1st, A period or compact sentence, is an assemblage of such words or members, as do not form sense independent of each other; or, if they do, the former modify the latter, or inversely.-This sentence must be read with the rising inflexion, accompanied with the longest pause where the sense begins to form.

Examples.

To be ever active in laudable pursuits, is the distinguished characteristic of a man of merit.

Ambition is the first and great cause of those troubles, that tear and destroy the peace of the world.

The difference between a languid and vigorous exertion of our fac'ulties, forms the chief point of distinction between genius and dullness.

Where men of judgement creep and feel their way,
The positive pronounce without delay.

Love, hope, and joy, fair pleasure's smiling train,
Hate, fear, and grief, the family of pain';
These mix'd with art, and to due bounds confin'd,
Make and maintain the balance of the mind.

2d, When compact sentences have their principal constructive parts connected with corresponding conjunctions, the rising inflexion and the longest pause are required at the end of the first constructive member, whether the corresponding conjunction be expressed or understood.

Examples.

Both conjunctions expressed.

As we must remember, that the riches, grandéúr, and reputation of the world, are not the greatest happiness we have to hope for; so earthly poverty,

obscurity, and meanness, are not the greatest evils we have to fear.

As you are not to fancy yourself a learned man, because you are blessed with a ready wit; so neither must you imagine, that large and laborious reading, and strong memory, can denominate you truly

wise.

Though the pure consciousness of worthy actions, abstracted from the views of popular applause be, to a generous mind, an ample reward; yet, the desire of distinction was undoubtedly implanted in our nature, as an additional incentive to exert ourselves in virtuous excellence.

Without the corresponding conjunction.

If men of eminence are exposed to censure on the óne hand, they are as much liable to flattery on the other.

Would a vain man consult his own heart, he would find, that if others knew his weakness as he himself does, he would not have the imprudence to expect the public esteem.

As words which are opposed to one another are always emphatic, and as emphasis controls all infléxion, it causes exceptions to almost all the general rules.

If we have no regard for religion in yoùth, we ought to have some for it in agé.

If we have no regard for our own' character, we ought to have some regard for the character of oth

ers.

3d, When the first part of a sentence forms perfect sense, but is modified, or determined in its meaning by the latter, it is called an inverted period.-This sentence is to be read with the rising inflexion, accompanied with the longest pause, at the clause immediately preceding the modifying member.

Examples.

Persons of good taste expect to be pleas'ed, at the same time they are informed.

Man, in his highest earthly glory, is but a reed floating on the stream of time, and forced to follow every new direction of the current.

A temperate spirit, and moderate expectations, are the best safe-guard of the mind, in this uncertain and changeful state.

4th, A sentence forming perfect sense, with an additional member, which does not affect what has gone before, is a loose period. This sentence is to be read with the falling inflexion at the completion of the sense: i. e. immediately preceding the loose member.

Examples.

Moderate and simple pleasures relish high with the tem'perate in the midst of his studied refinements, the voluptuary languishes.

The happiness of every man depends more upon the state of his own mind, than upon any one external circumstance: nay, more than upon all external things put together.

That gentleness which is the characteristic of a good man, has, like every other virtue, its seat in the

heart; and, let me add, nothing except what flows from the heart, can render even external manners truly pleasing.

5th, When a sentence is constructed in such a manner, as to have words or clauses corresponding to one another, so as to form an antithesis; the opposite parts must always have opposite inflexions.

Examples.

We take less pains to be happy, than to appear so.

We judge of men, not from the mer'it which distinguishes thém, but from the in'terest which governs ùs.

As it is the characteristic of great wits, to say much in few words, so small wits, seem to have the gift of speaking much and saying little.

6th, The last member but one of a sentence, called the penultimate, except when affected by emphasis, must have the rising inflexion.

Examples.

He who pretends to great sensibility towards men, and yet has no feelings for the high objects of religion, no heart to admire and adore the great Father of the univers'e, has reason to distrust the truth and delicacy of his sensibility.

If they do not acquiesce in his judgement, which, I think, never happened above once or twice at most, they appeal to me.

7th, Interrogative sentences are of two kinds, definite and indefinite. When the question is formed without an interrogative word, it is called definite.This question must be read with the rising inflexion.

Examples.

Would it not employ a beau prettily enough, if instead of playing eternally with his snuff-box, he spent some part of his time in máking one?

Is it not wonderful, that the love of the parent among brute animals should be so violent while it lasts, and that it should last no longer than is necessary for the preservation of the young?

Suppose a youth to have no prospect either of sitting in parliament, of pleading at the bar, appearing upon the stage, or in the pulpit; does it follow, that he need bestow no pains in learning to speak properly his native lan'guage? Will he never have occasion to read in a company of his friends, a copy of verses, a passage of a book, or news' paper?

Was he not a great and distinguished orator, who confounded the Jews at Damas'cus? who made a prince, before whom he stood to be judged, confess, that he had almost persuaded him to become a convert to a religion every where spoken' against? who threw another into a fit of trembling, as he sat upon his judge'ment seat? who made a defence before the learned court of Areopagus, which gained him for a convert, a member of the court itself'? who struck a whole people with such admiration, that they took him for the god of elóquence? and who gained a place among Longinius' list of famous órators?

8th, When the question is made with an interrogative word, it is called indefinite, and must be read with