
 
 <r^#"': 
 
 
 
 ^f^-:v. 
 
 
 A 
 A 
 
 u = 
 
 r 
 
 = 
 
 ^= 33 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 =: 33 
 
 
 
 ' 3 m 
 
 CI 
 
 5 m 
 
 — n 
 
 4 = 
 
 ^^ CD 
 
 
 ^^ 33 
 
 1 
 
 = 3> 
 ^= 33 
 
 m 
 
 
 3 1 
 
 == ^ 
 
 
 
 6 = 

 
 ^ 
 
 'V 
 
 \ 
 
 V 
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 THE 
 
 CALCULATED TO SUCCEED THE 
 
 E NGLISH, AND OTHER SPELLING-BOOKS .• . 
 
 « OHTAlNIIf G 
 
 A SELECTION 
 
 OF THK PRINCIPAL PART OF THE WORDS IN COMMON US«, 
 DIVIDED, ACCENTED, DEFINED, 
 
 AND THEIR PRONUNCIATION ACCURATZLT POINTED OO^T. 
 
 Adapted to the Orthography and Pronunciation of Walker. 
 
 INTERSPERSED 
 
 WITH INSTRUCTIVE AND ENTERTAINING , 
 
 TO WHICH 
 
 IS ADDED A COMPREHENSIVE A^BRIDGMENT OF 
 
 SNGKISH GRABIMAIl, 
 
 BY RENSSELAER BENTLEY, 
 
 Author of the English Spelling Book. 
 
 -«»•#•♦«•• 
 
 ' With boys, those things which tend most to nourish the gpnius, aod 
 to enlarge the mind, are proper to be read." Qcintilliait. 
 
 Stereotyped by A. W. Kinsley, Albany.
 
 ^''^X/^%V{rfS:S'.'^^l., that .n the eighth day of October 
 .^SfSSm^ A. D. 1824, in the forty-ninth year of the Independence 
 ■^SiwMK. of the United States of America, Rensselaer Bentlbt 
 ^KAS^ of the said District, hath deposited in this office the title 
 • q^ggg of a book the right whereof he claims as author and pro- 
 07RW'' prietor in the words following, to wit •. ^ ^ ^. , 
 "The American Instrueter; calculated to succeed the Enghsh and 
 other Spelling-books ; containing a selection of the prmcii>al part of 
 the words in lommon use, divided, accented, defined and their pronun- 
 ciation accurately pointed out. Adapted to the orthography and pro- 
 nundatron of wllker. Interspersed with instructive and entertaining 
 ReSg Lessons : to which is added a comprehensive abridgment of 
 Endish Grammar. By Rensselaer Bentley, author of the English 
 SpeTling-Book. " Wit^ boys those things which tend most to nourish 
 Ihe genius, and to enlarge the mmd, are proper to be read. Quin- 
 
 ""'in'conformity to the act of Congress of the United States, entitled 
 " An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of 
 Maos Charts and Books" to the authors and proprietors of such copies, 
 dur&Vhc Se therein mentioned." And also to an act, entitled "An 
 act suVplementary to an act, entitled an act for the encouragement ol 
 LearnK by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the 
 author and proprietors of such copies, during the time therein men 
 tloned, and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, en 
 graving, and etching historical and other prints. ^^^^^ ^^^^ 
 
 Clerk of the Southern District of New- York- 
 — Qj®©— 
 
 To all persons to whom these presents shall come, GREEtiNc : 
 
 [ CEKTIFY that Rensselaek Bentley has, this third day of . Ja- 
 
 nuarv in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twen- 
 
 ?v-fiv^e' and oi- Independence the forty-ninth, deposited in the Office ot 
 
 he Department of ^tate. a certain Book consistmg of 238 pages, en- 
 
 ' The American Instrueter; calculated to succeed the English and 
 tv,i Wlh.r-books; containing a selection of the principal part ol 
 Sewoi?Sin^rmon'°se divided, accented, defined, and their pro- 
 nundation accurately pointed out. Adapted to the orthography and 
 nunciation accuicii V iJ in,c,.snersed with instructive and enter- 
 
 FaTninrRead W'UIsoL'Vto whicl^is added a comprehensive abridg- 
 ^LTff En^ Isli Grammar. By Rensselaer Bekt.ev, author of the 
 Ssh SpeSg-Boo" '• Wit^ hoys, those things which »end most to 
 nourish the genius, and to enlarge the m.nd, are proper to be read. 
 
 JrtI" 29th of April IBO2. 
 
 GIVEN under mv hand, as the Scrretarv of the depart- 
 ment of State of the United State*, w.tl. the Sen ot the 
 «, Tau" Department affixed, at the Oty of Washmgton, the 
 
 m '-y ^^y^^' ^"^^^'''^'^ J0IS•QU1^-CY ADAMS.
 
 SECOXaniENDATXONS. 
 
 •» " »#< >"   
 
 Tht foilowing is from John Van Ness Yates, Secretary of State, and acting 
 Superintendent of Common Schools. 
 
 Albany, Nov. 10, 1824. 
 I have examined with attention a work presented to me by Mr. Rens- 
 selaer Bentley, entitled, " Xhe American Instrvicter" — The plan is well 
 calculated to impress upon the youthful learner, not only the mode oi 
 spelling Bind pt'onouncing words, but also the meaning of them — I con- 
 erSer the Author entitled to praise, and that the work deserves patroa- 
 are and support, and will be useful as a school-book, 
 age ^ IX vv , J y pj YATES . ;. 
 
 Thefollewingisfromthe Hon. De Witt Clinton. 
 
 After exEimining " The American Instructer" written by Rensselaer 
 Bcntley, I have no hesitation in stating that the plan of this work is ju« 
 4icious, and its execution able : and, as it comprises in a short com- 
 pass, a Reading- book, a Grammar, and a Dictionary of the words 
 commonly used m our language, I am of opinion that it is well calcu- 
 lated to promote the objects of ludimental education, and that its in* 
 jfrndnction into our common schools, would be attended with great; 
 Utility. DE WITT CLINTON 
 
 AiBANY, November 10, 1824. 
 
 The following is aaextract of a letter from Dr. Samtiel L. Mitchell. .. 
 
 New-York, 22d. March, IQ25. 
 
 I agree with the author entirely in the usefulness of a treatise which 
 enall succeed the spelling-book and precede the dictionary ; which 
 shall give the meaning as well as the pronunciation of the words ia 
 common use ; and which through a series of well selected lessons in 
 reading, shall introduce the learner to a knowledge of grammar. It 
 appears to me he has happily and judiciously executed his plan, and 
 that his performance is capable of affording substantial aid to the b«« 
 siaess of elementary instruction. 
 
 SAMUEL L. MITCHELL." 
 
 : The folliywing is from T. Romeyn Beck, Principal of Albany Academyi 
 
 I consider the plan of Mr. Bentley '.<; book as very excellent, and have 
 ao doubt that its introduction into common schools will prove useful.^ 
 Albany, Nov. 10, 1824. T. ROMEYN BECK- 
 
 The following is from Henry K. Strong, principal of Pittsfeld Academy, 
 
 Pittsfield, March 11, 1825. 
 
 After having examined Mr. Bentley's American Instructer presented 
 to me, I cannot hesitate to give my unqualified approbation to a work 
 so well calculated to succeed the spelling-book. Too long his the 
 memory of children been called into exercise, while the understandings 
 has been neglected, and thereby habits of inattention have been form- 
 ed as barriers to future improvement. The Instrncter is calculated 
 to obviate this by aiding the understanding as well as memory. I 
 ■haU therefore give it my recommendation. 
 
 HENRY K. STRONG. ^ 
 
 EDUCATrON
 
 If RECOMMENDATIONS. / 
 
 • T?ie following is from I. S. Spencer, Principal of Schenectady ^cadtmy. " 
 DsAR Sir, 
 
 I have examined the American Instructer, and I tliink it is the belt 
 work with which I am acquainted, to succeed the spelling books in 
 common use. The memory of children is often called into active, and 
 I may say, unnecessary exercise, while their understanding is neglect- 
 ed. " The Instructer" is well calculated to aid younjf persona not only 
 in learning to read, but what is more desirable, to understand. The 
 words in the spelling sections are selected with judgement, and defined 
 with admirable plainness and simplicity. I shall immediately recom- 
 mend this work to the young Masters in the English department of this 
 iastitution. Yours, &c. 
 
 / Schenectady Academy, Nov. 8, 1824. I. S. SPENCER. 
 
 The following is from Amasa I. Parker, Principal of Hudson Academy. 
 Sir — I have examined your American Instructer with ivhich you have 
 favoured me, and have no hesitation in recommending it to the pub- 
 lick as a most important elementary work— the Reading Lessons are 
 admirably selected, and the Spelling Sections V'^U arranged. It is a 
 work which has been long needed m our common schools, and will 
 doubtless meet with universal patronage. Yours, &c. 
 
 Hudson, Oct. 30, 1824. . AMASA 1. PARKER. 
 
 Q^he following it from Edwin Holmes, principal of Duchess Academy, 
 
 Poughkeepsie. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have examined with some attention the " American Instructer," 
 and think it well calculated for the use of schools. The spelling col- 
 umns are judiciously selected, and the words plainly defined. The 
 reading- lessons are full of useful information and virt'uous sentiment, 
 and will tend, at once, to enlighten the understanding and improve 
 the heart. The abridgment of grammar is brief but comprehensive. 
 Its language is peculiarly plain and simple. The plan of inserting fa- 
 miliar sentences, as exercises in parsing, between the several portions 
 ofgrammar, is a good one. Attention to these exercises will render 
 one part of the rules of Etymology familiar to the pupil, before he ad- 
 vances to another. The fact that, we havp in so cheap a book, a 
 grammar, a dictionary, a reading and spelling-book, is well worthy 
 of attention. It will, I doubt not, receive a large share of publick pat- 
 ronage. 
 
 EDWIN HOLMES. 
 
 Duchess Academy, Poughkeepsie, Nov. 29th, 1824. 
 
 The following is from Ambrose I,. Jordan, Esq. Recorder of the city of 
 
 Hudson. 
 
 Upon an examination'of the hook entitled " The .American Instruc- 
 ter by Mr. Rensselaer Bentley, I am fully persuaded \hat its general 
 iatroductiou into our common schools, would be of essential benefit as 
 » convenient vocabulary, teaching at once the pronunciation and mean- 
 ing of words in common use in our lani;uage ; as a condensed outline of' 
 the English Grammar ; and as a Reading Book containing specimens 
 of fine style, replete with moral sentiment ; it appears to me entitled 
 (0 the attention and patronage of Aiiiuricau Instructcrs. 
 
 i - V L. JORDAN. 
 
 Hudson Nor. 11. 1824.
 
 REC03IMENDATI0NS. - T 
 
 / The following- is from the Insveclors of Schools in the City of Hudson. 
 , ' HrosoN, OcT.28, 1824. : 
 
 The undersigned, Inspectors of Schools in the city. of Hudson, have 
 examined the American Listrttrler, published by R. Bentley, calculated 
 to succeed the English and other Spelling Books, and are unanimous- 
 ly of opinion that it is a valuable School Book. 
 
 The Reading Lessons have been selected wfth taste and judgement^ 
 from the best authors on almost every subject connected with the hap- 
 piness of man as an individual, a member of community, or a citieeu 
 •fa free and flourishing country. 
 
 In favour of the Spelling Sections too much cannot be said. This 
 part of the work contains a selection of words used in conversation and 
 writing with their definitions, adapted to ^Valker's ortliography anii 
 pronunciation, having the advantages of a Dictionary witii none of its 
 disadvantages, as all obscene words are omitted. 
 
 The Grammar is well calculated to facilitate the. progress of pupils 
 in that branch of education. 
 
 Thus we have an excellent Reading Book, Dictionary and Gram- 
 mar in one volume, for the trifling sum of fifiy cents. 
 
 The undersigned recommend the work to' Parents and instructers, 
 trusting that all who examine it attentively, will say withtiiem, that 
 Mr. BeBtley has conferred a favour on the publick, and that his exer 
 «ioQ8 are entitled to patronage. 
 
 t HIRAM TAP PI AG 
 1st. Ward. (J. I. rNDERHlLL, 
 
 ( AKCHiBALD DOAN. 
 f EDWARD C. THLHSTON 
 5d. Ward. ^.lOHN GAUL. 
 
 ^ MCHOLAS TEN BROECK, 
 
 The following is from the Troy Sentinel, eJUcd by O. L. Holley, Esq. 
 
 One of the best devised school books that we liavc lately seen, is the 
 " American Instructer." The idea of arranging liie rudiment, of the 
 teveral. branches of knowledge necessary to a correct and scientifick 
 understanding of the English Language," in one volume, and in their 
 natural order, is a good one. A manual formed on this plan must be 
 not only p: ticularly convenient to the teacher, but seems peculiar- 
 ly well calculated to facilit;itc to the pup-il the acquisition of liis rudi- 
 ments, because it enables him, by the mpre force of Juxtaposition, to 
 discern their mutual connexion more readily than if they were dispers-. 
 ed in diflerent volumes. 
 
 This principle of ju.^taposition is very simple, but it is very impor 
 tant ; aiid in (he business of education it has been too little regarded. 
 Mr. Bentley has availed himself of it judiciously . He has arranged 
 the different portions of his work in a discreet order ; the pupil ad 
 vances by ruittiral and easy degrees ; and being undor the necessity 
 of frequently referring from one part to anoiher, as he advances he 
 discovers the reciprocal dependence of those parts more and more 
 clearly, till the whole sy«temis distinctly revealed. 
 
 On the score of economy, too, "The American Instructer," deserves 
 consideration ; and for that reason, as well as for tiie sake of its in" 
 trinsick merits, we feel warranted in leconmiendLng it to use in 9ur 
 «ountrv schools. 
 
 The following is fiom Solomon SouUncick, editor of the National Dempcrat. 
 
 Mr. Bentley's American Instructer having been submitted to ray ex.- 
 amination, I do not hesitate to pronoimce it one of the most usef^^i 
 works of thp kind, and highlv deserving the pationage of all who are 
 either engaged or interested Tn the education of youth. •> 
 
 4lba'iy, Nov. 10, 1824. • S. SOUTpWICiC. ';
 
 VI RECOM.MlENDATIOiNS. 
 
 Tht following Recommendalions, are from gentlemen, wnose re^mtation at 
 jntblick Teachers in the cities of Albajty and Troy, is of the first standing. 
 
 Albany, Feb. 19, J825. 
 We who are engaged in the instruction of vouth in the city of Alba- 
 ny, having attentively examined the American lustructer, recently 
 published by Mr. Rensselaer Beniley, are fully convinced of the ju- 
 dicious selections, able xecuiion, and economical arrangement of the 
 work, and dohigltly recommend the introduction of it in our element- 
 ary iicbools, as it obviates the necessity of a cumbersome multiplicity 
 of books by combining in one volume, the spelling and defining of 
 words, instructive and practical reading exercises, with a comprehen- 
 five and explicit grammar of etymology and syntax. 
 
 JSAAC MOTT, J. R. KIRBY, 
 
 JO&EPH I'. MOTT, R. O. K. BENNET, 
 
 J, H. DURHAM, BENJiN. CAMPBELL, 
 
 STEPHEN MOULTON, JAMES M. COLLINS, 
 
 JAMES P POWERS, E. P. PHELPS, 
 
 P. k\ PHELPS, JOSHUA BROOKS, 
 
 ASAPH SYKES, , AinFN ^ Teacher in 
 
 J.ALDEN. I'^Zl 
 
 Troy, Feb. llth, 1826. 
 Mr. Bbmtlev, 
 Sir — We have carefully examined the copies of the " American 
 Instructer" lately left in our hands. and we, as tliose who are engajj-ed 
 in the business of instruction, are fully persuaded that it possesses 
 merits, highly recommending it as a most impoi tant elementary work. 
 We find that we can profitably use it as a reading book, a Dictionary, 
 and a Grammar book ; and by introducing it into our schools, our 
 ghelves will be unloaded of two-thirds of their burden, which is now 
 only cumbersome and expensive. We view it as replete with moral 
 and useful instruction, and every way calculated to promote the best 
 interests of the rising generation : as such we beiteve it strongly re- 
 commends itself to the publick, and hope it »»ll, in time, find its way 
 into all our common schools. 
 
 EDWARD WILSON, 
 Tfacher of the lAincasttrian School, Troy. 
 DAVID BROWN, 
 EBENR. NILES, 
 JAS. B. HOUGHTALING, 
 ALANSON BILLS, 
 JONAS WICKES, 
 JOSEPH G. ROGERS. 
 
 Tht following it from Thomas M- Brewer, Teacher of the Lancasterian 
 
 School, Poughkeepsie. 
 
 Poughkccpsie, Nov. 29, 1834." 
 I have examined with much interest and pleasure The American In- 
 itructcr. The plan of the book is a well conceived one, and the ex- 
 ecution is happy. The spellings with the defmitions are well arrang- 
 ed'- the definitions are concise and clear. The reading lessons arc 
 excellent; combining the purest moral and religious instructions, with 
 attractive entertainment. Of the grammatical part I can only say, 
 the plan is good, but the execution I have not had time to examine 
 The book I shall immediately adoDt into my school, as far as practica- 
 We. THOMAS M BRKWFii. -^
 
 SOME DIRECTIONS 
 FOR USING THE FOLLOWING WORK* 
 
 The pupil, in the first place, should be made acquainted 
 with the key to the pronunciation of the words in the spel- 
 ling sections ; likewise with the rules and observations for 
 assisting scholars to read with propriety. He should then 
 proceed in spelling or pronouncing the words, and reading 
 their definition, together with the reading sections, as they 
 are cu*ranged. 
 
 The Teacher should frequently exercise his pupils in giv- 
 ing the definition of words ; allowing them time to study the 
 lesson, after which he should put out the words, and they 
 should spell them and give their definition. By exercising 
 them in this manner, they will soon become acquainted with 
 the meaning of the principal part of the. words they are to 
 make use of through life. 
 
 After the pupil has sufficiently studied this part of the 
 work, it will be necessary for him to commence the study 
 of grammar, which next occurs. While pursuing the study 
 of grammar, this book will serve him instead of a dictionary, 
 to ascertain the different parts of speech, and the definition 
 of words ; as about all the words made use of in common 
 writing are inserted in it. Thus, the present work will 
 serve as a reading book, and a grammar, and instead of a 
 dictionary.
 
 The education of youth is the source from which every 
 community receives, in a great measure, its social organiza- 
 tion : it is the principal object which promotes the happi- 
 ness and prosperity of every nation : therefore, every attempt 
 to assist the rising generation in the acquisition of useful 
 knowledge, may be considered a laudable undertaking. — 
 How far I have succeeded in the attempt, remains for a ju- 
 dicious publick to determine. 
 
 Although there are many valuable school books already 
 in use, designed to initiate children into the first principles 
 of our language ; yet, from experience in teaching, I am sen- 
 sible of the great utility that would arise from our youth's 
 being early instructed in the definition of words, as well as 
 in their right pronunciation. Therefore, the design of the 
 present work is, to furnish schools with a book calculated to 
 succeed the Spelling Books ; composed of a selection of the 
 principal part of the words made use of in common conver- 
 sation and writing, with their pronunciation accurately 
 pointed out, the part of speech annexed, and the definition 
 given in plain, simple terms : interspersed with a variety of 
 appropriate reading lessons, adapted to the capacity of youth ; 
 to which is added an abridgment of English Grammar. 
 
 It is absolutely necessary^hat children should early be- 
 come acquainted with the definition of those words which 
 they are to make use of through life ; and as no means have 
 been devised for the attainmrit of this most necessary 
 branch of instruction, except the columns of a Dictionary, 
 an attempt has been made to obviate this great difficulty, 
 and to fill up the hiatus between the Spelling Book and the 
 Dictionary. Objections are frequently made by parents and 
 guardians, against purchasing Dictionaries for their children ; 
 arising from their price, and from their containing many 
 Immodest and obscene words, which are apt to taint the 
 minds of youth. 
 
 Many of our school-boys that pass for good readers, know 
 kut little about the meaning of the words they make use of
 
 vm PREFACE. 
 
 or the se^se of the writer. Children labour under a great 
 disadvantage while pursuing the common course of study; 
 in which theyoften form very erroneous ideas of the defini- 
 tion of many words, by not hnving a suitable book to refer 
 to; and when once they have formed a wrong idea of words, 
 it is difficult to make them sensible of their errour. I hope 
 that Parents and Instructors will consider this subject well, 
 and decide whether it would not be better for the scholar to 
 become acquainted with those words which are mostly used, 
 as soon as he shall be able to comprehend their meaning. 
 While he is engaged in studying the definition of words, he 
 is at the same time improving himself in reading, which ren^ 
 ders the study more imj)ortant, as he is receiving informa- 
 tion in two different ways at the same time. 
 
 All that is generally thought necessai-y to bo comprehen- 
 ded in teaching children to read, is, a correct pronunciation 
 of the words made use of in reading, with due attention to 
 emphasis and cadence, together with suitable mudulations 
 of the voice. But the faculties of speech, with the finest mod- 
 ulations of the voice, are of but little use without understand- 
 ing. It is of great importance in tracking children to read, 
 to teach them to understand tohot they read: and in order 
 to understand what they read, they must become acquaint- 
 ed with the definition of the words they make use of in read- 
 ing. In consequence of their not understanding tjie deliui- 
 tion of .words, their books become a task to them ; they con- 
 tract a dislike to reading; and deriving neitlier information 
 nor satisfaction from their books, they fall into habits of 
 carelessness and inattention, which perhaps they may never 
 have the fortitude to overconffe through lifi-. IJut if their 
 minds are pxcited to inquiries after the meaning of words, to 
 the exercises of reflection, to the fixing of the attention, and 
 to the cultivation of the mtmory, they will arrive to an un- 
 derstanding of many ideas of the writer, which otherwise 
 would have been wholly lost to them. These impressions 
 once made upon the tender mind, will be durable; they will 
 grow willi their growth, and increase with their years. 
 
 Particuhn- care has been taken to select such pieces for 
 rending, as are adapted to the understrtnding, and pleasing 
 to the taste of youth; and at the same time calculated to in- 
 stil into their tender minds, moral and virtuous sentiments. 
 Nothing has been intiMition;dly admitted, but what was 
 tlioughi con'?Jstcnt with the purity of morality and rcligioi\.
 
 PREFA'CE- IX 
 
 and calculated to impress upon the juvenHe mind, the love 
 of piety and virtue, and to form a taste for reading. 
 
 The great importance of early instructing youth in the 
 principles on which our language is constructed, has been an 
 inducement to add to the present work an abridgment of 
 English Grammar. Our Grammars, in general, are so vo- 
 luminous, so much is offered at the first view, that it often 
 
 clogs the mind of the young pupil ; and instead of becoming 
 a pleasing and interesting study, it often becomes a dry and 
 disagreeable one. Grammar is generally considered as a 
 laborious and irksome task ; children frequently labour year 
 after year without making much progress ; while the whole 
 blame is to be attributed to the unskilful method of instruc- 
 tion. Yet, by taking it up in a natural and simple manner, 
 and gradually developing its diffiaJties and intricacies, it 
 may be so arranged, as to become a pleasing study. The 
 present work is stripped of every thing but what is consider- 
 ed essential ; the definitions of the different parts of speech 
 are interspersed with easy parsing lessons, with the applica- 
 tion of the rules of Syntax, which renders the study at once 
 easy and inviting. It contains matter sufficient to give the 
 pupil a good knowledge of Etymology and Syntax ; and the 
 arrangement, explanations, and specimens of parsing, are 
 such as will, with a little application, enable him to parse 
 the English Language with accuracy. 
 
 Having illustrated the views whicli enticed me to the 
 present undertaking, I cheerfully submit the following work 
 to the candour and discernment of an enlightened commu- 
 nity. If, upon examination, it should be found to contain 
 any improvements by which the understanding and faculties 
 of youth may be more eflcctually called forth into operation, 
 my utmost wish will be gratified, R. B,
 
 DIRECTIONS 
 
 FOR THE PRONUNCIATION OF WORDS IN THE SPELLING SEC- 
 TIONS OF THE FOLLOWING WORK. 
 
 A TABLS 
 
 Representing the different sounds of the simple and diphthong- 
 al vowels referred to by the figures in the folloioing work. 
 
 Figure 1 represents 
 
 1 1 
 
 the long sound of a, as in late, ta-per ; 
 
 1 1 
 the long sound of e or ee, as in me, meet ; 
 
 the long sound of i, as in bile, bi-ble ; 
 
 1 1 
 
 the long sound of o or oo, as in dote, door ; 
 
 1 1 
 
 the long sound of u or ew, as in mute, mewl; 
 
 1 1 
 
 the long sound of y, as in style, ty-rant. 
 
 Figure 2 represents 
 
 2 2 
 
 the short sound of a, as in mat, mar-ry ; 
 
 2 2 
 
 the short sound of e, as in bet, bet-ter ; 
 
 2 2 
 
 the short sound of i. as in pin, tit-tie ; 
 
 2 2 
 
 the short sound of a, as in cup, but-4er ; 
 
 2 2 
 the short sound of y, as in hymn, sys-tem. 
 
 Figure 3 represents 
 
 3 3 
 the long sound of broad a, as in wall, wa-ter ; 
 
 3 
 the long sound of broad a made by ato, as in law ; 
 
 3 
 the long sound of broad a made by o, as in corn. 
 
 Figure 4 represents 
 4 4 
 
 the flat sound of a, as in farm, mar-ket.
 
 12 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER, 
 
 Figure 5 represents 
 
 6 5 
 the short sound of broad a, as in wad, wal-let; 
 
 5 5 
 the short sound of broad o, as in not, mod-ern. 
 
 Figure 6 represents 
 
 6 6 
 
 the sound of oo proper, as in noon, gloom-y ; 
 
 6 
 the sound of oo proper made by o, as in prove ; 
 
 6 
 the sound of oo proper made by u, as in rule. 
 
 Figure 7 represents 
 7 7 
 
 the sound of oo short, as in hood, wool-ly ; 
 
 7 
 the sound of oo short made by o, as in wolf; 
 
 7 
 the sound of oo short made by t/, as in full. 
 
 Figure 8 represents 
 
 8 
 
 the sound of u short made by e, as in her ; 
 
 8 
 the sound of « short m^de by i, as in dirt ; 
 
 8 
 the sound of u short made by o, as in love ; 
 
 8 
 the sound of u short made by oo, as in flood. 
 
 Figure 9 represents 
 
 9 9 
 the sound of a long made by e, as in tete, rein. 
 
 Ficure 10 represents 
 
 the sound of c long made by i, as in shire, pique. 
 
 The diphthongs oi and ay represent 
 
 B 2 oi oy 
 
 the long broad o, and the short t, as in boil, cloy. 
 
 The di|rhthongs ou and ow represent 
 
 3 1 ou, ow 
 
 the long broad o, and the short oo, as in pound, brow. 
 
 Silent letters are distinguished by being printed in Italick 
 characters ; as in niij/j, rrrap, ^navc, dtv/d, &c. 
 
 iS, when printed in Italick, has the sound of z; as in rose, 
 pronoimced roze.
 
 THE AJMERICAN INSTRUCTEK. IS 
 
 G has its hard sound at the end of words, and before a, o, 
 M, Z, and r ; and its soft sound like^" before e, e, and y j 
 unless otherwise defined. 
 
 When a syllable begins with <", and is followed b}' anoth*: 
 er vowel printed in a Roman character, the i has the sound 
 oiy : thiasa/-ien is pronounced ale-yen, c^'f- 
 
 When ij and y, end a syllable after the accent, they are 
 generally sounded like c ; as in neg-li-gent, lib-cr-ty, pro- 
 nounced neg-le-gent, lih-er-te, <?^c. 
 
 N has the sound of ng when it ends an accented syllable 
 and is followed by k, q, c or g hard, and likewise when 
 followed by k in the same syllable : thus, an-ger, can-ker^ 
 thank, are pronounced ang-gcr, kang~ker, thangk, Sfc, 
 
 X has the sound of ks ; except when followed by an ac- 
 cented syllable beginning with a vowel or with /», in which 
 it has the sound oi gz ; thus, exact is pronounced egzact. 
 
 When a word begins with w, and is followed by li, the w 
 is sounded after the A ; thus ?/'//aZc is pronounced h/tale, <^c. 
 
 C, when followed by h printed ni Italick, has the sound 
 of ^ ; thus, c//ord, is pronounced kord, X;c. 
 
 When a word terminates in ck, preceded by I or n, ch 
 has the sound ai' s/i, u\\]oii othcrv/isf; deuned. * ' 
 
 The different sounds of th are represented thus ; the first 
 or sharp sound as rn tliink, tliin, hath, &c. ; the second or 
 flat sound as in xne, Tnat, Tnine, &c. 
 
 Aio and azi when printed in Roman characters, have the 
 sound of broad a Injig ; as in la^, haul. 
 
 Ew has the sound of 7/ long ; as in hew, mew. 
 
 Gh has the sound of/, unless otiierwisc defiited. 
 
 Ph has the sound of/", unless (.tiierwis.'^ defined. 
 
 Le at the end of wcrds, is pronounced like a weak el ; as 
 in cable. 
 
 lie at the end cfxYonis. is g; Drialiy pronounced like w ^ 
 thus, a-cre, is pronouiiced w-kur, t^v;. 
 
 The terminations twn and sion, are pronounced like shun', 
 tioiis, cinus, ccous. and mows 'like slius :cial?in<\ tiaf, like 
 shal : ciah like s.'uin : ticiit, cietit,ftm\ dent, like sJicat, §{-c. 
 
 In the following work where e final iS' preceded by a con- 
 sonant, and printed in a Roman character, it serves, to 
 lengthfti the foregoing vinvel : as in late : but in all other 
 casesj^^ when it ends a syllable, it is printed in Italick. 
 
 Such words as are irregular, and not easily pronounced by their 
 costomary letters, are written the second time with sucli letters as giv« 
 the right sound ; or their pronunciation defined in some other way 
 
 9.
 
 14 THE AIVrERICAlV INSTRUCTER'. 
 
 Cftneral Rules aiid Observations, for ossisiing ScJiol* 
 nrs to Read with Propriety. 
 
 The art of reading, is tliat system of rules, whicli teaches 
 us to pronounce written composition with justness, energy, 
 variety, and ease. 
 
 These rules consist, principally, in the modulation of the 
 voice, comprising accent, emphasis, cadence, pauses, and 
 inflection. 
 
 Accent is a greater force or stress of voice on one sylla- 
 ble of a word than another, that it may be better heard than 
 the rest, or distinguished from them. The accented sylla- 
 bles should be proTiounced with a' forcible stress of voice ; 
 the unaccented, with less stress, biit distinctly. 
 
 Emphasis is~a particulkr force of the voice, by which wo 
 distinguish the most important word or words in a sentence. 
 The words which are eniphntical-, are opposed to, or con- 
 trasted with some other words either expressed or undfer- 
 stood ; asin the following passage ; 
 
 "'Tis hard to say, if greater want of skill' 
 Appear in icrilm^:, or \n Jitdr^inz ill : 
 But of the two, less dangevo'is is the offence 
 To tire our patience, than mislead our setise." 
 
 In this passage, the words in Italicks are cmphatical. Id 
 the second\ine,J udging is opposed to writing ; in the fourth,- 
 mislead is opposed to tire, and sense to patience.* 
 
 Cadence is a fall or depression of the voice, and gencFal- 
 ly takes place at the close of a sentence. 
 
 Pauses are marks of silence, used in punctuation. 
 
 Punctuation is the art of dividing a written composition 
 into sentences or parts of sentences, by points or stops, for 
 the purpose of marking the dilVerent pauses which the 
 sense requires. 
 
 Inflections are those slides of the voice either upward 
 or downward, which, in a great measure, constitute the har- 
 mony of pronunciation. 
 
 The rising itiflection is tVuit upward turn of the voice we 
 generally use at the comma, or in asking a question begin- 
 ning with a verb ; as, No, say you ; did he say No ? 
 
 The falling inflection is generally used at the semicolon, 
 cofon and period ; and must necessarily be heard»in an- 
 swer to the furn^er question, He did ; lie said No. 
 
 * To lay the emphasis with exact pioijiicty, is a constant exercise 
 of goocl sense and altention. Care should be taken not to use em- 
 rthatical words too often ; it is only a prudent use of them that will 
 produce their proper effect. ^
 
 THEj\MERICAN INSTRUCTER. 1*6 
 
 SECTION L ' I 
 
 Observations on rash judgement. 
 
 We generally judge of persons and things as they ei- 
 ther oppose or gratify our piivate views and inclina- 
 tions ; and being blinded by the impetuous motions of 
 self-love, we are easily led from the judgement of truth. 
 
 We must not believe every word we hear, nor trust 
 the suggestions of every thought; but consider and ex- 
 amine all things with patience and attention ; for so 
 great is human frailty, that we are more ready to be- 
 lieve and speak evil of one another, than good. 
 
 But a virtuous man is not forward to give too much 
 credit to the reports of others ; because, being sensible 
 of the darkness and malignity of human nature, he 
 knows that it is prone to evil, and apt to pervert truth 
 in the use of speech. 
 
 it is an evidence of ti'ue wisdom, not to be hasty in 
 our actions, nor obstinate in our opinions ; and not to 
 give credit to every word that is spokeji, .nor immedi- 
 ately to communicate to others v/hat we "have heard, or 
 even what we believe. 
 
 In cases of perplexity and doubt, consult a wise and 
 prudent man ; and choose rather to be guided by the 
 counsel of one wiser than thyself, than to follow the 
 iitggestions of thy own will. 
 
 Keep thy eye turned inwardly upon thj'self, and be- 
 ware of judging the actions of others. In judging oth- 
 ers, a person labours to no purpose ; commonly errs, 
 and frequently sins: but in examining and judging him- 
 self, he is always wisely and usefully employed. 
 
 If virtue alone was the pure object of all our inten- 
 tions and desires, Ave should not be troubled when the 
 truth of things happens to be repugnant to our own 
 sentiments and opinions : but now we are continually 
 drawn aside from truth and peace, by some partial in- 
 clination lurking within, or sonte apparent good or evil 
 rising without. 
 I y From the diversity of inclinations and opinions ad-
 
 16 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 hered lo, arise dissensions among friends and country- 
 men ; nay, even among the professors of a religions 
 and holy life. 
 
 It is difiicuU to extirpate that whicii custom has deep- 
 ly rooted ; and no man is w illing to he carried farther 
 than his ov.h iiielinations and opinions lead him. 
 
 Strong j)rcjndice is relieved by learning to distin- 
 guish things vtcll, and not to judge inthe lump. There 
 is scarcely ap.y thing in the world, of nature or ai't, 
 morality or religion, tiiat is plrfcctly uniform. 
 
 There is a mixture of wisdom and folly, vice and 
 virtue, good ajid evil, both in men and things. We 
 should remember that some persons have groat evil, and 
 litlie judgement ; others are Judicious, but not witty. 
 
 Some are good humoured without complaisance, 
 ot,hers have all the" formalities of complaisance, but no 
 good humour. One man may be vicious and learned, 
 while another has virtrfe without learning. 
 
 Many a man thinks admirably well, who has a poov 
 utterance: while others have a charming manner ol 
 speech, but their thoughts are trifling and impertinent. 
 
 Some are good neighboyrs, courteous and charitable 
 towards men, Avho ha'.'e no piety towards God ; otiiers 
 are truly religious, Ikit of. morose natural tempers. 
 Some excellent sayings are fou)id in very silly books 
 and some silly thoughts appear in books of real valut. 
 
 AVe should neither praise nor dispraise ])y wholesale; 
 separate the good from the evil, and judge of them 
 apart: the accuracy of agood Jiidgemeiit consists much 
 in making such distinctions. 
 
 Cliarity. 
 The charitable man Jinfe a favourable v-pinion o/' men 
 and their actions: lie assisfs ihe jjooc; he couiforis the 
 ufllicted; he protects those that arc' oppressed; he re- 
 conciles di/reren<es, ;uid ]>iomoies pence and good wdl 
 among men. From tiie Count.^in of his heart rise rivers 
 ot goo(lne<-N. and Ok' '"rcji'is (>\v'r(low for the h»>uefit ol' 
 m;uikind.
 
 THE AIVfERlCAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 It 
 
 ar, stands f;>r Article-; 
 a, for .\<'jective : 
 
 "» 
 pro, 
 
 for ISoun ; 
 for Proiioiui ; 
 for Veib ; 
 
 for Participle ; 
 for Adverb ; 
 for Preposition ; 
 for Conjunction : 
 for Inteijeclinn. 
 
 1 
 
 SECTION II. 
 
 Monosyllables ; in which the sotmds of the voiods mt accu- 
 rately pointed out hij the fiiuras, and the silent letters dis- 
 tinguished by being printed in Italich characters. 
 
 Ill the spelling sections of the following work, the words consisting' 
 of the same number of syllables, arc classed together. First, those of 
 one syllable are inserted; Secondly, those of two; Thirdly, those oi 
 three"; ami so on through the whole work. 
 
 The words are likewise arranged iti Alphabetical order: that is, all 
 the words in the monosyllables thut are governed by figure 1, are placed 
 in alphabetical order Ironi the boginning of this section, onward, untii 
 another figure occurs. Those ggyi rned by figure 2, are placed under 3 
 in like manner; and so on tiuoi^i all the spelling sections of this work. 
 
 The Ahhrcciations dcnuting the parts of speech c.rplmncd, 
 
 pa, 
 
 ad, 
 
 pr, 
 
 conj, 
 
 iitl, 
 
 1 
 
 Bold, a. darin?, conficlent 
 Brave, a. couragoous, gallant 
 Break, v. to part by force ; to 
 
 tame 
 Breeze,/?, a gentle wind 
 Bribe, n. a reward given to 
 
 pervert judgement ; v. to 
 
 give britjcs 
 ^v'lghi, a. shining, clear 
 Brii#, n. salt jiickle, the sea 
 Cnge, n. a place of confiue- 
 
 »is.t?t 
 Cake, n. a kind of delicate 
 
 bread ' 
 
 Caijc,'«. headland ; part of a 
 
 cost 
 CarCj n . caution , anxiety 
 Case, //. 
 
 oyl^^ part of a tiling 
 Cave, «.a cavern, den, hollow 
 Cease, i-.to stop, be at an end 
 Cha?r, n. a. moveable seat 
 Chain, «. a line of links; tfw to 
 
 fasten vvith a chain ' 
 
 Chaise, [shaze] n. a carriage 
 Change, y. to alter, to mentl 
 .2*   
 
 — Ac//c, V. to be in pain 
 Aid, V. to liolp, to assist 
 .\ir, n, tlie element in which 
 
 we breathe 
 Bane, n. poison, mischief. ruin 
 — BaxHe, V. to wash in water 
 Be«k, n. the bill of a bird 
 Bc«m, ?<• amain timber; part 
 
 of a balance ; ray of light 
 Bertst, ??. an irrational animal 
 Beef, n. the flesh of cattle 
 Bind, V. to confine, fasten 
 Bite,t'. to crush with theteetli 
 Blade, n. spire of grass ; the 
 
 sharp part of a. weapon 
 Blame, v. to censure 
 —Blaze, ;/. a flame ; v. to flame 
 Bleach, v. to whiten 
 Bleed, v. to lose or let blood 
 Blind, a. without sight, dark 
 Bloat, V. to swell, to puff up 
 Board, ?^.a thhi piece of wood 
 Boast^ V. to brag, magnify 
 Brain, n. a soft substance 
 
 within the skull, the seat ot 
 
 sensation and intellect 
 
 a covci-msr, sheath,
 
 is 
 
 TII-E AMERICAN Ii\3TRUC'i ER. 
 1 
 
 Chase, v. to hiintj to pursue ; 
 
 n. a pursuit 
 Chaste, a. undefiled, pure 
 Cheap, a. at a low price 
 Cheat, V. to defraud ; n. a 
 
 fn'ud, trick 
 Cheek, ?i. side of the face 
 Cheer, y, to comfort, to incite 
 Cheese, ji. food made of milk 
 Chide, V. to reprove, blame 
   — Ch/ef, a. principal, capital ; 
 
 n. a leader, a commander 
 Child, ff. an infant, an ofif- 
 
 spring 
 Choke, w.to suffocate, stop up, 
 
 hinder, suppress 
 
 Claim, n. a demand, title : y, 
 
 to demand of right 
 Clay, n. a sort of earth 
 Clean, «. free from dirt, neat, 
   elegant 
 Clear, a. bright, transparent, 
 
 free from mixture, pure 
 Cleave, y. to divide, to split 
 Clim6, V. to ascend 
 Close, V. to shut, tofinisli, to 
 join ^ue 
 
 Coach, w. a carriage of pleas- 
 Coat, M. the upper garment 
 Coax, V. to Hatter, entice 
 Code, n. a book of the civil 
 
 law 
 Gold, a. not hot, frigid 
 Colt, n. a young horse 
 Cream, n. the oily part of 
 
 mjlk 
 Creed, n. a confession of faith 
 Creep, w. to move slowly, to 
 louer, j^lault 
 
 Crime, n. an offence, great 
 Cube, n. a square solid body 
 Cure, I), to heal, to restore to 
 health 
 
 Deed, 71. an action ; written 
 
 evidence 
 Dire, a. dfeadful, dismal 
 Dive, V. to go under water 
 Door, ?^.gate of a house, pas- 
 
 sage 
 Doze, V. to slumber, to stupify 
 Dra^n, v. to empty, to make 
 
 dry [duck 
 
 Drake, ?/. the male of the 
 
 3i;(7m, n. thoughts in sleep 
 
 ive, V. to force, urge, guide 
 Dry, a. having no moisture 
 Ear, n. the organ of hearing ; 
 
 spike of corn 
 Ease, e. to free from pain; n, 
 
 quietness 
 Eat, V. to devour with the 
 
 mouth, to consume [face 
 Face^i, the visage, fr«nt,sur- 
 Fade, v. to lose colour, to 
 
 wither 
 Fa/1, V. to he deficient ; to 
 
 omit ; to break in business 
 Faith, n. belief, fidelity 
 Fame, «. renown, reputation 
 Fate, u. destiny, event 
 Fear, n. dread, awe, anxiety ; 
 
 V. to dread 
 Feast, 71. a sumptuous meal 
 Feat, n, an action, exploit 
 Feed, v. to supply with food 
 Few, n. not many 
 Fiend, u. an enemy, infernal 
 
 being 
 Fi(;rce, a. \iol(Mif, furious 
 Fife, 71. a small pipe or wind 
 
 instrument of musick 
 F'lf^/ii, V. to contend in battle 
 Find, 7'. to obtain by search- 
 ing, discover 
 Flail, 71. an instrument to 
 thrash with
 
 THE A31ERICAN LNSTRIJCTER. 
 
 19 
 
 1 
 
 Flame, n. a blaze, a stream of 
 
 fire ; r. to blaze.. 
 Fire, }i. the element that burns 
 Fleam, ??. an instrument to 
 bleed cattle [sheep 
 
 Fleece, ?;. the avooI of one 
 Fleet, n. a number of ships in 
 
 company 
 Float, V. to swim on the water 
 Floor, Ji. the bottom of a room 
 Flow, V. \o run, to overflo\|w 
 Flue, 71. pipe of a chimney ; 
 
 soft down or fur 
 Flute, n. a musical pipe 
 Fly, n. an insect 
 Foam, n. froth, spume 
 Foe, n, an enemy, opponent 
 Fold, «. a pen for sheep ; v. 
 
 to double up 
 FoZks, 71, pebple, mankind 
 Force, 77. violence, strength 
 Fort, n. a fortified place, for- 
 tification 
 Frail, a. liable to errour, weak 
 Frame, ra. a case, form, order 
 Fray,w.. a quarrel, battle, broil 
 Free, v. to set at liberty.; a. 
 
 liberal 
 Freeze, v. to congeal by cold 
 Fright, V. tv terriiy, to daunt 
 Fume, n. vapour,, smoke, pas- 
 sion 
 Gain, n. profit, benefit ; w. to 
 
 obtain, to win 
 Gale, 71. a blast of wind 
 Game, n. a play, sport 
 Gate, 71. a large door, an en- 
 trance 
 Gauge, n. a measure, a stand- 
 ard ; V. to measure the con- 
 tents of a vessel 
 ■Gay, «. airy, merry, fine, 
 showy- 
 
 Gaze, i\ to look earnestly 
 
 a spirit, an appan- 
 
 GZ/ost, 
 
 tion 
 Gleam, w. a sudden shoot of 
 
 light 
 Glee, ?i. joy, mirth, merriment 
 Glide, V. to flow gently 
 Globe, n.a round body, sphere 
 Glu«, n. a strong cement used 
 
 to join substances 
 Go,!', to walk, move, proceed 
 Goad, 71. a stick used to drive 
 
 oxen 
 Gold, 71. the most valuable of 
 
 all metals, money 
 Grace, ??. favour, virtue, par- 
 don, beauty, ornament 
 Grain, }i. corn ; the seed of 
 
 fruit ; a small particle 
 Grave, n. a place for the dead; 
 
 a. sober, solemn 
 Gray, a. white mixed with 
 
 black - 
 Graze,!;, to eat grass; to touch 
 
 lightly 
 Grease, n. fat, the soft part of 
 
 fat 
 Green, a. unripe ; not dry ; 
 
 n. a colour ; a grassy plain 
 Greet, v. to salute, address 
 Grief, n. sorrow, trouble 
 Grieve, v. to mourn, to lament 
 Gripe, v. to hold fast, squeeze 
 Grove, n. a small wood, a 
 
 walk shaded by trees 
 Gxotc, V. to vegetate, to in- 
 crease [crease 
 Gro«7th, 71. vegetation, in- 
 G?<ide, V. to direct, to conduct 
 Gwile, n. deceit, fraud 
 Haste, 71. hurry, speed.passioE 
 Hate, V. to detest, abhor, dis 
 
 like
 
 20 
 
 IHE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 1 1 
 
 Hay, n. grass dried for fodder 
 Heap, 71. a pile,crowd, cluster 
 Heat, 71. warmth, passion ; v. 
 
 to make hot [tion 
 
 Heed, w. care, caution, atten- 
 Height, 71, extension upwards, 
 
 utmost degree 
 Hide, V, to conceal, lie hid ; 
 
 n. the skin of an animal 
 Hi^A, a. tall, lofty 
 Hive, n. a place for bees 
 Hoarse, a. having a rough 
 
 voice, rough, harsh 
 Hoe, n. an instrument used to 
 
 cut up earth 
 Hole, 71. a hollow place, cavity 
 Home, 71. a place of constant 
 
 residence 
 Hope,«.a desire of some good 
 Host, «. a landlord, master ; 
 
 an army, any great number 
 Huge, a. vast, immense 
 Ice, n. frozen water 
 Ire„w. anger, rage, wrath 
 Jail, n. a prison, place of con- 
 finement [mock 
 Jeer, v. to scoff, to make 
 Joke, 71. a jest ; r. to jest, to 
 
 be merry 
 Juice, 71. sap in vegetables ; 
 
 fluid in animals 
 June, n. the sixth month of 
 
 the year 
 Keel, 71. the bottom of a ship 
 Keen, a. sharp, eager 
 Keep, V. to retain, preserve 
 Key, n. an instrument to open 
 
 a lock ; a tone in musick 
 Kind, a. benevolent, good 
 Kite,'??, a bird of prey ; a fic- 
 titious bird made of paper 
 JCneel, v. to bend the Unce, 
 .to rest on the kiioc 
 
 Knife, n. a steel utensil to cut 
 
 with 
 Knofo, V. to understand ; to 
 
 perceive with certainty 
 Lake, n. a large inland water 
 Lame, a. crippled; v. to crip- 
 ple 
 Lane, 7i. a narrow street 
 Lay, 7;. to put, to place 
 Lead, v. to guide, to conduct 
 Leaf, 71. part of a tree, book, 
 
 table, &c. 
 League, n. a confederacy ; a 
 
 measure of three miles 
 Leak, x>. to drop, run out 
 Lean, v. to rest against, to 
 
 bend; a. meager, thin, poor 
 Leap, V. to jump, to bound ; 
 
 71. a jump 
 Lease, 7i. a temporary con- 
 tract for land 
 Least, a. the smallest 
 Leave, v. to quit, forsake ; n. 
 
 permission,libcrty, farewell 
 Lee, n. the side opposite to 
 
 the wind 
 Loes, 71. dregs, sediment 
 Life, 71. the present state of 
 
 existence 
 Light, /I. that by which we 
 
 see ; a. not heavy ; v. to 
 
 kindle, to inflame 
 Like, V. to be pleased with ; 
 
 a. resembling 
 Lime, ??. a viscid substance of 
 
 which mortar is made ; a 
 
 species of IfMuon 
 Line, /?. a string ; a mark 
 Lo, int. look ! sec ! behold ! 
 Load, 71. burden, a freight ; 
 
 V. to biudeu ; to charge a 
 
 gun 
 Loaf, n. 9 m'ciss of htooA
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Zi 
 
 ■Ijoarue, v. to hate, abhor 
 
 Lone, a. single, without com- 
 pany 
 
 how, a. not high ; weak ; 
 mean ; v. to bellow 
 
 Mail, w. armour ; a bag of 
 post-letters [cripple 
 
 Maim, V. to hurt, wound, 
 
 Ma/'n, a, chief, principal 
 
 Mazze, n. Indian corn 
 
 Make, v. to create, to form 
 
 Mane, n. the hair on the neck 
 of a horse 
 
 Mare, h. tlie female of the 
 horse kind 
 
 Mate, n. a companion ; sec- 
 ond in command 
 
 May, n. the fifth month of the 
 year ; v. to be permitted 
 
 Mead, n. a drink made of 
 honey and water 
 
 Meal, n. the edible part of 
 corn ; a repast 
 
 Mean, a. base, low ; n. medi- 
 um, method ; v. to intend 
 
 Meat, n. flesh to be eaten transactions 
 
 Meek, a. mild of temper, "Niece, n. the daughter of a 
 
 humble, gentle 
 Meet, V. to join, to come to- 
 gether 
 Might, n. power, strength 
 Mild, a. kind, tender [rods 
 Mile, n. the distance of 320 
 Mind, n. intelligent power, 
 opinion ; v. to mark, regard 
 Mine, n. a place that contains 
 minerals ; pro. belonging 
 to me 
 Mire, n. mud, wet dirt 
 Mite, 71. a small particle ; a 
 
 very small insect 
 Moan, V. to lament, grieve 
 Mode, n. form, fashion 
 
 Mote, n. a natural spot ; a 
 
 small animal 
 Mope. V. to be stupid 
 More, a. a greater number or 
 
 quantity 
 Most, a. greatest in number 
 or quantity [of matter 
 
 Mote, H. a very small particle 
 Mowrn, X'. to grieve, lament 
 ^loio, V. to cut with a scythe 
 Muse, 71. deep thought ; the 
 powor of poetry ; v. to pon- 
 der, to study 
 Mute, 71. a letter without a 
 
 sound ; a. silent, dumb 
 Nail, 71. an iron spike ; the 
 horny substance at the ends 
 of the fingers and toes 
 Name,t^. an appellation, title ; 
 V. to give a name ; to men- 
 tion b}' name 
 Nay, ad. noy.by no means 
 Neat, a. elegant, clean, pure 
 New, a. fresh, modern, late 
 News, 71. fresh accounts of 
 
 brother or sister [sunrise 
 Night, V. time from sunset to 
 No, ad. a word of denial 
 Nose, n. part of the face 
 Oak, n. the name of a tree 
 Oftr, n. an instrimient to row 
 
 with , ' 
 
 Oath,/?. asdSnm or profane 
 
 .ippeat tb the Divine Being 
 a species of grain 
 Old, a. not new, ancient 
 Ore, 71. metal unrefined 
 Page, n. one side of a leaf 
 Pail, 71. a wooden vessel 
 Fain, ??. sensation of uneasi 
 
 ness ; penalty 
 
 Oats, ??
 
 22 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Pair, 71. a couple, two things 
 
 suiting one another 
 Pale, a. i'aint of lustre, whitish 
 Pane, n. a square of glass 
 Pare, v. to cut off the surface 
 Pate, 71. the head 
 Pave, V. to lay with stonesor 
 
 brick 
 Pay, V. to disclxirge a debt ; 
 
 71. wages 
 Peace, /i. rest, quietness ; re- 
 spite from war [souiuls 
 Peal, ti. a succession of loud 
 Pear, n. a kind of fruit 
 Peel, V. to pare, to take the 
 
 rind off 
 Peer, 7i. a nobleman ; an equal 
 Pew, 71. a seat enclosed in a 
 
 church 
 Piece, 71. a part,a composition 
 Pier, 71. the column or sup- 
 port of an arch ; a wharf or 
 mound in a river or sea 
 Pierce, v. to penetrate, enter 
 Vile, 71. aheap; piece of wood 
 Pine, 71. a tree ; v. to languish 
 Pint, n. half a quart 
 Pipe,n. a tube ; an instrument 
 of musick ; two hogsheads 
 
 Poll, 11. the head ; a list o( 
 
 voters at an election 
 Porch, 71. a portico, a covered 
 wali-; [rrtioo 
 
 Pore, 71. a passage of pcrspi- 
 Pork, 71. swine's flesh [wine 
 Port, 11. a harbour ; kii;d of 
 Post, n. a piece of timber; a 
 
 messenger ; office 
 Praise, ?j. commendation,hon- 
 our ; V. to commend^ extol 
 Pra?/, V. to entreat, suppli- 
 cate, implore 
 Preach, r. to deliver a pub- 
 lick discourse on religious 
 subjects 
 Price, 71. value, estimation 
 Pride, «. self-esteem, haughti- 
 ness 
 Prime, 7i. the spring of life, 
 best part ; v. to \nii pow- 
 der. into the pan of a gun 
 Prize, 71. a reward gained ; .v, 
 to rate, to value [mcnt 
 Probe, /',. a surgeon's instru- 
 Prose, n. the usual way of 
 speaking or writing ; in op- 
 position to verse 
 Pure, a. unsullied, clear 
 
 Place, n. locality ; residence ; Quail, n. the name of a bird 
 
 rank ; v. to rank, fix 
 Plagwe, ?t. pestilence ; v. 
 trouble, vex 
 
 to 
 
 Plate, n. a dish to eat on ; 
 
 wrought silver 
 Flay, V. to sport, to frolick ; 
 
 n. recreation ; a drama 
 Plea,n. form of pleading; ex- 
 cuse 
 Plead, w. to argue, tiefend 
 Plea.s«>, V. to delight, gratify 
 P'yle, 71. a long staff; a mea- 
 sure of 5 J- yards 
 
 Quake, V. to shake with cold 
 
 or fear 
 Queen, 7t. the wife of a king 
 Queer, a. odd, strange, droll 
 Quire, 71. 24 sheets of papier 
 Quite, ad. completely, per- 
 fectly 
 Race, 71. a running match ; 
 
 family, a })articular breed 
 Rage, 71. violent anger ; v. to 
 be in a fury 
 
 Rain, n. water 
 the clouds 
 
 falling 
 
 from
 
 THE AJJfERICAN INSTRUCTER. 25 
 
 SECTION III. 
 
 The diligent Scholar. 
 
 Who is he that comes along so briskly with a small 
 basket on his arm? His limbs are strong and active, 
 his cheeks are ruddy, and his countenance is cheerful 
 and good humoured. 
 
 It is the diligent scholar : he is hastening to school 
 that he may be there in time. It is very seldom that 
 he is a minute after the time fixed, either in the morn- 
 ing, or in the afternoon. 
 
 He is not afraid of summer's heat, or winter's cold, 
 nor of a little snow or rain. His teacher tells him that 
 he should be very regular in attending school, in order 
 that he may learn well and quick ; and he ahvays likes 
 to please and oblige his teacher, and to do as he desires. 
 
 During school time, he always sits or stands in his, 
 own place ; and he never goes out of the school with- 
 out his teacher's leave. He reads no book at school 
 but such as his teacher tells him to i*ead. He is very 
 careful not to do any mischief, or put any thing out of 
 its proper place. 
 
 He is desirous to learn something useful every day,^ 
 and to remember what he has learned: and he is scarce- 
 ly satisfied with himself, if he does not find that he im- 
 proves every day he lives. 
 
 When he is at school, he remembers that it is out of 
 kindness and love to him that his parents or guardians 
 have senthim there, or procured him the liberty of going. 
 
 He takes care not to disappoint them in their views, 
 nor grieve them nor his careful teacher, by being neg- 
 ligent and careless of his book ; but applies himself with 
 the utmost diligence, to whateA^gr studies or business 
 his master appoints him. « . 
 
 In going to and from school, as well as at all other 
 times, he is careful to behave with decency and respect 
 to every one, whether rich or poor, old or young. 
 
 He will by no means say or do any thing that would 
 offend any person ; neither torture nor abuse any living 
 creature ; because he is willing to do in all cases, as he 
 would wish to be done unto.
 
 24 TIIi: AMERICAN 1-NSTllLCTER. ' 
 
 The diligent scholar is one who loves, honours and 
 obeys his parents and teacher, by paying them the ut- 
 most deference and respect, by a becoming reverence 
 for them, a filial aflbction for their persons, a tender re- 
 gard for their safety and preservation, a constant and 
 cheerful attention to their advice, and a ready and im- 
 plied obedience to their commands. 
 
 His parents, brothers and sisters, and all his friends, 
 love hJm. His teacher loves him too, and commends 
 him very much to all who make inquiries about him, 
 and often speaks of his good conduct to the otlier scho- 
 lars, and wishes them to take pattern b}' him, and be- 
 liave as he does. 
 
 When he leaves school, he often thinks of what he 
 learned there, and tries to remember it, and to improve 
 himself in it. He is tffankful to his parents 'and to his 
 teacher, who ^^ ere so good to him, and took so much 
 pains to instruct Jiim; and especially h.e will be thank- 
 ful to God \\ho gave him such kind parents, and so 
 good a teacher. 
 
 SECTION IV. 
 
 Reflections on Sun-set. 
 
 Behold now the beautiful evening drawmgjlier sa- 
 ble curtain over the world. All circumstances concur 
 to husii our passions, and soothe our cares; liberty, 
 that dearest of names, and health, the greatest of bless- 
 ings, gi\e an additional and ine.vpressible charm to 
 every delightful object. 
 
 Sec how that glorious luminary beautifies ^he western 
 clouds, dc^scending lower, and lower, till his chariot 
 wheels seem to hover on the utmost verge of day. The 
 ground is now o\erspread with glimmering shades, ma- 
 king a most beautiful landscape. 
 
 The melodious trilx of feathered songsters, full of 
 grateful acknowledgments, are now paying their last 
 tribute of hjurmiiny, and soothing tlu^mselves to rest with 
 a song of praise to tlu- great Creator. See! the distant 
 eminences ar*^ fipt \Vith -streaming gold; the loftiest trees
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. .. 25 
 
 in the groves, and distant towersi catch the last smiles of 
 da}' ; all nature still irradiated by the departing beams. 
 
 But alas ! how transient is the distinction ! how mo- 
 mentary the gift! Like all other blessings which mor- 
 tals enjoy on earth, it is gone almost as soon as granted. 
 See how languishingly it trembles on the lofty spires. 
 
 The lowing herds are slowly bending their way along 
 the verdant meadow to meet the milk-maid with her 
 pail, who daily robs them of their sweets gathered from 
 nature. The flowers fold up their coloured leaves, and 
 hang their heads on the slender stalk ; and even the 
 gamesome lambs have grown weary of their frolicks. 
 
 The little vivacity that remains of day, decays every 
 moment. It can no longer hold its station. While I 
 speak, it expires, and resigns tlie silent world to night. ' 
 
 — Q«©© — 
 
 SECTION V. 
 
 Select Sentences. 
 
 No man is born wise ; but wisdom and virtue require 
 a tutor ; though we can easily learn to be vicious with- 
 out a teacher. 
 
 Idleness is the parent of want, and of pain ; but the 
 labour of virtue brings forth pleasure. 
 
 The hand of diligence defeats want : prosperity and 
 success are the industrious man's attendants. 
 
 Economy is tlie foundation of liberality, and the pa- 
 rent of independence. 
 
 Diligence, industry, and a proper improvement of 
 time, are material duties of the young. 
 
 Avoid all harshness in behaviour ; treat every one 
 with that civility which springs from a mild and gentle 
 heart. 
 
 By taking revenge, a man is but equal with his ene- 
 my ; but in passing it over, he is superiour. 
 
 Caution is a necessary lesson to be learned by youth ; 
 and perseverance, one of the best qualities they can be 
 endowed with. 
 
 It is wiser to prevent a quarrel beforehand, tha;^ to 
 revenge it afterwards. 
 
 3
 
 26 
 
 5 ^ 
 
 THE AMERICAN INStRtJCTER. 
 
 Learning is the temperance of youth, the comfort of 
 old age, and the only sure guide to honour and prefer- 
 ment. 
 
 Modest}' ahvaj's sits gi-acefully upon youth ; it covers 
 a multitude of faults, and doubles the lustre of every 
 virtue which it seems to hide. 
 
 Nothing more engages the affections of men, than u 
 handsome address, and graceful conversation. 
 
 Our conversation should be sucb, that youth ma^- 
 therein find improvement, women modesty, the aged re- 
 spect, and all men civility. 
 
 The happiness of the liody, consi>>ts in liealih ; that 
 of the mind, in knowledge. 
 
 True piety is the foundation of good morals, and -a. 
 disposition particularly graceful and becoming in youth. 
 
 Virtue is never safe but when she is secured by the 
 guard of prudence : discretion is her huiidmaid, and 
 wisdom her counsellor and instructer. 
 
 Virtue's the friend of life, the soul of health, 
 
 The poor man's comfort, and the rich man's wealtli. 
 
 — e^©— 
 
 SECTION VI. 
 
 3Ionosyllablcs continued. 
 I 
 
 Raise, v. to lift, erect, exalt, 
 
 elevate 
 Rake, n. a farming utensil ; ti 
 
 loose disorderly fellow 
 Rare, «. scarce, uncommon 
 Rate, n. a price ; a tax ; v. to 
 
 value 
 Ra^/, n. a beam of light 
 Reach, V. to hold out ; to ar- 
 rive at 
 Read, V. to peruse 
 Ream, n. 20 quires of paper 
 Reap, V. to cut down grain 
 Rear, /». to raise up ; n. th(! 
 
 hind<!r troop ; last class 
 Reed, n. a pHult, small pipe 
 
 Keelj n. a frame on which 
 yarn is wound ; r. to wind 
 on a reel ; to stagger 
 
 RAynie, c. tu ayiee iu soinul ; 
 /.'. harnicuy of verses, .po- 
 
 Rice, //. a kind u\ osridoni 
 
 grain 
 Ride, r, t(» be carried ou 
 
 iiorseback, or in a vehicle 
 K\f^liiy a. lit, just ; n. justice 
 Kind, n. bark, husk, skin 
 Ripe, a. mature, complete 
 Hi.se, /'. to get up, a.scend 
 Rive,/', (o sj)lit, to^clieave 
 Road, n. a way for travelling
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 27 
 
 Ro«ra, V. to wander, ramble 
 Roar, r. to make a loud noise 
 Ro«st,r. to cook meat before 
 
 the fire 
 Robe, n. a dress of dignity 
 Roc, n. the female of the hart 
 Rogwe, n. a knave, a rascal 
 Roll, w. to move in a circle, 
 
 to epv/rap 
 Rope, n. a cord, string, halicr 
 Rose, n. a fragrant flower 
 Rote, ft. words uttered by 
 
 mere memory 
 Ro?^', n. a number of things 
 
 placed in a line ; v, to im- 
 pel by oars 
 Rye, V. a kind of grain 
 Safe, a. free from dancer 
 bage, a. wise, grave ; n. a 
 
 plant; a man of wisdom 
 Sail, 7*. a canvass sheet ; v. to 
 
 be moved by the wind 
 Saint, n. a person eminent 
 
 for piety 
 Sale, 71. the act of selling 
 Same, a. of the like kind 
 Save, V. to preserve from dan- 
 ger or destruction 
 Shi/, v. to speak, utter 
 Scale, n. part of the covering 
 
 of a fish ; a balance 
 Scarce, a. uncon^mon, rare 
 Scare, t'. to frighten, to terrify 
 Scene, n. part of a play, an 
 
 appearance 
 Sc/teme, n. a plan, project 
 Scold, V. to find fault 
 Scrape, t\ to pare lightly ; 
 
 erase ; n. difficulty 
 Screak, i\ to make a shrill 
 
 noige ' 
 
 Scream, v, t.o ciy out vjo- 
 
 lentlj- 
 
 Sefl', n. the ocean, a collection 
 
 of water 
 Seal, n. a stamp, mark ; v. te 
 
 fasten with a seal 
 Sear, v. to burn 
 Se«t, n. a chair, bench 
 See, V. to perceive by the eye 
 Seed, n. that which produces 
 Seek, I', to look for, solicit 
 Seem, v. to appear 
 ScoTH, v. to boil, to make hot 
 Se/ne, n. a net used in fishing 
 Seize, V. to take by force, to 
 
 grasp 
 Shade, n. a shadow 
 Shake, -u.to tremble, to totter 
 Shame, ii. disgrace 
 Shape, n. a form; v, to form 
 Share, «. a portion, a part ; v. 
 
 to divide 
 Shave, v. to pare, to cut off 
 Sheaf, 72. a bundle of grain 
 Shear, i\ to clip, to cut off 
 Sheath, n. a scabbard, the 
 
 case of any thing 
 SheaTH, v. to put into a sheath 
 Sheep, n. the animal that 
 
 bears wool 
 Sheet, n. a piece of paper ; 
 
 linen for a bed ; a sail 
 Sh/eld, /?. a buckler, defence 
 Shine, V. to glitter, to glisten 
 Shore, V. the bank of a river, 
 
 the coast of a sea 
 Sho«6',r. to exhibit to view ; 
 
 J7. a sight, exhibition 
 Shriek, n. a cry of anguish or 
 
 horrour ; v. to' scream 
 Sight, ?i. perception by the 
 
 eye [token 
 
 Si^n, V. to subscribe ; n. a 
 Size, H. bulk, bigness 
 Skate, ?z. a kind of sliding shoe
 
 26 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Sky, n. the region w hich sur- 
 rounds the earlh, the fir- 
 mament 
 Slate, w. a gra}' stone 
 Slave, n. one deprived of 
 
 freedom 
 Slay, V. to kill; to murder 
 Sleep, n. repose, slumber 
 Sleeve, n. the dress covering 
 
 the arm 
 Slice, i;. to cut into thin pieces 
 Slide, V. to mo\'i3 on a slippery 
 
 surface 
 Sli^At, y. to neglect, scorn 
 Sloth, n. laziness ; an animal 
 Slo?<7, a. not swift, dull 
 Sly, a. meanly artful, cunning 
 Smile, V. to express pleasure 
 by the countenance ; n. a 
 look of pleasure 
 -Smite, V. to strike, destroy 
 Smoke, n. a sooty exhalation 
 Snake, n. a serpent 
 Snare, n. a net, a trap 
 Sneer, v. to show contempt ; 
 
 n. a scornful look 
 Sneeze, v. to emit wind audi- 
 bly by tho nose 
 Snipe, n. a kind of bird 
 Snot^, n. water frozen in 
 
 flakes 
 So, ad. in like manner, thus 
 Soak, V. to steep, to wet 
 Soap, n. a substance used in 
 washing [high 
 
 Soar, V. to fly aloft, to rise 
 Sole, n. the bottom of tlie foot 
 or shoe [painfuj 
 
 Sore, n. a place tender and 
 SomI, »j. the immortal part uf 
 
 man, the spirit 
 Sowrce, n. a spring, head ; 
 original cause 
 
 Soj^^', V. to scatter, to spread 
 Space, n. extension, room 
 Spade, n. a sort of shovel 
 Spare, v. to do without ; a. 
 
 scanty, lean 
 Speak, x\ to utter articulate 
 sounds, to talk [on 
 
 Spear,ra. a long pointed weap- 
 Speecli, n. articulate utter- 
 ance, talk ; an oration 
 Speed, n. quickness, haste 
 Sphere, n. a globe, orb ; com- 
 pass of knowledge or action 
 Spice, 71. a vegetable produc- 
 tion fragrant to the smell 
 Spike, n. a nail ; an ear of 
 
 corn 
 Spite, n. malice, rancour 
 Spleen, n. ill humour 
 Spoke, n. part of a wheel 
 Sport, n. play, diversioiv 
 Sprain, n. a violent extension 
 
 of the tendons 
 Spume, n. foam, froth 
 Spy, n. one who watches an- 
 other's actions 
 Squeeze, v. to press close 
 Stain, n. a blot ; infamy ; v. to 
 
 blot, to daub 
 Stake, n. a post ; pledge 
 St ire, V. to look earnestly 
 State, n. condition, dignity ; 
 a republiclv. body of a na- 
 tion 
 Stave, V. to break in pieces 
 Stay, V. to continue in a place 
 Ste./l, r. to take by theft 
 Ste^/ni,?/. tljo vapour or smoke 
 of any ihing moist and hot 
 Sl(;cl, n. iron refined by fire 
 Steep, V. to soak ; a. a p. 
 proachin'j '■ .1 perpend ic 
 ulm-
 
 THE AMERICAN IN6TRUCTER. 
 
