[1][2] He was a notable figure in the Scottish Enlightenment, as well as a prominent representative of the Church of Scotland's moderate party.

[7] The educationalist and writer James Burgh, who founded a dissenting academy on the outskirts of London, was his cousin, describing him as his "much esteemed friend and relation".

A staunch Presbyterian and Whig, he volunteered to defend the city against the Jacobites led by Prince Charles Edward Stuart in 1745.

"[15] His biography of Charles V "provided a masterly survey of the progress of European society, in which he traced the erosion of the 'feudal system' caused by the rise of free towns, the revival of learning and Roman law, and by the emergence of royal authority and the balance of power between states.

It was the development of commerce, assisted by law and private property, which was held to be chiefly responsible for the advance in civilisation.

Three of his children are buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard in individual plots behind their father's mausoleum: One of his daughters, Mary, married the author Patrick Brydone FRSE.

[4][19] In 1778 his daughter, Eleanora (or Eleanor) Robertson, married John Russell[4] WS FRSE (1753–1792), a Director of the Royal Bank of Scotland.