1

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EN-GLISl-1 EXERCISES,
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ADAPTED TO

J~NGJ.. ISH

MURRAY'S

GRAMMAR, '

GONS!STINO 01.'

EXERCISES IN PARSJ NG;-INSTANCES OF FALSE ORTIIOGRAPilY;-VIOLATTONS OF TI-IE RULES OF
SYNTAX;-D EFECTS IN PUNCTUATION

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VIOLATIONS OF THE RULES RESP.ECTING PERSPIOUOUS
AND ACCURATE WRITING.
DES!O NED FOR TllB

llENEFI1.' OF PRIVATE LEARNERS,
AS WELL AS

FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS.
BY LINDLEY llflJRRA Y.
~'l'KHlW1'rr£D FR OM T HE LAST ENG LISH EDITIO~

BY D.

&

J . CO LLI NS, NEW Y.OR K.

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PHI LADELPHIA:

LIPPINCOTT, GRAMBO, &
SU CC ESSORS TO

GRIGG, EL LIOT &
No. 14, NORTH FOURTH ST.

1 8 5 0.

CO.,

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INTRODUCTION.

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!ri11t cd Uy T. K. & P. C: . Coll ins.

Tim pnnc1plcs of knowledge become m<>St . ir1~
f.ellig1ble to young persons, when they .are.explained
and inculcated by practical illustration and direc- ·
tion. This mode of teaching is at.tended with so
many advantages, that it can scarcely"'be too much
recommended, or pursued. . Instruction which is ·
enlivened by pertinent examples, and in which th.e
pu pi! is exercised in reducing the , rul.es ·prescribed
to practice, has a more · striking effect on the mind,
and is better adapted to fix :the attenti'on.,and sharpen
the. understanding, than that which · is divested of
these airls, and confined to bare positiO'Ils and pFecepts; in which it too .frequently happens that the .
learner has no further concern, than to read and .
repeat them. The time and cai:e emJJloyed in prac.
tical application, give occasion to survey the ,sub•.
ject minutely, and in different points of view ,; by
which it becomes . more known and familiar, and .
produces stronger and more durabie impressions.
THESE observations are peculiarly applicable to
the study of grammar, and the method of teaching.
it. The rules require frequent explanation.; and,
besides direct elucidation, they admit of . examples
enoneously constrncted, for exercising th.e student's
sagacity and judgment. To rectify these, attention .
and reflection are i·equisite ; and the knowledge of
the rule necessarily results from the study and correction of the sentence. But these are not all the
advantages which arise fromG rammatical Exercises. By discovering their own abilities to. detect and
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•NIROIJUCTION.

amend error& and their consequent improvement,
the ·scholars become pleased with their studies, and
are animated to proceed, and surmount the obsta·
des which occur in their progress. The instructer
too is relieved and encouraged in his labourl'!. By
discerning exactly the powers and improvement of
h!s pupils, he perceives the proper season for ad\·ancrng them; and by observing the points in which
they are deficient, he knows precisely where to apply his directions and explanations.
THESE considerations have rnduced the Compiler
to collect and arrange a vari ety of erroneous examples, adapted to the difierent rules and instructions
of English Grammar, and to the principles of perspicuous and accurate writing. It has not indeed
been usual, to make Grammatical Exercises, in our
language, very numerous and extensive: but if the .
importance and usefulness of them be as great as
they are conceived to be, no apology will be necessary for the large field oi employment, which the
following work presents to the student of English
Grammar. If he be detained longer than is common in this part of his studies, the probable result
of it, an accurate and intimate knowledge o( the
subject, will constitute an ample recompence.
Tim reader will perceive that some of the rules
and observations, under the part of Syntax, contain
a much greater number of examples than others.
This has arisen from the superior importance of
those rules, and from the variety requisite to illustrate them properly. . When a few instances afford
sufficient practice on the rule, the student is not fatigued wHh a repetition of examples, which would
cast no new light on the subject.
1N selecting the instances offals-e construction, the
Compiler has studied to avoid those that artl
glaringly erroneous, and to fix upon such only as
frequently occur in writing or speaking. If there be
any of a difte;·ent complexion, it is presumed that

INTRODUCTION.

V

they are but few, and that they will be found under
those rules only, which, from the nati.:re of them,
could not have been otherwise clearly exemplified
to young persons. The exa~ples applicable to the
principal notes and observations, are carefully arranged under the respective rules of Syntax ; and
regularly numbered to make them correspond to the
subordinate rules in the Grammar.
As many of the examples contain several er~ors
in the same sentence, and some of them admit of
various constructions in amending them, it ~a~ been
thought proper to publish a KEY for ascertainmg aµ
the corrections; and this has; been the more expedient from the work's bein<T designed for the benefit
of private learners, as well as for the use of schools.
The Key to the part on Orthography might have
been omitted, had not some of the sentences contained so many words erroneously spelled, as ~o
render it probable that. several of them would, m
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that case, have been madvertent.y
passed over:
especially by persons wlio. may not have. the advantage of a tutor. In forming the KEY, it appeared
to be more elligible, to repeat t?e sentences ~t !arge,
with th eir corrections, than simply to exh1b1t the
omendments by thems elves. In the ~1ode adopted,
the work has a more regular and umform appearance ; the cor;·es ponclent par ts may be mor~ reacli~y
compared ; and the propriety of the corrections will
be more a pparent and striking.
IN a work which consists entirely .of examples,
and with which the learners will, consequently, be
much occupird and impressed, the compiler :v~uld
have deemed himself culpable , had he exhibited
such sentences as contained ideas inapplicable to
young minds, or which were of a trivial or injurious
nature. He has , therefore, been solicitons to avoid
al! exceptionable matter; and to improve. his wo~k,
by blemlin g moral and useful o?servat10ns ;11th
g ramm atica l studies. Even scntunent.s_of a p10us
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INTRODUCTION•

and religious nature, have not been thought improper to he occasionally inserted in these Exercises,
The understanding and sensibility of young persons,
are much under.rated by those who think them inca. pable of comprehending and relishing this kind of
mstmction. The sense and love of goodness. are
early and deeply implanted in the human mind ;
and often, by their infant energies, surprise the intelligent observer :--why, then, should not these
· emo~ions find their proper support and incentives,
·among the elements· of learning ? Congenial sentiments, thus disposed, besides making permanent im. pressions, may serve to cherish and expand those
' generous principles; or, at least, to prepare them
for regular operation, ut a future period. Theimportance of exhibiting to the youthful mind, the de. formities of vice; and of giving it just a nd animating
· views of piety and virtue, makes it not only warrantable, but our duty also, to embrace every proper occasion to promote, in any ·degree, these valuable ends.
IN presenting the learner with so great a number
of examples, it was difficult to preserve them from
too much uniformity. The Compiler has, however,
been studious to give them an arrangement and di. vcrsity, as agreeable as the nature of the subject
·would admit; and to render them interesting, as
well as intelligible and instructive, to young persons.
Hol<lgatP. -near York, 1797,

.JJ.D VERTISEMENT
. TO THE SEVENTH

EDITION ~*

The Author of this volume of Exercises, per. ceiving that it has been well received by the public.
and that the demand for it still continues to increase,
has felt it incumbent upon him to give the seventh
edition every improvement in his power, without
.
enhancing the price of the book.
•Besides expunging some obscure and u~mterest­
ing sentences ; ins-erting a number of examples
9.dapted to the latest improvements in the gram~ar;
and adding to the Syntax many ~seful exercises;
he has subjoined to the par~ .designed to promote
perspicuous and accura~e writing, a .whole ch~pter
(twelve pages) of pronuscuous exercises, peculiarly
adapted to this subject. As_ every_ other general
division of the book was provided with a chapter of
this na ture, it is presumed that teachers and pdvate
students >vill approve of an addition so necessary to
complete the plan of the work. It is calculated, at
once , to confirm the learner in perspicuous and accurate writing, and to improve his taste for elegant
composition
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In all the addit10nal exercises to this part of the
book the author has been careful to exhir it no inaccm:acies but such •as are frequently found in
respectable writings. The display of vulgar ~nd
glaring errors, which no persons of educat10.n
ever commit, would not be proper for a work of t?1s
nature, and could not fail to produce disapprobation
and disgust.
• The improvements made in the eighth edition, consist, chicBy.
,of u Genel'B.l Directions for using the Exercises," and of a new, en.
Jur!lod system of Exercises in Pa1sing.
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.!JD VERTISEME.NT
TO THE TENTH EDITION.

9ne of the chief improvements, made in the tentlt
ed1t10n of this work, consists in the adaptation of it
throughout, to an objective case of nouns. Thi~
case was adopted in the tmelfth edition of the Gramma~·; and it is th erefore indispensable, that the Exercises should con form to the alteration. -If.
}s there a~·e !SO!llc teach~rs, who doubt the propuety of presentrng exercises of bad En rrlish to
youth of tJ.ie junior classes, it seems prope~ in this
place, to make.a few observations on the ~ubject.
The author 1s persuaded, that exercises of this
nature cannot be. too soon engaged in, by the student
of grammar. Simple rules, and examples of recti.
tude, make light impression, compared with the
effect of contrast, in which errors and corrections
are- opposed -to eac!1 other. A child generally sees
a_nd hears so many rnstances of erroneous construct10n, tha·t, unles? h::' i~ ea_rly taught to distinguish and
correct them, his 1m1tat1ve p0wers will be more influenc ed by error than by rectitude. Besides children, in detecting and amending errors, fee l' their
own. P?wers; and ho~vever sma.11 th.e e~ercise may
be, 1.t is .a most pleasrng and animatrng rnccntive to
aJ?phcat10n and st.udy. Wh~t t~ ey learn 111 this way ,
will not only gratify them: 1t will a lso improve th eir
judgme nt and sagacity, and be long and accurately
l'emembered.
On th ese grounds, it is evide~t, tha t the practice
of corrcctrng errors, sh9uld be rntroduc ed into the
early stages of grammatical studi~s. Instead of exposin g children to "the danrrer of evil communicat'
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ion, " as some rngemous
persons
have supposed, it
seems to be the best means of teachinrr
them first
0
to disc?ver the irregularitie~, and then, t 0 avo'id th~
contag10n, of bad exampl es.
• See the r~sons in .lavour oi an Obj ec tive case for F:nglish
nouns, at pag" oO 51, ol the Twelfth, 01· any subsequent ed ition of
the Grammar
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.!JD VERTISEMENT
TO THE TWEI.FTH EDITIOl\".

Tm: reader ·will perceive, that a number of Notes
and Cl'itical Discussions has been inserted in appropriate parts of the Exercises and the Key. This
was occasioned by the Grammar's having been set
up, and not admitting of enlargement without an advance of its price. The author has, howevr:-r,
taken care to make proper r eferences, under the
correspondent rules in the Grammar, to all those additional notes and discussions. To this mode of
supplying improvements, the reader will have the
less objection, when he considers, that the Exercises and the Key are necessary ::ippendages 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 the T enth edition of the Key, the Author
has added an Apologetical Preface, accounting for
the additions and variations, which are to be found
in the different editions of his grammatical works.
He ~as also annexed to that edition of the Key, a
cop10us Alphabet_ical Index to the Grammar, the
Exercises, and the Key; a work which he flatten1
himself will be generally useful ; and particularly
~cceptable to students who have made some progres3
1n the knowledge of grammar.
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GENERAL DIRECTIONS.

GENERAL DIRECTIONS
i'OR USING THE: EXERCISES.

I. As soon as the learner has committed to memory, the definitions of the article and substantive, as
expressed in the Grammar, he should be employed
in parsing those parts of speech, as they are arran·
ged in this volume of the Exercises.

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2. The learner should proceed, in this manner,
through all the definitions of the parts of spetch
contained in-etymology, regularly parsing the exer·
cises on one definition, before he applies to another.

3. As the pupil will then be able to understand
all the rules in. orthography, he should be directed
to correct, in r egular order, the orthographical exercises attached to. the particular rules.

Xl

Grammar, which arc, printed in the larger typeWhen the· exercises on those general rules are completed, and not before, the learner is to apply to the
first subordinate rule, contained m the smaller type.
He is to read it very attentively, assisted by t~e
teacher's explanations; and afterwards c01:rect, m
writing, the false construction of the exercises belonging to it •. Th.u s, he is to proceed, rule by rule,
till the whole is finished. 'If- The learner should now
be, occasionally, employed in parsing the promiscuous exercises, containe<l in the eighth section of
the chapter·on Syntactical Parsing.

·7. When the ·student has corrected all the exercises appropriated to the particular rul.es, he should
regularly proceed to rectify the promiscuous exercises, in syntax and punctuation. In· this employ,
he should write over each correction, the number of
the mle, principal or subordinate, by which he conceive!! the correction ought to be -made.

4. In this stage of his progre3s, he may vary his .
ernployment, by occasion atly parsing the-promiscuous exercises, contained in the ninth section of the
chapter of Etymolog ical Parsing, and by writiug the
plurals of nouns, &c. in the eighth section ofthe same ,
chapter.

.u. After. this progress_, .the learner. will be·qu~lified
-to enter on -the . exercises respectmg perspicuous
nn<l accurate writing. In this part, he is t~ pro~eed
in .a manner as similar to the preceding d1rections,
as the su~ject will .admit .

. When the first rule of syntax is committed to
memory, the correspondent exercise in parsing,
should be performed. . Then the sentences of false
syntax, under the rule, should be corrected, in
writing. In this manner, both as to parsing and
correctin g , all the rule£ of syntax should be treated,
proceeding r egu larly according to their order. Tht:
pupil may now be, occasionly, employed in correcting the promiscuous exercises in orthography.

_ ..9, When -ah . -the .·exercises have ·been regularly
· corrected, in-writing, it would tend to perfe~t the
pup1Ps knowledge of the rules, and to ~ive him an
habitual dexterity in applying them, if ne were occasionaily , <le sired · to correct, verbally, erroneous
sentences purposely selected from ditfe.r~nt . parts of
the book i to recite the rules by wh1cn they arc
governed; and, in his· own -language, to detail the ·
· reasons-0n ;which the corrections are-founded. The

6. The preceding <lirections (except those upon
orthography) respect only the leading rules of the

•The: p11j1il ought to· revi?W evcry ·leading rule;unc\ a;galn rccti·
fy a few of the scnte.nces under it, heforn h e -ent ers on 1t5 w1011/,,.
1111/0 mies and their corresnondent e'erc1ses

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XII

OENERAL DIRECTIONS,

following examples will give the student an idea of
the manner, in which he is to make the verbal corrections.
"The man is pruJent which speaks little."
This sentence is incorrect ; because which 1s a
pronoun of the neuter gender, and docs not agree
in gender with its antecedent man , which is masculin e. But a pronoun should agree with its antcce J cnt, in gender, &c. acco rdin g to the fi ft h rule of
syntax. Which should therefore be who, a relative
pronoun agreeing with its antecedent man; and the
sentence should stand thus : " The man is prudent
who speaks little."
"After I visited Europe, I 1·eturncd to America."
This sentence is not correct ; because the verb
visited is in the imperfect tense, and yet used here
to express an action, not only past, but prior to the
time referred to by the verb returned, to · which it
relates. By the thirteenth rule of syntax, when
verbs are used that, in point of time, relate to each
other, the order of time should be observed. The
imperfect terose visited should, therefore, have been
had visited, in the pluperfect tense, representing t.b.e
action of visiting, not only as past, but also as prior
to the time of returning. The sentence corrccteu
would stand thus: " After I had visited Europe, I
returned to America."
'' This was the cause, which first gave rise to such
,
a barbarous practice."
This sentence is inaccurate. Thewordsfirstand
rise have here the same meaning; and the word such
is notj)l'operly appli ed. This word signifies of that
kind: but the author does not refer .t o a kin<l or spe~ies of barbarity. He mean::; a degree of it: and

GENERAL DIRECTIONS.

therefore the word so, instead of such, ou~ht to ha ~e
been used. The worJs cause and gave rise, are abo
tautological : one of them should, consequ~nt~,
be omitted. The sentence corrected would tsta .• J
thus : " This was the original cause of &o b:irbarous
a practice;"or, "of a practice so barbarous."

10. As parsing is an exercise o~ great import·
ance to the pupil, it should be contmued, re.gula:Jy
through the whole course of his grammat1cul ll1·
struction.
11. To the learner who has not th~ ai.d of a teach
the Key is indispensable. But 1t snouJ~. o~ nu
occasion, he consulted, till the s_e ntence which Id to
be rectified, has been well con\n?ere(}, und has received the learner's uest correction

P.l',

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CONTENTS.

CONTENTS,

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CHAP.

3. Sentences requiring the appllcation

of the Colon, &c.

ART J.

xv
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123

4. Sentences which require the insert10n

of tlic Period

Exercises in Parsing.

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125

5. Sentences requiring the application
Page

of the Dash; of the Notes of Interrogation and Exclamation; and
of the Parenthetical Characters
126
6. Promiscuous instances of defective
Punctuation
128

cHAP. I. Exercises in Parsing, as it respects
E!ymology alone
2. Exercises in Parsing, as it respects
16
bolh ELymology and Syntax
PART II.

E xercises in Orthography.
CnAP. I. Instances of false Orthography, arranged un<ler the respective Rules 30
2. Instances of false Orlhography, promi scuously disposed
36
PART III.

E xercises in Syntax.

CH AP. I. Imtances of false Syntax, dispose<l
under the particul ar Rul es
48
2. Instan ces of fa lse Syntax, promiscuously disposed
98
PART IV.

Exercises in Punctuation.
CnA r. I. Sentences which require the applica,
tion oi the Comma, disposed under
th e par~icul a r Rules
I 18
2. Sentences which require the inserti on of Lhe Semicolon and Comma 1.:22
14

PART- V.

Exerci-•es to promote p erspicuous and accurate
Writing.
First, With respect to single Words and Phrases.
CHAP, 1. Violations of the Rules of Purity
139
2. Violations of the Rules of Propriety 141
3. Violations of the Rules of Precision 148
Secondly, With respect to the construction of
Senten ces.
CHAP. 1. Sentences in which the Rules of
Clearness are violated
- 150
2. Sentences in which the Rules of
U11ity are viola ted
156
3. Sentences in which the Rules for
promoting the strength of a se11tence are violated
159
4. Instances of an irregular use of Figures of Speech
- 170
5. V10lations of th e Rul es respecting
perspicuous and accurat e writing,
promiscuously disposed
173
CHAP.

APPENDIX.
I. On tran sposing th e membrrs o f a
sen tence
l 84
2. On vari ety of expression
! 88

EXERCISES.
PART I.
EXERCISES IN P ARSJNll.

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Ererciies in

CHAP. I.
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as iZ respects
aione.

PARSING,

ETYMOLOGY.

See the Grammar, p. 195.

SECT. I.
Etymological Parsing Table.

WHAT part of Speech?
I. An article. What kind ? Why ?
2. A substantive. Common or proper? What gen·
der? Number? Case? Why?
3. An adjective. What degree of comparison ? To
what docs it b elong ? Why an adjective?
'1. A pronoun. What kind? Person.? Gender?
Number? Case ? Why?
5. JJ. verb. What kind? Mood? Tense? Number?
Person ? Why ? If a participle, Why ? nctivc or passive ?
6. An Adverb. Why is it an adverb?
7. /1 preposition. Why a pr~position ?
8. A conjimction. Why?
9. An interjection. Why ?
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1'\XT:RUISES.

SECT. II.
Specimen of Etymological Parsing.

" Hope animates us."
Hope is a common substantive, of Lhe neuter gender, Lhe Lhm1 person, in the singular number, and
the nominaLive case. [Decline the sub stantn•eJ J/nimates is a regular verb active, indicaLive moo ., present .tense, third person singular. [Rep eat the present tense, lite imperfect tense, and the perfect participle; and sometimes conjugate tlu •·erb entire(y.]
Us is a p ersonal pronoun, first person plural, and in
the objective case. [Decline the pronoun.]

" A peaceful mind is virtue's reward."
.11. is the indefinite article. Peaceful is :ln acijective.
[Repeat the degre~s of comparison.] Ahnd is a common substantive, of the neuter gender, the third
perrnn, rn the si ng ular numb er, and the nominative
case. f D ecline the substanti<>e.] l< is an irregular
verb neuter, indicati ve mood, pres ent tens e, and the
third p erson sing ular. [Rep ea l tke preaeut tense., the
imperfect tense, and tlte part iciple ; and '>ccasi<
matly
· conj11gate the verb entirely. ] Virl'tte's is a commor>
substantive, of the neuter gende.r, the third person,
m the singular number, and the possessive case
[Decline the subs a11tive. ] Reward is a common sub.
stantive. of the nc,mer gender, the thircl per~on, in the
smgnira number, and the nom_inative case.

PARSING.

A flower
An apple
An orange
An almond
A hood
A house
A hunter
An hour
An honour
An hostler
The garden
The fields
The rainbow
The clouds
The scholars 1 duty
The horizon
Virtue
The vices
Temperance
A variety
GeorgP.
The Rhine
A prince
A rivulet
The Humber
Gregory
The Pope
An inclination
The undertaking
Penelope
Constancy
Au entertainment
A fever
The stars
A comet
A miracle
A prophecy
.Depravity

A building
The weavers' company
Europe
The sciences
Yorkshire
Th<! planets
The sun
A volume
Parchment
The pens
A <li sposition
Benevolence
An oversight
A design
The governess
An ornament
The girls' school
A gramm3:r
Mathematics
The elements
An earthquake
.
The king's prerogative
Africa
The continent
Roundness
A declivity
Blackness
An elevation
The conqueror
An Alexander
Wiadoll'l
America
The Cresars
The Thames
A river
The shadows
A vacancy
The hollo\v

3

4

The constitution
The laws
Beauty
A consumption

EXERCISES.

An idea
A whim
Something
Nothing
SECT IV.

.llrtz'cle, .lldje<:tive, and Substantive.
A good 11eart
A boisterous sea
A wise head
The howling tem11est
A strong body

A gloomy cavern
An obedient son
Rapid streams
A diligent scholar
Unwholesome dews
A happy parent
A severe · winter
SJiady trees
A use less drone
A fragrant flower
The industrious bees
The verdant fields
Harmless do ves
A peac eful mind
The careless ostricl1
Composed thoughts
The dutiful stork
A serene aspect
The spacious fi rmament
An affable deportment Cooling
breezes
TJ1e whistling winds
A woman amiable
A dignifi ed character A free government
A pleasing address
The diligent farmer
An open countenance A fruitful field
Th e candid reasoner
The cro wn ing harves t
F air proposals
A virtuous conflict
A mutual agreement
A final reward
A plain narrative
Peaceful abodes
An histori cal .fiction
The nobl est prospect
Re lentl ess war
A profligate life
A 11 obdurate heart
A miserable end
T emp estuous passions R egions g loomy
A temp er unhappy
An inf' omprehensible
A sel!s11al mind
subject
The babbling brook
A controverted point
A limpid stream
The cool sequestered vale

PARSING.

The devious walk.
A winding c~nal •.
The serpentine river.
A melancholy fact.
An interesting history.
A happier life.
The woodbine's fragrance.
A cheering prospect.
An harmonious sound.
~
Fruit delicious.
The sweetest incense.
An odorous garden.
Th e sensitive plan~.
A convenient mansion.
Wann clothing.
A temperate climate.
Wholesome aliment.
An affectionate parent.

5

A garden enclosed.

The ivy-mantled tower.
\Tirtue's fair form.
A mahogany table.
Sweet-scented myrtle.
A resolutioo wise, noble,
disinterested.
Consolation's lenient
hand •
A better world.
A cheerful, good old man.
A silver tea-um.
Tender-looking chanty.
My brother's wife's m.o·
ther.
,
A book of my friend s.
An animating, well-found·
ed hope.

SECT. \T.
Pronoun and Verb, &-c.

[ am sincere.
Thou art industri011s.
He is disinterested.
We honour them.
you encourage us.
They comn;end her.
Thou dost improve.
He assisted me.
we completed our journey.
.
Our hopes did flatter us.
They have deceived me.
your expectation has
foiled.

Know yourselves.
L et th em advance.
They may offend.
I can forgive.
He might surpass the.m.
We could overtake him.
I would be happy.
.
you should repent. .
He may have deceived
me.
They may ha ve forgotten .
Thou mightst havE improved.

6

I

EXERCISES.

The accident had hap- We should have consipened. _
dered.
He had resigned himself. To see the sun is plea!!ant.
Their fears will detect To live well is honour.
them.
able.
You shall submit.
To have conquered himThey will obey us.
self• was his hio-hest
b
Good humour shall prepraise.
vail.
Promoting others' welHe will have determined.
fare, they advanced
We shall have agreed.
their own interest.
Let me depart.
He lives respected.
Do you instruct him.
Having resigned his ofPrepare your lessons.
fice, he retired.
Let him consider.
They are discouraged.
Let us improve ourselve.~. He was condemnecl
We have been rewarded. The book is his ; it was
She had been admired.
mine.
Virtue will be rewarded. These are yours, those
The person will have
are ours.
been executed, . when Our hearts are deceitful.
the pardon arrives.
Your conduct met their
Let him be animated.
approbation.
Be vou entreated.
None met who could
Let· them be prepared.
avoid it.
It can be enkiJged.
His esteem is my honour.
You may be aiscovered. Her work does her creHe might be convinced.
dit.
It would be caressed.
Each must answer the
I may have been de.-:eivquestion.
ed.
Every heart knows its
They might have been
own sorrows.
· honoured.
Which was his choice ?
To be trusted, we must It was neither.
be virtuous.
Hers is fini shed, thine is
'fo have been admired ,
to do.
availed him lit ~ le.
This is wh:.it I fearetl.

PARSING.

Ridiculerl, despised, persecuted, he maintamed his principles.
Being reviled, we bless.
Having been deserted, he
became discouraged.
The sight berng new, he
startled.
This uncouth figure startled him.
I ha\·c searchea, I have
found it.
They searched those
rooms ; he was gone.

7

That is the thing which
I desired.
Who can preserve himself?
Whose books are these 1
Whom have we served?
Some
are negligent,
others industr10us.
.
0 ne may dece1ve
one ' s
self.
All have a talent to improve.
Can any dispute it?
Such is our condition.

SECT. VI.
Jldverb, Preposition, Conjunction, and Interjection.

I have seen him once,
per-haps twice.
Thirdly, and lastly,
shall conclude.
This plant is found here,
and elsewhr;re.
Only to-day is properly
ours.
The task is already performed.
We could not serve him
ther., but we will hereafter.
We often resolve, but
seldom pr.rform. ·
He is much more promising now than former-

ly.

When will they arrive ?
Where shall we stop ?
Mentally and b;Jdily, we.
arc curiously and wonderfully formed. ,
They travelled through
France, in haste, towards Italy.
From virtue to vice, the
progress is gradual.
By dilio-encP.
o
. and frugality we arnve at competency.
We are '.1ften below our
wishes, and above our
desert.
Some things makP, . for
him, others agarnst
him.

8

PARSING,
EXERCISES,

Wepily
aredirected
wisely and hap•
H e ·1·has certainly be en
'II
d I igent and h
probably succee~. WI
How sweetly the b' d
Ir s
.ng 1
sl ·
Why art . thou so heedI.e ss?
He is little attentive na
absolutely stupid' Y'
W e in vain look for a
path between virtue
and vice.
He r
· h'
1ves wit m his income.
The house was sold at a
great price and ab
its value. '
ove
She came down stairs
slowly, but went briskly up again .
ff r h
- isa iat
d .er,I and mother '
n
Rome.unc e, reside at
We must be temperate, if
we woul<l be hea 1th
He is as old as J-:is ~la;~mate,butnotsolearned
Charles is e~tcemed be~
cause he :s both dis
creel and benevolent We. will stay till he a~nves.
He retires to rest
. soon '
a
e
may
nse
early
th th
We ought to be thankf~I·
for we have received
much.

By this imprudence
.
he
was plu
d ·
'
d'ffi . .nge mto new
1 culties
W'
~tho~t the •aid of chanyl, e. supported himse f with credit
Ofh'
•
bis tal~nts much might
h ~ .said ;_ concerning
0 isllmtegnty, nothing.
nh a occ~swns, she beN ·~~ed with propriety.
e1d :r prosperi.ty, nor
a ve_rs1ty, has 1mproved him.
H e can acqmre
.
no virtue, unle~s he make
L som~ sacnfices.
et him that standeth,
If ~~~e ~eecl ]~st he ~a II.
th u whert h1~ superior,
ou s ouldst not ha\'e
boasted
He wi·11 • b e detcc•ed
tho
C ug h h e d eny •the,
If

~ct.h
e as

.
promised, he
Sh~hou.w act accordingly.
l w1 transgress, une~.s she be admonishIf h
h e were encouraged,
Th e :ho~ d am?.nd.
J°uci e condemn me
'fh en tarlespcct
him.mo. '
en ts are
b '])'
ie
N n. ~nt th~n useful.
.otw.1t stan91ng ~1s povei ty, he is a wise and
worthy person.

~111

9

Though he is often ad- If our desires are mode·
vised yet he does not
rate our wants will
reform.
.
be few.
Reproof either softens or Hope often amuses, but
. hardens, its object.
seldom satisfies us.
Thou~h he is lively, yet Hark! ho\v sweetly the
. . woocllark sings !
he lS not volatile.
0 peace! how desirable Ah! the delusions of hope.
Hail, simplicity ! source'"
thou art! _
I have been often occuof genuine joy.
p1r.d, alas! with trifle?>. Behold! how pleasant it
Strange ! that we should
is for brethren to dwell
be so infatuated.
together in unity !
0 ! the humiliations to Welcome again! my long
which vice reduces us.
lost friend.
SECT. Vll.

.11 few instances of the sam.e word's constituting several of the parts of speech.

He laboured to still the
Calm was the day, and
tumult.
the scene delightful.
Still waters are commonWe may expect a calm
ly deepest.
after a storm.
Damp air is unwholeTo prevent passion, is
some.
easier than to calm it. Guilt
often casts a damp
Better is a little with conover our sprightliest
tent, than a great deal
hours.
with anxiety.
Soft ·bodies damp the
The gay and dissolute
sound much more than
think little of the misehard ones.
ries, which are steal- Tho' she is rich and fair,
ing softly after them.
yet she is not aimiable.
A little attention will rec- They are yet young, and
tify some errQrs.
must suspend their
Though he is out of danjudgment yet a while.
ger, he is still afiaid.

c

10

i

I

I

l:XEltCfSES,

Many persons are better Behave yourselves like
than w-e suppose them
men.
to be.
We are too apt to like
The few and the OlQny
pernicious company.
h.ave their preposses- He may go or stay as he
s10ns.
likes.
Few days pass without They strive to learn.
• some clouds.
He goes to and fro.
Much money is corrupt- To his wisdom we owe
ing.
our privilege.
Think much, and speak The proportion is ten to
little.
one.
He has seen much of the He has served them with
world, and been much
his utmost ability.
carressed.
Wheu we do our utmost
His years are more than
no more is required.
hers ; but he has not I will submit, for I know
more knowledge; submission brings peace.
The more we are blessed, It is for our health to be
the more grateful we· temperate.
should be.
0 ! for better times.
The desire . of getting I have a regard for him.
more is rarely satis- He is esteemed, both or.
tied.
his own account, and
He bas equal knowledge,
on that of his parents.
but inferior judgment. Both of them deserve
She is his inferior in
praise.
sense, but his equal in Yesterday was a fine day.
prudence.
I rode out yesterday~
Every being loves its like. I shall write to-morrow.
We must make a like To-morrow may
he
space between the
brighter than to-<lay.
Jines.

PARSINO.

11

SECT. VIII.
Nouns, Jltij ectives, and Verbs, to be declined, com.·
pared, and conjugated.
WRITE, in the nominative case plural, the following nouns : a pp.le, plum, or?nge, bu~h, .tree, plant,
convenience, disorder.._, novice, begmnmg, defeat,
protuberance.
.
..
.
.
. Write the followmg su1'st-anttves, m the nommative case plural; cry, fly, cherry, fancy, glory, duty ,
boy, folly, play, lily, toy, con\'emency.
.
Write the following nouns in the possessive case
,;;ingular: boy, girl, man, woman, lake, sea, church,
iass, beauty, sister, bee, branch.. .
Write the followiRg in the nommative case plural:
loaf sheaf self muff, knife, stuff, wife, staff, wolf. ·
half'. calf, ~helf, 'life. .
.
.' .
Write the following rn the possessive case plural·
brother, child, man, woman, foot, tooth, ox, mouse,
goose, penny.
.
.
. ·
d
Write the fo!lowmg nou~s rn t~e no!11mat1ve ~n
possessive cases plural: wife, chief, die, staff, city,
river, proof, archer, master, crutch, mouth, baker,
distaff.
Write the possessive singular and plural of the
pronouns, I, thou, he, she, it, '_Vho, and other.
Write the objecti-ve cases, s1r.t,;ular anJ plural, of
the pronouns, I, thou, h.e, she,. it, '.ind wh~.
Compare the fol!owmg ~dJect1ves: fair, grave,
bright, long, short, tall; white, deep, strong, poor.
rich, great.
·.
· . .
· l
Compare the followmg adiect1ves: a_miab e,. mo·
derate, disinterested, favourable, gratetu!, studwus,
.
attentive, negligent, indu~tri?us, eerplexmg.
Write the following adjectives, m the comparative

12

I.
j,

i

EXERCISES.

-

degree: near, f~r, little, low, good, inditfe1ent, bad,
worthy, convenient.
Wr.lte the following adjectives in the superlative
~egree : feeble, bold, good, ardent, cold, bad, bo.se,
little, strong, late,. near, content.
Conjugate the •following verbs in the indicative
mo~d, present tense : beat, gain, read, eat, walk,
desire, interpose.
Conjugate the following verbs in the potential
mood,_ imperfect tense: {ear, hope, dream,. fly, con..
eent, improve, controvert.
Conjugate the foliowin_g verbs in the subjunctive
~10od, perfect tense: drive, prepare, starve, omit,
mdulge, demonstrate.
. 8o:ij'.1ga~e the following 'Vords in the imperative
W?od : be lien:, depart, rnvent, give, abolish, contnve.
Write the following verbs in the infinitive mood,
present and perfect tenses : grow, decrease, live,
prosper, separate, incommode •
. Write the present, perfect, and compound participles, of the following verbs : confess, Jisturb
'
please,_ know, begin, si~, set, eat, lie, lay.
Conjugate the followmg verbs, in the indicative
m~od, present and perfect tenses of the passive
v01ce : honour, abase, amuse, slight, enlighten, dis.
please, envelop, bereave.
Conju~ate the following verbs, in the indicative
mood, pl'uperfect and first future tenses : fly con.
trive, know, devi§e, choose, come, see go' eat
fiorsake.
'
'
.
grow, bnng,
Write the foHowing verbs in the present aud imperfect tenses of the potential and subjunctiYf
moods: know, shake, heat, keep, give, blow, be.
stow, beseech •
. . Write the following verbs in the indicative mood,
unoerfect and second future tenses. of th€ passiev

PaR!lING.

13

voice: slay, draw, crown, throw, defeat, grind, hear,
divert.
Write the following verbs in the .secon~ and th!r~ ,
persons singular of all the tenses m the md1cat1ve
and subjunctive moods: approve, condemn, mourn,
freeze, know, arise, drive, blow, investigate.
Form the following verbs in the infinitive and
imperative moods, with their participl~s, ~II in the
passive voice : embrace, dra\v, defeat, stmte.
SECT. IX.
Promiscuous Exercises in Etymological Parsing.
IN your whole behaviour, be humble and obliging •
Virtue is the universal charm.
True r,olitencss has its seat in the heart.
We should endeavour to please, rather than to
shine and dazzl-e.
Opportunities occur daily for strengthening in
ourselves the habits of virtue.
Compassion prompts us to relieve the wants of
others.
A good mind is unwilling to give pain to either
man or beast.
Peevishness and passion often produc,:e, from trifles the most serious mischiefs.
Discontent often nourishes passions, equally malignant ~n the cottage and in the pa_lac.e.
. A great proportion of human evils 1s created by
ourselves.
A passion for revenge, has always been considered as the mark of a little and mean mind.
If greatness flatters our van~ty, it multiplies our
Jangers.
.
To _o ur own failings we are conunonly blmd.
The friendships of young persons, are often
founded on capricious likings.
c 2

I
t

14

EXERCISES.

