"Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God." 1 Samuel 30:6 6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David strengthened himself in Jehovah his God. New King James Version (NKJV) Fair Sunshine: Character Studies of the Scottish Covenanters https://amzn.to/3azvTZA The Scottish Covenanters https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002DPCTEA?ie=UTF8 ▶️SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/stack45ny ▶️After subscribing, click on NOTIFICATION BELL to be notified of new uploads. ▶️SUPPORT CHANNEL: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=RB72ANM8DJL2S&lc=US&item_name=stack45ny¤cy_code=USD&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF%3abtn_donateCC_LG%2egif%3aNonHosted DICKSON, JOHN (1629 - 1700), Minister of Rutherglen. Nothing is known regarding his parentage and early life; but he is said to have been related to the illustrious Reverend David Dickson, minister of Irvine. Glasgow University was, in all probability, his Alma mater. Our subject, after taking licence, was inducted to the charge of Rutherglen in 1656. There he laboured with great acceptance, amongst his parishioners, until 1660. But having, in that year, spoken somewhat freely against the Government and Committee of Estates, Dickson was committed to the Tolbooth of Edinburgh and his church declared vacant. Admitting his fault, he was reinstated into the charge at Rutherglen. However, he did not remain long there. Refusing to conform to the requirements of the “Act” of 1662, he was numbered among the "outed ministers.” After his ejection, Dickson became a noted field preacher and was present, along with Mr. John Blackadder, at the first armed conventicle held on Beath Hill, near Dunfermline, 16th June, 1670. "It was a great gathering of persons who came from the east of Fife and as far west as Stirling." For taking part in this service, Dickson and Black adder were summoned to appear before the Privy Council. But they both deemed it discreet not to show face. Dickson fled to London, while Blackadder sought a retreat in Edinburgh. Dickson, however, did not remain long in London. Returning to Scotland, he resumed preaching in private houses or in the fields as he found most convenient. So determined was the Government to crush him that it set a price upon his head, by offering one thousand merks for his apprehension. But, he notwithstanding, eluded the vigilance of the persecutor for a considerable number of years. Dickson ultimately fell into the hands of the enemy. After the disaster at Bothwell Brig it appears that he desisted from field preaching On the back of that sad event he was apprehended and brought a prisoner to Edinburgh, from which he was sent to the Bass where he was kept in “durance vile" for a period of six years. The instrument for his detention therein ran in the following terms: “The Lords of His Majesty's Privy Council do hereby recommend to General Dalziel, lieutenant - general and commander-in chief of His Majesty's forces, to cause immediately transport, by such party of horse or foot as he shall think fit, the person of Mr. John Dickson, prisoner, from the Tolbooth of Edinburgh to the Isle of Bass, and ordain the Magistrates of Edinburgh to deliver the said prisoner to the said party, and the Governor of the said Isle to detain him prisoner therein till further notice." Dickson remained on the Rock until the 8th of October, 1686 when he was offered his liberty on condition of “living orderly," which meant, in plain language, to cease from preaching. In reply he acknowledged his unfeigned loyalty to James VII., but resolutely refused to give any pledge to refrain from addressing conventicles. He was, accordingly, ordained to be sent back to the Bass, on a warrant of the Committee of Council for Public Affairs, dated 12th October, 1686 and which ran as follows: “Mr. John Dickson, brought prisoner from the Bass, declares, that about six years ago he was taken for being present at conventicles; confesses he has kept conventicles several times; acknowledges the King's authority, but will not engage to live regularly and orderly, and not to keep conventicles; and shuns to give answer as to declaring the unlawfulness to rise in arms against the King or his authority: Ordained that the said Mr. John Dickson, and Mr. Alexander Shields, brought prisoners from the Bass, be returned back prisoners thither until further order.” It does not appear that this warrant was ever executed. Owing to impaired health and infirmity, Dickson petitioned for leniency. His suit was successful and he was allowed to remain in Edinburgh, under a penalty of five thousand merks to appear before the Council when required. Two years later brought round the Revolution, when Dickson again became minister of Rutherglen. Here he laboured at his “loved employ” till his death in 1700, in the forty-fourth year of his ministry.