The Moderatour craved that some judicious men, and skilled in dignoscing hand writtes, might be nominat for tryell of these bookes; and intreated the Earles Lawderdaill, Southesk, and Argyle to take inspection of the Bookes.
Argyle objected his youth and unskilfulness for so weightie a charge, yet, at command of the Commissioner, declaired his willingnes to assist the work.
The Comʳ said, that if his aune paines could contribute any thing to the furtherance of the worke, he would be readie to sit up day and night, but would not lay the burthen on his assessours; for, he said, seeing it is refuised that they should be Members of the Assembly, he said he saw not how they could be appoynted for trying of these Registers.
The Moderatour answered—We are hopefull that their Lordships will not refuse to further the good of this Assembly, seeing it is said heir, it is not for want of due respect we owe to their Lordships, but only for preservation of the Kirkes liberties, as said is.
The Comʳ said—I cannot see how these that are not granted to be Members of the Assembly, can cognosce bookes containing matters of so great weight.
The Moderatour answered, that they can best judge.
The Commissioner said—But I cannot consent unto it. Therefor
The Moderatour said—Let the skilfullest of the Clerks of Session, Counsell, and burrow Clerks, with the Ministers, such as the Laird of Durie, the Clerk of Dundie, Mr Alexʳ Pearsone, with their Assessours to help them of the Ministrie.
| Mr James Bonar. | Mr John Row. |
| Mr John Livingstone. | Mr Andrew Ramsay. |
[The Moderator called upon] Mr John Row.