Power of Calling Adjourning Prorogation is not in our Law and Dissolving of Parliaments the giving the Votes of Parliament the Authority of Laws the executing of the Law and the pardoning of Offences are clearly and onely in the Crown But to these other great Additions have been made in the two Parliaments held since His MAJESTIE' 's Restauration For whereas the Supremacy in Ecclesiastical affairs was always in the Crown since the Reformation yet in the Reign of King James the Sixth the Power of the General Assembly was raised very high by Law which was the chief foundation of the late Troubles it being pretended that it was contrary to Law for the King to introduce any thing into the Church without the consent of a General Assembly It was therefore enacted in Parliament That the External Government and Polity of the Church was wholly in the King's power and that his Orders sent to the Privy Council and published by them about all Ecclesiastical matters Meetings and Persons were to be obeyed by the Subjects any Law or Practice to the contrary notwithstanding So that in all matters that relate to the Chuch-Government the King's Power is absolute The Second Point is about the Militia By the ancient Laws of Scotland all the King's Subjects were to assist him in his Wars Upon which a great enlargement of the King's Prerogative was grafted of late by two Acts of Parliament the Kingdom of Scotland offering to the King to raise and arm Twenty thoussand Foot and Two thousand Horse and to furnish them with forty days Provision to march into any of His Majestie 's Dominions of Scotland England or Ireland for suppressing any Foreign Invasion Intestine Trouble or Insurrection or for any other Service wherein His Majestie 's Honour Authority or Greatness may be concerned And these Forces by another Act are to give due Obedience to all such Directions as they shall receive from His Majestie 's Privie Council A Third Point is the Ordering and disposing of Trade with Forein Nations and the laying of Restraints and Impositions upon Forein imported Commodities which is declared a Prerogative of the Crown With these Sacred Rights is the Crown of Scotland cloathed The King's Revenue consisted anciently most in the Crown-Lands which could not be alienated but by Act of Parliament and in the Wards and Marriages of the Vassals of the Crown But most of these have been of late years given away and most of the Tenures of Lands are changed although there has been no general Law for taking away the Wards The Revenue is now raised out of the Customes and the Excise The last is given to this King for life but the former is in the Crown for ever The rest is raised out of what remains of the Crown-Lands and the Wards The Persons nearest in bloud to the King are first all the Issue of King James and King Charles which are so well known to every one that they need not be repeated Next to them are all that are descended from the Daughter of King James the Second since whom till the Queen of Bohemia no Collateral Branch sprung from the Royal Family of whom any Issue remains who was married to James Lord Hamilton and had issue first James created Earl of Arran whose Son was the Duke of Chastelberault from whom by two Sons and two Daughters are descended the Families of Hamilton and Abercorn and the Families of Huntly and Launderdail And by an Act of Parliament signed by all the Three Estates the Original whereof is yet extant in the Reign of Queen Mary the Duke of Chastelberault's Family is declared next the Queen and her Issue the rightfull Heir of the Crown The Sister of King James the Third bare likewise to the Lord Hamilton a Daughter married to the Earl of Lennox from whom descended the Family of Lennox There is no other Branch of the Royal Family since it was in the Line of the Stewarts except the Earl of Cassils his Family whose Ancestour the Lord Kennedy married King James the First 's Sister from which Mariage that Family is descended And so much of the Royal Family The Chief and Supreme Court is the High Court of Parliament which is made up of Three Estates The First is the Ecclesiastical that of old consisted of the Bishops and Mitered Abbots but since the Reformation consists onely of Archbishops and Bishops The Second Estate is the Nobility who were anciently divided into the Greater Barons and the Lesser for every man that holds Lands of the Crown with a Privilege of holding a Court much like the Lord of a Manour in England is called a Baron and all were obliged to appear personally in Parliament for Proxies were never allowed by the Law of Scotland and give the King Counsel This proved a very heavy burthen to the small Barons upon which they desired to be excused from their attendance in Parliament and this was granted to them as a favour in King James the First 's reign And though by that Act they might have sent two or three or more to represent them from every Shire yet they made no use of that for above 150 years but King James the Sixth to balance the Nobility got them restored to that Right so that ever since there are two sent from every Shire who are