m 'of if ■M PiwIB m AN ENGLISH GRAMMAR 7 AN ENGLISH GRAMMAR: COMPREHENDING THE PRINCIPLES AND RULES OE THE LANGUAGE, ILLUSTRATES BY APPROPRIATE EXERCISES, AND A KEY TO THE EXERCISES. BY LINDLEY MURRAY. " They who are learning to compose and arrange their sentences with accuracy and order, are learning, at the same time, to think with accuracy and order." — Blair. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOLUME II. THE EIGHTH EDITION. LONDON: LONGMAN, BKOWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS. 1853. ,', ,>' > ■.'■■■ ^"* > > ADVERTISEMENT TO VOL. II. CC THIS VOLUME COMPREHENDS, cc CO m First, Exercises adapted to the various Rules; Secondly, a Key to the Exercises; AND Thirdly, a Copious Alphabetical hidex to the whole work. in -> -> In The Exercises and Key form practical illustra- tions, both of the principles, and the most important notes and observations, contained in the first 'f, volume. The correspondence between the two J volumes has been so carefully marked, that the oc reader will have no difficulty in comparing every Rule in the first, with its appropriate Exercise and Key in the second. In this comparison, he will always find a variety of exemplification, and, in many instances, extended views of the subject. These examples supersede the necessity of a great number of minute, subordinate rules. O 6 ADVEETISEMENT. In forming the Alphabetical Index, the design of the author was not merely to assist the student in readily discovering particular points of Grammar; but also to express the most important principles of the art, in short, comprehensive, and striking sen- tences, calculated to stimulate the learner's curiosity, and to impress the subjects more deeply on his memory. In a word, the author was desirous that the work should at once form an Index to parti- culars, and an Epitome of the chief rules and prin- ciples of the language. CONTENTS. PART I. EXEECISES IN PARSING. Page Chap. 1. Exercises in Parsing, as it respects Etymology alone ... ... ... ... ... 13 2. Exercises in Parsing, as it respects both Etymo- logy and Syntax ... ... ... ... 2G PART II. EXERCISES IN ORTHOGRAPHY. Chap. 1. Instances of false Orthography, arranged under the respective Rules ... ... ... ... 53 2. Instances of false Orthography, promiscuously disposed ... ... ... ... ... 61 PART III. EXERCISES IN SYNTAX. Chap. 1. Instances of false Syntax, disposed under the particular Rules ... ... ... ... 77 2. Instances of false Syntax, promiscuously disposed 143 8 CONTENTS. PAET IV. EXERCISES IN PUNCTUATION. Page Chap. 1. Sentences which require the application of the Comma, disposed under the particular Rules 165 2. Sentences which require the insertion of the Semicolon and Comma ... ... ... 177 3. Sentences requiring the application of the Colon, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 179 4. Sentences which require the insertion of the Period, &c. ... ... ... ... 181 J. Sentences requiring the application of the Dash ; of the Notes of Interrogation and Exclama- tion ; and of the Parenthetical characters ... 183 G. Promiscuous instances of defective Punctuation . 185 PAET V. EXERCISES TO PROMOTE PEESPICUOUS AND ACCURATE WRITING. First, with respect to Single Words and Phrases. Chap. 1 . Violations of the Rules of Purity ... ... 199 2. Violations of the Rules of Propriety ... ... 202 3. Violations of the Rules of Precision ... ... 212 CONTENTS. Secondly, with respect to the Construction of Sentences. Page Chap. 1. Sentences in which the Rules of Clearness are violated ... ... ... ... ... 214 2. Sentences in which the Rules of Unity are violated ... ... ... ... ... 222 3. Sentences in which the Rules for promoting the Strength of a Sentence are violated ... 22G 4. Instances of an irregular use of Figures of Speech 240 5. Violations of the Rules respecting perspicuous and accurate writing, promiscuously disposed 243 APPENDIX. Chap. 1. On transposing the members of a sentence ... 259 2. On variety of expression ... ... ... 264 Contents to the Key, see page ... -.. 277 EXERCISES. PART I. EXERCISES IN PARSING. CHAPTER L EXERCISES IN PARSING, AS IT RESPECTS ETYMOLOGY ALONE. SECTION I. ETYMOLOGICAL PARSING TABLE. What part of speech? 1. An article. What kind? Why? 2. A substantive. Common or proper? What gender? Number? Case? Why? 3. An adjective. What degree of comparison? To what does it belong? Why an adjective? 4. A pronoun. What kind? Person? Gender? Num- ber? Case? Why? 5. A verb. What kind? Mood? Tense? Number? Person? Why? If a participle, why? Active or passive? 6. An adverb. Why is it an adverb? 7. A preposition. Why a preposition ? 8. A conjunction. What kind? Why is it a con- junction? 9. An interjection. Why? 1 4 EXERCISES. SECTION II. SPECIMENS OP ETYMOLOGICAL PARSING. " Hope animates us." Hope is a common substantive of the third per- son, in the singular number, and the nominative case. [Decline the substantive] Animates is a re- gular verb active, indicative mood, present tense, third person singular. [Repeat the present tense, the imperfect tense, and the perfect participle ; and some- times conjugate the verb entirely.] Us is a personal pronoun, first person plural, and in the objective case. [Decline the pronoun.] " A peaceful mind is virtue's reward." A is the indefinite article. Peaceful is an adjec- tive. [Repeat the degrees of comparison.] Mind is a common substantive, of the third person, in the singular number, and the nominative case. [Decline the substantive] Is is an irregular verb neuter, in- dicative mood, present tense, and the third person singular. [Repeat the present tense, the imperfect tense, and the participle ; and occasionally conjugate the verb entirely] Virtue's is a common substantive, of the third person, in the singular number, and the possessive case, [Decline the substantive.] Reward is a common substantive, of the third person, in the singular number, and the nominative case. PARSING. 15 " Deliberate slowly, but execute promptly." Deliberate is a regular verb neuter, in the im- perative mood, and of the second person singular. Slowly is an adverb. But is a conjunction. Exe- cute is a regular verb active, in the imperative mood, and of the second person singular. Promptly is an adverb. " We should give to them that ash, and are in need." We is a personal pronoun, of the first person, the plural number, and in the nominative case. [Decline the pronoun.'] Should give is an irregular verb active, in the potential mood, the imperfect tense, and the first person plural. To is a pre- position. Them is a personal pronoun, of the third persou, the plural number, and in the objective case. That is a relative pronoun. Ash is a regular verb active, indicative mood, present tense, third person plural. And is a copulative conjunction. Are is an irregular verb neuter. In is a preposi- tion. Need is a common substantive, of the neuter gender, the third person, and in the singular number. " O virtue! how amiable thou art !" is an interjection. Virtue is a common sub- stantive, of the neuter gender, of the third person, in the singular number, and the nominative case. How is an adverb. Amiable is an adjective. Thou is a personal pronoun, of the second person, the singular number, and in the nominative case. [Decline the pronoun.] Art is an irregular verb neuter, indicative mood, present tense, and the second person singular. 1 G EXERCISES. SECTION III. EXAMPLES OF ALL THE PARTS OF SPEECH, OF THE CASES OF NOUNS AND PRONOUNS, THE COMPARISON OF ADJECTIVES, AND THE MOODS AND TENSES OF VERBS. 1. Article, Substantive, Adjective, Pronoun, and Verb. A fragrant flower. Prepare your lessons. The verdant fields. Let us improve ourselves. Peaceful abodes. They may offend. Fruit delicious. I can forgive. A happier life. He might surpass them. A better world. We could overtake him. The sweetest incense. I would be happy. The noblest prospect. You should repent. Virtue's fair form. He may have succeeded. The good man's hope. He might have failed. An affectionate parent. We should have considered. An obedient son. To see the sun is pleasant, Charles is disinterested. To have conquered him- You respect him. self was a high praise. We completed our work. Promoting others' good, Your hope has failed. we advance our own. He had resigned himself. He lives respected. Their fears will prevail. Having resigned his of- You shall submit. fice, he retired. He will have determined. They are discouraged. We shall have agreed. He was condemned. Let me depart. We have been rewarded. Do you instruct him. She had been admired. PARSING. 17 Virtue will be rewarded. The person will have been executed, when the pardon arrives. Let him be animated. Be you entreated. It can be enlarged. You may be discovered. He might be convinced. It would be caressed. I may have been de- ceived. He might have been lost. To be trusted, we must be virtuous. To have been admired, availed him little. Being reviled, we bless. Ridiculed, despised, per- secuted, he maintain- ed his principles. Having been deserted, he became discouraged. The sight being new, he startled. Our hearts are deceitful. His esteem is my honour. Every heart knows its own sorrows. Which was his work? Hers is done, mine is not. Who can help us? Whose books are these? One may deceive one's self. 2. ADVERB, PREPOSITION, CONJUNCTION, AND INTERJECTION. I have seen him once, perhaps twice. Thirdly, and lastly, I shall conclude. This plant is found here, and elsewhere. Only to-day is properly ours. VOL. II. The task is already per- formed. We could not serve him then, but we will here- after. He is much more pro- mising now than for- merly. B -j-" ; * 18 EXERCISES. We often resolve, but seldom perform. We are wisely and hap- pily directed. He has certainly been diligent, and he will probably succeed. Mentally and bodily, we are curiously and won- derfully formed. They travelled through France, in haste, to- wards Italy. From virtue to vice, the progress is gradual. By diligence and fru- gality, we arrive at competency. We are often below our wishes, and above our desert. Some things make for him, others against him. By this imprudence, he was plunged into new difficulties. Without the aid of charity, he supported himself with credit. On all occasions, she be- haved with propriety. We in vain look for a path between virtue and vice. He lives within his in- come. The house was sold at a great price, and above its value. She came down stairs slowly, but went brisk- ly up again. His father, and mother, and uncle, reside at Rome. We must be temperate, if we would be healthy. He is as old as his class- mate, but not so learned. Charles is esteemed, be- cause he is both dis- creet and benevolent. We will stay till he ar- rives. He retires to rest soon, that he may rise early. We ought to be thankful, for we have received much. PARSING. 19 Though he is often ad- vised, yet he does not reform. Reproof either softens, or hardens its object. Neither prosperity, nor adversity, has improv- ed him. He can acquire no virtue, unless he make some sacrifices. Let him that standeth, take heed lest he fall. He will be detected, though he deny the fact. If he has promised, he should act accordingly. If he were encouraged, he would amend. Though he condemn me, I will respect him. Their talents are more brilliant than useful. Notwithstanding his po- verty, he is a wise and worthy person. If our desires are mo- derate, our wants will be few. Hope often amuses, but seldom satisfies us. Though he is lively, yet he is not volatile. peace! how desirable thou art ! 1 have been often occu- pied, alas! with trifles. Strange ! that we should be so infatuated. ! the humiliations to which vice reduces us. Hark ! how sweetly the woodlark sings ! Ah ! the delusions of hope. Beli old ! how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Hail, simplicity ! source of genuine joy. Welcome again ! my long lost friend. 20 EXEKCTSES. SECTION IV. A FEW INSTANCES OF THE SAME WORDS CONSTITUTING SEVERAL OF THE PARTS OF SPEECH. Calm was the day, and the scene delightful. We may expect a calm after a storm. To prevent passion, is easier than to calm it. Better is a little with content, than a great deal with anxiety. The gay and dissolute think little of the mise- ries, which are stealing softly after them. A little attention will rectify some errors. Though he is out of dan- ger, he is still afraid. He laboured to still the tumult. Still waters are common- ly deepest. Fair and softly go far. The fair was numerously attended. His character is fair and honourable. Damp air is unwhole- some. Guilt often casts a damp over our sprightliest hours. Soft bodies damp the sound, much more than hard ones. Tho' she is rich and fair, yet she is not amiable. They are yet young, and must suspend their judgment yet a while. Many persons are better than we suppose them to be. The few and the many have their preposses- sions. Few days pass Avithout some clouds. The hail was very de- structive. Hail virtue! source of every good. We hail you as friends. PAUSING. 21 Much money is corrupt- ing. Think much, and speak little. He has seen much of the world, and been much caressed. His years are more than hers; but he has not more knowledge. The more we are blessed, the more grateful we should be. The desire of getting more is rarely satis- fied. He has equal knowledge, but inferior judgment. She is his inferior in sense, but his equal in prudence. Every being loves its like. We must make a like space between the lines. Behave yourselves like men. We are too apt to like pernicious company. He may go or stay as he likes. They strive to learn. He goes to and fro. To his wisdom we owe our privilege. The proportion is ten to one. He has served them with his utmost ability. When we do our utmost, no more is required. I will submit, for I know submission brings peace. It is for our health to be temperate. ! for better times. 1 have a regard for him. He is esteemed, both on his own account, and on that of his parents. Both of them deserve praise. Yesterday was a fine day. I rode out yesterday. I shall write to-morrow. To-morrow may be brighter than to-day. 22 EXERCISES. SECTION V. PROMISCUOUS EXERCISES IN ETYMOLOGICAL PARSING. In your whole behaviour, be humble and ob- liging. Virtue is the universal charm. True politeness has its seat in the heart. We should endeavour to please, rather than to shine and dazzle. Opportunities occur daily for strengthening in ourselves the habits of virtue. Compassion prompts us to relieve the wants of others. A good mind is unwilling to give pain to either man or beast. Peevishness and passion often produce, from trifles, the most serious mischiefs. Discontent often nourishes passions, equally malignant in the cottage and in the palace. A great proportion of human evils is created by ourselves. A passion for revenge, has always been considered as the mark of a little and mean mind. If greatness flatters our vanity, it multiplies our dangers. To our own failings we are commonly blind. The friendships of young persons, are often found- ed on capricious likings. PARSING. 23 In your youthful amusements, let no unfairness be found. Engrave on your minds this sacred rule : " Do unto others, as you wish that they should do unto you." Truth and candour possess a powerful charm: they bespeak universal favour. After the first departure from sincerity, it is sel- dom in our power to stop: one artifice generally leads on to another. Temper the vivacity of youth, with a proper mix- ture of serious thought. The spirit of true religion is social, kind, and cheerful. Let no compliance with the intemperate mirth of others, ever betray you into profane sallies. In preparing for another world, we must not neglect the duties of this life. The manner in which we employ our pre- sent time, may decide our future happiness or misery. Happiness does not grow up of its own accord : it is the fruit of long cultivation, and the acquisition of labour and care. A plain understanding is often joined with great worth. The brightest parts are sometimes found without virtue or honour. How feeble are the attractions of the fairest form, when nothing within corresponds to them ! 24 EXEECISES. Piety and virtue are particularly graceful and becoming in youth. Can we, untouched by gratitude, view that pro- fusion of good, which the Divine hand pours around us? There is nothing in human life more amiable and respectable, than the character of a truly humble and benevolent man. What feelings are more uneasy and distress- ful, than the workings of sour and angry pas- sions? No man can be active in disquieting others, who does not, at the same time, disquiet him- self. A life of pleasure and dissipation, is an enemy to health, fortune, and character. To correct the spirit of discontent, let us con- sider how little we deserve, and how much we enjoy. As far as happiness is to be found on earth, we must look for it, not in the world, or the things of the world ; but within ourselves, in our temper, and in our heart. Though bad men attempt to turn virtue into ridicule, they honour it at the bottom of their hearts. Of what small moment to our real happiness, are many of those injuries which draw forth our resentment ! In the moments of eager contention, every thing is magnified and distorted in its appearance. PAESING. 25 Multitudes in the most obscure stations, are not less eager in their petty broils, nor less tormented by their passions, than if princely honours were the prize for which they contend. The smooth stream, the serene atmosphere, the mild zephyr, are the proper emblems of a gentle temper, and a peaceful life. Among the sons of strife, all is loud and tempestuous. CHAPTEE II. EXERCISES IN PARSING, AS IT RESPECTS BOTH ETYMOLOGY AND SYNTAX. SECTION I. SYNTACTICAL PARSING TABLE. Article. Why is it the definite article? Why the indefinite? Why omitted? Why repeated? Substantive. Why is it in the possessive case? Why in the objective case? Why in apposition? Why is the apostrophic s omitted ? Adjective. What is its substantive ? Why in the singular, why in the plu- ral number? Why in the comparative degree, &c. ? Why placed after its substantive ? Why omitted? Why repeated? Pronoun. What is its antecedent ? Why is it in the singular, why in the plural number? Why of the masculine, why of the fe- minine, why of the neuter gender ? Why of the first, of the second, or of the third person? PAESING. 27 Why is it the nominative case? Why the possessive? Why the objective? Why omitted? Why repeated? Verb. What is its nominative case? What case does it govern? Why is it in the singular, why in the plural number? Why in the first person, &c? Why is it in the infinitive mood? Why in the subjunctive, &c? Why in this particular tense? What relation has it to another verb, in point of time? Why do participles sometimes govern the objective case? Why is the verb omitted ? Why repeated ? Adverb. What is its proper situation? Why is the double negative used? Why rejected? Preposition. What case does it govern? Which is the word governed? Why this preposition? Why omitted? Why repeated? Conjunction. What moods, tenses, or cases, does it connect? And why? What mood does it require? Why omitted? Why repeated? Interjection. Why does the nominative case follow it ? Why the objective? Why omitted? Why repeated? 28 EXERCISES. SECTION II. SPECIMENS OF SYNTACTICAL PARSING. " Vice degrades us." Vice is a common substantive, of the neuter gender, the third person, in the singular number, and the nominative case. Degrades is a regular verb active, indicative mood, present tense, third person singular; agreeing with its nominative " vice," according to rule i., which says, &c. (here repeat the rule.) Us is a personal pronoun, first person plural, in the objective case; governed by the active verb " degrades," agreeably to rule xl, which says, &c. " He who lives virtuously, prepares for all events." He is a personal pronoun, of the third person, singular number, and masculine gender. Who is a relative pronoun, which has for its antecedent 'he;" with which it agrees in gender and number, according to rule v., which says, &c. Lives is a regular verb neuter, indicative mood, present tense, third person singular; agreeing with its nominative "who," according to rule vl, which says, &c. Virtuously is an adverb of quality. Prepares is a regular verb neuter, indicative mood, present tense, third person singular; agreeing with its nominative " he." For is a preposition. All is an adjective pronoun, of the indefinite kind, the plural number, and belongs to its substantive "events;" with TARSING. 29 which it agrees, according to rule viii., which says, &c. Events is a common substantive, of the neuter gender, the third person, in the plural number, and the objective case; governed by the preposition " for," according to rule xvil, which says, &c. " If folly entice thee, reject its allurements." If is a copulative conjunction. Folly is a com- mon substantive, of the neuter gender, the third person, in the singular number, and the nomina- tive case. Entice is a regular verb active, sub- junctive mood, present tense, third person singular; and is governed by the conjunction "if," accord- ing to rule xix., which says, etc. Thee is a personal pronoun, of the second person singular, in the objective case; governed by the active verb "entice," agreeably to rule xl, which says, <&c. Reject is a regular active verb, imperative mood, second person singular; and agrees with its nominative case " thou," implied. Its is a per- sonal pronoun, third person, singular number, and of the neuter gender ; to agree with its substantive "folly," according to rule v., which says, &c. It is in the possessive case, governed by the noun "allurements," agreeably to rule x., which says, &c. Allurements is a common substantive, of the neuter gender, the third person, in the plural number, and the objective case; governed by the active verb " reject," according to rule xl, which says, &c. 30 EXEECISES. SECTION III. EXERCISES ON THE FIRST, SECOND, THIRD, AND FOURTH RULES OF SYNTAX.* 1. The contented mind spreads ease and cheer- fulness around it. The school of experience teaches many useful lessons. In the path of life are many thorns, as well as flowers. Thou shouldst do justice to all men, even to enemies. 2. Vanity and presumption ruin many a promis- ing youth. Food, clothing, and credit, are the rewards of industry. He and William live together in great harmony. 3. No age, nor condition, is exempt from trouble. Wealth, or virtue, or any valuable acquisition, is not attainable by idle wishes. 4. The British nation is great and generous. The company is assembled. It is composed of persons possessing very different sentiments. A herd of cattle, peacefully grazing, affords a pleasing sight. * In parsing these exercises, the pupil should repeat the respective Rule of Syntax, and show that it applies to the sentence which he is parsing. PASSING. 31 SECTION IV. EXERCISES ON THE FIFTH, SIXTH, SEVENTH, AND EIGHTH RULES OF SYNTAX. 5. The man, who is faithfully attached to reli- gion, may be relied on with confidence. The vices which we should especially avoid, are those which most easily beset us. 6. They who are born in high stations, are not always happy. Our parents and teachers are the persons whom we ought, in a particular manner, to respect. If our friend is in trouble, we, whom he knows and loves, may console him. 7. Thou art the man who has improved his pri- vileges, and who will reap the reward. I am the person, who owns a fault committed, and who disdains to conceal it by falsehood. 8. That sort of pleasure weakens and debases the mind. Even in these times, there are many persons, who, from disinterested motives, are solicitous to promote the happiness of others. 32 EXERCISES. SECTION V. EXERCISES ON THE NINTH, TENTH, ELEVENTH, AND TWELFTH RULES OF SYNTAX. 9. The restless, discontented person, is not a good friend, a good neighbour, or a good subject. The young, the healthy, and the prosperous, should not presume on their advantages. 10. The scholar's diligence will secure the tutor's approbation. The good parent's greatest joy, is, to see his children wise and virtuous. 11. Wisdom and virtue ennoble us. Vice and folly debase us. Whom can we so justly love, as them who have endeavoured to make us wise and happy? 12. When a person has nothing to do, he is almost always tempted to do wrong. We need not urge Charles to do good ; he loves to do it. We dare not leave our studies without permis- sion. PARSING. 33 SECTION VI. EXERCISES ON THE THIRTEENTH, FOURTEENTH, FIFTEENTH, SIXTEENTH, AND SEVENTEENTH RULES OF SYNTAX. 13. The business is, at last, completed; but long ago I intended to do it. I expected to see the king, before he left Windsor. The misfortune did happen ; but we early hoped and endeavoured to prevent it. To have been censured by so judicious a friend, would have greatly discouraged me. 14. Having early disgraced himself, he became mean and dispirited. Knowing him to be my superior, I cheerfully submitted. 15. We should always prepare for the worst, and hope for the best. A young man, so learned and virtuous, promises to be a very useful member of society. When our virtuous friends die, they are not lost for ever : they are only gone before us to a happier world. 16. Neither threatenings, nor promises, could make him violate the truth. Charles is not insincere; and therefore we may trust him. VOL. II. c 34 EXERCISES. 17. From whom was that information received? To whom do that house, and those fine gardens, belong? SECTION VII. EXERCISES ON THE EIGHTEENTH, NINETEENTH, TWENTIETH, TWENTY- FIRST, AND TWENTY-SECOND RULES OF SYNTAX. 18. He and I commenced our studies at the same time. If we contend about trifles, and violently main- tain our opinion, we shall gain but few friends. 19. Though James and myself are rivals, we do not cease to be friends. If Charles acquire knowledge, good manners, and virtue, he will secure esteem. William is respected, because he is upright and obliging. 20. These persons are abundantly more oppressed than we are. Though I am not so good a scholar as he is, I am, perhaps, not less attentive than he to study. 21. Charles was a man of knowledge, learning:, politeness, and religion. In our travels we saw much to approve, and much to condemn. PAESING. 35 22. The book is improved by many useful cor- rections, alterations, and additions. She is more talkative and lively than her bro- ther, but not so well informed, nor so uniformly cheerful. SECTION VIII. PROMISCUOUS EXERCISES IN SYNTACTICAL PARSING. THOSE. Dissimulation in youth, is the forerunner of perfidy in old age. Its first appearance is the fatal omen of growing depravity, and future shame. If we possess not the power of self-government, we shall be the prey of every loose inclination that chances to arise. Pampered by continual indul- gence, all our passions will become mutinous and headstrong. Desire, not reason, will be the ruling principle of our conduct. Absurdly we spend our time in contending about the trifles of a day, while we ought to be preparing for a higher existence. How little do they know of the true happiness of life, who are strangers to that intercourse of good offices and kind affections, which, by a pleasing charm, attaches men to one another, and circulates rational enjoyment from heart to heart ! If we view ourselves, with all our imperfections and failings, in a just light, we shall rather be sur- prised at our enjoying so many good things, than discontented, because there are any which we want. 36 EXERCISES. True cheerfulness makes a man happy in himself, and promotes the happiness of all around him. It is the clear and calm sunshine of a mind illuminated by piety and virtue. Wherever views of interest, and prospects of re- turn, mingle with the feelings of affection, sensibility acts an imperfect part, and entitles us to small share of commendation. Let not your expectations from the years that are to come, rise too high; and your disappointments will be fewer, and more easily supported. To live long, ought not to be our favourite wish, so much as to live well. By continuing too long on earth, we might only live to witness a greater number of melancholy scenes, and to expose our- selves to a wider compass of human wo. How many pass away some of the most valu- able years of their lives, tossed in a whirlpool of what cannot be called pleasure, so much as mere giddiness and folly ! Look round you with attentive eye, and weigh characters well, before you connect yourselves too closely with any who court your society. The true honour of man consists not in the multitude of riches, or the elevation of rank; for experience shows, that these may be possessed by the worthless, as well as by the deserving. Beauty of form has often betrayed its possessor. The flower is easily blasted. It is shortlived at the best; and trifling, at any rate, in comparison with the higher and more lasting beauties of the mind. PARSING. 37 A contented temper opens a clear sky, and brightens every object around us. It is in the sullen and dark shade of discontent, that noxious passions, like venomous animals, breed and prey upon the heart. Thousands whom indolence has sunk into con- temptible obscurity, might have come forward to usefulness and honour, if idleness had not frustrated the effects of all their powers. Sloth is like the slowly-flowing, putrid stream, which stagnates in the marsh, breeds venomous animals, and poisonous plants; and infects with pestilential vapours the whole country round it. Disappointments derange, and overcome, vulgar minds. The patient and the wise, by a proper im- provement, frequently make them contribute to their high advantage. Whatever fortune may rob us of, it cannot take away what is most valuable, the peace of a good conscience, and the cheering prospect of a happy con- clusion to all the trials of life, in a better world. Be not overcome by the injuries you meet with, so as to pursue revenge; by the disasters of life, so as to sink into despair ; by the evil examples of the world, so as to follow them into sin. Overcome injuries, by forgiveness; disasters, by fortitude; evil examples, by firmness of principle. Sobriety of mind is one of those virtues, which the present condition of human life strongly incul- cates. The uncertainty of its enjoyments, checks presumption ; the multiplicity of its dangers, de- 1 38 EXEKCISES, mands perpetual caution. Moderation, vigilance, and self-government, are duties incumbent on all; but especially on such as are beginning the journey of life. The charms and comforts of virtue are inexpres- sible; and can only be justly conceived by those who possess her. The consciousness of Divine ap- probation and support, and the steady hope of future happiness, communicate a peace and joy, to which all the delights of the world bear no re- semblance. If we knew how much the pleasures of this life, deceive and betray their unhappy votaries ; and reflected on the disappointments in pursuit, the dissatisfaction in enjoyment, or the uncertainty of possession, which every where attend them: we should cease to be enamoured with these brittle and transient joys; and should wisely fix our hearts on those virtuous attainments, which the world can neither give nor take away. POETRY. Order is Heaven's first law : and this confess'd, Some are, and must be, greater than the rest, More rich, more wise ; but who infers from hence, That such are happier, shocks all common sense. Needful austerities our wills restrain; As thorns fence in the tender plant from harm. PARSING. 39 Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, Lie in three words, health, peace, and competence But health consists with temperance alone ; And peace, O virtue ! peace is all thy own. On earth naught precious is obtain'd, But what is painful too ; By travel and to travel born, Our Sabbaths are but few. Who noble ends by noble means obtains, Or failing, smiles in exile or in chains, Like good Aurelius let him reign, or bleed Like Socrates, that man is great indeed. Our hearts are fasten'd to this world By strong and endless ties ; But ev'ry sorrow cuts a string, And urges us to rise. Oft pining cares in rich brocades are dress'd, And diamonds glitter on an anxious breast. Teach me to feel another's wo, To hide the fault I see ; That mercy I to others show, That mercy show to me. This day be bread, and peace, my lot : All else beneath the sun, Thou know'st if best bestow'd or not, And let thy will be done. 40 EXEECISES. Vice is a monster of so frightful ruien, As, to be hated, needs but to be seen : Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace. If nothing more than purpose in thy pow'r, Thy purpose firm, is equal to the deed : Who does the best his circumstance allows, Does well, acts nobly ; angels could no more. In faith and hope the world will disagree ; But all mankind's concern is charity. To be resign'd when ills betide, Patient when favours are denied, And pleased with favours given; Most surely this is Wisdom's part, This is that incense of the heart, Whose fragrance smells to Heaven. All fame is foreign, but of true desert ; Plays round the head, but comes not to the heart : One self-approving hour whole years outweighs Of stupid starers, and of loud huzzas ; And more true joy Marcellus exiled feels, Than Cesar with a senate at his heels. Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife, Their sober wishes never learn'd to stray; Along the cool sequester'd vale of life, They kept the noiseless tenour of their way, PAESING. 4 1 What nothing earthly gives, or can destroy, The soul's calm sunshine, and the heartfelt joy, Is virtue's prize. Pity the sorrows of a poor old man, Whose trembling limbs have borne him to your door, Whose days are dwindled to the shortest span : Oh! give relief, and Heaven will bless your store. Who lives to nature, rarely can be poor : Who lives to fancy, never can be rich. When young, life's journey I began, The glitt'ring prospect charm'd my eyes; I saw, along th' extended plain, Joy after joy successive rise. But soon I found 'twas all a dream : And learn'd the fond pursuit to shun, Where few can reach the purposed aim, And thousands daily are undone. ' Tis greatly wise to talk with our past hours ; And ask them, what report they bore to Heaven. All nature is but art unknown to thee; All chance, direction which thou canst not see; A 11 discord, harmony not understood ; All partial evil, universal good. Heaven's choice is safer than o\ir own : Of ages past inquire, What the most formidable fate ; " To have our own desire." 42 EXEECISES. SECTION IX. MODE OF VERBALLY CORRECTING ERRONEOUS SENTENCES. * When all the Exercises have been regularly corrected, in writing, it would tend to perfect the student's knowledge of the Rules, and to give him an habitual dexterity in applying them, if he were occasionally to correct, verbally, erroneous sen- tences purposely selected from different parts of the book; to recite the rules by which they are governed; and, in his own language, to detail the reasons on which the corrections are founded. The following examples will afford some idea of the manner in which the verbal corrections are to be made. They may also serve to give a radical knowledge of some of the principal Rules of Syntax. " The man is prudent which speaks little." This sentence is incorrect; because which is a pronoun of the neuter gender, and does not agree in gender with its antecedent man, which is mas- culine. But a pronoun should agree with its * If any student wishes to see a general guide, and set of directions, respecting the mode of Parsing, and using the Exercises, from the com- mencement to the conclusion of his grammatical studies, he may find them at pages 9, 10, and 11, of the English Exercises in Duodecimo. They are not, in all respects, adapted to the Octavo edition of the Grammar, and the objects which the Author has in view. Though the Key to the Exercises will be found, in many instances, of considerable use, and sometimes indispensable, it should, on no occasion, be consulted, till the sentence which is to be rectified, has been well con- sidered, and has received the student's best correction. PAKSING. 