The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

But fearing lest the judgement of the Council would reform, as necessity required▪ the aforesaid enormities, she refuseth all manner of assistance with us, and by force and violence intendeth to suppress the Liberties of our Common-weal, and of us the favourers of the same. We therefore, so many of the Nobility, Barons, and Provosts of our Boroughs, as are touched with the care of the Common-weal (unto the which we acknowledge our selves, not only borne, but also sworn Protectors and Defenders, against all and whatsoever invaders of the same) and moved by the foresaid proceedings notorious, and with the lamentable complaint of oppression of our Commonalty, our fellow members of the same. Perceiving farther, That the present necessity of our Common-weal may suffer no delay, being convened (as said is) presently in Edinburgh, for support of our Common-weal, and ripely consulted and advised, taken the fear of God before our eyes, for the causes foresaid, which are notorious, with one consent and common vote. Every man in order his judgement being required, in the Name and Authority of our Sovereign Lord and Lady, suspend the said Commission granted by our said Sovereign to the said Queen Dowager,¹ discharging her of all Administration or Authority she hath, or may have thereby, unto the next Parliament; to be set by our advice and consent: And that because the said Queen, by the foresaid faults notorious, declareth her self enemy to our Common-weal, abusing the Power of the said Authority, to the destruction of the same: And likewise we discharge all members of her said Authority from thenceforth; and that no Coin be coined from thenceforth, without express consent of the said Council and Nobility, conform to the Laws of this Realm, which we maintain, And ordain this to be notified and proclaimed by Officers of Arms, in all ⟨p. 199⟩head Boroughs within the Realm of Scotland. In witness of the which our common consent and free Vote, we have subscribed this present act of suspension with our hands, day, year, and place aforesaid. Sic subscribitur. By us the Nobility and Commons of the Protestants of the Church of Scotland.

But fearing lest the judgement of the Counsell would reform, as necessity required▪ the aforesaid enormities, she refuseth all manner of assistance with us, and by force and violence intendeth to suppresse the Liberties of our Common-weale, and of us the favourers of the same. We therefore, so many of the Nobility, Barons, and Provests of our Boroughs, as are touched with the care of the Common-weale (unto the which we acknowledge our selves, not onely borne, but also sworne Protectors and Defenders, against all and whatsoever invaders of the same) and moved by the foresaid proceedings notorious, and with the lamentable complaint of oppression of our Commonalty, our fellow members of the same. Perceiving farther, That the present necessity of our Common-weale may suffer no delay, being convened (as said is) presently in Edinburgh, for support of our Common-weal, and ripely consulted and advised, taken the fear of God before our eyes, for the causes foresaid, which are notorious, with one consent and common vote. Every man in order his judgement being required, in the Name and Authority of our Soveraign Lord and Lady, suspend the said Commission granted by our said Soveraigne to the said Queen Dowager,