In your youthful amusements, let no unfairness

be found.
Engrave on your mi?ds this sacred rule ; " Do
unto others, as you wish that they should do unto
you."
Truth and candour possess a powerful charm :
they bespeak universal favour.
Af~er the first departure from sincerity it is seldom Ill our power to stop : one artifice, generally
leads on to another.
.Temper the. vivacity oi1 youth, with a proper
mixture of ser10us thought.
The spirit of true religion is social, kind, and
cheerful.
Let no compliance with the intemperate mirth of
others, ever betray. you into profane sd.1lie11.
In preparing for another world, we must not
neglect the duties of this life.
• The m.anner in which we employ our present time
may dec.1de our future happiness or misery.
. !Iappme~s does not g row up of its own accord;
it is the fruit of long cultivation, and the acquisition
of labour and care.
A plain understanding is often joined with great
worth.
. The brightest parts are sometimes found withoul
virtue or honour.
How feeble are the attractions of the fairest form
whe? nothing .within corresponds to them !
'
P~ety .and virtue are particular.ly graceful and becoming m youth.
<;an we, untouched by gratitude, view that profus10n of good, whic.h the Div1ilf l:iand pours around

us? .

There is nothing in human lifi> .:nore amiable and
respectable, than the eharacte1 of a truly humble
and benevolent man.

PARSING.

lb

What feelmgs are more uneasy and distressful,
•
?
.
than the workings of sour. an~ angr):' pass10ns
No man can be active rn d1squ1etrn.g others, who
does not at the same time, disquiet himself.
A li fe , of pl easure and di ssipation, is an enemy
.
to health, fortune, and character.·
To correct the spirit of discontent, let us c.ons1der
how little we deserve, and how much we enJoy.
As far as happiness is to be found on ea~th, we
must look for it, not in the worl?, or the thmgs of
the world; but within ourselves, m our temper, and
in our heart. .
.
. .
Thougl, bad. men at temp t to turn Vll't~e mto nd1·
cule , they honour it at th e bottom of their .hearts.
Of what small rnomeut lo our real happiness, are
mauy of those iujuries which draw forth our resent·
men t.
.
h'
In the moments of eager content10n, every t mg
is ma nified and distorted in its appca~ance.
·
MuYtitudes in the most ~bscure stat10ns, are not
}e.ss eager in their pett.Y br~1ls, nor less tormented by
th eir passions, than if prrncely honours were the
pri ze for which they contend.
The smooth stream, th e ser ene atmosphere, the
mild zi:phyr, are the proper emblems of a gen tle
temper, and a peace ful life. Among the sons of
strife, all is loud and tempestuous.

16

EXERCISES.

PARSING.

CHAPTER Il.
E:i:ercises in

as it respects both
anJ SYNTAX.

PARSING,
LOGY

ETVl'IO-

See the Grammar, p. 19'7.

SECT. I.
Syntactical Paising Table • .
Why is it the definite article ?
Why the indefinite?
Why omitted ? Why repeated ?
Substanti-c e. Why is it in the possessive case?
Why in the objective case?
Why in apposition?
Why is the apos trophic s omitted?
Adjective. What is its substa ntive?
Why in the singular, why in the plural
number?
Why in the comparative degree, &c.?
Why placed after its sub&tantive?
Why omitted? Why r epeated ?
What is its antecedent?
Prorioun.
Why is it in the singular, why in the
plural number?
Why of the masculme, why of the feminine, why of the neuter gender?
Why of the first , of the second, or of
the third p erson ?
Why is it the nomin-ative case ?
Why the possessive? Why the objective?
Why omitted? Why repeated r
Whnt is its nominative case?
What case does it govern ?
.llrticle.

17

Why is it in the. singular? Why in the
plural number?
Why in the first person, &c.?
Why is it in the infinitive mood?
Why in the subjunctive, &c.?
Why in this particular tense·?
What relation has it to another verh,
in point of time?
Why do participles sometimes govern
the objective case?
Why is the verb omitted? Why repeated?
ddverb.
What is its proper situation?
Why is the double negative used?
Why rejected?
Preposition. What case does it govern?
Which is the word governed?
Why this preposition?
Why omitted? Why repeated?
.
Conjunction. 1Vhat moods, tenses, or casP.s, does II
connect? A11d why? What mood
does it require ? Why omitted? Why
•
•
repeated 0
Interjection, Why does the nommat1ve case follow
it? Why the objective? Why omit·
ted? Why repeated?

SECT. II.
Speci'.men of Syntactical Parsing.

"Vice degrades us."
Vice is a common substantive, of the neuter gendt:r, the third person, in the singular number, and
the nominative case. D egrades is a r~gul a r verh ~c­
tive, indicative mood , presen t tense, thu:J person sin- _
gular, agreeing with its nominative "vice." accord-

18

EXERCISES.

ing to RULF. 1. which says; (here repeat the rule.)
Us is a personal pronoun, first person plural, in the
objective case, and governed by the active verb "de·
gra<les," agreeably to RULE XI. which says, &c.
•' He who lives virtuously prepares for all events."

He is a personal pronoun, of the third person,
singular number, and masculine gender, Who is a
relative pronoun, which has for its antecedent, "he,''
with which it agrees in gepder and number, ac·
cording to RULE v. which says, &c. Lives a rcg.i~ar
VP,rb neuter, indicative mood, present tense, third
person singular, agreeing with its nominative,"' who,"
according io RULE v1. which says, &c. Virtuously
is an adverb of quality. Prepares a regular verb
neuter, indicative mood. present tense, th.ir<l person
singular, agreeing with Its nominative, "he." For
is a preposition • .11.ll is an adjective pronoun, of the
indefinite kind, the plural number, and belongs to
its substantive, "events," with which it agrees, according to RULE vm. which says, &c. Events is a
common substantive of the neuter gender, the third
person, in the plural number, and the objective case,
governed by the preposition, " for," according to
RULE XVII. which says, &c.
" If folly entice th_ee, reject its allurements."

!f is a copulative conjunction. Folly is. a common
substantive of the neuter gender, the third person
in the singula1 number, and the nominative case.
Entice is a regular verb active, subjunctive mood,
present tense, third person singular, and is governed
by the conjunction " if," according to RULE XIX.
which says, &c. Thee is a personal pronoun, of the
second person singular, in the objective case, governed by the active verb " entice," agreeably to RULE
x1. which says, &c. Reject is a regular active verb,

PARSING·

19

imperative mood, second person si?gul~r,and ag~ees
with its nominative case," thou" 1mphed. Its 1s a
personal pronoun,third person, sin.gul~r number, ~nd
of the neuter gender, to agree "'.l~h its substantive
"folly," according to RULE v. which says, &c. It
is in the possessive case, governed by the noun" allurements," agreeably to RULE x. which says, &c •
.llllurements is a common substantive, of the neuter •
<render the third person, iri the plural number, and
0
,
. verb"
the objective
case, governe db y t.he active
, reject," according to RULE x1. which stys, &c.

SECT. III.
Exercises on the first, second, third and fourth Rulei
.
of Syntax.*
J. The contented mind spreads ease and cheerfulness around it.
The school of experience teaches many useful
lessons.
.
In the path of life are many thorns, as well as
flowers.
Thou shouldst do justice to all men, even to
enemies.

2. Vanity and presumption ruin many a promis- .
ing youth.
.
Food, clothing, and credit, are the re"'.~rds of mdnstry.
·
.
He and William live together m great harmony.
3. No age, nor condition, is exempt fron_i ~r:iublt;.
Wealth, or virtue, or any valuable acqmsit1on, 1s
not attainable by idle wishes.
• In parsing these exercises the pu(lil should repeat the r~specti~e
rule of Syntax, and show that it a pplic• to the sentence wlucl1 he IS
11arsing-.

20

EXERCISES.

4. The British nation is great and generous.

The company is assembled. It is composed of
pe:rsons possBssing very different sentiments.
A herd of cattle, peacefully grazing, affords a
pleasing sight.

SECT. IV.
Exercises on the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eigltth
Rules of Syntax.
5 The lnan~who is faithfully attached to religion,
may be relied on with conficbnce.
The vices which we should especiaHy avoid, are
those which most easily beset us.

l'
I

II
I' '

I.

' !

6. They who are born in high stations, are not
always happy.
Our parents and teachers are the persons whom
we ought, in a particular manner, to respect.
If our friend is in trouble, we, whom he knows
and loves, may console him.

7. Thou art the man who has improved his privileges, and who will reap the reward.
I am the person, who owns a fault committed,
and who d1saains to conceal it by falsehood.
8. That sort of pleasure weakens and debases
the mind.
Even in these times, there are many persons, who,
from disinterested motives, are solicitous to promote
the happiness of others.

SECT. V.
Exercises on the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and tweij1h
Rules of Syntax.
9. The restless, discontented person, is not a 0<rood
friend, a good neighbour, or a good subject.

PARSING.

!lJ

The young, the healthy, and the prosperou11 1
should not presume on their advantages.
IO. The scholar's diligence will secure the tutor's
approbation.
The good parent's greatest joy, is, to see his children wise and virtuous.
11. Wisdom and virtue ennoble us. Vice and
folly debase us.
··whom car: we so justly love, as them who have
endeavoured to make us wise and happy .?
12, When a person has noth;:ig to do, he is at..
most always tempted to do wrong.
,
We need not urge Charles to do good : he loves
to do it. ·
We dare not leave our studies without permission.

SECT. VJ.
Exercises on the thir!eenth,fourteenth, ji,fteenth, six·
teenth, and seventeenth Rules of Syntax.
13. The business is, at last, completed; but long
ago I intP.nded to do 'it.
' I expected to see the king, before ne left Windsor.
The misfortune did happen : but we early hoped
and· endeavoured to prevent it . .
To have bei:n censured by so judicious a friend,
would have greatly discouraged me.
l 4. Havmg early disgraced himself, he becam~
mean and dispirited.
.
Knowing him to be my superior, I cheerfully submitted.
1.5. We should always prepare for the worst ana
hope for the b~st.
' D

I•

22

EXERqSES.

<\ young man, sp learned and virtuous, promises
to be a very tJseful member of society.
When our virtuous friends <lie, they are not losf
for ever; they are only gone before us to a happier
world.
16. Neither thre'.ltenings, nor any promises, could
make him violate the truth.
Chinles is not insincere; an<l therefore we may
trust him.
17. From whom was that information received?
To whom do that ho~se, and those fine gardens,
belong?

SECT. VII.
Exercises on the eighteenth, ninete enth, twentieth,

twenty-first, and twenty-s~cond Rules of Syntax.
18. He and I co.mllj'e:iced our studies at the same

time.
If we contend about trifles, r.nd violently main-

'

tain our opinion, we shall gain but few friends.
19. Though James and myself are rivals, we do
not cease to be friends.
If Charles acquire knowle9ge, good manners,
and virtue, he will secure esteem.
William is respected, because he is upright and
obliging.
.
20. These persons are abundantly more oppressed than we are.
Though I am not so good a scholar as he is, I am,
perhaps, not less attentive than he, to study.
21. Charles was a man of knowle-dge, learning,
politeness, a:id religion.
In our travels, we saw much to approve, and much
to condemn.

PARSING.

2-3

22. The book is improved by many useful corrections, alterations, and adiolitions.
She is more talkative and lively than her brother,
but not so weli informed, nor so unifo1•mly cheerful.

SECT. VIII.
P1 ,mis cuous Ex erctses in S.11ntactiwl Parsing.
PROSE.

D1 ss1MULATWN in youth, is the forerunner of
perfidy in old age. Its first appearance is the fatal
omen of growing depravity, and future shame.
If we possess not the power of self-government,
we shall be the prey of every loose inclination that
chances to arise. Pampered by continual indulgence, all our passions will become mutinous and
headstrong. Desire, not reason, will be the ruling
principle of our conduct.
Absurdly we spend our time in contending about
the trifles of a de? y, while we ought to be preparing
for a higher exi stence.
How· little do they know of the true happiness of
life, who arc strangers to that intercourse of good offices and kind affections,which, by a pleasing charm,
attaches men to one another, and circulates rational
enjoyment from heart to heart !
If we view ourselves, with all our imperfections
and failings, in a just light, we shall rather be sur·
prised at our enjoyin g so many good things, than
discontented, because there are :\ny which we want.
True cheerfulness makes a man happy in himself,
and promotes the happiness of all around him~ It
is the clear and calm sunshine of a mind illurr.inated
by piety and virtue.
Whrrever views of interest and prospects of
return, mingle _with the feeiings of affection, s~n-

..
24

I

I'

EXERCISES.

sibility acts an imperfect part, and entitles us to
small share of commendation.
Let not :four exp~ctations from the years that are
to come, nse too high; and your disappointments
w!ll be_fewer, and more easily supported.
To live long, ought not to be our favourite wish
so ~nrn<:h as t_o live well: By c~rntinuing too long 0 ~
ea, th, we might only hve to witness a greater number _of melancholy scenes, and to expose ourselves to
a wider compass of human wo.
How many p_ass away some of the most valuable
years of their lives, tost in a whirlpool of what cannot be called pleasure, so much as mere giddiness
and folly!
Look round you with attentive eye, and weigh
character~ wen, bef(fre you connect yourselves too
closely with any who court your society.
. The lru~ hcnour of. man consists not in the mult1tu?e of riches, or the elevatj.on of rank ; for experience shows, that the se may be possessed by the
worthless, as well as by_ the deserving.
Beauty o~ form has otten betrayed its possessor.
ThP flower I? :asily blasted. It is short-lived at the
brs t ;_and tr1flrng, at any rate, in comparison with
the hig her, and more lasting beauti es of the mind.
A contente_d t~mper opens a clear sky, and brightens every obJe~t around us. It is in the sullen and
dark shade o~ discontent, that noxious passions, like
venomous am::nals, br_eed and prey upon the heart.
Th?usands whom Indolence has sunk into conten1pt1ble obscurity, might have come forward to
usefulness and honour, if idleness had not frustrated
the effects of all their powers.
~Ioth is like _the slowly-flowing, putrid stream,
wh1sh stagn~tes m the marsh, breeds venomous animal~ and poisonous plants; and infects with pcsti.
lential vapours the whole country round it.

PARSING , .

25

Disappointments derange, ar:i~ overcome, vul~ar
minds. The patient and the wise, by a proper improvement, frequently make them co::itribute to their
high advantage.
~ .
Whatever fortune may rob us o;, it cannot take
away what is most valuabl.e, fhe peace ofa good conscience, and the cheering prospect of a happy concluion to all the trials of life, in a better world.
Be not overcome by the injuries you meet with,
so a5 to pursue revenge ; by.the d~sasters of life, so
as to sink into despair ; by the evil examples of the
world so as to follow them mto sin. Overcome
inJ"uri~s , by foro-iveness
·disasters,
bv
fortitude; evil
$;>
'
•
examples, by nrmness of principle. . ·
.
Sobriety of mind is one of tho~e virtue;, ~h1ch
the present condition of human hfe strong.y m-culcates. The uncertainty of its enjoyments, checks
presi;mption; the multiplicity of it~ dan~e~s, demands perpetual caution. Mod erat10n, vigilance,
and self-government, are duties ~nc~mbent _on all;
but especially on such as are begmnmg the JOUrney
of life.
The charins and comforts of virtue are inexpressible; anJ can only be justly conceived _by those
wh-0 possess her. The consciousness of Divine approbation and support, and the steady ~ope offut~re
happiness, communicate a peace and JOY, to which
all the delights of the world bear no resemblance. ,
If we knew how much the pleasures of this life
deceive and betray their unhappy votaries ; and reflected on the disappointments in purs~it, the dissatisfaction in enjoyment, or the urn:ertamty of possession, which every where attend them; we should
cease to be enamoured with these brittle and transient joys ; and should wisely fix our hearts on t?ose
virtuous attainments, which the world can neither
give nor take away.

-D 2

•
26

EXERCTSES.

PARSING.

POETRY.

Order is Heav n's first law ; and thii confost
Some a.re, and m1•st be, greater ·than the rest,
~ o~e rich, more wi~e ; but who infers from hence,
lat such are happier, shocks all common sense.

1

Needful austeriti es our wills restrain;
As thorns fence in the tender plant from harm.

f.ea~on's whoJ.e pleasure, all the joys of sense
ie m three words, health, peace, and competene<!
But heruth cons~st!! with temperance alone .
.
And peace, 0 virtue! peace is all thy own:
On earth nought precious is obtain'd
But what is painful too; '
'
By travel and to travel born
C>ur subbaths arc but fe'V.'

If nothing more than purpose Ill thy power,
Thy purpose firm, is equal to the deed :
Who does the best his circumstance allow!!,
Does well, acts nobly ; angels coul.d no more.
In faith and hope the world will disagree
But all mankind's concern is charity.
To be resign'd when ills betide,
Patieut when favours are denied,
Ana pleas'd with favours given;
Most surely this is Wisdom's part,
This is that incense of the heart,
Whose fragrance smells to Heaven.
0

Who .n.oble end3 by noMe means obtains
o.r fa.ilrng, smile~ in exile or in chai:is, '
L~ke good AurehuB let him r eign, or bleed
Like Socrates, th r,t man is great indeed.

All fame is foreign, but of true desert ;
Plays round the head, but comes not to thP. heart,
One self-approving hour whole years outweighs
Of stupid starers, and of loud huzzas ,
And more true joy Marcellus exil'd feesl,
Than Ca!Sar with a senate at his heels.

Our hearts are fasten.'d to this world
By strong and endless ties .
'
But every sorrow cuts a strin~
An<l urges us to rise.
'"

Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife,
Their soher wishes never learn'd to stray;
Along the cool sequester'd vale of life',
They kept the noiseless tenor of their way.

Oft pi?ing cares .in rich Lrocadcs are drest,
And diamonds glitter on an anxious breast.
Tench me lo feel another's wo
To l1ide the fault I see .
'
That mercy ~ to others sh~w
. ~hat mercy show to me. '
This day be bread, and peace, my lot
All else beneath the sun,
'
Thou know'::t if best bestow\! or iio•
And let thy will be Jone.
''

Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,
As, to be hated, needs but to be seen:
Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,
We first endure, then pity, then embrace.

What nothing earthly gives, or can destroy,
'fhe soul's calm sunshine, and the heartfelt joy.
Is virtue'!! prize .

·· ~':.

Pity the sorrows of a poor old man,
Whose tr~mblin O' limbs have borne him to your <loor,
Whose day s are:::>dwindl ed to the shortest span :
Oh! give reli ef, arid Ifoav'n will Liess your Sl-Ort!

9'1

EXER CISE J ,

Who li\fes '9 nature, rarely can be poor:
Who lives to fancy, never can be rich.
I

When young, life's journ~y l began,
The glitt'ring prospect charm'd my eyes
saw, along th' extended plain,
Joy after joy successive rise.
But soon I found ' twa~ all a dream ;
And learn'd the fond pursuit to shun
Whe re few can reach the purpos'd aim,
And thousands daily are undone.
'Tis greatly wise to talk with our past hours ;
And ask them, what report they bore to Heav'n.
All
All
All
All

nature is but art unknown to th ee ;
chance, directi on which thou canst not see
discord, harmony not understood ;
partial evi l, unive rsal good.

H eav'il'8 choice is safer than our own;
Of ages past inquire,
What th e m•)st formi dable fate ;
"To have our own desire."
If c e as e l es~ , th us , the fowls of Heav 'n he foeds,
If ? ' e r th e fie lds such lucid robes he spreads :
Will he not car~ for you, ye faithl ess , say
ls he unwise '? or, are ye less than they.
Th e spacious firm ament on high,
With all th e blue eth e real sky,
And spangled heav'ns, a shining frame,
Their great Original proclaim :
Th' unweari ed sun , fr om day to day,
Does his Creator's powe r display,
And publishes to ev'ry land ,
The work of an Almighty hand.

PAR SING,

Soon as the ev'ning shades prevail?
The moon takes up the wond 'rous tal e,
And, nightly, to the list'nin_g earth,
H.epeats the story of her birth :
Whilst all the stars that round her burn
And all the plan ets i~ their turn,
ConGrm the tidings as they roll,
And spread the truth from pole to pole.
What tho' in sole mn silence, alJ
Move r ounu 'the dark terrestrial bull!
\Vhat th o' nor real voice nor sound,
Amid th eir radiant orbs be fouuJ I
in r eason's ear they all rej oice,
. And utter forth a glorious voice,
For ever singing a3 they s!1ine_. .
,,
" The hand that made us 1s D1 v me.

29

ORTHOGRAPHY•

PART Il.
EXERCISES IN OTITHOGRAPHY.

CHAP. I.
Co11irtim11g

imtances offalse Orthography, arranged
under the respective Rule8.
'

Grammar, p. 35.

Key, p. I.

· RULE I.

Jlfonosyllables ending with f, I, or s, preceded by a
single vowel, double tliefin~l consonant; ~u, 8tajf, mill,
pass, <Ye. The only exceptions are, of, if, as is has
' '
'
was, yes, his, this, us, and thus.

It is no gr~a.t merit to spcl properly; but a great
defect to do 1t mr.orrect1y.
Jacob worshiped his Creator, leaning on the top
of his staf.
We may place too little, as well as too much stres
upon dreams.
Our manners should be neither gros, nor excessively refined.
RULE II.

.!r!onosyllables ending with any consonant but f, 1, or
s, and preceded by a single vowel, never double the
final cons?nant; exccpttng only, add, ebb, butt, egg,
odd, eri', mn, bwm, purr, and buzz.
Grammar, p. 35

Key, p. 2 .

A carr signifies a chariot of war or a small carriage of burden.
'
In the names of druggs and plant::;, the mistake in
a word may endanger hfe.

81

Nor undelightful is the ceaseless humm
To him who muses through the woods at noon.

The finn of a fish is the limb, by which he balances his body, and moves in the water,
Many a trapp is laid to insnare the feet of youth.
Many thousand families are supported by the
simple business of making malts.
RULE Ill.

Words ending with y,precededby a consonant,form
the plurals of nouns, the persons of i 1 erbs, 'l!erbal nouns,
past participles, comparative~, and superlatives, by
changing y into i; as spy, spies; I carry, thou car ries/ ; he carrieth or carries ; carrier, carried ; happy, happier, happiest.
.
The present participle ing, retains the y, thu-t i
may not be doubled; as, carry, carrying; bUT'!J'• burying, <Ye.
·
. But y, preceded by a vowel, in such instances as the
above, is not changed; as, boy, boys; I clay, he cloys,
cloyed, 8;-c.; except in lay.pay, and say; from which
arefr1rmed, laid, paid, and said; and their compounds,
unlaid, unpaid, unsaid, 8.(c.
Grammar, p. 35. Key, p. 2.

'\Ve should subject our fancys to the government
of reason •
If thou art seeking for the living amongst the dead,
thou wearycst thyself in vain.
If we have dcnyed ourselves sinful p leasurf's, we
shall be great gainers in the end.
We shall not be the happyer for possessing talents
and aftlucnce, unless we make a right use of them.
The truly good mind is not disma1ed by ponrty,
afllictions ur death ..

32

EXERC~'>ESo

RULE IY.

Word1 ending with y, preceded by a consonant, upassuming an additional syllable beginning wtth a
consonant, commonly change y into i; as, happJ!, hap,v ily, happiness. But when y is preceded by a vowel,
it is very 1:arely changed in the additional syllable ;
as, coy, coyly; boy, boyish, boyhood; annoy, annoyed,
annoyance ; joy, joyless, joyful, <Ve.

on

Grammar, p. 35.

33

not, during their first years of study, permite..:i to
ask any questions.
.
We all have many faillings and lapses to lament
and recover.
There is no aflliction w.ith which we are visitted,
that may not be improved to our adva!'lt~ge.
The Christian Lawgiver has proh1b1tted many
things, which the heathen philosophers allowed.

Key, p. 2.

It is a great blessing to have a sound mind, uninfluenced by fancyful humours.
Common calamities, and common ·blessings, fall
heavyly upon the envious.
The comclyn ess of youth are modesty and frankness; of age, condescension and dignity.
\Vhen we act against conscience, we become the
<lestroiers of our own peace.
We may be plaiful, and yet innocent; grave, and
yet corrupt. It is only from general conduct, that
our true character can be portraied.
RULE V.

.Monosyllables, and toords accented on the last syllable, ending with a single consonant pre':eded b!I a
single 1:owel, double that consonant, when they take
anothf.r syllable beginning with a vowel: as wit, witty; thin , thinnish; to abet, an abettor; to begin, a
beginn ~ r.

But if a diphthong precedes , or the accent is on the
preceding sifllable, the consonant remains single; as,
to toil, toiling; to offer, an offering; maid, maiden,
fyC. .
Grammar, p. 3.5.

ORTHOGRAPHY.

Key, p. 3

When we bring the lawmaker into contempt, we
have in effect annule<l his laws.
Hy defering our repentar.ce, we accumulate our sorrows.
The pupils of a certain ancient philosopher, were

RUI.E VJ.

Words ending with any double letter but I, a1ld taking ness, less, ly, or ful, after them, preserve the letter double: as, harmlessness, carelessness, carelessly,
stijfiy, successful, distressful, <Ve. But those wo1ds
which end with double I, and take ness, less, ly, ?r
ful, after them, generally omit one I, as fulness, skdlm,fidly, skilful,,

we.

Grammar, p. 36.

Key, p. 3.

. H.estlesne~s of mind disqualifies us, both for the
enjoyment of peace, and the performance of our
duty.
The arrows of calumny fall harmlesly at the fee:
of virtue.
·
The road to the blisful regions, is as open to the
pt:asant as to the ki~g. .
A chillness or sh1venng of the body generally
precedes a fever. .
.
To recommend virtue to others, our lights mu.~ ·
shine brightly, not dullly.
The. silent stranger stoou umaz'd to see
Contempt of wealth, and willful poverty.
RULE VII.

N css, less, Iy, and fu I, added to words endin!f i:iith
do not -;ut it off: as, paleness, gw{eteS6,
.silent
closely, peaceful, except -in <t few words: as, _d1J.l!J,
truly, awful.

e,

E

3,4

EXERCISES

OB'l'HOGllAPH\" • .

The warmth of disputation, Jcstroys that se<lqt·
ness of mind which is necessary to discover truth.

Every person and thing conn ec ted with self, is
apt to appear good and . desirable in our eyes. ·
Errors and misconduct are more excuaable iu
ignorant, than in well-instructed persons.
· The divine laws are not reverseible by those of
men.
Gratitude is a forceible and active principle-in
good and generous minds.
Our naturul and involuntary defects of uocly,
a.re not chargable upon us. We are made to he servicahle to others, as well
as to ourselves.

All these with <:GaRless praise his works behold,
Both day and night.

In all our reasonmgs, our minds should be sin·
cerly employed in the pursuit of truth.
Rude behaviour, and indecent language, arc peculiarly disgracful to youth of education.
The true worship of God is an impcrtant and aweful service.
Wisdom alone is truely fail''; folly only appears so.
RULE VJIJ.

RULE

Men!, added to words ending with silent e, generally prcscrres the e from elision: as, abatement,
chastisement, incitement, ~c. The words judgment,
abridgment, acknowledgment, c n deviations from the
rule.
Like other terminations it changes y into i, whrn
preculecl '1y a consonant: as, accompany, accompani·
ment; merry, merriment.
Grammar, p. 35.

Key, p. 4.

The study of the English language is making daily advancment.
A judi.cious a1Ta,ngment of studies facilitates improvmcnt.
To shun allurments is not hard,
To. minds rcsolv'd, forewarn'il, and well prepar'd.
RULE IX.

· A ble and ible, when incorporated mto words ending with silent e, almost always cut it off: as, blame,
blamable; cure, curable; sense, sensible, ~c.; but ij
c or g soft comes before e in the origin(jl word, th~
e is then preserved in words corrq,ounded with ahle ~
c. ;;, dunge , r:hangeable; peace, peaceable, 4-t.

x.

When ing or ish is added lo words ending with silent e, thee is almo$l uni•:ersally omiJted: as, place,
placing ; lodge, lodging; slave, slavish; prude,
prndish.
_
•
An obligeing and humble disposition, is totally
unconnected with a servile, and cringeing humour.
By solaceing the sorrows of others, the heart is
improved, at the same time that our duty is performed.

Labour and expense are lost upon a droneish
spirit.
The inad vertencies of youtll-lllU) he e reused, but
k:naveish tricks should meet with severe reproof.
RULE XI.

Words taken into composition, ojtm drvp those lett P.r~ which were superfluous in their simples: as, handful, dunghil, withal, also, chilblain,foretel.
Grammar, p. 36. Key, p. 6.

Love worketh no ill to our neighbour, ancl is the
fuUfilling of.the law.
That which is sometimes expedient, is not
al.lways so,

36

F: \ r.: ::c r:- :::s .

(PromiSCUOU8,

'\Ve may be hurt.full tn uth c rs. Lr our examplt>,
as welt as by personal injnries.
\Vhere diligenc e ope ns the door of the understanding, and impartia lity keeps it, truth iinds an
tmtrance and a weJkome too.

CHAP. II.
Contai:ning instrmces of false ORTHOGRAPHY, promisr.uously disposed.
See the Key, p. 5.

As the le arners must b e supposed to be tole rably
verse d in th e spe!ling of words i (1 very famili a r use,
tac Compil er has generally selected, for the follow.
ing excrcises,sucli ll'ordsas are les5 obviouslyerroa eous , ?-nd in the use of which young persons are
more lil<e ly to commit mistakes. Though the in·
stances which he gives of these deviations are not
very num e rous, y e t, it is presum ed, they are exhibited with'Sun! c ic nt variety, to show the necessity of
care and atte ntion in combining lette rs and syllabics; a nd to ex cite the ingenious student to investig<ttc th e pr inc ipl es and rules o f our Orthography,
as well as to di sti nguish th e exceptions and variations whi c h eve ry where .atte nd them.
In rec rify ing th ese exercise3, the Compil e r ha:i
bee n gov ern c d by D oc tor Johnson's Di ctionary, as
the stand ard o f propriety. This work is, indisputably, th e b est au thority for the Orthography of the
English lang u<ige; though the author, in some i11.
stances, has made decisions, which are not generally
approved, and for which it is not easy to account.
SECT. I.
Key,p.5.

Ni::gle.ct no oppurtunity of doing good.
No man can stedily build upon accidents.
How shall we Keep, whnt sleeping or awak e,
A wea hr m/\y s11 rp1·ize, n stronger take '

Promi'.scuous. )

ORTll OG RAruv.

37

Neither time nor misfortunes shoulJ. ~raze the remem bera nce of a friend.
·
· .L both in the kitchin
.Moderat10n
sl1ou Id pres:m:,
and the parlor.
Shall we recieve good at the Divine hand, and
shall we not recieve evil ?
.
In many des igns, we may succede and be m1sera·
hie.
.
h
•
We should have sence and virtue enoug to receed from cur demands, when they appear to be unresonable.
' All our .;:; ~1fort~ procede from the F a ther of
Goodness.
The ruin of a state is generally preceeded by a
universal degenaracy of manners, and a contempt
of religion.
.
.
.
.
His father omited nothmg m his e<lucat1on, that
might render him virtuous and useful.I. .
The J aw ~n the fable was dressed m p1!fcrred or·

na~e~~~r

confered with delicacy, doubles the ob-

ligation.
cl . . d h
They templed their Creator, an 1rm1tte t e
Holy One of Tzrael.
.
The precepts of a good educat10n ha-ve often re·
cured in the tim e of need.
We are freque ntly benefitted by what we have
d
drea<led.
·
·h
It is no grea.t virtue to live lovemgly wit goo
natured and meek persons.
.
The Christian religicn e;i~es a mor: lov1y cha
racter of God, than any rehg10n ever did.
Without sinsterous views, they are dextrous ma
nagers of their own interest.
~
.A ny thin g cor_nmited to the trust and care of another, is a deposit.
Here finnish'd he, and all tha~ h.e had made
\ ' ieu'd und beheld! All was mtirely good.

E2

38

EXERCISES.

(Promiscuous.

It deserves vur best bkil to enquire into those
rules by which we may guide our judgement.
Food, clotheing, and habitations, are the rewards
of industry.
If we lfe no restraint upon ,1ur lusts, no controul
upon our apetites and pass ions, they will hurry us
into guilt and misery.
An Independant is one who, i-n religious affairs,
holds that every congregation is a com pleat Church.
RecP.ive his council, an<l securly move :
Entrust thy fortune to the l.."ower above.
Follcwing life iu cretures we disect .
We lose it in the moment we detect.
The acknowledgement of our tran sgressions must
precede the forgivness of them.
·
Judicious abridgem ents often aid the studys of
youth.
Examin e how thy humor 1s encli n'd,
And which the ruleing passion of thy mrnd.
- ·-.--He (;miters at the questio:i :
His fears, his words, his looks, declare h11n guilty.

~:;tlico~ is~- thin cloth made of cotton, sometimes
starned with lively colors.
To. promote iniquity in others, is nearly th e same
as berng the actrrs of it ourselvs.
The glasier)s business was unknown to the anti en ts.
The ante_cedant, in g~·ammer, is the noun or pronoun to which the relative refers.

SECT. II.
K ~y, p . ~

-

Be not alfraid ?f the wicked : they a re under the
controul of Prnvrdence. Consciousness of guilt
may justly afright us.
Convey to othtrs no inteli gence which you w:ould
be. asham ed to avow.

Promiscuous.)

ORTHOGRAPHY.

39

Many are weighed in the ballance, and found
wanting.
.
.
How many chsapointments have, m their conse-.
quences, saved a man from ruin!
·
A well-poised mind makes a chear~ul countenance.
A certain housholder planted ·a vrnyard, but the
men imploye<l in it made ungrateful! re t~rns .
Let us show dilligence in every laud1ble undertaking.
.
Cinamon is the fragrant bark of a low tree m the
iland of C eylon.
A ram will but with his head, though he be
brou o-ht up tame, and never saw th e action .
,
w~ percieve a piece of si lver in a bason? when
water is poured on it, though we could not d1sc0Yer
it brfore.
Virtue imba:ms th e memory of the good .
The king of Great Brittain is a limittcd m::march;
and the I3rittish nati on a free people.
. .
Th e phisician may disp?nce the med1crn, but
Providence alone can bl ess 1t.
In many persu its we imbark with pleas ure, and
land sorrowfu 11 y.
. .
Rocks, mountains, and caverns, are of md1sp ensible use , both to the earth a nd to man.
The hive of a city, or kingdom, is in the bes t.con·
dition when their is the leas t noize or buz in it.
Th~ rotw hn esses found on our enteran ce into the
paths of vi~tue and learning, grow smoother as we
advance.
That which was once the most beautifull spot of
Italy, coverred with pallaces, imbellished by_ princes, and cellebrated by poets, h<i.8 now nothmg to
show but ruins.
Batterring rams were an tiently u8ed to beat Jown
the wall s of a c ity.
.
J ocky sicrn ifies a man who rid es horses ma rnce;
"' m horses.
or who deals

40

EXERCISES.

(Promiscuoua,

The harmlesness of many ammais, and the mjoyment which they have oflife, should plead for them
against cruel useage.
W e may be very bu zy, to no use full purpose.
We cannot plead in abatment of our guilt, that
we are ignorent of our duty.
Genuine charaty, how liberal soever it may be,
will never impoverish ourselves. If we sew sparingly, we shall r eap acordingly.
However disagreable, we must reso lutly perform
our du ty.
/
A fit of sickness is often a ki nd chastisment an<l
disciplin, to moderate our affec tions for the thin gs ol
this life.
It is a happyness to young p ersons, when they
are preserved from the snares of the worl<l, as in a
ga rden inclosed.
H eal ~h and peace, the most valueable posessions,
arc oLtained at small expence.
Inc ence signifies perfumes exhailed by fire, and
mad e use of in religious ceremonies.
True happyness is an enn emy to pomp a nd noize .
F ew reflexions arc more distresing, than those
which \~·e make on our own ingratitude.
There is an inscperabl e conn ec tion between piety
and virtu e.
Many acti ons have a fair complection, whi ch have
not sprung from virtue .
Whicb way soever we turn ourselvs, we are incountered with sensabl e demonstrations of a D eity.
If we fo rsake the ways of virtue, we can pot all edge
any color of ignorance, or want of instruction.

SECT. III.
Key, p. 9.
THERE are more cultivaters of the earth, than of
their own hearts.
Man is mcornp:.isscd with dangers innum<'rah)e.

· Prornsicuous.)

ORTHOGRAPHY.

41

War is attended with distresful and dessolating effects. It is co11fcsedly the scorge of our angry passions.
,
h
f.
The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness t ereo ·
The harvest truely is plenteous, but the laborers
are few.
.
Th e greater our incitments to evil, the greater
will be om victory a nd reward.
vV c should not in courage persons to do what they
.
beleive to be wrong.
Virtue is placed between two extreams, wh1ch
.
.
arc both equally blameable.
W e shou ld continual! y ha vc the gaol m our view,
whi c!1 would direCt us in th e race.
The goa ls were forced open, and the prisoners
se t free.
It cannot be said th<tt we are chanti_blc cloners,
when our gifts proceed from se lfish motives.
Straight is the gate, and narrow . the way that
lead to liie eternal.
.
. .
Integrity leads us strait forwarcl, d1sdammg all
doubl eir.gs , and crooked. paths.
. .
Licent::iousness and crimes pave the way to rum.
VVords are the countres of wise men, but the mo·
ney of fools.
.
.
.
R ecompcnce to no man ·evil for e~1!.
H e was an excellent person; a m1rrour of antl_
ent faith in early youth.
Meekness controuls our angry pass10ns, candor,
our severe jud!Yements.
.
.
H e is not only a descen~ent. from p10us a nce~ters,
but an inheriter too of their vJrtues.
. .
A dispensatory is the pl ace where r:1ed1c1.nes are
disp ensed : a di spe n~ary is .a b ook m duch the
corn positi on of them 1s described.
.
. .
Fai thfu lness and judgment are pecu harl.Y rcq 111 ~ 1t
in tes tamentory execu tors.
To be faithful! among th e faith!P."5, argues great
strength of prin cipal.

42

EXERCISES,

( Promiscuoug,

Mountains appear to be like so many wens or·
unatural protuberancies on the face of the earth.
In some places the sea incroaches upon the land ·
fn others, the land upon the sea.
'
Philosophers agreed in despizing riches, as the
mcuaiberances of life.
l~ars are regulated robberries and pyracies.
Fishes encrease more than beasts or birds, asappears from their numr0us spaun.
The piramids of Egypt have stood more than
three th6usand years.
Precepts have small intluenGe. when not inforced
by example.
.
How has kind Heav'n adorn'd the happy land,
And scatter'd blessings with a' wastful hand !

A friend exaggarates a man's virtues, an enemy
enflames his crimes.
A wjtty and .humourous vein has often produced
ennem1es.
Neither pleasure nor buziness should ingross our
time and affections ; proper seasons should be
alotted for retirment.
It is laudable to enquire before we determin.
Many l1ave been visitted with afflictions, who
have not profitted by them.
We may be succesful, and yet disappointed.
SECT. IV.
Key, p. 11.

The experience of want inhances the value of
pleJ:lty.
To maintain opinions stifty, is no evidence of
their truth, or of our moderation.
Horehound has been famous for its medecinal
qualities ; but it is now little used.
The wicked are often ensnared in the trap which
t11ey lie for others.

Pr.orniscuous.)

oR THOGRAPHY.

43

·It is hard to say what diseases are cureable: they
are all under the guidence of Heave~.
.
Instructors should not only be slnll~ul~ m those
sciences which they teac~ ; but. have sk1l J~ :he method of teaching, and patJ~nce m the pr.actJ::.e{;
Science strengthens and mlarges th.e mmds o men.
A steady mind inay receive councJl: but there JS
no hold on a changablc. humour.
We may enure oursel~·s by ~u.st~m, to bear the
P.Xtremities of whether w~thout lnjUJy.
.
Excessive merryment JS the pa.rent of. greJf, db
Air is sensable to the touch b.y i~s motJ!>n, an y
its resistence to bodies moved m Jt.
. .
A polite address is sometimes the cloke o~m.ahce.
To practice virtue is the sure way to lov~ it. .
Many things are plausable in theory, l'.>'h1ch fail
in practise.
· db J
Learning and knowlege must be atta~n~ y s o~
degrees: and are· the reward only of dilhgence an
patience. ·
bl
.h
We should study to live peaca y wit a 11 men • .
A soul that can securly ?e.ath defy' .
And count it nature's pr1v1ledge to die.
Whatever promotes the inter.e~t of the soul, is al.
vill
so conclusive to our presen~ fehc1t)'.·
Let not the sterness of virtue afnght us ' she '
soon become aimable.
The spatious firmament on high,
With all the blue etheriel .skr,
And spanglct! h~~'"ns a slu~eing frame,
Their great Origmel proclame.

Pas!'ion is the drunkeness of the mmd : it supercedes the workings of reason.
d
If we are sincere, we may be assured of an a vocate to intersede for us.
th i~
\Ve cught net to consider the encrease of ano er "
reputation, as a dimminution of our own.

44

EXERCISES.

(Promiscuous.

The ruematism is a painfol distemper, supposed
to J){'Ocede from acrid humors.
The beautiful and accomplished, are too apt to
study behaivour rather than virtue.
T~e peazant's cabbin contai!1s as much content
as the soverein's pallace.
True valor protects the feeble; and humbles the
op presser.
.
.
David, the son of Jesse, was a wISe and vahent
man.
P rophecies and miracles proclamed Jes us Christ
to be the Savior of the world!
Esau sold his birthright for a savory mess of pottage.
.
.
.
A regular and virteous education, 1s an mesteemable blessing.
..
.
Honor and shame from no con<l1t10n rise :
Act well your part ; there, all the honor lies.
The rigor of monkish di :;:iplin often conceab
great depravity of heart.
We should recollect, that however favorable we
may be to ourselves, we are rigourously examined
by others.
SECT V.
Key, p. 13.

Virtue c~n renJer youth, as well as o!J age, honorable.
Rumor oftE:n tells false tales.
\Veak minds are rufled by triffiin g things.
The cabage-tree is very comm.o ~ in the .Caribbee
ilands, where it grows to a prod1g1ous he1ghth.
Visit the sick, feed the hungry, cloath the naked.
His smiles and tears are too artifitial to be relied
on.
The most essensial virtues ofa Christian, are love
to God and benevolence to man.
We should be chearful without levity.

Promiscuous.)

ORTHOGRAPHY.

45

A calender signifies _a register of the year ; and a
calendar, a press in which clotluers smooth their
cloth.
integrity and hope are the sure paliatives of sorrow.
Uimomile is an odouriforous plant, and possesses
considerable medicine! virtues.
The gaity of youth should be tempered by the
.
.
precepts oi age.
Certainty, even on distresful occasions, is somtunes more elligible than suspence.
Still gre~n with bays each antient alter stands,
Above the reach of sacriligious hands.
The most. acceptable sacrifise, is that of a contrite
and humble heart.
We arc acc.ountable for whatever we patronize in
oilie~.
.
_
It marks a savage C11 spositi9n, to tortur anim_als,
to make them sn'lart and agomse, for our d1vers1on.
· The edge of cloa~hi where it is clo~ed by comp heating the threads, is called the sclv1dge •. ., .
.
Soushon" tea and Turky coffee were his tovonte
beveri<lge ~ ch0<~olarie he seld~m drank.
The guilty mmd cannot av01d mans mclancholly
apprehcnsions.
. .
If we injure others, we must expect i:etall_1at1on.
Let every man be fully pcrswaded m his own
mind.
Peace and honor are the sheeves of virtue's harvest.
The black earth, every where obvious on the surface of the ground, we tall mold.
The Roman pontif claims to be the suprcam head
of the church on earth.
.
High-sea.sone_d food vic.iates the pallate , and occasions a d1srelish for plarn fare.
The conscious rece1vor is as bad as the thief.

F

EXERCISES.

(P1·omiscuom.

Alexander, the conquerer of the world, was, in
fact, a robber and a murderer.
Th_e Divine Being is not only tne Creater, but the
Ruler and Preservor of the world.
Honest endeavors, if persevered in, will finully be succesful.
He who dies for religion, is a martyr: he who
suffers for it, is a confessour.
In the paroxism of passion, we sometimes give
occasion for a life of repentence.
The mist which invelopes many studies, is dissipated when we approach them.
The voice is sometimes obstrncteJ by a hoarsness, or by viscuous phlegm.
The desart shall r ejoice, and blossom as the rose.
The fruit and sweatmeats set on table after th e
me.at, are called the desert.
We traversed th P. ·fl,owry fields, till th e falling
tlews admonished us to return.

SECT. Vl.
Key, p . 15.

There- is frequently a worm a t the root of our
most florishin g condition.
The stalk of ivey is tough, and not fragil.
The roof is vaulted, and distills fresh water from
- ev ery part of it.
Our imperfect10ns are discernable by others,
when we think they are concealed,
·
They think they shall be heared for there much
speaking.
True c:riticizm is not a captious, but a liberal art.
Integrity is our best defense against the evils of
life.
No circumstance can licence evil or dispence
with the rules of virtue.
We may be cyphers in the world's estimation.
whilst we are advancing our own and otl1ers' value.

Promiscu,ous.)

47

ORTHOGRAPHY.

The pa th of vertue is the path of peace.
A dipthong is the coilition of two vowelsJo form
one so1ind.
Howeve r forceable our tcmptafi on s, they may
be r esisted .
I acknowl ege my transgression ; and my sin is
ever lJefore me .
The c·nllr:dge of c a rdinals are the electers of the
pope .
He had no colorab le excLJse t o p:illiate his conduct.
Thy humo11ro11s vein, thy picl).siiig folly,
Lie all neglected, 1tll forgot.

If we are so conceited as obstinatly to reject all
advi ce, we must expect a direli<:ti on of friends.
Cro11ology is the science of computeing and
ajusting the per iods of time.
In grov es we live, and lay on nio:sy beds,
Ry chrystal streams, that murrrwr throu l\h the

m~&ds.

It is a secret c:owardisc which induceil us to com·
pl e men t the,: vices of ou r superiors, to applaud the
libe rtin, and la ug h with the pro phane.
The la rk each morning waked me with her
spritely lay.
There n.re no few er than thirty-two spec ie i! of
the lilly.
'\Ve owe it to ·jur visitors as 'ivell as to 0>1.1rselves,
to entertain th e1i1 with useful and sensable conver- -

sation.
Sponser-s are those who b eco me sureties for the
children's ed ucation in the christian faith.
The warri er's fame is often purchased by the
blood of thousands.
Hope exhilerdtes the mind, mid is the. grand
elixer, under all the evils of life.
The incence of gratitude, whilst it expresses
our duty, and honors our benefacter~ perfumes
aud regails ourselves.

PART III.
EXERCISES IN SYNTAX.

CHAP. I.
I

Containing instances o"
"alse SYNTAX , d ispose
'
d unacr
J_
:J {'
th e particular Rules.

RULE I.

.11 verb must agree with its nominative case in
ber and person: as, "/learn·" "'T''ho·
t . , nudm," Th e _bir
· d s sing.
· ,,
'
.1. •
u ar improve 1. '
GrammRr, p. 126. Key, p. IS.

th

DISAPPOJINT.l\IENTS sinks the heart of man. but
'
e renew~ of hope give consolation.
. The s1;~iles that encourage severity of . d
-hides malice and insincerity.
JU gment
H.e dare not act contrary to his instructions.
. fio~:.fty pounds of wheat contarns forty pounds of

I Thke mc;hanism otcloc!cs and watches, were total.
Yun no\\n a few centunes aao,
. The number of inhabita~ts of Great Britain
ar,J lre~and, do n.ot exr.ee<l sixteen millions.
Nothmg but vam and foolish pursuits delight some
persons.
~o varie~ bf pleasing. ~bjects charm the eye.
founrf,muc
oth of ability and merit are seldom

.49
SYNTAX.
Rule 1.)
In the conduct of Parmenio a mixture of wisdom

and folly were very conspicuous.
He is an author of more credit than Plutarch, or
any other that write lives too hastily.
The inquisitive and curious is generally talkative.
Great pains has been taken to reconcile the parties.
I am sorry to say it, but there was more equivocators than one.
The sincere is always esteemed.
Has the goods been sold to advantage? and did
thou embrace the proper season?
Th ere is many occas ions in life, in which silence
and simplicity is true wisdom.
- The ge nerous never recounts minutely the actions
they h::ive clone; nor the prudent, those they will do.
He need not proceed in sue~ h::i ste.
· The business that related to ecclesiastical meetings, matters, and persons, were to be ordered ·ac- /
cordi ng to the king's direction.
fn him were h:ippily blended ti·ue dignity with
softness of manners.
The support of so many of his relations, were a
heavy tax upon his industry: but thou knows he
paid it cheerfully.
What avails the bes t sentiments, if Frsons do not
live suitably to them? .
R econciliation was offered, on conditions as mo·
. dera te as was consistent with a permanent union.
Not one of them whom thou sees clothed in purple, are completely happy.
And the fame of this person, and of his wonderful
actions, were diffused throu ghou t the country.
The variety of the productions of genius, like that
of the operations of natme, are without limit.
In vain our f10cks and fields increase our store.
When our abundance makes us wish for more.

F2

,
50

EXERCISES.

(Rule I.

Thou should love thy neighbour as sincerf;ly as
thou loves thyself.
I-I as thou '!o better reason for censuring thy fncnd
and companion?
Thou, who art the Author and Bestower of life
can doubtless restore it also: but whether thou wili
please to restore it, or not, that thou only knows.
0 thou my voice inspire,
Who touch'd Isaiah's halloi~'d lips with fire.
Accept these grateful tears ; for thee they flow·
For thee that ever felt another's wo.
'
Just to thy word, in ev'ry thought sincere ;
Who knew no wish but what the world might hear.
The following examples are adapted to the notes and
observat-ions ttnder RULE 1.
Grammar, p. 126.

Key, p. 9.0.

: 1:"" .To

d_o unto all men, as we would that they,
m similar circumstances should do unto us consti'
tute the great principle of virtue.
From a fear of the world's censure , to be ashamed
of the practi.ce of preC'epts, which the heart approves
and embraces, mark a feeble an<l imperfect character.
. The e~roneous opmions which we form conc6rnmg happmess and mi sery, g ives rise to all the mistaken and dangerous passions that emb roils our life.
'.fo li ve soberly, righteously, and piously, are re·
f!lllred of all men.
_That it is ou.r duty to promote the purity cf our
mrnds and bodies, to be just and kind to ou:- fellowcreatures, and to be pious an<l faithful to Him that
made us, admit not of any doubt in a rational and
well-inform ed mind.
To be of a pure and humble mind, to exercise benevolence towards others, to cultivate piety towards
•The examples under each rule are regularly numbered tomakf
tlir.m correspond lo the respectivft subordinate rules in tbe c'mmmur.

Rule t.)

SYNTAX.

51

God, 1s the sure means of becoming peaceful and
happy.
It is an mportant truth, that religion, vital relig10n, the religion of the heart, are the most powerful auxiliaries of reason, in waging war with the
passions, and promoting that sweet composure
which constitute the peace of God.
The possess10n of our senses entire, of our limbs
uninjured, of a sound understanding, of friends and
companions, are often overlooked; though ,t would
be the ultimate wish of many, who, as far as we can
judge, de-serves it as much as ourselves.
All that make a fi gure on the great theatre of the
world, the employments of the busy, the enterprises
of the ambitious, and the exploits of the warlike;
the virtues which forms the happin ess, and the crimes
which occasions the misery of mankind; originates
in that silent and secret i·ecess of thought, 'vhich
are hidden from every human eye.
2. If the privil eges to which he has an undoubted
right, and he has long enjoyed, should now b ~ wrested from him, would be flagrant injustice.
These curiosities we have imported from China,
and are similar to those which were some time ago
brought from Africa.
• Will martial flames for ever fire thy min<l,
And never, never be to Heav'n resign\!?
3. Two substantives, when they come together,
and do not signify the same thing, the former must
be in the genitive case.
Virtue, however.it may be neglecte<l for a time,
men are so constituted as ultimately to acknowle<lge
and respect gennine merit.
4. The crown of virtue 1s peace and honour.
His chief occupation and enjoyment were controversy.

Rule 2.)
EXERCiftES.

Rut,

5.------Him destroy'd,
Or won to what may work his utter loss
All tins will soon follow.
'
Whose gray top
Shall trembl e, him descending.

Two or, more nouns, <Ye. in the sincrular number
joined together by a copulatipe coujunction, expressed
or un~erstood, must have verbs, nouns, and pronouns,
agreeing with them in tlteplural number: as, "Socrates
and Plato were wise; they were the most eminent philosophers of Greece;" "T!te sun that rolls over -our
he~ds, thefo~d that we receiv~, the rest that we enjoy,
daily admonish us of a superior and a superintending
power."
Grammar, p. 130.

K e)~, p. 22.

!dl_enes-s a~d ignorance is the parent of many vices,
~1sd~rn, virtue, happiness , dwells with the golden
rm·d1ocnty.
I~ unity consists the welfare and security of every
society.
Time and tid e wci its for no man.
Hi s politen ess and good disposition was, on fail·
ure:i of_ their dfoct_, _cntirely_chan~ e d.
_I ati encc and dil1gc nce, like faith, removes mountains .
Humility and lrnow ledn-e, with p oor apparel ex· 1 anc.I.ignorance ounder costly attire . '
1 pnc.c
cc}·
. I'h c planeta ry syst0m, bound less space , anc.I the
1m me~1 s e occn n, affects th e mind with <ensations o(
n S!On 1shrnen t.
Il urn ilit~ and love, whatever cb~cu nt1 es may involv e rcl•g1ous tenets, co nstitutes th e essence of true
n .li.Q·i:Jn .
, J .( .<' i i ~; i o n ~nJ virtue, 011 1· best support and hi g hes t
n•:. 11< ; 11;· , co;ll e rs on the mind princip les of noli le in~I-'· ) !f.':i ' l ~· nc e .

53

What signifies the counsel and care of preceptors,
when youth think they .Liave no need of assistance?

z.

RULE II.

SYNTAX.

The examples whfrlifollow are suited to the notes arid
observations under RULE n.
Grammar, p. 130. Key, p. 22.

i. Much does human pri<le and self-complacency
require correction.
Luxurious living-, aml high pleasures, begets a
languor and satiety that destroys' all enjoynwrt.
PriJc an<l self-sufficiency stifles sentiments of <lependence on our Creator: levity and attachment to
worldly pleasures, destroys the sense of gratitu<le
to him.

.

2. Good order in our affairs, not mean savings,
produce great profits.
The following treatise, together with those th at
accompany it, were written many years ago, for my
own private satisfaction.
That great senator, in concert with several other
eminent p ersons, were the projectors of the revolution.
The religion of these people, as well as their customs and manners, were strangely misrepresented.
Virtue, joined to knowledge and wealth, confer
great influence and respectability. But knowledge,
with wealth united, if virtue is wanting, hav e a very
limited inilu ence, an<l are often despised.
That superficial scholar and critic, like some re.1 owned critics of our own, _have furnished most decisive proofs, that they knew not the characters of
the H ebrew language .
,
Th e buildings of the institution have been enlargec.I.: th e expense of which, added to the increa:;ed
price of provi sions, render it necessary to advance
th e terms of admission.
One, arklc<l to ninete en, make twenty.

54

EXERCISES.

(Rufe 3.

What black despair, what horror, fills his mind!
3. Thou, and the gardener, and the huntsman,
must sh?re the blame of this business amongst them.
1\1.y SlSter and J, as well as my brother, are daily
employed in their respective occupa tions.
·
RULE Ill,

· The conjunction di'.sjunctive has an effect contrar!I
_ to that of the conjunction copulativ e; for as the verb,
; noun, or pronoun, is referred to the preceeding terms
talcen separately, it must be in the singular numb er :
as," Ignorance or n egligence has caused this mistake;"
"John, James, or Jo seph, intends to accompany me;';
''There is, in many minds , neither k nowledge nor•imde rstanding. ''
Grammar, p. 133.

Key, p. 23.

Man's happiness, or misery , are, in a great measure put into his own _hands.
Man is not such a machine as a clock or a watch
which move merely as they are moved.
'
Despise no infirmity of mind or body, nor any
condi tion of life: for they are, perhaps to be your
own lot.
Speaking !mpati e~ tly to _servants, or any thing
that -betrays mattent10n or 111-humour are certainly
criminal.
There are many faults in sp elling, which neither
analogy nor pronunciation justify.
Whe!1 sickness, infirmity, or reverse of fortune
affect us, the sincerity of friendship is proved.
Let it be remembered, that it is not the uttering,
or the hearing of certain words, that constitute the
worship of the Almi gh ty.
A tart reply, a proneness to rebuke, or a captious
and contradictious spirit, are capable of imbitterir~
domestic li fe , and of se tting friends at variance.·
The follow ing sentences exemplify the notes and
obser-.;ations -under RULE 111.
Grammnr, p. 133. Key, p- Z4.

Rule 4.)

SYNTAX.

1. E .ther thou ·or I art greatly mistaken, in our
judgment on this subject.
I or thou am the person who must undertake the
business proposed. _
2. Both of the scholars, or one of them at least,
, .
was present at the tran_saction.
Some parts of the ship and cargo w.erc recovere<l,
but nei ther the sailors nor the captam, was save~.
"Whether one person or inore was concerned m
the business, does not yet appear.
The cares of this life, or the ?ece1t~ulness o-f
riches, has choked the seeds of vutue m many a
promising mind.
RULE IV,

J1 noun of multitude, o; signijyi:ig rr:any, may lw_ve
a 'l>erb or pronoun agree-mg with it, either of the smgular or plural number; yet not wit~out regard t? the
·
t oif the word as conveying unity or plural-tty of
impor
'
,, " T.Zie par z-ia-d · as " The meet·i ng was large ;
i ea •
,
.
.r, z ,, " nf;
m~nt is dissolved;" "The nation is powtrJu ;
·"(,
people do not con~ider : they have not known me ; _
" The multitude eagerly pursue ple~s_ure ~s thei_r
chief good;" " The council wi;_re d1v1ded m their
sentiments.''
Grammar, p. 134. Key, p. 24.

-

.

_

The people rejoicPs in that which should give it
sorro\V,
b
'fhe flock, and not the fleece, are, or ou gh t to e,
.
the objects of the shepherd's care.
The court have just ended, after havrng sat
through the trial of a very long cau5e . _
.
The crowd were so great, that the Jttdgeo w1tl'.
difficulty made their way throu g~ them.
.
_ The corporation of York c~ns1st of a mayor,_aldermen, and a common council.
:
The British parliament are composed of kLiig,
lords, and comm<rns.

En.a..: ISES.

(Rule 5,
When the nation complain, the rulers should listen
to their voice.
In the days of .yout~, the multitude eagerly pursues pleasure as its chief good.
·
.
. The church have no power to inflict corporal pu·
mshmcnt.
The fleet were .. een sailing up the channel.
\~
The regiment consist of a thou sand men.
The .meeting have established several salutary
r egulat10ns.
·
. The coun~il was not unanimous, and it separa t':!d
without comrng to any detormina tion.
Th~ fleet is all arrived and moored in 5afety.
This people drawcth near to me with their mouth
~nd honoureth me with their lips, but their heart i;
ta r from me.
. The committee was divided in its sentiments, and
it has referred the business to the genera l meetinrr
.
b'
· Th e ~ommJttee . wc."e. very full when this point
was decided; and their JUd"ment has not been called in question.
b
Why do this generation wish for greater evidence
when so much is already given ?
'.
The rem~ant of ~he peopie were persecuted WI~h
great seventy.
Never were any people so much infatuated as the
Jewish nation.
~he sh~al of herrrngs were of an immense extent.
. No society are chargeable with the disa pproved
Ullscon<luct of particular members.
RULE \'.

Pronouns mus-I always agree with th eir antet:cd~:ts·.
and the nouns [or w_h£~k they st.and in gender and
number : as,
This is the f ..iend whom I love ·"
'' This is the vice which I hate;" " The king !lnd fhe
queen had put on their robes;" "The moon appears
and she shmes , but the light is net her own."
'

Rule 5.)

SYNTAX.

57

The relative is of the same person . as the antecedent, and the verb agrees with it accordingly: as,
. " Thou who lovest wis-dom· ;" " I who speak from ex·
pM'ience."
Grammar. p. 135.

Key, p. 26

The exercise of reaso n appca rs as little in t~ese
sportsmea, as in the beasts whom th ey sometimes
hunt, and by whom th ey are s?metime.s hunted.
They which seek wisdom Will certamly find her.
The male amongst birJs. seems .to discover no
b eauty, but in the colour of Its spec ies.
T ake handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let
Moses sprinkle it to·;nrds hea \ en, in tlie sight of
Pharaoh· and it shall become small dust.
He bec~a took goodly ra iment, which were with
her in the house, and put them upon .Ja~ob~
.
The wheel kill ed a nother ma n, which is tne sixth
which hav~ lost their lives, by this means.
The fair sex, whose t::isk is not to mi.ogle i~ the labours of public li fe, has its own.part assigned it to act.
The Hercules man of war loun<lereJ at sea; she
overset and lost most of her men.
Th e :nind of man cannot be long without some
food to nourish the activity of his though~s.
Wha t is the reason tha t our language IS less refined than those of Italy, Spain, or France?
I do not think any one should incur censure for
being tender of their repn~ation.
.
Tnou who has oeen a witness of the fact, can give
an account of it.
In religious concerns, or what is conceived ~o.be
such, every man must stand or fall by the dcc1s1on
of the Gr eat .Judge.
.
Somethin" like what have been here prem1st:<l.
arf: the conj~ctures oi Dryden.
Thou great First Cause, lea5t unde r;;tood !
Who all my sense confined
To know but this, that thou art good,

r;

68

EXERCISES.

(Rule 5.

And that myself am blind:
Yet gave me in this dark estate, &c.

What art thou! speak, that, on designs unknown
While others sleep, thus range the c&mp alone.'

The following examples are adapted to the note1 and
observations under Ru LE v.
·
Grammar, p. 135. Key, p. 27.

J. Whoever entertains such an opinion, he judges
erroneously.
The cares of this world they often choke the
/
grnwth of virtue.
Disappointments and affiictions, however di.5a·
greeable, they often improve us.
2. Moses was the meekest man whom w.e read of
in the Old T estament.
Humiht~ is one of the mol!t amiable vir~ues which
we can possess.
.
They are the same persons who assisted us yester·
tlay.
The men and things which he has studied have
not improved his morals.
3. Hows~evcr beautiful they appear, they have
no real ment.
. In wha~so eve r light we view him, his conduct
will bear inspection.
On whichsoever si<le they are contemplated, they
appear to advantage.
Ho_we~er m~c~ he .might despise the maxims of
the krng s admrn1strat10n, he kept a total silence on
that subject.
. 4. Which of them two persons has most distinguished himself?
None more impatiently suffer injuries, than those
that are most forward in doing them.
5 . He wou ld not be perrnaded but what I was
greatly in fault.

Rule 5.)

SYNTAX.

59

These commendations of his chilcken, appear to
have been made in somewnat an injudicious manner.
6. He instructed and fed the crowds who sur·
rounded him.
Sidney was one of the wisest and most· active
governors, which Ireland had enjoyed for several
years.
He was the ablest minister which James ever
possessed.
The court, who gives currency to manners, ~rnght
to be extmplary.
I am happy in the friend which 1 have long proved.
7. The child whom we have just s·een, is wholesomely fed, and not injured by bandages or clothing.
He is like a beast of prey, who destroys without
pity.
8. Having orice disgusted him, he could never
regain the favour of Nero, who was indeed another
name for cruelty.
Flattery, whose natm·e is to deceive and betray,
should be avoided as the poison ous adder.
Who of these men came to his assistance?
9. The king dismissed hi s minister without any
inquiry , who had never before committed so unjust
an action.
There are millions of people in the empire of
China, whose support is derived almost entirely
from rice.
1 O. It is remarkable his continual endeavours to
serve us, notwithstanding mh: ingratitude.
Jt is indisputably true his assertion, though it is
a. paradox.
11. Ah! unhappy thee, who art deaf to the calls
of duty, and of honour.
Oh! happy we, surrounded with so many bless·
in gs.

60

EXERCISES.

<Rt1.le 6.

Rule 7, 8.)

61
v·u.
Wh en. the relati ve ~s pr-eCP.ded by two uommat·ives
of different persons, the rtlative and verb may agree
in per son with either , according to the sense ; as, "I
am the man who command you;" ur, ·"I am the man
who commands you."
SYN"TAX.

R ULE

RULE VI.

The relative is the nom£nah1>e case to the verb,
when no nominative case comes between it amt the
verb: as, " The master who taught us;" " Th~ tru1
whic.h are pltinted."
When a nominative comes between the r elative
a11d the verb , the relative is governed by some word
in its own memh er of th e sentencP, : as, " lle who
preserves me, to whom I owe my being, whose I am,
und whom I serve, is etebwl."
Grft.IIlmar,

p 139. Key, p 29.

W c are d ep endent on each other's assistance:
whom is there that can subsist by himself?
If he will not hear his best friend, whom shall be
sent to admonish him ?
They, who much is given to, will have much to
answe r for.
It is not to be expected th at they, whom in ea rly
life, have been dark and decf' itful, should afterwa rds
become fair and ingenuous.
They who have laboured to make us wise and
good, are the persons who we ought to love and respr.ct, and who we ought to be gra teful to.
The persons, who consci ence a nd virtue supportmay smile at the caprices of fortune.
From the character of those who you associate
with , your own will be estimated.
That is the sturlent''who I gave the book to, and
whom, I am p ersuaded, deserves it.
1. Of whom were the articles bought? Of a mer·
cer; he who resides n,ear the mansion house.
Was any per3on besides the mercer present? Yes,
buth him and his clerk.
Who was the money paid to? To the mercer and
his clerk
Who counted it? Both the clerk and him.

Grammar, p. 141.

Key , p. 30.

I acknowledge that I am the teacher, who adopt
that sentiment, and maintains the propriety of such
measures.
Thou art a friend that hast often reli eved me, and
that has not d eserted me now in the time of peculiar
need .
I am th e man who approves of wholesome disci pline, and who r ecommend it to others~ but I am
not a person who promotes us eless seventy, or who
object to mi·ld a nd ge nerous treatment.
I perce ive that thou a rt a. pupil, who poss~ sses
bright parls, hut who has cultivated them but ht.tie.
Thou art he who breathest on the earth with the
breath of spring, and who CO\<erelh it with verdure
and beauty.
I am the L ord thy God, who teachcth th ee to profit, a14d who lead thee by the way thou shouldst go .
Thou art th e Lord who did cho0se Abraham, and
broughtcs t him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees.
RULE Vil!.

E very adjcct-ive, and every adjective pronoun, belongs to a substan tive expressed -01' understood, as
"He is a good, as well as a wise man;" " Few are
happy;" that is, "persons;" " This is a pleasant
walk ; " that is, " this walk is," ~c.'
/ldject1:v e pronouns must agree, in number, with
th eir substantives, as ,_ " This book, these books :
that sor.t, those sorts, another road, other roads ."
Grammar, p. 141. Key, p. 30.

These kind of indulgences soften a nd injure the
mind.
G 2

62

EXk.RCiSES,

(Rule 8.

Instead of improving yourselves, you have been
playmg this two hours.
Those sort of favours did real inJUry, under th€
appearance of kindness.
The chasm made by the earthquake was twenty
foot broad, and one hundred fathom in depth.
How many a sorrow should we avoid, if we were
not industrious to make them!
Ile saw one or more persons enter the garden.

The examples which follow, are suited to the notes
and observations u{ider RULE VIII.
Gra1~m ar, p. 142.

Key, p. 31

I. ADJECTIVE PRONOUNS.*' ·

1. Charles was extravagant, and by this mean became poor and despicable.
It was by that ungenerous mean that he obtained
his end.
Industry is the mean of obtaining .competency.
Though a promising measure, it is a mean which
I cannot adopt.
This perso n embraced every opportunity to display his talents; and by these means rendered him- ,
self ridiculous.
Jos eph was industrious, fru gs.l, and discreet; and
by this means obtained prop erty and r eputati.0!1.

2. Religion raises men above themselves; irreli·
gion sinks them beneath the brutes; that, binds
them down to a poor pitiable speck of perishable
earth; this, opens for them a prospect to the skies.
More rain falls in the first two summer months,
than in the first two winter ones : but it makes a
much greater sh0w upon th e earth -in those than it,
these; bec ause there is a much slower evaporation.
•See the Grammar, Rule viii of Syntnx.

Rule !3.)

5YNTAX.

63

Rex and Tyrannus are of very different characters. The one rules his people by laws to which
they consent; the other, by his absolute will and
power:, this is called freedom, that, tyranny
3. Each of them, in their turn, receive the bene
fl'ts to which they are entitled.
My counsel to each of you is, tha~ you should
make it your endeavour to come to a fnendly agrfe
ment.
Ily discussing what relates to each particula~, in
their order, we shall better understand the subject.
Every person, whatever be their station, are bound
by the duties of morality and religion;
Every lea f, every twig, every drop of water, teem
with life.
Every man's heart and temper is proch1ctive of
mu ch inward ioy or bitterness.
Whatever he undertakes, either his pride or his
folly di sgust us.
Every man and every woman were num.bered.
Neither of those men seem to have any idea, that
th eir opinions may be ill-foundeJ. .
. .
·when benignity a nd gentleness reign w1tl11n, we
are always least in hazard from without: every person, and every occurrence, are beheld in the most
favourable light.
On eith er side of the river was there the tree of
life.
ll. ADJECTIVES.

4, She reads proper, writes very neat, and composes accurate.
.
.
.
He was ex tre me prodigal, and his property is now
neri r exha usted .
They ge ne rally succeeded ; for they lived conform a ble to the rules of prudence.
We may reason very clear and exceeding strong,

64

EXERC:ISES.

(Rule 8.

without knowing that there is such a thing as a
syllogism.
He had many virtues, and was exceeding beloved.
The amputation was exceeding well performed,
and saved the patient's life.
He came agreeable to his promise, and conducted
himself suitable to the occasion.
.
He speaks very fluent, reads excellent, but does
not think very coherent.
He behaved himself submissive, and was exceed.
ing careful not to give offence,,
They rej ected the advice, and conducted themselves exceedingly indiscreetly.
He is a person of great abilities, and exceeding
upright: and is like to be a very useful member of
the community.
The conspiracy was the easier discovered, from
its being known to many.
Not being fully acquainted with the subject, he
coulrl 'l.ffirrr no stronger tha n he did.
He was _,o deeply impressed with the subJ~Ct, that
few could speak nobler upon it.
We mo.y credit his testimony, for he sayi; express,
that he saw the transac~ion.
Use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, a.nd thine
often infirmiti es.
From th ese favourable beginnings, we may hope
for a soon and prosperous issue.
H e addressed severa l exhortations to them suitably to th eir circumstances.
Conform ably 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 soo nest and deepest root.
:::luch an ami;ible disposition will secure universal regard.
Such distinguished virtues seldom occur.

.Rule 8.)

· SYNTAX.

65

5. 'Tis more easier to build two chimneys than
to maintain one.
The tongue is like a race-horse ; wmch runs the
faster theJesser weight it carries.
The pleasures of the understanding are more preferable than those oflhe imagination, or of sense.
!h~ ni ~h tingale sings: hers is the most sweetest
v01ce 10 tlle grove.
The Mo3t Highest hath createcj us for his glory,
. and for our own haru:>ine.>s.
The Supreme Beillg i3 the most wisest, and most
powerful est, and the most best of beings.
6. Virtue confers the supremest dignity on man;
and shou ld be h:s chiefest desire.
His assertion was more true than that of his opponent; nay, the words of the latter were most untru e.
ill i.s work is 'Perfect ; his brother's more perfect ;
and his father's the most perfect of all.
He gave the fullest a nd the most sincere proof of
the trues t frienJship.
7. A talen t of this kind would, perhaps, prove
the ·likeliest of any other to succeed.
He is the strongest of the two, but not the wisest.
He spoke with so much propriety, that I understood him the best of all the others, who spoke on
the subject.
Eve was the fairest of all her daughters.
8. H e spoke in a Jistinct enough manner to be
heard by the whole assembly.
Thomas is equipped with a new pair of shoes and
a new pair of gloves : he is the servant of an old
rich man.
The two first in the row are cherry-trees, the two
others are pcar-~rees.

66

EXERCISES • .

(Rule 9.

RULE IX.

. The .zrticle a or an agrees with nouns m the singu•
'far nurr:ber only, individually or collectively: as "a
Christian, an infidel, a score, a thousand."
' ·
The de.finite article the may agree with nouns l7l
the singular. or plural number: as, "The gardens,
the houses, the stars."
The articles are often properly omitted · when
u~e~, they should fJe justly applied, according 'to their
distinct nature: as, " Gold is corrupting · , The sea
is green; .11. lion is bold." 1
'
Grammar, p. 151.

Key, p. 35.

The fire, the air, the earth, and the water, are
four elements of the philosophers.
Reason was given to a man to control his passions.
. We have within us an intelligent principle, dis·
trnct from body and from matter.
·
A man is the noblest work of creation.
Wisest and best men sometimes commit errors.
. Beware of drunkenness : it impairs understandrng; wastes an estate; destroys a reputation ; con·
sumes the body ; and renders the man of the bright·
est pa~'ts the commcn jest of the meanest clown.
He is a much b~tter writer than a reader.
The king has conferred on him the title of a duke.
'.fhere are some evils of life, which equally affect
prrnce and people.
We must act our part with a constancy, though
reward of our constancy be distant.
We are placed here under a trial of our virtue.
The virtues like his are not easily acquired. Such
qualities honour the nature of man.
Purity has its seat in the heart; but ·extends its
influence over so much of outward conduct, as to
form the great and material part of a character.
The profligate man is seldom or never found to
be the good husband, the good father or the benc·
ficent neighbour.
'

• Rule 10.)

SYNTAX.

.67

True charity is not the meteor, which occasionally
glares; but the luminary, which, in its orderly and
regular course, dispenses benignant influence.

The following sentences exemplify the notes and
observations undl}r RULE IX.
Grammar, p. 151, 152. Key, p. 35.

. t. He .has b.een much. cP.nsured for i::onducting
himself with a little attention to his busmess.
·
So bold a breach of order, called for little severity
in punishing the offender.
His error was accompanied with so little contrition
and candid acknowledgment, that he found a few
persons to intercede for him.
There were so many mitigating circumstances
attending his misconduct, particularlv that of his
open confession, that he found few frie~ds who were
disposed to interest themselves in his favour.
As his misfortunes were the fruit of his own obstiuacy, a few persons pitied him.
2. The fear of shame, and desire of approbation,
prevent many bad actions.
In this business he was influenced by a just and
gttnerous principle.
.
He was fired with desire of doing somethin"",
though he knew not yet, with distinctness, eith~r
end or means.
3. At worst, I could but incur a gent?e reprimand.
At best, his gift was but a poor offering, when we
. consider his estate.
RUf.E X.

One substantive governs another, signifying a dif·
j'erent thing, iri the possessive or geniti-~e case: as,
"Jlfyfathu's house;" "JWan's happiness;" " Virtue's reward."
·
Grammar, p. 153. Key, p. 36.

68

EXERCISES.

(Rule JO.

My ancestors virtue 1s not mmc.
His brothers offence will not tondemn him.
I will not destroy the city for ten ~ake.
Neve!'theless, Asa his heart was perfect with the

Lord.
A mothers tenderness and a fathers care are natures gifts' for mans advantage.
A mans manner's freque'Jtly influence his fortune.
·w isdoms precepts' form the good mans interest
and happines:>.
They slew Varus, he that was reentioned before.
They slew Varus, who \V'd8 him that I mentioned
before.
The following examples are adapted to the notes and
observations under RULE x.
Gram1nar, p. 154.

Key, p. 37.

I. It was the men's, women's, and children's l~t
to suffer great. calamities.
_
Peter's, John's, and Andrew's, occupation, was
that of fishermen.
This measure gained the king, as well as the people's approbation.
N<?t only the counsel's, and attorr:ey's, but th.e
j11dge';; opi11ion also, favoured his cause.
'l. AnJ he casl himself <lown at Jesus feet.
Moses rod \\;as turned i11to a serpent.
For He!'odias sake, his brother Philips wife.
If ye suffer for righteousness's sake, happy are ye.
Ye snou!J be sn bject for conscience's sake.
3. They vc!'y justly con<lemned the prodigal's, as
he was called, senseless and extravagant conduct.
They implicitly obeyed the protector's, as they
calle<l him, ~m peri0us mandates.
4. I bought the knives at Johnson's, the cutler's.
The silk was purchased at Brown's, the mercer's
and ha bcrdaslier~s.

. Rttie ,fh)
, \ _,\ '.' .,_. ,.

,RUL~ XI.

·:: ,· ; •·,. _·_t:l~::,

· · ) Jcti'Q_e iierlis. ~O,v~r-,n the . objectfre case': as,, if fif!i{
ennobles ht?r ;": ~· ~he can;i,far-ts me;" $.'.The'!f; .sufipart
!!!..~" · ~!-Virt'J-'~: .r,~VJard_s Ii.er fol(ap,1.ers..'? ·'-;° ':';... _rf ,

..
;

:- ~rammar, p: rn9: Key, p, 38.. ·"" ,. . ~, : (~-it•g ',;:

.

'rhey,:1who. ,ojmli:nce :. has made,' proud, ~~d-~ ~lio •:luxury ha;; corrupted, cannot relish the simple plflj: -:1
sures ofnatui'e. ·i · · • ;;-~;~~> , - ··
" "
"
., "y c~- have. reason _to ~~e~d his wrat~_ which ·one
day will destroy ye both,. h: . .· · .' . -.. · "--.: .">:/
. Who have I reason to Joye so much aNbis,-fricnd
of my youth.
__ . _. , , . .
·• _ .
.
Ye, wh.o wer~ ' dea.~,.h.11t? ~e .guic~enecl.
Whq di;d t4ey :e_n.~er~(;l,li'\ . so: -~:;~l:lr ? : -. . -: •· -.~;:. ::
The man )vno_- hqa1sed frotn obscunty , 1s de11d.
· Ye only ha,ve l' k!lown· of- all the faiililies of::'tfle
earth. .
. ... -. ·' . , . . ..: " , . -.
:-:· . ·:;"" '
H~ and they we know, but'who ar~'you? ;:. 0.,
She tha! ·is· idie ~ nd oiisc_h~evoiJs ,,re~to:Ve sharply,
w~do~ d1~ _t~ey sencl : ~9 .him: on ~o 1mpotta~t ·,all
erran r .
~.
' .
·
·
. That is the frie-nd whci yoti. rnustreceiV.e cordially,
anq 1y~o :y:ou can·not esfoem too' highly. . . : .·_
He mv1ted)ny brothey l:lnd J to see and"examine
his li~rary, ..-. · · . , ' · , · .· . · , :
. , · - ·..': ·
_ He wJiq_com,m'itte'd: the offenc.e ; yoµ shbul~, _cior·
rect not J whoairi 'innocent '' , .- . ·.; _.,.,.,_ c,:;-;,o' ... ,
. ))~~ ~~Q\ll~ !e:;ir and-Ohiy the A,µ thor of!oft;·;~~fop~
even .f{e wti,? has pow.rJ'. ~q r~ward .o r p.1:1n~~h_ u~ f~ri

ever. . . . .,. , . ,, ·
" , •l
. 'l'h~y. wb.o''h:-~(~M1f.11,Pif·fw~~ed i . h~ ·haa, tl!~

..

1

.

I

grea.
:t;;
.. , . •,

. -·
.Tf,e (};uample~ whi,ch f~llozp,_ are sld(~(l ~o, the. ~~~, ~-.

est_reason to ovE;.

. "

.

·--

.

.

-

'

."

· ancl o_bservalto11$ u~der
. ,.· ,

'

'

.

R,VLE

Grammar, p. 160. ~e;r, p.

l

_,._

S.9.

.

•:,;

xi •. · ·, · ' ".· '
:. ._.!

Though he now takes pleasure m them, he

svN'l!l.X-. '

-. ~ ~ill- one day repent 4.~~:<?fii!lg\}lgenc,es so ~n~at'. '.,- ri,t.rrtable.: -. ., . ... · .; ... ... "·" '- - ,: · ,.. -,.
. . · ·"'
'.~. .~%'Nfe · pea;t'e ihis vl.rtt!~s :'ipproachea~:hitn '.t o'} he
'gr.ear ~xam pl~. bef<'.r.e-_hiffi',itlie' ~l!D? ~l~r -~~ grew:.; . ~
, It w1!Ue very difficult, to· agr~.e)n.s - conduct :wit_h
t~e:principJe~e profo·sse~. > ·

«" ': ' .

• :.

·

"

«

../~2:

'l:o iingratiate· w_i~~ sq~e ~~y traducmg· others,'
mar!Fs a base and cl~sp1cable rnmq.
-.
I &hall premise 'vith'(iwo or three general.' obser·
, .1 , .
v;:i;t_i_ons. '_ .. ' , '. _,. :: '': '
'If Stich maxims~ _and s\tch·- pr~ctices prefaii,,
whafhas .become· of' dec·e ncy and. "vfrtue ?
· \ I~have' come according to the time proposed; ,but
l ·h<J,y,e·Jallen u,pon an~-eyil hour:.
", , '
. ,·· .. .
.;}!:he migh,ty d~als are now ·atlerigth agreed. -.
:: Thednfluerice .:ofhjs ,corrupt ex'!-mple was th err
·en'tirely ceased~': -:. , ' ·J:;" '"· 'f :' -. - -., ".
·H~· was -entered into _the connexi'on, before -d1e
c~nsequ~nces were to~' si~ercd ;" ''. ·
-: 4. ·weH ..l,Il\J.Y
~,~ a[ral q; , i{ is hi!11 ind~ed.. •
.. :I would· acnhe same· p~rt· 1tl were hun, or m his
situation~· . - . · . . ~· . . ... · ---. -_, '
. . .
Search the S<;_i·lptures; ~ot 1_n them ye.Jemk .Ye
have etern~l· life_: ~!:Jd .~hey l/-te ~hem,. wlucll test1fy
ofm-(e:~ :;:,r,· ·.,J<"<-:<~ ' :-·
- '"
.. ,
. Be cpmpM.el~ it .is;~~ : you h.ave fiocause o~f~a~~
· ;r.carind{:teU who h'iis"befriehded me', ui1less ~t ~s.
him from wnom I haye · rccei~·ecl ' mal!y., benefits: : -.
,;,f k~ow ,rioi whe'ilier: 'i t \vcr~)h.em who cohJ~ct~d,
thebtisir{esg ~ ;but '(arrf c~rtai n fr ' w:rs hbt him.

_,3:

*

riu_

f

>

•

·* Wh~ri thi ve~b t~ be i; u~dlr&topd, it ha;·tii~ same cas~ b~fore
n;~ after it ·a,s \Vhen it is e:rpre•sed.. 0, " He seems the l.ef!.der of

a

the pat;,ty _.: "'He ·shall ' continue stew11-rd ;'! '" They appomkd me.
ex~cutor {· ~:·" . I-'supposed hiin a Uian of J~arnini;;". <hat_+~, "-He
1 eeins' to 'be tbe leader: of the pa rty,'' &c:--·N.ouns m ·Appos1tion are
in the same case: as,, "We named the ·man ;01np~y _;" '.'The.Y m~r,
term .Charles n visionary, ,!Jut they cannot c.au bu~ .a doceiver,
"B:ortensius died 11 martyr;'' "The gentle Sidney .lived the shepherd 's friend."

(:2

(~u(t/l~;i.._

EXERC.ISES. .

. He so muc.h .resembled my brother, that, atfirslr ·.
sight, I took it to be he. ·
.
. . . . ,,: ._:>.'~
Aft~r all i~eir profession~, is it. possible to be th:em.f•,
It · co~ld not have been '·lier;,for she alw;;.ysd?.e.•~ • ~
haves discreetly.
.
-:· .. ·. _, · ··· . _,
. If was. not pim, who do you imafine it tq .b_av,e.; ..
l een .
.,
.. .
. . .
· .
",-": . ·
Who.do you think him to be~- , · ,.
·;,f.: -'
Whqm do the people say tlJat .we-are ?.
, ;:'- __,. ..
:s. Whatexer others ~o, let thou ~nd I a.c t .wiselx1+
. . ~et them and we_urute to 1,.o ppose this growing
evil.
· .· •

i:

1

RL'LE XII.

'

.

. Gr;a.mmar, p. 161. Key, p. 4.-0

.

•r' ·

·"'.

~

It is better !i~e on a little, th~ outlive a great deal.
You 0ught not walk too hastily.
I wish him not '.:r~stl~ with nis h~ppine~s. · .
I need not to solicit him to do a krnd act10ri. · ·
I dare not ,to proceed so hastily. lest ! _should gi've
offence.
· .
· .
·
_· I have seen some young persc qs to .conduct th~m­
selves very discreetly.
_·
.
. · ..
,

Thefollowing.sentence's ex emplify the notes and
. observations m~der RULE xu.'
, ·
Grammar,'p. 162. Key, p. 4-0.

·1. It is a great supp_ort t9 virtue, when we ~ee
good i;i:ii~d ~o maintai~. it.s pati ence a nd tra nquillity, :
~nder Injuries and affi1ct10n, and to cordially forgive

a·.

its oppressors.

.

.

:-..Jt ,js the difference of their <:ortdlict;' which,makes
us ·to approve. the· one, and to. reje.c t the other. · ' :. ·
JWe. should not .be li.k e ,mal)y persons, te depre~~ate _the .virtues. we ~o not · possess~ .
'
.,~
·; To see young per~ons .,"'.ho. are"C()Urted by ·health
apd .pleasqre, to re1ltst ·all the allurements ·of vice
and · to i;t~adily pursue virtue. and knowledge; :is
• cpeering and delig~tfol to every good mind.
Tbey acted witn<~.<;»J:~mch reserve, that somq:Jer'. , · '
aons. doubted theni ·to'>be sincere. · .. ,_. .
· "Ancl'th~ multitl!cle wo~dered ,_ when·theY, saw the
lame to walk, .and the b\md .to see. _· . .. · ' ...

*"

'·

On~ v:rb gc~ern~ -~not her t~at follows it; irrdepen,d1 ;
upon it', m the infinitive· mood: as, "Cease to do evil;
leam6o do w ell;'.' ~ ": Tf:7e sh_o_uld be prepared .to , rende.~
an accol.!nt .of our actions." · '.·
- , · · .... ,q., " .
~he prepositfo:i to, · th?1tigh_ g ~n1Yrally use'd -·before
,the latter v~rb, i~ .some.t-imes properly omitted: as·;
"I heard him say it ;".instead of" to -say it.'' · · · ' ·

.

7-3

ll'ULE XIII • .

>f

. ~: J~ the use of words andphrases.w}iich, in point of
t1:me; relate. to ~acli oth,er,_: (t_ .&ue regard ,to that relation should b,e .'ob.served• .. !.n~tead of $aying, '' The
Lord .hath given, and tke .Lord_ J.at!t'. taken away;') 1~
s})9J.lld ~a:f ') .Thf!_J;.,_or_dgin;i;, and the Lo,rd h~th. taken
away." .· Inst-ead of,'-' I remember the family more
than twen.ty years_;'' it sh<?t.ild be,.." I ha~ remember·
eel thefamily 711_ore
than ·twenty-years.''
·
.
.
.

.

Grammer, p. 163. KP.y; p. 41.

.

The nexfnew ye~r's day! shall be· at school thre~
years. ,
.
• .. · .·
.
··
· · And he that \V~s. d~.ad, sa~ ~p! and began to ~peak.
I shoula. be obliged to h1tn, if he _
will gratify ma ·
.tin that p_artiaular. .. . · .
_
. ,'
And the, multitude wondered, when they saw . the
· duriip _to speak, the mainied .to l;>e whole-, the l~me
. walk, and the' blind seeing~ ·
·
.
·· I have compassion on the multitude, because they:
conti.n ue with me now' three d:i,ys.
· . _·
·
In the treasury bel.cmgihg to.the Cathedral in this
city~ is preserved with the gre~test veneraticn, for
t,I.pwa'rds ·of six . hundred y~ars, a dish which they
pr~tcnd to be made of emera.ld.
, -_· · · . • · ·
The court of Rotn~ gladly laid hold .on all the op·

.

H2

'
74

EXERCISES:

(Rult 1$;

~ort~~ities ; wl!1ch the imprudence, weakness, or ne~­
cessit1~s of prmces, affordit,- to extend its authority~
Fierce as he mov'd his silver·shafts resound. ·.
They· ~afo~ain~d that scripture conciusion, thar'
all mankmd rise from one h ead. ·
··
· ~
John will earn his wages, when his service . ls
completed.
..
. . . .;
Ye will not _com.e unto me that ye -might have "life, •
Be that as it will, he cannot justify his conduct;
I have been at London a year, and seen the king"'.
last summer.
(,
, · After we visited London, we returned content
and thankfol, to our retired and peace Jiu] h~bitation,

Th~ followin~ e_xample~

are adap(ed to the notes .aRd
· . ooservatzons under . RULE x 111 , : • "', _._:.;
, . · • i· . Grammar, p.164. · Key, p. ·-iz.
' ~,;.•
. J ~ I purppse-_to go to . London in a few month·s .
and afte: I shall finish .my busin.css there, tb proceeJ
to America.
·
. .
··
Th~s~ _rrosecutioP.:. of William seem to ·be th~·
~~ost rn1q_u1tous rne:asui:es pursued.by .th e court dur.
rng the time_ that the use of parliaments was sus-·
pended •. · ·
.
.
.Fr.om the little conversation I had with him ,, he .
_appearey to have been a rnan of letters
...
I ~!ways i_n tended .to have rewarded ·~1 ; son ac- ·
cording to h1s merit.
' · ·•
I~ would, o~ refle.ction, have given me great satis·
faction, t~ relieve him from that distress.ed sitUation:··
J_v~gu.ised so much care, that l thought I s·houlci ·
IJa\•e lost it before I reached home.
We have done no more than it was our-duty' tci.
h ave done.
·· -- · · ·· ·
.He would have assisted ~ne of his ' friends if
could ao it without injuring the other; but ~s that:
coul<l ·no~ have been done, he . avoided all -fo"ter-.
Cerence,
·
·'·
- ·, -

he.

Rule 14.)

SYNTAX•

, I ,.;- l\fost ' it nbt be ~CXpected; tha(he WOUld' have "dt
. "fonped an authority; which ,had been so long ex~r•
.wie<l without · c·on~rov_er_sy. _?,._~ · . , . · . _ - , · ._,
,,,; These enemies of Chri.stianity w~re confounded,
whilst 'they wei;~ expecti~g to :have fo,und an oppor~
tunily ·to haye betrayed it~: Author .. -, .
."
.. · · His sea sickness -was so great, tha,t ·I ·often fea.rcd
•
• he would have died before our arrival.
' If these person~ . ~ad. intended _to, d~ceiv_e, they
'would have taken care to hav_e .avoided, what would
expo6e th-em to the objections of ~heir oppone~ts.
;, It ,was . a~ pJeasµr.e _to hav:e- rec:1.v.e d. hu~ approbati?n of my _lab~ur~; J9~:-~~l~h .I ,c9r~1ally.,than_ked
.him.
. .
. - .
.
..
would have 'afforded .me sti-tl-greater pleasure_.
to' ~ecciye ~ his appropaiion,_a.t_an' e_ar}ier-period : ~but
lb· receive -it :at a:ll, reflected c~edlt· µpon me. .
To l:Je cei1su~ed ~y him, ,.,(mld-_soon ~ave prov~d
;i,n· in~uperabl~·disco\}ra.geqien~. - . .- :
·
+Iim portiC:.O;d ~aids, apprentic'd orphans blest, .

,: It

.The young"'.ho-labour, .a'.ld the old w4o rest.

.

·- The doctoi' fo his lectui·e: ·said, that fever alway. .
·
~' .;
produced thir~t~ - ·
RULE·

xiv.

j;ar~icip(es .hci:ce the same governm~nt as the. -cer.b,;
hare fi·om~which they .are derii-ed: as, "I am weary
with hearing;'-' ·" She·. _is iiJ,str:11-cting w · ;" · '' The
tutor is a.dmonishing C/ifJ,rle.s/'!.*'
• : · '· ·

.

_ G~amma;, p: 167. l{ey, p. 44.

. -Es TEEMING . theirselv~~ ~ise, they -b ecame fools. '
~ •'. -Suspecti'ng not ~nly ye, but they also, I "':~s st:q_~
dious to avo1<l all _mtercourse.
,.

·:-': :n

ht~~ ~~~ciple is:~oi

distinct"froU::;,i~

a·part of speech
1
,1.
~tugas 1·t 1'orm·s a particular·and :sfriking part
of t_h e verb, and
.ve1u, ye
\'
t •t
think ·1
'
•
·
hns some rules and observati?ns _wl11ch a~e pe_c~ '~· _o 1 , we . , ._!_,
is evtillcd to a separate, distinct1ve c~s1derat1on.

• '

..+~out~ QP(av.C>id CQnsidering; jn ·some deg,r~e, . ,
.they as .enem~~s to me ; . a;r1d he as a cuspi.c[oj.\s · ·:
friend. -.'_,.,.-:·..
-,
.. · . , . . ;· _·.':;:·.'" ,
, , From having .exposed himself too freely in.JU·- ·
~reqt climate.$., ~e entirely _lost .hi~ health. ·- ?:·; ·
''·rJ (

' Tiu. e:&amphs whichjol/Qw, ar~ suited lei th~ ~t>tei'
·
. . .

and observations under
.

I

,

•

SJ.t-fT~~· ; .

}l_tJ/e. 14:)

EX;E~CISES.

RULE

.Gratnmar,p.1:67 •. Kcy,p.45.

xiv.

.·.. ·;,, .
'

,.

'~ ~

•

; ·: L :Sy ob_serviiig of .truth, .'· you will comll:)a1,1d .

est.ee11J1 a.s. well as secure ~ace.
· '
« . ·. -~~~ ~e prep:ar.ed_t?em for ~his e.veut, b.J.ih_e sending
to them pro.p er 1n.format10n.
· . , · •-, .:;
· A person nfay be great or ric4 by chance ; hilt.
can.not be wise or good, Without the taking pains
.• :. ,
.
.
.
for it.
. · ,_
N ot_hing could have tm1.de µer.so:~nha ppy, as the·
tnarryrng a ·m an who possessed.such principles.
The changing ,times and Sl?9.Sons, the removing
and setting up king_s, belong tv Providence•a1or1e;
The middle station' of life seems to be the mollt
.& lval)t_a geou?ly situated for· gaining of wisdo,m.
J>oyerty turns our thoughts too much upon t_he sup~.
pl)"rng our wants; and riches upon the enjoying
our superfluities. .
·
.
• . Pliny, spe~king of Cato the .Censor's disapprov:.
mg the Grecian orators, expressed himself th1i1t5.
Propriety of prohunciation is the g-i ving to every
word that sound, which the most polite usage of the
language appr?priates to it. · ·
The not attending to this rule, is the cause of
very common error:
This was' in fact a converting the deposlte to his_
own use.
·
·
2 .. There will be no danger of their spoiling
tbeir faces, or of the,ir gaining converts.
, .,
, For his avoiding thut precipice, he is indebted ,
to liis friend's care.

a•

77

"'/!• Jt ,~xas, from

o.ur _misunderstairding fo~ d1recti_~:ns~
lhat«we lest our w.ay. ~;· "'r ' . .. · • · · . . .i· ..,~,: ·
~~, lJ1 "traci:ig of his,,hi~t9_ry; we disco_ver little th~t is
.-\v'or~hy: ,of i~it3:t~on. ,;..~·
-- . -... ....
..
f,, reaqing ~
- . ·i?_oJcs.. ,~ritten_by._the .b_e st aµ~ors,
his mmd Q.eca-11ghly 1mp_roved. .
_. _·
. ~ ·:fr 3~ ;
t~o eige; irurs.uit, ·h~ rnn _il- great ri~k of
being disappointed. : ·
. . ·'
.
, i
·. He had not long eriJoyed repose, befor_~ he b~gun
t<l' be \v~ary of having nothin'g ~o ~?·. .
. -.
":-He. w::s g~~at~y hea~ed, · an~ .§~unk ~v:ith ~vid1ty.
-· ' Tliough 'his I conduj;t was, 11n- i;pme ~ res-pe~ts, _-~x~
ceptionable', yet he q;ired' not commit' sb .great ari, of~
fenc.::e, as that which 'wa~ propo~i:d to h~m.. ·

I3Y.

By

r ..

:-"

.

.

:

....... !

.

~

'

•

. ·.

.

•

. A second deluge learning thus o'er-run: ·
Y

· :_ An'd:

•r .

·

the· m'ohks finish'd what the Goths begun.

·;·· .

..!. ' . ·

•

If some event_? had not fell out yery ..unex~ected-.
· _ly, I shqtild hav·e been present. . ,'
.· · _ · c. ·
\ He would have· went with us, ha<! -he been mvited.
ret~rned the goods wh!c_h he had · stole.~_.and:
made all _the..yeparation ~n his power; :,
_- , ''.
They have chose the part ~fho;i.ou~-and vntue ..
His vices have weakened fus mmd, and broke his'
hcaltb.
· · ·. ·
· · · .
He hacl. mistook his true .interest, andfoun4 ~i-~~
6clf forsook by his former.adhe:e1its.
·· · ·
Tbe bread that has heen eat·_is s_oon forgot. .
No contentions have a1·ose am,;mgst them smc_e
th eir reconciliation.
• · ·
· .
The clot3 4~d no seam, hut was wove throughout.
·
·
·
.
The French language is spoke in e'\<ery sta~e__ m
Europe.
·
His resolution was too strong· ;o be shook by :
- ·siight oppositiori. ·
i .

' -He

..

Rule 17 .)

BO

Wher.e are .y ou all .going in such haste f .· ·:.;;l~:ii
• Wh~tl~er h~ve _trey bee.Ii .s ince t!1~y !~.ft t~~;~-~t)".:·f
· 8. Ch~rle~ le(t the seminary too early, since'.\VIi¢if
~e h~s· made very little: improvement: • ~-~ :-'_~:>tt
:: 'N~thing
be(te~ 1u?rt~ )th'e \vhii_c ·of . y6u·~g>pf.&;
~ons, _ than t(1e ·a:cqms1t1oil of know!Cdgt . ~~d .yir~11e..~

is

•

•

I

:...

~·

•

"':·''

••• -.,

-

. ,_.~ -,.::.·.. RULE

,

.

·'

I

.,

:·

'

:~>:::_::

XVI,

..~ 11w(neg~·{ipe~' {;{!English,

•

.

destr"oy .one .a;~t!l.~i;'qr .

are-eq-µif.J alerit: ta··~rt.'(iffir:mhtivf._"i- .as/ :'.' No,.. did. ;tn_ey-:. •
not i:er~}i"f.e lfim i, '~, tM~ .~s,~ .«-:t!jej·~i~ p'e.r ~~i~f ,fti?.rt'. ;~,~' ·

"His language; · thriug'/1,~n~legant; i$,,~iot.~ui;igr.am?'!l~:
ti cal ;'.' that is; "( i(is grain,m~iic~l:.~'- ·: ·>, .·~ :·.:· f y~~-.
.

•

..

,

: :.

.

GranJ,iBa~, JI· ii2:';.~Jf~Y,,-;. :f\Q.,,,~, >f.\~ >' ~/:.Y!'

· ~~EITl:!ER · ric;:_hi;s .nllf:p9i)ql}f~) nor no ~ucb petISh'~ •
in~ .goods, ' can 'satisf)~ ~~(~~~i_res .o.f ap:':!njfi:i9~i11:!~
sp1r;t. -".·
·. .•."·'.,
B.e ~onest,, n_oi:;~ take .:no. s~a..p.e·
.,sem bla!)~«:;-~'of'
di~gmse; _.. · ... :.·. :.· ··: . ,.:.. ::._;,.· · ...,..·· ... ·.;,:· ·-:- .
'. . W!.l nee~ -~?~<!1.o~ _. ~(il~h co~fin_.e,· his op_crat~_l?.1:JS:.. ·
:· . . · ..:.: ·. . . , :/ ,:
to narrow..limrts.'.,.,·, , ·· ,,-" __ ,"
4

: · _ : . :.

" .•• ;

••

:nor

•

.

·

_·...,.·-'

! ain r.esol'V~4:,~9~;.tq~c_9:qlp1y1 'rt~ ~·th~· .P~9PA~~I; .
•,i. r
~here· 6~!1~o£)e'. n?.~,hi'llg rri~re'i'~n.~ ig'njflc~!i,f . t~~Q.

ne1ther.a.t preig:n:t 1;i!pr al,any qther:. trmt . .·;:~,.:~
van1ty;"',t~

1

~'~-....:7 ??.-:'":E~ :·~"'···;:--: r.·:."q. \ ~1/~-·:t ...."' ~:··

.11: ....

-:----J_::.-:.<.

N.9thing never,'"~ff'ch9d:-het'~o: much a:s this mjs-conduct'of he·r -Cbi-ld ~..::{-: ·..:;;~>---;;".;~~·\. f. :. '~ ' · -- '· ·· ·
·not · int.e:~.;i£t}~m~.f.·~. ciri~i¥e. s~.
-c~~h«j
_~n.:e'
.1· ' "\t ' - b. ·,r··:r.: .....f........., t•,•itt<- -'t .·,;:t-r',t·-:_t; .. .. 1 :rY~-~:: .. ~.:~'.-;;~ :1,. ·
t.~,·.:(~~i.~-:\.:~~,·;.~
~i.s ur. ..my. ri;~,1r,11µi~ti ,• .··, ;~:· , .. :. " :,:
·'-"· >·: ·."Oc_ ,_.,,;
''.' 'J'h'esc- pe6,r'le: d_o' n'gt jufl~e:.-'iis ' ... oi: t~ke.~~9 ,
proper meas ii re.~ ~~fo?~ffe'fr '(h'e'1r 'pi:lrp{)se:'; ,, ~-''" ~~. •.''
· · -:Tlie ~mea's:u~eis :sO'· f#eptiona-b'Ie; ·ih~t \\·~ can~ot ,
by ·no n:ieal)s , per¥fWit~c:.,~ ·1 ·''~. ":; ~: :. · ,,_. '.'":''."""<'-. ~·.(''.:
' ~,·ha,vet~~c~ive? '\10 ~rifi?r.m_a:t~·on~ on : the ~?!ii!:i
ne1ther from. h1m ·nor,· from his friend ·
,.. · .... ~, .....
· Precept n'or-discipline is not so .fo~cible_ ~-~ eiarn· .. ·.
pie. . · . · ,
.
· ..

J).o

..;.·.-: _:

·

81

The king nor the queen was not at all deceived
in the business
RULE XVII.

.(Rule~ 'rti ~

l:XEltCIS!:s.;

SYNTAX.

Prepositions govern the ohjective case : ~s, " 1
have heard a good character of her;" "From hi~ tht!t
i6 needy turn not away;" " .11. word to the wise is
sufficient for them;" " We may be good and happy
without riches•"
Grammar, p. 172. Key, p. 50 .

W c are all accountable crea tures, each for hisself•
They willingly, and of theirselve~, endeavoured
\o make up the difference.
He laid the suspicion upon somebody, I know not
who, in the company.
. .
.
I hope it is not I who he is displeased wit~ •.
To poor we there is not much hope remammg.
Does that boy know who h~ );peaks to? Who
does he offer such language to ?
.
It was not he that they were so a ngry with.
· 'W hat concord can subsist between those who
commit crimes, and they who abho_r them?
· The person who I trave.lle<l w1t.h, has sol<l the
horse which he rode on <lurm g our JOurney.
It is not I he is engaged with.
Who did he receive that intelligence from?
Thefollowing examples arc adapted to th~ notes and
,
observations under RULE xv11.
Grammar, p. 173. Key, p. 51.

t. To have no one whom we heartily wish \~di

to, and whom. we are warmly concernrd for, is a
deplorable state.
He is a friend whom I am highly indebted to.
2. On t:1ese occasions, the Fronoun is gover~ed
by, and consequently agrees with, the ~recedu>g
word.
I

82

EXERCISES.

(Rule 17.

They were refused entrance into, and forcibly
d!iven from, the house.
3. We are _often disappointed of thir gs, which,
before possession, promised much enjoyment.
I h~ve fre:iuently desir~d their company, but
have a.ways hitherto been disappointed in that plea.
sure.
4. She fi~ds a difficulty of fixing her mind.
. Her sobriety 1s no derogation to her understanding.
There was no water, and he <;lied for thirst.
We can fully confide on none but the truly good.
I have no occasion of his services.
Many have profited from 0<YOOd advice.
Many ridi culous practices have been brought in
vogue.
The error was occasioned by compliance to earnes t entreaty.
This is a principle in unison to our nature.
v~ e should entertain no prejudices to simp1e anJ
rustic persons.
Th ey are at present resolved of doing their duty
That b,oy is known under the name of the Idler:
fhougn conformable with custom, it is not warrantable.
This remark is founded in truth .
.His parents think on him, and his improvements,
with y leasure and hope.
H;s excuse wa!i admitted of by his master.
~\h a t went ye out for to see?
. There appears to have been a million men brought
Into the field.
His present was accepted of by his friends.
Mo~·e th~n a thousand of men were des troyed.
It ~s my request, that he will be particular Ill
speak ing to the following points.
Th~ Saxons reduced the greater part of Britain
to their own power.

Hut ~

18.)

SYNTAX.

83

He lives opposite the Royal Exchange.
Their hom:e is situated to the north-east side of
the road.
The performance was approved of by-all who un·
<lers tood it.
He was accused with havi!lg acted unfairlv.
She has an abhorrence to all deceitful conduct.
They were some distance from home, when the
accident happened. ·
His deportment was adapted for conciliati:ig regard.
My father writes me very frequently.
Th eir conduct was agreeable with their profession.
We went leisurely above stairs, and came hastily
below. We shall write up stairs this forenoon, and
down stairs in the afternoon.
The po'1iteness of the world has the sarJl.:U reseqiblance with benevolence, that the shadow has w~th
me substance.
He had a taste of such studies, and pursued them
earnestly.
.
When we have had a t,rue taste for the pleasures
of virtue, we can have no relish of those of vice.
How happy is it to know how to live at times by
one's self, to leave one's self in regret, to find one's
self again with pleasure! The world is 11).en less
necessary for us.
Civility makes it way among every kind of persons.
5, I have been to London, after having resided a
year at France; and I no~v live in Is~ington • .
They have just la.nded m Hull, .and arc go ~ng for
Liverpool. They rnlend to reside smne time at
li·eland.
RULi!:

xvn1.

Conjunctions c1J1mect the samt moods and tenses of
VP.I h, , and cnse< of nouns and prc-nouns: as, "Carv

...
84

dour is Iv .be approved and practised;" " If thou. sincerel!J des11 e, and earnestly pursue virtue, she -roill
U611uredly be found by thee, and prove a rzch reward·"
" The master taught her and me to write ·" "He a~d
1tie were school:fellows."

He does not want courage, but is defective in
sens\bility.
.
.
These people have indeed acqmred great riches,
but do not command esteem.
Our seasons of improvem ent is short; and., w.hether used or not, will soon }Jass away.
He might have been happy, and is now fully
convinced of it.
Learning strengthens the mind; and, if properly
applied, will improve our morals too.

'

-

Grammar, p. 176.

Key, p. 53.

Professir:.g regard, and to act differently discover
a base mind.
'
Did he not tell me his fault, ~nd entreated me to
forgive him ?
!Hy brother and him are .tolerable gram~arians.
. If he understood the subject, and attends to it industriously, he can scarcely fail of success.
You and us enjoy many privileges.
_ If a man have a hundred sheep, and one of them
IS gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine
and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which
1s gone astray?
She and him are very unhappily connecter:l.
To be mo?erate in o~r views, an.cl proceeding
temperately m the F'Jrsu1t of them; is the best way
to ensure success.
Between him and I there is some disparity of
years; but none between him an<l she.
By forming themselves on fantastic models and
ready to vie w!th o.ne an?the~ i~ the reigning foilics,
th~ you~i? begm with bemg ridiculous, and end with
bemg v1c10us and immoral.

RULE XIX.

Some conjunctions require the in~i·cative, ·some the
rubjunctive mood, after them. It is tl gen~r~l ~i:le,
that when something contingent or doubtful is impiied,
the subju1lctive ought to be us.ed: as, "If I were
to write, he would not regard it ;" " He will _not be_
pardoned, unle-ss he repent. 1'
•.
Coniunctions that are of a positi-ce and .€Jbsolute
natur; require. the indicative mood. ".11.s virtue advances', so vice recedes;" "He is healthy, lecause he
is temperate." ..
Grammar, p. 178.

Key, p. 54.

If he acciuires riches, they will corrupt his mind,
and be useless to others.
Though he urges me yet more earnest!~, I shall
not corn ply, unless he advances m.:lre forcible reasons.
•
•
I shall walk in the fields to-day un 1ess it rams.
As the governess were present, the children
havecl properly.
She d~sapproved the measure, because it were
very improper.
Though he be high, he hath respect to the lowly.
Though he were her friend, he did not attempt
to justify her conduct.
.
\Vhether he improve or not, I cannot determme.
I 2

?e-

The following sentences e.xemplify the notes and
observations under RULE XVIII.
Grnmmnr, p. 177.

85

Rule 19.)

(Rule 18.

EXERCISES.

Key, p. 54.

