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ENGLISH EXERCISES, 
 
 4 
 
 ADAPTED TO 
 
 MURRAY'S ENGLISH GRAMMAR 
 
 CONSISTING OF 
 
 Esercises in Parsing ;— Instances of False Orthograpbj ; 
 Violations of the Rales of Syntax ;— Defects in Punctnation ; 
 
 AND 
 
 Violations of the Rales respecting perspicoous and accurate Writing. 
 
 DESIGNED FOR THE BENEFIT OF 
 
 PRIVATE LEARNERS, 
 
 AS WELL AS FOR 
 
 THE USE OF SCHOOLS. 
 
 Br LINDLEY MURRAY. 
 
 THE FORTY-SECOND EDITION. 
 
 PRINTED FOR FREDERICK FX.EISCHER. 
 
 1834. 
 
COUCATION DEf^ 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The principles of knowledge become most intelligible 
 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 recommended, or pursued. Instruc- 
 tion which is enlivened by pertinent examples, and in 
 which the pupil is exercised in reducing the rules pre- 
 scribed 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 precepts ; 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 inafpressions. 
 
 These observations are peculiarly applicable to the 
 study of grammar, and the method of teaching it. The 
 rules require frequent explanation; and, besides direct elu- 
 cidation, 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 advantages which arise from Grammatical Exer- 
 cises. By discovering their own abilities to detect and 
 amend errors, and their consequent improvement, the 
 scholars become pleased with their studies, and are ani- 
 mated to proceed, and surmount the obstacles which oc- 
 cur in their progress. The instructer too is reheved and 
 encouraged in his labours. By discerning exactly the 
 
 541178 
 
.'^ *•;'■/*- I . .' Introduction. 
 powers an*d irapfovement of his pupils, he perceives the 
 proper season for advancing them ; and by observing the 
 points in which they are deficient, he knows precisely where 
 to apply his directions and explanations. 
 
 These considerations have induced the Compiler to 
 collect and arrange a variety of erroneous examples, 
 adapted to the different rules and instructions of English 
 Grammar, and to the principles of perspicuoas and accu- 
 rate writing. It has not indeed been usual, to make Gram- 
 matical 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 of 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 accu- 
 rate and intimate knowledge of the subject, will consti- 
 tute 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 h is 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 they are but few, and that 
 they will be found under those rules only, which, from 
 tie nature of them, could not have been otherwise clearly 
 
INTRODUCTION, » 
 
 exemplified to young persons. The examples applicable 
 to the principal notes and observations, are carefully ar- 
 ranged under the respective rules of Syntax j and regu- 
 larly numbered to make them correspond to the subor- 
 dinate rules in the Grammar. 
 
 As many of the examples contain several errors in the 
 same sentence, and some of them admit of various con- 
 structions in amending them, it has been thought proper 
 to publish a Key for ascertaining all the corrections : and 
 this has been the more expedient, 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 
 contained 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 advantage 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 ap- 
 pearance ; 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 soli- 
 citous to avoid all exceptionable mattery and to improve 
 his work, by blending moral and useful observations with 
 Grammatical studies. Even sentiments of a pious and 
 religious nature, have not been thought improper to be 
 
6 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 occasionally inserted in these Exercises. Th3 understand- 
 ing and sensibility of young persons, are much under- 
 rated by those who think them incapable of comprehend- 
 ing 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 intelligent observer : — why, then, should not these 
 emotions find their proper support and incentives, among 
 the elements of learning? Congenial sentiments, thus dis- 
 posed, 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 importance 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 ex- 
 amples, 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. 
 
 Holdgate, near YorT:, 1^. 
 
^D VER TISeMENT 
 
 TO THE SEVENTH EDITION.* 
 
 The Author of this volume of Exercises, perceiving 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 uninteresting sen- 
 tences; 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 -promoie perspicuous and accurate writing, 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 calcu- 
 lated, at once, to confirm the learner in perspicuous and 
 accurate writing, and to improve his taste for elegant compo- 
 sition. 
 
 In all the additional exercises to this part of the book, the 
 author has been careful to exhibit no inaccuracies 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 ediiion, consij-f, chiefly^ of" Ge- 
 neral Directions for using the Exercises^ " and of a new, enlarged systera of 
 Exercises in Parsing. 
 
ADVERTISEMEMT 
 
 TO THE TENTH EDITION. 
 
 One of tte 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 ttvelfth 
 edition of the Grammar; and it is therefore indispensable, that 
 the Exercises should conform to the alteration.* 
 
 As there are some teachers, who doubt the propriety of pre- 
 senting 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 rectitude, make light impression, com- 
 pared with the effect of contrast, in which errors and cor- 
 rections are opposed to each other. A child generally sees and 
 hears so many instances of erroneous construction, 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 accurately remembered. 
 
 ' On these grounds, it is evident, that the practice of correct- 
 ing errors, should be introduced into the early stages of gram- 
 matical studies. Instead of exposing children to "the danger 
 of evil communication," as some ingenious persons have sup- 
 posed, 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 reasons infiivourofan Objective Case for English nouns, al 
 pages 54, B5, 56, of the Ttce'fth or auy subsequent edition of the Gr inniar- 
 
GENERAL DIRECTIONS 
 
 FOR USING THE EXERCISES. 
 
 1. As soon as the learner has committed to memory, the defi- 
 nitions of the article and substantive, as expressed in the gram- 
 mar, 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 the Etymology, 
 regularly parsing the exercises 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 exercises attached to the particular rules. 
 
 4. In this stage of his progress, he may vary his employment, 
 by occasionally parsing the promiscuous 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, proceed- 
 ing regularly according to their order. The pupil may now 
 be, occasionally, employed in correcting the promiscuous 
 exercises in Orthography. 
 
 6. The preceding directions (except those upon Orthography) 
 respect only the leading rules of the Grammar, which are printed 
 in the larger type. When the exercises on those general rules 
 are completed, 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 
 
lO GENERAL DIRECTIONS. 
 
 exercises belonging to it. Thus, he is to proceed, rule by rule , 
 till the whole is finished.* The learner should now be, occa- 
 sionally/employed in parsing the promiscuous exercises, con- 
 tained in the eighth section of the chapter on Syntactical 
 Parsing. \ 
 
 7. When the student has corrected all the exercises appro- 
 priated to the particular rules, 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 rule, principal or subordinate, by which he 
 conceives 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 himanhabitualdexterity in applying them, if 
 he were occasionally desired to correct, verbally , erroneous sen- 
 tences purposely selected from different parts of the bookj 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 following examples will give the student an idea 
 of the manner, in which he is to make the verbal corrections. 
 
 " The man is prudent which speaks little.'* 
 
 This sentence is incorrect j because which is a pronoun 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 w^o a relative pronoun agreeing with 
 
 * The pupil ought to review every leading rule, and again rectify a few 
 of the sentences under it before he enters on its subordinate rules and their 
 correspondent exercises. * 
 
GENERAL DIRECTIONS. H 
 
 its antecedent man ; and the sentence should stand thus : " The 
 man is prudent who speaks little." 
 
 " After I visited Europe, I returned to America." 
 
 This sentence is not correct ; because the verb visitedia 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, repre- 
 senting the action oi visiting, noi only as past, but also as prior to 
 the time oi returning. The sentence corrected 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.*' 
 
 Thissentence is inaccurate. The yfoxAs 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 species of barbarity. He means a degree of it : and 
 therefore the word so, instead oi suck, 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 : " This was the original cause of so bar- 
 barous a practice ; " or, " of a practice so barbarous." * 
 
 10. As parsing is an exercise of great importance to the 
 pupil, it should be continued,'regularly, through the whole 
 coarse of his grammatical instruction. 
 
 11. To the learner who has not the aid of a teacher, the Key 
 is indispensable. But it should, on no occasion, be consulted, 
 till the sentence which is to be rectified, has been well con- 
 sidered, and has received the learner's best correction. 
 
 * For a variety of examples of this explanatory mode of Parsing, see 
 the Octavo Grammar, Second volume, pp. 42—52. 
 
ADVERTISEMENT 
 
 TO THE TWELFTH EDITION". 
 
 The reader will perceive, that a number of Notes and 
 Critical Discussions have 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 enlarge- 
 ment without an advance of its price. The author has, 
 however, taken care to make proper references, under the 
 correiepondent rules in the Grammar, to all those additional 
 notes and discussions. To this mode of supplying improve- 
 ments, the reader will have the less objection, when he con- 
 siders, that the Exercises and the Key are necessary appen- 
 dages 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 uni- 
 form system of English Grammar. 
 
 To the Tenth edition of the Key, the Author has added an 
 Apologetical Preface, accounting for the additions and va- 
 riations, 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 him- 
 self will be generally useful ; and particularly acceptable 
 to students who have made some progress in the knowledge 
 of graimnar. 
 
 See the Advertisement to he Twelfth edition of the Key, 
 at page 220 of that volume. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Exercises in Parsing, 
 
 CHAP. 1. ExercisesinParsing, as it respects Etymology alone 15 
 2. Exercises in Parsing, as it respects both Etymology 
 
 and Syntax , 32 
 
 PART II. 
 
 Exercises in Orthography. 
 
 CHAP. I. Instances of false Orthography, arranged under 
 
 the respective Rules 47 
 
 2> Instances of false Orthography, promiscuously 
 
 disposed 53 
 
 PART III. 
 
 Exercises in Syntax. 
 
 CHAP. I. Instances of false Syntax, disposed under the par- 
 ticular Rules 67 
 
 2. Instances of false Syntax promiscuously disposed 123 
 
 PART IV. 
 
 Exercises in Punctuation. 
 
 CHAP. 1. Sentences which require the application of the 
 
 Comma, disposed under the particular Rules 141 
 
 2. Sentences which require the insertion of the Se- 
 
 micolon and Comma 150 
 
 3. Sentences requiring the application of the Colon, 
 
 &c 
 
14 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAP. 4. Sentences whicli require the insertion of the Period 154 
 5. Sentences requiring the application of the Dash; 
 of the Notes of Interrogation and Exclama - 
 tion ; and of the Parenthetical Charac- 
 ters 156 
 
 G. Promiscuous instances of defect] re Punctuation 157 
 
 PART V. 
 
 Exercises to pt-omole perspicuous and accurate Writing, 
 
 Firstj With respect to single Words and Phrases. 
 
 CHAP. 1. Violations of the Rules of Purity 169 
 
 2. Violations of the Rules of Propriety 171 
 
 3. Violations of the Rules of Precision 179 
 
 Secondly, With respect to the Construction of Sentences. 
 CHAP. 1. Sentences in which the Rules of Clearness are 
 
 violated • 180 
 
 2. Sentences in which the Rules of Unity are violated 187 
 
 3. Sentences in which the Rules for promoting the 
 
 strength of a sentence are violated . . . . 190 
 
 4. Instances of an irregular use of Figures of Speech 203 
 
 5. Violations of theRules respecting perspicuous and 
 
 accurate writing, promiscuously disposed 806 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 CHAP. 1. On transposing the members of a sentence .... 219 
 2. On variety of expression 223 
 
EXERCISES. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Exercises in Parsing. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Exercises in Parsing, as it respects Etymology alone. 
 See the Grammar, p. 215. 
 
 SECTION 1. 
 
 Etymological Parsing Table, 
 
 VV HAT part of speech ? 
 \, 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? 
 5 A verb. What kind? Mood? Tense? Number? 
 Person? Why? If a^ participle, Why? 
 Active or passive ? 
 
 6. An adverb. Why is it an adverb? 
 
 7. A preposition. Why a preposition ? 
 
 5. A conjunction. Why ? 
 9, An interjection. Why ? 
 

 16 EXERCISES. 
 
 SECTION 2. 
 
 Specimen of Efynwlogical Parsing, 
 
 " Hope animates us." 
 
 Hope is a common substantive, of the neuter gender, 
 the third person, in the singular number, and the no- 
 minative case. [Decline the substantive.] Animates is 
 a regular verb active, indicative mood, present tense, 
 third person singular. [Repeat the present tense, the 
 imperfect tense, and the perfect participle; and some- 
 times 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 per- 
 son, in the singular number, and the nominative case. 
 [Decline the substantive.] Is is an irregular verb neu- 
 ter, indicative mood, present tense, and the third per- 
 son singular. [Repeat the present tense, the imperfect 
 tense y and the participle ; and occasionally conjugate 
 he verb entirely.] Virtue's is a common substan- 
 tive, of the neuter gender, the third person, in the 
 singular number, and the possessive case. [Decline 
 the substantive.] Reward is a common substantive, 
 of the neuter gender, the third person, in the singu- 
 lar number, and the nominative case. 
 
PARSING, 
 
 17 
 
 SECTION 3. 
 
 Article and Substantive. 
 
 A bush 
 A tree 
 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' 
 The horizon 
 Virtue 
 The vices 
 Temperance 
 A variety- 
 George 
 The Rhine 
 A prince 
 A rivulet 
 The H umber 
 Gregory 
 The Pope 
 
 duty 
 
 pany 
 
 An abbess 
 
 An owl 
 
 A building 
 
 The weavers' com 
 
 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 
 
is 
 
 EXERCISES. 
 
 An inclination 
 
 The undertaking 
 
 Penelope 
 
 Constancy 
 
 An entertainment 
 
 A fever 
 
 The stars 
 
 A comet 
 
 A miracle 
 
 A prophecy 
 
 Depravity 
 
 The constitution 
 
 The laws 
 
 Beauty 
 
 A consumption 
 
 An elevation 
 The conqueror 
 An Alexander 
 Wisdom 
 America 
 The Ca?sars 
 The Thames 
 A river 
 The shadows 
 A vacancy 
 The hollow 
 An idea 
 A whim 
 Something 
 Nothing 
 
 SECTION 4. 
 
 Article f 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 boisterous sea. 
 The howling tempest. 
 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. 
 
PARSING. 
 
 19 
 
 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. 
 
 The devious walk. 
 
 A winding canal. 
 
 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. 
 The sensitive plant. 
 A convenient mansion. 
 Warm clothlno*. 
 A temperate climate. 
 Wholesome aliment. 
 An affectionate parent. 
 
 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 rale. 
 
 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- 
 founded hope 
 
2g 
 
 £X£RGIS£S. 
 
 SECTION 5. 
 
 Pronoun and Verb, ^c. 
 
 I am sincere. 
 
 Thou art Industrious. 
 
 He is disinterested, i 
 
 We honour them. 
 
 You encourage us. 
 
 They commend her. 
 
 Thou dost improve. 
 
 He assisted me. 
 
 We completed our jou r- 
 ney. 
 
 Our hopes did flatter us. 
 
 They have deceived me. 
 
 Your expectation has 
 failed. 
 
 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. 
 
 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. 
 
 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 office^ 
 he retired. 
 
 They are discouraged. 
 
 He was condemned. 
 
PARSING* 
 
 21 
 
 We have been rewarded. 
 She had been admired. 
 Virtue 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. 
 I may have been deceived. 
 They might have been 
 
 honoured. 
 To be trusted, we must 
 
 be virtuous. 
 To have been admired, 
 
 availed him little. 
 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. 
 
 The book is his ; it was 
 
 mine. 
 These are yours, these are 
 
 ours. 
 Our hearts are deceitful. 
 Your conduct met their 
 
 approbation. 
 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. 
 That is the thing which I 
 
 desired. 
 Who can preserve him- 
 self? 
 Whose books are these ? 
 Whom have we served ? 
 Some are negligent,, others 
 
 industrious. 
 One may deceive one's 
 
 self. 
 All have a talent to im- 
 prove. 
 Can any dispute it ? 
 Such is our condition. 
 
ii 
 
 EXERCISES. 
 
 SECTION 6. 
 
 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 
 seldom perform. 
 
 He is much more pro- 
 mising now than for- 
 merly. 
 
 We are wisely and hdp- 
 pily directed. 
 
 He has certainly been 
 diligent, and he will pro- 
 bably succeed. 
 
 How sweetly the birds 
 sing! 
 
 Why art thou so heed- 
 less? 
 
 He is little attentive, nay, 
 absolutely stupid. 
 
 When will they arrive ? 
 
 Where shall we «top ? 
 
 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 diUgence and fru- 
 gality, we arrive at 
 competency. 
 
 We are often below our 
 wishes, and above our 
 desert. 
 
 Some things make for him, 
 others against him. 
 
 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. 
 
PARSING. 
 
 23 
 
 We ifi 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, bat not 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. 
 
 Though he is often ad- 
 vised, yet he does not 
 reform. 
 Reproof either softens, or 
 hardens, its object. 
 
 Neither prosperity, nor 
 adversity, has improved 
 him. 
 He can acquire no virtue, 
 unless he make some 
 sacrifices. 
 Let him that standeth, • 
 
 take heed lest he fall. 
 If thou wert his 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. 
 If our desires are mo- 
 derate, our wants will 
 be few. 
 Hope often amuses, but 
 seldom satisfies us. 
 
24 
 
 EXERCISES. 
 
 Though he is lively, yet 
 he is not volatile. 
 
 peace ! how desirable 
 thou art ! 
 
 1 have been often occu- 
 , pied, alas ! vrith trifles. 
 Strange ! that we should 
 
 be so infatuated. 
 O ! the humiliations to 
 which vice reduces 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. 
 
 SECTION 7. 
 
 A few instances of the same word's constituting several 
 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 
 content, 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 commonly 
 
 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. 
 
PARSING. 
 
 25 
 
 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- 
 
 mg. 
 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- 
 
 aed. 
 He has equal knowledge, 
 
 but inferior judgment. 
 She is his inferior in 
 
 sensOj 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. 
 O ! for better times. 
 I have a regard for him. 
 He is est43emed, . 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. 
 C 
 
%^ EXEBCISES. 
 
 ^ Section 8. 
 
 Nouns, Adjectives, and Verbs, to be declined^ compared, 
 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, 
 duty, boy, folly, play, lily, toy, conveniency. 
 f 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 andj 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, 
 fich, great. 
 
PARSING. 27 
 
 Compare the following adjectives : amiable, mo- 
 derate, disinterested, favourable, grateful, studious, 
 attentive, negligent, industrious, perplexing. 
 
 Write the following adjectives in the comparative 
 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 : ' beheve, depart, invent, give, abolish, con- 
 trive. 
 
 Write the following verbs in the infinitive moody 
 present and perfect tenses: grow, decrease, live, 
 prosper, separate, incommode. 
 
 Write the present, perfect, and compound parti- 
 ciples, 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, enhghten, dis- 
 please, envelop, bereave. 
 
 Conjugate the following verbs, in the indicative 
 mood, pluperfect and first future tenses : fly, con- 
 
28 EXERCISES. 
 
 trire, 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, 
 inperfect and second future tenses, of the passive 
 voice : slay, draw, crown, throw, defeat, grind, 
 h*ear, 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. 
 
 SECTION a.. 
 
 [Promiscuous Exercises in Etymoloyical 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. 
 
PARSING. 29 
 
 Peevishness and passion often produce, from 
 trifles, 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. 
 
 If greatness flatters our vanity, it multiplies our 
 dangers. 
 
 To our own failings we are commonly blind. 
 
 Tlie friendships of young persons, are ofte.i 
 founded on capricious likings. 
 
 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 
 yow.' 
 
 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 
 neglect the duties of this life. 
 
 The manner in which we employ our present 
 time, may decide our future happiness or misery. 
 
30 "^ EXERCISES. 
 
 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 understan«^ing 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? 
 
 Tber€ is nothing in human hfe more amiable and 
 respectable, than the character of a truly humble 
 and benevolent man. 
 
 What feelings are more uneasy and distressful, than 
 the workings of sour and angry passions? 
 
 No man can be active in disquieting others, wIm) 
 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 
 ridicule, they honour it at the bottom of their 
 iiearts. 
 
 Of what small moment to our real happiness, are 
 
PARSING. SI 
 
 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. 
 
EXERCISES. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Exercises in Parsing, as it respects both Et'XMOLOGY 
 and SYNTAX. 
 
 See the Grammar, p. 217. 
 
 SECTION 1. 
 
 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 i' 
 Adjective. AVhat 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 ? 
 
PAESING. 
 
 3S 
 
 Why is it thq nominative case ? 
 Why the possessive ? Why the objec- 
 tive ? 
 Why omitted ? Why repeated ? 
 Verb, What is its nominative case ? 
 
 What case does it govern ? 
 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 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 ? 
 Interjection* Why does the nominative case follow it ? 
 Why the objective ? Why omitted? 
 Why repeated ? 
 
t& EXERCISES. 
 
 SECTION 2. 
 
 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 mood, present tense, third person sin- 
 gular, agreeing with its nominative *' vice," according 
 to RULE I. which says; (here repeat the rule). Us is 
 a personal pronoun, first person plural, in the objec- 
 tive case, and governed by the active verb *' 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 is 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 is a regular verb 
 neuter, indicative mood, present tense, third person 
 singular, agreeing with its nominative, "he." For 
 is a preposition. All is an adjective pronoun, of the 
 indefinite kind, the plural number, and belongs to 
 its substantive, "events," with which it agrees, ac- 
 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, 
 
PABSIKC 35 
 
 governed by the preposition, *' for," according to 
 RULE XVII, which says, &c. 
 
 " If folly entice thee, reject its allurements." 
 If is a. copulative conjunction. FoUi/ 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, governed by the 
 active verb "entice," agreeably to rule xi. which 
 says, &c. Reject is a regular active verb, 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 "allurements," 
 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, " reject" according 
 to rule XI. which says, &c. 
 
 SECTION 3. 
 
 Exercises on the Jirst, second, third, ami fmrth. Rules 
 of Syntax, ^ 
 
 1. The contented mind spreads ease and cheer 
 fulness around it. 
 
 ♦ In parsing these exercises, the pupil should repeat the respective rule 
 of Syntax, and show that it applies to the sentence which he is parsing- 
 
 I 
 
M EXBBGI&ES. 
 
 The school of experience teaches many useful 
 lessons. 
 
 In the path of life are many thorns, as well as 
 flowers. 
 
 Thouj shouldst do justice to all men, even to 
 enemies. 
 
 2. Vanity and presumption ruin many a promising 
 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. 
 
 4. The British nation is great and generous. 
 
 The company is assembled. It is composed of per- 
 sons possessing very different sentiments. 
 
 A herd of ^cattle, peacefully grazing, affords a 
 pleasing sight. 
 
 SECTION 4. 
 
 Exercises on the ffih, sixth, seventh , and eighth Rules 
 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. 
 
PARSING. 37 
 
 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 noan 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. Ihat 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. 
 
 SECTION 5. 
 
 Exercises on the ninth, tenths eleventh, and tweljXh Rules 
 of Syntax. 
 
 9. The restless discontented person, is not a good 
 friend, a good neighbour, or a good subject. 
 
 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 children 
 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 
 almost always tempted to do wrong. 
 
38 EXERCISES. 
 
 We need not urge Charles to do good ; he loves 
 to do it. 
 , We dare not leave our studies without permission. 
 
 SECTION 6, 
 
 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. 
 
 1 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 a judicious 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. 
 
 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 threatenings, nor any promises, could 
 make him violate the truth. 
 
 Charles is not insincere ; and therefore we may 
 trust him. 
 
PABSING. 59 
 
 1 7. From whom was that information received ? 
 
 To whom do that house, and those fine gardens, 
 belong ? 
 
 SECTION 7. 
 
 Exercises on the eighteenth y nineteenth , twentieth , trenty- 
 Jlrst, and twenty-second Rules of Syntax. 
 
 18. He and I commenced our studies at the same 
 time. 
 
 If we contend about trifles, and 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 knowledge, 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 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. 
 
 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. 
 
Ad EXERCISES. 
 
 SECTION 8. 
 
 Promiscuous Exercises in Syntactical Parsing. 
 
 PROSE, 
 
 Dissimulation in youth, is the forerunner of per- 
 fidy 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 head- 
 strong. Desire, not reason, will be the ruling prin- 
 ciple 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 
 ofiBces 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 him. 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 
 
PARSING. M 
 
 sibility acts an imjjerfect part, and entitles us lu 
 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 of 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 cannot 
 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 slvort-hved 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 
 sullen and dark shade of discontent, that noxious 
 passions, like venomous animals, breed and prey 
 upon the heart. 
 
 Thousands whom indolence has sunk into con- 
 temptible obscurity, might have come forward to 
 usefuUies and honour, if idleness had not frustrated 
 the effects of all their powers. 
 
A2 EXERCISES. 
 
 Sloth is like the slowly-flowing*, putrid stream, 
 which stagnates in the marsh, breeds venomous ani- 
 mals, and poisonous plants; and infects with pesti- 
 lential vapours the whole country round it. 
 
 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 
 concience, 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 ap- 
 probation and support^ and the steady hope of 
 future happiness, communicate a peace and joy, 
 to which all the delights of the world bear no 
 resemblance. 
 
PARSIl^G. AS 
 
 If we knew how much the pleasures of this life 
 deceive and betray their unliappy 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 transient 
 joys; and should wisely fix our hearts on those v'r- 
 tuous attainments, which the world can neither give 
 nor take away. 
 
 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 tnavel 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 tiesj 
 But every sorrow cuts a string, 
 
 And urges us to rise. 
 
hk EXERCISES. 
 
 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, 
 
 7'hat 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. 
 
 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. 
 
 If nothing more than purpose in thy power, 
 Thy purpose firm, is equal to tlie deed : 
 Who does the best his circumstance allows, 
 Does well, acts nobly j angels could no more. 
 
 In faith and hope the world will disagree. 
 But all mankind's concern is charity. 
 
 To be resign'd when ills betide. 
 Patient when favours are denied. 
 
 And pleas'd with favours glv j ; 
 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 j 
 
 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 Caesar with a senate at his heels. 
 
PARSING. A5 
 
 Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife, 
 Their sober wishes never learned 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 j 
 Whose days are dwindled to the shortest span: 
 Oh ! give relief, and Heav'n will bless thy store. 
 
 Who lives to nature, rarely can be poor : 
 Who lives to fancy, never can be rich. 
 
 When young, life's journey 1 began. 
 The glitt'ring prospect charm'd my eyesj 
 
 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 can'st not see ; 
 
 All discord, harmony not understood ; 
 
 All partial evil, universal good. 
 
 Heav'n's choice is safer than our own j 
 
 Of ages past inquire. 
 What the most formidable fate ? 
 
 " To have our own desire." 
 
A6 EXERCISES. 
 
 If ceaseless, thus, the fowls of heav'n he feeds. 
 If o'er the fields such lucid robes he spreads. 
 Will he not care jfor 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 spangl'd 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. 
 
 Soon as the ev'ning shades prevail, 
 The moon takes up the wond'rous tale, 
 And, nightly, to the list'ning earth. 
 Repeats 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 beTound! 
 In reason's ear they all rejoice, 
 And utter forth a glorious voice, 
 For ever singing as they shine, 
 The hand that made us is Divine." 
 
PART II. 
 
 Exercises in Orthography. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Containing instances of false Orthography, arranged 
 under the respective Rules, 
 
 Grammar, p. 37. Key, p. 9. 
 
 RULE I. 
 
 Monosyllables ending with f, 1, or s, preceded by a 
 single vowels double the final consonant ; as, staff, mill, 
 pass, §^c. The only exceptions are, of, if, as, is, has, 
 was, yes, his, this, us, and thus. 
 
 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 streg 
 upon dreams. 
 
 Our manners should be neither gros, nor exces- 
 sively refined. 
 
 RULE II. 
 
 Monosyllables ending with any consonant but f, 1, or 
 Sj and preceded by a single vowel, never double the final 
 
AS EXERCISES. 
 
 consonant ; excepting only, add, ebb, butt, egg, odd, err, 
 inn, bunn, pwr, and buzz. 
 
 Grammar, p. 38. Key, p. 10. 
 
 A carr signifies a chariot of war, or a small carriage 
 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 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 matts. 
 
 RULE III. 
 
 Words ending with y, preceded by a consonant, form 
 the plurals of nouns, the persons of verbs, verbal nouns, 
 past participles, comparatives, and superlatives, by chang- 
 ing y into i; as, spy, spies; I carry, thou carriest ; 
 he carrieth or cairies; carrier, carried; happy, happier, 
 happiest. 
 
 The present participle in ing, retains the y, that i may 
 not be doubled; as, carry, carrying ; bury, burying, ^c. 
 
 But y, preceded by a vowel, in such instances as the 
 above, is not changed; as, boy, boys; I cloy, he cloys, 
 cloyed, §fc. ; except in lay, rvpay, and say ; from ich 
 arc formed, laiC, paid, and said; and^ their compounds, 
 unlaid, unpaid, unsaid, §fc. 
 
 We should subject our fancys to the government 
 of reason. 
 
 If thou art seeking for the living among the 
 dead, thou wearyest thyself in vain. 
 
OBTHOGRAPHT. A9 
 
 If we have denyed ourselves sinful pleasures, we 
 shall be great gainers in the end. 
 
 • We shall 'not be the happy er for possessing talents 
 and affluence, unless we make a right use of them. 
 
 The truly good mind is not disraaied by poverty, 
 afflictions, or death. 
 
 RULE IV. 
 
 Words ending with y, preceded by a consonant, upon 
 assuming an additional syllable beginning with a consonant ^ 
 commonly change y into \; as, happy, happily, happiness. 
 But when y is preceded by a vowel, it is very rarely chang- 
 ed in the additional syllable; ar, coy, coyly; boy, boyish, 
 boyhood; annoy, annoyed, annoyance ; joy, joyless, 
 
 Grammar, p. 38. Key, p. 11. 
 
 It is a great blessing to have a sound mind, unin- 
 fluenced by fancy ful humours. 
 
 Common calamities, and common blessings, fall heavyly 
 upon the envious. 
 
 The comelyness of youth are modesty and fraokQess ; 
 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 syllable, 
 ending with a single consonant preceded by a single voivel, 
 double that consonant, when they take another syllable 
 beginning with a vowel : as, wit, witty; thin, thinnish ; 
 to abet, an abettor ; to begin, a beginner, 
 
 E 
 
5i0 EXERCISES. 
 
 But if a diphthong precedes, or the accent is on the pre- 
 ceding syllable, the consonant remains single : as to toil 
 toiling ; to offei', an offering ; maid, maiden, ^c. 
 
 When we bring the lawmaker into contempt, we have 
 in eflfect annuled his laws. 
 
 By defering our repentance, we accumulate our 
 sorrows. 
 
 The pupils of a certain ancient philosopher, were 
 pot, during their first years of study, permited to 
 ask any questions. 
 
 We all have many faillings, and lapses to lament 
 and recover. 
 
 The-re is no affliction with which we are visitted, that 
 may not be improved to our advantage. 
 
 The Christian Lawgiver has prohibitted many thing 
 which the heathen philosophers allowed. \ 
 
 RULE VI. 
 
 Words ending with any double letter but 1, and taking 
 ness, less, ly, or full, after them, preserve the letter double: 
 as, harmlessnesSy carelessness, carelessly, stiffly, success - 
 fid, distressful, ^c. But those words which end ttith 
 double 1, and take ness, less, ly, or ful, after them, gene- 
 rally omit one 1, as, ftdncss, skilless, fully, skiJfulf ^c.j 
 Grammar, p. 39. Key, p. 12. 
 
