RHETORIC. 75 



influence the opinions of those who are either indifferent, or preju- 

 diced against us. It is most frequently attempted in the legislative 

 hall; on the political rostrum ; at the judicial bar; or in the sacred 

 desk. It requires all the good qualities of style ; and especially, 

 skill in inventing and arranging arguments ; which Dr. Whately re- 

 gards as the chief province of Rhetoric. This last, was the object 

 of the Loci, or Topics, of the ancients ; which often degenerated 

 into mere formalities. Arguments should be arranged distinctly, and 

 somewhat in the order of a climax : beginning with strong ones, but 

 reserving the strongest for the last. Persuasion, the last and high- 

 est object of composition, aims to excite the feelings ; and to rouse 

 the hearer to immediate action. Such was the eloquence of Demos- 

 thenes, and Cicero ; of Samuel Adams, and Patrick Henry. It ad- 

 mits of the boldest figurative language, and of appeals to every 

 allowable passion; which the orator must feel himself, or he will in 

 vain endeavour to excite the feelings of others. Exhortation, in- 

 tended for a permanent, rather than transient effect, should generally 

 proceed in climatic form ; not too much prolonged, nor closed too 

 abruptly. 



5. The Management of a Discourse, presupposes that a suit- 

 able subject is chosen, and that the writer is supplied with ideas or 

 materials for composition ; to the arrangement of which this topic 

 principally relates. The great rule here concerned, is, that every 

 Composition should have the requisite degree of Unity, to give it 

 interest; and accordingly the Critics have treated of " the three 

 Unities," that is, of time, place, and action, as necessary to every 

 great work of genius. If some works of genius have succeeded, 

 though wanting in Unity, it has not been in consequence of this 

 deficiency, but in despite of it; because it was more than counter- 

 balanced, by other merits. The parts of a regular discourse, are, 

 the Introduction ; the Statement ; the Explication ; the Argument ; 

 the Excitation ; and the Conclusion : not all of which, however, 

 are always required, to make the discourse complete. 



In the Introduction, Exordium, or Proem, the writer aims to 

 interest his readers in the subject, and to secure their favourable atten- 

 tion. It should therefore be easy and natural ; modest withal ; and 

 generally dispassionate. It may contain some preliminary informa- 

 tion, or allusions to the subject ; but without too far anticipating the 

 main parts, which are to follow. In the Statement, Proposition, or 

 Division of the subject, the writer should state more fully the object 

 in view ; what he proposes to do, to prove, or to disprove. It should 

 be perspicuous and methodical ; and so divided as to exhaust the 

 subject without repetition. In the Explication, or Evidence, should 

 be introduced the facts, or data, from which the conclusions are to be 

 drawn ; whether resting on narration, quotation, or direct testimony. 



In the Argument, whether Confirmation or Refutation, should be 

 given the conclusions deduced, and the reasons for them ; the object 

 being to convince the hearer that these conclusions are correct ; an 

 object already referred to, under the topic of Conviction. In the 

 Excitation, Exhortation, or Pathetic part, if such be introduced, the 

 speaker aims to rouse his audience to action ; often by exciting their 



