has been properly
observed, that during the whole of the seventeenth century, not only
at Glasgow, but in the other universities of Scotland, "the Regents,
or Teachers of Philosophy (with very few exceptions), were young men
who had recently finished their academical studies, and who were
destined for the church. The course of study which it was their duty
to conduct, was calculated to form habits of severe application in
early life, and to give them great facility both in writing and in
speaking. The universities had the advantage of their services
during the vigour of life, when they were unencumbered by domestic
cares, and when they felt how much their reputation and interest
depended on the exertions which they made. After serving a few years
(seldom more than eight, or less than four), they generally obtained
appointments in the church, and thus transferred to another field
the intellectual industry and aptitude for communicating knowledge,
by which they had distinguished themselves in the university. It may
well be conceived that, by stimulating and exemplifying diligence,
their influence on their brethren in the ministry was not less
considerable than on the parishioners, who more directly enjoyed the
benefit of attainments and experience more mature, than can be
expected from such as have never had access to similar means of
improvement." Rep. of Roy. Com. ut. supra, p. 221.--_Ed._]

95 [About the same period Mr. Alexander Jamieson, who was afterwards
minister of Govan, obtained the appointment of Regent in the
University of St. Andrews, after engaging in a public disputation.
The description of what took place on that occasion given by Mr.
John Lamont of Newton, is not devoid of interest as a picture of the
times--1649 Apr. 10, 11--"Ther were three younge men that did disputte
for the vacant regents place in St. Leonard's Colledge, Mr. David
Nauee, (formerlie possessing the same, bot now deposed, as is spoken
before), viz., Mr. Alex Jamesone, ane Edenbroughe man, having for
his subject, _Syllogismus_, Mr. William Diledaffe, a Cuper man, his
subject, _Liberum Arbitrium_, and Mr. James Weymes, a St. Androus
man, he having _De Anima_ for his subject. All the tyme they had
ther speeches, ther heads werre couered, bot wh