^■1L,M 
 
GRAMMATICAI. INSTITUTES ; 
 
 OR, THE 
 
 PRINCIPLES AND RULES 
 
 OF 
 
 ABRIDGED AJVD VBIISIFIED, 
 FOR 
 
 THE USE OF SCHOOLS AND YOUNG PERSONS 
 
 ♦ 
 
 By R. TOBITT, 
 
 Master of the Grammar School y Cattle Street y Holborn, 
 
 From Education, as llie gen'ral cause, 
 'I'he public character its colour draws ; 
 Hence the prevailing manrters take their cast, — 
 Extravagant or sober, loose or chaste, 
 
 COWPER. 
 
 LONDON : 
 
 runted for the Author, and 
 
 PUBLISHED BY J. SOUTER, SCHOOL LIBRARY, 
 73, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH YARD. 
 
 1825. 
 
W. SEARS, Priulcr, lb, Guitei Lan«, CUeapside. 
 
THE SOCIETY OF SCHOOLM ASTEHS 
 
 PRIVATE TEACHERS. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 As a member of your truly laudable 
 Institution, I take the liberty of dedicating to you this 
 little Work, which has been the result of considerable 
 experience in the arduous yet delightful task of Teach- 
 ing. As it is usual to expect that every author should 
 say something relative to his own performance, the 
 writer of this small manual most respectfully begs to 
 submit to the Public the following observations. A 
 slight view of the work will show, that it is not intended 
 t© supersede the use of a Prose English Grammar, but, 
 as an Auxiliary, it is designed to simplify and illustrate 
 the principles and rules of the language, in a style, or 
 dress (for youth) not to be attained in any way, or by 
 any method, equal to the alluring charms of rhyme 
 or verse, which the author feels warranted in asserting 
 
 086 ^ 
 
will be iradily coiniuittrd to int^mory, and t-asilv 
 retained. An apoloj^y for tiiiy attempt, namely, to 
 expedite the attainment of an acquisition, of such 
 general utility and importance, can scarcely be 
 deemed needful ; let it then suffice, that the objects 
 ai'e, to elucidate the terms, not by a translation of the 
 word merely, but by giving copious examples in which 
 such words occur, whereby the sense, use, and meaning, 
 are clearly made out, and with readiness understood. 
 
 The author is not disposed to censure other writers 
 on the subject, but candidly owns that he has read, with 
 pleasure and interest, by far the greater number of thesai ; 
 he has, however, taken the liberty to deviate from many 
 of them, in some things, perhaps of little importance. 
 In the selection of Exanij)l('s given for elucidation, he 
 is indebted to L. Murray, and Li iinie's principles of 
 English: lie has also cited many sentiments from the 
 Holy Scriptures, which appeared suitable to illus- 
 trate the suhjtr t. Ill tlie Rules usually following the 
 definiiions, little attempt h.as l>een made to giveexrK isi s 
 for correctlen, but every rulehas its < orresp()ii<lente.\ani- 
 pies correctly written, whieli are intended to be used as 
 exercises in parsing, :it the disc n tion of the teacher. 
 When, any thing .'ipp«;ire(l to justify a remark, either 
 
in the definitions, or in tlie rules of syntax, it will be 
 found at the bottom of tliu pai;e where it occurs. In 
 these Institutes, an attempt has been made to familiarize 
 and illustrate the distribution and properties of all the 
 parts of speech, — cases of nouns, and pronouns, mood* 
 and tenses of verbs, &c. &c. — by correspondent examples 
 under each definition and rule. In the above, as much 
 l)revity has been vised as appeared to be consistent with 
 perspicuity ; and it is hoped that the examples will 
 be found as intelligible as the same things written in 
 prose. 
 
 It is also presumed, that no other work of the kind 
 (as an Auxiliary) has an equal claim to the patronage 
 of a liberal Public, on the ground of its peculiar con- 
 struction, namely, the association of principles, pre- 
 cepts, duties, obligations, invitations, cautions, and 
 encouragements, which are here interwoxen, and whicli 
 will appear to the mind of an ordinary reader to be 
 happily incorporated in the work, and are well suited 
 to render it peculiarly interesting to the youthful 
 mind. 
 
 It may not be deemed incongruous to inform 
 the Public, that the little Work now submitted to 
 them has been proved to be of grait utility, and 
 
M 
 
 its effects have far ^.xcetdtcl the ex})( ( tations of the 
 author. After all that has been, or can be saitl on 
 the subject, much clepends on the bving voice •. 
 long experience has confirmed this fact, that to 
 arrest the attention, fix the mind, and excite the emuhi- 
 tion of children, is of considerable import«mce in the art 
 of teaching. This method will interest the pupils, 
 give them an opportunity of discovering, as well as 
 estimating, their own powers of discrimination, and 
 will make the study, which would otherwise be dry apd 
 uninteresting, both pleasant and profitable. Lastly, 
 the author begs to observe, that this Epitome will 
 accord with Murray, Grant, Blair, Louth, Lennie, or 
 any other writer who may have been selected, and whose 
 work may have been adopted by those teachers who may 
 feel disposed to give this little Abridgment a fair trial. 
 As an excitement to the study, he takes the liberty to con- 
 clude with the ifentiment of an eminent and candid 
 writer on language : — All that regards the study of 
 composition merits the higher attention, on this account y 
 that it is intimately connected tvith the improvement 
 of our intellectual powers y teaching us to think ^ as well 
 as to speak, accurately.* 
 
 * BImr. 
 
Vll 
 
 The autlior 1ms no pretensions to poetic powers ; 
 lie lias therefore declined to give any rules or examples 
 in Prosody ; but begs to refer his readers to these 
 authors who have already written on this part of the 
 subject with much skill, judgment, and ingenuity. 
 
METHOD, 
 
 ®r ^lan of ^Ttatljing mtti bp t]^c ?luii)or, 
 
 Aiwl which lie most respectfully submits to Teacher* of Englwh Grammar, 
 
 If experience be consulted, it will be found tliat 
 the most beneficial effects in teaching, result from a 
 judicious arrangement of pupils (males or females) 
 into classes : this being done, emulation is excited, and 
 a laudable spirit of rivalship is soon seen to be the 
 consequence. In the order of arrangement the author 
 takes the liberty of suggesting his own plan, viz. 
 The first day in every month is a dsLj of examination ; 
 the result of this trial enables him to assign to each 
 pupil the class for which he is eligible. During the 
 month, his advancement in his own class is of course 
 proportionate to the number of merits, or rewards, 
 which he is able to produce. When the first class are 
 qualified to read the definitions of a noun, adjective, 
 and pronoun, in their pro«e grammar, they may be 
 
required, or ratlier allowed, to read the same 
 things in verse : this exercise will excite much interest, 
 and it will be found that their understanding and 
 judgment will be nearly equal to their voice or 
 utterance. It must be owned, that where this is 
 not done, the practice of teaching grammar is dry, 
 irksome, and tedious, with little or no interest to the 
 learner ; on the contrary, a number well selected, (from 
 six to twelve) as may be deemed expedient to form a 
 class, having their tender, docile minds animated, 
 invigorated, and encouraged, exciting the most praise- 
 worthy emulation, and the hope of such a reward as 
 will not fail to sweeten labour, (if labour, indeed, it 
 may be called,) they then feel a lively interest in 
 what before they considered a toilsome drudgery. 
 The first, and most important, object in teaching, 
 is to arrest and secure attention, which this method 
 will achieve ; and it will be found (almost without 
 exception), that the pupil's endeavours to le^rn will 
 then equal the most assiduous and diligent tutor's 
 efforts to communicate instruction. 
 
