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.
He received an MA degree from St Andrews University and served as a local church leader in his hometown of Garvock (east of Laurencekirk) before taking on the "second charge" of the Old Kirk, St Giles in Edinburgh in 1628, succeeding to the "first charge" in 1634.