John Bethune (Scottish minister) facts for kids

John Bethune (1725–1774) was an important Scottish minister and thinker from the 1700s. He was known for his ideas about philosophy. He was even chosen to be a member of the Royal Society of London, a very old and respected group for scientists and thinkers.

Early Life and Education

John Bethune was born in a place called Croy, Scotland, on September 6, 1725. His parents were Farquhar Bethune and Margaret Rose. He was also the nephew of another minister, Rev Daniel Bethune.

When he was 13, John started studying at Marischal College, Aberdeen in 1738. He stayed there until 1742. After that, he decided to study to become a minister. He went to St Andrews University and then to Edinburgh University to study Divinity, which is the study of religion.

Becoming a Minister

Before he got his own church, John worked as a private tutor. He taught the children of the Carruthers family in Dumfriesshire. This was a common way for future ministers to earn a living while waiting for a church position.

In March 1750, he was officially allowed to preach by the Church of Scotland in Lochmaben. This meant he could lead church services. A few years later, in October 1754, he became an ordained minister at Rosskeen. This was a big step in his career.

Achievements and Later Life

John Bethune was not just a minister; he was also a philosopher. His ideas and writings about philosophy were very well-regarded. Because of his important philosophical work, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London in February 1773. This was a great honor, showing that he was recognized as a leading thinker of his time. At that time, the Royal Society of Edinburgh did not exist yet.

John Bethune passed away in the manse (the minister's house) in Rosskeen on April 14 or 15, 1774.

Family Life

In December 1755, John Bethune married his cousin, Janet Bethune. She was the daughter of his uncle, Rev Daniel Bethune. They had three daughters.