KEY TO TH* EXERCISES ADAPTED TO L. MURRJT'S ENGLISH GRAMMAR, BY THE AUTHOR OF THE EXERCISES. LONDON: JTUYTED FOR T. N. LONGMAN AND O. REES, PATERNOSTER- ftow; CARTON AND HARVEY, RACECHURCH-STREE.T J AND '.VI I. SON, SPENCE, AND MAW.MAN, YORK. 1799. KEY TO THE EXERCISES. PART II. ORTHOGRAPHY. CHAP. I. Containing corrections of the fajfe Orthography^ arranged under the Rules. RULE I. Gram. p. 23. ^th edit. JLT is no great merit to /pel! properly ; but a great defect to do it incorrectly. Jacob worfhipped his Creator, leaning on the top of hisy?^ We may place too little as well as too much/>*/} upon dreams. Our manners mould be neither grofs, nor excel*- refined. A 2 2007929 KEY. RULE II. A car fignifies a chariot of war, or a fmall car- riage of burden. In the names of drugs and plants, the miftake in a word may endanger life. Nor undelightful is the ceafelefs bum To him who mufes through the woods at noon. The Jin of a fifh is the limb, by which he balances his body, and moves in the water. Many a trap is laid to enfnare the feet of youth. Many thoufand families are fupported by the fimple bufinefs of making man. RULE in. WE mould fubjedl our fancies to the government of reafon. If thou art feeking for the living amongft the dead, thou rit. The inadvertencies of youth may be excufed, but knavijh tricks mould meet with fevete reproof. ". RULE XI. Love workethno ill to our neighbour, and is the fulfilling of the law. That whkh is fometimes expedient, is not al- ways fo. We may be hurtful to others, by our example, as well as by perfonal injuries. Where diligence opens the door of the under- ftanding, and impartiality keeps it, truth finds an entrance and a welctme too. A 4 8 KEY. (Prornij- CHAP. II. Containing corrections of the falfe Orthography, promifcuoujly arranged. SECT. I. NEGLECT no opportunity of doing good. No man can fteadily build upon accidents. How (hall we keep, what, fleeping or awake, A weaker mayfurpri/e, a ftronger take ? Neither time nor misfortunes mould erafe the re- membrance of a friend. Moderation mould prefide, both in the kitcken and the parkur, Shall we receive good at the Divine hand, and (hall we not receive evil? In many defigns, we mayy give rife to all the mif- taken and dangerous paffions that embroil our life. To live foberly, righteoufly, and pioufly, is re- quired of all men. That it is our duty to promote the purity of our minds and bodies, to be juft and kind to our fellow- creatures, and to be pious and faithful to him that made us, admits not of any doubt in a rational and well-informed mind. To be of a pure and humble mind, to exercife be- nevolence towards others, to cultivate piety towards God, are the fare means of becoming peaceful and happy. It is an important truth, that religion, vital reli- gion, the religion of the heart, is the molt power- ful auxiliary of reafon, in waging war with the paffions, and promoting that fweet compofure which conftitutes the peace of God. The pofieffion of our fenfes entire, of our limbs uninjured, of a found underftanding, of friends and companions, is often overlooked, though it would be the ultimate wifh of many, who, as far as we can judge, deferve it as much as ourfelves. All that makes a figure on the great theatre of the world, the employments of the bufy, the enter- prifes of the ambitious, and the exploits of the war- like, the virtues which form the happinefs, and the crimes which occajion the mifery of mankind, ori- ginate in that filent and fecret recefs of thought, which it hidden from every human eye. Rule 2.) SYNf AX. 25 2. If the privileges to which he has an undoubted right, and which had been long enjoyed, mould now be wrefted from him, it would be flagrant injuftice. Thefe curiofities we have imported from China, and they are fimilar to thofe which were fome time ago brought from Africa. Will martial flames for ever fire thy mind, And nuilt tbou never be to heav'n refign'd > 3. When two fubftantives come together, and do not fignify the fame thing, the frjl of them muft be in the genitive cafe. Such is the conftitution of men, that virtue, how* ever it may be negle&ed for a time, will ultimately be acknowledged and refpe&ed. 4. The crown of virtue are peace and honour,. His chief occupation and enjoyment was contro* rerfy. 5 . /& deftroy'd, Or won to what may work his utter lofj, All this will foon follow. Whofe grey top Shall tremble, be defcending. "RULE n. Idlenefs and ignorance are the parents of many vices. Wifdom, virtue, happinefs, dwell with the golden mediocrity. Time and tide 'wait for no man. His politenefs and good difpofition wen, on failure of their efteft, entirely changed. B 2*> KEY. (Rule 2* Patience and diligence, like faith, remove moun- tains. Humility and knowledge* with poor apparel, excel pride and ignorance under coflly attire. The planetary fyftemi boundlefs fpace, and the immenfe ocean, affeft the mind with fenfations of aftonifhment. Humility and love, whatever obfcurities may in- volve religious tenets, conjlitute the eflence of true religion. Religion and virtue, our belt fupport and higheil honour, confer on the mind principles of noble in- dependence. What Jignify the counfel and care of preceptors, when youth think they have no need of affiftance ? tfhe examples which follow, art fuited to the notes and cbfervations under RULE n. 1. Much do human pride and felf-complacency require foine correction. Luxurious living, and high pleafures, beget a languor and fatiety that dejlroy all enjoyment. Pride and felf-fufficiency JJiJJe fentiments of de- pendence on our Creator : levity and attachment to worldly pleafures, dejlroj the fenfe of gratitude to him. 2. Good order in our affairs, not mean favings, produces great profits. The following treatife, together with thofe that accompany it, was written, many years ago, for my own private fatisfaftion. pf Rule 3.) SYNTAX. 27 That great fenator, in concert with feveral other eminent perfons, was the projedor of the revolu- tion. The religion of thefe people, as well, as their cuf- toms and manners, was ftrangely mifreprefented. Virtue, joined to knowledge and wealth, confers grea.t influence and refpeftability. But knowledge, with wealth united, if virtue be wanting, has a very limited influence, and is often defpifed. That fuperficial fcholar and critic, like fome re- nowned critics of our own, has furniflied moft de- cifive proofs, that be knew not the characters of the Hebrew language. The buildings of the inflitution have been en- larged * the expenfe of which, added to the in- creafed price of provifions, renders it neceflary to advance the terms of admiffion. 