marrying Queen Mary to the Earl of Bothwell but was the year after restored He exchanged his Bishoprick of Orkney with Robert Stewart one of the base Sons of King James the Fifth for the Abby of Holy-rood-house by which means he became a Senatour of the Colledge of Justice and a Temporal Lord being the Ancestour of the Lord Holy-rood-house Upon this Exchange Robert Stewart became Bishop of Orkney and afterwards upon the Forfeiture of James Hepburn Earl of Bothwell and the obtaining of these Isles for a Temporal Estate sole Lord of the Country being created Earl of Orkney 1581. About the year 1606. James Law was Bishop of Orkney and translated to Glasgow 1615. To Bishop Law succeeded Andrew Grahame Bishop of Dumblane How long he sate I cannot learn George Grahame was after him preferred Bishop of Orkney This Bishop being terrified with the Censures of the Assembly of Glasgow did abjure Episcopacy and submitted to Presbyterian Government betaking himself to the charge of a particular Parish 1638. Hereupon King Charles the First did promote Robert Baron Doctour and Professour of Divinity in the Marischal Colledge of Aberdene to the Bishoprick This Learned and worthy man having incensed the Covenanters by expressing his Loyalty so publickly in the Disputes between the Doctours of Aberdene and Mr. Henderson Mr. Dickson and Mr. Cant the three great Champions for the Covenant was forced to flee to Berwick where he died shortly after before his Consecration Anno 1662. Thomas Sydserfe Bishop of Galloway the onely Bishop then alive of all those who had been outed by the Covenanters was translated to Orkney He sate but a few years and died Anno 1663. Unto whom succeeded Andrew Honniman a learned and pious man and a good Preacher This Bishop accompanying the Archbishop of Saint Andrews at Edinburgh received a wound in the Arm by Pistol-shot aimed at the Archbishop by an obscure fellow 1668. He died Anno 1676. and was buried at Kirkwall in the Cathedral-Church The Diocese of Orkney hath under its Jurisdiction all the Northern Isles of Orkney and Schetland Archbishops of GLASGOW UPon the death of Archbishop Gawin Dumbar Anno 1552. James Beaton of the House of Balfour in Fife was preferred to the See This Prelat being attainted of Treason went into France carrying with him all the Ornaments Plate and Writings of the Church of Glasgow which he put into the hands of the Carthusians in Paris to be restored when Scotland became Popish again Anno 1572. James Boyd of Trochrig was promoted to the Bishoprick a wise worthy and Religious Prelat He died 1578. and was interred in the sepulchre of Bishop Dumbar Unto whom succeeded Robert Montgomery Preacher at Striveling who being much vexed by the Kirk-men was glad for peace sake to betake himself to the Charge of a particular Parish in Kile 1587. resigning his Bishoprick in favour of William Erskine Parson of Campsey who injoyed it but a short time For Archbishop Beaton was by King James the Sixth restored He was a person honourably disposed faithfull to Queen Mary while she lived and to King James whose Embassadour he was a Lover of his Country and liberal according to his means to all his Country-men He died 1603. a full Jubilee of years from his Consecration After his death John Spotiswood Parson of Calder was preferred Archbishop of Glasgow He sate twelve years and was translated to Saint Andrews 1615. Hereupon James Law Bishop of Orkney was translated to Glasgow who dying Anno 1635. Patrick Lindsay Bishop of Ross was preferred to the See and outed by the Covenanters Anno 1638. The first Archbishop after the Restitution of the Hierarchy was Andrew Fairfoul Preacher in Dunce who sate little above a year Upon whose death Anno 1664. Alexander Burnet Bishop of Aberdene was translated to Glasgow and outed 1669. and Robert Leighton Bishop of Dumblane preferred to the See who resigning Anno 1674. Archbishop Burnet was restored and now governs the See The Cathedral of Glasgow a very magnificent Structure was built by Bishop John Achtian 1135. It oweth thanks to the memory of King James the Sixth for its preservation from utter ruine For the Ministers of Glasgow persuaded the Magistrates to pull it down and to build two or three Churches with the materials thereof the Magistrates condescending a day is appointed and workmen ready to demolish it The Crafts or Tradesmen having notice given them of this design convene in Arms and oppose the Magistrates threatning to bury the workmen under the ruines of that ancient Building Whereupon the matter is referred to the King and Council who decided the Controversie in the Tradesmens favours