New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-10-20
MR.. COUGH AT THE PLYMOUTH
CHURCH, BROOKLYN
To The Editor o. The y. Y. Tribune.

To the Editor o. The " Y. Tribuns
SIR: think it no more than justice to Mr.. Cough,
and it may be Of use to the csuse TO give my impress
sions of Mr. Coughs address last evening at Plymouth
church. Not being much accustomed to attend on
popular lectures | shall at least not be chargeable
with the .sidedness of those who go with the crowd
in pursuit Of every novelty and take up opinions that
they hear from others.
II IS many years since have heard Mr.. Cough. l
was more impressed ct that time by his native genius
for oratory He had then but a comparatively Inn
tied experience and the marvellous eloquenee by
which he electrified his audience was derived soe'y
from his natural resources. But the very absence Oh
that culture which with rare exceptions Is indspens
bic to greatness productive OF the greater al
miration of the fertility of mind which could sustain
itself without such aid Like the poetry of Bur Is,
the oratory of Mr.. Cough was inspired by exquisite
sersibilty and generous impulses. Even the Unequal
i,v pece ssarily incident to efforts of genius whou
the discipline of education seemed in him even to
magnify the grandeur Of the power which he wslded
II would be difficult say whether he excelled most
in wit or paihos. He certainly has by nature great
dramatic gifts. large proportion OF his auditors are
attracted for the mere purpose of entertainment and
I presume that nothing at Burtons exceeds the
mimetic art of Mr. Cough, but in him 1t has the
greater effect by the rapid alienation OF deep feeling
IL might be questioned If the reg lous element Ia ms
was not in some degree impaired by assoca
ton with ludcTous images, but II sucn an erect
could be avoided it would be by the devout and SIN
cere tore Of feeling with which he touches upon every
sacred topic. -.
such was my early impression. On hearing him
eoain after bis foreign tour, the first thing observed
was the vastly increased range OF illustration whlcn
bis later experience has furnished him. and the more
elaborate style in certain passages lnere IL also
greater ase of manner such rs acquired by ming
ling with of education and high position In society.
Sill am by sure that this elaboration ADDS
- In dnYA QnhQf
= rate has the appearance of being artificial.
should say that il war, the whole defect that ne
has so much action. lie sometimes goes beyond what
would be allowed on the stage and there not enough
of the equabe tone which after all should be the staple
of every great discourse since great dspayso VIII anu
feeling should be occasional only.
But these are criticisms of little consequence COM
psred to the moral influence OF his mode OF persuasion
He is undoubtedly the most efficient speaker that has
ever appeared in behalf Of the Temperance cause lie
bas happily brought Q religious influence to bis aid.
The ground he takes is the true one; not tha temper
ance is religion, nor on the other hana tna 1ne se
sympathy and be left unaided by the ministry aud
churches The evil in fact, alarming In the cnurcaes
themselves. He cited the statement OF Scottlsn
clergyman that in that country more ministers had
been deposed and more members of churches excom-
nun cated for inempersnce and wees eonsequent
thereon than for oil other causes The same REMARK
would certainly not be applicable to the ministry OF
tbs country. But there is undoubtedly large num-
Der Of protesting Christians who, If not liable to cen.
sure for their openly bad example still indulge to some
extent / will rot say privately for such things are
rever private. The effects are visible althouxh there
is deuson in the mind Of every man VINO yeias 10
the temptation Of intoxicating drinks, that ne Is not
obserred He is observed, and by the very nen who
are most wiling to make an improper use OF tne e1'
ample Of those whose profession CALI for more than an
ordir ary degree Of conssteIc y and self sacnnce
Aside however, from this there Is repugnance en-
,srtained by part of the Christian public to extreme
measures They fear being thought fanatical some
are for depending upon moral suaslol ana not re-
sorting to laws and foIcible restrictions. .
We NAV hone for development of stronger feeling
in SUPPORT Of Temperance reform, since we have sd
e1perence Of the deadly hostility that TO be encoun
tered from well srrayed class OF men VINO are i.er
esed In the LIQUOR trade particularly when we zee the
reacirss OF one of political par 70 AVIAN hem-
selves Of tire aid Of theee met BY time serving
a. option OF their views but core than al wnen we
gee ihe procivy Of judicial officers TO gam polincal
fayors by as,uteness in attempting to defeat great
rene dial law.
The appearance of Mr. Cough at this time Is oppor-
tune while this greet question whether the temper
ance reform can b. enforced by law is ABOUT peng
tested Yet il is desirable that he should be no FUR
tber connected nth il than q moral question LEI
him avoid the discussion Of the question IN poh1ca
| aspect. IL Soes not appear 10 me altogether wen
Judged TO Uterix other matters at these gatnefnge
Of cizspS to bear Mr.. Cough. DR.. Marsh and Mayor
Hal doy btIess think Il Of some public advantage to
take Ire opportunity 10 interest the andltoTs IA us
candidates Of the Temperance convention but y VII
oe found, think, Of doubtful utility. Let thes'
things be attended to a. pohncsi meetings eened 70
that purpose, and let Mr. Cough have the unpreju
diced attention of ell bis auditors, no matter whs
may be their political views.
One other suggestion I viii venture, and ink /
will deserve grave consideration BY thoss most inter
ested in the Temperance cause and that not 70 e.
Cough by calling him necessarily before p1shc au
diences TIE effort be makes in one Of thee sddresse
caraot be made safely light after night Hn voice