FAST DAY SERMON REVIEWED. 2T 



the general course of the business -world ; thus showing 

 how exceedingly unfamiliar ho is with matters constantly 

 ti-anspiring under every-day observation. In his criticism 

 of the '■ History of the Hen Fever," that work of so 

 "objectionable" a character, "-recently published in this 

 neighborhood," ho has uttered nothing that is not equally 

 applicable to any and every form of ordinary business. 

 The peculiarity of that business, of which I have given 

 but a " running account," I admit ; but, that it was pur- 

 sued in a different way from any other calling or profession, 

 or that its modus operandi were marked by a worse spirit 

 than that which pervades the whole world of action. I deny 

 as forcibly as it is given to me to deny anything. 



The " hen mania " was but one of the multitudinous 

 forms in which the spirit of American enterprise manifests 

 itself in the present age ; an age preeminent for what may 

 well be termed its material versatility. It originated, as 

 even the Rev. Mr. Huntington will admit (especially if he 

 shall have chanced of late to lunch upon a tough chicken), 

 in a good intention ; to wit, the desire to, improve the race 

 of poultry in this country. This very soon came to be a 

 business ; then, as it proved successful, that business degen- 

 erated into speculation ; in the midst of which, wrong 

 unquestionably eventuated. Tried by the standard of 

 abstract right, much happened that could not be defended, 

 and which ought, pointedly, to be condemned.. Thus much 

 is ■ cheerfully conceded, as simple . truth ; though this con- 

 cession in no way compromises my "record" of the. 

 " fever." 



Yet, the same remark will safely apply to all the modes 



