 But, refusing to sign the Covenant in 1643, he was excommunicated in Tranent Church, and had to flee to France.Upon returning he was entrusted with important State business by King Charles II, who created him Viscount of Kingston on 14 February 1651 with limitation to the heirs male of his body.His title was taken from a village of that name in Dirleton parish, about two miles south-west of North Berwick.