412 Assembly Proceedings, July 1-10, 1696.

Original
Journal.

of the Bill lying before us relating to the Establishing] of the
protestant Religion in this province, [which this house pro-
posed] to pass as it is already penned, But in regard [yo^r Ex^cy
app[roves not the same without some alteration and this
[house can]not at present recede from their former resolves
therein, and it appearing to us a matter of as great moment
as can come under our consideration. We desire that the
further proceedings as to the accomplishing the Same may at
present be referred untill another assembly, that thereby we
may severally and seperately consider the same.
Signed by order
W Bladen Clk Assembly.

Sent p Major Hamond, M^r Frisby, M^r Crauford and M^r
Clarke, who returne and Say they have delivered their
Message.
Upon the petition of Severall the Inhabitants of Dorchester
County.
Resolved that the Act ag^t Striking ffish in Dorchester
County and Somersett County be repealed.
Proposed that a mold or place be made at the end of the
Stad' house for his Ma^tys picture.
Assented to by the house.

The house adjourned till 6 of the clock to Morrow Morning.
Wednesday July the 8^th 1696. The house met again.

Debated in the house concerning the act of Religion, and
Resolved the following Message be sent to his Ex^cy the Gov^r
and Councill.

By the House of Burgesses, July the 8^th 1696

p. 11

We did Yesterday by our written Message address ourselves
to y Ex^cy in Councill concerning a Bill lying before us touch-
ing which we prayed further tyme to consider, to which your
Ex^cy has not yet been pleased to give us answer. We humbly
pray your Ex^cy to be assured that what we have done or
ordered proceeds from honest hearts and earnest desires as
well to the Service of Almighty God and his Ma^ty as to our
owne Rights and libertyes; and that therefore yo^r Ex^cy will so
understand us and give [an answer to] our former message.
Signed p ord^r W Bladen Clk: Assembly

Sent by Severall [members of this house] who returne [and
say they delivered their Message.

M^r Clarke, Major [Dorsey,] Major Hamond and M^r Boothby