Books and other items printed in Gaelic from 1801 to 1840 > Sacred lessons and exercises, English and Gaelic

34
of the original records of inspiration, and those auxiliary art«
arid sciences which minister to true religion and virtue.
Let all ranks cultivate the practical knowledge of the Scrip¬
ture in the devout and diligent performance of their duty, and
avail themselves of the advantages of translations into their na¬
tive tongue *.
Let us humbly and zealously with the divine assistance, ac¬
complish the duties of our several stations. Remembering the
promises of Christ to his people, and the divine interpositions,
in past ages, in behalf of our country and nation ; and the pious
labours of our forefathers, in cultivating the principles of solid
learning, genuine Christianity, rational liberty, and virtuous
government; and to what progress by the divine blessing they
advanced; what success they attained; what difficulties and
dangers they encountered and surmoynted; what reputation
they sustained at home and abroad ;—by their wisdom, piety,
heroism, and humanity, and every manly qualification and Chris¬
tian accomplishment. Let us study to value the advantages we
possess, and transmit the fair inheritance to latest posterity f.
A renewed and increased attention to these might verify the
promise in Isa. lix. 21. As for me, this is my covenant with
them, saith the Lord, My spirit that is upon thee, and my
words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of
thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the
mouth
* The accurate translation of the scriptures into Gaelic may he an object of
interesting study to those who speak the language, and the learned to acquire
it. For interpretation and practical use, Qstervald, Scot and Brown, Dodd and
others, may be usefully consulted. J. Michaelis Venema Vitringa.
f For the character of worth and bravery in the north, the people of North
Britain are considerably obliged to the encomiums of the late F.arl of Chat¬
ham, and to the Rev. Dr. Samuel Harr, (the learned Editor of their Bellen-
denus), a debt of gratitude is due for his Eulogy on their learning and philo¬
sophy. It deserves to be considered with Dr. Joitin, how much the obliga¬
tion of all these benefits is derived from the influence of Christianity, and
the piety and liber. Uty of Christians.—See his charge on the utility of Eclesias-
tical Ffistory. From this source, our chief happiness hath come ; and the
pious and innocent manners of the peasantry described in the Cotter’s Satur¬
day Night of Robert Bums, t^iose ridicule of virtue^ and religious cliarajjters
ft**!
i\St44yC&