reproving the Magistrates very sharply The Diocese of Glasgow contains the Counties or Shires of Dumbarton Ranfrew Air Lanerick part of the Shires of Roxburgh Dumfreis Peeblis and Selkirk Bishops of GALLOWAY ABout the year 1606. Gawin Hamilton was Bishop of Galloway a very worthy person His Successour Anno 1614. was William Cowper Preacher at Perth a Learned and pious Prelat he died 1619. of whom see the former History page 540. Upon whose death Andrew Lamb Bishop of Brichen was translated to Galloway How long he sate I cannot learn After him Thomas Sydserfe was preferred to the See a learned and worthy Prelate he was outed by the Covenanters 1638. and upon the Restitution of the Episcopal Estate Anno 1662. translated to Orkney About which time James Hamilton Rectour of Cambusnethan was promoted to the Bishoprick Unto whom succeeded Anno 1674. John Paterson Dean of Edinburgh who now governs the See The Diocese of Galloway hath under its Jurisdiction the Shire of Wigton Stewartry of Kirkubright Regality of Glenluce and part of Dumfreis-shire Bishops of ARGILE AFter George Laird of Balcomie who is the last Bishop of Argile mentioned by our Reverend Authour in his Second Book I meet with some who have been Bishops before the Reformation The first was Robert Montgomery one of the Sons of Hugh the first Earl of Eglington Then one Campbell who spoiled the Benefice about the time of the Reformation After the Reformation there was one Kerswell Bishop of Argile how long he governed the See I cannot learn To him succeeded Boyd See the Addenda To whom succeeded James Fairley who was thrust out by the Covenanters 1638. and afterwards renounced his Bishoprick and accepted a private Charge Anno 1662. Fletcher Rectour of was preferred to the See who dying Anno 1665. William Scrowgie Parson of Rapban in Aberdene-shire was preferred to the place He governed the See nine years and died at Dumbritton Anno 1675. Unto him succeeded Arthur Ross Parson of Glasgow who now governs the See The Diocese of Argile contains the Countries of Argile Lorn Kintire and Lochabyr with some of the West Isles such as Lismore c. Bishops of the ISLES ABout the year 1606 Andrew Knox Rectour of Pasley was preferred to the See How long he sate I know not His Successour was John Knox Rectour of How long
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
Scotish History and High Commissioners With A compleat Catalogue of all the Arch-bishops and Bishops AN APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF THE Church of Scotland CHAP. I. Containing the Succession of the BISHOPS in their several SEES from the Reformation of Religion to the year 1676. Archbishops of SAINT ANDREWS AFTER that Cardinal David Beaton was murthered in his Castle of Saint Andrews by Normand Leslie and his Complices James Hamilton Duke of Chattelrault Governour of the Realm did nominate his base Brother John Hamilton Abbot of Pasley to the place who thereupon was elected by the Canons and soon after confirmed by Pope Paul the Third who fearing that Scotland would follow the example of England in casting off the Yoak of the Roman See was glad to gratifie the Governour in that particular About this time the Estimation of the Clergy began to decrease because of their corrupt Lives and gross Ignorance which induced divers of that number to relinquish their Order and to make open profession of the Truth multitudes also of Monks and Friers leaving their Cloisters began to exhort the people to renounce the Romish Fopperies and Superstitions and to submit to the Doctrine of Christ every-where crying out against the Corruptions of the Church The Prelates in stead of composing matters calmly took the contrary course exercising great Severity against them and cruelly burning such of the New Religion as they termed it as fell into their hands those who fled they prosecuted with the highest Censures of the Church Burning them in Effigie and Cursing them by Book Bell and Candle But all this Cruelty served to no purpose for the death of Walter Mill who was the last Martyr that suffered for Religion was the very bane of Popery in Scotland mens minds being now wholly alienated from the Clergy and their Consciences convinced that the Doctrine of Jesus Christ did neither allow such cruel Principles nor countenance such bloudy Practices To return then to Archbishop John Hamilton who was attainted of Treason under the Government of the Earl of Murray He lurked a while amongst his Friends in the West of Scotland but finding little security there he betook himself to the strong Castle of Dumbarton whereof the Lord Fleming was then Governour