pervert them, and the world thus continue to be afflicted with the same calamities, and exhibit the same appearances of imbecility, and corruption, and ignorance, and superstition, that it has always presented? Melancholy, indeed, must be the feelings of the friend of man, could he bring himself to believe that all this were possible; and that all the improvements which philosophy, and patriotism, and religion, may effect, are liable to be buried in the barbarism of future times. There are various circumstances however which encourage us to think that there is no just ground for entertaining any such apprehensions; that, on the contrary, religion will go on to bless and civilize the nations to an extent hitherto unknown.

1. The extensive and almost universal circulation of the sacred writings is a circumstance of itself which marks an era of singular importance in the history of the world. The commencement of this æra may be dated from the reformation; and the principles which led to it have been acquiring, in this country, ever since, additional strength and importance. While they are understood and acted upon, it seems impossible for superstition again to become powerful, or greatly to restrict the progress of free inquiry, or to retard the advancement of the moral improvement and happiness of man.

The circulation of the scriptures allows every one to exercise his own judgement, and that, too, on a subject which is of no less importance than the concerns of another world: the habit thus acquired of thinking for one's self cannot fail to be useful in all the departments of life.

2. The facilities which are afforded for educating the inferior orders of the people, is another circumstance which tends to give religion an extensive and permanent influence. The advantages arising from the instruction of the populace, are now become palpably manifest. Without this instruction, the circulation of the Scriptures, and the invention of the art of printing, can be of no lasting avail in preventing the return of the ignorance and barbarism of former times; since a bible can be of little use to him who cannot read, and the printing art is of still less utility where there is not the intelligence and energy in the people necessary to their contending for the liberty of the press. But without being visionary, it is surely not too much to say, that education and religion combined are not only the best, but seem to be the only adequate, means for rendering permanent the blessings of a free government, and the comforts and endearments of civilized life.

3. Universal toleration is another circumstance which has a favourable aspect on the progress of human affairs. This principle is now generally recognised; and happily it is not less politically expedient, than it is subservient to the interests of true religion. It may, indeed, give rise to some theological disputation, as freedom of opinion does to disputation of every kind; but while it leaves the energy of truth silently to produce its peaceful effects, it renders the narrowness and power of bigotry perfectly harmless. sides, it appears to me, that in consequence of toleration, the nature and design of christianity are much better understood than they have been for many centuries. The religion of Christ is now allowed by all parties to consist, not in ecclesiastical forms, but in a living principle of action," an inwrought habit, a

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Be

pervading and informing spirit, from which "indeed every act derives all its life, and energy, and beauty." The general prevalence of this sentiment gives the truths of revelation a greater efficacy, diminishes the force of prepossession, softens the intercourse of society, and confers on the political union greater strength and harmony.

These are some of the circumstances, which in addition to the explicit intimations of re

velation respecting the progressive improvement and illumination of the human race, are sufficient to encourage the hopes and exertions of all good men.

t

SECTION II.

On the Education of the lower Orders of the Irish.

I THINK I may say, that of all the men we "meet with, nine parts of ten are what they

are, good or evil, useful or not, by their edu"cation. 'Tis that which makes the great "difference in mankind. The little or almost "insensible impressions on our tender infan"cies, have very important and lasting conse

quences and there it is, as in the foun"tains of some rivers, where a gentle application of the hand turns the flexible waters into channels, that make them take quite contrary courses; and by this little direction given them at first in the source, they re"ceive different tendencies, and arrive at last

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at very remote and distant places*." This is the means, as we have seen, by which the actions of the multitude may be rendered, in the highest degree, subservient to the security and happiness of the state.

* Locke's Thoughts concerning Education.