The exodus from Scotland to Ulster continued for some years. In July, 1635, a James Blair of Ayrshire, wrote:

"Above ten thousand persons, have , within two years past, left this country - between Aberdeen and Inverness, and gone over to Ireland. They have come by the hundred, through this town, and three hundred shipped together on one tide."

The founders of the Presbyterian Church in Ulster, were Clergymen, who took refuge, driven from Scotland and England, by the persecuting spirit, abroad then, against Puritans.

But in 1637, the Calvinists Confession of Faith was altered. Bishops tinged with Puritanism, were deposed. High churchmen were placed in their stead. Conformity to the Established Church was enforced with pains and penalties. Deputy Wentworth imposed on the Ulster Presbyterians an oath of passive obedience - which became. known as the Black Oath. All Scots were disarmed, less they be inclined to stage a Rising.

The Scots in the Laggan came under the sway of Bishop Leslie of Raphoe - "who came down heavy on them." He summoned four Ministers to his court, excommunicated them and sent them to prison, where they were kept for six years. They were- John Hart, Thomas Waite, Adam White and William Semple.

A Presbyterian Minister discovered "administrating the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, was fined £100.Some fled back to Scotland. Others, though they could not exercise their ministry, though their stipends were sequestered, changed their apparel to that of countrymen, taking what opportunities they could to preach in barns or glens."

The Established Church declared all marriages null and void that were not solemnised in their Church. So many had to be kept quiet.

From "The Scot in Ulster." By John Harrison.