 29 
 
 Stone, n. a hard and insipid 
 
 body 
 Store, n. a warehouse 
 Stove, n. a place in which 
 
 lire is made 
 Strange, a. wonderful, odd ; 
 int.au exoression of wonder 
 Strayj V. to wander, to rove 
 Str^aim, w. a running water, a 
 
 current 
 Street, n. a paved way, a road 
 Strife, ti. contention 
 Stx*ike, t'. to hit with a blow 
 Strive, V. to endeavour 
 Stroll, V. to wander, ramble 
 St3ie, n. nK^nner of writing ; 
 
 title 
 Sue, V. to prosecute by law ; 
 
 to entreat, beg, request 
 Sure, [shuro] a. certain, true 
 Sweet, a. luscious to the taste 
 Swine, 71. a hog, a pig 
 S/t'ord, n. a military weapon 
 Take, v. to receive ; to seize ; 
 
 to captivate 
 Tame, a. gentle, not wild 
 Tare, 71. a weed ; an allow- 
 ance in weight 
 Taste, V. to try the relish ; 
 
 n. the act of tasting 
 Tea, n. a Chinese plant ; li- 
 quor made thereof 
 Tewch, V. to instruct 
 Tear, n. water from the eye 
 Theme, n. a subject, short 
 
 dissertation 
 Th?ef, n. one who steals 
 Tume,pro. relating to thee 
 Three, a. one and two added 
 Thrice, ad. three times 
 Thrive, v. to prosper; to grow 
 fat or rich [neck 
 
 Throat, n. the fore part of the 
 
 3* 
 
 Throne, 7i. a royal seat 
 Throjf), V. to fling, to cast 
 Tide, 71. ebb and flow of the 
 
 sea 
 Tie, V. to fasten, to bind 
 Time, n. measure of duratiouf 
 Toad, 11. an animal resem- 
 bling a frog 
 Toe, n. one of the divided ex- 
 tremities of the foot 
 Trade,?!, traffick, commerce ; 
 
 V. to deal, to traffick 
 Tree, ?«. a large vegetable 
 Tribe, «. a distinct body of 
 
 people 
 Try, V. to attempt 
 Tune, 71. a diversity of notes 
 
 put together, l)iu-niony 
 Twa/n, a. twt; : ad. in two 
 
 paits 
 Twice, ad. tv.o limes 
 Twine, X". to tv>'ist, wrap 
 
 round ; ?;. a twisted thread 
 Type, n. a priming letter; 
 
 an emblem 
 Use, 77. service, advantage, 
 
 habit, custom [fruitless 
 
 Va/n, a. cuncrited, proud, 
 Yaal, 71. the llesu of a calf 
 Vire, 71, wickedness; an iron 
 
 piess 
 Y/ew. J.', a ])rospect, sight ; v. 
 
 to survey, to see 
 Yik', (I. base, wicked, mean, 
 Wa2t, V. to slay 
 Week, n. seven days 
 Weep, V. to i;hed tears, Id< 
 
 nu-nt, mourn 
 Whale, n. the largest of fish 
 Wheel, n. an instrument for 
 
 spinning ; a circular body 
 
 that turps round upon aa 
 
 axis
 
 30 THE AMERICAN iNSTRUCTER. 
 
 1 !• 
 
 Wheat, n. a specios of grain j IFlite. v. to form letters and 
 Why, ad. for what reason | words with a pen 
 Wife, 7?.. a married woman j \ e.vr, n. twelve calendai 
 Wine, n. the fermented juice ! months 
 
 of grapes 
 Wise, a. judging right, skilful, 
 
 prudent 
 Wo, 71. grief, sorrow, niisery 
 
 i /eld, /;. to resign ; to pro- 
 
 dace 
 
 'Lealy n. passionate ardour, 
 warmth 
 
 SECTION VU. 
 Monition to Children, 
 
 Children, your kind parents send you to schoo) 
 that you may be instructed in many thinijs wiiich may 
 render you happy in yourselves, and .useful in society. 
 They wish you to improve, and to be obedient to yon? 
 instructers. 
 
 They know that you must apply your minds to study, 
 or you will not learn any thine; ; and the whole ex- 
 pense of your education will be thrown away, and you 
 grow up and become a burden to 3'ourselvjes and parents. 
 
 It is to little eftect that instruction is oflbrcdtbyou, 
 if you will neither listen to, nor observe the precepts 
 which are recommended. You can gi\'e no better proofs 
 of a docile temper, than by payinj:^ jjroper respect to 
 those lessons which are calculat(ul for the improvement, 
 either of the faculties of the mind, or aliections of the 
 heart. 
 
 Think not that the business,of education is a hard- 
 ship to which you ai*e subject : it is intended solely for 
 yojur benefit ; to instruct you in those virtues and ac- 
 complishments which will tend to make you good and 
 happy, useful and agreeable. 
 
 Consider that your parents, by their conduct in this 
 instance, are discharging that office which is incumbent 
 on them. Your interest, therefore, and their duty, are 
 sufficient inducements for the one to furnish the means 
 of improvement, and for the others to be diligent and 
 obedient to their tea,chers.
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 31 
 
 It is hoped that the means of learniiiii: which are now 
 offered to yon, will be duly estimated ; and tliat you 
 will do every thing in your power to turn it to, a good 
 purpose. No proficiency can be made in any course 
 of stud}' or learning, without application. 
 
 Apply yourselves to the duties you owe to your pa- 
 rents, relations, and to all others. Your parents love 
 you sincere)} , and do all they can to make you com- 
 fortable and happy ; and surely you should love and 
 be kind to them in return. 
 
 If you observe the duty you owe to your parents, 
 you will be the better disposed to attend to the love 
 and respect which are due to every body else. You 
 will love your brothers a*nd sisters ; you will try to 
 serve and oblige them, and secure their love to you. 
 
 This spirit of love at home, will attend you wherever 
 you go : it will induce you to respect and oblige your 
 friends ; and if you live in love, you will be kind to all 
 your playmates ; you will pity the poor and afllicted, 
 and try to relieve their wants. Apply yourselves con- 
 stantly to these things, and you will be sure of obtain- 
 ing the love and friendship of all who know you. 
 
 Early accustom yourselves to speak the truth. Bad 
 children are often disposed to neglect speaking the 
 truth when tiiey have committed a fault : shame, or the 
 fear of punishment, leads them to conceal it from their 
 parents and instructers. 
 
 They are suspected, and asked to confess ; but they 
 positively deny, or artfully avoid a direct answer. A 
 -confession would always be best ; it would generally 
 secure a pardon, or a very trifling correction. 
 
 Take care that you do not imitate such bad examples 
 of folly, deceit and wickedness. Be careful that you 
 do nothing which your friends would disapprove ; but 
 if you should offend them by doing amiss, and they ask 
 you to confess, doit immediately. 
 
 In speaking of others, you should avoid prejudice, 
 passion and revenge ; but you should always speak of 
 bad behaviour and wicked actions as they deserve^
 
 32 THE AMERICAN INSTROCTER. 
 
 And even if j'our brothers, sisters or companions whora 
 you love, do what is wrong, and you are requested to 
 give an account of their actions, speak plainly and 
 faithfully of what you know of the tnatter. 
 
 By these means, many evils would be checked in 
 time, and many gross and daring cri. nes prevented; the 
 peace of society and that of your young friends would 
 be preserved, and their families also, would be kept 
 free from strife, confusion and unhappiness. 
 
 — Q©©— 
 SECTION Vlll. 
 
 The Village Green. 
 
 On the cheerful village green, 
 
 Scatter'd round with houses neat, 
 All the boys and girls are seen, 
 
 Playing there with busy feet. 
 
 Now thpy frolick, hand in hand, 
 
   Making many a merry chain ; 
 
 Then they form a warlike band, 
 
 Mnrching o'er the level plain. 
 
 Then ascends the nimble ball ; 
 
 High it rises in the air ; 
 -Or against tlie cottage wall, 
 Up and down it bounces there. 
 
 Or the hoop, with even pace, 
 
 Runs before the -merry crowd : 
 Joy is seen in ev'ry face ; 
 
 Joy is heard in cinmours loud. 
 
 For, amongst the rich and gay, 
 
 Fine and grand, and derk'd in laces, 
 
 None appear more glad llian they. 
 With happier hearts, or happier faces. 
 
 Then contented witli my state, 
 
 Let me envy not the!! great ; 
 Since true pleasure may l)e seen 
 
 On a cheerful village green.
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 33 
 
 SECTION IX. 
 
 To a Child jive years old. 
 
 Fairest flower, all flowers excelling, 
 Which in Milton's page we see : 
 
 Flowers of Eve's imbower'd dwelling, 
 Are, my fair one, types of thee. 
 
 Mark, my Polly, how the roses 
 Emulate thy damask cheek ; 
 
 How the bud its sweets discloses — 
 Buds thy opening bloom bespeak. 
 
 Lilies are by plain direction 
 
 Emblems of a double kind ; ' 
 
 Emblems of thy fair complexion, 
 
 Emblems of thy fairer mind. 
 
 But, dear girl, both flowers and beauty 
 Blossom, fade, and die away : 
 
 Then pursue good sense and duty ; 
 Evergreens which ne'er decay ! 
 
 SECTION X. 
 
 Monosyllables continued. 
 
 Act, n. a deed, exploit ; v. to 
 
 do, perform 
 Add, V. to join to 
 And, conj. a particle which 
 
 joins sentences and words 
 Apt, a. ready, quick 
 Ask, V. to entreat, to inquire 
 Bad, a. wicked, imperfect 
 Bed, n. a place to sleep on 
 Beg, V. to ask earnestly 
 Belt, n. a girdle, sash 
 Bench, n. a seat to sit on 
 Bend, V. to crook ; to subdue 
 Bilge, V. to spring a leak 
 Bill, n. the beak of a fowl ; a 
 
 written paper ; an account 
 
 of particulars 
 
 Blank, 71. void space; paper 
 
 unwritten 
 Bliss, ?^. happiness, great joy 
 Blunt, a. dull ; unpolite 
 Brag, V. to boast, swagger 
 Bran, n. the husks of ground 
 
 corn 
 Brass, n. a yellow metal 
 Breadth, n. the measure from 
 
 side to side 
 Breath, n. air drawn in and 
 
 discharged by the lungs 
 Brick, n. a mass of burnt clay 
 Bridge, n. a building over 
 
 water for the convenience 
 
 of passing 
 Bring, v. to fetch, to conduct
 
 M 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Br 'sk, a. lively, gay, quick 
 Bud, n. the first shoot of a 
 plant or tree [ter 
 
 Bunch, n. a hard lump, a clus- 
 Buzz, V. to hum like bees 
 Can, V. to be able ; n. a cup 
 Cap, n. cover for the head 
 Cash, n. money, ready money 
 Cask, n, a barrel 
 Cast, V. to throw, to fling 
 Cat, n. a domestick animal 
 Ca^ch, V. to seize, ensnare 
 Champ, V. to bite, chew 
 Chance, n. fortune, accident 
 Chasm, n. cleft, gap, opening 
 Chat, V. to converse, talk 
 Chest, n. a large box of wood 
 Chin, n. lowest part of the 
 
 face 
 Church, n. a place of worship; 
 
 the collective body of 
 
 christians 
 Churn, n. a kind of vessel in 
 
 which butter is made 
 Clan, w. a family, race, sect 
 Class, n. a rank, order, degree 
 Cleanse, v. to make clean 
 Clinch, V. to hold fast 
 Cling, y. to twine round 
 Club, n. a heavy stick ; a 
 
 society 
 
 1, V. to squeeze ; to 
 
 Crusl 
 
 bruise [cripj)les 
 
 Crunch, n. a support usotl by 
 Cull, V. to select tVom others 
 Cup, n. a drinking vessel 
 Dead, a. deprived of life 
 Dearth, n. scarcity, finiiuc 
 Death, n. extinction of life 
 Dcit, w. what is another's just 
 
 due 
 Deck, V. to dress, adorn ; n. 
 
 the floor of a ship 
 
 Di^ch, n. a trench 
 Dread, n. fear, awe 
 Dress, n. clothes, garment!: 
 Drip, V. to fall in drops 
 Duck, n. a water-fowl 
 Dull, a." stupid ; blunt 
 Dum/>, a. speechless, silent 
 Dusk, n. tendency to dark~ 
 
 ness 
 Dust, n. small particles of 
 
 dried earth 
 Earth, ti. the globe we live 
 
 on, land, soil 
 Edg<', n. the sharp part of an 
 
 instrument 
 Elk, n. a large wild animal of 
 
 the stag kind 
 Ell, n. a measure of one yard 
 
 and a quarter 
 Elm, n. the name of a tree 
 End, /.'. conclusion, death 
 Err, V. to mistake, stray 
 Fact, u, reality 
 Fast, a, firm, innnoveable ; <• 
 
 to abstain t'rum t'ood 
 Fat, a. the oily part of llesh 
 Fen, n. a marsh, bog 
 Fence, n. a guard, security. 
 
 hedge 
 Fib, n. a lie, falseliood 
 Fill, 7). to make full 
 
 Film, n. a thin skin 
 
 Fish, ».. an animal that inha- 
 bits the water 
 
 Fix, V. to place, determine 
 
 Flash, V. to blaze ; n, a sud- 
 den blaze 
 
 Flat, a. smooth, level 
 
 Flax, 71. the plant of which 
 linen is made 
 
 Flesh, n. a purl of the animal 
 body [back 
 
 Flinch, r. to shrink or drajv
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTERv 
 
 35 
 
 Fling,'!; to throw, cast 
 Flint," n. a hard kind of stone 
 Frank, a. liberal, open, sin- 
 cere 
 Fresh, a. not salt, now [ion 
 -Friend, n.a familiar compan- 
 "^ Fringe, 71. ornamental appen- 
 dages 
 Tiin, ??. sport, mirth 
 Fund, n. a stock or bank of 
 
 money 
 Fur, 71. the fine soft hair of 
 
 beasts 
 Gafr, V. to stop the mouth 
 Gang, 71. a company, crew 
 Gash, «. a cut or wound 
 Gem, w. a jewel 
 Gel, [g hard] r. to procure, 
 
 t<i gain 
 ^liio^t, 71. a spiiii, apparition 
 (iift, [g hard] /i. a thing given 
 Gildj [g hard] v. to wash over 
 
 with gold 
 Gill, [gerl] n. a female child, 
 
 young woman 
 Give, [g hard] v. to bestow 
 Gbid, .7. pleased, cheerful 
 Gln?s, 71. an artificial transpa- 
 rent substance 
 Glib^ a. smo(iili, quick 
 Ghmpse, n. a faint light 
 6^nat, «. a small stinging in- 
 \ sect 
 
 Grand, a. splendid, noble 
 Grant, «. to give, admit, be- 
 stow 
 Grasp, v. to hold in the hand, 
 
 to gripe 
 Gr^fn. food for cattfe 
 GriiB, a. ill-looking, horrible 
 Grit, n. sand, rough hard par-! 
 
 tides 
 Grudge, n. envy, ill will 
 
 Gwess, V. to conjecture 
 Guest, n. one who is enter-" 
 
 tained 
 Gulf, 71. a bay ; an abyss 
 Gum, rj. the substance enclos- 
 ing the teeth ; the juice of 
 trees 
 Gun, 77. a musket, cannon, &c. 
 Gush, V. to rush out with vio- 
 lence 
 Hand, 71. a part of the body ; 
 
 the palm with the fingers 
 Hat, 71. a cover for the head 
 Have, V. to possess, enjoy 
 Head, ?^. the part that con- 
 tains the brain ; a chief 
 Health, 71. freedom from sick- 
 ness [bushes 
 Hedge, ??. a fence made oi 
 Help, v. \o assist ; n. assis- 
 ' tance, aid 
 
 Helve, n. the handle of an axe 
 Hem, II. the edge of a gar- 
 ment 
 Hemp, 71. a plant from which 
 
 ropes are made 
 Hence, ad. from this place 
 Herd, 71. a flock, drove 
 Hill,??. an elevation ofground, 
 
 high land 
 Hilt, ??. the handle of a sword 
 Hingf, 71. a joint on which a 
 
 door turns 
 Hint, 71. a remote allusion, 
 
 suggestion, intimation 
 Hiss, n. noise made by a ser- 
 pent ; expression of con- 
 tempt 
 Hiich, V. to move by jerks 
 Hug, V. to embrace fondly 
 Hulk, 71. the body of a ship 
 Hull, 71. a husk, pod, outside ; 
 the body of a ship
 
 ;56 
 
 niE AMERICAN 1^STRUCTER. 
 
 lum, V. to sing low, to buzz 
 ilunt, V. to chase, pursue 
 Hurl, r. to thro\V with vio- 
 lence 
 Hurt, V. to injure, wound 
 Hush, itti. siU^nce ! be still ! 
 T . to quiet, appease 
 
 Hut, n. a poor cottage, mean 
 ali'.iii-'^ 
 
 Hym«, w a divine or holy song 
 
 111, a. biJ 'u any respect ; sick 
 
 Incii, )i. tiiO twelfth part of 
 a foot 
 
 Ink, }i. ■.'. Ikjuid to write with 
 
 Jerk, ; . a sudden jolt 
 
 Jest, n. a joke, any thing lu- 
 dicrous 
 
 Jet, n, a very black fossil 
 
 Jig, //. a quick lance 
 
 Judge, n. one who presides in 
 a c »urt ; v. to pass sen- 
 tence, decide 
 
 Jump, V. to leap, skip 
 
 Just, a. upriglit, honest 
 
 Kick, n. a blow with the foot ; 
 v.W strike with the foot 
 
 Kid,Ji. a young goat 
 
 King, n a monarch, chief ru- 
 ler 
 
 Klick, V. to make a small 
 sharp noise 
 
 Knh, V. to unite, join ; to 
 make stockmg- work 
 
 Lack, V. to be in want, to be 
 witliout 
 
 Lad, n.. a boy, youth 
 
 Lag, 7'. to .'oiter, stay behind 
 
 Lam6, n. a young sheep 
 
 Lamp, n. a vessel which con- 
 taii. '^iland wick for burn- 
 ing 
 
 Lance, r. ,) long spear ; v. to 
 piercp. to cut 
 
 Land, n. ground, a country 
 Lank, a. loose, not filled up 
 Lash, 71. part of a whip 
 Lass, ti. a girl, young woman 
 Last, a. latest ; v. to contin- 
 ue ; n. the mould on which 
 
 shoes are formed [door 
 La^ch, n. a fastening for a 
 Lecd, n. soft heavy metal 
 Learn, v. to gain knowledge 
 
 improve 
 Left, a. opposite the right 
 Lend, V. to grant the use ol 
 
 any thing 
 Length, ti. the extent of any 
 
 thing from end to end 
 Less, ad. in a smaller degree 
 Lest, conj. for fear that 
 Let, V. to allow, to suffer ; t© 
 
 hire out 
 Lid, n. a cover 
 Lift, V. to raise, elevate 
 Limft, n. a member, joint, 
 
 bough 
 Limp, V. to walk lamely 
 Link, n. part of a chain ; v. to 
 
 unite, join 
 Lint, n. linen scraped soft 
 Lip, n. the outer part of the 
 
 mouth 
 Lisp, V. to clip words in their 
 
 pronunciation 
 List, n. a catalogue, a roll ; a 
 
 strip of cloth 
 Live, V. to be in a state of life, 
 
 to exist 
 ?>uck, n. chance, fortune 
 Lug, T. to pull or carry with 
 
 difficulty 
 I^uU, V. to compose to sleep 
 Lump,n. a heap, a whole piece 
 Lungs, n. the organs of respi 
 
 ration 
 
 '^B* 
 
 x^:'
 
 THE AMERICAN LNSTRUCTER. 
 
 3T 
 
 L311X, H. a spotted beast 
 
 Mad, 
 
 a. 
 
 mind 
 
 disordered in the 
 
 hM 
 
 Man, n. the male of the 
 
 man species 
 Map, n. a delineation of coun- 
 tries [face 
 Mask, n. a disguise for the 
 Mass, n. a lump, a body 
 Mast, n. the beam raised 
 above the vessel to which 
 the sail is fixed 
 Mafch, n. a contest ; mar- 
 riage ; that which catches 
 fire 
 Melt, V. to dissolve 
 Mend, v. to repair, improve 
 Mess, n. a dish or portion of 
 
 food 
 Milk, n. the liquor with which 
 
 animals feed their young 
 Mill, n. an engine to grind 
 
 with 
 Mince, V. to cut very small 
 Mint, n. a place for coining ; 
 
 a plant 
 Mirtli, [nierih] n. merriment 
 Miss, t'. not to hit ; ri. a young 
 
 or unmarried woman 
 Mist, n. fog, fine rain, a low 
 
 thin cloud 
 Mix, t". to mingle, unite 
 Much, n. a great deal ; ad. in 
 
 a great degree 
 Mud, n. wet dirt, mire 
 Mufi', n. a soft cover for the 
 hands [out of 
 
 IMug, n. a cup used to drink 
 Must, V, to be obliged 
 Nap, w. a short sleep, slumber 
 JVeck, n. a part of the body 
 Nerve, n, an organ of sensa- 
 tion 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 Nest, n. an abode ; a bed 
 formed by a bird for her 
 ^ yoimg 
 Net, n. a texture for catching 
 
 fish, birds, cfec.^ 
 Next, a. nearest in place ; 
 Nip, -c. to pinch, to bite 
 Num6, o. torpid, cold, chill; 
 
 -•. to make numb, stupify 
 Nurse, n. one who takes care 
 
 of a sick {x^rson 
 Pack, n. a large bundle ; a 
 set of cards ; v. to bind up 
 for carriage 
 Pan, n. a kitchen vessel ; part 
 
 of the lock of a gun 
 Pang, n. extreme or sudden 
 pain [earnestly 
 
 Pant, V. to palpitate, to wish 
 Pass, V. to go beyond ; to en- 
 act a law ; to be current 
 Pat, V. to strike lightly ; n, a 
 
 light blow 
 Pa^ch,T). to piece, to mend 
 Pe«rl, n. a precious gem 
 Peck, 11. the fourth part of a 
 
 bushel 
 Peg, n. a wooden pin [with 
 Pen, a, an instrument to write 
 Pert, a. brisk, lively 
 Pest, n. a plague, mischief 
 Pet, n. a slight displeasure 
 Pick, V. to choose, select • 
 Pig, n. a young hog [cine 
 Pill, n. a small ball of medi 
 Pin, n. a short pointed wire 
 Pinch, x\ to squeeze 
 Pink, n. a small fragrant 
 flower [part 
 
 Pit, n. a hole, graye, hollow 
 Pith, n. marrow, strength, 
 
 principal part 
 Plan, n. a scheme, form , 
 
 /
 
 THE AMERICAN i-\. Ti.UCTER, 
 
 Plank, «. a thick board ; r. to ! Quit, r. to leave ; <lischarge 
 
 lay with plank 
 Plant, n. a vegetable pred.x- 
 tjon 
 
 Pledge, Ji. a pawn 
 
 Plug, n. a stopple 
 Plum, n. a kind of fruit 
 
 Plum^, n. a leaden wc.'frht on 
 a line ; v. to regulate 
 
 Plunge, V. to put suddenly 
 under water 
 
 Prank, n. frolick, wicked deed 
 
 Press, V. to squeeze, to crush; 
 n.an instrument for pressing 
 
 Princfi, n. a sovereign, the 
 son of a king 
 
 Print, n. a mark made by im- 
 pression ; ?'. to mark by im- 
 pression 
 
 Puflf, V. to blow, to swell with 
 wind 
 
 Pulp, n. the soft part of fruit ; 
 any soft mass 
 
 Pulse, 71. the motion of any ar- 
 tery as the blood is driven 
 through if 
 
 Pumj>, n. a water engine ; a 
 kind of shoe ; v. to work a 
 pu!np 
 
 Purgf, V. to cleanse, purify 
 
 Purr, V. to murmur as a cat 
 
 Pursc,n.a small bag for money 
 
 Quack, n. a vain boastful pre- 
 tender to physick ; v. to 
 cry like a diirk 
 
 Quell, V. to crush, subdue 
 
 Quench, v. to extinguisli 
 
 Quick, a. uimide, active 
 
 Quill, li. the liard and strong 
 feather cf the wing 
 
 Quilt, ;♦. cover of a bed ; i\ to 
 stitch two cloths together 
 
 Quin-'*;, v. a tree and its fruit 
 
 Rack, II. an engine of torture; 
 a frame for hay 
 
 Raft, n. a lloat of timber 
 
 Rag, It. el Worn-out piece af 
 cloth 
 
 Rauk, a. strong scented ; n. 
 a line of men ; a degree of 
 dignity ; v. to place in a ' 
 row 
 
 Rap, n. a quick smart blow 
 
 Rash, a. hasty 
 
 Rns{), 71. a lar:io rough fdo 
 
 Rat, 11. a sm;ill anim;d of the 
 mouse kind 
 
 Rertlm, n. a kingdom, s*ate 
 
 RendyV. to tear with violei^ce 
 
 Rent, n. money paid for any 
 thing held of another, in- 
 come 
 
 Rest, n. peace, sleep, ease ; 
 V. to be at ease 
 
 Rich, a. wealthy; fcrtilo 
 
 Ridge, n. the upper part of a 
 slope, tlie top 
 
 Rill, /?. a small brook, a stream 
 
 Rim, «. border, edge 
 
 Rini^, t', to sound ; >•. a cir- 
 cle ; ornament ; a so'ind 
 r. to cleanse by water 
 to tear 
 V. to hazrr.d ; /i. dan- 
 
 5 
 
 Rinsi' 
 Rip, V. 
 Risk, 
 
 ger, haxar'I 
 Rough, a. vmeven, rugged 
 Rub, V. to clean, scour, wipe 
 Uum, /;. a kind of ardent 
 
 spliits 
 Run, V. to move swiftly 
 Rush, V. to jtiove with vio- 
 lence; n. 4' plant 
 Rusk, 71. d kind of hard bread 
 Rust, 71. the red incrustation 
 of iron, Sec. 
 
 «i
 
 THE /^MKltlCA-N !\'?rRUCTEB. 39 
 
 Sad, «, sorrowful. «Jul]- gloo- | Scratch, v. to tear with the 
 
 nai 
 
 Is 
 
 my 
 Sand, n. soft gravelly oanli I Sciilk, r. to lurk secretly, 
 
 Sap, n. the iuico of vegeta- 
 bles [winclov 
 
 Sash, n. a bcU ; yv-irt of a 
 
 Scalp, n. the skin aiul flesh 
 en the scull [rately 
 
 Scan, V. to examiiM; accu- 
 
 Scent, n. smell, odour   ing 
 
 ScAl.sm, »i. a division in the I Serve, « to attend at corn- 
 
 hide 
 
 Scull, n. the brain-pan 
 Searc)i,r. to examine, explore 
 Sell, ?.'. to part with for a price 
 Sense, n. faculty of perceiv- 
 ing ; understanding; mean- 
 
 church ! mand, obey 
 
 SECTION XI. - . 
 
 On Heading. 
 
 Reading may he considered as the key which com- 
 mands our entrance, and gives us access to the various 
 departments of science and literature. It enlarges the 
 sphere of observation, and affords abundant materials 
 for exercising the faculties of the mind. 
 
 Among all people distinguished for their refinements 
 and civilization, the most prevalent and important art is 
 that of readino-. The improven\ent of the mind, the 
 cultivation of taste, and the acquisition of knowledge, 
 are the advantages derived from this art. 
 
 From reading we are made acquainted with the pass- 
 ing events and occurrences in various parts of the world 
 and are enabled to repeat the sentiments of those wIk 
 have existed in former times. 
 
 It brings to view the scenes of departed years, an 
 exhibits the rise and fall, and the revolutions of the ar 
 cient communities of inankind ; and olVr^rs to our r^ 
 flection all the most important circumstances connectc 
 ■with the improvement of human society. 
 
 As reading has a great influence in guiding the opi ' 
 ions and sentiments of young persons, it is of great iir 
 portancc that they read books in whicli thi)igs are re 
 resented in tiieir true colours ; that they properly di 
 crimin:iie b'   . i n romance and reality; and tfeat thi
 
 4lJ THE AxMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 reflect upon the substance of what they^read. and draw 
 suitable inferences from the same. 
 
 To have good books, and to be able to read them 
 well, IS a p-reat j^'ivilege. They make us both wiser 
 and better : they instruct us in our duty, and teach us 
 how to behave ourselves. They comfort us in our dis- 
 tresses and adlictions. 
 
 They pass away our leisure hours pleasantly and 
 usefully ; and the amusement which they afl'ord, is 
 cheaper than almost any other. They are true friends, 
 excellent counsellors, and agreeable companions. 
 
 Be careful to read with attention. When you are 
 reading, do not bethinking of any thing else. People 
 who read without thinking what they are reading about, 
 lose their time : and they cannot be the wiser, or the 
 better, for what they read. 
 
 Reflect upon what you have read,, or heard other peo- 
 ple read ; and if you have a proper opportunity, con- 
 verse upon it. To relate what you have read, or heard, 
 is the best way to help you to remember it. 
 
 It may afford many useful and pleasant subjects of 
 conversation ; and it may often })revent quarrelling, tel- 
 ling idle tales, silly joking, and talking scandak In or- 
 der to remember any particular passages in a book, 
 read them over several times. 
 
 When you have finished reading a book, consider, 
 before you begin another, what you have learned from 
 it that is useful, and most worthy of being remembered. 
 If it contained an account of good persons, or actions, 
 consider whether you have done your best to imitate 
 them. 
 
 If it instructed you in any particular dut}', consider 
 whether you have done your best to practice it. A lit- 
 tle in this way is more improving, than many volumes, 
 however excellent in themselves, read over in a hasty, 
 careless manner. 
 
 Letnothing tempt you to read abadl)Ook of anykifnd. 
 It is better not to read at all, than to read bad books. 
 A bad book it is trulv said, "Is the worst of thieves;" 
 it robs ws of time, money, and principles.
 
 l'!2E AiMEiilCAA iXSTi:UCTER- ' 41 
 
 SECTION XII. 
 
 Manhind arc dependant on each other. 
 
 O CHILD of humanity! thou owest thy conveiiience, 
 thy security, thy enjoyment of the comforts and pleas- 
 ures of life, to the assistance of others. Rejoice then 
 in the happiness and prosperity of thy neig^hbour. 
 
 Open i!Ot thy ear to slander ; tlie faults and the fail- 
 ings of men give pain to a benevolent heart. Desire to 
 do good, and search out occasions for it : in removing 
 the oppression of another, the virtuous ixnnd relicvesv 
 itself. 
 
 Shut not thine mx against the cries of the poor, nor 
 harden th\ heart against the calamities of the innocent. 
 When the fatherless call upon thee, when the widow's 
 heart is sunk, and she implores thy assistance v»ith tears 
 of sorrow 5 pity their affliction, and extend iby hand to 
 those who have none to help them. 
 
 When thou seest the naked wanderer in the street, 
 shivering with cold, and destitute of habitation, let 
 bounty open thy heart, let the wings of charity shelter 
 him from death, that thy own soul may live- 
 
 Whilst the poor man groans on the bed of sickness ; 
 whilst the unfortunate languish in the horrours of a dun~ 
 geon ; or the hoary liead of age lifts up a feeble eye to 
 thee for pity ; how canst thou riot in superdaous enjoy- 
 ments, regardless of their v/iint-, i.ufeeling oftheir woes f 
 
 SECTiON,X[IL 
 Address from a Teacher to hif Pirpllis^-f^on the usefah 
 ness of leaintnX' 
 My YOUiXG PUPILS, unless you }ia\e an inclination 
 for learning, unless you feel ambitious to be as forward 
 as any in your class, all my endeavours to instruct you, 
 will be vain and useless. The youth whose mind is de- 
 voted to plays and diversions, and who studies his les- 
 sons merely from a fear of correction, will learn but 
 little- and the little he does learn, will soon be forgot- 
 ten.
 
 42 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 I hope, liowevfi-, that I shall never be driven to the 
 painful ner.essity of compelling 3 ou by correction to at- 
 tend to your studies. It will he much more agreeaWe 
 to me. much more to my credit as a faithful instrurter, 
 and much more to your honour as scholars, to have you 
 attend to your studies from a love of learning, and a 
 laudable ambition to excel each other in those branches 
 of literature, to which your attention may from time 
 to time be directed. 
 
 At present you are unacquainted with the world, and 
 do not foresee the advantages you will hereafter derive- 
 from a thorough knowledge of the English Language, 
 a competent skill m Arithmetick,||bd from being able 
 to write a plain and handsome hnnd. To point out the 
 advantages to be derived from the above branches of 
 learning, is the object of the following observations. 
 
 You are all possessed of some kind of ambition. In 
 your amusements, one feels a pride that he is the swift- 
 est runner ; another, that he is the most expert \\ restler ; 
 and another, that he can sling a stone the farthest, or 
 best hit the mark. 
 
 And why are you pleased with excelling in these lit- 
 tle amusements ? Because it is natural to youth, as well 
 as men, to be pleased with superiority ; because there is a 
 delight in being noticed, and often spoken of with praise. 
 
 But, to be a swift runner or an expert wrestler, are 
 objects of small importance ; if, therefore, excelling in 
 these trifling amusements, affords you pleasure, or gra- 
 tifies your pride, how much more grateful and pleasing 
 must it be to excel youj" mates in reading, writing, and 
 arithmetick ; which are objects of importance, and will 
 never fail of affording pleasure, and of adding to your 
 prosperity, usefulness, and respectability in the world. 
 
 Although you arc young at present, the time will 
 shortly arrive when you must provide and act for your- 
 selves. None of you know where 30U \^ill hereafter 
 live, or what business you may follow for a livelihood ; 
 but wherever \'(ui live, or whatever business you pur- 
 sue, learning will be of immense advantage. 
 
 Such is the disposition of mankind, so ready arc many
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 43 
 
 of them to take the advanrai>e of the luilearned ana un- 
 experienced, that liie yoiuli who is left wltliout learning, 
 to act and provide for himself, will meet with many dif- 
 ficulties, feel many embarrassments, and be liable to a 
 thousand im.positions, to which those who are possessed 
 ofa good common school education will not be subjected. 
 
 In every Town, County, and State in America, are 
 offices of honour and profit, which some of you, as you 
 arrive to the age of manhood, will be called upon to 
 jfill. Most of these offices require men who are able to 
 read well, to write a fair hand, and who understand the 
 use of figures. 
 
 Those of you who pay attention to j^our books, who 
 not only learn to read, but to understand what you 
 read, who learn the rules of arithmetick, and understand 
 how to apply them in practice, will be the ones most 
 likel}' to be promoted. 
 
 At present, I am happy to see you inspired with a 
 l?"<iable ambition to excel each other in learning. Will 
 you not have the same ambition hereafter, as it respects 
 your rank and situation in the world ? If you should, 
 let me inform you, that a diligent improvement of your 
 present opportunity for learning, is the only way in 
 which you can expect promotion in society. 
 
 The youth who is inattentive to his books, and re- 
 gards not the lessons and admonitions of his instructer, 
 is seldom afterwards respected. He is considered as a 
 dull, stupid, ignorant fellow, unqualified for the exer- 
 cise of any profitable or useful employment. 
 
 My 3'oung friends, it is not only for your interest to 
 attend with diligence to your studies, but it is a sacred 
 duty whicli you owe to yourselves, your parents, your 
 country, and your God. 
 
 To yourselves, as it will increase your happiness; to 
 vour parents, as it will be the most grateful return you 
 can make them for the pains and expense they bestow 
 on your education ; to your country, as it will enable 
 you to reward her for the protection she affords you ; 
 and to your God, as it will render you more capable of 
 fulfilling the grand objects of your creation.
 
 44 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 SECTION XIV. 
 
 Monosyllables continued. 
 
 Set, V. to place, put ; n, a 
 number of th'ijj^s suited to 
 each other 
 Sex, n. the distinction betwixt 
 
 male and female 
 Shad, n. a species of fish 
 Shafl, n. an arrow, weapon 
 Sham, n. delusion, fraud 
 Shed, n. a building, shelter ; 
 
 V. to spill, to scatter 
 Shell, n. a hard covering 
 Shrill, a. giving a piercing 
 
 sound 
 Shun, V. to avoid, decline 
 Shut, V. to close, bar, confine 
 Sick, a. afflicted with disease 
 Sieve, n, a bolter, thing used 
 
 to sift with 
 Sift, V. to separate by a sieve 
 Silk, n. the thread of the silk- 
 worm, the stuft" made of it 
 Sin, n. a violation of the laws 
 of God ; r. to transgress 
 the laws of God 
 Sing, v. to form the voice to 
 melody ; to articulate mu- 
 sically • 
 Singe, V. to scorch, burn 
 Sink, V. to go down, settle 
 Sip, V. \c, drink by small 
 
 drauglits 
 Sit, V. to rest on a seat 
 Six, a. twice three 
 Sketch, 71. the ontlinos 
 Skiff, n. a small light boat 
 Skill, n. knowledge of any 
 
 practice or art 
 Skip, V. to leap ; lo miss 
 Skirt, [skcrt] n. the edge, bor- 
 der 
 
 Slash, r, to cut; to lash 
 Sled, n. a carriage without 
 
 wheels 
 Slim, a. slender 
 Smell, V. to perceive by means 
 of the nose ; ??. scent, odour 
 Smith, n. one who works in 
 
 metals 
 Sna/ch, v, to seize hastily 
 Snufl', n. powdered tobacco ; 
 the burnt wick of a candle 
 Speck, n, a small spot, a stain 
 Spell, V. to form words of let- 
 ters 
 Spill, V. to shed, to waste 
 Spin, V. to draw out into 
 
 threads 
 Split, V. to cleave, divide 
 Spread, v. to extend, cover 
 Sprig, n. a small branch 
 Spring, n. a season of the 
 year ; a fountain, a source 
 Stabjiu, to pierce with a point- 
 ed weapon 
 Stack, n. a large pile of hay, 
 
 corn, &c. 
 Stafl', n. a walking stick 
 Stand, V. to be on the (i^ct., to 
 
 stop ; n. a station, stop 
 Start, V. to move suddenly ; 
 n. the act of setting out j a 
 motion of terrour 
 Step, r. to move the feet, to 
 
 walk ; n. a footstep 
 Stick, V. to fasten, adhere ; 
 
 ??, apiece of wood -v' 
 Still, V. to siloi'ice ; n. a ves- 
 sel for distillation ; a. si- 
 lent ; ad. till now, to this 
 time
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 45 
 
 Strength, n. force, vigour 
 Stress, n. force, importance 
 Stretch, v. to extend, expand 
 Strict, a. severe, close, exact 
 String, n. a slender rope, cord 
 Such, pro. of that kind 
 Sum, n. the amount ; the 
 whole of any thing [day 
 Sun, n. the luminary of the 
 Swell, V. to grow bigger 
 Swift, a. speedy, quick 
 Swim,x). to float on the water; 
 
 to be dizzy 
 Tang, n. a strong taste, relish 
 Tap, n. a gentle blow, a rap ; 
 V. to touch softly; to broach 
 a vessel 
 Task, n. something to be done 
 imposed by another, em- 
 ploymeet 
 Tax, n. a rate, duty ; v. to 
 
 lay a tax 
 Tell, V. to utter, to relate 
 Tempt, V. to entice to ill, 
 
 provoke 
 Ten, a. twice five 
 Tense, n. a variation of the 
 
 verb to signify time 
 Tent, n. a moveable habita- 
 tion, a pavilion 
 Term, n. a limit ; the word by 
 which a thing is expressed ; 
 condition 
 Text, n. a sentence of scrip- 
 ture ; that on which a com- 
 ment is made 
 Thank, v. to give or return 
 
 thanks 
 Theft, n. the act of stealing 
 Thin, a. slender, not thick 
 Thing, n. whatever is; any 
 
 kind of matter 
 Thum&, n, part of the hand 
 
 Thus, ad. in this manner 
 Touch, V. to reach, to join ; 
 
 n. the act of touching 
 Track, n. a mark left ; a beat- 
 en path 
 Tract, n. a region ; a quantity 
 
 of land ; a small book 
 Trap, V. a snare, ambush 
 Trick, n. a cheat, fraud 
 Trim, a. nice, neatly dressed 
 Trunk, n. a sort of chest ; the 
 
 body of any thing 
 Trust, r. to confide in, to be- 
 lieve ; n. confidence, credit 
 Tub, n. a wooden vessel 
 Turf, n. a clod covered with 
 
 grass 
 
 Turn, V. to move round, to 
 
 change [tooth 
 
 Tusk, n. a fang, a very large 
 Twelve, a. twice six 
 Twig, n. a small branch 
 Urge, v. to incite, to solicit, 
 
 to press 
 Vex, V. to provoke, plague 
 Well, n. a spring, fountain ; 
 
 a. not sick 
 When, ad. at what time ; at 
 
 the time that 
 Whim, Ji. an odd fanc}", freak 
 Win, V. to gain by conquest 
 
 or play 
 Wing, ?i. the limb of a bird 
 
 by which it flies 
 Wish, V. to have a strong de- 
 sire ; n. a longing desire 
 Wit, n. the intellect, sense, 
 
 understanding 
 PFren, n. a small bird 
 Wretch, n. a miserable or 
 
 worthless person 
 Yard, n a measure of three 
 
 feet ; enclosed ground
 
 *0 
 
 THE a.m5;:rican ixstructer. 
 
 Awe, n. rcvcrcniii)! fear, re- 
 verence 
 Broad, a. wide, large 
 Cause, 71. reason, motive 
 Clia/k,M. a kind of white fossil 
 CAord, ?i. the string of a mu- 
 sical instrument [tide 
 Clause, 71. a sentence, an ar- 
 Claw, 71. the foot of a heast 
 
 or bird 
 Corpse, n. a dead body 
 Crawl, V. to creep, to move 
 slowly P'ght 
 
 Dawn, V. to begin to grow 
 Drawl, V. to utter slowly 
 Fall, V. to drop, tumble down 
 Falsfi, a. not true, dishonest 
 Fault, 77. a crime ; defect 
 Fawn, n. a young deer 
 Fork, 71, an instrument with 
 
 two or more prongs 
 Fraud, n. deceit, cheat 
 Gauze, n. a thin transparent 
 
 silk or linen 
 G^naw, V. to bite, to oat by 
 
 degrees 
 Hall, n. a mansion house ; a 
 large room [a march 
 
 Halt, V. to stop ; n. a stop in 
 Haul, V. to pull, to drag 
 Hawk, n. a bird of prey 
 Horn, n. a hard substance on 
 the heads of some animals 
 Jaw, 71. the bone of the mouth 
 in which the teeth are pla- 
 ced 
 Law, 71. a rule, decree, order 
 Lord, n. the Divine Being; a 
 title of honour [beetle 
 
 Mall, n. a large hammer or 
 Nor, corrj. neither, not even 
 North, n. opposite the soutii 
 Ought, V. to be obliged, should 
 
 Pidl, 71. a cloak of state ; a 
 
 covering for the dead 
 Pause, //. a stop 
 Paw, n. the foot of a beast 
 Pawn, V. to pledge 
 Salt, 77. a substance which af- 
 fects the taste and stimu- 
 lates the palate 
 Sauce, n. something to im- 
 prove tlie relish of food 
 Scald, t'. to burn with hot li- 
 quids [tempt 
 Scorn, V. to despise ; n. con- 
 Small, a. little, slender 
 Squall, V. to scream suddenly; 
 
 71. a sudden gust of wind 
 Stall, n. a place for horses 
 
 and cattle 
 Stork, 71. a kind of bird 
 Storm, 71. a tempest ; assault ; 
 ».'. to attack by open force 
 Straw, n. the stalk of grain 
 Ta/k, V. to speak ; n, oral 
 
 conversation 
 Tall, a. high in stature, lofty 
 Thaw, V. to melt, dissolve 
 Thought, 71. the act of think- 
 ing, idea 
 VVa/k. V. to go on foot, travel 
 War, ». open hostility, fight- 
 ing [nish 
 Warn, v. to caution, admo- 
 4 
 
 A/nis, 71. a gift to the poor 
 Arch, 71. part of a circle 
 Arm, 71. a limb of tlie body 
 Art, 71. skill, science, trade 
 Ba/m, n. the name of a plant 
 Barn, 7^. a storehouse iised for 
 
 corn, hay, stabling, &c. 
 Bath, 71. a place to bathe in 
 Ca/m, 71. stillness ; a. quiet, 
 serene
 
 THE AMERI.CA?* [JS'STRUCTER, 
 
 r 
 
 41 
 
 Cart, n. a carriage of two j Patji, 7t. a foot-road [song 
 wheels [or meat I Psalm, n. a kind of sacred 
 
 Carve, v. to cut wood, stonp, ! Scarf, n. a loose covering for 
 
 mipute 
 
 Charge, v. to entrust, 
 Cha.m, V. to deliirht 
 Dark, a. without Jight, L'lind 
 Farm, n. land occupied by a 
 
 fai-nier 
 G«ard, v. to \i:atch, protect 
 Hali) n. one oT two equal parts 
 Hard, a. firm, solid ; cruel 
 Hark, V. to listen, hear 
 Huim, 71. jujurj, mischief 
 Harp, ii. a musiciil instrument 
 Harsh, a. rough, austere 
 Jar, n. an earthen vessel ; a 
 
 harsh sound 
 Large, a, bulky, Ijig 
 Lark, n. a smali singing liird 
 La?/gh, 7). to make that noise 
 
 which mirth excites 
 Lae^nch, v. to push to sea, set 
 
 off 
 iVIar, V. to injure, damage 
 March, n. the third month ; a 
 
 'movement of soldiers ; a 
 .solemn walk or tune ; v. to 
 
 move in a military form 
 Mark, n. a stamp, object ; v. 
 
 to make e mark 
 Marl, n, a kind ol clay 
 Marsh, n, a swamp, fen, bog 
 Pafe, n. a tree ; inner part of 
 
 the hand 
 Par, n. a state of equality 
 Parch. V. to scorch, to burn 
 
 slightly 
 Kjirk, a. a piece of ground en- 
 closed for deei 
 Parse, v. to resolve by the 
 
 rules of grammar 
 Part, n. a portion, share; v, 
 
 to divide ; to go away 
 
 the shoulders 
 Shark, /?. a ravenous fish 
 Sharp, a. keen, piercing 
 Smart, a. quick, active, witty ; 
 
 V. to feel quick pain 
 Snarl, v.. to growl Uke a dog 
 Spark, n. a small particle of 
 
 fire 
 Star, n. a luminous body in 
 th^^- heavens ; a mark of 
 reference . [ger 
 
 Starve, v. to perish with hun- 
 Tar, «. liquid pitch ; a sailor 
 Tart, «, sour, acid, keen 
 Yarn, n. spun wool or flax 
 
 5 
 Block, a. a short piece of tim- 
 ber 
 Blot, V. to blur, efface, stain 
 Bond, ?j. 9. writfen jbligation 
 Cloth, 71. any thing woven for 
 
 dress 
 Cost, n. expense, price 
 CoMgh, n, a disorder of the 
 - lungs • [craft 
 
 Dodge, V. to fly from, 10 use 
 Dog, n^ a domestick animalj 
 Drop, n. a small quantity of 
 liquid [rust 
 
 Dross, 71, . the scum" of meials, 
 Fog, K; a tlnck mist, vapour 
 Fond, a. tender, much pleas- 
 ed with St 
 Foxj 71. a wild animal of the 
 dog kind [garment 
 Frock, n. a dress, outward 
 Frog, n. an ainphibioi's animal 
 Frost, n. the power or act of 
 
 congelation 
 Froth, n. foam, spume
 
 48 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER 
 
 5 . 5 
 
 Hot, a. fiery, having heat 
 itCnock, V. to beat, clash 
 Alnot, n. a part which is tied ; 
 
 a hard place in wood 
 Lock, n. part of a door or gun; 
 a contrivance to raise the 
 water on a canal ; v. to fas- 
 ten 
 
 Lodge, -.;. to place ; to har- 
 bour 
 Log, M. a piece of wood 
 Long, a. not short 
 Lop, I', to cut short 
 Loss, 71. damage, forfeiture 
 Lost, pa. gone, perishc^d 
 Lot, n. state assigned, fortune 
 
 SECTION XV. 
 
 The danger of Jceepbig Bad Company. 
 
 The danger of keeping bad company, arises princi- 
 pally-from our aptness to imitate and catch the manners 
 and sentiments of others. In our earliest youth, the 
 contagion of manners is observable. In the boy yet 
 incapable of having any learning instilled into him, we 
 easil}' discover from his first actions, and rude attempts 
 at language, the kind of persons with whom he has 
 been brought up : we see the early spring of a civilized 
 education, or the first wild shoots of rusticity. 
 
 As lie enters favthcr into life, his behaviour, manners 
 and conversation, all take their cast from the company 
 he keeps. Observe the peasant and the man of educa- 
 tion: the difference is striking. And yet God has be- 
 stowed equal talents on each : the only difference is, 
 they have been tln-o^ri) into diftcrent s>»enes of life, and 
 have had commerce with persons of different stations. 
 
 'Nor are ftianners and behavrour more easily caught, 
 than opinions fuid principle;:, h) childhood and youth, 
 we nnturhlh adopt the sentiment? of those about us : 
 and as we advance in life, how few of us think for our- 
 selves ! liow many of us j^re satisfied ivith taking our 
 opinions at second hand ! 
 
 The great power and fircc of custom form- :'.nother 
 argumeat against keeping bad coiTipany. Howc/6r 
 shocked we may be at tlic first appfoaches of \i»< , this 
 shocking appearance goes off upon an intimacv w;th it. 
 Custom will soon rend«'r the most disgustful object fa- 
 miliar io our view : and tlds is indi'od a kind provision
 
 Tgl: AMLK.ICAN INSTRUCTER. 49 
 
 of nature, to render labour, toil, and danger, which are 
 the lot of man, more easy to him. 
 
 The raw soldier, who trembles at the first encounter, 
 becomes a hardy veteran in a few campaigns. Habit 
 renders danger familiar, and of course indlffej^nt to him. 
 But habit, which is intended for our good, may, like 
 other kind appointments of nature, be converted into a 
 mischief. 
 
 The well disposed youth, when first entering into bad 
 company, is shocked at what he sees and hears : the 
 good principles which he had imbibed, ring in his ears 
 an alarming lesson against the wickedness of his com- 
 panions. But, alas! this sensibility is of short duration: 
 the next jovial meeting makes the horrid picture of 
 yesterday more easily endured. 
 
 Virtue is soon thought a severe rule, an mconvenient 
 restraint. A few pangs of conscience now and then 
 whisper to him that he once had better thoughts : but 
 even these by degrees die away, and he who at first was 
 shocked even at the appearance of vice, is formed by 
 custom into a profligate leader of vicious pleasures. 
 
 Bad company should be avoided for several reasons ; 
 as it hinders religious improvement, takes off the heart 
 from God, gradually lessens the fear of sin, impercepti- 
 bly draws men into the commission of iniquity, and in 
 this way, destroys both the usefulness and comfort of 
 fife. 
 
 It has been the ruin of thousands, and tens of thou- 
 sands. By it multitudes have been led on to actions 
 and crimes, at the bare thought of which they once shud- 
 dered. By means of evil company, they have had their 
 minds filled with fears, and their consciences overwhelm- 
 ed with horrour. 
 
 If, therefore, you value your credit and comfort in 
 life, your peace in death, or your happiness in eternity, 
 shun evil company. Oppose the firsc approaches of 
 sin ; vigilantly guard yourselves against the insidious 
 enemy ; and abhor the very sound of the er?;pre9sion, 
 bad company. ^ 
 
 5
 
 j»0 THE AMERlfCAN INSTRUCTEK 
 
 SECTION XVI. 
 
 True Pleasure, 
 
 The man whose heavt is replete with pure unci un- 
 affected piety, who looks upon the great Creator of the 
 universe in that just aij(l asniablc light which all his 
 works reflect upon him, cannot f^iil of tasting the sub-* 
 liniest pleastn-e, in contemplating the stupendous and 
 innumerable effects of his infinite goodness. 
 
 Whether he looks abroad on the moral or natural 
 worldy his reflections must still be attended with delight ^ 
 and the sense of his own iinworthincss, so far from les- 
 sening, will increase his pleasure,, while it places the 
 forbearing kindness and indulgence of his Creator, in a 
 still more interesting point of view. 
 
 Here his mind may dwell upon tlie present, look 
 back to the past, or stretch forward into futurity, witlt 
 equal satisfaction ; and the more he indulges contem- 
 plation, the higher will his delight arise. Such a dis- 
 position as this, seems to be the most secure foundation 
 on which the fabrick of true pleasure can be built. 
 
 Next to the veneration of the Supreme Being, the 
 love of human kind seems to be the most promising 
 s6urce of pkasufe. It is a never failing one to him, 
 who, possessed of this principk', enjoys all the pov.'er of 
 indulging his benevolence ; wlu) makes the superiority 
 of his fortune, his kntrwiedge, or his power, subservient 
 fo the wants of his fellow creatures. 
 
 It Is true there are /ew whose power or fortimc is 
 so adequate to the wants of mankind, as to render them 
 capable of. performing acts of universal beneficence ; 
 but a spirit of universal benevolence ma}' bo possessed 
 by all: the bounteous Autlun of Nature has jiot pro- 
 portioned thcji,pk;asure to the greatness of the effect, 
 but to the great»css of the cause. 
 
 The conteniphitiou of ttie beauties of the universe, 
 the cordial enjoymeius of friendship, the tender delights 
 of love, and tiie rational [)ieasurcs of religion, are open 
 to all mankind ; and each of them seems capable of 
 giving real happiness.
 
 
 i THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 51 
 
 These being the only foundations from which true 
 pleasure springs, it is no wonder that many should be 
 <:ompelled to say they have not found it ; and still cry 
 out, <' Who will skoiv us any goodT'' They seek it ia 
 every way but the right way ; they want a heart for de- 
 votion, humanity, and love, and a taste for that which 
 is truly beautiful and admirable. 
 
 SECTION XVtt. 
 
 Life is a Flower. 
 
 •' The blossoms are fallen, and the beds of flowers 
 are swept away by the scythe of the mower." This is 
 a scene to which we are accustomed at the summer sea- 
 son of the year : we see the grass fall by the mower's 
 scythe, and the gay flo'^ers that adorned the meadows, 
 >wept away unregarded. 
 
 The green, the yellow, the crimson, the succulent^ 
 fall undistinguished before the fatal instrument that cuts 
 them off. They are scattered on the ground, and with- 
 ered by the mtense [leat of the day. 
 
 The blooming flower which stands the pride of the 
 verdant field, glowing in beautiful colours, and shining 
 with the dawn of the morning, ere the sun gains its me- 
 ridian height, falls a sacrifice to the severing steel, and 
 fades in the scorching rays of noon. 
 
 Thus it is with human life ; the thread is cut, and 
 man falls into the silent tomb. Nothing can ward ofl:' 
 the fatal stroke : the aged and infirm, the blooming 
 youth in strength and vigour, and the weak and help- 
 less infant, are without distinction swept away by the 
 scythe of Death, the great destroyer. 
 
 The active youth, who in the morning rises with 
 health and vivacity, may at noon lie pale and motion- 
 less, at the feet of this great victor ; and at the setting 
 of the morrow's sun, be consigned to the dark and lone- 
 some mansion of the dead. 
 
 Cities and nations are subject to the same fate. How 
 soon js a flourisliing town depopulated by a pestilential
 
 £2 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 disease ! How soon is a nation cut off by the raging 
 of a direful war ! 
 
 " O ! that mine head were waters, and mine eyes 
 "Were fountains flowing like the liquid skies ; 
 " Then would I give the mighty flood release, 
 . "And weep a deluge for the human race." 
 
 SECTION XVIII. 
 
 Monosyllables continued. 
 5 
 
 Mob, n'. a crowd, rabble 
 Mock, V. to deride, mimick ; 
 
 a. false, counterfeit 
 Mop, n. a utensil to clean 
 
 houses 
 Moss, n. a substance that 
 
 grows on trees 
 Moth, n. a small insect that 
 
 eats cloth 
 Nod, V. to bow the head 
 Not, ad. a word of denying 
 No<ch, n. a nick; v. to cut in 
 
 small hollows 
 Odd, a. not even ; strange 
 Odds, n. inequality, superi- 
 ority 
 Of, [ov] pr. concerning 
 Off, ad. signifying distance ; 
 
 from 
 On, pr. upon ; ad. forward 
 PIot,n. a conspiracy, intrigue ; 
 
 V. to contrive, to plan 
 Pod, n. the husk or shell of 
 
 seeds 
 Pond, n. a standing water; a 
 
 small lake 
 Prong, n. a branch of a fork 
 Prop, n. a support ; v. to sus- 
 tain, support [gallon 
 Quart, n. the fourth part of a 
 Rob, V. to steal, to plunder 
 Rock; n. a large mass of stone 
 
 Rod, n. a perch, pole ; a twig: 
 instrument of correction 
 
 Scoff", V. to laugh with scorn, 
 to ridicule 
 
 Shock, V. to shake ; to dis- 
 gust; n. a concussion; a 
 pile of sheaves 
 
 Shop, 7J. a place for the sale 
 of wares, or for work 
 
 Shot, n. small balls for the 
 charge of a gun 
 
 Sob, V. to sigh with convul- 
 sive sorrow ; n. a convul- 
 sive sigh 
 
 Sod, n. a turf, clod 
 
 Soft, a. tender, not hard 
 
 Solve, V. to explain 
 
 Song, n. a composition in 
 verse to be sung 
 
 Strong, a. vigorous, potent 
 
 Stop, n. a pause; cessation 
 of motion ; v. to hinder; to 
 put an end to 
 
 Swamp, n. a marsh, fen, bog 
 
 Swan, n, a large water-fowl 
 
 Throng, n. a crowd, nuiltitude 
 
 Tongs, }i. a utensil to tako up 
 fire, &c. 
 
 Wash, V. to cleanse with wa- 
 ter 
 
 What, pro. that which, which 
 part
 
 THE AMERICAN INSI'IIUCTEK. 
 
 .5J 
 
 Broom, 7i. an instrument to 
 
 sweep with 
 Bruise, v. to mangle with a 
 
 heavy blow ; n, a hurt 
 Brute, n. a creature without 
 
 reason 
 Choosf, V. to select, pick out 
 Food, n. victuals, provision 
 Fool, 71. an idiot 
 Fruit, n. the produce of trees 
 
 and plants 
 Gloom, n. darkness, heavi- 
 ness of mind 
 Goosf, 71. a large water-fowl 
 I^oom, 71. the frame in which 
 
 weavers make their cloth 
 Loose, a. unbound ; v. to un- 
 bind [forfeit 
 Lose, V. to suffer loss ; to 
 Mood, n. temper of mind ; a 
 
 term in grammar 
 Moon, 71. the great luminary 
 of the night lA^Y 
 
 Noon, 7). the middle of the 
 Noose, n. a running knot' 
 Pool, n. a standing water,pond 
 Poor, a. not rich ; lean 
 Proof, n. evidence, trial 
 Prove, V. to evince, try 
 Rood, 71. the fourth part of an 
 
 acre 
 Room, n. an apartment, place 
 Rude, a. rough, harsh, unci- 
 vil [ernment 
 Rule, V. to govern ; n. gov- 
 ScAool, n. a place for educa- 
 tion [the foot 
 Shoe, 7t. the outer cover for 
 Sloop, 71. a small vessel 
 SmooTH, a. even on the sur- 
 face 
 Soon,~ ad. before long, shortly 
 Soot, n, condensed smoke 
 5* . 
 
 ' 6 
 Spoon, n. a vessel with a han- 
 dle used in eating liquids 
 Stool, 71. a seat without a back 
 Stoop, T. to bend, subnii'. 
 Swoon, 71. a fainting ht 
 Tomft, 77. a repository or mon- 
 ument for the dead [above 
 Too, ad. likewise, over and 
 Truth, 71. reality, certainty 
 
 7 
 Book, n. a volume in which 
 we read or v/rite [w-ater 
 Brook, ??. a rivulei, running 
 Foot, 77.il measure of ]2 inch- 
 es ; the part on which we 
 stand 
 Good, a. virtuous, having de- 
 sirable qualities [iron 
 Hoop, 71. a circle of wood or 
 Look, V. to direct the eye to 
 any particular object ; to 
 see, behold 
 Pull, V. to drag forcibly 
 Put, V. to lay, place 
 
 8 
 Bird, 71. a name applied to 
 
 fowls 
 Blood, n. the red fluid that cir- 
 culates through the body 
 Dirge, 71. a mournful ditty 
 Dirk, n. a kind of dagger 
 Dirt, 71. earth, fdth 
 Flirt, n. a sudden motion 
 P'lood,/(. a deluge, flow of tide 
 Front, n. the face ; the fore- 
 part of any thing 
 Love, V. to regard with aflec- 
 tion ; 71. passion, friendship 
 Month, n. the 12th part of a 
 
 year 
 None, «, not any, not one 
 Sir, n. a word of respect used 
 to .men, a title y-
 
 H 
 
 THE AMERI.CAP? INSTRUCTER. 
 
 8 
 
 Some, a. a part, more or less 
 
 SoQ, n. a male child 
 
 Stir, V. to move, agitato ; n. a 
 
 tumult, bustle 
 Thirst, fi. the pain suffered 
 for want of drink ; v. to 
 feel want of drink 
 Tong, n. the catch of a buckle 
 Tong?^e,7i. the organ of speech 
 Word, n. a single part of 
 
 speech ; talk ; tidings 
 Work, 1'. to labour, toil 
 World, n. the universe, the 
 earth, mankind, &c. 
 9 
 Freight, n. the loading of a 
 
 ship 
 Prey, n. something to be de- 
 voured ; V. to feed by vio^ 
 lence 
 Reign, V. to rule as a king 
 Tnere, ad. in that place 
 Vem, n. a tube in the flesh 
 through which the blood 
 flows 
 oi 
 Boil, V. to be agitated by heat 
 Choice, n. act of choosing, 
 
 thing chosen 
 Coil, V. to gather into a Har- 
 row compass 
 Hoist, V. to lift up 
 Join, V. to add, unite [meet 
 Joint, n. a point where bones 
 Joist, n. a small beam to sup- 
 port floors 
 Moist, n. wet in a small de- 
 gree 
 Noise, n. clamour, any sound 
 Oil, n. grease, the juice of 
 
 olives, &c. 
 Point, n. a sharp end ; a stop 
 .in writing 
 
 Poise, V. to balance 
 Toil, V. to labour, work 
 Voice, n. sound emitted by 
 the mouth 
 
 Boy, n. a male child, lad 
 Joy, n. happiness, gladness 
 
 ou 
 
 Cloud, n. a body of vapour* 
 
 in the air 
 Douftt, V. to question, distrust 
 Douse, V. to plunge into water 
 Gout, n. a paiulul disease 
 Ground, n. the earth, land 
 Hound, n. a dog used in hunt- 
 ing 
 House, 71. a place of abode 
 Loud, a. noisy, clamorous 
 Mouse, 11. a small animal 
 Mouth, n. the aperture in the 
 head where food is receiv- 
 ed ; an opening [thing 
 Noun, n. the name of any 
 Ounce, n. a weight ; a lynx 
 Our, ^ro. relating to us 
 Out, ad. not within ; to the 
 
 end ; at a loss 
 Vlongh, n. a farming utensil 
 Pounce, n. the claw of a bird 
 Pound, n. a weight ; 20 shil«' 
 
 lings 
 Pout, V. to look sullen, frown 
 Proud, a. haughty, lofty 
 Round, a. circular, smooth 
 Route, n. a road, way, journey 
 Shout, V. to cry in triumph ; 
 
 n. a cry of rejoicing 
 Slou^A, n. a deep miry place 
 Sound, a. healthy, whole ; «. 
 a noise ; a shallow sea ; v. 
 to make a noise ; to search 
 for bottom with a lead 
 Sour, a. acid, tart ; peevish
 
 HftET AMERICAN IN3TRUCTiai. 5^ 
 
 South, n. the place where the Drown,v. to sufibcate in wator 
 siui is at noon ; the soutfi Frown, ?i. a look of displeas- 
 
 region; a- southward; ad. 
 
 toward the south 
 Spouse, n. a husband or wife 
 Stout, a. strong, valiant 
 Trout, n. a delicate fish 
 
 010 
 
 Brow, n. the forehead ; eclge 
 
 of a UiH 
 Brown, a. the name of a colour 
 Clown, 7/. an ill bred man ; a 
 
 rustick [tude 
 
 Crowd, n. a confused multi- 
 Down, n. very soft feathers 
 
 are ; «. to look cross 
 Gown, n. a long upper gar- 
 ment 
 Growl, T. to snarl, grumble 
 How, ad. in what manner 
 Howl,u.to cry as a wolf or dog 
 Now, ad. at this time 
 Prowl, V. to rove about ; to 
 
 wander for prey 
 Scowl, V. to frown ; to look 
 
 angry 
 Vow, V. to make a promise ; 
 n. a solemn promise 
 
 — ©S© — 
 SECTION XIX. 
 
 Mortality. 
 
 1 HAVE seen the rose in its beauty ; it spread its 
 loaves to the morning sun. I looked again ; it was dy- 
 ing upon the stalk ; the grace of its form was gone, it& 
 loveliness was vanished away, its leaves were scattered 
 Oil the ground, and no one gathered them. 
 
 A stately tree grew on the plain ; its branches were 
 covered with verdure, its boughs spread wide and made 
 a goodly shadow ; the trunk was like a strong pillar, 
 and the roots were like crooked fangs. I looked again ; 
 the verdure was nipped by the east wind, the branches 
 were lopped away by the axe, the worm had made its 
 way into the trunk, and the heart thereof was decayed ; 
 it mouldered away, and fell to the ground. 
 
 I have seen the insects sporting in the sunshine, and 
 dai'ting along the streams ; their wings glittered with 
 gold and purple, their bodies shotje like the green em- 
 erald ; they were more numerous than I could count ; 
 their motions were quicker than my eye could glance. 
 I looked again ; they were brushed into the pool ; they 
 were perishing with the evening breeze ; the swallow 
 had devoured them ; the pike had seized them j there 
 were none found of so great a multitude. ;
 
 56 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER.' 
 
 I have seen man in the pride of his .strength ; his 
 cheeks glowed with beauty, his limbs were full of ac- 
 tivity, he leaped, he walked, he ran, he rejoiced that he 
 was more excellent than tl.ose. I looked again ; In- 
 lay cold and stifl' on the bare ground ; his feet could 
 no longer move, nor his hands stretch themselves out : 
 his life was departed from him, and the breath out of 
 his nostrils. Therefore do I weep ; because death is 
 in the world ; the spoiler is among the works of God : 
 all that is made, must be destroyed ; all that is bom, 
 must die. 
 
 SECTION XX. 
 
 Immortality. 
 
 I HAVE seen the flower withering on the stalk, and its 
 bright leaves spread on the ground. I looked again ; 
 it sprung forth afresh, its stem was crowned with new 
 buds, and its sweetness filled tiie air. 
 
 I have seen tlie sun set in the west, and the shades 
 of night shut in the wide horizon : there was no colour^ 
 nor shape, nor beauty, nor musick ; gloom and dark- 
 ness brooded around. 1 looked again ; the sun broke 
 forth from the cast, and gilded the mountain tops ; the 
 lark rose to meet him from her low nest, and the shades 
 of darkness fled away. 
 
 1 liave seen the insect, being come to its full size, lan- 
 guish and refuse to eat ; it spun itself a tomb, and was 
 shrouded in the silken cone ; it lay without feet, or 
 shape, or power to move. I looked again ; it had 
 burst its tomb, it was full of life, and sailed on coloured 
 wings through the soft air ; it rejoiced in its new being. 
 Thus shall it be with ihce, O man ; and so sliall thy 
 life be renewed. A little while shalt tliou lie in the 
 ground, as the seed lies in the bosom of the earth ; but 
 thou shalt be raised again, never to die any nuM-e. 
 
 Who is he that comes to burst open tlu; prison doors 
 of tiie tomb, to bid the dead awake, and to gather his 
 redeemed from the four winds of heaven ? He descends 
 on a fiery cloud, the sound of a trumpet goes before
 
 THE AMERICAN LNSTRUCTER, 57 
 
 him, thousands of angels are on his right hand. It is 
 Jesus, the Son of God, the Saviour of men, the friend 
 of the good. He comes in the glory of his Father ; he, 
 has received power from on high. 
 
 Mourn not, therefore, child of immortality ! For the 
 spoiler, the cruel spoiler that laid waste the works of 
 God, is subdued. Jesus has conquered death ;— -child 
 •)f immortality no longer mourn. 
 
 SECTION XXL 
 
 . Health. 
 
 Who is she that with graceful steps, and with a lively 
 air, trips over yonder plain ^ The rose blushes on her 
 cheeks, the sweetness of the morning breathes from her 
 lips ; joy, tempered with innocence and modesty, spar- 
 kles in her eyes ; and the cheerfulness of her heart ap- 
 pears in all her movements. 
 
 Her name is Health : she is the daughter of Exercise 
 and Temperance. Their sons inhabit the mountains 
 and the plain. They are brave, active and lively, and 
 partake of all the beauties and virtues of their sister. 
 
 Vigour strings their nerves, strength dwells in their 
 bones, and labour is their delight ail the day long. — 
 The employments of their father excite their appetites, 
 and the repasts of their mother refresh them. 
 
 To combat tlie passions is their delight ; to conquer 
 evil habits their glory. Their pleasures are moderate, 
 and therefore they endure ; their repose is short, but 
 sound and undisturbed. Their blood is pure, their 
 minds are serene, and the physician does not tind the 
 way to their habitations. 
 
 —«!©©— 
 
 Invocation to Sleep. 
 
 Sleep, downy sleep, come close my eyes. 
 Tir'd with beholding vanities: 
 Welcome, sweet sleep, that drives away 
 The toils and follies of the Any. 
 On thy soft bosom will I lie, 
 Forget the world, and loam to die.
 
 SB THE AWE111CAN IN'STRUCTEU- 
 
 SECTION XXII. 
 
 Words nffu-a sijlluhhs, accented on tht first. 
 
