Patrick Hamilton

Patrick Hamilton (c. 1575 – May 1658) was a minister of The Church of Scotland during a turbulent period in Scotland’s history. He seems to have chosen the wrong side in the dispute between King Charles I and the Scottish Covenanters. He was also a poet, writing in a straightforward English (as opposed to Scots) style, expressing his religious and political beliefs, and longing for a period of peace. In 1596 he was Minister at Lochwinnoch then in 1607 he moved to Paisley. In 1626 he was presented to the Parish of Cambuslang by James, Marquis of Hamilton, a significant player in Scottish politics. Patrick may not have been related to the family, but his connection to the Marquis of Hamilton was to cost him his career and he was to die in obscure poverty. Hamilton sets out his religious position in a poem called "A Schort Description of the Trew Properties of a Faithful Sheiphard of Christes Flock". It is unapologetically a Protestant Calvinist position. I doe believe in God alone Noe Saviour but that I know No way to Heaven is but one, Noe ruell of Faith but God’s pure law.He has little time for rituals, prelates or hypocrisy. On the other hand, he seems to have a more moderate, or at least conservative, outlook than many clergy at the time. "I hate all needless novelties", and "I follow none of frantick fits"His own approach to his ministry is clear Noe frowne or fauning of my staite Can dashe me downe or mount me hie To speik the truth I am not blaite, And calles things as their natures be; I tymouslie forwarne my flock, When wolffs and foxes are at hand I bark, and with my sheiphards crook In their defence whill death I stand."Nonetheless, Patrick was a member of the momentous General Assembly of the Church of Scotland which met in Glasgow in 1638 and proclaimed the National Covenant, abolished bishops and established Presbyterianism as the form of government for the Church of Scotland. This set them on a collision course with King Charles I which would lead to th