302 



Hfe more or lefs taxed, at prefent; but, I would impofe an additional 

 tax, fo heavjr, on the mod of them, as fliould effeftuaily reflrain their 

 immoderate ufe. Such taxes murt: flill be paid, by the rich and dif- 

 fipated ; and they would prove falutary admonitions, to the lower or- 

 ders of the community. 



Still more might be done, were gentlemen of large property, and 

 extenfive influence ; to exert themfelves, among their neighbours and 

 dependents ; to promote a fpirit of fobriety, good conduft, and eco- 

 nomy ; and were they to employ the fums, which are now laviflied, 

 in ufelefs and pernicious cxpences, and vain magnificence, on the true 

 magnificence of virtue, the magnificence of encouraging induftry, and 

 promoting ufeful undertakings. Were perfons of rank and fortune, 

 not too proud, or too indolent, to vifit the humble hiTbitations, and 

 enquire into the little intercfts of the neglefted beings, whofe poverty 

 and toil bring luxury, and eafe to them ; and who, in filence, con- 

 tempt, and mafery, wear themfelves out, while they build the fiibric 

 of national profperity ; we fliould foon fee a material change in the 

 fentiments and conduft of thofe people. In addition, to inflruftion and 

 reproof, where neceflfary ; and praife and reward where defervcd ; the 

 moft; powerful of all leflTons, the leflTon of example, fliould be added, 

 in a fl;rift performance of the duties of religion and morality. Thofe, 

 who have exerted themfelves, in the divine taflc, of reforming and 

 aflifting the poor, in their refpeclive neighbourhoods, can afl"ure us, 

 that their feed has not been caft; on floney ground ; nor yet, has it 

 fallen, by the way fide, for fuch merit is not common, or obvious. 

 Some difliuguiflied cnara£lers, in the neighbouring ifland, have exerted 

 themfelves much, in the encouragement of induftry ; and their example 

 begins to operate in Ireland. 



Gaming is a vice fatally prevalent, through all clafles of people, in 

 this country. This unhappy propenfity being fo general ; it is much 

 to be lamented, that the government of Ireland is obliged, by the ex- 

 igencies of the country, to feed this <;anker of the ftate, and refort 



to 



