Blair Collection > Practical grammar of the antient Gaelic, or, Language of the Isle of Man, usually called Manks

especial manner, the prospects of a future state, where the in-
equalities of this life should be remedied ; and to assm-e them
that " theirs Avas the kingdom of heaven/'* But these are bene-
fits which we cannot bestow upon them, unless we prepare their
minds by useful learning ; for the illiterate person is incapable of
understanding or receiving some of the most important truths of
Christianity ; and in that very essential point, the exercise of
public social-worship, instead of his mind being warmed by de-
votion and elevated to God by a sympathetic union with the
body of the congregation in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving,
" he will be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that
speaketh shall be a barbarian unto him.^f Let not the governors,
therefore, let not the contributors to this institution, " faint in
their work, but proceed from strength to strength," J as in no
other possible manner can they do so much good at so small an
expense ; for eighty children are instructed by this plan and in
this manner for a sum which, by any other mode of application,
would be scarcely sufficient to educate ten.
Thus, every motive which can influence human action comes
in aid of the application which I am now making to you in
behalf of these children ; and having, I hope, con^anced your
understanding, let no selfish consideration prevent your benevo-
lence. Think how fortunate you are who have to give, and how
miserable they must be vdthout your aid ; think of the goodness
of that God who made them and made you ; think of the mercy
of that Christ who shed His blood to redeem them as well as to
redeem you ; think of your respective conditions in the world,
and see the great demand there is upon your gratitude ! If your
contribution should deduct something from your property, it will
amply repay you by the thi'illing pleasures which it will com-
municate to your bosom. Other expenses may indeed shew you
pleasure ; they may promise it, but they will not give it ; they
will not leave it in your heart ; tliey may satiate, indeed, but
they will not satisfy : while inexhaustible and inexpressible ia
* Mutt. V. 3. t 1 Cor. xiv. ll. J I's. Ixxxiv. 7.