3. Thou, and the gardener, and the huntfman, muft fhare the blame of this bufmefs amongft^ow. My lifter and I, as well as my brother, are daily employed in'owr refpeftive occupations. RULE III. Man's happinefs or mifery is, in a great mea- fure, put into his own hands. We are not fuch machines as a clock or watch, which moves merely as it is moved. Defpife no infirmity of mind or body, nor any con- dition of life ; for it is, perhaps, to be thy own lot. B z l8 KSY. Speaking impatiently to fervants, or any thing that betrays inattention or ill-humour, is certainly criminal. There are many faults in fpelling, which neither analogy nor pronunciation juftifies. When ficknefs, infirmity, or reverfe of fortune, *ffe8i us, the fincerity of friendfhip is proved. Let it be remembered, that it is not the uttering, or the hearing of certain words, that conjlitutes the worfhip of the Almighty. A tart reply, a pronenefs to rebuke, or a captious and contradidious fpirit, is capable of embittering domeftic life, and of fetting friends at variance. The following Sentences exemplify the notes and obferva- *ons under RULE m. r. Either thou or I am greatly miftaken, in our judgment on this fubjecl. I or thou art the perfon, who muft undertake the bufinefs propofed. 2. One or both of the fcholars were prefent at the tranfaclion. Some parts of the ftiip and cargo were recovered j but neither the captain nor the failors, were faved. Whether one perfon, or more than one, were con- cerned in the bufinefs, does not ye.t appear. The deceitfulnefs of riches, or the cares of this life, have choked the feeds of virtue in many a pre- mifmg mind. Rule 4.) SYNTAX. RULE IV. The people rejoice in that which fliould give them forrow. The flock, and not the fleece, is, or ought to be, the objeS of the fhepherd's care. The court has juft ended, after having fat through the trial of a very long caufe. The crowd 'was fo great, that the judge* with difficulty made their way through it. The corporation of York conftfts of a Mayor, Al- dermen, and Common-Council. The Britifli Parliament is compofed of King, Lords, and Commons. When the nation complains, the rulers fliould liften to its voice. In the days of youth, the multitude eagerly f u r- fue pleafure as their chief good. The church has no power to inflict corporal pu- nifliment. The fleet was feen failing up the channel. A great number dees not always argue ftrength. The meeting has eftabliflied feveral falutary re- gulations. The council were not unanimous, and //^ feparated without coming to any determination. The fleet are all arrived and moored in fafety. This people draw near to me with their mouth, and honour me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. The committee --were divided in //^/rfentiments, and they have referred the bufmefs to the general meeting. 30 KEY. (Rule $. The committee was very full when this point was decided ; and its judgment has not been called in queftion. Why'does this generation wifh for greater evidence, when fo much is already given ? The remnant of the people was persecuted with great feverity. Never was any people fo much infatuated as the Jewifh nation. The Ihoal of herrings was of an immenfe extent. No fociety is chargeable with the difapproved, mifconduft of particular members. RULE v. THE exercife of reafon appears as little in thefe fportfmen, as in the beafts which they, fometimes hunt, and by which they are fometimes hunted. They who feek wifdom will certainly find her. .The male amongft birds feems to difcover no beauty, "but in the colour of his fpecies. Take handfuls of aflies of the furnace, and let Mofes fprinkle them towards the heaven, in the fight of Pharaoh; and they fhali become fmall duft. Rebecca took goodly raiment, which was with her in the houfe, and put it upon Jacob. The wheel killed another man, who makes the fixth that has loft his life, by this means. The fair fex, whofe talk is not to mingle in the la- bours of public life, have their own part afligned them to aft. The Hercules Jbip of war foundered at fea; (he overfet, and loft moft of her men. Rid* <} SVNTAX. 31 The mind of man cannot be long without fome food to nourifti the activity of its thoughts. What is the reafon, that our language is lefs re- fined than that of Italy, Spain, or France ? -I do not think any one fhould incur cenfure for being tender of his reputation. Thou who haft been a witnefs of the fact, camft give an account of it. In religious concerns> or tkofe which are conceived to be fuch, every man muft ftand or fall by the de- cifion of the Great Judge. Something like what has been here premifed, is the conjetlure. of Dryden. Jhou great Firft Caufe, lead underftood ! Who all my fenfe confin'd To know but this, that thou art good, And that myfelf am blind : Yet gave me in this dark eftate, &c. " Confincdji or didjl confine :" " Gcwejl or didfi give," What art thou, fpeak, that, on defigns unknown, While others fleep, thus range the camp alone ? " Rangejl or dsjl range." The following examples are adapted to the notes and under avi-E v. i. Whoever entertains fuch an opinion, judges erroneoufly. The cares of this world often choke the growth of virtue. Difappointments and afflictions, however difagree- able, often improve us. B 4 3* KEY. (Rule 5. 2. Mofes was the meekeft man that we read of in the Old Teftament. Humility is one of the moft amiable virtues that we can poffefs. They are the fame perfons that affifted us yefter- day. The men and things that he has fludied have not improved his morals. 3. Ifmu beautiful yfowr they appear, they have no real merit, In iv&at light foev and our own happinefs. The Supreme Being is the wifeft, the mcft power- and the heft of beings. 5. Virtue confers fupreme dignity on man ; and. fhould be his chief defire. His afTertion was better founded than that of his op- ponent ; nay, the latter's words were not true. His work is 'well executed ; his brother's ft'dl better ? and his father's the beji of alL 6. A talent of this kind wou-ld, perhaps, prove the - likelieft of all to fucceed. Or prove more likely than any other to fucceed. He is the jlronger of the two> but not ikeivijer. He fpoke with fo much propriety, that I under- flood him the beft of all who fpoke on the fubject* Or letter than any other who fpoke on the fubjel. Eve -was fairer than any of her daughters. 7. Religion raifes men above themfelves ; irre- ligion finks them beneath the brutes : this binds them down to a poor pitiable fpeck of perimable earth : that opens for them a profpect to the fkies. More rain falls in the firft two fummer months, than in the firft two winter ones : but it makes a much greater mow upon the earth in thefe than in thofe ; becaufe it lies longer upon it. Rex and Tyrannus are of very different characters. The one rules his people by laws to which they con- fent ; the other, by his abfolute will and power ; that is called freedom, ibis, tyranny. 4 KEY. (Rule 9. 8. He fpoke in a manner diftinct enough to be heard by the whole aflembly. Or He fpoke diftinftlj enough to be heard by the whole aflembly. Thomas is equipped with a pair of ne the moft eloquent of men. 5. The government of the world is not left to chance. She married the brother for upwards of fix hundred years, a di(h which they pretend to be made of emerald. Rule I}.) SYNTAX. 