 Restlesness of mind disqualifies us, both for the enjoy- 
 ment of peace and the performance of our duty. 
 
 The arrows of calumny fall harmlesly at the feet of 
 virtue. 
 
 The road to the bUsful regions, is as open to the 
 peasant as to the king. 
 
 A chillness or shivering of th© boidy generally pre- 
 cedes a fever. 
 
ORTHOGRAPfiT. 51 
 
 To recommend virtue to others, our lights must 
 shine brightly not dullly. 
 
 The silent stranger stood amaz'd to see 
 Contempt of wealth, and willful poverty. 
 
 RULE VII. 
 
 Ness, less, ly, and ful, added to woi'ds ending m'th 
 silent e, do not cut it off : as, paleness, guileless, closely, 
 peaceful ; except in a few words : as, duly^ truly, awfd. 
 
 The warmth of disputation, destroys that sedatness 
 of mind which is necessary to discover truth. 
 
 All these with ceasless praise his works behold 
 Both day and night. 
 
 In all our reasonings, our minds should be sincerly 
 employed in the pursuit of truth. 
 
 Rude behaviour, and indecent language, are pe- 
 culiarly disgracful to youth of education. 
 
 The true worship of God is an important and avveful 
 service. 
 
 Wisdom alone is truely fair : folly only appears so. 
 
 RULE VIII. 
 
 Ment, added to words ending with silent e, generally 
 preserves the e from elision : as, abatement, chastisement, 
 incitement^ ^c. The words judgment, abridgment, ac- 
 knowledgment, are deviations from the rule. 
 
 Like other terminations it changes y into i, when pre- 
 ceded by a consonant: as, accompany ^ accompaniment; 
 merry, merrime7it. 
 
 Grammar, p. 39. Key, p. 13. 
 
 The study of the English language is making daily 
 advancment. 
 
sa 
 
 EXERCISES. 
 
 A judicious arrangment of studies facilitates im- 
 provment. 
 
 To shun allurments is not hard, 
 
 To minds resolv'd, forewarned, and well prepar'd. 
 
 nULEX IX. 
 
 Able and ible, when incorporated into words ending 
 with iilent a, almost always cut it off" : as, blame, blamable ; 
 cure, curable; sense, sensible, §'c. but if c or g soft 
 comes before e in the original mord^ the e is then pre- 
 served in words compounded with able : as, change, 
 changeable, peace, peaceable, ^c. 
 
 Grammar, p. 39. Key, p. 13. 
 
 Every person and thing connected with self, is apt 
 to appear good and dcsireable in our oyes. 
 
 Error and misconduct are more excuseable in ig- 
 norant, 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 natural and involuntary defects of body, are 
 not chargable upon us. 
 
 We are made to be servicable to others, as well as 
 to ourselves. 
 
 RULE X. 
 
 When isig or ish is added to ivords ending with silent e, 
 the e is almost universalli/ omitted: as, place, placing; 
 lodge, lodging ; slave, slavish; prude, prudish. 
 
 An obligeing and humble disposition, is totally 
 unconnected with a servile and cringeing humour. 
 
 By solaceing the sorrows of others, the heart is 
 
ORTHOGRAPHY. 53 
 
 improved, at ihe same time that our duty is per- 
 formed. 
 
 Labour and expense are lost upon a droneish spirit. 
 
 The inadvertences of youth may be excused, but 
 knaveish tricks should meet with severe reproof. 
 
 RULE XI. 
 
 Words taken into composition, often drop those letters 
 which were superfluous in their simples; as, handfuh 
 dunghilj withalj also, chilblain^ foretel. 
 
 Grammar, p. 40. Key, p. 14. 
 
 Love worketh no ill to our neighbour, and is the 
 fullfilling" of the law. 
 
 That which is sometimes expedient, is not all- 
 ways so. 
 
 We may be hurtfull to others, by our example, as 
 well as by personal injuries. 
 
 Where diligence opens the door of the under- 
 standing, and impartiality keeps it, truth finds an entrance 
 and a wellcome too, 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 Containing instances of false Oethography, promia- 
 cuously disposed. 
 See the Key, p. 15. 
 As the learners must be susposed to be tolerably 
 versed in the spelling of words in very familiar use, 
 the Compiler has generally selected, for the follow- 
 ing exercises, such words as are less obviously erro- 
 neous, and in the use of which young persons are 
 more likely to commit mistakes. Though the in- 
 stances which he gives of these deviations are not 
 
5A EXERCISES. • (Promis- 
 
 very numerous, yet, it is presumed, they are exhi- 
 bited with sufficient variety, to show the necessity of 
 care and attention in combining letters and syllables ; 
 and to excite the ingenious student to investigate the 
 principles aad rules of our Orthography, as well as 
 to distinguish the exceptions and variations which 
 every where attend them. 
 
 In rectifying these exercises, the Compiler has 
 been governed by Doctor Johnson's Dictionary, as 
 the standard of propriety. This work is, indispu- 
 tably, the best authority for the Orthography of the 
 English language ; though the author, in some in- 
 stances, has made decisions, which are not generally 
 approved, and for which it is not easy to account. 
 
 SECTION 1. 
 
 Key, p. 15. 
 . Neglect no oppurtunity of doing good. 
 
 No man can stedily build upon accidents. 
 
 How shall we keep, what sleeping or awake, 
 A weaker may surprize, a stronger take ? 
 
 Neither time nor misfortunes should eraze the re- 
 niemberance of a friend. 
 
 Moderation should preside, both in the kitchin 
 and the parlor. 
 
 Shall we recieve good at the Divine hand, and 
 shall we not recieve evil ? 
 
 In many designs, we may succede and be miserable. 
 
 We should have sence and virtue enough to receed 
 from our demands, when they appear to be unre- 
 sonable. 
 
 All our comforts procede from the Father of 
 Goodness. 
 
 Tlie rum of a state is generally proceeded by a 
 
cuous.J ' onriiOGRAPHY. 55 
 
 universal degenaracy of manners, and a contempt of 
 religion. 
 
 His father omited nothing in his education, that 
 might render him virtuous and usefull. 
 
 The daw in the fable was dressed in pilferred or- 
 naments, 
 
 A favor confered with delicacy, doubles the obli- 
 gation. 
 
 They tempted their Creator, and limitted the 
 Holy One of Izrael. 
 
 The precepts of a good education have often re- 
 cured in the time of need. 
 
 We are frequently benefitted by what we have 
 dreaded. 
 
 It is no great virtue to Uve loveingly with good 
 natured and meek persons. 
 
 The Christian religion gives a more lovly cha- 
 racter of God, than any rehgion ever did. 
 
 Without sinisterious views, they are dextrous ma- 
 nagers of their own interest. 
 
 Any thing commited to the trust and care of ano- 
 ther, is a deposit. 
 
 Here finnish'd he, and all that he had made 
 Vieu'd and beheld ! All was intirely good. 
 
 It deserves our best skil to enquire into those rules, 
 by which we may guide our judgement. 
 
 Food, clotheing, and habitations, are the rewards 
 of industry. 
 
 If we lie no restraint upon oiir lusts, no controul 
 upon our apetites and passions, they will hurry us 
 into guilt and misery. 
 
 An independant is one who, in religious affairs, 
 bolds that every congregation is a compleat Church. 
 
56 EXERCISES. (Promia- 
 
 Receive his council, and securly move : 
 Entrust tliy fortune to the Power above. 
 Following life in cretures we disect, 
 We lose it in the moment we detect. 
 The acknowledgement of our transgressions must 
 precede the forgivness of them. 
 
 Judicious abridgements often aid the studys of 
 youth. 
 
 Examine how thy humor is enclin^d, 
 
 And which the ruleing passion of thy mind. 
 
 ^ ■ He faulters at the question : 
 
 His fears, his words, his looks, declare him gailty. 
 
 Calicoe is a thin cloth made of cotton ; sometimes 
 stained with lively colors. 
 
 To promote iniquity in others, is nearly the same 
 as being the acters of it ourselvs. 
 
 The glasier's business was unknown to the antients. 
 
 The antecedant, in grammer, is the noun or pro- 
 noun to which the relative refers. 
 
 SECTION 2. 
 Key, p. 17. 
 
 Be not affraid of the wicked: they are under the 
 controul of Providence. Consciousness of guilt may 
 justly afright us. 
 
 Convey to others no inteligence which you would 
 be ashamed to avow. 
 
 Many are weighed in the ballance, and found 
 wanting. 
 
 How many disapointments have, in their conse- 
 quences, saved a man from ruin ! 
 
 A well-poised mind makes a chearful countenance. 
 
CUOUS.J ORTHOGRAPHY. 57 
 
 A certain housholder planted a vinyard, but the men 
 imployed in it made ungratefuU returns. 
 
 Let us show dihgence in every laudible under- 
 taking-. 
 
 Cinamon is the fragrant bark of a low tnee in the 
 iland of Ceylon. 
 
 A ram will but with his head, though he be brought 
 up tame, and never saw the action. 
 
 We percieve a piece of silver in a bason, when 
 water is poured on it, though we could not discover 
 it before. 
 
 Virtue imbalms the memory of the good. 
 
 The king of Great Brittain is a limitted monarch ; 
 and the Brittish nation a free people. 
 
 The phisician may dispence the medicin, but Pro- 
 vidence alone can bless it. 
 
 In many persuits, we imbark with pleasure, and land 
 sorrowfully. 
 
 Rocks, mountains, and caverns, are of indispensible 
 use, both to the earth and to man. 
 
 The hive of a city, or kingdom, is in the best con- 
 dition, when their is the least noize or buz in it. 
 
 The roughnesses found on our enterance into the 
 paths of virtue 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, has now nothing to show 
 but ruins. 
 
 Batterring rams were antiently used to beat down 
 the walls of a city. 
 
 Jocky signifies a man who rides horses in a race ; 
 or who deals in horses. 
 
53. ^ EXERCISES. (Prpmis- 
 
 The harralesness of many animals, and the injoyment 
 which they have of life, should plead for them against 
 cruel useage. 
 
 We may be very buzy, to no useful! 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 spareingly, we 
 shall reap acordingly. 
 
 However disagreable, we must resolutly perform 
 our duty. 
 
 A fit of sickness is often a kind chastisment and 
 disciplin, to moderate our affection for the things of 
 this life. 
 
 It is a happyness to young persons, when they are 
 preserved from the snares of the world, as in a garden 
 inclosed. 
 
 Health and peace, the most valueable posessions, are 
 ebtained at small expence. 
 
 Incence signifies perfumes exhailed by fire, and made 
 use of in religious ceremoLies. 
 
 True happyness is an ennemy to pomp and 
 Boize. 
 
 Few reflexions are more distresing, than those which 
 we make on our own ingratitude. 
 
 There is an inseperable connection between piety 
 and virtue. 
 
 Many actions have a fair complection, which have not 
 sprung from virtue. 
 
 Which way soever we turn ourselvs, we are in- 
 countered with sensable demonstrations of a Deity. 
 
 If we forsake the ways of virtue, we cannot alledge 
 any color of ignorance, or want of instruction. 
 
CU0U8.J OBTHOGRAPHY. 59 
 
 Section 3. 
 Key, p. 20. 
 
 There are more cultivaters of the earth, than of theb* 
 own hearts. 
 
 Man is incompassed with dangers innumerable. 
 
 War is attended with distresful and dessolating 
 effects. It is confesedly the scorg-e of our angry pas- 
 sions. 
 
 The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. 
 
 The harvest truely is plenteous, but the laborers 
 are few. 
 
 The greater our incitments to evil, the greater will 
 be our victory and reward. 
 
 We should not incourage persons to do what they 
 beleive to be wrong. 
 
 Virtue is placed between two extreams, which are 
 both equally blameable. 
 
 We should continually have the' gaol in our view, 
 which would direct us in the race. 
 
 The goals were forced open, and the prisoners set free. 
 
 It cannot be said that we are charitible doners when 
 our gifts proceed from selfish motives. 
 
 Straight is the gate, and narrow the way,- that lead to 
 life eternal. 
 
 Integrity leads us strait forward^ disdaining all 
 doubleings, and crooked paths. 
 
 Licenciousness and crimes pave the way to ruin. 
 
 Words are the countres of wise men^ but the money 
 of fools. 
 
 Recompence to no man evil for evil. 
 
 He was an excellent person ; a mirrour of antient 
 faith in early youth. 
 
60 EXEACiSES. (Promia- 
 
 Meekness coiitrouls our angry passions ; candor, our 
 severe judgements. 
 
 He is not only a descendent from pious ancestors, 
 but an inheritor too of their virtues. 
 
 A dispensatory is the place where medecines are 
 dispensed : a dispensary is a book in which the com- 
 position of them is described. 
 
 Faithfulness and judgment are peculiarly requisit 
 in testamentory executors. 
 
 To be faithful! among the faithless, argues great 
 strength of principal. 
 
 Mountains appear to be like so many wens or 
 onatural protuberancies on the face of the earth. 
 
 In some places the sea incroaches upon the land ; 
 jn others, the land upon the sea. 
 
 Philosophers agreed in despizing riches, as the 
 incumberances of life. 
 
 Wars are regulated robberries and pyracies. 
 
 Fishes encrease more than beasts or birds, as ap- 
 pears from their numrous spaun. 
 
 The piramids of Egypt have stood more than three 
 thousand years. 
 
 Precepts have small influence, when not mforced 
 by example. 
 
 How has kind Heav'n adorn'd the' happy land, 
 And scatter'd blessings with a wastful hand I 
 
 A friend exaggarates a man's virtues, an enemy 
 enflames his crimes. 
 
 A witty and humourous vein has often produced 
 ennemies. 
 
 Neither pleasure nor business should ingross our 
 time and affections ; proper seasons should be alotted 
 for retirment. 
 
 It is laudable to enquire before we determin. 
 
CU0U8.) ORTHOGRAPHY. 61 
 
 Many have been visitted with afflictions, wlio bave 
 not profitted by them. 
 We may be succesfal, and yet disappointed. 
 
 SieCTittN 4. 
 key, p, 22. 
 
 The experience of want inhances the value of 
 plenty. 
 
 To^naintaln opinions stifly, is no evidence of their 
 truth, or of our moderation, 
 
 Horehound has been famous for its medecinal quali- 
 ties ; but it is now little used. 
 
 The wicked are often ensnared in the trap which they 
 lie for others. 
 
 It is hard to say what diseases are cureable : they are 
 all under the guldence of Heaven, 
 
 Instructors should not only be skilfull In those sciences 
 which they teach ; but have sldl in the method of teach- 
 ing, and patience in the practise. 
 
 Science strengthens and inlarges the minds of men. 
 
 A steady mind may receive council : but there is no 
 hold on a changable humour. 
 
 We may enure ourselvs by custom, to bear the ex- 
 tremities of whether without injury. 
 
 Excessive merryment is the parent of greif. 
 
 Air is sensable to the touch by its motion, and by]^its 
 resistence to bodies moved in it. 
 
 A polite address is sometimes the cloke of malice. 
 
 To practice virtue Is the sure way to love it. 
 
 Many things are plausable in theory, which fail in 
 practise. 
 
 Learning and knowlege must be attained by slow 
 degrees : and are the reward only of dilligence and pa- 
 tience. F 
 
6% EXERCISES. CPromis- 
 
 We should study to live peacably with all men. 
 
 A soul that can securly death defy, 
 And count it nature's priviledge to die. 
 Whatever promotes the interest of the soul, is also 
 condusive to our present felicity. 
 
 Let not the sterness of virtue afright us ; she will soon 
 become aimable. 
 
 The spatious firmament on high, 
 With all the blue etheriel sky. 
 And spangled heav'ns, a shineing frame, 
 Their great originel proclame. 
 
 Passion is the drunkeness of the mind : it supercede* 
 the workings of reason. 
 
 If we are sincere, we may be assured of an advocate 
 to intersede for us. 
 
 We ought not to consider the encrease of another's 
 reputation, as a dimunition of our own. 
 
 The reumatism is a painful distemper, supposed to 
 procede from acrid humors. 
 
 The beautiful and accomplished, are too apt to study 
 behaivour rather than virtue. 
 
 The peazant's cabbin contains as much content as the 
 soverein's pallace. 
 
 True valor protects the feeble, and humbles the op- 
 pressor. 
 
 David, the son of Jesse, was a wise and valient 
 man. 
 
 Prophecies and miracles proclamed Jesus Christ to be 
 the savior of the world. 
 
 Esau sold his birthright for a savory mess of pot- 
 tage. 
 
 A regular and virteous education, is an inesteemable 
 blessing. 
 
CU0U8.) ORTHOGRAPHY. 6S 
 
 Honor and shame from no condition rise : 
 Act well your part; there, all the honor lies. 
 
 The rigor of monkish disciplin often conceals great 
 depravity of heart. 
 
 We should recollect, that however favorable we may 
 be to ourselves, we are rigourously examined by 
 others. 
 
 SECTION V, 
 Key, p. 24. 
 
 Virtue can render youth, as well as old age, hono- 
 rable. 
 
 Rumor often tells false tales. 
 
 Weak minds are rufled by triffling things. i 
 
 The cabage-tree is very common in the Caribbee 
 ilands, where it grows to a prodigious heighth. 
 
 Visit the sick, feed the hungry, cloath the naked. 
 
 His smiles and tears are too artifitial to be relied on. 
 
 The most essensial virtues of a Christian, are love to 
 God and benevolence to man. 
 
 We should be chearful without levity. 
 
 A calender signifies a register of the year ; and a 
 Calendar, a press in which clothiers smooth their 
 cloth. 
 
 Integrity and hope are the sure paliatives of sor- 
 row. 
 
 Camomile is an odouriferous plant, and possesses con- 
 siderable medicinel virtues. 
 
 The gaity of youth should be tempered by the pre- 
 cepts of age. 
 
 Certainty, even on distresful occasions, is somtimes 
 more elHgible than suspence. 
 
 Still green with bays each antient alter stands 
 Above the reach of sacriligious hands. 
 
^4 EXEBCtsES. (Promise 
 
 The most acceptable sacrifise, is that of a contrite and 
 humble heart. 
 
 VYe are accountable for whatever we patronize in 
 others. 
 
 It marks, a savage disposition, to tortur animals, 
 to make them smart and agonise, for our diver- 
 sion. 
 
 The edge of cloath, where is is closed by complicat- 
 ing the threads, is called the selvidge. 
 
 Soushong tea and Turky coffee were his favorite be- 
 veridge ; chocolade he seldom drank. 
 
 The guilty mind cannot avoid fla^ny melancUolly ap- 
 prehensions. 
 
 If we injure others, we must expect retalliation. 
 
 Let every man be fully perswaded in his owa 
 mind. 
 
 Peace and honor are the sheeves of virtue's harvest. 
 
 The black earth, every where obvious on the surface 
 of the ground, we call mold. 
 
 The Roman pontif claims to be the supream head of 
 the church on earth. 
 
 High-seasoned food viciates the pallate, and oc-> 
 casions a disrelish for plain fare. . 
 
 The conscious receiver is as bad as, the thief.. 
 
 Alexander, the conqueror of the world, was, in £a«lv 
 a robber and a murderer. 
 
 The Divine Being is not only the Greater, but the; 
 Ruler and Prei^ervor of the world. 
 
 Honest endeavors, if persevered in, will finally ^i 
 succesful. ) UA ; 
 
 He who dies for religioii> is a martyr j he who suflipr<? 
 for it, is a confessour. 
 
 In the paroxism of passion, we. sometimes give 
 occasion for a life of repentence. 
 
C2WU8.J ORTHOGRAPHY. ^ 
 
 The mist which invelopes many studies, is dissi- 
 pated when we approach them. 
 
 The voice is sometimes obstructed by a hoarsness 
 or by viscuous phlegm. 
 
 The desart shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. 
 
 The fruit and sweetmeats set on table after the 
 meat, are called the desert. 
 
 We traversed the flowry fields, till the falling 
 dews admonished us to return. 
 
 SECTION 6. 
 
 Key, p. 27. 
 
 There is frequently a worm at the root of our most 
 florishing condition. 
 
 The stalk of ivey is tough, and not fragil. 
 
 The roof is vaulted, and distils fresh water from 
 every part of it. 
 
 Our imperfections are discernable by others, when 
 we think they are concealed. 
 
 They thhik they shall be beared for there much 
 speaking. 
 
 True criticizm 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 w-^rld's estimation, 
 whilst we are advancing our own and others' value. 
 
 The path of vertue is the path of peace. 
 
 A dipthong is the collition of two vowels to form 
 one sound. 
 
 However forceable our temptations, they may be 
 resisted. 
 
 F * 
 
66 EXEKcisES. (Promiscuous.) 
 
 I acknowlege my transjrression ; and my sin is 
 ever before me. 
 
 The, colledge of cardinals are the electors of the 
 pope. 
 
 He had no colorable excuse to palliate his conduct. 
 
 Thy humourous vein, thy pleasing folly. 
 Lie all neglected, all forgot. 
 
 If we are so conceited as obstinatly to reject all 
 advice, we must expect a direliction of friends. 
 
 Cronology is the science of computeing and 
 ajasting the periods of time. 
 
 In groves we live, and lay on mossy beds, 
 
 By chrystal streams, that murmer thro' the meads. 
 
 It is a secret cowardise which induces us to com- 
 plement the vices of our superiors, to applaud the 
 libertin, and laugh with the prophane. 
 
 The lark each morning waked me with her spritely 
 lay. 
 
 There are no fewer than thirty-two species of the 
 lilly. 
 
 We owe it to our visitors as well as to ourselves, 
 to entertain them with useful and sensable conver- 
 sation. 
 
 Sponsors are those who become sureties for the 
 children's education in the christian faith. 
 
 The warrior's fame is often purchased by the 
 blood of thousands. 
 
 Hope exhilerates the mind, and is the grand 
 elixer, under all the evils of life. 
 
 The incence of gratitude, whilst it expresses our 
 duty, and honors our benefactor, perfumes and re- 
 gails ourselves. 
 
PART III. 
 
 Exercises in Syntax. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Containmg .instances of false Syntax, disposed under 
 the jparticular Rules, 
 
 RULE I. 
 
 A verb must agree with its nominative case, in num- 
 ber and person: as "I learn;*' *Uhou art improved;" 
 "" The birds sing.'' 
 
 Grammar, p. 139. Key, p. 29. 
 
 Disappointments sinks the heart of man ; but the 
 renewal of hope give consolation. 
 
 The smiles that encourage severity of judgment, 
 hides malice and insincerity. 
 
 He dare not act in opposition to his instructions. 
 
 Fifty pounds of wheat contains forty pounds of 
 flour. ^ t 
 
 The mechanism of cloclis and watches, were to- 
 tally unknown a few centuries ago. 
 
 The number of the inhabitants of Great Britain 
 and Ireland, do not exceed sixteen millions. 
 
 Nothing but vain and foolish pursuits delight some 
 persons. 
 
 A variety of pleasing objects charm the eye. 
 
 So much both of ability and merit are seldom found. . 
 
68 EXERCISES. (RtUei, 
 
 In the conduct of Parmenio a mixture of wisdom 
 and folly were very conspicuous. 
 
 He is a more methodical writer 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 par- 
 ties. 
 
 I am sorry to say it, but there was more equivo- 
 cators than one. 
 
 The sincere is always esteemed. 
 
 Has the goods been sold to advantage? and did 
 thou embrace the proper season ? 
 
 There is many occasions in life, in which silence 
 and simplicity is true wisdom. 
 
 The generous never recounts minutely the actions 
 they have done ; nor the prudent, those they will do. 
 
 He need not proceed in such haste. 
 
 The business that related to ecclesiastical meetings, 
 matters, and persons, were to be ordered according 
 to the king's direction. 
 
 In him were happily blended true 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 best sentiments, if persons do not 
 live suitably to them ? 
 
 Reconciliation was offered, on conditions as mo- 
 derate as was consistent with a permanent union* 
 
 Not one of them whom thou sees clothed in pur- 
 ple, are completely happy. 
 
 And the fame of this person, and of his wonderful 
 actions, were diffused throughout the country. 
 
Rule i.J SYNTAX. 69 
 
 The variety of the productions of genius, like that 
 of the operations of nature, are without limit. 
 
 In Tain our flocks and fields increase our store. 
 When our abundance make us wish for more. 
 
 Thou should love thy neighbour as sincerely as 
 thou loves thyself ? 
 
 Has thou no better reason for censuring thy friend 
 and companion ? 
 
 Thou, who art the Author and Bestower of life, 
 can doubtless restore it also : but whether thou will 
 please to restore it, or not, that thou only knows. 
 
 O thou my voice inspire. 
 
 Who touch'd Isaiah's hallow'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 hut what the world might hear 
 
 ITie following examples are adapted to the notes and 
 observations under rule i. 
 
 Grammar, p. 139.^ Key, p. 31. 
 
 1*. To do unto all men, as we would that they, 
 in 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 practice of precepts^ which the heart approves 
 and embraces, mark a feeble and imperfect character. 
 
 The erroneous opinions which we form concerning 
 happiness and misery, gives rise to all the mistaken 
 and dangerous passions that embroils our life. 
 
 • * The examples under each rule are regularly numbered, to make them 
 correspond to the respective subordinate rules in the Grammar. 
 
70 EXERCISES. {Rule 1. 
 
 To live soberly, righteously, and piously, are re- 
 quired of all men. 
 
 That it is our duty to promote the purity of our 
 minds and bodies, to be just and kind to our fellow- 
 creatures, and to be pious and faithful to Him that 
 made us, admit not of any doubt in a rational and 
 well-informed mind. 
 
 To be of a pure and humble mind, to exercise be- 
 nevolence towards others, to cultivate piety towards 
 God, is the sure means of becoming peaceful and 
 happy. 
 
 It is an important truth, that religion, vital reli- 
 gion, the religion of the heart, are the most power- 
 ful auxiliaries of reason, in waging war with the 
 passions, and promoting that sweet composure which 
 constitute the peace of God. 
 
 The possession of our senses entire, of our limbs 
 uninjured, of a sound understanding, of friends and 
 companions, are often overlooked ; though it would 
 be the ultimate wish of many, who, as far as we can 
 judge, deserves it as much as ourselves. 
 
 All that make a figure on the great theatre of the 
 world, the employments of the busy, the enter- 
 prises of the ambitious, and the exploits of the war- 
 like ; the virtues which forms the happiness, and the 
 crimes which occasions the misery of mankind ; ori- 
 ginates in that silent and secret recess of thought, 
 which are hidden from every human eye. 
 
 2. If the privileges to which he has an undoubted 
 right, and he has long enjoyed, should now be 
 wrested from him, would be flagrant injustice. 
 
 These curiosities we have imported from China, 
 
Rule 1.; SYNTAX. 71 
 
 and are similar to those which were some time ago 
 
 brought from Africa. 
 
 Will martial flames for ever fire thy mind. 
 And never, never be to Heav'n resign'd ? 
 
 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 neglected for a tirae, 
 men are so constituted as ultimately to acknowledge 
 and respect genuine merit. 
 
 4. The crown of virtue is peace and honour. 
 
 His chief occupation and enjoyment were contro 
 versy. 
 
 5. Him destroy^, 
 
 Or won to what may work his utter loss, 
 All this will soon follow. 
 
 — — Whose gray top 
 
 Shall tremble, him descending. 
 RULE II. 
 
 Two or more nouns ^ §Cc. in the singular nnmber,, 
 joined together by a copulative conjunction, expressed 
 or understood, must have verbs, nouns, and pro- 
 nouns, agreeing with them in the plural number : as, 
 *^ Socrates and Plato were wise ; they were the most emi- 
 nent philosophers of Greece ;" *' The sun that rolls over 
 our heads, the food that we receive, the rest that we enjoy, 
 daily admonish us of a superior and superintending 
 
 Power. '^ 
 
 Grammar, p. 143. Key, p. 33. 
 
 Idleness and ignorance is the parent of many vices. 
 
 Wisdom, virtue, happiness, dwells with the golden 
 mediocrity. 
 
 In unity consists the welfare and security of every 
 society. 
 
72 EXERCISES. (Rule 2. 
 
 Time and tide waits for no man. 
 
 His politeness and good disposition was, on failure 
 of their effect, entirely changed. 
 
 Patience and diligence, like faith, removes moun- 
 tains. 
 
 Humility and knowledge, with poor apparel, ex- 
 cels pride and ignorance under costly attire. 
 
 The planetary system, boundless space, and the 
 immense ocean, affects the mind with sensations of 
 astonishment. 
 
 Humility and love, ' whatever obscurities may 
 involve religious tenets, constitutes the essence of 
 true rehgion. 
 
 Religion and virtue, our best support and highest 
 honour, confers on the mind principles of noble inde- 
 pendence. 
 
 What signifies the counsel and care of preceptors, 
 when youth think they have no iiced of assistance ? 
 
 The examples which follow^ are suited to the notes 
 and observations under rule ii. 
 
 Gtammar, p. 144.J (Key, p* 34. 
 
 1. Much does human pride and self-complacency 
 require correction. 
 
 Luxurious living, and high pleasures, begets a 
 languor and satiety that destroys all enjoyment. 
 
 Pride and self-sufficiency stifles sentiments of de- 
 pendence on our Creator : levity and attachment to 
 worldly pleasures, destroys the sense of gratitude to 
 him^ 
 
 ^. Good order in our affairs, not mean savings, 
 produce great profits. 
 
 The following treatise, together with those that 
 
Rule S.j SYNTAX. 1% 
 
 accompany it, were written, many years ago, for my 
 own private satisfaction. 
 
 That great senator, in concert with several other 
 eminent persons, were the projectors of the revolu- 
 tion. 
 
 The religion '^of 'these people, as well as their cus- 
 toms and manners, were strangely misrepresented. 
 
 Virtue joined to knowledge and wealth, confer 
 great influence and respectahility. But knowledge, 
 with weath united, if virtue is wanting, have a very 
 limited influence, and are often despised. 
 
 That superficial scholar and critic, like some re- 
 nowned critics of our own, have furnished most de- 
 cisive proofs, that they knew not the characters of 
 the Hebrew language. 
 
 The buildings of the institution have been en- 
 larged; the expense of which, added to the in- 
 creased price of provisions, render it necessary to 
 advance the terms of admission. 
 
 One, added to nineteen, make twenty. 
 
 What black depair, what horror fills his mind ! 
 
 3. Thou, and the gardener, and the huntsman, 
 must share the blame of this business amongst them. 
 My sister and I, as well as my brother, are daily 
 employed in their respective occupations. 
 
 RULE III. 
 
 The conjunction disjunctive has an effect contrary to 
 that of the conjunction copulative; for as the verb, nouHy 
 or pronoun, is referred to the preceding terms taken se- 
 parately, it must be in the singular number: as, ""Igno- 
 rance or negligence has caused this mistake;" ''John, 
 James y or Joseph, intends to accompany me ;" ''There 
 
 C 
 
7A EXERCISES. (Rule 3. 
 
 is, in many minds, neither knowledge nor understand- 
 ing," 
 
 Grammar, p. 146. Key, p. 36, 
 
 Man'i? happiness, or misery, are, in a great mea- 
 sure, 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 con- 
 dition of life : for they are, perhaps, to be your own lot. 
 
