Sess. 15.—At 4 a clocke in the afternoone.
After prayer, the Moderatour of the Committie for Edinʳ and Jedburgh did report, that they had seene the Supplicatiouns of Mr Robert Hamilton, Minister at Lesmahago, Mr John Hamilton, Minister at Dalserff, Mr William Forbes, Minister at Campsie, Mr James Hamilton, Minister at Hamilton, and we find them of different natures—some of them exceeding humble and penitent to us, others of them nothing so. As for Mr Robert Hamilton, the Committie thinkes he is not to be suddainlie receaved; for he was that ingenuous as to confesse his opinion of universall grace, and said it was verie probable. And lyke wayes his error anent the matter of baptisme.
The matter being put to voiceing, the whole Assemblie, in ane voice, did allow and approve the proces and sentence given out against the said Mr Robert by the Commission.
The Commissioners Grace did so allow the same, but only as ane Act of this Assemblie.
The second Report was of Mr John Hamilton, Minister at Dalserff, whose proces was cleare—guiltie of symonie at his entrie; changing of the Elders of the Kirk, contrare to the order of the Kirk, for his oune ends; concealing of adulteries; miscarriages upon the Sabbath day.
The rolles being called, the Assemblie did approve the sentence against him.
The Commissioners Grace alleadged that these were verie hard proceedings, and he was affrayed they should yet run themselves upon ane of the rockes they had hitherto eschewed.
It was answered by the Earle of Rothes, Lord Lowdoun, and the Moderatour, that they behoved to testify their detestation of such lewd practises and erroneous opinions, as they loved the honour of their Lord and Master, who was very jealous of it; and yet, so as they should be most willing to testifie their compassion to any penitent persones; and desired that, if the Commissioners Grace knew a better way to eschew rockes, his Grace would declair it, and they would follow it.
The 4 Report was Mr David Fletchair, who was deposed for reading of the Service Booke, and subscryving of the Declinatour, but was uther wayes a man of good behaviour, and free of all sort of heresie, and was now truelie penitent for that which he had done.
The Assemblie did approve the sentence, but did grant him the freedome to be receaved to the ministrie at the first occasion that should offer.
Mr Wᵐ Forbes, Mr James Hamilton, Minister at Hamilton, and Mr James Hamilton, Minister at Cambusnethan, deleyed till the morne.
The Assemblie to meit at 9 a clocke; and so, after thanksgiving, the Assemblie dismissed.
Sess. 16.—August 24, die Saturnæ, hora nona.
After prayer, the Moderatour said—The reason of our stay so long this morning is, becaus we are labouring for a fair way, and we find the Commissioners Grace verie much inclyned unto it. And we are seeking to give such a meeting as becomes good and obedient subjects, and for that end we trust delay to speake of the rest of the reportes at this tyme, if the Assemblie shall so thinke it fitt. In the meanetyme I regrate that this nationall Kirk suffers under a declaration fathered upon the Kings Majestie. I regrate that many honourable members of this Kirk suffers lykewayes: yea, I regrate most of all that his Majestie suffers, being made the speaker of the whole storie, which could not come to his Majestie but by reporte; and therefore I desire that this may be taken to consideration, how the Kings honour may be repaired—how the honour of this Nationall Kirk may be repaired; and that every thing in this bussinesse may be done as becomes such a grave Assemblie, assisted with the Kings Commissioner.
The Commissioner answered—For the first parte of your discourse, our deley is taken in good parte by all honest men who thinkes no tyme long nor ill spent in rectifying abuses, and in that fair way as may give content both to the King and people. And if on the other parte, they thinke not this a worke of difficultie, they are mistaken. Therefore let us lay aside all consideration in thir particulars that may concerne ourselves, and with patience and moderation goe on as we have begun, that the closeing may be [up to] our expectation; and if we keepe not this way, my weaknes may carry me on the ane rocke, and your forwardnes, yow on the other: therefore I thinke some few dayes should not wearie us, much lesse some few houres that is spent in prepairing of ourselves to come heir, that so, according to my intentions, according to my Masters directions, and that that I am confident is all your resolutions, that so our Master may get satisfaction and we may get our desires, which I conceave is nothing but to testifie our loyaltie to our Gracious Soveraigne, securitie to our religion, and establishment of the government of the Church. I believe these are all our ends.