Commissioners for the Shires The Third Estate is the Burroughs every one of which chuseth one Commissioner onely the City of Edinburgh as the Metropolis chuseth two The Parliament is summoned by Proclamation made at the Head-Burrough of every Shire 40 days before they meet upon which the Shires and Burroughs meet about their Elections Every man that holds Lands of the Crown that in the Rolls of the Taxation the ancient Name of Subsidies or Assessments are valued at 40 shillings Scotish mony of Taxation to the King which will be in real value about Ten pounds Sterling a year is an Electour and may be Elected so he be rightly vested in the Land or according to the Scotish terms infeoft and seised and be not at the King's Horn that is under an Outlawry The Electours subscribe the Commissions they give and so their Commissioner is returned and if there be cross Elections the Parliament is the onely Judge In the Burroughs the Common-Council of the Town makes the Election When the day comes in which the Parliament is to be held the Regalia the Crown Sceptre and the Sword of State which are kept in the Castle of Edinburgh are brought down in State to the King's Palace and are to be carried by three of the ancientest Earls that are upon the place bare-headed before the King or His Commissioner In the great Court before the King's Palace all the Members of Parliament do mount on Horseback with Foot-cloaths c. The Burgesses ride first the Commissioners of the Shires next then the Lords Viscounts and Earls in their Robes the last of whom do carry the
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
Regalia the Lion Herauld with some Heraulds and Pursevants riding before the Honours last of all when the King is present in person rides the Lord Chancellour bearing the Great Seal but this is not done before a Commissioner After these rides the King or His Commissioner with the High Constable who is by Inheritance the Earl of Arroll on his right hand with a white Batton on his hand and the great Marischal who is also by Inheritance the Earl Marischal on his left hand with a silver Batton in his hand If the King be present in person the Marquesses and Dukes ride after the Earls but if His Commissioner onely be there they follow him at some distance At the outward Gate of the Parliament-house they all alight off their horses and the Earl Marischal receives and conducts the King to the inner Gate where he is received by the High Constable and led into the House where the Parliament is held The Throne is raised six steps high with a State over it and there the King or the Commissioner in His absence sits And in the first step under him on a Bench sits the Lord Chancellour with other Officers of State on both hands of him In the next step under these sit the Lords of Session or Judges On the right hand of the Throne is the Bishops Bench that rises up three steps and rows of Benches On the highest the two Archbishops sit and in the lower steps sit the Bishops according to the dignity of their Sees On the left hand of the Throne there is another great Bench of three steps and rows of Benches on which sit the Nobility according to their precedency In the middle of the Floor there are two Tables on the one of them the Regalia are laid and in two great Chairs by them sit the Constable and the Marischal at the other Table sits the Lord Clerk of Registers with his Deputy-Clerks who are the Clerks of the Parliament There are also Fourms placed on the floor those on the right side are for the Commissioners of the Shires and those on the left hand are for the Commissioners of the Burroughs When all are placed the Parliament is fenced as the phrase is in the King's Name Then the King speaks to them if He be present sitting in His Robes with the Crown on His Head all standing up bare-headed but when a Commissioner represents Him he is in an ordinary Sute and stands and speaks also bare-headed nor is the Commissioner covered but when there is pleading at the Bar but continues bare-headed as all the Members are and tells them the reason for which they are called together which is enlarged upon by the Lord Chancellour Then they goe about the chusing of the Lords of the Articles who are Eight for every State who have been chosen in different ways Sometimes the Bishops did chuse the eight Lords of the Nobility and the Nobility eight for the Bishops at other times the Bishops did chuse their own eight and the Nobility their eight but now it is settled by an Act of Parliament that the King or His Commissioner names eight of the Bishops the Lords chuse eight for themselves and those sixteen do chuse eight Commissioners for the Shires and as many Commissioners for the Burroughs These Thirty two are the Committee of Parliament to prepare Matters When a Bill is drawn by them it is brought into the Parliament And anciently all these Bills were brought in the last day of Parliament on which the Members ride in the same State as they do the first day and the Bills being read they were put to the Vote of Parliament and either were approved or not and then being approved were presented