lii ■ Class X Book_j y)<34- - SMITHSONIAN DEPOSIT ENGLISH EXERCISES; ' V* ■'! •* ADAPTED' To ; . ^* MURRAY'S ENGLISH GRAMMAR: ■: '-■ / ',* CONSISTING Of'Ci ^ Exercises in Parsing ; — Instances of False Orthography ; Violations, of the Rules of. Syntax; — Defects in Punctuation; AND Violations of the Rules respecting perspicuous and accurate Writing. DESIGNED FOR THE BENEFIT OF PRIVATE LEARNERS, AS WELL AS FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS. «■»#•$» 3»«»- BY LINDLEY MURRAY. FROM THE FOURTEENTH ENGLISH EDITION. With additions and improvements. NEW-YORK : PRINTED AND SOLD BY COLLINS AND PERKINS, NO. 189, PEARL-STREET. 1810. INTRODUCTION. The principles of knowledge become most in- telligible to young persons, when they are explained and inculcated by practical illustration and direction. This mode of teaching is attended with so many advantages, that it can scarcely be too much recom- mended, or pursued. Instruction which is enli- vened by pertinent examples, and in which the pupil is exercised in reducing the rules prescribed to practice, has a more striking effect on the mind, and is better adapted to fix the attention, and sharpen the understanding, than that which is divested of these aids, and confined to bare positions and pre- cepts ; in which it too frequently happens, that the learner has no further concern, than to read and repeat them. The time and care employed in practical application, give occasion to survey the subject minutely, and in different points of view; by which it becomes more known and familiar, and produces stronger and more durable 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 erroneously constructed, for exercising the student's sagacity and judgment. To rectify these, attention and reflection are requisite ; and the knowledge of the rule necessarily results from the study and correction of the sentence. But these are not all the advan- tages which arise from Grammatical Exercises. By discovering their own abilities to detect and. amend errors, and % their consequent improvement, the 4 INTRODUCTION. scholars become pleased with their studies, and are animated to proceed, and surmount the obstacles which occur in their progress. The instructer too is relieved and encouraged in his labours. By dis- cerning exactly the powers and improvement of his pupils, he perceives the proper season for advancing them; and by observing the points in which they are deficient, he knows precisely w T here to apply his directions and explanations. These considerations have induced the Compiler to collect and arrange a variety of erroneous exam- ples, adapted to the different rules and instructions of English Grammar, and to the principles of per- spicuous 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 necessa- ry for the large field of employment, which the following work presents to the student of English Grammar. If he be detained longer than is com- mon in this part of his studies, the probable result of it, an accurate and intimate knowledge of the subject, will constitute an ample recompense. The 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 with a repetition of examples, which would cast no new light on the subject. In selecting the instances of false construction, the Compiler has studied to avoid those that are glaringly erroneous, and to fix upon such only as frequently occur in writing or speaking If there be any of a different complexion, it is presumed that INTRODUCTION. 5 they are but few, and that they will be found under those rules only, which, from* the nature of them, could not have been otherwise clearly exemplified to young persons. The examples applicable to the principal notes and observations, are carefully ar- ranged 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 errors in the same sentence, and some of them admit of various constructions in .amending them, it has been thought proper to publish a Key for ascertaining all the corrections: and this has been the more expedi- ent, from the work's being designed for the benefit of private learners, as well as for the use of schools. The Key to the part of Orthography might have been omitted, had not some of the sentences con- tained so many words erroneously spelled, as to render it probable that several of them would, in that case, have been inadvertently passed over; especially by persons who may not have the advan- tage of a tutor. In forming the Key, it appeared to be more eligible, to repeat the sentences at large, with their corrections, than simply to exhibit the amendments by themselves. In the mode adopted, the work has a more regular and uniform appear- ance ; the correspondent parts may be more readily compared ; and the propriety of the corrections will be more apparent and striking. In a work which consists entirely of examples, and with which the learners will, consequently, be much occupied and impressed, the Compiler would 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 solicitous to avoid all exceptionable matter ; and to improve his wonk, by blending moral and useful observations with A2 6 INTRODUCTION, Grammatical studies. Even sentiments of a pious and religious nature, have not been thought impro- per to be occasionally inserted in these Exercises. The understanding and sensibility of young persons, are much underrated by those who think them inca- pable of comprehending and relishing this kind of instruction. The sense and love of goodness are early and deeply implanted in the human mind;, and often, by their infant energies, surprise the in- telligent observer; — why, then, should not these emotions find their proper support and incentives, among the elements of learning? Congenial senti- ments, thus disposed, besides making permanent impressions, may serve to cherish and expand those generous principles; or, at least, to prepare them for regular operation, at a future period. The im- portance of exhibiting to the youthful mind, the deformities of vice ; and of giving it just and 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 diversity, as agreeable as the nature of the subject would admit ; and to render them interesting^ as well as intelligible and instructive, to young persons,.. Soldgate, near York. 1797, ADVERTISEMENT 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 uninterest- ing sentences; inserting a number of examples adapted to the latest improvements in the grammar ; and adding to the Syntax many useful exercises ; he has subjoined to the part designed to promote perspicuous and accurate zvriting, a whole chapter (twelve pages) of promiscuous exercises, peculiarly adapted to this subject. As every other general division of the book was provided with a chapter of this nature, it is presumed that teachers and private students will 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. In all the additional exercises to this part of the book, the author has been careful to exhibit no in- accuracies but such as are frequently found in respectable writings. The display of vulgar and glaring errors, which no persons of education ever commit, would not be proper for a work of this nature, and could not fail to produce disapprobation and disgust. * The improvements made in the eighth edition, confift, chiefly, of " General Directions for ufing the Exercifes,' 7 and of a new, en- larged fyftem of Exercifes in Parting, AD VER TISEMENT TO THE TENTH EDITION. One of the chief improvements, made in the tenth edition of this work, consists in the adaptation of it, throughout, to an objective case of nouns. This case was adopted in the twelfth edition of the gram- mar; and it is therefore indispensable, that the Exercises should conform to the alteration."