and as his execution did not relax for a moment, he made the trial, so seldom made, what is the utmost effect, which may be granted () to the last possible efforts of a human agent; what he did not accomplish and, therefore, [activity, he might conclude to be placed beyond the sphere of mortal and calmly leave () to the immediate disposal of Omnipotence. JOHN FOSTER. 10. EMPHASIS OF REMONSTRANCE. This is a common mode of enforcing an argument or a statement. The principle is really the same as that of Reference; the only difference being that the reference is to nothing more than the opposite of what is affirmed, without implying an actual adversary, or generally prevalent opinions. In this style of emphasizing, the inflexions are executed with wide skips, which make the voice vary strikingly in pitch. Intensive emphases are also of frequent occurrence. The following extract, like many others in this volume, has been found extremely interesting, when delivered in an appropriate manner, but uninteresting when spoken without the peculiar inflexions which it demands. Like that on "the Pilgrims," it might be given to illustrate what might be called Rhetorical Emphasis; using such a term to describe the peculiar illustration and enforcement which a good reader bestows upon certain forms of composition, although the mere sense can be exhibited without striking emphasis. SOCIAL INFLUENCE OF RELIGION, Religion is a social concern; for it operates powerfully on society, contributing, in various ways, to its stability and prosperity. Religion is not merely a private affair;\ the community is deeply interested in its diffusion; for it is the best support of the virtues and principles No man, perhaps, is aware, how much our moral and social sentiments are fed from this fountain; how powerless conscience would become, without the belief of a God; how palsied would be human benevolence, to every virtue. |