FORBES (William), a learned bishop of Edinburgh, born in 1585. His ill-health, and the anti-episcopal disposition of the Scots, confined him chiefly to a retired life: but when Charles I. in 1633, founded an episcopal church at Edinburgh, he thought none more worthy to fill the see than Mr Forbes; who, however, died three months after his consecration, in 1634. Though very able and learned, he published nothing; but wrote a treatise to pacify controversies, which was printed at London 24 years after his death.