 Speaking impatiently to servants, or any thing 
 that betrays unkindness or ill-humour, are certainly 
 criminal. 
 
 There are many faults in spelling, which neither 
 analogy nor pronunciation justify. 
 
 When 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 Almighty. 
 
 A tart reply, a proneness to rebuke, or a captious 
 and contradictious spirit, are capable of imbittering 
 domestic life, and of setting friends at variance. 
 
 The following sentences exemplify the notes and observa- 
 tions under rule hi. 
 
 Grammar, p. 146. Key, p. 36. 
 
 1. Either 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 sholars, or one of them at least, 
 was present at the transaction. 
 
 Some parts of the ship and cargo were recovered; 
 but neither the sailors nor the captain, was saved. 
 
I 
 
 Ruleh.) . .atNTix. 75 
 
 Whether one person or more was concerned in 
 the business, does not yet appear. 
 
 The cares of this life, or the deceitfulness of 
 riches, has choked the seeds of virtue in many a 
 promising mind. 
 
 RULE IV. 
 
 A noun of multitude, or signifying many, may have 
 a verb or pronoun agreeing with it, either of the singular 
 or plural number; yet not without regard to the import 
 of the word, as conveying unity or plurality of idea: a*, 
 '"^ The meeting was large ;" " The parliament is dis- 
 solved;" '' The nation is powerful;" '^ My people do not 
 consider : they have not known me ;" '' The multitude 
 eagerly pursue pleasure as their chief good ; " " The 
 council were divided in their sentiments." 
 
 Grammar, p. 147. Key, p. 37. 
 
 The people rejoices in that which should give it 
 sorrow. 
 
 The flock, and not the fleece, are, or ought to be, 
 the objects of the shepherd's care. 
 
 The court have just ended, after having sat through 
 the trial of a very long cause. 
 
 The crowd were so great, that the judges with 
 difficulty made their way through them. 
 
 The corporation of York consist of a mayor, alder- 
 men, and a common council. 
 
 , The British parliament are composed of king, lords, 
 and commons. 
 
 When the nation complain, the rulers should listen to 
 their voice. 
 
 In the days of youth, the multitude eagerly pur- 
 sues pleasure as its chief good. 
 
76 EXERCISES. (Rule 5. 
 
 The church have no power to inflict corporal pu- 
 nishment. 
 
 The fleet were seen sailing up the channel. 
 
 The regiment consist of a thousand men. 
 
 The meeting have established several salutary regula- 
 tions. 
 
 The council was not unanimous, and it separated 
 without coming to any determination. 
 
 The fleet is all arrived and moored in safety. 
 
 This people draweth near to me with their mouth, and 
 honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from 
 me. 
 
 The committee was divided in its sentiments, and it 
 has referred the business to the general meeting. 
 
 The committee were very full when this point was 
 decided ; and their judgment has not been called in 
 question. 
 
 Why do this generation wish for greater evidence, 
 when so much is already given ? 
 
 The remnant of the people were persecuted with great 
 severity. 
 
 Never were any people so much infatuated as the 
 Jewish nation. 
 
 The shoal of herrings were of an immense extent. 
 
 No society are chargeable with the disapproved mis- 
 conduct of particular members. 
 
 RULE V. 
 Pronouns must always agree with their antecedentSj 
 and the nouns for which iliey stand, Jn gender and num- 
 ber : as, " This is the friend whom I love;" ''That is 
 the vice which I hate;" " The Icing and the queen had 
 put on their robes ;" " The moon appears, and she shines, 
 but the light is not her own,^' 
 
Rule S.J siirrAX. 77 
 
 The relative is of the same person as the antecedent, and 
 the verb agrees with it accordingly : as, " TTiou who lovest 
 wisdom;" '^ I who speak from experience." 
 
 Grammar, p. 148. Key, p. 38. 
 
 The exercise of reason appears as little in these 
 sportsmen, as in the beasts whom they sometimes 
 hunt, and by whom they are sometimes hunted. 
 
 They which seek wisdom will certainly find her. 
 
 The male amongst birds seems- to discover no 
 beauty, but in the colour of its species. 
 
 Take handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let 
 Moses sprinkle it towards heaven, in the sight of 
 Pharaoh ; and its shall become small dust. 
 
 Rebecca took goodly raiment, which were with 
 her in the house, and put them upon Jacob. 
 
 The wheel killed another man, which is the sixth 
 which have lost^their lives, by this means. 
 
 The fair sex, whose task is not to mingle in the la- 
 bours of public life, has its own part assigned it to act. 
 
 The Hercules man of war foundered at sea ; she 
 overset, and lost most of her men. 
 
 The mind of man cannot be long without some 
 food to nourish the activity of his thoughts. 
 
 What is the reason that 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 reputation. 
 
 Thou who has been a witness of the fact, can give 
 an account of it. 
 
 In religious concerns, or what is conceived to be 
 such, eyery man must stand or fall by the decision 
 of the Great Judge. 
 
 G* 
 
7^ EXERCISES. (Rule 5. 
 
 Something like what have been here premised, 
 are the conjectures of Drydeii. 
 
 Thou great First Cause, least understood I 
 
 Who all my sense confin'd 
 To know hut this, that thou art good, 
 
 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 camp alone. 
 The following examples are adapted to the notes and ob- 
 servations under rule y. 
 
 Grammar, p. 149. Key, p. 40. 
 
 1. Whoever entertains such an opinion, he judges 
 erroneously. 
 
 The cares of this world they often choke the 
 growtli of virtue. 
 
 Disappointments and afflictions, however disagree- 
 able, they often improve us. 
 
 2. Moses was the meekest man whom we read of 
 in the Old Testament. 
 
 Humility is one of the most amiable virtues which 
 we can possess. 
 
 They are the same persons who assisted us yesterday. 
 
 The men and things which he has studied have 
 not improved his morals. 
 
 3. Howsoever beautiful they appear, they have no 
 real merit. 
 
 In whatsoever light we view him, his conduct will 
 bear inspection. 
 
 On whichsoever side they are contemplated, they 
 appear to advantage. 
 
 However much he might despise the maxims of 
 the king's administration, he kept a total silence on 
 that subject. 
 
Rule 5 J SYNTAX. 79 
 
 4. Which of them two persons has most distin- 
 guished himself? 
 
 None more impatiently suffer injuries, than those 
 that are most forward in doing them. 
 
 5. He would not be persuaded but what I was 
 greatly in fanlt. 
 
 These commendations of his children, appear to 
 have been made in somewhat an injudicious manner. 
 
 6. He instructed and fed the crowds who sur- 
 rounded him. 
 
 Sidney was one of the wisest and most active go- 
 vernors, which Ireland had enjoyed for several years. 
 
 He was the ablest minister which James ever 
 possessed. 
 
 The court, who gives currency to manners, ought 
 to be exemplary. 
 
 I am happy in the friend which I have long proved. 
 
 7. The child whom we have just seen, is whole- 
 somely fed, and not injured by bandages or clothing. 
 
 He is like a beast of prey, who destroys without pity. 
 
 8. Having once disgusted him, he could never regain 
 the favour of Nero, who was indeed another name for 
 cruelty. 
 
 Flattery, whose nature is to deceivej and betray, 
 should be avoided as the poisonous adder. 
 Who of those men came to his assistance ? 
 
 9. The king dismissed his 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. 
 
!k) EXERCISES. (Rule • 
 
 10. It is remarkable his continual endeavours to 
 serve us, notwithstanding' our ingratitude. 
 
 It 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 blessings. 
 
 RULE VI. 
 
 The relative is the nominative case to the verb, when no 
 nominative case comes between it and the verb : as, '* The 
 master who taught us;" ''■ The trees which are planted,'' 
 
 When a nominative comes between the relative and the 
 verbj the relative is governed by some word in its own 
 member of the sentence : as , '■'•He who preserves me, to 
 whom I owe my being, whose 1 am, and whom I serve, is 
 eternal,''' 
 
 Grammar, p. 153. Key, p. 42. 
 
 We are dependent 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 
 answer for. 
 
 It is to not be expected that they, whom in early 
 life, have been dark and deceitful, should afterwards 
 become fair and ingenuous. 
 
 They who have laboured to make us wise and 
 good, are the persons who we ought to love and re- 
 spect, and who we ought to be grateful to. 
 
 The persons, who concience and virtue support, 
 may smile at the caprices of fortune. 
 
 From the character of those who you associate 
 with, your own will be estimated. 
 
Rule l.J SYNTAX. 81 
 
 That is the student who I gave the book to, and 
 whom, I am persuaded, deserves it. 
 
 1. Of whom were the articles bought? Of a mer- 
 cer ; he who resides near the mansion house. 
 
 Was any person besides the mercer present ? Yes, 
 both him and his clerk. 
 
 Who was the money paid to ? To the mercer 
 and his clerk. 
 
 Who counted it ? Both the clerk and him. 
 
 RULE VII. 
 
 When the relative is preceded hy two nominatives of 
 different persons, the relative and verb may agree in 
 person with either^ according to the sense : as, "I am 
 the man who command you ;" or, " 1 am the m,an who 
 commands you.^^ 
 
 Grammar, p. 155. Key, p. 43. 
 
 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 relieved me, 
 and that has not deserted me now in the time of pe- 
 culiar need. 
 
 I am the man who approves of wholesome disci- 
 pline, and who recommend it to others; but I am 
 not a person who promotes useless severity; or who 
 object to mild and generous treatment, 
 
 I perceive that thou art a pupil, who possesses 
 bright parts, but who hast cultivated them but little. 
 
 Thou art he who breathest on tlie earth with the 
 breath of spring, and who covereth it with verdure 
 and beauty. 
 
 I am the Lord thy God, who teacheth thee to pro- 
 fit, and who lead thee by the way thou shouldst go. 
 
82 EXERCISES. CRule 8. 
 
 Thou art the Lord who did choose Abraham, and 
 broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees. 
 
 RULE VIII. 
 
 Every adjective j and every adjective pronoun ^ belongs 
 to a substantive f expressed or 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. 
 
 Adjective pronouns must agree, in number, with their 
 substantives : as, '^ This booky these books; that sort, 
 those sorts; another road, other roads J*^ 
 
 Grammar, p. 156. Key, p. 44. 
 
 These kind of indulgences soften and injure the mind. 
 
 Instead of improving yourselves, you have been 
 playing this two hours. 
 
 Those sort of favours did real injury, under the 
 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 ! 
 
 He saw one or more persons enter the garden. 
 
 TTie examples which follow, are suited to Jhe notes 
 and observations under rule viii. 
 
 Grammar, p. 156. Key, p. 44. 
 1. adjective pronouns*. 
 1. Charles was extravagant, and by this mean 
 became poor and despicabler. 
 
 It was by that ungenerous mean that he obtained 
 his end. 
 
 Industry is the mean of obtaining competency. 
 
 * See the Grammar, Twenty-third, or any subsequent, edition., page 156. 
 
Rule 8J SYNTAX. 8S 
 
 Though a promising measure, it is a mean which 
 I cannot adopt. 
 
 This person embraced every opportunity to dis- 
 play his talents ; and by these means rendered him- 
 self ridiculous. 
 
 Joseph was industrious, frugal, and discreet; and 
 by this means obtained property and reputation. 
 
 2. Religion raises' men above themselves; irre- 
 ligion 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 show upon the earth in those than in 
 these; because there is a much slower evaporation. 
 
 Rex and Tyrannus are of very different characters. 
 The one rules his people by laws to which they con- 
 sent ; the other, by his absolute 'will and power: 
 this is called freedom, that tyranny. 
 
 3. Each of them, in their turn, receive the benefits 
 to which they are entitled. , 
 
 My counsel to each of you is, that you should make 
 it your endeavour to come to a friendly agreement. 
 
 By discussing what relates to each particular, 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 leaf, every twig, every drop of water, teem 
 with life. 
 
 Every man's heart and temper is productive of 
 much inward joy or bitterness. 
 
8A EXERCISES. (Ruie 8. 
 
 Whatever he undertakes, either his pride or his 
 folly disgust us. 
 
 Every man and every woman were numbered. 
 
 Neither of those men seem to have any idea, that 
 their opinions may be ill-founded. 
 
 When benignity and gentleness reign within, we 
 are always least in hazard from without ; every per- 
 son, and every occurrence, are beheld in the most 
 favourable light. 
 
 On either side of the river was there the tree of life. 
 
 II. ADJECTIVES. 
 
 4. She reads proper, writes very neat, and com- 
 poses accurate. 
 
 He was extreme prodigal, and his property is now 
 near exhausted. 
 
 They generally succeeded; for they lived con- 
 formable to the rules of prudence. 
 
 We may reason very clear, and exceeding strong, 
 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 exceeding 
 careful not to give offence. 
 
 They rejected the advice, and conducted them- 
 selves exceedingly indiscreetly. 
 
 He is a person of great abilities, and exceeding 
 upright : and is like to be a very useful member of 
 the community. 
 
Rule 8.j STUTAX. SS* 
 
 The conspiracy was the easier discovered, from its 
 being known to many. 
 
 Not being" fully acquainted with the subject, he 
 could aflBrm no stronger than he did. 
 
 He was so deeply impressed with the subject, that 
 few could speak nobler upon it. 
 
 We may credit his testimony, for he says express, 
 that he saw the transaction. 
 
 Use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thine 
 often infirmities. 
 
 From these favourable beginnings, we may hope 
 for a soon and prosperous issue. 
 
 He addressed several exhortations to them suitably 
 to their circumstances. 
 
 Conformably 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 soonest and deepest root. 
 
 Such an amiable disposition will secure universal 
 regard. 
 
 Such distinguished virtues seldom occur. 
 
 5. 'Tis more easier to build two chimneys than 
 to maintain one. 
 
 The tongue is like a race-horse ; which runs the 
 faster the lesser weight it carries. 
 
 The pleasures of the understanding are more pre- 
 ferable than those of the imagination, or of sense. 
 
 The nightingale sings: hers is the most sweetest 
 voice in the grove. 
 
 The Most Highest hath created us for his glory 
 and our own happiness. 
 
86 EXERCISES. (Rule9. 
 
 The supreme Being is the most wisest, and most 
 powerfulest, and the most best of beings. 
 
 6. Virtue confers the supreme st dignity on man ; 
 and should be his chiefest desire. 
 
 His assertio'n was more true than that of his oppo- 
 nent ; nay, the words of the latter were most untrue. 
 
 His work is perfect ; his brother's more perfect ; 
 and his father's the most perfect of all. 
 
 He gave the fullest and the most sincere proof of 
 the truest friendship. 
 
 7. A talent 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 under- 
 stood him the best of all the others, who spoke on 
 the subject. 
 
 Eve was the fairest of all her daughters. 
 
 8. He spoke in a distinct enough manner to be 
 heard by the whole assembly. 
 
 Thomas is equipped with a new pair of shoes, and 
 a new pair of gloves: be is the servant of an old 
 rich man. 
 
 The two first in the row are cherry-trees, the two 
 others are pear-trees. 
 
 RULE IX. 
 
 The article a or an agrees with nouns in the singular 
 number only, individually or collectively: as, "a Christ- 
 ian , an infidel, a score, a thousand*" 
 
 The definite article the may agree with nouns in the 
 singular or plural number : as, "The gardens, the homes, 
 the stars." 
 
Rule 9.) SYNTAX. 8^ 
 
 The articles are often properly omitted ; when used, 
 they should be justly applied, according to their distinct 
 nature: as, "Gold is corrupting; The sea is green; 
 A lion is bold." 
 
 Grammar, p. 166. Key, p. 49. 
 
 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- 
 tinct 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 understanding ; 
 wastes an estate ; destroys a reputation ; consumes the 
 body; and renders the man of the brightest parts 
 the common jest of the meanest clown. 
 
 He is a much better writer than a reader. 
 
 The king has conferred on him the title of a duke. 
 
 There are some evils of life, which equally affect 
 prince 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 bene- 
 ficent neighbour. 
 
 True charity is not the meteor, which occasionally 
 glares; but the luminary, which, in its orderly and 
 regular course, dispenses benignant influence. 
 
^8 EXERCISES. (Bule 10. 
 
 The following sentences exemplify the notes and observa- 
 tions under rule ix. 
 
 Grammar, p. 167. Key, p. 50. 
 
 1. He has been much censured for conducting 
 himself with a little attention to his business. 
 
 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 per- 
 sons to intercede for him. 
 
 There were so many mitigating circumstances 
 attending his misconduct, particularly that of his open 
 confession, that he found few friends who were dis- 
 posed to interest themselves in his favour. 
 
 As his misfortunes were the fruit of his own ob- 
 stinacy, 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 
 generous principle. 
 
 He was fired with desire of doing something, 
 though he knew not yet, with distinctness, either 
 end or means. 
 
 3. At worst, I could but incur a gentle reprimand. 
 
 At best, his gift was but a poor offering, when we 
 consider his estate. 
 
 RULE X. 
 
 One substantive governs another, signifying a different 
 thing, in the possessive or genitive case: as, " My father's 
 house;" " Man's happiness ;" " Virtue's reward,'' 
 Grammar, p. 169. Key, p. 51. 
 
 My ancestors virtue is not mine. 
 ' His brothers offence will not condemn him. 
 
Rule 10.^ SYNTAX, 89 
 
 I will not destroy the city for ten sake. 
 
 Nevertheless, Asa his heart was perfect with the 
 Lord. 
 
 A mothers tenderness and a fathers care are na- 
 tures gifts' for mans advantage. 
 
 A man manner's frequently inflaence his fortune. 
 
 Wisdoms precepts' form the good mans interest 
 and happiness. 
 
 They slew Varus, he that was mentioned before. 
 They slew Varus, who was him that I mentioned 
 before. 
 
 7%e following examples are adapted to the notes 
 and observations under rule x. 
 
 Grammar, p. 170. Key, p. 52. 
 
 1. The anniversary of King William's and Queen 
 Mary's accession to the throne. 
 
 The house was Joseph's and Robert's property. 
 
 On this trial, the judge and the jury's senti- 
 ments, were at variance. 
 
 The captain's and mate's, as well as the seamen's 
 exertions, brought the vessel, under Providence, 
 safely into port. 
 
 2. The witness evidence was decisive. 
 Moses rod was turned into a serpent. 
 
 For Herodias sake, his brother Philips wife. 
 
 If ye suffer for rlghteousness's sake, happy are ye. 
 
 Ye should be subject for conscience's sake. 
 
 3. They very justly condemned the prodigal's, as 
 he was called, senseless and extravagant conduct. 
 
 They implicitly obeyed the protector's, as they 
 called him, imperious mandates. 
 
v90 EXERCISES. CBule iO. 
 
 4. 1 bought the knives at Johnson's, the cutler's. 
 
 The silk was purcliased at Brown's, the mercer's 
 and haberdasher's. 
 
 Lord Feversham the general's tent. 
 
 This palace had been the grand sultan's Ma- 
 homet's. 
 
 I will not for David's thy father's sake. 
 
 He took refuge at the governor, the king's repre- 
 sentative's. 
 
 Whose works are these ? They are Cicero, the 
 most eloquent of men's. 
 
 5. The world's government is not left to chance. 
 She married my son's wife's brother. 
 
 This is my wife's brother's partner's house. 
 
 It was necessary to have both the physician's and 
 the surgeon's advice. 
 
 The extent of the prerogative of the king of 
 England, is sufficiently ascertained. 
 
 6. This picture of the king's does not much re- 
 semble him. 
 
 These pictures of the king were sent to him from 
 Italy. 
 
 This estate of the corporation's is much encum- 
 bered. 
 
 That is the eldest son of the king of England's. 
 
 7. What can be the cause of the parliament neg- 
 lecting so important a business ? 
 
 Much depends on this rule being observed. 
 The time of William making the experiment, at 
 length arrived. 
 
Rule a.) SYNTAX. M 
 
 It is very probable that this assembly was called, 
 to clear some doubt which the king had, about the 
 lawfulness of the Hollanders their throwing off the 
 monarchy of Spain, and their withdrawing entirely 
 their allegiance to that crown. 
 
 If we alter the situation of any of the words, we 
 shall presently be sensible of the melody suffering. 
 
 Such will ever be the effect of youth associating 
 with vicious companions. 
 
 RULE XI. ^ 
 
 Active verbs govern the objective case : as^ *' Truth 
 ennobles her;"" " SAc comforts me;" '^ They support 
 us;" '■' Virtue rewards her followers J'^ 
 
 Grammar, p. 175. Key, p. 54. 
 
 They who opulence has made proud, and who 
 luxury has corrupted, catuiot relish the simple plea- 
 sures of nature. 
 
 You have reason to dread his wrath, which one day 
 will destroy ye both. 
 
 Who have I reason to love so much as this friend 
 of my youth? 
 
 Ye, who were dead, hath he quickened. 
 
 Who did they entertain so freely ? 
 
 The man who he raised from obscurity, is dead. 
 
 Ye only have I known of all the families of the 
 earth. 
 
 He and they we know, but who are you? 
 
 She that is idle and mischievous, reprove sharply. 
 
 Who did they send to him on so important an 
 errand ? 
 
 That is the friend who you must receive cordially, 
 and who you cannot esteem too highly. * i. 
 
SiZ EXERCISES. (Rule 11. 
 
 He invited my brother and 1 to see and examine 
 his library. 
 
 He who committed the offence, you should cor- 
 rect, not I who am innocent. 
 
 We should fear and obey the author of our beings 
 even He who has power to reward or punish us for 
 ever. 
 
 They who he had most injured, he had the greatest 
 reason to love. 
 
 The examples which folloWj are suited to the notes and 
 [observations under rule xi. 
 
 Grammar, p. 170. Key, p. 55. 
 
 1. Though he now takes pleasure in them, he 
 will one day repent him of indulgences so unwar- 
 rantable. 
 
 The nearer his virtues approached him to the great 
 example before him, the humbler he grew. 
 
 It will be very difficult to agree his conduct with 
 the principles he professes. 
 
 2. To ingratiate with some, by traducing others, 
 marks a base and despicable mind. 
 
 I shall premise with two or three general observa- 
 tions. 
 
 3. If such maxims, and such practices prevail, 
 what has become of decency and virtue ? 
 
 I have come according to the time proposed ; but 
 I have fallen upon an evil hour. 
 
 The mighty rivals are now at length agreed. 
 
 The influence of his corrupt example was then 
 entirely ceased. 
 
Rule a.) SYNTAX. 93 
 
 He was entered into the connexion, before the 
 consequences were considered. 
 
 4 *. Well may you be afraid ; it is him indeed. 
 I would act the same part if I were him, or in his 
 situation. 
 
 Search the Scriptures ; for in them ye think ye 
 have eternal life : and they are them which testify 
 of me. 
 
 Be composed : it is me : you have no cause for fear. 
 
 I cannot tell who has befriended me, unless it is 
 him from whom I have received many benefits. 
 
 I know not whether it were them who conducted 
 the business ; but I am certain it was not hina. 
 
 He so much resembled my brotlier, that, at first 
 sight, I took it to be he. 
 
 After all their professions, is it possible to be them ? 
 
 It could not have been her, for she always behaves 
 discreetly. 
 
 If it was not him, who do you imagine it to» have 
 been? 
 
 Who do you think him to be ? 
 
 Whom do the people say that we are ? 
 
 5. Whatever others do, let thou and I act wisely. 
 Let them and we unite to oppose this growing 
 evil. 
 
 ♦ When the verb to be is understood, it has the same case before and after 
 it, as when it is expressed : as, " He seems the leader of the party;" 
 " He shall continue steward;" "They appointed me executor;" "I sup- 
 posed him a man of learning :" that is, " He seems to be the leader of the 
 party, &c.''— Nouns in apposition are in the same case : as, "We name 
 the man Pompey;" "They may term Charles a visionary, but they cannot 
 call him a deceiver; "" Hortensius died a martyr:" "The gentle Sidney 
 lived the shepherd's friend." 
 
9A EXERCISES. CRule 12. 
 
 RULE XII. 
 
 One verb governs another that follows it, or depends 
 upon it, in the infinitive mood: as, '•'■Cease to do evil ; 
 learn to do well ;" " We should be prepared to render 
 an account of our actions,^'' 
 
 The preposition to, though generally used before the 
 latter verb, is sometimes properly omitted : as, ^* / 
 heard him say it ,-" instead of '^ to say it." 
 Grammar, p. 178. Key, p. 56. 
 
 It is better live on a little, than outlive a great 
 deal. 
 
 You ought not walk too hastily. 
 
 I wish him not wrestle with his happiness. ' 
 
 I need not to solicit him to do a kind action. 
 
 I dare not to proceed so hastily, lest I should give 
 offence. 
 
 I have seen some young persons to conduct them- 
 selves very discreetly. 
 
 The following sentences exemplify the notes and obser- 
 vations under rule xii. 
 
 Grammar, p. 178. Key, p. 57. 
 
 1. It is a great support to virtue, when we see a 
 good mind to maintain its patience and tranquillity, 
 under injuries and affliction, and to cordially forgive 
 its oppressors. 
 
 It is the difference of their conduct, which makes 
 us to approve the one, and to reject the other. 
 -< To see young persons who are courted by health 
 and pleasure, to resist all the allurements of vice, 
 and to steadily pursue virtue and knowledge, is 
 cheering and delightful to every good mind. 
 
Rule 1 Z.) SYNTAX. 99 
 
 2. We should not be like many persons, to depreciate 
 the virtues we do not possess. 
 
 They acted with so much reserve, that some per- 
 sons doubted them to be sincere. 
 
 May we always act uprightly , to do that which 
 conscience approves. 
 
 RULE XIII. 
 
 In the use of words and phrases mhicky in point of 
 time^ relate to each other, a due regard to that rela- 
 tion should be observed. Instead of saying, " TTie Lord 
 hath given, and the Lord hath taken away;'''' we should 
 say, " The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken awayJ'^ 
 Instead of "I know the family more than twenty 
 years;" it should be, *' / have known the family more 
 than twenty years.''' 
 
 Grammar, p. 179. Key, p. 57. 
 
 The next new year's day, I shall be at school 
 three years. 
 
 He has lately lost a dear and only son. 
 
 1 should be obliged to him, if he will gratify me 
 in that particular. 
 
 He has been formerly very disorderly; but this 
 year, to the present time, he was decent and regular, 
 
 We should respect these persons, because they 
 continue long attached to us. 
 
 In the treasury belonging to the cathedral in this 
 city, is preserved with the greatest .veneration, for 
 upwards of six hundred years, a dish which they 
 pretend to be made of emerald. 
 
 The court of Rome gladly laid hold on all the op- 
 portunities, which the imprudence, weakness^ or ne- 
 cessities of princes, afford it, to extend its authority. 
 Fierce as he mov'd his silver shafts resound. 
 
96 EXERCISES. (RtileiZ. 
 
 They maintained that scripture conclusion, that 
 all mankind rise from one head. 
 
 John will earn his wages, when his service is 
 completed. 
 
 Be wise and good, that you might be happy. 
 
 Be that as it will, he cannot justify his conduct. 
 
 1 have been at London a year, and seen the king 
 last summer. 
 
 After we visited London, we returned, content 
 and thankful, to our retired and peaceful habitation. 
 
 TTie following examples are adapted to the notes and 
 observations under rule xiii. 
 
 Grammar, p. 179. Key, p. 58. 
 
 1. 1 purpose to go to London in a few months 
 after I shall finish my business there, to proceed to 
 America. 
 
 These prosecutions of William seem to be the 
 most iniquitous measures pursued by the court, during 
 the time that the use of parliaments was suspended. 
 
 From the little conversation I had with him, he 
 appeared to have been a man of letters. 
 
 I always intended to have rewarded my son ac- 
 cording to his merit. 
 
 It would, on reflection, have given me great satis- 
 faction, to relieve him from that distressed situation. 
 
 It required so much care, that I thought I should 
 have lost it before I reached home. 
 
 We have done no more than it was our duty to 
 have done. 
 
 He would have assisted one of his friends, if he 
 could do it without injuring the other; but as that 
 could not have been done, he avoided all inter- 
 ference. 
 
Rule ih.) sYmkx., '•.•;•'.:..'• '•' *)t 
 
 Must it not be expected^ that he would have de- 
 fended an authority, which had been so long exer- 
 cised without controversy ? 
 
 These enemies of Christianity were confounded, 
 whilst they were expecting to have found an oppor- 
 tunity to have betrayed its author. 
 
 His sea sickness was so great, that I often feared 
 he would have died before our arrival. 
 
 If these persons had intended to deceive, they 
 would have taken care to have avoided, what would 
 expose them to the objections of their opponents. 
 
 It was a pleasure to have received his approbation 
 of my labours ; for which 1 cordially thanked hina. 
 
 It would have afforded me still greater pleasure 
 to receive his approbation at an earlier period : but 
 to receive it at all, reflected credit upon me. 
 
 To be censured by him, would soon have proved 
 an insuperable discouragement. 
 
 Him portioned maids, apprenticed orphans blest. 
 The young who labour, and the old who rest 
 
 The doctor, in his lecture, said, that fever always 
 produced thirst. 
 
 RULE XIV. 
 Participles have the same government as the verbs have 
 from which they are derived : a*, " / am weary with 
 hearing him;'''' '''She is instructing us ;^ *' The tutor is 
 admonishing Charles,'''' * 
 
 Grammar, p. 183. Key, p. 61, 
 Esteeming theirselves wise, they became fools. 
 SuspectiLg not only ye, but they also, I was stu- 
 dious to avoid all intercourse. 
 
 ♦ Though the participle is not a part of speech distinct from the verb , 
 yet as it forms a particular and striking part of the verb and has some 
 rules and observations which are peculiar to it, we think it is entitled to a 
 Separate, distinctive consideration. I 
 
i^h 'EXERCISES. (Rule i&, 
 
 I could not avoid considering, in some degree, 
 they as enemies to me ; and he as a suspicious friend. 
 
 From having exposed hisself too freely in diffe- 
 rent climates, he entirely lost his health. 
 
 The examples which follow, are suited to th? notes 
 and observations under rule xiv. 
 
 Grammar, p. 184. Key, p. 62. 
 
 1. By observing of truth, you will command 
 esteem, as well as secure peace. 
 
 He prepared them for this event, by the sending 
 to them proper information. 
 
 A person may be great or rich by chance ; but 
 cannot be wise or good, without the taking pains 
 for it. 
 
 Nothing could have made her so unhappy, as the 
 marrying a man who possessed such principles. 
 
 The changing times and seasons, the removing and 
 setting up kings, belong to Providence alone. 
 
 The middle station of life seems to be the most ad- 
 vantageously situated for gaining of wisdom. Po- 
 verty turns our thoughts too much upon the sup- 
 plying our wants ; and riches upon the enjoying our 
 superfluities. 
 
 Pliny, speaking of Cato the Censor's disapproving 
 the Grecian orators, expressed himself thus. 
 
