The American system of English syntax, developing the constructive principles of the English phrenod or language

Front matter

AMERICAN SYSTEM

ENGLISH SYNTAX,

DEVELOPING

Preface

Even a superficial observer of human affairs must be satisfied that the ease, accuracy, despatch, and safety with which the transactions of life are conducted, depend much 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 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 correct 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 stale, is generous, and constant action; unci in exact proportion to the use of this, will be the strength of the body, and the capability of the soul. Children, as such, arc 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 contradicted this, and thus brought himself to a state so feeble that he can hardiy 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 can not be understood by two impartial statesmen in the same way.

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 changes, 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 the memory of Mr. Murray for the good he has done in the Republic of letters. So :',.r from holding his shade in contempt, or his work in derision, he would fire his system

PREFACE. IX

with the sparks struck from the collision of its conflicting principles; he would deposit its ashes in a golden urn, and preserve them as a memento of its 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, gray 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 over his eyes ; and a miracle was necessary to restore his sight.

From the dictatorial attitude of the English literati, this production 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 a 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 power of speech?

In the British system of Grammar, the sense is cither 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 no grand movements ; 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, a\h m:\\ 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 nitre childlike relation of one word to another word, hut an instrument for presenting 1 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 graduation, 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 the close attention of men, of scholars, of philosophers. Gradiation consists in dividing a sentence into portions, or groups, ascertaining their true constructive relation, learning their exact significant characters, and referring the inferior portions to their respective superiors. This Exercise urges the pupil to trace out the precise connection of the portions, by following the filaments which produce it; and thus fits him to discern the exact meaning of any writer whose language he may read. It prepares the pupil to read with an understanding which renders study easy, delightful, and profitable to him. Gradcation gives the pupil such a knowledge of language as qualifies him to acquire the other branches of education with an expedition, case, and satisfaction, which render study advantageous, and pleasing. Made familiar with this process, the pupil's mind kindles into fervor; and he pursues his study as much for the pleasure of the i the advantage of

knowledge. And whether his eye is turned to the si^n of the type, or his car directed to the language of the tongue, ho Beizes the period with animation, moves along the constructive fibre-- which extend from portion to portion, works his passage through the entire sentence, and comes out with every thing which philosophy can glean, or acutencss discern.

The author of this work is far from desiring to exhibit a mere independence of mind in the r. j ction of the Brit of English Philology. Nor does he mention the excellence of the American Syntax to institute an invidious comparison between the two — he does it to prevent an identity witli those essays which have appeared within a few years, under the pretensions of improving the method of

PREFACE. XI

presenting the erroneous principles upon which the system of Murray has been founded. It differs much from all others.

The American Syntax 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 structure 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 our 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 with food which they do not relish. 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 look for 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 agency. 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 connection with his chariot ; when we see him drawing to himself, through organic avenues, the various objects which constantly surround it, we feel thut this work is above man — 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 fur the communication of those notions, we are ready to exclaim — the Former of the passenger is the Author of his language!

A LANGUAGE,

OR

A PHRENOD.

A Language, or a Phrenod is that, set of signs, which forms the medium of communication from one mind to another.

[Lingua, the tongue.) (Phren, the mind; and odos, a means, a medium, a way.)

REMARKS.

I. Every nation has found it important to have a phrenod, composed of sounds, and a phrenod composed of letters. Hence, each nation has two phrenods; viz. a phon t od, and an alphod.

(Phone, a voice; and odos, a medium. Alpha, a letter, and odos, a means.)

II. The distinctive name of a phrenod is generally formed from the national appellation of the people who use it — hence, the phrase, the French phrenod, the Greek phrenod, the English phrenod, &c.

PHRENODY, OR PHILOLOGY.

Phrenody is the science of phrenods.

English phrenody is the science of the English phrenod.

DIVISION OF PHRENODY.

Phrenody is divided into two parts; namely,

1. Syntax, and

2. Signology.

1. Syntax is that part of phrenody, which comprises the constructive principles of phrenods.

2. Signology is that part of phrenody, which comprises the significant principles of phrenods.

[Signology is taught by a Dictionary.)

ENGLISH SYNTAX.

English Syntax is that part of English phrenody, which consists of the constructive principles of the English phrenod.

B

14 ENGLISH SYNTAX.

English Syntax is divided into six parts, viz.

2. Monology,

3. Syncratology,

4. Semenology,

5. Syntithology, and

G. POEOLOGY.

I. GNOMEOLOGY.

Gnomeology is that part of syntax, which consists of the doctrine of a gnomod, or sentence.

II. MONOLOGY.

Monology is that part of syntax, which consists of the doctrine of monos.

III. SYNCRATOLOGY.

Syncratology is that part of syntax, which consists ol the conjunctive power, and character of words.

