The British prelate Gilbert Burnet (1643-1715) was a noted historian and a political and spiritual adviser to the British monarchs William and Mary.

Gilbert Burnet was born in Edinburgh, where his father was an advocate. He was educated by his father until the age of 10; he then entered the University of Aberdeen. By 14 Burnet had mastered Latin, Greek, and Aristotelian philosophy and had received a master's degree. He then studied civil law, but at his father's behest he turned to theology. By 18 Burnet had mastered the subject and was offered a church living. He declined it, however, on the grounds that he was too young for the pastoral calling.

In 1663 Burnet visited England, where he met the leading intellectual figures at Oxford and in London. He traveled to Europe in 1664, where his bent toward toleration was strengthened in Holland and his hatred of tyranny confirmed in France. In...