The American grammar

Front matter

THE

AMERICAN GRAMMAR.

BY JAMES BROWN.

Preface

Even a superficial observer of human affairs, can but be satisfied that the ease, accuracy, despatch and safety with which the transactions of life are conducted, depend upon the degree of skill which men possess in the use of language. Who has not found that many of the difficulties which distract society by setting member against member, arise from a want of that skill in language, which is necessary to define the conditions of all those transactions that lie treasured up in words? It becomes every man and woman, therefore, to understand, critically, the language of their own country — - and as an incentive to that careful attention which is necessary to such an understanding, let each one reflect upon the advantages of being able to use this instrument with ease, propriety and despatch.

In the business of life, language is invaluable; how important, then, is a knowledge of it. In social intercourse, language is dear to all; how desirable, then, is that skill which enables one to use it with all the ease with which he can move the fingers of his hands. In the higher walks of life, language holds an elevated rank; how important, then, to the lady and gentleman, is a refined acquaintance with it. And to parents, who should ever superintend the education of their children, a philosophic knowledge of language is a blessing indeed.

Nor is it of little importance to this nation, that her youth should be early and thoroughly instructed in the principles of the English tongue. Too little stress is laid upon the education of her children. Youth is the progressive state of both mind and body; and if either is neglected here, it never attains that height in excellence to which our species are capable of ascending. The proper nourishment for both, while in this state, is generous and constant action; and in exact proportion to the use of this, will be the strength of the body, and the capability of the soul. Children, as such, are passed by as of no real value to a nation — the fact, that from these young saplings are soon to be selected the pillars of the country, is rarely considered in its proper light, even by the American community.

Youth is the season designed by nature for the formation of the mind— the expansion of the soul. But man, mistaken man, has

X PREFACE.

contradicted this, and thus brought himself to a state so feeble that he can hardly secure his rights or enjoy his freedom ! It is not pretended that American children are deprived of schools ; but it is verily believed, that they nearly waste their precious childhood by a false system of teaching. Is it too late for reform? If not, let it be commenced in the primary schools — let the language be understood by the teachers, and by them thoroughly taught to their pupils. Let the institutions in which youth complete their education, give attention to their own tongue : too much time is devoted to other languages. American statesmen must be acquainted with their own language, or this republic is of short duration. Even the constitution of the United States cannot be understood by two impartial statesmen in the same way ! The senate cannot determine by this instrument whether the Vice President should control the senatorial body, or whether this body should control him ! Thousands have already been unsuccessfully expended to settle this point from the language of that instrument, which has been drawn by the united talents of the ablest men that have ever adorned the Union.

Nor is the senate disposed to agree with the distinguished gentleman who has recently left the chair of state, as to the power of the President to send certain ministers and other officers from this, to foreign countries.

Neither has the British parliament ever been able to comprehend its own acts, even when expressed by its own self, and in its own language !

Why, it may be asked, is this thing so ? Can it be ascribed to any defect in the language? Is it to be attributed to the complexity of legal science, and the abstruseness of political philosophy? Certainly not — All will honestly ascribe these individual and national misfortunes to a want of skill in their own vernacular tongue. These sparrings, which exhaust a nation's wealth ; these concussions in the political elements, which carry horror in their vibrations; these eddies which sometimes whirl in amazement, nation after nation; these adverse winds, that give being and energy to faction, are the storms which ambition directs by riding on the clouds of the constitution! It is in these clouds that ambition lurks; and it is from these that the thunder of eloquence will burst — it is from these that the lightning of genius will play, first to the consternation, then to the destruction of our political Eden ! This republic

PREFACE. Xi

] s not to be saved from the attacks of ambition, by a Brutus brandishing the crimson steel. The guardian power of America must be found in the intelligence of her people ; and as her language is the only instrument by which this can be acquired, let her schools begin the work which is to enlighten her as a people, and to preserve her an independent nation. If her systems are wrong, let her correct them : let America not tremble at innovation — let her continue to use the burnisher of genius till the glitter of her spires, ascending from her temples of science, shall light even her mother to fame.

To the man of circumscribed views, innovation seems to imply a contempt for all former systems, and a total want of respect for their authors. But, he who has seen the clouds of literary night dissipate before the sun of improvement, the region of science grow lighter and lighter, and the horizon of truth extend from time to time, by repeated innovation, will soon overcome his attachment to absurd forms, and gladly promote that species of innovation which tends to build system upon truth and philosophy .

The author of this work respects the various systems of English Grammar: he regards them as so many stepping stones by which the science has been brought to its present height of excellence. He respects their authors as men, and especially as the founders of so grand a commencement. He respects Mr. Murray, and tenders him thanks for the good he has done in the Republic of letters. So far from holding him in contempt, or his work in derision, he would fire his system with the sparks struck from the collision of its conflicting principles: he would deposit its ashes in a golden urn, and preserve them in memory of his worth.

