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 Q<J SYNTAX. 35
Beware of drunkenness : it impairs the under-
standing ; wastes the estate ; destroys reputation ;
consumes the body ; and renders a man of the
brightest parts a common jest of the meanest clown*
He is a much better writer than reader.
The king has conferred on him the title of duke.
There are some evils of life, which equally af-
fect the prince and the people.
We must act our part with constancy, though
the reward of our constancy be distant.
We are placed here under the trial of our virtue.
Virtues like his are not easily acquired. Such
qualities honour the nature of man.
Purity has its seat in the heart ; but extends its
influence over so much of the outward conduct* as
to form a great and material part of the character.
A profligate man is seldom or never found to be
a good husband, a good father, or a beneficent
neighbor.
True charity is not a meteor, which occasionaly
glares ; but a luminary, which, in its orderly and
regular course, dispenses a benignant influence.
The following sentences exemplify the notes and
observations under RULE ix.
Grammar, p. 168. Exercises, p. 67.
1. He has been much censured for conducting
himself with little attention to his business.
So bold a breach of order, called for a little se r
verity in punishing the offender.
His error was accompanied with so little contri-
tion and candid acknowledgment, that he found
few persons to intercede for him.
There were so many mitigating circumstances
attending his misconduct, particularly that of his
open confession, that he found a few friends who
were disposed to interest themselves in his favour.
As his misfortunes were the fruit of Ms own ob*
stinacy, few persons pitied him*
39 KEY.
2. The fear of shame, and the desire of appro-
bation, prevent many bad actions.
In this business he was influenced by a just and
a generous principle.
He was fired with the desire of doing some-
thing, though he knew not yet, with distinctness,
either the end or the means,
3. At the worst, I could but incur a gentle repri-
mand,
At the best, his gift was but a poor offering,
when we consider his estate,
RULE x.
Grammar, p. 169. Exercises, p. 67.
My ancestor's virtue is not mine.
His brother's offence \vill not condemn him.
I will not destroy the city for ten's sake.
Nevertheless, .Asa's heart was perfect with the
Lord.
A mother's tenderness and a father's care, are
nature's gifts for man's advantage.
A man's manners frequently influence his fortune,
Wisdom's precepts form the good man's inter-
est and happiness.
They slew Varus, him that was mentioned before.
They slew Varus, who was he that I mention -
ed before.
The following examples are adapted to the notes
and observations under RUJ.E x.
Grammar, p. 170. Exercises, p. 68.
i. It was the men, women, and children's lot, to
suffer great calamities. Or It was the lot of, &c.
Peter, John, and Andrew's occupation, was that
of fishermen. OrThe occupation of Peter, &c.
This measure gained the king's as w r ell as the
people's approbation.
Not only the counsel & attorney's, but the judge's,
opinion also favoured his cause. Or counsel and
attorney's opinion, but the judge's ylso ; &c.
Rule iQ.J SYNTAX. 87
g. And he cast himself down at Jesus' s feet.
Moses's rod was turned into a serpent.
For Herodias's sake, his brother Philip's wife.
If ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye.
Ye should be subject for conscience' sake.
3. They very justly condemned the senseless and
extravagant conduct of the prodigal, as he was called.
They implicitly obeyed the imperious mandates
of him whom they called their protector.
4. I bought the knives at Johnson's, the cutler.
The silk was purchased at Brown's the mercer
and haberdasher,
The tent of lord Feversham the general,
This palace had been the grand sultan Mahomet's,
I will not for David thy father's sake.
He took refuge at the governor's, the king's rep-
resentative,
Whose works are these? They are Cicero's,
the most eloquent of men.
5. The government of the world is not left to
chance.
She married the brother of my son's wife. Or t
my son's brother-in-law.
This house belongs to the partner of my wife's
brother.
It was necessary to have the advice both of the
physician and the surgeon.
The extent of the king of England's preroga-
tive is sufficiently ascertained.
6. This picture of the king does not much re-
semble him.
These pictures of the king's were sent to him from
Italy. Qr-Thesepicturesbelongingto the king, &c.
This estate of the corporation is much encum-
bered.
That is the eldest son of the king of England.
Or >TAe 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<iv ; n in the second, " None was present^
but he was present ;" in the third, " More persons than they
were, saw the action." or, " More than these persons ivere^
saw the action;*' in the fourth, ^ The secret was communi-
cated to more persons than to him ;" in the fifth, " This trado
enriched some people more than it enriched them." The
supply of the ellipsis certamly gives an uncouth appearance
to these sentences : but this circumstance forms no solid ob-
jection to the truth of the principle for which we contend..
Most of the idiom* in a language could not be literally ac-
counted for, but by very awkward modes of expression.
If the rule which has been recommended, effectually an~
swers the purpose of ascertaining the cases of nouns and pro >
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, *<?.
Grammar, p. 265. Exercises, p. 123.
THE three great enemies to tranqnility, are vice,
superstition^ and idleness : vice, which poisons
and disturbs the mind with bad passions ; super-
stition, which fills it with imaginary terrors ; idle-
ness, which loads it with tedionsness and disgust.
To sail on the tranquil surface of an unruflecl
lake, and to steer a safe course through a troub-
led and stormy ocean, require different talents ;
and, alas ! human life oftener resembles the stormy
ocean, than the minified lake.
When we look forward to the year which is be-
ginning, what do we behold there ? All, my bre-
thren, is a blank to our view : a dark unknown
presents itself.
Happy would the poor man think himself, if he
could enter on all the treasures of the rich : and
happy for a short time he might be : but before he
had long contemplated and admired his state, his
possessions would seem to lessen, and his cares
would grow.