. ! • We ~ave met with many disappointments; and,
1fhfe contrnue, shall probably meet with many more.
. Rank may confer rnfluence, but will not neces;:;a.
nly produce virtue.
.
•. '

,
86

EXERCISES.

(Rule 19,

Though the fact be extraordinary, it certainly did
happen.
Remember what thou wert, and be humble.
0. that his heart was tender, and susceptible of
the woes of others.
Shall then this verse to future age pre1en<l,
Thou wert my guide, philosopher, and friend]

The examples which foll ow are suited to the notes a 11 d
observations under R ULE xix.
Gramm ar, p. 179, Key, p. 55.

1. Despise not any condition, lest it happens to
be your own.
L~t him that is sanguine, take heed lest he miscarnes.
Take tare that thou breakest not any of the es.
tablished rnles.
If he does but intimate his desire, it wil l be sufficient to produce ob~.dience.
At the time of hi s return, if he is but expert in
the business, he will find emp loyment.
If he do but speak to display his abilities , he is
unworthy of atte11cion.
If he be but in hea lth, I am content.
If he does prnmise, he will certainly perform.
Though he do praise her, 1t is only for her
beauty.
If. thou dost not forgive, perhaps thou wilt not be
forgiven.
:If ~hou do sincerely beli eve the truths of religion
act accordingly.
'
2. His confused behaviour made it reasonable to
suppose that he were guilty.
He is so conscious of deserving the rebuke. that
·
he <l~re not make any reply.
H~s apology was so plausible, that many befriend·
ed him, and thought he were innocent.

Rule 19.)

SYNTAX.

87

3. If one man prefer a life of indu:>try, it is be·
cause he has an idea of comfort in wealth; if ano·
ther prefers a life of gaiety, it is from a like idea
concerning pleasure.
No one engages in that business, unless he aim at
rcputat10n, or hopes for some singular advantage.
Though the design be laudable, and 1s favourable
to our interest, it will involve much anxiety and
labour.
4. Unless he learns faster, he will b e no scholar.

Thou gh he falls, he shall not be utterly cast clown.
On condition that he comes, I will consent to
stay.
However that affair terrnrnates, my conJuc t will
be unimpeachable.
If virtue rewar<ls us not so soon as we desire, the
paymen t will be made with interest.
Till repen tance composes. his mind, he will be ::i
stranger to peace.
Whether he confesses, or not, the truth will certain! v be discovered.
J( thou censurest uncharita bly, -thou wilt be enti tled to no favour.
Th ough, at times, the ascent to the temple ol
virtu e, a pp cars steep and craggy, be not discouraged.
Perseve re until thou gainest the summit: there, all
is order, beauty, and pleasure.
If Charlotte desire to gain esteem and love, she
does not employ the proper means.
Unless the accountant deceive me, my estate is
consiJerably improved.
.
Though self-government produce some uneasiness, it is light when compared with the pain of vici ous indulgence.
Whether he thinks as he speaks, time will ch:;.
cover.
If thou censure uncharitably, thou deservest no
favour.

88

EXERCISE~.

(Ride 19.

Tho1wh virtue appear severe, she is truly amiable.
Though success be very doubtful, it is proper that
he endeavours to succeed.
5. If thou haYe promised, be faithful to thy engagement.
Though he have proved his right to submission,
he is too generous to exact it.
Unless he have improved, he is unfit for the office.
6. If thou had succeeded, perhaps thon wouldst
not be the happ ier for it.
Unless th ou shall see the propt"iety of the measure,
we shall not desire thy support.
Though thou will not acknowledge, thou canst
not deny the fact.
7. If thou gave liberally, thon wilt receive a liberal reward.
Thou gh thou did injure him, ne harbou~s no re· .
sentment.
It would be well, if the report was only the mia·
representat ion of her enemies.
Was he ever so great and opulent, this conduct
would debase him.
Was I to enumerate all her virtues, it would look
like flattery.
Though I was perfect, yet would I not presume.

8. If thou may share in .his labours, be thankful,
and do it cheerfully.
Unless thou can fairly support the cause, give it
up honourably.
Though thou might have foreseen the danger,
thou couldst not have avoided it.
If thou could convince him, he would not act ac·
cordingly.
If thou would improve in knowledge, be diligent.
Unless thou should make a timely retreat, the
<langer will be unavoidable.

· _Rule 19.)

SYNTAX.

89

I have laboured and wearied myself, that thou
may be at ease.
He enlarged on those dangers, that thou should
avoid them.
9. Neither the cold or the fervid, but characters
uniformly warm, are formed for friendship.
They are both praise-worthy, and one is equally
deserving as the other.
He is not as diligent and learned as his brother.
I will present it to him myself, or direct it to be
given to him.
Neither despise or oppose what thou dost not understan J.
The house is not as commodious as we expected
it would be.
I must, however, be so candid to own l have been
mistaken.
·
There ~as something so amiable, and yet so
piercing in his look, as affected me at once with
love and terror.
- - - - - " I gain'd a son;
And such a son, as all men hail'd me happy."

The dog in the manger would not eat the hay
himself, nor suffer the ox to eat it.
_As far as I am able to judge. the book is well
written.
We should faithfully perform the trust committed
to us, or ingenuously relinquish the charge.
He is not as eminent, and as much esteemed as he
th"nks himself to be.
The w0rk 1s a dull performance; anc:\ is neither
capab le of pleasing the understanding, or the imaginat!on.
Th ere is no condition so secure, as cannot aJmic
of change.
This is an even t, which nobody presumes upon,
or is so sanguine to hop e for.

90

EXERCISES .

(Rute

20.

"\-Ve are generally pleased with any little accomplishments of body or mind.
10. Be ready to succour such persons who need
thy assistance.
The matter was no sooner proposed, but he privately withdrew to consider it.
He has too much sense and prudence than to be·
come a dupe to such artifices.
It is not sufficient that our cor1duct, as far as it
respects others, appears to be unexceptionable.
The resolhtion was not the less fixed, that the secret was yet communicated to very few.
He opposed the most remarkable conuptions of
the church of Rome, w as that his doctrines were
embraced by great numbers.
He gained nothing further by his speech, but only
to be commended for his eloquence.
He has little niore of the scholar besides the name.
He has little of the scholar than the name.
They had no sooner risen, but they applied them
selves to their studies.
From no other institution, besides the admirable
one of juries, could so great a benefit be expected.
Those savage people seemed to have no other
element but war.
Such men that act treacherously ought to be
avoided.
Germany ran the same risk as Italy had done.
No errors are so trivial, but they deserve to be
corrected.
RULE XX.

When tlie qualities of different things are compared,
the latter noun or pronoun is not go verned by the con·
funllion than or as, but agrees with the 1>erb, or is
governed by the '!)erb or the preposition, expressed or

Rule-20.)

SYNTAX.

91

understood: as, " Thou art wiser tha,n 1--;" that is,
"than I am •.?.' " They loved him more than me;"
that is, " more than they loved me." " The sentimen t
1s VJell expressed by Plato, but much better by Solouion than him ;" that is, " than by him."
Grammar, p. 187.

Key, p. 60.

In some respects, we have had as many advantage~ as them; but in the article of a good library

they have had a greater privilege than us.
The undertaking was much better executed by his
brother than he.
They are much greater gainers than me by this
un expected event.
They know how to write as well as him ; but he
is a mtich better grammarian tlw.ri th em.
_ Though she is not so learned as him, she is as
mu ch belove<l and respected.
These people, though they possess more shining
qualities, are not so proud as him, nor so vain as her.
1'he j.Jllow·ing examples are adapted to the 1wtes and
. observations under RULE xx.
Grammar, p. ISS.

Key, p. 60.

I. Who betrayed her compan ion ? Not me.
Who revealed the secrets he ought to have. con·
cea led? Not him.
Who related fals ehoods to sc reen herse lf. and to
orin g au odium upon others? Not me; it ,~as her,
There is but one in fault, and that is me.
Whether he will be learner! or no, must depend
on his application.
Charles XII. of Sweden, than who a more courageous person never lived, appears to have been
destitute of the tender sensibilities of :1ature.
Salmasius (a more learned man than him ha.;
seldom appeared) was not happy at the close of life.

92

EXERU1SE8.

(Rule 21,.

xx1.
To ai:oid disagreeable repetitions, and to express
our ideas m Jew words, an ellipsis, or . omission oj
some wo1ds, is frequently admitted.
RULE

Grammar, p. 188. Key, p. 61.

I gladly shunned who gladly fl~d ~rom me:

.
And this is it men mean by d1str1but1ve JUSllce,
and is properly termed equity.
His honour, interest, reli gion, were all embarked
in this undertak ing.
When so g0od a man as Socrates fell a victim to
the madness ~f the people, truth, virtue, religion,
fell with him.
The fear of death, nor hope of life, could make
him submi t to a dishonest action.
An elegan t house and furniture were, by this
eve'nt, irrecoverably lost to the owner.
The examples whichfollow, are suited to the notes and
observations und~ r RULE xx1.
Grammar, p. 189.

Key , p. 62.

1. These rules are add ressed to none but the in·

tell igen t and th e attentive.
· .
Th e ga y and the pl easing are, sometimes,. the
most in sid'iou s, and the most dangerous compa111ons.
Old age will prove a joyless ~nd a dreary sea.son,
if we arrive at it with an u111mproved, or with a
corrupted mind.
.
.
The more I see of his conduct, I like him better.
It is not only the duty, but interest of young per·
i;ons to be stud1011s and diligent.
2. These counsels were the dictates of virtue, and
the dictates of true honour.
Avarice and cum1ing may acquire an estate; but
avarice and cunning cannot gain friends.
A taste for useful knowledge, will provide for us
a great and noble entertainment, when others leave
us.

. Rule 21.)

SYNTAX.

93

Without firmness, nothing that is great can be un.del'taken ; that is difficult or hazarJous, can be ac·
complished.
The anxious man is the votary of riches ; the neg1igent, of pleasure.
3. His crimes had brought him into extreme distress, and extreme perplexity.
He has an affectionate brother, an<l an affectionate sister, and they live in great harmony.
.
W c mu st guard aga inst too great severity, and
facility of manners.
We should often r ecoll ect what the wisest men
na ve said and written, concerning human happiness
aml vanity.
Tha t species of commerce will produce great gain
or loss.
Many days, and even weeks, pass away unimnrovcd.
·
This wonderful action struck the beholders witli
exneding astoni shment.
The people of this country pos;;ess a healthy cli111ate and soil.
They enjoy also a free constitution and laws.
4. His reputation and his estate were both losi
by gam in g.
This intelligence not only excited our hopes, but
fears too.
His conduct is not scandalous; and that is the
best can be said of it.
This was the person whom calnmny had greatly
abused, and sustained the injustice with singular
patience.
He discovered some qualities in the youth, of a
disagreeable nature, and to him were wholly una ~­
counta bie.
The captain had several men died in his ship, of
the scurvy.
K

94

'IOXERCISES.

(Rult Zl.

He is not only sensible and learned, but is religious too.
The Chinese language contains an immense
number of words; and who would learn them must possess a great memoTy.
By presumption and by vanity, we provoke
enmity, and we incur contempt.
Ju the circumstances I was at that time, my
tr<,>uhles pressed heavily upon me.
He has destroyed his constitution, by the very
same errors that so many have been destroye.d.
5. He is temperate, he ie disinterested, he is benevolent ; he is an ornament to his family, and a
credit to his profession.
Genuine virtue suppose~ our benevolence to be
strcngihened, and to be confirmed by principle.
Perseverance in laudable pursuits, will reward
all our toils, and will produce effects beyond our
calculation.
It is happy for us, when we can calmly and deliberately look back on the past, and .::an quietly,
anticipctte the future.
The sacrifices of virtue will not only be rewarded hereafter, but recompensed even in thi:> life.
All those possessed of any ofilce, re~igu~j ttidr
form~r commission.
If young persons were determmed to conduct
them,;elves by the rules of virtue, not only would
they escape innumcra'.>le clangers, but commaud
reEpcct from tho- licentious themselves.
Charles was a man of learning, knowlecl~e, and
benevolence ; anrl, what is still more, a true
Christiar1.
6. The temper of him who is always in the bustle
of the world, will be ofte n rufficd, and be often
distmberl.
\Ve often commend imprudently as well a~
censure imprudently.

95
SYNTAX.
Rule 21.)
How a seed grows up into a tree, and the mind
acts upon the body, are mysteries which we cannot
explain.
V cril y, there is a reward for the righteous ! Tb ere
is a God that judgeth in the earth.
7. Chan~es are almost continually taking place
in men and w manners, in opinions and in customs,
in private fortunes and public conduct.
Averse either to contradict or blame, the too
complaisant man goes along with the manners that
prevail.
By this habitual indelicacy, the virgins smiled at
wha t they blushed before.
They are now reconciled to wha,t they coulrJ not
formerly be prompted, by any considerations.
Censure is the tax which a man pays the public for
being eminent.
· Reflect on the state of human lift;_, and the society
of men, as mixed with good and with evil.
8. In all stations and conditions, the important
relations take place, of masters and servants, and
husbands and wives, and parents and children, and
brothers and friernh, and citizens and subjects.
Destitute of principle, he regarded neither his
family, nor his friends, nor his reputation.
Reli gious ·persons are often unjustly represented
as persons of romantic character, visionary notions,
unacquainted with the world, unfit to live in it.
No rank, station, dignity of birth, possessions,
exempt men from contributing their share to public
utility.
9. Oh my father! OJ:. my friimd ! how great has
been my ingratitude!
Oh piety! virtue !-how msensible haveJ been to
yot\r charo1s :
1o. That is 'a property most men have, or at least
rr1ay attain.

..
96

EXERCISES.

(Rule 22.

Why doy~ that, which is not lawful to do on the
sabbath days?
·
The show bread which is 'not lawful to eat but
for the priests alone.
'.
Most, if not all the royal family, had quitted the
place.
By these happy labours, they who sow and reap
~rill rejoice together.
'
RULF. XXII.

Al! the parts of a sentence should correspond lo
each other: a regular and dependent construction
throughC1ut should be carefully preserved.
Grammar, p. 192. Key, p. 67.

Several alterations and additions have been
made to the work.
~
The first proposal was essentially different and
inferior to the second.
'
He is more bold and active, but not so wise and
studious as his companion.
Thou hearest the sound of the wind, but thou
canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it
goeth.
N eithf;r has he, no·r any other persons, suspected
so much di ssimulation.
The court of France, or England, was to have
been the umpire.
In the reign of Henry II. all foreign commodities were plenty in En gland.
There is no talent so useful toward5 success in
busir.css, or wl:ich puts me n more out of the reach
of accidents, than tliat qmdity generally possessed
by persons of cool tempe r, and is, in common langu age, called discretion.
The first project was to shorte n discourse, by
cutting· polysyllables into one.
I shal I do all I can, to persuade others to take
the samfl measures for their cure which I have.

Buie 22.)

SYNTAX.

97

The greatt:st masters of critical learning differ
,among one another.
lVIicaiah said, if thou certainly return in peace,
then hath not tlte Lord spoken by me. ,
I do not suppose, that we · Britons want a genim.,
more than the rest of tiur neighbours.
The deaf man, whose ears were opened, and his
tongue loosened, doubtless glorified the great Physician.
Groves, fields, and meadows, are at any season
of the year, pleasant to look upon; but never so
much as in the opening of the spring.
The multitude rebuked them, because they
- shoul<l hold their peace.
The intentions of some of these philosophers, nay,
of many, might and probably were good.
It is an unan swerable argument of a very refined
age, th0 wonderful civilities that have p::issed between the nation of authors, and that of readers.
It was a'n unsuccessful undertaking; which, although it has -failed, is no objection at all to an enterprise so well concerted.
The reward is his due, and it has already, or will
hereafter, be given to him.
By intercou :se with wise and experienced persons, wl10 kno N the worl<l, we may improve and
rub off the rust of a private and retired education.
Sincerity is as valuable, and even more valuable,
than knowle<lgc.
No person w is ever so perplexed, or sustamed
the mortificatious, as he has done to-day.
The Romans gave, not only the freedom of the
city, but capa·~ity for employments, to several
towns in Gaul, Llpain, and Germany.
Such writers liave no other standard on which to
form themselves , except what chances t? be fashionabl e and popular.
Whatever we do secretly, shall be displayed
and heard in the clearest light.
K2

98

SYNTAX.

(Promiscuous.

To the happiness of possessing a person of such
uncommon merit, Boe thius soon had the satisfaction
of obtaining the highest hon our his country could
bestow.
·
·
CHAP. ·II.

Co11lai11ing instances of fals e S!fntax, promiscuouf!l'!J
disposed.
See the Key, p. 69.

SECT. I.
TttouoH great has been his disobedience and his
folly, yet if he sincerely acknowledges his mi sconduct, he wili be forgiven.
On these causes depend all the happiness or mis~
cry, which exist among m e~.
.
The property- of J amcs, I mean Ills books and
furniture, were wholly destroyed
This prod i(Ty of learn in g , this sc holar, critic, ann
anti quarian, '~ere eut irely destitute of breeJing and
civility.
Tb 2t writer has given an account of the manner,
in which Christ;anity has former! y been propagated
among th e hea thens.
We adore the Di vin e Being, he who is from
eternity to eternity.
_
Th ou, L oni, who hath permitted al1liction to
come upon us, shall 2eliver us from it, in due time.
Jn this place, th ere were not only security, but
a.n abundance of prov'1sion s.
13y th ese att::i.inmen ts are th e master honoured,
and the scholars encouraged .
The sea ap pea red to be more than usuall y agitated.
Not one in fifty of th ose who call themselves
dei sts, ur1d erstand the na ture of the religion they
rejec t.
V 1rtue and mutual confidence is the soul of

Promiscuous.)

SYNTAX~

99

friendship. Where these are wantmg, disgust or
hatred often follow little differences.
Time and chance happeneth to all men; bu(
every person do not consider who govern those
powerful causes.
The active mind of man never or seldom rests
satisfied with their present condition, howsoever
prosperous.
Habits must be acq·1ired of temperance and of
self-denial, that we may be able to resist pleasure,
and to endure pa in, when either of them interfere
with our duty.
The error of resting wholly on faith, or on works,
is one of those seductions which most eas ily misleads
men; under the semblance of piety, on the one
hand, and of virtue on the other hand.
It was no exaggerated tale ; for she was really
in that sad condition that her fri end represented her.
An army presen t a painful sight to a feeling mind.
The enemi es who we have most to fea r, are those
of our own hearts .
Thou art the Mess.iah, the Son of God, who was
to come into the world, and hast bee n so long pro·
mis ed and desired.
Thomas disposition is be tte~ than his broth ers ;
and he appears to be the happ1es.t man: but some
degree of trouble is all mens port10n.
Thou gh remorse slee p sometime.s durin g prosperity , it will awake surely in adversity.
..
It is an invariabl e law to our present cond1t10n,
that every pleasure that are pursued to excess, convert themselves into poison.
If a ma n brings into the solitary r etreat of age , a
vacant an unimproved mind, where no knowledge
dawns, no ideas rise, which within 'tself has nothing
to feed upon, many a heavy and many a comfortless day he mu st necessarily pass.
I cannot yield to .:;uch dishonourable conduct,

t.60

EXERCISES.

( PromisCUD11&

neither at the present moment of difficulty, nor, J
trust, under no circumstance whatever.
Themistocles concealed the ente1 prises of Pausa .
nias, either thinking it base to betray the secrets
trusted to his confidence, or imagined it impQssible
for such dangerous and ill-concerted schemes to
take effect.
Pericles gained such an ascendant over the minds
of the Athenians, that he might be said to attain a
monarchical power in Athens.
Christ did applaud the liberality of the poor widow,
who he bad seen casting her two mites in the treasury.
A multiplicity of little kind offices, in persons frequently conversant with each other, is the bands of
society and of friendship.
To do good to them tha t iiate us, and, on no occasion, to seek revenge, is the duty of a Christian.
If a man profess a rega rd for the duties of religion, and neglect that ofmorality, that man's reli·
gion is vain.
Afflu ence mi ght giv e us resp ect, m the eyes ol
the vulgar, but will not recommend us to the wise
and good.
The polite, accomplish ed li bertine, 1s but miserable amidst all his pleasures : th e rude inhabitant of
Lapland is happier than him.
The ch eerful and the gay, when warn.ed by pleasure and by mirth, lose that sobriety and that selfdenial, which is essential to the support of virtue.
SECT. IT.
Key, p. 72.

THERE were, in the metropolis, much to amuse
them, as well as many things to excite disgust.
How much is real virtue a nd merit exposed to
outter the hardships of a stormy life?
This is one of the duti es whicb requires peculiar
ci1·c11rn s p ec tion .

. Promi&cuous.)

SYNTAX.

101

More complete happiness than that I have descriLed, seldom falls to lh'! lot of mortals.
There are principles In man, which ever have and
. ever will incline him to offend.
'
yv.h ence have the~e arose such a great variety of
op1mon.s and tenets rn religion ?
Its stature is less than that of a man· but its
strength and agility much greater.
'
They that honour me, them will I honour.
· He summonses me to attend, and I must summons
the others.
Then did the officer lay hold of him, and executed him immediately.
Who is that person whom I saw you introduce,
nnd present him to the duke?
I offer observations that a long and chequered
pilgrimage have enabled me to make on man.
Every church and sect of people have a set ot
opinions peculiar to themselves.
May thou as well as me, be meek, patient, and
forgiving.
These men were under high obligations to have
adhered to their friend in every situation oflife.
After I visited Europe, I returned to America.
Their example, their influence, their fortune,
every talent th ey possess, dispenses blessings on all
arnund them.
·when a string of such sentences succeed o.ne another, the effect is disagreeable.
I have lately been rn Gibraltar, and have seen the
commander in chief.
Propriety of pronunciation, is the givin g to every
wonl the sound which the politest usage of the language appropriates to it.
The book is printed very neat, and on a fine wove
paprr.
!he fables of the ancients are many of them high·
ly 111struct1ve.

!02

F.XERC:ISES.

(Promiscuous.

He resembles one of those solitary animals, that
has been forced from its forest, to gratify human
curiosity.
There is not, nor ought not to be, such a thing as
c onstructive treason.
·
He is a new created knight, and his dignity sits
awkward on him.
Hatred or revenge a re thin gs deserving of cen·
sure, wherever they ::i.re found to ex ist.
If you please to employ your thou g hts on tha1
subj ec t, you would eas i!y conceive our miserabl.e
condition.
.
H is speech contains one of the grossest and infa·
mouse.st calumnies which ever was uttered.
A too great variety of studies dissipate and weak·
en the mind.
Those two authors nave each of them their merit.
James was resolv ed to not indulge himself in such
a cruel amu sement.
The not attending to this rule, is the source of a
very common error.
Calumny and detraction are sparks, which if you
:lo not blow, th ey will go out of th emse lves.
Clelia is a vain woman , whom if we do not flatter,
she will be disgusted.
,
That celebrated work was nearly te n years published, before its importance was a t all understood.
Ambition is so insatiable that 1t will make any
sacrifices to attain its objects.
A great mass of rocks thrown toge ther by the
hand of nature, with wildness and confusion, strike
the mind with more grandeur than if th ey were ad·
justed to one another with the accuratest symmetry.
SECT. III.
Key, p. 74.

HE sho\\'eJ a sp ir it of forgiveness, and a magnany
mily, that docs Lo nou r to huma n nature.

PromUicuous.)

SYNTAX.

103

'fhey that honour me, I \\ill honour; and them
that despise rne shall be lightly esteemed.
Reason's whole pleasure, all the j oys oi sense,
Lies in three words. health, peace, and competence.

Having thus began to throw off the restraints of
reason, he was soon hurried into deplorable excesses.
These a rts have enli g htened, and will enlighten,
every person who shall attentively study th em .
Wlien we succeed in our pla ns, its not to be attrilrnted a lways to ourselves ; the a id of oth ers often
prom ote t11e end, and claim om· acknowledg·ment.
Their intentions were good ; but wanting prudence, th ey mi st the mark for which they a im ed .
I have not, nor shall not consent to a proposa l so
unj ust.
\Ve have subjected ourselves to much expense,
that thou mav be wdl educated.
This treaty was made at earl Moreton the governor's castle.
Be espec ially careful that thou givest no offonce
lo the age<l or he!pless.
The business was no sooner opened, but it was
cord ially acquiesced in.
As to his general conduct, he deserved pu11i shment as much, or more than his companion. He
left a son of a singular character, and behaved so ill
that he was put in prison.
If he does but ap prove my endeavours, it Wiii be
an ample rew ard.
1 beg the favour of your acceptance of a copy of
a view of the manufactori.es of the West Riding of
the county of Y ork.
I intended to have written the letter, before he
urged me to it ; and, therefore, he has \lot all the
merit of it.
All the power of rid_icule, aided by the desertion
of fri end s,· and the diminution of his estate, were
·wt able to shake his principles.

I

I
I

1-

104

EXERCISES.

(Promiscuous.

In his condud was treachery, and in his words,
faithless professions.
Though the measure be mysterious, it is worthy
of attentwn.
De solicitous to aid such deserving person.;, who
appear to be destitute of frien?s·
·
Ignorance, or the want of hg~t, produce sen~u-_
ality, covetousness, and those vwlent contests _with :
others about trifles, which occasions so much misery
and crimes in the world.
He will one day reap the reward of his labour, if
IH! is diligent and attentive. ~'ill that period comes,
let Lim be contented and pati ent.
To the resolutions which we have, upon due con·
sideration, once adopted as rules of conduct, let
us ml here firm! y.
He has little more oi the "{Sreat man besides the
title.
Thoucrh he was my superior in knowledge, he
would n~t have thence a right to impose his senti·
men ts.
That picture of the emperor's, is a very exact re•
semblance of him.
How happy are the virtuous, who can rest on the
protection of the powerful arm, who made the earth
and the heavens!
'
Prosperity and adversity may be improved equally; both the one and the other p1oceeds from t1e
mmewili~
.
Ile acted conformable with hi3 instructions, and
cannot be censured justly.
- The orators did not fo.rget to enlarge themselv<'s
on so popular a subject.
The lar:guage of Divine Providence to all human
agents, is, " Hitherto shalt thou come, and no far·
ther."
Idle persons imagine, howsoever deficien~ they
be in point of duty, they consult at least their owu
satisfaction.

.f'romilcuous.)

-

105

SYNTAX.

CooJ as the cause is, it is one from which
bers are deserted.
The man is prudent which .speaks little.
SECT.

llUW·

·1v.

Key, p. 77.

HE acted independent of foreign assistance.
Every thing that we here enjoy, change, decay,
and come to an end. All float on the surface of
·t he river, which is running to a boundless ocean,
with a swift current.
The winter has not been as severe as we expected it to have been.
Temperance, more than medicines, are the proper means of curing many diseases.
Tbey understand the practi-cal part better than
bun ; but he is much better acquamted with the
theory than them.
When we have once drawn the line, by intelligence and preciswn, between Olli' duty and sin, the
line we ought on no occasion to transgress.
All those distinguish ed by extraordinary ta!ents,
have extraordinary duties to perform.
No person could speak stronger on this subject,
nor behave nobler, than our young advocate for
the cause of toleration.
H:s conduct was so provoking, that many will
condemn him, and a few will pity hir.i.
The peoples happiness is the statesmans honour.
We are in a perilous situation. On one side, and
the other, dangers meet us; and each extreme shall
be pernici.ous to virtue.
Several pictures of the Sardinian king were trans·
rnitted to France.
When 1 last saw him, he had grown considerably.
If we consult the improvement of !Il;nd, or the
health of body, it is well lrnown exercise is the
great instrument of promoti ng both.
If it were them who acted so ungratefully, they
are doubly in fault L

106

EXERGISES .

(Promiscu.ow.

Whether virtue promotes our interest or no, we
must adhere to her dictates.
We :hould be studious to avoid t·) o much indulgence, as well as restraint, in our management of .~
children.
No ln:man happiness is so complete, as does not
contam some imperfection.
His father cannot hope for this success, unless
bis son gives better proofs of ge nius, or applies
hims elf with indefatigable labour.
The house framed a remonstrance, where they
spoke with great fre edom oi th e king's. prerog;ative.
The conduct which has been mentioned, 1s one
of those artifices which seduces men most easily,
·.
under appearance of benevolence.
This is the person who we are so much obliged
to, rind who we expected to have seen, when the
favour was conferred.
1
He is a person of great property, but does not
pos5ess the es teem of his n eighbours .
They were solicitous to ingratiate with those,
who it was dishonourable to favour.
Th e great divel'3ity which takes pbce among
men, is not owing to a distinction that nature m3:de
an th eir original powers, as much as to the supi;_r1or
Jiligence, with which some have improved I.hose
p01rers beyond others.
.
~Vhile we a re nnoccupied in what 1s good, evil
is at hand continu ally.
Not a creature is there t!iat moves , nor a vegeta·
ule that grows, but what, when minutely examined,
furnis hed materials of pious admiration;
What _can be the reason of the committee having
delay ed this business?
I know not whether C'narles was the author, but
I ur,Jerstood it to be he.
A good an<l well cultivated mind, is far more pre_
ferable than rank or riches.

Promiscuous.)

lOi

SYNTAX.

bv

Charity to the poor. when it is governed
knowledge an.cl prudence, there are no persons ,~J10 will
not admit 1t to be a virtue.
His greatest concern, awl highest enjoyment.
were to be approved in the sight of his Creator.
Let u~ no~ set o_ur hearts on such a mutable, s~ch
an unsat1sfymg world.

SECT. V.
Key, p. 79.
. SHALL you attain success, without that preparat101?, a~d esc~pe dangers without that precaution,
which is required of others ?
\yhe~ WP, see bad men to be honoured and prosp~rous m the world, it is some discouragement to
virtue.
T?~ furniture was all purchased at W cntworth's
the JOrner's.
Every me~ber of the body, every bone, joint,
and muscle, he exposed to many disorders . and the
greatest pr~d~nce or precaution, or the dee~est skill
of th~ p~ys1c1a1?, arc not sufficient to prevent them.
It is right. 5a1~, that though faith justify us, yet
works must JU::>t1fy ,our faith.
If an academy is establishec. for the cultivation of
our lan&ua ge, let them. stop the lice nse of translators,
whose 1dl~ness and ignorance, if it b e suffered to
proc~ed, will reduce us to babbl e a dialect of French.
I.t is of great consequence th a t a. teacher firmly
bi:'~le".'es, both. the truth and importan ce of those
pnnc1ple-s wluch he inculcates upon ot hers; and
that he. not only speculatively believes them but
has a. liv ely and serious feeling of them.
It 1s not the utteri ng , or the bearin " certam
w~rds, that constitute the worship of the Almighty.
ft I S .the heart that praises, or prays. If the heart
accompany not the words tha t are spoken, we offer
a sacnfice of fool;;.

108

EXERCISES.

Ptomistuous.)

(Promiscuour.

Neither flatter or contemn the rich or the great. ·
He has travelled much, and passed through many
'
stormy seas and lands.
You must be sensible tha t there is, anrl can be no
~tl~er p~rson but me, who could give the informa~
lion des ired.
To be patient, resigned, and thankful, under af.
ll!ctions and disappointmeuts , demonstrate genuine
piety.
·
Alvarez was a man of corrupt principles, and of
detes table conduct; and, what is still worse gloried
in his shame.
'
As soon as the sense of. the Supreme ~eing is lost.
so soon th~ great chec.k 1s taken off which keep under restrarnt the pass ion s of men. Mean desii·es
low pleas u:es , takes. pl.-ce of the grc:atcr and th~
nobkr sentiments which reaso n and re ligion inspires.
WE: should be ca reful not to follow the exp.mple
of many persons, to censure the opinions, manners
and. cu stoms of others, merdy because they are
foreig n to us.
·
Steady a pplication, as well as genius and abilities,.
are necessary to produce emine nce.
Th ere is, in that seminary, severa l students considem.bly ~killed in JYJathema tica l knowledge.
If Providence clothe th e g rasli of the fic1d, and
shelters .and adorn£ . the .flowers that every where
grows wild amongst 1t, lvill he not c!othe and protect his servan ts and children much more?
We are too often hurried with the vwlence of
passion, or with the aiiurements of pleasure.
.
High hopes, an d florid views, is a grea t enemy to
tran qu illity .
Y e~ r aft~r 1ear steal something from us; till the
rlecay rng fa bnc totters of itself, and crumbles at
leng th into dust.
.
I intended to have fini shed the letter before the
bearer ca ll ed, tha t he might no t have b een detaine1l; but r irns preven ted by company .

'

SYNTAX.

109

. GeorO"e
is the
most learned and accomplished
of
.
I:>
.
•
all the other students, that belong to the semrna ry.
Thi s excellent and well \vr1tten treatis.c, with
others that might be mentioned, were th e foundation
of his love of study.
There can be no doubt but tha t th e pleasures of
the mind excel those of sen se.
SECT.VI.
Key, p. SL

THE grand templ e consisted of on e great, and
sev eral smaller edifices.
· Many would exchange gladly .their ~ onou rs,
oeauty , a nd riches , for tha t ff~ore 9met an.cl humbler
station, which you are now d1ssat1sfied with.
.
Though the scene was a very affect.ing one, 0Loms
showed a little emotion on the occasion.
The clima te of En gla nd is not so pleasant as those
('f France, Spain, or Italy.
.
Much of the good and evil tha t ha ppe n.s to us rn
this world, are owing to apparently undesi.gned 8:nd
fortuitous events : but it is the Supreme Berng which
-secretly directs and regulates all things . .
T o despise others on accoun t of then· po.vertJ'.,
or to va:ue ours elves for our wealth, are d1spos1·
- tions hi ghly culpable.
.
•
This task was th e eas ier perform ed, from the
cheerfulness with which he engaged in it. .
Sh e lamented the unhappy fate of Lu cretia, who
eemed
to her another nam e for chastity.
5
He has not ye t ca st off all the r egard. for .dece ncy;
and th is is the most can be advanced Ill his. favour.
Th e girl s S£hool was better conducted formerly
th an the boys.
.
Th e disappointm~nts he has met.with, or the lo s~
of his much-loved fn end, has occaswni> 1l a total de·
rangemcnt of his mental powers.
.
The concourse of people were so great, that with
difficulty we passed through them.
L2

I JO

EXERCISES.

( Promiuuow.

All/ the women, children, and treasure, which remained in the city, fell under the victor's p·o wer.
They have already made great progress in their
studies, and, if attention and diligence continues,
will soon fulfil the ex pectations of their friends.
It is amazing his propensity to this vice, against
every principle of interest and honour.
These kind of vices , though th ey inhabi t the upper circles of li fe, are not less pernicious, than those
we mee t with amongst the lowest of men.
He acted agreeable to the dic tai.es of prudence,
thou gh be were in a situation exceeding delicate.
If I had known the distress of my fri end, it would
be my duty to have relieved him: and it would al- .
ways have yielded me pleai;urc to gran t him that
relief.'
·
They admired the countryrr.an's, as th ey cJlled
him, cam.lo ur and uprightness.
.
The new set of curtains did not correspond to the
old pair of blind s.
The tutor commends him for b eing more studious
than any oth er pupils of the school.
Two principles in human nature r r ign ;
Self-love to urge, and rcarn n to restrain:
Nor that a good, nor this a bad we call :
Each works its end, to mo ve or gove rn all.
Temperan ce a nd exercise, howsoever little they
may be. regarded, th ey are the b es t means of preserving health.
He has greatly blessed me; yes, even I, who
loaded with ~.:indness, hath not been sufficie ntly
grateful.
No persons feel the distresses of others, so much
as them that have exr e rien~ed distress themselves.

SECT. VII.
Key, p. 83.

CoNSTANTINOl'LE was the point, in which was
cout:Bntrated thP. lP.aming and science of the world.

Promiscuous.)

SYN'l AX·

11 t

Disgrace not your statio?,. by _that grussne.ss of
sensuality, that le\,ity of d1ss1pat1on, or that rnscr
lence of rank, which bespeak a little mii1d.
A circle, a square, a triangl e, or a hexagon, please
the eye by their regularity, ~s beau~iful figures.
H is conduct was equally unJU!t as dishonourable.
Though, at first, he begun to defend himself, yet,
when the proofs appeared against him, !1e d~rcd
not any longe r to contend.
Many l"ersons will not b eliev e but what th e y
are fre e from prejudices.
The pleasure or pain of one p assion, differ fr om
those of another.
- The rise and fall of the tides, in this place,
makes a difference of about twelve fe e t.
Five and seY en make twelve, an d one makes
thirteen.
·He did not know who to suspe ct.
I had intended yesterday to have walked out,
but I have been again di ssappointe d.
.
The court of Spain, who gave the order, were
not aware of th e consequen ce.
If the acquisitions he has made, and qualified
him to be a usefnl member o f soci ety, should have
bee n missapplie<l, h e will be highly culpable.
Th e re was much spoke and wrote on each side
of the question ; but I have chose to suspend my
dedsirJ!1.
·was the re no bad n:en in the wo rld, who vex
and distress the good, they might appear in the
light of harm less i.nnoc~nce ; bu_t could have ~o
opportm1\ty for d1splaJ'.rng fidelity and magnanimity, patience and fortitude.
.
The most ignorant, and the most savage tribes
of men , when they have look e d round ~n the e_a~th,
and on the h eavens, could not ave.i d ascrib ing
their c1rigin to some in v isibl e, d ~si gn ing cause,
and felt a urop<>Jisity to adore their Creator.
Let us not forget, that ~omet?ing more than

113

112

EXERCISES.

