But there is another difficulty in this matter, against which a remedy doth not so readily occur.  For, supposing the Test Act repealed, and the Dissenters in consequence fully qualified for all secular employments, the question may still be put, whether those of Ireland will be often the persons on whom they shall be bestowed; because it is imagined, there may be another seminary[11] in view, more numerous and more needy, as well as more meriting, and more easily contented with such low offices, as some nearer neighbours hardly think it worth stirring from their chimney-sides to obtain.  And, I am told, it is the common practice of those who are skilled in the management of bees, that when they see a foreign swarm at some distance, approaching with an intention to plunder their hives, these artists have a trick to divert them into some neighbouring apiary, there to make what havoc they please.  This I should not have hinted, if I had not known it already, to have gotten ground in many suspecting heads:  For it is the peculiar talent of this nation, to see dangers afar off:  To all which I can only say, that our native Presbyterians, must, by pains and industry, raise such a fund of merit, as will answer to a birth six degrees more to the north.  If they cannot arrive at this perfection, as several of the established church have compassed by indefatigable pains, I do not well see how their affairs will much mend by repealing the Test; for, to be qualified by law for[12] an employment, and yet to be disqualified in fact, as it will much increase the mortification, so it will withdraw the pity of many among their well-wishers, and utterly deprive them of that merit, they have so long made of being a loyal, true Protestant people, persecuted only for religion.

[Footnote 11:  Scotland.]

[Footnote 12:  Scott has “to accept.” [T.S.]]

If this happen to be their case, they must wait maturity of time, till they can by prudent, gentle steps make their faith become the religion established in the nation, after which, I do not in the least doubt, their taking the most effectual methods to secure their power against those who must then be Dissenters in their turn, whereof, if we may form a future opinion from present times, and the disposition of Dissenters, who love to make a thorough reformation, the number and qualities will be very inconsiderable.

Thus I have with the utmost sincerity, after long thinking, given my judgment upon this arduous affair; but with the utmost deference and submission to public wisdom and power.

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

REASONS HUMBLY OFFERED TO THE

PARLIAMENT OF IRELAND FOR

REPEALING THE SACRAMENTAL

TEST, &C.

NOTE.