Campo-bello or Campbell Turgot Prior of Durham and B. of St. Andrews wrote the Lives of King Malcolm Canmoir and of his Queen Margaret Liber Sconae a Chronicle written by the Monks of Scoone Liber Pasletensis The Black Book of Paislay a Chronicle written by the Monks of Paislay Liber Pluscartensis a Chronicle written by the Monks of Pluscardy One Blind Henry wrote the History of Sir William Wallace in Scottish Meeter John Barbour Archdeacon of Aberdeen did write the Life of King Robert Bruce in Scottish Meeter John Major Provost of St. Salvator's Colledge in St. Andrews wrote the History of the Nation William Elphinstone B. of Aberdeen wrote a Treatise of the Scottish Antiquities Hector Boeth or Boyes Principal of the King's Colledge of Aberdeen wrote the History of the Nation till the Reign of King James the First continued till the Reign of King James the Sixth by John Ferrerius a Piemontoise a Monk of Pluscardy John Balenden Archdeacon of Murray did translate Boyes History into English George Buchanan Praeceptor to King James the Sixth wrote the History of the Nation till the year 1572. Robert Johnstone wrote a Continuation of the Scottish History from the year 1572. till the year 1624. in Latine Folio John Leslie Bishop of Ross wrote the History of the Nation till the year 138 Raphael Holinshed wrote the History of the Nation till the Reign of King James the Sixth continued by Francis Thin Will. Cambden wrote a Description of the Kingdom John Dempster wrote an Introduction to the Scottish History David Chalmer wrote a Treatise of the Scottish Saints David Hume of Godscroft did write the History of the Earls of Douglass and Angus William Drummond of Hawthornden did write the Lives of the Five King James's William Sanderson wrote the Lives of Queen Mary King James the Sixth and King Charles the First John Spotiswood Archbishop of St. Andrews did write the History of the Church of Scotland from the first Plantation of the Christian Faith therein till the Death of King James the Sixth The Office of the Chancellor of State conferred upon him by that glorious Martyr King Charles the First he discharged to the satisfaction of his Royal Master and the advantage of the Church He was a person of rare Ornaments and in all things compleatly qualified for his Imployment yet he did not escape the hard measure which other Loyal Subjects tasted of for by the Covenanters he was forced to retire into England where he met with entertainment more suitable to his worth He ended his daies in a good old Age and was honourably Interred in Westminster Abby Anno 1639. after he had governed the See twenty four years George Wishart Dr. of Divinity and Bishop of Edinburgh did write the Actions of James Marquess of Montross Robert Gordon of Stralogh did write the Theatrum Scotiae being a description of the whole Kingdom with the Maps of every particular Country Printed by Janson Bleaw at Amsterdam a very excellent work The mercenary Printer did him a double injury first in printing with his Book Buchanan's Seditious Pamphlet De Jure Regni apud Scotos it being sufficiently known that the Author was of no such principle but alwaies Loyal Then in dedicating that work to the Usurper O. Cromwell whereas the Author sent over to the Printer a Dedication of his Book to His most Sacred Majesty at that time Prince of Wales and the Copy of that Dedication written with his own hand is yet in the Custody of his Son the Reverend James Gordon Parson of Rothimay This much was necessary to be said in vindication of that worthy Gentleman who was one of the most Learned persons of the Age he lived in If any think that this Treatise hath not swelled to that bulk that might be expected from an undertaking of this nature having so large a Subject to treat of let this suffice for an Answer that the several calamities that have happened in this Antient Kingdom may justly serve for an Apology when it is to be considered that after the Death of Alexander the Third of that Name King of Scotland and all his Sons which in one years space died of a pestilent Fever which was never before known in this Kingdom his Daughter being Queen of Norway died in the same year who left behind her a Daughter whom after the Death of the King and his Sons the Estates sent for to this effect Two Ambassadors were dispatcht to Norway to take care of the safe conveyance of this Young Lady the only hope the Kingdom relyed on It was not long after these Gentlemen that were sent to Norway returned bringing News that this Lady was dead likewise Consider what fears and sorrows at the hearing of these News did perplex the Subjects of this Kingdom So many deaths falling out in the Royal Family did presage great calamities to ensue For as the