Query 10. "What would Mr. Sampson consider to be the duty "of the companies on the subject of educating the poorer "ranks of their tenants in Ireland, with a general view to promote Christian knowledge, good morals, and industrious "habits of life?" Answer. This is indeed a momentous subject; the want of mental, moral, and religious cultivation in Ireland is deplorable; it is the source of many of her mischiefs and misfortunes. To supply education in other countries needs only a liberal patronage; but in Ireland, on account of the jar of religious animosities (if it be not blasphemy to use the phrase), it requires the management of a delicate hand. There are already established several good models of poor-schools; and there have been many excellent tracts written on the subject of public institutions, for the general education of those of the lower ranks in society, it seems therefore unnecessary, at this place, to enter into any minute disquisition, on these particulars. To extend the growth of those seminaries which have already taken root-to plant others where they are most to be desired-to provide good plans, good masters, and good books-infusing into the hearts of the rising generation the sweets of religion, and mitigating the bitterness of sectarism-remembering always that, though it has not been the will of God that, there should be "one fold as there is but one shepherd;" at least, it is the test of Christ's religion" hereby shall ye know whether ye are my disciples-if ye love one another." The more we contemplate the vast utilities which are at stake, in the practical commencement of well-meant theories; the more we reflect on the incalculable benefits which may follow, by imitation on the part of others, in the train of one good and successful example; the more we call to mind, how great results have been effected from causes, at first sight apparently inadequate;-whoever reflects in this manner will share in the anxious hopes, for the realisation of a general and enlightened project of national instruction. And here I beg leave to congratulate my native county, that gentlemen, who may have it in their power, have also had the disposition, to think and enquire, on a subject, which should be kept unremittingly in mind, as among the highest of public duties, whether it be considered in a pious, a political, or a social point of view. In regard to the poorer classes ;-let us then look forward, without despair, to the substitution of a rising generation, religiously instructed in their duties toward God and toward man ;-let us, at the same time, look forward to the fixation in the soil, of a moral, industrious, and substantial yeomanry, who will be improving cultivators, solvent tenants, loyal subjects, moral agents, and instructed Christians. You, Gentlemen, who have required these answers at my hands, remember yourselves, that on you depends (and that in no small measure) the hope of these accomplishments. CONCLUSION. And now, under the favour of Providence, as I humbly trust, a long and laborious work has been brought to its conclusion. No man can justly say, that aught has been suppressed through fear; neither can any truly assert, that aught has been uttered through favour. In the progress of this undertaking, what have been the difficulties and privations, which may have fallen to the lot of an unassisted individual, is a question of little import to the public: as little shall it be a subject of regret to the author, if it shall please God that his labours have not been in vain, for the just information of those who have honoured him by their attentions, and for the good of that country which is dear to his heart. London: printed by W. Bulmer and Co. Cleveland-row, St. James's. FINIS. |