Sessio. 7.—[August 17.]
After prayer, the Clerk proceidit in reading the reasons of the nullities of the six late pretendit Assemblies, which was confirmed by the testimony of many old and reverend men in the ministerie, who had beene at these Assemblies, standing up and testifieing the same; likewise the reasons for condemning the Service Booke, Booke of Cannons, Booke of Ordination, and High Commission, were publictlie red.
The Commissioner still urged that it was not neidful to read more, except it were for the satisfaction of some of their owne number. It was answered, the Assemblie did esteeme themselves bound of duetie to make knowne the reasons of all their proceedings for the satisfaction of his Majestie. After all were read,
The Moderatour said—We have now cleared sufficientlie the reasons of all our proceedings, trusting that your Grace will signifie the same to his Majestie; and desires likewise that the civile sanction may be added to it; and, therefore, that we may conclude somewhat, it seemes necessar that so much as is bygone may be drawne up in ane Act. The Assembly, with consent of the Commissioners Grace, appoynted a Committie to goe about the frameing of the Act, that when it came before the Assembly it might be put to voiceing with all diligence; namely, Ministers—Masters Andro Ramsay, Harry Rollock, James Bonar, Andro Cant, Robert Blair, David Lindsay, Robert Douglas; Nobles—Cassiles, Lowthiane, Balmerino, Lowdoun; Barrons—Cavers, Auldbar, Keir; Burgesses—John Smith in Edinburgh, Provost of Dundie—to meit at the Clerks Chamber, after the dissolving of the Assembly, about the frameing of the Act.
The Commissioner desired their way of conceaving it might be showen to him, that he might come the better prepaired against the morrow; further, craved libertie of the Assemblie, to depairt for that night for some important affaires, in respect there was nothing materiall to be handlit that night, and the Assembly might spend an houre or two in hearing of some particular billes without him, and promised to returne tomorrow at 9 a clocke.
Imprimis, presented to the Assembly a Suplication from the toune of Leith for the transportation of Mr James Scharpe, minister at Govan in the Presbitrie of Glasgow, to the Kirk of Leith, vacant through the deposition of Mr William Wischart. The Assemblie referred the bille to the Presbitrie of Glasgow, to consider till the morne.
A Supplication from Air for transportation of Mr Joⁿ Fergushill to Air; for the transportation of Mr Robert Blair to St Androwes. Becaus of Mr Johnes unwillingnes, he was ordained to prepair his reasons against another Session.
A Supplication from the Universitie, Presbitrie, and Toune of Glasgow for the transportation of Mr David Dicksone, present Moderatour, from Irwing to Glasgow; and because there was ane hote contestation like to arise thereabout, between the Commissioners of Irwing with my Lord Eglintoune, and the Commissioners of Glasgow, the Assembly appoynted a committie for hearing of both parties, my Lord Argyle, Mr James Bonar, James Hamiltoun, Robert Blair, John Home, Samuell Rutherfuird.
The Assemblie appoynted a committee for considering of overtures to be given in to the Assembly; viz., Ministers—Mr Robert Murrey, &c.; Nobles—Yester; Barrones—Auldbar, &c.; Burrowes—Clerk of Dundie, &c., to meit at Kinghornes house, to morrow, at two afternoone, for the overtures: And so, after thanksgiving, the Assembly dissolved.