By doing, or at least endeavouring to do, our
duty to God and man ; by acquiring an humble
trust in the mercy and favour of God, through Je-
sus Christ; by cultivating our minds, and properly
employing our time ai|d thoughts ; by governing
our passions and our temper ; by correcting all un-
reasonable expectations from the world, and from
men ; and, in the midst of worldly business, ha-
bituating ourselves to calm retreat and serious re-
flection : by such means as these, it may be hoped,
that, through the Divine blessing, our days shall
flow in a stream as unruffled as the human state
admits.
Period, 8[c.J PUNCTUATION. 97
A Metaphor is a comparison, expressed in an
abridged form, but without any of the words that
denote comparison : as, " To th6 upright there
ariseth light in darkness."
All our conduct towards men, should be influ-
enced by this important precept : " Do unto
others, as you would that others should do unto
you."
Philip III. king of Spain, when he drew near
the end of his days, seriously reflecting on his past
life, and greatly affected with the remembrance of
his mispent time, expressed his deep regret in
these terms : " Ah ! how happy would it have
been for me, had I spent, in retirement, these
twenty-three years, that J have possessed my
kingdom !"
Often is the smile of gaiety assumed, whilst
the heart aches within : though folly may laugh,
guilt will sting.
There is no mortal truly wise and restless at
once : wisdom is the repose of minds.
CHAR IV.
Containing insertians of the Period, 8{c.
Grammar, p. 266. Exercises, p. 125.
THE absence of evil is a real good. Peace,
quiet, exemption from pain, should be a continual
feast.
Worldly happiness ever tends to destroy itself
by corrupting the heart. It fosters the loose and
the violent passions. It engenders noxious hab-
its ; and taints the mind with false delicacy, which
makes it feel a thousand unreal evils.
Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked,
98 KEY. {Period, %'c.
comforting the afflicted, yield more pleasure than we
receive from those actions which respect only our-
selves. Benevolence may, in this view, be termed
the most refined self-love.
The resources of virtue remain entire, when the
days of trouble come, They remain with us in
sickness, as in health } in poverty, as in the midst
of riches ; in our dark and solitary hours, no less
than when surrounded with friends and cheerful
society. The mind of a good man is a kingdom
to him, and he can always enjoy it.
TVe ruin the happiness of life, when we attempt
to raise it too high. A tolerable and comfortable
state, is all that \ve c^n propose to ourselves on
earth. Peace and contentment, not bliss, nor
transport, are the full portion of man, Perfect
joy is reserved for heaven,
If we look around us, we shall perceive that
the whole universe is full of active powers. Ac^
tion is indeed the genius of nature, By motion
and exertion, the system of being is preserved in
vigour. By its different parts always acting in sub-
ordination one to another, the perfection of the
whole is carried on. The heavenly bodies per-
petually revolve. Day and night incessantly re-
peat their appointed course, Continual operations
are going on in the earth, and in the waters. No-
thing stands still.
Constantine the Great, was advanced to the sole
dominion of the Roman World, A. D. 325 ; and
soon after openly professed the Christian faith.
The letter concludes with this remarkable
Postcript : " P. S. Though I am innocent of the
charge, and have been bitterly persecuted, yet I
cordially forgive my enemies and persecutors."
The last edition of that valuable work, was
carefully compared with the Original MS,
Interrogation, c.J PUNCTUATION, 39
CHAP. V.
Containing applications of the Dash ; of the
Notes of Interrogation and Exclamation ; and
of the Parenthetical characters.
Grammar, p. 267. Exercises, p. 126.
BEAUTY and strength, combined with virtue
and piety, how lovely in the sight of men ! how
pleasing to Heaven ! peculiarly pleasing, because
with every temptation to deviate, they voluntarily
walk in the path of duty.
Something there is more needful than expense ;
And something previous e'en to taste 5 tis sense.
66 Pll live to-morrow," will a wise man say ?
To-morrow is too late : then live to-day.
Gripus has long been ardently endeavouring to
fill his chest : and lo ! it is now full. Is he happy ?
and does he use it ? Does he gratefully think of
the Giver of all good things ? Does he distribute
to the poor ? Alas ! these interests have no place
in his breast.
What is there in all the pomp of the world, the
enjoyments of luxury, the gratification of passion,
comparable to the tranquil delight of a good con-
science.
To lie down on the pillow, after a day spent in
temperance, in beneficence, and in piety, how
sweet is it !
We wait till to-morrow to be happy : alas !
why not to-day ? Shall we be yeunger ? Are we
sure we shall be healthier ? Will our passions be-
come feebler, and our love of the world less ?
What shadow can be more vain than the life of a
great part of mankind ? Of all that eager and bust-
ling crowd which we behold on earth, how few
discover the path of true happiness ! how few can
we find whose activity has not been misemployed,
100 KEY. f Promiscuous.
and whose course terminates not in confessions of
disappointment !
On the one hand, are the divine approbation,
and immortal honour; on the other, (remember
and beware,) are the stings of conscience, and end-
less infamy.
As, in riper years, all unseasonable returns to
the levity of youth ought to be avoided, (an admo-
nition which equally belongs to both sexes,) still
more are we to guard against those intemperate
indulgences of pleasure, to which the young are
unhappily prone.
The bliss of man, (could pride that blessing find,)
Is not to act or think beyond mankind.
Or why so long (in life if long can be)
Lent Heav'n a parent to the poor and me ?
CHAP. VI.
Corrections of the promiscuous instances of de-
fective Punctuation.
SECTION 1.
Exercises, p. 128.
WHEN Socrates was asked, what man approach-
ed the nearest to perfect happiness, he answered :
< : That man who has the fewest w 7 ant)S."
She who studies her glass, neglects her heart.
Between passion and lying, there is not a fin-
ger's breadth.
The freer we feel ourselves in the presence of
others, the more free are they : he who is free,
makes free.
