Traquair said—If I knew any thing would conduce more to the preservation and priviledge of the Kirkes liberties, then that his Majesties wonted authoritie should continue in the former vigour, I would condiscend unto it.
The Commissioner said—I render my protestation, made in name of my assessours appoynted be his Majestie.
My Lord Rothes said—And we also adhere to the protestation made be us.
Traquair craved that his assessours might eik to his Graces protestation, which was granted.
Then the Voits of the whole Assembly wer craved anent the election of a Clerk ad vitam, and Mr Archbald Johnston was chosen and admitted unto all the rights, fies, and priviledges, perteining to ane Clerk of before, to be extractit at large; who, after the acknowledgement of the weightiness of the charge, and his insufficiencie for it, embraced it as having a calling from God, and the honourable Assembly.
The Moderatour desired to be informed if any more was requisite for his admission but a solemne oath of his fidelitie and diligence?
Mr John Row answered—Nothing further, but that he should bring foorth, keepe, and preserve the Registers of the Church; at least so many as shall come in his hands, seeing pitifull experience could show how these Registers had been marred in former tymes.
Then Mr Archbald gave ane solemne oath of his fidelitie and diligence, and conscious keeping, and use making of all Registers and documents, was taken of his acceptance and admission.
The Moderatour said—The Bookes and Acts of all former Assemblies should be produced, and put in Mr Archbalds hands.
Mr Thomas Sandilands answered—That he had receaved no Registers from his father, but only two books, conteining some acts from the yeare 1590, till the Assemblie at Aberdein, holden 1616. which therein is only begunne with the Minuts of the Acts of the said Assembly of Aberdein, in a paper-apairt with the Minuts of St Androwes following 1617, with the acts of the Assembly at Perth, subscribed be Mr James Sandilands, and delivered the samen to the Assembly: And, being posed for the rest of the registers, answered, in his fathers name, that he had gotten these two from the Bishop of St Androwes, and had never receaved any moe, neither from him, nor from the Assembly, nor from any uther.