to the King who by touching them with the Sceptre gave His Assent to them which also is done by His Commissioner in His absence if he refused to touch them they were of no force But of late times matters have been at full length and freely debated in Parliament They sit all in one House and every one answers distinctly to his Name and gives his Vote which is in these Terms I approve or not onely those who are not satisfied one way or another say Non liquet which is a great ease to those who are consciencious and a common refuge to the cunning Politician the major Vote carries it No Dissents or Protests are allowed in publick Acts but are accounted treasonable but in private Acts that relate to mens Properties and Rights any one may protest for his Interest After all business is ended the King or His Commissioner makes a Speech to them and dissolves them A Convention of Estates is made up of the same Members that constitute a Parliament but can make no Laws onely that can lay Impositions on the Subjects they do not sit in state and have been most used before the Kings were Crowned The Lord Chancellour is President in both these Courts and the Votes are taken and numbered by the Clerk of Registers And whatever Acts are passed in Parliament or Convention are to be proclaimed soon after their Dissolution at the publick Mercat-Cross of Edinburgh by the Lion Herauld who is at present Sir Charles Erskin of Cambo with a great deal of state and Ceremony after which they are obligatory on the Subjects And so much for the Parlaiment and the Three Estates whose Authority is supreme and it is Enacted that none of the Lieges shall presume to impugn the Dignity and Authority of the Three Estates or to seek or procure the Innovation or Diminution of the Power and Authority of the same Three Estates or any of them in time coming under the pain of Treason The Government of the Kingdom being wholly in the Crown the King administers it by His Officers of State and Privy Council The Officers of State are Eight The First is the Lord Chancellour who is Keeper of the Great Seal and President in all Courts where-ever he is except in the Exchequer This Office is now in the person of the Right Honourable John Leslie Earl of Rothes The Second Officer is the Lord High Treasurer who governs the Revenue and presides in the Exchequer This Office is now in Commission The Third Officer is the Lord Privie Seal who is at present the Marquess of Athol These three take place of all the Nobility The Fourth Officer is the Lord Secretary who keeps the Signet and is a Lord by his Office and takes place of all of his rank The Office of Secretary is executed by his Grace the Duke of Lauderdail The Fifth Officer is the Lord Clerk of Registers who has the charge of all the publick Records Rolls and Registers and names all the Clerks of Parliament and Session and the Keepers of publick Registers The Sixth Officer is the King's Advocate who is also called the Lord Advocate He is commonly a Judge except in Causes in which the King is concerned and in those he pleads in the
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
Colledge are the Globe and Saint Salvator's Cross SAINT LEONARD'S Colledge Was founded by John Hepburn Prior of Saint Andrews Anno 152 Persons endowed are A Principal or Warden Four Professours of Philosophy Eight poor Scholars Benefactours Of these I can give no account The Priory of Portmuck is annexed to this Colledge And lately the Parsonage of Kinkell in Aberdeneshire Present Professours James Weemis Doctour of Divinity and Dean of Saint Andrews Principal William Sanders Professours of Philosophy Alexander Skene Professours of Philosophy Alexander Grant Professours of Philosophy NEW COLLEDGE Was founded by James Beaton Archbishop Anno 153 The Professours and Scholars endowed are of Divinity for no Philosophy is taught in this Colledge Present Professours Walter Comrie Doctour and Professour of Divinity Principal David Faulconar Professour of Divinity There was lately founded in the Universitie of Saint Andrews a Professour of Mathematicks The present Rectour of the Universitie is Andrew Bruce Doctour of Divinitie Archdeacon of Saint Andrews The short and bad Account which I have given of this Universitie proceeds meerly from want of Information Learned men and Writers John Mayor Provost of Saint Salvator's a person according to the Learning of those Times very famous His History of the Scotish 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 the Sentences but see his Character page 68. He flourished about the year 1520. Andrew Melvill Professour of Divinitie in the New Colledge a man well seen in the Hebrew Language and the Rabbinical writings He was the first who kindled the great Combustions in this Church by introducing the Discipline of Geneva amongst us as may be more fully seen in the foregoing History John Baron Doctour and Professour of Divinitie in the New Colledge was a person of great Worth and Learning and of great Candour He died in the time of our late Combustions Sir John Wedderburn was a Professour of Philosophy in this Universitie 