 A ble,a. liaving power, capa- 
 ble of doing 
 
 A corn, n. the seed or fruit of 
 the oak 
 
 A ere, n. a certain quantity 
 of land 
 
 A ged, a. old, ancient 
 
 A gent, n. a^ deputy ,substitute 
 - An cient, [ane-tshent] a. old, 
 not modern 
 
 A pril, n. the fourth month of 
 the year 
 
 Ba con, n. the flesh of a hog 
 
 salted and dried [rests 
 
 t«^<5|P|Bai liff, n. an officer that ar- 
 
 Ba ker, n. a person that bakes 
 
 poiso 
 
 nous. 
 
 de- 
 
 Bane ful, a. 
 
 strucUve 
 Ba sin, n. a small vessel ; pond 
 Ba sis, n. foundation, support 
 Umr er, n. a carrier of any 
 
 thing ; supporter 
 Bertst ly, a. brutal, obscene 
 Bee hive, «. the place where 
 bees are kept [insect 
 
 Bee tlc,n. a heavy mallet; an 
 Be ing, n. existence 
 Bi ble, 71. the sacred volume 
 Blame less, a. innocent, guilt- 
 less 
 Blind ness, n. want of sight 
 Bold ness, n. courage, assu- 
 rance 
 Bol ster, n. a latge pillow, 
 
 'ong cushion 
 Bra sier, [bra zhur] n. one 
 
 who works in brass 
 Bri er, n. a prickly bush 
 By word,' n. a cant word, pro- 
 verb, jest, scoff, a snyincr 
 
 Ca ble, n. a rope for an anchor 
 Ca denct,n. a fall of the voice 
 Cam brick, ti. fine linen 
 Care ful, a. cautious, saving 
 Caie less, a. heedless, negli- 
 
 Ce dar, n. n tree * 
 
 Chair mon, n. presidculof an 
 
 assembly , 
 
 Cham ber, w. part of a house 
 Cheat er, n. one who cheats 
 Clieer ful, a. gay, full of life 
 Child hood, n. infancy, the 
 state of a child [pies 
 
 Ci der, n. liquor made of ap- 
 Cle«r ness, /i. brightness 
 Cli ent, n. employer of an ad- 
 vocate [the air 
 Cli mate, n. a tract of Innd ; 
 CloTH ier, 7?, amaker of cloth 
 Coach nuui,?2. a driver of a 
 
 coach 
 Coarse ness, n. roughness 
 Cold ness, n. want of heat 
 Cru zy, a. broken-witted 
 Crea lure, [tMike tsh] ». a 
 
 created being 
 Cri sis, a. critical time 
 Dai ly, ad. every day [ish 
 Dain ty, a. delicate, squeam- 
 l)ai sy, n. a spring flower 
 Dan ger, n. risk, hazard 
 Dea con, n. a church officer 
 De cent, rt. modest, becoming 
 De mon, n. an evil spirit 
 Dire ful, a. dreadful 
 Di vers, a. several, sundry 
 Dole ful, a. sorrowful, dismal 
 Do nor, n. a giver, bestower 
 Do '/v. (I. slcfpv. stnoid
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 59 
 
 Dra ma, n. the action of a 
 play, a p|ay, a poem 
 
 Dra per, n," one who deals in 
 cloth 
 
 Drea ry, a. gloomy, mournful 
 
 Du pi, n. a fight between two 
 persons 
 
 Du ty, n obligation ; a tax 
 
 Ed 
 
 hard] 
 
 a. ardent 
 
 zealous 
 Ea gle, n. a bird of prey 
 Ea- sy^a. not difficult ; at rest 
 E qua], a. even, uniform, alike 
 E ra, n. an epoch ; a point 
 of time [ment 
 
 E ther, ti. pure air, an ele- 
 E yen, a. level, smooth 
 E vil, a. wicked, bad 
 Faznt ness, n. feebleness 
 Fair ly, ad. justly, honestly 
 Faz'r ness, n. beauty ; honesty 
 Faith ful, a. firm to the truth 
 Faith less, a. unbelieving 
 Fa mous, a. noted, renowned 
 Fa tal, a. deadly, mortal 
 Fa vour, n. kindness ; t, to 
 
 support 
 Fear ful,' a. timorous, awful 
 Fear less, a. very bold, in- 
 trepid 
 Fea ture, [t like tsh] n. the 
 
 cast of the face 
 Fee hie, a. weak, infirm 
 Feel ing, n. sensibility, hu- 
 manity, tenderness 
 Fe ver, n.a disease, heat 
 Fi bra, 7i. a small thread ; a 
 very small root 
 
 hero 
 
 ter, n. 
 
 a warnour 
 
 Figh 
 
 Fi nal, a. conclusive, last 
 Fine ness, n. delicacy, purity 
 Fi nite, a. limited, bounded 
 
 Fire irms, n. guns, muskets ""Ora cious, «. merciful, kind 
 
 Fla vour,n. taste, relish, smelt 
 Flu ent, a. eloquent, ready 
 Flu id, n. a liquid, any ihinir 
 
 that flows 
 Fore cast, 72. comrivance be- 
 forehand 
 Fore man, n. chief man in a 
 
 shop 
 Fore most, a. first in a place 
 
 or dignity 
 Fore sight, n. foreknowledge 
 Fra grance, n. sweetness of 
 
 smell ^ 
 
 Fra grant, a. sweet-smelling 
 Fra mer, n. a maker, contrive? 
 Free born,n, inheriting liberty 
 Free cost, n. without expense 
 Free dom, n. liberty 
 Free ly, ad. liberally 
 Free ness, n. liberality, qual- 
 ity of being free 
 Fre quent, a. often occurring ... 
 Fri day, n. the sixth 'day of 
 
 the week 
 Fright ful, a. full of terrour 
 Fru gal, a. careful, thrifty 
 Fu el, n. matter for the fire 
 Fu ry, n. madness, rage 
 Fu ture, [t like tsh] a. that 
 which is to come hereafter 
 Game ster, ?z. one addicted to 
 
 gnming, a gambler 
 Gi ant, n. a man unnaturally 
 
 tall or large 
 Glo ry, 71. honour, fame, hapv- 
 
 piness, praise 
 Gold en, a. made of gold 
 Gold finch, ?i. a kind of bird 
 Gold smith, n. one vfho works 
 
 in gold 
 Grace ful, a. comely, beauti- 
 ful ; v/ith dignity
 
 «)() 
 
 I [IE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 (irate ful, a. having a due 
 
 sen so of favours 
 GrTi tcr, n. a rf>ugh instrument 
 
 to grate with 
 Gra th,ad. for nothing, freely 
 Grave ly, ad. seriously, sol- 
 emnly 
 -   Gra vy, n. the juice of meat 
 f Great ness, w. largeness, dig- 
 nify, merit 
 Grce dy, a. eager, ravenous 
 Grfev. ous. a. alHictive, heavv 
 Gro'^V,'??. a dculcr in liquors, 
 
 sugars, teas, <fec. 
 Gu'i dance, n. direction, gov- 
 ernment 
 G</ide less, a. without a guide 
 Has ty, a. quick, passionate 
   Hate ful, a. det'estoblc, vile 
 Ha tied, 7). ill will, dislike 
 Ha zy, a. foggy, misty, dark 
 Hoot y,^1/, n. report, rumour 
 Wen THOn, n. a pr.gr.n, one 
 
 destitute of revelation 
 Heed less, a. careless, inat- 
 tentive 
 Hc'i^/t ten, V. to raise, increase 
 lie ro, V. a brave man ; a 
 great warriour [tie 
 
 Hi/,'A ness, ??. elevation ; a ti- 
 Hiiid most, a. the last 
 Hire ling, n. one serving for 
 
 wages 
 Hortrsc ness, n. roughness of 
 
 voire, harshness 
 Hoi ster, 77. a case for pistols 
 Ho ly, a. pure, ri-Iigious 
 Home ly, a- plain, inelegant 
 Hope less^ a. without hope 
 Hu man, it. belonging lo or 
 
 like man 
 Un niour,n. general turn of 
 mind ; rpoistur" ' 
 
 Hy phen, n. a short uiark be- 
 tween words or syllables 
 I cy, a. cold, full bf ice 
 I die, a. unemployed, lazy 
 I ris, n. the rainbow ; a circle 
 I ron, [i urn] n. a hard metal 
 I tem, n. a new article ; a hint 
 I vy, n. the name of a plant 
 3;xi\ er, n. the keeper of a p?i- 
 
 son - 
 
 Jew5 harp, it. a sort of musi- 
 cal instrument 
 Ju/ cy, a. moist, full of juice 
 Ju ly, n. persons sworn to de- 
 liver truth on such evi- 
 dence as shall be given be- 
 fore them 
 Keep er, n. one \vho keeps, 
 
 one who guards 
 Kind ness,n.benevolence,love 
 A'na vish, a. dishojiest, wicked 
 Krww'mg, a. skiU'ul, intelli- » 
 
 gent [work 
 
 La hour, n. work, toil ; v. to 
 La die, n. a large spoon,vessel 
 La dy, n. a female title of 
 
 honour ; a woman 
 Lame ness, n. the state of a 
 
 cripple 
 Late ly, ad. not long ago 
 La tent, a. secret, hidden 
 La va, n. matter which issues 
 
 from volcanoes 
 La zy, a. unwilling to work 
 Lert der, n. a conductor, com- 
 mander 
 Ler/f less, a. wilhout leaves 
 Lort ky, 'Jf. open, not close 
 Leav ings, n. things left, rem- 
 nant 
 Le a^<^- actonliiig to' law 
 Li araflh'one who tells false-
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 ft 
 
 Li bel,n.a defamatory writing 
 Li cense, n.permission,liberty 
 Life less, a. dead, inanimate 
 Life time, n. the duration of 
 
 life ^ 
 \S\ghX house, n. a building with 
 
 lights to direct seamen 
 LigfAt ning, n. the flash that 
 
 precedes thunder 
 Li ken, w. to make like, com- 
 pare, resemble 
 Like ness, n. a resemblance 
 Like wise, ad. in like manner 
 Lime kiln, n. a kiln for burn- 
 ing limestones 
 Lime stone, n. the stone of 
 
 which lime is made 
 Li ning, n. the inner covering 
 
 of any thing 
 Li on, n. a bold strong animal 
 Live ly, a. brisk, gay, cheerful 
 Li vre, n. a French coin 
 Load stone, n. a stone having 
 
 an attractive power 
 LoflTH ful,a.odious, abhorred 
 LoaTH some, a. detestable, 
 abhorred [place 
 
 Lo cal, a. being of or in a 
 Lo cust, ?J. a devouring insect 
 Lone some, o,. solitary, dismal 
 Lo?^ land, n. marshy ; low 
 
 part of a comitry 
 \jmo ly, a, huniljle, meek 
 Lu cid, a, bright, dear 
 Lu ere, n. profit, gain 
 Lu nar, a. relating to the 
 
 moon 
 Lu rid, a. gloomy, dismal 
 Mafn m.ast, n. the chief or 
 
 middle rnur.t of a shi;> 
 I>ia jor, n. an officer above a 
 captain ; a. greater in num- 
 ber, quantity, or extent 
 6 
 
 Ma ker, n. one whe raaket 
 
 any thing ; the Creator 
 Man ger, n. a wooden trough 
 
 for animals to eat out of 
 Ma son, w. one who works in 
 stone or brick ; a member 
 of the fraternity of Free- 
 masons 
 Ma^ or, n. the chief magis- 
 trate of a corporation 
 Mea ger, [g bard] a. weak, 
 
 lean 
 Mean ing, n. intention, design 
 Mea iles, n. a disease 
 Meek ly , ad. mildly, gently 
 Meek ness, n, mildness 
 Meet ing, n. an assembly 
 Mere ly, ad. simply, only 
 W\gh ty, a. powerful, strong 
 Mild ly, afZ. tenderly, kindly 
 Mild ness, n. gentleness, soft- 
 ness 
 Mi nor. n. one under age ; «. 
 
 pett}^^, less 
 Mo nient, n. importance, val- 
 ue ; an indivisible part of 
 time [part 
 
 Most ly, ad. for the greatest 
 Mo tion, n. the act of moving 
 Mo tivc, n that which incites 
 to action [mould 
 
 MomI dy, a. covered with 
 Mo2/rn er, ?;. one that mourns 
 MoMrn fui, a. sad, sorrowful 
 Ivlo«rn ing, n. grief, lamenta- 
 tion ; a dress of sorrow 
 Mu sick, ??. harmony ; the 
 
 science of sounds 
 Namely, ad. particularly, to 
 
 wit, that is to say 
 Na tion, 11, body of people 
 united under one prince or 
 sovernment
 
 62 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER* 
 
 Na tive, n. one born in any 
 
 place ; a. natural, real 
 Na ture, [t like tsh] n. the na- 
 tive state of any thing ; dis- 
 position ; compass of natu- 
 ral existence ; state or sys- 
 tem of the world 
 Na val, a. relating to ships 
 Na \y,n. a fleet of ships of war 
 Near ly, ad. closely ; at hand 
 Near ness, n. closeness ; alli- 
 ance of blood or affection 
 Neat iy, ad. elegantly, cleanly 
 Neat ness, n. elegance 
 
 No gro, n. a black man, av 
 
 African 
 Nei THer, conj. not either 
 Neu ter^a. indiflerent,not en 
 
 gaged on either side 
 Neu tral, a. being of neither 
 
 party [ness 
 
 New ness, n. freshness, late- 
 Nine ty, a. nin^ times ton 
 No ble, a. illustrious, great 
 NoAegay,w.a bunch of flowers 
 No tice, n. information 
 No tion, n. opinion, sentiment 
 No where, arf. sot in any place 
 
 Nee die, n. a small instrument ] Nui sance, n. something nox- 
 
 for sewing | ious or offensive 
 
 ^eed less, a. unnecessary j O cean, [o shunjn. the largest 
 Nee dy, a. poor, necessitous ' body of water on the globe 
 
 SECTION XXIil. "^ 
 
 Description of tkt Sloth. 
 
 The Sloth which is an animal of South America, 
 makes the most despirivble appearance of all the animal 
 face. It is covered w>th coarse hair, somewhat resem- 
 bling dried grass ; ami its eyes are dull and heavy. 
 
 It has four short ieet, which are armed with strong 
 claws ; but thougli the leot are short, the logs are still 
 shorter, and proceed from the body in such an oblique 
 direction, that the soles of the feet seldom touch the 
 ground. 
 
 This poor creature soidom changes his position but 
 by constraint, and when impelled by the severe calls of 
 hunger ; and then it moves only one leg at a time, by 
 scraping on the back of the claws along the surface, 
 and wheeling the limbs cirmliuly about, yet still touch- 
 ing the ground, till at length it places its foot in a pro- 
 gressive position. 
 
 The other three limbs are brought about with the 
 same difficulty, before the animal is capable of moving 
 his body ; and in a manner so extremely slow, that, ac-
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. ' 6S 
 
 cording to Goldsmith's account, it has been seen to ad- 
 vance not more than three feet in an hour ; and that a 
 few paces are often the journey of a week. 
 
 It lives upon the leaves, fruit, and flowers of trees ; 
 and sometimes on the bark itself, when nothing else i« 
 left uf. jn the tree for its subsistence. It requires a large 
 share of food for its support ; and therefore it generally 
 strips a tree of all its verdure, before it is willing to 
 leave it. 
 
 Although this animal is formed for climbing a tree 
 with great pain and difficulty, yet it is utterly unable to 
 descend kike other auimai? ; but is obliged, when it has 
 stripped the tree of every thing that eoald serve it for 
 food, to drop like a lifeless mass from the branches to 
 the ground. ^ 
 
 After remaining some time in a torpid state, from the 
 shock received by the f;ill, it again prepares for a jour- 
 ney to some neighbouring tree not far distant, to which 
 it crawls so slowly, tliat one can scarcely perceive k 
 move ; and often baits on vegetables by the way. 
 
 All motions which it makes, seem to torture it ; every 
 step it takes, it sends forth a plaintive, melancholy cry, 
 which seems its chief defence; few quadrupeds appear 
 willing to interrupt its progress, either because its flesh 
 is ofiensive, or they are terrified at its cries. 
 
 When at length they reach their destined tree, they 
 mount it with much greater ease than when they moved 
 upon the plain. They fall to with famished appetite, and, 
 as before, destroy the very source that supplies them. 
 
 As it finds so great a difficulty in procuring its food, 
 it is often obliged to go several days v/ithout any sup- 
 ply ; and we are informed that one remained suspended 
 to a pole across two beams, without any sustenance, for 
 forty days. 
 
 This strange creature, which appears to live a very 
 wretched life, may serve as a just emblem of the sloth- 
 ful, who spend their time in doing nodiing, or that which 
 is worse than nothing ; while they ought to be improv- 
 ing their minds in virtue, and endeavouring for those 
 cpmfof ts which render mankind happy.
 
 64 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 SECTION XXIV. 
 
 The Sluggard. 
 
 ■'Tis the voice of the Sluggard — I hear him complain. 
 * You have wak'd me too soon, I must slumber again.* 
 As the door on its hinges, so he on his bed, 
 Turns his sides and his shoulders, and his heavy head. 
 
 A * little more sleep, and a little more slumber ;'. 
 
 Thus he wastes half his days, and his hours without number: 
 
 And when he gets up, he sits folding his hands, 
 
 Or walks about sauntering, or idle he stands. 
 
 I pass'd by his garden, and saw the wild brier, 
 The thorn, and the thistle, grow broader and higher. 
 The clothes that hang on him are turning to rags ; 
 And his money still wastes, till he starves or he begs. 
 
 I made him a visit, still hoping to find 
 
 He had taken niorc care in improving his mind ; 
 
 He told me his dreams, talk'd of eating and drinking ; 
 
 But he scarce reads the Bible, and never loves thinking. 
 
 I then said to my heart, * Here's a lesson for rae ; 
 That man's but a picture of what I might be : 
 But thanks to my friends for their care in my breeding, 
 Who taught rae betimes to love working and reading.' 
 
 SECTION XXV. 
 
 On Early Jl 
 
 ising. 
 
 How foolish they who lengthen night, 
 And slumber in the morning light ! 
 How sweet at early morning's rise, 
 To view the glories of the skies ! 
 
 The sprightly lark, with artless lay, 
 Proclaims the entrance of the day. 
 Its fairest form then nature wears, 
 And clad in brightest green appears. 
 
 How sweet to breathe thr; gale's perfume. 
 And feast the eyes with nature's bloom ! 
 Along the dewy lawn to rove, 
 And hear fho niusick of the grove !
 
 "THie A.M"ERldAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 65 
 
 Nor you, ye delicate and fair. 
 Neglect to take the morning air. 
 This will your nerves with vigour brace, 
 improve and heighten every grace. 
 
 'TwiH give your breath a rich perfume ; 
 Add to your cheeks a fairer bloom ; 
 With lustre teach your eyes to glow, 
 /\nd health and cheerfulness bestow, 
 
 SECTION XXVL 
 
 Words of two syllables, accented on the first ; Continned. 
 
 O dour, re. scent, fragrance 
 O men, H. a sign, prognosiick 
 On ly, a. single ; ad, simply, 
 
 singly 
 O pen, a. unshat ; v. to un- 
 close, divide 
 O ral, a. delivered by mouth 
 O ver, pr. and ad. above, 
 
 across, more, upon 
 Ow ner, n. one to whom ar 
 
 thing belongs 
 Pa gan, n. a heathen [live 
 Pain ful, a. full of pain, afflic- 
 Paint ing, n. the art of laying 
 
 on colours ; a picture 
 Pale ness, n. wanness, white- 
 ness 
 Pa per, n. a substance on 
 which men wTite and print 
 Pa pist, n. one who adheres to 
 
 popery 
 Pa rent, n. a father or motlier 
 Paste board, n. a thick kind 
 
 of paper 
 Pa tience, n. calmness of 
 
 mind, endurance 
 Pa tient, a. resigned, calm 
 
 uud«r pain or affliction 
 Pa tron, n. supporter, defen- 
 der, advocate 
 
 1 
 Pave ment, n. a paved way, 
 
 a stone or brick floor 
 Pa^ mcnt, n. the act of paying 
 Pe«oe fill, a, ciTiiet, mild [ded 
 Pee vish, a. cross, easily ofTen- 
 Peo pie, n. persoiis in gener- 
 al ; a nation ; v. to stock 
 witli inhabitants 
 Pi lot, n.(vnc who steers a ship 
 "Pi ous- a. religious, devout 
 Pi rate, n. a sea-robber 
 Plain ness, n. flatness, sim- 
 plicity 
 Plain tiff, n. one wlio com- 
 mences a siiit in law 
 Plain tiv^, a. complaining 
 Play er, n. ono who plays 
 Fhij/ fill, a. sportive, gay 
 Pl;iy houst', n. a house used 
 
 for actin? plavs in 
 Plaj/ thing, /*. a toy, trifle 
 Pli ant, a. flexile, bending 
 Plu mage, n. feathers [one 
 Plu ral, <^ imply ing more than 
 Po em, n. a composition in 
 
 verse 
 Po et, re. a writer of poems ; 
 
 a composer of verses 
 Po ny, n. a small horse 
 Port ly, ad. bulky, majesticai'
 
 66 
 
 THE AMERTCAlN LNiiTllUCTER-. 
 
 •Por ter, n, one wlio luis the 
 chai"ge of a gato ; a. kind 
 of strong beer 
 Post age, n, money paid for the 
 
 coveyance of letters, <S:r, 
 Post script, ?>. a paragraph ad- 
 ded to the end of a letter 
 Po tent, o. powerful 
 Pray er, /^ a petition, request 
 Preach er, 7i. one who preach- 
 es-; a minister 
 Pre cept, 71. a command, in- 
 struction, rule 
 Priest craft, n. religious fraud 
 Pn'est hood, n. the office and 
 
 character of a priest 
 Pri or, a. former, going be- 
 fore 
 Pri vate, a. secret, alone 
 Pro noun, n. a word used in 
 
 the place of a noun 
 Pu ny, a. young, small, petty 
 Pu pil, n. a scholar 
 Pure ly, ad. in a pure manner 
 Pu trid, a. rotten, corrupt 
 , Que ry, n. a question, inquiry 
 Qui et, a. still, peaceable 
 Quo tient, n. the number pro- 
 duced by division 
 Rai ment, n. dress, clothes 
 Rain y, a. showery, wet 
 ) fia vcn, n. a fowl 
 
 Ra zor, n. a tool used in sha- 
 ving 
 Read er, n. one who roads 
 Read ing, n. study, perusal 
 
 of books 
 Re al, a. true, genuine 
 y Rea son, n. the faculty of 
 •• thinking ; a cause ; propri- 
 ety ; V. to argxie rationally 
 fte cent, a. new, late 
 ""' Re gal, a. royal, kingly 
 
 Re gejit, 71. a governour, » 
 
 doputcd ruler 
 Re g/on, ti. a country, a tract 
 
 of land 
 Re tail, ;i. sale by small quan- 
 tities 
 Ri ot, 71. an uproar, sedition 
 Ri pen, ?;, to grow ripe 
 Ri val, ?/, a competitor 
 Ro gwish, a. knavish 
 Sa cred, a. holy, consecrated 
 Safe ly, ad. in a safe nianner 
 Safe ty, 71. freedom from dan- 
 ger or hurt 
 Sai lor, ?i. a seaman 
 Sav i^ur, ?i. the Redeemer ; 
 
 he who saves 
 Sa \n\\T, n. scent, odour 
 Sa^/ ing, n. an expression, 
 
 proverb, maxim 
 Sci cnct;, n. knowledge, learn- 
 ing, skill, art 
 Sea man, n. a sailor, mariner 
 Sea son, n. one fourth part of 
 a year ; v. to give a relish to 
 Se quel, n. succeedmg part, 
 conclusion .[heat 
 
 Sha dy, a. secure from light or 
 Shame ful, a. disgraceful 
 Slinme less, a. impudent 
 Showl der, n. tiie joint which 
 connects tlic arm to the body 
 Si^n post, n. the post ^n 
 
 which a sign hangs 
 Si lencc, n. stillness, secrecy 
 Si lent, a. still, mute 
 51a vish, a. servile, mean 
 Sloth ful, a. lazy, sluggish 
 '6\ow ly, ad. not speedily ,tar- 
 dily [smoke 
 
 Smo ky, a. emitting or full of 
 '^now drop, n. an early flower 
 So ber, a. serious, calm
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER., 
 
 6? 
 
 So fa, 72. a splendid scut cov- 
 ered 
 So lar, a. relating to liie sun 
 Sol dier,[soI jur] n. a warr- 
 iour; a man engaged in 
 military service 
 Spa cious, a. -wide, extensive 
 Spe cies, n. a sort, class of 
 
 nature <■■ 
 Speech less, a. mute, dumb 
 Spi der, n. the insect that 
 spins webs [plant 
 
 Spike nard, n. the name of a 
 Spite ful, a. malicious, cross 
 Spri^At%-,a. gay, brisk, lively 
 States man, n. one employed 
 in publick affairs ; one vers- 
 ed in the arts of government 
 Sta tion, n. situation ; v. to 
 
 fix in a certain place 
 Steel yard, n. a kind of bal- 
 ance for weighing 
 Stee pie, n. the turret or spire 
 
 of a church 
 Stew ard, n. one who mana- 
 ges the affairs of another 
 Sto ry, n. a narrative, history 
 Stran ger,n. one unacquainted 
 Stu dent, n. a scholar, learner 
 Stu pid, a. dull, heavy [ly 
 Sure ly,[s like shja<?. certain- 
 Sure ty,[s like sh] n. security, 
 
 certainty 
 Sweet meat, n. fruits preserv- 
 ed with sugar 
 Tai lor, n. one who makes 
 
 clothes 
 Teach er, n. an instructer ; a 
 
 preacher 
 Ti tie, n. an appellation ; 
 name of honour ; claim of 
 right 
 To ken, ». a sign, mark ' 
 
 Traz tor, n. one who betrays 
 
 his trust 
 Tre« Xy, n. negotiation ; con- 
 tract of parties [tation 
 Tri al, n. examination ; temp- 
 Tri umph, n. joy or pomp for 
 success ; conquest ; v. to 
 rejoice for victory 
 Tuts day, n. the third day of 
 
 the week 
 Tu lip, 71. the name of a flower 
 Tu tor, n. one who instructs ; 
 
 a preceptor 
 Twi Wghi, n. the dubious light 
 before sunrise, and after 
 sunset ; a. obscure, diisky 
 Ty rant, n. a cruel despotick 
 
 ruler ; a severe master 
 
 Ty ro, ;j.one in his rudiments, 
 
 a beginner, student [nient 
 
 Use ful, a. sci viceable, conve- 
 
 Use less, a. answering no 
 
 purpose 
 Va cant, n. empty, free 
 Vi al, 71. a small bottle 
 Vice roy, n. the agent or sub- 
 stitute of a king 
 Vi ol, 71. a stringed instru- 
 ment of musick [vice 
 Wa ges, 7j. pay given for ser- 
 Wai ter, 7i. an attendant 
 Ware housf, ii. a storehouse 
 for merchandise [ish 
 Waste fulj a. destructive, lav- 
 
 2 , J 
 
 -^Vb sencfi, 72. being absent 
 Ab sent, a. not present 
 Ab stract, 7t. an abridgment 
 Ac cent, 7i. manner of pro- 
 nunciation 
 Ac id,[c like s] a. sour, sharp 
 Ac tion, 77. a thing done 
 Ac tivc, a. quick, nimble 
 Ac tor, n, he that performe
 
 ^ 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Ac tress, n. she that performs 
 Ad der, n. a serpent, viper 
 Af ter, pr. in pursuit of; be- 
 hind 
 Al um, n. mineral salt 
 Am pie, a. large, wide 
 Ash es, n. the remains of any 
 thing burnt [lung* 
 
 AstA ma, 71. a disease of the 
 At las, n. a collection of maps 
 Ax is, n. the line on which any 
 thing turns [my 
 
 Bag gage, n. utensils of an ar- 
 Ban ish,y. to condemn to leave 
 one's own country, to drive 
 away 
 Ban ner, n. a flag, standard 
 Ban quet, n. a feast 
 Bar rel, 7i. a round wooden 
 vessel ; the hollow tube of 
 a gun 
 Bar ren, a. unfruitful, scanty 
 Bash ful, a. wanting due con- 
 fidence 
 Bat tie, n. a fight, combat 
 Beck on, v. to make a sign 
 Bed stertd, n. the frame which 
 supports a bed [begging 
 '^eg gar, n. one who lives by 
 Bel low, V. to roar 
 Bel \otoSf n. an instrument to 
 blow the fire [ness 
 
 Bet te^r, a. superiour in good- 
 Bil lo?/',ra.a large roaring wave 
 Bis cuit, n. hard dry bread 
 Bish op, n. one of tlie head or- 
 der of the clergy 
 Black smith,??, one who works 
 in iron [for a bed 
 
 Blank et, n. a woollen cover 
 Bies sing, n. divine favour 
 Blun der, n. a mistake 
 Brack ish, a. somewhat salt 
 
 Bram blc, n. a prickly shrub 
 Bran dy, w. a strong distilled 
 
 liquor 
 Break fast, n. the first meal 
 
 in the day 
 Brit tie, a. apt to break, weak 
 Buck et, n. a vessel to carry 
 
 or fetch water in 
 Bwild ing, n. a house, fabrick 
 Bun die,??, a number of things 
 
 bound together [en 
 
 Bur nish, v. to polish, bright- 
 Bus tic, n. hurry, tumult 
 But ter, n. food made from 
 
 cream 
 
 Cab in, v. a room in a ship 
 C;im el, n. a beast of burden 
 Can did, a. fair, open, honest 
 Ctui drtur, ??. purity of mind 
 Cap tain, ??. the commander 
 
 of a company or ship 
 Cap tivf, n. a prisoner [iour 
 Car ri(Vge,?i. a vehicle ; behav- 
 Car rot, n. a garden root 
 Cai- ry, v. to bear, convey 
 Cas <le, n. a house fortified 
 Cat tie, ?j. beasts of pasture 
 Cav ern, n. a hollow place in 
 
 the ground [centre 
 
 Cen tnd, a. relating to the 
 Cen tre, ??. the middle 
 dial lengf, ??. a summons to ' 
 
 fight 
 Cliand ler, n. a person who 
 
 deals in candlss [stream 
 Chan nel, n. course for a 
 Chap el, ?^. a place of worship 
 Chap ter,??. a division of a book 
 Cher ish, v. to su])port, nurse 
 Clicr ry, n. a kind of fruit 
 Cher ub, ??. a celestial spirit 
 Cluck en,«.the young of ahea 
 Cljil ly, a. somewhat cold |-,
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 69 
 
 SECTION XXVII. 
 
 An Address to Parents. 
 
 The word Parent, is of solemn iraport ; and the rea- 
 son is, there is a sacred trust implied in it. To be a 
 parent, is to be a guardian of more souls than one. 
 
 All the children which God hath ^aven to paients, he 
 hath put under their care to devote them to himself: " To 
 bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the i^crd." 
 
 Consider, you who are parents, the importance of 
 your trust ; train up the tender ofi'spring committed to 
 your care, in morality and virtue. 
 
 Upon you it depends whether the child of your bo- 
 som, shall be a blessing, or a curse to yourselves ; a 
 useful, or a worthless member to the community. 
 
 Prepare him early with instruction, and season his 
 mind with the maxims of truth. Watch the bent of his 
 inclination, set him right in his youth, and let no evil 
 habit gain strength with his years. 
 
 Be reasonable in your commands, if you expect a 
 ready obedience. Severity and rigour may create fear, 
 but can never command his love. 
 
 Mix kindness with reproof, and reason with authority ; 
 so shall your admonitions take place in his heart, and 
 his duty shall become his pleasure. 
 
 Then shall he rise like a cedar on the mountains ; 
 his head shall be seen above the trees of the forest. — 
 The soil is your own, let it not want cultivation ; the 
 seed which you sow, that also shall you reap. 
 
 Teach him obedience, and he shall bless you ; teach 
 him modesty, and he shall not be ashamed. Teach 
 him gratitude, and he shall receive benefits ; teach him 
 charity, and he shall gain love. 
 
 Teach him temperance, and he shall h.ave health ; 
 teach him prudence, and fortune shall attend him. Teach 
 him justice, and he shall be honoured by the world ; teach 
 him sincerity, and his own heart shall not reproach him. 
 
 Teach him diligence, and his wealth shall increase ; 
 teach him benevolence, and his mind shall be exalted. 
 Teach him science, and his life shall be useful ; teach 
 him religion, and his death shall be happy.
 
 70 TJIE AMrrilCAN INSTRUCTER 
 
 SKCTION XXVIII. 
 
 Jiicli and roor. 
 
 The man to wltomGod liatli given riches, andblessed 
 with a mind to employ them aright, ispecidiarly lavour- 
 ed, and highly distinguished. He looks on his wealth 
 with pleasure, because it affords him the means to do good. 
 
 He protects the poor that are injured, and suffers not 
 the mighty to opj)ress the weak. He seelvs out objects 
 of compassion, and inquires into their wants ; he re- 
 lieves them with judgement, and without ostentation. 
 
 He assists and rewards merit ; he encourages inge- 
 nuity, and liberally promotes every useful design. He 
 employs the labourer, he forms new schemes, and the 
 arts receive improvement. 
 
 He considers the superfluities of his table as belong- 
 ing to the poor of his neighbourliood, and he defrauds 
 them not. The benevolence of his mind is not checked 
 by his fortune ; lie rejoices therefore in riches, and his 
 joy is blameless. 
 
 But wo unto him that heaps up wealth in abundance, 
 and rejoices alone in the possession thereof; that grinds 
 the face of the poor, and considers not the sweat o. 
 their brow. He thrives on o})pression without feeling ; 
 the ruin of his brother disturbs him not. 
 
 He regards not the tears of the orphan, nor the cries 
 of the widow : his heart is hardened with the love o. 
 wealth ; no grief nor distress can make any impression 
 upon it. 
 
 But the curse of iniquity pursues him : he lives in 
 continual fear ; the anxiety of his mind, and the rapa- 
 cious desires of his own soul, take vengeance upon him, 
 for the calamities he has brought upon others. Oh ! 
 what are the miseries of poverty, in comparison with 
 the gnawings of this man's heart ! 
 
 Let the poor man comfort himself, yea, rejoice ; for 
 he hath many reasons. He sits down to his morsel in 
 peace ; his table is not crowded witli batterers and de- 
 vourers. He is not embarrassed with a train of depen- 
 dants, nor teased with the clamours of solicitation. 
 
 iDebarred from the dainties of the rich, he also escapes
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTKUCTER. • 71 
 
 their diseases. The bread that lie eats, is sweet to his 
 taste ; the water he drinks, is pleasant to his thirst 5 
 yea, far more delicious than the ricliest draughts of the 
 luxurious. 
 
 His labour preserves his health, and procures him a 
 repose, to which the downy bed of sloth is a stranger,. 
 He limits his desires with iiuniility ; and the calm of 
 contentment is sweeter to his soul, than the acquire- 
 ments of wealth and grandeur. 
 
 Let not the rich, therefore, presume on his riches, 
 nor the poor despond in his poverty ; for the providence 
 of God dispenses happiness to them both, and the dis- 
 tribution thereof is more equally made, than is gen- 
 erally imagined. 
 
 ' SECTION XXIX. 
 
 Select Sentences. 
 
 A WISE man will desire no more than what he may 
 get justly, use soberly, distribute cheerfully, and live 
 upon contentedly. 
 
 Beauty, as a flowery blossom, soon fades; but the di*. 
 vine excellences of the mind, like the medicinal virtues 
 of a plant, remain in it when all those charms are with- 
 ered. 
 
 It is more difticult to repair a credit that is once sha- 
 ken, than to keep in a flourishing condition that ^Ifiiich 
 was never blasted. 
 
 If the mind is well cultivated, it produces a store of 
 fruit ; if neglected, it is overrun with weeds. 
 
 Let no man be confident of his own merit ; for the 
 best sometimes err. Let no -nan rely too much upon his 
 own judgement ; for the wisest are sometimes deceived. 
 
 Men love to act from their own judgement, and are 
 always most inclined to those that are of the same opin- 
 ion with themselves. 
 
 The higher character a person supports, the more 
 he siiould regard liis minutest actions. 
 
 We are ail surrounded and beset with evils ; and as 
 they cannot be avoided, the mind ought to be prepared 
 to encounter them..
 
 12 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Let not your expectations from the years that are to 
 come, rise too high ; and your di ^appointments will be 
 lewer, and more easily supported. 
 
 Moderation, vigilance, and self-government, are du- 
 ties incumbent on all ; but especially on such as are be- 
 ginning llie journey of life. 
 
 Be not proud of the gracefulness, strength and beau- 
 ty of thy body, which a little sickness can weaken and 
 deform. 
 
 Never insult the unfortunate, especially when they 
 implore relief or assistance. If you cannot grant their 
 requests, refuse them mHdly and tenderly. 
 
 Pity the sorrows and sufferings of the poor ; disdain 
 not to enter their wretched abodes, ^or to listen to their 
 moving lamentations. 
 
 Wliile blessed with health and prosperity, cultivate a 
 humble and compassionate disposition : think of the dis- 
 tresses of human life, of the solitary cottage, the dying 
 parent, and the weeping orphan. 
 
 If we ought to be grateful for services received from 
 our friends, how should our hearts glow with thankful- 
 ness to him who has given us being, and all the blessings 
 we enjoy ! 
 
 A contented mind, and a good conscience, will make 
 a mini happy in all conditions. 
 
 liU'ie temperate man's pleasures are durable, because 
 they are regular ; and his life calm and serene, because 
 it is innocent. 
 
 True cheerfulness makes a man happy in himself, 
 and j>romotcs the happiness of all around him. It is 
 the clear ami calm sunshine of a mind illuminated by 
 piety and virti'.o. 
 
 Out of your acquaintance, choose familiars : '•"d out 
 of your familiars, select friends. 
 
 Among all human rnjoymcnts, nothing is so rare, 
 so valuable, and so necessary as a true friend. 
 
 A true friend is a grt.tt comfort in solitude, au excel- 
 lent assistant in business, and the best protection a^^aim* 
 injuries: he is a counsellor in difliculties, and a sanc- 
 tuary in distress.
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 7S 
 
 SECTION XXX. 
 
 Words of two syllables J accetited on the first ; Conttnuett, 
 
 2 ] 
 
 Diz zy, a. giddy, thoughtless 
 
 for 
 
 Chim ncy, n. a passage 
 
 smoke 
 Cis tern, n. a vessel to hold 
 
 water 
 Cit y, n.an incorporated town 
 Civ il, a. complaisant, well 
 
 bred 
 Clam our, n. outcry, noise 
 Clat ter, v. to make a confus- 
 ed noise 
 Cler gy, n. the whole order 
 
 or body of divines 
 Clum sy, a. unhandy 
 CluS ter, n. a bunch, heap 
 Cour age, n. bravery, valour 
 Cred it, n. reputation, belief 
 Crim son, n. deep red colour 
 Crip pie, n. a lame person 
 Crit ick, •«. one skilled in 
 
 criticism 
 Can ning, a. skilful, crafty 
 Cur tain, w. furniture of a bed 
 
 or window 
 Damp ness, 7i. moisture 
 Daz zle, v. to overpower with 
 
 light [tal 
 
 Dead ly, a. destructive, mor- 
 De6t orpi. one who is in debt 
 Des ert, n. a wilderness ; a. 
 
 wild, waste 
 Die tion, h. style, expression 
 
 Doub le, a. twofold, twice as 
 much [ful 
 
 Dread ful, a. terrible, fright- 
 Dun gcon, n. a dark close 
 
 prison 
 Dus ty, a. clouded with dust 
 Dwel ling, n. a habitation 
 EcA o, n. a sound returned 
 Effort, n. attempt, exertioa 
 Em blem, n. a representation; 
 
 allusive picture 
 Em pire, w. the region over 
 which dominioe is extend- 
 ed ; imperial power 
 Em^ ty, a. not full, void 
 End less, a. without end 
 En gine, n. a machine ; agent 
 Eng lish, [e like i] a. relating 
 to the country, people, or 
 language of England 
 En trance, n. passage 
 En vy, n. vexation at anoth- 
 er's good 
 Er rour, n. a mistake, blunder 
 Es sa?/, 71. atlempt,experiment 
 Etli icks, 71. the doctrine of 
 morality [away 
 
 Ex it, n. departure, a going 
 Ex tant, a. now in being ; 
 standing out to view ' [ed 
 
 Differ, V. to be unlike ; to j Ex tract, n. substance extract- 
 disagree I Frc tion, 71. discord, a party 
 Dim ness, ti. dullness of sight i Fac tjpus, «. given to fnction 
 Dis cord, 71. disagreement i.Fa'm'fne, ?.'. sc; rrily of fi^od 
 Dis count, 71. an alkw.ince, Fan cy, ?2, imaginHtioru whim 
 
 drawback 
 
 [sp 
 
 Fash eon, n. custom, fonn 
 
 Dis tafi, 71. a stp.ff used in j Fat ten, v. to make or grow. 
 Dis tiict,7(. circi'it, territory fieshv ;, 
 
 Dit ty, n, a song, '^oern Feara er,?i.the plume of birds 
 
 T
 
 74 
 
 •THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTEB. 
 
 Fel on, n. one guilty of a cap- 
 ital crime 
 Fer ry, n. a place for passing 
 
 a river or lake 
 •Fer tile, a. fruitful 
 Fer vent, a. ardent, vehement 
 Fie kle, a. changeable, un- 
 steady 
 Fie tion, n. a story invented, 
 
 device, falsehood 
 Fid die, n. a musical instru- 
 ment [type 
 Fig ure, n. a number ; shape ; 
 Fin ger, [g hard] n. part of 
 
 the hand 
 Fin ish, V. to end [bleness 
 Fit ness, n. •propriety, suita- 
 Flan nel, n. a kind of woollen 
 cloth [ness 
 
 Flat ness, n. evenness ; dul- 
 Flat ten, v. to make flat 
 Flat ter, v. to praise falsely 
 Flex ilc, a. pliant, easily bent 
 Flim sy, a. weak, thin 
 Flip pant, a. pert, talkative 
 Flour ish, v. to thrive, adorn 
 Frag ment, n. a part, a bro- 
 ken or imperfect piece 
 Frank ly, ad. freely, readily 
 Frank ness, n. plainness of 
 
 speech, openness 
 Fran tick, a. mad, distracted 
 Free klej n. a spot on the skin 
 Fresh ness, 7i. newness 
 Fret ful, a. peevish, angry 
 Friend less,fl. without friends 
 Friend ly, a. kind [ness 
 
 Fn'end ship, ii. favour, kind- 
 Frig ate,». a small shij^ofwar 
 Fum ble, v. to do any thing 
 
 awkwardly 
 Fur long, 71. the eighth part 
 of a mile 
 
 Fur loughj n. leave given for 
 
 absence from duty 
 Fur nish, v. to supply, equip 
 Fur row, n. a trench made by 
 
 a plough 
 Gal lant, a. gay, brave, bold 
 Gal Ion, n. four quarts 
 Gam bier, n. a gamester 
 Gan der, n. the male of the 
 
 goose 
 Gar ret, n. the uppermost 
 room in a dwelling [ble 
 GaxH er, v. to collect, assem- 
 Gen tic, a. tame, mild, meek 
 Gen try, n. a class of people 
 
 above the vulgar 
 Ges ture, [t like tsh] n. ac- 
 tion, motion, posture 
 Gib bet, n. a gallows to ex- 
 pose criminals 
 Gid (\y, \ g hard] a. heedless 
 Gild ing, [g hard] n. gold or 
 silver laid on for ornament 
 Gira let, [g hard] n. an instru- 
 ment to bore with 
 Gin gk', V. to make a sharp 
 clattering noise [fully 
 
 Glad ly, ad. joyfully, cheer- 
 Glad ness,?!. exultation, joy 
 Glim mor, v. to shin<! faintly 
 Gram iniir, n. tin; science of 
 speaking or writing cor- 
 rectly 
 Grap pie, r. to fasten, grasp 
 Gras sy, «.cov(Med with grass 
 (jrav el, n. coarse liard sand 
 Grid die, n. a pan to bake 
 
 cakes in 
 Grim ness, m. f;igiitfulness of 
 countenance ,-: 
 
 Grum bh;, v. to murmur , 5;? 
 <Ui\\i less, a. innocent [ed 
 G.viJ ly^ (t. luit innocent, wick
 
 TiiE A:iiEi;icA:; ix^^'i':;rc. i;i;. 
 
 ( t> 
 
 Gwin ea. n. n pold coin { Hun irry, a 
 
 Gun smith, ?/. one who makes 
 
 iceliiiiT 
 
 guns 
 
 Gus set, n. part of ;i garment 
 Gut ter, n. a passage for water 
 Hab it,?j. customary use, stale 
 
 of any thing, dress 
 Had dock, n. a sea-fisl; 
 Hag gle, ri. to mangle 
 Hal low, V. to consecrate 
 Ham let, w. a small village 
 
 pam lor 
 want of f')od [animal> 
 
 IIiui ter, 71. one who chase: 
 
 iliu" ry, H. hasle, bustle ; v 
 to liastcii 
 
 Hurt ful, "ff. injurious 
 
 l\\is band, «. a a^arried mail 
 
 Hus t\c, V. to shake together 
 
 111 ness, a. sickness 
 
 Im pulsr, 51. eoniniunicated 
 force, motion, idea 
 
 Ham mer, n. an instrument to i In com;', n. revenue, rent 
 
 drive nails In censf, n. a ])erfinne offered 
 
 Han dy, a. ready, skilful to some deity 
 
 Hap pcn,v. to come to pass | In dex, n.the table of contents 
 Hap py, <7. blessed, pleased | toabook; a markthus(f[5=*') 
 Har row, n. an instrument of I In fant. ??. a yuun2; child 
 husbandry I In get, ?j. a mass of metal 
 
 In jure, v. to annoy, to hurt 
 
 unjustly [ink 
 
 Inlc stand, n. a vessel to hold 
 
 Hafch et, n. a small axe 
 Hat ter, n. a maker of hats 
 Haz ard, ?j. danger, chance 
 
 Head stall, w. part of a bridle In let, n. a passage, entrance 
 Health y,a.free from sickness 
 Heav y, a. weighty ; drowsy 
 Hetf er, n. a young cow 
 Hel met, n. armour for the 
 
 head 
 Help er, n. an assistant 
 Help less, a. destitute of help; 
 
 In most, a. deepest within, re- 
 motest 
 In ner, a. interiour 
 In quest, ?i. judicial inquiry - 
 Jn rortd, ?:. sudden invasion 
 In sect, u. a small creeping or 
 
 flyin 
 
 g anmia' 
 
 wantingpower or assistance j In side^ n. the interiour part 
 
 from this I In sight, 
 
 Hence forth, ad. 
 
 time forward 
 Jtfier bage, n. herbs, grass, 
 pasture [person 
 
 Her mit, «. a solitary devout 
 Her ring, n. a small sea-fish 
 Hin der, v. to prevent, stop 
 HiTH er, ad. to this place 
 i Hud die, V. to crowd together 
 I in a confused manner 
 1 Hun dred, a. ten times ten 
 t Hun ger, [g hard] n. a desire 
 'J of food 
 
 n. an inspection, 
 view, knowledc-o 
 
 In stance, n. example 
 
 In slant, n. the present mo- 
 ment or month ; a moment 
 
 In step, n. the upper part oi 
 the foot 
 
 In stiuct, n. a natural desiro 
 or aversion 
 
 In suit, n. insolence, abuse 
 
 In to, pr. noting entrance 
 
 In voice, n. a bill or list of 
 goods with the price annexed
 
 TG 
 
 Tllk A.MERICAN INSTil4CTEK. 
 
 Issue,[ish shu]«. termination, 
 end ; v. to come or send out 
 Jst/t mus, n. a neck of land 
 joining larger portions of 
 land 
 Jab ber, v. to talk idly 
 Jack et, n. a waistcoat ; a 
 - kind of short close coat 
 Jeal ous, a. suspicious [noise 
 Jin gle, V. to make a rattling 
 Jour nal, n. a diary, book, 
 
 newspaper 
 Jour ney, n. a passage from 
 
 one place to another 
 Jug gle, V. to play tricks by 
 
 sleight of hand 
 Jus ticc, n. equity, right ; an 
 officer ^ [ly 
 
 Just ly. a4. uprightly, honest- 
 Ket tlV, n. a kitchen vessel to 
 ^ boil things in 
 Kid nap, v. to steal persons 
 Kin die, v. to set on fue 
 Kin dred, n. relation 
 King dom, n. the dominion of 
 ' a king 
 
 King ly, a. royal, noble 
 Kitch en, n. a room where 
 
 provisions are cooked 
 Kit ten, 71. a young cat 
 Lad der,n. a frame made with 
 
 steps for climbing 
 Lan cat, h. a surgical instru- 
 ment to let blood 
 Land lord, n. the master of 
 an inn ; an owner of land 
 or houses 
 Land tax, n, a tax put upon 
 
 land and houses 
 Lan guage, w. human speech 
 Lan guid, a. faint, weak 
 Lan gulsh, v. to grow feeble 
 Lan guor, v. faintness 
 
 Lan tern,?i.a case for a candle 
 Lap dog, 71. a little dog for 
 
 the lap 
 Last ly, ad. in the last place 
 LaTH er, ?i. froth of soap and 
 
 water 
 Lat ter, a. the last of two 
 Lav ish, a. wasteful 
 Learn ing, n. erudition, skill 
 in any thing [ing any thing 
 Learn er, n. one who is learn- 
 LeaTH er, n. the hide of an 
 
 animal dressed 
 Lee ture,[t like tsh] n. a dis- 
 course on any subject 
 Lem on, m. the name of a fruit 
 Length en, v. to make longer 
 Leop ard,n. a beast of prey 
 Les sen, V. to diminish 
 Les son, ». a task to learn or 
 
 read 
 Les sor, n. one who grants a 
 
 lease to another 
 Let ter, n. one of the charac- 
 ters of the alphabet ; a writ- 
 ten message 
 Lev el, a. even 
 Lev y, V. to raise, impose 
 Lil y, n. a beautiful flower 
 Lim ber, a. easily bent, pliant 
 Lim it, n. a bound, border ; 
 V. to confine within bounds 
 Linch pin, 7i. an iron pin to 
 kce[) a wheel on the axletree 
 Lin en, 7i. cloth made of flax 
 Lin ger,[g hard] v. to loiter 
 Lin guist, 71. a person skilled 
 
 in languages 
 Lin net, «.a small singing bird 
 Liq uid,n. a fluid substance 
 Liq ?/or, n. strong drink ; a 
 
 liquid 
 Little, a. small, diminutive
 
 THE AMEmCx^N INSTEUCTER. 7J 
 
 2 
 
 * 2 
 
 Liv ing, n. maintenance, sup- 
 port [animal 
 
 Liz ard, n- a small creeping 
 
 Lub ber, n. a lazy clumsy 
 fellow [nate 
 
 Luc ky, a. successful, fortu- 
 
 Lug gage, n. any thing cum- 
 bersome or heavy 
 
 Lum ber, n. useless furniture 
 
 Lus cious, a. sweet, pleasing, 
 
 rich 
 Lus tre, n. brightness, gloss 
 Lus ty, a. large, stout 
 Mad am, n. a term of address 
 
 to a lady 
 Mad den, v. to make mad 
 ]\lad ness, 7i.rage,fury,pdssion. 
 Mag ick,[g soft] n. enchant- 
 timber, boards, staves, &c. ment, dealing with spirits 
 
 SECTION XXXL 
 
 The Close of Life. 
 
 "When we contemplate the close of life, tlie termlafi- 
 tion of man's designs and hopes, the silence that novr 
 reigns among those who a little while ago were so bu- 
 sy or so gay ; who can avoid being touclied with sensa- 
 tions at once awful and tender ? What heart but ihexf. 
 warms with the glow of humanity ? in whose eye doth 
 not the tear gather, on revolving the fate of passing and 
 short lived man ? 
 
 Behold the poor man who lays down at last the bur- 
 den of his wearisome life. No more shall he groan lui- 
 der the load of poverty and toil. No more shall he 
 hear the insolent calls of the master, from whom he re- 
 ceived his scanty wages. No more shall he be raised 
 from needful slumber on his bed of straw, nor be hurriefi 
 away from his homely meal, to midergo tlie repeated la- 
 bours of the day. 
 
 While his humble grave is preparing, and a few pojtjr 
 and decayed neighbours are carrying hhn tliitlier, j^ jU 
 good for us to think, that this man too was our broker j 
 that for him the aged and destitute wife, and the needy 
 children now weep ; that, neglected as he was by thfe 
 world, he possessed perhaps both a sound understand- 
 ing, and a worthy heai-t ; and is now carried by ang«If, 
 to rest in Abraham's bosom. 
 
 At no ^eat distance from him, the grave is pp^ne? 
 to receive the rich and proud man. For, as it is sair 
 with emphasis in the parable, <« the rich man also ,^6^' 
 
 7*
 
 78 f THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 4r 
 
 and was buried." He also died. His riches prevented 
 not his sharing tlie same fate with the poor man ; per- 
 haps, through luxury, they accelerated his doom. 
 
 Then indeed, " the mourners go about the streets ;" 
 and while, in all the pomp and magnificence of wo, his 
 funeral is preparing, his heirs, impatient to examine his 
 will are loolung one on another with jealous eyes, and 
 are aheady beginning to dispute about the division of 
 his substance. 
 
 One day we see carried along the coffin of the smi- 
 Kng infant; the flower just nipped as it began to blos- 
 som in its parent's view: and the next day we behold 
 the young man, or young woman, of blooming form 
 and promising hopes, laid in an untimely grave. 
 
 While the funeral is attended by a numerous uncon- 
 cerned company, who are discoursing to one another 
 about the news" of the day, or the ordinary affairs o\ 
 life, let our thoughts rather follow to the house of mourn- 
 ing, and represent to themselves what is passing there. 
 
 There we should see a disconsolate family sitting in 
 silent grief, thinking of the sad breach that is made in 
 their little society ; and, with tears in their eyes, look- 
 ing to the chamber that is now left vacant, and to every 
 memorial that presents itself of their departed friend. 
 By such attention to the woes of others, the selfish 
 hardness of our hearts will be gradually softened, and 
 melted down into humanity. 
 
 Another day we follow to the grave, one who in old 
 age, and after a long career of life, has, in full maturity, 
 sunk at last into rest. As we are going along to the 
 mansion of the dead, it is natural for us to think, and 
 to discourse, of all tlie changes which such a person 
 has seen during the course of liis life. 
 
 He has passed it is likely, through varieties of fortune. 
 He has experienced prosperity and adversity. He has 
 seen families and kindreds rise and fall. He has seert 
 peace and war succeed in their turns : the face of his 
 country undergoing many alterations, and the very city 
 iB which he dwelt, rising in a manner, new around him. 
 "*► After all be has beheld, bis ev^s are now closed for- 
 
 '-' s 
 
 d
 
 THE A3IEKICAi\ INSTRUCTER. 7f 
 
 ever. He was becoming a stranger in the midst of a 
 new succession of men. A race who knew him not, had 
 risen to fill the earth. Tims passes tiie world away. 
 Throughout all ranks and conditions ; "one generation 
 passeth, and another generation cometh ;" and this great 
 inn is by turns evacuated, and replenished by troops of 
 succeeding pilgrims. 
 
 O vain and inconstant world ! O fleeting and tran- 
 sient life ! When will the sons of men learn to think of 
 thee as they ought ? When will they learn humanity 
 from the afflictions of their brethren ; or moderation 
 and wisdom, from the sense of their own fugitive state ? 
 
 SECTION XXXII. 
 
 The Funeral. 
 How sdlemn is the scene, when friends draw near. 
 To pay to parted worth the fun'ral tear ! 
 How precious are the sacred tears that riscj 
 And flow successive from the mourner's eyes. 
 
 How solemn is the sight, ('tis so to me,) 
 Extended in the " narrow house'' to see ,r 
 
 The pale precursor of our certain doom, 
 A silent votary for the lurid tomb ! 
 
 No language can describe, no tongue can tell 
 The heart's keen anguish at the last farewell, 
 When the lid closes on the faded face, 
 Where late serenely smil'd each softer grace. 
 
 Plac'd on the sable hearse, the mournful throng, 
 In sad procession, slowly move along; 
 Bow'd down with sorrow, to the grave repair, 
 And leave their fellow friend to moulder there. 
 
 Then home return : — Oh ! what a blank appears ! 
 The heart then gives the few remaining tears ; 
 How gloomy all, where late so sweetly smil'd 
 , The lovely friend, that ev'ry care beguil'd ! 
 
 Those who have lost what worlds cannot supply, 
 C an give the sympathetick tear and sigh : 
 Thuiigh friendship can a soothing balm impart, 
 'Tis Heav'n aloae can Jieal the mouroei's heart. 
 
 *
 
 so THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER 
 
 SECTlOiN XAAIU. 
 
 The Rose. 
 How fair is the rose, what a beautiful flower ! 
 
 In Summer so fragrant and gay ! 
 But the leaves are beginning to fade in an hour, 
 
 And they wither and die in a day. 
 
 Yet flie rose has one pmverful virtue to boast, 
 
 Above all the flowers of the field : 
 When its leaves are all dead, and its fine colours lost, 
 
 Still how sweet a perfume it will yield. 
 
 So frail are the youth and the beauty of men, 
 Though they bloom and look gay like the rose ; 
 
 Yet all our fond care to preserve them is vain, 
 Time kills them as fast as he goes. 
 
 Then I'll not be proud of my 3^outh or my beauty, 
 Since both of them wither and fade ; 
 
 But gain a good name by performing my duty ; 
 This will scent like the rose when I'm dead. 
 
 — QQ!S- 
 
 SECTION XXXIV. 
 
 Words of two syllables, accented on the first ; Continued. 
 
 Mag net, n. the loadstone 
 Mag pie, n. the name of abird 
 Mai ice, n. ill will, hatred 
 Mai let, n. a wooden hammer 
 Man age,v.to conduct, govern 
 Man date, n. a command, pre- 
 cept [ing 
 Man ful, a. bold, stout, dar- 
 Man gle, v. to lacerate, to cut 
 
 or tear in pieces 
 Man ly, a. brave, noble 
 Man ner, n. form, method 
 JMan ners, n. behaviour, con- 
 duct 
 Man sion, n. a dwelling house, 
 
 abode 
 Man tie, n. a kind of cloak 
 Man y,[a like e] a. numerous, 
 several 
 
 Mar ro?^?, n. a substance in 
 bones [subject 
 
 Mat tcr, n. body, substance, 
 Max im, «. a general princi- 
 ple, rule • 
 Mead ow, n. a grass-field from 
 
 wliicli hay is made 
 Me«s uro, [s like zh] n. that 
 by which any tiling is meas- 
 ured ; V. to compute, idiot 
 Med al, 71. an ancient coin ; 
 a piece stamped in honour 
 of some remarkable per- 
 formance 
 Mel lo«', a. soft, fully ripe 
 Mel on, n. a kind of fruit 
 Mem bcr, n. a iimbj^a part 
 Men tal, a. belonging 
 mind, intellectual
 
 THE AMERICAN IKSTRUCTER. 
 
 81 
 
   2 
 
 Men tion, v, to express in 
 words or writing ; n. an 
 expression 
 Mer chant, n. one who deals 
 in merchandise [pardon 
 Mer cy, n. pity, compassion, 
 Mer it, n. desert, reward ; v. 
 to deserve [cheerful 
 
 Mer ry, a. gay, laughing, 
 Mes sage, n, an errand 
 Mess mate, n. one who eats 
 with another [body 
 
 Met al, n. a hard compact 
 Meth od, n. order, rule 
 Mid day, n, noon 
 Mid night, n. the middle of 
 the night [a mill 
 
 Mil ler, n. one who attends 
 Mil let, 71. a plant ; a kind of 
 fish [sand 
 
 Mill ion, 71. ten hundred thou- ' 
 Mill stone, n. the stone by 
 
 which grain is ground 
 Mim ick, V. to imitate, ridi- 
 cule ; n. one who imitates 
 another 
 Min gle, I', to mix, join 
 Min ute, 71. the sixtieth part 
 
 of an hour 
 Mir ror, w. a looking-glass 
 "Mis chief, n. disturbance,harm 
 Mis sion, 71. a commission, le- 
 gation 
 Mis tress, n. a woman who 
 governs ; a woman teacher 
 Mis ty, a. cloudy, damp 
 Mit tens, n. covering for the 
 
 hands 
 Mud dy, a. dirty, thick 
 Muf tie, x;. to wrap up, to 
 
 blindfold 
 Mum ble, V. to mutter ; to 
 spf ak inAvardJy 
 
 Mur der, n. the act of killing 
 unhnvfully ; v. to kill un- 
 lawfully [ble 
 Mur mur, v. to mutter, grum- 
 Mus ket, n. a soldier's hand- 
 gun 
 Mus lin, n. a fine kind of cloth 
 made of cotton [seed 
 Mus tard, ti. a plant and its 
 Mus ty, a. mouldy, spoiled 
 
 with damp 
 Mut ter, V. to grumble 
 Mut ton, n. the flesh of sheep 
 Neck lace, n. an ornament 
 worn by women on the neck 
 Neph ew, [nev vu] 7t. the son 
 
 of a brothei or sister 
 NcTH er, a. loAver, not upper 
 Net tie, n. a stinging herb 
 Nev er, ad. at no time 
 Nib ble, v. to eat slowly ,bite at 
 Nick name, n. a name given 
 
 in contempt • 
 Nim ble, a. quick, active [ly 
 Nim bly, ad. quickly, speedi- 
 Num ber, w. the species of 
 quantity by which it is com- 
 puted how many; v. to 
 count, reckon 
 Num6 ness, n. stupefaction, 
 
 torpor, deadness 
 Nup tial, a. pertaining to 
 
 marriage 
 Nup tials, n. marriage 
 Nur ture, [t like tsh] n. edu- 
 cation ; food, diet ; v. to 
 bring up, to educate 
 Pack et, fi. a mail of letters ;^ 
 a coasting vessel for pas- 
 sengers 
 Pad die, v. to row; to play in 
 I water ; «. an oar 
 I Pad lock, 7?. a hanging lork
 
 B2 
 
 tl!E A.MLHirA\ INSTRLTTER. 
 
 Pal ace, n. n loynl or sjlsMiaid 
 
 house 
 Pam phlct, n. a small book 
 Pan cake, ?!. a kind of thin 
 cake baked or (Vied in a pan 
 Par rot, n. a kind of bird 
 Pas sage, w. a clause or sen- 
 tence ; act of passing 
 Pas sion, «, anger, zeal, ar- 
 dour, love [fering 
 Pas sive, a. submissive, suf- 
 Pciss port, n. a permission in 
 
 writing to pass 
 
 Pas time, «. amusement, sport 
 
 Pas tor, n. a minister of a 
 
 congregation ; a shepherd 
 
 Pas ture, [t like tsh] ??. land 
 
 on which cattle feed 
 Pat ent, n. a grant of an ex- 
 clusive right [ample 
 Pat tern, n. a specimen, ex- 
 Peas ant, n. one who lives by 
 
 rural labour 
 Peb ble,n.a sort of hard stone 
 Ped die, v. to travel and re- 
 tail goods 
 Pen cil, n. a small brush of hair 
 
 for drawing and painting 
 pen ^tnife, n. a knife used to 
 
 cut pens 
 Pen man, n. a writer 
 Pen ny, n. the twelfth part of 
 
 a shilling 
 Pen sion, n. a settled yearly 
 
 allowance 
 Pen s'lve, a. sorrowful 
 Pep per, n. a spice, plant of 
 
 many kinds 
 Per il, n. danger, hazard 
 Per ish, v. to decay, die 
 Per son, n. a human being, an 
 
 individual 
 Pe^ ttfr, V. to plagiie, disturb 
 
 Pes t\e, n. an instrgment with 
 
 which any thing is broken 
 
 in a mortar 
 Pet tish, a. fretful, peevish • 
 Pet ty, a. small, trilling 
 Pheos ant, n. the name of a 
 
 bird 
 Phxh'is ick; H. a consumption ; 
 
 shortness of breath 
 Pic klc, n. a thing pickled, 
 
 brine 
 Pic ture, [t like tsh] n. a re- 
 
 seniblance in colours 
 Pig con, [g soft] n. a kind oi 
 
 bird 
 Pil fer, V. to steal 
 Pil lage, n. plunder ; v, to rob 
 Pil lar, 71. a column, prop 
 Pill ion, n. a soft saddle, a 
 
 cushion [head on 
 
 Pil lo;^, n. a thing to lay the? 
 Pim pie, ?i. a small red pustulo 
 Pin ion,t'. to bind, shackle,tie 
 Pis mire, n. an ant ; emmet 
 Pis tol, 71. a small hand-gun 
 Pi^ch fork, n. a fork to pitch 
 
 hay with 
 Pi^ch er, ??. an earthen vessel 
 Pith y, a. consisting of pith ; 
 
 enorgetick, forcible [thy 
 Pit y, n. compassion, synipa- 
 Piv ot,7i. a pin on which any 
 
 thing turns 
 Plan ct, 71. a star which re- 
 volves round a centre ia 
 
 an orbit 
 Plan tain, n. an herb 
 Plant er, n. a farmer, one who 
 
 cultivates 
 Pias ter, w. lime prepared to 
 
 cover walls ; a salve 
 Plat form,7J. a horizontal plan« 
 Plat ter, n. a largo flat disjt 
 
 «•
 
 THE A.MiKRRA.\ 1 VSTRUCTKn. 
 
 83' 
 
 Pleos anf, a. delii^litful 
 Pleas urc, [s like zh] n. de- 
 light, gratificatioii 
 Plen ty, 71. abundance 
 Plum met, «. a leaden weiglit 
 or pencil [by force 
 
 Plun der, v. to pillasfe, to rob 
 Prac ticc, »;, habitual use. rule 
 Prac tisf, v. to do habitually 
 Prat tie, v. to talk lightly, to 
 
 chatter 
 Pre cious, a. valuable, costly 
 Preface, n. an introduction 
 to a book [present 
 
 
 Pres enct', m. state of 
 
 being 
 
 Pres ent, a. not absent, face 
 
 to face ; ti. a gift 
 Pret ty, [e like i]«. beautiful, 
 
 neat ; ad. in some degree 
 Prim er, n. a small book for 
 
 children 
 Prim rose, «. a flower 
 Prince ly, ad. royal, grand 
 Prin cess, n. the daughter of 
 a king, the wife of a prince 
 Print er, n. one who prints 
 Pris on,ii. a jail, place of con- 
 finement 
 Pub lish, V. to make known 
 Pub lick, n. the body of a na- 
 tion ; a. not private, open, 
 common 
 Pulp ous, a. soft 
 Pun ish, V. to chastise, correct 
 Pup py, 71. a whelp, dog 
 Pur blind, a. near-sighted 
 Pur chase, v. to buy, to obtain 
 
 for a price 
 Pur lieu, n. border, enclosure 
 Pur pie, a. red tinctured with 
 
 blue 
 Pur port, H. design, meaning 
 Pus tule,[t like tshJR.a pimpie 
 
 Put ty. n. a kind of cement 
 
 used by glaziers 
 Viva ?,le, v. to perplex, embar- 
 rass ; Ji. ]icrple.\ity,a riddle 
 Quick Ivj^yrf. nimbly, speedily 
 Quick ucss, n. speed, activity 
 Quick sand, n. a sinking or 
 
 shaking sand [throat 
 
 Quin sy, n. a disease in the 
 Quiv er, v. to shake, tremble 
 Rab bit, /,'. a small furry ani 
 
 mal [crowd 
 
 Rab ble, n. a tumultuous 
 Rac ket, ti. a clattering noise 
 Rad ish,?t. the name of a root 
 Rafter, ?;. the roof timber of 
 
 a house 
 Ram ble, T'. to vv'ander, rove 
 Ran c&ur, n. malignity ,hatred 
 Ran dom, a. done by chance ; 
 
 n. want of direction 
 Ran sack,i'.to plunder, search 
 Ran som, n. a price paid for 
 
 liberty ; v. to redeem 
 Rap id, a. violent, swift 
 Rap ture,[t like tsh] n. ecsta- 
 
 cy, transport [villain 
 
 Ras cal, n. a mean fellow, 
 Rash ness, 71. hastiness 
 RaTH er, ad. more willingly 
 Rats bane, 7i. arsenick, poison 
 Rat tie, V. to make a noise, 
 
 to clatter 
 Rav age, v. to lay waste, spoil, 
 
 plunder 
 Read y, a. prepared, willing 
 Reb el, ti. one who opposes 
 
 lawful authority 
 Rec kon, v. to count,compute 
 Rec ord, 7i. a register, authen- 
 
 tick enrolment 
 Rec tor, h. a minister of a 
 
 parish, ruler
 
 Hi 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Refuge,?/. shelter from danger 
 Rel ish, V. to give a taste to 
 
 v.ny thing; r/. larste, Hkiug 
 Rem nam, 71. what is left 
 Rep tile, n. a creeping tiling 
 Res cue, V. to set free frwn 
 
 danger 
 Res pitc. 71. a reprieve, pause ; 
 
 V. to suspend, put off 
 Rest less, a. uncjuiet 
 Rev el, V. to carouse ; n. a 
 
 noisy feast 
 Rich e.s-, n. wealth, money 
 Rich ness, 7j. fipuleuce, splen- 
 dour, fertility 
 Rid dle.n.a coarse open sieve ; 
 
 a pii/.7,ling odd question 
 Rig i'i, [g s;;f!] a. strict, exact 
 Riv er, k. a stream or current 
 
 of water 
 Riv et, n. a kind of pin clench- 
 lid at both ends ; v. to fas- 
 ten v.ith rivets 
 Rub bish, fi. refuse, the ruins 
 
 of buildings 
 Ruf fie, 71. plaited linen used 
 as an ornajii(>nt ; v. to dis- 
 order 
 Rud (\rv, //.the part that steers 
 a ship .,: [noise 
 
 RUni bio, V. 10 n):i';e a lioarse 
 Rus ticli, <■/. iu!i.!. iiu!c 
 Rus ty, a. covtMeil with rust 
 Sab bath, n. a (isiy of rest and 
 
 worship 
 Sad den, v. to make sad 
 Sad die, .7. a seat to \iut on a 
 horse I chdy 
 
 Sad nes... now, niel,i»i- 
 
 Sdl adjiV. luo;.; !it' raw herbs 
 Sa'm on, n. a ki::d ol' f -b 
 Sam pie, /i. a s]"( :.^ 1 
 Sand y, a. gritty, full of tiuid 
 
 Sane tion, n. confirniationj 
 
 ratification 
 Sap ling, n. a young tree 
 Sat in, 71. a kind of very soft 
 
 sliining silk 
 Sav age, a. wild, barbarous ; 
 
 71. a barbarian 
 Scab bard, ?^. a case, sheath 
 
 of a sword 
 Scan dal, ?(. disgrace, re- 
 
 })roachful aspersion 
 Scat ter, v. to spread, disperse 
 Sci-s 5or5, n. a small pair of 
 
 shears 
 Scrip ture,[t like tsh] n. the 
 
 Bible, sacred writings 
 Sec ond, 71. the sixtieth part of 
 
 a minute ; u. next to the first 
 Sec tion, n. a distinct part of 
 
 a writing or book, division 
 Sel dom, ad. not often, rarely 
 Sel vage, n. the edge of cloth 
 Sen ate, 71. an assembly of 
 
 counsellors ; a branch of 
 
 the congress of the United 
 
 States [stupid 
 
 Sense less, a. void of sense, 
 Sen tei)ce,«.a short paragraph; 
 
 a decision ; v. to condemn 
 Sen try, n. a watch, guard 
 Ser aph, n. one of the orders 
 
 of angels 
 Ser moil, /<. a pious discourse, 
 
 a lecture 
 S;n- j)ent, n. a snake [other 
 Ser vaiitjji'ibnc who serves an- 
 Ses sion, //. the act or time 
 
 of sitting 
 Set th?, V. to adjust, fix 
 Seven, a. one moroilim six 
 .'•(iv ':r, V. to pi'.rt ])y Tlohnice 
 Sex toiu n. cfn orticer of the 
 
 cliurch
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 9$ 
 
 SECTION XXXV. 
 
 An Address to Youth. ^ 
 
 How pleasant is the season of youth ! Like the fine 
 days in spring, it composes the prime of life, and prom- 
 ises in future a rich harvest. But alas ! it passes away 
 With the same rapidity, and the hopes it raises are often 
 deceitful. In the moral, as in the natural world, the fi- 
 nest blossoms do not always produce the fruit we had 
 reason to expect. 
 
 How must it afflict the person arrived at the maturity 
 of manhood, when he casts his eyes over the days of his 
 youth, if they have flown away without improvement, 
 or if he has foolishly consumed them in trifling occupa* 
 tions, or lost them in idleness ! 
 
 What more distressing object can be held up to the 
 view of society, than that of a man, whose faculties, in- 
 stead of being unfolded and enlarged by exercise, are 
 benumbed by inactivity, or debilitated or worn out in 
 the service of vice; carr3'ing with him into the matu- 
 rer season, nothing but the disgraceful feelings of weak- 
 ness, regret, and remorse ? 
 
 On the other hand, what pleasure a person experien- 
 ces in recalling to his mind the spring of life, who has 
 employed it in preparing himselffor useful occupations; 
 and who, having cultivated the precious seed which the 
 Creator has sown within him, can hope to reap for him- 
 self and others the most excellent fruits. How delight- 
 ful is the sight of such a man to every sensible and vir- 
 tuous person ! 
 
 Where is the man who ever repented of having well 
 employed his youth ? This period of life, when passed 
 in piety and innocence, procures us the most valuable 
 advantages, and the most noble pleasures. On the oth- 
 er hand, many deplore the loss or abuse of these most 
 favourable days of their lives, and bitterly lament over 
 the unhappy consequences of youthful errours. 
 
 Now is the season for sowing. If, at a more advan- 
 ced period, you would not be reduced to want, if yo« 
 would not be a burden to yourselves and others, if you 
 S
 
 gfi THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 would gather a rich and abundant harvest, yon must 
 sow the good seed, and carefully cultivate the ground 
 which receives it. You must adorn your minds with 
 wisdom, and your hearts with \'irtue : you must lay in 
 a store of useful knowledge, and early acquire a habit 
 «f acting justly. 
 
 You must combat evil thoughts before they gain the 
 mastery, and extirpate evil habits before they have ta- 
 ken deep root ; endeavour to secure the love and esteem 
 of your fellow citizens, by a rational, modest, and regu- 
 lar conduct ; that you may be able to depend in future 
 on their protection and support. 
 
 Youth is the time for discipline and preparation ; in 
 this season, exercise your faculties and powers, if you 
 wish hereafter to employ them with facility and success. 
 Acquire the information and talents for which you will 
 have occasion in future life ; and without which you 
 will stumble at every step, and find yourselves involved 
 in a thousand perplexing difliculties. 
 
 How important then is the present season of life ! 
 Mere wishes, slothful and feeble edbrts, will not suffice 
 to fulfil its duties and designs. It is only by persever- 
 ing endeavours, by a constant application, and by an 
 unshaken firmness, that you can attain to honour and 
 usefulness in the world. 
 
 Do not postpone to an uncertain hereafter, that winch 
 you can, and ought to do at present. The time you 
 lose, is lost forever : every future period of your exis- 
 tence, has its particular ein})loynient. It will not be 
 the time for sowing, when the season of gathering shall 
 come, nor for instruction, when you sl'.all be called to 
 make use of your knowledge. 
 
 That which isincuinlient on you to do at prcseju, and 
 which you neglect because of its diiiicuiik"«, will hecowie 
 every year, and every ^^ay more diilii nit, 13e ( a; clul 
 to watch contiimally over yourselves, overall the s.cret 
 motions of your hearts ; suffer not yourselves to be se- 
 duced by the vain pioi i^es of vice, by the charms of 
 an apparent liberty, or of tr< atiicvous joys. 
 
 Wisdom raises her voice to tell vou, that the intox-
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 8T 
 
 ication of sense endures but for an instant ; that the en- 
 chanted cup of luxury shall not always be sweet to 5'our 
 taste ; thai the pleasure you find in drinking shall sooa 
 vanish, as a fleeting dream from which we are fearfully 
 awakened : that the liberty with which you are flattered 
 by vice, is nothing but the vilest slavery ; and that its 
 joys are all poisoned at their source. 
 
 Therefore, shun vice as you would the most deadly 
 poison. Early accustom yourselves to self-denials : to 
 bear contradiction and opposition; to subdue your pas- 
 sions, and to conquer your sensual appetites : then shall 
 a train of pure and lasting joys recompense you in 
 manhood and old age, for tlie destructive or vain grat- 
 ifications which you have prudently renounced. 
 
 Even if you are prevented, by an early deatli, from 
 gatherhig in this world the fruit of a well regulated 
 youth, you will obtain a great advantage, if you are 
 prepared to enter a more perfect abode, and sufficiently 
 qualified for the sublime employment and delicious pleas- 
 ares, which await the virtuous in a future existence. 
 
 It is only by making wisdom and virtue, reason and 
 religion, your faithful guides, that you can preserve 
 your innocence, and proceed with a firm and persever- 
 ing step in the path where so many of your predeces- 
 sors have reaped the advantages they now enjoy. May 
 these faithful guides alwa3's accompany you in the 
 Journey of life ; and may you become valuable men, 
 useful citizens, and blessings to societ3% 
 
 SECTION XXXVL 
 
 A view of the Starry Heavem. 
 
 Here I enjoy a free view of the whole hemisphere, 
 without any obstacle from below, to confine the explor- 
 ing eye ; or any cloud from above, to overcast the spa- 
 cious concave. 
 
 It is true, the lively vermilion which so lately streak- 
 ed the chambers of the west, is all faded. But the 
 planets, one after another, light up their lamps ; the 
 stars advance in their glittering train.
 
 S8 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Thousands of luminaries shine forth in successive 
 splendour ; and the whole firmament is kindled into 
 the most beautiful glow. 
 
 The blueness of the ether, heightened by the season 
 6f the year, and ^still more enlivened by the absence 
 of the moon, give those gems of heaven the brightest 
 lustre. 
 
 — OQ©— 
 
 SECTION XXXVII. 
 
 i Words of two syllables, accented on the first j Continued. 
 
 Snac kle, v. to chain, fetter 
 Shac kle5, 71. fetters, chains 
 Shad oWj n. shade, darkness 
 Shal low, a. not deep ; silly 
 She! ter, n. a place of salety, 
 cover ; v. to cover, defend 
 tSiher iff, n. a county officer 
 Shil iing, n. a silver coin, val- 
 ue twelve pence 
 Shin gle, n. a thin board to 
 
 cover houses 
 Ship ping, n. vessels for nav- 
 igation [ship 
 Ship wreck, n. the loss of a 
 Shud der, v. to quake with 
 fear [dow 
 Shut ter, n. a cover for a win- 
 Shut tie, n. an instrument 
 ^ used in weaving [with 
 Sic kle, n. a hook to cut grain 
 Sick ness, n. a disease 
 Sig nal,n. a sign that give* no- 
 * tice ; rt.eniiocnt,remarkablL' 
 Sil ly, a. foolish, simple 
 Sil vcr, n. a white hard metal 
 Sim mer, v. to boil gently 
 Sim })le, a. plain, artless, silly 
 Sin ew, n. a teiKion, nerve 
 Sin liil, •'/. wicked, (uilioly 
 Si:i<; er. u. ouo tlmt sings 
 Sjm j^le, «. :ilonc. unmarried 
 
 Sin ner, «. one who sins, an 
 
 offender [on a seat 
 
 Sit ting, n. the act of resting 
 
 Six pence, n. a small silver 
 
 coin, half a shilling 
 Six teen, a. six and ten 
 Six ty, a. six times ten 
 Skil ful, a. knowing, experi- 
 enced [boiler 
 Skil let, ?». a small kettle or 
 Skit tish, a. easily frighted 
 Slan der, ?i. false invective, 
 
 reproach 
 Slen der, a. thin, small 
 Slip per,?2.a kind of loose shoe 
 Slug gish, a. lazy, slothful 
 Slum ber, v. to sleep lightly^ 
 
 n. repose 
 Smug glo, t'. to import or ex- 
 port goods without paying 
 the duties [vish 
 
 Snap j)i.sh,ff. eager to bite,pee- 
 Snuiri)()x, H. a box in which 
 
 snufl'is carried 
 Snuf fcrs, 71. a utensil to snull 
 
 candles 
 Spar row, n. a small bird 
 Spat ter, V. to sjjrinkle 
 Spc cia!,a, particular, peculiar 
 Spend thrift, 7( a prodigal ; 
 hivisher
 
 Ilffifi AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 89 
 
 3 
 
 Spin die, n. an instrument 
 used in spinning 
 
 Spir it, n. "the soul, a ghost, 
 breath, life, courage 
 
 Splen did, a. magnificent 
 
 Splen dour, n. lusti'e, magnif- 
 icence 
 
 Sprin kle, v. to scatter in 
 small drops 
 
 Stam mer, v. to falter in one's 
 speech 
 
 Stand ard, n. an ensign of war ; 
 undoubted authority 
 
 Stat uc,[stat tshu] n. an image 
 
 Stat ute,[stat tshute] n. an act 
 of the legislature, a law, 
 decree 
 
 Stead fast, a. fixed, firm 
 
 Stead y, a. firm, not wavering 
 
 Stig ma, n. a mark of iufamy 
 
 Stin gy, a. covetous 
 
 Stran gle,T).to choke,suffocate 
 
 Strip ling, n. a youth 
 
 Strug gle, V. to strive, con- 
 tend ; n. a contest, agony 
 
 Stub born, a. obstinate 
 
 Stud y,n. application to books 
   and learning ; an apart- 
 ment for books ; v. to med- 
 itate, muse 
 
 Stum ble, V. to trip in walk- 
 
 ing : 
 
 to err 
 
 Stur dy, a. hardy, stout 
 Stur gfion,n.the name of a fish 
 Sub ject, n. the matter treat- 
 ed of; one under the do- 
 minion of another 
 Sub stance, n. being, matter 
 Sud den, a. without previous 
 
 notice, hasty 
 Suf fer, V. to endure, to bear 
 Sul ky, a, sullen, obstinate 
 Sul len^ a. morose, obstinatp 
 
 Sul try, a. hot and cloudy 
 Sum mer, n. the second sea* 
 
 son of the year 
 Sum mit, n. the top, the ut« 
 
 most height 
 Sun beam, n. a ray of the sua 
 Sun day, n. the first day of 
 
 the week 
 Sun dry, a. several, various 
 Sup per, 71. the evening mes^ 
 Sur fiice, n. the outside 
 Sur ly, a. morose, uncivil ^ 
 Syl van, a. woody, shady 
 Sym^ torn, 7i. a sign, token 
 Syn tax, ti. a system, con« 
 
 struction of words 
 Sys tern, n. a scheme, meth* 
 
 od, theory 
 Tal ent, n. a certain weight 
 
 or sum ; faculty 
 Tal on, n. the claw of a bird 
 Tar ry, v. to stay, Poiter 
 Tat tie, V. to prate, talk idly 
 Tem pest, n. a violent wmd, 
 
 storm, tumult [cata 
 
 Ten der, a. soft, young, deli- 
 Ten don, n. a sinew 
 Ten dril, n. the clasp of a vhie 
 Thank ful, a. full ol gratitude 
 Thim ble, ii, a cap for the 
 
 needle finger 
 This tie, n. a prickly weed 
 ThItu er, ad. to that place 
 Tbi.m dor, ?i.-a loud noise in 
 
 the air [the Meek 
 
 Thurs day, n. the fifth day of 
 Tick et, 71. a token of right 
 
 on the delivery of which 
 
 admission is granted 
 Til lage, n. husbandry 
 Tim id, a. fearful, timorous 
 Tip pet, n. a kind of covering 
 
 for a woman's neck
 
 90 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTIIUCTER. 
 
 Traf fick, M.commerce,trade ; 
 V. to trade, to deal [foot 
 Tram pie, v. to tread under 
 Tran quil, a. quiet, peaceful 
 Trav el, v. to go, to make a 
 
 journey 
 Treas ure,[s like zhj/i.wealtli 
 
 laid up, riches 
 Trem ble, v. to shake, quiver 
 Tres pass, n. an offence, un- 
 lawful entry ; v. to trans- 
 gress 
 Tres ses, n. curls of hair 
 Trib ute, n. payment made in 
 acknowledgement of sub- 
 jection 
 Trip/< thong,n.a union of three 
 
 vowels 
 Tftfub le, n. calamity, afflic- 
 tion [down 
 Turn ble, V. to fall, to throw 
 Tur key, n. a large fowl 
 Tur tie, w. a kind of dove ; a 
 
 tortoise 
 Twen ty, a twice ten 
 Ul cer, n. a running sore 
 Um pire, n. one who decides 
 
 disputes 
 Un cle, 71. a father's or moth- 
 er's brother 
 Un der, pr. in a state of sub- 
 jection [up 
 Tip Tighi, a, honest ; straight 
 Ut most, a. extreme, highest ; 
 
 n. the most that can be 
 Ut ter, V. to speak 
 Val iant, a. stout, brave 
 Val ley, n. low ground be- 
 tween two hills 
 Val our, n. courage, bravery 
 Val uc,n. a price, worth ; v. to 
 
 fix a price, to rate 
 \'an ish, t>, to disappear 
 
 Ver diet, n. determination of 
 
 a jury, decision, opinion 
 Ver y, a real, true ; ad. in a 
 
 great degree 
 Ves sel, n. any thing used to 
 
 hold liquors ; a ship 
 Vic tim, n. a sacrifice 
 Vict uaL«, n. food, provisions 
 Vig our, n. force, strength 
 Vil lage, n. a small collection 
 
 of houses 
 Vir tue,[ver tshu] n. moral 
 goodness, excellence, effi- 
 cacy 
 Vul gar, a. mean, low ; n the 
 
 common or lower people 
 Wag gon, ;?. a four wheeled 
 
 carriage for burdens 
 VVerfnes dc/y, n. the fourth 
 
 day of the week 
 Wei fare, n. happiness, pros- 
 perity 
 Whis per, v. to speak in a low 
 
 voice 
 Wick ed, a. given to vice 
 Wid oiVy n. a woman whose 
 
 husband is dead 
 Wil ful, a. stubborn, perverse 
 Win ter, n. the fourth season 
 
 of the year 
 Wii dom, 7/. the power of 
 
 judging rightly, sapience 
 WiTH er, V. to fade, waste 
 Wit ness, n. testimony, evi- 
 dence ^ 
 Wit ty, a. ingenious, smart 
 Wvixn gle, V. to dispute pee- 
 vishly ; n. a quarrel 
 Young stcr, n. a young person 
 3 
 
 Al so, ad. likewise 
 Al wa_ys, ad. continually, for- 
 ever, perpetually
 
 THE AaiERICA-\ INSTRUCTER. 
 
 n^ 
 
 Auc tion, n. a publick sale to 
 
 the highest bidder 
 All gust, ti. the eighth month 
 
 of the year 
 Au thor,n. an inventer, writer 
 Au tumw, 7i. the tliird season 
 
 of the year 
 Aw ful, a. terrible, hateful 
 Awk wai-d, a. unhandy, un- 
 
 polite [icine 
 
 Bal sam, n. an ointment, med- 
 Broad cloth, n. a very fine 
 
 kind of woollen cloth 
 Cau tion, n. prmlence, care 
 Cau' tious,a.watchful, prudent 
 VdiUgh ter, n. a female child 
 False hood,n.a lie, an untruth 
 Fault lessjfl. perfect, complete 
 Faul ty,a.blameable,defective 
 For fcit, V. to lose by some of- 
 fence [luck, portion 
 For tune,[tlike tsh]»?. chance, 
 For ty, a. four times ten 
 Gau dy, a. showy, splendid 
 Hau^/i ty, a. proud, insolent 
 Hor net, n. a bee of the wasp 
 
 kind 
 Horn pipe, n. a kind of dance 
 Horse fly, n. a fly that stings 
 
 horses [riding 
 
 Horse man, 7j. one skilled in 
 Law ful, a. agreeable to law 
 Law less, a. not subject to 
 
 law, illegal 
 Law suet, n. process in law 
 Law yer, n. a professor of law, 
 
 an advocate 
 Mor bid, a. diseased, corrupt 
 Morn ing, n. the first part of 
 
 the day 
 Mor sel, n. a small quantity 
 Mor tal, a. subject to death ; 
 
 n. a human being 
 
 Mor tar, n. a kind of cement 
 used for building ; a vessel 
 to pound in 
 
 jMor^ gage, «. a pledge of 
 property ; r.to pledge prop- 
 erty to a creditor for se-* 
 
 qurity 
 Mor tisc, n. a hole cut in one 
 
 piece of wood to admit the 
 
 tenon of another 
 Naug/t ty, a. bad, wicked 
 Nau seous, a. loathsome, of- 
 fensive, disgustful 
 Or bit ,n. the line described by 
 
 the revolution of a planet 
 Or chard, »i, a field of fruit 
 
 trees 
 Or der, n.a command, method 
 Ord nance,n. cannon, artillery 
 Or phan, n. a fatherless or 
 
 motherless child 
 Pal sy, )i. a privation of the 
 
 sense of feeling 
 Pau per, ?i. one who receives 
 
 alms, a poor person 
 Quarter, ?). a fourth part; 
 
 V. to divide into four parts 
 Quar to,H.a book in which ev- 
 ery sheet makes four leaves 
 Sau cer, n. a small vessel into 
 
 which a tea-cup is set 
 Sau cy, a. impudent, insolent 
 Scorn ful, a. haughty, proud 
 Shor ten, v. to make short 
 Short ly, ad. soon, quickly 
 Slaug'A ter, ra. massacre ; v. i& 
 
 slay, to kill 
 Sor did, a. mean, vile, base j 
 Storm y, a. tempestuous 
 Thought ful, a. contempla' 
 
 tive, careful 
 ThougJit less, a, negligenV 
 
 careless
 
 n 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Tor ment, n. pain, misery 
 Tor toise, n, an amphibious 
 
 animal [ish 
 
 Taw ny, a. brownish, yellow- 
 4 
 Alms house, n. a house for 
 
 the poor 
 Ar dent, a. hot, fiery, zealous 
 Ar guc, ?'. to reason, dispute 
 Ar mour, n. defensive arms 
 Ar my,n.a body of armed men 
 Ar ro?^>, n. a pointed weapon 
 
 shot from a bow 
 Art ist, n. a professor of an art 
 Bar ber, n. a man that shaves 
 
 beards [ment 
 
 Bar gain, n. a contract, agree- 
 Bar ley, n. a sort of grain 
 Bar ter, v. to exchange [ness 
 Ca/m ness, n. mildness, still- 
 Car cass, n. a dead body 
 Car pet, n. a covering for a 
 
 floor 
 Car tridge, n. a paper-case for 
 
 gunpowder and ball 
 Car ver, n. one who carves 
 Char cortl, h. a coal made by 
 
 burning wood under cover 
 Charm ing, a. pleasing 
 Dark ness, n. absence of light 
 Far met, n, one who culti- 
 vates ground [tance 
 Far THcr, a. at a greater dis- 
 Far THest, a. at the greatest 
 
 distance [penny 
 
 Far THing, n. the fourth of a 
 Fa THer, h. a parent 
 Gar den, n. a jjlace planted 
 
 withherbs,flowers,&c. [crs 
 Gar land, n. a wreath of flow- 
 Gar lick, n. a plant[the body 
 Gar ment, m. a covering for 
 Har hour, n. a port, shelter 
 
 Har den, v. to make hard 
 Hard ness, n. severity ; a hard 
 
 quality 
 Hard ship, ?i. fatigue, injury 
 Hard ware, ?i. wares made o( 
 
 iron, steel, brass, &c. 
 Harm less, a. innocent 
 Harsh ness, n. roughness 
 Har vest, n. the season for 
 
 gathering wheat, maize,&c. 
 
 the crop gathered 
 Hear ken, v. to listen, attend 
 Hear ty, a. heahhy, strong 
 Jargon,n. unintelligible talk, 
 
 gibberish 
 Larboard, ?i. the left hand 
 
 side of a ship or boat 
 LaMgh tcr, ii. a convulsive 
 
 merry noise 
 Mar ble, n. a fine hard stone; 
 
 a. made of marble 
 Mar gin, /). the edge, border 
 Mar ket, n. a place and time 
 
 of sale 
 Mar quis, ?!. one of the sec- 
 ond order of nobility, next 
 
 in rank to a duke 
 Mar shal, n. an oflicer of as 
 
 army ; a sherifi" ; v. to ar 
 
 range, rank in order 
 Marsh y, a. swampy, boggy 
 Mar tial, a. warlike, br.ave 
 Mar tyr, n. one who by his 
 
 deatli bears witness to th« 
 
 truth 
 Mar vel, v. to wonder 
 Mas tcr, n. an owner, propri' 
 
 etor ; a ruler, teacher 
 Par boil, v. to half boil 
 Parcli ment, n. skins dressed 
 
 for writing on 
 Par don, v, to forgive ; n. for' 
 
 giveness
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER- 9^ 
 
 SECTION XXXVUI. 
 
 Cleanliness. 
 Cleanliness may be recommended under the three 
 foUowing heads : as it is a mark of politeness ; as it pro- 
 duces affection; and as it bears analogy to purity of mmd. 
 In the first place, it is a mark of politeness ; for it is 
 universally agreed upon, that no one unadorned with 
 this virtue, can go into company without giving a man- 
 ifest offence. The different nations of the world are as 
 much distinguished by their cleanliness, as by tlieir arts 
 and sciences. The more advanced in civihzation, the^^ 
 more they consult this part of politeness. 
 
 In the second place, cleanliness may be considered 
 the foster-mother of affection. Beauty commonly pro- 
 duces love, but cleanliness preserves it. Age is not 
 unamiable while it is preserved clean and m^ullied: 
 Jike a piece of metal constantly kept smooth and bright, 
 we look on it with more pleasure, than on a new vessel 
 that is cankered with rust. 
 
 As cleanliness renders us agreeable to others, so it 
 makes us easy to ourselves ; it is an excellent preserva- 
 tive of health ; and several vices destructive both to 
 wind and body, are inconsistent with the habit ot it. 
 
 In the third place, it bears great analogy with purity 
 of mind, and naturally inspires refined sentiments and 
 passions. We find from experience, that through the 
 prevalence of custom, the most vicious actions lose their 
 horrour, by being made familiar to us. 
 
 On the contrary, those who live in the neighbourhood 
 of good examples, fly from the first appearance of what 
 is shocking ; and thus pure and unsullied thoughts are 
 naturally suggested to the mind, by those objects that 
 perpetually encompass us. 
 
 In the East, where the warmth of the chmate makes 
 cleanliness more immediately necessary than m colder 
 countries, it is considered as a part of religion : the 
 Jewish law, (as well as the Mahon^etan, which in some 
 thmgs copies after,) enjoins frequent bathings, and other 
 rites of the like nature : and we read several injunction 
 •f tills kind in the book of Deuteronomy.
 
 M rilE A3IF.RICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 SECTION XXXIX. 
 
 Tlojwur. 
 
 The influence of honour on the character and im- 
 provement of the mind, is no less happy than that of 
 virtue. As a virtuous man would not do a criminal 
 action, because it is repugnant to the laws of God, and 
 injurious to his neiglibour, so would an honourable 
 man despise a mercenary deed, because it is abhorrent 
 to his feelings, and the genuine principles of rectitude. 
 The ideas many have of honour, and of the means to 
 attain it, are as different, and perhaps as erroneous as 
 those they have of true happiness. 
 
 Persons who entertain . right conceptions of honour, 
 enjoy a double advantage. Stimulated by its dictates, 
 and instructed by the precepts of virtue, they scorn 
 whatever is low, and aspire at that which is amialde. 
 Ambitious to gain the esteem of the world, the man oi 
 honour makes virtue his guide ; his life is marked with 
 integrity ; his soul beams sincerity, and justice evev 
 graces the tenor of his conduct. 
 
 Others, who have wrong ideas upon this subject, 
 commit crimes of the vilest nature, and suppose their 
 guilt is veiled, from the mistaken notion that their vices 
 are honourable, because they are fashionable. Ask 
 the dissipated man why he carouses at midnight revels, 
 and riots in the luxinies of pleasure, he will answer, 
 "to maintain my honour, and support the dignity of 
 a gentleman." 
 
 Ask the duellist why he would take away the life of— 
 perhaps a brother, he will answer, "to vindicate my 
 honour, and act the part of a man." Such is the force 
 of custom, to convert the basest crimes into a fashion- 
 able point of honour. Alas ! Such may have become 
 fashionable, but they will ever be contemptible. 
 
 Flattered by a false notion of honour, the voluptuary 
 endeavours to exculpatf the criminality of his conduct. 
 Uncontrolled by principles, he gives unbounded scope 
 to his desires, and riots with inlrmperatc festivity. 
 
 Unacquaiii.Uf'd wtthAVhntls truly honourable, the dii-
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 95 
 
 ellist, for the most trivial offence, thus challenges his an- 
 tagonist : " Equip yourself with sword and pistol, meet 
 me at such a time and place, and prove yourself a gen- 
 tleman.^'' His antagonist, if like himself, destitute of 
 honour, thus answers: "I accept your challenge with 
 pleasure, and am happy to give you and the world this 
 proof." 
 
 But, if his antagonist be endued with just and hon- 
 ourable principles, he thus replies : " Sensible what dis- 
 grace a compliance with your request would bring upon 
 us both, and humanity itself, I condemn your offer as 
 derogatory to the human character. If in fault, I am 
 willing to make every reasonable confession, and ready 
 to give satisfaction." 
 
 As the man of virtue fears, so the man of honour 
 scorns to do a mean action. Seneca speaks in the no- 
 ble and genuine language of honour, when he says, 
 *« Were there no God to see and punish vice, he would 
 not commit it, because it is of so mean, so base, and 
 vile a nature." 
 
 Should those persons who court vice and folly for 
 pleasure, study decenc}', and cultivate true principles, 
 they would soon discard those fashionable vices, which 
 they vainly flatter themselves, accomplish the real man 
 of honour. 
 
 The vices of the present age, like dress, have their 
 fashions. Were we to inquire into the cause, should 
 we not find that many of them owe their rise to a mista- 
 ken notion of honour ? Excess of pleasure, says the 
 sensualist, is fashionable, consequently, honourable. 
 
 But were he sensible that nothing but what is virtu- 
 ous, is worthy of this name, that the principles of hon- 
 our would teach him to ennoble his soul with concep- 
 tions of the just and urniabie, he v/puld forsake the lap 
 of pleasure, for that of virtue. 
 
 Then let the debauchee quit his vain deliglits ; the 
 voluptuary the bed oi'ijleasure ; the duellist his dagger, 
 for that which is great, noble, and virtuous ; -lud be 
 persuaded that honour is the child of virtue, and the per- 
 fection of a benevolent and generous soul.
 
 96 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTOR. 
 
 SECTION XL. 
 
 Words of two sijUahles, accented on Ike. first; Continued. 
 
 Pars ley, v. a plant 
 
 Par son, w. a cicrgymnn, min- 
 ister, prJesl 
 
 Par tial, a. inclined to favour 
 one party more than the 
 other 
 
 Part ner, n. a sharer, partaker 
 
 Par tridc:c, n. a bird of game 
 
 Par ty.w.a m::mber of pcrsoas 
 confederated, a select as- 
 sembly 
 
 Tar dy, (i. slow, dilatory 
 
 Bon dace, jj. captivity, slaver> 
 Bond man, v. a man slave 
 
 Bond mail!, n.. a woman slave 
 Bonds man,«. one bound for 
 
 another 
 Bor \oic,v. to take upon loan 
 Boi de, «. a glass vessel 
 Bot torn, n. lowest part 
 Cl . ;i .-mall private room 
 C,   t'~- mend coarsely 
 
 Cob :ider of shoes 
 
 Cob web-,/'.tho webof a spider 
 Cof fee, v.. a drink ; a berry 
 Col lar, V. sonK'lliiiig worn 
 
 round the neck 
 Col le//i>-i.'.e, r.. a partner 
 Col leg^.', n. a house for learn- 
 ing [round pillar 
 Col um;j, 11. part of a page; a 
 Com et, 7!. a kind of star 
 
 Con sorf, n. a companion, 
 
 partner 
 Con stanf, a. firm, unvaried 
 Con test, n. a dispute, debate 
 Con tract, H. a bargain, agree- 
 ment 
 Con trite, a. penitent [ed 
 Con vict, n. a person convict- 
 Cost ly, a. of ^reat price 
 Doc tor, //. u title in divinity, 
 
 l;iv/, physick, &c. 
 Doc trintf, .'/. the principles of 
 
 •,ny sect; a precept 
 Dol Inr, /?. a silver coin 
 Fod der, n. fa^'d for cattle 
 f og gy, [g hard] a. jnisty, 
 
 cloudy 
 Fol lo;r,r, to go after, pursue 
 Fol ly, II. foolishness 
 Fond ness, n: tenderness, ex- 
 cess of love 
 For*? head, n. the upper part 
 
 of the face 
 For cign, a. belonging to an- 
 other country 
 For est, n. a wild uncultiva- 
 ted tract 
 Fos tor, V. to nurse, cherish 
 
 S'ros ty, u. like frost, cold 
 Glos sy, a. shining, showy 
 Gob h^t, n. a bowl or cup 
 Go.s- ling, v.. a young goose 
 liol hyir, n. a cavity, den 
 
 Com merc.,«. trad,-, traffick I Hom age,n.obed.,c.nce,serv.ce 
 
 Com pend, n. ab)idgnioi;t 
 Con ducn n. beliaviour 
 Con gross, n. an assembly, 
 meeting [gniiu-d 
 
 Con quest, Ji. victory, a thing 
 Con science,?/. natural knowl- 
 edge, reason 
 
 /7on est, a. upright, just 
 J km «ur,H. dignity, lepululion 
 ilor rid,fl. hidnpus, Urer.dlui 
 Ilov el, «. a s^cd, coitage 
 Joe und, a. merry, gay, lively 
 J(.g gle, V.XO shake, push 
 I Joi ly, (t. merry, gay
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER, 
 
 97 
 
 Jos tie, V. to push, shake 
 Knot ty, a. full of knots,hard 
 Knowl edge, n. understand- 
 ing, skill [a room 
 Lob by, n. an opening before 
 Lob ster, n. a shell-fish 
 Lock et,ra.an ornamental lock 
 Lof ty, a. proud, stately, high 
 Log ick, [g soft] n. the cirt of 
 
 reasoning 
 Log wood, n. a wood much 
 
 used in dying 
 Mod el, n. a copy, represen- 
 tation ; V. to plan, to shape 
 Mod ern, a. late, not ancient 
 Mod est, a. diffident, chaste 
 Mon a.rch,n. a king,sovereign 
 Mon ster, n. something un- 
 natural or horrible 
 Mon strous, a. unnatural, 
 
 enormous 
 Mor al, a. upright, relating to 
 vice or virtue ; «. the in- 
 struction of a fable 
 Mor als, n. natural principles, 
 
 duties 
 Mor roiv, n. the next day af- 
 ter the present one [moss 
 Mos sy, a. overgrown with 
 Mot to, 71. a sentence prefix- 
 ed or added, a device 
 Non sense, n. words without 
 connected meaning [nose 
 Nos tril, n. the cavity in the 
 Nov el, ». a feignod story or 
 
 tale 
 Nov ice, u. an unleriinixl or 
 
 unskilful person 
 Nox ious, [nok shus] a. iiurl- 
 
 ful, offensive 
 Ob ject, n. that about which 
 any power or faciiliy is 
 emploved 
 
 9 
 
 Ob long, a. longer than broad 
 Odd ness,?^. strangeness, par- 
 ticularity 
 Offer, iJ.to present, propose; 
 
 n. price bid, proposal 
 Office, n. a publick employ- 
 ment ; a place where busi- 
 ness is transacted 
 01 ive, n. a tree and its fruit ; 
 
 an emblem of peace 
 On ward, ad. fi)rward [ion 
 Op ticks,?^.the science of vis- 
 Op tion, n. choice, will 
 Or ange, ii. a kind of fruit 
 Os trich, n. a very large Afri- 
 can fowl [mal 
 Ot ter, 71. an amphibious ani- 
 Pol ish, V. to make smooth 
 
 and glossy, to refine 
 Pom pous, a. splendid, grand 
 Pon der, v. to consider, muse 
 Pon iard, n. a dagger 
 Pop gun, 71. a wooden gun for 
 
 children 
 Pop lar, n. the name of a tree 
 Pop py, n. the name of a plant 
 Por ridge, n. a kind of broth 
 Pos ture, [{ like tsh] n. posi- 
 tion, place. Situation 
 Pot ter, n. a maker of earthen 
 vessels [pints 
 
 Pot tie, n. a measure of four 
 Prob \vm, n. a question prot 
 
 posed for solution 
 Proc ess, [c like s] 7i. meth- 
 od, progress, course 
 Prod uce, 7i. prGduct,amount, 
 fruit [duced 
 
 Prod net, n. something pro 
 Prof it, 7i. gain, advantage 
 Prog ress, ;(•• improvement, 
 course [scheme 
 
 Prnj ec?, tr. a contrivance,
 
 §d 
 
 THE AMERICAN rNSTRUCTER. 
 
 Prom ise,?>. to give one's word, 
 
 to assure 
 Prop or, a. fit, peculiar 
 Proph et, n. one who tells 
 
 future events 
 Pros pect, n. a view 
 Pros per, v. to be successful 
 Pros trate, a. lying at length ; 
 V. to throw down [saying 
 Prov erb,n.a maxim, common 
 Prov ince, ?i. a region ; a 
 country governed by a del- 
 egate 
 Quar re\yV. to brawl, debate ; 
 
 n. a dispute, strife 
 Quar ry, n. a stone mine 
 Rob ber, n. a thief, phinderer 
 Soft ness, n. quality of being 
 
 soft, effeminacy 
 Sol ace, n. comfort, pleasure 
 Sol emn, a. awful, religiously 
 
 grave 
 Sol id,a. firm, compact, sound 
 Sol vent, a. able to pay debts 
 Son net, n. a short poem 
 Sor rel, n. an acid plant 
 Sor ro?/.', n. trouble, ^vip{ 
 Sor ry, a. grieved lur some- 
 thing past 
 Spot less, a. pure, iinnvaculate 
 Squad ron, n. part of an army 
 or fle/^t [fusciy 
 
 Squan der, v. to sj)end ])ro- 
 Swal low;, /I. a sn>all bird ; 
 
 the throat 
 Tor rent, 7i. a rapid strcant 
 Tor rid, a. violently hot, p:u- 
 
 chod 
 Wan der, v. to rove, ramble 
 
 G 
 Bru tal, a. cruel, inhuman 
 Cru ol, a. hard-hearted, inhu- 
 man 
 
 Fool ish, a. weak of inte/lect> 
 imprudent 
 
 Fruit less, a. barren, unprofit- 
 able [choly 
 
 Gloom y, a. obscure, melan- 
 
 Loo sen, V. to let loose ' 
 
 Lo .sor, H. one that has sufE^ 
 ed loss 
 
 Moon light, n. light afforded 
 by the moon 
 
 IMoon shine, n. the lustre of 
 the moon 
 
 Move mont, n. motion 
 
 Pru dent, a. discreet, practi- 
 cally wise 
 
 Pru dence, n. wisdom applied 
 to practice, discretion 
 
 Rud^ nesSj/j.incivility, coarse- 
 ness of iiKinners 
 
 Rii ii), ?i. destruction, over- 
 throv/ ; v, to destroy, de- 
 molish 
 
 Ru ler. n. a governour ; an- 
 jt.suument by which lines' 
 are drawn 
 
 Ru rap, a. belonging to the 
 country, i-etired 
 
 Sc/(0;)1 hoy,;, ubo^'at school, 
 a learner 
 
 Smoorn ness, n. eveiujess. 
 mildness, saflJic-ss 
 
 7 
 l>ul let, 7t.a roiiudball of met- 
 
 r.l [pecks 
 
 IU\^]\ el, /7, a measure of four 
 Bu/ch or, n. a person who 
 
 J\ill:?! animals to sell 
 Crook cd, a. bent, winding 
 Cnsli iftu, 71. a soft pad placed 
 
 upon a ch;iir [feet 
 
 Foo! stool, //. a stool for the 
 Ful n(^ss,M. state of being full, 
 
 comi)leleness
 
 THE AMERICfAN INSTRUCT&R. 
 
 99 
 
 Good ly, a. comely, beautiful 
 Good ness, n. desirable qual- 
 ities, virtue, piety 
 Pud ding, iu a kind of food 
 Pul let, ?(. a young hen 
 Pul 1}', H. a small wheel for a 
 
 running cord 
 Pul pit, 71. an exalted place to 
 speak from [human race 
 Worn an, n. the female of the 
 Wool len, a. made of v*-ool 
 
 8 
 Com bat, n. a battle, duel 
 Come ly, a. graceful, decent 
 Com fort, n. pleasure, joy 
 Cov et, V. to desire earnestly 
 Doz en, n. the number of 
 
 twelve 
 Flood gate, n. a gat-e to stop 
 
 or let out water 
 Gov ern, v. to rule, regulate 
 Hon cy, n. the sweet juice of 
 vegetables collected by bees 
 Lovely, a. exciting love, ami- 
 able 
 Lov er, n. one who is in love 
 Lov ing, a. kind, affectionate 
 Mon day, n. the second day 
 
 of the week 
 Mon ey, n. metal coined for 
 
 publick use 
 Mon key, n. an aj)e, baboon 
 Month ly, ad. once a month 
 Shov el, n. a utensil broader 
 
 than a spade 
 SmoTH er, v. to suffocate 
 Some times, nd. now and then 
 Stir rup,n. an iron for a horse- 
 man's foot 
 Thir teen, a. ten and three 
 Thir ty, a. three times ton 
 Won der, v. to be astonished ; 
 n. am-xzevaonU admiratioAj 
 
 Wor ship, n. religious rever- 
 ence, adoration ; a term of 
 honour ; v. to adore,honour 
 
 Wor THy, a. deserving, noble 
 
 EigJi teen, a. twice nine 
 F.igh ty, a. eight times tea 
 lie/n ous, a. very wicked 
 Neigh huur, n. one w^ho lives 
 near another 
 
 oi 
 
 Joint ly, ad. together, not sep- 
 arately 
 Loi tor, ?'. to linger, lag 
 Moist ness, n. dampness 
 Mois ture.[t like tshjw. damp- 
 
 ness, juciness 
 Noi sy,a. clamorous,turbulent 
 Oil y,«.caasisting of oil,greasy 
 Poi son,n. that which destroys 
 life ; V. to infect with poi- 
 son, to corrupt 
 
 Boy ish, «. childish, trifling 
 Joy ful, a. full of joy, glad 
 Loy al, a. true or obedient te 
 
 a sovereign 
 Oys ter, n. a shell fish 
 Roy al, a. kingly,noble,regal 
 Voy age, n. a passage by sea 
 
 on 
 
 Bovmd less, a. unlimited [ity 
 Bouu ty, n. free gift ; generQS- 
 Douit ful, a. uncertain 
 Foul ness, n. filthiness 
 Foun der, n. a builder, former 
 House hold, n. a family 
 Loud ly, rtrf. noisily 
 Loud ness, n noise, clamour 
 j Moun tain, n. a high hill 
 I Mouse trap, n. a trap to catch 
 j mice in [pelleJ 
 
 J 0»t cast- n. an exile, one ex-
 
 J 00 
 
 THE AMERICAN IXSTRUCTER. 
 
 ou 
 
 Out cry, n. a cry of distress, 
 
 noise, clamour 
 Out let, n. passage outwards 
 Out rage, n. open violence 
 Out side, n. tho outward part 
 Out ward,a.external,apparent 
 Proud !y, ad. haughtily, arro- 
 gantly 
 •Scoun drel, n. a mean low 
 fellow, a villain 
 
 CUB 
 
 Bow er, n. an arbour 
 Clown ish, q.. uncivil, ill bred 
 Cow ard, n. one destitute of 
 courage [ilower 
 
 Cow slip, n. the name of a 
 Dow ny, a. covered with down 
 
 Drow sy, a. sleepy, stupid, 
 
 dull 
 Flow-cr, n. the blossom of a 
 
 plant 
 Low er, v. to appear dark 
 
 and gloomy [powder 
 
 Pow der, n. fine dust, gun- 
 Pow er, n. authority, com- 
 mand, ability 
 Show er, n. a fall of rain 
 Tow el, n. a cloth on "which 
 
 the hands are wiped 
 Tow er, H. a hisrh building 
 Town ship, n. the territory or 
 
 land ()f a town 
 Vow el, 11, a letter which can 
 
 be uttered by itself 
 
 — e©© — 
 SECTION XLI. 
 
 On bridling the Tongue. 
 
 " The tongue can no man tamr." 
 
 If this had not been the language of inspiration, ex- 
 perience has proved it to be the language of truth. 
 The tongue is the most untamcable thing in nature. All 
 kinds of beasts, birds, and serpents, liave been tamed 
 by mankind ; but not so with the tongue. Who 
 among the sons of men ever 3'et tamed his own tongue ? 
 Not one. 
 
 A person can bridle his tongue, or hold it : but no 
 tooner does he take off the bridle, or let go his hold, 
 than this little member runs wild, and out slij)s some- 
 tfiing from it in the moment of passion or levity, which 
 Ihe speaker presently wishes back. 
 
 Mark Anthony, it has been said, tamed lions, and 
 drove them harnessed to his chariot through the streets 
 of Rome. Had he tamed his own tongue, it would have 
 been a greater wonder still. The rattle-snake has been 
 tamed, and even the crocodile ; but the tongue never. 
 
 Pythagoras imposed on lii^ pupils constant silence, 
 ft)r months and years together. But what did it all sig- j
 
 THE AMERICAN tNSTRUCTER. 10! 
 
 mfy ? No sooner were they permitted to talk, than they 
 gabbled a deal of impertinence — Besides, to withhold 
 the tongue from speaking at all, is destroying its end 
 and use, rather than taming iu 
 
 The gift of speech is too pi^cious to be thrown away. 
 Let the tongue be accustomed to speak, and to speak 
 as it ought. " A word spoken in due season, how good 
 it is !" Unruly tongues, on the contrary, produce a 
 world of iniquity. Some are full of deadly poison ; 
 such are they that curse men and blaspheme God, and 
 which utter lies for mischief or sport. 
 
 Such too is the deceitful tongue, " whose words are 
 smoother than oil ; yet are they drawn swords." There 
 is the sly, whispering tongue, and the babbling, tattling 
 tongue ; each of which '< sepaiateth very friends." 
 The words of a tale-bearer are as wounds ; he wounds 
 others thereby, and himself loo ; for the mouth of such 
 a fool is his destruction. 
 
 An impertinent, meddliug tongue-, makes bad worse; 
 €ven when employed in olHces of friendsliijy. When 
 Job was smitten from head to foot, the busy tongues 
 of his wife and friends, were a sorer plague to him 
 than all his biles. And thus it often happens, that a 
 person under misfortunes, suffers as well from the bu- 
 sy meddling tongues of friends, as from the malicious 
 tongues of enemies. 
 
 There are fiery tongues. " The tongue is a fire." 
 Sttch is the tongue of the passionate man or woman, 
 whose mouth foaming with rage, casteth abroad words 
 which are as " fire-brands, arrows and death." Such 
 also is the tongue of the slanderer and backbiter, 
 which puts whole neighbourhoods and communities in 
 a flame, and " setteth on fire the course of nature." 
 How many a pretty mouth has been disfigured and 
 made hideous, by the fiery tongue in it ! 
 
 What then is to be done with this unruly little mem- 
 ber, which " boasteth great things," and occasioneth 
 infinite mischief in the world? Since no man nor woman 
 can quite tame it, how is the best way to manage it .'' 
 
 , Fkst, correct the heart, and keep that with all dill- 
 
 s» . -
 
 102   THE AMERICAN LNSTIll C 1 ER. 
 
 gence. The foolishness of the hps is first uttered in 
 the heart. , "Foraut of th.e abuuclauce of the lieart the 
 mouth spealveih." Next, carefully bridle the tongue ; 
 keep the bit upon it at all times ; especially in tlie mo- 
 ment of sudden anger, and in the hour of joy and con- 
 viviality. 
 
 Self-coinmand, as respects tlie toneuo, is as necessa- 
 ry as it is difficult. For we are told iVom divine author- 
 ity, " If any man oiVend not in word, the same is a per- 
 fect man, and able also to bridle the whoV body." 
 
 As it is of the utmost importance that v^e rule our 
 own tongues, so on the other hand, it is of no small 
 importance that we be guarded against the unruly 
 tongues of others. And here I will suggest one cau- 
 tion, and commend it to the particular remembrance of 
 the young and unexperienced. 
 
 Beware of close intimacy with those whose tongues 
 are calumnious toward almost ever}' one except their 
 present company, to which they are ever smooth and fair* 
 For he that commonly indulges himself in calumniating 
 or ridiculing the absent, plainly shows his company what 
 they have to expect from him after he leaves them. 
 
 — e©©— 
 SECTION XLII. 
 
 An Indian Jcing\s advice to his Son. 
 
 My son, said the expiring monarch, the angel of 
 death is now approaching, and in a few moments, a 
 breathless corpse will be all that remains of the once pow- 
 erful Kalahad. Remember, therefore, my son, that thou 
 must now govern this mighty empire alone. Remem- 
 ber, O youthful monarch of Indosian, that thy example 
 will influence multitudes of people ; it will constitute 
 either their happiness or misery. 
 
 If thou art careful to direct thy paths by the precepts 
 of reason, and to listen to the dictates of conscience, if 
 thou art indefatigable in punishing ojipressors, and 
 those who wallow in wickedness, and carefid to encour- 
 age virtue and merit wherever they are found, then 
 rfiall happiness dwell in thy palace, and plenty smile 
 around thy habitations.
 
 Tim A3JErJ.CAN INSTllUCTEH. 
 
 103 
 
 Treachery shall be banished from the empire of In- 
 dostan, and rebeJlion seek refuge in the dark coverns of 
 the jnountains. The tonu-ue of the hoary sage shall bless 
 tliee, and the shepherd as he tends his llocks in the pas- 
 tures of tiie Ganges, shall rehearse the glories of thy reign. 
 
 Thus shall thy life glide on sercnel}' ; and when the 
 angel ofdeatli receives hisconnnission to put a period to 
 thy existence, tliou shult receive the sunnnons with tran- 
 quillity, and pass v,'ithout fear the gloomy valley, that 
 separates time from eternity ; for remember, my son, 
 this Ufe is nothing more than a short portion of duration, 
 a prelude to anotlier, which will never have an end. 
 
 It is a state of trial, a peiiodfif probation ; and as we 
 spend it either in the service of virtue or vice, our state 
 in the regions of eternity will be happy or miserable. 
 Farewell, my son, I am arrived at the brink of the preci- 
 pice that divides the regions of spirits from those inhab- 
 ited by mortals. Treasure up the instructions of thy 
 dying father in thy breast; practise them, antibe happy. 
 
 — e*©©— 
 SECTION XLIII. 
 
 ^Vords of two syllables, accented on the second. 
 1 1 
 
 A base, r. to humble, to cast 
 
 down 
 A bate, v. to decrease 
 A bide, v. to stay in a place 
 
 A board, ad. in, or on board A gree, v. to consent [ner 
 
 A bkc, ad. in the same nian- 
 A lone, a. widiotU company 
 Al Tiiouiyh, conj. notwith- 
 
 A dore, t'. to worship 
 Ail vice, n. counsel, notice 
 Ad vi.ve, V. to counsel 
 A frn/ii, a. fearful 
 
 a sliip 
 A bode, n. habitation 
 Ab stani, v. to refrain from 
 A buse, V. to revile, to make 
 
 an ill use of [thing 
 
 A buse, n. the ill use of any 
 Ac cuse, V. to blame 
 Ac quaint, v. to inform 
 Ac quire, v. to irain 
 A cute, a. sharp, keen 
 Ad here, v. to stick close to 
 A dieu, ad. farewell 
 Ad mire, v, to esteem 
 
 staudinj^ 
 A mnze, v. to confuse 
 A muse, v. to divert 
 Ap pci/l, V. to refer to another- 
 
 as judge 
 Ap pe«r, V. to be visible 
 Ap ply, V. to put one thing 
 
 to another 
 Ap proach, v, to draw near to 
 A rise, v. to rise up,mount up
 
 104 
 
 THE AMERICAiN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Ar raigtif ». to call to answer 
 
 in court, to accuse 
 Ar range, v. to set in order 
 Ar ray, v. to put in order ; to 
 
 dress [paid 
 
 Ar rear, n. part of a debt un- 
 Arrive, i;. to come to a place 
 As cribe, v. to attribute to 
 A sleep, ad. at rest, sleeping 
 At tazn, V. to gain, to reach 
 A wake, V. to rouse out of 
 
 sleep 
 Be gwile, v. to deceive 
 Be hold, V. to see, to view 
 Be h'ef, n. credit, opinion 
 Be h'eve, v. to credit, to have 
 
 faith, to think true 
 
 Be moan, v. to lament, bewail 
 
 Be quetzTH, x^. to give by will 
 
 Be reave, v. to d^-prive of 
 
 Be seech, v. to beg, entreat 
 
 Be side, } i , 
 
 n -J >■ ur.overand al)ove 
 Be sides, ^ 
 
 Be siege, v. to beset, attack 
 Be wail, V. to lament, grit-vc 
 Be ware, v. to be cautious 
 Bias pheme, 7J. to speak wick- 
 edly, to curse 
 Block ade, v. to shut up 
 Ca reer, n. a course, race 
 Chas tise, v.to punish, correct 
 Com pare, v. to examine one 
 .thing by another [ment 
 Com plain, v. to murmur, la- 
 Com plaint, n. an accusation ; 
 
 a disease 
 Com plete, a. perfect,finislird 
 Com ply, V. to yield or sub- 
 mit to 
 Com pose, v. to put together 
 Com pute, V. to reckon 
 Con ccive, r. to understand 
 Con cise, a. brief, short , 
 
 1 
 Con elude, r. to finish, decide 
 Con fide, v. to trust in 
 Con fine, T). to imprison, limit 
 Con fuse, v. to disorder 
 Con fute, V. to disprove 
 Con geal, v. to freeze,harden 
 Con sole, y. to comfort, cheer 
 Con strain, v. to compel 
 Con straint, n. compulsion 
 Con sumc,T/.to spend, destroy 
 Con tain, v. to hold, comprise 
 Con trive, v. to plan, invent 
 Con Vene, v. to call together, 
 
 to assemble 
 Cre ate, v. to form, produce 
 Do base, v. to degrade, lessen 
 De bate, v. to dispute, argue 
 De caj/, r.to consume,decline 
 De ceit, n. fraud, treaci)ery 
 De ccive, v. to impose upon 
 Dc cid(;, V. to determine 
 Do clare,i;.to affirm,proclain9 
 Dc crease, v. to diminish 
 De cree, 7!. a law, rule 
 De face,r.to disfigure,destroy 
 De fame, v. to censure falsely 
 De feat, 71. destruction, over- 
 throw; -•. to disappoint 
 De file, V. to pollute, to mako 
 
 foul, taint 
 Dc fine, ?j. to explain, limit 
 De fy, c. to challenge, daro 
 De grade, v. to place lower 
 De lay/, v, to put ofl', hinder 
 De W^hi, ?i- joy, pleasure 
 De lude, V. to deceive 
 Dc note, v. to mark, show 
 l^c ny, V, to refuse, disown 
 De plore, t. to lament, bewail 
 De prive, v. to take from, be- 
 reave [der 
 De range, v. to put out of or- 
 Dc ride, V. to laugh at,nioCk
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 105 
 
 De scribe, v. to represent by 
 
 words Qr figures 
 De sire, v. to wish, long for ; 
 
 n, a wish 
 De spise, v. to disdain, 5corn 
 De tain, v. to keep, withhold 
 De vice, n. a contrivance, 
 scheme [up 
 
 De vote, T'.to dedicate,to give 
 Dis close, V. to reveal, to tell 
 Dis coMrse, n. conversation 
 Dis creet, a. prudent,cautious 
 Dis datn, v. to scorn [ness 
 Dis ease, n. distemper, sick- 
 Dis like,x). to hate, disapprove 
 Dis place,v.toput out of place 
 Dis please, v. to offend 
 Dis pute, n. a contest, contro- 
 versy 
 Dis taste, n. dislike, disgust 
 Di vide, v. to part, separate 
 Ef face, V. to blot out,destroy 
 E lope, V. to run away 
 Em brace, v. to comprise ; to 
 hold fondly [round 
 
 En close, v. to fence in, sur- 
 En croach, v. to invade, in- 
 trude 
 En dear, v. to make dear 
 En dure, v. to undergo ; to 
 
 continue 
 En force, v. to compel, urge 
 En gage, v. to enlist, oppose 
 En grave, V. to cut characters 
 En rage, v. to provoke 
 
 En robe, v. 
 
 to dress, adorn 
 
 En rol, V. to record, register 
 En slave, v. to deprive of 
 
 liberty 
 En sure, [s like sh] v. to se- 
 cure, ascertain 
 En throne,T.to set on a throne 
 Ea ticep •». to allure, attract 
 
 En treat, v. to solicit, beg 
 E rase, v to rub out, destroy 
 Es cape, v. to get out of dan- 
 ger, to shun 
 Es tate, n. property, rank 
 Es teem, v. to think well of, to 
 regard;?;. reverential regard 
 E vade. v. to avoid, escape 
 Ex ceed, v. to excel, surpass 
 Ex change, v. to give one 
 
 thing for another 
 Ex cite, V. to stir up, move 
 Ex claim, v. to cry out, to 
 
 rail against 
 Ex elude, V. to shut out, debar 
 Ex cuse, V. to forgive, pardon 
 Ex pire,r.to breathe out,to die 
 Ex pia/n, V. to illustrate 
 Ex plore,?'. to exaraine,search 
 
 into 
 Ex pose, V. to put in danger, 
 
 lay open 
 Ex treme, n. utmost point, e.x- 
 
 trcniity 
 For bear, v. to cease, decline 
 Fore bode, v. to foretell 
 Fore know, v. to know be- 
 forehand 
 Fore see, v. to see beforehand 
 For sake, v. to leave, desert 
 Gen teel, a. polite, graceful 
 Gran dee, v. a man of great 
 
 rank or power 
 Here by, ad. by this, by these 
 
 means 
 Hu mane, a. kind, tender 
 Ini bibe, v, to drink in, to ad- 
 mit into 
 Im pair, r. to diminish, injure 
 Im peach, r. to accuse by 
 
 publick authority 
 Im pede, v. to hinder, obstruct 
 Im nlore, v. to beseech, beg
 
 )06 
 
 Tin: .*::\nvRiGA>; ixstructer. 
 
 fm pi}', r. to compr"u.(^,si;!gcs< 
 lin pose, V. to enjoin as a du- 
 ty ; to deceive 
 Im pure, a. unholy, foul 
 Im pute, V. to charge upon, 
 
 attribute 
 Tn case, 7;. to cover, infold 
 In cite, V. to stir up, animate 
 In cline, v. to bend, to be dis- 
 posed 
 In elude, ik to comprehend, 
 
 to take in 
 In crease, v. to grow [ity 
 In deed, ad. in truth, in real- 
 In duce, v, to persuade 
 In flcwne, v. to set on fire, heat 
 In fold, V. to inwrap 
 In fuse, V. to pour in, to instill 
 In quire, v. to ask 
 <ti In sane, a. distracted, mad 
 In scribe, v. to write on any 
 thing ; to dedicate [gle 
 In snare, v. to entrap, entan- 
 In spire, v. to breathe into, to 
 
 infuse into the mind 
 In twine, v. to twist or wreath 
 
 together 
 In vade, V. to enter or seize 
 
 in a hostile manner 
 In vite, V. to bid,ask,persuade 
 In yoke, v. to call upon, to 
 
 pray to 
 Ju ly, n. the seventh month 
 
 of the year 
 Lessee, n. a person to wIkdu 
 
 a lease is given 
 Man kindjji. the whole human 
 
 race 
 Ma ture, a. ripe, perfectj full 
 Mi nute, a. small, little 
 Mis deed, «. an evil action 
 Mislead, v. to guide in h 
   wrong way 
 
 1 
 
 I Ivi;:-: place, p. to place wrong 
 
 I iMis take, n. errour, miscon- 
 
 ! ception [batliy 
 
 i\Ti.s u.w, IK to abuse, tn use 
 
 Mo rose, a. peevish, sullen 
 
 North east, n. the point bo- 
 
 t-.veen the north and <;fist 
 Ob scene, a. immodest, dis- 
 gusting 
 Ob tajn, t;. to gain, acquire 
 Ob tuso, a. not pointed, dull 
 O paq«e, a. dark, not trans- 
 parent (ject 
 Op j)050, V. to act against, ob- 
 Or dani, v. to appoint, estab- 
 lish [der 
 Par adc, h. show, military or- 
 Par take, v. to have or take a 
 
 part, to participate « 
 Per cefve, v. to discover 
 Per fume, n. fragrance, a sweet 
 
 odour ; v. to scent 
 Per spire, v. to sweat or steam 
 Per suade, v. to bring ta an 
 
 opinion, to influence 
 Per t;un, v. to nlatc, belong 
 Pe ru.ve, v. to read, examine 
 Po lite, (I. ofgontt el manners 
 Pcd lute, V. to defde, corrupt 
 Post pone, V. to put oil", delay 
 Pro ced", f. to go before in 
 
 rank or time 
 Pre rise, a. exact, strict, nice 
 Pre elude, v. to shut out 
 Pre pare, r. to make ready, 
 to fit [tell 
 
 Pre sajje, v. to foreljode, forc- 
 Piv scribe, v. to order, direct 
 Pr(^ side, V. to superintend 
 Pre vn/1, ;•. to take j)lace, in- 
 duce, overcome [ture 
 Pr<; .sume, i'. to supj)ose, vcn- 
 J*ro coed, r, to go forward
 
 THE AMERICAN IKSTRUCTER. 
 
 107 
 
 Pro claim, v. to tell openly, 
 
 to promulgate 
 Pro duce, v. to exhibit, to 
 
 bring forth 
 Pro fane, a. wicked, polltited; 
 
 V. to violate 
 Pro fuse, a. lavish, wasteful 
 Pro mote, v. to forwiird, exalt 
 Pro pose, T'. to offer for con- 
 sideration 
 Pro vide, v. to procure,furnish 
 Pro voke, v. to rouse, enrage 
 Pur sue, V. to follow, continue 
 Pursuit,/?, the act of following 
 Re buke, v. to reprove, chide 
 Re cede, v. to fall back, desist 
 Re cei^t, n. an acquittance ; 
 
 a reception 
 Re cetve, v. to take, admit 
 Re cite, v. to repeat, rehearse 
 Re claimjTJ. to reform, correct 
 Re cluse, a. shut up, retired ; 
 n. a person shut up or retired 
 Re com'se, n. an application 
 
 for help , [sa ye 
 
 Re deem,r. to ransom,rescue, 
 Re duce, v. to make less 
 Re fine, v. to purify, improve 
 Re frain, v. to forbear, abstain 
 Re fuse, v. to deny, reject 
 Re fute, V. to prove false or 
 
 erroneous [anew 
 
 Re gain, v. to recover, to gain 
 Re late, v. to tell, recite 
 Re lecse, v. to set free ; n. a 
 
 dismission, discharge 
 Re lief, w. help, alleviation 
 Re lieve, v. to assist, succour 
 Re ly, V, to puttruGt in 
 Remain, -u. to continue, to 
 
 be left 
 Re mind, v. to put in inir.d 
 Re mote, a distant, far oft" 
 
 Re new, v. to restore to the 
 
 farmer state ; to make anew 
 Re pair, v. to mend, refit . 
 Re pay, V. to pay back 
 Re j>e«l, V. to make void, an- 
 nul ; n. an abolition 
 Re peat, v. to recite, rehearse 
 Re pine, v. to grieve, murmur 
 Re place, r. to put again in 
 
 place [answer 
 
 Re pi}', V. to answer ; n. an 
 Re port, V. to give an account 
 
 of; 7z. a rumour [sleep 
 Re po.'^e, V. to lay to rest, to 
 Re prieve, v. to respite from 
 
 punishment 
 Re prooch, v. to censure • 
 Re quire, v. to demand 
 Re side, v. to live in a place 
 Re Sign, V. to give up, submit . 
 Re store,!' .togive back,relieve 
 Re strain, v. to withhold , 
 
 Re straint, a. abridgment of 
 
 liberty 
 Re .sume, v. to begin again ; 
 
 to take back 
 Re tail, v. to sell in small 
 
 quantities 
 Re tain, v. to keep 
 Re take, v. to take again 
 Re tire, v. to wilhdraw,retreat 
 Re weat, v. to retire 
 Re veal, v. to make known, 
 
 disclose [our 
 
 Re vere, v. to reverence,hoi> 
 Revile,r. to reproach, vilify 
 Re vise, v. to re-examine, to 
 
 review 
 Revive, r, to renew, quicken 
 Re voke, t. to recall, repeal 
 Sa lulc, V. to greet, to hail ; 
 
 n. salutation, a kiss 
 Se Crete, v. to hide, conceal
 
 iOS THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 SECTION XLIV. 
 
 The Pu^iVs address to his School Companions. 
 My dear fellow pupils, 
 
 TiiE power of Art and Industr}', has turned the wild 
 wilderness and the barren waste into a fruitful field ; and 
 now the dews of heaven light on those branches which 
 gladden the heart of man. Even so the barren, barba- 
 rous, uncultivated lunnan mind, will produce nothing 
 but ignorance and immorality, unless timely cultivated 
 by a well-appointed, and well-disciplined education. 
 
 O Education, I owe thee much — Parents and Teach- 
 ers, 1 owe you much also ; and may the glow of grati- 
 tude to my God and you, which this moment fills my 
 breast, be taken as a pledge of my future care, to walk 
 by the same rule, to mind the same things — and let us, 
 my literary companions, joy and rejoice, that the bud 
 and the truit d(*»in some degree appear. 
 
 Let us to-day resolve, that nothing shall stop us in 
 pursuing, with an ardour worthy tiie greatness of the 
 acquisition, those heights and depths of learning which 
 lie before us, and to which we know we have not yet at- 
 tained. 
 
 Let us ever remember, that vice and idleness are fa- 
 tal obstacles to mental improvement ; that it is only by 
 constant study and appilcatiou, that we can attain to 
 the honour of being good scliolars, or famous literary 
 characters — and this boon once obtained and virtuously 
 applied, will {)ro(ure for us credit and cousecjuence iu 
 e\'ery station oi life. 
 
 And that this may be the case, let usbyall meanshon- 
 our God and keep his commandments; let us obedient- 
 ly love and revere our parents ; lot us live in peace and 
 lo\e with oin- schnol-fcllous, ;ind nobly emulate each 
 other in striving';; which c.haM be the wisest and best. 
 
 And let us, I eiitieat you, seriously and constantly 
 regaid the instructions, admonitions and r('})roofs of our 
 respected teacliers; so shali we, by these mean?, lay a 
 good foundation for the tiinc to come, and witli cur own 
 hands, form a h;urel wreath, that shall ncNer fade away '.
 
 THE AMERICAN INRTKJjCTEIt ^, 109 
 
 SECTION XLV. 
 
 The fall of the Leaf 
 See the leave* around us falling, 
 
 Dry and witlier'd to the ground ; 
 Thus to thoughtless mortals calling, 
 
 With a sad and solemn sound. 
 
 " Sons of Adam, (once in Eden 
 
 Blighted when like us he fell,)^ 
 Hear the lecture we are reading : 
 
 'Tis alas ! the truth we tell. 
 
 Virgins, much, too much presuming 
 
 On yovir boast<;d whhe an<l red ; 
 View us, late in beauty blooming, 
 
 Number'd now among the dead. 
 
 Griping misers, nightly waking, 
 
 See the end of all your care ; 
 Fled on wings of our own making, 
 
 We have left our owners bare. 
 
 Sons of honour, fed on praises, 
 
 Fluttering high in fancy'd worth ; 
 Lo ! the fickle air that raises. 
 
 Brings us down to parent earth. 
 
 Youth, though yet no losses grieve you, 
 
 Gay in health and manly grace, 
 Let not cloudless skies deceive you ; 
 
 Summer gives to Autumn place. 
 
 Venerable sires, grown hoary, 
 
 Hither turn the unwilling eye ; 
 Think amidst your falling glory, 
 
 Autumn tells a winter nigh. 
 
 Yearly in our course returning. 
 
 Messengers of shortest stay ; _^ 
 
 Thus we preach the truth concerning, 
 Heaven and earth shall pass away. 
 
 On the tree of Life Eternal, 
 
 Man, let all thy hopes be stay'd ; 
 W^hich alone, for ever vernal, 
 
 Bears a leaf that ne'er shall fade."' 
 10 
 
 ^''
 
 llO THE AMERICAN INSTKUCTER. 
 
 '^ SECTION XLVI. 
 
 The Cuckoo. 
 
 Hail beauteous stranger of the wood, 
 Attendant on the Spring,' 
 
 Now heaven repairs thy vernal seat, 
 And woods thy welcome sing. 
 
 ■Soon as the daisy decks the green, 
 Thy certain voice we hear ; 
 
 Hast thou a star to guide thy path, 
 Or mark the rolling year? 
 
 Delightful visitant ! with thee 
 I hail the time of flowers. 
 
 When heaven is fill'd with musick sweef 
 Of birds amoug the bowers. 
 
 The school-boy wandering in the wood; 
 
 To pull the llowers so g ly, 
 Oft starts, thy curious voice to h(;ar. 
 
 And imitates thy lay. 
 
 Soon as the pea puts on the bloom, 
 Thou fl3''st the vocal vale ; 
 
 An annual guest in other lands, 
 Anotlrcr spring to hail. 
 
 Sweet bird, th}' bower i^ ever groexi, 
 
 Tiiy sky is ever cl(;ur ; 
 Thou hast no sorrow in thy S'Oirg, 
 
 No winter in thy year. 
 
 O! could I fiy, I'll ily wiih liicej 
 We'd mnko, with jnyftd wiuir. 
 
 Our annual visii o'er tlic globe, 
 Companions of the spring. 
 
 SECTION XLVK. 
 
 Ilea veil hj Wisdom . 
 
 flBw How happy is the man who hears 
 Instruction's warning voice ! 
 And who ci^Iestial wisdom makes 
 His early, only clioic*-. 
 
 'r- 1^
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 in 
 
 For she has treasures greater far 
 
 Than east or west unfold ; 
 And her reward is more secure 
 
 Than is the gain of gold. 
 
 In her right hand she holds to view 
 
 A length of happy years ; 
 And in her left, the prize of fame 
 
 And honour bright appears. 
 
 She guides the young, with innocence. 
 
 In virtue's path to tread : 
 A crown of glory she bestows 
 
 Upon the hoar} head. 
 
 According as her labours rise, 
 
 So her rewards increase : 
 Her ways are ways of pleasantness. 
 
 And all her paths are peace. 
 
 — e©©— 
 SECTION XLVIIL 
 
 Words of two si//Iables, accented on the second; Continued. 
 
 Se cure, v. to make certain 
 Se date, a. calm, serene 
 Se duce, v. to tempt, mislead 
 Se rene^ a. calm, undisturbed 
 Se vere, a. cruel, rigid 
 Sin cere, a. pure, honest 
 Sub due, I), to conquer, reduce, 
 
 tame, oppress 
 Sub lime, a. exalted, high 
 Siib scribe, v. to sign, consent 
 Sue ceed, v. to follow in or- 
 der ; to pro»)ier 
 Sup ply, V. to till up, relieve ; 
 
 n. a relief of want, aid 
 Sup port, r. to sustain, endure 
 Sup pose, V. to imagine 
 Su preme, a. highest in digni- 
 ty or authority 
 Sur prise, v. to take unawares, 
 astonish ; n. astonishment 
 Sur vive, v. to remain alive, 
 to live after 
 
 Sus tafn, V. to bear, support 
 Un bind, v. to loose, untie 
 Un ilean, a. foul, filthy 
 Un close, V. to open 
 Un fair, -a. not fair, dishonest 
 Un fold,Ty, to expand,discover 
 U nite, V. to join, to agree 
 Un kind, a. not kind, cruel, 
 
 unfavourable 
 Un ^no?/;n, a. not known, not 
 
 discovered [ous 
 
 Un safe, a. not safe, danger- 
 Un wise, a. defective in wiS'- 
 
 dom, foolish 
 Where by, ad. by which 
 With hold, v. to keep back, 
 
 restrain 
 2 
 A brefl!st, ad. side by side 
 A bridgf , v. to shorten 
 Ab rupt, a. sudden, hasty 
 Ab stract, v. to separate ideas
 
 112 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Ab surd, a. unreasonable 
 Ac curse, v. to doom to misery 
 Ac quit, V. to set free 
 A dapt, V. to fit, to suit 
 Ad dress, v. to speak or write 
 to ; «. a verbal application 
 A dept, n. one well versed in 
 
 an art 
 Adjust, r. to regulate 
 Ad mit, V. to allow, to suffer 
 Ad vance, v. to come forward 
 Af flict, V. to grieve 
 Af {right, V. to terrify 
 A' men', ad. so be it, so may 
 
 it be, so it is 
 A mend, v. to correct 
 A midst, 2>r. in the middle 
 An nex, v. to join, add 
 Ar rest, v. to seize, stop 
 As cend, r. to go up, rise 
 As sess,i). to charge with any 
 
 certain sum 
 As sist, V. to help, relieve 
 At tempt, V. to try, attack 
 Be friend, v. to favour | 
 
 Be head, v. to cut off the head j 
 Ca nal, n. a course of Avater 
 
 made by art ; a passage 
 Ca ress, v. to treat kindly 
 Ce ment, v. to unite, join 
 Col lect, V. to gather 
 Com mcnc<;, v. to begin 
 Com mend, r. to praise 
 Com pact, a. firm, close, solid 
 Com pel, V. to force, drive 
 Con cur, T). to agree, unite 
 Con dense, v. to make or grow 
 
 more thick 
 Con fes3, V. to ackuowhxlgc 
 Con nect, v. to join, unite 
 Con sept, V. to agree to 
 Con sist, V. to bo made of 
 Construct, t. to form, bnlM 
 
 2   , . < 
 
 Con suit, V. to ask advice t 
 
 Con temn, v. to despise 
 Con tempt, n. scorn, disdain . 
 Con tend, v. to dispute, strive 
 Con tent, a. satisfied, easy 
 Con tract, T). to shorten, draw 
 
 together ; to bargain 
 Con versf,r. todiscoursc,talk 
 Cor rupt, a. wicked ; rotten 
 Cra vat, n. an ornament for 
 
 the neck 
 De bar,!', to exclude, shut out 
 De duct, V. to subtract 
 De feet, n. fault, blemish 
 De fend, v. to guard, protect 
 De pend,r. torely on,trustto 
 De sert, v. to forsake, leave 
 De serve, v. to be worthy of 
 De sist, V. to cease from, stop 
 Di gross, V. to depart from the 
 
 subject 
 Dis miss, V. to discharge, to 
 
 send away 
 Dis pel, V. to drive away 
 Dis perse, v. to scatter 
 I Dis tinct,a. clear, unconfused 
 I Dis tract, i'. to perplex, vex, 
 
 make mad 
 1 Dis tress, n. misery, want 
 Dis turb,r. to perplex, disquiet 
 Di vest,i). to strip,make naked 
 Di vulge, V. to publish, reveal 
 E clipsc, H. an obscuration of 
 
 a luminary 
 E lapse, V. to pass away 
 !•: lect, r. to choose, select 
 !•: nn;rg6', v. to rise out of ob- 
 scurity 
 K mit, r. to send forth, dis- 
 charge 
 En act, V. to establish, decree 
 'En camp, v. \o pitch tents 
 F,u chant, ^-.t^ bfnvit.-h.rlinrm
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTEB- 
 
 115 
 
 Enhance, v. to raise the price In fest, 'Z'-Jo disturb, harass 
 E nough, a. sufficient, plenty In fleet, r. tQ,change or vary ; 
 
 to bend 
 In flict, r. to pixnish, lay up- 
 on, impose 
 In fringe, v. to violate 
 In scrt,!'. to place in or among 
 
 other things 
 In sist, V. to urge, persist in 
 In graft, v. to insert a sprig 
 of one tree in another; to 
 fix deep 
 In spect, V. to examine, view 
 In stil, v. to insinuate, to in- 
 fuse b}" drops 
 In struct, V. to teach, direct 
 In suit, r. to treat with inso- 
 lence 
 
 En rich, v. to make wealthy 
 
 En trap, v. to entangle, to trap 
 
 E quip, V. to dress or fit out 
 
 E vent, n. incident, end 
 
 Ex act, a. accurate, punctual 
 
 Ex eel, V. to out do, surpass 
 
 Ex cess, n. intemperance, su- 
 perfluity . 
 