4 ^Tbc examples which follow, are fuited to the notes and vlfer KEY. (Promifeuour, many perfons, this world, is owing to apparently undefigned and fortuitous events: but it is the Supreme Being CHAP. VI. Gorretloni of the promifcuous examples o Punctuation. SECT. I. EXAMPLES IN PROSE. WHEN Socrates was afked, what man approached the neareft to perfeft happinefs, he anfwered : " That man who has the feweft wants." She who 'iludies her glafs, neglefts her heart. Between pafsion and. lying there is not a finger's breadth. The freer we feel ourfelves in the prefence of ethers, the more free are they : he who is free, makes free. Addifon has remarked, with equal piety and truth, " that the creation is a perpetual feaft to the mind of a good man." He . who (huts out ail evafion when he promifes, loves truth; The laurels of the warrior are dyed in blood, and bedewed with the tears of the widow and the orphan. E 6 K>3 KEr. (Promifc touts. Between fame and true honour, a diltinction is to be made. The former is aloud and noify applaufe : the latter, a more filent and internal homage. Fame floats on the breath of the multitude : Honour refts on the judgment of the dunking. Fame may give praife, while it withholds efteem : true honour im- plies efteem. mingled with refpect. The one regards particular diftinguifhed talents : the other looks up to the whole character. There is a certain fpecies of religion, (if we can give it that name,) which rs placed wholly in fpecu- lation and belief, in th regularity of external ho- mage, or in fiery zeal about contefted opinions. Xenophanes, who was reproached with being ti- morous, becaufe he would not venture his money in a game at dice, made this manly and fenfible reply : *' I confefs I am exceedingly timorous j for I dare not commit an evil action." He loves nobly, (I fpeak of friendfhip,) who is not jealous, when he has partners of love. Our happinefs confifts in the purfuit, much more than in the attainment, of any temporal good. Let me repeat it ; He only is great, who has the habits of greatnefs. Profopopoeia, or perfonification, is a rhetoricaf figure, by which we attribute life and action to inanimate objects : as, " The ground thirfts for lain ;"" "the earth fmiles with plenty.'* The proper and rational conduct of men, with regard to futurity, is regulated by two confidera- tions : Firft, that much of what it contains, muft re- main to us abfolutely unknown ; next, that there are i Promifcuouf.} PUNCTU-ATION. ro^ alfo fome events in it r which may be certainty known and forefeen. The gardens of the world produce only deciduous- flowers. Perennial ones muft be fought in the de- lightful regions above. Rofes without thorns are the growth of paradtfe alone. How many rules and maxims of life might be fpared, could we fix a principle of virtue within ; and infcribe the living fentiment of the lov-e of God in the affedion ! He who loves righteoufnefs, is matter of all the diftindions in morality. He who, from the benignity of his nature, eredled this world, for the abode of men ; he, who furnifhed k fo richly for our accommodation, and ftored it with fo much beauty for our eatertainment j he who, fince firft we entered into life, hath followed us with: fuch a variety of mercies : this amiable and bene- ficent Being, fterely can have no pleafure in our dif- appointment and diftrefs. He knows our frame ; he remembers we are duft j- and looks to frail man, we are allured, with fuch pity as a father beareth to his children. One of the firft leflbns, both of religion and of wifdom, is, to moderate our expectations and hopes ; and not to fet forth on the voyage of life, like men- who expeft to be always carried forward with a fa- vourable gale. Let us be fatisfied, if the path we tread be eafy and fmooth, though it be not llrewed with, flowers. Providence never intended, that the art of living- happily in this world, fliould depend on that deep Hj KEY. (Promlfctious. penetration, that acute fagacity, and thofe refine- ments of thought, which few poflefs. It has dealt more gracioufly with us ; and made happinefs de- pend on uprightnefs of intention, much more than on extent of capacity. Moft of our paffions flatter us in their rife. But their beginnings are treacherous ; their growth is imperceptible ; and the evils which they carry in their train, lie concealed, until their dominion is eftablifhed. What Solomon fays of one of them, holds true of them all, '* that their beginning is as when one letteth out water." It iffues from a fmall chink, which once might have been eafily flopped ; but being neglected, it is foon widened by the ftream ; till the bank is at laft totally thrown down, and the flood is at liberty to deluge the whole plain. Profperity debilitates, inftead of ftrengthening the mind. Its moft common effect is, to create an extreme fenfibility to the flightefl wound. It fo- ments impatient defires ; and raifes expectations which no fuccefs can fatisfy. It fofters a falfe deli- cacy, which fickens in the midft of indulgence. By repeated gratification, it blunts the feelings of men to what is pleafing; and leaves them unhappily acute to whatever is uneafy. Hence, the gale which ano- ther would fcarcely feel, is, to the profperous, a rude tempeft. Hence, the rofe-leaf doubled below them on the couch, as it is told of the effeminate Sybarite, breaks their reft. Hence, the difrefpect fhow-n by Mordecai, preyed with fuch violence on the heart of Haman. Anxiety is the poifon of human life. It is the 5 Promtfcuous.) PUNCTUATION." Hi parent of many fins, and of more miferies. In a world where every thing is fo doubtful ; where we may fucceed in our wifli, and be miferable 1 ; where we may be difappointed, and be blefTed in the dif- appointment; what means this reftlefs ftir and com- motion of mind ? Can our folicitude alter the courfe, or unravel the intricacy, of human events? Can our curiofity pierce through the cloud, which the -Su- preme Being hath made impenetrable to mortal eye? No fituation is fo remote, and no ftation fo unfa- vourable, as to preclude accefs to the happiriefs of a future (late. A road is opened by the Divine Spi- rit to thofe blifsful habitations, from all corners of the earth, and from all conditions of human life ; from the peopled city, and from the folitary defert; from the cottages of the poor, and from the palaces of kings ; from the dwellings of ignorance and fim- plicity, and from the regions of fcience and im- provement. The fcenes which prefent themfelves, at our enter- ing upon the world, are commonly flattering. What- ever they be in themfelves, the lively fpirits of the young gild every opening profpect. The field of hope appears to ftretch wide before them. Pleafure feems to put forth its bloffoms on every fide. Im- pelled by defire, forward they rufh with inconfide- rate ardour ; prompt to decide, and to choofe ; averfe to hefitate,or to inquire; credulous, becaufe untaught by experience; rafh, becaufe unacquainted with dan- ger ; headftrong, becaufe unfubdued by difappoint- ment. Hence arife the perils to which they are ex- lt KEY. (Promifcucits. pofed ; and winch, too often, from want of attention to faithful admonition, precipitate them into ruin irretrievable. By