or Obedience Thus continued they during the heat of Persecution and when Peace was restored they returned to their former Dwellings resuming their Callings which they had not left off but for a time laid aside Afterwards there sprung up another sort of Monks leading a solitary life when no Persecution forced them thereunto These considering the inconstancy of humane affairs that though they had Prosperity for the present it might be soon changed into a contrary condition if either the restless endeavours of Satan took effect or sinfull Christians were rewarded according to their deserts and prompted also thereunto by their own Melancholick dispositions chose a lone life and lived in Desarts Afterwards they were gathered together to live under one Roof because their Company would be chearfull in Health and needfull in Sickness one to another They sustained themselves by their Labour for every one had a Calling whereby to gain his Livelihood and relieved others by their Charity and very strict were they in their Lives and Conversations But afterwards Monks having sufficiency turned lazie then getting waxed wanton and at last endowed with superfluity became notoriously vicious and so they continued till they were finally extirpated Thus much concerning their Original proceed we next to their several Orders The first are the Benedictines or Black Monks so called from Saint Benedict or Bennet an Italian who flourished about the year 500 first Father and Founder of that Order The Benedictines and Augustinians came into Scotland about one time Their Convents 1. The Abbey of Icolmkill in the Isle Jona founded by Saint Columba about the year 590. 2. The Abbey of Dumfermling in Fife founded by Saint David the First King of Scotland about the year 1130. The Church whereof was built by King Malcolm the Third and was for several hundreds of years the Sepulchre of the Scotish Kings This Abbey was at the Reformation annexed to the Crown 3. The Abbey of Saint Colme in Inch-Colme in the River Forth founded by King Alexander the First about the year 1120. 4. The Abbey of Aberbrothock or Arbroath in Angus founded by King William 1178. This was the richest of our Scotish Abbeys At the Reformation it was conferred upon James Duke of Chattelrault and Earl of Arran who gave it to his second Son Lord John Hamilton At this day it is in the possession of the Earl of Panmure and the stately ruines thereof are yet to be seen 5. The Priory of Vrqhuart in Murray founded by King Alexander the Third 126 A Cell belonging to Dumfermling 6. The Priory of Coldinghame in the Mers founded by Edgar King of Scots 1106. A Cell belonging to Durham in England 7. The Monastery of South-Berwick founded by King David the First 8. The Monastery of Three wells or Trefontana in Lamermoor on the Borders of Lothian founded by the Countess of March A Cell belonging to South-Berwick 9. The Monastery of Kilconqhuar in Galloway founded by Ethred or rather Fergus Lord of Galloway The Cluniacks are Benedictines sifted through a finer fearce with some additionals invented and imposed upon them by Odo Abbot of Clugny or Cluni in Burgundy who flourished Anno 913. Their Convents 1. The Abbey of Pasley in Ranfrew-shire founded by Alexander the great Steward of Scotland 12 The Monks whereof wrote a History of the Nation At the Reformation it was bestowed upon Claud Hamilton third Son to the Duke of Chattelrault 2. The Abbey of Rewls-Cross or Corsraguel in Carrict founded by Thomas Earl of Carrict 126 The Cistercians are so called from Robert Abbot of Cisteaux in Burgundy who Anno 1088. did the second time refine the drossie Benedictines Their Convents 1. The Abbey of Sanudell in Kintyre founded by Saint Coule Milicora What this Founder was I know not 2. The Abbey of Souls-Seat Sedes Animarum in Galloway was founded by Fergus Lord of Galloway 3. The Abbey of Dundrennan in Galloway was founded by Fergus Lord of Galloway 4. The Abbey of Melross in Teviotdail founded by King David the First 5. The Abbey of Newbottle in Lothian founded by King David the First 6. The Abbey of Culross in Clackmannan-shire founded by Malcolm Mackduff Earl of Fife 7. The Abbey of Glenluce in Galloway founded by Rolland Lord of Galloway 8. The Abbey of Sweet-heart Dulcis Cordis or New Abbey in Galloway founded by Dornogilla Daughter of Alan Lord of Galloway and Wife to John Balliol 9. The Abbey of Balmerino in Fife founded by Emergards Wife to King William 10. The Abbey of Deir in Buchan founded by William Cummin Earl of Buchan 1218. 