nant.
In the divisions of opinion, which led eventually to the rising of
Montrose, Auchterarder sympathised with the minority. A Warning and
Declaration with reference to these divisions was ordered by the
General Assembly to be read from every pulpit, and "the brethren of
Auchtererdoch" took it upon them to disobey. It was the first
illustration of that independence of judgment for which they have more
than once been famous. It was resolved to make an example of this
disobedient Presbytery, and they were cited before the Assembly of
1643. "The Presbytery of Auchtererdoch was under the rod," writes
Baillie, "to be made an example to all who would be turbulent." "After
long examination of their business," he continues, "at last they were
laureat. Some two or three of that Presbytery (when many of the gentry
who were not elders were permitted to sit among them and reason against
the Warning and Declaration, and when Ardoch presented reasons in write
against these pieces, yet they were proven to have been forward for the
present reading) were commended. Others who, notwithstanding of the
Presbytery's conclusion of not reading, yet did read, were, for voicing
the continuation, gently rebuked. Others who at last caused read parts
of them, and Mr James Rowe, who caused read them before himself came
in, were sharply rebuked, and their names delete from among the members
of this Assembly. Ardoch, ane old reverend gentleman, for his former
known zeal was spared, only, was urged upon oath to reveal the persons
from whom he had the reasons contrary to the Warning." This is a
curious picture of the internal condition of the Presbytery, and
exhibits in strong relief the friendly relations existing betwixt its
members and the gentry of the district. The James Rowe referred to was
minister of Muthill, and was married to Margaret Stirling, a daughter
of the laird of Ardoch, the "old reverend gentleman" above named.

When, after the Restoration, Episcopacy was re-established,
Auchterarder once again formed part of the Diocese of Dunblane, and was
for a time under the mild sway of the Episcopate of Leighton. The
Episcopacy was almost nominal. There was no liturgy; the service
continued to be much what it had been before, though Leighton
encouraged the brethren to make their preaching "plain and useful for
all capacities, not entangled with useless questions and disputes, nor
continued to a wearisome length"; "to read larger