(Promiscuous,

g<'ntleness and modesty, something more than crimplacency of temper and affability of manners, are
req uisite to form a worthy man, or a true Christain,
One of the first, and th e most common extreme
in moral conduct, is placing all virtue in justice, or
in generosity.
..
lt is an inflexible regard to principle, which has
crer marked the characters of them who distinguishe<l then1selves eminently in public life: who patroni
se<l the cause of justice against powerful oppressors,
in critical times, have supported the falling rights
and liberties of men; and r eflected honour on their
nation and country.
When it is with regard to trifles, that diversity or
contrariety CJ[ opinions show themselves, it is childish in the last degree, if this b ecomes the ground of
estranged affection. When from such a cause, there
ari se any breach of friendship, human weakness is
discovered then in a mortifying light. In matters
of senou s moment, the sentiments of the be~t and
woithi es t might vary from that of their friends, accorclrng as their lines of life diverge, or as their .
tem per , and habits of thought, presents objects un· ·
der different points of view . But with candid and
li be ral minds, unity of affection still will be preserved
D es ires a nd wishes are the first spring or'action.
Wh en th ey b ecome exorbitant, the whol e of the
character is like to be tainted. If we should sulftr
our fancies to crea te to th emselves, worlds of ideal
happin ess; if we should feed our imagination with
plans of opu lence and of splen<lour; if we should fix
to our wishes certain stages of a high advancement,
or certain degrees of an uncommon reputation, as
the sole sta tion of our felicity; the assured conseqnence sliall be, tha t we will b ecome unhappy under
ou_r present state ; that we shall be unfit for actmg
the part, and for discharging the duties that belong

Promiscuous.)
SYNTAX·
o it. and we shall discompose the peace .and ~rder
tf '
· ds and shall foment many hurtful pass10ns.
.
Sh
ks
o our mm · ,
Maria alwavs appears amiably.
eneverspea
,
if.
severe or contemptuous.
fi d it difficult to decide,
n adverb OU"ht
• Young persons who study rammar,_ ll.
lo ~arti~u~ar c~nf~t~~~~~;~;~~~ ~~ ~hi:dJ~f~~v~ ~; ~me to info~m
to . e yoe . •
d d' t ti eir det ermination.-They should care· the.11· Ju<lgd~n't-an d ~~i~ion~ of the udjl'ctive and the r.dverb! a!'<l
fully a1ten o Ile. e .
~< lion ualily or maimer, IS m·
con side1· whether, m tli e case m qua:· . ' I/_ pr~per . in the latt er,
er case an a J CC1ive rs v
.
•
d I l f
d1catde - b n ~e1m%~e r of e~amples will illustrate this direct10n,
an n ver .
.
and pro\·e useful on other occasions.
.
She looks cold- She looks coldl.Y on 1.11m.l ,.. d t him
H feels warmly the msu t ouere o
·
H e fee 1s wari:n- e d vi l'tu o~s-H e became sincerely virtuous
He became sincere on
.
f· I t
ther's expeme.
She lives free from care-He hves I ee y a ano
Harri e! alw ays !ippears nbea_t-l. Sb~ ddroe~~H~a~~· grown greatly
Charles bas grown great ;, us" is
in reputation.
r ha ily in earnC$t
They now appear happy-Ttb e{-~: ~;a~~::::nt s!!ms exactly in
The statement seems exac point.

1

The verb lo be, in all its- moods a~d ten ses, gen~l'~lli~;e~~:r=~ ~d~
word imm~di ately co nnected with. it to bbe anb~d~~~tit;ted for any
tl1at o•her
verb - and, con.seqnently, wh en this ver can t 1·
•
'
.
h
1 e· or the cons rue ion,
oth er, without varym g t e s3 ~~ith an a!i ;·~ctive . The follo wing
verb must al s~ be connecte<
ions . "'This is agreeable to our
sente nces eluc id ate th.ese ob.crvat t ·.table to bi s station; Rul es
interest; That behaviour was no sm
is
should be conformable to sense ;" " The rose smells

s~~eet; How

he hay sm~Jls ~ How delightful the country appears! Ho"
nvee t t
are
pleasant _the fields l~~k ! The clouds look dark ; How blac~e;~~
sKy

\~~·ked !

The apple

ta~t"es

sour; How bitter the plums_ taste·d

He fe;;ls happy." Jn all these sentence~, '~eb~af~r'~t;~ ~~:~~c~~:;:.
priety, sub•titute some tenses of th e ve1~ lrlo thi s. "The dog smells
But in the foll owing se1f1tenl ces, w.e .calnn.o How pl c~sa ntly she looks
disagreeably; George ee s exqu1site Y,
nt us!"
. d. l ·15 t , re offered as useful , not
The directions contam~. 111 ~ ~
~~w\ies in l a~gu age cwry
ru;hcom plcle antdruunse_xcb~fr ~1~amu~t AOt reJ·ect rules, because they
w ere enconn e
·
.
•
are attended ,,·ith excepl!ons.

1

"l,

PART IV.
EXERCISES IN PUNCTUATION.
--<>+<>-

CHAP. · I.
Sentence.~ 7:1hich require the app.ication of the Comma,

disposod tmder the particular rules.
Grammar, p. 235.

Key, p. 86.

RULE I.

tear ~f repentance brings its own relief.
Manhood 1s disgraced by the consequenc~s of
neglected youth.
Idlen ess is the great fomenter of all corruptions
in the human heart.
It is honourable to be a friend to the unfortunate.
All fin ery is a sign of littleness.
SlovenlinP5S and indelicc-.cy of character common·
ly go hand in hand.
. The friend of order has made half his ·way to
virtue.
Too many o~ th~ pre~ended friendships of youth
are me1:e combrnat10ns rn pleasure.
T~1e rndulgence of harsh dispositions is the introduction to future misery.
The i:itermixture ~f evil in human society serves
to exercise the suffering graces and virtues of the
good.
THE

RULE II.

Grammar, p. 235. Key, p. 87.

Gentlen~ss is in tl1lth he great avenue to mutual

enjoyment.

115
PUNCTUATION.
Comma.)
Charity like the sun brightens all its objects.
The tutor by instruction and discipline lays the
foundation of the pupil's future honour.
· Trials in this stage of being are the lot of man.
No assumed behaviour can always hide the real
character.
The best men often exp eri ence disappointments.
Advice should be seasonably administered. RULE Ill.

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 passi?ns and a
ruffied temper poison every pleasure of hfe.
Vicissitudes of good and evil of trials and conso- ·
lations fill up the life of man.
Health and peace a moderate fortune and a few
friends sum up all the undoubted articles of tem·
poral felicity.
We have no reason to complain of the lot of man
or the world's mutability.
RULE IV •

An idle trifling society is near akin to such as is
corrupting.
Conscious guilt renders us mean-spirited timorous and base.
An upright minci will never be at a loss to discern
wha t is just and true lovely honest and of good report.
The vicious man 1s often looking round him with
anxious and fearful circumspection.
True friendship will at all times avoid a careles~
or rough behaviour.
Time brings a gentle and poweTful opiate to all
misfortunes.

\

116

EXERCISES,

(Comtna. .

RULE V.

Grammar, p. 236.

Key, p. SS.

The man of virtue and honour will be trusted re-

1ieJ upon and esteemed.
Deliberate slowly execute promptly.
A true friend unbosoms freely advises justly
as sists readily adventures boldly takes all patiently
defends resolutely and continues a friend unchangeably.
Sensuality contaminates the body depresses the
understandinO' 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 ancl
character.
~
The man of order catches and arrests the hours
as Jhey fly.
The great business of life is to be employed in
doing justly loving m ercy and walking humbly with
our Creator.
RULE VI.

af.

This unhappy person had often been seriousry
ie ction a tely admonished but in vain.
·
To li ve soberly righteously and piously comprehends the whole of our duty.
WhPn thy friend is calumniated openly and boldly
espouse his cause .
Bcnefi~s should be long and gratefu]Jy rememb erc<l.
RULE VII.

True gen tleness is native feeling heightened and
improv etl by principle.
The path of pi ety an<l virtue pursued with a firm
and constant spirit will assured ly lead to happiness.

Comma.)

PUNCT UAT ION.

ll'i

Hurn an affair:> arc in continual moti on and fluc.:tuatio11 altering th eir appearance every mon;ient anJ
passi110 i11to some new form.>.
\Vh~t can be said to alarm those of their danger
who intoxicated with pleasures b ecome giddy aud
in solent ;- who flattered by the illusions of prospemy
make light of eYery serious admon itio11 which thci1
fri ends and the cha nges of the •vorld give them ?
RULE

VJJl,

If from any internal cause 'l man's peace of mi11ll
be disturbe<l in vain we load him with riclies or
honours.
Gentleness delights above all things to a ll e\'iate
di stress ; a11d if it cannot dry up the falling tear to
soo th at least the g rieving· lteal't.
Wh erever Chris:ia11ity preva ils it has din:our ag;ed
and iu some deLrree ahl) ~ i,:;hed slavery.
.
l\'e may rest ~iss ure<l th a t by the sieaJy purrnit ~11
virtue we shall obtai11 anJ enjoy it.
RULE

Grammar, p.

IX.

~:17 .

Key, p. H9.

Continue mv dear child to make virtue ti1y prin·
cipal study. •
'
To you rny W'lrthy benefactors am I indebted u11
rler Providence for all I eujoy.
Canst thou expect thou betrayer of innoceucc lll
escape the hand of vengeance ?
Come then companion of my toils let us take fresh
c.inrage persevere and hope to the end.
R'(jLE X.

P ~ace of mind being secured we may smil e a t
' mistortunes.
Virtue ab.rndoued and conscience rt>proaching us
we liccome terrified with imaginary ~vii~

!.\'I

I '

118

EXERCI S KS.

(Comma.

Charles having been deprived of the help of tutors
his studies became tc tally neglected.
To prevent further altercation I submitted. to the
terms proposed.
To enjoy pres~nt pleasure he sacrificed his future
.
ease and rerutat1on.
To say the lea5t they have betrayed great want
of prudence.
RULE XI.

Hope the balm of life sooths us under every misfortune.
Content the offspring of virtue dwells both in re·
tirement and in the active scenes of life.
Confucius the grrat Chinese philosopher was
eminently good as well as wise.
The patriarch Joseph is an illustrious example of
chastity.resignation and filial affection.
RULE XII.

Grammar, p. 237.

Key, p. 90.

Nothing is so opposite to the true enjoyment of
life as the relaxed and fe eble state· of an indolent
mind.
The more a man speaks of him se lf the less he
likes to hear another talked of.
Nothing more :;.trongly inculcates resignation than
the experience of our own inability to guide our·
selves.
The friendships of the world can subsist no longer
than interest cements them.
Expect no more from the \'Yorl<l than it is able 'to
afford you.
RULE XIII • .

He who is a stranger to indust11y may possess I.Jut
he cannot enjoy.

PUNCTUATION.

1J9

Contrition though it may melt ought not to sink
o:: overpower the heart of a Christian.
The goods of this world were given to man for
bis occasional refreshment not for his chief felicity.
It is the province of superiors to direct of inferit)rs
. - to obey; of the learn ed to be instructive of the ig·
norant to be docile; of the old to be communicative
of the young to be a ttentive and diligent.
Thou gh un avoidabl e calamities make a part yet
they make not the chief part of the vexations and
iiOrrows that distress human life.
An inquisitive and meddling spirit o"ten interrupts
·the good order and breaks the peace o~ society.

•

RULE XIV.

Grammar, p. 238. Key, p. 91.

Vice is not of such a nature that we can say to it
"Hitherto shalt thou come and no further."
One of the noblest cf the Christian virtues is "to
!eve our enemies."
Many too confidently say to themselves " My
1°;iotmtain sta rds strnng and it shall never be removed."
We are strictly enjoined " not to follow a multitude to do evil."
RULE XV.

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 <langerous connexions
which may afterwards load you with dishonour.
nlind must that man be who discerns not the most
striking marks of a Divine government exercised
over the world.
It is labour only which gives the relish to pleasure.
In th<lt unaffec ted civili-ty which springs from a
gentle mind there is an incomparable charm.
Th ey who raise envy will easily incur censure.

,

..

,

J20

EXERCISES.

(Conlma.

Many of the evils which occasion our complaints of the world are wholly Jm'.lgmary.
He who is good before invisible witne!lses is e111inently so befo'~:e the visible.
His conduct sv disinterested and generous was
universally approved.
RULE xvr.
Grammar, p. 239. Key, p. 92.
which ari~e from a heart

The fumes
boilirig with
violent passions never fai: to darken and trouble the
understanding.
If we delay till to-morrow what O'Jght :o be done
tCl-day we overcharge the morrow with a· burden '
which belongs not to it.
By whatever means we may at first attract the attention we can hold the esteem and secure the heart9
of others only by amiable dispositions and th~ accom)l1isl11'1ents of the mi:id.
If the mind sow not corn it will plant thistles.
One day is sufficient to scatter our prosperity ancl
bring it to nou ght.
Graceful in youth are the terns of sympathy and
the heart that melts at the tale of wo.
The ever active and re stless power of thought if
not employed about what is good will naturally and
unavoidably engender evil.
He who formed the heart certainly knows what
passes withm it.
To be humble and modest in opinion to bf' vigi
]ant and attent ive in conduct to distrust fair appearances and to restrain rash desires are mstrucuon~ :
which the darkness of our present state should
strongly inculcate.
RULE XVII.

l.ir&mmar, p. 230.

Key, p. 93.

The greatest misery is to be condemned by our
own hearts.

Comma.)

..

PUNCTUATION,

1!i?t

The greatest misery that we can endure is to be
condemned by our own hearts.
Charles's highest enjoyment was to relieve · the
distressed and to do good.
.
The highest enjoyment that Charles ever expenenced was to relieve the distressed and to do good.
RULE XVIII.

, If opulence increases our gratifications it increaser:.

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 ambit~ous aim we might have
gained.
By proper management we prolong our time; we
live more in a few years than others do in many.
In your most secret actions suppose that you have
all the world for witnesses.
In youth the habits of industry are most easily
acquired.
.
What is the nght path few take the trouple of mquiring.
RULE XIX.

Providence never intended that any state here
should be either completely happy or entirely miserable.
As a companion he was severe an_d sat_irical; as _a
friend captious and dangerous; m his domestic
sphere harsh jealous and irascible.

EXERCISES.

(Semicolori. ·

RULE XX.

Grammar, p. 240.

Key, p. 94

Be assured then that order frugality and economy
are the necessary supports of every personal and
private virtue.
l proceed secondly to point out the proper state
of our temper with respec t to one another.
Here every thing is in stir and fluctu ation; there
all is sPrene steady and orderly.
I sha ll make some observations first on the exter·
nal and next on the internal condition of man.
Sometimes timidity and fa!.se shame prevent om
opposing vicious customs ; frequently expe<:tation ·
and interest impel us strongly to comply.

CHAP. II.
Smtences reqwrmg the insertion of the Semir.ofQn
and Comma.
Grammar, p. 240.

Key, p. 94.

TH AT d;i rlrness of cha racter where we can see no
heart those fo ldin gs of art through which no native
aflcr:tion is all owed to penetrate present an object
u:-: amia hie in every seaso n of life b ut particularly
odi ous in )•outh.
,
To g ive an early preference to honour above gain
when th ey :::tand in competition to despise every
advantage which cannot be atta ined without dishones t arts to br;)ok no meann ess and to stoop to no
di ss imulatio:-: are the indication s of a great mind the
presages of future em!ncnce and usefulness in lire.
As there is a wor!Jly happines s which Gcd perceives to be no other than disguised misery as there
ore worklly honoi.:rs which in his estimation are re·
proac h so th ere is 3 worldly wisdom which in hie
sigh t is foo li sh ness .
The passions are the chief des troyers of our peace
dw stnrn1s and tempests of the moral world.

Cvwu; ch:. )

123

l'UNCTUATION.

Heaven 1s the reg10n of gen tl eness and friendship
.he-II of fierceness and aniinosi ty.
The path of truth is a plain and a safe path that
of falsehood is a perplexing maze.
.Modesty is one of the chief ornaments of youth
and it has ever been esteemed a presage of rising
merit.
Life with a swift though insensible course glides
away a-nd like a river which und ermines its banks
gradually impairs our state.
The violent spirit like the troubled waters renders
back the images of things distorted and broken and
communicates to th em all that disordered motion
which arises sdely from its own agite1tion.
L evity is frequently the forced production of folly
or vice cheerfulness is the natural offspring ofwisdom, and virtue on ly.
P er;,ons who Ii ve accord in g to order may he compar ed to the celestial bodies which move in regular
courses and by stated laws whose jnflnence is heneficient whose operations are quiet an d tra nqdil.

CHAP. III.
. Sentences requiring tJ,e application
Grammar, p. 24 1.

nf the

Colon,

we.

Key, p. 96.

T1rn three great enemies to tranq uility are vice
superstition and idleness vice wi~ i c h poisons and disturbs the mind with bad passions su perstition which
fills it with imag inary terrors idleness which loads
it with tediousness and cli $gus t.
To sa'.I on the tranquil s1;!·facc of an unrnfli ed Inh
and to steer a safe course throu gh a troubled and
stormy ocean require Jifferent talents and alas! human life often er resembles the stormy ncean than
the unrufiled lake.

I '

124

EXERCISES.

(Colon,

t(.oc.

When we look fo rward to the year which is be·
ginning what do we behold there? All my bretheo
is a blank to our view a <lark unknown presents itself.
Happy would th e poor man think himself if he
could enter on all th e treasures of the rich and happy
for a short time he might be but b efore he had long
contemplated a nd admired his state his possessions
would seem to lessen and his cares would grow.
By doing or at least endeavouring to clo our duty
to God and man by acquiring an humble trust in the
mercy and favour of God through Jesus Christ by
cultiva ting our minds and properly employing our
time and thou ghts by governing our p::tssions . and
our temper by correcting all unreasonable e:xpectta tions from the world and from men and in the
midst of worldly busin ess habituating ourselves to
calm retreat a nd serious recoll ection by such means
a s these it may b e hoped that through the Divine
·blessing our days shall flow in a stream as lmrut1led
as the human sta te admits.
A metaphor is a comparison expre ssed in a!i
abricJge<l form but without a ny of th e words that
denote comparison as" T o the upri ght there ariseth
light in darkness.''
All our conduct towards men shou ld be influ enced
by this important precept " Do unto others as you
woul d that others shoul<l do tmto you."
Philip III. kin g of Spa in when he drew near the
end of his days seriou sly reflec tin g on his pas t life
a:id grea tly affected wi~h the r emembera nce of his
mispent time expressed his deep regret in these
:erms "Ah! how happy would it have been for me
had I spent in retirement th ese twe nty-three years
tha t l ha ve possessed my kingdo m ?

P.Jriod.)

PUNCTUATION.

125

CHAP. IV.
Sentences which require' the insertion of the Period, <Ve.•
Gramm ar, p. 242. Kcy;p. 97.
THE absence of Evil is a real Good Peace Quiet
ex em ption from pain should b e a continual fe as t
vYorlJly ha ppin ess ever tend s to destroy itself by
corrupting the hea rt It fosters the loose a.nd the
Violcnt, pass ions It engenders noxious habits and
ta ints the mind with fa ls ~ Delicacy which makes it
feel a Thou sand unreal Evils
Fe edmg the hungry clothing the Na.ked comforting the afflicted yield more pleasure than we receive from those actions which respect only Ourselves Benevolence may in this view be termed the
most refined self-love
The Resources of Virtue remain entire when the
D ays of trouble come They r emain with us in
Sickness as in I-I ea Ith in Poverty as in the midst of
Riches in our dark and solitary Hours no less than
when surrounded with frien.ds and cheerful Society
The mind of a good man is a kingdom to him and
he can always enjoy it
We ruin the H a ppiness of life when we attempt
to nise it too high A tolerable and comfortable
State is all that we can propose to our:>elves on
Earth P eace and Contentment not Bliss nor Tran-

• As every learner is supposed to know, that the first word in a
se ntence must have a capital letter, there would be littie exerci54!
of his judgment, in applying the period, if no words were distingui,hed by capital letters, but such ns propri ety required. The compiler has, therefore, in this and the followinp chapters, affixed cnpi·
tals to many words, which should properly t>egin with small letters.
This method, besides the use chiefly intended, will also serve ta
eicrcisc the student in the proper application of capital letten1.

-126

EXERCISES.

sport are the full Portion of Man Perfect joy is reserved for Heaven.
If we look ar0und us we shall perceive that the
Whole Universe is full ofActive Powers Acticn is
- indeed the Gemus of Na ture by Motion and exertion th e System of being is preserved n vigour
By its different parts always acting in Subordination
one to another the Perfection of the Whole is carried on The Heavenly .Bodies perpetually revolve
Day and Ni ght incessan tly rcp1"at their appointed
course Continual operations arc going on in the
Earth and in the Waters Nothing stands still
Constantine the Great was advanced to the sole
Dominion of the Roman World A D 325 and soon
after cpedy professed the Christian Faith
The Letter concludes with this Remarkable Post
script " P S Though I am innocent of tlie Charge
and have been bitterly pe1:secuted yet I cordially
forgive my Enemies and Persecutors"
The last Edition of that valuable Work was care· .
fully compared with the Original MS.
CHAP. V.
Sentences requiring the appl;r;ation of the Dash;
of the Not es of Int errogation and Exclamation;
and of the Parenthetical characters.
Grammar, p. 243.

Key, p. 99.

and Strength cor,ibined 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 th.e
Pat.h of Duty.
Something there is more needful than expense
And some•thing previous e'en to taste 'tis sense
" I'll live to-morrow" will a wise man say
To-morrow is too late then live to day
BEAUTY

. Dash, we.)

PUNCTUATION.

127

Gripus has long been ardently endeavouring to fill
his .Chest and lo it is now full is he happy aqd doe~
he use it Does he gratefully think of the Giver ofall
good Things Does he distribute to the Poor Alas
th~se 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
co_mparable to the tranquil Delight of a good Conscience
To lie down on the Pillow after a Day spent 10
Temperance in beneficence and in piety how sweet
is it
We wait till to-morrow to be Happy ahs Why
not to-day Shall we be younger Are we sure we
shall be healthier Will our passions become feebler
and our love of the world less
- What shadow can be more vain than the life of a
great Part of Mankind Of all that eager and bustling
Crowd which we behold on Earth how few discover
the path of true Happiness How few can we find
whose Activity has not been misemployed and whose
Course terminates not in Confessions of Disappointments
On the one Hand are the Divine Approbation and
immortal Honour on the other remember and he- .
ware are the stings of Conscience and end.J.ess Infamy
As in riper Years all unseasonable Returns to the
Levity of Youth ought to be avoided an Admonition
which equally belongs to both the Sexes still more
are we to guard against those intemperate Indulgences of Pleasure to which the young are unhappily
prone
The bliss of man could pride that blessing find
Is not to act or think beyond mankind
Or why so long in life if long can be
Lent Heav'n a pa'"erit to the poor and ml'

ii
j

I

I

_,,

1~8

i;!X~JtclSES.

CHAP. VI.

Promiscuoui e:J;amples of defective Punctua,ion.
SECT. I.
~

~

EXAMPLES IN PROSE.

"

See the Key, p. 100.

~

WHEN Socrates was asked what man approached
the nearest to perfect happiness he answered That Man who has the fewest wants
She who studies her Glass neglects her he;irt .
Between Passion and Lying there is not a Finger's
breadth
The freer we feel ourselves in the Presence of
others the more free arc they he who is free makes
free
Addison has remarked with equal Piety and
Truth that the Creation is a perpetual Feast to the
Mind of a Good Man
He who shuts out all evasion when he promises
loves truth
The laurels of the W a:rrior are dyed in Blood
and bedewed with the Tears of the Widow and the
Orphan
Between Fame and true Honour a Distinction is
to be made The former is a loud and noisy Applause ·
. the larter a more silent and internal Homage Fame_
floats on the Breath of the Multitude Ho11our rests
on the Judgment of the Thinking Fame may give .
Praise while it withholds Esteem true Honour irn·
phPs Es~eem mingled ·with respect The one regards
Particuhr distinguished Talents the other looks up
to the whole character
There is a cutain species of religion if we can ,
give it that Name which i'i plac ed wholly in Specu-

Promiscuo.us.)

PUNCTUATION.

129

lation and Belief in the Regularity of external Ho
· magf-; or in fiery Zeal about contested Opinions
Xenophanes who was reproached wi.th being ~i­
momus because he would not venture his Money m
a Game of 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 1s uot
jealous when he has Partners of love
Our happiness consists in the pursuit much more
than in the Attainm.ent of any Temporal Good
Let me repeat it He only is Great who has the
Habits of Greatness
Prosopopoeia or Perso~ificatio;1 is a Rhet?rical
Figure by which we attnbute Life au<l Act10n to
manimate objects as the Ground thirsts for Rain the
Earth smiles with Plenty
.
The proper and rational Conduct of Men. with
Regard to Futurity is regulated by two Cons1dera·
tions First that much of What it comains must remain to us absolutely Unknown Next· th~t there are
also some Events in it which may be certarnly known
and foreseen
The Gardens of the W orl<l produce only deciduous flowers Perennial ones must be sought in the
Delightful Regions Above Roses without Thorns
are the growth of Paradise alone
How many Rules and maxims of Life mi~ht be
'spared could we fix a principle of Virtue wi!hm a~d
inscribB the living Sentiment_ of the love ~f God m
the affections He who loves righteousness 1s Master
of all the distinctions in Moralit)'
He who from the Benignity of his Nature n~cted
this World for the abode of Men He who furmshed
it so richly for our accommodation and stored it
with so much Beauty for our Entertainment He who
since first we enter.eel into Life hath followed us
with such a Variety of Mercies this Amiable and
N

130

EXERCISES.

(PromisC'!tOUI,

Benefir.ent Being surely can have r:o pkasure in our
Disappointment and distress Ile knows our Frame
he remembers we are dust and looks to frail Man
we are assured with such Pity as a Father beareth '
to his children
One of tbe first Lessons both of Religion aud of
Wisdom 1s to moderate our Expectations an<l .flopes
~nd 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 o.atisfied 1f the path we
tread be easy aP.d smooth though it be not strewed
with Flowers
Providence never intended that the Art of living
happily in this World should depend on that deep
Penetration that acute sagacity and those Refine·
ments of Thou ght which few possess It has dealt
more aiac iously with us and made happrnessdepend
on Uprightness of Intention much more than on
Extent of Capac ity.
M0st of our Passions flatter us in their Rise But ~
th eir Beginnings are tre acherous their Growth is
imperceptible an d the Evils which they carry in
their Train lie concealed until their Dominion IS
established What Solomon says of one of them holds
true of them all that their Beginning is as when one
letteth out Water It issue s fr,1m a srrw ll Chinkwhich
once might have hecn eas ily stopped but being neglec ted it is soon wi dene d by the Stream till the Ban~,
Is at last totally thrown down and the Flood is at
I .iberty to deluge the whol e plain
Prosperity debilitate;; instead of strengthening the
Mind I ts most common effect is to create an extreme
sen sibility to the sli ghte~t Wound It foments impa·
tient Desires a1;d raises Expectations which no Success can satisfy It fosters a false Delicacy which
sickens in the midst of Indulgence By repeated
Gratification it blunts the feelings of Men to what is
pleasing and leave:; them unhappily acute to whatevel'

Promiswous.) .

PUNCTUATION.

' 131

is un easy Hence the Gale which another would
scarcely- feel is to the prosperous a rude Tempest
Hence the Rose-.Jeaf doubled below them on the
Couch as it is told of the effeminate Sybarite breaks
thei-r Rest Hence the Disrespect shown by Mm·decai
preyed with such Violence on the Heart of H!.lmfln
Anxiety is the Poison of Human Life ft is the
Parent of many Sins and of more Miseries In a
World where every thing is so doubtful where we
may succeed in our Wish and be miserable where
we may be disappointed and be blest 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
Curio3ity pierce through the Clo 1Jd which the Supreme Being hath made impenetrable to Mortal Eye
No situation is so remote and no Station so unfa·
\'ourable as to preclude access to the happin·ess of a
futm e State A Road is opened by the Divine·Spmt
to those blissful Habitc.tioll's from all Corners of the
Earth and from all Condition~ of Human Life from
the peopled City and from the solitary Desert from
the Cottages of the Poor and from the Palaces of
Kings from the Dwellings of Igncrance anJ Simplicity and from the Regions of Science and Improvement
The Scenes which present themselves at cur entering upon the World are commonly flattering Whatever they be in themselves the lively Spirits of th.c
Young gild every opening Prospect The F icld o/
Hope appears to stretch wide before them Pleasur~
seems to put forth its Blossoms on every Side Im
pelled by Desire forward they rush with inconsiderate Ardour prompt to decide anq to choo se averse
to hesitate or to Inquire credulous because untaught
by Experience rash because unacquamted with Danger headstrong because unsubdued by Disappoint·
ment Hence arise the Perils to which they are ex·

/

( Promiscuow.
EXERCISES.
132
posed and which too often from Want of Attention
to faithful Admonitron precipitate them into Ruin
irretrievable
By the unhappy Excesses of Irregular Pleasure in
Youth how many amiable Dispositions are corrupt- .
ed or destroyed How many rising Capacities and
Powers are supprPsseu How many flattering Hoves
of Parents and Friends are totally extinguished Wlw
but must drop a Tear over Human Nature when he
beholds that Morning which arose so bright overcast with such untimely Darkness that Sweetness
of Temper which once engaged many Hearts that
Modesty which was so prepossessing those Abihtie.s
which promised extensive Usefulness all sacrificed
at the Shrine of low Sensual1ty and one who was
formed for passing through Life in the midst of
Public Esteem cut off by his Vices at the Beginning
of his Course or sunk for the whole of it into Insignificance and Contempt These 0 sinful Pleasure
are thy Trophies It is thus that co-operating wi.th
the Foe of God and Man thou degradest Human
Ho1.our and blastest the opening Prospects of Hu·
rn an Felicity.

l33

PUNCTUATION .

SECT. II.
llXAMPLES IN POETRY ,

•.

See the Key, p. 105.

" ·1

.

'' ie re l~Y true treasur.e Gold says not in mt
And notJn ·me the Diamond Gold is poor
~lk:l scenes of business tell us what are men

- be scenes of pleasure what is all beside
· W o then apmt

w

wo apart can be
From mortal man and fortune at our nod
T~e gay rich great triumphant and august
hat. are they T4.e most happy strange to say
1.\~, onvmce
me most of human misery

•l!l this dread order break for whom for thee
Vile worm 0 madness pride impiety
Man like the generous vine supported lives
The strength he gains is fro:n the embrace he gives
Know nature s children all di vi de her care
!h~ fur that war.ms a monard1 warm d a bear
·Vh1le man exclaims see all things for my use
See '?an for mine repli es a pamper d goose
And JUSt as short of reason he must fall
Who thinks al.I made for one not one for all
The Almighty from his throne on earth surveys
~ou ght greater than an honest humble heart
An humble heart his residence pronoune d
His second seat

(Prormsc~ow.

EJ"trRCISE.S.
134
There is a time when toil must be preferr d
Or joy by m1snm d fl.1Lil<1ess is undone
A man of pleasure i!! a man of pains

Thus nature gives us let it check our pride
The virtue nearest to our vice allied
See the sole bliss Heav n coulu on all bestow
Which who but feels can taste bi?.t thinks can know
Yet poor with fortune and with learnin~ blind
'l'he bad must miss tine good untaught will find
Wol:iatever is is right This world tis true
Was made for Cresar but for Titus too
And wh~ch more blest who chain d his country ·say
Or he whose virtue sigh d to lose a d~y
The first sure symptom of a mint.I 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 he.r frowns rob innocence of joy
Oh the dark days of vanity while here
How tasteless and how terrible when gone
Gene they ne er go when past they haunt us i:!t;!J

PUNCTUATION·

Save me alike from foolish pride
Or impious discontent
At aught thy wisdom has denied
Or aught thy goodness lent
0 lost to virtue lost to mauly thought
Lost to ~he noble s<tllie~ 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 whea others most remote
Anc all ere long shall be remote but these
Benevolence.

God lo-res from whole to parts but human soul
Must rise from individual to (nc whole
Self love but serves the virtuous mind to wake
As the small pebble stirs the peaceful lake
The centre mov u 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 tho erflowings of the mind
Take ev ry creature in of ev ry kind .
Earth seniles around with boundless bounty blest
And heav n beholds its image in its breast

Happiness.
Father of light and life Thou good ~upreme
0 teach me what is good Teach me thyself
Save me from folly vanity and vice
From ev ry low pureuit 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
lfl am wrong 0 teach my heart
To find t.lrnt hP.ttPr w1>v

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 ble8t in what it takes and what it gives
The joy unequall <l if its end it gain
/\nd if it lose attended with no pain
Nithout satiety tho e er so blcst
~rul MJt mor" rl'li;ib d as the more 1listress d

135

136

EXERCISES.

Promiscuo:is.)

The broad.est mirth unfeeling folly wear~
Less pleasing far than virtues very tears
~ood from eac~ object from each plac~ acquir 'd
For ever exerc1s d yet never tir'J
Never elated while one mans oppre5s d
Never dejected whiie another s Liest
And where no wants no wisheR can rem ain
Since but to wish more virtue is to gaiD.
Gratitude.

When all thy mercies 0 my God
My rising soul surveys
Transported with the view I rn lost
In wonder love and pr;1ise

Oh how shall words with eq ual warmth
The gratitude declare
That glows within my ravish d heart
But thou can5t read it therf
Thy providence my life sustain <l
And all my wants redress rl
When in th& silent womb l lay
And hung upon the breast
To all my weak c'.lmplaints and cries
Thy mercy lent an ear
Ere yet my feeble though,~ nad le:? rnt
To form them~e l ves in pray r ?
IJnnumber d comforts to my so ul
Thy tende r care bestow d
Before my infant heart conce1v <i
From whom those comforts tlow'd
When m the slipp ry paths of yo uth
With heedless steps l ran
Thine arm un ~ ecn convey d me sa fe
And led me u;i ~ ::i .::aao

Promi"scuous.)

PUNCTUATION.

131

Through hidden dangers toils and death
It gently clear d my way
:\nd through the pleasing snares of vice
More to be fear d than they
When worn with sickness oft hast thou
With health renew d my face
And when in sin aocl sorrow sunk
P.cviv d my sou l with grace
Thy bounteous hand with worldly bli;;c>
Has made my cup run o er
And in a kind and faithfu l friend
Has doubled all my store
Ten thousand thousand precious gifb
My daily thanks employ
Nor is the least a cheerful heart
That tastes those gifts with joy
Through every period of my life
Thy goodness I ll pursue
And after death in distant worlds
The glorious theme renew _
When nature fails a'Ild day and night
Divide thy works no more
My ever grateful heart 0 Lord
Thy mercy shall adore
Through all eternity to thee
A joy,ful song I II raise
For 0 e"ternity s too short
To utter all thy praise

1 he Voyage of life
Self flatter d unexper1enc d high in hope
When young with sanguine cheer and streamer
We cut our cable launch into the w0rld
Anrl fondly dream each wind and star crnr fnen{

i ,I
,

' I

138

£XERCISJ;;S.

(PromisC1WW•

All in some darling enterprise embark d
But where is he can fathom its event
Amid a mult1tnclc of artless hands
Ruins sure perquisite her lawful prize
Some steer aright but the black blast blows hard
And puffs them wide of hope With hearts cf proof
Full against wind and tide some win their way
And whe n strong effo rt has deserv d the port
And tngg 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
0 er them and o er their uames the billows close
To morrow knows not they were ever born
Others a short memorial leave behind
Like a fl ag floating when the barks ingulf d
It floats a moment and is seen no more
One Cresar lives a thousand are forgot
How f ew favour d by ev ry element
With swelling sails make good the promis d port
With all their wishes freighted Yet ev n these
Freighted with all their wishes soon complain
Free from misfortune not from nature free
They still are men and when is man secure
As fatal time as storm The rush of years
Beats down their strength their numberless escape•
In ruin end and now their proud success
But plants new terrors on the victors brow
What pain to quit the world just made their own
Their nesti! so deeply down d and built so high
Too low they build who build beneath the stan.

