openly. He was then sent to prison on the Bass Rock, a famous island prison in the sea.

Gilbert's health got worse in prison. Eventually, he was released but had to promise to leave Scotland within eight days. He went back to Berwick, staying on the English side of the River Tweed to avoid being arrested again.

Leading a University

From 1682 to 1687, Gilbert Rule served as a minister in Dublin, Ireland. When the Glorious Revolution happened in 1688, he returned to Scotland.

Becoming a University Principal

In Edinburgh, he became one of the ministers at Greyfriars Kirk, a well-known church. He also went to London to support the Presbyterian church, and King William III noticed him.

In 1690, Gilbert Rule was chosen to help reform the University of Edinburgh. The previous head, Dr. Alexander Monro, was removed because he didn't support the new king and queen. Gilbert Rule then became the Principal of the university in September 1690. He kept his job as a minister at Greyfriars at the same time.

Dr. Monro had written a book criticizing the Presbyterians. Gilbert Rule wrote a book called "The Good Old Way Defended" to explain and defend Presbyterian beliefs. He faced some personal attacks for his strong views.

A Bright Mind: The "Evening Star"

Gilbert Rule was known for being very smart, religious, and fair. He often studied late into the night. Because of this, people called him "the Evening Star." His friend, George Campbell, who was a professor, was called "the Morning Star."

Gilbert Rule continued to serve as both a minister and the Principal of the university until he passed away. He died on June 7, 1701, at the age of 72. He is buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh.

His Family

Gilbert Rule married Janet Turnbull on February 4, 1655. They had five children:

• Gilbert, who became a doctor.
• Andrew, who was a lawyer.
• Alexander, who became a Professor of Hebrew at the University of Edinburgh from 1694 to 1702.
• Rachel.
• Janet.

Interestingly, his son Andrew Rule was elected as a professor at the University of Edinburgh while his father was the Principal.