20
right.” The next question was, If he owned, ⟨and⟩ had taught it to be unlawful to pay cesses and taxations to his Majesty? He answered, “for ⟨the⟩ present cess, enacted for the present usurper, hold it unlawful to pay it, both in regard it is oppressive to the subject, for the maintenance of tyranny, and because it is imposed for ⟨suppressing⟩ the gospel. Would it have been thought ⟨lawful⟩ for tho Jews, in the days of Nebuchadnezzar, ⟨to⟩ have brought every one a coal to augment the ⟨flame⟩ of the furnace to devour the three children, if ⟨so⟩ they had been required by that tyrant ?”
Then the assizers were called in by fives, ⟨and⟩ sworn, against whom he objected nothing, but protested, "That none might sit on his assize ⟨that⟩ professed Protestant or Presbyterian principles, ⟨of⟩ an adherence to the covenanted work of reformation." He was brought in guilty, and sentence passed. That he should be executed in the Grassmarket ⟨on⟩ the Friday following. Lord Linlithgow, Justice general, asked, If he desired longer time? ⟨He⟩ answered, “It was all one to him; if it was protracted, it was welcome; if it was shortened, it ⟨was⟩ welcome; his Master’s time was the best.” He was then returned to prison. Without his knowledge and against his will, yea, after open refusing to the Advocate to desire it, he was reprieved to the 17th day, which gave occasion to several to renew their reproaches.
Mr M'Naught, one of the curates, made him a visit in his canonical habit, which Mr Renwick did not like. The curate, among other things, asked his opinion concerning the toleration, and those that accepted it. Mr Renwick declared that he was against the toleration; but as for them that embraced it, he judged them to be godly men. The curate leaving him, commended him for one of great gravity and ingenuity, etc. Dalrymple, the King’s Advocate, came also to visit him, and declared that
