<r^#"': ^f^-:v. A A u = r = ^= 33 1 =: 33 ' 3 m CI 5 m — n 4 = ^^ CD ^^ 33 1 = 3> ^= 33 m 3 1 == ^ 6 = ^ 'V \ V THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES THE CALCULATED TO SUCCEED THE E NGLISH, AND OTHER SPELLING-BOOKS .• . « OHTAlNIIf G A SELECTION OF THK PRINCIPAL PART OF THE WORDS IN COMMON US«, DIVIDED, ACCENTED, DEFINED, AND THEIR PRONUNCIATION ACCURATZLT POINTED OO^T. Adapted to the Orthography and Pronunciation of Walker. INTERSPERSED WITH INSTRUCTIVE AND ENTERTAINING , TO WHICH IS ADDED A COMPREHENSIVE A^BRIDGMENT OF SNGKISH GRABIMAIl, BY RENSSELAER BENTLEY, Author of the English Spelling Book. -«»•#•♦«•• ' With boys, those things which tend most to nourish the gpnius, aod to enlarge the mind, are proper to be read." Qcintilliait. Stereotyped by A. W. Kinsley, Albany. ^''^X/^%V{rfS:S'.'^^l., that .n the eighth day of October .^SfSSm^ A. D. 1824, in the forty-ninth year of the Independence ■^SiwMK. of the United States of America, Rensselaer Bentlbt ^KAS^ of the said District, hath deposited in this office the title • q^ggg of a book the right whereof he claims as author and pro- 07RW'' prietor in the words following, to wit •. ^ ^ ^. , "The American Instrueter; calculated to succeed the Enghsh and other Spelling-books ; containing a selection of the prmcii>al part of the words in lommon use, divided, accented, defined and their pronun- ciation accurately pointed out. Adapted to the orthography and pro- nundatron of wllker. Interspersed with instructive and entertaining ReSg Lessons : to which is added a comprehensive abridgment of Endish Grammar. By Rensselaer Bentley, author of the English SpeTling-Book. " Wit^ boys those things which tend most to nourish Ihe genius, and to enlarge the mmd, are proper to be read. Quin- ""'in'conformity to the act of Congress of the United States, entitled " An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of Maos Charts and Books" to the authors and proprietors of such copies, dur&Vhc Se therein mentioned." And also to an act, entitled "An act suVplementary to an act, entitled an act for the encouragement ol LearnK by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the author and proprietors of such copies, during the time therein men tloned, and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, en graving, and etching historical and other prints. ^^^^^ ^^^^ Clerk of the Southern District of New- York- — Qj®©— To all persons to whom these presents shall come, GREEtiNc : [ CEKTIFY that Rensselaek Bentley has, this third day of . Ja- nuarv in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twen- ?v-fiv^e' and oi- Independence the forty-ninth, deposited in the Office ot he Department of ^tate. a certain Book consistmg of 238 pages, en- ' The American Instrueter; calculated to succeed the English and tv,i Wlh.r-books; containing a selection of the principal part ol Sewoi?Sin^rmon'°se divided, accented, defined, and their pro- nundation accurately pointed out. Adapted to the orthography and nunciation accuicii V iJ in,c,.snersed with instructive and enter- FaTninrRead W'UIsoL'Vto whicl^is added a comprehensive abridg- ^LTff En^ Isli Grammar. By Rensselaer Bekt.ev, author of the Ssh SpeSg-Boo" '• Wit^ hoys, those things which »end most to nourish the genius, and to enlarge the m.nd, are proper to be read. JrtI" 29th of April IBO2. GIVEN under mv hand, as the Scrretarv of the depart- ment of State of the United State*, w.tl. the Sen ot the «, Tau" Department affixed, at the Oty of Washmgton, the m '-y ^^y^^' ^"^^^'''^'^ J0IS•QU1^-CY ADAMS. SECOXaniENDATXONS. •» " »#< >" Tht foilowing is from John Van Ness Yates, Secretary of State, and acting Superintendent of Common Schools. Albany, Nov. 10, 1824. I have examined with attention a work presented to me by Mr. Rens- selaer Bentley, entitled, " Xhe American Instrvicter" — The plan is well calculated to impress upon the youthful learner, not only the mode oi spelling Bind pt'onouncing words, but also the meaning of them — I con- erSer the Author entitled to praise, and that the work deserves patroa- are and support, and will be useful as a school-book, age ^ IX vv , J y pj YATES . ;. Thefollewingisfromthe Hon. De Witt Clinton. After exEimining " The American Instructer" written by Rensselaer Bcntley, I have no hesitation in stating that the plan of this work is ju« 4icious, and its execution able : and, as it comprises in a short com- pass, a Reading- book, a Grammar, and a Dictionary of the words commonly used m our language, I am of opinion that it is well calcu- lated to promote the objects of ludimental education, and that its in* jfrndnction into our common schools, would be attended with great; Utility. DE WITT CLINTON AiBANY, November 10, 1824. The following is aaextract of a letter from Dr. Samtiel L. Mitchell. .. New-York, 22d. March, IQ25. I agree with the author entirely in the usefulness of a treatise which enall succeed the spelling-book and precede the dictionary ; which shall give the meaning as well as the pronunciation of the words ia common use ; and which through a series of well selected lessons in reading, shall introduce the learner to a knowledge of grammar. It appears to me he has happily and judiciously executed his plan, and that his performance is capable of affording substantial aid to the b«« siaess of elementary instruction. SAMUEL L. MITCHELL." : The folliywing is from T. Romeyn Beck, Principal of Albany Academyi I consider the plan of Mr. Bentley '.<; book as very excellent, and have ao doubt that its introduction into common schools will prove useful.^ Albany, Nov. 10, 1824. T. ROMEYN BECK- The following is from Henry K. Strong, principal of Pittsfeld Academy, Pittsfield, March 11, 1825. After having examined Mr. Bentley's American Instructer presented to me, I cannot hesitate to give my unqualified approbation to a work so well calculated to succeed the spelling-book. Too long his the memory of children been called into exercise, while the understandings has been neglected, and thereby habits of inattention have been form- ed as barriers to future improvement. The Instrncter is calculated to obviate this by aiding the understanding as well as memory. I ■haU therefore give it my recommendation. HENRY K. STRONG. ^ EDUCATrON If RECOMMENDATIONS. / • T?ie following is from I. S. Spencer, Principal of Schenectady ^cadtmy. " DsAR Sir, I have examined the American Instructer, and I tliink it is the belt work with which I am acquainted, to succeed the spelling books in common use. The memory of children is often called into active, and I may say, unnecessary exercise, while their understanding is neglect- ed. " The Instructer" is well calculated to aid younjf persona not only in learning to read, but what is more desirable, to understand. The words in the spelling sections are selected with judgement, and defined with admirable plainness and simplicity. I shall immediately recom- mend this work to the young Masters in the English department of this iastitution. Yours, &c. / Schenectady Academy, Nov. 8, 1824. I. S. SPENCER. The following is from Amasa I. Parker, Principal of Hudson Academy. Sir — I have examined your American Instructer with ivhich you have favoured me, and have no hesitation in recommending it to the pub- lick as a most important elementary work— the Reading Lessons are admirably selected, and the Spelling Sections V'^U arranged. It is a work which has been long needed m our common schools, and will doubtless meet with universal patronage. Yours, &c. Hudson, Oct. 30, 1824. . AMASA 1. PARKER. Q^he following it from Edwin Holmes, principal of Duchess Academy, Poughkeepsie. Sir, I have examined with some attention the " American Instructer," and think it well calculated for the use of schools. The spelling col- umns are judiciously selected, and the words plainly defined. The reading- lessons are full of useful information and virt'uous sentiment, and will tend, at once, to enlighten the understanding and improve the heart. The abridgment of grammar is brief but comprehensive. Its language is peculiarly plain and simple. The plan of inserting fa- miliar sentences, as exercises in parsing, between the several portions ofgrammar, is a good one. Attention to these exercises will render one part of the rules of Etymology familiar to the pupil, before he ad- vances to another. The fact that, we havp in so cheap a book, a grammar, a dictionary, a reading and spelling-book, is well worthy of attention. It will, I doubt not, receive a large share of publick pat- ronage. EDWIN HOLMES. Duchess Academy, Poughkeepsie, Nov. 29th, 1824. The following is from Ambrose I,. Jordan, Esq. Recorder of the city of Hudson. Upon an examination'of the hook entitled " The .American Instruc- ter by Mr. Rensselaer Bentley, I am fully persuaded \hat its general iatroductiou into our common schools, would be of essential benefit as » convenient vocabulary, teaching at once the pronunciation and mean- ing of words in common use in our lani;uage ; as a condensed outline of' the English Grammar ; and as a Reading Book containing specimens of fine style, replete with moral sentiment ; it appears to me entitled (0 the attention and patronage of Aiiiuricau Instructcrs. i - V L. JORDAN. Hudson Nor. 11. 1824. REC03IMENDATI0NS. - T / The following- is from the Insveclors of Schools in the City of Hudson. , ' HrosoN, OcT.28, 1824. : The undersigned, Inspectors of Schools in the city. of Hudson, have examined the American Listrttrler, published by R. Bentley, calculated to succeed the English and other Spelling Books, and are unanimous- ly of opinion that it is a valuable School Book. The Reading Lessons have been selected wfth taste and judgement^ from the best authors on almost every subject connected with the hap- piness of man as an individual, a member of community, or a citieeu •fa free and flourishing country. In favour of the Spelling Sections too much cannot be said. This part of the work contains a selection of words used in conversation and writing with their definitions, adapted to ^Valker's ortliography anii pronunciation, having the advantages of a Dictionary witii none of its disadvantages, as all obscene words are omitted. The Grammar is well calculated to facilitate the. progress of pupils in that branch of education. Thus we have an excellent Reading Book, Dictionary and Gram- mar in one volume, for the trifling sum of fifiy cents. The undersigned recommend the work to' Parents and instructers, trusting that all who examine it attentively, will say withtiiem, that Mr. BeBtley has conferred a favour on the publick, and that his exer «ioQ8 are entitled to patronage. t HIRAM TAP PI AG 1st. Ward. (J. I. rNDERHlLL, ( AKCHiBALD DOAN. f EDWARD C. THLHSTON 5d. Ward. ^.lOHN GAUL. ^ MCHOLAS TEN BROECK, The following is from the Troy Sentinel, eJUcd by O. L. Holley, Esq. One of the best devised school books that we liavc lately seen, is the " American Instructer." The idea of arranging liie rudiment, of the teveral. branches of knowledge necessary to a correct and scientifick understanding of the English Language," in one volume, and in their natural order, is a good one. A manual formed on this plan must be not only p: ticularly convenient to the teacher, but seems peculiar- ly well calculated to facilit;itc to the pup-il the acquisition of liis rudi- ments, because it enables him, by the mpre force of Juxtaposition, to discern their mutual connexion more readily than if they were dispers-. ed in diflerent volumes. This principle of ju.^taposition is very simple, but it is very impor tant ; aiid in (he business of education it has been too little regarded. Mr. Bentley has availed himself of it judiciously . He has arranged the different portions of his work in a discreet order ; the pupil ad vances by ruittiral and easy degrees ; and being undor the necessity of frequently referring from one part to anoiher, as he advances he discovers the reciprocal dependence of those parts more and more clearly, till the whole sy«temis distinctly revealed. On the score of economy, too, "The American Instructer," deserves consideration ; and for that reason, as well as for tiie sake of its in" trinsick merits, we feel warranted in leconmiendLng it to use in 9ur «ountrv schools. The following is fiom Solomon SouUncick, editor of the National Dempcrat. Mr. Bentley's American Instructer having been submitted to ray ex.- amination, I do not hesitate to pronoimce it one of the most usef^^i works of thp kind, and highlv deserving the pationage of all who are either engaged or interested Tn the education of youth. •> 4lba'iy, Nov. 10, 1824. • S. SOUTpWICiC. '; VI RECOM.MlENDATIOiNS. Tht following Recommendalions, are from gentlemen, wnose re^mtation at jntblick Teachers in the cities of Albajty and Troy, is of the first standing. Albany, Feb. 19, J825. We who are engaged in the instruction of vouth in the city of Alba- ny, having attentively examined the American lustructer, recently published by Mr. Rensselaer Beniley, are fully convinced of the ju- dicious selections, able xecuiion, and economical arrangement of the work, and dohigltly recommend the introduction of it in our element- ary iicbools, as it obviates the necessity of a cumbersome multiplicity of books by combining in one volume, the spelling and defining of words, instructive and practical reading exercises, with a comprehen- five and explicit grammar of etymology and syntax. JSAAC MOTT, J. R. KIRBY, JO&EPH I'. MOTT, R. O. K. BENNET, J, H. DURHAM, BENJiN. CAMPBELL, STEPHEN MOULTON, JAMES M. COLLINS, JAMES P POWERS, E. P. PHELPS, P. k\ PHELPS, JOSHUA BROOKS, ASAPH SYKES, , AinFN ^ Teacher in J.ALDEN. I'^Zl Troy, Feb. llth, 1826. Mr. Bbmtlev, Sir — We have carefully examined the copies of the " American Instructer" lately left in our hands. and we, as tliose who are engajj-ed in the business of instruction, are fully persuaded that it possesses merits, highly recommending it as a most impoi tant elementary work. We find that we can profitably use it as a reading book, a Dictionary, and a Grammar book ; and by introducing it into our schools, our ghelves will be unloaded of two-thirds of their burden, which is now only cumbersome and expensive. We view it as replete with moral and useful instruction, and every way calculated to promote the best interests of the rising generation : as such we beiteve it strongly re- commends itself to the publick, and hope it »»ll, in time, find its way into all our common schools. EDWARD WILSON, Tfacher of the lAincasttrian School, Troy. DAVID BROWN, EBENR. NILES, JAS. B. HOUGHTALING, ALANSON BILLS, JONAS WICKES, JOSEPH G. ROGERS. Tht following it from Thomas M- Brewer, Teacher of the Lancasterian School, Poughkeepsie. Poughkccpsie, Nov. 29, 1834." I have examined with much interest and pleasure The American In- itructcr. The plan of the book is a well conceived one, and the ex- ecution is happy. The spellings with the defmitions are well arrang- ed'- the definitions are concise and clear. The reading lessons arc excellent; combining the purest moral and religious instructions, with attractive entertainment. Of the grammatical part I can only say, the plan is good, but the execution I have not had time to examine The book I shall immediately adoDt into my school, as far as practica- We. THOMAS M BRKWFii. -^ SOME DIRECTIONS FOR USING THE FOLLOWING WORK* The pupil, in the first place, should be made acquainted with the key to the pronunciation of the words in the spel- ling sections ; likewise with the rules and observations for assisting scholars to read with propriety. He should then proceed in spelling or pronouncing the words, and reading their definition, together with the reading sections, as they are cu*ranged. The Teacher should frequently exercise his pupils in giv- ing the definition of words ; allowing them time to study the lesson, after which he should put out the words, and they should spell them and give their definition. By exercising them in this manner, they will soon become acquainted with the meaning of the principal part of the. words they are to make use of through life. After the pupil has sufficiently studied this part of the work, it will be necessary for him to commence the study of grammar, which next occurs. While pursuing the study of grammar, this book will serve him instead of a dictionary, to ascertain the different parts of speech, and the definition of words ; as about all the words made use of in common writing are inserted in it. Thus, the present work will serve as a reading book, and a grammar, and instead of a dictionary. The education of youth is the source from which every community receives, in a great measure, its social organiza- tion : it is the principal object which promotes the happi- ness and prosperity of every nation : therefore, every attempt to assist the rising generation in the acquisition of useful knowledge, may be considered a laudable undertaking. — How far I have succeeded in the attempt, remains for a ju- dicious publick to determine. Although there are many valuable school books already in use, designed to initiate children into the first principles of our language ; yet, from experience in teaching, I am sen- sible of the great utility that would arise from our youth's being early instructed in the definition of words, as well as in their right pronunciation. Therefore, the design of the present work is, to furnish schools with a book calculated to succeed the Spelling Books ; composed of a selection of the principal part of the words made use of in common conver- sation and writing, with their pronunciation accurately pointed out, the part of speech annexed, and the definition given in plain, simple terms : interspersed with a variety of appropriate reading lessons, adapted to the capacity of youth ; to which is added an abridgment of English Grammar. It is absolutely necessary^hat children should early be- come acquainted with the definition of those words which they are to make use of through life ; and as no means have been devised for the attainmrit of this most necessary branch of instruction, except the columns of a Dictionary, an attempt has been made to obviate this great difficulty, and to fill up the hiatus between the Spelling Book and the Dictionary. Objections are frequently made by parents and guardians, against purchasing Dictionaries for their children ; arising from their price, and from their containing many Immodest and obscene words, which are apt to taint the minds of youth. Many of our school-boys that pass for good readers, know kut little about the meaning of the words they make use of vm PREFACE. or the se^se of the writer. Children labour under a great disadvantage while pursuing the common course of study; in which theyoften form very erroneous ideas of the defini- tion of many words, by not hnving a suitable book to refer to; and when once they have formed a wrong idea of words, it is difficult to make them sensible of their errour. I hope that Parents and Instructors will consider this subject well, and decide whether it would not be better for the scholar to become acquainted with those words which are mostly used, as soon as he shall be able to comprehend their meaning. While he is engaged in studying the definition of words, he is at the same time improving himself in reading, which ren^ ders the study more imj)ortant, as he is receiving informa- tion in two different ways at the same time. All that is generally thought necessai-y to bo comprehen- ded in teaching children to read, is, a correct pronunciation of the words made use of in reading, with due attention to emphasis and cadence, together with suitable mudulations of the voice. But the faculties of speech, with the finest mod- ulations of the voice, are of but little use without understand- ing. It is of great importance in tracking children to read, to teach them to understand tohot they read: and in order to understand what they read, they must become acquaint- ed with the definition of the words they make use of in read- ing. In consequence of their not understanding tjie deliui- tion of .words, their books become a task to them ; they con- tract a dislike to reading; and deriving neitlier information nor satisfaction from their books, they fall into habits of carelessness and inattention, which perhaps they may never have the fortitude to overconffe through lifi-. IJut if their minds are pxcited to inquiries after the meaning of words, to the exercises of reflection, to the fixing of the attention, and to the cultivation of the mtmory, they will arrive to an un- derstanding of many ideas of the writer, which otherwise would have been wholly lost to them. These impressions once made upon the tender mind, will be durable; they will grow willi their growth, and increase with their years. Particuhn- care has been taken to select such pieces for rending, as are adapted to the understrtnding, and pleasing to the taste of youth; and at the same time calculated to in- stil into their tender minds, moral and virtuous sentiments. Nothing has been intiMition;dly admitted, but what was tlioughi con'?Jstcnt with the purity of morality and rcligioi\. PREFA'CE- IX and calculated to impress upon the juvenHe mind, the love of piety and virtue, and to form a taste for reading. The great importance of early instructing youth in the principles on which our language is constructed, has been an inducement to add to the present work an abridgment of English Grammar. Our Grammars, in general, are so vo- luminous, so much is offered at the first view, that it often clogs the mind of the young pupil ; and instead of becoming a pleasing and interesting study, it often becomes a dry and disagreeable one. Grammar is generally considered as a laborious and irksome task ; children frequently labour year after year without making much progress ; while the whole blame is to be attributed to the unskilful method of instruc- tion. Yet, by taking it up in a natural and simple manner, and gradually developing its diffiaJties and intricacies, it may be so arranged, as to become a pleasing study. The present work is stripped of every thing but what is consider- ed essential ; the definitions of the different parts of speech are interspersed with easy parsing lessons, with the applica- tion of the rules of Syntax, which renders the study at once easy and inviting. It contains matter sufficient to give the pupil a good knowledge of Etymology and Syntax ; and the arrangement, explanations, and specimens of parsing, are such as will, with a little application, enable him to parse the English Language with accuracy. Having illustrated the views whicli enticed me to the present undertaking, I cheerfully submit the following work to the candour and discernment of an enlightened commu- nity. If, upon examination, it should be found to contain any improvements by which the understanding and faculties of youth may be more eflcctually called forth into operation, my utmost wish will be gratified, R. B, DIRECTIONS FOR THE PRONUNCIATION OF WORDS IN THE SPELLING SEC- TIONS OF THE FOLLOWING WORK. A TABLS Representing the different sounds of the simple and diphthong- al vowels referred to by the figures in the folloioing work. Figure 1 represents 1 1 the long sound of a, as in late, ta-per ; 1 1 the long sound of e or ee, as in me, meet ; the long sound of i, as in bile, bi-ble ; 1 1 the long sound of o or oo, as in dote, door ; 1 1 the long sound of u or ew, as in mute, mewl; 1 1 the long sound of y, as in style, ty-rant. Figure 2 represents 2 2 the short sound of a, as in mat, mar-ry ; 2 2 the short sound of e, as in bet, bet-ter ; 2 2 the short sound of i. as in pin, tit-tie ; 2 2 the short sound of a, as in cup, but-4er ; 2 2 the short sound of y, as in hymn, sys-tem. Figure 3 represents 3 3 the long sound of broad a, as in wall, wa-ter ; 3 the long sound of broad a made by ato, as in law ; 3 the long sound of broad a made by o, as in corn. Figure 4 represents 4 4 the flat sound of a, as in farm, mar-ket. 12 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER, Figure 5 represents 6 5 the short sound of broad a, as in wad, wal-let; 5 5 the short sound of broad o, as in not, mod-ern. Figure 6 represents 6 6 the sound of oo proper, as in noon, gloom-y ; 6 the sound of oo proper made by o, as in prove ; 6 the sound of oo proper made by u, as in rule. Figure 7 represents 7 7 the sound of oo short, as in hood, wool-ly ; 7 the sound of oo short made by o, as in wolf; 7 the sound of oo short made by t/, as in full. Figure 8 represents 8 the sound of u short made by e, as in her ; 8 the sound of « short m^de by i, as in dirt ; 8 the sound of u short made by o, as in love ; 8 the sound of u short made by oo, as in flood. Figure 9 represents 9 9 the sound of a long made by e, as in tete, rein. Ficure 10 represents the sound of c long made by i, as in shire, pique. The diphthongs oi and ay represent B 2 oi oy the long broad o, and the short t, as in boil, cloy. The di|rhthongs ou and ow represent 3 1 ou, ow the long broad o, and the short oo, as in pound, brow. Silent letters are distinguished by being printed in Italick characters ; as in niij/j, rrrap, ^navc, dtv/d, &c. iS, when printed in Italick, has the sound of z; as in rose, pronoimced roze. THE AJMERICAN INSTRUCTEK. IS G has its hard sound at the end of words, and before a, o, M, Z, and r ; and its soft sound like^" before e, e, and y j unless otherwise defined. When a syllable begins with <", and is followed b}' anoth*: er vowel printed in a Roman character, the i has the sound oiy : thiasa/-ien is pronounced ale-yen, c^'f- When ij and y, end a syllable after the accent, they are generally sounded like c ; as in neg-li-gent, lib-cr-ty, pro- nounced neg-le-gent, lih-er-te, <?^c. N has the sound of ng when it ends an accented syllable and is followed by k, q, c or g hard, and likewise when followed by k in the same syllable : thus, an-ger, can-ker^ thank, are pronounced ang-gcr, kang~ker, thangk, Sfc, X has the sound of ks ; except when followed by an ac- cented syllable beginning with a vowel or with /», in which it has the sound oi gz ; thus, exact is pronounced egzact. When a word begins with w, and is followed by li, the w is sounded after the A ; thus ?/'//aZc is pronounced h/tale, <^c. C, when followed by h printed ni Italick, has the sound of ^ ; thus, c//ord, is pronounced kord, X;c. When a word terminates in ck, preceded by I or n, ch has the sound ai' s/i, u\\]oii othcrv/isf; deuned. * ' The different sounds of th are represented thus ; the first or sharp sound as rn tliink, tliin, hath, &c. ; the second or flat sound as in xne, Tnat, Tnine, &c. Aio and azi when printed in Roman characters, have the sound of broad a Injig ; as in la^, haul. Ew has the sound of 7/ long ; as in hew, mew. Gh has the sound of/, unless otiierwisc defiited. Ph has the sound of/", unless (.tiierwis.'^ defined. Le at the end of wcrds, is pronounced like a weak el ; as in cable. lie at the end cfxYonis. is g; Drialiy pronounced like w ^ thus, a-cre, is pronouiiced w-kur, t^v;. The terminations twn and sion, are pronounced like shun', tioiis, cinus, ccous. and mows 'like slius :cial?in<\ tiaf, like shal : ciah like s.'uin : ticiit, cietit,ftm\ dent, like sJicat, §{-c. In the following work where e final iS' preceded by a con- sonant, and printed in a Roman character, it serves, to lengthfti the foregoing vinvel : as in late : but in all other casesj^^ when it ends a syllable, it is printed in Italick. Such words as are irregular, and not easily pronounced by their costomary letters, are written the second time with sucli letters as giv« the right sound ; or their pronunciation defined in some other way 9. 14 THE AIVrERICAlV INSTRUCTER'. Cftneral Rules aiid Observations, for ossisiing ScJiol* nrs to Read with Propriety. The art of reading, is tliat system of rules, whicli teaches us to pronounce written composition with justness, energy, variety, and ease. These rules consist, principally, in the modulation of the voice, comprising accent, emphasis, cadence, pauses, and inflection. Accent is a greater force or stress of voice on one sylla- ble of a word than another, that it may be better heard than the rest, or distinguished from them. The accented sylla- bles should be proTiounced with a' forcible stress of voice ; the unaccented, with less stress, biit distinctly. Emphasis is~a particulkr force of the voice, by which wo distinguish the most important word or words in a sentence. The words which are eniphntical-, are opposed to, or con- trasted with some other words either expressed or undfer- stood ; asin the following passage ; "'Tis hard to say, if greater want of skill' Appear in icrilm^:, or \n Jitdr^inz ill : But of the two, less dangevo'is is the offence To tire our patience, than mislead our setise." In this passage, the words in Italicks are cmphatical. Id the second\ine,J udging is opposed to writing ; in the fourth,- mislead is opposed to tire, and sense to patience.* Cadence is a fall or depression of the voice, and gencFal- ly takes place at the close of a sentence. Pauses are marks of silence, used in punctuation. Punctuation is the art of dividing a written composition into sentences or parts of sentences, by points or stops, for the purpose of marking the dilVerent pauses which the sense requires. Inflections are those slides of the voice either upward or downward, which, in a great measure, constitute the har- mony of pronunciation. The rising itiflection is tVuit upward turn of the voice we generally use at the comma, or in asking a question begin- ning with a verb ; as, No, say you ; did he say No ? The falling inflection is generally used at the semicolon, cofon and period ; and must necessarily be heard»in an- swer to the furn^er question, He did ; lie said No. * To lay the emphasis with exact pioijiicty, is a constant exercise of goocl sense and altention. Care should be taken not to use em- rthatical words too often ; it is only a prudent use of them that will produce their proper effect. ^ THEj\MERICAN INSTRUCTER. 1*6 SECTION L ' I Observations on rash judgement. We generally judge of persons and things as they ei- ther oppose or gratify our piivate views and inclina- tions ; and being blinded by the impetuous motions of self-love, we are easily led from the judgement of truth. We must not believe every word we hear, nor trust the suggestions of every thought; but consider and ex- amine all things with patience and attention ; for so great is human frailty, that we are more ready to be- lieve and speak evil of one another, than good. But a virtuous man is not forward to give too much credit to the reports of others ; because, being sensible of the darkness and malignity of human nature, he knows that it is prone to evil, and apt to pervert truth in the use of speech. it is an evidence of ti'ue wisdom, not to be hasty in our actions, nor obstinate in our opinions ; and not to give credit to every word that is spokeji, .nor immedi- ately to communicate to others v/hat we "have heard, or even what we believe. In cases of perplexity and doubt, consult a wise and prudent man ; and choose rather to be guided by the counsel of one wiser than thyself, than to follow the iitggestions of thy own will. Keep thy eye turned inwardly upon thj'self, and be- ware of judging the actions of others. In judging oth- ers, a person labours to no purpose ; commonly errs, and frequently sins: but in examining and judging him- self, he is always wisely and usefully employed. If virtue alone was the pure object of all our inten- tions and desires, Ave should not be troubled when the truth of things happens to be repugnant to our own sentiments and opinions : but now we are continually drawn aside from truth and peace, by some partial in- clination lurking within, or sonte apparent good or evil rising without. I y From the diversity of inclinations and opinions ad- 16 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. hered lo, arise dissensions among friends and country- men ; nay, even among the professors of a religions and holy life. It is difiicuU to extirpate that whicii custom has deep- ly rooted ; and no man is w illing to he carried farther than his ov.h iiielinations and opinions lead him. Strong j)rcjndice is relieved by learning to distin- guish things vtcll, and not to judge inthe lump. There is scarcely ap.y thing in the world, of nature or ai't, morality or religion, tiiat is plrfcctly uniform. There is a mixture of wisdom and folly, vice and virtue, good ajid evil, both in men and things. We should remember that some persons have groat evil, and litlie judgement ; others are Judicious, but not witty. Some are good humoured without complaisance, ot,hers have all the" formalities of complaisance, but no good humour. One man may be vicious and learned, while another has virtrfe without learning. Many a man thinks admirably well, who has a poov utterance: while others have a charming manner ol speech, but their thoughts are trifling and impertinent. Some are good neighboyrs, courteous and charitable towards men, Avho ha'.'e no piety towards God ; otiiers are truly religious, Ikit of. morose natural tempers. Some excellent sayings are fou)id in very silly books and some silly thoughts appear in books of real valut. AVe should neither praise nor dispraise ])y wholesale; separate the good from the evil, and judge of them apart: the accuracy of agood Jiidgemeiit consists much in making such distinctions. Cliarity. The charitable man Jinfe a favourable v-pinion o/' men and their actions: lie assisfs ihe jjooc; he couiforis the ufllicted; he protects those that arc' oppressed; he re- conciles di/reren<es, ;uid ]>iomoies pence and good wdl among men. From tiie Count.^in of his heart rise rivers ot goo(lne<-N. and Ok' '"rcji'is (>\v'r(low for the h»>uefit ol' m;uikind. THE AIVfERlCAN INSTRUCTER. It ar, stands f;>r Article-; a, for .\<'jective : "» pro, for ISoun ; for Proiioiui ; for Veib ; for Participle ; for Adverb ; for Preposition ; for Conjunction : for Inteijeclinn. 1 SECTION II. Monosyllables ; in which the sotmds of the voiods mt accu- rately pointed out hij the fiiuras, and the silent letters dis- tinguished by being printed in Italich characters. Ill the spelling sections of the following work, the words consisting' of the same number of syllables, arc classed together. First, those of one syllable are inserted; Secondly, those of two; Thirdly, those oi three"; ami so on through the whole work. The words are likewise arranged iti Alphabetical order: that is, all the words in the monosyllables thut are governed by figure 1, are placed in alphabetical order Ironi the boginning of this section, onward, untii another figure occurs. Those ggyi rned by figure 2, are placed under 3 in like manner; and so on tiuoi^i all the spelling sections of this work. The Ahhrcciations dcnuting the parts of speech c.rplmncd, pa, ad, pr, conj, iitl, 1 Bold, a. darin?, conficlent Brave, a. couragoous, gallant Break, v. to part by force ; to tame Breeze,/?, a gentle wind Bribe, n. a reward given to pervert judgement ; v. to give britjcs ^v'lghi, a. shining, clear Brii#, n. salt jiickle, the sea Cnge, n. a place of confiue- »is.t?t Cake, n. a kind of delicate bread ' Caijc,'«. headland ; part of a cost CarCj n . caution , anxiety Case, //. oyl^^ part of a tiling Cave, «.a cavern, den, hollow Cease, i-.to stop, be at an end Cha?r, n. a. moveable seat Chain, «. a line of links; tfw to fasten vvith a chain ' Chaise, [shaze] n. a carriage Change, y. to alter, to mentl .2* — Ac//c, V. to be in pain Aid, V. to liolp, to assist .\ir, n, tlie element in which we breathe Bane, n. poison, mischief. ruin — BaxHe, V. to wash in water Be«k, n. the bill of a bird Bc«m, ?<• amain timber; part of a balance ; ray of light Bertst, ??. an irrational animal Beef, n. the flesh of cattle Bind, V. to confine, fasten Bite,t'. to crush with theteetli Blade, n. spire of grass ; the sharp part of a. weapon Blame, v. to censure —Blaze, ;/. a flame ; v. to flame Bleach, v. to whiten Bleed, v. to lose or let blood Blind, a. without sight, dark Bloat, V. to swell, to puff up Board, ?^.a thhi piece of wood Boast^ V. to brag, magnify Brain, n. a soft substance within the skull, the seat ot sensation and intellect a covci-msr, sheath, is TII-E AMERICAN Ii\3TRUC'i ER. 1 Chase, v. to hiintj to pursue ; n. a pursuit Chaste, a. undefiled, pure Cheap, a. at a low price Cheat, V. to defraud ; n. a fn'ud, trick Cheek, ?i. side of the face Cheer, y, to comfort, to incite Cheese, ji. food made of milk Chide, V. to reprove, blame — Ch/ef, a. principal, capital ; n. a leader, a commander Child, ff. an infant, an ofif- spring Choke, w.to suffocate, stop up, hinder, suppress Claim, n. a demand, title : y, to demand of right Clay, n. a sort of earth Clean, «. free from dirt, neat, elegant Clear, a. bright, transparent, free from mixture, pure Cleave, y. to divide, to split Clim6, V. to ascend Close, V. to shut, tofinisli, to join ^ue Coach, w. a carriage of pleas- Coat, M. the upper garment Coax, V. to Hatter, entice Code, n. a book of the civil law Gold, a. not hot, frigid Colt, n. a young horse Cream, n. the oily part of mjlk Creed, n. a confession of faith Creep, w. to move slowly, to louer, j^lault Crime, n. an offence, great Cube, n. a square solid body Cure, I), to heal, to restore to health Deed, 71. an action ; written evidence Dire, a. dfeadful, dismal Dive, V. to go under water Door, ?^.gate of a house, pas- sage Doze, V. to slumber, to stupify Dra^n, v. to empty, to make dry [duck Drake, ?/. the male of the 3i;(7m, n. thoughts in sleep ive, V. to force, urge, guide Dry, a. having no moisture Ear, n. the organ of hearing ; spike of corn Ease, e. to free from pain; n, quietness Eat, V. to devour with the mouth, to consume [face Face^i, the visage, fr«nt,sur- Fade, v. to lose colour, to wither Fa/1, V. to he deficient ; to omit ; to break in business Faith, n. belief, fidelity Fame, «. renown, reputation Fate, u. destiny, event Fear, n. dread, awe, anxiety ; V. to dread Feast, 71. a sumptuous meal Feat, n, an action, exploit Feed, v. to supply with food Few, n. not many Fiend, u. an enemy, infernal being Fi(;rce, a. \iol(Mif, furious Fife, 71. a small pipe or wind instrument of musick F'lf^/ii, V. to contend in battle Find, 7'. to obtain by search- ing, discover Flail, 71. an instrument to thrash with THE A31ERICAN LNSTRIJCTER. 19 1 Flame, n. a blaze, a stream of fire ; r. to blaze.. Fire, }i. the element that burns Fleam, ??. an instrument to bleed cattle [sheep Fleece, ?;. the avooI of one Fleet, n. a number of ships in company Float, V. to swim on the water Floor, Ji. the bottom of a room Flow, V. \o run, to overflo\|w Flue, 71. pipe of a chimney ; soft down or fur Flute, n. a musical pipe Fly, n. an insect Foam, n. froth, spume Foe, n, an enemy, opponent Fold, «. a pen for sheep ; v. to double up FoZks, 71, pebple, mankind Force, 77. violence, strength Fort, n. a fortified place, for- tification Frail, a. liable to errour, weak Frame, ra. a case, form, order Fray,w.. a quarrel, battle, broil Free, v. to set at liberty.; a. liberal Freeze, v. to congeal by cold Fright, V. tv terriiy, to daunt Fume, n. vapour,, smoke, pas- sion Gain, n. profit, benefit ; w. to obtain, to win Gale, 71. a blast of wind Game, n. a play, sport Gate, 71. a large door, an en- trance Gauge, n. a measure, a stand- ard ; V. to measure the con- tents of a vessel ■Gay, «. airy, merry, fine, showy- Gaze, i\ to look earnestly a spirit, an appan- GZ/ost, tion Gleam, w. a sudden shoot of light Glee, ?i. joy, mirth, merriment Glide, V. to flow gently Globe, n.a round body, sphere Glu«, n. a strong cement used to join substances Go,!', to walk, move, proceed Goad, 71. a stick used to drive oxen Gold, 71. the most valuable of all metals, money Grace, ??. favour, virtue, par- don, beauty, ornament Grain, }i. corn ; the seed of fruit ; a small particle Grave, n. a place for the dead; a. sober, solemn Gray, a. white mixed with black - Graze,!;, to eat grass; to touch lightly Grease, n. fat, the soft part of fat Green, a. unripe ; not dry ; n. a colour ; a grassy plain Greet, v. to salute, address Grief, n. sorrow, trouble Grieve, v. to mourn, to lament Gripe, v. to hold fast, squeeze Grove, n. a small wood, a walk shaded by trees Gxotc, V. to vegetate, to in- crease [crease Gro«7th, 71. vegetation, in- G?<ide, V. to direct, to conduct Gwile, n. deceit, fraud Haste, 71. hurry, speed.passioE Hate, V. to detest, abhor, dis like 20 IHE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 1 1 Hay, n. grass dried for fodder Heap, 71. a pile,crowd, cluster Heat, 71. warmth, passion ; v. to make hot [tion Heed, w. care, caution, atten- Height, 71, extension upwards, utmost degree Hide, V, to conceal, lie hid ; n. the skin of an animal Hi^A, a. tall, lofty Hive, n. a place for bees Hoarse, a. having a rough voice, rough, harsh Hoe, n. an instrument used to cut up earth Hole, 71. a hollow place, cavity Home, 71. a place of constant residence Hope,«.a desire of some good Host, «. a landlord, master ; an army, any great number Huge, a. vast, immense Ice, n. frozen water Ire„w. anger, rage, wrath Jail, n. a prison, place of con- finement [mock Jeer, v. to scoff, to make Joke, 71. a jest ; r. to jest, to be merry Juice, 71. sap in vegetables ; fluid in animals June, n. the sixth month of the year Keel, 71. the bottom of a ship Keen, a. sharp, eager Keep, V. to retain, preserve Key, n. an instrument to open a lock ; a tone in musick Kind, a. benevolent, good Kite,'??, a bird of prey ; a fic- titious bird made of paper JCneel, v. to bend the Unce, .to rest on the kiioc Knife, n. a steel utensil to cut with Knofo, V. to understand ; to perceive with certainty Lake, n. a large inland water Lame, a. crippled; v. to crip- ple Lane, 7i. a narrow street Lay, 7;. to put, to place Lead, v. to guide, to conduct Leaf, 71. part of a tree, book, table, &c. League, n. a confederacy ; a measure of three miles Leak, x>. to drop, run out Lean, v. to rest against, to bend; a. meager, thin, poor Leap, V. to jump, to bound ; 71. a jump Lease, 7i. a temporary con- tract for land Least, a. the smallest Leave, v. to quit, forsake ; n. permission,libcrty, farewell Lee, n. the side opposite to the wind Loes, 71. dregs, sediment Life, 71. the present state of existence Light, /I. that by which we see ; a. not heavy ; v. to kindle, to inflame Like, V. to be pleased with ; a. resembling Lime, ??. a viscid substance of which mortar is made ; a species of IfMuon Line, /?. a string ; a mark Lo, int. look ! sec ! behold ! Load, 71. burden, a freight ; V. to biudeu ; to charge a gun Loaf, n. 9 m'ciss of htooA THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Zi ■Ijoarue, v. to hate, abhor Lone, a. single, without com- pany how, a. not high ; weak ; mean ; v. to bellow Mail, w. armour ; a bag of post-letters [cripple Maim, V. to hurt, wound, Ma/'n, a, chief, principal Mazze, n. Indian corn Make, v. to create, to form Mane, n. the hair on the neck of a horse Mare, h. tlie female of the horse kind Mate, n. a companion ; sec- ond in command May, n. the fifth month of the year ; v. to be permitted Mead, n. a drink made of honey and water Meal, n. the edible part of corn ; a repast Mean, a. base, low ; n. medi- um, method ; v. to intend Meat, n. flesh to be eaten transactions Meek, a. mild of temper, "Niece, n. the daughter of a humble, gentle Meet, V. to join, to come to- gether Might, n. power, strength Mild, a. kind, tender [rods Mile, n. the distance of 320 Mind, n. intelligent power, opinion ; v. to mark, regard Mine, n. a place that contains minerals ; pro. belonging to me Mire, n. mud, wet dirt Mite, 71. a small particle ; a very small insect Moan, V. to lament, grieve Mode, n. form, fashion Mote, n. a natural spot ; a small animal Mope. V. to be stupid More, a. a greater number or quantity Most, a. greatest in number or quantity [of matter Mote, H. a very small particle Mowrn, X'. to grieve, lament ^loio, V. to cut with a scythe Muse, 71. deep thought ; the powor of poetry ; v. to pon- der, to study Mute, 71. a letter without a sound ; a. silent, dumb Nail, 71. an iron spike ; the horny substance at the ends of the fingers and toes Name,t^. an appellation, title ; V. to give a name ; to men- tion b}' name Nay, ad. noy.by no means Neat, a. elegant, clean, pure New, a. fresh, modern, late News, 71. fresh accounts of brother or sister [sunrise Night, V. time from sunset to No, ad. a word of denial Nose, n. part of the face Oak, n. the name of a tree Oftr, n. an instrimient to row with , ' Oath,/?. asdSnm or profane .ippeat tb the Divine Being a species of grain Old, a. not new, ancient Ore, 71. metal unrefined Page, n. one side of a leaf Pail, 71. a wooden vessel Fain, ??. sensation of uneasi ness ; penalty Oats, ?? 22 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Pair, 71. a couple, two things suiting one another Pale, a. i'aint of lustre, whitish Pane, n. a square of glass Pare, v. to cut off the surface Pate, 71. the head Pave, V. to lay with stonesor brick Pay, V. to disclxirge a debt ; 71. wages Peace, /i. rest, quietness ; re- spite from war [souiuls Peal, ti. a succession of loud Pear, n. a kind of fruit Peel, V. to pare, to take the rind off Peer, 7i. a nobleman ; an equal Pew, 71. a seat enclosed in a church Piece, 71. a part,a composition Pier, 71. the column or sup- port of an arch ; a wharf or mound in a river or sea Pierce, v. to penetrate, enter Vile, 71. aheap; piece of wood Pine, 71. a tree ; v. to languish Pint, n. half a quart Pipe,n. a tube ; an instrument of musick ; two hogsheads Poll, 11. the head ; a list o( voters at an election Porch, 71. a portico, a covered wali-; [rrtioo Pore, 71. a passage of pcrspi- Pork, 71. swine's flesh [wine Port, 11. a harbour ; kii;d of Post, n. a piece of timber; a messenger ; office Praise, ?j. commendation,hon- our ; V. to commend^ extol Pra?/, V. to entreat, suppli- cate, implore Preach, r. to deliver a pub- lick discourse on religious subjects Price, 71. value, estimation Pride, «. self-esteem, haughti- ness Prime, 7i. the spring of life, best part ; v. to \nii pow- der. into the pan of a gun Prize, 71. a reward gained ; .v, to rate, to value [mcnt Probe, /',. a surgeon's instru- Prose, n. the usual way of speaking or writing ; in op- position to verse Pure, a. unsullied, clear Place, n. locality ; residence ; Quail, n. the name of a bird rank ; v. to rank, fix Plagwe, ?t. pestilence ; v. trouble, vex to Plate, n. a dish to eat on ; wrought silver Flay, V. to sport, to frolick ; n. recreation ; a drama Plea,n. form of pleading; ex- cuse Plead, w. to argue, tiefend Plea.s«>, V. to delight, gratify P'yle, 71. a long staff; a mea- sure of 5 J- yards Quake, V. to shake with cold or fear Queen, 7t. the wife of a king Queer, a. odd, strange, droll Quire, 71. 24 sheets of papier Quite, ad. completely, per- fectly Race, 71. a running match ; family, a })articular breed Rage, 71. violent anger ; v. to be in a fury Rain, n. water the clouds falling from THE AJJfERICAN INSTRUCTER. 25 SECTION III. The diligent Scholar. Who is he that comes along so briskly with a small basket on his arm? His limbs are strong and active, his cheeks are ruddy, and his countenance is cheerful and good humoured. It is the diligent scholar : he is hastening to school that he may be there in time. It is very seldom that he is a minute after the time fixed, either in the morn- ing, or in the afternoon. He is not afraid of summer's heat, or winter's cold, nor of a little snow or rain. His teacher tells him that he should be very regular in attending school, in order that he may learn well and quick ; and he ahvays likes to please and oblige his teacher, and to do as he desires. During school time, he always sits or stands in his, own place ; and he never goes out of the school with- out his teacher's leave. He reads no book at school but such as his teacher tells him to i*ead. He is very careful not to do any mischief, or put any thing out of its proper place. He is desirous to learn something useful every day,^ and to remember what he has learned: and he is scarce- ly satisfied with himself, if he does not find that he im- proves every day he lives. When he is at school, he remembers that it is out of kindness and love to him that his parents or guardians have senthim there, or procured him the liberty of going. He takes care not to disappoint them in their views, nor grieve them nor his careful teacher, by being neg- ligent and careless of his book ; but applies himself with the utmost diligence, to whateA^gr studies or business his master appoints him. « . In going to and from school, as well as at all other times, he is careful to behave with decency and respect to every one, whether rich or poor, old or young. He will by no means say or do any thing that would offend any person ; neither torture nor abuse any living creature ; because he is willing to do in all cases, as he would wish to be done unto. 24 TIIi: AMERICAN 1-NSTllLCTER. ' The diligent scholar is one who loves, honours and obeys his parents and teacher, by paying them the ut- most deference and respect, by a becoming reverence for them, a filial aflbction for their persons, a tender re- gard for their safety and preservation, a constant and cheerful attention to their advice, and a ready and im- plied obedience to their commands. His parents, brothers and sisters, and all his friends, love hJm. His teacher loves him too, and commends him very much to all who make inquiries about him, and often speaks of his good conduct to the otlier scho- lars, and wishes them to take pattern b}' him, and be- liave as he does. When he leaves school, he often thinks of what he learned there, and tries to remember it, and to improve himself in it. He is tffankful to his parents 'and to his teacher, who ^^ ere so good to him, and took so much pains to instruct Jiim; and especially h.e will be thank- ful to God \\ho gave him such kind parents, and so good a teacher. SECTION IV. Reflections on Sun-set. Behold now the beautiful evening drawmgjlier sa- ble curtain over the world. All circumstances concur to husii our passions, and soothe our cares; liberty, that dearest of names, and health, the greatest of bless- ings, gi\e an additional and ine.vpressible charm to every delightful object. Sec how that glorious luminary beautifies ^he western clouds, dc^scending lower, and lower, till his chariot wheels seem to hover on the utmost verge of day. The ground is now o\erspread with glimmering shades, ma- king a most beautiful landscape. The melodious trilx of feathered songsters, full of grateful acknowledgments, are now paying their last tribute of hjurmiiny, and soothing tlu^mselves to rest with a song of praise to tlu- great Creator. See! the distant eminences ar*^ fipt \Vith -streaming gold; the loftiest trees THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. .. 25 in the groves, and distant towersi catch the last smiles of da}' ; all nature still irradiated by the departing beams. But alas ! how transient is the distinction ! how mo- mentary the gift! Like all other blessings which mor- tals enjoy on earth, it is gone almost as soon as granted. See how languishingly it trembles on the lofty spires. The lowing herds are slowly bending their way along the verdant meadow to meet the milk-maid with her pail, who daily robs them of their sweets gathered from nature. The flowers fold up their coloured leaves, and hang their heads on the slender stalk ; and even the gamesome lambs have grown weary of their frolicks. The little vivacity that remains of day, decays every moment. It can no longer hold its station. While I speak, it expires, and resigns tlie silent world to night. ' — Q«©© — SECTION V. Select Sentences. No man is born wise ; but wisdom and virtue require a tutor ; though we can easily learn to be vicious with- out a teacher. Idleness is the parent of want, and of pain ; but the labour of virtue brings forth pleasure. The hand of diligence defeats want : prosperity and success are the industrious man's attendants. Economy is tlie foundation of liberality, and the pa- rent of independence. Diligence, industry, and a proper improvement of time, are material duties of the young. Avoid all harshness in behaviour ; treat every one with that civility which springs from a mild and gentle heart. By taking revenge, a man is but equal with his ene- my ; but in passing it over, he is superiour. Caution is a necessary lesson to be learned by youth ; and perseverance, one of the best qualities they can be endowed with. It is wiser to prevent a quarrel beforehand, tha;^ to revenge it afterwards. 3 26 5 ^ THE AMERICAN INStRtJCTER. Learning is the temperance of youth, the comfort of old age, and the only sure guide to honour and prefer- ment. Modest}' ahvaj's sits gi-acefully upon youth ; it covers a multitude of faults, and doubles the lustre of every virtue which it seems to hide. Nothing more engages the affections of men, than u handsome address, and graceful conversation. Our conversation should be sucb, that youth ma^- therein find improvement, women modesty, the aged re- spect, and all men civility. The happiness of the liody, consi>>ts in liealih ; that of the mind, in knowledge. True piety is the foundation of good morals, and -a. disposition particularly graceful and becoming in youth. Virtue is never safe but when she is secured by the guard of prudence : discretion is her huiidmaid, and wisdom her counsellor and instructer. Virtue's the friend of life, the soul of health, The poor man's comfort, and the rich man's wealtli. — e^©— SECTION VI. 3Ionosyllablcs continued. I Raise, v. to lift, erect, exalt, elevate Rake, n. a farming utensil ; ti loose disorderly fellow Rare, «. scarce, uncommon Rate, n. a price ; a tax ; v. to value Ra^/, n. a beam of light Reach, V. to hold out ; to ar- rive at Read, V. to peruse Ream, n. 20 quires of paper Reap, V. to cut down grain Rear, /». to raise up ; n. th(! hind<!r troop ; last class Reed, n. a pHult, small pipe Keelj n. a frame on which yarn is wound ; r. to wind on a reel ; to stagger RAynie, c. tu ayiee iu soinul ; /.'. harnicuy of verses, .po- Rice, //. a kind u\ osridoni grain Ride, r, t(» be carried ou iiorseback, or in a vehicle K\f^liiy a. lit, just ; n. justice Kind, n. bark, husk, skin Ripe, a. mature, complete Hi.se, /'. to get up, a.scend Rive,/', (o sj)lit, to^clieave Road, n. a way for travelling THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 27 Ro«ra, V. to wander, ramble Roar, r. to make a loud noise Ro«st,r. to cook meat before the fire Robe, n. a dress of dignity Roc, n. the female of the hart Rogwe, n. a knave, a rascal Roll, w. to move in a circle, to epv/rap Rope, n. a cord, string, halicr Rose, n. a fragrant flower Rote, ft. words uttered by mere memory Ro?^', n. a number of things placed in a line ; v, to im- pel by oars Rye, V. a kind of grain Safe, a. free from dancer bage, a. wise, grave ; n. a plant; a man of wisdom Sail, 7*. a canvass sheet ; v. to be moved by the wind Saint, n. a person eminent for piety Sale, 71. the act of selling Same, a. of the like kind Save, V. to preserve from dan- ger or destruction Shi/, v. to speak, utter Scale, n. part of the covering of a fish ; a balance Scarce, a. uncon^mon, rare Scare, t'. to frighten, to terrify Scene, n. part of a play, an appearance Sc/teme, n. a plan, project Scold, V. to find fault Scrape, t\ to pare lightly ; erase ; n. difficulty Screak, i\ to make a shrill noige ' Scream, v, t.o ciy out vjo- lentlj- Sefl', n. the ocean, a collection of water Seal, n. a stamp, mark ; v. te fasten with a seal Sear, v. to burn Se«t, n. a chair, bench See, V. to perceive by the eye Seed, n. that which produces Seek, I', to look for, solicit Seem, v. to appear ScoTH, v. to boil, to make hot Se/ne, n. a net used in fishing Seize, V. to take by force, to grasp Shade, n. a shadow Shake, -u.to tremble, to totter Shame, ii. disgrace Shape, n. a form; v, to form Share, «. a portion, a part ; v. to divide Shave, v. to pare, to cut off Sheaf, 72. a bundle of grain Shear, i\ to clip, to cut off Sheath, n. a scabbard, the case of any thing SheaTH, v. to put into a sheath Sheep, n. the animal that bears wool Sheet, n. a piece of paper ; linen for a bed ; a sail Sh/eld, /?. a buckler, defence Shine, V. to glitter, to glisten Shore, V. the bank of a river, the coast of a sea Sho«6',r. to exhibit to view ; J7. a sight, exhibition Shriek, n. a cry of anguish or horrour ; v. to' scream Sight, ?i. perception by the eye [token Si^n, V. to subscribe ; n. a Size, H. bulk, bigness Skate, ?z. a kind of sliding shoe 26 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Sky, n. the region w hich sur- rounds the earlh, the fir- mament Slate, w. a gra}' stone Slave, n. one deprived of freedom Slay, V. to kill; to murder Sleep, n. repose, slumber Sleeve, n. the dress covering the arm Slice, i;. to cut into thin pieces Slide, V. to mo\'i3 on a slippery surface Sli^At, y. to neglect, scorn Sloth, n. laziness ; an animal Slo?<7, a. not swift, dull Sly, a. meanly artful, cunning Smile, V. to express pleasure by the countenance ; n. a look of pleasure -Smite, V. to strike, destroy Smoke, n. a sooty exhalation Snake, n. a serpent Snare, n. a net, a trap Sneer, v. to show contempt ; n. a scornful look Sneeze, v. to emit wind audi- bly by tho nose Snipe, n. a kind of bird Snot^, n. water frozen in flakes So, ad. in like manner, thus Soak, V. to steep, to wet Soap, n. a substance used in washing [high Soar, V. to fly aloft, to rise Sole, n. the bottom of tlie foot or shoe [painfuj Sore, n. a place tender and SomI, »j. the immortal part uf man, the spirit Sowrce, n. a spring, head ; original cause Soj^^', V. to scatter, to spread Space, n. extension, room Spade, n. a sort of shovel Spare, v. to do without ; a. scanty, lean Speak, x\ to utter articulate sounds, to talk [on Spear,ra. a long pointed weap- Speecli, n. articulate utter- ance, talk ; an oration Speed, n. quickness, haste Sphere, n. a globe, orb ; com- pass of knowledge or action Spice, 71. a vegetable produc- tion fragrant to the smell Spike, n. a nail ; an ear of corn Spite, n. malice, rancour Spleen, n. ill humour Spoke, n. part of a wheel Sport, n. play, diversioiv Sprain, n. a violent extension of the tendons Spume, n. foam, froth Spy, n. one who watches an- other's actions Squeeze, v. to press close Stain, n. a blot ; infamy ; v. to blot, to daub Stake, n. a post ; pledge St ire, V. to look earnestly State, n. condition, dignity ; a republiclv. body of a na- tion Stave, V. to break in pieces Stay, V. to continue in a place Ste./l, r. to take by theft Ste^/ni,?/. tljo vapour or smoke of any ihing moist and hot Sl(;cl, n. iron refined by fire Steep, V. to soak ; a. a p. proachin'j '■ .1 perpend ic ulm- THE AMERICAN IN6TRUCTER. 29 Stone, n. a hard and insipid body Store, n. a warehouse Stove, n. a place in which lire is made Strange, a. wonderful, odd ; int.au exoression of wonder Strayj V. to wander, to rove Str^aim, w. a running water, a current Street, n. a paved way, a road Strife, ti. contention Stx*ike, t'. to hit with a blow Strive, V. to endeavour Stroll, V. to wander, ramble St3ie, n. nK^nner of writing ; title Sue, V. to prosecute by law ; to entreat, beg, request Sure, [shuro] a. certain, true Sweet, a. luscious to the taste Swine, 71. a hog, a pig S/t'ord, n. a military weapon Take, v. to receive ; to seize ; to captivate Tame, a. gentle, not wild Tare, 71. a weed ; an allow- ance in weight Taste, V. to try the relish ; n. the act of tasting Tea, n. a Chinese plant ; li- quor made thereof Tewch, V. to instruct Tear, n. water from the eye Theme, n. a subject, short dissertation Th?ef, n. one who steals Tume,pro. relating to thee Three, a. one and two added Thrice, ad. three times Thrive, v. to prosper; to grow fat or rich [neck Throat, n. the fore part of the 3* Throne, 7i. a royal seat Throjf), V. to fling, to cast Tide, 71. ebb and flow of the sea Tie, V. to fasten, to bind Time, n. measure of duratiouf Toad, 11. an animal resem- bling a frog Toe, n. one of the divided ex- tremities of the foot Trade,?!, traffick, commerce ; V. to deal, to traffick Tree, ?«. a large vegetable Tribe, «. a distinct body of people Try, V. to attempt Tune, 71. a diversity of notes put together, l)iu-niony Twa/n, a. twt; : ad. in two paits Twice, ad. tv.o limes Twine, X". to tv>'ist, wrap round ; ?;. a twisted thread Type, n. a priming letter; an emblem Use, 77. service, advantage, habit, custom [fruitless Va/n, a. cuncrited, proud, Yaal, 71. the llesu of a calf Vire, 71, wickedness; an iron piess Y/ew. J.', a ])rospect, sight ; v. to survey, to see Yik', (I. base, wicked, mean, Wa2t, V. to slay Week, n. seven days Weep, V. to i;hed tears, Id< nu-nt, mourn Whale, n. the largest of fish Wheel, n. an instrument for spinning ; a circular body that turps round upon aa axis 30 THE AMERICAN iNSTRUCTER. 1 !• Wheat, n. a specios of grain j IFlite. v. to form letters and Why, ad. for what reason | words with a pen Wife, 7?.. a married woman j \ e.vr, n. twelve calendai Wine, n. the fermented juice ! months of grapes Wise, a. judging right, skilful, prudent Wo, 71. grief, sorrow, niisery i /eld, /;. to resign ; to pro- dace 'Lealy n. passionate ardour, warmth SECTION VU. Monition to Children, Children, your kind parents send you to schoo) that you may be instructed in many thinijs wiiich may render you happy in yourselves, and .useful in society. They wish you to improve, and to be obedient to yon? instructers. They know that you must apply your minds to study, or you will not learn any thine; ; and the whole ex- pense of your education will be thrown away, and you grow up and become a burden to 3'ourselvjes and parents. It is to little eftect that instruction is oflbrcdtbyou, if you will neither listen to, nor observe the precepts which are recommended. You can gi\'e no better proofs of a docile temper, than by payinj:^ jjroper respect to those lessons which are calculat(ul for the improvement, either of the faculties of the mind, or aliections of the heart. Think not that the business,of education is a hard- ship to which you ai*e subject : it is intended solely for yojur benefit ; to instruct you in those virtues and ac- complishments which will tend to make you good and happy, useful and agreeable. Consider that your parents, by their conduct in this instance, are discharging that office which is incumbent on them. Your interest, therefore, and their duty, are sufficient inducements for the one to furnish the means of improvement, and for the others to be diligent and obedient to their tea,chers. THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 31 It is hoped that the means of learniiiii: which are now offered to yon, will be duly estimated ; and tliat you will do every thing in your power to turn it to, a good purpose. No proficiency can be made in any course of stud}' or learning, without application. Apply yourselves to the duties you owe to your pa- rents, relations, and to all others. Your parents love you sincere)} , and do all they can to make you com- fortable and happy ; and surely you should love and be kind to them in return. If you observe the duty you owe to your parents, you will be the better disposed to attend to the love and respect which are due to every body else. You will love your brothers a*nd sisters ; you will try to serve and oblige them, and secure their love to you. This spirit of love at home, will attend you wherever you go : it will induce you to respect and oblige your friends ; and if you live in love, you will be kind to all your playmates ; you will pity the poor and afllicted, and try to relieve their wants. Apply yourselves con- stantly to these things, and you will be sure of obtain- ing the love and friendship of all who know you. Early accustom yourselves to speak the truth. Bad children are often disposed to neglect speaking the truth when tiiey have committed a fault : shame, or the fear of punishment, leads them to conceal it from their parents and instructers. They are suspected, and asked to confess ; but they positively deny, or artfully avoid a direct answer. A -confession would always be best ; it would generally secure a pardon, or a very trifling correction. Take care that you do not imitate such bad examples of folly, deceit and wickedness. Be careful that you do nothing which your friends would disapprove ; but if you should offend them by doing amiss, and they ask you to confess, doit immediately. In speaking of others, you should avoid prejudice, passion and revenge ; but you should always speak of bad behaviour and wicked actions as they deserve^ 32 THE AMERICAN INSTROCTER. And even if j'our brothers, sisters or companions whora you love, do what is wrong, and you are requested to give an account of their actions, speak plainly and faithfully of what you know of the tnatter. By these means, many evils would be checked in time, and many gross and daring cri. nes prevented; the peace of society and that of your young friends would be preserved, and their families also, would be kept free from strife, confusion and unhappiness. — Q©©— SECTION Vlll. The Village Green. On the cheerful village green, Scatter'd round with houses neat, All the boys and girls are seen, Playing there with busy feet. Now thpy frolick, hand in hand, Making many a merry chain ; Then they form a warlike band, Mnrching o'er the level plain. Then ascends the nimble ball ; High it rises in the air ; -Or against tlie cottage wall, Up and down it bounces there. Or the hoop, with even pace, Runs before the -merry crowd : Joy is seen in ev'ry face ; Joy is heard in cinmours loud. For, amongst the rich and gay, Fine and grand, and derk'd in laces, None appear more glad llian they. With happier hearts, or happier faces. Then contented witli my state, Let me envy not the!! great ; Since true pleasure may l)e seen On a cheerful village green. THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 33 SECTION IX. To a Child jive years old. Fairest flower, all flowers excelling, Which in Milton's page we see : Flowers of Eve's imbower'd dwelling, Are, my fair one, types of thee. Mark, my Polly, how the roses Emulate thy damask cheek ; How the bud its sweets discloses — Buds thy opening bloom bespeak. Lilies are by plain direction Emblems of a double kind ; ' Emblems of thy fair complexion, Emblems of thy fairer mind. But, dear girl, both flowers and beauty Blossom, fade, and die away : Then pursue good sense and duty ; Evergreens which ne'er decay ! SECTION X. Monosyllables continued. Act, n. a deed, exploit ; v. to do, perform Add, V. to join to And, conj. a particle which joins sentences and words Apt, a. ready, quick Ask, V. to entreat, to inquire Bad, a. wicked, imperfect Bed, n. a place to sleep on Beg, V. to ask earnestly Belt, n. a girdle, sash Bench, n. a seat to sit on Bend, V. to crook ; to subdue Bilge, V. to spring a leak Bill, n. the beak of a fowl ; a written paper ; an account of particulars Blank, 71. void space; paper unwritten Bliss, ?^. happiness, great joy Blunt, a. dull ; unpolite Brag, V. to boast, swagger Bran, n. the husks of ground corn Brass, n. a yellow metal Breadth, n. the measure from side to side Breath, n. air drawn in and discharged by the lungs Brick, n. a mass of burnt clay Bridge, n. a building over water for the convenience of passing Bring, v. to fetch, to conduct M THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Br 'sk, a. lively, gay, quick Bud, n. the first shoot of a plant or tree [ter Bunch, n. a hard lump, a clus- Buzz, V. to hum like bees Can, V. to be able ; n. a cup Cap, n. cover for the head Cash, n. money, ready money Cask, n, a barrel Cast, V. to throw, to fling Cat, n. a domestick animal Ca^ch, V. to seize, ensnare Champ, V. to bite, chew Chance, n. fortune, accident Chasm, n. cleft, gap, opening Chat, V. to converse, talk Chest, n. a large box of wood Chin, n. lowest part of the face Church, n. a place of worship; the collective body of christians Churn, n. a kind of vessel in which butter is made Clan, w. a family, race, sect Class, n. a rank, order, degree Cleanse, v. to make clean Clinch, V. to hold fast Cling, y. to twine round Club, n. a heavy stick ; a society 1, V. to squeeze ; to Crusl bruise [cripj)les Crunch, n. a support usotl by Cull, V. to select tVom others Cup, n. a drinking vessel Dead, a. deprived of life Dearth, n. scarcity, finiiuc Death, n. extinction of life Dcit, w. what is another's just due Deck, V. to dress, adorn ; n. the floor of a ship Di^ch, n. a trench Dread, n. fear, awe Dress, n. clothes, garment!: Drip, V. to fall in drops Duck, n. a water-fowl Dull, a." stupid ; blunt Dum/>, a. speechless, silent Dusk, n. tendency to dark~ ness Dust, n. small particles of dried earth Earth, ti. the globe we live on, land, soil Edg<', n. the sharp part of an instrument Elk, n. a large wild animal of the stag kind Ell, n. a measure of one yard and a quarter Elm, n. the name of a tree End, /.'. conclusion, death Err, V. to mistake, stray Fact, u, reality Fast, a, firm, innnoveable ; <• to abstain t'rum t'ood Fat, a. the oily part of llesh Fen, n. a marsh, bog Fence, n. a guard, security. hedge Fib, n. a lie, falseliood Fill, 7). to make full Film, n. a thin skin Fish, ».. an animal that inha- bits the water Fix, V. to place, determine Flash, V. to blaze ; n, a sud- den blaze Flat, a. smooth, level Flax, 71. the plant of which linen is made Flesh, n. a purl of the animal body [back Flinch, r. to shrink or drajv THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTERv 35 Fling,'!; to throw, cast Flint," n. a hard kind of stone Frank, a. liberal, open, sin- cere Fresh, a. not salt, now [ion -Friend, n.a familiar compan- "^ Fringe, 71. ornamental appen- dages Tiin, ??. sport, mirth Fund, n. a stock or bank of money Fur, 71. the fine soft hair of beasts Gafr, V. to stop the mouth Gang, 71. a company, crew Gash, «. a cut or wound Gem, w. a jewel Gel, [g hard] r. to procure, t<i gain ^liio^t, 71. a spiiii, apparition (iift, [g hard] /i. a thing given Gildj [g hard] v. to wash over with gold Gill, [gerl] n. a female child, young woman Give, [g hard] v. to bestow Gbid, .7. pleased, cheerful Gln?s, 71. an artificial transpa- rent substance Glib^ a. smo(iili, quick Ghmpse, n. a faint light 6^nat, «. a small stinging in- \ sect Grand, a. splendid, noble Grant, «. to give, admit, be- stow Grasp, v. to hold in the hand, to gripe Gr^fn. food for cattfe GriiB, a. ill-looking, horrible Grit, n. sand, rough hard par-! tides Grudge, n. envy, ill will Gwess, V. to conjecture Guest, n. one who is enter-" tained Gulf, 71. a bay ; an abyss Gum, rj. the substance enclos- ing the teeth ; the juice of trees Gun, 77. a musket, cannon, &c. Gush, V. to rush out with vio- lence Hand, 71. a part of the body ; the palm with the fingers Hat, 71. a cover for the head Have, V. to possess, enjoy Head, ?^. the part that con- tains the brain ; a chief Health, 71. freedom from sick- ness [bushes Hedge, ??. a fence made oi Help, v. \o assist ; n. assis- ' tance, aid Helve, n. the handle of an axe Hem, II. the edge of a gar- ment Hemp, 71. a plant from which ropes are made Hence, ad. from this place Herd, 71. a flock, drove Hill,??. an elevation ofground, high land Hilt, ??. the handle of a sword Hingf, 71. a joint on which a door turns Hint, 71. a remote allusion, suggestion, intimation Hiss, n. noise made by a ser- pent ; expression of con- tempt Hiich, V. to move by jerks Hug, V. to embrace fondly Hulk, 71. the body of a ship Hull, 71. a husk, pod, outside ; the body of a ship ;56 niE AMERICAN 1^STRUCTER. lum, V. to sing low, to buzz ilunt, V. to chase, pursue Hurl, r. to thro\V with vio- lence Hurt, V. to injure, wound Hush, itti. siU^nce ! be still ! T . to quiet, appease Hut, n. a poor cottage, mean ali'.iii-'^ Hym«, w a divine or holy song 111, a. biJ 'u any respect ; sick Incii, )i. tiiO twelfth part of a foot Ink, }i. ■.'. Ikjuid to write with Jerk, ; . a sudden jolt Jest, n. a joke, any thing lu- dicrous Jet, n, a very black fossil Jig, //. a quick lance Judge, n. one who presides in a c »urt ; v. to pass sen- tence, decide Jump, V. to leap, skip Just, a. upriglit, honest Kick, n. a blow with the foot ; v.W strike with the foot Kid,Ji. a young goat King, n a monarch, chief ru- ler Klick, V. to make a small sharp noise Knh, V. to unite, join ; to make stockmg- work Lack, V. to be in want, to be witliout Lad, n.. a boy, youth Lag, 7'. to .'oiter, stay behind Lam6, n. a young sheep Lamp, n. a vessel which con- taii. '^iland wick for burn- ing Lance, r. ,) long spear ; v. to piercp. to cut Land, n. ground, a country Lank, a. loose, not filled up Lash, 71. part of a whip Lass, ti. a girl, young woman Last, a. latest ; v. to contin- ue ; n. the mould on which shoes are formed [door La^ch, n. a fastening for a Lecd, n. soft heavy metal Learn, v. to gain knowledge improve Left, a. opposite the right Lend, V. to grant the use ol any thing Length, ti. the extent of any thing from end to end Less, ad. in a smaller degree Lest, conj. for fear that Let, V. to allow, to suffer ; t© hire out Lid, n. a cover Lift, V. to raise, elevate Limft, n. a member, joint, bough Limp, V. to walk lamely Link, n. part of a chain ; v. to unite, join Lint, n. linen scraped soft Lip, n. the outer part of the mouth Lisp, V. to clip words in their pronunciation List, n. a catalogue, a roll ; a strip of cloth Live, V. to be in a state of life, to exist ?>uck, n. chance, fortune Lug, T. to pull or carry with difficulty I^uU, V. to compose to sleep Lump,n. a heap, a whole piece Lungs, n. the organs of respi ration '^B* x^:' THE AMERICAN LNSTRUCTER. 3T L311X, H. a spotted beast Mad, a. mind disordered in the hM Man, n. the male of the man species Map, n. a delineation of coun- tries [face Mask, n. a disguise for the Mass, n. a lump, a body Mast, n. the beam raised above the vessel to which the sail is fixed Mafch, n. a contest ; mar- riage ; that which catches fire Melt, V. to dissolve Mend, v. to repair, improve Mess, n. a dish or portion of food Milk, n. the liquor with which animals feed their young Mill, n. an engine to grind with Mince, V. to cut very small Mint, n. a place for coining ; a plant Mirtli, [nierih] n. merriment Miss, t'. not to hit ; ri. a young or unmarried woman Mist, n. fog, fine rain, a low thin cloud Mix, t". to mingle, unite Much, n. a great deal ; ad. in a great degree Mud, n. wet dirt, mire Mufi', n. a soft cover for the hands [out of IMug, n. a cup used to drink Must, V, to be obliged Nap, w. a short sleep, slumber JVeck, n. a part of the body Nerve, n, an organ of sensa- tion 4 2 Nest, n. an abode ; a bed formed by a bird for her ^ yoimg Net, n. a texture for catching fish, birds, cfec.^ Next, a. nearest in place ; Nip, -c. to pinch, to bite Num6, o. torpid, cold, chill; -•. to make numb, stupify Nurse, n. one who takes care of a sick {x^rson Pack, n. a large bundle ; a set of cards ; v. to bind up for carriage Pan, n. a kitchen vessel ; part of the lock of a gun Pang, n. extreme or sudden pain [earnestly Pant, V. to palpitate, to wish Pass, V. to go beyond ; to en- act a law ; to be current Pat, V. to strike lightly ; n, a light blow Pa^ch,T). to piece, to mend Pe«rl, n. a precious gem Peck, 11. the fourth part of a bushel Peg, n. a wooden pin [with Pen, a, an instrument to write Pert, a. brisk, lively Pest, n. a plague, mischief Pet, n. a slight displeasure Pick, V. to choose, select • Pig, n. a young hog [cine Pill, n. a small ball of medi Pin, n. a short pointed wire Pinch, x\ to squeeze Pink, n. a small fragrant flower [part Pit, n. a hole, graye, hollow Pith, n. marrow, strength, principal part Plan, n. a scheme, form , / THE AMERICAN i-\. Ti.UCTER, Plank, «. a thick board ; r. to ! Quit, r. to leave ; <lischarge lay with plank Plant, n. a vegetable pred.x- tjon Pledge, Ji. a pawn Plug, n. a stopple Plum, n. a kind of fruit Plum^, n. a leaden wc.'frht on a line ; v. to regulate Plunge, V. to put suddenly under water Prank, n. frolick, wicked deed Press, V. to squeeze, to crush; n.an instrument for pressing Princfi, n. a sovereign, the son of a king Print, n. a mark made by im- pression ; ?'. to mark by im- pression Puflf, V. to blow, to swell with wind Pulp, n. the soft part of fruit ; any soft mass Pulse, 71. the motion of any ar- tery as the blood is driven through if Pumj>, n. a water engine ; a kind of shoe ; v. to work a pu!np Purgf, V. to cleanse, purify Purr, V. to murmur as a cat Pursc,n.a small bag for money Quack, n. a vain boastful pre- tender to physick ; v. to cry like a diirk Quell, V. to crush, subdue Quench, v. to extinguisli Quick, a. uimide, active Quill, li. the liard and strong feather cf the wing Quilt, ;♦. cover of a bed ; i\ to stitch two cloths together Quin-'*;, v. a tree and its fruit Rack, II. an engine of torture; a frame for hay Raft, n. a lloat of timber Rag, It. el Worn-out piece af cloth Rauk, a. strong scented ; n. a line of men ; a degree of dignity ; v. to place in a ' row Rap, n. a quick smart blow Rash, a. hasty Rns{), 71. a lar:io rough fdo Rat, 11. a sm;ill anim;d of the mouse kind Rertlm, n. a kingdom, s*ate RendyV. to tear with violei^ce Rent, n. money paid for any thing held of another, in- come Rest, n. peace, sleep, ease ; V. to be at ease Rich, a. wealthy; fcrtilo Ridge, n. the upper part of a slope, tlie top Rill, /?. a small brook, a stream Rim, «. border, edge Rini^, t', to sound ; >•. a cir- cle ; ornament ; a so'ind r. to cleanse by water to tear V. to hazrr.d ; /i. dan- 5 Rinsi' Rip, V. Risk, ger, haxar'I Rough, a. vmeven, rugged Rub, V. to clean, scour, wipe Uum, /;. a kind of ardent spliits Run, V. to move swiftly Rush, V. to jtiove with vio- lence; n. 4' plant Rusk, 71. d kind of hard bread Rust, 71. the red incrustation of iron, Sec. «i THE /^MKltlCA-N !\'?rRUCTEB. 39 Sad, «, sorrowful. «Jul]- gloo- | Scratch, v. to tear with the nai Is my Sand, n. soft gravelly oanli I Sciilk, r. to lurk secretly, Sap, n. the iuico of vegeta- bles [winclov Sash, n. a bcU ; yv-irt of a Scalp, n. the skin aiul flesh en the scull [rately Scan, V. to examiiM; accu- Scent, n. smell, odour ing ScAl.sm, »i. a division in the I Serve, « to attend at corn- hide Scull, n. the brain-pan Searc)i,r. to examine, explore Sell, ?.'. to part with for a price Sense, n. faculty of perceiv- ing ; understanding; mean- church ! mand, obey SECTION XI. - . On Heading. Reading may he considered as the key which com- mands our entrance, and gives us access to the various departments of science and literature. It enlarges the sphere of observation, and affords abundant materials for exercising the faculties of the mind. Among all people distinguished for their refinements and civilization, the most prevalent and important art is that of readino-. The improven\ent of the mind, the cultivation of taste, and the acquisition of knowledge, are the advantages derived from this art. From reading we are made acquainted with the pass- ing events and occurrences in various parts of the world and are enabled to repeat the sentiments of those wIk have existed in former times. It brings to view the scenes of departed years, an exhibits the rise and fall, and the revolutions of the ar cient communities of inankind ; and olVr^rs to our r^ flection all the most important circumstances connectc ■with the improvement of human society. As reading has a great influence in guiding the opi ' ions and sentiments of young persons, it is of great iir portancc that they read books in whicli thi)igs are re resented in tiieir true colours ; that they properly di crimin:iie b' . i n romance and reality; and tfeat thi 4lJ THE AxMERICAN INSTRUCTER. reflect upon the substance of what they^read. and draw suitable inferences from the same. To have good books, and to be able to read them well, IS a p-reat j^'ivilege. They make us both wiser and better : they instruct us in our duty, and teach us how to behave ourselves. They comfort us in our dis- tresses and adlictions. They pass away our leisure hours pleasantly and usefully ; and the amusement which they afl'ord, is cheaper than almost any other. They are true friends, excellent counsellors, and agreeable companions. Be careful to read with attention. When you are reading, do not bethinking of any thing else. People who read without thinking what they are reading about, lose their time : and they cannot be the wiser, or the better, for what they read. Reflect upon what you have read,, or heard other peo- ple read ; and if you have a proper opportunity, con- verse upon it. To relate what you have read, or heard, is the best way to help you to remember it. It may afford many useful and pleasant subjects of conversation ; and it may often })revent quarrelling, tel- ling idle tales, silly joking, and talking scandak In or- der to remember any particular passages in a book, read them over several times. When you have finished reading a book, consider, before you begin another, what you have learned from it that is useful, and most worthy of being remembered. If it contained an account of good persons, or actions, consider whether you have done your best to imitate them. If it instructed you in any particular dut}', consider whether you have done your best to practice it. A lit- tle in this way is more improving, than many volumes, however excellent in themselves, read over in a hasty, careless manner. Letnothing tempt you to read abadl)Ook of anykifnd. It is better not to read at all, than to read bad books. A bad book it is trulv said, "Is the worst of thieves;" it robs ws of time, money, and principles. l'!2E AiMEiilCAA iXSTi:UCTER- ' 41 SECTION XII. Manhind arc dependant on each other. O CHILD of humanity! thou owest thy conveiiience, thy security, thy enjoyment of the comforts and pleas- ures of life, to the assistance of others. Rejoice then in the happiness and prosperity of thy neig^hbour. Open i!Ot thy ear to slander ; tlie faults and the fail- ings of men give pain to a benevolent heart. Desire to do good, and search out occasions for it : in removing the oppression of another, the virtuous ixnnd relicvesv itself. Shut not thine mx against the cries of the poor, nor harden th\ heart against the calamities of the innocent. When the fatherless call upon thee, when the widow's heart is sunk, and she implores thy assistance v»ith tears of sorrow 5 pity their affliction, and extend iby hand to those who have none to help them. When thou seest the naked wanderer in the street, shivering with cold, and destitute of habitation, let bounty open thy heart, let the wings of charity shelter him from death, that thy own soul may live- Whilst the poor man groans on the bed of sickness ; whilst the unfortunate languish in the horrours of a dun~ geon ; or the hoary liead of age lifts up a feeble eye to thee for pity ; how canst thou riot in superdaous enjoy- ments, regardless of their v/iint-, i.ufeeling oftheir woes f SECTiON,X[IL Address from a Teacher to hif Pirpllis^-f^on the usefah ness of leaintnX' My YOUiXG PUPILS, unless you }ia\e an inclination for learning, unless you feel ambitious to be as forward as any in your class, all my endeavours to instruct you, will be vain and useless. The youth whose mind is de- voted to plays and diversions, and who studies his les- sons merely from a fear of correction, will learn but little- and the little he does learn, will soon be forgot- ten. 42 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. I hope, liowevfi-, that I shall never be driven to the painful ner.essity of compelling 3 ou by correction to at- tend to your studies. It will he much more agreeaWe to me. much more to my credit as a faithful instrurter, and much more to your honour as scholars, to have you attend to your studies from a love of learning, and a laudable ambition to excel each other in those branches of literature, to which your attention may from time to time be directed. At present you are unacquainted with the world, and do not foresee the advantages you will hereafter derive- from a thorough knowledge of the English Language, a competent skill m Arithmetick,||bd from being able to write a plain and handsome hnnd. To point out the advantages to be derived from the above branches of learning, is the object of the following observations. You are all possessed of some kind of ambition. In your amusements, one feels a pride that he is the swift- est runner ; another, that he is the most expert \\ restler ; and another, that he can sling a stone the farthest, or best hit the mark. And why are you pleased with excelling in these lit- tle amusements ? Because it is natural to youth, as well as men, to be pleased with superiority ; because there is a delight in being noticed, and often spoken of with praise. But, to be a swift runner or an expert wrestler, are objects of small importance ; if, therefore, excelling in these trifling amusements, affords you pleasure, or gra- tifies your pride, how much more grateful and pleasing must it be to excel youj" mates in reading, writing, and arithmetick ; which are objects of importance, and will never fail of affording pleasure, and of adding to your prosperity, usefulness, and respectability in the world. Although you arc young at present, the time will shortly arrive when you must provide and act for your- selves. None of you know where 30U \^ill hereafter live, or what business you may follow for a livelihood ; but wherever \'(ui live, or whatever business you pur- sue, learning will be of immense advantage. Such is the disposition of mankind, so ready arc many THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 43 of them to take the advanrai>e of the luilearned ana un- experienced, that liie yoiuli who is left wltliout learning, to act and provide for himself, will meet with many dif- ficulties, feel many embarrassments, and be liable to a thousand im.positions, to which those who are possessed ofa good common school education will not be subjected. In every Town, County, and State in America, are offices of honour and profit, which some of you, as you arrive to the age of manhood, will be called upon to jfill. Most of these offices require men who are able to read well, to write a fair hand, and who understand the use of figures. Those of you who pay attention to j^our books, who not only learn to read, but to understand what you read, who learn the rules of arithmetick, and understand how to apply them in practice, will be the ones most likel}' to be promoted. At present, I am happy to see you inspired with a l?"<iable ambition to excel each other in learning. Will you not have the same ambition hereafter, as it respects your rank and situation in the world ? If you should, let me inform you, that a diligent improvement of your present opportunity for learning, is the only way in which you can expect promotion in society. The youth who is inattentive to his books, and re- gards not the lessons and admonitions of his instructer, is seldom afterwards respected. He is considered as a dull, stupid, ignorant fellow, unqualified for the exer- cise of any profitable or useful employment. My 3'oung friends, it is not only for your interest to attend with diligence to your studies, but it is a sacred duty whicli you owe to yourselves, your parents, your country, and your God. To yourselves, as it will increase your happiness; to vour parents, as it will be the most grateful return you can make them for the pains and expense they bestow on your education ; to your country, as it will enable you to reward her for the protection she affords you ; and to your God, as it will render you more capable of fulfilling the grand objects of your creation. 44 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. SECTION XIV. Monosyllables continued. Set, V. to place, put ; n, a number of th'ijj^s suited to each other Sex, n. the distinction betwixt male and female Shad, n. a species of fish Shafl, n. an arrow, weapon Sham, n. delusion, fraud Shed, n. a building, shelter ; V. to spill, to scatter Shell, n. a hard covering Shrill, a. giving a piercing sound Shun, V. to avoid, decline Shut, V. to close, bar, confine Sick, a. afflicted with disease Sieve, n, a bolter, thing used to sift with Sift, V. to separate by a sieve Silk, n. the thread of the silk- worm, the stuft" made of it Sin, n. a violation of the laws of God ; r. to transgress the laws of God Sing, v. to form the voice to melody ; to articulate mu- sically • Singe, V. to scorch, burn Sink, V. to go down, settle Sip, V. \c, drink by small drauglits Sit, V. to rest on a seat Six, a. twice three Sketch, 71. the ontlinos Skiff, n. a small light boat Skill, n. knowledge of any practice or art Skip, V. to leap ; lo miss Skirt, [skcrt] n. the edge, bor- der Slash, r, to cut; to lash Sled, n. a carriage without wheels Slim, a. slender Smell, V. to perceive by means of the nose ; ??. scent, odour Smith, n. one who works in metals Sna/ch, v, to seize hastily Snufl', n. powdered tobacco ; the burnt wick of a candle Speck, n, a small spot, a stain Spell, V. to form words of let- ters Spill, V. to shed, to waste Spin, V. to draw out into threads Split, V. to cleave, divide Spread, v. to extend, cover Sprig, n. a small branch Spring, n. a season of the year ; a fountain, a source Stabjiu, to pierce with a point- ed weapon Stack, n. a large pile of hay, corn, &c. Stafl', n. a walking stick Stand, V. to be on the (i^ct., to stop ; n. a station, stop Start, V. to move suddenly ; n. the act of setting out j a motion of terrour Step, r. to move the feet, to walk ; n. a footstep Stick, V. to fasten, adhere ; ??, apiece of wood -v' Still, V. to siloi'ice ; n. a ves- sel for distillation ; a. si- lent ; ad. till now, to this time THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 45 Strength, n. force, vigour Stress, n. force, importance Stretch, v. to extend, expand Strict, a. severe, close, exact String, n. a slender rope, cord Such, pro. of that kind Sum, n. the amount ; the whole of any thing [day Sun, n. the luminary of the Swell, V. to grow bigger Swift, a. speedy, quick Swim,x). to float on the water; to be dizzy Tang, n. a strong taste, relish Tap, n. a gentle blow, a rap ; V. to touch softly; to broach a vessel Task, n. something to be done imposed by another, em- ploymeet Tax, n. a rate, duty ; v. to lay a tax Tell, V. to utter, to relate Tempt, V. to entice to ill, provoke Ten, a. twice five Tense, n. a variation of the verb to signify time Tent, n. a moveable habita- tion, a pavilion Term, n. a limit ; the word by which a thing is expressed ; condition Text, n. a sentence of scrip- ture ; that on which a com- ment is made Thank, v. to give or return thanks Theft, n. the act of stealing Thin, a. slender, not thick Thing, n. whatever is; any kind of matter Thum&, n, part of the hand Thus, ad. in this manner Touch, V. to reach, to join ; n. the act of touching Track, n. a mark left ; a beat- en path Tract, n. a region ; a quantity of land ; a small book Trap, V. a snare, ambush Trick, n. a cheat, fraud Trim, a. nice, neatly dressed Trunk, n. a sort of chest ; the body of any thing Trust, r. to confide in, to be- lieve ; n. confidence, credit Tub, n. a wooden vessel Turf, n. a clod covered with grass Turn, V. to move round, to change [tooth Tusk, n. a fang, a very large Twelve, a. twice six Twig, n. a small branch Urge, v. to incite, to solicit, to press Vex, V. to provoke, plague Well, n. a spring, fountain ; a. not sick When, ad. at what time ; at the time that Whim, Ji. an odd fanc}", freak Win, V. to gain by conquest or play Wing, ?i. the limb of a bird by which it flies Wish, V. to have a strong de- sire ; n. a longing desire Wit, n. the intellect, sense, understanding PFren, n. a small bird Wretch, n. a miserable or worthless person Yard, n a measure of three feet ; enclosed ground *0 THE a.m5;:rican ixstructer. Awe, n. rcvcrcniii)! fear, re- verence Broad, a. wide, large Cause, 71. reason, motive Clia/k,M. a kind of white fossil CAord, ?i. the string of a mu- sical instrument [tide Clause, 71. a sentence, an ar- Claw, 71. the foot of a heast or bird Corpse, n. a dead body Crawl, V. to creep, to move slowly P'ght Dawn, V. to begin to grow Drawl, V. to utter slowly Fall, V. to drop, tumble down Falsfi, a. not true, dishonest Fault, 77. a crime ; defect Fawn, n. a young deer Fork, 71, an instrument with two or more prongs Fraud, n. deceit, cheat Gauze, n. a thin transparent silk or linen G^naw, V. to bite, to oat by degrees Hall, n. a mansion house ; a large room [a march Halt, V. to stop ; n. a stop in Haul, V. to pull, to drag Hawk, n. a bird of prey Horn, n. a hard substance on the heads of some animals Jaw, 71. the bone of the mouth in which the teeth are pla- ced Law, 71. a rule, decree, order Lord, n. the Divine Being; a title of honour [beetle Mall, n. a large hammer or Nor, corrj. neither, not even North, n. opposite the soutii Ought, V. to be obliged, should Pidl, 71. a cloak of state ; a covering for the dead Pause, //. a stop Paw, n. the foot of a beast Pawn, V. to pledge Salt, 77. a substance which af- fects the taste and stimu- lates the palate Sauce, n. something to im- prove tlie relish of food Scald, t'. to burn with hot li- quids [tempt Scorn, V. to despise ; n. con- Small, a. little, slender Squall, V. to scream suddenly; 71. a sudden gust of wind Stall, n. a place for horses and cattle Stork, 71. a kind of bird Storm, 71. a tempest ; assault ; ».'. to attack by open force Straw, n. the stalk of grain Ta/k, V. to speak ; n, oral conversation Tall, a. high in stature, lofty Thaw, V. to melt, dissolve Thought, 71. the act of think- ing, idea VVa/k. V. to go on foot, travel War, ». open hostility, fight- ing [nish Warn, v. to caution, admo- 4 A/nis, 71. a gift to the poor Arch, 71. part of a circle Arm, 71. a limb of tlie body Art, 71. skill, science, trade Ba/m, n. the name of a plant Barn, 7^. a storehouse iised for corn, hay, stabling, &c. Bath, 71. a place to bathe in Ca/m, 71. stillness ; a. quiet, serene THE AMERI.CA?* [JS'STRUCTER, r 41 Cart, n. a carriage of two j Patji, 7t. a foot-road [song wheels [or meat I Psalm, n. a kind of sacred Carve, v. to cut wood, stonp, ! Scarf, n. a loose covering for mipute Charge, v. to entrust, Cha.m, V. to deliirht Dark, a. without Jight, L'lind Farm, n. land occupied by a fai-nier G«ard, v. to \i:atch, protect Hali) n. one oT two equal parts Hard, a. firm, solid ; cruel Hark, V. to listen, hear Huim, 71. jujurj, mischief Harp, ii. a musiciil instrument Harsh, a. rough, austere Jar, n. an earthen vessel ; a harsh sound Large, a, bulky, Ijig Lark, n. a smali singing liird La?/gh, 7). to make that noise which mirth excites Lae^nch, v. to push to sea, set off iVIar, V. to injure, damage March, n. the third month ; a 'movement of soldiers ; a .solemn walk or tune ; v. to move in a military form Mark, n. a stamp, object ; v. to make e mark Marl, n, a kind ol clay Marsh, n, a swamp, fen, bog Pafe, n. a tree ; inner part of the hand Par, n. a state of equality Parch. V. to scorch, to burn slightly Kjirk, a. a piece of ground en- closed for deei Parse, v. to resolve by the rules of grammar Part, n. a portion, share; v, to divide ; to go away the shoulders Shark, /?. a ravenous fish Sharp, a. keen, piercing Smart, a. quick, active, witty ; V. to feel quick pain Snarl, v.. to growl Uke a dog Spark, n. a small particle of fire Star, n. a luminous body in th^^- heavens ; a mark of reference . [ger Starve, v. to perish with hun- Tar, «. liquid pitch ; a sailor Tart, «, sour, acid, keen Yarn, n. spun wool or flax 5 Block, a. a short piece of tim- ber Blot, V. to blur, efface, stain Bond, ?j. 9. writfen jbligation Cloth, 71. any thing woven for dress Cost, n. expense, price CoMgh, n, a disorder of the - lungs • [craft Dodge, V. to fly from, 10 use Dog, n^ a domestick animalj Drop, n. a small quantity of liquid [rust Dross, 71, . the scum" of meials, Fog, K; a tlnck mist, vapour Fond, a. tender, much pleas- ed with St Foxj 71. a wild animal of the dog kind [garment Frock, n. a dress, outward Frog, n. an ainphibioi's animal Frost, n. the power or act of congelation Froth, n. foam, spume 48 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER 5 . 5 Hot, a. fiery, having heat itCnock, V. to beat, clash Alnot, n. a part which is tied ; a hard place in wood Lock, n. part of a door or gun; a contrivance to raise the water on a canal ; v. to fas- ten Lodge, -.;. to place ; to har- bour Log, M. a piece of wood Long, a. not short Lop, I', to cut short Loss, 71. damage, forfeiture Lost, pa. gone, perishc^d Lot, n. state assigned, fortune SECTION XV. The danger of Jceepbig Bad Company. The danger of keeping bad company, arises princi- pally-from our aptness to imitate and catch the manners and sentiments of others. In our earliest youth, the contagion of manners is observable. In the boy yet incapable of having any learning instilled into him, we easil}' discover from his first actions, and rude attempts at language, the kind of persons with whom he has been brought up : we see the early spring of a civilized education, or the first wild shoots of rusticity. As lie enters favthcr into life, his behaviour, manners and conversation, all take their cast from the company he keeps. Observe the peasant and the man of educa- tion: the difference is striking. And yet God has be- stowed equal talents on each : the only difference is, they have been tln-o^ri) into diftcrent s>»enes of life, and have had commerce with persons of different stations. 'Nor are ftianners and behavrour more easily caught, than opinions fuid principle;:, h) childhood and youth, we nnturhlh adopt the sentiment? of those about us : and as we advance in life, how few of us think for our- selves ! liow many of us j^re satisfied ivith taking our opinions at second hand ! The great power and fircc of custom form- :'.nother argumeat against keeping bad coiTipany. Howc/6r shocked we may be at tlic first appfoaches of \i»< , this shocking appearance goes off upon an intimacv w;th it. Custom will soon rend«'r the most disgustful object fa- miliar io our view : and tlds is indi'od a kind provision Tgl: AMLK.ICAN INSTRUCTER. 49 of nature, to render labour, toil, and danger, which are the lot of man, more easy to him. The raw soldier, who trembles at the first encounter, becomes a hardy veteran in a few campaigns. Habit renders danger familiar, and of course indlffej^nt to him. But habit, which is intended for our good, may, like other kind appointments of nature, be converted into a mischief. The well disposed youth, when first entering into bad company, is shocked at what he sees and hears : the good principles which he had imbibed, ring in his ears an alarming lesson against the wickedness of his com- panions. But, alas! this sensibility is of short duration: the next jovial meeting makes the horrid picture of yesterday more easily endured. Virtue is soon thought a severe rule, an mconvenient restraint. A few pangs of conscience now and then whisper to him that he once had better thoughts : but even these by degrees die away, and he who at first was shocked even at the appearance of vice, is formed by custom into a profligate leader of vicious pleasures. Bad company should be avoided for several reasons ; as it hinders religious improvement, takes off the heart from God, gradually lessens the fear of sin, impercepti- bly draws men into the commission of iniquity, and in this way, destroys both the usefulness and comfort of fife. It has been the ruin of thousands, and tens of thou- sands. By it multitudes have been led on to actions and crimes, at the bare thought of which they once shud- dered. By means of evil company, they have had their minds filled with fears, and their consciences overwhelm- ed with horrour. If, therefore, you value your credit and comfort in life, your peace in death, or your happiness in eternity, shun evil company. Oppose the firsc approaches of sin ; vigilantly guard yourselves against the insidious enemy ; and abhor the very sound of the er?;pre9sion, bad company. ^ 5 j»0 THE AMERlfCAN INSTRUCTEK SECTION XVI. True Pleasure, The man whose heavt is replete with pure unci un- affected piety, who looks upon the great Creator of the universe in that just aij(l asniablc light which all his works reflect upon him, cannot f^iil of tasting the sub-* liniest pleastn-e, in contemplating the stupendous and innumerable effects of his infinite goodness. Whether he looks abroad on the moral or natural worldy his reflections must still be attended with delight ^ and the sense of his own iinworthincss, so far from les- sening, will increase his pleasure,, while it places the forbearing kindness and indulgence of his Creator, in a still more interesting point of view. Here his mind may dwell upon tlie present, look back to the past, or stretch forward into futurity, witlt equal satisfaction ; and the more he indulges contem- plation, the higher will his delight arise. Such a dis- position as this, seems to be the most secure foundation on which the fabrick of true pleasure can be built. Next to the veneration of the Supreme Being, the love of human kind seems to be the most promising s6urce of pkasufe. It is a never failing one to him, who, possessed of this principk', enjoys all the pov.'er of indulging his benevolence ; wlu) makes the superiority of his fortune, his kntrwiedge, or his power, subservient fo the wants of his fellow creatures. It Is true there are /ew whose power or fortimc is so adequate to the wants of mankind, as to render them capable of. performing acts of universal beneficence ; but a spirit of universal benevolence ma}' bo possessed by all: the bounteous Autlun of Nature has jiot pro- portioned thcji,pk;asure to the greatness of the effect, but to the great»css of the cause. The conteniphitiou of ttie beauties of the universe, the cordial enjoymeius of friendship, the tender delights of love, and tiie rational [)ieasurcs of religion, are open to all mankind ; and each of them seems capable of giving real happiness. i THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 51 These being the only foundations from which true pleasure springs, it is no wonder that many should be <:ompelled to say they have not found it ; and still cry out, <' Who will skoiv us any goodT'' They seek it ia every way but the right way ; they want a heart for de- votion, humanity, and love, and a taste for that which is truly beautiful and admirable. SECTION XVtt. Life is a Flower. •' The blossoms are fallen, and the beds of flowers are swept away by the scythe of the mower." This is a scene to which we are accustomed at the summer sea- son of the year : we see the grass fall by the mower's scythe, and the gay flo'^ers that adorned the meadows, >wept away unregarded. The green, the yellow, the crimson, the succulent^ fall undistinguished before the fatal instrument that cuts them off. They are scattered on the ground, and with- ered by the mtense [leat of the day. The blooming flower which stands the pride of the verdant field, glowing in beautiful colours, and shining with the dawn of the morning, ere the sun gains its me- ridian height, falls a sacrifice to the severing steel, and fades in the scorching rays of noon. Thus it is with human life ; the thread is cut, and man falls into the silent tomb. Nothing can ward ofl:' the fatal stroke : the aged and infirm, the blooming youth in strength and vigour, and the weak and help- less infant, are without distinction swept away by the scythe of Death, the great destroyer. The active youth, who in the morning rises with health and vivacity, may at noon lie pale and motion- less, at the feet of this great victor ; and at the setting of the morrow's sun, be consigned to the dark and lone- some mansion of the dead. Cities and nations are subject to the same fate. How soon js a flourisliing town depopulated by a pestilential £2 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. disease ! How soon is a nation cut off by the raging of a direful war ! " O ! that mine head were waters, and mine eyes "Were fountains flowing like the liquid skies ; " Then would I give the mighty flood release, . "And weep a deluge for the human race." SECTION XVIII. Monosyllables continued. 5 Mob, n'. a crowd, rabble Mock, V. to deride, mimick ; a. false, counterfeit Mop, n. a utensil to clean houses Moss, n. a substance that grows on trees Moth, n. a small insect that eats cloth Nod, V. to bow the head Not, ad. a word of denying No<ch, n. a nick; v. to cut in small hollows Odd, a. not even ; strange Odds, n. inequality, superi- ority Of, [ov] pr. concerning Off, ad. signifying distance ; from On, pr. upon ; ad. forward PIot,n. a conspiracy, intrigue ; V. to contrive, to plan Pod, n. the husk or shell of seeds Pond, n. a standing water; a small lake Prong, n. a branch of a fork Prop, n. a support ; v. to sus- tain, support [gallon Quart, n. the fourth part of a Rob, V. to steal, to plunder Rock; n. a large mass of stone Rod, n. a perch, pole ; a twig: instrument of correction Scoff", V. to laugh with scorn, to ridicule Shock, V. to shake ; to dis- gust; n. a concussion; a pile of sheaves Shop, 7J. a place for the sale of wares, or for work Shot, n. small balls for the charge of a gun Sob, V. to sigh with convul- sive sorrow ; n. a convul- sive sigh Sod, n. a turf, clod Soft, a. tender, not hard Solve, V. to explain Song, n. a composition in verse to be sung Strong, a. vigorous, potent Stop, n. a pause; cessation of motion ; v. to hinder; to put an end to Swamp, n. a marsh, fen, bog Swan, n, a large water-fowl Throng, n. a crowd, nuiltitude Tongs, }i. a utensil to tako up fire, &c. Wash, V. to cleanse with wa- ter What, pro. that which, which part THE AMERICAN INSI'IIUCTEK. .5J Broom, 7i. an instrument to sweep with Bruise, v. to mangle with a heavy blow ; n, a hurt Brute, n. a creature without reason Choosf, V. to select, pick out Food, n. victuals, provision Fool, 71. an idiot Fruit, n. the produce of trees and plants Gloom, n. darkness, heavi- ness of mind Goosf, 71. a large water-fowl I^oom, 71. the frame in which weavers make their cloth Loose, a. unbound ; v. to un- bind [forfeit Lose, V. to suffer loss ; to Mood, n. temper of mind ; a term in grammar Moon, 71. the great luminary of the night lA^Y Noon, 7). the middle of the Noose, n. a running knot' Pool, n. a standing water,pond Poor, a. not rich ; lean Proof, n. evidence, trial Prove, V. to evince, try Rood, 71. the fourth part of an acre Room, n. an apartment, place Rude, a. rough, harsh, unci- vil [ernment Rule, V. to govern ; n. gov- ScAool, n. a place for educa- tion [the foot Shoe, 7t. the outer cover for Sloop, 71. a small vessel SmooTH, a. even on the sur- face Soon,~ ad. before long, shortly Soot, n, condensed smoke 5* . ' 6 Spoon, n. a vessel with a han- dle used in eating liquids Stool, 71. a seat without a back Stoop, T. to bend, subnii'. Swoon, 71. a fainting ht Tomft, 77. a repository or mon- ument for the dead [above Too, ad. likewise, over and Truth, 71. reality, certainty 7 Book, n. a volume in which we read or v/rite [w-ater Brook, ??. a rivulei, running Foot, 77.il measure of ]2 inch- es ; the part on which we stand Good, a. virtuous, having de- sirable qualities [iron Hoop, 71. a circle of wood or Look, V. to direct the eye to any particular object ; to see, behold Pull, V. to drag forcibly Put, V. to lay, place 8 Bird, 71. a name applied to fowls Blood, n. the red fluid that cir- culates through the body Dirge, 71. a mournful ditty Dirk, n. a kind of dagger Dirt, 71. earth, fdth Flirt, n. a sudden motion P'lood,/(. a deluge, flow of tide Front, n. the face ; the fore- part of any thing Love, V. to regard with aflec- tion ; 71. passion, friendship Month, n. the 12th part of a year None, «, not any, not one Sir, n. a word of respect used to .men, a title y- H THE AMERI.CAP? INSTRUCTER. 8 Some, a. a part, more or less SoQ, n. a male child Stir, V. to move, agitato ; n. a tumult, bustle Thirst, fi. the pain suffered for want of drink ; v. to feel want of drink Tong, n. the catch of a buckle Tong?^e,7i. the organ of speech Word, n. a single part of speech ; talk ; tidings Work, 1'. to labour, toil World, n. the universe, the earth, mankind, &c. 9 Freight, n. the loading of a ship Prey, n. something to be de- voured ; V. to feed by vio^ lence Reign, V. to rule as a king Tnere, ad. in that place Vem, n. a tube in the flesh through which the blood flows oi Boil, V. to be agitated by heat Choice, n. act of choosing, thing chosen Coil, V. to gather into a Har- row compass Hoist, V. to lift up Join, V. to add, unite [meet Joint, n. a point where bones Joist, n. a small beam to sup- port floors Moist, n. wet in a small de- gree Noise, n. clamour, any sound Oil, n. grease, the juice of olives, &c. Point, n. a sharp end ; a stop .in writing Poise, V. to balance Toil, V. to labour, work Voice, n. sound emitted by the mouth Boy, n. a male child, lad Joy, n. happiness, gladness ou Cloud, n. a body of vapour* in the air Douftt, V. to question, distrust Douse, V. to plunge into water Gout, n. a paiulul disease Ground, n. the earth, land Hound, n. a dog used in hunt- ing House, 71. a place of abode Loud, a. noisy, clamorous Mouse, 11. a small animal Mouth, n. the aperture in the head where food is receiv- ed ; an opening [thing Noun, n. the name of any Ounce, n. a weight ; a lynx Our, ^ro. relating to us Out, ad. not within ; to the end ; at a loss Vlongh, n. a farming utensil Pounce, n. the claw of a bird Pound, n. a weight ; 20 shil«' lings Pout, V. to look sullen, frown Proud, a. haughty, lofty Round, a. circular, smooth Route, n. a road, way, journey Shout, V. to cry in triumph ; n. a cry of rejoicing Slou^A, n. a deep miry place Sound, a. healthy, whole ; «. a noise ; a shallow sea ; v. to make a noise ; to search for bottom with a lead Sour, a. acid, tart ; peevish HftET AMERICAN IN3TRUCTiai. 5^ South, n. the place where the Drown,v. to sufibcate in wator siui is at noon ; the soutfi Frown, ?i. a look of displeas- region; a- southward; ad. toward the south Spouse, n. a husband or wife Stout, a. strong, valiant Trout, n. a delicate fish 010 Brow, n. the forehead ; eclge of a UiH Brown, a. the name of a colour Clown, 7/. an ill bred man ; a rustick [tude Crowd, n. a confused multi- Down, n. very soft feathers are ; «. to look cross Gown, n. a long upper gar- ment Growl, T. to snarl, grumble How, ad. in what manner Howl,u.to cry as a wolf or dog Now, ad. at this time Prowl, V. to rove about ; to wander for prey Scowl, V. to frown ; to look angry Vow, V. to make a promise ; n. a solemn promise — ©S© — SECTION XIX. Mortality. 1 HAVE seen the rose in its beauty ; it spread its loaves to the morning sun. I looked again ; it was dy- ing upon the stalk ; the grace of its form was gone, it& loveliness was vanished away, its leaves were scattered Oil the ground, and no one gathered them. A stately tree grew on the plain ; its branches were covered with verdure, its boughs spread wide and made a goodly shadow ; the trunk was like a strong pillar, and the roots were like crooked fangs. I looked again ; the verdure was nipped by the east wind, the branches were lopped away by the axe, the worm had made its way into the trunk, and the heart thereof was decayed ; it mouldered away, and fell to the ground. I have seen the insects sporting in the sunshine, and dai'ting along the streams ; their wings glittered with gold and purple, their bodies shotje like the green em- erald ; they were more numerous than I could count ; their motions were quicker than my eye could glance. I looked again ; they were brushed into the pool ; they were perishing with the evening breeze ; the swallow had devoured them ; the pike had seized them j there were none found of so great a multitude. ; 56 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER.' I have seen man in the pride of his .strength ; his cheeks glowed with beauty, his limbs were full of ac- tivity, he leaped, he walked, he ran, he rejoiced that he was more excellent than tl.ose. I looked again ; In- lay cold and stifl' on the bare ground ; his feet could no longer move, nor his hands stretch themselves out : his life was departed from him, and the breath out of his nostrils. Therefore do I weep ; because death is in the world ; the spoiler is among the works of God : all that is made, must be destroyed ; all that is bom, must die. SECTION XX. Immortality. I HAVE seen the flower withering on the stalk, and its bright leaves spread on the ground. I looked again ; it sprung forth afresh, its stem was crowned with new buds, and its sweetness filled tiie air. I have seen tlie sun set in the west, and the shades of night shut in the wide horizon : there was no colour^ nor shape, nor beauty, nor musick ; gloom and dark- ness brooded around. 1 looked again ; the sun broke forth from the cast, and gilded the mountain tops ; the lark rose to meet him from her low nest, and the shades of darkness fled away. 1 liave seen the insect, being come to its full size, lan- guish and refuse to eat ; it spun itself a tomb, and was shrouded in the silken cone ; it lay without feet, or shape, or power to move. I looked again ; it had burst its tomb, it was full of life, and sailed on coloured wings through the soft air ; it rejoiced in its new being. Thus shall it be with ihce, O man ; and so sliall thy life be renewed. A little while shalt tliou lie in the ground, as the seed lies in the bosom of the earth ; but thou shalt be raised again, never to die any nuM-e. Who is he that comes to burst open tlu; prison doors of tiie tomb, to bid the dead awake, and to gather his redeemed from the four winds of heaven ? He descends on a fiery cloud, the sound of a trumpet goes before THE AMERICAN LNSTRUCTER, 57 him, thousands of angels are on his right hand. It is Jesus, the Son of God, the Saviour of men, the friend of the good. He comes in the glory of his Father ; he, has received power from on high. Mourn not, therefore, child of immortality ! For the spoiler, the cruel spoiler that laid waste the works of God, is subdued. Jesus has conquered death ;— -child •)f immortality no longer mourn. SECTION XXL . Health. Who is she that with graceful steps, and with a lively air, trips over yonder plain ^ The rose blushes on her cheeks, the sweetness of the morning breathes from her lips ; joy, tempered with innocence and modesty, spar- kles in her eyes ; and the cheerfulness of her heart ap- pears in all her movements. Her name is Health : she is the daughter of Exercise and Temperance. Their sons inhabit the mountains and the plain. They are brave, active and lively, and partake of all the beauties and virtues of their sister. Vigour strings their nerves, strength dwells in their bones, and labour is their delight ail the day long. — The employments of their father excite their appetites, and the repasts of their mother refresh them. To combat tlie passions is their delight ; to conquer evil habits their glory. Their pleasures are moderate, and therefore they endure ; their repose is short, but sound and undisturbed. Their blood is pure, their minds are serene, and the physician does not tind the way to their habitations. —«!©©— Invocation to Sleep. Sleep, downy sleep, come close my eyes. Tir'd with beholding vanities: Welcome, sweet sleep, that drives away The toils and follies of the Any. On thy soft bosom will I lie, Forget the world, and loam to die. SB THE AWE111CAN IN'STRUCTEU- SECTION XXII. Words nffu-a sijlluhhs, accented on tht first. A ble,a. liaving power, capa- ble of doing A corn, n. the seed or fruit of the oak A ere, n. a certain quantity of land A ged, a. old, ancient A gent, n. a^ deputy ,substitute - An cient, [ane-tshent] a. old, not modern A pril, n. the fourth month of the year Ba con, n. the flesh of a hog salted and dried [rests t«^<5|P|Bai liff, n. an officer that ar- Ba ker, n. a person that bakes poiso nous. de- Bane ful, a. strucUve Ba sin, n. a small vessel ; pond Ba sis, n. foundation, support Umr er, n. a carrier of any thing ; supporter Bertst ly, a. brutal, obscene Bee hive, «. the place where bees are kept [insect Bee tlc,n. a heavy mallet; an Be ing, n. existence Bi ble, 71. the sacred volume Blame less, a. innocent, guilt- less Blind ness, n. want of sight Bold ness, n. courage, assu- rance Bol ster, n. a latge pillow, 'ong cushion Bra sier, [bra zhur] n. one who works in brass Bri er, n. a prickly bush By word,' n. a cant word, pro- verb, jest, scoff, a snyincr Ca ble, n. a rope for an anchor Ca denct,n. a fall of the voice Cam brick, ti. fine linen Care ful, a. cautious, saving Caie less, a. heedless, negli- Ce dar, n. n tree * Chair mon, n. presidculof an assembly , Cham ber, w. part of a house Cheat er, n. one who cheats Clieer ful, a. gay, full of life Child hood, n. infancy, the state of a child [pies Ci der, n. liquor made of ap- Cle«r ness, /i. brightness Cli ent, n. employer of an ad- vocate [the air Cli mate, n. a tract of Innd ; CloTH ier, 7?, amaker of cloth Coach nuui,?2. a driver of a coach Coarse ness, n. roughness Cold ness, n. want of heat Cru zy, a. broken-witted Crea lure, [tMike tsh] ». a created being Cri sis, a. critical time Dai ly, ad. every day [ish Dain ty, a. delicate, squeam- l)ai sy, n. a spring flower Dan ger, n. risk, hazard Dea con, n. a church officer De cent, rt. modest, becoming De mon, n. an evil spirit Dire ful, a. dreadful Di vers, a. several, sundry Dole ful, a. sorrowful, dismal Do nor, n. a giver, bestower Do '/v. (I. slcfpv. stnoid THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 59 Dra ma, n. the action of a play, a p|ay, a poem Dra per, n," one who deals in cloth Drea ry, a. gloomy, mournful Du pi, n. a fight between two persons Du ty, n obligation ; a tax Ed hard] a. ardent zealous Ea gle, n. a bird of prey Ea- sy^a. not difficult ; at rest E qua], a. even, uniform, alike E ra, n. an epoch ; a point of time [ment E ther, ti. pure air, an ele- E yen, a. level, smooth E vil, a. wicked, bad Faznt ness, n. feebleness Fair ly, ad. justly, honestly Faz'r ness, n. beauty ; honesty Faith ful, a. firm to the truth Faith less, a. unbelieving Fa mous, a. noted, renowned Fa tal, a. deadly, mortal Fa vour, n. kindness ; t, to support Fear ful,' a. timorous, awful Fear less, a. very bold, in- trepid Fea ture, [t like tsh] n. the cast of the face Fee hie, a. weak, infirm Feel ing, n. sensibility, hu- manity, tenderness Fe ver, n.a disease, heat Fi bra, 7i. a small thread ; a very small root hero ter, n. a warnour Figh Fi nal, a. conclusive, last Fine ness, n. delicacy, purity Fi nite, a. limited, bounded Fire irms, n. guns, muskets ""Ora cious, «. merciful, kind Fla vour,n. taste, relish, smelt Flu ent, a. eloquent, ready Flu id, n. a liquid, any ihinir that flows Fore cast, 72. comrivance be- forehand Fore man, n. chief man in a shop Fore most, a. first in a place or dignity Fore sight, n. foreknowledge Fra grance, n. sweetness of smell ^ Fra grant, a. sweet-smelling Fra mer, n. a maker, contrive? Free born,n, inheriting liberty Free cost, n. without expense Free dom, n. liberty Free ly, ad. liberally Free ness, n. liberality, qual- ity of being free Fre quent, a. often occurring ... Fri day, n. the sixth 'day of the week Fright ful, a. full of terrour Fru gal, a. careful, thrifty Fu el, n. matter for the fire Fu ry, n. madness, rage Fu ture, [t like tsh] a. that which is to come hereafter Game ster, ?z. one addicted to gnming, a gambler Gi ant, n. a man unnaturally tall or large Glo ry, 71. honour, fame, hapv- piness, praise Gold en, a. made of gold Gold finch, ?i. a kind of bird Gold smith, n. one vfho works in gold Grace ful, a. comely, beauti- ful ; v/ith dignity «)() I [IE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. (irate ful, a. having a due sen so of favours GrTi tcr, n. a rf>ugh instrument to grate with Gra th,ad. for nothing, freely Grave ly, ad. seriously, sol- emnly - Gra vy, n. the juice of meat f Great ness, w. largeness, dig- nify, merit Grce dy, a. eager, ravenous Grfev. ous. a. alHictive, heavv Gro'^V,'??. a dculcr in liquors, sugars, teas, <fec. Gu'i dance, n. direction, gov- ernment G</ide less, a. without a guide Has ty, a. quick, passionate Hate ful, a. det'estoblc, vile Ha tied, 7). ill will, dislike Ha zy, a. foggy, misty, dark Hoot y,^1/, n. report, rumour Wen THOn, n. a pr.gr.n, one destitute of revelation Heed less, a. careless, inat- tentive Hc'i^/t ten, V. to raise, increase lie ro, V. a brave man ; a great warriour [tie Hi/,'A ness, ??. elevation ; a ti- Hiiid most, a. the last Hire ling, n. one serving for wages Hortrsc ness, n. roughness of voire, harshness Hoi ster, 77. a case for pistols Ho ly, a. pure, ri-Iigious Home ly, a- plain, inelegant Hope less^ a. without hope Hu man, it. belonging lo or like man Un niour,n. general turn of mind ; rpoistur" ' Hy phen, n. a short uiark be- tween words or syllables I cy, a. cold, full bf ice I die, a. unemployed, lazy I ris, n. the rainbow ; a circle I ron, [i urn] n. a hard metal I tem, n. a new article ; a hint I vy, n. the name of a plant 3;xi\ er, n. the keeper of a p?i- son - Jew5 harp, it. a sort of musi- cal instrument Ju/ cy, a. moist, full of juice Ju ly, n. persons sworn to de- liver truth on such evi- dence as shall be given be- fore them Keep er, n. one \vho keeps, one who guards Kind ness,n.benevolence,love A'na vish, a. dishojiest, wicked Krww'mg, a. skiU'ul, intelli- » gent [work La hour, n. work, toil ; v. to La die, n. a large spoon,vessel La dy, n. a female title of honour ; a woman Lame ness, n. the state of a cripple Late ly, ad. not long ago La tent, a. secret, hidden La va, n. matter which issues from volcanoes La zy, a. unwilling to work Lert der, n. a conductor, com- mander Ler/f less, a. wilhout leaves Lort ky, 'Jf. open, not close Leav ings, n. things left, rem- nant Le a^<^- actonliiig to' law Li araflh'one who tells false- THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. ft Li bel,n.a defamatory writing Li cense, n.permission,liberty Life less, a. dead, inanimate Life time, n. the duration of life ^ \S\ghX house, n. a building with lights to direct seamen LigfAt ning, n. the flash that precedes thunder Li ken, w. to make like, com- pare, resemble Like ness, n. a resemblance Like wise, ad. in like manner Lime kiln, n. a kiln for burn- ing limestones Lime stone, n. the stone of which lime is made Li ning, n. the inner covering of any thing Li on, n. a bold strong animal Live ly, a. brisk, gay, cheerful Li vre, n. a French coin Load stone, n. a stone having an attractive power LoflTH ful,a.odious, abhorred LoaTH some, a. detestable, abhorred [place Lo cal, a. being of or in a Lo cust, ?J. a devouring insect Lone some, o,. solitary, dismal Lo?