 Propriety of pronunciation is the giving to every 
 word that sound, which the most polite usage of the 
 language appropriates to it. 
 
 The not attending to this rule, is the cause of a 
 yery common error. 
 
 This was in fact a converting the deposite to his 
 own use. 
 
RuleiA.) SYNTAX. ■••'•*•••••• '''9^' 
 
 2. There will be no clanger of their spoiling their 
 faces, or of their gaining converts. 
 
 For his avoiding that precipice, he is indebted to 
 his friend's care. 
 
 It was from our misunderstanding the directions, 
 that we lost our way. 
 
 In tracing of his history, we discover little that 
 is worthy of imitation. 
 
 By reading of books written by the best authors, 
 his mind became highly improved. 
 
 3. By too eager pursuit, he run a great risk of 
 being disappointed. 
 
 He had not long enjoyed repose, before he begun 
 to be weary of having nothing to do. 
 
 He was greatly heated, and drunk with avidity. 
 
 Though his conduct was, in some respects, ex^ 
 ceptionablO) yet he dared not commit so great an 
 offence, as that which was proposed to him. 
 A second deluge learning thus o'er-run : 
 And the monks finish'd what the Goths begun. 
 
 If some events had not fell out very unexpectedly, 
 1 should have been present. 
 
 He would have went with us, had he been invited. 
 
 He returned the goods which he had stole, and 
 made all the reparation in his power. 
 
 They have chose the part of honour and virtue. 
 
 His vices have weakened his mind, and broke his 
 health. 
 
 He had mistook his true interest, and found him- 
 self forsook by his former adherents. 
 
 The bread that has been eat is soon forgot. 
 
 No contentions have arose amongst them since 
 their reconciliation. 
 
HOO EXERCISES. C^ule 15. 
 
 The cloth had no seom, but was wove through- 
 out. 
 
 The French language is spoke in every state in 
 Europe. 
 
 His resolution was too strong to be shook by slight 
 opposition. 
 
 He was not much restrained afterwards, having 
 took improper liberties at first. 
 
 He has not yet wore oflF the rough manners, 
 which he brought with him. 
 
 You who have forsook your friends, are entitled 
 to no confidence. 
 
 They who have bore a part in the labour, shall 
 share the rewards. 
 
 When the rules have been wantonly broke, there 
 can be no plea for favour. 
 
 He writes as the best authors would have wrote, 
 had they writ on the same subject. 
 
 He heapt up great riches, but past his time mise- 
 rably. 
 
 He talkt and stampt with such vehemence, that 
 he was suspected to be insane. 
 
 RULE XV. 
 
 Adverbs J though they have no government of case, 
 iense^ <^c, require an appropriate situation in the sen- 
 tence, viz. for the most part before adjectives, after 
 verbs active or neuter^ and frequently between the 
 auxiliary and the verb : as, " He made a very sensible 
 discourse; he spoke unaffectedly and forcibly, and was 
 attentively heard by the whole assembly,''^ 
 
 Grammar, p. 186. Key, p. 66. 
 
Rule 15.j SYNTAX. ' ' ' ' 101 
 
 He was pleasing not often, because he was vain. 
 
 William nobly acted, though he was unsuccessful. 
 
 We may happily live though our possessions are 
 small. 
 
 From whence we may date likewise the period of 
 this event. 
 
 It cannot be impertinent or ridiculous therefore to 
 remonstrate. 
 
 He offered an apology, which being not admitted, 
 he became submissive. 
 
 These things should be never separated. 
 
 Unless he have more government of himself, he 
 will be always discontented. 
 
 Never sovereign was so much beloved by the 
 people. 
 
 He was determined to invite back the king, and 
 to call together his friends. 
 
 So well educated a boy gives great hopes to his 
 friends. 
 
 Not only he found her employed, but pleased and 
 tranquil also. 
 
 We always should prefer our duty to our pleasure. 
 
 It is impossible continually to be at work. 
 
 The heavenly bodies are in motion pei'petually. 
 
 Having not known, or having not considered, the 
 measures proposed, be failed of success. 
 
 My opinion was given on rather a cursory pe- 
 rusal of the book. 
 
 It is too common with mankind, to be engrossed, 
 and overcome totally, by present events. 
 
 When J the Romans were pressed with a foreign 
 enemy, the women contributed all their rings and 
 jewels voluntarily, to assist the government. 
 
102 EXERCISES. (Rule 16. 
 
 The JhlloTving sentences exemplify the notes and obser- 
 vations under rule xvt 
 Grammar, p. 188. Key, p. 67. 
 
 1. They could not persuade him, though they 
 were never so eloquent. 
 
 If some persons' opportunities were never so fa- 
 vourable, they would be too indolent to improve them. 
 
 2. He drew up a petition, where he too freely 
 represented his own merits. 
 
 His follies had reduced him to a situation where 
 he had much to fear, and nothing to hope. 
 
 It is reported that the prince will come here to- 
 morrow. 
 
 George is active j he walked there in less than an 
 hour. 
 
 Where are you all going in such haste ? 
 
 Whither have they been since they left the city ? 
 
 3. Charles left the seminary too early, since when 
 he has made very little improvement. 
 
 Nothing is better worth the while of young per- 
 sons, than the acquisition of knowledge and virtue. 
 
 RULE XVI. 
 
 Ttvo negatives^ in English^ destroy one another^ or are 
 equivalent to an affirmative : a«, " Nor did they not per- 
 ceive him;" that is, ^^ they did perceive him." ^' His 
 language, though inelegant, is not ungrammatical }" 
 that is, *' it is grammatical" 
 
 Grammar, p. 189. Key, p. 68. 
 
 Neither riches nor honours, nor no such perish- 
 ing goods, can satisfy the desires of an immortal 
 spirit. 
 
Rule \1.) SYNTAX. 108 
 
 Be honest, nor take no shape nor semblance of 
 disg'uise. 
 
 We need not, nor do not, confine his operations 
 to narrow liaiits. 
 
 I am resolved not to comply with the proposd, 
 neither at present, nor at any other time. 
 
 There cannot be nothing more insignificant than 
 vanity. 
 
 Nothing never affected her so much as this mis- 
 conduct of her child. 
 
 Do not interrupt me yourselves, nor let no one 
 disturb my retirement. 
 
 These people do not judge wisely, nor take no 
 proper measures to effect their purpose. 
 
 The measure is so exceptionable, that we cannot 
 by no means permit it. 
 
 I have received no information on the subject, 
 neither from him nor from his friend. 
 
 Precept nor discipline is not so forcible as ex- 
 ample. 
 
 The king nor the queen was not at all deceived 
 in the business. 
 
 RULE xvii. 
 
 Prepositions govern the objective case.* as, "/ have 
 heard a good character of her;" " From him that is 
 needy turn not away ;" " A word to the wise is sufficient 
 for them ;" *^ We may be good and happy without 
 riches," 
 
 Grammar, p. 189. Key, p. 69. 
 
 We are all accountable creatures, each for his- 
 self. 
 
lOA EXEBGisEs. [Rule 17. 
 
 They willingly, and of theirseWes, endeavoured 
 to make up the difference. 
 
 He laid the suspicion upon somebody, 1 know not 
 who, in the company. 
 
 I hope it is not I who he is displeased with. 
 
 To poor we there is not much hope remaining. 
 
 Does that boy know wbo he speaks to ? Who 
 does he ojQTer such language to ? 
 
 It was not he that they were so angry with. 
 
 What concord can subsist between those who com- 
 mit crimes, and they who abhor them ? 
 
 The person who I travelled with, has sold the 
 horse which he rode on during our journey. 
 
 It is not I he is engaged with. 
 
 Who did he receive that intelligence from ? 
 
 The following examples are adapted to the notes and 
 observations under rule xvii. 
 
 Grammar, p. 190. Key, p. 70. 
 
 1. To have no one whom we heartily wish well 
 to, and whom we are warmly concerned for, is a 
 deplorable state. 
 
 He is a friend whom I am highly indebted to. 
 
 2. On these occasions, the pronoun is governed by, 
 and consequently agrees with, the preceding word. 
 
 Tliey were refused entrance into, and forcibly 
 driven from, the house. 
 
 3. We are often disappointed of things, which, 
 before possession, promised much enjoyment. 
 
Ruie 17,) SYNTAX. 10$ 
 
 I have frequently desired their company, but have 
 always hitherto been disappointed in that pleasure. 
 
 4. She finds a difficulty of fixing her mind. 
 
 Her sobriety is no derogation to her understand- 
 ing. 
 
 There was no water, and he died for thirst. 
 
 We can fully confide on none but the truly good. 
 
 1 have no occasion of his services. 
 
 Many have profited from good advice. 
 
 Many ridiculous practices have been brought in 
 vogue. 
 
 The error was occasioned by compliance to earnest 
 entreaty. 
 
 This is a principle in unison to our nature. 
 
 We should entertain no prejudices to simple and 
 rustic persons. 
 
 They are at present resolved of doing their duty. 
 
 That boy is known under the name of the Idler. 
 
 Though conformable with custom, it is not war- 
 rantable. 
 
 This remark is founded in truth. 
 
 His parents think on him, and his improvements, 
 with pleasure and hope. 
 
 His excuse was admitted of by his master. 
 
 What 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. 
 
 More than a thousand of men were destroyed. 
 
 It is my request, that he will be particular in 
 speaking to the following points. 
 
106 EXERCISES. (Rule 17. 
 
 The Saxons reduced the greater part of Britain to 
 their own power. 
 
 He lives opposite the Royal Exchange. 
 
 Their house is situated to the north-east side of the 
 road. 
 
 The performance was approved of by all who un- 
 derstood it. 
 
 He was accused with having acted unfairly. 
 
 She has an abhorrence to all deceitful conduct. 
 
 They were some distance from home, when the 
 accident happened. 
 
 His deportment was adapted for conciliating re- 
 gard. 
 
 My father writes me very frequently. 
 
 Their 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 politeness of the world has the same resem- 
 blance with benevolence, that the shadow has with 
 the substance. 
 
 He had a taste of such studies, and pursued them 
 earnestly. 
 
 When we have had a true 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 then less 
 necessary for us. 
 
 Civility makes its way among every kind of per- 
 
 5. I have been to London, after having resided a 
 year at France : and I now live in Islington. 
 
Rule IS.) SYNTAX. 107 
 
 They have just landed in Hull, and are going 
 for Liverpool. They intend to reside some time 
 at Ireland. 
 
 RULE XVIII. 
 
 Conjunctions connect the same moods and tenses of 
 verbs J and cases of nouns and pronouns : as *' Candour 
 is to be approved and practised;" '* If thou sincerely 
 desire, and earnestly pursue virtue, she will assuredly 
 be found by thee, and prove a rich reward ;" '* TTie 
 master taught both her and me to wriie ;" J* He and she 
 were school-fellows." 
 
 Grammar, p. 194. Key, p. 72. 
 Professing regard, and to act differently, discover 
 a base mind. 
 
 Did he not tell me his fault, and entreated me to 
 forgive him. 
 
 My brother and him are tolerable grammarians. 
 If he understand the subject, and attends to it 
 industriously, he can scarcely fail of success. 
 You and us enjoy many privileges. 
 This excellent person appeared to be fully re- 
 signed, either to live, or to have died. 
 
 She and him are very unhappily connected. 
 To be moderate in our views, and proceeding 
 temperately in the pursuit of them, is the best way 
 to ensure success. 
 
 On that occasion, he could not have done more, 
 nor offer to do less. 
 
 Between him and I there is some disparity, of 
 years ; but none between him and she. 
 
 By forming themselves on fantastic models, and 
 ready to vie with one another in the reigning fol- 
 
108 EXERCISES. fRtde 19. 
 
 lies, the young begin with being ridiculous, and end 
 with being vicious and inamoral. 
 
 In early life, they were headstrong and rash, 
 though now are compliant and gentle. 
 
 Can these persons consent to such a proposal, and 
 will consent to it? 
 
 How affluent, and distinguished for talents, he is, 
 and how extensively useful might be ! 
 
 We have met with many disappointments ; and, if 
 life continue, shall probably meet with many more. 
 
 He might have been happy, and now is fully con- 
 vinced of it. 
 
 Virtue is praised by many, and doubtless would 
 be desired also, if her worth were really known. 
 
 Though Charles was sometimes hasty, yet was not 
 often ungenerous. 
 
 He could command his temper, though certainly 
 would not. 
 
 RULE XIX. 
 
 Some conjunctions require the indicative ^ some the sub- 
 junctive mood, after them. It is a general rule, that 
 when something contingent or doubtful is implied, the 
 subjunctive ought to be used: as, *■' If I were to write, 
 he would not regard it;'''' ''He will not be pardtmed, 
 wdess he repent," 
 
 Coryunctions that are of a positive and absolute na- 
 ture, require the indicative mood, ''As virtue advances, 
 so vice recedes f '"'He is health}/, because he is tem- 
 perate,'' 
 
 Grammar, p. 195. Key, p. 74. 
 
 If he acquires riches, they will corrupt his mind, 
 and be useless to others. 
 
Rule 19,) SYNTAX. J109 
 
 Though he urges me yet more earnestly, I shall 
 not comply, unless he advances more forcible rea- 
 sons. 
 
 I shall walk in the fields to-day, unless it rains. 
 
 As the governess were present, the children be- 
 haved properly. 
 
 She disapproved 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. 
 
 Whether he improve or not, I cannot determ,ine. 
 
 Though the fact be extraordinary, it certainly did 
 happen. 
 
 Remember what thou wert, and be humble. 
 
 O J that his heart was tender, and susceptible of 
 the woes of others. 
 
 Shall then this verse to future age pretend, 
 Thou wert my guide, philosopher, and friend? 
 
 The examples which follow, are suited to the nf^eS: 
 and observations under rule xix. 
 
 Grammar, p. 198, Key, p. 74. ■> .- 
 
 1. Despise not any condition, lest it happens to 
 be your own. 
 
 Let him that is sanguine, take heed lest he ntiis'-' 
 carries. .'t' r:!nf 
 
 Take care that thou breakest not any of the 
 established rules. 
 
 If he does but intimate his desire, it will be suf- 
 ficient to produce obedience. 
 
 As the time of his return, if he is but expert in 
 the business, he will find employment. 
 
110 EXERCISES. C^ule 19. 
 
 If he &o but speak to display his abilities, he is 
 unworthy ,of attention. 
 
 If he be but in health, I am content. 
 
 If he does promise, he will certairtly perform. 
 
 Though he do praise her, it is only for tier 
 beauty. 
 
 If thou dost not forgive, perhaps thou wilt not "be 
 forgiven. 
 
 If thou do sincerely believe 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 dare not make any reply. 
 
 His apology was so plausible, that many befriended 
 him, and thought he were innocent. 
 
 3. If one man prefer a life of industry, it is be- 
 cause he has an idea of comfort in wealth; if another 
 prefer a life of gayety, it is from a like idea con- 
 cerning pleasure. 
 
 No one engages in that business, unless he aim at 
 reputation, or hopes for some singular advantage. 
 
 Though the design be laudable, and is favourable 
 to our interest, it will involve much anxiety and 
 labour. 
 
 4. Unless he learns faster, he will be no scholar. 
 Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down. 
 On cotiditioii that he comes, I will consent to 
 
 stay. 
 
 However that aflfair terndinates, my conduct will 
 be unimpeachable. 
 
Rule 19.J SYNTAX. Hi' 
 
 If vif tue rewards us not so soon as we desire, jthe 
 ,)ayraent will be made with interest. , i 
 
 Till repentance composes his mind, he will be a 
 stranger to peace. •• ., ,m u-.l • o .< 
 
 Whether he confesses, OBUdtyitlhe:- truth iwiUrF'4&r- 
 ainlj be discovered. , )•«,;'? v :i> '*mj 
 
 If thou censiirest uncharitably, thou wilt be en- 
 titled to no favour.. 
 
 Though, at times, the ascent to the temple of 
 virtue appears steep and cniggy, be not discouraged. 
 Persevere until thou gainest the summit : there, 9U 
 is order, beauty, and pleasure. 
 
 If Charlotte desire to gain estoem and love, ., she 
 does not employ the proper means. .;./,( 
 
 Unless the accountant deceive me, my estate is 
 considerably improved. 
 
 Though self-government produce some uneasiiftess, 
 it is light, when compared with the pain of viciQiis 
 indulgence. , 
 
 Whether he think as 'ho speaks, tiittd-^ill •^dis- 
 cover. . ,''' ''■ ■' • •■■ i» 
 
 If thou censure uncharitably, tlwu deservest ' no 
 favour. 
 
 Though virtue appear severe, she is truly amiable. 
 
 Though success be- very doubtful, it is proper 
 that he endeavours to succeed. 
 
 5. If thou have 'promised, '.be' faithful to 4fcy 'En- 
 gagement. • •'"'^ 
 
 Though he have proved his right to submission, 
 he is too generous to exact it. "»'^ • '■ ' '' '^^1^^^^- 
 
 Unless he have improved, he is unfit for the ^o£^ce. 
 
112 ExBBCidEs. (Rule 19. 
 
 6. If thou had succeeded, perhaps thou wouldst 
 not be the happier for it. 
 
 Unless thou shall see the propriety 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, thou wilt receive a 
 liberal reward. 
 
 Though thou did injure him, he harbours no re- 
 sentment. 
 
 It would be well, if the report was only the mis- 
 representation of her enemies. 
 
 V^as 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 pre- 
 sume. 
 
 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 dili- 
 gent. 
 
 Unless thou should make a timely retreat, the 
 danger will be unavoidable. 
 
 I have laboured and wearied myself, that thou 
 may be at ease. 
 
Rule 19.; STSTA5. HB 
 
 He enlarged oa 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 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 un- 
 derstand. 
 
 The house is not as commodious as we expected it 
 would be. 
 
 I must, however, be so candid to own 1 have been 
 mistaken. 
 
 There was something so amiable, and yet so 
 piercing in his look, as affected rne at once with 
 love and terror. 
 
 -** I gaia'd a scm 
 
 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 1 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 thinks himself to be. 
 
 The work is a dull performance ; and is neither 
 capable" of pleasing the understanding, or the imagi- 
 nation. 
 
 There is no condition so secuve, as cannot adn>i 
 of change. k "* 
 
ll>i EXERCISES. CRule i9. 
 
 This is an event, which nobody presumes upon, 
 or is so sanguine to hope for. 
 
 We are generally pleased with any little accom- 
 plishments of body or mind. 
 
 10. Be ready to succour such persons who need 
 thy assistance. 
 
 The matter was no sooner [proposed, but he pri- 
 vately 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 conduct, as far as it 
 respects others, appears to be unexceptionable. 
 
 The resolution was not the less fixed, that the 
 secret was yet communicated to very few. 
 
 He opposed the most remarkable corruptions of 
 the church of Rome, so as that his doctrines were 
 embraced by great numbers. 
 
 He gained nothiing further by his speech, but only 
 to be commended for his eloquence. 
 
 He has little more 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 ele- 
 ment but war. 
 
 Such men that act treacherously ought to be 
 avoided. 
 
 Germany ran the same risk as Italy had done. 
 
 No errors aie so trivial, but they deserve to be 
 corrected. 
 
Rule 20.) sTi«TAx. 115 
 
 RULE XX. 
 
 When the qualities of different things are compared, 
 the latter noun or pronoun is not governed by the con- 
 junction than or as, but agrees with the verb^ or is governed 
 by the verb or the preposition, expressed or understood: 
 as J " Thou art wiser than /;" that is, *■' than 1 am.'''' 
 " They loved him more than me ;" that is, ""more than 
 tlwy loved me.'''' " The sentiment is well expressed by 
 Plato, but much better by Solomon than him;" that w, 
 '* than by him." 
 
 Grammar, p. 206. Key, p. 80. 
 
 In some respects, we have had as many advan- 
 tages 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 
 unexpected event. 
 
 They know how to write as well as him ; but he 
 is a much better grammarian than them. 
 
 Though she is not so learned as him, she is as 
 much beloved and respected. ! 
 
 These people, though they possess more shining 
 qualities, are not so proud as him, nor so vain as her. 
 
 TTie foUorving examples are adapted to the notes and 
 observations under rule xx. 
 
 Grammar, p. 206. Key, p. 81, 
 
 1. Who betrayed her companion ? Not me. 
 
 Who related the secrets he ought to have con- 
 cealed? Not him. 
 
 Who related falsehoods to screen herself, and to 
 bring an odium upon others? Not me j it was her. 
 
il(> cxE&ciSEs. (Rule 21. 
 
 There is but one in fault, and that is me. 
 Whether he will be learned or no, must depend 
 on his application. 
 
 2. Charles XII. of Sweden, than who a more coura- 
 geous person never lived, appears to have been desti- 
 tute of the tender sensibilities of nature. 
 
 Salmasius (a more learned man than him has 
 seldom appeared) was not happy at the close of life. 
 
 RULE XXI. 
 
 To avoid disagreeable repetiiimis, and to express our 
 ideas in few words, an ellipsis, or omission of some words, 
 is frequently admitted. 
 
 Grammar, p. 207. Key, p. 82. 
 
 I gladly shunned who gladly fled from me. 
 
 And this is it men mean by distributive justice, 
 and is properly termed equity. 
 
 His honour, interest, religion, were all embarked 
 in this undertaking. 
 
 When so good a man as Socrates fell a victim to 
 the madness of the people, truth, virtue, religion, fell 
 with him. 
 
 The fear of death, nor hope of life, could make 
 him submit to a dishonest action. 
 
 An elegant house and furniture were, by this 
 event, irrecoverably lost to the owner. 
 
 Tlie examples which follow, are suited to the notes 
 and observations under rule xxi. 
 
 Grammar, p. 207. Key, p. 83. 
 
 ]». These rules are addressed to none but the in- 
 telligent and the attentive. 
 
 The gay and the pleasing are, sometimes, the 
 most insidious, and the most dangerous companions^ 
 
Hule 21.) SYNTAX. 117 
 
 Old age will prove a joyless and a dreary season, 
 if we arrive at it with an unimproved, 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 
 persons, to be studious and diligent. 
 
 2. These counsels were the dictates of virtue, 
 and the dictates of true honour. 
 
 Avarice and cunning 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. 
 
 Without firmness, nothing that is great can be un- 
 dertaken ; that is difi&cult or hazardous, can be ac- 
 complished. 
 
 The anxious man is the votary of riches ; the neg- 
 ligent, of pleasure. 
 
 3. His crimes had brought him into extreme dis- 
 tress, and extreme perplexity. 
 
 He has an affectionate brother, and an affectionate 
 sister, and they live in great harmony. 
 
 We must guard against too great severity, and 
 facility of mariners. 
 
 We should often recollect what the wisest men 
 have said and written, concerning human happiness 
 and vanity. 
 
 That species of commerce will produce great gain 
 or loss. 
 
 Many days, and even weeks, pass away unim- 
 proved. 
 
 This wonderful action struck the beholders with 
 exceeding astonishment. 
 
118 EXERCISES. (Ruleli, 
 
 The people of this country possess a healthy cli- 
 mate and soil. 
 
 They enjoy also''a free constitution and laws. 
 
 4. His reputation and his estate were both lost by 
 gaming. 
 
 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 calumny had greatly 
 abused, and sustained the injustice with singular pa- 
 tience. 
 
 . He discovered some qualities in the youth, of 4 
 disagreeable nature, and to him were wholly unac- 
 countable. 
 
 The captain had several men died in his ship, of 
 the scurvy. 
 
 He is not only sensible and learned, but is reli- 
 gious too. 
 
 The Chinese language contains an immense num- 
 ber of words ; and who would learn them musf pos- 
 sess a great memory. 
 
 By presumption and by vanity, we provoke en- 
 mity, and we incur contempt. 
 
 In the circumstances I was at that time, my 
 troubles pressed heavily upon me. 
 
 He has destroyed his constitution, by the very 
 same errors that so many have been destroyed. 
 
 5. He is temperate, he is disinterested, he . is be- 
 nevolent ; he is an ornament to his family, and a 
 credit to his profession. , ^^ j,^'* , 
 
 Genuine virtue supposes our benevolence to be 
 strengthened, and to be confirmed by principle. 
 
Rule 21.) SYNTAX. 119 
 
 Perseverance in laudable pursuits, will reward all 
 our toils, and will produce effects beyond our calcu- 
 lation. 
 
 It is happy for us, when we can calmly and' deli- 
 berately look back on the past, and can- quietly anti- 
 cipate the future. 
 
 The sacrifices of virtue will not only be rewarded 
 hereafter, but recompensed even in this life. 
 
 All those possessed of any office, resigned their 
 former commission. 
 
 If young persons were determined to conduct 
 themselves by the rules of virtue, not only would 
 they escape innumerable dangers, but command 
 respect from the licentious themselves. 
 
 Charles was a man of learning, knowledge, and 
 benevolence ; and, what is still more, a true Christian. 
 
 6. The temper of him who is always in the bustle 
 of the world, will be often ruffled, and be often 
 disturbed. 
 
 We often commend imprudently as well as censure 
 imprudently. 
 
 How a seed grows up into a tree, and the mind 
 acts upon the body, are mysteries which we cannot 
 explain. 
 
 Verily, there is a reward for the righteous ! There 
 is a God that judgeth in the earth. 
 
 7. Changes are almost continually taking place 
 in men and in manners, in opinions and in customs, 
 in private fortunes and public conduct. 
 
 Averse eiiher to contradict or blame, the too 
 complaisant man goes along with the manners that 
 prevail. 
 
120 EXERCISES. (Rule 21. 
 
 By this habitual indelicacy, the virgins smiled at 
 what they blushed before. 
 
 They are now reconciled to what they could not 
 fornaerly be prompted, by any condiderations. 
 
 Censure is the tax which a man pays the public for 
 being eminent. 
 
 Reflect on the state of human life, 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 friends, and citizens and subjects. 
 
 Destitute of principle, he regarded neither his 
 family, nor his friends, nor his reputation. 
 
 Religious 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 ! Oh, my friend .' how great 
 has been my ingratitude ! 
 
 Oh, piety ! virtue ! how insensible have I been 
 to your charms .' 
 
 10. That is a property most men have, or at least 
 may attain. 
 
 Why do ye that, which is not lawfbl to do on the 
 sabbath days? 
 
 The showbread, 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, 
 will rejoice together. 
 
Rule 22.) SYNTAX. 121 
 
 RULE XXII. 
 
 All the parts of a sentence should correspond to each 
 other : a regular and dependent construction throughout 
 should be carefully preserved. 
 
 Grammar, p. 212. Key, p. 90. 
 
 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. 
 
 We hear the sound of the wind^ but we cannot tell 
 whence it cometh, and whither it goeth. 
 
 Neither has he, nor any other persons, suspected 
 so much dissimulation. 
 
 The court of France, or England, was to be the 
 umpire. 
 
 In the reign of Henry H. all foreign commodities 
 were plenty in England. 
 
 There is no talent so useful towards success in business, 
 or which puts men more out of the reach of accidents, 
 than that quality generally possessed by persons of cool 
 temper, and is, in common language, called discretion. 
 
 The first project was to shorten discourse, by cut- 
 ting polysyllables into one. 
 
 I shall do all I can, to persuade others to take the 
 same measures for their cure which I have. 
 
 The greatest masters of critical learning differ 
 among one another. 
 
 Micaiah said, If thou certainly return in peace, 
 then hath not the Lord spoken by me. 
 
 I do not suppose, that we Britons want a genius, 
 more than the rest of our neighbours. 
 
 The deaf man, whose ears were opened, and his 
 
1^2 EXERCISES. (Rule 22. 
 
 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 should 
 hold their peace. 
 
 The intentions of some of these philosophers, nay, 
 of naany, might and probably were good. 
 
 It is an unanswerable argument of a very refined 
 age, the wonderful civilities that have passed] be- 
 tween the nation of authors, and that of readers. 
 
 It was an unsuccessful undertaking; which, al- 
 though it has failed, is no objection at all to an en- 
 terprise so well concerted. 
 
 The reward is his due, and it has already, or will 
 hereafter, be given to him. 
 
 By intercourse with wise and experienced persons, 
 who know the world, we may improve and rub off 
 the rust of a private and retired education. 
 
 Sincerity is as valuable, and even more valuable, 
 than knowledge. 
 
 No person was ever so perplexed, or sustained the 
 mortifications, as he has done to-day. 
 
 The Romans gave, not only the freedom of. the 
 city, but capacity for employments, to several towns 
 in Gaul, Spain, and Germany. 
 
 Such writers have no other standard on which to 
 form themselves, except what chances to be fashion - 
 able and popular. 
 
 Whatever we do secretly, shall be displayed and 
 heard in the clearest light. 
 
 To the happiness of possessing a person of such 
 uncommon merit, Boethius soon had the satisfaction of 
 obtaining the highest honour his country could bestow. 
 
Promiscuous.) syntax. 123 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 Containing instances of false Syntax^ promiscuously 
 
 disposed* 
 
 See the Key, p. 93. 
 
 SECTION I. 
 
 Though great has been his disobedience and his 
 folly, yet if he sincerely acknowledges his miscon- 
 duct, he will be forgiv^en. 
 
 On these causes depend all the happiness or misery _, 
 which exist among men. 
 
 The property of James, I mean his books and^ fur- 
 niture, were wholly destroyed. 
 
 This prodigy of learning, this scholar, critic, and 
 antiquarian, were entirely destitute of breeding and 
 civility. 
 
 That writer has given an account of the manner, 
 in which Christianity has formerly been propagated 
 among the heathens. 
 
 We adore the Divine Being, he who is from eter- 
 nity to eternity. 
 
 Thou, Lordj who hath permitted affliction to come 
 upon us, shall deliver us from it, in due time. 
 
 In this place, there were not only security, but an 
 abundance of provisions. 
 
 By these attainments are the master honoured, and 
 the scholars encouraged. '' '^ ^<J'^ 
 
 The sea appeared to be more than usually agitht^. 
 
 Not one in fifty of those who call themselves deists, 
 understand the nature of the religion they reject. 
 
 Virtue and mutual confidence is the soul of 
 friendship. Where these are wanting, disgust or 
 hatred often follow little differences. 
 
12A EXERCISES. (Promiscuous. 
 
 Time and chance happeneth to all men; but 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 acquired of temperance and of 
 self-denial, that we may be able to resist pleasure, 
 and to endure pain, 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 easily 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 friend represented her. 
 . An army present a painful sight to a feeling mind. 
 ; The enemies who we have most to fear, are those 
 of our own hearts. 
 
 Thou art the Messiah, the Son of God, who was 
 to come into the world, and hast been so long pro- 
 mised and desired. 
 
 Thomas disposition is better than his brothers; 
 and he appears to be the happiest man : but some 
 degree of trouble is all mens portion. 
 
 Though remorse sleep sometimes during prospe- 
 rity, it will awake surely in adversity. 
 
 It is an invariable law to our present condition, 
 that every pleasure that are pursued to excess, con- 
 vert themselves into poison. 
 