Addison has remarked, with equal piety and
truth, " that the creation is a perpetual feast to the
mind of a good man."
Promiscuous, j PUNCTUATION. 101
He who shuts out all evasion when he promises,
loves truth.
The laurels of the warrior are dyed in blood ;
and bedewed with the tears pj? jthe ; widow aind; the
orphan,
Between fame and true^itfriouxy i 1 djstiflctiioh (s
to be made. The former is a loud and noisy ap-
plause ; the latter, a more silent and internal "hom-
age. Fame floats on the breath of the multitude :
honour rests on the judgment of the thinking*
Fame may give praise, while it withholds esteem :
true honour implies esteem mingled with respect.
The one regards particular distinguished talents :
the other looks up to the whole character.
There is a certain species of religion, (if we can
give it that name,) which is placed wholly in spec-
ulation and belief; in the regularity of external
homage ; or in fiery zeal about contested opinions.
Xenophanes, who was reproached with being
timorous, because he would not venture his money
in a game at dice, made this manly and sensible
reply : " I confess I am exceedingly timorous ; for
I dare not commit an evil action. "
He loves nobly, (I speak of friendship,) who is
not jealous, when he has partners of love.
Our happiness consists in the pursuit, much
more than in the uttainment, of any temporal good*
Let me repeat it ; he only is great who has
the habits of greatness.
Prosopopoeia, or personification, is a rhetorical
figure, by which we attribute life and action to in-
animate objects : as, " The ground thirsts for
rain 5" " The earth smiles with plenty. "
The proper and rational conduct of men, with
regard to futurity, is regulated by two considera-
tions : first, that much of what it contains, must re-
main to us absolutely unknown ; next ; that there
K 2
102 KEY. f Promiscuous.
are also some events in it which may be certainly
known and foreseen.
The gardens of the world produce only decidu-
ous flowers. Fdr&fiftial ones must be sought in
the delightful regions above. Roses without
tlterhs 'arts the growth of paradise alone.
How many rules and maxims of life might be
spared, could we fix a principle of virtue within ;
and inscribe the living sentiment of the love of
God in the affections ! He who loves righteous-
ness, is master of all the distinctions in morality.
He who, from the benignity of his nature, erect-
ed this world for the abode of men ; he who fur-
nished it so richly for our accommodation, and
stored it with so much beauty for our entertain-
ment ; he who, since first we entered into life, hath
followed us with such a variety of mercies : this
amiable and beneficent Being, surely can have no
pleasure in our disappointment and distress. He
knows our frame ; he remembers we are dust ; and
looks to frail man, w r e are assured, with such pity
as a father beareth to his children.
One of the first lessons, both of religion and of
wisdom, is, to moderate our expectations and
hopes ; and not to set forth on the voyage of life,
like men who expect to be always carried forward
with a favourable gale. Let us be satisfied if the
path w r e tread be easy and smooth, though it be not
strewed with flowers.
Providence never intended, that the art of living
happily in this world should depend on that deep
penetration, that acute sagacity, and those re-
finements of thought, which few possess. It has
dealt more graciously with us ; and made happi-
ness depend on uprightness of intention, much
more than on extent of capacity.
Most of our passions flatter us in their rise. But
their beginnings are treacherous ; their growth is
Promiscuous. J PUNCTUATION, 103
imperceptible ; and the evils which they carry in
their train, lie concealed, until their dominion is
established. What Solomon sqys of one of them,
holds true of them all, " that .ttteir, beginning is as
when one letteth out water. ; " It issues from a small
chink, which once might have b^en ^ksify atpppe.s!.;
but being neglected, it is soon widened by the
stream ; till the bank is at last totally thrown down,
and the flood is at liberty to deluge the whole plain.
Prosperity debilitates, instead of strengthening
the mind. Its most common effect is, to create aa
extreme sensibility to the slightest wound. It fo-
ments impatient desires ; and raises expectations
which no success can satisfy. It fosters a false del-
icacy, which sickens in the midst of indulgence.
By repeated gratification, it blunts the feelings of
men to what is pleasing ; and leaves them unhap-
pily acute to whatever is uneasy. Hence, the gale
which another w r ould scarcely feel, is, to the pros-
perous, a rude tempest. Hence, the rose-leaf
doubled below them on the coach, as it is told of
the effeminate Sybarite, breaks their rest. Hence,
the disrespect shown by Mordecai, preyed with
such violence on the heart of Haman.
Anxiety is the poison of human life. It is the
parent of many sins, and of more miseries. In a
world where every thing is so doubtful ; w r here
we may succeed in our wish, and be miserable ;
where we may be disappointed, and be blessed in
the disappointment ; what mean this restless stir
and commotion of mind ? Can our solicitude alter
the course, or unravel the intricacy, of human
events? Can our curiosity pierce through the
cloud, which the Supreme Being hath made im-
penetrable to mortal eye ?
No situation is so remote, and no station so un-
favourable, as to preclude access to the happiness
of a future state. A road is opened by the Divine
KEY. f Promiscuous.
Spirit to those blissful habitations, from all cor-
ners of the earth, and from all conditions of human
life ; from the peopled city, and from the solitary
desert^ from t|ie cottages of the poor, and from
the palaces of lyings ; from the dwellings of ignor -
a&ce^d /dwpliciiy, and from the regions of sci-
enfce and improvement.
The scenes which present themselves, at our en-
tering upon the world, are commonly flattering.
Whatever they be in themselves, the lively spirits
of the young gild every opening prospect. The
field of hope appears to stretch wide before them.