43 antecedent in gender, &c, according to the fifth Rule of Syntax. Which should therefore be who, a relative pronoun, agreeing with its antecedent man; and the sentence should stand thus: "The man is prudent who speaks little." " After I visited Europe, I returned to America." This sentence is not correct; because the verb visited is in the imperfect tense, and yet used here to express an action, not only past, but prior to the time referred to by the verb returned, to which it relates. By the thirteenth Rule of Syntax, when verbs are used that, in point of time, relate to each other, the order of time should be observed. The imperfect tense visited, should therefore have been had visited, in the pluperfect tense, representing the action of visiting, not only as past, but also as prior to the time of returning. The sentence corrected would stand thus : " After I had visited Europe, I returned to America." " 1 have seen the Museum last week ; at least, I have seen it lately." This sentence is irregular, and ungrammatical. The perfect tense, / have seen, when properly ap- plied, refers to past time, with an allusion to the time present ; that is, it comprehends a period which extends to the present time: and there- fore it cannot accord with the expressions, last week, and lately, which refer to past time, exclu- sive of any relation to the time present. The time signified by these expressions is so clearly past, and so totally unconnected and inconsistent with 44 EXEECISES. the present period, that they cannot belong to a tense which has the definition of the perfect tense. The words, last week, and lately, correspond only with the imperfect tense; and therefore the sen- tence, in its true grammatical form, would stand thus: I saw the Museum last week; at least, I saw it lately." " The number of persons, men, women, and children, winch were lost in the sea, were very great." This sentence violates the rules of grammar. The substantive number, though signifying many, suggests the idea of a whole or unity, and the assertion is made of it as such: the latter verb were, is therefore improperly put in the plural. The clause should be, " The number was very great." The pronoun which is also incorrectly ap- plied. Its antecedents, persons, &c, are of the masculine and feminine gender. And therefore, as pronouns must agree with their antecedents in gender as well as number, the pronoun should be who instead of which; "who were lost." — At first view, the words, " The number of persons," appear to form conjointly the nominative to the verb: but this is not the case. The noun number is the prominent, leading object, to which the verb is attracted, and which supports the following ad- juncts. These adjuncts are in the objective case, governed by the preposition of, and cannot there- fore be nominatives. This appears from the last Note under the first Rule of Syntax. — The sen- tence in question, when fully corrected, would PARSING. 45 therefore be as follows : " The number of persons, men, women, and children, icho were lost in the sea, was very great." " He and they we own as our ruler's ; but who do you submit to 1" This is a very inaccurate sentence. The pro- nouns he and they, in the first member of it, are expressed as nominatives, without any verb or verbs, either mentioned or implied, to which they can relate; and they are not in the case absolute. The relative who, in the second member, is also in the nominative case, without any correspondent verb. The verb own is an active verb, and has for its objects the preceding pronouns: they should therefore be in the objective case, him and them, conformably to the eleventh Rule of Syntax, which declares, that " Active verbs govern the objective case." The relative who is the object of the pre- position to, and consequently should be put in the objective case, whom, with the preposition before it: agreeably to the seventeenth Rule of Syntax, and the first Note under the Rule ; which require the objective case after prepositions, and that this case should be preceded by the preposition. The whole sentence regularly expressed would be as fol- lows: Him and them we own as our rulers; but to whom do you submit ? " " I know who he means." This sentence is ungrammatical; because who is put in the nominative case, without any verb, ex- pressed or understood, to which it can apply as such; 46 EXEECISES. and because this relative being the object of the active verb means, ought to be in the objective case, according to the eleventh Rule of Syntax, which says, that "Active verbs govern the objective case." The sentence should therefore be expressed thus: " I know whom he means;" or, "I know the per- son whom he means." " They were more learned than either him or her, but not more happy." This sentence presents a very irregular construc- tion. The pronouns him and her are in the objec- tive case; though there is not any verb or other word in the sentence either expressed or implied, that requires these pronouns to be in the objective. They are not governed, as may appear at the first view, by the conjunction than: but they agree with the verb was, which is understood, and to which verb they form the nominative case ; " more learned than either he or she was." In such sentences, if the word or words understood are supplied, the true construction will be apparent, agreeably to the twentieth Rule of Syntax. The whole sentence, when properly corrected, will therefore stand thus : " They were more learned than either he or she was, but not more happy." " Their schemes defeated, and both him and them disgraced, they all retired from public notice." This sentence violates the rules of grammar. The pronouns him and them are put in the objec- tive case, without any verb, preposition, or other PARSING. 47 word, to require their being in that case. They are therefore to be considered as in the nominative case; and as, in this case, they have no personal tense of a verb, and are placed before a participle, inde- pendently on the rest of the sentence, they pro- perly form the case absolute; according to the fifth Note under the first Rule of Syntax. The sentence then, when properly corrected, would be in the following form: " Their schemes defeated, and both he and they disgraced, they all retired from public notice." " Who do you believe him to be?" This is an incorrect sentence. The relative who is in the nominative case, without any verb, ex- pressed or understood, to which it can refer; and there is no grammatical rule which requires it to be in the nominative. By the fourth Note, under the eleventh Rule of Syntax, the verb to be has the same case after it, in construction, as that which precedes it: and therefore who should be whom, because him is in the objective case, and the rela- tive, in its true construction, follows the verb to be, and receives its influence. The verb believe go- verns the pronoun him in the objective case; and though the relative precedes the verb to be, in its place of the sentence, yet, in grammatical con- struction, it follows that verb; which will appear by changing the form of the sentence thus: " You believe him to be whom?" As the verb to be may be considered as a conductor of cases; and as the words preceding and following it, are in apposition 48 EXERCISES. to each other; these ideas may further show the pro- priety of putting the relative in the objective case. In the following corrected form of the sentence, the two words him and whom are put in apposition ; that is, they refer to the same person, and are conducted by the verb to be: " Whom do you believe him to be?" " Prudence, policy, nay, his own true interest, strongly recom- mends the line of conduct proposed to him." This sentence is not grammatical. The verb recommends, in the singular number, supposes that the nominative, " his own true interest," is designed to be, not only particularly, but exclusively, referred to by the verb, as the only nominative to which it relates. But this is not the drift of the sentence. The writer intended to signify that prudence, policy, and interest, all recommended the line of conduct, but with a particular regard and emphasis with respect to intei^est. The passage, therefore, when properly corrected, would run thus : " Prudence, policy, nay, even his own true interest, recommend the line of conduct proposed to him." " The officer with his guard are in full pursuit of the fugitives." This is an incorrect sentence. By the verb being in the plural number, it is supposed that it has a plural nominative, which is not the case. The only nominative to the verb is, the officer: the words, his guard, are in the objective case, go- verned by the preposition with; and they cannot consequently form the nominative, or any part of it ; for, according to the seventeenth Rule of Syn- PAESING. 49 tax, prepositions govern the objective case. The prominent subject, and the true nominative of the verb, and to which the verb peculiarly refers, is, the officer. And therefore the passage, when regu- larly expressed, will be as follows : " The officer, with his guard, is in full pursuit of the fugitives;" or, " The officer and his guard are in full pursuit of the fugitives." "Not only his business, but his character also, have been impaired." This is a construction, not according to the rules of grammar. The verb have, in the plural number, presupposes a plural nominative, which is not found in the sentence. The assertion is not made of business and character conjointly; but only of character. This is the prominent subject, and the point to which the writer peculiarly adverts, and to which he means to attract the reader's attention; and, therefore, the verb should correspond with it. The words, his business, are referred to incidentally, or as a circumstance supposed to be known; and which may properly be considered as having the verb belonging to it, separately understood. In this point of view, therefore, the sentence, when put into regular form, would run thus : "Not only his business, but his character also, has been im- paired." " The judge too, as well as the jury, were very severe." This is an irregular and un grammatical sentence. The verb is made plural, from an idea that the writer intended to make his assertion as applicable to the jury as to the judge, and to excite the VOL. II. D 50 EXEECISES. reader's attention equally to both. But this was not his design. The intention evidently was to speak of the judge's severity, and to attract the reader's mind peculiarly to that assertion. The idea of the jury's being severe is hinted at, but placed as it were in the background: it is an incidental cir- cumstance, supposed to be known; and may be considered in the nature of an adjunct to the chief subject, with the verb understood. The severity of the judge is the principal and prominent object of the sentence, and that to which the reader is ex- pected to attend, as the main design of the writer. Under these views, the sentence, when corrected, would be in the following form: "The judge too, as well as the jury, was very severe." " Charles intended to have purchased an estate in the summer of 1815." This sentence violates the order of time, and the rule of grammar. The perfect of the infinitive is here, by the construction of the sentence, supposed to precede the intention: but this is impossible. The intention to purchase must necessarily have existed prior to the purchase ; and the relative time of the two verbs should be expressed accordingly. Whether we suppose the meaning to be, that the intention existed in the summer of 1815, or that the purchase was to be made at that period, in either case the purchase must be considered as posterior to the intention. It is absurd to say, that Charles intended to do a thing, which, by the form of the verb in the past time of the infinitive, is supposed to have been done before the intention PARSING. 51 existed. In such sentences as that under consider- ation, whatever period of past time is assumed for the intention, the object to which the intention re- fers must, at that period, have been contemplated as future. Though both the intention and purchase are now past with respect to the present time, they were not so at the time referred to : and they must be viewed exactly in the same light, with respect to the true construction of the sentence, as if the in- tention to purchase now existed. No person would say, " I intend to have purchased an estate," instead of, " I intend to purchase it." The sentence in question would therefore, when properly corrected by the thirteenth Rule of Syntax, stand as follows: "In the summer of 1815, Charles intended to pur- chase an estate." " Every thought and every desire, are known to the great Searcher of hearts." This sentence is not grammatical. The verb are in the plural, requires a correspondent plural nomi- native, which is not found in the sentence. The pronoun every, in the two clauses of the sentence, is singular, and does not lose its nature, nor receive any modification, by repetition. How frequently soever it may be added to a different substantive, it is still the pronoun every, and retains its peculiar signification, which is, that, of many, it refers to each one of them all taken separately; as in the following sentences: "Every man, every woman, every child, every individual, was drowned;" " Every one of the men and women was lost." The 52 EXEECISES. conjunction does not alter the construction. What- ever number of nouns may be connected by a con- junction with the pronoun every, this pronoun is as applicable to the whole mass of the nouns as to any one of them: and therefore the verb is correctly put in the singular number, and refers to the whole separately and individually considered. In short, this pronoun so entirely coalesces with the nouns, however numerous and united, that it imparts its peculiar nature to them all, and makes the whole number correspond together, and require a similar construction. These views of the subject show, that the sentence in question, when properly corrected, would stand thus : " Every thought and every de- sire, is known to the great Searcher of hearts." — This correction is made agreeably to the note at page 322; and the construction forms one of the exceptions to the second Rule of Syntax. " This was the cause, which first gave rise to such a harharous practice." This sentence is inaccurate. The words first and rise have here the same meaning; and the word such is not properly applied. This word signifies of that hind: but the author does not refer to a kind or species of barbarity. He means a degree of it : and therefore the word so, instead of such, ought to have been used. The words cause and gave rise, are also tautological : one of them should, consequently, be omitted. The sentence corrected would stand thus: "This was the original cause of so barbarous a practice;" or, " of a practice so barbarous." PART II. EXERCISES IN ORTHOGRAPHY. CHAPTEE I. CONTAINING INSTANCES OF FALSE ORTHOGRAPHY ARRANGED UNDER THE RESPECTIVE RULES. RULE I. Monosyllables ending with f, 1, or s, preceded by a single vowel, double the final consonant : as, staff, mill, pass. The only excep- tions are, of, if, as, is, has, was, yes, his, this, us, and thus. See the Key, p. 281. It is no great merit to spel properly ; but a great defect to do it incorrectly. Jacob worshiped his Creator, leaning on the top of his staf. We may place too little, as well as too much, stres upon dreams. Our manners should be neither gros, nor exces- sively refined. 54 EXEKCISES. KULE II. Monosyllables ending with any consonant but f ; 1, or s, and preceded by a single vowel, never double the final consonant; ex- cepting, add, ebb, butt, egg, odd, err, inn, bunn, purr, and buzz. See the Key, p. 282. A carr signifies a chariot of war, or a small car- riage of burden. In the names of clruggs and plants, the mistake in a word may endanger life. Nor undelightful is the ceaseless humni To him who muses through the woods at noon. The finn of a fish is the limb, by which he ba- lances his body, and moves in the water. Many a trapp is laid to insnare the feet of youth. Many thousand families are supported by the simple business of making matts. RULE III. Words, ending with j, preceded by a consonant, form the plurals of nouns, the persons of verbs, verbal nouns, past participles, com- paratives, and superlatives, by changing y into i : as, spy, spies; I carry, thou carriest ; he carrieth, or carries ; carrier, carried ; happy, happier, happiest. The present participle in ing, retains the y, that i may not be doubled : as, carry, carrying ; bury, burying. OKTHOGKAPHY. 55 But y, preceded by a voivel, in such instances as the above, is not changed; as, boy, boys; I cloy, he cloys, cloyed: except in lay, pay, and say; from which are formed, laid, paid, and said, and their compounds, unlaid, unpaid, unsaid, &c. See the Key p. 282. We should subject our fancys to the government of reason. If thou art seeking for the living amongst the dead, thou wearyest thyself in vain. If we have denyed ourselves sinful pleasures, we shall be great gainers in the end. We shall not be the happyer for possessing talents and affluence, unless we make a right use of them. The truly good mind is not dismaied by poverty, afflictions, or death. RULE IV. Words ending with y, preceded by a consonant, on assuming an additioncd syllable beginning with a consonant, commonly change y into i : as, happy, happily, hap2nness. But ivhen y is preceded by a vowel, it is very rarely changed in the additioncd syllable : as, coy, coyly; boy, boyish, boyhood; annoy, annoyed, annoyance ; joy, joyless, joyful See the Key, p. 283. It is a great blessing to have a sound mind, Un- ci o i influenced by fancyful humours. Common calamities, and common blessings, fall heavyly upon the envious. The comelyness of youth are modesty and frank- ness ; of age, condescension and dignity. 56 EXERCISES. When we act against conscience, we become the destroiers of our own peace. We may be plaiful, and yet innocent ; grave, and yet corrupt. It is only from general conduct, that our true character can be portraied. RULE V. Monosyllables, and luords accented on t/ie last syllable, ending tuith a single consonant preceded by a single vowel, double that con- sonant, token they take another syllable beginning with a vowel : as, wit,wilty ; thin, thinnish ; to abet, an abettor ; to begin, a beginner. But if a diphthong precedes, or the accent is on the preceding syllable, the consonant remains single: as, to toil, toiling ; to offer, an offering ; maid, maiden. See the Key, p. 283. When we bring the lawmaker into contempt, we have in effect annuled his laws. By defering our repentance, we accumulate our sorrows. The pupils of a certain ancient philosopher, were not, during their first years of study, permited to ask any questions. We all have many faillings and lapses to lament and recover. There is no affliction with which we are visitted, that may not be improved to our advantage. The Christian Lawgiver has prohibitted many things, which the heathen philosophers allowed. ORTHOGRAPHY. 57 RULE VI. Words ending with any double letter but 1, and taking ness, less, ly, or ful, after them, preserve the letter double : as, harm- lessness, carelessness, carelessly, stiffly, successful, distressful. But those ivords which end with double 1, and take ness, less, ly, or ful, after them, generally omit one 1 : as, fulness, skilless, fully, skilful. See the Key, p. 284. Restlesness of mind disqualifies us, both for the enjoyment of peace, and the performance of our duty. The arrows of calumny fall harmlesly at the feet of virtue. The road to the blisful regions, is as open to the peasant as to the king. A dullness, or shivering of the body, generally precedes a fever. To recommend virtue to others, our lights must shine brightly, not dullly. The silent stranger stood amazed to see Contempt of wealth, and willful poverty. RULE VII. Ness, less, ly, and ful, added to words ending with silent e, do not cut it off; as, paleness, guileless, closely, peaceful : except in a few words; as, duly, truly, awful. See the Key, p. 284. The warmth of disputation, destroys that sedat- ness of mind which is necessary to discover truth. 58 EXERCISES. All these with ceasless praise his works behold, Both day and night. In all our reasonings, our minds should be sincerly employed in the pursuit of truth. Rude behaviour, and indecent language, are pe- culiarly disgracful to youth of education. The true worship of God is an important and aweful service. Wisdom alone is truely fair : folly only ap- pears so. RULE VIII. Ment, added to ivords ending with silent e, generally preserves the e from elision: as, abatement, chastisement, incitement. The words judgment, abridgment, acknowledgment, lodgment, and argu- ment, are deviations from the rule. Like other terminations, ment changes y into i, when preceded by a consonant: as, accompany, accompaniment; merry, merriment. See the Key, p. 285. The study of the English language is making daily advancment. A judicious arrangment of studies facilitates im- provment. To shun allurments is not hard, To minds resolved, forewarn'd, and well prepared. ORTHOGRAPHY. 59 RULE IX. Able and ible, wlien incorporated into words ending icith silent e, almost always cut it of: as, blame, blamable; cure, curable; sense, sensible. But if c or g soft comes before e in the original word, the e is preserved in words confounded with able : as, change, changeable ; peace, peaceable. See the Key, p. 285. Every person and thing connected with self, is apt to appear good and desireable in our eyes. Errors and misconduct are more excuseable in ignorant, than in well-instructed persons. The divine laws are not reverseible by those of men. Gratitude is a forceible and active principle in good and generous minds. Our natural and involuntary defects of body, are not chargable upon us. We are made to be servicable to others, as well as to ourselves. RULE X. When iug or ish is added to words ending with silent e, the e is almost universally omitted: as, place, placing; lodge, lodging; slave, slavish; prude, prudish. See the Key, p. 286. An obligeing and humble disposition, is totally unconnected with a servile and cringeing humour. 60 EXEECISES. By solaceing the sorrows of others, the heart is improved, at the same time that our duty is per- formed. Labour and expense are lost upon a droneish spirit. The inadvertences of youth maybe excused; but knaveish tricks should meet with severe reproof. EULE XL Compounded words are generally spelled in the same manner, as the simple words cfivhich they are formed : as, glasshouse, skylight, thereby, hereafter. Many words ending with double \, are excep- tions to this rule : as, already, welfare, wilful, fulfil; and also the ivords, ivlierever, Christmas, Lammas, &c. See the Key, p. 286. The pasover was a celebrated feast among the Jews. A virtuous woman looketh well to the ways of her houshold. These people salute one another, by touching the top of their forheads. That which is sometimes expedient, is not all- ways so. We may be hurtfull to others, by our example, as well as by personal injuries. In candid minds, truth finds an entrance, and a wellcome too. Our passtimes should be innocent ; and they should not occur too frequently. CHAPTER II. CONTAINING INSTANCES OF FALSE ORTHOGRAPHY, PROMISCUOUSLY DISPOSED. See the Key, p. 287. As the learners must be supposed to be tolerably versed in the spelling of words in very familiar use, the compiler has generally selected, for the follow- ing exercises, such words as are less obviously erro- neous, and in the use of which young persons arc more likely to commit mistakes. Though the in- stances which he gives of these deviations are not very numerous, yet, it is presumed, they are exhi- bited with sufficient variety, to show the necessity of care and attention in combining letters and syllables; and to excite the ingenious student to investigate the principles and rules of our Ortho- graphy, as well as to distinguish the exceptions and variations which every where attend them. In rectifying these exercises, the compiler has been governed by Dr. Johnson's Dictionary as the standard of propriety. This work is, indispu- tably, the best authority for the Orthography of the English language; though the author, in some in- stances, has made decisions which are not gene- rally approved, and for which it is not easy to account. P9 >^* o^ EXEECISES. [Promiscuous. SECTION I. See the Key, p. 287. Neglect no oppurtunity of doing good. No man can stedily build upon accidents. How shall we keep, what sleeping or awake, A weaker may surprize, a stronger take? Neither time nor misfortunes should eraze the rememberance of a friend. Moderation should preside, both in the kitchin and the parlor. Shall we recieve good at the Divine hand, and shall we not recieve evil ? In many designs we may succede and be miserable. We should have sence and virtue enough to re- ceed from our demands, when they appear to be unresonable. All our comforts procede from the Father of goodness. The ruin of a state is generally preceeded by a universal degenaracy of manners, and a contempt of religion. His father omited nothing in his education, that might render him virtuous and usefull. The daw in the fable was dressed in pilferred ornaments. A favor confered with delicacy, doubles the ob- ligation. They tempted their Creator, and limitted the Holy One of Izraeh Promiscuous.] ORTHOGRAPHY. 63 The precepts of a good education have often recured in the time of need. 'We are frequently benefitted by what we have dreaded. It is no great virtue to live loveingly with good natured and meek persons. The Christian religion gives a more lovly cha- racter of God, than any religion ever did. Without sinisterous views, they are dextrous managers of their own interest. Any thing commited to the trust and care of another, is a deposit. Here finnish'cl lie, and all that lie had made, Vieu'd and beheld ! All was intirely good. It deserves our best skil to enquire into those rules, by which we may guide our judgement. Food, clotheing, and habitations, are the rewards of industry. If we lie no restraint upon our lusts, no con- troul upon our apetites and passions, they will hurry us into guilt and misery. An independant is one who, in religious affairs, holds that every congregation is a compleat church. Receive his council, and securly move . Entrust thy fortune to the Power above. Following life in cretures we disect, We lose it in the moment we detect. 64 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. The acknowledgement of our transgressions must precede the forgivness of them. Judicious abridgements often aid the studys of youth. Examine how thy humor is enclined, And which the ruleing passion of thy mind. He faulters at the question : His fears, his words, his looks, declare him guilty. Calicoe is a thin cloth made of cotton; some- times stained with lively colors. To promote iniquity in others, is nearly the same as being the acters of it ourselves. The glasier's business was unknown to the antients. The antecedant, in grammer, is the noun or pronoun to which the relative refers. SECTION II. See the Key, p. 290. Be not airraid of the wicked : they are under the controul of Providence. Consciousness of guilt may justly afright us. Convey to others no inteligence which you would be ashamed to avow. Many are weighed in the ballance, and found wanting. How many disapointments have, in their con- sequences, saved a man from ruin! Promiscuous.] ORTHOGRAPHY". G5 A well-poised mind makes a chearful coun- tenance. A certain housholder planted a vinyard, but the men imployed in it made ungratefull returns. Let us show dilligence in every laudible under- taking. Cinamon is the fragrant bark of a low tree in the iland of Ceylon. A ram will but with his head, though he be brought up tame, and never saw the action. We percieve a piece of silver in a bason, when water is poured on it, though we could not discover it before. Virtue imbalms the memory of the good. The king of Great Britain is a limitted monarch; and the Brittish nation a free people. The phisician may dispence the medicin, but Pro- vidence alone can bless it. In many persuits, we imbark with pleasure, and land sorrowfully. Rocks, mountains, and caverns, are of indispen- sible nse, both to the earth and to man. The hive of a city, or kingdom, is in the best con- dition, when their is the least noize or buz in it. The roughnesses found on our enterance into the paths of virtue and learning, grow smoother as we advance. That which was once the most beautifull spot of Italy, coverred with pallaces, imbellished by princes, and celleb rated by poets, has now nothing to show but ruins. VOL. II. e Q& EXEECISES. [Promiscuous. Batterring rams were antiently used to beat down the walls of a city. Jocky signifies a man who rides horses in a race ; or who deals in horses. The harmlesness of many animals, and the in- joyment which they have of life, should plead for them against cruel useage. We may be very buzy, to no usefull purpose. We cannot plead in abatment of our guilt, that we are ignorent of our duty. Genuine charaty, how liberal soever it may be, will never impoverish ourselves. If we sew spare- ingly, we shall reap acordingly. However disagreable, we must resolutly perform our duty. A fit of sickness is often a kind chastisment and disciplin, to moderate our affection for the things of this life. It is a happyness to young persons, when they are preserved from the snares of the world, as in a garden inclosed. Health and peace, the most valueable posessions, are obtained at small expence. Incence signifies perfumes exhailed by fire, and made use of in religious ceremonies. True happyness is an ennemy to pomp and noize. Few reflexions are more distresing, than those which we make on our own ingratitude. There is an inseperable connection between piety and virtue. Promiscuous.] ORTHOGRAPHY. 67 Many actions have a fair complcction, which have not sprung from virtue. Which way soever we turn ourselvs, we are in- countered with sensable demonstrations of a Deity. If we forsake the ways of virtue, we cannot alledge any color of ignorance, or want of in- struction. SECTION III. See the Key, p. 292. There are more cultivaters of the earth, than of their own hearts. Man is incompassed with dangers innumerable. War is attended with distresful and dessolating effects. It is confesedly the scorge of our angry passions. The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof. The harvest truely is plenteous, but the laborers are few. The greater our incitments to evil, the greater will be our victory and reward. We should not incourage persons to do what they beleive to be wrong. Virtue is placed between two extreams, which are both equally blameable. We should continually have the gaol in our view, which would direct us in the race. The goals were forced open, and the prisoners set free. It cannot be said that we are charitible doners, when our gifts proceed from selfish motives. G8 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. Straight is the gate, and narrow the way, that lead to life eternal. Integrity leads us strait forward, disdaining all doubleings and crooked paths. Licenciousness and crimes pave the way to ruin. Words are the countres of wise men, but the money of fools. Recompence to no man evil for evil. He was an excellent person; a mirrour of antient faith in early youth. Meekness controuls our angry passions; candor, our severe judgements. He is not only a clescendent from pious ancesters, but an inheriter too of their virtues. A dispensatory is the place, where medicines are dispensed : a dispensary is a book, in which the com- position of them is described. Faithfulness and judgment are peculiarly rcquisit in testamentory executors. To be faithfull among the faithles, argues great strength of principal. Mountains appear to be like so many wens or unatural protuberancies on the face of the earth. In some places the sea incroaches upon the land; in others, the land upon the sea. Philosophers agreed in despizing riches, as the incumberances of life. Wars are regulated robber ries and pyracies. Fishes encrease more than beasts or birds, as ap- pears from their numrous spaun. Promiscuous.] OKTIIOGRAPIIY. 69 The piramida of Egypt Lave stood more than three thousand years. Precepts have small influence, when not inforced by example. How has kind Heaven adorn'd the happy land, And scatter'd blessings with a wastful hand! A friend exaggarates a man's virtues; an enemy enflames his crimes. A witty and humourous vein has often produced ennemies. Neither pleasure nor buziness should ingross our time and affections; proper seasons should be alotted for retirment. It is laudable to enquire before we determin. Many have been visitted with afflictions, who have not profitted by them. We may be succesful, and yet disappointed. SECTION IV. See the Key, p. 295. The experience of want inhances the value of plenty. To maintain opinions stifly, is no evidence of their truth, or of our moderation. Horehound has been famous for its medeciual qualities; but it is now little used. The wicked are often ensnared in the trap which they lie for others. 70 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. It is hard to say what diseases are cureable : they are all under the guidence of Heaven. Instructors should not only be skilfull in those sciences which they teach; but have skil in the method of teaching, and patience in the practise. Science strengthens and inlarges the minds of men. A steady mind may receive council : but there is no hold on a changable humour. We may enure ourselvs by custom, to bear the extremities of whether without injury. Excessive merryment is the parent of greif. Air is sensable to the touch by its motion, and by its resistence to bodies moved in it. A polite address is sometimes the cloke of malice. To practice virtue is the sure way to love it. Many things are plausable in theory, which fail in practise. Learning and knowlege must be attained by slow degrees ; and are the reward only of dilligence and patience. We should study to live peacably with all men. A soul that can securly death defy, And count it nature's priviledge to die. Whatever promotes the interest of the soul, is also conclusive to our present felicity. Let not the sterness of virtue afright us ; she will soon become aimable. Promiscuous.] ORTHOGKAP1IY. 71 The spatious firmament on high, With all the blue etheriel sky, And spangled heavens, a shineing frame, Their great Originel proclame. Passion is the drunkeness of the mind : it super- cedes the workings of reason. If we are sincere, we may be assured of an advo- cate to intersede for us. "We ousfht not to consider the encrease of another's reputation, as a dimunition of our own. The reumatism is a painful distemper, supposed to procede from acrid humors. The beautiful and accomplished, are too apt to study behaivour rather than virtue. The peazant's cabbin contains as much content as the soverein's pallace. True valor protects the feeble, and humbles the oppresser. David, the son of Jesse, was a wise and valient man. Prophecies and miracles proclamed Jesus Christ to be the Savior of the world. Esau sold his birthright for a savory mess of potage. A regular and virteous education, is an inesteem- able blessing. Honor and shame from no condition rise : Act well your part ; there, all the honor lies. 72 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. The rigor of monkish disciplin often conceals great depravity of heart. We should recollect, that however favorable we may be to ourselves, we are rigourously examined by others. SECTION V. See the Key, p. 297. Virtue can render youth, as well as old age, honorable. Rumor often tells false tales. Weak minds are rufled by triffling things. The cabage-tree is very common in the Caribbee ilands, where it grows to a prodigious heighth. Visit the sick, feed the hungry, cloath the naked. His smiles and tears are too artificial to be relied on. The most essensial virtues of a Christian, are love to God, and benevolence to man. We should be chearful without levity. A calender signifies a register of the year; and a calendar, a press in which clothiers smooth their cloth. Integrity and hope are the sure paliatives of sorrow. Camomile is an odouriferous plant, and possesses considerable medicinel virtues. The gaity of youth should be tempered by the precepts of age. Certainty, even on distresful occasions, is som- times more elligible than suspence. Promiscuous.] OETHOGEAPHY. 73 Still green with bays each antient alter stands, Above the reach of sacriligious bands. o* The most acceptable sacrifise, is that of a contrite and humble heart. We are accountable for whatever we patronize in others. It marks a savage disposition, to tortur animals, to make them smart and agonise, for our diversion. The edge of cloath, where it is closed by com- plicating the threads, is called the selvidge. Soushong tea and Turky coffee were his favorite beveridge; chocolade he seldom drank. The guilty mind cannot avoid many melancholly apprehensions. If we injure others, we must expect retaliation. Let every man be fully perswaded in his own mind. Peace and honor are the sheeves of virtue's har- vest. The black earth, every where obvious on the surface of the ground, we call mold. The Roman pontif claims to be the supream head of the church on earth. High-seasoned food viciates the pallate, and oc- casions a disrelish for plain fare. The conscious receivor is as bad as the thief. Alexander, the conquerer of the world, was, in fact, a robber and a murderer. The Divine Being is not only the Creater, but the Ruler and Preservor, of the world. 74 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. Honest endeavors, if persevered in, will finally be succesful. He who dies for religion, is a martyr; he who suffers for it, is a confessour. In the paroxism of passion, we sometimes give occasion for a life of repentence. The mist which invelopes many studies, is dis- sipated when we approach them. The voice is sometimes obstructed by a hoarsness, or by viscuous phlegm. The desart shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. The fruit and sweetmeats set on the table after the meat, are called the desert. We traversed the flowery fields, till the falling dews admonished us to return. SECTION VI. See the Key, p. 300. There is frequently a worm at the root of our most norishing condition. The stalk of ivey is tough, and not fragil. The roof is vaulted, and distills fresh water from every part of it. Our imperfections are discernable by others, when we think they are concealed. They think they shall be heared for there much speaking. True criticizm is not a captious, but a liberal art. Integrity is our best defense against the evils of life. Promiscuous.] OETHOGRAPHY. 