IV. SEMENOLOGY.

Semenology is that part of syntax, which respects tin power of a word to distinguish those things to which thi Dictionary meaning of the word does not apply.

V. SYNTITHOLOGY.

Syntithology is that part of syntax, which consists ol the principles of putting words together in the formation of gnoinods, or sentences.

VI. POEOLOGY.

Poeology is that part of syntax, which consists of the principles of forming words.

Note. — The terms used in this work, are explained, and pronounced in the Verbatory affixed to the Syntax.

Chapter I. Gnomeology

Gnomeology is that part of syntax, which consists of the doctrine of a gnomod, or sentence.

Ji gnomod, or sentence.

A gnomod, or sentence, is an assemblage of two, or more words, which expresses a cor diction; as,

1. It is nine.

2. If it is nine.

3. Is it nine?

4. Go thou to school.

5. Forgive thou our sins.

A gnomod consists of two things; namely, words, and a cor 'diction; as, " It is nine."

1. The words are a frame-work of pointers, each pointing to something on which the cordiction has a near, or a remote bearing.

2. The cordiction is the abstract affirmation, the abstract nutation, the abstract interrogation, the abstract command, or the abstract petition which is expressed in the assemblage of words; as, " It is nine, If it is nine, Is it nine? Go thou to school, Forgive thou our sins."

PARTS OF A GNOMOD.

A gnomod is divided into two parts, viz. a gnometory , and an agnometory.

1. The gnometory is that portion within which the cordiction lies; as,

1. // is nine.

2. If it is nine.

3. Is it nine?

4. Go thou to school.

5. Forgive thou our sins.

16 GNOMEOLUGY.

2. The agnometory is that part within which no cordiction lies; as,

1. It is nine.

2. If it is nine.

3. Is it nine?

4. Go thou to school.

5. Forgive thou our sins.

Note. — It may be proper to remark that the gnometory of a gnomod, can comprise neither fewer, nor more than two words. It must comprise two because the cordictiun is produced by the joint agency of two — and it can never have more than two because no more than two can exert any influence in the production of the mere cordiction of the sentence. Hence, in the gnomod, "John was taught by hi> brother," John, with was constitutes the gnometory, the place, the part within which the cordiction of the whole assemblage of words lies. "John was" is not the entire frame- work; but it is that part of the frame-work, which produces the cordiction, the affirmation.

Again. — If John writes, seems to be an instance of a gnometory which has three words. But when it is considered that it is the characteristic mark of a nutation to leave the mind in doubt with respect to the thing in question, it will be seen that John, with writes is the gnometory. If is calculated to make the mind totter with respect to what is mentioned — and " John writes" leaves the mind in this tottering state. From a hasty examination, it may seem that if expresses the nutation. The nutation, however, is expressed by those words that express the thing about which the mind totters, or doubts. If expresses nothing concerning which the mind totters — the mind totters with respect to Johu , s icritino-. And, as "John writes," expresses this thing, and leaves the mind tottering concerning it, "John writes" is a nutation. — If it was the province of a nutation to cause the mind to totter, if would be a perfect nutation. It is the province of a nutation to express the thing concerning which the mind totter* without relieving the mind of its doubts.

QUESTIONS.

1. What is language, or phrenod!

2. "What are the two phrenods called which every nation has found il important to have!

3. How is the distinctive name of a phrenod generally formed?

4. What is phrenody, or philology!

5. What is English phrenody?

6. How is phrenody divided?

7. What is syntax?

8. What is signology?

9. What is English syntax?

10. Into how many parts is English syntax divided?

11. Can you give the name of each part?.

12. What is gnomeology?

13. What is a gnomod, or sentence?

14. Of how many things does a gnomod consist?

15. What are the words? 1G. What is the cordiction?

17. Into how many parts is a gnomod, or sentence divided?

18. What is a gnometory?

19. Which part is the gnometory in the first example?

20. What is an agnometory?

21. Can you give the agnometory in each example under the definition of an agnometory?

22. Of how many words must the gnometory consist?

23. Can the gnometory have more than two words? No. Why not? Because only two words can be concerned in the production of the cordiction.

Preparatory to gnomodical exercises.

1. What does the word, Cordiction, mean?

Affirmation, interrogation, command, petition, and nutation.

2. W T hence the propriety of calling these distinctive attributes, Cordiction?

From the fact that these five attributes are the vital parts of speech, or diction.

3. Can an assemblage of words be a sentence, which has not one of these vital properties? No. Why? Because affirmation, interrogation, and nutation of something, or command, and petition to some being, are the only purposes which men have in forming sentences. The assemblage of words, therefore, which has not one of these purposes, is not a sentence.

4. Is the following assemblage of words a sentence? — '« Unto the mount of Olives"

No. Why not? Because it has no cordiction. That is, it does not contain affirmation, interrogation, command, petition, or nutation.

b2

5. Is the following assemblage a sentence? — They went. Yes. Why? Because it contains a cordiction. What

is the cordiction which it contains? Affirmation.

