Acts: 1796

The principal acts of the general assembly, convened at Edinburgh, May 19, 1796.

I. Sess. 1, May 19, 1796.—The King's Commission to David Earl of Leven produced, and ordered to be recorded.

The General Assembly, &c.

II. Sess. 1, May 19, 1796.—The King's most gracious Letter to the General Assembly, presented to them by his Majesty's Commissioner.

George, R., &c.

III. Sess. 3, May 21, 1796.—The General Assembly's Answer to the King's most gracious Letter.

May it please your Majesty, &c.

IV. Sess. 3, May 21, 1796.—Address on his Majesty's late Preservation.

May it please your Majesty,
We, your Majesty's most loyal, dutiful, and affectionate subjects, the ministers and elders of the Church of Scotland, met in the General Assembly of this National Church, beg leave to take this earliest opportunity which our annual meeting affords us, of presenting our most sincere and heartfelt congratulations upon your Majesty's late Providential deliverance from the attack made by wicked and daring assassins,—an attack the more peculiarly disgraceful to the times in which we live, in having been made upon your sacred person when in the discharge of one of the most important duties entrusted to your Majesty by the constitution. Impressed, as we have ever been, with the strongest and most unalterable sentiments of respect and attachment to your Majesty's person and government, we have seen, with the deepest concern and astonishment, the views of the seditious and disaffected manifestly displayed in an act of such daring atrocity.

We have, however, observed with the highest satisfaction, that the several branches of the legislature, the constitutional guardians of the public interest, have concurred in the adoption of such laws as, we trust, will, under the influence of Divine Providence, have the effect of ensuring the safety of your Majesty's person, repressing the machinations of seditious and disaffected men, and of securing the true liberty, happiness, and tranquillity of these kingdoms.

That the manifold advantages which we and our forefathers have long enjoyed under that form of government administered by your Majesty and the other Princes of your Illustrious House, may be transmitted entire to the latest posterity, and that your Majesty may long continue to regin over a free, loyal, and affectionate people, are the most earnest prayers of,
May it please your Majesty, your Majesty's most dutiful, most faithful, and most obedient subjects, the Ministers and Elders met in this National Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Signed in our name, in our presence, and at our appointment, by
Wm. Greenfield, Moderator.

V. Sess. 3, May 21, 1796.—Address to his Majesty on the Birth of a Princess, the Daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

May it please your Majesty,
We, your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subject, the ministers and elders of the Church of Scotland, met together in the General Assembly, take this first opportunity of congratulating your Majesty on the late increase of the Royal Family, by the birth of a Princess, the daughter of their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales.

As our sentiments of duty and affection to your Majesty lead us to take part in whatever may add to your domestic felicity, we cannot fail to rejoice in an event which gives farther security to the permanent continuance of the crown of these realms in your Majesty's illustrious family, under whose mild and equitable government our happy constitution had been so much strengthened and confirmed, and our national prosperity so greatly increased.

That Almighty God may bless and long preserve your Majesty to regin over a happy and affectionate people;—that he may bless your Royal Consort the Queen, their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Caroline, and all the Royal Family, and that, after reiging long with increasing felicity, you may at last be rewareded with that crown of glory that fadeth not away, through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, is the earnest prayer of,
May it please your Majesty, your Majesty's most dutiful, most faithful. and most obedient subjects, the Ministers and Elders met in this National Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Signed in our name, in our presence, and at our appointment, by
WM. Greenfield, Moderator.

VI. Sess. 7, May 26, 1796.—Regulations and Overture respecting the Erection of Chapels of Ease.

(see Act 5th, 1798.)

VII. Sess. 9, May 28, 1796.—Commission of the General Assembly to certain Ministers and Ruling Elders for discussing Affairs referred to them.