For the second parte of your speache, I shall desire that nothing I have to say be taken hold upon; for all that I may bragg of my selfe is, that I have gained so much as to be in some measure sensible of my oune weaknes. Tho’ in some thinges I may fancie ane extemporarie answer, yet, before I speake much, I shall desire to take it to my consideration. Yow have beine pleased to make mention, in a very modest way, of a Declaration, which, if I take it right, is a Booke wherein is expresst the whole progress of our proceedings: and truelie, sir, the way that yow have expresst it, no man can take exceptions against it. Yet I shall recommend to yow, since it carries the title of my Masters name, that whatever be your sense of the particular, and wherein yow conceave his Majestie hath had misinformation, yow may walke so circumspectlie as may testifie that yow tender his Majesties honour.
The Moderatour answered—It shall be our serious endeavour in all things, and especiallie in that particular, to testifie that we tender his Majesties honour as the apple of our eye.
The Commissioner said—Since I understand it concernes my Master so neare, I desire, before yow bring it any more in publict, that some may speake with me in privat.
Earle of Rothes said—There would be difference put betwixt that that is reallie done by the King. Anent that which his Majestie himself heard with his eares, and saw with his eyes, we thinke it becomes us to speake verie tenderlie of it; but for that which hath come by misinformation, we must cleare that to the full.
The Moderatour said—Please your Grace: that this bussines may be more warilie and wiselie handlit, if the Assemblie thinke good, let some be appoynted to revise the Booke, and they will distinguishe all, and prescryve such a wise method as we cannot weill erre in.
The Commissioner said—Truelie for myselfe, I am willing to speake my aune mynd freelie. For me, I thinke the desire is modest and fair, and I shall be glad to heare anything further in that.
Mr Alexʳ Henrysone being desired to give his judgement, said—Truelie, for the matter itselfe, it is verie necessar, and I trust it will give no offence to the Kings Majestie that that Booke be looked on and examined: ffor, in trueth, I thinke it were a dishonour to the Kings Majestie to be King over such subjects, both in Church and State, as are described in that Booke; and I believe it is not written by his particular direction, nor is he acquainted with the particulars of it. But these thinges must be left to the view of these that are appoynted by the Assemblie, who, I trust, will make such particulars in it as may tend both to Gods honour and the Kings, whereof we are very tender; and I trust it shall appeare—yea, I am persuadit of it—that we are more tender nor he that hes written the Booke.
To the which, the Assemblie did condiscend, and for that effect, did appoynt to view the Booke: Ministers—Mʳs Robert Baillie, Andro Ramsay, John Adamsone, Alexʳ Petrie, Mathew Brisbaine, John Smyth, John Reid, Joⁿ Home, and Thomas Craufuird: Nobles—Rothes, Cassiles, Lowdoun, Kirkcudbright, Burlie, Auldbar, and the Shireff of Tiviotdaill: appointed to meet together and divide their aune taskes, and be diligent students; further, whosoever had marked or noted any thinge of the Booke, of their aune observatione, let them give it in to these that are named.
The Toune of Edʳ presented a Supplication for the transportation of Mr William Bennet from Monymeall to Edʳ; and, after the hearing of his reasons, and his parochiners, the matter was put to voiceing; and the said Mr Wᵐ Bennet ordained to stay at Monymeall, by the greatest parte of the voices.
The Supplication of the Kirk of Dennune to the Assemblie, to grant a warrand to build the same, and make it a distinct church, referred to the Parliament.
The Supplication of the Laird of Halhill referred to the Provinciall of Fyffe.
The Committie for Reportes to meit at 2 houres with the Commissioners Grace at the Abbey.
The Assemblie to meit on Monday, at 8 houres.
Sess. 17.—Monday, hora nona. August 26.
After prayer, the Moderatour desired the Committie who were appointed for revising the processes of such Ministers as were now supplicants to give in their diligence.