Loss of so worthy a King was great so their Fears was no less because of the uncertainty of the Succession Many Competitors six they were in number claiming the Inheritance of the Crown and all of them men of power and friendship It must needs be supposed that they did divide the Realm and so beget a Civil War yet these who were trusted with the management of Affairs during the Inter Reign did by their Mediation work them to a Compromise and to remit the decision of the Controversie to King Edward the First of England a Prince of long Experience and much respected in that time For this purpose divers Gentlemen were sent to King Edward who at that time was in France to inform him of the inconveniencies that were feared to fall out in the Kingdom of Scotland and the course they had taken to prevent the same intreating his help for quieting the State King Edward glad to have an hand in the making of a King in Scotland dimitted them with many kind expressions of his kindness to the Kingdom assigning a Dyet for the Competitors at Norham upon Tweed at which Dyet the King was present at this meeting there was no decision all the Competitors except two to wit John Baliol and Robert Bruce were ordered to cease from their claim Of Baliol and Bruce an Oath was taken that they should abide and stand by the Sentence the King should pronounce The like Oath was taken by the Prelates Nobles and other Commissioners who swore to accept of him for their King that would be tryed to have the best Right and for the greater assurance all their Seals were appended to the Compromise Five years and some more were spent before the Controversie was brought to an end At last K. Edw. returned to Berwick and calling the Twenty Four to whom the important Affairs were committed they were shut up in the Church there to debate the Matter none being permitted to have access unto them he himself now and then went in to know how their proceedings went and perceiving the greater part
sad subversion of the Ecclesiastical Government too too direfully verified The most subtle trick of the Devil is when a well-establisht Government in a Church or State cannot be shaken by other of his malicious machinations then it is that by instruments conformable to his own genius under pretext of Religâ—on or at least under a colour of reforming some abuses And so by degrees this Church was of all its watch men robb'd and Wolves in Sheeps clothing put in their places who abhorr'd the name but exercised the power of a Bishop in every one of their respective Parishes The best of Princes perceiving this ruine approaching was pleased that any thing which might be an offence in the Divine Worship might be laid aside for a time although in it self necessary and accordingly the Book of Common Prayer Book of Canons and High Commission were at that time laâ—d â—side yeâ— notwithstanding this favour could not engage us to continue in our Duty and Allegiance All the fruit of these singular condescentions of His Majesties was nothing but a breathing after a desperate and horrid Rebellion such as former Ages could no waies parallel Then it was the Son rose up against the Father Brother against Brother Parishes were divided yea the whole Kingdom was divided against it self which way soever we lookt nothing was to be seen but that desolation in the Church and afterwards in the State which would consume the eyes and grieve the hearts of all good and Loyal Christians and Subjects The Church was rent by Schism the Bishops and many of the Reverend Clergy were thrust out plundered banished Yea the house of Prayer was in a most literal sense made a Den of Thieves Nine years did the Kingdom lye under the Tyranny of Usurpers till it pleased God to free us from this bondage by restoring to us our most Gracious Soveraign Then was the Church restored to its Ancient Government by the most consonant Laws established upon sure and good Foundations The great Power of General Assemblies was better regulated in which nothing is to be proposed but by the King or His Commissioner nor can any thing that they do be of force till it be ratified by the King The Supreme Ecclesiastical Court declared to be a National Synod made of Bishops and Deans and two Members from every Presbytery one of whom is nominated by the Bishop of their respective Diocess and a Commissioner from every University and the calling of this Synod to be wholly in the Crown CHAP. XI The Vniversities of Scotland IN Scotland there are four Universities from which every year there is a fresh supply of Learned persons fit for publick Employments and Dignities in Church and State The four Universities are St. Andrews Aberdeen Glasgow Edinburgh Of the Vniversity of St. Andrews This University