2. Examples of improper use.

1. This paper gentlemen insists upon the necessity of emancipating the Catholics of Ireland, and that is charged as part of the libel.

2. In their day and generation they served and honored the country and the whole country, and their renown is the treasure of the whole country.

3. Such is the simile of a hero to a lion, of a person in sorrow to a flower drooping its head, of a violent passion to a tempest, of chastity to snow, of virtue to the sun and stars, and many others of the same kind.

4. It was the spirit of liberty which still abides on the earth and whose home is in the bosoms of the brave, which but yesterday in beautiful France restored their charter, which even now burns brightly on the towers of Belgium and has rescued Poland from the tyrant's grasp, making their sons and their daughters the wonder and the admiration of the world, the pride and glory of

the human race!

In not one of these examples, (which are none of my own making, but all of them drawn from books,) does the comma separate parts making imperfect sense. In the first and second, the parts ending with Ireland and country, are complete propositions, which are followed by nothing to augment, or diminish, or qualify their meaning in any particular; and the succeeding parts are similar propositions: connected indeed, with the preceding, but nevertheless complete; and were it not for this slight connection, they would be clearly not less independent, than they are essentially different, propositions.

Again, in the third, the part ending with lion, is a complete proposition, unqualified by any thing in the succeeding parts: the author's idea is complete. The comma is, therefore, manifestly not the pause which, according to the rule, should be placed at the end of it. But if this makes perfect sense, so, for the same reason, does the next; and the next; until we reach the end; each of them in succession rejecting the comma, and calling for some other pause. It is true that a portion of the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth part, must be supplied from the first part; but there is no common regimen: it is simply a case of abbreviation in view of the fact, that all the parts have the same subject. When the subjects are different, as examples 1 and 2 above, they are necessarily expressed as in 2, or represented by the pronouns, as in 1. When even they are the same, they are not seldom, as in the following example, repeated:

"Such was the man: such was the occasion: such was the event." Example fourth, it will be observed, contains a double series of members: the first ending with grasp, and the second with race. Each of these series has a construction precisely like example 3d; and each should, therefore, be punctuated in the same manner, so far as any thing yet appears to the contrary: at least they àlike exclude

the comma.

As perfect sense is made at grasp, the comma is not the pause which should be inserted there; but as the punctuation before a participle in such a position as that of the word making, deserves a more extended consideration than I can give it here, and may receive it more advantageously on a succeeding page, I shall at present content myself with what I have already said.

CASES IN WHICH THE COMMA IS NOT INSERTED WHERE A PAUSE MAY BE MADE.

The comma being mainly designed to subserve perspicuity, it might be expected, that, where the sense is in no danger of being obscured by its suppression, though a pause may be made at the

place, and often is indispensable, it would be omitted. Such is the case; and with a view to emphasis, (hereafter to be discussed, and with which punctuation is closely connected,) as well as the importance of knowing all the positions of the pauses, to one who wishes to speak correctly, I will notice a few instances of this.

1. When the subject of a sentence stands at the beginning, is not one of the pronouns, and has either nothing between it and the verb, or merely a single word, as in example 3d, or a short insepa rable adjunct, as in example 4th, the comma is not inserted, though a pause must frequently be made: e. g.

1. "Industry is the guardian of innocence." 2. "Necessity is the mother of invention." 3. "Virtue therefore is its own reward." 4. "The tender mercies of the wicked are cruel."

It should be observed here, however, that the pause is necessary after the subject, only, when it is under emphasis: a fact which has hitherto escaped the attention of writers on elocution. Place the emphasis on the verb or any succeeding word, and the pause disappears. This is the reason that the pronouns, though the subject of the sen tence, and placed at the beginning, like "it," at the beginning of this note, are not followed by a pause, except when a special effort is made to render them emphatic.

