Erskine, JOHN

Erskine, JOHN, of Dun, Scottish Reformer, was born in 1509. All through the reign of Mary Queen of Scots, and through part of that of her son James, Erskine took an active share in public affairs, lending steadfast support to the reformed preachers, especially to Wishart and Knox, whilst at the same time his moderate and conciliatory temper not only secured him against the enmity of the leaders of the Catholic party, but gave him considerable personal influence in the country. He was frequently chosen to negotiate between the Reformers and the representatives of the sovereign, and to mediate between the different sections amongst the Reformers themselves. From 1560 down to about 1589, two years before his death, he held the office of superintendent for the reformed district of Angus and Mearns. Although a layman, he was elected on at least five separate occasions moderator of the General Assembly, and was one of the compilers of the Second Book of Discipline (1578).