was founded by Bishop Hen. Wardlaw An. Christ 1412. it is endowed with very ample Priviledges The Archbishops of St. Andrews are perpetual Chancellors thereof The Rector is chosen yearly and by the Statutes of the Universities he ought to be one of the three Principals His Power is the same with that of the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford or Cambridge There are in this University 3 Colledges viz. St. Salvators St. Leonards New Colledge St. Salvators Colledge This Colledge was founded by James Kennedy Bishop of St. Andrews he built the Aedifice furnished it with costly Ornaments and provided sufficient Revenues for the maintenance of the Masters Professors Persons endowed at the Foundation were a Doctor a Batchelor a Licentiate of Divinity Four Professors of Philosophy who are called Regents Eight Poor Scholars called Bursars Benefactors I can give little account of the Benefactors The Earl of Cassils hath founded a Professor of Humanity to teach the Latine Tongue George Martyn ceiled the great Hall The Arms of St. Salvators Colledge are the Globe and St. Salvators Cross St. Leonard 's Colledge St. Leonards Colledge was founded by John Hepburn Prior of St. Andrews Anno 152 Persons endowed are a Principal or Warden Four Professors of Philosophy Eight poor Scholars Benefactors Of these take this account The Priory of Portmuck is annexed to this Colledge lately the Personage of Kinkell in Aberdeen-shire New Colledge New Colledge was founded by James Beaton Archbishop An. 153 The Professors and Scholars endowed are of Divinity for no Philosophy is taught in this Colledge Present Professors In St. Salvators Colledge Dr. Skeen Provost Mr. Thomson Mr. Kinnaird Mr. Martin Mr. Minzies Professors of Philosophy Mr. Moncrief Profes of Humanity In St. Leonards Colledge Dr. Weems Provost Mr. Crockat Mr. â—arnaigy Mr. Cunninghame Mr. Wood Professors of Philosophy Mr. Saunders Prof. of the Mathematicks Mr. Ker Prof of Humanity In New Colledge Dr. Moor Arch Deacon Dr. Combrie Dr. Falconer Professors of Divinity There was lately founded in the University of St. Andrews a Prof. of Mathematicks The short and bad Account of this University is for want of better Information Learned Men and Writers John Mayor Provost of St. Salvators a person according to the Learning of those times very famous His History of the Scottish Nation is not so much esteemed being very short and in the style and way of writing Scholastical and Quodlibetical he wrote also on the Master of Sentences he flourished about the year 1520. Andrew Melvil Professor of Divinity in the New Colledge a man well seen in the Hebrew Language and the Rabbinical Writings he was the first who kindled the great Confusions in the Church by introducing the Discipline of Geneva John Baron Doctor Professor of Divinity in the New Colledge was a person of great worth and Learning and of great candour he died in the time of our late Confusions Sir John Wedderburn was a Professor of Philosophy in this University but that was too narrow a place for so great a person who became since so celebrated for his great Learning and skill in Physick and though his infirmities great Age forced him to retire from publick practice and business yet his fame attracted all the Nation to him and his noble hospitality and kindness to all that were learned and virtuous made his conversation no less loved than his advice was desired Samuel Rutherfurd Professor of Divinity in the New Colledge was very famous in those times for quickness and subtilty in disputing and writing he was judged to be very devout he wrote Exercitationes de Gratia and Disputationes de Providentia he was a wonderful asserter of the Superlapsarian Hypothesis he wrote also many Books in English some Controversial as The Divine Right of Presbytery and other pieces of Devotion and Sermons he wrote also Seditious Books condemned by Law about the Power of the King and the Priviledge of the people called Lex Rex He died â—661 Alexander Colvill Doctor and Professor of Divinity in the New Colledge he was before Professor at Sedan he was Learned in the Hebrew and was a great Textuary and well seen in Divinity