the unhappy erxcefles of irregular pleafure in youth, how many amiable difpofitions are corrupted or deftroyed ! How many Tiling capacities and powers are fupprefled ! How many flattering hopes of parents and friends are totally extinguifhed! Who but muft drop a tear over human nature, when he beholds that morning which arofe fo bright, overcaft with fuch untimely darknefs ; that fweetnefs of tem- per which once engaged many hearts, that modefty which was fo prepoffefsing, thofe abilities which promifed extenfive afefulnefs, all facrificed at the fhrine of low fenfuality : and one who was formed for pafsing through life, in the midflof public efteem, cut off by his vices at the beginning of his courfe ; or funk, for the whole of it, into- infignificancy and contempt 1 Thefe, O fmful pleafure !. are thy trophies. It is thus that, co-operating with the foe of God and man, thou degradeft human honour, and blalteft the opening profpects of human felicity. fromjfxous.) PUNCTUATION, 113 ( SECT. 2. EXAMPLES IN TOETRY. Where, thy true tveafure? Gold fays, " not iame:" And, " not in me," the di'mond. Gold is poor. The fcenes of bus'nefs tell us what are men ; The fcenes of pleafure what is all befide. Wo then apart, (if wo apart can be From mortal man,) and fortune at our nod, The gay, rich, great, triumphant^ and auguft r What are they ? The moft happy (ftrange to fay) Convince me moft of human mifery. All this dread order break for whom ? for thee ? Vile worm ! O madnefs ! pride 1 impiety ! Man, like the gen'rous vine, fupported lives ; The ftrength he gains is from th' embrace he give*. Know, Nature's children fhall divide her care : The fur that warms a monarch, warm'd a bear. While man exclaims, '* See all things for my ufc ! M *' See man for mine," replies a pamper'd goofe. And juft as (hort of reafon he muft fall, Who thinks all made for one, not one for alh Th' Almighty, from his throne, on earth furveys- N ought greater than an honeft, humble heart : An humble heart his refidence, pronounc'd His fecond feat. Blifs there is none, but unprecarious blifs. That is the gem : fell all and purchafe that. Why go a begging to contingencies, Not gain'd with eafe, nor fafely lov'd, if g*iiv*d. 4 K E y (Promifctuus , There is a time, when toil muft be prefcrr'd, Or joy, by miftim'd fondnefs, is undone. A man of pleafure is a man of pains. Thus nature gives us (let it check our pride) The virtue neareft to our vice allied. See the fole blifs Heav'n could on all be/low \ Which who but feels can tafte,but thinks can know : Yet poor with fortune, and with learning blind, The bad muft mifs ; the good untaught will find. Whatever is, is right. This world, 'tis true, Was made for Csefar, but for Titus too. And which more bleft ? who chain'd his country, fay, Or he whofe virtue figh'd to lofe a day ? The firft fure fyrnptom of a mind in health, Is reft of heart, and pleafure felt at home. True happinefs refides in things unfeen. No fmiles of 'fortune ever bleio the bad ; Nor can her frowns rob innocence of joy.. Oh the dark days of vanity ! \v hiie here, How taftelefs ! and how terrible, when gone !; Gone ? they ne'er go : when pad, they haunt us (till. Father of light and life ! Thou good fupreme ! O teach me what is good ! Teach me thyfelf ! Save me from tolly, vanity, and vice, From ev'ry low purfuit, and feed my foul With knowledge, confeious peace, and virtue pure, Sacred, fubftantial, never-fading blifs ! If I am right, thy grace impart, Still in the right to ftay : Jf I am wrong, Oh teach my heart To find that better way \ Promifcuous.) PUNCTUATION. n< Save me alike from foolifh pride, Or impious difcontent, At aught thy wifdom has denied, Or aught thy goodnefs lent. . O loft to virtue, loft to manly thought, Loft to the noble fallies of the foul, Who think it folitude to be alone ! Communion fvveet, communion large and high, Our reaf'on, guardian angel, and our God. Then neareft thefe, when others moft remote j And all, ere long, ftiali be remote, but thefe. Benevolence, God loves from whole to parts ; but human foul Muft rife from individual to the whole. Self-love but ferves the virtuous mind to wake, As the fmall pebble ftirs the peaceful lake : The centre mov'd, a circle ftrait fucceeds ; Another ftill, arid ftill another fpreads. Friend, parent, neighbour, firft it will embrace ; His country next ; and next, all human race : Wide and more wide, th' 6'erflowings of the mind Take ev'ry creature in of ev'ry kind. # Earth fmiles around, with boundlefs bounty bleft ; And Heav'n beholds its image in his breaft. Happinefs. Know then this truth, (enough for man to know,) " Virtue alone is happinefs below :" The only point where human blifs ftands ftill, And taftesthe good without the fall to ill j Where only merit conftant pay receives ; Is bleft in .what it takes, and what it gives, Il6 KEY. The joy uncquall'ct, if its end ft gain; And if it lofe, attended with no pain. Without fatiety, tho' e'er fo blefs'd ; And but more relifh'd as the more diftrefs'd : The broadeft mirth unfeeling folly wears, Lefs pleafing far than virtue's very tears. Good, from each ob}et y from each place acquir r d For ever exercis'd, yet never tir'd ; Never elated while one man's opprefs'd ; Nevet-deje&ed while another's bkfs'd ; And where no wants, no wiflies can remain ; Since but to wifh more virtue, is to gain. Gratitude. When all thy mercies, O my God ! My rifing foul furveys, Tranfported with the view, I'm loft In wonder, love, and praife. O how mall words, with equal warmth, The gratitude declare, That glows within my ravifli'd heart ? But thou canft read it there. Thy providence my life fuftain'd 1 , And all my wants redrefs'd, When in the filent womb 1 lay, And hung upon the bread. To all my weak complaints and cries, Thy mercy lent an ear, Ere yet my feeble thoughts had learnt To form themfelves in pray'r. PUNCTUATION. 1 1-7 Uunumber'd comforts to my foul Thy tender care beftow'd, Before my infant heart conceiv'd From whom thofe comforts flow'cU When, in the flipp'ry paths of youth, With heedlefs fteps, I ran, Thine arm, unfeen, convey'd me fafe, And led me up to man. Through hidden dangers, toils, and deaths, it gently clear'd my way ; And through the pleafing fnares of vice, More to be fear'd than they. When worn with fickne.fs, oft haft thou, With health, renew 'd my face ; And, when in Tins and forrow funk, Reviv'd my foul with grace. Thy bounteous hand, with worldly blifs, Has made my cup run o'er ; And, in a kind and f&it'hful friend, Ha* doubled all my ftore. Ten thousand thoufand precious gifts My -daily thanks employ; Nor is the leaft, a cheerful heart, That taftes thofe gifts with joy. Through ev'ry period of my life, Thy goodnefs I'll purfue ; And, after death, in diftant worlds, The glorious theme renew. o When nature fails, and day and night Divide thy works no more, My ever grateful heart, O Lord ! Thy mercy (hall adore. it KEY. (Promifcuous. Through all eternity, to thee A joyful fong I'll raife ; For O ! eternity's too fliort To utter all thy praife. The Voyage of Life. Self flatter'd, unexperienc'd, high in hope, When young, with fanguine cheer, and dreamers gay, We cut our cable, launch into the world, And fondly dream e,ach wind and flar our friend, All in fome darling enterprize embark'd. But where is he can fathom its event ? Amid a multitude of artlefs hands, (Ruin's fure perquifite, her lawful prize,) Some fteer aright : but the black blaft blows hard, And puff's them wide of hope. With hearts of proof, Full againft wind and tide, fome win their way ; And when ftrong effort has deferv'd the port, And tugg'd it into -view, 'tis won ! 