The General Assembly did, and hereby do, nominate, commission, and appoint, the Reverend Dr William Greenfield, one of the ministers of the city, and Professor of Rhetoric and Bells Letters in the University of Edinburgh, their Moderator; and from the Presbytery of Dornoch, Mr Walter Ross at Clyne, Mr Alexander Sage at Kildoman, minister; Captain Robert Bruce Aeneas Macleod of Cadboll, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Tongue, Mr John Thomson at Diurness, Mr William Mackenzie at Tongue, minister; Mr William Maclean, merchant in Edinburgh, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Caithness, Mr William Sutherland at Wick, Mr Patrick Nicolson at Thurso, ministers; Sir John Sinclair of Ulbester, Bart., ruling elder. From the burgh of Wick, Mr James Horne, Writer to the Signet. From the Presbytery of Kirkwell, Mr William Anderson at Evie, Mr James Watson at South Ronaldsay minister; Mr Alexander Youngson, writer to the Signet, ruling elder. From the burgh of Kirkwell, Malcolm Laing. Esq., Advocate. From the Presbytery of Cairston, Mr James Bremner at Walls. Mr John Malcolm at Firth, ministers; Mr Richard Richardson, merchant in Edinburgh, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of North Isles, Mr John Anderson at Stronsay and Eday, Mr Walter Traill at Lady Parish, minister; John Grieve, Esq., one of the commissioners of Excise, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Zetland, Mr James Sands at Tingwall, Mr David Thomson at Walls, minister;,Professor Andrew Dalzel, Edinburgh, ruling elder From the Presbytery of Edinburgh, Dr John Erskine, Edinburgh, Dr David Johnston at North Leith, Mr James Robertson at Ratho, Mr William Moodie, Edinburgh, Mr Robert Dickson, South Leith, Mr Archibald Bonar at Cramond, ministers; Lord Meadowbank, Bailie George Spankie, William Simpson, Esq., cashier to the Royal Bank, ruling elders. From the city of Edinburgh, the Right Honourable Sir James Stirling, Bart., Lord Provost of the City, Mr Thomas Hay, Convener of the Trades. From the Presbytery of Linlithgow, Mr Hugh Maiklejohn at Abercorn, Mr Robert Rennie at Borrowstouinness, Mr John Sommers at Mid-Calders. Mr John Bell at Carriden, minister; Mr James Taylor, shipmaster, John Meek of Campfield, Esq., ruling elders. From the burgh of Linlithgow, Robert Blair, Esq., of Avontown, his Majesty's Solicitor-General for Scotland. From the burgh of Queensferry, James Hopkirk, Esq., merchant in Glasgow. From the Presbytery if Biggar. Mr Bernard Halden at Glenholm. Mr John Ritchie at Dunsvre, Mr Robert Anderson at Symington. minister; John Dickson of Culter, Esq., Advocate, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of peebles, Mr William Welsh at Drummelzier, Mr William Marshall at Manner, minister; James Montogomery, Esq., Advacate, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Dalkeith, Dr Alexander Carlye at Inveresk, Mr Thomas Maccourty at Pennycuik, Mr Leslie Moodie at Newton, minister; the Right Hounourable the Lord Advacate, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Haddington, Mr Hugh Cunnungham at Tranent, Mr George Hamilton at Gladsmuir, Mr George Murry at North Berwick, minister; the Most Honourable George Marquis of Tweeddale, ruling elder. From the burgh of Haddington, Mr William Cunningham, merchant in Haddington. From the burgh of North Berwick, Sir Hew Hamilton Dalrymple, Bart. From the Presbytery of Dumbar, Dr Patrick Carfrae at Dunbar, Mr James Williamson at Whitekirk., minister; John Anderson, Esq., of Windygour, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Dunse, Mr Selby Ord at Longformacus, Mr Alexander Girvan at Langton, minister; Matthew Sandilands, Esq., Clerk to the Signet, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Chirmside, Mr James Landales at Coldingham, Mr Robert Scott at Coldstream, ministers; George Buchan, Esq., of Kelloe, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Kelso, Mr Andrew Bell at Roxburgh, Mr William Blackie at yetholm, minister; Sir James Pringle of Stitchell, Bart., ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Jedburgh Mr William Scott at Southdean. Mr John Hunter at Oxanam, Mr James Rutherford at Hawnam, ministers; Captain John Rutherford of Masnurnford, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Lauder, Mr Laurence Johnston at Earlston, Mr James Baird at Legerwood, ministers; Colonel