The Moderatour asked the opinion of some of the brethren. Mr Robert Douglas, Mr James Bonar, Mr Andrew Cant, Mr John Bell, said, that the tyme might be appoynted by the Moderatour; but it must be advertit that nothing be determined in these privie conferences, nor any thing prejudiceall to this free Assembly; but only that matters be ordered and digested be them, that soe things might be rightlie proponed in the Assembly.
The Moderatour said—I was present at these Conferences, at ane Assembly in Aberdein In 1616, and they tooke very much upon them, for all matters were concluded and determined; that the privie Conferences satt 3 or 4 houres, and the Assembly satt but ane houre, and intimation was only made in the Assembly of their Conclusions, and the Assembly was asked if they had any thing to say against it; but I hope they shall hold themselves within their bounds.
The Moderatour said—There uses some to be naimed for receaving of papers and billes that are to be given in, becaus it will not be convenient that the whole Assembly be troubled with everie particular complaint; therefore let some be nominat for vieuing of the Billes, that hes best skill in matters of this kynd, that they may report to the Assembly, what is pertinent to be handlit here, and what not.
The Commissioner said—There is nothing that hes bein the order and custome of Assemblies but I shall heartillie consent unto it.
The Assembly appoynted for receiving of Billes, &c.
The Moderatour desyred that the rest of the Commissions that were not cleared and approven, might now be examined; and first he desyred to hear the report of these that were on the Commission for Brechin. They answered that they were not sufficientlie instructed.
The next was Commission from Peibles.
My Lord Traquair said—For clearing of the sufficiencie of this Commission, ye may see the whole process under Mr Patrick Purdies hand, Clerk to the Presbitrie, who is here present.
Mr John Bennet said—We, the Commissioners of Peibles, have hitherto been silent; now we desyre to be heard, and that this reverend Assembly would take this matter to their Consultation; for here is ane whole Elderschip accused by ane man, whereas the Scripture sayes—“Accuse not ane elder but under the testimonie of two or three witnesses;” and this Man, ane of our bowells, of whom we expected better things, hes now brought us on the stage, and spitted on our face, and brought us in suspition, by surmizing speaches, and open challenges; and this he hath done under pretence of zeale for the freedome of this Assembly, quhilk God forbid we should prejudge. We are heir, Men, haters of vyce and lovers of veritie, willing to give all our concurrance to everie good worke.
The Moderatour said—It is not an accusation, but ane Protestation; and it will appeare by the determination of the Assembly, whether he hath done wrong or not.