11. The Abbey of Cowper in Angus founded by King David the First 12. The Abbey of Kelso in Teviotdail founded by King David the First 13. The Priory of Machlein in Kile A Cell belonging to the Abbey of Melross 14. The Monastery of Elcho in Strath-Jern founded by David Lindsay Ancestour to the Earls of Crawfurd The Monks of the Order of the Valley of Reeds Vallis Caulium are a Branch of the Reformed Cistercians whose Institutions both in Habit Diet Divine Offices c. they punctually observe but with greater strictness confining themselves to much narrower Bills They possess very mean Revenues being wholly intent upon their Devotions and may not goe without the bounds of the Monastery it being onely lawfull for the Prior and one of the Order to goe abroad upon necessary occasions and to visit the Monasteries under their charge They are daily imployed in dressing the Gardens of Fruits and Herbs which are within the bounds of the Monastery and improved for the use of it This Order had four Convents in Scotland 1. The Priory of Ardehattan in Lorn founded by Duncan Mackowle of Lorn 2. The Priory of Lismehago in Clidisdail founded by Fergus Lord of Galloway 3. The Priory of Bewley in Ross founded by John Lord Bisset 4. The Priory of Pluscardy in Murray founded by King Alexander the Second the Monks whereof did write a Scotish Chronicle It was afterwards turned into a Convent of Black Monks The Augustinians are older in Europe then the Benedictines These do observe the Institutions of Saint Augustine Bishop of Hippo who was Saint Bennet's Senior by sixty years The Augustinians are also called Regular Canons Their Convents in Scotland were 1. The Abbey of Jedburgh in Teviotdail founded by King David the First 2. The Abbey of Holy-rood-house in Lothian adjoyning to the Canon-gate in Edinburgh founded by King David the First This Abbey is now one of the King's Palaces 3. The Abbey of Cambuskeneth in Striveling-shire founded by King David the First 4. The Abbey of Inchassray in Strath-Jern founded by Gilbert Earl of Strath-Jern 5. The Abbey of Scoon in Gowry founded by Alexander the First King of Scotland 6. The Priory of Crusa in the West Isles founded by Saint Columba 7. The Priory of Omistai in the West Isles founded by Saint Columba 8. The Priory of Holy-Cross at Peeblis in Tweedail founded by Fergus Lord of Galloway 9.
were a Rectour a Dean of Facultie a Principal or Warden who was to teach Theologie three Professours to teach Philosophy Afterwards some Clergy-men professed the Laws here being invited to that Profession rather by the commodity of a Collegiate life and the Immunities of the Universitie then by any considerable Salary King James the Sixth Anno 1577. did establish Twelve persons in the Colledge viz. a Principal three Professours of Philosophy called Regents four Scholars called Bursars an OEconomus or Provisor who furnisheth the Table with provisions the Principal 's servant a Janitor and a Cook Benefactours The Kings of Scotland have been great Benefactours to this Universitie King James the Second the Founder of it did bestow considerable Revenues and endue it with many Privileges 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 Vniversitate studentes sub nostra firma pace custodia defensione manutenentia suscipimus eosdemque Rectores c. ab omnibus tributis exactionibus taxationibus collectis vigiliis custodiis eximimus postea eximendos statuimus The same Privileges were confirmed by King James the Third Anno 1472. by King James the Fourth 1509. by King James the Fifth 1522. and by Queen Mary 1547. About the time of the Reformation the Universitie was almost brought to desolation and had been ruined had not King James the Sixth in his Minority restored it by his Royal Bounty and munificence He confirmed all its Privileges 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 Universitie and made some new Donations Anno 1617. King Charles the First did ratifie all the old Privileges 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 William Turnbull by whose procurement the Pope's 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 Citie of Glasgow were also Benefactours 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 summs of money towards the maintenance of poor Scholars or Bursars 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 bountifull to the Colledge for he much augmented the Revenues thereof and bestowed many choice Books which are in the Library William Earl of Dundonald Anno 1672. gave about 1000 pounds sterling towards the maintenance of Bursars John Snell hath of late bestowed 6000 Marks Scotish for enriching the Library and adorning the Fabrick The Archbishops of Glasgow are perpetual Chancellours of the Universitie The Rectour is chosen once every year David Cadyow Canon of Glasgow was the first Rectour and William Elphingston Official of Glasgow afterwards Bishop of Aberdene was the first Dean of Facultie Principals 1454. David Bineb