PE 1109 M922 1816 ED-P / ^ ;i ' A KEY TO THE EXERCISES ADAPTED TO MURRAY'S ENGLISH GRAMMAR. CALCULATED T-O ENABLE PRIVATE LEARNER.S TO BECOME THEIR OWN INSTRUCTORS, IN GRAMMAR AND COMPOSITION. BY THE AUTHOR OF THE EXERCISES. FROM THE TWELFTH LONDON EDITION. ALBANY : PRINTED AND SOLD BY G. J, LOOMIS $ CO. Corner of State 5[* Lodge-streets, opposite the Episcopal Church, 1816. eouc* J1D VEE TI8EMENT TO THE TENTH EDITION. THE author of this work, and of the books connected with it, thinks it is incumbent upon him to make some apolo- gy, for the variations which are to be found in the different editions. The infirm state of his health ; his numerous occupations ; and the quick succession of new editions of his English Grammar, English Exercises, and Key to the Exercises, prevented him from giving these books, at an early period of their publication, all the improvement which he had contemplated, or which had been occasionally sug- gested to him. The successive additions and improvements which these works have received, and which sometimes oc- casioned a want of correspondence amongst them, must cer- tainly have been productive of inconvenience or expense, to many persons who had purchased the earlier editions. This, though the author regretted the circumstance, was, for the reasons alleged, unavoidable. He must either have sup- pressed the improvements, or have inserted them gradually as the new editions appeared ; but as he conceived them to be of considerable importance, he could not think it warrant- able to omit them ; and the approbation of the public has confirmed him in the propriety of this decision. It is with particular satisfaction that the author can now state, that the additions and alterations which he had in new, are completed, and are contained in the Stereotype edition of the Grammar, the twelfth of the Exercises, and the tenth of the Key ; that these editions of the books cor- respond exactly to one another ; and that it is his intention that, in every future edition of each of them, this correspon- dence shall be faithfully preserved. It is indeed possible, that some illustrations or justifica- tion of particular rules and positions contained in the Gram- mar, may yet be nece x ssary. But if, contrary to expectation, this should be the case, the practical parts of the system 544413 ADVERTISEMENT. will not be affe'cted by such additions. The connexion, as it rrow subsists, between the Grammar, the Exercises, and the Key, will remain invariably the same ; unless some error, at present unobserved, should hereafter be discovered. As the types composing the Grammar have, for a consid- erable time, been kept standing ; and as the book could not be enlaged without advancing its price ; many of the sub- sequent improvements have heeri necessarily inserted in appropriate parts of the Exercises, or the Key. Referen- ces have, however, been made in the Grammar, under the correspondent rules, to the additional notes and illustra- tions. To this mode of supplying improvements, the rea- der will have the less objection, when he considers that the Exercises and the Key are necessary appendages to the Grammar ; and serve to illustrate and enforce, as well as to extend, its rules and positions. The three volumes are indeed intimately connected, and constitute one uniform system of English Grammar. To this edition of the Key, the author has subjoined a copious Alphabetical Index to the Grammar, the Exercises and the Key ; a wwk which, he flatters himself, will be gen- erally useful ; and particularly acceptable to students whe have made some progress in the knowledge of Grammar. HOLGATE near YORK, 1808. RECOMMENDATIONS. The following w*e a few of the numerous recom- mendations of MURRAY'S GRAMMAR, which have appeared in the works of different Authors. " MR. Murray's Grammar, and Selection of lessons for reading, are the best in the English language." Walker's Elements of Elocution. Second edition. " Since the first edition of our work, we have seen with pleasure an English Grammar English Exercises and a Key to the English Exercises, by Lindley Murray." Edg worth's Practical Education. Second edition. " Murray's English Grammar. This is the-' most complete grammar of our language. My opinion is confirmed by that of the public, as this work now appears in tha fourteenth edition." ICett's Elements of General Knowledge. Sixth edition. "Murray's Grammar, together with his Eng- lish Exercises and Key have nearly superseded every thing else of the kind, by concentrating the remarks of the best authors on the subject. They are pieces of inestimable utility. Evan's Essay on the Education of Youth. " The best English Grammar now extant, is that written by Mr. Lindley Murray ; who by this publication, and by several others connected VI; RECOMMENDATIONS. with it, and designed as auxiliaries to its princi- pal purpose, lias become entitled to the gratitude of every friend to English literature, and to true virtue." Dr. Miller's Retrospect of the Eighteenth Century. " By Grammar you have been taught the na- ture, power, and construction of the English lan- guage ; and that, not in a superficial manner, but by the most comprehensive system now extant, the larger Grammar of Mr. Lindley Murray ; in which the delicacies, refinements, and peculiari- ties of our language, are inculcated and exempli- fied. The unwearied exertions of this gentleman have done more towards elucidating the obscuri- ties, and embellishing the structure, of ur lan- guage, than any other writer on the subject. Such a work has long been wanted ; and, from the success with which it is executed, cannot be too highly appreciated." I)r. Merer ombie's Charges to the /Senior Class of the Philadelphia Academy published 1804 and 1806. I NEED not acquaint the public, with the merit and success of Lindley Murray's Grammar ; which seems to have superseded every other. In- deed, when We consider the plain simple mode of instruction he has adopted ; the extent of ob- servation he has displayed ; and the copious va- riety of illustration he has added ; we shall not wonder, that this Grammar has been so univer- sally applauded." Walker's Outlines of English Grammar. CONTENTS, PART II. ORTHOGRAPHY. Page CHAP. 1. Corrections of the false Orthography, arranged under the respective rules 1 3. Corrections of the false Orthography, promiscuously disposed 5 PART III. SYNTAX. CHAP. 1. Corrections of the false Syntax, ar- ranged under the rules 18 3. Corrections of the false Syntax, promiscuously disposed 69 PART IV. PUNCTUATION. CHAP. 1. Applications of the Comma, dispos- ed under the particular rules - 86 2. Insertions of the Semicolon and Comma 94 ; 3. Applications of the Colon, &G. - 96 4. Insertions of the Period, &c. - 97 5. Applications of the Dash ; of the Notes of Interrogation and Ex- clamation ; and of the Parenthet- ical characters - 9^ 6. Corrections of the promiscuous in- stances of defective punctuation 100 VIII, CONTENTS, PART V. PESPICUITY AND ACCURACY. First, with respect to single words and phrases. Page CHAP. 1. Corrections of the errors that relate to Purity 110 2. Corrections of the errors that relate to Propriety 112 3. Corrections of the errors which respect Precision 119 Secondly, with respect to the construction of sentences. CHAP. 1. Corrections of the errors which re- late to the Clearness of a sentence 120 2. Corrections of the errors relating to the Unity of a sentence 126 3. Corrections of the errors which jre- spect the Strength of a sentence 129 4. Corrections of the errors that re- late to Figures of speech 139 5. Corrections of the errors in th& chapter of Promiscuous Exer- ercises 141 Alphabetical Index to the Grammar, the Exercises and Key - 153 KEY TO THE PART II.* ORTHROGRAPHY, CHAP. I. Containing corrections of the false Ortlirograpby arranged under the respective Rules. RULE I. ; p, 37, Exercises p. 30. IT is no great merit to spell properly ; but a great defect to do it incorrectly. Jacob worshiped his Creator, leaning on the top of his staff. We may place too little, as well as too much, stress upon dreams. Our manners should be neither gross, nor ex- cessively refined. *A regular explanation of the Exercises in parsing, \vould occupy a great portion of this volume ; and, after all, would be of little use to the learner : a Key to Part I. is therefore omitted. General directions, respecting the mode of Pars- ing, may be seen in the twelfth, or any, subsequent edition of the Grammar, page 215, If they are carefully studied, the j will enable the learner to parse all the exercises. B KEY, II. Gni.m:n;ir JKU-V ,38. Exercises, page 31. A .?nr sianiiirH P. diarriot of war, or a small carriage of burden. In the names of drugs and plants, the mistake in a word may endanger life. Nor undeligktful is the ceaseless hum To him who muses through the woods at noon. The fin of a fish is the limb, by which he bal- ances his body, and moves in the water. Many a trap is laid to insnare the feet of youth. Many thousand families are supported by the simple business of making mats. RULE III. We should subject pur fancies to the govern- ment of reason. If thon art seeking for the living amongst the dead, thou weariest thyself in vain. If we have denied ourselves sinful pleasures, we shall be great gainers in the end. We shall not be the happier for possessing talents and affluence, unless we make a right use of them. The truly good mind is not dismayed by poverty, afflictions, or death. RULE IV. Grammar, p. 38. Exercises, p. 32. It is a great blessing to have a sound mind, un- influenced by fanciful humours. Common calamities, and common blessings, fall fieavily upon the envious. The comeliness of youth are modesty and frank- ness ; of age, condescension and dignity. When we act against conscience, we become the destroyers of our own peace. ORTHOGRAPHY. 3 We may be playful, and yet innocent ; grave, and yet corrupt. It is only from general conduct,, that our true character can be portrayed. RULE v. When we bring the lawmaker into contempt, we have in effect annulled his laws. By deferring our repentance, we accumulate our sorrows. The pupils of a certain ancient philosopher, were not, during their first years of study, permit- ted to ask any questions. We all have many failings and lapses to lament and recover. There is no affliction with which we are visited, that may not be improved to our advantage. The Christian Lawgiver has prohibited many things, which the heathen philosophers allowed. RULE VI. Grammar, p. 39. Exercises, p. S3. Restlessness of mind disqualifies us, both for the enjoyment of peace, & the performance of our duty. The arrows of calumny fall harmlessly at the feet of virtue. The road to the blissful regions, is as open to the peasant as to the king. A chilness, or shivering of the body, generally precedes a fever. To recommend virtue to others, our lights must shine brightly, not dully. The silent stranger stood amaz'd to see Contempt of wealth, and wilful poverty. RULE VII. The warmth of dissipation, destroys thai sedate* ness of mind which is necessary to discover truth, 4 KEY. All these with ceaseless praise his works behold, Both day and night. In all our reasonings, our minds should be sin- cerely employed in the pursuit of truth. Rude behaviour, and indecent language, are peculiarly disgraceful to youth of education. The true worship of God is an important and awful service. Wisdom alone is truly fair : folly only appears so. RULE VIII. Grammar, p. 39. Exercises, p. 34. The study of the English language is making daily advancement. A judicious arrangement of studies facilitates improvement. To shun allurements is not hard, To minds resolv'd, forewarned and well prepar'd. RULE IX. Kywy nftraon and thing comiP C * G (l ^ -^ is apt to appear good and desirable in our eyes. Errors and misconduct are more excusable in ignorant, than in well-instructed persons. The divine laws are not reversible by those of men. Gratitude is a forcible and active principle in good and generous minds. Our natural and involuntary defects of body, are not chargeable upon us. We are made to be serviceable to others, as well as to ourselves. RULE x. An obliging and humble disposition, is totally miromiected with a servile and cringing humour. ORTHOGRAPHY. By solacing 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 dronisk spirit. The inadvertences of youth may be excused, but knavish tricks should meet with severe reproof. RULE XI. Grammar, p. 39. Exercises, p. 35* Love worketh no ill to our neighbour, and is the fulfill ng of the law* That which is sometimes expedient, is not al- ways so. We may be hurtful to others, by our example^ as \vell as by personal injuries. Where diligence opens the door of the under- standing, and impartiality keeps it, truth finds an entrance and a welcome too. CHAP. II. Containing corrections of the false Orthography, promiscously disposed. SECTION Io Exercise, p. 36. NEGLECT no opportunity of doing good. No man can steadily build upon accidents* How shall we keep, what sleeping or awake, A weaker may surprise, a stronger take. Neither time nor misfortunes should erase the remembrance of a friend. Moderation should preside, both in the kitchen and the parlour. B 3 <5 KEY. fPromis- Shall we receive good at the Divine hand, and shall we not receive evil ? In many designs, we may succeed and be miser- able. We should have sense and virtue enough to re- cede from our demands, when they appear to be unreasonable. All our comforts proceed from the Father of Goodness. The ruin of a state is generally preceded by a universal degeneracy of manners, and a contempt of religion. His father omitted nothing in his education, that might render him virtuous and useful. The daw in the fable was dressed in pilfered ornaments. A favour conferred with delicacy, doubles the obligation. They tempted their Creator, and limited the Holy One of Israel. The precepts of a good education have often recurred in time of need. We are frequently benefited by what we have dreaded. It is no great virtue to live lovingly with good natured and meek persons. The Christian religion gives a more lovely char- acter of God, than any religion ever did. Without sinistroiis views, they are dexterous managers of their own interest. Any thing committed to the trust and care of another, is a deposite. Here finish* d he, and all that he had made Viewed and beheld ! All was entirely good. It deserves our best skill to inquire into those fules, by which we may guide our judgment. Food, clothing, and habitations, are the rewards of industry. CllOUS.J ORTHOGRAPHY. 7 If we lay no restraint upon our lusts-, no controul upon our appetites and passions^ they will hurry us into guilt and misery. An Independent is one who, in religious affairs, holds that every congregation is a complete Church. Receive his counsel^ and securely move : Intrust thy fortune to the Power above. Following life in creatures we dissect, We lose it in the moment we detect. The acknowledgment of our transgressions must precede the forgiveness of them. Judicious abridgments often aid the studies of youth. Examine how thy humour is inclined, And which the ruling passion of thy mind. He falters at the question : His fears, his words, his looks, declare him guilty. Calico \$ a thin cloth made of cotton ; sometimes stained with lively colours. To promote iniquity in others, is nearly the same as being the actors of it ourselves. The glazier's business was unknown to the an- cients. The antecedent, in grammar, is the noun or pronoun to which the relative refers. SECTION 2 k Exercises, p. 38. BE not afraid of the wicked: they are under the control of Providence. Consciousness of guilt may justly affright us. Convey to others no intelligence which you would be ashamed to avow. Many are weighed in the balance, and found wanting. How many disappointments have; in their con- sequences; saved a man from ruin ! 8 KEY. fPromis* A well-poised mind makes a cheerful countenance. A certain householder planted a vineyard, but the men employed in it made ungrateful returns. Let us show diligence in every laudable under- taking. Cinnamon is the fragrant bark of a low tree in the island of Ceylon. A ram will butt with his head, though he be brought up tame, and never saw the action. We perceive a piece of silver in a basin, when water is poured on it, though we could not discov- er it before. Virtue embalms the memory of the good. The king of Great Britain is a limited monarch ; and the British nation a free people. The physician may dispense the medicine, but Providence alone can bless it. In many pursuits, we embark with pleasure, and land sorrowfully. Rocks, mountains, and caverns, are of indispen- sable use, both to the earth and to man. The hive of a city, or kingdom, is in the best con- dition, when there is the least noise or buzz in it. The roughness found on our entrance into the paths of virtue and learning, grow smoother as we advance. That which was once the most beautiful spot of Italy, covered with palaces, embellished by prin- ces, and celebrated by poets, has now nothing to show but ruins, Battering rams were anciently used to beat down the .walls of a city. Jockey signifies a man who rides horses in a race ; or who deals in horses. The harmlessness of many animals, and the enjoyment which they have of life, should plead for them against cruel usage. CUOUS.J ORTHOGRAPHY. 9 We may be very busy, to no useful purpose. We cannot plead in abatement of our guilt, that we are ignorant of our duty. Genuine charity, how liberal soever it may be, will never empoverish ourselves. If we sow spar- ingly, we shall reap accordingly. However disagreeable, we must resolutely per- form our duty. A fit of sickness is often a kind chastisement and discipline, to moderate our affections for the things of this life. It is a happiness to young persons, when they are preserved from the snares of the world, as in a garden enclosed. Health and peace, the most valuable possess- ions, are obtained at small expense. Incense signifies perfumes exhaled by fire, and made use of in religious ceremonies. True happiness is an enemy to pomp and noise. Few reflections are more distressing, than those which we make on our own ingratitude- There is an inseparable connexion between pi- ety and virtue. Many actions have a fair complexion, which have not sprung from virtue. Which way soever we turn ourselves, we are encountered with sensible demonstrations of a Deity. If we forsake the ways of virtue, we cannot aZ- lege any colour of ignorance, or want of instruction. SECTION 3. THERE are more cultivators of the earth, than of their own hearts. Man is encompassed with dangers innumerable. War is attended with distressful and desolating 10 KEY. ffromis- fcffects. It is confessedly the scourge of our an- gry passions. The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labour- ers are few. The greater OUY incitements to evil, the greater will he our victory and reward. We should not encourage persons to do what they believe to be wrong. Virtue is placed between ttvo extremes, which are both equally blamable. We should continually have the goal in our view, which would direct us in the race. The gaols were forced open, and the prisoners set free. It cannot be said that we are charitable donors, when our gifts proceed from selfish motives. Strait is the gate, and narrow the way, that lead to life eternal. Integrity leads us straight forward, disdaining all doublings and crooked paths. Licentiousness and crimes pave the way to ruin. Words are the counters of wise men, but the money of fools. Recompense to no man evil for evil. He was an excellent person ; a mirror of an- cient faith in early youth. Meekness controls our angry passions : candour ', our severe judgme nts. He is not only a descendant from piou>s ances- tors, but an inheritor too of their virtues. A dispensary is the place where medicines are dispensed : a dispensatory is a book in which the composition of them is described. Faithfulness and judgment are peculiarly re- quisite in testamentary executors. CllOUS.J ORTHOGRAPHY. 11 To "be faithful among the faithless, argues great strength of principle. Mountains appear to be like so many wens or unnatural protuberances QH the face of the earth- In some places the sea encroaches upon the land ; in others, the land upon the sea. Philosophers agreed in despising riches, as the encumbrances of life. Wars are regulated robberies and piracies. Fishes increase more than beasts or birds, as appears from their numerous spawn. The pyramids of Egypt have stood more thai} three thousand years. Precepts have small influence, when not enfor- ced by example. How has kind Heav'n adorn'd the happy land, And scatter 'd blessings with a wasteful hand. A. friend exaggerates a man's virtues, an ene- my inflames his crimes. A witty and humorous vein has often produced enemies. Neither pleasure nor business should engross our time and affections ; proper seasons should be allotted for retirement. It is laudable to inquire before we determine. Many have been visited with afflictions, who have not profited by them. We may be successful, and yet disappointed. SECTION 4. Exercises, p. 42. The experience of want enhances the value of plenty. To maintain opinions stiffly, is no evidence of their truth, or of our moderation. ffoarkound has been famous for its medicinal qualities : but it is now little used. 13 KEY, fPromis- The wicked are often insnared in the trap which they lay for others. Jt is hard to say what diseases are curable : they are all under the guidance of Heaven. Instructors should not only be skilful in those sciences which they teach ; but have skill in the method of teaching, and patience in tliv practice. Science strengthens and enlarges the minds of men. A steady mind may receive counsel j but there is no hold on a changeable humour. We may inure ourselves by custom, to bear the extremities of iceather without injury. Excessive merriment is. the parent of grief. Air is sensible to the touch by its motion, and by its resistance to bodies moved in it. A polite address is sometimes the cloak of malice. To practice virtue is the sure way to love it. Many thing* are plausible in theory, which fail in practice. Learning and knowledge must be attained by slow degrees : and are the reward only of dili- gence and patience. We should study to live peaceably with all men, A soul that can securely death defy, And count it nature's privilege to die. Whatever promotes the interest of the soul, is also conducive to our present felicity. Let not the sternness of virtue affright us ; she will soon become amiable. The spacious firmament on high, With all the blue etherial sky, And spangled heav'ns, a shining frame, Their great Original proclaim. Passion is the drunkenness of the mind ; it $u- persedes the workings of reason. ORTHOGRAPHY. 13 If we are sincere,, we may be assured of an ad- vocate to intercede for us. We ought not to consider tliz increase of anoth* er ? 8 reputation, as a diminution of our own. The rheumatism is a painful distemper, sup- posed to proceed from acrid humours. The beautiful and accomplished, are tpo apt to study behaviour rather than virtue. The peasant's cabin contains as much content as the sovereign's palace. True valour protects the feeble, and humbles the oppressor. David, the son of Jesse, was a wise and'-i?a~ iant man ? Prophecies and miracles proclaimed Jesus Christ to be Saviour of the world. Esau sold his birthright for a savoury mess of pottage. A regular and virtuous education, is an inesti- w r able blessing, Honour and shame from no conditipn rise : A.ct well jour part ; there, all the honour lies. The rigour of monkish discipline often conceals great depravity of heart. We should recollect, th&t however favourable we may be to ourselves, we are rigorously exam- ipedby others, SECTION 5, Exercises, p. 44. VIRTUE can render youth, as well as old age, honourable. Rumour often tells false tales. Weak minds are ruffled by trifling things. The cabbage tree is very common in the Caribbec islands, where it grows to a prodigious height. fPromis- Visit the sick, feed the hungry, clothe the naked. His smiles and tears are too artificial to he re, lied on. The most essential virtues of a Christian are love to God, and benevolence to man. We should he cheerful without levity, A calendar signifies a register of the year ; and a calendar, a press in which clothiers smooth their cloth. Integrity and hope are the sure palliative* of sorrow. Chamomile is an odoriferous plant, and posses- ses considerable medicinal virtues. The gaiety of youth should be tempered by the precepts of age. Certainty, even on distressful occasions, is sometimes more eligible than suspense, Still green with bays each ancient altar stands, Above the reach of sacrilegious hands. The most acceptable sacrifice, is that of a con- trite and humble heart, We are accountable for whatever we patronise in others. It marks a savage disposition, to torture animals, to make them smart and agonize, for our diver- sion. The edge of cloth, where it is closed by compli- cating the threads, is called the selvage. Souchong tea and Turkey coffee were his fa- vourite beverage ; chocolate he seldom drank. The guilty mind cannot avoid many melancholy apprehensions. If we injure others, we must expect retaliation. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. Peace and honour are the sheaves of virtue's harvest, tlWUS.J ORTHOGRAPHY. 