75 No circumstance can licence evil, or dispence with the rules of virtue. We may be cyphers in the world's estimation, whilst we are advancing our own and others' value. The path of vertue is the path of peace. A dipthong is the coalition of two vowels to form one sound. However forceable our temptations, they may be resisted. I acknowlege my transgression ; and my sin is ever before me. The colledo-e of cardinals are the electors of the o pope. He had no colorable excuse to palliate his con- duct. Thy humourous vein, thy pleasing folly, Lie all neglected, all forgot. If we are so conceited as obstinatly to reject all advice, we must expect a direliction of friends. Cronology is the science of computeing and aj list- ing the periods of time. In groves we live, and lay on mossy beds, By chrystal streams, that murmer through the meads. It is a secret cowardise, which induses us to com- plement the vices of our superiors, to applaud the libertin, and to laugh with the prophane. The lark each morning waked me with her spritely lay. 76 EXEECISES. [Promiscuous. There are no fewer than thirty-two species of the Hlly- We owe it to our visitors as well as to ourselves, to entertain them with useful and sensable conver- sation. Sponsers are those who become sureties for the children's education in the Christian faith. The warrier's fame is often purchased by the blood of thousands. Hope exhilerates the mind, and is the grand elixer, under all the evils of life. The incence of gratitude, whilst it expresses our duty, and honors our benefacter, perfumes and re- gails ourselves. PART III. EXERCISES IN SYNTAX. CHAPTER I. CONTAINING INSTANCES OP FALSE SYNTAX, DISPOSED UNDER THE PARTICULAR RULES. RULE I. A verb must agree with its nominative case, in number and person: as, " I learn;" " Thou art improved;'''' " The birds sing." See Vol. I. p. 218. Vol. II. p. 303. Disappointments sinks the heart of man; but the renewal of hope give consolation The smiles that encourage severity of judgment, hides malice and insincerity. He dare not act in opposition to his instruc- tions. Fifty pounds of wheat contains forty pounds of flour. The mechanism of clocks and watches, were totally unknown a few centuries ago. The number of inhabitants in Great Britain and Ireland, do not exceed twenty -seven millions. Nothing but vain and foolish pursuits delight some persons. 78 EXERCISES. [Rule 1. A variety of pleasing objects charm the eye. So much both of ability and merit are seldom found. In the conduct of Parmenio, a mixture of wisdom and folly were very conspicuous. He is a more methodical writer than Plutarch, or any other, who write lives too hastily. The inquisitive and curious is generally talkative. Great pains has been taken to reconcile the par- ties. I am sorry to say it, but there was more equivo- cators than one. The sincere is always esteemed. Has the goods been sold to advantage? and did thou embrace the proper season? There is many occasions in life, in which silence and simplicity is true wisdom. The generous never recounts minutely the actions they have done; nor the prudent, those they will do. He need not proceed in such haste. The business that related to ecclesiastical meet- ings, matters, and persons, were to be ordered according to the king's direction. In him were happily blended true dignity with softness of manners. The support of so many of his relations, were a heavy tax upon his industry; but thou knows he paid it cheerfully. What avails the best sentiments, if persons do not live suitably to them? Eule 1.] SYNTAX. 79 Reconciliation was offered, on conditions as mo- derate as was consistent with a permanent union. Not one of tliem whom thou sees clothed in purple, are completely happy. And the fame of this person, and of his wonder- ful actions, were diffused throughout the country. The variety of the productions of genius, like that of the operations of nature, are without limit. In vain our flocks and fields increase our store, When our abundance make us wish for more. Thou should love thy neighbour as sincerely as thou loves thyself. Has thou no better reason for censuring thy friend and companion? Thou, who art the Author and Bestower of life, can doubtless restore it also : but whether thou will please to restore it, or not, that thou only knows. O thou my voice inspire, Who touch'd Isaiah's hallow'd lips with fire. Accept these grateful tears : for thee they flow ; For thee that ever felt another's wo. Just to thy word, in ev'ry thought sincere; Who knew no wish but what the world might hear. 80 EXERCISES. [Rule 1. The following examples are adapted to the Notes and Observa- tions under Rule I. See Vol. I. p. 218. Vol. II. p. 306. 1*. To do unto all men, as we would that they, in similar circumstances, should do unto us, con- stitute the great principle of virtue. From a fear of the world's censure, to be ashamed of the practice of precepts, which the heart ap- proves and embraces, mark a feeble and imperfect character. The erroneous opinions which we form con- cerning happiness and misery, gives rise to all the mistaken and dangerous passions that embroils our life. To live soberly, righteously, and piously, are re- quired of all men. That it is our duty to promote the purity of our minds and bodies, to be just and kind to our fellow- creatures, and to be pious and faithful to Him who made us, admit not of any doubt in a rational and well-informed mind. To be of a pure and humble mind, to exercise benevolence towards others, to cultivate piety to- wards God, is the sure means of becoming peaceful and happy. It is an important truth, that religion, vital reli- gion, the religion of the heart, are the most power- * The examples under each Rule are regularly numbered, to make them correspond to the respective subordinate rules in the Grammar. BulbI.] SYNTAX. 81 ful auxiliaries of reason, in waging war with the passions, and promoting that sweet composure which constitute the peace of God. The possession of our senses entire, of our limbs uninjured, of a sound understanding, of friends and companions, are often overlooked ; though it would be the ultimate wish of many, who, as far as we can judge, deserves it as much as ourselves. All that make a figure on the great theatre of the world, the employments of the busy, the enterprises of the ambitious, and the exploits of the warlike; the virtues which forms the happiness, and the crimes which occasions the misery of mankind; originates in that silent and secret recess of thought, which are hidden from every human eye. 2. If the privileges to which he has an un- doubted right, and he has long enjoyed, should now be wrested from him, would be flagrant in- justice. These curiosities we have imported from China, and are similar to those which were some time a^o brought from Africa. Will martial flames for ever fire thy mind, And never, never be to Heaven resign'd 1 3, Two substantives when they come together, and do not signify the same thing, the former must be in the genitive case. VOL. II. f 82 EXERCISES. [Rule 2. Virtue, however it may be neglected for a time, men are so constituted as ultimately to acknowledge and respect genuine merit. 4. The crown of virtue is peace and honour. His chief occupation and enjoyment were con- troversy. 5. Him destroyed, Or won to what may work his utter loss, All this will soon follow. Whose gray top Shall tremble, him descending. RULE IT. Two or more nouns, &c, in the singular number, joined together by a copulative conjunction, expressed or understood, must have verbs, nouns, and pronouns, agreeing ivith them in the plural number: as, "Socrates and Plato were wise; they were tlie most eminent philosophers of 'Greece ;" " The sun that rolls over our heads, the food that we receive, the rest that we enjoy, daily admonish us of a superior and superintending Power.'''' See Vol. I. p. 225. Vol. II. p. 308. Idleness and ignorance is the parent of many vices. Wisdom, virtue, happiness, dwells with the golden mediocrity. In unity consists the welfare and security of every society. Rule 2.] SYNTAX. 83 Time and tide waits for no man. His politeness and good disposition was, on failure of their effect, entirely changed. Patience and diligence, like faith, removes moun- tains. Humility and knowledge, with poor apparel, ex- cels pride and arrogance under costly attire. The planetary system, boundless space, and the immense ocean, affects the mind with sensations of astonishment. Humility and love, whatever obscurities may involve religious tenets, constitutes the essence of true religion. Religion and virtue, our best support and high- est honour, confers on the mind principles of noble independence. What signifies the counsel and care of precep- tors, when youth think they have no need of assistance? The examples which follow, are suited to the Notes and Observa- tions under Rule II. See Vol. I. p. 226. Vol. II. p. 309. 1. Much does human pride and self-complacency require correction. Luxurious living and high pleasures, begets a languor and satiety that destroys all enjoyment. Pride and self-sufficiency stifles sentiments of dependence on our Creator: levity and attachment to worldly pleasures, destroys the sense of gratitude to him. 84 EXERCISES. [Rule 2. 2. Good order in our affairs, not mean savings, produce great profits. The following treatise, together with those that accompany it, were written, many years ago, for my own private satisfaction. That great senator, in concert with several other eminent persons, were the projectors of the revolu- tion. The religion of these people, as well as their cus- toms and manners, were strangely misrepresented. Virtue, joined to knowledge and wealth, confer great influence and respectability. But knowledge, with wealth united, if virtue is wanting, have a very limited influence, and are often despised. That superficial scholar and critic, like some renowned critics of our own, have furnished most decisive proofs, that they knew not the characters of the Hebrew language. The buildings of the institution have been en- larged; the expense of which, added to the in- creased price of provisions, render it necessary to advance the terms of admission. One, added to nineteen, make twenty. AYhat black despair, what horror, fills his mind! 3. Thou, and the gardener, and the huntsman, must share the blame of this business amongst them. My sister and I, as well as my brother, are daily employed in their respective occupations. Rule 3.] SYNTAX. 85 KULE III. The conjunction disjunctive has an effect contrary to that of the conjunction copulative; for as the verb, noun, or pronoun, is refer- red to the preceding terms taken separately, it must be in the singu- lar number: as, " Ignorance or negligence has caused tins mistake;" " John, James, or Joseph, intends to accompany me;" " There is, in many minds, neither knoivledge nor understanding" See Vol. I. p. 229. Vol. II. p. 310. Man's happiness or misery, are, in a great mea- sure, put into his own hands. Man is not such a machine as a clock or a watch, which move merely as they are moved. Despise no infirmity of mind or body, nor any condition of life; for they are, perhaps, to be your own lot. Speaking impatiently to servants, or any thing that betrays unkindness or ill-humour, are certainly criminal. There are many faults in spelling, which neither analogy nor pronunciation justify. When sickness, infirmity, or reverse of fortune, affect us, the sincerity of friendship is proved. Let it be remembered, that it is not the uttering, or the hearing of certain words, that constitute the worship of the Almighty. A tart reply, a proneness to rebuke, or a captious and contradictious spirit, are capable of imbittering domestic life, and of setting friends at variance. 8G EXERCISES. [Rule 4. The following sentences exemplify tlve Notes and Observations under Rule III. See Vol. I. p. 229. Vol. II. p. 311. 1. Either thou or I are greatly mistaken, in our judgment on this subject. I or thou am the person who must undertake the business proposed. 2. Both of the scholars, or one of them at least, was present at the transaction. Some parts of the ship and cargo were recovered; but neither the sailors nor the captain, was saved. Whether one person or more was concerned in the business, does not yet appear. The cares of this life, or the deceitfulness of riches, has choked the seeds of virtue in many a promising mind. RULE IV. A norm of multitude, or signifying many, may have a verb or pronoun agreeing with it, either of the singular or plural number; yet not without regard to the import of the word, as conveying unity or plurality of idea: as, " The meeting was large;" " The parliament is dissolved; " " The nation is powerful f " My people do not consider ; they have not knoion me;" " The multitude eagerly pursue pleasure, as their chief good ;" " The council were divided in their sentiments? See Vol. I. p. 230. Vol. II. p. 312. The people rejoices in that which should give it sorrow. •Eule 4.] SYNTAX. 87 The flock, and not the fleece, are, or ought to be, the objects of the shepherd's care. The court have just ended, after having sat through the trial of a very long cause. The crowd were so great, that the judges with difficulty made their way through them. The corporation of York consist of a mayor, aldermen, and a common council. The British parliament are composed of king, lords, and commons. When the nation complain, the rulers should listen to their voice. In the days of youth, the multitude eagerly pur- sues pleasure as its chief good. The church have no power to inflict corporal punishment. The fleet were seen sailing up the channel. The regiment consist of a thousand men. The meeting have established several salutary regulations. The council was not unanimous, and it separated without coming to any determination. The fleet is all arrived and moored in safety. This people draweth near to me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. The committee was divided in its sentiments, and it has referred the business to the general meeting. The committee were very full when this point was decided; and their judgment has not been called in question. 88 EXEECISES. [Rule 5. Why do this generation wish for greater evidence, when so much is already given ? The remnant of the people were persecuted with great severity. Never were any people so much infatuated as the Jewish nation. The shoal of herrings were of an immense ex- tent. No society are chargeable with the disapproved misconduct of particular members. RULE V. Pronouns must always agree with their antecedents, and tlie nouns for ivhich they stand, in gender and number ; as, " This is the friend whom I love;" " That is the vice which I hate;'''' " T/ie king and the queen had put on their robes" " The moon appears, and she shines, but the light is not her own." The relative is of the same person as the antecedent, and tlie verb agrees with it accordingly : as, "Thou who loves t wisdom;" "I who speak from experience? See Vol. I. p. 232. Vol. II. p. 313. The exercise of reason appears as little in these sportsmen, as in the beasts whom they sometimes hunt, and by whom they are sometimes hunted. They which seek wisdom will certainly find her. The male amongst birds seems to discover no beauty, but in the colour of its species. Take handf'uls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it towards heaven, in the sight of Pharaoh; and it shall become small dust. KuleS.] syntax. 89 Rebecca took goodly raiment, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob. The wheel killed another man, which is the sixth which have lost their lives, by this means. The fair sex, whose task is not to mingle in the labours of public life, has its own part assigned it to act. The Hercules man of war foundered at sea; she overset, and lost most of her men. The mind of man cannot be long without some food to nourish the activity of his thoughts. What is the reason that our language is less re- fined than those of Italy, Spain, or France? I do not think any one should incur censure for being tender of their reputation. Thou who has been a witness of the fact, can give an account of it. In religious concerns, or what is conceived to be such, every man must stand or fall by the decision of the Great Judge. Something like what have been here premised, are the conjectures of Dry den. Thou great First Cause, least understood ! Who all my sense confined, To know but this, that thou art good, And that myself am blind ; Yet gave me in this dark estate, &c. What art thou, speak, that, on designs unknown, While others sleep, thus range the camp alone? 90 EXEECISES. [Kule 5- T lie following examples are adapted to the Notes and Observations under Rule V. See Vol. I. p. 234. Vol. II. p. 315. 1. Whoever entertains such an opinion, he judges erroneously. The cares of this world they often choke the growth of virtue. Disappointments and afflictions, however dis- agreeable, they often improve us. 2. Moses was the meekest man whom we read of in the Old Testament. Humility is one of the most amiable virtues which we can possess. They are the same persons who assisted us yes- terday. The men and things which he has studied, have not improved his morals. 3. Howsoever beautiful they appear, they have no real merit. In whatsoever light we view him, his conduct will bear inspection. On whichsoever side they are contemplated, they appear to advantage. However much he might despise the maxims of the king's administration, he kept a total silence on that subject. 4. Which of them two persons has most distin- guished himself? Rule 5.] SYNTAX. 9 1 None more impatiently suffer injuries, than those that are most forward in doing them. 5. He would not be persuaded but what I was greatly in fault. These commendations of his children, appear to have been made in somewhat an injudicious manner. 6. He instructed and fed the crowds who sur- rounded him. Sidney was one of the wisest and most active governors which Ireland had enjoyed for several years. He was the ablest minister which James ever possessed. The court, who gives currency to manners, ought to be exemplary. I am happy in the friend which I have long proved. 7. The child whom we have just seen, is whole- somely fed, and not injured by bandages or clothing. He is like a beast of prey, who destroys without pity. 8. Having once disgusted him, he could never regain the favour of Nero, who was indeed another name for cruelty. Flattery, whose nature is to deceive and betray, should be avoided as the poisonous adder. Who of those men came to his assistance? 92 EXERCISES. [Rule 6. 9. The king dismissed his ministers without any inquiry; who had never before committed so unjust an action. There are millions of people, in the empire of China, whose support is derived almost entirely from rice. 10. It is remarkable his continual endeavours to serve us, notwithstanding our ingratitude. It is indisputably true his assertion, though it is a paradox. 1 1 . Ah ! unhappy thee, who art deaf to the calls of duty and of honour. Oh ! happy we, surrounded witli so many bless- ings. RULE VI. The relative is tlie, nominative case to the verb, wlien no nomina- tive comes between it and the verb : as, " The master who taught us;" " The trees which are planted? When a nominative comes between the relative and tlie verb, the relative is governed by some word in its own member of the sen- tence : as, " He who preserves me, to ivhom I owe my being, whose I am, and whom I serve, is eternal." See Vol. I. p. 239. Vol. II. p. 318. We are dependent on each other's assistance : whom is there that can subsist by himself? EuleC] syntax. 93 If he will not hear his best friend, whom shall be sent to admonish him? They who much is given to, will have much to answer for. It is not to be expected that they whom, in early life, have been dark and deceitful, should after- wards become fair and ingenuous. They who have laboured to make us wise and good, are the persons who we ought to love and respect, and who we ought to be grateful to. The persons, who conscience and virtue support, may smile at the caprices of fortune. From the character of those who you associate with, your own will be estimated. That is the student who I gave the book to, and whom, I am persuaded, deserves it. 1. Of whom were the articles bought? Of a mercer; he who resides near the mansion-house. Was any person beside the mercer present? Yes, both him and his clerk. "Who was the money paid to? To the mercer and his clerk. Who counted it? Both the clerk and him. 94 EXERCISES. [Rule 7. RULE VII. W/ien the relative is preceded by two nominatives of different persons, the relative and the verb may agree in person toith either, according to the sense: as, a I am the man loho command you;" or, " I am the man who commands your See Vol. I. p. 241. Vol. II. p. 319. I acknowledge that I am the teacher who adopt that sentiment, and maintains the propriety of such measures. Thou art a friend that hast often relieved me, and that has not deserted me now in the time of peculiar need. I am the man who approves of wholesome dis- cipline, and who recommend it to others; but I am not a person who promotes useless severity, or who object to mild and generous treatment. I perceive that thou art a pupil, who possesses bright parts, but who hast cultivated them but little. Thou art he who breathest on the earth with the breath of spring, and who covereth it with verdure and beauty. I am the Lord thy God, who teach eth thee to profit, and who lead thee by the way thou shouldst go. Thou art the Lord who did choose Abraham, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chal- dees. Rule 8.] • SYNTAX. 95 RULE VIII. Every adjective, and every adjective pronoun, belongs to a sub- stantive, expressed or understood: as, " He is a good, as well as a wise man ;" " Few are happy;" that is, " persons;" " This is a pleasant walk;" that is, " this walk is pleasant? Adjective pronouns must agree, in number, with their substan- tives: as, "This book, these books; that sort, those sorts; another road, other roads" See Vol. I. p. 242. Vol. II. p. 320. These kind of indulgences soften and injure the mind. Instead of improving yourselves, you have been playing this two hours. Those sort of favours did real injury, under the appearance of kindness. The chasm made by the earthquake was twenty foot broad, and one hundred fathom in depth. How many a sorrow should we avoid, if we were not industrious to make them! He saw one or more persons enter the garden. Tlie examples which follow, are suited to tlie Notes and Observations under Rule VIII. See Vol. I. p. 242. Vol. II. p. 320. I. ADJECTIVE FRONOUNS. 1. Charles was extravagant, and by this mean became poor and despicable. It was by that ungenerous mean that he ob- tained his end. 96 EXERCISES. [Rule 8. Industry is the mean of obtaining competency. Though a promising measure, it is a mean which I cannot adopt. This person embraced every opportunity to dis- play his talents ; and by these means rendered himself ridiculous, Joseph was industrious, frugal, and discreet ; and by this means obtained property and reputation. 2. Religion raises men above themselves; irre- ligion sinks them beneath the brutes: that, binds them down to a poor pitiable speck of perishable earth; this, opens for them a prospect to the skies. More rain falls in the first two summer months, than in the first two winter ones : but it makes a much greater show upon the earth, in those than in these ; because there is a much slower evaporation. Rex and Tyrannus are of very different charac- ters. The one rules his people by laws to which they consent; the other, by his absolute will and power : this is called freedom ; that, tyranny. 3. Each of them, in their turn, receive the bene- fits to which they are entitled. My counsel to each of you is, that you should make it your endeavour to come to a friendly agreement. By discussing what relates to each particular, in their order, we shall better understand the subject. Every person, whatever be their station, are bound by the duties of morality and religion. Rule 8.] SYNTAX. 97 Every leaf, every twig, every drop of water, teem with life. Every man's heart and temper is productive of much inward joy or bitterness. Whatever he undertakes, either his pride or his folly disgust us. Every man and every woman were numbered. Neither of those men seem to have any idea, that their opinions may be ill founded. When benignity and gentleness reign within, we are always least in hazard from without : every person, and every occurrence, are beheld in the most favourable light. On either side of the river was there the tree of life. II. ADJECTIVES. 4. She reads proper, writes very neat, and com- poses accurate. He was extreme prodigal, and his property is now near exhausted. They generally succeeded; for they lived con- formable to the rules of prudence. We may reason very clear, and exceeding strong, without knowing that there is such a thing as a syllogism. He had many virtues, and was exceeding be- loved. The amputation was exceeding well performed, and saved the patient's life, VOL. II. g 98 EXEECISES. [Eule 8. He came agreeable to his promise, and conducted himself suitable to the occasion. # He speaks very fluent, reads excellent, but does not think very coherent. He behaved himself submissive, and was ex- ceeding careful not to give offence. They rejected the advice, and conducted them- selves exceedingly indiscreetly. He is a person of great abilities, and exceeding upright ; and is like to be a very useful member of the community. The conspiracy was the easier discovered, from its being known to many. Not being fully acquainted with the subject, he could affirm no stronger than he did. He was so deeply impressed with the subject, that few could speak nobler upon it. We may credit his testimony, for he says express, that he saw the transaction. Use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thine often infirmities, From these favourable beginnings, we may hope for a soon and prosperous issue. He addressed several exhortations to them, suitably to their circumstances. Conformably to their vehemence of thought, was their vehemence of gesture. We should implant in the minds of youth, such seeds and principles of piety and virtue, as are likely to take soonest and deepest root. Eule 8.] SYNTAX. 99 Such an amiable disposition will secure universal regard. Such distinguished virtues seldom occur. 5, It is more easier to build two chimneys than to maintain one. The tongue is like a race-horse; which runs the faster, the lesser weight it carries. The pleasures of the understanding are more preferable than those of the imagination, or of sense. The nightingale sings : hers is the most sweetest voice in the grove. The Most Highest has created us for his glory, and our own happiness. The Supreme Being is the most wisest, and most powerfullest, and the most best of beings. 6, Yirtue confers the supremest dignity on man : and should be his chiefest desire. His assertion was more true than that of his opponent; nay, the words of the latter were most untrue. His work is perfect ; his brother's more perfect ; and his father's the most perfect of all. He gave the fullest and the most sincere proof of the truest friendship, 7, A talent of this kind would, perhaps, prove the likeliest of any other to succeed. He is the strongest of the two, but not the wisest. LOO EXERCISES. [Rule 9. He spoke with so much propriety, that I under- stood him the best of all the others who spoke on the subject. Eve was the fairest of all her daughters. 8. He spoke in a distinct enough manner to be heard by the whole assembly, Thomas is equipped with a new pair of shoes, and a new pair of gloves : he is the servant of an old rich man. The two first in the row are cherry-trees, the two others are pear-trees. RULE IX. The article a or an agrees with nouns in the singular number only, individually, or collectively: as, "A Christian, an infidel, a score, a thousand." The definite article the may agree with nouns in the singular or the plural number: as, " The garden, the house, the stars" The articles are often properly omitted; when used, they should be justly applied, according to their distinct nature: as, " Gold is corrupting;" " The sea is green;" " A lion is bold." See Vol. I. p. 254. Vol. II. p. 325. The fire, the air, the earth, and the water, are four elements of the philosophers. Reason was given to a man to control his pas- sions. Bulk 9.] SYNTAX. 101 We have within us an intelligent principle, distinct from body and from matter. A man is the noblest work of creation. Wisest and best men sometimes commit errors. Beware of drunkenness : it impairs understand- ing; wastes an estate; destroys a reputation; con- sumes the body; and renders the man of the brightest parts the common jest of the meanest clown. He is a much better writer than a reader. The king has conferred on him the title of a duke. There are some evils of life, which equally affect prince and people. We must act our part with a constancy, though reward of our constancy be distant. We are placed here under a trial of our virtue. The virtues like his are not easily acquired. Such qualities honour the nature of a man. Purity has its seat in the heart ; but extends its influence over so much of outward conduct, as to form the great and material part of a character. The profligate man is seldom or never found to be the good husband, the good father, or the bene- ficent neighbour. True charity is not the meteor, which occasion- ally glares ; but the luminary, which, in its orderly and regular course, dispenses benignant influence. 102 EXERCISES. [Rule 9. The following sentences exemplify tlie Notes mid Observations under Rule IX. See Vol. I. p. 256. Vol. II. p. 326. 1. He has been much censured for conducting himself with a little attention to his business. So bold a breach of order, called for little seve- rity in punishing the offender. His error was accompanied with so little contri- tion and candid acknowledgment, that he found a few persons to intercede for him. There were so many mitigating circumstances attending his misconduct, particularly that of his open confession, that he found few friends who were disposed to interest themselves in his favour. As his misfortunes were the fruit of his own obsti- nacy, a few persons pitied him. 2. The fear of shame, and desire of approbation, prevent many bad actions. In this business he was influenced by a just and generous principle. He was fired with desire of doing something, though he knew not yet, with distinctness, either end or means. 3. At worst, I could but incur a gentle repri- mand. At best, his gift was but a poor offering when we consider his estate. Rule 10.] SYNTAX. 103 RULE X. One substantive governs another, signifying a different thing, in the possessive or genitive case : as, " My father 's house ;" "Man's happiness ;" " Virtues reward? See Vol. I. p. 259. Vol. II. p. 327. My ancestors virtue is not mine. His brothers offence will not condemn him. I will not destroy the city for ten sake. Nevertheless, Asa his heart was perfect with the Lord. A mothers tenderness and a fathers care, are na- tures gift's for mans advantage. A mans manner's frequently influence his for- tune. Wisdoms precepts' form the good mans interest and happiness. They slew Varus, he that was mentioned before. They slew Varus, who was him that I mentioned before. The following examples are adapted to the Notes and Observations under Rule X. See Vol. I. p. 261. Vol. II. p. 328. 1. The anniversary of king William's and queen Mary's accession to the throne. The house was Joseph's and Robert's property. 104 EXEECISES. [Eule 10. On this trial, the judge and the jury's sentiments were at variance. The captain's and mate's, as well as the seamen's exertions, brought the vessel, under Providence, safely into port. 2. The witness evidence was decisive. Moses rod was turned into a serpent. For Herodias sake, his brother Philips wife. If ye suffer for righteousness's sake, happy are ye. Ye should be subject for conscience's sake. 3. They very justly condemned the prodigal's, as he was called, senseless and extravagant conduct. They implicitly obeyed the protector's, as they called him, imperious mandates. 4. I bought the knives at Johnson's, the cutler's. The silk was purchased at Brown's, the mercer's and haberdasher's. Lord Feversham the general's tent. This palace had been the grand sultan's Maho- met's. I will not for David's thy father's sake. He took refuge at the governor, the king's repre- sentative's. Whose works are these? They are Cicero, the most eloquent of men's. 5. The world's government is not left to chance. She married my son's wife's brother. This is my wife's brother's partner's house. Rule 1U.] SYNTAX. 105 It was necessary to have both the physician's and the surgeon's advice. The extent of the prerogative of the king of Eng- land, is sufficiently ascertained. 6. This picture of the king's does not much resem- ble him. These pictures of the king were sent to him from Italy. This estate of the corporation's is much encum- bered. That is the eldest son of the king of England's. 7. What can be the cause of the parliament ne- glecting so important a business? Much depends on this rule being observed. The time of William making the experiment, at length arrived. It is very probable that this assembly was called, to clear some doubt which the king had, about the lawfulness of the Hollanders their throwing off the monarchy of Spain, and their withdrawing entirely their allegiance to that crown. If we alter the situation of any of the words, we shall presently be sensible of the melody suffer- ing. Such will ever be the effect of youth associating with vicious companions. 106 EXERCISES. [Rule 11. RULE XI. Active verbs govern the objective case: as, " Truth ennobles her;" "She comforts me;" " They support us;" "Virtue rewards far followers." See Vol. I. p. 267. Vol. II. p. 330. They who opulence has made proud, and who luxury has corrupted, cannot relish the simple plea- sures of nature. You have reason to dread his wrath, which one day will destroy ye both. Who have I reason to love so much as this friend of my youth? Ye, who were dead, hath he quickened. Who did they entertain so freely? The man who he raised from obscurity, is dead. Ye only have I known of all the families of the earth. He and they we know, but who are you ? She that is idle and mischievous, reprove sharply. Who did they send to him on so important an errand ? That is the friend who you must receive cordially, and who you cannot esteem too highly. He invited my brother and I to see and examine his library. He who committed the offence, you should cor- rect, not I who am innocent. Rule 11.] SYNTAX. 107 We should fear and obey the Author of our being, even He who has power to reward or punish us for ever. They who he had most injured, he had the greatest reason to love. The examples which follow, are suited to the Notes and Observations under Eule XI. See Vol. I. p. 2G8. Vol. II. p. 331. 1. Though he now takes pleasure in them, he will one day repent him of indulgences so unwar- rantable. The nearer his virtues approached him to the great example before him, the humbler he grew. It will be very difficult to agree his conduct with the principles he professes. 2. To ingratiate with some, by traducing others, marks a base and despicable mind. I shall premise with two or three general ob- servations. 3. If such maxims, and such practices prevail, what has become of decency and virtue? I have come according to the time proposed ; but I have fallen upon an evil hour. The mighty rivals are now at length agreed. The influence of his corrupt example was then entirely ceased. He was entered into the connexion, before the consequences were considered. 108 EXEECISES. [Rule 11. 4. Well may you be afraid ; it is him indeed. I would act the same part if I were him, or in his situation. Search the Scriptures ; for in them ye think ye have eternal life : and they are them which testify of me. Be composed ; it is me : you have no cause for fear. I cannot tell who has befriended me, unless it is him from whom I have received many benefits. I know not whether it were them who conducted the business; but I am certain it was not him. He so much resembled my brother, that, at first sight, I took it to be he. After all their professions, is it possible to be them? It could not have been her, for she always be- haves discreetly. If it was not him, who do you imagine it to have been? Who do you think him to be? Whom do the people say that we are? 5. Whatever others do, let thou and I act wisely. Let them and we unite to oppose this growing evil. Rule 12.] SYNTAX. 