presumption!’ said my clerical neighbor; ‘a boy like that to be set
up after a giant!’ But the stripling came in the name of the God of
Israel, armed with ‘a few smooth stones from the brook’ that flows
‘hard by the oracles of God.’ His motion was one of thanks to the
officers of the society for their labors during the year; and of
course he had to allude to the president, then reposing in another
part of the house; and thus he did it: ‘When I saw that venerable
man, too aged to warrant the hope of being with you at another
anniversary, _he reminded me of Jacob leaning upon the top of his
staff, blessing his children before he departed_.’ He then passed on
to encourage the society by the example of the British institution.
‘When we first launched our untried vessel upon the deep, the storms
of opposition roared, and the waves dashed angrily around us, and we
had hard work to keep her head to the wind. We were faint with
rowing, and our strength would soon have been gone, but we cried,
‘Lord, save us, or we perish!’ _Then a light shone upon the waters,
and we saw a form walking upon the troubled sea, like unto that of
the Son of God, and he drew near the ship, and we knew that it was
Jesus; and he stepped upon the deck, and laid his hand upon the
helm, and he said unto the winds and waves, Peace, be still, and
there was a great calm._ Let not the friends of the Bible fear; God
is in the midst of us. God shall help us, and that right early.’ In
such a strain he went on to the close. ‘Wonderful! wonderful!’ said
my neighbor the critic; ‘he talks like an angel from heaven.’”
C. H. SPURGEON.
No minister now living has been heard by so many people in the same
number of years, or has been the subject of so much controversy as
Spurgeon. The great populace of London has been moved to its depths by
his preaching, and he has met with the same enthusiastic reception
wherever he has preached. He is yet very young—only thirty-four years of
age—and had become celebrated before he was twenty-one. Such speedy
recognition is certainly a proof of great merit, and his example is well
worth our attention.
Spurgeon’s parents were poor but respectable—his father and grandfather
being Independent ministers. He early felt it his duty to preach, and
even when a child was accustomed to preach to his playmates. His father
wished him to go to college to qualify himself for the work in regular
form, but after giving the matter careful consideration he declined.
Even when he became usher at Cambridge, and began to preach
occasionally, he refused the tempting offer of a college course, and
gave it as his opinion that he was called to go to the work at once, and
not to waste years in preparation. We can hardly tell what effect a long
course of training, that would have allowed time for his fervid zeal to
cool, would have had upon his after life. About the same time he left
the church of his fathers and united with the Baptists, believing that
immersion was the proper baptism. His occasional ministrations were
marked by modesty and good sense, as well as loving earnestness.
He was soon called to take charge of an old, but decayed church in
London. Its forlorn condition did not dismay him, and under his vigorous
care and mighty preaching the congregation became overflowing. The
building was enlarged, but the congregation grew still larger. Immense
public halls were taken, and these too were soon overflowed. His
congregation built a new church of extraordinary size, which has been
packed full on each preaching occasion ever since. Several volumes of
his sermons have been published, and have met with a ready sale. He
preaches nearly a sermon a day, corresponds with a newspaper, writes
books, superintends a ministerial school, speaks for and aids a number
of charitable institutions—altogether performing more labor than perhaps
any other preacher of our day. Yet these multiform labors are performed
with such ease and certainty that he hardly ever appears tired, and
gives no indication of breaking down.
What is the secret of the power by which this man has reached the hearts
of the poor more fully than any other man for many years? It is admitted
on all hands that he is not a man of profound intellect. There is no
trace of unusual powers of thought either in his published or spoken
sermons. But there is a more than ordinary force of arrangement,
illustration and expression. He may not be in the first class of great
men, but he is surely foremost in the second class. He also possesses
wonderful enthusiasm. His faith is too clear for a doubt, and he is
never troubled with any misgivings regarding his own power of presenting
the truth. Confidence is a part of his nature, and enables him to bear
unmoved any amount of opposition, and, while preaching, to follow out
any suggestions of his genius. His power of language is very great. From
beginning to end of his discourse he never falters, nor uses the wrong
word. His voice is strong, clear, and melodious, making the tritest
thought interesting. But above all, he is a good man, and works solely
for the good of his hearers. This is the reason why he is not
intoxicated by his great success. He feels that the Holy Spirit labors
with him, and that the blessing of God rests upon him.
Spurgeon is an extempore preacher in the best sense of the word. He
studies and meditates as fully as his time will permit, and at any
period is ready to give what he thus masters to the public. “I can’t
make out,” said a minister to him, “when you study, Brother Spurgeon.
When _do_ you make your sermons?” “Oh!” he replied, “I am always
studying—I am sucking in something from everything. If you were to ask
me home to dine with you, I should suck a sermon out of you.” One who
had known him, thus writes:
“With respect to his habits of composition, he assured us that not
one word of his sermons is written before delivery, and that the
only use he makes of his pen upon them is to correct the errors of
the stenographer. His happy faculty of mere mental composition, and
of remembering what he thus composes, saves him much time and
drudgery. He can exercise it anywhere; but probably with more
success in the pulpit, while he is giving utterance to what he has
prearranged in his mind. Learning not to read manuscript out of the
pulpit is the best preparation for not reading it in the pulpit, and
he who in his study can think well, independently of it, will, in
the pulpit, think better without it; for the excitement occasioned
by speaking what he has premeditated—if that excitement does not
produce too deep feeling—will summon new thoughts to fill up the old
ranks, and lead whole divisions of fresh recruits into the field.”
The almost irresistible attraction of Spurgeon’s ministrations may be
inferred from the following facts:
“It was no unusual sight on a Sunday evening to see placards put up
outside of the building (Exeter Hall) announcing that it was full,
and that no more could be admitted. In his own church it has been
found necessary for the police to be present at every service, and
the pew-holders are admitted by ticket through a side door. This
accomplished, at ten minutes prior to the commencement of the
service, the doors are opened and a rush commences; but it is
speedily over, for the chapel is full—not only the seats but every
inch of standing-room being occupied, and the gates have to be
closed, with an immense crowd of disappointed expectant hearers
outside. The church has, indeed, reason to be deeply grateful that
amid the vice and immorality of London, a voice so clear and loud
has been lifted up for the cause of the Redeemer.”
HENRY WARD BEECHER.
Perhaps no American minister has ever become so well known to the whole
body of the people as Henry Ward Beecher. He has been bitterly
criticised and opposed even by members of his own denomination, but has
triumphed over every attack, and won a proud place among preachers. He
has even become a power in the political world, and his devotion to the
cause of liberty has endeared him to thousands who might otherwise have
never heard his name.
This great orator was born in 1813 in the State of Connecticut. His
father, Lyman Beecher, was a clergyman of great force and celebrity.
Young Beecher graduated at Amherst College at twenty-one, and studied
theology with his father at Lane Seminary, Cincinnati. When this was
concluded, he was first settled over a small Presbyterian church at
Lawrenceburg, Ind., where he remained two years, and then removed to
Indianapolis, and preached eight years with great acceptance. His first
sermon was so earnest and powerful that it led to the conversion of
twelve persons. A course of lectures, which he gave during this period
to young men, attracted great attention, and he was soon after called to
take charge of Plymouth Church in Brooklyn. It was then a feeble
organization; but under his care has increased to vast proportions. It
has now a membership of 1,700, and the largest regular congregation by
far of any church in the land. The income of the church from the rent of
pews is nearly $41,000!
As a lecturer, Beecher stands among the very first. He speaks every
year, in nearly every prominent city of the Union, and thus contributes
powerfully to the success of the various reforms he advocates. He early
gave the anti-slavery movement the support of his powerful eloquence,
and preached and lectured against the great evil so effectually that no
man was more denounced and hated at the South than he.
In the heat of our civil contest he passed some months in England, and
there spoke for the cause of liberty and Union. He met with the most
embittered opposition; the rabble, who had been incited by handbills to
come out and put him down, often roaring until his voice could no longer
be heard. He would calmly watch them until the noise for a moment
subsided, and then speak again with such effect that the victory was
soon declared in his favor. No man contributed more powerfully to allay
the prejudice of England against our nation during her sore contest.
We do not wonder at the great popularity of Beecher. He possesses much
greater intellectual acuteness than Spurgeon, and is inferior in this
particular to no one of the orators of the present day. The variety of
topics he discusses is immense, and he brings such good sense and sound
logic to bear on them, that the people feel him to be a teacher indeed.
They go to hear him, expecting that he will apply high spiritual truth
to every day life, and are not disappointed.
