To His Grace, his Majesty's High Commissioner, and the Right Honourable Estates of Parliament. THE PETITION OF The Principal and Masters of the Marishal College of Aberdeen  
THAT where it has been his Majesty and Royal Predecessors constant care, to provide for and give all Encouragement to Universities and Colleges, and by several Acts of Parliament, there has been Vacant Stipends allowed them, for the use and upholding of their Fabrics; And now by the Late Act of Parliament, the Vacant Stipends being applied for Pious uses within the 〈…〉 and we finding some years ago that our College was exceedingly decayed, did adventure the Founding of a new Addition to the said College, and by the Charitable Assistance of several Gentlemen in the Country and Others the Roof is finished; Without any former Encouragement from the Public, but a gift of two Vacancies, (which we have not as yet Received.) And there being no Fond left in our hands for Completing the said Work; And beside we being considerably in debt throw the great Advances thereupon, and seeing it will yet take a Considerable Expense to finish the same, we have humbly presumed 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 applied 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 Premises, and to pass an Act Authorising 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 needful, to pass at our Instance, and our Successers, against all others liable in payment; And your Petitioners shall ever pray, etc.