'tis loft ! Though ftrong their oar, ftill ftronger is their fate : They ftrike ; and, while they triumph, they expire. In ftrefs of weather, mojl, fome fink outright. O'er them, and o'er their names, the billows clofe : To-morrow knows not they were ever torn. Others a fliort memorial leave behind, Like a flag floating, when the bark's ingulph'd. It floats a moment, and is feen no more : One Csefar lives ; a thoufand are forgot. How feiv, favour'd by ev'ry element, With fwelling fails, make good the promis'd port, With all their wimes freighted ! Yet ev'n thefe, Freighted with all their wifties, foon complain. Free from misfortune, not from nature free, They ftill are men ; and when is man fecure ? Promifcuous.) PUNCTUATION. As fatal time, as Jlorm. The rufii of years Beats down their ftrength ; their numberlefs efcapes In ruin end : and, now, their proud fuccefs But plants new terrors on the victor's brow. What pain, to quit the world juft made their own, Their nefl fo deeply down'd, and built fo high ! Too low they build, who build beneath the ftars. PART V. PERSPICUITY AND ACCURACY. Firft, with refpefl to fingle words and pbrafes* CHAP. L Corrections of the errors that relate to Purity. Grain, p. 239. 4th edit. VV E mould, be dally employed In doing good. 1 am wearied with feeing fo perverfe a difpofition. I know not who hath done this thing. He is in no wife thy inferior ; and, in this inftance, is not at all to blame. The affiltance was welcome, andjcafonaHTy afforded. For want of employment, he 'wandered idly about the fields. We ought to Iiv foberly, righteoufly, and fioujly in the world, He was long indifpofed, and at length died of melancholy. That word follows the general rule, and takes the penultimate accent. He was an extraordinary genius, and attracted much attention. The fly, in its infantile ftate, lies all the winter enclofed in a balL Propriety') PERSPICUITY, &c. 121 He charged me with want of refolution ; but in this cenfure he was greatly miftaken. They have manifefted great candour in all the tranfaftion. The conformity of the thought to truth and nature greatly recommended it. The importance, as well as the authenticity of the books, has been clearly difplayed. It is difficult to difcover the fpirit and deftgn of fome laws. The difpofition which he exhibited, was both un- natural and uncomfortable. His natural feverity rendered him a very unpo- pular fpeaker. The inquietude of his mind, made his ftation and wealth far from being enviable. I received the gift with pleafure, but I fhall now more gladly refign it. Or --with greater pleafure refign it. Thefe are things of the higbejl importance to the growing age. I am grieved with the view offo many blank leaves, in the book of my life. / rfpent that I have fo long walked in the paths of folly. / think that J am not miflaken in an opinion, which I have fo well confidered. They thought it an important fubjed, and the queftion was fuenueufly debated on both fides. Thy fpeech betrays thee ; for thou art a Gal- lilean. Let us run give too hafty credit to ftories which F (Propriety. injure our neighbour : perhaps they are the offspring of calumny, or mifappreheniion. The gardens were void of fimplicity and elegance; and exhibited much that was glaring and CHAP. II. Corrections of the errors relating to Propriety. SECT. I. 1 ivctild as readily do it myfelf, as perfuade another to do it. Of the juftnefs of his meafures he convinced his opponent, by the forte of argument. He is not, in any degree, better than thofe whom he fo liberally condemns. He infifts upon fecurity, and will not liberate him till it be obtained. The meaning of the p'hrafe, as I underjland it, is very different from the common acceptation. The favourable moment mould be embraced ; for he does not continue long in one mind. He expofed himfelf fo much amongft the people, that he was once or twice in danger of having his head broken. He was very dexterous in penetrating the views and defigns of others. If a little care were leftowed upon his education, he might be very ufeful amongft his neighbours. He might have perceived, by a tranjient -view, {he difficulties to which h;s conduct expofed him. Propriety.) PERSPICUITY, &c. \z$ If I Jhould have a little leifure to-morrow, I in- tend to pay them a fhort vifit. This performance is of the fame value as the o*her. The fcene was new, and he was feized with won- der at all he faw. SECT. 2 LET us confider the works of nature and of art, with proper attention. He is engaged in a treatife on the interefts of the foul and of the body. Some productions of nature rife or Jink in value, according as they more or lefs refemble thofe of art. The Latin tongue 'was never fpoken, in its purity, in this ifland. For fome centuries, there was a conftant inter- courfe between France and England, by reafon of the dominions which we pofleffed there, and the con- quefts which we made. Qioccajioned by the domi' nions, &c- He is imprefled with a true fenfe of the importance of that function, when chofen from a regard to die interefts of piety and virtue. The wife and the foolifh, the virtuous and the vile, the learned and the ignorant, the temperate and the profligate, mull often, like the wheat and the tares, be blended together. SECT. 3. AN eloquent fpeaker may give more numerous, but cannot give more convincing arguments, than F 2 124- KEY (Propriety. this plain man offered. Or may give more, but can- not gi," &c. Propriety.) PERSPICUITY, &c. r=7 The author of the Speftator fays, that a man is not qualified for a buft, who has not a good deal of wit and vivacity. And Bezaleel made the laver of brafs, and the foot of it of brafs, of the mirrors ufed by the women. And, in the lo-ucer deep, another deep Still threat'ning to devour me,, openb wide. SECT. 7. No^7tr than two hundred fcholars have been educated in that fchool. The bitjinefs, however laudable the attempt, was found to be impracticable. He is our common benefactor, and deferves our re- fpecl: and obedience. Vivacity is often promoted, by prefenting a fen- frble objeft to the mind, inflead of an intellectual one. They broke down the banks, and the country was foon overflowed. The garment was decently formed, andym^/very neatly. The houfe is a cold one, for it has a northern e.Jpet. The propojal, for each of us to relinquifh fome- thing, was complied with, and produced a cordial reconciliation. Though learn'd, well bred ; and tho' well bred, fincere; Modeflly bold, and humanely