In 1683 Garden, already a D.D., became one of the ministers of the Kirk of St Nicholas, the town parish of Aberdeen, where he continued till he was 'laid aside' by the privy council in 1692 for 'not praying for their majesties,' William and Mary.
He did not appear, and the assembly deposed him and 'prohibited him from exercising the ministry or any part thereof in all time coming.'