15 The black earth, every 'where obvious on the surface of the ground, we call mould. The Roman pontiff claims to be the supreme head of the church on earth. High seasoned food vitiates the palate^ and oc^ easions a disrelish for plain fare. The conscious receiver is as bad as the thief. Alexander, the conqueror of the world, was, in Fact, a robber, and a murderer. The Divine Being is not only the Creator, but the Ruler and Preserver of the world. Honest endeavours^ if persevered in, will final- ly be successful, He who dies for religion, is a martyr ; he \Vlio suffers for it, is a confessor. In the paroxysm of passion, we sometimes give occasion for a life of repentance. The mist which envelops many studies, is dis- sipated when we approach them. The voice is sometimes obstructed by a hoarse- ness, or by vicious phlegm. The desert shall rejoica, and blossom as the rose. The fruit and sweetmeats set on table after the meat, are called the dessert. We traversed the jtowery&eld^ 9 till the falling dews admonished us to return. SECTION 6. Exercises, p. 46. THERE is Frequently a worm &i the root of cur most flourishing condition. The stalk of ivy is tough, and not fragile. The roof is vaulted, and distils fresh water from every part of it. Our imperfections are discernible by others, when we think they are concealed. They think they shall be heard for their much speaking. 16 KEY. (fromis- True criticism is not a captious, but a liberal art. Integrity is our best defence against the evils of life. No circumstance can license evil, or dispense with the rules of virtue. We may be ciphers in the world's estimation, whilst we are advancing our own and others' value. The path of virtue is the path of peace. A dipthong is the coalition of two vowels to form one sound. However forcible our temptations, they may be resisted. I acknowledge my transgression ; and my sin is ever before me. The college of cardinals are the electors of the pope. He had no colourable excuse to palliate his con- duct. Thy humorous vein, thy pleasing folly, Lie all neglected, all forgot. If we are so conceited as obstinately to reject all advice, we must expect a dereliction of friends. Chronology is the science of confuting and ad- justing the periods of time. In groves we live, and lie on moSsy beds, By crystial streams, that murmur through the meads. It is a secret cowardice which induces us to compliment the vices of our superiors, to applaud the libertine, and laugh with the profane. The lark each morning waked me with her sprightly lay. There are no fewer than thirty-two species of the lily. We owe it to our visiters as well as to ourselves, to entertain them with useful and sensible conver- sation. C110US.J ORTHOGRAPHY. 17 Sponsors are those who become sureties for the children's education in the Christian faith. The warrior's fame is often purchased by the blood of thousands. Hope exhilarates the mind, and is the grand elixir, under all the evils of life. The incense of gratitude, whilst it expresses our duty, and honours our benefactor, perfumes and regales ourselves. C5 3 PART III. SYNTAX. CHAP. I. Containing corrections of the false SYNTAX, ar- ranged under the Rules. RULE I. Grammar, p. 139. Exercises, p. 48. DISAPPOINTMENTS sink the heart of man; but the renewal of hope gives consolation. The smiles that encourage severity of judgment^ hide malice and insincerity. He dares not act contrary to his instructions. Fifty pounds of wheat contain forty pounds of flour. The mechanism of clocks and watches was to- tally unknown a few centuries ago. The number of the inhabitants of Great Britain and Ireland^ does not exceed sixteen millions. Nothing but vain and foolish pursuits delights some persons. A variety of pleasing objects charms the eye. So much ability and merit is seldom found. In the conduct of Parmenio, a mixture of wis- dom and folly was very conspicuous. He is an author of more credit than Plutarch ; or any other, that writes lives too hastily. The inquisitive and curious are generally talk- ative. Great pains have been taken to reconcile the parties. Rule, i SYNTAX. 19 I am sorry to say it, but there were more equivo- cators than one. The sincere are always esteemed. Have the goods been sold to advantage ? and didst thou embrace the proper season ? There are many occasions in life, in which si- lence and simplicity are true wisdom. The generous never recount minutely the ac- tions they have done ; nor the prudent, those they will do. He needs not proceed in such haste. The business that related to ecclesiastical meet- ings, matters, and persons, was to be ordered ac- cording to the king's direction. In him was happily blended true dignity with softness of manners. The support of so many of his relations, was a heavy tax upon his industry ; but thou knoivest, he paid it cheerfully. What avail the best sentiments, if persons do not live suitably to them? .Reconciliation was offered, on conditions as mod- erate as ivere consistent with a permanent union. Not one of them whom thou seest clothed in purple, is completely happy. And the fame of this person, and of his wonder- ful actions, was diffused throughout the country. The variety of the productions of genius, like that of the operations of nature, is without limit. In vain our flocks and fields increase our store. When our abundance makes us wish for more. Thou shonldstlove thy neighbor as sincerely as thou lovest thyself. Hast thou no better reason for censuring thy friend and companion ? Thou, who art the Author and Bestower of life, doubtless restore it also : but whether thou 20 KEY. fRule I. wilt please to restore it, or not, that thou only knoivest. " thou my voice inspire, "Who touch'd Isaiah's hallowed lips with fire. Whotouchedsiov didst touch." Accept these grateful tears : for thee they flow 5 For thee that ever felt another's wo. " didst feel." Just to thy word, in ev'ry thought sincere ; Who knew no wish but what the world might hear. 66 W]\Q knewest or didst know." The following examples are adapted to the notes and observations under RULE 1. Grammar, p. 139. Exercises, p. 50. 1. To do unto all men, as we would that they, in similar circumstances, should do unto us, consti- tutes the great principle of virtue. From a fear of the world's censure, to be asham- ed of the practice of precepts which the heart ap- proves and embraces, marks a feeble and imper- fect character. The erroneous opinions which we form concer- ning happiness and misery, give rise to all the mis- taken and dangerous passions that embroil our life. To live soberly, righteously, and piously, is 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 that made us, admits 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, are the sure means of becoming peace- ful and happy. It is an important truth, that religion, vital reli- gion, the religion of the heart, is the most powerful Rule i.J SYNTAX. 21 auxialiary of reason, in waging war with the passions, and promoting that sweet composure which constitutes the peace of God. The possession of our senses entire, of our limbs uninjured, of a sound understanding, of friends and companigns, is often overlooked ; though it would be the ultimate wish of many, who, as far as we can judge, deserve ii&$ much as ourselves. All that makes a figure on the great theatre of the world, the employments of the busy, the enter- prises of the ambitious, and the exploits of the warlike ; the virtues which form the happiness, and the crimes which occasion the misery of man- kind ; originate in that silent and secret recess of thought, which is hidden from every human eye. 2. If the privileges to which he has an undoubt- ed right, and which he has long enjoyed, should now be wrested from him, it would be flagrant in- justice. These curiosities we have imported from China, and they are similar to those which were some time ago brought from Africa. Will martial flames for ever fire thy mind. And wilt thou never be to heav'n resigned ? 3. When two substantives come together, and do not signify the same thing, the first of them must be in the genitive case. Such is the constitution of men, that virtue, however it may be neglected for a time, will ulti- mately be acknowledged and respected. 4. The crown of virtue are peace and honour. His chief occupation and enjoyment was contro- versy. 5- He destroyed, Or won to what may work his utter loss, All this will soon follow. Whose ray top Shall tremble, he descending. S3 KEY, {Rule 1. RULE II. Grammar page 143. Exercises, page 52. Idleness and ignorance are the parents of ma- ny vices. Wisdom, Virtue, happiness, dwell with the gol- den mediocrity. In unity consist the welfare and security of eve- ry society. Time and tide wait for no man, His politeness and good disposition -were, oil failure of their effect, entirely changed. Patience and diligence, like faith, remove mountains* Humility and knowledge, with poor apparel, excel pride and ignorance under costly attire. The planetary system, boundless space ? and the immense ocean, affect the mind with sensations of astonishment. Humility and love, whatever obscurities may involve religious tenets, constitute the essence of true religion. Religion and virtue, our best support and high- est honour, confer on the mind principles of noble independence. What signify the counsel and care of preceptors, when youth think they have no need of assistance? The examples which follow are suited to the notes and observations under IUJLE n. Grammar, p. 144. Exercises, p. 53. 1. Much do human pride and self-complacency require correction. Luxurious living, arid high pleasures, beget a languor and satiety that destroy all enjoyment. Pride and self-sufficiency stifle sentiments of de- pendence on our Creator ; levity and attachment Rule %.J SYNTAX. 23 to worldly pleasures, destroy the sense of grati- tude to him. 2. Good order in our affairs, not mean savings, produces great profits. The following treatise, together with those that accompany it, was written, many years ago, for my own private satisfaction. That great senator, in concert with several other eminent persons, was the projector of the revolu- tion. The religion of these people, as well as their customs and manners, was strangely misrepresent- ed. Virtue, joined to knowledge and wealth, confers great influence and respectability. But knowledge, with wealth united, if virtue is wanting, has a very limited influence, and is often despised. That superficial scholar and critic, like some renowned critics of our own, has furnished most decisive proofs, that he 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, renders it necessary to advance the terms of admission. One, added to nineteen, makes twenty. Better thus : one and nineteen make twenty. What black despair, what horror, Jill his mind ! 8. Thou and the gardener, and the huntsman, jnust share the blame of this business among you. My sister and I, as well as my brother, are dai r ly employed in our respective occupations. RULE III. Grammar, p. 146. Exercises, p. 54' Man's happiness, or misery, z>, in a great measure, put into his own hands. 3. Man is not such a machine as a clock or a which moves merely as it is moved. Pespiseno infirmity of mind or body, nor any con- < dition of life: for it is, perhaps, to be your own lot. Speaking impatiently to servants, or any thing that betrays inattention or ilL humour, is certainly criminal. There are many faults in spelling, which nei- ther analogy nor pronunciation justifies. When sickness, infirmity, or reverse of fortune, affects us, the sincerity or friendship is proved. Let it be remembered, that it is not the uttering, or the hearing of certain words, that constitutes the worship of the Almighty. A tart reply, a proneness to rebuke, or a captious and contradictious spirit, is capable of imbittering domestic life, and of setting friends at variance. The following sentences exemplify the notes and observations under RULE in. Grammar, p. 146 Exercises, p. 54. 1. Either thou orla??i greatly mistaken, in our judgment on this subject . I or thou art the person who must undertake the business proposed. 2. One or both of the scholars, were present at the transaction. Some parts of the ship and cargo were recovered ; but neither the captain, nor the sailors, were saved. Whether one person or more than one, were concerned in the business, does not yet appear. The deceitfulness of riches, or the cares of this life, have choked the seeds of virtue in many a promising mind. RULE IV. Grammar, p. 147. Exercises, p. 55. The people rejoice in that which should give them sorrow. Hide %,} SYNTAX. S3 The flock, and not the fleece, is or ought to be, the object of the shepherd's care. The court has just ended, after having sat through the trial of a very long cause. The crowd ivas so great, that the judges with difficulty made their way through it. The corporation of York consists of a mayor, aldermen, and a common council, The British parliament is composed of king, lords, and commons. When the nation complains, the rulers should listen to its voice. In the days of youth, the multitude eagerly pursue pleasure ^s their chief good. The church has no power to inflict corporal punishijient, The fleet was seen sailing up the channel, The regiment consists of a thousand men. The meeting has established several salutary regulations. The council were not unanimous, and they sep- arated without coming to any determination. The fleet are all arrived and moored in safety. These 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 their sentiments, and they have referred the business to the general meeting. The committee was very full when this point was decided 5 and its judgment has not been call- ed in question. Why does this generation wish for greater evi- dence, when so much is already given. The remnant of the people was persecuted with great severity. Never was any people so much infatuated as the Jewish nation. D ~ 6 KEY, {Rule 5. The shoal of herrings was of an immense extent. JVo society is chargeable with the disapproved misconduct of particular members. RULE v. Grammar, p. 148. Exercises, p. 57. The exercise of reason appears as little in these sportsmen, as in the beasts which they sometimes hunt, and by which they are sometimes hunted. They who seek wisdom will certainly find her. The male amongst birds seems to discover no beauty, but in the colour of his species. Take handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle them towards heaven, in the sight of Pharaoh; and they shall become small dust. Hebecca took goodly raiment, which was with her in the house, and put it upon Jacob. The wheel killed another man, icho is the sixth that has lost his life, by this means. The fair sex, whose task is not to mingle in the labours of public life, have their own part as- signed them to act. The Hercules ship 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 its thoughts. What is the reason that our language is less re- fined than that of Italy, Spain, or France ? I do not think any one should incur censure for being tender of his reputation, Thou who hast been a witness of the fact, canst give an account of it. In religious concerns, or those which are con- ceived to be such, every man must stand or fall by the decision of the Great Judge. Something like what has been here premised, is the conjecture of Bryden, Rule. 5.J SYNTAX. &7 Thou great First Cause, least understood ! Who all my sense confiVd To know but 'this that thou art good. And that myself am blind : Yet gave me in this dark estate, &c. " Confinedst or didst confine :" " Gcivest or didst give" What art thou, speak, that, or designs unknown. While others sleep, thus range the camp alone. " Rangest or didst range." The following examples are adapted to the notes and observations under RULE v. Grammar, p. 149. Exercises, p. 58. 1. Whoever entertains such an opinion, judges erroneously* The cares of this world often choke the growth of virtue. Disappointments and afflictions, however disa- greeable, often improve us. 2. Moses was the' meekest man that we read of in the Old Testament. Humility is one of the most amiable virtues that we can possess. They are the same persons that assisted us yes- terday. The men and things that he has studied have not improved his morals. 3. How beautiful soever they appear, they have no real merit. In ivhat light soever we view him, his conduct will bear inspection. On which side soever they are contemplated, they appear to advantage. How much soever he might despise the maxima of the king's administration, he kept a total silence on that subject. 4. Which of those two persons has most distin- guished himself ? None more impatiently suffer injuries, t\\&nthey who are most forward in doing them. S8 KEY. (Rule 5. 5. He would not be persuaded that I was not greatly in fault. These commendations of his children, appear to have been made in a manner irliich is in some res- pects injudicious : or, appear to be in some res- pects, injudicious. 6. He instructed and fed the crowds that surroun- ded him. Sidney was one of the wisest & most active gov- ernors, that Ireland had enjoyed for several years. He was the ablest minister that James ever pos- sessed. The court, which gives currency to manners, ought to be exemplary. I am happy in the friend whom I have long proved. 7- The child that we have just seen, is wholesome- ly fed, and not injured by bandages or clothing. He is like a beast of prey, that destroys without pity. 8. Having once disgusted him, he could never re- gain the favour of Nero, whose name was but an- other word for cruelty. Flattery, the nature of which is to deceive and be- tray, should be avoided as the poisonous adder. Which of those men came to his assistance ? 9. The king, who had never before committed so unjust an action, dismissed his minister without any inquiry. There are in the empire of China, millions of peo- ple, whose support is derived almost entirely from rice. 10. His continual endeavours to serve us, notwith- standing our ingratitude, are remarkable. Or It is remarkable that he is continually endeavouring to serve us, notwithstanding our ingratitude. His assertion, though paradoxical, is indisputa- bly true. 11. Ah ! unhappy thou who art deaf to the calls of duty and of honour. Oh ! happy us, surrounded with so many blessings. Rule Q.j SYNTAX. 9 RULE VI. Grammar, p. 153. Exercises, p. 60. We are dependent on each other's assistance t who is there that can subsist hy himself? If he will not hear his best friend, who shall be sen! to admonish him ? .They, to whom much is given, will have much to answer for. It is not to be expected that they, who, 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 whom we ought to love and respect, and to whom we ought to be grateful. The persons, whom conscience and virtue sup- port, may smile at the caprices of fortune. From the character of those with whom you as- sociate, your own will be estimated. That is the student to whom I gave the book, andw/to,! am persuaded, deserves it. i. Of whom were the articles bought ? Of a mercer ; him who resides near the mansion house. Was any person besides the mercer present ? Yes, both he and his clerk. To whom w r as the money paid ? To the mercer and his clerk. Who counted it ? Both the clerk and he* IBULE VII. Grammar, p. 155 Exercises, p. 61. I acknowledge that I am the teacher, who adopt that sentiment, and maintain the propriety of such measures. Or that 1, who adopt that sentiment^ and maintain, &c. Thou art a friend that has often relieved me, and that has not deserted me now in the time of D 2 30 KEY. f Rules ?, Q. peculiar need. Or tlion wlw hast often reliei'ed me, andwho hast not, &c. I am the man who approves of wholesome dis- cipline, and who recommends it to others ; but I am not a person who promotes useless severity, or w r ho objects to mild and generous treatment. I perceive that thou art a pupil, who possesses bright parts, but who has cultivated them but little. Thou art he who breathes on the earth with the breath of spring, and who covers it with verdure and beauty. I am the Lord thy God, who teaches thee to pro- fit, and who leads thee by the way thou shouldst go. Thou art the Lord who didst choose Abraham, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chal- dees. Or Thou who didst choose Abraham, &c. RULE VIII. Grammar page 156. Exercises, page 61. This kind of indulgence softens and injures the mind. Instead of improving yourselves, you have been playing these two hours. That sort of favours did real injury, under the appearance of kindness. The chasm made by the eai thquake was twenty feet broad, and one hundred fathoms in depth. How many sorrows should we avoid, if we were not industrious to make them ! He saw one person or more than one, enter the garden, The examples which follow are suited to the notes" and observations under RULE vm. Grammar, p. 156. Exercises, p. 62. 1. ADJECTIVE PRONOUNS. 1. Charles was extravagant, and, bvthis means, became poor and despicable. Rule S.j KEY.. 31 It was by that ungenerous means that he ob- tained his end. Industry is the means of obtaining competency. Though a promising measure, it is a means which I cannot adopt. This person embraced every opportunity to d's- play his talents ; and by this means rendered him- self ridiculous. Joseph was industrious, frugal, and discreet; and by these means obtained property and reputation. 2. Religion raises men above themselves ; irre- ligion sinks them beneath the brutes ; this, binds them down to a poor pitiable speck of perishable earth; that, opens to 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 these than in those ; because there is a much slower evaporation. Ilex and Tyrannus are of very different char- acters. The one rules his people by laws to which they consent ; the other, by his absolute will and power : that is called freedom, this, tyranny. 3. Each of them, in his turn, receives the ben- efits to which he is entitled. My counsel to each of you is, that he make it his endeavour to come to a friendly agreement. By discussing what relates to each particular, in its order, we shall better understand the subject. livery person, whatever be his station, is bound by the duties of morality and religion. Every leaf, every twig, every drop of water, teems with life. Every man's heart and temper are productive <)f much inw r ard joy or bitterness. Whatever he undertakes, either his pride or his folly disgusts us. 2 KEY. (-Rule 8. Every man and every woman was numbered.* Neither of those men seems to have any idea, that his opinions may be ill-founded. When benignity and gentleness reign within, we are always least in hazard from without : eve- ry person, and every occurrence, is beheld in the most favourable light. On each side of the river was there the tree of life. II. ADJECTIVES. 4. She reads properly, writes very neatly, and composes accurately. He was extremely prodigal, and his property is now nearly exhausted. They generally succeeded ; for they lived con- formably to the rules of prudence. We may reason very clearly, and exceeding strongly, without knowing that there is such a thing as a syllogism. He had many virtues, & was exceedingly beloved. The amputation was exceedingly well perform- ed, and saved the patient's life. He came agreeably to his promise, and conduct- ed himself suitably to the occasion. He speaks VQYV fluently, and reads excellently ; but he does not think very coherently. *The copulative conjunction, in this instance, makes no difference with regard to the verb. All the men and wo- men are referred to separately and individually : the verb must therefore have the same construction as it has in this sentence : "Every one of the men and women was numbered." The subject may be further illustrated, by the following sentences : " Every good gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights." " It is the original cause of every reproach & dis- tress which 7ms attended the government."" JUNIUS. This construction forms an exception to the second Rule of Syntax. Another exception to this second rule, is when a copulative conjunction connects two or more nouns, which refer to the same person or thing ; as, " That able scholar and critic has &een eminently useful/' Rule 8.J SYNTAX. 33 He behaved himself submissively, and was ex- ceedingly careful not to give offence. They rejected the advice, and conducted them- selves exceeding indiscreetly. He is a person of great abilities, and exceedingly upright : and is likely to be a very useful member of the community. The conspiracy was the more easily discover- ed, from its being known to many. Not being fully acquainted with the subject, he could not affirm more strongly than he did. He was so deeply impressed with the subject, that few could speak more nobly upon it. We may credit his testimony, for he says ex- pressly, that he saw the transaction. Use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thy frequent infirmities. From these favourable beginnings, we may hope for a speedy and prosperous issue. He addressed several exhortations to them suit- able to their circumstances. Conformable 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 the earliest and deepest root. A disposition so amiable will secure universal regard. Virtues so distinguished seldom occur. 5. It is easier to build two chimneys than to maintain one. The tongue is like a race-horse ; which runs the faster the less weight it carries. The pleasures of the understanding are pref- erable to those of the imagination, or of sense. The nightingale sings : hers is the sweetest voice in the grove. The Most High hath created us for his glory, and our own happiness. 84 KEY. (Rule 8. The Supreme Being is the wisest, the most powerful, and the best of beings. 