fevere. A fop is a ridiculous character, in every one's view but his own. An aftion that excites laughter, without any mix- ture of contempt, may be called a rifible adion. (Propriety It is difficult for Irtm to fpeak three fentences fuc- ie/fi'vcly. y this exprefsion, I do not mean what fome perfons annex to it. The negkft of timely precaution was the caufe of this great lofs. All the fophiftry which has been employed, cannot obfcare fo plain a truth. Difputing mould always be fo managed, as to re- mind us, that the only end of it is truth. .My friend was fo ill that he could not Jit up at all, but was obliged to lie continually in bed. A certain prince, it is faid, when he invaded the Egyptians, placed, in the front of his army, a num- ber of cats and other animals, which were \vorfhip- ped by thofe people. A reverence for thcfe crea- tures, made the Egyptians lay down their arms, and become an eafy conqueft. The prefence of the Deity, and the care ivbick fuch an auguft Being is fuppofed to take in our con- cerns, is a fource of confolation, And when they had kindled a fire in the midft of the hall, and bad fat down together, Peter fat down among them. By the flavim difpoiltion of the fenate and people of Rome, under the Emperours, the wit and elo- quence of the age were wholly turned towards pane- gyric. Or wholly employed in panegyric. The refreshment came in feafonably, before they bad lain down to reft. We fpeak pply nvhat is defective. The good man is not overcome by difappoint- jnent, when that which is mortal die$ ; when that which is mutable, begins to 'change ; and when that which he knew to be traniient, paj/es ' 130 KEY. (Prectjion. CHAP. III. Carre ftions of the errors which refpefl Precifibn. THIS great politician defifted from his defigns,- when he found them imprafticabLe. He was of fo high and independent a fpirit, that he abhorred being in debt. Though raifed to an exahed ftation, fhe was a pattern of piety and virtue. The human body may be divided into the head, the trunk, and the limbs. His end foon approached; and he died with great fortitude. He was a man of fo much pride, that he defpifed the fentiments of others. Poverty induces dependence; and dependence increafes corruption. This man,, on all occafions, treated his inferiors with great difdain. ' % There can be no order in the life of that man,, who does not allot a due (hare of his time, to re- tirement and reflection. Such equivocal expreffions, mark an intention to deceive. ' His cheerful, happy temper, keeps up a kind of day-light in his mind, and fills it with a fteady and perpetual ferenity. Claarnefs.) PERSPICUITY, &c< ig i Secondly. Perfpicuity and accuracy ^ with refpeft to the conjlruction of Sentences. CHAP. I. Corrections of the errors which relate to the Clear- nefs of a Sentence. SECT. I. HENCE appears the impofsibility that an under- taking fa managed, fhould prove fuccefsful. May we not here fay with the poet, " that virtue is its own reward ?" Had he died before, would not this art have been. then wholly unknown. Not to exafperate him, I Jfoke only a very few words. The works of art receive a great advantage, from the refemblance which they have to thofe of nature ; . becaufe here not only the fimilitude is pleafant, but the pattern more perfect. It may be proper to give fome account of thefe practices, anciently ufed on fuch occafions, and dif- continued only through the neglect and degeneracy of later times. Sixtus the Fourth was, if I miftake not, a great collector at leaft of books. If Lewis XIV. was net the greateft king, ha was /%?the belt after of majefty, that ever filled a,, throne. F-6- 132 K Y. (Cleartufst Thefe forms of converfation, multiplied by de- grees, and grew troublefome. Nor does this falfe modefty expofe us tofuch aftions cnly as are indifcreet, but very often to fuch as are highly criminal. By greatnefs, I do not mean the bulk of any {ingle objeft only, but the largenefs of a whole view. Or I mean not only the bulk ofanyjtngle objeft, but, &c. I was formerly engaged in that bufmefs, but I Jhall never be concerned in it again. We frequently do thofe things, which we after- wards repent of. By often doing the fame thing, it becomes ha- bitual. 'Mofl nations, even the Jews not excepted, were prone to idolatry. Raifed to greatnefs without merit, he employed his powerye/V/y for the gratification of his paflioni. SECT. 2. i THE embarraflrnents of the artificers, rendered the progrefs of the work very flow. He found the place replete with wonders, with the (cntempraticn of which he propofed to folace him- felf, if he mould never be able to accomplifh his flight. They are now engaged in a (lady, the ufefvlaefs of which they have long wiihed to know. This was an undertaking, which, in the execution > proved as impracticable, as every other of their per- nicious, yet abortive fehemtt, had turned out. Clearnefs.) PERSPICUITY, &c. 133 He thought that the prefbyters would foon become more dangerous to the magiftrate, than the prela- tical clergy had ever been. Frederick, feeing it was impoffible with fafety, to truft his life in their hands, was obliged to take the Mahometans for his guard. The emperour refufed to convert the truce at once into a definitive treaty. In the night, however, the miferable remains were taken down. This is what we mean by the original contrail of fociety ; which, though perhaps it ha-, in no inftance^ ever been formally exprefled, at the firft inftitution of a date, yet, in nature and reafon, it mould alway s be underftood and implied in every aft of aflbciating together. I have, in this paper, ly ivay of introduction, fettled the meaning of thofe pleafures of the imagination, which are the fubjeft of my prefent undertaking ; and endea tr .eured, by fever al confederations, to recom- mend to my readers, the purfuit of thofe pleafures : I (hall, in my next paper, examine the fcvetal fources from whence thefe pleafures are derived. Sir Francis Bacon, in his EiTay upon Health, 'where he particularly difj'uaaes tbe reader from knotty and fill- tile difquiftnons, has not thought it improper to pre- fcribe to him a poem, or a pi-of^cl: ; and he ad- vifes him to purfue ftudies that fill the mind with fplendid and liluilrious objects, as hiftory, poetry, and contemplations of nature. The Englifh reader, if he would fee the notion 134- KET - {Clearnejl. explained at large, may find it in Locke's Eflay on the Human Underftanding. Fields of corn make a pleafant profpeft ; and if a little care were fofttnued eh the walks that lie between them, they would difplay neatnefs, regularity, and elegance. Though religion -will indeed bring us under fome reftraints, they are not only tolerable, but, on the whole, defirable: I have confined myfelf to thofe methods for the advancement of piety, which, by a Jtrifi execution of the laws, are in the power of a prince, limited like ours. This morning, when, with great care and diligence, one of the gay females was looking over fome hoods and ribbands, brought by her tire-woman, I em- ployed no lefs in