He died about the year 1664. James Wood Professor of Divinity and Provost of St. Salvators was a person both judicious and wise as also of considerable Learnâ—ng he wrote a Book against Indepenâ—ency He died about the year 1664. John Johnston Professor of Divinity in the New Colledge wrote a Paraphrase of the Psalms and other most excellent Poems and was very much admired for his skill in the Latine Tongue and Poesie He flourished about the year 1610. David Calderwood a man of great Reading and Study but very unhappy in his way of expressing himself both which appeared in his Altare Damascenum He was at first very factious and banish'd the Kingdom by King James the Sixth yet was afterwards much neglected by that violent party who judged him too moderate though from his Book none would imagine him guilty of it James Durham a Gentleman of a good Family and Learned was bred in this famous University he wrote a judicious Book of Scandal with good Learning in it There are also Expositions of his upon the Revelation and on the Song of Solomon and the Ten Commandments all published since his Death George Gillespie was also bred here who was a very pregnant young man had great freedom of expression and much boldness which raised him to make a very considerable figure among the Covenanters He had some good Learning but was very factious He wrote against the Ceremonies and many pieces against the Erastians He died Anno 1649. James Gregory Professor of the Mathematicks in this University was a person of most extraordinary Learning in that Science He had a strange faculty of resolving the hardest Problems and seems to have found a Non plus ultra in Geometry He was Fellow of the Royal Society much admired both in France Italy and England where he travelled but lost both his Eyes and soon after died 1674. In this University many of the chief Nobility are bred among whom none has done greater honour to St. Leonard's Colledge where he was bred than his Grace the Duke of Lauderdale to whom as Learning seemed entailed his Family for four Descents having been most famed for Learning of any of their Quality so he received these impressions in this University that being since much improved have rendered him so eminent for Learning of which only my Subject leading me to speak I shall say nothing of his other extraordinary Qualities Archbald Napier of Marchistone was a profound Scholar and of profound worth His Logarithms have rendered him famous throughout the whole world He wrote also an Exposition on the Revelation He died 162 Sir Robert Murray a great promoter and Fellow of the Royal Society was a person of wonderful Abilities vast Apprehensions great depth of Judgment and universally known in every thing but more particularly in the Mathematicks He was a great ornament to the Age he lived in and an honour to his Country He died Anno 1674. CHAP XII The University of Glasgow IT was founded Auspiciis pietate benignitate eximii principis Jacobi Secundi Scotorum Regis Serenissimi indulgentiam faciente jus ac facultatem studii generalis sanciente Nicolao Quinto Pontifice Romano ejus erectionem constitutionem magno labore sumptibus procurante Reverendo Antistite Guilielmo Turnbullo Episcopo Glascuensi The words of the Bull are Vt studium generale vigeat tam in Theologia ac jure Canonico civili quam artibus qualibet alia facultate quodque Doctores Magistri ibidem omnibus singulis privilegiis libertatibus honoribus immunitatibus exemptionibus per sedem Apostolicam vel alios quomodolibet Magistros Doctoribus Studentibus in studio nostrae Civitatis Canoniensis Concessis gaudeant utantur The persons founded were a Rector a Dean of Faculty a Principal or Warden who was to teach Theology Three Professors to teach Philosophy Afterwards some Clergy-men professed the Laws here being invited to that profesâ—â—on rather by the convâ—nience of a Collegiate life and the immunities of the University than by any considerable Salary King James the Sixth Anno 1577. did establish Twelve persons in the Colledge viz a Principal three Professors of â—hâ—losophy called Regents four Scholars called Bursars an Oeconomus or Provisor who furnisheth the Table with provisions the principal Servant a anitor and a Cook Benefactors The Kings of Scotland have been great Benefactors to this University King James the Second the Founder of it did bestow considerable Revenues and endowed it with many priviledges and immunities The words of the Letter under the Great Seal 12. Kal. Maii 1453. are Omnes singulos Rectores qui pro tempore fuerint facultatum Decanos procuratores Nationum Regentes Magistros Scholares in hac universitate studentes sub nostra firma pace custodia defensione manutentia suscipimus eosdemque Rectores c. ab omnibus Triâ—utis exactionibus Taxationibus collectis vigiliis custodiis eximimus postea eximendos statuimus The same priviledges were confirmed by King James the Third Anno 1472. by King James the Fourth 1509. by King James the Fifth 1522. by Queen Mary 1547. About the time of the Reformation the University was almost brought to desolation and had been ruined had not King James the 6th in his Minority restored it by his Royal bounty and munificence He confirmed all the priviledges and bestowed upon it the Tithes of the Church of Govan Anno 1577. Afterwards