the words of Eternal Life, and refidence of the Symbols of God, fhould be 
furrounded with every external enfign of the veneration due to the confecrated 
abode, whence beamed fome virtual communications of the Omnipotence of 
the Deity. They emphatically applied the hallowed beheft from on High : “ In 
“ all places where I record mv Name, I will come unto thee, and I will blefs 
thee” * 
Amid the revolutions of property which the abolition of the Catholic Eftablifh- 
merits oceafioned, it was one of the happieft, that many of the buildings, with 
the excellent gardens and orchards belonging to them, which had been devoted to 
monaftic orders, were converted by George, Earl Marfhal of Scotlandf, (who had 
become Superior, or proprietor of them) into a foundation for eftablilhing a 
college or feminary of learning, where the literature and fciences mod ufeful to 
the riling generation, might be inculcated and taught. This inftitution, fo valu- 
able and important to the country, met with univerfa! approbation, and the Earl's 
judicious and liberal example was followed by many ample donations ; fo that 
now, through the munificence of its patrons, and under royal protehlion, the 
Marischal College ranks as a Univerfity ; where, along with the fciences and 
experimental philofophy, knowledge of medicine, and the Oriental languages, are 
taught. 
It is a good propofal, now in agitation, to add Lectures on Agriculture and 
Botany to the general courfe of education. That the former fhould be under- 
ftood on fcientific principles, is of high importance to the improvement of the 
country. Botany is intimately connected both with agriculture and medicine : 
knowledge of that mult prove of great confequence to all who are to Ipend their 
lives in the country. The general body of the Clergy, as well as the proprietors 
of landed eftates, are therefore particularly interelted in the fuccefs of thefe 
ftudies. 
Befides, the Tons of farmers, by the eafy terms on which attendance at the Col- 
lege is obtained, can eafily acquire that ufeful inftruftion, which might prepare 
their minds for a more judicious application of their induftry and talents. 
The more general diffufion of knowledge, and of the experience from whence it 
is derived, mull confer luperior advantages on youth in all the different walks of 
life. The profperity of a commercial city even is promoted by fuch a Seminary 
of Learning. 
The ftudy of Literature, Science, and Philofophy, open and enlarge the 
mind ; infpire it with more extenfive views, and will not only kindle the fpirit of 
enterprize with an ardour that furpafles the mere calculation of lofs and gain, 
but, where intereft is the only objeft* points out the fureft paths by which it is 
attained, and opens new avenues of acquiring thofe emoluments which an a&ive 
commerce fo wonderfully fupplies. 
The public welfare is therefore very effe&ually confulted, when fuch eftablifh- 
ments are fo conftituted as to affoid an eafy and inviting opportunity of a liberal 
education to as many youth as poftible. It is unneceffary to add how much this is 
the cafe in thofe noithcrn Univerfities. 
* Exod. xx. 24. 
t Anno 1593. 