6. What is the cordiction of the following sentence? — Jire you well?

The cordiction, or heart of this assemblage of words, i^ interrogation.

SPECIMEN'.

" Of Olives" not a sentence, because it contains no cordiction.

" He is in Philadelphia" a sentence, because it contains a cordiction which is an affirmation.

M Give us this day our daily bread" a sentence, because it contains a cordiction which is a petition.

EXERCISES IN GNOMEOLOGY.

1. Law, in its most comprehensive sense, is a rule ol action.

2. Law, in its most confined sense, is a rule of human action.

3. Man is a dependent being.

4. On the laws of nature, and revelation, depend all human laws.

5. The law of nations is that collection of principles, which regulates the intercourse between national communities.

6. The work improperly.

7. Is the work properly done?

8. If John returns to-day. (Nutation.)

9. Were any philosophers more eminent than Socrates, and Plato?

10. Forgive our sins.

11. Pardon our iniquities.

12. The mind of man not without some food to nourish the activity of its thoughts.

13. My good boy.

More exercises may be found uuder page 20, 2 27, 31, and 35.

MONOLOGY. 19

Part. II. Chapter I

MONOLOGY.

Monology is that part of syntax, which consists of the doctrine of monos.

A mono.

A mono is that word, or that number of words, which can be passimated alone; as, [There was a marriage'] (in Carta) (of Galilee.)

MONOLOGICAL RULES.

I. An assemblage of two, or more words, having an independent word for its base, constitutes a distinct mono; as, [There was a marriage] (in Cana) (of Galilee.)

II. The single independent word which expresses a circumstance, constitutes a mono; as (Ah,) (John,) [have you come again?]

SPECIMEN.

1. [There was a marriage] (in Cana) (of Galilee.)

" There teas a marriage,'''

A mono. Rule 1. An assemblage of two, or more words,

having an independent word for its base, is a mono; as,

There ivas a marriage. Marriage is the independent word .

"in Cana, 11

A mono. Rule 1.

" of Galilee.'''' A mono. Rule 1.

2. (*« Ah,) (John,) [have you come again?"]

Ah, A mono. Rule 2.

John, A mono. Rule 2.

have you come again, A mono. Rule 1. You is the independent word.

20 ORDER OF MONOS.

3. .(James,) [will you come] (to me,) (my boy.)

James, A mono. Rule 2.

will you come, A mono. Rule 1.

to me, A mono. Rule 1.

my boy, A mono. Rule 1.

EXERCISES IN MONOLOGY,

To be monoized exactly according to the preceding specimen.

1. Hearken , unto me, my people. [Three monos.)

2. O, Jerusalem, awake thou, and stand , up. (4 M.)

3. Give , ear unto me, O, my nation. (4 M.

4. My Lords, 1 am opposed to this bill. (3 M.)

5. Behold thou, the Lord's hand is not shortened: he can still save , . (3 M.)

6. They were known to return. (1 M.)

7. They were known on their return. (2 JM.)

8. They write , accurately. (1 M.)

9. They write , with accuracy. (2 M.)

10. They came at that time. (2 M.)

11. That , which we, lor our unworthiness, are afraid to crave, our prayer is that God, for the worthiness of his Son, would vouchsafe to grant. (6 M.)

More exercises may be found under page 18, 23, 25, "2? 31, and 35.

Chapter II. Order Of Monos

Monos are divided into two orders upon the principle of their frame-work rank in a gnomod, or sentence. These arc

ORDER OF MONOS. 21

1. Gnomecorme, and

2. Clad.

1. The gnomecorme is the foundational, the trunk mono in a gnomod, or sentence; as, [There was a marriage] (in Cana) (of Galilee.)

Note. — The gnomecorme bears the same sustaining relation to the clad in the frame-work of a sentence, which the trunk bears to the branches in the frame-work of a tree.

2. The clad is a branch mono; as, [There was a marriage] (in Cana) (of Galilee.)

Note. — The clads bear the same relation to the gnomecorme, in the frame-work of the sentence, which the branches bear to the trunk, in the frame-work of a tree.

RULES.

1. That mono which is so disposed of in the gnomodic frame-work as to become the foundation of the sentence, is the gnomecorme; as, [There was a marriage] (in Cana) (of Galilee.)

2. That mono which is so disposed of in the sentence, as to have a frame-work dependence upon another mono, is a clad; as, [There was a marriage] (in Cana) (of Galilee,) (M,) (Jofm,) have you come again?

REMARKS.

The first rule is a sort of definition — it tells you that the gnomecorme is the basis in the frame-work of a sentence; as, [Jesus saic a man] (that was blind) (from his birth.) [" Jesus saw a 7nan."]

The second rule is also a sort of definition, for it informs you that a clad is a mono having a frame-work dependence upon another mono: as, [Jesus saw a man] (who was blind) {from Ids birth.)

^, , S who was blind ) Uuds ) from his birth. \

The first clad subjoins to the gnomecorme the circumstance of the man's blindness. The second clad subjoins to the first clad the circumstance of the time during which the circumstance of his blindness had continued — (who was blind) (from his birth.)

Let me here put you somewhat on your guard respecting rules, and definitions. You must understand them, or have no benefit from them. And to understand them, you must, in reading them, pause &1 each word in each mono, and at each mono in eacli sentence. Lei me then call vour attention to these rules again;

W ORDER OF MONOS.

1. That mono which is so disposed of in the verbal frame-work as to become the foundation of the sentence, is the gnomecorme; as, Joseph went to the city; James to the country. [Joseph ivent.~]

2. That mono which is so disposed of in the sentence as to have a frame-work dependence upon another mono, is a clad; as, Joseph went (to the city;) {James went) (to the country.)

You should give close attention to the phrase ".so disposed of." The gnomecorme may, by a different disposition in the frame-work, become a clad; and a clad may in the same way become the gnomecorme; as, [James went] (to the city,) {Joseph , ) (to the country,)

[I say the truth] (in Christ;) (I lie not:) (my conscience also bearing ( , me) witness) (in the Holy Ghost.)

[I lie not;] (I say the truth) (in Christ;) (my conscience also bearing ( , me) witness) (in the Holy Ghost.)

Few sentences, however, can undergo that revolution in the manner of their frame-work, which is necessary to turn the gnomecorme into a clad, and a clad into the gnomecorme, without a very obvious change in the sense itself. And when the change in structure gives a new sense, the old sentence is entirely lost in the new.

In the following the gnomecorme, cannot become a mere clad —

"(To him) (that worketh) [is the reward not reckoned] (of grace,) (but , , , ) (of debt.")

how the GNOMECORME may be distinguished from

THE CLADS.

No sentence has more than one clad, of which potential precession can be predicated — and there are very many sentences in which no clad can occupy the first place; as, But one thing is needful; (and Mary hath chosen that good part) (which shall not be taken away) (fro in her.)

As there is but one clad which can occupy the first place in any sentence; and as the gnomecorme always can, it follows that the gnomecorme is one of the two bhmkm which can commence the sentence; as, (//? // [was the ivord;] and the word was with God, and the word was God.

(In the beginning,) and [was the word] are the only

RELATIONS OF THE CLADS. 23

monos with which the verse can be commenced; hence it follows that one of these is the gnomecorme.

EXERCISES.

Specimen. Canst thou draw out Leviathan with a hook?

1. Canst thou draw out Leviathan, The gnomecorme. Rule 1. (Read the Rule.)

with a hook, a clad. Rule 2.

2. Hearken , unto me, O, my people, {ye.) Hearken ye, the gnomecorme. Rule 1.

unto me, a clad. Rule 2.

O, a clad. Rule 2.

my people, a clad. Rule 2.

1. He was led up of the Spirit. (2 M.)

2. And the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. (3 M.)

3. And she wiped his feet with her hair. (2 M.)

4. By grace are ye saved ( , , ) through faith.

5. I can write better , with a pen than ,

, , , with a pencil. (4 M.)

6. Aud they cried out with a loud voice. (2 M.)

7. He lived in London , a year. (3 M.)

8. On Friday last, we launched the ship. (2 M.)

9. He went from his teachers to his books. (3 M.) 10. He wrote these letters on last evening, in my presence, on that table, with his pencil. (5 M.)

N. B. Should more exercises be deemed necessary they may be found under page 18, 20, 25, 27, 31, and 35.

Chapter III. Relations Of The Clads

The relation of a clad respects the number of monos to which it stands conjected in construction. Clads have two relations, viz. Uni, and Plus.

24 RELATIONS OF THE CLADS.

That clad which, in the frame-work of a sentence, depends upon only one other mono, is of the unirelation; as, [John is the hrother] (of James.)

2. That clad which, in the frame-work of a sentence, depends upon more than one other mono, is of the plusrelation; as, [John is the brother] (of James;) (but he is not the brother) (of Nathaniel.)

CONJECTIVE READING.

Conjective Reading is the process of conjecting the inferior mono to its superior mono, or monos.

[There was a marriage] (in Cana) (of Galilee.)

"in Carta, a clad, unirelation, belonging to its superior mono. Conjective Reading. There was a marriage in Cana.

" of Galilee" a clad, unirelation, belonging to its superior mono. Conjective Reading, (in Cana) (of Galilee.)

RULES.

1. Every clad of the unirelation must be conjected lo that mono which sustains it in the frame-work of the sentence.