*" As there are some teachers, who doubt the pro- priety of presenting exercises of bad English to youth of the junior classes, it seems proper, in this place, to make a few observations on the subject. The author is 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 each other. A child generally sees and hears so many instances of erroneous construc- tion, that, unless he is early taught to distinguish and correct them, his imitative powers will be more influenced by error than by rectitude. Besides, children, in detecting and amending errors, feel their own powers ; and however small the exercise may be, it is a most pleasing and animating incentive to application and study. What they learn in this way, will not only gratify them : it will also improve their judgment and sagacity, and be long and ac- curately remembered. On these grounds, it is evident, that the practice of correcting errors, should be introduced into the early stages of grammatical studies. Instead of ex- posing children to u the danger of evil communi- cation," as some ingenious persons have supposed, it seems to be the best means of teaching them, first, to discover the irregularities, and then, to avoid the contagion, of bad examples. * See the reafons in favour of an Objective Cafe for Englifh nouns, at pages 54, $5, 56, of the Twelfth or any fubfequenc edition of the Grammar. ADVERTISEMENT TO THE TWELFTH EDITION. The reader will perceive, that a number of Notes and Critical Discussions has been inserted in appro- priate 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 ad- vance of its price. The author has, however, taken care to make proper references, under the correspondent rules in the Grammar, to all those ad- ditional notes and discussions. To this mode of supplying improvements, the reader will have the less objection, when he considers, that the Exer- cises and the Key are necessary appendages to the Grammar; and serve to illustrate and enforce, as well as to extend, its rules and positions. The three volumes are indeed intimately connected ; and constitute one uniform system of English Grammar. To the Tenth 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 has also annexed to that edition of the Key, a copious Alphabetical Index to the Grammar, the Exercises, and the Key : a work which he flatters himself will be generally useful; and particularly acceptable to students who have made some pro» gress in the knowledge of grammar. &ENERAL DIRECTIONS TOR USING THE EXERCISES. 1. As soon as the learner has committed to memory, the definitions of the article and substan- tive, as expressed in the grammar, he should be employed in parsing those parts of speech, as they are arranged in this volume of the Exercises. 2. The learner should proceed, in this manner, through all the definitions of the parts of speech 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 regular order, the orthographical exer- cises attached to the particular rules. 4. In this stage of his progress, he may vary his employment, by occasionally parsing the promiscu- ous exercises, contained in the ninth section of the chapter of Etymological Parsing, and by writing the plurals of nouns, &c. in the eighth section of the same chapter. 5. 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 correcting, all the rules of Syntax should be treated, proceeding regularly according to their order. The pupil may now be, occasionally, employed in cor- recting the promiscuous exercises in Orthography. 6. The preceding directions (except those upon Orthography) respect only the leading rules of the GENERAL DIRECTIONS. 11 grammar, which are printed in the larger type. When the exercises on those general rules are com- pleted, and not before, the learner is to apply to the first subordinate rule, contained in the smaller type* He is to read it very attentively, assisted by the teacher's explanations; and afterwards correct, in writing, the false construction of the exercises belonging to it. Thus, he is to proceed, rule by rule, till the whole is finished.^ The learner should now be, occasionally, employed in parsing the pro- miscuous exercises, contained in the eighth section of the chapter on Syntactical Parsing. 7. When the student has corrected all the exer- cises appropriated to the particular rules, he should regularly proceed to rectify the promiscuous Exer- cises, in syntax and punctuation. In this employ, he should write over each correction, the number of the rule, principal or subordinate, by which he con- ceives the correction ought to be made. 8. After this progress, the learner will be qualified to enter on the Exercises respecting perspicuous and accurate writing. In this part, he is to proceed in a manner as similar to the preceding directions, as the subject will admit. 9. When all the Exercises have been regularly corrected, in writing, it would tend to perfect the pupil's knowledge of the rules, and to give him an habitual dexterity in applying them, if he were oc- casionally desired to correct, verbally, erroneous sentences purposely selected from different parts of the book; to recite the rules by which they are governed ; and, in his own language, to detail the reasons on which the corrections are founded. The * The pupil ought to review every leading rule, and again rectify a few of the fentences.under it, before he enters on its fubordinaU ruk6 and their correfpondent exercifes, 12 GENERAL DIRECTIONS. following examples will give the student an idea of the manner, in which he is to make the verbal cor- rections. " The man is prudent which speaks little." This sentence is incorrect ; because which is a pro- noun of the neuter gender, and does not agree in gender with its antecedent man, which is masculine. But a pronoun should agree with its antecedent, in gender, &c. according to the fifth rule of Syntax, Which should therefore be -who, a relative pronoun agreeing with its antecedent man; and the sentence should stand thus : " The man is prudent xvho speaks little." ¥ After I visited Europe, I returned to America." This sentence is not correct; because the verb visited is in the imperfect tense, and yet used here to express an action, not only past, but prior to the time referred to by the verb returned, to which it relates. By the thirteenth rule of syntax, when verbs are used that, in point of time, relate to each other, the order of time should be observed. The imperfect tense visited should, therefore, have been had visited, in the pluperfect tense, representing the action of visiting, not only as past, but also as prior to the time of returning. The sentence corrected would stand thus : " After I had visited Europe, I returned toAme- rica." u This was the cause, which first gave rise to such a barbarous practice." . This sentence is inaccurate. The words first and rise have here the same meaning ; and the word such is not properly applied. This word signifies of that kind: but the author does not refer to a kind or spe- cies of barbarity. He means a degree of it : and GENERAL DIRECTIONS. 13 therefore the word so, instead of such, ought to have been used. The words cause and gave rise, are also tautological : one of them should, consequently,, be omitted. The sentence corrected would stand thus : u This was the original cause of so barbarous a prac- tice :" or, " of a practice so barbarous." 