 Ex ist, V. to have a being 
 
 Ex pect, V. to wait or look for 
 
 Ex pel, V. to drive out, banish 
 
 Ex pend, V. to lay out, spend 
 
 Ex pense, n. cost, charges 
 
 Ex pert, a. ready, skilful 
 
 Ex tend, z\ to stretch out, 
 enlarge 
 
 Ex tent.n. compass of a thing In tend, v. to design, to mean 
 
 Ex tinct,G. extinguished, abol- j In tense, a. velienient, ardent 
 ished, at an end [select In tent, n a dr 
 
 Ex tract, v. to draw out of, 
 
 Ex ult, V. to rejoice 
 
 Fare well, n. adieu, leave 
 
 Fi nance, n. revenue, income 
 
 For bid, v. to order not to do 
 
 For get, [g hard] v. to lose 
 memory of 
 
 For givc,[g hardjt'. to pardon 
 
 Ful fil, I', to accomplish 
 
 Gal lant, n. a suiter, lover, 
 attendant 
 
 Ha rangMC, n. an oration 
 
 Im mensc, a. unlimited 
 
 Im merse, v. to put under wa- 
 ter X [drive on 
 
 Im pel,r. to urge forward, to 
 
 Im plant, v. to infix, insert 
 
 Im print, v. to print ; to fix 
 on the mind 
 
 In cur, V. to become liable to 
 
 In dulgCjU.to humour, gratify 
 
 In feet, V. to taint, pollute 
 
 10^ 
 
 In ter, v. to bury 
 In trench, v. to fortify with 
 a trench [out 
 
 In vent, r. 
 
 txT contrive, find 
 
 In vert, v. to change, to turn 
 
 upside down 
 
 [array 
 
 In vest, V. to confer, dress, 
 In ?/;rap, v. to cover, involve 
 Ja pan, /?. a varviish made to 
 
 work in colours 
 La mexit, v. to mourn, weep 
 Mis rhaiicc, /?. ill hick 
 Mis judge, V. to judge wrong 
 Mis ma/ch, r. to match un- 
 suitably 
 Mis print, i'. to print wrong 
 Mis trust, V. to suspect ; n. 
 
 suspicion 
 Mo lest, V. to trouble, disturb 
 North west, n. the point be 
 
 tween north and west 
 Object, V. to oppose
 
 fl4 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER* 
 
 Ob serve, v. to watch, juind 
 Ob struct, V. to hiirder 
 Oc cult, rt. secret, hidden 
 Oc cur, u. to come, to h;i])p(!n 
 Offence, «. ;i crime, fault 
 Offend, 7;. to displease, afl'nint 
 O niit, V. to leave out, pass by 
 Op press, V. K) injure, sul)due 
 Out run, V. \o run faster than 
 
 another 
 Out wit, V. to cheat, to over- 
 come by stratagem 
 Per haps, ad. periidventure 
 Per mit, v. to allow, to suffer 
 Per plex, v. to vex, disturb, 
 
 entangle 
 Per sist, v. to persevere 
 Per vcrt,v. to mislead, corrupt 
 Pos sess, V. to enjoy, obtain 
 Pre diet, v. to foretell 
 Pre fer, v. to regard more 
 Pre fix, V. to place before 
 Pre sent, v. to exhibit ; to give 
 Pre serve, v. to save, kee|) ; 71. 
 
 fruit preserved with sugar 
 Pre tence, 7i. showing what is 
 
 not real 
 Pre tend, v. to show falsely, 
 
 to show hypocritically 
 Pre vent, v. to hinder, stop 
 Pro fess, V. to declare openly 
 Pro ject, V. to jut out ; to 
 
 contrive, invent 
 Pro pel, V. to drive forward 
 Pro tect, V. to d(!fend 
 Pro test, V. to declare, aflirm 
 Pro tract, v. to lengthen 
 Re bel, v. to oppose lawful 
 
 authority 
 Re bwild, V. to build over 
 
 again 
 Re cant, v. to recall, to re- 
 tract au opinion 
 
 Re cess, n. retirement, retreat, 
 
 privacy 
 Re dress, v. to set right, cor- 
 rect ; }{. reniedy,amendment 
 Re fit, V. to repair [back 
 
 Re fleet, v. to think ; to throw 
 Re fresh, v. to revive, cheer 
 Re fund.r. to pay back,restore 
 Re gret, n. grief, sorrow; v. to 
 repent, to grieve at [off 
 Re ject, V. to refuse, to cast 
 Re lent, v. to feel compas- 
 sion, to soften 
 Re mit, v. to forgive ; to send 
 
 money to a distant place 
 Re pass, V. to pass again 
 Re past, n. a meal, the act of 
 
 eating 
 Re pent, v. to think on any 
 
 thing with sorrow 
 Re print, v. to print a new 
 
 edition 
 Re pulse, V. to beat back 
 Re quest, v. to solicit, ask ; 
 
 n. an entreaty, petition 
 Re .sent, v. to take as an affront 
 Re serve, v. to keep in store, 
 
 to retain 
 Resist, f. to opposc,withstand 
 Re sped, v. to regard ; n. es- 
 teem, regard 
 Restrict, X'. to limit [elusion 
 Re suit, n. consequence, con- 
 Re tract, V. to recall, recant 
 Return, r. to come or go back; 
 
 71. the act t»f coming back 
 Revenge, n. return of an in- 
 jury ; X'. to return an injury 
 Ro bust, rt. strong, vigorous 
 Se lcct,i'. to choose in prefer- 
 ence ;«. well chosen 
 Sub mit, V. to yield, resign 
 Sue cess, n, prosperity, event
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 115 
 
 2 I '^ . . 
 
 Superb, a. grand, pompous | Ca tarr/t, »!. a disease in the 
 
 Sup press, v. to crush; conceal i head 
 
 Sur pass, V. to excel, exceed | Com mand,t'. toorder,govcrn 
 
 Trans act, v. to manage, ne- : Dc mand, n. a claim ; v. to 
 
 gotiate [convey I ask, to claim 
 
 Trans fer, v. to make over, to ' Dis arm, v. to divest of arms 
 Trans gress, v. to violate { Dis charge, v. to dismiss ; un- 
 Un fit, a. improper,unsuitablo ' load ; to Tire 
 Unjust, a. dishonest I En large, v. to increase, swell 
 
 Un til, ad. to the time that I Gii'iX ar, n. an instrument of 
 
 3 j musick 
 
 Ab hor, V. to hate, detest i Im part, v. to communicate, 
 Ac cord, V. to agree to give 
 
 A dorn, V. to dress, decorate Re gard, n. esteem ; v. to re 
 Ap plause, n. pubiick praise j spect, to esteem 
 As sault, 1', to attack, invade Re mark, «. observation, note; 
 Be cause, c nj. for tiiis reasoji ti. to observe 
 Con form, v. to comply with Un bar, v. to unbolt 
 De fault, «. failure, neglect j 5 ^ 
 
 De form, v. to disfigure ! Ab scond, v. to hide one's self 
 
 De fraud, v. to tsheat, injure i Ac cost, v. to address 
 Ex alt, V. to lift up, magnify, '\ Be long, v. to be the proper- 
 extol fvise ! ty of; to appertain to 
 Fore warn, v. to caution, ud- Be yondj^pr. farther onward 
 For lorn, a. forsaken, lost j than ; remote from 
 In form, v. to instruct, to tell 1 Dis solve, r. to melt, separate 
 In stall, V. to put into posses- | Ex tol, v. to praise, magnify 
 
 sion, mvest 
 Out wa/k, V. to walk faster 
 
 than another 
 Per form, v. tu do, to execute 
 Re cord, v. to register, enrol 
 Re form, v. to grow better, 
 
 to amend 
 Re morse, n. pain of guilt 
 Re sort, r. to have recourse to 
 Re tort, V. to throw back, to 1 
 
 return 
 Re ward, n. recompense ; v. \ Ap prove, v. to like, justify 
 
 to give in return, to pay ] Dis prove, v. to confute 
 Trans form, v. to change the i Fore doom, v. to predestinate 
 
 shape [retreat j Im prove, v. to make or be*- 
 
 • WJTH draw, v, to take back,to | come better 
 
 In volve, V, to entangle, in- 
 wrap 
 
 Pro long, T. to lengthen out 
 
 Re solve, i\ to determine ; to 
 answer, solve 
 
 Re sponsc, n. an answer,reply 
 
 Re volve, V. to perform a rev- 
 olution 
 
 Un lock,Ty. to open a lock 
 G 
 
 A do, n. trouble, difficulty
 
 Jli6 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Mis do, V. to do wrong 
 Out do, V. to excel, surpass 
 Re move, v. to change place ; 
 
 tft put from its place 
 Re proof, n. blame, rebuke 
 Re prove, v. to chide, blame 
 Sur toMt, n. a close overcoat 
 Un do, V. to ruin ; to take to 
 
 pieces 
 
 8 
 A bove, pr. higher in place 
 or rank ; ad. overhead 
 
 A mong, ) singled with 
 A mongst, ^ ^ ° 
 
 Be come, v. to befit, adorn 
 Un done, a. ruined ; not per- 
 formed 
 9 
 Con vey, v. to carry, transfer 
 O bey, r. to pay submission to I A rou-se, x'. to wake from 
 
 An noy, v. to vex, to incom- 
 mode 
 De coy, v. to allure, mislead 
 De stroy, v. to kill, to put an 
 end to [to bu^y 
 
 Em ploy, V. to keep at work. 
 En joy, 1'. to feel with pleas- 
 ure ; to obtain possession 
 of ; to live in happiness 
 
 ow 
 
 A bound, V. to have in great 
 
 plenty 
 A bout, pr. near to, relating 
 Ac count, n. a computation 
 
 of debts or expenses 
 A mount, n. the sum total 
 An nounce, v. to publish 
 A round, pr. on every -side, 
 
 about 
 
 Sur vey, v. to overlook, view 
 measure 
 
 10 
 Cha grin, [ch like sh] n. ill 
 
 humour, vexation 
 In trigwe, w. a plot, scheme ; 
 V. to carry on private designs 
 Ma chine, [ch like shj n. any 
 
 engine to aid iumian power 
 
 in the applioatioii of force 
 Ma rine, a. relating to the sea 
 Po lice, n. the government of 
 
 a city 
 
 oi 
 
 A void, V. to shun, escape 
 Ap point, V. to fix, establish 
 Ex ploit, n. an achievement, 
 
 action 
 Me moir, n. an account of any 
 
 thing 
 Re joice, V. to be glad, exult 
 He join,v. to join again 
 
 Sleep ; to excite [to quaff 
 Ca rouAf, V. to drink freely, 
 Com pound, v. to mingle, 
 
 to mix 
 Con R.und, v. to perplex 
 De vour, v. to cat ravenously 
 De vout, a. pious, religious 
 Ex pound, V. to explain 
 Pro found, a. deep, learned, 
 
 submissive 
 Pro nouncc, v. to speak, utter 
 Pro pound, v. to propose,ofrcr 
 Re nouncc, v. to disown 
 Re .sound, v, to echo, to re- 
 turn sounds 
 Sur round, v. to encompass, 
 
 enclose   
 
 WIth out, pr. not with ; not 
 within compass of 
 
 oil) , 
 
 Al low, V. to admit 
 
 En dow, r. to give a portion 
 
 Sub join; V. to add ;'t the end Re nown, ??. fame.cclebrity
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 117 
 
 SECTION XLIX. 
 
 Drunkenness. 
 If Dy an awful visitation of divine Providence, there 
 were spreading over all parts of this country a foul &nd 
 loathsome leprosy, which poisoned and disfigured the 
 bodies of its victims, and affected their minds with mad- 
 ness and idiotism ; if this leprosy had seized a great part 
 of our useful labourers, and rendered them a burden to 
 community ; if the prospects and the hopes of a large 
 portion of our promising young men had been already 
 blasted and destroyed by it; if it had infected, more or 
 less, every town and village, and were spreading its 
 ravages from year to year, wider and yet wider ; if this 
 were the actual condition of our country, there is no 
 telling how great would be the alarm. 
 
 But Heaven be praised, neither this nor any similar 
 calamity, has been brought upon our country by the 
 direct hand of Providence, which has showered on U8 
 blessings without number, and in great abundance. 
 But human folly and wickedness abuse the kindness of 
 Providence, and change its blessings into curses. 
 
 Let sober reason judge, whether drunkenness^ habits 
 ual drunkenness^ be not as bad as the fatal leprosy de- 
 •cribed ; nay, even worse. It impairs and corrupts both 
 body and mind, and brings down the noble creature man 
 to a level with the brute. 
 
 * It destroys all moral principle, all sentiments of hon- 
 our, and all feelings of humanity. It changes good 
 nature to churlishness, a kind husband to an unfeeling 
 monster, a dutiful son to an unprincipled villain without 
 natural affections, and an industrious thriving man to 
 an idle vagabond. 
 
 It preys upon and devours every thing that is esti- 
 mable and amiable, both in disposition and character. 
 It eats up the substance of its votaries, and is an inlet 
 to all other vices, and to almost every evil and calamity" 
 that can be named. This detestable demon might say- 
 in truth, " my name is legion, for we are many." Ma- 
 ny indeed are the evils, the calamities and abomiBatiofJS 
 that follow in th« train .of drunkenness »
 
 118 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Who hath wo? Who hath sorrow? Wiio hath con- 
 tentions? Who hath wounds wiihout cause? The drunk- 
 ard. Whose fields are neglected and overgrown with 
 thorns and brambles ? Whose house is tumbling into 
 ruins for want of necessary repairs? Whose wife is con- 
 sumed with weeping ? Whose babes are suflering hun- 
 ger and nakedness ? The drunkard's. 
 
 Who disturb people's repose with their midnight rev- 
 ellings and yells ? Who are the persons most commonly 
 engaged in quarrels, in fightings, in riots, and in all 
 scenes of confusion and uproar ? Drunkards. Who are 
 the lowest of all madmen, the most despicable of all 
 idiots? Drunkards. 
 
 The natural idiot and madman, who have become 
 so by the act of God, are objects not of reproach, but- 
 of compassion. But the drunkard, who is in fact an. 
 idiot or a madman for the time, is so by his own volua- 
 tary act; he wilfully quenches in himself the lamp of 
 reason, and with his own suicidal hands, destroys that 
 noble faculty which distinguished him from the beasts 
 that perish. 
 
 —&QfQ — 
 
 SECTION L. 
 
 Ravages of Dissijuition, 
 
 Not the jaws of Charybdis, nor the hoarse rocks in Scylla, 
 Not all the fell dangers that lurk in the deep, 
 
 Not the earthquake's deep yawn, nor the volcano's lava, 
 Not the pestilence' breath, nor the hunicaue's sweep : 
 
 Not all the dread monsters that live tlu-ou<:jli creation, 
 Have caus'd such destruction, such misery and wo, 
 
 As from that arch pest of mankind, dissijx/tion ; 
 
 Through the civilized world it doth constantly flow. 
 
 'Tis a vortex insatiate on whose giddy bosom 
 The victim is whirl'd till his senses are gone, 
 
 Till, lost to all shame and the dictates of reason, . 
 He h^nds not one effort to ever return. 
 
 Ah ! view on its surface the ruins of genius, 
 
 The wrifcl> of a sciiolar, the christian and friend i 
 
 "#*
 
 THE AMEraCAN INSTRUCTER. US 
 
 The learning, the wit, the graces t)iat charm'd us, 
 In the mind-drowning bowl meet a premature end. 
 
 Ah ! hear, drown'd in tears, the disconsolate mother, 
 
 Lament the lost state of a favourite son ; 
 Hear the wife and the child, the sister and brother. 
 
 Mourn a husband, a father, a brother undone. 
 
 — @©©— 
 
 SECTION LI. 
 
 Descriptio7i of a Battle. 
 
 A free man takes a musket on his shoulder, and fix- 
 es on it the murderous bayonet ; he leaves his habita.» 
 tion,the ploughman quits his plough, the handicraftsman 
 his workshop, the young man deserts the hymeneal al- 
 tar, a beloved son abandons an infirm father, and an af- 
 flicted family : they go to swell the crowd of combat- 
 ants, whose hearts are gradually opened to licentious- 
 ness, ferocity and violence. 
 
 Here are a hundred thousand opposed to as many of 
 the opposite party ; they draw near each other in a vast 
 plain, which will soon be covered with blood. What a 
 pi^odigious number of men compacted against each 
 other, spreading their moving phalanx, and ranged in 
 combined order, to put each other to death ! 
 
 Blind instruments silently await the signal ; fierce 
 through duty, they are ready to destroy their fellow 
 creatures without resentment or anger. The majestick 
 sun rises, whose setting so many unhappy wretches will 
 never behold. 
 
 The earth is covered with verdure ; mild Spring with 
 her azure veil, embraces the air ; nature smiles as a 
 tender mother; the glorious sun diffuses his beneficent 
 ra3's, which gikl and mature the gifts of the Creator : 
 all is calm, all is harmony in the universe. 
 
 Wretched mortals alone, agitated with gloomy fren- 
 zy, carry rage in their bosoms ; they meet to slaughter 
 each other on the verdant field. The armies approach ; 
 the promised harvest is trodden under foot — death flies. 
 What a horrible tumult ! All nature groans in an in- 
 stant with the f^jry "of man.
 
 120 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Hear ttic tiumdering noise of those horrible instru- 
 ments of human revenge ! Emulous of, and more terri- 
 ble than the thunder, with their roar they drown the 
 plaintive croans of the dying ; they repel soft pity, 
 wishing to make a passage into the heart , a cloud ot 
 smoke from gunpowder arises towards the heavens, as 
 if to hide a collection of such horrours. 
 
 Alas ! who would have expected such a slaughter f 
 Tigers, bears and lions, impelled whh voracious hun- 
 ger, are not inspired with such atrocious cruelty. Be- 
 hold these rivulets of blood ! Here twenty thousand 
 men are sacrificed to the caprice of one ; behold them 
 fall one upon another, nameless, unthought of, unre- 
 gretted, into oblivion ! 
 
 Thus perish these unhappy mortals ; the skies re- 
 sound witli their lamentations ; trampled on by horses, 
 by their countrymen, whom they vainly implore, they 
 expire a thousand different ways, in the most horrible 
 
 agonies. 
 
 Others, yet more to be pitied, preserving a remnant 
 of life, and consumed by thirst, the most intolerable of 
 all torments, cannot yet die ; while others, forgetting 
 death, surround them, full furiously on their mutilated 
 comrades, and without compassion or pity to their 
 wounds, unmercifully strip their mangled, trembhng 
 
 limbs. -, , . , 
 
 Oil, Creator of the world ! is this man ? this the au   
 gust creature endowed with a feeling heart, and with 
 that noble countenance that smiles erect towards hea- 
 ven, who has such conceptions, who cherishes the soft 
 emotions of pity, and generous transports of benevo- 
 lence, who can admire \irtue aiid greatness, and can 
 wecj) wiih sensibility ? 
 
 Is it his hand that can erect the standard of victory 
 on heaps of carcasses, with an odious, triumphant joy ? 
 Where is the victory ? I see nothing but tetirs and 
 blood. Wliere is the triumph ? Phnider does not eti- 
 rich ; the tears of mimkind will never make an indi- 
 vidual liappy : for. what ambition sweeps in its unbri- 
 dled careci:, fleets from the usurper's hand.
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTEP 
 
 t21 
 
 SECTION Lll 
 
 Words of three syllables j accented on the first. 
 
 ,. A re a, n. superficial contents 
 Beau* ti ful, a. fair, comely 
 Bravery, n. courage, heroism 
 By Stan der, n. a looker on, 
 
 one unconcerned 
 Ca pa ble, a. able, sufficient 
 Care ful ness, n. watchfulness 
 Care less ness, n. inattention 
 Change a ble, a. incojistant, 
 
 subject to change 
 Cheer ful ness, 71. liveliness 
 Cu ri ous, a. exact, neat 
 Dan ger ous, a. hazardous 
 De cen cy, n. modesty, pro- 
 priety 
 Di a lect, n. manner of ex- 
 pression, particular style 
 Di a logMC,n. conversation be- 
 tween two or more persons 
 Di a per, n. a kind of flower- 
 ed linen 
 Di a ry, ??. a daily account, a 
 journal [tain 
 
 Du bi ous, a. doubtful, uncer- 
 Du ra ble, a. lasting, firm 
 Du ti ful, a. obedient, submis- 
 
 sive, kind 
 
 Ea si ly, ad. without difficulty 
 
 E Vfin ness, n. levelness, reg- 
 ularity 
 
 Eu lo gy, 7?. pfaise,encomium 
 
 Faith ful ly, o<f.honestly,truly 
 
 Faith ful ness, n. honesty 
 
 Fa tal ly, ad. mortally 
 
 Fa vour itt'./^. one who is much 
 beloved 
 
 Feorr ful ness, n. timnrousness 
 
 Fee ble ness, ?i. weakness, in- 
 firmity 
 
 Fi er y, a. warm, passionate 
 
 Fi na ble, a. subject to a fine 1 Jo vi al, a. merry, cheerful 
 
 1 
 
 Fi nal ly, ad. lastly 
 Fi ner y, n. fine dress, show 
 Fla vour ous,a. fragrant, odor- 
 ous [bility 
 Flu en cy, n. eloquence, volu- 
 Fo li age, n. leaves, tufts of 
 trees [ful 
 For ci ble, a. strong, power- 
 Fra gran cy, «/ sweetness of 
 
 smell 
 I Free hold er, n. a person pos- 
 sessed of a freehold 
 Fre quent ly, ad. often 
 Flight ful ly, ad, dreadfully, 
 
 terribly 
 Fright ful ness, n. the power 
 
 of impressing terrour 
 Fu ri ous, a. mad, fierce 
 Ge ni us, n. intellectual pow- 
 er, nature, wit 
 Glo ri fy, v. to praise, worship 
 Glo ri ous, a. noble, excellent 
 Grace ful ly, ad. elegantly 
 Grace ful ness, n. elegance, 
 
 comeliness 
 Grate ful ness, n. gratitude 
 Gree di ness, n. ravenousness 
 Grtev ous ly, ad. painfully 
 Has ti ly, ad. in a hurry 
 Hate ful ness, n. odiousness 
 Heed less ness, n. carelessness 
 Ho li ness, n. piety, religion 
 Home 1) ness, 71. plainness, 
 
 coarseness, rudeness 
 Hu man ize, v. to soften, to 
 
 civilize 
 I die ness, n. laziness, sloth 
 I vor y, 71. the tusk of the el- 
 ,. eph-.nt [jewels 
 
 Jew el ler, 71. one who deo.ls ia
 
 122 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Ju bi lee, n. a publick festivi- 
 ty, a feast 
 Ju ry man, n. a person wh«.) 
 
 serves on a jury 
 Ju ve nilc, a. youthful, young 
 ^na ver y, n. dishonesty, de- 
 ceit, villany 
 Know ing ly, ad. designedly, 
 
 wilfully 
 La hour er, n. one who is em- 
 ployed in toilsome work 
 La dy ship, n. the title of a lady 
 La zi ness, n. idleness, sloth- 
 fulness 
 Le gal ly, ad. lawfully 
 Li a ble, a. subject, exposed 
 Li bel lous, a. defamatory, 
 abusive f books 
 
 Li bra ry, n. a collection of 
 Like li hood, n. probability 
 Li on ess, n. a female lion 
 Live li hood, n. the means of 
 
 living, maintenance 
 Live li ness, n. briskness 
 Lo«TH some ness, ?i. the qu;i]- 
 
 ily of raising hatred 
 Lone li ness, n. solitude 
 how li ness, m. humility 
 Lu era live, a. profitable 
 Lu di crous, a. sportive, mer- 
 ry, burlesque 
 Lu minous, a. bright, shining 
 Ma son ry, n. the craft or 
 
 work of a mason 
 
 Me di ate, v. to endeavr-ur to 
 
 reconcile [or state 
 
 Medium, >i. a middle place 
 
 Mee ting house, n. a place (>f 
 
 worship 
 
 Me te or, «. a body in the air 
 
 or sky of a luminous tran- 
 
 sitoiy nature ftion 
 
 Mo tion less, a. witlioiit mo- 
 
 Mi cro scope, «. an optick in- 
 strument for viewing small 
 
 objects 
 Mowl di ness, n. the state of 
 
 being mouldy 
 Mowrn ful ly, ad. sorrowfully 
 lMo?<rn ful ness,7i. sorrow,grief 
 Mu se um, n. a repository of 
 
 curiosities 
 I\Iu ti late, V. to deprive of 
 
 some essential part 
 Mu ti ny, n. insurrection, se- 
 dition ; V. to rise against 
 
 authority 
 Nee die work, n. work done 
 
 wltli a needle 
 N'ig/n in gale, 71, a kind of bird 
 No bio man, n. a man of high 
 
 rank 
 No ble ness, n. dignity 
 No bod y, n. not any body 
 No ti fy, V. to make known, 
 
 declare 
 No tion al, a. imaginary [ber 
 ?>u mer al, a. relating to num- 
 Nu m(>r mis, a. containing 
 
 many [food 
 
 Nu tri mont, ;/. nourishinont, 
 Odi «iiSj«.huteru),abomi!iablc 
 Open ing,M. abreach,aperture 
 C) pen ly, ad. i)iib]ickly 
 O pi um, n. a medlcinr nsfMl 
 
 to promote slcej) 
 O ver bortrd, ad. 6fl'.or out of 
 
 the "^hip 
 O ver plus, 11. \\Ii;ii is Wove 
 
 ;h in suiiicieiit 
 I'a gan i.vm, n. lieathenism 
 Pa/n fal ness, ?f. pain, aflliclioti 
 I*a per mill, n. a mill in which 
 
 paper is made 
 I'a rent age, ii. birtlj, exfrac- 
 
 licm, descent
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 123 
 
 Pa tient h', ad. quietly 
 Pa'tri ot, n. a lover of his 
 
 country 
 Pay a ble, a. to be paid, due 
 Pay mas ter, n. one who pays, 
 
 or is bound to pay 
 Peace a ble, a. quiet 
 Peace a bly, ad. quietly, with- 
 out disturbance [etly 
 Peace ful ly, ad. mildly, qui- 
 Pee vish ness, n. fretfulness 
 Pe ri od, n. a full stop ; date ; 
 
 end, conclusion 
 Pi e ty, n. a discharge of du- 
 ty to God, and to parents 
 Pi ous ly, ad. in a pious man- 
 ner, religiously 
 Pi ra cy, n. robbery on the sea 
 Play fel \ow^ n. a companion 
 
 in amusement 
 Pli a ble, a. flexible, limber 
 Po et ess, n. a female poet 
 Po 8 try, 71. metrical compo- 
 sition, poems 
 Po per y, n. the popish reli- 
 gion, the religion of the 
 church of Rome 
 Per ta ble, a. that which may 
 be carried [piazza 
 
 Por ti CO, Ji. a covered walk, 
 Post mas ter, n. one who su- 
 perintends a post-office 
 Post of ficc, ti. a place where 
 letters are delivered fur 
 '. conveyance [ereign 
 
 Po ten tate, ?i. a monarch, sov- 
 Pre am ble, ii. an introduction 
 Pre mi um, n. a reward 
 Pre vi ous, a. 'uitocedent, go- 
 ing before 
 Pri ma ry, n. original, first 
 Pri va cy, n. secrecy, retreat 
 Pri vate ly, ad. secretly 
 
 1 
 
 Pu ri f}'-, V. to make pure 
 Pu ri ty, n. clearness, chasti- 
 ty, innocence 
 Pu tre fy, v. to rot, corrupt 
 Qui et ly,af^. calmly ,peaceably 
 Qui et ness, 7i. stillness, peace 
 Ra di ance,n.a sparkling lustre 
 Ra di ant, a. shining,sparkling 
 Re al ly, ad. truly [sons 
 
 Rca son er, n. one who rea- 
 Re cent l}-^, ad. lately, newly 
 R/<cu ma tism, n. a very pain- 
 ful disorder 
 Ru di ments, n. the first prin- 
 ciples of a science 
 Sa cred ness, ii. holiness 
 Sale a ble, a. fit for sale, mar- 
 ketable 
 Se ere cy, n. privacy, solitude 
 Se cret ly, a^. privately 
 Se ri ous, a. solemn, sober 
 Shame ful ly, ac^.disgracefuUy 
 Si lent ly, ad. without noise 
 
 or words 
 Sla ver y, n. servitude, the 
 
 condition of a slave 
 Sleep i ness, w, drowsiness 
 Spite ful ness, n. malice, spite 
 Spu ri ous, a. false, counterfeit 
 Stew ard ship, n. the office of 
 
 a steward 
 Su i cide, n. self- rmurder ; 
 
 Sut ta ble, a. fit, proper ,agree- 
 able [some 
 
 Te di ous, a. wearisome, irk- 
 The o ry, n. speculation, 
 
 scheme, plan 
 The a tre, ji. a play-house, 
 
 place for shows 
 ri tie page, n. the page con- 
 /■ taining the title of a book 
 ® ni form, a. similar to itself, 
 ^""regular
 
 124 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 U ni ty, n. concord, the state 
 
 of being one 
 U ni verse, n. the general sj's- 
 
 tem of things ; the world 
 U su al, [s like zh] a. com- 
 mon, frequent 
 Va can cy, n. a vacant place 
 Va ri ance, n. disagreement 
 Va ri ous, a. difi'erent 
 Vi o lence, n. force, outrage 
 Vi o lent, a. forcible, furious 
 
 a 
 
 Ab so lute, a. not limited, 
 complete [event 
 
 Ac ci dent, 71. an imforeseen 
 Ac cu rate, a. very exact 
 Ac tu ate, [ak tshu ate] v. to 
 
 put in action 
 Ad e quate, a. equal to 
 Ad jec tivc, n. a word added 
 to a noun ("ofticcr 
 
 Ad mi ral, n. a principal sea- 
 Ad vo cate, n. a pleader 
 Af fa ble, a. easy of manners 
 Ag gra vate, v. to make worse 
 Ag o nize, v. to be m great 
 
 pain 
 Ag o ny, n. violent pain 
 A I gc bra, n. a kind of arith- 
 
 metick 
 Al pha bet, n. the letters of a 
 
 language 
 Am i ty, n, friendship [limb 
 Am pu tale, v. to cut ofl' a 
 An ces tor, 11. one from whom 
 
 we descend 
 An ec dote, n. a piece of se- 
 cret history 
 An i mal, n. a living creature 
 An i mate, v. to quicken 
 An nu al, a. yearly 
 Ap pe tito,«. a desire of food 
 Aq 11*' ()i!cf, ?.'. 'I uMtrr ptj''' 
 
 As pi rate, v. to pronounce 
 
 with full breath 
 At mos phere, n. the air that 
 
 sJUTOunds the earth 
 Av a rice, n. covetousness 
 Av er agc,7J. mean proportion 
 Ax letree, n. the pin on which 
 a wheel tyrns [man 
 
 Bach lor, n. an uimiarried 
 Bash ful n'css, n. want of con- 
 fidence, diffidence 
 Bat tie axe, n. a weapon 
 Ben e fit, n, favour, profit 
 Big ot ed, a. superstitious 
 Big ot ry, n. prejudice, blind 
 
 zeal 
 Bit ter ness, n. a bitter taste ; 
 
 li. malice ; grief 
 Bles scd ness, ?j. happiness, 
 
 felicity 
 Brev i ty, y. shortness 
 Bur den some, a. troublesome 
 But ter fly, n. a beautiful in- 
 sect 
 But ter y, n. the place where 
 
 provisions are kept 
 Cal cu late, v. to reckon 
 Cal en dar, ??. a yearly regis- 
 ter, an almanack 
 Can die stick, ??. an instru- 
 ment that liolds candles 
 Can is ter, n. a box to hold 
 
 tea, &c. 
 ('an ni bal, n, a man-eater 
 Cap i tal, n. principal sum ; 
 stock ; large letter ; chief city 
 Cap ti vate, v. to charm 
 Cat a logMC, H. a list of names 
 (;at a ract, n. a waterfall 
 Cav al ry, w. horse troops 
 Cel e brate, i*. to praise 
 Cer t^tin ty,n. exemption from 
 
 i
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 12S 
 
 Cer ti fy, v. to give certain 
 
 information 
 Cham pi on, 7i, a hero 
 Chan eel lor, n. an officer of 
 state [ty 
 
 Chan cer y, n. a court of equi- 
 Char ac ter, n. a mark, ietter ; 
 reputation [pleasure 
 
 Char i ot, tt. a carriage of 
 Char i ty, n. love, affection, 
 
 tenderness, alms 
 C/<ym is try, n. the art of se- 
 parating bodies by fire 
 Cit i zen, n. an inhabitant, 
 freeman of a city [ish 
 
 Civ il ize, v. to instruct, pol- 
 Clam or ous, a. noisy 
 Clar i fy, v. to purify [cy 
 Clem en cy,^^ humanity, mer- 
 Cler gy man, n. a person in 
 
 holy orders, a minister 
 Clum si ness, n. awkwardness 
 Cred i ble, a. worthy of credit 
 Cred i tor, n. one who trusts 
 
 or gives credit 
 Crim i nal, n. a person accu- 
 sed or guilty 
 Crit i cal, a. exact, accurate 
 Cul pa ble,a. blameable, guilty 
 Cul ti vate, v. to till, improve 
 Cum ber some, a. burdensome 
 Dec o rate, v. to adorn 
 Ded i cate, v. to consecrate, 
 
 to devote 
 Def i nite, a. limited, exact 
 Pel e gate, n. a deputy, a 
 
 commissioner 
 Del i cale, a. nice, fine, soft 
 Dep u ty, n. one who acts for 
 
 another 
 Des o late, a. solitary 
 Des pe rate, a. without hope 
 , Des po tism,7j. absolute power 
 
 Des ti ny, n. fate, doom 
 Des ti tute, a. in want of, 
 
 wretched 
 Dif fer ence, n. disagreement 
 Differ ent, a. unlike,contrary 
 Dif fi cult, a. not easy, trou- 
 blesome 
 Dif fi dent, a. not confident, 
 
 not certain 
 Dig ni ty, n. grandeur, rank 
 Dil i gencc, n. industry 
 Ed i ficc, n. a building, a fab- 
 rick [prove 
 Ed i fy, V. to instruct, im- 
 Ed i tor, n. one that prepares 
 
 any work for pu'jlication 
 El e gance, n. beauty without 
 
 grandeur, neatness 
 El e gant, a. neat, beautiful 
 El e gy, n. a mournful song 
 El e phant, n. the largest of 
 
 all beasts 
 El c vate, v. to exalt, lift up 
 El o quencc, n. fluency of 
 
 speech 
 El o quent, a. having the pow 
 
 er of oratory 
 Em a nate, v. to issue or flow 
 Em i grant, n. one that emi- 
 grates 
 Em i grate^ v. to remove from 
 one place to another [tion 
 Em i nencc, 7i. iieiirht, distinc- 
 Em i nent, a. high, exalted, 
 
 conspicuous 
 Em pe ror, n. a monarch su- 
 
 periour to a king 
 Emp ti ness, n. -a void space 
 En e my, n, a foe, opponent 
 En er gy, n. force, power 
 En mi ty, n. ill will, hatred- 
 JLn ter prise, n. a hazardotis 
 
 undertaking, attempt . ' 
 11- f
 
 i2Q 
 
 THE AMERICAS' INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Ep i log«e, n. speech at the 
 
 end of a play 
 Ep i taph, n. an inscription 
 
 upon a tomb-stone 
 Es ti mate, v. to, rate, to vahie 
 Ev i deAce, ?i. proof, witness 
 Ev i dent, a. plain, clear 
 Ex eel lent, a. eminent, be- 
 ing of great virtue 
 Ex e cute, v. to put to death ; 
 
 to perform 
 Ex er cise, n. labour, practice 
 Ex tri cate, v. to set free, de- 
 liver [mind 
 Fac ul ty, n. ability, power of 
 Fal la cy, n. deceit, iVaud 
 Fam i ly, n. a household, race 
 
 Fel \oio ship, n. intercourse, 
 
 partnership, connexion 
 Fcl o ny, 7i. a capital crime 
 Fern i nirne, a. female,delicate 
 Fes ti val, n. a feast, a day of 
 
 civil or religious joy 
 Flat ter y, «• false praise 
 Fret ful ness, n. peevishnes's 
 Friv o lous, a. slight, trifling 
 Fur THcr more, ad. besides, 
 
 moreover 
 Gen er al, n.. one that com- 
 mands an army, a military 
 oflicer 
 Gen er ous, a. liberal, noble 
 Gen tie ness, n. meekness, 
 tenderness 
 
 SECTION LIII. 
 
 Filial Affection and Intrciiidity. 
 
 Story of Volney Jicckncr, ivho teas devoured by a Shark, at 
 the age of twelve years. 
 
 The child who is here commemorated, had not the 
 advantage of descending from a wealthy or distinguish- 
 ed family: but of what importance is birth ? What are 
 the effects of riches f They often corrupt the morals. 
 He wlio is worthy, he who is honest and wise, has no 
 need of ancestors. 
 
 Volney Beckner was the son of a poor Irish sailor : 
 he received but little instruction, except what related to 
 his father's profession. Yet, destitute as he was of edu- 
 cation, he is not the less deserving a place in biography. 
 
 The Author of nature had endued his body with sin- 
 gular address and agility, and his mind with unusual in- 
 telligence and penetration. He had a soul of no com- 
 mon temper ; and from his earliest years he discovered 
 sentiments of valour, which woidd doubtless have led 
 him to great enterprises, had he not been extinguished 
 in minority. 
 
 Soon after little Volney was weaned, his father taught
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 127 
 
 Ilim to move and guide himself in the water. He be- 
 came so daring, so able, and so vigorous, that from his 
 sixth year, he would follow the ship in which he had 
 been brought up, swimming for a considerable distance; 
 and when not extremely fatigued, he would cling dex- 
 terously round a rope that was thrown out to him, and 
 climb up into the vessel. 
 
 As he grew older, he began to acquire the dexterity 
 of rendering himself useful to the crew. In tempestu- 
 ous weather, when the wind blew with violence, and the 
 rain fell in torrents, he was not one of the last in climb- 
 ing the ropes and sail-yards. And when he was at the 
 top of the highest mast, even in the fiercest of the storm, 
 he appeared as little agitated as a passenger stretched 
 upon his hammock. 
 
 Such was his industry and improvement, that in his 
 twelfth year he was judged worthy of a higher station, 
 and double pay. The captain of the ship on board of 
 which he served, cited liim as a model to the other boj's, 
 He even said in the presence of the whole crew, " If 
 this httle man continues to conduct himself with so much 
 prudence and valour, I have no doubt of his obtaining 
 a place much above that which I occupy." 
 
 Although little Volney was deprived of the study of 
 letters, which cultivates the mind, increases our know- 
 ledge, and extends our ideas, yet he loved virtue by in- 
 stinct ; and made great efforts for the acquisition of hon- 
 our and preferment. From several instances of his in- 
 trepidity, which he manifested in many dangerous emer- 
 gencies, the following is selected : since tliis alone is 
 sufficient to confer lasting praise on the memory of the 
 young sailor. 
 
 It happened that a httle girl, daughter of arich Amer- 
 ican, who was going to Port-au-Prince in France, slip- 
 ped away from her nurse, (who was ill, and taking some 
 repose in the cabin,) and ran upon deck : and whilst her 
 eyes were fixed with anxious curiosity on the immense 
 expanse of water, a sudden heaving of the ship caused 
 a giddiness, and she fell into the sea. 
 ^ The father of Volney perceiving her, darted after
 
 128 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 her, and soon caught her by the frock. Whilst he swam 
 with one hand to regain the vessel, and witii the other 
 held the child close to his breast, he perceived at a dis- 
 tance, a shark advancing directly towards him. 
 
 He called out for assistance. The danger was press- 
 ing. Every one ran upon deck, but no one durst ga 
 farther : they contented themselves witii firing oil* seve- 
 ral carbines. In the mean time, the shark, opening his 
 frightful jaws, seemed eager to seize his prey. In this 
 terrible extremity what strong men would not venture 
 to attempt, filial piety excited a child to execute. 
 
 Little Volney armed himself with a broad and point- 
 ed sabre, threw himself into the sea, and plunging 
 with velocity, he slipped under the animal, and bold- 
 ly stabbed him with his sword. Thus suddenly as- 
 sailed and deeply wounded, the shark quitted pursuing 
 the sailor, and turned doubly exasperated against the 
 aggressor, who attacked him witli repeated blows. 
 
 What a heart-rending sight ! How worthy of admira- 
 tion ! To behold on one side, the American trembling 
 for his little daughter, who seemed devoted to destruc- 
 tion ; on the other, a generous mariner exposing his 
 life for a child that was not his own ; and what was 
 more dreadful, to see young Volney contending with 
 an enemy so greatly superiour, and encountering inev- 
 itable death, to divert it from his father ! 
 
 But the combat was too unequal, and no refuge re- 
 mained but a speedy retreat. A number of ropes were 
 quickly thrown out to the father and son, and tliey each 
 succeeded in seizing one. They were hastily drawn 
 up ; already they were more than ten feet above the 
 surface of the water ; already cries of joy were heard : 
 " Here they are, here they are, they are saved !" 
 
 Alas ! no — they were not all saved ! For the shark, 
 enraged at seeing his prey about to escape from iiini, 
 plunged to make a vigorous spring, then darting for- 
 ward with impetuosity, he seized the Intrepid and un- 
 fortunate youth, and, with his sharp teeth, tore his bo- 
 dy asunder while suspended in the air. The remaining
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 129 
 
 part of his palpitating and lifeless body, was drawn up 
 to the ship with his father and the little girl. 
 
 Thus died, at the age of twelve years and some 
 months, this hopeful young sailor. — When we reflect 
 on the generous action which he performed, and the 
 motive by which he was animated to the enterprise, we 
 are penetrated with sorrow to see him sink under it. 
 Yet the memory of this great example has not perished 
 with the individual. May a faithful relation of it, ani- 
 mate, with a generous zeal, the tender minds of youth, 
 and produce from age to age, the repetition of actions 
 not less praise-worthy. 
 
 SECTION LIV. 
 
 Divine Providence. 
 
 The Providence of God is over all his works ; he 
 rules and directs with infinite wisdom. He has institu- 
 ted laws for the government of the world, and has won- 
 derfully adapted them to the nature of all beings. In 
 the depths of his mind, he revolves all knowledge ; th« 
 secrets of futurity lie open before him, The thoughts 
 of thy heart are naked to his view, he knows thy deter- 
 minations before they are made. 
 
 Wonderful he is in all his ways ; his counsels are un- 
 searchable ; the manner of his knowledge surpasses thy 
 conception. Pay therefore to his wisdom, all honour 
 and veneration, and bow thyself in humble and submis- 
 sive obedience to his supreme direction. 
 
 The Lord is gracious and beneficent ; he created the 
 world in mercy and love. His goodness is conspicuous 
 in all his works ; he is the fountain of excellence, the 
 centre of perfection. The creatures of his hand declare 
 his goodness, and all their enjoyments speak his praise. 
 He clothes them with beauty, he supports them with 
 food, and preserves them from generation to generation^ 
 
 If we lift up our eyes to the heavens, his glory shines 
 forth ; if we cast them down upo)i the earth, it is full 
 of his goodness. The hills and the vallies rejoice and 
 sing ; fields, rivers and woods, resound his praise.
 
 130 IwE . .HiiLiCAN IXSTRUCTER. 
 
 But thee, O man ! he h»as (Ustlngiiished with peculiar 
 favour, and exalted tiiy-statioi"! above all tlie creatures. 
 He has endued thee with reason, to maiiitain thy domin- 
 ion ; he has furidshed thco 'uith lanii;uage, to improve 
 by society ; and exalted thy mind with the powers of 
 meditation, to contemplate and adore his iiiimitable 
 perfections- 
 
 And in the laws which he has ordained as the rule of 
 tliy life, he has so kindly suited tliy duty to thy nature, 
 that obedience to his precepts Is Iiappiness to thyself. 
 O praise his goodness with songs of thanksgiving, and 
 meditate in silence on the wonders of his love. Let thy 
 hear overflow with gratitiule and acknowledgements ; 
 let the language of thy lips be praise and adoration ; 
 let the actions of thy life show thy love to his law. 
 
 The Lord is just and righteous, and will judge the 
 earth with equity and truth. lias he established his 
 laws in goodness and mercy, and shall ho not pr.nish 
 the transgressors of them ? Think not, bold man, be- 
 cause thy punishment is delayed, that the arm of ^he 
 Lord is weakened ; nor flatter thyself with hopes that 
 he winks at thy evil doings. 
 
 His eye pierces into the secrets of every heart, and 
 he remembers them forever. He respects not the per- 
 sons nor the stations of men : the high and the low, the 
 i'icli ajid the poor, the wise and the ignorant, when the 
 soul has siiakcn oil' the cn.inbrotis shackles of this mor- 
 tal lili', shall equally receive from the sentence of Cod 
 a just and everlasting retJ'ilmtion according to thi.'ir 
 works. Then shall the wicked iremble and^be afraid ; 
 hin the hearts of the righteous shall rejoice in his judge- 
 iuent.;. - • 
 
 O fear tlie IiO)fl. therefore, all the days of thylife, 
 and ^\:'.\k in,l! 'S which h.ehas opened before .thee. 
 
 Let prudence aiiinuiiisli thee, let temperance restrain, 
 lei. justice guide thy hand, benevolence wann thy heart, 
 and gratitude lo- lieruen insjnre thee with devotion. 
 These shall ^vc tin ; liapplne-s in thy present st^te, 
 and lu'ing tliee to'tlie majision-; of cternnl felicity in the 
 paradise of Cod.
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER 
 
 131 
 
 SECTION LV. 
 
 XVords of three syllables, accented on the first ; Continued. 
 2 _ ; 2 
 
 Gen u ine,«. true, not spurious Ig no rant, a. without kaow- 
 
 GAast li ness, ?i. horrour of 
 countenance, paleness 
 
 Gran ary^ n. a storehouse to 
 put grain in [light 
 
 Grat i fy, v. to indulge, de- 
 
 Gratitude, n. a desire to re- 
 turn benefits ; duty to ben- 
 efactors [gravel 
 
 Grav el ly, a. abounding with 
 
 Grav i ty, n. weight,tendency 
 to the centre ; seriousness 
 
 Grid i ron, [grid i urn] n. a 
 kind of grate to broil meat 
 upon 
 
 Gwilt i ness, 7i. the state of be- 
 ing guilty [tent 
 
 Hap pi ness, ii. felicity, coa- 
 
 Haz ar dous, a. dangerous 
 Heav i ness, n. weigiit, afflic- 
 tion 
 Hem i sphere, )i. the half c-.f 
 
 a sphere or globe 
 Her e sy, n. a fundamental 
 
 errour in religion 
 Her i tage, n. an inheritance 
 Hes i tate, v. to pause, doubt 
 Hex a gon, n. a figure of six 
 
 equal sidesor angles 
 Hin der Hnce,7i. impediment, 
 
 ledge 
 Im i tate, v. to copy, to en- 
 deavour to resemble 
 Im pi ov.s, a. profane, wicked 
 Im pie nient, n. an instrument 
 Im pli cate, r. to entangle, 
 
 embarrass 
 Im po tent, a. weak, feeblp 
 hv. pu dencc, n. immodesty 
 Im pu dent, a. shameless, bold 
 In dl cate, v. to point out, to 
 
 show 
 In di gQucc, n. want, poverty 
 In di gent, a needy, poor 
 la di go, n. a plant used for 
 
 dying blue [ness 
 
 In do lence, n. laziness, idle- 
 In do ieut, a. lazy, careless 
 fn di!s try, i>. diligence 
 III fa my./?, disgrace,reproach 
 In fa mciis, a. vile, base [life 
 In fin cy, n. the first part of 
 In fin try, n. the foot soldiers 
 
 of an army • 
 In for ence, n. concltision from 
 
 previous argimicnls 
 In fi del, ?j. nji unbeliever 
 i nitt-, <i. uuboiinded, ui:- 
 
 In 
 
 li^ 
 
 •niit!i, enaiess 
 
 stop, obstruction [ficls I In flu e);a', ?i,^ ascendant pow- 
 
 ii;c 
 
 His tor y, n. a narration ol 
 
 Hur ricane,». a violent storm, mi ;■! : -, ir/jscr.ief, hurt 
 
 c power over 
 
 i T, 
 
 o who keeps. 
 
 i^arm- 
 
 a tempest 
 Hyp o crite, n. a dissembler, ; /d\\ lau 
 
 a deceitful person 'In ri:i r 
 
 Id i om, a. a partlcul-Ar nudo i; 
 
 of speech '>^; : ; cem, </. uinnuess, })urc 
 
 Id i ot, n. a fool [ledge Ii;   V-v.cr^ 
 
 Ig no ranee, -?<. want of know- ; i i ; 
 
 n. I''.iightijies3,
 
 132 
 
 THE AMERICAN IXSTRUCTER. 
 
 In so lcnt,fl. proiid, haughty 
 In stant ly, ad. inimediately 
 In sti tiite, V. to establish 
 In strii nicnt, n. a tool : deed 
 
 of contract 
 In tel Icct, n. the power of un- 
 
 dorstandingj perception 
 In ter cowrse, ?i. communica- 
 tion 
 In ter est, n. money paid for 
 
 use ; concern, share 
 In tor hide, n. a farce , 
 
 In ter val, n. space, distance 
 In ter view, n. a sight of each 
 
 other, a conference 
 In ti mate, a. familiar 
 In tri cate, a. perplexed, en- 
 tangled., [tfite, vex 
 Ir ri tate, v. to provoke, agi- 
 Jab ber ing, n. idle talk 
 Jeop ar dy, n. hazard, danger 
 Jus li fy, V. to defend, free, 
 
 clear 
 Kid nap per, 7t. one who i 
 
 steals human beings [vend 
 I.ac er ate, [c like s] v. to tear, 
 Land hold cr, ?«. one who is 
 
 possessed of land 
 Land lady, n. the mistress of 
 
 land or an inn 
 Lar ce ny, ?i. theft, petty theft 
 Lat i tude, ??. the distance 
 
 north or south from the 
 
 equator ; breadth 
 Letr a cv, n. something given 
 
 by will 
 Leg i ble, [g soft] a. .such as 
 
 may be read 
 Leg is late, [gsoft] v. to make 
 
 or ])ass laws 
 Len i ty, ?'. mildness, mercy 
 Letli ar gy, n. .sleepiness, 
 
 drowsiness 
 
 Lev el ness, n. evenness 
 Lev i ty, n. lightness, vanity 
 Lib er al, a. generous, free 
 Lib er ate, v. to «ct free, rcr 
 
 lease 
 
 Lib er ty, ??. freedom, leave, 
 
 permission [taste 
 
 Lie or ice, n. a root of sweet 
 
 Lin c age, n. a family, race, 
 
 progeny 
 Lit er al, a. the plain primi- 
 tive meaning 
 Lit tie ness, n. want of dig- 
 nity, smallness, meanness 
 Luc ki ly, ad. fortunately 
 Lux u ry, n. delicious fare ; 
 excess in eating, dress, or 
 pleasure 
 Mack er cl, n. a sea fish 
 Mag ni fy, v. to praise, extol 
 Mag is trate, fg soft] n. one 
 invested with publick au- 
 thority 
 Mag ni tude, n. greatness 
 Maj es ty, 7i. dignity, sove- 
 reignty ; a regal title 
 Mai a dy, 7i. a disease 
 Man age ment, n. conduct, 
 
 government 
 Man a ger, n. one who has 
 
 the direction of any thing 
 Man ful ly, ad. boldly, nobly 
 Man i fest, v. to show plain- 
 ly ; (I. pfain, open [nity 
 Man li ness, ?/. l>ravery dig- 
 Man nor ly, ad. well behaved,. 
 
 civil, con)nlaisant 
 I\Ian slau^A ter, n. the act of 
 killing a person in a sud- 
 den passion [hand 
 Man u al, a. performed by the 
 Man u script, n. a writtea 
 book, a copy
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCfER. 
 
 13$ 
 
 Mar in er, n. a seaman, sailor 
 ' Mas cu line, a. male [ery 
 Mas sa ere, n. murder, butch- 
 . ^ Med i cine, n. any remedy ad- 
 i ministered by a physician 
 Med i tate, v. to thinky-''* con- 
 template 
 Mel o dy,n. harmony, musick 
 Mem o ry, n. |he power of 
 recollection, remembrance 
 Mer ehan dise, n. goods,wares 
 Mer ci ful, a. compassionate 
 Mer ci less, a. void of mercy, 
 cruel [planet 
 
 Mer cu ry, ni quicksilver ; a 
 Mer ri ly, arf.' gaily, cheerfully 
 Mer ri ment, n. mirth 
 Mes sen ger, n. one who car- 
 ries a message 
 Met a phor, n. a change from 
 
 natural to figurative 
 Meth o dise, r. to regulate 
 Mid ship man, n. an officer 
 
 on board a ship 
 Mil lin er, n. one who makes 
 or sells bonnets, caps, &c. 
 for women 
 Mim ick ry, n. imitation, bur- 
 
 Mm er al, n. matter dug out 
 of mines ; a. consisting ol" 
 fossil bodies 
 
 Min is ter, n. an agent, an of- 
 ficer of state ; a clergyman 
 
 Min is try, n. office, service, 
 agency 
 
 Min strel scy, n. musjck 
 
 Miracle,?.', some act or event 
 that is beyond the ordina- 
 rv laws of nature 
 
 Mis er y, n. wretchedness, ca- 
 lamity, raistbrtune [sen 
 
 Mit i gat«, V. to alleviate, les- 
 '   12 
 
 Mit ti mus, n. a warrant to 
 
 commit an offender to prison 
 
 Mul ber i:y, «. a tree and its 
 
 fruit - [number, 
 
 Mul ti ply, V. to increase in 
 
 Mul ti tude,n. a great number 
 
 Mur der er, n. one who kills 
 
 unlawfully [der 
 
 Mur der ous, a. guilty of mur- 
 
 Myr i ad, n, the number of 
 
 ten thousand 
 Mys te ry, n. something se- 
 cret or hidden, wonder 
 Nar ra tive, n. a history 
 Nat u ral, [t like tsh] a. pro- 
 duced by nature, easy 
 Nav i gate, v. to pilot a ship, 
 
 to sail, manage 
 Neg a tive,?i. a proposition by 
 which something is denied 
 Neg li gencc, n. carelessness 
 Neg li gent, a. heedless 
 NeTH er most, a. lowest 
 Nim ble ness, n. quickness 
 Num bor less, a. innumerable 
 Nour ish ment, n. food, sus- 
 tenance 
 Nu)- sier y, n. a plantation of 
 
 j'oung trees 
 Pal pa,{jle, a. gross, plain 
 Pal pi tate, v. to beat as the 
 
 heart, to flutter 
 Par a ble, n. a similitude 
 Par a dise, «. a place of feli- 
 city : the garden of Eden 
 Par a graph, ?;. a distinct part 
 
 of a discourse 
 Par al let, n. a line which is 
 equally distant from some 
 other line 
 Par a phrase, n. an inter;i:o- 
 
 tritiuii in mjtiy worrls 
 Par a sol, n. a small ir
 
 134 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Pas sa ble, a. possible to be 
 
 passed ; tolerable 
 Pas sen ger, n. a traveller 
 Pas sion ate, a. moved by 
 
 passion 
 Pas sivc ly, ad. submissively 
 Pass o ver, «. a Jewish festival 
 Pat ron age, n. protection, 
 
 support 
 
 Pil fer er it. one who steals 
 
 petty things 
 Pil lor y, n. an instrument or 
 
 place of punishment 
 Pil \ou) case, n. the cover of 
 
 a pillow 
 Pit i ful, a. tender,mclancholy 
 Pleas ant ness, n. delightfal- 
 
 ness [tion 
 
 Pat ro nise,i;. to protect, sup- Plen i tude, n. fulness, reple- 
 port, favour [stone Plen ti ful, a. abundant 
 
 Peb ble stone, m. a round hard 
 Pec u late, v. to rob or de- 
 fraud the publick 
 Ped a gogwe, n. a school-mas- 
 ter, pedant [age 
 Ped i gree, n. genealogy, line- 
 Pel i can, n. a kind of bird 
 Pen al ty, n. punishment, for- 
 feiture 
 Pen e trate, x>. to pierce 
 Pen i tence, n. repentance 
 Pen i tent, n. one sorrowful 
 for sin ; a. contrite, repen- 
 tant 
 Pen sion er, n. one who re- 
 ceives a pension 
 Pen te cost, n. a feast among 
 the Jews [gcnce 
 Pen u ry, n. poverty, indi- 
 Pep per box, n. a box used 
 
 for holding pepper 
 Pep per mint, n. a very hot 
 
 kind of mint 
 Per il ous, a. dangerous 
 Per ju ly, n. a false oath 
 Per ma nent, t/. durable 
 Per se cute, v. to oppress, 
 
 vex, trouble 
 Pes ti lence, n. a contagious 
 
 ('istemper, ])lague 
 Phys i cal, a. relating to na- 
 ture ; medicinal 
 
 Plun der er, n. a robber, a 
 
 hostile pillager [tion 
 
 Prac ti cal, a. relating to ac- 
 
 Pref er encc, n. estimation 
 
 above another 
 Prej u dice, n. injury ; pre- 
 possession 
 Pres ent ly, ad. shortly, soon 
 Pres i dent, n. one at the head 
 of others ; the first magis- 
 trate of the United Stales 
 Prev a lent, a. victorious, pre- 
 dominant 
 Prim i tivc,a. ancient, original 
 Prin ci pal, a. chief, capital ; 
 71. capital sum ; a head or 
 chief man 
 Prin ci pie, n. element, ori- 
 ginal cause, rule 
 Pris on er, n. a captive, one 
 uiulcr arre?t [vantage 
 
 Priv i lege, n. a peculiar ad- 
 Pub lick ly, ad. openly 
 Pul ver iiO, v. to reduce to 
 
 powder or dust 
 Puiic tu al, [t like tsh] a. ex- 
 act, nice 
 Pun ish mcnt, n. anj thing in- 
 flicted for a crime 
 Pur ch IS or, n. a buyer 
 Quick sil ver, n. a lluid min- 
 eral, mercury ^
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 135 
 
 Rad i cal, a, primitive, ori- 
 ginal 
 Ran cor ous, a. malignant 
 Rap id ly, ad. swiftly 
 Rap tur ous, [t like tsh] a. do- 
 
 ligbtful, transporting 
 Rar e fy , v. to make thin 
 Rar i ty, n. uncommonness 
 Rasp ber ry, n. a kind of fruit 
 Rat i fy, r. to confirm, settle 
 Rat tie snake, n. a kind of 
 serpent [hungry 
 
 Rav en ous, a. voracious, very 
 Read i ness, n. hcing ready, 
 
 willingness 
 Rec kon ing, n. a computa- 
 tion, an estimation 
 _3ec om pense, v. to repay, re- 
 quite ; 71. a compensation 
 Rec on cile, v. to compose 
 differences {correct 
 
 Rec ti fy, V. to make right, 
 Rec ti tude, n. uprightness 
 Ref er enc«, n. allusion to, 
 
 the act of referring 
 Reg i ment, [g soft] n. a body 
 
 of soldiers 
 Reg is ter, [g soft] w. a re- 
 cord, list ; V. to record 
 Reg u lar, a. agreeable to rule 
 Reg u late, v. to adjust by 
 
 rule, direct 
 Rel a tive, n. a relcition ; a, 
 
 respecting 
 Rem e dy,n. a medicine,cure; 
 V. to cure, lieal [store 
 
 Ren o vate, 1;. to renew, re- 
 Rep ro bate, n. a wretch aban- 
 doned to wickedness-; v. to 
 condemn, disallow 
 Req ui 5ite, a. necessary 
 Res i dence, n. place of abode 
 Resi duf, n. that which is li?ft 
 
 Res o lute, a. determined,firm 
 Ret i nuc, n. a train of atten- 
 dants 
 Rev e nuc, n. an income 
 Rev er ence, n. veneration, 
 respect ; 7;. lo regard with 
 respect 
 Rev er end, a. deserving re- 
 verence ; the honorary ti- 
 tle of the clergy 
 R/;et o rick, n. oratory, the 
 
 art of speaking 
 Rid i cule, v. to expose to 
 laughter ; n, laughter with 
 contempt 
 Rig id ness, [g soft] n. sever 
 
 ity, strictness 
 Rig or ous, a. severe, harsh 
 Riv u let, n. a small river 
 Sal a ry, n. stated hire 
 Sane ti fy, v. to purify, te 
 
 make holy 
 Sane ti ty, n. holiness, piety 
 Sat el lite, n. a^ small planet 
 
 revolving round a larger 
 Sat is fy, V. to content, recom- 
 pense, convince (defame 
 Scan da laze, v. to disgrace, 
 Scrip tu ral, [tlike tsh] a. con- 
 tained in the Bible, divine 
 Scan da lous, a. disgraceful 
 Sec ond ly, ad. in the second 
 
 place 
 Sec u lar, a. worldly [senate 
 Sen a tor, «. a member of the 
 Sen si ble, a. wise, judicious 
 Sen ti moat, n, thought, opin- 
 ion [guard 
 Sen ti nel, n. a s<^ldier oa 
 Sep a rate, v. to divide, part 
 Sep ul chre, n. a grave, tomb 
 Ser a phim, n. one of the or- 
 ders of anjgels
 
 136 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 SECTION LVI. 
 
 3Iodcs(y. 
 
 Modesty is one of the chief ornaments of youth,: 
 and has ever been esteemed a pi'esage of rising merit : 
 it covers a nmhitude of faults, and doubles the lustre of, 
 every virtue which it seems to hide : the perfections of 
 men being like those flowers which appear more beau-, 
 tiful, when their leaves are a little contracted and fold- 
 ed up, than when they are full .blown, and display them- 
 selves without any reserve to the view. 
 
 Modesty is a polite accomplishment, and generally 
 an attendant upon merit. It is engaging to the high- 
 est degree, and wins the hearts of all our acquaintance. 
 On the other hand, none are more disgusting in com- 
 pany, than the impudent and presuming. < 
 
 The man who commends and speaks well of himself 
 Oft all occasions, we generally dislike. On the contra- 
 ry, he who studies to conceal his own deserts, who does 
 justice to the merit of others, who talks but little ol 
 himself, and that w ith modesty, makes a favourable im- 
 pression on the persons he is conversing with, capti- 
 vates their minds, and gains their esteem. 
 
 Modesty, however, widely differs from an awk^tard 
 bashfulness, which Is as much to be condemned as the 
 other is to be applauded. When an awkward bashful 
 fellow comes into company, he is exceedingly discon- 
 certed : he knows not what position to place himself in ; 
 his hands are very troublesome to him, which he keeps 
 continually in motion : if spoken to, he is in a much 
 worse situation ; and therefore answers with the utmost 
 difficulty : whereas a gentleman who is acquainted witli 
 Kfe, enters a room with gracefulness, and with a modest 
 assurance addresses the company in an easy and natu- 
 ral maimer, and without the least embarrassment. 
 
 This is the characteristick of good breeding, and a 
 very necessary knowledge in our intercourse with men : 
 for one of inferiour talents, with the behaviour of a gen- 
 tleman, is frequently better received than a man of sense, 
 With the address and manners of a clown. 
 
 Some persons, from experiencing false modesty, have
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 137 
 
 run into the other extreme, and acquired the character 
 of impudence ; which is as great a fault as the other. 
 But the well-bred man is easy and firm in every com- 
 pany ; he is modest, hut not bashful ; steady, but not 
 impudent. He copies the manners of the better people, 
 and conforms to their customs with ease and attention. 
 
 Modesty is both in its source, and in its consequence, 
 a very great happiness to the fair possessor of it ; it ari- 
 ses from a fear of dishonour, and a good conscience ; 
 and is followed immediately, upon its first appearance, 
 with the reward of honour and esteem, paid by all those 
 who discover it in any person living. 
 
 It has been celebrated, especially in females, by the 
 ffood and worthy of all atres and nations. But we need 
 not recur to the testimony of ancient times, our own 
 reason teaches us its importance, and our own observa- 
 tion aflbrds numerous examples of the happiness it affords. 
 
 Modesty and propriety of behaviour, contribute so 
 largely to the happiness of young Ladies, that their im- 
 , portance cannot be too strongly inculcated. They are 
 admired or despised more on account of their behaviour, 
 than beautij. The charms of the latter are of short du- 
 ration, but the charms inspired by a modest and easy 
 behaviour are never forgotten. 
 
 The flower blossoms in tlie spring, and is nipt by the 
 first frost : so beauty, at first siglu, strikes the eye 
 agreeably ; but no sooner do ill iiassions discover them- 
 selves in tbe mind of the possessor, than she, who be- 
 fore appeared beautiful, seems ugly and deformed. 
 
 " Beauty in vain her pretty eyes rnny lo!!. 
 
 " Charms strike the sight, hut msiit wins i\-c .soul.'' 
 
 -♦♦©©«■<•■•- 
 
 SECTION LVII. 
 
 7%e pleasures resulting from a proper use of our 
 
 faculties. 
 Happy is that man, who, unembarrassed by vulgar 
 cares, is master of himself^ his time, and fortune ; who 
 spends his time in making himself wiser, and his for~ 
 tune in making others (and therefore himself) happier ; 
 who, as the will and understanding are the two en- 
 
 I o*
 
 138 
 
 THE AMERICAN LXSTRUCTEK. 
 
 nobling faculties of the soul, tlilnks himself not com- 
 plete, till his umlerstanding- is beautified with the valu- 
 able furniture of knowledjje, as well as his will enriched 
 with every virtue ; who has furnished himself with all 
 the advantages to reli.sh solitude and enliven conversa- 
 tion ; who, wlien serious, is not sullen ; and when cheer- 
 ftil, not indiscreetly gay ; whose ambition is, not to be 
 admired for a Adse glare of greatness, but to be belov- 
 ed for the gentle and sober lustre of his wisdom and 
 goodness. 
 
 The greatest minister of state has not more business 
 to do, in a publick capacity, than he, and indeed every 
 other man amy find'in the retired and still scenes of life. 
 Even in his private walks, every thing that is visible 
 convinces him there is present a Being invisible. Aid- 
 ed by natural philosophy, he reads plain legible traces 
 of the Divinity in every thing he meets ; he sees the 
 Deity in every tree, as well as Moses did in the burn- 
 ing bush, though not in so glaring a manner : and when 
 he sees him, he adores him with the tribute of a grate- 
 ful heart., 
 
 SECTION LVIIL 
 
 Words of three syllables^ accented on the first ; Continued. 
 
 Set tie ment, n. a place in- 
 habited ; act of settling 
 Sev en teen, a. seven and ten 
 Sev en ty, a. seven times ten 
 Sig na tare, n. a mark, a name 
 '. signed 
 
 Sig ni fy, v. to mean, express 
 Sil ver smith, ti. one who 
 
 works in silver 
 Sim i lar, a. like, resembling 
 Sim pli fy, v. to make loss 
 
 complex 
 Sin ful ness, n. wickedness 
 Sin gu lar, a. odd, rare, par- 
 '^ ticular ; only oae 
 
 Skil ful ly^ ad. with skill 
 Skil ful ness, n. dexterity, 
 
 ability 
 Slan der er, n. one who belies 
 
 another 
 Slan der oua, a. uttering re 
 
 proachful falsehoods 
 Slip per y, a. smooth, glib 
 Spec i men, [c like s] Ji. an 
 example, a s<unp}e [ly 
 
 Splen did ly, ad. niagnificent- 
 Stip 11 late, V. to contract, bar- 
 gain 
 Strat a gem, n. artifice, trick 
 Stub born ness, n. obstinacy
 
 THE AMERICAN I.\STRUCTER. 
 