first Principal His Successours are not known because the old Records and Registers of the Colledge were either destroyed or taken away at the Reformation 1577. Andrew Melvin 1580. Thomas Smeton 1600. Patrick Sharp 1615. Robert Boyd of Trochrig 1622. John Cameron 1626. John Strang Doctour of Divinitie 1650. Robert Ramsay he lived but a month after his Instalment 1653. Patrick Gillespie 1660. Robert Bailie 1662. Edward Wright present Principal Professours of Divinitie The Principals taught Theologie till Anno 1640. at which time there was a Salarie settled for maintenance of a Professour of Divinitie 1640. David Dickson 1649. Robert Bailie 1660. John Young 1668. Gilbert Burnet 1674. David Liddell present Professour of Divinitie There is not a Coat of Arms peculiar to this Universitie but they use the Arms of the Citie of Glasgow Present Professours Sir William Fleming of Ferm Rectour Doctour Matthew Brisban Dean of Facultie Edward Wright Principal or Warden David Liddell Professour of Theologie William Blair Thomas Nicolson John Tran John Boyd Professours of Philosophy Learned men and Writers John Sharp Doctour and Professour of Divinitie 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 Professour of Divinitie in Saumur that King James brought him to Scotland hoping that his Learning and Worth would have had some effects on 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 Doctour of Divinity Principal a man of great Parts extraordinary Subtilty and of a most solid Reason as appears by his excellent Books De voluntate Dei in actibus humanis and De Scriptura Sacra David Dickson Professour of Divinitie a man wonderfully esteemed and reverenced for his Piety by the Covenanters not unlearned he wrote a Commentary on S. Matthew's Gospel on the Psalms and the Epistles to the Romans and Hebrews also a Book of Practical Divinitie called Therapeutica Sacra which he wrote in Latin Robert Bailie Professour 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 then his own inclinations He has left a great evidence of his Diligence and Learning in his Opus Chronologicum Alexander Nubet and James Ferguson two Ministers much esteemed were bred in this University they wrote each of them Commentaries on some of the Epistles George Hutchinson 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 Saint John He died Anno 1674. George Buchanan was a person that deserves a higher Character then I can give him but it is done to such advantage in the foregoing History that I must referre the Reader to it page 325. The Vniversitie of ABERDENE IN the Reign of King Alexander the Second Anno 121 there was a Studium Generale in Collegio Canonicorum where there were Professours and Doctours of Divinitie and of the Canon and Civil Laws and many Learned men have flourished therein King James the Fourth and William Elphingston Bishop of Aberdene procured from Pope Alexander the Sixth the Privilege of an Universitie in Aberdene Anno Christi 1494. It is endowed with as ample Privileges as any
Universitie in Christendom and particularly the Foundation relates to the Privileges of Paris and Bononia but hath no reference to Oxford or Cambridge because of the Wars between Scotland and England at that time The Privileges were afterwards confirmed by Pope Julius the Second Clement the Seventh Leo the Tenth and Paul the Second and by the Successours of King James the Fourth The Bishop of Aberdene is perpetual Chancellour of this Universitie and hath power to visit in his own person and to reform Abuses and although he be not a Doctour of Divinitie yet the Foundation gives him power of conferring that Degree The Office of Vicechancellour resides in the Official or Commissary of Aberdene The Rectour who is chosen yearly with the assistence of his four Assessours is to take notice of Abuses c. in the Universitie and to make a return thereof to the Chancellour If one of the Masters happen to be Rectour then is his power devolved upon the Vice-chancellour The Colledge was founded by Bishop William Elphingston Anno 1500. and was called the King's Colledge because King James the Fourth took upon him and his Successours the special Protection of it Persons endowed were A Doctour of Theologie who was Principal the Canon Law the Civil Law Physick A Professour of Humanity to teach Grammar A Subprincipal to teach Philosophy A Cantor A Sacrist Six Students of Divinitie Three Students of the Laws Thirteen Students of Philosophy An Organist Five Singing-boys who were Students of Humanitie Benefactours Bishop William Elphingston the Founder built most part of the Fabrick furnished the great Steeple with ten Bells gave many costly Ornaments as Hangings Books c. King James the Fourth bestowed upon the Colledge