The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1873-03-26

keys Seminary, in this city. 1t was listened
to with much interest on that occasion and
at our request, it has been furnished for pub
lication
TAKERS IND LISTENERS.
The gift of speech was universally bestowed,
but like every good it has been sadly abused
and perverted.
There is ground, therefore, for my ques-
ton" Who are takers ?n And am remind
ed just here of the argument of men, namely,
that women use this gift to painful degree j;
and having no ability to refute the argument
by words, it will not be difficult to prove to
you that women, instead of being prodigal
with the gift, suffer for want of it.
Among the notable examples Of those who
were distinguished for their brilliant colloqui-
al powers are-Dr. Johnson, Madame de
Stael, Lady Huntingdon and Margaret Fulle !.
1t is said of DIR. johnson that he could
transfer his thoughts from one thing to
another with the most accommodating facility.
He would say the most common things in the
newest manner and always command atten-
ton.
be equally at home in the drawing room of
yonder mansion and the humble cottage of
the laboring man.
The prattle of a child is pleasant for in it
is contained the outspoken language of the
heart. Its mind is as yet untainted by the
corrupt influence, which an intercourse with
all the various articles and depravities of the
la ~, e., c,.l4
Who imagines but he is doing commen-
dable deed to lead child from lisping accents
up to q rhetorical use of words?
1t is laughable, people say, to hear the
wilful contradiction of cunning child, to
hear the pert g won't, burst from his lips !;
yet that is the beginning of much trouble
caused by the unruly member.
Criticism is one great weapon with which
we abuse this gift of God. To criticse a
person when he has performed an action to the
best of his ability, is an unkindness not
easily overlooked.
We should be extremely careful that our
remarks are not uncalled for and our criti-
cisms not unjust before we attempt to become
a critic and then it would be we'll to use
sparingly our keen-pointed arrows of criticism.
SANDER is another sword of murderous
intent. What can be more contemplate than
for person in order to resent some real or
imaginary wrong, very often the latter, to
originate and put in circulation false report
for the purpose of defaming some one before
the eyes of the community, the report not
being based upon even the slightest founda-
ton of verify,
Entitled to distinction in the art of annoy
ance, are those persons who are perpetually
talking OF themselves. Hence-no more in
satire than in truth, would we say, the
greatest takers have not always the greatest
sense.
But we will pass to another class of
takers who sit uneasily on the easiest chairs.
and walk nervously i'll the most beautiful
sunshine. They may justly be called croabers
or fault-finders. Their existence, as well as
the existence of those who are so unfortunate
as to be brought in contact with them, is made
miserable by their continual murmuling, or,
us their name implies, eroaking and fault
finding.
The most beautiful scenes that nature has
painted and which defy the successful COM
petition of man, have no beauty for them the
pall is never lifted from the bright side of
surrounding cares day is turned into night !;
and everything which their eyes dwell upon
is obscured by a cloud, which nevers shows to
them a silver lining.
Good takers often 90 from place to place
delivering before the public series of lectures
and charging certain fee for admittancc,
varying in amount according to the ability and
-notoriety of the speaker. But as good listen
ers, although few in number, are no less
important than good takers, and as we often
make fruitless attempts to become interested
in the words of some speaker which appear
too deep for the comprehension of his hearers,
would it not be advisable to have paid
listeners as well as paid takers? By so doing
even the prosiest lecture might be rewarded
by the strict attention of the audience.
Leaving the question to be decided by the
listeners assembled here tonight, will merely
refer to the attentive and abstract listener.
The attentive listener may easily be
distinguished by his manner and actions. He
that at once tells you he loses neither a
word nor gesture, while his countenance shows
at once either his appreciation or disapproval.
While on the other hand the abstract listener
betrays his identity not the less quickly. He
sits gazing alternately at the speaker, at the
floor, and at any other object which his
wandering and listess gaze may happen to
dwell upon. His mind also widely DIVORCES
from the topic which the speaker is discussing
Such person is not good listener, for atten-
ton and respect are necessary to this art.
Subjects for conversation are endless. If
our minds be cultivated by diligent study,
profitable reading and careful reflection, our
hearts pure and charitable toward all, we shall
be prepared both for takers and listen
ers; and one great end of our lives
shall have been accomplished not in our
being fitted to adorn society, merely, but to
cheer many of the afflicted, and make the
pathway of the sorrowing brighter upon earth.
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