 139- 
 
 Sub se quent, a. following in 
 due order 
 
 Sub sti tute, n. one acting in 
 the place of another 
 
 Sud den Jy, ad. in an unex- 
 pected manner 
 
 Suf fer er, n. one who en- 
 dures or suffers 
 
 Suffer ing, n. pain suflered, 
 distress 
 
 Suf fo cate, V. to choke, stifle 
 
 Sunip tu ous, [t like tsh] a. 
 costly, expensive, splendid 
 
 Sup pli cate, v. to implore, 
 entreat 
 
 Sus te nance, n. food, main- 
 tenance 
 
 Syl lable,rt.as much of a word 
 as is uttered by one articu- 
 lation 
 
 Sym pa thize, v. to feel with 
 or for another 
 
 Tax a ble, a. that which may 
 be taxed 
 
 Tel e scope, n. a glass by 
 which distant objects are 
 viewed 
 
 Tern per ancc, n. moderate 
 indulgence of appetites or 
 passions 
 
 Tern per ate, a. moderate 
 
 Ten der ly, ad. mildly, gently 
 
 Ten der ness, n. softness ; 
 kindness [ful 
 
 Ter ri ble, a. dreadful, fright- 
 
 Ter ri fy, v. to fright, make 
 afraid 
 
 Tes ta ment, n. a will i, the 
 name of the holy scripture 
 
 Tes ti iy,v. to witness, certify 
 
 Tim or ous, a. fearful 
 
 Trag e dy,[g soft] n. a serious 
 drama ; a mournful event 
 
 Trav el ler, n. one who go€i 
 
 a journey 
 Treach er ous, a. faithless, 
 
 perfidious 
 Treach er y, n. deceit, fraud 
 Trerts u ry, [s like zh] n. a 
 place in which money is 
 kept 
 Trea* u rer, fs like zh] n. one 
 who has the care of pub- 
 lick money 
 Tur bu lent, a. violent, tu- 
 multuous [fusion 
 Tur bu lence, n. tumult, con- 
 Tur pen tine, n, a gum from 
 
 the pine 
 Tyr an ny, n. cruel govern- 
 ment, severity 
 Vag a bond, n. a vagrant, a 
 
 wanderer 
 Van i ty, n. arrogance, pride, 
 
 emptiness 
 Ven om ous, a. poisonous 
 Ver i ly, ad. truly, certainly 
 Vic tor y^ n. conquest,triumph 
 Viu di cate, v. to justify, re- 
 venge [plain 
 Vis i ble, a. apparent, open, 
 Wick ed ness, n. vice, guilt 
 Wid 0?^; er, n. a man whose 
 
 wife is dead 
 Wil der ness, n. a desert 
 VVil ful ly, ad. obstinately 
 Wil ful ness, n. obstinacy, 
 
 stubbornness 
 Wtetch. ed ness, n. misery, 
 
 unhappiness 
 3 
 
 Al der man, n. a magistrate 
 Al ma nack, n. a calendar 
 Au di ence, n. hearers, auditi 
 
 ory, interview 
 Au thor. ize, v, to empower ;
 
 140 
 
 iHlE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 For mal ist, 7J. one who is at- 
 tached to forms 
 For mer ly, ad. in time past 
 For ti fy, V. to strengthen, to 
 
 secure 
 For ti tude,n.courage,strength 
 For tu nate, [t like tsh] a. luc- 
 ky, successful 
 Gau di ness, n. showiuess, fi- 
 nery 
 Hau^A ti nos3, n. pride, arro- 
 gance 
 Horse man ship,n. art of ridinof 
 Lau da ble, a. commendable, 
 
 praiseworthy 
 Law ful ly, ad. in a lawful 
 
 manner 
 Law ful ness, n. legality 
 Mor bid ness, n. a diseased 
 
 state 
 Mor tal ly, ad. deadly, fatally, 
 irrecoverably [vex 
 
 Mor ti fy, V. to corrupt ; to 
 Or di nance, n. law, rule 
 Or gan ize, v. to construct, 
 
 to form 
 Or na ment, ?/. decoration, 
 
 embellishment 
 Or tho dox, a. sound in opin- 
 ion or doctrine 
 Plau ii ble, a. superficially 
 pleasing, fair [hog 
 
 For cu pine, ra. a kind ofhedge- 
 Sau ci ness,n. impudence, im- 
 pertinence 
 Scorn ful ly, ad. insolently 
 Sor cer y, n. magick, enchant- 
 ment 
 Straw ber ry, n. a kind of fruit 
 .» 
 
 A r bi tratc, v. to decide 
 Ar r/;f; type, n. the original 
 ' . 0W-, [d like j j a. difficult 
 
 Ar gu ment, n. debate, subject 
 
 of discourse 
 Ar se nal, ?j. a repository for 
 
 arms, a magazine 
 Ar ti fice, n. stratagem, trick 
 Bar ba rous, a. inhuman, cruel 
 Car pen ter, n. an artificer in 
 
 wood, a builder 
 Car tridge box, 72. a box to 
 contain cartridges [ther 
 Fa THer less, a. without a fa- 
 Gar den er, n. one who cul- 
 tivate? gardens 
 G/^ar di an, h. one who has 
 the care of anotlier person 
 II;um le§s ly, ad. innocently 
 liar nu) ny, ?j. agreement, just 
 
 proportion of sound 
 Harp si cAord, ii. a musical 
 
 instrument 
 Hear ti ly, ad. sincerely 
 La;/gh a ble, a. exciting laugh- 
 ter, droll 
 Mar tin gal, n. a leathern 
 strap used to curb a horse 
 Mar tyr dom, n. the death of 
 
 a martyr 
 Mar vol lous, a. wonderful 
 Par lia ment, n. the chief as- 
 sembly of England 
 Par tial ly, ad. with unjust 
 
 favour 
 Par ti clo, n. any small por- 
 tion of a greater substance 
 Part nor ship,H. union in trade, 
 
 joint interest 
 Phar ma cy, n. the act of pre- 
 paring medicines 
 r. 
 Bot a ny, n. the knowledge or 
 
 descrij)tion of plants 
 Bot tomless,rt. without bottom 
 Cog ni zaucc,n. judicial nojjra
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 141 
 
 Com e dy,n.a dramatick piece 
 Com mon ly, ad. frequently 
 Cora pe tent, a. qualified, fit 
 Con fer ence, n. discourse ; 
 meeting for religious con- 
 verse [ance 
 Con fi dencc, n. trust, assur- 
 Con fi dent, a. positive, bold 
 Con se crate, v. to dedicate 
 Con se quencc, n. an effect, 
 
 importance 
 Con Stan cy, n. firmness 
 Con stant ly, ad. steadily 
 Con sti tute, v. to produce, 
 
 appoint, to make 
 Con ti nent, n, land not sep- 
 arated by seas [verse 
 Con tra ry, a. opposite, ad- 
 Doc u jnent, n. an instruction, 
 direction, precept [lows 
 Fol low er, n. one who fol- 
 For e\gn er, n. one of another 
 country, an alien [round 
 Glob u lar, a. like a globe, 
 Glos si ness, n. smooth polish 
 Hoi ly hock, n. a plant, the 
 rose mallow [a feast 
 Hoi y day, 71. an anniversary, 
 /Ton est ly, ad. uprightly, 
 
 justly 
 Hon es ty, n. justice, truth 
 Hor ri ble,a. dreadful,terrible 
 Jol li ty, n. merriment 
 Lof ti ness, n. height ; haugh- 
 tiness 
 Lon gi tude, n. length ; the 
 distance of any part of the 
 earth either east or west 
 from any given place 
 Lot ter y, n. a game of chance 
 Mocker y,n. derision,ridicule 
 Mod er ate, a. temperate, 
 mild i V. to. regulate 
 
 Mod est ly, ad. with modesty 
 Mod es ty, «.deccncy,cliastity 
 Mod i fy, V. to change the 
 
 form, to shape, soften 
 Mon ar chy, n. a kingly gov- 
 ernment ; a kingdom 
 Mon i tor, n. one who warns 
 of faults, or hifornis of duty 
 Mon u ment, n. a memorial, 
 
 tomb, pillar, statue 
 Mor al ist, n. one who teach- 
 es morality [not real 
 Nom i nal, a. only in name, 
 Nom i nate, v. to name, pro- 
 pose [els 
 Nov el ist, n. a writer of nov- 
 Ob li gate, v. to bind, compel 
 Ob so lete, a. disused, grown 
 out of uSe [structioa 
 Ob sta cle, n. hinderance, ob- 
 Ob sti natG, a. stubborn, firm 
 Ob vi ous, a. easily discover- 
 ed, open, plain 
 Oc cu pant, n. one who holds 
 
 or takes possession 
 Oc cu py, V. to possess, hoM 
 Of fer ing, n. a sacrifice 
 Of fi cer, n. a man in office, 
 
 a commander 
 Op er ate, u. to act, perform 
 Op po site, a. contrary ; pla- 
 ced in front 
 Op u lent, a. rich, wealthy 
 Or a tor,n.aman of eloquence, 
 
 a publick speaker 
 Or i. gin, n. beginning, rise 
 Or i fice, n. an opening, per- 
 foration 
 Pol i cy, n. the art of govern- 
 ment, prudence 
 Pol i ticks, n. the science or 
 art of government [people 
 [Pop ulacet-n, the commoa
 
 142 
 
 THE AMERICAN l.N'STRUCTER. 
 
 Pop u lar, a. pleasing to the 
 people [people 
 
 Pop u late, -c. to increase in 
 Pop u lous, a. full of people 
 Po5 i tive, a. absolute, real, 
 
 certain 
 Pos si ble, a. having the pow- 
 er to be or do 
 Pov er ty, n. want, necessity 
 Prob a ble, a. likely [uess 
 Prob i ty, n. honesty, upright- 
 Prod i gal, n. a spendthrift ; 
 
 a. profuse, wasteful 
 Prof ii gate, a. wicked, aban- 
 doned 
 Prog e ny,[g soft] «. offspring, 
 
 issue, race 
 Prom i nent, a. jutting or 
 
 standing cut 
 Prop a gate, v. to spread, in- 
 crease, promote 
 Prop er ly, ad. fitly, suitably 
 Prop er ty, n, an estate, pos- 
 session ; quality 
 Proph e cy, n. a prediction 
 Proph e sy,r. to predict, fore- 
 tell, foreshow 
 Proph et ess, n. a female 
 prophet [sue 
 
 Pros e cute, v. to pursue ; to 
 Pros e lyte, n. o\»e converted 
 
 to a new opinion 
 Pros o dy, n. the art of met- 
 rical composition 
 Pros per ous, a. successful 
 Prot OS tant, n. one who pro- 
 tests against popery 
 Prov en der, n. food for brutes 
 Prov i dence, n. the care of 
 (iod over created beings, 
 divine superintendence 
 Quad ru ped, n. a four-foote 1 
 animai 
 
 Qu'id ru pie, a. fourfold 
 Qual i fy, v. to make fit 
 Qi.ial i ty, n. nature relatively 
 
 considered, property, rank 
 Quan ti ty, n. bulk, weight, a 
 
 part [quarrel 
 
 Quar rcl some, a. inclined to 
 Sc/fol ar ship, n. learning 
 Shop keep er, n. a trader who 
 
 sells in a shop [manner 
 Sol cni7i ly, ad. in a solemn 
 Sol i tude, n. lonely life, a 
 
 lono place, a desert 
 Sol ven c}', n. ability to pay 
 Soph is try, n. a fallacious 
 
 reasoning 
 Sor row ful, a, mournful, sad 
 Tol er ate, v. to allow, permit 
 TFrong ful ly, ad. unjustly > < 
 
 6   _ ■''• 
 
 Fool er y, n. folly, habitual 
 
 folly 
 Fool ish ness, n., destitute of 
 
 understanding ; folly [ly 
 Gloom i ly, ad. dismally, dim- 
 Gloom i ness, n. obscurity *" 
 Goose bcr ry, n. the name of 
 
 a bush and its fruit 
 Move a ble, a. capable of be- 
 ing moved [ture 
 IMove a ble.v, n. goods, furni- 
 Sc/ifool fel lo/«, 71. one bred at 
 
 the same school '■^ 
 
 Sc/tool mas lor, n. a man who 
 
 teaches a school 
 School mis tress, n. a woman 
 
 who teaches a school 
 Shoe nn k<?r, n. one who 
 
 makes slioes 
 II 
 Come li ness, n. grace, beauty 
 Com fort er, n. one xvho com- 
 
 f'Tb
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 143 
 
 Com fort less, a. without 
 comfort 
 
 Com pa ny, n. an assembly of 
 persons ; joint partners 
 
 Con jur er, n. a fortune teller 
 
 Gov em ment, ii. an establish- 
 ment of legal author! t}' ; 
 administration of publick 
 affairs 
 
 Gov er nour, n. a chief execu- 
 tive magistrate, commander 
 
 Love li ness, n. amiableness 
 
 Thor ough ly, ad. complete- 
 ly, fully [ishing 
 
 Won der ful, a. strange, aston- 
 
 l^eigh hour hood, n. place ad- 
 joining [kind 
 Heigh hour ly, ad. friendly, 
 
 ot 
 
 oy 
 
 Joy ful ly, ad. with joy, gladly 
 
 Joy ful ness, ?/. gladness, great 
 
 joy [sion 
 
 Loy al ty, n. fidelity, subrais- 
 
 Boun da ry, n. limit, mark 
 
 Bonn ti ful, a. liberal, gene- 
 rous, kind '' 
 
 Coun sel lor, n. one that gives 
 advice 
 
 Coun te nance, n. the form of 
 the face, look ; support 
 
 Coun ter feit, a. forged, ficti- 
 tious ; V. to forge, imitate 
 
 House keep er, n. one who has 
 the care of a family [ular 
 
 Moun tain ous, a. hilly, irreg-« 
 
 Cow ard ly, a. fearful, mean 
 Low er y, a. cloudy, dark, 
 obscure [strong 
 
 Pow er ful, a. mighty, potent, 
 Show er y, a. rainy, wet. 
 
 SECTION LIX. 
 
 Select Sentences. 
 
 Envy is fixed only on merit ; and like a sore eye, is 
 offended with every thing that is bright. 
 
 The envious man endeavours to depreciate those who 
 excel him ; he puts an evil construction on all their do- 
 ings ; he lies in wait, and meditates mischief : but the 
 detestation of man pursues him ; he is crushed as a 
 spider in his own web. 
 
 Harmony of temper, begets and preserves friendship ; 
 but disagreeable inclinations are like improper notes in 
 musick, whir.h serve only to spoil the concert and of- 
 fend the ear. 
 
 Modesty, in your discourse, will give a lustre to truth, 
 and an excuse to your crrours. Complaisance renders 
 a superiour amiable, an equal agreeable, and an info- 
 riour acceptable. , 
 
 Bois ter ous, a. stormy, violent 
 Poi son ous, a. venomous, de- 
 structive
 
 144 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER^ 
 
 We should never be proud or vain of the advantages 
 we possess ; but lunnbly endeavour to use them lor the 
 benefit of our fellOw creatures, and to the glory of that 
 Being from wiiom we have received them. 
 
 How pleasant it is when we lie down at nighf, to re- 
 flect that we are at peace with all persons ! that we have 
 carefully performed the duties of the day, and that the 
 Almigiity beljolds and loves us ! 
 
 Happiness consists not hi sovereignty or power, norin 
 great riches ; but in a right composure of our aftections, 
 and in directing all our actions accordingto right reasoft. 
 
 Discontent is the greatest weakness of a generous 
 soul ; for many times it is so intent upon its unhappi- 
 ness, that it forgets its remedies. 
 
 There is b-at one way of fortifying the soul against all 
 gloomy presages and terrours of mind ; and that is, by 
 securing to ourselves the friendsliip and protection of 
 that Being, who disposes of events and governs futurity. 
 
 We might enjoy much peace, if we did not busy our 
 minds with what others do and say, in which we have 
 no concern. 
 
 Never suppose yourself the person pointed at in any 
 general observation, as it is a maxim of true politeness 
 to exempt the present company from any personal re- 
 flection. 
 
 He that compliments another with hearty wishes to 
 his face, and afterwards degrades his reputation, is a 
 double tongued hypocrite. 
 
 Never betray the trust reposed in you, or divulge 
 any circumstance your friend wishes to conceal ; as no- 
 thing can render a person inore contemptible thaa a 
 brearh of confidence. 
 
 Be very careful in your promises, and just in your 
 performances ; and remember it is better to do, and not 
 promise, than to promise, and not perform. Lyii)g is 
 a vice so vtry in!"jmoii§, that even the greatest liars 
 caoinot bear it in others. * 
 
 If you wiih to have a constant vigorous health, and 
 a perpetual spring of youth, use temperance. Indo- 
 lence frustrates every design of our existence. Tlir 
 
 //
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 145 
 
 mind of an idle man is like an uncultivated garden, 
 planted, indeed, with flowers and fruit, but overrun 
 with noxious weeds. 
 
 When much gratitude is found in a poor man, it may 
 be taken for granted, that there would be as much gen- 
 erosity if he were rich. 
 
 Use not needlessly, learned or hard words ; he that 
 affects to be thought learned, is likely to be accounted 
 a fool. 
 
 Useful knowledge can have no enemies, except the 
 ignorant : it cherishes youth, delights the aged, is an 
 ornament in prosperity, and yields comfort in adversity. 
 
 Youth is the season for improvement in knowledge, 
 for forming the mind, and for gaining sucli accomplish- 
 ments as will make us useful and happy. What a gold- 
 en age is this which affords us such opportunities of 
 laying up happiness for riper years ! 
 
 A family, where the great Father of the universe is 
 duly reverenced, where parents are honoured and obey- 
 ed, where brothers and sisters dwell together in love 
 and harmony, where peace and order reign, where there 
 is no law but the law of kindness and wisdom — is sure- 
 ly a most delightful and interesting spectacle. 
 
 — qOO— 
 SECTION LX. 
 
   Winter. — A Season for remembering the Poor. 
 
 Now Winter is come, with his cold chilling; breath, 
 
 And the verdure is droppM from the trees ; 
 All nature seems touch'd by the ling:er of death, 
 
 And the streams are beginning; to ileeze. 
 When wanton young l;id«, o'er the river can slide, 
 
 And Flora attends us no more ; * 
 
 When in plenty you sit by a good fire-side, 
 
 Sure you ought to remember the poor. 
 
 When the cold featherVl snow docs in plenty descend. 
 
 And whitens the prospect around ; 
 When the keen cutting \\ inds from the north shall attend, 
 
 Hard chilling and tret-zing the ground ; 
 When the hills and the dales are all candied and white. 
 
 When the rivers congeal to the shore, 
 When the bright twinkling stars shall proclaim .1 cold night, 
 
 Then remember the state of the poor.
 
 146 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTEK. 
 
 When me poor harmless hare may be trac'd to the r,y^^, 
 
 By her footsteps indented in snow ; 
 When the lips and the fingers are starting with blood ; 
 
 When the marksmen a cock-shooting go ; 
 vVhen the poor robin redbreast approaches the cot ; 
 
 When the icicles hang at the door ; 
 IVhen the bowl smokes with something reviving and hot. 
 
 That's the time to remember the poor. 
 
 When a thaw shall ensue, and the waters increase, 
 
 And the rivers all insolent grow ; 
 When the fishes from prison obtain a release ; 
 
 When in danger the travellers go : 
 When the meadows are hid with the proud swelling flood j 
 
 When the bridges are useful no more : 
 When in health you enjoy every thing that is good, 
 
 Can you grumble to think on the poor ? 
 
 Soon the day will be here, when a Saviour was bom, 
 
 All the world should agree as one voice ; 
 All nations unite to salute the blest morn ; 
 
 All ends of the earth shodd rejoice. 
 Grim death is depriv'd of his all-killing sting. 
 
 And the grave is triumphant no more ; 
 Saints, angels and men, hallelujihs shall sing. 
 
 And the rich shall remember the poor. 
 
 — QS^^— 
 
 SECTION LXI. 
 
 Friendship. 
 What power can prop a sinking soul, 
 
 Oppress'd with woes and sick of grief. 
 Bid thft warm tear forbear to roll. 
 Despair's heart-rending sigh control, 
 
 And whisper .sweet relief? 
 
 Friendship ! sweet balm for sorrow's smart, 
 In thee the soothinsf power is found, 
 
 To heal the laceralcd heart. 
 
 Extract affliction's vcnom'd dart, 
 Afid close the rankling wound. 
 
 When pierc'd by griefs chill tempest through, 
 The tendril bends b(?nrath its power. 
 
 Thou canst tiic broken plant renew ; 
 
 Thy sacred lear like heavenly dew. 
 Revives the drooping fiower. 
 
 If Fortune frown — if lieaUh depart, 
 
 Or death divide the tenderest tie, 
 Friendship can raise the sinking heart, 
 A glow ol rcai joy impart. 
 
 And wipe the tearful eye.
 
 THE AMERICAN LNSTrtUCTER. 
 
 147 
 
 If foes without attack our name, 
 
 Or foes within assault our peace, 
 Then Friendship's pure celestial flame, 
 Can sooth the mind — defend our fame, 
 
 And bid assailants cease. 
 
 If hopeless Love our bliss destroy, 
 
 And fill tlie breast with black despair. 
 All peace such sufierers can enjoy. 
 Is built by Friendship's kind employ. 
 Which lessens every care. 
 
 Come, then, sweet power of source divine, 
 
 For ever glow within my breast ; 
 My earliest friend be ever mine, 
 One link our hearts in union join. 
 
 To make each ether blest. 
 
 SECTION LXIl. 
 
 Words of three syllables, acrenied on the seconds. 
 
 A base merit, 7i.the act of hum- 
 bling [sening 
 A bate ment, n. the act ofles- 
 A bu sivc, a. offensive, rude 
 A chz'eve ment, n. the per- 
 formance of an action 
 Ac quain tance, n. familiarity 
 Ac quire ment, «. gain 
 Ad ja cent, a. lying close to 
 Agree ment, n. contract, bar- 
 gain, concord 
 Al lure ment, n. enticement 
 A maze ment, n. extreme fear 
 A muse ment, ?^. diversion 
 Ap pa rent, a. visible, plain 
 Ap pear ance, n. the act of 
 coming into sight ; resem- 
 blance 
 Ar range ment, n. state of be- 
 ing put in order 
 Ar ri val, ». the act of com- 
 ing to a place 
 A sy lum, n. a retreat, refuge 
 A tone ment, n. satisfaction 
 A tro cious, «. very wicked 
 
 Back sli der, n. an apostate 
 Bal CO ny, n. a gallery on the 
 
 outside 
 Be hav iour, n. mailner of ac- 
 tion, condiict 
 Be h'e ver, n.one that believes 
 Ca pa cious, a. large, wide 
 Ces sa tion, n. a stop, rest 
 Com mo tion, n. a tumult 
 Com plete ly, ad. perfectly, 
 
 fully [ment 
 
 Cora pie tion, n. accomplish- 
 Com pli ance, n. submission 
 Com po ser, «. an author, wri" 
 
 ter, former . 
 Con clu sive, n. decisive 
 Con fine ment, n. restraint, 
 
 imprisonment [order 
 
 Con fu sion, [s like zh] n. dis- 
 Con tri vance, n. a scheme, 
 
 plot, artifice 
 Crtur age ous, a- brave, bold 
 Cre a tor, n. the Being that 
 
 bestows existence [test 
 De bate ment, n, disputei con-
 
 143 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 De cez't ful, a. full of deceit, 
 
 treacherous, false 
 De cei ver, n. an impostor 
 De ci sivc, a. conclusive 
 De CO rum, «, decency, or3er 
 De Wghi ful, a. pleasant 
 De port ment, n. conduct, be- 
 haviour [eager 
 De 51 rous, a. full of desire, 
 De vo tion, n. piety, worship, 
 
 ardent love 
 Dis a ble, v. to render unable 
 Do na tion, n. a gift, present 
 Du ra tion, n. continuance 
 En a ble, v. to make able 
 En clo 5ure, [s like zli] n. 
 
 ground enclosed 
 En croach ment, n. an unlaw- 
 ful intrusion 
 En dan ger, v. to bring into 
 danger, to hazard [love 
 En deir ment, n. the cause of 
 En fee ble, v. to weaken 
 En force ment, /». compulsion 
 En gage ment, n. the act of 
 
 engaging ; a battle 
 En gra ver, n. one who en- 
 graves [to instruct 
 En Vigh ten, v. to illuminate ; 
 En li vcn, v, to animate, cheer 
 En noblc,v.to dignify, elevate 
 En rol ment, n. a register, re- 
 cord 
 En slave ment, n, slavery 
 En su ranrc, [s like sh] n. ex- 
 emption from liazard ; sum 
 paid for security 
 En tice ment, n. allurement 
 En tire ly, ad. completely, 
 
 fully 
 Ed ti tie, V. to give a right to 
 E qua tion, n. bringing _of 
 ttungs to an equality 
 
 Er ra ta, n. correction of er-* 
 
 rours in printing 
 Ex treme ly, ad. greatly 
 Fal la cious, a. deceitful 
 Fe ro cious, a. fierce, savage 
 For bear ance, n. act of for-' 
 
 bearing, mildness, lenity 
 For ma tion, n. the act or 
 
 manner of forming 
 Gen teel ly, ad. politely 
 Gen teel ness, n. politeness, 
 
 elegance 
 Gra da tion, «. a regular pro- 
 gress, order, degree 
 He ro ick, a. brave, noble 
 Hi a tus, n.an aperture, breach 
 Ho ri zon, n. the line that ter- 
 minates the view 
 
 I do a, n. mental imagination 
 Ig no ble, a. mean of birth, 
 
 worthless 
 
 II le gal, a. contrary to law, 
 unjust, dishonest 
 
 III na ture, [t like tsh] n. pee- 
 vishness, unkindness 
 
 Im pa tience, n. uneasiness, 
 frctfulness 
 
 Im peach ment, n. a legal ac- 
 cusation, hinderance 
 
 Ira pure ly, ad. in an impure 
 manner 
 
 In clu sive, a. comprehending 
 
 In de cent, a. unbecoming 
 
 In dif t ment, n. a written for- 
 mal accusation of a crime 
 by a grand jury 
 
 In duce ment, n. incitement, 
 motive 
 
 In hu man, a. barbarous,cruel 
 
 In qui ry, n. an interrogation, 
 search 
 
 In va der, n. an assailant, in- 
 truder
 
 THE AMERICAN tNSTRUCTER. 
 
 149 
 
 In va sion, [s like zh] n. hos- 
 tile entrance, assault 
 In vez gle, X'. to seduce, allure 
 In vi ter, n. one who invites 
 Lo qua cious, a. full of talk 
 Mi nute ly, ad. exactly [ment 
 Mis u sage,n. abuse, bad treat- 
 Mo rose ness, n. peevishness, 
 sourness [tiou 
 
 Nar ra tion, n. account, rela- 
 Nar ra tor, n. a relater 
 Ne ga tion, n. denial 
 No ta tion, n. the act of no- 
 ting down, a meaning 
 Ob la tion, n. an offering, sa- 
 crifice 
 Ob scure ly, or?, darkly 
 Oc ca sion, [s like zh] n. a 
 
 cause, opportunity 
 Oc ta vo, a. a sheet folded in- 
 to eight leaves 
 Oc to ber, n. the tenth month 
 
 of the year 
 Op po nent, n. antagonist, ad- 
 versary [ses 
 Op po ser, n. one who oppo- 
 
 ra tion, n. a publick speech, 
 an address [rious 
 
 Out rage ous, a. violent, fu- 
 Par ta ker, n. a sharer, an as- 1 
 
 sociate 
 Per sua sivc, a. having ti)e 
 
 power to persuade 
 Pe ru sal, n. the act of reading 
 Plan ta rion. n. a place plant- 
 ed ; a colony 
 Po lite ness, n. elegance of 
 
 manners, gentility 
 Pol lu tion,n defilement, guilt 
 Po ta to, 11. an esculent root 
 Pre cise ly, ad. exactly, accu- 
 rately [tion 
 
 1 Pri va tion, n. a loss, destruc- 
 
 Pro ceed iug,n. progress fron\ 
 
 one thing to another 
 Pro fane ly, ad. wickedly 
 Pro fane ness, n. irrevereneCj 
 
 impiety 
 Pro fuse ness, n. lavishness 
 Pro mo ter, n. an encourager, 
 
 advancer 
 Pro mo tion, n. advancement^ 
 exaltation to some new hon- 
 our or rank [ratio 
 Pro por tion, n. an equal part, 
 Pro po sal, n. a scheme pro- 
 pounded [vides 
 Pro vi der, w. one who pro- 
 Quo ta tion, a. a passage quo- 
 ted, citation 
 Ra pa cious, a. seizing by vi- 
 olence ; given to plunder 
 Re ci tal, n. rehearsal, repe- 
 tition 
 Re deem er, n. the Saviour of 
 the world ; one who redeems 
 Re fine ment, a. a purifying, ' 
 
 an improvement 
 Re fi ner, n. a purifier 
 Re fu saJ, n. the first right of 
 
 choice ; denial 
 Re la tion, n. kindred ; a uar- 
 ration ; reference [ance 
 Re li ance, n. trust, depend- 
 Re main der, n. v/liat is left 
 Re new al, n. the act of re- 
 newing 
 Re preach ful, a. infamous, 
 scurrilous [bode 
 
 Re tire ment, n^ a private «- 
 Sal va tion, n. preservation 
 
 from eternal death 
 Se date ness, n. calmness 
 Sen sa tion, n. pei-ception by 
 the senses [flictively 
 
 Se vere ly, ad. paiufuUy, af • 
 13»
 
 159 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 1 j 2 
 
 Sin cere ly, ad. honestly Ad diet cA, pa. devoted to 
 
 So lu tion, n. explanation, an- 
 swer, separation 
 Spec ta tor, n. a looker on 
 Sub scri ber, n. one who sub- 
 scribes 
 Temp ta tion, n. the act of 
 
 tempting, enticement 
 Tes ta tor, n. one who leaves 
 
 a will 
 Tor na do, n. a hurricane 
 Trans pa rent, a. that which 
 ntiay be seen through, clear 
 Un a ble, a. not able, weak 
 Un ea sy, a. disturbed [equal 
 Un e qual, a. not even, not 
 Un faith ful, a. treacherous, 
 
 dishonest 
 Un e yen, a. not level [ful 
 Un grate ful, a. vile, unthmik^ 
 Un ho ly, a. profane, wicked 
 Un kind ness, n. ill will 
 Un like ly, ad. improbable[cd 
 Un qui et, a. restless, disturb- 
 Un whole some, a. not whole- 
 some, unhealthy 
 Va ca tion, n. leisure, inter- 
 mission 
 Ver ba tim, ad. word for word 
 Vex a tion, n. the act of troub- 
 ling, sorrow [tain 
 Vol ca no, n. a burning moun- 
 
 2 
 A bandon,v.toforsakc,descrt 
 A bridg ment, n. a work shor- 
 tened [manner 
 Ab rupt ness, n. in an abrupt 
 A bun dance, n. great plenty 
 
 Ac 
 
 cep tance, n. reception 
 
 with approbation 
 Ac ces sion, n. addition 
 Ac cus torn, V. to o§e one's 
 
 self to 
 
 Ad mit tance, n. tha act of 
 admitting [ment 
 
 Ad vancc ment, n. improve- 
 Ad van tage, n. superiority 
 Af fee tion, ii. love, kindness 
 Af flic tion,//.. distress, misery 
 Al read y,ad. now,at this time 
 A mend ment, n. a change for 
 
 the better 
 Ap par el, ?i. dress, clothing 
 Ap pen dix, n. something ad- 
 ded, a supplement 
 As sas sin, n. a murderel" 
 Ap pren ticc, 7i. one bound to 
 
 learn a trade 
 As sem ble, v. to bring or 
 meet together [together 
 As sem bly, //. a company met 
 As sess ment, n. taxation 
 As ses sor, n. one that lays 
 taxes [lief 
 
 As sis tance, n. help, aid, re- 
 At ten dance, n. the act of 
 
 waiting on another 
 At ten dant, n. one that at- 
 tends [gardful 
 At ten tive, a. heedful, re- 
 Bat tal ion, n. division of an 
 
 army 
 Be gin ning, n. the first cause 
 Clan des tine, a. secret, hid-' 
 den, sly [ered 
 
 Col Ice tion,7j. the things gath- 
 Col lee tor, n. a gatherer, a 
 
 receiver of taxes 
 Com mis sion, /i. a trust, war- 
 rant of oflice [ment 
 Com mit ment, n. imprison- 
 Com mit tee, n. a number of 
 persons appointed to man- 
 age any matter 
 Com pact ly, ad, closely
 
 THE AMERICAN IXSTRUCTER. tol 
 
 Com ])ul sion, ?/. the act of 
 
 compelling 
 
 Con fcs sion, n. the acknowl- 
 edgment of a crime .; 
 Con sid er, r. to think, ponder 
 Con sis tent, a. conformable 
 Con tera plate, v. to meditate 
 
 Com pan ion, n. a partner 
 
 Com pas sion, n. pity, mercy 
 
 Com pen sate, v. to recom- 
 pense, to make amends 
 
 Com plex ion, n. the colour 
 of the face 
 
 Com pul sivc, a. forcible|^ 
 
 SECTION LXIll. 
 
 On the animal ivorlJ, and the scale of beings. 
 
 If we consider those parts of the material world 
 which lie nearest to us, and are therefore subject to our 
 inquiries, it is amazing to letlect on the infinity of ani- 
 mals with which it is stocked. Every part of matter 
 swarms with inhabitants ; nay, we find in the most solid 
 bodies, innumerable cells and cavities, which are crowd- 
 ed with those imperceptible inhabitants that are too 
 small for the naked eye to discover. 
 
 On the other hand, if we look into the more bulky 
 parts of nature, we see the setis, lakes and rivers teem- 
 ing with numberless kinds of hving creatures ; we find 
 every mountain and marsh, wilderness and wood, plen- 
 tifully stocked with birds and beasts, and every part of 
 matter afibrding proper necessaries and conveniences 
 for the livelihood of multitudes which inhabit it. 
 
 Infinite goodness is of so communicative a nature, that 
 it seems to delight in conferring existence upon every 
 degree of perceptive being. There are some living crea- 
 tures which are raised but little above dead matter. To 
 mention only that species of shell-fish, which are formed 
 in the fashion of a cone, which grow to the surface of 
 rocks, and immediately die when separated from the 
 place where they grow. 
 
 Many other creatures are but one remove from these, 
 possessing no other senses but those of feeling and taste: 
 others have an additional sense of hearing ; others of 
 smelling ; and others of sight. It is wonderful to ob- 
 serve, by what a gradual progress the world of life ad- 
 ' vances through a prodigious variety of species, before a
 
 iB2 THE AMERICAN IN3TRUCTER. 
 
 creature is formed which is complete in all its senses ; 
 and the several degrees of perfection in which the sen- 
 ses are found, in the same species, are so great, that 
 they seem almost of a different nature. 
 
 If we look into the several perfections of cunning and 
 «agacity, we find them rising imperceptibly one above 
 another, and receiving additional improvements, accord- 
 ing to the species in which they are implanted. The 
 progress in nature is so very gradual, that the most 
 perfect of an inferiour species, comes very near to the 
 most imperfect of that which is immediately above it. 
 
 The unbounded goodness of the Supreme Being, 
 whose mercy extends to all his works, is plainly seen 
 from his having made so little matter which does not 
 swarm with life ; nor is his goodness less seen in the di- 
 versity, than in the multitude of living creatures. Had 
 he made only one species of animals, none of the rest 
 would have enjoyed the happiness of existence : he has 
 therefore varied his creation with every degree of life, 
 with every capacity of being. 
 
 The whole chasm of nature, from a plant to a man, 
 is filled up with divers kinds of creatures, rising one 
 above another by such a gentle and easy ascent, that the 
 little transitions and deviations from one species to an- 
 other, are almost imperceptible. This intermediate 
 space is so well managed, that there is scarce a degree 
 of perception which does not appear in some part of 
 the world of life. 
 
 In this system of being, there is no creature so won- 
 derful in its nature, and which so much deserves our 
 particular attention, us man, who fills up the middle space 
 between the animal and intellectir<il nature, tlie visible 
 and invisible world, and is that link in the chain of be- 
 ings which has often been termed the connexion ofeti^ 
 world. So that he, mIio is in one resjjcct associated 
 with angels and archangels, may look upon a Being of 
 infinite perfection as his father, and the highest order 
 of spirits as his brethren ; and may, in anotlicr respect, 
 say to corruption, " thou art my father, and to the 
 worm, thou art my mother and my sister."
 
 THE AMERICAN INStRUCTER. 153 
 
 '; % ; SECTION LXIV. 
 
 On •profane Cursijig and Swearing. 
 
 Of all the vices with which the present age is affect- 
 $d, none seem so prevalent, none so disregarded, as that 
 heinous sin of profane cursing and swearing. All ages 
 and conditions have caught the dangerous infection: 
 the statesman, the labourer, the decrepit old man, and 
 the lisping infant, are alike distempered. 
 
 Each in his turn, daily makes use of the same horrid 
 imprecations, boldly calling down the vengeance of that 
 God, who hath said, " Thou shalt not take the name of 
 the Lord thy God in vain," upon their own, and each 
 other's heads. That Almiglity Being by whom we live, 
 and move, and have our existence, hath in direct and 
 positive terms told us, that " the man who taketh his 
 name in vain shall not be held guiltless." 
 
 Dare we then so frequently to violate this article of 
 the decalogue, when truth and justice have declared its 
 enormous guilt, when such impending danger threatens 
 the wretch, and seems every moment ready to crush 
 him .'' surely every one who is guided by reason or re- 
 ligion, will carefully avoid so dangerous and unprofitable 
 a vice. It brings with it no temporal advantage, like 
 many other vices, and serves no other purpose, but the 
 false opinion of making a man's assertion of consequence. 
 
 Avarice heaps up gold, and though it dares not use 
 it, yet it feels a satisfaction in turning over and over its 
 massy stores : dishonesty brings, perhaps, a timely sup- 
 ply to the necessities of a villain, and keeps him a few 
 days without the walls of a dungeon : gluttony and 
 drunkenness satiate the appetites of those who are their 
 votaries ; and even murder, the most shocking of all 
 crimes, pleases the perpetrator with 'the cruel, though 
 false notion among men, that revenge is sweet. 
 
 All these vices have the probability of gratifying some 
 corrupt inclination, or of affording us some temporal en- 
 joyment : but swearing can answer no purpose, except 
 that of giving a seeming consequence ; and even here it 
 misses its aim ; for the exprlessions of the swearer have
 
 Id4 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 become so common, that the\" are considered as mere 
 cyphers or expletives in discourse. Indeed, the ration- 
 al part of mankind consider the affirmations of the com- 
 mon swearer, as doubtful and futye ; and the more so, in 
 proportion to the number of oatlis that accompany them. 
 To what a wretched ebb must a man's reputation be 
 sunk, who thinks he is not to be credited, unless he con- 
 firms whatever he advances with the most solemn inv 
 precations ! Let us then endeavour to forsake a vice so 
 replete with danger, folly and madness ; nor boldly call 
 down the judgements of an offended God upon ourselves 
 and others, lest at some time he should visit us with 
 those very curses we have wickedly desired he would 
 inflict upon us. 
 
 SECTION LXV. 
 
 IVords of three syllables, accented on the second , Continued 
 
 Con tention, n. strife, quarrel 
 Con ten tious, a. quarrelsome 
 Con tent ment, n. satisfaction 
 Con tin uc,z). to remain in the 
 
 same state, to persevere 
 Con trac tion, n. abbreviation 
 Cen ven tion, 7i. an assembly 
 Cor rec tion, n. punishment 
 Cor re«t ly, ad. accurately 
 Cor rect ness, n. accuracy 
 De can ter, n. a glass vessel 
 
 used for holding: liquor 
 De cem ber, n. the last month 
 
 iu the year 
 De cep tion, n. cheat, fraud 
 De li cious, a. sweet, pleasant 
 De liv er, v. to give, save 
 De ris ioi^, [s like zli] «, con- 
 
 temj)t, scorn 
 De struc tion,n. ruin, murder 
 
 Di niin ish, v. to lessen, de- 
 crease 
 Di rec tion, n. order, rule 
 Di rect ly, ad. immediately, 
 
 soon ; in a straight line 
 Dis cour age, v. to depress 
 Dis fig urc, V. to deform 
 Dis mis sion, n. a discharge 
 Dis tern per, n. a disease 
 Dis tine tion, 7i. difference, 
 
 note 
 Dis tinct ly, ad. clearly 
 Dis tin guisli, V. to hotc, hon- 
 our, perceive [fusion 
 Dis trac tion, n. madness, con- 
 Dis tril) ute, v. to divide a- 
 mong many [perplexity 
 Dis tur bancc, ?t. confusion, 
 Di y'ls ion, [s like v.h] n. the 
 act of dividing 
 
 De struc tivc, a. wasteful, that < Do nies tick, a. belonging to 
 which destroys I the house, private [dour 
 
 De tach ment, 71. a body of E.f ful genc^', n. lustre, splen- 
 troops sent out from tlic ; E lee tion, «. the act of choos 
 main army ' ing, choice
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 155 
 
 E lee tor, n. one who elects 
 Em bar rass, v. to perplex 
 Em bel lish, v. to adorn 
 E mis sion, n. the act of send- 
 ing forth [love 
 En am our, v. to inflame with 
 En camp ment, ?i. a camp ; 
 
 the act of encamping 
 En cour age, v. to animate 
 En cum ber, v. to clog, em- 
 barrass [tempt 
 En deav our, v. to strive, at- 
 En kin die, v. to set on fire 
 En tan gle, v. to insnare, 
 
 confuse, puzzle 
 En vel op, v. to inwrap, cover 
 En ven om,i'. tc poison,enrage 
 E pis tie, n. a letter, message 
 E rup tion, /!. a bursting forth 
 Es sen tia), a. necessary [tie 
 E stab lish, V. to confirm, set- 
 Ex am ine, v. to ask ques- 
 tions, consider 
 Ex am pie, /i.. a pattern, copy, 
 
 precedent 
 Ex hib if, V. to offer to view 
 Ex is tence, n. state of being 
 Ex pan sive, a. extensive,wide 
 Ex pen sive, a. costly, dear 
 Ex pres sion, 71. a form of 
 
 speech 
 Ex press \y,acl. in direct terms 
 Ex pul sion, n. an expelling 
 Ex ten sive, a. wide, large 
 Ex tin guish, 7;, to put out, 
 
 destroy 
 Ex trac tion, n. a drawing out 
 Fa mil iar, a. afTable, free 
 For bid dance, n. prohibition 
 Fore tel ler, n. a predictor 
 For get ful,rg hard] a. not re- 
 membering, lieedless [don 
 For give ness, [g hard] n. par- 
 
 Gi gan tick, a. giantlike, big 
 Here after, ad. in future time 
 How ev er, ad. nevertheless, 
 
 vet, at least 
 II lus trate, v. to explain ; to 
 
 brighten 
 Im ag inc, [g soft] v. to fancy, 
 
 to contrive 
 Im pres sion, n. mark made 
 
 by pressure ; influence 
 
 made on the mind [fine 
 Im pris on, v. to shut up, con- 
 Im pul sive, a. having power 
 
 to impel [ployed 
 
 In ac tivc, a. indolent, unem- 
 In ces sant, a. continual 
 In cul cate, v. to impress by 
 
 admonitions, to teach 
 In den ture, [t like tsh] n. a 
 
 kind of covenant or deed 
 In dig nant, a. angry, raging 
 In dul gence, n. forbearance, 
 
 fondness, favour granted 
 In dul gent, a.kind,favourable 
 In fee tious, o. contagious 
 In flee tion, n. the act of bend- 
 ing or varying ; modulation 
 
 of the voice [breakii^g 
 
 Ln frac tion, h. the act of 
 In fringe ment, ?i. a violation, 
 
 breach 
 In hab it, v. to dwell in 
 In her it, •u.to possess, to have 
 
 by inheritance [order 
 
 In June tion, n. a command, 
 In Jus tice, n. unfair dealing, 
 
 iniquity 
 In scrip tion, n. an epitaph, 
 
 a thing written, title 
 In sip id, a. without taste, dull 
 In spec tion, n. examination, 
 
 survey, view [dent 
 
 In spec tor, ?i. a superinten-
 
 li»6 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 In striic ter, n. a teacher 
 tn siruc tion, n. information, 
 
 the act of teaching 
 In stnic tivc, a. conveynig 
 
 knowledge 
 In ten lum^n. design, purpose 
 lu tcs tate, n. dying without 
 
 a will 
 In trench inent, n. a fortifi- 
 cation with a trench 
 In ti-ep id, a. fearless, brave 
 -la trin sick, a. inward, real 
 In vnl id, a. weak, of no force 
 In vec tivc, a. abusive,satirical 
 Inven tion, n. the act of pro- 
 ducing something new 
 Ir rnp tion, v. an inroad, the 
 act of any thing forcing an 
 entrance 
 Ju di cious, a. prudent, wise, 
 
 skilful   . 
 
 Li cen tious, a. unrestrained, 
 
 presumptuous, loose 
 
 Ma pi cian, h. one skilled m 
 
 ^ magick [>'Ug"^^ 
 
 Ma ies tick, a. grand, royal, 
 
 Ma "li cious, a, malignani, ill- 
 
 natnreJj spiteful [cious 
 
 Malig nant, a. envious, niali- 
 
 Me c/(an ick, n. an artificer 
 
 Metheg lin, n. a drink made 
 
 of honev aud water 
 Mi li lia. "imlUisli yu] «. na- 
 tional force, trainbands 
 Mis man age, r. to manage ill 
 Mo men tons, a. important, 
 weighty Imusick 
 
 Mu si cian, «• one skdled m 
 Neg lect ful, o. inattentive, 
 
 heedless 
 Noc tur nai, a- nightly 
 No vcm bnr, n. the eleventh 
 monMi of the year 
 
 Ob jec tion, n. an opposition 
 Ob jec tor,». one who object* 
 Ob struc tion, n. hinderanec 
 Oc currence,n. any thing that 
 
 happens 
 Of fence less, a. innocent 
 Of fen dcr, n. one who offends 
 Of fen sivt, a. displeasing, 
 hurtful [fice 
 
 Of fi cial, a. relating to an of- 
 I O mis sion, 7i. neglect, for- 
 bearance [mcnt 
 O pin ion,n. sentiment, judge- 
 Op pros sive, a. cruel, severe 
 Op prcs sion, n. cruelty, hard- 
 ship . 
 Out bal ancc, v. to outweigh 
 Pa rcn tal, a. becoming pa- 
 rents, affectionate [der ^ 
 Pa thet ick, a. affecting, ten- 
 Per di tion, n. destruction, 
 
 ruin 
 Per fee tion, n. the state o! 
 being perfect [erty 
 
 Per mis sion, n. a grant of lib- 
 Per ni cious, a. destructive 
 Per spec tivc, n. a glass 
 through which things are 
 viewed ; a. relating to vi- 
 sion 
 Pe ti tion, n. a request, en- 
 treaty ; V. to solicit, entreat 
 Phy si cian, n. one who pro- 
 losses the art of healing 
 Pi az 7,a, n. a short walk un 
 
 der arches, a portico 
 Pncu mat icks,_ n. the doc- 
 trine of the air 
 Po ii tion, 7). situation; rule 
 j Pos scs sion, n* the state ol 
 having in one's own power 
 Pos ses sor, n. an owner, pro- 
 ' prietor
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 isn 
 
 ft"e cep tor, n. a teacher, tutor 
 Pre die tion, n. a prophecy 
 Pre sent ment, n. the act of 
 
 presenting 
 Pre snmp tion, n. arrogance, 
 
 boldness, supposition 
 Pre ten sion, n. a claim, pre- 
 tence 
 Pro ces sion, n. a train march- 
 ing in solemnity [ducing 
 Pro due tion,n. the act of pro- 
 Pro due tive, a. fertile, having 
 
 the power to produce 
 Pro fes sor, n. a publick teach- 
 er or lecturer ; one who 
 makes open declaration of 
 faith 
 Pro fes sion, n,. a declaration, 
 
 calling, employment 
 Pro fi cient, n. one who makes 
 
 good improvement 
 Pro gres sivc, a. going forward 
 Pro hib it, v. to debar, forbid 
 Pro jec tor, n. one who forms 
 
 schemes or designs 
 Pro mul gate, v. to publish, to 
 
 make known 
 Pro phet ick, a. foretelling fu- 
 ture events [ter 
 Pro tec tion,??, a defence,shel- 
 Pro tec tor, n. a defender 
 Pro vis ion, [s like zh] ti. 
 victuals, food ; a providing 
 beforehand 
 Re bell ion, n. opposition to 
 
 lawful authority 
 Re bell ious, a. opposing law- 
 ful authority fceiving 
 Re cep tion, n. the act of re- 
 Re demp tion, «• a ransom, 
 release [ducing 
 Re due tion, n. the act of re- 
 Re dun dance, n. superfluity} 
 
 ' Re dun dant, a. superiuouSj 
 
 exuberant 
 Re flee tion, n. consideration 5 
 
 the act of throwing back 
 Re fresh ment, n. food, noujN 
 ishment [brightness 
 
 Re ful gence, n. splendour, 
 Re ful gent, a. bright, splendid 
 Re gard less, a. heedless 
 Re jec tion, n. the act of cast- 
 ing off 
 Re lig ion, [g soft] n. a sys- 
 tem of divine faith and 
 worship [devout 
 
 Re lig ious, [g soft] a. pious, 
 Re lin quish, v. to forsake, 
 
 give up 
 Re luc tancfi, n. unwillingness 
 Re luc tant, a. unwilling 
 Re mem ber, v. to bear in 
 mind [tion 
 
 Re mem brance, n. recollec- 
 Re mis sion, n. forgiveness, 
 pardon, abatement [sin 
 Re pen tance, n. sorrow for 
 Re plen ish, v. to stock, to fill 
 Re pub lick, 71. a common- 
 wealth or state governed by 
 representatives elected by 
 the people 
 Re pug nant, a. contrary, dis- 
 obedient 
 Re sem bianco, n. likeness 
 Re sem ble, v. to be like 
 Re sent ment, ??. a deep sense 
 
 of injury 
 Re sis tance, 7i. opposition, 
 
 the act of resisting 
 Re splen denee, n. lustre 
 Re splen dent, a. bright, shi- 
 ning 
 Re stric tion, 71. limitation 
 Re venge ful, a. full of revenge 
 14
 
 15S 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Re vis ion, [s like zh] n. a 
 
 re-examination 
 Se di tion, n. tumult, an insur- 
 rection [sing 
 Se lee tion, n. the act of choo- 
 Sep tem ber, n. the ninth 
 
 month of the year 
 Se raph ick, a. angelick 
 So lie it, [c like s] v. to en- 
 treat, ask [mazing 
 Stu pen dous, a. wonderful, a- 
 Sub jec tion, n. the state of 
 
 being under government 
 Sub mis sion, n. resignation, 
 
 obedience 
 Sub mis sive, a. humble [port 
 Sub sis tence, n. means of sup- 
 Sub Stan tial, a. real, solid 
 Sue cess ful, a. prosperous, 
 
 fortunate 
 Sue ces sion, ». a series of 
 things or persons following 
 one another 
 Successor, n. one who fol- 
 lows in the place of another 
 Suf fi cient, a. equal to any 
 
 purpose, competent 
 Sur ren dor, v. to yield or 
 
 deliver up 
 To bac CO, n. a plant much 
 used for smoking, chew- 
 ing, &c. 
 To geTH er, [g hard] ad. in 
 
 company, in concert 
 Tra di tion, n. oral account 
 
 from ago to age 
 Trans ac tion, n. dealing be- 
 tween man and man, nego- 
 tiation [crime 
 Trans gres sion, n. an ollonco, 
 Trans gres sor, n. an offen- 
 der, a law breaker [awful 
 Tr« men d»us, a. dreadful, 
 
 Tri umph ant, a. victorious, 
 
 celebrating victory 
 Tu i tion, n. instruction 
 Urn brel la, n. a cover from 
 
 the sun or rain 
 Un civ iK a. impolite, rude 
 Un han dy, a. awkward 
 Un hap py, a. wretched, un- 
 fortunate, distressed 
 Un health y, a. sickly, morbid 
 Un just ly, ad. contrary to 
 
 justice or right 
 Un luc ky, a. unfortunate 
 Un man ly, ad. unbecoming 
 a man [attentive 
 
 Un mind ful, a. negligent, in- 
 Un pleas ant, a. not pleasant 
 Un skil ful, a, wanting art or 
 knowledge [riable 
 
 Un stead y, a. inconstant, va- 
 Un thank ful, a. ungrateful 
 
 3 
 
 Ab hor rencc, n. great hatred 
 Ac cor dance, n. conformity 
 Ac cor ding, ^rt. agreeable to 
 Di.s- or der, n. sickness, con- 
 fusion 
 \\.w)v mous, a. very large ; 
 
 wicked, irregular 
 Ini mor tnl, a. exempt from 
 
 (loath, perpetual 
 III st-il iiiont, n. the act of in- 
 stalling ; a payment 
 Mis for tuuc, [t like tsh] «■ 
 
 bad luck, c.damity 
 Per form anc<:, «. the act of 
 
 jxTroriniiig 
 Pf'r form er, n. one who per- 
 forms any thing [cords 
 Ko cord er, n. one who re- 
 Un lawrful, a. contrary to law 
 4 
 
 A part mcnt, n. a room
 
 rut. AiVERlCAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 U^ 
 
 Com man der, n. a chief, a 
 
 leader 
 Com mand ment, n. a com- 
 mand, order, Jaw 
 En large ment, n. an increase 
 Hard heart ed, a. merciless, 
 
 , cruel, inhuman 
 Im mar tial, a. not warlike 
 Im par tial, a. equitable, just 
 
 5 
 A bol isb, V. to destroy, re- 
 peal 
 Ac com plish, v. to finish 
 Ac know\ edge, v. to confess 
 Ad mon ish, v. to reprove 
 A pos tie, n. a person sent to 
 
 preach the gospel 
 As ton ish, v. to amaze 
 De mol ish, v. to destroy 
 Vis Aon est, a. knavish, base 
 D'ls /ton our, n. reproach, dis- 
 grace 
 Fore know] edge, n. knowl- 
 edge of future events 
 Im mod est, a. indecent 
 Im mor al, a. wicked, vicious 
 Im pos tor, n. a false preten- 
 der, a cheat 
 Im prop er, a. unfit, wrong 
 In con stani, a. unsteady, va- 
 riable, fickle 
 In sol vent, a. unable to pay 
 
 debts 
 Ma son ick, a. pertaining to 
 
 masonry 
 Mis con duct, n. ill behaviour 
 Re mon strance, n. a repre- 
 sentation 
 Re mon strate, v. to object 
 Un com mon, a. not frequent, 
 unusual 
 6 
 Ac coa tre, v. to equip 
 
 Ln prove ment, n. advance- 
 ment, the act of improving 
 
 Im pru dence, n. indiscretion, 
 negligence 
 
 Im pru dent, a. injudicious, 
 indiscreet, negligent 
 
 In tru der, n. one who forces 
 himself into company 
 
 In tru 5ion, [s Hke zh] n. the 
 act of intruding 
 
 Re mo val, n. the act of mov- 
 ing, a dismission [fertile 
 
 Un fruit ful, a. barren, not 
 
 Un ru ly, a. ungovernable, 
 
 turbulent 
 
 8 
 An oTH er, a. not the samej 
 
 one more 
 At tor ney, n. a lawyer, an 
 
 agent [gant 
 
 Be com ing, a. graceful, ele- 
 Dis cov er, v. to disclose, find 
 
 out, to make known 
 En com pass, v. to surround 
 Re cov er, v. to grow well, 
 
 regain 
 
 9 
 
 Con vey ance,"n. the act of re- 
 moving any thing 
 
 Sur vey or, n. an overseer ; » 
 measurer of land 
 
 oi 
 
 Ap point ment, n. a decree, 
 
 order [figure work 
 
 Em broi der, v. to adorn with 
 
 Em ploy ment, n. busmess, 
 
 office 
 En joy ment, n. happiness , 
 
 ou 
 
 De vout ly, ad. piously, reh : 
 giously ' 
 
 Un bound ed, a, unlimited
 
 160 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. ^^k' 
 
 SECTION LXyi. 
 
 On Procrastination. 
 
 Few things are more ruinous, even to our secular at-^ 
 fairs, than customary procrastination. It confuses and 
 tlights every kind of worldly business ; for business 
 not attended to in the proper time and season, is either 
 not done at all, or done with more labour and difficul- 
 ty, and to less purpose. 
 
 Some men are in the practice of letting their accounts 
 Jie unsettled for several years together. It is no mat- 
 ter they say, we are near neighbours and close friends, 
 and can come to a reckoning at any time. At length a 
 settlement commences : the accounts of each, however 
 honest, are swelled beyond the expectation of the other. 
 On both sides, several items are vanished from the re- 
 membrance of him who is charged with them; A warm 
 dispute ensues ; perhaps an arbitration ; peradventure 
 an expensive lawsuit ; and these close friends are sev 
 cred forever. 
 
 Some men neglect to make their ivills, though they 
 •know their estates would be inherited contrary to their 
 own minds, and the rule of equity, if they should chance 
 to die intestate. Knowing this, and sincerely wishing 
 that right may be done to their heirs, they are fully 
 determined to perform the necessary act and deed, 
 some time or other. " But why just now ? Another 
 time will do as well." And thus they delay the thing 
 from year to year, till at last the time of doing it is 
 gone by ; a precious widow, or a beloved and deserv- 
 ing child, is left to suffer througii life the bitter conse- 
 quences of this default. 
 
 Some farmers, double their labour, and lose half their 
 profits, for want of doing things in their proper season. \ 
 Their fields are overgrown with bushes and thorns, all 
 which a little seasonable labour might have prevented. 
 Their fences, and even their buildings, are neglected, 
 till the cost of repairs becomes increased several fold ; 
 besides their sustaining a train of inconveniences, and 
 •«f serious injuries from the neglect. 
 
 Their crops also cost more labour, and at the same
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 161 
 
 time are leaner in bulk, or inferiour in quality, by rea- 
 son that much of the labour that had been bestowed up- 
 on them was out of season. Nor is it uncommon to see 
 farmers of this sort in a mighty hurry and bustle. They 
 are behind their business, and running to overtake it ; 
 which is the cause of their being so often in a greater 
 hurry than their neighbours. 
 
 Many a one loses his custom as a raechauick, by not 
 doing his work in season. It makes no odds, he thinks, 
 whether the thing be done precisely at the time agreed 
 upon — but his customers do not think so. 
 
 What does not a merchant lose, in custom, in credit, 
 and in cash, by neglecting his books, though it be on- 
 ly a few days. How hard does he find it to sot right, 
 what might easily have been kept right, if he had done 
 the work of each day within the day. 
 
 Honest Jonathan borrows a sum of money of his par- 
 ticular friend, on the express promise of scrupulous 
 punctuality. He gets the money by the da}- ; but be- 
 ing busy here and there, he delays to carry or send it. 
 The money happens to be wanted the very day it be- 
 comes due ; and with that particular friend, Jonathan's 
 borrowing credit is utterly lost. 
 
 Sometimes a doctor, who possesses undoubted skill 
 in his profession, loves talk better than practice. Called 
 away in a case of pressing emergency, he sets out with 
 speed ; but meets an old acquaintance, to whom he 
 opens a budget of news and politicks, which takes up 
 half an hour in the relating ; and by the tirae he ar- 
 rives, all is over. Half an hour sooner, and his pa- 
 tient might have been saved. 
 
 Violent pains and fevery chills seize us ; if they go 
 not off, we \\'ill send for the physician to-morrow. Ere 
 to-morrow arrives, the distemper gains a firmness that 
 baffles tlie physician's skill. 
 
 Hark ! The cry of fear and dismay. The Small- 
 pox! Our children have cauglit the contagion; we 
 meant to have had them vaccinated, but have put it off, 
 and the time for it Is now past. 
 
 Upon the whole — that which may be doue at any 
 
 14" 
 
 4'
 
 jt82 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 time, is seldom d<»ie in seasoa, and otten leftnndone ; 
 whereas a litUe time that is known to be the only time, 
 suffices for bringing much to pass. Again, when we have 
 various means of obtaining our object, we arejess hk^ 
 ly to obtain it tlian if we Ivad only one, and that a tea- 
 sible and good one ; for a vibrating mmd is inactive, 
 and he that loiters rarely succeeds. For the same rear 
 son, one good calling is better than lialf a dozen. 
 
 SECTION LXVII. 
 
 Wommu 
 Give ear, faitr daughter of innocence, to the instruc- 
 tions of prudence, and let the precepts of truth shik 
 deep in thy heart ; so shall the charms ot thy mmd 
 add lustre to the elegance of thy form ; and thy beau- 
 ty, like the rose it resembles, shall retain its sweetness 
 when its bloom is withered. 
 
 i Remember thou art made man's reasonable compan- 
 ion, not the slave of bis passions. The end of thy be- 
 ingis to assist him in the toils of life, to sooih him with 
 thy tenderness, and to recompense his care with soft 
 
 endearments. 
 
 Who is she that wins the heart of man, that subdues 
 bim to love, and reigns in his breast ? Lo ! yonder she 
 walks in maiden sweetness, with innocence m her mmd, 
 and modesty on her cheek. 
 
 She is clothed with neatness, she is fed with temper- 
 ance : humility and meekness are as a crown of glory 
 encircling her head. Decency is in all her words, m 
 her answers are mildness and truth. 
 
 When virtue and modesty enlighten her charms, she 
 is beautiful as the stars of heaven. The imiocence of 
 her eye is like that of the turtle; simplicity and truth 
 
 dwell in her heart. . 
 
 She presides in the house, and there is peace ; she 
 commands with judgement, and is obeyed. She arises 
 in the morning, she considers her affairs, and appoints 
 10 her maidens their proper business. 
 
 The care of her family is her deUyht ; to that she ap*
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 163 
 
 plies her study ; and elegance with frugality is seen in 
 her mansion. The prudence of her luauageniem i;i an 
 honour to her husband, and he hears her pra.isL with a 
 secret delight. 
 
 She informs the minds of her children with wisdom; 
 she fashions their manners from the example of her own 
 goodness. The word of her mouth is the law of their 
 youth, the motion of here3^e commands obedience. 
 
 In prosperity, she is not pulled up ; in adversity, she 
 heals the wounds of fortune with patience. The troub- 
 les of her husband are alleviated by her counsels, and 
 sweetened by her endearments. 
 
 Happy is the man that hath made her his wife ; hap- 
 py is the child that calls her mother. 
 
 That such may be thy happy lot, fair daughter of 
 America, listen to the directions of wisdom, and regu- 
 late thy heart and life by the principles of piety and 
 virtue. 
 
 — QiO©— 
 
 SECTION LXVIII. 
 
 Words of three syllables, accented on the third. 
 
 1 
 Im po lite, a. rude, uncivil 
 In com mode, v. to hinder^ 
 
 embarrass, disturb 
 In com plete, a. not perfect 
 In dis creet, a. imprudent 
 In dis pos«, V. to make unfit, 
 
 to disorder 
 In se cure, a.not secure,uasafe 
 In sin cere, a. deceitful 
 In ter cede, v. to mediatCj 
 
 entreat, interpose 
 In ter fere, v. to interpose 
 To ter line, v^ to write be* 
 
 tween lines 
 In ter pose, v. to mediate, to 
 
 place between 
 Lem on ade. n. a mixture of 
 
 water, sugar and lemons 
 Mis ap ply, v to apply to 
 
 wrong piu-poses 
 
 1 
 
 Ab sen tee,«. a person absent 
 Ad ver Use, v. to give notice 
 As cer tatn, v. to make cer- 
 tain [cannon 
 Can non ade, v. to batter with 
 Co in cide, v. to agree 
 Dis a gree, v. to differ 
 Dis ap pear, v. to vanish 
 Dis be h'eve, v. not to credit 
 Dis com mode, v. to put to 
 
 inconvenience 
 Dis u nite, v. to separate 
 Dom i neer, v. to hector, to 
 ^ behave with insolence 
 Ev er more, ad. always, for- 
 ever 
 Fore or dazn, v. to determine 
 
 beforehand 
 Here to fore, ad. formerly 
 Im ma ture, a. not ripe I
 
 164 
 
 THE AMERICAN irSSTRUCTER. 
 
 Mis be have, v. to behave im- 
 properly 
 Mis be lief, n. a wrong belief 
 Mis re port, 7i. a false account 
 Mort ga gee, ft. one who takes 
 
 a mortgage 
 O ver AoWf v. to run over, 
 
 to deluge 
 O ver hear, v. to hear secret- 
 ly or by chance 
 O ver pay, v. to pay more 
 
 than the just price 
 O ver prize, v. to value at too 
 
 high a price 
 O ver seer, n. a superintend- 
 ent [long 
 O ver sleep, v, to sleep too 
 O ver take, v. to come up 
 
 with, to catch 
 O ver thro//?, r. to throw down, 
 
 defeat, destroy 
 
 Pat en tee, n. one who has a 
 
 patent granted him [tinue 
 
 Per se vere.D.to persist, con- 
 
 Pri va teer. n. a ship of war 
 
 belonging to private citizens 
 
 Re as sume, v. to resume, to 
 
 take again [forces 
 
 Re en force, v. to send new 
 
 Re in state, v. to replace in a 
 
 former state 
 Re u nite, v. to unite again 
 Sub di vide, v. to divide again 
 Sii per fine, a. eminently fine 
 Vn be Iref, n. infidelity, in- 
 credulity. 
 Vn der go, v. to suffer, endure 
 Un der take, v. to engage in 
 Un fore seen, a. not known 
 before it happened 
 
 2 
 
 Ac qui escc, v. to yield, sub- 
 mit 
 
 Ap pre hend, x'. to seize, take 
 Co a lesce, v. to unite, join 
 Com pre hend, v. to under- 
 stand, include [mit 
 Con de scend, v. to yield, sub- 
 Con tra diet, v. to oppose 
 Dis af feet, v. to fill with dis- 
 content [nul 
 Dis an nul, v. to abolish, an- 
 In cor rect, a. not correct, not 
 
 exact 
 In cor rupt, a. pure, honest 
 In di rect, a. not straight 
 In dis tinct, a. confused 
 In ter cept,TJ. to stop, obstruct 
 In ter lapse, n. the time be- 
 tween two events 
 In ter mix, v. to mingle, mix 
 In ter rupt, v. to hinder, stop 
 O ver cast, 7). to cloud, darken; 
 
 a. clouded 
 O ver head, ad. aloft, above 
 O ver spread, v. to cover over 
 O ver turn, v. to throw down, 
 to conquer 
 
 ver whelm, v. to crush, sub- 
 due, overpower 
 
 Re ad mit, v. to admit agaia 
 Re as cend, v. to climb up h- 
 
 gain 
 Rec ol lect, v. to recover to 
 memory [new 
 
 Re com mence, c'. to begin a- 
 Rec om mend, v. to commend 
 to another [new 
 
 Re com mit, v. to commit a- 
 Ke e led, v. to elect again 
 Re pes scss,v. to possess again 
 Rtp re sent. v. to exhibit ; to 
 
 appear for auolher 
 \Jn der stand, v. to compre- 
 . liend fully 
 
 1 Vi o iiu, n. a fiddle
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 16£ 
 
 Mis in form, v. to deceive by 
 false accounts 
 5 
 Cor res pond, v. to suit, to fit 
 
 6 
 Dis ap prove, v. to dislike 
 O ver do, v. to do more than 
 enough 
 8 
 O ver come, t, to subdue, con- 
 quer 
 
 Dis o bey, v. to break com- 
 mands 
 10 
 
 Mag a zine, n. a storehouse ; 
 a pamphlet 
 
 oi 
 
 Dis ap point, d. to defeat of 
 expectation 
 
 Dis al low, V. to deny, reject, 
 not to grant 
 
 SECTION LXIX. 
 
 Words of four syllables, accented on the first. 
 
 2 
 
 A mi a ble, a. lovely 
 
 Du ti ful ness, n. obedience, 
 
 respect 
 Fa vour a ble, a. kind, tender 
 For ci ble ness, n. violence, 
 
 force [madly 
 
 Fu ri ous ly, ad. violently, 
 HvL mor ous ly, ad. merrily 
 Ju di ca ture, n. a power to 
 
 distribute justice 
 Lu mi na ry, n, a body that 
 
 gives light [improve 
 
 Me li o rate, v. to make better. 
 Mo men ta ry, a. lasting for 
 
 a moment 
 Pa per ma ker, n. one who 
 
 makes paper [country 
 
 Pa tri ot ism, w. love of one's 
 Pre vi ous ly, ad. beforehand 
 Rea son a ble, a» agreeable to 
 
 reason 
 Se ri ous ly, ad. solemnly 
 3ta tion a ry, a. fixed, settled 
 2 
 
 Ac cu ra cy, n. exactness 
 Ac cu rate ly, ad. exactly 
 Ad mi ra He, a. to be admired 
 Ad ver sa ry, n. antagonist 
 \m i ca ble, a. friendly, kind 
 
 An nu al ly, ad. every year 
 An ti mon y, n. a mineral sub- 
 stance 
 Ap o plex y, n. a disorder that 
 affects the brain [er 
 
 Ap pli ca ble, a, suitable, prop- 
 Cal cu la tor, n. a reckoner 
 Cat er pil lar, n. a worm, aa 
 
 insect 
 Cer e mon y, n. outward rite ; 
 
 forms of civility 
 Char i ta ble, a. kind, liberal 
 Cred it a ble, a. reputable [al 
 Cus torn a ry, a, common, usu- 
 Del i ca cy, n. softness, nicety 
 Des pe rate ly, ad. rashly, fu- 
 riously 
 Des pi ca ble, a. contemptible 
 Die tion a ry, n. a book con- 
 taining the words of any 
 language [ent manner 
 
 Dif fer ent ly, ad. in a differ- 
 Dif fi cul ty, n. trouble 
 Ef fi ca cy, n. ability to effect 
 El e gant ly, ad. in a pleasing 
 
 manner 
 En vi a ble, a. exciting envy 
 Es ti ma ble, a, worthy of esr 
 teem
 
 168 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Ev i dent ly,flt?.plainly, clearly 
 Ev i ta ble, a. avoidable 
 Fash ion a ble, a. approved 
 
 by custom, fine 
 Feb ru a ry, n. the second 
 
 month of the year 
 Fig u ra five, a. typical, not 
 
 literal 
 Gen er al ly, ad. in general, 
 
 commonly, frequently 
 Gen er ous ly, ad. liberally 
 Hab i ta ble, a. fit to be in- 
 habited 
 Ig no min y , n. disgrace, shame 
 Im pi ous ly, ad. wickedly 
 Im pu dent ly, ad. shameful- 
 ly, boldly [lessly 
 In do lent ly, ad. lazily, care- 
 In fa mous ly, ad. vilely 
 In no cent ly, ad. without guilt 
 In so lent ly, ad. haughtily 
 In ter est ing, a. affecting, 
 
 moving 
 In ti ma cy, n. close familiar- 
 ity, union [plexily 
 In tri ca cy, n. difficulty, per- 
 In ven tor y, n. a list or ac- 
 count of separate articles 
 of goods 
 Jan u a ry, n. the first month 
 
 of the year 
 Knit ting nee die, n. a wire 
 
 used to knit with 
 Lam ent a ble, a. mournful 
 Lib er al ly, ad. generously 
 Lit er a ry, a. relating to let- 
 ters or learning 
 Lit er a ture, n. learning 
 Mag is tra cy, [g soft] n. the 
 
 office of a magistrate 
 Mat ri mon y, rx. marriage 
 Mel an c/jol y, n. gloomuiess; 
 a. dismal, gloomy 
 
 Mem o ra ble, a. worthy of re- 
 membrance 
 
 Mer chant a ble, a. fit to be 
 bought or sold [derly 
 
 Mer ci ful ly, arf. kindly, teiv^ 
 
 Mil i ta ry, a. warlike, sol- 
 dierly 
 
 Mil lin er y, n. goods sold by 
 a milliner 
 
 Mis eel la ny, n. a collection 
 of various kinds 
 
 Mis chief ma ker, n. one who 
 makes mischief 
 
 Mis er a ble, a. unhappy 
 
 Mis sion a ry, n. one sent to 
 preach the gospel,and prop- 
 agate religion 
 Nat u ral ize, [t like tsh] v. to 
 
 admit to native privileges 
 Nav i ga ble, a. passable for 
 
 ships or boats 
 Nee cs sa ry , [c like s] a. need- 
 ful, proper \ 
 Nee ro man cy, n. magick, 
 
 enchantment, conjuration 
 Pal at a ble, a. pleasing to the 
 
 taste, agreeable 
 Pat ri mon y, n. an estate pos- 
 sessed by inheritance [cute 
 Pen e tra tive, a. piercing, a- 
 Per ish a ble, ^.liable to perish 
 Per ma nent ly, ad. durably 
 Per se cu tor, n. one who per- 
 secutes 
 Pet ti fog gcr, [g hard] n. a 
 
 petty lawyer 
 Pit i a ble, a. deserving pity 
 Plan e ta ry, a. pertaining to 
 
 the planets 
 Prac ti cal ly, ad. by practice 
 Prefer a ble, a. eligible before 
 
 somethiug else 
 Prin ci pal \\,a<L chiefly
 
 TH^ AMERICAN INSTRUCTER, 
 
 16? 
 