10. As parsing is an exercise' of great import- ance to the pupil, it should be continued, regularly, through the whole course of hrs grammatical in- struction. • 1 1. To the learner who has not the aid of a teach" er, the Key is indispensable. But it should, on no occasion, be consulted, till the sentence which is to be rectified, has been well considered, and has re~ ceived the learner's best correction. * A CONTENTS. PART I. Zeroises in Parsing. Page chap* 1. Exercises in Parsing, as it respects Etymology alone - - - 1 2. Exercises in Parsing, as it respects both Etymology and Syntax - 16 PART II. Exercises in Orthography. chap. 1. Instances of false Orthography, ar- ranged under the respective Rules 30 2, Instances of false Orthography, pro- miscuously disposed - - 36 PART III. Exercises in Syntax. chap. 1. Instances of false Syntax, disposed under the particular Rules - 48 2. Instances of false Syntax promis- cuously disposed - 9£ PART IV. Exercises in Punctuation. chap. 1. Sentence's'which require the applica- tion of the Comma, disposed under the particular Rules - - 114 2, Sentences which require the insertion of the Semicolon and Comma 122 CONTENTS. 15 Page CHAP. 3. Sentences requiring the application of the Colon, &c. - - 123 4. Sentences which require the insertion of the Period - - - 125 5. Sentences requiring the application of the Dash ; of the Notes of In- terrogation and Exclamation ; and of the Parenthetical Characters 126 6. Promiscuous instances of defective Punctuation - - - 128 PART V. Exercises to promote perspicuous 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 Sentences. chap. 1. Sentences in which the Rules of Clearness are violated - 150 2. Sentences in which the Rules of Unity are violated - - 156 3. Sentences in which the Rules for Promoting the Strength of a sen- tence are violated - - 159 4. Instances of an irregular use of Fi- gures of Speech - - 170 5. Violations of the Rules respecting perspicuous and accurate writing, promiscuously disposed - 17 o APPENDIX. €HAP. 1. On transposing the members of a sentence - - - - 185 2. On variety of expression - - 188 The following is a list of COLLINS & PERKINS^ editions of Murray's works^ with their prices at retail^ and by the dozen. IVJjoIesale. Retail, per Dot:. Gents. Dols. Cts. 1. Firft Book for Children, from 4th Eng. edit. 9 75 3. An Englifh Spelling-Book, 5th do. 25 % 00 3. An Englifh Grammar, i8fchdo. 75 7 50 4. Eng. Exercifes to the Grammar, iath do* (yz\ 6 00 5. A Key to the Englifh Exercifes, 10th do. 6z\ 6 00 6. An Abridgment of the Grammar, aoth do. 25 250 7. Introduction to the Eng. Reader, 5th do. 6z§ 6 00 f. The Englifh Reader, 8th do. 75 7 50 9. Sequel to the Englifh Reader, 3d do. 87^ 9 00 10. Introduction au Le&eur Francois, 87^ 9 00 11. Le&eur Francois, 1 2J \% 50 I %. The Power of Religion on the Mind, 13th do. I oq 10 oa %• The Proprietors of Lindley Murray's works, think it is no fmall recommendation of them, that the whole of thefe valua- ble publications, from " The Firft Book for Children," to " the Pow- er of Religion on the Mind," may be properly confidered, as form- ing a little code of important elementary inftru&ion. They are fbri&ly fubfervient to one another, and moft intimately connected. Their peculiar and acknowledged excellence is, that in every part of them, the pureft principles of piety and virtue, are happily blen- ded with the elements of literature. They may, therefore, with the greateft confidence, be put into the hands of young perfons, as books which (to ufe the language of a Reviewer refpecting them), " will eminently conduce to pure religion and morality, and to the acquifition of a correct and elegant ftyie." The following extract of a letter from Lin d ley Mur- ray will skew his ofiinion of the merits of Collins If Perkins's editions of his works. " I am much indebted to Collins iff Perkins for the neat and cor- rect manner in which they reprint my publications ; and for their care and exertions to exhibit the books as they were pub- lished by the author, and efpecially with his lateft improve- ments. I fhall make it a point to communicate to them from time to time, and as early as poflible, copies of all the new and improved editions of the books. It affords me a peculiar gratification to perceive that my publications are fo extenfively diffufed ^over my native country." EXERCISES. PART I. Exercises in Parsing. CHAP. I. Exercises in Parsing, as it respects Etymology alone. SECT. I. Etymological Parsing Table. w. HAT part of speech ? 1. 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 does it belong? Why an adjective ? 4. A pronoun. What kind ? Person ? Gender ? Num- ber? Case? Why? $. A verb. What kind ? Mood ? Tense ? Number ? Person ? Why ? If a participle, Why ? Ac- tive or passive ? 6. An adverb. Why is it an adverb? 7. A preposition. „ Why a preposition ? 8. A conjunction. Why ? 9. An interjection. Why ? B 2 EXERCISES* SECT. II. Specimen of Etymological Parsing* " Hope animates us." Hope is a common substantive, of the neuter gen- der, the third person, in the singular number, and the nominative case. [Decline the substantive.] Ani- mates is a regular verb active, indicative mood, pre- sent tense, third person singular, [Repeat the pre- sent tense, the imperfect tense, and the perfect par* ticiple ; and sometimes conjugate the verb entirely. ~\ Us is a personal pronoun, first person plural, and in the objective case. [Decline the pronoun.~\ " A peaceful mind is virtue's reward." A is the indefinite article. Peaceful is an adjective. [Repeat the degrees of comparison.] Mind is a com- mon substantive, of the neuter gender, the third person, in the singular number, and the nominative case. [Decline the substantive.'] Is is an irregular verb neuter, indicative mood, present tense, and the third person singular. [Repeat the present tense, the imperfect tense, and the participle ; and occasionally conjugate the verb entirely.] Virtue's is a com- mon substantive, of the neuter gender, the third person, in the singular number, and the possessive case. [Decline the substantive.] Reward is a com- mon substantive, of the neuter gender, the third person, in the singular number, and the nominative case. SECT. III. Article and Substantive* A bush An abbess A tree An owl 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' duty The horizon Virtue The vices Temperance A variety George The Rhine A prince A rivulet The Humber Gregory The Pope An inclination The undertaking Penelope Constancy An entertainment A fever The stars A comet A miracle A prophecy Depravity A building The weavers' company Europe The sciences Yorkshire The planets The sun A volume Parchment The pens A disposition Benevolence An oversight A design The governess An ornament The girls' school A grammar Mathematics The elements An earthquake The king's prerogative Africa The continent Roundness A declivity Blackness An elevation The conqueror An Alexander Wisdom America The Caesars The Thames A river The shadows A vacancy The hollow EXERCISES* The constitution The laws Beauty A consumption An idea A whim Something .Nothing SECT. IV. Article, Adjective, and Substantive* A good heart. A wise head. A strong body. An obedient son. A diligent scholar. A happy parent. Shady trees. A fragrant flower. The verdant fields. A peaceful mind* Composed thoughts* A serene aspect. An affable deportment. The whistling winds. A dignified character. A pleasing address. An open countenance. The candid reasoner. Fair proposals. A mutual agreement. A plain narrative. An historical fiction. Relentless war, An obdurate heart. Tempestuous passions. A temper unhappy. A sensual mind. The babbling brook. A limpid stream* A boisterous sea. The howling tempesU A gloomy