ELOQUENCE is the oral or written expression of thoughts and truths in a manner adapted to convince or persuade hearers or readers, and excite them to corresponding action. In its highest form it is inspired by an earnest love of truth and right, and a hearty scorn for whatever is base and false. An unrighteous cause may be defended with consummate skill, but not eloquently in the best sense of the word. The finest examples of eloquence—those which, through generations, have kept their place in the world's admiration, and which time can never destroy—are the utterances of men devoted to the truth and to the welfare of the human race. Emerson used to say that eloquence was "dog-cheap" in the antislavery meetings; if so, it must have been because those who spoke were inspired by a love of human freedom, and were conscious that they had a great and just cause. The great orators of antiquity were Demosthenes and Cicero. England in modern times has had -her Pitt, Burke, Fox, and Sheridan, and now has her Gladstone and Bright. Ireland has a long line of men whose eloquence has moved the heart of nations, among them Grattan, Phillips, and O'Connell. In many of the
European nations the growth of eloquence has been checked by causes originating in their political institutions and social habits. Among the names of great orators in France, that of Mirabeau is the most conspicuous. In the records of pulpit eloquence France presents among others the names of Bossuet, Massillon, Lacordaire, Lamennais, and Hyacinthe. The history of the United States is illustrated by eloquence at every step. James Otis, Fisher Ames, and Patrick Henry are names belonging to the period of the revolution. Since that day we have had Webster, Clay, Calhoun, Wirt, and Choate. In pulpit eloquence the country has been and is still rich. Among many eminent names in this department may be mentioned Samuel Davies, John Mason, Lyman Beecher, William Ellery Charming, Orville Dewey, Edwin H. Chapin, Henry 'Mud Beecher, Stephen H. Tyng, sr., and Richard S. Storrs.