 Such few lessons often repeated, will give the pupils 
 a general idea of the objects to be attained, namely, 
 
XI 
 
 the discrimiiuitiii;^ or disceniiiij^ of a uouu from an 
 
 adjective, or indeed from almost any other part of 
 
 speech, which is always done by questions, varied 
 
 according to the nature of the lesson, and the supposed 
 
 ability pf the class. In this way the vowels, consonants, 
 
 dipthongs, and tripthongs, as well as articles, are 
 
 soon learned, and easily retained. A similar method is 
 
 pursued by every progressive class throughout the 
 
 school : — indeed, the more advanced pupils profit 
 
 by this plan far more than tliis junior classes, and their 
 
 eagerness to rival each other is truly astonishing. It is 
 
 hoped that the few remarks at the bottom of the pages 
 
 will considerably assist the learner, as well as lessen the 
 
 labour of the tutor. The Scripture references are 
 
 intended to exhibit the importance of the precepts here 
 
 inculcated, as well as to afford an opportunity to the 
 
 skilful preceptor of referring his pupils to the words of 
 
 Divine inspiration, the authority of which ought to be 
 
 decisive to every Christian teacher. 
 
 R. T. 
 
 Castle Street, Jan, 21, 1825. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Propriety of speech, and writing too, 
 
 Depends on rules both accurate and true. 
 These rules to simplify, and make them chime. 
 Shall be my object, now I write in rhyme* 
 To smooth the road to science is my plan, 
 And make the path as pleasant as I can ; 
 To check the progress of misguided youth. 
 And stimulate with zeal a love to truth. 
 All docile pupils gladly will rehearse 
 This English Grammar now abridged in verse ; 
 And some adults amusement here may find. 
 To give a relish to a pensive mind. 
 Utility throughout shall be my aim : 
 This bear in mind^ advantage you may gain, 
 B 
 
The Argument and Design. 
 
 Nothing can politeness more discredit. 
 Than vulgar speech^ which has no real merit. 
 The habits we acquire in early days. 
 Will form pur minds for censure, or for praise. 
 To train * up children well to speak aright. 
 Requires much care, yet gives as much delight : # 
 Of solecism, then, we must beware. 
 And fitness urge, with most judicious care: 
 Whatever faulty speech we yet retain, 
 We must reject, that juster we may gain : 
 The voice and manner too, should not be ill. 
 Both being improved by practice and by skill. 
 These reasons then, whatever they may seem, 
 i^hall urge my muse to prosecute my theme. 
 ♦ Prov. xxii. v. 6. 
 
The parts of English Grammar are but four. 
 And each of them we here must well explore ; 
 Derived from Latin roots, to make them plain, — 
 We'll trace their meaning, and their import gain. 
 
 ORTHOGRAPHY* 
 
 Orthography, the fijpst we notice bere. 
 Most useful is, as straightly will appear, 
 'Twill teach you rightly how you ought to spell. 
 And range your letters truly, just, and well. 
 The powers of letters too you will discern. 
 Which those who study Grammar, well must leani. 
 
 * Orthography is here inserted in compliance with custom, 
 and for the sake of order, and not from a conviction of its utility. 
 The author is of opinion, that the art of Spelling (generally) 
 should precede the study of Grammar, 
 
 B 2 
 
The VOWELS. 
 
 The Vowels you must learn to comprehend. 
 With other letters justly how to blend. 
 By all grammarians this has well been said. 
 No sound can be expressed without their aid : 
 Thus cr, e, i, and o, as well as w. 
 Require no aid, to give each sound its due : 
 The w and y are quite contiguous. 
 And, though con^plex, are surely not ambiguous. 
 Beginning words, or syllables, you know, 
 They're Consonants, as here we plainly show ; 
 When not beginning syllables or words, 
 You*ll call them Vowels — this with truth accords. 
 
 CONSONANTS. 
 
 The Consonants in number are nineteen ; 
 All which imperfect sounds, it will be seen, 
 The aid of Vowels always justly claim, 
 To form their sounds distinctly ; this is plain. 
 
► 
 
 Thus, b alone, a sound we cannot call,— 
 But, join'd with o and /, produces holl ; 
 So (f, and A:, would still remain quite mute, — 
 But, join'd with e, and a, seem well to suit. 
 
 DIPTHOMGS. 
 
 A Dipthongy is two Vowels join'd in sound. 
 As 0, and m, pronounced in ounce SLud pound; 
 A proper dipthong then, 'tis plain and clear. 
 Is, when both vowels you may truly hear. 
 *When dipthongs are improper, you may note. 
 Then one is silent, such as a, in boat. 
 The Tripthong also, has three vowels join'd. 
 As e, a, w, in beauty^ you will find. 
 
 EXAMPLES. 
 
 * Tbus, mischief will delight all silly hoys. 
 Who spend their time in folly, sloth, and noise. 
 
 * As peas and beans are reckon'd wholesome food. 
 So tea with cream, we say, is very good. 
 
 b3 
 
6 
 ETYMOLOGY. 
 
 The second part of Grammar clearly shows 
 The source from which the language freely flows t 
 The roots of words, as well as use and kind, 
 By Etymology we justly find ; 
 The quality of words we thus discern. 
 And all their various derivations learn. 
 
 Nine parts of speech to Grammar are assigned, 
 The names of which describe their sort and liind : 
 These terms, though Latin, yet they plainly show. 
 How English verse from Foreign roots may grow. 
 The Article^ which first we notice here, 
 Claims well this place, as justly does appear : 
 The Noun is second, this you will allow ; 
 
 The Adjective is third, I here avow ; 
 
 The Pronoun fourth succeeds, you must admit ; 
 
 The Verb comes fifths and this is just and fit. 
 
The Adverb is the sixth, — 'tis right it should ; 
 The Preposition, seventh is understood ; 
 Conjunction, eighth in order now we show ; 
 The Interjection is the last, you know. 
 
 ARTICLES. 
 
 The Articles, in number are but two,— 
 The A or An, and The, which we shall show : 
 The^ or An, indefinite we call. 
 Because 'tis us'd defining not at all. 
 The second Article most clearly shows 
 The limits of the noun, in verse or prose ; 
 It well defines, and shows to what extent 
 Its application to the noun is meant. 
 We write the a, when followed by the u. 
 When thus protracted, such as y , o, u ; 
 
 REMARKS. — A is used before such words as, a few,' a great 
 many, as a few plums, a great many pears. 
 
 The is used before adverbs in the comparative degree, as. The 
 more you study grammar, the better you will like it. 
 
8 
 
 Without an Article when nouns appear, 
 
 To limit their extension, 'twill be clear 
 
 They're always taken in their full extent, — 
 
 As man is mortal, — all mankind is meant. 
 
 A Consonant requires an a before. 
 
 With few exceptions, — one or two, not more. 
 
 The silent /t, is one we notice here. 
 
 That justly claims the aw, 'tis very clear: 
 
 This rule, perhaps, admits of one exception. 
 
 And this is such to which I've no objection ; 
 
 This then must be decisive in all cases. 
 
 The h requires an in all such places 
 
 Where'er the accent falls on words like these, — 
 
 Historical, heroic, if you please. 
 
 Then write the an, to make it quite complete. 
 
 As, " an heroic action scorns defeat." 
 
 The word historical requires the same, 
 
 And must have an, not a, 'tis clear and plain. 
 
I 9 
 
 Before the vowels we must use the an ; 
 Remember this, for I am sure you can. 
 Thus, when we say, an elm, an oak, an oar, 
 i We mean, some elm, some oak, and nothing more. 
 The w and y, claim this exception,— 
 A week, a year, as well as such a one ; 
 A unit then of numbers is the least ; 
 A universal cause can not decrease,— 
 A euphony delights the mind and ear ; 
 Its charms are great, 'tis evident and clear. 
 These little words are vaguely us'd, you know,—- . 
 They limit not the noun, but plainly show. 
 That any one is meant not well defin'd ; 
 This plain direction you must bear in mind. 
 Before a singular noun we use the a. 
 But plural nouns sometimes require the. 
 Take this example now, and this alone, — 
 Afield is one, — The fields are not my own. 
 
10 
 
 NOUNS. 
 