Beecher is a giant in reasoning power, and gives no light, superficial
views of anything. His feelings are very acute, and by the mere force of
sympathy he has the smiles and tears of his audience at command. His
power of illustration is wonderful; the most abstruse subject grows
plain under the light of his luminous comparisons. While his command of
language is very great, and he never hesitates for a word, his taste is
so pure that he never uses an unnecessary or objectionable term. In
fact, he speaks for the press as much as for the congregation before
him. For years his sermons have been taken down by short-hand writers,
and read all over the world. Sometimes they do not even receive a final
correction from him. This is a convincing evidence of his marvelous
popularity. His sermons are first preached to a vast assembly, and then
spread before hundreds of thousands of readers. Not only newspapers of
his own denomination, but of others, count it a great attraction to be
able to announce a weekly or semi-monthly sermon from this gifted man.
On several occasions we were privileged to hear him, and will give some
account of the first time we listened to his eloquence. A large number
of people gathered long before the hour for service, and waited
impatiently for the opening of the door. Ten minutes before the hour the
crowd was admitted, and every vacant pew almost instantly filled. Then
seats were folded out from the ends of the pews into the aisles, and
these filled until the whole vast space was one dense mass of living
humanity; on the ground floor or in the second or third galleries there
was no unoccupied space. Many even then were forced to turn away from
the door. The preaching was plain, logical, deep, and clear rather than
brilliant. There was no florid imagery, but the light of imagination
gleamed through the whole discourse. The subject was naturally analyzed,
every part powerfully illustrated, and the application pungent enough to
reach every heart not entirely impervious. Several times a smile rippled
over the faces of the congregation, but lasted only for a moment, and
was generally the prelude for some deep and solemn impression.
Beecher prepares his discourses with care, but neither memorizes nor
reads them. On one occasion we noticed him lay his manuscript on the
desk before him and begin to read. The description was beautiful, but
the congregation seemed indifferent, and gave no evidence of close
attention. Soon he pushed the paper away. Then every eye was bent upon
him with intensest interest.
Beecher’s ordinary lectures give but little indication of his real
power. They are written and read in the same form to numerous audiences.
But his genius finds free play only when the manuscript is abandoned.
Then, when he speaks for a cause in which his heart is enlisted, we have
an example of what mortal eloquence can be. We once heard him at a large
meeting which he had visited as a listener. A long and rather dull
speech had been made by the orator of the evening. But Beecher was seen,
recognized, and called out. Every murmur was stilled. Laughter and tears
succeeded each other with marvelous rapidity; but he closed by a daring
apostrophe, spoken in a low tone, that thrilled to every heart, and held
all spell-hound for some moments after he had ceased to speak! It seemed
the full realization of every dream of the might and power of eloquence.
ANNA E. DICKINSON.
This lady was born in 1842, and while quite young became celebrated as a
public speaker. She has not won her present position by a single
brilliant effort, but by long continued exertions and the display of
solid talent. She is a member of the Society of Friends, and early
imbibed the hatred of oppression and slavery for which that denomination
is distinguished. Her principal public speeches have been given in the
service of freedom, and to secure a higher position and a wider range of
employments for women. Her own example, as well as her teachings, has
been one of great value to her sex.
When Miss Dickinson began to speak she had no powerful friends to aid,
and for a time her audiences were quite small. But she was too firm and
devoted to the cause she advocated to grow discouraged. And there was
something so attractive in her manner, that opposition was soon
overcome, and her audiences grew continually. She was so truthful,
earnest, elegant, and strong, that before she was twenty-one years of
age she was recognized as a power in the political world, and few voices
more eloquent than hers were lifted up on behalf of liberty and justice
during our civil war. She has also taken part in political canvassing
with great success. Her reputation as a lyceum lecturer is fully
established. In all the cities of the United States where she has spoken
large and enthusiastic audiences have greeted her.
In speaking, she is modest, graceful, and unconstrained, with an air and
manner of perfect naturalness. There is no elaborate ornament in her
words, but they are always well chosen, and flow with the utmost ease.
Her discourses are logical, and usually bear upon a single point with
overwhelming force. Without the slightest attempt at stage effect, she
frequently displays deep emotion, and becomes totally absorbed in her
subject. Her voice is full, clear, melodious, and perfectly distinct; it
is persuasive, well modulated, and equally capable of expressing pathos,
and scorn, and command.
With such abilities she cannot fail to be popular, and her influence,
which is always for good, is steadily widening. Yet in order to display
her full power, she requires a subject that enlists her sympathies, and
in a mere literary lecture, although always instructive, she does not
produce the same vivid impression as when roused by some injustice, or
pleading the cause of the oppressed and feeble.
The manner of preparation by which this lady, who takes rank with the
best of American orators, has acquired such power over words and hearts,
merits attention; in response to our inquiry, she says:
“For the first three years of my public life, speaking, with me,
was absolutely extempore; that is, I gave a general look over the
field before I rose to my feet, then talked. Since then, I
consider my subject—let it lie in my mind, and gather fresh
thoughts—statistics—what not—almost unconsciously—as a stone
gathers moss.
“When I wish to make the speech, I arrange this mass in order and
form—make a skeleton of it on paper, and leave the filling in till I
reach the platform—then some things I have thought of are omitted,
and others thought of at the time, are substituted. The speech
changes here and there for some time, and then gradually
crystalizes—that is all. I mean, of course, what is called a regular
lyceum speech. The political speeches are made very much on my old
plan.”
JOHN A. BINGHAM.
We selected one American political orator of the generation that has
just gone by as a specimen of the capabilities of extempore speech, and
will now give an instance of the present. The speaker we have chosen is
widely known. Many have listened to his eloquent words, and in the
stormy events of the last few years, his name has become a household
word. We make this choice the more readily because the character of
eloquence for which Bingham is noted, is that which many persons suppose
to be most incompatible with a spontaneous selection of words—beauteous,
elegant, melodious, and highly adorned.
Bingham graduated, was admitted to the bar, and speedily became a
successful lawyer. He also turned his attention to political affairs,
and became known as a most efficient public canvasser for the doctrines
of the party with which he acted. This is one of the best schools in the
world for ready and vigorous speech, but has a tendency to produce
carelessness of expression, and to substitute smartness for logic and
principle. This tendency he successfully resisted, and became
distinguished for the deep moral tone, as well as for the beauty of the
language of his addresses. He was elected to Congress from an Ohio
district, and become known as one of the most eloquent members of that
body. He took a prominent part in the opposition to the Kansas and
Nebraska bill, and met the entire approval of the people. When the
Southern States commenced to secede in the winter of 1860–61 he brought
forward a force bill to compel them to submit to national authority.
This was defeated by those who thought that other means would avail.
Time proved the wisdom of his views.
All through the contest that followed, his voice was heard on the side
of liberty and Union. He soon became known as one of the leaders of the
Republican party, and has nobly held that position to the date of
writing.
Mr. Bingham, in speaking, is calm, clear and pointed. His manner
indicates confidence, and his words flow freely. Imagination is allowed
full play, and the spirit of poetry breathes everywhere. He abounds in
lofty and beautiful imagery, that places the truth in the clearest
light. While the subject is never lost sight of, a thousand graces and
beauties cluster around it from every hand. From the elevation and
certainty of his language, many casual hearers have been led to imagine
that his speeches were written and committed. But the reverse is the
case. Some of his highest efforts have been made with no time even for
the prearrangement of thought. This is one secret of his great success
as a debater. He is always ready, with or without warning, to speak the
thoughts that are in his mind. But he prefers, of course, to have time
to arrange his matter in advance.
The following passage will illustrate the force of Mr. Bingham’s thought
and expression. It is from a speech in reply to Wadsworth, and was
entirely unstudied:
“As the gentleman then and now has chosen to assail me for this, I
may be pardoned for calling his attention to the inquiry, what
further did I say in that connection, on that day, and in the
hearing of the gentleman? I said that every loyal citizen in this
land held his life, his property, his home, and the children of his
house, a sacred trust for the common defence. Did that remark excite
any horror in the gentleman’s mind. Not at all I undertook, in my
humble way, to demonstrate that, by the very letter and spirit of
the Constitution, you had a right to lay the lives and the property
and the homes, the very hearth-stones of the honest and the just and
the good, under contribution by law, that the Republic might live.
