[This tract was published at Dublin in 1749. It was reprinted with the compressed editions of the " Querist" in 1750 and 1751; issued separately in 1752, and was included in the "Miscellany" during the same year. An edition, described as the fourth, was issued at Boston in 1750. As Professor Fraser did not see the first edition when preparing his volumes of 1871, it may be of interest to state that the "Word to the Wise" underwent no revision. The final paragraph, as indicated in the text, was merely appended to the reprint in the "Miscellany," otherwise the several editions are identical. In this earnest and beautiful work we see once again a revelation or Berkeley's lovable character. It was like Berkeley in times when the Protestant clergy of Ireland were inclined to despise the Roman Catholic priests, to acknowledge the greater influence of the latter, and to make the state of the country an occasion of reconciliation and co-operation. As on a previous occasion the Roman Catholic clergy gave a certain expression of their gratitude and good-will towards the large-minded and large-hearted bishop.] A Word to the Wife: OR, AN EXHORTATION TO THE ROMAN CATHOLIC Clergy O F IRELAND. BY A Member of the Established Church. Homo fum humani nihil a me alienum puto BE A WORD TO THE WISE. E not startled, Reverend Sirs, to find yourselves addressed to by one of a different Communion. We are indeed (to our shame be it spoken) more inclined to hate for those articles wherein we differ, than to love one another for those wherein we agree. But, if we cannot extinguish, let us at least suspend our animosities, and, forgetting our religious feuds, consider ourselves in the amiable light of countrymen and neighbours. Let us for once turn our eyes on those things in which we have one common interest. Why should disputes about faith interrupt the duties of civil life? or the different roads we take to heaven prevent our taking the same steps on earth? Do we not inhabit the same spot of ground, breathe the same air, and live under the same government? Why, then, should we not conspire in one and the same design, to promote the common good of our country. We are all agreed about the usefulness of meat, drink, and clothes, and, without doubt, we all sincerely wish our poor neighbours were better supplied with them. Providence and nature have done their part; no country is better qualified to furnish the necessaries of life, and yet no people are worse provided. In vain is the earth fertile, and the climate benign, if human labour be wanting. Nature supplies the materials, which art and industry improve to the use of man, and it is the want of this industry that occasions all our other wants. The public hath endeavoured to excite and encourage this most useful virtue. Much hath been done; but whether it be from the heaviness of the climate, or from the Spanish or Scythian blood that runs in their veins, or whatever else may be the cause, there still remains in the natives of this |