2. When a part (of a sentence) making imperfect sense, is short, and is followed by another part beginning with a relative pronoun, restraining the meaning of its antecedent, the comma is always omitted, though a pause may be made: e. g. "Self-denial is the sacrifice which virtue must make." "A man who is of a detracting spirit, will misconstrue the most innocent words that can be put together."

3. Before and after such words as then, therefore, thus, hence, &c., the comma is suppressed for the most part, though a pause may be necessary: e. g.

66

66

"Let us

"But

Wherefore I was grieved with that generation." therefore come boldly unto a throne of grace." Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness."

4. The comma is frequently omitted, though a pause must be made, between the parts of a sentence transposed, or having the natural order reversed: e. g.

"In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul." "In the morning it flourisheth: in the evening it is cut down."

A pause is necessary in these sentences after me, morning and evening.

5. A pause may be made between parts which may be transposed without injury to the sense, although they are not transposed; and although the comma is seldom, I believe, inserted in such circumstances. Thus transposition removed from one of the sentences above, it would read as follows: "It flourisheth in the

morning it is cut down in the evening;" and a pause may be made with propriety before in, in each member of the sentence.

It will be seen, hereafter, that the effect of emphasis is precisely the same, at such a point in the sentence, as at any at which the admission of the comma is not disputed. In this view, the fact is one which it is important to remember.

II THE SEMICOLON.

The semicolon properly separates the parts of a sentence making perfect sense; or distinct though related propositions, connected by conjunctions, adverbs, or relative pronouns, expressed. It is relatively twice the length of the comma: under the influence of passion, it has no determinate time.

NOTE 1. The first part is always complete in its construction, except in poetry, which enjoys a license in this respect as in many others, and in broken prose of the passions, which often leaves the imagination to supply what is left unsaid: the second part, and every succeeding part, are also often complete in their construction; but almost as often, if not quite, they must be completed by supplying a portion understood from the first part.

It should be observed, that these principal parts or divisions of a sentence may have subparts of the same nature.

NOTE 2. The sense is known to be perfect when, a period being inserted at a given point, what succeeds makes sense; or forms a distinct proposition.

NOTE 3. The rule above given for the insertion of the semicolon differs in terms only from that given in the earlier edition of this work. As the student may desire to compare them, and as a comparison may give him some additional light, I subjoin the old rule in the margin.*

1. Examples of the proper use of the Semicolon.

1. I would have your papers consist also of all things which may be necessary or useful to any part of society; and the mechanic arts should have their place as well as the liberal.

2. He has annexed a secret pleasure to any thing that is new or uncommon, that he might encourage us in the pursuit after knowledge, and engage us to search into the wonders of creation; for every new idea brings such a pleasure along with it, as rewards any pains we have taken in the acquisition, and consequently serves as a motive to put us on fresh discoveries.

3. The person he chanced to see, was, to appearance, an old, sordid, blind man; but upon his following him from place to place, he at last found, by his own confession, that he was Plutus, the

* The semicolon properly separates the parts of a sentence making perfect sense, and connected, not as members of the same regimen," or of the same proposition, but of a different regimen, and of distinct though related propositions, by conjunctions, adverbs, or relative pronouns, expressed. It is relatively twice the length of the comma: under the influence of passion, it has no determinate time.

a By common regimen, I mean the common dependence (for instance) of verbs, in different members of the sentence, but in the same mood and tense, and connected by conjunctions expressed or understood, on the same subject or nominative case: e. g. "But he held his peace, and answered nothing.

The difference between this construction and that of the following sentence, in which there is no common regimen, but distinct propositions are given, is obvious. "And it was the third hour; and they crucified him." "I would have your papers consist also of all things which may be necessary or useful to society." Which, in this sentence, connects members of a different regimen but of the same proposition. Or connects members of the same regimen and proposition.

"I would have your papers consist also of all things which may be necessary or useful to society; and the mechanic arts should have their place as well as the liberal." And here connects members of a different regimen and of distinct though related propositions.

god of riches; and that he was just come out of the house of a miser.