John Pringle of Georgefield, ruling elder. From the burgh of Lauder, the Right Honourable James Earl of Lauderadle. From the Presbytery of Selkirk, Mr William Campbell at Lillesleaf, Mr Charles Paton at Ettrick, ministers; Mark Pringle, Esq., of Clfton, ruling elder. From the burgh of Selkirk, Alexander Cunninham, Esq., younger of Hyndhope. From the Presbytery of Annan, Mr James Yorston at Hoddam, Mr Thomas Smith at Cummertrees, minister; Joseph Norris of Newfield, Esq. ruling elder. From the burgh of Annan, Charles Hope, Esq., Advocate. From the Presbytery of Langholm. Mr John Russell at Canonbie, Mr William Brown at Eskdalemuir, minister; Mr James Robertson, writer to the Signet, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Lochmaben, Mr Thomas Henderson at Dryfesdale. Mr William Sibbald at Johnston, Mr William Wightman at Dalton, ministers; William Tait, Esq., Advocate, ruling elder. From the burgh of Lochmaben, Mr William Johnston, writer in Edinburgh. From the Presbytery of Prnpont, Mr William Keyden at Penpont, Mr James Keyden at Keir, minister; Mr William Carson, merchant in Closeburn, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Dumfries, Mr Alexander Scott at Dumfries, Mr William Macmorine at Caerlaverok, Mr Thoedore Edgar Keydan at Terreagles, ministers; Thomad Cricton Esq. Advocate, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Kirkcudbright, Dr John Scott at Twynhaold, Dr Robert Mutter at Kirkcudbringt, Mr John Johnston at Crossmicheal, minister; james Gordon, younger of Culvenan, Esq., ruling elder. From the burgh of Kirkcudbrignt, Horatius Cannan, Esq., of Barley. From the burgh of New Galloway, Mr Robert Heron, preacher of the Gospel. From the bugh of Wigton, Mr John Jaffray, writer in Edinburgh. From the Presbytery of Stranraer, Mr Anthony Stewart at Newluce, Mr William Rose at Kirkcolm, minister; Thomas Adair, Esq., of Genoch, ruling elder. From the burgh of Stranrear, Thomad Smith, Esq., one of the principal Clerks to the Bills. From the Presbytery of Ayr, Dr William M'Quhae at St Quivox, Mr John shepherd at Muirkirk, Mr Robert Duncan at Dundonald, Mr James Thomson at Givan, Mr William Ritchie at Tarbolton, minister; Lord Glenlee, Thomas Kennedly, Esq., of Dunnure, ruling elders. From the burgh of Ary, George Fergusson, Esq., Advocate. From the Presbytery of Irvine, Mr Alexander Miller at Kilmaurs, Mr Robert Urquhart at Kilbirnie, Mr Robert Macvey at Beith, ministers; the Honourable Mr Patrick Boyle of Shewalton, ruling elder. From the burgh of Irvine, David Boyle, Esq., Advocate. From the Presbytery if Paisley, Mr Walter young at Erskine, Mr John Monteith, junior, at Neitlston, Mr George Maclatchie at Mearns, Mr Stevenson Macgill at Eastwood, minister; Hugh Jameson, Esq., eldest magistrate of Paisley, Robert Davidsojn, Esq., Advocate, ruling elders. From the Presbytery of Hamilton, Dr James Meek at Cambuslang, Dr Alexander Hutchison at Hamilton. Mr Patrick Macbeth at Glassford, minister; Professor George Jardine, Glasgow, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Lanark, Mr James Fergusson at Pittenain, Mr Joseph Henderson at Wiston, m inister; James Miller, Esq., of Hallhill, Advocate, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Glasgow, Dr William Taylor at Glasgow, Mr William Dun at Kirkintullcoh, Mr David Dow at Cathcart, Mr John Pollock at Govan, minister; Sir John Strling of Glasgow, Bart., John Corbert, Esq., of Tolcross, ruling elders. From the city of Glasgow, John Dunlop, Esq., of Rosebank, Lord Provost of the city. From the University of Glasgow, Dr Hugh Macleod, Professor of Ecclesiastical History. From the burgh of Rutherglen, James Davidson, Esq., Writer to the Signet. From the Presbytery of Dumbarton, Mr James Graham at Killearn, Dr John Stuart at Luss, Mr John Gillespie at Arrochar ministers; the Right Honourable Ilay Campbell, Lord President of the Court of Session, ruling elder. From the burgh of Dumbarton, Archibald Campbell, Esq., younger of Succoth. From the Presbytery of Dunoon, Mr Charles Stewart at Strachur, Mr Dugald Macdougall at Lochgoilhead, ministers; John Lamont of Lamont, Esq., ruling elder. From the burgh of Rothesay, William Macleod Bannatyne, Esq;., of Kames. From the burgh of Campbelton, William Campbell, Esq. of Fairfield. From the burgh of Inerray, Humphrey Taraord Campbell, Esq., younger of Ashnish. From the