Blair Collection > History of the Celtic language

CELTIC LANGUAGE. 71
These, being the voluntary declarations of eminent
scholars — the emanations of master-minds — we shall
no longer be diverted from our purpose by un-
schooled cavillers who may have never looked back
beyond school-boy reminiscences, and who never
looked forward, as the poet says, farther than their
nose. We, therefore, with feelings of due deference,
and a conscientious regard to what we believe to be
Truth, proceed to the illustration. And,
" Thou, O Spirit, that dost prefer
Before all temples th' upright heart and pure,
Instruct me, for thou knowest : thou from the first
Wast present, and with mighty wings outspread,
Dove-like sat'st brooding on the vast abyss.
And mad'st it pregnant. What in me is dark.
Illumine ! what is low raise and support,
That to the height of this great argument
I may assert Eternal Providence,
And justify the ivays of God to man."