But this Fort beâ—ng negligently kept was afterwards surprised by three Companies of Foot sent thither by the Earl of Lennox then Regent commanded by three Captains Ramsay Crawford and Hume who seising upon the Prisoners sent them to sundry places and the Archbishop with a strong Guard to Striveling where he was publickly hanged on a Gibbet erected for that purpose 1570. He was the onely Bishop that suffered by form of Justice in this Kingdom At this time the Rents of this Bishoprick were by the Regent conferred upon the Earl of Morton for some years as a recompence of his great charges in his Embassy to England That Earl that he might enjoy them legally made choice of John Douglas Provost of the New Colledge of Saint Andrews before a Carmelite Frier and Chaplain to the Earl of Argile to be Titular Bishop who was with much opposition of the Presbytery for at that time there was no Chapter admitted and installed 1572. This Bishop sate little above two years and died at Saint Andrews 1575. After his death the Earl of Morton then Regent did prefer Patrick Adamson his Chaplain to the Bishoprick of Saint Andrews This Bishop was sorely vexed by those of the Kirk-party who prosecuted him with the highest Censures of their Church and excommunicated him very informally for not submitting to their Judicatory but the business was afterwards compounded and the Bishop relaxed He was a man of great Learning but an ill Administratour of the Churche's Patrimony He sate fifteen years and died at Saint Andrews 1591. Hereupon the See continued void and the Profits thereof were by King James the Sixth bestowed on the Duke of Lennox till the Parliament 1606. wherein the Temporalties of Bishopricks in former times annexed to the Crown were restored the want of which had rendered the Bishops of unserviceable both to Church and State About this time George Gladstanes Bishop of Cathnes was translated to Saint Andrews a man of ready utterance and of great invention but of an easie nature as appears by his being induced so easily to lease out his Benefice for so many Ages to come to the great detriment of his Successours But in this he was not singular for the rest of the Clergy both Papists and Protestants did let Leases of their Benefices to their Friends and others for Hundreds of years and that for a pitifull pittance Which Extravagancy was afterwards restrained by the wisedom of King James when he was of age for he enacted That Bishops should let Leases for nineteen years Rectours c. for their Life-time and three years and other Beneficed persons for their Life-time and three years with consent of their Patrons Bishop Gladstanes governed the See ten years and dying at Saint Andrews 1615. was interred in the South-East Isle of the Parish-Church Upon his death John Spotiswood Archbishop of Glasgow was translated to Saint Andrews who procured to this See whose Rents were almost wholly alienated by his Predecessours the Revenues of the Priory of Saint Andrews then in Lay-hands as also the restauration of three hundred pounds of English money per Annum of a long time swallowed up in the Crown-rents The Office of the Chancellary in the State conferr'd upon him by that Glorious Martyr King CHARLES the First he discharged to the satisfaction of his Royal Master and the Churche's advantage He was a person of rare Endowments and in all things compleatly qualified for his imployment Yet did he not escape the hard measure which other Loyal Subjects afterward 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 days in a good old age and was honourably interred in Westminster-Abby Anno 1639. after he had governed the See twenty four years About this time our long Peace and the Plenty which did accompany it made us wanton our Prosperity puft us up with Pride we were Enemies to our own welfare weary of our present estate too much desirous of Revolutions and greedy of Novelties Our private Discontents begat Jealousies and Animosities which since they could be no longer smothered must needs burst out into a flame We were afraid of we knew not what nothing but the Preservation of Religion must be the Pretext and the Cloak to cover the Knavery which was afterwards acted and notwithstanding the Satisfaction given unto us by the Best of Kings in laying aside the Book of Common-Prayer Book of Canons and High Commission yet still we continued dissatisfied All the Favours conferr'd upon us by the Best of Princes could not ingage us to continue in our Duty and Allegeance to Him All the good fruit we brought forth
