I think Ingersoll had this element in him,
notwithstanding his attacks upon religion.
Emerson has pointed out that the great speaker--yes, and the great
man--is he who best interprets the common feeling and tendency of the
masses.
Very well; the profoundest feeling among the masses, the most
influential element in their character, is the religious element. It
is as instinctive and elemental as the law of self-preservation. It
informs the whole intellect and personality of the people.
Therefore he who would greatly influence the people by uttering their
unformed thought must have this great invisible and unanalyzable bond
of sympathy with them. I will let your preacher work this out more
elaborately for you.
One word more; and to this word listen and hearken and bind it on the
tablets of your understanding.
Insincerity cuts the heart out of all oratory.
You may marshal your arguments and concoct your pretty devices of
words, and work yourself into a great heat in the speaking of them;
but if you do not believe what you say you are only a play-actor after
all--a poor mummer reciting your own lines.
You had far better be a professional actor; that will, at least,
insure you excellent lines to declaim.
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