Pleasure seems to put forth its blossoms on every
side. Impelled by desire, forward they rush with
inconsiderate ardour ; prompt to decide, and to
choose ; averse to hesitate, or to inquire ; credu-
lous, because untaught by experience ; rash, be-
cause unacquainted with danger ; headstrong, be-
cause unsubdued by disappointment. Hence arise
the perils to which they are exposed ; and which
too often, from want of attention to faithful admo-
nition, precipitate them into ruin irretrievable.
By the unhappy excesses of irregular pleasure
in youth, how many amiable dispositions are cor-
rupted or destroyed ! How many rising capacities
stud powers are suppressed ! How many flattering
hopes of parents and friends are totally extinguish-
ed ! Who but must drop a tear over human nature,
when he beholds that morning which arose so
bright, overcast with such untimely darkness; that
sweetness of temper W'hich once engaged many
hearts, that modesty which was so prepossessing,
those abilities which promised extensive useful-
ness, ull sacrificed at the shrine of low sensuality :
and one who was formed for passing through life,
in the midst of public esteem, cut off by his vices
at the beginning of his course ; or sunk, for the
whole of it^ into insignificance and contempt?
Promiscuous. ) PUNCTUATION. 105
These, O sinful Pleasure ! are thy trophies. It is
thus that, co-operating with the foe of God and
man, thou degradest human honour, and blastest
the opening prospects of human felicity*
SECTION %.
EXAMPLES IN POETRY,
Exercises, p. 133.
Where thy true treasure ? Gold says, " Not in me a ^
And " Not in me," the Di'mond. 'Gold is poor.
The scenes of 6us*ness tell us what are men 5
The scenes of pleasure what is all beside.
Wo then apart, (if wo apart can be
From mortal man,) and fortune at our nod,
The gay, rich, reat, triumphant, and august,
What are they ? The most happy (strange to say ! )
Convince me most of human misery.
All this dread order break for whom ? for thee ?
Vile worm ! madness ! pride ! impiety !
Man* like the generous vine* sunnnrfprl lives ;
The strength he gains, is from th 3 embrace he gives,
Know, Nature's children all divide her care:
The fur that warms a monarch, warm'd a bear.
While man exclaims, " See all things for my use I"
" See man for mine," replies a pamper d goose.
And just as short of reason he must fall,
Who thinks ail made for one, not one for all.
IV Almighty, from his throne, on earth surveys
Naught greater than an honest, humble heart $
An humble heart his residence pronounc'd,
His second seat.
Bliss there is none, but unprecarious bliss.
That is the gem : sell all and purchase that.
Why go a begging to contingencies,
Notgain'd with ease, nor safely lov'd, if gain'd ?
There is a time, when toil must be preferred.
Or joy, by mistim'd fondness, is undone,
man of pleasure is a man of pains.
A man
106 KEY. {Promiscuous.
Thus nature gives us (let it check our pride)
The virtue nearest to our vice allied.
See the sole bliss Heav'n could on all bestow :
Which who but feels can taste, but thinks can know t
Yet poor with fortune, and with learning blind,
The bad must miss ; the good untaught will find*
Whatever is, is right.' This world, 'tis true,
Was made for Caesar, but for Titus too.
And which more bless'd ? who chained hi^ country, say>
Or he whose virtue sigh'd to lose a day ?
The first sure symptom of a mind in health,
Is rest of heart/ and pleasure felt at home*
True happiness resides in things unseen.
No smiles of fortune ever bless the bad ;
Nor can her frowns rob innocence of joy*
Oh the dark days of vanity ! while here,
How 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, <Sfc.
This subject is an unwelcome intruder, affording
an uneasy sensation, and always bringing with it
a mixture of concern and compassion.
He accordingly draws out his forces, and offers
battle to Hiero, who immediately accepts it.
James lay late in bed yesterday ; and this morn-
ing he lies still later.
The reason of this strange proceeding, will be
explained when I make my defence.
I have often observed him, and this is his mode
of proceeding : he first enjoins silence ; and then,
&c.
Not having known or considered the subject,
he made a crude decision.
All of them were deceived by his fair pretences,
of them lost their property,
Promiscuous. J PERSPICUITY, &<% 145
It is more than a year since I left school.
He was guilty of conduct so atrocious, that he
was entirely deserted by his friends.
No other employment than that of a bookseller,
suited his taste. Or No employment but that of
a bookseller, &c.
By this I am instructed; and by that I am hon-
oured.
I pleaded that I was sincere ; and, after some
time, he assented to the truth of it ; by which I en-
tirely escaped punishment.
To this I am the more disposed, as it will serve
to illustrate the principles above advanced.
From what I have said, you will readily per-
ceive the subject on which I am to proceed.
These are points too trivial to be noticed. They
are objects with which I am totally unacquainted.
The nearer that men approach to each other, the
more numerous are their points of contact, and
the greater will, be their pleasures or their pains.
Thus I have endeavoured to render the subject
more intelligible.
This is the most useful art which men possess.
In dividing their subjects, the French writers of
sermons study neatness.
There is not more beauty in one of them than in
another.
SECTION 3.
Exercises, p. 177.
STUDY to unite gentleness of manners with firm-
ness of principle, affable behaviour with untainted
inteeritv.
o /
In that work, we are frequently interrupted by
unnatural thoughts.
If we except one or two expressions, the com-
position is not liable to censure,
O
146 KEY. f Promiscuous
To answer his purpose effectually, he selected a
very moving story.
I am not able to discover whether these points
are in any manner connected.
These are arguments which cannot be refuted
by all the cavils of infidelity.
I was much inclined to reply to this matter.
I hope that I shall not be troubled in future, OH
this, or any similar occasion.
It is difficult to unite copiousness with precision*
Let us consider the proper means to effect our
purpose.
We must pay attention to what precedes, and
what immediately follows.
The more this track is pursued, and the more
eloquence is studied, the letter we shall be guar-
ded against a false taste.
