Many practically reason as though hard words would answer all the purpose of arguments, but this is a mistaken fancy. Every thing which will repel one from us, will fail to convince him; and it is only as we can gain the confidence of those we would benefit, that we can influence them aright. It is only when words fail, that blows are substituted; and it is only when arguments fail, that hard names are in demand. When therefore hard names are more plenty than arguments, any cause that is thus sustained must suffer in proportion. And any cause that is thus wrongfully assailed, will accordingly prosper. It was opposition and calumny and persecution that caused Christianity to progress: and thus it has been with every important enterprise of the day. That which no man assails, will never receive much notoriety. It is only when the world oppose, that candid minds begin to investigate, to see whether such opposition is well founded; and when investigation has been commenced, the truth will triumph. The friends of any truth ought therefore never to deal in invective, nor to shun obloquy.