^ land, n. marshy ; low part of a comitry \jmo ly, a, huniljle, meek Lu cid, a, bright, dear Lu ere, n. profit, gain Lu nar, a. relating to the moon Lu rid, a. gloomy, dismal Mafn m.ast, n. the chief or middle rnur.t of a shi;> I>ia jor, n. an officer above a captain ; a. greater in num- ber, quantity, or extent 6 Ma ker, n. one whe raaket any thing ; the Creator Man ger, n. a wooden trough for animals to eat out of Ma son, w. one who works in stone or brick ; a member of the fraternity of Free- masons Ma^ or, n. the chief magis- trate of a corporation Mea ger, [g bard] a. weak, lean Mean ing, n. intention, design Mea iles, n. a disease Meek ly , ad. mildly, gently Meek ness, n, mildness Meet ing, n. an assembly Mere ly, ad. simply, only W\gh ty, a. powerful, strong Mild ly, afZ. tenderly, kindly Mild ness, n. gentleness, soft- ness Mi nor. n. one under age ; «. pett}^^, less Mo nient, n. importance, val- ue ; an indivisible part of time [part Most ly, ad. for the greatest Mo tion, n. the act of moving Mo tivc, n that which incites to action [mould MomI dy, a. covered with Mo2/rn er, ?;. one that mourns MoMrn fui, a. sad, sorrowful Ivlo«rn ing, n. grief, lamenta- tion ; a dress of sorrow Mu sick, ??. harmony ; the science of sounds Namely, ad. particularly, to wit, that is to say Na tion, 11, body of people united under one prince or sovernment 62 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER* Na tive, n. one born in any place ; a. natural, real Na ture, [t like tsh] n. the na- tive state of any thing ; dis- position ; compass of natu- ral existence ; state or sys- tem of the world Na val, a. relating to ships Na \y,n. a fleet of ships of war Near ly, ad. closely ; at hand Near ness, n. closeness ; alli- ance of blood or affection Neat iy, ad. elegantly, cleanly Neat ness, n. elegance No gro, n. a black man, av African Nei THer, conj. not either Neu ter^a. indiflerent,not en gaged on either side Neu tral, a. being of neither party [ness New ness, n. freshness, late- Nine ty, a. nin^ times ton No ble, a. illustrious, great NoAegay,w.a bunch of flowers No tice, n. information No tion, n. opinion, sentiment No where, arf. sot in any place Nee die, n. a small instrument ] Nui sance, n. something nox- for sewing | ious or offensive ^eed less, a. unnecessary j O cean, [o shunjn. the largest Nee dy, a. poor, necessitous ' body of water on the globe SECTION XXIil. "^ Description of tkt Sloth. The Sloth which is an animal of South America, makes the most despirivble appearance of all the animal face. It is covered w>th coarse hair, somewhat resem- bling dried grass ; ami its eyes are dull and heavy. It has four short ieet, which are armed with strong claws ; but thougli the leot are short, the logs are still shorter, and proceed from the body in such an oblique direction, that the soles of the feet seldom touch the ground. This poor creature soidom changes his position but by constraint, and when impelled by the severe calls of hunger ; and then it moves only one leg at a time, by scraping on the back of the claws along the surface, and wheeling the limbs cirmliuly about, yet still touch- ing the ground, till at length it places its foot in a pro- gressive position. The other three limbs are brought about with the same difficulty, before the animal is capable of moving his body ; and in a manner so extremely slow, that, ac- THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. ' 6S cording to Goldsmith's account, it has been seen to ad- vance not more than three feet in an hour ; and that a few paces are often the journey of a week. It lives upon the leaves, fruit, and flowers of trees ; and sometimes on the bark itself, when nothing else i« left uf. jn the tree for its subsistence. It requires a large share of food for its support ; and therefore it generally strips a tree of all its verdure, before it is willing to leave it. Although this animal is formed for climbing a tree with great pain and difficulty, yet it is utterly unable to descend kike other auimai? ; but is obliged, when it has stripped the tree of every thing that eoald serve it for food, to drop like a lifeless mass from the branches to the ground. ^ After remaining some time in a torpid state, from the shock received by the f;ill, it again prepares for a jour- ney to some neighbouring tree not far distant, to which it crawls so slowly, tliat one can scarcely perceive k move ; and often baits on vegetables by the way. All motions which it makes, seem to torture it ; every step it takes, it sends forth a plaintive, melancholy cry, which seems its chief defence; few quadrupeds appear willing to interrupt its progress, either because its flesh is ofiensive, or they are terrified at its cries. When at length they reach their destined tree, they mount it with much greater ease than when they moved upon the plain. They fall to with famished appetite, and, as before, destroy the very source that supplies them. As it finds so great a difficulty in procuring its food, it is often obliged to go several days v/ithout any sup- ply ; and we are informed that one remained suspended to a pole across two beams, without any sustenance, for forty days. This strange creature, which appears to live a very wretched life, may serve as a just emblem of the sloth- ful, who spend their time in doing nodiing, or that which is worse than nothing ; while they ought to be improv- ing their minds in virtue, and endeavouring for those cpmfof ts which render mankind happy. 64 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. SECTION XXIV. The Sluggard. ■'Tis the voice of the Sluggard — I hear him complain. * You have wak'd me too soon, I must slumber again.* As the door on its hinges, so he on his bed, Turns his sides and his shoulders, and his heavy head. A * little more sleep, and a little more slumber ;'. Thus he wastes half his days, and his hours without number: And when he gets up, he sits folding his hands, Or walks about sauntering, or idle he stands. I pass'd by his garden, and saw the wild brier, The thorn, and the thistle, grow broader and higher. The clothes that hang on him are turning to rags ; And his money still wastes, till he starves or he begs. I made him a visit, still hoping to find He had taken niorc care in improving his mind ; He told me his dreams, talk'd of eating and drinking ; But he scarce reads the Bible, and never loves thinking. I then said to my heart, * Here's a lesson for rae ; That man's but a picture of what I might be : But thanks to my friends for their care in my breeding, Who taught rae betimes to love working and reading.' SECTION XXV. On Early Jl ising. How foolish they who lengthen night, And slumber in the morning light ! How sweet at early morning's rise, To view the glories of the skies ! The sprightly lark, with artless lay, Proclaims the entrance of the day. Its fairest form then nature wears, And clad in brightest green appears. How sweet to breathe thr; gale's perfume. And feast the eyes with nature's bloom ! Along the dewy lawn to rove, And hear fho niusick of the grove ! "THie A.M"ERldAN INSTRUCTER. 65 Nor you, ye delicate and fair. Neglect to take the morning air. This will your nerves with vigour brace, improve and heighten every grace. 'TwiH give your breath a rich perfume ; Add to your cheeks a fairer bloom ; With lustre teach your eyes to glow, /\nd health and cheerfulness bestow, SECTION XXVL Words of two syllables, accented on the first ; Continned. O dour, re. scent, fragrance O men, H. a sign, prognosiick On ly, a. single ; ad, simply, singly O pen, a. unshat ; v. to un- close, divide O ral, a. delivered by mouth O ver, pr. and ad. above, across, more, upon Ow ner, n. one to whom ar thing belongs Pa gan, n. a heathen [live Pain ful, a. full of pain, afflic- Paint ing, n. the art of laying on colours ; a picture Pale ness, n. wanness, white- ness Pa per, n. a substance on which men wTite and print Pa pist, n. one who adheres to popery Pa rent, n. a father or motlier Paste board, n. a thick kind of paper Pa tience, n. calmness of mind, endurance Pa tient, a. resigned, calm uud«r pain or affliction Pa tron, n. supporter, defen- der, advocate 1 Pave ment, n. a paved way, a stone or brick floor Pa^ mcnt, n. the act of paying Pe«oe fill, a, ciTiiet, mild [ded Pee vish, a. cross, easily ofTen- Peo pie, n. persoiis in gener- al ; a nation ; v. to stock witli inhabitants Pi lot, n.(vnc who steers a ship "Pi ous- a. religious, devout Pi rate, n. a sea-robber Plain ness, n. flatness, sim- plicity Plain tiff, n. one wlio com- mences a siiit in law Plain tiv^, a. complaining Play er, n. ono who plays Fhij/ fill, a. sportive, gay Pl;iy houst', n. a house used for actin? plavs in Plaj/ thing, /*. a toy, trifle Pli ant, a. flexile, bending Plu mage, n. feathers [one Plu ral, <^ imply ing more than Po em, n. a composition in verse Po et, re. a writer of poems ; a composer of verses Po ny, n. a small horse Port ly, ad. bulky, majesticai' 66 THE AMERTCAlN LNiiTllUCTER-. •Por ter, n, one wlio luis the chai"ge of a gato ; a. kind of strong beer Post age, n, money paid for the coveyance of letters, <S:r, Post script, ?>. a paragraph ad- ded to the end of a letter Po tent, o. powerful Pray er, /^ a petition, request Preach er, 7i. one who preach- es-; a minister Pre cept, 71. a command, in- struction, rule Priest craft, n. religious fraud Pn'est hood, n. the office and character of a priest Pri or, a. former, going be- fore Pri vate, a. secret, alone Pro noun, n. a word used in the place of a noun Pu ny, a. young, small, petty Pu pil, n. a scholar Pure ly, ad. in a pure manner Pu trid, a. rotten, corrupt , Que ry, n. a question, inquiry Qui et, a. still, peaceable Quo tient, n. the number pro- duced by division Rai ment, n. dress, clothes Rain y, a. showery, wet ) fia vcn, n. a fowl Ra zor, n. a tool used in sha- ving Read er, n. one who roads Read ing, n. study, perusal of books Re al, a. true, genuine y Rea son, n. the faculty of •• thinking ; a cause ; propri- ety ; V. to argxie rationally fte cent, a. new, late ""' Re gal, a. royal, kingly Re gejit, 71. a governour, » doputcd ruler Re g/on, ti. a country, a tract of land Re tail, ;i. sale by small quan- tities Ri ot, 71. an uproar, sedition Ri pen, ?;, to grow ripe Ri val, ?/, a competitor Ro gwish, a. knavish Sa cred, a. holy, consecrated Safe ly, ad. in a safe nianner Safe ty, 71. freedom from dan- ger or hurt Sai lor, ?i. a seaman Sav i^ur, ?i. the Redeemer ; he who saves Sa \n\\T, n. scent, odour Sa^/ ing, n. an expression, proverb, maxim Sci cnct;, n. knowledge, learn- ing, skill, art Sea man, n. a sailor, mariner Sea son, n. one fourth part of a year ; v. to give a relish to Se quel, n. succeedmg part, conclusion .[heat Sha dy, a. secure from light or Shame ful, a. disgraceful Slinme less, a. impudent Showl der, n. tiie joint which connects tlic arm to the body Si^n post, n. the post ^n which a sign hangs Si lencc, n. stillness, secrecy Si lent, a. still, mute 51a vish, a. servile, mean Sloth ful, a. lazy, sluggish '6\ow ly, ad. not speedily ,tar- dily [smoke Smo ky, a. emitting or full of '^now drop, n. an early flower So ber, a. serious, calm THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER., 6? So fa, 72. a splendid scut cov- ered So lar, a. relating to liie sun Sol dier,[soI jur] n. a warr- iour; a man engaged in military service Spa cious, a. -wide, extensive Spe cies, n. a sort, class of nature <■■ Speech less, a. mute, dumb Spi der, n. the insect that spins webs [plant Spike nard, n. the name of a Spite ful, a. malicious, cross Spri^At%-,a. gay, brisk, lively States man, n. one employed in publick affairs ; one vers- ed in the arts of government Sta tion, n. situation ; v. to fix in a certain place Steel yard, n. a kind of bal- ance for weighing Stee pie, n. the turret or spire of a church Stew ard, n. one who mana- ges the affairs of another Sto ry, n. a narrative, history Stran ger,n. one unacquainted Stu dent, n. a scholar, learner Stu pid, a. dull, heavy [ly Sure ly,[s like shja<?. certain- Sure ty,[s like sh] n. security, certainty Sweet meat, n. fruits preserv- ed with sugar Tai lor, n. one who makes clothes Teach er, n. an instructer ; a preacher Ti tie, n. an appellation ; name of honour ; claim of right To ken, ». a sign, mark ' Traz tor, n. one who betrays his trust Tre« Xy, n. negotiation ; con- tract of parties [tation Tri al, n. examination ; temp- Tri umph, n. joy or pomp for success ; conquest ; v. to rejoice for victory Tuts day, n. the third day of the week Tu lip, 71. the name of a flower Tu tor, n. one who instructs ; a preceptor Twi Wghi, n. the dubious light before sunrise, and after sunset ; a. obscure, diisky Ty rant, n. a cruel despotick ruler ; a severe master Ty ro, ;j.one in his rudiments, a beginner, student [nient Use ful, a. sci viceable, conve- Use less, a. answering no purpose Va cant, n. empty, free Vi al, 71. a small bottle Vice roy, n. the agent or sub- stitute of a king Vi ol, 71. a stringed instru- ment of musick [vice Wa ges, 7j. pay given for ser- Wai ter, 7i. an attendant Ware housf, ii. a storehouse for merchandise [ish Waste fulj a. destructive, lav- 2 , J -^Vb sencfi, 72. being absent Ab sent, a. not present Ab stract, 7t. an abridgment Ac cent, 7i. manner of pro- nunciation Ac id,[c like s] a. sour, sharp Ac tion, 77. a thing done Ac tivc, a. quick, nimble Ac tor, n, he that performe ^ THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Ac tress, n. she that performs Ad der, n. a serpent, viper Af ter, pr. in pursuit of; be- hind Al um, n. mineral salt Am pie, a. large, wide Ash es, n. the remains of any thing burnt [lung* AstA ma, 71. a disease of the At las, n. a collection of maps Ax is, n. the line on which any thing turns [my Bag gage, n. utensils of an ar- Ban ish,y. to condemn to leave one's own country, to drive away Ban ner, n. a flag, standard Ban quet, n. a feast Bar rel, 7i. a round wooden vessel ; the hollow tube of a gun Bar ren, a. unfruitful, scanty Bash ful, a. wanting due con- fidence Bat tie, n. a fight, combat Beck on, v. to make a sign Bed stertd, n. the frame which supports a bed [begging '^eg gar, n. one who lives by Bel low, V. to roar Bel \otoSf n. an instrument to blow the fire [ness Bet te^r, a. superiour in good- Bil lo?/',ra.a large roaring wave Bis cuit, n. hard dry bread Bish op, n. one of tlie head or- der of the clergy Black smith,??, one who works in iron [for a bed Blank et, n. a woollen cover Bies sing, n. divine favour Blun der, n. a mistake Brack ish, a. somewhat salt Bram blc, n. a prickly shrub Bran dy, w. a strong distilled liquor Break fast, n. the first meal in the day Brit tie, a. apt to break, weak Buck et, n. a vessel to carry or fetch water in Bwild ing, n. a house, fabrick Bun die,??, a number of things bound together [en Bur nish, v. to polish, bright- Bus tic, n. hurry, tumult But ter, n. food made from cream Cab in, v. a room in a ship C;im el, n. a beast of burden Can did, a. fair, open, honest Ctui drtur, ??. purity of mind Cap tain, ??. the commander of a company or ship Cap tivf, n. a prisoner [iour Car ri(Vge,?i. a vehicle ; behav- Car rot, n. a garden root Cai- ry, v. to bear, convey Cas <le, n. a house fortified Cat tie, ?j. beasts of pasture Cav ern, n. a hollow place in the ground [centre Cen tnd, a. relating to the Cen tre, ??. the middle dial lengf, ??. a summons to ' fight Cliand ler, n. a person who deals in candlss [stream Chan nel, n. course for a Chap el, ?^. a place of worship Chap ter,??. a division of a book Cher ish, v. to su])port, nurse Clicr ry, n. a kind of fruit Cher ub, ??. a celestial spirit Cluck en,«.the young of ahea Cljil ly, a. somewhat cold |-, THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 69 SECTION XXVII. An Address to Parents. The word Parent, is of solemn iraport ; and the rea- son is, there is a sacred trust implied in it. To be a parent, is to be a guardian of more souls than one. All the children which God hath ^aven to paients, he hath put under their care to devote them to himself: " To bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the i^crd." Consider, you who are parents, the importance of your trust ; train up the tender ofi'spring committed to your care, in morality and virtue. Upon you it depends whether the child of your bo- som, shall be a blessing, or a curse to yourselves ; a useful, or a worthless member to the community. Prepare him early with instruction, and season his mind with the maxims of truth. Watch the bent of his inclination, set him right in his youth, and let no evil habit gain strength with his years. Be reasonable in your commands, if you expect a ready obedience. Severity and rigour may create fear, but can never command his love. Mix kindness with reproof, and reason with authority ; so shall your admonitions take place in his heart, and his duty shall become his pleasure. Then shall he rise like a cedar on the mountains ; his head shall be seen above the trees of the forest. — The soil is your own, let it not want cultivation ; the seed which you sow, that also shall you reap. Teach him obedience, and he shall bless you ; teach him modesty, and he shall not be ashamed. Teach him gratitude, and he shall receive benefits ; teach him charity, and he shall gain love. Teach him temperance, and he shall h.ave health ; teach him prudence, and fortune shall attend him. Teach him justice, and he shall be honoured by the world ; teach him sincerity, and his own heart shall not reproach him. Teach him diligence, and his wealth shall increase ; teach him benevolence, and his mind shall be exalted. Teach him science, and his life shall be useful ; teach him religion, and his death shall be happy. 70 TJIE AMrrilCAN INSTRUCTER SKCTION XXVIII. Jiicli and roor. The man to wltomGod liatli given riches, andblessed with a mind to employ them aright, ispecidiarly lavour- ed, and highly distinguished. He looks on his wealth with pleasure, because it affords him the means to do good. He protects the poor that are injured, and suffers not the mighty to opj)ress the weak. He seelvs out objects of compassion, and inquires into their wants ; he re- lieves them with judgement, and without ostentation. He assists and rewards merit ; he encourages inge- nuity, and liberally promotes every useful design. He employs the labourer, he forms new schemes, and the arts receive improvement. He considers the superfluities of his table as belong- ing to the poor of his neighbourliood, and he defrauds them not. The benevolence of his mind is not checked by his fortune ; lie rejoices therefore in riches, and his joy is blameless. But wo unto him that heaps up wealth in abundance, and rejoices alone in the possession thereof; that grinds the face of the poor, and considers not the sweat o. their brow. He thrives on o})pression without feeling ; the ruin of his brother disturbs him not. He regards not the tears of the orphan, nor the cries of the widow : his heart is hardened with the love o. wealth ; no grief nor distress can make any impression upon it. But the curse of iniquity pursues him : he lives in continual fear ; the anxiety of his mind, and the rapa- cious desires of his own soul, take vengeance upon him, for the calamities he has brought upon others. Oh ! what are the miseries of poverty, in comparison with the gnawings of this man's heart ! Let the poor man comfort himself, yea, rejoice ; for he hath many reasons. He sits down to his morsel in peace ; his table is not crowded witli batterers and de- vourers. He is not embarrassed with a train of depen- dants, nor teased with the clamours of solicitation. iDebarred from the dainties of the rich, he also escapes THE AMERICAN INSTKUCTER. • 71 their diseases. The bread that lie eats, is sweet to his taste ; the water he drinks, is pleasant to his thirst 5 yea, far more delicious than the ricliest draughts of the luxurious. His labour preserves his health, and procures him a repose, to which the downy bed of sloth is a stranger,. He limits his desires with iiuniility ; and the calm of contentment is sweeter to his soul, than the acquire- ments of wealth and grandeur. Let not the rich, therefore, presume on his riches, nor the poor despond in his poverty ; for the providence of God dispenses happiness to them both, and the dis- tribution thereof is more equally made, than is gen- erally imagined. ' SECTION XXIX. Select Sentences. A WISE man will desire no more than what he may get justly, use soberly, distribute cheerfully, and live upon contentedly. Beauty, as a flowery blossom, soon fades; but the di*. vine excellences of the mind, like the medicinal virtues of a plant, remain in it when all those charms are with- ered. It is more difticult to repair a credit that is once sha- ken, than to keep in a flourishing condition that ^Ifiiich was never blasted. If the mind is well cultivated, it produces a store of fruit ; if neglected, it is overrun with weeds. Let no man be confident of his own merit ; for the best sometimes err. Let no -nan rely too much upon his own judgement ; for the wisest are sometimes deceived. Men love to act from their own judgement, and are always most inclined to those that are of the same opin- ion with themselves. The higher character a person supports, the more he siiould regard liis minutest actions. We are ail surrounded and beset with evils ; and as they cannot be avoided, the mind ought to be prepared to encounter them.. 12 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Let not your expectations from the years that are to come, rise too high ; and your di ^appointments will be lewer, and more easily supported. Moderation, vigilance, and self-government, are du- ties incumbent on all ; but especially on such as are be- ginning llie journey of life. Be not proud of the gracefulness, strength and beau- ty of thy body, which a little sickness can weaken and deform. Never insult the unfortunate, especially when they implore relief or assistance. If you cannot grant their requests, refuse them mHdly and tenderly. Pity the sorrows and sufferings of the poor ; disdain not to enter their wretched abodes, ^or to listen to their moving lamentations. Wliile blessed with health and prosperity, cultivate a humble and compassionate disposition : think of the dis- tresses of human life, of the solitary cottage, the dying parent, and the weeping orphan. If we ought to be grateful for services received from our friends, how should our hearts glow with thankful- ness to him who has given us being, and all the blessings we enjoy ! A contented mind, and a good conscience, will make a mini happy in all conditions. liU'ie temperate man's pleasures are durable, because they are regular ; and his life calm and serene, because it is innocent. True cheerfulness makes a man happy in himself, and j>romotcs the happiness of all around him. It is the clear ami calm sunshine of a mind illuminated by piety and virti'.o. Out of your acquaintance, choose familiars : '•"d out of your familiars, select friends. Among all human rnjoymcnts, nothing is so rare, so valuable, and so necessary as a true friend. A true friend is a grt.tt comfort in solitude, au excel- lent assistant in business, and the best protection a^^aim* injuries: he is a counsellor in difliculties, and a sanc- tuary in distress. THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 7S SECTION XXX. Words of two syllables J accetited on the first ; Conttnuett, 2 ] Diz zy, a. giddy, thoughtless for Chim ncy, n. a passage smoke Cis tern, n. a vessel to hold water Cit y, n.an incorporated town Civ il, a. complaisant, well bred Clam our, n. outcry, noise Clat ter, v. to make a confus- ed noise Cler gy, n. the whole order or body of divines Clum sy, a. unhandy CluS ter, n. a bunch, heap Cour age, n. bravery, valour Cred it, n. reputation, belief Crim son, n. deep red colour Crip pie, n. a lame person Crit ick, •«. one skilled in criticism Can ning, a. skilful, crafty Cur tain, w. furniture of a bed or window Damp ness, 7i. moisture Daz zle, v. to overpower with light [tal Dead ly, a. destructive, mor- De6t orpi. one who is in debt Des ert, n. a wilderness ; a. wild, waste Die tion, h. style, expression Doub le, a. twofold, twice as much [ful Dread ful, a. terrible, fright- Dun gcon, n. a dark close prison Dus ty, a. clouded with dust Dwel ling, n. a habitation EcA o, n. a sound returned Effort, n. attempt, exertioa Em blem, n. a representation; allusive picture Em pire, w. the region over which dominioe is extend- ed ; imperial power Em^ ty, a. not full, void End less, a. without end En gine, n. a machine ; agent Eng lish, [e like i] a. relating to the country, people, or language of England En trance, n. passage En vy, n. vexation at anoth- er's good Er rour, n. a mistake, blunder Es sa?/, 71. atlempt,experiment Etli icks, 71. the doctrine of morality [away Ex it, n. departure, a going Ex tant, a. now in being ; standing out to view ' [ed Differ, V. to be unlike ; to j Ex tract, n. substance extract- disagree I Frc tion, 71. discord, a party Dim ness, ti. dullness of sight i Fac tjpus, «. given to fnction Dis cord, 71. disagreement i.Fa'm'fne, ?.'. sc; rrily of fi^od Dis count, 71. an alkw.ince, Fan cy, ?2, imaginHtioru whim drawback [sp Fash eon, n. custom, fonn Dis tafi, 71. a stp.ff used in j Fat ten, v. to make or grow. Dis tiict,7(. circi'it, territory fieshv ;, Dit ty, n, a song, '^oern Feara er,?i.the plume of birds T 74 •THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTEB. Fel on, n. one guilty of a cap- ital crime Fer ry, n. a place for passing a river or lake •Fer tile, a. fruitful Fer vent, a. ardent, vehement Fie kle, a. changeable, un- steady Fie tion, n. a story invented, device, falsehood Fid die, n. a musical instru- ment [type Fig ure, n. a number ; shape ; Fin ger, [g hard] n. part of the hand Fin ish, V. to end [bleness Fit ness, n. •propriety, suita- Flan nel, n. a kind of woollen cloth [ness Flat ness, n. evenness ; dul- Flat ten, v. to make flat Flat ter, v. to praise falsely Flex ilc, a. pliant, easily bent Flim sy, a. weak, thin Flip pant, a. pert, talkative Flour ish, v. to thrive, adorn Frag ment, n. a part, a bro- ken or imperfect piece Frank ly, ad. freely, readily Frank ness, n. plainness of speech, openness Fran tick, a. mad, distracted Free klej n. a spot on the skin Fresh ness, 7i. newness Fret ful, a. peevish, angry Friend less,fl. without friends Friend ly, a. kind [ness Fn'end ship, ii. favour, kind- Frig ate,». a small shij^ofwar Fum ble, v. to do any thing awkwardly Fur long, 71. the eighth part of a mile Fur loughj n. leave given for absence from duty Fur nish, v. to supply, equip Fur row, n. a trench made by a plough Gal lant, a. gay, brave, bold Gal Ion, n. four quarts Gam bier, n. a gamester Gan der, n. the male of the goose Gar ret, n. the uppermost room in a dwelling [ble GaxH er, v. to collect, assem- Gen tic, a. tame, mild, meek Gen try, n. a class of people above the vulgar Ges ture, [t like tsh] n. ac- tion, motion, posture Gib bet, n. a gallows to ex- pose criminals Gid (\y, \ g hard] a. heedless Gild ing, [g hard] n. gold or silver laid on for ornament Gira let, [g hard] n. an instru- ment to bore with Gin gk', V. to make a sharp clattering noise [fully Glad ly, ad. joyfully, cheer- Glad ness,?!. exultation, joy Glim mor, v. to shin<! faintly Gram iniir, n. tin; science of speaking or writing cor- rectly Grap pie, r. to fasten, grasp Gras sy, «.cov(Med with grass (jrav el, n. coarse liard sand Grid die, n. a pan to bake cakes in Grim ness, m. f;igiitfulness of countenance ,-: Grum bh;, v. to murmur , 5;? <Ui\\i less, a. innocent [ed G.viJ ly^ (t. luit innocent, wick TiiE A:iiEi;icA:; ix^^'i':;rc. i;i;. ( t> Gwin ea. n. n pold coin { Hun irry, a Gun smith, ?/. one who makes iceliiiiT guns Gus set, n. part of ;i garment Gut ter, n. a passage for water Hab it,?j. customary use, stale of any thing, dress Had dock, n. a sea-fisl; Hag gle, ri. to mangle Hal low, V. to consecrate Ham let, w. a small village pam lor want of f')od [animal> IIiui ter, 71. one who chase: iliu" ry, H. hasle, bustle ; v to liastcii Hurt ful, "ff. injurious l\\is band, «. a a^arried mail Hus t\c, V. to shake together 111 ness, a. sickness Im pulsr, 51. eoniniunicated force, motion, idea Ham mer, n. an instrument to i In com;', n. revenue, rent drive nails In censf, n. a ])erfinne offered Han dy, a. ready, skilful to some deity Hap pcn,v. to come to pass | In dex, n.the table of contents Hap py, <7. blessed, pleased | toabook; a markthus(f[5=*') Har row, n. an instrument of I In fant. ??. a yuun2; child husbandry I In get, ?j. a mass of metal In jure, v. to annoy, to hurt unjustly [ink Inlc stand, n. a vessel to hold Hafch et, n. a small axe Hat ter, n. a maker of hats Haz ard, ?j. danger, chance Head stall, w. part of a bridle In let, n. a passage, entrance Health y,a.free from sickness Heav y, a. weighty ; drowsy Hetf er, n. a young cow Hel met, n. armour for the head Help er, n. an assistant Help less, a. destitute of help; In most, a. deepest within, re- motest In ner, a. interiour In quest, ?i. judicial inquiry - Jn rortd, ?:. sudden invasion In sect, u. a small creeping or flyin g anmia' wantingpower or assistance j In side^ n. the interiour part from this I In sight, Hence forth, ad. time forward Jtfier bage, n. herbs, grass, pasture [person Her mit, «. a solitary devout Her ring, n. a small sea-fish Hin der, v. to prevent, stop HiTH er, ad. to this place i Hud die, V. to crowd together I in a confused manner 1 Hun dred, a. ten times ten t Hun ger, [g hard] n. a desire 'J of food n. an inspection, view, knowledc-o In stance, n. example In slant, n. the present mo- ment or month ; a moment In step, n. the upper part oi the foot In stiuct, n. a natural desiro or aversion In suit, n. insolence, abuse In to, pr. noting entrance In voice, n. a bill or list of goods with the price annexed TG Tllk A.MERICAN INSTil4CTEK. Issue,[ish shu]«. termination, end ; v. to come or send out Jst/t mus, n. a neck of land joining larger portions of land Jab ber, v. to talk idly Jack et, n. a waistcoat ; a - kind of short close coat Jeal ous, a. suspicious [noise Jin gle, V. to make a rattling Jour nal, n. a diary, book, newspaper Jour ney, n. a passage from one place to another Jug gle, V. to play tricks by sleight of hand Jus ticc, n. equity, right ; an officer ^ [ly Just ly. a4. uprightly, honest- Ket tlV, n. a kitchen vessel to ^ boil things in Kid nap, v. to steal persons Kin die, v. to set on fue Kin dred, n. relation King dom, n. the dominion of ' a king King ly, a. royal, noble Kitch en, n. a room where provisions are cooked Kit ten, 71. a young cat Lad der,n. a frame made with steps for climbing Lan cat, h. a surgical instru- ment to let blood Land lord, n. the master of an inn ; an owner of land or houses Land tax, n, a tax put upon land and houses Lan guage, w. human speech Lan guid, a. faint, weak Lan gulsh, v. to grow feeble Lan guor, v. faintness Lan tern,?i.a case for a candle Lap dog, 71. a little dog for the lap Last ly, ad. in the last place LaTH er, ?i. froth of soap and water Lat ter, a. the last of two Lav ish, a. wasteful Learn ing, n. erudition, skill in any thing [ing any thing Learn er, n. one who is learn- LeaTH er, n. the hide of an animal dressed Lee ture,[t like tsh] n. a dis- course on any subject Lem on, m. the name of a fruit Length en, v. to make longer Leop ard,n. a beast of prey Les sen, V. to diminish Les son, ». a task to learn or read Les sor, n. one who grants a lease to another Let ter, n. one of the charac- ters of the alphabet ; a writ- ten message Lev el, a. even Lev y, V. to raise, impose Lil y, n. a beautiful flower Lim ber, a. easily bent, pliant Lim it, n. a bound, border ; V. to confine within bounds Linch pin, 7i. an iron pin to kce[) a wheel on the axletree Lin en, 7i. cloth made of flax Lin ger,[g hard] v. to loiter Lin guist, 71. a person skilled in languages Lin net, «.a small singing bird Liq uid,n. a fluid substance Liq ?/or, n. strong drink ; a liquid Little, a. small, diminutive THE AMEmCx^N INSTEUCTER. 7J 2 * 2 Liv ing, n. maintenance, sup- port [animal Liz ard, n- a small creeping Lub ber, n. a lazy clumsy fellow [nate Luc ky, a. successful, fortu- Lug gage, n. any thing cum- bersome or heavy Lum ber, n. useless furniture Lus cious, a. sweet, pleasing, rich Lus tre, n. brightness, gloss Lus ty, a. large, stout Mad am, n. a term of address to a lady Mad den, v. to make mad ]\lad ness, 7i.rage,fury,pdssion. Mag ick,[g soft] n. enchant- timber, boards, staves, &c. ment, dealing with spirits SECTION XXXL The Close of Life. "When we contemplate the close of life, tlie termlafi- tion of man's designs and hopes, the silence that novr reigns among those who a little while ago were so bu- sy or so gay ; who can avoid being touclied with sensa- tions at once awful and tender ? What heart but ihexf. warms with the glow of humanity ? in whose eye doth not the tear gather, on revolving the fate of passing and short lived man ? Behold the poor man who lays down at last the bur- den of his wearisome life. No more shall he groan lui- der the load of poverty and toil. No more shall he hear the insolent calls of the master, from whom he re- ceived his scanty wages. No more shall he be raised from needful slumber on his bed of straw, nor be hurriefi away from his homely meal, to midergo tlie repeated la- bours of the day. While his humble grave is preparing, and a few pojtjr and decayed neighbours are carrying hhn tliitlier, j^ jU good for us to think, that this man too was our broker j that for him the aged and destitute wife, and the needy children now weep ; that, neglected as he was by thfe world, he possessed perhaps both a sound understand- ing, and a worthy heai-t ; and is now carried by ang«If, to rest in Abraham's bosom. At no ^eat distance from him, the grave is pp^ne? to receive the rich and proud man. For, as it is sair with emphasis in the parable, <« the rich man also ,^6^' 7* 78 f THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 4r and was buried." He also died. His riches prevented not his sharing tlie same fate with the poor man ; per- haps, through luxury, they accelerated his doom. Then indeed, " the mourners go about the streets ;" and while, in all the pomp and magnificence of wo, his funeral is preparing, his heirs, impatient to examine his will are loolung one on another with jealous eyes, and are aheady beginning to dispute about the division of his substance. One day we see carried along the coffin of the smi- Kng infant; the flower just nipped as it began to blos- som in its parent's view: and the next day we behold the young man, or young woman, of blooming form and promising hopes, laid in an untimely grave. While the funeral is attended by a numerous uncon- cerned company, who are discoursing to one another about the news" of the day, or the ordinary affairs o\ life, let our thoughts rather follow to the house of mourn- ing, and represent to themselves what is passing there. There we should see a disconsolate family sitting in silent grief, thinking of the sad breach that is made in their little society ; and, with tears in their eyes, look- ing to the chamber that is now left vacant, and to every memorial that presents itself of their departed friend. By such attention to the woes of others, the selfish hardness of our hearts will be gradually softened, and melted down into humanity. Another day we follow to the grave, one who in old age, and after a long career of life, has, in full maturity, sunk at last into rest. As we are going along to the mansion of the dead, it is natural for us to think, and to discourse, of all tlie changes which such a person has seen during the course of liis life. He has passed it is likely, through varieties of fortune. He has experienced prosperity and adversity. He has seen families and kindreds rise and fall. He has seert peace and war succeed in their turns : the face of his country undergoing many alterations, and the very city iB which he dwelt, rising in a manner, new around him. "*► After all be has beheld, bis ev^s are now closed for- '-' s d THE A3IEKICAi\ INSTRUCTER. 7f ever. He was becoming a stranger in the midst of a new succession of men. A race who knew him not, had risen to fill the earth. Tims passes tiie world away. Throughout all ranks and conditions ; "one generation passeth, and another generation cometh ;" and this great inn is by turns evacuated, and replenished by troops of succeeding pilgrims. O vain and inconstant world ! O fleeting and tran- sient life ! When will the sons of men learn to think of thee as they ought ? When will they learn humanity from the afflictions of their brethren ; or moderation and wisdom, from the sense of their own fugitive state ? SECTION XXXII. The Funeral. How sdlemn is the scene, when friends draw near. To pay to parted worth the fun'ral tear ! How precious are the sacred tears that riscj And flow successive from the mourner's eyes. How solemn is the sight, ('tis so to me,) Extended in the " narrow house'' to see ,r The pale precursor of our certain doom, A silent votary for the lurid tomb ! No language can describe, no tongue can tell The heart's keen anguish at the last farewell, When the lid closes on the faded face, Where late serenely smil'd each softer grace. Plac'd on the sable hearse, the mournful throng, In sad procession, slowly move along; Bow'd down with sorrow, to the grave repair, And leave their fellow friend to moulder there. Then home return : — Oh ! what a blank appears ! The heart then gives the few remaining tears ; How gloomy all, where late so sweetly smil'd , The lovely friend, that ev'ry care beguil'd ! Those who have lost what worlds cannot supply, C an give the sympathetick tear and sigh : Thuiigh friendship can a soothing balm impart, 'Tis Heav'n aloae can Jieal the mouroei's heart. * so THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER SECTlOiN XAAIU. The Rose. How fair is the rose, what a beautiful flower ! In Summer so fragrant and gay ! But the leaves are beginning to fade in an hour, And they wither and die in a day. Yet flie rose has one pmverful virtue to boast, Above all the flowers of the field : When its leaves are all dead, and its fine colours lost, Still how sweet a perfume it will yield. So frail are the youth and the beauty of men, Though they bloom and look gay like the rose ; Yet all our fond care to preserve them is vain, Time kills them as fast as he goes. Then I'll not be proud of my 3^outh or my beauty, Since both of them wither and fade ; But gain a good name by performing my duty ; This will scent like the rose when I'm dead. — QQ!S- SECTION XXXIV. Words of two syllables, accented on the first ; Continued. Mag net, n. the loadstone Mag pie, n. the name of abird Mai ice, n. ill will, hatred Mai let, n. a wooden hammer Man age,v.to conduct, govern Man date, n. a command, pre- cept [ing Man ful, a. bold, stout, dar- Man gle, v. to lacerate, to cut or tear in pieces Man ly, a. brave, noble Man ner, n. form, method JMan ners, n. behaviour, con- duct Man sion, n. a dwelling house, abode Man tie, n. a kind of cloak Man y,[a like e] a. numerous, several Mar ro?^?, n. a substance in bones [subject Mat tcr, n. body, substance, Max im, «. a general princi- ple, rule • Mead ow, n. a grass-field from wliicli hay is made Me«s uro, [s like zh] n. that by which any tiling is meas- ured ; V. to compute, idiot Med al, 71. an ancient coin ; a piece stamped in honour of some remarkable per- formance Mel lo«', a. soft, fully ripe Mel on, n. a kind of fruit Mem bcr, n. a iimbj^a part Men tal, a. belonging mind, intellectual THE AMERICAN IKSTRUCTER. 81 2 Men tion, v, to express in words or writing ; n. an expression Mer chant, n. one who deals in merchandise [pardon Mer cy, n. pity, compassion, Mer it, n. desert, reward ; v. to deserve [cheerful Mer ry, a. gay, laughing, Mes sage, n, an errand Mess mate, n. one who eats with another [body Met al, n. a hard compact Meth od, n. order, rule Mid day, n, noon Mid night, n. the middle of the night [a mill Mil ler, n. one who attends Mil let, 71. a plant ; a kind of fish [sand Mill ion, 71. ten hundred thou- ' Mill stone, n. the stone by which grain is ground Mim ick, V. to imitate, ridi- cule ; n. one who imitates another Min gle, I', to mix, join Min ute, 71. the sixtieth part of an hour Mir ror, w. a looking-glass "Mis chief, n. disturbance,harm Mis sion, 71. a commission, le- gation Mis tress, n. a woman who governs ; a woman teacher Mis ty, a. cloudy, damp Mit tens, n. covering for the hands Mud dy, a. dirty, thick Muf tie, x;. to wrap up, to blindfold Mum ble, V. to mutter ; to spf ak inAvardJy Mur der, n. the act of killing unhnvfully ; v. to kill un- lawfully [ble Mur mur, v. to mutter, grum- Mus ket, n. a soldier's hand- gun Mus lin, n. a fine kind of cloth made of cotton [seed Mus tard, ti. a plant and its Mus ty, a. mouldy, spoiled with damp Mut ter, V. to grumble Mut ton, n. the flesh of sheep Neck lace, n. an ornament worn by women on the neck Neph ew, [nev vu] 7t. the son of a brothei or sister NcTH er, a. loAver, not upper Net tie, n. a stinging herb Nev er, ad. at no time Nib ble, v. to eat slowly ,bite at Nick name, n. a name given in contempt • Nim ble, a. quick, active [ly Nim bly, ad. quickly, speedi- Num ber, w. the species of quantity by which it is com- puted how many; v. to count, reckon Num6 ness, n. stupefaction, torpor, deadness Nup tial, a. pertaining to marriage Nup tials, n. marriage Nur ture, [t like tsh] n. edu- cation ; food, diet ; v. to bring up, to educate Pack et, fi. a mail of letters ;^ a coasting vessel for pas- sengers Pad die, v. to row; to play in I water ; «. an oar I Pad lock, 7?. a hanging lork B2 tl!E A.MLHirA\ INSTRLTTER. Pal ace, n. n loynl or sjlsMiaid house Pam phlct, n. a small book Pan cake, ?!. a kind of thin cake baked or (Vied in a pan Par rot, n. a kind of bird Pas sage, w. a clause or sen- tence ; act of passing Pas sion, «, anger, zeal, ar- dour, love [fering Pas sive, a. submissive, suf- Pciss port, n. a permission in writing to pass Pas time, «. amusement, sport Pas tor, n. a minister of a congregation ; a shepherd Pas ture, [t like tsh] ??. land on which cattle feed Pat ent, n. a grant of an ex- clusive right [ample Pat tern, n. a specimen, ex- Peas ant, n. one who lives by rural labour Peb ble,n.a sort of hard stone Ped die, v. to travel and re- tail goods Pen cil, n. a small brush of hair for drawing and painting pen ^tnife, n. a knife used to cut pens Pen man, n. a writer Pen ny, n. the twelfth part of a shilling Pen sion, n. a settled yearly allowance Pen s'lve, a. sorrowful Pep per, n. a spice, plant of many kinds Per il, n. danger, hazard Per ish, v. to decay, die Per son, n. a human being, an individual Pe^ ttfr, V. to plagiie, disturb Pes t\e, n. an instrgment with which any thing is broken in a mortar Pet tish, a. fretful, peevish • Pet ty, a. small, trilling Pheos ant, n. the name of a bird Phxh'is ick; H. a consumption ; shortness of breath Pic klc, n. a thing pickled, brine Pic ture, [t like tsh] n. a re- seniblance in colours Pig con, [g soft] n. a kind oi bird Pil fer, V. to steal Pil lage, n. plunder ; v, to rob Pil lar, 71. a column, prop Pill ion, n. a soft saddle, a cushion [head on Pil lo;^, n. a thing to lay the? Pim pie, ?i. a small red pustulo Pin ion,t'. to bind, shackle,tie Pis mire, n. an ant ; emmet Pis tol, 71. a small hand-gun Pi^ch fork, n. a fork to pitch hay with Pi^ch er, ??. an earthen vessel Pith y, a. consisting of pith ; enorgetick, forcible [thy Pit y, n. compassion, synipa- Piv ot,7i. a pin on which any thing turns Plan ct, 71. a star which re- volves round a centre ia an orbit Plan tain, n. an herb Plant er, n. a farmer, one who cultivates Pias ter, w. lime prepared to cover walls ; a salve Plat form,7J. a horizontal plan« Plat ter, n. a largo flat disjt «• THE A.MiKRRA.\ 1 VSTRUCTKn. 83' Pleos anf, a. delii^litful Pleas urc, [s like zh] n. de- light, gratificatioii Plen ty, 71. abundance Plum met, «. a leaden weiglit or pencil [by force Plun der, v. to pillasfe, to rob Prac ticc, »;, habitual use. rule Prac tisf, v. to do habitually Prat tie, v. to talk lightly, to chatter Pre cious, a. valuable, costly Preface, n. an introduction to a book [present Pres enct', m. state of being Pres ent, a. not absent, face to face ; ti. a gift Pret ty, [e like i]«. beautiful, neat ; ad. in some degree Prim er, n. a small book for children Prim rose, «. a flower Prince ly, ad. royal, grand Prin cess, n. the daughter of a king, the wife of a prince Print er, n. one who prints Pris on,ii. a jail, place of con- finement Pub lish, V. to make known Pub lick, n. the body of a na- tion ; a. not private, open, common Pulp ous, a. soft Pun ish, V. to chastise, correct Pup py, 71. a whelp, dog Pur blind, a. near-sighted Pur chase, v. to buy, to obtain for a price Pur lieu, n. border, enclosure Pur pie, a. red tinctured with blue Pur port, H. design, meaning Pus tule,[t like tshJR.a pimpie Put ty. n. a kind of cement used by glaziers Viva ?,le, v. to perplex, embar- rass ; Ji. ]icrple.\ity,a riddle Quick Ivj^yrf. nimbly, speedily Quick ucss, n. speed, activity Quick sand, n. a sinking or shaking sand [throat Quin sy, n. a disease in the Quiv er, v. to shake, tremble Rab bit, /,'. a small furry ani mal [crowd Rab ble, n. a tumultuous Rac ket, ti. a clattering noise Rad ish,?t. the name of a root Rafter, ?;. the roof timber of a house Ram ble, T'. to vv'ander, rove Ran c&ur, n. malignity ,hatred Ran dom, a. done by chance ; n. want of direction Ran sack,i'.to plunder, search Ran som, n. a price paid for liberty ; v. to redeem Rap id, a. violent, swift Rap ture,[t like tsh] n. ecsta- cy, transport [villain Ras cal, n. a mean fellow, Rash ness, 71. hastiness RaTH er, ad. more willingly Rats bane, 7i. arsenick, poison Rat tie, V. to make a noise, to clatter Rav age, v. to lay waste, spoil, plunder Read y, a. prepared, willing Reb el, ti. one who opposes lawful authority Rec kon, v. to count,compute Rec ord, 7i. a register, authen- tick enrolment Rec tor, h. a minister of a parish, ruler Hi THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Refuge,?/. shelter from danger Rel ish, V. to give a taste to v.ny thing; r/. larste, Hkiug Rem nam, 71. what is left Rep tile, n. a creeping tiling Res cue, V. to set free frwn danger Res pitc. 71. a reprieve, pause ; V. to suspend, put off Rest less, a. uncjuiet Rev el, V. to carouse ; n. a noisy feast Rich e.s-, n. wealth, money Rich ness, 7j. fipuleuce, splen- dour, fertility Rid dle.n.a coarse open sieve ; a pii/.7,ling odd question Rig i'i, [g s;;f!] a. strict, exact Riv er, k. a stream or current of water Riv et, n. a kind of pin clench- lid at both ends ; v. to fas- ten v.ith rivets Rub bish, fi. refuse, the ruins of buildings Ruf fie, 71. plaited linen used as an ornajii(>nt ; v. to dis- order Rud (\rv, //.the part that steers a ship .,: [noise RUni bio, V. 10 n):i';e a lioarse Rus ticli, <■/. iu!i.!. iiu!c Rus ty, a. covtMeil with rust Sab bath, n. a (isiy of rest and worship Sad den, v. to make sad Sad die, .7. a seat to \iut on a horse I chdy Sad nes... now, niel,i»i- Sdl adjiV. luo;.; !it' raw herbs Sa'm on, n. a ki::d ol' f -b Sam pie, /i. a s]"( :.^ 1 Sand y, a. gritty, full of tiuid Sane tion, n. confirniationj ratification Sap ling, n. a young tree Sat in, 71. a kind of very soft sliining silk Sav age, a. wild, barbarous ; 71. a barbarian Scab bard, ?^. a case, sheath of a sword Scan dal, ?(. disgrace, re- })roachful aspersion Scat ter, v. to spread, disperse Sci-s 5or5, n. a small pair of shears Scrip ture,[t like tsh] n. the Bible, sacred writings Sec ond, 71. the sixtieth part of a minute ; u. next to the first Sec tion, n. a distinct part of a writing or book, division Sel dom, ad. not often, rarely Sel vage, n. the edge of cloth Sen ate, 71. an assembly of counsellors ; a branch of the congress of the United States [stupid Sense less, a. void of sense, Sen tei)ce,«.a short paragraph; a decision ; v. to condemn Sen try, n. a watch, guard Ser aph, n. one of the orders of angels Ser moil, /<. a pious discourse, a lecture S;n- j)ent, n. a snake [other Ser vaiitjji'ibnc who serves an- Ses sion, //. the act or time of sitting Set th?, V. to adjust, fix Seven, a. one moroilim six .'•(iv ':r, V. to pi'.rt ])y Tlohnice Sex toiu n. cfn orticer of the cliurch THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 9$ SECTION XXXV. An Address to Youth. ^ How pleasant is the season of youth ! Like the fine days in spring, it composes the prime of life, and prom- ises in future a rich harvest. But alas ! it passes away With the same rapidity, and the hopes it raises are often deceitful. In the moral, as in the natural world, the fi- nest blossoms do not always produce the fruit we had reason to expect. How must it afflict the person arrived at the maturity of manhood, when he casts his eyes over the days of his youth, if they have flown away without improvement, or if he has foolishly consumed them in trifling occupa* tions, or lost them in idleness ! What more distressing object can be held up to the view of society, than that of a man, whose faculties, in- stead of being unfolded and enlarged by exercise, are benumbed by inactivity, or debilitated or worn out in the service of vice; carr3'ing with him into the matu- rer season, nothing but the disgraceful feelings of weak- ness, regret, and remorse ? On the other hand, what pleasure a person experien- ces in recalling to his mind the spring of life, who has employed it in preparing himselffor useful occupations; and who, having cultivated the precious seed which the Creator has sown within him, can hope to reap for him- self and others the most excellent fruits. How delight- ful is the sight of such a man to every sensible and vir- tuous person ! Where is the man who ever repented of having well employed his youth ? This period of life, when passed in piety and innocence, procures us the most valuable advantages, and the most noble pleasures. On the oth- er hand, many deplore the loss or abuse of these most favourable days of their lives, and bitterly lament over the unhappy consequences of youthful errours. Now is the season for sowing. If, at a more advan- ced period, you would not be reduced to want, if yo« would not be a burden to yourselves and others, if you S gfi THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. would gather a rich and abundant harvest, yon must sow the good seed, and carefully cultivate the ground which receives it. You must adorn your minds with wisdom, and your hearts with \'irtue : you must lay in a store of useful knowledge, and early acquire a habit «f acting justly. You must combat evil thoughts before they gain the mastery, and extirpate evil habits before they have ta- ken deep root ; endeavour to secure the love and esteem of your fellow citizens, by a rational, modest, and regu- lar conduct ; that you may be able to depend in future on their protection and support. Youth is the time for discipline and preparation ; in this season, exercise your faculties and powers, if you wish hereafter to employ them with facility and success. Acquire the information and talents for which you will have occasion in future life ; and without which you will stumble at every step, and find yourselves involved in a thousand perplexing difliculties. How important then is the present season of life ! Mere wishes, slothful and feeble edbrts, will not suffice to fulfil its duties and designs. It is only by persever- ing endeavours, by a constant application, and by an unshaken firmness, that you can attain to honour and usefulness in the world. Do not postpone to an uncertain hereafter, that winch you can, and ought to do at present. The time you lose, is lost forever : every future period of your exis- tence, has its particular ein})loynient. It will not be the time for sowing, when the season of gathering shall come, nor for instruction, when you sl'.all be called to make use of your knowledge. That which isincuinlient on you to do at prcseju, and which you neglect because of its diiiicuiik"«, will hecowie every year, and every ^^ay more diilii nit, 13e ( a; clul to watch contiimally over yourselves, overall the s.cret motions of your hearts ; suffer not yourselves to be se- duced by the vain pioi i^es of vice, by the charms of an apparent liberty, or of tr< atiicvous joys. Wisdom raises her voice to tell vou, that the intox- THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 8T ication of sense endures but for an instant ; that the en- chanted cup of luxury shall not always be sweet to 5'our taste ; thai the pleasure you find in drinking shall sooa vanish, as a fleeting dream from which we are fearfully awakened : that the liberty with which you are flattered by vice, is nothing but the vilest slavery ; and that its joys are all poisoned at their source. Therefore, shun vice as you would the most deadly poison. Early accustom yourselves to self-denials : to bear contradiction and opposition; to subdue your pas- sions, and to conquer your sensual appetites : then shall a train of pure and lasting joys recompense you in manhood and old age, for tlie destructive or vain grat- ifications which you have prudently renounced. Even if you are prevented, by an early deatli, from gatherhig in this world the fruit of a well regulated youth, you will obtain a great advantage, if you are prepared to enter a more perfect abode, and sufficiently qualified for the sublime employment and delicious pleas- ares, which await the virtuous in a future existence. It is only by making wisdom and virtue, reason and religion, your faithful guides, that you can preserve your innocence, and proceed with a firm and persever- ing step in the path where so many of your predeces- sors have reaped the advantages they now enjoy. May these faithful guides alwa3's accompany you in the Journey of life ; and may you become valuable men, useful citizens, and blessings to societ3% SECTION XXXVL A view of the Starry Heavem. Here I enjoy a free view of the whole hemisphere, without any obstacle from below, to confine the explor- ing eye ; or any cloud from above, to overcast the spa- cious concave. It is true, the lively vermilion which so lately streak- ed the chambers of the west, is all faded. But the planets, one after another, light up their lamps ; the stars advance in their glittering train. S8 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Thousands of luminaries shine forth in successive splendour ; and the whole firmament is kindled into the most beautiful glow. The blueness of the ether, heightened by the season 6f the year, and ^still more enlivened by the absence of the moon, give those gems of heaven the brightest lustre. — OQ©— SECTION XXXVII. i Words of two syllables, accented on the first j Continued. Snac kle, v. to chain, fetter Shac kle5, 71. fetters, chains Shad oWj n. shade, darkness Shal low, a. not deep ; silly She! ter, n. a place of salety, cover ; v. to cover, defend tSiher iff, n. a county officer Shil iing, n. a silver coin, val- ue twelve pence Shin gle, n. a thin board to cover houses Ship ping, n. vessels for nav- igation [ship Ship wreck, n. the loss of a Shud der, v. to quake with fear [dow Shut ter, n. a cover for a win- Shut tie, n. an instrument ^ used in weaving [with Sic kle, n. a hook to cut grain Sick ness, n. a disease Sig nal,n. a sign that give* no- * tice ; rt.eniiocnt,remarkablL' Sil ly, a. foolish, simple Sil vcr, n. a white hard metal Sim mer, v. to boil gently Sim })le, a. plain, artless, silly Sin ew, n. a teiKion, nerve Sin liil, •'/. wicked, (uilioly Si:i<; er. u. ouo tlmt sings Sjm j^le, «. :ilonc. unmarried Sin ner, «. one who sins, an offender [on a seat Sit ting, n. the act of resting Six pence, n. a small silver coin, half a shilling Six teen, a. six and ten Six ty, a. six times ten Skil ful, a. knowing, experi- enced [boiler Skil let, ?». a small kettle or Skit tish, a. easily frighted Slan der, ?i. false invective, reproach Slen der, a. thin, small Slip per,?2.a kind of loose shoe Slug gish, a. lazy, slothful Slum ber, v. to sleep lightly^ n. repose Smug glo, t'. to import or ex- port goods without paying the duties [vish Snap j)i.sh,ff. eager to bite,pee- Snuiri)()x, H. a box in which snufl'is carried Snuf fcrs, 71. a utensil to snull candles Spar row, n. a small bird Spat ter, V. to sjjrinkle Spc cia!,a, particular, peculiar Spend thrift, 7( a prodigal ; hivisher Ilffifi AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 89 3 Spin die, n. an instrument used in spinning Spir it, n. "the soul, a ghost, breath, life, courage Splen did, a. magnificent Splen dour, n. lusti'e, magnif- icence Sprin kle, v. to scatter in small drops Stam mer, v. to falter in one's speech Stand ard, n. an ensign of war ; undoubted authority Stat uc,[stat tshu] n. an image Stat ute,[stat tshute] n. an act of the legislature, a law, decree Stead fast, a. fixed, firm Stead y, a. firm, not wavering Stig ma, n. a mark of iufamy Stin gy, a. covetous Stran gle,T).to choke,suffocate Strip ling, n. a youth Strug gle, V. to strive, con- tend ; n. a contest, agony Stub born, a. obstinate Stud y,n. application to books and learning ; an apart- ment for books ; v. to med- itate, muse Stum ble, V. to trip in walk- ing : to err Stur dy, a. hardy, stout Stur gfion,n.the name of a fish Sub ject, n. the matter treat- ed of; one under the do- minion of another Sub stance, n. being, matter Sud den, a. without previous notice, hasty Suf fer, V. to endure, to bear Sul ky, a, sullen, obstinate Sul len^ a. morose, obstinatp Sul try, a. hot and cloudy Sum mer, n. the second sea* son of the year Sum mit, n. the top, the ut« most height Sun beam, n. a ray of the sua Sun day, n. the first day of the week Sun dry, a. several, various Sup per, 71. the evening mes^ Sur fiice, n. the outside Sur ly, a. morose, uncivil ^ Syl van, a. woody, shady Sym^ torn, 7i. a sign, token Syn tax, ti. a system, con« struction of words Sys tern, n. a scheme, meth* od, theory Tal ent, n. a certain weight or sum ; faculty Tal on, n. the claw of a bird Tar ry, v. to stay, Poiter Tat tie, V. to prate, talk idly Tem pest, n. a violent wmd, storm, tumult [cata Ten der, a. soft, young, deli- Ten don, n. a sinew Ten dril, n. the clasp of a vhie Thank ful, a. full ol gratitude Thim ble, ii, a cap for the needle finger This tie, n. a prickly weed ThItu er, ad. to that place Tbi.m dor, ?i.