True believers of every denomination compose
the church of God.
This is the substance of what hzis been said on
the subject.
A perfect union of wit and judgment, is one of
the rarest things that occur.
Praise, like gold and diamonds, owes its value
only to its scarcity.
Intemperance, though it may fire the spirits for
an hour, will make life short or miserable.
From the errors of their education, all their
miseries have proceeded.
The disinterestedness of their conduct produ-
ced general abmiration.
I viewed the habitation of my departed friend.
Venerable shade ! I gave thee a tear then : accept
of one cordial drop that falls to thy memory now.
We are here to-day ; and gone to-morrow.
This author is more remarkable for strength of
sentiment, than for harmony of language.
Many persons are more delighted with correct
Promiscuous.} PERSPICUITY, &c.
and elegant language, than with important senti-
ments and accurate reasoning.
I feel myself grateful to my friend, for all the
instances of kindness, which he has manifested to
me. Or -for all Ms proofs of kindness.
It is not from this world that any ray of com-
fort c&n proceed, to cheer the gloom of the last hour.
SECTION 4.
Exercises, p. 179.
IT is dangerous for mortal beauty, or terrestrial
virtue, to be examined by too strong a light.
Beautiful women seldom possess any great ac-
complishment of mind, because they, for the most
party study behaviour rather than solid excellence.
To fret and repine at every disappointment of
vur wishes, is to discover the temper of froward
children, not of men, far less of Christians.
It is decreed by Providence, that nothing truly
valuable shall be obtained in our present state,
but with difficulty and danger,
Labour necessarily requires pauses of ease and
relaxation ; and the deliciousness of ease com-
monly makes us unwilling to return to labour*
Nothing can be great which is not right ; nothing
which reason condemns, can be suitable to the dig-
nity of the human mind.
In youth, we have warm hopes, which are soon
blasted by rashness and great designs, which are
defeated by inexperience,
To the children of idleness, the haunts of dissi-
pation open many a wide and inviting gate, by
night and by day.
True virtue must form one complete and entire
system. All its parts are connected ; piety with
morality, charity with justice, benevolence with
temperance and fortitude,
KEY. {Promiscuous.
Dissimulation degrades parts and learning ; 06-
scures the lustre of every accomplishment ; and
sinks us into universal contempt.
Positive as you now are in your opinions, and
confident in your assertions, be assured that the
time approaches, when both men and things will
appear to you in a different light.
In this age of dissipation and luxury, how ma-
ny avenues are constantly open that lead to the
temple of folly ?
By extravagance and idleness, and the vain am-
lition of emulating others in the splendid show of
life, may run into expense beyond their fortune.
Objects are distinguished from each other by
their qualities : they are separated by the dis-
tance of time or place.
Clarendon, being a man of extensive capacity,
stored his mind with a variety of ideas ; which
circumstance contributed to the successful exer-
tion of his vigorous abilities.
SECTION 5.
Exercises, p. 180.
The highest degree of reverence should be paid
io youth ; and nothing indecent should be suffered
to approach their eyes or ears.
He who is blessed with a clear conscience, en*
joys, in the w r orst conjunctures of human life, a
peace, a dignity, an elevation of mind, peculiar to
virtue.
In a few years, the hand of industry may
change the face of a country ; but it often requires
as many generations, to change the sentiments
and manners of a people.
When the human mind dwells long and atten-
tively on any subject, the passions are apt to grow
warm, interested and enthusiastic: and often
force into their service the understanding whicti
they ought te obey.
Promiscuous. J PERSPICUITY, &c, 149
-Some years afterwards, being released from
prison he was by reason of his consummate knowl-
edge of law and military affairs, exalted to the
supreme power.
The discontented man is never found without a,
great share of malignity. His spleen irritates
and sours his temper, and leads him to discharge
its venom on all with whom he stands connected.
We cannot doubt that all the proceedings o^
Providence, when fully understood, will appear
as equitable, as now they seem irregular.
All that great wealth generally gives above a
moderate fortune, is, more room for the freaks of
caprice, and more privilege for ignorance and vice ;
a quicker succession of flatteries, and a larger cir-
cle of voluptuousness.
The miscarriages of the great designs of princes,
are recorded in the histories of the world, but are
of small use to the bulk of mankind, who seem
very little interested in admonitions against er-
rors ivhich they cannot commit.
Were there any man who could say, that he
had never, in the course of his life, suffered him-
self to be transported by passion, or given just
ground of offence to any one, such a man might
have some plea for impatience, when he received
from others unreasonable treatment.
Christianity will, at some future period, influ-
ence the conduct of nations as well as of individ-
uals. But this event, though its greatest, will
tprobably be its latest triumph ; for it can be effect-
ed only through the medium of private character :
and it will, therefore, be a change not rapid in its
progress, and visible at every step ; but gradual
in its advances, and perceptible only when consid-
erable effects have been produced.
8
KEY. f Promiscuous.
The British constitution stands among the na-
tions of the earthy like an ancient oak in the icocd,
which, after having overcome many a blast, over-
tops the other trees of the forest, and commands
respect and veneration.
SECTION 6.
See Exercises, p. 182.
WHAT an anchor is to a ship in a dark night,
on an unknown coast, and amidst a boisterous
ocean, that is the hope of future happiness to the
soul, when distracted by the confusions of the
World. In danger, it gives security; amidst
general fluctuation, it affords one fixed point of rest*
Our pride and self-conceit render us quar el-
some and contentious, by nourishing a weak and
childish sensibility to every fancied point of our
honour or interest, while they shut up all regard
to the honour or interest of our brethren.
If there be any first principle of wisdom, it is
undoubtedly this : the distresses that are remova-
ble, endeavour to remove; those which cannot be
removed, bear with as little disquiet as you can :
in ever]/ situation of life, there are comforts 5 find
them out, and enjoy them.