6. Virtue confers supreme dignity on man ; and should be his chief desire. His assertion was better founded than that of his opponent ; nay, the words of the latter were nottrue. His work is well executed ; his brother's still better ; and his father's the best of all. He gave a full and sincere proof of true friend- ship. Or He gave the strongest proof of -warm and genuine friendship. 7- A talent of this kind would, perhaps, prove the likeliest of all to succeed. Or prove more likely than any other to succeed. He is the stronger of the two, but not the wiser. He spoke with so much propriety, that I under- stood him the best of all who spoke on the subject. Oi^-betterthan any other w"ho spoke on the subject. Eve was fairer than any of her daughters. 8 He spoke in a manner distinct enough to be heard by the whole assembly. Or Hie spoke dis- tinctly enough to be heard by the whole assembly. Thomas is equipped with a pair of new shoes, and a pair of new gloves : he is the servant of a rich old man. The first two in the row are cherry-trees, the oilier two are pear trees. RULE IX. Grammar. p 166. Exercises, p. 66- Fire, air, earth, and water, are the four ele- ments of philosophers. Jieason was given to man to control his passions. We have within us an intelligent principle, distinct fromthe body and from matter. Man is the noblest work of the creation. The wisest and the best -men sometimes commit errors* Rule QTAe king of England's eldest son. E 38 KEY, (Rule 11. 7. What can be the cause of the parliament's neglecting so important a business ? Much depends on this rule's being observed, The time of William's making the experiment, at length arrived. It is very probable that this assembly was call- ed, to clear some doubt which the king had, about the lawfulness of the Hollander's throwing q^the 'monarchy of Spain, and 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's suffering. Such will ever be the effect of youth's associa- ting with vicious companions. RULE XI. Grammar, p. 175. Exercises, p. 70. They whom opulence has made proud, biidwhom luxury has corrupted, cannot relish the simple ~ pleasures of nature. You have reason to dread his wrath, which one day will destroy you both. Whom have I reason to love so much as this friend of my youth ? You, who were dead, hath he quickened. Whom did they entertain so freely ? The man whom he raised from obscurity, is dead. Yon only have I known of all the families of the earth. Him and them we know, but who are you ? Her that is idle and mischievous, reprove sharply. Whom did they send to him on so important an errand ? That is the friend whom you must receive cor- dially, and whom you cannot esteem too highly, He invited my brother and me to see and exam- ine his library. Rule ii.J SYNf AX. 39 Him who committed the offence, you should correct, not me who am innocent. We should fear and obey the Author of our be- ing, even Him who has power to reward or pun- ish us for ever. Them whom he had most injured, he had the greatest reason to love. Tlie examples which follow are suited to the notes and observations under RULE xi. Grammar, p. 176. Exercises, p. 70. 1. Though he now takes pleasure in them, he will one day repent of indulgences so unwarrantable. The nearer his virtues approached to the greai example before him, the humbler he grew. It will be very difficult to make his conduct agree with the principles he professes. 2. To ingratiate ourselves with some, by tra- ducing others, marks a base and despicable mind. . I shall premise two or three general observa- tions, 8. If such maxims, and such practices prevail^ what is become of decency and virtue ? I am come according to the time proposed ; but I am fallen upon an evil hour. The mighty rivals have now at length agreed. The influence of his corrupt example had then entirely ceased. He had entered into the connexion, before the consequences were considered. 14. Well may you be afraid ; it is he indeed. I would act the same part if I were he, or in his situation. Search the Scriptures ; for in them ye think ye have eternal life ; and they are they which testify of me, Be composed : it is /.- you have no cause for fear. I cannot tell who has befriended me, unless it is he from whom I have received many benefits. 40 KEY. {Rule 12. I know not whether they were the persons who conducted the business but I am certain it was not he. He so much resembled my brother, that, at first sight, I took it to be him. After all their professions, is it possible to be they? It could not have been she, for she always be- haves discreetly. If it was not he, whom do you imagine it to have been ? Whom do you think him to be ? Who do the people say that we are ? 5. Whatever others do, let thee and me act wisely. Let them and us unite to oppose this growing evil. RULE XII. Grammar, p. 178. Exercises, p. 72. It is better to live on a little, than to outlive a great deal. You ought not to walk too hastily. I wish him not to wrestle with his happiness. I need not solicit him to do a kind action. I dare not proceed so hastily, lest I should give offence. I have seen some young persons conduct them- selves very discreetly. The fallowing sentences exemplify the notes and observations under RULE xn. Grammar page 178. Exercises, page 72. It is a great support to virtue, when we see a good mind maintain its patience and traiiquility, under injuries and affliction, and cordially forgive its oppressors. It is the difference of their conduct, which makes us approve the one, and reject the other. We should not be like many persons, icho de- preciate the virtues they do not possess. To see young persons, who are courted by health and pleasure, resist all the allurements of Bute. 13. ) SYNTAX. 41 vice,, and steadily pursue virtue and knowledge, is cheering and delightful to every good mind. They acted with so much reserve, that some persons doubted their sincerity. And the multitude wondered, when they saw the persons who had been lame, walking ; and those who had been blind, seeing. RULE XIII* Grammar, p. 179. Exercises, p. 73* The next new year's day, I shall have been at school three years. And he that had been dead, sat up, and began to speak. I should be obliged to him, if lie would gratify me in that particular. And the multitude wondered, when they heard the persons icho had been dumb, speaking ; when they saw those who had been maimed, whole ; who had been lame, walking; and who had been blind seeing. I have compassion on the multitude, because they have continued with me now three days. In the treasury belonging to the Cathedral in this city, has been preserved with the greatest ven- eration, for upw ards of six hundred years, a dish which they pretend to be made of emerald. The court of Rome gladly laid hold on all the op- portunities which the imprudence, weakness, or ne- cessities of piiucesyvffbrded it, to extend its authority, Fierce as he mores, his silver shafts resound. They maintained that scripture conclusion, that all mankind have risen from one head. ^ John will have earned his wages when his ser- vice shall be completed. Ye will not come unto me, that ye may have life,. Be that as it may, he cannot justify his conduct. ^ I have been at London a year, and I saw the king last summer. After we had visited London, we returned, content and thankful, to our retired & peaceful habitation. KEY, fRule i3. The following examples are adapted, to the notes and observations under RULE xm. Grammar, p. 81. Exercises, p. 74. 1. I purpose to go to London in a, few months, and after I shall have finished my business there, to proceed to America. These prosecutions of William seem to have been the most iniquitous measures pursued by the court, during the time that the use of parliament \vas suspended^ From the little conversatiou I had with him, he appeared to be a man of letters. I always intended to reward my son according to his.merit. It would, on reflection, have given me great sat- isfaction, to have relieved him from that distressed situation. It required soniucli care, that I thought I should lose it before I reached home. We have done no more than it was our duty to do. He would have assisted one of his friends, if he could have done it without inj uring the other ; but as that could not be done, he avoided all interference. Jllighi it not have been expected, that he would defend an authority, which had been so long exer- cised without controversy ? These enemies of Christianity were confound- ed, whilst they were expecting to find an opportu- nity to betray its author. His sea sickness was so great, that I often fear- ed he would die before our arrival. If these persons had intended to deceive, they would have taken care to avoid what would have exposed them to the objections of their opponents- It was a pleasure to receive his approbation of my labours ; for which I cordially thanked him. It would have afforded me still greater pleasure, to have received his approbation at an earlier Mule i3.J SYNTAX. 43 period : but to have received it at all, reflected credit upon me. To have been censured by him, would soon have proved an insuperable discouragement. Him portion'd maids, apprentic'd orphans blest, The young who labour, and the old who rest. " Laboured and rested." The Doctor, in his lecture, said, that fever al- ways produces thirst.* * In referring to declarations of this nature, the present tense must be used, it' the position is immutably the same at all times, or supposed to be so 5 as, " The bishop declared, that virtue is always advantageous :" not, " was always advantageous.'' But if the assertion referred to something that is not always the same, or supposed to be so, the past tense must be applied : as, " George said, that he was very happy :" not, " is very happy." The following sentences will fully exemplify, to the young grammarian, both the parts of this rule. " He declared to us, that he ivas afraid of no man ; because conscious innocense gives firmness of mind" " He protested, that he believed what ivas said, because it appeared to him probable." " Charles asserted, that it ivas his opinion, that men always succeed* when they use precau- tion and pains." " The doctor declared to his audience*, that if virtue suffers some pains, she is amply recompensed by the pleasures which attend her." If the preceding rule should not be completely applicable to every case which ingenuity may state, the author pre- sumes that it will be found very generally useful. Though we have, in the notes under the thirteenth rule of the Grammar, explained in general the principles, on which the time of a verb in the infinitive mood may be ascertained, and its form determined; yet as the subject is curious and important, and the practice of good writers upon it, is very discordant, we presume it will not be unacceptable to the ymmg student of grammar, if we produce a few additional observations calculated to settle his judgment on this con- tested point. The following rule, founded on the authorities of Harris, Lowth, and Campbell, and we think too, on the authority of common sense, appears to be accurate, as w r ell as simple and intelligible. " When the action or event signified by a verb in the infinitive mood,? is contemporary or future, with res- 11 KEY. RULE XIV. Grammar, p. 184. Exercises, p. 75. Ksteeming themselves wise, they became fools. Suspecting not only you, but them also, I was studious to avoid all intercourse. I could not avoid considering, in some degree, them as enemies to me, and him as a suspicious friend. From having exposed himself too freely in dif- ferent climates, he entirely lost his health. pect to the verb to which it is chiefly related, the present of the infinitive is required : when it is not contemporary nor future, the perfect of the infinitive is necessary." To com- prehend and apply this rule, the student has only to consid- er, whether the infinitive verb refers to a time antecedent, contemporary, or future, with regard to the governing- or re- lated verb. "When tins simple point is ascertained, there will be no doubt in his mind, respecting the form which the infinitive verb should have. Two or three examples may illustrate these positions. If I wish to signify, that I re- joiced at a particular time, in recollecting the sight of a friend, some time having intervened between the seeing and the rejoicing, I should express myself thus : " I rejoiced to have seen my friend." The seeing, in this case, was evi- dently antecedent to the rejoicing ; and therefore the verb which expresses the former, must be in the perfect of the in- ifinitive. The same meaning may be expressed in a differ- ent form : " I rejoiced that I had seen my friend ; i? or" in having seen my friend ;" and the student may, at any time, try the propriety of a doubtful point of this nature, by con- verting the phrase into its correspondent forms of expression, If, on the contrary, I wish to signify, that I rejoiced at the sight of my friend, that my joy ami his presence were contemporary/ I should say, " I rejoiced to see my friend :" or, in other words, " I rejoiced in seeing my friend." The correctness of this form of the infinitive may also be tried, by converting the phrase into its correspondent modes of expression. As the verbs to desire and to ivish, are nearly related, the young student may naturally suppose, from the rule at page -381 of the Grammar, that the latter verb, like the former, must in variably be followed by the present of the infinitive. liui if he reflect, that the aot of desiring always refers to the Rule i^.J SYNTAX* 45 The examples which follow., wre suited to the notes and observations under RULE xiv* Grammar, p. 184. Exercises, p. 76. 1 By observing truth, you will command es- teem as well as secure peace. He prepared them for this event, by sending to them proper information* A person may be great or rich by chance ; but cannot be wise or good, without taking pains for it. Nothing could have made her so unhappy, as marrying a man who possessed such principles. Or the marrying of a man, &c future; and that the act of wishing refers sometimes to the past, as well as sometimes to the future ; he will perceive that the following modes of expression are strictly justified : " I wished that I had uuritten sooner, 5 ' " I wished to have written sooner;" and he will be perfectly satisfied that the following phrases must be improper ; " I desire that I had written sooner," " I desire to have written sooner.*' See this point more particularly explained in the author's Gram- mar, p. 183 of the sixteenth edition. Some writers on grammar contend, that the sentence, * ; I intend to have written," is correct and grammatical, be- cause it simply denotes, as they assert, the speaker's in ten* tion to be hereafter in possession of the finished action of writing. But to this reasoning the following answers 'may be given : that the phrase " to have written" is stated In Eng- lish grammars, as the established past tense of the infinitive mood ; tkat it is as i-ncontrovertibly the past tense of the in- finitive in English, as scripsisse is the past tense of the in- finitive, in Latin ; that no writers can be warranted in ta- king such liberties with the language, as to contradict its plainest rules for the sake of supporting an hypothesis ;that these writers might, on their own principles and with equal propriety, contend, that the phrase, "I intend having writ- ten," is proper and grammatical ; & that bv admitting such vi- olations of established grammatical distinctions, confu-' sion would be introduced, the language would be disorgani- zed and the most eccentric systems of grammar might be ad- vanced and plausibly supported. In short, the phrase, " I intend to have written," appears to involve the following absurdity ; " I intend to produce hereafter an action or event, which has been already completed,." 46 kY. (Rule 14. The changing of times and seasons, the remov- ing and setting up of kings, belong to Providence alone. Or changing times and seasons, remov- ing and setting up kings, &c. The middle station of life seems to be the most advantageously situated for the gaining of wisdom. Poverty turns our thoughts too much upon the sup. plying of our wants ; and riches, upon enjoying our superfluities. Or- -for gaining wisdom upon supplying our wants. Pliny, speaking of Cato the Censor's disapprov- ing of the Grecian orators, expressed himself thus. Propriety of pronunciation is the giving of that sound to every word, which the most polite usage of the language appropriates to it. Or is giving to every word that sound, &c. Or consists in giving to every word that sound, &c. Not attending to this rule, is the cause of a very common error. Ofwant of attention to this rule, &c. This was in fact a converting of the deposite to his own use, Qv-in fact converting the deposite, &c. 2t There will be no danger of their spoiling of their faces, or of their gaining of converts. Or iw danger of spoiling their faces, or of gaining converts. Or -no danger that they will spoil their faces or gain converts* For his avoiding of that precipice, he is indebt- ed to his friend's, care. Or For avoiding that precipice, &c. It was from our misunderstanding of the direc- tions, that we lost our way. Or From misun- derstanding our directions, ice lost our way. In tracing liis history, we discover little that is worthy of imitation. By reading books written by the best authors, his mind became highly improved. 3. By too eager pursuit, he ran a great risk of b.eing disappointed, Rule 14.J SYNTAX. 4& He had not long enjoyed repose, before he be- gan to be weary of having nothing tp do. He was greatly heated, and drank with avidity. Though his conduct was, in some respects, ex- ceptionable, yet he durst not commit so great an offence ; as that which was proposed to him. A second deluge learning thus o'er-ran ; And the monks finished what the Goths began. If some events had not/alien out very unexpect- edly, I should have been present. He would bsiVQgone with us, had he been invited. He returned the goods which he had stolen,) and made all the reparation in his power. They have chosen the part of honour and virtue. His vices have weakened his mind, and broken his health. He had mistaken his true interest, and found himself forsaken by his former adherents. The bread that has been eaten is soon forgotten, No contentions have arisen amongst them, since their reconciliation. The cloth had no seam, but was woven through- out. The French language is spoken in every state in Kurope. His resolution was too strong tp be shaken by slight opposition. He was not much restrained afterwards, having taken improper liberties at first. He has not yet worn off the rough manners, which he brought with him. You who hay sforsqken ypur friends, are entit- led to no confidence. They who have borne a part in the labour, shall share the rewards. When the rules have been wontonly broken^ there can be no plea for favour. 48 KEY. Rule i5.J He writes as the best authors would have writ- ten had they written on the same subject. He heaped up great riches, but passed his time miserably. He talked and stamped with such vehemence, that he was suspected to be insane. RULE xv. Grammar, p. 186 Exercises, p. 78. He was not often pleasing, because he w r as vain, William acted nobly, though he w 7 as unsuccess- ful. We may live happily, though our possessions are small. From whence we may likewise date the period of this event. It cannot therefore be impertinent or ridiculous to remonstrate. He offered an apology, which not being admit- ted he became submissive. These things should never be separated. Unless he have more government of himself, he will always be discontented. 7V*0 sovereign was ever so much beloved by the people. He \vas determined to invite the king back, and to call his friends together. A boy so well educated gives great hopes to his friends. He found her not only employed, but also pleas- ed and tranquil. We should always prefer our duty lo our plea- sure. It is impossible to be at work continually. The heavenly bodies are perpetually in motion. J\Tot having known, or not having considered, the measures proposed, h$ failed of success. Rule 15. ) . SYNTAX. 49 My opinion was given on a rather cursory pe- rusal of the book. It is too common with mankind, to be totally en- grossed, and overcome, by present events. When the Romans were pressed with a foreign enemy, the women voluntarily contributed all their rings and jewels, to assist the government. The following sentences exemplify the notes an observations under RULE xv. 1. They could not persuade him, though they were ever so eloquent. If some persons' opportunities were ever so fa- VQurable, they would be too indolent to improve them. 2. He drew up a petition, in wliick he too free- ly represented his own merits. His follies had reduced him to a situation in which he had much to fear, and nothing to hope. It is reported that the prince will come hither to-morrow. George is active ; he walked thither in less thai} an hour. Whither are you all going in such haste ? Where have they been since they left the city ? 3. Charles left the seminary too early, and from that time he has made very little improvement. [)r and has since made, &c. Nothing is better worth the time and attention }f young persons, than the acquisition of knowl- edge and virtue, RULE XVI, Grammar, p. 189. Exercises, p. 80. Neither riches nor honours, nor any such per- shing goods, can satisfy the desires of an immor^ ;al spirit. Be honest, and take no shape or semblance of lisguise. F 50 KEY. (Rule 16, 17. We need not, and we dp not, confine his ope- rations to narrow limits. I am resolved not to comply with the proposal, cither at present or at any other time. There cannot be any thing more insignificant than vanity. Nothing ever affected her so much as this mis- conduct of her child. Do not interrupt me yourselves, nor let any one disturb my retirement. Or neither interrupt me yourselves, nor let any one, &c. These people do not judge wisely, nor take proper measures to effect their purpose. The measure is so exceptionable, that we can- not by any means permit it. I have received no information on the subject, either ftom him or from his friend. Neither precept nor discipline is so forcible as example. Neither the king nor the queen was at all de- ceived in the business. RULE XVII. Grammar, p. 190. Exercises, p. 81. We are all accountable creatures, each for h imself. They willingly, and of themselves, endeavour- ed to make up the difference. He laid the suspicion upon somebody, I know not upon whom, in the company. I hope it is not I with whom he is displeased, To poor us there is not much hope remaining. Does that boy know to whom he speaks ? To ichom does he offer such language ? It w r as not with him thjit they were so angry. What concord can subsist between those who commit crimes, and those who abhor them? The person with whom I travelled, has sold the horse on which he rode during our journey. Rule. 17 J SYNTAX. 51 It is not ifM 7mrc lie is engaged. From whom did he receive that intelligence ? The following examples are adapted to the notes and observations under RULE xvn. Grammar p. 190. Exercises, p. 81. 1. To have no one to whom we heartily wish well, and for whom we are warmly concerned, is a deplorable state. He is a friend to whom I am highly indebted. 2. On these occasions, the pronoun is governed by the preceding word, and consequently agrees with it. They were refused entrance into the house, and forcibly driven from it* 3. We are often disappointed in things, which, fore possession, promised much enjoyment. I have frequently desired their company, but have always hitherto been disappointed of that pleasure, She finds a difficulty in fixing her mind. ( r She finds it difficult to JIM her mind. Her sobriety is no derogation from her under- n ding. There was no water, and he died of thirst. We can fully confide in none but the truly good, I have no occasion for his services. Many have profited by good advice. Many ridiculous practices have been brought into vogue. The error was occasioned by compliance with earnest entreaty. This is a principle in unison with our nature. We should entertain no prejudices against sim- ple and rustic persons. They are at present resolved on doing their duty. Or to do their duty. That boy is known by the name of the Idler. 53 KEY. (Rule 17. Though conformable to custom, it is not war- rantable. This remark is founded on truth. His parents think of him, and his improvements, with pleasure and hope. His excuse was admitted by his master. What went ye out to see ? There appears to have been a million of men brought into the field. His present was accepted by his friends. More than a thousand men were destroyed. It is my request, that he will be particular, in speaking on the following points. The Saxons reduced the greater part of Britain under their power. He lives opposite to the Royal Exchange. Their house is situated on the north-east side of the road. The performance was approved by all who un- derstood it. He was accused of having acted unfairly. She has an abhorrence of all deceitful conduct. They were at some distance from home, when the accident happened. His deportment was adapted to conciliate regard. My father writes to me very frequently. Their conduct was agreeable to their profession. We went leisurely up stairs, and came hastily down. We shall write above stairs this forenoon, and below stairs in the afternoon. The politeness of the world has the same resem- blance to benevolence, that the shadow has to the substance. He had a taste for such studies, and pursued them earnestly. When we have had a true taste of the pleasures of virtue, we can have no relish for those of vice. Rule 18. J SYNTAX. 