-a loud noise in the air [the Meek Thurs day, n. the fifth day of Tick et, 71. a token of right on the delivery of which admission is granted Til lage, n. husbandry Tim id, a. fearful, timorous Tip pet, n. a kind of covering for a woman's neck 90 THE AMERICAN INSTIIUCTER. Traf fick, M.commerce,trade ; V. to trade, to deal [foot Tram pie, v. to tread under Tran quil, a. quiet, peaceful Trav el, v. to go, to make a journey Treas ure,[s like zhj/i.wealtli laid up, riches Trem ble, v. to shake, quiver Tres pass, n. an offence, un- lawful entry ; v. to trans- gress Tres ses, n. curls of hair Trib ute, n. payment made in acknowledgement of sub- jection Trip/< thong,n.a union of three vowels Tftfub le, n. calamity, afflic- tion [down Turn ble, V. to fall, to throw Tur key, n. a large fowl Tur tie, w. a kind of dove ; a tortoise Twen ty, a twice ten Ul cer, n. a running sore Um pire, n. one who decides disputes Un cle, 71. a father's or moth- er's brother Un der, pr. in a state of sub- jection [up Tip Tighi, a, honest ; straight Ut most, a. extreme, highest ; n. the most that can be Ut ter, V. to speak Val iant, a. stout, brave Val ley, n. low ground be- tween two hills Val our, n. courage, bravery Val uc,n. a price, worth ; v. to fix a price, to rate \'an ish, t>, to disappear Ver diet, n. determination of a jury, decision, opinion Ver y, a real, true ; ad. in a great degree Ves sel, n. any thing used to hold liquors ; a ship Vic tim, n. a sacrifice Vict uaL«, n. food, provisions Vig our, n. force, strength Vil lage, n. a small collection of houses Vir tue,[ver tshu] n. moral goodness, excellence, effi- cacy Vul gar, a. mean, low ; n the common or lower people Wag gon, ;?. a four wheeled carriage for burdens VVerfnes dc/y, n. the fourth day of the week Wei fare, n. happiness, pros- perity Whis per, v. to speak in a low voice Wick ed, a. given to vice Wid oiVy n. a woman whose husband is dead Wil ful, a. stubborn, perverse Win ter, n. the fourth season of the year Wii dom, 7/. the power of judging rightly, sapience WiTH er, V. to fade, waste Wit ness, n. testimony, evi- dence ^ Wit ty, a. ingenious, smart Wvixn gle, V. to dispute pee- vishly ; n. a quarrel Young stcr, n. a young person 3 Al so, ad. likewise Al wa_ys, ad. continually, for- ever, perpetually THE AaiERICA-\ INSTRUCTER. n^ Auc tion, n. a publick sale to the highest bidder All gust, ti. the eighth month of the year Au thor,n. an inventer, writer Au tumw, 7i. the tliird season of the year Aw ful, a. terrible, hateful Awk wai-d, a. unhandy, un- polite [icine Bal sam, n. an ointment, med- Broad cloth, n. a very fine kind of woollen cloth Cau tion, n. prmlence, care Cau' tious,a.watchful, prudent VdiUgh ter, n. a female child False hood,n.a lie, an untruth Fault lessjfl. perfect, complete Faul ty,a.blameable,defective For fcit, V. to lose by some of- fence [luck, portion For tune,[tlike tsh]»?. chance, For ty, a. four times ten Gau dy, a. showy, splendid Hau^/i ty, a. proud, insolent Hor net, n. a bee of the wasp kind Horn pipe, n. a kind of dance Horse fly, n. a fly that stings horses [riding Horse man, 7j. one skilled in Law ful, a. agreeable to law Law less, a. not subject to law, illegal Law suet, n. process in law Law yer, n. a professor of law, an advocate Mor bid, a. diseased, corrupt Morn ing, n. the first part of the day Mor sel, n. a small quantity Mor tal, a. subject to death ; n. a human being Mor tar, n. a kind of cement used for building ; a vessel to pound in jMor^ gage, «. a pledge of property ; r.to pledge prop- erty to a creditor for se-* qurity Mor tisc, n. a hole cut in one piece of wood to admit the tenon of another Naug/t ty, a. bad, wicked Nau seous, a. loathsome, of- fensive, disgustful Or bit ,n. the line described by the revolution of a planet Or chard, »i, a field of fruit trees Or der, n.a command, method Ord nance,n. cannon, artillery Or phan, n. a fatherless or motherless child Pal sy, )i. a privation of the sense of feeling Pau per, ?i. one who receives alms, a poor person Quarter, ?). a fourth part; V. to divide into four parts Quar to,H.a book in which ev- ery sheet makes four leaves Sau cer, n. a small vessel into which a tea-cup is set Sau cy, a. impudent, insolent Scorn ful, a. haughty, proud Shor ten, v. to make short Short ly, ad. soon, quickly Slaug'A ter, ra. massacre ; v. i& slay, to kill Sor did, a. mean, vile, base j Storm y, a. tempestuous Thought ful, a. contempla' tive, careful ThougJit less, a, negligenV careless n THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Tor ment, n. pain, misery Tor toise, n, an amphibious animal [ish Taw ny, a. brownish, yellow- 4 Alms house, n. a house for the poor Ar dent, a. hot, fiery, zealous Ar guc, ?'. to reason, dispute Ar mour, n. defensive arms Ar my,n.a body of armed men Ar ro?^>, n. a pointed weapon shot from a bow Art ist, n. a professor of an art Bar ber, n. a man that shaves beards [ment Bar gain, n. a contract, agree- Bar ley, n. a sort of grain Bar ter, v. to exchange [ness Ca/m ness, n. mildness, still- Car cass, n. a dead body Car pet, n. a covering for a floor Car tridge, n. a paper-case for gunpowder and ball Car ver, n. one who carves Char cortl, h. a coal made by burning wood under cover Charm ing, a. pleasing Dark ness, n. absence of light Far met, n, one who culti- vates ground [tance Far THcr, a. at a greater dis- Far THest, a. at the greatest distance [penny Far THing, n. the fourth of a Fa THer, h. a parent Gar den, n. a jjlace planted withherbs,flowers,&c. [crs Gar land, n. a wreath of flow- Gar lick, n. a plant[the body Gar ment, m. a covering for Har hour, n. a port, shelter Har den, v. to make hard Hard ness, n. severity ; a hard quality Hard ship, ?i. fatigue, injury Hard ware, ?i. wares made o( iron, steel, brass, &c. Harm less, a. innocent Harsh ness, n. roughness Har vest, n. the season for gathering wheat, maize,&c. the crop gathered Hear ken, v. to listen, attend Hear ty, a. heahhy, strong Jargon,n. unintelligible talk, gibberish Larboard, ?i. the left hand side of a ship or boat LaMgh tcr, ii. a convulsive merry noise Mar ble, n. a fine hard stone; a. made of marble Mar gin, /). the edge, border Mar ket, n. a place and time of sale Mar quis, ?!. one of the sec- ond order of nobility, next in rank to a duke Mar shal, n. an oflicer of as army ; a sherifi" ; v. to ar range, rank in order Marsh y, a. swampy, boggy Mar tial, a. warlike, br.ave Mar tyr, n. one who by his deatli bears witness to th« truth Mar vel, v. to wonder Mas tcr, n. an owner, propri' etor ; a ruler, teacher Par boil, v. to half boil Parcli ment, n. skins dressed for writing on Par don, v, to forgive ; n. for' giveness THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER- 9^ SECTION XXXVUI. Cleanliness. Cleanliness may be recommended under the three foUowing heads : as it is a mark of politeness ; as it pro- duces affection; and as it bears analogy to purity of mmd. In the first place, it is a mark of politeness ; for it is universally agreed upon, that no one unadorned with this virtue, can go into company without giving a man- ifest offence. The different nations of the world are as much distinguished by their cleanliness, as by tlieir arts and sciences. The more advanced in civihzation, the^^ more they consult this part of politeness. In the second place, cleanliness may be considered the foster-mother of affection. Beauty commonly pro- duces love, but cleanliness preserves it. Age is not unamiable while it is preserved clean and m^ullied: Jike a piece of metal constantly kept smooth and bright, we look on it with more pleasure, than on a new vessel that is cankered with rust. As cleanliness renders us agreeable to others, so it makes us easy to ourselves ; it is an excellent preserva- tive of health ; and several vices destructive both to wind and body, are inconsistent with the habit ot it. In the third place, it bears great analogy with purity of mind, and naturally inspires refined sentiments and passions. We find from experience, that through the prevalence of custom, the most vicious actions lose their horrour, by being made familiar to us. On the contrary, those who live in the neighbourhood of good examples, fly from the first appearance of what is shocking ; and thus pure and unsullied thoughts are naturally suggested to the mind, by those objects that perpetually encompass us. In the East, where the warmth of the chmate makes cleanliness more immediately necessary than m colder countries, it is considered as a part of religion : the Jewish law, (as well as the Mahon^etan, which in some thmgs copies after,) enjoins frequent bathings, and other rites of the like nature : and we read several injunction •f tills kind in the book of Deuteronomy. M rilE A3IF.RICAN INSTRUCTER. SECTION XXXIX. Tlojwur. The influence of honour on the character and im- provement of the mind, is no less happy than that of virtue. As a virtuous man would not do a criminal action, because it is repugnant to the laws of God, and injurious to his neiglibour, so would an honourable man despise a mercenary deed, because it is abhorrent to his feelings, and the genuine principles of rectitude. The ideas many have of honour, and of the means to attain it, are as different, and perhaps as erroneous as those they have of true happiness. Persons who entertain . right conceptions of honour, enjoy a double advantage. Stimulated by its dictates, and instructed by the precepts of virtue, they scorn whatever is low, and aspire at that which is amialde. Ambitious to gain the esteem of the world, the man oi honour makes virtue his guide ; his life is marked with integrity ; his soul beams sincerity, and justice evev graces the tenor of his conduct. Others, who have wrong ideas upon this subject, commit crimes of the vilest nature, and suppose their guilt is veiled, from the mistaken notion that their vices are honourable, because they are fashionable. Ask the dissipated man why he carouses at midnight revels, and riots in the luxinies of pleasure, he will answer, "to maintain my honour, and support the dignity of a gentleman." Ask the duellist why he would take away the life of— perhaps a brother, he will answer, "to vindicate my honour, and act the part of a man." Such is the force of custom, to convert the basest crimes into a fashion- able point of honour. Alas ! Such may have become fashionable, but they will ever be contemptible. Flattered by a false notion of honour, the voluptuary endeavours to exculpatf the criminality of his conduct. Uncontrolled by principles, he gives unbounded scope to his desires, and riots with inlrmperatc festivity. Unacquaiii.Uf'd wtthAVhntls truly honourable, the dii- THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 95 ellist, for the most trivial offence, thus challenges his an- tagonist : " Equip yourself with sword and pistol, meet me at such a time and place, and prove yourself a gen- tleman.^'' His antagonist, if like himself, destitute of honour, thus answers: "I accept your challenge with pleasure, and am happy to give you and the world this proof." But, if his antagonist be endued with just and hon- ourable principles, he thus replies : " Sensible what dis- grace a compliance with your request would bring upon us both, and humanity itself, I condemn your offer as derogatory to the human character. If in fault, I am willing to make every reasonable confession, and ready to give satisfaction." As the man of virtue fears, so the man of honour scorns to do a mean action. Seneca speaks in the no- ble and genuine language of honour, when he says, *« Were there no God to see and punish vice, he would not commit it, because it is of so mean, so base, and vile a nature." Should those persons who court vice and folly for pleasure, study decenc}', and cultivate true principles, they would soon discard those fashionable vices, which they vainly flatter themselves, accomplish the real man of honour. The vices of the present age, like dress, have their fashions. Were we to inquire into the cause, should we not find that many of them owe their rise to a mista- ken notion of honour ? Excess of pleasure, says the sensualist, is fashionable, consequently, honourable. But were he sensible that nothing but what is virtu- ous, is worthy of this name, that the principles of hon- our would teach him to ennoble his soul with concep- tions of the just and urniabie, he v/puld forsake the lap of pleasure, for that of virtue. Then let the debauchee quit his vain deliglits ; the voluptuary the bed oi'ijleasure ; the duellist his dagger, for that which is great, noble, and virtuous ; -lud be persuaded that honour is the child of virtue, and the per- fection of a benevolent and generous soul. 96 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTOR. SECTION XL. Words of two sijUahles, accented on Ike. first; Continued. Pars ley, v. a plant Par son, w. a cicrgymnn, min- ister, prJesl Par tial, a. inclined to favour one party more than the other Part ner, n. a sharer, partaker Par tridc:c, n. a bird of game Par ty.w.a m::mber of pcrsoas confederated, a select as- sembly Tar dy, (i. slow, dilatory Bon dace, jj. captivity, slaver> Bond man, v. a man slave Bond mail!, n.. a woman slave Bonds man,«. one bound for another Bor \oic,v. to take upon loan Boi de, «. a glass vessel Bot torn, n. lowest part Cl . ;i .-mall private room C, t'~- mend coarsely Cob :ider of shoes Cob web-,/'.tho webof a spider Cof fee, v.. a drink ; a berry Col lar, V. sonK'lliiiig worn round the neck Col le//i>-i.'.e, r.. a partner Col leg^.', n. a house for learn- ing [round pillar Col um;j, 11. part of a page; a Com et, 7!. a kind of star Con sorf, n. a companion, partner Con stanf, a. firm, unvaried Con test, n. a dispute, debate Con tract, H. a bargain, agree- ment Con trite, a. penitent [ed Con vict, n. a person convict- Cost ly, a. of ^reat price Doc tor, //. u title in divinity, l;iv/, physick, &c. Doc trintf, .'/. the principles of •,ny sect; a precept Dol Inr, /?. a silver coin Fod der, n. fa^'d for cattle f og gy, [g hard] a. jnisty, cloudy Fol lo;r,r, to go after, pursue Fol ly, II. foolishness Fond ness, n: tenderness, ex- cess of love For*? head, n. the upper part of the face For cign, a. belonging to an- other country For est, n. a wild uncultiva- ted tract Fos tor, V. to nurse, cherish S'ros ty, u. like frost, cold Glos sy, a. shining, showy Gob h^t, n. a bowl or cup Go.s- ling, v.. a young goose liol hyir, n. a cavity, den Com merc.,«. trad,-, traffick I Hom age,n.obed.,c.nce,serv.ce Com pend, n. ab)idgnioi;t Con ducn n. beliaviour Con gross, n. an assembly, meeting [gniiu-d Con quest, Ji. victory, a thing Con science,?/. natural knowl- edge, reason /7on est, a. upright, just J km «ur,H. dignity, lepululion ilor rid,fl. hidnpus, Urer.dlui Ilov el, «. a s^cd, coitage Joe und, a. merry, gay, lively J(.g gle, V.XO shake, push I Joi ly, (t. merry, gay THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER, 97 Jos tie, V. to push, shake Knot ty, a. full of knots,hard Knowl edge, n. understand- ing, skill [a room Lob by, n. an opening before Lob ster, n. a shell-fish Lock et,ra.an ornamental lock Lof ty, a. proud, stately, high Log ick, [g soft] n. the cirt of reasoning Log wood, n. a wood much used in dying Mod el, n. a copy, represen- tation ; V. to plan, to shape Mod ern, a. late, not ancient Mod est, a. diffident, chaste Mon a.rch,n. a king,sovereign Mon ster, n. something un- natural or horrible Mon strous, a. unnatural, enormous Mor al, a. upright, relating to vice or virtue ; «. the in- struction of a fable Mor als, n. natural principles, duties Mor roiv, n. the next day af- ter the present one [moss Mos sy, a. overgrown with Mot to, 71. a sentence prefix- ed or added, a device Non sense, n. words without connected meaning [nose Nos tril, n. the cavity in the Nov el, ». a feignod story or tale Nov ice, u. an unleriinixl or unskilful person Nox ious, [nok shus] a. iiurl- ful, offensive Ob ject, n. that about which any power or faciiliy is emploved 9 Ob long, a. longer than broad Odd ness,?^. strangeness, par- ticularity Offer, iJ.to present, propose; n. price bid, proposal Office, n. a publick employ- ment ; a place where busi- ness is transacted 01 ive, n. a tree and its fruit ; an emblem of peace On ward, ad. fi)rward [ion Op ticks,?^.the science of vis- Op tion, n. choice, will Or ange, ii. a kind of fruit Os trich, n. a very large Afri- can fowl [mal Ot ter, 71. an amphibious ani- Pol ish, V. to make smooth and glossy, to refine Pom pous, a. splendid, grand Pon der, v. to consider, muse Pon iard, n. a dagger Pop gun, 71. a wooden gun for children Pop lar, n. the name of a tree Pop py, n. the name of a plant Por ridge, n. a kind of broth Pos ture, [{ like tsh] n. posi- tion, place. Situation Pot ter, n. a maker of earthen vessels [pints Pot tie, n. a measure of four Prob \vm, n. a question prot posed for solution Proc ess, [c like s] 7i. meth- od, progress, course Prod uce, 7i. prGduct,amount, fruit [duced Prod net, n. something pro Prof it, 7i. gain, advantage Prog ress, ;(•• improvement, course [scheme Prnj ec?, tr. a contrivance, §d THE AMERICAN rNSTRUCTER. Prom ise,?>. to give one's word, to assure Prop or, a. fit, peculiar Proph et, n. one who tells future events Pros pect, n. a view Pros per, v. to be successful Pros trate, a. lying at length ; V. to throw down [saying Prov erb,n.a maxim, common Prov ince, ?i. a region ; a country governed by a del- egate Quar re\yV. to brawl, debate ; n. a dispute, strife Quar ry, n. a stone mine Rob ber, n. a thief, phinderer Soft ness, n. quality of being soft, effeminacy Sol ace, n. comfort, pleasure Sol emn, a. awful, religiously grave Sol id,a. firm, compact, sound Sol vent, a. able to pay debts Son net, n. a short poem Sor rel, n. an acid plant Sor ro?/.', n. trouble, ^vip{ Sor ry, a. grieved lur some- thing past Spot less, a. pure, iinnvaculate Squad ron, n. part of an army or fle/^t [fusciy Squan der, v. to sj)end ])ro- Swal low;, /I. a sn>all bird ; the throat Tor rent, 7i. a rapid strcant Tor rid, a. violently hot, p:u- chod Wan der, v. to rove, ramble G Bru tal, a. cruel, inhuman Cru ol, a. hard-hearted, inhu- man Fool ish, a. weak of inte/lect> imprudent Fruit less, a. barren, unprofit- able [choly Gloom y, a. obscure, melan- Loo sen, V. to let loose ' Lo .sor, H. one that has sufE^ ed loss Moon light, n. light afforded by the moon IMoon shine, n. the lustre of the moon Move mont, n. motion Pru dent, a. discreet, practi- cally wise Pru dence, n. wisdom applied to practice, discretion Rud^ nesSj/j.incivility, coarse- ness of iiKinners Rii ii), ?i. destruction, over- throv/ ; v, to destroy, de- molish Ru ler. n. a governour ; an- jt.suument by which lines' are drawn Ru rap, a. belonging to the country, i-etired Sc/(0;)1 hoy,;, ubo^'at school, a learner Smoorn ness, n. eveiujess. mildness, saflJic-ss 7 l>ul let, 7t.a roiiudball of met- r.l [pecks IU\^]\ el, /7, a measure of four Bu/ch or, n. a person who J\ill:?! animals to sell Crook cd, a. bent, winding Cnsli iftu, 71. a soft pad placed upon a ch;iir [feet Foo! stool, //. a stool for the Ful n(^ss,M. state of being full, comi)leleness THE AMERICfAN INSTRUCT&R. 99 Good ly, a. comely, beautiful Good ness, n. desirable qual- ities, virtue, piety Pud ding, iu a kind of food Pul let, ?(. a young hen Pul 1}', H. a small wheel for a running cord Pul pit, 71. an exalted place to speak from [human race Worn an, n. the female of the Wool len, a. made of v*-ool 8 Com bat, n. a battle, duel Come ly, a. graceful, decent Com fort, n. pleasure, joy Cov et, V. to desire earnestly Doz en, n. the number of twelve Flood gate, n. a gat-e to stop or let out water Gov ern, v. to rule, regulate Hon cy, n. the sweet juice of vegetables collected by bees Lovely, a. exciting love, ami- able Lov er, n. one who is in love Lov ing, a. kind, affectionate Mon day, n. the second day of the week Mon ey, n. metal coined for publick use Mon key, n. an aj)e, baboon Month ly, ad. once a month Shov el, n. a utensil broader than a spade SmoTH er, v. to suffocate Some times, nd. now and then Stir rup,n. an iron for a horse- man's foot Thir teen, a. ten and three Thir ty, a. three times ton Won der, v. to be astonished ; n. am-xzevaonU admiratioAj Wor ship, n. religious rever- ence, adoration ; a term of honour ; v. to adore,honour Wor THy, a. deserving, noble EigJi teen, a. twice nine F.igh ty, a. eight times tea lie/n ous, a. very wicked Neigh huur, n. one w^ho lives near another oi Joint ly, ad. together, not sep- arately Loi tor, ?'. to linger, lag Moist ness, n. dampness Mois ture.[t like tshjw. damp- ness, juciness Noi sy,a. clamorous,turbulent Oil y,«.caasisting of oil,greasy Poi son,n. that which destroys life ; V. to infect with poi- son, to corrupt Boy ish, «. childish, trifling Joy ful, a. full of joy, glad Loy al, a. true or obedient te a sovereign Oys ter, n. a shell fish Roy al, a. kingly,noble,regal Voy age, n. a passage by sea on Bovmd less, a. unlimited [ity Bouu ty, n. free gift ; generQS- Douit ful, a. uncertain Foul ness, n. filthiness Foun der, n. a builder, former House hold, n. a family Loud ly, rtrf. noisily Loud ness, n noise, clamour j Moun tain, n. a high hill I Mouse trap, n. a trap to catch j mice in [pelleJ J 0»t cast- n. an exile, one ex- J 00 THE AMERICAN IXSTRUCTER. ou Out cry, n. a cry of distress, noise, clamour Out let, n. passage outwards Out rage, n. open violence Out side, n. tho outward part Out ward,a.external,apparent Proud !y, ad. haughtily, arro- gantly •Scoun drel, n. a mean low fellow, a villain CUB Bow er, n. an arbour Clown ish, q.. uncivil, ill bred Cow ard, n. one destitute of courage [ilower Cow slip, n. the name of a Dow ny, a. covered with down Drow sy, a. sleepy, stupid, dull Flow-cr, n. the blossom of a plant Low er, v. to appear dark and gloomy [powder Pow der, n. fine dust, gun- Pow er, n. authority, com- mand, ability Show er, n. a fall of rain Tow el, n. a cloth on "which the hands are wiped Tow er, H. a hisrh building Town ship, n. the territory or land ()f a town Vow el, 11, a letter which can be uttered by itself — e©© — SECTION XLI. On bridling the Tongue. " The tongue can no man tamr." If this had not been the language of inspiration, ex- perience has proved it to be the language of truth. The tongue is the most untamcable thing in nature. All kinds of beasts, birds, and serpents, liave been tamed by mankind ; but not so with the tongue. Who among the sons of men ever 3'et tamed his own tongue ? Not one. A person can bridle his tongue, or hold it : but no tooner does he take off the bridle, or let go his hold, than this little member runs wild, and out slij)s some- tfiing from it in the moment of passion or levity, which Ihe speaker presently wishes back. Mark Anthony, it has been said, tamed lions, and drove them harnessed to his chariot through the streets of Rome. Had he tamed his own tongue, it would have been a greater wonder still. The rattle-snake has been tamed, and even the crocodile ; but the tongue never. Pythagoras imposed on lii^ pupils constant silence, ft)r months and years together. But what did it all sig- j THE AMERICAN tNSTRUCTER. 10! mfy ? No sooner were they permitted to talk, than they gabbled a deal of impertinence — Besides, to withhold the tongue from speaking at all, is destroying its end and use, rather than taming iu The gift of speech is too pi^cious to be thrown away. Let the tongue be accustomed to speak, and to speak as it ought. " A word spoken in due season, how good it is !" Unruly tongues, on the contrary, produce a world of iniquity. Some are full of deadly poison ; such are they that curse men and blaspheme God, and which utter lies for mischief or sport. Such too is the deceitful tongue, " whose words are smoother than oil ; yet are they drawn swords." There is the sly, whispering tongue, and the babbling, tattling tongue ; each of which '< sepaiateth very friends." The words of a tale-bearer are as wounds ; he wounds others thereby, and himself loo ; for the mouth of such a fool is his destruction. An impertinent, meddliug tongue-, makes bad worse; €ven when employed in olHces of friendsliijy. When Job was smitten from head to foot, the busy tongues of his wife and friends, were a sorer plague to him than all his biles. And thus it often happens, that a person under misfortunes, suffers as well from the bu- sy meddling tongues of friends, as from the malicious tongues of enemies. There are fiery tongues. " The tongue is a fire." Sttch is the tongue of the passionate man or woman, whose mouth foaming with rage, casteth abroad words which are as " fire-brands, arrows and death." Such also is the tongue of the slanderer and backbiter, which puts whole neighbourhoods and communities in a flame, and " setteth on fire the course of nature." How many a pretty mouth has been disfigured and made hideous, by the fiery tongue in it ! What then is to be done with this unruly little mem- ber, which " boasteth great things," and occasioneth infinite mischief in the world? Since no man nor woman can quite tame it, how is the best way to manage it .'' , Fkst, correct the heart, and keep that with all dill- s» . - 102 THE AMERICAN LNSTIll C 1 ER. gence. The foolishness of the hps is first uttered in the heart. , "Foraut of th.e abuuclauce of the lieart the mouth spealveih." Next, carefully bridle the tongue ; keep the bit upon it at all times ; especially in tlie mo- ment of sudden anger, and in the hour of joy and con- viviality. Self-coinmand, as respects tlie toneuo, is as necessa- ry as it is difficult. For we are told iVom divine author- ity, " If any man oiVend not in word, the same is a per- fect man, and able also to bridle the whoV body." As it is of the utmost importance that v^e rule our own tongues, so on the other hand, it is of no small importance that we be guarded against the unruly tongues of others. And here I will suggest one cau- tion, and commend it to the particular remembrance of the young and unexperienced. Beware of close intimacy with those whose tongues are calumnious toward almost ever}' one except their present company, to which they are ever smooth and fair* For he that commonly indulges himself in calumniating or ridiculing the absent, plainly shows his company what they have to expect from him after he leaves them. — e©©— SECTION XLII. An Indian Jcing\s advice to his Son. My son, said the expiring monarch, the angel of death is now approaching, and in a few moments, a breathless corpse will be all that remains of the once pow- erful Kalahad. Remember, therefore, my son, that thou must now govern this mighty empire alone. Remem- ber, O youthful monarch of Indosian, that thy example will influence multitudes of people ; it will constitute either their happiness or misery. If thou art careful to direct thy paths by the precepts of reason, and to listen to the dictates of conscience, if thou art indefatigable in punishing ojipressors, and those who wallow in wickedness, and carefid to encour- age virtue and merit wherever they are found, then rfiall happiness dwell in thy palace, and plenty smile around thy habitations. Tim A3JErJ.CAN INSTllUCTEH. 103 Treachery shall be banished from the empire of In- dostan, and rebeJlion seek refuge in the dark coverns of the jnountains. The tonu-ue of the hoary sage shall bless tliee, and the shepherd as he tends his llocks in the pas- tures of tiie Ganges, shall rehearse the glories of thy reign. Thus shall thy life glide on sercnel}' ; and when the angel ofdeatli receives hisconnnission to put a period to thy existence, tliou shult receive the sunnnons with tran- quillity, and pass v,'ithout fear the gloomy valley, that separates time from eternity ; for remember, my son, this Ufe is nothing more than a short portion of duration, a prelude to anotlier, which will never have an end. It is a state of trial, a peiiodfif probation ; and as we spend it either in the service of virtue or vice, our state in the regions of eternity will be happy or miserable. Farewell, my son, I am arrived at the brink of the preci- pice that divides the regions of spirits from those inhab- ited by mortals. Treasure up the instructions of thy dying father in thy breast; practise them, antibe happy. — e*©©— SECTION XLIII. ^Vords of two syllables, accented on the second. 1 1 A base, r. to humble, to cast down A bate, v. to decrease A bide, v. to stay in a place A board, ad. in, or on board A gree, v. to consent [ner A bkc, ad. in the same nian- A lone, a. widiotU company Al Tiiouiyh, conj. notwith- A dore, t'. to worship Ail vice, n. counsel, notice Ad vi.ve, V. to counsel A frn/ii, a. fearful a sliip A bode, n. habitation Ab stani, v. to refrain from A buse, V. to revile, to make an ill use of [thing A buse, n. the ill use of any Ac cuse, V. to blame Ac quaint, v. to inform Ac quire, v. to irain A cute, a. sharp, keen Ad here, v. to stick close to A dieu, ad. farewell Ad mire, v, to esteem staudinj^ A mnze, v. to confuse A muse, v. to divert Ap pci/l, V. to refer to another- as judge Ap pe«r, V. to be visible Ap ply, V. to put one thing to another Ap proach, v, to draw near to A rise, v. to rise up,mount up 104 THE AMERICAiN INSTRUCTER. Ar raigtif ». to call to answer in court, to accuse Ar range, v. to set in order Ar ray, v. to put in order ; to dress [paid Ar rear, n. part of a debt un- Arrive, i;. to come to a place As cribe, v. to attribute to A sleep, ad. at rest, sleeping At tazn, V. to gain, to reach A wake, V. to rouse out of sleep Be gwile, v. to deceive Be hold, V. to see, to view Be h'ef, n. credit, opinion Be h'eve, v. to credit, to have faith, to think true Be moan, v. to lament, bewail Be quetzTH, x^. to give by will Be reave, v. to d^-prive of Be seech, v. to beg, entreat Be side, } i , n -J >■ ur.overand al)ove Be sides, ^ Be siege, v. to beset, attack Be wail, V. to lament, grit-vc Be ware, v. to be cautious Bias pheme, 7J. to speak wick- edly, to curse Block ade, v. to shut up Ca reer, n. a course, race Chas tise, v.to punish, correct Com pare, v. to examine one .thing by another [ment Com plain, v. to murmur, la- Com plaint, n. an accusation ; a disease Com plete, a. perfect,finislird Com ply, V. to yield or sub- mit to Com pose, v. to put together Com pute, V. to reckon Con ccive, r. to understand Con cise, a. brief, short , 1 Con elude, r. to finish, decide Con fide, v. to trust in Con fine, T). to imprison, limit Con fuse, v. to disorder Con fute, V. to disprove Con geal, v. to freeze,harden Con sole, y. to comfort, cheer Con strain, v. to compel Con straint, n. compulsion Con sumc,T/.to spend, destroy Con tain, v. to hold, comprise Con trive, v. to plan, invent Con Vene, v. to call together, to assemble Cre ate, v. to form, produce Do base, v. to degrade, lessen De bate, v. to dispute, argue De caj/, r.to consume,decline De ceit, n. fraud, treaci)ery De ccive, v. to impose upon Dc cid(;, V. to determine Do clare,i;.to affirm,proclain9 Dc crease, v. to diminish De cree, 7!. a law, rule De face,r.to disfigure,destroy De fame, v. to censure falsely De feat, 71. destruction, over- throw; -•. to disappoint De file, V. to pollute, to mako foul, taint Dc fine, ?j. to explain, limit De fy, c. to challenge, daro De grade, v. to place lower De lay/, v, to put ofl', hinder De W^hi, ?i- joy, pleasure De lude, V. to deceive Dc note, v. to mark, show l^c ny, V, to refuse, disown De plore, t. to lament, bewail De prive, v. to take from, be- reave [der De range, v. to put out of or- Dc ride, V. to laugh at,nioCk THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 105 De scribe, v. to represent by words Qr figures De sire, v. to wish, long for ; n, a wish De spise, v. to disdain, 5corn De tain, v. to keep, withhold De vice, n. a contrivance, scheme [up De vote, T'.to dedicate,to give Dis close, V. to reveal, to tell Dis coMrse, n. conversation Dis creet, a. prudent,cautious Dis datn, v. to scorn [ness Dis ease, n. distemper, sick- Dis like,x). to hate, disapprove Dis place,v.toput out of place Dis please, v. to offend Dis pute, n. a contest, contro- versy Dis taste, n. dislike, disgust Di vide, v. to part, separate Ef face, V. to blot out,destroy E lope, V. to run away Em brace, v. to comprise ; to hold fondly [round En close, v. to fence in, sur- En croach, v. to invade, in- trude En dear, v. to make dear En dure, v. to undergo ; to continue En force, v. to compel, urge En gage, v. to enlist, oppose En grave, V. to cut characters En rage, v. to provoke En robe, v. to dress, adorn En rol, V. to record, register En slave, v. to deprive of liberty En sure, [s like sh] v. to se- cure, ascertain En throne,T.to set on a throne Ea ticep •». to allure, attract En treat, v. to solicit, beg E rase, v to rub out, destroy Es cape, v. to get out of dan- ger, to shun Es tate, n. property, rank Es teem, v. to think well of, to regard;?;. reverential regard E vade. v. to avoid, escape Ex ceed, v. to excel, surpass Ex change, v. to give one thing for another Ex cite, V. to stir up, move Ex claim, v. to cry out, to rail against Ex elude, V. to shut out, debar Ex cuse, V. to forgive, pardon Ex pire,r.to breathe out,to die Ex pia/n, V. to illustrate Ex plore,?'. to exaraine,search into Ex pose, V. to put in danger, lay open Ex treme, n. utmost point, e.x- trcniity For bear, v. to cease, decline Fore bode, v. to foretell Fore know, v. to know be- forehand Fore see, v. to see beforehand For sake, v. to leave, desert Gen teel, a. polite, graceful Gran dee, v. a man of great rank or power Here by, ad. by this, by these means Hu mane, a. kind, tender Ini bibe, v, to drink in, to ad- mit into Im pair, r. to diminish, injure Im peach, r. to accuse by publick authority Im pede, v. to hinder, obstruct Im nlore, v. to beseech, beg )06 Tin: .*::\nvRiGA>; ixstructer. fm pi}', r. to compr"u.(^,si;!gcs< lin pose, V. to enjoin as a du- ty ; to deceive Im pure, a. unholy, foul Im pute, V. to charge upon, attribute Tn case, 7;. to cover, infold In cite, V. to stir up, animate In cline, v. to bend, to be dis- posed In elude, ik to comprehend, to take in In crease, v. to grow [ity In deed, ad. in truth, in real- In duce, v, to persuade In flcwne, v. to set on fire, heat In fold, V. to inwrap In fuse, V. to pour in, to instill In quire, v. to ask <ti In sane, a. distracted, mad In scribe, v. to write on any thing ; to dedicate [gle In snare, v. to entrap, entan- In spire, v. to breathe into, to infuse into the mind In twine, v. to twist or wreath together In vade, V. to enter or seize in a hostile manner In vite, V. to bid,ask,persuade In yoke, v. to call upon, to pray to Ju ly, n. the seventh month of the year Lessee, n. a person to wIkdu a lease is given Man kindjji. the whole human race Ma ture, a. ripe, perfectj full Mi nute, a. small, little Mis deed, «. an evil action Mislead, v. to guide in h wrong way 1 I Ivi;:-: place, p. to place wrong I iMis take, n. errour, miscon- ! ception [batliy i\Ti.s u.w, IK to abuse, tn use Mo rose, a. peevish, sullen North east, n. the point bo- t-.veen the north and <;fist Ob scene, a. immodest, dis- gusting Ob tajn, t;. to gain, acquire Ob tuso, a. not pointed, dull O paq«e, a. dark, not trans- parent (ject Op j)050, V. to act against, ob- Or dani, v. to appoint, estab- lish [der Par adc, h. show, military or- Par take, v. to have or take a part, to participate « Per cefve, v. to discover Per fume, n. fragrance, a sweet odour ; v. to scent Per spire, v. to sweat or steam Per suade, v. to bring ta an opinion, to influence Per t;un, v. to nlatc, belong Pe ru.ve, v. to read, examine Po lite, (I. ofgontt el manners Pcd lute, V. to defde, corrupt Post pone, V. to put oil", delay Pro ced", f. to go before in rank or time Pre rise, a. exact, strict, nice Pre elude, v. to shut out Pre pare, r. to make ready, to fit [tell Pre sajje, v. to foreljode, forc- Piv scribe, v. to order, direct Pr(^ side, V. to superintend Pre vn/1, ;•. to take j)lace, in- duce, overcome [ture Pr<; .sume, i'. to supj)ose, vcn- J*ro coed, r, to go forward THE AMERICAN IKSTRUCTER. 107 Pro claim, v. to tell openly, to promulgate Pro duce, v. to exhibit, to bring forth Pro fane, a. wicked, polltited; V. to violate Pro fuse, a. lavish, wasteful Pro mote, v. to forwiird, exalt Pro pose, T'. to offer for con- sideration Pro vide, v. to procure,furnish Pro voke, v. to rouse, enrage Pur sue, V. to follow, continue Pursuit,/?, the act of following Re buke, v. to reprove, chide Re cede, v. to fall back, desist Re cei^t, n. an acquittance ; a reception Re cetve, v. to take, admit Re cite, v. to repeat, rehearse Re claimjTJ. to reform, correct Re cluse, a. shut up, retired ; n. a person shut up or retired Re com'se, n. an application for help , [sa ye Re deem,r. to ransom,rescue, Re duce, v. to make less Re fine, v. to purify, improve Re frain, v. to forbear, abstain Re fuse, v. to deny, reject Re fute, V. to prove false or erroneous [anew Re gain, v. to recover, to gain Re late, v. to tell, recite Re lecse, v. to set free ; n. a dismission, discharge Re lief, w. help, alleviation Re lieve, v. to assist, succour Re ly, V, to puttruGt in Remain, -u. to continue, to be left Re mind, v. to put in inir.d Re mote, a distant, far oft" Re new, v. to restore to the farmer state ; to make anew Re pair, v. to mend, refit . Re pay, V. to pay back Re j>e«l, V. to make void, an- nul ; n. an abolition Re peat, v. to recite, rehearse Re pine, v. to grieve, murmur Re place, r. to put again in place [answer Re pi}', V. to answer ; n. an Re port, V. to give an account of; 7z. a rumour [sleep Re po.'^e, V. to lay to rest, to Re prieve, v. to respite from punishment Re prooch, v. to censure • Re quire, v. to demand Re side, v. to live in a place Re Sign, V. to give up, submit . Re store,!' .togive back,relieve Re strain, v. to withhold , Re straint, a. abridgment of liberty Re .sume, v. to begin again ; to take back Re tail, v. to sell in small quantities Re tain, v. to keep Re take, v. to take again Re tire, v. to wilhdraw,retreat Re weat, v. to retire Re veal, v. to make known, disclose [our Re vere, v. to reverence,hoi> Revile,r. to reproach, vilify Re vise, v. to re-examine, to review Revive, r, to renew, quicken Re voke, t. to recall, repeal Sa lulc, V. to greet, to hail ; n. salutation, a kiss Se Crete, v. to hide, conceal iOS THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. SECTION XLIV. The Pu^iVs address to his School Companions. My dear fellow pupils, TiiE power of Art and Industr}', has turned the wild wilderness and the barren waste into a fruitful field ; and now the dews of heaven light on those branches which gladden the heart of man. Even so the barren, barba- rous, uncultivated lunnan mind, will produce nothing but ignorance and immorality, unless timely cultivated by a well-appointed, and well-disciplined education. O Education, I owe thee much — Parents and Teach- ers, 1 owe you much also ; and may the glow of grati- tude to my God and you, which this moment fills my breast, be taken as a pledge of my future care, to walk by the same rule, to mind the same things — and let us, my literary companions, joy and rejoice, that the bud and the truit d(*»in some degree appear. Let us to-day resolve, that nothing shall stop us in pursuing, with an ardour worthy tiie greatness of the acquisition, those heights and depths of learning which lie before us, and to which we know we have not yet at- tained. Let us ever remember, that vice and idleness are fa- tal obstacles to mental improvement ; that it is only by constant study and appilcatiou, that we can attain to the honour of being good scliolars, or famous literary characters — and this boon once obtained and virtuously applied, will {)ro(ure for us credit and cousecjuence iu e\'ery station oi life. And that this may be the case, let usbyall meanshon- our God and keep his commandments; let us obedient- ly love and revere our parents ; lot us live in peace and lo\e with oin- schnol-fcllous, ;ind nobly emulate each other in striving';; which c.haM be the wisest and best. And let us, I eiitieat you, seriously and constantly regaid the instructions, admonitions and r('})roofs of our respected teacliers; so shali we, by these mean?, lay a good foundation for the tiinc to come, and witli cur own hands, form a h;urel wreath, that shall ncNer fade away '. THE AMERICAN INRTKJjCTEIt ^, 109 SECTION XLV. The fall of the Leaf See the leave* around us falling, Dry and witlier'd to the ground ; Thus to thoughtless mortals calling, With a sad and solemn sound. " Sons of Adam, (once in Eden Blighted when like us he fell,)^ Hear the lecture we are reading : 'Tis alas ! the truth we tell. Virgins, much, too much presuming On yovir boast<;d whhe an<l red ; View us, late in beauty blooming, Number'd now among the dead. Griping misers, nightly waking, See the end of all your care ; Fled on wings of our own making, We have left our owners bare. Sons of honour, fed on praises, Fluttering high in fancy'd worth ; Lo ! the fickle air that raises. Brings us down to parent earth. Youth, though yet no losses grieve you, Gay in health and manly grace, Let not cloudless skies deceive you ; Summer gives to Autumn place. Venerable sires, grown hoary, Hither turn the unwilling eye ; Think amidst your falling glory, Autumn tells a winter nigh. Yearly in our course returning. Messengers of shortest stay ; _^ Thus we preach the truth concerning, Heaven and earth shall pass away. On the tree of Life Eternal, Man, let all thy hopes be stay'd ; W^hich alone, for ever vernal, Bears a leaf that ne'er shall fade."' 10 ^'' llO THE AMERICAN INSTKUCTER. '^ SECTION XLVI. The Cuckoo. Hail beauteous stranger of the wood, Attendant on the Spring,' Now heaven repairs thy vernal seat, And woods thy welcome sing. ■Soon as the daisy decks the green, Thy certain voice we hear ; Hast thou a star to guide thy path, Or mark the rolling year? Delightful visitant ! with thee I hail the time of flowers. When heaven is fill'd with musick sweef Of birds amoug the bowers. The school-boy wandering in the wood; To pull the llowers so g ly, Oft starts, thy curious voice to h(;ar. And imitates thy lay. Soon as the pea puts on the bloom, Thou fl3''st the vocal vale ; An annual guest in other lands, Anotlrcr spring to hail. Sweet bird, th}' bower i^ ever groexi, Tiiy sky is ever cl(;ur ; Thou hast no sorrow in thy S'Oirg, No winter in thy year. O! could I fiy, I'll ily wiih liicej We'd mnko, with jnyftd wiuir. Our annual visii o'er tlic globe, Companions of the spring. SECTION XLVK. Ilea veil hj Wisdom . flBw How happy is the man who hears Instruction's warning voice ! And who ci^Iestial wisdom makes His early, only clioic*-. 'r- 1^ THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. in For she has treasures greater far Than east or west unfold ; And her reward is more secure Than is the gain of gold. In her right hand she holds to view A length of happy years ; And in her left, the prize of fame And honour bright appears. She guides the young, with innocence. In virtue's path to tread : A crown of glory she bestows Upon the hoar} head. According as her labours rise, So her rewards increase : Her ways are ways of pleasantness. And all her paths are peace. — e©©— SECTION XLVIIL Words of two si//Iables, accented on the second; Continued. Se cure, v. to make certain Se date, a. calm, serene Se duce, v. to tempt, mislead Se rene^ a. calm, undisturbed Se vere, a. cruel, rigid Sin cere, a. pure, honest Sub due, I), to conquer, reduce, tame, oppress Sub lime, a. exalted, high Siib scribe, v. to sign, consent Sue ceed, v. to follow in or- der ; to pro»)ier Sup ply, V. to till up, relieve ; n. a relief of want, aid Sup port, r. to sustain, endure Sup pose, V. to imagine Su preme, a. highest in digni- ty or authority Sur prise, v. to take unawares, astonish ; n. astonishment Sur vive, v. to remain alive, to live after Sus tafn, V. to bear, support Un bind, v. to loose, untie Un ilean, a. foul, filthy Un close, V. to open Un fair, -a. not fair, dishonest Un fold,Ty, to expand,discover U nite, V. to join, to agree Un kind, a. not kind, cruel, unfavourable Un ^no?/;n, a. not known, not discovered [ous Un safe, a. not safe, danger- Un wise, a. defective in wiS'- dom, foolish Where by, ad. by which With hold, v. to keep back, restrain 2 A brefl!st, ad. side by side A bridgf , v. to shorten Ab rupt, a. sudden, hasty Ab stract, v. to separate ideas 112 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Ab surd, a. unreasonable Ac curse, v. to doom to misery Ac quit, V. to set free A dapt, V. to fit, to suit Ad dress, v. to speak or write to ; «. a verbal application A dept, n. one well versed in an art Adjust, r. to regulate Ad mit, V. to allow, to suffer Ad vance, v. to come forward Af flict, V. to grieve Af {right, V. to terrify A' men', ad. so be it, so may it be, so it is A mend, v. to correct A midst, 2>r. in the middle An nex, v. to join, add Ar rest, v. to seize, stop As cend, r. to go up, rise As sess,i). to charge with any certain sum As sist, V. to help, relieve At tempt, V. to try, attack Be friend, v. to favour | Be head, v. to cut off the head j Ca nal, n. a course of Avater made by art ; a passage Ca ress, v. to treat kindly Ce ment, v. to unite, join Col lect, V. to gather Com mcnc<;, v. to begin Com mend, r. to praise Com pact, a. firm, close, solid Com pel, V. to force, drive Con cur, T). to agree, unite Con dense, v. to make or grow more thick Con fes3, V. to ackuowhxlgc Con nect, v. to join, unite Con sept, V. to agree to Con sist, V. to bo made of Construct, t. to form, bnlM 2 , . < Con suit, V. to ask advice t Con temn, v. to despise Con tempt, n. scorn, disdain . Con tend, v. to dispute, strive Con tent, a. satisfied, easy Con tract, T). to shorten, draw together ; to bargain Con versf,r. todiscoursc,talk Cor rupt, a. wicked ; rotten Cra vat, n. an ornament for the neck De bar,!', to exclude, shut out De duct, V. to subtract De feet, n. fault, blemish De fend, v. to guard, protect De pend,r. torely on,trustto De sert, v. to forsake, leave De serve, v. to be worthy of De sist, V. to cease from, stop Di gross, V. to depart from the subject Dis miss, V. to discharge, to send away Dis pel, V. to drive away Dis perse, v. to scatter I Dis tinct,a. clear, unconfused I Dis tract, i'. to perplex, vex, make mad 1 Dis tress, n. misery, want Dis turb,r. to perplex, disquiet Di vest,i). to strip,make naked Di vulge, V. to publish, reveal E clipsc, H. an obscuration of a luminary E lapse, V. to pass away !•: lect, r. to choose, select !•: nn;rg6', v. to rise out of ob- scurity K mit, r. to send forth, dis- charge En act, V. to establish, decree 'En camp, v. \o pitch tents F,u chant, ^-.t^ bfnvit.-h.rlinrm THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTEB- 115 Enhance, v. to raise the price In fest, 'Z'-Jo disturb, harass E nough, a. sufficient, plenty In fleet, r. tQ,change or vary ; to bend In flict, r. to pixnish, lay up- on, impose In fringe, v. to violate In scrt,!'. to place in or among other things In sist, V. to urge, persist in In graft, v. to insert a sprig of one tree in another; to fix deep In spect, V. to examine, view In stil, v. to insinuate, to in- fuse b}" drops In struct, V. to teach, direct In suit, r. to treat with inso- lence En rich, v. to make wealthy En trap, v. to entangle, to trap E quip, V. to dress or fit out E vent, n. incident, end Ex act, a. accurate, punctual Ex eel, V. to out do, surpass Ex cess, n. intemperance, su- perfluity . Ex ist, V. to have a being Ex pect, V. to wait or look for Ex pel, V. to drive out, banish Ex pend, V. to lay out, spend Ex pense, n. cost, charges Ex pert, a. ready, skilful Ex tend, z\ to stretch out, enlarge Ex tent.n. compass of a thing In tend, v. to design, to mean Ex tinct,G. extinguished, abol- j In tense, a. velienient, ardent ished, at an end [select In tent, n a dr Ex tract, v. to draw out of, Ex ult, V. to rejoice Fare well, n. adieu, leave Fi nance, n. revenue, income For bid, v. to order not to do For get, [g hard] v. to lose memory of For givc,[g hardjt'. to pardon Ful fil, I', to accomplish Gal lant, n. a suiter, lover, attendant Ha rangMC, n. an oration Im mensc, a. unlimited Im merse, v. to put under wa- ter X [drive on Im pel,r. to urge forward, to Im plant, v. to infix, insert Im print, v. to print ; to fix on the mind In cur, V. to become liable to In dulgCjU.to humour, gratify In feet, V. to taint, pollute 10^ In ter, v. to bury In trench, v. to fortify with a trench [out In vent, r. txT contrive, find In vert, v. to change, to turn upside down [array In vest, V. to confer, dress, In ?/;rap, v. to cover, involve Ja pan, /?. a varviish made to work in colours La mexit, v. to mourn, weep Mis rhaiicc, /?. ill hick Mis judge, V. to judge wrong Mis ma/ch, r. to match un- suitably Mis print, i'. to print wrong Mis trust, V. to suspect ; n. suspicion Mo lest, V. to trouble, disturb North west, n. the point be tween north and west Object, V. to oppose fl4 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER* Ob serve, v. to watch, juind Ob struct, V. to hiirder Oc cult, rt. secret, hidden Oc cur, u. to come, to h;i])p(!n Offence, «. ;i crime, fault Offend, 7;. to displease, afl'nint O niit, V. to leave out, pass by Op press, V. K) injure, sul)due Out run, V. \o run faster than another Out wit, V. to cheat, to over- come by stratagem Per haps, ad. periidventure Per mit, v. to allow, to suffer Per plex, v. to vex, disturb, entangle Per sist, v. to persevere Per vcrt,v. to mislead, corrupt Pos sess, V. to enjoy, obtain Pre diet, v. to foretell Pre fer, v. to regard more Pre fix, V. to place before Pre sent, v. to exhibit ; to give Pre serve, v. to save, kee|) ; 71. fruit preserved with sugar Pre tence, 7i. showing what is not real Pre tend, v. to show falsely, to show hypocritically Pre vent, v. to hinder, stop Pro fess, V. to declare openly Pro ject, V. to jut out ; to contrive, invent Pro pel, V. to drive forward Pro tect, V. to d(!fend Pro test, V. to declare, aflirm Pro tract, v. to lengthen Re bel, v. to oppose lawful authority Re bwild, V. to build over again Re cant, v. to recall, to re- tract au opinion Re cess, n. retirement, retreat, privacy Re dress, v. to set right, cor- rect ; }{. reniedy,amendment Re fit, V. to repair [back Re fleet, v. to think ; to throw Re fresh, v. to revive, cheer Re fund.r. to pay back,restore Re gret, n. grief, sorrow; v. to repent, to grieve at [off Re ject, V. to refuse, to cast Re lent, v. to feel compas- sion, to soften Re mit, v. to forgive ; to send money to a distant place Re pass, V. to pass again Re past, n. a meal, the act of eating Re pent, v. to think on any thing with sorrow Re print, v. to print a new edition Re pulse, V. to beat back Re quest, v. to solicit, ask ; n. an entreaty, petition Re .sent, v. to take as an affront Re serve, v. to keep in store, to retain Resist, f. to opposc,withstand Re sped, v. to regard ; n. es- teem, regard Restrict, X'. to limit [elusion Re suit, n. consequence, con- Re tract, V. to recall, recant Return, r. to come or go back; 71. the act t»f coming back Revenge, n. return of an in- jury ; X'. to return an injury Ro bust, rt. strong, vigorous Se lcct,i'. to choose in prefer- ence ;«. well chosen Sub mit, V. to yield, resign Sue cess, n, prosperity, event THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 115 2 I '^ . . Superb, a. grand, pompous | Ca tarr/t, »!. a disease in the Sup press, v. to crush; conceal i head Sur pass, V. to excel, exceed | Com mand,t'. toorder,govcrn Trans act, v. to manage, ne- : Dc mand, n. a claim ; v. to gotiate [convey I ask, to claim Trans fer, v. to make over, to ' Dis arm, v. to divest of arms Trans gress, v. to violate { Dis charge, v. to dismiss ; un- Un fit, a. improper,unsuitablo ' load ; to Tire Unjust, a. dishonest I En large, v. to increase, swell Un til, ad. to the time that I Gii'iX ar, n. an instrument of 3 j musick Ab hor, V. to hate, detest i Im part, v. to communicate, Ac cord, V. to agree to give A dorn, V. to dress, decorate Re gard, n. esteem ; v. to re Ap plause, n. pubiick praise j spect, to esteem As sault, 1', to attack, invade Re mark, «. observation, note; Be cause, c nj. for tiiis reasoji ti. to observe Con form, v. to comply with Un bar, v. to unbolt De fault, «. failure, neglect j 5 ^ De form, v. to disfigure ! Ab scond, v. to hide one's self De fraud, v. to tsheat, injure i Ac cost, v. to address Ex alt, V. to lift up, magnify, '\ Be long, v. to be the proper- extol fvise ! ty of; to appertain to Fore warn, v. to caution, ud- Be yondj^pr. farther onward For lorn, a. forsaken, lost j than ; remote from In form, v. to instruct, to tell 1 Dis solve, r. to melt, separate In stall, V. to put into posses- | Ex tol, v. to praise, magnify sion, mvest Out wa/k, V. to walk faster than another Per form, v. tu do, to execute Re cord, v. to register, enrol Re form, v. to grow better, to amend Re morse, n. pain of guilt Re sort, r. to have recourse to Re tort, V. to throw back, to 1 return Re ward, n. recompense ; v. \ Ap prove, v. to like, justify to give in return, to pay ] Dis prove, v. to confute Trans form, v. to change the i Fore doom, v. to predestinate shape [retreat j Im prove, v. to make or be*- • WJTH draw, v, to take back,to | come better In volve, V, to entangle, in- wrap Pro long, T. to lengthen out Re solve, i\ to determine ; to answer, solve Re sponsc, n. an answer,reply Re volve, V. to perform a rev- olution Un lock,Ty. to open a lock G A do, n. trouble, difficulty Jli6 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Mis do, V. to do wrong Out do, V. to excel, surpass Re move, v. to change place ; tft put from its place Re proof, n. blame, rebuke Re prove, v. to chide, blame Sur toMt, n. a close overcoat Un do, V. to ruin ; to take to pieces 8 A bove, pr. higher in place or rank ; ad. overhead A mong, ) singled with A mongst, ^ ^ ° Be come, v. to befit, adorn Un done, a. ruined ; not per- formed 9 Con vey, v. to carry, transfer O bey, r. to pay submission to I A rou-se, x'. to wake from An noy, v. to vex, to incom- mode De coy, v. to allure, mislead De stroy, v. to kill, to put an end to [to bu^y Em ploy, V. to keep at work. En joy, 1'. to feel with pleas- ure ; to obtain possession of ; to live in happiness ow A bound, V. to have in great plenty A bout, pr. near to, relating Ac count, n. a computation of debts or expenses A mount, n. the sum total An nounce, v. to publish A round, pr. on every -side, about Sur vey, v. to overlook, view measure 10 Cha grin, [ch like sh] n. ill humour, vexation In trigwe, w. a plot, scheme ; V. to carry on private designs Ma chine, [ch like shj n. any engine to aid iumian power in the applioatioii of force Ma rine, a. relating to the sea Po lice, n. the government of a city oi A void, V. to shun, escape Ap point, V. to fix, establish Ex ploit, n. an achievement, action Me moir, n. an account of any thing Re joice, V. to be glad, exult He join,v. to join again Sleep ; to excite [to quaff Ca rouAf, V. to drink freely, Com pound, v. to mingle, to mix Con R.und, v. to perplex De vour, v. to cat ravenously De vout, a. pious, religious Ex pound, V. to explain Pro found, a. deep, learned, submissive Pro nouncc, v. to speak, utter Pro pound, v. to propose,ofrcr Re nouncc, v. to disown Re .sound, v, to echo, to re- turn sounds Sur round, v. to encompass, enclose WIth out, pr. not with ; not within compass of oil) , Al low, V. to admit En dow, r. to give a portion Sub join; V. to add ;'t the end Re nown, ??. fame.cclebrity THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 117 SECTION XLIX. Drunkenness. If Dy an awful visitation of divine Providence, there were spreading over all parts of this country a foul &nd loathsome leprosy, which poisoned and disfigured the bodies of its victims, and affected their minds with mad- ness and idiotism ; if this leprosy had seized a great part of our useful labourers, and rendered them a burden to community ; if the prospects and the hopes of a large portion of our promising young men had been already blasted and destroyed by it; if it had infected, more or less, every town and village, and were spreading its ravages from year to year, wider and yet wider ; if this were the actual condition of our country, there is no telling how great would be the alarm. But Heaven be praised, neither this nor any similar calamity, has been brought upon our country by the direct hand of Providence, which has showered on U8 blessings without number, and in great abundance. But human folly and wickedness abuse the kindness of Providence, and change its blessings into curses. Let sober reason judge, whether drunkenness^ habits ual drunkenness^ be not as bad as the fatal leprosy de- •cribed ; nay, even worse. It impairs and corrupts both body and mind, and brings down the noble creature man to a level with the brute. * It destroys all moral principle, all sentiments of hon- our, and all feelings of humanity. It changes good nature to churlishness, a kind husband to an unfeeling monster, a dutiful son to an unprincipled villain without natural affections, and an industrious thriving man to an idle vagabond. It preys upon and devours every thing that is esti- mable and amiable, both in disposition and character. It eats up the substance of its votaries, and is an inlet to all other vices, and to almost every evil and calamity" that can be named. This detestable demon might say- in truth, " my name is legion, for we are many." Ma- ny indeed are the evils, the calamities and abomiBatiofJS that follow in th« train .of drunkenness » 118 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Who hath wo? Who hath sorrow? Wiio hath con- tentions? Who hath wounds wiihout cause? The drunk- ard. Whose fields are neglected and overgrown with thorns and brambles ? Whose house is tumbling into ruins for want of necessary repairs? Whose wife is con- sumed with weeping ? Whose babes are suflering hun- ger and nakedness ? The drunkard's. Who disturb people's repose with their midnight rev- ellings and yells ? Who are the persons most commonly engaged in quarrels, in fightings, in riots, and in all scenes of confusion and uproar ? Drunkards. Who are the lowest of all madmen, the most despicable of all idiots? Drunkards. The natural idiot and madman, who have become so by the act of God, are objects not of reproach, but- of compassion. But the drunkard, who is in fact an. idiot or a madman for the time, is so by his own volua- tary act; he wilfully quenches in himself the lamp of reason, and with his own suicidal hands, destroys that noble faculty which distinguished him from the beasts that perish. —&QfQ — SECTION L. Ravages of Dissijuition, Not the jaws of Charybdis, nor the hoarse rocks in Scylla, Not all the fell dangers that lurk in the deep, Not the earthquake's deep yawn, nor the volcano's lava, Not the pestilence' breath, nor the hunicaue's sweep : Not all the dread monsters that live tlu-ou<:jli creation, Have caus'd such destruction, such misery and wo, As from that arch pest of mankind, dissijx/tion ; Through the civilized world it doth constantly flow. 