 If a man brings into the solitary retreat of age, a 
 vacant, an unimproved mind, where no knowledge 
 dawns, no ideas rise, which within itself has nothing 
 
Promiscuous.) stktax. 125 
 
 to feed upon, many a heavy and many a comfort- 
 less day he must necessarily pass. 
 
 I cannot yield to such dishonourable conduct, 
 neither at the present moment of difficulty, nor, I 
 trust, under no circumstance whatever. 
 
 Themistocles concealed the enterprises of Pausa- 
 nias, either thinking it base to betray the secrets 
 trusted to his confidence, or imagined it impossible 
 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 had 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 that hate us, and, on no oc- 
 casion, to seek revenge, is the duty of a Christian. 
 ; If a man profess a regard for the duties of reli- 
 gion, and neglect that of morality, that man's reli- 
 gion is vain. 
 
 Affluence might give us respect, in the eyes of the 
 vulgar, but will not recommend us to the wise and 
 good. 
 
 The polite, accomplished libertine, is but mise- 
 rable amidst all his pleasures : the rude inhabitant of 
 Lapland is happier than him. 
 
 The cheerful and the gay, when warmed by plea- 
 sure and by mirth, lose that sobriety and that self- 
 denial, which is essential to the support of virtue. 
 
126 EXBECisEs. (Promiscuous. 
 
 SECTION 2. 
 
 Key, p. 96. 
 
 There were, in the metropolis, much to amuse 
 them, as well as many things to excite disgust. 
 
 How much is rea virtue and merit exposed to 
 suffer the hardships of a stormy life ! 
 
 This is one of the duties which requires peculiar 
 circumspection. 
 
 More complete happiness than that I have de- 
 scribed, seldom falls to the lot of mortals. 
 
 There are principles in man, which ever have, 
 and ever will incline him to offend. 
 
 Whence have there arose such a great variety of 
 opinions'and tenets in 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 oflBcer lay hold of him, and execoted 
 him immediately. 
 
 Who is that person whom I saw you introduce, 
 and 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 of 
 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 of life. 
 
 After I visited Europe, I returned to America. 
 
 Their example, their influence, their fortune, 
 every talent they possess, dispenses blessings on all 
 around them. 
 
Promiscuous.) syntax. 127 
 
 When a string of such sentences succeed one ano- 
 ther, the effect is disagreeable. 
 
 I have lately been in Gibraltar, and have seen the 
 commander in chief. 
 
 Propriety of pronunciation, is the giving to every 
 word the sound which the politest usage of the lan- 
 guage appropriates to it. 
 
 The book is printed very neat, and on a fine 
 wove paper. 
 
 The fables of the ancients are many of them highly 
 instructive. 
 
 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 
 constructive treason. 
 
 He is a new created knight, and his dignity sits 
 awkward on him. * 
 
 Hatred or revenge are things deserving of cen- 
 sure, wherever they are found to exist. 
 
 If you please to employ your thoughts on that 
 subject, you would easily conceive our miserable 
 condition. 
 
 His speech contains one of the grossest and infar 
 mouses calumnies which ever was uttered. 
 
 A too great variety of studies dissipate and weaken 
 the mind. 
 
 Those two authors have each of them their merit. 
 
 James was resolved to not indulge himself in such 
 a cruel amusement. 
 
 The not attending to this rule, is the source of 
 a very common error. 
 
^^8 EXERCISES. (Promiscuous. 
 
 Calumny and detraction are sparks, which if voa 
 do not blow, they will go out of themselves, 
 
 Clelia is a vain woman, whom if we do not flatter, 
 she will be disgusted. 
 
 That celebrated work was nearly ten years pub- 
 blished, before its importance was at all understood. 
 
 Ambition is so insatiable that it will make any 
 sacrifices to attain its objects. 
 
 A great mass of rocks thrown together by the 
 hand of nature, with wildness and confusion, strike 
 the mind with more grandeur, than if they were 
 adjusted to one another with the accuratest sym- 
 metry. 
 
 SECTION 3. 
 
 Key, p. 9S. 
 
 r He showed a spirit of forgiveness, and a magna- 
 nimity that does honour to human nature. 
 
 They that honour me, I will honour; and them 
 that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 
 
 Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of 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 ex- 
 
 These arts have enlightened, and will enlighten, 
 every person who shall attentively study them. 
 
 When we succeed in our plans, its not to be at- 
 tributed always to ourselves ; the aid of others often 
 promote the end, and claim our acknowledgment. 
 
 Their intentions were good ; but wanting pru- 
 dence, they mist the mark for which they aimed. 
 
 I have not, nor shall not consent to a proposal so 
 unjust. 
 
Promiscuous.) syntax. 129 
 
 We have subjected ourselves to much expense, 
 that thou may be well educated. 
 
 This treaty was made at earl Moreton the go- 
 vernor's castle. 
 
 Be especially careful, that thou givest no offence 
 to the aged or helpless. 
 
 The business was no sooner opened, but it was 
 cordially acquiesced in. 
 
 As to his general conduct, he deserved punish- 
 ment 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 approve my endeavours, it will be 
 an ample retvard. 
 
 I beg the favour of your acceptance of a copy of 
 a view of the ^manufactories of the West Riding of 
 the county of York. 
 
 I intended to have written the letter, before he 
 urged me to it : and, therefore, he has not all the 
 merit of it. 
 
 All the power of ridicule, aided by the desertion 
 of friends, and the diminution of his estate, were 
 not able to shake his principles. 
 
 In his conduct was treachery, and in his words, 
 faithless professions. 
 
 Though the measure be mysterious, it is worthy 
 of attention. 
 
 Be solicitous to aid such deserving persons, who 
 appear to be destitute of friends. 
 
 Ignorance, or the want of light, produce sen- 
 suality, covetousness, and those violent contests with 
 others about trifles, which occasions so much misery 
 and crimes in the world. 
 
ISO EXERCISES. (Promiscuous. 
 
 He ^ill one day reap the reward of bis labour, if 
 he is diligent and attentive. Till that period 
 comes, let blm be contented and patient. 
 
 To the resolutions which we have, upon due con- 
 sideration, once adopted as rules of conduct, let us 
 adhere firmly. 
 
 He has little more of the great man besides the 
 title. 
 
 Though he was my superior in knowledge, he 
 would not have thence a right to impose his sentiments. 
 
 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 heaven I 
 
 Prosperity and adversity may be improved equally ; 
 both the one and the other proceeds from the same 
 author. 
 
 He acted conformable with his instructions, and 
 cannot be censured justly. 
 
 The orators did not forget to enlarge themselves 
 on so popular a subject. 
 
 The language of Divine Providence to all hum&n 
 agents, is, "Hitherto shalt thou come, and no 
 further." 
 
 Idle persons imagine, howsoever deficient they be 
 in point of duty, tho}^ consult at least their own 
 satisfaction. 
 
 Good as the cause is, it is one from which num- 
 bers are deserted. 
 
 The man is prudent which speaks little. 
 
Promiscuous,) syntax. 131 
 
 SECTION 4. 
 Key, p. 101. 
 
 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 the 
 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. 
 
 They understand the practical part better than 
 him; but he is much better acquainted with the 
 theory than them. 
 
 When we have once drawn the line, by intelli- 
 gence and precision, between our duty and sin, the 
 line we ought on no occasion to transgress. 
 
 All those distinguished by extraordinary talents, 
 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. 
 
 His conduct was so provoking, that many will 
 condemn him, and a few will pity him. 
 
 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 pernicious to virtue. 
 
 Several pictures of the Sardinian king were trans- 
 mitted to France. 
 
 When 1 last saw him, he had grown considerably. 
 
 If we consult^ the improvement of mind, or the 
 health of body, it is well known exercise is the 
 great instrument for promoting both. 
 
132 EXERCISES. (Promiscuous. 
 
 If it were them who acted so ungratefully, they 
 are doubly in fault. 
 
 Whether virtue promotes our interest or no^ we 
 must adhere to her dictates. 
 
 We should be studious to avoid too much indul- 
 gence, as well as restraint, in our management of 
 children. 
 
 No human happiness is so complete, as does not 
 contain some imperfection. 
 
 His father cannot hope for this success, unless his 
 son gives better proofs of genius, or applies himself 
 with indefatigable labour. 
 
 The house framed a remonstrance, where they 
 spoke with great freedom of the king's prerogative. 
 
 The conduct which has been mentioned, is one of 
 those artifices which seduces men most easily, under 
 appearance of benevolence. 
 
 This is the person who we are so much obliged 
 to, and who we expected to have seen, when the 
 favour was conferred. 
 
 He is a person of great property, but does not 
 possess the esteem of his neighbours. 
 
 Tliey were solicitous to ingratiate with those, who 
 it was dishonourable to favour. 
 
 The great diversity wliich takes place among men, 
 is not owing to a distinction that nature made in 
 their original powers, as much as to the superior 
 diligence, with which some have improved those 
 powers beyond others. 
 
 While we are unoccupied in what is good, evil is 
 at hand continually. 
 
 Not a creature is there that moves, nor a vege- 
 table that grows, but what, when minutely examined^ 
 furnished materials of pious admiration. 
 
Promiscuous.) syntax. 133 
 
 What can be the reason of the committee ^ having 
 delayed this business ? 
 
 I know not whether Charles was the author, but I 
 understood it to be he. 
 
 A good and well-cultivated mind, is far more pre- 
 ferable than rank or riches. 
 
 Charity to the poor, when it is governed by know- 
 ledge and prudence, there are no persons who will 
 not admit it to be a virtue. 
 
 His greatest concern, and highest enjoyment, were 
 to be approved in the sight of his Creator. 
 
 Let us not set our hearts on such a mutable, such 
 an unsatisfying world. 
 
 SECTION 5, 
 Key, p. 104. 
 Shall you attain success, without that preparation, 
 and escape dangers without that precaution, which 
 is required of others ? ^ 
 
 When we see bad men to be honoured and pros- 
 perous in the world, it is some discouragement to virtue. 
 The furniture was all purchased at Wentworth's 
 the joiner's. 
 
 Every member of the body, every bone, joint, 
 and muscle, lie exposed to many disorders; and the 
 greatest prudence or precaution, or the deepest skill 
 of the physician, are not sufficient to prevent them. 
 
 It is right said, that though faith justify us, yet 
 works must justify our faith. 
 
 If an academy is established for the cultivation of 
 our language, let them stop the license of translators, 
 whose idleness and ignorance, if it be sujQFered to 
 proceed, will reduce us to babble a dialect of French. 
 
 M 
 
 i 
 
1 Zh EXEnasEs. (Promidcttous. 
 
 It is of great consequence that a teacher firmly 
 believes, both the truth and importance of those 
 principles which he inculcates upon others; and tbat 
 he not only speculatively believes them, but has a 
 lively and serious feeling of them. 
 
 It is not the uttering, or the hearing certain 
 words, that constitute the worship of the Almighty, 
 It is the heart that praises, or prays. If the heart 
 accompany not the words that are spoken, we offer 
 a sacrifice of fools. * 
 
 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 that there is, and can be 
 no other perSon but me, who could give the infor- 
 mation desired. 
 
 To be patient, resigned, and thankful, under afflic- 
 tions and disappointments, demonstrate genuine piety. 
 
 Alvarez was a man of corrupt principles, and of 
 detestable conduc^; and, what is still worse, gloried 
 in his shame. 
 
 As soon as the sense of Supreme Being is lost, 
 so soon the great check is taken off which keep 
 under restraint the passions o-f men. Mean desires, 
 low pleasures, takes place of the greater and the no- 
 bler sentiments which reason and religion inspires. 
 
 We should he careful not to follow the example 
 of many persons, to censure the opinions, manners, 
 and customs of others, merely because they are 
 foreign to us. 
 
 Steady application, as well as genius and abilities, 
 are necessary to produce eminence. 
 
 There is, in that seminary, several students consi- 
 derably drilled in mathematical knowledge. 
 
Promiscuous.) stutax. 135 
 
 If Providence clothe the grass of the field, and 
 shelters and adorns the flowers that every where 
 grows wild amongst it, will he not clothe and pro- 
 tect his servants and children much more ? 
 
 We are too often hurried with the violence of 
 passion, or with the allurements of pleasure. 
 
 High hopes, and florid views, is a great enemy to 
 tranquillity. 
 
 Year after year steal something from us ; till the 
 decaying fabric totters of itself, and crumbles at 
 length into dust. 
 
 1 intended to have finished the letter before the 
 bearer called, that he might not have been detained ; 
 but I was prevented by company. 
 
 George is the most learned and accomplished of 
 all the other students, that belong to the seminary. 
 
 This excellent and well written treatise, with 
 others that might be mentioned, were the founda- 
 tion of his love of study. 
 
 There can be no doubt but that the pleasures of the . 
 mind excel those of sense. 
 
 SECTION 6. 
 Key, p. 106. 
 
 The grand temple consisted of one great, and 
 several smaller edifices. 
 
 Many would exchange gladly their honours, 
 beauty, and riches, for that more quiet and humbler 
 station, which you are now dissatisfied with. 
 
 Though the scene was a very affecting one, Louis 
 showed a little emotion on the occasion. 
 
 The climate of England is not so pleasant as those 
 of France, Spain, or Italy. 
 
 Much of the good and evil that happens to us in 
 this world, are owing to apparently undesigned and 
 
136 EXERCISES. (Promiscuous. 
 
 fortuitous events : but it is the Supreme Being which 
 secretly directs and regulates all things. 
 
 To despise others on account of their poverty, or 
 to value ourselves for our wealth, are dispositions 
 highly culpable. 
 
 This task was the easier performed, from the 
 cheerfulness with which he engaged in it. 
 
 She lamented the unhappy fate of Lucretia, who 
 seemed to her another name for chastity. 
 
 He has not yet cast off all the regard for decency ; 
 and this is the most can be advanced in his favour. 
 
 The girls school was better conducted formerly 
 than the boys. 
 
 The disappointments he has met with, or the loss 
 of his much-loved friend, has occasioned a total 
 derangement of his mental powers. 
 
 The concourse of people were so great, that with 
 difficulty we passed through them. 
 
 All the women, children, and treasure, which re- 
 mained in the city, fell under the victor's power. 
 
 They have already made great progress in their 
 studies, and, if attention and diligence continues, will 
 soon fulfil the expectations of their friends. 
 
 It is amazing his propensity to this vice, against 
 every principle of interest and honour. 
 
 These kind of vices, though they inhabit the 
 upper circleii of hfe, are not less pernicious, than 
 those we meet with amongst the lowest of men. 
 
 He acted agreeable to the dictates of prudence, 
 though he were in a situation exceeding delicate. 
 
 If I had known the distress of my friend, it would 
 be my duty to have relieved him : and it would al- 
 ways have yielded me- pleasure to grant him that 
 relief. 
 
Promiscuous.) syntax. 137 
 
 They admired the countryman's, as they called 
 him, candour and uprightness. 
 
 The new set of curtains did not correspond to the 
 old pair of blinds. 
 
 The tutor commends him for being more studious 
 than any other pupils of the school. 
 
 Two principles in human nature reign ; 
 Self-love to urge, and reason to restrain : 
 Nor that a good, nor this a had we call ; 
 Each works its end, to move or govern all. 
 
 Temperance and exercise, howsoever little they 
 may be regarded, they are the best means of pre- 
 serving health. 
 
 He has greatly blessed me ; yes, even I, who, 
 loaded with kindness, hath not been sufficiently 
 grateful. 
 
 No persons feel the distresses of others, so much 
 as them that have experienced distress themselves. 
 
 SECTION 7. 
 Key, p. 108. 
 
 Constantinople was the point, in which was con- 
 centrated the learning and science of the world. 
 
 Disgrace not your station, by that grossness of 
 sensuality, that levity of dissipation, or that inso- 
 lence of rank, which bespeak a little mind. 
 
 A circle, a square, a triangle, or a hexagon, please 
 the eye by their regularity, as beautiful figures. 
 
 His conduct was equally unjust as dishonourable. 
 
 Though, at first, he begun to defend himself, yet, 
 when the proofs appeared against him, he dared not 
 any longer to contend. 
 
 Many persosn will not believe but what they are 
 free from prejudices. 
 
1-Sfe EXEiicisEs. (PrornUcUouJs. 
 
 The pleasure or pain of one passion, differ from 
 those of another. 
 
 The rise and fall of the tides, in this place, makes 
 a difference of about twelve feet. 
 
 Five and seven make twelve, and one makes thir- 
 teen. 
 
 He did not know wlio to sttspect. 
 
 I had intended yesterday to liave walked out, but 
 1 have been again disappointed. 
 
 The court of Spain, who g^ve the order, were 
 not aware of the consequence. 
 
 If the acquisitions he has made, and qualified him 
 to be a useful member of society, should have been 
 misapplied, he will be highly culpable. 
 
 There was much spoke and wrote on each side of 
 the question ; but I have chose to suspend my de- 
 cision. 
 
 Was there no bad men in the world, who vex 
 and distress the good, they might appear in the light 
 of harmless innocence ; but could have no opportu- 
 nity for displaying fidelity and magnanimity, pa- 
 tience and fortitude. 
 
 The most ignorant, and the most savage tribes of 
 men, when they have looked round on the earth, 
 and on the heavens, could not avoid ascribing thfeir 
 origin to some invisible, designing cause, and felt a 
 propensity to adore their Creator. 
 
 Let us not forget, that something more than 
 gentleness and modesty, something more than com- 
 placency of temper and affability of manners, are 
 requisite to form a worthy man, or a true Christian. 
 
 One of the first, and the Aiost common extreme 
 in moral conduct, is placing all virtue in justice, or 
 in generosity. 
 
PrOf}lisCUOU6.) SYNTAX. 18^ 
 
 It is an inflexible t-egard to principle, which has 
 ever marked the characters of them who di'stinguished 
 themselves eminently in public life; who patronised 
 the cause of justice against powerful oppressors ; in 
 critical times, have supported the falling rights and 
 liberties of man; and reflected honour on their na- 
 tion and country. 
 
 When it is witli regard to trifles, that diversity or 
 contrariety of opinions show themselves, it is child- 
 ish in the last degree, if this becomes the ground of 
 estranged affection. When, from such a cause, there 
 arise any breach of friendship^ human weakness 
 is discovered then in a mortifying light. In mat- 
 ters of serious moment, the sentiments of the best 
 and worthiest might viry from that of tlieir friends, 
 according as their lines of life diverge, or as their 
 temper, and habits of thought, presents objects under 
 different points of view. But with candid and liberal 
 minds, unity of affection istill will b6 preserved. 
 
 Desires and wishes are the first spring of action. 
 When they becotne exorbitant, the whole of the 
 character is like to be tainted. If we should suffer 
 our fancies to create to themselves, words of ideal 
 happiness ; if we should feed our imagination with 
 plans of opulence and of splendour ; if we should fix 
 to our wishes certain stages of a high advancement, 
 or certain degrees of an uncommon reputation, as 
 the sole station of our felicity ; the assured conse- 
 quence shall be, that we will become unhappy under 
 our present state; that we shall be unfit for acting 
 the part, and for discharging the duties that belong 
 to it ; and we shall diiscompose the peace and order of 
 our minds, and shall foment many hurtful passions* 
 
lAO EXERCISES. (Promiscuous, 
 
 Maria always appears amiably. She never speaks 
 severe or contemptuous.* 
 
 ♦ Young persons who study grammar, find it difficult to decide, in 
 particular constructions, wlietlier an adjective or an adverb ought to 
 be used. A few observations on this point may serve to inform their 
 judgment, and direct their determination.— They should carefully attend 
 to the definitions of the adjective and the adverb; and consider whether, 
 in the case in question, quality, or manner, is indicated. In the 
 former case, an adjective is proper; in the latter, an adverb. A number 
 of examples will illustrate this direction, and prove useful on other 
 occasions. 
 
 She looks cold— She looks coldly on him. 
 He feels warm— He feels warmly the insult oflfered to him- 
 He became sincere and virtuous — He became sincerely virtuous. 
 She lives free from care— He lives freely at another's expense. 
 Harriet always appears neat— She dresses neatly. 
 
 Charles has grown great by his wisdom— He has grown greatly in re- 
 putation. 
 They now appear happy— They now appear happily in earnest. 
 The statement seems exact— The statement seems exactly in point. 
 
 The verb to be, in all its moods and tenses, generally requires the word 
 immediately connected with it to be an adjective, not an adverb ; and, con- 
 sequently, when this verb can be substituted for any other, without varying 
 the sense or the construction, that other verb must also be connected 
 with an adjective. The following sentences elucidate these observations .- 
 " This is agreeable to our interest ; lliat behaviour was not suitable 
 to his station; Rules should be conformable to sense ;" "The rose 
 
 is is 
 
 smells sweet ; How sweet the hay smells ! How delightful the country 
 
 is are are 
 
 appears ! How pleasant the fields look ! The clouds look dark ; Haw 
 
 was is 
 
 black the sky looked! The apple tastes sour; How bitter the plum 
 were is 
 
 tasted ! He feels happy." In all these sentences, we can, with perfect 
 propriety, substitute some tenses of the verb to be for the other verbs. 
 But in the following sentences, we cannot do this : " The dog smells 
 disagreeably; George feels exquisitely; How pleasantly she looks at us!' 
 
 The directions contained in this note are offered as useful, not bb 
 complete and unexceptionable. Anomalies in language every where 
 encounter us : but we must not reject rules, because th«y ar attendtd 
 with exceptions. 
 
PART IV. 
 Exercises in Punctuation. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Sentences which require the application of the Comma j 
 disposed under the particular Rules, 
 
 Grammar, p. 257. Key, p. III. 
 RULE I. 
 
 The tear of repentance brings its own relief. 
 
 Manhood is disgraced by the consequences of 
 neglected youth. 
 
 Idleness is the great foraenter of all corruptions 
 in the human heart. 
 
 It is honourable to be a friend to the unfortunate. 
 
 All finery is a sign of littleness. 
 
 Slovenliness and indelicacy of character commonly 
 go hand in hand. 
 
 The friend of order has made half his way to 
 virtue. 
 
 Too many of the pretended friendships of youth 
 are mere combinations in pleasure. 
 
 The indulgence of harsh dispositions is the intro- 
 duction to future misery. 
 
 The intermixture of evil in human society serves 
 to exercise the suffering graces and virtues of the 
 good. 
 
* 
 1A2 EXERCISES. (Contma- 
 
 RULE II. 
 
 Grammar, p. 258. Key, p. 112. 
 
 Gentleness is in truth the great avenue to mu- 
 tual enjoyment. 
 
 Charity like the sun brightens all its objects. 
 
 The tutor by instruction and disciphne 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 experience disappointments. 
 
 Advice should be seasonably administered. 
 
 RULE III. 
 
 Self-conceit presumption and obstinacy blast the 
 prospect of many a youth. 
 
 In our health life possessions connexions plea- 
 sures there are causes of decay imperceptibly work- 
 ing. 
 
 Discomposed thoughts agitated passions and a 
 ruflfled temper poison every pleasure of life. 
 
 Vicissitudes of good and evil of trials jind conso- 
 lations fill up the life of man. 
 
 Health and peace a moderate fortune and a few 
 friends sura up all the undoubted articles of tem- 
 poral felicity. 
 
 We have no reason to complain of the lot of man 
 or of the world's mutability. 
 
 RULE IV. 
 
 An idle trifling society is near akin to such as is 
 corrupting. 
 
Comma.) piJKCTri.TioN. - IAS 
 
 Conscious guilt renders us mean-spirited timorous 
 and base. 
 
 An upright mind will never be at a loss to discern 
 what is just and true lovely honest and of good re- 
 port. 
 
 The vicious man is often looking round him with 
 anxious and fearful circumspection. 
 
 True friends-bip will at all times avoid a careless 
 or rough behaviour. 
 
 Time brio^ a gentle and powerful opiate to all 
 misfortunes. 
 
 RULE V. 
 Grammar, p. 260. Key, p. 113. 
 
 The man of virtue and liononr wM be trusted re- 
 lied upon and esteemed. ■ ' 
 
 Deliberate slowly execttte promplfly. 
 
 A true finend unbosoms freely advises justly 
 nssists readily adverrtiires t)crtdly takes all patiently 
 defends retsolutely and continues a friend unchange- 
 ably. 
 
 Sensuality contamin?rtes the body depresses the 
 understanding deadens the moral feelings of the 
 heart; and degrades man from bis rank in the crea- 
 tion. 
 
 Idleness brings iforward and nourishes many bad 
 passions < 
 
 We must stand or fall by our own conduct and 
 character. 
 
 The man erf order catches and arrests the hours 
 as they fly. 
 
 The great business of life is to be employed in 
 doing justly loving mer^y and walking humbly with 
 our Creator. 
 
lAA ' EXEBCiSES. (Comma. 
 
 RULE VI, 
 
 Grammar, p. 260. Key, p. 114. 
 
 This unhappy person had often been seriously 
 affectionately admonished but in vain . 
 
 To live soberly righteously and piously compre- 
 hends the whole of our duty. 
 
 When thy friend is calumniated openly and 
 boldly espouse his cause. 
 
 Benefits should be long and gratefully remem- 
 bered. 
 
 RULE VII. 
 
 True gentleness is native feeling heightened and 
 improved by principle. 
 
 The path of piety and virtue pursued with a firm 
 and constant spirit will assuredly lead to happiness. 
 
 Human affairs are in continual motion and fluctua- 
 tion altering their appearance every moment and 
 passing into some new forms. 
 
 What can be said to alarm those of their danger 
 who intoxicated with pleasures become giddy and 
 insolent ; who flattered by the illusions of prosperity 
 make light of every serious admonition which their 
 friends and the changes of the world give them ? 
 
 RULE VIII, 
 
 If from any internal cause a man's peace of mind 
 be disturbed in vain we load him with riches or ho- 
 nours. 
 
 Gentleness delights above all things to alleviate 
 distress ; and if it cannot dry up the falling tear to 
 sooth at least the grieving heart. 
 
Comma*) puhctuatiok. 1A5 
 
 Wherever Christianity prevails it has discouraged 
 and in some degree abolished slavery. 
 
 We may rest assured that by the steady pursuit of 
 virtue we shall obtain and enjoy it. 
 
 RULE IX. ^i^' i-"A"< 
 
 , Grammar, p. 260. Key, p. 115. 
 
 Continue my dear child to make virtue thy prin- 
 cipal study. 
 
 To you my worthy benefactors am I indebted 
 under Providence for all I enjoy. 
 
 Canst thou expect thou betrayer of innocemce to 
 escape the hand of vengeance ? 
 
 Come then companion of my toils let us take frejsli 
 courage persevere and hope to the end. 
 
 RULE X. - .'- - 
 
 Peace of mind being secured we may sftilfe at 
 misfortunes. 
 
 Virtue abandoned and conscience reproaching us 
 we become terrified with imaginary evils. "-^ 
 
 Charles having been deprived of the help of tutors 
 his studies became totally neglected. 
 
 To prevent further altercation I submitted to the 
 terms proposed. 
 
 To enjoy present pleasure he sacrificed his future 
 ease and reputation. 
 
 To say the least they have betrayed great want 
 of prudence. 
 
 RULE XI. 
 
 Hope the balm of life sooths us under every mis- 
 fortune. 
 
1A6 EXERCISES. (Comma* 
 
 Content the offspring of virtue dwells both in 
 retirement and in the active scenes of life. 
 
 Confucius the great Chinese philosopher was 
 eminently good as well as wise. 
 
 The patriarch Joseph is an illustrious example of 
 chastity resignation and filial affection. 
 
 RULE xii. " 
 
 Grammar, p. 261. Key, p. 116. 
 
 Nothing is so opposite to the true enjoyment of 
 life as the relaxed and feeble state of an indolent 
 mind. 
 
 The more a man speaks of himself the less he likes 
 to hear another talked of. 
 
 Nothing more strongly 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 world than it is able to 
 afford you. 
 
 RULE XIII. 
 
 lie who is a stranger to industry may possess but 
 he cannot enjoy. 
 
 Contrition tliough it may melt ought not to sink 
 or overpower the heart of a Christian. 
 
 The goods of this world were given to man for 
 his occasional refreshment not for his chief felicity. 
 
 It is the province of superiors to direct of inferiors 
 to obey ; of the learned 'to be instructive of the igno- 
 rant to be docile ; of the old to be communicative of 
 the young to be attentive and diligent. 
 
Comma.) punctuation. 1A7 
 
 Though unavoidable calamities make a part yet 
 they make not the chief part "of the vexations and 
 sorrows that distress human life. 
 
 An inquisitive and meddling spirit often inter- 
 rupts the good order and breaks the peace of society. 
 
 RULE XIV. 
 Grammar, p. 262. Key, p. 117. 
 
 Vice is not of such a nature that we can say to it 
 " Hitherto shalt thou come and no further." 
 
 One of the noblest of the Christian virtues is, " to 
 love our enemies." 
 
 Many too confidently say to themselves '* My 
 mountain stands strong and It shall never be removed." 
 
 We are strictly enjoined ** not to follow a multi- 
 tude 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 dangerous connexions 
 which may afterwards load you with dishonour. 
 
 Blind must that man be who discerns not the most 
 striking marks of a Divine government exercised 
 over the world. 
 , It is labour only which gives the relish to pleasure. 
 
 In that unaflfected civility which springs from a 
 gentle mind there Is an incomparable charm. 
 
 They who raise envy will easily incur censure. 
 
 Many of the evils which occasion our complaints 
 of the world are wholly Imaginary. 
 
4/^8 EXERCISES. (Comma. 
 
 He who is good before invisible witnesses is emi- 
 nently so before the visible. 
 
 His conduct so disinterested and generous was 
 universally approved. 
 
 RULE XVI. 
 
 Grammar, p. 262. Key, p. 118. 
 
 The fumes which arise from a heart boiling with 
 violent passions never fail to darken and trouble the 
 understanding. 
 
 If we delay till to-morrow what ought to be done 
 to-day we overcharge the morrow with a burden 
 which belongs not to it. 
 
 By whatever means we may at first attract the at- 
 tention we can hold the esteem and secure the hearts 
 of others only by amiable dispositions and the ac- 
 complishments of the mind. 
 
 If the mind sow not corn it wrH plant thistles. 
 One day is sufBcient to scatter our prosperity and 
 bring it to nought. 
 
 Graceful in youth arc the tears of sympathy and the: 
 heart that melts at the tale of wo. 
 
 The ever active and restless power of thought \i 
 wot employed about what is good will naturally and 
 unavoidably engender evil. 
 
 He who formed the heart certainly knows what 
 passes within it. 
 
 To be humble and modest in opinion to be \igi- 
 lant and attentive in conduct to distrust fair appear- 
 ances and to restrain rash desires are instrnctions 
 which the darkness of our present state should 
 strongly inculcate. 
 
Ck>mnm.) pchctuatioit. 1A0 
 
 RULE XVII. 
 
 Grammar, p. 263. Key, p. 1 19. 
 
 The greatest misery is to be condemned by our 
 €wn hearts. 
 
 The greatest misery that we can endure is to be 
 condemned by our own hearts. 
 
 Charles's higiiest enjoyment w^s to relieve the 
 distressed and to do good* 
 
 The highest enjoyment that Charles ever experi- 
 enced was to relieve the distressed and to do good. 
 