5S How happy is it to know how to live at times with one's self, to leave one's self with regret, to find one's self again with pleasure ! The world is then less necessary to us. Civility makes its way with every kind of per- sons. Or amongst all kind of persons. 5. I went to London, after having resided a year in France ; and I now live at Islington. They have just landed at Hull, and are going to Liverpool. They intend to reside some time m Ireland, PRULE XVIII. Grammar, p. 194. Exercises, p. 84. Professing regard, and acting differently, dis- cover a base mind. Or To profess regard, and to act differently, &c. Did he not tell me his fault, and entreat me te forgive him ? My brother andfo are tolerable grammarians. If he understands the subject, and attends to it industriously, he can scarcely fail of success. You and we enjoy many privileges. If a man have a hundred sheep, and one of them should go astray, will he not leave the ninety and nine, and go into the mountains, and seek that which is gone astray? She and he are very unhappily connected. To be moderate in our views, and to proceed temperately in the pursuit of them, is the best way to insure success. Between him and me there is some disparity of years ; but none between him and her. By forming themselves on fantastic models, and vying with one another in the reigning follies, the young begin with being ridiculous; and end with being vicious and immoral. F 8 .#* KEY. (Rule 19. The following sentences exemplify the notes and, observations under RULE xvm. Grammar, p. 1 95 Exercises, p. 84. 1. We have met with many disappointments ; "and, if life continue, we shall probably meet with many more. Hank may confer influence, but it will not ne- cessarily produce virtue. He does not want courage, but he is defective in sensibility. These people have indeed acquired great rich- es, but they do not command esteem. Our season of improvement is short ; and, whe- ther used or not, it will soon pass away. He might have been happy, and he is now fully convinced of it. Learning strengthens the mind ; and, if proper- ly applied, it will improve our morals too. RULE XIX. Grammar, p. 196. Exercises, p. 85. If he acquire riches, they will corrupt his mind and be useless to others. Though he urge me yet more earnestly, I -shall not comply, unless he advance more forcible rea- sons. I shall walk in the fields to-day, unless it rain, As the governess was present, the children be- liaved properly. She disapproved the measure, because it was very improper. Though he is high, he hath respect to the lowly. Though he was her friend, he did not attempt to justify her conduct. Whether he improves or not, I cannot determine. Though the fact is extraordinary, it certainly happen. Remember what thou ivast, and be humble. Rule 19 .) SYNTAX, 55 O ! that his heart were tender, and susceptible of the woes of others. Shall then this verse to future age pretend, Thou ivast my guide, philosopher, and friend ? The examples which follow, are suited to the notes and observations under RULE xix. Grammar, p. 197. Exercises, p. 86* 1. Despise not any condition, lest it happen to be your own* Let him that is sanguine, take heed lest he mis- carry. Take care that thou "break not any of the estab- lished rules. If he do but imitate his desire, it will be suffi- cient to produce obedience. At the time of his return, if he te but expert in the business, he will find employment. If he does but speak to display his abilities, he is unworthy of attention. If he is but in health, I am content. If he do promise, he will certainly perform- Though he does praise her, it is only for her "beauty. If thou do not forgive, perhaps thou will not be forgiven. If thou dost sincerely believe the truths of re- ligion, act accordingly. 2. His confused behaviour made it reasonable to suppose that he was guilty. He is so conscious of deserving the rebuke, that lie dares not make any reply. His apology was so plausible, that many be- friended him, and thought he was innocent. 3. If one man prefers a life of industry, it is because he has an idea of comfort in wealth ; if another prefers a life of gaiety, it is from a like idea concerning pleasure* KEY. {Rule 19. one engages in that business, unless he aims at reputation, or hopes for some singular advantage. Though the design is laudable, and is favoura- ble to our interest, it will involve much anxiety fcncl labour. 4. Unless he learn faster, he will be no scholar. Though he/a W, he shall not be utterly cast down. On condition that hec0mi, I will consent to stay. However that affair terminate, my conduct will be unimpeachable. Or may terminate* If virtue reward us not so soon as we desire, the payment will be made with iiiterest Till repentance compose his mind, he will be a stranger to peace. Whether he confess, or not, the truth will cer- tainly be discovered. If thou censure uncharitably, tluou wilt be entit- led to no favour. Though, at times, the ascent to the temple of virtue, appear steep and craggy, be not discour- aged. Persevere until thou gain the summit : there, all is order, beauty, and pleasure. If Charlotte desires to gain esteem and love, she does not employ the proper means. Unless the accountant deceives me, my estate is considerably improved. Though self-government produces some uneasi- ness, it is light, when compared with the pain of vicious indulgence. Whether he thinks as he speaks, time will dis- cover. If thou censurest uncharitably, thou deservest no favour. Though virtue appears severe, she is truly amia- Though success is very doubtful, it is proper ihat he endeavour to succeed. Or he should en- deavour., &c* Rule 19 J SYNTAX. 57 5. If thou #as promised, be faithful to thy en- gagement. Though he has proved his right to submission, he is is too generous to exact it. Unless he has improved, he is unfit for the office. 6. If thou hadst succeeded, perhaps thou wouldst not be the happier for it. Unless ihoushalt see the propriety of the mea- sure, we shall not desire thy support. Though thou wilt not acknowledge, thou canst not deny the fact. 7- If thou gavest liberally, thou wilt receive a liberal reward. Though thou didst injure him, he harbours no resentment. It would be well, if the report were only the misrepresentation of her enemies. Were he ever so great and opulent, this conduct would debase him. Were I to enumerate all her virtues, it would look like flattery. Though I were perfect, yet would I not presume. 8. If thou mayest share in his labours, be thank- ful, and do it cheerfully. Unless thou canst fairly support the cause, give it up honourably. Though thou miglitst have foreseen the danger, thou couldst not have avoided it. If thou coiddst convince him, he would not act accordingly. If thou ivouldst improve in knowledge, be dili- gent. Unless thou shouldst make a timely retreat, the danger will be unavoidable. I have laboured and wearied myself, that thou mayest be at ease. He enlarged on those dangers, that thou shouldst avoid them, 58 kEY, (Rule 19. 9. Neither the cold ncr the fevvid, but charact- ers uniformly warm, are formed for friendship. They are both praise-worthy, and one is as de- serving as the other. Or -and equally deserving. He is not so diligent and learned as his brother. I will either present it to him myself, or direct it to be given to him. Neither despise nor oppose what tliou dost not Understand. The house is not so commodious as we expect- ed it would be, I must, however, be so candid as to own that I have been mistaken. There was something so amiable, and yet so piercing in his look, that it affected me at once with lore and terror. -" 1 gain'd a son And such a son, that all men hail'd me happy. The dog in the manger would neither eat the hay himself, nor suffer the ox to eat it* So far as I am able to judge, the book is well Written. We should either faithfully perform the trust committed to us, or ingenuously relinquish the charge, He is not so eminent, and so much esteemed, as he thinks himself to be, The work is a dull performance ; and is capable of pleasing neither the understanding, nor the im- agination. There is no condition so secure, as not to ad- mit of change. This is an event, which nobody presumes up- on, or is so sanguine as to hope for. We are generally pleased with any little ac- complishment either of body or of mind. 10. Be ready to succour such persons as need Ihy assistance. Or those persons wlijoneed, &c< Rule 19.J SYNTAX. 59 The matter was ne sooner proposed, than lie privately withdrew to consider it. He has too much sense and prudence to be- come a dupe to such artifices. It is not sufficient that our conduct^ so far as it respects others, appears to be unexceptionable. The resolution was riot the less fixed, though the secret was as yet communicated to very few. He opposed the most remarkable corruptions of the church of Rome ; and, on this account, his doctrines were embraced by great numbers. He gained nothing further by his speech, than to be commended for his eloquence. Or nothing Inj his speech but commendation for his eloquence. He has little more of the scholar than the name. He has little of the scholar but the name. Or - besides the name. They had no sooner risen, than they applied themselves to their studies. From no other institution, than the admirable one of juries, could so great abenefitbe expected. Those savage people seemed to have no other element than war. Or no element but that of war. Such men as act treacherously ought to be avoid- ed. Or -The men who act treacherously, &c. Germany ran the same risk that Italy had done. No errors are so trivial, that they do not deserve to be mended. Or -as not to deserve amendment.^ * Some respectable grammarians suppose, that the word as is always a pronoun ; and that, in every situation, it has the meaning of it, that or which. They would, however, find it difficult to prove, that, in the following sentences, this word has the meaning of any one of those pronouns. " Jls to those persons, I must say, as it is due to them, that they Mere as disinterested as their opponents." " Love thy neigh- bour as thyself." " Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." And as Paul was long preaching, Eutychus sunk dcwa." See the Grammar, Stereotype edition, pages 142, 143, KEY. RULE XX. Grammar, p c 2C6. Exercises, p. 90. In some respects, we have had as many advan- tages as they ; but in the article of a good library, they have had a greater privilege than we have had. The undertaking was much better executed by his brother than by him. They are much greater gainers than I am by this unexpected event. They know how to write as well as he does ; but he is a much better grammarian than t hey are. Though she is not so learned as he is, she is as much beloved and respected, These people, though they possess more shining qualities, are not so proud as he is, nor so vain as she. The following examples are adapted to the notes and observations under RULE xx, Grammar, p. 206. Exercises, p. 91. 1. Who betrayed her companion ? Not J. Who revealed the secrets he ought to have con- cealed ? Not he. Who related falsehoods to screen herself, and to bring an odium upon others ? Not I ; it was she,, There is but one in fault, and that is /. Or-^ myself. Whether he will be learned or not, must de- pend on his application. Charles XII. of Sweden, than whom a more courageous person never Jived, appears to have been destitute of the tender sensibilities of nature. Salmasius (and a more learned man than he has seldom appeared) was ijot happy at the close of life.* * Some grammarians suppose that the words than and but are sometimes used as prepositions, and govern the objec- tive case. They adopt this idea, from the difficulty, if not Rule %i*J SYNTAX, 61 RULE XXI, Grammar, p. 207. Exercises, p. 92. I gladly shunned Mm who gladly fled from me. And this is that which men mean by distribu- tive justice, and which is properly termed equity, His honour, his interest, his religion, were all embarked in this undertaking. When so good a man as Socrates fell a victim to the madness of the people, truth, and virtue^ find religion, fell with him. impossibility, as they conceive, of explaining many phrases, on any other principle. This plea of necessity appears, how- ever, to be groundless. The principle of supplying the Ellip- sis is, we think, sufficient to resolve every case, in which than or ftwiocpurs, without wresting these words from their true nature, and giving them the character of prepositions. In the Grammar, under Rule 20th, page 206, we have exhibited number of examples, showing that the supply of the ellipsis sufficiently explains their construction. But as these may be deemed obvious cases, we shall select some, which ap- pear to b0?more difficult in their developemerit. The follow? ing are of this nature. " I saw nobody, but him ;* ? " No per- son but he was present ; ?> " More persons than they, saw the action ;" " The secret was communicated to more men, than, him ;" " This trade enriched some people more than them. 53 All these sentences may be explained, on the principle of supplying the ellipsis, in the following manner. In the first ? we might say " I sa,w nobody, but I saw him ; ?? or, " I saw nobody but him, I sa nouns, in connexion with the words than & but, why should we have recourse to the useless expedient of changing thes.> Gt KEY, Neither the fear of death,, nor the hope of life, ould make him submit to a dishonest action. An elegant house and much costly furniture were, by this event, irrecoverably lost to the owner. The examples which folio w, are suited to the notes and observations under RULE xxi. Grammar, p 207. Exercises, p. 92. 1, These rules are addressed to none but the intelligent and attentive. The gay and pleasing are,, sometimes, the most insidious and dangerous companions. words into other parts of speech 5 especially when this ex- pedient would often produce ambiguity, and lead into error? That it would have this effect, might be shown in numerous instances. One, however, will be sufficient. " If we use the word than, as a preposition, we should say, " I love her better than him,' 2 whether it be'meaiit, ' I love her better than I love him/ or, ' I love her better than he does.' By sisingthe word as a conjunction-, the ambiguity is prevented. For, if the former sentiment is implied, we say, ; I love her better than him ;' that is, < than I love him ; 3 if the latter, we say. * I love her better than he, 9 that is, < than he loves her.' " If it should be said, that but and than may be properly sup- plied by the prepositions except and besides, and that there- lore the substitution of the latter for the former must be al- lowable; we reply, that in numerous instances, these words cannot be properly substituted for each other. But if this could be universally done, it might still be said, that equiva- lence of meaning, by no means implies id entity of grammati- cal construction. This, we think, has been fully proved at page 72, of the Grammar; the twelfth, or any subsequent edition. From what has been advanced on this subject, the follow- ing rule maybe laid down. " When the pronoun following but or than, has exactly the same bearing and relation as the preceding noun or pronoun has, with regard to the other parts of the sentence, it must have the same grammatical construction." By applying this rule to the various exam- ples already exhibited, the reader will, we doubt not, per- ceive its propriety and use. That the student may be still further assisted, in his en- deavours to discover the true grammatical construction of a r pronoun following but or than, it may not be improper tule. %i.J SYNTAX-. 63 Old age will prove a joyless and dreary season, if we arrive at it with an unimproved, or a cor- rupted mind. The more I see of his conduct, the better I like him. It is not only the duty, but the interest of young persons, to be studious and diligent. 2. These counsels were the dictates of virtue^ and of true honour. Avarice and cunning may acquire an estate ; but they cannot gain friends. A taste for useful knowledge, will provide for us a great and noble entertainment, when other entertainments leave us-. to observe, that the 18th Rule of Syntax may be consider- ed as subsidiary to the preceding rule, and to the principle of supplying the ellipsis. Thus, in the expression, * I saw nobody out him," nobody is in the objective case, governed by the verb Saw ; arid Mm is in the same case, because CGI. junctions, according to Rule the 18th, connect the same cases of nouns and pronouns. In the phrase, " Nobody but he was present," he is in the nominative case, because it is connect- ed by the conjunction but, with the -noun nobody^ which is in the nominative. The other sentences, in which the con- junction than is used, may be 'construed in the same manner, If the 18th Rule of Syntax should not appear to apply to 'every example which has been produced in this discussion, nor to others which might be adduced ; it will be found, on strict examination, that the supposed exceptions are, in fact, sentences which do not come within -tire reason and limita- tion of the rule. Thus, in the sentence, " I have a greater respect for them than he," the pronoun heis connected by the conjunction than with the pronoun them; and yet they are not put in the same case ; because they have not the same bearing and relation, with -regard to the rest of the sentence 5 which is requisite according to Rule 18th and its explanatory note. See the Grammar, page 194 of the Stereotype edition. The two latter rules are founded on the principle of sup- plying the ellipsis, -and are intimately connected with it :: they in fact derive all their authority from that principle, They may, however, be of use to the student, .by presenting tliCi subject in different points of view: some of them may strike his attention, more than others, and lead him to a fuU deyelopement of the subject. 64 KEY. faute 21 Without firmness, nothing that is great can be undertaken ; nothing that is difficult or hazard- ous^ can be accomplished. The auxious man is the votary of riches ; the negligent man, that of pleasure. 3. His crimes had brought him into extreme distress, and perplexity. He has an affectionate brother and sister ; and they live in great harmony. We must guard against too great severity, and too great facility of manners. We should often recollect what the wisest men have said and written, concerning human happi- ness, and human vanity. That species of commerce will produce great gain, OT great loss* Many days and even many weeks pass away un- improved. This wonderful action struck the beholders with exceedingly great astonishment. Or with very great, &c. The people of this country possess a healthful climate, and a fruitful soil. They enjoy also a free constitution, and excel- lent laws. 4. His reputation and estate were both lost by gaming. This intelligence excited not only our hopes, but our fears too, His conduct is not scandalous ; and this is the lest that can be said of it. This was the person whom calumny had great- ly abused, and who sustained the injustice with singular patience. He discovered some qualities in the youth, of a disagreeable nature, and which to him were whol- ly unaccountable. Ride %LJ SYNTAX. 65 The captain had several men who died in his ship, of the scurvy. He is not only sensible and learned, but he is religious too. The Chinese language contains an immense number of words ; and he who would learn them, must possess a great memory. By presumption a,nd v^nity^ we provoke enmity^ mid incur contempt. In the circumstances in which I was at that time, my troubles pressed heavily upon me. He has destroyed his constitution, by the very same errors by which so many have been destroy- ed. Or same errors that have destroyed so many. 5. He is temperate, disinterested, and benevo- lent; an ornament to his family, and a credit to Ms profession. Genuine virtue supposes our benevolence to be strengthened, and confirmed by principle. Perseverance in laudable pursuits, will reward all our toils, and produce effects beyond our cal- culation. It is happy for us, \vhen we can calmly and de- liberately look back on the past, and anticipate the future. The sacrifices of virtue will not only be rewar- ded hereafter, but they willte recompensed eveii in this life. All those who were possessed $f any office, re- signed their former commission. Or Ml who were possessed, &c. If young persons were determined to conduct Ihemselves by the rules of virtue, not only would they escape innumerable dangers, but they would /command respect from the licentious themselves. Erles was a man of learning, knowledge, and e, 66 KEY. (Rule benevolence ; and, M hat is still more, he was a true Christian. * 6. The temper of him who is always in the bustle i)f the world, will often be ruffled and disturbed, We often commend, as well as censure impru- dently. How a seed grows up into a tree, and how the mind acts upon the body, are mysteries which we cannot explain. Verily, there is a reward for the righteous ! Verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth ! 7. Changes are almost continually taking place, In men and manners,, in opinions and customs, in private fortunes and in public conduct. Averse either to contradict or to blame, the too complaisant man goes along with the manners that prevail. By this habitual indelicacy, the virgins smiled at what they blushed at before. They ate now reconciled to what they could not formerly be promted to, by any considerations. Censure is the tax which a man pays to the pub- lic for being eminent. Reflect on the state of human life, and on the society of men, as mixed with good and evil. 8. In all stations and conditions, the important relations take place, of masters and servants, hus- bands and wives, parents and children, brothers and friends, citizens and subjects. Destitute of principle^ he regarded neither his family, his friends, nor his reputation, * The auxiliary verbs are often very properly omi ted be- fore the principal verb : as " I have seen and heard him fre- quently ;" not " have heard :" He will lose his" estate and incur, reproach ;" not " iviil incur.' 3 But when anything is emphatically expressed, or when opposition is denoted, this ellipsis should be avoided : " I have seen, and I have lieard him too ;' ? He was .admired, but he was not beloved/' , Rule S2J SYNTAX. S7 Religious persons are often unjustly represent- ed as persons of romantic character, and of vision- ary notions ; unacquainted with the world, and unfit to live in it. No rank, nor station, no dignity of birth, nor any possessions, exempt men from contributing their share to public utility. 9. Oh, my father! my friend! how great has been my ingratitude ! Oh, Piety ! Oh Virtue ! how insensible have I been to your charms ! 10. That is a property which most men have, er which at least they may attain. Why do ye that, which it is riot lawful to do on the sabbath days ? Or to do ivhich is not law- ful, &c. The showbread, which it is not lawful to eat, but for the priests alone. Or to eat which is not laicful, but, &c* Most, if not all, of the royal family, had quitted the place. By these happy labours, they who SOW T , and they who reap, will rejoice together. RULE XXII. Grammar, p. 212. Exercises, p. 96. The ivork has received several alterations and additions. The first proposal was inferior to the second, and essentially different from it. He is more bold and active than his companion, but not so wise and studious^ Thou hearest the sound of the wind, but thou canst not tell whence it cometh, nor whither it goeth. Neither has he, nor have any other persons, sus- pected so much dissimulation. The court of France, or that of England, was to have Ibeeu the umpire. 68 KEY. fRule 22. In the reign of Henry II. all foreign commodi- ties were plentiful in England. Or In the reign, &c. there was plenty of, &c. There is no talent more useful towards success in business, or which puts men more out of the reach of accidents, than that quality generally pos- sessed by persons of cool temper, and which is, in common language, called discretion. Or no tal- ent so useful, &c. or wliich puts men so mudi out ft/the reach, &c. as that quality, &c. The first project was to shorten discourse, by reducing polysyllables to words of one syllable. I shall do all I can, to persuade others to take the same measures foi* their cure, which I have taken. The greatest masters of critical learning differ among themselves. Or do not always harmonize* Micaiah said, If thou return in peace, then ;ihe Lord hath not spoken by me." I do not suppose, that we Britons want genius, more than our neighbors. The deaf man, whose ears w r ere opened, and whose tongue was loosed, doubtless glorified the ;great Physician. Groves, fields, and meadows, are, at any season of the year, pleasant to look upon ; but never so much so as in the opening of the spring. Or but never so agreeable as in the opening of the spring. The multitude rebuked them, that they should hold their peace. Or that they might be silent. The intentions of some of these philosophers, nay, of many, might have been, and probably were good. The wonderful civilities which have passed be- tween the nation of authors, and that of readers, .are an unanswerable argument, of a very refined age. Promiscuous.} SYNTAX. 