109 EULE XII. One verb governs another that follows it, or depends upon it, in the infinitive mood : as, " Cease to do evil ; learn to do well; " " We should be prepared to render an account of our actions." Tlie preposition to, though generally used before t/ie latter verb, is sometimes properly omitted : as, " / heard him say it ; " instead of, " to say it." See Vol. I. p. 272. Vol. II. p. 333. It is better live on a little, than outlive a great deal. You ought not walk too hastily. I wish him not wrestle with his happiness. I need not to solicit him to do a kind action. I dare not to proceed so hastily, lest I should give offence. I have seen some young persons to conduct themselves very discreetly. The following sentences exemplify tlie Notes and Observations under Rule XII. See Vol. I. p. 273. Vol. II. p. 333. 1. It is a great support to virtue, when we see a good mind to maintain its patience and tranquillity, under injuries and affliction, and to cordially forgive its oppressors. It is the difference of their conduct, which makes us to approve the one, and to reject the other. 110 EXERCISES. [Rule 13. To see young persons who are courted by health and pleasure, to resist all the allurements of vice, and to steadily pursue virtue and knowledge, is cheering and delightful to every good mind. 2. We should not be like many persons, to de- preciate the virtues we do not possess. They acted with so much reserve, that some per- sons doubted them to be sincere. May we always act uprightly, to do that which conscience approves ! RULE XIII. In the use of words and phrases, which, in point of time, relate to each other, a due regard to that relation should be observed. Instead of saying, "The Lord hath given, and the Lord hath taken away /" we shoidd say, " The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken aivay." Instead of, " I hioiv the family more than twenty years;" it shoidd be, "I have known the family more than twenty years." See Vol. I. p. 274. Vol. II. p. 334. Next new-year's day, I shall be at school three years. He has lately lost a dear and only son. I should be obliged to him, if he will gratify me in that particular. He has been formerly very disorderly; but this year, to the present time, he was decent and regular. Rule 13.] SYNTAX. 1 1 1 We should respect these persons, because they continue long attached to us. In the treasury belonging to the cathedral in this city, is preserved with the greatest veneration, for upwards of six hundred years, a dish which they pretend to be made of emerald. The court of Rome gladly laid hold on all the opportunities, which the imprudence, weakness, or necessities, of princes, afford it, to extend its au- thority. Fierce as he moved, his silver shafts resound. They maintained that Scripture conclusion, that all mankind rise from one head. John will earn his wages when his service is com- pleted. Be wise and good, that you might be happy. Be that as it will, he cannot justify his conduct, I have been in London a year, and seen the king last summer. After we visited London, we returned, content and thankful, to our retired and peaceful habita- tion. Tlie following examples are adapted to the Notes and Observations under Rule XIII. See Vol. I. p. 277. Vol. II. p. 335. 1. I purpose to go to London in a few months, and after I shall finish my business there, to pro- ceed to America. 112 EXEECISES. [Eule 13. These prosecutions of William seem to be the most iniquitous measures pursued by the court, during the time that the use of parliaments was suspended. From the little conversation I had with him, he appeared to have been a man of letters. I always intended to have rewarded my son ac- cording to his merit. It would, on reflection, have given me great satisfaction, to relieve him from that distressed situation. It required so much care, that I thought I should have lost it before I reached home. We have done no more than it was our duty to have done. He would have assisted one of his friends, if he could do it without injuring the other; but as that could not have been done, he avoided all inter- ference. Must it not be expected, that he would have defended an authority which had been so long ex- ercised without controversy? These enemies of Christianity were confounded, whilst they were expecting to have found an oppor- tunity to have betrayed its Author. His sea-sickness was so great, that I often feared he would have died before our arrival. If these persons had intended to deceive, they would have taken care to have avoided what would expose them to the objections of their opponents. Rule 14.] SYNTAX. 113 It was a pleasure to have received his appro- bation of my labours; for which I cordially thanked him. It would have afforded me still greater pleasure, to receive his approbation at an earlier period: but to receive it at all, reflected credit upon me. To be censured by him, would soon have proved an insuperable discouragement. Him portion'd maids, apprenticed orphans blest, The young who labour, and the old who rest. The doctor, in his lecture, said, that fever always produced thirst. EULE XIV. Participles have the same government as the verbs from ivhich iliey are derived: as, " I am weary with hearing him ;" "She is instructing us ;" " The tutor is admonishing Chariest See Vol. I. p. 285. Vol. II. p. 337. Esteeming theirselves wise, they became fools. Suspecting not only ye, but they also, I was stu- dious to avoid all intercourse. I could not avoid considering, in some degree, they as enemies to me ; and he as a suspicious friend. From having exposed hisself too freely in dif- ferent climates, he entirely lost his health. VOL. II. H 114 EXEECISES. [Rule 14. The examples which follow, are suited to the Notes and Observations under Rule XIV. See Vol. I. p. 285. Vol. II. p. 337. 1. By observing of truth, you will command esteem, as well as secure peace. He prepared them for this event, by the sending to them proper information. A person may be great or rich by chance ; but cannot be wise or good, without the taking pains for it. Nothing could have made her so unhappy, as the marrying a man who possessed such principles. The changing times and seasons, the removing and setting up kings, belong to Providence alone. The middle station of life seems to be the most advantageously situated for gaining of wisdom. Poverty turns our thoughts too much upon the sup- plying our wants ; and riches, upon the enjoying our superfluities. Pliny, speaking of Cato the Censor's disapprov- ing the Grecian orators, expressed himself thus. Propriety of pronunciation is the giving to every word that sound, which the most polite usage of the language appropriates to it. The not attending to this rule, is the cause of a very common error. This was in fact a converting the deposit to his own use. 2. There will be no danger of their spoiling their faces, or of their gaining converts. Bulk 14.] SYNTAX. ] 1 5 For his avoiding that precipice, he is indebted to his friend's care. It was from our misunderstanding the directions, that we lost our way. In tracing of his history, we discover little that is worthy of imitation. By reading of books written by the best authors, his mind became highly improved. 3. By too eager pursuit, he run a great risk of being disappointed. He had not long enjoyed repose, before he begun to be weary of having nothing to do. He was greatly heated, and drunk with avidity. Though his conduct was, in some respects, excep- tionable, yet he dared not commit so great an offence, as that which was proposed to him. A second deluge learning thus o'errun ; And the monks finish'd what the Goths begun. If some events had not fell out very unexpectedly, I should have been present. He would have went with us, had he been in- vited. He returned the goods which he had stole, and made all the reparation in his power. They have chose the part of honour and virtue. His vices have weakened his mind, and broke his health. 116 EXERCISES. [Rule 14. He had mistook his true interest, and found him- self forsook by his former adherents. The bread that has been eat, is soon forgot. No contentions have arose amongst them since their reconciliation. The cloth had no seam, but was wove through- out. The French language is spoke in every state in Europe. His resolution was too strong to be shook by slight opposition. He was not much restrained afterwards, having took improper liberties at first. He lias not yet wore off the rough manners, which he brought with him. You who have forsook your friends, are entitled to no confidence. They who have bore a part in the labour, shall share the rewards. When the rules have been wantonly broke, there can be no plea for favour. He writes as the best authors would have wrote, had they writ on the same subject. He heapt up great riches, but past his time miserably. He talkt and stampt with such vehemence, that he was suspected to be insane. Eule 15.] SYNTAX. 117 EULE XV. Adverbs, though tliey have no government of case, tense, &c, re- quire an appropriate situation in the sentence ; for tlie most part, before adjectives, after verbs active or neuter, and frequently between the auxiliary and the verb : as, " lie made a very sensible dis- course ; he spoke unaffectedly and forcibly ; and was attentively heard by the whole assembly.''' See Vol. I. p. 290. Vol. II. p. 341. He was pleasing not often, because be was vain. William nobly acted, though he was unsuccessful. We may happily live, though our possessions are small. From whence we may date likewise the period of this event. It cannot be impertinent or ridiculous, therefore, to remonstrate. He offered an apology, which being not admitted, he became submissive. These things should be never separated. Unless he have more government of himself, he will be always discontented. Never sovereign was so much beloved by the people. He was determined to invite back the king, and to call together his friends. So well-educated a boy gives great hopes to his friends. Not only he found her employed, but pleased and tranquil also. 118 EXEECISES. [Rule 15. We always should prefer our duty to our plea- sure. It is impossible continually to be at work. The heavenly bodies are in motion perpetually. Having not known, or having not considered, the measures proposed, he failed of success. My opinion was given on rather a cursory peru- sal of the book. It is too common with mankind, to be engrossed, and overcome totally, by present events. When the Romans were pressed with a foreign enemy, the women contributed all their rings and jewels voluntarily, to assist the government. The following sentences exemjM/y the Notes and Observations under Rule XV. See Vol. I. p. 291. Vol. II. p. 342. 1. They could not persuade him, though they were never so eloquent. If some persons' opportunities were never so favourable, they would be too indolent to improve them. 2. He drew up a petition, where he too freely represented his own merits. His follies had reduced him to a situation, where he had much to fear, and nothing to hope. It is reported that the prince will come here to- morrow. George is active; he walked there in less than an hour. r Eule 16.] SYNTAX. 1 1 9 Where are you all going in such haste? Whither have they been, since they left the city? 3. Charles left the seminary too early; since when he has made very little improvement. Nothing is better worth the while of young per- sons, than the acquisition of knowledge and virtue. RULE XVI. Two negatives, in English, destroy one anotlier, or are equivalent to an affirmative : as, "Nor did they not perceive him ;" that is, " they did perceive him /' " His language, though inelegant, is not ungrammatical ;" that is, "it is grammatical" See Vol. I. p. 293. Vol. II. p. 343. Neither riches nor honours, nor no so such perish- ing goods, can satisfy the desires of an immortal spirit. Be honest, nor take no shape nor semblance of disguise. We need not, nor do not, confine his operations to narrow limits. I am resolved not to comply with the proposal, neither at present, nor at any other time. There cannot be nothing more insignificant than vanity. Nothing never aifected her so much as this mis- conduct of her child. Do not interrupt me yourselves, nor let no one disturb my retirement. 120 EXEKCISES. [Eule17. These people do not judge wisely, nor take no proper measures to effect their purpose. The measure is so exceptionable, that we cannot by no means permit it. I have received no information on the subject, neither from him, nor from his friend. Precept nor discipline is not so forcible as ex- ample. The king nor the queen was not at all deceived in the business. RULE XVII. Prepositions govern tlie objective case : as, " I have heard a good character of her ;" " From him that is needy, turn not away /" "A word to the wise is sufficient for them;" " We may be good and happy without riches." See Vol. I. p. 294. Vol. II. p. 344. We are all accountable creatures, each for his- self. They willingly, and of theirselves, endeavoured to make up the difference. He laid the suspicion upon somebody, I know not who, in the company. I hope it is not I who he is displeased with. To poor we there is not much hope remaining. Does that boy know who he speaks to? Who does he offer such language to? It was not he that they were so angry with. What concord can subsist between those who commit crimes, and they who abhor them? Kule 17.] SYNTAX. 121 The person who I travelled with, has sold the horse which he rode on during our journey. It is not I he is engaged with. Who did he receive that intelligence from? The f allotting examples are adapted to tlie Notes and Observations under Rule XVII. See Vol. I. p. 294. Vol. II. p. 345. 1. To have no one whom we heartily wish well to, and whom we are warmly concerned for, is a deplorable state. He is a friend whom I am highly indebted to. 2. On these occasions, the pronoun is governed by, and consequently agrees with, the preceding word. They were refused entrance into, and forcibly driven from, the house, 3. We are often disappointed of things, which, before possession, promised much enjoyment. • I have frequently desired their company, but have always hitherto been disappointed in that pleasure. 4. She finds a difficulty of fixing her mind. Her sobriety is no derogation to her understand- ing. There was no water, and he died for thirst. We can fully confide on none but the truly good. 122 EXEECISES. [Eule17. I have no occasion of his services. Many have profited from good advice. Many ridiculous practices have been brought in vogue. The error was occasioned by compliance to earnest entreaty. This is a principle in unison to our nature. We should entertain no prejudices to simple and rustic persons. They are at present resolved of doing their duty. That boy is known under the name of the Idler. Though conformable with custom, it is not war- rantable. This remark is founded in truth. His parents think on him, and his improvements, with pleasure and hope. His excuse was admitted of by his master. What went ye out for to see ? There appears to have been a million men brought into the field. His present was accepted of by his friends. More than a thousand of men were destroyed. • It is my request, that he will be particular in speaking to the following points. The Saxons reduced the greater part of Britain to their own power. He lives opposite the Royal Exchange. Their house is situated to the north-east side of the road. The performance was approved of by all who understood it. Eule17.] SYNTAX. 123 He was accused with having acted unfairly. She has an abhorrence to all deceitful conduct. They were some distance from home, when the accident happened. His deportment was adapted for conciliating regard. My father writes me very frequently. Their conduct was agreeable with their profes- sion. We went leisurely above stairs, and came hastily below. We shall write up stairs this forenoon, and down stairs in the afternoon. The politeness of the world has the same resem- blance with benevolence, that the shadow has with the substance. He had a taste of such studies, and pursued them earnestly. When we have had a true taste for the pleasures of virtue, we can have no relish of those of vice. How happy is it, to know how to live at times by one's self, to leave one's self in regret, to find one's self again with pleasure ! The world is then less ne- cessary for us. Civility makes its way among every kind of per- sons. 5. I have been to London, after having resided a year at France; and I now live in Islington. They have just landed in Hull, and are going for Liverpool. They intend to reside some time at Ireland. 124 EXERCISES. [Rule 18. RULE XVIII. Conjunctions connect the same moods and tenses of verbs, and cases of nouns and pronouns : as, " Candour is to be approved and practised;'''' " If thou sincerely desire, and earnestly pursue virtue, she will assuredly be found by thee, and prove a rich reward;" " The master taught both her and me to write;'" " He and she ivere school-^elloios." See Vol. I. p. 301. Vol. II. p. 348. Professing regard, and to act differently, dis- cover a base mind. Did he not tell me his fault, and entreated me to forgive him? My brother and him are tolerable grammarians. If he understand the subject, and attends to it industriously, he can scarcely fail of success. You and us enjoy many privileges. This excellent person appeared to be fully re- signed, either to live or to have died. She and him are very unhappily connected. To be moderate in our views, and proceeding temperately in the pursuit of them, is the best way to ensure success. On that occasion, he could not have done more, nor offer to do less. Rule 18.] SYNTAX. 125 Between him and I there is some disparity of years ; but none between him and she. By forming themselves on fantastic models, and ready to vie with one another in the reigning fol- lies, the young begin with being ridiculous, and ending with being vicious and immoral. In early life, they were headstrong and rash, though now are compliant and gentle. Can these persons consent to such a proposal, and will consent to it? How affluent, and distinguished for talents, he is, and how extensively useful might be ! We have met with many disappointments ; and, if life continue, shall probably meet with many more. He might have been happy, and now is fully con- vinced of it. * Virtue is praised by many, and doubtless would be desired also, if her worth were really known. Though Charles was sometimes hasty, yet was not often ungenerous. He could command his temper, though certainly would not. They may visit that country, but unquestionably should not long remain there. 126 EXEECISES. [Rule 19. EULE XIX. Some conjunctions require the indicative, some the subjunctive mood, after them. It is a general rule, that lolwn something con- tingent or doubtful is implied, the subjunctive ought to be used : as, " If I were to write, he ivoidd not regard it" " lie will not be pardoned, unless he repent? Conjunctions that are of a positive and absolute nature, require the indicative mood: as, "He is health]/, because he is temperate;" "As virtue advances, so vice recedes." See Vol. I. p. 303. Vol. II. p. 349. If he acquires riches, they will corrupt his mind, and be useless to others. Though he urges me yet more earnestly, I shall not comply, unless he advances more forcible reasons. I shall walk in the fields to-day, unless it rains. As the governess were present, the children be- haved properly. She disapproved the measure, because it were very improper. Though he be high, he has respect to the lowly. Though he were her friend, he did not attempt to justify her conduct. Whether he improve or not, I cannot determine. Though the fact be extraordinary, it certainly did happen. Remember what thou wert, and be humble. ! that his heart was tender, and susceptible of the woes of others ! Shall then this verse to future age pretend, Thou wert my guide, philosopher, and friend 1 Rule 19.] SYNTAX. 127 The examples which follow, are suited to the Notes and Observations under Rule XIX. See Vol. I. p. 304. Vol. II. p. 350. 1. Despise not any condition, lest it happens to be your own. Let him that is sanguine, take heed lest he mis- carries. Take care that thou breakest not any of the established rules. If he does but intimate his desire, it will be suf- ficient to produce obedience. At the time of his return, if he is but expert in the business, he will find employment. If he do but speak to display his abilities, he is unworthy of attention. If he be but in health, I am content. If he does promise, he will certainly perform. Though he do praise her, it is only for her beauty. If thou dost not forgive, perhaps thou wilt not be forgiven. If thou do sincerely believe the truths of religion, act accordingly. 2. His confused behaviour made it reasonable to suppose that he were guilty, He is so conscious of deserving the rebuke, that he dare not make any reply. His apology was so plausible, that many be- friended him, and thought he were innocent. 128 EXERCISES. [Rhus 19. 3. If one man prefer a life of industry, it is be- cause he has an idea of comfort in wealth ; if another prefers a life of gaiety, it is from a like idea concerning pleasure. No one engages in that business, unless he aim at reputation, or hopes for some singular advan- tage. Though the design be laudable, and is favourable to our interest, it will involve much anxiety and labour. 4. Unless he learns faster, he will be no scholar. Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down. On condition that he comes, I will consent to stay. However that affair terminates, my conduct will be unimpeachable. If virtue rewards us not so soon as we desire, the payment will be made with interest. Till repentance composes his mind, he will be a stranger to peace. Whether he confesses, or not, the truth will cer- tainly be discovered. If thou censurest uncharitably, thou wilt be en- titled to no favour. Though, at times, the ascent to the temple of virtue appears steep and craggy, be not discou- raged. Persevere until thou gainest the summit : there, all is order, beauty, and pleasure. Eule19.] SYNTAX. " 129 If Charlotte desire to gain esteem and love, she does not employ the proper means. Unless the accountant deceive me, my estate is considerably improved. Though self-government produce some uneasiness, it is light, when compared with the pain of vicious indulgence. Whether he thinks as he speaks, time will dis- cover. If thou censure uncharitably, thou deservest no favour. Though virtue appear severe, she is truly ami- able. Though success be very doubtful, it is proper that he endeavours to succeed. 5. If thou have promised, be faithful to thy en- gagement. Though he have proved his right to submission, he is too generous to exact it. Unless he have improved, he is unfit for the office. 6. If thou had succeeded, perhaps thou wouldst not be the happier for it. Unless thou shall see the propriety of the mea- sure, we shall not desire thy support. Though thou will not acknowledge, thou canst not deny, the fact. VOL. II. I 130 EXERCISES. [Rule 19. 7. If thou gave liberally, thou wilt receive a libe- ral reward. Though thou did injure him, he harbours no re- sentment. It would be well, if the report was only the mis- representation of her enemies. Was he ever so great and opulent, this conduct would debase him. Was I to enumerate all her virtues, it would look like flattery. Though I was perfect, yet would I not presume. 8. If thou may share in his labours, be thankful, and do it cheerfully. Unless thou can fairly support the cause, give it up honourably. Though thou might have foreseen the danger, thou couldst not have avoided it. If thou could convince him, he would not act accordingly. If thou would improve in knowledge, be dili- gent. Unless thou should make a timely retreat, the danger will be unavoidable. I have laboured and wearied myself, that thou may be at ease. He enlarged on those dangers, that thou should avoid them. 9. Neither the cold or the fervid, but characters uniformly warm, are formed for friendship. Bulk 19.] SYNTAX. 131 They are both praiseworthy, and one is equally deserving as the other. He is not as diligent and learned as his brother. I will present it to him myself, or direct it to be given to him. Neither despise or oppose what you do not under- stand. The house is not as commodious as we expected it would be. I must, however, be so candid to own I have been mistaken. There was something so amiable, and yet so piercing, in his look, as affected me at once with love and terror. I gain'd a son ; And such a son, as all men hail'd me happy. The dog in the manger would not eat the hay himself, nor suffer the ox to eat it. As far as I am able to judge, the book is well written. We should faithfully perform the trust committed to us, or ingenuously relinquish the charge. He is not as eminent, and as much esteemed, as he thinks himself to be. The work is a dull performance ; and is neither capable of pleasing the understanding, or the imagination. There is no condition so secure, as cannot admit of change. 132 EXEECISES. [Eule 19. This is an event, which nobody presumes upon, or is so sanguine to hope for. We are generally pleased with any little accom- plishments of body or mind. 1 0. Be ready to succour such persons who need your assistance. The matter was no sooner proposed, but he pri- vately withdrew to consider it. He has too much sense and prudence than to become a dupe to such artifices. It is not sufficient that our conduct, as far as it respects others, appears to be unexcep- tionable. The resolution was not the less fixed, that the secret was as yet communicated to very few. He opposed the most remarkable corruptions of the church of Rome, so as that his doctrines were embraced by great numbers. He gained nothing further by his speech, but only to be commended for his eloquence. He has little more of the scholar besides the name. He has little of the scholar than the name. They had no sooner risen, but they applied them- selves to their studies. From no other institution, besides the admi- rable one of juries, could so great a benefit be expected. Those savage people seemed to have no other element but war. Eule20.] syntax. 133 Such men that act treacherously ought to be avoided. Germany ran the same risk as Italy had done. No errors are so trivial, but they deserve to be corrected. I have great confidence in him, because that I have long known his integrity. EULE XX. When the qualities of different things are compared, the latter noun or pronoun is not governed by the conjunction than or as ; but agrees with the verb, or is governed by the verb or the preposition, expressed or understood : as, " Thou art wiser than I ; " that is, "than I am? " They loved him more than me ;" that is, " more than they loved me." " The sentiment is well expressed by Plato, but much better by Solomon than him ; " that is, " than by him" See Vol. I. p. 315. Vol. II. p. 356. In some respects, we have had as many advan- tages as them; but, in the article of a good library, they have had a greater privilege than us. The undertaking was much better executed by his brother than he. They are much greater gainers than me by this unexpected event. They know how to write as well as him; but he is a much better grammarian than them. Though she is not so learned as him, she is as much beloved and respected. These people, though they possess more shining qualities, are not so proud as him, nor so vain as her. 134 EXERCISES. [Rule 21. The following examples are adapted to the Notes and Observations under Rule XX. See Vol. I. p. 315. Yol. II. p. 357. 1. Who betrayed her companion? Not me. Who revealed the secrets he ought to have con- cealed? Not him. Who related falsehoods to screen herself, and to bring an odium upon others? Not me; it was her. There is but one in fault, and that is me. Whether he will be learned or no, must depend on his application. 2. Charles XII. of Sweden, than who a more courageous person never lived, appears to have been destitute of the tender sensibilities of nature. Salmasius (and a more learned man than him has seldom appeared) was not happy at the close of life. RULE XXI. To avoid disagreeable repetitions, and to express our ideas in few words, an ellipsis, or omission of some words, is frequently admitted. Instead of saying, " lie ivas a learned man, lie was a ivise man, and he was a good man;" we make use of the ellipsis, and say, " He was a learned, wise, and good man." When the omission of words would obscure the sentence, weaken its force, or be attended with any impropriety, they must be ex- pressed. In the sentence, " We are apjt to love who love us," the word them should be supplied. " A beautiful field and trees" is not proper language. It should be, " Beautiful fields and trees ;" or, "A beautiful field and fine trees." See Vol. I. p. 319. Vol. II. p. 358. I gladly shunned who gladly fled from me. Rule 21.] SYNTAX. 135 And tins is it men mean by distributive justice, and is properly termed equity. His honour, interest, religion, were all embarked in this undertaking. When so good a man as Socrates fell a victim to the madness of the people, truth, virtue, religion, fell with him.. The fear of death, nor hope of life, could make him submit to a dishonest action. An elegant house and furniture, were, by this event, irrecoverably lost to the owner. The examples lohich follow, are suited to the Notes and Observations under Rule XXL See Vol. I. p. 320. Vol. II. p. 358. 1. These rules are addressed to none but the intelligent and the attentive. * The gay and the pleasing are, sometimes, the most insidious and the most dangerous compa- nions. Old age will prove a joyless and a dreary season, if we arrive at it with an unimproved, or with a corrupted mind. The more I see of his conduct, I like him better. It is not only the duty, but interest, of young persons, to be studious and diligent. 2. These counsels were the dictates of virtue, and the dictates of true honour. Avarice and cunning may acquire an estate; but avarice and cunning cannot gain friends. 136 EXEECISES. [Rule 21. A taste for useful knowledge, will provide for us a great and noble entertainment, when others leave us. Without firmness, nothing that is great can be undertaken; that is difficult or hazardous, can be accomplished. The anxious man is the votary of riches; the ne- gligent, of pleasure. 3. His crimes had brought him into extreme dis- tress, and extreme perplexity. He has an affectionate brother, and an affection- ate sister; and they live in great harmony. We must guard against too great severity, and facility, of manners. We should often recollect what the wisest men have said and written, concerning human happiness and vanity. That species of commerce will produce great gain or loss. Many days, and even weeks, pass away unim- proved. This wonderful action struck the beholders with exceeding astonishment. The people of this country possess a healthful climate and soil. They enjoy also a free constitution and laws. 4. His reputation and his estate were both lost by gaming. This intelligence not only excited our hopes, but fears too. Rule 21.] SYNTAX. 137 His conduct is not scandalous ; and that is the best can be said of it. This was the person whom calumny had greatly abused, and sustained the injustice with singular patience. He discovered some qualities in the youth, of a disagreeable nature, and to him were wholly un- accountable. The captain had several men died in his ship, of the scurvy. He is not only sensible and learned, but is religi- ous too. The Chinese language contains an immense num- ber of words; and who would learn them, must possess a great memory. By presumption and by vanity, we provoke enmity, and we incur contempt. In the circumstances I was at that time, my troubles pressed heavily upon me. He has destroyed his constitution, by the very same errors that so many have been destroyed. 5. He is temperate, he is disinterested, he is be- nevolent; he is an ornament to his family, and a credit to his profession. Genuine virtue supposes our benevolence to be strengthened, and to be confirmed, by prin- ciple. Perseverance in laudable pursuits, will reward all our toils, and will produce effects beyond our calculation. 138 EXERCISES. [Rule 21. It is happy for us, when we can calmly and de- liberately look back on the past, and can quietly anticipate the future. The sacrifices of virtue will not only be rewarded hereafter, but recompensed even in this life. All those possessed of any office, resigned their former commission. If young persons were determined to conduct themselves by the rules of virtue, not only would they escape innumerable dangers, but command re- spect from the licentious themselves. Charles was a man of learning, knowledge, and be- nevolence; and, what is still more, a true Christian. 6. The temper of him who is always in the bustle of the world, will be often ruffled, and be often dis- turbed. We often commend imprudently, as well as cen- sure imprudently. How a seed grows up into a tree, and the mind acts upon the body, are mysteries which we cannot explain. Verily, there is a reward for the righteous ! There is a God who judgeth in the earth. 7. Changes are almost continually taking place, in men and in manners, in opinions and in customs, in private fortunes and public conduct. Averse either to contradict or blame, the too complaisant man goes along with the manners that prevail. Rule 21.] SYNTAX. 139 By this habitual indelicacy, the virgins smiled at what they blushed before. They are now reconciled to what they could not formerly be prompted, by any considerations. Censure is the tax which a man pays the public for being eminent. Reflect on the state of human life, and the society of men, as mixed with good and with evil, 8. In all stations and conditions, the important relations take place, of masters and servants, and husbands and wives, and parents and children, and brothers and friends, and citizens and subjects. Destitute of principle, he regarded neither his family, nor his friends, nor his reputation. Religious persons are often unjustly represented as persons of romantic character, visionary notions, unacquainted with the world, unfit to live in it. No rank, station, dignity of birth, possessions, exempt men from contributing their share to public utility. 9. Oh, my father ! Oh, my friend! how great has been my ingratitude ! Oh, piety ! virtue ! how insensible have I been to your charms ! 10. That is a property most men have, or at least may attain. Why do ye that, which is not lawful to do on the sabbath day. HO EXERCISES. [Rule 22. The showbread, which is not lawful to eat, but for the priests only. Most, if not all the royal family, had quitted the place. By these happy labours, they who sow and reap, will rejoice together. KULE XXII. All the parts of a sentence should correspond to each other: a regular and dependent construction, throughout, should be carefully preserved. The folloiving sentence is therefore inaccurate : " He was more beloved, but not so much admired, as Cinthio." It should be, " He was more beloved than Cinthio, but not so much admired." See Vol. I. p. 326. Vol. II. p. 3G3. Several alterations and additions hare been made to the work. The first proposal was essentially different, and inferior, to the second. He is more bold and active, but not so wise and studious as his companion. We hear the sound of the wind, but we cannot tell whence it comes, and whither it goes. Neither has he, nor any other persons, suspected so much dissimulation. The court of France, or England, was to be the umpire. Eule22.J SYNTAX. 141 In the reign of Henry II., all foreign commodi- ties were plenty in England. There is no talent so useful towards success in business, or which puts men more out of the reach of accidents, than that quality generally possessed by persons of cool temper, and is, in common lan- guage, called discretion. The first project was to shorten discourse, by cutting polysyllables into one. I shall do all I can, to persuade others to take the same measures for their cure, which I have. The greatest masters of critical learning differ among one another. Micaiah said, " If thou certainly return in peace, then hath not the Lord spoken by me." I do not suppose, that we Britons want a genius, more than the rest of our neighbours. The deaf man, whose ears were opened, and his tongue loosened, doubtless glorified the great Physician. Groves, fields, and meadows, are, at any season of the year, pleasant to look upon; but never so much as in the opening of the spring. The multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace. The intentions of some of these philosophers, nay, of many, might and probably were good. It is an unanswerable argument of a very refined age, the wonderful civilities that have passed between the nation of authors, and that of readers. It was an unsuccessful undertaking; which, 142 EXERCISES. [Rule 22. though it has failed, is no objection at all to an enterprise so well concerted. The reward is his due ; and it has already, or it will hereafter, be given to him. By intercourse with wise and experienced per- sons, who know the world, we may improve and rub off the rust of a private and retired education. Sincerity is as valuable, and even more valuable, than knowledge. No person was ever so perplexed, or sustained the mortifications, as he has done to-day. The Romans gave, not only the freedom of the city, but capacity for employments, to several towns in Gaul, Spain, and Germany. Such writers have no other standard on which to form themselves, except what chances to be fashion- able and popular. Whatever we do secretly, shall be displayed and heard in the clearest light. To the happiness of possessing a person of so uncommon merit, Boethius soon had the satisfaction of obtaining the highest honour his country could bestow. CHAPTEE II. CONTAINING INSTANCES OF FALSE SYNTAX, PROMISCUOUSLY DISPOSED, See the Key, p. 367. SECTION I. Though great has been his disobedience and his folly, yet if he sincerely acknowledges his miscon- duct, he will be forgiven. On these causes depend all the happiness or misery, which exist among men. The property of James, I mean his books and furniture, were wholly destroyed. This prodigy of learning, this scholar, critic, and antiquarian, were entirely destitute of breeding and civility. That writer has given an account of the manner, in which Christianity has formerly been propagated among the heathens. We adore the Divine Being, he who is from eter- nity to eternity. Thou, Lord, who hath permitted affliction to come upon us, shall deliver us from it in due time. In this place, there were not only security, but an abundance of provisions. By these attainments are the master honoured, and the scholars encouraged. 