 Reg u lar ly, ad. methodical- 
 ly, justly 
 
 Res o lute ly, ad. steadily, 
 firmly [riour 
 
 Sec on dfi ry, a. second, infe- 
 
 Sec re ta ry, n. one who writes 
 for another 
 
 Sem i cir cle, n. a half circle 
 
 Sem i na ry, n. a place of ed- 
 ucation 
 
 Sem i vow el, n. a consonant 
 which has an imperfect 
 sound 
 
 Sep a rate ly, ad. singly, apart 
 
 Ser vice a ble, a. useful 
 
 Tes ti mon y, n. evidence, 
 proof 
 
 Tran si tor y, a. continuing 
 but a short time 
 
 VI ti mate ly, ad. in the last 
 state or consequence 
 
 Val u a ble, a. of great price 
 
 Veg e ta ble, [g soft] n. any 
 thing that has growth with- 
 out sensation 
 
 Ven er a ble, a. deserving 
 reverence 
 3 
 
 For fcit a ble, a. liable to be 
 forfeited 
 
 For mi da ble, a. terrible, 
 dreadful 
 
 Or di na ry, a. common, usual 
 
 Or tho dox y, n. soundness in 
 opinion and doctrine 
 
 Or tho e py, n. the right pro- 
 nunciation of words 
 
 Or tho e pist, n. one skilled in 
 
 pronunciation 
 4 
 
 Ar bi tra ry, a. absolute, des- 
 
 potick 
 Ar bi tra tor, tu a judge 
 
 Ar ch'i teC t-ure, [t like tsh] n, 
 the science of building 
 
 Mar ket a ble, a. fit for sai« 
 at market 
 
 5 
 Com mis sa ry, n. a delegate^ 
 
 deputy, officer 
 Com mon al ty, n. the bulk 
 
 or body of the people 
 Com pli men ter, n. a flatterer 
 //on our a ble, a. illustrious, 
 noble, generous [ness 
 
 Hor ri ble ness, n. dreadful- 
 Hos pi ta ble, a. kind to stran- 
 gers, friendly, civil 
 Mod er ate ly, ad. mildly, 
 
 temperately 
 Nom i na tive, a, the first case 
 
 in grammar 
 Ob sti na cy, n. stubbornness 
 Oc cu pan cy, n. the act of ta- 
 king possession 
 Oc cu pi er, n. a possessor 
 Or a tor y, n. the science of 
 
 rhetorick, eloquence 
 Pos i tive ly, ad. absolutely 
 Prof it a ble, a. advantageous 
 Prom is sor y, a. containing a 
 promise [cape 
 
 Prom on tor y, w. a headland, 
 Sol i ta ry, a. retired, single, 
 
 dismal 
 Tol er a ble, a. supportable, 
 passable 
 
 8 
 
 Com fort a ble, a. receiving 
 
 comfort, pleasing- 
 Co v e tons ness, n. avarice, 
 
 greediness, eagei desire 
 Drom e da ry, n. a sort of 
 
 camei 
 Gov ern a ble, a. subject to 
 
 rule, manageable, mild
 
 168 THE A\rEEICA-\ INSTRUCTER. 
 
 SECTION LXX. 
 
 AgrkaJturc. 
 Agricultuke, or husbandry, is the art of cultiva- 
 ting or tilling the ground, so thot it may produce, in the 
 greatest abundance and perfection, those vegetable pro- 
 ductions which are necessary for the food, co.Tafort and 
 convenience of mankind. 
 
 In a country like the United States, where by far the 
 greater part of the inliabitants are devoted to agricul- 
 tural pursuits, it must be considered an object that mer- 
 its particular regard. 
 
 It is from the hand of agriculture, that manufactures 
 and commerce, and indeed every other branch of indus- 
 try, receive their support. The cultivation of the earth 
 may therefore be considered as the most useful and 
 laudable of all pursuits. 
 
 Here, as in some other countries, we have many ex- 
 amples of distinguished individuals, who have left the 
 seat of power, the theatre of political action, and the 
 splendour and opulence of cities, that they might enjoy 
 the jJ<-usure of cultivating their native tieMs. 
 
 The pursuits of agricuUure are connected with that 
 iove of country, which may be called a universal passion. 
 The charms of nature are here fully displayed, and ev- 
 ery mind which is not debased by virious habits, or en- 
 slaved by irregular desires, is eager to enjoy them. 
 
 A principle so universally fell, has never failed to call 
 forth the powers of genius; and' writers of all age? have 
 -expatiated on rnial scenes and occupations, with the 
 most lively saiisfi'ctien. 
 
 Every poet more especially claims the conntry as his 
 peculir.r province; from it hf^ deri«'es the most beauti- 
 ful and striking description, . lo represent 
 those various {.'rospects of nati-n vvj?icii are so highly 
 gratifying to every ingciauus mir.rl. 
 
 Agriculture is not oidy esseiitid to the good order of 
 society, in a lude ami rnpolished state, but is equally re- 
 quisite in everv stage of Its rffmement. As an incitement 
 to its constaiit and uniform p; rsait, it ropaysthe exertions 
 of the husbandman with regular and abundant retunis.
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 169 
 
 Fwm the remotest ag<^s, it has been esteemea wortiij^ 
 of general attention. The simplicity of ancient man- 
 ners, rendered it an object not inconsistent with the rank 
 and situation of persons of the greatest eminence. ' 
 
 Gideon, the renowned champion and judge of Israel, 
 quitted the thrashing-floor to preside in the publick as- 
 sembly of his countrymen ; and Cincinnatus, the con- 
 querer of the Volsci, left his plough to lead the Roman 
 armies to battle ; afterwards declined the reward gained 
 by his victories, to return to his native fields. 
 
 And in modern times this occupation has been heldf 
 in no less esteem. There are not wanting those among 
 the English nobility, who take a lively interest in all ru- 
 ral improvements, and preside at the annual meetings of 
 agriculturists, with no less reputation to themselves, 
 than beneficial to the art. 
 
 Washington, the late celebrated president of the Uni- 
 ted States of America, found the most pleasing relaxa- 
 tion of publick cares in the superintendence of his own 
 estate. 
 
 The emperor of China, at the begimiing of every 
 spring, goes to plough in person, attended by the prin- 
 ces and grandees of his empire : he celebrates the close 
 of the harvest among his subjects, and creates the best 
 farmer in his domimon a mandarin. 
 
 In various- ages, many have v.ritien to explain the 
 principles, and celebrate the excellences of this art. 
 Some have adorned it with the elegance of fancy, and 
 othei^ have methodised it with the precision qf rules. 
 
 Hesiod was one of the earliest of the Grecian poets, 
 to sing the praises of the plough ; and in a v.ork nearly 
 coeval with the Iliad itself, has combined with the prin- 
 ciples of the art, manj' curious observations on the sea- 
 sons most prv:!pitious to its v;-Mnous einploymcnts. 
 
 At a period of society when its advantages were bet- 
 ter understood, and it:- jjrr.ciice more generally diffused, 
 Xenophon expatiated in his econornicks, on the impor- 
 tance of agricultuie, and desci'ibes its influence on the 
 prosperity of the arts, and the advancement of civilization. 
 Virgil has described at large, the rural occupations 
 
 15 4
 
 ITO THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER.' 
 
 of his countrymen, the cultivation of the land, the season 
 most favourable for tillage, and the nature of grazing 
 and planting. He has adorned every branch of his sub- 
 ject witlfcrefined and striking beauties of composition ; 
 and has so fully collected the best observations, and 
 choicest maxims of antiquity, as to render it almost a su- 
 perfluous task to consult the works of other authors, rel- 
 ative to the progress which his preciecessors had made 
 in this subject. 
 
 SECTION LXXl. 
 
 Extract from a Poem, entitled, '< Agriculture, or^ 
 Happy American Farmer.'*'^ 
 
 Then murmur not at Heaven's fix'd decree. 
 But as you're happy, so conteiTted be ; 
 Your country'll rise the emporuim of wealth, 
 Your country's sons, the sous of peace and health- 
 
 Hail blest Columbia ! whose delij^htful soil 
 Repays with richest ijood the laboin-er's toil ? 
 What dainties thy delicious gardens yield ! 
 What rich supplies adorning every field ? 
 
 Happy thy sons, around thy splendid board, 
 Who taste the luxuries which thy fields afford ? 
 Our fathers, freed from dire oppression's hand 
 Found an asylum in this li:ippy laud. 
 
 The savage Canaanites have left our soil, 
 We the tiue Israel taste tho wine and oil ; 
 With milk and honoy our lair country ilows, 
 Deserts rejoice and blossom as the rose. 
 
 Thanks to the mercy of Ahnighty Hcavon, 
 For Waskingtoii to fair (.^dlumbia given ? 
 Our laws, of Ireedom's ch )seM sons the choice, 
 Shall live, while trjith or reason has a voice. 
 
 Nature convulsM our Continent ui ly yli.ike, 
 And earth and skies in Ci)iisi( rniiion (juake ; 
 Yet still our laws and liberty secure. 
 Though time and nature die, shall firm eiidure, 
 In Heaven the work sb ill stand, like naontidc Sun, 
 SficUass %i virtue, pure as Wasfiittgfon.
 
 THE AaiEHICAN lA'STROC'TER. 
 
 m 
 
 SECTION LXXII. 
 
 Words of four syllables 
 1 
 Ab bre vi ate, v. to shorten 
 Ab ste mi ous, a, temperate, 
 sober [gether 
 
 Ac cu mu late, v. to pile to- 
 Ad vi sa ble, a. prudent [arr 
 A e ri al, a. belonging to the 
 A gree a ble, a. pleasing 
 Al le vi ate, v. to ease 
 An ni hi late, v. to reduce to 
 nothing [ance 
 
 An nu i ty, n. yearly allow- 
 Ap pro pri ate, v. to consign 
 to any particular use ; a. 
 peculiar 
 Ap ,pre ci ate, [ci like she] v. 
 
 to value, estimate 
 As so ci ate, [ci like she] v. 
 
 to unit§, accompany 
 den so ri ous, a. severe 
 -Col le gi an, n. a member of 
 
 college 
 Co me di an, «. an actor of 
 
 comick parts, a player 
 Com mo di ous, a. conveni- 
 ent, suitable 
 Com mu ni cate, v. to impart, 
 
 reveal 
 Con ceit ed ness, n. pride 
 De ceit ful ness, n. tendency 
 to deceive [ness 
 
 De light ful ness, n. pleasant- 
 De plo ra ble, a. lamentable 
 De pre ci ate, [ci like she] v. 
 
 to lessen in value 
 De si ra ble, a. pleasing, wor- 
 thy of desire 
 De spi sa ble, a. mean, con- 
 temptible [ly 
 De spite ful ly, ad. malicious- 
 Dis grace ful ness,n. dishonour 
 E hi ci date, t\ to expJain 
 
 accented on the second. 
 
 1 
 E ma ci ate, [ci like she] v. lo 
 lose flesh, pine away, waste 
 En CO mi um, n. praise,eulogy 
 E nu mer ate, v. to number 
 Er ro ne ous, a. full of errours 
 Ex cu Sd ble, a. pardonable 
 Ex pe ri encc, n. knowledge 
 
 by practice 
 Fe lo ni ous, a. wicked, vik 
 Fu ne re al, a. suiting a fu- 
 neral, dark, dismal 
 Fu tu ri ty, n. time to come, 
 
 a future state of being 
 Gram ma ri an, n. one skilled 
 
 in grammar 
 Har mo ni ous, a. musical 
 He ro i cal, a. brave, spirited 
 His to ri an, n. a writer of 
 
 history 
 II le gal 1}^, ad. in a manner 
 contrary to law [adorn 
 II lu mi nate, v. to enlighten, 
 II lu sor y, a. deceiving [ent 
 Im me di ate, a. instant, pres- 
 Im mu ta ble, a. unalterable, 
 
 invariable 
 Im pa tient ly, ad. uneasily 
 Im pe ri al, a. royal, belong- 
 ing to an emperor 
 Ira pe ri ous, a. haughty, arro- 
 gant, lordly 
 Im pi e ty, n. wickedness, ir- 
 reverence 
 Im pla ca ble, a. maliciousj 
 
 constant in enmity 
 Im pu ri ty, n. foulness ; guilt 
 In ca pa ble, a. unable, not fit 
 In cu ra ble, a. hopeless, not 
 
 to be cured 
 In de cen cy, ». any thing 
 contrary to good manners
 
 J72- 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 In de cent ly, ad. without de- 
 cency 
 
 In fe ri our, n. one in a lower 
 rank ; a. lower in place 
 
 'In ge ni ous, a. witty, inven- 
 tive, acute 
 
 In glo ri ous, a. void of hon- 
 our, mean, base 
 
 ijQ hu man ly, ad. cruelly 
 
 In ju ri ous, a. hurtful, unjust 
 
 In te ri our, a. internal 
 
 In vi ting ly, ad. in a pleas- 
 ing or enticing manner 
 
 Ir ra di ate, v. to illuminate, 
 brighten 
 
 La bo ri ous, a. diligent in 
 work, tiresome 
 
 Li bra ri an, n. one who has 
 the care of a library 
 
 Ma te ri al, a. consisting of 
 matter, corporeal 
 
 Ma te ri als, n. the substance 
 pf which any thing is made 
 
 Ma tu ri ty, n. ripeness, com- 
 pletion 
 
 Me lo di ous, a. harmonious, 
 musical 
 
 Me mo ri al, n. a monument, 
 jsoraethingto preserve me- 
 mory 
 
 Mys te ri ous, a. that which 
 is not easily understood 
 
 Neu tral i ty, n. a state of in- 
 difference [known 
 
 ■No to ri ous, a. publickly 
 
 Ob scu ri ty, n. darkness, un- 
 noticed state 
 
 Ob tain a ble, a. that which 
 may be obtained [rage 
 
 Out rage ous ness,n. violence, 
 
 Tre ca ri ous, a. uncertain 
 
 Pro pri e tor, n. a possessor 
 tn h'n own right 
 
 1 
 Pro pri e ty, n. accuracy, just*, 
 
 ness ; exclusive right 
 Re mu ner ate, v. to reward 
 Sa lu bri ous, a. wholesome. 
 
 healthful 
 Sa lu bri ty, n. wholesomeness 
 Se cu ri ty, n. safety, protec- 
 tion 
 So bii e ty, n. temperance, 
 
 calmness 
 So ci e ty, 7i. community, 
 
 company, fraternity 
 Un change a ble, a. not to be 
 
 changed 
 Un du ti ful, a. disobedient 
 Un ea si ness, n. trouble, 
 
 perplexity 
 Un ho li ness, n. impiety 
 Va ri e ty, ». change, mixture 
 
 2 
 
 A bil i ty, n. power, capacity 
 A bun dant ly, ad. in plenty 
 A cad e my, n. a school of 
 
 liberal arts and sciences 
 Ac ces si ble, a. that which 
 
 may be approached 
 Ad min is ter, v. to give, to 
 
 supply, to p.->rform 
 Ad mis si ble, a. that which 
 
 may be admitted 
 Ad ver si ty, n. misfortune 
 Af fee tion ate, a. fond, tender 
 Af fin i ty, n. relation 
 A gil i ty, n. activity 
 A lae ri ty, n. cheerfulness 
 Am phib i ous, a. living ia 
 
 two elements Tparts 
 
 A nal y sis, n. separation of 
 A nat o my, n. the art of dis- 
 section 
 An tag o nist, n. an opponent 
 A rith me tick, n. the science 
 
 of computation
 
 THE AMERICAX^ INSTROCTER. 
 
 it3 
 
 Ar til ler y, n.- weapons for 
 
 ^ war, cannon 
 As cen den cy, n. superiority 
 As sas si nate, v. to murder 
 Aux il ia ry, a. helping, aid- 
 ing, assisting 
 Bar bar i ty, n. cruelty 
 Be at i tude, n. felicity, hap- 
 piness 
 Be nef i cence, /i. generosity, 
 
 active goodness 
 Be nev o lence, Jt. kindness, 
 
 good will, charity 
 Be nev o lent, a. kind, good 
 Ca lam i ty, n. misfortune 
 Ca lum ni ate, v. to slander 
 Ca pac i ty, [c like s] n. abili- 
 ty, sense, state, space, con- 
 dition [very 
 Cap tiv i ty, n. bondage, sla- 
 Cer tif i cate, n. a testimony 
 Cir cum fer ence, n. limits of 
 
 a circle 
 Ci vil i ty, n. politeness 
 Go ag u late, v. to curdle, 
 
 congeal 
 Col lee tivc ly, ad. in a body 
 Com mem o rate, v. to pre- 
 serve the memory, to cele- 
 brate 
 Com par i son, 7i. an estimate 
 Com pas sion ate, a. tender, 
 
 merciful 
 Com pat i ble, a. consistent 
 Com pet i tor, n. a rival, op- 
 ponent 
 Con fed er ate, v. to unite, 
 
 league 
 Con sid er ate, a. thoughtful 
 Con spic u ous, a. eminent 
 Con spir a cy, n. a plot, law- 
 less combination 
 
 Con tarn i nate, v, to defile 
 IS* 
 
 Con temp ti ble, a. base, de»' 
 
 serving contempt 
 Con tin u al, a. incessant ', 
 Con tin u ance, n. duration 
 De bil i tate, v. to weaken 
 De liv er ancc, n. freedom, 
 
 rescue 
 De liv er er, ?;. one who de- 
 livers, a preserver 
 De liv er y, n. release 
 De riv a tive, a. a word der« 
 
 ved from another 
 Dex tor i ty, n, activity, skill 
 Di am e ter, n. a line passing 
 through the centre of a 
 circle 
 Di min u tive, a. small, little 
 Dis par age ment, n.a disgrace 
 Di vin i ty, n. the Deity ; the 
 
 science of divine things . 
 Effec t-a al, [t like tsh] «. 
 
 powerful, eiiicacious, real 
 Em bar rass ment, n. perplex- 
 ity, entanglement [mem 
 Em bel lish ment, 71. orna- 
 Em phat i cal, a. forcible 
 En com- age ment, n. incite- 
 ment, favour, support 
 E quiv a lent,a. equal in value 
 E rad i cate, v. to root up 
 E stab lish ment, ?i. settle- 
 ment, fixed state [tion 
 E ter ni ty, n. endless dura- 
 E vac u ate, v. to quit, lo 
 
 empty, to make void 
 E van ge list. n. a writer or 
 
 preacher of the gospel 
 E vap o rate, v. to drive or fly 
 
 away in vapours 
 Ex ec u tor, n. one who per- 
 forms the will "f uoiher 
 Ex per i ment, n. trial of any 
 thing
 
 114 
 
 THE AStLRICAN LNSTRUCTER. 
 
 Ex em pli fy, v. to illustrate 
 by example [largely 
 
 Ex ten sive ly, ad. widely, 
 Ex trav a gancc, Ji. waste 
 Ex trav a gant, a. wasteful 
 Ex trem i ty,n. remotest parts 
 Fa cil i tate, v. to make easy 
 Fa nat i cism, n. enthusiasm, 
 
 religious phrensy 
 Fa tal i ty, n. a decree of fate 
 Fe lie i ty, [c like s] n. hap- 
 piness 
 Fes tiv i ty, n. joyfulness, 
 mirth [honesty 
 
 Fi del i ty, n. faithfulness, 
 For get ful ness, [g hard] n. 
 loss of memory, careless- 
 ness [mony 
 For mal i ty, n. form, cere- 
 Fra ter ni ty, n. brotherhood, 
 
 society 
 Fru gal i ty, n. good husban 
 
 dry, thrift 
 Gen til i ty, n. elegance of 
 
 behaviour, politeness 
 Hi lar i ty, n. merriment 
 Hu man i ty, 7i. benevolence ; 
 
 the nature of man 
 Hu mil i ty, n. submission, 
 
 modesty 
 I den ti cal, a. the same 
 
 I den ti ty, n. sameness 
 
 H lib er al, a. not generous 
 
 II lit er ate, a. unlenmed 
 
 II lus tri ous, a. noble, eminent 
 Im mac u late, a. pure,spotless 
 Im men si ty, n. unbounded 
 
 greatness, infinity 
 Im ped i ment,n.hinderance, 
 
 obstruction 
 Im pen i tence, n. hardness 
 
 of heart, continuance in 
 ^ evil courses 
 
 Im pen i tent, a. obdurate, 
 void of repejntance [folly 
 Im per ti nencc, n. intrusion, 
 Im pet u ous, [t like tsh] a. 
 violent, vehement [ment 
 Im pris on ment, n. confine- 
 In ac cu rate, a. not exact, 
 
 not accurate 
 In ad e quate, a. defective 
 In an i mate, a. void of life, 
 
 without animation 
 In clem en cy, n. severity, 
 
 hardness, cruelty 
 In cred i ble, a. no't to be 
 
 credited 
 In def i nite, a. inilimited 
 In del i ble, a. not to be blot- 
 ted out [cency 
 In del i catc, a. without de- 
 In dem ni fy, v. to secure 
 
 against loss or penalty 
 In die a tive, a. showing, poin- 
 ting out, affirming 
 In different, fi, unconcerned 
 In dus tri ous, a. diligent, la- 
 borious [cable 
 In el e gant, a. mean, despi- 
 »In el o quent, a. not eloquent 
 In fal li ble, a. incapable of 
 
 mistake, certain, true 
 In fin i t'lvc, a. unlimited ; a 
 
 mood in grammar 
 
 In fin i ty, n. immensity, 
 
 boundlessness [fair 
 
 In gen u ous, a. open, candid, 
 
 In grat i tude, n. unthankful- 
 
 ness 
 In hab it ant, n. one who 
 
 dwells in a place 
 In her it ancc, n. a patrimo- 
 ny, a possession 
 In im i cal, a. hostile, con- 
 trarv. adversQ
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 175 
 
 In iq ui tous, a. unjust, wicked 
 
 In iq ui ty, n. injustice, wicii- 
 edness 
 
 In i ti ate, [in ish e ate] v. 
 to admit, to instruct 
 
 In san i ty, 4J. the state of be- 
 ing insane [ly, to instill 
 
 In sin u ate, v. to hint artful- 
 
 In teg ri ty, n. honesty, puri- 
 ty of mind 
 
 In tel li gencfi, n, notice 
 
 In tel li gent, a. knowing, 
 skilful 
 
 In teni per ance. n. excess, 
 want of moderation 
 
 In tern per ate, a. immode- 
 ; rate, ungovernable, drunken 
 
 In ter pre ter, n. an explain- 
 er, a translator 
 
 In ter ro gate, v. to examine 
 
 In tim i date, v. to make fear- 
 ful, to frighten 
 
 In ves ti gate, v. to search 
 out, explore 
 
 In vet er ate, a. obstinate, 
 long established 
 
 In vig o rate, v. to strength- 
 en, to aninnate 
 
 In vis i ble, a. not to be seen, 
 imperceptible 
 
 If reg u lar, a. deviating from 
 rule, immethodical 
 
 Ir res o lute, a. wavering, un- 
 settled, unsteady 
 
 1 tin er ant, a. wandering, 
 unsettled 
 
 Ju,di cious ly, ad. wisely 
 
 Li cen tious ness, n. a con- 
 tetnptof just restraint 
 
 Mag nan i mous, a. great in 
 mind, brave, heroick 
 
 Mag nif i cence, », grandeur, 
 splendour 
 
 Mag nif i cent, a. grand, 
 splendid 
 
 !\Ia lev o len«e, n. ill will, 
 spite, hatred 
 
 Ma lev () lent, a. ill disposed 
 towards others 
 
 Ma li cions I3', ad. with an 
 intention of mischief 
 
 Ma lip: ii'in cy, n. malice, ma- 
 levolence 
 
 Mo rid i an, n, a line drawn 
 from north to south 
 
 Mi rac u lous, a. wonderful, 
 supernatural 
 
 Mis min age ment, n. bad 
 management, ill conduct 
 
 Mo ral i ty, n. the doctrine of 
 the duties of life 
 
 Mor tal i ty, h. human nature, 
 death, havock 
 
 Ne ces si ty, n. poverty, want, 
 compulsion 
 
 No bil i ty, n. persons of high 
 rank ; dignity, fame 
 
 Non sen si cal, a. unmeaning, 
 foolish 
 
 Nu mer i cSl, a. numeral, de- 
 noting number 
 
 Ob liv i on, jr. forgetfulness 
 
 Om nip o tence, n. almighty 
 power 
 
 O rig i nal, [g soft] n. first 
 copy; a. primitive 
 
 O rig i nate, [g soft] u. to be- 
 gin, to give rise to 
 
 Par tic u lar, a. singular, in- 
 dividual ; n. a single in- 
 stance or point 
 
 Pen in su la, [s like sh] n. a 
 piece of land almost sur- 
 rounded by water 
 
 Per ccp ti ble, a. that which 
 may be &een or perceived ,
 
 X76 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTS 
 
 Per pet u al, [t Iflce tsh] a. 
 
 conrinual 
 Per plex i ty, n. difliculty 
 Per spic u ous, a. clear, plain 
 Phil an thro py, n, love of 
 
 mankind, humanity 
 Pi rat i cal, a. plundejring 
 Po et i cal, a. relating to po- 
 etry [iti':ks 
 Po lit i cal, a. relating to pol- 
 Pos ter i ty, n. succeeding 
 generations 
 
 Prac ti tion er, n. 
 
 ged in any art 
 Pre des ti nate, v. 
 
 one enga- 
 to decree 
 
 beforehand 
 Pre em i nencc, n. superiority 
 "Pre em i ncnt, a. excellent 
 above others [delay 
 
 Pro eras tin ate, v. to put off, 
 Pro fes sion al, a. relating to 
 a profession [ment 
 
 Pro fi cien cy, n. improve- 
 Pro gres sive ly, ad. by a reg- 
 ular course 
 Pro mis cu ous, a. mingled 
 together [fortune 
 
 Pros per i ty, n. success, good 
 Ra pid i ty, n. velocity, swift- 
 ness 
 Re al i ty, n. truth, certainty 
 Re an i mate, v. to restoio to 
 
 life, to revive 
 Re gen er ate, v. to renew, 
 
 to produce anew 
 Re pub li can, n. a friend to 
 republican government ; a. 
 placing the government in 
 ♦h<! people 
 Re spec ta ble, a. deserving 
 
 respect or regard 
 Re tal i ate, v. to repay, to 
 make a roturu 
 
 2 
 
 Ri die u lous, a. exciting 
 
 laughter, odd, mean 
 Se ren i ty, n. calmness 
 Se ver i ty, n. cruel treatment 
 Si mil i tude, n. comparison, 
 
 likeness 
 Sim plic i ty, [c like s] n. 
 
 plainness, folly 
 Sin cer i ty, n. purity of mind, 
 
 honesty 
 So lil o quy, n. a discourse 
 made by one in solitude to 
 himself [iness 
 
 Sta bil i ty, n. firmness, stead- 
 Stu pid i ty, n. dullness, heav- 
 iness of mind 
 Sub lim i ly, n. loftiness, ex- 
 cellence 
 Su per la tive, a. expressing 
 
 the highest degree 
 Si!s cop ti ble, a. cap'able of 
 
 admitting 
 Ter res tri al, a. earthly 
 Tran quil li ty, n. peace of 
 
 mind, stillness 
 
 Ty ran ni cal, a. like a tyrant 
 
 U nan i mous, a. being of one 
 
 mind [mean 
 
 Un gen er ous, a. not liberal, 
 
 Un lim it ed, a. having no 
 
 bounds [unci\'i| 
 
 Un man ner ly, ad. ill-bred, 
 
 U til i ty, n. usefulness, profit 
 
 Vi cin i ty, n. neighbourhood, 
 
 nearness [ulution 
 
 Vi cis si tudc, n. change, rev- 
 
 3 
 Con for ma ble, a. agreeable 
 E nor mi ty, n. great wicked^ 
 
 fiess 
 Tn au Hi ble,a.not to be heard 
 In cor po rate, v. to form in- 
 to oue body, to ynn
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUClEK. 
 
 ni 
 
 Sub or di nate, a. inferiour in 
 
 order 
 Un for tu nate, [t like tsh] a. 
 unprosperous, unlucky 
 4 - 
 Im par tial ly, ad.'justly, with- 
 out regard to party or in- 
 terest 
 Hard heart ed ness, n. cruel- 
 ty, want of tenderness 
 Re mark a ble, a. worthy of 
 notice, odd, observable 
 5 
 Ac coiti mo date, v. to supply 
 Ac com plish ment, n. com- 
 pletion ; embellishment, el- 
 egance [fession 
 Ac know\ edg ment, n. con-- 
 A pol o gize, V, to plead for 
 A pol o gy, n. an excuse 
 As ton ishment,».amazement 
 As trol o gy, n. the art of fore- 
 telling by the stars 
 As tron o my, n. a science 
 teaching the knowledge of 
 the celestial bodies 
 Au thor i ty, n. legal power 
 Bi og ra phy, n. history of lives 
 Chro nol o gy, n. the science 
 
 of computing time 
 Com mod i ty, n. an article 
 
 of traffick, goods, wares 
 Con sol i date, v. to harden 
 De spon den cy, n. despair 
 Dis con so late, a. melancho- 
 ly, sad- [frugality 
 E con o my, n. management, 
 E mol u ment, n. profit, gain 
 Em pov er ish, v. to make 
 poor [ness 
 E qual i ty, n. evenness, like- 
 Ge og ra phy, n. a description 
 •> of th? eurtb 
 
 His tor i cal, a. pertaining to 
 history 
 
 Hy poc n sy, n. dissimulation 
 
 I dol a try, n. the worship of 
 images 
 
 Im mod er ate, a, excessive, 
 extravagant 
 
 Im mod es ty, n. want of 
 modesty 
 
 Im pos si ble, a. that which 
 cannot be done 
 
 Im prob a ble, a. unlikely 
 
 In com petent, a. inadequate, 
 unsuitable [ness 
 
 In con Stan cy, n. unsteadi- 
 
 In sol vea cy, n, inability to 
 pay debts 
 
 In tox i cate, v. to make drank 
 
 Ma hog a ny, n. a valuabJe 
 brown wood [number 
 
 Ma jor i ty, n. the greater 
 
 Me thod i cal, a. regular, ex- 
 act [of a country 
 
 Me trop o lis, n.the chief city 
 
 Mi nor i ty, n. the smaller 
 number ; state of being un- 
 der age 
 
 Mo not o ny, n. a want of va- 
 riety in cadence 
 
 Or thog ra phy, n. the art or 
 practice of spelling 
 
 Phe nom e non, n. an appear- 
 ance in the works of nature 
 
 Phi los o pher, n. one who is 
 skilled in philosophy 
 
 Phi los o phy, n. knowledge 
 moral or natural 
 
 Prog nos ti cate, a. to foretell 
 
 Re spon si ble, a. answerable 
 
 Sy non y mous, a. o/"the sam9. 
 signification 
 
 Tau tol o gy, n. repetition rf 
 the samo words
 
 / 
 
 4 
 
 178 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 5 
 
 The ol o gy, n. the science 
 of divinity 
 
 Ther mom e ter, n. an instru- 
 ment for measuring the de- 
 grees of heat and cold 
 
 Ty pog ra phy, n. the art of 
 
 printing 
 s 
 Ac com pa ny, t^. to join with 
 another 
 
 8 
 
 Re cov er y, n. restoratio» 
 from sickness 
 
 Em broi der y, n. variegated 
 needle-work 
 
 Ac coun ta ble, a. subject t© 
 
 an account 
 Un dou6t cd ly, ad. without 
 
 doubt, unquestionably 
 
 ^ SECTION LXXIII. 
 
 Tht wisdom of Providence displayed in the Seasons. 
 
 In contemplatiag on the various scenes of life, the 
 ^cissitudes of the seasons, the perfect regularity, order, 
 and harmony of nature, we cannot but be filled with 
 wonder and admiration at the consummate wisdom and 
 beneficence of the all-wise and gracious Creator. His 
 consummate wisdom and goodness have made the va- 
 rious seasons of the year perfectly consonant to the re- 
 fined feelings of man, and peculiarly adapted them t9 
 the universal preservation of nature. f 
 
 Dreary winter is past ; its severe cold is mitigated ; 
 the returning zephyrs dissolve the fleecy snow, and un- 
 lock the frozen streams, which overflow the extensive 
 meadows, and enrich the teeming earth. At length, the 
 rapid streams begin to glide gently within their banks ; 
 the spacious meadows soon receive their usual verdure, 
 and the whole face of nature assumes a cheerful aspect. 
 By the refreshing showers, and vivifying power of the 
 genial sun, we behold the rapid and amazing progress 
 of vegetation. 
 
 What is more pleasing to the eye, or grateful to the 
 imagination, than the agreeable aiid delightsome return 
 of spring .'' The beauties of nature at once expel the 
 gloomy cares of a dreary winter. The benign influence 
 of the sun gives a brisk circulation to the animal fluids, 
 and happily tends to promote the propaK,ation of ani^ua- 
 ted nature. In spring we behold the buds puttujg fortli
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 17^ 
 
 their blossom* ; in summer we meet the charming pros- 
 ,pect of enamelled fields, which promise a rich profusion 
 •f autumnal fruits. 
 
 These delightful scenes afford to man a pleasing an- 
 ticipation of enjoying- the bounties of Providence ,• they 
 cheer him in adversity,and support him under the various 
 misfortunes incident to human life. In the spring^ when 
 we behold plants and flowers peeping out of the ground, 
 reviving and flourishing at the approach of the vernal 
 sun ; when we behold the seed, which the laborious hus- 
 bandman casts into the earth, starting into life, and rising 
 into beauty, from the remainder of that which perished 
 in the preceding autumn, we are filled with the most 
 pleasing sensations of the universal reanimation of nature. 
 
 The warm and invigorating sun produces myriads of 
 insects, which have been Utl'less through the Iwary frosts 
 of winter. The herds go forth to graze on the verdant 
 plains. The numerous flocks quit their folds widi their 
 young, to fi^ed on the distant aiouniains. The lark, with 
 all the charming choir which nature wakes to cheerful- 
 ness and love, tune their melodious voices to hail the 
 welcome return of f^pring. The busy bee flies over the 
 fields, and extracts the liquid svvef rs from every tlower. 
 
 How pleasinar ! how worid« rful ! how delightful are 
 thf scenes -pv ' '■ to our view i The spiingofthe 
 year is   ' '-^"matical of that grand ai:td uni- 
 
 vers!^' ' -h sh-jli co'nmeace at the final 
 
 cor, IV? ay its beauties there- 
 
 ff,; '■.eriour regions of 
 
 b: lii iou^s J Joll then enter, and 
 
 fori '~- eternal spring. 
 
 ^. )i\ LXXiV. 
 A'^vic mth, on accent Behaviour. 
 
 As! >r»our and virtue, are absolutely neces- 
 
 sar, :r. ;,:; ; he esteem and admiration of mankind, 
 
 pohvcjiess aifU good breeding are equally necessary to 
 make you r^peeable in conversiJtion and common life, 
 - Awkwardness can proceed but from two causes j et-
 
 180 TtlE AxMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 ther from not having kept g:oo(l company, oi* from not 
 havina: attended to it. Attention is absolutely neces- 
 .^ary for improving in behaviour as indeed it is for 
 ever}' thing else. 
 
 Good breeding does not consist in low bows, and for- 
 mal ceremonies ; but in an easy, civil and respectful 
 behaviour to every person, particularly to the aged, 
 and to strangers. 
 
 There is a difference between modesty and bashful- 
 ness. Modesty is the characteristick of ail amiable 
 mind ; bashfulness discovers a degree of meanness. 
 Nothing is more sure to sink a young man into low 
 company, than bashfulness. 
 
 If he thi'^ks he shall not please, he most surely will 
 not. Vice and ignorance are the only things we ought 
 to be ashamed of; while wo keep clear of them, we 
 may venture any where without f-ar or concern. 
 
 Always regard wliat is said to you by those who are 
 your superiours, cither in age or learning ; and reply, 
 if necessary, with respectful modesty. Never slight 
 their advice, but let your looks and deportment indicate 
 your intention to endeavour to proHt by their instructions. 
 
 Wljcn any person speaks to you, or you to him, on 
 any occasion, look him in the face with modesty and at- 
 tention ; and begin not to answer before he has done 
 speaking ; and th.^a answer respectfully, and with the 
 face turned towards him ; for to reply with the face 
 another way, indicates awkwardness and disrespect. 
 
 Be not forward in speaking, when strangers or those 
 who ore your ricquaintiince, come into tlie pvo-\?nce of 
 yc'ir parents or supeviours ; hut wait until tiiey liave 
 spoken ; and let modesty and decency govern your 
 words and deportment. 
 
 Never atte.upt to tell a story, with which you are not 
 wel! acfjutvintcii ; nor fatitjne your hearers with relating 
 litti" trifling circumstnivcs. Kel.we the principal points 
 witii clearness and pmision, and you v,ill he heard 
 with pleasure. 
 
 Carefully observe whether the person with whom you 
 •re discoursing, be pleased with yotir conversation or
 
 THir ARTCftlCAN INSTRUCTER. iSt 
 
 »0t } for If he appears to hear you with indifference, 
 you had much better be silent, and not try to detain 
 him in order to be heard. 
 
 Be studiously careful not to deserve the character of 
 a great talker ; for incessant talkers are very disagree- 
 able companions. The greatest wisdom of speech is to 
 know when, and what, and where to speak ; the time, 
 matter and manner ; the next to it, is silence. 
 
 Avoid disputes as much as possible ; and never con- 
 tradict, nor oppose the opinion of another, but with great 
 modesty. A modest person seldom fails of gaining the 
 good will of those with whom he converses : whereas, 
 those who contradict, and appear dogmatical upon all 
 occasions, will surely procure disgust. 
 
 Carefully avoid whispering, when you are in corapa^ 
 ny ; it is a mark of ill breeding, and seems to insinuate 
 that the persons whom you wish should not hear, are 
 unworthy of your confidence, or it induces them to sup- 
 pose that you are speaking improperly of theiu. 
 
 When you are in company with a stranger, never be- 
 gin to question him about his name, his place of resi- 
 dence, and his business. This impudent curiosity is 
 the height of ill manners. 
 
 Some persons apol-ogize, in a good natured manner, 
 for their inquisitiveness ; by an " If 1 may be so bold :" 
 V If I may take the liberty ;" or, '' Pray sir excuse ray 
 freedom." These attempts to excuse one's self, imply 
 that a man thinks himself an impudent fellow, and if he 
 does not, other people think he is, and treat him as such. 
 Frequent and loud laughter, is the characteristick of 
 folly and ill manners ; it is the manner in which silly 
 people express their joy at silly things. 
 
 Whistling in company, humming a tune, drumming 
 with the fingers, and making a noise with the feet, are 
 all breaches of good manners, and indications of con- 
 tempt for the persons present. 
 
 Nothing is more common, although disgusting, than 
 to see persons of all ranks and degrees, criticise on the 
 dress and general deportment of their departed guests : 
 
 and often ridicule and condemn those things behind 
 16 • _<
 
 182 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 their backs, which to their faces, they approved and 
 applauded. 
 
 Let me entreat you never to make your friends ap- 
 pear in a disadvantageous light ; but on the contrary, 
 extol the perfections and accomplishments they possess, 
 and cast a veil over their defects. 
 
 Above all, adhere to morals and religion with im- 
 moveable firmness. Whatever effect outward show and 
 accomplishments may have, m recommending a man to 
 others, none but the good are really happy in themselves. 
 
 SECTION LXXV. 
 
 Words of four syllables, accented on the third. 
 1 I 
 
 Ac cla ma tion, n. a shout of, Com pen sa tion, n. recom- 
 
 applause [cusing pense 
 
 Ac cu sii tion, n. the act of ac- , Com pu ta tion, n. calculation 
 Ad mi ra tion, n. the act of; Con Jem iia tion, ri. sentence 
 
 admiring [ship i of pun'shment 
 
 Ad o ra tion, n. divine wor- i Con gre ga tion, n. an assem- 
 Ad van ta geous, a. profitable j bly, a collectioa 
 Af fee ta tion, n. an artificial Con so la tidd, n. comfort 
 
 appearance Con stel la tion, n. a cluster 
 
 Af fi da vit, n. a declaration of fixed stars 
 
 upon oath [anger i Con rAer na tion, n. fear, as- 
 
 Ag gra va tion, n. exciting to 
 Al ter a tion, n. the act of 
 
 changing 
 An i ma tion, n. the act of 
 
 enlivening 
 An te ce dent, n. tliat which 
 
 goes before 
 Ap pel la tion,n. a name, title 
 Ap pli ca tion, n. the acl of 
 
 applying [approving 
 
 Ap pre ba tion, n. the act of 
 Ar bi tr.a ticn, n. a decision 
 Cal cu la tion, n. computa- 
 tion, reckoning 
 Cel e bra tion, n. a solemn 
 
 performance,renienibranco 
 Com mem da tion, n. praise 
 
 tonishment, wonder, rlread 
 Con sri tu tion, ;/, a law, de- 
 cree, form of government ; 
 the frame of body or mind 
 Con lem pla tion, n. medita- 
 tion, study 
 Con tri hi! tion, n. the act of 
 contribuiii."-- [cHscourse 
 Con vqr sa tion, >?. familiar 
 Cor po ra tion, n. a bo ly cor- 
 porate, n body potiiick 
 Cul ti va tion, ra imj)ro/ement 
 Dec la mation,n. a discourse, 
 
 speech, haiangue 
 Dec la ra tion, n. alurmniion, 
 publication [dress 
 
 Dec o ra tion, n. ornarrient,
 
 tHE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 18S 
 
 Des o la tion, n. destruction 
 
 Dis a gree ment, n. difference 
 
 Dis so lu tion, n. dissolving, 
 ruin 
 
 Ef fi ca cious, a. powerful 
 
 El e va tion, n. a raising up, 
 exaltation, height [sj>eech 
 
 El o cu tion, n. fluency of 
 
 Em i gra tion, n. a change of 
 habitation or place 
 
 En ter tain ment, n. treat- 
 ment,reception,amusement 
 
 Ex hor ta tion, n. an incite- 
 ment to good 
 
 Ex pec ta tion, n. the act or 
 state of expecting [tion 
 
 Ex pla na tion, n. interpreta- 
 
 Gen er a tion, n. an age, a 
 race, family, production 
 
 Hab i ta tion, n. a place of 
 abode, dwelling 
 
 Hes i ta tion, n. a stop in 
 speech, doubt 
 
 Im i ta tion, n. an attempt to 
 resemble 
 
 Im pre ca tion, n. an invoca- 
 tion of evil, a curse 
 
 In cli na tiou, n. tendency to- 
 wards any point, affection 
 
 In de CO rum, n. indecency 
 
 In di ca tion, n. a mark or 
 sign, token 
 
 In dig na tion, n. anger mix- 
 ed with contempt 
 
 In flam ma tion, n. an inflam- 
 ed state, heat, swelling 
 
 In for ma lion, n. intelligence 
 given, notice, iflstruction 
 
 Ih spi ra tion, n. divine wis- 
 dom ; the act of drawing 
 in the breath 
 
 In sti tu tion, n. an establish- 
 srjent^ a law 
 
 1 
 
 In tj ma tion, n. a hmt, indi-^ 
 rect declaration 
 
 la un da tion, n. an overflow 
 of water, a deluge 
 
 In vi ta tion, h. the act of in- 
 viting, a bidding 
 
 In vo ca tion, n. the act of 
 calling upon by prayer 
 
 liam en ta tion, Ji. an expres- 
 sion of sorrow 
 
 Leg is la tion, [g soft] n. the 
 act of giving or passing laws 
 
 Lib er a tion, n. the act of 
 setting free 
 
 Lit er a ti, ». the learned 
 
 Mo di a tor, n. an interces- 
 sor, an adviser 
 
 Med i tation, n. deep thought, 
 contemplation 
 
 Mis be hav iour,??. ill conduct 
 
 Mod er a tion, n. calmness of 
 mind, mildness 
 
 Nav i ga tion, ra. the act of 
 passing by water 
 
 Nom i na tion, n. a naming, 
 the power of appointing 
 
 Nu mer a tion, n. the art of 
 numbering [ment, bond 
 
 Ob li ga tion, n. an engage- 
 Ob 5er va tion, n. a remark, 
 the act of observing 
 
 Oc cu pa tion, n. employ- 
 ment, business 
 
 Op er a tion, n. action, ef- 
 fect, agency [daining 
 
 Or di na tion,n. the act of or- 
 
 Os ten ta tious, a. boastful, 
 vain, proud 
 
 I'er se cu tion, ra. the act of 
 persecuting [sweating 
 
 Per spi ra tion, n. the act of 
 
 i Pop u la tion, ra, the numbei* 
 
 I of inhabitants
 
 184 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Prep a ra tion, ?i. a making 
 
 ready for some purpose 
 Pres er va tion, n. the act of 
 
 preserving 
 Proc la ma frion, n. a publica- 
 tion by authority, notice 
 Pub li ca tion, n. the act of 
 publishing [diversion 
 
 Rec re a tion, n. amusement, 
 Ref or ma tion, n. a change 
 
 from worse to better 
 Reg u la tion, «. method, rule 
 Repu tation,?j. honour,Gredit 
 Res o lu tion, n. fixed deter- 
 mination, constancy 
 'Res pi ra tion, n. the act of 
 breathing [restoring 
 
 Res ti tu tion, n. the act of 
 Rev o lu tion, n. a returning 
 \ motion ; a change of govern- 
 ment in a state or country 
 Sal u ta tion, tt-. the act of sa- 
 luting [disjunction 
 Sep a ra tion, n. a parting, 
 Stip u la tion, n. a bargain 
 Su per vi sor, n. an overseer, 
 an inspector [end 
 Ter mi na tion, n. conclusion, 
 Trib u la tion, n. vexation, 
 
 'distress 
 Un der ta king, n. enterprise, 
 engagement [ation 
 
 Va ri a tion, n. change) devi- 
 Yen er a tion, n. reverent re- 
 gard, awful respect 
 2 
 Ap pre hen sioii, n. fear 
 Ar ti fi cial, a. made by art 
 Ben e die tion, n. blessing 
 Ben e fac tor,». one who does 
 
 acts of kindness 
 'Ben e fi cial,fl. advantageous, 
 •profitable, useful 
 
 Com po si tion, w. a mixture ; 
 
 a written work 
 Com pre hen. sivc, a. having 
 
 the power to understand ; 
 
 comprising much 
 Def i ni tion, n. descriptio» 
 Dis ad van tage, n. toss, injury 
 Dis con ton ted, a. uneasy 
 Dis con tin ue, v. to leave off 
 Dis in her it, v. to deprive of 
 
 inheritance [dency 
 
 Dis po si tion, n. temper ; ten- 
 Er u di tion, n. learning, in<- 
 
 struction 
 Ev er las ting, a. perpetual, 
 
 lasting without end [tive 
 Ex pe di tious, a. quick, ac- 
 ini per fee tion, n. a defect, 
 
 failure, fault [regard 
 
 In at ten tion, n. neglect, dis* 
 In at ten tive, a. careless,neg- 
 
 ligcnt 
 In con sis tent,, a. incoixipati- 
 
 ble, absurd, contrary [ly 
 In cor rect \y,ad. inaccurate- 
 In cor ijpp tion, n. a state of 
 
 purity 
 In de pen dence, n. freedom, 
 
 exemption from control 
 In de pen dent, a. free, not 
 
 subject to control 
 In dis tinct ly, ad. confusedly 
 In of fen sive, a. harmless 
 In sur rec tion, n. rebellion, 
 
 a seditious rising 
 In ter ces sion, n. mediation 
 In ter ces sor, n. a mediator 
 In ter mis sion, n. a pause, a 
 
 cessation for a time 
 In ter rup tion, n. obstruc- 
 tion, hinderance, stop 
 In ter sec tion,n.a point where 
 
 lines cross each other
 
 THE AMERrCAN fNSTllUCTER. 
 
 18^ 
 
 In tro due tion, «. the act of 
 conducting to, a preface 
 
 Mai e fac tor, »i. a criminal 
 
 Man u mis sion, n, the act of 
 freeing slaves, freedom 
 
 Math e mat icks, n. the sci- 
 ence of number and measure 
 
 Mem o ran dum, «. a note to 
 help the memory 
 
 Pol i ti cian, n. one who is 
 skilled in politicks [rious 
 
 Prej u di cial, a. hurtful, inju- 
 
 Pres i den tial, a. pertaining 
 to a president 
 
 Prov i dig n tial, a. effected by: 
 providence 
 
 Rec oMec tion, n. recovery of 
 thoughts, memory [peating 
 
 Sat is fac tion, n. the state of 
 
 Non ex is tence, n. state of Rep e ti tion, n. the act of re- 
 not existing Res ur rec tion, ^.revival from 
 
 Not with stand ing, conj. nev- the dead 
 ertheless, in spite of 
 
 Om ni pres ence, n. the quali- heing satisfied 
 
 ty of being every where ! tin der stand ing, n. intellec-^ 
 present [every place tual powers, skill 
 
 Gm ni pre5 ent, a. present in Un sue cess ful, a. unlucky, 
 
 Opposition, n. resistance,! not successful 
 a party opposing j 5 
 
 O ver val ue, v. to rate at too- 1 Cor res pon dence, n. inter- 
 high a price | course, engagement 
 
 Per ad ven turc, [t like tsh} Pa tri ot ick, a. having patri- 
 ad. perhaps ' otism, noble 
 
 — -eO©— 
 
 SECTION LXXVL 
 
 Writing. 
 
 Writing is that art which enables as to express our 
 ideas by letters.. It may be considered as the parent 
 of numberless improvements, and as one of the highest 
 ornaments of social life. 
 
 It afl'ords us the means of preserving the fruits of our 
 mental investigations ; and has presented us with innu- 
 merable lessons of instruction from the ancient narra- 
 tions of history. 
 
 To enumerate all the advantages- derived from alpha- 
 betical writing, would be to range a boundless field of 
 observation, and to trace the progress of improvements 
 from the first use of letters to the present period. 
 
 The benefits conferred on mankind by this art, can- 
 not be too highly appreciated ; since from the simple- 
 process of writing, we can give a faithful representatiooi 
 n*
 
 • iB6 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER • 
 
 of our thoughts and sentiments, which we ca« wrap up 
 and transmit to other parts of the world : and by this 
 kmd of communication, keep up a social intercourse 
 With our most distant friends. 
 
 The rudiments of tlie art of writing are very simple. 
 Its advancement to its present state of improvement, 
 slow and gradual. In the first use of visible language, 
 marks were used as signs of tilings ; and we can trace 
 it through all its stages, from the simple picture, to the 
 arbitrary work for the elements of sound. 
 
 The writing of antiquity, was a species of engraving. 
 Pillars and tables of stone were first used for this pur- 
 pose, and afterwards plates of the softer metals, such as 
 lead ; or tables of wax, and skins of parchment. A pol- 
 ished point of iron, called the stylus, was used to scratch 
 letters on the wax ; but the writing on parchment was 
 performed with pen and ink. 
 
 In noticing the various methods of writing which have 
 prevailed in different nations, wc find that it has been 
 customary for some people to begin their lines at the 
 right hand side of the page, and write towards the left : 
 •thers have extended their lines from the top to the bot- 
 tom, in a perpendicular manner. 
 
 The former was the method pursued by the Hebrews, 
 Phenicians, and Arabians ; and the latter custom s^ll 
 prevails with the Chinese. But in modern times, the 
 most prevalent method is to write from left to right, as 
 practised by all the civilized nations in Europe and 
 Aimerica. 
 
 SECTIOxN LXXVIl. 
 
 On saying too much. 
 
 The art of holding the tongue, is quite as necessary 
 as the art of speaking ; and in some instances, it is even 
 more difficult to learn. 
 
 In a biographical notice of a celebrated speaker in 
 the British House of Commons, it is remarked, that 
 " he never said too much." Tliis is, iiuruth, a rare coxtt- 
 mendatiou of a publick speaker.
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. IBl 
 
 One who without circumlocution or parade, comes to 
 the matter in hand at once, and pertinaciously adheres 
 to it throughout — who seizes on the strong points in the 
 argument, and sets them to view in the clearest lig.ht.~- 
 who says all that is proper, and nothing more — whose 
 every sentence strikes home, and who remembers " to' 
 leave off when he has done :" such a publick speaker, 
 whether in the hall of legislation, in the pulpit, or al 
 the bar, will never tire his hearers. 
 
 Man, or even Woman, when enjoying the freedom oj 
 the tongue, and gifted with the faculty of usnig it flu- 
 ently, is more apt to say too much than too httle. 
 
 When a room full of ladies are all speaking at the same 
 instant, only with this difference, that some tune their 
 voices higher, and some lower — it is pretty clear that 
 they say too much. But this is tender ground, on which 
 I would tread lightly 
 
 They who expect to be listened to by every body, 
 but are unwilling themselves to listen %p any body — who 
 will hold you by the sleeve or button if you attempt to 
 escape them, and din you the harder, the more you show 
 signs of weariness ; tliis tribe of talkers, as all but them- 
 selves will readily admit, say too much. 
 
 Persons who have wit, or who th'njji. they have it, are 
 in particular hazard of saying too much. It is one of 
 the hardest things in the world to make a temperate use 
 of real, or of self-supposed wit ; and more particularly of 
 the talent for raillery. And hence, many a one, not ill- 
 natured, and meaning nothing^more than to show off his 
 wit, multiplies enemies, and sometimes wounds his best 
 friends. To make use of a line in one of Crabbe's poems, 
 ** He kindles anger by untimely jokes." 
 
 They who talk merely with intent to shine in com- 
 pany, or for the sake of showing off to advantage their 
 own parts and learning, always say too much. 
 
 The fond j)air, who entertain their visitants by the 
 hour, with setting forth the excellent qualities or smart 
 sayings of their own children, or with ridiculous details 
 of the rare conjugal affection that subsists between them^ 
 selves — say too much.
 
 188 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
   ^ 
 Those who are inordinately fond of speaking in the 
 
 first person — J myself- — it is more than an even chance 
 
 that they will say too much. 
 
 When a young man whose stock is small, is more 
 eager to expend it in talking, than to increase it by pa- 
 tient listening, he is very apt to say too much. 
 
 Old men are prone to say too much, when, getting 
 into the preterphiperfect tense, they represent the for- 
 mer days as every way better than these : as if the hu- 
 man family, notwithstanding the perpetual accumula- 
 tion of experience, were perpetually retrograding in- 
 stead of advancing. 
 
 It is seldom that men do not say too much, in their 
 convivial moments. It is then that they are peculiarly 
 apt to say something which tliey are sorry for on the 
 morrow ; for *' when wine is in, discretion is out." 
 
 I will conclude with a caution. — Let not him that 
 talketh not, despise him that talketh. There have been 
 some wights of die human family, both male and female, 
 that have obtained the reputation of abilities and wisdom 
 by their grave taciturnity — every, body thinking that 
 they could say a great deal if they would — when, in so- 
 ber truth, their habitual silence was owing rather to 
 dearth of ideas oj^to dulness. 
 
 To be humdrum in company, is as wide from the true 
 mark, as to be garrulous. 
 
 —&&&-' 
 
 SECTION LXXVIII. 
 
 Words of Jive syllables, accented on the second. 
 
 \ 
 
 A gree a ble ness,n. the qual- 
 ity of pleasing [take 
 Er re ne ous ly, ad. by mis- 
 'Har mo ni ously,arf.musically 
 He ro i cal \y,ad. courageous- 
 ly, bravely, boldly 
 Im me di ate ly, ad. instant- 
 ly, at the present time 
 In ge ni ous ly, ad. wittily 
 111 nu mor a blc, a. not to be 
 Qum bored 
 
 I 
 In va ri a ble, a. unchangea- 
 ble, constant [bly 
 In va ri a bly, ad. unchangea- 
 In v.i o la ble,«. not to be bro- 
 
 )cen or profaned 
 Un rea son a ble, a. unjust, 
 not agreeable to reason 
 2 
 Af fee tion ate ly, ad. fondly 
 Cou fed er a cy, n. a league,, 
 boud. union
 
 CTHE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER.\ 
 
 189 
 
 Con sid er a ble, a. worthy of 
 regard, important [ness 
 
 Con temp ti ble ness, n. vile- 
 Con spic u ous ness, n. clear- 
 ness, fame, renown [pause 
 
 Con tin u al ly, ad. without 
 
 De ter min ate ly, ad. reso- 
 lutely 
 
 Em phat i cal ly, ad. forcibly 
 
 Ex cep' tion a ble, a. liable to 
 some objection 
 
 Ex trav a gant ly,arf .wasteful- 
 ly,in an unreasonable degree 
 
 Gram mati cal ly, ad. accord- 
 ing to the rules of grammar 
 
 D lus tri ous ness, n. grand- 
 eur, eminence 
 
 im pen i tent ly, ad. without 
 repentance 
 
 Im per isb a ble, a. not liable 
 to decay or perish 
 
 Im prac ti ca ble, a. unattain- 
 able, impossible 
 
 In ac cu ra cy, ». a defect, 
 want of exactness 
 
 In ap pli cable, a. that cannot 
 be applied 
 
 In def i nite ly, ad. in an un- 
 limited manner [caey 
 
 In del i ca cy, n. want of deli- 
 
 In dus tri ous ly, ad. diligently 
 
 In ev i ta ble, a. unavoidable 
 
 In gen u ous ly, ad. openly, 
 candidly, freely 
 
 In im i ta ble, a. not to be im- 
 itated or copied, very fine 
 
 In se;- a ra ble, a. united so 
 as not to be parted 
 
 In suffer a ble, a. intolerable, 
 
 , detestable 
 
 In tel li gi ble, a. easily un- 
 derstood [plainly 
 
 In tcl U gi bly, ad. dearly, 
 
 In tem per ate ly, ad. exces- 
 sively 
 
 In ten tion al ly, ad. by de- 
 sign, with fixed choice 
 
 In val u a ble, a. very valua- 
 ble, inestimable 
 
 Ir reg u lar ly, ad. in an ir- 
 regular manner 
 
 Mag nan i mous ly, ad. brave- 
 ly, courageously 
 
 Mag nif i cent ly, ad. pom- 
 pously, splendidly 
 
 Ma jes ti cal ly, ad. with dig~ 
 nity, with grandeur [will 
 
 Ma lev o lent ly, ad. with ill 
 
 Par tic u lar ly, ad. distinctly, 
 singly 
 
 Per pet u al ly,[tlike tsh] ad, 
 continually [introductory* 
 
 Pre lim i na ry, a. previous, 
 
 Pre snmp tu ous ly, [ t like 
 tsh] arf. haughtily, proudly 
 
 Pre sump tu ous ness, [ t like 
 tsh] n. rashness, excess of 
 confidence 
 
 Pro mis cu ous ly, ad. indis- 
 criminately, confusedly 
 
 Re pub li can i^m, n. attach- 
 ment to a republican govt 
 crnnient 
 
 Un char i ta ble, a. unkmd, 
 having no charity 
 3 
 
 Un al ter a ble, a. incapable 
 of being altered 
 5 
 
 A bom 1 na ble, a. hateful, de- 
 testable 
 
 De pos i tor y,n. a place where 
 things are lodged 
 
 Dis hon our a ble, a. shame- 
 ful, reproachful [history 
 
 His tor i cal ly, ad. by wty of
 
 190 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Im mod er ate ly, ad. in an 
 excessive degree 
 
 In com pe ten cy, n. inability 
 
 In com pe tent ly, ad. unsuit- 
 ably 
 
 In hos pi ta ble, a. unfeeling, 
 unkind to strangers 
 
 Id tol er a ble, a. insufferable, 
 very bad, vile 
 
 In vol ua ta ry, a. not done 
 willingly 
 
 JNIe thod i cal ly, ad. accor- 
 ding to nlethod, exactly 
 
 Un prof i ta ble, a. useless, 
 Vain 
 8 
 
 Un com for ta ble, a. misera- 
 ble, dismal, gloomy 
 
 — OO^— 
 SECTION LXXIX. 
 
 Words of Jive syllablifs. accented on the third. 
 
 As si du i ty, n. diligence 
 Cer e mo ni al, a. formal, ob- 
 servant of old forms 
 
 1 
 In sup por ta ble, a. not to be 
 
 endured 
 Ir re du ci ble, a. that which 
 Con sti tu tion al, a. legal, \ cannot be reduced 
 
 consistent with the consti- j Mat ri mo ni al, a. nuptial, 
 tution pertaining to marriage 
 
 Dis a gree a ble, a. unpleasant i Mor i to ri ous, a. deserving 
 Ex com mu ni cate, v. to ex- \ of reward or honour 
 
 elude, expel, put out [cutes j Mis eel la neous, a. mingled, 
 Ex e cu tion er, v. he that exe- 1 composed of various kinds 
 Im ma te ri al, a. unimportant \ Op por tu ni ty, 7i. a fit place, 
 Im ma tu ri ty, n. unripeness j time, convenience 
 Im me mo ri al, a. past the Pat ri mo ni al, 'a. derived by 
 
 time ot memory 
 
 inheritance [plainness 
 
 Im pro pri e ty, n. unfitness Per spi cu i ty, n. clearness. 
 
 Rev o lu tion ist, n. one en- 
 gaged in a revolution [plus 
 Su per flu i t}', n. excess, over- 
 
 In com nrH> di ous, a. inconve- 
 nient, unsuitable 
 
 In con cei va ble, a. incom- 
 prehensible 
 
 lu ere du li ty, n. hardness of i Af fa bil i ty, n. civility 
 belief [excused An ni ver sa ry, n, a yearly 
 
 In ex cu sa ble, a. not to bo festival [round 
 
 In ex pe ri ence, n. want of 
 experimental knowledge 
 
 In ge nu i ty, n. wit, genius, 
 acuteness [cal 
 
 Un bar mo ni ous, a. unmusi- 
 
 in Stan ta no ous, a. done in 
 iea instant, Immediate 
 
 (^ir cum nav i gate, v. to sail 
 Cum f)re hcii sivc ness, n. the 
 
 quality of containing much 
 
 in few words 
 Dis a bil i ty, n. weakness, 
 
 want of power [ing 
 
 Du J a bd i ty, n, power of last-^
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER 
 
 191 
 
 Ev an gel i cal, a. agreeable 
 to gosptl, divine 
 
 Ge ne al o gy, n. history of 
 family descendants 
 
 Gen er al i ty, n. the main 
 body, most part 
 
 Hos pi tal i ty, n. liberality in 
 entertainments ; the prac- 
 tice of entertaining stran- 
 gers 
 
 Hyp o crit i cal, a. insincere, 
 false, dissembling 
 
 Im mo ral i ty, n. want of vir- 
 tue [from death 
 
 Im mor tal i ty, n. exemption 
 
 Im per cep li ble, a. not to be 
 perceived 
 
 In a bil i ty, n, want of pow- 
 er, weakness 
 
 In ac tiv i ty, n. idleness 
 
 In com bus ti ble, a. not to be | 
 consumed by fire i 
 
 In com passion ate, a. void of' 
 pity, cruel 
 
 In com pat i ble, a. inconsis- 
 tent [ihoi.glrJess 
 
 In con sid er ate, a. careless, 
 
 In con sis ten cy, a di.'>r<gr8e- 
 rocLi.t. absiudity. corsirddic- 
 
 ' [1/ 
 
 la t'^u ^I'i lent ly, ad. absu"d- 
 
 in dis '^nn^ - - ■;■. a. uiidis- 
 ti!r»;V>;3h" -'rd 
 
 In -^.'.s peo-sa sicr, a. necessa- 
 ry, not t<< b^ spared 
 
 In dl VJ5 i bit;, (/. that which 
 caouat be divided 
 
 In ef f 'c tu al, [t like tsh] a. 
 with:>ut power, weak 
 
 In ex pres si ble, a. not to be 
 8ejrrib(^d, unutterable 
 
 In hu man i ty, n. cruelty, 
 barbarity 
 
 In of fen sive ly, ad. without 
 
 harm 
 
 In sig nif i cance, ra. unimpor- 
 tance, want of meaning 
 
 In sig nif i cant,<2. unimportant 
 
 In tel lee tu al, [t like tshj a. 
 relating to the understanding 
 
 In tre pid i ty^ n. fearless- 
 ness, courage, bravery ^'r 
 
 In tro due tor y, a, previous, 
 preparatory to something 
 else 
 
 Ir re sis ti ble, a. that which 
 cannut be resisted 
 
 Lib er al i ty, n. generosky, 
 kindness 
 
 Mag na nim i ty, n. greatness 
 of mind, bravery 
 
 Min er ai o gy, n.the doctrine 
 of minerals [spelled 
 
 Or tho graph i cal, a. rightly 
 
 Per pen die w lar, n any th'ng 
 directly upright [of right 
 
 P^au .?i bil i ty, n. appearance 
 
 Pop u iai- i ty. n the favour or 
 love of the people 
 
 Pos si bil,i ty. n. the state of 
 being possible 
 
 Prt.b a bil i ty, n. likelihood 
 
 Prod i gal i ty, n. extrava- 
 
 i erince, waste 
 
 I Punc tu al i ty, f#like tsh] «, 
 
 j exactness, nicety 
 
 i Reg u Ipri ty, n. order, meth- 
 
 I o^. exactness 
 
 K^'^ re sent a tive, n. a substi- 
 
 tuve in po.ver, a deputy 
 Se;i si bil i ty, n. quickness of 
 
 sensation 
 Sim i lar i ty, n. likeness, re- 
 semblance 
 Su per ex eel lent, a. uncom- 
 
 \ monly excellent
 
 192 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Su per nat u ral, [t like tsli] 
 a. above the powers of na- 
 ture [ly 
 
 Un ex pec ted ly, ad. sudden- 
 
 U ni ver si ty, n. a general 
 school of liberal arts 
 3 
 
 fn con for mi ty, n. incompli- 
 ance 
 
 tl ni for' mi ty, n. sameness, 
 resemblance 
 
 Ec o nom i cal,a.saving, pru- 
 dent, frugal 
 
 Et y mol o gy, n. the deriva<. 
 tion of words 
 
 Gen er os i ty, n. liberality 
 
 Im me thod i cal, a. irregu-4|^ 
 lar, confused 
 
 In e qual i ty, n. unevenness 
 
 Lex i cog ra pher, a. writer 
 of a dictionary 
 
 Tric^ o nom e try,n. the art of 
 measuring triangles 
 
 G [removed 
 
 Ir re move a ble, a. not to be 
 
 01 
 
 Un a void a ble, a. inevitable, 
 not to be shunned 
 
 An i nios i ty, n. hgtrod 
 Ar is toe ra c}', n. a govern 
 
 ment by nobles 
 Cu ri OS i ty, n. fiiceness, in 
 
 quisitiveness " 
 
 SECTION LXXX. 
 
 What is Time 9 
 I ask'd an aged man, a man of carc^. 
 Wrinkled and curv'd, and white with hoary hairs, 
 " Time is tho warp of life," he said — " O tell 
 The young, the fair, the gay, to weave it well." 
 
 I ask'd the ancient, venerable dead, 
 Sages who wrote, and warriours who bled : 
 From the cold grave a hollow murmur flow'd, 
 " Time sow'd the seeds we reap in this abode." 
 
 •I askM a dying sinner, ore the stroke 
 Of rutllfc'ss dc.ith, life's golden bowl had broke, 
 I ask'd him wiiat is time — " Time," he replied, 
 " I've lost it, ah ! the treasure ;" and he died. 
 
 I ask'd the golden sun and silver spheres, 
 Those bright cl.ronnnieters of days and years, 
 They ansvvor'd, " Time is liut a meteor's glare," 
 And bade me for eternity prepare. 
 
 I ask'd the seasons in their annual round, 
 
 Which beautify or desolate tlic ground ; 
 
 And thc)/ replied, (ill) oracle more wise,) 
 
 *' 'Tis folly's blank, and wisdom's highest prize."
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER, 10^1, 
 
 Of things inanimate, my dial I 
 Consulted, and it made me this reply — 
 " Time is the season fair, of living well, 
 The path to glory, or the path to hell," 
 
 I ask'd the Bihle, and methinks it said, 
 " Time is the present hour, the past is fled ,; 
 Live — live to day ! to-morrow never yet 
 On any human being rose or set." 
 
 — Q©^— 
 
 SECTION LXXXI. 
 
 Youth. 
 
 What is youth like ? 'tis like a flower 
 That opens to the morning sun, 
 That's lovely to the eye an hour, 
 When lo, its blushing beauty's gone. 
 
 'Tis like a dream, when fancy reigns,. 
 And spreads her airy mantle round. 
 Imagination rules the brains, 
 And judgement lies in sleep profound. 
 
 'Tis like a fragile bark when tost. 
 High bounding o'er the restless wave, 
 That^s in a moment wrerJi'd and lost 
 Forever in a watery grave. 
 
 'Tis like the spring when verdure yields 
 A pleasing prospect to the eye. 
 When vestments, through a th^ usand fields, 
 Lose, by summer suns , their die. 
 
 'Tis like the infant ice laid o'er 
 The peaceful bosom of the li^ke, 
 Where boys, adv euturcus from the shorej 
 Their sudden, woful exit make, 
 
 'TJs like a faithless promise' lure. 
 Which prospect paints to fancy's eye., 
 Avd renders disappointment sure. 
 Which leave? the lamp of hope to die. 
 
 'Tis like the faUingsnow, you've seen 
 Desceft4hig iVora its frozen store, 
 
 IT
 
 194 THE AKKRICAN INSTRUCVEft. 
 
 Wlien driven on the running stream, , 
 
 It disappears, is seen no more. 
 
