21–27 October 1839

Fact is better than fiction if only we could get pure fact. Do you think any rhetoric or any ro- mance would get your ear from one who could tell, straight on, the history of man, who could reconcile your moral character and your natural history, who could explain your misfortunes, your fevers, your debts, your temperament, your habits of thought, your tastes, and in every ex- planation not sever you from the Whole, but unite you to it ? Is it not plain that, not in senates, or courts, or chambers of commerce, but in the con- versation of a true philosopher, the eloquence must be found that can agitate, convict, inspire and possess us and guide us to a true peace ? " I look upon the Lecture-room as the true church of today and as the home of a richer eloquence than Faneuil Hall or the Capitol ever knew.