THAT where it has been his Majestie and Royal Predecessors constant care, to provide for and give all Incouragement to Universities and Colledges, and by several Acts of Parlia­ment, there has been Vacant Stipends allowed them, for the use and upholding of their Fabricks; And now by the Late Act of Parliament, the Vacant Stipends being applyed for Pious uses within the [...] and we finding some years agoe that our Colledge was exceedingly decay'd, did adventure the Founding of a new Addition to the said Colledge, and by the Charitable Assistance of several Gentlement in the Countrey and O­thers the Roof is finished; Without any former Encouragement from the Publict, but a gift of two Vacancies, (which we have not as yet Received.) And there being no Fond left in our hands for Compleat­ing the said Work; And beside we being considerably in debt throw the great Advances thereupon, and seing it will yet take a Considerable Expence to finish the same, we have humbly presum'd to make Application to your Grace and Honourable Estates of Parliament, that we may be allowed the Vacant Stipends of such Churches whereof the Earl Marshal is Patron, to be applyed for the use foresaid; As the same shall happen to be Vacant by the deceass or Removal of their Respective Incumbents.

May it therefore please your Grace, and Lordships, to consider the Pre­misses, and to pass an Act Authorizing us to uplift the Vacant Sti­pends of such Churches whereof the Earl Marishal is Patron, Viz: Foveran, New-Dear, St. Brides, alias Dunnotar, Fetterresso, Old-Dear, Auchridie, Longside, Peter-head, St. Fergus, King-Edward, And any other whereof the Earl is Undoubted Patron; And to ordain Letters of Horning, and other Execution needfull, to pass at our Instance, and our Successers, against all others lyable in payment; And your Petitioners shall ever pray, &c.