he ratified all the former Acts made in favour of the University and made some new Donations Anno 1617. King Charles the First did ratifie all the old Priviledges and bestowed Money for repairing the Fabrick King Charles the Second by the Advice of the Estates of Parliament gave also Money for the same purpose Bishop Will. Turnbull by whose procurement the Popes Bull was obtained was very liberal to the Colledge bestowing upon it both Lands and Revenues and so were several of the Bishops and Archbishops who succeeded him The City of Glasgow were also Benefactors to the Colledge The Ground on which the Colledge stands with a Field adjacent thereunto was the Donation of James Lord Hamilton Since the Reformation sundry private men have given considerable sums of Money towards the maintenance of poor Sholars as William Struthers Zachary Boyd Thomas Crawford Ministers Others have bestowed Money for repairing the Fabrick as Alexander Boyd Matthew Wilson Ministers James Law Archbishop of Glasgow was very bountiful to the Colledge for he much augmented the Revenues thereof and bestowed many choice Books which are in the Library Will. Earl of Dundonald An. 1672. gave about a thousand pounds sterling towards the maintenance of Bursars John Snell hath of late bestowed six thousand Marks Scottish for enriching the Library and adorning the Fabrick The Archbishops of Glasgow are perpetual Chancellors of the University The Rector is chosen once every year David Cadyow Canon of Glasgow was the first Recotr and William Elphistoun Official of Glasgow
afterwards Bishop of Aberdeen was the first Dean of Faculties Principals Anno 1454. David Binch first Principal His Successors are not known because the old Records and Registers of the Colledge were either destroyed or taken away at the Reformation Anno 1577. Andrew Melvill Anno 1580. Thomas Smeton Anno 1600. Patrick Sharp Anno 1615. Rob. Boyd of Trochrig Anno 1622. John Cameron Anno 1626. John Strang D. D. Anno 1650. Robert Ramsey he lived but a month after his instalment Anno 1653. Patrick Gillespie Anno 1660. Robert Baily Anno 1662. Edward Wright present Principal Professors of Divinity Anno 1640. David Dickson Anno 1649. Robert Baily Anno 1660. John Young Anno 1668. Gilbert Burnet Anno 1674. David Liddel present Professor of Divinity The Principal taught Theology till An. 1640. at which time there was a Sallary settled for maintenance of a Professor of Divinity There is no Coat of Arms peculiar to this University but they use the Arms of the City of Glasgow Present Professors Sir Will. Fleeming of Fern Rector Doctor Matthew Brisbane Dean of Faculties Edw. Wright Principal or Warden David Liddell Prof. of Theology Professors of Philosophy William Blair Tho. Nicolson John Tran John Boyd Learned Men and Writers John Sharp Doctor and Professor of Divinity a man well Learned and a good Textuary John Cameron Principal of whom I need say no more but that he was the great Cameron so well known to the world by his excellent prelections on the New Testament he acquired so much fame in France where he was Professor of Divinity in Sawmer that King James the 6th brought him to Scotland hoping that his Learning and worth would have had some effects upon the Puritans but he finding them untractable went back to France where he lived and died in great esteem Robert Boyd Principal was a very excellent person and of considerable Learning he wrote a large Commentary on the Ephesians John Strang D. D. a man of great parts extraordinary subtil and of a most solid reason as appears by his most excellent Books De Voluntate Dei in actibus humanis and De Scriptura Sacra David Dickson Professor of Divinity a man wonderfully esteemed and reverenced for his piety by the Covenanters not unlearned he wrote a Commentary on St. Matthews Gospel on the Psalms and the Epistles to the Romans and Hebrews also a Book of practical Divinity called Therapeutica Sacra which he wrote in Latine Robert Baily Professor of Divinity and afterwards Principal a Learned and modest man though he published some very violent Writings yet those flowed rather from the instigation of other persons than his own inclinations He has left a great Evidence of his Diligence and Learning in his Opus Chronologicum Alexander Nisbet and James Ferguson two Ministers much esteemed were bred in this University they wrote each of them Commentaries on some of the Epistles George Hutchison was also bred here who was accounted one of the greatest Preachers of the Presbyterian party and was a Learned man He wrote on the twelve minor Prophets on Job and on the Gospel of St. John He died Anno 1674. George Buchanan of an excellent Wit and Learnâ—ng incomparable was bred in this Colledge He was admired