Observations on the character, customs, and superstitions of the Irish; and on some of the causes which have retarded the moral and political improvement of Ireland

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Preface

ON some of the subjects considered in the following pages, men, equally wise and good, think very differently: I presume, however, that there can be but one opinion entertained respecting other topics brought under review. The expediency and necessity of bestowing immediate attention on the general improvement of Ireland, are points which scarcely admit of any contrariety of sentiment ; though it is not to be supposed that the same unanimity will prevail in judging of the means by which this important object is to be accomplished.

He who wishes well to mankind, will naturally desire to do good on the largest vl PREFACE.

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scale which his power will admit ; but a very little acquaintance with human nature will convince him, that in order to benefit men effectually, it is necessary to carry even the schemes of benevolence into execution gradually. For, as labour is greatly facilitated, as well as its quantity augmented by its division, so the facility of doing good, and the certainty of ultimately succeeding in €very design for its accomplishment, depend very much on allowing our operations to be under the direction of a similar principle.

I am aware that I may have entered too fully into the consideration of the advantages of a national system of education, viewed as a question in political science. I flatter myself, however, that the remarks on this subject will tend to illustrate the utility of affording moral and religious instruction to the inferior orders; and may suggest hints on the means which should be employed for ameliorating the state of Ireland,

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It was once intended to have entered very fully into the consideration of the poetry, customs, and superstitions of the native Irish ; but these topics will probably be made the subject of a future publication.

London, April Uth% 1812.

The Reader will observe an error in the paging of the Notes, arising from the circumstance of the book having been divided in order to expedite its progress though the Press. From the same cause the pages are renewed in the body of the work.

Page.

The same subject continued — The Penal Code [ 1,

CHAP. X. Catholic Emancipation . [34

CHAP. XL

On the Means which should be employed for the Instruction of the Native Irish [66

Sect. i.

General Remarks on the Advantages of National Education . . [66

Sect. ii.

On the Education of the lower Ordirs of the Irish . . [115

Sect. hi.

On the Utility of Preaching in the Irish Language » . [141

IV CONTENTS,

Chap. XII

On the Poverty of the Peasantry ', find inferior Orders of the Irish Page. [148

Sj-c.