 RULE XVIII. 
 
 If opulence increases our gratifications it increases 
 in the same proportion our desires and demands. 
 
 He whose wishes respecting the postsessions of this 
 iirorld are the most reasonable and bounded is likely 
 to lead the safest and for that reason the most de- 
 sirable Ufe. 
 
 By aspiring too high we frequently miss tlie hap- 
 piness which by a less ambitious 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 ac- 
 quired. 
 
 What is the right path few take t}»e trouble of 
 inquiring* 
 
 RULE XIX. 
 
 Providence never intended that any state here 
 should be either completely happy or entirely miser- 
 able. 
 
150 EXERCISES. (Semicolon. 
 
 As a companion he was severe and satirical ; as a 
 friend captious and dangerous ; in his domestic 
 sphere harsh jealous and irascible. 
 
 If the Spring put forth no blossoms in Summer 
 there will be no beauty and in Autumn no fruit. So 
 if youth be trifled away without improvement man- 
 hood will be contemptible and old age miserable. 
 
 RULE XX. 
 Grammar, p. 264. Key, p. 120. 
 " Be assured then that order frugality and economy 
 are the necessary supports of every personal and pri- 
 vate virtue. 
 
 I proceed secondly to point out the proper state of 
 our temper with respect to one another. 
 
 Here every thing is in stir and fluctuation ; there 
 all is serene steady and orderly. 
 
 I shall make some observations first on the external 
 and next on the internal condition of man. 
 
 Sometimes timidity and false shame prevent our 
 opposing vicious customs ; frequently expectation 
 and interest impel us strongly to comply. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Sentences requiring the insertion of the Semicolon 
 and Comma. 
 
 Grammar, p. 264. Key, p. 121. 
 That darkness of character where we can see no 
 heart those foldings of art through which no native 
 afl'ection is allowed to penetrate present an object 
 unamiable in every 'season of life but particularly 
 odious in youth. 
 
Semicolon.) pukctuation. tA 
 
 To give an early preference to honour above gain 
 when they stand in competition to despise every 
 advantage which cannot be attained without dis- 
 honest arts to brook no meanness and to stoop to no 
 dissimulation are the indications of a- great mind the 
 presages of future eminence and usefulness in life. 
 
 As there is a worldly happiness which God per- 
 ceives to be no other than disguised misery as there 
 are worldly honours which in his estimation- are re- 
 proach so there is a worldly wisdom which in his 
 sight is foolishness. 
 
 The passions are the chief destroyers of our peace 
 the storms and tempests of the moral world. 
 
 Heaven is the region of gentleness and^ friendship 
 the hell of fierceness and animosity. 
 
 The path of truth is a plain and a safe path that of 
 f alsehood 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 gUdes 
 away and like a river which undermines its banks 
 gradually impairs our state. 
 
 The violent spirit like troubled waters renders 
 back the images of things distorted and broken and 
 communicates to them all that disordered motion 
 which arises solely from its own agitation. 
 
 Levity is frequently the forced production of folly 
 or vice cheerfulness is the natural offspring of wis- 
 dom and virtue only. 
 
 Persons who live according to order may be com^ 
 pared to the celestial bodies which move in regular 
 courses and by stated laws whose influence is bene- 
 ficent whose operations are quiet and tranquil. 
 
iSi EXERCISES. (Colon, ^c. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Sentences requiring the application of the Colon^ gc. 
 
 Grammar, p. 2G5. Key, p. 123. 
 
 The three great enemies to tranquillity are vice 
 suf)erstition and idleness vice which poisons and 
 disturbs the mind with bad passions superstition 
 which fills it with imaginary terrors idleness which 
 loads it with tediousness and disgust. 
 
 To sail on the tranquil surface of an unruffled lake 
 and to steer a safe course through a troubled and 
 stormy ocean require different talents and alas ! hu- 
 man life oftener resembles the stormy ocean than the 
 unruffled lake. 
 
 , When we look forward to the year which is be- 
 ginning what do we behold there ? All my brethren 
 is a blank to [our view a dark unknown presents itself. 
 
 Happy would the poor man think himself if be 
 could enter on all the treasures of the rich and happy 
 for a short time he might be but before he had long 
 contemplated and admired his state his possessions 
 would seem to lessen and his cares would grow. 
 
 By doing or at least endeavouring to do our duty 
 to God and man by acquiring an humble trust in the 
 m«rcy and favour of God through Jesus Christ by 
 cultivating our minds and properly employing our 
 time and thoughts by governing our passious and 
 eur temper by correcting all unreasonable expecta- 
 tions from the world and from men and in the 
 midst of worldly business habituating ourselves to 
 
Colon, §'C.) PUNCTUATION. 158 
 
 calm retreat and serious re9ollection by such means 
 as these it may be hoped that through the Divine 
 blessing- our days shall flow in a stream as unruffled 
 as the human state admits. 
 
 A metaphor is a comparison expressed in an 
 abridged form but without any of tiie words that 
 denote comparison as " To the upright there ariseth 
 light in darkness." 
 
 All our conduct towards men should be influenced 
 by this important precept "Do unto others as you 
 would that others should do unto you." 
 
 Philip III. king of Spain when he drew near the 
 end of his days seriously reflecting on his past life 
 and greatly affected with the remembrance of his 
 mispent time expressed his deep regret in these 
 terms "Ah! how happy would it have been for me 
 had I spent in retirement these twenty-three years 
 that 1 have possessed my kingdom." 
 
 Often is the smile of gaiety assumed whilst the 
 heart aches within thougli folly may laugh guilt 
 will sting. 
 
 There is no mortal truly wise and restless at once 
 wisdom is the repose of minds. 
 
loA EXERCISES. (Period. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Sentences which require the insertion of the 
 Period, §f'c. 
 
 Grammar, p. 266. Key, p. 125. 
 
 The absence of Evil is a real Good Peace Quiet 
 exemption from pain should be a continual feast. 
 
 Worldly happiness ever tends to destroy itself by 
 corrupting the heart It fosters the loose and the 
 Violent passions It engenders noxious habits and 
 taints the mind with false Delicacy which makes it 
 feel a Thousand unreal Evils. 
 
 Feeding the hungry clothing the Naked com- 
 forting the afflicted 'yield more pleasure than we re- 
 ceive from those actions which respect only Our- 
 selves Benevolence may in this view be termed the 
 most refined self-love 
 
 The Resources of Virtue remain entire when the 
 Days of trouble come They remain with us in 
 Sickness as in Health in Poverty as in the midst of 
 Riches in our dark and solitary Hours no less ^than 
 
 * As every learner is supposed to know, that the first word in a 
 sentence must have a capital letter, there would be little exercise of 
 his judgment, in applying the period, if no words were distinguished 
 by capital letters, but such as propriety required. The compiler has, 
 therefore, in this aad the following chapters, affixed capitals to many 
 words, M'liich should properly begin with small lelfers. Tliis method, 
 besides the use chiefly intended, will also serve to exercise the student 
 in the proper application of capital letters. 
 
Period.) PUNCTUATION. 155 
 
 when surrounded with friends and cheerful Society 
 The mind of a good man is a kingdom to him and 
 he can always enjoy it 
 
 We ruin the. Happiness of hfe when we attempt 
 to raise it too high A tolerable and comfortable 
 State is all that we can propose to ourselves on 
 Earth Peace and Contentment not Bliss nor Tran- 
 sport are the full Portion of Man Perfect joy is re- 
 served for Heaven 
 
 If we look around us we shall perceive that the 
 Whole Universe is full of Active Powers Action 
 is indeed the Genius of Nature by Motion and 
 exertion the System of Being is preserved in Vigour 
 By its different parts always acting in Subordination 
 one to another the Perfection of the Whole is car- 
 ried on The Heavenly Bodies perpetually revolve 
 Day and Night incessantly repeat their appointed 
 course Continual operations are going on in the 
 Earth and in the Waters Nothing stands still 
 
 Constantino the Great was advanced to the sole 
 Dominion of the Roman World A D 325 and soon 
 after openly professed the Christian Faith 
 
 The Letter concludes with this Remarkable Post- 
 script *' P S Though I am innocent of the Charge 
 and have been bitterly persecuted yet 1 cordially 
 forgive my Enemies and Persecutors" 
 
 The last Edition of that valuable Work was care- 
 fully compared with the Original MS 
 
156 EXERCISES. (Dash, ^v. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Sentences requiring tJie application of the Dash ; 
 of the Notes of Interrogation and Exclamation ; 
 and of the Parenthetical characters. 
 
 Grammar, p. 267. Key, p. 127. 
 
 Beauty and Strength combined with Virtue and 
 Piety how lovely in the sight of men how pleasing 
 to Heaven peculiarly pleasing because with every 
 Temptation to deviate they voluntarily walk in tlie 
 :Path of Duty. 
 
 Something there is more needful than expense 
 And something previous e'en to taste 'tis sense 
 
 " Fll live to-morrow" will a wise man say 
 To-morrow is too late then live to-day. 
 
 Gripus has long been ardently endeavouring to fill 
 his Chest and lo it is now full Is be happy and does 
 he use it Does he gratefully think of the Giver of all 
 good Things Does he distribute to the Poor Alas 
 these Interests have no Place in his breast. 
 
 What is there in all the pomp of the u'orld the En^ 
 jpyments of Luxury the Gratification of Passion com- 
 parable to the tranquil Delight of a good Conscience. 
 
 To lie down on the Pillow after a Day spent in 
 Temperance in beneficence and in piety how sweet 
 is it. 
 
 We wait till to-morrow to be Happy alas Why 
 not to-day Shall we be younger Are we sure we 
 shall be healthier Will our passions become feebler 
 and our love of the world less. 
 
Dmh, §'C,J PUNCTUATION. 157 
 
 What shadow can be more vain than the life of a 
 great Part of Mankind Of all that eag€r 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 Disappoint- 
 ment. 
 
 On the one Hand are the Divine Approbation and 
 immortal Honour on the other remember and beware 
 are the stings of Conscience and endless 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 Indul- 
 gences of Pleasure to which the young are unhappily 
 prone. 
 
 The bliss of man could pride that blessing find 
 Is not to act or think beyond mankind. 
 
 Or why so long in life if long can be 
 Lent Heav'n a parent to the poor and me. 
 
 CHAPTER YL 
 
 Promiscuous examples of defective punctuation, 
 
 SECTION 1. 
 
 EXAMPLES IN PROSE. 
 
 See the Key, p. 129. 
 
 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 Heart. 
 Between Passion and Lying there is not a Finger's 
 breadth. 
 
158 EXERCISES. (Promiscuous^ 
 
 The freer we feel ourselves in the Presence of 
 others the more free are they he who is free makes 
 free. 
 
 Addison has remarked with equal Piety and Truth 
 that the Creation is a perpetual Feast to the Mind 
 of a good Man. 
 
 He who shuts out all evasion when he proniises 
 loves truth. 
 
 The laurels of the Warrior 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 latter a more silent and internal Homage Fame 
 floats on the Breath of the Multitude Honour rests 
 on the Judgment of the Thinking Fame may give 
 Praise while it withholds Esteem true Honour im- 
 plies Esteem mingled with respect The one regards 
 Particular distinguished Tajents the other looks up 
 to the whole character. 
 
 There is a certain species of religion if we can 
 give it that Name which is placed wholly in Specu- 
 lation and Belief in the Regularity of external Ho- 
 mage or in fiery Zeal about contested Opinions. 
 
 Xenophanes who was reproached with being ti- 
 morous because he would not venture his Money in 
 a Game at Dice made this manly and sensible Reply 
 I confess I am exceedingly timorous for I dare not 
 commit an evil Action. 
 
 He loves nobly I speak of Friendship who is not 
 jealous when he has Partners of love. 
 
 Our happiness consists in the Pursuit much more 
 than in the Attainment of any Temporal Good. 
 
Promiscuous. J punctuation. tSB 
 
 Let me repeat it He only is Great who has the 
 Habits of Greatness. 
 
 Prosopopoeia or Personification is a Rhetorical 
 Figure by which we attribute Life and Action to 
 inanimate 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 Considera- 
 tions First that much of What it contains must re- 
 main to us absolutely Unknown Next that there are 
 also Some events in it which may be certainly 
 known and foreseen. 
 
 The Gardens of the World produce only decidu- 
 ous 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 might be 
 spared could we fix a principle of Virtue within and 
 inscribe the living Sentiment of the Love of God in 
 the afiections He who loves righteousness is Master 
 of all the distinctions in Morality. 
 
 He who from the Benignity of his Nature erected 
 this World for the abode of Men He who furnished 
 it so richly for our accommodation and stored it 
 with so much Beauty for our Entertainment He who 
 since first we entered into Life hath followed us 
 with such a Variety of Mercies this Amiable and 
 Beneficent Being surely can have no pleasure in our 
 Disappointment and Distress He knows our Frame 
 he remembers we are dust and looks to frail Man 
 we are assured with such Pity as a Father bearetb 
 to his children. 
 
IGO EXERCISES. (Promiscuous, 
 
 One of the first Lessons both of Religion and of 
 Wisdom is to moderate our Expectations and Hopes 
 and not to set forth on the Voyag^e of Life like Men 
 who expect to be always carried forward with a 
 fevouraible Gale Let us be satisfied if the Path we 
 tread be easy and smooth though it be not strewed 
 with Flowers. 
 
 Providence never intended that ihe Art of living 
 happily in this World should depend on that deep 
 Pewetration that acute sagacity and those Refine- 
 ments of Thought which few possess It has dealt 
 more graciously with us and made happiness depend 
 en Uprightness of Intention much more than on Ex- 
 tent of Capacity. 
 
 IVIost of our Passions flatter us in their Rise But 
 their Beginnings are treacherous their Growth is 
 imperceptiblfr and the Evils which they carry in 
 their Train lie concealed until their Dominion is 
 established AFbat Solomon says of one of thcna Ivolds 
 true of them aU that their Beginning is as when oue 
 letteth out Water It issues from a small Chink which 
 once might have been easily stopped but being 
 neglected it is soon widened by the Stream till the 
 Bank is at last totally thrown down and the Flood is 
 at Liberty to deluge the whole plain. 
 
 Prosperity debilitates instead of s-trengthening 
 the Mind Its most common effect is to create an 
 extreme sensibility to tlve slightest Wound It fo- 
 ments impatient Desires and raises Expectations 
 which no Success can satisfy It fosters a fale Deli- 
 cacy which sickens in the midst of Indulgence By 
 repeated Gratification it blunts the feelings of Blen 
 to what is pleasing and leaves them unhappily acute 
 to whatever is uneasy Hence the Gale which another 
 
Promiscuous.) punctuation. i^ 
 
 would scarcely feel is to the prosperous a rude Tem- 
 pest Hence the Rose-leaf doubled below them on the 
 Couch as it is told of the effeminate Sybarite breaks 
 their Rest Hence the Disrespect shown by Mordecai 
 preyed with such Violence on the Heart of Haman. 
 
 Anxiety is'' the Poison of Human Life It is the 
 Parent of many Sins and of more Miseries In a 
 World where every thing is so doubtful where we 
 may succeed in our Wish and be miserable where 
 we may be disappointed and be blessed in the Dis- 
 appointment what mean this restless Stir and Com- 
 motion of Mind Can our Solicitude alter the Course 
 or unravel the Intricacy of Human Events Can our 
 Curiosity pierce through the Cloud which the Su- 
 preme Being hath made impenetrable to Mortal Eye. 
 
 No situation is so remote and no Station so unfa- 
 vourable as to preclude access to the happiness of a 
 future State A Road is opened by the Divine Spirit 
 to those blissful Habitations from all Corners of the 
 Earth and from all Conditions of Human Life from 
 the peoplesJ City and from the solitary Desert from 
 the Cottages of the Poor and from the Palaces of 
 Kings irom the Dwellings of Ignorance and Simpli- 
 city and from the Regions of Science and Improve- 
 ment. 
 
 The Scenes which present themselves at our enter- 
 ing upon the World are commonly flattering What- 
 ever they be in themselves the lively Spirits of the 
 Young gild every opening Prospect The Field of 
 Hope appears to stretch wide before them Pleasure 
 seems to put forth its Blossoms on every Side Im- 
 pelled by Desire forward they rush with inconside- 
 rate Ardour prompt to decide and to choose averse 
 to hesitate or to Inquire credulous because untaught 
 
 0* 
 
162 EXERCISES. (Promiscuous. 
 
 by Experience rash because unacquainted with Dan- 
 ger headstrong because unsubdued by Disappoint- 
 ment Hence arise the Perils to which they are ex- 
 posed and which too often from Want of Attention 
 to faithful Admonition precipitate them into Ruin 
 irretrievable. 
 
 By the unhappy Excesses of irregular Pleasure in 
 Youth how many amiable Dispositions are corrupted 
 or destroyed How many rising Capacities and 
 Powers are suppressed How many flattering Hopes 
 of Parents and Friends are totally extinguished Who 
 but must drop a Tear over Human Nature when he 
 beholds that Morning which arose so bright overcast 
 with such untimely Darkness that Sweetness of Tem- 
 per which once engaged many Hearts that Modesty 
 which was so prepossessing those Abilities which 
 promised extensive Usefulness all sacrificed at the 
 Shrine of low Sensuality and one who was formed 
 for passing through Life in the midst of Public 
 Esteem cut ofiF by his Vices at the Beginning of his 
 Course or sunk for the whole of it into Insignificance 
 and Contempt These O sinful Pleasure are thy 
 Trophies It is thus that co-operating with the Foe of 
 God and Man thou degrades! Human Honour and 
 blastest the opening Prospects of Human Felicity. 
 
Promiscuous.) purctuation. }6| 
 
 SECTION 2. 
 EXAMPLES IN POETRY. 
 See the Key, p. 134. 
 
 Where thy true treasure Gold says not in me 
 And not in me the Diamond Gold is poor 
 
 The scenes of business tell us what are men 
 The scenes of pleasure What is all beside 
 
 Wo then apart if wo apart can be 
 From mortal man and fortune at our nod 
 The gay rich great triumphant and august 
 What are they The most happy strange to say 
 Convince me most of human misery 
 
 All this dread order break for whom for thee 
 Vile worm O madness pride impiety 
 
 Man like the generous vine supported lives 
 
 The strength he gains is from th embrace he gives 
 
 Know Nature s children all divide her care 
 The fur that warms a monarch warm d a bear 
 While man exclaims see all things for my use 
 See man for mine replies a pamper d goose 
 And just as short of reason he must fall 
 Who thinks all made for one not one for all 
 
 The Almighty from his throne on earth surveys 
 Nought greater than an honest humble heart 
 An humble heart his residence pronounc d 
 His second seat 
 
 Bliss there is none but unprecarions bliss 
 
 That is the gem sell all and purchase that 
 
 Why go a begging to contingencies 
 
 Not gained with ease nor safely lov d if gain d 
 
 There is a time when toil must be preferr d 
 
 Or joy by mistim d fondness is undone 
 
 A man of pleasure is a man of pains 
 
16A EXERCISES. ( Promiscuous. 
 
 Thus nature gives us let it check our pride 
 The virtue nearest to our vice allied 
 
 See the sole hliss Heav n could on all bestow 
 Which who but feels can taste but thinks can know 
 Yet poor with fortune and with learning blind 
 The bad must miss the good untaught will find 
 
 Whatever is is right This world tis true 
 
 Was made for Caesar but for Titus too 
 
 And which more blest who chain d his country say 
 
 Or he whose virtue sigh d to lose a day 
 
 The first sure symptom of a mind in health 
 Is rest of heart and pleasure felt at home 
 
 True happiness resides in things unseen 
 No smiles of fortune ever bless the bad 
 Nor can her frowns rob innocence of joy 
 
 Oh the dark days of vanity while here 
 How tasteless and how terrible when gone 
 Gone they ne er go when past they haunt us still 
 
 Father of light and life Thou good supreme 
 O teach me what is good Teach me thyself 
 Save me from folly vanity and vice 
 From ev ry low pursuit and feed my soul 
 With knowledge conscious peace and virtue pure 
 Sacred substantial never fading bliss 
 
 If 1 am right thy grace impart 
 
 Still in the right to stay 
 If I am wrong Oh teach my heart 
 
 To find that better way 
 
 Save me alike from foolish pride 
 
 Or impious discontent 
 At aught thy wisdom has denied 
 
 Or aught thy goodness lent 
 
Promiscuous.) punctuation. 1^ 
 
 O lost to virtue lost to manly thougbt 
 Lost to the noble sallies of the soul 
 who think it solitude to be alone 
 Communion sweet communion large and high 
 Our reason guardian angel and our God 
 Then nearest these when others most remote 
 And all ere long shall be remote but these 
 
 Benevolence. 
 
 God loves from whole to parts but human soul 
 Must rise from individual to the whole 
 Self-love but serves the virtuous mind to wake 
 As the small pebble stirs the peaceful lake 
 The centre mov d a circle straight succeeds 
 Another still and still another spreads 
 Friend parent neighbour first it will embrace 
 His country next and next all human race 
 Wide and more wide th o erflowings of tlie mind 
 Take ev ry creature in of ev ry kind 
 Earth smiles around with boundless bounty blest 
 And Heav n beholds its image in his breast 
 
 Happiness. 
 
 Knpw then this truth enough for man to know 
 
 Virtue alone is happiness below 
 
 The only point where human bliss stands still 
 
 And tastes the good without the fall to ill 
 
 Where only merit constant pay receives 
 
 Is blest in what it takes and what it gives 
 
 The joy unequall d if its end it gain 
 
 And if it lose attended with no pain 
 
 Without satiety tho e er so blest 
 
 And but more relish'd as the more distress d 
 
 The broadest mirth unfeeling folly wears 
 
 Less pleasing far than virtue s very tears 
 
16S EXERCISES. (Promiscuous^ 
 
 Good from each object from each place acquir d 
 For ever exercis d yet never tir d 
 Never elated while one man s oppress d 
 Never dejected while another s blest 
 And where no wants no wishes can remain 
 Since bnt to wish more virtue is to gain. , 
 
 Gratitude^ 
 
 when all thy mercies O my God 
 
 My rising soul surveys 
 Transported with the view I m lost 
 
 Tn wonder love and praise 
 
 O how shall words with equal warmth 
 
 The gratitude declare 
 That'glows within my ravish d heart 
 
 But thou canst read it there 
 
 Thy providence my life sustain d 
 And all my wants redress d 
 
 When in the silent womb I lay 
 And hung upon the breast 
 
 To all my weak compkints and cries 
 
 Thy mercy lent an ear 
 Ere yet my feeble thoughts had learnt 
 
 To form themselves in pray r 
 
 Unnumber d comforts to my soul 
 
 Thy tender care bestow d 
 Before my infant heart conceiv d 
 
 From whom those comforts flow d 
 
 When in the slipp ry paths of youth 
 
 With heedless steps I ran 
 Thine arm unseen convey d me safe 
 
 And led me up to man 
 
Promiscuous. J punctuatidn. 1€7 
 
 Through hidden dangers toils and death 
 
 It gently clear d my way 
 And through the pleasing snares of vice 
 
 More to_be fear d than they 
 
 When worn with sickness oft hast thou 
 
 With health renew d my face 
 And when in sin and sorrow sunk 
 
 Reviv d my soul with grace 
 
 Thy bounteous hand with worldly bliss 
 
 Has made my cup run o er 
 And in a kind and faithful friend 
 
 Has doubled all my store 
 
 Ten thousand thousand precious gifts 
 
 My daily thanks employ 
 Nor is the least a cheerful heart 
 
 That tastes those gifts with joy 
 
 Through ev ry period of my life 
 
 Thy goodness 1 11 pursue 
 And after death in distant worlds 
 
 The glorious theme renew 
 
 When nature fails and day and night 
 
 Divide thy works no more 
 My ever grateful heart O Lord 
 
 Thy mercy shall adore 
 
 Through all eternity to thee 
 
 A joyful song I 11 raise 
 For O eternity s too short 
 
 To utter all thy praise 
 
 The Voyage of Life, 
 
 Self flatter d unexperienc d high in hope 
 
 When young with sanguine cheer and streamers gay 
 
168 EXERCISES. (Pmmisctious. 
 
 We cut our cable launch into the >vorld 
 And fondly dream each wind and star our friend 
 All in some darling enterprise embark d 
 But where is he can fathom its event 
 Amid a multitude of artless hands 
 Ruin s sure perquisite her lawful prize 
 Some steer aright but the black blast blows hard 
 And puffs them wide of hope With hearts of proof 
 Full against wind and tide some win their way 
 And when strong effort has deserv d the port 
 And tugg d it into view tis lost 
 Though strong their oar still stronger is their fate 
 They strike and while they triumph they expire 
 \ Jn stress of weather most some sink outright 
 
 O er them and o er their names the billows close 
 
 To morrow knows not they Avere ever born 
 
 Others a short memorial leave behind 
 
 Like a flag floating when the bark s ingulf d 
 
 It floats a moment and is seen no more 
 
 One Caesar lives a thousand are forgot 
 
 How few beneath auspicious planets bom 
 
 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 ass/onwThe rush of years 
 
 Beats down their strength their numberless escapes 
 
 In ruin end and now their proud success 
 
 But plants new terrors on the victor s brow 
 
 What pain to quit the world just made their own 
 
 Their nets so deeply down d and built so high 
 
 Too low they build who build beneath the stars 
 
PART V. 
 
 Exercises to promote perspicuous 
 
 AND accurate WRITING. 
 First, with respect to single words and phrases. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Containing violations of the Rules o/* Purity. 
 Grammar^ p. 274. Key, p. 141. 
 
 We should be employed dallily in doing good. 
 
 It irks me to see so perverse a disposition. 
 
 I wot not who has done this thing. 
 
 He is no way thy inferior ; and, in this instance, 
 is no ways to blame. 
 
 The assistance was welcome, and timelily afforded. 
 
 For want of employment, he streamed idly about 
 the fields. 
 
 We ought to live soberly, righteously, and godUIy 
 in the world. 
 
 He was long indisposed, and at length died of 
 the hyp. 
 
 That word follows the general rule, and takes 
 the penult accent. 
 
 He was an extra genius, and attracted much at- 
 tention. 
 
 The hauteur of Florio was very disgracious, and 
 disgusted both his friends and strangers. 
 
 He charged me with want of resolution, in the 
 which be was greatly mistaken. 
 
I 
 170 EXE&ciSES. (Purity. 
 
 They have manifested great candidness In all the 
 transaction. 
 
 The naturalness of the thought greatly recom- 
 mended it. 
 
 The importance, as well as the authenticalness of 
 the books, has been clearly displayed. 
 
 It is difficult to discover the spirit and intendment 
 of some laws. 
 
 The disposition which he exhibited, was both un- 
 natural and incomfortable. 
 
 His natural ^severity rendered him a very impo- 
 pular speaker. 
 
 The disquietness of his mind, made his station and 
 wealth far from being enviable. 
 
 1 received the gift with pleasure, but 1 shall now 
 gladlier resign it. 
 
 These are the things highliest important to the 
 growing age. 
 
 It grievelh me to look over so many blank leaves, 
 in the book of my life. 
 
 It repenteth me that I have so long walked in tbo 
 paths of folly. 
 
 Methinks I am not mistaken in an opinion, which 
 1 have so well considered. 
 
 They thought it an important subject, and the 
 question was strenuously debated pro and con. 
 
 Thy speech bewrayeth thee; for thou art a Oal- 
 lilean. 
 
 Let us not give too hasty credit to stories which 
 may injure our neighbour : perad venture they are 
 the oflfspring of calumny, or misapprehension. 
 
 The gardens were void of simpHcity and elegance j 
 and exhibited much that was glaring and bizarre. 
 
Propriety.) perspiguitt, &c. 171 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Containing violations of the Rules q/Tropriety. 
 Grammar, p. 275. Key, p. 143. 
 
 Avoid low expressions, 
 
 I HAD as lief do it myself, as persuade another to 
 do it. 
 
 Of the justness of his measures he convinced his 
 opponent by dint of argument . 
 
 He is not a whit better than those whom he so liber- 
 ally condemns. 
 
 He stands upon security, and will not liberate him 
 till it be obtained. 
 
 The meaninw of the phrase, as I take it, is very 
 different from the common acceptation. 
 
 The favourable moment should be embraced for 
 he does not hold long in one mind.i 
 
 He exposed himself so much amongst the people, 
 that he had like to have gotten one or two broken 
 heads. 
 
 He was very dexterous in smelling out the views 
 and designs of others. 
 
 If his education was but a httle taken care of, he 
 might be very useful amongst liis neighbours. 
 
 He might have perceived, with half an eye, the 
 difficulties to which his conduct exposed him. 
 
 If I happen to have a little leisure upon my hands 
 to-morrow, I intend to pay them a short visit. 
 
4 72 EXERCISES. (Propriety. 
 
 Tills performance is much at one with the other. 
 The scene was new, and he was seized with won- 
 derment at all he saw. 
 
 SECTION 2. 
 Supply words that are wanting. 
 Grammar, p. 276. Key, p. 144. 
 
 Let us consider the works of nature and art, with 
 proper attention. 
 
 He is engaged in a treatise on the interests of the 
 soul and body. 
 
 Some productions of nature rise in value, accord- 
 ing as they more or less resemble those of art. 
 
 The Latin tongue, in its purity, was never in this 
 island. 
 
 For some centuries, there was a constant inter- 
 course between France and England, by the domi- 
 nions we possessed there, and the conquests we made. 
 
 He is impressed with a true sense of that function, 
 when chosen from a regard to the interests of piety 
 and virtue. 
 
 The wise and foolish, the virtuous and the vile, 
 the learned and ignorant, the temperate and pro- 
 fligate, must often, like the wheat and tares, be 
 blended together. 
 
 SECTION 3. 
 
 In the same sentence^ be careful not to use 'the same 
 
 word too frequently^ nor in different senses. 
 
 Grammar, p. 277. Key, p. 144. 
 
 An eloquent speaker may give more, but cannot 
 
 give more convincing arguments, than this plain 
 
 man ofiered. 
 
Propriety,) perspicdity, &c. 173 
 
 They were persons of very moderate intellects, 
 even before they were impaired by their passions. 
 
 True wit is nature dressed to advantage ; and yet 
 some works have more wit than does them good. 
 
 The sharks,] who prey upon the inadvertency of 
 young heirs, are more pardonable than [t^ose, who 
 trespass upon the good opinion of those, who treat 
 them with great confidence and respect. 
 
 Honour teaches us properly to respect ourselves, 
 and to violate no right or privilege of our neigh- 
 bour : it leads us to support the feeble, to relieve 
 the distressed, and to scorn to be governed by de- 
 grading and injurious passions : and yet we see 
 honour is the n^otive which urges the destroyer to 
 take the life of his friend. 
 
 He will be always with you, to support and com- 
 fort you, and in some measure to succeed your la,- 
 boursj and he will also be with all his faithful mi- 
 nisters, who shall succeed you in his service. 
 
 ''section 1. 
 
 Avoid the injudicious use of technical ternm*^ 
 
 Grammar, p. 277. Key, p. 115. 
 