 All Nouns, are either persons, things, or places ; 
 They varied are by number, gender, cases. 
 A Noun is also understood to mean 
 Such things as may be either felt or seen. 
 These Nouns (though varied), may be well attained, 
 As gender, number, case, shall be explain'd. 
 By proper Nouns are meant, all proper names, 
 As London, Baltic, Chatham, Ann, or James : 
 The Common Nouns ^ *I wish you here to note. 
 Are chiefly things, as table, ship, or boat : 
 Slates, ink, and paper, pencil, rule, and pen. 
 Are common Nouns, as well as boys and men. 
 Collective Nouns are such, 'tis well allow 'd. 
 As jiock^ or drove, a multitude, or crowd : 
 The Abstract Nouns must follow in their place. 
 As temperance, prudence, hope, love, joy, and grace. 
 
11 
 
 The Participial, or the Verbal Noun, 
 Derives its name from verbs, as shall be shown ; 
 Thus, Reading W\\\ conduce to information, 
 And Writing well deserves our commendation. 
 
 ON NUMBER. 
 
 The Numbers of the nouns are simply two ; 
 The Singular means one, as boot, or shoe : 
 The Plural more than one distinctly shows. 
 As girls and bo7/s require good boots, or shoes. 
 The general way to pluralize the nouns. 
 Is adding s, thus pound is rendered pounds ; 
 Nouns in s, sh, ch, x, or o. 
 All form their plurals by e s, you know. 
 The nouns in y we now must pluralize. 
 And show that sky is plural made by skies; 
 
 REMARKS. — ^When ch sounds hard like k, the plural is formed 
 by addiug s only, as monarch, monarchs. 
 
 When two vowels appear in the last syllable, no^change takes. 
 place in the plural, as attorneys, journeys. 
 
12 
 
 Omitting y, and writing i, e^ s, 
 
 The Plural forms, and this you must confess. 
 
 The Singular nouns iny*, or xnfe. 
 
 To write them Plural, you may plainly see, 
 
 You change the/*, and likewise the/* e, 
 
 And V € s insert, for this must be : 
 
 Thus Singular leqf\s Plural made by leaves. 
 
 And sheaf, when pluraliz'd, is rendered sheaves : 
 
 So /oq/* is singular — this a child well knows, 
 
 When Plural made, is always written loaves, 
 
 ON GENDER. 
 
 Four Genders, here we show, to nouns belong ; 
 First, Masculine, i\s father, brother, son ; 
 
 REMARKS. — Nouns in^, generally have their plui-als in s, 
 as muffs. 
 
13 
 
 Next Feminine^ as sister^ duck, or hen ; 
 Then Neuter y such sls paper y ink, or pen: 
 The Common gender will no sex define, 
 As parenty children, eagles, sheep, or swine^ 
 
 CASES OF NOUNS. 
 
 The Nominative must the subject be, 
 Or agent to the verb, as you may see ; 
 Possessive, shows or indicates possession. 
 As, " JLuct/^s fan is new, without a question:" 
 The Objective, too, by one plain rule is shown, — 
 *Tis always govern'd, this youUl freely own : 
 The Active Verb must govern, this is plain — 
 As, " He who learns his grammar, good will gain : 
 The Participle also this will do. 
 As, ** Writing grammar, aids you to construe/* 
 
14 
 
 This case too will admit a Preposition, 
 Which much assists in English composition ; 
 Thus, " Thomas should with ardour persevere, 
 For want o/*zeal will leave him in the rear.'* 
 
 Examples on Proper Nouns, 
 
 Though London is a city large and fair, 
 Yet Brighton is esteemed for purer air : 
 The Baltic Sea due east of Denmark lies,— 
 The Ritier Thames near Gloucester has its rise: 
 While modest Mary shuns delusive ways, 
 Eliza perseveres to merit praise. 
 
 Examples on Common Nouns, 
 
 Those pupils who their studies best attend, 
 Are such as tutors always most commend : 
 All teachers, qualified well to teach. 
 Should well apply the sense and use to each ; 
 Their patience and their skill they must combine. 
 Or good results will tutors seldom find. 
 The^W*, the trees, the plants, and every /fowV, 
 Proclaim aloud to man th* Almighty pow'r. 
 
15 
 
 Examples on Abstract Nouns. 
 
 Economy is good in every station,— 
 Frugality ensures our commendation : 
 «Real charity a lovely aspect wears, 
 It hopeth all things, truly all things bears. 
 f The wisdom that descendeth from above. 
 Is pure and gentle, harmless as the dove. 
 True courage well becomes our situation. 
 Its best attendant is our moderation. 
 
 Examples on Collective Nouns. 
 
 The multitude pursue their own chief good ; 
 How few there are, whose passions are subdued I 
 The fleet was sailing past the Kentish shore, 
 'Twill be in sight while passing round the Nore. 
 A herd of cattle, grazing in the morn. 
 Affords a sight as pleasant as the corn. 
 A flock of sheep, all quietly at rest. 
 Reminds us, that a social life is best. 
 Some people busy are, yet little do. 
 The proper method they will not pursue. 
 
 * 1 Cor. xiii. 4, 5. f James, iii. 17, 18. 
 C 2 
 
16 
 ADJECTIVES, 
 
 AND EXAMPLES. 
 
 An Adjective is also well defin'd, 
 As qualifying that to which 'tis join*d ; 
 Tlie three degrees of which, you here may see, 
 Witt raise or drop it, as the case may be. 
 The Positive^ indeed, is no degree. 
 But simply states the subject so to be : 
 Comparative the quality will raise. 
 As " Growing better always merits praise ;" 
 
 REMARKS. — Some Adjectives are compared regjularjy, as 
 wise^ wiser y wisest ; others irregularly, as goody hettery best ; some 
 by the adverbs, as prudenty more prudent, most prudent ; others 
 admit of no comparison, as chiefy univcrsaly perfecty extreme. 
 
 Dissyllables ending with e final, are often compared by er and 
 esfy as politCy poliieTy politest ; amplcy ampler y amplest. 
 
 If a vowel precede y, it is not changed into i, at gayy gayer, 
 fjayest. 
 Nouns are often used as adjectives, as a goid ring^ a tilrtr cup. 
 
17 
 
 Superlative the highest state of all ; 
 
 The lowest likewise this degree we call. 
 
 A kind and courteous friend will not disguise, 
 
 A kinder and more courteous you may prize ; 
 
 The kindest and most courteous claims my choice, 
 
 With such a friend I cannot but rejoice. 
 
 *'Tis good to listen to the voice of truth, 
 
 t'Tis better much to bear the yoke in youth ; 
 
 'Tis best of all, our passions to subdue, 
 
 :j:To think on what is lovely, j^sty and true, 
 
 §A wise and prudent pupil shuns deceit, 
 
 A wiser and more prudent is discreet ; 
 
 II The wisest and most prudent knows the art 
 
 (Of self-controul) by which he rules his heart. 
 
 » Prov. i. 20. t Lam. iii. 27. 
 
 I Philip, iv. 8. § Prov. viii. 12. \\ Prov. xvi, 32. 
 
 C 3 
 
18 
 
 PERSOJfAL PRONOUNS. 
 
 The persons of the Pronouns are but three. 
 As /and Thou^ and either He or She : 
 The Plural number also has the same. 
 Thus We and Yow, as well as They, we naftie. 
 The Pronouns will the want of nouns supply ; 
 Instead of names, we say He, She, or /. 
 Thus all the Pronouns claim a proper place, 
 In person, number, gender, and in case, 
 
 THE NEUTER PRONOUN 
 
 The Neuter Pronoun It we here must name. 
 For order's sake— it surely has a claim ; 
 It varies not, except in this one case,-^ 
 Possessive has an 5, in every place. 
 
CASES OF PRONOUNS. 
 Singular Number. 
 
 -The Nominatives are, /, thouy hey she ; 
 Possessive, wine, thiney hisy and hersy you see ; 
 Objective, mcy thecy hiniy as well as Aer, — 
 With ity the Neuter, — this you may infer. 
 
 Plural Number. 
 
 The Plural Pronouns, now we justly say. 
 Are, in the Nominatives, wey yoUy they ; 
 Possessive, we assert, are ourSy yourSy theirs ; 
 Objective, W5, yoUy theniy your book declares. 
 
 RELATIVE PROJ^OUJrS, 
 
 AND EXAMPLES. 
 
 Of Simple Relatives we reckon three. 
 Which all relate to words, and must agree. 
 
