Three statements [in different hands] concerning a case of excommunication. 1. By...

Three statements [in different hands] concerning a case of excommunication. 1. By William Simson, messenger, sheriff in hac parte. On 21 August, acting by virtue of letters of horning received from the ministers and brethren of the presbytery of ? Alford (Awfurd), he personally summoned Patrick Gordon of Kirkhill to appear before the pursuers to answer charges of wilful disobedience to God and his kirk. On 12 March Gordon was pronounced excommunicate at the church of Kinnethmont by Mr. Patrick Lyndsay, minister there, on the authority of the members of the presbytery. Simson ordered the defendant to declare his repentance before the presbytery within fifteen days after the summons, and warned him that if he defaulted letters of horning and distraint would be issued against him. A copy of the summons was also delivered to Lyndsay. Two witnesses, servants to Lyndsay, are named. [Signed]: Wm. Simsone, messr. Seal. 2. By James Pettindreiche, messenger, sheriff in hac parte. On 7 September 1643 at the market cross of Aberdeen he issued an open proclamation putting Gordon to the horn 'by three blastis thereof as use is', and declared all the defender's movable goods and gear forfeit to his Majesty's use. Two witnesses [named] to his action. [Signed]: James Pettindreiche, messr. Seal [now fragmentary]. 3. Certification of registration. [Signed]: J. Chalmer. Latin. Notarial sign. [Endorsed, in yet another hand]: 'Execu[tio]n of horning contra [? Patrick] Gordoun of Kirk[hill]'.