69 It was an unsuccessful undertaking ; the failure of which, is, however, no objection at all to an en- terprise so well concerted. The reward is his due, and it has already been, or it will hereafter be, given to him. Or already been given to him, or it will be hereafter bestowed* By intercourse with wise and experienced per- sons, who know the world, we may improve a private and retired education, and rub off its rust, Sincerity is as valuable as knowledge, and even more valuable. No person was ever so perplexed as he has been to-day, or sustained such mortifications. The Romans gave, not only the freedom of the city, but capacity for employments, to the inhabi* tants 0/several towns in Gaul, Spain, and Germany* Such writers have no standard on which to form themselves, except what chances to be fashionable and popular. Or have no other standard, &c* than that which chances, &c. Whatever we do secretly, shall be displayed in the clearest light. To the happiness of possessing a person of so uncommon merit, Boethius soon joined the satis- faction of obtained the highest honour his country could bestow. Or -joined that of obtaining, &c CHAP. IL Containing corrections of the false SYNTAX, promiscuously disposed. See Exercises, p. 98. SECTION 1. THOUGH great have been his disobedience and folly, yet if he sincerely acknowledge his miscon- duct, lie will be forgiven. yo KEY. {Promiscuous. On these causes depends all the happiness or inisery, which exists among men. The property of James, I mean his books and furniture, was wholly destroyed. This prodigy of learning, this scholar, critic, mid antiquarian, was entirely destitute of breeding and civility. That writer has given an account of the manned in which Christianity was formerly propagated among the heathens. We adore the Divine Being, him who is from eternity to eternity. Thou, Lord, who hast permited affliction to come upon us, wilt deliver us from it, in due time, In this place, there was not only security, but an abundance of prorisions. By these attainnienfcs, the master is honoured; &nd the scholars are encouraged. The sea appeared to be agitated more than usual. Or 'Unusually agitated. Not one in fifty, of those who fcall themselves deists, understands the nature of the religion which he rejects. Virtue and mutual confidence are the soul of friendship. Where these are wanting, disgust or hatred often follows little differences. Time and chance happen to all men ; but every person does not consider who governs those power- ful causes. The active mind of mail seldom or never rests satisfied with its present condition, \LQVJ prosper- ous soever it may be. Habits must be acquired of temperance and self- denial, that we may be able to resist pleasure, and to endure pain, when either of them interferes with our duty. The error of resting wholly on faith, or wholly on works, is one of those seductions which mosj; ]j*romtscuoiis.j SYNTAX. easily mislead men ; under the semblance of on the one hand, and of virtue on the other. It was no exaggerated tale ; for she was really in that sad condition in which her friend had rep- resented her. An army presents a painful sight to a feeling mind. The enemies ivham 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 who has been so long promised and desired. Thomas's disposition is better than his brother's ;. (or than that of his brother ;J and he appears ta |>e the happier man ; but some degree of trouble is all men's portion. Though remorse sometimes sleeps daring pros- perity, it will surely awake in adversity. It is an invariable law of our present condition^ that every pleasure which is pursued to excess,, converts itself into poison. If a man bring, into the solitary retreat of age, a vacant, an unimproved mind, in w r hich no knowl- edge dawns, no ideas rise, and which supplies him with nothing to feed upon within himself, many a heavy and comfortless day he must necessarily pass. I cannot yield to so dishonourable conduct, either at the present moment of difficulty, or un- der any circumstance whatever. Themistocles concealed the enterprises of Pau- sanias, either because he thought it base to betray the secrets trusted to his confidence, or because he imagined it impossible for schemes so dangerous and ill concerted, to take effect. Pericles gained such an ascendant over the minds of the Athenians, that it may be said, he attained monarchial power in Athens. Christ applauded the liberality of the poor wido w ; (Promiscuous whom he saiv casting her two mites into the treasury. A multiplicity of little kind offices, in persons frequently conversant with each other, are the bands of society and friendship. To do good to them that hate us, and, on no oc- casion, to seek revenge, arethe duties of a Christian. If a man professes a regard for the duties of religion, and neglects those of morality, that man's religion is vain. Affluence may ^give us respect, in the eyes of the yulgar, but it will not recommend us to the wise and good. The polite, accomplished libertine, is miserable amidst all his pleasures : the rude inhabitant of Lapland is happier than he is. The cheerful and gay, when warmed by plea- sure and mirth, lose that sobriety and self-denial, which are essential to the support of virtue. SECTION 3. Exercises, p. 100. THERE was, in the metropolis, much to amuse them, as well as many things to excite disgust. How much are real virtue and merit exposed to suffer the hardships of a stormy life ! This is one of the duties which require peculiar, circumspection. JL higher degree of happiness than that which I have described, seldom falls to the lot of mortals. There are principles in man, which ever have inclined, and which ever will incline, him to offend. Whence has arisen so great a variety of opin- ions and tenets in religion ? Its stature is less than that of a man ; but its strength and agility are much greater. Them that honour me, I will honour. He summons me to attend; and I mu&t summon the others. Promiscuous. ) SYNTAX, 73 Then did the officer lay hold of him, and execute him immediately. Or The officer then laid hold of him, and executed him immediately. Who is that person whom I saw you introduce, and present to the duke ? I offer observations which a long and chequer- ed pilgrimage has enabled me to make on man. Every church and sect of people has a set of opinions peculiar to itself. Mayst thou a$ well as I, be meek, patient, and forgiving. These men were under high obligations io ad- here to their friend in every situation of life, After I Aac? visited Kurope, I returned to America. Their example, their influence, their fortune^ every talent they possess, dispense blessings on all around them. When a string of such sentences occurs, the effect is disagreeable. I was lately at Gibralter, and saw the comman- der in chief. Propriety of pronunciation consists in giving to every word that sound, which the most polite usage of the language appropriates to it. The book is printed very neatly, and on fine woven paper. Many of the fables of the ancients are highly instructive. He resembles one of those solitary animals, that have been forced from their forests, to gratify hu- man curiosity. There neither is, nor ought to be, such a thing as constructive treason. He is a new-created knight, and his dignity sits awkwardly on him. Or- -a newly created knight, &c< Hatred or revenge deserves censure wherever it is found to exist. H yt KEY. (Promiscuous* If you please to employ your thoughts on that subject, you will easily conceive our miserable condition. His speech contains one of the grossest and most infamous calumnies that ever were uttered. Too great a variety of studies dissipates and weakens the mind, Each of those two authors "has his merit. James was resolved not to indulge himself in so cruel an amusement. The icant of attention io this rule, is the source of a very common error. Or Want of attention, &c. Calumny and detraction are sparks, which, if you do not blow them, will go out of themselves. Clelia is a vain woman, who, if we do not flat- ter her, will be disgusted. That celebrated work had been nearly ten years published, before its importance was at all uiufer- stood. Ambition is insatiable : it will make any sacri- fices to attain its objects, A great mass of rocks thrown together by the hand of nature, with wildness and confusion, strikes the mind with more grandeur, than if the parts had been adjusted to one another with th$ most accurate symmetry. SECTION 3. Exercises, p. 102. 11% showed a spirit of forgiveness, and a magna- nimity, that do honour to human nature. Them that honour me, I will honour ; and they that despise me, shall be lightly esteemed. Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, Lie in three words, health, peace, and competence. Having thus begun to throw off the restraints of reason, he \vas soon hurried into deplorably excesses, Promiscuous. ) SYNTAX. 75 These arts have enlightened many minds ; and they will enlighten every person who shall atten- tively study them. When we succed in our plans, it is not always to be attributed to ourselves ; the aid of others often promotes the end, and claims our acknowledgment. Their intentions were good ; but wanting pru- dence, they missed the mark at which they aimed. I have not consented, nor shall I consent to a proposal so unjust* We have subjected ourselves to much expense, that thou mayst be well educated. This treaty was made at the castle of earl Moreton the governor. Be especially careful, that thou give no offence to the aged or helpless. The business was no sooner opened, than it was cordially acquiesced in. On account of his general conduct, he deserved punishment as much as his companion, and, in- deed, deserved it more. He left a son of a singu- lar character, and who behaved so ill that he was put in prison. If he do but approve my endeavours, it will be an ample reward. I hope you will do me the favour, to accept a copy of " A view of the manufactories, in the West Riding of Yorkshire." I had intended to write 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 deser- tion of friends, and the diminution of his estate, was not able to shake his principles. In his conduct was treachery, and in his words were faithless professions. Though the measure is mysterious, it is worthy of attention. ^Promiscuous. Be solicitous to aid such deserving persons as appear to be destitute of friends. Ignorance, or the want of light, produces sen- suality, covetousness, and those violent contests with others about trifles, which occasion so much misery and so many crimes in the world. He will one day reap the reward of his labour. If he be diligent and attentive. Till that period come, let him be contented and patient. To the resolutions which we have once, upon due consideration, adopted as rules of conduct, let us firmly adhere. He has little more of the great man than the title. Though he were my superior in knowledge? he would not thence have a right to impose his senti- ments. That picture of the emperor, is a very exact re- semblance of him. How happy are the virtuous who can rest under the protection of that powerful arm, which made the earth and the heavens ! Prosperity and adversity may be equally im- proved : both the one and the other proceed from the same author. He acted conformably to his instructions, and cannot justly be censured. The orators did not forget to enlarge on so pop- iilar a subject The language of Divine Providence to every liuman agent, is, " Hitherto shalt thou come, and 110 farther." Idle persons imagine, that liow deficient soever they may be in point of duty, they at least consult their own satisfaction. Good as the cause is, it is one from which num- bers have deserted. The man is prudent wlio speaks little. Promiscuous. ) SYNTAX. 77 SECTION 4. Exercises, p. 105. HE acted independently of foreign assistance. Every thing that we here enjoy, changes, decays, ^ind comes to an end. All floats on the surface of that river, which, with swift current, is running towards a boundless ocean. The winter has not been so severe as we ex- pected it to be. Or expected -it would be. Temperance, more than medicines, is the proper means of curing many diseases. They understand the practical part better than Jie does ; but he is much better acquainted witk the theory than t hey are.. When we have once drawn the line, with intel- ligence and precision, between duty and sin, that line we ought on no occasion to transgress. They who are distinguished by extraordinary talents, have extraordinary duties to perform. No person could speak more strongly on this subject, or behave more nobly, than our young advocate for the cause of toleration. His conduct was so provoking, that many will condemn him, and few will pity him. The people's happiness is the statesman's hon- We are in a perilous situation. On the one side, and on the other, dangers meet us ; and either extreme will be pernicious to virtue. Several pictures of the Sardinian king's were transmitted to France. X)r Several of the Sar- dinian king's pictures, &c. Or Several pic- tures belonging to the king of Sardinia, &c. When I last saw him, he was grown considerably, If we consult either the improvement of the mind, >or the health of the body, it is well known that ex- ercise is the great instrument of promoting both. II 2 78 KEY. f Promiscuous. If it were they who acted so ungratefully, they are doubly in fault. Or If they acted, &c. Whether virtue promote our interest or not y we must adhere to her dictates. We should be studious to avoid too much Indul- gence, as well as too much restraint, in our man- agement of children. No human happiness is so great, as not to con- tain some imperfection. Or as to contain no ini- perfection. Ilk father cannot hope for this success, unless his son give better proofs of genius, or apply him- self with indefatigable labour. The house framed a remonstrance, in which ihey spoke with great freedom of the king's prerogative. The conduct which has been mentioned, is one of those artifices, which most easily seduce men under the appearance of benevolence. This is the person to whom we are so much obliged, and whom we expected to see, when the favour w r as conferred. He is a person of great property, but Tie does not possess the esteem of his neighbours. They w^ere solicitous to ingratiate themselves with those, whom It was dishonourable to favour. The great diversity which takes place among men, is not owing to a distinction that nature has made in their original powers, so much as to the superior diligence, with which some have improv- ed these powers beyond others. While we are unoccupied by what is good, evil Is continually at hand. 'Tliere is not a creature that moves, nor a veget- able that grows, "but which, when minutely exam- ined, furnishes materials for pious admiration. What can be the reason of the committee's hav- ing delayed this business ? Or What can be the committee's reason for having delay edth is b nsin ess? Promiscuous. ) SYNTAX, 79 I know not whether Charles was the author, but I understood it to be him. A good and well-cultivated mind, is greatly preferable to rank or riches. When charity to the poor is governed by knowl- edge and prudence, every one admits it to be a virtue , His greatest concern, and highest enjoyment, was to be approved in the sight of his Creator. Let us not set our hearts on so mutable, so un- satisfying a world. SECTION 5. Exercises, p. 107. SHALL you attain success, without that prepar- ation, and escape dangers without that precaution., which are required of others ? When w r e see bad men honoured and prosperous in the world, it is some discouragement to virtue* The furniture was all purchased at Wentworth's ike, joiner. Every member of the body, every bone, joint, and muscle, lies exposed to many disorders ; and the greatest prudence or precaution, or the deepest skill of the physician, 'is not sufficient to prevent them- It is rightly said, that though faith justifies us, yet works may justify our faith. If an academy be established for the cultiva- tion of our language, let the members of it stop the license of translators ; whose idleness and ignor- ance, if they be suffered to proceed, will reduce us to babble a dialect of French. It is of great consequence that a teacher should firmly believe, both the truth and the importance of those principles which he inculcates on others ; and not only that he should speculatively believe them, but have a lively and serious feeling of them. It is not the uttering, or the hearing of certain 7, r ords ; that constitutes the worship of the Al- 80 KET, (Promiscuous. mighty. It is the heart that praises, or prays. If the heart accompanies not the words that are spoken, we offer the sacrifice of fools. Neither flatter nor contemn the rich or the great. He has travelled much, and passed through ma- ny stormy seas, and over extensive tracts of land. Yon must be sensible that there is, and can be no other person than myself, who could give the information desired. Orno person but myself, &c. To be patient, resigned, and thankful, under afflic- tions and disappointments, demonstrates genuine piety. Alvarez was a man of corrupt principles, and detestable conduct ; and-, what is still worse, lie gloried in his shame. As soon as the sense of a Supreme Being is lost, the great check is taken off, which keeps under re- straint the passions of men. Mean desires, and low pleasures, take place of the greater and nobler sentiments which reason and religion inspire. We should be careful not to follow the exam- ple of many persons, iclio censure the opinions, manners, and customs of others, merely because they are foreign to them. Steady application, as well as genius and abiL ities, is necessary to produce eminence. There are, in that seminary, several students iclio are considerably skilled ia mathematical knowl- edge. If Providence clothes the grass of the field; and shelters and adorns the flowers that -every where grow wild amongst it, will he not much more clothe and protect his servants and children ? We are too often hurried by the violence of pas- sion, or ensnared by the allurements of pleasure. High hopes, and florid views ; are great enemies to tranquility. Promiscuous. ) SYNTAX* 81 Year after year steals something from us ; till the decaying fabric totter of itself, and crumble at length into dust. Or shall totter, &c. I had intended to finish the letter before the bearer called, that he might not be detained ; but I was prevented by company. George is the most learned and accomplished of all the students that belong to the seminary. This excellent and well written treatise, with others that might be mentioned, was the foundation of his love of study* There can be no doubt that the pleasures of the mind excel those of sense. SECTION 6 a Exercises, p. 109- THE grand temple consisted of one great edifice? aiid several smaller ones. Many would gladly exchange their honours., beauty, and riches, for that more quiet and hum- ble station, with which you are now dissatisfied. Though the scene was a very affecting one, Louis showed little emotion on the occasion. The climate of England is not so pleasant as that of France, Spain, or Italy. Much of the good and evil that happen to us in this world, is owing to apparently undesigned and fortuitous events : but it is the Supreme Being who secretly directs and regulates all things. To despise others on account of their poverty, or to value ourselves for our wealth, is a disposi- tion highly culpable, This task was the more easily performed, from the cheerfulness with which he engaged in it. She lamented the unhappy fate of Lucretia, whose name seemed to her another word for chas- tity, 8S KEY. {Promiscuous, He has not yet cast off all regard for decency ; and this is the most that can be advanced in his favour. Tht girls' school WSL& formerly better conduct^ ed than the boys 9 . Or -than that of the boys. The loss of his much-loved friend, or the dis* appointments he has met with, have occasioned the total derangement of his mental powers. The concourse of people was -so great, that we passed with difficulty. All the women, children, and treasure, that re- mained in the city, fell under the victor's power. They have already made great progress in their studies, and, if attention and diligence continue, they will soon fulfil the expectations of their friends. His propensity to this vice, against every prin- ciple of interest and honour, is amazing. This kind of vice, though it inhabits the uppef circles of life, is not less pernicious, than that which we meet with amongst the lowest of men. He acted agreeably to the dictates of prudence, though he was in a situation exceedingly delicate. If I had known the distress of my friend, it would have been my duty to relieve him ; and it would always have yielded me pleasure to have granted him that relief. They admired the candour and uprightness of tfee countryman, as they called him. The set of neiv curtains did not correspond to the pair of old blinds. The tutor commends him for being more studi- ous than any other pupil of the school. Or for being the most studious pupil of the schooL Two principles in human nature reign ; Self-love to urge, and reason to restrain : Nor this a good, nor that a bad we call ; Each works its eud, to move or govern all* Promiscuous.} SYNTAX. 83 Temperance and exercise, how little soever they may be regarded, are the best means of pre- serving health. He has greatly blessed me ; yes, even me, who, loaded with kindness, have not been sufficiently grateful, No persons feel so much the distresses of others, as they ivho have experienced distress themselves, SECTION 7 Exercises, p. 110. Constantinople was the point, in which were 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 bespeaks a little mind. A circle, a square, a triangle, or a hexagon, pleases the eye by its regularity, as a beautiful figure. His conduct was equally unjust and ^ dishonour- able. Or -was as unjust as it was dishonourable. Though, at first, he began to defend himself, yet, when the proofs appeared against him, he durst not any longer contend. Many persons will not believe that they are in- luenced by prejudices. Or Many persons be- ve that they are free from prejudices. The pleasure or pain of one passion, differs from that of another. The rise and fall of the tides, in this place, make a difference of about twelve feet. Five and seven make twelve, and one make thirteen. He did not know ivhom to suspect. I intended yesterday to walk out, but I was again disappointed. The court of Spain, which gave the order, was Hot aware of the consequence. 84 KEY. ('Promiscuous. If the acquisitions which he has made, and which, have qualified him to be a useful member of society, should be misapplied, he will be highly culpable. There was much spoken and written on each side of the question ; but I have chosen to suspend my decision. Were there no bad men in the world, to vex and distress the good, these might appear in the light of harmless innocence ; but they could have no opportunity of displaying fidelity, magnanim- ity, patience, and fortitude. The most ignorant and savage tribes of men, when they looked round on the earth, and the heavens, could not avoid ascribing their origin to some invisible, designing cause, and feeling a pro- pensity to adore their Creator. Let us not forget, that something more than gentleness and modesty, than complacency of tem- per and affability of manners, is requisite to form a worthy man, or a true Christian. One of the first, and the most common extremes in moral conduct, is that of placing all virtue either in justice, on the one hand, or in generosity, on the other. It is an inflexible regard to principle, which has ever marked the characters of those who have emi- nently distinguished themselves in public life ; who have patronised the cause of justice against powerful oppressors ; who, in critical times, have supported the falling rights and liberties of men ; and have reflected honour on their nation and country. When it is with regard to trifles, that diversity or contrariety of opinions shows itself, it is child- ish in the last degree, if this become the ground of estranged affection. When, from such a cause? Promiscuous, ) SYNTAX. 85 there arises any breach of friendship, human weakness is discovered in a mortifying light. In matters of serious moment, the sentiments of the best and worthiest may vary from those of their friends, according as their lines of life diverge, or as their temper, and habits of tliought, present ob- jects under different points of view. But by can- did and liberal minds, unity of affection will still be preserved. Desires and wishes are the first springs of ac- tion. Whep they become exorbitant, the whole character is likely to be tainted. If we suffer our fancy to create to itself words of ideal happiness ; if we feed our imagination with plans of oppulence and splendour; if we fix to our wishes certain stages of high advancement, or certain degrees of uncommon reputation, as the sole stations of feli- city ; the assured consequence will be, that we shall become unhappy in our present state ; unfit for acting the part, and discharging the duties that belong to it ; we shalj discompose the peace and order of our minds, and shall foment many hurt* ful passions. Maria always appears amiable. She never peaks severely or contemptuously. PART IV. PUNCTUATION. CHAP. I, Containing applications of the Comma, disposed, under the particular Rules* Grammar, p. 257. Exercises, p. 1 14. RULE I, THE tear of repentance brings its own relief. Manhood is disgraced by the consequences of neglected youth. Idleness is the great fqmenter of $11 corruptions in the human heart, It is honourable to be a friend to the unfortunate. All finery is a sign of littleness, Slovenliness and indelicacy of character com- monly 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. The indulgence of harsh dispositions, is the in- troduction to future misery. The intermixture of evil in human society, serves to exercise the suffering graces and virtues pf the good, X Comma.) PUNCTUATION. 