'Tis a vortex insatiate on whose giddy bosom The victim is whirl'd till his senses are gone, Till, lost to all shame and the dictates of reason, . He h^nds not one effort to ever return. Ah ! view on its surface the ruins of genius, The wrifcl> of a sciiolar, the christian and friend i "#* THE AMEraCAN INSTRUCTER. US The learning, the wit, the graces t)iat charm'd us, In the mind-drowning bowl meet a premature end. Ah ! hear, drown'd in tears, the disconsolate mother, Lament the lost state of a favourite son ; Hear the wife and the child, the sister and brother. Mourn a husband, a father, a brother undone. — @©©— SECTION LI. Descriptio7i of a Battle. A free man takes a musket on his shoulder, and fix- es on it the murderous bayonet ; he leaves his habita.» tion,the ploughman quits his plough, the handicraftsman his workshop, the young man deserts the hymeneal al- tar, a beloved son abandons an infirm father, and an af- flicted family : they go to swell the crowd of combat- ants, whose hearts are gradually opened to licentious- ness, ferocity and violence. Here are a hundred thousand opposed to as many of the opposite party ; they draw near each other in a vast plain, which will soon be covered with blood. What a pi^odigious number of men compacted against each other, spreading their moving phalanx, and ranged in combined order, to put each other to death ! Blind instruments silently await the signal ; fierce through duty, they are ready to destroy their fellow creatures without resentment or anger. The majestick sun rises, whose setting so many unhappy wretches will never behold. The earth is covered with verdure ; mild Spring with her azure veil, embraces the air ; nature smiles as a tender mother; the glorious sun diffuses his beneficent ra3's, which gikl and mature the gifts of the Creator : all is calm, all is harmony in the universe. Wretched mortals alone, agitated with gloomy fren- zy, carry rage in their bosoms ; they meet to slaughter each other on the verdant field. The armies approach ; the promised harvest is trodden under foot — death flies. What a horrible tumult ! All nature groans in an in- stant with the f^jry "of man. 120 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Hear ttic tiumdering noise of those horrible instru- ments of human revenge ! Emulous of, and more terri- ble than the thunder, with their roar they drown the plaintive croans of the dying ; they repel soft pity, wishing to make a passage into the heart , a cloud ot smoke from gunpowder arises towards the heavens, as if to hide a collection of such horrours. Alas ! who would have expected such a slaughter f Tigers, bears and lions, impelled whh voracious hun- ger, are not inspired with such atrocious cruelty. Be- hold these rivulets of blood ! Here twenty thousand men are sacrificed to the caprice of one ; behold them fall one upon another, nameless, unthought of, unre- gretted, into oblivion ! Thus perish these unhappy mortals ; the skies re- sound witli their lamentations ; trampled on by horses, by their countrymen, whom they vainly implore, they expire a thousand different ways, in the most horrible agonies. Others, yet more to be pitied, preserving a remnant of life, and consumed by thirst, the most intolerable of all torments, cannot yet die ; while others, forgetting death, surround them, full furiously on their mutilated comrades, and without compassion or pity to their wounds, unmercifully strip their mangled, trembhng limbs. -, , . , Oil, Creator of the world ! is this man ? this the au gust creature endowed with a feeling heart, and with that noble countenance that smiles erect towards hea- ven, who has such conceptions, who cherishes the soft emotions of pity, and generous transports of benevo- lence, who can admire \irtue aiid greatness, and can wecj) wiih sensibility ? Is it his hand that can erect the standard of victory on heaps of carcasses, with an odious, triumphant joy ? Where is the victory ? I see nothing but tetirs and blood. Wliere is the triumph ? Phnider does not eti- rich ; the tears of mimkind will never make an indi- vidual liappy : for. what ambition sweeps in its unbri- dled careci:, fleets from the usurper's hand. THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTEP t21 SECTION Lll Words of three syllables j accented on the first. ,. A re a, n. superficial contents Beau* ti ful, a. fair, comely Bravery, n. courage, heroism By Stan der, n. a looker on, one unconcerned Ca pa ble, a. able, sufficient Care ful ness, n. watchfulness Care less ness, n. inattention Change a ble, a. incojistant, subject to change Cheer ful ness, 71. liveliness Cu ri ous, a. exact, neat Dan ger ous, a. hazardous De cen cy, n. modesty, pro- priety Di a lect, n. manner of ex- pression, particular style Di a logMC,n. conversation be- tween two or more persons Di a per, n. a kind of flower- ed linen Di a ry, ??. a daily account, a journal [tain Du bi ous, a. doubtful, uncer- Du ra ble, a. lasting, firm Du ti ful, a. obedient, submis- sive, kind Ea si ly, ad. without difficulty E Vfin ness, n. levelness, reg- ularity Eu lo gy, 7?. pfaise,encomium Faith ful ly, o<f.honestly,truly Faith ful ness, n. honesty Fa tal ly, ad. mortally Fa vour itt'./^. one who is much beloved Feorr ful ness, n. timnrousness Fee ble ness, ?i. weakness, in- firmity Fi er y, a. warm, passionate Fi na ble, a. subject to a fine 1 Jo vi al, a. merry, cheerful 1 Fi nal ly, ad. lastly Fi ner y, n. fine dress, show Fla vour ous,a. fragrant, odor- ous [bility Flu en cy, n. eloquence, volu- Fo li age, n. leaves, tufts of trees [ful For ci ble, a. strong, power- Fra gran cy, «/ sweetness of smell I Free hold er, n. a person pos- sessed of a freehold Fre quent ly, ad. often Flight ful ly, ad, dreadfully, terribly Fright ful ness, n. the power of impressing terrour Fu ri ous, a. mad, fierce Ge ni us, n. intellectual pow- er, nature, wit Glo ri fy, v. to praise, worship Glo ri ous, a. noble, excellent Grace ful ly, ad. elegantly Grace ful ness, n. elegance, comeliness Grate ful ness, n. gratitude Gree di ness, n. ravenousness Grtev ous ly, ad. painfully Has ti ly, ad. in a hurry Hate ful ness, n. odiousness Heed less ness, n. carelessness Ho li ness, n. piety, religion Home 1) ness, 71. plainness, coarseness, rudeness Hu man ize, v. to soften, to civilize I die ness, n. laziness, sloth I vor y, 71. the tusk of the el- ,. eph-.nt [jewels Jew el ler, 71. one who deo.ls ia 122 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Ju bi lee, n. a publick festivi- ty, a feast Ju ry man, n. a person wh«.) serves on a jury Ju ve nilc, a. youthful, young ^na ver y, n. dishonesty, de- ceit, villany Know ing ly, ad. designedly, wilfully La hour er, n. one who is em- ployed in toilsome work La dy ship, n. the title of a lady La zi ness, n. idleness, sloth- fulness Le gal ly, ad. lawfully Li a ble, a. subject, exposed Li bel lous, a. defamatory, abusive f books Li bra ry, n. a collection of Like li hood, n. probability Li on ess, n. a female lion Live li hood, n. the means of living, maintenance Live li ness, n. briskness Lo«TH some ness, ?i. the qu;i]- ily of raising hatred Lone li ness, n. solitude how li ness, m. humility Lu era live, a. profitable Lu di crous, a. sportive, mer- ry, burlesque Lu minous, a. bright, shining Ma son ry, n. the craft or work of a mason Me di ate, v. to endeavr-ur to reconcile [or state Medium, >i. a middle place Mee ting house, n. a place (>f worship Me te or, «. a body in the air or sky of a luminous tran- sitoiy nature ftion Mo tion less, a. witlioiit mo- Mi cro scope, «. an optick in- strument for viewing small objects Mowl di ness, n. the state of being mouldy Mowrn ful ly, ad. sorrowfully lMo?<rn ful ness,7i. sorrow,grief Mu se um, n. a repository of curiosities I\Iu ti late, V. to deprive of some essential part Mu ti ny, n. insurrection, se- dition ; V. to rise against authority Nee die work, n. work done wltli a needle N'ig/n in gale, 71, a kind of bird No bio man, n. a man of high rank No ble ness, n. dignity No bod y, n. not any body No ti fy, V. to make known, declare No tion al, a. imaginary [ber ?>u mer al, a. relating to num- Nu m(>r mis, a. containing many [food Nu tri mont, ;/. nourishinont, Odi «iiSj«.huteru),abomi!iablc Open ing,M. abreach,aperture C) pen ly, ad. i)iib]ickly O pi um, n. a medlcinr nsfMl to promote slcej) O ver bortrd, ad. 6fl'.or out of the "^hip O ver plus, 11. \\Ii;ii is Wove ;h in suiiicieiit I'a gan i.vm, n. lieathenism Pa/n fal ness, ?f. pain, aflliclioti I*a per mill, n. a mill in which paper is made I'a rent age, ii. birtlj, exfrac- licm, descent THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 123 Pa tient h', ad. quietly Pa'tri ot, n. a lover of his country Pay a ble, a. to be paid, due Pay mas ter, n. one who pays, or is bound to pay Peace a ble, a. quiet Peace a bly, ad. quietly, with- out disturbance [etly Peace ful ly, ad. mildly, qui- Pee vish ness, n. fretfulness Pe ri od, n. a full stop ; date ; end, conclusion Pi e ty, n. a discharge of du- ty to God, and to parents Pi ous ly, ad. in a pious man- ner, religiously Pi ra cy, n. robbery on the sea Play fel \ow^ n. a companion in amusement Pli a ble, a. flexible, limber Po et ess, n. a female poet Po 8 try, 71. metrical compo- sition, poems Po per y, n. the popish reli- gion, the religion of the church of Rome Per ta ble, a. that which may be carried [piazza Por ti CO, Ji. a covered walk, Post mas ter, n. one who su- perintends a post-office Post of ficc, ti. a place where letters are delivered fur '. conveyance [ereign Po ten tate, ?i. a monarch, sov- Pre am ble, ii. an introduction Pre mi um, n. a reward Pre vi ous, a. 'uitocedent, go- ing before Pri ma ry, n. original, first Pri va cy, n. secrecy, retreat Pri vate ly, ad. secretly 1 Pu ri f}'-, V. to make pure Pu ri ty, n. clearness, chasti- ty, innocence Pu tre fy, v. to rot, corrupt Qui et ly,af^. calmly ,peaceably Qui et ness, 7i. stillness, peace Ra di ance,n.a sparkling lustre Ra di ant, a. shining,sparkling Re al ly, ad. truly [sons Rca son er, n. one who rea- Re cent l}-^, ad. lately, newly R/<cu ma tism, n. a very pain- ful disorder Ru di ments, n. the first prin- ciples of a science Sa cred ness, ii. holiness Sale a ble, a. fit for sale, mar- ketable Se ere cy, n. privacy, solitude Se cret ly, a^. privately Se ri ous, a. solemn, sober Shame ful ly, ac^.disgracefuUy Si lent ly, ad. without noise or words Sla ver y, n. servitude, the condition of a slave Sleep i ness, w, drowsiness Spite ful ness, n. malice, spite Spu ri ous, a. false, counterfeit Stew ard ship, n. the office of a steward Su i cide, n. self- rmurder ; Sut ta ble, a. fit, proper ,agree- able [some Te di ous, a. wearisome, irk- The o ry, n. speculation, scheme, plan The a tre, ji. a play-house, place for shows ri tie page, n. the page con- /■ taining the title of a book ® ni form, a. similar to itself, ^""regular 124 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. U ni ty, n. concord, the state of being one U ni verse, n. the general sj's- tem of things ; the world U su al, [s like zh] a. com- mon, frequent Va can cy, n. a vacant place Va ri ance, n. disagreement Va ri ous, a. difi'erent Vi o lence, n. force, outrage Vi o lent, a. forcible, furious a Ab so lute, a. not limited, complete [event Ac ci dent, 71. an imforeseen Ac cu rate, a. very exact Ac tu ate, [ak tshu ate] v. to put in action Ad e quate, a. equal to Ad jec tivc, n. a word added to a noun ("ofticcr Ad mi ral, n. a principal sea- Ad vo cate, n. a pleader Af fa ble, a. easy of manners Ag gra vate, v. to make worse Ag o nize, v. to be m great pain Ag o ny, n. violent pain A I gc bra, n. a kind of arith- metick Al pha bet, n. the letters of a language Am i ty, n, friendship [limb Am pu tale, v. to cut ofl' a An ces tor, 11. one from whom we descend An ec dote, n. a piece of se- cret history An i mal, n. a living creature An i mate, v. to quicken An nu al, a. yearly Ap pe tito,«. a desire of food Aq 11*' ()i!cf, ?.'. 'I uMtrr ptj''' As pi rate, v. to pronounce with full breath At mos phere, n. the air that sJUTOunds the earth Av a rice, n. covetousness Av er agc,7J. mean proportion Ax letree, n. the pin on which a wheel tyrns [man Bach lor, n. an uimiarried Bash ful n'css, n. want of con- fidence, diffidence Bat tie axe, n. a weapon Ben e fit, n, favour, profit Big ot ed, a. superstitious Big ot ry, n. prejudice, blind zeal Bit ter ness, n. a bitter taste ; li. malice ; grief Bles scd ness, ?j. happiness, felicity Brev i ty, y. shortness Bur den some, a. troublesome But ter fly, n. a beautiful in- sect But ter y, n. the place where provisions are kept Cal cu late, v. to reckon Cal en dar, ??. a yearly regis- ter, an almanack Can die stick, ??. an instru- ment that liolds candles Can is ter, n. a box to hold tea, &c. ('an ni bal, n, a man-eater Cap i tal, n. principal sum ; stock ; large letter ; chief city Cap ti vate, v. to charm Cat a logMC, H. a list of names (;at a ract, n. a waterfall Cav al ry, w. horse troops Cel e brate, i*. to praise Cer t^tin ty,n. exemption from i THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 12S Cer ti fy, v. to give certain information Cham pi on, 7i, a hero Chan eel lor, n. an officer of state [ty Chan cer y, n. a court of equi- Char ac ter, n. a mark, ietter ; reputation [pleasure Char i ot, tt. a carriage of Char i ty, n. love, affection, tenderness, alms C/<ym is try, n. the art of se- parating bodies by fire Cit i zen, n. an inhabitant, freeman of a city [ish Civ il ize, v. to instruct, pol- Clam or ous, a. noisy Clar i fy, v. to purify [cy Clem en cy,^^ humanity, mer- Cler gy man, n. a person in holy orders, a minister Clum si ness, n. awkwardness Cred i ble, a. worthy of credit Cred i tor, n. one who trusts or gives credit Crim i nal, n. a person accu- sed or guilty Crit i cal, a. exact, accurate Cul pa ble,a. blameable, guilty Cul ti vate, v. to till, improve Cum ber some, a. burdensome Dec o rate, v. to adorn Ded i cate, v. to consecrate, to devote Def i nite, a. limited, exact Pel e gate, n. a deputy, a commissioner Del i cale, a. nice, fine, soft Dep u ty, n. one who acts for another Des o late, a. solitary Des pe rate, a. without hope , Des po tism,7j. absolute power Des ti ny, n. fate, doom Des ti tute, a. in want of, wretched Dif fer ence, n. disagreement Differ ent, a. unlike,contrary Dif fi cult, a. not easy, trou- blesome Dif fi dent, a. not confident, not certain Dig ni ty, n. grandeur, rank Dil i gencc, n. industry Ed i ficc, n. a building, a fab- rick [prove Ed i fy, V. to instruct, im- Ed i tor, n. one that prepares any work for pu'jlication El e gance, n. beauty without grandeur, neatness El e gant, a. neat, beautiful El e gy, n. a mournful song El e phant, n. the largest of all beasts El c vate, v. to exalt, lift up El o quencc, n. fluency of speech El o quent, a. having the pow er of oratory Em a nate, v. to issue or flow Em i grant, n. one that emi- grates Em i grate^ v. to remove from one place to another [tion Em i nencc, 7i. iieiirht, distinc- Em i nent, a. high, exalted, conspicuous Em pe ror, n. a monarch su- periour to a king Emp ti ness, n. -a void space En e my, n, a foe, opponent En er gy, n. force, power En mi ty, n. ill will, hatred- JLn ter prise, n. a hazardotis undertaking, attempt . ' 11- f i2Q THE AMERICAS' INSTRUCTER. Ep i log«e, n. speech at the end of a play Ep i taph, n. an inscription upon a tomb-stone Es ti mate, v. to, rate, to vahie Ev i deAce, ?i. proof, witness Ev i dent, a. plain, clear Ex eel lent, a. eminent, be- ing of great virtue Ex e cute, v. to put to death ; to perform Ex er cise, n. labour, practice Ex tri cate, v. to set free, de- liver [mind Fac ul ty, n. ability, power of Fal la cy, n. deceit, iVaud Fam i ly, n. a household, race Fel \oio ship, n. intercourse, partnership, connexion Fcl o ny, 7i. a capital crime Fern i nirne, a. female,delicate Fes ti val, n. a feast, a day of civil or religious joy Flat ter y, «• false praise Fret ful ness, n. peevishnes's Friv o lous, a. slight, trifling Fur THcr more, ad. besides, moreover Gen er al, n.. one that com- mands an army, a military oflicer Gen er ous, a. liberal, noble Gen tie ness, n. meekness, tenderness SECTION LIII. Filial Affection and Intrciiidity. Story of Volney Jicckncr, ivho teas devoured by a Shark, at the age of twelve years. The child who is here commemorated, had not the advantage of descending from a wealthy or distinguish- ed family: but of what importance is birth ? What are the effects of riches f They often corrupt the morals. He wlio is worthy, he who is honest and wise, has no need of ancestors. Volney Beckner was the son of a poor Irish sailor : he received but little instruction, except what related to his father's profession. Yet, destitute as he was of edu- cation, he is not the less deserving a place in biography. The Author of nature had endued his body with sin- gular address and agility, and his mind with unusual in- telligence and penetration. He had a soul of no com- mon temper ; and from his earliest years he discovered sentiments of valour, which woidd doubtless have led him to great enterprises, had he not been extinguished in minority. Soon after little Volney was weaned, his father taught THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 127 Ilim to move and guide himself in the water. He be- came so daring, so able, and so vigorous, that from his sixth year, he would follow the ship in which he had been brought up, swimming for a considerable distance; and when not extremely fatigued, he would cling dex- terously round a rope that was thrown out to him, and climb up into the vessel. As he grew older, he began to acquire the dexterity of rendering himself useful to the crew. In tempestu- ous weather, when the wind blew with violence, and the rain fell in torrents, he was not one of the last in climb- ing the ropes and sail-yards. And when he was at the top of the highest mast, even in the fiercest of the storm, he appeared as little agitated as a passenger stretched upon his hammock. Such was his industry and improvement, that in his twelfth year he was judged worthy of a higher station, and double pay. The captain of the ship on board of which he served, cited liim as a model to the other boj's, He even said in the presence of the whole crew, " If this httle man continues to conduct himself with so much prudence and valour, I have no doubt of his obtaining a place much above that which I occupy." Although little Volney was deprived of the study of letters, which cultivates the mind, increases our know- ledge, and extends our ideas, yet he loved virtue by in- stinct ; and made great efforts for the acquisition of hon- our and preferment. From several instances of his in- trepidity, which he manifested in many dangerous emer- gencies, the following is selected : since tliis alone is sufficient to confer lasting praise on the memory of the young sailor. It happened that a httle girl, daughter of arich Amer- ican, who was going to Port-au-Prince in France, slip- ped away from her nurse, (who was ill, and taking some repose in the cabin,) and ran upon deck : and whilst her eyes were fixed with anxious curiosity on the immense expanse of water, a sudden heaving of the ship caused a giddiness, and she fell into the sea. ^ The father of Volney perceiving her, darted after 128 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. her, and soon caught her by the frock. Whilst he swam with one hand to regain the vessel, and witii the other held the child close to his breast, he perceived at a dis- tance, a shark advancing directly towards him. He called out for assistance. The danger was press- ing. Every one ran upon deck, but no one durst ga farther : they contented themselves witii firing oil* seve- ral carbines. In the mean time, the shark, opening his frightful jaws, seemed eager to seize his prey. In this terrible extremity what strong men would not venture to attempt, filial piety excited a child to execute. Little Volney armed himself with a broad and point- ed sabre, threw himself into the sea, and plunging with velocity, he slipped under the animal, and bold- ly stabbed him with his sword. Thus suddenly as- sailed and deeply wounded, the shark quitted pursuing the sailor, and turned doubly exasperated against the aggressor, who attacked him witli repeated blows. What a heart-rending sight ! How worthy of admira- tion ! To behold on one side, the American trembling for his little daughter, who seemed devoted to destruc- tion ; on the other, a generous mariner exposing his life for a child that was not his own ; and what was more dreadful, to see young Volney contending with an enemy so greatly superiour, and encountering inev- itable death, to divert it from his father ! But the combat was too unequal, and no refuge re- mained but a speedy retreat. A number of ropes were quickly thrown out to the father and son, and tliey each succeeded in seizing one. They were hastily drawn up ; already they were more than ten feet above the surface of the water ; already cries of joy were heard : " Here they are, here they are, they are saved !" Alas ! no — they were not all saved ! For the shark, enraged at seeing his prey about to escape from iiini, plunged to make a vigorous spring, then darting for- ward with impetuosity, he seized the Intrepid and un- fortunate youth, and, with his sharp teeth, tore his bo- dy asunder while suspended in the air. The remaining THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 129 part of his palpitating and lifeless body, was drawn up to the ship with his father and the little girl. Thus died, at the age of twelve years and some months, this hopeful young sailor. — When we reflect on the generous action which he performed, and the motive by which he was animated to the enterprise, we are penetrated with sorrow to see him sink under it. Yet the memory of this great example has not perished with the individual. May a faithful relation of it, ani- mate, with a generous zeal, the tender minds of youth, and produce from age to age, the repetition of actions not less praise-worthy. SECTION LIV. Divine Providence. The Providence of God is over all his works ; he rules and directs with infinite wisdom. He has institu- ted laws for the government of the world, and has won- derfully adapted them to the nature of all beings. In the depths of his mind, he revolves all knowledge ; th« secrets of futurity lie open before him, The thoughts of thy heart are naked to his view, he knows thy deter- minations before they are made. Wonderful he is in all his ways ; his counsels are un- searchable ; the manner of his knowledge surpasses thy conception. Pay therefore to his wisdom, all honour and veneration, and bow thyself in humble and submis- sive obedience to his supreme direction. The Lord is gracious and beneficent ; he created the world in mercy and love. His goodness is conspicuous in all his works ; he is the fountain of excellence, the centre of perfection. The creatures of his hand declare his goodness, and all their enjoyments speak his praise. He clothes them with beauty, he supports them with food, and preserves them from generation to generation^ If we lift up our eyes to the heavens, his glory shines forth ; if we cast them down upo)i the earth, it is full of his goodness. The hills and the vallies rejoice and sing ; fields, rivers and woods, resound his praise. 130 IwE . .HiiLiCAN IXSTRUCTER. But thee, O man ! he h»as (Ustlngiiished with peculiar favour, and exalted tiiy-statioi"! above all tlie creatures. He has endued thee with reason, to maiiitain thy domin- ion ; he has furidshed thco 'uith lanii;uage, to improve by society ; and exalted thy mind with the powers of meditation, to contemplate and adore his iiiimitable perfections- And in the laws which he has ordained as the rule of tliy life, he has so kindly suited tliy duty to thy nature, that obedience to his precepts Is Iiappiness to thyself. O praise his goodness with songs of thanksgiving, and meditate in silence on the wonders of his love. Let thy hear overflow with gratitiule and acknowledgements ; let the language of thy lips be praise and adoration ; let the actions of thy life show thy love to his law. The Lord is just and righteous, and will judge the earth with equity and truth. lias he established his laws in goodness and mercy, and shall ho not pr.nish the transgressors of them ? Think not, bold man, be- cause thy punishment is delayed, that the arm of ^he Lord is weakened ; nor flatter thyself with hopes that he winks at thy evil doings. His eye pierces into the secrets of every heart, and he remembers them forever. He respects not the per- sons nor the stations of men : the high and the low, the i'icli ajid the poor, the wise and the ignorant, when the soul has siiakcn oil' the cn.inbrotis shackles of this mor- tal lili', shall equally receive from the sentence of Cod a just and everlasting retJ'ilmtion according to thi.'ir works. Then shall the wicked iremble and^be afraid ; hin the hearts of the righteous shall rejoice in his judge- iuent.;. - • O fear tlie IiO)fl. therefore, all the days of thylife, and ^\:'.\k in,l! 'S which h.ehas opened before .thee. Let prudence aiiinuiiisli thee, let temperance restrain, lei. justice guide thy hand, benevolence wann thy heart, and gratitude lo- lieruen insjnre thee with devotion. These shall ^vc tin ; liapplne-s in thy present st^te, and lu'ing tliee to'tlie majision-; of cternnl felicity in the paradise of Cod. THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER 131 SECTION LV. XVords of three syllables, accented on the first ; Continued. 2 _ ; 2 Gen u ine,«. true, not spurious Ig no rant, a. without kaow- GAast li ness, ?i. horrour of countenance, paleness Gran ary^ n. a storehouse to put grain in [light Grat i fy, v. to indulge, de- Gratitude, n. a desire to re- turn benefits ; duty to ben- efactors [gravel Grav el ly, a. abounding with Grav i ty, n. weight,tendency to the centre ; seriousness Grid i ron, [grid i urn] n. a kind of grate to broil meat upon Gwilt i ness, 7i. the state of be- ing guilty [tent Hap pi ness, ii. felicity, coa- Haz ar dous, a. dangerous Heav i ness, n. weigiit, afflic- tion Hem i sphere, )i. the half c-.f a sphere or globe Her e sy, n. a fundamental errour in religion Her i tage, n. an inheritance Hes i tate, v. to pause, doubt Hex a gon, n. a figure of six equal sidesor angles Hin der Hnce,7i. impediment, ledge Im i tate, v. to copy, to en- deavour to resemble Im pi ov.s, a. profane, wicked Im pie nient, n. an instrument Im pli cate, r. to entangle, embarrass Im po tent, a. weak, feeblp hv. pu dencc, n. immodesty Im pu dent, a. shameless, bold In dl cate, v. to point out, to show In di gQucc, n. want, poverty In di gent, a needy, poor la di go, n. a plant used for dying blue [ness In do lence, n. laziness, idle- In do ieut, a. lazy, careless fn di!s try, i>. diligence III fa my./?, disgrace,reproach In fa mciis, a. vile, base [life In fin cy, n. the first part of In fin try, n. the foot soldiers of an army • In for ence, n. concltision from previous argimicnls In fi del, ?j. nji unbeliever i nitt-, <i. uuboiinded, ui:- In li^ •niit!i, enaiess stop, obstruction [ficls I In flu e);a', ?i,^ ascendant pow- ii;c His tor y, n. a narration ol Hur ricane,». a violent storm, mi ;■! : -, ir/jscr.ief, hurt c power over i T, o who keeps. i^arm- a tempest Hyp o crite, n. a dissembler, ; /d\\ lau a deceitful person 'In ri:i r Id i om, a. a partlcul-Ar nudo i; of speech '>^; : ; cem, </. uinnuess, })urc Id i ot, n. a fool [ledge Ii; V-v.cr^ Ig no ranee, -?<. want of know- ; i i ; n. I''.iightijies3, 132 THE AMERICAN IXSTRUCTER. In so lcnt,fl. proiid, haughty In stant ly, ad. inimediately In sti tiite, V. to establish In strii nicnt, n. a tool : deed of contract In tel Icct, n. the power of un- dorstandingj perception In ter cowrse, ?i. communica- tion In ter est, n. money paid for use ; concern, share In tor hide, n. a farce , In ter val, n. space, distance In ter view, n. a sight of each other, a conference In ti mate, a. familiar In tri cate, a. perplexed, en- tangled., [tfite, vex Ir ri tate, v. to provoke, agi- Jab ber ing, n. idle talk Jeop ar dy, n. hazard, danger Jus li fy, V. to defend, free, clear Kid nap per, 7t. one who i steals human beings [vend I.ac er ate, [c like s] v. to tear, Land hold cr, ?«. one who is possessed of land Land lady, n. the mistress of land or an inn Lar ce ny, ?i. theft, petty theft Lat i tude, ??. the distance north or south from the equator ; breadth Letr a cv, n. something given by will Leg i ble, [g soft] a. .such as may be read Leg is late, [gsoft] v. to make or ])ass laws Len i ty, ?'. mildness, mercy Letli ar gy, n. .sleepiness, drowsiness Lev el ness, n. evenness Lev i ty, n. lightness, vanity Lib er al, a. generous, free Lib er ate, v. to «ct free, rcr lease Lib er ty, ??. freedom, leave, permission [taste Lie or ice, n. a root of sweet Lin c age, n. a family, race, progeny Lit er al, a. the plain primi- tive meaning Lit tie ness, n. want of dig- nity, smallness, meanness Luc ki ly, ad. fortunately Lux u ry, n. delicious fare ; excess in eating, dress, or pleasure Mack er cl, n. a sea fish Mag ni fy, v. to praise, extol Mag is trate, fg soft] n. one invested with publick au- thority Mag ni tude, n. greatness Maj es ty, 7i. dignity, sove- reignty ; a regal title Mai a dy, 7i. a disease Man age ment, n. conduct, government Man a ger, n. one who has the direction of any thing Man ful ly, ad. boldly, nobly Man i fest, v. to show plain- ly ; (I. pfain, open [nity Man li ness, ?/. l>ravery dig- Man nor ly, ad. well behaved,. civil, con)nlaisant I\Ian slau^A ter, n. the act of killing a person in a sud- den passion [hand Man u al, a. performed by the Man u script, n. a writtea book, a copy THE AMERICAN INSTRUCfER. 13$ Mar in er, n. a seaman, sailor ' Mas cu line, a. male [ery Mas sa ere, n. murder, butch- . ^ Med i cine, n. any remedy ad- i ministered by a physician Med i tate, v. to thinky-''* con- template Mel o dy,n. harmony, musick Mem o ry, n. |he power of recollection, remembrance Mer ehan dise, n. goods,wares Mer ci ful, a. compassionate Mer ci less, a. void of mercy, cruel [planet Mer cu ry, ni quicksilver ; a Mer ri ly, arf.' gaily, cheerfully Mer ri ment, n. mirth Mes sen ger, n. one who car- ries a message Met a phor, n. a change from natural to figurative Meth o dise, r. to regulate Mid ship man, n. an officer on board a ship Mil lin er, n. one who makes or sells bonnets, caps, &c. for women Mim ick ry, n. imitation, bur- Mm er al, n. matter dug out of mines ; a. consisting ol" fossil bodies Min is ter, n. an agent, an of- ficer of state ; a clergyman Min is try, n. office, service, agency Min strel scy, n. musjck Miracle,?.', some act or event that is beyond the ordina- rv laws of nature Mis er y, n. wretchedness, ca- lamity, raistbrtune [sen Mit i gat«, V. to alleviate, les- ' 12 Mit ti mus, n. a warrant to commit an offender to prison Mul ber i:y, «. a tree and its fruit - [number, Mul ti ply, V. to increase in Mul ti tude,n. a great number Mur der er, n. one who kills unlawfully [der Mur der ous, a. guilty of mur- Myr i ad, n, the number of ten thousand Mys te ry, n. something se- cret or hidden, wonder Nar ra tive, n. a history Nat u ral, [t like tsh] a. pro- duced by nature, easy Nav i gate, v. to pilot a ship, to sail, manage Neg a tive,?i. a proposition by which something is denied Neg li gencc, n. carelessness Neg li gent, a. heedless NeTH er most, a. lowest Nim ble ness, n. quickness Num bor less, a. innumerable Nour ish ment, n. food, sus- tenance Nu)- sier y, n. a plantation of j'oung trees Pal pa,{jle, a. gross, plain Pal pi tate, v. to beat as the heart, to flutter Par a ble, n. a similitude Par a dise, «. a place of feli- city : the garden of Eden Par a graph, ?;. a distinct part of a discourse Par al let, n. a line which is equally distant from some other line Par a phrase, n. an inter;i:o- tritiuii in mjtiy worrls Par a sol, n. a small ir 134 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Pas sa ble, a. possible to be passed ; tolerable Pas sen ger, n. a traveller Pas sion ate, a. moved by passion Pas sivc ly, ad. submissively Pass o ver, «. a Jewish festival Pat ron age, n. protection, support Pil fer er it. one who steals petty things Pil lor y, n. an instrument or place of punishment Pil \ou) case, n. the cover of a pillow Pit i ful, a. tender,mclancholy Pleas ant ness, n. delightfal- ness [tion Pat ro nise,i;. to protect, sup- Plen i tude, n. fulness, reple- port, favour [stone Plen ti ful, a. abundant Peb ble stone, m. a round hard Pec u late, v. to rob or de- fraud the publick Ped a gogwe, n. a school-mas- ter, pedant [age Ped i gree, n. genealogy, line- Pel i can, n. a kind of bird Pen al ty, n. punishment, for- feiture Pen e trate, x>. to pierce Pen i tence, n. repentance Pen i tent, n. one sorrowful for sin ; a. contrite, repen- tant Pen sion er, n. one who re- ceives a pension Pen te cost, n. a feast among the Jews [gcnce Pen u ry, n. poverty, indi- Pep per box, n. a box used for holding pepper Pep per mint, n. a very hot kind of mint Per il ous, a. dangerous Per ju ly, n. a false oath Per ma nent, t/. durable Per se cute, v. to oppress, vex, trouble Pes ti lence, n. a contagious ('istemper, ])lague Phys i cal, a. relating to na- ture ; medicinal Plun der er, n. a robber, a hostile pillager [tion Prac ti cal, a. relating to ac- Pref er encc, n. estimation above another Prej u dice, n. injury ; pre- possession Pres ent ly, ad. shortly, soon Pres i dent, n. one at the head of others ; the first magis- trate of the United Stales Prev a lent, a. victorious, pre- dominant Prim i tivc,a. ancient, original Prin ci pal, a. chief, capital ; 71. capital sum ; a head or chief man Prin ci pie, n. element, ori- ginal cause, rule Pris on er, n. a captive, one uiulcr arre?t [vantage Priv i lege, n. a peculiar ad- Pub lick ly, ad. openly Pul ver iiO, v. to reduce to powder or dust Puiic tu al, [t like tsh] a. ex- act, nice Pun ish mcnt, n. anj thing in- flicted for a crime Pur ch IS or, n. a buyer Quick sil ver, n. a lluid min- eral, mercury ^ THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 135 Rad i cal, a, primitive, ori- ginal Ran cor ous, a. malignant Rap id ly, ad. swiftly Rap tur ous, [t like tsh] a. do- ligbtful, transporting Rar e fy , v. to make thin Rar i ty, n. uncommonness Rasp ber ry, n. a kind of fruit Rat i fy, r. to confirm, settle Rat tie snake, n. a kind of serpent [hungry Rav en ous, a. voracious, very Read i ness, n. hcing ready, willingness Rec kon ing, n. a computa- tion, an estimation _3ec om pense, v. to repay, re- quite ; 71. a compensation Rec on cile, v. to compose differences {correct Rec ti fy, V. to make right, Rec ti tude, n. uprightness Ref er enc«, n. allusion to, the act of referring Reg i ment, [g soft] n. a body of soldiers Reg is ter, [g soft] w. a re- cord, list ; V. to record Reg u lar, a. agreeable to rule Reg u late, v. to adjust by rule, direct Rel a tive, n. a relcition ; a, respecting Rem e dy,n. a medicine,cure; V. to cure, lieal [store Ren o vate, 1;. to renew, re- Rep ro bate, n. a wretch aban- doned to wickedness-; v. to condemn, disallow Req ui 5ite, a. necessary Res i dence, n. place of abode Resi duf, n. that which is li?ft Res o lute, a. determined,firm Ret i nuc, n. a train of atten- dants Rev e nuc, n. an income Rev er ence, n. veneration, respect ; 7;. lo regard with respect Rev er end, a. deserving re- verence ; the honorary ti- tle of the clergy R/;et o rick, n. oratory, the art of speaking Rid i cule, v. to expose to laughter ; n, laughter with contempt Rig id ness, [g soft] n. sever ity, strictness Rig or ous, a. severe, harsh Riv u let, n. a small river Sal a ry, n. stated hire Sane ti fy, v. to purify, te make holy Sane ti ty, n. holiness, piety Sat el lite, n. a^ small planet revolving round a larger Sat is fy, V. to content, recom- pense, convince (defame Scan da laze, v. to disgrace, Scrip tu ral, [tlike tsh] a. con- tained in the Bible, divine Scan da lous, a. disgraceful Sec ond ly, ad. in the second place Sec u lar, a. worldly [senate Sen a tor, «. a member of the Sen si ble, a. wise, judicious Sen ti moat, n, thought, opin- ion [guard Sen ti nel, n. a s<^ldier oa Sep a rate, v. to divide, part Sep ul chre, n. a grave, tomb Ser a phim, n. one of the or- ders of anjgels 136 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. SECTION LVI. 3Iodcs(y. Modesty is one of the chief ornaments of youth,: and has ever been esteemed a pi'esage of rising merit : it covers a nmhitude of faults, and doubles the lustre of, every virtue which it seems to hide : the perfections of men being like those flowers which appear more beau-, tiful, when their leaves are a little contracted and fold- ed up, than when they are full .blown, and display them- selves without any reserve to the view. Modesty is a polite accomplishment, and generally an attendant upon merit. It is engaging to the high- est degree, and wins the hearts of all our acquaintance. On the other hand, none are more disgusting in com- pany, than the impudent and presuming. < The man who commends and speaks well of himself Oft all occasions, we generally dislike. On the contra- ry, he who studies to conceal his own deserts, who does justice to the merit of others, who talks but little ol himself, and that w ith modesty, makes a favourable im- pression on the persons he is conversing with, capti- vates their minds, and gains their esteem. Modesty, however, widely differs from an awk^tard bashfulness, which Is as much to be condemned as the other is to be applauded. When an awkward bashful fellow comes into company, he is exceedingly discon- certed : he knows not what position to place himself in ; his hands are very troublesome to him, which he keeps continually in motion : if spoken to, he is in a much worse situation ; and therefore answers with the utmost difficulty : whereas a gentleman who is acquainted witli Kfe, enters a room with gracefulness, and with a modest assurance addresses the company in an easy and natu- ral maimer, and without the least embarrassment. This is the characteristick of good breeding, and a very necessary knowledge in our intercourse with men : for one of inferiour talents, with the behaviour of a gen- tleman, is frequently better received than a man of sense, With the address and manners of a clown. Some persons, from experiencing false modesty, have THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 137 run into the other extreme, and acquired the character of impudence ; which is as great a fault as the other. But the well-bred man is easy and firm in every com- pany ; he is modest, hut not bashful ; steady, but not impudent. He copies the manners of the better people, and conforms to their customs with ease and attention. Modesty is both in its source, and in its consequence, a very great happiness to the fair possessor of it ; it ari- ses from a fear of dishonour, and a good conscience ; and is followed immediately, upon its first appearance, with the reward of honour and esteem, paid by all those who discover it in any person living. It has been celebrated, especially in females, by the ffood and worthy of all atres and nations. But we need not recur to the testimony of ancient times, our own reason teaches us its importance, and our own observa- tion aflbrds numerous examples of the happiness it affords. Modesty and propriety of behaviour, contribute so largely to the happiness of young Ladies, that their im- , portance cannot be too strongly inculcated. They are admired or despised more on account of their behaviour, than beautij. The charms of the latter are of short du- ration, but the charms inspired by a modest and easy behaviour are never forgotten. The flower blossoms in tlie spring, and is nipt by the first frost : so beauty, at first siglu, strikes the eye agreeably ; but no sooner do ill iiassions discover them- selves in tbe mind of the possessor, than she, who be- fore appeared beautiful, seems ugly and deformed. " Beauty in vain her pretty eyes rnny lo!!. " Charms strike the sight, hut msiit wins i\-c .soul.'' -♦♦©©«■<•■•- SECTION LVII. 7%e pleasures resulting from a proper use of our faculties. Happy is that man, who, unembarrassed by vulgar cares, is master of himself^ his time, and fortune ; who spends his time in making himself wiser, and his for~ tune in making others (and therefore himself) happier ; who, as the will and understanding are the two en- I o* 138 THE AMERICAN LXSTRUCTEK. nobling faculties of the soul, tlilnks himself not com- plete, till his umlerstanding- is beautified with the valu- able furniture of knowledjje, as well as his will enriched with every virtue ; who has furnished himself with all the advantages to reli.sh solitude and enliven conversa- tion ; who, wlien serious, is not sullen ; and when cheer- ftil, not indiscreetly gay ; whose ambition is, not to be admired for a Adse glare of greatness, but to be belov- ed for the gentle and sober lustre of his wisdom and goodness. The greatest minister of state has not more business to do, in a publick capacity, than he, and indeed every other man amy find'in the retired and still scenes of life. Even in his private walks, every thing that is visible convinces him there is present a Being invisible. Aid- ed by natural philosophy, he reads plain legible traces of the Divinity in every thing he meets ; he sees the Deity in every tree, as well as Moses did in the burn- ing bush, though not in so glaring a manner : and when he sees him, he adores him with the tribute of a grate- ful heart., SECTION LVIIL Words of three syllables^ accented on the first ; Continued. Set tie ment, n. a place in- habited ; act of settling Sev en teen, a. seven and ten Sev en ty, a. seven times ten Sig na tare, n. a mark, a name '. signed Sig ni fy, v. to mean, express Sil ver smith, ti. one who works in silver Sim i lar, a. like, resembling Sim pli fy, v. to make loss complex Sin ful ness, n. wickedness Sin gu lar, a. odd, rare, par- '^ ticular ; only oae Skil ful ly^ ad. with skill Skil ful ness, n. dexterity, ability Slan der er, n. one who belies another Slan der oua, a. uttering re proachful falsehoods Slip per y, a. smooth, glib Spec i men, [c like s] Ji. an example, a s<unp}e [ly Splen did ly, ad. niagnificent- Stip 11 late, V. to contract, bar- gain Strat a gem, n. artifice, trick Stub born ness, n. obstinacy THE AMERICAN I.\STRUCTER. 139- Sub se quent, a. following in due order Sub sti tute, n. one acting in the place of another Sud den Jy, ad. in an unex- pected manner Suf fer er, n. one who en- dures or suffers Suffer ing, n. pain suflered, distress Suf fo cate, V. to choke, stifle Sunip tu ous, [t like tsh] a. costly, expensive, splendid Sup pli cate, v. to implore, entreat Sus te nance, n. food, main- tenance Syl lable,rt.as much of a word as is uttered by one articu- lation Sym pa thize, v. to feel with or for another Tax a ble, a. that which may be taxed Tel e scope, n. a glass by which distant objects are viewed Tern per ancc, n. moderate indulgence of appetites or passions Tern per ate, a. moderate Ten der ly, ad. mildly, gently Ten der ness, n. softness ; kindness [ful Ter ri ble, a. dreadful, fright- Ter ri fy, v. to fright, make afraid Tes ta ment, n. a will i, the name of the holy scripture Tes ti iy,v. to witness, certify Tim or ous, a. fearful Trag e dy,[g soft] n. a serious drama ; a mournful event Trav el ler, n. one who go€i a journey Treach er ous, a. faithless, perfidious Treach er y, n. deceit, fraud Trerts u ry, [s like zh] n. a place in which money is kept Trea* u rer, fs like zh] n. one who has the care of pub- lick money Tur bu lent, a. violent, tu- multuous [fusion Tur bu lence, n. tumult, con- Tur pen tine, n, a gum from the pine Tyr an ny, n. cruel govern- ment, severity Vag a bond, n. a vagrant, a wanderer Van i ty, n. arrogance, pride, emptiness Ven om ous, a. poisonous Ver i ly, ad. truly, certainly Vic tor y^ n. conquest,triumph Viu di cate, v. to justify, re- venge [plain Vis i ble, a. apparent, open, Wick ed ness, n. vice, guilt Wid 0?^; er, n. a man whose wife is dead Wil der ness, n. a desert VVil ful ly, ad. obstinately Wil ful ness, n. obstinacy, stubbornness Wtetch. ed ness, n. misery, unhappiness 3 Al der man, n. a magistrate Al ma nack, n. a calendar Au di ence, n. hearers, auditi ory, interview Au thor. ize, v, to empower ; 140 iHlE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. For mal ist, 7J. one who is at- tached to forms For mer ly, ad. in time past For ti fy, V. to strengthen, to secure For ti tude,n.courage,strength For tu nate, [t like tsh] a. luc- ky, successful Gau di ness, n. showiuess, fi- nery Hau^A ti nos3, n. pride, arro- gance Horse man ship,n. art of ridinof Lau da ble, a. commendable, praiseworthy Law ful ly, ad. in a lawful manner Law ful ness, n. legality Mor bid ness, n. a diseased state Mor tal ly, ad. deadly, fatally, irrecoverably [vex Mor ti fy, V. to corrupt ; to Or di nance, n. law, rule Or gan ize, v. to construct, to form Or na ment, ?/. decoration, embellishment Or tho dox, a. sound in opin- ion or doctrine Plau ii ble, a. superficially pleasing, fair [hog For cu pine, ra. a kind ofhedge- Sau ci ness,n. impudence, im- pertinence Scorn ful ly, ad. insolently Sor cer y, n. magick, enchant- ment Straw ber ry, n. a kind of fruit .» A r bi tratc, v. to decide Ar r/;f; type, n. the original ' . 0W-, [d like j j a. difficult Ar gu ment, n. debate, subject of discourse Ar se nal, ?j. a repository for arms, a magazine Ar ti fice, n. stratagem, trick Bar ba rous, a. inhuman, cruel Car pen ter, n. an artificer in wood, a builder Car tridge box, 72. a box to contain cartridges [ther Fa THer less, a. without a fa- Gar den er, n. one who cul- tivate? gardens G/^ar di an, h. one who has the care of anotlier person II;um le§s ly, ad. innocently liar nu) ny, ?j. agreement, just proportion of sound Harp si cAord, ii. a musical instrument Hear ti ly, ad. sincerely La;/gh a ble, a. exciting laugh- ter, droll Mar tin gal, n. a leathern strap used to curb a horse Mar tyr dom, n. the death of a martyr Mar vol lous, a. wonderful Par lia ment, n. the chief as- sembly of England Par tial ly, ad. with unjust favour Par ti clo, n. any small por- tion of a greater substance Part nor ship,H. union in trade, joint interest Phar ma cy, n. the act of pre- paring medicines r. Bot a ny, n. the knowledge or descrij)tion of plants Bot tomless,rt. without bottom Cog ni zaucc,n. judicial nojjra THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 141 Com e dy,n.a dramatick piece Com mon ly, ad. frequently Cora pe tent, a. qualified, fit Con fer ence, n. discourse ; meeting for religious con- verse [ance Con fi dencc, n. trust, assur- Con fi dent, a. positive, bold Con se crate, v. to dedicate Con se quencc, n. an effect, importance Con Stan cy, n. firmness Con stant ly, ad. steadily Con sti tute, v. to produce, appoint, to make Con ti nent, n, land not sep- arated by seas [verse Con tra ry, a. opposite, ad- Doc u jnent, n. an instruction, direction, precept [lows Fol low er, n. one who fol- For e\gn er, n. one of another country, an alien [round Glob u lar, a. like a globe, Glos si ness, n. smooth polish Hoi ly hock, n. a plant, the rose mallow [a feast Hoi y day, 71. an anniversary, /Ton est ly, ad. uprightly, justly Hon es ty, n. justice, truth Hor ri ble,a. dreadful,terrible Jol li ty, n. merriment Lof ti ness, n. height ; haugh- tiness Lon gi tude, n. length ; the distance of any part of the earth either east or west from any given place Lot ter y, n. a game of chance Mocker y,n. derision,ridicule Mod er ate, a. temperate, mild i V. to. regulate Mod est ly, ad. with modesty Mod es ty, «.deccncy,cliastity Mod i fy, V. to change the form, to shape, soften Mon ar chy, n. a kingly gov- ernment ; a kingdom Mon i tor, n. one who warns of faults, or hifornis of duty Mon u ment, n. a memorial, tomb, pillar, statue Mor al ist, n. one who teach- es morality [not real Nom i nal, a. only in name, Nom i nate, v. to name, pro- pose [els Nov el ist, n. a writer of nov- Ob li gate, v. to bind, compel Ob so lete, a. disused, grown out of uSe [structioa Ob sta cle, n. hinderance, ob- Ob sti natG, a. stubborn, firm Ob vi ous, a. easily discover- ed, open, plain Oc cu pant, n. one who holds or takes possession Oc cu py, V. to possess, hoM Of fer ing, n. a sacrifice Of fi cer, n. a man in office, a commander Op er ate, u. to act, perform Op po site, a. contrary ; pla- ced in front Op u lent, a. rich, wealthy Or a tor,n.aman of eloquence, a publick speaker Or i. gin, n. beginning, rise Or i fice, n. an opening, per- foration Pol i cy, n. the art of govern- ment, prudence Pol i ticks, n. the science or art of government [people [Pop ulacet-n, the commoa 142 THE AMERICAN l.N'STRUCTER. Pop u lar, a. pleasing to the people [people Pop u late, -c. to increase in Pop u lous, a. full of people Po5 i tive, a. absolute, real, certain Pos si ble, a. having the pow- er to be or do Pov er ty, n. want, necessity Prob a ble, a. likely [uess Prob i ty, n. honesty, upright- Prod i gal, n. a spendthrift ; a. profuse, wasteful Prof ii gate, a. wicked, aban- doned Prog e ny,[g soft] «. offspring, issue, race Prom i nent, a. jutting or standing cut Prop a gate, v. to spread, in- crease, promote Prop er ly, ad. fitly, suitably Prop er ty, n, an estate, pos- session ; quality Proph e cy, n. a prediction Proph e sy,r. to predict, fore- tell, foreshow Proph et ess, n. a female prophet [sue Pros e cute, v. to pursue ; to Pros e lyte, n. o\»e converted to a new opinion Pros o dy, n. the art of met- rical composition Pros per ous, a. successful Prot OS tant, n. one who pro- tests against popery Prov en der, n. food for brutes Prov i dence, n. the care of (iod over created beings, divine superintendence Quad ru ped, n. a four-foote 1 animai Qu'id ru pie, a. fourfold Qual i fy, v. to make fit Qi.ial i ty, n. nature relatively considered, property, rank Quan ti ty, n. bulk, weight, a part [quarrel Quar rcl some, a. inclined to Sc/fol ar ship, n. learning Shop keep er, n. a trader who sells in a shop [manner Sol cni7i ly, ad. in a solemn Sol i tude, n. lonely life, a lono place, a desert Sol ven c}', n. ability to pay Soph is try, n. a fallacious reasoning Sor row ful, a, mournful, sad Tol er ate, v. to allow, permit TFrong ful ly, ad. unjustly > < 6 _ ■''• Fool er y, n. folly, habitual folly Fool ish ness, n., destitute of understanding ; folly [ly Gloom i ly, ad. dismally, dim- Gloom i ness, n. obscurity *" Goose bcr ry, n. the name of a bush and its fruit Move a ble, a. capable of be- ing moved [ture IMove a ble.v, n. goods, furni- Sc/ifool fel lo/«, 71. one bred at the same school '■^ Sc/tool mas lor, n. a man who teaches a school School mis tress, n. a woman who teaches a school Shoe nn k<?r, n. one who makes slioes II Come li ness, n. grace, beauty Com fort er, n. one xvho com- f'Tb THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 143 Com fort less, a. without comfort Com pa ny, n. an assembly of persons ; joint partners Con jur er, n. a fortune teller Gov em ment, ii. an establish- ment of legal author! t}' ; administration of publick affairs Gov er nour, n. a chief execu- tive magistrate, commander Love li ness, n. amiableness Thor ough ly, ad. complete- ly, fully [ishing Won der ful, a. strange, aston- l^eigh hour hood, n. place ad- joining [kind Heigh hour ly, ad. friendly, ot oy Joy ful ly, ad. with joy, gladly Joy ful ness, ?/. gladness, great joy [sion Loy al ty, n. fidelity, subrais- Boun da ry, n. limit, mark Bonn ti ful, a. liberal, gene- rous, kind '' Coun sel lor, n. one that gives advice Coun te nance, n. the form of the face, look ; support Coun ter feit, a. forged, ficti- tious ; V. to forge, imitate House keep er, n. one who has the care of a family [ular Moun tain ous, a. hilly, irreg-« Cow ard ly, a. fearful, mean Low er y, a. cloudy, dark, obscure [strong Pow er ful, a. mighty, potent, Show er y, a. rainy, wet. SECTION LIX. Select Sentences. Envy is fixed only on merit ; and like a sore eye, is offended with every thing that is bright. The envious man endeavours to depreciate those who excel him ; he puts an evil construction on all their do- ings ; he lies in wait, and meditates mischief : but the detestation of man pursues him ; he is crushed as a spider in his own web. Harmony of temper, begets and preserves friendship ; but disagreeable inclinations are like improper notes in musick, whir.h serve only to spoil the concert and of- fend the ear. Modesty, in your discourse, will give a lustre to truth, and an excuse to your crrours. Complaisance renders a superiour amiable, an equal agreeable, and an info- riour acceptable. , Bois ter ous, a. stormy, violent Poi son ous, a. venomous, de- structive 144 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER^ We should never be proud or vain of the advantages we possess ; but lunnbly endeavour to use them lor the benefit of our fellOw creatures, and to the glory of that Being from wiiom we have received them. How pleasant it is when we lie down at nighf, to re- flect that we are at peace with all persons ! that we have carefully performed the duties of the day, and that the Almigiity beljolds and loves us ! Happiness consists not hi sovereignty or power, norin great riches ; but in a right composure of our aftections, and in directing all our actions accordingto right reasoft. Discontent is the greatest weakness of a generous soul ; for many times it is so intent upon its unhappi- ness, that it forgets its remedies. There is b-at one way of fortifying the soul against all gloomy presages and terrours of mind ; and that is, by securing to ourselves the friendsliip and protection of that Being, who disposes of events and governs futurity. We might enjoy much peace, if we did not busy our minds with what others do and say, in which we have no concern. Never suppose yourself the person pointed at in any general observation, as it is a maxim of true politeness to exempt the present company from any personal re- flection. He that compliments another with hearty wishes to his face, and afterwards degrades his reputation, is a double tongued hypocrite. Never betray the trust reposed in you, or divulge any circumstance your friend wishes to conceal ; as no- thing can render a person inore contemptible thaa a brearh of confidence. Be very careful in your promises, and just in your performances ; and remember it is better to do, and not promise, than to promise, and not perform. Lyii)g is a vice so vtry in!"jmoii§, that even the greatest liars caoinot bear it in others. * If you wiih to have a constant vigorous health, and a perpetual spring of youth, use temperance. Indo- lence frustrates every design of our existence. Tlir // THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 145 mind of an idle man is like an uncultivated garden, planted, indeed, with flowers and fruit, but overrun with noxious weeds. When much gratitude is found in a poor man, it may be taken for granted, that there would be as much gen- erosity if he were rich. Use not needlessly, learned or hard words ; he that affects to be thought learned, is likely to be accounted a fool. Useful knowledge can have no enemies, except the ignorant : it cherishes youth, delights the aged, is an ornament in prosperity, and yields comfort in adversity. Youth is the season for improvement in knowledge, for forming the mind, and for gaining sucli accomplish- ments as will make us useful and happy. What a gold- en age is this which affords us such opportunities of laying up happiness for riper years ! A family, where the great Father of the universe is duly reverenced, where parents are honoured and obey- ed, where brothers and sisters dwell together in love and harmony, where peace and order reign, where there is no law but the law of kindness and wisdom — is sure- ly a most delightful and interesting spectacle. — qOO— SECTION LX. Winter. — A Season for remembering the Poor. Now Winter is come, with his cold chilling; breath, And the verdure is droppM from the trees ; All nature seems touch'd by the ling:er of death, And the streams are beginning; to ileeze. When wanton young l;id«, o'er the river can slide, And Flora attends us no more ; * When in plenty you sit by a good fire-side, Sure you ought to remember the poor. When the cold featherVl snow docs in plenty descend. And whitens the prospect around ; When the keen cutting \\ inds from the north shall attend, Hard chilling and tret-zing the ground ; When the hills and the dales are all candied and white. When the rivers congeal to the shore, When the bright twinkling stars shall proclaim .1 cold night, Then remember the state of the poor. 146 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTEK. When me poor harmless hare may be trac'd to the r,y^^, By her footsteps indented in snow ; When the lips and the fingers are starting with blood ; When the marksmen a cock-shooting go ; vVhen the poor robin redbreast approaches the cot ; When the icicles hang at the door ; IVhen the bowl smokes with something reviving and hot. That's the time to remember the poor. When a thaw shall ensue, and the waters increase, And the rivers all insolent grow ; When the fishes from prison obtain a release ; When in danger the travellers go : When the meadows are hid with the proud swelling flood j When the bridges are useful no more : When in health you enjoy every thing that is good, Can you grumble to think on the poor ? Soon the day will be here, when a Saviour was bom, All the world should agree as one voice ; All nations unite to salute the blest morn ; All ends of the earth shodd rejoice. Grim death is depriv'd of his all-killing sting. And the grave is triumphant no more ; Saints, angels and men, hallelujihs shall sing. And the rich shall remember the poor. — QS^^— SECTION LXI. Friendship. What power can prop a sinking soul, Oppress'd with woes and sick of grief. Bid thft warm tear forbear to roll. Despair's heart-rending sigh control, And whisper .sweet relief? Friendship ! sweet balm for sorrow's smart, In thee the soothinsf power is found, To heal the laceralcd heart. Extract affliction's vcnom'd dart, Afid close the rankling wound. When pierc'd by griefs chill tempest through, The tendril bends b(?nrath its power. Thou canst tiic broken plant renew ; Thy sacred lear like heavenly dew. Revives the drooping fiower. If Fortune frown — if lieaUh depart, Or death divide the tenderest tie, Friendship can raise the sinking heart, A glow ol rcai joy impart. And wipe the tearful eye. THE AMERICAN LNSTrtUCTER. 147 If foes without attack our name, Or foes within assault our peace, Then Friendship's pure celestial flame, Can sooth the mind — defend our fame, And bid assailants cease. If hopeless Love our bliss destroy, And fill tlie breast with black despair. All peace such sufierers can enjoy. Is built by Friendship's kind employ. Which lessens every care. Come, then, sweet power of source divine, For ever glow within my breast ; My earliest friend be ever mine, One link our hearts in union join. To make each ether blest. SECTION LXIl. Words of three syllables, acrenied on the seconds. A base merit, 7i.the act of hum- bling [sening A bate ment, n. the act ofles- A bu sivc, a. offensive, rude A chz'eve ment, n. the per- formance of an action Ac quain tance, n. familiarity Ac quire ment, «. gain Ad ja cent, a. lying close to Agree ment, n. contract, bar- gain, concord Al lure ment, n. enticement A maze ment, n. extreme fear A muse ment, ?^. diversion Ap pa rent, a. visible, plain Ap pear ance, n. the act of coming into sight ; resem- blance Ar range ment, n. state of be- ing put in order Ar ri val, ». the act of com- ing to a place A sy lum, n. a retreat, refuge A tone ment, n. satisfaction A tro cious, «. very wicked Back sli der, n. an apostate Bal CO ny, n. a gallery on the outside Be hav iour, n. mailner of ac- tion, condiict Be h'e ver, n.one that believes Ca pa cious, a. large, wide Ces sa tion, n. a stop, rest Com mo tion, n. a tumult Com plete ly, ad. perfectly, fully [ment Cora pie tion, n. accomplish- Com pli ance, n. submission Com po ser, «. an author, wri" ter, former . Con clu sive, n. decisive Con fine ment, n. restraint, imprisonment [order Con fu sion, [s like zh] n. dis- Con tri vance, n. a scheme, plot, artifice Crtur age ous, a- brave, bold Cre a tor, n. the Being that bestows existence [test De bate ment, n, disputei con- 143 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. De cez't ful, a. full of deceit, treacherous, false De cei ver, n. an impostor De ci sivc, a. conclusive De CO rum, «, decency, or3er De Wghi ful, a. pleasant De port ment, n. conduct, be- haviour [eager De 51 rous, a. full of desire, De vo tion, n. piety, worship, ardent love Dis a ble, v. to render unable Do na tion, n. a gift, present Du ra tion, n. continuance En a ble, v. to make able En clo 5ure, [s like zli] n. ground enclosed En croach ment, n. an unlaw- ful intrusion En dan ger, v. to bring into danger, to hazard [love En deir ment, n. the cause of En fee ble, v. to weaken En force ment, /». compulsion En gage ment, n. the act of engaging ; a battle En gra ver, n. one who en- graves [to instruct En Vigh ten, v. to illuminate ; En li vcn, v, to animate, cheer En noblc,v.to dignify, elevate En rol ment, n. a register, re- cord En slave ment, n, slavery En su ranrc, [s like sh] n. ex- emption from liazard ; sum paid for security En tice ment, n. allurement En tire ly, ad. completely, fully Ed ti tie, V. to give a right to E qua tion, n. bringing _of ttungs to an equality Er ra ta, n. correction of er-* rours in printing Ex treme ly, ad. greatly Fal la cious, a. deceitful Fe ro cious, a. fierce, savage For bear ance, n. act of for-' bearing, mildness, lenity For ma tion, n. the act or manner of forming Gen teel ly, ad. politely Gen teel ness, n. politeness, elegance Gra da tion, «. a regular pro- gress, order, degree He ro ick, a. brave, noble Hi a tus, n.an aperture, breach Ho ri zon, n. the line that ter- minates the view I do a, n. mental imagination Ig no ble, a. mean of birth, worthless II le gal, a. contrary to law, unjust, dishonest III na ture, [t like tsh] n. pee- vishness, unkindness Im pa tience, n. uneasiness, frctfulness Im peach ment, n. a legal ac- cusation, hinderance Ira pure ly, ad. in an impure manner In clu sive, a. comprehending In de cent, a. unbecoming In dif t ment, n. a written for- mal accusation of a crime by a grand jury In duce ment, n. incitement, motive In hu man, a. barbarous,cruel In qui ry, n. an interrogation, search In va der, n. an assailant, in- truder THE AMERICAN tNSTRUCTER. 