of all men who knew him for â—is Learning and subtilty He wrote his Paraphrase on the Psalms a rare Work and other Poems whilst he stayed in France where he lived in a long time and became acquainted with many Learned men he applyed himself to write the Scottish History in Latine which he penned wiâ—h such Judgment and Eloquence as no Country can shew a a better Only in this he is justly blamed that with the Factions of the Time and to justifie the proceedings of the Noblemen against the Queen he went too far in depressing the Royal Authority of Princes and allowing their controulment by Subjects His bitterness also in writing of the Queen and Troubles of these Times all wise men have disliked He died in a great Old Age at Edinburgh and was buried in the common Burying place without having any Tomb erected for his memory But such pompous Monuments as these of Marble he was wont in his life time to despise esteeming it a greater Credit as it was said of the Roman Cato to have it asked why he doth lack a Statue than to have had one erected though never so glorious CHAP. XIII The University of Aberdeen IN the Reign of King Alexander the Second Anno 121 there was a Studium Generale in Collegio Canonicorum where there were Professors and Doctors of Divinity and of the Canon and Civil Laws and many Learned men have flourished therein King James the Fourth and Will. Elphinstoun Bishop of Aberdeen procured from Pope Alexander the 6th the priviledge of an University in Aberdeen Anno 1494. It is endowed with as ample priviledges as any University in Christendom and particularly the Foundation relates to the priviledges of Paris and Bononia but hath no reference to Oxford or Cambridge because of the Wars between Scotland and England at that time The priviledges were afterwards confirmed by Pope Julius the Second Clement the 7th Leo the 10th and Paul the Second and by the Successors of K. James the Fourth The Bishop of Aberdeen is perpetual Chancellor of this University and hath power to visit in his own person and to reform Abuses And although he be not a Doctor of Divinity yet the foundation gives him power to confer that degree The Office of Vice-Chancellor resides in the Official or Commissary of Aberdeen The Rector who is chosen yearly with the Assistance of his Four Assessors is to take notice of Abuses c. in the University and to make a return thereof to the Chancellor If one of the Masters happen to be Rector then is his power devolved upon the Vice Chancellor The Colledge was founded by Bishop William Elphinstone An. 1500. and was called the King's Colledge because King James the Fourth took upon him and his Successors the special protection of it Persons endowed were A Doctor of Theology who was Principal The Canon Law The Civil Law Physick A Professor of Humanity to teach the Grammar A Sub-principal to teach Philosophy A Cantor A Sacrist Three Students of the Laws Three Students of Philosophy Six Students of Divinity An Organist Five Singing-Boyes who were Students of Humanity Benefactors Bishop Will Ephinstone the Founder built most part of the Fabrick furnished the great Steeple with Ten Bells gave many costly Ornaments as Hangings c. and many Books King James the Fourth bestowed upon the Colledge the Rents of the Hospital of St. Germans in Lothian whereof the Tithes of the Parishes of Aberluthnot in Mernis of Glenmuick and Glengardin in Mar are a part As also the Tithes of the Parishâ—s of Slanes and Furvie in Buchan King James the 6th bestowed upon it the Rents of the Carmelite Friers of Bamf the Chaplainries of Westhall and Fallowroul King Charles the First
several Books of the Old Testament a System of Divinity and many Treatises against the Papists He had a fair Estate which he left to pious uses Arthur Johnson Doctor of Physick and Rector of the University was an excellent Poet. William Douglass Professor of Divinity a man of great industry he wrote some little Treatises There were also three Brothers descended from a Noble Family Duncan Thomas and Gilbert Burnet who were bred here and were in great esteem The first was a Dr. of Physick and practised in Norwich he was Learned holy and good The second was of the same profession and likewise in great esteem in Braintrey where he practised Physick The third was a professor of Philosophy first at Basil then at Montaubon and was in such esteem there that a National Synod of the Protestants in France appointed his Philosophical Writings to be printed at the expence of the Clergy But he dying before his Manuscripts were Put in order only his Book of Ethicks was printed they all three flourished about the year 1630. George Middleton Dr. of Physick was once a professor of Philosophy here a man of considerable parts