This policy seems to have been effectual for its object, for in the statistical account of Coldingham, drawn up near the close of the eighteenth century, the minister reports that there were no Episcopalians in his parish. It is but one of many facts which might be adduced in opposition to the popular doctrine, that persecution is powerless against religious conviction. Notwithstanding the many serious and the many calamitous things affecting Scotland, there was an under-current of pleasantries and jocularities, of which we are here and there fortunate enough to get a glimpse. For example—in Aberdeen, near the gate of the mansion of the Earl of Errol, there looms out upon our view a little cozy tavern, kept by one Peter Butter, much frequented of students in Marischal College and the dependents of the magnate here named. The former called it the _Collegium Butterense_, as affecting to consider it a sort of university supplementary to, and necessary for the completion of, the daylight one which their friends understood them to be attending. Here drinking was study, and proficiency therein gave the title to degrees. Even for admission, there was a _theme_ required, which consisted in drinking a particular glass to every friend and acquaintance one had in the world, with one more. Without these possibly thirty-nine or more articles being duly and unreservedly swallowed, the candidate was relentlessly excluded. On being accepted, a wreath was conferred, and Master James Hay, by virtue of the authority [Sidenote: 1700.] resting in him under the rules of the foundation, addressed the neophyte: Potestatem do tibique Compotandi bibendique, Ac summa pocula implendi, Et haustus exhauriendi, Cujusve sint capacitatis, E rotundis aut quadratis. In signum ut manumittaris, Adornet caput hic galerus, Quod tibi felix sit faustumque, Obnixe comprecor multumque. There were _theses_, too, on suitably convivial ideas—as, for example: ’Gainst any man of sense, _Asserimus ex pacto_, Upon his own expense, _Quod vere datur ens Potabile de facto_.... If you expect degrees, Drink off your cup and fill, We’re not for what you please: Our absolute decrees Admit of no free-will.... The longer we do sit, The more we hate all quarrels, (Let none his quarters flit), The more we do admit Of _vacuum_ in barrels. &c. Or else: