Page:Sermons in Irish-Gaelic - O'Gallagher.djvu/10

vi up to few years ago, the great body of the Irish clergy—even those of Raphoe—knew little concerning the life of the Most Rev. Dr. James O'Gallagher. Some editors of the Sermons styled the illustrious Bishop simply as "Rev." Dr. O'Gallagher, showing, as far as title could indicate, that, in the ranks of the hierarchy, he held a position subordinate to that of the episcopal dignity. Correct and historic knowledge on this point and on others is now for the first time put before the public regarding the Most Rev. author. To the human mind, certainty, regarding events or truths, is like light to the eye, or food to the palate—full of satisfaction and pleasure.

For the knowledge obtained in this way, the writer is much beholden to his Grace the Most Rev. Daniel MacGettigan, Lord Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, and to his Lordship the Most Rev. Hugh Conway, Bishop of Killala.

The writer's acknowledgments are specially due to his Grace the Lord Primate for his very practical and generous patronage. It is by his bounty the volume, as it now stands, has been put to press and presented to the public. Fitness, energy, learning, are necessary qualities in scholars; but no amount of fitness, energy or perseverance will enable one to print and publish a work of considerable size in Irish-Gaelic. Ample means are needed. Sixty pounds per annum could never enable priest, professor, or president to indulge a taste for publishing new works, however good and desirable. From long experience, the present writer is more than convinced that publishing in Irish-Gaelic does not pay, unless under Government patronage, or with the generous aid of the noble and the munificent.

To defray the expenses of printing and publishing the Irish version of the New Testament, made, in 1603, by Dr. William Daniel (or O'Donnell), Protestant