Craig, John (c. 1512-1600)

Scottish religious reformer, a popular preacher of the Reformation. He escaped execution in Rome for confession of his faith after the death of Pope Paul IV in 1559 and returned to Scotland. In 1574 he became minister of Aberdeen, in 1577 colleague of the Scottish Protestant John Knox at the parish church of Edinburgh, and in 1579 one of the chaplains of the household of James VI.

In 1580 he drew up the National Covenant, and later compiled part of the Second Book of Discipline and several treatises.

Craig was patronized by Cardinal Reginald Pole, and on his advice joined the Dominicans, becoming rector of their school in Bologna, Italy. He was converted to Protestantism by reading Calvin's Institutes, and having made open confession was tried by the Inquisition at Rome and condemned to the stake. But the day before that appointed for his execution the Pope died, the prison was broken open by a mob, and Craig escaped, returning to Scotland about 1560.