 Most of our hands were asleep in their bijptns^ 
 when the vessel shipped a sea^ that carried away our 
 
 * The examples under this section, and perhaps a few others la different 
 parts of the book, may be too diliicult for learners to correct without assist- 
 ance ; but as some illustration of the rules to which they relate, was re- 
 quisite, they could not properly be omitted. By an attentive perusal 
 of them, and a subsequent application to the Teacher, or to the Key, the 
 scholar will perceive the nature of the rule, and the ipqde in which simila 
 errors may be rectified. • --'-|OiJC[ iu;-, ,";;*» OiJj ,:.', j 
 
17A £X£BciSEs. (Propriety, 
 
 pinnace and binnacle. Our dead -lights were in, or 
 we should have filled. The main-mast was so 
 sprung, that we were obliged to fish it, and bear 
 away for Lisbon, 
 
 The book is very neatly printed : the scale-board- 
 ing is ample and regular, and the register exact. 
 
 * SECTION 5. 
 
 Avoid equivocal or ambiguous words. 
 Grammar, p. 277. Key, p. 14G. 
 
 When our friendship is considered, how is it pos- 
 sible that I should not grieve for his loss ? 
 
 The eagle killed the hen, and eat her in her own 
 nest. 
 
 It may be justly said, that no laws are better than 
 the English. 
 
 The pretenders to polish and refine the English 
 language, have chiefly rauljiplied abuses and absurd- 
 ities. 
 
 The English adventurers, instead of reclaiming the 
 natives from their uncultivated manners, were gra- 
 dually assimilated to the ancient inhabitants, and de- 
 generated from the customs of their own nation. 
 
 It has been said, that not only Jesuits can equi- 
 vocate. 
 
 You will not think that these people, when in- 
 jured, have the least right to our protection. 
 
 Solomon the son of David, who built the temple 
 of Jerusalem, was the richest monarch that reigned 
 over the Jewish people. 
 
Propriety.) perspicuity, &c. If^ 
 
 Solomon the son of David, ulio was persecuted by 
 Saul, was the richest monarch of the Jews, 
 
 It is certain that all words which are signs of com- 
 plex ideas, may furnish matter of mistake and cavil. 
 
 Lisias promised to his father, never to abandon his 
 friends. 
 
 The Divine Beino^ heapeth favours on his servants, 
 ever liberal and faithful. 
 
 Every well instructed scribe, is like a householder, 
 who bringeth out of his treasure things new and old. 
 
 He was willing to spend a hundred or two pounds 
 rather than be enslaved. 
 
 Dryden makes a very handsome observation, on 
 Ovid's writing a letter from Dido to iEneas, in the 
 following words. 
 
 Imprudent associations disqualify us for the io- 
 struction or reproof of others. 
 
 SECTION 6. 
 
 Avoid unintelligible 3 and inconsistent words and -phrases,. 
 
 Grammar, p. 278. Key, p. 147. 
 
 I SELDOM see a noble building, or any great piece 
 
 of magniQcence and pomp, but I think,' how little is 
 
 all this to satisfy the ambition, or to fdl the idea, of 
 
 an immortal soul. 
 
 A poet, speaking of the universal deluge, says; 
 
 Yet when that flood in its own depth was drown'd, 
 It left behind it false and slipp'ry ground. 
 
 The author of the Spectator says, that a man is 
 not qualified for a bust, who has not a good deal of 
 wit and vivacity, even in the ridiculous side of his 
 character. ^. ^.^ 
 
176 EXERCISES. fProprieti^. 
 
 And Bezaleel made the laver of brass, and the foot 
 of it of brasSy of the looking-glasses of the woman. 
 
 And, in the lowest deep, a lower deep 
 Still tkreat'ning to devour me, opens wide. 
 
 Section 7. 
 
 Avoid all such words and phrases, as are not adapted 
 to the ideas you mean to communicate ; or which are less 
 significant than others y of those ideas. 
 
 Grammar, p. 281. Key, p. 148. 
 
 No less than two hundred scholars have been edu- 
 cated in that school. 
 
 The attempt, however laudable, was found to be 
 impracticable. 
 
 He is our mutual benefactor, and deserves our re- 
 spect and obedience. 
 
 Vivacity is often promoted, by presenting a sen- 
 sible object to the mind, instead of an intelligible one. 
 
 They broke down the banks, and the country was 
 soon overflown. 
 
 The garment was decently formed, and sown very 
 neatly. 
 
 The house is a cold one, for it has a north ex- 
 position. 
 
 The proposition, for each of us to relinquish some- 
 thing, was complied with, and produced a cordial 
 reconcilement. 
 
 Though learned, well bred; and though well bred, sincere ; 
 
 Modestly bold, and humanly severe. 
 
 A fop is a risible character, in every one's view 
 but his own. 
 
 An action that excites laughter, without any mix- 
 ture of contempt, may be called a ridiculous action. 
 
Propriety.) perspicuity, &c. \7i 
 
 h is difficult for him to speak three sentences to- 
 gether. 
 
 By this expression, I do not intend what some 
 persons annex to it. 
 
 The negligence of timely precaution was the cause 
 of this great loss. 
 
 All the sophism which has been employed, cannot 
 obscure so plain a truth. 
 
 Disputing should always be so managed, as to re- 
 member that the only end of it is truth. 
 
 My friend was so ill that he could not set up at all, 
 but was obliged to lay continually in bed. 
 
 A certain prince, it is said, when he invaded the 
 Egyptians, placed, in the front of his army, a num- 
 ber of cats and other animals, which were worship- 
 ped by those people. A reverence for these phan- 
 toms, 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 people 
 of Rome, under the emperors, the wit and elo- 
 quence of the age were wholly turned into 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 to eat. 
 
178 EXERCISES. (Propriety. 
 
 Tiie wicked fly when no ruau pursueth : but the 
 righteous are bold as a lion. 
 
 A creature of a more exalted kind 
 
 Was wanting yet, and then was man designed. 
 
 He died with violence ; for he was killed bv a 
 sword. 
 
 He had scarcely taken the medicine, than he began 
 to feel himself relieved. 
 
 No place and no object appear to him void of 
 beauty. 
 
 When we fall into a person's conversation, the Orst 
 think we should consider, is, the intention of it. 
 
 Oalileo discovered the telescope ; Hcrvey invented 
 the circulation of the blood. 
 
 Philip found an obstacle to the managing of the 
 Athenians, from the nature of their disposition ; but 
 the eloquence of Demosthenes was the greatest dififi- 
 culty in his designs. 
 
 A' hermit is rigorous in his life ; a judge, austere 
 in his sentences. 
 
 A candid man avows his mistake, and is forgiven ; 
 a patriot 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 be taught to mend 
 what is erroneous and defective. 
 
 The good man is not overcome by disappointment, 
 when that which is mortal passes away; when that 
 which is mutable dies : and when [that which he 
 knew to be transient, begins to change. 
 
Precision.) pebspiccity, &c. 179 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Containing violations of the Rules of Precision. 
 Grammar, p. 282, Key, p. 151. 
 
 This great politician desisted from, and renounced 
 his designs, when he found them impracticable. 
 
 He was of so high and independent a spirit, that 
 he abhorred and detested being in debt. 
 
 Though raised to an exalted 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 died with great 
 courage and fortitude. 
 
 He was a man of so much pride and vanity, that 
 he despised the sentiments of others. 
 
 Poverty induces and cherishes dependence ; and 
 dependence strengthens and increases corruption. 
 
 This man, on all occasions, treated his inferiors 
 with great haughtiness and disdain, 
 
 Tiiere can be no regularity or order in the life 
 and conduct of that man, who does not give and 
 allot a due share of his time, to retirement and 
 reflection. 
 
 Such equivocal and ambiguous expressions, mark 
 a formed intention to deceive and abuse us. 
 
 His cheerful, happy temper, remote from dis- 
 content, keeps up a kind of daylight in his mind, 
 excludes every gloomy prospect, and fills it with a 
 steady and perpetual serenity. 
 
180 EXERCISES. (Clearness. 
 
 Secondly. Exercises to promote perspicuity and 
 accuracy^ with respect to the construction of 
 Sentences. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Containing sentences in which the Rules of Clearness 
 are violated. 
 
 Grammar, p. 287. Key, p. 152. 
 
 SECTION 1. 
 
 In the position of Adverbs. 
 
 Hence the impossibility appears, that an under- 
 taking managed so, should prove successful. 
 
 May not we here say with the poet, that " virtue is 
 its 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 
 words. 
 
 The works of art receive a great advantage, from 
 the resemblance which they have to those of nature, 
 because here the similitude is not only pleasant, but 
 the pattern is perfect. 
 
 It may be proper to give some account of those 
 practices, anciently used on such occasions, and only 
 discontinued through the neglect and degeneracy 
 of later times. 
 
Clearness.) perspicuity, &c. 181 
 
 Sixtus the fourth was, if I mistake not, a great 
 collector of books at least. 
 
 If Louis XIV. was not the greatest king, he was 
 the best actor of majesty, at least, that ever filled a 
 throne. 
 
 These forms of conversation, by degrees multi- 
 plied and grew troublesome. 
 
 Nor does this false modesty expose us only to such 
 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 excepting the Jews, were 
 prone to idolatry. 
 
 Raised to greatness without merit, he employed 
 his power for the gratification solely of his passions. 
 
 SECTION 2. 
 
 In the position of circumstances, and of particular 
 members. 
 
 Grammar, p. 288. Key, p. 133. 
 
 The embarrassments of the artificers, rendered 
 the progress very slow of the work. 
 
 He found the place replete with wonders, of 
 which he proposed to solace himself with the con- 
 
 Q 
 
1*8 1 EXERCISES. 
 
 teiuplation, if be should never be able to accomplish 
 liis flight. 
 
 They are now engaged in a study, of which they 
 ♦lave long wished to know the usefulness. 
 
 This was an undertaking, which, in the execution, 
 proved ^s impracticable, as had turned out every 
 other of their pernicious, yet abortive schemes. 
 
 He thought that the presbyters would soon become 
 more dangerous to the magistrates, than had ever 
 been the prelatical clergy. 
 
 Frederick, seeing it was impossible to trust, with 
 safety, his life in their hands, was obliged to take 
 the Mahometans for his guard. 
 
 The emperor refused to convert at once, the truce 
 into a definitive treaty. 
 
 However, the miserable remains were, in the 
 night, taken down. 
 
 I have settled the meaning of those pleasures of 
 the imagination, which are the subject of my pre- 
 sent undertaking, by way of introduction, in this 
 paper; and endeavoured to recommend the pursuit 
 of those pleasures to my readers, by several consi- 
 derations : I shall examine the several sources from 
 whence these pleasures are derived, in my next 
 paper. 
 
 Sir Francis Bacon, in his Essay upon Health, has 
 not thought it improper to prescribe to his reader a 
 poem, or a prospect, where he particularly dissuades 
 him from knotty and subtle disquisitions ; and ad- 
 vises him to pursue studies that fill the mind with 
 splendid and illustrious objects, as history, poetry^ 
 and contemplations of nature. 
 
 If the English reader would see the notion ex- 
 
Clearness.) perspicuity, &.c. 183 
 
 plained at large, he may find it in Locke's Essay on 
 the Haman Understanding, 
 
 Fields of corn form a pleasant prospect; and if 
 the walks were a little taken care of that lie between 
 them, they would display neatness, regularity, and 
 elegance. 
 
 Though religion will indeed bnng us under some 
 restraints, they are very tolerable, and not only so, 
 but desirable on the whole. 
 
 I have confined myself to those methods for tho 
 advancement of piety, which are in the power of a 
 prince, limited like ours, by a strict execution of the 
 laws. 
 
 This morning, when one of the gay females was 
 looking over some hoods and ribands, brought by her 
 tirewoman, with great care and diligence, 1 employed 
 no less in examining the box which contained them. 
 
 Since it is necessary that there should be a perpe- 
 tual intercourse of buying and selling, and dealing, 
 upon credit, where fraud is permitted or connived 
 at, or has no law to punish it, the honest dealer is 
 often undone, and the knave gets the advantage. 
 
 Though energetic brevity is not adapted alike to 
 every subject, we ought to avoid its contrary, on 
 every occasion, a languid redundancy of words. It 
 is proper to be copious sometimes, but never to be 
 verbose. 
 
 A monarchy, limited like ours, may be placed, for 
 aught I now, as it has been often represented, just 
 in the middle point, from whence a deviation leads, 
 on the one hand, to tyranny, and, on the other, to 
 anarchy. 
 
 Having already shown how the fancy is affected 
 
ISA EXERCISES. (Clearness. 
 
 by the works of nature, and afterwards considered, 
 in general, both the works of nature and of art, how 
 they mutually assist and complete each other, in 
 forming such scenes and prospects as are most apt 
 to delight the mind of the beholders ; I shall in this 
 paper throw together some reflections, &c. 
 
 Let but one great, brave, disinterested, active man 
 arise, and he will be received, venerated, and 
 followed. 
 
 Ambition creates seditions, wars, discords, hatred, 
 and shiness. 
 
 The scribes made it their profession to teach and 
 to study the law of Moses. 
 
 Sloth pours upon us a deluge of crimes and evils, 
 and saps the foundation of every virtue. 
 
 The ancient laws of Rome were so far from suf- 
 fering a Roman citizen to be put to death, that they 
 would not allow him to be bound, or even to be 
 whipped. 
 
 His labours to acquire knowledge have been pro- 
 ductive 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 had a grateful sense of the benefits 
 received. 
 
 Many persons give evident proof, that either they 
 do not feel the power] of the principles of religion, 
 or that th«y do not believe them. 
 
 As the guilt of an officer will be greater than that 
 of a common servant, if he prove negligent; so the 
 reward of his fidelity will proportionably be greater. 
 
Clearness.) perspiccity, 5^c. 1^ 
 
 The comfort annexed to goodness is the pious 
 man's strength. It inspires his zeal. It attaches hi?, 
 heart to rehgion. It accelerates his progress; aod 
 supports his constancy. ] 
 
 SECTIONS. .X yli^^V,,, 
 
 In the disposUion of the relative -pronouns ^ who, which, 
 what, whose, and of all those particles, which express the 
 connexion of the parts of speech with one another. 
 
 Grammar, p. 291. Key, p. 157. 
 
 These are the master's rales, who must be obeyed. 
 
 They attacked Northumberland's house, whom 
 they put to death. 
 
 He laboured to involve his minister in ruin, who 
 had been the author of it. 
 
 It is true what he says, but it is not applicable to 
 the point. 
 
 The Freqcb marched precipitately as to an assured, 
 victory ; whereas the English advanced very slowly, 
 and discharged such flights of arrows, as did great 
 execution. When they drew near the archers, j per- 
 ceiving that they were out of breath, they charged 
 them with great vigour. 
 
 He was taking a view, from a window, of the 
 cathedral in Lichfield, where a party of the royalists 
 had fortified themselves. 
 
 We no where meet with a more splendid or 
 pleasing show in nature, than what appears in the 
 heavens at the rising and setting of the sun which is 
 wholly made ^up of those different stains of light, that 
 show themselves in clouds of a different situation. 
 
 There will be found a round raiUion of creatures 
 
186 EXERCISES. (Ciearness. 
 
 m human figure, throughout this kingdom, whose 
 whole subsistence, &c. 
 
 It is the custom of the Mahometans, if they see 
 any printed or written paper upon the ground, to 
 take it up, and lay it aside carefully, as not knowing 
 but it may contain some piece of their Alcoran. 
 
 The laws of nature are, truly, what lord Bacon 
 styles his aphorisms, laws of laws. Civil laws are 
 always imperfect, and often false deductions from 
 them, or applications of them; nay, they stand, in 
 many instances^ in direct opposition to them. 
 
 It has not a word, says Pope, but what the author 
 religiously thinks, in it. 
 
 Many act so directly contrary to this method, that, 
 from a habit of saving time and ^paper, which they 
 acquired at the university, they write in so diminu- 
 tive a manner, that they can hardly read what they 
 have written. 
 
 Thus I have fairly given you my own opinion, as 
 well as that of a great majority of both houses here, 
 relating to this weighty affair; upon which I am 
 confident you may securely reckon. 
 
 If we trace a youth from the earliest period of 
 life, who has been well educated, we shall perceive 
 the wisdom of the maxims here recommended. 
 
Unity. PERSPiccnTT, &c. W7 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Containing sentences in which the rules of Vniti^ 
 
 are violated. 
 
 Grammar, p. 293. Key, p. 159. 
 
 SECTION 1. 
 
 During the course of the sentence, the scene should be 
 changed as little as possible, 
 
 A SHORT time after this injury, he came to him- 
 self; and the next day, they put him on board a 
 ship, which conveyed him first to Corinth, and 
 thence to the isiand of iEgina. 
 
 The Britons, daily harassed by cruel inroads from 
 the Picts, were forced to call in the Saxons for their 
 defence; who consequently reduced the greater part 
 of the island j^to their own power ; drove the Britons 
 into the most remote and mountainous parts ; and the 
 rest of the country, in customs, religion, and language, 
 became wholly Saxons. 
 
 By eagerness of temper, and precipitancy of indul- 
 gence, men forfeit all the adrantages which patience 
 would have procured ; and, by this means, the oppo- 
 site evils are incurred to their 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 (sf their desire 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 in- 
 capable of mollifying the hearts of those barbariansj 
 
188 EXERCISES. (Unity. 
 
 and of extinguishing their jealousy : and he must 
 have renounced his merit and virtue which occasioned 
 it, to have been capable of appeasing them. 
 
 He who performs every employment in its due 
 place and season, suffers no part of time to escape 
 without profit ; and thus his days become multiplied ; 
 and much of life is enjoyed in little space. 
 
 Desires of pleasure usher in temptation, and the 
 growth of disorderly passions is forwarded. 
 
 SECTION 2. 
 
 We should never crowd into one senfenccj things which 
 have so little connexion^ that they could bear to be divided 
 into two or three sentences. 
 
 Grammar, p. 294. Key, p. 160. 
 
 The notions of lord Sunderland were always 
 good ; but he was a man of great expense. 
 
 In this uneasy state, both of his public and pri- 
 vate life, Cicero was oppressed by a new and deep 
 affliction, the death of his beloved daughter Tullia; 
 which happened soon after her divorce from Dola- 
 bella J whose manners and humours were entirely 
 disagreeable to her» 
 
 The sun approaching melts the snow, and breaks 
 the icy fetters of the main, where vast sea- monsters 
 pierce through floating islands, with arras which can 
 withstand the crystal rock; whilst others, that of 
 themselves seem great as islands, are, by their bulk 
 alone, armed against all but man, whose superiority 
 over creatures of such stupendous size and force,, 
 should make him mindful of his privilege of reason; 
 and for9e 1dm kumbly to adore the gceat Composer 
 
Unity.) PERSPICUITY, &.c. 18^ 
 
 of these woundrous frames, and the Author of his 
 own superior wisdom. 
 
 I single Strada out among the moderns, because 
 he had the foolish presumption to censure Tacitus, 
 and to write history himself; and my friend will 
 forgive this short excursion in honour of a favourite 
 writer. 
 
 Boast not thyself of to-morrow; thou knowest 
 not what a day may bring forth : and, for the same 
 reason, despair not of to-morrow ; for it may bring 
 forth good as well as evil ; which is a ground for not 
 vexing thyself with imaginary fears; for the im- 
 pending black cloud, which is regarded with so 
 much dread, may pass by harmless : or though it 
 should discharge the storm, yet before it breaks, 
 thou mayst be lodged in that lowly mansion which 
 no storms ever touch. 
 
 SECTION 3. 
 
 We should keep clear of all vnnecessary parentheses, 
 
 Grajnmar, p. 293. Key, p. 161. 
 
 Disappointments will often happen to the best and 
 wisest men (not through any imprudence of theirs, 
 nor even through the malice or ill design of others: 
 but merely in consequence of some of those cross in- 
 cidents of hfe which could not be foreseen), and 
 sometimes to the wisest and best concerted plans. 
 
 Without some degree of patience exercised under 
 injuries (as offences and retaliations would succeed 
 to one another in endless train), human life would 
 be rendered a state of perpetual hostility. 
 
 Never delay till to-morrow (for to-morrow is not 
 
190 EXERCISES. (Strength. 
 
 yours ; and though you shouia live to enjoy it, you 
 must not overload it with a burden not its own), what 
 reason and conscience tell you ought to be performed 
 to-day. 
 
 We must not imagine that there is, in true reli- 
 gion, any thing which overcasts the mind with sul- 
 len goom and melancholy austerity (for false ideas 
 may be entertained of religion, as false and imper- 
 fect conceptions of virtue have often prevailed in 
 the world), or which derogates from that esteem 
 which men are generally disposed to yi^ld to ex* 
 emplary virtues. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Containing sentences, in which the rules for prO' 
 
 moting the Strength of a sentence are violated. 
 
 Grammar, p. 297. Key, p. 16». 
 
 SECTION 1 . 
 
 The first rule for promoting the strength of a sentence, is, 
 
 to prune it of all redundant words and members. 
 
 It is six months ago, since I paid a visit to my re- 
 lations. 
 
 Suspend your censure so long, till your judgment 
 on the subject can be wisely formed. 
 
 The 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 
 knowledge and behaviour. 
 
strength.) pebspicuity, &c. 194 
 
 Those two boys appear to be both equal in capacity. 
 
 Whenever he sees me, he always inquires con- 
 cerning his friends. 
 
 The reason of his conduct will be accounted for 
 in the conclusions of this narrative. 
 
 I hope this is tlj€ last time that I shall ever act so 
 imprudently. 
 
 The reason of his sudiden departure, was on ac- 
 count of the case not admitting of delay. 
 
 The people gained nothing farther by this step, 
 but only to suspend their misery. 
 
 I have here supposed that the reader is acquainted 
 with that great modern discovery, which is, at pre- 
 sent, universally acknowledged by all the inquirers 
 into natural philosophy. 
 
 There are few words in the English language, 
 which are employed in a mor« loose and uncircum- 
 scribed sense, than those of the fancy and the iraa- 
 ginatiott. 
 
 I intend to make use of these words in the thread 
 of my following speculations, that the reader may 
 conceive rightly what is the subject upon which I 
 proceed. 
 
 Commend 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 plain and 
 evident a manner, that the perusal of the book has 
 given me pleasure and satisfaction. 
 
 However clear and obvious the conduct which he 
 ought to have pursued, he had not courage and re- 
 solution to set about it. 
 
192 EXERCISES. (Strength. 
 
 I was much moved on this occasion^ and left the 
 place full of a great many serious reflections. 
 
 They are of those that rebel against the light: 
 they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the 
 paths thereof. 
 
 This measure may afford some profit, and furnish 
 some amusement. 
 
 By a multiplicity and variety of words, the thoughts 
 and sentiments are not set off and accommodated j 
 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 the 
 concerns of his friends. 
 
 Whereas, on the other hand, supposing that secrecy 
 had been enjoined, his conduct was very culpable. 
 
 Less capacity is required for this business, but 
 more time is necessary. 
 
 He did not mention Leonora, nor that her father 
 was dead. 
 
 The combatants encountered each other with such 
 rage, that, being eager only to assail, and thought- 
 less of making any defence, they both fell dead upon 
 the field together. 
 
 1 shall, in the first place, begin with remarking 
 the defects, and shall then proceed afterwards to 
 describe the excellences, of his plan of education. 
 
 Numberless orders of beings, which are to us un- 
 known, people the wide extent of the universe. 
 
 His extraordinary beauty was such, that it struck 
 observers with admiration. 
 
 Thought and language act and react upon each 
 other mutually. 
 
Strength.) perspicuity, he. 193 
 
 Their interests were dependent upon, and insepa- 
 rably connected with each other. 
 
 While you employ all the circumspection and 
 vigilance which reason can suggest, let your prayers, 
 at the same time, continually ascend to heaven for 
 support and aid. 
 
 SECTION 2. 
 
 The second rule for promoting the strength of a sentence, 
 is, to attend particularly to the use of copulatives^ relatives, 
 and all the particles employed for transition and con- 
 nexion. 
 
 Grammar, p. 300. Key, p. 165. 
 
 The enemy said, I will pursue, and I will over- 
 take, and I will divide the spoil. 
 
 While the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, 
 cold, heat, summer, winter, day and night, shall not 
 cease. 
 
 A man should endeavour to make the sphere of 
 his innocent pleasures as wide as possible, that he 
 may retire into them with safety, and find in them 
 such a satisfaction as a wise man would not blush to 
 take. Of this nature are those of the imagination. 
 
 The army was composed of Grecians, Carians, 
 Lycians, Pamphylians, and Phrygians. 
 
 The body of this animal was strong, and propor- 
 tionable, and beautiful. 
 
 There is nothing which promotes knowledge more 
 than steady application, and a habit of observation. 
 
 Though virtue borrows no assistance from, yet it 
 may often be accompanied by, the advantages of 
 fortune. 
 
 The knowledge he has acquired, and the habits of 
 
i9h EXERCISES. (Strength. 
 
 application he possesses, will probablv render him 
 very useful. 
 
 Their idleness, and their luxury and pleasures, their 
 criminal deeds, and their immoderate passions, and 
 their timidity and baseness of mind, have dejected 
 them to such a degree, as to make them weary of life. 
 
 1 was greatly affected., insomuch that I was obliged 
 to leave the place, notwithstanding that my assist- 
 ance had been pressingly solicited. 
 
 I strenuously opposed those measures, and it was 
 not in my power to prevent them. 
 
 I yielded to his solicitations, whilst I perceived the 
 necessity of doing so. 
 
 For the wisest purposes, Providence has designed 
 our state to be checkered with pleasure and pain. In 
 this manner let us receive it, and make the best of 
 Avhat is appointed to be our lot. 
 
 In the time of prosperity, he had stored his mind 
 with useful knowledge, with good principles, and 
 virtuous dispositions. And therefore they remain 
 entire, when the days of trouble come. 
 
 He had made considerable advances in knowledge, 
 but he was very young, and laboured under several 
 disadvantages. 
 
 SECTION 3. 
 
 T/ic third rule for promoting the strevyth of a sentence, 
 is, to dispose of the capital word, or words , so that thci/ 
 may make the greatest impression. 
 
 Grammar, p. 303. Key, p. 167. 
 
 1 itWE considered the subject with a good deal of 
 attention, upon which 1 was desired to communicate 
 my thoughts. 
 
Strength.) perspicuity, &c. 195 
 
 Whether a choice altogether unexceptionable, 
 has, in any country, been made, seems doubtful. 
 
 Let us endeavour to establish to ourselves an inte- 
 rest 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, 
 into beautiful allegories, in the sixth book of his 
 -Eneid, gives us the punishment, &c. 
 
 And Philip the fourth was obliged, at last, to con- 
 clude a peace, on terms repugnant to his Inclination, 
 to that of his people, to the interest of Spain, and to 
 that of all Europe, in the Pyrenean treaty. 
 
 It appears that there are, by a late calculation, 
 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 by the 
 temptations of youth, and the opportunities of a large 
 fortune, into some irregularities, when they cortie 
 forward into the great world, it is ever with reluc- 
 tance and compunction of mind, because their bias 
 to virtue still continues. 
 
 Were instruction an essential circimistance in epic 
 poetry, I doubt whether a single instance could be 
 given of this species of composition, in any lan- 
 guage. 
 
 Some of our most eminent writers have made use 
 of this platonic notion, as far as it regards the sub- 
 sistence of our affections after death, with great 
 beauty and strength of reason. 
 
 Men of the best sense have been touched, more 
 
196 EXEBGiSES. (Strength, 
 
 or less, with these groundless horrors and presages ol' 
 futurity, upon surveying the most indiCferent works 
 of nature. 
 
 He that cometh in the name of the Lord, is blessed. 
 
 Every one that puts on the appearance of good- 
 ness, is not good. 
 
 And EUas with l^Ioses appeared to them. 
 
 Where are your fathers? and do the prophets live 
 for ever? 
 
 We came to our journey's end at Last, with no 
 small difficulty, after much fatigue, through deep 
 roads and bad weather. 
 
 Virgil has justly contested with Homer, the praise 
 of judgment, but his invention remains yet unri- 
 valled. 
 
 Let us employ our criticism on ourselves, instead 
 of being critics on others. 
 
 Let us implore superior assistance, for enabling us 
 to act well our own part, leaving others to be judged 
 by Him who searcheth the heart. 
 
 The vehemence of passion, after it has exercised 
 its tyrannical sway for a while, may subside by 
 degrees. 
 
 This fallacious art debars us from enjoying life, 
 instead of lengthening it. 
 
 Indulging ourselves in imaginary enjoyments, of- 
 ten deprives us of real ones. 
 
 How will that nobleman be able to conduct him- 
 self, when reduced to poverty, who was educated 
 only to magnificence and pleasure ? 
 
 It is highly proper that a man should be acquainted 
 with a variety of things, of which the utility is 
 
strength.) perspicuity, Lc, 197 
 
 above a child's comprehension : but is it necessary a 
 child 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 like 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. 
 
 SECTION 4. 
 
 The fourth rule for promoting the strength of sentence!^, 
 is, that a weaker assertion or proposition should never 
 come after a stronger one ; and that, when our sentence 
 consists of two members, the longer should, generally, he 
 the concluding one. 
 
 Grammar, p. 306. Key, p. 169. 
 
 Charity breathes long suffering 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 
 speech. 
 
 The propensity to look forward into life, is too 
 often grossly abused, and immoderately indulged. 
 
 The regular tenor of a virtuous and pious life, will 
 prove the best preparation for immortality, for old 
 age, and death. 
 
 These rules are intended to teach young per- 
 sons to write with propriety, elegance, and par- 
 spicuity. 
 
 E 
 
1 98 EXERCISES. (Strength. 
 
 Sinful pleasures blast the opening prospects of 
 human felicity, and degrade human honour. 
 
 In this state of mind, every employment of Hfe 
 becomes' an oppressive burden, and every object 
 appears gloomy. 
 
 They will acquire different views, by applying 
 to the honourable discharge of the functions of 
 their station, and entering on a virtuous course of 
 action. 
 
 By the perpetual course of dissipation, in which 
 sensualists are engaged ; by | the riotous revel, and 
 the midnight, 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, and 
 wear out their spirits. 
 
 SECTION 5. 
 
 A Jlflh rule for the strength of sentences, is, to avoid 
 concluding them with an adverb, a preposition, or any 
 inconsiderable ivord, 
 
 Graftnmar, p. 306. Key, p. 170. 
 
 By what I have already expressed, the reader 
 will perceive the business which 1 am to proceed 
 upon. 
 
 May the happy message be applied to us, in all 
 the virtue, strength, and comfort of it! 
 
 Generosity is a showy virtue, which many persons 
 are very fond of. 
 
 These arguments were, without hesitation, and 
 with great eagerness, laid hold of. 
 
strength,) perspicuity, &c. 199 
 
 It is proper to be loi)^ in deliberating, but we 
 sbould speedily execute. 
 
 Form your measures with prudence : but all anxiety 
 about the issue divest yourselves of. 
 