Did that remark excite any abhorrence in the gentleman, or any
threat that fifteen slave States would be combined against us? Not
at all. I stated in my place just as plainly, that by your law you
might for the common defence not only take the father of the house,
but the eldest born of his house, to the tented field by force of
your conscription, if need be, and subject him to the necessary
despotism of military rule, to the pestilence of the camp, and the
destruction of the battle-field. And yet the gentleman was not
startled with the horrid vision of a violated Constitution, and
there burst from his indignant lips no threat that if we did this
there would be a union of fifteen slave States against the Federal
despotism. I asserted in my place, further, that after you had taken
the father and his eldest born away, and given them both to death a
sacrifice for their country, you could, by the very terms of the
Constitution, take away the shelter of the roof-tree which his own
hands had reared for the protection of the wife and the children
that were left behind, and quarter your soldiers beneath it, that
the Republic might live. And yet the gentleman saw no infraction of
the Constitution, and made no threat of becoming the armed ally of
the rebellion. But the moment that I declared my conviction that the
public exigencies and the public necessities required, that the
Constitution and the oaths of the people’s Representatives required,
that by your law—the imperial mandate of the people—the proclamation
of liberty should go forth over all that rebel region, declaring
that every slave in the service of these infernal conspirators
against your children and mine, against your homes and mine, against
your Constitution and mine, against the sacred graves of your
kindred and mine, shall be free, the gentleman rises startled with
the horrid vision of broken fetters and liberated bondmen, treason
overthrown, and a country redeemed, regenerated, and forever
reunited, and cries, No; this shall not be; fifteen States will
combine against you. Slavery is the civilizer; you shall neither
denounce it as an ‘infernal atrocity,’ nor overthrow it to save the
Union. I repeat the word which so moved the gentleman from his
propriety, that chattel slavery is an ‘infernal atrocity.’ I thank
God that I learned to lisp it at my mother’s knee. It is a logical
sequence, sir, disguise it as you may, from that golden rule which
was among the first utterances of all of us, ‘whatsoever ye would
that men should do unto you, do ye so even unto them.’”
The second instance is taken from a speech on the proposal to furnish
relief to the Southerners who were in a destitute and starving condition
after the close of the war.
“No war rocks the continent, no armed rebellion threatens with
overthrow the institutions of the country. The pillars of the holy
temple of our liberties do not tremble in the storm of battle; the
whole heavens are no longer covered with blackness, and the
habitations of the people are no longer filled with lamentation and
sorrow for their beautiful slain upon the high places of the land!
Thanks be to God! the harvest of death is ended and the sickle has
dropped from the hands of the ‘pale reapers’ on the field of mortal
combat.
“Sir, you may apply in the day of war the iron rule of war, and say
that the innocent and unoffending in the beleagured city shall
perish with the guilty; but when war’s dread alarm has ended, as
happily it has with us, when the broken battalions of rebellion have
surrendered to the victorious legions of the Republic, let no man
stand within the forum of the people and utter the horrid blasphemy
that you shall not have regard for the famishing poor, that you
shall not give a cup of water to him that is ready to perish in the
name of our Master, that you shall not even relieve the wants of
those who have never offended against the laws. The unoffending
little children are not enemies of your country or of mine; the
crime of treason is not upon their souls. Surely, surely they are
not to be denied your care. The great French patriot, banished from
the empire for his love of liberty, gathered little children around
him in his exile at Guernsey, and fed them from his own table,
uttering the judgment of our common humanity in its best estate;
‘Little children at least are innocent, for God wills it so.’”
WILLIAM E. GLADSTONE.
This great statesman and orator is an extempore speaker, and one of the
best in the world. He has not, perhaps, the fiery force of John Bright,
who, like himself, speaks without previous preparation of words, but far
surpasses him in variety and elegance. His speech, like a prism,
reflects a thousand shades of color, and the dullest subject under his
treatment blooms into life and light. His style is more like that of
Cicero than of Demosthenes, being diffuse, sparkling, graceful—flowing
like a river, that is always full to the brim. He is prepared at any
hour of day or night to take part in any discussion of interest to him.
Even when he is explaining details of finance, usually the driest of
subjects, he is listened to with delighted interest. By the mere force
of his talents he has raised himself to a commanding position in
England, and as a writer has also attracted much attention.
Gladstone is of a light and nervous build, has a very sweet and
attractive countenance, and a rich and fascinating voice. As a debater
he is almost faultless, unless his want of harshness and maliciousness
be called a fault. Sometimes, too, he shows a disposition to yield
rather than contend, but never when principle is at stake. To him,
perhaps more than any other, belongs the credit of the great reform bill
which has almost changed the government of Great Britain.
The following extract from a communication on the subject of extempore
speaking will be read with deep interest:
“HAWANDEN, NORTH WALES, Oct. 12, 1867.
... “I venture to remark, first, that your countrymen, so far as a
very limited intercourse and experience can enable me to judge,
stand very little in need of instruction or advice as to public
speaking from this side of the water. And further, again speaking of
my own experience, I think that the public men of England are,
beyond all others, engrossed by the multitude of cares and subjects
of thought belonging to the government of a highly diversified
empire, and therefore are probably less than others qualified either
to impart to others the best methods of preparing public discourses,
or to consider and adopt them for themselves.
“Suppose, however, I were to make the attempt, I should certainly
found myself on a double basis, compounded as follows: First, of a
wide and thorough general education, which, I think, gives a
suppleness and readiness, as well as a firmness of tissue to the
mind, not easily obtained without this form of discipline. Secondly,
of the habit of constant and searching reflection on the _subject_
of any proposed discourse. Such reflection will naturally clothe
itself in words, and of the phrases it supplies, many will
spontaneously rise to the lips. I will not say that no other forms
of preparation can be useful, but I know little of them, and it is
on these, beyond all doubt, that I would advise the young
principally to rely.
“I remain, &c., W. E. GLADSTONE.
“W. PITTENGER.”
MATTHEW SIMPSON.
This distinguished divine was born in Cadiz, O., in 1811, began to
preach in 1833, and was elected Bishop of the M. E. Church in 1852. At
the very beginning of his ministerial career, his sermons made a deep
impression, and his early promise has been abundantly realized.
As a lecturer he has also acquired a deservedly high rank. During the
war of the rebellion he delivered a discourse on the “Future of Our
Country,” in the principal cities of the United States, which gave him a
more than denominational fame. This lecture has probably never been
surpassed as a summing up of the resources of the nation, and an
application of the data to the prediction of the probable destiny and
form of our government. As far as words were concerned, it was an
extempore address, and had the peculiarity that might be expected from
this fact, of being much better delivered, and therefore, of making a
much more profound impression at some points than others.
Simpson travels continually, preaching at conferences, dedicating
churches, and delivering lectures, thus being brought into close contact
with the people in all parts of the country. He has little resemblance
to the popular ideal of an orator. His action is ungraceful, and his
voice low and almost monotonous. He is also hard worked, and not having
the powers of endurance possessed by some of our incessant preachers, he
usually appears tired and exhausted. Yet he has three qualities that go
far to make up for these defects. He is intensely earnest and real.
Before listening to him five minutes his hearers are convinced that he
is speaking the very thoughts of his soul without evasion or pretense.
He also has great imagination, and, as a consequence, the statement of
facts, in which he abounds, is never dry or tedious. And lastly, he has
great command of condensed and expressive language. What he wishes to
say is said in a few words, and every sermon is filled with the
materials of thought rather than with mere verbiage. These qualities
atone for every deficiency of external grace, and place him among the
most popular ministers of the Methodist Church.
Simpson preaches entirely extempore, having no time to write, even if he
had the disposition. His memory is tenacious, and his power of
observation keen, so that he is never at a loss for facts or
illustrations. He has a tender heart also, and often appeals to his own
vivid experiences, thus drawing the sympathies of the people with him.
WENDELL PHILLIPS.
There can scarcely be a doubt that Wendell Phillips is the greatest
professional lecturer of the present day. He is always radical, and on
the extremest verge of every question, although in many things the
people have followed hard on his footsteps. As a speaker, he has great
power, combined with unsurpassed elegance. His manner is calm, his voice
of silvery sweetness, yet every rounded sentence is full of living
flame, and no man is so unsparing in his denunciations. In a style as
lucid, exact, and pure as that of a scholar who has been all his life
secluded from the world, and busied with literature alone, he utters
words and sentences befitting the stormiest revolution.
The lectures of Phillips, which are repeated again and again, are, of
course, well studied and the language followed pretty closely, though
not invariably. But like Mirabeau, it is in his unstudied speeches that
he rises highest. The first address that gave him public fame was of
this character. A meeting had been called in Boston to pass resolutions
of indignation on the occasion of the murder of Lovejoy, who was killed
in Illinois for his devotion to freedom. The whole business of the
meeting was arrested, and the resolutions were on the point of being
defeated by the powerful opposition of a leading politician, who feared
even to say that murder was wrong. Phillips was present as a listener,
but could keep his seat no longer, and, arising, gave vent to his
feelings in a speech so full of thrilling and indignant eloquence, that
the purpose of the meeting was at once secured, and he himself brought
before the public as one of the first orators of the age.