The American Grammar, he is not insensible will oppose the wisdom of the learned, and the practice of years. But, it should be remembered that systems, the growth of ages, have been overturned, and that principles, grey with centuries, have been found a delusive chimera. All that relates to man, is matter of progression: we see the commencement, of Christianity in mere rituals and symbols: we find its perfection in Calvary's Crimsoned Top.

Are you ready to reject this work because you have been brought up at the feet of Murray? remember him who was brought up at those of Gamaliel; listen to the cry of the Christians, and be reminded of Paul's journey to Damascus: education had drawn a film •>ver his eyes; and a miracle was necessary to restore his sight.

XII PREFACE,

From the dictatorial attitude of the English literati, this produe tion may seem an infringement on the rights which they have so long claimed, and which this country has too long granted. It is remarked by European writers, that English literature should be the model for the literati in America, until this country produces a Newton, an Addison, &c. We confess a deep regard for the shades of these illustrious men ; but we would sooner build sepulchres to England's ancient prophets, than believe in her living ones Where can stronger claims be laid to philological legislation, than in a country, distinguished for freedom and p owe r of speech?

In the British system of Grammar, the sense is either lost by the use of improper terms, or enveloped in arbitrary rules, definitions, and exceptions. Indeed, the whole system resembles a machine, hastily contrived, possessing a few grand movements, but too complicated, too feeble in most of its parts, and, in general, acting upon wrong principles. The author of this work, therefore, after mature examination of the European, has ventured to introduce new materials and new principles ; and to complete the remedy, he has extended his system to the relation of one assemblage of words to another assemblage. This work, therefore, is not only made a means for teaching the mere child-like relation of one word to another word, but an instrument for presenting that manly, mental, subtle coincidence, vibrating between the relative groups of the words which compose the sentence. This part of the American System is called construing, and treats of words in their collective action, their collective bearing, and in their collective import — and. while it may be clearly comprehended even by the minds of children; it is not unworthy of the close attention of men,, of scholars, of philosophers. Construing consists in dividing a sentence into sections or groups, ascertaining their true constructive relation, learning their exact significant characters, and referring the inferior sections to their respective superiors. This Exercise urges the pupil to trace out the precise connexion of the sections, by following the filaments which produce it; and thus fits him to discern the exact meaning of any writer whose language he may read, [t prepares the pupil to read with an understanding which render* study easy, delightful and profitable to him. Construing gives the pupil such a knowledge of language as qualifies him to acquire the other branches of education with an expedition, ease and satisfaction, which render study advantageous and pleasing, Made fami-

PREFACE. Xlll

liar with this process, the pupil's mind kindles into fervour; and he pursues his studies as much for the pleasure of the exercise as for the advantage of knowledge. And whether his eye is turned to the sign of the type, or his ear directed to the language of the tongue, he seizes the period with animation, moves along the constructive fibres which extend from section to section, works his passage through the entire sentence, and comes out with every thing which philosophy can glean or acuteness discern.

The author of this work is far from desiring to exhibit a mere independence of mind in the rejection of the British system of English Philology. Nor does he mention the excellence of the American, to institute an invidious comparison between the two — he does it to prevent an identity with those essays which have appeared within a few years, under the pretensions of improving the method of presenting the erroneous principles upon which the system of Murray has been founded. It differs much from all others.

The American Grammar is a laconic system of English Philology, founded upon principles entirely new, and highly important. It settles all points contested among teachers — resolves all the difficulties of the pupil, and relieves the mind of all its grammatical scruples. It sets aside all other systems — exposes their defects, demonstrates the little use of attending to them, and presents to the pupil, the unerring and only way to the Grammar of the English language. It urges the youthful mind to invention and thought — it undeceives the most accomplished Grammarian, and instructs the most profound Philologist: and it is, in a variety of ways and cases, the Clergyman's guide in scriptural exposition ; the Lawyer's interpreter in juridical discussion.; and the Magistrate's confirmation in legal decision.

Language is an emanation from God. It is the medium of communication from one finite mind to another, and a means of intercourse between man and his Maker. In construction it is ingenious ; in purpose, noble ; and in application to thought, wonderful. As a gift, it claims our gratitude; as a science, it demands our highest attention ; and as a means of mental intercourse, it excites admiration and astonishment.

Language is the mind's hand ; and, like that of the body, is employed by many who are ignorant of its beautiful symmetry. But they that use it without understanding its principles, lose as much as those who strengthen their bodies without relishing their food^

B

XIV PREFACE.

In tracing this hand through all its changes and modifications, in understanding their causes and effects, and in seeing it follow the discursive parts of the mind, fasten upon its curiously formed notions, and reach them to others, we are led to God as its Origin.

