Robert Douglas (minister) facts for kids

Robert Douglas (1594–1674) was an important Scottish church leader. He was a minister in the Church of Scotland. He holds a special record for being the Moderator of the General Assembly five times. This was a very important leadership role in the church.

Robert Douglas was born in 1594. He studied at the University of St Andrews and earned his Master of Arts degree in 1614. Around 1617, he became a licensed church minister.

Early Life and Military Service

What was Robert Douglas's early career like?

Soon after becoming a minister, Robert Douglas became a chaplain. He joined a group of Scottish soldiers. These soldiers were helping Gustavus Adolphus, the King of Sweden. They were fighting in a big war called the Thirty Years' War. This war happened in Europe from 1618 to 1648.

During his time as a chaplain, it is said that Douglas only had the Bible to read. He spent so much time with it that he memorized almost the entire book!

Becoming a Church Leader

How did Robert Douglas rise in the Church?

After returning to Scotland, Robert Douglas became a minister in Kirkcaldy in 1628. He quickly became an important figure in the church. In 1638, he was chosen to be a member of the General Assembly. This was the main decision-making body of the Church of Scotland.

In 1639, he moved to St Giles in Edinburgh. He then moved to the Tolbooth Parish within St Giles in 1641.

When was Douglas Moderator of the General Assembly?

Robert Douglas was chosen as the Moderator of the General Assembly many times. He held this top position in 1642, 1645, 1647, 1649, and 1651. This shows how much trust and respect he had within the church.

In 1643, he was also chosen to be a Commissioner. He was part of a group sent to the Assembly of Divines in London. This group helped discuss religious matters for the whole kingdom. In 1644, he served as a chaplain again, this time with Scottish regiments in England.

Key Moments in His Career

What was Douglas's role with the Solemn League and Covenant?

In 1649, Robert Douglas was back as a minister at St Giles. He helped present the Solemn League and Covenant to the Scottish Parliament. This was an agreement to protect the Presbyterian Church in Scotland and reform religion in England and Ireland.

How did Douglas interact with King Charles II?

In 1650, Douglas was one of the ministers who met with King Charles II at Dunfermline. They wanted the King to sign a statement about religion. However, Charles refused to sign it. This caused a big split within the Church of Scotland.

Douglas became a leader of a group called the "Resolutioners." This group was more moderate and wanted to work with the King. On January 1, 1651, he preached a sermon at the coronation of Charles II at Scone. He reminded the King of his duty to support the Scottish church.

What happened to Douglas during Cromwell's rule?

In 1653, Oliver Cromwell sent Douglas to London as a prisoner. Cromwell was in charge of England at the time. However, Douglas was released soon after. In 1654, he was called back to London to advise Cromwell on the Church of Scotland.

Douglas was seen as the main leader of the moderate Presbyterians. He kept this role until the King returned to power in 1660. In 1659, he preached a sermon at the opening of Heriot's Hospital. In 1661, he preached before the Scottish Parliament.

Why did Douglas refuse to become a Bishop?

After the King was back on the throne, Douglas was offered the important position of Bishop of Edinburgh. But he strongly refused this offer. He did not agree with the idea of bringing bishops back into the Church of Scotland. He even spoke out against another minister, James Sharp, for accepting the Archbishopric of St Andrews.

On June 27, 1662, Douglas moved to Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh. But he continued to refuse to accept bishops. Because of this, he was removed from his church position on October 1, 1662.

Later Life and Legacy

Where did Robert Douglas spend his final years?

In 1669, the government allowed Robert Douglas to become a minister again. He was assigned to the parish of Pencaitland in East Lothian. He continued to serve there until his death in February 1674. He was about 80 years old.

People said that "No man contributed more to the Restoration, and received less benefit from it." This means he helped bring the King back to power, but he did not gain much personally from it. He stood firm in his beliefs.

Works

Robert Douglas wrote several important works:

• 'The Diary of Mr. Robert Douglas when with the Scottish Army in England,' from 1644.
• 'A Sermon preached at Scone, January the first, 1651, at the Coronation of Charles II,' from 1651.
• 'Master Douglas, his Sermon preached at the Down-sitting of the last Parliament of Scotland,' from 1661.

Family

Robert Douglas was married twice.

• His first wife was Margaret Kirkaldie. They had several children: Thomas, Janet, Alexander, Elizabeth, Archibald, and Robert.
• His second wife was Margaret Boyd. They married on August 20, 1646. They had two children: Robert and Margaret.

Images for kids

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  The victory of Gustavus Adolphus at the Battle of Breitenfeld (1631)