examining the box which con- tained them. Since it is necefiary that there fhould be a perpe- tual intercourfe of buying and felling, and dealing upon credit, the honejt dealer, where fraud is per- mitted or connived at, or hath no law to punifti it, is often undone, and the knave gets the advantage. Though energetic brevity is not adapted alike to every fubjetV, we ought, on every occafion, to avoid its contrary, a languid redundancy of words. It is fometimer proper to be copioui, but never to be verbofe. A monarchy, limited like ours, may; for aught I know, be placed, as it has cften been reprefented, juft in the middle point, from whence a dcvtation Cleanujs.) PKRSPICUITY, &c. 135 leads, on the one hand, to tyranny, and, on the other, to anarchy. Having already fhown how the fancy is affected by the works of nature, and afterwards cohfidered, in general, hoiv, in forming fuch fienes as are mo/} apt to delight the mind of the beholder, the works both of na- ture and of art ajpji each other ; I fliall, in this paper, throw together fome reflections, &c. Let but one brave, great, afiive, difinterefted, man arife, and he will be- received, followedj and venerated. Ambition creates hatred, Jh'ynefs, difcords, feditions,. and wars. The fcribes made it their profeflion to ftudy, and to teach the law of Mofes. Sloth faps the fdundation of every virtue, and pours upon us a deluge of crimes and evils. The ancient laws of Rome were fo far from fuf- fering a Roman citizen to be put to death, that they would not allow him to be whipped, or even to be bound. His labours to acquire knowledge, have been pro- ductive of great fuccefs and fatisfaction. He was a man of the greateft prudence, juftice, modefty, and virtue. . His favour or difapprobation was governed by the fuccefs or the failure of an enterprife. He had a grateful fenfe of the benefits received, and did every thing in his power to ferve his benefactor. Many perfons give evident proof, that either they do not believe the principles of religion, or that they do UQtfeel their power* (Clearneft. As the guilt of an officer, if be prove negligent, will be greater than that of a common fervent ; fo the reward of his fidelity will be proportionally greater. The comfort annexed to goodnefs is the pious man's ftrength. // attaches bis heart to religion. It infpires his -zeal. It fupports bis tonjlancy ; and accele- rates his progrefs. SECT. 3. Thefe are the rules of the matter, who muft be obeyed. They attacked the houfe o/"~ Northumberland, whom they put to death. He laboured to involve in ruin his miniiler, who had been the author of it. Or to ruin his mini- fler, &c. What he fays is true, but it is not applicable to the point. . The French marched precipitately as to an aflured victory ; whereas the Englifh advanced very flowly, and difoharged fuch flights of arrows, as did grat execution. When the former drew near the archers, the latter perceiving that they were out of breath, charged them with great vigour. He was at a ivindoiu in Litckfela, taking a view of the Cathedral, where a party of the royalifls had for- tified themfelves. We no where meet with a more fplendid or pleafuig fhow in nature, than what is formed in the heavens at the riling and letting of the fun, by tht Cltarntfs.) PERSPICUITY, &c. 137 different {tains of light, ivbicb fhow themfelves in clouds of different Jttuations. There will be found, throughout this kingdom, a round million of creatures in human figure, whofe whole fubfiftence, &c. It is the cuitom of the Mahometans, if they fee upon the ground, any printed or written paper, to take it up, and lay it afide carefully, as not knowing but it may contain fome piece of their Alcoran. The laws of nature are, truly, what Lord Bacon ftyles his aphorifms, laws of laws. Civil laws are always imperfect, and are often falfe deductions from them, or applications of them ; nay, civil laws ftand* in many inftances, in direct oppofition to the laws of nature. It has not a fentiment in it, fays Pope, that the au- thor does not religioufly believe. Many act fo directly contrary to this method, that, from a habit, which they acquired at the Uni c verjity ) of facing time and paper, they write in fo diminutive a manner, that they can hardly read what they have written. Thus I have fairly given you my own opinion, re- lating to this weighty affair, as well as that of a great majority of both houfes here ; upon which I am confident you may fecurely reckon. If, from the earliefl period of life, we trace a youth who has been well educated, we (hall perceive the wjfdom of the maxims here recommended. 138 KEY. (Unity' CHAP. II. Corrections of the errors relating to the Unity of A fentence. SECT. I. A SHORT time after this injury, he came to him- felf; and the next day, e gain by means of the pleafures of imagination. Or This fatisfattion we enjoy by means of, &c. The army was corrrpofed of Grecians and Carians, rtWLycians, and Pamphylians, and Phrygians. The body of this animal was ftrong, proportion- able, and beautiful. Nothing promotes knowledge more than fteady application, and a habit of obfer nation. Though virtue borrows no affiilance from the ad- vantages of fortune, yet it may often be accompanied by them. The knowledge which he has acquired, and the habits of application luhich he poffefTes, will probably render him very ufeful. Their idlenefs, their luxury and pleafures, their criminal deeds, their immoderate paffions, their ti- midity and bafenefs of mind, have dejected them to fuch a degree, as to make them weary of life. G '4 KEY. (Strength. I was greatly affe&ed, fo that I was obliged to leave the place, though my affiftance had been preff- ingly folicited. I -ftrenuoufly oppofed thofe meafures, but it was not in my power to prevent them. I yielded to his felicitation, for I perceived the neceflity of doing fo. For the wifeft purpofes, Providence has defigned our ftate to be chequered with pleafure and pain. As fuck, let us receive it, and make the beft of what is appointed to be our lot. In the time of profperity, he had flored his mind with ufeful knowledge, with good principles, and virtuous difpoiitions : and thefe refources remain en- tire, when the days of trouble come. He had made confiderable advances in know- ledge, though he was very young, and laboured under feveral difadvantages. SECT. 3. I have, fo far as it relates to the foul of man, into beautiful alle- gories, givel us the pun'dhment, &c. Strtngtb.) PERSPICUITY, &c. 147 And, at loft, in thePyrenean treaty, Philip the fourth was obliged to conclude a peace, on terms repug- nant to his inclination, to that of his people, to the intereft of Spain, and to that of all Europe. It is likewife urged, that, in this kingdom, there are, by computation, above ten thoufand parfons, whofe revenues, added to thofe of the bifhops, would fuffice to maintain, &c. And although perfons of a virtuous and learned education, when they come forward into the^ great . Ju/l publijhed, And fold by LONGMAN and REES, No. 39, Paternojler* row, DARTON and HARVEY, No. 