7. Avoid unintelligible and inconsistent words and phrases.-I seldom see a noble building, or any great piece of magnificence and pomp, but I think, how little is all this to satisfy the ambition of an 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;

It should be,

When the waters of the deluge had subsided, they left, &c.

The author of the Spectator says, that a man is not qualified for a bust, who has not a good deal of wit and vivacity. And Bezaleel made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the mirrors used by the women.

(Mirrors were then made not of glass as now, but of brass or some other bright substance.)

And, in the lower deep, another deep

Still threat'ning to devour me, opens wide.

8. Avoid all those words and phrases which are not adapted to the ideas intended to be conveyed, or which are less significant of those ideas than others.-No fewer than two hundred scholars have been educated in that school. The business, however laudable the attempt, was found to be impracticable. He is our common benefactor, and deserves our respect and obedience. Vivacity is often promoted, by presenting a sensible object to the mind, instead of an intellectual one. They broke down the banks, and the country was soon overflowed. The garment was decently formed, and sewed very neatly. The house is a cold one, for it has a northern aspect. The proposal, for each of us to relinquish something, was complied with, and produced a cordial reconciliation.

Though learned, well-bred; and though well-bred, sincere ;
Modestly bold, and humanely severe.

Galileo invented the telescope; Hervey discovered the circulation of the blood. I purpose giving a general view of the subject. A fop is a ridiculous character in every one's view but his own. An action that excites laughter, without any mixture of contempt, may be called a risible action. It is difficult for him to speak three sentences successively. By this expression, I do not mean The neglect of timely precaution

what some persons annex to it. was the cause of this great loss. All the sophistry which has been employed, cannot obscure so plain a truth.

Disputing should always be so managed, as to remind us that the only end of it is truth. My friend was so ill that he could not sit up at all, but was obliged to lie continually in bed. A certain prince, it is said, when he invaded the Egyptians, placed in the front of his army, a number of cats and other animals, which were worshipped by those people: a reverence for these creatures, made the Egyptians lay down their arms, and become an easy conquest. The presence of the Deity, and the interest which so august a Being is supposed to take in our concerns, is a source of consolation. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were sat down together, Peter sat down among them.

Promiscuous Exercises on all the rules under Propriety. Imprudent associations disqualify us either for instructing or reproving others;—Or, for receiving instruction or reproof from others. Essays have been more generally read. This performance is much the same as the other. The scene was new, and he was seized with astonishment at all he saw. Some productions of nature rise or sink in value, according as they more or less resemble those of art. He is constantly extolling the actions of his friend.

The French marched precipitately as to an assured victory; whereas the English advanced very slowly, and discharged such flights of arrows, as did great execution. When the former drew near the archers, the latter perceiving that they were out of breath, charged them with great vigour.

You will not think that these people, when injured, have the least claim on our protection. He descanted upon the authenticity of the narration. He ought to have the arrangement of the employments under his own control. The servant must have an unexceptionable character. He firmly believed the divine declaration, that "there is not a sparrow falls to the ground without God's permission." It is only opening the eye, and the scene appears. A traveller remarks the most striking objects he sees, a general observes all the motions of his enemy. He applied an antidote before the poison had time to work.

PRECISION.

Exercises, p. 91 to 94. Grammar, p. 153 to 160.

Questions. What is Precision? Repeat the rules for Precision of Style. What is Tautology-Pleonasm? Why are synonymous words so called? When are synonymous words allowed? Correct the errors in the following sentences and assign the reason.-"The verdant green; the first aggressors; Plain and evident reasons; worship and adoration. I went home full of a great many serious reflections. His courage and fortitude were such as to cause him to face any danger."-When is a kind of pleonasm sometimes allowable? Explain the difference between Abandon, forsake, relinquish, desert, give up, leave, quit.-Abdicate, renounce, resign, &c.-Give the examples intended to illustrate each of the words from p. 155 to p. 160.

Exercises.