87 RULE n. Grammar, p. 258. Exercises, p. 114. 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 pupiPs 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. Self-conceit, presumption, and obstinacy, blast the prospect of many a youth. In our health, life, possessions, connexions, pleasures, there are causes of decay imperceptibly working. 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. Health and peace, a moderate fortune, and a few friends, sum up all the undoubted articles of temporal felicity. We have no reason to complain of the lot of man, or of the world's mutability. RULE IV. Grammar, p. 259. Exercises, p. 115. 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 28 KEY. (Comma. The vicious man is often looking round him, with anxious and fearful circumspection. True friendship will, at all times, avoid a care- less or rough behaviour. Time brings a gentle and powerful opiate to all misfortunes. RULE v- Grammar, p. 260 Exercises, p. 116. 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 pa- tiently, defends resolutely, and continues a friend unchangeably. 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 Vic Grammar, p. 260. Exercises, p. 116. This unhappy person had often been seriously, affectionately admonished, but in vain. To live soberly, righteously, and piously, com- prehends the whole of our duty. When thy friend is calumniated, openly and boldly espouse his cause. Comna.J PUNCTUATION. 89 Benefits should be long and gratefully remem- bered. RULE VII. True gentleness is native feeling, heightened and improved by principle. The path of piety and virtue, pursued with a firm and constant spirit, will assuredly lead to hap- piness. 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 dan- ger, who, intoxicated with pleasures, become gid- dy 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 ? RULE VIII. Grammar, p. 260. Exercises, p. 117. If, from any internal cause, a man's peace of mind be disturbed, in vain w r e load him with rich- -es .or honours. Gentleness delights, above all things, io allevi- ate distress ; and, if it cannot dry up the falling tear, to sooth at least the grieving heart. Wherever Christianity prevails, it has discour- aged, and, in some degree, abolished slavery. We may rest assured that, by the steady pursuit of virtue, we shall obtain and enjoy it. RULE IX. Continue, my dear child, to mate virtue thy principal study. To you, my worthy benefactors, am I indebted, under Providence; for all I enjoy. I 2 90 KEY. f Comma. Canst tliou 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. IIULE x. Peace of mind being secured, we may smile at misfortunes. Virtue abandoned, and conscience reproaching us, \ve 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 hi s fu- ture ease and reputation. To say the least, they have betray ed great want of prudence. RULE XI. Grammar, p. 261. Exercises, p. 118. Hope, the balm of life, sooths us under every misfortune. Content, the offspring of virtue, dwells both in retirement, and in the active scenes of life. Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher, was eminently good, as well as wise. The patriarch Joseph, is an illustrious example of chastity, resignation, and filial affection* RULE XIK 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 ha likes to hear another talked of. Comma.} PUNCTUATION. <)i 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. Grammar, p. 261. Exercises, p. 118. 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 infe- riors to obey; of the learned, to be instructive, of the ignorant to be docile ; of the old to be com- municative, of the young to be attentive and dili- gent. 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 so- ciety, &ULE XIV. Grammar, p. 62 Exercises, p. 119. 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 mul- titude to do eviL" 9 KEY. {Comma. RULE xv. Grammar, p. 262. Exercises, p. 119. 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 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, It is labour only which gives the relish to pleasure. 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 com- plaints of the world, are wholly imaginary, He who is good before invisible witnesses, is eminently so before the visible. His conduct, so disinterested and generous, was universally approved. RULE XVI. Exercises, p. 120. The fumes which firise 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 burden which belongs nx>t 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* Comma.} PUNCTUATION. 93 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 w r hat passes within it. To be humble and modest in opinion, to be vig- ilant 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 xvn* Grammar, p. 263. Exercises, p. MO. 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' highest enjoyment was, to relieve the distressed, and to do good. The highest enjoyment that Charles ever expe- rienced, was, to relieve the distressed, and to do good, RULE XVIII. Exercises, p. 121. If opulence increases our gratifications, it in- creases, in the same proportion, our desires and demands. He whose wishes, respecting the possessions of this world, are the most reasonable and bounded, is 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 prolortg 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. M KEY* f Comma. In youth, the habits of industry are most easily acquired. What is the right path, few take the trouble of inquiring* RULE XIX* Grammar, p. 263. Exercises, p. 121. Providence never intended, that any state here should be either completely happy, or entirely mis- erable, As a companion, he was severe and satirical ; as a friend, captious and dangerous ; in his do- mestic sphere, harsh, jealous, and irascible. If the spring 1 put forth no blossoms, in summer there will be no foeauty, and in Autumn, no fruit. So, if youtti be trifled away without improvement, manhood wilPae contemptible, & old age, miserable- HULE XX. Be assured, then, that order, frugality, and econ* omy, are the necessary supports, of every personal and private virtue. I proceed, secondly, to point out the propel* 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, expect- ation and interest impel us strongly to comply. CHAP. II. Containing insertions of the Semicolon and Comma,- Grammar, p, 264. Exercises, p. 122. 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 Semicolon, $c,J PUNCTUATION. 95 object, unamiable in every season of life, but par- ticularly 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 dishonest arts ; to brook no meanness, and to stoop to no dissimulation ; are the indications of a great mind, the presages of future eminence and useful- ness 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 estima- tion, 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 friend- ship ; hell, of fierceness and animosity. The path of truth, is a plain and safe path ; that of falsehood, is a perplexing maze. Modesty is one of the chief ornaments of youth ; and 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 mo-, tion, which arises solely from its own agitation. Levity is frequently the forced production of fol- ly or vice ; cheerfulness is the natural offspring of wisdom and virtue only. Persons who live according to order, may be compared to the celestial bodies, which move in regular courses, and by stated laws ; whose influ- ence is beneficent 5 whose operations are quiet tranquil. 06 KEY. f Colon, Sfc. CHAP. III. Containing applications of the Colon, * 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 tasteles ! and how terrible, when gone ! Gone ! they ne'er go : when past, they haunt us still* 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* O 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 others most remote j And all, ere long, shall be remote, but these. Promiscuous, ) PUNCTUATION, 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 : Wide, and more wide th' overflowings of the mind^ Take ev'ry creature in of ev'ry kind. Earth smiles around, with boundless bounty blest 5 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 blest 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, tho' e'er so blest; And but more reli$h'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 bles'd ; And where no wants, no wishes can remain ; Since but to wish more virtue, is to gain. 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. 108 KEY. f Promiscuous, Thy providence my life sustained, 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 learn'd To form themselves in pray'r. Unnumbered comforts to my soul. Thy tender care bestow'd, Before my infant heart conceiv'd From whom those comforts flow'd. When, in th^ 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 gontly el ear 'd my way ; And through the pleasing snares of vice, More to be fear'd than they. When worn with sickness, oft hast thou, With health renewal my face 5 And when in sin and sorrow sunk, Reviv'd my soul with grace. Thy bounteous hand, with worldly bliss s 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 I'll pursue : And, after death, in distant worlds, The gloripus theme renew. When nature fails, and day and night Divide thy works to more, My ever grateful heart, O Lord ! Thy mercy shall adore. Through all eternity to thee A joyful song I'll raise ; For 6 ! eternity's too short To utter ail thy praise. Promiscuous. J PUNCTUATION 109 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,) %ome steer aright : but the black blast blo>vs 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 i One Caesar lives ; a thousand are forgot, How few, favour'd by ev'ry element, With swelling sails make good the promised port, With all their wishes freighted ! Yet ev'n these. Freighted with all their wishes, soon complain. Free frgm 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 But plants new terrors on the victor's brow. What pain, to quit the world just made their own ! Their nests so deeply dpwn'd, and built so high I- Too low they build, who build beneath the stars. L PART V. PERSPICUITY AND ACCURACY. First, with respect to single words and ph CHAP. I, Corrections of the errors that relate to Purity, Grammar, p. 274, Exercises, p. 139. WE should be daily employed in doing good, I am wearied with seeing so perverse a dispo- sition. I know not who has done this thing, He is in no wise thy inferior ; mid, in this in- stance, is not at all to blame. The assistance was welcome, and seasonally afforded. For want of employment, he wandered idly about the fields. We ought to live soberly, righteously, and piously in the world. He was long indisposed, 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 haughtiness of Florio was very ungrace- ful, ai}d disgusted both his friends and strangers. Purity.) PERSPICUITY, &c. Ill He charged me with want of resolution, but in this censure he was greatly mistaken* They have manifested great candour in all the transaction. The conformity of the thought to truth and na- ture greatly recommend it* The importance, as well as the authenticity of the books, has been clearly displayed* It is difficult to discover the spirit and design of some laws. The disposition which he exhibited, was both unnatural and uncomfortable. His natural severity rendered him a very un- popular speaker. The inquietude of his mind, made his station, and wealth far from being enviable* I received the gift with pleasure, but I shall now more gladly resign it. Or with greater pleasure resign it. These are things of the highest importance to the growing age* I am grieved with the view of so many blank leaves, in the book of my life. I repent that I have so long walked in the paths of folly. I think that 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 on both sides. Thy speech betrays thee 5 for thou art a Gali- lean. Let us not give too hasty credit to stories which may injure our neighbour : perhaps they are the offspring of calumny, or misapprehension. The gardens were void of simplicity and ele- gance ; and exhibited much that was glaring and whimsical. KEY. (Propriety. CHAP. II. Corrections of the errors relating to Propriety. Grammar, p. 76 Exercises, p. 141. SECTION 1. / would as readily do it myself, as persuade another to do it. Of the justness of his measures he convinced his opponent^ by the force of argument. He is not, in any degree, better than those whom he so liberally condemns. He insists upon security, and will not liberate him till it be obtained. The meaning of the phrase, as "I understand it, is very different from the common acceptation. The favourable moment should be embraced ; for he does not continue long in one mind. He exposed himself so much amongst the peo- ple, that he was once or twice in danger of having his head broken. He was very dexterous in penetrating the views and designs of others. If a little care were bestowed upon his education, lie might be very useful amongst his neighbours. He might have perceived, by a transient view, the difficulties to which his conduct exposed him. If I should have a little leisure to-morrow, I in- tend to pay them a short visit. This performance is of the same value as the other. The scene was new, and he was seized with wonder at all he saw r . SECTION 2 Grammar, p. 276. Exercises, p. 142. Let us consider the works of nature and of art, with proper attention. Propriety. ) PERSPICUITY, &c. 113 He is engaged in a treatise on the interests of the soul and of the body. Some productions of nature rise or sink in val- ue, according as they more or less resemble those of art. The Latin tongue was never spoken, in its puri- ty, in this island. * For some centuries, there was a constant inter- course between France and England, by reason of the dominions which we possessed there, and the conquests which we made. Or occasioned by the dominions, &c. He is impressed with a true sense of the impor- tance of that function, when chosen from a regard to the interests of piety and virtue. The wise and the foolish, the virtuous and the vile, the learned and the ignorant, the temperate and the profligate, must often, like the wheat and the tares, be blended together. SECTION 3. Grammar, p. 267. Exercises, p. 142. An eloquent speaker may give more numerous, but cannot give more convincing arguments, than this plain man offered. Or may give more but cannot give stronger, &c. These persons possessed very moderate intel- lects, even before they had impaired them by the extravagance of passion. True wit is nature dressed to advantage ; but some works have more ornament than does them good. The sharks, that prey upon the inadvertency of young heirs, are more pardonable than those, who trespass upon the good opinion of persons that treat them with great confidence and respect. Honour teaches us properly to respect ourselves, and to violate no right or privilege of our L 2 114 KEY. f Propriety, neighbour: it leads us to support the feeble, to relieve the distressed, and to scorn to be governed by de- grading and injurious passions. It must, there fore, be a false and mistaken honour, that prompts the destroyer to take the life of his friend. He will always be with you, to support and com- fort you, and in some measure to prosper your la- bours ; and he will also be with all his faithful ministers, who shall succeed you in his service. SECTION 4. Grammar, p. 77. Exercises, p. 143. MOST of our sailors were asleep in their apart- ments, when a heavy wave broke over the ship, and swept away one of our boats, and the box which contained -aur compasses, &c. Our cabin windows were secured, or the vessel would have been filled. The main mast was so damaged, that we were obliged to strengthen it, and to proceed for Lisbon. The book is very neatly printed : the distances between the lines are ample and regular ; and the lines themselves, on the opposite sides of each leaf, exactly correspond to one another. SECTION 5. Grammar, p. 77. Exercises, p. 144. WHEN our friendship is considered, how is it possible that I should not grieve for having lost such a friend? The hen being in hernest, was killed and eaten there by the eagle. Or The eagle killed the hen, flew to her nest in the tree, and eat her there. It may be justly said, that there are no laics preferable to those of England. They who have pretended to polish and refine the English language, have been the chief agents, in multiplying its abuses and absurdities. Or The chief thing, which they who have pretended Propriety, ) PERSPICUITY, &c. 115 to polish and refine the English language, have done is, to multiply its abuses and absurdities. The English adventurers, degenerating from the customs of their own nation, were gradually assimilated to the natives, instead of reclaiming them from their uncultivated manners,. It has been said, that Jesuits can not only equiv- ocate. Or Jesuits are not the only persons who can equivocate. We must not think that these people, when in- jured, have no right at all to our protection. Or have less right than others to our protection. Solomon the son of David, and the builder of the temple of Jerusalem, was the richest monarch that reigned over the Jewish people* Solomon whose father David was persecuted fry Saul, was the richest monarch of the Jews. It is certain that all the words which are signs of complex ideas, may furnish matter of mistake and caviL Or all those words, &c. Lisias, speaking of his friends, promised to his father, never to abandon them. Or Lisias speak- ing of his father's friends, promised to his father, never to abandon them. The Divine Being, ever liberal and faithful, heapeth favours on his servants. Or The Di~ vine Being heapeih favours on his liberal and faithful servants. Every well-instructed scribe, is like ahouseholdr er, who bringeth out of his treasure new things & old. He was willing to spend one or two hundred, pounds, rather than be enslaved. Dryden, in the following words, makes a very handsome observation, on Ovid's writing a letter from Dido to jflEneas* Imprudent associations disqualify us for in- structing or reproving others. Or Disqualify us for receiving instruction or reproof from others. 116 KEY. ( Propriety. SECTION 6. Grammar, p. 278. Exercises, p. 145. 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 of an im- mortal soul ! A poet, speaking of the universal deluge, says ; Yet when that flood in its own depth was drown'n, It left behind it false and slipp'ry ground. When the waters of tlie deluge Jiad subsided, they left, &c. 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. And Bezaleel made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the mirrors used by the wo- men. And. in the lower deep, another deep Still threatening to devour me, opens wide. SECTION 7- Grammar, p. 281. Exercises, p. 145. No fewer than two hundred schollars have been educated in that school. The business, however laudable the attempt, was found to be impracticable. He is our common benefactor, and deserves our respect and obedience. Vivacity is often promoted, by presenting a sensible objectto the mind, instead of an intellect- ual one. They broke down the banks, and the country was soon overflowed. The garment was decently formed, and seiced very neatly. The house is a cold one, for it has a northern aspect* Propriety.} PERSPICUITY. 117 The proposal, for each of us to relinquish same- thing, was complied with, and produced a cordial reconciliation* Though learn'd, well bred $ and tho' well bred sincere $ Modestly bold, and humanely severe. A fop is a ridiculous character, in every qiie's view but his own. An action that excites laughter, without any mixture of contempt, maybe called a risible action. It is difficult for him to speak three sentences successively. By this expression, I do not mean what some persons annex to it. The neglect of timely precaution was the cause of this great loss. All the sophistry which has been employed, cannot obscure so plain a truth* Disputing should always be so managed, as to remind us, that the only end of it is truth. My friend was so ill that he could not sit up at all, but was obliged to lie continually in bed. A certain prince, it is said, when he invaded the Egyptians, placed, in the front of his army, a number of cats and other animals, which were worshipped by those people. A reverence for these creatures, made the Egyptians lay down their arms, and become an easy conquest. The presence of the Deity, and the interest which so august a Being is supposed to take in eur concerns, is a source of consolation. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and had sat down together, Peter sat 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 towards penegyric. Or wholly employed in penegyric. 118 KEY. {Propriety. The refreshment came in seasonably, before they had laid down to rest* We speak what we do know, and testify that which we have seen. They shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat. The wicked flee when no man pursueth : but the righteous are bold as a lion* A Creature of a more exalted kind. Was wanted yet, and then was man designed. He died by violence 5 for he was killed with a sword. He had scarcely taken the medicine, when he began to feel himself relieved. No place nor any object appears to him void of beauty. When we fall into conversation with any person, the first thing we should consider, is, the inten- tion of it. Galileo invented the telescope ; Hervey discov- ered the circulation of the blood. Philip found difficulty in managing the Athe- nians, from the nature of their dispositions ; but the eloquence of Demosthenes was the greatest obstacle to his designs. A hermit is austere in his life ; a judge, rigo- rous in his sentences. A candid man acknowledges his mistake, and 19 forgiven ; a patriot avows his opposition to a bad minister, and is applauded. We have increased our family and expenses ; and enlarged our garden and fruit orchard. By proper reflection, we may be taught to cor- rect what is erroneous, and to supply what is de- fective. The good man is not overcome by disappoint- ment when that which is mortal dies ; when that which is mutable, begins to change; and when that which he knew to be transient passes away, Precision.^ PERSPICUITY, &QO 119 CHAR in. Corrections of the errors which respect Precision, Grammar, p. 282. Exercises, p. 148. THIS great politician desisted from his de- signs, when he fou^d them impracticable. He was of so high and independent a spirit, that he abhorred being in debt. Though raised to an exalte4 station, she was a pattern of piety and virtue. The human body may be divided into the head, the trunk, and the limbs. His end soon approached ; and he died with great fortitude. He was a man of so much pride, that he des- pised the sentiments of others. Poverty induces dependence ; and dependence increases corruption. This man, on all occasions, treated his inferiors with great disdain. There can be no order in the life of that m^n, who does not allot a due share of his tin^e, to ^re- tirement and reflection. Such equivocal expressions, mark an intention to deceive, His cheerful, happy temper, keeps up a kind of daylight in his mind, and fills it with a steady perpetual serenity. 