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 and great age forced him to retire from publick practice and business yet his fame attracts all the Nation to him and his noble Hospitality and kindness to all men that are learned and vertuous makes his Conversation no less loved then his Advice is desired Samuel Rutherfurd Professour of Divinitie 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 wonderfull Assertour of the Supralapsarian Hypothesis he wrote also many Books in English some Controversial as the Divine right of Presbytery others pieces of Devotion and Sermons he wrote also a Seditious Book condemned by Law about the Power of the King and the Priviledges of the People called Lex Rex He died 1661. Alexander Colvill Doctour and Professour of Divinitie in the New Colledge he was before Professour at Sedan He was learned in the Hebrew and was a great Textuary and well seen in Divinitie He died about the year 1664. James Wood Professour of Divinitie and Provost of Saint Salvator's was a person both judicious and wise as also of considerable Learning he wrote a Book against Independency he died about the year 1664. John Johnston Professour of Divinitie in the New Colledge wrote a Paraphrase of the Psalms and other most excellent Poems and for his skill in the Latin tongue and Poesie was second to none in his time 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 banished the Kingdom by King James 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 freedome 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 An. 1649. James Gregory Professour of the Mathematicks in this University was a person of most extraordinary Learning in those Sciences He had a strange faculty of resolving the hardest Problems and seems to have found a Non plus ultrà in Geometry He was Fellow of the Royal Society and much admired both in England France and Italy where he travelled but lost both his eyes and soon after died 1674. In this Universitie many of the chief Nobility are bred among whom none has done greater honour to Saint Leonard's Colledge where he was bred then his Grace the Duke of Lauderdail 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 those impressions in this Universitie that being since much improved have rendered him so eminent for Learning of which onely my Subject leading me to speak I shall say nothing of his other extraordinary Qualities Archbald Lord Napier of Merchiston was a profound Scholar and of great 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 wonderfull abilities vast apprehensions great depth of Judgment and universally knowing 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. The Vniversitie of GLASGOW 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 Gulielmo Turnbullo Episcopo Glasguensi The words of the Bull are Vt Studium Generale vigeat tam in Theologia ac Jure Canonico Civili quà m Artibus qualibet alià Facultate quódque Doctores Magistri ibidem omnibus singulis Privilegiis Libertatibus Honoribus Immunitatibus Exemptionibus per Sedem Apostolicam vel alios quomodolibet Magistris Doctoribus Studentibus in Studio nostrae Civitatis Cononiensis concessis gaudeant utantur The Persons founded
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
Orkney and Schetland  The Constabularie of Hadington containeth East Lothian and Lauderdail Duke of Lauderdail STEWARTRIES STEWARDS Strath-Jern Earl of Perth Menteith Earl of Menteith Annandail Earl of Annandail Kirkubright containeth the East part of Galloway Earl of Nithisdail BAILIARIES BAILIFFS Kile  Carrict Earl of Cassils Cunninghame Earl of Eglington Besides these every man that holds a Barony of the King has a Baron-Court in which lesser matters are also judged and they may Fine and Distrain Anciently these Baron-Courts might judge of Life and death but that is now out of use For all the other particulars that relate to the Regalities Superiorities and other things of the Law of Scotland such as are curious may find full satisfaction in that most learned Work of Craigs de Jure Fendali written in Latin and Printed at Edinburgh in Folio The Military Government in Scotland of every County is not lodged in one person but the Regiments of Foot are commanded by Colonels and the Troups of Horse by Captains named by the King without any dependence upon one Lord Lieutenant nor are there Deputy-Lieutenants but the Lieutenant-Colonels and other Officers are named by the King as is usual in an Army The Court of Admiralty sits in Leith the chief Sea-port of this Kingdom but has not much business except in times of War to judge of Prizes The present High Admiral is His Royal Highness James Duke of York The Burroughs of Scotland are of three sorts either Royal Burghs Burghs of Regality or Burghs of Barony The former have Commissioners in Parliament and besides are a State apart for they meet yearly in a Convention called the Convention of Burroughs to which a Commissioner comes from every one of them There they make Laws for themselves about Trade and other things relating to their Corporations They hold these Meetings in a Circuit around the chief or as they