149 In va sion, [s like zh] n. hos- tile entrance, assault In vez gle, X'. to seduce, allure In vi ter, n. one who invites Lo qua cious, a. full of talk Mi nute ly, ad. exactly [ment Mis u sage,n. abuse, bad treat- Mo rose ness, n. peevishness, sourness [tiou Nar ra tion, n. account, rela- Nar ra tor, n. a relater Ne ga tion, n. denial No ta tion, n. the act of no- ting down, a meaning Ob la tion, n. an offering, sa- crifice Ob scure ly, or?, darkly Oc ca sion, [s like zh] n. a cause, opportunity Oc ta vo, a. a sheet folded in- to eight leaves Oc to ber, n. the tenth month of the year Op po nent, n. antagonist, ad- versary [ses Op po ser, n. one who oppo- ra tion, n. a publick speech, an address [rious Out rage ous, a. violent, fu- Par ta ker, n. a sharer, an as- 1 sociate Per sua sivc, a. having ti)e power to persuade Pe ru sal, n. the act of reading Plan ta rion. n. a place plant- ed ; a colony Po lite ness, n. elegance of manners, gentility Pol lu tion,n defilement, guilt Po ta to, 11. an esculent root Pre cise ly, ad. exactly, accu- rately [tion 1 Pri va tion, n. a loss, destruc- Pro ceed iug,n. progress fron\ one thing to another Pro fane ly, ad. wickedly Pro fane ness, n. irrevereneCj impiety Pro fuse ness, n. lavishness Pro mo ter, n. an encourager, advancer Pro mo tion, n. advancement^ exaltation to some new hon- our or rank [ratio Pro por tion, n. an equal part, Pro po sal, n. a scheme pro- pounded [vides Pro vi der, w. one who pro- Quo ta tion, a. a passage quo- ted, citation Ra pa cious, a. seizing by vi- olence ; given to plunder Re ci tal, n. rehearsal, repe- tition Re deem er, n. the Saviour of the world ; one who redeems Re fine ment, a. a purifying, ' an improvement Re fi ner, n. a purifier Re fu saJ, n. the first right of choice ; denial Re la tion, n. kindred ; a uar- ration ; reference [ance Re li ance, n. trust, depend- Re main der, n. v/liat is left Re new al, n. the act of re- newing Re preach ful, a. infamous, scurrilous [bode Re tire ment, n^ a private «- Sal va tion, n. preservation from eternal death Se date ness, n. calmness Sen sa tion, n. pei-ception by the senses [flictively Se vere ly, ad. paiufuUy, af • 13» 159 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 1 j 2 Sin cere ly, ad. honestly Ad diet cA, pa. devoted to So lu tion, n. explanation, an- swer, separation Spec ta tor, n. a looker on Sub scri ber, n. one who sub- scribes Temp ta tion, n. the act of tempting, enticement Tes ta tor, n. one who leaves a will Tor na do, n. a hurricane Trans pa rent, a. that which ntiay be seen through, clear Un a ble, a. not able, weak Un ea sy, a. disturbed [equal Un e qual, a. not even, not Un faith ful, a. treacherous, dishonest Un e yen, a. not level [ful Un grate ful, a. vile, unthmik^ Un ho ly, a. profane, wicked Un kind ness, n. ill will Un like ly, ad. improbable[cd Un qui et, a. restless, disturb- Un whole some, a. not whole- some, unhealthy Va ca tion, n. leisure, inter- mission Ver ba tim, ad. word for word Vex a tion, n. the act of troub- ling, sorrow [tain Vol ca no, n. a burning moun- 2 A bandon,v.toforsakc,descrt A bridg ment, n. a work shor- tened [manner Ab rupt ness, n. in an abrupt A bun dance, n. great plenty Ac cep tance, n. reception with approbation Ac ces sion, n. addition Ac cus torn, V. to o§e one's self to Ad mit tance, n. tha act of admitting [ment Ad vancc ment, n. improve- Ad van tage, n. superiority Af fee tion, ii. love, kindness Af flic tion,//.. distress, misery Al read y,ad. now,at this time A mend ment, n. a change for the better Ap par el, ?i. dress, clothing Ap pen dix, n. something ad- ded, a supplement As sas sin, n. a murderel" Ap pren ticc, 7i. one bound to learn a trade As sem ble, v. to bring or meet together [together As sem bly, //. a company met As sess ment, n. taxation As ses sor, n. one that lays taxes [lief As sis tance, n. help, aid, re- At ten dance, n. the act of waiting on another At ten dant, n. one that at- tends [gardful At ten tive, a. heedful, re- Bat tal ion, n. division of an army Be gin ning, n. the first cause Clan des tine, a. secret, hid-' den, sly [ered Col Ice tion,7j. the things gath- Col lee tor, n. a gatherer, a receiver of taxes Com mis sion, /i. a trust, war- rant of oflice [ment Com mit ment, n. imprison- Com mit tee, n. a number of persons appointed to man- age any matter Com pact ly, ad, closely THE AMERICAN IXSTRUCTER. tol Com ])ul sion, ?/. the act of compelling Con fcs sion, n. the acknowl- edgment of a crime .; Con sid er, r. to think, ponder Con sis tent, a. conformable Con tera plate, v. to meditate Com pan ion, n. a partner Com pas sion, n. pity, mercy Com pen sate, v. to recom- pense, to make amends Com plex ion, n. the colour of the face Com pul sivc, a. forcible|^ SECTION LXIll. On the animal ivorlJ, and the scale of beings. If we consider those parts of the material world which lie nearest to us, and are therefore subject to our inquiries, it is amazing to letlect on the infinity of ani- mals with which it is stocked. Every part of matter swarms with inhabitants ; nay, we find in the most solid bodies, innumerable cells and cavities, which are crowd- ed with those imperceptible inhabitants that are too small for the naked eye to discover. On the other hand, if we look into the more bulky parts of nature, we see the setis, lakes and rivers teem- ing with numberless kinds of hving creatures ; we find every mountain and marsh, wilderness and wood, plen- tifully stocked with birds and beasts, and every part of matter afibrding proper necessaries and conveniences for the livelihood of multitudes which inhabit it. Infinite goodness is of so communicative a nature, that it seems to delight in conferring existence upon every degree of perceptive being. There are some living crea- tures which are raised but little above dead matter. To mention only that species of shell-fish, which are formed in the fashion of a cone, which grow to the surface of rocks, and immediately die when separated from the place where they grow. Many other creatures are but one remove from these, possessing no other senses but those of feeling and taste: others have an additional sense of hearing ; others of smelling ; and others of sight. It is wonderful to ob- serve, by what a gradual progress the world of life ad- ' vances through a prodigious variety of species, before a iB2 THE AMERICAN IN3TRUCTER. creature is formed which is complete in all its senses ; and the several degrees of perfection in which the sen- ses are found, in the same species, are so great, that they seem almost of a different nature. If we look into the several perfections of cunning and «agacity, we find them rising imperceptibly one above another, and receiving additional improvements, accord- ing to the species in which they are implanted. The progress in nature is so very gradual, that the most perfect of an inferiour species, comes very near to the most imperfect of that which is immediately above it. The unbounded goodness of the Supreme Being, whose mercy extends to all his works, is plainly seen from his having made so little matter which does not swarm with life ; nor is his goodness less seen in the di- versity, than in the multitude of living creatures. Had he made only one species of animals, none of the rest would have enjoyed the happiness of existence : he has therefore varied his creation with every degree of life, with every capacity of being. The whole chasm of nature, from a plant to a man, is filled up with divers kinds of creatures, rising one above another by such a gentle and easy ascent, that the little transitions and deviations from one species to an- other, are almost imperceptible. This intermediate space is so well managed, that there is scarce a degree of perception which does not appear in some part of the world of life. In this system of being, there is no creature so won- derful in its nature, and which so much deserves our particular attention, us man, who fills up the middle space between the animal and intellectir<il nature, tlie visible and invisible world, and is that link in the chain of be- ings which has often been termed the connexion ofeti^ world. So that he, mIio is in one resjjcct associated with angels and archangels, may look upon a Being of infinite perfection as his father, and the highest order of spirits as his brethren ; and may, in anotlicr respect, say to corruption, " thou art my father, and to the worm, thou art my mother and my sister." THE AMERICAN INStRUCTER. 153 '; % ; SECTION LXIV. On •profane Cursijig and Swearing. Of all the vices with which the present age is affect- $d, none seem so prevalent, none so disregarded, as that heinous sin of profane cursing and swearing. All ages and conditions have caught the dangerous infection: the statesman, the labourer, the decrepit old man, and the lisping infant, are alike distempered. Each in his turn, daily makes use of the same horrid imprecations, boldly calling down the vengeance of that God, who hath said, " Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain," upon their own, and each other's heads. That Almiglity Being by whom we live, and move, and have our existence, hath in direct and positive terms told us, that " the man who taketh his name in vain shall not be held guiltless." Dare we then so frequently to violate this article of the decalogue, when truth and justice have declared its enormous guilt, when such impending danger threatens the wretch, and seems every moment ready to crush him .'' surely every one who is guided by reason or re- ligion, will carefully avoid so dangerous and unprofitable a vice. It brings with it no temporal advantage, like many other vices, and serves no other purpose, but the false opinion of making a man's assertion of consequence. Avarice heaps up gold, and though it dares not use it, yet it feels a satisfaction in turning over and over its massy stores : dishonesty brings, perhaps, a timely sup- ply to the necessities of a villain, and keeps him a few days without the walls of a dungeon : gluttony and drunkenness satiate the appetites of those who are their votaries ; and even murder, the most shocking of all crimes, pleases the perpetrator with 'the cruel, though false notion among men, that revenge is sweet. All these vices have the probability of gratifying some corrupt inclination, or of affording us some temporal en- joyment : but swearing can answer no purpose, except that of giving a seeming consequence ; and even here it misses its aim ; for the exprlessions of the swearer have Id4 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. become so common, that the\" are considered as mere cyphers or expletives in discourse. Indeed, the ration- al part of mankind consider the affirmations of the com- mon swearer, as doubtful and futye ; and the more so, in proportion to the number of oatlis that accompany them. To what a wretched ebb must a man's reputation be sunk, who thinks he is not to be credited, unless he con- firms whatever he advances with the most solemn inv precations ! Let us then endeavour to forsake a vice so replete with danger, folly and madness ; nor boldly call down the judgements of an offended God upon ourselves and others, lest at some time he should visit us with those very curses we have wickedly desired he would inflict upon us. SECTION LXV. IVords of three syllables, accented on the second , Continued Con tention, n. strife, quarrel Con ten tious, a. quarrelsome Con tent ment, n. satisfaction Con tin uc,z). to remain in the same state, to persevere Con trac tion, n. abbreviation Cen ven tion, 7i. an assembly Cor rec tion, n. punishment Cor re«t ly, ad. accurately Cor rect ness, n. accuracy De can ter, n. a glass vessel used for holding: liquor De cem ber, n. the last month iu the year De cep tion, n. cheat, fraud De li cious, a. sweet, pleasant De liv er, v. to give, save De ris ioi^, [s like zli] «, con- temj)t, scorn De struc tion,n. ruin, murder Di niin ish, v. to lessen, de- crease Di rec tion, n. order, rule Di rect ly, ad. immediately, soon ; in a straight line Dis cour age, v. to depress Dis fig urc, V. to deform Dis mis sion, n. a discharge Dis tern per, n. a disease Dis tine tion, 7i. difference, note Dis tinct ly, ad. clearly Dis tin guisli, V. to hotc, hon- our, perceive [fusion Dis trac tion, n. madness, con- Dis tril) ute, v. to divide a- mong many [perplexity Dis tur bancc, ?t. confusion, Di y'ls ion, [s like v.h] n. the act of dividing De struc tivc, a. wasteful, that < Do nies tick, a. belonging to which destroys I the house, private [dour De tach ment, 71. a body of E.f ful genc^', n. lustre, splen- troops sent out from tlic ; E lee tion, «. the act of choos main army ' ing, choice THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 155 E lee tor, n. one who elects Em bar rass, v. to perplex Em bel lish, v. to adorn E mis sion, n. the act of send- ing forth [love En am our, v. to inflame with En camp ment, ?i. a camp ; the act of encamping En cour age, v. to animate En cum ber, v. to clog, em- barrass [tempt En deav our, v. to strive, at- En kin die, v. to set on fire En tan gle, v. to insnare, confuse, puzzle En vel op, v. to inwrap, cover En ven om,i'. tc poison,enrage E pis tie, n. a letter, message E rup tion, /!. a bursting forth Es sen tia), a. necessary [tie E stab lish, V. to confirm, set- Ex am ine, v. to ask ques- tions, consider Ex am pie, /i.. a pattern, copy, precedent Ex hib if, V. to offer to view Ex is tence, n. state of being Ex pan sive, a. extensive,wide Ex pen sive, a. costly, dear Ex pres sion, 71. a form of speech Ex press \y,acl. in direct terms Ex pul sion, n. an expelling Ex ten sive, a. wide, large Ex tin guish, 7;, to put out, destroy Ex trac tion, n. a drawing out Fa mil iar, a. afTable, free For bid dance, n. prohibition Fore tel ler, n. a predictor For get ful,rg hard] a. not re- membering, lieedless [don For give ness, [g hard] n. par- Gi gan tick, a. giantlike, big Here after, ad. in future time How ev er, ad. nevertheless, vet, at least II lus trate, v. to explain ; to brighten Im ag inc, [g soft] v. to fancy, to contrive Im pres sion, n. mark made by pressure ; influence made on the mind [fine Im pris on, v. to shut up, con- Im pul sive, a. having power to impel [ployed In ac tivc, a. indolent, unem- In ces sant, a. continual In cul cate, v. to impress by admonitions, to teach In den ture, [t like tsh] n. a kind of covenant or deed In dig nant, a. angry, raging In dul gence, n. forbearance, fondness, favour granted In dul gent, a.kind,favourable In fee tious, o. contagious In flee tion, n. the act of bend- ing or varying ; modulation of the voice [breakii^g Ln frac tion, h. the act of In fringe ment, ?i. a violation, breach In hab it, v. to dwell in In her it, •u.to possess, to have by inheritance [order In June tion, n. a command, In Jus tice, n. unfair dealing, iniquity In scrip tion, n. an epitaph, a thing written, title In sip id, a. without taste, dull In spec tion, n. examination, survey, view [dent In spec tor, ?i. a superinten- li»6 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. In striic ter, n. a teacher tn siruc tion, n. information, the act of teaching In stnic tivc, a. conveynig knowledge In ten lum^n. design, purpose lu tcs tate, n. dying without a will In trench inent, n. a fortifi- cation with a trench In ti-ep id, a. fearless, brave -la trin sick, a. inward, real In vnl id, a. weak, of no force In vec tivc, a. abusive,satirical Inven tion, n. the act of pro- ducing something new Ir rnp tion, v. an inroad, the act of any thing forcing an entrance Ju di cious, a. prudent, wise, skilful . Li cen tious, a. unrestrained, presumptuous, loose Ma pi cian, h. one skilled m ^ magick [>'Ug"^^ Ma ies tick, a. grand, royal, Ma "li cious, a, malignani, ill- natnreJj spiteful [cious Malig nant, a. envious, niali- Me c/(an ick, n. an artificer Metheg lin, n. a drink made of honev aud water Mi li lia. "imlUisli yu] «. na- tional force, trainbands Mis man age, r. to manage ill Mo men tons, a. important, weighty Imusick Mu si cian, «• one skdled m Neg lect ful, o. inattentive, heedless Noc tur nai, a- nightly No vcm bnr, n. the eleventh monMi of the year Ob jec tion, n. an opposition Ob jec tor,». one who object* Ob struc tion, n. hinderanec Oc currence,n. any thing that happens Of fence less, a. innocent Of fen dcr, n. one who offends Of fen sivt, a. displeasing, hurtful [fice Of fi cial, a. relating to an of- I O mis sion, 7i. neglect, for- bearance [mcnt O pin ion,n. sentiment, judge- Op pros sive, a. cruel, severe Op prcs sion, n. cruelty, hard- ship . Out bal ancc, v. to outweigh Pa rcn tal, a. becoming pa- rents, affectionate [der ^ Pa thet ick, a. affecting, ten- Per di tion, n. destruction, ruin Per fee tion, n. the state o! being perfect [erty Per mis sion, n. a grant of lib- Per ni cious, a. destructive Per spec tivc, n. a glass through which things are viewed ; a. relating to vi- sion Pe ti tion, n. a request, en- treaty ; V. to solicit, entreat Phy si cian, n. one who pro- losses the art of healing Pi az 7,a, n. a short walk un der arches, a portico Pncu mat icks,_ n. the doc- trine of the air Po ii tion, 7). situation; rule j Pos scs sion, n* the state ol having in one's own power Pos ses sor, n. an owner, pro- ' prietor THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. isn ft"e cep tor, n. a teacher, tutor Pre die tion, n. a prophecy Pre sent ment, n. the act of presenting Pre snmp tion, n. arrogance, boldness, supposition Pre ten sion, n. a claim, pre- tence Pro ces sion, n. a train march- ing in solemnity [ducing Pro due tion,n. the act of pro- Pro due tive, a. fertile, having the power to produce Pro fes sor, n. a publick teach- er or lecturer ; one who makes open declaration of faith Pro fes sion, n,. a declaration, calling, employment Pro fi cient, n. one who makes good improvement Pro gres sivc, a. going forward Pro hib it, v. to debar, forbid Pro jec tor, n. one who forms schemes or designs Pro mul gate, v. to publish, to make known Pro phet ick, a. foretelling fu- ture events [ter Pro tec tion,??, a defence,shel- Pro tec tor, n. a defender Pro vis ion, [s like zh] ti. victuals, food ; a providing beforehand Re bell ion, n. opposition to lawful authority Re bell ious, a. opposing law- ful authority fceiving Re cep tion, n. the act of re- Re demp tion, «• a ransom, release [ducing Re due tion, n. the act of re- Re dun dance, n. superfluity} ' Re dun dant, a. superiuouSj exuberant Re flee tion, n. consideration 5 the act of throwing back Re fresh ment, n. food, noujN ishment [brightness Re ful gence, n. splendour, Re ful gent, a. bright, splendid Re gard less, a. heedless Re jec tion, n. the act of cast- ing off Re lig ion, [g soft] n. a sys- tem of divine faith and worship [devout Re lig ious, [g soft] a. pious, Re lin quish, v. to forsake, give up Re luc tancfi, n. unwillingness Re luc tant, a. unwilling Re mem ber, v. to bear in mind [tion Re mem brance, n. recollec- Re mis sion, n. forgiveness, pardon, abatement [sin Re pen tance, n. sorrow for Re plen ish, v. to stock, to fill Re pub lick, 71. a common- wealth or state governed by representatives elected by the people Re pug nant, a. contrary, dis- obedient Re sem bianco, n. likeness Re sem ble, v. to be like Re sent ment, ??. a deep sense of injury Re sis tance, 7i. opposition, the act of resisting Re splen denee, n. lustre Re splen dent, a. bright, shi- ning Re stric tion, 71. limitation Re venge ful, a. full of revenge 14 15S THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Re vis ion, [s like zh] n. a re-examination Se di tion, n. tumult, an insur- rection [sing Se lee tion, n. the act of choo- Sep tem ber, n. the ninth month of the year Se raph ick, a. angelick So lie it, [c like s] v. to en- treat, ask [mazing Stu pen dous, a. wonderful, a- Sub jec tion, n. the state of being under government Sub mis sion, n. resignation, obedience Sub mis sive, a. humble [port Sub sis tence, n. means of sup- Sub Stan tial, a. real, solid Sue cess ful, a. prosperous, fortunate Sue ces sion, ». a series of things or persons following one another Successor, n. one who fol- lows in the place of another Suf fi cient, a. equal to any purpose, competent Sur ren dor, v. to yield or deliver up To bac CO, n. a plant much used for smoking, chew- ing, &c. To geTH er, [g hard] ad. in company, in concert Tra di tion, n. oral account from ago to age Trans ac tion, n. dealing be- tween man and man, nego- tiation [crime Trans gres sion, n. an ollonco, Trans gres sor, n. an offen- der, a law breaker [awful Tr« men d»us, a. dreadful, Tri umph ant, a. victorious, celebrating victory Tu i tion, n. instruction Urn brel la, n. a cover from the sun or rain Un civ iK a. impolite, rude Un han dy, a. awkward Un hap py, a. wretched, un- fortunate, distressed Un health y, a. sickly, morbid Un just ly, ad. contrary to justice or right Un luc ky, a. unfortunate Un man ly, ad. unbecoming a man [attentive Un mind ful, a. negligent, in- Un pleas ant, a. not pleasant Un skil ful, a, wanting art or knowledge [riable Un stead y, a. inconstant, va- Un thank ful, a. ungrateful 3 Ab hor rencc, n. great hatred Ac cor dance, n. conformity Ac cor ding, ^rt. agreeable to Di.s- or der, n. sickness, con- fusion \\.w)v mous, a. very large ; wicked, irregular Ini mor tnl, a. exempt from (loath, perpetual III st-il iiiont, n. the act of in- stalling ; a payment Mis for tuuc, [t like tsh] «■ bad luck, c.damity Per form anc<:, «. the act of jxTroriniiig Pf'r form er, n. one who per- forms any thing [cords Ko cord er, n. one who re- Un lawrful, a. contrary to law 4 A part mcnt, n. a room rut. AiVERlCAN INSTRUCTER. U^ Com man der, n. a chief, a leader Com mand ment, n. a com- mand, order, Jaw En large ment, n. an increase Hard heart ed, a. merciless, , cruel, inhuman Im mar tial, a. not warlike Im par tial, a. equitable, just 5 A bol isb, V. to destroy, re- peal Ac com plish, v. to finish Ac know\ edge, v. to confess Ad mon ish, v. to reprove A pos tie, n. a person sent to preach the gospel As ton ish, v. to amaze De mol ish, v. to destroy Vis Aon est, a. knavish, base D'ls /ton our, n. reproach, dis- grace Fore know] edge, n. knowl- edge of future events Im mod est, a. indecent Im mor al, a. wicked, vicious Im pos tor, n. a false preten- der, a cheat Im prop er, a. unfit, wrong In con stani, a. unsteady, va- riable, fickle In sol vent, a. unable to pay debts Ma son ick, a. pertaining to masonry Mis con duct, n. ill behaviour Re mon strance, n. a repre- sentation Re mon strate, v. to object Un com mon, a. not frequent, unusual 6 Ac coa tre, v. to equip Ln prove ment, n. advance- ment, the act of improving Im pru dence, n. indiscretion, negligence Im pru dent, a. injudicious, indiscreet, negligent In tru der, n. one who forces himself into company In tru 5ion, [s Hke zh] n. the act of intruding Re mo val, n. the act of mov- ing, a dismission [fertile Un fruit ful, a. barren, not Un ru ly, a. ungovernable, turbulent 8 An oTH er, a. not the samej one more At tor ney, n. a lawyer, an agent [gant Be com ing, a. graceful, ele- Dis cov er, v. to disclose, find out, to make known En com pass, v. to surround Re cov er, v. to grow well, regain 9 Con vey ance,"n. the act of re- moving any thing Sur vey or, n. an overseer ; » measurer of land oi Ap point ment, n. a decree, order [figure work Em broi der, v. to adorn with Em ploy ment, n. busmess, office En joy ment, n. happiness , ou De vout ly, ad. piously, reh : giously ' Un bound ed, a, unlimited 160 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. ^^k' SECTION LXyi. On Procrastination. Few things are more ruinous, even to our secular at-^ fairs, than customary procrastination. It confuses and tlights every kind of worldly business ; for business not attended to in the proper time and season, is either not done at all, or done with more labour and difficul- ty, and to less purpose. Some men are in the practice of letting their accounts Jie unsettled for several years together. It is no mat- ter they say, we are near neighbours and close friends, and can come to a reckoning at any time. At length a settlement commences : the accounts of each, however honest, are swelled beyond the expectation of the other. On both sides, several items are vanished from the re- membrance of him who is charged with them; A warm dispute ensues ; perhaps an arbitration ; peradventure an expensive lawsuit ; and these close friends are sev cred forever. Some men neglect to make their ivills, though they •know their estates would be inherited contrary to their own minds, and the rule of equity, if they should chance to die intestate. Knowing this, and sincerely wishing that right may be done to their heirs, they are fully determined to perform the necessary act and deed, some time or other. " But why just now ? Another time will do as well." And thus they delay the thing from year to year, till at last the time of doing it is gone by ; a precious widow, or a beloved and deserv- ing child, is left to suffer througii life the bitter conse- quences of this default. Some farmers, double their labour, and lose half their profits, for want of doing things in their proper season. \ Their fields are overgrown with bushes and thorns, all which a little seasonable labour might have prevented. Their fences, and even their buildings, are neglected, till the cost of repairs becomes increased several fold ; besides their sustaining a train of inconveniences, and •«f serious injuries from the neglect. Their crops also cost more labour, and at the same THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 161 time are leaner in bulk, or inferiour in quality, by rea- son that much of the labour that had been bestowed up- on them was out of season. Nor is it uncommon to see farmers of this sort in a mighty hurry and bustle. They are behind their business, and running to overtake it ; which is the cause of their being so often in a greater hurry than their neighbours. Many a one loses his custom as a raechauick, by not doing his work in season. It makes no odds, he thinks, whether the thing be done precisely at the time agreed upon — but his customers do not think so. What does not a merchant lose, in custom, in credit, and in cash, by neglecting his books, though it be on- ly a few days. How hard does he find it to sot right, what might easily have been kept right, if he had done the work of each day within the day. Honest Jonathan borrows a sum of money of his par- ticular friend, on the express promise of scrupulous punctuality. He gets the money by the da}- ; but be- ing busy here and there, he delays to carry or send it. The money happens to be wanted the very day it be- comes due ; and with that particular friend, Jonathan's borrowing credit is utterly lost. Sometimes a doctor, who possesses undoubted skill in his profession, loves talk better than practice. Called away in a case of pressing emergency, he sets out with speed ; but meets an old acquaintance, to whom he opens a budget of news and politicks, which takes up half an hour in the relating ; and by the tirae he ar- rives, all is over. Half an hour sooner, and his pa- tient might have been saved. Violent pains and fevery chills seize us ; if they go not off, we \\'ill send for the physician to-morrow. Ere to-morrow arrives, the distemper gains a firmness that baffles tlie physician's skill. Hark ! The cry of fear and dismay. The Small- pox! Our children have cauglit the contagion; we meant to have had them vaccinated, but have put it off, and the time for it Is now past. Upon the whole — that which may be doue at any 14" 4' jt82 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. time, is seldom d<»ie in seasoa, and otten leftnndone ; whereas a litUe time that is known to be the only time, suffices for bringing much to pass. Again, when we have various means of obtaining our object, we arejess hk^ ly to obtain it tlian if we Ivad only one, and that a tea- sible and good one ; for a vibrating mmd is inactive, and he that loiters rarely succeeds. For the same rear son, one good calling is better than lialf a dozen. SECTION LXVII. Wommu Give ear, faitr daughter of innocence, to the instruc- tions of prudence, and let the precepts of truth shik deep in thy heart ; so shall the charms ot thy mmd add lustre to the elegance of thy form ; and thy beau- ty, like the rose it resembles, shall retain its sweetness when its bloom is withered. i Remember thou art made man's reasonable compan- ion, not the slave of bis passions. The end of thy be- ingis to assist him in the toils of life, to sooih him with thy tenderness, and to recompense his care with soft endearments. Who is she that wins the heart of man, that subdues bim to love, and reigns in his breast ? Lo ! yonder she walks in maiden sweetness, with innocence m her mmd, and modesty on her cheek. She is clothed with neatness, she is fed with temper- ance : humility and meekness are as a crown of glory encircling her head. Decency is in all her words, m her answers are mildness and truth. When virtue and modesty enlighten her charms, she is beautiful as the stars of heaven. The imiocence of her eye is like that of the turtle; simplicity and truth dwell in her heart. . She presides in the house, and there is peace ; she commands with judgement, and is obeyed. She arises in the morning, she considers her affairs, and appoints 10 her maidens their proper business. The care of her family is her deUyht ; to that she ap* THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 163 plies her study ; and elegance with frugality is seen in her mansion. The prudence of her luauageniem i;i an honour to her husband, and he hears her pra.isL with a secret delight. She informs the minds of her children with wisdom; she fashions their manners from the example of her own goodness. The word of her mouth is the law of their youth, the motion of here3^e commands obedience. In prosperity, she is not pulled up ; in adversity, she heals the wounds of fortune with patience. The troub- les of her husband are alleviated by her counsels, and sweetened by her endearments. Happy is the man that hath made her his wife ; hap- py is the child that calls her mother. That such may be thy happy lot, fair daughter of America, listen to the directions of wisdom, and regu- late thy heart and life by the principles of piety and virtue. — QiO©— SECTION LXVIII. Words of three syllables, accented on the third. 1 Im po lite, a. rude, uncivil In com mode, v. to hinder^ embarrass, disturb In com plete, a. not perfect In dis creet, a. imprudent In dis pos«, V. to make unfit, to disorder In se cure, a.not secure,uasafe In sin cere, a. deceitful In ter cede, v. to mediatCj entreat, interpose In ter fere, v. to interpose To ter line, v^ to write be* tween lines In ter pose, v. to mediate, to place between Lem on ade. n. a mixture of water, sugar and lemons Mis ap ply, v to apply to wrong piu-poses 1 Ab sen tee,«. a person absent Ad ver Use, v. to give notice As cer tatn, v. to make cer- tain [cannon Can non ade, v. to batter with Co in cide, v. to agree Dis a gree, v. to differ Dis ap pear, v. to vanish Dis be h'eve, v. not to credit Dis com mode, v. to put to inconvenience Dis u nite, v. to separate Dom i neer, v. to hector, to ^ behave with insolence Ev er more, ad. always, for- ever Fore or dazn, v. to determine beforehand Here to fore, ad. formerly Im ma ture, a. not ripe I 164 THE AMERICAN irSSTRUCTER. Mis be have, v. to behave im- properly Mis be lief, n. a wrong belief Mis re port, 7i. a false account Mort ga gee, ft. one who takes a mortgage O ver AoWf v. to run over, to deluge O ver hear, v. to hear secret- ly or by chance O ver pay, v. to pay more than the just price O ver prize, v. to value at too high a price O ver seer, n. a superintend- ent [long O ver sleep, v, to sleep too O ver take, v. to come up with, to catch O ver thro//?, r. to throw down, defeat, destroy Pat en tee, n. one who has a patent granted him [tinue Per se vere.D.to persist, con- Pri va teer. n. a ship of war belonging to private citizens Re as sume, v. to resume, to take again [forces Re en force, v. to send new Re in state, v. to replace in a former state Re u nite, v. to unite again Sub di vide, v. to divide again Sii per fine, a. eminently fine Vn be Iref, n. infidelity, in- credulity. Vn der go, v. to suffer, endure Un der take, v. to engage in Un fore seen, a. not known before it happened 2 Ac qui escc, v. to yield, sub- mit Ap pre hend, x'. to seize, take Co a lesce, v. to unite, join Com pre hend, v. to under- stand, include [mit Con de scend, v. to yield, sub- Con tra diet, v. to oppose Dis af feet, v. to fill with dis- content [nul Dis an nul, v. to abolish, an- In cor rect, a. not correct, not exact In cor rupt, a. pure, honest In di rect, a. not straight In dis tinct, a. confused In ter cept,TJ. to stop, obstruct In ter lapse, n. the time be- tween two events In ter mix, v. to mingle, mix In ter rupt, v. to hinder, stop O ver cast, 7). to cloud, darken; a. clouded O ver head, ad. aloft, above O ver spread, v. to cover over O ver turn, v. to throw down, to conquer ver whelm, v. to crush, sub- due, overpower Re ad mit, v. to admit agaia Re as cend, v. to climb up h- gain Rec ol lect, v. to recover to memory [new Re com mence, c'. to begin a- Rec om mend, v. to commend to another [new Re com mit, v. to commit a- Ke e led, v. to elect again Re pes scss,v. to possess again Rtp re sent. v. to exhibit ; to appear for auolher \Jn der stand, v. to compre- . liend fully 1 Vi o iiu, n. a fiddle THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 16£ Mis in form, v. to deceive by false accounts 5 Cor res pond, v. to suit, to fit 6 Dis ap prove, v. to dislike O ver do, v. to do more than enough 8 O ver come, t, to subdue, con- quer Dis o bey, v. to break com- mands 10 Mag a zine, n. a storehouse ; a pamphlet oi Dis ap point, d. to defeat of expectation Dis al low, V. to deny, reject, not to grant SECTION LXIX. Words of four syllables, accented on the first. 2 A mi a ble, a. lovely Du ti ful ness, n. obedience, respect Fa vour a ble, a. kind, tender For ci ble ness, n. violence, force [madly Fu ri ous ly, ad. violently, HvL mor ous ly, ad. merrily Ju di ca ture, n. a power to distribute justice Lu mi na ry, n, a body that gives light [improve Me li o rate, v. to make better. Mo men ta ry, a. lasting for a moment Pa per ma ker, n. one who makes paper [country Pa tri ot ism, w. love of one's Pre vi ous ly, ad. beforehand Rea son a ble, a» agreeable to reason Se ri ous ly, ad. solemnly 3ta tion a ry, a. fixed, settled 2 Ac cu ra cy, n. exactness Ac cu rate ly, ad. exactly Ad mi ra He, a. to be admired Ad ver sa ry, n. antagonist \m i ca ble, a. friendly, kind An nu al ly, ad. every year An ti mon y, n. a mineral sub- stance Ap o plex y, n. a disorder that affects the brain [er Ap pli ca ble, a, suitable, prop- Cal cu la tor, n. a reckoner Cat er pil lar, n. a worm, aa insect Cer e mon y, n. outward rite ; forms of civility Char i ta ble, a. kind, liberal Cred it a ble, a. reputable [al Cus torn a ry, a, common, usu- Del i ca cy, n. softness, nicety Des pe rate ly, ad. rashly, fu- riously Des pi ca ble, a. contemptible Die tion a ry, n. a book con- taining the words of any language [ent manner Dif fer ent ly, ad. in a differ- Dif fi cul ty, n. trouble Ef fi ca cy, n. ability to effect El e gant ly, ad. in a pleasing manner En vi a ble, a. exciting envy Es ti ma ble, a, worthy of esr teem 168 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Ev i dent ly,flt?.plainly, clearly Ev i ta ble, a. avoidable Fash ion a ble, a. approved by custom, fine Feb ru a ry, n. the second month of the year Fig u ra five, a. typical, not literal Gen er al ly, ad. in general, commonly, frequently Gen er ous ly, ad. liberally Hab i ta ble, a. fit to be in- habited Ig no min y , n. disgrace, shame Im pi ous ly, ad. wickedly Im pu dent ly, ad. shameful- ly, boldly [lessly In do lent ly, ad. lazily, care- In fa mous ly, ad. vilely In no cent ly, ad. without guilt In so lent ly, ad. haughtily In ter est ing, a. affecting, moving In ti ma cy, n. close familiar- ity, union [plexily In tri ca cy, n. difficulty, per- In ven tor y, n. a list or ac- count of separate articles of goods Jan u a ry, n. the first month of the year Knit ting nee die, n. a wire used to knit with Lam ent a ble, a. mournful Lib er al ly, ad. generously Lit er a ry, a. relating to let- ters or learning Lit er a ture, n. learning Mag is tra cy, [g soft] n. the office of a magistrate Mat ri mon y, rx. marriage Mel an c/jol y, n. gloomuiess; a. dismal, gloomy Mem o ra ble, a. worthy of re- membrance Mer chant a ble, a. fit to be bought or sold [derly Mer ci ful ly, arf. kindly, teiv^ Mil i ta ry, a. warlike, sol- dierly Mil lin er y, n. goods sold by a milliner Mis eel la ny, n. a collection of various kinds Mis chief ma ker, n. one who makes mischief Mis er a ble, a. unhappy Mis sion a ry, n. one sent to preach the gospel,and prop- agate religion Nat u ral ize, [t like tsh] v. to admit to native privileges Nav i ga ble, a. passable for ships or boats Nee cs sa ry , [c like s] a. need- ful, proper \ Nee ro man cy, n. magick, enchantment, conjuration Pal at a ble, a. pleasing to the taste, agreeable Pat ri mon y, n. an estate pos- sessed by inheritance [cute Pen e tra tive, a. piercing, a- Per ish a ble, ^.liable to perish Per ma nent ly, ad. durably Per se cu tor, n. one who per- secutes Pet ti fog gcr, [g hard] n. a petty lawyer Pit i a ble, a. deserving pity Plan e ta ry, a. pertaining to the planets Prac ti cal ly, ad. by practice Prefer a ble, a. eligible before somethiug else Prin ci pal \\,a<L chiefly TH^ AMERICAN INSTRUCTER, 16? Reg u lar ly, ad. methodical- ly, justly Res o lute ly, ad. steadily, firmly [riour Sec on dfi ry, a. second, infe- Sec re ta ry, n. one who writes for another Sem i cir cle, n. a half circle Sem i na ry, n. a place of ed- ucation Sem i vow el, n. a consonant which has an imperfect sound Sep a rate ly, ad. singly, apart Ser vice a ble, a. useful Tes ti mon y, n. evidence, proof Tran si tor y, a. continuing but a short time VI ti mate ly, ad. in the last state or consequence Val u a ble, a. of great price Veg e ta ble, [g soft] n. any thing that has growth with- out sensation Ven er a ble, a. deserving reverence 3 For fcit a ble, a. liable to be forfeited For mi da ble, a. terrible, dreadful Or di na ry, a. common, usual Or tho dox y, n. soundness in opinion and doctrine Or tho e py, n. the right pro- nunciation of words Or tho e pist, n. one skilled in pronunciation 4 Ar bi tra ry, a. absolute, des- potick Ar bi tra tor, tu a judge Ar ch'i teC t-ure, [t like tsh] n, the science of building Mar ket a ble, a. fit for sai« at market 5 Com mis sa ry, n. a delegate^ deputy, officer Com mon al ty, n. the bulk or body of the people Com pli men ter, n. a flatterer //on our a ble, a. illustrious, noble, generous [ness Hor ri ble ness, n. dreadful- Hos pi ta ble, a. kind to stran- gers, friendly, civil Mod er ate ly, ad. mildly, temperately Nom i na tive, a, the first case in grammar Ob sti na cy, n. stubbornness Oc cu pan cy, n. the act of ta- king possession Oc cu pi er, n. a possessor Or a tor y, n. the science of rhetorick, eloquence Pos i tive ly, ad. absolutely Prof it a ble, a. advantageous Prom is sor y, a. containing a promise [cape Prom on tor y, w. a headland, Sol i ta ry, a. retired, single, dismal Tol er a ble, a. supportable, passable 8 Com fort a ble, a. receiving comfort, pleasing- Co v e tons ness, n. avarice, greediness, eagei desire Drom e da ry, n. a sort of camei Gov ern a ble, a. subject to rule, manageable, mild 168 THE A\rEEICA-\ INSTRUCTER. SECTION LXX. AgrkaJturc. Agricultuke, or husbandry, is the art of cultiva- ting or tilling the ground, so thot it may produce, in the greatest abundance and perfection, those vegetable pro- ductions which are necessary for the food, co.Tafort and convenience of mankind. In a country like the United States, where by far the greater part of the inliabitants are devoted to agricul- tural pursuits, it must be considered an object that mer- its particular regard. It is from the hand of agriculture, that manufactures and commerce, and indeed every other branch of indus- try, receive their support. The cultivation of the earth may therefore be considered as the most useful and laudable of all pursuits. Here, as in some other countries, we have many ex- amples of distinguished individuals, who have left the seat of power, the theatre of political action, and the splendour and opulence of cities, that they might enjoy the jJ<-usure of cultivating their native tieMs. The pursuits of agricuUure are connected with that iove of country, which may be called a universal passion. The charms of nature are here fully displayed, and ev- ery mind which is not debased by virious habits, or en- slaved by irregular desires, is eager to enjoy them. A principle so universally fell, has never failed to call forth the powers of genius; and' writers of all age? have -expatiated on rnial scenes and occupations, with the most lively saiisfi'ctien. Every poet more especially claims the conntry as his peculir.r province; from it hf^ deri«'es the most beauti- ful and striking description, . lo represent those various {.'rospects of nati-n vvj?icii are so highly gratifying to every ingciauus mir.rl. Agriculture is not oidy esseiitid to the good order of society, in a lude ami rnpolished state, but is equally re- quisite in everv stage of Its rffmement. As an incitement to its constaiit and uniform p; rsait, it ropaysthe exertions of the husbandman with regular and abundant retunis. THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 169 Fwm the remotest ag<^s, it has been esteemea wortiij^ of general attention. The simplicity of ancient man- ners, rendered it an object not inconsistent with the rank and situation of persons of the greatest eminence. ' Gideon, the renowned champion and judge of Israel, quitted the thrashing-floor to preside in the publick as- sembly of his countrymen ; and Cincinnatus, the con- querer of the Volsci, left his plough to lead the Roman armies to battle ; afterwards declined the reward gained by his victories, to return to his native fields. And in modern times this occupation has been heldf in no less esteem. There are not wanting those among the English nobility, who take a lively interest in all ru- ral improvements, and preside at the annual meetings of agriculturists, with no less reputation to themselves, than beneficial to the art. Washington, the late celebrated president of the Uni- ted States of America, found the most pleasing relaxa- tion of publick cares in the superintendence of his own estate. The emperor of China, at the begimiing of every spring, goes to plough in person, attended by the prin- ces and grandees of his empire : he celebrates the close of the harvest among his subjects, and creates the best farmer in his domimon a mandarin. In various- ages, many have v.ritien to explain the principles, and celebrate the excellences of this art. Some have adorned it with the elegance of fancy, and othei^ have methodised it with the precision qf rules. Hesiod was one of the earliest of the Grecian poets, to sing the praises of the plough ; and in a v.ork nearly coeval with the Iliad itself, has combined with the prin- ciples of the art, manj' curious observations on the sea- sons most prv:!pitious to its v;-Mnous einploymcnts. At a period of society when its advantages were bet- ter understood, and it:- jjrr.ciice more generally diffused, Xenophon expatiated in his econornicks, on the impor- tance of agricultuie, and desci'ibes its influence on the prosperity of the arts, and the advancement of civilization. Virgil has described at large, the rural occupations 15 4 ITO THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER.' of his countrymen, the cultivation of the land, the season most favourable for tillage, and the nature of grazing and planting. He has adorned every branch of his sub- ject witlfcrefined and striking beauties of composition ; and has so fully collected the best observations, and choicest maxims of antiquity, as to render it almost a su- perfluous task to consult the works of other authors, rel- ative to the progress which his preciecessors had made in this subject. SECTION LXXl. Extract from a Poem, entitled, '< Agriculture, or^ Happy American Farmer.'*'^ Then murmur not at Heaven's fix'd decree. But as you're happy, so conteiTted be ; Your country'll rise the emporuim of wealth, Your country's sons, the sous of peace and health- Hail blest Columbia ! whose delij^htful soil Repays with richest ijood the laboin-er's toil ? What dainties thy delicious gardens yield ! What rich supplies adorning every field ? Happy thy sons, around thy splendid board, Who taste the luxuries which thy fields afford ? Our fathers, freed from dire oppression's hand Found an asylum in this li:ippy laud. The savage Canaanites have left our soil, We the tiue Israel taste tho wine and oil ; With milk and honoy our lair country ilows, Deserts rejoice and blossom as the rose. Thanks to the mercy of Ahnighty Hcavon, For Waskingtoii to fair (.^dlumbia given ? Our laws, of Ireedom's ch )seM sons the choice, Shall live, while trjith or reason has a voice. Nature convulsM our Continent ui ly yli.ike, And earth and skies in Ci)iisi( rniiion (juake ; Yet still our laws and liberty secure. Though time and nature die, shall firm eiidure, In Heaven the work sb ill stand, like naontidc Sun, SficUass %i virtue, pure as Wasfiittgfon. THE AaiEHICAN lA'STROC'TER. m SECTION LXXII. Words of four syllables 1 Ab bre vi ate, v. to shorten Ab ste mi ous, a, temperate, sober [gether Ac cu mu late, v. to pile to- Ad vi sa ble, a. prudent [arr A e ri al, a. belonging to the A gree a ble, a. pleasing Al le vi ate, v. to ease An ni hi late, v. to reduce to nothing [ance An nu i ty, n. yearly allow- Ap pro pri ate, v. to consign to any particular use ; a. peculiar Ap ,pre ci ate, [ci like she] v. to value, estimate As so ci ate, [ci like she] v. to unit§, accompany den so ri ous, a. severe -Col le gi an, n. a member of college Co me di an, «. an actor of comick parts, a player Com mo di ous, a. conveni- ent, suitable Com mu ni cate, v. to impart, reveal Con ceit ed ness, n. pride De ceit ful ness, n. tendency to deceive [ness De light ful ness, n. pleasant- De plo ra ble, a. lamentable De pre ci ate, [ci like she] v. to lessen in value De si ra ble, a. pleasing, wor- thy of desire De spi sa ble, a. mean, con- temptible [ly De spite ful ly, ad. malicious- Dis grace ful ness,n. dishonour E hi ci date, t\ to expJain accented on the second. 1 E ma ci ate, [ci like she] v. lo lose flesh, pine away, waste En CO mi um, n. praise,eulogy E nu mer ate, v. to number Er ro ne ous, a. full of errours Ex cu Sd ble, a. pardonable Ex pe ri encc, n. knowledge by practice Fe lo ni ous, a. wicked, vik Fu ne re al, a. suiting a fu- neral, dark, dismal Fu tu ri ty, n. time to come, a future state of being Gram ma ri an, n. one skilled in grammar Har mo ni ous, a. musical He ro i cal, a. brave, spirited His to ri an, n. a writer of history II le gal 1}^, ad. in a manner contrary to law [adorn II lu mi nate, v. to enlighten, II lu sor y, a. deceiving [ent Im me di ate, a. instant, pres- Im mu ta ble, a. unalterable, invariable Im pa tient ly, ad. uneasily Im pe ri al, a. royal, belong- ing to an emperor Ira pe ri ous, a. haughty, arro- gant, lordly Im pi e ty, n. wickedness, ir- reverence Im pla ca ble, a. maliciousj constant in enmity Im pu ri ty, n. foulness ; guilt In ca pa ble, a. unable, not fit In cu ra ble, a. hopeless, not to be cured In de cen cy, ». any thing contrary to good manners J72- THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. In de cent ly, ad. without de- cency In fe ri our, n. one in a lower rank ; a. lower in place 'In ge ni ous, a. witty, inven- tive, acute In glo ri ous, a. void of hon- our, mean, base ijQ hu man ly, ad. cruelly In ju ri ous, a. hurtful, unjust In te ri our, a. internal In vi ting ly, ad. in a pleas- ing or enticing manner Ir ra di ate, v. to illuminate, brighten La bo ri ous, a. diligent in work, tiresome Li bra ri an, n. one who has the care of a library Ma te ri al, a. consisting of matter, corporeal Ma te ri als, n. the substance pf which any thing is made Ma tu ri ty, n. ripeness, com- pletion Me lo di ous, a. harmonious, musical Me mo ri al, n. a monument, jsoraethingto preserve me- mory Mys te ri ous, a. that which is not easily understood Neu tral i ty, n. a state of in- difference [known ■No to ri ous, a. publickly Ob scu ri ty, n. darkness, un- noticed state Ob tain a ble, a. that which may be obtained [rage Out rage ous ness,n. violence, Tre ca ri ous, a. uncertain Pro pri e tor, n. a possessor tn h'n own right 1 Pro pri e ty, n. accuracy, just*, ness ; exclusive right Re mu ner ate, v. to reward Sa lu bri ous, a. wholesome. healthful Sa lu bri ty, n. wholesomeness Se cu ri ty, n. safety, protec- tion So bii e ty, n. temperance, calmness So ci e ty, 7i. community, company, fraternity Un change a ble, a. not to be changed Un du ti ful, a. disobedient Un ea si ness, n. trouble, perplexity Un ho li ness, n. impiety Va ri e ty, ». change, mixture 2 A bil i ty, n. power, capacity A bun dant ly, ad. in plenty A cad e my, n. a school of liberal arts and sciences Ac ces si ble, a. that which may be approached Ad min is ter, v. to give, to supply, to p.->rform Ad mis si ble, a. that which may be admitted Ad ver si ty, n. misfortune Af fee tion ate, a. fond, tender Af fin i ty, n. relation A gil i ty, n. activity A lae ri ty, n. cheerfulness Am phib i ous, a. living ia two elements Tparts A nal y sis, n. separation of A nat o my, n. the art of dis- section An tag o nist, n. an opponent A rith me tick, n. the science of computation THE AMERICAX^ INSTROCTER. it3 Ar til ler y, n.- weapons for ^ war, cannon As cen den cy, n. superiority As sas si nate, v. to murder Aux il ia ry, a. helping, aid- ing, assisting Bar bar i ty, n. cruelty Be at i tude, n. felicity, hap- piness Be nef i cence, /i. generosity, active goodness Be nev o lence, Jt. kindness, good will, charity Be nev o lent, a. kind, good Ca lam i ty, n. misfortune Ca lum ni ate, v. to slander Ca pac i ty, [c like s] n. abili- ty, sense, state, space, con- dition [very Cap tiv i ty, n. bondage, sla- Cer tif i cate, n. a testimony Cir cum fer ence, n. limits of a circle Ci vil i ty, n. politeness Go ag u late, v. to curdle, congeal Col lee tivc ly, ad. in a body Com mem o rate, v. to pre- serve the memory, to cele- brate Com par i son, 7i. an estimate Com pas sion ate, a. tender, merciful Com pat i ble, a. consistent Com pet i tor, n. a rival, op- ponent Con fed er ate, v. to unite, league Con sid er ate, a. thoughtful Con spic u ous, a. eminent Con spir a cy, n. a plot, law- less combination Con tarn i nate, v, to defile IS* Con temp ti ble, a. base, de»' serving contempt Con tin u al, a. incessant ', Con tin u ance, n. duration De bil i tate, v. to weaken De liv er ancc, n. freedom, rescue De liv er er, ?;. one who de- livers, a preserver De liv er y, n. release De riv a tive, a. a word der« ved from another Dex tor i ty, n, activity, skill Di am e ter, n. a line passing through the centre of a circle Di min u tive, a. small, little Dis par age ment, n.a disgrace Di vin i ty, n. the Deity ; the science of divine things . Effec t-a al, [t like tsh] «. powerful, eiiicacious, real Em bar rass ment, n. perplex- ity, entanglement [mem Em bel lish ment, 71. orna- Em phat i cal, a. forcible En com- age ment, n. incite- ment, favour, support E quiv a lent,a. equal in value E rad i cate, v. to root up E stab lish ment, ?i. settle- ment, fixed state [tion E ter ni ty, n. endless dura- E vac u ate, v. to quit, lo empty, to make void E van ge list. n. a writer or preacher of the gospel E vap o rate, v. to drive or fly away in vapours Ex ec u tor, n. one who per- forms the will "f uoiher Ex per i ment, n. trial of any thing 114 THE AStLRICAN LNSTRUCTER. Ex em pli fy, v. to illustrate by example [largely Ex ten sive ly, ad. widely, Ex trav a gancc, Ji. waste Ex trav a gant, a. wasteful Ex trem i ty,n. remotest parts Fa cil i tate, v. to make easy Fa nat i cism, n. enthusiasm, religious phrensy Fa tal i ty, n. a decree of fate Fe lie i ty, [c like s] n. hap- piness Fes tiv i ty, n. joyfulness, mirth [honesty Fi del i ty, n. faithfulness, For get ful ness, [g hard] n. loss of memory, careless- ness [mony For mal i ty, n. form, cere- Fra ter ni ty, n. brotherhood, society Fru gal i ty, n. good husban dry, thrift Gen til i ty, n. elegance of behaviour, politeness Hi lar i ty, n. merriment Hu man i ty, 7i. benevolence ; the nature of man Hu mil i ty, n. submission, modesty I den ti cal, a. the same I den ti ty, n. sameness H lib er al, a. not generous II lit er ate, a. unlenmed II lus tri ous, a. noble, eminent Im mac u late, a. pure,spotless Im men si ty, n. unbounded greatness, infinity Im ped i ment,n.hinderance, obstruction Im pen i tence, n. hardness of heart, continuance in ^ evil courses Im pen i tent, a. obdurate, void of repejntance [folly Im per ti nencc, n. intrusion, Im pet u ous, [t like tsh] a. violent, vehement [ment Im pris on ment, n. confine- In ac cu rate, a. not exact, not accurate In ad e quate, a. defective In an i mate, a. void of life, without animation In clem en cy, n. severity, hardness, cruelty In cred i ble, a. no't to be credited In def i nite, a. inilimited In del i ble, a. not to be blot- ted out [cency In del i catc, a. without de- In dem ni fy, v. to secure against loss or penalty In die a tive, a. showing, poin- ting out, affirming In different, fi, unconcerned In dus tri ous, a. diligent, la- borious [cable In el e gant, a. mean, despi- »In el o quent, a. not eloquent In fal li ble, a. incapable of mistake, certain, true In fin i t'lvc, a. unlimited ; a mood in grammar In fin i ty, n. immensity, boundlessness [fair In gen u ous, a. open, candid, In grat i tude, n. unthankful- ness In hab it ant, n. one who dwells in a place In her it ancc, n. a patrimo- ny, a possession In im i cal, a. hostile, con- trarv. adversQ THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 175 In iq ui tous, a. unjust, wicked In iq ui ty, n. injustice, wicii- edness In i ti ate, [in ish e ate] v. to admit, to instruct In san i ty, 4J. the state of be- ing insane [ly, to instill In sin u ate, v. to hint artful- In teg ri ty, n. honesty, puri- ty of mind In tel li gencfi, n, notice In tel li gent, a. knowing, skilful In teni per ance. n. excess, want of moderation In tern per ate, a. immode- ; rate, ungovernable, drunken In ter pre ter, n. an explain- er, a translator In ter ro gate, v. to examine In tim i date, v. to make fear- ful, to frighten In ves ti gate, v. to search out, explore In vet er ate, a. obstinate, long established In vig o rate, v. to strength- en, to aninnate In vis i ble, a. not to be seen, imperceptible If reg u lar, a. deviating from rule, immethodical Ir res o lute, a. wavering, un- settled, unsteady 1 tin er ant, a. wandering, unsettled Ju,di cious ly, ad. wisely Li cen tious ness, n. a con- tetnptof just restraint Mag nan i mous, a. great in mind, brave, heroick Mag nif i cence, », grandeur, splendour Mag nif i cent, a. grand, splendid !\Ia lev o len«e, n. ill will, spite, hatred Ma lev () lent, a. ill disposed towards others Ma li cions I3', ad. with an intention of mischief Ma lip: ii'in cy, n. malice, ma- levolence Mo rid i an, n, a line drawn from north to south Mi rac u lous, a. wonderful, supernatural Mis min age ment, n. bad management, ill conduct Mo ral i ty, n. the doctrine of the duties of life Mor tal i ty, h. human nature, death, havock Ne ces si ty, n. poverty, want, compulsion No bil i ty, n. persons of high rank ; dignity, fame Non sen si cal, a. unmeaning, foolish Nu mer i cSl, a. numeral, de- noting number Ob liv i on, jr. forgetfulness Om nip o tence, n. almighty power O rig i nal, [g soft] n. first copy; a. primitive O rig i nate, [g soft] u. to be- gin, to give rise to Par tic u lar, a. singular, in- dividual ; n. a single in- stance or point Pen in su la, [s like sh] n. a piece of land almost sur- rounded by water Per ccp ti ble, a. that which may be &een or perceived , X76 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTS Per pet u al, [t Iflce tsh] a. conrinual Per plex i ty, n. difliculty Per spic u ous, a. clear, plain Phil an thro py, n, love of mankind, humanity Pi rat i cal, a. plundejring Po et i cal, a. relating to po- etry [iti':ks Po lit i cal, a. relating to pol- Pos ter i ty, n. succeeding generations Prac ti tion er, n. ged in any art Pre des ti nate, v. one enga- to decree beforehand Pre em i nencc, n. superiority "Pre em i ncnt, a. excellent above others [delay Pro eras tin ate, v. to put off, Pro fes sion al, a. relating to a profession [ment Pro fi cien cy, n. improve- Pro gres sive ly, ad. by a reg- ular course Pro mis cu ous, a. mingled together [fortune Pros per i ty, n. success, good Ra pid i ty, n. velocity, swift- ness Re al i ty, n. truth, certainty Re an i mate, v. to restoio to life, to revive Re gen er ate, v. to renew, to produce anew Re pub li can, n. a friend to republican government ; a. placing the government in ♦h<! people Re spec ta ble, a. deserving respect or regard Re tal i ate, v. to repay, to make a roturu 2 Ri die u lous, a. exciting laughter, odd, mean Se ren i ty, n. calmness Se ver i ty, n. cruel treatment Si mil i tude, n. comparison, likeness Sim plic i ty, [c like s] n. plainness, folly Sin cer i ty, n. purity of mind, honesty So lil o quy, n. a discourse made by one in solitude to himself [iness Sta bil i ty, n. firmness, stead- Stu pid i ty, n. dullness, heav- iness of mind Sub lim i ly, n. loftiness, ex- cellence Su per la tive, a. expressing the highest degree Si!s cop ti ble, a. cap'able of admitting Ter res tri al, a. earthly Tran quil li ty, n. peace of mind, stillness Ty ran ni cal, a. like a tyrant U nan i mous, a. being of one mind [mean Un gen er ous, a. not liberal, Un lim it ed, a. having no bounds [unci\'i| Un man ner ly, ad. ill-bred, U til i ty, n. usefulness, profit Vi cin i ty, n. neighbourhood, nearness [ulution Vi cis si tudc, n. change, rev- 3 Con for ma ble, a. agreeable E nor mi ty, n. great wicked^ fiess Tn au Hi ble,a.not to be heard In cor po rate, v. to form in- to oue body, to ynn THE AMERICAN INSTRUClEK. ni Sub or di nate, a. inferiour in order Un for tu nate, [t like tsh] a. unprosperous, unlucky 4 - Im par tial ly, ad.'justly, with- out regard to party or in- terest Hard heart ed ness, n. cruel- ty, want of tenderness Re mark a ble, a. worthy of notice, odd, observable 5 Ac coiti mo date, v. to supply Ac com plish ment, n. com- pletion ; embellishment, el- egance [fession Ac know\ edg ment, n. con-- A pol o gize, V, to plead for A pol o gy, n. an excuse As ton ishment,».amazement As trol o gy, n. the art of fore- telling by the stars As tron o my, n. a science teaching the knowledge of the celestial bodies Au thor i ty, n. legal power Bi og ra phy, n. history of lives Chro nol o gy, n. the science of computing time Com mod i ty, n. an article of traffick, goods, wares Con sol i date, v. to harden De spon den cy, n. despair Dis con so late, a. melancho- ly, sad- [frugality E con o my, n. management, E mol u ment, n. profit, gain Em pov er ish, v. to make poor [ness E qual i ty, n. evenness, like- Ge og ra phy, n. a description •> of th? eurtb His tor i cal, a. pertaining to history Hy poc n sy, n. dissimulation I dol a try, n. the worship of images Im mod er ate, a, excessive, extravagant Im mod es ty, n. want of modesty Im pos si ble, a. that which cannot be done Im prob a ble, a. unlikely In com petent, a. inadequate, unsuitable [ness In con Stan cy, n. unsteadi- In sol vea cy, n, inability to pay debts In tox i cate, v. to make drank Ma hog a ny, n. a valuabJe brown wood [number Ma jor i ty, n. the greater Me thod i cal, a. regular, ex- act [of a country Me trop o lis, n.the chief city Mi nor i ty, n. the smaller number ; state of being un- der age Mo not o ny, n. a want of va- riety in cadence Or thog ra phy, n. the art or practice of spelling Phe nom e non, n. an appear- ance in the works of nature Phi los o pher, n. one who is skilled in philosophy Phi los o phy, n. knowledge moral or natural Prog nos ti cate, a. to foretell Re spon si ble, a. answerable Sy non y mous, a. o/"the sam9. signification Tau tol o gy, n. repetition rf the samo words / 4 178 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 5 The ol o gy, n. the science of divinity Ther mom e ter, n. an instru- ment for measuring the de- grees of heat and cold Ty pog ra phy, n. the art of printing s Ac com pa ny, t^. to join with another 8 Re cov er y, n. restoratio» from sickness Em broi der y, n. variegated needle-work Ac coun ta ble, a. subject t© an account Un dou6t cd ly, ad. without doubt, unquestionably ^ SECTION LXXIII. Tht wisdom of Providence displayed in the Seasons. In contemplatiag on the various scenes of life, the ^cissitudes of the seasons, the perfect regularity, order, and harmony of nature, we cannot but be filled with wonder and admiration at the consummate wisdom and beneficence of the all-wise and gracious Creator. His consummate wisdom and goodness have made the va- rious seasons of the year perfectly consonant to the re- fined feelings of man, and peculiarly adapted them t9 the universal preservation of nature. f Dreary winter is past ; its severe cold is mitigated ; the returning zephyrs dissolve the fleecy snow, and un- lock the frozen streams, which overflow the extensive meadows, and enrich the teeming earth. At length, the rapid streams begin to glide gently within their banks ; the spacious meadows soon receive their usual verdure, and the whole face of nature assumes a cheerful aspect. By the refreshing showers, and vivifying power of the genial sun, we behold the rapid and amazing progress of vegetation. What is more pleasing to the eye, or grateful to the imagination, than the agreeable aiid delightsome return of spring .'' The beauties of nature at once expel the gloomy cares of a dreary winter. The benign influence of the sun gives a brisk circulation to the animal fluids, and happily tends to promote the propaK,ation of ani^ua- ted nature. In spring we behold the buds puttujg fortli THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 17^ their blossom* ; in summer we meet the charming pros- ,pect of enamelled fields, which promise a rich profusion •f autumnal fruits. These delightful scenes afford to man a pleasing an- ticipation of enjoying- the bounties of Providence ,• they cheer him in adversity,and support him under the various misfortunes incident to human life. In the spring^ when we behold plants and flowers peeping out of the ground, reviving and flourishing at the approach of the vernal sun ; when we behold the seed, which the laborious hus- bandman casts into the earth, starting into life, and rising into beauty, from the remainder of that which perished in the preceding autumn, we are filled with the most pleasing sensations of the universal reanimation of nature. The warm and invigorating sun produces myriads of insects, which have been Utl'less through the Iwary frosts of winter. The herds go forth to graze on the verdant plains. The numerous flocks quit their folds widi their young, to fi^ed on the distant aiouniains. The lark, with all the charming choir which nature wakes to cheerful- ness and love, tune their melodious voices to hail the welcome return of f^pring. The busy bee flies over the fields, and extracts the liquid svvef rs from every tlower. How pleasinar ! how worid« rful ! how delightful are thf scenes -pv ' '■ to our view i The spiingofthe year is ' '-^"matical of that grand ai:td uni- vers!