Scots worthies, 1560-1688

58 Scots Worthies, 1 560-1688.
native city. This took place, as the session record of Aberdeen
informs us, on 29th October, 1616. In honour of the occasion
the magistrates gave an entertainment in the shape of "ane
efternoone drink in Mr. David Rutherford's house." On Palm
Sunday and "Pasche Day" following "the holie communion of
the bodie and blood of Chryst" was "celebrat" in " baith the
kirks of this burgh." In 161 7, on the occasion of the king's
visit to St. Andrews, Forbes was created doctor of divinity. As
to the duties of his charge he was most zealous, his "care of the
poor, frequent visiting the sick and comforting them," might have
been compared to the conduct of "the best primitive Christian
fathers."
As was very common at that date, immediately on his " entry,"
doctor Forbes began preaching " through " a book of holy
scripture. The first he chose was the epistle to the Hebrews,
"to the great comfort of his flock." The famous Patrick Forbes
was now bishop of Aberdeen, one like-minded with his relative
the doctor, and between whom the most cordial relations existed.
The bishop frequently appears as a member of the session, pre-
siding and assisting in difficult cases. Shortly after his settlement
in Aberdeen, Forbes renewed his connection with Marischal col-
lege, being employed to teach weekly "ane lesson of theology"
therein— the notes of which formed subsequently his famous
"Considerationes." A sum of money had been "mortified" for
this and other purposes by a faithful son of Bon-accord, " master
Patrick Coupland, preacher to the navie and fieit of the right
worshipfull the East India company, within the realme of Eng-
land." Copland had shared in the good fortunes of the company,
but did not give over his missionary labours in " Sommers
Hands."
At this time Aidie was principal of Marischal college. He
had been formerly professor of philosophy at Dantzic, and was
a native, or at least a graduate, of Aberdeen. Probably Forbes
had studied at Dantzic. Aidie was author of several works, and
a number of theses printed at Dantzic, in the discussion of which
he took part, are now in my possession. He was an intimate
friend of Reid, Latin secretary to James vi., and I have a pre-
sentation copy of a thesis maintained by Reid at the university
of Rostock in 1610, given by him to Aidie. It appears from a
letter of bishop Patrick Forbes that Aidie had to demit his