James Carmichael

James Carmichael (1542/3–1628) was the Church of Scotland minister and an author known for a Latin grammar published at Cambridge in September 1587 and for his work revising the Second Book of Discipline and the Acts of Assembly. In 1584, Carmichael was forced to seek shelter in England along with the Melvilles and others. Andrew Melville called him "the profound dreamer." Robert Wodrow said that "a great strain of both piety and strong learning runs through his letters and papers." Dr. Laing says there is every probability that " The Booke of the Universall Kirk " was compiled by Carmichael. The James Carmichaell collection of proverbs in Scots was published by Edinburgh University in 1957 which includes some proverbs also collected by David Ferguson. Early life, education and career James Carmichael studied at St Leonard's College, St Andrews, and graduated M.A. about 1564. Prior to July 1570 he was master of the Grammar School at St Andrews. Early work in Haddington On 25 August 1570 he was settled in Haddington. Presented to the vicarage of Nungate 2 November 1571. From 16 April 1572 to 15 November 1576 he acted as schoolmaster of the parish, but resigned at the latter date, the Town Council having resolved (28 May 1576) "that in no time coming should the minister of the kirk be admitted school-master of the burgh." In 1574 he had also charge of Bolton, Athelstaneford, and St Martin's. He was one of a committee of four who prepared the Acts of the Kirk for more general use, and he assisted in the revision of publications, particularly the Second Book of Discipline. In England In 1584 he was compelled to take shelter in England, for being in sympathy with the Ruthven Raiders. He returned in 1587. Criticism from a number of pulpits may have led the government to believe that some of the clergy had been party to an attempt by the Ruthven faction to regain power, which had resulted in the taking of Stirling Castle in April. The Earl of Gowne was executed on 2 May for his alleged involvement in the failed coup, although he appears to have been doing his best to leave the country via Dundee at the time. On the same day, James Carmichael, minister of Haddington, Patrick Galloway, minister of Perth, John Davidson, minister of Liberton, and Andrew Polwart, minister of Cadder, fled to England to join Melville in exile, having been summoned before the privy council for involvement in the conspiracy.