the Rents of the Hospital of Saint Germans in Lothian whereof the Tithes of the Parishes of Aberluthnot in Mernis of Glenmuik and Glengairden in Mar are a part as also the Tithes of the Parishes of Slanes and Furvie in Buchan King James the Sixth bestowed upon it the Rents of the Carmelite Friers of Bamff the Chaplainries of Westhall and Fallowroull King Charles the First gave to the Colledge two parts of the Revenues of the Bishoprick of Aberdene so long as the See should remain vacant Anno 1641. Upon which Donation eight Bursars more were endowed and the Universitie was called the Caroline Universitie King Charles the Second by the advice of the Estates of Parliament did bestow upon it Anno 1672. the Stipends of all those Churches which should happen to be vacant within the Dioceses of Aberdene Murray Ross and Cathnes and that for seven years following the date of the Act. Gawin Dumbar Bishop of Aberdene built the South-quarter of the Colledge and the houses belonging to the Prebendaries and did perfect whatsoever Bishop Elphingston left unfinished William Stewart Bishop of Aberdene built the Library Chapter-house Vestry-house a School and Chambers for the Chaplains Duncan Sberar Parson of Clat gave certain Lands towards the maintenance of Bursars Nicolaus Hay Professour of the Civil Law and Official of Aberdene gave maintenance to Bursars Robert Maitland Dean of Aberdene procured the annexation of the Deanry to the Colledge 1579. Walter Stewart Principal procured the annexation of his Rectory of Methlick to the Colledge Sir Thomas Burnet of Leyis endowed three Bursars James Wat Rectour of Snaith in Yorkshire gave certain Lands towards the maintenance of a Student of Divinitie Alexander Reid Doctour of Physick left in legacy to the Colledge two hundred pounds of English money he also left his Books to the Library John Forbes Doctour and Professour of Divinitie did purchase two houses and left the one for the accommodation of his Successours Professours of Divinitie and the other for the use of the Cantor The following persons left their Books to the Library Andrew Strachan Doctour and Professour of Divinitie George Clerk a Minister Thomas Garden George Anderson Sir Francis Gordon Alexander Blackball Student of Divinitie resident at London Thomas Mercer Burgess of Aberdene Principals 150 Hector Boeth or Boyes descended from the Boeths of Panbride in Angus born in Dundee and bred up in Letters in the Universitie of Paris was the first Principal Besides his History of the Scots he wrote the Lives of the Bishops of Aberdene 153 William Hay Subprincipal was his Successour 1552. John Bissait continued six years and resigned his place because of his infirmitie proceeding from long sickness to 1558. Alexander Anderson Subprincipal who was also Parson of Tyrie and Vicar of Kinkell This man was a great Scholar and a subtil Disputant but no great friend to the Colledge For the hatred he bare to the Reformed Religion he alienated some of the Colledge-Revenues destroyed many of its Writings and Evidences whereby many Lands and other Rents belonging to Saint Germans are quite lost sold the Ornaments Books and other Furniture belonging to the Colledge Commendable he was in one thing for when some of the Reformers would have taken away the Lead and Bells repulit vim ferro He was afterwards turned out and the Place conferred upon 1569. Alexander Arbuthnot Brother to the Baron of Arbuthnot Parson of Arbuthnot and Logy Buchan a modest learned and pious Divine 1584. Walter Stewart Subprincipal was his Successour a very hopefull person taken away in the thirty-sixth year of his age 1593. Upon his death David Rait of the House of Halgreen in the Mernis Sub-principal was preferred to the place He continued Principal fortie two years 1634. To him succeeded William Leslie Doctour of Divinitie Subprincipal a man of great Learning In his time Anno 1634. a storm of wind beat down the top of the great Steeple which afterwards was built more stately consisting of four Arches supporting a Crown with a Globe and Cross Principal Leslie was for his Loyalty thrust out by the Covenanters and in his room was elected 1640. William Guild Doctour of Divinitie Minister in Aberdene and one of the Chaplains to King Charles the First a Learned and worthy person He built the Tradesmens Hospital in Aberdene left considerable Legacies to the Poor and bequeathed his Books to the Library of Saint Andrews Anno 1649. the General Assembly gave a Commission to some Ministers and Lay-Elders to reform the Colledge and to expell the Malignants Persons thrust out Doctour William Guild Principal Alexander Middleton Subprincipal Patrick Gordon George Middleton Professours of Philosophy Persons put in The Commissioners at that time did not unanimously agree whom to put in and considering Winter drawing near that the Colledge could not be well governed unless there were a Principal or Subprincipal therefore they ordered the Subprincipal to continue till his place were supplied by another Shortly after the Masters restored the Principal in despite of all opposition to his place But Anno 1651. General Monk sent five Colonels to reform the Coledge Colonel Fenwick Moseley Owen Disborough and Smith At this Reformation both Principal and Subprincipal were again turned out Gilbert Rewle was substituted in