Instead of aspiring beyond your proper level,
bring down your mind to your state ; lest, by aim-
ing too high, you spend your life in a train of
fruitless pursuits, and bring yourself at last to a
state of entire insignificance and contempt.
Often have we seen, that what we considered at
the time, as a sore disappointment, has proved in
the issue, to be a merciful providence ; and that, if
what ice once eagerly wished for, had been obtain-
ed, it would have been so far from making us hap-
py, that it would have produced our ruin.
Can the stream continue to fiow when it is cut
Promiscuous.} PERSPICUITY, &c. 151
off from the fountain ? Can the branch flourish
when torn away from the stock which gave it nour-
ishment ? No more can dependent spirits be hap-
py, when deprived of all union with the Father of
spirits, and the Fountain of happiness.
Prosperity is redoubled to a good man, by Ms
generous use of it* It is reflected back upon him
from every one whom he makes happy. In the
intercourse of domestic affection, in the attachment
of friends, the gratitude of dependents, the esteem
and good will of all who know him, he sees bles-
sings multiplied round him on every side.
He that would pass the latter part of life with
honour and decency, must, when he is young, con-
sider, that he shall one day be old ; and remember
when he is old, that he once was young. In youth,
he must lay up knowledge for his support, when
his powers of acting shall forsake him ; and in age,
forbear to animadvert with rigour, on faults which
experience only can correct
Let us consider that youth is not of long dura-
lion ; and that in maturer age, when the enchant-
ments of fancy shall cease, and phantoms dance no
more about us, we shall have no comforts but the
approbation of our own hearts, the esteem of wise
men, and the means of doing good. Let us live
as men who are some time to grow old ; and to
whom if will be the most dreadful of all evils, to
count their past years nly by follies, and to be
reminded of their former luxuriance of health,
only by the maladies which riot has produced.
INTRODUCTION
TO THE
1LPHBETICAL INDEX.
AS the grammar contains a considerable number of po-
sitions and minor rules, which are not readily discoverable
by the general arrangmentof the work ; and as the last edi-
tions of the Exercises and Key, comprise many critical and
explanatory notes, which could not conveniently be inserted
in the Grammar; the author conceived that an Alphabeti-
cal Index to the Grammar, Exercises, and Key, would not
be unacceptable to the reader. With this view, and in con-
formity witfi the wishes of persons, for whose judgment he
entertains jrreat respect, he has produced the following In-
dex to the three books.
In forming this work, it was not his sole design to assist
the student, in readily discovering any particular subjects of
grammar. He wished also to express the most important
principles of the art, in short, comprehensive, -and striking
sentences, calculated to stimulate the learner's curiosity,
and to impress the subjects more deeply in his memory.
The author was desirous that the work should at once form
an Index to particulars, and an Epitome of the chief rules
and principles of the languag-e.
The reader who consults this Index, will observe that
the references to the pages always point to the Grammar,
unless the Exercises, or the Key, are mentioned. The Ste-
reotype edition of the Grammar," the Twelfth of the Exercises,
and the Tenth of the Key, are the editions referred to : and
the pages of reference to each of the books, will be the same,
in every subsequent edition.
In all cases, where explanatory notes, or 'critical dis-
cussions, have been inserted in the Exercises or the Key,
the Index refers to the pages which contain them : and, in
a few special cases, these books are referred to, as illustrat-
ing and exemplifying the rules. But general references of
this kind could not be made, without giving the Index too
great an extent. The student may, however, in every rule
that is mentioned, readily apply to the correspondent Exer-
cise and Key ; in which he will always find a variety of ex-
emplification, and, in many instances, extended views of
the subject. "
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
TO THE
GRAMMAR, EXERCISES, AND KEY,
ABSOLUTE. Case absolute-Its nature explaiiiifl, 78,141
It belongs to no verb, expressed or implied, 140
How to be parsed, 221
How to be pointed, 261
ACCENT. Its nature and distinctions, 224229
Accent dignifies syllables ; emphasis, words, 233
Manner of pronouncing the unaccented vowels, denotes
the speaker's education, 31,32
By what marks signified, 270
ACCUSATIVE case. The same as the objective, 53
ADDRESS to the young students, on the use and abuse of
their literary attainments, S27,328
ADJECTIVE. The definition of it, 56
It is varied only by degrees of Comparison, 57
Whether the positive is a degree of comparison, 57
Various modes of forming the degrees of comparison, 57,58
How adjectives become nouns, & nouns adjectives, 58,166
Though the degrees of comparison are indefinite in num-
ber, yet language requires but few of them, 59
The superlative of Eminence, and the superlative of Com-
parison, distinguished, 60
Every adjective has its substantive, 156
Adjective improperly used as adverbs, 161,162
Rules for avoiding this impropriety, Exercises, 113
Adjective pronoun such is often misapplied, 162
ADJECTIVE. Double comparatives and superlatives im-
proper, 162
Adjectives having a superlative signification, do not ad-
mit of comparison, 163
Degrees of it often inaccurately applied, 163,164
In particular cases, the adjective and noun should not be
separated, 164
When placed before, when after its noun, 164,165
A plural adjective pronoun will sometimes associate with
a singular noun, 165
In what cases to be omitted, in what repeated, 208
How to be pointed, 359
15-4 INDEX*
ADJECTIVE pronoun. See Pronoun.
ADJUNCTS. Their nature and punctuation, 258,263
ADVERB. Its nature^ origin, and varieties, 119,121
The same word occasionally used as an adverb, an adjec-
tive, or a substantive, 120. See Words.