The first reporte was for Mr Andro Collace. The Moderatour of the Committie for Edʳ and Jedburgh, Mr Harie Rollock, declaired that they found him to be deprived for drunkennes, actuall and habituall—subscryving of the Declinatour of the last Assemblie—remaining disobedient to the constitutions thereof—for sacriledge; and, further, they found some pretendit answers to the forsaid pointes processed against him: his maine answer to them, in generall, was that the witnesses who had proved the same were somewhat of kin to the Provest of Dundie, whom, he alleadged, was his accuser. It was answered by the Moderatour, that the Provest did onlie accuse him in name of the paroche, and, by that meanes, none might be witnesses against him who were of kin to any of the paroche.
The Commissioner said—I am to plead for no vitious man; but I thinke it would seeme too summar to approve his sentence presentlie; for I thinke all this Assemblie hes not heard all these reasons of his red, nor if they had, have they tyme to ponder them. I perceave all the processes are of two natures—either for declyning of the last Assemblie, &c., or for personall faults. Now, these deserve diverse considerations, and, I say, this is a certaine ground—that this Assemblie resolves not to punische all alike, but that, according to the nature of their faults, yee will show them favour, less or more. Now, if ye shall goe on squairlie to approve all the reportes, I doe but onelie represent to your considerations whither this be not to barre the doore, and tye your owne hands from showing favour to these whom ye would show it hereafter.
The Moderatour answered—We will not approve of any proceedings of the Commissions, how lawfull soever, but with a reservation of justice to them that will seeke a reduction, and of mercie to them that will supplicat for favour.
The Commissioner asked—Before whom must they seeke a reduction of their proces?
The Moderatour answered—Before a Commission from this Assemblie.
The Commissioner answered—If this Assembly shall not approve the sentence of the former Commissions from the last Assemblie, and the partie sentenced seeke a reduction of the proces before a new Commission from this Assemblie, can he ever expect another answer? But it is alreadie decyded before this Assembly, or, if they doe otherwayes, they shall oppose the formalitie of this Assemblie.
Argyle answered—The Commissioners may doe legallie and formallie in judgment, according to the probation of the witnesses, and yet the pairtie may thereafter improve[235] the deposition of the witnesses; and soe he may get favour either when he improves that is done, or upon his repentance.
Rothes sayes—It stands verie weill with formalitie to say the sentence was justlie pronounced upon that that was proven at that tyme, secundum allegata probata; as, for example, they declyned their Mother Kirk at that tyme; and what could the Kirk doe lesse than depose them from it now?—They having rectified their judgement, they recall the sentence, and recommends the men to your Grace to be provydit at the first occasion; and soe there is a cleare distinction. The Lords of Session may reduce their owne decreits, the pairtie compeirand who before was absent, and impugning the probation. As for these who have done nothing but declyned the last Assemblie, upon their acknowledgement of their error, and supplicating for favour, are presently put out of controversie, your Grace shall get satisfaction; for the Assembly shall presentlie declair them capable of a ministrie; but for others who hes beene procest for personall faults, and neither compeiring themselves, nor no procurator for them, but all proven, I remit to the judgement of the Assemblie, whether or not they, compeiring before ane other Commission impugning the processes, saying the witnesses wronged them, and using legal objections, the Commission from this may repone the sentence, and make it null? But I thinke if they have been able to doe this, they should have offered before this Assembly.
The Commissioner said—They choosed rather the way of humble supplicating, becaus they conceaved it most satisfactorie to the Assemblie; and I trust the Assemblie shall not take advantage by that to proceed the more strictlie against them; but, if they heare of this, I thinke some of them shall mene their supplications against the afternoone.
Argyle said—I shall represent to the Assemblie this mids. Let the Assemblie approve the diligence of the former Commission, and remit further consideration of the proces to a Commission from this Assemblie.
Lowdoun said—It would be considered that there are two parties interest in this question: first, there is the Commissioners who had the charge of the former Commissions and ar now makeing their reportes for their exoneration; 2ᵈˡⁱᵉ, There is the pairties now supplicants, and they are either such as upon their penitence or acknowledgement of their errours, and upon their ignorance of the Constitutions of the Kirk, doth merite favour; or they are such as complaines informalitie in their proces, and so seekes to have them reduced and annulled. Now the ane pairtie—to witt, the Commissioners, seekes to be exonered. The uther pairtie supplicants, seekes, that they may not be so exponed as they be stoped from being heard hereafter. Your Grace objects how that can be reduced, which, after it is deduced, is approven here? If it lyke your Grace, verie easilie. The Assemblie doth approve that they have done, secundum allegata probata; and yet this approbation may be given with this qualitie, that it be without prejudice to uthers to be heard, and to reduce their sentences before the Commission, and grants Commission for that effect. This being a parte of the Act, it keepes the mater inteere for reduction. Now, tell me if any pairtie be wronged by this?
