James Fraser of Brea facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Fraser of Brea
The Bass where James Fraser was imprisoned
Personal details
Born	29 July 1639
Died	13 September 1699
Denomination	Christian

James Fraser of Brea (1639–1699) was an important Scottish minister. He was a Covenanter, which means he supported a special agreement (or "covenant") to protect the Presbyterian way of worship in Scotland.

Early Life and Education

James Fraser was born on July 29, 1639, in a place called Kirkmichael in Ross-shire, Scotland. His father, Sir James Fraser of Brea, was a very religious man. He was part of a big meeting in 1638 that decided to get rid of the "episcopacy" system. This system meant that churches were run by bishops, like in the Church of England. The Covenanters wanted churches to be run by elders, which is the Presbyterian way.

James went to a grammar school. His family faced money problems, which made things hard for him. During the Siege of Inverness, his father, Sir James Fraser, defended Inverness Castle. He held it for the Covenanters against the King's supporters, led by James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose.

In 1658, James finished his studies at Marischal College, Aberdeen. He then started to study law. However, he decided to become a preacher instead. In 1672, he became a licensed Presbyterian minister.

Facing Challenges and Imprisonment

James Fraser became well-known for preaching at "conventicles." These were secret religious meetings held outdoors or in private homes. They were against the law at the time. Because of this, a powerful church leader named Archbishop Sharp ordered James to be arrested in 1674.

He was officially declared an outlaw in 1675. In January 1677, he was ordered to be sent to the Bass Rock prison. This was a very strong island fortress in the sea. He stayed there for two and a half years.

Life in prison was tough. James was also sad because his wife died in 1676. But even in prison, he found things to be thankful for. He used his time to study different languages, including Hebrew and Greek. He was finally released in July 1679 after someone paid a large sum of money for his freedom.

While he was imprisoned, James also wrote a book about faith. It was called A Treatise on Justifying Faith. This book shared some ideas about how God's grace applies to everyone. Some other ministers disagreed with parts of his book. Because of this, it was not fully published until many years later, in 1722 and 1749.

More Troubles and Later Life

In December 1681, James Fraser was arrested again. He was sent to Blackness Castle prison. He was told he would stay there unless he paid a big fine and promised to stop preaching or leave Scotland. Luckily, a family member helped pay the fine, and James was sent out of Scotland.

In 1683, he was imprisoned again for six months in Newgate Prison in London. This was because he refused to take an oath that went against his beliefs.

By 1687, James Fraser was back in Scotland. In 1689, he became the minister of Culross, a town in Fife. He worked very hard there, sharing his faith with the people. He was also part of important church meetings in 1690 and 1692. James Fraser died in Edinburgh on September 13, 1699. He was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard.

His Beliefs and Legacy

James Fraser is remembered for his ideas about "universal atonement." This means he believed that Jesus's sacrifice was for all people, even if not everyone chooses to accept it. This idea caused some debate among other religious leaders at the time.

His book, A Treatise on Justifying Faith, led to some disagreements within the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Some ministers who agreed with his views even formed their own group for a while.

Family Life

James Fraser was married twice.

• His first wife was Isobel Gray. They married in 1672, and she passed away in 1676. They had two daughters:

* Jean Fraser, who married Hugh Bose of Kilravock. She did not have any children. * Beatrice Fraser, who married William Burnet, a minister in Falkirk.

• His second wife was Christian Inglis. She passed away around 1696, and they did not have any children.