The first of these we always reckon who. 
 
 The second which, the last \sthat, you know. 
 
 The antecedent, or the leading noun. 
 
 Is that to which all Relatives belong : 
 
 As who relates to persons, here we show, 
 
 So which, V inferior animals,* you know ; 
 
 And things inanimate, both small and great, 
 
 Require which, not who, we clearly state : 
 
 f He, who preserves and keeps us day and night, 
 
 Eternal is, in wisdom, power, and might. 
 
 jThe barren tree, lohich cumbered long the ground, 
 
 For want of fruit, was suddenly cut down. 
 
 Such silly girls tvho love to chat and play, 
 
 Deserve no care, their time is thrown away. 
 
 Now, we assert, the bird, which sweetly sings. 
 
 Could never fly, without the use of wings ; 
 
 *REi\IARKS — Who is sometimes applied to animals, when they 
 are represented as speaking, as in fabulous writings, &c. 
 + Psalm cxxi. 7. % Luke, xiii. 7. 
 
21 
 
 The faithful dog^ which knows his master^s call, 
 
 Deserves the crumbs which from the table fall : 
 
 So beasts andjishes, which we reckon good, 
 
 Yield much support to man, qs wholesome food. 
 
 The other Simple Relative, we show. 
 
 Is often us'd instead of which or ivho : 
 
 *Thus, weeks and days, that we have pass'd in vain, 
 
 Afford no pleasure, but increase our pain. 
 
 The youth that lives to reason nobly acts,— • 
 
 He flies from folly, and all vice rejects. 
 
 The docile pupil, that by prudence lives, 
 
 Has more content, than folly ever gives. 
 
 The compound relative is always known, 
 
 Including both the relative and noun : 
 
 Thus, this is what I wanted long ago. 
 
 The very thing that you could not bestow. 
 
 • Prov. xix. l&i 
 
22 
 
 A LIST OF THE POSSESSIVE ADJECTIVE PRONOUNS. 
 
 Possessive Pronouns indicate possession, 
 They follow thus in regular succession,— 
 ^!/> '%» hisy her, our, your, their, its, and own. 
 Are of this class, and well they may be known. 
 
 POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS, 
 
 AND EXAMPLES. 
 
 Ml/ ardent wishes are, that all may learn. 
 May your endeavours equal my concern ! 
 Thou shouldst thy reasoning powers much respect. 
 No prudent means of knowledge e'er neglect : 
 While John and Henry learn their tasks to say, 
 The thoughtless Thomas spends his time in play. 
 Though Thomas is a playful, lively boy, 
 Yet he prefers his duty to a toy ; 
 
And Frances learns her task without delay, 
 While lazy Mary spends her time in play. 
 Our time we must improve, or feel its loss. 
 This well improv'd will recompense us most, 
 *You should your tutor's maxims learn to prize. 
 Then will your studies make you truly wise. 
 
 Demonstrative are such (we will suppose] 
 As this or that, and either these or those : 
 Thus, this is truth, and must at length prevail, 
 fThat all who seek aright shall never fail. 
 These simple rules will add to your delight, 
 And teach you morals, while you learn to write. 
 Those pupils who their studies will neglect, 
 Have no just claim to credit or respect. 
 
 * Prov. xii. 1. 
 f Psalm cxix. 2. 
 
24 
 
 The second sort Distributive we name. 
 And these are such, which I must now explain : 
 They oft denote a number to express : 
 *As, everi/ prudent Christian grows in grace: 
 f And each good effort made with good design, 
 Will bring a blessing, either yours or mine, 
 jNow, either you must work or cease to eat, 
 For this injunction you cannot defeat, 
 
 INDEFINITE ADJECTIVE PRONOUNS. 
 
 This kind of words we cannot well define, 
 They balk our metres and elude our rhyme ; 
 They do, perhaps, a name and place demand ; 
 Among the rest in order here they stand : 
 Such, any, other, some, one, none, both, whole. 
 And (if I well remember) these are all. 
 
 ♦ 2 Pet. iii. 18. t P**ov. x. 4. J 2 Thess, iii. 10. 
 
25 
 
 VERBS. 
 
 A rERB, a most important part, is one, 
 Denoting action, presenty past, or done ; 
 Some action doings or existence shown, 
 Some passion understood, expressed, or known. 
 The subject of the Verb, you well must know, 
 Will much assist you how the Verb to show. 
 
 ACTIVE VERBS. 
 
 t 
 
 The Active Verb will govern, as you see : 
 
 Thus, Study grammar, if you wise would be ; 
 
 Perform your duties, let not sloth prevail ; 
 
 t Success is certain. Truth can never fail. 
 
26 
 
 PASSIVE VERBS. 
 
 The Passive Verb is us'd to represent 
 The suffering of an action, or event : 
 Thus, Prudent Amy justly is respected^ 
 While thoughtless Jennet feels herself neglected* 
 
 NEUTER VERBS. 
 
 All Neuter Verbs express a simple state. 
 Intransitive they're call'd at any rate : 
 They oft denote an action, when confin'd 
 To him who acts, as, Clement walks behind ; 
 And, Bella dances with a graceful mien. 
 With vulgar girls she never would be seen : 
 While active Edward, quite a sprightly boy, 
 Delights in music as his greatest joy ; 
 But drowsy Daniel sleeps the night away. 
 He nothing does, worth doing, all the day. 
 
27 
 
 HELPING VERBS. 
 
 Auxiliaries are us*d in conjugation,— 
 In compound tenses is their situation ; 
 They follow thus, in regular rotation : 
 Present, *jDo, have^ shall, will, may, can, am, must'-^ 
 Past, did, had, should, would, mighty cou/c?, and tc?a* just. 
 
 ON CONJUGATING VERBS. 
 
 To conjugate a Verb in verse or measure^ 
 I've neither inclination, skill, or leisure : 
 For this defect we must refer to those 
 Who give Examples not in verse, but prose : 
 Of these good writers we could mention many, 
 As Murray, Louth,and Grant, Ash, Blair, and Lennie. 
 
 * REMARKS.— J7e, do, have, and will, are often principal 
 verbs, 
 
 D 2 
 
28 
 
 The last of these has much improved the art. 
 And rendered easy almost every part; 
 The eiglith edition has some good corrections, 
 With very few (if any) imperfections. 
 His definitions have no vague expression. 
 They're plain and clear almost to demonstration. 
 His just remarks and timely observation 
 Will much assist in speech or conversation : 
 In short, his little book has much real merit,* 
 'Tis cheap, and good— perhaps you will prefer it. 
 
 ♦REMARKS.—- This eulogy is not intended to dispaiage the 
 work of any other writer on the subject ; but to show, that in the 
 opinion of the author, the book in question is justly entitled to all 
 that is said of it. It has an extensive circulation, and may be had 
 of any respectable bookseller in the United Kingdom. 
 
29 
 
 ON MOODS. 
 
 Of Moods, or Modes of Verbs, we reckon five, 
 Which well to comprehend you must contrive : 
 As speech is varied by the aid of mood. 
 These terms, we say, must well be understood. 
 
 INDICATIVE MOOD. 
 
 Indicative declares some real facts, 
 As, She is wise, \f\io folly counteracts. 
 This mood is also known by any question. 
 As, Will you not be still, and learn your lesson ? 
 *Thou shalt not take the name of God in vain. 
 For all who do are justly called profane: 
 ^ Thou wilt not profit much without design. 
 By rule and order thou the gain wilt find. 
 
 * Exod. XX. 7. 
 D3 
 
 K 
 
30 
 
 The * proud and vain real pleasures seldom find. 
 True pleasure only is with meekness join' d. 
 A grateful heart is rightly deem'd a treasure, 
 *Tis justly priz'd, and yields an inward pleasure : 
 'f Afflictions of this life are overpaid. 
 If well improved — this truly may be said. 
 
 IMPERATIVE MOOD. 
 
 Imperative is us'd when we intreatj 
 Command or countermand, exhort, permit, 
 
 EXAMPLES. 
 