Parish and so continues yet in pretty good repair The Diocese of Aberdene contains the Shire of Aberdene most part of Bamff-shire and part of Mernis Bishops of MVRRAY AFter the death of Bishop Patrick Hepburn this Benefice was conferred upon Alexander Lindsay Lord Spinie who possessed it many years so that the See continued vacant till about the year 1606 at which time Alexander Douglas Parson of Elgin was promoted to the Bishoprick How long he sate I cannot learn His Successour was John Guthry one of the Preachers in Edinburgh in whose time fell out our second Reformation Most of the Bishops left their Bishopricks having wisely withdrawn themselves into England to avoid the Storm which threatned them whereas this Bishop stay'd at home till his Bishoprick left him Being thrust from his Benefice by the Covenanters he retired to his ancient Inheritance of Guthry in Angus where he lived very contentedly and hospitably exercising his Charity amongst the Poor He died much lamented during our Civil Wars Anno 1662. Murdo Mackenzie Rectour of Elgin was preferred Bishop of Murray who now governs the See The Cathedral-Church of Elgin founded by Andrew Bishop of Murray 1230. was one of the rarest Monuments that this Kingdom afforded equal almost to Saint Paul's in London as I am informed in length but surpassing it in breadth It was demolished at the Reformation yet some of the stately Ruines are still to be seen and admired The Parish-Church dedicated to Saint Peter was as I am informed founded by George the second Earl of Huntly about the year 1490. The Diocese of Murray contains the Shires of Elgin Nairn and part of Innernes and Bamff-Shires Bishops of BRICHEN BIshop Sinclair's Successour in the See of Brichen was one Campbell Cousin to the Earl of Argile about the year 1567. How long he sate I cannot learn Anno 16 Andrew Lamb Rectour of Burnt-Island was preferred to the See and afterwards translated to Galloway then void by the death of Bishop William Cowper Upon this Translation Anno 1619. David Lindsay Parson of Dundee was promoted to the Bishoprick of Brichen he was translated to Edinburgh 1634. Unto whom succeeded Walter Whitfurd of the House of Milnton Rectour of who was outed by the Covenanters 1639. and his house plundred Anno 1662. David Straughan Parson of Fettercairn was preferred Bishop of Brichen He sate nine years and dying 1671. was buried in the Cathedral-Church His Successour was Robert Lowry Dean of Edinburgh who now governs the See The Cathedral-Church of Brichen is a pretty handsom Fabrick it hath on the South-side a small Steeple not unlike the Monument on Fish-street-hill London save that it is broader at the top then at the bottom by whom built I cannot learn The Chancel was demolished by our first Reformers The Diocese of Brichen contains part of Angus and Mernis Bishops of DVMBLANE ABout the year 1572. Andrew Grhame Uncle to the Earl of Montross was preferred Bishop of Dumblane and translated to Orkney 1615. To whom succeeded Adam Bannatyn of Kilconqhuar Rectour of Fawkirk who governed the See till Anno 1635. at which time he was translated to Aberdene then void by the death of Bishop Patrick Forbes His Successour was James Wedderburn Professour of Divinity in Saint Andrews who was thrust out by the Covenanters 1639. Anno 1662. Robert Leighton Principal of the Colledge of Edinburgh was promoted to the Bishoprick of Dumblane He was a man of singular and wonderfull Piety of great Learning and in him most of the eminent Vertues we admire in the Primitive Bishops seemed to be revived His Life was most exemplary and severe he preached constantly and seemed like one in heaven when he preached his Humility was astonishing his Meekness and Charity were extraordinary his expence on himself very small but all he had he laid out on the poor he was very tender of all the concerns of his Clergy and by his excellent deportment and heavenly discourses did much edifie and instruct them all and he studied by the most gentle methods possible to overcome the peevishness of the Schismaticks but all was in vain for they became more insolent and stubborn He was translated to Glasgow 