This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1831 edition. Excerpt: ...of his voice is such, that it was scarcely more than a sort of elevated whisper; but the very earnestness with which it occasionally endeavored to burst forth into sonorous sound, was irresistibly expressive. His accent is Scottish to a peculiar degree; but in him, it wore only the appearance of Doric plainness, majesty, and strength. Defects, when characteristic of such a man, we cease to blame; we almost admire them. His gesticulation is, in general, restrained; but when he rises in the might of reason and of eloquence, nature throws aside the formality of the chair, and shows herself in varied and animated action. His hand, now here now there, now uplifted and now sweeping downward, seems to obey instinctively and simultaneously the impulse which lightens from his eye and bursts eager from his lips. A mere declaimer might call his action ungraceful; a man that has a soul would never think of it till it was over. It is easy to decide which ig the better judge and test of eloquence. Such was my first impression of Doctor Chalmers. I have now heard him often; but the repetition of the pleasure has by no means diminished its vividness. On the contrary, like all real greatness and essential beauty, his mind and manner grow upon one's admiration. Besides, they appear in a variety of lights. While examining his pupils, he frequently interrupts the process for the sake of illustrating anew, or confirming, with an ardor that will not be repressed, some position formerly laid down. As these efforts are extempore, they exhibit more fully, in his face, person, and action, the intensely powerful workings of his mind. Yet there is no grimace. To reverse the sarcasm of Burke, he has all the inspiration of the sybil, without her contortions. On...