 XRemember your Ci-eator now in youth, 
 Believe his word, revere his sacred truth : 
 Correct your errors, govern well your tongue. 
 Disdain deceit, abhor whatever is wrong. 
 
 • Psalm, cxix. 21. Isaiah, xxix. 19. f 2 Cor. iv. 17. 
 
 t Eccl. xii. 1. 2 Chron. xx. 20. James, i. 26. Psalm, ?. 6. 
 Heb.xi. 6. :^ 
 
31 
 
 IMPERATIVE MOOD. — EXAMPLES CONTINUED. 
 
 Give diligence in all your best pursuits, 
 *Have no contentions, but avoid disputes 
 fLet no ambition prompt your docile mind, 
 XMaintain strict friendship, never he unkind : 
 Pursue with ardour what you undertake, 
 Quit such companions as the truth forsake. 
 ^Be ever kind and courteous, this is right — 
 'Twill yield you peace, and give you much deligh! . 
 ^Redeem your mis-spent time by active life, 
 Shun devious paths, and such as lead to strife. 
 Despise not any state, however poor. 
 Boast not of health, you cannot health secure. 
 
 POTENTIAL MOOD, AND EXAMPLES. 
 
 Potential^ means the having power or w ill, 
 As, If you would improve, you should be c5till : 
 It also represents an obligation. 
 As, You should ne'^er forget the application. 
 
 * 2 Tim. ii. 23. f Esther, iii. 6. JProv xviii. 2. 4. ix. 6. 
 § Rom. xii. 10. Eph. v. 16. 2 Tim. ii. 16. James, ii. 6. 
 fl Prov. xxvii. 1. 
 
32 
 
 It sometimes means that liberty is shown. 
 Thus, You may walk, or ride, or stay at home : 
 *You should your parents honour and obey,^^ 
 This just injunction you must not delay. 
 
 SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD. 
 
 Subjunctive shows, or represents condition, 
 It also may imply a supposition ; 
 Thus, If you persevere, you* 11 gain applause, 
 But shame and grief will follow sloth and noise. 
 Were they but good, they then would happy be. 
 May this result then follow you and me ! 
 
 INFINITIVE MOOD. 
 
 Infinitive is us'd in general terms. 
 Without regard to person, time, or forms ; 
 Except indeed the sign by which 'tis known, 
 Is mostly To, as plainly may be shown. 
 ♦ Exod. XX. 12. 
 
33 
 
 TENSE. 
 
 The Tenses of the Verbs you should be taught, 
 Regard the time, the action, or the thought ; 
 Thus, present tense, I love Penelope,— 
 The past, Penelope was lov'd by me. 
 The present we must seize, or feel the loss,— 
 The past we can't recal, whatever the cost. 
 The perfect tense denotes what is completed, 
 As, Rhoda has her lessons just repeated; 
 And Harriet well deserves to be commended. 
 As she has done her task, her work is ended. 
 Pluperfect shows an action past before, 
 Some other act, to which we then refer : 
 Thus, Active John had learned his task before 
 The idle James had read his lesson o*er ; 
 And Catharine likewise had her work quite done, 
 Before Eliza had her own begun. 
 
34 
 
 FUTURE TENSE, WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 The Future tense denotes the time to come. 
 
 As, We shall ne'er neglect our tasks at home. 
 The signs are simply two, as shall and loilly — 
 As, I will teach you how to cut your quill ; 
 Eugene will his duties well observe. 
 Nor from just precepts will he ever swerve. 
 
 FUTURE PERFECT TENSE. 
 
 The Future Perfect represents an act 
 To be perform' d, before some other fact ; 
 As, I shall have my task completely done. 
 Before my brother will have his begun. 
 
3» 
 
 ADVERBS, 
 
 AND EXAMPLES. 
 
 The Adverbs are such words as, 'twill be seen, 
 Being join'd to Verbs, they show you what they mean : 
 They sometimes qualify, as oft compare. 
 And show you how, and when^ if herCy or there » 
 Abridgment, surely, was their first design — 
 Thus, " Kindly act," means, "Actions should be kind.*' 
 The Adverbs seem to shorten, and define, — 
 They much assist in prose^ as well as rhyme ; 
 Thus, Ann distinctly speaks in all she says. 
 She writes correctly ^ and is sxire of praise : 
 You all well know that Caleb soon will rise. 
 And rightly claim the first and highest prize ; 
 But lazy Leonard always is behind. 
 He scarcely ever is to good inclin'd. 
 
36 
 
 How sweetly Emma sings ! her charming voice 
 Delights our ears above all trifling joys ; 
 And Sarah (though she's young) behaves as toell 
 As thoughtless Julia, much an older girl. 
 This proverb we may cite, and also keep. 
 That those who have enough, may soundly sleep. 
 *The wicked Cain his brother basely slew. 
 Through envy rais'd to spite and malice too. 
 
 LIST OF ADVERBS. 
 
 So, no, not, nay, yea, yes, too, ivell, up, how. 
 After, indeed, Jul , then, to and fro, now. 
 More, still, here, most, little, less, least, and thence. 
 Thus, since, while, whilst, once, first, scarcely, quite, 
 whence, 
 
 * Gen. iv. 8. 
 
37 
 
 Exceedingly, aheadt/, perhaps , I h rice, 
 Again^ ago, rather, why, often, twice; 
 Haply, forth, always, hither, and whither. 
 Doubtless, enough, sometimes, almost, thither; 
 P(yr adventure, together, forward, and backward. 
 Asunder, apart, upward, and downward ; 
 Indeed, very, ill, when, where, much, alone. 
 Seldom, there, ever, daily, forth, and soon ; 
 Once, never, in fine, completes all this part,* 
 Now learn them all well — repeat them by lieart. 
 
 * REMARKS. — More is sometimes used as an adv* ib, as, She 
 is more afraid than ever ; and sometimes ?^s an adjective, as, He 
 has moie wealth than wisdom, 
 
38 
 
 PREPOSITIOJVS. 
 
 This part of speech th' objective case will sho\r. 
 And much assist you grammar to construe : 
 These little parts are of the first importance. 
 In ranging words in just and right accordance : 
 They govern nouns and pronouns — this you see, — 
 As, Lydia cameyrom home just qft-er three; 
 And Rhoda was tvith good advice inclined 
 To lieepjrom such as we^e not just and kind : 
 * Withhold not goodyVom them who merit claim. 
 But always wisely speak, and act the same. 
 We saird y>om Leith to London in two days, 
 Without the use o/* sails, o/oars, or breeze: 
 The power o/* steam these wants did well supply. 
 By this alone we might svich aids defy. 
 
 ♦ Piov. iii. 27. 
 
39 
 
 True frieiidsliip should prevail among good boys, 
 This would increase their zeal amid their joys. 
 
 LIST OF PREPOSITIONS. 
 
 About, above, according, to, along. 
 Against, amid, amidst, amongst, among. 
 Before, behind, beloio, beneath, around, 
 (Concerning, by, except, excepting, down. 
 After, across, athicart, betwixt, bettveen. 
 Besides, beside, beyond, of for, and in ; 
 Regarding, during, from, into, and out. 
 Respecting, near, to, touching, till, throughout ; 
 instead of, nigh, on, up, towards, and over ; 
 We add within, without, upon, and under. 
 At, underneath, apd through — Til say no more, 
 Since all Tve said, perhaps you've learn'd before. 
 
40 
 
 coNJUJycrIo^'s. 
 
 Conjunctions now we'll try to represent, 
 To join both words and phrases, tliey are meant: 
 Because, also, if, since, that, then, and therefore. 
 As well as both, and, for, we now add wherefore, 
 
 DISJUNCTIVES. 
 
 Disjunctives also here must have a place, 
 They follow thus, and are a motley race : 
 Although, except, as well as, but, and other. 
 Nor, notwithstanding , or, than, through, and whether^ 
 So, neither, yet, provided, and unless. 
 Completes the list as far as I can guess. 
 
41 
 
 IJSTTE EJECTIONS. 
 
 An Interjection is a word (suppose) 
 That some emotion of the speaker shows,— 
 As, Oh ! that all my pupils truth would learn, — 
 Alas ! I fear that few have real concern ! 
 Ah ! whither are my hopes of joys now gone ! 
 luO ! now behold ! and see them from me torn. 
 Away ! ye giddy tempters of the mind, 
 Begone! for ever, like the passing wind. 
 Hail ! matchless grace, that sav'd from sin and woe. 
 O, strange ! to tell, that rebels this should know. 
 *Thou faithful servant, hear the words — well done ! 
 The victory's gain'd — the prize is all thy own, 
 f O Peace ! thou most desirM, thou welcome guest ! 
 Deprived of thee, how many live unblessM ! 
 
 * Mat. XXV. 21. t Psalm cxxii, 7, 
 
 £3 
 
42 
 
 SYNTAX. * 
 
 To treat of Syntax is of much importance, 
 In ranging words in just and right accordance ; 
 Indeed, you now must make a just selection. 
 Of all such words as form a good connection : 
 A simple sentence, here you must observe. 
 Has but one subject, and one Jinite verb : 
 This subject and the verb must well agree, 
 As, Life is short for you as well as me. 
 A compound sentence, now we indicate, 
 Two subjects has, as here we now relate ; 
 
 * REMARKS. — Syntax principally consists of two pails, 
 <:oncord and government. Concord is the agreement which one 
 wonl liJis with another, in gender, number, case, or person. 
 Government is (hat power Mhich one part of speech has over 
 another, in determining its mood, tense, or case. Finite verbs 
 ore those to wiiich nnmbcr and person appertain ; the infinitive 
 mood has no respect to number or person. 
 
43 
 
 As, Time is short, but life is shorter still, — 
 
 Eternity succeeds to good or ilL 
 
 The subject is the thing we speak about. 
 
 The attribute affirms, denies, or not. 
 
 The object is effected by the verb. 
 
 Which terminates the noun, we here observe : 
 
 Make verbs agree with each, or you will err. 
 
 The truth of which you clearly may infer. 
 
 RULE I. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 A verb must with its subject well agree. 
 In number and in person, this you'll see : 
 Thus, / love study much, because I know. 
 The more / study, wiser I shall grow. 
 Thou shouldst thy teacher's precepts well observe, 
 From their injunctions thou shouldst never swerve : 
 All evil habits thou shouldst quite forsake. 
 Nor shalt thou e'er with foes much friendship make. 
 
44 
 
 Variety of objects, you must, know, 
 Delights and charms the eye, where'er we go. 
 *The number of our days is mark'd on high. 
 Our hearts to wisdom then we should apply. 
 He lives to reason, that most nobly acts. 
 She lives to fancy, who this rule neglects. 
 He loves and honour s'\ both his parents well, 
 She cultivates the truth, and will excel : 
 We ivere delighted much to hear them read, 
 In voice and manner too they seem'd agreed. 
 j:Sure nothing more delights and pleases some, 
 Than vain pursuits, and flattery's base perfume. 
 You really merit what you justly claim. 
 Then persevere, and you'll be free from blame. 
 
 * Psalm xc. xii. f Matt. xv. 4. X Prov. i. 21?. 
 
45 
 
 RULE It. WITH EXAMPLES ON NOUNS. 
 
 Verbs Active govern well the objective case. 
 Then learn your tasks, do not incur disgrace ; 
 ^Forsake all vicious habits now in youth, 
 f Indulge no malice, cherish nought but truth. 
 Yea, value mxxch. your present precious time. 
 Pursue with ardour ev'ry good design. 
 
 EXAMPLES ON NOUNS AND PRONOUNS. 
 
 He lov''d her much, and she lov^d him as well, 
 In love and friendship few could them excel : 
 1 will respect him, thovigh he may me chide. 
 His good intentions I have often tried. 
 Esteem them much, who strive to do you good, 
 Your minds require instruction for their food. 
 An early application of this rule 
 
 Will well repay your labour while at school. 
 * Prov. ix. 6. t Eph. iv. 31. 
 
46 
 
 *Tis virtue wiiicli exalts the noble mind. 
 But vice degrades it to the lowest kind : 
 Real prudence calms and regulates the heart, 
 'Twill rule the temper, and true jot/s impart. 
 Your jfancies to your reason learn to bend, 
 *Be kind and friendly, if youVl have 'd friend ; 
 fXrue knowledge gives to solitude an ease. 
 If well applied, 'twiliybrz/z our minds to please ; 
 So gentleness best suits our whole address. 
 With pleasure then we may our lives retrace. 
 ^Discretion is the safest path for youth, 
 Then be discreet, regard the voice of truth. 
 
 * Prov. xviii. 24. 
 X Prov. xxiv. 14. 
 J Prov. i. 4, 
 
47 
 
 RULE III. \yiTH EXAMPLES. 
 
 The Prepositions show the true relation 
 Nouns bear to nouns ^ when in their proper station : 
 Between the pronouns also this they'll do, 
 As, He was kind to her, though not to you. 
 Great friendship yet subsists between us both. 
 To forfeit such true friendship I am loth. 
 Now flattery none can hurt, but those to whom 
 The fulsome bane is pleasant as perfume. 
 
 RULE IV^, AND EXAMPLES. 
 
 When singular nouns appear with and between. 
 You'll pluralize the verb, thus 'twill be seen. 
 The verbs and pronouns, if they bear relation, 
 JVIust plural be in such a situation : 
 Thus John and George read well, with graceful ease, 
 jBut James and Henry take no pains to please : 
 
48 
 
 While Ann and Charlotte write with steady motion, 
 
 Matilda and Sophia lose promotion. 
 
 The young, the proud, the thoughtlessy and the gay. 
 
 Should not presume, they soon must all decay. 
 
 Health, credit, reputation, raiment, food, 
 
 ^re justly prized by all whose lives are good. 
 
 When singular nouns you find disjoined by or. 
 The verb, and pronoun too, you may infer, 
 Must singular be, as we shall clearly show, 
 As James or John is first, you all well know. 
 If nor between two nouns should chance to be, 
 Then use the singular verb, as here you see : 
 Now neither precept, maxim, law, nor rule, 
 Is equal to example, while at school. 
 
 ♦ REMARKS.— Or luid nor are the only conjunctions appli 
 cable to this rule. 
 
 With is sometimes used for and, as, The side A, with the Bide* 
 B and C, compose the triangle. 
 
49 
 
 RULE V. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 Conjunctions couple words with one another, 
 And join such phrases as should come together : 
 Thus, You and I must go to town to-day. 
 But John and James may stay at home and play. 
 Conjunctions well connect the tense and mood. 
 Thus, Seek the peace of all, and do them good : 
 They also will unite or join the cases, 
 ^\nien nouns and pronouns follow in their places ; 
 .James reads and writes with elegance and ease, 
 But John and Henry seldom strive to please : 
 * Though anger glances oft into the mind. 
 It resteth not in bosoms good and kind : 
 
 * REMARKS. — Conjunctions sometimes connect «litttrcJii 
 moods and tenses, hut, in these instances, the nominative should 
 be repeated, as, He may return, but he will not continue. 
 
50 
 
 7/' Charles the subject rightly understand, 
 And well attend, success he may command ; 
 But if, indeed, he will not persevere, 
 He must expect to follow in the rear. 
 //"Edward promise, then he'll not deceive. 
 His word is sacred, — you may him believe. 
 Both I and thou have cause our faults to own. 
 Though he atid she their faults have never known. 
 Our season of improvement is but short ; 
 'Twill quickly pass, improved well or not. 
 
 RULE VI. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 One verb, sometimes, another governs well, 
 As, Strive to learn, then you will much excel : 
 
 * REIMARKS.— ro, the sign of the infinitive, is not used after 
 hid, dare, need, make, see, hear, feel, perceive, let, observe, behold ^ 
 •nd have. 
 
 The infinitive is often independent of the rest of the sentence, 
 as, To confess the truth, I was in fault. 
 
51 
 
 No evil ever do^ but practise truth ; 
 Reflect, that virtue best adorns our youth : 
 Remember to assist, without distrust,— 
 Relieve with prudence, then you will be just. 
 