130 KEY. {Clearness. Secondly, Perspicuity and accuracy, with res- pect to the construction of Sentences. CHAP. I. Corrections of the errors which relate to the Clearness of a Sentence. Grammar, p. 287. Exercises, p. 150, SECTION 1. HENCE appears the impossibility that an un- dertaking so managed, should prove successful. May we not here say with the poet, that " vir- tue is its own reward ?" Had he died before, would not this art have been then wholly unknown ? Not to exasperate him, I spoke only a very few words. The works of art receive a great advantage, from the resemblance which they have to those of nature ; because here not only the similitude is pleasant, but the pattern is perfect. It may be proper to give some account of those practices, anciently used on such occasions, and discontinued only through the neglect and degen- eracy of later times. Sixtus the fourth was, if I mistake not, a great collector, at least of books. If Louis XIV. was not the greatest king, he was at least the best actor of majesty, that ever filled a throne. These forms of conversation, multiplied, by fegrees, and grew troublesome* Clearness. ) PERSPICUITY, &c. 121 Nor ctees this false modesty expose us to suck actions only as are indiscreet, but very often to such as are highly criminal. By greatness, I do not mean the bulk of any^ single object only, but the largeness of a whole view. Or I mean not only the bulk of any sin- gle object, but ,&c. I w&s formerly engaged in that business, but I shall never be concerned in it again. We frequently Ao those things, which we after- wards repent of. By often doing the same thing, it becomes ha- bitual. Most nations, even the Jews not excepted, were prone to idolatry. Raised to greatness without merit, he employed his power solely for the gratification of his passions, SECTION . Grammar* p, 288. Exercises, p. 151. THE embarrassments of the artificers, rendered the progress of the work very slow. He found the place replete with wonders, with the contemplation of which he proposed to solace himself, if he should never be able to accomplish his flight. They are now engaged in a study, the useful- ness of which they have long wished to know. This was an undertaking, which, in the execu- tion, proved as impracticable, as every other of their pernicious, yet abortive schemes, .'had turned put. He thought that the presbyters would soon be- come more dangerous to the magistrates, than the yrelatical clergy had ever been. Frederic, seeing it was impossible, with safety, to trust his life in their hands, was obliged the Mahometans for his guardo M 132 KEY*. (Clearness* The emperor refused to convert the truce at once into a definitive treaty, In the nighty howeveir, the miserable remains were taken down. I have, in this paper, by way of introduction, settled the meaning of those pleasures of the inir agination, which are the subject of my present un- dertaking ; and endeavoured, by several consid- erations, to recommend to my readers, the pur- suit of those pleasures : I shall in my next paper examine the several sources from whence these pleasures are derived. \ Sir Francis Bacon, in His Essay upon Health^ in which he particularly dissuades the reader from linotty and subtle disquisitions, has not thought it improper to prescribe to him a poem, or a pros- pect ; and he advises him to pursue studies that fill the mind with splendid and illustrious objects, as history, poetry, and contemplation of nature. The English reader, if he would see the notion explained at large, may find it in Lock's Essays on the Human Understanding. Fields of corn form a pleasant prospect ; and if n little care were bestowed on the walk's that lie between them, they would display neatness, regu- larity, and elegance, Though religion will indeed bring us under some restraints, they are not only tolerable, but, on the whole, desirable. I have confined myself to those methods for the Advancement of piety, which, by a strict execution of the laics, are in the power of a prince, limited like ours. This morning, when, with great care and dili- gence, one of the gay females was looking over some hoods and ribands, brought by her tirewo- man, I employed no less in examining the box which contained them. Clearness.} PERSPICUITY, &c. Since it is necessary that there should be a per- petual intercourse of buying and selling, and deal* ing upon credit, the honest dealer, where fraud is permitted or connived at, or has no law to punish it, is often undone, and the knave gets the advan- tage, Though energetic brevity is not adapted alike to every subject, we ought, on every occasion, to avoid its contrary, a languid redundancy of words* It is sometimes proper to be copious, but never to be verbose. A monarchy, limited like ours, may, for ought I know, be placed, as it has often been represent- ed, just in the middle point, from whence a devi- ation leads, on the one hand, to tyranny, and, on the other, to anarchy. Having already shown how the fancy is affect-' ed by the works of nature, and afterwards consid- ered, in general, how, in forming such scenes as are most apt to delight the mind of the beholder, the works both of 'nature and of art assist each other ; I shall in this paper throw together some reflections, &c. Let but one brave, great, active, disinterested man arise, and he will be received, followed and venerated. Ambition creates hatred, shiness, discords, se- ditions, and wars. The scribes made it their profession to study and to teach, the law of Moses. Sloth saps the foundation of every virtue, and pours upon us a deluge of crimes and evils. The ancient laws of Home were so far from suffering 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 productive of great success and satisfaction. KEY. ( Clearness. He was a man of the greatest prudence, justice, modesty, and virtue. His favour or disapprobation was governed by the success or the failure of an enterprise. He had a grateful sense of the benefits received, and did every thing in his power to serve his ben- efactor. Many persons give evident proof, that either they do not believe the principles of religion, or that they do not feel their poiver. As the guilt of an officer, if he prove negligent, will be greater than that of a common servant ; so the reward of his fidelity, will be proportionally greater. The comfort annexed to goodness is the pious man's strength. It attaches his heart to religion. It inspires his zeal. It supports his constancy ; and accelerates his progress. SECTION 3. Grammar, p. 291. Exercises, p. 154. THESE are the rules of the master, who must be obeyed. They attacked the house of Northumberland, whom they put to death. He laboured to involve in ruin his minister, who had been the author of it. Or to ruin his minister, &c. What he says, is true, but it is not applicable to the point. The French marched precipitately as to an as- vSured victory ; whereas the English advanced very slowly, and discharged such flights of arrows, as did great 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 window in Litchfield, taking a view Clearness. ) PERSPICUITY; &c. efthe Cathedral, where a party of the royalists had fortified themselves. We no where meet with a more splendid or pleasing show in nature, than what is formed in the heavens at the rising and the setting of the sun, by the different stains of light, which show themselves in clouds of different situations. There will be found, throughout this kingdom^ a round million of creatures in human figure, whose whole subsistence, c. It is the custom of the Mahometans, if they see upon the ground, any printed or written paper, to take it up, and lay it aside carefully, as not know- ing 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 are often false deduc- tions from them, or applications of them ; nay., civil laws stand, in many instances, in direct op- position to the laws of nature. It has iwt & sentiment in if, says Pope, that the author does not religiously believe. Many act so directly contrary to this method, that, from a habit, ichidi they acquired at the University, of saving time and paper, 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, relating to this weighty affair, as well as that of a great majority of both houses here ; upon which I am confident you may securely reckon. If, from the earliest periods of life, we .trace a youth who has been well educated, we shall per- ceive the wisdom of the maxims here recom- mended. M 2 KEY. ( Unity. CHAP. IL Corrections of the errors relating to the Unity of a sentence. SECTION 1. Grammar, p. 293. Exercises, p. 156. A SHORT time after this injury, he came to him- self; and the next day, was put on board his ship, and conveyed first to Corinth, and thence to the island of .JEgina. The Britons, dail$ harassed by cruel inroads from the Picts, were forced to call in the Saxons for their defence. These people reduced the grea- ter part of the island to their own power ; and drove the Britons into the most remote and moun- tainous parts. The rest of the country, in customs, religion, and language, became wholly Saxons. By eagerness of temper, and precipitancy of in- dulgence, men forfit all the ^vantages which pa- tience would have procured ; and incur the oppo- site evils to their full extent. This prostitution of praise affects not only the gross of mankind, w r ho take their notion of charac- ters from the learned ; but also the better sort of people, who, by this means, lose some part at least of their desire of fame, when they find it promis- cuously bestowed on the meritorious and on the undeserving. Or Not only the gross part of mankind, ivho take their notion of characters from the learned, are affected by this prostitution of praise ; the better sort must also, by this means, &c. All the precautions of prudence, moderation, and condescension, which Eumenes, employed, were incapable of mollifying the hearts of tho*e Unity.} PERSPICUITY, &c. 127 barbarians, and of extinguishing their jealousy, He must have renounced his merit and virtue which occasioned it, to have been capable of ap- peasing them. He who performs every employment In its due place and season, suffers no part of time to escape without profit He multiplies his days ; for he lives much in little space. Desires of pleasure usher in temptation, and forward the growth of disorderly passions. SECTION 2* Grammar, p. 94. Exercises, p. 157. THE notions of lord Simderland were always good. This nobleman, however, 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 Tul- lia ; which happened soon after her -divorce from Dolabella. The manners and humours of this man were entirely disagreeable to Tullia. The sun approaching melts the snow, and breaks the Icy fetters of the main. Here, 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. The superiority which he possesses over creatures of a size and force so stupendous, should make him mindful of his privilege of reason ; and force him humbly to adore the great Composer of these wondrous frames, and the Author 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* My friend will 128 KEY. (Unity. forgive this short excursion in honour of a favour- ite writer. Boast not thyself of to-morrow ; for thou know- est not what a day may bring forth. For the same reason,, despair not of to-morrow ; it may bring forth good as well as evil. Vex not thyself with imaginary fears. 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 mayest be lodged in that lowly mansion which no storms ever touch, ^ SECTION 3, Grammar, p. 296 Exercises, p. 158. Disappointments will often happen to the best and wisest men ; sometimes to the icisest and best concerted plans. They may happen too, not through any imprudence of those who'have devised the plan, nor even througli the malice or ill design of others ; but merely in consequence of some of those cross Incidents of life, which could not be foreseen. Without same degree of patience exercised un- der injuries, human life would be rendered a state of perpetual hostility : offences and retaliations would succeed to one another in endless train. Never delay till to-morrow, what reason and conscience tell you ought to be performed to-day. 'To-morrowis not yours ; and though you should live to enjoy it, you must not overload it with a burden not its own. We must not imagine that there is, in true re- ligion, any thing which overcasts the mind with sullen gloom and melancholy austerity ; or which derogates fr#m that esteem, which men are gen- erally disposed to yield to exemplary virtues. False ideas may be entertained of religion, as false and imperfect conceptions of virtue have often pre- vailed in the world. Strength.} PERSPICUITY, &c, 129 CHAP. III. Corrections of the errors which respect the Strength of a sentence. Grammar, p. 297. Exercises, p. 159, SECTION 1. IT is six months since I paid a visit to my rela^ tiotts. Suspend your censure, till your judgment on the subject can be wisely formed. The reason of his having 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, that they rise early. If I mistake not, he is improved both in knowl- edge and behaviour. Or I think he isimproved both in knowledge $nd behaviour. Those two boys appear to be equal in capacity, Whenever he sees me, he inquires concerning his friends* The reason of his conduct will appear in the conclusion of this narrative. Or His conduct will be accounted for in the> &c. I hope this is the last time of my acting so im- prudently. The reason of his sudden departure, was, that the case did not admit of delay. The people gained nothing farther by this step, than to suspend their -misery. Or nothing by this step, but the suspension of their misery. I have here supposed that the reader is ac- quainted with that great modern discovery, which is, at present, universally acknowledged by the inquirers into natural philosophy. Few words in the English language, are em- ployed in a more loose and uncircumscribed sense, than fancy and imaginaion, 130 KEY. (Strength. I intend to make use of these words in my fol- lowing speculations, that the reader may rightly conceive the subject upon which I proceed. Commend me to an argument like a flail, against which there is no fence. How many are there, by whom these good tidings were never heard ! These points have been illustrated in so plain a manner, that the perusal of the book has given me satisfaction. However clear the conduct which he ought to have pursued, he had not resolution to set about it. I w r as much moved on this occasion, and left the place full of serious reflections. They are of those that rebel against the light ; they know not its ways, nor abide in its paths. This measure may afford some profit, and some amusement. Or both profit and amusement. By a multiplicity of words, the sentiments are not set off and accommodated ; but, like David equipped in SauPs armour, they are encumbered and oppressed. Though closely occupied with the affairs of the nation, he did not neglect the concerns of his friends, If, on the contrary, secrecy had been enjoyed, his conduct was very culpable. Less capacity, but more time, is required for this business. He did not mention Leonora, nor her father's death. The combatants encountered with such rage, that, eager only to assail, and thoughtless of de- fence, they fell dead upon the field together. I shall begin with remarking the defects, and shall then proceed to describe the excellencies, of this plan of education. Strength,} PERSPICUITY, &c, 13J Numberless orders of beings, to us unknown, people the wide extent of the universe. His extraordinary beauty struck observers with admiration. Or His beauty was so extraordina- ry that it struck, &c. Thought and language act (ind re- act upon each other. Or -?act upon each other mutually. Their interests were inseparably connected. Employing all the circumspection which rea- son can suggest, let your prayers, at the same time, continually ascend to heaven for support Or While you employ all the circumspection which reason can suggest, let your prayers contin- ually ascend to heaven for support. SECTION 2, Grammar, p. 300. Exercises, p. 161. THE enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil. While the earth yemaineth, seedtime and har- vest, cold and heat, summer qnd winter, and day and night, shall not cease, A man should endeavour to make the sphere of his innocent pleasures as wide as possible, that lie may retire to them with safety, and find in them such a satisfaction as a wise man would not blush to take, This advantage we gain by means of the pleasures of imagination. OrThis satisfaction we enjoy by means of, &c. The army was composed of Grecians, and Ca- rians, and Lycians, and Pamphylians, and Phry- gians. The body of this animal was strong, propor- tionable, and beautiful. Nothing promotes knowledge more than steady application, and a habit of observation. Though virtue borrows no assistance from the advantages of fortune, yet it may often be accom- panied by them, * 13$ KEY. f Strength. The knowledge tvhich he has acquired, and the habits of application which he possesses, will probably rentier him very useful. Their idleness, their luxury and pleasures, their criminal deeds, their immoderate passions, their timidity and baseness of mind, have dejected them to such degree, as to make them weary of life. I was greatly affected, so that I was oblibed to leave the place, though my assistance had been pressingly solicited. I strenuously opposed those measures, but it was not in my power to prevent them. I yielded to his solicitation, for I perceived the necessity of doing so. For the wisest purposes, Providence has de- signed our state to be checkered with pleasure and pain. As such 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 these resources re^ main entire, w r hen the days of trouble come. He had made considerable advances in knowl- edge, though he was very young, and laboured under several disadvantages. SECTIQN 3. Grammar, p. SOS. Exercises, p. 163. I HAVE, with a good deal of attention, consid- ered the subject upon which I was desired to com- municate my thoughts. Whether, in any country^ a choice altogether unexceptionable hag been made, seems doubtful. Let us endeavour to establish to ourselves an interest in him, \vho in his hands holds the reins of the whole creation. Virgil, who, in the sixth book of his JEneid, lias cast the whole system of platonic philosophy, Strength,} PERSPICUITY, &c. 133 so far as it relates to the soul of man, into beauti- ful allegories, gives us the punishment, &c. And, at last, in the Pyrenean treaty, Philip the fourth was obliged to conclude a peace, on terms ^repugnant to his inclination, to that of his people, to the interest of Spain, and to that of all Europe. By a late calculation, it appears that, in Great Britain and Ireland, there are upwards of fifteen millions of inhabitants, And although persons of a virtuous and learn- ed education, when they come forward into the great world, may be, and too often are, drawn by the temptations of youth, and the opportunities of a large fortune, into some irregularities, 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, in any language, a single instance could be given of this species of composition. Some of cur most eminent writers have, as far &s it regards the subsistence of our affections after death, made use of thisplatonic notion, with great beauty and strength of reason. On surveying the most indifferent works of na- ture, men of the best sense have been touched, more or less, with these groundless horrors and presages of futurity. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. J\Fot every one that puts on the appearance of goodness, is good, And there appeared to them Elias with Moses. Your fathers, where are they ? and the prophets, do they live for ever ? At last, after much fatigue, through deep roads and bad weather, we came with no small difficulty to our journey's end. N KEY. ( Stre ngth. The praise of judgment, Virgil 1ms justly con- tested with Homer ; but his invention remains yet unrivalled. Instead of being critics on others, let us em- ploy our criticism on ourselves. Leaving others to be judged by Him who search- eth the heart, let us implore his assistance, for enabling us to ^ct well on our own part. ifter passion has fora ivhile exercised its ty- rannical sway, its vehemence may by degrees sub- side This fallacious art, instead of lengthening life,, debars us from enjoying it. Indulging ourselves in imaginary, often de- prives us of real enjoyments. When reduced to poverty, how will that noble- man be able to conduct himself, who was educa T ted only to magnificence and pleasure ? It is highly proper that a man should be ac- quainted with a variety of things, the utility of which is above a child's comprehension : but is it necessary, or even possible, that a child should learn every thing it behoves a man to know ? When they fall into sudden difficulties, they are less perplexed, and when they encounter dan- gers they are less alarmed, than others in the like circumstances. For all your actions, and particularly for the employments of youth, you must hereafter give an account. SECTION 4. Grammar, p. 306. Exercises, p. 165. CHARITY breathes habitual kindness toicards friends, courtesy towards strangers, long-suffer- ing to enemies. Gentleness ought to form our address, to regu- late our speech, and to diffuse itself over our whole behaviour. Strength* J PERSPICUITY, &c. 135 The propensity to look forward into life, is too often immoderately indulged, and grossly abused. The regular tenor of a virtuous and pious life, will prove the best preparation for old age, for death, and for immortality. These rules are intended to teach young per- sons to write with propriety, perspicuity and ele- gance. Sinful pleasures degrade human honour, and blast the opening prospects of human felicity. In this state of mind, every object appears gloomy? and every employment of life becomes an oppressive burden. They will acquire different views, by entering on a virtuous course of action, and applying to the honourable discharge of the functions of their stations. By the perpetual course of dissipation, in which sensualists are engaged ; by the excesses which they indulge ; by the riotous revel, and the mid- night, or rather morning hours, to which they pro- long their festivity ; they debilitate their bodies, ic ear out their spirits, and cut themselves off from the comforts and duties of life. SECTION 5. Grammar, p. 306. Exercises, p. 166. By what I have already expressed, the reader will perceive the business upon which I am to proceed. May the happy message be applied to us, in all iis virtue, strength, and comfort ! Generosity is a showy virtue, of which many persons are very fond. These arguments were, without hesitation, and with great eagerness, embraced. It is proper to be long in deliberating ; but we should execute speedily. 136 KEY. f Strength. Form your measures with prudence ; but divest yourselves of anxiety about the issue. We are struck, we know not how, with the sym- metry of any thing we see ; and immediately ac- knowledge the beauty of an object, without inquir- ing into the cause of that beauty. With Cicero's writings, these persons are more conversant, than with those of Demosthenes, w r ho, by many degrees, as an orator at least, excelled the other. SECTION 6. Grammar, p. 308. Exercises, p. 166. OUR British gardeners, instead of following na- ture, love to deviate from it as much as possible. Orinstead of humouring, tgc. love to thwart it^c. I have observed of late the style of some great ministers, very much to exceed that of any other writers. The old may inform the young ; and the young may animate the old. The account is generally balanced ; for what we lose on the one hand, we gain on the other. The laughters will be for those who have most wit ; the serious, 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 exposed to flatte- ry on the other. If they receive reproaches which are not due, they likewise receive praises that are not due. He can bribe, but he cannot seduce. He can buy, but he cannot gain. He can lie, but he can- not deceive. He embraced the cause of liberty faintly, and pursued itirresolutely ; he grew tired of it, when he had much to hope ; and gave it up, when he had nothing to fear. Strength. ) PERSPICUITY, &c. 137 There may remain a suspicion that we overrate the greatness of his genius, in the same manner as we overrate the greatness of bodies, thai are dis- proportioned and misshapen. SECTION 7- Grammar, p. S09. Exercises, p. 168. Sobriety of mind suits the present state of man. As supporters of unlawful assemblies, these people were seized and punished. To use the Divine name habitually, and with- out serious consideration, is highly irreverent. From the kindness with which he was at first received, great hopes of success were entertained* They conducted themselves craftily, and en- snared us before we had time to escape. To our confined and humble station it belongs not to censure ; but to submit, trust, and adore. The solace of the mind, under all its labour, is hope ; and there are few situations which exclude It entirely. The humiliation of the mighty, and the fall of ambition from its towering height, little concern the bulk of mankind, Tranquility, order, and magnanimity, dwell with the pious and resigned man. Idleness, ease, and prosperity have a natural tendency to generate folly and vice. By a cheerful, candid, and uniform temper, he -conciliated general favour. We reached the mansion before noon. It was u strong, magnificent, Gothic edifice. I had a long and perilous journey, but a pleas- ing companion, who relieved the fatigue of it. The speech was introduced by a sensible exor> dium, which made a favourable impression. The commons made a warm remonstrance against so arbitrary a requisition, N 2 138 KEY. {Strength. The truly illustrious are they who do not court the praise of the world, but who perform the ac- tions which deserve it. By means of society, our wants are supplied, and our lives are rendered comfortable ; our capa- cities are enlarged, and our virtuous affections call- ed forth into their proper exercise. Life cannot but prove vain to them who affect a disrelish of every pleasure, that is not both ex- quisite and new ; who measure enjoyment, not by their own feelings, but by the standard of fashion ; who think themselves miserable if others do not admire their state. By the experience of distress, an arrogant in- sensibility of temper is most effectually corrected ; as the remembrance of our own sufferings, natural- ly prompts us to feel for others when they suffer. But if Providence has been so kind as not to sub- ject us to much of this discipline in our own lot, let us draw improvement from the harder lot of others. Let us sometimes step aside from the smooth and flowery paths, in which we are permit- ted to walk, in ordertoview the toilsome march of our fellows through the thorny desert. As no one is without his failings, few also are void of amiable qualities. Providence delivered them up to themselves, and they became their own tormentors. From disappointments and trials, we learn the insufficiency of temperal things to happiness : and are taught to seek it in religion and virtue. Figures J PERSPICUITY, &c. 130 CHAP. IV. Corrections of the errors that relate to Figures of Speech. Grammar, p. 315. Exercises, p. 170. No human happiness is so pure as not to con- tain any alloy. There is a time when factions, by their vehe* nience, confound and disable one another. I intend to make use of these words in my fol- lowing speculations. Or in the course of my speculations. Hope, the cheering star of life, darts a ray of light through the thickest gloom. The scheme was highly expensive to him, and proved the gulf of his estate. He was so much skilled in the exercise of the oar, that few could equal him. The death of Cato has, if 1 may be allowed to say so, rendered the Senate an orphan. Let us be careful to suit our sails to the wind and weather ; 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 injxird (The glory of the priesthood and the shame,) Aftewm'dthe wild torrent of a barbarous age, And drove those holy Vandals off the stage. 