Adverbs of time not superceded by the tenses of verbs
and why, 122
Adverbs improperly used as adjectives, 162
This point elucidated, Exercises, 63. Key, 46
Rules to determine xvhen the adverb, and when the adjec-
tive, should be used, Exercises, 113
Its appropriate situation in general, 186,187,288
The adverb never commonly precedes the verb, 188
The adverb where improperly used for in which, 188
Adverbs improperly used for substantives, 188,189
When to be omitted, 210
How to be pointed, 260,264
See Negatives.
AFFIRMATIO is not the essence of the verb, 72,73,76
ALLEGORY. Its nature. Rules for using it properly. 3 19,320
ALPHABET. Nature of a perfect one, 15
The English alphabet imperfect, 15,17
ANTITHESIS. Its nature, 323 It should be discreetly
used, 324
APOLOGY for the author's frequent additions to his gram-
matical works. Key, p. 3
APOSTROPHE. The nature and use of this figure, 323
See Characters.
APPOSITION. Rule respecting the cases of nouns in &j>
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. <frc.
P 2
163 INDEX.
(P.)_ PARAGRAPHS. Rules for dividing a work into
paragraphs, 272
PARENTHESIS. In what cases it is proper, in what im-
proper, 269,296
The point to be placed within it, 270
PARSING. Its nature and use, 215
Etymological parsing, 215 217. Exercises, 2
Syntactical parsing, 217 223. Exercises, 3
Etymological parsing table, Exercises, 1
Syntactical parsing table, Exercises, 2
PARTICIPLE. Its nature and properties explained, 75 77
Perfect and passive participle distinguished, 76
It is not a distinct part of speech, 102
Its use in conjugating both the active and passive verbs,
102,105,108
The participle and its adjuncts forma substantive phrase,
185,223
The participle has the same goverment as its verb, 183
Jt becomes a substantive by means of the article, 184
And also by means of the pronoun, 185
Thtr perfect participle and imperfect tense not to be con-
founded, i 186
The participle with its dependencies, how to be pointed, 260
Reasons for assigning it a distinct place in Syntax, Ex. 55
PARTICIPLE as, is not always equivalent to the pronoun
it, or that, or ivhich, 143. Key, 60
PARTS of speech. Variously enumerated by gramrnarians,43
The same word forms different parts of speech. See Words.
PAUSES. Their nature, kinds, and uses, 236,237
Rules for applying them properly, 238
The closing and suspending pauses distinguished, 238,239
Poetical pauses of two sorts, 249,251
PERIOD, Directions for using it, 266
PERSONIFICATION. Its nature and use, 322,823
PERSONS, Applicable to nouns, pronouns, & Verbs, 47,61,73
Three necessary in each number, 61 73
The second takes place of the third, & the first of both, 146
The second person is the object of the imperative, 88
The nominative and verb agree in person, 139
How to avoid the confusion of persons, 146
Relative and antecedent are of the same person, 148
The person is variable when the relative is preceded by
two nominatives of different persons, 155
Persons of the verb when to be varied, when not, 103,195.203
PERSPICUITY and accuracy, 274326
See purity, propriety, precision, clearness, unity, Ik strength.
PHRASE. Its nature; 138,257
INDEX. 168
How to be pointed, 258,263
The phrase, " as follows," explained, 142,143,153
The phrase, " every leaf and every twig," requires a sin-
gular verb, Key. Ruleviii. Note 3. p. 32
POETICAL feet. Why called Feet, 242
Formed, in English, by accented # unaccented syllables, 242
Their kinds, divisions, and subdivisions, 243 249
Poetical harmony. See Harmony and Melody.
Poetical pauses. See Pauses.
POSITION of words. Great importance of the situation, in
which words are placed in a sentence, 811
POSITION of words. The place of adverbs, relatives, and
circumstances, necessary to the clearness of a sentence,
288291
See Arrangement.
POSSESSESSIVE case. The sign of it when and where to
be applied, 171,172
In what instances, both the sign and the preposition of
are to be used, 173, 174
POTENTIAL mood. See Mood.
PRECISION of language. In what it consists,
Three faults opposed to precision, 282
Words termed synonymous are the great source of a loose
style, 284,285
PREPOSITIONS. Their nature and office,
They often give verbs a new meaning, 123
Certain syllables improperly termed inseparable prepo-
sitions, 123
The peculiar use of prepositions shown, ; 124
They are are often properly omitted, 210
They are not, in general, to be separated from the rela-
tive, or the noun, 190,300
They govern the objective case, 190
Different relations require different prepositions, though
connected by the same verb, 191
A copious list of errors in applying the different preposi-
tions, 191193
What prepositions are proper before nouns of place,193,l94
When the preposition is to be omitted, 210
How to be pointed, 262
fRONOUN. Its general nature and use, 60
Three kinds of pronouns, 60
Three persons to each number of the pronoun, 6 I
Why the third person only is marked by gender, 61
The Personal pronouns how declined, 62
The Relative pronoun and its varieties explained, 62 64
PRONOUN. The Relative and Interrogative not distinct
speeies ; J 64 ? 65
164 INDEX.
The Adjective pronoun and its four subdwsions explain-
ed, " 6568
Various opinions, respecting the Adjective pronoun,
stated, 68,69
Pronouns agree with their antecedents, in gender and
number, 148
Relatives, though in the objective case, are placed before
the verb, 149,175
Personal pronouns are unnecessary, when the noun itself
is expressed, 149
w The pronoun that is frequently applied to persons as well
as to things, 149
This is sometimes indispensable, 149,150
The pronouns whichsoever, &c. may be elegantly divicled,
150
The objective case of the personal pronouns, is improper-
ly used instead of these and those, 150
What is improperly used for that, 150
The pronoun who is often misapplied for which, 151
The relative ivho not applicable to little children, 151
When the name of a person is used, merely as a name,
which should be used instead of who, 151
The relative often attended with ambiguity, 152,291,292
It is and it was, are often used in a plural construction, 152
What case of the pronoun does the interjection require,152
The neuter pronoun it often refers to the masculine, and
the feminine gender, 152, 153
The pronoun ihas various applications, 153
The relative is sometimes the nominative to the verb, 153
In what cases, it has a different construction, 153
When the pronoun is interrogative, what case follows it, 54
The relative may agree with either of two nominatires of
different persons, 155
Adjective pronouns agree in number with their nouns, 156
PRONOUN. This means, that means, are correct phrases,
156160
That refers to the former, this to the latter, 160
Each, every, either, refer to the singular number, 160,161
The copulative and makes no difference, with regard to
this rule, Key, p. 32. the Note.
