John Scrimgeour (minister) facts for kids

John Scrimgeour was an important Scottish minister. He belonged to the Presbyterian church in Kinghorn, a town in Fife. He is best known for standing up against some new rules for the church. These rules were called the Five Articles of Perth.

Scrimgeour traveled with King James VI to Denmark. The King went there to bring back his future wife, Anne of Denmark. John Scrimgeour believed the King should not have so much power over the church. This led to him being removed from his job as a minister. Even so, he sometimes helped with church services in secret.

Early Life and Ministry

John Scrimgeour was born around 1567. His father was William Scrimgeour of Myres. John was from Wester Bowhill in Auchterderran. He became a minister in Dysart before 1604. Later, he moved to Kinghorn before 1606.

Standing Up for the Church

John Scrimgeour was very brave in defending the church's freedom. In 1606, six other ministers were put on trial. They had held a church meeting, called a General Assembly, against the King's wishes. Scrimgeour went with them to their trial and even went to prison with them.

In 1607, he spoke out again. He did not agree that the Archbishop should lead the church meeting. Because of this, the King ordered him to stay only in his own parish. Later, he was allowed more freedom.

In 1617, he joined 54 other ministers in a protest. They were fighting for the church's liberties.

Opposing the Five Articles of Perth

The next year, in 1618, a big meeting was held in Perth. It was called the General Assembly at Perth. Here, the Five Articles of Perth were introduced. These were new rules for the church. They included things like observing special holy days and kneeling during communion.

John Scrimgeour was not officially part of this meeting. But he bravely spoke out against the new rules. He gave reasons why each rule was wrong. He believed these rules went against the true ways of the Presbyterian church.

Punishment for His Beliefs

Because he did not follow the new rules, Scrimgeour was called to court in 1620. He was told he could no longer be a minister. He was also ordered to stay at his home in Wester Bowhill.

Even after this, he still preached in his church a few times. He died at Wester Bowhill in 1634. He left some money to help the poor people in his parish.

A Friend's Tribute: John Livingstone's Story

John Livingstone, another minister, wrote about John Scrimgeour. He said Scrimgeour looked a bit rough in his clothes and actions. But he was very smart and learned, especially in Hebrew. He often wished that most books would be burned, except the Bible and good notes on it.

Livingstone said Scrimgeour had a very kind heart. He was especially good at comforting people who were sad. His sermons sometimes sounded very simple, but they were always powerful.

A Personal Story of Faith

Livingstone shared a touching story about Scrimgeour. Scrimgeour had lost some children before. He had a young daughter he loved very much. She became very sick with a disease called scrofula, which caused sores. She was close to dying.

One night, Scrimgeour was called to her bedside. He went outside into the fields, feeling very worried. He prayed to God, expressing his deep sadness and asking for his daughter to be healed. He later said he spoke very boldly to God that night.

When he came back inside, his daughter was sitting up in bed, completely healed. She was even eating some food. Her arm, which had a big sore, was perfectly well.

After being removed from his job, Scrimgeour lived in Auchterderran. He still preached sometimes in places like Edinburgh Castle. Livingstone visited him shortly before he died. Scrimgeour was suffering from kidney stone disease, which caused him great pain. He told Livingstone that the pain was making him gentle, like a lamb, before God took him home.

Family Life

John Scrimgeour married Grizel Forrester. She was the daughter of Robert Forrester of Boquhan. Grizel lived longer than John.

They had several children:

• James of Wester Gartmore
• Henry
• Gilbert
• Isabella
• Christian
• Helen