^' ' -h sh-jli co'nmeace at the final cor, IV? ay its beauties there- ff,; '■.eriour regions of b: lii iou^s J Joll then enter, and fori '~- eternal spring. ^. )i\ LXXiV. A'^vic mth, on accent Behaviour. As! >r»our and virtue, are absolutely neces- sar, :r. ;,:; ; he esteem and admiration of mankind, pohvcjiess aifU good breeding are equally necessary to make you r^peeable in conversiJtion and common life, - Awkwardness can proceed but from two causes j et- 180 TtlE AxMERICAN INSTRUCTER. ther from not having kept g:oo(l company, oi* from not havina: attended to it. Attention is absolutely neces- .^ary for improving in behaviour as indeed it is for ever}' thing else. Good breeding does not consist in low bows, and for- mal ceremonies ; but in an easy, civil and respectful behaviour to every person, particularly to the aged, and to strangers. There is a difference between modesty and bashful- ness. Modesty is the characteristick of ail amiable mind ; bashfulness discovers a degree of meanness. Nothing is more sure to sink a young man into low company, than bashfulness. If he thi'^ks he shall not please, he most surely will not. Vice and ignorance are the only things we ought to be ashamed of; while wo keep clear of them, we may venture any where without f-ar or concern. Always regard wliat is said to you by those who are your superiours, cither in age or learning ; and reply, if necessary, with respectful modesty. Never slight their advice, but let your looks and deportment indicate your intention to endeavour to proHt by their instructions. Wljcn any person speaks to you, or you to him, on any occasion, look him in the face with modesty and at- tention ; and begin not to answer before he has done speaking ; and th.^a answer respectfully, and with the face turned towards him ; for to reply with the face another way, indicates awkwardness and disrespect. Be not forward in speaking, when strangers or those who ore your ricquaintiince, come into tlie pvo-\?nce of yc'ir parents or supeviours ; hut wait until tiiey liave spoken ; and let modesty and decency govern your words and deportment. Never atte.upt to tell a story, with which you are not wel! acfjutvintcii ; nor fatitjne your hearers with relating litti" trifling circumstnivcs. Kel.we the principal points witii clearness and pmision, and you v,ill he heard with pleasure. Carefully observe whether the person with whom you •re discoursing, be pleased with yotir conversation or THir ARTCftlCAN INSTRUCTER. iSt »0t } for If he appears to hear you with indifference, you had much better be silent, and not try to detain him in order to be heard. Be studiously careful not to deserve the character of a great talker ; for incessant talkers are very disagree- able companions. The greatest wisdom of speech is to know when, and what, and where to speak ; the time, matter and manner ; the next to it, is silence. Avoid disputes as much as possible ; and never con- tradict, nor oppose the opinion of another, but with great modesty. A modest person seldom fails of gaining the good will of those with whom he converses : whereas, those who contradict, and appear dogmatical upon all occasions, will surely procure disgust. Carefully avoid whispering, when you are in corapa^ ny ; it is a mark of ill breeding, and seems to insinuate that the persons whom you wish should not hear, are unworthy of your confidence, or it induces them to sup- pose that you are speaking improperly of theiu. When you are in company with a stranger, never be- gin to question him about his name, his place of resi- dence, and his business. This impudent curiosity is the height of ill manners. Some persons apol-ogize, in a good natured manner, for their inquisitiveness ; by an " If 1 may be so bold :" V If I may take the liberty ;" or, '' Pray sir excuse ray freedom." These attempts to excuse one's self, imply that a man thinks himself an impudent fellow, and if he does not, other people think he is, and treat him as such. Frequent and loud laughter, is the characteristick of folly and ill manners ; it is the manner in which silly people express their joy at silly things. Whistling in company, humming a tune, drumming with the fingers, and making a noise with the feet, are all breaches of good manners, and indications of con- tempt for the persons present. Nothing is more common, although disgusting, than to see persons of all ranks and degrees, criticise on the dress and general deportment of their departed guests : and often ridicule and condemn those things behind 16 • _< 182 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. their backs, which to their faces, they approved and applauded. Let me entreat you never to make your friends ap- pear in a disadvantageous light ; but on the contrary, extol the perfections and accomplishments they possess, and cast a veil over their defects. Above all, adhere to morals and religion with im- moveable firmness. Whatever effect outward show and accomplishments may have, m recommending a man to others, none but the good are really happy in themselves. SECTION LXXV. Words of four syllables, accented on the third. 1 I Ac cla ma tion, n. a shout of, Com pen sa tion, n. recom- applause [cusing pense Ac cu sii tion, n. the act of ac- , Com pu ta tion, n. calculation Ad mi ra tion, n. the act of; Con Jem iia tion, ri. sentence admiring [ship i of pun'shment Ad o ra tion, n. divine wor- i Con gre ga tion, n. an assem- Ad van ta geous, a. profitable j bly, a collectioa Af fee ta tion, n. an artificial Con so la tidd, n. comfort appearance Con stel la tion, n. a cluster Af fi da vit, n. a declaration of fixed stars upon oath [anger i Con rAer na tion, n. fear, as- Ag gra va tion, n. exciting to Al ter a tion, n. the act of changing An i ma tion, n. the act of enlivening An te ce dent, n. tliat which goes before Ap pel la tion,n. a name, title Ap pli ca tion, n. the acl of applying [approving Ap pre ba tion, n. the act of Ar bi tr.a ticn, n. a decision Cal cu la tion, n. computa- tion, reckoning Cel e bra tion, n. a solemn performance,renienibranco Com mem da tion, n. praise tonishment, wonder, rlread Con sri tu tion, ;/, a law, de- cree, form of government ; the frame of body or mind Con lem pla tion, n. medita- tion, study Con tri hi! tion, n. the act of contribuiii."-- [cHscourse Con vqr sa tion, >?. familiar Cor po ra tion, n. a bo ly cor- porate, n body potiiick Cul ti va tion, ra imj)ro/ement Dec la mation,n. a discourse, speech, haiangue Dec la ra tion, n. alurmniion, publication [dress Dec o ra tion, n. ornarrient, tHE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 18S Des o la tion, n. destruction Dis a gree ment, n. difference Dis so lu tion, n. dissolving, ruin Ef fi ca cious, a. powerful El e va tion, n. a raising up, exaltation, height [sj>eech El o cu tion, n. fluency of Em i gra tion, n. a change of habitation or place En ter tain ment, n. treat- ment,reception,amusement Ex hor ta tion, n. an incite- ment to good Ex pec ta tion, n. the act or state of expecting [tion Ex pla na tion, n. interpreta- Gen er a tion, n. an age, a race, family, production Hab i ta tion, n. a place of abode, dwelling Hes i ta tion, n. a stop in speech, doubt Im i ta tion, n. an attempt to resemble Im pre ca tion, n. an invoca- tion of evil, a curse In cli na tiou, n. tendency to- wards any point, affection In de CO rum, n. indecency In di ca tion, n. a mark or sign, token In dig na tion, n. anger mix- ed with contempt In flam ma tion, n. an inflam- ed state, heat, swelling In for ma lion, n. intelligence given, notice, iflstruction Ih spi ra tion, n. divine wis- dom ; the act of drawing in the breath In sti tu tion, n. an establish- srjent^ a law 1 In tj ma tion, n. a hmt, indi-^ rect declaration la un da tion, n. an overflow of water, a deluge In vi ta tion, h. the act of in- viting, a bidding In vo ca tion, n. the act of calling upon by prayer liam en ta tion, Ji. an expres- sion of sorrow Leg is la tion, [g soft] n. the act of giving or passing laws Lib er a tion, n. the act of setting free Lit er a ti, ». the learned Mo di a tor, n. an interces- sor, an adviser Med i tation, n. deep thought, contemplation Mis be hav iour,??. ill conduct Mod er a tion, n. calmness of mind, mildness Nav i ga tion, ra. the act of passing by water Nom i na tion, n. a naming, the power of appointing Nu mer a tion, n. the art of numbering [ment, bond Ob li ga tion, n. an engage- Ob 5er va tion, n. a remark, the act of observing Oc cu pa tion, n. employ- ment, business Op er a tion, n. action, ef- fect, agency [daining Or di na tion,n. the act of or- Os ten ta tious, a. boastful, vain, proud I'er se cu tion, ra. the act of persecuting [sweating Per spi ra tion, n. the act of i Pop u la tion, ra, the numbei* I of inhabitants 184 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Prep a ra tion, ?i. a making ready for some purpose Pres er va tion, n. the act of preserving Proc la ma frion, n. a publica- tion by authority, notice Pub li ca tion, n. the act of publishing [diversion Rec re a tion, n. amusement, Ref or ma tion, n. a change from worse to better Reg u la tion, «. method, rule Repu tation,?j. honour,Gredit Res o lu tion, n. fixed deter- mination, constancy 'Res pi ra tion, n. the act of breathing [restoring Res ti tu tion, n. the act of Rev o lu tion, n. a returning \ motion ; a change of govern- ment in a state or country Sal u ta tion, tt-. the act of sa- luting [disjunction Sep a ra tion, n. a parting, Stip u la tion, n. a bargain Su per vi sor, n. an overseer, an inspector [end Ter mi na tion, n. conclusion, Trib u la tion, n. vexation, 'distress Un der ta king, n. enterprise, engagement [ation Va ri a tion, n. change) devi- Yen er a tion, n. reverent re- gard, awful respect 2 Ap pre hen sioii, n. fear Ar ti fi cial, a. made by art Ben e die tion, n. blessing Ben e fac tor,». one who does acts of kindness 'Ben e fi cial,fl. advantageous, •profitable, useful Com po si tion, w. a mixture ; a written work Com pre hen. sivc, a. having the power to understand ; comprising much Def i ni tion, n. descriptio» Dis ad van tage, n. toss, injury Dis con ton ted, a. uneasy Dis con tin ue, v. to leave off Dis in her it, v. to deprive of inheritance [dency Dis po si tion, n. temper ; ten- Er u di tion, n. learning, in<- struction Ev er las ting, a. perpetual, lasting without end [tive Ex pe di tious, a. quick, ac- ini per fee tion, n. a defect, failure, fault [regard In at ten tion, n. neglect, dis* In at ten tive, a. careless,neg- ligcnt In con sis tent,, a. incoixipati- ble, absurd, contrary [ly In cor rect \y,ad. inaccurate- In cor ijpp tion, n. a state of purity In de pen dence, n. freedom, exemption from control In de pen dent, a. free, not subject to control In dis tinct ly, ad. confusedly In of fen sive, a. harmless In sur rec tion, n. rebellion, a seditious rising In ter ces sion, n. mediation In ter ces sor, n. a mediator In ter mis sion, n. a pause, a cessation for a time In ter rup tion, n. obstruc- tion, hinderance, stop In ter sec tion,n.a point where lines cross each other THE AMERrCAN fNSTllUCTER. 18^ In tro due tion, «. the act of conducting to, a preface Mai e fac tor, »i. a criminal Man u mis sion, n, the act of freeing slaves, freedom Math e mat icks, n. the sci- ence of number and measure Mem o ran dum, «. a note to help the memory Pol i ti cian, n. one who is skilled in politicks [rious Prej u di cial, a. hurtful, inju- Pres i den tial, a. pertaining to a president Prov i dig n tial, a. effected by: providence Rec oMec tion, n. recovery of thoughts, memory [peating Sat is fac tion, n. the state of Non ex is tence, n. state of Rep e ti tion, n. the act of re- not existing Res ur rec tion, ^.revival from Not with stand ing, conj. nev- the dead ertheless, in spite of Om ni pres ence, n. the quali- heing satisfied ty of being every where ! tin der stand ing, n. intellec-^ present [every place tual powers, skill Gm ni pre5 ent, a. present in Un sue cess ful, a. unlucky, Opposition, n. resistance,! not successful a party opposing j 5 O ver val ue, v. to rate at too- 1 Cor res pon dence, n. inter- high a price | course, engagement Per ad ven turc, [t like tsh} Pa tri ot ick, a. having patri- ad. perhaps ' otism, noble — -eO©— SECTION LXXVL Writing. Writing is that art which enables as to express our ideas by letters.. It may be considered as the parent of numberless improvements, and as one of the highest ornaments of social life. It afl'ords us the means of preserving the fruits of our mental investigations ; and has presented us with innu- merable lessons of instruction from the ancient narra- tions of history. To enumerate all the advantages- derived from alpha- betical writing, would be to range a boundless field of observation, and to trace the progress of improvements from the first use of letters to the present period. The benefits conferred on mankind by this art, can- not be too highly appreciated ; since from the simple- process of writing, we can give a faithful representatiooi n* • iB6 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER • of our thoughts and sentiments, which we ca« wrap up and transmit to other parts of the world : and by this kmd of communication, keep up a social intercourse With our most distant friends. The rudiments of tlie art of writing are very simple. Its advancement to its present state of improvement, slow and gradual. In the first use of visible language, marks were used as signs of tilings ; and we can trace it through all its stages, from the simple picture, to the arbitrary work for the elements of sound. The writing of antiquity, was a species of engraving. Pillars and tables of stone were first used for this pur- pose, and afterwards plates of the softer metals, such as lead ; or tables of wax, and skins of parchment. A pol- ished point of iron, called the stylus, was used to scratch letters on the wax ; but the writing on parchment was performed with pen and ink. In noticing the various methods of writing which have prevailed in different nations, wc find that it has been customary for some people to begin their lines at the right hand side of the page, and write towards the left : •thers have extended their lines from the top to the bot- tom, in a perpendicular manner. The former was the method pursued by the Hebrews, Phenicians, and Arabians ; and the latter custom s^ll prevails with the Chinese. But in modern times, the most prevalent method is to write from left to right, as practised by all the civilized nations in Europe and Aimerica. SECTIOxN LXXVIl. On saying too much. The art of holding the tongue, is quite as necessary as the art of speaking ; and in some instances, it is even more difficult to learn. In a biographical notice of a celebrated speaker in the British House of Commons, it is remarked, that " he never said too much." Tliis is, iiuruth, a rare coxtt- mendatiou of a publick speaker. THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. IBl One who without circumlocution or parade, comes to the matter in hand at once, and pertinaciously adheres to it throughout — who seizes on the strong points in the argument, and sets them to view in the clearest lig.ht.~- who says all that is proper, and nothing more — whose every sentence strikes home, and who remembers " to' leave off when he has done :" such a publick speaker, whether in the hall of legislation, in the pulpit, or al the bar, will never tire his hearers. Man, or even Woman, when enjoying the freedom oj the tongue, and gifted with the faculty of usnig it flu- ently, is more apt to say too much than too httle. When a room full of ladies are all speaking at the same instant, only with this difference, that some tune their voices higher, and some lower — it is pretty clear that they say too much. But this is tender ground, on which I would tread lightly They who expect to be listened to by every body, but are unwilling themselves to listen %p any body — who will hold you by the sleeve or button if you attempt to escape them, and din you the harder, the more you show signs of weariness ; tliis tribe of talkers, as all but them- selves will readily admit, say too much. Persons who have wit, or who th'njji. they have it, are in particular hazard of saying too much. It is one of the hardest things in the world to make a temperate use of real, or of self-supposed wit ; and more particularly of the talent for raillery. And hence, many a one, not ill- natured, and meaning nothing^more than to show off his wit, multiplies enemies, and sometimes wounds his best friends. To make use of a line in one of Crabbe's poems, ** He kindles anger by untimely jokes." They who talk merely with intent to shine in com- pany, or for the sake of showing off to advantage their own parts and learning, always say too much. The fond j)air, who entertain their visitants by the hour, with setting forth the excellent qualities or smart sayings of their own children, or with ridiculous details of the rare conjugal affection that subsists between them^ selves — say too much. 188 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. ^ Those who are inordinately fond of speaking in the first person — J myself- — it is more than an even chance that they will say too much. When a young man whose stock is small, is more eager to expend it in talking, than to increase it by pa- tient listening, he is very apt to say too much. Old men are prone to say too much, when, getting into the preterphiperfect tense, they represent the for- mer days as every way better than these : as if the hu- man family, notwithstanding the perpetual accumula- tion of experience, were perpetually retrograding in- stead of advancing. It is seldom that men do not say too much, in their convivial moments. It is then that they are peculiarly apt to say something which tliey are sorry for on the morrow ; for *' when wine is in, discretion is out." I will conclude with a caution. — Let not him that talketh not, despise him that talketh. There have been some wights of die human family, both male and female, that have obtained the reputation of abilities and wisdom by their grave taciturnity — every, body thinking that they could say a great deal if they would — when, in so- ber truth, their habitual silence was owing rather to dearth of ideas oj^to dulness. To be humdrum in company, is as wide from the true mark, as to be garrulous. —&&&-' SECTION LXXVIII. Words of Jive syllables, accented on the second. \ A gree a ble ness,n. the qual- ity of pleasing [take Er re ne ous ly, ad. by mis- 'Har mo ni ously,arf.musically He ro i cal \y,ad. courageous- ly, bravely, boldly Im me di ate ly, ad. instant- ly, at the present time In ge ni ous ly, ad. wittily 111 nu mor a blc, a. not to be Qum bored I In va ri a ble, a. unchangea- ble, constant [bly In va ri a bly, ad. unchangea- In v.i o la ble,«. not to be bro- )cen or profaned Un rea son a ble, a. unjust, not agreeable to reason 2 Af fee tion ate ly, ad. fondly Cou fed er a cy, n. a league,, boud. union CTHE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER.\ 189 Con sid er a ble, a. worthy of regard, important [ness Con temp ti ble ness, n. vile- Con spic u ous ness, n. clear- ness, fame, renown [pause Con tin u al ly, ad. without De ter min ate ly, ad. reso- lutely Em phat i cal ly, ad. forcibly Ex cep' tion a ble, a. liable to some objection Ex trav a gant ly,arf .wasteful- ly,in an unreasonable degree Gram mati cal ly, ad. accord- ing to the rules of grammar D lus tri ous ness, n. grand- eur, eminence im pen i tent ly, ad. without repentance Im per isb a ble, a. not liable to decay or perish Im prac ti ca ble, a. unattain- able, impossible In ac cu ra cy, ». a defect, want of exactness In ap pli cable, a. that cannot be applied In def i nite ly, ad. in an un- limited manner [caey In del i ca cy, n. want of deli- In dus tri ous ly, ad. diligently In ev i ta ble, a. unavoidable In gen u ous ly, ad. openly, candidly, freely In im i ta ble, a. not to be im- itated or copied, very fine In se;- a ra ble, a. united so as not to be parted In suffer a ble, a. intolerable, , detestable In tel li gi ble, a. easily un- derstood [plainly In tcl U gi bly, ad. dearly, In tem per ate ly, ad. exces- sively In ten tion al ly, ad. by de- sign, with fixed choice In val u a ble, a. very valua- ble, inestimable Ir reg u lar ly, ad. in an ir- regular manner Mag nan i mous ly, ad. brave- ly, courageously Mag nif i cent ly, ad. pom- pously, splendidly Ma jes ti cal ly, ad. with dig~ nity, with grandeur [will Ma lev o lent ly, ad. with ill Par tic u lar ly, ad. distinctly, singly Per pet u al ly,[tlike tsh] ad, continually [introductory* Pre lim i na ry, a. previous, Pre snmp tu ous ly, [ t like tsh] arf. haughtily, proudly Pre sump tu ous ness, [ t like tsh] n. rashness, excess of confidence Pro mis cu ous ly, ad. indis- criminately, confusedly Re pub li can i^m, n. attach- ment to a republican govt crnnient Un char i ta ble, a. unkmd, having no charity 3 Un al ter a ble, a. incapable of being altered 5 A bom 1 na ble, a. hateful, de- testable De pos i tor y,n. a place where things are lodged Dis hon our a ble, a. shame- ful, reproachful [history His tor i cal ly, ad. by wty of 190 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Im mod er ate ly, ad. in an excessive degree In com pe ten cy, n. inability In com pe tent ly, ad. unsuit- ably In hos pi ta ble, a. unfeeling, unkind to strangers Id tol er a ble, a. insufferable, very bad, vile In vol ua ta ry, a. not done willingly JNIe thod i cal ly, ad. accor- ding to nlethod, exactly Un prof i ta ble, a. useless, Vain 8 Un com for ta ble, a. misera- ble, dismal, gloomy — OO^— SECTION LXXIX. Words of Jive syllablifs. accented on the third. As si du i ty, n. diligence Cer e mo ni al, a. formal, ob- servant of old forms 1 In sup por ta ble, a. not to be endured Ir re du ci ble, a. that which Con sti tu tion al, a. legal, \ cannot be reduced consistent with the consti- j Mat ri mo ni al, a. nuptial, tution pertaining to marriage Dis a gree a ble, a. unpleasant i Mor i to ri ous, a. deserving Ex com mu ni cate, v. to ex- \ of reward or honour elude, expel, put out [cutes j Mis eel la neous, a. mingled, Ex e cu tion er, v. he that exe- 1 composed of various kinds Im ma te ri al, a. unimportant \ Op por tu ni ty, 7i. a fit place, Im ma tu ri ty, n. unripeness j time, convenience Im me mo ri al, a. past the Pat ri mo ni al, 'a. derived by time ot memory inheritance [plainness Im pro pri e ty, n. unfitness Per spi cu i ty, n. clearness. Rev o lu tion ist, n. one en- gaged in a revolution [plus Su per flu i t}', n. excess, over- In com nrH> di ous, a. inconve- nient, unsuitable In con cei va ble, a. incom- prehensible lu ere du li ty, n. hardness of i Af fa bil i ty, n. civility belief [excused An ni ver sa ry, n, a yearly In ex cu sa ble, a. not to bo festival [round In ex pe ri ence, n. want of experimental knowledge In ge nu i ty, n. wit, genius, acuteness [cal Un bar mo ni ous, a. unmusi- in Stan ta no ous, a. done in iea instant, Immediate (^ir cum nav i gate, v. to sail Cum f)re hcii sivc ness, n. the quality of containing much in few words Dis a bil i ty, n. weakness, want of power [ing Du J a bd i ty, n, power of last-^ THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER 191 Ev an gel i cal, a. agreeable to gosptl, divine Ge ne al o gy, n. history of family descendants Gen er al i ty, n. the main body, most part Hos pi tal i ty, n. liberality in entertainments ; the prac- tice of entertaining stran- gers Hyp o crit i cal, a. insincere, false, dissembling Im mo ral i ty, n. want of vir- tue [from death Im mor tal i ty, n. exemption Im per cep li ble, a. not to be perceived In a bil i ty, n, want of pow- er, weakness In ac tiv i ty, n. idleness In com bus ti ble, a. not to be | consumed by fire i In com passion ate, a. void of' pity, cruel In com pat i ble, a. inconsis- tent [ihoi.glrJess In con sid er ate, a. careless, In con sis ten cy, a di.'>r<gr8e- rocLi.t. absiudity. corsirddic- ' [1/ la t'^u ^I'i lent ly, ad. absu"d- in dis '^nn^ - - ■;■. a. uiidis- ti!r»;V>;3h" -'rd In -^.'.s peo-sa sicr, a. necessa- ry, not t<< b^ spared In dl VJ5 i bit;, (/. that which caouat be divided In ef f 'c tu al, [t like tsh] a. with:>ut power, weak In ex pres si ble, a. not to be 8ejrrib(^d, unutterable In hu man i ty, n. cruelty, barbarity In of fen sive ly, ad. without harm In sig nif i cance, ra. unimpor- tance, want of meaning In sig nif i cant,<2. unimportant In tel lee tu al, [t like tshj a. relating to the understanding In tre pid i ty^ n. fearless- ness, courage, bravery ^'r In tro due tor y, a, previous, preparatory to something else Ir re sis ti ble, a. that which cannut be resisted Lib er al i ty, n. generosky, kindness Mag na nim i ty, n. greatness of mind, bravery Min er ai o gy, n.the doctrine of minerals [spelled Or tho graph i cal, a. rightly Per pen die w lar, n any th'ng directly upright [of right P^au .?i bil i ty, n. appearance Pop u iai- i ty. n the favour or love of the people Pos si bil,i ty. n. the state of being possible Prt.b a bil i ty, n. likelihood Prod i gal i ty, n. extrava- i erince, waste I Punc tu al i ty, f#like tsh] «, j exactness, nicety i Reg u Ipri ty, n. order, meth- I o^. exactness K^'^ re sent a tive, n. a substi- tuve in po.ver, a deputy Se;i si bil i ty, n. quickness of sensation Sim i lar i ty, n. likeness, re- semblance Su per ex eel lent, a. uncom- \ monly excellent 192 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Su per nat u ral, [t like tsli] a. above the powers of na- ture [ly Un ex pec ted ly, ad. sudden- U ni ver si ty, n. a general school of liberal arts 3 fn con for mi ty, n. incompli- ance tl ni for' mi ty, n. sameness, resemblance Ec o nom i cal,a.saving, pru- dent, frugal Et y mol o gy, n. the deriva<. tion of words Gen er os i ty, n. liberality Im me thod i cal, a. irregu-4|^ lar, confused In e qual i ty, n. unevenness Lex i cog ra pher, a. writer of a dictionary Tric^ o nom e try,n. the art of measuring triangles G [removed Ir re move a ble, a. not to be 01 Un a void a ble, a. inevitable, not to be shunned An i nios i ty, n. hgtrod Ar is toe ra c}', n. a govern ment by nobles Cu ri OS i ty, n. fiiceness, in quisitiveness " SECTION LXXX. What is Time 9 I ask'd an aged man, a man of carc^. Wrinkled and curv'd, and white with hoary hairs, " Time is tho warp of life," he said — " O tell The young, the fair, the gay, to weave it well." I ask'd the ancient, venerable dead, Sages who wrote, and warriours who bled : From the cold grave a hollow murmur flow'd, " Time sow'd the seeds we reap in this abode." •I askM a dying sinner, ore the stroke Of rutllfc'ss dc.ith, life's golden bowl had broke, I ask'd him wiiat is time — " Time," he replied, " I've lost it, ah ! the treasure ;" and he died. I ask'd the golden sun and silver spheres, Those bright cl.ronnnieters of days and years, They ansvvor'd, " Time is liut a meteor's glare," And bade me for eternity prepare. I ask'd the seasons in their annual round, Which beautify or desolate tlic ground ; And thc)/ replied, (ill) oracle more wise,) *' 'Tis folly's blank, and wisdom's highest prize." THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER, 10^1, Of things inanimate, my dial I Consulted, and it made me this reply — " Time is the season fair, of living well, The path to glory, or the path to hell," I ask'd the Bihle, and methinks it said, " Time is the present hour, the past is fled ,; Live — live to day ! to-morrow never yet On any human being rose or set." — Q©^— SECTION LXXXI. Youth. What is youth like ? 'tis like a flower That opens to the morning sun, That's lovely to the eye an hour, When lo, its blushing beauty's gone. 'Tis like a dream, when fancy reigns,. And spreads her airy mantle round. Imagination rules the brains, And judgement lies in sleep profound. 'Tis like a fragile bark when tost. High bounding o'er the restless wave, That^s in a moment wrerJi'd and lost Forever in a watery grave. 'Tis like the spring when verdure yields A pleasing prospect to the eye. When vestments, through a th^ usand fields, Lose, by summer suns , their die. 'Tis like the infant ice laid o'er The peaceful bosom of the li^ke, Where boys, adv euturcus from the shorej Their sudden, woful exit make, 'TJs like a faithless promise' lure. Which prospect paints to fancy's eye., Avd renders disappointment sure. Which leave? the lamp of hope to die. 'Tis like the faUingsnow, you've seen Desceft4hig iVora its frozen store, IT 194 THE AKKRICAN INSTRUCVEft. Wlien driven on the running stream, , It disappears, is seen no more. 'Tis Vik^ those varying colours bright, Reflected from an ev'ning cloud. Which, fading at the approach of night. Are mantled in a murky shroud. SECTION LXXXn. Night. The Sun goes down, he sinks in western skies, Daikness prevails, and now the twilight dies. Now twinkling stars unmeasur'd space look through, Our thoughts invite beyond the ethereal blue. The silver moon, from ocean's rolling tide, Comes forth to rule, extends her sceptre wide ; O'er forests, hills and dales, her placid ray Delights to^ wander till returning day. Well, I remember, when in tender years. My ev'ning walks, quite free from worldly care^i, With pleasure I beheld with eager eye. Those gems of light revolving through the sky. By the kind moon's most calm, unclouded light, 1 walk'd o'er brooks and rivulets by night ; • Her mild, her placid face I oft have seen Well pleas'd reflected from the gunjling stream. But night's the time for rest and calm repose. When cares subside, and toil and labour close ; When sleep his dreamless curtain spreads around, And locks us fast in thoughtlessness profound. Such may be doath, when life's short race is run, Its hours past, and sinks its ev'ning sun ; No twinkling star shall light the silent tomb, Nor moon's soft beam distiiib the dreary gloom. As we retire to sleep, in hope to rise. When Sol's bright beams shrdl blush in eastern skies, Immortal hope shall cheer nw latest breath, Expecting day beyond the nighl of death. THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER 195 SECTION Words of Jive syllables, 1 A.b bre vi a tion, n. the act of shortening A bom i na tion, n. hatred, pollution A.C com mo da tion, n. con- venience Ad min is tra tion,??. the act of administering Ad min is tra tor, n. a man that administers Ad min is tra trix, ff. a wo- man that administers Al le vi a tion, n. the act of making light Ap pro pri a tion, n. applica- tion to sprae particular use Ar tic u la tion, n. the act of forming words Ca lum ni a tion, n. a false report, slander Civ il i za tion, n. the state of being civilized, politeness Clar i fi ca tion, n. the act of making clear Co ag u la tion, ii. the act of, or body formed by curdling Con fed er a tion,n. close al- liance, league Con sid er a tion, n. serious thought, regard, prudence De ter mi na tion, n. conclu- sion, resolution, decision Dis ap pro ba tion, n. cen- sure, condemnation Ed i fi ca tion, w. improve- ment, instruction E lu ci da tion, n. explanation E nu mer a tion, n. the act of numbering or counting over For ti fi ca tion, n. a nluce LXXXIII. accented on the fourth. ? 1 Grat i fi ca tion, ?i. pleasure, delight, reward Hu mil i a tion, 72. the act of humility II lu mi na tion, n. a giving light, brightness Im ag in a tion, [g soft] n. fancy, idea, notion In oc u la tion, n. the act of inoculating or grafting In ter pre ta tion, n. an ex- planation In ter ro ga tion, n. a question put ; a point marked thus(?) In tox i ca tion, n. drunken- ness [tion In ves ti ga tion, n. examina- Ir ra di a tion, n. an enlighl- enmg ) built for defence Jus ti fi ca tion,w, vindication, defence Man i fes ta tion, n. a discov- ery, a publication Mis ap pli ca tion, n. appIica-> tion to a wrong purpose Mod i fi ca tion, n. the act of modifying Mor ti fi ca tion, n. putrefac- tion, gangrene Mul ti pli ca tion, n. the act of multiplying No ti fi ca tion, 72. the act of making knowo • Pre des ti na tion, n. preordi- nation, a fatal decree Pro eras ti na tion, n. a de- lay, stop Prog nos ti ca tion, n. the act of foretelling Pu ri fi ca tion, n. the act of making pure 196 tHE AMERICAN INSTRUCtER. l^ual i fi ca tion, n. an accom- plishment Rat i fi ca tion, n. confirma- Sig ni fi ca tion, n. a meaning tion Rec om men da tion, n. the act of recommending Re gen er a tion, r.. the new birth, birth by grace Re mu ner a tion, 7i. a reward Rep re sen ta tion, h. like- ness, description Re tal i a tion, n. return of like for like Sane ti fi ca tion, n, the act of making holy by signs or words Sub or di na tion, n. the state of being inferiour [offofm Trans fig u ra tion, ti.sl change 2 >5 INIath e ma ti cian, n. one vers- ed in mathematicks [take Mis ap pre hen sion, n. mis- Mis un der stand ing, n. mis- conception, errour. SECTION LXXXIV. Words of six, seven, and eight syllables ; in which the accent' ■^syllables are defined by the figures being placed (mer them. Dis a gree a ble ncss^ n. of- fensiveness, unpleasantness In com mo di ous ncss, n. in- convenience In Stan ta ne ous ly, ad. soon, in an indivisible point of time Su per nu mer a ry, a. being above the stated number 2 Cir cum nav i ga ble, a. that which may be sailed roimd Hyp o cri4. i cal ly, ad. with- out sincerity, falsely In ar tic u late ly, ad. indis- tinctly In con sid er a ble ness, n. small importance In con sid er a ble, a, unwor- thy of notice In con sid cr ate ly,ad.thought- lessly In con sid er ate ness, n. inat- • teution [ed In de fat i ga ble, a. unweari- In de ter min a ble, a. not to be fixed, not to be defined In de ter min ate ly, ad. in an unsettled manner In ex tin guish a ble, a. un- quenchable Or tho graph i cal ly, ad. ac- cording to the rules of spel- ling Un in tel li gi ble, a. such at cannot be understood Un in tel li gi bly, ad. not to be understood r> Im me thod i cal ly, ad. ir- regularly, without method 8 Ir re cov er a ble, a. not to be regained [recovery Ir re cov er a bly, ad. beyond I An te di lu \i an, a. existing before the flood Me di a to ri al, a. belonging to a mediator THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 197 1 Sem i di am e ter, 71. the half of a diameter Su per in ten den cy, n. the act of overseeing Sus cep ti bil i ty, n. the qual- ity or state of admitting 5 ^ -. -' Pre des ti na ri an, n. one that holds the doctrine of pre- destination 2 Ex per i men tal ly,orf. by ex- perience, by trial Im mu ta bil i ty, n. exemp- tion from change Im pos si bil i ty, n. impracti- cability, that which cannot be done Im prob a bil i ty, n. unlike- lihood, absurdity In ca pa bil i ty, n. inability, a disqualification In com pre hen si ble, a. not to be conceived In cu ra bil i ty, n. an impos- sibility of cure In stru men tal i ty, n. subor- dinate agency In vis i bil i ty, n, the state of being invisible Ir reg u lar i ty, n. a devia- tion from rule Per cep ti bil i ty, n. the pow- er of perceiving Plen i po ten tia ry, n. a ne- gotiator invested with full power Prac ti ca bil i ty, n. possibil- ity of being performed — Q!^©— DECLARATION OF CONGRESS. '* We hold these truths to be seJf-eridenty that all men are created equal ; that they are endowed hy^ their Creator icith certaiu un- alienable rights : that among these are life, lib- erty, and the pursuit of happiness^ This is the language of America, of Reason, and of Truth. In fe ri or i ty, 71. a lower state of dignity or value Su pe ri or i ty, 7i. pre-emi- nence, the quality of being greater 1 Cir cum nav i ga tion, n. the act of sailing round Mis rep re sen ta tion, n. a wrong representation Pre de ter mi na tion, n. de- termination made before- hand Rec on cil i a tion,w. a renew- al of friendship, atonement Im pen e tra bil i ty, n. an impenetrable qualily In di vis i bil i ty, n. state in whicli no more division can be made In scp a ra bil i ty, n. an in- separable quality In com pre ben si bil i ty, n unconceivableness 198 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. SECTION LXXXV. The Fourth of July.' This day commemorates the glorious epoch in ouv national history, when indignant Americans burst the thraldom of British tyranny, and asserted the rights with which God and Nature invested them, and decreed their just inheritance ; wlien tlie voice of the American na* tion, by the moiith of tlieir delegated sages and patri ots, declared " tliat these United States are, and of right ought to be, free, sovereign and independent." This resolution they bras'ely carried into effect, on the fourth day of July, in the ever-memorable year of Seventy-six ; and boldly pledged their lives, their for- tunes, and their sacred honour, to support it. Still do their sons retrace with proud delight the record of their noble deeds; still are millions ready to renew the pledge. Still do their bosOms glow with indignation at the story of their oppressions, exult in their successes, and weep over their misfortunes ; and contemplate with admira- tion their unshaken constancy, and more than Roman virtue, in that gloomy period when scarce a ray of hope gilded the dreariness of the prospect — when a licentious soldiery wasted our fields, pillaged our villages, confla- grated our towns, butchered our citizens, violated the temples of our God — carrying terrour and dismay, fire and sword, through every section of our coimtry. The enthusiasm with which the return of this day is hailed, is a pledge that the spirit of seventy-six is not extinct : although, most of the sages and heroes of the revolution, have yielded to the lawofnature, and launch- ed that gulf whence none returi* yet their mantles still rest on their sons. Americans ! place constantly before your sight the deplorable scenes of your servitude, and the enchanting picture of your deliverance ! Begin with the infant in his cradle ; let the first word he lisps, be Washington. Let his first lessons of history be the wrongs which you suffered, and the courage which set you free. Let his Jaily prayers be expressions of gratitude to God, for raining you up accomplished chiefs ; for leading on THE AiMERICAN INSTRUCTER. lilf your armies ; and for strengthening the arm of your peasants against the discipline and tyranry of Europe. Let the youth grow up amidst annual festivals, com memorative of the events of war, and sacred to the memory of your heroes. Let him learn from his father to weep over the tombs of those heroes, and to bless their virtues. Let his first study be your declaration of independence, and the code of your constitution, which were sketched out amidst the clashing of arms. Let him stop at the end of the field which he ploughs, and while the tears start into his eyes, let him read, en- graven upon the rude stones ; " here savages in the pay of despotism, cast an infirm old man into the flames : here they dashed against the trees, children that were snatch- ed away from the breasts of their dying mothers." Are any so base as to sacrifice Liberty and Indepen- dence to foreign ambition ? Would any exchange lib- erty and equal laws for despotism and oppression .'' If any such there are, let them be marked for the detes- tation of freemen, the curse of heaven. Guard against the spirit of conquest : the tranquillity of empire decreases, as it is extended. Have arms for your defence, but have none for offence. Seek ease and health in labour ; prosperity in agriculture and manu- factures ; strength in good manners and virtue. Make the sciences and arts prosper, which distinguish the civilized man from the savage. Especially watch over the education of your children. It is from publick schools, be assured, that skilful magistrates, disciplined and courageous soldiers, good fathers, good husbands, good brothers, good friends, and honest men come forth. Wherever we see the youth depraved, the nation is on the decline. Let Liberty have an immoveable foundation in the wisdom of your con- stitutions ; and let it be the cement which unites your states, which cannot be destroyed. In view of all the blood-purcnased blessings you enjoy, cultivate peace, wisdom and integrity ; and " The bliss of these States in rapture shall run, " Till nature shall freeze at the death of the Sun.*' 200 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. SECTION LXXXVI. Ode for the Fourth of July Let hymns of triumph rise around The shrine of Liberty ; Her temples fill with joyful fcouod. Of songs and minstrelsey. It is a nation's natal day, 'Tis Freedom's jubilee : With thankful hearts due homage pay, The homage of the free. From thraldom's dream our father's woke, And spurn'd at tyrants' sway ; The sceptre of the mighty broke, And cast their chains away. Great was the work, and great their souls Who made their country free — Their names are written on the rolls Of immortality ! Others have fought, and battles vvoti, In vain — their hope expires : Their chief was not a Washington, Their soldiers, not our sires. To despot rod let Europe bow. And shake her gilded chains ; Free as our streams to ocean flow, We tread our native plains. Uncheck'd, Columbia's Eagle soars, With wide and glorious sweep ; Her mountain Oak her thunder pours Triumphant o'er the deep. Invincible in battle field, Her march is victory ! — Strong are the arms in fight that wield The sword of Liberty. And long as justice holds her sway,' And vnlour shields the brave, Undinmi'd her stars shall shed their ray, And high her banners wave. These blessings claim our highest praise?^ Of thankfulness and love — Loud hallelujahs let us raise , , To Him who rules al)ove. 201 AN ABRIDGMENT OF English Grammar is the art of speaking and writing the English Language correctly. It is divided into four parts ; viz. Orthography, Etymology, Syntax, and Prosody. Orthography teaches the nature and powers of letters^ dtld the just niethod of spelling words. Etymology treats of the different sorts of words, their va- rious modifications, and their derivation. Syntax treats of the agreement, government, and proper arrangement of words and sentences. Prosody treats of the just pronunciation of words, and the laws of versification. ETYMOLOGY AND SYNTAX. Words are divided into ten sorts ; commonly called parts of speech ; viz. 1.' Article, 6. Participle, 2. Noun or Substantive, 7. Adverb, 3. Adjective, 8. Preposition, 4. Pronoun, 9. Conjunction, and 5. Verb, 10. Interjection. Syntax principally consists of two parts, Concord and Government. Concord is the agreement \vhich one word has with anoth- er, in person, number, gender, or case. Government is that power which one part of speech has over another, in directing its mood, tense, or case. OF ARTICLES. An Article is a word prefixed to nouns to limit their s'lgnification ; as, a man ; an apple ; the tree ; the stars. There are two articles, a or an^* and the. A or an is call- ed the indefinite article. The is called the definite article. *A is used before words beginning with a consonant, or u long; as t man, a unicorn. It is also used before one , as, manyaone. yl« is usetl before wvrds beginning with ^ vowel or silent /( ; rs^ (m apple, an hour 202 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. The indefinite article limits the noun to one of a kind, but generally to no particular one ; as, " give iiie a book ;" that is, any book. The definite article limits the noun to one or more par- ticular objects ; as, " give me the book ;" " bring me the ap- ples ;" meaning some particular book, or apples referred to. OF NOUNS. A Noun is a word which is tne name of any j)orsnn, place, or thing ; as, man, house, New-York, faith, charity. Nouns are of two kinds, proper ana common. A proper noun is a name given to one thing, to distin- guish it from other things of the same kind : as, John, Alba- ny, London, America. Common nouns are the names of whole sorts or species ;' us, man, tree, river, city. To nouns belong person, numher, gender, and case. Nouns arc of the second person when spoken to, and of the third person when spok<;n of; as, '• Charles, come here ;'" '•' George is a good scholar.'* i Number is the distinction of nouns with regard to the objects signified, as one or more. Nouns have two numbers ; the singular and plural. The singular number denotes but one object ; as, p^:n, book, man. The plural number denotes mure objects than one ; as, j>cns, books, men.* Gender is the distinction of n<iuns with reg;ird to sex. There are three genders, the Mascidinc, Feminine, and Neuter. The Masculine gender denotes males ; as, man, boy, king, husband, horse. The Feminine gender denotes femilos ; as, ivuman, girl. row, hen. The Neuter gender denotes objects whicii are neither males nor females ; as, book, house, Jicld.'f * Sonic nouns, from the nature of the tiling's wliicli they express, are tisod ftily ill the siii;;iilar form ; as, }if,fl't.v,JIow, gold, siiivr, pride, ^'c. orhcrs only in tiic pUiral form; as, ashes. suuJJ'crs, ikeai-s, ncissors, Liingii^ 7ichi>s, ricliia/s. ^r. Some words are the same in holli numbers ; as, diier, sheeji, swittc, sahiioTi, ^'c. ' 1 Some nouns, iKiturally neuter, nif Iiy a figure of speech, convertetJ ipto the masculine or fi'ininiiie render ; as, wJiv;n \^ s.iyof the sun. he U s- '■Di;: -ind of a sliij), shi' sails well. Ttiii AMERICAN ;nstructer. 203 The English language has three methods of distinguish- ing the sex ; viz. 1 . By different words ; as, Male. Female. Male. Female. Brother Sister Man Woman Father Mother Nephew Niece Husband Wife Sloven Slut King Queen Son Daughter Lad Lass Uncle Aunt Lord Lady Wizard Witch By a difference of termination ; as, Male. Female. 3Iale. Female. Actor Actress Jew Jewess Emperor Empress * Patron Patroness Executor Executrix Poet Poetess Governour Governess Prince Princess Heir Heiress Prophet Prophetess Hero Heroine Shepherd Shepherdess 3. By prefixins: some word indicatinir sex : as. Male. Female. A man-servant A maid-servant A male-child A female-child A he-goat A she-goat Male descendants Female descendants Case is the different state or situation of nouns with re- gard to other words. Nouns have three cases, the yiomina- tive, possessive, and objective. The Nominative case denotes the actor, or subject of the verb ; as, " John walks." " The boys play." The Possessive case denotes the relation of property or possession ; and is formed by adding an apostrophe with the letter s, to the noun : as, " John's hat ;" " Women's bon- nets :" But when the plural ends in s, and sometimes also when the singular ends in ss, the apostrophe only is added ; as, "The Ladies' school •,'J " For lioliness' sake." The Objective case denotes the object of an action, or of a relation ; as N&w- YorJc. Nouns are *' John strikes Thomas ;" " he lives ig Nom. Pas. Sirigular Man Man' Obj. Man declined in Plural. Men Men's Men the following manner. Singular. Plvral. Nom. King Kings Pos. King's Kings' Obj. King Kings 204 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. As soon as the pupil Jtas committed to memory the defini- tions of the Article and Noun, he should be exercised inpar- iing these parts of speech, as they are arranged in the foU lowing Parsing Lesson. PARSING LESSON 1, Article and Noun. A book. ' Instructer. Pupil. What pnrt of sperrh is a ? An article. What is an article ? What kind ? Why ? - - What does it belong to ? According to what rule ? What jjurt of speceb is book y What is a noun ? An article is a word prefixed to nouns to liiEjit their signification.. 'file indefinite. The indefinite article limits the noun to one of a kind. It belongs to book. Rule i.* (repeat the rule.) A noun. A noun is a word \yhich is the name of any person, place or thing. Common. Common nouns are the names of whole sorts or species. The third. IJecause it is spoken of. The singular. Because itdenotcs^but one object. The neuter. Because it denotes neither male nor female. The Nominative. t *RULE I. Articles belong to nouns which they limit or dt>fine ; aS; " A book ; an a])ple ; the house ; the stars." What kind } Why ? What person ? Why ? - Wliat mmiber ? Wh> ? What gender ? Why ? What ra><p ? A boy A house A tree A garden A chair A table A unicorn An oniiige An ap|)le An hour An eagle The garden The stars The clouds The rainbow Vii-tue Tem})erance A hammer t As soon as thr pupil roccivi.s iiiformution rnougli to rnalile him to parse witlioiU jfiviiijjthf definitions, he may omit I'u-in undparie in the ntustl way. THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER.' 205 The horizon Boston An earthquake Europe America The constitution The sciences The continent The school A fever The Thames A river The shoes A wliim A man Tlie men The woman T};e end PARSlltG LESSON II. Nouns in the Possessive case. John's hook. ■Solution. John-s is a proper noun, third person, singular number, masculine gender, jjosscssice case, and governed by the nomi book, according to Rule ii, (ichich repeat.) Book is a common noun, third person, singular number, neuter gender, and nominative case. The man's hat A painters brush The prophetess' pre- William's paper Jacob's ladder diction A horse's bridle Cicero's orations Wooubridge's geog- The scholar's duty Job's comforters rai'hy Woman's bonnet Murray's grammar John's l)rother's son The ship^ masts Perry's victory Cicero's speech RULE IL A noun or pronoun in the possessive case, is governed by the noun it possesses; as, ''jfohn's book ;" ^' JPerri/^s victo- ry;" "Every tree is known by its fruit." OF ADJECTIVES. An Adjective is a word which expresses some quality or property of a noun ; as, " a good scholar ; a tall man." Adjectives admit of tln-ee degrees of comparison; the positive, comparative, and superlative. The, Positive degrco expresses the quality of an object without any increase or diniiuution ; as, good, wise, great. I'he C^omparotirc degree increases or lessens the positive in significatiou; as, iviser, greater, less ivisc. The Superlative degree- incrQasos or lessens the positive to the highest or loAve^t degree ; as, imsest, greatest, leastwise Comparison of Adjectivesi The Simple word, or positive, bwcmes the comparative, by adding r or er^ and the superlaii\e, by adding st or est to the end of it ; as, Positive. Oomparative. Superlative Wise, Wiser, Wisest. Great, (Jroater ■„ Greatest '18 '• ^ ■^■"•' 206 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER The words more and most, less and least, have the same effect ; as, Positive. Comparative. SuperlatiKe. Wise, 7nore wise, • most wise. Virtuous, less virtuous, least virtuous. Some adjectives are irregularly coinpar(?d ; us, Positive. Comparative. Superlative. Little, less, least. Bad, worse, * worst. Good, better, best. "^ PARSING LESSON ITL Article, Adjective, and Noun . Delicious fruit. Instnicier. Pupil. What part of speech is delicious y - - An adjective. What is an adjective? An adjective is a word which ex- presses some quality or property of a noun. What degree of com- parison ? - - The positive Why ? - - - Uecause it expresses the quality of the object without increase or diminut4on. How is it compared? Pos. delicious, Coin, more deli- cious, Super, most delicious. What does it belong to ? It belongs to fruit. .'Vccording to what ruin? IIvlk in. (Repeat the rule.) RULE in. Adjectives belong to the nouns, or pronouns which they quality ; as," A vrise man ; a great house ; he is good." A sweet apple American independence A bad pen Virtue's fiiir form [tion A great house Ramsay's American Revolu- The verdant fields A woman amiable The industrious bees The cool sequfstored vale The dutiful stork Life's g;iy varieties The diligent farmer The rich man's prosperity A temperate climate The poor ynan's comfort A free government A cheerful guod (>lu m;iii The noblest prospect The American war ■^'!» obedient son • Washincfton's fnrowell address THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. ao7 OF PRONOUNS. A Pronoun is a word used instead of a noun, to avoid re* peating the same word ; as, " The man is happy ; he is be* aevolent ; he is useful." There are three kinds of pronouns. Personal^ Relative^ and Adjective. Personal Pronouns. Personal pronouns stand for the name of some person or thing. They are /, thou, he, she, it ; with their plurals, we, ffe or you, they. Personal pronouns d^AmMoi per son, number, gender, dixAcast^ The personal pronouns are thus declined. Person and Gender. Case. Singtdar. Plural. Nom. I, We, Pos. Mine, Ours, Obj. Me. Us. Nom Thou, Ye or you Pos. Thine, Yours, Obj. Thee. You. Nom. He, They, Pos. His, TheirSj Obj. Him. Them. Nom. She, They, Pos. Hers, TheirS;j Obj. Her. Them.' Nom. It, They, Pos. Its, Theirs, Obj. It. Them. The word self is frequently joined with personal pronouns 5 as, himself, herself, itself. Relative Pronouns. Relative pronouns are such as relate, in general, to some preceding word or phrase, called the Antecedent ; they are who, which, what, and that.* What is a kind of compound relative, mcluding both the antecedent and the relative ; and is mostly equivalent to that which; as, " I have heard what has beenalledged ;" thatis, *'I have heard that which has been alledged." » The word as, naav be considered as a relative pronoun whert it it equivalent to which or that , as, " The same arguments are applicable, lu were applied to the theory of uniformity of perceptions." Here aa nuty be considered synonymous with whkh ; referring to argumeatt, •»« nominative to totre applied. First person. Second person. Third person, Masculine gender. Thh-d person, Feminine gender.. Third person, Neuter gender 208 THE AMERICAN INRTRUCTER. Who is applied to persons ; as, " The man who is idle does not improve." Which is applied to brutes and inanimate things ; as, " The birds which we have taken, are beautiful." " The Helds which we roved through, were delightful." That is applied to both persons and things ; as, " He that is honest will be rewarded." " Habits that are vicious should be avoided." Wlio is of both C Nom. Who, numbers, and is < Pos. Whose, thus declined. ( Obj. Whom. Who, which, and what, when used in asking questions, are called interrogative pronouns ; as, " Who was he ?" " Which is the man ?" " What arc you doing ?" Adjective Pronouns. Adjective pronouns are of a mixed nature, having the properties both of pronouns and adjectives. They are divi- led into four sorts ; Possessive, Distributive, Dcmonstrativey and IndefirAte. The Possessive adjective pronouns are those which re late to property or possession. They are my, thy, his, her, Our, your, their. The Distributive adjective pronouns are those which de- note the persons or things that make up a number, takdn separately, and singly. They are each, every, cither. The Demonstrative adjective pronouns are those which precisely point out the subjects to which they relate. They are this, that, these, those.* The Indefinite adjective pronouns are those which ex- press their subjects in an indefinite or general manner. They axe some, one, any, all, other, such. One and other are thus declined. Sin^ttlar. Plural. Sinfi2ilar. 'Plural. Nom. One, Ones, Nom. Other, Others, Pos. One's, Ones', Pos. Other's, Others', Obj. One, Ones. Obj. Other, Others. OF VERBS. A Verb is a word which expresses action or being ; a^ .*' John writes ; the boys read ; the city stands.'" • This and these, refer to things nearat or last mentioned : that and those^ to things farther distant, ot Jirst mentioned , as " This house is mine, that IK my brother's." " The path of virtue, and the road of vice, are open before you : that leads to happiness, this to misery." " These books •re mine, thest arc John's." THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 209 Verbs are of tliree kinds ; active, passive, and neuter. They are also divided into regular, irregular, and defective. An active verb denotes action or cnorjiy wliich terminates on some object ; as, " Cain smote AhiA ; Cesar conquered Pompey." A passive verb denotes action received, or endured, by the person or thing which is the nominative ; as, "Pompey was conquered, by Cesar." It is formed by adding the per- fect participle of an active verb, to the verb he, throngli rJl its changes of number, person, mood, and tense. A neuter verb denotes being or existence, or it denotes action which is limited to the subject ; as, " I am; he sleeps, John walks.-^ Regular verbs are those whose imperfect tense and per feet participle end in cd ; as, Present. Irnper/tct. Perfect part- J I love, I loved, loved, I favour, I favoured, favoured. Irregular verbs are those whose imperfect tense and per- fect participle do not envl in ed ; as, Present. Imperfect. ' Perfect j'art I know, I knew, known. j I bpgin, I began, begun. Defective verbs are those Avhicli are used only in some of their moods and tenses ; as, Present. Imperfect. Perfect part. ' Can, Could. i May. Mir^lit. ' Ai>xiliary verbs are those by the help of which other verbs are principally conjugated. Tliry are, do, be, fane, shall, willy may. can, with their variations, and y«?<if, which ha.s no variation. Do, be., have, and iriU are sometimes principal verbs. : To verbs belong Number, rp.nsoN, jMood, and Tense. Yerbs have two numbers, the singular and ihe plural ; as, He runs, we run, &:c. * In each number there are three persons ; as. Singular.' Plunil. First person I love, " We love, Second person Thou lovest. Ye or you love, Third perscni He loves. They love. Mood or Mode is the manner of rcprcscntiug action or being. There are five moods of verbs ; the Indicative, Subjunc tive. Potential, Infinitive, and Imperative. Tense is the division of time. There are six tenses ; the present, imperfect, perfect ^ phi' perfect, first future, and second future. IS* 210 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. The conjugation of a verb, i.'? tlio regular combination ana arrangement of its several minibeis, persons, moods, and tenses. Conjugation of the Vcrh to love, INDICATIVE MOOD. The Indicative Mood simply indicates or declares a things or asks a question ; as, " He loves ; he is loved ;" " Does he love ?" « Is he loved ?" Present Tense Singular number. Plural numbtr, denotes present time; 1. I love, We love, as, 2. TlioulovestJorloves. Ye or you love, 3. He, she, or it loveth, They love. Imperfect Tense Sinfftdar number. Plural numba denotes past time, 1. I loved, We loved, however distant ; as, 2. Tliou iovedst, Ye or you loved, 3. He lov<d. Thev loved. Perfect Tense Singular itnmher. Plural numbtr. denotes past time, but 1. I have loved, We have loved, has reference also to 2. Thou hast loved. Ye or you have loved,^ (he present ; as, 3. He hath or has k)ved. They have loved. Plwperfect Tense de- Sinsridar number. Plural ?iumber. notes past time, but as 1. 