call them the Head Burghs and at the end of one Convention they name the time and place for the next In these Burghs there is a Provost who has the chief Power and there are four Bailiffs that are next to him in the Government there is also a Dean of Gild who is the chief Judge among the Merchants likewise a Treasurer and a Common Council the one half of which is chosen yearly by the Merchants the other half by the Tradesmen who have likewise a Court of their own in which there is one from every Trade who is called the Deacon of the Trade and a Deacon Conveener who is their President and calls a Meeting of them when he pleases Those Deacons are chosen yearly by all the Freemen of their Trade and have a little Jurisdiction over them There are in most Burghs great Animosities and Factions between the Merchants and Tradesmen The Burghs of Regality are the Towns where these Lords hold their Courts The chief Magistrates are named by the Lord the rest they chuse themselves They have also great Freedoms little inferiour to the Royal Burghs onely they have no Commissioners in Parliament The Burghs of Barony are Mercat-Towns where the Lord of the Barony names some of their Magistrates and the Corporation chuses the rest In all these Burghs the Magistracy is no matter of burthen nor charge but of Power and Advantage from whence arise great Factions almost in them all A Catalogue of the Free CORPORATIONS or Royal BVRGHS in SCOTLAND Edinburgh in Lothian Linlithgow in Lothian Hadington in Lothian North-Berwick in Lothian Dumbar in Lothian Saint Andrews in Fife Cowper in Fipe. Dunfermlin in Fipe. Kirkaldy in Fipe. Craill in Fipe. Anstruther in Fipe. Pittenweem in Fipe. Dysert in Fipe. Earles-ferry in Fipe. Kinghorn in Fipe. Burnt-Island in Fipe. Culross in Fipe. Clackmannan in Fipe. Queens-ferry in Fipe. Dundee in Augus Montross in Augus Forfar in Augus Brichen in Augus Arbroath in Augus Kirkubright in Galloway Wigton in Galloway Whithorn in Galloway Stranraver in Galloway Glasgow in Clidisdail Lanerick in Clidisdail Elgin in Murray Nairn in Murray Forres in Murray Ranfrew in Ranfrewshire Pasley in Ranfrewshire Ruglen in Ranfrewshire Aberdene in Mar. Kintor in Mar. Bamff in Boyn Cullen in Boyn Innerness in Ross Tayne in Ross Air in Kyle Irwing in Cunninghame Rothsay in Bute Dumbarton in Lennox Innerara in Argile Jedburgh in Teviotdail Peeblis in Tweeddail Selkirk in Forrestshire Striveling upon Forth Dumblane in Menteith Innerkeithing in Fife Dornoch in Sutherland Annand in Annandail Dumfreis in Nithisdail Sanqbuar in Nithisdail Bervie in Mernis Innerowrie in Gareoch The People of Scotland are naturally candid and honest stout and resolute which makes them so much valued beyond the Seas the onely School of War to them since the happy Conjunction of this Island under one King They naturally love their King The Nobility have great Power chiefly in the High-lands where their Families commonly called Clannes depend absolutely upon the head of the Name whom they commonly call their Chief But the great Power of the Nobility of late years is much abated yet they are still very considerable The Property of the Subject is fully secured by Law and though the King has great Prerogatives yet the People have also great Liberties and Freedoms The COMMISSIONERS that have represented our KINGS since K. JAMES was settled on the Throne of England were as follows KING JAMES the VI. John Grabame Earl of Montross Commissioner 1604. George Hume Earl of Dumbar Commissioner 1606. George Keith Earl Marischal Commissioner 1609. Alexander Seaton Earl of Dunfermlin Commissioner 1612. James Hamilton Marquess of Hamilton Commissioner 1621. Anno 1625. KING CHARLES the I. Crowned Anno 1633. James Hamilton Marquess of Hamilton Commissioner 1638. John Stewart Earl of Traquair Commissioner 1639. James Grahame Marquess of Montross Governour 1644. Anno 1649. KING CHARLES the II. Crowned Anno 1651. John Middleton Earl of Middleton Commissioner 1660. John Leslie Earl of Rothes Commissioner 1663. John Maitland Duke of Lauderdail Commisioner 1669. A Catalogue of the CHANCELLOVRS of the Kingdom since the year 1198. collected out of Histories 1198. William Malvoisin Bishop of Glasgow 1220. William de Boseo Bishop of Dumblane 1226. Matthew Kinninmouth Bishop of Aberdene 1239. William Babington Bishop of Glasgow 1247. Abbot of 1248. Richard of Innerkeithing Bishop of Dumblane 1259. Gamelinus Bishop of Saint Andrews 1273. William Wishart Bishop of Glasgow 1280. William Fraser Bishop of Saint Andrews 1298. Maurice Bishop of the Isles 1363. Adam Bishop of Brichen 1372. Patrick Bishop of Brichen 1380. John Lyon Lord Glammes 1390. Gilbert Grimlaw Bishop of Aberdene 1409. William Lawder Bishop of Glasgow 1434. John Bishop of Brichen 1436. Sir William Creighton of Creighton 1444. James Bruce Bishop of Dunkeld 1448. Patrick Lyon Lord Glammes 1453. William Sinclare Earl of Orkney 1463. George Shorswood Bishop of Brichen 1474. John Lang Bishop of Glasgow 1476. Andrew Stewart Lord Evendail 1484. William Elphingston Bishop of Aberdene 1494. Archbald Douglas Earl of Angus 1497. George Gordon Earl of Huntlie 1502.