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

"XVl EDITOR S INTRODUCTION.
Much time is spent iu learning two or three of the dead lan-
guages ; why may not some pains be taken to master a living
language, the knowledge of which would open to the minister a
more easy access to the understandings of many of his flock, and
recommend him to the hearts of all ? Bishop Bedell learned the
Irish language when upwards of sixty years of age, '^ in order,"
says his biographer, '^ that he might personally carry forward
the good work of conversion" among his people ; ^' and although
he did not converse in that tongue, he was able to read, write,
and translate it. The first Irish grammar that ever was com-
posed was written by him." Bishop Hildesley also is related to
have been " very fond of the language of the Island over which
he presided ; and not only used to read part of the service, but
always dismissed the congregation with the Blessing in Manks.
He frequently expressed a wish to be assisted in learning it, ' and
this,' says Dr. Kelly, ' was my primary inducement for drawing
up a Manks Grammar, and for composing a Dictionary also of
that tongue, for the use of his Lordship and others / which was
in a great degree of forwardness at the time of his death."
Bishop Short, in later days, though decidedly opposed to the
continuance of the language, yet was so convinced of the im-
portance of an acquaintance with it, for present purposes, that
he instituted prizes at King William's College for proficiency in
Manx.
In learning the language, the Editor would by no means
recommend an application to the Grammar in the first instance.
That would be found a perplexing and disheartening process.
Let the student rather betake himself to some living Manx-
speaking native, if he is fortunate enough to have such an ad van-