0n Prince Edward Island

Him the rulers of the earth ought to imitate. They ought to be just.

The power of rulers is threefold: legislative, judiciary and executive. This is exemplified in the framing of laws. These must be just; all partiality must be avoided. Persons in similar circumstances must be treated in the same manner. Privileges must not be granted to some and withheld from others who are equally entitled to receive them. If just laws be not framed, the whole foundation of society must be subverted. It too often happens, however, that this is the case. Laws are framed not from a desire to promote the public good, but to serve party purposes—to gratify the ambition or avarice of individuals.

Again, another branch of the ruler’s duty is to interpret the laws. No matter how equitable the laws are, if they be not rightly interpreted, injustice will be done. It is of great importance therefore that there should be a faithful and competent inter- preter of the law. “W'oe unto him,” saith Isaiah, “who justifies the wicked for reward, or takes away the righteousness of the righteous;” “ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment; thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty, but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor.” Lev. xix:19.

It is not good, says Solomon, to have respect of persons in judgment. “He that saith to the wicked thou art righteous, him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him, but they that rebuke

251