cavern. Rapid streams. Unwholesome dews, A severe winter. A useless drone. The industrious bees. Harmless doves* The careless ostrich. The dutiful stork. The spacious firmament. Cooling breezes. A woman amiable. A free government* The diligent farmer. A fruitful field. The crowning harvest A virtuous conflict. A final reward* Peaceful abodes. The noblest prospect. A profligate life. A miserable end. Regions gloomy. An incomprehensible subject. A controverted point. The cool sequestered vale. PARSING. The devious walk. A winding canal. The serpentine river. A melancholy fact. An interesting history. A happier life. The woodbine's frag- rance. A cheering prospect. An harmonious sound. Fruit delicious. The sweetest incense. An odorous garden. The sensitive plant. A convenient mansion. Warm clothing. A temperate climate. Wholesome aliment. An affectionate parent. A garden enclosed. The ivy-mantled tower. Virtue's fair form. A mahogany table. Sweet-scented myrtle. A resolution wise, noble, disinterested. Consolation's lenient hand. A better world. A cheerful good old man. A silver tea-urn. Tender-looking charity. My brother's wife's mo- ther. A book of my friend's. An animating well-found- ed hope. SECT. V. Pronoun and Verb^ £s?c. I am sincere. Thou art industrious. He is disinterested. We honour them. You encourage us. They commend her. Thou dost improve. He assisted me. We completed our jour- ney. Our hopes did flatter us. They have deceived me. Your expectation -has failed. B Know yourselves. Let them advance. They may offend. I can forgive. He might surpass them. We could overtake him. I would be happy. You should repent. He may have deceived me. They may have forgot- ten. Thou mightst have im- proved. 2 EXERCISES. The accident had hap- pened. He had resigned himself. Their fears will detect them. You shall submit. They will obey us. Good humour shall pre- vail. He will have determined. We shall have agreed. Let me depart. Do you instruct him. Prepare your lessons. Let him consider. Let us improve ourselves. We have been rewarded. She had been admired. Vn*tue will be rewarded. The person will have been executed, when the pardon arrives. Let him be animated. Be you entreated. Let them be prepared. It can be enlarged. You may be discovered. He might be convinced. It would be caressed. dsf have been deceiv- ed. Thev might have been noured. be trusted, we must be virtuous. Fo have been admired, ■xd him little. We should have consi- dered. To see the sun is pleasant, To live well is honour- able. To have conquered him- self was his highest praise. Promoting others' wel- fare, they advanced their own interest. He lives respected. Having resigned his of- fice, he retired. They are discouraged. He was condemned. The book is his ; it was mine. These are yours, those are ours. Our hearts are deceitful. Your conduct met their approbatic . None met who could avoid it. His esteem is my honour. Her work does her credit. Each must answer the question. Every heart knows its own sorrows. Which was his choice ? It was neither. Hers is finished, thine is to do. This is what I feared* PARSING. Ridiculed, despised, per- secuted, he maintained his principles. Being reviled, we bless. Having been deserted, he became discouraged. The sight being new, he startled. This uncouth figure start- led him. I have searched, I have found it. They searched those rooms ; he was gone. That is the thing which I desired. Who can preserve him- self ? Whose books are these ? Whom have we served I Some are negligent, others industrious. One may deceive one's self. AH have a talent to im- prove. Can any dispute it? Such is our condition, SECT. VI. Adverb, Preposition, Conjunction, and Interjection. I have seen him once, perhaps twice. Thirdly, and lastly, I shall conclude. This plant is found here, and elsewhere. Only; to-day is properly ours. The task is already per- formed. We could not serve him then, but we will, here- after. We often resolve, but sel- dom perform. Ht is much more promis- ing now than formerly. When will they arrive ? Where shall we stop ? Mentally and bodily, we are curiously and won- derfully formed. They travelled through France, in haste, to- wards Italy. From virtue to vice, the progress is gradual. By diligence and fru- gality, we arrive at competency. We are often below our wishes, and a- bove our desert. Some things make for him, others against him. EXERCISES. We are wisely and hap- pily directed. He has certainly been diligent, and he will probably succeed. How sweetly the birds sing ! Why art thou so heed- less ? He is little attentive, nay, absolutely stupid. We in vain look for a path between virtue and vice. He lives within his in- come. The house was sold at a great price, and above its value. She came down stairs slowly, but went brisk- ly up again. His father, and mother, and uncle, reside at Rome. We must be temperate, if we would be healthy. He is as old as his class- mate, butnot so learned. Charles is esteemed, be- cause he is both dis- creet and benevolent. We will stay till he ar- rives. He retires to rest soon, that he may rise early. We ought to be thank- ful, for we have re- ceived much. By this imprudence, he was plunged into new difficulties. Without the aid of chari- ty, he supported him- self with credit. Of his talents much might be said ; concerning his integrity, nothing. On all occasions, she be- haved with propriety. Neither prosperity, nor adversity, has improv- ed him. He can acquire no virtue, unless he make some sacrifices Let him that standeth, take heed lest he fall. If thou werthis superior, thou shouldst not have boasted. He will be detected, though he deny the fact. If he has promised, he should act accordingly. She will transgress, un- less she be admonish- ed. If he were encouraged, he would amend. Though he condemn me, I will respect him. Their talents are more brilliant than useful. Notwithstanding his po- verty, he is a wise and worthy person* PARSING. Though he is often ad- • vised, yet he does not reform- Reproof either softens, or hardens, its object. "Though he is lively, yet he is not volatile. peace ! how desirable thou art ! 1 have been often occu- pied, alas ! with trifles. Strange ! that we should be so infatuated. O ! the humiliations to which vice reduces us. If our desires are mo- derate, our wants will be few. Hope often amuses, but seldom satisfies us. Hark ! how sweetly the woodlark sings ! Ah! the delusions of hope. Hail, simplicity ! source of genuine joy. Behold ! how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity ! Welcome again ! my long- lost friend. SECT. VII. A few instances of the same word's constituting seve- ral of the parts of speech. Calm was the day, and the scene delightful. We may expect a calm after a storm. To prevent passion, is easier than to calm it. Better is a little with con- tent, than a great deal with anxiety. The gay and dissolute think little of the mise- ries, which are stealing softly after them. A little attention will rectify some errors. Though he is out* of dan- ger, he is still afraid. He laboured to still the tumult. Still waters are common- ly deepest. Damp air is unwhole- some. ' Guilt often casts a damp over our sprightliest hours. Soft bodies damp the sound much more than hard ones. Tho' she is rich and fair, yet she is not amiable. They are yet young, and must suspend their judgment yet a while. 