232 PRACTICABILITY OF IMPROVING IRELAND. 



The evil state of Ireland appears in all its naked, undisguised de- 

 formity ; there is nothing to cloak it nothing to allure. 



But it would be a great mistake to suppose that it is the sink of 

 corruption ; it is far from it ; but it is more like the Goth or the 

 Vandal, that requires correction and control lest it should overrun 

 civilization ; the heart is sound, and we should endeavour to preserve 

 it from growing corrupt or becoming languid. 



Education and training in the straight and certain path of true 

 religion and virtue are, no doubt, as yet incomplete. It is not that 

 the people are without what is called learning for, it is now, most 

 generally considered by those best competent to judge, that more 

 persons in Ireland know how to read and write, in proportion to 

 their numbers, than are to be found in England. But what avails 

 the ability to form the letter with the hand, if the word be not written 

 in the heart. Much great and glorious good is secretly spreading 

 through the land, by the instrumentality of agents, destined, we hope 

 by Supremacy to effect a universal blessing; and we have every 

 encouragement to go forward in that course when we hear of the 

 warmth with which the poor Irish peasantry embrace Christian truth, 

 whenever it is declared to them in single mindedness, and with affec- 

 tion and love : yes, it is most gratifying, it is most cheering to hear 

 of the vivifying influence of that truth upon them, whenever it is utter- 

 ed without subterfuge or deceit, in a language which they can under- 

 stand, in their own venerated vernacular tongue ; and all we have to 

 do, to relieve that people, is to endeavour to disseminate the word of 

 truth as universally as possible amongst them ; and then we should 

 quickly see how well they can read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest 

 divine commandments; then we should enjoy the glorious satisfac- 

 tion of knowing that we had communicated the very means of civili- 

 7ation, and rescued the greater portion of a people from the thraldom 

 of the most debasing, the most darkening superstitions; superstitions 

 JCjduously preserved amongst them forthe most interested the most 

 unholy purposes. 



As a commentary, or note, upon what I have said, with respect to 

 the reading, writing and learning of the Peasantry of Ireland, I will 

 state a fact well known for many years. And which has been intro- 

 duced by the celebrated Thomas Moore, in one of his literary 

 productions. His account will appear most ludicrous, but it is 

 i melancholy truth ; and shows the kind of education bestowed upon 

 that portion of the people who are more immediately subject to the 

 thraldom of those who keep the word of truth and inspiration away 

 from their flocks. 