In regard to the manner of his preparation Phillips himself refers to
the celebrated letter of Lord Brougham to the father of Macaulay, on the
training of his son in eloquence. The substance of Brougham’s advice is,
to first acquire the power of speaking freely and easily before an
audience, no matter at what sacrifice of accuracy and elegance. This, he
says truly, can only be done by much practice. When this is
accomplished, he recommends studying and committing to memory the
orations of Demosthenes until their spirit is fully imbibed.
JOHN P. DURBIN.
This traveler, scholar, and preacher, adds another one to the long and
illustrious list of those who have triumphed over every hindrance and
risen to eminence. He was born in 1800. A district school afforded him
all the education he obtained before entering the Methodist itineracy,
but while enduring the hardships of a pioneer minister he studied
diligently, perusing his Bible and commentaries around the log fires of
his parishioners whenever even this poor opportunity occurred. When he
was appointed to Cincinnati a more promising field opened. He went to
college during the week, and still filled his pulpit on the Sabbath. He
soon after became a professor in a college, and afterward chaplain to
Congress, where he was highly distinguished. Then he served a time as
editor of the _New York Advocate_, and became President of Dickenson
College. Next he traveled through the old world, as far as Egypt and
Syria, and, returning, wrote a very interesting account of his journey.
He was, lastly, elected Corresponding Secretary of the M. E. Missionary
Society—a position which he has held for years, and which brings him
into contact with large masses of people in every part of the country.
The merits of Durbin as an orator are many and high. He possesses deep
feeling, and the tears of the people to whom he preaches are at his
command. There is a greatness about his character that is always felt,
and with it a childlike simplicity that endears him to every heart.
There is an utter absence of the pretension we sometimes find about
those who are conscious of the possession of great powers. His
arrangement of every sermon is plain, simple, and easily remembered. His
command of words is complete, and he always finds just the one he wants
without hesitation. The tones of his voice are affectionate and
pleasing, though when not called into animation by some subject worthy
of his powers, a little monotonous, yet so strong that when he seems to
be only talking at the pitch of common conversation, every word can be
heard to the extremity of the largest church. But his voice can be
raised to a thunder peal that is the more impressive because it is
seldom employed. The perfect ease with which he preaches, is far
different from the manner of those who have memorized every word and are
full of anxiety for its effect. Often while he talks away with apparent
indifference, every eye is fixed on his, or moistened with tears. When
we heard him, some of his images were overwhelmingly sublime, and we
held our breath in awe; at other times his explanations seemed to throw
new and radiant light on what was before dark and obscure.
The mode by which Durbin attained his great success is worthy of careful
attention. In a communication to the compiler of these notices, he says:
... “I never wrote my sermons—not more than two or three in my
life—and these not till after I had preached them. My plan has been
to have a well-defined topic, and only such subdivisions as
naturally arise out of the topic. I generally put them down
separately on a small piece of paper, which I take into the pulpit,
but scarcely ever use. This is commonly called a _skeleton_. I do
not write out anything I propose to say, but carefully think over
the main points; but never commit them to memory. I keep within
living touch of my skeleton, but depend on the natural
consecutiveness of thought to enable me to clothe it with muscle;
and I depend on the inspiration of the occasion to give it life and
color. The inspiration is partly human and partly divine; arising
from the combined action of the divine and the human spirit, which
combined action constitutes the power of a _preached_ gospel.
“So far as human ability is concerned, I believe that this is the
secret of any success I have had in preaching the Gospel.”
NEWMAN HALL.
The _Evangelist_ gives Rev. Newman Hall’s account of how he learned
extempore preaching, as follows:
“When I went to college, it seemed to me that I should never be able
to say a word in public without writing. But I soon determined that
if I was going to be a preacher, and particularly if I wanted to be
anything like a successful preacher, I _must_ form the habit of
extemporaneous address. So I went into my room, locked the door,
placed the Bible before me on a mantel, opened it at random, and
then on whatever passage my eye chanced to rest, proceeded to
deliver a discourse of ten minutes. This practice was kept up an
entire twelve months. Every day, for a whole year, ten minutes were
given to that kind of speaking, in my own room by myself. At first I
found it very difficult to speak so long right to the point. But
then if I couldn’t talk _on_ the subject I would talk _about_
it—making good remarks and moral reflections—being careful to keep
up the flow, and say something to the end of the term allotted for
the exercise. At the end of the twelve months, however, I found I
could not only speak with a good degree of fluency, but that I could
hold myself strictly to the subject in hand. You take this course.
Don’t do your practising on an audience. That is outrageous.”
APPENDIX.
I.
THE CHAIRMAN’S GUIDE.
ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS IN VARIOUS MEETINGS.
When the business of an assembly is limited to hearing one man speak,
there is little need of rules. But when there are several speeches, and
various kinds of business are mingled with them, the subject of order
becomes important. Many a fluent speaker may be embarrassed because he
does not know just when he ought to speak, and how to introduce what he
desires. A member of Congress, for instance, cannot be efficient, no
matter what his talents, until he masters the rules of business. Even in
smaller and less formal assemblies it is of great advantage to every
one, especially if called upon to preside, as all may be in this land of
discussions, to know just how to fulfil the duties imposed on him. In
this short, and necessarily imperfect sketch, we will only aim to give
those simple forms of parliamentary law that will often be needed by
every man who essays to speak at all.
Every society has the right to form its own laws, and whenever it does
positively determine any matter, the general rules of order are
superseded to that extent. But it would be an endless task for any body
to provide beforehand for every case that might occur, and the greater
part of these are always left to be decided by general usage. This
usage, which has been growing up for years, now covers almost every
possible point. An eminent authority says: “It is much more material
that there should be a rule to go by than what that rule is, for then
the standard cannot be changed to suit the caprice or interest of the
chairman, or more active members, and all are assured of justice.”
The same rules apply to all assemblies, with a few modifications, which
are readily suggested by the nature of the assembly. We will give a few
of the special applications first, and afterward the general rules.
RELIGIOUS ASSEMBLIES.
The regular public service of churches which have a ritual is governed
by it, and in those which have none, usage always fixes a course from
which the preacher should not vary without good reasons. The most common
mode of procedure in churches that are governed by unwritten custom is,
first, a short invocation of God’s blessing on the service. This is
omitted in the Methodist church and some others. Then follows the
reading and singing of a hymn; prayer, the reading of a Scripture lesson
(which is frequently omitted in evening service), singing again and
preaching. There are several modes of closing. Sometimes the order is:
prayer; singing a hymn, with doxology attached; and benediction.
Sometimes singing comes first, then prayer, and the benediction
pronounced while the congregation is in the attitude of prayer.
Sometimes there are four distinct acts; singing a hymn; prayer; singing
the doxology; and benediction. The order in which these modes of closing
are stated is, in our opinion, also the order of preference.
Business and congregational meetings are governed by the common rules of
order.
ANNIVERSARIES, CELEBRATIONS, ETC.
In meetings of this character, the object usually is to enjoy a pleasant
time, hear speeches, and pass resolutions that have been prepared
beforehand, and on which no discussion is expected. In Sunday-school
celebrations, and other meetings of the same nature, let a programme be
formed, with each performance in its order, and either printed and
distributed or read as soon as the meeting is called to order. This must
be done at the proper time by the superintendent, or some one appointed
for the purpose, who will act as chairman, and introduce each speaker in
his turn. Any resolutions offered should be in writing, and also read by
him, and put to vote in the regular form. When the exercises are closed
the meeting will be dismissed without waiting for a motion to adjourn.
In anniversary meetings of a more formal character, it is common to have
each speaker supplied, in advance, with a resolution on which he is to
speak. At the proper time he will arise, offer the resolution, and make
his address. If it is desirable to have more than one speech on that
resolution, the next can second the motion and speak in the same way.
Then the resolution may be put in the common form. This can be continued
until all the resolutions and speakers are disposed of.
LITERARY AND EDUCATIONAL SOCIETIES.
In the societies usually attached to colleges, everything should be done
with the most scrupulous regularity, and thus the rules of public
business fully learned. It is well also for them to have a certain order
by which all their exercises shall be governed, and everything made to
move on with the regularity of clockwork. A committee can easily
construct such a plan, and it can be amended as desired. It should
always have a department for miscellaneous business.
