The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-03-31

OF ner Majesty the Clueen-a declaration
not perhaps necessary, for everyone who
knows anything either of the past his
tory or present feeling of Irish Presby.
terians must be fully aware of their pro.
found attachment to the principles oil
loyalty-a loyalty not of buster or empty
rhodomontade, such as certain other PEG.
pie indulge in, when it suits them to do
so; but constant and answering. Pres
byterian5 can say with strict truth what
In the case OF some is only meaningless
palaver-
Our loyalty is still the same
Whether we win or lose the game
True as the dial to the sun,
Although it be not shone upon"
They have received scant favor from
the powers that be. They have been
prosecuted, sighted, unjustly treated.
But still they have stood true to Throne
and Constitution in all times of trial and
danger, the principles of their religion
oblging them to honor the Queen as well
as to fear God. The next resolution
deplores the sad state of the country, and
assures the Government that they may
rely upon the Presbyterians of Ireland
to support them in the firm and impair
tial administration of the law and in the
repression of lawlessness and disorder.
Presbyterians are themselves distinguish
ed for their law-abiding character. There
are no Moonlighters among them. Boy
cotting is thing unknown where they
predominant. They are almost never
before a Judge charged with capital
crime; and upholding and obeying the
law OF the land themselves, they desire it
to be respected by others. On the land
question, which is next dealt with, the
Assembly manifested its thorough and
earnest sympathy with the agricultural
classes, to whom the prevailing depres-
sion has brought so much suffering and
anxiety and recommended measures of
substantial relief. The Reverend Court
was unanimous in declaring that, re
cognising in the unsatisfactory state of
the land question a faithful source of the
unrest and discomfort that abound, and
sympathising deeply, as we do, with
those classes of our ellow-countrymen
who have suffered so much through the
prevailing depression, we are strongly of
opinion that the permanent settlement
OF the land question will be best secured
by wise and comprehensive measure
which, while dealing equitably with the
interests OF all parties concerned shall
give material relief to the agricultural
classes from their heavy burdens, by the
creation OF an occupying ownership, in
volvlng substantial reduction in their
annual payments, or by sus other means
as Parliament in its wisdom may devise. -
The principal question, lowever, be-
fore the House wss-whet. ar or not we
are to have Parliament In College Green.
On this point 1T was most important that
the Assembly should speak alike in its
own name and that of its people with no
uncertain sound. No one who knows
Presbyterians could have had any doubt
regarding their view on the question.
But for more reasons than one it was i'm.
portant that there should be plain and
authoritative declaration on the subject
from the only body entitled to speak for
Presbyterlans with authority. Such a
declaration has now been given. There
is no hesitancy or uncertainty about it.
1t declares in the most emphatic manner
that we would consider the establishment
Of a separate Parliament for Ireland dis.
astrous to the best interests of the coun-
try, and not only 80, but that any of the
various plans tending in such direction
will have our most strenuous Opposition.
We knew long ago that this was the all
but unanimous opinion OF the Presbyte
rians. of Ireland. Pres6ytery after Pres
bytery has said so, and now that the
General Assembly, after giving free scope
for the declaration of individual opinion,
has formulated its opinion on the subject
so emphatically and uncompromisingly,
there can be no doubt and no question
anywhere as to the attitude of the Church
on the subject. A wise reference to the
education question and to the necessity
which Is laid upon ministers in the pre-
sent state of affairs to 6" give increased
diligence in instructing the people in the
principles of the Gospel of peace" con
cludes a series of resolutions at once
moderate and firm, unmistakable in their
meaning, and yet giving no just cause o.
offence to any man or any party.
If Meat RToIza ,,or1 Pro4Io~ -