It has long been a contested point whether language is a divine revelation, or a human production. But when we trace it from cause to effect, we see more than human calculation. Man consists of two parts, a body and a mind ; this is journeying through life in that. Thus, the mind becomes a passenger; the body his chariot; ideas his baggage; the earth his inn; hope his food; and another world his destination. And such is the relation between the passengers while on the way; that they are compelled to interchange their ideas. For this purpose, either God has furnished them with language, a ready means for this exchange, or the passengers themselves have made this instrument. When we reflect upon the passenger's connexion with his chariot : when we see him drawing to himself, through organic avenues, the various bbjects which constantly surround it, we discover what we cannot comprehend — but, when we behold him analysing these objects, forming correct notions of their component parts, and, with vocal organs attached to his vehicle, converting the air into sounds for the communication of those notions, we dwindle away before the magnitude of the problem!

THE

AMERICAN GRAMMAR.

Language is a mechanical instrument employed for the communication of ideas.

REMARK.

The word, language, is derived from lingua, the Latin name of the tongue — and from the importance of this organ in the formation of this instrument, the instrument itself is called language.

Printing and writing, properly speaking, are the notes of language, and hear the same vicarious relation to this instrument, which the notes in music bear to the real music. But as printing and writing communicate our ideas, they in function identify themselves with the great Lingua instrument — therefore these representatives have come to be called by the name of the thing represented — Hence we have the phrases, "icritten language, printed language, and spoken language.' 1 But language in the true, confined sense, is that instrument which is formed out of voice by a marvellous play of wonderful organs upon sounds which are first produced by the actions of the windpipe upon the air that proceeds from the lungs.

GRAMMAR.

Grammar is the mere mechanism of language.

REMARKS.

The word, Grammar, is derived from the Greek Gramma, a letter. Hence this word has come to be the name of those principles which govern letters in their train from their alphabetical station, into words, and thence into sentences. A printed sentence is an instrument replete with thought, formed by a continued combination of letters; and grammar is the name of the various principles which regulate the mechanical process in this combination.

Grammar begins at the letters, a and b ; as, ab. Grammar, properly so called, does not include figures of speech, purity of style, or elegance of diction.

Grammar is universal and particular.

1. Universal grammar is the mere mechanical philosophy of all languages.

2. Particular grammar is the mechanical principles of a particular language; as, that of the English, Latin, Greek, French, &c.

English Grammar.

Engltsh grammar is a science comprising the constructive principles of the English Language.

REMARKS.

English Grammar is the Rule for employing either sounds or letters, in the formation of words, so as to give each word its just orthographical form — for employing these words jn the formation of sentences, so as to give the words their proper deflections, and their right positions. Illustration.

In the first, there is an error in position — the e should follow the r — thus, fibre.

In the second, a similar error is committed, and maybe corrected by placing the r before the e — thus, acre.

In the third, the error lies in a deficiency — another f is wanting -—thus, office.

In the fourth, there is an error which may be corrected by doubling the b. There is also a mistake in the fourth instance, which may be rectified by substituting e for u — thus, rob&er.

2. Gramer.

In this word, there is an error as well as a mistake. The error lies in the want of another m — the mistake, in mistaking e for a. The error may be corrected, and the mistake rectified thus, Grammar.

The next part of grammar is the principle upon which words are formed into sentences. And in this one is liable to commit grammatical errors in two or three respects only. First, in the deflection of the word — -secondly, in the position of it, and thirdly, in the position of whole clauses or sections —

Who does you speak of?

This example presents the three points to be illustrated. The error in deflection, lies in who and does — and that in position, in of. The errors which are here committed, are strictly errors in grammar. And when they are corrected, the position of of is changed, and the form of who and does is varied thus — whom, do.

Of whom do you speak?

In the following instance, the error lies in the position of a whole clause or section.

" What^ Pttiother grammar of the English language! says the man of letters upon the publication of this toork"

The clause, " says the man of letters upon the publication of this work," should be placed immediately after what.

What, says the man of letters upon the publication of this work, another grammar of the English language!

The wrongly using of one word for, another, produces an error — but this is an error in rhetoric. For instance —

" I have no hesitation in expressing the surprise which I received."

The construction, or in other words, the mechanism of the sentence, is correct — but the rhetoric of it is bad — for we cannot properly say that we receive surprise. This rhetorical mistake may be rectified by substituting felt for received.

I have no hesitation in expressing the surprise which I felt, &c.

These errors, however, do not fall within the science of grammar,

Questions.

1. What is language?

2. From what is the word, language, derived?

3. Why has language received the name of the tongue?

4. What is grammar?

5. From what is the word, grammar, derived?

6. What is universal grammar?

7. What is particular grammar?

8. What is English grammar?

Grammar is divided into four parts; viz. Orthography, Etymology, Syntax, and Prosody.

1. Orthography shows the sounds of letters, and the manner of forming these characters into words.

2. Etymology consists of the classification of words either collectively as sentences, sections, &c, or individually as parts of speech.

3. Syntax is the principle of forming words into sentences.

4. Prosody consists of the true pronunciation of words, their poetic formation into sentences, and their figurative application either in prose or verse.