CHAPTERXX. 165 sentatians, together with the reasons which might convince, and the various methods which might persuade and prevail upon the hearers, There are certain seasons, wherein a violent torrent of oration in a disguised and concealed method, may be more effec- tual than all the nice forms of logic and reasoning. The figures of interrogation and exclamation, have sometimes a large place and happy effect in this sort of discourse, and no figure of speech should be wanting here, where the speaker has art enough hap- pily to introduce it. There are many remarks and rules laid down by the teachers of this art, to improve a young genius into those glorious talents whereby 'fully and Demosthenes acquired that amazing influence and success in their own age and nation, and that immortal fame through all nations and ages. And it is with great advantage these rules may be perused and learned. But a happy genius, a lively imagination, and warm passions, together with a due de- gree of knowledge and skill in the subject to be debated, and a perpetual perusal of the writings ofthe best orators, and hearing the best speakers, will do more to make an orator, than all the rules of art in the world, without these natural talents and this careful imitation of the most approved and happiest orators. XXXIV. Nowyou will presently suppose, that pleaders at the bar have great need of this art of rhetoric ; but it has been a just doubt, whether pleading in our British courts ofjustice, be- fore a skilful judge, should admit of any other aid from rhetoric, than that which teaches to open a cause clearly, and spread it in the most perspicuous, complete and impartial manner before the eyes of him that judges ; for impartial justice being the thing which is sought, there should be no artifices used, no eloquence or powers of language employed to persuade the will, or work upon thepassions, lest the decisive sentence of the judge should be biassed or warped into injustice. For this reason, Mr. Locke would banish all pleaders in the law for fees, out of his govern- ment of Carolina, in his posthumous works ; though perhaps that great man might possibly be too severe, in so universal a cen- sure of the profession. XXXV. But thecase is very diferent with regard to divines the eloquence of the pulpit, beyond all controversy, has a much larger extent. Their business is not to plead a cause of right and wrong before a wise and skilfuljudge, but to address all the ranks of mankind, the high and low, the wise and the unwise, the sober and the vicious, and persuade them all to pursue and persevere in virtue with regard to themselves, in justice and goodness with regard to their neighbours, and piety towards God. These are affairs of everlasting importance, and most of the persons to whom these addresses are made, are not wise and skilful judges, but are influenced and drawn strongly to the cou- L3
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