4. All superiority and pre-eminence that one man can have over another, may be reduced to the notion of quality; which, considered at large, is either that of fortune, body, or mind.

5. The mode of reasoning more generally used, and most suited to the train of popular speaking, is what is called the synthetic; when the point to be proved is fairly laid down, and one argument after another is made to bear upon it, till the hearers be fully convinced.

6. By-and-by, Clodius met him on the road, on horseback, like a man prepared for action; whilst Milo is travelling in a carriage with his wife, wrapped up in his cloak, embarrassed, with baggage, and attended by a great train of women, servants and boys.

7. Consider whether it can be illustrated to advantage by pointing out examples, or appealing to the feelings of the hearers; that thus, a definite, precise, circumstantial view may be afforded of the doctrine to be inculcated.

8. But besides this consideration, there is another of still higher importance; though I am not sure of its being attended to as much as it deserves; namely, that from the fountain of real and genuine virtue are drawn those sentiments which will ever be the most powerful in affecting the hearts of others.

9. I must therefore desire the reader to remember, that by the. pleasures of the imagination, I meant only such pleasures as arise originally from sight; and that I divide these pleasures into two kinds.

10. Let it be the study of public speakers, in addressing any popular assembly, to be previously masters of the business on which they are to speak; to be well provided with matter and argument; and to rest upon these the chief stress.

11. Knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient; for the ungodly and for sinners; for unholy and profane; for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers; for manslayers; for whoremongers; for them that defile themselves with mankind; for men-stealers; for liars; for perjured persons; and* if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine [for that.]

12. And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance: and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity.

• If the connective is expressed before the last part of a series, it is sufficient for the rule.

2. Examples of improper use.

1. When an author is always calling on us to enter into transports which he has done nothing to inspire; we are both disgusted and enraged at him.

2. Vexed at the arbitrary proceedings of the Assembly; willing to escape from a town where good people pointed with horror at his freedom; indignant also at the tyranny of his brother, who, passionate as a master, often beat his apprentice; Benjamin Franklin, then but seventeen years old, sailed clandestinely for

New York.

3. The soil of a Republic sprouts with the rankest fertility; it has been sown with dragon's teeth. To lessen the hopes of usurping demagogues, we must enlighten, animate and combine the spirits of freemen; we must fortify and guard the constitutional ramparts about liberty.

4. I put these together, both because they fall nearly under the same rules, and because they commonly answer the same purpose; serving to illustrate the cause or the subject of which the orator treats before he proceeds to argue either on one side or the other.

5. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.

6. History, as it has been written, is the genealogy of princes; the field-book of conquerors.

The parts separated by the semicolon in No. 1 and 2, make imperfect sense; and hence they should be separated by the comma. No. 2, however, may be punctuated as it is by the first law of Deviation. (See laws of Deviation a few pages forward.)

The parts in No. 3 make perfect sense, but the connective is suppressed. Accordingly, they cannot be separated by the semicolon under the rule.

The parts in No. 4 and 5, also make perfect sense, but in both the connective is suppressed, as in the preceding No. 3: consequently, the semicolon is incorrect punctuation. In No. 5, the punctuation is inconsistent; for while it has a semicolon before teaching, it has only a comma before baptizing; and yet the circumstances are precisely the same.

Why neither the comma nor semicolon is admissible before the participles in this position, will be fully explained under the next pause.

In No. 6, the connective is not expressed. The semicolon is therefore improperly used.

III. THE COLON.

The colon properly separates the parts of a sentence, making perfect sense; or distinct though related propositions, connected by conjunctions, adverbs, or relative pronouns understood. (See Semicolon, Notes.)

In the suppression of the connectives or copulatives, lies the only rational and even imaginable distinction between the colon and semicolon. By this suppression alone, is the connection between the parts of a sentence in which either of them may be employed,