Literary societies and debating clubs are very commonly formed in
villages and school districts, and when properly carried on can scarcely
fail to be profitable. Many a person has received his first lesson in
eloquence in such a school, and the fluency and confidence a boy or
young man can acquire in them may be of life-long advantage. Their
organization may be very simple. A meeting has been called by some one
who is interested in the matter, and when the people are met he calls
them to order, nominates a chairman, puts the question, and at the
request of the chair explains the object of the meeting. Some one then
moves to appoint a committee to draft a Constitution and By-laws. It is
best for the committee to have these previously prepared, that no time
may be lost. The following form, taken from “How to Talk,” with a few
modifications, will be all that is needed in most cases:
CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE I.—_Name._
This Society shall be known as the of
ARTICLE II.—_Objects._
The object of this Society shall be the improvement of its Members
in debating, and the promotion of their intellectual, social, and
moral advancement.
ARTICLE III.—_Membership._
Any person of good moral character may become a member of this
Society, by signing the Constitution and paying the initiation fee.
[In some cases it may be necessary to receive Members by a vote of
the Society, after being regularly proposed.]
ARTICLE IV.—_Officers and their Duties._
The Officers of this Society shall consist of a President, a
Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer; each of whom shall be
elected by ballot, and their duties shall be the same as are
generally required of such officers in similar societies.
ARTICLE V.—_Amendments._
No addition, alteration, or amendment shall be made to this
Constitution without a vote of two-thirds of the Members present,
and no motion to amend shall be acted upon at the same meeting at
which it is proposed.
BY-LAWS.
ARTICLE I.—_Meetings._
SEC. 1.—This Society shall meet on the of each for the
promotion of its objects and the transaction of business.
SEC. 2.—There shall be an annual meeting on the of for the
election of Officers, and to hear the reports of the Secretary and
Treasurer.
SEC. 3.—Special meetings may be called by the President at the
request of Members.
ARTICLE II.—_Initiation Fee._
All persons received into this Society shall pay the sum of on
signing the Constitution.
ARTICLE III.—_Dues._
All Members shall pay the sum of per month, to be appropriated,
with the initiation fees, to defraying the expenses of the Society;
and no Member who may be in arrears for dues more than two months
shall be allowed to speak or vote on any question till such
arrearages shall be paid.
ARTICLE IV.—_Expulsions._
Any Member who shall refuse to conform to the Constitution and
By-laws, or shall be guilty of repeated disorderly conduct, shall be
subjected to expulsion by a vote of two-thirds of the Members
present; but no motion to expel a Member shall be acted upon at the
same meeting at which it is offered.
ARTICLE V.—_Amendments._
The same rule in reference to amendments shall apply to the By-laws
as to the Constitution.
The Constitution when presented may be discussed, and put to vote,
altogether, or article by article; if adopted, it becomes the law of the
meeting. A list of members will then be made out, including all who
desire to be enrolled, and are willing to pay the initiation fee. Then a
new election of officers should be held, with those only who are members
voting. The old chairman will retain his seat until the new one is
elected. When it is intended to have performances of different kinds, as
essays, orations, debates, etc., it is well to appoint a committee to
draw up a regular order in which these will be called for. The society
being now organized, may proceed to business, or fix the time for next
meeting and adjourn.
WARD, DISTRICT, OR TOWNSHIP MEETINGS.
When one or more persons desire to call a meeting for any purpose, there
is often great confusion and uncertainty as to the mode of procedure. A
few simple rules will go far to obviate all difficulty. In the call,
those only who are favorable to the intended object should be invited,
and if others attend, they should take no part in the meeting, unless
challenged to discussion.
The responsibility for the guidance of the meeting until its regular
organization, rests on those who have called it. When the people have
met at the appointed time, one of these will ask them to come to order,
and will then nominate a chairman; when this is seconded, he will put it
to vote, and call the man elected to the chair, who will put all other
motions. A secretary also should be elected, and then the meeting is
regularly organized. The chairman next states the object of the meeting,
or if he prefers, calls upon one of those interested to do it.
Some one will then move the appointment of a committee (which is said to
be the American panacea for everything) to prepare resolutions
expressive of the wishes or opinion of the meeting. If the names of the
persons to compose the committee be not mentioned in the original
motion, it is usual for the chairman to name them, putting the name of
the mover first on the list. The chairman may, for good reasons, excuse
any one of the committee from acting, if there be no objections on the
part of the assembly. But if there are, he can only be excused by vote.
The committee then require some time to make their report, and it is
common for the chairman to call on some one, who ought to be notified
beforehand, for a speech. When the committee have finished their
business they will return, and waiting until no one is speaking, their
chairman will address the chairman of the meeting, telling him that they
are ready to report. If no objection is made, the resolutions prepared
are then read, and are at the disposal of the meeting. They may be
treated separately, or together, amended, adopted or rejected. The
resolutions may be prepared beforehand, in which case the appointment of
the committee may be dispensed with. If the resolutions should not be
satisfactory, they may be recommitted.
When the resolutions have been disposed of, the speaker will announce
that there is no business before the house, which will either bring a
motion to adjourn, or new business.
DELEGATED BODIES.
All legislatures, boards of directors, etc., hold their power only in
trust for others who are not present, and are therefore held to stricter
limitations in the performance of business than those assemblies which
act only for themselves. In case the right of any delegate is disputed,
this must be settled as soon as possible. In nearly all such meetings it
is also provided that many things shall not be considered as determined
until referred back to those by whom the members were chosen. With these
exceptions, and the special rules that such bodies may provide, they are
under the strict government of parliamentary law.
CONTINUED MEETINGS.
When any body holds sessions at intervals, it becomes necessary to bear
in mind what has been previously done. This is accomplished by having
the minutes of each meeting read at the beginning of the next, and if
any mistakes exist they are corrected. This enables the assembly to take
up the business where it closed, and proceed as if there had been no
interruption. It is also well to have a certain order of business fixed,
which shall always suggest what is proper to be done and prevent
confusion. This order will necessarily differ in the various kinds of
meetings. Legislative bodies, from the great variety of business brought
before them, can seldom fix on any order that can be followed from day
to day, but they often establish a regular order for a certain time.
Matthias suggested the following arrangement for business meetings of
bank directors, railway stockholders, etc.:
1. Presenting communications from parties outside of the meeting. A
communication is read, and motions for action on it may be made,
amended, and passed or rejected. After this has been done, or if no
motion is made, the next communication is taken up.
2. Reports of standing committees. The chairman will call for these in
their order, and each one, if prepared, will be read by the chairman of
the committee. It should close with a resolution of some kind, and when
it is moved and seconded that this be adopted, it may be discussed and
determined as the assembly see fit. The minority of a committee may make
a separate report if they wish.
3. Treasurer’s report.
4. Unfinished business.
5. New business.
II.
GENERAL RULES OF ORDER.
QUORUM—RULES—DECISION.
1. In bodies which have a fixed number of members, a certain proportion
most be present to make the transaction of business valid. The number
may be fixed by the expression of the assembly, or its general custom.
In the absence of any other rule, a majority is sufficient. The chairman
should not take his seat until he sees that a quorum is present, and if
the assembly is at any time reduced below this number, nothing but
adjournment is in order.
2. The assembly may make its own rules in whole or in part, but whatever
it does not determine, shall be subject to the common rules of order.
Any member has a right to insist on the enforcement of the rules, but
this duty belongs especially to the chair.
3. In the absence of any special rule, the consent of a majority of the
members voting is requisite to determine any point. A plurality, where
more than two issues are presented, is not sufficient.
OFFICERS.
Presiding and recording officers are necessary in every meeting, and
must be chosen by an absolute majority. When the assembly has financial
matters to manage, a treasurer must also be elected.
PRESIDING OFFICER.
This officer is known by various titles, such as chairman, president,
speaker, moderator, etc. We will use the first. The chairman represents
the assembly, declares its will, and obeys it implicitly. He must be
treated with great respect, although his power is only a delegated one,
and may be set aside by the declared will of the assembly. His principal
duties are:
1. To begin the session by taking the chair and calling the members to
order.
2. To announce business in its order.
3. To submit all motions and propositions.
4. To put all questions and announce the result.
6. To restrain members within rules of order.
6. To receive all communications and announce them to the assembly.
7. To sign public documents.
8. To decide points of order, subject to an appeal to the assembly.
The chairman should fully understand all the rules of business, be kind
and courteous to all, but prompt and firm, for on him, more than any
other, the order and harmony of every meeting depends.
In the absence of the chairman, the vice-president takes the chair, and
when there is no such officer, a temporary chairman must be elected.
The chairman may read while sitting, but should rise to state a question
or take a vote.
RECORDING OFFICER.
