(Patrick), bishop of Aberdeen, was born in 1654, when the affairs of the church of Scotland were in much confusion; to the settlement of which he greatly contributed. As chancellor of the university of Aberdeen, he improved that seat of learning by repairing the fabric, augmenting the library, and reviving the professorships. He published a Commentary on the Revelations, at London, in 1613; and died in 1635.

(John), the son of Patrick, but of much more extensive learning than his father, was perhaps excelled by none of his age, which will be allowed by those who read his Historical and Theological Institutes. He was bishop of Aberdeen; but was expelled by the Covenanters, and forced to fly beyond sea. He continued in Holland two years; and, upon his return, lived private on his estate at Corfe, until he died in 1648. An edition of all his works was printed in two vols folio at Amsterdam in 1703.

(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.

(Duncan, Esq; of Culloden), was born in the year 1685. In his early life, he was brought up in a family remarkable for hospitality; which, perhaps, led him afterwards to a freer indulgence in social pleasures. His natural disposition inclined him to the army; but, as he soon discovered a superior genius, by the advice of his friends he applied himself to letters. He directed his studies particularly to the civil law; in which he made a quick progress, and in 1709 was admitted an advocate. From 1722 to 1737, he represented in parliament the boroughs of Inverness, Portrofe, Nairn, and Forbes. In 1725, he was made king's advocate; and Lord President of the Court of Session in 1737. In the troubles of 1715 and 1745 he espoused the royal cause; but with so much prudence and moderation did he conduct himself at this delicate juncture, that not a whisper was at any time heard to his prejudice. The glory he acquired in advancing the prosperity of his country, and in contributing to re-establish peace and order, was the only reward of his services. He had even impaired, and almost ruined, his private fortune in the cause of the public; but government did not make him the smallest recompense. The minister, with a meanness for which it is difficult to account, desired to have a state of his disbursements. He was so much shocked at the rudeness of this treatment, that he left the minister without making any reply. Throughout the whole course of his life he had a lively sense of religion, without the least taint of superstition; and his charity was extended to every sect and denomination of religionists indiscriminately. He was well versed in the Hebrew language; and wrote, in a flowing and oratorial style, concerning religion natural and revealed, some important discoveries in theology and philosophy, and concerning the sources of incredulity. He died in 1747, in the 62nd year of his age; and his works have since been published in two volumes octavo.