Oi\ ELOQUENCE. 59 



managed, if it would enlighten our understanding, afford us pleasure, 

 and move our hearts in its favor. By adopting this view we can con- 

 ceive of specimens of eloquence previously to rules on eloquence. — 

 Men of deep penetration and great mind spoke without a knowledge 

 of rules. They followed the path which good sense and their feelings 

 pointed out, and by doing so became models of eloquence from whose 

 examples rules have been derived. Eloquence therefore is more ancient 

 than the rules on eloquence. But it may also be said that the rules aie 

 more ancient, for they existed and were present in the minds of great 

 men, before they wrote or spoke, otherwise we would not find them in 

 their works. Good rules on eloquence are not arbitrary principles, but 

 precepts of reason and sentiment, which, if properly used, are of great 

 value. To disregard rules altogether is to write or speak at random. — 

 It is an attempt to attain the end, without employing means ; and to have 

 neither plan nor arrangement by which to cultivate and improve the 

 mind. Can we reasonably expect to profit and instruct without obser- 

 ving the laws of order, perspicuity and profoundness ? Can we please 

 without gracefulness ; or touch the heart without impression 1: Will it 

 answer to depend exclusively upon the understanding or feeling for 

 rules, whenever they are needed ? Is it safe for us to argue that the 

 rules are more recent than the works that contain them ? But we should 

 bear in mind that they were not discovered at once, nor by one individ- 

 ual ; it was by long and tedious practice, by much experience, that they 

 were discovered, tested and prepared foi use. He, therefore, who re- 

 jects all rules and directions on eloquence, and will follow nothing save 

 his own feelings and genius, presumes to accomplish himself, what ma- 

 ny chaster spirits scarcely accomplished. But we may moreover ask, 

 does he possess that genius which they possessed who discovered the 

 rules of eloquence ? Is he placed in those happy circumstances in 

 which they were placed to make trial of his genius? Has he already 

 the decision of the wise and the great in his favor.'' Suppose we could 

 find the road to a distant country without way-marks; would we not 

 be able to travel more safely and speedily by means of their assistance ? 

 Would it be vvise to plunge into the stream, and pay no attention to the 

 direction of those who have been taught by experience, the advantages 

 of swimming, because the first swimmers discovered them without di- 

 rections and at the peril of their lives ? Suitable rules on eloquence 

 teach us to please, to in.struct, and to move •, they give us the mode by 

 which others have done so in the most successful martner ; they are the 

 echo of reason — the voice of nature, and as such are entitled to our at- 

 tention and respect. .]. .T. 