Secretary or clerk is the name usually bestowed on this officer. We will
employ the first. It is his duty to keep a true record of all that is
done in the assembly. Speeches and motions that do not prevail, need not
be recorded. But it is sometimes customary, when it is intended to
publish the proceedings, and no reporter is present, for the secretary
to make the minutes take the form of a journal.
2. The secretary must keep all papers that belong to the society in
safety; read them when ordered; call the roll; notify committees of
their appointment and business; and sign all orders and proceedings of
the assembly.
3. A temporary secretary must be elected during the absence of the
permanent one, unless there is an assistant to take his place.
4. The secretary should always stand in reading, or calling the roll.
MEMBERS.
1. All members are on a footing of absolute equality, and in every form
of business the same courtesy and attention should be shown to each one
by the chair and by all other members.
2. Every member is expected to observe strict decorum in his behavior.
Standing, walking about, interrupting speakers, hissing, whispering,
taking books or papers from the speaker’s table, are all breaches of
decorum.
3. Any member accused of disorderly behavior may, when the charge is
stated, be heard in his own behalf, and is then required to withdraw,
until the assembly decides as to his guilt and punishment. He may be
reprimanded, required to apologize, or expelled.
MOTIONS.
1. Business can only be introduced into an assembly by a motion.
Persons, not members, may make communications, or send petitions asking
for the doing of certain things; but these must be taken by one of the
members, and by him read or presented to the assembly. It is then before
the body for consideration, but nothing can be done with it until a
motion is made by some one belonging to the assembly.
2. An assembly expresses its opinion by a resolution, commands by an
order, and determines its own action by a vote. A member who wishes to
secure either of these, draws it up in the form he desires it to bear,
and moves that the assembly adopt what he proposes. He must first obtain
the floor. This is done by rising and addressing the chairman by his
title. If there be no previous claimant, the chairman responds by
mentioning the speaker’s name, when he is at liberty to go on. When he
has made his motion, another member must second it before the assembly
will receive it or pay any attention to it. The chair or any member may
insist on the motion being written, unless it is one of the kind that
have a certain form, such as to adjourn, etc. The motion when seconded,
is to be stated by the chair, when it becomes the property of the
assembly, and is ready for debate or such other action as may be
preferred. Suggestions and modifications of the motion may be made, or
it may be withdrawn altogether, before this; but not after, without
leave of the assembly formally expressed. No other motion, with some
exceptions to be hereafter explained, can be entertained until the first
is disposed of.
When a motion is made the assembly may do one of five things with it.
1. Decide it in the shape it then has.
2. Suppress all consideration of it or action on it.
3. Postpone it until a future time.
4. Refer it to a committee to be put in a better form.
5. Amend it themselves before deciding it.
We will consider these different ways of treating a question in their
order.
1.—DECISION.
It is always to be taken for granted that the assembly is willing to
decide a motion at once, unless some one moves to adopt one of the other
courses. It may be repeated first, and when no one rises, the chair asks
if they are ready for the question; if no one responds, it is put to
vote.
2.—SUPPRESSION.
1. Sometimes the assembly does not wish to discuss a motion at all. In
that case a member may move that it be indefinitely postponed. If this
is debated, the matter remains as it was before. If it prevails, the
matter is ended, and can only be brought up as a new question.
2. The motion to lay a subject on the table has nearly the same effect.
If it prevails, the subject cannot be taken up without a motion to that
effect.
3. The famous “previous question” has a totally different purpose in
this country and England. There it is used to postpone a question. Its
form is, “Shall the main question now be put?” and it is moved by those
who wish to obtain a negative decision, the effect of which is to remove
the question from before the house for that day, and by usage for the
whole session.
4. In this country it is used to prevent debate, and is only moved by
those who wish an affirmative decision. When this is carried the
question must be voted upon without further remarks. A majority ought to
use this power of stopping debate very sparingly, and never without good
reason.
3.—POSTPONEMENT.
If the assembly is not prepared to act upon a question, or has more
important business before it, the proper course is for some one to move
that it be postponed until a certain time. If no time is fixed the
question is suppressed altogether. If the assembly is dissolved before
the appointed day, the effect is the same.
4.—COMMITMENT.
If the form of the motion is crude, it may be given into the hands of a
committee to perfect. If it first came from a committee, it may be given
back to them, which is called a recommitment. The whole or a part of a
subject may be committed, and the assembly may, by vote, give such
instructions as it desires. This motion is sometimes made use of for the
purpose of procuring further information.
5.—AMENDMENT.
The assembly may alter, increase, or diminish any proposition at its
pleasure. Its nature is often changed entirely.
1. Every complicated question may be divided by a regular vote. This is
usually done, if no objection is offered, without a vote, but it cannot
be required by a single member as is sometimes stated. A motion to
divide should specify the manner of division.
2. If blanks are left in resolutions, these must be filled by motion. If
these embrace figures, and several numbers are proposed, that which
includes the others may be put to vote first. But it is usually as well
to put first that which is moved first.
3. All motions to amend, except by division, must be to amend by
inserting or adding, or by striking out, or both.
4. An amendment may be accepted by the mover of a resolution, if no
objection is made, for then general consent is presumed; but not
otherwise.
5. It is strict parliamentary law to begin with the beginning of a
proposition, and after the latter part is amended, not to return to a
former part; but this is seldom insisted on in common societies.
6. Every amendment is susceptible of amendment, but this can go no
further. But the second amendment may be defeated, and then a new one
made to the principal amendment.
7. Whatever is agreed to, or disagreed to by the acceptance or rejection
of an amendment cannot again be changed.
8. What is struck out cannot be inserted by another amendment, unless
with such additions as to make it a new question. Neither can what is
retained be changed.
9. Before putting the question on an amendment, the passage should be
read as it was; then the amendment; lastly the passage as amended.
10. A paragraph that is inserted by vote Cannot be changed, but it may
be amended before the question is put.
11. When the amendment is both to strike out and insert, these two may
be divided by vote or general consent, and then the question is taken
first on striking out.
PREFERRED MOTIONS.
When a motion is before the assembly, it must be disposed of before
anything else can be brought forward, with the exception of three
classes of questions. These are privileged, incidental, and subsidiary
questions.
1.—PRIVILEGED QUESTIONS.
1. The motion to adjourn takes precedence of every other, except when it
has been moved and defeated, when it shall not be moved again until
something else has been done. It cannot be moved while a member is
speaking, or a vote being taken. But to be entitled to such precedence,
it must be a simple motion to adjourn, without question of time or
place. If these are added, it must take its regular turn. An adjournment
without any time being fixed, is equivalent to a dissolution, unless
this has been provided for by custom or especial rule. At adjournment
every pending question is taken from before the assembly, and can only
be brought up again in the regular way.
2. Any question affecting the rights and privileges of members, as in
quarreling, the intrusion of strangers, etc., comes next in order to
adjournment, and displaces everything else.
3. If the assembly fix on an order of business for a certain time, when
that time arrives, a motion to take up this order has precedence of all
questions, but the two preceding.
2.—INCIDENTAL QUESTIONS.
Incidental questions are those that grow out of other questions, and
must be decided before them.
1. Questions of order. If there is a breach of rules it is the duty of
the chair to enforce them, and any member to call for their enforcement.
This should be done at once. When there is a doubt as to what
constitutes a breach of the rules, it is first decided by the chair,
subject to an appeal to the assembly, which may be put in this form,
“Shall the decision of the chair stand as the decision of the assembly?”
On this the chair may debate as well as others, but the vote is final.
2. When papers are laid on the secretary’s table for the information of
the assembly, any member may demand to have them read; but other papers
can only be read after a regular motion is carried to that effect.
3. After a motion is stated by the chair, permission may be given to
withdraw it by a regular vote.
4. A rule that interferes with the transaction of any business may be
suspended by a unanimous vote, or in accordance with the provisions of a
special rule which points out the majority requisite, such as
two-thirds, three-fourths, etc.
3.—SUBSIDIARY QUESTIONS.
These relate to the principal question as secondary planets do to their
primaries. They are of different degrees among themselves, and with a
few exceptions are not applied to one another.
1. “Lie on the table.” This takes precedence of all the subsidiary
motions. If carried, it takes the principal question and all that
belongs to it from the consideration of the assembly, and they can only
be brought up by a new motion. If decided in the negative, this
question, like all the others of the same class, except the previous
question, has no effect whatever.
2. “Previous question.” This motion can only be superseded by that to
lay on the table. If lost, the question is not before the house for the
remainder of that day.
3. A motion to postpone may be amended by fixing the time or changing
it. If several days are mentioned, the longest time should be put first.