Presbytery of Lorn, Mr Patrick Campbell at Kilninver, Dr Joseph Macintyre at Glenorchy, ministers; John Campbell, Esq. of Lochend, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Mull, Mr Alexander Campbell at Ardnamurchan, Mr Archibald Maccoll at Tiree, ministers; Allan Macdougal of Hayfield, esq., ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Dunkeld, Mr William Inneraity at Caputh, Mr Alwxander Niven at Dunkeld, Mr Colin Macvean at Kenmore, Mr Hugh Macdougall at Killin, ministers; Thomas Elder, Esq., of Forneth, David Stewart, Esq., merchant in Leith, ruling elders. From the Presbytery of Perty, Mr John Inglis at Tibbermuir, Mr James Beatson at Dunbarnie, Mr William Aitkin at Scone, Mr David Dow, junior, at Errol, ministers; Archibald Campbell, Esq., younger of Clathick, Mr Alesander Beatson, Writer to the Signet, ruyling elders. From the Presbytery of Stirling, Mr Robert Moodie at Clackmannan, Mr Robert Knox at Larbert and Dunipace, ministers; Burnet Bruce, Esq., Advocate, ruling elder. From the presbytery of Aucheterarder, Mr John Baird at Dunning, Mr William Graham at Fossway, Mr Andrew Duncan at Auchterader, ministers, Peter Murray, Esq., younger of Ochtertyre, Advocate, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Dunblane, Mr Robert Stirling at Dunblane, Mr Patrick Murray at Kilmadock ministers; Professor William Richardson, Glasgow, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Dunfermline, Mr Archibald Smith at Kinross, Mr Allan Maclean at Dunfermline, Mr Andrew Robertson at Inverkeithing, ministers; Sir Charles Preston of Valleyfield, ruling elder. From the burgh of Culross, George Abercromby, Esq., Advocate. From the Presbytery of Kirkcaldy, Mr George Willis at Leasile, Mr John Thomson at Markinch, Mr George Giv at Wemyss, minister; Alexander Park of Lochore, Esq., ruling elder. From the burgh of Dysart, Mr Alexander Whyte, shipmaster. From the Presbytery of Cupar, Mr Robert Bogie at Logie, Mr Robert Macculloch at Dairsie, Dr Thomas Stewart at Newburgh, Mr Lawrence Adamson at Cupar, ministers; George Greenlaw, Esq., of Hilton, Mr David Simpson in Dunbog, ruling elders. From the burgh of Cupar, Major John Melville of Cairnie. From the Presbytery of St Andrew, Dr John Adamson at St Andrews, Mr Thomas Kettle at Leuchars, Mr Andrew Bell at Crail, Mr David Williamson at Ferry-Port-on-Craig, ministers; Lieut.-Colonel Alexander Monypenny of Pitmilly, Professor Henry David Hill, St Andrews, ruling elders. From the burgh of St Andrews, the Honourable Henry Erskind, Advocate. From the University of St Andrews, Dr George Hill, Principal of St Mary's College. From the burgh of Crail, Mr Thomas Weir, writer in Edinburgh. From the Presbytery of Meigle, Mr James Ogilvie at Essie, Mr Alexander Thomson at Lintrathan, Mr Colin Symers at Alyth, ministers; Sir William Ramsay of Banff, Baronet, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Forfar, Mr David Fernie at Kinnettles, Mr James Mitchell at Aberlemno, ministers; Mr John Moncreiff, apothecary in Edinburgh, ruling elder. From the burgh of Forfar, Robert Graham, Esq., of Fintrie. From the Presbytery of Dundee, Mr Walter Tait at Lundie and Foulis, Mr Patrick Macvical at Dundee, Mr James Scott at Auchterhouse, ministers; George Paterson, Esq., of Castlehuntly, ruling elder. From the burgh of Dundee, James L'Amy, Esq., Advocate, younger of Dunkenny. From the Presbytery of Aberbrothock, Mr John Gowans at Lunan, Mr William Milkigan at Kirkden, ministers; Mr Thomas Milne, merchant, Canongate, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Brechin, Mr Robert Hannach at Strickathrow, Mr James Mitchell at Montrose, Mr Andrew Fergusson at Martyton, ministers; James Wauchope, Esq., younger of Edmonston, Advocate, ruling elder. From the burgh of Brechin, Adam Gillies, Esq., Advocate. From the Presbytery of Fordoun, Mr Alexander Thom at Glenbervie, Mr James Leslie at Fordoun, Mr George Cook at Laurencekirk, ministers; John Burnet, Esq., Advocate, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Aberdeen, Dr George Gordon at Aberdeen, Mr George Morison at Banchory-Devenick, Mr. Alexander John Forsyth at Belhelvie, Mr Alexander Simpson at Old Machar, ministers; William Robertson, Esq., Advocate, Procurator for the Church, John Gordon, Esq., of Craig, ruling elders. From the Presbytery of Kincardine-O'Neil, Mr Robert Farquharson at Logie