 RULE YII. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 Whenever two nouns together chance to come, 
 Implying different things, as, Helenas home, 
 The first you see denotes possessive case, — 
 Thus, Wisdom's precepts best become our race. 
 Should several nouns together isometimes come. 
 The last is made possessive, this is shown : 
 *Thus, Peter, John, and Andreio^s occupation. 
 Was fishermen, till calPd to their new station. 
 
 ♦ Mark i. 16, 
 
 F 2 
 
52 
 
 RULE VIII. WITH EXAMPLES, 
 
 Collective nouns, when singular, we show, 
 Require the verbs the same, and pronouns too ; 
 Thus, When the nation justly does complain. 
 The rulers should its privilege maintain. 
 When plural nouns collective meet your eye. 
 You pluralize the verbs, — as. Armies fit/. 
 The pronouns likewise then must plural be. 
 For verbs and pronouns always should agree : 
 The multitude pursue their own chief good. 
 How few there are whose passions are subdued ! 
 The ivicked often Jiee when none pursue, 
 *The righteous you will find are firm and true. 
 
 • Prov. XXV iii. 1. 
 
53 
 
 RULE IX. 
 
 The verb To Be, you may be always sure. 
 Is followed by the case that comes before. 
 Whene'er this verb To Be^ is not expressed. 
 Yet understood as clearly as the rest, 
 The case the same must be ; this rule throughout, 
 Which you will understand, I have no doubt. 
 
 RULE X. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 Conjunctions, (when contingence is implied,) 
 With future time connected too beside, 
 Require subjunctive mood in such a case ; 
 If otherwise, the indicative we place : 
 
 //* riches he ajcquire, I now declare, 
 His mind they will corrupt, and prove a snare. 
 F 3 
 
54 
 
 ♦Despise not any state, however mean. 
 Lest in that state perhaps you may be seen ; 
 If he but be discreet y he will succeed. 
 Success depends on this, 'tis well agreed. 
 
 RULE XI. — ON CONJUNCTIONS. 
 
 Now some of these with others correspond. 
 That is, they claim with others to belong : 
 This to explain in verse will not well chime. 
 It balks my metre, and illudes my rhyme : 
 Consult this Rule in prose, you there will find 
 Which of these little words you ought to join. 
 
 * 1. Tim. vi. 8. Mat. xvii. 10. 
 
 REMARKS. — Lest and that^ annexed to a command, require 
 tUe subjunctive mood, as. Love not sleep, lest tho^ comt to poverty, 
 Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob, either good or bad.«-* 
 Gen. xxxi. 24. . 
 
55 
 
 RULE XII. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 When participles like to nouns appear. 
 They then require an article, 'tis clear : 
 This article must stand before the noun, 
 *And q/*must follow, thus it will be found. 
 The learning o/^a language merits fame. 
 Then persevere, and you'll be free from blame. 
 
 RULE XIII. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 Past participles follow the verb To be^ 
 As proof of which, examples here you see : 
 The path of virtue, and the path of truth, 
 They both have chosen, as their guide in youth. 
 
 ♦ REMARKS. — The preseut participle, with a possessive before 
 if, sometimes admits of of after it, and sometimes not, as, Their 
 obserring of the rules prevented errore. By his studying^ the 
 Scripture8,f he became wise. 
 
 + 1 Tim. iii. 15. 
 
56 
 
 His vices have much weakened all his frame, 
 His health is broken^ and his mind's the same.* 
 
 RULE XIV. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 Pronouns with nouns must always well agree, 
 In person, gender , number, as you see: 
 Thus, James is here, he came an hour ago. 
 And Jane is gone, she was oblig'd to go. 
 fNo person can in life be always sure, 
 What unseen evils he may yet endure. 
 JAs every tree is known by its own fruit, 
 So men to things should make their tempers suit. 
 
 * REMARKS. — The past participle must not be used instead ut' 
 the past tense. It is improper to say, He beguriy for he began, he 
 run for he ran, 
 
 t Ecc. ix. 1. X Luke vi. 44. 
 
57 
 
 RULE XV. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 The relative, observe, must well agree. 
 In number, gender, person, this you'll see : 
 The word to which the relative applies. 
 Must suited be, this no one e'er denies : 
 *Thus, Those ivho wisdom seek, are sure to find ; 
 To seek her then, I hope you'll be inclin'd. 
 f That man is truly blest, who fears the Lord, 
 jHis end is peace, he meets his just reward. 
 
 RULE XVI. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 Whene'er the relative assumes a place. 
 Preceded by two antecedents, thus. 
 The verb then with the last should well agree. 
 As, Thou art he that was to follow me : 
 
 • ProT. Tiii. 17. f Prov. xxviii. 14. % P«al«» xxxyH. 37- 
 
58 
 
 / am the man that gives you good advice. 
 And thou the girl that loves whatever is nice : 
 You all are pupils who possess good parts. 
 Being well improv'd, you'll master many arts : 
 Thou art a friend that has relieved me, 
 How can I then ungrateful be to thee ! 
 That is a vice which I detest and hate, 
 And this a virtue which I venerate. 
 
 RULE XVII. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 When singular nouns, or nominatives, appear 
 To be of different persons, this is clear. 
 Being separated thus, by or or nory 
 The verb must well agree, or you will err : 
 The person next the verb the subject is, 
 As either thou or / am sure of this. 
 
 REMARKS.— The above examples are eliptical, and the cU|>«i« 
 being supplied, the verbs will agree with each noun, thus, I am in 
 fault, or Thou art in fault, Sec. 3cc. 
 
Now either /or thou art much deceiv'd. 
 Then own the fact, and thou wilt be belicvM. 
 Now he or / am sure of this week's prize, 
 'Twill be awarded where the merit lies. 
 
 RULE XVIII. 
 
 A singular and a plural noun, when »een 
 With or, or nor, just coming in between, 
 Require a plural verb for you to write ; 
 Then learn this rule, repeat it with delight. 
 
 EXAMPLES. 
 
 ♦The snare of riches, or the cares of life, 
 
 Have piercM them through with sorrow and with strife. 
 
 * REMARKS. — The plural nominative should be placed next the 
 verb. When the verb to be stands between a singular and a plural 
 nominative, it agrees with the one which is most naturally the 
 subject of it, as, " fThe wages of sin is death." 
 
 + I Tim. Ti. 10. Romans, vi. 23. 
 
60 
 
 RULE XIX. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 A noun and pronoun, too, you must not use, 
 As agents to one verb (this I refuse :) 
 Thus many words they darken much our speech ; 
 Omitting they, correctly then we teach. 
 *The king he is our sovereign, this we own 
 Is incorrect, — the noun should stand alone : 
 The pronoun he, indeed, you must reject, 
 And this omitted, makes the sense correct, 
 f Man, at his best estate, will soon decay, 
 His life *s a dream, 'twill quickly pass away. 
 
 * REIVIARKS.— In some cases, where the iiouu is highly cin- 
 phatical, the lepetilion of it in the pronoun is not only allowahle, 
 but even elegant, as, The Lord, he is the God. — 1 Kings, wiii. 39 ; 
 Deut, xxxi. 6. 
 
 f Job, xxxviii. 2. P.salm, xxxix. 5. 
 
61 
 
 RULE XX. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 The mood we call infinitive, you know, 
 We sometimes use as nominatire, to show 
 The subject of the verb may either be 
 One word alone, or sev'ral, as you see : 
 The subject may consist of many words, 
 And two examples here this rule affords. 
 *To be like minded with the just and pure. 
 Is what I covet most, you may be sure : 
 His being idle, and dishonest too, 
 Was that which caus'd his utter overthrow. 
 
 * RE\f ARKS. — ^Tlie infinitive is equal to a noun, thus, Toienrn, 
 IS pleasant, &c. The infinitive is sometimes useil as h participl*-, 
 as, To advice, advUing, &c. 
 
