How do the preceding Remarks (pp. 108-9) apply to the insertion or the omission of commas in the sentences that follow? — St. John says that God is love. - Swift asserts that no man ever wished himself younger. Every one knows James is a very prolific writer. - I trust you feel the importance of the subject. It cannot be questioned, that we are, as yet, only in the rudiments of the great science of education. Wirt writes, that, as a statesman, Alexander Hamilton was distinguished for the great extent of his views. Ere another day pass, I hope that you will find yourself surrounded by your wife and children. By the sweat of our brow, I say, we have to earn the little which we possess. We all know how a man of mighty genius can impart himself to other minds. EXERCISE TO BE WRITTEN. Insert commas or not between the clauses of the following sentences, in accordance with the eighteenth Rule and the Remarks: — Seneca tells us "There is a settled friendship, nay, a near relation and similitude, between God and good men." (Rule.) In the great science of society, it must be confessed that we have much to learn. (Remark e.) They know not what they say who cry out, "Let us build tabernacles of rest." (Rule.) Thou knowest that virtue can never be despoiled of its deathless crown. (Remark c.) It may be laid down as an unfailing and universal axiom that "all pride is abject and mean." (Rule.) We know it is wrong. -I tell you that I have not your book. He said she bought it. (Remark c.) The true ennoblement of our nature consists in the feeling that our existence stretches beyond the bounds of this globe. (Rule.) It is well known what strange work there has been in the world, under the name and pretence of reformation. (Remark g.) Thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say "How hath the oppressor ceased!" (Rule.) In the din and bustle of business, it may be the voice of conscience and duty speaks unheard. (Remark f.) I say unto all Watch. It is a true saying that we are never too old to be taught. (Rule.) Coleridge said he had the habit of seeking for the "good and beautiful" in all his eyes beheld. (Remark c.) There is no foundation for the popular doctrine that a state may flourish by arts and crimes. (Rule.) Some dream that they can silence, when they will, (Rem. c, and Rule.) The storm of passion, and say "Peace, be still.” It has long been a subject of inquiry whether there existed in nature a universal language. (Rule.) Keep it in view that the great object of study is to fit the mind to be an instrument of usefulness in life. (Rule.) It is not enough that we have great qualities: we must also have the management of them. (Remark c.) A celebrated modern writer says "Take care of the minutes, and the hours will take care of themselves." (Rule.) We affirm that, without some portion of enthusiasm, no person ever became a true poet or painter. (Remark d, second sentence.) It was said of Socrates that he brought philosophy down from heaven to dwell among men. (Rule.) I may say that, of all the men we meet with, nine parts of ten are what they are, good or evil, useful or not, by their education. (Remark d, second sentence.) Tell me when was it that you felt yourself most strongly inclined to go astray? Tell me when it was that you felt yourself most strongly inclined to go astray. (Rule, and Remark g.) It is one among the pious and valuable maxims which are ascribed to Francis de Sales "A judicious silence is always better than truth spoken without, charity." (Rule.) In delineating the character of Dr. Bowditch, it deserves to be mentioned that he was eminently a self-taught and self-made man. (Remark e.) Let me ask you are your resolutions as firm as when you first set out in the spiritual life? - Let me ask you if your resolutions are as firm, &c. (Rule, and Remark g.) The poet Gray, one of the most intellectual and fastidious of men, says "Happy they who can create a rose-tree, or erect a honeysuckle!" (Rule.) Thou knowest that principle, grounded in the eternal laws of mind and emanating from the unchangeable essence of God, cannot perish. (Rule, and first of Remark d.) RULE XIX. Numeral Figures and Words. With the exception of dates, figures consisting of four or more characters are pointed with a comma before every three from the end, or between each class of hundreds. EXAMPLE. The population of China in 1743, according to the French missionaries, was 150,029,855; in 1825, according to Dr. Morrison, 352,866,002. REMARK S. a. Properly speaking, the comma, as here used, is