He gained an MA degree from St Andrews University and became minister in his home parish of Garvock (east of Laurencekirk) before translating to "second charge" of the Old Kirk, St Giles in Edinburgh in 1628, moving to "first charge" in 1634.
A graduate of St Andrews University with an MA degree, he started his ministry career as a local church leader in Garvock (near Laurencekirk) before being appointed to the Old Kirk, St Giles in Edinburgh as its second minister in 1628, eventually becoming the lead pastor in 1634.