was our ingaging in a most desperate and horrible Rebellion such as former Ages could hardly parallel Like Aesop's envious Dog we would neither be at rest our selves nor suffer our Neighbours and such who continued firm in their Allegeance to His Majesty to be at quiet and live in Peace Alas we metamorphosed our plough-shares into swords the Son rose up against the Father Brother against Brother Parishes were divided Shires went into Factions yea the whole Kingdom was divided against it self sheathing the Sword in its own bowels Which way soever we look'd we saw nothing but that which might consume our eyes and grieve our hearts If towards the Church 't was rent by Schism the Bishops and many of the Reverend Clergy were thrust out imprisoned plundered and banished the House of Prayer made in the most literal sense a Den of Thieves If towards the State we saw the Anointed of the Lord imprisoned arraigned and under colour of Justice most barbarously murthered by those who slew him like the Heir in the Gospel that they might seise on his Inheritance Alas when Church and State were come to this pass the case of the poor Land must needs be deplorable We saw the Loyal Subjects under the names of Malignants Traitours and Rebels imprisoned banished and miserably butchered their Estates and Lands forfeited and sold their Houses garrisoned plundered and burnt and their Posterity almost reduced to poverty and misery Alas how quickly did our after-games of Loyalty vanish through our own Divisions Was there any possibility of prospering so long as we continued Traitours to our selves When we had almost ruined our selves by our own intestine Divisions we became a Prey to a Tyrannical Crue of Usurpers and to compleat our Miseries our Estates our Friends yea our very Consciences groaned under the grievous burthen of that insupportable Yoak which our own Sins had prepared and other mens Sins had put on Nine years did we groan under the Tyranny of these Usurpers till it pleased Almighty God to remember us in mercy and to free us from the House of bondage blessing us after so many Calamities and Miseries with Peace by the miraculous Restauration of our most Sacred Sovereign to the Throne of His Ancestours whom God long preserve for the Good of this Church and Kingdom Now the face of Affairs began to change and His Majesty that He might settle the Kingdom summoned his First Parliament to meet at Edinburgh January the first 1661. giving a Commission under the Great Seal to John Earl of Middleton to represent His Person therein In the First Session the Solemn League and Covenant was condemned as an unlawfull and wicked Oath imposed on the Subjects by a prevailing Faction contrary to Authority the pretended Triennial Parliaments from 1640. to 1649. with the Assembly of Glasgow 1638 c. were annulled the unjust Transactions at Newcastle 1646. and 1647. condemned Duke Hamilton's Ingagement 1648. approved the pretended Forfeitures of the Marquesses of Huntly and Montross the Earl of Forth Barons of Glengarey Haddo Dunerub Delgaty Harthill and others who had suffered for their Loyalty and all Acts made in prejudice of Lawfull Authority were rescinded In the Second Session the Hierarchy was restored which had suffered an Eclipse for twenty four years Dr. James Sharp Professour of Divinity at Saint Andrews who had been Professour of Philosophy in Saint Leonard's Colledge was preferred Archbishop of Saint Andrews Primate and Metropolitan of Scotland who now governs the See The present Chapter of Saint Andrews the old one being dissolved with the Priory in the time of the Reformation had its beginning Anno 1606. by Act of Parliament and consists of the persons following The Prior of Portmollock Dean The Archdeacon of Saint Andrews The Vicar of Saint Andrews Couper Craill Dysert Kircaldy Pittenweem Lewchars Kinkell Dearsie Fordun Kennoway Merkinch Abercromby Forgund Fowlis Rossie Balmerino Longforgund The Vicar of Eglisgreig and others to the number of twenty four The Cathedral which was an ancient and magnificent Fabrick was demolished with the Priory since which time the Parish-Church serves for one The Diocese of Saint Andrews contains the whole Country of Fife part of Perthshire and part of Angus and Mernis The Coat of Arms belonging to the Archiepiscopal See of Saint Andrews is Saphir a Saltier being the Cross of Saint Andrew the Apostle Pearl Bishops of EDINBVRGH THE Bishoprick of Edinburgh was founded by King CHARLES the First of glorious Memory about the year 1633. and by him amply endowed The first Bishop thereof was William Forbes Doctour of Divinity one of the Preachers in Edinburgh before Principal of the Marischal Colledge of Aberdene a very worthy Person His Works shew him to have been a man of vast Learning and sound Judgment He sate but a little while and died at Edinburgh about the year 1634. Upon his death David Lindsay Bishop of Brichen was translated to Edinburgh The Fury of the rude Multitude fell heavy upon this Bishop even to the manifest danger and hazard of his Life upon the first reading of the Book of Common-Prayer in Edinburgh July 1637. He was thrust out with the rest of the Bishops by the Covenanters 1638. George Wishart Doctour of Divinity was upon the Restitution of the Hierarchy Anno 1662. promoted to the Bishoprick of Edinburgh This worthy man was 1638. Preacher at Leith and for his Loyalty had very hard measure from the Covenanters being thrice plundered of all that he had and thrice imprisoned in a filthy stinking Gaol But being delivered from thence he went beyond Sea with the Marquess of Montross 1646. He was a person of great integrity and well seen in History Having in his time seen many Changes and Alterations from better to worse and from worse to better he had his Nunc dimittis in peace at Edinburgh Anno 1670. Upon his death Alexander Young Archdeacon of Saint Andrews was preferred to the Bishoprick of Edinburgh who now governs the See The Cathedral-Church is that of Saint Giles of old a Collegiate Church a vast and magnificent Structure It is at present divided into four Partitions three whereof are allotted to God's publick Worship The Diocese of Edinburgh containeth the Shires of Edinburgh Linlithgow and Berwick the Constabulary of Haddington and Bailiary of Lawderdail Bishops of DVNKELD AFter the death of Bishop Robert Creighton James Patton was preferred Bishop of Dunkeld Anno 1572. How long he sate I know not After whose death the Bishoprick had one or two Titulars Lay-men but I cannot recover their Names About the year 1606. James Nicolson Parson of Meigle was preferred to the See To whom succeeded Alexander Lindsay Brother to the Baron of Evelick Rectour of Saint Madoe This Bishop being threatned with the Censures of the Assembly of Glasgow did abjure Episcopacy and submitted to Presbyterian Government 1639 and betook himself to the charge of a particular Parish Anno 1662. George Halyburton Preacher at Perth was preferred to the
See a very worthy person he sate little above two years Upon his death Henry Guthry Rectour of was promoted to the Bishoprick of Dunkeld who died in the year 1676. The Chapter of Dunkeld consists of the persons following The Rectour of Kinelevin Dean Tibbermure Cantor Couper Archdeacon Lethindy Chancellour Dunkeld Thesaurer The Parson of Rattray Subdean The Rectour of Fungart The Parson of Ruffill Kepit-mack in Athol The Rectour of Inch-mack-grannoch Logy-Alachie The Parson of Moneidy The Rectour of Blair in Athol Eliot The Prebendary of Fearn Menmure Aberdaigy I can give no account of the Cathedral-Church in what condition it stands at present seeing I never saw it nor had any information concerning it The Diocese of Dunkeld contains the most part of Perthshire part of Angus and part of West-Lothian Bishops of ABERDENE THE Bishoprick of Aberdene suffered very much by Bishop William Gordon for he alienated the Profits thereof and in a short time brought the Revenues of that See almost to nothing And indeed this Benefice was at his death scarce worth the accepting About the year 1579. David Cunninghame Parson of Saint Nicolas was preferred to the See This Bishop was a grave learned and wise man imployed by King James the Sixth in an Embassy to the King of Denmark and the Princes of Germany wherein the Bishop did faithfully discharge his trust to his great commendation He died about the year 1603. Unto him succeeded Peter Blackburn Rectour of Saint Nicolas who governed the See about twelve years and dying Anno 1615. was buried in Saint Nicolas Church in New Aberdene Upon whose death Alexander Forbes of the House of Ardmurdo Bishop of Cathnes was translated to Aberdene He sate little above three years and dying Anno 1618. was buried in the Cathedral-Church To him succeeded upon King James's Nomination and the Chapter 's Election Patrick Forbes of Corse This worthy man at the earnest importunity of the Bishops of Aberdene and Murray did enter into Orders in the forty eighth year of his age An. 1612. and was preferred to the Benefice of Keath in Strath-Yla in which station he continued six years and after the death of Bishop Alexander Forbes at the importunity both of the Clergy and Laiety he did accept of the Bishoprick of Aberdene He was in great esteem and favour with King James and King Charles being Privy Councellour to both Kings In his old age