144 EXEECISES. [Promiscuous. The sea appeared to be more than usually agi- tated. Not one in fifty of those who call themselves deists, understand the nature of the religion they reject. Virtue and mutual confidence is the soul of friendship. Where these are wanting, disgust or hatred often follow little differences. Time and chance happeneth to all men; but every person do not consider who govern those powerful causes. The active mind of man never or seldom rests satisfied with their present condition, howsoever prosperous. Habits must be acquired of temperance and of self-denial, that we may be able to resist pleasure, and to endure pain, when either of them interfere with our duty. The error of resting wholly on faith, or on works, is one of those seductions which most easily misleads men; under the semblance of piety, on the one hand, and of virtue, on the other hand. It was no exaggerated tale ; for she was really in the sad condition that her friend represented her. An army present a painful sight to a feeling mind. The enemies who we have most to fear, are those of our own hearts. Thou art the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to come into the world, and hast been so long pro- mised and desired. Promiscuous.] SYNTAX. 145 Thomas disposition is better than his brothers ; and he appears to be the happiest man : but some degree of trouble is all mens portion. Though remorse sleep sometimes during pro- sperity, it will awake surely in adversity. It is an invariable law to our present condition, that every pleasure that are pursued to excess, con- vert themselves into poison. If a man brings into the solitary retreat of age, a vacant, an unimproved mind, where no know- ledge dawns, no ideas rise, which within itself has nothing to feed upon, many a heavy and many a comfortless day he must necessarily pass, I cannot yield to such dishonourable conduct, neither at the present moment of difficulty, nor, I trust, under no circumstance whatever. Themistocles concealed the enterprises of Pausa- nias, either thinking it base to betray the secrets trusted to his confidence, or imagined it impossible for such dangerous and ill concerted schemes to take effect. Pericles gained such an ascendant over the minds of the Athenians, that he might be said to attain a monarchical power in Athens. Christ did applaud the liberality of the poor widow, who he had seen casting her two mites in the treasury. A multiplicity of little kind offices, in persons frequently conversant with each other, is the bands of society and of friendship. VOL. II. K 1 46 EXEECISES. [Promiscuous. To do good to them who hate us, and, on no oc- casion, to seek revenge, is the duty of a Christian. If a man profess a regard for the duties of religion, and neglect that of morality, that man's religion is vain. Affluence might give us respect in the eyes of the vulgar, but will not recommend us to the wise and good. The polite, accomplished libertine, is but miser- able amidst all his pleasures : the rude inhabitant of Lapland is happier than him. The cheerful and the gay, when warmed by plea- sure and by mirth, lose that sobriety and that self- denial which is essential to the support of virtue. SECTION II. See the Key, p. 370. There were, in the metropolis, much to amuse them, as well as many things to excite disgust. How much is real virtue and merit exposed to suffer the hardships of a stormy life ! This is one of the duties which requires peculiar circumspection. More complete happiness than that I have de- scribed, seldom falls to the lot of mortals. There are principles in man, which ever have, and ever will, incline him to offend. Whence have there arose such a great variety of opinions and tenets in religion ? Promiscuous.] SYNTAX. 147 Its stature is less than that of a man; but its strength and agility much greater. They who honour me, them will I honour. He summonses me to attend, and I must sum- mons the others. Then did the officer lay hold of him, and ex- ecuted him immediately. Who is that person whom I saw you introduce, and present him to the duke ? I offer observations that a long and chequered pilgrimage have enabled me to make on man. Every church and sect of people have a set of opinions peculiar to themselves. May thou as well as me, be meek, patient, and forgiving ! These men were under high obligations to have adhered to their friend, in every situation of life. After I visited Europe, I returned to America. Their example, their influence, their fortune, every talent they possess, dispenses blessings on all around them. When a string of such sentences succeed one an- other, the effect is disagreeable. I have lately been in Gibraltar, and have seen the commander in chief. Propriety of pronunciation, is the giving to every word the sound which the politest usage of the lan- guage appropriates to it. The book is printed very neat, and on a fine wove paper. 148 EXEECISES. [Promiscuous. The fables of the ancients are many of them highly instructive. He resembles one of those solitary animals, that has been forced from its forest to gratify human curiosity. There is not, nor ought not to be, such a thing as constructive treason. He is a new created knight, and his dignity sits awkward on him. Hatred or revenge are things deserving of cen- sure, wherever they are found to exist. If you please to employ your thoughts on that subject, you would easily conceive our miserable condition. His speech contains one of the grossest and in- famousest calumnies which ever was uttered. A too great variety of studies dissipate and weaken the mind. Those two authors have each of them their merit. James was resolved to not indulge himself in such a cruel amusement. The not attending to this rule, is the source of a very common error. Calumny and detraction are sparks, which if you do not blow, they will go out of themselves. Clelia is a vain woman, whom if you do not flatter, she will be disgusted. That celebrated work was nearly ten years published before its importance was at all under- stood. Promiscuous.] SYNTAX. 149 Ambition is so insatiable that it will make any sacrifices to attain its objects. A great mass of rocks thrown together by the hand of nature, with wildness and confusion, strike the mind with more grandeur than if they were adjusted to one another with the accuratest sym- metry. SECTION III. See the Key, p. 373. He showed a spirit of forgiveness, and a magna- nimity, that does honour to human nature. They who honour me, I will honour; and them who despise me, shall be lightly esteemed. Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, Lies in three words, health, peace, and competence. Having thus began to throw off the restraints of reason, he was soon hurried into deplorable ex- cesses. These arts are enlightened, and will enlighten, every person who shall attentively study them. When we succeed in our plans, its not to be attri- buted always to ourselves ; the aid of others often promote the end, and claim our acknowledgement. Their intentions were good ; but, wanting pru- dence, they mist the mark for which they aimed. I have not, nor shall not, consent to a proposal so unjust. 150 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. We have subjected ourselves to much expense, that thou may be well educated. This treaty was made at earl Moreton the go- vernor's castle. Be especially careful, that thou givest no offence to the aged or helpless. The business was no sooner opened, but it was cordially acquiesced in. As to his general conduct, he deserved punish- ment as much, or more than his companion. He left a son of a singular character, and behaved so ill that he was put in prison. If he does but approve my endeavours, it will be an ample reward. I beg the favour of your acceptance of a copy of " A View of the Manufactories of the West Riding of the county of York." I intended to have written the letter before he urged me to it ; and, therefore, he has not all the merit of it. All the power of ridicule, aided by the desertion of friends, and the diminution of his estate, were not able to shake his principles. In his conduct was treachery ; and in his words, faithless professions. Though the measure be mysterious, it is worthy of attention. Be solicitous to aid such deserving persons, who appear to be destitute of friends. Ignorance, or the want of light, produce sensuality, covetousness, and those violent contests with others Promiscuous.] SYNTAX. 151 about trifles, which occasions so much misery and crimes in the world. He will one day reap the reward of his labour, if he is diligent and attentive. Till that period comes, let him be contented and patient. To the resolutions which we have, upon due con- sideration, once adopted as rules of conduct, let us adhere firmly. He has little more of the great man besides the title. Though he was my superior in knowledge, he would not have thence a right to impose his sentiments. That picture of the emperor's, is a very exact resemblance of him. How happy are the virtuous, who can rest on the protection of the powerful arm who made the earth and the heavens ! Prosperity and adversity may be improved equally ; both the one and the other proceeds from the same Author. He acted conformable with his instructions, and cannot be censured justly. The orators did not forget to enlarge themselves on so popular a subject. The language of Divine Providence to all human agents is, " Hitherto shalt thou come, and no further." Idle persons imagine, howsoever deficient they be in point of duty, they consult at least their own satisfaction. 152 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. Good as the cause is, it is one from which numbers are deserted. The man is prudent which speaks little. SECTION IV. See the Key, p. 376. He acted independent of foreign assistance. Every thing that we here enjoy, change, decay, and come to an end. All float on the surface of the river, which is running to a boundless ocean, with a swift current. The winter has not been as severe as we expected it to have been. Temperance, more than medicines, are the proper means of curing many diseases. They understand the practical part better than him ; but he is much better acquainted with the theory than them. When we have once drawn the line, by intelli- gence and precision, between our duty and sin, the line we ought on no occasion to transgress. All those distinguished by extraordinary talents, have extraordinary duties to perform. No person could speak stronger on this subject, nor behave nobler, than our young advocate for the cause of toleration. His conduct was so provoking that many will condemn him, and a few will pity him. The peoples happiness is the statesmans honour. Promiscuous.] SYNTAX. 153 We are in a perilous situation. On one side, and the other, dangers meet us; and each extreme shall be pernicious to virtue. Several pictures of the Sardinian king, were trans- mitted into France. When I last saw him, he had grown consider- ably. If we consult the improvement of mind, or the health of body, it is well known exercise is the great instrument for promoting both. If it were them who acted so ungratefully, they are doubly in fault. Whether virtue promotes our interest or no, we must adhere to her dictates. We should be studious to avoid too much indul- gence, as well as restraint, in our management of children. No human happiness is so complete, as does not contain some imperfection. He cannot hope for this success, unless he gives better proofs of genius, or applies himself with in- defatigable labour. The house framed a remonstrance, where they spoke with great freedom of the king's preroga- tive. The conduct which has been mentioned, is one of those artifices which seduces men most easily, under appearance of benevolence. This is the person who we are so much obliged to, and who we expected to have seen, when the favour was conferred. 154 EXEECISES. [Promiscuous. He is a person of great property, but does not possess the esteem of his neighbours. They were solicitous to ingratiate with those, who it was dishonourable to favour. The great diversity which takes place among men, is not owing to a distinction that nature made in their original powers, as much as to the superior diligence, with which some have improved those powers beyond others. While we are unoccupied in what is good, evil is at hand continually. Not a creature is there that moves, nor a vege- table that grows, but what, when minutely exa- mined, furnished materials of pious admiration. What can be the reason of the committee having delayed this business ? I know not whether Charles was the author, but I understood it to be he. A good and well-cultivated mind, is far more preferable than rank or riches. Charity to the poor, when it is governed by know- ledge and prudence, there are no persons avIio will not admit it to be a virtue. His greatest concern, and highest enjoyment, were to be approved in the sight of his Creator. Let us not set our hearts on such a mutable, such an unsatisfying world. Promiscuous.] SYNTAX. 155 SECTION V. See the Key, p. 379. Shall you attain success, without that prepara- tion, and escape dangers, without that precaution, which is required of others? When we see bad men to be honoured and pro- sperous in the world, it is some discouragement to virtue. The furniture was all purchased at Wentworth's the joiner's. Every member of the body, every bone, joint, and muscle, lie exposed to many disorders ; and the greatest prudence or precaution, or the deepest skill of the physician, are not sufficient to prevent them. It is right said, that though faith justify us, yet works must justify our faith. If an academy is established for the cultivation of our language, let them stop the license of trans- lators ; whose idleness and ignorance, if it be suffered to proceed, will reduce us to babble a dialect of French. It is of great consequence that a teacher firmly believes, both the truth and importance of those principles which he inculcates upon others; and that he not only speculatively believes them, but has a lively and serious feeling of them. It is not the uttering, or the hearing certain words, that constitute the worship of the Almighty. 156 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. It is the heart that praises, or prays. If the heart accompany not the words that are spoken, we offer a sacrifice of fools. Neither flatter or contemn the rich or the great. He has travelled much, and passed through many stormy seas and lands. You must be sensible that there is, and can be, no other person but me, who could give the infor- mation desired. To be patient, resigned, and thankful, under afflictions and disappointments, demonstrate genuine piety. Alvarez was a man of corrupt principles, and of detestable conduct ; and what is still worse, gloried in his shame. As soon as the sense of a Supreme Being is lost, so soon the great check is taken off, which keep under restraint the passions of men. Mean desires, low pleasures, takes place of the greater and the nobler sentiments, which reason and religion inspires. We should be careful not to follow the example of many persons, to censure the opinions, manners, and customs of others, merely because they are foreign to us. Steady application, as well as genius and abilities, are necessary to produce eminence. There is, in that seminary, several students con- siderably skilled in mathematical knowledge. If Providence clothe the grass of the field, and shelters and adorns the flowers that every where Promiscuous.] SYNTAX. 157 grows wild amongst it, will he not clothe and pro- tect his servants and children much more? We are too often hurried with the violence of passion, or with the allurements of pleasure. High hopes, and florid views, is a great enemy to tranquillity. Year after yea» steal something from us ; till the decaying fabric totters of itself, and crumbles at length into dust. I intended to have finished the letter before the bearer called, that he might not have been detained; but I was prevented by company. George is the most learned and accomplished of all the other students, who belong to the semi- nary. This excellent and well-written treatise, with others that might be mentioned, were the founda- tion of his love of study. There can be no doubt but that the pleasures of the mind excel those of sense. SECTION VI. See the Key, p. 381. The grand temple consisted of one great, and several smaller edifices. Many would exchange gladly their honours, beauty, and riches, for that more quiet and humbler station, which you are now dissatisfied with. Though the scene was a very affecting one, Louis showed a little emotion on the occasion. 158 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. The climate of England is not so pleasant as those of France, Spain, or Italy. Much of the good and evil that happens to us in this world, are owing to apparently undesigned and fortuitous events : but it is the Supreme Being which secretly directs and regulates all things. To despise others on account of their poverty, or to value ourselves for our wealth, are dispositions highly culpable. This task was the easier performed, from the cheerfulness with which he engaged in it. She lamented the unhappy fate of Lucretia, who seemed to her another name for chastity. He has not yet cast off all the regard for de- cency; and this is the most can be advanced in his favour. The girls school was better conducted formerly than the boys. The disappointments he lias met with, or the loss of his much-loved friend, has occasioned a total derangement of his mental powers. The concourse of people were so great, that with difficulty we passed through them. All the women, children, and treasure, which remained in the city, fell under the victor's power. They have already made great progress in their studies, and, if attention and diligence continues, will soon fulfil the expectations of their friends. It is amazing his propensity to this vice, against every principle of interest and honour. These kind of vices, though they inhabit the Promiscuous.] SYNTAX. 159 upper circles of life, arc not less pernicious "than those we meet with amongst the lowest of men. He acted agreeable to the dictates of prudence, though he were in a situation exceeding delicate. If I had known the distress of my friend, it would be my duty to have relieved him : and it would always have yielded me pleasure to grant him that relief. They admired the countryman's, as they called him, candour and uprightness. The new set of curtains did not correspond to the old pair of blinds. The tutor commends him for being more studious than any other pupils of the school. Two principles in human nature reign ; Self- love to urge, and reason to restrain : — Nor that a good, nor this a bad we call ; Each works its end, to move or govern all. Temperance and exercise, howsoever little they may be regarded, they are the best means of pre- serving health. He has greatly blessed me; yes, even I, who, loaded with kindness, hath not been sufficiently grateful. No persons feel the distresses of others, so much as them that have experienced distress themselves. 160 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. SECTION VII. See the Key, p. 384. Constantinople was the point, in which was concentrated the learning and science of the world. Disgrace not your station, by that grossness of sensuality, that levity of dissipation, or that inso- lence of rank, which bespeak a little mind. A circle, a square, a triangle, or a hexagon, please the eye by their regularity, as beautiful figures. His conduct was equally unjust as dishonour- able. Though, at first, he begun to defend himself, yet, when the proofs appeared against him, he dared not any longer to contend. Many persons will not believe but what they are free from prejudices. The pleasure or pain of one passion, differ from those of another. The rise and fall of the tides, in this place, makes a difference of about twelve feet. Five and seven make twelve, and one makes thirteen. He did not know who to suspect. I had intended yesterday to have walked out, but I have been again disappointed. The court of Spain, who gave the order, were not aware of the consequence. Promiscuous.] SYNTAX. 1 6 1 If the acquisitions lie lias made, and qualified him to be a useful member of society, should have been misapplied, he will be highly culpable. There was much spoke and wrote on each side of the question ; but I have chose to suspend my de- cision. Was there no bad men in the world, who vex and distress the good, they might appear in the light of harmless innocence ; but could have no opportunity for displaying fidelity and magnanimity, patience and fortitude. The most ignorant, and the most savage tribes of men, when they have looked round on the earth, and on the heavens, could not avoid ascribing their origin to some invisible, designing cause, and felt a propensity to adore their Creator. Let us not forget that something more than gen- tleness and modesty, something more than compla- cency of temper and affability of manners, are requisite to form a worthy man, or a true Christian. Cue of the first, and the most common extreme in moral conduct, is placing all virtue in justice, or in generosity. It is an inflexible regard to principle, which has ever marked the characters of them, who distin- VOL. II. l 162 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. guished themselves eminently in public life; who patronised the cause of justice against powerful oppressors; in critical times, have supported the falling rights and liberties of men ; and reflected honour on their nation and country. When it is with regard to trifles, that diversity or contrariety of opinions show themselves, it is childish in the last degree, if this becomes the ground of estranged affection. When, from such a cause, there arise any breach of friendship, human weakness is then discovered in a mortifying light. In matters of serious moment, the sentiments of the best and worthiest might vary from that of their friends, according as their lines of life diverge, or as their temper, and habits of thought, presents objects under different points of view. But with candid and liberal minds, unity of affection still will be preserved. Desires and wishes are the first spring of action. When they become exorbitant, the whole of the character is like to be tainted. If we should suffer our fancies to create to themselves, worlds of ideal happiness; if we should feed our imagination with plans of opulence and of splendour ; if we should fix to our wishes certain stages of a high advancement, or certain degrees of an uncommon reputation, as the sole station of our felicity; the assured conse- quence shall be, that we will become unhappy under our present state; that we shall be unfit for acting Promiscuous.] SYNTAX. 1G3 the part, and for discharging the duties, that belong to it; and we shall discompose the peace and order of our minds, and shall foment many hurtful passions. Maria always appears amiably. She never speaks severe or contemptuous.* * Young persons who study grammar, find it difficult to de- cide, in particular constructions, whether an adjective, or an adverb, ought to be used. A few observations on this point, may- serve to inform their judgment, and direct their determination. They should carefully attend to the definitions of the adjective and the adverb ; and consider whether, in the case in question, quality, or manner, is indicated. In the former case, an adjec- tive is proper; in the latter, an adverb. A number of examples will illustrate this direction, and prove useful on other occasions. " She looks cold." " She looks coldly on him." " He feels warm." " He feels warmly the insult offered to him." " He became sincere and virtuous." " He became sincerely virtuous." " She lives free from care." " He lives freely at another's expense." " Harriet always appears neat." " She dresses neatly." " Charles has grown great by his wisdom." " He has grown greatly in reputation." " They now appear happy." " They now appear happily in earnest." " The statement seems exact." " The statement seems exactly in point." The verb to be, in all its moods and tenses, generally requires the word immediately connected with it to be an adjective, not an adverb ; and, consequently, when this verb can be substituted 164 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. for any other, without varying the sense or the construction, that other verb must also be connected with an adjective. The following sentences elucidate these observations. " This is agreeable to our interest;" "That behaviour was not suitable to his station;" " Rules should be conformable to sense:" " The rose is is smells sweet ;" "How sweet the hay smells!" " How delightful is are the country appears;" "How pleasant the fields look!" "The are was clouds look dark;" " How black the sky looked!" "The apple is were is tastes sour;" " How bitter the plums tasted !" " He feels happy." In all these sentences, we can, with perfect propriety, substitute some tenses of the verb to be for the other verbs. But in the following sentences we cannot do this : " The dog smells dis- agreeably;" "George feels exquisitely;" " How pleasantly she looks at us !" The directions contained in this note are offered as useful, not as complete and unexceptionable. Anomalies in language every where encounter us : but we must not reject rules, because they are attended with exceptions. PAKT IV. EXERCISES IN PUNCTUATION. CHAPTEE I. SENTENCES WHICH REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE COMMA, DISPOSED UNDER THE PARTICULAR RULES. RULE I. See Vol. I. p. 392. Vol. II. p. 387. The tear of repentance brings its own relief. Manhood is disgraced by the consequences of neglected youth. Idleness is the great fomenter of all corruptions in the human heart. It is honourable to be a friend to the unfortu- nate. All finery is a sign of littleness. Slovenliness and indelicacy of character commonly go hand in hand. The friend of order has made half his way to virtue. Too many of the pretended friendships of youth are mere combinations in pleasure. 166 EXERCISES. [Comma. The indulgence of harsh dispositions is the intro- duction to future misery. The intermixture of evil in human society serves to exercise the suffering graces and virtues of the good. RULE II. See Vol. I. 392. See Vol. II. p. 388. Gentleness is in truth the great avenue to mu- tual enjoyment. Charity like the sun brightens all its objects. The tutor by instruction and discipline lays the foundation of the pupil's future honour. Trials in this stage of being are the lot of man. No assumed behaviour can always hide the real character. The best men often experience disappointments. Advice should be seasonably administered. RULE III. • See Vol. I. p. 393. Vol. II. p. 388. Self-conceit presumption and obstinacy blast the prospect of many a youth. In our health life possessions connexions plea- sures there are causes of decay imperceptibly work- ing. Discomposed thoughts agitated passions and a ruffled temper poison every pleasure of life. Vicissitudes of good and evil of trials and con- solations fill up the life of man. Comma.] PUNCTUATION. 167 Health and peace a moderate fortune and a few friends sum up all the undoubted articles of tem- poral felicity. We have no reason to complain of the lot of man or of the world's immutability. RULE IV. See Vol. I. p. 394. Vol. II. p. 389. An idle trifling society is near akin to such as is corrupting. Conscious guilt renders us mean-spirited timo- rous and base. An upright mind will never be at a loss to dis- cern what is just and true lovely honest and of good report. The vicious man is often looking round him with anxious and fearful circumspection. True friendship will at all times avoid a careless or rough behaviour. Time brings a gentle and powerful opiate to all misfortunes. RULE V. See Vol. I. p. 394. Vol. II. p. 389. The man of virtue and honour will be trusted relied upon and esteemed. Deliberate slowly execute promptly. A true friend unbosoms freely advises justly assists readily adventures boldly takes all patiently 168 EXEECISES. [Comma. defends resolutely and continues a friend un- changeably. Sensuality contaminates the body depresses the understanding deadens the moral feelings of the heart and degrades man from his rank in the creation. Idleness brings forward and nourishes many bad passions. We must stand or fall by our own conduct and character. The man of order catches and arrests the hours as they fly. The great business of life is to be employed in doing justly loving mercy and walking humbly with our Creator. RULE VI. See Vol. I. p. 395. Vol. II. p. 390. This unhappy person had often been seriously affectionately admonished but in vain. To live soberly righteously and piously compre- hends the whole of our duty. When thy friend is calumniated openly and boldly espouse his cause. Benefits should be long and gratefully remem- bered. ' RULE VII. See Vol. I. p. 395. Vol. II. p. 390. True gentleness is native feeling heightened and improved by principle. Comma.] PUNCTUATION. 1G9 The path of piety and virtue pursued with a firm and constant spirit will assuredly lead to happiness. Human affairs are in continual motion and fluc- tuation altering their appearance every moment and passing into some new forms. What can be said to alarm those of their danger who intoxicated with pleasures become giddy and insolent ; who flattered by the illusions of prosperity make light of every serious admonition which their friends and the changes of the world give them? EULE VIII. See Vol. I. p. 395. Vol. II. p. 391. If from any internal cause a man's peace of mind be disturbed in vain we load him with riches or honours. Gentleness* delights above all things to alleviate distress; and if it cannot dry up the falling tear to sooth at least the grieving heart. Yfherever Christianity prevails it has discouraged and in some degree abolished slavery. We may rest assured that by the steady pursuit of virtue we shall obtain and enjoy it. EULE IX. See Vol. I. p. 396. Vol. II. p. 391. Continue my dear children to make virtue your principal study. 1 70 EXEECISES. [Comma. To you my worthy benefactors am I indebted under Providence for all I enjoy. Canst thou expect thou betrayer of innocence to escape the hand of vengeance? Come then companion of my toils, let us take fresh courage persevere and hope to the end. EULE X. See Vol. I. p. 396. Vol. II. p. 392. Peace of mind being secured we may smile at misfortunes. Virtue abandoned and conscience reproaching us we become terrified with imaginary evils. Charles having been deprived of the help of tutors his studies became totally neglected. To prevent further altercation I submitted to the terms proposed. To enjoy present pleasure he sacrificed his future ease and reputation. To say the least they have betrayed great want of prudence. RULE XI. See Vol. I. p. 396. Vol. II. p. 392. Hope the balm of life sooths us under every mis- fortune. Content the offspring of virtue dwells both in retirement and in the active scenes of life. Confucius the great Chinese philosopher was emi- nently good as well as wise. Comma.] PUNCTUATION. 1 7 1 The patriarch Joseph is an illustrious example of chastity resignation and filial affection, RULE XII. See Vol. I. p. 396. Vol. II. p. 393. Nothing is so opposite to the true enjoyment of life as the relaxed and feeble state of an indolent mind. The more a man speaks of himself the less he likes to hear another talked of. Nothing more strongly inculcates resignation than the experience of our own inability to guide ourselves. The friendships of the world can subsist no longer than interest cements them. Expect no more from the world than it is able to afford you. RULE XIII. See Vol. I. p. 397. Vol. II. p. 393. He who is a stranger to industry may possess but he cannot enjoy. Contrition though it may melt ought not to sink or overpower the heart of a Christian. The goods of this world were given to man for his occasional refreshment not for his chief felicity. It is the province of superiors to direct of inferiors to obey ; of the learned to be instructive of the igno- rant to be docile ; of the old to be communicative of the young to be attentive and diligent. 1 72 EXERCISES. [Comma. Though unavoidable calamities make a part yet they make not the chief part of the vexations and sorrows that distress human life. An inquisitive and meddling spirit often inter- rupts the good order and breaks the peace of society. RULE XIV. See Vol. I. p. 397. Vol. II. p. 394. Vice is not of such a nature that we can say to it " Hitherto shalt thou come and no further." One of the noblest of the Christian virtues is " to love our enemies." Many too confidently say to themselves "My mountain stands strong and it shall never be re- moved. We are strictly enjoined " not to follow a multi- tude to do evil." RULE XV. See Vol. I. p. 398. Vol. II. p. 394. The gentle mind is like the smooth stream which reflects every object in its just proportion and in its fairest colours. Beware of those rash and dangerous connexions which may c afterwards load you with dishonour. Blind must that man be who discerns not the most striking marks of a divine government exer- cised over the world. Comma.] PUNCTUATION. 173 It is labour only which gives the relish to plea- sure. In that unaffected civility which springs from a gentle mind there is an incomparable charm. They who raise envy will easily incur censure. Many of the evils which occasion our complaints of the world are wholly imaginary. He who is good before invisible witnesses is emi- nently so before the visible. His conduct so disinterested and generous was universally approved. RULE XVI. See Vol. I. p. 398. Vol. II. p. 395. The fumes which arise from a heart boiling with violent passions never fail to darken and trouble the understanding. If we delay till to-morrow what ought to be done to-day we overcharge the morrow with a burthen which belongs not to it. By whatever means we may at first attract the attention we can hold the esteem and secure the hearts of others only by amiable dispositions and the accomplishments of the mind. If the mind sow not corn it will plant thistles. One day is sufficient to scatter our prosperity and bring it to nought. Graceful in youth are the tears of sympathy and the heart that melts at the tale of wo. 174 EXEECISES. [Comma. The ever active and restless power of thought if not employed about what is good will naturally and unavoidably engender evil. He who formed the heart certainly knows what passes within it. To be humble and modest in opinion to be vigi- lant and attentive in conduct to distrust fair ap- pearances and to restrain rash desires are instruc- tions which the darkness of our present state should strongly inculcate. RULE XVII. See Vol. I. p. 399. Vol. II. p. 39G. The greatest misery is to be condemned by our own hearts. The greatest misery that we can endure is to be condemned by our own hearts. Charles's highest enjoyment was to relieve the distressed and do good. The highest enjoyment that Charles ever expe- rienced was to relieve the distressed and to do good. RULE XVIII. See Vol. I. p. 399. Vol. II. p. 396. If opulence increases our gratifications it increases in the same proportion our desires and demands. He whose wishes respecting the possessions of this world are the most reasonable and bounded is Comma.] PUNCTUATION. 175 likely to lead the safest and for that reason the most desirable life. By aspiring too high we frequently miss the happiness which by a less ambitious aim we might have gained. By proper management we prolong our time : we live more in a few years than others do in many. In your most secret actions suppose that you have all the world for witnesses. In youth the habits of industry are most easily acquired. What is the right path few take the trouble of inquiring. RULE XIX. See Vol. I. p. 400. Vol. II. p. 397. Providence never intended that any state here should be either completely happy or entirely mi- serable. As a companion he was severe and satirical ; as a friend captious and dangerous; in his domestic sphere harsh jealous and irascible. If the spring put forth no blossoms in summer there will be no beauty and in autumn no fruit : so if youth be trifled away without improve- ment manhood will be contemptible and old age miserable. 1 76 EXEECISES. [Comma. RULE XX. See Vol. I. p. 400. Vol. II. p. 398. Be assured then that order frugality and economy- are the necessary supports of every personal and private virtue. I proceed secondly to point out the proper state of our temper with respect to one another. Here every thing is in stir and fluctuation; there all is serene steady and orderly. I shall make some observations first on the ex- ternal and next on the internal condition of man. Sometimes timidity and false shame prevent our opposing vicious customs; frequently expectation and interest impel us strongly to comply. CHAPTEE II. SENTENCES REQUIRING THE INSERTION OF THE SEMICOLON AND COMMA. See Vol. I. p. 402. Vol. II. p. 399. That darkness of character where we can see no heart those foldings of art through which no native affection is allowed to penetrate present an object unamiable in every season of life but particularly- odious in youth. To give an early preference to honour above gain when they stand in competition to despise every advantage which cannot be attained without dis- honest arts to brook no meanness and to stoop to no dissimulation are the indications of a great mind the presages of future eminence and usefulness in life. As there is a worldly happiness which God per- ceives to be no other than disguised misery as there are worldly honours which in his estimation are reproach so there is a worldly wisdom which in his sight is foolishness. The passions are the chief destroyers of our peace the storms and tempests of the moral world. Heaven is the region of gentleness and friendship hell of fierceness and animosity. The path of truth is a plain and a safe path that of falsehood is a perplexing maze. VOL. II. M 178 EXEECISES. [Semicolon, &c. Modesty is one of the chief ornaments of youth and it has ever been esteemed a presage of rising merit. Life with a swift though insensible course glides away and like a river which undermines its banks gradually impairs our state. The violent spirit like troubled waters renders back the images of things distorted and broken and communicates to them all that disordered motion which arises solely from its own agitation. Levity is frequently the forced production of folly or vice cheerfulness is the natural offspring of wis- dom and virtue only. Persons who live according to order may be com- pared to the celestial bodies which move in regular courses and by stated laws whose influence is bene- ficent whose operations are tranquil. CHAPTEK III. SENTENCES REQUIRING THE APPLICATION OF THE COLON, &c. See Vol. I. p. 403. Vol. II. p. 401. The three great enemies to tranquillity are vice superstition and idleness vice which poisons and dis- turbs the mind with bad passions superstition which fills it with imaginary terrors idleness which loads it with tediousness and disgust. To sail on the tranquil surface of an unruffled lake and to steer a safe course through a troubled and stormy ocean require different talents and alas ! human life oftener resembles the stormy ocean than the unruffled lake. When we look forward to the year which is be- ginning what do we behold there? All my brethren is a blank to our view a dark unknown presents itself. Happy would the poor man think himself if he could enter on all the treasures of the rich and happy for a short time he might be but before he had long contemplated and admired his state his possessions would seem to lessen and his cares would grow. By doing or at least endeavouring to do our duty to God and man by acquiring an humble trust in the mercy and favour of God through Jesus Christ by cultivating our minds and properly employing 180 EXEKCISES. [Colon, &c. our time and thoughts by governing our passions and our temper by correcting all unreasonable ex- pectations from the world and from men and in the midst of worldly business habituating ourselves to calm retreat and serious recollection by such means as these it may be hoped that through the Divine blessing our days will flow in a stream as unruffled as the human state admits. A metaphor is a comparison expressed in an abridged form but without any of the words that denote comparison as " To the upright there ariseth light in darkness." All our conduct towards men should be influenced by this important precept "Do to others as you would that others should do to you." Philip III. king of Spain when he drew near the end of his days seriously reflecting on his past life and greatly affected with the remembrance of his misspent time expressed his deep regret in these terms " Ah ! how happy would it have been for me had I spent in retirement these twenty-three years that I have possessed my kingdom." Often is the smile of gaiety assumed whilst the heart aches within though folly may laugh guilt will stin^. There is no mortal truly wise and restless at once wisdom is the repose of minds. CHAPTEK IV. SENTENCES WHICH REQUIRE THE INSERTION OF THE PERIOD, &c* See Vol. I. p. 405. Vol. II. p. 403. The absence of Evil is a real Good peace Quiet exemption from pain should be a continual feast Wordly happiness ever tends to destroy itself By corrupting the heart it fosters the loose and the Violent passions It engenders noxious habits and taints the mind with false Delicacy which makes it feel a Thousand unreal Evils Feeding the hungry clothing the Naked comfort- ing the afflicted yield more pleasure than we receive from those actions which respect only Ourselves benevolence may in this view be termed the most rehned self love The Resources of Virtue remain entire When the Days of trouble come they remain with us in Sick- ness as in Health in Poverty as in the midst of * As every learner is supposed to know, that the first word in a sentence must have a capital letter, there would be little exercise of his judgment, in applying the period, if no words were distinguished by capital letters, but such as propriety requires. The compiler has therefore, in this and the following chapters, affixed capitals to many words, which should pro- perly begin with small letters. This method, besides the use chiefly in- tended, will serve to exercise the student in the proper application of capital letters. 182 EXERCISES. [Period. Riches in our dark and solitary Hours no less than when surrounded with friends and cheerful Society The mind of a good man is a kingdom to him and he can always enjoy it We ruin the Happiness of life When we attempt to raise it too high a tolerable and comfortable State is all that we can propose to ourselves On Earth peace and Contentment not Bliss nor Tran- sport are the full Portion of Man Perfect joy is re- served for Heaven If we look around us we shall perceive that the Whole Universe is full of Active Powers action is indeed the Genius of Nature by Motion and exertion the System of Being is preserved in Vi- gour by its different parts always acting in Subor- dination one to another the Perfection of the Whole is carried on The Heavenly Bodies per- petually revolve day and Night incessantly repeat their appointed course Continual operations are going on In the Earth and in the Waters nothing stands still Constantine the Great was advanced to the sole Dominion of the Roman World AD 325 and soon after openly professed the Christian Faith The Letter concludes with this Remarkable Post- script "PS Though I am innocent of the Charge and have been bitterly persecuted yet I cordially forgive my Enemies and Persecutors " The last Edition of that valuable Work was care- fully compared with the Original MS CHAPTEK V. SENTENCES REQUIRING THE APPLICATION OF THE DASH ; OF THE NOTES OF INTERROGATION AND EXCLAMATION ; AND OF THE PARENTHETICAL CHARACTERS. See Yol. I. p. 406. Vol. II. p. 405. Beauty and Strength combined with Virtue and Piety how lovely in the sight of men how pleasing to Heaven peculiarly pleasing because with every Temptation to deviate they voluntarily walk in the Path of Duty Something there is more needful than expense And something previous e'en to taste 'tis sense " I'll live to-morrow" will a wise man say To-morrow is too late then live to-day Gripus has long been ardently endeavouring to fill his Chest and lo it is now full Is he happy and does he use it Does he gratefully think of the Giver of all good Things Does he distribute to the Poor Alas these Interests have no Place in his breast What is there in all the pomp of the world the Enjoyments of Luxury the Gratification of Passion comparable to the tranquil Delight of a good Conscience To lie down on the Pillow alter a Day spent in Temperance in beneficence and in piety how sweet is it 184 EXEECISES. [Dash,&c. We wait till to-morrow to be Happy alas Why not To-day shall we be younger Are we sure we shall be healthier Will our passions become feebler and our love of the world less What shadow can be more vain than the life of a great Part of Mankind of all that eager and bustling Crowd which we behold on Earth how few discover the path of true Happiness How few can we find whose Activity has not been misemployed and whose Course terminates not in Confessions of Disappointment On the one Hand are the Divine Approbation and immortal Honour on the other remember and beware are the stings of Conscience and endless Infamy As in riper Years all unreasonable Returns to the Levity of Youth ought to be avoided an Admo- nition which equally belongs to both the Sexes still more are we to guard against those intemperate Indulgences of Pleasure to which the young are unhappily prone The bliss of man could pride that blessing find Is not to act or think beyond mankind Or why so long in life if long can be Lent Heaven a parent to the poor and ine CHAPTEJJ VI. PROMISCUOUS EXAMPLES OF DEFECTIVE PUNCTUATION. See the Key, p. 407. SECTION I. Examples in Prose. When Socrates was asked what man approached the nearest to perfect happiness he answered That Man who has the fewest Wants She who studies her Glass neglects her Heart Between Passion and Lying there is not a Finger's breadth The freer we feel ourselves in the Presence of others the more free are they he who is free makes free Addison has remarked with equal Piety and Truth that the Creation is a perpetual Feast to the Mind of a good Man He who shuts out all evasion when he promises loves truth The laurels of the Warrior are died in Blood and bedewed with the Tears of the Widow and the Orphan Between Fame and true Honour a Distinction is to be made the former is a loud and noisy Ap- plause the latter a more silent and internal Homage Fame floats on the Breath of the Multitude Honour 186 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. rests on the Judgment of the Thinking Fame may give Praise while it withholds Esteem true Honour implies Esteem mingled with respect The one regards Particular distinguished Talents the other looks up to the whole character There is a certain species of religion if we can give it that Name which is placed wholly in Speculation and Belief in the Regularity of external Homage or in fiery Zeal about contested Opinions Xenophanes who was reproached with being timorous because he would not venture his Money in a Game at Dice made this manly and sensible Reply I confess I am exceedingly timorous for I dare not commit an evil Action He loves nobly I speak of Friendship who is not jealous when he has Partners of love Our happiness consists in the Pursuit much more than in the Attainment of any Temporal Good Let me repeat it He only is great who has the Habits of Greatness Prosopopoeia or Personification is a Rhetorical Figure by which we attribute Life and Action to inanimate objects as the Ground thirsts for Rain the Earth smiles with Plenty The proper and rational Conduct of Men with Regard to Futurity is regulated by two Considera- tions First that much of What it contains must re- main to us absolutely Unknown Next that there are also Some Events in it which may be certainly known and foreseen The Gardens of the World produce only deci- Promiscuous.] PUNCTUATION. 187 duous flowers Perennial ones must be sought in the Delightful Regions Above Roses without Thorns are the Growth of Paradise alone Plow many Rules and maxims of Life might be spared could we fix a principle of Virtue within and inscribe the living Sentiment of the Love of God in the affections He who loves righteousness is Master of all the distinctions in Morality- He who from the Benignity of his Nature erected this World for the abode of Men He who furnished it so richly for our accommodation and stored it with so much Beauty for our Entertainment He who since first we entered into Life has followed us with such a Variety of Mercies this Amiable and Beneficent Being surely can have no pleasure in our Disappointment and Distress He knows our Frame he remembers we are dust and looks to frail Man we are assured with such Pity as a Father bears to his children One of the first Lessons both of Religion and of Wisdom is to moderate our Expectations and Hopes and not to set forth on the Voyage of Life like Men who expect to be always carried forward with a favourable Gale Let us be satisfied if the Path we tread be easy and smooth though it be not strewed with Flowers Providence never intended that the Art of living happily in this World should depend on that deep Penetration that acute sagacity and those Refine- ments of Thought which few possess it has dealt more graciously with us and made happiness de- 188 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. pend on Uprightness of Intention much more than on Extent of Capacity Most of our Passions flatter us in their Rise But their Beginnings are treacherous their Growth is imperceptible and the Evils which they carry in their Train lie concealed until their Dominion is established what Solomon says of one of them holds true of them all that their Beginning is as When one letteth out Water it issues from a small Chink which once might have been easily stopped but being neglected it is soon widened by the Stream till the Bank is at last totally thrown down and the Flood is at Liberty to deluge the whole plain Prosperity debilitates instead of strengthening the Mind Its most common effect is to create an extreme sensibility to the slightest Wound It fo- ments impatient Desires and raises Expectations which no Success can satisfy It fosters a false Deli- cacy which sickens in the midst of Indulgence by repeated Gratification It blunts the feelings of Men to what is pleasing and leaves them unhappily acute to whatever is uneasy Hence the Gale which another would scarcely feel is to the prosperous a rude Tempest Hence the Rose-leaf doubled below them on the Couch as it is told of the effeminate Sybarite breaks their Rest Hence the Disrespect shown by Mordecai preyed with such Violence on the Heart of Hainan. Anxiety is the Poison of Human Life it is the Parent of many Sins and of more Miseries in a World where every thing is so doubtful where we Promiscuous.] PUNCTUATION. 189 may succeed in our Wish and be miserable where we may be disappointed and be blessed in the Dis- appointment what mean this restless Stir and Commotion of Mind Can our Solicitude alter the Course or unravel the Intricacy of Human Events Can our Curiosity pierce through the Cloud which the Supreme Being hath made impenetrable to Mortal Eye No situation is so remote and no Station so un- favourable as to preclude access to the happiness of a future State A Road is opened by the Divine Spirit to those blissful Habitations from all Corners of the Earth and from all Conditions of Human Life from the peopled City and from the solitary Desert from the Cottages of the Poor and from the Palaces of Kings from the Dwellings of Ignorance and Simplicity and from the Regions of Science and Improvement The Scenes which present themselves at our entering upon the World are. commonly flattering Whatever they be in themselves the lively Spirits of the Young gild every opening Prospect The Field of Hope appears to stretch wide Before them Pleasure seems to put forth its Blossoms On every Side Impelled by Desire forward they rush with inconsiderate Ardour prompt to decide and to choose averse to hesitate or to Inquire credulous because untaught by Experience rash because un- acquainted with Danger headstrong because unsub- dued by Disappointment Hence arise the Perils to which they are exposed and which too often from 190 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. Want of Attention to faithful Admonition precipi- tate them into Ruin irretrievable By the unhappy Excesses of irregular Pleasure in Youth how many amiable Dispositions are cor- rupted or destroyed how many rising Capacities and Powers are suppressed How many nattering Hopes of Parents and Friends are totally extin- guished Who but must drop a Tear over Human Nature When he beholds that Morning which arose so bright overcast with such untimely Darkness that Sweetness of Temper which once engaged many Hearts that Modesty which was so prepossessing those Abilities which promised extensive Usefulness all sacrificed at the Shrine of low Sensuality and one who was formed for passing through Life in the midst of Public Esteem cut off by his Vices at the Beginning of his Course or sunk for the whole of it into Insignificance and Contempt These sinful Pleasure are thy Trophies It is thus that co-operating with the Foe of God and Man thou degradest Human Honour and blastest the opening Prospects of Human Felicity Promiscuous.] PUNCTUATION. 191 SECTION II, Examples in Poetry. Key, p. 413. Where thy true treasure Gold says not in me And not in me the Diamond Gold is poor The scenes of bus ness tell us what are men The scenes of pleasure What is all beside Wo then apart if wo apart can be From mortal man and fortune at our nod The gay rich great triumphant and august What are they The most happy strange to say Convince me most of human misery All this dread order break for whom for thee Vile worm O madness pride impiety Man like the gen rous vine supported lives The strength he gains is from th embrace he gives Know nature s children all divide her care The fur that warms a monarch warm d a bear While man exclaims see all things for my use See man for mine replies a pamper d goose And just as short of reason he must fall Who thinks all made for one not one for all Th Almighty from his throne on earth surveys None greater than an honest humble heart An humble heart his residence pronounc d His second seat 192 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. Bliss there is none but unprecarious bliss That is the gem sell all and purchase that Why go a begging to contingences Not gain d with ease nor safely lov d if gain d There is a time when toil must be preferr d Or joy by mistim d fondness is undone A man of pleasure is a man of pains Thus nature gives us let it check our pride The vh'tue nearest to our vice allied See the sole bliss Heav n could on all bestow Which who but feels can taste but thinks can know Yet poor with fortune and with learning blind The bad must miss the good untaught will find Whatever is is right This world tis true Was made for Cesar but for Titus too And which more bless d who chain d his country say Or he whose virtue sigh d to lose a day The first sure symptom of a mind in health Is rest of heart and pleasure felt at home True happiness resides in things unseen No smiles of fortune ever bless the bad Nor can her frowns rob innocence of joy Oh the dark days of vanity while here How tasteless and how terrible when gone Gone they ne er go when past they haunt us still Promiscuous.] PUNCTUATION. 1 9 Father of light and life Thou good supreme O teach me what is good Teach me thyself Save me from folly vanity and vice From ev ry low pursuit and feed my soul "With knowledge conscious peace and virtue pure Sacred substantial never fading bliss If I am right thy grace impart Still in the right to stay If I am wrong Oh teach my heart To find that better way Save me alike from foolish pride Or impious discontent At aught thy wisdom has denied Or aught thy goodness lent O lost to virtue lost to manly thought Lost to the noble sallies of the soul Who think it solitude to be alone Communion sweet communion large and high Our reason guardian angel and our God Then nearest these when othei's most remote And all ere long shall be remote but these Benevolence. God loves from whole to parts but human soul Must rise from individual to the whole Self-love but serves the virtuous mind to wake As the small pebble stirs the peaceful lake The centre mov d a circle straight succeeds Another still and still another spreads Friend parent neighbour first it will embrace His country next and next all human race VOL. II. N q 194 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. Wide and more wide th o erflowings of the mind Take ev ry creature in of ev ry kind Earth smiles around with boundless bounty bless d And Heav n beholds its image in his breast Happiness. Know then this truth enough for man to know Virtue alone is happiness below The only point where human bliss stands still And tastes the good without the fall to ill Where only merit constant pay receives Is bless d in what it takes and what it gives The joy unequall d if its end it gain And if it lose attended with no pain Without satiety though e er so bless d And but more relish d as the more distress d The broadest mirth unfeeling folly wears Less pleasing far than virtue s very tears Good from each object from each place acquir d For ever exercis d yet never tir d Never elated while one man s oppress d Never dejected while another s bless d And where no wants no wishes can remain Since but to wish more virtue is to gain Promiscuous.] PUNCTUATION. 195 Gratitude. When all thy mercies O my God My rising soul surveys Transported with the view I m lost In wonder love and praise O how shall words with equal warmth The gratitude declare That glows within my ravish d heart But thou canst read it there Thy providence my life sustain d And all my wants redress d When in the silent womb I lay And hung upon the breast To all my weak complaints and cries Thy mercy lent an ear Ere yet my feeble thoughts had learnt To form themselves in pray r Unnumber d comforts to my soul Thy tender care bestow d Before my infant heart conceiv d From whom those comforts flow d When in the slipp ry paths of youth With heedless steps I ran Thine arm unseen convey d me safe And led me up to man Through hidden dangers toils and death It gently clear d my way And through the pleasing snares of vice More to be fear d than they 196 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. When worn with sickness oft hast thou With health renew d my face And when in sin and sorrow sunk Reviv d my soul with grace Thy bounteous hand with worldly bliss Has made my cup run o er And in a kind and faithful friend Has doubled all my store Ten thousand thousand precious gifts My daily thanks employ Nor is the least a cheerful heart That tastes those gifts with joy Through ev ry period of my life Thy goodness 1 11 pursue And after death in distant worlds The glorious theme renew When nature fails and day and night Divide thy works no more My ever grateful heart O Lord Thy mercy shall adore Through all eternity to thee A joyful song 1 11 raise For O eternity s too short To utter all thy praise Promiscuous.] PUNCTUATION. 197 The Voyage of Life. Self flatter d unexperienc d high in hope When young with sanguine cheer and streamers gay We cut our cable launch into the world And fondly dream each wind and star our friend All in some darling enterprise embark d But where is he can fathom its event Amid a multitude of artless hands Ruin s sure perquisite her lawful prize Some steer aright but the black blast blows hard And puffs them wide of hope With hearts of proof Full against wind and tide some win their way And when strong effort has deserv d the port And tugg d it into view tis won tis lost Though strong their oar still stronger is their fate They strike and while they triumph they expire In stress of weather most some sink outright O er them and o er their names the billows close To-morrow knows not they were ever born Others a short memorial leave behind Like a flag floating when the bark s ingulf d It floats a moment and is seen no more One Cesar lives a thousand are forgot Howyeiw beneath auspicious planets born With swelling sails make good the promis d port With all their wishes freighted Yet ev n these Freighted with all their wishes soon complain Free from misfortune not from nature free They still are men and when is man secure As fatal time as storm The rush of years Beats down their strength their numberless escapes In ruin end and now their proud success 198 EXEECISES. [Promiscuous. But plants new terrors on the victor s brow What pain to quit the world just made their own Their nests so deeply down d and built so high Too low they build who build beneath the stars. PART V. EXERCISES TO PROMOTE PERSPICUOUS AND ACCURATE WRITING. FIBST, With respect to single words and phrases. CHAPTEE I. CONTAINING VIOLATIONS OF THE RULES OF PURITY. See Vol. I. p. 428. Vol. II. p. 421. We should be employed dailily in doing good. It irks me to see so perverse a disposition. I wot not who has done this thing. He is no way thy inferior ; and, in this instance, is no ways to blame. The assistance was welcome, and timelily af- forded. For want of employment, he stroamed idly about the fields. We ought to live soberly, righteously, and god- lily, in the world. 200 EXEECISES. [Purity. He was long indisposed, and at length died of the hyp. That word follows the general rule, and takes the penult accent. He was an extra genius, and attracted much attention. The hauteur of Florio was very disgracious, and disgusted both his friends and strangers. He charged me with want of resolution, in the which he was greatly mistaken. They have manifested great candidness in all the transaction. The naturalness of the thought greatly recom- mended it. The importance, as well as the authenticalness, of the books, has been clearly displayed. It is difficult to discover the spirit and intend- ment of some laws. The disposition which he exhibited, was both unnatural and incomfortable. His natural severity rendered him a very im- popular speaker. The disquietness of his mind, made his station and wealth far from being enviable. I received the gift with pleasure, but I shall now gladlier resign it. These are the things highliest important to the growing age. It grieveth me to look over so many blank leaves, in the book of my life. Purity.] PEKSPICUITY, &c. 201 It repenteth me that I have so long walked in the paths of folly. Methinks I am not mistaken in an opinion, which I have so well considered. They thought it an important subject, and the question was strenuously debated pro and con. Thy speech bewrayeth thee; for thou art a Galilean. Let us not give too hasty credit to stories which may injure our neighbour: peradventure they are the offspring of calumny, or misapprehension. The gardens were void of simplicity and ele- gance ; and exhibited much that was glaring and bizarre. CHAPTEE II. CONTAINING VIOLATIONS OF THE RULES OF PROPRIETY. See Vol. I. p. 429. Vol. II. p. 424. SECTION I. Avoid loio expressions. I had as lief do it myself, as persuade another to do it. Of the justness of his measures, he convinced his opponent, by dint of argument. He is not a whit better than those whom he so liberally condemns. He stands upon security, and will not liberate him till it be obtained. The meaning of the phrase, as I take it, is very different from the common acceptation. The favourable moment should be embraced ; for he does not hold long in one mind. He exposed himself so much amongst the people, that he had like to have gotten one or two broken heads. He was very dexterous in smelling out the views and designs of others. If his education was but a little taken care of, he might be very useful amongst his neighbours. Propriety.] PERSPICUITY, &c. 203 He might have perceived, with half an eye, the difficulties to which his conduct exposed him. If I happen to have a little leisure upon my hands to-morrow, I intend to pay them a short visit. This performance is much at one with the other. The scene was new, and he was seized with won- derment at all he saw. SECTION II. Supply words that are wanting. See Yol. I. p. 430. Vol. II. p. 425. Let us consider the works of nature and art with proper attention. He is engaged in a treatise on the interests of the soul and body. Some productions of nature rise in value, accord- ing as they more or less resemble those of art. The Latin tongue, in its purity, was never in this island. For some centuries, there was a constant inter- course between France and England, by the dominions we possessed there, and the conquests we made. He is impressed with a true sense of that func- tion, when chosen from a regard to the interests of piety and virtue. The wise and foolish, the virtuous and the vile, the learned and ignorant, the temperate and 204 EXERCISES. [Propriety. profligate, must often, like the wheat and tares, be blended together. SECTION III. In the same sentence, be careful not to use (lie same word too frequently, nor in different senses. See Vol. I. p. 430. Yol. II. p. 426. An eloquent speaker may give more, but cannot give more convincing arguments, than this plain man offered. They were persons of very moderate intellects, even before they were impaired by their passions. True wit is nature dressed to advantage ; and yet some works have more wit than does them good. The sharks, who prey upon the inadvertency of young heirs, are more pardonable than those, who trespass upon the good opinion of those, who treat them with great confidence and respect. Honour teaches us properly to respect ourselves, and to violate no right, or privilege, of our neigh- bour: it leads us to support the feeble, to relieve the distressed, and to scorn to be governed by degrading and injurious passions: and yet we see honour is the motive which urges the destroyer to take the life of his friend. He will be always with you, to support and com- fort you, and, in some measure, to succeed your labours; and he will also be with all his faithful ministers, who shall succeed you in his service. Propriety.] PERSPICUITY, &c. 205 SECTION IV. Avoid the injudicious use of technical terms* See Vol. I. p. 431. Vol. II. p. 427. Most of our hands were asleep in their berths, when the vessel shipped a sea, that carried away our pinnace and binnacle. Our dead-lights were in, or we should have filled. The mainmast was so sprung, that we were obliged to fish it, and bear away for Lisbon. The book is very neatly printed : the scale- boarding is ample and regular, and the register exact. SECTION V. Avoid equivoccd or ambiguous words. See Vol. I. p. 431. Vol. II. p. 427. When our friendship is considered, how is it pos- sible that I should not grieve for his loss ? The eagle killed the hen, and eat her in her own nest. * The examples in this section, and perhaps a few others in different parts of the book, may be too difficult for learners to correct without assist- ance : but as some illustration of the rules to which they relate, was requisite, they could not properly be omitted. By an attentive perusal of them, and a subsequent application to the teacher, or to the Key, the scholar will per- ceive the nature of the rule, and the mode in which similar errors may be rectified. 206 EXERCISES. [Propriety. It may be justly said, that no laws are better than the English. The pretenders to polish and refine the English language, have chiefly multiplied abuses and ab- surdities. The English adventurers, instead of reclaiming the natives from their uncultivated manners, were gradually assimilated to the ancient inhabitants, and degenerated from the customs of their own nation. It has been said, that not only Jesuits can equi- vocate. You will not think that these people, when in- jured, have the least right to our protection. Solomon, the son of David, who built the temple of Jerusalem, was the richest monarch that reigned over the Jewish people. Solomon, the son of David, who was persecuted by Saul, was the richest monarch of the Jews. It is certain that all words which are signs of complex ideas, may furnish matter of mistake and cavil. Lisias promised to his father, never to abandon his friends. The Divine Being heapeth favours on his ser- vants, ever liberal and faithful. Every well-instructed scribe, is like a house- holder, who bringeth out of his treasure things new and old. He was willing to spend a hundred or two pounds, rather than be enslaved. Propriety.] PERSPICUITY, &c. 207 Dryclen makes a very handsome observation, on Ovid's writing a letter from Dido to iEneas, in the following words. Imprudent associations disqualify us for the in- struction or reproof of others. SECTIOX VI. Avoid unintelligible and inconsistent words and phrases. See Vol. I. p. 432. Vol. II. p. 429. I seldom see a noble building, or any great piece of magnificence and pomp, but I think, how little is all this, to satisfy the ambition, or to fill the idea, of an immortal soul. A poet, speaking of the universal deluge, says : Yet when that flood in its own depth was drown'd, It left behind it false and slipp'iy ground. The author of the Spectator says, that a man is not qualified for a bust, who has not a good deal of wit and vivacity, even in the ridiculous side of his character. And Bezaleel made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the looking-glasses of the women. And, in the lowest deep, a lower deep Still threat 'ning to devour me, opens wide. 208 EXERCISES. [Propriety. SECTION VII. Avoid all such words and phrases, as are not adapted to the ideas you mean to communicate; or which are less significant than others, of those ideas. See Vol. I. p. 436. Vol. II. p. 430. No less than two hundred scholars have been educated in that school. The attempt, however laudable, was found to be impracticable. He is our mutual benefactor, and deserves our respect and obedience. Vivacity is often promoted, by presenting a sensible object to the mind, instead of an intelligible one. They broke down the banks, and the country was soon overflown. The garment was decently formed, and sown very neatly. The house is a cold one, for it has a north ex- position. The proposition, for each of us to relinquish something, was complied with, and produced a cor- dial reconcilement. Though learn' d, well bred ; and though well bred, sincere ; Modestly bold, and humanly severe. A fop is a risible character, in every one's view but his own. Propriety.] PERSPICUITY, &c. 2 CM) An action that excites laughter, without any mixture of contempt, may be called a ridiculous action. It is difficult for him to speak three sentences to- gether. By this expression, I do not intend what some persons annex to it. The negligence of timely precaution was the cause of this great loss. All the sophism which has been employed, can- not obscure so plain a truth. Disputing should always be so managed, as to remember that the only end of it is truth. My friend was so ill that he could not set up at all, but was obliged to lay continually in bed. A certain prince, it is said, when he invaded the Egyptians, placed, in the front of his army, a num- ber of cats and other animals, which were wor- shiped by those people. A reverence for these phantoms, made the Egyptians lie down their arms, and become an easy conquest. The presence of the Deity, and the interest such an august cause is supposed to take in our concerns, is a source of consolation. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter set down among them. By the slavish disposition of the senate and people of Rome, under the emperors, the wit and eloquence of the age were wholly turned into pane- gyric. VOL. II. o 210 EXERCISES. [Propriety. The refreshment came in seasonably, before they were laid down to rest. We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen. They shall flee as the eagle that hasteth to eat. The wicked fly when no man pursueth : but the righteous are bold as a lion. A creature of a more exalted kind Was wanting yet, and then was man design'd. He died with violence; for he was killed by a sword. He had scarcely taken the medicine, than he be- gan to feel himself relieved. No place and no object appear to him void of beauty. When we fall into a person's conversation, the first thing we should consider, is, the intention of it. Galileo discovered the telescope; Harvey invent- ed the circulation of the blood. Philip found an obstacle to the managing of the Athenians, from the nature of their dispositions; but the eloquence of Demosthenes was the greatest difficulty in his designs. A hermit is rigorous in his life; a judge, austere in his sentences. A candid man avows his mistake, and is forgiven ; a patriot acknowledges his opposition to a bad minister, and is applauded. Propriety.] PEESPICUITY, &c. 2 1 1 We have enlarged our family and expenses; and increased our garden and orchard. By proper reflection we may be taught to mend what is erroneous and defective. The good man is not overcome by disappoint- ment, when that which is mortal passes away; when that which is mutable, dies ; and when that which he knew to be transient, begins to change. CHAPTER III. CONTAINING VIOLATIONS OF THE RULES OF PRECISION. See Vol. I. p. 438. Vol. II. p. 434. This great politician desisted from, and re- nounced, his designs, when he found them im- practicable. He was of so high and independent a spirit, that he abhorred and detested being in debt. Though raised to an exalted station, she was a pattern of piety, virtue, and religion. The human body may be divided into the head, trunk, limbs, and vitals. His end soon approached ; and he died with great courage and fortitude. He was a man of so much pride and vanity, that he despised the sentiments of others. Poverty induces and cherishes dependence; and dependence strengthens and increases corruption. This man, on all occasions, treated his inferiors with great haughtiness and disdain. There can be no regularity or order in the life and conduct of that man, who does not give and Precision.] PEKSPICUITY, &c. 213 allot a due share of his time to retirement and reflection. Such equivocal and ambiguous expressions, mark a formed intention to deceive and abuse us. His cheerful, happy temper, remote from dis- content, keeps up a kind of daylight in his mind, excludes every gloomy prospect, and fills it with a steady and perpetual serenity. SECONDLY, Exercises to promote perspicuity and accuracy, with respect to the Construction of Sentences. CHAPTEE I. CONTAINING SENTENCES IN WHICH THE RULES OF CLEARNESS ARE VIOLATED. See Vol. I. p. 445. Vol. II. p. 435. SECTION I. In the position of Adverbs.