J. C. Is this canting, to speak the words of the scripture?
Judge. It is canting in your mouth, though they are Paul’s words.
J. C. I speak the words of the Scripture, and it is not canting, though I speak them; but they are words of truth and soberness in my mouth, they being witnessed by me, and fulfilled in me.
Judge. We do ask you again, whether you will take the oath of allegiance? It is but a short question, you may answer if you will.
J. C. By what law have you power to tender it? Then, after some consultation together by whispering, they called for the statute book, and turning over the leaves, they answered,
Judge. By the third of King James.
J. C. I desire that statute may be read; for I have consulted it, and do not understand that you have power by that statute to tender me the oath, being here before you in this place, upon this occasion, as a delinquent already; and therefore I desire the judgment of the court in this case, and that the statute may be read.
Judge. Then they took the statute-book, and consulted together upon it, and one said, we are the judges of this land, and do better understand our power than you do, and we do judge we may lawfully do it.
J. C. Is this the judgment of the court?