1 liad loved, We had loved, prior to some other '2. Tiiou liads. loved, Ye or you had loved, past time specified; as, 3. He had loved. They li»ui loved. First Future Tense Sinsuhtr nvniher. Plural numbtr. denotes future time ; 1. I shall «■ viilj love, \V'o sbriU or will love, as, 2. Thou shall or wilt Ye (^r you shall or will love, iove. 3. He shall or will h.ve. They shall or will love. Setond future Tense Singnlarnumber. Plural number. denotes future time, 1. 1 shall have loved, We shall have loved, '" but as prior to some 2. Thou shall or wilt Ye or you shall or will ether future time spe- have loved, [loved. hav»' l»ved, [loved. cified ; as, 3. He shall or will have They shall or will have PARSING LESSON IV. Noun, Pronoun, and Verb. He loves us. Instructer. Pupil. What part of speech is ke? A pronoun. [noun. Why ? - - - Because it Is t»scd instead of a What kind ? - - Peisonal. Why ? - - - Because it stands for the name of some person or thing. What person ? - * The thvd. THE AJIERlCArs iNSTftUCTElU 2ii Why ? - - - Because it is spoken of. What number ? - - The singular. Why ? - - - Because it denotes but one chjecr. AVhat gender? - The nifiscunne. [males. W^hy ? - - The masculine gender denotes What case ? - - The nominative. [verb lories. Why } - ~ - Because it is the subject of tho According to what rule ? Rule iv. {Repeat the rule.) What part of speech is loves ? . - A verb. [ing Why ? - - - Because it expresses action or be- Whatkind? - - Active. Why? - - - An active verb denotes action or enerjv which terminates on some object. Is it regular or irregular r Regular. Why ? - - Because its imperfect tense and perfect participle end in ed. What mood ? - Indicative. [declares a thing. Why ? - - - Because it simply indicates oy What tense ? - - Present. Why ? - - - Because it denotes present time. What person and number? Third person, singular number. Why ? - - - Because its nominative case is third person singular. What does it agree with for its nominative ? - It agrees with he. According to what rule ? Rule v. (Repeat the rule.) Us is a personal pronoun, first person, plural number, ob- jective case, and governed by the verb loves, according te Rule v». (Repeat the rule.) RULE IV. The nominative case governs the verb ; as, " Thou lov- est ; Ae walks ; the birds sing." RULE V. A verb must, agree with its nominative case iq BUfnbei and person ; as," He writes ; the trees growT RULE VL Active verbs govern the objective case ; as," Cain SflOOtS Abd ;" « Truth ennobles Aer." Fire burns wood. Thou deniest me. Children study books. You revile them* 1112 I'UL AilEPvICAN" INSTRUCTER; They forgave him. Paul preached the gospdt. I Iravo taught them. We shall recite the lessons, lie has comlortei me. Foxes kill people's geese. They had cpiivincctl us. John whips Peter's dog. We will pursue him. The ladies teach the children. They will convince us. , The merchant sells the goods. Newton studied astronomy. The farmer sells produce. Generous persons relieve the poor, old men. The man's discourse caused much excitement. The gill's friends abuse the children"'s parents. William's black horse kicked Stephen's little dog. PARSING I>ESSON V. Relative, and Adjective Pronouns. My son ivho teaches you, pleases your father Solution of my and who. 3Iy is a possessive adjective pronoun, and beloncfs to son, according to Rule vii. (Re* peat the rule.) IVho is a relative pronoun, and agrees with its antecedent son, in gender and uuml)er, according to Rule VIII. (Repeat the rule. ) and is the nominative case to the verb teaches, according to Rule iv. (Repeat the rule.) RULE VII. Every adjective pronoun belongs to some noun expressed or understood ; as, " iVy house ; every tree; these books ; tiny book." RULE vin. Pronouns must agxvc with their antecedents, or the nouna they rcj)resent, in gender and number ; as, " This is the man ichom I love." " That is the vice which I hate." The prisoners who broke jail, have returned. Each pupil who recites his lessons, shall be rewarded. The person whom I teach, loves his friends. The woman whose house they hire, owns many houses. Thee whom thy friends admire, we love. The house which he occupies, our neighbour owns. The books which the little boys road, the old roan sells. Thou who makest my shoes, sellcst many more. The seeds that he planted, produce beautiful flowers. The conjugation of the verb, in the other moods, is omitted until the C2planatioii of the remaining parts of speech arc given. OF PARTICIPLES. A Participle is a word derived from a verb, andpartake» of th« nature of the verb, adjective, and noun* THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 213 There are three kinds of participles ; the present, perfectf and compound perfect. The present participle denotes an action cbntinuing, or still going on, and ends in ing ; as, *' I see a man heating a horse." " The child sees the hawk killing the chickens.'* The perfect participle denotes past time, and corresponds with the imperfect tense of regular verbs ; as, loved, hated ; " I found him lodged in prison." The compound perfect participle is the union of two or more participles ; as, having loved, having been loved. PARSING LESSON VI. Participles. John sees Peter teaching the little girl. Solution of teaching and girl. Teaching is a presens participle, relating to the noun Peter, according to Rule ix. {^Repeat the rule ) Girl is a common noun, third person, singular number, feminine gender, objective case, and gov- erned by ihe participle teaching, according to Rule x. (iJc" yeat the rule.) RULt IX. Participles generally relate to nouns or pronouns ; aSj ^^ Charles loving his parents, obeyed thera ;" " I saw Am labouring in the field." RULE X. Participles, derived from active verbs, govern the objec- tive case ; as, " Charles loving his parents,, obeyed tbem." Jesus, knowing their thoughts, rebuked them. Knowing he was my superiour, I submitted. I saw the teacher instructing his pupils. I saw the pupils studying their lessons. George sees the fox killing the man's gees«. The dog, pursuing the track, overtook the game. The sun, having arisen, dispersed the clouds. Charles, having discovered the cheat, pursued the rogue* Having obtained license, he commenced preaching. OF ADVERBS. An Adverb is a word used to qualify the sense of verbs, participles, adjectives, and other adverbs ; as, " He fought hravely ;" " Having lived prudently, he became rich ;" " Eztremely fine weather ;" '' He reads very correctly."* * An Adverb may generally be known by its answering to the quea* tion, How ? bow much ? when ? or where ? as. " He reads correctly," the answer to the question, How does he read? is, c<«Tecf/y. 1 214 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Some adverbs admit of comparison ; as, sootiysoonery soon- est ; oftetij oftevcr, ofUnest. Adverbs ending in Ivy are compared by mor^ and most ; as, unselyy more wisely, most wisely. Classification of Adverbs. I. Of Number ; as, Once, t^'ice, thrice, &,c. a. Of Order ; as, First, secondly, thirdly, fourthly, fifthly, la8tly,fi* ■ally, be. 3. Of Place ; as. Here, there, where, elsewhere, anywhere, some* where, nowhere, herein, whither, thither, upward, downward, forward, backward, hence, thence, whence, &.c. 4. Of Ti7ne as. Now, to-day, yesterday, to-morrow, before, hereto* fore, already, hitherto, lately, afterwards, instantly, presently, immedi- ately, hereafter, henceforth, by and by, not vet, long since, long ajjo, oft, often, ofttimes, oftentimes, sometimes, soon, seldom, daily, yearly, always, when, then, again, ever, never, h,c. 5. Of Quantity ; as, Much, little, enough, sufljciently, abundantly, how much, fiic. 6. Of Martntr or Quality ; as. Wisely, foolishly, justly, unjuitlyf quickly, slowly, badly, ably, admirably, correctly, softly, prudently, imprudently, i^norantly, &ic. 7. Of Doubl ; as. Perhaps, peradventure, possibly, perchance, fac. 8 Of AJUrmation ; as. Certainly, truly, undoubtedly, verily, surely, indeed, really, yea, yes, &c. j 9. Of Negation ; as, Nay, no,not,by no means.not at all,in no wise,dcc* . 10. Of Interrogation , as. How, why, wherefore, whether, &c. II. Of Conjunction i as, Together, generally, universally, &<}, 12. Of Disjunction ; as, Asilnder, off, separately, apart, ^, 13. Of Similarity , as. So, equally, thus, alike, &c. PARSING LESSON VII. Adverbs. The pupil writes very correctly. Solution of very and correctly. Very is an adverb, and qualifies correctly, according to Rule xi. (Repeat the rule.) Correctly is an adverb, and qualifies the verb writes, zccoT' ding to Rule xi. (Repeat the rule.) RULE XL Adverbs qualify verbs, participles, adjectives, and other adverbs ; as, " He writes elegantly ;" " We heard theiu se- cretly contriving evil ;" " She is very beautiful j" ** He •peaks very gracefully." He gave bountifully, they gave sparingly. Very industrious scholars study constantly. Behaving carelessly, boys do mischief. The servant drove the horses very carelessly First, Peter will speak ; secondly, Stephen. The man went again : he went twice. They have seen Tun* '^«»''«' nerhaos twice. over beneath amongst under beyond against above betbre amidst below behind towards after beside except about besides through across betwixt throughout down among underneath. THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTERr 215 OF PREPOSITIONS. A Frepo.sition is a word which serves to connect words with one another, and to show the relation between them ; as," He went from New-York to Philadelphia;" "She sailed with us to London." A list of the principal Prq)osittons. M by in from of upon off into on with to within for without Up between PARSING LESSON VIIT. Prepositions. I write with a pen. Solution of with and pen. With is a preposition and re- lates to the noun pen. Pen is a common noun, third person, singular number, neuter gender, objective case, and govern- ed by the preposition with, according to Rule xii. (Repeat the rule. RULE XIL Prepositions govern the objective case ; as, " He wentfrom New- York to Boston ;" "I came into the house with him." The army has encamped on the banks of the river. The pen, with which I write, makes too large a mark. They travelled through France, in haste, towards Italy. On all occasions, she behaved with propriety. From virtue to vice, the progress is gradual Quarrels frequently terminate in blows. Virtue embalms the memory of the good. We in vain look for con.fort in wickedness. Some things make for him, others against him, They came from Philadelphia to New- York, by water. OF CONJUNCTIONS AND INTERJECTIONS. A Co"NJUNCTioN is a word that is chiefly used to connect sentences ; joining two or more simple sentences into one compound on- It sometimes connects only words; as, *' John aThd Willip.rn are happy, hecavse they are good." Conjunctions are divided into two sorts ; the Copulativ« and Disjunctive. The copulative conjunction connects words and' senten- ces together, and coniinues the sense •, as, " He and his »i»* ter study ;" " I will go t/he will permit me." 216 THE AMERICA:^ iTCSTRtJCTER. The {iisiunctivc cnnjunetion joins words and sentencW together, but expresses opposition of meaning in different degrees ; as, '' He or his sister studies ;" " Virtue is amia- ble, but vice is odious," A list of the principal Conjunctions. Copulative And, if, that, then, both, since, for, because, therefore, wherefore. Disjunctive. But, or, nor, as, than, lest, though, unless, either, neither, yet, notwithstanding, except. An Interjection is a word used to express passion or emo- tion ; usually that which is sudden or violent ; as, O ! oh ! ah ! aks ! lo ! behold ! hark ! hush ! hist ! fch ! fift ! away ! pshaw ! pish ! really ! strange ! here ! ho ! welcome ! hail .' PARSING LESSON IX. Conjunctions and Interjections. John or James loves me ; hut alas ! Peter and Paul hate me. Solution. John is a prpper noun, thirtl person, singular number, masculine gender, and nominative case to the veirb loves, according to Rule iv. (Repeat the rule.) Or is a dis- junctive conjunction. James is a proper noun, third person singular number, masculine g«uder, nominative case, con ■ected to John by the conjunction or, according to Rule xiii-, (Repeat the rule.) Loves is a regular verb active, indica live mood, present tense, third person singular, and agree; with its nominative case John or James, according to Ruli XIV. (Repeat the rule.) Me is a personal pronoun first per son, singular number, objective case, and governed by tho verb loves, according to Rule vi. (Repeat the rule.) But is n disjunctive conjunction. Alas is an interjection. Peter is a proper noun, third person, singular nuniijor, nuisculine gender, and with the connection of Paul, forms the nomJna- live case to the rcrb hate, according to Ri lk iv. (Repeat the rule.) And •> a copulative conjunction. Pavl is a proper noun, third person^ singular number, m-isculine gohder, nom- inative case, connected to Peter by the conjuncion and, ac-» cording to Rule xiii. (Repeat the rule.) H-itr: is a ro'^ular verb active, indicative mood, j)rf'sent tense, third person, plural, and agrees with its nominative case i'/^rand Puul^ according to Rule xv. ( Repeat the rule.) Me isu per.'ionai pronoun, first person, singular niiinber, objective casf. nnd governed by the verb hatCf according to Rule vi. {Repeat tht rule.) THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 2lf RULE XIII. Conjunctions connect nouns and pronouns in the same casC; and verbs in the same moods and tenses; as, " They saw Jo fin and Peter ;" " I taught him and her ;" " They read and spell. ''^ RULE XIV. When two or more nouns, or pronouns, in the singular number, are connected by a disjunctive conjunction, the verb which agrees with them must be in the singular num- ber; as, " He or she icrites ;" " Daniel, David, or Henry, is at school." RULE XV. When two or more nouns, or pronouns, in the singular number, are connected by a copulative conjunction, the verb whinh agrees with them, must be in the plural number ; as, " He and she are dutiful ;" " Daniel, David, and Henry, are at school." Meekness and modesty adorn the female youth. There is in many minds neither knowledge nor taste. Oh ! I have alienated my friend ; alas ! I fear for life. We in vain look for a path between virtue and vice. By diligence and frugality we arrive at competency. His father, mother and brother, reside at New- York. Guilt often casts a damp over our sprightliest hours. He has equal knowledge, but inferiour judgement. Prudence and perseverance overcome all obstacles. Whom ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. You employ all your tin)e in study and exercise. Study strengthens the mind, and exercise the body. I often see good people bestowing alms on the poor. Idleness and ignorance produce many vices. The wisest and best men sometimes commit errours. The boy will have completed his task before you see him. The coach and horses will have arrived to-morrow. Mary studies better than Caroiine or Elizabeth. Those who labour with diiicGnce, succeed in business. The sun. rules the day, and iilunKiics the earth. The moon rules the n'glit, and cheers the wanderer. She resides in the city ; but he in the country. Joseph forgave his brethren, because he was merciful. He went with his brother, but without his sister. When the mail returns, we shall hear from our friends. The man who keeps his temper, will not be rash. The man who lies, deceives or cheats, loses his reputation. 19 ai8 THE ASIERiCAiSI INSTRUCTER. Conjugation of the verb to lovb. SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD. The Subjunctive MgocI e:?presses action or being in a doubtful or conditional manner, and is preceded by a con- junction, expressed or understood ; as, " //thou hurn, thou shah be rewarded ;" " Were he learned, he would be wise*" Present Tense denotes present tinie. Singular number. 1. If ! iove, 2. If tl.ou love, 3. If he love. tmper/ect Tense Singular number. denotes past time^ 1. If I ti<ve<t, hpwever distant. 2. If iKou hivetlsf, 3. If ht loved. Plural number. If we love, If ye or yovk love, If they love. Plural number. If we loved. If ye or you loved. If they loved. Perfect Tense Singular number. denotes past time, but 1. Jf ! have loved, has reference also to 2. If thou hast loved, the present. 3. If he has loved. Plural number. If we have loved, If ye or you have loved, If they hare loved. Pluperfect Tense de- Singular number. Plural number. Botes patttime, but as 1. If i had loved, If wc bad loved, prior to some other 2. If tiiou hadst loved, If ye or you had loved, past tinoe specified. 3 If he had lovod. If they had loved. First Future Tense denotes future time. Sirt^uliir number. Plurnl number. 1. If ! shall or will love, If we shall or will love, 2. If thou shait or wilt If ye or you shall or will love, love, 3. Ifhe shall or will love. If they shall or will love. Second future Tense Sin r^ilar number. Plural number. denotes future time, 1. 1;' I shall hav:- loved, If we shall have loved, but as prior to some 2. li tho'i ^.'lHl( ir wiilt if ye c?yon shall or will other future time spe- have l(,ved, [iov< d. haie loved, [loved. cified. 3 If lie shall or will have If Miry .shall or will have Although the conjuiiction :/is u«d in t:oiiJii,watiop the verb in the sub- junctive mood, yet any (•flior conjunction. oxp;-essi:)!( condition, doubt, Ac. may be used with equai propriety ; as, though, whether, unless, Sfc. PAKSIIVG LCSSON X. Efbvciics in the Subjunctive Mood. If Jane persist in wliispering, I shall correct her. Unless she desist from tiiiking, I shnl! aumunish her. Except she ryfraiu from trillaig, I shall puni.sli her. Though Charles neglect me, yet 1 respect him. If they love me, ihey will keep my connnandnients. Ifhe acquire riches, he will make a good use of them. THE AxMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 219 POTENTIAL MOOD. The Potential Mood implies possibility, liberty, power, will, or obligation, of action or being ; as, " It mat/ rain ; he may go, or stay ; I can ride ; he would walk ; they should learn." The potential mood has only four tenses, viz. the Present, the Imperfect, the Perfect, and Pluperfect. PRESENT TENSE. Singular numbe}-. Plural number. i 1. I may, ca», or imis» love. We may, can, or must love ', 2. Thou mayst, canst, or must love, Ye or you may, can, or must love, 3. He may, can, or must love. Tliey may, can, or must love. IMPERFECT TENSE. Singular number. Plural number. , 1. I might, could, would, or should We might, could, would, or should love, love, 2. Thou mights;, couldst, wouldst, Ye or you might, could, would, or or shouldst love, should love, * 3. He might, could, would, or should They might, could, would.oc should love. love. PERFECT TENSE. Singular ititmber. Plural number. [ 1. I may, can, or must have loved, We may, can, or must have loved,' 2. Thou mayst, ca.nst, or must Ye or you may, can, or must hav« have loved, loved, S.Hemay, can, or must have loved. They may,can,or must have loved,' PLUPERFECT TENSE. Singular number. Plural number. 1. I mifrht, could, would, or should We might, could, would, 07- should have loved, have loved, 2. Thou m'ghtst, conldst, wouldst, Ye or you might, could, would, or or shouldst have loved, should have loved, 3. He might, could, would, o)- should They might, could, would, or hav« loved. should have loved. The Potential mood becomes the Subjunctive, by means of the cok- junctions if , though, unless, &c. being prefixed to its tenses, without ahy variations from the potential inflections ; as, " If I could decfive. him, £ should abhor it." PARSING LESSON XL Exercises in the Potential Mood. We must be temperate, if we would enjoy health. He may rise early, for he must travel many miles. We would not serve kim then, but we will hereafter. He would improve, if he applied himself to study. I told him that he might go, but he would not. He might have acquired wealth, if he had desired iU The mp.n should have returned when he found them. He can acquire no virtue, unl&ss he make some sacrificeii Thou shouldst not have boasted in his presence. They couU have performed the business,but they wonld ndt* 220 THE AMERICAN l.NSTRUCTER INFINITIVE MOOD. The Infinitive Mood expresses action or being in a gener- al and unlimited manner ; huvirig no nominative case, con- •equently, neither number nor person ; as, '•' To act, to speakf to run, to be loved.''* The infinitive mood has only two tenses, the Present, and Perfect. PRESENT TENSE. PERFECT TENSE. To love. To have loved. IMPERATIVE MOOD. The Imperative Mood is used for commanding, exhorting, entreating, or permitting ; as, " Depart thou ; mind ye ; let us stay ; go in peace." The imperative mood has only one tense, the Present. PRESENT TENSE. Singular number. Plural number. 9. Love, Love thou, or do thou 2. Love, Love yc or you, or do ye lore. or j'ou love. PARTICIPLES. rRESEMT, loving^. PERFECT, loved. COMPOUND PERFECT, having; loved. \ PARSING LESSON XII. Exercises in the Infinitive and Imperative Moods. Strive to learn. Solution. Strive is an irregular verb neuter, imperative jBOod, present tense, second person singular, and agrees vi^ith its nominative thou, understood, according to Rule v. (Rc' peat the ride.) To learn is a regular verb active, infinitive mood, present tense, and governed by the verb strive, accor- ding to Rule xvi. (Repeat the rule.) RULE XVL ^^ A verb in the infiniti-ve mood, may be governed by a verb, noun, adjective, or participle ; as, " He loves to learn his book ;" " They have a desire to improve ;'' " He is eager to learn ;^^ *•' Endeavoui-ing t^ persuade.'' " The verbs which follow bid, dare, fed, hear, let, make, need, see, S^c- •reused in the infinitivj- mood witlioul iiaving the sign 'o prefixed to them; as, " He bids me com'' , I dare not sji^ak : we feel the earth ff^mble : we hear her nng ; let me see tlio man ; I make him study , he need not be afraid ; I see him rmi." In ihcse examples, it would be hwlegant to express the to, and any, I heard her (o sing. ^c. THE AMERICAN INSTPwUCTER.' 221 Study diligently, if you wish to improve. A good man is unwilling to give pain to man or beast. Leave me, take off his chains and use him well. We dare not leave our studies without pevmi'Ssion. We need not urge Charles to do good, he loves to do it. No more ! unbind that trembling wretch ; let him depart. No threatenings could make him violate the truth. Behave well, if thou lovest virtue or a good name. Strive to imitate ihe virtues which thou seest in others. Wealthy people have many temptations to resist. Pity the sorrows and sufferings of the poor and needy. He has a friend to assist him in all his troubles. We are anxious to improve all our lime in study. It gives great pleasure to see youth engaged in learning. I dare not proceed so liastil}', lest I should give offence. You ought not to walk too hastily. Will you hear me ajjply the rules of syntax ? You need not despair, you will make a good scholar. Conjugation of the Verb to be. INDICATIVE MOOD. PRESENT TENSE. Pntsenl Tensis Sing idar number. Plural number. denotes present time. 1. J a;Ti, We are, 2. Thou, art, Ve or yon are, 3. He, she or it is, Tliey are. IMPERFECT TENSE. Imperfect Tense ^.ingidar yiumber. Plural nuviber. denotes past time, 1.1 vas, We were, however distant. 2. Tbou wast. Ye or you werC; '■A. He was. They were. PERFECT TENSE. Perfect Tense. Singulor nwiibtr. Plural number. denotes past time, but 1. 1 have ?>eei!. We iiave been, has reference also to 2. Thou liast brer>, Ye o;- you have been, the present. 3. He lialh o^has hecn. Thsy have been. PLUPERFECT TENSE. "* ' Pluperfect Tense Singular number. tr- Plural nvmler. denotes past time, but 1. I had been, We 1 ad Ucca, as prior to some other 2. T!;oii hadst been. Ye or yow had been, past time specilied. 3. He had been. '1 hey tiad been. FIRSl" FUTURE TENSE. *' . Singular number. Plural mimber. First fviure. Tense ' 1. I shall or will be. We shall or will be, denotes future time. 2. Thou shaltcr wiitbe, Yeoj-youshallorwillbe^ 3. He shall or will be. They shall or will be;. 222 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. SECOND FUTURE TENSE. Stcond future Tense, denotes future time, but as prior to some other future time spe- cified. Singular number. Plural -number. 1. I shall have been, We shall have been, 2. Thou shalt or wilt Ye or you shall or wiH have been, have been. 3. He shall or will have They shall or will hare been. been. SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD. Singular number. 1. Iff be, 2. If thou be, 3. If he be. Singular number. 1. If [ am, 2. If thou art, 3. If he is. Singular number. 1. If I were, 2. If thou wert, 3. If he were. 8int:nlar number. 1. If I was, 2. If thou wast, 3. If he was. PRESENT TENSE. Plural number. If we be. If ye or you be. If they be. Or thus : Plural number. If we are« If ye or you are. If tliey are. IMPERFECT TENSE. Plural number. If we were, If ye or you were. If they were. Or thus Plural number. If we were. If _ve or you were, If tiiey were. The remaining tenses of this mood, are similar to tb« correspondent tenses of the Indicative Mood. POTENTIAL MOOD. PRESENT TENSE. .Singular number. Plural mmhcr. 1. I may, can, or must be, We may, can, or must be, S. Thou mayst, c.'or m. be, Ye or you may, c. or m. be, 3. He may, c. or m. be. They may, c. or m he. IMPERFECT TENSE. Singular number. [he, Plural nvrnb':>: [be, 1. 1 might, could, would, or should We might, coald, would, or shcnld S- Thou oiightst, c. w. or s. be. Ye or you might, c. w. or t. be, 3. H« might, c w. or should be. They might, c. w. or s. be. PERFECT TENSE. Singular number. Plural number, Ijmay, can, or must have been, We may, can, or must have been, 1. t. H* may, c. or m. have been. They in. c. or must have been Thou mayst, c. or m. have been, Ye or you m. c. or m. Iiave been, THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTEK. 223S> PLUPERFECT TENSE. Singularnumhev. ' Plural number 1. I mifcrht could, would, or should We might, could, would, or Aould have been. have been, 2. Thou mii^htst.c w. or s.have been Ye or you m. c. w. or s. have been, 3! He mjgh^t, c. w. or s. .np^e been. They m. c. w. or. s. have teen. INFINITIVE MOOD. PRESENT TENSE. PERFECT TENSE. Xo be. i<* have been. IMPERATIVE MOOD, PRESENT TENSE Sinmilar number. Plural nvmber. 2. Be, be thou, or do 2. Be, be ye or you, or do ye thoJi be. or you be. PARTICIPLES. Prfsfnt, Being. Perfect, Been. Compound FERFECT, Having been. PARSING LESSON XIII. The verb to be. Charity is the first law of humanity. Solution of laiD. Law is a common noun, third person, gingular number, neuter gender, and nominative case after the verb is, according to Rule xvii. (Repeat the rule.) RULE XVII. The verb to be, through all its variations, and passive verbjt which signify naming, have the same case after, as before them ; as, " It is /, be not afraid ;" " Wliom do you fancy him to be ;" " The child was named Thomas ;" " Homer is styled the prince of poets." Idleness is the mother of many vices. Hope is the last thing that dies in man. He is not the^ person who it seemed he was. It might have been he, but theie is no proof of it. Food, clothing, and credit, are the rewards of industry. The path of virtue, is the path of peace. Our duty to benefactors, is love and gratitude. Meekness and modesty are ornaments of youth. Peace and happiness are the rewards of virtue. Regret and shame are the attendants of vice. I perceive that it is folly to "grieve at trifles. Youth is the season for improvement in knowledge. 224 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. Conjugation of the Passive Verb r* be loved. ' A passive verb is formed by adding a perfect participle to the verb 6c, through all its variations, jn the following manner. INDICATIVE MOOD. Singular number. 1. I am loved, 2. Thou art loved, 3. He is loved. Singular number. 1. I was loved, 2. Thou wast loved, 3. He was loved. prese>;t tfnse. Pii/ral number. We ate loved. Ye or yo;j arc !oved.. Tiiey ave loved. imperfect tense. Plvral -^funhfr. We weje io'-ed, Ye or you we;-^ loved, They vte>e loved. Singular number. 1. I have been loved, 3. Thou hast been loved, 3". He has been loved. PERFECT TENSE. Piu>-tl nvmbcr. We have been loved, Ye or yi)u have been loved, They have been loved. PLUPERFECT Singular number. 1 had been loved. Thou hadst been loved, He had been loved. TENSE. Plvral number. We liad been loved. Ye or you had been loved. They had been loved. FIRST FUTURE TENSE. Plural number. We siiall or will be lovea. Ye or you shai! or will be loved, Tliey shall or will be loved. SECOND FUTURE TENSE. Singular number. Plural number. 1. I shall have been loved, [loved. We sliall have been loved, floved, 2. Thou shalt or wilt have been Ye or you shall or will have been 3. He shall or will have been loved. They shall or will have been loved. Singular number. I shall or will be loved, Thou shalt or wilt be loved, He shall or will be loved. SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD. Singular number. 1. If 1 be loved, 3. If thou be loved, 3. If he be loved. Singular number. 1. If< am loved, 2. If thou art loved, 3. If he is loved. PRESENT TENSE. Plural number. If we be loved, Ifye or you be loved, If they be loved. Or thus Plural number. If we are loved, ifye or you are loved, If they are loved. THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 225 IMPERFECT TENSE. Singularnumber. Plural number. 1. If I were loved, If we were loved, 2. If thou wert loved, If ve or you were loyed, 0. If he were loved. If they were loved. Or thus : Singular number. Plural number. 1 . If I was loved, If we were loved, '2. If thou wast loved, If ye or you were loved, 8. If We was loved. If they were loved. The remaining tenses of this mood, are similar to the coi- respondciil tenses of the Indicative Mood. POTENTIAL MOOD. PRESENT TENSE. •Singw/ar number. Plural number. 1 1 may can, ^r must be loved, We may, c. or m. beloved, 2. TJiou may SI. c or m. be loved, Ye or you in. c. or rn. be loved, 3. He may,' c. or in. be loved. They m. c. or lu. be loved. IMPERFECT TENSE. 'Singular number Plural number. l.T iniglit, could, would, or should We might, could, would, or should be loved. be loved, 2. Thou mightsi, c. w or s. be loved, Ye or you m. c. w. ors. beloved, 9. He might, c. w. or s. be loved. They m. c. w. or s. be loved. PERFECT TENSE. Sin^tilar number. [loved, Plural number. 1. I may, can. or must have been We may, c. arm. have been loved, 2. Thou mayst, c. or m. have been Ye or you may,c. or m. have been loved, \o\ed, 3. He may ,c. or m. have been loved. They may, c. or m. have been loved. PLUPERFECT TENSE. Singular number. Plural number. 1. 1 might, could, would, or should We might, could, would, or sljould have been loved, have been loved, 8. Thou mightst, c. w. ors. have Ye w you m. c. w. or s. have been been loved, [loved. "loved, 3. He might, c. w. or s. have been They m. c. w. or s. have beeji lov«d. INFINITIVE MOOD. PRESENT TENSE. PERFECT TENSE. To be loved. To have been loved. IMPERATIVE MOOD. PRESENT TENSE. Singular number. Plural number. 2. Be loved, be thou loved, or do Be loved, be ye or you loved, or do thou be loved. , ye or you be loved. PARTICIPLES. PRESEKT, Being loved. P£RF£CT« JjOVC<i. COMPOUND p'ERrECT, Having been loved. 22% THE AMERICAN I.XSTRUCTEU. PARSING LESSOIn XTV. I^assivc Vrrbs. The master teaches the neighbour's little children. The neighbour's little cliildrea are taught by the master. The carpenter built those elegant houses. Those elegant bouses were built by the carpenter. The industrious farmer cultivates his farm well. The farm is well cultivated by the industrious farmer. He should have been carried, had I known his situation. Being ridiculed and despised, he became melancholy. Having been ridiculed, he left the company. Ridiculed, despised, and insulted, lie became discouraged. If he has been seen, he has not been caught. If I were beaten as badly as he, I should complain. You are esteemed because you are honest. [formed. Mentally and bodily, we are curiously and wonderfully The person will have been executed when the pardon arrives. He is esteemed, both by his parents and brothers. A plain understanding, is often joined with great worth. A CATALOGUE OF IRREGULAR VERBS. In the ularly as well as ii Present Imperject tense.' tense. Abide abocje Am Arise Awake Beat following list, the verbs which are conj £eat Begin Bend Bereave Beseech Bid Bind Bite Bleed Blow Break Breed Bringp Build Buist Bu7 was arose awoke i». bore beat began bent bereft p.. besought bid, or bade bound bit bled blew broke bred brought built burst bought •regularly, are marked with an Present, fmper/ect Cist cast Catch caiiglit n. Chide chid Perfect participle. abode Deea arisen awaked boruc beat, or ( beaten | begun bent boreft R. bcsouglit bid, or / bidden > bound bitten, bit bled blown broken bred brought built burst bought to T'r:' — " Clioose chose Cleave, clove, or /() split cleft Cling clung Clothe clotlicd Come came Cost cost <;row crow « ( reep crept Cut cut JDare* durst Deal dealt R. Dig dug R. Do did Draw drew Drive drove Drink drank Dwell dwelt B. F,at cat, or ate Fall fell or t Jen ( i ugated reg- R. . Perfect part. cast caught R. chid, or cliiddc chosen cleft, or\ cloven clung clad i(. come cost crowed orept cut dared dealt R. dugR done drawn, diiven drunk dwelt R. eateo fallen }>ZTf to challenore, r. present. Feed Feel Fight Find Flee Fling FJy^ Foiget FoTsuke Freeze Get Gild Gird Give Go Grave Grind Grow Have Uang Hear Hew Hide Hit Hoid Hurt Keep Knit Know Lade Lay Lead Leave Lend Let Lie* Load Lose Make Meet Mov fav F«t Fead Kend Rirt Rii.S Hise Jvive Run Saw Say See seek. Sell Send Set (o 1HE AMERICAN INSTRUCTEP Imperfect. Per/, part. Presenl. Imperfect, fed fed Shake shook felt felt Shape shaped fought fought Slliivc shaved found found Sheiir s beared fled fled Shed shed flung flung shine shone r. flew flown Show showed forgotten } Shoe shod forgot forg^ot ^ Shoot shot forsook forsaken Shrink shrunk froze frozen Shred shred got ROt Shut shut gilt R. gilt R. Sing- sung, sang girtR. gntR. Sink sunk, sack gave given Sit sat went g-one S!;iy sfow gjaved graven r bleep slept ground i^rouiMi oiide slid grew grown Sling slung had had Slink slunk hungR. hung R. Slil slil K. heard lieard Suiite , SHioie hewed hf-'.vn li. Sow sowed hid hidden, hid Speak spoke hit hit Speed sped held held Spend sprut hurt hurt Spi!l SjMh n kept kept Spin Spit spiia knit R. knit R. iint knew known Split split laded laden Spre;t;l spread laid led laid ]rd Spring sprung > , sprang ^ left left Stand i=tcod lent ient Steal stole let ht StJ-ck siuck lay lain Sting stung loaded laden r. Si ink stunk lost made lost made Stride strid, <. strode met met Strike St: uck mowed snown v.. Siring bfiU.-ig paid paid Strive ttvove put put Syrcar swore read read Swpat sweat R. rent rent Swell eweiied rid rid ."^ • swr.ia rung, lUIig av.rm sw.an rose i iscTi Saving SWiUlg lived liyen Take look ran ran i'.'ach taught Siivved sawH n. Tear tore said Sfiid Tell (old saw seen Tiiiuk thought soualit SCAlght Tr.rive throve K. sokT :;^lcJ Tfaow threw .=ent sent Ttirust thrust set set Tread trod Jie down \Y><.x >Vaxcd 22t Ptrf. farU shaken shapen r. shaven b. shorn lu shed shone K> showxij shod , shot shrunk , shred shut sunff sunk sat slain slept sliddea slung slunk slit R. smitten sown Br spoken sj)ed spent spilt K. spun spit split spread sprung stood stolen stuck sttrng stunk strid, or stridUea struck strung striven sworn tweat R. swum swung taken taught torn told . thought thriven t.hrown thrust trodden waxen r. 228 TIJE AMERICAN l.r^JSlllUCTER. Present. Imperfect. Per/, part. Wear wore uinn AVeave wove ^Mncu ■\Verp wept wept Win ^von ^v(lli Present. Imferfed. Per/', jxxrt. Wind- wound wound ^\'ork wrought n. wroi;ght r. \^'^■i^g wrung wrung Write wrote written %.> Dcfcctive-k'crhs are those which are used only in some of the moods and tenses, and have no participles. The principal of them are the following. Present. Jinp'-rfirt. Perfect pari. icaiUing^ JVlny, jniftlit. • Can, could. Will, would. Shall, should. IMust, iiiiist. - • Oiisht, ou^ht. . — ((ItOtil. ' All tiicso are used as auxiliaries except <>?/»•/;/ and quoth : these two are never used as such. Our^ht is the same in both tenses. Its tense may be determined by the following infinitive. When the following in> finitive i# iu the present tense, ousrlit is in the present tense ; as, " He vuglu to go ;'■ and when followed by the infinitive perfect, ought is ia the imperfect tense ; as, " He oit';ht to liave gone." Quoth is now obso* letc, except in poetry and burlesque. PARSING LESSON XV. Nouns in ajtposition, and in the nominative case independent. George, James Monroe the president, is a wise man. Solution of George, James Monroe, and president. Georgt is a proper noun, second person, singular number, mascu- line gender, and in the nominative case independent, ac« cording to Piule X"vin. (Repeat the rule.) James Monroe is a proper noun, third person, singular number, masculine {Tender, and jiominative case to the verb is, according to Rule iv, (JRepcat the rule. ) I'rcsidcnt is a common noun, third person, siiiguUir number, mnsculine geiider, nomina- tive case, ami put in apposition* with the ncun James Mon- roe ; according to Ituj^E xix. (Repeat the ride.) HULK XV III. When a direct address i^:^ nuide, the noun or pronoun is in the nominative case iadependeiit ;i as, " O /cing, live for- ever ;" " O hoifne of krael;" " Ckildrtu, obey your pa- rents; " " O thou man of God." • By appobition is understood, the addition of another word or name for the saiiK: persoii or thing, in order mote fully to define *iid explalu the meaning or .M^(i:'e of it. ' * t What is infiaui hy its bcinc indeimdmt, is, that it is indepcndcjit oC Boy ycrb. it is iudtpendentonly, wlieu it has nu verb to agree with It. " THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER/' 33B RULE XIX. Two or more nouns signifying the same thing, are put, by apposition, in the same case ; as, " Paul the Apostle ,♦" « Solomon, the so7i of David, king of Israel-" Girls, you understand this rule very well. Boys, I love you for your good conduct. Newton the philosopher, was a wise man. Washington the general, commanded the army. Christ the Saviour, was crucified on Calvary. Father, forgive them, they know not what they do. It must be so, Plato, thou reasonest well. [rentf. Parents, instruct your children : Children, obey your pa- Richard the instructor, teaches his neighbour's children. Clinton the governour of the state of New-York, is at Albany. James Monroe, president of the United States, is at Wash- ington. The nominative case is sometimes composed of the infini- tive mood, or part of a sentence. PARSING LESSON XVL To see is desirable. To see the sun is pleasant. Solution of to see, and to see the sun. To see is a verb in the infinitive mood, and the nominative case to the verb M, according to Rule xx. (Repeat the rule.) To see, the sun is part of a sentence, which is the nominative case to the verb is, according to Rule xx. (Repeat the rule.) RULE XX. The infinitive mood, or part of a sentence, is sometimes put as the nominative case to the verb ; as, '•' To swear is wicked ;" " That anij thing can exist, without existing in space, is to my mind incomprehensible," To err is human : to forgive divine. . To swear is wicked : to steal criminal. To live is desirable : to die dreadful. To excel others in loarairtg, is commendable. To die is the inevitable lot of man. To live a life of virtue, is commendable. To sleep the sleep of death, is the \o^ of man. To love our Maker, is our reasonable dutj'. That virtue will be rewarded, and vice punished, is ft doc« trine plainly taught in the bible. 20 23C ' THE AMERICAN II^STRUCTER. * PARSING LESSON XVTI. Nominative case absolute. • The general being slain, the ami}' was routed. Solution. The general being slain, being independent ott the rest of the seHience, is tiic nomiiuitive case absolute, ac- cording to Rule XXI. (Repeat the rule.) RVLE XXI. A noun or pronoun, joined with a participle, independent of a verb, fortns the nominative case absolute ; as, " The lecture being finished, tlie assembly withdrew ;" " Shame being lost, all virtue is lost.'' The rain having ceased, the nieti pursued their journey. The sun being risen, the we;)t!ier became fine. She having arrived, we retired to the country. They having departed, we proceeded towards the city. He being dismissed, they returned to the village, ' The assembly being c()nij)()sed, he resumed his- oration. They being friendly, we accomplished our object. The parliament having justified the king's conduct, the mob dispersed. PROMISCUOUS EXERCISES IN PARSING. PARSING LESSON XVIII. Hope, the balm of life, sooths the soul. Bevvare of one who has been your enemy. He cannot go wrong whom virtue guides. We should be generous but not profligate. We should prefer our duty to our jdoasurc. Keep yourself from passion ^d peevishness. They who seek wisdom, will certainly find her. Yielding to immoral pleasure, corrupts the heart. We should not practice what we blame in others. If our desires be moderate, our wants will be few. Indolence frustrates «'very design of our existence. To have goorl and kind parents, is a great blessing. Guilt often casts a damp over our sprigblliest hours. Bad as the world is, respect is always paid to virtue. Young people should reverence their parents at home, strangers when abroad, and themselves when alone. Learning is the delight of youth, the comfort of «}d age, Knd the only sure guide to honour and preferment. Thosf ar»' the be^t inslructcrs, that teach in their lives, »nd prove their woros by their actions. THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTEit. 231 They that speak without care, often remember their own words v/ith sorrow. A)iger may g?ance into the breast of a wise man, but it rests only in the bo«om of fool?. Interest speaks all sorts of langunges, and acts all manner of parts ; virtues are lost in interest, as rivers in seas. Wisdom Irads''us to speak and act what is most proper r prudence prevents our speaking or acting iniproperlj'. Virtuej corrupted with vain glory, turns to pride ; pride poisone(J with malice, becomes envy. Join, therefore, humility with your virtue, and pride shall have no footing, nor envy find an entrance. A good word is an easy obligation, but not to speak ill, Requires only our silence, which costs us nothing. A good conscience seats the mind on a rich throne of lasting quietness ; but horrour waits upon a guilty soul. Passion is a sort of fever in the mind, which always leaves us weaker than it found us. The expectation of future happiness, is the best relief of aaxious thoughts, the most perfect cure of melancholy, the guide of life, and a comfort in death. Dihgence isafair fortune, and •ftrdustry a good estate-: idle» ness wastes a man as insensibly, as industry improves him. Diligence, the handmaid of providence, is parent of intel- ligence, and the noble dispenser of excellence ; all arts and scieBces are at her command, she crowns her sons aiid 1oy«» crs with riches and honour^ The vJ^^lation of truth, is so infamous a crime, that it ought to be avoided by every one. Lying is one of the most scandalous sins that can be coai- mitted between man and man ; a crime of a deep die, and of an extensive nature, leading into innumerable sins ; for lying is practised to deceive, injure, betray, rob, and desU'oy. The luxurious live to eat and driiik : but the wise and temperate eat and drink to live. Wisdom is better without an inheritance, than an ioberi- tance without wisdom. A great fortune in the hands of a fool, is a great misfor- tune, 'llie more riches he has, the greater fool he is. True friendship is like souud health, the value of jt Is seldom known until it is lost. None are so fond of secrets', as those who do not mean to keep them ; such persons covet secrets, as a spendthrift icovets money, for the piupose of cijcujation. 232 THE AMERICAN' INSTRUCTER. . PARSING LESSON XIX. A few examples in which the same word differently situa- ted or applied, constitutes several of the parts of speech. Damp air is injurious to health. Guih sheds a dump upon our sprightliest hours. Let no disappointment damp your enterprise. Every being loves its like. The gospel makes like promises to all. I like to see every human being happy. You should acquit yourselves like men. Those that would excel, must be attentive. I wish that that idea might be forcibly impressed I wish that he would lend me that book that you sold him. I will submit, /or submission brings peace. It I?, for our health to be temperate. We all hope for happiness hereafter. Hope is the last thing that dies in man. After a calm, we may expect a storm. It is easier to prevent passion than to calm it. A calm evening often succeeds a stormy day. Still waters are commonly the deepest. We should endeavour to still the angry passions. They are still afraid, though out of all danger. Yid provided vcionoy for his journey. I will go, provided he will accompany me. It is much more blessed to give, than to receive. Much money has been expended to little purpgw* Where much is given, much will be required. The yair was numerously attended. His character is fair and honourable. The hail was very destructive. We hail you as friends and brothers. He has served them with his utmost ability. When we do our utmost, no more is required. Lnttle things appear great to little minds. Little do the gay think of the misery around them. The scholars are employed in a very useful study. The industrious scholars studt/ grammar. To-morro7o may be better weather than to-day, I read to-day, but I sh.ill write to-morrow Mind wluit is dictated by infinite wisdom. Cultivate yonr w/v^. it will render old age happy. RECAPITULATION OF THE IIUI.ES OF SVMTAX. Exercises in false Grammar annexed, adapted to the dif- ferent rules of Syntax ; to he corrected and parsed by the learner. RULE L* Articles belong to nouns which they limit or define ; aa, *' j3 book ; an apple ; th^ house ; the stars." RULE IL A noun or pronoun in the possessive case, is govc?ned by the noun it possesses ; as, " John's book ;" " Perry's victo- ry ;" " Every tree is known by its fruit." Exercises in false syntax. Moses rod v.'as turned into a serpent. If ye suffer for righteousnesses sake, happy iwe ye. Nevertheless, Asa his heart was perfect with the Lord. Thy fathers offence t^ill not condemn thee. The girls books were kept in better order tlian the boys- Wisdoms precepts are the good hoys greatest delight. A mans manner's frequently influence his fortune. RULE III. Adjectives belong to the nouns or pronouns which they qualify ; as, " A wise msn ; a great house ; he is good.'' RULE IV. The nominative case governs the verb ; as, '• Thou lor- est ; he walks ; birds sing.''" Exercises in false suT^tax. He that thinks twice before he spaak once, will speak twice the better for it.^ Is thou well ? Has thou been to town to-day ? She that art virtuous deserves esteem. ' The girls was here yesterday, but are al sent to-day. There is many occasions in life, in which silence is a mark ef true wisdom. ' * There are no corrections to be made under the I. III. VII, IX. XVI. and XVIII. Rules. 20* 2J1 Tiiri AMEIIICAN I.\fc-TRUC]-EU. KULi: V. A verb must agree whh its noininative case in number and pewson ; as, " lit; writes y the Xr^es grow." Llccnisr.s in false syntax. Thou should be more tliligent in attending to tliy studies. Fifty pounds of -wlicat contains forty poiuids of flour. Disappointments sinks the heart of man; but the renew- lil of hope give consolation. The mechanism of clocks and watches were totally un- known a few centuries ago. What avails the best sentiments, if people do not live suitably to them ? RULE VL Active verbs govern the objective case : as, " Cain smote Ahel ;" " Truth ennobles wtr." Exercises in false syntax. He that is idle and mischievous reprove sharply. The master loves thou, because thou art diligent. The man who he raised from obscurity, is dead. Whatever others do, let thou and 1 perform our duty They who opulence has made proud, and who luxury has corrupted, cannot relish the simple pleasures of nature. Who have I reason to love so much as this friend of my youth RULE vn. Every adjective pronoun belongs to some noun expressed or understood ; as, " My house ; escry tree ; these books j any book." RULE VIIL Pronouns must agree with tlieir antecedents, or the nouns they I'epresent, in gender ;uid number ; as, "■'' This is the man whom 1 love." " Thatis the vice which I hate." Exercises in false syntax. They which seek wisdom will certainly find her. The prisoners which broke jail, have returned. The exercise of reason appears as little in tiie sportsmeu, as in'the beasts whom they sometimes hunt, and by whora they are sometimes hunted. RULE IX. Participles generally relate to nouns or pronouns ; as, '* Charles loving his parents, obeyed them ;" " I saw him labouring in the field." THE AMERICAN INStRUCTER. %2& RULE X. Participles, derived from active verbs, govern the objec- tive case ; as, " Charles loving his parents^ obeyed them.'* Exercises in false syntax. Esteeming theirselves wise, they became fools. Suspecting not only we, bui they also, he was studious to avoid all intercourse. I could not avoid considering, in some degree, they as enemies to me, and thou as a suspicious friend. RULE XL Adverbs qualify verbs, participles, adjectives, and other adverbs ; as, " He wi ites elegantly /' " We heard them se- cretly contriving evil ;" " She is very beautiful ;" " He tpeaks very gracefully," Exercises in false syntax. He acted agreeable to his promise. He conducted himself very unsuitable to his professioa. She writes very neat, and spells accurate. Very industrious scholars study constant. She was exceeding careful not to give offence. He gave bountiful, but they gave sparing. He was prodigal, and his property is now near exhausted. RULE XIL Prepositions govern the objective case ; as, " He went from New-York to Boston ; " I came into the house with him. Exercises in false syntax. From he that is needy and afflicted, turn not away. I hope it is not I who they are displeased with. Does that boy know who he speaks to ? AVho does he offer such language to ? From the character of those persons who you associate with, your own will be established. Associate not thyself with those who none can speak well of What concord can subsist between those who commit crimes, and they who abhor them ? 236 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. RULE XIII. Conjunctions connect nouns and pronouns in the same case, and verbs in the same moods and tenses ; as, " They saw John and Peter ;^' " I taught hiin mid her ;" " They read and spell." Exercises in false syntax. My brother and him are tolerable grammarians. She and hiui are very unhappily ccuinected, -He invited my brother and I to see his garden. She is more fond of readiut^ than him. I esteem him, and her, and they. Peter and me will go to church to-morrow. George and him are very good writers. RULE XIV. When two or more nouns, or prononn5:, in the singular Humber, are connected by adisjunctive conjunction, the verb which agrees with them, must be in the singular number' as, " He or she writes ;" " Daniel, David, or Henry is at school," Exercises in false yi/ntax. Ignorance or negligence have caused this mistake. Knowledge or virtue are preferable to riches. His father, mother, or brother, reside at New- York. Neither prosperity nor adversity have improved them. There are many faults in spelling, which neither analogy nor pronunciation justify. Man's happiness, or miserj', arc in a great measure, put into his own hands. RULE XV. When two or more nouns, or pronouns, in the singular number, are connected by a opulative conjunction, the verb which agrees with them, must bo in tlic plural number ; as, " He and she arc dutiful ;" " Daniel, David, and Henry are at school. Exercises in fdsc 'syntax. Idleness and ignorance is the paienf of many vices. Sobriety and lumiility leads to honour. Pationcc and diligence, like faith, iciiio ves mountains. Coffee and sugar is imported from the West Indies. THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 237 In unity consists the welfare and security of every society. The inquisitive and curious is generally talkative. Religion and knowledge excels Avealth and grandeur. HiS politeness and good disposition was entirely ch; n\^od. Humility and love, whatever obscurities may involve re* ligious tenets, constitutes the essence of true religion. What signifies the counsel and care of preceptors, wlieu youth think they have no need of assistance ? RULE XVI. A verb in the infinitive mood, may be governed by a \ erb, noun, adjective, or participle ; as, " He loves to learn hi* book ;" " They have a desire to improve ;^^ " He is eager io learn •" " Endeavouring to persuade." RULE XVII. The verb to he, through all its variations, and passive verbs which signify naming, have the same case after, as before them ; as, "Zf is I, be not afraid ;" " Whom do you fancy Aim to be ;" " The child was named Thomas ;" '' Hotner h styled the prince of poets." Exercises in. false syntax, ^. I believe it to be they who raised the report. It was not me who made the noise. Whom do men say that I am ? I would act the same part, if I were him or in llis situatiott Thou art him who sold the books. He is not the person whom he appeared to be. Let him be who he may, I am not afraid of him. It might have been him, but there is no proof of it. He is not the person whom it seemed he was. If it were not him, who do you imagine it to have been. He so much resembled his brotlier, that at first sight I took it to be he. I cannot tell who has befriended me, unless it is hira. Jrora whom I have received many benefits. RULE XVIII. When a direct address is made, the noun or pronoun is in the nominative case independient ; as, " O king, live forever ;" " O house of Israel ;" "' Chibh-ni.. oh"V your pa rents ;" "O thon man of God," atid THE- AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. ' • RULE XIX. Two or more nouns signifying the same thing, are put, by apposition, in the same case ; as, " Paid the Apostle ;" " Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel." Exercises in false syntax. I gave my book to James, he who was here yesterday. The estate was left to Sinion and John, the two eldest sons, they that had been to Europe. Art thou acquainted with Clarissa the milliner, she whom tve met in our walks this morning. Augustus the Roman emperor ; him who succeeded Julius Cesar, is variously described. * This house belongs to William, the carpenter, he who built it. The money was left to David and Daniel, the two youngr- est sons, they that had been to Englaud. RULE XX. The infiiutive mood, or part of a sentence, is sometimes put as the nominative case to the verb ; as, " To swear is wicked ;" " That any thing can exist, without eiisting in space, is to my mind' incomprehensible " Exercises in false syntax. To do unto all men, as we would that they, in similar cir- cumstances, should do unto us, constitute the great principle of virtue. From a fear of the world's censure, to be ashiuued of the practice of precepts which the heart approves and embraces, mark a feeble and imj)crfect character. RULE XXT. A nouu or pronoun, joined witli a li-uiiiiple, indcprndf-n! of a verb, forms the nominative r.ise al)suliite ; as, " The lecture being finished, the os<(juibi!y withdrew ;"' " Shame being lost, all virtue is lost.'' Exercises in false synljx. » Him having f'ndcd his disooifrso,^thp assembly dispersed. Them being willing to imj):ove, the ■^tudy was rendere(^ agreeable '-. , They were all more or loss censurublo, her only excepted; jvho was very civcninsj)(Vc». ir. in-r conn'iirt. 0ecHon. Pagt- 1. Observatfofts on rash judgment. - - 16 2. Monosyllables. .... - • li 3. The diligent Scholar. - - . - - - f23 4. Reflectiona on Sua-set. ... . - 24 5. Select Scntenceg. . - - - . - - 26 6. Monosyllables continued. ~ - - - - 26 7. MonitioiT to Children. -■ - - - - 30 8. The Vill.'.ge Grsen. • - . ^ .. . - 33 9. To a Child five years old. - - - - 33 JO. Monosyllahleo continued. - - - - - 33 11. On Reading. - - - - - - 39 12. Mankind ate dependant on rach other. - 41 13. .\ddre.?s from a Teacher to hi.s Pupils, oa the usefulness of learning-. - - - - - - - 41 34. Monosyllables continued. - - - - - 44 J6. 1'hc danger of keeping- Bad Corapany. - - 48 16. True Pleasure, - - - - - - 50 17. Life is a flower. .... - 51 18. Mono.svllables continued. ... -52 19. Mortality. .....,., 55 . 20. immortalitv. ... . . - 5fl 21. Health. " . . . . - - b'l 22. Words of two syllables, accented on the first. - - 68 23. Description of the Sloth. - - - - 651 24. The Sluggard. - - - - - - 64 25. On Earl/Kising. - - - - - - 64 26. Words of two syllables, Bcccrited on the first ; Continued. 65 27. .\u Address to Parents. - - - - - 69 28. Rich and Pour. ...... 79 29. Select Sentences. ... . - - 71 30. Words cf tv/o syllables, accented on the first ; Coniiiiued. 73 31. The Clo.se of Life. - - - • - 77 32. The Funeral. ... . . . 79 33. The Rose, - . - . . - - 80 34. Words of two svllable.t, accented on the fust ; Continued. 80 36. An Address to Youth. . - . . - 86 36. A view of the Starry Heavens. - - - 87 37- Words of two syllriblcs, accented on the first; Continued. 88 38. Cleanliness. - - - . - - 93 39. Honour. .- . . ,. .94 40. VVords of two syllables, accented on the first; Continued. 96 41. On bridling the tongue. - - . . . , . JOO 42. An Indian kino-'s advice to his Son. ^ - - - 102 43. Words t)f two syllables, .accented on th'e second. - 103 44. The Pupil's address to his. School Cbropaaions. - - 108 45. The fall of the Leaf. - - - - - 109 46. The Cuckoo . - . ... 1]0 47. Heavenly Wisdosa. - - - - - 110 48. tVorda of two syllables, accented on the second ; Continued. Ill 49 Drunkenness. - v , - . < . . . - 117 CONTENT?!. fkction. y^ ^"gf- 6(). RavaiTCS of Dlssipalion. - • - - ng 61. Description o! a Battlf!. - - 119 62. Words of three syllables, accented on the first. ' 121 63. Filial Affection and Intrepidity. Stovy of Volney Beckner, who was devoured by a Shark, at the age of twelve yeais. 126 64. Divine Providence. - . - . . 129 66. Words of three syllables, accented on the first ; Continued. 131 56. Modesty. ------ 136 57. The pleasures resulting from a proper use of our faculties. 137 58 Words of three syllables, accented on the first ; Continued. 138 ft!>. Select Sentenc'e-s. . . - . , 143 60. Winter. — A Season for remembering the Poor. - 146 61. Friendship. --..-. 145 62. Words of throe syllables, accented on the second. - 147 63. On the .Animal World, and the Scale of Beings. - 151 64. On Profane Cursing and Sweating. - . - 153 66. Words of three syllables accented on the second; Continued. Ifi4 66. On Procrastination. ..... jgQ 67. Woman. - - - - - • - 162 68. Words of three syllables, accented on the third. - - 163 69. AVords oi four syllaDles, accented on the first. - 166 70. Agriculture. " - - . - - 168 71. Extract from a Poem, entitled, " Agriculture, or Happy Aniorican Farmer." . ' - . . I7O 72. Words of four syllables, accented on the second. - - 171 73. The Wisdom of Pi ovidencc displayed in the Seasons. - 178 74. Advice to Youtti on decent Behaviour. - - - 179 In. Words of four syllables, accented on the third. - - 182 76. vviiiijip-. . - . . . . - 186 77. On saying too much. - - ... 186 73. Words of five syllables, accented on the second. - - 188 79. Words of fivf syllables, accented on the third. - - 190 80. What is time .^' - - - - - - 192 81. Youth. - - - . . - . 193 K2. Night. ... . . - . 194 83. Wotrls of five syllables, accented on the fourth. - - 196 t!4. \Vords of si.x, si-von, and eight syllables. - - • 196 8.5. The Fourth of .Inly. - -a - - 198 f 6. Ode fur the Fourth of .fuly. - . . . 200 An Abi idginent of Euglisli Grammar. - - - 201 Of Articles. - - - - - - - 201 OfNoi-.ns. - - ... . . 202 Of Adjectives. .... . . 205 lOf i'ronouns. .... . . 207 or Verbs. - - .... - 208 Of PaMiriphs. - - - - - 212 Of .'\dv(Mb.^. - - - ... 213 Of Prcpo^sitions. ...... 216 Of Coi<junr(i(ins and interjection';. [' . 215 Exercises in false <i;;imniar. - - 233 LtSJtll<<J«l .^ i UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. I r' 2 mm DEC ^5 Tl: VI AR 2 7 1952 MAR 1 5 1956 0^^ 2.^Vli^ Form L9-i:r)»(.9,'47(A5(il8)414 "Ur-i . - 'OiiiSiA LO^ AxNi^iiLJSS L 007 626 244 3 FACILITY AA 000 354 003 J