4. A motion to commit takes precedence of a motion to amend, but stands
in the same rank with the others, except to lay on the table, and cannot
be superseded by them, if moved first.
5. A motion to amend may be amended. It is not superseded by the
previous question, or a motion for indefinite postponement, but is by a
motion to postpone till a time certain, or to commit.
It is very important that the order of these secondary questions be
carefully observed, as there may be many of them pending at once.
DEBATE.
Debate in a society organized for the purpose of discussion, and in a
deliberative body are quite different. In the former reply is expected,
and may be bandied back and forth several times. In the latter the
object is supposed to be giving information, and each member is limited
to one speech, unless special permission is received to speak again. The
chair must not take part in debates.
1. When a member wishes to speak, he obtains the floor in the same
manner as if to offer a motion. The mover of a resolution is usually
allowed the floor first, but this is a matter of courtesy rather than
right.
2. When a speaker gives up the floor for any purpose, he loses his right
to it, though as a favor he is often allowed to continue his speech.
3. No names are to be used in debate, but when it becomes necessary to
designate an individual, some description may be used, as, the gentleman
on the right, etc.
4. Every member must stand, when speaking, unless sick or disabled.
5. Motions to adjourn, to lay on the table, for the previous question,
or the order of the day cannot be debated.
6. No member shall use abusive language against any of the acts of the
assembly, or indulge in personal denunciations of other members. Wrong
motives must not be attributed to any one. If a speaker digresses widely
from the subject, and appears to misunderstand its nature, he may be
called to order.
7. A member who is decided to be out of order loses his right to the
floor, but this is seldom insisted on.
8. A member cannot speak more than once on the same question without
special permission, which must not be given until all have spoken; but
he may speak on amendments, and on the same subject, when it is returned
from a committee.
10. A member who has been misrepresented has the right to explain, but
not to interrupt any one who is speaking for that purpose.
11. Debate may be stopped by the previous question; by determining in
advance that at a certain time, the question shall be decided; or by
adopting a rule limiting each member to so many minutes. In the latter
case, the chair announces the expiration of the time, and the member
takes his seat.
12. Every member should be listened to with respect, and no attempt made
to interrupt him, unless he transgress the bounds of order. Calling for
the question, hissing, coughing, etc., should be restrained by the chair
if possible. The speaker may learn from these things that the assembly
does not wish to hear him, but he is not bound to heed them. If
necessary, the chair will name the obstinate offenders for punishment,
who may be heard in their own defence, but must then withdraw while the
assembly determines what punishment should be inflicted. But if all
means of preserving order fail, and the chairman’s repeated calls are
unnoticed, he is not responsible for this disorder, although it would be
better then to resign an office that he can no longer make respected,
unless so bound by public duty that he cannot take this course.
13. If a member in speaking makes use of disorderly words, notice should
be taken at once. The words used, if the offence is serious, should be
reduced to writing while fresh in the memory of all. If necessary, the
assembly may determine what words were used, whether they were offensive
or not, and at its pleasure require an apology, censure, or expel the
offender. If other business is done before attention is called to the
disorderly words, they cannot again be taken up.
PUTTING THE QUESTION.
When discussion and all preliminary matters are finished, the next step
is to ascertain the will of the assembly. There are six ways of doing
this. We will put first those that are most used:
1. The chair asks, “Are you ready for the question?” No objection being
made, he first puts the affirmative, asking those who favor the motion
to say, “Aye;” those who are opposed, “No.” He judges from the volume of
sound, and declares which he believes has the majority. If any one
doubts this, he may require the vote to be taken in a more exact way.
2. In place of saying “aye,” the affirmative may be asked to hold up
their hands; then when these are down the same is asked of the negative.
The determination in this case is the same as in the former case.
3. The affirmative may be required to rise to their feet and be counted;
and when seated the negative will rise. These will also be counted, and
this is the mode most commonly resorted to, when the result as declared
by the chair, from the former methods, is doubted.
4. In this the affirmative and negative may stand up at once, but in
different parts of the house, and be counted. This is a real “division.”
5. The method by ballot may be employed; each man writing his wish on a
ticket. These are collected and counted. This mode is often employed in
the election of officers, but seldom in the determination of simple
questions.
6. The roll may be called by the secretary, and each man in his place
answer, “Aye,” or “No.” These are marked by the secretary, and others
who keep tally, and the result announced. Sometimes the names are
entered on the journals, in two lists of “Aye” and “No.” The word “Yea,”
is often used in place of “Aye.”
The chair has a casting vote in case of equal division.
A member who voted with the affirmative may move the reconsideration of
any question, and if his motion is carried, the whole matter is opened
up as it was at first, and may be discussed as before.
COMMITTEES.
The use of a committee is to give a subject more careful consideration
than it could receive in a full assembly. They are of three kinds. From
their great importance they are said to be the eyes and ears of the
assembly.
1. Standing committees are those that are appointed to take charge of
all subjects of a certain character during a session, or other specified
time.
2. Select committees are appointed to take charge of some one thing, and
when that is finished they are dissolved, although they may be revived
again by a vote of the assembly.
In appointing a committee, the first thing is to fix on a number: if
several are named, the largest should be put first. The committees may
be chosen by ballot; appointed by the chair; or elected by nomination
and vote. The latter is the regular mode when there is no special rule,
but the second is most frequently practised. Sometimes a committee is
appointed to nominate all other committees, but this is not usually the
case. The mover and seconder of a resolution should have place on a
committee appointed to consider it, and, as a general rule, none but
those who are friendly to the object to be accomplished should be
appointed. Those opposed can make their opposition when it is returned
to the assembly.
It is the duty of the secretary of the assembly to make out a list of
the members of a committee, and hand to the person first named on it,
who is its chairman, unless the committee shall choose to elect another.
The assembly can fix the times and places of the meeting of a committee;
if this is not done, it can choose for itself, but cannot sit while the
assembly is in session without a special order.
In all forms of procedure the committee is governed by the same rules as
the assembly, but a little less strictness is observed in their
enforcement.
Disorderly conduct in a committee can only be noted down and reported to
the assembly.
When any paper has been referred to a committee, it must be returned as
it was, with proposed amendments written separately. They cannot reject
any matter, but can return it to the assembly without change, stating
their reasons for taking no action.
When a committee is prepared to report, its chairman announces the fact,
and he, or an other member, may make a motion that the report be
received at that, or some other specified time. If nothing is said, it
is assumed that the assembly is ready to receive it immediately.
At the time fixed, the chairman reads the report, and passes it, with
all the papers belonging to it, to the secretary’s table, where it
awaits the action of the assembly.
Any report from a committee may be treated by amendment, etc., just as
if it originated in the assembly.
The final question is on the adoption of the report; if this is agreed
to, it stands as the action of the whole assembly.
3. The third form of committee is the “committee of the whole.” It
embraces the entire assembly. When the assembly wishes to go into
committee, a motion to that effect is made, seconded, and put; if
carried, the chairman nominates a person as chairman of the committee,
who takes his seat at the secretary’s table. The chairman of the
assembly must remain at hand in readiness to resume his seat when the
committee shall rise. The secretary does not record the proceedings of
the committee, but only their report. A special secretary must be
appointed for their use.
The following are the main points of difference between the “committee
of the whole” and the assembly:
1. The previous question cannot be moved, but the committee may rise and
thus stop debate.
2. The committee cannot adjourn; it may rise, report progress, and ask
leave to sit again.
3. In committee a member may speak as often as he can get the floor; in
the assembly, but once.
4. The committee cannot refer a matter to another committee.
5. The chairman of the assembly can take part in committee proceedings.
6. The committee has no power to punish its members, but can report
them.
When the committee is prepared to close, a motion is made and seconded
that it rise; if carried, the chairman leaves his seat, the chairman of
the assembly takes his usual place, and the committee report is given in
the same form as from a special committee.
* * * * *
This brief synopsis has been compiled from various sources. The
excellent manuals of Cushing and Matthias have been especially
consulted. It is believed to embrace all that is essential for
conducting business in ordinary assemblies. The man who masters these
simple rules, which may be done in a few hours, is prepared to assist in
the performance of any public business, and if called upon to act as
chairman, as any one may be, he will be free from embarrassment.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sent Prepaid by Post at Prices Annexed.
A LIST OF WORKS
PUBLISHED BY
SAMUEL R. WELLS, No. 389 BROADWAY, NEW YORK.
* * * * *
STANDARD WORKS ON PHRENOLOGY.
=American Phrenological Journal and Life Illustrated.=—Devoted to
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=Constitution of Man=; Considered in Relation to External Objects.