1670. Upon which Translation James Ramsay Dean of Glasgow was preferred to the See now living 1676. The Bishop of Dumblane is always Dean of the King's Chappel Royal. The Diocese of Dumblane contains part of Perth and Striveling-shires Bishops of ROSS JOhn Leslie Doctour of the Canon Law and one of the Senatours of the Colledge of Justice before Canonist in the King's Colledge and Official of Aberdene was upon the death of Bishop Sinclair preferred to the Bishoprick of Ross 1564. He was a person of great Integrity and a faithfull servant to Queen Mary in the time of her Troubles He wrote the History of his Nation together with a Description of the Kingdom He died at Bruxels in Flanders 1596. To him succeeded Anno 1599. David Lindsay of the House of Edyell Preacher at Leith a worthy pious and learned Prelate He sate years and dying 161 was buried in the Parish-Church of Leith After his death Patrick Lindsay Parson of Saint Vigens in Angus was preferred to the See who being translated to Glasgow Anno 1635. left for his Successour John Maxwell one of the Preachers of Edinburgh a very Learned man a great Preacher and of excellent parts but was generally censured for meddling too much in Civil affairs and for being too violent which was thought a great occasion of the Troubles that followed He was thrust out by the Covenanters Anno 1639. and afterwards much prosecuted by them as an Incendiary Anno 1662. John Paterson Preacher in Aberdene was promoted to the Bishoprick of Ross who now governs the See The Cathedral of Chanonry where the Bishop of Ross his Seat is was demolished by our first Reformers some part whereof as I am informed is lately rebuilt The Diocese of Ross hath under its Jurisdiction the Shires of Tayn Cromarty and the greatest part of Innernes-shire Bishops of CATHNES AFter the death of Bishop Robert Stewart 1586. the See continued vacant till the year 1599. at which time George Gladstanes Preacher in Saint Andrews was preferred Bishop of Cathnes He was translated to Saint Andrews about the year 1606. Unto whom succeeded Alexander Forbes Rectour of Fettercairn in Mernis who was translated to Aberdene then void by the death of Bishop Peter Blackburn 1615. Upon this Translation John Abernethy was promoted to the See a Learned and worthy Prelat thrust out by the Covenanters 1639. Upon the Restitution of Hierarchy 1662. Patrick Forbes was preferred to the See now living 1676. The Diocese of Cathnes whereof Dornoch in Sutherland is the Bishop's Seat contains the Shires of Cathnes and Sutherland I can give no account of the Cathedral having neither seen it nor received any information concerning it Bishops of ORKNEY ABout the year 1565. Adam Bothwell was preferred to the Bishoprick of Orkney and deposed 1568. for
Great Seal allowing them the full Liberty and Privilege of an University within their Town But the Foundation was not perfected till Anno 1582. The Privileges 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 onely Patrons I do not find that ever the Dignity was conferred upon any single person The Persons founded were A Principal or Warden A Professour of Divinitie Four Masters or Regents for so they are called of Philosophy A Professour or Regent of Humanitie Humanarum literarum and Philologie Since the first Foundation the Town hath added a Professour of Hebrew Anno 1640. and Doctour Conradus Otto a Learned Jew was the first Professour And a Professour of Mathematicks preferring James Gregory Fellow of the Royal Society to the place Anno 1674. Benefactours King James the Sixth Founder The Colledge was built and the Masters and Bursars are maintained by the publick and private Benevolence of the Citizens of Edinburgh Some Donations have been by others but not considerable All the Benefactours Names are inserted in the Books of the Town-Council and in the Register of the Library and are also drawn in Gold Letters upon several places on the Walls of the Library together with their several Donations and also at the time of the publick Commencement which is once every year they are recited vivâ voce in the hearing of all The Library was founded by Clement Litle one of the Officials or Commissaries of Edinburgh Anno 1635. since which time it is much increased both by Donatives from the Citizens as also from the Scholars who are more in number here then in any other Colledge in the Kingdom Principals 1583. Robert Rollock one of the Ministers of the Citie who was likewise Professour of Divinity for all the Principals here are Primarii Professores Theologie was the first Principal and Rectour of the Universitie 1600. Henry Charters 1620. Patrick Sands 1622. Robert Boyd 1625. John Adamson 1653. Robert Leighton who was afterwards preferred to be Bishop of