Argyle said—I hope your Grace, by urging of this Assemblie not to approve the sentences of the Commission from the last, doth not intend to make us doe any thing which may import our passing from our Assemblie at Glasgow, which we will never doe. Whilst we breath, we cannot thinke this; for some of them are approven alreadie. It is lykewise a great mistake to thinke that [by] our craving of the bringing in of reportes, we seeke ane approbation of the last Assemblie.
The Commissioner answered—Your Lordship speakes to verie good purpose. I intend no such thing; but onlie I declair what is done in this I will assent unto it as ane Act of this Assemblie.
The Moderatour said—Please your Grace, I have bein drawen up the forme of the Assemblies approbation of these sentences, which I hope shall both give satisfaction to your Grace and to the Assembly:—
“The Assembly, after the receaving of the Reportes from the Committies, approves their proceedings; without prejudice of any favour that can be shewed to any pairties, upon their supplications, or of justice to such as complaines of their proces, and offers to impugne the same, by whatsover reasone, competent by the laws of this Kirk and Kingdome: Lykeas the Assemblie doth grant Commission to that effect.”
After much agitation, this forme was agried upon.
The next Report was of Mr Robert Rollock, who was found, by the Committie, to be deprived for non-residence for 3 yeares; 2ᵈ For neglect of his charge while he was with it; thirdlie, for maintaining the universalitie of Christs merits, and the falling away of the Saints.
The said Mr Robert compeirand, and being demandit what he had to answer for himself, alleadged that the witnesses who deponed these thinges were ignorant men; 2ᵈˡⁱᵉ, That he did not in preaching, but in privat, affirme the forsaids pointes. The Committie finds his proces clearlie deduced, and sufficientlie proven.
The Assemblie approve the Sentence, with the forsaid reservation.
The Committies were ordained to have their Reportes readie written against afternoone.
To meit at 3 a clocke.
Sess. 18.—Hora tertia in the afternoone.
After prayer, the Moderatour called for the rest of the Reportes.
The Moderatour of the Committie, Mr Hary Rollock, answered—There is Mr James Hannay and Mr Alexʳ Thomsone. We find they were deposed at ane Committie joyntlie for reading the Service Booke and subscryving the Declinatour, and the Committie finds that it was verie formallie deduced.
Mr Wᵐ Ogstane, sometyme Minister at Colingtoune, was deposed for deserting of his flocke—causeing his people (after a superstitious way) sitt on their knees when he examined them—medling with the poore folkes box, &c.
Mr George Maxwell, Minister at Dumbar, for foule errours in his doctrine, as his proces at length beares—for medling with the poore folkes box, hard usage of his flocke and paroche, &c.
Mr George Sydserfe, at Colberspeth, for contemning his Presbytrie, preaching after his deposition, &c.
Mr Wᵐ Whishart his proces is so lang, that it is a volume—onlie we have drawen up his dittay in these thrie generalls—in his doctrine, life, and discipline. I remember of ane particular of his doctrine, proven be all his paroche, preaching upon Genesis, how Isaak desired his wife to say she was his sister. He gave a marke. “If God (said he) had punished the father, the Sone had never fallen in the like fault”—common drunkenes, notour, &c.
Mr John Watsone, in the Canongait, for deserting his flocke, contemning his Presbitrie, and declyning the Generall Assembly. All these Processes the Committie finds to be formallie deduced and sufficientlie proven.
Mr Francis Harvie, of Zeattam, was deposed for contempt of his Presbytrie—for setting up of ane altar and raill—for declyning of the Assemblie—for a cruell act of his hands in stryking of a man that within short tyme thereafter he died—ane of the most notorious raillers against worthie Noblemen that ever was heard tell of.