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The “Constitution of Man” is a work with which every teacher and
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invaluable lessons would save many a promising youth from a
premature grave.—_Journal of Education, Albany, N. Y._
=Defence of Phrenology=; Containing an Essay on the Nature and Value
of Phrenological Evidence: A Vindication of Phrenology against the
Attack of its opponents, and a View of the Facts relied on by
Phrenologists as proof that the Cerebellum is the seat of the
reproductive instinct. By ANDREW BOARDMAN, M. D. 12mo, 222 pp.
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These Essays are a refutation of attacks on Phrenology, including
“Select Discourses on the Functions of the Nervous System, in
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=Education=: Its Elementary Principles founded on the Nature of Man.
By J. G. SPURZHEIM, M. D. With an Appendix by S. R. WELLS,
containing a Description of the Tem craments, and a Brief Analysis
of the Phrenological Faculties. Twelfth American Edition 1 vol.
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It is full of sound doctrine and practical wisdom. Every page is
pregnant with instruction of solemn import; and we would that it
were the text-book, the great and sovereign guide, of every male and
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or educating a child.—_Boston Medical and Surgical Journal._
=Education and Self-Improvement Complete=; Comprising
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Character,” “Memory and Intellectual Improvement.” One large vol.
Illus. Muslin, $4.
This book comprises the whole of Mr. Fowler’s series of popular
works on the application of Phrenology to “Education and
Self-Improvement.”
=Lectures on Phrenology.=—By GEORGE COMBE. With Notes. An Essay on
the Phrenological Mode of Investigation, and an Historical Sketch.
By ANDREW BOARDMAN, M. D. 1 vol. 12mo, 391 pages. Muslin, $1 75.
These are the reported lectures on Phrenology delivered by George
Combe in America in 1839, and have been approved as to their
essential correctness by the author. The work includes the
application of Phrenology to the present and prospective condition
of the United States, and constitutes a course of Phrenological
instruction.
=Matrimony=; Or, Phrenology and Physiology applied to the Selection
of Congenial Companions for Life, including Directions to the
Married for living together Affectionately and Happily.
Thirty-Fourth Edition. Price, 50 cents.
A scientific expositor of the laws of man’s social and matrimonial
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organizations and phrenological developments naturally assimilate
and harmonize.
=Memory and Intellectual Improvement=, applied to Self-Educational
and Juvenile Instruction. Twenty-Fifth Edition. 12mo. Muslin, $1
50.
This is the third and last of Mr. Fowler’s series of popular
works on the application of Phrenology to “Education and
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development of the Intellect; how to cultivate the Memory; the
education of the young; and embodies directions as to how we may
educate OURSELVES.
=Mental Science.= Lectures on, according to the Philosophy of
Phrenology. Delivered before the Anthropological Society of the
Western Liberal Institute of Marietta, Ohio. By Rev. G. S. WEAVER.
12mo, 235 pp. Illustrated, $1 50.
This is a most valuable acquisition to phrenological literature. It
is instructive and beneficial, and should be made accessible to all
youth. Its philosophy is the precept of the human soul’s wisdom. Its
morality is obedience to all divine law, written or unwritten. Its
religion is the spirit-utterings of devout and faithful love. It
aims at and contemplates humanity’s good—the union of the human with
the divine.
=Phrenology Proved, Illustrated and Applied=; Embracing an analysis
of the Primary Mental Powers in their Various Degrees of
Development, and location of the Phrenological Organs. Presenting
some new and important remarks on the Temperaments, describing the
Organs in Seven Different Degrees of Development: the mental
phenomena produced by their combined action, and the location of
the faculties, amply illustrated. By the Brothers FOWLER.
Sixty-Second Edition. Enlarged and Improved. 12mo, 492 pp. Muslin,
$1 75.
=Self-Culture and Perfection of Character=; Including the Management
of Children and Youth. 1 vol. 12mo, 312 pp. Muslin, $1 75.
This is the second work in the series of Mr. Fowler’s “Education and
Self-Improvement Complete.” “Self-made or never made,” is the motto
of the work which is devoted to moral improvement, or the proper
cultivation and regulation of the affections and moral sentiments.
=Self-Instructor in Phrenology and Physiology.= New Illustrated.
With over One Hundred Engravings, together with a Chart for the
Recording of Phrenological Developments, for the use of
Phrenologists. By the Brothers FOWLER. Muslin, 75 cents; Paper, 50
cents.
This is intended as a text-book, and is especially adapted to
phrenological examiners, to be used as a chart, and for learners, in
connection with the “Phrenological Bust.”
=Moral Philosophy.= By GEORGE COMBE. Or, the Duties of Man
considered in his Individual, Domestic and Social Capacities.
Reprinted from the Edinburgh Edition. With the Author’s latest
corrections. 1 vol. 12mo, 884 pp. Muslin, $1 75.
This work appears in the form of Lectures delivered by the Author to
an association formed by the industrious classes of Edinburgh; they
created at the time considerable excitement. The course consisted of
twenty consecutive lectures on Moral Philosophy, and are invaluable
to students of Phrenology, Lecturers on Morality and the Natural
Laws of Man. Address, SAMUEL R. WELLS, No. 389 Broadway, New York.
MISCELLANEOUS WORKS ON PHRENOLOGY.
=Annuals of Phrenology and Physiognomy.=—By S. R. WELLS, Editor of
the Phrenological Journal. One small yearly 12mo volume. For 1865,
‘66, ‘67 and ‘68. The four, containing over 200 illustrations, for
60 cts. For 1867, one small 12mo vol., 58 pp. Containing many
portraits and biographies of distinguished personages, together
with articles on “How to Study Phrenology,” “Bashfulness,
Diffidence, Stammering,” etc., 20 cents. For 1868, 12mo, 70 pp.
Containing an elaborate article on “The Marriage of Cousins,”
etc., etc., 25 cents.
=Charts for Recording the Various Phrenological
Developments.=—Designed for Phrenologists. By the Brothers FOWLER.
Price, only 10 cents.
=Chart of Physiognomy Illustrated.=—Designed for Framing, and for
Lecturers. By S. R. WELLS, Author of New Physiognomy. In map Form.
Printed on fine paper. A good thing for learners. Price, 85 cents.
=Domestic Life, Thoughts On=; Or, Marriage Vindicated and Free Love
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This is a work consisting of three valuable lectures, part of an
extended course delivered in the city of Washington. The favor with
which they were received, and the numerous requests for their
publication, resulted in the present work.
=Phrenology and the Scriptures.=—Showing the Harmony existing
between Phrenology and the Bible. By Rev. JOHN PIERPONT. Price 25
cents.
“A full explanation of many passages of Scripture.”—_New York
Mirror._
=Phrenological Guide.=—Designed for Students of their own Character.
Twenty-Fifth Edition. Illustrated. 12mo, 54 pp. Paper, 25 cents.
=Phrenological Specimens=; For Societies and Private Cabinets. For
Lecturers; including Casts of the Heads of most remarkable men of
history. See our Descriptive Catalogue. Forty casts, not mailable,
$35.
=Phrenological Bust.=—Showing the latest classification, and exact
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It is divided so as to show each individual Organ on one side; and
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without a teacher? These are questions put to us daily; and we may
say in reply, that we have arranged a series of the best works,
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STANDARD WORK ON PHYSIOGNOMY.
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far as possible, exhaustive. Among the topics discussed are—“General
Principles of Physiognomy;” “the Temperaments;” “General Forms” as
Indicative of Character; “Signs of Character in the Features”—the
Chin, the Lips, the Nose, the Eyes, the Cheeks, the Ears, the Neck,
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Walk, the Voice, the Laugh, Shaking Hands, the Style of Dress, etc.;
“Insanity;” “Idiocy;” “Effects of Climate;” “Ethnology;” “National
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It is an Encyclopædia of biography, acquainting the reader with the
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WORKS ON PHYSIOLOGY.
=Food and Diet, A Treatise.=—With observations on the Dietetical
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=Human Voice, The.=—Its Right Management in Speaking, Reading and
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=Philosophy of Sacred History=, Considered in Relation to Human
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=Physiology, Animal and Mental=: Applied to the Preservation and
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The title of this work indicates the character of this admirable
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=Practical Family Dentist.=—A Popular Treatise on the Teeth.
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------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES
1. Changed “wanted that what” to “wanted than what” on p. 155.
2. No paragraph number 9 on p. 216.
3. Silently corrected typographical errors.
4. Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed.
5. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_.
6. Enclosed bold font in =equals=.
End of Project Gutenberg's Oratory Sacred and Secular, by William Pittenger