Dumblane 1662. William Colvil 1675. Andrew Cant. Professours of Divinitie 162 Andrew Ramsay 1630. John Sharp Doctour of Divinity 1650. David Dickson 1664. William Keith Doctour of Divinity 1675. Lawrence Charters Present Professours Andrew Cant Principal Lawrence Charters Professour of Divinity Alexander Dickson Hebrew Professour James Pillan John Wishart John Wood William Paterson Professours of Philosophy Gilbert Mackmurdo Professour of Humanity William Henderson Library-keeper No Professour of Mathematicks since Mr. Gregorie's death There is no Coat of Arms peculiar to this Universitie but the Magistrates allow them to use the Arms of the City Learned men and Writers Robert Rollock Principal a person of great worth and Learning He wrote Commentaries on the Psalms and some of the Prophets some Sermons and Pieces of Devotion were also published by him but of him see the former History Page 454. Henry Charters Principal a person of great modesty and humility and well seen in Theological Learning Patrick Sands Doctour of Divinity Principal a man very learned in the Mathematicks John Adamson Principal a man of great Learning and of very quick Parts Alexander Henderson Rectour of the Universitie and one of the Ministers in the City the greatest Ring-leader of the Covenanters and often employed by them in the affairs of Church and State both in Scotland and England was a person of great gravity and composedness and of considerable Learning That Debate between His late Majesty and him at Newcastle 1646. about Church-Government and the occasion he then had of knowing that Blessed Martyr wrought much upon him so that he went bak to Scotland much changed in his Principles and it was believed that if he had lived he would have been very instrumental in the King's service but he died soon after and was much lamented being the most universally-esteemed man of all the Party William Colvil Principal a man of very moderate temper He was deposed by the Covenanters and yet he would never accept Preferment though divers Bishopricks were profered to him He wrote divers Pieces which are printed in English and Ethica Christians in Latin William Keith Doctour and Professour of Divinity a man of great Learning who had diligently studied both the Fathers and Schoolmen and was a great Master of Languages being very well skilled in the Hebrew and Rabbinical Learning He was wholly mortified and denied to the world and led a most severe and ascetical kind of life He died Anno 1674. I forbear to mention those Learned Professours in the Four Universities who are yet alive and therefore I leave it to those who shall follow to celebrate their fame to posterity CHAP. 4. Of the GOVERNMENT and LAWS of SCOTLAND THE Kingdom of Scotland hath been governed by Kings in as long a Succession as any Nation in the world The King is an absolute and unaccountable Monarch and as the Law calls him a Free Prince of a Sovereign Power having as great Liberties and Prerogatives by the Laws of this Realm and Privilege of His Crown and Diademe as any other King Prince or Potentate whatsoever So that it is delivered as a Maxim in the Heads of our Law That all Jurisdiction stands and consists in the King's Person by reason of His Royal Authority and Crown and is competent to no Subject but flows and proceeds from the King having Supreme Jurisdiction and is given and committed by Him to such Subjects as He pleases The Crown of Scotland descends by Inheritance the Heir female not being excluded and the undoubted Right to it has been for above three hundred years in the Family of the Stewarts and is now in the Person of King CHARLES the Second whom God long preserve Upon the death of a King the next Heir is presently King and the Coronation is onely a solemn Instalment in that which was his Right before All the difference between our Kings before and after their Coronation is that they hold onely Conventions of Estates but no Parliaments before they are Crowned of the distinction of which an account shall be given afterwards When a King is Crowned he swears the Oath appointed to be taken at the Coronation which before the Reformation was no other then the Oath set down in the Roman Pontifical to be sworn by Kings for there is no Provision made about it in our Laws but at the Reformation it was enacted That all Kings at the time of their Coronation should make their faithfull Promise by Oath c. which Oath is to be found in that Act and to it the Reader is referred The Prerogatives of the Crown are great the Power of Peace and War the Power of raising and arming the Subjects the Power of the Mint the Nomination of all Officers both of the State and of War and Justice except some Sheriffs that are such by Inheritance the