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The speech of his grace John, duke of Argyle etc., her majesties high commissioner to the parliament of Scotland, on Tuesday the third of July 1705.
My lords and gentlemen,
Her majesty has in her most gracious letter expressed so much tenderness and affection towards this nation in assuring you that she will maintain the government as established by law, both in church and state, and acquainting you that she has been pleased to give me full power to pass such acts as may be for the good of the nation, that were it not purely to comply with custom, I might be silent.
Her majesty has had under her consideration the present circumstanccs of this kingdom, and, out of her extream concern for its wellfare, has been graciously pleased to recommend to you two expedients to prevent the ruine which does but too plainly threaten us: in the first place, your settling the succession in the Protestant line as what is absolutely and immediatly necesiary to secure our peace, to cool those heats which have with great industry and too much success been fomented among us, and effectually disappoint the designs of all our enemies; in the second, a treaty with England, which you your selves have shown so great an inclination for that it is not to be supposed it can meet with any opposition.
The small part of the funds which were appropriated in your last meeting for the army are now at an end. I believe every body is satisfied of how great use our frigots have been to our trade, and it is fit to acquaint you our forts are ruinous and our magazines empty, therefore I do not doubt but your wisdom will direct you to provyde suitable supplies.
My lords and gentlemen,
I am most sensible of the diffculties that attend this post and the loss I am at by my want of experience in affairs, but I shall endeavour to make it up by my zeal and firmness in serving her majesty and the great regard I shall have to whatever may be for the good of my country.