Christianity, a Philosophy of Principles: An Address Delivered Before the Adelphic Union of Williams College, August 17, 1841

Excerpt from Christianity, a Philosophy of Principles TO choose a subject, says an Old writer, is harder than to treat it  to find it, more difficult than to make it find its way to the minds and hearts Of others. If it was so then, it seems far different now. With an Object and an audience like the present, subjects Of deep and thrilling interest start forth, like summoned spirits, on every side. They are subjects of the deepest theoretical interest  Of the highest practical importance  subjects for the pro foundest argument, or the richest fancy  subjects that might well task the mightiest intellect, or tame the wildest, the most daring imagination. To choose from them is easy. It is only to stoop down to the diamond pile, and pluck any one from the bright and dazzling heap? But to treat it  so to polish and set the gem as best to dis play its richness and splendor  this is the labor, this the ar duous work.