In the ordinary hum-drum life of a community there is little to attract attention or leave it’s impression on the Page of History
It is only when we look back over long stretches of Time that we can realise how the quiet uneventful days have had their share in moulding the National character, and it is only then, also, that we can see outstanding events in their proper proportion and true perspective.
The Opening of the first Northern Parliament may seem to many to be a small thing which means little, one way, or the other, and which will quickly fade from the Memory and leave no lasting trace upon the Future History of Ulster ; but the wisest thinkers assure us that it is only because we are so close to the event that we cannot gauge, to the full, it’s great significance.
At the official Service, in the Cathedral, the Primate emphasised the tremendous responsibility, and corresponding opportunity, which had come to the Northern Province through the recent Political change.
The State Opening of our Parliament by the King helps focus Public attention on the importance of the new condition of things.
The Government of Ulster begins it’s work under the highest auspices, and everything seems favourable to wise and Statesmanlike Legislation which will have a beneficial effect far beyond the Borders of our own.
There is a discontented, bitter spirit of Opposition which would gladly nullify or undermine the designs of the new Parliament and make them ineffective, and so it is the more necessary that those who value Loyalty, Law and Order should be instant in Prayer and use all the influence they possess to help our newly-Elected Legislators to bring about such reforms as will insure the Peace, Happiness and Prosperity of the Ulster people.
The History we are making Today will have its effect upon the Generations to come, in making it easier, or more difficult, to live, and work, in accordance with the Divine will.
Those who come after will praise the Lord if we, in our day, and generation, do our duty with singleness of mind, to the glory of God.
Owned by Belfast Cathedral, The Cathedral Church of St Anne. Image reproduced with the permission of Belfast Cathedral The Cathedral Church of St Anne.