PART. V.
£XKRCISES

TO

PROMOTE

PERSPICUOUS AND

ACCURATE WRITING.

First, with respect to •gle words and phrases •

CHAP. I.
· !'

Containing violations nf the Rules of Purity·
Grammar, p. 250. Key, p. 110.

WE should be employed dailily ~n do~n_g good.
It irks me to see so perverse a d1spos1t1on.
l wot not whr:> has done this thing.
He is no way thy inferior; and, in this instance,
is r.o w:lys to blame.
.
.
The assistance was welcome, a nd t1mehl y afforded.
F Ql' want of employment, he stroamed idly about
the fi elds.
•
We ought to live sob erly, ri ghteously, and godlily
in th e world.
H e was long indisposed , and a t length died ol the
hyp.
That word follows the general rule, and takes the
penult accent.
H e was an extra genms, and attracted much attenti on.
Th e nauteur of Fl orio was very disgrac10us, and
dis auste<l both his friends and strangers.
H e charged me with want of resolution, in rhe
which he was greatly mistaken.
They have ma'nife:;~~d great candidPess in all tlw
tra nsaction.

!,

1

I

I

uo

EXERCISES.

(Purity.

The naturalness of the thought greatly recom
mended it.
.
The importance, as well as the authent1calness of
the books has been clearly displayed.
It is diIBcult to discover the spirit and intendmenl
of some laws.
The disposition which he exhibited, was both un
natural and incomfortable.
His natural severity ren.-ed him a very impopu. .
.
.
.
lar ~peaker.
The disquietness of his mrnd, made his station and
wealth far from being enviable.
·
I received the gift with pleasure, but I shall now
gladlier resign it. .
. .
.
These are the thrngs h1ghhest important to the
growing age.
It grieveth me to l?ok over so many blank leaves ,
in the book of my hfe.
Jt repenteth me that I have so iong walked in the
.
. .
.
paths of folly.
Methinks I am not mistaken In an oprn1on, which
I have so well consid ered.
They thought it an important subject, an<l the
question was strenuonsly debated pro and con ..
Thy speech hewrayeth thee; for thou art a Ga.
lilean.
.
Let us not give too hasty credit to stories which
may injure our neighbour: p~radventure. they are
the offspring of calumny, or i:n1sapprehens10n.
The gardens were void of s1mph_c1ty and e~egance;
and exhibited much that '\'.:as glarrng and bizarre.

Propriety.)

f'.d:RSPH~UJTY,

&c.

l4J

CHAP. II.
Containing 'Violations of the Ru.es of Propriety.
Grammar, p. 251. Ke.v, p. 1J2.
~sECT.

I.

...

Avoid low exptessions.

I HAD as lief do it myself, as persuade anothc1
do it.
Of the justness of his measures he convinced hi~
OjJJJOnent by dint of argument.
He is not a whit better than those whom he so Ji.
berally condemns.
He stands upon security;and will not liberate him
till it be obtain ed.
TJ1e meanirig of the phrase, as I take it, is very
different from the common acceptation.
The favourabl• mom-:nt should be embraced; for
he does not hold long in one mind.
He exposed himself so much amongst the people
that he had like to have gotten one or two broker.
heads.
He was very dexterous in smelling out the views
and designs of others.
If his education was but a little caken care o., ne
might be very useful amongst lus neighbours.
He might have perceived, :with half an eye, the
difficulties to which his 1.:onduct exposed him.
If! Mppen to have a little leisure upon my hands
to-morrow, I intend to pay them a short visit.
This performance is much at one with the other.
The scene was new, and he ·was seized with wonderment at all he saw.
0
to

14~

EXERCISES.

(Propriety,

SECT. II.
Supply words that are wanting.
Grammar, p. 252.

Key, p. 112.

LET us con~ider the works of nature and art, with
proper attent10n.
He is engaged in a treatise on the interests of the
•
soul and body.
. Some productions of nature rise in value, accord.
mg as they more or less resemble those of art
. The Latin tongue, in its purity, was never i~ this
1slar.d.
For some centuries, there was a constant interc~mrse between France and Englar.cl, by the domimons we po:;sessed there, and the conquests we
made.
. He is impressed with .a true sense of that func·
t1?n, when ~hosen from a regard to the interests of
piety and virtue.
The wise and foolish, the virtuous and the vile
t~e learned and ignorant, the temperate and pro~
fl1gate, must often, like the wh~t and tares, be
blended together.

SECT. III.
lil the same sentence, be careful not to use the wme
word too frequ ently, nor in different sens~s.
Grammnr, p. 252. Key, p. 113.

. AN duquent.sp?aker may give more, but cannot
give more convmcmg arguments, than this plain ma!'
offered.
_ They were persons of very moderate intellects
even befo~e _they were impaired by their passions:
True wit 1s nature dres~ed to advantage; and yet
some works have more wit than <lo~s them good.
The sh_arks, who prey upon the madvertency of
young Relfs, are more pardonable than those, who

Propriet~ .)

PERSPICUITY 1

&c.

trespass upon the good opinion of those, who treat
them with great confidence and re:;pect.
Honour teaches us properly to respect ourselve~,
and to v10latc no right or privilege of _our neig11bou1·: it leads us to support the fo:eblc, to relieve
the distressed, and to scorn to be governed by degrading and injurious passions: and yet we gee
honour is the motive which urges the destroyer to
take the lifo of his friend.
He will be always with you to support and com·
fort you·, and in some measure to succeed your labours; and he will also be with all his faithful mi·
nisters, who shall succeed you in his servic~.
SECT. IV.
•.

.flvoid the injudicious use of lechmwl term s.'"-'
Grammar, p. MS.

Key, p. 114.

Most of our hands were asleep in their births,
when the vessel shipped a sea, that carried away :mr
pinnace and binnacle. Our dead-lights were in, or
we should have fillecl.
The mainmast was so
sprung, that we were obliged to fish it, and bear
away for Lisbon.
The book is very neatly printed: the scale-bnar<l·
ing is ample and regular, and the register exact,
• The examples under thb section, and perhaps a few others in
different parts of the book, may be too difficult for learners to correct without assistance ; but ns some illustration of the rules to
which they relate, was req~isite, they could not properly be omiLted. By an attentive perusal of them, and n subseqaent application
to J;e Teacher, or tot . .e Key, the scholar will perceive the nat)lre
of the rule, and the mode in which similar error3 mov be rectified.

144

EXERCISES,

(Propn"et9.

SECT V.
.!lvoid equivocal or ambiguous words.
Grammar, p. 253.

Key, p. 114.

WHEN om fri e.r.dship is considered, how
ai bl; that I should not grieve for his loss ?

is it pos·

1 he eagle killed the hen, ancl eat her in her own
nest.
It may. be Justly said, that no laws are better than
t !ie English.
The pretenders to polish and r efine the En O'!.isn
!a.n guage,have chiefly multiplied abuses and abs~rd111es.
·
The ~nglish adve~turers, instead of recl~iming
the natives f:o~ their uncultivated manners, were
gradu::dly assimilated to the ancient inhabitants, and
degenerated from. the customs of their own nation.
It has been said, that not only Jesuits can equivocate.
. .You will not think .that these people, when mJUI ed, have the least n ght to our protection.
Solomon the son of David, who built the temple
of Jerusalem, was the richest monarch that reigned
over the Jewish p eople.
Solomon the son of David, who was persecutecl
by Sa_ul, was the richest monarch of the Jews. '
It is c~rtam that all words which are signs oi
co~f.lex ideas, may furni sh matter of mistake and
cav1.
. Li~ias promised to his fath er, never to abandon
his friends.
The Div~r_ie Being heap~ th favours on his servants, ever uberal and faithful.
Eve:y well instruct~d scribe, is like a householder,
who bnn ge t~ o.ut of his treasure things new and old.
He was w11!111g to spend a hundred or two pounds
rather than be enslaved.
Dryden makes a very handsome observation, on

Propnety.)

PERSPICUITY, &;c.

145

Ovid's writing a letter from Dido to .lEneas, :n tlie
followiug words.
Imprudent associations disqualify us for the iniU·uction or reproof of others.

SECT. VI.
.!luoid unintelligible, and inconsistent WQrds and
phrases.
Grammar, p. 253. Key, p. 116.

l

see a noble building, or any great piece
of magnificence and pomp, but I think, how little is
all this· to satisfy the ambition, or to fill the idea, of
an immortal soul.
A poet, speaking of the universal deluge, says ;
SELDOM

Yet when that flood in its own depth was drown'd,
It left behind it false and slipp'ry ground.
' t l:c

author of the Spectator says; taat a man is

not qualified for a bust, who has not a good deal oi
wit and vivacity, even in the ridiculous side of his

I

/j

d1ai'acter.
And Beialeel made the laver of brass, aPd the
root of it of brass, of the looking-glasses of the
women.
And, in the lowest deep, a lower deep

1

I
! -,

Still threat'ning to devour roe, opens wide.

SECT. VII.

I

Jlvotd all such words and phrases, as are not adapivd to the ideas you mean to communicate ; or whir.Ji
are less significant than others, of tholfe ideaJ .

\
'

I

-1

Grammar, p. 256. Key, p. 116.

No less than two hundred scholars have be~n
educated in that school.
The attempt;however laudable, was found to be
imp1 actit.:able.
02

I

,J

1411

EXERCISES.

(Propriety.

He is our mutual benefactor. and Jeserves our .
respect and obedience.
Vivacity is often promoted, by presentmg a sensible object to the mind, instead of an int<:!llig1ole
one.
Tbey broke down the banks, and the country was
soon overflown.
The garment was decently formerl . <>nd sown very
neatly.
· The house is a cold one, for it has a north ex·
position.
The proposition, for cacb of us to relinquish something, was co:npliPd with, and produced a cordial
reconcilement.
Though learn' <l, well bred ; and though well bred,
sincere;
Modeslly bold , and humanly severe.

A fup is a risibic character, in every one's view
but his own.
An action that excites laughter, without a ny mixture of contempt, may be called a ridi cu lous action.
It is difficult for him to speak three sentence;; together.
,
By this expression, I do not intend what some
persons annex to it.
The negligence ofti!Tiely precaution was thenuse
of thia great loss.
All tl1f' sophism which has been employed, cannot ob.scure so plain a truth.
Disputing should always be so managed, as to re
mcmbr.r ·that the only end of it is truth.
lVIy fri end was so ill that he could not set up at all,
but was obligec.l to lay continually in bed.
A certain prince, it is said, when h e invaded the
E gyptians, placed, in the front of his army , a number of cats and other animals, which were worshiped by those people. A r eve re nce fo r these phan-

Propri:ety.)
PERSPICUITY, &c.
147
~oms, made the Egyptians lie down their arms, and
become an easy conquest.
The presence of the Deity, and the interest such
an august cause is supposed to take in our concerns,
is a source of consolation.
And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of
the hall, and were set down together, Peter set.
down among them.
By the slavish disposition of the senate and peo·
pie of Rome, under the emperors, the w!t and eloquence of the age were wholly turned mto pane·
gyric.
The refreshment came in seasonably, before they
were laid down to rest.
We speak that we do know, and testify that we
have seen.
They shall flee as the eagle that hasteth ta eat.
The wicked fly when no man pursueth: but the
righteous are bold as a lion.
A creature of a more exalted kind
Was wanting yet, and then was man design'cl.

He died with violence; for he was killed by a
sword.
·
He had scarcely taken the medicine, than he he·
gan to feel himself relieved.
No place and no object appear to him void of
beauty.
.
'Vhen we fall into a person's crmversat10n, the
first thing we should consider, is, the intention of it.
Galileo discovered the telescope; Hervey mvent·
ed the circulation of the blood.
Philip found an obstacle to tl~e i:i;rnag1?g of tlie
Athenians, from the nature of then· d1spos1t10ns; but
the eloquence of Demosthenes was the greatest difficulty in his designs. . . . .
A hermit is rigorous rn his hie; a judge, a ustere
in hi<> sentences.

148

EXERCISES.

(Precilioti.

A c~ndid man avows hi~ mistake, and k;; forgiven;
a patr10t acknowledges his opposition to a bad mi.
nister, and is applauded.
We have enlarged our family and expenses and
increased our garden and fruit orchard.
'
By proper reflection, we may bP. taught to mend
what is erroneous and defective.
The good rr.ian ~snot overcome by disappointment,
when t~at which is mortal passes away ; when that
which 1s mutable, dies; and when that which he
knew to be transient, begins to c:iange.

CHAP. Ill.
Containing violations of the Rules of Precision.
Grammar,p. 257.

Key, p. 119.

Tms great politician desisted from, and re.
nounced his designs, when he found them imprar.
t1cable.
He was of so high and independent a spirit, that
he abhorred and detested beinrr in debt.
Though raised to an exalt~d station, she was a
pattern of piety, virtue, and religion.
'
The human body may be divided into the head
trunk, limbs, and vitals.
His end soon approached, and he <lied with great
courage and fortitude.
He was a man of so much pride and varnty, ~nat
he despised the sentiments of others.
Poverty induces and chenshes dependence ; .and
dependence strengthens and increases corruption.
This man, on all occasions, treated his infenor~
w.th great haughtiness and disdain.
There can be no regubrity or order in the life
and wnduct of that man, who does not give and

Precisio11.)

PERSPICUITY,

&c.

' 149

allot a due 6hare of his time, to retirement :md reflection.
Surh equivocal and ambiguous expressions, mark
a formed intention to deceive and abuse us.
His cheerful, happy temper, remote from discon·
tent, keeps up a kind of daylight in his ~irn'., ex·
eludes every gloomy prospect, and fills it w1tb a
~.eady and perpetual serenity.
...

ll-0

E XE!\CI SES.

(Cleameu.

Sec~ndly.

Ex r. rciscs to promote perspicuity and
m.curac!J, with respect to the construction of Stn·
tcnce.~.

CHAP. I.
Co11taini11g sentences in 11:/iich the Rules of Clearness
are vit>latcd.
Grammar, p. 263.

Key, p. 120.

SECT. I.
In the position of Adverbs.

. J:f ENCE the impos~ibility appears, that an under.
taking managed so, should prove successful.
. _May not we here say with the po et, that "virtue
\S Jts own reward?"
Had he died before, would not then this art
have been wholly unknown?
Not to exasperate him, I only spoke a very few
n·ords.
The works of art receive a great advan tage from
\he resemblance which they have to those of nature
because here the similitude is not only pleasant'
but the pattern is pe rfect.
'
It I?ay be ~rop e r to give some account of those
practr~es, an~1ently used on such 0ccasions, and
<>nly d1scontmued through the neglect and degeneracy of later times.
· Sixtus the fourth was, if I mistake not, a gre~t
collector of books at least.
If Louis XIV. was not the greatest king he W<l.'i
the best actor of majesty, at least, that ev'er filled
a throne.

Clearness.)

PERSPICUITY,

&c·

ll>J

These forms of conversation, by clegrees multi•
plied and grew troublesome.
Nor does this false modesty expose us only to
l!luch actions as are indiscreet, but very often to such
as are highly criminal.
By greatness, I do not only mean the bulk of any'
single object, but the largeness of a whole view.
I was engaged formerly in that business, but I
never shall be-again concerned in it.
We do those things frequently, which we repent
of afterwards.
By doing the same thing, it often becomes ha·
bitual. ·
.
Most nations, not even exceptmg the Jews, were
prone to idolatry.
Raised to greatness without merit, he employed
his power for the gratification solely of his P<l:ssions.

SECT. II •
fo the position of circumstances, and of partic~tar
members.
Grammar, p. 263. Key, p. 121.

THE embarrassments of the artificers, rendere<l
the progr~ss very slow of the work.

He found the place replete with wonders, of
which he proposed to solace himself with the contemplation, if he should never be able to accomplish
his flight.
They aro now engaged in a study, of .which they
have lon g wished to know the usefulness.
This was an undertaking, which, in the execution.
proved as impracticable, as had turned out every
other of their pernicious, yet abortive schemes.
He thought that the presbyters would soon be.
come more dang e rou~ to the magistrates, than ha<l
ever been the prelatic-;i] clergy.
Frr.:Jcrick, seeing it wi:ts impossible tm trust, .vith

152

EXERCISES.

(Clearnt11.

safety, his life in their hands, was obliged to take'
the l\fahometans for his guard.
. The emperor refused to convert at once the truce ·
mto a definitive treaty.
'
. However, the miserable remains were, in the
·
night, taken down.
I ?ave. set~led the meaning of those pleasures of
the 1magm a t10~, which are the_ subject of my present 'undertaking, by way of mtroduction, in this
paper; and endeavoured to recommend the pursuit
o[ thos~ pleasures to my readers, by several cons1<lerat10ns: I shall examine the sev eral sources ·
from whence these pleasures are d erived, in my
nextpap e ~
.
Sir Franc!s .Bacon, in !:iis E ssay upon Health, has
not thought 1t improper to prescribe to his reader a
P?em, or a prospect, where he particularly dissuades
h~m fro.m knotty and subtle disquisitions; and ad
vises lum to pursue studies that fill the mind with
splendid and il~us trious objects, as history, poetry,
and contemplat10ns of nature.
I_f the English reader would see the notion explained at large, he may find H in Locke's Essay on
the Human Understandin o-.
Fields of corn .forin a pleasant prospect; and, if
the wa lks were a little taken care of that he between
them, th ey would display neatness, regularity, and
elegance .
Though religion will indeed bring us under some
restra11'.ts, they are very tolerable, and not only so,
but desirable on th e whole.
I have confined myself to th ose methods for the
ad_va ncei:-ie~t of _Piety, which are in th e power of a
pnnce, limited like ours, by a strict execution of the
laws.
T?is morning, when one of the gay females was
looking over som e hc•orls anJ ribands, brought by her

Clearness.)

PERSPICUITY,

&c.

lb~

tirewoman, with great care and <;liligence,. I employed
no less in examing the box which contamed them.
Since it is necessary that there sh?uld be a perpe·
tual intercourse of buying and selling, and dealmg
upon credit, where fraud is permitted or conni.ved at,
or has no law to punish.it, the honest dealer is often
undone, and the knave gets the advantage. .
Though energetic brevity is n?t ~d.apted ahke to
every subject, we ought to avmd its contrary, on
every occasion, a la_nguid redu.ndancy of words. It
is proper to be copious sometimes, but never to be
verbose.
A monarchy, limited like ours, may b e placed,. for
1
aught I know, as it has been often repre.se~1ted, JUS
in the middle point, from whence a dev1at10n leads,
on the one hand, to tyranny, and, on th e other, t11
anarchy.
.
Having a ir eady shown how the fancy is a_ffected
by the works of na ture, and afterwards considered,
in general, hoth th~ works of na ture and of a rt, ~o~v
they mutually assist and complete each othe1, . m
forming such scenes and prospects as are mo.s1 al;lt
to delight the mind of the beholders; I shall m th:s
pc>per throw together some ~e~ections, &c • .
Let but one great , brave, d1srnterested, acuve man
arise, and he will be received, venerate rl , and fol.
lowed.
.
A~nbitioncreate s seditions, wars, discords, hatred,
and shiness.
The sc.ribes mad·e it their profession to teach and
to study th e law of l\ios es .
.
.
.
Sloth pours upon us a d eluge of cnmes and eVlls,
an<l saps the foundation of every virtue.
The ancient laws of Rome were so far from suffering a Roman citizen to be put to death, that they
wouW n:')t allow him to be bound, or even to be
whipperl.

I'

-I

I

lb4

EXERCl::iES.

His labours to acquire knowledge have been
productive of great satisfaction and success.
·
He was a man of the greatest prudence, virtue,
justice, and modesty.
His favour or disapprobation was governed by
the failure or success of an enterprise.
_
He did every thing in his power to serve his
benefactor; and 00.d a grateful sense of the benefits
received.
Mar:y persons give evident proot~ that either
they do not feel the power of the principles of religiqn, or that they do not believe them.
As the guilt of an oflicer will be greater than thut
of a com!non servant, if he prove negligent; ·so the
reward of his fidelity will proportionably be
g-.reater.
The comfort annexed to goodness is the pious
mar.\; ~trength. It insp! res his zeal. It attaches
his bee.rt to religion. It accelerates his progress;
and supports his constancy.

SECT. III.
l?t the dzsposition of the relative pron.ouns who,
w h1cb, ~·1 bat, whose, and of all those particles, which
express the connex·ion of the parts of speech with one
another.
Grnmmar, p. 2ti6.

Key, p. 124.

THESF. are the maste r's rul es, who must be obeyed.
They attacked Northumberland's house, -lvhom
they put to death.
He laboured to involve his minister in ruin, who
bad been the author of it.
It b true what he says, but it is not applicable
to the point.
Th e French marched precip;.tately as to an assured
v i c to~y; where:i.s the E.nglish advanced very slowly
antl d:sch~rgect such flights of arrows, a~ did great
~x:~ution. "\-Vhen the y drew near the archers, perce1vrng that they we re out ofbre.:tth, they charged
'
them with great vigour.

Cl~aniess.)

PERSPI C UITY,

&c.

Hi'5

He was takinrr a view, from a window, of :he
cathedral in Lichfield, where a party of the royalists
had fortified themselves.
.
\Ve no where meet with a more splendid or pleas·
ing show in nature, than what appears i~ the. heaven'!
at the rising and setting of the sun, ,~h1ch 1s wholly
made up of those different ~tains of !1ght.' that show
themselves in clouds o! a different s1tuat10n .
There will be found a round million of creatures
in human figure, throughout this kingdom, whose
.
whole subsistence, &c.
It is the custom of the Mahometans, 1f they see
any printed or written paper upon the ground'. to
take it up, and lay it aside ~arefully' ~snot knowmg
but it may contain some piece of their Alcoran.
Th e laws of nature are, truly; what .L?rd Bacon
styles his aphorisms, laws of laws. C1v1l. laws are
always llllperfcct, and often false deductions fro~
th em , o1· applications of them; .n~y, they stand, m
many instances, in direct oppos1t1on to them.
It has not a word, says Pope, but what the author
.
d h
religiously thinks in it.
Many act so directly contrary to this met~o 't at
from a habit of saving time and p~pe~, whic~ t~ey.
ac uired at the university, they wntc m so d1mmutiv~ a manner, that they can .hardly read what they
nave written.
. .
Thus I have fairly given you my own op1mon, as
well as that of a great majori~y of both ho~ses here,
relating to this weighty affair; upon which 11 am
• ,.
::onfident you may securely reckon. .
If ,.,e tr 3 ce a youth from the earliest pcuod. of
h has been well educated, we shall perceive
·r
11e, w o
1 <l
the wisdom of the maxims here recommrnc:c •
'

156

EXERCISES.

(Unity.

CHAP. II.
Containing &entences in which the rules of Unity are
violated.
Grammar, p. 267. Key, p. 126.

Unity.)

PERSPIC UITY,. &.c.

157

He who performs every ernployme~1t in its due
place and season, suffers no .rart of time to esc~p.e
without profit; and thus his days. be~ome mu tllied; and much of life is enjoyed rn h.ttle space.
P Desires of pleasure ush~r in. temptat10n , and the
growth of disorderly pass10ns is forwarded.

SECT. J.

SECT. II.

During the course of the sentence, the scene should fie_
changed as little as possible.

We should never crowd into one sentence, things
which have so little connexion, that they could bwr
to be divided into two or three sentences.

A

SHORT

time after this injury, he came to him,

sel~; and the next day, they put him on board a ship,

which conveyed him first to Corinth, and thence to
the island of .:Egina.
The Britons, daily harassed by cruel inroads from
the Picts, were forced to call in the Saxons for their
defence ; w.ho consequently reduced the greater
part of the island to their own power; drove the
Britons into the most remote and mountainous parts i
and the rest of the country, in customs, religion,
·and language, became wholly Saxons.
By eagerness of tern per, and preci pitancy of induJ.
gence, men forfeit all the advantages which patience
would have procured; and, by this means, the oppo·
site evils are incurred to th.eir full extent.
This prostitution of praise does not only affect
the gross of mankind, who take their notion of characters from the learned; but also the better sort must
by this means, lose some part at least of their desir~
of fame, when they find it promiscuously bestowed
on the meritorious and undeserving.
All the precautions of prudence, moderation, and
condescension, which Eumenes employed, were incapal:.le of mollifying the hearts of those barbarians,
and of extinguishing their jealousy ; and he must
have renounced his merit and virtue which occa.
sioned it, to have been capable of appeasing them.

Gram mar, p. 268. Key, p. 127.

THE notions of lord Sunderland were always
.
good ; but he was a m~n of great. expen?e·
In this uneasy state, both of his public and prt·
vate life, Cicero was oppressed by a new and de.ep
affliction, the death of his beloved. daughter Tulha;
which happened soon after her divorce from ~ola­
bella; whose manners and humours were entirely
disagreeable to her.
The-sun approaching ~elts the snow, and breaks
the icy fetters of the mam, whcre.yast sea·m?nsters
pierce through floating islands , w.1th ::irms which can
withstand the crys~al rock; whilst others, ~hat ot
themselves seem great as islands, are, by th eir. b~lk
alone, armed against all but man, wh?oe super10nty
over creatures of such stupe~dou~ ?1ze and force,
should make him mindful of 111s privilege of reason;
and force him humbly to adore the great Compm:~r
of these wondrous frames, and the Author of his
own superior wisdom.
I single Strada out amoiag the moderns, ,hec~use
he had the foolish presumption to cen~ure r~c1:us,
and to write history himself; and my friend will t~r­
give this short excursion in honour of a favouri te
writer.
Boast not thyself of to-mC'rrow; thou knowelit
'
p 2

168

EXERCISES,

(Unity.

not what a da1 may bring forth: nnd, for the same
reason , despair not of to-morrow; for it may bring
forth go?d as well a~ eyil ; ~vhich is a ground for
not v~xmg thyself with 1magmary fea rs; for the impendrn g black cloud, which is rega rded with 80
much dr~ad, may pass by harml ess: or thoLigh it
should discharge the storm, yet before it breaks,
thou mayest be lodged 1n that lowly mansion which
no storms ever touch.

SECT.

m.

We slwu.ld keep clear of alt unnecessary parentheses.
Grammar, p. 270.

Strength.)

PERSPICUITY,

&c.

159

CHAP. III.
Containing sentences, iri which the rules for promoting
·
the Strength of a sentence are "Diolated.
Grammar, p. 271.

Key, p. 129.

SECT. I.
The first rule for promoting the strength oj a
rentence , is, to prune it of all redundant words and
rnembers.

Key, p. 128.

D1s ~ PPOI N'!'ME.NTS will oft~n happen to the best .-and. wisest men, (not through any imprudence of
theirs, nor even thr?ugh the malice or ill design of
others.: ~ut mere!Y. m consequence of some of those
cross rnc1d.ents ot life whi~h could not be foresoen,)
and sometimes tc the wisest and best con certed
plans.
. .W!thout some degree of patience exerc ised under
mJur1es, (as offences an<l retaliations would succt'ed.
to one another in endless train,) human life would
be rendered a s t~ te of perpetual hos tility.
Never delay till to-morrow, (fo r to-morrow is not
yours; and thoug h you. shou ld li ve to enjoy it, you
must not overload 1t with a k1rden not its own )
what r eason aml conscience te ll you ought to be pe~­
form ed t-o-day.
. We mu st. not im agine that there is , in true reli~1on, any thrng which overcasts ~he mind with sulen g loom and ~el a ncholy austerlly, (for fa lse ideas
may be (; nt e~tam e<l of reli gion, as fa lse and imperfect concept10ns o~ virtue have often prevailed in
the_ world,) or wlw::h demgates from that esteem
wluch r:ien are generally disposed to yield to exemolarv vll'tues-.

It is six mo.nth s ago, since I paid a visit to my relation s.
Suspend your censure so long, till your judgment
on the subj ect can be wisely formed.
T he reason why he acted in the manner he did,
was not fully explained.
If I were to give a reason for · their looking so
well , it would be because they rise early.
If I mistake not, I think he is improved, both in
kno wled"'e an d behaviour.
Those"' two boys appear to be both equal in capaci ty.
'Vhenever he sees me, he always mquires con·
cerning his friends.
The r eason of his conduct will be accounted for
in the conclusion of this narrative •
I hope this is the last time that I shall ever act
so imprudently.
The r eason of his sud~en departure, was on account of the cas e not admitting of delay.
Th e people gained nothing farther by this stet .
but only to suspend their misery.
.
._
l have here supposed that the reader 1s acquamted
.. with that great modern discovery, which is at present,

160

EXERCISES.

Strength.)

(Strmgtk.

PERSPICUITY,

&c.

161

Less capacity is required for this business, but
more time is necessary•
h h r: th
He did not mention Leonora, nor t at er ia er

universally acknowledged by all the inquirers illto natural philosophy.
There are few words in the English language,
which are employed in a more loose and uncircumscribed sense, than those of the fancy and the imagination.
I intend to make use of these words m the thread
of my following speculations, that the reader may
conceive rightly what is the subject upon which
I proceed.
Commettd me to an argument that, like a flail,
there is no fence against it.
How many are there , by whom these tidings of
good news were never heard !
These points have been illustrated in so pbin and
evident a manner, that the perusal of the book has
given me p leasure and satisfaction.
However clear and obvious the conduct which he
ought to have pursued, he had not courage and re·
s0lution to set about it.
I wa s much moyed on this occasion, and left the
place full of a great many serious reflections.
They are of those that r ebel against tbe Light
they know not the ways thereof, nor a01de in the
paths th ereof.
·
This measure may afford some profit, and fornish
some amusement.
· By a multiplicity and variety of words, the thoughts
and sentiments are not set off and accommodated·
but like David dressed out and equipped in Saul's
armour, they are encumbered and oppressed.
Although he was closely occupied with the affairs
of the nation, nevertheless he did not neglect tne
concerns of his friends.
Whereas, on the other hand, supposing that se·
cTecy ha<l lice:; enjoined, his conduct was very cul.
pable.

was dead.
h h
'th · h
The combatants encountered eac .ot er w1 sue
ra e that being eager only to assail, and thoughtlc~s ~f making any defence, they both fell dead u~
•
on the field together.
.
.
I hall in the first place, begm with remar1nng
sd f c' t' and shall then proceed afterwards to
Ll1e e e :;,
[ h'
l
f d cation
describe the excellencies, ~ t is p .an o e u
•
Numberless orders of bemgs, which ar_e to us unverse .
k nown, Peo Ple the wide extent of theh um
His extraonlinary b eauty was sue . t h_?. t i't s truck .
observers with admira tion.
Thought and language act and re-act upon each
other mutually.
,
d·
Their interests were dependent upon, an mseparably connected with each other.
·d
While you emplov a ii the c m umspect1cn an
vigilance which reas0 r, '~an sug;f'st, le t your prayeis,
at the same time, cont.tr. ually as<}1ond to heaven or
support and aid.
A

SECT. Il.
. The second rule for promoting the strength ef a
sentence, is, to attend particularly _to the use of copulnti'oes, relatives' an.d all the particles employed for
transition and connexion.
Grammar, p. 274. Key, p. 131.

The enemy said, I will pur~ue, and I will c,ver·
take and I will divide the spoil.
'Vhile the earth remaineth, seed time. and harvest;
cold, heat, summer, winter, day and mght, shall not

...

cease.
k h
h
f
A man should endeavour to ma P t. e sp ere o
his innocent pleanres as wide as r oss1ble, tint he

162

EXERCISES.

(Slrtngt£

ma~ reti_re ir.~o them with safety, and find in them
sue sat1 sfac ~10n as a wise man would not blush to
take. Of this nature are those of imagination.
I T_he al'my was ~ompose<l of Grecians, Carirrns,
,ycians, Pamphyhans, and Phrygians.
. The body of this animal was strong, and prllport.wna ble, and beautiful.
h Th er e is nothil_lg '~h i ch promutes knowledge more
t a1~ s t~acly ~pplicat1on, and a habit of observation.
'I ho ugh Vll'tue borrows no assistance from, yet ii
may often be accompanied by' the advantages of
fortune.
'T~c l~no,d e dge he has acquired, and the habits of
appli cat ion he possesses, will probably render him
very use ful.
~hei: i?l eness, and th eir luxury and pleasures
. their cn.n_111.1a l. d?eds, and their immoderate passions:
~nd the1t t11111d1ty and baseness o{ mind, have de1ected _them to such a degree, as to make them weary c'.hfe.
I was greatly affected, insomuch that I was obliged
t? leave the place, no~withstanding that my as~
sistance has been pressingly solicited.
I ~trenuous ly opposed those measures, and it wa:s
not rn. my power to prevent them.
,
I yiel<l e? to his ~olicitations, whilst I perceive<l
the n ecess 1t~ of doing so.
For the Wisest purposes, Providence has designed
our st.ate to be chequered with pleasure and pain.
In :his mann_er let us receive it, anr:l make the
LesL of wl'.at is appointed to b e our lot.
.In the time of prosperity, he had stored his mind
1~1th useful. knm~' ~ edge, with good principles, and
v1r~uous <l1spos1t1ons.
And therefore they remain
entire, when the days of trouble come.
H e haqmade considerable advances in knowledge
b~t dhe was very young, and laboured under severai
1sa vantages,

d

Strength.}

PERSP1CU-1TY,

&c.

Hi3

SECT. III.
. The third rule for promot·ing the streng h of a sen·
tence, is, ·to di~pose of the capital .word, or word,., so
cltat they may make the greatest impression •
Grammar, p. 277.

Key, p. 132.

I HAVE considered the subj ec t with a good ::lea!
of attention, upon which I was desired to communi·
cate m;; thoughts.
Wh eth er a choice altogether unexceptionable has,
m any country, been made, seems doubtful.
Let us endeavour to establish to ourselves an interest in Him, who holds the reins of the whole creation in his hands.
Virgil, who has cast the whole system of platonic
philosophy, so far as it relates to the soul of man,
mto b eautiful allegories, in the sixth ·book of his
£neid, gives us the punishme nt, &c.
And Philip the fourth was obliged, at last, to condude a peace, on terms repugnant to his inclmation:
to tha t of his people, to the interest of Spain, and to
that cf all Europe, in the Pyrenean treaty.
It appears that there are, by a late calcula tion,
upwards of fifteen millions of inhabitants, in Great
Britain and Ireland.
And although persons of a virtuous and learned
education, may be, and too often are, drawn b y the
l€mptations of youth, and the opportunities ofa large
.fortune, into some irregulariti es, when they come
forward into the great world, it is ever with reluctance and compunction of mind, because their bias
to virtue r.till continues.
Were instruction an essential circumstance in epic
po etry , I doubt whether a single instance could bt
given of this species of composition, in any languasr.e.
S~me of our most eminent w riters ha ve made use
c,f this platonic notion, as far as it regards the sub-

164

EXERCISES,

(Strength.

sistence of our affections after death, with great
beauty and strength of reason.
Men of the best sense have been touched more
or less, ~vith these ground.less hon·ors and p;esages
of futurity, upon surveymg the most indifferent
works of nature.
He that cometh in the name of the Lord, is /
blessed.
Ev:ry one that puts on the, appearance of goodness, 1s not good.
·
·And Elias with Moses appeared to them.
Where are your fathers ? and do the prophets hve
for ever?
We came to our journey's end at last with no
small difficulty, after much fatigue, through deep
r oads and bad weather.
~irgil has justly c?nt.ested ~ith Homer the praise
of Judgment, but his rnvent1on r ema ins yet unrivalled.
L et us employ our criticism on ourselves inste:ad
of being critics on others.
'
Let us implore superior as~istan~e, for enabling us
to act.well our own part, leavrng others to be ju iged
by Him who searcheth the heart.
·
The vehemence of passion, after it has exercised
Jls tyrannical sway for a while, may subside by
degrees.
This fallacious a~'t d?bars us from enjoyrng hfe.
mst ead of leng th en mg It.
Indul~ing ourselves in imaginary enjoyments, often depn ves us of r eal ones.
How will that n0bler.1an be able to conduct hu:nself, when reduced to poverty, who was educated
O!lly. to .magnificence and pleasure?
. .lt 1s h1gl~ly prope.r that a ma n should be acquainted
with a variety of thmgs, of which the utility is above
a child':, comprehension: but is it necessary a child

Strength.)

PERSPICUITY,

&c.