10 EXERCISES. Many persons are better than we suppose them to be, The few and the many have their preposses- sions. Few days pass without some clouds. Much money is corrupt- ing. Think much, and speak little. He has seen much of the world, and been much caressed. His years are more than hers ; but he has not more knowledge. The more we are blessed, the more grateful we should be. The desire of getting more is rarely satis- fied. He has equal knowledge, but inferior judgment. She is his inferior in sense, but his equal in prudence. Every being loves its like. We must make a like space between the lines. Behave yourselves like men. We are too apt to like pernicious company. He may go or stay as he likes. They strive to learn. He goes to and fro. To his wisdom we owe our privilege. The proportion is ten to one. He has served them with his utmost ability. When we do our utmost, no more is required. I will submit, for I know submission brings peace. It is for our health to be temperate. ! for better times. 1 have a regard for him. He is esteemed, both on his own account, and on that of his parents. Both of them deserve praise. Yesterday was a fine day. I rode out yesterday. I shall write to-morrow. To-morrow may be brighter than to-day. PARSING, 11 SECT. VIII. Nouns, Adjectives, and Verbs, to be declined, compar- ed, and conjugated. Write, in the nominative case plural, the follow- ing nouns : apple, plum, orange, bush, tree, plant, convenience, disorder, novice, beginning, defeat, protuberance. Write the following substantives, in the nomina- tive case plural : cry, fly, cherry, fancy, glory, du- ty, boy, folly, play, lily, toy, conveniency. Write the following nouns in the possessive case singular : boy, girl, man, woman, lake, sea, church, lass, beauty, sister, bee, branch. Write the following in the nominative case plural : loaf, sheaf, self, muff, knife, stuff, wife, staff, wolf, half, calf, shelf, life. Write the following in the possessive case plural : brother, child, man, woman, foot, tooth, ox, mouse, goose, penny. . Write the following nouns in the nominative and 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, who, and other. Write the objective cases, singular and plural, of the pronouns, I, thou, he, she, it, and who. Compare the following adjectives: fair, grave, bright, long, short, tall, white, deep, strong, poor, rich, great. Compare the following adjectives : amiable, mo- derate, disinterested, favourable, grateful, studious, attentive, negligent,-industrious, perplexing. Write the following adjectives in the comparative 12 EXERCISES. degree : near, far, little, low, good, indifferent, bad, worthy, convenient. Write the following adjectives in the superlative degree : feeble, .bold, good, ardent, cold, bad, base, little, strong, late, near, content. Conjugate the following verbs in the indicative mood, present tense: beat, gain, read, eat, walk, desire, interpose. Conjugate the following verbs in the potential mood, imperfect tense : fear, hope, dream, fly, con- sent, improve, controvert. Conjugate the following verbs in the subjunctive mood, perfect tense : drive, prepare, starve, omit, indulge, demonstrate. Conjugate the following words in the imperative mood : believe, depart, invent, give, abolish, con- trive, Write the following verbs in the infinitive mood, present and perfect tenses : grow, decrease, live, prosper, separate, incommode. Write the present, perfect, and compound par- ticiples, of the following verbs : confess, disturb, please, know, begin, sit, set, eat, lie, lay. Conjugate the following verbs, in the indicative mood, present and perfect tenses of the passive voice : honour, abase, amuse, slight, enlighten, dis- please, envelop, bereave. Conjugate the following verbs, in the indicative mood, pluperfect and first future tenses : fly, con- trive, know, devise, choose, come, see, go, eat, grow, bring, forsake. Write the following verbs in the present and im- perfect tenses of the potential and subjunctive moods : know, shake, heat, keep, give, blow, bestow, be- seech. Write the following verbs in the indicative mood, imperfect and second future tenses, of the passive PARSING, 13 voice : slay, draw, crown, throw, defeat, grind, hear, divert. Write the following verbs in the second and third persons singular of all the tenses in the indicative and subjunctive moods : approve, condemn, mourn, freeze, know, arise, drive, blow, investigate. Form the following verbs in the infinitive and imperative moods, with their participles, all in the passive voice : embrace, draw, defeat, smite. SECT. IX. Promiscuous Exercises in Etymological Parsing. In your whole behaviour, be humble and obliging. Virtue is the universal charm. True politeness has its seat in the heart. We should endeavour to please, rather than to shine and dazzle. Opportunities occur daily for strengthening in ourselves the habits of virtue. Compassion prompts us to relieve the wants of others. A good mind is unwilling to give pain to either man or beast. Peevishness and passion often produce, from tri- fles, the most serious mischiefs. Discontent often nourishes passions, equally ma- lignant in the cottage and in the palace. A great proportion of human evils is created by ourselves. A passion for revenge, has always been considered as the mark of a little and mean mind. It greatness flatters our vanity, it multiplies our dangers. To our own failings we are commonly blind. The friendships* of young persons, are often founded on capricious likings. C 14* EXERCISES. In your youthful amusements let no unfairness be found. Engrave on your minds this sacred rule ; " Do unto others, as'you wish that they should do unto you." Truth and candour possess a powerful charm: they bespeak universal favour. After the first departure from sincerity, it is sel- dom in our power to stop : one artifice generally leads on to another. Temper the vivacity of youth, with a proper mix- ture of serious thought. The spirit of true religion is social, kind, and cheerful. Let no compliance with the intemperate mirth of others, ever betray you into profane sallies. In preparing for another world, we must not neg- lect the duties of this life. The manner in which we employ our present time, may decide our future happiness or misery. Happiness does not grow up of its own accord : it is the fruit of long cultivation, and the acquisition of labour and care. A plain understanding is often joined with great worth. The brightest parts are sometimes found without virtue or honour. How feeble are the attractions of the fairest form, when nothing within corresponds to them ! Piety and virtue are particularly graceful and be- coming in youth. Can we, untouched by gratitude, view that pro- fusion of good, which the Divine hand pours around us ? There is nothing in human life more amiable and respectable, than the character of a truly humble and benevolent man. PARSING. 15 What feelings are more uneasy and distressful, than the workings of sour and angry passions ? No man can be active in disquieting others, who does not, at the same time, disquiet himself. A life of pleasure and dissipation, is an enemy to health, fortune, and character. To correct the spirit of discontent, let us consider how little we deserve, and how much we enjoy. As far as happiness is to be found on earth, we must look for it, not in the world, or the things of the world ; but within ourselves, in our temper, and in our heart. Though bad men attempt to turn virtue into ridi- cule, they honour it at the bottom of their hearts. Of what small moment to our real happiness, are many of those injuries which draw forth our resent- ment ! In the moments of eager contention, every thing is magnified and distorted in its appearance. Multitudes in the most obscure stations, are not less eager in their petty broils, nor less tormented by their passions, than if princely honours were the prize for which they contend. The smooth stream, the serene atmosphere, the mild zephyr, are the proper emblems of a gentle temper, and a peaceful life. Among the sons of strife, all is loud and tempestuous. 