In what cases the pronoun should be omitted , in what
cases repeated, 208, 209
How to be pointed, 262
PROPRIETY of language. Rules to promote it, viz. ,
Low expressions to be avoided, 276
Words that are wanting, to be supplied,
The same word not to be used in different senses;
ItfDEX. 16S
The improper use of technical terms, to be avoided, 277
Ambiguous words not to be used, 277
Unintelligible expressions to be avoided* 278
All words that are not fully adapted to the meaning, to
be rejected,
PROSE and verse distinguished, 250
PROSODY, 224256
Seeaccewf, quantity, emphasis, pauses, tones, feet, SfJflelody.
PUNCTUATION, 2572731
Varied according to the length and proportion of the clauses,
257,264 :
It may be considered as either long or short, 257,264
Properly treated as a distinct article, 25/
See Comma, Semicolon, Colon, and Period.
See also Characters.
PURITY of style. Rules for promoting it, 274,275
(<) QUANTITY. Its nature and variations, 220,230
General rules for determining the quantity of vowels,230,231
QUANTITY. For the various quantity of each of the vowels,
seepage 21, &c<
(JS.) RELATION. Things related in point of time, should
have a correspondent expression, 179 183
In relating particular declarations of others, what tense
should be used, Key, p. 43, 44
RELATIVES, See Pronouns.
REPETITION of words, when proper, when improper.
See Ellipsis, and Key, p. 61-67
RHYME. Its definition, 242
(.) SEMICOLON. Rules for applying it, 264,266
SENTENCES. They are of various kinds, 137,138,257
Long and short should be duly blended, 286,287
Their number should be proportionably arranged, 313
See Member and Clause.
SHALL and will* Their peculiar application, 89,90,98,99
SIMILE. Its nature and use-Directions for using it most
advantageously, 321,322
SIMPLE ami compound tenses how formed, 100
SOUND of the letters. See Vowels and Consonants.
SPEECH. How it is formed, 3234
See Parts of Speech.
SPELLING. See Words.
STANDARD of propriety. What forms it in language, 159
STRENGTH of a sentence. Rules to promote it, viz.
AH redundant expressions to be pruned, 297 300
STRENGTH. The use of copulatives, relatives, &c. to be
attended to, 300303
166 INDEX'
The capital words to be judiciously dispbsed, 305306
A weaker assertion not to be followed by a stronger one,306
An adverb, a preposition, &c. should not conclude the
sentence, 306 SOS
Where there is resemblance, or contrast, the language
should be correspondent, 308,309
The harmony of the words & members must be regarded,
309,314
SUBJUNCTIVE mood. Its true nature and extent in Eng^
lish, See Mood ; and also pages 90,103, 104
SUBORDINATE rules of the Grammar, Exercises, & Key*
numbered to denote their correspondence, 139. Ex. 50
SUBSEQUENT to the interrogative* In what cases this
term is proper, 62,65,155
SUBSTANTIVE phrase. See Participle*
SYLLABLES* General rules for dividing Words into syl-
lables, 35,36
"Words with a mixture of long and short syllables, are the
most melodious, 310
SYNECDOCHE. The nature of this figure, 322
SYNONYMOUS words. Injudicious use of words termed
synonymous, is the great source of a loose style, 284-286
Few. if any, words are perfectly synonymous* 285,286
SYNTAX, ' 137212
See its rules under the Article, the JVown, and the other
parts of Speech. *-Its most comprehensive rule, 212
(T.) TENSE* Six tenses Belong to the English verb, 80
Their nature and distinctions explained at large, 80 83
They are definite or indefinite, perfect or imperfect, 83,84
They are composed of the principal verb and its auxiliaries;
& these parts constitute one verb,84--86,103,105,108--lll
The present names of the tenses justifiable, 87
How far the tenses of the Indicative and Subjunctive
moods vary in their form, 90,103,104,196203
The tenses of verbs should exactly correspond with rela-
tive actions and events, 179
When the present, and when the perfect, of the infinitive
should be used, 180.183
The same tenses are connected by conjunctions, 194,195
TERMINATION of a verb is altered, when contingency
and futurity concur, 198,199
This point elucidated, Exercises, 86, 88* Key, 55,58
TERMS used to designate the three past tenses, supported, 87
Established terms oc arrangements, not to be rejected, 86,89
THAN and but, explained at large, 206. Key, p. 61
TH AT, as a relative, often useful,sometimesindispensable,149
TIME, See Relation and Tenses.
IND'EX. 167
TONES. Their nature and use, 239
In what respect different from Emphasis, 239
Rules and limitations respecting them, 241
(U.) U. w3 instead of aw is to be used before words begin-
ning with the long u 9 29,44
UNITY of a sentence. Rules to promote it, viz.
The scene to be changed as little as possible, 293
Things but slightly connected should not be crowded into
one sentence, r 294,296
Every unnecessary parenthesis to be avoided, 296,297
(F.) -VARIATION. What degree of it >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.-
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