Lastlie, Mr Patrick Lindsey his proces is very fearfull, for its all grosse Poperie and Arminianisme—yea, there is not a poynt of Arminian doctrine or Poperie but he hes mentained it in the grossest way. We find all these orderlie deduced.
The next Committie for Kirkcaldie, Dundie, Sᵗ Androwes, was called upon to give in their reportes. Mr Robert Douglas, Moderatour of that Committie, answered—We found all the processes that have come before us formallie deduced, viz., Mr John __________, Reader, Vicar, and Procurator of the Kirk of Dundie, was deposed becaus he tooke upon him the office of a preaching Presbyter without a flocke; 2ᵈˡⁱᵉ, He did contemptuously disobey the Constitutions of the last Assemblie; 3ᵈˡⁱᵉ, He did not onlie refuse the reading of the Confession of Faith, but mocking, called it the Jewall of Four. He absented his charge often 4 weekes togither. Mr Wᵐ Wischart, Minister at Sᵗ Andrewes, was deposed by that Presbitrie, and their assessours adjoyned to them, be the last Assemblie, for deserting of the flocke for the space of 18 moneths together.
Doctor Panter, of the New Colledge of Sᵗ Androwes, for his erroneous doctrine taught to his schollars, found in his Note Bookes, at large exprest in his proces.
Mr Hary Scrymgeor, for his fornication confest, &c.: first, for not catechising his people for the space of 12 yeares; 2ˡⁱᵉ, Becaus he affirmed the Nobles were taking the crowne off the Kings head to sett on their owne; 3ˡⁱᵉ, For calling the Covenant a black Covenant; 4ˡⁱᵉ, For disobeying the Presbitrie; 5, For obtrudeing his Sone to preache and administrat the Sacraments, not being called thereto.
Mr Androw Learmonth, for calling all the Covenanters perjured—declyning his Presbitrie and the Generall Assembly—refuseing to intimat the Bishops sentence. He gave in a Supplication this morning to the Committie, and tooke it up againe and promised to correct some faults in it, and bring it in againe the afternoone, but hes not keeped his promise. These we find all formallie deduced.
The third Committie of Irwing and Kirkcudbright called. Mr Mathow Brisbane, Moderatour thereof, said—We find Mr James Hutchisone hes beine deposed not only for declyning of the Assembly but for sundrie other grosse enormities—profanation of the Sabbeth, drunkennes, strykeing of ane John Dougall as he was going into the pulpitt, and sundrie other pointes.
Mr James Stewart, for declyning the Assembly—non-residence the space of six Sabbeths together—imprecations out of the pulpitt against his paroche.
Mr Thomas __________, of Cameray, for grosse drunkennes, profanation of the Sabbeth, ordinary swearing, oppression, strycking, &c., not only proven but confessed by his hand writting.
Mr George Buchannan, of Kirkcudbright, for declyning the Assembly and continowing in his contumacie, refuseing to compeir before the Commission. The said Mr George compeiring before the Assemblie, which was delayed till the morn. The Committie finds all clearlie deduced. The Assemblie approves the sentence against him, with the foresaid reservation.
The Supplication of the Universitie of Glasgow for the increase of their provision and number of their Professours, which they craved might be recommended to the ensuing Parliament. Delayed till farder advysement.
The Supplication of the Burgh of Glasgow for the transportation of Mr Robert Baillie from Irwing [Kilwinning] to Glasgow delayed till the morne, that all parties who had interes might prepair their reasons in writt.
The Committee appoynted for trying of the Booke of Assembly which was newlie come to the Clerks hand, gave in their Reports:—That they fand the Booke to be authentick, and the reasons thereof subscryved with their hands. The whole Assembly, in ane voice, did approve the said Booke as ane authentick register, and ordained the same to have faith in judgment, and outwith, in all tyme comeing. The Commissioners Grace desired the reasons of the validitie thereof might be insert in the Booke of the Assembly.
A Supplication from Mr Thomas Tullidaff, minister at Foverane, a man of 98 yeares, having bein a minister 57 yeares; that whereas he had demitted his place in favours of Mr John Patersone for the soume of 400 merkes a-yeare, and having no better securitie but the said Mr Johns simple bond, who may be transported or suspendit, &c., and so the old man prejudged, therefore did supplicat for ane Act of the Assembly in his favours, that he might be secured of the forsaid soume during his life; to the which the Assemblie willinglie condiscendit.
A Bill from the Boundes benorth Tay, desireing a Commission may be directed from this Assemblie for rectifying of many abuses there, and for planting of the vacant Kirks, such as Elgine, Innernes, Chanrie: this Bill, at the desire of the Commissioners Grace, delayed till the morrow.
The Supplication of the Toune of Edʳ for planting of their Churches with a lite of such as they had their eyes upon, viz., Mr David Dicksone, Minister at Irwing, present Moderatour; Mr Andro Cant at Newbottle; Mr James Hamilton at Dumfries—becaus of contestations like to arise, delayed till the morne.
The Baronie Kirk of Glasgow, of 11,000 communicants, discerned to be a distinct paroche, upon a Supplication presented be Mr Zacharie Boyd. Mr John Row, Mr John Ker, who were appoynted to take notice of Doctor Eliots case, reported that they thought him to be a humble and modest man, penitent for any thing he hes done, and submissive to the Constitutions of the Kirk. The Assembly declaires him to be capable of the Ministrie, and to be provydit at the first occasion.
The Committie for viewing of the Declaration appoynted to meit in the Assembly House tomorrow at six houres.
The Assemblie to meit at 11 houres, and to have but ane Session tomorrow.
Sess. 19.—Hora undecimo. August 27.
After prayer, the rest of the Reportes being called on, the Moderatour of the Committie fand that Mr Robert Murray was deposed by the Commission of Kirkcudbright for oppression, drunkenness, railing, selling the Sacraments, sacriledge, bryberie, &c., instanced in many particulars and clearlie proven.
Mr James Scott was deposed for his absence from his flocke 8 Sabboths together, sacrialedge, intromitting with penalties and contributions, disobedience to the Presbytrie, tableing, converseing with excommunicat Papists, and declyning the Generall Assemblie.
Mr Patrick Adamsone was deposed for his insufficiencie for the Ministrie, proven by the testimonie of his brethren, frequent drunkennes on the Sabboth, and dancing in his drunkennes, and disobedience of the Presbitrie.
Mr Robᵗ MᶜClellane deposed for his insufficiencie, intemperat drinking, and disobedience to the Presbitrie; all which processes the Committie finds formallie deduced and clearlie proven.
The Assemblie approves their sentences without prejudice of justice or mercie, upon the Supplication of some or reduction of the processes of others.
Mr David Fletcher, compeering personallie, declaired that he was penitent and greeved in soule for these two errors, in reading the Service Booke, and declyning of the Assemblie; and, therefore, in all humilitie, desired to be receaved in favour with the Assemblie, and declaired to be capable and worthie of the Ministrie, and submitted his life and conversion to the censure of the Ministrie of Edinʳ, who declaired that his life and doctrine was both unblameable. The Assemblie found it expedient that he should be restoired to the Ministrie, and to a particular flocke, as he gets ane orderlie calling.
A Supplication of the province of Aberdeine upon the cruell oppression and persecution of the enemies of this Church and Kingdome, daylie lying in wait for their lyves, so that Ministers were forced to retier themselves, and not to come to their flockes, recommended most humbly and earnestlie to the Parliament.
Mr John Lindsey at Carstaires, compeering personallie, presented a Supplication to the Assemblie, acknowledging his forward following the course of conformitie, craved pardon of the Assemblie, and sought re-entrie to the Ministrie, in respect it was the humble petition of his parochiners to have him restoired to them againe, and promised obedience to the Constitutions of the Assembly. The brethren of his Presbytrie testified that he was a violent prosecutor of the course of conformitie, and urging his people thereto; that he was contumacious, disobedient to his Presbytrie, railer against his brethren, and hes declyned their judgment and the Assembly both; that he would not come to the Synod where he was cited, alleadging his want of health and strength, but anon, thereafter, found health and strength to goe into the English army.
After much agitation to and fro, the Commissioners Grace pleading for him, and his owne brethren testifying against him, the Assembly ordained these persones following, to conferre and try the soundnes of his repentance and his judgement in doctrinall poyntes: Mr Alexʳ Somervell, Richard Inglis, George Young, Mathow Brisbane, Andro Ramsay, Robert Douglas, Hary Rollock, Andro Cant.
Mr James Hamilton, who hes beene these 52 yeares actuall Minister, being deposed for declyning of the Assemblie; upon his humble Supplication and Confession, declaired capable of the Ministrie.
Mr John Hamilton of Dalserff, his Supplication delayed till the morne.
Mr Wᵐ Ogstounes referred to the Commission that was to be appointed.
The Commissioners Grace presented a paper in name of Mr Robert Hamiltoun of Lesmahagow, wherein there was not the least word of his repentance or submission, but rather a maintaining of his errours, especiallie Arminianisme, and in substance a declyning of this Assemblie.
The Moderatour desired Mr John Adamsone, Mr James Bonar, Mr John Row, Mr Andro Cant, to give their judgement of this man. They all in ane voice declaired he was worthie of excomunication in this Assemblie; nevertheless, the Assemblie, to show their moderation and willingness to gaine the man from his errours, did appoynt Mr Samuell Rutherford and Mr Robert Baillie to conferre with him and report against the morne.
Upon occasion of the erroneous doctrine defended by these Ministers, there was a motion made by Mr Alexʳ Hendersone, That it was expedient that there were a positive confession drawen up, and these errours related therein and expresslie condemned by the Church, and the doctrine of the Church of Scotland cleared, that none heirafter pretend ignorance of them, and that this grave worke were recommended to such and such men; the which motion the whole Assemblie did applaud.
Sir Robert Edwards Supplication referred back to the Presbitrie.
The Supplication of the Presbitrie of Skye, not being joyned to any provinciall, and of the parochiners of the North Isles, for erection of ane provinciall amongst them, delayed till all the interest be heard.
The Bill for the change of the Presbitrie seat of Mewres, referred back to the Presbitrie.
Sir Alexʳ Carnegie of Bonnymoone having built a Church upon his oune expenses, did supplicat that it might be decerned to be a distinct paroche.
As lykewayes a Supplication of Duncan Campbell of Glenlyon to the same effect, referred to the Parliament.
Mr James Scotts Supplication referred to the Commission.
Walter Macaulay, of Ardincaple, his Supplication for the distinguish of two paroches lying promiscuouslie through other, referred to the Presbitrie of Dumbarton.
The Supplication of the Chanrie of Ross referred to the Parliament.
Mr James Sandilands, canonist, his Supplication being againe presented to the Assemblie, and many pressing arguments why the ffacultie could not be abolished, used by the said Mr James, which gave great light to the Assemblie, the Assemblie appoynted Mʳˢ John Adamsone, David Lindsey, James Bonar, Doctor Strang, to consider of it till the morrow, and then to give their best overtures in writt.
The Supplication of Mʳˢ Alexander Schrogie, William Leslie, ___________ Lindsey, referred to the Commission.
The Supplication of Alexʳ Gordoun, of Knockgray, in name of the Parochiners of Carffairne, for a contribution for a stipend to the said Kirk built be the said Paroche, according to the Act of the Assemblie at Glasgow, Decʳ 16.
The Assembly recommends the same de novo to the charitie of the bounds then designed for that contribution.
Mr Alexʳ Callender, Minister at Denna, in Stertoun, a pendicle of Falkirk, and supplicat that it might be established as a distinct Kirk, referred to the Parliament.
The Parochiners of Ardinlach and Edenkillie being under ane ministrie, and far distant, did supplicat for a disunion—Fiat ut petitur.
The Assemblie craves warrand of transportation to Mr Alexʳ Pearsone.
A Complaint of some of the Parochiners of Bathgait, upon their Minister, for leaving of preaching in the ordinarie Kirk thereof, and preaching in a Kirk new built, in a myle distant from it, not commodious for holding the congregation, referred to the Synod.
The Committie for the Overtures being desired to report their diligence, gave in these following—(Hic decst.)
Earle of Eglintounes Supplication for erection of ane Kirk between Beith and Lochunnoch, referred to the Commissions for the Parliament.
The 4 Committies for the deposed Ministers, appoynted to meit tomorrow, at 7 a clocke, to try their repentance, and to hear their just defences, and report to the Assembly.