16 EXERCISES. CHAP. II. E'xertises in Parsing, as it respects both Etymo- logy and Syntax. SECT. I. Syntactical Parsing Table* Article* Why is it the definite article ? Why the indefinite ? Why omitted ? Why repeated ? Substantive. Why is it in the possessive case ? Why in the objective case ? Why in apposition ? Why is the apostrophic s omitted? Adjective. What is its substantive ? Why in the singular, why in the plu- ral number ? Why in the comparative degree, &c. ? Why placed after its substantive ? Why omitted ? Why repeated ? Pronoun. What is its antecedent ? Why is it in the singular, why in the plural number? Why of the masculine, why of the fe- minine, why of the neuter gender ? Why of the first, of the second, or of the third person ? Why is it the nominative case ? Why the possessive ? Why the objec- tive ? Why omitted ? Why repeated ? Verb. What is its nominative case ? What case does it govern ? PARSING. 17 Why is it in the singular? Why in the plural number? Why in the first person, Sec, ? Why is it in the infinitive mood ? Why in the subjunctive, &c. ? Why in this particular tense ? What relation has it to another verb, in point of time ? Why do participles sometimes govern the objective case ? Why is the verb omitted ? Why re- peated ? Adverb. What is its proper situation ? Why is the double negative used ? Why rejected ? Preposition. What case does it govern ? Which is the word governed ? Why this preposition ? Why omitted? Why repeated ? Conjunction. What moods, tenses, or cases, does it connect ? And why ? What mood does it require ? Why omitted ? Why repeated ? Jnterjection.Why does the nominative case follow it? Why the objective ? Why omit- ted ? Why repeated ? SECT. II. Specimen of Syntactical Parsing. " Vice degrades us." Vice is a common substantive, of the neuter gen- der, the third person, in the singular number, and the nominative case. Degrades is a regular verb ac- tive, indicative mbod, present tense, third person sin- gular, agreeing with its nominative " vice," accord- C 2 13 Exercises. iog to rule in which sa^s ; (here repeat the rule.) Us is a personal pronoun, first person plural, in the objective case, and governed by the active verb u de» grades," 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 gender and number, ac- cording to rule v. which says, &c. Lives a regular verb neuter, indicative mood, present tense, third person singular, agreeing with its nominative, " who," according to rule vi. which says, &c. Virtuously is an adverb of quality. Prepares a regular verb neuter, indicative mood, present tense, third person singular, agreeing with its nominative, u he." For is a preposition. All is an adjective pronoun, of the indefinite kind, the plural number, and belongs to its substantive, u events," with which it agrees, ac-j cording to rule viii. which says, &c. Events is a common substantive of the neuter gender, the third person, in the plural number, and the objective case, governed by the preposition, " for," according to rule xvn. which says, &c. ^£ " If folly entice thee, reject its allurements." J^is a copulative conjunction. Folly is a common substantive of the neuter gender, the third person, in the singular 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, govern- ed by the active verb "entice," agreeably to rule xi. which says, &c. Reject is a regular active verb. PARSING. 19 imperative mood, second person singular, and agrees with its nominative case, " thou," implied. Its is a personal pronoun, third person, singular number, and of -the neuter gender, to agree with its substantive ." folly/' according to rule v. which says, &c. It is in the possessive case, governed by the noun u al- lurements/' agreeably to rule x. which says, &c. Allurements is a common substantive, of the neuter gender, the third person, in the plural number, and the objective case governed by the active verb, "re- ject," according^to rule xi. which says, &c. SECT. III. Exercises on the frst y second, thirds and fourth Rules of Syntax** 1. The contented mind spreads ease and cheer- fulness around it. The school of experience teaches many useful lessons. In the path of life are many thorns, as well as flowers. Thou shouldst do justice to all men, even to enemies. 2. Vanity and presumption ruin many a promis- ing youth. Food, clothing, and credit, are the rewards of industry. He and William live together in great harmony. 3. No age, nor condition, is exempt from trouble. Wealth, or virtue, or any valuable acquisition, is not attainable by idle wishes. * In parting these^ exercifes, the pupil fliould repeat the refpec- fcive rule of Syntax,*and fhow that it applies to the fcntence which he is parting. 20- EXERCISES, 4. The British nation is great and generous. The company is assembled. It is composed of persons possessing very different sentiments. A herd of cattle, peacefully grazing, affords a pleasing sight. SECT. IV. Exercises on the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth Aules of Syntax. 5. The man, who is faithfully attached to religion, may be relied on with confidence. The vices which we should especially avoid, are those which most easily beset us. 6. They who are born in high stations, are not always happy. Our parents and teachers are the persons whom we ought, in a particular manner, to respect. If our friend is in trouble, we, whom he knows and loves, may console him. 7. Thou art the man who has improved his pri- vileges, and who will reap the reward. I am the person, who owns a fault committed, and who disdains to conceal it by falsehood. 8. That sort of pleasure weakens and debases the mind. Even in these times, there are many persons, who, from disinterested motives, are solicitous to promote the happiness of others. SECT. V. Exercises on the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth Rules of Syntax. 9. The restless discontented person, is not a good friend, a good neighbour, or a good subject. PARSING, 21 The young, the healthy, and the prosperous, should not presume on their advantages. 10. The scholar's diligence will secure the tutor's approbation. The good parent's greatest joy, is to see his chil- dren wise and virtuous. 11. Wisdom and virtue ennoble us. Vice and folly debase us. Whom can we so justly love, as them who have endeavoured to make us wise and happy ? 12. When a person has nothing to do, he is al- 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. VI. Exercises on the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth Rules of Syntax. 13. The business is, at last, completed ; but long ago I intended to do it. I expected to see the king, before he left Wind- sor. The misfortune did happen : but we early hoped and endeavoured to prevent it. To have been censured by so judicious a friend^ would have greatly discouraged me. 14. Having early disgraced himself, he became mean and dispirited. Knowing him to be my superior, I cheerfully submitted. 15. We should always prepare for the worst, and hope for the best/ 22 EXERCISES* A young man, so learned and virtuous, promises to be a very useful member of society. When our virtuous friends die, they are not lost for ever ; they are only gone before us to a happier world. 