he was much troubled with the Palsie Seventeen years did he faithfully and wisely govern the See and died in his house in Old Aberdene 1635. in the seventy first year of his age being interred in the South Isle of the Cathedral-Church near the Sepulchre of Bishop Gawan Dumbar His Commentary upon the Revelations and a Discourse of the Ministerial Office do shew his Learning and Judgment Upon his death Adam Bannatyn Bishop of Dumblane was translated to Aberdene who being thrust out by the Covenanters retired into England where he died shortly after His house in Old Aberdene for magnificence in all things like a Palace was plundered by a Regiment of the Covenanters and afterwards quite demolished by the English Usurpers Several Learned and Worthy men in the Diocese of Aberdene were at this time thrust out of their Livings The most considerable were John Forbes of Corse Doctour and Professour of Divinity in the King's Colledge of Aberdene Robert Baron Doctour and Professour of Divinity in the Marischal Colledge of Aberdene William Leslie Doctour of Divinity Principal or Warden of the King's Colledge of Aberdene Alexander Scroggie Doctour of Divinity Minister in Old Aberdene Patrick Dune Doctour of Physick Principal of the Marischal Colledge of Aberdene Alexander Ross Doctour of Divinity Parson of Saint Nicolas James Sibbald Doctour of Divinity Minister in Aberdene John Forbes Parson of Auchterless Andrew Logie Parson of Rayne John Ross Parson of Birse John Gregory Rectour of Drummaok John Logie Rectour of Raphan Thomas Thoires Minister at Vdny After the Restauration of the Hierarchy His most Sacred Majesty King CHARLES the Second preferr'd David Mitchel one of the Prebendaries of Westminster to the Bishoprick of Aberdene This worthy man was Anno 1638. one of the Preachers of Edinburgh and being thrust out by the Assembly of Glasgow retired into England He lived not a whole year after his Consecration he died in Old Aberdene and was interred in the South Isle of the Cathedral-Church 1663. To him succeeded Alexander Burnet Rectour of in the County of Kent who sate little above a year being translated to Glasgow which was then void by the death of Archbishop Fairfoul Upon this Translation Anno 1664. the Reverend Patrick Scougal Parson of Salton was promoted to the Bishoprick of Aberdene who is yet alive and governs the See wisely and piously The Chapter of Aberdene consists of the persons following Since the Rectory of Saint Machar was annexed to the King's Colledge the Principal thereof is Dean The Parson of Auchterless Cantor Rayne Archdeacon Birse Chancellour Daviot Thesaurer The Rectour of Saint Peters Subcantor The Parson of Kinkell who is the Patron of seven Churches Kinkell Drumblait Monkeigie Kintor Kemnay Kinnellar and Dyce The Parson of Morthlick The Rectour of Monimusk Kincairden of Neill The Rectour of Turreff Belbelvies Banchory-Devoneif Logie-Buchan The Parson of Clatt Methlick Innernochty The Rectour of Coldstane The Parson of Oyn Crowdan Tillinessill Forbes Phillorth Lonmay The Prebendary of Deir Ellen. The Cathedral of Aberdene dedicated to Saint Macbar was founded by Bishop Kinninmouth who died before the work was raised six cubits high Anno 1370 Bishop Leighton 1430 built Saint John's Isle laid the foundation of the great Steeple and of the two lesser Steeples and advanced the Fabrick mightily The Roof was laid on and the Floor paved with free-stone by Bishop Lindsay Anno 1445. Bishop Spence adorned the Chancel with many brave Ornaments 1460. Bishop Elphingston did perfect the great Steeple which was a mark for Sailours in those days and furnished it with costly and tunable Bells 1489. Bishop Dumbar did perfect the two lesser Steeples cieled the Church and built the South-Isle 1522. And his Successour Bishop Stewart built the Consistory-house Anno 1539. This glorious Structure being near ninescore years in building did not remain twentie years in its integrity when it was almost ruined by a Crue of sacrilegious Church-robbers for Anno 1560. the Barons of Mernis accompanied with some of the Towns-men of Aberdene having demolished the Monasteries of the Black and Gray Friers fell to rob the Cathedral which they spoiled of all its costly Ornaments and Jewels and demolished the Chancel Having shipped the Lead Bells and other Utensils intending to expose them to sale in Holland all this ill-gotten Wealth sunk by the just Judgment of God upon Sacriledge not far from the Gridle-Ness The body of the Cathedral was preserved from utter ruine by the Earl of Huntly Afterwards An. 1607. the Church was repaired and covered with Slate at the charge of the