of government, to go in search of the missing navigators. 3. The Spanish commerce, so profitable to England, was cut off, and a great number of vessels fell into the hands of the enemy. SIXTH MODEL. [1. An introductory proposition (a concession); 2. a second proposition (an opinion).] Examples. 1. Though it would be folly to deny the great talent which the writer has displayed in this work, I am still of opinion that he has utterly failed to establish his theory. 2. However great may be the difficulties to be encountered in this undertaking, you may rest assured that they are not insuperable. 3. Whatever opinion we may entertain of the power of his intellect, no one will venture to assert that he has a strong claim on our respect on the score of his morality. EXERCISE XXIV. SEVENTH MODEL. [Subject-inserted relative clause-copula and predicate, complement ;-a second proposition expressing intention, coupled to the first by the words "that," or "in order that."] Examples. 1. The people, who had long been clamouring for war, organised meetings in all parts of the country, in order that the public opinion might be clearly expressed upon the subject. 2. The magistrate, who had a strong suspicion of the prisoner's guilt, deferred the examination till the next day, that the police might have more time to collect evidence against him. 3. The minister, who had received secret information of the plot during the night, commanded that the houses of the principal conspirators should be watched, in order that their persons should be arrested on the first opportunity. EIGHTH MODEL. [Two propositions, the second being an inference drawn from the first, each having an adjective of the comparative form, preceded by "the."] Examples. 1. The more we allow indolence to take possession of the soul, the more likely are we to fall into innumerable vices. 2. The older we grow, the more anxiously should we endeavour to fulfil our duties. 3. The longer he remains in such depraved society, the more contaminated will he become, and the less able to rid himself of these pernicious habits. NINTH MODEL. [The antithetical sentence. Two propositions, the second of which is in contrast with the first.] Examples. 1. The brighter hues of colours represent cheerful states of the mind; whilst the graver or more serious feelings of our nature may be said to resemble those of a deeper cast. 2. The rapid torrent, or boiling whirlpool, naturally suggests the idea of furious rage; the placid lake, or gliding stream, gentleness of disposition. 3. Yesterday all was bright and beautiful; to-day all is dark and dreary, &c. EXERCISE XXV. The following are models for imitation, like those above given : TENTH MODEL. [Several concessions or admissions, a conclusion.] Examples. 1. If his moral character be as good as it is represented if it be proved that his habits are such as will recommend him to this office. - and if his knowledge of the subject be sufficiently extensive and accurate there is every reason to expect that his application will be successful. 2. If the weather should prove fine-if your uncle arrive in time-and if the whole party be in good health, we shall probably start for the Continent on the twelfth of next month. 3. Fully admitting the power of his eloquence, and aware of the extensive knowledge of the subject displayed in his speech, I am still unconvinced by his arguments, and my opinion on this question remains unaltered, &c. ELEVENTH MODEL. The explanatory sentence-a proposition followed by others, explaining its meaning. Examples. 1. Every station has its duties; from the prince to the peasant, we are all responsible for our actions; and though our duties differ in the different relations of life, there is no condition exempt from them. 2. Nature does nothing in vain; the Creator has appointed everything to a certain use and purpose, and determined it to a settled course and sphere of action, from which if it in the least deviates, it becomes unfit to answer those ends for which it was designed. 3. Shakspere had not the advantage of high birth; he came to London a needy adventurer, and lived for a time by very mean employments, &c. TWELFTH MODEL. The negative sentence :— several negative propositions; the second, third, &c., explanatory of the first. Examples. 1. Never had the nation been so prosperous; never had the middle classes of society been more thriving, or the poor more free from the pressure of privation. 2. No longer do we now perceive the former ardour of the Romans; no longer do we meet with that firmness in danger, and constancy under reverses, which had for so many ages characterised that extraordinary people. D 3. Nothing could have been more ingeniously contrived than this plan; nothing better calculated to conciliate all parties, and effect the end which its originator had in view. EXAMINATION QUESTIONS ON PART I. 1. What is an idea? 2. By what means are ideas originally conveyed to the mind? 3. What is a word? 4. Do words, of necessity, represent ideas? 5. In what respect are words imperfect? 6. Give some examples of words having a variety of meanings. 7. What mean the terms "concrete" and "abstract? 8. Explain the power of the mind called "abstraction." 9. What is meant by "generalisation ? " 10. Upon what principle are some nouns called " common in grammar? 11. What is the use of proper nouns ? 12. Show the difference between the primary and the secondary meaning of a word. 13. Explain the principle of analogy. 14. Whence is the noun "thing" derived? 15. What is a proposition? 16. Of how many, and what parts does a proposition consist? 17. Explain the meaning of the terms "subject,” “copula,” and "predicate," as applied to a proposition. 18. Of how many kinds are propositions? 19. Explain these forms. 20. How may "subjects" be expressed ? 21. What is meant by the term "complement," as applied to a proposition? 22. Mention some forms of complements. 23. What are complementary propositions? 24. How may complementary propositions be classified? 25. How does a determinative differ from an explanatory pro position? |