^ Hence the impossibility appears, that an under- taking managed so, should prove successful. May not we here say with the poet, that " virtue is its own reward ? " Had he died before, would not then this art have been wholly unknown ? Not to exasperate him, I only spoke a very few words. The works of art receive a great advantage from the resemblance which they have to those of nature ; because here the similitude is not only pleasant, but the pattern is perfect. It may be proper to give some account of those practices, anciently used on such occasions, and ( LEARNESS.] PERSPICUITY, &c. 2 1 5 only discontinued through the neglect and degene- racy of later times. Sixtus IV. was, if I mistake not, a great collector of books at least. If Louis XIV. was not the greatest king, he was the best actor of majesty, at least, that ever filled a throne. These forms of conversation, by degrees multi- plied, and grew troublesome. Nor does this false modesty expose us only to such actions as are indiscreet, but very often to such as are highly criminal. By greatness, I do not only mean the bulk of any single object, but the largeness of a whole view. I was engaged formerly in that business, but I never shall be again concerned in it. We do those things frequently, which we repent of afterwards. By doing the same thing, it often becomes habitual. Most nations, not even excepting the Jews, were prone to idolatry. Raised to greatness without merit, he employed his power for the gratification solely of his passions. SECTION II. In the position of circumstances, and of particular members. See Vol. I. p. 446. Vol. II. p. 436. The embarrassments of the artificers, rendered the progress very slow of the work. 216 EXEECISES. [Clearness. He found the place replete with wonders, of which he proposed to solace himself with the con- templation, if he should never be able to accomplish his flight. They are now engaged in a study, of which they have long wished to know the usefulness. This was an undertaking, which, in the execution, proved as impracticable, as had turned out every other of their pernicious, yet abortive schemes. He thought that the presbyters would soon be- come more dangerous to the magistrates, than had ever been the prelatical clergy. Frederic, seeing it was impossible to trust, with safety, his life in their hands, was obliged to take the Mahometans for his guard. The emperor refused to convert at once, the truce into a definitive treaty. However, the miserable remains were, in the night, taken down. I have settled the meaning of those pleasures of the imagination, which are the subject of my pre- sent undertaking, by way of introduction, in this paper; and endeavoured to recommend the pur- suit of those pleasures to my readers, by several considerations : I shall examine the several sources whence these pleasures are derived, in my next paper. Sir Francis Bacon, in his Essay on Health, has not thought it improper to prescribe to his reader a poem, or a prospect, where he particularly dissuades him from knotty and subtle disquisitions; and ad- Clearness.] PERSPICUITY, &c. 2 1 7 vises him to pursue studies that fill the mind with splendid and illustrious objects, as history, poetry, and contemplations of nature. If the English reader would see the notion ex- plained at large, he may find it in Locke's Essay on the Human Understanding. Fields of corn form a pleasant prospect; and if the walks were a little taken care of, that lie be- tween them, they would display neatness, regularity, and elegance. Though religion will indeed bring us under some restraints, they are very tolerable, and not only so, but desirable on the whole. I have confined myself to those methods for the advancement of piety, which are in the power of a prince, limited like ours, by a strict execution of the laws. This morning, when one of the gay females was looking over some hoods and ribands, brought by her tirewoman, with great care and diligence, I employed no less in examining the box which con- tained them. Since it is necessary that there should be a per- petual intercourse of buying and selling, and dealing upon credit, where fraud is permitted or connived at, or has no law to punish it, the honest dealer is often undone, and the knave gets the advantage. Though energetic brevity is not adapted alike to every subject, we ought to avoid its contrary, on every occasion, a languid redundancy of words. 218 EXERCISES. [Clearness. It is proper to be copious sometimes, but never to be verbose. A monarchy, limited like ours, may be placed, for aught I know, as it has been often represented, just in the middle point; whence a deviation leads, on the one hand, to tyranny, and, on the other, to anarchy. Having already shown how the fancy is affected by the works of nature ; and afterwards considered, in general, both the works of nature and of art, how they mutually assist and complete each other, in forming such scenes and prospects as are most apt to delight the mind of the beholders ; I shall, in this paper, throw together some reflections, &c. Let but one great, brave, disinterested, active man arise, and he will be received, venerated, and followed. Ambition creates seditions, wars, discords, hatred, and shyness. The scribes made it their profession to teach, and to study, the law of Moses. Sloth pours upon us a deluge of crimes and evils, and saps the foundation of every virtue. The ancient laws of Rome were so far from suf- fering a Roman citizen to be put to death, that they would not allow him to be bound, or even to be whipped. His labours to acquire knowledge have been pro- ductive of great satisfaction and success. He was a man of the greatest prudence, virtue, justice, and modesty. Clearness.] PEESPICUITY, &c. 219 His favour or disapprobation was governed by the failure or success of an enterprise. He did every thing in his power to serve his be- nefactor; and had a grateful sense of the benefits received. Many persons give evident proof, that either they do not feel the power of the principles of religion, or that they do not believe them. As the guilt of an officer will be greater than that of a common servant, if he prove negligent; so the reward of his fidelity will proportion ably be greater. The comfort annexed to goodness is the pious Mian's strength. It inspires his zeal. It attaches his heart to religion. It accelerates his progress; and supports his constancy. SECTION III. In the disposition of the relative pronouns, who, which, what, whose, and of all those particles which express the connexion of the parts of speech toith one another. See Vol. I. p. 450. Vol. II. p. 440. These are the master's rules, who must be obeyed. They attacked Northumberland's house, whom they put to death. He laboured to involve his minister in ruin, who had been the author of it. It is true what he says, but it is not applicable to the point. ^20 EXERCISES. [Clearness. The French marched precipitately as to an as- sured victory; whereas the English advanced very slowly, and discharged such flights of arrows, as did great execution. When they drew near the archers, perceiving that they were out of breath, they charged them with great vigour. He was taking a view, from a window of the cathedral in Lichfield, where a party of the royalists had fortified themselves. We no where meet with a more splendid or pleasing show in nature, than what appears in the heavens at the rising and setting of the sun ; which is wholly made up of those different stains of light, that show themselves in clouds of a different situation. There will be found a round million of creatures in human figure, throughout this kingdom, whose whole subsistence, &c. It is the custom of the Mahometans, if they see any printed or written paper upon the ground, to take it up, and lay it aside carefully, as not knowing but it may contain some piece of their Alcoran. The laws of nature are truly, what lord Bacon styles his aphorisms, laws of laws. Civil laws are always imperfect, and often false deductions from them, or applications of them; nay, they stand, in many instances, in direct opposition to them. It has not a word, says Pope, but what the author religiously thinks in it. Many act so directly contrary to this method, that, from a habit of saving time and paper, which Clearness.] PERSPICUITY, &c. 221 they acquired at the university, they write in so diminutive a manner, that they can hardly read what they have written. Thus I have fairly given you my own opinion, as well as that of a great majority of both houses here, relating to this weighty affair; upon which I am confident you may securely reckon. If we trace a youth from the earliest period of life, who has been well educated, we shall perceive the wisdom of the maxims here recommended. CHAPTEE II. CONTAINING SENTENCES IN WHICH THE RULES OF UNITY ARE VIOLATED. See Vol. I. p. 452. Vol. II. p. 443. SECTION I. During the course of the sentence, the scene should be changed as little as 2~)Ossible. A short time after this injury, he came to him- self; and the next day, they put him on board a ship, which conveyed him first to Corinth, and thence to the island of zEgina. The Britons, daily harassed by cruel inroads from the Picts, were forced to call in the Saxons for their defence; who consequently reduced the greater part of the island to their own power; drove the Britons into the most remote and mountainous parts; and the rest of the country, in customs, re- ligion, and language, became wholly Saxons. By eagerness of temper, and precipitancy of in- dulgence, men forfeit all the advantages which patience would have procured ; and, by this means, the opposite evils are incurred to their full extent. This prostitution of praise does not only affect the gross of mankind, who take their notion of characters from the learned ; but also the better sort must, by this means, lose some part at least of their desire of Unity.] PEESPICUITY, &c. 223 fame, when they find it promiscuously bestowed on the meritorious and undeserving. All the precautions of prudence, moderation, and condescension, which Eumenes employed, were incapable of mollifying the hearts of those barba- rians, and of extinguishing their jealousy; and he must have renounced his merit and virtue which occasioned it, to have been capable of appeasing them. He who performs every employment in its due place and season, suifers no part of time to escape without profit: and thus his days become multi- plied; and much of life is enjoyed in little space. Desires of pleasure usher in temptation, and the growth of disorderly passions is forwarded. SECTION II. We should never crowd into one sentence, tilings which have so little connection, that tliey would bear to be divided into two or three, sentences. See Vol. I. p. 453. Vol. II. p. 444. The notions of lord Sunderland were always good; but he was a man of great expense. In this uneasy state, both of his public and pri- vate life, Cicero was oppressed by a new and deep affliction, the death of his beloved daughter Tullia; which happened soon after her divorce from Dola- bella; whose manners and humours were entirely disagreeable to her. 224 EXERCISES. [Unitt. The sun approaching, melts the snow, and breaks the icy fetters of the main, where vast sea-monsters pierce through floating islands, with arms which can withstand the crystal rock; whilst others, that of themselves seem great as islands, are, by their bulk alone, armed against all but man, whose supe- riority over creatures of a size and force so stupen- dous, should make him mindful of his privilege of reason; and force him humbly to adore the great Composer of those wondrous frames, and the Au- thor of his own superior wisdom. I single Strada out among the moderns, because he had the foolish presumption to censure Tacitus, and to write history himself; and my friend will forgive this short excursion in honour of a favour- ite writer. Boast not thyself of to-morrow; thou knowest not what a day may bring forth: and, for the same reason, despair not of to-morrow ; for it may bring forth good as well as evil; which is a ground for not vexing thyself with imaginary fears; for the impending black cloud, which is regarded with so much dread, may pass by harmless; or though it should discharge the storm, yet before it breaks, thou mayst be lodged in that lowly mansion which no storms ever touch. Unity.] PEESPICUITY, &c. 225 SECTION III. We should keep clear of all unnecessary parentheses. See Vol. I. p. 457. Vol. II. p. 445. Disappointments will often happen to the best and wisest men, (not through any imprudence of theirs, nor even through the malice or ill design of others; but merely in consequence of some of those cross incidents of life, which could not be foreseen,) and sometimes to the wisest and best concerted plans. Without some degree of patience exercised under injuries, (as offences and retaliations would succeed to one another in endless train,) human life would be rendered a state of perpetual hostility. Never delay till to-morrow, (for to-morrow is not yours; and though you should live to enjoy it, you must not overload it with a burthen not its own,) what reason and conscience tell you ought to be performed to-day. We must not imagine that there is, in true re- ligion, any thing which overcasts the mind with sullen gloom and melancholy austerity, (for false ideas may be entertained of religion, as false and imperfect conceptions of virtue have often prevailed in the world,) or which derogates from that esteem which men are generally disposed to yield to ex- emplary virtues. VOL. II. P CHAPTEE III. CONTAINING SENTENCES IN WHICH THE RULES FOR PROMO- TING THE STRENGTH OF A SENTENCE ARE VIOLATED. See Vol. I. p. 459. Vol. II. p. 447. SECTION I. The first rule for promoting the strength of a sentence, is, to prune it of all redundant ivords and members. It is six months ago, since I paid a visit to my relations. Suspend your censure so long, till your judgment on the subject can be wisely formed. The reason why he acted in the manner he did, was not fully explained. If I were to give a reason for their looking so well, it would be because they rise early. If I mistake not, I think he is improved both in knowledge and behaviour. Those two boys appear to be both equal in capa- city. Whenever he sees me, he always inquires con- cerning; his friends. The reason of his conduct will be accounted for, in the conclusion of this narrative. I hope this is the last time that I shall ever act so imprudently. Strength.] PERSPICUITY, &c. 227 The reason of his sudden departure was on ac- count of the case not admitting of delay. The people gained nothing further by this step, but only to suspend their misery. I have here supposed that the reader is acquainted with that great modern discovery, which is, at pre- sent, universally acknowledged by all the inquirers into natural philosophy. There are few words in the English language, which are employed in a more loose and uncircum- scribed sense, than those of the fancy and the ima- gination. I intend to make use of these words, in the thread of my following speculations, that the reader may conceive rightly, what is the subject upon which I proceed. Commend me to an argument that, like a flail, there is no fence against it. How many are there, by whom these tidings of good news were never heard ! These points have been illustrated in so plain and evident a manner, that the perusal of the book has given me pleasure and satisfaction. However clear and obvious the conduct which he ought to have pursued, he had not courage and resolution to set about it. I was much moved on this occasion, and left the place full of a great many serious reflections. They are of those who rebel against the light : they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof. 228 EXEECISES. [Strength. This measure may afford some profit, and furnish some amusement. By a multiplicity and variety of words, the thoughts and sentiments are not set off and ac- commodated : hut, like David dressed out and equipped in Saul's armour, they are encumbered and oppressed. Although he was closely occupied with the affairs of the nation, nevertheless he did not neglect the concerns of his friends. Whereas, on the other hand, supposing that secresy had been enjoined, his conduct was very culpable. Less capacity is required for this business, but more time is necessary. He did not mention Leonora, nor that her father was dead. The combatants encountered each other with such rage, that, being eager only to assail, and thoughtless of making any defence, they both fell dead upon the field together. I shall, in the first place, begin with remarking the defects, and shall then proceed afterwards to describe the excellences, of this plan of educa- tion. Numberless orders of beings, which are to us un- known, people the w r ide extent of the universe. His extraordinary beauty was such, that it struck observers with admiration. Thought and language act and react upon each other mut nail v. Strength.] PERSPICUITY, &c. 229 Their interests were dependent upon, and inse- parably connected with each other. While you employ all the circumspection and vigilance which reason can suggest, let your prayers, at the same time, continually ascend to Heaven for support and aid. SECTION II. The second rule for promoting the strength of a sentence is, to attend particularly to_ the use of copulatives, relatives, and all the particles employed for transition and connexion. See Vol. I. p. 4G3. Yol. II. p. 450. The enemy said, I will pursue, and I will over- take, and I will divide the spoil. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, cold, heat, summer, winter, day and night, shall not cease. A man should endeavour to make the sphere of his innocent pleasures as wide as possible, that he may retire into them with safety, and find in them such a satisfaction as a wise man would not blush to take. Of this nature are those of the imagina- tion. The army was composed of Grecians, Carians, Lycians, Pamphylians, and Phrygians. The body of this animal was strong, and propor- tionable, and beautiful. There is nothing which promotes knowledge more than steady application, and a habit of obser- vation. 230 EXEKCISES; [Strength. Though virtue borrows no assistance from, yet it may often be accompanied by, the advantages of fortune. The knowledge he has acquired, and the habits of application he possesses, will probably render him very useful. Their idleness, and their luxury and pleasures, their criminal deeds, and their immoderate passions, and their timidity and baseness of mind, have de- jected them to such a degree, as to make them weary of life. I was greatly affected, insomuch that I was obliged to leave the place, notwithstanding that my assistance had been pressingly solicited. I strenuously opposed those measures, and it was not in my power to prevent them. I yielded to his solicitation, whilst I perceived the necessity of doing so. For the wisest purposes, Providence has designed our state to be checkered with pleasure and pain. In this manner let us receive it, and make the best of what is appointed to be our lot. In the time of prosperity, he had stored his mind with useful knowledge, with good principles, and virtuous dispositions. And therefore they remain entire when the days of trouble come. He had made considerable advances in know- ledge ; but he was very young, and laboured under several disadvantages. Strength.] PERSPICUITY, &c. 231 SECTION III. The third rule for promoting the strength qj a sentence is, to dis- pose of the capital word, or words, so that they may make the greatest impression. See Vol. I. p. 4,66. Vol. II. p. 452. I have considered the subject with a good deal of attention, upon which I was desired to commu- nicate my thoughts. Whether a choice altogether unexceptionable, has, in any country, been made, seems doubtful. Let us endeavour to establish to ourselves an inte- rest in Him, who holds the reins of the whole crea- tion in his hands. Virgil, who has cast the whole system of Platonic philosophy, so far as it relates to the sold of man, into beautiful allegories, in the sixth book of his JEneid, gives us the punishment, &c. And Philip the Fourth was obliged, at last, to conclude a peace, on terms repugnant to his in- clination, to that of his people, to the interest of Spain, and to that of all Europe, in the Pyrenean treaty. It appears that there are, by a late calculation, upwards of twenty-six millions of inhabitants in Great Britain and Ireland. Though persons of a virtuous and learned edu- cation, may be, and too often are, drawn by the temptations of youth, and the opportunities of a 232 EXERCISES. [Strength. large fortune, into some irregularities, when they come forward into the great world, it is ever with reluctance and compunction of mind, because their bias to virtue still continues. Were instruction an essential circumstance in epic poetry, I doubt whether a single instance could be given of this species of composition, in any language. Some of our most eminent writers have made use of this platonic notion, as far as it regards the sub- sistence of our affections after death, with great beautv and strength of reason. Men of the best sense have been touched, more or less, with these groundless horrors and presages of futurity, upon surveying the most indifferent works of nature. He that cometh in the name of the Lord, is blessed. Every one that puts on the appearance of good- ness is not good. And Elias with Moses appeared to them. Where are your fathers? and do the prophets live for ever ? We came to our journey's end at last, with no small difficulty, after much fatigue through deep roads and bad weather. Virgil has justly contested with Homer, the praise of judgment, but his invention remains yet unrivalled. Let us employ our criticism on ourselves, instead of being critics on others. Strength.] PERSPICUITY, &c. 233 Let us implore superior assistance, for enabling ns to act well our own part, leaving others to be judged by Him who searches the heart. The vehemence of passion, after it has exercised its tyrannical sway for a while, may subside by decrees. This fallacious art debars us from enjoying life, instead of leno-thenino; it. Indulging ourselves in imaginary enjoyments, often deprives us of real ones. How will that nobleman be able to conduct him- self, when reduced to poverty, who was educated only to magnificence and pleasure? It is highly proper that a man should be ac- quainted with a variety of things, of which the utility is above a child's comprehension : but is it necessary a child should learn every thing it be- hoves a man to know; or is it even possible? When they fall into sudden difficulties, they are less perplexed than others in the like circumstances; and when they encounter dangers, they are less alarmed. For all your actions, you must hereafter give an account, and particularly for the employments of youth. 23d EXERCISES. [Strength. SECTION IV. The fourth rule for promoting the strength of sentences, is that a weaker assertion or po'oposition should never come after a stronger one; and that, when a sentence consists of two members, the longer should, generally, be the concluding one. See Vol. I. p. 4G9. Vol. II. p. 455. Charity breathes long-suffering to enemies, courtesy to strangers, habitual kindness towards friends. Gentleness ought to diffuse itself over our whole behaviour, to form our address, and regulate our speech. The propensity to look forward into life, is too often grossly abused, and immoderately indulged. The regular tenour of a virtuous and pious life, will prove the best preparation for immortality, for old age, and death. These rules are intended to teach young per- sons to write with propriety, elegance, and per- spicuity. Sinful pleasures blast the opening prospects of human felicity, and degrade human honour. In this state of mind, every employment of life becomes an oppressive burthen, and every object appears gloomy. They will acquire different views, by applying to the honourable discharge of the functions of their station, and entering on a virtuous course of action. Strength.] PERSPICUITY, &c. 235 By the perpetual course of dissipation, in which sensualists are engaged; by the riotous revel, and the midnight, or rather morning hours, to which they prolong their festivity; by the excesses which they indulge ; they debilitate their bodies, cut them- selves off from the comforts and duties of life, and wear out their spirits. SECTION v. A fifth rule far promoting the strength of sentences, is, to avoid con- cluding them ivith an adverb, a preposition, or any inconsiderable ward. See Vol. I. p. 4G9. Vol II. p. ±56. By what I have already expressed, the reader will perceive the business which I am to proceed upon. May the happy message be applied to us, in all the virtue, strength, and comfort of it ! Generosity is a showy virtue, which many persons are very fond of. These arguments were, without hesitation, and with great eagerness, laid hold of. It is proper to be long in deliberating, but we should speedily execute. Form }^our measures with prudence; but all anxiety about the issue divest yourselves of. We are struck, we know not how, with the symmetry of any thing we see; and immediately acknowledge the beauty of an object, without 23 6 EXEECISES. [Strength. inquiring into the particular causes and occasions of it. With Cicero's writings, these persons are more conversant, than with those of Demosthenes, who, by many degrees, excelled the other; at least, as an orator. SECTION VI. A sixth rule relating to the strength of a sentence, is, that, in the members of a sentence, wJiere two things are compared, or con- trasted, with one another ; where either a resemblance, or an oppo- sition, is intended to be expressed ; some resemblance, in the language and construction, should be preserved. For, when the things themselves correspond to each other, we naturally expect to find a similar correspondence in the words. See Vol. I. p. 471. Vol. II. p. 157. Ouk British gardeners, instead of humouring na- ture, love to deviate from it as much as possible. I have observed of late the style of some great ministers, very much to exceed that of any other productions. The old may inform the young; and the young may animate those who are advanced in life. The account is generally balanced ; for what we are losers on the one hand, we gain on the other. The laughers will be for those who have most wit ; the serious part of mankind, for those who have most reason on their side. If men of eminence are exposed to censure on the one hand, they are as much liable to flattery Strength.] PERSPICUITY, &o. 237 on the other. If they receive reproaches which are not due to them, they likewise receive praises which they do not deserve. He can bribe, but he is not able to seduce. He can buy, but he has not the power of gaining. He can lie, but no one is deceived by him. He embraced the cause of liberty faintly, and pursued it without resolution ; lie grew tired of it, when he had much to hope; and gave it up, when there was no ground for apprehension. There may remain a suspicion that we overrate the greatness of his genius, in the same manner as bodies appear more gigantic, on account of their being disproportioned and misshapen. SECTION VII. The seventh rule for promoting the strength and effect of sentences, is, to attend to the sound, the harmony, and easyflmv, of the words and members. See Yol. I. p. 472. Yol. II. p. 458. Sobermindedness suits the present state of man. As conventiclers, these people were seized and punished. To use the Divine name customarily, and without serious consideration, is highly irreverent. From the favourableness with which he was at first received, great hopes of success were enter- tained. 238 EXERCISES. [Strength. They conducted themselves wilily, and insnared us before we had time to escape- It belongs not to our humble and confined station, to censure; but to adore, submit, and trust. Under all its labours, hope is the mind's solace; and the situations which exclude it entirely are few. The humbling of those that are mighty, and the precipitation of persons who are ambitious, from the towering height that they had gained, concern but little the bulk of men. Tranquillity, regularity, and magnanimity, reside with the religious and resigned man. Sloth, ease, success, naturally tend to beget vices and follies. By a cheerful, even, and open temper, he conci- liated general favour. We reached the mansion before noon. It was a strong, grand, Gothic house. I had a long and perilous journey, but a com- fortable companion, who relieved the fatigue of it. The speech was introduced by a sensible pre- amble, which made a favourable impression. The commons made an angry remonstrance against such an arbitrary requisition. The truly illustrious are they who do not court the praise of the world, but who perform such actions as make them indisputably deserve it. By the means of society, our wants come to be supplied, and our lives are rendered comfortable, as Strength.] PERSPICUITY, &c. 239 well as our capacities enlarged, and our virtuous affections called forth into their proper exercise. Life cannot but prove vain to such persons as affect a disrelish of every pleasure, which is not both new and exquisite; measuring their enjoy- ments by fashion's standard, and not by what they feel themselves; and thinking that, if others do not admire their state, they are miserable. By experiencing distress, an arrogant insensibility of temper is most effectually corrected, from the re- membrance of our own sufferings naturally prompt- ing us to feel for others in their sufferings : and if Pro- vidence has favoured us, so as not to make us subject in our own lot to much of this kind of discipline, we should extract improvement from the lot of others that is harder; and step aside sometimes from the flowery and smooth paths which it is per- mitted us to walk in, in order to view the toilsome march of our fellow-creatures through the thorny desert. As no one is without his failings, so few want good qualities. Providence delivered them up to themselves, and they tormented themselves. From disappointments and trials, we learn the insufficiency of temporal things to happiness, and the necessity of goodness. CHAPTER IV. INSTANCES OF AN IRREGULAR USE OF FIGURES OF SPEECH. See Vol. I. p. 48G. Vol. II. p. 461. No human happiness is so serene as not to con- tain any alloy. There is a time when factions, by the vehemence of their own fermentation, stun and disable one another, I intend to make use of these words in the thread of my speculations. Hope, the balm of life, darts a ray of light through the thickest gloom. The scheme was highly expensive to him, and proved the Charybdis of his estate. He was so much skilled in the empire of the oar, that few could equal him. The death of Cato has rendered the Senate an orphan. Let us be attentive to keep our mouths as with a bridle ; and to steer our vessel aright, that we may avoid the rocks and shoals, which lie every where around us. At length Erasmus, that great injiir'd name, (The glory of the priesthood and the shame,) Curb'd the wild torrent of a barb'rous age, And drove those holy Vandals off the stage. Figures.] PERSPICUITY, &c. 241 In this our day of proof, our land of hope, The good man has his clouds that intervene ; Clouds that may dim his sublunary day, But cannot conquer: even the best must own, Patience and resignation are the columns Of human peace on earth. On the wide sea of letters, 'twas thy boast To crowd each sail, and touch at every coast : From that rich mine how often hast thou brought The pure and precious pearls of splendid thought ! How didst thou triumph on that subject tide, Till vanity's wild gust, and stormy pride, Drove thy strong mind, in evil hour, to split Upon the fatal rock of impious wit ! Since the time that reason began to bud, and put forth her shoots, thought, during our waking hours, has been active in every breast, without a moment's suspension or pause. The current of ideas has been always moving. The wheels of the spiritual engine have exerted themselves with perpetual motion. The man who has no rule over his own spirit, possesses no antidote against poisons of any sort. He lies open to every insurrection of ill humour, and every gale of distress. Whereas he who is employed in regulating his mind, is making provi- sion against all the accidents of life. He is erecting a fortress into which, in the day of sorrow, he can retreat with satisfaction. Tamerlane the Great, writes to Bajazet, emperor of the Ottomans, in the following terms. " Where VOL. II. Q 242 EXERCISES. [Figures. is the monarch who dares resist us? Where is the potentate who does not glory in being numbered among our attendants? As for thee, descended from a Turcoman sailor, since the vessel of thy un- bounded ambition has been wrecked in the gulf of thy self-love, it would be proper that thou shouldst take in the sails of thy temerity, and cast the anchor of repentance in the port of sincerity and justice, which is the port of safety; lest the tempest of our vengeance make thee perish, in the sea of the punishment thou deservest." It is pleasant to be virtuous and good ; because that is to excel many others: it is pleasant to grow better ; because that is to excel ourselves : it is pleasant to command our appetites and passions, and to keep them in due order, within the bounds of reason and religion; because this is empire: nay, it is pleasant even to mortify and subdue our lusts; because that is victory. CHAPTEE V. VIOLATIONS OF THE RULES RESPECTING PERSPICUOUS AND ACCURATE WRITING, PROMISCUOUSLY DISPOSED. See the Key, p. 465. SECTION I. What is human life to all, but a mixture, with various cares and troubles, of some scattered joys and pleasures? When favours of every kind are conferred speedily, they are doubled. He will soon weary the company, who is himself wearied . He must endure the follies of others, who will have their kindness. For the last years of man, the first must make provision. Perpetual light-mindedness must terminate in ignorance. In these, and in such like cases, we should, in our alms, generally suffer none to be witnesses, but Him who must see every thing. The reason why he is so badly qualified for the business, is because he neglected his studies, and opportunities of improvement. That Plutarch wrote lives of Demosthenes and Cicero at Chasronea, it is clear from his own account. I wish to cultivate your further acquaintance. 244 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous; He may probably make the attempt, but lie can- not possibly succeed. No pains were spared by his tutor, in order to his being improved in all useful knowledge. In no scene of her life was ever Mary's address more remarkably displayed. This was the cause which first gave rise to such a barbarous practice. He craftily endeavoured, by a variety of false insinuations which he made use of, to turn the em- peror to his purpose. The beauty in the earth equals the grandeur in the heavens. In health and vigour of body, and in the state of worldly fortune, all rejoice. What passes in the hearts of men, is generally unknown to the public eye. Many associations are united by laws the most arbitrary. These instances may, it is hoped, be sufficient to satisfy every reasonable mind. By such general and comprehensive rules as this, the clearest ideas are conveyed. He determined not to comply with the proposal, except he should receive a more ample compen- sation. There can be no doubt but that health is prefer- able to riches. They declared to their friends, that they believed the perusal of such books had ruined their prin- ciples. Promiscuous.] PERSPICUITY, &'c. 245 John's temper greatly indisposed him for in- struction. Vegetation is advancing constantly, though no eye can trace the steps of its gradation. The reason of my consenting to the measure, was owing to his importunity. I conceived a great regard for him, and could not but mourn for his loss. The officer apprehended him, and confined him in his own house. Charlotte, the friend of Amelia, to whom no one imputed blame, was too prompt in her vindi- cation. Men who are rich and avaricious, lose themselves in a spring, which might have cherished all around them. I should prefer him to be rather of slow parts, than with a bad disposition. As soon as Eugenius undertook the care of a parish, it immediately engrossed the whole of his attention. The plan will at once contribute to general con- venience, and add to the beauty and elegance of the town. Together with the national debt, the greatest na- tional advantages are also transmitted to succeed- ing generations. Their intimacy had commenced in the happier period, perhaps, of their youth and obscurity. His subject is precisely of that kind, which a daring imagination could alone have adopted. 