Murray, and the facts deduced by subsequent grammarians, should, at the same time, enlarge the boundaries of grammatical science, and present a lucid exposition of the nature and principles of correct modern diction. This object I have endeavoured to accomplish; nor is this all: I have endeavoured to direct the young pupil's attention to those principles of beauty or energy of expression, and those modes of thought and reasoning which characterize the works of the great masters of composition.

The following work is divided into five parts; namely, Grammar, Style, Rhetoric, Poetry, and Preparatory Logic; to which is subjoined, Advice to the Student on the Improvement of the Understanding.

By Grammar, the student is made acquainted with the proper terminations and inflections of words, their concord, and relative dependence upon one another in a sentence. Under Orthography, the Rules that are given are sufficient, it is presumed, for every useful purpose. The nature and sounds of the letters, the division of words into syllables, are briefly but clearly explained. Under Etymology, the nature and properties of the different parts of speech are fully and clearly exhibited. A few terms usually applied to the tenses have been discarded, and others, designating their real signification, have been employed in their stead. The verbs have been conjugated in their simple, progressive, and emphatic forms, as it is essential that each should be known. Upon the origin and primary signification of words, much attention has been bestowed. Under Syntax, the Rules have been arranged according to the order of the parts of speech, as this mode appeared the most consistent, and best calculated to assist the memory in the acquisition and retention of the various facts. It is hoped too, that, in this part, considerable light has been thrown upon many things that have

hitherto been obscure and perplexing. In Punctuation, every thing really useful has been incorporated. Under Prosody, in addition to the information usually given on the subject, the nature and extent of poetical license are fully elucidated.

It has been my endeavour, both in this and in the subsequent parts of the work, to insert no Rule which is not sanctioned by the most reputable usage; and, on points on which preceding grammarians are at variance, to deduce such conclusions as legitimate reasoning alone appeared to warrant. In the construction of the different Rules and Definitions, care has been taken to render them as exact and comprehensive, and, at the same time, as concise and perspicuous as the nature of the subject would admit.

In order that the definitions might be the more clearly understood by the pupil, observations, tending to illustrate or confirm them, are subjoined, as occasion appeared to require. These observations are not thrown to the bottom of the page, but inserted immediately under the Rule which. they are intended to illustrate, as, by this means, the connection between the two is preserved, and the subject rendered more easy of apprehension.

As our sentences may be constructed in strict accordance with the Rules of Grammar, and yet be deficient in perspicuity, precision, or energy, the student is next directed to the sections on Style. By an attentive study of this part, he will become acquainted with the constituents of excellence, and will thus be enabled to avoid copying defects, as well as beauties, which may occur in an admired author. But even if he should never attempt composition himself, he will be capable of appreciating the merits of others.

Style is properly succeeded by Rhetoric, or that science which investigates the principles of argumentative and per

suasive composition.

In this part, I have furnished the student with the plainest and most practical directions which I could devise.

With respect to Poetry, I have been solicitous to give a correct explanation of its nature, language, intention, origin, progress, and the different kinds into which it is divided. I have, also, pointed out the advantages resulting from the judicious study of this subject.

The student is next furnished with an explanation of the nature of Logic, and of its principal Terms and Rules, by which he may be prepared, at a subsequent period, to enter with advantage upon the regular study of this branch of education.

The work is brought to a close, with "Advice to the Student on the Improvement of the Understanding;" in which are pointed out those mental habits which are necessary for the attainment, retention, and ready application of knowledge. A slight examination will convince the candid reader of the propriety and utility of inserting this article.

In conclusion, I take leave to state, that though I have laboured that the work should contain no false principles, no errors which it will afterwards be necessary to correct; though I have endeavoured to form the different Rules and explanations such, that the student may at all times appeal to them with safety; yet, amidst such a variety of particulars, each requiring deliberate examination, it would be presumption to suppose that I have, in every instance, been successful. I shall, therefore, consider it my duty to attend to the suggestions of liberal criticism, in order that the work may become a faithful and lucid exposition of the subjects of which it professes to treat.

Leeds, January, 1835.

ADVERTISEMENT TO THE THIRD EDITION.

THE present Edition has undergone a most rigid and careful revision. The plan has been, in some measure, extended; the arrangement of the different parts has been rendered more compact and lucid and many portions have been entirely rewritten. Much important matter, and several additional Rules and illustrations, have been incorporated; while every thing that appeared of very minor importance, has been excluded. The Definitions and Rules are expressed with greater simplicity and brevity than in the preceding edition. In a word, I have diligently laboured to render the work a standard on the subject of which it professes to treat; and I am not aware of a single peculiarity of idiom in the English language, which is not explained in this Grammar.

It is only proper to state, that no subsequent alterations, of any moment, are contemplated. Typographical errors will, of course, be corrected; ambiguities of expression, should any be found to exist, will be removed; new facts may be incorporated, and additional illustrations inserted whenever necessary; but the general features of the work,—the Arrangement, the Principles, the Rules, and General Illustrations, will remain the same as in the present edition.

For upwards of thirteen years, the leisure hours, which a due attention to the proper discharge of the duties of an arduous and honourable profession would allow, have been devoted to the subject which I have attempted to discuss. Treatise after treatise on the same subject has issued from the press, but the perusal of these, I can honestly assert, has only stimulated me to the completion of my own; and the result of my labours is again submitted to the patronage of a discerning public.

Leeds, 1840.

ADVERTISEMENT TO THE FOURTH EDITION.

THE work has again undergone a careful revision throughout; some additional illustrations have been inserted in their appropriate places; and a portion of Rhetoric has been re-arranged, that the connection between the respective subjects might be rendered the more evident.

The numerous letters of commendation which have been received from the Principals of Collegiate and other Schools; the connection now formed with Messrs. Longman, Brown, and Co., and the rapidly increasing sale; warrant the expectation that, ere long, the work will be adopted in all the leading seminaries of the Empire.

Leeds, Feb. 1846.