Coldstone, Mr Alexander Mearns at Cluny, Mr Alexander Robertson at Coul, ministers; William Macdonald, Esq., of Reneaton, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Alford, Mr John Harper at Kildrummy, Dr George Minty at Kinnethmont, Mr John Geordon at Cabrach, ministers; James Gordon, Esq., younger of Craig, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Ellon, Mr Alexander Cock at Cruden, Mr George Pirie at Slains, ministers. From the Presbytery of Garioch, Mr Thomas Tait at Meldrum, Mr Alexander Duff at Monymusk, Mr William Cock at Culsalmond, ministers; William Gordon, Esq., younger or Rothney, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Deer, Mr John Lundie at Lounay, Mr William Cumin at Rathen, Mr William Fraser at Tyrie, ministers; Mr. John Taylor, Writer to the Signet, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Turriff, Mr John Falconer at Fyvie, Mr Robert Gordon at Drumblade, ministers; Mr Archibald Miln, Writer to the Signet, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Fordyce, Mr Robert Grant at Cullen, Mr Alexander Gray at Ordiquhill, ministers; Mr George Andrew, writer in Edinburgh, ruling elder. From the burgh of Banff, George Cranstoun of Dewar, Esq. From the Presbytery of Strathbogie, Mr James Miln at Rhynie, Mr Francis Forbes at Grange, ministers; Mr Baron Gordon, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Aberlour, Mr George Cruikshank at Rothes, Mr William Spence at Inveraven, ministers; the Honourable Arthur Duff, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Abernethy, Mr Lewis Grant at Cromdale, Mr John Anderson at Kingussie, ministers; Dr Gregory Grant, Physician in Edinburugh, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Elgin, Mr James Gillian at Speymouth, Mr William M'Bain at Alves, ministers; Mr Thomas Gordon, Writer to the Signet, ruling elder. From the burgh of Eldin, Mr Francis Nicol, preacher of the Gospel. From the Presbytery of Forres, Mr William Stephen at Rafford, Mr John Hoyes at Kinloss, ministers; George Cuming of Relugas, Esq., ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Nairn, Mr John Morrison at Nairn, Mr John Paterson at Anldearn, ministers; Mr Alexander Grant, Writer to the Signet, Ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Inverness, Mr Alexander Fraser at Inverness, Mr Hugh Mackay at Moy, ministers; Simson Fraser of Faraline, Esq., ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Chanonry. Mr Roderick Mackenxie at Kilmuir Wester, Mr Robert Smith at Cromarty, ministers; Converner John Lindsay of Edinburgh, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Tain, Mr John Mathison at Kilmuir Easter, Mr Thomas Urquhart at Rosskeen, ministers; Charles Ross, Esq., Advocate, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Dingwall, Mr John Fraser at Kilmorack, Mr Charles Calder at Urquhart, ministers; Mr Kenneth Mackenzie, Writer to the Signet, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Abertaraff, Mr Thomas Ross at Kilmanivaig, Mr James Grant at Urquhart, ministers. From the Presbytery of Skye, Mr Martin Macpherson at State, Mr Malcolm Macleod at Snizort, ministers; the Right Honourable Alexander Lord Macdonald, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Uist, Dr John Mackleod at Harris, Mr Edmund Macqueen at Barra, ministers; Hector Macdonald Buchanan, Esq., Writer to the Signet, ruling elder. From the Presbytery of Lochcarron, Mr John Macare at Glenshiell, Mr Alexander Downie at Lochalsh, ministers; Bailie Daniel Miller, Canongate, ruling elder. And the General Assembly added thereto, Dr Henry Grieve, one of the ministers of Edinburgh, in place of the Moderator; to be commissioners of this General Assembly, &c.

VIII. Sess. 9, May 28, 1796.—Commission to some Ministers and Ruling Elders for the Reformation of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, and for Managing his Majesty's Royal Bounty for that end.

The General Assembly, &c.

IX. Sess. 9, May 28, 1796.—New Overture respecting the Licensing of Probationers.

(Re-Transmitted.)

X. Sess, ult., May 30, 1796.—Act appointing the Diet of the Next General Assembly.

The next General Assembly of this National Church is appointed to be held within the New Church Aisle of Edinburgh, on Thursday, the 18th day of May 1797.

Extracted from the Records of the General Assembly, by
Andrew Dalizel, Cl. Eccl. Scot.