 G 
 
62 
 
 RULE XXI. WITH EXAMPLES* 
 
 Comparatives, if double, here you'll note, 
 Are quite improper, this you here are taught : 
 Superlatives, we say, are just the same. 
 They both require examples to explain ^ 
 Thus, Mine's a better book than his or hers. 
 But Ann has got the hest^ which she prefers. 
 The voice we hear most sweetest in the grove. 
 You must correct, or I shall not approve. 
 Omit the adverb most, then you'll be right. 
 These charming notes, perhaps, may you delight. 
 That John (you say) a worser scholar is. 
 Than George or James, no one, I think, believes. 
 
 REMARKS. — Higher than the Highest^ as well asckiefest, 
 have the authority of the sacred writinj^s, but that circuiusiaiu *• 
 does not warrant this mode of expression.— See Ecc. r. »— . 
 Cant. V. 10. — Mark x. 44. — 2 Cor. xi. 5. 
 
63 
 
 This adjective you see we can't admit. 
 
 But chang'd to worse, will make it just and tit. 
 
 RULE XXII. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 Two negatives together never use. 
 For this the sense will often much confuse. 
 
 EXAMPLES. 
 
 I cannot by no means you this allow, 
 
 Requires correction, I will show you how j 
 
 Omit the noty the sense is then complete, 
 
 And thus to write, you know, is just and meet : 
 
 I cannot this allow, by any means. 
 
 Is quite correct, if nothing intervenes. 
 
 Two negatives you never must connect, 
 
 A sentence thus, can never be correct, — 
 
 Then covet neither riches nor renown. 
 
 But be content with that which is your own. 
 
 REMARKS. — When one of the negatives (such as rfi>, m, wm, 
 tm, 4*Cj) is joined to another word, the two negatives tbini a 
 pleasing variety of expression, as, His language, though simpJe, i» 
 not inelegcmty — that is, it it elegant. 
 
 G 2 
 
64 
 
 RULE XXIII. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 The place of adverbs, now you here must uote. 
 Will exercise your skill, as well as thought. 
 In general then, they occupy this place. 
 They follow]^ verbs, almost in every case. 
 Between auxiliaries and other verbs. 
 They best appear, as useful little words ; 
 Thus, She behaved well, was much esteem'd. 
 She truly was the lovely girl she seemM. 
 He found her well employed, and tranquil too. 
 This happy state I doubtless wish for you. 
 To place the adverbs rightly, 'twill be found. 
 Requires good taste, as well as sense and sound. 
 Before the adjectives they often come. 
 
 As, He is more attentive much than some. 
 
6» 
 
 He made a very sensible discourse, 
 With prudent zeal did he the truth enforce. 
 *To study closely i you will sometimes find 
 A weariness of flesh, as well as mind. 
 'Tis like the rose, indeed^ 'tis very sweet ; 
 With caution seize it, lest a thorn you meet. 
 *Vice always creeps by slow degrees, be sure. 
 And twines around us, while we seem secure. 
 
 ♦ Ecc. xii. 12. t ProT. xvii. 14. 
 
 REMARKS. — III placing the adverbs, the easy flow and per- 
 •picuity of the phi-ase ought to be chiefly regarded. 
 
 G 3 
 
66 
 
 RULE XXIV. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 The adjectives must always keep their place, 
 
 And not be us'd as adverbs. More or less, 
 
 These parts of speech, like all the rest we show. 
 
 Claim well their place, and this yx)u ought to know. 
 
 This rule, indeed, y6u must not violate, 
 
 In prose or verse, this fault is very great : 
 
 Take this example then, the first I show 
 
 As incorrect, which you will surely know : 
 
 *A little wine, to one is recommended. 
 
 For often weakness, which his state attended. 
 
 This adverb often you must change indeed, 
 
 An adjective will suit, 'tis well agreed : 
 
 Correctly then we say, and this is shown : 
 
 Thus, oJ*ten should he frequent, you must own. 
 
 The adverbs also liave a proper claim, 
 
 Allow them then their use, as well as name : 
 ♦ ITim. V. 23. 
 
67 
 
 The adjectives and verbs they qualify, 
 And this their office is, you can't deny : 
 Agreeably to promise ever act, 
 X!on/drmably to truth your ways correct. 
 
 RULE XXV. WITH EXA&IPLES. 
 
 Comparative degree and pronoun other, 
 Require than to follow, you'll discover ; 
 And as must follow such we here now show,— 
 Take these examples as they stand below : 
 He gained nothing Jurther by his speed), 
 Than empty plaudits, sought by some who teach. 
 Such men as act with fraud, or with deceit. 
 Avoid with care, and shun where'er you meet. 
 
 REMARKS. — Adverbs qualify adjectives and verbs, adjective* 
 qualify nouos. 
 
68 
 
 RULE XXVI. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 The pronouns after as or after than, 
 Vou'll make agree with verbs, Tm sure you can 
 Thus He, I own, is wiser much than /, 
 And she is happier, this I can't deny. 
 They write as well as she, I must allow, 
 But she is more polite than he or thou. 
 They're greater gainers far than you or /, 
 Yet still they're not content, I know not why. 
 
 REMARKS. — ^The word containing the answer to the question, 
 must be in the case with the word which asks it, as, Who do men 
 say that I ana ?— Mat. xvi. 13. — Mark viii. 27. — Luke ix. 18. — 
 Mark viii. 20. — Luke ix. 20. 
 
 The above translations are incorrect, as whom should be u7m>, 
 in every place. 
 
69 
 
 RULE XXVII. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 The pronouns call'd distributive, remember, 
 Agree with nouns and verbs, in singular number : 
 Thus, Every man is bound by rules of reason, 
 His duties to fulfil in every season. 
 Each of his brothers came in his own turn, 
 And ev^ry one was well disposed to learn. 
 Now either you or I am much in fault. 
 Consider well, for thus you really ought. 
 
 REMARKS. — Each relates to two or more objects, and sig- 
 nifies bolh, or every one of any number taken singly. JSrery 
 relates to more than two objects, and signifies each one of them 
 all taken individually. Either signifies the one or the other, but 
 not both. 
 
 The words are improperly translated in our version of X\ir 
 Scriptures. — See 2 Sam. xxi. 20. — 1 Cor. xx. 6. — Rev. xxii.2. 
 
70 
 
 RULE XXYIII. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 Whene'er two persons, or two things indeed, 
 Appear in contrast, 'tis by all agreed, 
 The reference first to that is justly made. 
 The last to this^ as truly may be said. 
 
 EXAMPLES. 
 
 *Thus vice and virtue are as much opposM 
 Unto each other, (this experience shows), 
 As darkitess is to light, or cold to heaty~-~ 
 While that degrades us, this is good and meet. 
 fSo wealth and need are truly both temptations, 
 That tends to excite our pride, thii our vexations. 
 ^Religion gives a man a heav^ily birth, 
 Tis irreligion binds him down to earth. 
 §7%t> will debase a man beneath a brute, 
 Tlutt dignifies him much, without dispute. 
 
 *Prov. xiv. 34. tP«*ov. xxx. 8. JPi-ov. xii. 26 §Psalm xcii. 6. 
 
71 
 
 RULE XXIX. WITH EXAMPLES. 
 
 Observe, this rule requires that you indite 
 The order and the time correctly, quite ; 
 Relation being made to verbs and words, 
 Neglecting this. Divines have sometimes err*d : 
 *I have compassion on the multitude, 
 Because they have attended me for good : 
 t And he sat up, that had before been dead. 
 Is quite correct, whatever may be said. 
 
 RULE XXX. 
 
 A regular, dependent, choice selection. 
 Should be preserv'd throughout your whole connexion : 
 A strict regard to this will gain you merit, 
 These rules apply'd will best secure your credit. 
 
 * Mat. XV. 32. t Luke vii. 15. 
 
 REMARKS.— The above translations aie deviations from this 
 rule ; they should be carefully noticed by the teachers of EugiiHh 
 Grammar. 
 
72 
 PROSODY* 
 
 By Prosody we're taught to well rehearse 
 The emphasis and cadence known in verse ; 
 The pauses too, and tones, as well as measure , 
 To understand aright, will yield a pleasure. 
 
 ♦ See the Preface. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 W. SEA US, Priutof, 45, Gi^tUr l.i*uc, QicapsUie, Loitarfij. 
 
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