Page images
PDF
EPUB

pure, that even all the strength and compass of the Greek tongue, joined to Homer's fire, cannot give us stronger and clearer ideas than the great Virgil has set before our eyes; some few instances excepted, in which Homer, through the force of genius, has excelled.

4. Whether we may run such length, as to assert that every creature has some concern in every dispensation that happens, there is no occasion to examine; but our idea of infinite goodness warrants us to suppose, that the course of nature or fortune could not be altered in any particular, without a loss of happiness somewhere or other; and this supposition will necessarily infer an intercourse of interests between the known world and the unknown.

5. Here it was often found of absolute necessity to inflame or cool the passions of the audience; especially at Rome, where Tully spoke, and with whose writings young divines (I mean those among them who read old authors) are more conversant than with those of Demosthenes; who, by many degrees, excelled the other; at least as an orator.

SECTION VII.

STRENGTH IN THE STRUCTURE OF SENTENCES.

Strength in the structure of a sentence consists in such a disposition of its several words and members, as may give each of them its due weight and force.

To attain strength in the structure of sentences-I. Divest them of all redundant words and members ;II. Attend particularly to the use of copulatives, relatives, and all the particles employed in transition and connexion ;-III. Place the most important words in the situation, in which they will make the strongest impression ;-IV. Avoid, as much as possible, placing a weaker assertion or proposition after a stronger one; -V. Never conclude a sentence with an inconsiderable word;-VI. In the members of a sentence where two objects are either compared or contrasted, preserve some resemblance in the language and construction.

EXERCISES.

I. Divest the following sentences of all redundant words and members :

1. Suspend your censure so long, till your judgment on the subject can be wisely formed.

2. I look upon it as my duty, so far as I am enabled, and so long as I keep within the bounds of truth, of duty, and of decency. 3. How many are there by whom these tidings of good news were never heard!

4. He says nothing of it himself, and I am not disposed to travel into the regions of conjecture, but to relate a narrative of facts.

5. Never did Atticus succeed better in gaining the universal love and esteem of all men.

6. This is so clear a proposition, that I might rest the whole argument entirely upon it.

7. 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.

8. These points have been illustrated in so plain and evident a manner, that the perusal of the book has given me pleasure and satisfaction.

9. I was much moved on this occasion, and went home full of a great many serious reflections.

10. This measure may afford some profit, and furnish some

amusement.

11. Less capacity is required for this business, but more time is necessary.

12. The combatants encountered each other with such rage, that, being eager only to assail, and thoughtless of making any defence, they both fell dead upon the field together.

13. Thought and language act and react upon each other mutually.

14. It is impossible for us to behold the divine works with coldness or indifference, or to survey so many beauties, without a secret satisfaction and complacency.

15. Neither is there any condition of life more honourable in the sight of the Divine Being than another, otherwise he would be a respecter of persons, which he assures us he is not.

G

II. Correct such errors, in the following passages, as arise from the improper use of copulatives, relatives, and particles employed in transition and connexion :

1. The enemy said, I will pursue, and I will overtake, and I will divide the spoil.

2. There is nothing which promotes knowledge more than steady application, and a habit of observation.

3. As the strength of our cause does not depend upon, so neither is it to be decided by, any critical points of history, chronology, or language.

4. The faith he professed, and which he became an apostle of, was not his invention.

5. 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.

6. 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 what is appointed to be our lot.

And

7. In the time of prosperity, he had stored his mind with useful knowledge, with good principles, and virtuous dispositions. therefore they remain entire, when the days of trouble come.

8. The academy set up by the cardinal to amuse the wits of that age and country, and divert them from raking into his politics and ministry, brought this into vogue; and the French wits have for this last age been in a manner wholly turned to the refinement of their language, and indeed with such success, that it can hardly be excelled, and runs equally through their verse and their prose.

9. And then those who are of an inferior condition, that they labour and be diligent in the work of an honest calling, for this is privately good and profitable unto men, and to their families; and those who are above this necessity, and are in a better capacity to maintain good works properly so called, works of piety, and charity, and justice, that they be careful to promote and advance them, according to their power and opportunity, because these things are publicly good and beneficial to mankind.

III. Correct such errors, in the following sentences, as arise from the improper position of the most important words :

1. I have considered the subject with a good deal of attention, upon which I was desired to communicate my thoughts.

2. Whether a choice altogether unexceptionable, has in any country been made, seems doubtful.

3. The praise of judgment Virgil has justly contested with Homer, but his invention remains yet unrivalled.

4. Although persons of a virtuous and learned education may be, and often are, drawn by the temptations of youth, and the opportunities of a large fortune, into some irregularities, when they come forward into the great world, it is ever with reluctance and compunction of mind, because their bias to virtue still continues.

5. If, whilst they profess to please only, they advise and give instruction secretly, they may be esteemed the best and most honourable among authors, with justice perhaps now, as well as formerly.

6. Ambition creates seditions, wars, discord, and hatred.

7. Sloth pours upon us a deluge of crimes and evils, and saps the foundation of every virtue.

8. The ancient laws of Rome were so far from suffering a Roman citizen to be put to death, that they would not allow him to be bound, or even to be whipped.

9. Every one who puts on the appearance of goodness, is not good.

10. Let us employ our criticism on ourselves, instead of being critics on others.

11. This fallacious art debars us from enjoying life, instead of lengthening it.

12. How will that nobleman be able to conduct himself, when reduced to poverty, who was educated only to magnificence and pleasure?

13. 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.

IV. Correct such errors, in the following sentences, as arise from placing weaker assertions or propositions after stronger ones:

1. Charity breathes longsuffering to enemies, courtesy to strangers, and habitual kindness to friends.

2. Gentleness ought to diffuse itself over our whole behaviour, to form our address, and to regulate our speech.

3. The propensity to look forward into life, is too often grossly abused, and immoderately indulged.

4. The regular tenor of a virtuous and pious life will prove the best preparation for immortality, old age, and death.

5. Sinful pleasures blast the opening prospects of human felicity, and degrade human honour.

6. In this state of mind, every employment of life becomes an oppressive burden, and every object appears gloomy.

7. They will acquire different views, by applying to the honour. able discharge of the functions of their station, and entering on a virtuous course of action.

8. 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 themselves off from the comforts and duties of life, and wear out their spirits.

V. Correct such errors, in the following passages, as arise from concluding the sentences with inconsiderable words:

1. May the happy message be applied to us, in all the virtue, strength, and comfort of it!

2. This agreement of mankind is not confined to taste solely. 3. Such a system may be established, but it will not be supported long.

4. The doctrine of the Trinity, is a mystery which we firmly believe the truth of, and humbly adore the depth of.

5. The country loses the expense of many of the richest persons or families at home, and large sums of money are carried abroad, which the great stock of rich native commodities can make the only amends for.

6. It is absurd to think of judging these poets by precepts which they did not attend to.

7. Shall the narrow-minded children of earth, absorbed in low pursuits, dare to treat as visionary, objects which they have never made themselves acquainted with?

8. In like manner, if a person in broad day-light were falling asleep, to introduce a sudden darkness would prevent his sleep for that time, though silence and darkness in themselves, and not suddenly introduced, are very favourable to it. This I knew only

« PreviousContinue »