JOHN DAVIDSON

Fasti Vol 1, p 387, Preston 1595

 JOHN DAVIDSON was born about 1549, at Dunfermline, where his parents
owned property in houses and lands. He entered St Leonard’s College, St
Andrews, in 1567, and after graduating, became a regent of the College,
pursuing the study of theology. Being introduced to John Knox, he set
himself to advance the cause of the Reformation, and one of his earliest
services was the production of a play intended to expose the errors of
Romanism, which was acted in Knox’s presence. In 1573 there appeared from
his pen Aine Breif Commendation of Uptightness, a poem in praise of
Knox, with accompanying verses on theReformer’s death. Soon after, another
poetical tract was issued anonymously, under the title of Ane Dialog,
or Mutuale Talking betwixt a Clerk and ane Courteour; concerning foure
Parhische Kirkes tìll ane Minister. This was a reflection on the
Regent Morton, who had been uniting parishes under one minister to secure
part of the benefices for himself. The Regent was deeply offended. Printer
and poet were put in prison. On his liberation, he lay hid for a time at
Kinzcancleugh, Ayrshire, the residence of his friend Robert Campbell. He
then retired to the Continent, where he remained for about three years. In
1577, at the urgent solicitation of the General Assembly, Morton permitted
his return, and in 1579 he became min. of Liberton. In June 1581, Morton
being under sentence of death was visited by Davidson. Going for a time to
London, he became known at the English Court, and from the earnest style
of his preaching was called “the thunderer.” Returning, he did not resume
 his charge at Liberton, but officiated in various places, and acted as
min. of the Second Charge of Holyrood. In 1595 he became min. of this
charge, and built a church and manse at liis own expense. He vigorously
resented the proposal that certain of the clergy should sit and vote in
Parliament, and words that lie then uttered were often repeated: ” Busk
him, busk him as bonnily as ye can, and bring him in as fairly as ye will,
we see him well eneoch, we see tho horns of his mitre.” He was summoned
before the King at Holyrood, and committed to  Edinburgh Castle, but
released, and allowed to return home, though interdicted from going beyond
the bounds of his parish. He died in Sept. 1604. He left a widow (name
unknown).His effects were devoted to the support of the school which he
founded.