INTRODUCTORY,

ENUNCIATING THE AUTHOR'S VIEWS AND TREATMENT OF THE SUBJECT.

So manifest and so many are the advantages of a graceful and manly elocution, that any attempt to enforce its claims, and to recommend its acquisition by argument, might be deemed needless; for whatever be a man's calling or standing in society, no talent can be more serviceable than that of speaking well on all occasions; and our reason tells us, that what we have hourly occasion to do, it is greatly for our interest to do well. This it is that chiefly constitutes what is termed "a good address," and often proves the surest passport to favour and success; and if it be so desirable in ordinary intercourse with the world, much more is it so in its higher and nobler efforts, and broader influences, in connection with the Senate, the Pulpit, and the Bar.

It is not easy to overrate the importance of eloquence, because its power over the human mind has no limit. It has swayed the destinies of empires, and its conquests have surpassed that of the sword. Such is its influence for good or for evil when wielded by a master spirit, and thus it makes a wider difference between man and man than any distinction of birth or position; and the wonder is, that a talent of such acknowledged worth should have been so little cultivated, for how rarely do we meet with those who so excel as to afford a striking evidence of its power. By many it would seem to be

regarded as a natural gift, rather than the fruit of culture; and, like poetic inspiration, that it must be born with us. This, however, is a great mistake, since, from the days of Demosthenes to our own, there is scarce an instance on record of any eminent orator who was not also an example of the need, as well as the efficacy, of persevering industry.

In Cicero's sketch of illustrious Orators, we find but a few names scattered through a long period; and Aristotle, like him, complains of the surprising fact, while, as he observes, "multitudes have excelled in all other arts and sciences." In our times it seems to be equally rare, if not more so; for both the Greeks and the Romans laid a primary stress on it in the education of their youth, while in our modes of training, it has been too generally neglected, or but superficially taught; although it must be conceded that in modern systems, very laudable efforts are in progress, with the view to remedy so great an omission.

So far was it from being an innate gift with Demosthenes, who has been styled the Prince of Orators, that he had great natural defects to surmount, and by persevering exertion alone did he at length succeed: therefore none need despair who, like him, have set their heart on its acquisition; and, as in other attainments, it will be found that improvement ever keeps pace with culture.

Apart from the obvious benefits attending this talent, the diligent use of the reasoning faculties, which it imposes, is a most salutary exercise for the mind, throwing it upon its own resources, and concentrating its energies, while the intelligent principle is led from strength to strength with each renewed effort. Hence, as the reader will be aware, Oratory implies much more than the mere practice of Elocution.

Eloquence declares itself by its effects, which are aided, in no small degree, by the language of the eye, the play of the features, and the impassioned tones of the voice; but these are the adjuncts, not the high essentials of Oratory; and, we confess, we are at a loss to understand why, by many, so great

and undue a stress is laid upon action and gesture: these all are but the external attractions, and can never form the spirit of eloquence; they are the arts of the clever actor, and their effect is limited to the hour, and the present auditory. If an Oration, when fairly penned, on a quiet perusal forcibly appeals to our reason, and enlists our better sympathies, while convincing our manly judgment, this will be genuine eloquence; and it is to such qualities that Cicero and Demosthenes owe their fame, and that their names live on from age to age. The brilliant wit and genius that shine in their language, the enthusiastic bursts of thought that flash from period to period, these, while they surprise and delight, serve to brighten and enrich the pages in which their patriotic effusions are recorded.

With respect to the benefit derivable from debating societies: with prudent management they doubtless present an animating field for discussion, and for the free exercise of the incipient efforts of Genius, creating a generous emulation between rival wits; but the aspirant for distinction should enter the arena well prepared for the encounter by previous culture, and with a mind stored with the richest materials of thought and language: nor will the desired results be fully realized, unless there be some master-spirit, some example of excellence to kindle ardour and enthusiasm, It will not do for all to be Tyros. In such a field there should be some leaders, a few choice spirits, to rouse and quicken the desire to excel, and to encourage the timid. In the absence of superior talent, none might expect to rise above the level of mediocrity, and even Genius itself, so trained, would sink into insignificance.

To the triumphs of eloquence every age has borne witness. In the Senate it has been the patriotic assertor of public rights, and the champion of national honour and liberty. In the halls of justice, as the bold pleader for the oppressed, and the stern denouncer of wrongs, how often has Guilt in high places quailed before it! Allied to poetry, it scatters light, and beauty, and fragrance in its path, while in the scenes of domestic life, its

influence is ever bright and cheering. In the pulpit it wins the hearts of men, and leads captive their better judgment; and, while blending the majesty of Truth with angelic persuasion, at once purifies and elevates the feelings and affections. If such be the mission of Eloquence, who that is wise would slight and neglect it.

In adding his manual to the general stock, the Author presumes not to rival and supersede more elaborate works, whose merits will always recommend them to those who have leisure to grasp the subject in all its breadth and bearings, and whose taste inclines them to a study so replete with interest; but, knowing how desirable to many is the saving of time, his object has been to meet the views of such, by carefully abridging and condensing whatever is essentially needful, and as studiously excluding all that he deemed non-essential, retaining only what was directly to the purpose, that while economizing time it might yet be complete in its various divisions; and wherein he has differed from others it is in accordance with his own views and convictions, conformably with which he has constructed his theory. Regarding Elocution and Composition as the twin and inseparable parts of Eloquence, he has deemed it right not to regard them as distinct acquisitions, although in theory they may be separately treated; but to him the connection appears to be obvious.

The grounds of the Author's opinion on this point may be gathered under the head of "Definitions," wherein these acquirements are inseparably associated; he therefore assumes that in practice they should progress together. The simplest question cannot be answered without an effort of thought; and whoever would employ the art of persuasion, must first be enabled to arrange and combine his ideas, ere he can give free and effective utterance to them. Even a child is aware he cannot properly reply till he has questioned his own mind, and it seems to partake of a fallacy, to consider these components of eloquence as distinct and separate arts. Holding these views, we would by all means recommend their simultaneous culture.