1. It is six months since I paid a visit to my relations. Suspend your censure till your judgment on the subject can be wisely formed. The reason that he acted in the manner in which he did, was not fully explained; or, The reason of his acting in the manner in which he did, was not fully explained. If I were to give a reason for their looking so well, it would be they rise early. Those two boys appear to be equal in capacity. Whenever he he inquires concerning his friends. The reason of his conduct will appear in the conclusion of this narrative. I hope this is the last time that I shall act so imprudently.

sees me,

The reason of his sudden departure, was the case not admitting of delay. The people gained nothing farther by this step, than to suspend their misery; or, The people gained nothing by this step beyond the suspension of their misery. I have here supposed that the reader is acquainted with that great modern discovery, which is acknowledged by all the inquirers into natural philosophy. There are few words in the English language which are employed in a more loose and uncircumscribed sense, than those of fancy and imagination. How many are there, by whom these good tidings were never heard! These points have been illustrated in so plain a manner, that the perusal of the book has given me pleasure.

However clear the conduct which he ought to have pursued, he had not resolution to set about it. They are of those that rebel against the light: they know not its ways, nor abide in its paths. This measure may afford some profit, and some amusement; or, both profit and amusement. Though closely occupied with the affairs of the nation, he did not neglect the concerns of his friends. Less capacity, but more time, is required for this business.

2. If I mistake not, he is improved both in knowledge and behaviour. His servants ye are, whom ye obey. I intend to make use of these words in my following speculations.

3. This great politician desisted from his designs, when he found them impracticable. He was of so independent a spirit, that he detested being in debt. The human body may be divided into the head, and limbs. His end soon approached; and he died with great fortitude. He was a man of so much pride that he despised the sentiments of others. Poverty induces dependence; and dependence increases corruption. This man, on all occasions, treated his inferiors with great haughtiness. There can be no regularity in the life of that man, who does not allot a due share of his time to retirement and reflection.

Promiscuous Exercises on the whole of Precision. Commend me to an argument like a flail, against which, there is no defence. Were he a gentleman he would acknowledge his mistake. He has rectified his errors and reformed his life. If, on the contrary, secrecy had been enjoined, his conduct would have been very culpable. Expressions so equivocal denote a fixed intention to deceive and abuse us. The combatants encountered each other with such rage, that, eager only to assail, (and thoughtless of defence,) they fell dead upon the field together.

By a multiplicity of words, the sentiments are not set off and accommodated; but, like David equipped in Saul's armour, they are encumbered and oppressed. I shall begin with remarking the defects, and shall then proceed to describe the excellences, of this plan of education. His cheerful, happy temper, keeps up a kind of daylight in his mind, and fills it with a steady and perpetual serenity.

Promiscuous Examples on Purity, Propriety, and Precision.

It is difficult to discover the intention of some laws. The disposition which he exhibited, was both unnatural and uncomfortable. The gardens were devoid of simplicity and elegance; and exhibited much that was glaring and whimsical. He exposed himself so much amongst the people, that he was once or twice in danger of having his head broken. If a little care were bestowed upon his education, he might be very useful amongst his neighbours. He is impressed with a true sense of the importance of that duty, when chosen from a regard to the interests of piety and virtue. True wit is nature dressed to advantage; but some works have more ornament than does them good. He will always be with you, to support and comfort you, and in some measure to prosper your labours; and he will also be with all his faithful ministers, who shall succeed you in his service. It has been said, that Jesuits are not the only persons that can equivocate.

He was willing to spend one or two hundred pounds rather than be enslaved. By the slavish disposition of the senate and people of Rome, under the emperors, the wit and eloquence of the age were wholly turned towards panegyric; or, wholly employed in panegyric.

The refreshments came in seasonably, before they had lain down to rest. We speak what we know, and testify what we have

seen.

They shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat. The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a lion.

A creature of a more exalted kind

Was wanted yet, and then was man design'd.

He died by violence; for he was killed with a sword. He had scarcely taken the medicine, when he began to feel himself relieved. No place, nor any object appears to him void of beauty. When we fall into conversation with any person, the first thing we should consider, is, the intention of it.

Philip found a difficulty in managing the Athenians, from the nature of their dispositions; but the eloquence of Demosthenes was the greatest obstacle to his designs. A hermit is austere in his life; a judge, rigorous in his sentences. A candid man acknowledges his mistake, and is forgiven; a patriot avows his opposition to a bad minister, and is applauded. We have increased our family and expenses: and enlarged our garden and orchard.

By proper reflection, we may be taught to correct what is erroneous and supply what is defective. The good man is not overcome by disappointment, when that which is transient passes away; when that which is mortal dies; and when that which he knew to be mutable begins to change.