neither a grammatical nor a rhetorical point; but, for the easy understanding of the value of sums, it is exceedingly useful. The rule is inserted in this place, merely because a more appropriate situation could not be found for it in the book. b. When put in words, numbers are usually left unpointed; as, to take the first calculation in the example, "The population of China in 1743 was fifteen millions twenty-nine thousand eight hundred and fifty-five." c. When round numbers are used, and no comparison is made between one sum and another, words are preferable to figures; as, "According to Balbi, the entire population of Africa is thirty-nine millions." EXERCISE TO BE WRITTEN. Punctuate the figures, except those expressive of dates : The sun is 883210 miles in diameter, about 2774692 miles in circumference, and distant from the earth about 95000000 of miles. The Rocky Mountains rise 12500 feet above the level of the ocean; the Andes, 21440 feet. On April 17, 1790, Dr. Franklin died at Philadelphia, aged eightyfour, and bequeathed $4444 to the people of Boston, for the benefit of young married artificers. Population of the city of New York in 1790 was 33131; in 1800, 60489; in 1810, 96373; in 1820, 123706; in 1830, 202589; in 1840, 312710; in 1850, 515507. 113 SECT. II. THE SEMICOLON. The SEMICOLON [; ] is used to separate such parts of a sentence as are somewhat less closely connected than those separated by a comma. RULE I. A Sentence consisting of Two Conjoined Clauses. - When two clauses are united by either of the conjunctions for, but, and, or an equivalent word, the one clause perfect in itself, and the other added as a matter of inference, contrast, or explanation, they are separated by a semicolon. EXAMPLES. 1. Economy is no disgrace; for it is better to live on a little than to outlive a great deal. 2. Genius breaks from the fetters of criticism; but its wanderings are sanctioned by its majesty and wisdom. 3. Modesty is one of the chief ornaments of youth; and it has ever been esteemed a presage of rising merit. REMARKS. a. When a conjunction unites two clauses incapable of being subdivided by a comma, in the last of which the nominative is understood, the insertion of a comma between the clauses is preferable to that of the semicolon. Thus, were the nominative "it," in the third example, omitted, the sentence would be punctuated as follows: "Modesty is one of the chief ornaments of youth, and has ever been esteemed a presage of rising merit.". - See page 98. b. When a sentence consists of three or more clauses, united by a conjunction, none of which are susceptible of division, a semicolon should be put between those which are least connected in sense, and a comma only between the others; as, "The woods may disappear, but the spirit of them will never now; for it has been felt by a poet, and we can feel for ever what he felt." ORAL EXERCISE. Repeat the preceding Definition and Rule, and say why semicolons are inserted in the following sentences: All cannot be great; and nobody may reasonably expect all the world to be engaged with lauding his merits. Idleness is the parent of every vice; but well-directed activity is the source of every laudable pursuit and worldly attainment. Examinations are formidable even to the best prepared; for the greatest fool may ask more than the wisest man can answer. An entire retreat from worldly affairs is not what religion requires; nor does it even enjoin a long retreat from them. Religion must be the spirit of every hour; but it cannot be the meditation of every hour. A clownish air is but a small defect; yet it is enough to make a man disagreeable. We have carved a cross upon our altars; but the smoke of our sacrifice goes up to Thor and Odin still. Reasoning implies doubt and uncertainty; and therefore God does not reason. Endless existence is a great truth; but an immortality of pure affections and holy employments is far greater. Men must have recreation; and literature and art furnish that which is most pure, innocent, and refining. Do not think yourself perfect; for imperfection is natural to humanity. Pope had perhaps the judgment of Dryden; but Dryden certainly wanted the diligence of Pope. Life is felt to be a great and gracious boon by all who enjoy its light; and this is not too much felt. Never value yourself upon your fortune; for this is the sign of a weak mind. Virtue is a real honor; whereas all other distinctions are merely titular. Distracted and surprised with deep dismay At these sad tidings; but no time was then |