fimplicity and facility of it, that occafions this neglect. Were the Language less easy and fimple, we fhould find ourfelves under a, neceffity of ftudying it with more care and attention. But as it is, we take it for granted, that we have a competent knowledge and skill, and are able to acquit ourselves properly, in our own native tongue : a faculty, folely acquired by ufe, conducted by habit, and tried by the ear, carries us on without reflexion; we meet with no rubs or difficulties in our way, or we do not perceive them; we find ourselves able to go on without rules, and we do not fo much as fufpect, that we ftand in need of them.

A Grammatical Study of our own Language makes no part of the ordinary method of inftruction, which we pafs through in our childhood; and it is very feldom that we apply ourselves to it afterward. Yet the want of it will not be effectually fupplied by any other advantages whatfoever, Much practice

in the polite world, and a general acquaintance with the beft authors, are good helps; but alone will hardly be fufficient: we have writers, who have enjoyed these advantages in their full extent, and yet cannot be recommended as models of an accurate ftyle. Much less then will what is commonly called Learning ferve the purpose; that is, a critical knowledge of antient Languages, and much reading of antient authors: the greateft Critic and moft able Grammarian of the laft age, when he came to apply his Learning and his Criticism to an English Author, was frequently at a loss in matters of ordinary use and common conftruction in his own VERNACULAR IDIOM,

But perhaps the Notes fubjoined to the following pages will furnifh a more convincing argument, than any thing that can be faid here, both of the truth of the charge of Inaccuracy brought against our Language, fubfifts in Practice; and of the neceffity of

as it

investigating the Principles of it, and studying it Grammatically, if we would attain to a due degree of skill in it. It is with reafon expected of every person of a liberal education, and it is indifpenfably required of every one who undertakes to inform or entertain the public, that he should be able to express himself with propriety and accuracy. It will evidently appear from these Notes, that our beft authors have committed grofs mistakes, for want of a due knowledge of English Grammar, or at leaft of a proper attention to the rules of it. The examples there given are fuch as occurred in reading, without any very curious or me thodical examination: and they might easily have been much increased in number by any one, who had leisure or phlegm enough to go through a regular courfe of reading with this par ticular view. However, I believe, they may be fufficient to answer the purpose intended; to

vince the neceffity of the Study of Grammar in

our own Language; and to admonifh thofe, who fet up for authors among us, that they would do well to consider this part of Learning as an object not altogether beneath their regard.

The principal defign of a Grammar of any Language is to teach us to exprefs ourselves with propriety in that Language; and to enable us to judge of every phrase and form of conftruction, whether it be right or not. The plain way of doing this is, to lay down rules, and to illustrate them by examples. But, be fide fhewing what is right, the matter may be further explained by pointing out what is wrong. I will not take upon me to fay, whe ther we have any Grammar, that fufficiently inftructs us by rule and example; but I am fure we have none, that, in the manner here attempted, teaches us what is right by fhewing what is wrong; though this perhaps may prove the more useful and effectual method of inftruction.

Befide this principal Defign of Grammar in our own Language, there is a fecondary ufe to which it may be applied, and which, I think, is not attended to as it deferves; the facilitating of the acquifition of other Langua ges, whether antient or modern. A good founda tion in the General Principles of Grammar is in the first place neceffary for all thofe, who are initiated in a learned education; and for all others likewife, who fhall have occafion to furnifh themselves with the knowledge of modern Languages. Univerfal Grammar cannot be taught abftractedly: it must be done with reference to some Language already known ; in which the terms are to be explained, and the rules exemplified. The learner is fuppofed to be unacquainted with all, bat his native tongue; and in what other, confistently with reafon and common fense, can you go about to explain it to him? when he has a competent. knowledge of the main principles of Grammar