and good Learning and well skilled in the practise of Physick William Gordon Dr. and Professor of Physick here was a very worthy person of great judgment and well seen in that Science He died Anno 164 James Sandilands Doctor and Professor of the Laws here and Official of Aberdeen was a Learned man and a great Civilian He died Anno 164 Many other Learned men have been Professors here beside those who have had their Education in this Colledge Of the Marischal Colledge of Aberdeen The Marischal Colledge of Aberdeen was founded by George Keith Earl Marischal Anno 1593. Persons endowed were A Principal Three Professors of Philosophy Since that there hath been added A Professor of Divinity And A Professor of Mathematicks A fourth Professor of Philosophy Twenty four poor Scholars Benefactors George Earl Marischal Founder gave towards the maintenance of the Professors certain Lands lying near Aberdeen and at Bervie in Mernis The Town of Aberdeen built most part of the Edifice Thomas Wood left an Annual Sallary to a Library-keeper Bernard Cargill gave a considerable sum of Money towards the maintenance of a Professor of Mathematicks Sir Alexander Irwing of Drum left in Legacy towards the maintenance of poor Scholars or Bursars of Philosophy and Divinity a thousand pound sterling King Charles the First bestowed upon the Colledge the third part of the Rents of the Bishoprick of Aberdeen so long as the See should continue vacant Anno 1641. Alexander Reid Dr. of Physick left in Legacy to the Colledge and Grammar-School two hundred pounds sterling Alexander Ross D. D. Minister in Aberdeen William Guild D. D. Minister in Aberdeen Patrick Dun Dr. of Physick each of them gave money to maintain Bursars Several of the Bâ—nefactors left their Books to the Library Principals Anno 1593. Robert How the first Principal Anno 159 Gilbert Gray Anno 160 Andrew Aidie Anno 161 William Forbes Dr. of Divinity afterwards B. of Edinburgh Anno 162 Patrick Dun Dr. of Physick Anno 1639. William Moir Anno 1663. James Leslie Dr. of Physick Professors of Divinity Anno 162 Robert Baron Dr. and Professor of Divinity afterwards B. Elect of Orkney Anno 164 John Menzeis Present Professors Patrick Sibald Rector Robert Paterson Principal Duncan Liddel Professour of the Mathematicks George Peacock Sub-principal and Professour of Philosophy George Paton Robert Farquar James Lorimer Professours of Philosophy The Earl Marischal is the only Patron of this Colledge Learned Men and Writers William Forbes D. D. Principal was a Person of rare endowments vast learning and a celebrated Preacher He was the first Bishop of Edinburgh and indeed a Holy Person of whom all that ever knew him gave this Character That they never saw him but they thought his heart was in Heaven he was indeed a fit pattern to all that should come after him Robert Baron Doctor and Professour of Divinity was a Person of incomparable worth and learning he had a clear apprehension of things and a rare faculty of making the hardest things easily understood he is well known by his Book De objecto formali fidei and his Metaphysicks and other small Treatises there are many other Manuscripts of his which are not yet Published and he bare the greatest part of that famous debate Anno 1638 between the Doctours of Aberdeen and the Covenanters Alexander Reid Doctor of Physick was bred here he became very famous in London and left a great part of his Estate to pious uses in and about the places of his Education Duncane Liddel Doctor of Physick was bred here and much esteemed for his learned Writings as his Book De febribus and several other Books which he wrote Sir Alexander Fraser His Majesties first Physician was educated in Aberdeen whose learning and happy practice of Physick as they raised him to such esteem and dignity so his constant loyalty and â—â—gh generosity did answer that noble Race of Frasers from whom he descended CHAP. XIV The University of Edinburgh KIng James the sixth of Blessed Memory Anno 1580 founded this University upon the supplication and address of the Magistrates of that City unto His Majesty for that effect He granted to them a Charter under the great Seal allowing them the full liberty and priviledge of an University within their Town but the foundation was not perfected till Anno 1582. The priviledges of this University are the same with those of any other University in the Kingdom The dignity of Chancellour and Vice Chancellour doth reside in the Magistrates and Town Council of Edinburgh who are the only Patrons neither was the dignity ever conferred upon any single Person The Persons endowed were A Principal or Warden A Professour of Divinity Four Masters or Regents for so they are called of Philosophy a Professor or Regent