246 EXEECISES. [Promiscuous. This emperor conjured the senate, that the purity of his reign might not be stained or contaminated, by the blood even of a guilty senator. It is a happy constitution of mind, to be able to view successive objects so steadily, as that the more may never prevent us from doing justice to the less important. This activity drew great numbers of enterprising men over to Virginia, who came either in search of fortune, or of liberty, which was the only compen- sation for the want of it. The erroneous judgment of parents, concerning the conduct of schoolmasters, has crushed the peace of many an ingenious man, who engaged in the care of youth; and paved the way to the ruin of hopeful boys. SECTION II. See the Key, p. 4G9. The Greek doubtless is a language which is much superior, in riches, harmony, and variety, to Latin. Those three great genius's flourished in the same period. He has made a judicious adaption of the ex- amples to the rule. This part of knowledge has been always growing, and will do so, till the subject be exhausted. A boy of twelve years old may study these lessons. The servant produced from his late master an undeniable character. Promiscuous.] PERSPICUITY, &c. 247 I am surprised that so great a philosopher as you are, should spend your time in the pursuit of such chimeras. The ends of a divine and human legislator, are vastly different. Scarce had the "Spirit of Laws" made its ap- pearance, than it was attacked. His donation was the more acceptable, that it was given without solicitation. This subject is an unwelcome intruder, affording but an uneasy sensation, and brings with it always a mixture of concern and compassion. He accordingly draws out his forces, and offers battle to Hiero, who immediately accepted it. James laid late in bed yesterday ; and this morn- ing he lays still later. The reason of this strange proceeding, will be accounted for when I make my defence. I have observed him often, and his manner of proceeding is thus: he enjoins first silence; and then, &c. Having not known, or not considered, the sub- ject, he made a very crude decision. They all were deceived by his fair pretences, and they all of them lost their property. It is above a year since the time that I left school. He was guilty of such atrocious conduct, that he was deserted by his friends for good and all. No other employment besides a bookseller suited his inclination. 248 EXEECISES. [Promiscuous Hereby I am instructed, and thereby I am hon- oured. I pleaded my good intention; and after some time he assented thereto : whereby I entirely escaped all punishment. This I am disposed to the rather, that it will serve to illustrate the principles advanced above. From what I have said, you will perceive readily the subject I am to proceed upon. These are points too trivial to take notice of. They are objects I am totally unacquainted with. The nearer that men approach each other, the more numerous the points of contact in which they touch, and the greater their pleasures or pains. Thus I have endeavoured to make the subject be better understood. This is the most useful art of which men are possessed. The French writers of sermons study neatness in laying down their heads. There is not any beauty more in one of them than in another. SECTION III. See the Key, p. 471. Study to unite with firmness of principle gentle- ness of manners, and affable behaviour with un- tainted integrity. In that work, we are every now and then in- terrupted with unnatural thoughts. Promiscuous.] PEESPICUITY, &c. 249 Bating one or two expressions, the composition is not subject to censure. To answer his purpose effectually, he pitched upon a very moving story. I am not able to discover whether these points are any how connected. These are arguments which cannot be got over by all the cavils of infidelity. This matter I had a great mind to reply to. I hope that I may not be troubled in future, on this, or any the like occasions. It is difficult to unite together copiousness and precision. Let us consider of the proper means to effect our purpose. We must pay attention to what goes before, and immediately follows after. The more that this track is pursued, the more that eloquence is studied, the more shall Ave be guarded against a false taste. True believers of every class and denomination on earth, make up the church and people of God. This is the sum and substance of that which has been said on the subject. A perfect union of wit and judgment, is one of the rarest things in the world. Praise, like gold and diamonds, owes to its scarcity only its value. Intemperance will make life short and sad, though it may fire the spirits for an hour. 250 EXERCISES. [Promiscuous. From their errors of education, all their miseries have proceeded. Their disinterestedness of conduct produced general admiration. I viewed the habitation of my departed friend. — Venerable shade! I then gave thee a tear: accept now of one cordial drop that falls to thy memory. To-day we are here; to-morrow we are gone. This author is more remarkable for strength of sentiment, than harmonious lan vol. i. 489—495 Metonymy. The nature of this figure of speech. vol. i. 501 Mode of parsing adapted to produce a radical knowledge of the ™!es, vol. ii. 42—52 INDEX. 497 Moods. Their nature and variety explained, vol. i. Ill — 113 The extent and limitation of English moods, vol. i. 118, 1,54 The potential mood in English supported, vol. i. 117, 118 The potential mood furnished with four tenses, vol. i. 137 The potential converted into the suhjunctive, vol. i. 138 The subjunctive mood when, and how, varied in its form from the indicative, vol. i. 135, 136, 146, 153, 309, 310 The existence of a subjunctive mood, in English, proved, vol. i. 153, 154, 309, 310 Various opinions of grammarians, respecting the ex- istence, nature, and extent, of the English subjunctive mood, vol. i. 309—311 In what cases conjunctions require the subjunctive mood, vol. i. 303—308 When contingency and futurity concur, the termination of the verb is varied, ... ... vol. i. 303 — 311 These two points largely exemplified, vol. ii. 126—130, 349—354 Indicative mood different from the potential, vol. i. 117, 118 Indicative different from the subjunctive, vol. i. 117, 136, 153 Infinitive mood. Its great simplicity, ... vol. i. 113, 115 How the infinitive is governed and applied, vol. i. 272 — 274 The sign to is often misapplied, ... ... vol. i. 273 When ihe present, and when thejper/ec/, of the infinitive, is to be used, vol. i. 277— 283 This point elucidated by examples, vol. ii. 1 1 1 — 1 13, 335 — 337 The infinitive mood further explained, ... vol. i. 273 The infinitive mood often made absolute, ... vol. i. 274 How it is to be pointed, ... ... ... vol. i. 396 Imperative mood, variously applied, ... vol. i. 112, 133, 216 Extent of the imperative, strictly considered, vol. i. 133, 343 A verb in this mood, is not affirmative, vol. i. 109, 110 The same moods connected by conjunctions, vol. i. 301, 302 This connection exemplified, vol. ii. 124, 125, 348, 349 Movement and measure, how distinguished, ... vol. i. 379 VOL. H. 2 I 498 INDEX. Multitude. Nouns of this kind operate variously on the verb, vol. i. 230 Erroneous opinions respecting them, ... ... vol. i. 231 Must and ought. These verbs shown to have both a present and past signification, ... vol. i. 169, 170 N. Nations. DifFei'ent nations have used various contri- vances to mark the moods, tenses, and cases, vol. i. 84, 85, 154, 159,160, 171 National Use, what it is, ... ... ... vol. i. 524 Negatives. Two, in English, form an affirmative, vol. i. 293 Two of them are often used instead of one, vol. i. 293, 294 This point elucidated, ... vol. ii. 119, 120, 343, 344 Neuter pronoun it, very variously applied, vol. i. 238, 239 Neuter verb. See Verb. Nominative case. Its nature explained, ... vol. i. 83 It follows the verb, in interrogative and imperative sentences vol. i. 216 It agrees with the verb, in number and person, . vol. i. 218 This point variously exemplified, vol. ii. 77 — 79, 303—305 The infinitive mood, or part of a sentence, is some- times the nominative case to a verb, ... vol. i. 218 Every verb has a nominative case, except &c. vol. i. 219 Every nominative case belongs to some verb, except &c. vol. i. 220 These three rules elucidated by examples, vol. ii. 80—82, 306, 307 INDEX. 499 Nominative case. In certain circumstances, a verb between two nouns, may have either for its nomi- native, vol. i. 220 It may also have either of two clauses for its nomi- native, vol. i. 221 A nominative before a participle, forms the case ab- solute, vol. i. 221 The nominative is commonly placed before the verb ; in what cases, after it, vol. i. 221, 222 In the construction of the phrases, as follows, as ap- pears, grammarians are divided, ... vol, i. 222 — 224 A plural verb improperly applied in certain construc- tions, vol. i. 224, 225 A singular verb improper in other constructions, vol. i. 226 The nominative to the verb is sometimes not easily ascertained, ... ... ... vol, i. 227, 228 Various examples of this position, vol. ii. 84, 309, 310 In what instance the relative is the nominative to the verb, ... vol. i. 239 When there are two nominatives of different persons, to which should the verb apply, vol. i. 241, 242 Rules for pointing the nominative, vol. i. 392, 399 See Case. Nouns. Their nature and divisions, ... vol. i. 75 Three modes of distinguishing their gender, vol. i. 77 — 79 But few, in English, with variable terminations, vol. i. 79 The number of nouns how formed, vol. i. 80 — 83 English nouns have but three cases, vol. i. 83 — 87 Two successive nouns in the possessive case to be avoided, ... ... ... ... ... vol. i. 87 Nouns are often formed by participles, vol. i. 116 They are often derived from verbs and adjectives, vol. i. 199, 201 Singular nouns joined by a copulative, require their verbs, &c, to be in the plural number, vol. i. 225 This required even when the nouns are nearly related, vol. i. 226 500 INDEX. Nouns. These two rules elucidated, vol. ii. 82, 83, 308, 309 Cases of difficulty stated, and resolved, vol. i. 227, 228 These cases further illustrated, vol. ii. 84, 309, 310 When the nouns are of different persons, which is to be preferred, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 228 Singular nouns connected by a disjunctive, require the verb, &c, to be in the singular number, vol. i. 229 This rule variously exemplified, vol. ii. 85, 310, 311 When the disjunctive noun and pronoun are of different persons, the verb agrees with the nearer, vol. i. 229 A disjunctive between a singular and a plural noun, requires the verb to be plural, ... vol. i. 229 Nouns of multitude sometimes require a singular verb ; sometimes, a plural one, ... ... vol. i. 230, 232 This point exemplified, vol. ii. 86—88, 312, 313 Erroneous opinions respecting nouns of multitude, vol. i. 231 One noun governs another in the possessive case, vol. i. 259 If the nouns signify the same thing, there is no varia- tion of case, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 259 The nouns are then in apposition, ... ... vol. i. 259 This construction changed by a relative and verb, vol. i. 259 Rules for applying, or omitting, the sign of the posses- sive case, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 2G1 — 266 These rules elucidated by examples, vol. ii. 103—105, 327—330 The preposition of is frequently preferred to the sign of the possessive case, ... ... ... vol. i. 264, 265 A noun may be formed by the article and participle, and by the pronoun and participle, vol. i. 285 — 287 This point largely exemplified, vol. ii. 114, 115, 337—339 In what cases the noun is omitted, in what repeated, vol. i. 320 How to be pointed, vol. i. 393, 396, 397 See Case. Declension. Number. The nature of it shown, ... ... vol. i. 80 How the plural number of nouns is formed, vol. i. 80 — 83 Applicable to nouns, pronouns, and verbs, vol. i. 80, 94,95, 111 INDEX. 501 O. Objections to the author's system of Grammar, obviated, vol. i. 14, 15 Objections to the study of Grammar answered, vol. i. 420—422, 531 Objective case. Part of a sentence may be termed an objective phrase, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 268 See Case. Obscurity. It arises from a wrong choice of words, vol. i. 430—437 And from a wrong arrangement of them, vol. i. 445 — 451 Three chief causes of writing obscurely, vol. i. 434, 435 Opposition. Words opposed, how to be pointed, vol. i. 397 Sentiments opposed, how to be expressed, vol. i. 471 Order of words and members. See Arrangement. Orthography, ... ... vol. i. 26 — 60 Far from being uniform, in English, ... vol. i. 58, 59 Eules for spelling primitive and derivative words, vol. i. 55 — 58 The orthography of Dr. Johnson not to be altered on slight grounds, ... ... .. vol. i. 58, 59 Orthography not to be regulated by pronunciation, vol. i. 59 See Alphabet, Syllables, Vowels, and Consonants. P. Paragraphs. Rules for dividing a work into paragraphs, vol. i. 416—419 Parenthesis. In what cases it is proper; in what cases, improper, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 409 The point to be placed within the marks, ... vol. i. 410 502 INDEX. Parsing. Its nature and use, ... ... vol. i. 331 Etymological parsing, vol. i. 331 — 333, vol. ii. 14 — 25 Syntactical parsing, vol. i. 334 — 344, vol. ii. 28 — 52 Etymological parsing table ... ... vol. ii. 13 Syntactical parsing table, ... ... vol. ii. 26, 27 Mode of parsing sentences verbally, vol. ii. 42 — 52 Participle. Its nature and properties explained, vol. i. 113 — 115 Perfect and passive participle distinguished, vol. i. 115 It is not a distinct part of speech, ... ... vol. i. 152 Its use in conjugating both the active and passive verbs, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 151, 155, 158 The participle and its adjuncts form a substantive phrase, vol. i. 287, 343 The participle has the same government as its verb, vol. i. 285 It becomes a substantive by means of the article, vol. i 285 And also by means of the pronoun, vol. i. 286 Numerous examples of these two rules, vol. ii. 1 14, 1 1 5, 337 — 339 The perfect participle, and the imperfect tense, not to be confounded, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 287 The participle often appears independent of any noun or pronoun, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 289 The participle with its dependence?, how to be pointed, vol. i. 394, 395 Reasons for assigning it a distinct place in Syntax, vol. i. 285 Particle as, not always equivalent to the pronoun it, that, or which, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 223 Parts of speech. Variously enumerated by grammarians, vol. i. 64 The same word forms different parts of speech. See Words. Pauses. Their nature, kinds, and uses, vol. i. £64 — 366 Rules for applying them properly, ... vol. i. 366 The closing and suspending pauses distinguished, vol. i. 366 Poetical pauses of two sorts, ... vol. i. 379 — 382 INDEX. 503 Period. Directions for using it, ... ... vol. i. 405 These directions exemplified, vol. ii. 181, 182, 403, 404 Personification. Its nature and use, vol. i. 502 — 505 Persons. Applicable to nouns, pronouns, and verbs, ' vol. i. 75, 94, 95, 111 Three necessary in each number, ... vol. i. 94, 95, 111 The second person takes place of the third; and the first, of both vol. i. 228 The second person is the object of the imperative, vol. i. 133 The nominative and verb agree in person, ... vol. i. 218 How to avoid confusion of persons, ... ... vol. i. 229 Relative and antecedent are of the same person, vol. i. 232 The person is variable when the relative is preceded by two nominatives of different persons vol, i. 241 Persons of the verb when to be varied, when not, vol. i. 153, 303—311 This point amply illustrated, vol. ii. 12G— 130, 349—354 Perspicuity and Accuracy. Rules to promote them, vol. i. 425—538 See Purity, Propriety, Precision, Clearness, Unity, and Strength. Phrase. Its nature, ... ... ... vol. i. 216, 391 How to be pointed, ... ... ... vol. i. 392, 393 Diversity of opinion respecting the phrase " as follows," vol. i. 222—224 The phrase, " if he desire it," is properly arranged under the present tense, ... ••• ■•• vol. i. 310 The phrase, " every leaf and every twig," requires a singular verb, vol. ii. p. 322, the Note. The phrase, " averse to," is more correct than " averse from," vol. i. 29G Poetical feet. Why called Feet, ... ... ...vol i. 370 504 INDEX. Poetical feet. Formed, in English, by accented and unaccented syllables, ... ... ... vol. i. 371 Their kinds, divisions, and subdivisions, vol. i. 371 — 379 Poetical harmony. See Harmony and Melody. Poetical pauses. See Pauses. Position of words. Great importance of the situation in which words are placed in a sentence, vol. i. 474 — 476 The place of adverbs, relatives, and circumstances, necessary to the clearness of a sentence, vol. i. 445 — 451 Numerous examples explaining this rule, vol. ii. 214—221, 435—442 See Arrangement. Possessive case. The sign of it when, and where, to be applied vol. i. 261— 264 In what instances, both the sign and the preposition of are to be used, ... ... ... vol. i. 265, 266 This case is sometimes governed by a clause of a sentence, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 266, 288 His, hers, ours, &c, proved to be possessives, vol. i. 96, 97 Potential mood. See Mood. Precision of language. In what it consists, vol. i. 438 Three faults opposed to precision, ... ... vol. i. 438 Words termed synonymous are the great source of a loose style, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 440 — 442 Precision of language exemplified ... vol. ii. 212, 434 Prepositions. Their nature and office ... ... vol. i. 181 They often give verbs a new meaning, ... vol. i. 181 Certain syllables improperly termed inseparable prepo- sitions, ... ... ... ... ... vol. i. 182 The peculiar use of prepositions shown vol. i. 182, 183 Variety of meanings attached to the preposition for, vol. i. 184, 1ST INDEX. 505 Prepositions. Prepositions derived from the Latin and Greek, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 18G — 188 Prepositions are often properly omitted, vol. i. 294, 323 They are not, in general, to be separated from the rela- tive, or the noun, ... ... ... vol. i. 294, 295 They govern the objective case, vol. i. 294 This point elucidated, ... ... ... vol. ii. 120, 344 Different relations require different prepositions, though connected by the same verb, ... ... vol. i. 295 Averse to is more correct than averse from, ... vol. i. 296 A copious list of errors in applying the different prepositions, vol. i. 297 — 300 The use of the prepositions exemplified, vol. ii. 121—123, 345—347 What prepositions are proper before nouns of place, vol. i. 300 When the preposition is to be omitted, ... vol. i. 323 How to be pointed, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 397 Present Time considerably extended, ... ... vol. i. 120 Present Use, what it is, vol. i. 526 Pronoun. Its general nature and use, ... ... vol. i. 94 It sometimes represents an adjective; sometimes, a phrase or sentence, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 94 Three kinds of pronouns. ... ... ... vol. i. 94 Three persons to each number of the pronoun, vol. i. 94, 95 Why the third person only is marked by gender, vol. i. 95 The personal pronouns how declined, ... ... vol. i. 96 The relative pronoun and its varieties explained, vol. i. 97 — 100 The relative and interrogative not distinct species, vol. i. 100 The adjective pronoun and its four subdivisions explained, vol. i. 100 — 104 Various opinions, respecting the adjective pronouns, and the articles, vol. i. 104, 105 Pronouns agree with their antecedents, in gender and number, vol. i. 232 506 INDEX. Pronoun. The pronoun what often represents two cases, vol. i. 233 Relatives, though in the objective case, are placed before the verb, vol. i. 233, 267 Personal pronouns arc unnecessary, when the noun itself is expressed, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 234 The pronoun that is frequently applied to persons as well as to things, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 235 This is sometimes indispensable, ... ... vol. i. 235 The pronouns whichsoever, &c, may be elegantly divided, ... ... ... ... ... vol. i. 235 The objective case of the personal pronouns, is impro- perly used instead of these and those,... ... vol. i. 235 What is improperly used for that, ... ... vol. i. 236 The pronoun who is often misapplied for ivhich, vol. i. 236 The relative who not applicable to little children, vol. i. 237 When the name of a person is used, merely as a name, which should be used instead of who, ... vol. i. 237 The relative often attended with ambiguity, vol. i. 238,450, 451 The preceding rules illustrated by examples, vol. ii. 88—92, 313—317 It is and it was, are often used in a plural construction, vol. i, 238 "What case of the pronoun the interjection requires, vol i. 238 The neuter pronoun it often refers to the masculine and the feminine gender, ... ... vol. i. 238, 239 The pronoun it has various applications, ... vol. i. 239 The relative is sometimes the nominative to the verb, vol. i. 239 In what cases it has a different construction, vol. i. 239 When the pronoun is interrogative, what case follows it, vol. i. 240 This point further explained by examples, vol. ii. 93, 318 The relative may agree with either of two nominatives of different persons, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 241 Instances of this agreement, ... ... vol. ii. 94, 319 Adjective pronouns agree, in number, with their nouns, vol. i. 242 This means, that mea?ts, are correct phrases, vol. i. 243 — 247 INDEX. 507 Pronoun. That, refers to the former, this, to the latter, vol. i. 247 Each, every, either, refer to the singular number, vol. i. 247, 248 This rule exemplified, ... vol. ii. 51, 96, 97, 321, 322 The copulative and makes no difference, with regard to this rule, vol. ii. p. 322, the Note In what cases the pronoun should be omitted; in what cases repeated, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 321 How to be pointed, ... ... vol. i. 393 Pronunciation. What is its standard, ... vol. i. 523 Propriety of language. Rules to promote it : Low expressions to be avoided, ••• ••• vol. i. 429 Words that are wanting, to be supplied, ... vol. i. 430 The same word not to be used in different senses, vol. i. 430 The improper use of technical terms, to be avoided, vol. i. 431 Ambiguous words not to be used. ... ...vol. i. 431, 432 Unintelligible expressions to be avoided, vol. i. 432 — 435 All words that are not adapted to the meaning, to be rejected, vol. i. 436 These rules illustrated by examples, vol. ii. 202— 211, 424—433 Prose and verse distinguished, ... ... ... vol. i. 380 Prosody, vol. i. 345 — 387 See Accent, Quantity, Emphasis, Pauses, Tones, Feet, and Melody. Punctuation, ... vol. i. 389 — 419 It is a modern art, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 389 The doctrine of it necessarily imperfect, ... vol. i. 390 Varied according to the length and proportion of the clauses, vol. i. 391, 401 It may be considered as either long or short, vol. i. 391 Properly treated as a distinct article, ... ... vol. i. 3S9 See Comma, Semicolon, Colon, and Period. See also Characters. 508 INDEX. Purity of style. Rules for promoting it, ... vol. i. 428 These rules amply exemplified, vol. ii. 199 — 201, 421 — 423 Q. Quantity. Its nature and variations, ... ... vol. i. 351 General rules for determining the quantity of vowels, vol. i. 352, 353 Long vowels have degrees in their length, vol. i. 353 — 355 For the variety of quantity in each of the vowels, see vol. i. 36, &c. R. Relation. Things related in point of time, should have a correspondent expression, vol. i. 274 — 284 This position amply exemplified, vol. ii. 110 — 113, 334 — 337 In'relating particular declarations of others, what tense should be used, vol. i. 283, 284 Relatives. See Pronouns. Repetition of words, when proper, when improper: see Ellipsis, and vol. ii. 134—140, 358—363 Reputable Use, what it is, ... ... ... vol. i. 521 Rhyme. Its definition, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 370 Semicolon. Rules for applying it, ... .. vol. i. 402 These rules elucidated by examples, vol. ii. 177, 178, 399, 400 Sentences. They are. of various kinds, vol. i. 215, 216, 391 Long and short sentences should be duly blended, vol. i. 443, 444 INDEX. 509 Their members should be proportionably arranged. vol. i. 47G— 478 Part of a sentence may be the antecedent to a pronoun, vol. i. 94, 325 It may be the nominative to a verb, ... vol. i. 218, 221 It may be in the objective case, ... vol. i. 2G8, 287 It may have a noun in apposition to it, ... vol. i. 2G0 Erroneous sentences, how verbally corrected, vol. ii. 42 — 52 See Member and Clause. Shall and "Will. Their peculiar application, vol. i. 134, 135, 145, 146 Simile. Its nature and use. Directions for using it most advantageously. ... ... vol. i. 498 — 500 Simple and compound tenses how formed, vol. i. 149 Sketch of the progress of the English language, vol. i. 208 — 210 Sounds of the letters. See Voioels and Consonants. Sounds of words represent three classes of objects, vol. i. 480 — 485 Speech implies thought, consciousness, &c. vol. i. 26 — 28 In what manner it is formed, ... ... vol. i. 49 — 52 See Parts of Speech. Spelling. Fruitless attempts to alter it, vol. i. 59, 60 See Words. Standard of propriety. What forms it in language, vol. i. 245, 246, 520 Strength of a sentence. Rules to promote it: All redundant expressions to be pruned, vol. i. 459 — 462 The use of copulatives, relatives, &c, to be attended to, vol. i. 463—466 510 INDEX. Strength of a sentence. The capita! words to be judi- ciously disposed, ... ... ... vol. i. 46C — 468 A weaker assertion not to follow a stronger one, vol. i. 469 An adverb, a preposition, &c, should not conclude the sentence, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 469 — 471 Where there is resemblance, or contrast, the language should be correspondent, ... ... ... vol. i. 471 The harmony of the words and members must be re- garded, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 472 — 485 These seven rules copiously exemplified, vol. ii. 226—239, 447—460 Subjunctive mood. The general characteristic of this mood, with its chief classes enumerated, vol. i. 112, 113 Its true nature, form, and extent, in English, vol. i. 136, 138, 152 — 154, and the notes under the 19th Rule of Syntax. See Mood. Subordinate rules of the Grammar, Exercises, and Key, numbered, to denote their correspondence, vol. i. 218, vol. ii. 80 Subsequent to the interrogative. In what cases this term is proper, vol. i. 98, 100, 241 Substantive phrase. See Participle. Syllables. General rules for dividing words into syllables, ... ... ... vol. i. 53, 54 Degrees in the length of long syllables, vol. i. 353 — 355 Words with a mixture of long and short syllables, are the most melodious. ••• ... ... vol. i. 473 Synecdoche. The nature of this figure, ... vol. i. 501 Synonymous words. Injudicious use of words, termed synonymous, is the great source of a loose style, vol. i. 440—442 Few, if any, words are perfectly synonymous, vol. i. 441, 442 INDEX. 5 1 1 Syntax, vol. i. 215—344 See its rules under the Article, the Noun, and the other parts of speech. Principle on which the rules of Syntax are arranged, vol. i. 217 Its most comprehensive rule, ... ... ... vol. i. 326 This rule exemplified, vol. ii. 140 — 142, 3G3 — 366 Tenses. Six tenses belong to the English verb, vol. i. 128, 129 Their nature and distinctions explained at large, vol. i. 119—124 They are definite or indefinite, perfect or imperfect, vol. i. 125, 126 Their definite and indefinite nature explained at large, vol. i. 126, 128 They are composed of the principal verb and its auxili- aries ; and these parts constitute one verb, vol. i. 128—130, 153, 154, 159—161 The present names of the tenses justifiable, vol. i. 65, 66, 121—124, 132 The perfect tense often denotes a future action, vol. i. 124 How far the tenses of the indicative and subjunctive moods vary in their form, vol. i. 135, 136, 153, 303—311 This point largely exemplified, vol. ii. 126—130, 349—354 The tenses of verbs should exactly correspond with relative actions and events, ... ... ... vol. i. 274 Tenses. When the present, and when the perfect, of the infinitive, should be used, ... ... vol. i. 277 — 283 Examples to illustrate this point, vol. ii. Ill — 113, 335 — 337 The same tenses are connected by conjunctions, vol, i. 301, 302 Termination of a verb is altere.l, when contingency and futurity concur, ... ... ... vol. i. 303 — 311 This point elucidated, ... vol. ii. 126—130, 319—354 512 INDEX. Terms used to designate the three past tenses, supported, vol. i. 121—124, 132 Established terms and arrangements, not to be rejected, vol. i. 65, 105, 130, 131, 133 New terms and phrases to be admitted with caution, vol. i. 207, 529 Than and but explained at large, ... vol. i. 316 — 319 That, as a relative, often useful, sometimes indispensable, vol. i. 235 Theory respecting the inflections of language, vol. i. 172 — 176 Time. Present time admits of considerable extension, vol. i. 120 See Relation and Tenses. Tones. Their nature and use, ... ... vol. i. 367 In what respect different from emphasis, ... vol. i. 367 Rules and limitations respecting them, vol. i. 368, 369 U. U. A, instead of an, is to be used before words begin- ning with the long u, ... ... vol i. 45, 67 Unity of a sentence. Rules to promote it: The scene to be changed as little as possible, vol. i. 452 Things but slightly connected should not be crowded into one sentence, ... ... ... vol i. 453 — 457 Every unnecessary parenthesis to be avoided, vol. i. 457 These three rules further explained by examples, vol. ii. 222—225, 443—446 Use. Reputable, national, and present use, decides the propriety of language, ... ... ... vol. i. 519 INDEX. 513 Good use not always uniform in her decisions, vol. i. 532 All that is favoured by good use, is not proper to be retained, ... ... ... ... ... vol. i. 535 V. Variation. What degree of it constitutes a distinct mood of the verb, vol. i. 153, 154 When proper in the auxiliaries of the verb, vol. i. 303 — 311 Verb. How divided. The division justified, vol. i. 107, 108 Distinction between active and neuter verbs, vol. i. 107, 108 The true nature of the English verb explained, and vindicated, ... ... vol. i. 109, 110, 159—161 The terminations of the English verb, though few, are sufficient for every purpose, ... ... vol. i. 1 1 1 Conjugation explained, ... ... ... vol. i. 131 The advantage to the student of conjugating the verb in all its tenses, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 136 The peculiar uses of conjugating the active verb, with the present participle and the verb to be, vol. i. 151, 152 Mode of conjugating a passive verb, ... ... vol. i. 155 Observations on passive verbs, ... vol. i. 159 — 161 The conjugation of an English verb at large, is a regular and beautiful exhibition, ... ... vol. i. 160 A comprehensive list of irregular verbs, vol. i. 163 — 168 Particular contractions and obsolete words to be avoided, vol. i. 168 When the regular or the irregular verb is to be pre- ferred, vol. i. 168 Defective verbs. Their nature. A list of them, vol. i. 168 But one conjugation of English verbs; and why, vol. i. 171 Impersonal verbs. None in the language, ... vol. i. 170 Reasons alleged to support them, ... ... vol. i. 170 Advantages and disadvantages of the mode of con- jugating the English verb, vol. i. 171, 172 VOL. II. 2k 514 INDEX. Verb. The phrases, as follows, as appears, are variously construed, vol. i. 222— 224 A plural verb improperly applied in certain con- structions, vol. i. 224, 225 Peculiar cases of difficulty in determining whether the verb is to be in the singular, or the plural number, vol. i. 227, 228 These cases stated more at large, vol. ii. 84, 309, 310 Active verbs govern the objective case, ... vol. i. 267 This rule exemplified, vol. ii. 106, 107, 330, 331 Neuter verbs govern no case, ... ... vol. i. 267 In what instances neuter verbs may be transitive, vol. i. 268 Irregular practice of writers, in using certain neuter verbs as if they were active, ... ... vol. i. 268 Active verbs sometimes improperly made neuter, voL i. 268 The neuter verb is generally varied like the active ; but sometimes it admits the passive form, vol. i. 158, 269 The verb to be is a conductor of cases, ... vol. i. 269 Other neuter verbs are conductors of cases, vol. i. 271 Various examples of this rule, ... vol. ii. 108, 332, 333 Passive verbs of naming, their construction, vol. i. 271 One verb governs another in the infinitive mood, vol. i. 272 The infinitive mood is often improperly used, vol. i. 277 Pules for ascertaining the proper use of the infinitive, with a variety of examples, ... vol. i. 277 — 283 The verb to found, by what preposition followed, vol. i. 300 In what cases the form of the verb is influenced by a conjunction ; in what cases it is not, '% vol. i» 303 — 311 When the verb should be omitted; when repeated, vol. i. 322 How it should be pointed, ... vol. i. §£4, 399, 400 See Mood, Tense, Number, Person, Participle, Auxiliary, and Nominative Case. Verbal corrections of erroneous sentences recommended, vol. ii. 42—52 Verse. Distinction between verse and prose, vol. i. 380 Trochaic, Iambic, and other verses explained, vol. i. 371, 372 INDEX. 515 Verse, Trochaic, &c, Their different effects exhibited, ... vol. i. 372 — 379 Versification. Its constituents and rules, vol. i. 370 — 387 Vision. This figure explained, ... ... vol. i. 511 Voices of brute animals different, in three respects, from human speech, ... ... ... vol. i. 27 Vowels and consonants. A minute scale of them, vol. i. 30, 31 Their peculiar and various sounds explained and ex- emplified, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 36 — 52 Importance of being able to pronounce them accu- rately, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 32, 51 Vowels give softness, consonants strength, to words, vol. i. 473 See Consonant. W. W, shown to be sometimes a vowel, sometimes a conso- nant, ... ... ... ... ... vol. i. 33, 46 Words. Number of them in the English language, vol. i. 171, 211 The same word often forms different parts of speech, vol. i. 99, 177, 184, 189 This point exemplified, ... ... ... vol. ii. 20, 21 Rules for spelling words, ... ... vol. i. 55 — 58 The variety of words, ... ... ... vol. i. 211 Their extensive signification, ... ... vol. i. 211, 212 They are arbitrary signs of ideas, ... ... vol. i. 212 The customary sense of them should be observed, vol. i. 212 How to be altered and improved, ... ... vol. i. 213 The choice of words with respect to sound and har- mony, vol. i. 472 — 476 The sound of words adapted to the sense, vol. i. 478 — 485 Three capital faults in using them, ... ... vol. i. 438 516 INDEX. Eedundant words and members to be pruned, vol. i. 459 — 462 The little words, but, and, or, then, &c, are frequently of the greatest importance, ... vol. i. 463 — 466 This point elucidated, ... vol. ii. 229, 230, 450, 451 Words. The chief word or words of a sentence, how to be placed, vol. i. 466— 468 This direction exemplified, vol. ii. 231—233, 452—454 Words and phrases related in point of time, vol. i. 274 — 284 This relation further explained, vol. ii. 110—113, 334—337 Writing unintelligibly. The principal causes of it enu- merated, ... vol. i. 434, 435 X. X. This letter does not represent a simple sound vol. i. 32 It has three distinct sounds, ... ... ... vol. i. 47 It is a semi- vowel, ... ... ... ... vol. i. 34 Y, in some situations, is a vowel , in others, a consonant, vol. i. 33, 47 It represents a simple sound, ... ... vol. i. 31, 48 Z. Z, is a semi-vowel, ... ... .. ••• vol. i. 34 It has the flat sound of s, ... • • • ~ • • v0 ^ *• ^ THE END. m'ooequodale and CO., peinteks, London, works — newtok. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY This book is DUE on the last date stamped below I DEC 17 1946 B DEC 22 1944 H NOV 2 11952 K NOV 1 7 1953 QGT 2 6 1996 RECEIV FJD AM. Zlg .l9|10lllll2| l|3faui - m ra JUN 61967 »*» IWAR181P68 i » J, U ' Form L-9-15in-7,'35 4 m i UNIV. nblTY of CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES LIBRARY UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY AA 000 355 354 3 1158 00541 3199 ,-.*•} J , ," i IJiSijHS" , j! tt%mw»SH HuacsRKtt SftCKf.' n;ra* jil I" JrtjT'* tali ;mm mm® '■l.X