16. Neither threatcnings, nor any promises, could make him violate the truth. Charles is not insincere ; and therefore we may trust him. 17. From whom was that information received? To whom do that house, and those fine gardens, belong ? SECT. VII. Exercises on the eighteenth, nineteenth, twentieth, twenty-jirst, and twenty-second Rules of Syntax. 18. He and I commenced our studies at the same time. If we contend about trifles, and violently maintain our opinion, we shall gain but few friends. 19. Though James and myself are rivals, we do not cease to be friends. If Charles acquire knowledge, good manners, and virtue, he will secure esteem. William is respected, because he is upright and obliging. 20. These persons are abundandy more oppressed than we are. Though I am not so good a scholar as he is, I am, perhaps, not less attentive than he, to study. 21. Charles was a man of knowledge, learning, politeness, and religion. In our travels, we saw much to approve, and much to condemn. PARSING. 23 22. The book is improved by many useful cor- rections, alterations, and additions. She is more talkative and lively than her brother, but not so well informed, nor so uniformly cheerful. SECT. VIII. Promiscuous Exercises in Syntactical Parsing* PROSE. Dissimulation in youth, is the forerunner of perfidv in old age. Its first appearance is the fatal omen of growing depravity, and future shame. If we possess not the power of self-government, we shall be the prey of every loose inclination that chances to arise. Pampered by continual indul- gence, all our passions will become mutinous and headstrong. Desire, not reason, will be the ruling principle of our conduct. Absurdly we spend our time in contending about the trifles of a day, while we ought to be preparing for a higher existence, How little do they know of the true happiness of life, who are strangers to that intercourse of good offices and kind affections, which, by a pleasing charm, attaches men to one another, and circulates rational enjoyment from heart to heart ! If we view ourselves, with all our imperfections and failings, in a just light, we shall rather be sur- prised at our enjoying so many good things, than discontented, because there are any which we want. True cheerfulness makes a man happy in himself, and promotes the happiness of all around Kim. It is the clear and calm sunshine of a mind illuminated by piety and virtue. Wherever* views of interest, and prospects of return, mingle with the feelings of affection, sen- 24 EXERCISES. sibility acts an imperfect part, and entitles us to small share of commendation. Let not your expectations from the years that are to come, rise too high ; and your disappointments will be fewer, and more easily supported. To live long, ought not to be our favourite wish, so much as to live well. By continuing too long on earth, we might only live to witness a greater num- ber o' : melancholy scenes, and to expose ourselves to a wider compass of human wo. How many pass away some of the most valuable years of their lives, tost in a whirlpool of what can- not be called pleasure, so much as mere giddiness and folly ! Look round you with attentive eye, and weigh characters well, before you connect yourselves too closely with any who court your society. The true honour of man consists not in the mul- titude of riches, or the elevation of rank ; for ex- perience shows, that these may be possessed by the worthless, as well as by the deserving. Beauty of form has often betrayed its possessor. The flower is easily blasted. It is short-lived at the best ; and trifling, at any rate, in comparison with the higher, and more lasting beauties of the mind. A contented temper opens a clear sky, and brightens every object around us. It is in the sul- len and dark shade of discontent, that noxious pas- sions, like venomous animals, breed and prey upon the heart. Thousands whom indolence has sunk into con- temptible obscurity, might have come forward to usefulness and honour, if idleness had not frustrated the effects of all their powers. Sloth is like the slowly-flowing, putrid stream, which stagnates in the marsh, breeds venomous ani- mals, and poisonous plants ; and ihfectil with pesti- lential vapours the whole country round it. PARSING. 2o Disappointments derange, and overcome, vulgar minds. The patient and the wise, by a proper im- provement* frequently make them contribute to their high advantage. Whatever fortune may rob us of, it cannot take away what is most valuable, the peace of a good conscience, and the cheering prospect of a happy conclusion to all the trials of life, in a better world. Be not overcome by the injuries you meet with, so as to pursue revenge ; by the disasters of life, so as to sink into despair ; by the evil examples of the world, so as to follow them into sin. Overcome injuries, by forgiveness ; disasters, by fortitude ; evil examples, by firmness of principle. Sobriety of mind is one of those virtues, which the present condition of human life strongly incul- cates. The uncertainty of its enjoyments, checks presumption ; the multiplicity of its dangers, de- mands perpetual caution. Moderation, vigilance, and self-government, are duties incumbent on all ; but especially on such as are beginning the journey of life. The charms and comforts of virtue are inexpres- sible ; and . can only be justly conceived by those who possess her. The consciousness of Divine approbation and support, and the steady hope of future happiness, communicate a peace and joy, to which all the delights of the world bear no" re- semblance. If we knew how' much the pleasures of this life deceive and betray their unhappy votaries ; and re- flected on the disappointments in pursuit, the dis- satisfaction in enjoyment, or the uncertainty of pos- session, which every where attend them ; we should cease to be enamoured with these brittle and tran- sient joys ; and should wisely fix our hearts on those virtuous attainments, which the world can neither give nor ta*ke avvav. b 26 EXERCISES. POETRY. Order is Heaven's first law ; and this confest, Some are, and must be, greater than the rest, More rich, more wise ; but who infers from hence, That such are happier, shocks all common sense. Needful austerities our wills restrain ; As thorns fence in the tender plant from harm. Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, Lie in three words, health, peace, and competence : But health consists with temperance alone ; And peace, O virtue! peace is all thy own. On earth nought precious is obtain'd, But what is painful too ; By travel and to travel born, Our sabbaths are but few. Who noble ends by noble means obtains, Or failing, smiles in exile or in chains, Like good Aurelius let him reign, or bleed Like Socrates, that man is great indeed. Our hearts are fasten'd to this world, By strong and endless ties ; Bui every sorrow cuts a string, And urges us to rise. Oft pining cares in rich brocades are drest, And diamonds glitter on an anxious breast* Teach me to feel another's wo, To hide the fault I see ; That mercy I to others show, That mercy show to me. This day be bread, and peace, my lot : All else beneath the sun Thou know'st if best bestow'd or not, And let thy will be done. PARSING, 2< Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, As, to be hated, needs but to be seen : Yet been too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace. • If nothing more than purpose in thy power, Thy purpose firm, is equal to the deed : Who does the best his circumstance allows, Does well, acts nobly ; angels could no more. In faith and hope the world will disagree, But all mankind's concern is charity. To be resigned when ills betide, Patient when favours are denied, And pleas'd with favours giv'n ; Most surely this is Wisdom's part, This is that incense of the heart, Whose fragrance smells to Heav'n. All fame is foreign, but of true desert ; Plays round the head, but comes not to the heart : One self-approving hour whole years outweighs Of stupid starers, and of loud huzzas ; And more true joy Marcellus exil'd feels Than Csesar with a senate at his heels. Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife, Their sober wishes never learn'd to stray ; Along the cool sequester'd vale of life, They kept the noiseless tenor of their way. What nothing earthly gives, or can destroy, The soul's calm sunshine, and the heartfelt joy, Is virtue's prize. Pity the sorrows of a poor old man, Whose trembling limbs have borne him to thy door. Whose days are dwindled to the shortest span : % Oh ! give relief, -and Heav'n will bless thy store. 28 EXERCISES. Who lives to nature, rarely can be poor s Who lives to fancy, never can be rich. When young, life's journey I began, The glittering prospect charm'd my eyes ; I saw, along th' extended plain, Joy after joy successive rise. But soon I found 'twas all a dream ; And learn 'd. the fond pursuit to shun, Where few can reach the 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 nature is but art unknown to thee ; All chance, direction which thou canst not see ; All discord, harmony not understood ; All partial evil, universal good. HeavVs choice is safer than our own ; Of ages past inquire, What the most formidable fate ; w To have our own desire." If ceaseless, thus, the fowls of heav'n he feeds^ If o'er the fields such lucid robes he spreads ; Will he not care for you, ye faithless, say ? Is he unwise ? or, are ye less than they ? The spacious firmament on high, With all the blue ethereal sky, And spangled heav'ns, a shining frame. Their great original proclaim : Th' unwearied sun, from day to day, Does his Creator's power display, And publishes to ev'ry land, The work of an Almighty hand* PARSING. 29 Soon as the ev'ning shades prevail, The moon takes up the wond'rous tale, And, nightly, to the list'ning earth, fiepeats the story of her birth : Whilst all the stars that round her burn, And all the planets in their turn, Confirm the tidings as they roll, And spread the truth from pole to pole. What tho', in solemn silence, all Move round the dark terrestrial ball ! What tho' nor real voice nor sound, Amid their radiant orbs be found ! In reason's ear they all rejoice, And utter forth a glorious voice, For ever singing as they shine, a The hand that made us is Divine/' D2 PART. XL Exercises in .Orthography* CHAP. I. Containing instances cf false Orthography, arranged under the respective Rules, RULE U Monosyllables ending with i, 1, or s, preceded by a single vowel, double the final consonant; as, staffs mill, pass, &?c. The only exceptions are, of, if as, is, has, was, yes, his', this, us, and thus. See Gram. 18th edit. p. 37. It is no great merit to spel properly; but a great defect to do it incorrectly. Jacob worshiped his Creator, leaning on the top of his staf. We may place too little, as well as too much stres upon dreams. Our manners should be neither gros, nor exces- sively refined. RULE II. Monosyllables ending with any consonant but f, I, or s, and preceded by a single vowel, never double the final consonant ; excepting only ', add, ebb, butt, egg r vdd, err, inn, bum, purr, and buzz* ORTHOGRAPHY, 31 A carr signifies a chariot of war, or a small car- riage of burden. In the names of druggs and plants, the mistake in a word may endanger life. Nor undelightful is the ceaseless humm To him who muses through the woods at noon. The firm of a fish is the limb, by which he balan- ces 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 sim- ple business of making matts. RULE III. Words ending with y, preceded by a consonant, form the plurals of nouns, the persons of verbs, verbal norms, past participles, comparatives, and superla- tives, by changing y into i; as, spy, spies; I carry, thou earnest ; he carrieth or carries; carrier, car* ried; happy, happier, happiest. The present participle in ing, retains the y, that i may not be doubled; as, carry, carrying; bury, bu- rying, &c. 'But y, preceded by a vowel, in such instances as the above, is not changed; as, boy, boys ; I cloy, he cloys, cloyed, &?c; except in lay, pay, and say ; from xvhich are formed, laid, paid, and said; and their com" pounds, unlaid, unpaid, &?<;.* We should subject our fancys to the government of reason. If thou art seeking for the living amongst the dead r thou wearyest thyself in vain. If we have denyed ourselves sinful pleasures, we shall be great gainers in the end. We shall not be the happyer for possessing talent? and affluence, unless we make a right use of them. The truly good, mind is not dismaied by poverty., afflictions, or death* 32 EXERCISES. RULE IV. Words ending with y, preceded by a consonant, up- on assuming an additional syllable beginning with a consonant, commonly change y into i ; as, happy, hap- pily, happiness* But when y is preceded by a vowel, it is very rarely changed in the additional syllable ; as, coy, coyly ; boy, boyish, boyhood; annoy, annoy- ed, annoyance; joy, joy less, joyful, £?c. It is a great blessing to have a sound mind, unin- fluenced by fancyful humours. Common calamities, and common blessings, fall heavyly upon the envious. The comelyness of youth are modesty and frank- ness ; of age, condescension and dignity. When we act against conscience, we become the destroiers of our own peace. We may be plaiful, and yet innocent ; grave, and yet corrupt. It is only from general conduct, that our true character can be portraied. rule v. Monosyllables, and words accented on the last syl- lable, ending with a single consonant preceded by a single vowel, double that consonant, when they take another syllable beginning with a vowel: as, wit, xvitty ; thin, thinnish; to abet, an abettor ; to begin, a beginner. But if a diphthong precedes, or the accent is on the preceding syllables the ^consonant remains single: as, to toil, toiling; to offer, an offering; maid, maid- en, &?c. When we bring the lawmaker into contempt, we have in effect a.muled his iaws. By defering our repentance, we accumulate our sorrows. The pupils of a certain ancient philosopher, were ORTHOGRAPHY. 33 &ot, during their first years of study, permited to ask any questions. We all have many faillings and lapses to lament and recpver. There is no affliction with which we are visitted, that may not be improved to our advantage. The Christian Lawgiver has prohibitted many- things, which the heathen philosophers allowed. RULE VI. Words ending with any double letter but \, and tak- ing, ness, less, ly, or fill, after them, preserve the let- ter double: as, harmlessness, carelessness, carelessly, stiffly, successful, distressful, £fc. But those zvords which end with double 1, and take ness, less, ly, or ful, after them, generally omit one 1, as, fulness, shit- less, fully, skilful, &-c. Restlesness of mind disqualifies us, both for the enjoyment of peace, and the performance of our duty. The arrows of calumny fall harmlesly at the feet of virtue. The road to the blisful regions, is as open to the peasant as to the king. A dullness or shivering of the body generally precedes a fever. To recommend virtue to others, our lights must shine brightly not diilley. The silent stranger stood amazM to see Contempt of weath, and willful poverty. RULE VII. Ness, less, ly, and ful, added to words ending with silent e, do not cut it hff: as, paleness, guileless^ clo