of Humanity Humaniorum literarum or Philology Since the first Foundation the Town hath added a Professour of Hebrew Anno 1640. Doctor Conradus Otto a learned Jew was the first Professor The City of Edinburgh likewise added a Professor of Mathematicks preferring James Gregory Fellow of the Royal Society to the place Anno 1674. Benefactours King James the 6th was Founder The Colledge was Built and the Masters and Bursars are maintained by the publick and private benevolence of the Citizens of Edinburgh The Earl of Tiviot hath built several convenient Chambers being educated in this Colledge and left Mony for the maintenance of several Bursars Several Citizens have built Chambers and mortified considerable Sums of Mony for the use of the University All the Benefactors names are inserted in the Books of the Town-Council and in the Register of the Library and are also drawn in golden letters upon several places in the walls of the Library together with their several donations and also at the time of the publick commencement which is once every
inclined to Bruce his Right he dealt with him promising to invest him in the Kingdom so as he would hold the same Crown of England Bruce answered that he was not so desirous of Rule as he would therefore prejudice the Liberties of the Kingdom being it was sufficiently known that Scotland from the first Foundation of the State had been a Free and Independent Kingdom and not subject to any other power whatsoever The like offer he made to the other who being more greedy of a Kingdom than careful of his Honour did yield thereunto Afterwards Baliol assisted with the Nobility did meditate upon a Revenge of King Edward's proceedings with him in that Juncture of Time by forcing Baliol to swear subjection to him at which the Nobility were so much displeased About this Time King Edward sent to crave a supply of men to be sent him by virtue of the Late Allegiance sworn by Baliol which was utterly rejected as unjust he having then War with France Upon this defection of Baliol King Edward entered into Scotland with a mighty Army and prevailed Baliol being overthrown King Edward his Course for Extirpating the Scots And now did the State seem to be wholly ruined for Edward intending to make sure his Title led away captive all that had the least ability to stir and to extinguish if it had been possible the very memory of the Nation He abolished all the Antient Laws of Scotland traduced the Ecclesiastical Rites to the Forms of England destroyed the Antient Monuments erected either by the Romans or their own Progenitors buâ—nt all the Registers with that famous Library of Restennoth wherein besides many other Volumes were reserved the Books which King Fergus the Second brought with him from Rome removed the Marble Chair in which as the Vulgar believed the Fate of the Kingdom did consist In fine left nothing which might incite generous spirits to remember their former Fortunes or encourage them in any sort to virtue worthiness which makes any account of the Kingdom as to its Registers the less voluminous This is not a place to declare how the English afterward at Banockbâ—rn were wholly defeated without leaving any to carry the News thereof into England but this would be too great a digression The next thing to be considered is What that Monster of Rebellion Cromwell I mean thought fit as a very valuable pledge to send to the Tower of London viz. all the publick Registers Records and Rolls of the Kingdom which lay there till His Majesties happy Restauration after which by the King's Orders they were sent down by Sea to be laid up in the Castle of Edinburgh but the Ship that was loaden with them was cast away near the Holy Island so they were all irrecoverably lost and sunk Dempster in his Apparatus to the Scottish History promised a great many things to the World which he never performed Some have thought that he only amused the People by the undertaking he mentions in that Book Others believed that he knew a great many Manuscripts beyond Sea which were carried thither by Monks and Friers at the Reformation In most Religious Houses there was a Chronicle written of the Times some in Rithme English and Latine some in Prose but there cannot be much made out of them they being full of Legends and Stories There are besides very considerable Manuscripts in Scotland that relate to private Families and give an account of several publick Transactions as the Histories of the Families of the Drummonds Gordons and Duglass's c. But they all come far short of what might have been expected from these Registers that have been lost and destroyed Therefore we must rely upon the Credit of our Antient Historians being there are no means left to correct them by FINIS