The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-11-03

The lecture has become popular hSJilu-
tion. Long ago, the poets and philosophers
of Old England initiated the practice Of the
professors in their institutions Of learning,
and occasionally came before the public in
their proper persons, to discourse Of things
with "thc eye In a fine frenzy rolling" or Of
the mysteries solved by prolonged meditation
in the closet or experiment in the laboratory
But these individuals were exceptions to the
mass Of the initiated, who either confined
themselves to their peculiar circles, or clubs,
or awakened the echoes within the tme-
honored walls Of a university.
A new people, upon the shores of a new
world, teemlug with novel ideas, perceived the
advantages the lecture possessed, not only as
a means Of popular illumination, but as a road
to distinction and influence. In New England,
with a population naturally keen, and con-
tinually seeking every facility for acquiring or
imparting information, there is scarcely
town Of any prctenson which has not at least
one course OF lectures every winter; and In
some Of them these addresses are higher in
public iayor than any other candidates Tor
patronage. The systcm gradually extended.
In the principa, cities Of the Middle States
lectures are delivered every winter to large
and fashionable audiences. Philadelphia, cspe-
cially, has adopted the idea, and patronized
the numerous courses delivered here TO On
extent that threatened rivalry even with
Boston.
As to the why and wherefore of the growing
popularity Of lectures, we think the causes are
obvious First, what listeners are likely to be
attracted to patronize this mode Of spending
an evening? For the body of the audience we
have that very numerous and intelligent class,
the church-goers, who ignore theatres, operas,
dancing, and most of the ordinary amusemcnts
which are so popular with unproiessing Chris
tians. Then there are those who desire TO
acquire information in cheaper and liyclicr
way than that afforded by the patient and quiet
study of books. Others again are attracted
by curiosity TO see aud hear the distinguished
parsonage who is TO deliver the lecture, and
this portion of the audience IS frequently in
the majority.
Then the lecturers themselves have greatly
aided in rendering their calling popular and
lucrative. They know by experience that
personal address is by far the best method of
reaching the public mind and heart, and that
although books may secure an ultimate
triumph in fame, the road to present distinc
ton, influence, and profit is more surely that
of the lecture, which, as il Is written, may
afterwards secure them the lasting reputation
awarded to the published productions Of the
closet. Thus EMERSON first delivered his
original and suggestive essays in the form of
lectures, and now they are ranged upon the
shelves Of the library to defy the dust of time.
The regular lecturers, those who seem to
have adopted the system as a sort Of profess
| sion, comprise the first talent of the country,
men eminent in every walk Of law, literature,
| divinity, and science-men of deep learning
and high IMAGINATION, who can utter "thoughts
| that breathe and words that burn" The list
is long, and new stars are every day added to
the collection. We need not specify. Take
your choice; but go to lectures you must, for,
at least, it is the vogue.