24 MARYLAND MANUAL.

attempt anything to the contrary of the premises, or that may
in any wise contravene the same, but that they, at all times,
as is fitting, do aid and assist the aforesaid now baron of
BALTIMORE, and his heirs, and the aforesaid inhabitants and
merchants of the province of MARYLAND aforesaid, and their
servants and ministers, factors and assigns, in the fullest use
and enjoyment of this our CHARTER.

XXI. And furthermore We will, and by these presents,
for use, our heirs and successors, do grant unto the aforesaid
now baron of BALTIMORE, his heirs and assigns, and to the
freeholders and inhabitants of the said province, both present
and to come, and to every of them, that the said province,
and the freeholders or inhabitants of the said colony or
country; shall not henceforth be held or reputed a member or
part of the land of Virginia, or of any other colony already
transported, or hereafter to be transported, or be dependent
on the same, or subordinate in any kind of government, from
which we do separate both the said province, and inhabitants
thereof, and by these presents do will to be distinct, and that
they may be immediately subject to our crown of England,
and dependent on the same for ever.

XXII, And if, peradventure, hereafter it may happen
that any doubts or questions should arise concerning the
true sense and meaning of any word, clause, or sentence,
contained in this our present CHARTER, we will, charge and
command, THAT interpretation to be applied, always, and in
all things, and in all our courts and judicatories whatsoever
to obtain which shall be judged to be the more beneficial,
profitable, and favourable to the aforesaid now baron of
BALTIMORE, his heirs and assigns: provided always, that no
interpretation thereof be made, whereby GOD'S holy and true
Christian religion, or the allegiance due to us, our heirs and
successors, may in any wise suffer by change, prejudice or
diminution; although express motion be not made in these
presents of the true yearly value or certainty of the prem-
mises, or of any part thereof, or of other gifts and grants
made by us, our heirs and predecessors, unto the said now
lord BALTIMORE, or any statute, act, ordinance, provision,
proclamation or restraint, heretofore had, made, published,
ordained or provided, or any other thing, cause or matter
whatsoever, to the contrary thereof in any wise notwith-
standing.

XXIII. In witness whereof We have caused these our
letters to be made patent. Witness ourself at Westminster,
the twentieth day of June, in the eighth year of our reign.