Reformed Covenanter
Cancelled Commissioner
In his debate in Belfast with the Scottish Voluntaryist, John Ritchie, the Irish Presbyterian leader, Henry Cooke made the following remark about the American Revolution: "I am one of those who have always thanked Providence for American independence. England and America, under one government, would have unbalanced the freedom of the world." [1] It is nothing earth-shattering, but the point that the British Empire may have been much worse had America not gained its independence is worth considering.
[1] The Voluntaries in Belfast. Report of the Discussion on Civil Establishments of Religion, Held in Belfast, on the Evenings of 16th and 17th March, 1836, between the Rev. J. Ritchie, D.D., Edinburgh; Rev. J. Alexander, Belfast; Rev. Mr. McIlwaine, Ohio, America; Rev. Hugh McIntrye, Loan-Ends; and the Rev. H. Cooke, D.D. L.L.D., Belfast (4th edn, Belfast: William McComb, 1837), p. 21.
[1] The Voluntaries in Belfast. Report of the Discussion on Civil Establishments of Religion, Held in Belfast, on the Evenings of 16th and 17th March, 1836, between the Rev. J. Ritchie, D.D., Edinburgh; Rev. J. Alexander, Belfast; Rev. Mr. McIlwaine, Ohio, America; Rev. Hugh McIntrye, Loan-Ends; and the Rev. H. Cooke, D.D. L.L.D., Belfast (4th edn, Belfast: William McComb, 1837), p. 21.