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PREFACE.

THE writers of these Essays in venturing to address the public have been actuated simply by a desire to promote the cause of religion and justice in the settlement of the religious legislation of the kingdom. They thought that on the question of the Irish Church Establishment, which opens the consideration of that legislation in general, many mistakes were committed in the statement both of principles and of facts; and they hoped that it might be useful to state both as they presented themselves to their minds as clergymen of the Irish Church. They therefore undertook a review of the subjects connected with the Irish Church question, much regretting that it had not been undertaken by abler men. In carrying out this design, they agreed that while there was unanimity amongst them on the general question, each was to treat his own particular subject in his own way, and that no one else was to be answerable for his opinions. On this understanding the Essays were written, and the writers desire it to be distinctly understood that each one speaks for himself and for himself only.

They wish to add that they appear not as apologists nor as advocates, but as citizens thinking freely on a great national question, and contributing their thoughts to that public opinion in accordance with which all national questions must ultimately be decided.

April 1866.

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