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 darken ; even the best must own, Patience and resignation are the pillars Of human peace on earth. On the wide sea of letters, 'twas thy boast To crowd eacli sail, and touch at ev'ry coast 2 From that rich deep 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 giist ; and stormy pride ? KEY. fFigure9. Drove thy strong bark^ in evil hour, to split Upon the fatal rock of impious wit 1 Since the time that reason began to exert her powers, 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 flowing. The wheels of the spirit- ual engine have circulated with perpetual motion. The man who has no rule over his own spirit, possesses no defence against dangers of any sort. He lies open to every insurrection of ill-humour, and every invasion of distress. Whereas he who is employed in regulating his mind, is making provision against all the accidents of life. He is erecting a fortress into which, in the day of dan- ger, he can retreat with safety. Tamerlane the Great, writes to Bajazet, empe- ror of the Ottomans, in the following terms, " Where is the monarch who dares resist us ? Where is the potentate who does not glory in be- ing numbered among our attendants? As for thee, ignobly descended, since thy unbounded am- bition has subverted all thy vain expectations, it would be proper, that thou shouldst repress thy temerity, repent of thy perfidy, and become just and sincere in all thy transactions. This will secure to thee a safe and quiet retreat ; and pre- serve thee from falling a victim to that vengeance, which thou hast so highly provoked, and so justly deserved." It is pleasant to be virtuous and good ; because that it is to excel many others : it is pleasant to grow better ; because that it is to excel ourselves : it is pleasant even to mortify and subdue our lusts ; fyecaus that is victory : it is pleasant to command our appetites and passions, and to keep them in due order, within the bounds of reason and relig- ion ; because this is empire* Promiscuous* J PEBSPICUITY, &c. 141 CHAP. V. Corrections of the errors in the chapter of pro* miscuoiis exercises. See Exercises, p. 173. SECTION 1. WHAT is human life to all, but a mixture of some scattered joys and pleasures, with various cares and troubles ? Favours of every kind are doubled, when they are speedily conferred. He that is himself weary, will soon weary the company. He that will have the Tiindness of others, must endure their follies. The first years of man must make provision for the last. Perpetual levity must end in ignorance. In these, and in similar cases, we should, gen- erally, in our alms, suffer no one to be witness, but Him who must see every thing. The neglect of his studies and opportunities of improvement, is tbe ground of his being so badly qualified for the business. Or is the reason that he is so badly, 8fc. That Plutarch wrote the lives of Demosthenes and Cicero at ChjEronea, is clear from his own account. I wish to cultivate a further acquaintance with you. He may make the attempt, but he cannot succeed. No pains were spared by his tutor, to improve him in all useful knowledge. In no scene of her life was Mary's address more remarkably displayed. This w r as the original cause of so barbarous a practice. KEY. {Promiscuous. By a variety of false insinuations, he craftily endeavoured to turn the emperor to his purpose. The beauty displayed in the earth, equals the grandeur conspicuous in the heavens. In the health and vigour,;of the body, and in the flourishing state of worldly fortune, all rejoice. What passes in the hearts of men, is generally invisible to the public eye. Many associations are formed by laws the most arbitrary. These instances will, it is hoped be sufficient to satisfy every reasonable mind. By rules so general and comprehensive as these are, the clearest ideas are conveyed. He determined not to comply with the proposal, unless he should receive a fair compensator There can be no doubt that health is preferable to riches. We believe, said they to their friends, that the perusal of such books has ruined our principles. Or ruined your principles. John's temper greatly indisposed him forgiving instruction* Or -for receiving instruction. Vegetation is constantly advancing, though no eye can trace its gradations. His importunity was the reason of my consent- ing to the measure. I conceived a great regard for him ; and I could not but mourn for the loss of him. Or for the loss he had sustained. He was confined in his own house, by the officer who had apprehended him. Or He was con- fined in the house of the officer, by ichom he had been apprehended. Charlotte, the friend of Amelia, to whom no one imputed blame, was too prompt in hwf vindication. Or in her own vindication. Promiscuous. ) PERSPICUITY, &c. 143 Men who are rich and avaricious, drown them- selves in a spring which might have watered ail around them. I should prefer his being of rather slow parts, than of a bad disposition. As soon as Eugenius undertook the care of a parish, it engrossed his attention. The plan will at once contribute to general con- venience, and to the beauty and elegance of the town. Together with the national debt, the greatest national advantages, are transmitted to succeed- ing generations. Their intimacy had probably commenced in the happier period of their youth and obscurity. His subject is precisely of that kind, which only a daring imagination could have adopted. This emperor conjured the Senate, that the pu- rity of his reign might not be stained fey the blood of even a guilty senator. It is a happy constitution of mind, to be able to view successive objects so steadily, that the more important may never prevent us from doing jus- tice to those which are of less consequence. This activity drew over to Virginia, great num- bers of enterprising men ; who caine either in search of fortune, or of liberty, which was the on- ly compensation for the want of fortune. The erroneous judgment of parents, respecting the conduct of schoolmasters, has paved the way to the ruin of hopeful boys, and disturbed the peace of many an ingenious man, who had engag- ed in the care of youth. SECTION 2. Exercises, p. IT 5. THE Greek is, doubtless, a language much supe- pior, in richness, harmony, and variety, to the Latin, KEY. f Promiscuous Those three great geniiises flourished iu the same period. He has made a judicious adaption of the exam- ples to the rule. This part of knowledge has been always grow- ing, and it will continue to grow, till the subject be exhausted. A boy of twelve years of aye may study these lessons. Or~a boy twelve years old. The servant produced from his late master ai* unexceptionable character. I am surprised that so great a philosopher should spend his time in the pursuit of such chimeras. The ends of a divine, and those of a human leg- islator, are vastly different. Scarcely had the Spirit of Laws" made its appearance, when it was attacked. Or vVa sooner than . His donation was the more acceptable, because it was given without solicitation. Or as it was given, position, 169,177. Exercises, 71 Nouns in this state how to be pointed, 261 See JVbuns. ARRANGEMENT. A skillful arrangement of words and members promotes perspicuity, 152,164, 186,187,288,292 It also promotes the strength of a sentence, 303,308 It conduces to the harmony of language, 311,313 ARTICLE. Its nature, use, and importance, 44,46,167 The article a agrees with nouns in the singular number only : the article the with nouns in both numbers, 166 Omitting or using the article a forms a nice distinction in the sense, 168 When to be omitted, when repeated, 168,169,207,208,276 Article the used as an epithet of distinction, 168 Article the is sometimes used instead of the possessive pronoun, 169 It sometimes governs the participle, 184 INDEX. 155 ARTICULATION. The nature of it explained, 3234 AUXILIARY verbs. Their nature, use, and importance, 71,78,79,85,9599 The same verb is sometimes an auxiliary, sometimes a principal, $7 Their form in the Subjunctive Mood, 90,99,196201 This form exemplified, Exercisesfi5 -88 Key, 5458 Auxiliary and principal constitute but one verb ? 84,85,100,108,109 Auxiliary and principal form a compound tense, 100 The auxiliaries should* would, &c. refer occasionally to present, past, and future time, 83,91,180 AUXILIARY. The auxiliary let governs the objective case, 178 When to be omitted, or repeated, 209,210. Key, 66 Auxiliary words aboundl in English, and in other modern tongues. 119 See Verb. )__ The BIBLE. The present translation of it is the best standard of the English language, 161 DR. BLAIR'S recommendation of the study of grammar and composition, 6,7 (C.) - CADENCE. Its nature, and how to be managed, 238,239 The close of a sentence should not be abrupt or unpleas- ant, 314 CAESURA and demi-ceesura. The nature of these poetical pauses explained. 249,251 CAPITAL letters. Rules respecting the use of them, 272,273 Modes of exercising the student in them, Exercises,l%5 CASE. Only three in English, 53 Mode of forming cases in Latin, not applicable to our language, 54 Reasons in support of an objective case attached to Eng- lish nouns, * 54.56,110 The verb to be has the sqme case before and after it* 177 This rule applies also, if the verb is not expressed, Ex. 71 Passive verbs of naming have the same case before and after them, 178. Exercises, 71 Rules which determine the possessive case, J69 175 jCASE. Rules which determine the objective case, 175-178 The same cases of nouns and pronouns are connected by conjunctions, 194 See Nominative Case. Possessive Case. CASE absolute. See Absolute. CHARACTERS. Particular ones used in composition, 270,--27 156 INDEX* CLAUSE of a sentence explained, CLEARNESS of a sentence. Rules to promote it, viz. The proper position of adverbs, 288 The due position of circumstances, 288 The proper disposition of relatives, &c% 91292 CLIMAX. The nature of this figure, 325 COLON. Directions for using it, 265,266 COMMA. Rules for applying it in all its varieties, 258-264 COMPARISON. Its rules as a figure of speech, ' 321 Comparative members how to be pointed, 261 See Adjectives. CONCORD and government explained, 138 CONJUGATION. See verb. CONJUNCTIONS. Their nature and distinctions, 126.127 Their peculiar use and importance, 128^129 The copulative and disjunctive conjunctions opperate dif- ferently on the verb, 143 146 Their power in determining the mood of verbs, 104,194 In what cases th,ey influence the form pf vprbs, and in what cases they do not, 195 203 Some of them require correspondent conjunctions, 203,204 pften used improperly, both singly and in pair, 204 Different effects of omitting or repeating them, 205,210,301,302 The nature and construction! pf than and but, explained at large, 206. jfag p. 6163 CONJUNCTIVE termination. The instances stated, in which it is to be applied to the verb, 103,198203 CONSONANT. Its precise nature andi divisions, 18,20 CONSONANT. Distinction between its name and nature, is of great importance, 16 How to apply consonants most advantageously, 309,313 See Voivels and Consonants. (D.) DASH. In what cases to be applied, 267 DECLENSION. The noun and pronoun declined, 53,62 But one declension in English, 55 More than one would be useless and improper, 55 DERIVATION. Ways in which words are derived from one another, 130133 Remarks on the system of Home Tooke, 133 Various sources whence the English language is derived, 134136 DISPOSITION of words and members. See Arrangement. ELIPSIS. Its nature and importance, 207 It is frequently unnecessary, 20? JINPEX. 157 It is sometimes improper, 207 The propriety or impropriety of the Ellipsis, 'tfith respect ,to all the parts of speech, 207210 Special cases of improper Ellipsis, 21 1 In what cases Auxiliaries .are to he omitted, or repeated, before the principal verb, Key, 66 EMPHASIS. Nature and necessity of it explained, 231,234 The great regulator of Quantity and sometimes of ac- .cent, 234235 The great rule for managing it, 236 ENGLISH language. Its own idiom and principles, must be observed, 84,85,104,108 5 111 EQUIVALENCE in sense does not imply .similarity in grammatical construction, 72 ETYMOLOGY, 41136 See Article^ Noun, and the other parts f Speech. Etymological and Syntactical parsing, 215223 EXCEPTIONS to .the Second Rule of Syntax, Key, p. 32 EXCLAMATION. Rules for applying the point, 268,269 A figure of Speech, 325 EXERCISES. Of great importance to the student, Ex. 3,4 Promiscuous Exercises in Orthography, Ex. 36. Key, 5 in Syntax, Ex. 98. Key, 69 in Punctuation, Ex. 128. Key, 100 -in Perspicuity, EiX. 173. Key, 141 See Grammatical Exercises, |JF\) FEET. See Poetical Feet. FIGURES of speech. Their nature and use, and the rules for applying them properly, 315,325 FINITE verbs. Their nature as distinguished from verbs in the infinitive mood, 137 FRENCHidioms. Some of them imitated in English, 152,169 Some of them to be .avoided, 168,176,188,275 (G.) GENDER. Three methods, in English, of dis- tinguishing the sex, 48,49 GENITIVE case. Its meaning, 53 GENITIVE case. The double genitive in what cases al- lowable, 173,174 See Possessive Case. GRAMMAR. Its utility and importance, 6 The philosophy of grammar recommended, 4 The grammar of other languages, and the sentiments of various English grammarians, occasionally noticed, 4 The grammatical discussions, dispersed through the book, peculiarly useful to students, 8 Objections to the system. See Objections* 158 INDEX. GRAMMATICAL exercises. Their use and importance, Exercises, 3,4 Vulgar and glaring errors totally improper, for such a work, Exercises, 7 They should be introduced into the earliest stages of grammatical studies ^Reasons for this opinion, Ex. 8 Particular directions for using them, Exercises, 10,13 GREEK and Latin. When to be imitated, when to be deviat- ed from in the English construction, 54585,88,104,109 111 vH".) U, Particular attention due to the sound of this letter, 16,25,44 HARMONY of words and members promotes the strength of a sentence, 309344 Rules to promote harmony in words themselves, 310 Rules to promote the harmony of words, with respect to one another, 312 Rules to promote harmony, with regard to the members of sentences, 313 Sense should not be sacrificed to sound, 514 Poetical harmony its principles, 252 254 HYPHEN. When to be used, an whei> to be omitted, be- tween two nouns, 166 Its general nature and use, 270 (/.) - -IDIOMS of other languages n^ay be adopted ; but with proper limitations, 85,104,1 10,1 11 IMPERATIVE mood. See Mood. JMPERSONAL verbs. See Verb*. INFINITIVE mood. See Moods. INNOVATIONS in some parts of English grammar are easi- ly made, 8,86,88 They should be admitted with caution, 8,86,88 INSTRUCTION, moral and religious, should be occasion- ally blended with the elements of learning, 7. Ex. 5,6 INTERJECTION. Its nature and extent, 43,44,129,130 When to be omitted, or repeated, 2}0. The Key, 67 Rules of Syntax respecting it, 152,214 INTERROGATION. What case follows it, 154 Sentences eontpning it parsed, Rules for applying the point, 267,268 Sometimes used as a figure of speech, 324 INTERROGATIVE, See pronoun and subsequent. IRREGULAR. See Verb. KEY, The, use of this Key to private learners, Ex. 5 Advantages of the mode of forming it, Exercises, 5 INDEX. 159 (.) LEARNING. Its elements should be occasionally blended with moral and religious instruction, 7. Ex. 5,6 Its happiest application, 327,328 LETTERS. See Vowels and Consonants. Several letters in the English alphabet superfluous, 17 (#/.) MEANS. The phrases this means and that means vin^ dicated, 156, 160 MELODY, harmony, and expression, with regard to versi- fication, 251,256 As they regard Prose. See Harmony* MEMBER of a sentence distinguished from & Clause, 137 Members how to be pointed, 58,261,262 See Arrangement and Sentences. METAPHOR. The nature of it Rules to be observed in using it, 317,319 METONYMY. The nature of this figure of speech, 322 MOODS. Their nature and variety explained, 74,75 The extent and limitation of English Moods> 79,104,105 The Potential mood in English supported, 78,79 The Potential mood furnished with four tenses, 91 The Potential converted into the subjunctive, 92 *The Subjunctive mood when, and how, varied in its form the Indicative, ^ 89*90,99,103,202 'The existence of a subjunctive mood, in English proved, 103,104,202 Various opinions of grammarians, respecting the existence, nature, and extent, of the English Subjunctive mood, 202,203 In what cases conjunctions require the Subjunctive mood, 195.200 When contingency and futurity concur, the termination of the verb is varied, 198,200 Indicative mood different from the Potential, 78,79 Indicative different from the Subjunctive, 79,90,1033203 Infinitive mood. Its great simplicity, 75,76 MOOD. How it is governed and applied, 179 The sign to is often misapplied, 179 When the present, and when the perfect, of the infinitive is to be used, 180,183. J%, 44,45 This point exemplified, Exercises, 73,74. Key, 42,44 . The infinitive mood often made absolute, 179 How it is to be pointed, 261 Imperative mood, variously applied, 74,78,138 Extent of the Imperative, strictly considered, 88,223 A verb in this mood is not affirmative, 72 The same moods connected by conjunctions, 194,195 160 INDEX; MOVEMENT and measure, how distinguished, 49 MULTITUDE. Nouns of this kind operate variously on the verb, 147 (yV.) NATIONS. Different nations have used various contrivances to mark the moods, tenses, and cases, 54,104,109,110,119 NEGATIVES. Two in English form an affirmative, 189 Two of them are often used, instead of one, 189 This point elucidated, Exercises, 80,81. Key, 50 NEUTER pronoun it, very variously applied, 152,153 NEUTER verb. See verb. NOMINATIVE case. Its nature explained, 53 It follows the verb, in interrogative and imperative sen- tences, 138 It agrees with the verb, in number and person, 139 The infinitive mood, or part of a sentence, is often the nominative case to a verb, 139 Every verb has a nominative case, except, &c. 140 Every nominative belongs to some verb, except, &c. 140 NOMINATIVE case. In certain circumstances, a verb be- tween two nouns, may have either for its nominative, 141 A nominative before a participle, &c. forms the case abso- lute, 141 The 1 nominative is commonly placed before the verb in what cases after it, 141,142 In the phrases as follows, as appears, what are the nom- inatives to the verbs, 142 The nominative to the verb is sometimes not easily as- certained, 144.145 In what instance is the relative the nominative to the verb, 153 When there are two nominatives of different persons, to which should the verb apply, 155 Rules for pointing the nominative, 258,263 See Case. NOUNS. Their nature and divisions, 46,47 Three modes of distinguishing their gender, 48,49 But few in English, with variable terminations, 50 The number of nouns how formed, 50,52 English nouns have but three cases, 53,56 Two successive nouns in the possessive case to be avoid- ed, Nouns are often formed by participles, They are often derived from verbs and adjectives, Singular nouns joined by a copulative, require their verbs, &c. to be in the plural number, INDEX. Tliis required even when the nouns are nearly related, 144 Cases of difficulty stated, and resolved, 144,145 When the nouns are of different persons, which is to be preferred, 146 Singular nouns connected by a disjunctive, require the verb, c. to be in the singular number, 146 When the disjunctive noun and pronoun are of different persons, the verb agrees with the nearer, 146 NOUNS. A disjunctive between a singular and plural noun, requires the verb to be plural, 147 Nouns of multitude sometimes require a singular verb,' sometimes a plural one, 147 This point exemplified, Exercise*^ 55,56. Key, 24 One noun governs another in the possessive case, 169 If the nouns signify the same thing, there is no variation of case, 169 The nouns are then in apposition^ 1 69 This construction changed by a relative and verb, 169 Rules for applying, or omitting, the sign of the possessive case, 170,173,174 The preposition of is frequently preferred to the sign of the possessive case, 173,174 A noun maybe formed by th0 article and participle, and by the pronoun and participle, 183,185 In what cases the noun is omitted, in what repeated, 208 How to be pointed, 25 9,261, 262 See Case. Declension. NUMBER. The nature of it shown, 50 How the plural number of nouns is formed, 50,51 Applicable to nouns, pronouns, and verbs, 50,61,73 (0.) OBJECTIONS. Most of those made to this system of grammar answered, 8 OBJECTIVE case. See Case. OBSCURITY. It arises from a wrong choice of words, 277281 And from a wrong arrangement of them, 287 392 Three chief causes of writing obscurely, 280 OPPOSITION. Words opposed how to be pointed, 261 Sentiments opposed how to be expressed, 308 ORDER of words and members. See Arrangement. ORTHOGRAPHY, 1340 Far from being uniform, in English, 40 Rules for forming primitive and derivative words, 37 4f) The orthography of Dr. Johnson not to be altered on slight grounds, 40 See Alphabet, Syllables, Vowels and Consonants. yiil constitute a distinct mood of the verb, 103,104 When proper in the auxiliaries of the verb, 197,292 VERB. How divided The division justified, 70 Distinction between active and neuter verbs, 71 The true nature of the English verb explained and vindi- cated, 71,73,108,111 A few terminations of the English verb, are sufficient for every purpose, 73,74 Conjugation explained, 86 The advantage to the student of conjugating the verb in all its tenses, 90 The peculiar uses of conjugating the active verb with the present participle and verb to be, 102 Mode of conjugating a passive verb, 105 Observations on passive verbs, 108,111 The conjugation of an English verb at large, is a regular and beautiful exhibition, 110 A comprehensive list of irregular verbs, 111,116 Particular contractions 4" obsolete words to be avoided, 117 When the regular or the irregular verb is to be preferred,! 17 Defective verbs. Their nature A list of them, 117 But one conjugation of English verbs, and why, 118 Impersonal verbs. None in the language, 118 VERB. Advantages and disadvantages of the mode of con- jugating the English verb, 119 The phrases as follows^ as appears, form what are called impersonal verbs, 142 Peculiar cases of difficulty in determining whether the verb is to be in the singular, or in the plural number, 144,145 Active verbs govern the objective case, 175 Neuter verbs govern no case, 175,176 Irregular practice of writers, in using certain neuter verbs as if they were active, 176 Active verbs sometimes improperly made neuter, 176 The neuter verb is generally varied like the active, but sometimes it admits the passive form, 108,176,177 f he verb to freis a conductor of cases, 177. Exercises, 71 168 Passive verbs of naming, their construction, 178 One verb governs another in the Infinitive, 178 The irfinitive is often improperly used, 178,179 Verbs expressive of hope, desire, #c. are invariably follow- ed by the present of the Infinitive, 181 In what cases the form of the verb is influenced by a con- junction 5 in what cases it is not, 195 202 When the verb should be omitted, when repeated, 209,210. Key, 66 How it should be pointed, 260,263 See Mood, Tense, Number, Person, Participle, Auxil- iary and Nominative Case. VERSE. Distinction between verse and prose, 250 Trochaic, Iambic, and other verses explained^ 243 Their different effects exhibited, 244 249 VERSIFICATION. Its constituents and rules, 241256 VOWELS and Consonants. A minute scale of them, 1517 Their peculiar & various sounds explained 8c exemplified, 21--31 VOWELS and Consonants. Importance of being able to pronounce them accurately, 17,34 Vowels give softness, consonants strength, to words. 310 See Consonant. { FF.)--W shown to be sometimes a vowel, sometimes a conso- nant, 18,30,11 WORDS. Number of them in the English language, 118 ^The same word often forms different parts of speech, 64,120 This point exemplified, Exercises, 9,10 [126,127 Rules for spelling them, 37 40 Three capital faults in using them, 282 Redundant words and members to be pruned, 297 300 The little words, but, and, or, then, {c. are frequently of the greatest importance, 300 303 The chief word or words of a sentence, how to be placed, 303,306 W T ords and phrases related in point of time, 179 183 WRITING unintelligibly. The principal causes of it enum- erated, 280 (X.) X, this letter does not represent a simple sound, 17 It has three distinct sounds, 30,31. It is a Semi-vowel, 19 (F.)-rr-Y, in some situations, is a vowel, iu others a consonant, 18,30,31 It represents a simple sound, 16,31 (#.) Z, is a Semi-vowel, 19. It has the flat sound of s, 31 N. B. The figures which are not accompanied by the name of any book, refer to the duodecimo edition of the Grammar. -FINIS.- 04443 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY