The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-12-12


epitaphy." was the pthy way In which
DIR. George Hodges Dean OF the Episcopal
Theological school Of Cambridge. Mass,
an eminent devine and instructor I'm
theology. summed up his address on
1.-The Art OF Persuasion" at the winter
festival Of the Congregational club in the
Trocadero last night. 1t was ladies'
night as well. and the percentage OF the
lady guests was ABOUT two to one member
and the banquet hall presented a bril-
liant spectacle the stunning toilettes OF
the members OF the fair sex appearing in
glowing contrast TO the dark dress clothes
OF the club members and the clergymen
who were guests.
From p. m. until Gas there was an
informal reception I'm the Trocadero par
lors. which. I'm addition To the usual
draperies. were frightened by a liberal
showing of the national colors in the big
American flags, tastefully draped.
There was an informal reception, in
which the vice president OF the club. Rev.
Frank J. Goodwin. pastor OF the Paw
tucket Congregational church. introduced
to the speaker the ladies and their
escorts. Lieut.. Gov. Frederick IA. Jack
son, with Mrs. Jackson and many other
prominent folk, were there. and the time
passed pleasantly enough until the lines
were formed 10 march 10 the banquet haIl.
There eight large tables were set out
and after grace by ReV, T.: rynd daliinsuse sn
excellent dinner, with the help or an
efficient corps OF walters, while an ex-
cellent orchestra played popular seiec-
tions. Mrs. James +. Mcconnell pleas
ingly rendered vocal selections and the
toastmaster introduced as the speaker or
the evening Rev George Hodges, d.. ID,
dean OF the Episcopal Theological school
al mi
The Art OF Persuasion
TWO WRONG METHODS.
DR.. Hodges started In by talking OF two
methods used with intent TO persuade that
do not work. They are denunciation and
compulsion They do not appeal 10 the
human nature az they should.
To convince a man you should not go
at him with a club, but win ms con
fidence instead OF repellins him py aWak-
ing his antagonism.
his sense OF humor well 10 the fore and
be always cheerful and good humored
Patience is another thing that is re-
auired 20 counterbalance argument and
tradition. the first palce argument
may be met with argument but IL VIII
take argument and counterargument 10
remove the effect OF deep seated tradi-
tions and some time II must be many
times repeated.
The third element required for success
full persuasion In courtesy. ! dispute the
claim that religion is vitality connected
with bad manners Something Is vitality
wrong with the religion II II is connected
with discourtesy.
Discourtesy is sure to be reason for
disputes.
The next thing needed for proper per-
suasion and understanding OF the other
mans beliefs and views so that you know
his position.
He strongly urged the fallacy "of this
and that" That is the assumption that
either one OF two things is true. They
may both be true. IL is the old story OF
the two sides OF the shield.
APPRECIATION is NEEDED.
Appreciation is another thing that is es-
sential he said and incidentally called at
tention 10 the great majority of people
who do not do enough.
They are in the majority but they won't
vote or act or won't do anything. II is so
with the church and also with the thea
tre Don't abuse the theatre but when a
good play comes along go to It and en-
courage II.
II is proper to be outspoken in approval
OF all good men.
II man writes a good book or good
poem say so and tell him while he is alive
do not wait until he is dead.
The words of the speaker were listened
to with n great deal Of interest and he
by the whole company. Particularly hap
py were the remarks OF the presiding Of
fcer. DIR. Goodwin. and the whole AFFAIR
was one which reflected great credit upon
the very efficient executive committee.