55, Gracechurcb- Jlreet, London ; and by WILSON, SPENCE, and MAWMAN, York : THE ENGLISH READER; OR PIECES IN PROSE AND POETRT, Selected from the bejl Writers. Defigned to aflift young Perfons to READ with PRO- PRIETY and EFFECT ; to IMPROVE their LANGUAGE and SBNTIMENTS ; and to inculcate fome of the moft IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES of PIETY and VIRTUE. With a few preliminary Obfervations on the PRINCIPLES Of GOOD READING. By LINDLET MURRAY. * Price, bound, y. 6d. " The plan of this work is highly commendable, and the execution is good. We are particularly pleafed with the Compiler's having avoided every fentiment, that might gratify a corrupt mind, or, in the leaft de- gree offend the eye or ear of Innocence/' Gent. Magazine, Feb. 1799. NEW EDITIONS of the following Books may alfo be had of the above Bookffllers. EN-GLISH GRAMMAR, Adapted to the different ClafTes of Learners. With an Appendix, containing Rules and Obfervations, for aflifting the more advanced Students to write with Per- ipicuity and Accuracy. BY THE SAME AUTHOR. tie Fifth Edition, improved. Price, bound, T,S. '* This is a publication of much merit, and fully anf- wers the profeflions in the Title. The Appendix con tains fome of the beft Rules for writing elegantly, and with propriety, that we recollecl: to have feen." Monthly Review, July, 1796. " This Grammar is, on many accounts, entitled to commendatory notice. Its materials have been care- fully and judicioufly felefted 5 its arrangement is dif- tincl:, and well adapted to the purpofe of inftruftion ; and its expreflion is fimple, perfpicuous, and accurate. The Compiler has obferved a due medium between extreme concifenefs., and extreme minutenefsof detail ; and he has very properly distinguished the leading heads from their fubordinate illustrations, by printing them in a larger letter, &c." See the Character at large In the Analytical Review, June, 1796. " There appears, in this Grammar, a considerable fhare of judicious analyfis and arrangement. The au- thor applies his philological rules with great fuccefs, to fome of the more Striking anomalies in English phrafeology." ExtracJ from the Britijb Critic, Nov. 1796. " We have, on a former occafion, exprefTed the fatis- faftion that we derived from the firSt publication of this work ; and we have only to add, concerning the prefent edition, that the alterations and additions, though not very large, are judicious, and therefore, fo far, im- provements ; and that we confider the work as very fuperior to moft, if not all, of its predecetfbrs on the fame fubjedl." Monthly Review, January, 1798. ENGLISH EXERCISES, Adapted to the Grammar lately published by L. MURRAY ; confiSting of Exemplifications of the Parts of Speech ; Inftances of Falfe Orthography ; Defefts in Pun&uation ; and Violations of the Rules refpe&ing Perfpicuity and Accuracy. Violations of theRulesofiyntaxj DeSigned for the Benefit of Private Learners, as well as for the Ufe of Schools. BY THE SAME AUTHOR. The Fourth Edition. Price, bound, is. A KEY to the ENGLISH EXERCISES; Calculated to enable private Learners, to become their own Inftruclors in Grammar and Composition. BY THE SAME AUTHOR. 7 he Fourth Edition. Price, bound, if. #3" The EXERCISES and KEY maybe had together. Price, bound y. f>d. " We have been much pleafed with the perufal of thefe Exercifes. They occupy, with diftinguifhed excel- lence, a moft important place in the Science of the Englifh Language ; and, as fuch, we can warmly re- commend them to the teachers of fchools, as well as to all thofe who are defirous of attaining corrclnefs and precifiou in their native tongue." Monthly Review, July, 1797. *' For a particular account of the very ufeful Englifh Grammar, to which thefe Exercifes refer, we muft requeft our readers to turn back to Review, vol. xxiii. page 646. The value of that work is greatly increafed by this large collection of examples, under the heads above-mentioned. They are felected with great judg- ment, and very happily adapted to the purpofe of cor- redlicg common errors in writing and fpeaking : they afford the learner a large field of employment ; which, carefully gone through, either in writing or orally, will not fail to produce a habit of attention to accuracy. With refpecl to the matter, as well as the language of thefe examples, we are much pleafed with the Author's choice : both vulgarity and peculiarity of fentiment, are judicioufly avoided." Extract from the Analytical Review, Sept. 1797. " Thefe Exercifes are, in general, well calculated to promote the purpofe of information, not only with re- gard to orthography and puncluation, but alfo in point of phrafeology, fyntax, and precife perfpicuity of compofition." Critical Review, OcJober, 1797. " This bock has been accidentally miflaid ; but we willingly repeat the praife we formerly gave the Author .-for his Englifh Grammar. There is great judgment .(hewn in thefe Exercifes ; and, what is no common merit, the greatefl perfpicuity in the adaptation of the examples to the feveral rules." Bri(iJI) Critic, November, 1798, Young perfont who have Itftfchool, as well as perfons more advanced in life, and who have not attained a. competent knowledge of Englijb Grammar, and the prin- ciples of accurate compofttion, may, by carefully perufing thefe Exercifes, and comparing them with the Key, rea- dily become their own injlruclers, and confidcrably im- prove tkemfelves in this important branch of Literature. To render the corrections obvious and intelligible to all readers, the Key, 'which is necejfary to the work, not only repeats every fentence at large, in its correcled form, but mojlly dtftinguijhes the variations by Italic character*. AN ABRIDGMENT OF L. MURRAY'S Englifh Grammar. With an Appendix, containing an Exemplification of the Parts of Speech. Defigned for the younger Clafs of Learners. BY THE AUTHOR OF THE GRAMMAR. The Third Edition, corrected. Price, bound, is. " Having already exprefled at large our approbation t>f Mr. Murray's Englifh Grammar, we have only, in announcing this Abridgment, to obferve, that it appears to us to be made "with great judgment, and that we do not know a performance of this kind better fitted for the ufe of children. This fmall Grammar has alfo the recommendation of being very neatly printed. It may be very properly ufed as an Introduction to the Au- thor's larger work." Analytical Re-view, Offober, 1797. " An introductory book on Grammar cannot be made too plain and fimple ; and this Author has therefore done wifely, in felecYing from his larger work, (noticed Brit. Crit. vol. viii. p. 567.) fuch particulars as form a convenient book of initiation for children. It is not intended by the Author, that the prefent Grammar fhould fuperfede his larger work, but that it fliould ferve as an introduction to it. Englifh Grammars are now fo numerous, that feleclion becomes difficult ; but Mr. Murray's is certainly one of thofe that are well executed." Britffi Critic, September, 1798. .Set alfo -the Monthly Review, November } 179". 'M