fied feat of the Bifliop of the diocefe. Thefe are faid, and with probability, to 
have been lined with wainfcot, and adorned with gold and crimfon ; which are long 
ago removed or crumbled into duft. 
O 
In the more early periods of the evangelical eftablilhments, it was of peculiar 
importance to deliberate with the united wifdom of the facred order, to whom the 
charge and care erf promoting thefe inftitutions were devolved, in what ways they 
could mod fuccefsfully promote the great ends of their appointment. In every 
diocefe, therefore, feme diftinguiffied apartment was allotted, where the chapter 
Ihould meet in council, to weigh the utility and importance of the feveral regula- 
tions propofed : Thefe convocations of the minifters of the Divine teftimony, were 
of o-reat confequence to their union of defign in ordaining rules and confuting netf 
eftablilhments. Thefe councils being held near the epifcopal refidence, and the 
Bifliop prefiding in the chief chair, the cathedra of fpiritual authority, gave to the 
adjacent temple, in which he officiated, the title of the Cathedral Church ; am 
thefe were more or lefs magnificent in proportion to the extent of the diocefe : Ther * 
the high altar was ferved with fuperior pomp, approached with deeper awe, am 
enriched with more coftly ornaments. By thefe means, in early times, the facret 
promulgations were rendered more folemn, and their great Author commemorated 
with devouter adoration. 
This diocefe extended over the vaft ftretch of the rich province of Moray, and 
included alfo great part of the county of Banff, and of the Hikes of Invernefs and 
Nairn. It was, therefore, anobjeft of high importance, even in the view of tn 
Roman pontiff and conclave; it offered eligible fettlements to their favourites ; a 
they caufed contributions to be levied on the continent, that the temple in Mo V 
might be adorned with the moft elaborate exertions of art and archiied! 
grandeur. 
The Chapter-houfe and Choir are of its moft entire remains. They having efcap' 
ed the ruin of its falling towers, which have buried the greateft part of the ref 
the edifice in irrecoverable oblivion. 