 We are struck, we know not how, with the sym- 
 metry of any thing we see; and immediately ac- 
 knowledge the beauty of an object, without in- 
 quiring into the particular causes and occasions 
 of it. 
 
 With Cicero's writings, these persons are more 
 conversant, than with those of Demosthenes, who 
 by many degrees excelled the other; at least, as 
 an orator. 
 
 SECTION 6. 
 
 A sixth rule relating to the strength of a sentence^ i» 
 that, in the members of a sentence, where two things are 
 compared or contrasted with one another; where either a 
 resemblance, or an opposition, is intended to be expressed / 
 some resemblance, in the language and construction^ should 
 be preserved. For when the things themselves correspond 
 to each other, we naturally expect to find a similar corre^ 
 spondence in the words* 
 
 Grammar, p. 308. Key, p. 171. 
 
 Our British gafrdeners, instead of humouring na- 
 ture, love to deviate from it as much as possible. 
 
 I have observed of late the style of some great 
 ministers, very much to exceed that of any other 
 productions. 
 
 The old may inform the young ; and the young 
 may animate those who are advanced in life. 
 
200 EXERCISES. (Strength. 
 
 The account is generally balanced ; for what we 
 are losers on the one hand, we gain on the other. 
 
 The laughers will be for those who have most 
 wit ; the serious part of mankind, for those who have 
 JBost 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 receive reproaches which are not 
 due to them, they likewise receive praises which 
 tliey 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 
 cai,n lie, but no one is deceived by him. 
 
 He embraced the cause of liberty faintly, and pur- 
 sued it without resolution; 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 
 the greatness of his genius, in the same manner as 
 bodies appear more gigantic, on account of their 
 
 igani 
 
 being disproportioned andmisshapen. 
 
 SECTION 7. 
 
 The seventh rule for promoting the strength and effect 
 of sentences, w, to attend to the harmony and easy flow 
 qfthe words and members, 
 
 \ Grammar, p. 309. Key, p. 172. 
 
 SoBERMiNDEDNEss suits the prosont state of man. 
 As conventiclers, these people were seized and 
 punished. 
 
strength.) perspicuity, &c. 201 
 
 To use the Divine name customarily, and without 
 serious consideration, is highly irreverent. 
 
 From the favourableness with which he was at 
 first received, great hopes of success were enter- 
 tained. 
 
 They conducted themselves wilily, and ensnared 
 us before we had time to escape. 
 
 It belongs not to our humble and confined station, 
 to censure, but to adore, submit, and' trust. 
 
 Under all its labours, hope is the mind's solace ; 
 and the situations which exclude it entirely are few. 
 
 The humbling of those that are mighty, and the 
 precipitation of persons who are ambitious, from the 
 towering height that they had gained, concern but 
 little the bulk of men. 
 
 Tranquillity, regularity, and magnanimity, reside 
 with the religious and resigned man. 
 
 Sloth, ease, success, naturally tend to beget vices 
 and follies. 
 
 By a cheerful, even, and open temper, he con- 
 ciliated general favour. 
 
 We reached the mansion before noon. It was a 
 strong, grand, Gothic house. 
 
 I had a long and perilous journey, but a comfort- 
 able companion, who relieved the fatigue of it. 
 
 The speech was introduced by a^sensible preamble, 
 which made a favourable impression. 
 
 The commons made an angry remonstrance against 
 such an arbitrary requisition. 
 
 The truly illustrious are they who do not court 
 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 
 
202 EXERCISES. (Strength, 
 
 supplied, and our lives are rendered comfortable, as 
 well as our capacities enlarged, and our virtuous 
 affections called forth into their proper exercise. 
 
 Life cannot but prove vain to such persons as 
 affect a disrelish of every pleasure, which is not both 
 new and exquisite, measuring their enjoyments by 
 fashion's standard, and not by what they feel them- 
 selves : and thinking that if others do not admire 
 their state, they are miserable. 
 
 By experiencing distress, an arrogant insensibility 
 of temper is most effectually corrected, from the 
 remembrance of our own sufferings naturally prompt- 
 ing us to feel for others iu 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 disci- 
 pline, 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 per- 
 mitted us to walk in, in order to view the toilsome 
 march of our fellow-creatures through the thorny 
 desert. 
 
 As no one is without his failing, so few want 
 good qualities. 
 
 Providence dehvered them up to themselves, and 
 they tormented themselves. 
 
 From disappointments and trials, we learn the 
 insufficiency of temporal things to happiness,, and 
 the necessity of goodness, j 
 
Figures.) pebspicuity, &c, 203 
 
 CHAPTEll IV. 
 
 Instances of an irregular use o/* Figures of Speech. 
 
 Grammar, p. 315. Key, p. 175. 
 
 No human happiness is so serene as not to contain 
 any alloy. 
 
 There is a time when factions, by the vehemence 
 of their own fermentation, 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 
 through the thickest gloom. 
 
 The scheme was highly expensive to him, and 
 proved the Charybdis 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 
 bridle ; and to steer our vessel aright, that we may 
 avoid the rocks and shoals, which Ue every where 
 around us. 
 
 At length Erasmus, that great injur'd name, 
 (The glory of the priesthood and the shame,) 
 Curb'd the wild torrent of a barb'rous age. 
 And drove those holy Vandals off the stage. 
 
20A EXERCISES. (Figures, 
 
 In this our day of proof, our land of hope. 
 The good man has his clouds that intervene ; 
 Clouds that may dim his sublunary day, 
 But cannot conquer : even the best must own, 
 Patience and resignation are the columns 
 Of human peace on earth. 
 
 On the wide sea of letters, 'twas thy boast 
 To crowd each sail, and touch at evVy coast : 
 From that rich mine how often hast thou brought 
 The pure and precious pearls of splendid thought! 
 How didst thou triumph on that subject tide. 
 Till vanity's wild gust, and stormy pride. 
 Drove thy strong mind, in evil hour, to split 
 Upon the fatal rock of impious wit I 
 
 Since the time that reason began to bud, and put 
 forth her shoots, thought, during our waking 
 hours, has been active in every breast, without a 
 moment's suspension or pause. The current of ideas 
 has been always moving. The wheels of the 
 spiritual engine have exerted themselves with per- 
 petual motion. 
 
 The man who has no rule over liis own spirit, 
 possesses no antii'ote against poisons of any sort. 
 He lies open to every insurrection of ill humour, 
 and every gale of distress. Whereas he who is em- 
 ployed in regulating his mind, is making provision 
 against all the accidents of life. He is erecting 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 
 
Figures.) perspicuity, &.c. 205 
 
 potentate who does not glory in being numbered 
 among our attendants? As for thee, descended 
 from a Turcoman sailor, since the vessel of thy un- 
 bounded ambition has been wrecked in the gulf of 
 thy self-love, it would be proper that thou shouldst 
 take in the sails of thy temerity, and cast the anchor 
 of repentance in the port of sincerity and justice, 
 which is the port of safety ; lest the tempest of our 
 vengeance make thee perish in the sea of the punish- 
 ment thou deservest." 
 
 It is pleasant to be virtuous and good ; because 
 that is to excel many others : it is pleasant to grow 
 better ; because that is to excel ourselves : it is 
 pleasant to command our appetites and passions, and 
 to keep them in due order, within the bounds of 
 reason and religion ; because this is empire : nay, it 
 is pleasant even to mortify and subdue our lusts ; be- 
 cause that is victory. 
 
%Q^ EXEaciSES. (Promiscuous, 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 J^iolations of the Rules respecting perspicuous and 
 accurate writings promiscuously disposed. 
 
 See the Key, p. 178. 
 SECTION 1. 
 
 What is human life to all, but a mixture, with 
 various cares and troubles, of some scattered joys and 
 pleasures ? 
 
 When favours of every kind are conferred speedily., 
 they are doubled. 
 
 He will soon weary the company, who is himself 
 wearied. 
 
 He must endure the follies of others, who will 
 have their kindness. 
 
 For the last years of man the first must make 
 provision. 
 
 Perpetual light-mindedness must terminate in ig- 
 norance. 
 
 In these, and in such like cases, we should, in our 
 alms, generally suffer none to be witnesses, but Him 
 who must see every thing. 
 
 The reason why he is so badly qualified for the 
 business, is because he neglected his studies, and op- 
 portunities of improvement. 
 
 That Plutarch wrote lives of Demosthenes and 
 Cicero at Chaeronea, is clear frdm his own account. 
 I wish to cultivate your further acquaintance. 
 
Promiscuous.) perspicuity, &c. 207 
 
 He may probably make the attempt, but he can- 
 not 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 Mary's address 
 more remarkably displayed. 
 
 This was the cause which first gave rise to such 
 a 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 heavens. 
 
 In health and vigour of body, and in the state of 
 werldly fortune, all rejoice. 
 
 What passes in the hearts of men, is generally 
 unknown to the public eye. 
 
 Many associations are united by laws the most 
 arbitrary. 
 
 These instances may, it is hoped, be sufficient to 
 satisfy every reasonable mind. 
 
 By such general and comprehensive rules as this, 
 the clearest ideas are conveyed. 
 
 He determined not to comply with the proposal, 
 except he should receive a more ample compen- 
 sation. 
 
 There can be no doubt but that health is prefer- 
 able to riches. 
 
 They declared to their friends, that they believed 
 the perusal of such books had ruined their prin- 
 ciples. 
 
 John's temper greatly indisposed him for iii- 
 structlon. 
 
208 EXEfiGisEs. (Promiscuous. 
 
 Vegetation is advancing constantly, though no 
 eye can trace the steps of its gradation. 
 
 The reason of my consenting to the measure, was 
 owing to his importunity. 
 
 I conceived a great regard for him, and could not 
 but mourn for his loss. 
 
 The officer apprehended him, and confined him in 
 his own house. 
 
 Charlotte, the friend of Amelia, to whom no 
 one imputed blame, was too prompt in her vin-' 
 dication. 
 
 Men who are rich and avaricious, lose themselves in 
 a spring which might have cherished all around them. 
 
 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 of his attention. 
 
 The plan will at once contribute to general conve- 
 nience, and add to the beauty and elegance of the 
 town. 
 
 Together with the national debt, the greatest na-- 
 tional advantages are also transmitted to succeeding 
 generations. 
 
 Their intimacy had commenced in the happier 
 period, perhaps, of their youth and obscurity. 
 
 His subject is precisely of that kind, which a daring 
 imagination could alone have adopted. 
 
 This emperor conjured the senate, that the purity 
 of his reign might not be stained or contaminated, 
 by 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. , 
 
Promiscuous.) perspicuity, &c. 209 
 
 This activity drew great numbers of enterprising* 
 men over to Virginia, who came either in search of 
 fortune, or of liberty, which was the only compensa- 
 tion for the want of it. 
 
 The erroneous judgment of parents, concerning 
 the conduct of schoolmasters, has crushed the peace of" 
 many an ingenious man who engaged in the care of 
 youth; and paved the way to the ruin of hopeful boys. 
 
 SECTION 2* 
 
 Key, p. 181. 
 
 The Greek doubtless is a language which is 
 tnuch superior in riches, harmony, and variety, to 
 Latin. 
 
 Those three great genius's flourished in the same 
 period. 
 
 He has made a judicious adoption of the examples 
 to the rule* 
 
 This part of knowledge has been always growing, 
 and will do so, till the subject be exhausted. 
 
 A boy of twelve years old may study these lessons. 
 
 The servant produced from his late master an 
 undeniable character. 
 
 I am surprised that so great a philosopher as you 
 are, should spend your time in the pursuit of such 
 chimeras. 
 
 The ends of a divine and human legislator, are 
 vastly diflferent. 
 
 Scarce had the '^Spirit of Laws" made its ap- 
 pearance, than it was attacked. 
 
 His donation was the more acceptable, that it was 
 given without solicitation. 
 
210 EXERCISES. (Promiscuous, 
 
 This subject is an 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 immediately accepted it. 
 
 James laid late in bed yesterday, and this morning 
 he lays still later. 
 
 The reason of this strange proceeding, will be ac- 
 counted for when 1 make my defence. 
 
 I have observed him often, and his manner of 
 proceeding is thus : he enjoins first silence ; and 
 then, &c. 
 
 Having not known, or not considered the subject, 
 he made a very crude decision. 
 
 They all were deceived by his fair pretences, and 
 they all of them lost their property. 
 
 It is above a year since the time that 1 left 
 school. 
 
 He was guilty of such atrocious conduct, that he 
 was deserted by his friends for good and all. 
 
 No other employment besides a bookseller suited 
 his inclination. 
 
 Hereby I am instructed, and thereby 1 am ho- 
 noured. 
 
 I pleaded my good intention ; and after some 
 time he assented thereto ; whereby I entirely 
 escaped all punishment. 
 
 This I am disposed to the rather, that it will 
 serve to illustrate the principles advanced Jibove. 
 
 From what I have said, you will perceive readily 
 the subject I am to proceed upon. 
 
 These are points too trivial ^to take notice of. 
 They are objects I am totally unacquainted with. 
 
Promiscuous.) perspicuitt, &c. JU 
 
 The nearer that men approach each other, the 
 more numerous the points of contact in which they 
 touch, and the greater their pleasures or pains. 
 V Thus 1 have endeavoured to make the subject be 
 better understood. 
 
 This is the most useful art of which men are 
 possessed. 
 
 The French writers of sermon study neatness in 
 laying down their heads. 
 
 There is not any beauty more in one of them than 
 in another. 
 
 SECTION 3. 
 Key, p. 183. 
 
 Study to unite with firmness of principle gentle- 
 ness of manners, and affable behaviour with untainted 
 integrity. 
 
 In that work, we are every now and then inter- 
 rupted with unnatural thoughts. 
 
 Bating two or three expressions, the composition is 
 not subject to censure. 
 
 To answer his purpose effectually, he pitched upon 
 a very moving story. 
 
 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 troubled in future,, on 
 this, or any the like occasions. 
 
 It is difficult to unite together copiousness and 
 precision. 
 
212 EXERCISES. (Promiscuous t 
 
 Let us consider of the proper means to effect our 
 purpose. 
 
 We must pay attention to what goes before and 
 immediately follows after. 
 
 The more that this track is pursued, the more 
 that eloquence is studied, the more shall we be 
 guarded against a false taste. 
 
 True believers of every class and denomination 
 on earth, make up the church and people of God. 
 
 This is the sum and substance of that which lias 
 been said on the subject. 
 
 A perfect union of wit and judgment, is one of 
 the rarest things in the world. 
 
 Praise, like gold and diamonds, owes to its scarcity 
 only its value. 
 
 Intemperance will make life short and sad, though 
 it may fire the spirits for an hour. 
 
 From their errors of education, all their miseries 
 have proceeded* 
 
 Their disinterestedness of conduct produced ge^ 
 neral admiration. 
 
 I viewed the habitation of my departed friend.—* 
 Venerable shade ! I then gave thee a tear : ac- 
 cept now of one cordial drop that falls to thy me* 
 mory* 
 
 To-day we are here ; to morrow we are gone. 
 
 This author is more remarkable for strength of 
 sentiment, than harmonious language. 
 
 Many persons are more delighted with correct 
 and elegant language, than with -the importance of 
 sentiment and accuracy of reasoning. 
 
 1 feel myself grateful to my friend, for all the in- 
 
Promiscuous.) perspicuity, &c. 213 
 
 stances of his kindness, which he has often mani- 
 fested to me. 
 
 It is not from this world that any source of 
 comfort can arise, to cheer the gloom of the last 
 hour. 
 
 SECTION 4. 
 Key, p. 185. 
 
 It is dangerous for beauty' that is mortal, or for 
 terrestrial virtue, to be examined by a light that is 
 too strong for it. 
 
 Beautiful women possess seldom any great accom- 
 plishments, 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 our wishes. 
 
 It is ordained and decreed by Providence, that 
 nothing shall be obtained in our present state, that 
 is truly valuable, except it be with difficulty and 
 danger. 
 
 Pauses of ease and relaxation, labour necessarily 
 requires ; and the deliciousness of ease makes us 
 commonly unwilling to return to labour. 
 
 Nothing which is not right can be great : nothing 
 can be suitable to the dignity of the human mind 
 which reason condemns. 
 
 We have warm hopes in youth, which are blasted 
 soon by negligence and rashness ; and great designs 
 which are defeated by inexperience and ignorance 
 of the world. 
 
 Th« haunts of dissipation, by night and day, opet» 
 
21 A EXERCISES. (Promiscuous, 
 
 many a wide and inviting- gate to the cliildren of 
 idleness and sloth. 
 
 True virtue (as all its parts are connected, piety 
 wiih morality, charity with justice, benevolence 
 with temperance and fortitude,) must form one 
 complete and entire system. 
 
 Dissimulation obscures parts and learning ; de- 
 grades the lustre of every accomplishment ; and 
 plunges us into universal contempt. 
 
 Confident as you now are in your assertions, and 
 positive as you are in your opinions, be assured the 
 time approaches when things and men will appear 
 in a different Ught to you. 
 
 In this age of dissipation and luxury in which we 
 live, how many avenues are constantly open that 
 carry us to the gates of folly ! 
 
 Through extravagance and idleness, and vain in- 
 clination of emulating others in the splendid show 
 of life, many run into charges exceeding their pro- 
 perty. 
 
 Objects are separated from each other, by their 
 qualities : they are distinguished by the distance of 
 time or place. 
 
 Clarendon, bein^ a man of extensive abilities, 
 stored his mind with a variety of ideas ; which cir- 
 cumstance contributed to the successful exertion of 
 his vigorous capacity. 
 
 SECTION 5. 
 
 Key, p. 186. 
 
 The most high degree of reverence and' attention 
 should be paid to youth; and nothing that is in- 
 
Promiscuous. J perspiciity, &r. 215 
 
 decent or indelicate should be suffered to approach 
 their eyes or their ears. 
 
 He who is blessed with a clear conscience, in the 
 worst conjunctures of human hfe, enjoys an elevation 
 of mind peculiar to virtue, as well as dignity and 
 peace. 
 
 The hand of industry may change, in a few years, 
 the face of a country; but to alter the sentiments 
 and manners of a people, requires often as many 
 generations. 
 
 When the human mind dwells attentively and 
 long upon any subject, the passions are apt to grow 
 enthusiastic, interested, and warm ; and the under- 
 standing which they ought to obey, they often force 
 into their service. 
 
 Some years after, being released from prison, by 
 reason of his consummate knowledge of civil law, 
 and of military affairs, he was exalted to the supreme 
 power. 
 
 The discontented man (as his spleen irritates and 
 sours his temper, and leads him to discharge its 
 venom on all with whom he stands connected), is 
 never found without a great share of malignity. 
 
 We cannot doubt but all the proceedings of Pro- 
 vidence will appear as equitable, when fully under- 
 stood and completely intelligible, as now they seem 
 irregular. 
 
 All that great wealth gives more than a moderate 
 fortune, generally is, more room for the freaks of 
 caprice, and privilege for ignorance and vice ; of 
 flatteries a quicker succession, and a larger circle of 
 voluptuousness. 
 
 The miscarriages of the great designs of princes 
 
216 EXERCISES. (Promiscuous. 
 
 are recorded in the liistories of the world, but are of 
 little use to the bulk of mankind, who seem very 
 little interested in records of miscarriages which 
 cannot happen to them. 
 
 Were there any man who could say, in the course 
 of his life, that he had never suffered himself to be 
 transported by passion, or had ever given just ground 
 of offence to any one, such a man might, when he 
 received from others unreasonable treatment, have 
 some plea for impatience. 
 
 Christianity will, at some future period, influence 
 the conduct of nations as well as individuals. 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 
 will be not rapid in its progress, and visible at every 
 step ; but gradual, and visible when considerable 
 effects only have been produced. 
 
 The British constitution stands, like an ancient 
 oak in the wood, among the nations of the earth; 
 whichj after having overcome many a blast, overtops 
 the other trees of the forest, and commands respect 
 and veneration. 
 
 SECTION 6. 
 
 Key, p. 188. 
 
 What an anchor is to a vessel amidst a boisterous 
 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 danger, 
 it affords one fixed point of rest; amidst general 
 fluctuation, it gives security. 
 
Promiscuous.) perspicuity, &r. 217 
 
 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 up all re- 
 gard to the honour or interest of our brethren) ren- 
 der us quarrelsome and contentious. 
 
 If there be any first principle of wisdom, it un- 
 doubtedly is this : the distresses that are removable, 
 endeavour to remove ; bear with as little disquiet 
 as you can, the distresses which cannot be removed: 
 comforts are to be found in ever^'^ situation and con- 
 dition of life ; having found them, enjoy them. 
 
 Instead of aspiring farther than your proper level, 
 bring your mind down to your state ; lest you spen d 
 your life in a train of fruitless pursuits, by 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 at the time, has proved to be 
 a merciful providence in the issue; and that it would 
 have been so far from making us happy, if what we 
 once eagerly wished for had been obtained, that it 
 would have produced our ruin. 
 
 Can the stream continue to advance, when it is 
 deprived of the fountain? Can the branch improve, 
 when taken from the stock which gave it nourish- 
 ment? Dependent spirits can no more be happy, 
 when parted from all union with the Father of 
 spirits, and the fountain of happiness. 
 
 Prosperity is redoubled to a good man by mean 
 
218 EXERCISES. (Promiscuous. 
 
 of the generous use which he makes of it ; and it is 
 reflected back upon him by every one whom he 
 makes happy: for, in the esteem and good-will of 
 all who know him, in 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 
 must lay up knowledge in youth for his support, 
 when his powers of acting shall forsake him ; and 
 forbear to animadvert in age, with rigour, on faults 
 which experience can alone correct. 
 
 Let us consider that youth is of no long dura- 
 tion ; and that when the enchantments of fancy 
 in maturer age shall cease, and phantoms no more 
 dance about us, we shall have no comforts but wise 
 men's esteem, the approbation of our hearts, and the 
 means of doing good : and let us live as men that 
 are to grow old some time, and to whom of all evils 
 it will be the most dreadful, to count their years 
 past only by follies, and to be reminded of their 
 former luxuriance of health, by the maladies only 
 which riot has produced. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 CONTAINING EXAMPLES. TO ASSIST THE STUDENT IN 
 TRANSPOSING THE PARTS OF SENTENCES, AND IN 
 VARYING THE FORM OF EXPRESSING A SENTIMENT. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 On transposing the Members 0/ a Sentence. 
 
 The practice of transposing the members of sen- 
 tences, is an exercise so useful to young persons, that 
 it requires a more particular explanation, 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, pro- 
 duced in the form of an Appendix to the general 
 Exercises. By examining them attentively, the stu- 
 dent will perceive, In some degree, the nature and 
 effect of transposition : and, by being frequently ex 
 erclsed in showing its variety in other sentences, he 
 will obtain a facility In the operation ; and a dex- 
 terity In discovering and applying, on all occasions, 
 the clearest and most forcible arrangement. By this 
 practice, he will also be able more readily to pene- 
 trate the meaning of such sentences, as are rendered 
 obscure and perplexing to most readers, by the Ir- 
 regular disposition of their parts. 
 
 The first and last forms of each class of example 
 are to be considered as the least exceptionable. 
 
220 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 The Roman state evidently declined, in propor- 
 tion to the increase of luxury. 
 
 The Roman state, in proportion to the increase of 
 luxury, evidently declined. 
 
 In proportion to the increase of luxury, the Ro- 
 man state evidently declined. 
 
 I am willing to remit all that is past, provided it 
 may be done with safety. 
 
 I am willing, provided it may be done with safety, 
 to remit all that is past. 
 
 Provided it may be done with safety, 1 am willing 
 to remit all that is past. 
 
 That greatness of mind which shows itself in dan- 
 gers and labours, if it wants justice, is blamable. 
 
 If that greatness of mind, which shows itself in 
 dangers and labours, is void of justice, it is bla- 
 mable. 
 
 That greatness of mind is blamable, which shows 
 itself in dangers and labours, if it wants justice. 
 
 If that greatness of mind is void of justice, which 
 shows itself in dangers and labours, it is blamable. 
 
 That greatness of mind is blamable, if it is void 
 of justice, which shows itself in dangers and la- 
 bours. 
 
 If it wants justice, that greatness of mind, which 
 shows itself in dangers and labours, is blamable. 
 
 He who made light to spring from primeval dark- 
 ness, will make order, at last, to arise from the 
 seeming confusion of the world. 
 
APPE>'DIX. 221 
 
 From the seeming confusion of the world, He who 
 made light to spring from primeval darkness, will 
 make order, at last, to arise. 
 
 He who made light to spring from primeval 
 darkness, will, from the seeming confusion of the 
 world, make order, at last, to arise. 
 
 He who made light to spring from primeval 
 darkness, will, at last, from the seeming confusion of 
 the world, make order to arise. 
 
 He will make order, at last, to arise from the 
 seeming confusion of the world, who made light to 
 spring from primeval darkness. 
 
 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 the world. 
 
 Whoever considers the uncertainty of human af- 
 fairs, and how frequently the greatest hopes are 
 frustrated; will see* just reason to be always on 
 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 uncer- 
 tainty of human affairs, and how often the greatest 
 hopes are frustrated. 
 
 Let us not conclude, while dangers are at a dis- 
 tance, and do not immediately approach us, that 
 we are secure ; unless we use the necessary precau- 
 tions to prevent them. 
 
222 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Unless ue u-se the necessary precautions to pie- 
 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 precau- 
 tions to prevent them. 
 
 While dangers are at a distance, and do not im- 
 mediately 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 nothing greater, will sink into a diminutive 
 size, when he becomes acquainted with objects of a 
 higher nature. 
 
 When one becomes acquainted with objects of a 
 higher nature, those things which appeared great 
 to him whilst he knew nothing greater, will sink 
 into a diminutive size. 
 
 To one who knows nothing greater, those things 
 which then appear great, will sink into a diminutive 
 size, when he becomes acquainted with objects of a 
 higher nature. 
 
APPENDIX. 223 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 On variety of expression* 
 
 Besides the practice of transposing the parts of 
 sentences, the Compiler recomnciends to tutors, fie- 
 quently to exercise their pupils, in exhibiting some 
 of the various modes, in which the same sentiment 
 may be properly expressed. This practice will ex- 
 tend their knowledge of the language, afford a va- 
 riety of expression, and habituate them to deliver 
 their sentiments with clearness, ease, and propriety. 
 It will likewise enable those who may be en- 
 gaged in studying other languages, not only to con- 
 strue them, with more 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 
 kind of exercise, will be sufficient to explain the 
 nature of it, and to show its utility. 
 
 The brother deserved censure more than his sister. 
 
 The sister was less reprehensible than her brother. 
 
 The sister did not deserve reprehension, so much 
 as her brother. 
 
 Reproof was more due to the brother, than to 
 the sister. 
 
 I will attend the conference, if I can do it conve- 
 niently. 
 
 I intend to be at the conference, unless it should 
 be inconvenient. 
 
 If I can do it with convenience, I purpose to be 
 present at the conference. 
 
22A APPENDIX. 
 
 If it can be done without inconvenience, I shall 
 not fail 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 the world, is 
 to live in perpetual warfare. 
 
 By living 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 perpetual conflict. 
 
 They who are constantly engaged in the tu- 
 mults 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 austere 
 temper, or a rough demeanour. 
 
 Harshness 'of manners and want of condescension, 
 are opposite to the spirit of true religion. 
 
 Industry is not only the instrument of improve- 
 ment, but the foundation of pleasure. 
 
 Industry produces both improvement and plea- 
 sure. 
 
 Improvement and pleasure are the products o( 
 industry. 
 
APPENDIX. 225 
 
 The common attendants on idleness are ignorance 
 and misery. 
 
 Valerius passed several laws, abridging 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 
 of the, people extended, by several laws passed 
 during the consulship of Valerius. 
 
 The advantages of this world, even when^ inno- 
 cently gained, are uncertain blessings. 
 
 If the advantages of this world were innocently 
 gained, they are still uncertain blessings. 
 
 We may indeed innocently gain the advantages 
 of this world ; but even then they are uncertain 
 blessings. 
 
 Uncertainty attends all the advantages of this 
 world, not excepting those which are innocently 
 acquired. 
 
 The blessings which we derive from the advan- 
 tages of this world, are not secure, even when they 
 are innocently gained. 
 
 When you behold wicked men multiplying! in 
 number, and increasing in power, imagine not that 
 Providence particularly favours them. 
 
 When wicked men are observed to multiply in num- 
 ber, and increase in power, we are not to suppose 
 that they are particularly favoured by Providence. 
 
 From the increase and prosperity of the wicked, 
 we must not infer that they are the favourites of 
 Providence. 
 
226 APPENDIX. 
 
 Charity consists not in speculative ideas of gene- 
 ral benevolence, floating in the head, and leavinsf 
 the heart, as speculations too often do, untouched 
 and cold. 
 
 Speculative ideas of general benevolence, do not 
 form the virtue of charity, for these often float in 
 the head and leave the heart untouched and cold. 
 
 Speculations which leave the heart unaflected and 
 cold, though they may consist of general benevo- 
 lence floating in the head, do not form the great 
 virtue of charity. 
 
 Universal benevolence to mankind, when it rests 
 in 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 floats as 
 a useless speculation in the head, instead of affecting 
 the temper and the heart. 
 
 A wolf let into the sheepfold, will devour the sheep. 
 
 If we let a wolf into the fold, the sheep will be 
 devoured. 
 
 The wolf will devour the sheep, if the sheepfold 
 be left open. 
 
 A wolf being let into the sheepfold, the sheep 
 will be devoured. 
 
 If the fold be not left carefully shut, the wolf will 
 devour the sheep. 
 
 There is no defence of the sheep from the wolf, 
 unless it be kept out of the fold. 
 
 A slaughter will be made amongst the sheep, if 
 the wolf can get into the fold. 
 
 The preceding examples show that the form of 
 expressing a sentiment may be properly varied, by 
 
APPENDIX. 227 
 
 turning the active voice of verbs into the passive, 
 and the nonainative case of nouns into the objective ; 
 by altering the connexion of short sentences, by dif- 
 ferent adverbs and conjunctions, and by the use of 
 prepositions ; by applying adjectives and adverbs in- 
 stead of substantives, and vich versa ; by using the case 
 absolute in place of the nominative and verb, and the 
 participle instead of the verb ; by reversing the cor- 
 respondent parts of the sentence ; and by the negation 
 of the contrary, instead of the assertion of the thing 
 first proposed. By these, and other modes of ex- 
 pression, a great variety of forms of speech, exactly 
 or nearly of the same import, may be produced ; and 
 the young student furnished with a considerable store 
 for his selection and use. 
 
 When the business of transposing the parts of sen 
 tences, and of varying the forms of expression, be- 
 comes familiar to the student, he may be employed 
 in reducing the particulars of a few pages, to ge- 
 neral 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 employment, of the kind here proposed, will 
 not only make the learner skilful in the meaning 
 and 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 attention ; to contract or 
 expand his views at pleasure; and to digest the senti- 
 ments of other persons, or his own, in the manner 
 best adapted to assist his judgment and memory. 
 
 THE END. 
 
YO 36% 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY