The grammatical reader

Front matter

AMMATICAL READER:

ON THE

AND ON THE

Preface

The English bids fair to be a living Language through time itself. Hence no change, in the means by which its principles are taught, calculated to redound to the hcnour of the present, and to the good of future generations, should be discouraged by the plea of a probable want of longevity in the language itself.

It is composed of materials derived from various sources ; and although these sources are rich even to philogical luxuries, the English Language is strong even to that persuasion to which reason itself often becomes a sacrifice. Hence considering the tender age of the English Language, perhaps it may be said to surpass every other !

As the English Language is still in its youth, it is yet in a progressive state. In general, men have three distinct objects in their instruments, means, and institutions. And as these are not simultaneous, but successive in their existence, every human means, system, and institution must remain a long time in a state of progression.

In building, a man's first object is a house which will provide for his necessities. — His second, is a house which will provide for his convenience — and his third object is one that will not only provide for his comfort, but which will comport with his wealth.

Now, it is with a nation as it is with an individual ; and it is with languages, systems, and institutions as it is with a house. Every thing that relates to man, is matter of'progression. Listen to Cowper, singing the simple stool into the splendid sofa upon the notes of progressive improvement.

And, if you turn to the stove, you will find that construction designed to answer the demands of necessity, thrown aside by the hands of genius, which has provided for necessity, convenience, and taste in the same thing.

And, as you turn from the stove to language, jou will find the same hand abridging in some parts, augmenting in others, and adjusting all for convenience, strength, perspicuity ',. despatch, and euphony.

Mark, the orthography of the italic words. " Haue more then thou showest, Speak less then thou knowest, Lend less then thou owest,

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Ride more then thou goest, Learne more then thou trowest. ' — Lear, p. 288. Haue is now have — then is now than — and learne is now learn, " Where shall we sojoume till our coronation ? " Where it thinks best unto }^our royall selfe.

Richard od page 186.

Sojoume, is now sojomm — royall is now royal — selfe is now self. " Men's eyes be obedient unto the creatour that they may see on think, and yet not another." — Bishop Hooper.

Creatour is now Creator — on is now one — and think is now thing. " The woman's synne was lesse greuous than Adam's synne, and lesse hurtful to mankynde."

" Nor make warre upon me nyght, nor day."

Warre is now war — nyght is now night.

" Our hope in him is dead : let us relume, And use what other meanes is left unto us," &c.

Timon of Athens, page 67.

Retume is now return — and meanes is now means. It is here seen that language is an instrument which is continually changed the better to answer the purpose of those for whose use it is intended. And, pray, why, should it not be so ? Has not the traveller a right to trim, and smooth his walking stick ? shall he not be permitted to cut it down to a size suitable to his convenience, and strength ; and eventually, to insert a sword fit for his defence, and to give the whole a polish congenial to his wish, and taste ?

Those who have attended to the English language no farther than to learn, and use it as it now is, may think that it has already attained to its highest degree of excellence. From such, however, the author of thin work very widely diifers. Nor is he alone in this opinion. — For, in an Oration pronounced at Cambridge, August 26, 1824, before the Phi Beta Kappa Society, by Edwurd Everett, it is said by this finished scholar that —

" There is liltle doubt that the instrument of communication, will receive great improvements ; that the ivritien, and spoken language will acquire new force, and power ; possibly that forms of addi^ess, wholly new, will be struck out to meet the universal demand for new energy."

The author of the Rational System of English Grammar proposes no change in the language itself. He proposes a revolution in the means by which a knowledge of its laws is acquired.

But it may be said by many, that the old theory has so long enjoyed the approbation of the learned, that it must be a complete, and accurate expression of the grammatical genius of the English

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language. To those who deduce the perfection of the old theory, from the duration of its existence, it may be replied that the arts, and sciences have ever been slow in their progress, and been brought to their present condition hj the accumulated efforts of different countries, and successive generations. Even the common mechanic arts, upon which the concurrent experience of all men in every nation, has been constantly acting, have attained to comparative excellence only. Great, therefore, as have been the successive efforts of the British grammarians : and much as they deserve approbation for what they have accomplished, the history of the arts, and sciences, in general, and the difficulties of grammatical investigation, in particular, forbid the belief that the old theory of English Grammar, has yet attained to those powers of development, necessary to a full , true, and clear expression of the grammatical principles of our language.

Nor, while the author of this Class Book of Criticism has uniformly rendered that respect to the British English grammarians, to which they are so justly entitled from all, has he been surprised to find their whole theory groaning under the disease of error. This disease has been too general to excite any sudden emotion from novelty — it has always been the prevailing epidemic among new theories, plans, and institutions — and, while a few have escaped its attack, the majority has fallen victims to its rage, and been cut down, as by a quick, or slow consumption. In confirmation of this, see theory after theory falling like men in battle — mark the means employed to save them from the state of protracted sleep. — The dignity of their origin is pleaded — the few services they have rendered, are urged — the inconvenience of change, is exaggerated — error is attempted to be beautified — innovation is belied, and presented in all the terrors of disorder, dilaceration, and ruin — and the innovator himself is held up as a pest to society — an enemy to truth, as some refractory spirit seeking distinction in the ruin of those noble fabrics which have been finished by genius, adorned with learning, tried by time, and long admired by the world. But history shows that all these life-saving resorts are vain.— The existence of error cannot be protracted beyond the discovery of truth ! Whenever error can be clearly exposed, and truth fairly made out, the sea of life, which rocks under the jarring interests, and views of men, will rise in anger, and will swallow up that compass, be it constructed by whom it may, which has been unfaithful to the mariner, in his voyage for science, art, or fame.

The present popular theory of English Grammar is a compilation by Mr. L. Murray. £

Mr. Murray was an American — he was born, and educated in the United States, His work, however, is a collection of the writ-

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ten opinions, and views of the English literati. The author compiled his Grammar after he became a member of the English community — he designed it as a system of Definitions, Bules and Remarks, for the presentation of the structure of the English language — the work therefore, is, in eyery sense of the word, an English production. But is it the worse for its national character 1 No ! Nor is it considered so in the present attack upon it. England is our mother — and, although while in her family, and under her protection, we received nothing from her hands but persecution in all its forms ; yet while we would receive her literary gifts with the affection of children ; we would treat them with the minds of men.

The ties between England, and America, are amity, and affection. These national ligatures can never be strengthened by oblations upon the altar of science, for the sins of the parent upon the heads of the children. Freedom is the source whence these cords have sprung ; and Independence is the power which must continue their tension. Political independence hath given us wings— and literary freedom must enable us to soar to fame. Does England say that this work is an attack upon her 1 the author denies the charge ; it is an attack upon her erroneous opinions with an application to her best judgment to renounce them. Nor is the attack intended for her any farther than she is disposed to render it subservient to her interest. If she thinks proper to approve, well. But, if she undertakes to repel this attack, she is arrayed against truth which is no sooner known, than it finds advocates in every land, and clime ! Truth has never suffered for a want of advocates. It sometimes lies long concealed under methodical, and pampered error. But, as this loathsome garb is torn off, and truth exhibited in its native beauty, and form, it is led forth by its numerous friends, and made to strengthen the mind, to adorn art, and science, and to beautify nature herself.

Nor does truth ever become so degraded by the comparative value of the system, art, or science in which it may be found, that it falls below the favorable notice, and ready patronage of the wisest, and best man. True, individuals may be found, who say, " O, the old theory answers all practical purposes — and farther than this, we are indifferent."

But this is not the general sentiment of the human race. The erroneous theory of astronomy was sufficient to answer all " practical purposes" — yet because this theory shut out the truth, it was exploded, and the true one adopted. It was a love of truth, which induced men to reject the old astronomical theory, and to receive the new, and true one. For surely, those master spirits who arrayed themselves against error, neither expected, by the introduction of the true system, to enrich the soil of the earth,

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nor to bring more brilliant, and lasting light from the heavens. $0— it was the lustre of truth, which attracted their attention — it was- the brilliancy of this diamond, which enlisted these soldiers of science in the war of innovation. And it was not until the termination of this war, that the splendour of creation was known, or the greatness of its Maker seen.

Man is so constituted that truth renders him happy, while error makes him miserable. Truth has an effect upon the mind as much as fire upon the fleshy or food upon the palate. The criminal is made happy, or miserable, by truth. If truth fixes the crime, the culprit is condemned, though acquitted j but, if falsehood fixes it ? he is acquitted, although condemned.

If a theory is founded in truth, no higher recommendation is necessary—indeed it would be an insult upon the nature, and dignity of man, to attempt any stronger, or higher encomium.

If a man rejects truth upon the ground that error may answer all practical purposes, he forms an exception— -he falls below the dignity of his species. The man who says that error will answer as well as truth, might also say that vice will answer as well as virtue, that a falsehood is as commendable as the truth / in short, that sin is as worthy as holiness itself.

Truth even in the abstract, has claims upon man for his approbation — and man from his very nature, rejoices in paying the demand.

The author has proceeded thus far upon the ground that an erroneous theory will answer all practical purposes* But he now denies the correctness of the position ; and he pities them who have the weakness to take it. Was this position reversed, they who take it would appear more gracious — for Essays may answer in theory, which are by no means competent in practice. The British theory of English Gramrnar^inay answer all the purposes of theory — but, it cannot answer even half of the purposes of practice. The purposes of a grammar in practice, are the just solution, and proper use of the language whose grammar it professes to teach. These purposes are not answered by the old English Grammar, which in the course of this work, will be clearly demonstrated. And it is upon this firm ground that the present petition is made to the American people to abandon that theory for one, conceived in truth^ born of the English language, dressed in simplicity, skilful, and strong even to all the pretended eccentricities, anomalies, and idioms with which our language is said to abound.

But the petitioner does not even hope to escape opposition — he craves investigation— he trembles not under the dread of defeat —truth against error, is omnipotent.

The author of the Rational System of English Grammar, is not insensible that even the American people will listen to his peti-

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tion with a jealous diffidence. They will revert with logical caution to the numerous attempts to improve the voluminous compilations of the worthy Mr* Murray, upon this science. The stubborn animosity of those who have been disappointed in Goold Brown : the virulence of them that have not realized their high expectations in Bullions ; and the execrations of the many, who say Murray is the very acme of grammatical excellence, will entrench themselves against the prosperity of this undertaking. Nor will the opposing force stop here ; some of the many who have devoted so much time to the study of this science, by the old plan, will, from mere pride of opinion, exert their influence to retard the march of this improvement. The last class of anti-improvers, may be known by the argument which they adopt. They tell the community that it is not possible that so learned a man as Mr. Murray, should so far overlook the genius of our language, that he can form an erroneous system for the development of its principles. They even convert the worth, and elevated standing of the man into a kind of arch which they throw over his works to defend them from the pressure of criticism. This arch I greatly admire ; and I would even plead the dignity of its materials as a superinducement for my attack upon its tenets. When a country so idolizes its great men that it trembles at an appeal from their erroneous decisions, the avenues to improvement are closed, — national reputation sickens, — the expiring rattle is heard in the larynx of genius, — and the cold sweat of death covers the public body.

A Bepublic must advance, or it must retrograde. This is emphatically true with the American community. The rapid increase of its population, brings along with it new views, new interests, new jealousies, and new ambition. Politics have become the highway to fame, and the broad road to destruction. The crowds that enter, seem resolved on distinction, and power. Every act which seems important to self-aggrandizement, must be pushed into being ; and every chief magistrate whose reign appears hurtful to the opposite party, must be hurled from his seat by the constitution of the Union.

All the leading politicians have fixed their eyes upon some exalted posts — and to attain to these, they rely upon the various views which may be taken of this glorious instrument — an instrument which would be sufficient to guide a Washington ; but which is altogether incompetent to control one bent upon power, — and dominion.

This Bepublic is not to be saved from the attacks of ambition, by a Junius brandishing the crimson steel. The guardian power of America, must be sought for in her constitution. This is the ark in which her liberties,— her rights, — her very vitals are deposited.

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The defects in the construction of this ark, have already served the purposes of political partizans who will always be dangerous to American liberty in proportion to the philological defectiveness of that sacred depository in which it has been placed by those whose lives were devoted to procure it, and whose spirits are invoked to preserve it.

Too little attention is paid to the means employed in teaching children. Youth is the progressive state of both mind and body ; and, if either is neglected here, it never attains to that height in excellence to which our species is capable of ascending. The proper nourishment for both, while in this state, is logical, and liberal action, — and, in exact proportion to the use of this, will be the strength of the body, and the capability of the soul.

The subject of truth, and definition is generally kept out of our Seminaries of learning — hence it is, that lax phraseology, unmeaning description, and obscure expression pervade, and deform the works of our great men.

A knowledge of the science of thought, is the only information which can render a man fully competent to discharge the various duties which devolve upon him in the journey of life. As astronomy does not respect the relation of ideas in general, a knowledge of this science cannot render the mind skilful in other things. A man's knowledge of the relations of the celestial bodies which roll in the firmament upon GocPs will as their axle, does not give so much capability to acquire other sciences, as does his knowledge of the more celestial bodies which revolve in constellations in the mind, round God as their centre !

As language is the great medium through which the student gains access to art, and science, he should endeavour to make himself perfectly acquainted with this medium as soon as his age will enable him to study it. And, as language is nothing but thought embodied in tabernacles of sound, and literal characters, the student must here study the science of thooght, or remain ignorant of language. Language is the only thing in which thought is presented as a science. And, although it is said again, and again, that the pupil may attain to the philosophy of language after he shall have acquired the grammar of it, yet it is a truth which cannot be controverted, that the philosophy, and the grammar of a language, are the same thing.

I do not intend to say that the jargon which is presented by Murray, Goold Brown, Bullions, &c. &c. as English grammar is the philosophy of the English language. But I mean to say that English grammar is the constructive philosophy of the English language.

JN'o, no, — I should not like to impose upon myself the task of showing that the silly rules, ridiculous notes, and nickname defi-

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nitions which disgrace their authors, and harm their students, are the philosophy of the English language !

The following definition of person is given by a reeent mender of Murray—

" Person, in grammar, is the relation of a noun or pronoun to what is said in discourse. 5 '

" There are three persons, jfirsf, second, and third. The first person denotes the speaker, or writer ; — as / Paul have written it. The second person denotes the person addressed • — as Thou, God, vseest me ; — the third person denotes the person or thing spoken of; as, Truth is mighty." — P. Bullion's English Grammar.

New, as person is relation, the first person is the first relation. The second person is the second relation — and the third person is the third relation ! ! The practical philosophy of the thing, then, is this —

The first relation denotes the speaker, or writer ; as I Paul have written it ! Is the speaker denoted here by a relation ? Is he not denoted by the word Paul ! ? Is this proper noun a relation ?

The second relation denotes the person addressed ; as, " Thou, God, seest me !"

The third relation denotes the person, or thing spoken of; as, Truth is mighty !

Is it not remarkably singular that a man who defines person to be a relation, and thus compels himself to say in the application of this false doctrine, that the speaker is denoted by a relation, should know anything of truth? " Truth is mighty."

But it is mighty in the hands of those only, who love it. The man who can employ the word, truth, in illustration .of the gross error which precedes, would be likely to treat truth as hag-horn I

But truth is mighty in every thing in which it is found — and, upon every thing to which it is applied. Truth in science acts as compost upon the mind of the student — truth in science draws out the affections of the student for the study of the science — truth in science falls upon the mind of the student like the dew-drop upon the grass. But that theory from which liquid error is constantly drizzling into the mind of the student, renders the brain dropsical^ and consequently, the whole mind feeble.

Youth is the season allotted by nature to the exercise, and expansion of the soul — -but man, lazy man has contradicted this, and thus brought himself to a state so feeble that he can hardly protect his rights, hardly enjoy his freedom. Even the Constitution of the United States, although drawn up by the united talents of profound men, cannot be understood by any two impartial statesmen in the same way. The Senate cannot ascertain by this instrument, whether the Vice-President should control the senatorial body, or whether this body should control him ! Thou-

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sands have already been expended to determine this point from the language of the constitution, without the least success.

As great a scholar, and as profound a statesman as has ever presided over this nation, understands the constitution of the Union to give the President power to send certain ministers, and other officers, from this, to foreign countries, without the consent of the Senate. But a Senate in no respect inferior to any which has ever adorned this Republic, understands this same instrument to require him to consult the Senate upon the subject of all foreign missions. Thus the same instrument is made to sustain conflicting measures whenever it pleases the contending parties to sanction deeds which are favourable to themselves.

In the United States, the people are divided into two parties upon the constitutionality of a national bank. Yes, ever since the government of these States has had an existence, one party has averred that the constitution sanctions a national bank, while the other has as long averred that it interdicts every thing of the kind. Thus, while the affirmative party has been erecting a national bank with this instrument, the negative one has been demolishing it with the same means !

The author of this Class Book has ever been disposed to ascribe these individual, and national misfortunes to a want of skill in language. These sparrings which tax 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 which give being, and energy to faction, are the storms which ambition directs by riding upon the clouds of the constitution. It is in these clouds that ambition lurks — 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.

He that has attended with common observation to what passes daily in society in general, has found that most of the difficulties which distract neighbourhoods, and array even brother against brother, and carry both before a judge, and jury, arise from a want of clearly defining the conditions of their contracts. It becomes every man, therefore, to understand the language of his own country — he should consider it as an instrument employed in the transaction of business — as a means us>ed for the preservation of peace, — as a high qualification in social hours, — and an invaluable blessing through life.

Is it too late to begin a reform ? If not, let it be commenced in our primary schools — let our language be understood by the teacher, and by him let it be taught to the pupil — let the absurd, parrot-like mode of teaching it be ridiculed out of use, and out

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of being— let children learn to think-— -and let parents employ the teachers who will enable their children to think.

Let the institutions in which our youth complete their education , give attention to our own language— too much time is devoted to the dead languages.

American statesmen must be acquainted with their own language, or this Republic is of short duration.

This Republic came into being by political re volution— and it must attain to its destined rank, and sway by literary innovation.

The greatest freedom to which a nation can aspire is complete emancipation from literary thraldom- — few nations, however, arrive at this commanding eminence. Rome once possessed it; and she was the glory, and admiration of the world.

In- times of innovation, however, every caution should be enlivened with fear — yet attempered with reason. The enraged genius of one individual has sometimes drawn whole nations from the bosom of their laws, and from the inmost recesses of their salutary habits. But injury has rarely resulted from the feats of genius directed to the improvement of art, or science. Even where the primary object is not accomplished, good often results from the exertions of the disappointed. Was the philosopher's stone discovered — was the elixir of life procured 1 No, but the search after them, prepared the way for discoveries of great importance to the human race. And, although the great minds that pursued fche&e objects, did enlarge the circle of science, they were severely punished with sneers, ridicule, and persecution !

Attempts to improve the arts, and sciences rarely escape the consequences inflicted by virulence, prejudice, and ambition. The race of genius has generally been converted into detestable war, and the ground of improvement turned into a field of battle. And while the bones of some have remained bleaching as a memento to the folly, and cruelty of man, the fate of others has been long, and dismal incarceration. Rut in modern days, few are immured within the gloomy walls of the criminal's prison : innovators, inventers, and improvers, the distinguished benefactors of the human race, are now subjected to torture on the rack of the public press !

And a thousand minor means are always employed to aid in the chastisement of the greatly useful men, as well as in the misrepresentation of the most salutary measures. He whose reflections have never been sufficient to undeceive his own mind, has not unfrequently prated to the temporary detriment of real improvement. The fop in literature, and the coxcomb in science, have misled the credulous, and ignorant"; who, for a while, have withheld their support from important discoveries. And the envious, who

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pines under the success of another, has too often convened all his malign passions, held a caucus with himself to devise means for defeat, and disgrace.

When did ENVY" emit her infuriated flame, and wrap the invaluable Linnaeus in a fiery sheet of slander \ It was when reason, as though endowed with religion, was patient — it was when the genius, and industry of Linnaeus produced that botanical system which adorns the present age — it was when the former theories upon this science were converted into fortifications to save their votaries, and defeat the march of truth.

Where are those who ridiculed a Newton for years ? Disappointment is their historian ; and shame is the theme of his pen. And, while the services of our own Clinton, couple him with the great of other times, the connection has been confirmed by the sanction of similar persecutions. The tongues, of prejudice, which his CANAL enterprise raised, hold a numeral competition with the particles of earth, thrown out in the excavation. But while the shame of thousands is seen blushing through the waters of the Western canal, the praise of its projector is heard rippling under its boats.— And as long as the note of merit is sweet to any, America will be charmed by the music of the voice which utters the name of Clinton.

The Rational System of English Grammar presents a new scene to the minds of men ; and the grand problem is, whether it deserves their fostering care, or their frowns, and reprehensions.

Perhaps there is no middle point upon which men can place this undertaking — they can hardly justify a neutral ground. And it comes to this nation with increased claim to attention, as America is now the great theatre of glorious enterprise, and useful discovery.