[A1641/8/27]¹

[Articles from the burghs concerning the king's answer to the nomination of officers of state, council and session]

The estate of burghs render his majesty humble and hearty thanks for his majesty's gracious declaration given in writing to them on 3 September instant and humbly craves:

1. That his majesty would be pleased that this his declaration may pass in one ordinary way and form of an act of parliament.

2. That these words 'to fill these places' be as well expressed in the declarative part as in the narrative.

3. That in these his majesty's words 'that he will nominate and make choice of such able and qualified persons with the advice and approbation of the parliament', the burghs' judgment is that the present practice will give much clearing to the foresaid expression.

4. The burghs think it expedient that in the calling of the council for their advice and approbation in the nomination and election of officers of state and councillors, that the whole council should be lawfully called upon 15 days and that the most part of the whole council should consent to that election. And that the said election should be approved or disallowed in the next parliament, and so of the lords of session.

5. That there be a present nomination and election of the officers of state, councillors and sessioners to be agreed and the manner and form thereof to be recorded, that the same may serve for a rule in time coming.