165

should learn every thing it behoves a man to
know; or is it even possible ?
When they fall into sudden difficulties, they are
less perplexed than others in the hke circumstances;
and when they encounter dangers, they are less
alarmed.
For all your actions, you must hereafter give an
account, and particularly for the employments of
youth.
SECT. IV.
1'hef?urth rule for promoting the strength of sentences, is, that a wea-ker assertion or proposition
should never come aftet· a stronger one; and that,
when our sentence consists of two ?nembers, the tonger
should, generally, be the concluding one.
Grammar, p. 279.

Key, p. 134.

breathes long suffe1·ing to enemies,
courtesy to strangers, habitual kindness towards
friends.
Gentleness ought to diffuse itself over our whole
behaviour, to form our address, and regulate our
&peech.
·
The propensity to look forward into life, is too
often grossly abused, and immoderately indulged.
The regular tenour of a virtuous and pious life,
will prove the best preparation for immortality, for
old age , and death.
These rules are intendt::d to teach young persona
to write with propri ety, elegance, and perspicuity.
Sinful pleasures blast the opening prospec.~s of
human felicity, and degrade human honour.
In tlli3 state of mind, every employment of hfe
becomes an opprPssive burden, and every object
appe~rs gloomy.
They will acqmre different views, applyin<T to
the honourable discharge of the functions of their
~tat10n, and entering on a virtuous course of ac:ion.
CHARITY

Q

I

,I

II
I

166

EXERCISES.

By the perpetual course of dissipation, m which .
sensualists are engaged; by the riotous revel, and
the m:dnight, or rather morning hours, to which
they prolong their festivity ; by the excesses which
they indulge; they debilitate their bodies, cut them·
selves off from the comforts and duties of life anrl
wear out their spirits.
,
SECT. V.

Ji fifth rule for the strength of sentences, is, co
avoid concluding them with an adverb, a preposition,
or any inconsiderable word.
Grammar, I'· 280.

Key, p. 135.

Dy what I have alrea<ly expressed, the r ea<ler
will perceive the business which I am to proceeJ
upon.
May the happy message be applied to us, 111 all
the virtue, strength, an<l comfort of it!
Generosity is a showy virtue. which many persons
ai;e very fond of.
·
These arguments were, without hesitation, and
with great eagerness, bid hold of.
It is proper to be long in deliberation, but we
should speedily execute.
Form your measures with prudence; but al!
anxiety about the issue d11es t yourselves of.
We are struck, we know not bow, with the symmetry of any thing we see; and immediately at.:knowledge the beauty of an oliject, without in·
quiring into the particular causes and occasions of it.
With Cicero's writings, these persons are more
ronversant, than with those of Demosthenes, who,
by many degrees, excelled the other; at least, as
an orator.
SECT. VI.
.fl sixth rule relating to the strength of a setdenco

s.rength.)

PERSPICUITY,

&c.

1157

is that in the members of a . sentence, where two

things ~re compared or contrasted with O?t~ ano_the:;
rvhere e·ithcr a resemblance, or an opposition, is in·
tended to be expressed; some resemblance, in the language and constrnctiori, should be preserved. For
when !he things themselves correspond to each other,
we naturally expect to find a similar corresponderue
in ihe words
Grammar, p. 281. Key, p. 136.

Ol R British gardeners, instead of humouring nature, love to <l ev iate from it as much as possible.
I havio observed of late the style of some great
mini sters, very much to exceed that of any other
p1 oductions.
The old may inform the young; an_d t~e young
may animate those who are arivanced m hfe.
The account is generally balanced; for what
we arc losers on the one hand, we gain on the other.
The laughers will be for th_ose who have most
wit; the serious part o~ m~?kmd, for those who
have most reason on their side.
If men of eminence are exposed to censure on
the one hand , they are as much liable to flattery on
the other. If they recP.ive reproaches which are
not due to them, they likewise receive praise~ which
they do not deserve.
He can bribe, but he is not able to seduce. He
can buy, but he has not the power of gaining. He
\!an lie, but no one is deceived by him.
_
He embraced the ca·Jse of liberty faintly, and p•.irgued it without resolut10n ; he grew tired of it, when
he had much to hope; and gave it up, when there
was no ground for apprehension.
There may remain a suspicion that we overrate
\he greatness of his genius, in the same manner
as b0Jies appear more gi~antic, on acc'ilunt ot
thl'ir being di sproportioned and misshapen.

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EXERCISES.

169
PERSPICUITY, &c.
Strength.)
the praise of the world, but who perform such actions as make them indisputably deserve it.
By the means of society, our wants come to be
supplied, and our lives are rendered comfortable, as
well as our capacities enlarged, and our virtuous
affections called forth into their proper exercise.
Life canQot but prove vain to such persons as
affect a disrelish of every pleasure, which is not
both new and exquisite, measuring their enjoy·
ments by fashion's standard, and not by what they
feel themselves ; and thinking that if others do not
admire their state, they are miserable.
By experiencing distress, an arrogant msensibility
of temper is most effectually corrected, from the
remembrance of our own sufferings naturally
prompting us to feel for others in their sufferings :
and if Providence has favoured us, so as not to
make us subject in our own lot to much of this kind
of disciplin..e, we should extract improvement from
the lot of others that is harder; and step aside sometimes from the flowery and smooth paths which it is
permitted us to walk in, in order to view the toilsome march of our fellow-creatures throuf;h the
thorny <lesert.
As no one is without his failings, so few want
good qualities.
Providence' delivered them up to themselves, and·
they tormented themselves. ·
.
From disappointments and trials, we learn the in·
sufficiency of temporal things to happiness, and the
secessity tv goodness.
Q2

(Strengtll~

SECT. VII.
The seve1:th rule. for promoting the strength and
effect of sentences, is, to attend to the harmony and
tmy Jfow of the words and memb ers.
·

Grammar, p. 282.

Key, p. 136.

.SoRERMIND~DNESS suits the prese~t state of mar.,
A.s convcnt1clers, these people were seized anJ
pumshed.
To ~se the Divine n:ime customarily, ard with·
CJUt .:ocn cus cons1.deration, is highly irreverent.
From ~he favourableness with which he was al
fi-r.st received, great hopes of success were enter·
tam NI.
They conducted. themselves wilily, and ensnared
us eefore we had time to escape.
. It belongs not to our humble and confined sta·
t10n, to censure, but to a<lore, submit, and trust.
Under .all i.ts labou.rs, hope is the mind's solace i
and the &1tuat~ons wlnch exclude it entirely are few.
T?e. hu?1blmg of those that are mighty, and the
prec1~1tat10~ of persons who are ambitious, from the
t?wenng height that they had gained, concern but
little the bulk of men.
. Tranquilljty, regularity, and magnanimity, reside
with the religious and resigned man.
Sloth~ ease, success, naturally tend to beget vices
and follies.
. ~y a cheerful, even, and open temper, he conc1hated general favour.
_ We reached the mansion Lefore noon. It was a
strong, grand, Gothic house.
I had a lm~g and peril~u s journey, but a comfort·
~ ble compamon, w~o relieved the fatigue of it.
The ?peech was rntroduced by a sensible pream·
ble, wluch made a favourable impression.
'~he commons i;nade an angry remonstrance
agamst such an arbitrary requisition.
The truly illustrious are they who do riot court
;

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EXERCISES.

(Figure•.

CHAP. IV.
his tances of an irregular use of Figures of Spuck.
:irammar, p. 287.

Key, p. 138.

_No human 1rnppiness is so serene as not to con·
tarn any alloy.
The.re is a time when factions, by the vehemence
of their own fermentations, stun and disable one
another.
·
I intend to make use of these words in the thread
of my speculations.
Hope, the balm of life, darts a ray of light thro•1gb
the thickest gloom.
The s;heme was ~ighly expensive to him, and
proved tne Charybchs of his estate.
He was so much skilled in the empire of the oar
that few could equal him.
'
The death of Cato has rendered the senate an
orphan.
.Let us be attentive to keep our mouths as with a
bnc~le; 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 injur'd name
(The glory of the prief\lhood and the shame )
Curb'd the wild torrent of a barb'rous a()'e
"', '
n drcve those holy Vandals off the stage.
Ad
In thio our day of proof, our land of hope,
The good man has his clouds that intervene ·
'
Clouds that may dim his ~ublunary day,
But cannot conquer : even the best must own
Pa~ience and resignation are the columns
Of humau peace ~n earth.

F~crures.)

PERSPIC:UITY,

&c.

171

On the wide sea of letters, 'twas thy boast
To crowd each sail, and touch at ev'ry coast;
From that rich mine how often hast thou brought 1
The pure and precious pearls of splendid thought
How didst thou triumph on that subject tide,
Till vanity's wild gust, and stormy pride, .
Drove thy strong mind, in evil hour, to split
Upon the fatal rock of impious wit!
Since the time that reason began to bud, and put ,
forth her shoots, thought, during our waking hours
r1as been active in every breast, without a mo._
. ment's suspension or pause. The current of id?8:s
nas been always moving. The wheels oft~e spm·
tual engine have exerted themselves with per·
petual motion.
The man who has no rule over his own spirit,
possesses no antidote a.gainst P'?isons o_f any sort.
He lies open to every insurrect10n of ill-humour,
and every gale of distress. Whereas he who is
employed in regulating_ his mind,. is mal~ing pro.vision against all the accidents of hfe. He is erecung
a fortress into which, in the day of sorrow, he can
retreat with satisfaction.
Tamerlane the Great, writes to Bajazet, emperor
of the Ottomans , in the following terms-" Where
is the monarch who dares resist us? Where is the
potentate who does not glory in being numbered
among our attendants? As for thee, descended
from a Turcoman sailor, since the vessel of thy unbounded ambition has beeri wrecked in the gulf of
thy self-love, ~t wonld be pr'?per that thou shomdst
take in the sails of thy temerity, and cast the ancnor
of repentance in the port of sincerity and jmticc,
which is the port of safety ; lest the tempest of our
vengeance make thee perish in the sea of the puni'31\.
'DOnt thou deservest."

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Promiscuous.)

PERSPICUITY,

&c.

173

EXERCIBEB.

. It _is pleasant to be virtuous an< good; becaW!Q
that is to excel many others : It is pleas a !lt to grow
better; because that is to excel ourselves: It ii!
pleasant to comm.and our appetites and passions,
and to Keep them m due order, within the boundi
of re.as~m and religion; because this is empire :
uay, 1t IS pleasant even to mortify and subdue O•il'
-lusts; because that is victorv.

CHAP. V.
T7iolations of the Rules respecting perspicuous and
accurate writing, promiscuously disposed.
See tile Key, p. 141

SECT. I.
WHAT is human life to all, but a mixture, "ith
vorious cares and troubles,· of some scattered joys '
flnd pleasures?
When favours of every kind are conferred speed·
il y, th ey are doubled.
He will soon weary the company, who is himself
wearied.
He must endure the follies of others, who will
nave their kindness.
For the last years of man the first must make pro·
vision .
Perpetual light.mindedness must terminate 1i1 ignorance.
In these, and in such like cases, we should, in our
alm s, generally suffer non e to be witnesses, but Him
who must see every thing.
The reason why he is so badly qualified for the
business, !s because he neglected his studies, and
opportunities of improvement.
That Plutarch wrote lives of D emosthenes and
Cicero at Chreronea, it is clear from his own acc0un t.
I wish to cultivate your further i.fJ.Cquamtance.
He may probably make the attempt, but he can·
oot possibly succeed.
No pains were spared by his tutor, in order to his
being improved in all useful knowledge.
In no scene of her life was ever l\fary'fil address
more remarkably displayed.

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EXERCISES.

(Promiscuous.

This was the cause which first gave rise to such
n barbarous practice.

He craftily endeavoured, by a variety of false insinuations which he made use of, to turn the em·
peror to his purpose.
The beauty in the earth equals the grandeur in
the heaven s.
In health and vigour of body, and in the state of
worldly fortune, all rejoice.
What pa sses in the hearts of men, is generally un
known to the public eye.
Many associations are united by laws the most
arbitrary.
!hese in stances may, it is hoped, be sufficient to
satisfy every r easo nable mind.
By such general and comprehensive rules as this,
the clearest ideas are conveyed.
·
He determined not to comply with the proposal.
e.xcept he should receive a more ample compensa·
lion.
Ther; cnn be no dou_bt but that health is preferable to r;ches.
They declared to their friends, that they believed
the perusal of such books had ruined their principles.
.T o~n's temper greatly indisposed him for in1truct10n.
Vegetation is advancing constantly, though no
eye can trace the steps of its gradation.
~h<:! rea~o~ of my consenting to the measure, was
owing to his importunity.
.
- I conceived a great regard for him, and could not
but mourn for hi& loss.
The officer apprehended him, and confined him
in his own house.
Charlotte, the friend of Amelia, to whom no
~ne imputed blame, was too promrt in her vindication.

Promis cuo11S,)

PERSPICUITY,

&c.

175

Men who are rich and avaricious, lo::.e themselves
in a sprmg which might have cherished all around
iliem.
•
I should prefer him to be rather of slow parts
than With a bad disposition.
As soon as Eugenius undertook the care of .a
parish, it immediately engrossed the whole cf lus
attention.
The plan will at once contribute to general co_nvenience, and add to the beauty and elegance of tlle
town.
Together w.ith the national debt, the greatest national advantages are also transmitted to succeeding
generations.
Their intimacy had commenced in the happier
period, perhaps, of the ir youth and obscurity.
His subject is precisely of that kind, which a
darin<Y imagination could alone have adopted.
This emperor conjured the senate, tha t the purity
of his reign might not be stained or contaminated
hy the blood even of a guilty senator.
It is a happy constitution of mind, to be able to
view successive objects so steadily, as that the more
may never prevent us from _doing justice to the less
important.
This activity drew great numbers of enterpri sing
men over to Virginia, who came either in search of
fortune or of liberty, which was the only compensation for tlie want of it.
The erroncou,s judgment of parents, concerning
the conduct of schoolmasters, has crushed th€- peace
of many an ingenious man, who engaged in the care
of youth; and paved the way to the ruin of hopeful
boys.

SECT. II.
Key, p. 143.

Greek doubtless is a language which 1s
much superior \n riches, ha rmony, and variety, lu
Latin.
THE

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176

EXERCI:sE11.

(Promiicuou:.

Tho.5e three great genius's flourished in the same
per10J.
He has made a judicious adaption of the examples of the rule.
This part ofirnowledge has been always growmg,
and will do so, till the subject be exhaLSted.
A boy of twelve years old may study tr. ese
lessens.
The servant produced from his late master an
u1;deniable character.
I am surprised that so great a philosopher as you
are, should spend your time in the pursuit of such
chim eras.
The ends of a divine and ~'luman legislator, are
vas tly different.
.
Scarce had th,. " Spirit of Laws" made its appearance, than it was a ttacked.
. His donation was the more acceptable, that it was
given without solicitation.
This subject is a n unwelcome intruder, affording
but an uneasy sensation, and brings with it always
a mixture of concern and compassion.
·
. He- accordingly draws out his forces, and offers
battle to Hiero, who immedia tely accepted it.
Jam es laid late in bed yesterday, and this morn mg
lie lays still la ter.
The reason of this strange proceeding, will be accounted for when I make my defence.
I have observed him often, and hi s manner of
proceeding is thus: he enjoins first silence; and
then, &c.
Havin g not known, or not considered the subject,
he ma<le a very crude decision.
They all were deceiveJ by his fair I d'etences, and
they all of them lost their proper~y.
It is abov'~ a year sin ce the time that I lefl
school.

Promiscuous.)

PERSPICUITY,

&c.

177

He was guilty of such atrocious conduct, that h~
was deserted by his friends f?r good atld all.
.
No other employment besides a bookseller smte<l
his inclination.
Hereby I am instructe~, and thereby I am ho ·
noured.
I pleaded my good intention ; and_ after some
tiaie he assented thereto; whereby I entll'ely escaped
all punishment.
. .
This I am dispo~ed to the rather, that rt will serve
to illustrate the princirles adva~<:ed abo:re·
.
From what I have said, you will percewe readily
the sc:bject I am to procee~ ~pon.
.
These are points too tnvial to ta~e notrc~ of.
fhey are obj ects I am totally unacquamted with.
The nearer that men approach ea~h ot~er, the
more numerm:.s the points of contact m wh1~h they
touch, and the greater meir pleasmes or pa1?s·
Thus J have endeavoured to make the subject be
better understood .
This is the most useful art of which men are possessed.
.
The French writers of sermons study neatness m
layino-0 down their heads.
Th ere is not anv beauty more in one of them
than in another.
·
SECT. III.
Key, p. 145.
STUDY to umte with firmness of principle gentleness of manners, and affable behaviour with untainted integrity.
.
fo that work, we are every now and then rnterruplcd with unnatural thou gh~s.
.
. Ba1ing one or two express10ns, the compos1uou
1s not subject to censure.
.
To answer his purpose effectually, he pitched upon a verv moving story.

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EXERCISE11.

(Promiscuous.

I am not able to discover whether these points are
any how connected.
These are arguments which cannot be got over
by all the cavils of infidelity.
·
This matter I had a great mind to reply to. ·
I hope that I may not be troubl ed in future, on
thi .;;, or any the like occasions.
.
It is difficult to unite together cop10usness and
prec1s10n .
Let us consider of the proper means to effect our
purpose.
We must pay a ttention to what goes before and
imm ediate ly follows after.
The more 1.hat this track is pursued, the more
ihat eloqu ence is studied, the· more shall we be
.
_
guarded against a false ta ste.
True believers of every class and denom1nat1on
on earth, make up the church and people of.God.
This is the sum and substance of that winch has
'been said on the subjec t. ~
A perfect union of wit and judgment, is one of
'.!1 e r::H"est things in the world.
Prais2, lik e gold and diam')nds, owes to its scar
city only its valu e.
Intemperan ce will maKe life short and sad, though
1t may fire the spirit for an ho_ur.
.
. .
From their errors of educat10n, all then· miseries
have proceeded .
Th eir disinte res tedness of conduct produced ge·
neral admiration.
I vi ewed the habitation of my departed friend.V (;Uerablc shade ! I then gave thee a tear: ac.
cept _now of one cordial drop that falls to thy memory.
To-day we a re here; to-m orrow we are gone.
This at1thor is more r emarkable for strength of
sentiment, th an harrnonieus la nguage.

Prom·iscuous.)

PE!lSPJct01TY,

&c.

179

.Many persons are more delighted w.th correct
and elegant language, than with the importance o!
sentiment and accuracy of reasqnin,,.,
I feel myself grateful to my frien~, for all the i~·
stances of his kindness, which he has often mam
fested to me.
It is not from this world tha t any source oi
comfort can arise, to cheer the gloom of thfl last
hour.
SECT. IV.
Key, p. 147.

lt is dangerous for beauty that is mortal, or for
terrestrial virtu.e, to be examined by a light that is
too strong foi· it.
Beautiful women possess seldom any great accomplishments, because they study behaviour rather
than solid excellence, for the most part.
It is to discover the temper of froward children.
not that of men, far less that of Christians, to fret
and repine at every disappointment of ~ur wishes.
It is ordained and decreed by Providence, that
nothincr shall be obtained in our present state, that
is truly valuable, except it b e with difficulty and
danger.
.
Pauses of ease and relaxation, labour necessarily
requires; and _th_e deliciousness of ease m:.ikes us
.
commonly unwillin g to return to labour.
N uthing which is not ~ig~t can be great; noth ~ng
r;an be suitable to the d1gmty of the hum an mmd
which reason condemns.
lVe have warm hopes in youth, which are bla~ted
soon by ne 0o-ligence and rashness ; and great designs
which are defeated by inexperience a nd ignorance
of the world.
The haunts of dissipation, by night and day, open
many a wide and inviting gate to the children of
idleness and sloth.
True virtue (as all its pa1·f5 are connected, piety

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180

EXEncisEs.

( Promiscuow.

with morality, charity with justice, benevolence
with temperance and fortitude,) must form one
·
complete and entire system.
Dissimulation obscures parts and learnmg; degrad es th e iustre of every accomplishment; and
plunges us into universal contempt.
Confiden t as you now are in your assertions, and
positive as you are in your opinions, be assured the
tim~ approaches when things and men will appear
in a different light tfl you.
In this age of Jissipation and luxury in which wf!
live, how n'!any avenues are constantly open that
carry us t.o the gates of folly!
Through extravagance and idleness, and vain inclination of emulating others in the splendid show
of life, many run into charges exceeding their property.
Objects are separated from earh other, by their
qualities: they are distinguished by the distance of
tim ~ or place.
Clarendon, bein~ a man of extensive abilities,
stored his mind w1lh a variety of ideas; which
circumstance contributed to the successful exertion
of bis vigorous capacity.

SECT. V.
Key, p. 148.

most high degree of reverence an cl attention
should be paid to youth; and nothing that is in·
dec_ent or indelic_ate should be suffered to approach
their eyes or then· ears.
·
He who is blessed with a clea r conscience, 111 the
worst conjunctures of human life, enjoys an elc\'a!ion of .mind pecu!iar to virtue, as well as dignit y
and peace.
. Th.e hand of industry may change, in a few year:s,
tne face of a country; b11t to alter the sentiments
llnd manners of a peopl,.., requ ires often as many
generations.
. THE

Promiscuous.)

PERS'P1cu1TY, &c.

181

When the human mind dwells attentively and
1ong upon any subject, the passions are apt to grow
enthusiastic, interested and warm ; and the undet··
standing which they ought to obey, they often force
into their service.
Some years after, being released from pr!s?n, by
reason of his consummate knowledge of c1v1l law,
·and of military affaii:s,he was exalted to the supreme
power.
.
..
The discontented man (as his spleen 11T1tates and
wurs his temper, and leads him to discharge i~s
venom on all with whom he stands connected,) 1s
never found without a great share of malignity.
We cannot doubt but all the proceedings of Providence will appear as equitable, when fully understood and completely intelligible, as now they seem
irregular.
All that great wealth gives more than a moderate
fortune, generally is, more room for the fr~aks of
caprice, and privilege for. ignorance and v1.ce: of
flatteries a quicker success10n, and a larger circle of
voluptuousness.
.
.
.
The miscarriages of the great designs of prmces
are recorded in the l-iistories of the world, but are
of little use to the bulk of mankind, who seem very
little ·interested in n :cords of miscarriages which
cannot happen to them •
Were there any man who could 15ay, in the course
of his life that he had never suffered himself to be
transport~dby passion,or had ever given just ground
of offence to any one, such a ma.1 might, when he
received from others unreasonable treatment, have
some plea for impatience.
.
.
Christianity will, at some future. pe_r1?d, mfluenct
the conduct of nations as well as md1v1duals. But
this will be, though its greatest, probably its latest
triumph : for this can be only brought about through
the medium of private character; and therefore

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EXERCISES.

(Promiscuom.

at

will be not rapid in its progress, am] visible every
step; but gradual, and visible when considerable
effects only have been produced.
The British constitution stands, like ah ancient
oak in the wood, among the nations of the earth;
which, after having overcome many a blast, overtops the other trees of the forest, and commands
respect rncJ veneration.

SECT. VJ.
Key, p.150.

an anchor is to a vessel amidst a b01sterous
ocean, on a coast unknown, and in a dark night, that
is the hope of future happiness to the soul, when· beset by the confusions of the world : for in dangers,
it affords one fixed point of rest; amidst genera.I
fluctuation, it gives security.
.
Our pride and self-conceit, (by nourishing a weak
and childish sensibility to every fancied point of
our own honour and interest, while they shut ·1p all
regard to the honour or interest of our brethren,
render us quarrelsome and contentious.
If there be any first principles of wisdom, it undoubtedly is this: the distresses that are removable,
endeavour to remove; bear with as liHle disqui~
as you can, the distresses which canno t be removed,
comforts are to be fou~ d in every situation and
condition of life; having found them, enjoy them.
Instead of aspiring farther than your proper level,
bring your mind down to your state; lest you
spend your life in a train of fruitless pursmts, l:y
aiming too high, and at last bring yourself to an
entire state of insignificance and contempt.
Often have we seen, that what we considered as
a sore disappointment a-t the time, has proved to be
n merciful providence in the issue ; and that it
would hav e been so far from making us happy, if
what we once eagerly wished for had been obtained, that it would have produced our ruin.
WHAT

Promiscuous.)

PERSPICUITY,

&c.

183

Can the stream continue to advance, when it is
deprived of the fountain? Can the branc~ impr<?ve,
when taken from the stock which gave it nounsh·
ment? Dependent spirits can no more be happr,
when parted from a~l umon w~th the Father of spirits, and the Fountam of happmess.
Prosperity is redoubled to a good ma~, by me.a~~
of the generous use which he makes of 1t ; and it IS
reflected back upon him by every one whor:i he
makes happy: for, in the esteem and good-will of
all who know him, m the gratitude of dependents,
in the attachment of friends, and the intercourse of
domestic affection, he sees blessings multiplied round
.
him, on every side.
Whoever would pass, with honour and decency,
the latter part of life, must consider when he is
young, that one day he shall be old; and remember
that when he is old, he has once been young:
he mnst lay up knowled~e in youth for his ~upport ,
when his powers of actmg shal~ for~ake him; and
forb ear to animadvert in age, with ngour, on faults
which experience can alone ~orrect.
·
.,
Let us consider that youth 1s of no long ~urat1on ;
and that when the enchantments of fancy m matuP.
er age shall cease, and phantoms no mo!·e danc,e
about us, we shall have no comforts but wise men s
esteem, the approbation of o~r hearts, and the means
of doing good : and let us hve as men th~t a_re ~o
row old some time, and to whom of all evils 1t will
~e the most dreadful, to count their Y.ears past only
by follies, and to be reminded of their form~r lu:K:uriance of health, by the maladies only which riot
has produced.

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APPENDIX:
r,oNTAINING EXAMPLES, TO ASSIST THE STUDENT 11'
TRANSPOSING THE PARTS OF SENTENCES, AND IN
VARYING THE FORlll OF EXPRESSING A SENTDIENTo

CHAP. 1.
On transposing the Members of a Sentence.
THE practice of transposing the members of sen·
tences, is an exercise so useful.to young persons, that
· 1t requires a more particular exrlanation, than could
have been properly given in the preceding work.
A few of the various modes in which the parts of a
sentence may be arranged, have, therefore, been
collected; and they are, with other matter, produced in the form of an Appendix to the general
Exercises. By examining them attentively, the student will perceive, in some degree, the nature and
effect of transposition; and by being frequently exercised in showing hs variety in other sentences, he
will obtain a facility in the operation; and a dexterity in discovering and applying, on all occasions,
the clearest and most forcible arrangement. By this
practice, he will also be able more readily to penetrate the meaning of such i;entences, as are rendered
obscure and perplexing to most readers. by the irre9ular disposition of their parts.
l'he first and last forms of each class of ex'.lmples,
nre to be considered as the least exceptionable.

The Roman state evidently declined, m propor·
ti Jn tu th e increase of luxury.

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Al'l'ENDIX.

The Rom~n state, in proportion t th .
of luxury, evidently declined.
o
e increlllr
In proportion to the increase of luxur
man state evidently declined.
y, the R()
be Id~~w~l/ti~~:~:;.mit all that is past, provided it may
I am willing provided . t
b
to remi_t all !ha~ 18 past. I may e done with safety,
Pronded 1t may be d
·h
to remit all that is past. one Wit safety, I am willing
That greatness _of_ mind which shows itself in
labours, If It wants justice, is blamable. dan.
· t at greatness of mind wh · h h
.
da~erts and labours, is void of jus:i~e, ~t ~;~l~~:~ein
1
itself ain
If that greatness of mind is void
.J . ice. .
shows itself in dangers and labours i;f Jbusl·tlceb, !which
That g t
f .
·
'
s ama e.
. .
re~ ness o mmd is blamable if it i
.d f
JUStJ~e, winch shows itself in dangers'and l bs voi o
If It · want · f
a
ours.
h
. If ~ JUs ice, t1iat greatness of mind which
s ows itse in dangers and labours, is blamabi'e.

ge~~ a~~

~::;~~:sa:(i l~~:~r~~ i~ ftrn:~~~~ ~~~~?h sho~s

He \~ho made light to spring from primeval dark
~ess, w1fill _make order, at last, to arise from the seem.
mg con uswn of the world.
•
. Froi:i the see~ing confusion of the world Ile
:~deer, laigt hitastto, stpnn[5
from primeval darkness, ~viii m:i::
o anse.
Ile ~ho made light to spring from primeval dark
nesks, w1dll, from] the f'eeming confusion of the world.
111a e or er, at ast, to arise.
•
He who made light to s rin ti
.
aess, will at last f
h P g . rom primeval dark.
l'l'orld m;ke orde'r trom .t e seemmg confusion of the
'
o arise.
He will make order t I
.
ing confusion of the ~oa Id ast, to arise ~rom the ee~mfrom primeval _darkness. r , wl10 made hght to spnng

APPENDIX.

187

From the seeming confusion of the world, He
will make order, at last, to arise, who made light to
spring from primeval darkness.
He who made light to spring from primeval dark
ness will, at last, make order to arise, from the seem
ing confusion of this world.
1-\noevcr considers the uncertainty of human _af.
fairs, and how frequently the greatest hopes are
frustrated; will see just reason to be always ~n his
guard, and not to place too much dependence on
things so precarious.
He will see just reason to be always on his guard,
and not to place too much dependence on the pre·
carious things of time; who considers the uncertainty of human affairs, and how often the greatest
hopes are frustrated.
Let us not conclude, while dangers are at a disrancc, and do not immediately approach us, that we
are secure; unless we use the necessary precaution
to prevent them.
Unless we use the necessary precautions to pre·
vent dangers, let us not conclude, while they are at a
distance, and do not immediately approach us, that
we are secure.
Unless we ·use the necessary precautions to prevent dangers, let us not conclude that we are secure,
while they are at a distance, and do not immediately
approach us.
Let us not conclude that we are secure, while
dangers are at a distance, and do not immediately
approach us, unless we use the necessary prccaut10ns
to prevent them.
1'Vhile dangers are at a distance, and do not immediately approach us, let us not conclude, that we
are secure, unless we use the necessary precautions
to prevent them.
Those things which appear great to one who
knows riothing greater, will sink into a diminutive

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189

APPENDIX.

APPENDIX.

size, when he becomes ar:quamted with objects of a
higher nature.
When one becomes acquainted with objects of a
b~gh er nature, those things which appeared great to
lum whilst he knew nothing greater, will sink into
a diminutive size.
•
'!'o one who knows nothing greater, those things
~hrch then appear greaf, will sink into a diminutive
stze, when he becomes acquainted with objects of a
higher nature.

The sister did not deserve reprehension so much
as her brother.
Reproof was more due to the brother than to the
sister.

188

•

CHAP. II.
On -variety of expression.

Ih:slDES 'the practice of transposing the parts ol
sentences, the Compiler recommends to tutors, frequently to. exercise th~ir pupils, in exhibiting .some
of th e various modes, rn which the same sentiment
ma.y be properly expressed. This practice will ext~nd their knowledge of the language, afford a variety of expression, and habituate them to deliver
th eir sentiments with clearness, ease, and propriety.
It will likewise enable tho se who may be enO'aged
in stu'.l)_'ing other languages not only to co~strue
them with mor e facility, into English; but also to
observe and apply more readily, many of the turns
and phrases, which are best adapted to the genius
of those languages. A few examples of this kmd
of exercise, will be sufficient to explain the nature
of it, and to show its utility.
The brother deserved censure more than his
sifter.
The sister was less reprehensible than her brother.

I will attend the conference, if I can do it convenientlv.
I ir:tcnd to be at the conference, unless it s!:iould
be inconvenient.
If I can do it with convenience, I purpose to be
present at the conference.
If it can be done without inconvenience, I shall
not foil to attend the conference.
I shall not absent myself from the conference un·
less circumstances render it necessary.
He who lives always in the bustle of the world,
lives in a perpetual warfare.
To live continually in the bustle of th-e world, is
to live in perpetual warfare.
By livin g constantly in the bustle of the world,
our life becomes a scene of contention.
It is a continual warfare, to live perpetually in the
bustle of the world.
The hurry of the world, to him who always lives
in it, is a p"erpetual conflict.
They who are constantly engaged in the tumults
of the world, are strangers to the blessings of peace.
The spirit of true religion breathes gentleness
and affability.
Gentleness and affability are the genuine effects
of true religion.
True religion teaches us to be gentle and affable.
Genuine religion will never produce an am1tere
cemper, or a rough demeanor.
Harshness of manners and want of condescension,
are opposite to the spirit of true religion.

j
)

I

i

l.

~

t

II

.l

I.

f
-1

s

\

l

I

190

APPENDIX.

APPSNDllt,

. Industry is not only the instrument of improvement, but the foundation of pleasure.
Industry produces both improvement and pleasure.
Improvement and pleasure are the products of
mdustry.
The common attendants on idleness are ign'Jrance
an<l misery.
·
.
Valerius passed several laws, abridgincr the power
of the senate, and extending that of the people.
Several laws were passed by Valerius, which
abridged the power of the senate, and extended that
of the people.
The power of the senate was abridged, and that
?f the people ext.ended, by several laws passed <lurmg the consulship of Valerius.
The advantages of this world, even wh~n innocently gained, are uncertain blessings.
~f the advantages of this world were innocently
gamed, they are still uncertain blessings.
w~ may indeed innocently gain the advantages
of this world ,-but even then they are uncertain
blessings.
Uncertainty attends all the advantages of thii
worl:l, not excepting those which are innocently
a..:qmrcd.
The blessings which we derive from the advan
tages of this world, are not secure, even when the)
. are innocently gained.
When you behold wicked men multiplying ut
number, and increasing in power, imagine not that
Providence particularly favours them.
Wilen wicked mea are obserYed to multiply Ill
number, and increase in power, we are not to suP"
.~ that they are particularly favoured by Providenc&.

191

From the increase and prosperity of the wicked,
we mu3t not infer that they are the favourites of

Providence.
Chnrity consists not in speculative ideas oi ~eneral
bene-volenc.e, floating in the head, and leaving thP.
heart, as specu4a.tions too often do, untouched and
colJ.
Speculative ideas o[ general benevolence, ~o not
form the virtue of charity, for these often float m the
he1d and Leave the heart untouched and cold. ·
sp'eculations which leave the heart unaffected and
cold, though they may consist of general bene~olence
floating in the head, do not form the great vrr•ue of
charity.
.
.
/
Universal benevolence to mankmd, when it rests
m the abstract, does not constitute the noble virtue
of charity. It is then a loose indeterminate idea
rather than a principle of real effect: and flo;:i.ts f!;S a
useless speculation in the head, instead of affectmg
the temper and the heart.
A wolf let into the sheepfold, will devour the
5heep .
•
If we let a wolf into the fold, the shoep will be
devoured.
The wolf will devour the sheeo. if the sheeofolc
be left open.
A wolf being let into tne sneeptola, tne sncel\
wiil be devoured.
If the fold be not left carefully shut, the wolf wil\
devo.ur the sheep.
,,
Tl.ere is no defence_of the sheep fr~"ll the wolf,
.
unless it be kept out of the fold. .
• A slaughte~ wi~l be made amongst th'! sheep, 1£ /
/
the wolf can get mto the fold.
. ·
The preceding examples show that tne f?rm of '
u:pressing a se?time~t may be pr?perly varie~)>y
arrning the active voice of verbs into the passive,

19~

AF PEND IX.

nnd the nominative case of nouns rnto the objective,
by altermg the connexion of short sentences, by dif'ftrcnt adverbs and conjunctions, and by tl.e use of
prepositions; by applying adjectives and adveros
instead of substantives, and vice versa; by usrng the
case absolute in place of the nominative and verb
and the participle instead of the verb ; by reversing
the correspon<lent parts. of the sentence; and by th.o
negation of the contrary, instead of th e assertion o '
the thing first proposed. By these, and other inode1
of expression, a great variety of forms of speech,
exactly or nearly of the same import, may b·e produced ; and the young student furnished with a considerable store for his selection and use.
When the business of transposing the parts oi
sentences, and of varying the forms of expression,
becomes familiar to the student, he may be employed in reducing the particulars of a few pages, togeneral heads ; and in expanding sentiments generally
expressed, into their correspondent particulars; and
by making these operations more or less general,
and more or less particular, a considerable variety
will be introduced into this part of the Exercises.
An emproyment of the kind here proposed, will
not only make the learner skilful in the meaning ar.J
application of terms, and in the nature of a concise
and of a copious style; but it will also . teach him to
think with order and attent!On; to contract or expaud
his views at pleasure; and to digest the sentiments
of other persons, or his own, in the manner best
adapted to assist his judgment and memory.
TlfE END.

1•