 'Tis Vik^ those varying colours bright, 
 Reflected from an ev'ning cloud. 
 Which, fading at the approach of night. 
 Are mantled in a murky shroud. 
 
 SECTION LXXXn. 
 
 Night. 
 
 The Sun goes down, he sinks in western skies, 
 Daikness prevails, and now the twilight dies. 
 Now twinkling stars unmeasur'd space look through, 
 Our thoughts invite beyond the ethereal blue. 
 
 The silver moon, from ocean's rolling tide, 
 Comes forth to rule, extends her sceptre wide ; 
 O'er forests, hills and dales, her placid ray 
 Delights to^ wander till returning day. 
 
 Well, I remember, when in tender years. 
 My ev'ning walks, quite free from worldly care^i, 
 With pleasure I beheld with eager eye. 
 Those gems of light revolving through the sky. 
 
 By the kind moon's most calm, unclouded light, 
 1 walk'd o'er brooks and rivulets by night ; 
 • Her mild, her placid face I oft have seen 
 Well pleas'd reflected from the gunjling stream. 
 
 But night's the time for rest and calm repose. 
 When cares subside, and toil and labour close ; 
 When sleep his dreamless curtain spreads around, 
 And locks us fast in thoughtlessness profound. 
 
 Such may be doath, when life's short race is run, 
 Its hours past, and sinks its ev'ning sun ; 
 No twinkling star shall light the silent tomb, 
 Nor moon's soft beam distiiib the dreary gloom. 
 
 As we retire to sleep, in hope to rise. 
 When Sol's bright beams shrdl blush in eastern skies, 
 Immortal hope shall cheer nw latest breath, 
 Expecting day beyond the nighl of death.
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER 
 
 195 
 
 SECTION 
 
 Words of Jive syllables, 
 1 
 
 A.b bre vi a tion, n. the act of 
 shortening 
 
 A bom i na tion, n. hatred, 
 pollution 
 
 A.C com mo da tion, n. con- 
 venience 
 
 Ad min is tra tion,??. the act 
 of administering 
 
 Ad min is tra tor, n. a man 
 that administers 
 
 Ad min is tra trix, ff. a wo- 
 man that administers 
 
 Al le vi a tion, n. the act of 
 making light 
 
 Ap pro pri a tion, n. applica- 
 tion to sprae particular use 
 
 Ar tic u la tion, n. the act of 
 forming words 
 
 Ca lum ni a tion, n. a false 
 report, slander 
 
 Civ il i za tion, n. the state of 
 being civilized, politeness 
 
 Clar i fi ca tion, n. the act of 
 making clear 
 
 Co ag u la tion, ii. the act of, 
 or body formed by curdling 
 
 Con fed er a tion,n. close al- 
 liance, league 
 
 Con sid er a tion, n. serious 
 thought, regard, prudence 
 
 De ter mi na tion, n. conclu- 
 sion, resolution, decision 
 
 Dis ap pro ba tion, n. cen- 
 sure, condemnation 
 
 Ed i fi ca tion, w. improve- 
 ment, instruction 
 
 E lu ci da tion, n. explanation 
 
 E nu mer a tion, n. the act of 
 numbering or counting over 
 
 For ti fi ca tion, n. a nluce 
 
 LXXXIII. 
 
 accented on the fourth. ? 
 1 
 
 Grat i fi ca tion, ?i. pleasure, 
 delight, reward 
 
 Hu mil i a tion, 72. the act of 
 humility 
 
 II lu mi na tion, n. a giving 
 light, brightness 
 
 Im ag in a tion, [g soft] n. 
 fancy, idea, notion 
 
 In oc u la tion, n. the act of 
 inoculating or grafting 
 
 In ter pre ta tion, n. an ex- 
 planation 
 
 In ter ro ga tion, n. a question 
 put ; a point marked thus(?) 
 
 In tox i ca tion, n. drunken- 
 ness [tion 
 
 In ves ti ga tion, n. examina- 
 
 Ir ra di a tion, n. an enlighl- 
 
 enmg 
 
 ) 
 
 built for defence 
 
 Jus ti fi ca tion,w, vindication, 
 defence 
 
 Man i fes ta tion, n. a discov- 
 ery, a publication 
 
 Mis ap pli ca tion, n. appIica-> 
 tion to a wrong purpose 
 
 Mod i fi ca tion, n. the act of 
 modifying 
 
 Mor ti fi ca tion, n. putrefac- 
 tion, gangrene 
 
 Mul ti pli ca tion, n. the act 
 of multiplying 
 
 No ti fi ca tion, 72. the act of 
 making knowo • 
 
 Pre des ti na tion, n. preordi- 
 nation, a fatal decree 
 
 Pro eras ti na tion, n. a de- 
 lay, stop 
 
 Prog nos ti ca tion, n. the act 
 of foretelling 
 
 Pu ri fi ca tion, n. the act of 
 making pure
 
 196 
 
 tHE AMERICAN INSTRUCtER. 
 
 l^ual i fi ca tion, n. an accom- 
 plishment 
 
 Rat i fi ca tion, n. confirma- Sig ni fi ca tion, n. a meaning 
 
 tion 
 
 Rec om men da tion, n. the 
 act of recommending 
 
 Re gen er a tion, r.. the new 
 birth, birth by grace 
 
 Re mu ner a tion, 7i. a reward 
 
 Rep re sen ta tion, h. like- 
 ness, description 
 
 Re tal i a tion, n. return of 
 like for like 
 
 Sane ti fi ca tion, n, the act 
 of making holy 
 
 by signs or words 
 
 Sub or di na tion, n. the state 
 of being inferiour [offofm 
 Trans fig u ra tion, ti.sl change 
 2 >5 
 
 INIath e ma ti cian, n. one vers- 
 ed in mathematicks [take 
 Mis ap pre hen sion, n. mis- 
 Mis un der stand ing, n. mis- 
 conception, errour. 
 
 SECTION LXXXIV. 
 
 Words of six, seven, and eight syllables ; in which the accent' 
 ■^syllables are defined by the figures being placed (mer them. 
 
 Dis a gree a ble ncss^ n. of- 
 fensiveness, unpleasantness 
 
 In com mo di ous ncss, n. in- 
 convenience 
 
 In Stan ta ne ous ly, ad. soon, 
 in an indivisible point of 
 time 
 
 Su per nu mer a ry, a. being 
 above the stated number 
 
 2 
 
 Cir cum nav i ga ble, a. that 
 which may be sailed roimd 
 
 Hyp o cri4. i cal ly, ad. with- 
 out sincerity, falsely 
 
 In ar tic u late ly, ad. indis- 
 tinctly 
 
 In con sid er a ble ness, n. 
 small importance 
 
 In con sid er a ble, a, unwor- 
 thy of notice 
 
 In con sid cr ate ly,ad.thought- 
 lessly 
 
 In con sid er ate ness, n. inat- 
 
 • teution [ed 
 
 In de fat i ga ble, a. unweari- 
 
 In de ter min a ble, a. not to 
 be fixed, not to be defined 
 
 In de ter min ate ly, ad. in an 
 unsettled manner 
 
 In ex tin guish a ble, a. un- 
 quenchable 
 
 Or tho graph i cal ly, ad. ac- 
 cording to the rules of spel- 
 ling 
 
 Un in tel li gi ble, a. such at 
 cannot be understood 
 
 Un in tel li gi bly, ad. not to 
 be understood 
 r> 
 
 Im me thod i cal ly, ad. ir- 
 regularly, without method 
 
 8 
 
 Ir re cov er a ble, a. not to 
 be regained [recovery 
 
 Ir re cov er a bly, ad. beyond 
 I 
 
 An te di lu \i an, a. existing 
 before the flood 
 
 Me di a to ri al, a. belonging 
 to a mediator
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 197 
 
 1 
 
 Sem i di am e ter, 71. the half 
 of a diameter 
 
 Su per in ten den cy, n. the 
 act of overseeing 
 
 Sus cep ti bil i ty, n. the qual- 
 ity or state of admitting 
 
 5 ^ -. -' 
 
 Pre des ti na ri an, n. one that 
 holds the doctrine of pre- 
 destination 
 2 
 
 Ex per i men tal ly,orf. by ex- 
 perience, by trial 
 
 Im mu ta bil i ty, n. exemp- 
 tion from change 
 
 Im pos si bil i ty, n. impracti- 
 cability, that which cannot 
 be done 
 
 Im prob a bil i ty, n. unlike- 
 lihood, absurdity 
 
 In ca pa bil i ty, n. inability, 
 a disqualification 
 
 In com pre hen si ble, a. not 
 to be conceived 
 
 In cu ra bil i ty, n. an impos- 
 sibility of cure 
 
 In stru men tal i ty, n. subor- 
 dinate agency 
 
 In vis i bil i ty, n, the state 
 of being invisible 
 
 Ir reg u lar i ty, n. a devia- 
 tion from rule 
 
 Per cep ti bil i ty, n. the pow- 
 er of perceiving 
 
 Plen i po ten tia ry, n. a ne- 
 gotiator invested with full 
 power 
 
 Prac ti ca bil i ty, n. possibil- 
 ity of being performed 
 
 — Q!^©— 
 
 DECLARATION OF CONGRESS. 
 
 '* We hold these truths to be seJf-eridenty 
 that all men are created equal ; that they are 
 endowed hy^ their Creator icith certaiu un- 
 alienable rights : that among these are life, lib- 
 erty, and the pursuit of happiness^ This 
 is the language of America, of Reason, and 
 of Truth. 
 
 In fe ri or i ty, 71. a lower 
 state of dignity or value 
 
 Su pe ri or i ty, 7i. pre-emi- 
 nence, the quality of being 
 greater 
 
 1 
 
 Cir cum nav i ga tion, n. the 
 act of sailing round 
 
 Mis rep re sen ta tion, n. a 
 wrong representation 
 
 Pre de ter mi na tion, n. de- 
 termination made before- 
 hand 
 
 Rec on cil i a tion,w. a renew- 
 al of friendship, atonement 
 
 Im pen e tra bil i ty, n. an 
 impenetrable qualily 
 
 In di vis i bil i ty, n. state in 
 whicli no more division can 
 be made 
 
 In scp a ra bil i ty, n. an in- 
 separable quality 
 
 In com pre ben si bil i ty, n 
 unconceivableness
 
 198 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 SECTION LXXXV. 
 
 The Fourth of July.' 
 
 This day commemorates the glorious epoch in ouv 
 national history, when indignant Americans burst the 
 thraldom of British tyranny, and asserted the rights with 
 which God and Nature invested them, and decreed their 
 just inheritance ; wlien tlie voice of the American na* 
 tion, by the moiith of tlieir delegated sages and patri 
 ots, declared " tliat these United States are, and of right 
 ought to be, free, sovereign and independent." 
 
 This resolution they bras'ely carried into effect, on 
 the fourth day of July, in the ever-memorable year of 
 Seventy-six ; and boldly pledged their lives, their for- 
 tunes, and their sacred honour, to support it. Still do 
 their sons retrace with proud delight the record of their 
 noble deeds; still are millions ready to renew the pledge. 
 
 Still do their bosOms glow with indignation at the story 
 of their oppressions, exult in their successes, and weep 
 over their misfortunes ; and contemplate with admira- 
 tion their unshaken constancy, and more than Roman 
 virtue, in that gloomy period when scarce a ray of hope 
 gilded the dreariness of the prospect — when a licentious 
 soldiery wasted our fields, pillaged our villages, confla- 
 grated our towns, butchered our citizens, violated the 
 temples of our God — carrying terrour and dismay, fire 
 and sword, through every section of our coimtry. 
 
 The enthusiasm with which the return of this day is 
 hailed, is a pledge that the spirit of seventy-six is not 
 extinct : although, most of the sages and heroes of the 
 revolution, have yielded to the lawofnature, and launch- 
 ed that gulf whence none returi* yet their mantles still 
 rest on their sons. 
 
 Americans ! place constantly before your sight the 
 deplorable scenes of your servitude, and the enchanting 
 picture of your deliverance ! Begin with the infant in 
 his cradle ; let the first word he lisps, be Washington. 
 Let his first lessons of history be the wrongs which you 
 suffered, and the courage which set you free. Let his 
 Jaily prayers be expressions of gratitude to God, for 
 raining you up accomplished chiefs ; for leading on
 
 THE AiMERICAN INSTRUCTER. lilf 
 
 your armies ; and for strengthening the arm of your 
 peasants against the discipline and tyranry of Europe. 
 
 Let the youth grow up amidst annual festivals, com 
 memorative of the events of war, and sacred to the 
 memory of your heroes. Let him learn from his father 
 to weep over the tombs of those heroes, and to bless 
 their virtues. Let his first study be your declaration of 
 independence, and the code of your constitution, which 
 were sketched out amidst the clashing of arms. 
 
 Let him stop at the end of the field which he ploughs, 
 and while the tears start into his eyes, let him read, en- 
 graven upon the rude stones ; " here savages in the pay 
 of despotism, cast an infirm old man into the flames : here 
 they dashed against the trees, children that were snatch- 
 ed away from the breasts of their dying mothers." 
 
 Are any so base as to sacrifice Liberty and Indepen- 
 dence to foreign ambition ? Would any exchange lib- 
 erty and equal laws for despotism and oppression .'' If 
 any such there are, let them be marked for the detes- 
 tation of freemen, the curse of heaven. 
 
 Guard against the spirit of conquest : the tranquillity 
 of empire decreases, as it is extended. Have arms for 
 your defence, but have none for offence. Seek ease and 
 health in labour ; prosperity in agriculture and manu- 
 factures ; strength in good manners and virtue. Make 
 the sciences and arts prosper, which distinguish the 
 civilized man from the savage. Especially watch over 
 the education of your children. 
 
 It is from publick schools, be assured, that skilful 
 magistrates, disciplined and courageous soldiers, good 
 fathers, good husbands, good brothers, good friends, and 
 honest men come forth. Wherever we see the youth 
 depraved, the nation is on the decline. Let Liberty have 
 an immoveable foundation in the wisdom of your con- 
 stitutions ; and let it be the cement which unites your 
 states, which cannot be destroyed. In view of all the 
 blood-purcnased blessings you enjoy, cultivate peace, 
 wisdom and integrity ; and 
 
 " The bliss of these States in rapture shall run, 
 " Till nature shall freeze at the death of the Sun.*'
 
 200 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 SECTION LXXXVI. 
 
 Ode for the Fourth of July 
 
 Let hymns of triumph rise around 
 
 The shrine of Liberty ; 
 Her temples fill with joyful fcouod. 
 
 Of songs and minstrelsey. 
 
 It is a nation's natal day, 
 
 'Tis Freedom's jubilee : 
 With thankful hearts due homage pay, 
 
 The homage of the free. 
 
 From thraldom's dream our father's woke, 
 
 And spurn'd at tyrants' sway ; 
 The sceptre of the mighty broke, 
 And cast their chains away. 
 
 Great was the work, and great their souls 
 
 Who made their country free — 
 Their names are written on the rolls 
 Of immortality ! 
 
 Others have fought, and battles vvoti, 
 In vain — their hope expires : 
 
 Their chief was not a Washington, 
 Their soldiers, not our sires. 
 
 To despot rod let Europe bow. 
 And shake her gilded chains ; 
 
 Free as our streams to ocean flow, 
 We tread our native plains. 
 
 Uncheck'd, Columbia's Eagle soars, 
 With wide and glorious sweep ; 
 
 Her mountain Oak her thunder pours 
 Triumphant o'er the deep. 
 
 Invincible in battle field, 
 
 Her march is victory ! — 
 Strong are the arms in fight that wield 
 
 The sword of Liberty. 
 
 And long as justice holds her sway,' 
 And vnlour shields the brave, 
 
 Undinmi'd her stars shall shed their ray, 
 And high her banners wave. 
 
 These blessings claim our highest praise?^ 
 
 Of thankfulness and love — 
 Loud hallelujahs let us raise , , 
 
 To Him who rules al)ove.
 
 201 
 AN ABRIDGMENT OF 
 
 English Grammar is the art of speaking and writing the 
 English Language correctly. It is divided into four parts ; 
 viz. Orthography, Etymology, Syntax, and Prosody. 
 
 Orthography teaches the nature and powers of letters^ 
 dtld the just niethod of spelling words. 
 
 Etymology treats of the different sorts of words, their va- 
 rious modifications, and their derivation. 
 
 Syntax treats of the agreement, government, and proper 
 arrangement of words and sentences. 
 
 Prosody treats of the just pronunciation of words, and 
 the laws of versification. 
 
 ETYMOLOGY AND SYNTAX. 
 
 Words are divided into ten sorts ; commonly called parts 
 of speech ; viz. 
 
 1.' Article, 6. Participle, 
 
 2. Noun or Substantive, 7. Adverb, 
 
 3. Adjective, 8. Preposition, 
 
 4. Pronoun, 9. Conjunction, and 
 
 5. Verb, 10. Interjection. 
 Syntax principally consists of two parts, Concord and 
 
 Government. 
 
 Concord is the agreement \vhich one word has with anoth- 
 er, in person, number, gender, or case. 
 
 Government is that power which one part of speech has 
 over another, in directing its mood, tense, or case. 
 
 OF ARTICLES. 
 
 An Article is a word prefixed to nouns to limit their 
 s'lgnification ; as, a man ; an apple ; the tree ; the stars. 
 
 There are two articles, a or an^* and the. A or an is call- 
 ed the indefinite article. The is called the definite article. 
 
 *A is used before words beginning with a consonant, or u long; as t 
 man, a unicorn. It is also used before one , as, manyaone. yl« is usetl 
 before wvrds beginning with ^ vowel or silent /( ; rs^ (m apple, an hour
 
 202 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 The indefinite article limits the noun to one of a kind, 
 but generally to no particular one ; as, " give iiie a book ;" 
 that is, any book. 
 
 The definite article limits the noun to one or more par- 
 ticular objects ; as, " give me the book ;" " bring me the ap- 
 ples ;" meaning some particular book, or apples referred to. 
 
 OF NOUNS. 
 
 A Noun is a word which is tne name of any j)orsnn, place, 
 or thing ; as, man, house, New-York, faith, charity. 
 
 Nouns are of two kinds, proper ana common. 
 
 A proper noun is a name given to one thing, to distin- 
 guish it from other things of the same kind : as, John, Alba- 
 ny, London, America. 
 
 Common nouns are the names of whole sorts or species ;' 
 us, man, tree, river, city. 
 
 To nouns belong person, numher, gender, and case. 
 
 Nouns arc of the second person when spoken to, and of 
 the third person when spok<;n of; as, '• Charles, come here ;'" 
 '•' George is a good scholar.'* i 
 
 Number is the distinction of nouns with regard to the 
 objects signified, as one or more. 
 
 Nouns have two numbers ; the singular and plural. 
 
 The singular number denotes but one object ; as, p^:n, 
 book, man. 
 
 The plural number denotes mure objects than one ; as, 
 j>cns, books, men.* 
 
 Gender is the distinction of n<iuns with reg;ird to sex. 
 There are three genders, the Mascidinc, Feminine, and 
 Neuter. 
 
 The Masculine gender denotes males ; as, man, boy, king, 
 husband, horse. 
 
 The Feminine gender denotes femilos ; as, ivuman, girl. 
 row, hen. 
 
 The Neuter gender denotes objects whicii are neither 
 males nor females ; as, book, house, Jicld.'f 
 
 * Sonic nouns, from the nature of the tiling's wliicli they express, are 
 tisod ftily ill the siii;;iilar form ; as, }if,fl't.v,JIow, gold, siiivr, pride, ^'c. 
 orhcrs only in tiic pUiral form; as, ashes. suuJJ'crs, ikeai-s, ncissors, Liingii^ 
 7ichi>s, ricliia/s. ^r. 
 
 Some words are the same in holli numbers ; as, diier, sheeji, swittc, 
 sahiioTi, ^'c. ' 
 
 1 Some nouns, iKiturally neuter, nif Iiy a figure of speech, convertetJ 
 ipto the masculine or fi'ininiiie render ; as, wJiv;n \^ s.iyof the sun. he 
 U s- '■Di;: -ind of a sliij), shi' sails well.
 
 Ttiii AMERICAN ;nstructer. 
 
 203 
 
 The English language has three methods of distinguish- 
 ing the sex ; viz. 
 
 1 . By different words ; as, 
 
 Male. 
 
 Female. 
 
 Male. 
 
 Female. 
 
 Brother 
 
 Sister 
 
 Man 
 
 Woman 
 
 Father 
 
 Mother 
 
 Nephew 
 
 Niece 
 
 Husband 
 
 Wife 
 
 Sloven 
 
 Slut 
 
 King 
 
 Queen 
 
 Son 
 
 Daughter 
 
 Lad 
 
 Lass 
 
 Uncle 
 
 Aunt 
 
 Lord 
 
 Lady 
 
 Wizard 
 
 Witch 
 
 
 By a difference 
 
 of termination ; 
 
 as, 
 
 Male. 
 
 Female. 
 
 3Iale. 
 
 Female. 
 
 Actor 
 
 Actress 
 
 Jew 
 
 Jewess 
 
 Emperor 
 
 Empress 
 
 * Patron 
 
 Patroness 
 
 Executor 
 
 Executrix 
 
 Poet 
 
 Poetess 
 
 Governour 
 
 Governess 
 
 Prince 
 
 Princess 
 
 Heir 
 
 Heiress 
 
 Prophet 
 
 Prophetess 
 
 Hero 
 
 Heroine 
 
 Shepherd 
 
 Shepherdess 
 
 3. By 
 
 prefixins: some 
 
 word indicatinir 
 
 sex : as. 
 
 Male. Female. 
 
 A man-servant A maid-servant 
 
 A male-child A female-child 
 
 A he-goat A she-goat 
 
 Male descendants Female descendants 
 
 Case is the different state or situation of nouns with re- 
 gard to other words. Nouns have three cases, the yiomina- 
 tive, possessive, and objective. 
 
 The Nominative case denotes the actor, or subject of the 
 verb ; as, " John walks." " The boys play." 
 
 The Possessive case denotes the relation of property or 
 possession ; and is formed by adding an apostrophe with the 
 
 letter s, to the noun : as, " John's hat ;" " 
 
 Women's 
 
 bon- 
 
 nets :" But when the plural ends in s, and sometimes also 
 when the singular ends in ss, the apostrophe only is added ; 
 as, "The Ladies' school •,'J " For lioliness' sake." 
 
 The Objective case denotes the object of an action, or of 
 
 a relation ; as 
 N&w- YorJc. 
 
 Nouns are 
 
 *' John strikes Thomas ;" " he lives ig 
 
 Nom. 
 Pas. 
 
 Sirigular 
 
 Man 
 Man' 
 
 Obj. Man 
 
 declined in 
 Plural. 
 Men 
 
 Men's 
 Men 
 
 the following manner. 
 
 Singular. Plvral. 
 
 Nom. King Kings 
 
 Pos. King's Kings' 
 
 Obj. King Kings
 
 204 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 As soon as the pupil Jtas committed to memory the defini- 
 tions of the Article and Noun, he should be exercised inpar- 
 iing these parts of speech, as they are arranged in the foU 
 lowing Parsing Lesson. 
 
 PARSING LESSON 1, 
 
 Article and Noun. 
 
 A book. ' 
 
 Instructer. Pupil. 
 
 What pnrt of sperrh is a ? An article. 
 
 What is an article ? 
 
 What kind ? 
 Why ? - - 
 
 What does it belong to ? 
 According to what rule ? 
 What jjurt of speceb is 
 
 book y 
 What is a noun ? 
 
 An article is a word prefixed to 
 nouns to liiEjit their signification.. 
 
 'file indefinite. 
 
 The indefinite article limits the 
 noun to one of a kind. 
 
 It belongs to book. 
 
 Rule i.* (repeat the rule.) 
 
 A noun. 
 
 A noun is a word \yhich is the name 
 
 of any person, place or thing. 
 Common. 
 Common nouns are the names of 
 
 whole sorts or species. 
 The third. 
 
 IJecause it is spoken of. 
 The singular. 
 
 Because itdenotcs^but one object. 
 The neuter. 
 Because it denotes neither male 
 
 nor female. 
 The Nominative. t 
 
 *RULE I. 
 Articles belong to nouns which they limit or dt>fine ; aS; 
 " A book ; an a])ple ; the house ; the stars." 
 
 What kind } 
 Why ? 
 
 What person ? 
 Why ? - 
 Wliat mmiber ? 
 Wh> ? 
 
 What gender ? 
 Why ? 
 
 What ra><p ? 
 
 A boy 
 A house 
 A tree 
 A garden 
 A chair 
 A table 
 
 A unicorn 
 An oniiige 
 An ap|)le 
 An hour 
 An eagle 
 The garden 
 
 The stars 
 The clouds 
 The rainbow 
 Vii-tue 
 Tem})erance 
 A hammer 
 
 t As soon as thr pupil roccivi.s iiiformution rnougli to rnalile him to 
 parse witlioiU jfiviiijjthf definitions, he may omit I'u-in undparie in the 
 ntustl way.
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER.' 
 
 205 
 
 The horizon 
 
 Boston 
 
 An earthquake 
 
 Europe 
 
 America 
 
 The constitution 
 
 The sciences 
 The continent 
 The school 
 A fever 
 The Thames 
 A river 
 
 The shoes 
 A wliim 
 A man 
 
 Tlie men 
 The woman 
 T};e end 
 
 PARSlltG LESSON II. 
 
 Nouns in the Possessive case. 
 John's hook. 
 ■Solution. John-s is a proper noun, third person, singular 
 number, masculine gender, jjosscssice case, and governed by 
 the nomi book, according to Rule ii, (ichich repeat.) Book 
 is a common noun, third person, singular number, neuter 
 gender, and nominative case. 
 
 The man's hat A painters brush The prophetess' pre- 
 
 William's paper Jacob's ladder diction 
 
 A horse's bridle Cicero's orations Wooubridge's geog- 
 The scholar's duty Job's comforters rai'hy 
 
 Woman's bonnet Murray's grammar John's l)rother's son 
 The ship^ masts Perry's victory Cicero's speech 
 
 RULE IL 
 
 A noun or pronoun in the possessive case, is governed by 
 the noun it possesses; as, ''jfohn's book ;" ^' JPerri/^s victo- 
 ry;" "Every tree is known by its fruit." 
 
 OF ADJECTIVES. 
 
 An Adjective is a word which expresses some quality 
 or property of a noun ; as, " a good scholar ; a tall man." 
 
 Adjectives admit of tln-ee degrees of comparison; the 
 positive, comparative, and superlative. 
 
 The, Positive degrco expresses the quality of an object 
 without any increase or diniiuution ; as, good, wise, great. 
 
 I'he C^omparotirc degree increases or lessens the positive 
 in significatiou; as, iviser, greater, less ivisc. 
 
 The Superlative degree- incrQasos or lessens the positive 
 to the highest or loAve^t degree ; as, imsest, greatest, leastwise 
 Comparison of Adjectivesi 
 
 The Simple word, or positive, bwcmes the comparative, 
 by adding r or er^ and the superlaii\e, by adding st or est 
 to the end of it ; as, 
 
 Positive. Oomparative. Superlative 
 
 Wise, Wiser, Wisest. 
 
 Great, (Jroater ■„ Greatest 
 
 '18 '• ^ ■^■"•'
 
 206 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER 
 
 The words more and most, less and least, have the same 
 effect ; as, 
 
 Positive. Comparative. SuperlatiKe. 
 
 Wise, 7nore wise, • most wise. 
 
 Virtuous, less virtuous, least virtuous. 
 
 Some adjectives are irregularly coinpar(?d ; us, 
 Positive. Comparative. Superlative. 
 
 Little, less, least. 
 
 Bad, worse, * worst. 
 
 Good, better, best. "^ 
 
 PARSING LESSON ITL 
 Article, Adjective, and Noun . 
 Delicious fruit. 
 Instnicier. Pupil. 
 
 What part of speech is 
 
 delicious y - - An adjective. 
 What is an adjective? An adjective is a word which ex- 
 presses some quality or property 
 of a noun. 
 What degree of com- 
 parison ? - - The positive 
 Why ? - - - Uecause it expresses the quality 
 
 of the object without increase or 
 diminut4on. 
 How is it compared? Pos. delicious, Coin, more deli- 
 cious, Super, most delicious. 
 What does it belong to ? It belongs to fruit. 
 .'Vccording to what ruin? IIvlk in. (Repeat the rule.) 
 
 RULE in. 
 
 Adjectives belong to the nouns, or pronouns which they 
 quality ; as," A vrise man ; a great house ; he is good." 
 
 A sweet apple American independence 
 
 A bad pen Virtue's fiiir form [tion 
 
 A great house Ramsay's American Revolu- 
 
 The verdant fields A woman amiable 
 
 The industrious bees The cool sequfstored vale 
 
 The dutiful stork Life's g;iy varieties 
 
 The diligent farmer The rich man's prosperity 
 
 A temperate climate The poor ynan's comfort 
 
 A free government A cheerful guod (>lu m;iii 
 
 The noblest prospect The American war 
 
 ■^'!» obedient son • Washincfton's fnrowell address
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 ao7 
 
 OF PRONOUNS. 
 A Pronoun is a word used instead of a noun, to avoid re* 
 peating the same word ; as, " The man is happy ; he is be* 
 aevolent ; he is useful." 
 
 There are three kinds of pronouns. Personal^ Relative^ 
 and Adjective. 
 
 Personal Pronouns. 
 
 Personal pronouns stand for the name of some person or 
 thing. They are /, thou, he, she, it ; with their plurals, we, 
 ffe or you, they. 
 Personal pronouns d^AmMoi per son, number, gender, dixAcast^ 
 
 The personal pronouns are thus declined. 
 
 Person and Gender. Case. Singtdar. Plural. 
 
 Nom. I, We, 
 
 Pos. Mine, Ours, 
 
 Obj. Me. Us. 
 
 Nom Thou, Ye or you 
 
 Pos. Thine, Yours, 
 
 Obj. Thee. You. 
 
 Nom. He, They, 
 
 Pos. His, TheirSj 
 
 Obj. Him. Them. 
 
 Nom. She, They, 
 
 Pos. Hers, TheirS;j 
 
 Obj. Her. Them.' 
 
 Nom. It, They, 
 
 Pos. Its, Theirs, 
 
 Obj. It. Them. 
 
 The word self is frequently joined with personal pronouns 5 
 
 as, himself, herself, itself. 
 
 Relative Pronouns. 
 Relative pronouns are such as relate, in general, to some 
 
 preceding word or phrase, called the Antecedent ; they are 
 
 who, which, what, and that.* 
 
 What is a kind of compound relative, mcluding both the 
 
 antecedent and the relative ; and is mostly equivalent to that 
 
 which; as, " I have heard what has beenalledged ;" thatis, 
 
 *'I have heard that which has been alledged." 
 
 » The word as, naav be considered as a relative pronoun whert it it 
 equivalent to which or that , as, " The same arguments are applicable, 
 lu were applied to the theory of uniformity of perceptions." Here aa 
 nuty be considered synonymous with whkh ; referring to argumeatt, •»« 
 nominative to totre applied. 
 
 First person. 
 
 Second person. 
 
 Third person, 
 Masculine gender. 
 
 Thh-d person, 
 Feminine gender.. 
 
 Third person, 
 Neuter gender
 
 208 THE AMERICAN INRTRUCTER. 
 
 Who is applied to persons ; as, " The man who is idle 
 does not improve." 
 
 Which is applied to brutes and inanimate things ; as, 
 " The birds which we have taken, are beautiful." " The 
 Helds which we roved through, were delightful." 
 
 That is applied to both persons and things ; as, " He that 
 is honest will be rewarded." " Habits that are vicious 
 should be avoided." 
 
 Wlio is of both C Nom. Who, 
 numbers, and is < Pos. Whose, 
 
 thus declined. ( Obj. Whom. 
 
 Who, which, and what, when used in asking questions, are 
 called interrogative pronouns ; as, " Who was he ?" " Which 
 is the man ?" " What arc you doing ?" 
 
 Adjective Pronouns. 
 
 Adjective pronouns are of a mixed nature, having the 
 properties both of pronouns and adjectives. They are divi- 
 led into four sorts ; Possessive, Distributive, Dcmonstrativey 
 and IndefirAte. 
 
 The Possessive adjective pronouns are those which re 
 late to property or possession. They are my, thy, his, her, 
 Our, your, their. 
 
 The Distributive adjective pronouns are those which de- 
 note the persons or things that make up a number, takdn 
 separately, and singly. They are each, every, cither. 
 
 The Demonstrative adjective pronouns are those which 
 precisely point out the subjects to which they relate. They 
 are this, that, these, those.* 
 
 The Indefinite adjective pronouns are those which ex- 
 press their subjects in an indefinite or general manner. 
 They axe some, one, any, all, other, such. 
 
 One and other are thus declined. 
 
 
 Sin^ttlar. 
 
 Plural. 
 
 
 Sinfi2ilar. 
 
 'Plural. 
 
 Nom. 
 
 One, 
 
 Ones, 
 
 Nom. 
 
 Other, 
 
 Others, 
 
 Pos. 
 
 One's, 
 
 Ones', 
 
 Pos. 
 
 Other's, 
 
 Others', 
 
 Obj. 
 
 One, 
 
 Ones. 
 
 Obj. 
 
 Other, 
 
 Others. 
 
 OF VERBS. 
 A Verb is a word which expresses action or being ; a^ 
 .*' John writes ; the boys read ; the city stands.'" 
 
 • This and these, refer to things nearat or last mentioned : that and 
 those^ to things farther distant, ot Jirst mentioned , as " This house is mine, 
 that IK my brother's." " The path of virtue, and the road of vice, are 
 open before you : that leads to happiness, this to misery." " These books 
 •re mine, thest arc John's."
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 209 
 
 Verbs are of tliree kinds ; active, passive, and neuter. They 
 are also divided into regular, irregular, and defective. 
 
 An active verb denotes action or cnorjiy wliich terminates 
 on some object ; as, " Cain smote AhiA ; Cesar conquered 
 Pompey." 
 
 A passive verb denotes action received, or endured, by 
 the person or thing which is the nominative ; as, "Pompey 
 was conquered, by Cesar." It is formed by adding the per- 
 fect participle of an active verb, to the verb he, throngli rJl 
 its changes of number, person, mood, and tense. 
 
 A neuter verb denotes being or existence, or it denotes 
 action which is limited to the subject ; as, " I am; he sleeps, 
 John walks.-^ 
 
 Regular verbs are those whose imperfect tense and per 
 feet participle end in cd ; as, 
 
 Present. Irnper/tct. Perfect part- 
 
 J I love, I loved, loved, 
 
 I favour, I favoured, favoured. 
 
 Irregular verbs are those whose imperfect tense and per- 
 fect participle do not envl in ed ; as, 
 
 Present. Imperfect. ' Perfect j'art 
 
 I know, I knew, known. 
 
 j I bpgin, I began, begun. 
 
 Defective verbs are those Avhicli are used only in some of 
 their moods and tenses ; as, 
 
 Present. Imperfect. Perfect part. 
 
 ' Can, Could. 
 
 i May. Mir^lit. ' 
 
 Ai>xiliary verbs are those by the help of which other verbs 
 are principally conjugated. Tliry are, do, be, fane, shall, 
 willy may. can, with their variations, and y«?<if, which ha.s no 
 variation. Do, be., have, and iriU are sometimes principal 
 verbs. 
 : To verbs belong Number, rp.nsoN, jMood, and Tense. 
 
 Yerbs have two numbers, the singular and ihe plural ; as, 
 He runs, we run, &:c. 
 * In each number there are three persons ; as. 
 
 Singular.' Plunil. 
 
 First person I love, " We love, 
 
 Second person Thou lovest. Ye or you love, 
 
 Third perscni He loves. They love. 
 
 Mood or Mode is the manner of rcprcscntiug action or being. 
 There are five moods of verbs ; the Indicative, Subjunc 
 tive. Potential, Infinitive, and Imperative. 
 Tense is the division of time. 
 
 There are six tenses ; the present, imperfect, perfect ^ phi' 
 perfect, first future, and second future. 
 IS*
 
 210 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 The conjugation of a verb, i.'? tlio regular combination ana 
 arrangement of its several minibeis, persons, moods, and 
 tenses. 
 
 Conjugation of the Vcrh to love, 
 
 INDICATIVE MOOD. 
 
 The Indicative Mood simply indicates or declares a things 
 or asks a question ; as, " He loves ; he is loved ;" " Does 
 he love ?" « Is he loved ?" 
 
 Present Tense Singular number. Plural numbtr, 
 
 denotes present time; 1. I love, We love, 
 
 as, 2. TlioulovestJorloves. Ye or you love, 
 
 3. He, she, or it loveth, They love. 
 
 Imperfect Tense Sinfftdar number. Plural numba 
 
 denotes past time, 1. I loved, We loved, 
 
 however distant ; as, 2. Tliou iovedst, Ye or you loved, 
 
 3. He lov<d. Thev loved. 
 
 Perfect Tense Singular itnmher. Plural numbtr. 
 
 denotes past time, but 1. I have loved, We have loved, 
 
 has reference also to 2. Thou hast loved. Ye or you have loved,^ 
 
 (he present ; as, 3. He hath or has k)ved. They have loved. 
 
 Plwperfect Tense de- Sinsridar number. Plural ?iumber. 
 
 notes past time, but as 1. 1 liad loved, We had loved, 
 
 prior to some other '2. Tiiou liads. loved, Ye or you had loved, 
 
 past time specified; as, 3. He had loved. They li»ui loved. 
 
 First Future Tense Sinsuhtr nvniher. Plural numbtr. 
 
 denotes future time ; 1. I shall «■ viilj love, \V'o sbriU or will love, 
 as, 2. Thou shall or wilt Ye (^r you shall or will 
 
 love, iove. 
 
 3. He shall or will h.ve. They shall or will love. 
 
 Setond future Tense Singnlarnumber. Plural number. 
 
 denotes future time, 1. 1 shall have loved, We shall have loved, '" 
 
 but as prior to some 2. Thou shall or wilt Ye or you shall or will 
 
 ether future time spe- have loved, [loved. hav»' l»ved, [loved. 
 
 cified ; as, 3. He shall or will have They shall or will have 
 
 PARSING LESSON IV. 
 
 Noun, Pronoun, and Verb. 
 
 He loves us. 
 
 Instructer. Pupil. 
 
 What part of speech is ke? A pronoun. [noun. 
 
 Why ? - - - Because it Is t»scd instead of a 
 
 What kind ? - - Peisonal. 
 
 Why ? - - - Because it stands for the name of 
 
 some person or thing. 
 What person ? - * The thvd.
 
 THE AJIERlCArs iNSTftUCTElU 2ii 
 
 Why ? - - - Because it is spoken of. 
 What number ? - - The singular. 
 Why ? - - - Because it denotes but one chjecr. 
 AVhat gender? -   The nifiscunne. [males. 
 
 W^hy ? - - The masculine gender denotes 
 
 What case ? - - The nominative. [verb lories. 
 
 Why } - ~ - Because it is the subject of tho 
 According to what rule ? Rule iv. {Repeat the rule.) 
 What part of speech is 
 
 loves ? . - A verb. [ing 
 
 Why ? - - - Because it expresses action or be- 
 
 Whatkind? - - Active. 
 Why? - - - An active verb denotes action or 
 
 enerjv which terminates on 
 
 some object. 
 Is it regular or irregular r Regular. 
 Why ? - - Because its imperfect tense and 
 
 perfect participle end in ed. 
 What mood ? - Indicative. [declares a thing. 
 
 Why ? - - - Because it simply indicates oy 
 
 What tense ? - - Present. 
 
 Why ? - - - Because it denotes present time. 
 What person and number? Third person, singular number. 
 Why ? - - - Because its nominative case is 
 
 third person singular. 
 What does it agree with 
 
 for its nominative ? - It agrees with he. 
 According to what rule ? Rule v. (Repeat the rule.) 
 
 Us is a personal pronoun, first person, plural number, ob- 
 jective case, and governed by the verb loves, according te 
 Rule v». (Repeat the rule.) 
 
 RULE IV. 
 The nominative case governs the verb ; as, " Thou lov- 
 est ; Ae walks ; the birds sing." 
 
 RULE V. 
 
 A verb must, agree with its nominative case iq BUfnbei 
 and person ; as," He writes ; the trees growT 
 
 RULE VL 
 
 Active verbs govern the objective case ; as," Cain SflOOtS 
 Abd ;" « Truth ennobles Aer." 
 Fire burns wood. Thou deniest me. 
 
 Children study books. You revile them*
 
 1112 I'UL AilEPvICAN" INSTRUCTER; 
 
 They forgave him. Paul preached the gospdt. 
 
 I Iravo taught them. We shall recite the lessons, 
 
 lie has comlortei me. Foxes kill people's geese. 
 
 They had cpiivincctl us. John whips Peter's dog. 
 We will pursue him. The ladies teach the children. 
 
 They will convince us. , The merchant sells the goods. 
 Newton studied astronomy. The farmer sells produce. 
 
 Generous persons relieve the poor, old men. 
 
 The man's discourse caused much excitement. 
 
 The gill's friends abuse the children"'s parents. 
 
 William's black horse kicked Stephen's little dog. 
 
 PARSING I>ESSON V. 
 
 Relative, and Adjective Pronouns. 
 
 My son ivho teaches you, pleases your father 
 
 Solution of my and who. 3Iy is a possessive adjective 
 pronoun, and beloncfs to son, according to Rule vii. (Re* 
 peat the rule.) IVho is a relative pronoun, and agrees with 
 its antecedent son, in gender and uuml)er, according to Rule 
 VIII. (Repeat the rule. ) and is the nominative case to 
 the verb teaches, according to Rule iv. (Repeat the rule.) 
 
 RULE VII. 
 
 Every adjective pronoun belongs to some noun expressed 
 or understood ; as, " iVy house ; every tree; these books ; 
 tiny book." 
 
 RULE vin. 
 
 Pronouns must agxvc with their antecedents, or the nouna 
 they rcj)resent, in gender and number ; as, " This is the man 
 ichom I love." " That is the vice which I hate." 
 
 The prisoners who broke jail, have returned. 
 
 Each pupil who recites his lessons, shall be rewarded. 
 
 The person whom I teach, loves his friends. 
 
 The woman whose house they hire, owns many houses. 
 
 Thee whom thy friends admire, we love. 
 
 The house which he occupies, our neighbour owns. 
 
 The books which the little boys road, the old roan sells. 
 
 Thou who makest my shoes, sellcst many more. 
 
 The seeds that he planted, produce beautiful flowers. 
 The conjugation of the verb, in the other moods, is omitted 
 
 until the C2planatioii of the remaining parts of speech arc 
 
 given. 
 
 OF PARTICIPLES. 
 
 A Participle is a word derived from a verb, andpartake» 
 of th« nature of the verb, adjective, and noun*
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 213 
 
 There are three kinds of participles ; the present, perfectf 
 and compound perfect. 
 
 The present participle denotes an action cbntinuing, or 
 still going on, and ends in ing ; as, *' I see a man heating a 
 horse." " The child sees the hawk killing the chickens.'* 
 
 The perfect participle denotes past time, and corresponds 
 with the imperfect tense of regular verbs ; as, loved, hated ; 
 " I found him lodged in prison." 
 
 The compound perfect participle is the union of two or 
 more participles ; as, having loved, having been loved. 
 
 PARSING LESSON VI. 
 
 Participles. 
 John sees Peter teaching the little girl. 
 Solution of teaching and girl. Teaching is a presens 
 participle, relating to the noun Peter, according to Rule ix. 
 {^Repeat the rule ) Girl is a common noun, third person, 
 singular number, feminine gender, objective case, and gov- 
 erned by ihe participle teaching, according to Rule x. (iJc" 
 yeat the rule.) 
 
 RULt IX. 
 Participles generally relate to nouns or pronouns ; aSj 
 ^^ Charles loving his parents, obeyed thera ;" " I saw Am 
 labouring in the field." 
 
 RULE X. 
 Participles, derived from active verbs, govern the objec- 
 tive case ; as, " Charles loving his parents,, obeyed tbem." 
 
 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, rebuked them. 
 
 Knowing he was my superiour, I submitted. 
 
 I saw the teacher instructing his pupils. 
 
 I saw the pupils studying their lessons. 
 
 George sees the fox killing the man's gees«. 
 
 The dog, pursuing the track, overtook the game. 
 
 The sun, having arisen, dispersed the clouds. 
 
 Charles, having discovered the cheat, pursued the rogue* 
 
 Having obtained license, he commenced preaching. 
 
 OF ADVERBS. 
 
 An Adverb is a word used to qualify the sense of verbs, 
 
 participles, adjectives, and other adverbs ; as, " He fought 
 
 hravely ;" " Having lived prudently, he became rich ;" 
 
 " Eztremely fine weather ;" '' He reads very correctly."* 
 
 * An Adverb may generally be known by its answering to the quea* 
 tion, How ? bow much ? when ? or where ? as. " He reads correctly," 
 the answer to the question, How does he read? is, c<«Tecf/y. 
 
 1
 
 214 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Some adverbs admit of comparison ; as, sootiysoonery soon- 
 est ; oftetij oftevcr, ofUnest. 
 
 Adverbs ending in Ivy are compared by mor^ and most ; 
 as, unselyy more wisely, most wisely. 
 
 Classification of Adverbs. 
 
 I. Of Number ; as, Once, t^'ice, thrice, &,c. 
 
 a. Of Order ; as, First, secondly, thirdly, fourthly, fifthly, la8tly,fi* 
 ■ally, be. 
 
 3. Of Place ; as. Here, there, where, elsewhere, anywhere, some* 
 where, nowhere, herein, whither, thither, upward, downward, forward, 
 backward, hence, thence, whence, &.c. 
 
 4. Of Ti7ne   as. Now, to-day, yesterday, to-morrow, before, hereto* 
 fore, already, hitherto, lately, afterwards, instantly, presently, immedi- 
 ately, hereafter, henceforth, by and by, not vet, long since, long ajjo, 
 oft, often, ofttimes, oftentimes, sometimes, soon, seldom, daily, yearly, 
 always, when, then, again, ever, never, h,c. 
 
 5. Of Quantity ; as, Much, little, enough, sufljciently, abundantly, 
 how much, fiic. 
 
 6. Of Martntr or Quality ; as. Wisely, foolishly, justly, unjuitlyf 
 quickly, slowly, badly, ably, admirably, correctly, softly, prudently, 
 imprudently, i^norantly, &ic. 
 
 7. Of Doubl ; as. Perhaps, peradventure, possibly, perchance, fac. 
 8 Of AJUrmation ; as. Certainly, truly, undoubtedly, verily, surely, 
 
 indeed, really, yea, yes, &c. 
 
 j 9. Of Negation ; as, Nay, no,not,by no means.not at all,in no wise,dcc* 
 . 10. Of Interrogation , as. How, why, wherefore, whether, &c. 
 
 II. Of Conjunction i as, Together, generally, universally, &<}, 
 
 12. Of Disjunction ; as, Asilnder, off, separately, apart, ^, 
 
 13. Of Similarity , as. So, equally, thus, alike, &c. 
 
 PARSING LESSON VII. 
 
 Adverbs. 
 The pupil writes very correctly. 
 
 Solution of very and correctly. Very is an adverb, and 
 qualifies correctly, according to Rule xi. (Repeat the rule.) 
 Correctly is an adverb, and qualifies the verb writes, zccoT' 
 ding to Rule xi. (Repeat the rule.) 
 
 RULE XL 
 
 Adverbs qualify verbs, participles, adjectives, and other 
 adverbs ; as, " He writes elegantly ;" " We heard theiu se- 
 cretly contriving evil ;" " She is very beautiful j" ** He 
 •peaks very gracefully." 
 
 He gave bountifully, they gave sparingly. 
 
 Very industrious scholars study constantly. 
 
 Behaving carelessly, boys do mischief. 
 
 The servant drove the horses very carelessly 
 
 First, Peter will speak ; secondly, Stephen. 
 
 The man went again : he went twice. 
 
 They have seen Tun* '^«»''«' nerhaos twice.
 
 over 
 
 beneath 
 
 amongst 
 
 under 
 
 beyond 
 
 against 
 
 above 
 
 betbre 
 
 amidst 
 
 below 
 
 behind 
 
 towards 
 
 after 
 
 beside 
 
 except 
 
 about 
 
 besides 
 
 through 
 
 across 
 
 betwixt 
 
 throughout 
 
 down 
 
 among 
 
 underneath. 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTERr 215 
 
 OF PREPOSITIONS. 
 A Frepo.sition is a word which serves to connect words 
 with one another, and to show the relation between them ; 
 as," He went from New-York to Philadelphia;" "She 
 sailed with us to London." 
 
 A list of the principal Prq)osittons. 
 
 M by 
 
 in from 
 
 of upon 
 
 off into 
 
 on with 
 
 to within 
 
 for without 
 
 Up between 
 
 PARSING LESSON VIIT. 
 
 Prepositions. 
 I write with a pen. 
 Solution of with and pen. With is a preposition and re- 
 lates to the noun pen. Pen is a common noun, third person, 
 singular number, neuter gender, objective case, and govern- 
 ed by the preposition with, according to Rule xii. (Repeat 
 
 the rule. 
 
 RULE XIL 
 
 Prepositions govern the objective case ; as, " He wentfrom 
 New- York to Boston ;" "I came into the house with him." 
 
 The army has encamped on the banks of the river. 
 
 The pen, with which I write, makes too large a mark. 
 
 They travelled through France, in haste, towards Italy. 
 
 On all occasions, she behaved with propriety. 
 
 From virtue to vice, the progress is gradual 
 
 Quarrels frequently terminate in blows. 
 
 Virtue embalms the memory of the good. 
 
 We in vain look for con.fort in wickedness. 
 
 Some things make for him, others against him, 
 
 They came from Philadelphia to New- York, by water. 
 OF CONJUNCTIONS AND INTERJECTIONS. 
 
 A Co"NJUNCTioN is a word that is chiefly used to connect 
 sentences ; joining two or more simple sentences into one 
 compound on- It sometimes connects only words; as, 
 *' John aThd Willip.rn are happy, hecavse they are good." 
 
 Conjunctions are divided into two sorts ; the Copulativ« 
 and Disjunctive. 
 
 The copulative conjunction connects words and' senten- 
 ces together, and coniinues the sense •, as, " He and his »i»* 
 ter study ;" " I will go t/he will permit me."
 
 216 THE AMERICA:^ iTCSTRtJCTER. 
 
 The {iisiunctivc cnnjunetion joins words and sentencW 
 together, but expresses opposition of meaning in different 
 degrees ; as, '' He or his sister studies ;" " Virtue is amia- 
 ble, but vice is odious," 
 
 A list of the principal Conjunctions. 
 
 Copulative And, if, that, then, both, since, for, because, 
 therefore, wherefore. 
 
 Disjunctive. But, or, nor, as, than, lest, though, unless, 
 either, neither, yet, notwithstanding, except. 
 
 An Interjection is a word used to express passion or emo- 
 tion ; usually that which is sudden or violent ; as, O ! oh ! 
 ah ! aks ! lo ! behold ! hark ! hush ! hist ! fch ! fift ! away ! 
 pshaw ! pish ! really ! strange ! here ! ho ! welcome ! hail .' 
 
 PARSING LESSON IX. 
 
 Conjunctions and Interjections. 
 
 John or James loves me ; hut alas ! Peter and Paul hate me. 
 
 Solution. John is a prpper noun, thirtl person, singular 
 number, masculine gender, and nominative case to the veirb 
 loves, according to Rule iv. (Repeat the rule.) Or is a dis- 
 junctive conjunction. James is a proper noun, third person 
 singular number, masculine g«uder, nominative case, con 
 ■ected to John by the conjunction or, according to Rule xiii-, 
 (Repeat the rule.) Loves is a regular verb active, indica 
 live mood, present tense, third person singular, and agree; 
 with its nominative case John or James, according to Ruli 
 XIV. (Repeat the rule.) Me is a personal pronoun first per 
 son, singular number, objective case, and governed by tho 
 verb loves, according to Rule vi. (Repeat the rule.) But is 
 n disjunctive conjunction. Alas is an interjection. Peter 
 is a proper noun, third person, singular nuniijor, nuisculine 
 gender, and with the connection of Paul, forms the nomJna- 
 live case to the rcrb hate, according to Ri lk iv. (Repeat the 
 rule.) And •> a copulative conjunction. Pavl is a proper 
 noun, third person^ singular number, m-isculine gohder, nom- 
 inative case, connected to Peter by the conjuncion and, ac-» 
 cording to Rule xiii. (Repeat the rule.) H-itr: is a ro'^ular 
 verb active, indicative mood, j)rf'sent tense, third person, 
 plural, and agrees with its nominative case i'/^rand Puul^ 
 according to Rule xv. ( Repeat the rule.) Me isu per.'ionai 
 pronoun, first person, singular niiinber, objective casf. nnd 
 governed by the verb hatCf according to Rule vi. {Repeat 
 tht rule.)
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 2lf 
 
 RULE XIII. 
 
 Conjunctions connect nouns and pronouns in the same 
 casC; and verbs in the same moods and tenses; as, " They 
 saw Jo fin and Peter ;" " I taught him and her ;" " They 
 read and spell. ''^ 
 
 RULE XIV. 
 
 When two or more nouns, or pronouns, in the singular 
 number, are connected by a disjunctive conjunction, the 
 verb which agrees with them must be in the singular num- 
 ber; as, " He or she icrites ;" " Daniel, David, or Henry, is 
 at school." 
 
 RULE XV. 
 
 When two or more nouns, or pronouns, in the singular 
 number, are connected by a copulative conjunction, the verb 
 whinh agrees with them, must be in the plural number ; as, 
 " He and she are dutiful ;" " Daniel, David, and Henry, are 
 at school." 
 
 Meekness and modesty adorn the female youth. 
 There is in many minds neither knowledge nor taste. 
 Oh ! I have alienated my friend ; alas ! I fear for life. 
 We in vain look for a path between virtue and vice. 
 By diligence and frugality we arrive at competency. 
 His father, mother and brother, reside at New- York. 
 Guilt often casts a damp over our sprightliest hours. 
 He has equal knowledge, but inferiour judgement. 
 Prudence and perseverance overcome all obstacles. 
 Whom ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 
 You employ all your tin)e in study and exercise. 
 Study strengthens the mind, and exercise the body. 
 I often see good people bestowing alms on the poor. 
 Idleness and ignorance produce many vices. 
 The wisest and best men sometimes commit errours. 
 The boy will have completed his task before you see him. 
 The coach and horses will have arrived to-morrow. 
 Mary studies better than Caroiine or Elizabeth. 
 Those who labour with diiicGnce, succeed in business. 
 The sun. rules the day, and iilunKiics the earth. 
 The moon rules the n'glit, and cheers the wanderer. 
 She resides in the city ; but he in the country. 
 Joseph forgave his brethren, because he was merciful. 
 He went with his brother, but without his sister. 
 When the mail returns, we shall hear from our friends. 
 The man who keeps his temper, will not be rash. 
 The man who lies, deceives or cheats, loses his reputation. 
 
 19
 
 ai8 
 
 THE ASIERiCAiSI INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Conjugation of the verb to lovb. 
 SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD. 
 The Subjunctive MgocI e:?presses action or being in a 
 doubtful or conditional manner, and is preceded by a con- 
 junction, expressed or understood ; as, " //thou hurn, thou 
 shah be rewarded ;" " Were he learned, he would be wise*" 
 
 Present Tense 
 denotes present tinie. 
 
 Singular number. 
 
 1. If ! iove, 
 
 2. If tl.ou love, 
 
 3. If he love. 
 
 tmper/ect Tense Singular number. 
 
 denotes past time^ 1. If I ti<ve<t, 
 hpwever distant. 2. If iKou hivetlsf, 
 
 3. If ht loved. 
 
 Plural number. 
 If we love, 
 If ye or yovk love, 
 If they love. 
 
 Plural number. 
 If we loved. 
 If ye or you loved. 
 If they loved. 
 
 Perfect Tense Singular number. 
 
 denotes past time, but 1. Jf ! have loved, 
 has reference also to 2. If thou hast loved, 
 the present. 3. If he has loved. 
 
 Plural number. 
 If we have loved, 
 If ye or you have loved, 
 If they hare loved. 
 
 Pluperfect Tense de- Singular number. Plural number. 
 
 Botes patttime, but as 1. If i had loved, If wc bad loved, 
 
 prior to some other 2. If tiiou hadst loved, If ye or you had loved, 
 
 past tinoe specified. 3 If he had lovod. If they had loved. 
 
 First Future Tense 
 denotes future time. 
 
 Sirt^uliir number. Plurnl number. 
 
 1. If ! shall or will love, If we shall or will love, 
 
 2. If thou shait or wilt If ye or you shall or will 
 
 love, love, 
 
 3. Ifhe shall or will love. If they shall or will love. 
 
 Second future Tense Sin r^ilar number. Plural number. 
 
 denotes future time, 1. 1;' I shall hav:- loved, If we shall have loved, 
 but as prior to some 2. li tho'i ^.'lHl( ir wiilt if ye c?yon shall or will 
 other future time spe- have l(,ved, [iov< d. haie loved, [loved. 
 
 cified. 3 If lie shall or will have If Miry .shall or will have 
 
 Although the conjuiiction :/is u«d in t:oiiJii,watiop the verb in the sub- 
 junctive mood, yet any (•flior conjunction. oxp;-essi:)!( condition, doubt, 
 Ac. may be used with equai propriety ; as, though, whether, unless, Sfc. 
 
 PAKSIIVG LCSSON X. 
 
 Efbvciics in the Subjunctive Mood. 
 
 If Jane persist in wliispering, I shall correct her. 
 Unless she desist from tiiiking, I shnl! aumunish her. 
 Except she ryfraiu from trillaig, I shall puni.sli her. 
 Though Charles neglect me, yet 1 respect him. 
 If they love me, ihey will keep my connnandnients. 
 Ifhe acquire riches, he will make a good use of them.
 
 THE AxMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 219 
 
 POTENTIAL MOOD. 
 
 The Potential Mood implies possibility, liberty, power, 
 will, or obligation, of action or being ; as, " It mat/ rain ; 
 he may go, or stay ; I can ride ; he would walk ; they should 
 learn." 
 
 The potential mood has only four tenses, viz. the Present, 
 the Imperfect, the Perfect, and Pluperfect. 
 
 PRESENT TENSE. 
 Singular numbe}-. Plural number. i 
 
 1. I may, ca», or imis» love. We may, can, or must love ', 
 
 2. Thou mayst, canst, or must love, Ye or you may, can, or must love, 
 
 3. He may, can, or must love. Tliey may, can, or must love. 
 
 IMPERFECT TENSE. 
 Singular number. Plural number. , 
 
 1. I might, could, would, or should We might, could, would, or should 
 
 love, love, 
 
 2. Thou mights;, couldst, wouldst, Ye or you might, could, would, or 
 
 or shouldst love, should love, * 
 
 3. He might, could, would, or should They might, could, would.oc should 
 
 love. love. 
 
 PERFECT TENSE. 
 
 Singular ititmber. Plural number. [ 
 
 1. I may, can, or must have loved, We may, can, or must have loved,' 
 
 2. Thou mayst, ca.nst, or must Ye or you may, can, or must hav« 
 
 have loved, loved, 
 
 S.Hemay, can, or must have loved. They may,can,or must have loved,' 
 
 PLUPERFECT TENSE. 
 
 Singular number. Plural number. 
 
 1. I mifrht, could, would, or should We might, could, would, 07- should 
 
 have loved, have loved, 
 
 2. Thou m'ghtst, conldst, wouldst, Ye or you might, could, would, or 
 
 or shouldst have loved, should have loved, 
 
 3. He might, could, would, o)- should They might, could, would, or 
 
 hav« loved. should have loved. 
 
 The Potential mood becomes the Subjunctive, by means of the cok- 
 junctions if , though, unless, &c. being prefixed to its tenses, without ahy 
 variations from the potential inflections ; as, " If I could decfive. him, £ 
 should abhor it." 
 
 PARSING LESSON XL 
 
 Exercises in the Potential Mood. 
 
 We must be temperate, if we would enjoy health. 
 
 He may rise early, for he must travel many miles. 
 
 We would not serve kim then, but we will hereafter. 
 
 He would improve, if he applied himself to study. 
 
 I told him that he might go, but he would not. 
 
 He might have acquired wealth, if he had desired iU 
 
 The mp.n should have returned when he found them. 
 
 He can acquire no virtue, unl&ss he make some sacrificeii 
 
 Thou shouldst not have boasted in his presence. 
 
 They couU have performed the business,but they wonld ndt*
 
 220 THE AMERICAN l.NSTRUCTER 
 
 INFINITIVE MOOD. 
 The Infinitive Mood expresses action or being in a gener- 
 al and unlimited manner ; huvirig no nominative case, con- 
 •equently, neither number nor person ; as, '•' To act, to speakf 
 to run, to be loved.''* 
 
 The infinitive mood has only two tenses, the Present, and 
 Perfect. 
 
 PRESENT TENSE. PERFECT TENSE. 
 
 To love. To have loved. 
 
 IMPERATIVE MOOD. 
 
 The Imperative Mood is used for commanding, exhorting, 
 entreating, or permitting ; as, " Depart thou ; mind ye ; 
 let us stay ; go in peace." 
 
 The imperative mood has only one tense, the Present. 
 
 PRESENT TENSE. 
 Singular number. Plural number. 
 
 9. Love, Love thou, or do thou 2. Love, Love yc or you, or do ye 
 
 lore. or j'ou love. 
 
 PARTICIPLES. 
 
 rRESEMT, loving^. 
 
 PERFECT, loved. 
 
 COMPOUND PERFECT, having; loved. \ 
 
 PARSING LESSON XII. 
 
 Exercises in the Infinitive and Imperative Moods. 
 
 Strive to learn. 
 
 Solution. Strive is an irregular verb neuter, imperative 
 jBOod, present tense, second person singular, and agrees vi^ith 
 its nominative thou, understood, according to Rule v. (Rc' 
 peat the ride.) To learn is a regular verb active, infinitive 
 mood, present tense, and governed by the verb strive, accor- 
 ding to Rule xvi. (Repeat the rule.) 
 
 RULE XVL ^^ 
 
 A verb in the infiniti-ve mood, may be governed by a verb, 
 noun, adjective, or participle ; as, " He loves to learn his 
 book ;" " They have a desire to improve ;'' " He is eager 
 to learn ;^^ *•' Endeavoui-ing t^ persuade.'' 
 
 " The verbs which follow bid, dare, fed, hear, let, make, need, see, S^c- 
 •reused in the infinitivj- mood witlioul iiaving the sign 'o prefixed to 
 them; as, " He bids me com'' , I dare not sji^ak : we feel the earth 
 ff^mble : we hear her nng ; let me see tlio man ; I make him study , he 
 need not be afraid ; I see him rmi." In ihcse examples, it would be 
 hwlegant to express the to, and any, I heard her (o sing. ^c.
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTPwUCTER.' 221 
 
 Study diligently, if you wish to improve. 
 
 A good man is unwilling to give pain to man or beast. 
 
 Leave me, take off his chains and use him well. 
 
 We dare not leave our studies without pevmi'Ssion. 
 
 We need not urge Charles to do good, he loves to do it. 
 
 No more ! unbind that trembling wretch ; let him depart. 
 
 No threatenings could make him violate the truth. 
 
 Behave well, if thou lovest virtue or a good name. 
 
 Strive to imitate ihe virtues which thou seest in others. 
 
 Wealthy people have many temptations to resist. 
 
 Pity the sorrows and sufferings of the poor and needy. 
 
 He has a friend to assist him in all his troubles. 
 
 We are anxious to improve all our lime in study. 
 
 It gives great pleasure to see youth engaged in learning. 
 
 I dare not proceed so liastil}', lest I should give offence. 
 
 You ought not to walk too hastily. 
 
 Will you hear me ajjply the rules of syntax ? 
 
 You need not despair, you will make a good scholar. 
 
 Conjugation of the Verb to be. 
 
 INDICATIVE MOOD. 
 
 PRESENT TENSE. 
 
 Pntsenl Tensis Sing idar number. Plural number. 
 
 denotes present time. 1. J a;Ti, We are, 
 
 2. Thou, art, Ve or yon are, 
 
 3. He, she or it is, Tliey are. 
 
 IMPERFECT TENSE. 
 
 Imperfect Tense ^.ingidar yiumber. Plural nuviber. 
 
 denotes past time, 1.1 vas, We were, 
 
 however distant. 2. Tbou wast. Ye or you werC; 
 
 '■A. He was. They were. 
 
 PERFECT TENSE. 
 
 Perfect Tense. Singulor nwiibtr. Plural number. 
 
 denotes past time, but 1. 1 have ?>eei!. We iiave been, 
 
 has reference also to 2. Thou liast brer>, Ye o;- you have been, 
 
 the present. 3. He lialh o^has hecn. Thsy have been. 
 
 PLUPERFECT TENSE. "* 
 
 ' Pluperfect Tense Singular number. tr- Plural nvmler. 
 
 denotes past time, but 1. I had been, We 1 ad Ucca, 
 
 as prior to some other 2. T!;oii hadst been. Ye or yow had been, 
 
 past time specilied. 3. He had been. '1 hey tiad been. 
 
 FIRSl" FUTURE TENSE. *' . 
 
 Singular number. Plural mimber. 
 
 First fviure. Tense ' 1. I shall or will be. We shall or will be, 
 denotes future time. 2. Thou shaltcr wiitbe, Yeoj-youshallorwillbe^ 
 3. He shall or will be. They shall or will be;.
 
 222 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 SECOND FUTURE TENSE. 
 
 Stcond future Tense, 
 denotes future time, 
 but as prior to some 
 other future time spe- 
 cified. 
 
 Singular number. Plural -number. 
 
 1. I shall have been, We shall have been, 
 
 2. Thou shalt or wilt Ye or you shall or wiH 
 
 have been, have been. 
 
 3. He shall or will have They shall or will hare 
 
 been. been. 
 
 SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD. 
 
 Singular number. 
 
 1. Iff be, 
 
 2. If thou be, 
 
 3. If he be. 
 
 Singular number. 
 
 1. If [ am, 
 
 2. If thou art, 
 
 3. If he is. 
 
 Singular number. 
 
 1. If I were, 
 
 2. If thou wert, 
 
 3. If he were. 
 
 8int:nlar number. 
 
 1. If I was, 
 
 2. If thou wast, 
 
 3. If he was. 
 
 PRESENT TENSE. 
 
 Plural number. 
 If we be. 
 If ye or you be. 
 If they be. 
 
 Or thus : 
 
 Plural number. 
 If we are« 
 If ye or you are. 
 If tliey are. 
 
 IMPERFECT TENSE. 
 
 Plural number. 
 If we were, 
 If ye or you were. 
 If they were. 
 
 Or thus 
 
 Plural number. 
 If we were. 
 If _ve or you were, 
 If tiiey were. 
 
 The remaining tenses of this mood, are similar to tb« 
 correspondent tenses of the Indicative Mood. 
 
 POTENTIAL MOOD. 
 
 PRESENT TENSE. 
 
 .Singular number. Plural mmhcr. 
 
 1. I may, can, or must be, We may, can, or must be, 
 
 S. Thou mayst, c.'or m. be, Ye or you may, c. or m. be, 
 
 3. He may, c. or m. be. They may, c. or m he. 
 
 IMPERFECT TENSE. 
 
 Singular number. [he, Plural nvrnb':>: [be, 
 
 1. 1 might, could, would, or should We might, coald, would, or shcnld 
 S- Thou oiightst, c. w. or s. be. Ye or you might, c. w. or t. be, 
 
 3. H« might, c w. or should be. They might, c. w. or s. be. 
 
 PERFECT TENSE. 
 
 Singular number. Plural number, 
 
 Ijmay, can, or must have been, We may, can, or must have been, 
 
 1. 
 
 t. H* may, c. or m. have been. They in. c. or must have been 
 
 Thou mayst, c. or m. have been, Ye or you m. c. or m. Iiave been,
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTEK. 223S> 
 
 PLUPERFECT TENSE. 
 
 Singularnumhev. ' Plural number 
 
 1. I mifcrht could, would, or should We might, could, would, or Aould 
 
 have been. have been, 
 
 2. Thou mii^htst.c w. or s.have been Ye or you m. c. w. or s. have been, 
 3! He mjgh^t, c. w. or s. .np^e been. They m. c. w. or. s. have teen. 
 
 INFINITIVE MOOD. 
 
 PRESENT TENSE. PERFECT TENSE. 
 
 Xo be. i<* have been. 
 
 IMPERATIVE MOOD, 
 PRESENT TENSE 
 
 Sinmilar number. Plural nvmber. 
 
 2. Be, be thou, or do 2. Be, be ye or you, or do ye 
 
 thoJi be. or you be. 
 
 PARTICIPLES. 
 
 Prfsfnt, Being. 
 
 Perfect, Been. 
 
 Compound FERFECT, Having been. 
 
 PARSING LESSON XIII. 
 
 The verb to be. 
 
 Charity is the first law of humanity. 
 
 Solution of laiD. Law is a common noun, third person, 
 gingular number, neuter gender, and nominative case after 
 the verb is, according to Rule xvii. (Repeat the rule.) 
 
 RULE XVII. 
 
 The verb to be, through all its variations, and passive verbjt 
 which signify naming, have the same case after, as before 
 them ; as, " It is /, be not afraid ;" " Wliom do you fancy 
 him to be ;" " The child was named Thomas ;" " Homer 
 is styled the prince of poets." 
 
 Idleness is the mother of many vices. 
 
 Hope is the last thing that dies in man. 
 
 He is not the^ person who it seemed he was. 
 
 It might have been he, but theie is no proof of it. 
 
 Food, clothing, and credit, are the rewards of industry. 
 
 The path of virtue, is the path of peace. 
 
 Our duty to benefactors, is love and gratitude. 
 
 Meekness and modesty are ornaments of youth. 
 
 Peace and happiness are the rewards of virtue. 
 
 Regret and shame are the attendants of vice. 
 
 I perceive that it is folly to "grieve at trifles. 
 
 Youth is the season for improvement in knowledge.
 
 224 
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 Conjugation of the Passive Verb r* be loved. 
 
 ' A passive verb is formed by adding a perfect participle 
 to the verb 6c, through all its variations, jn the following 
 manner. 
 
 INDICATIVE MOOD. 
 
 Singular number. 
 
 1. I am loved, 
 
 2. Thou art loved, 
 
 3. He is loved. 
 
 Singular number. 
 
 1. I was loved, 
 
 2. Thou wast loved, 
 
 3. He was loved. 
 
 prese>;t tfnse. 
 
 Pii/ral number. 
 We ate loved. 
 Ye or yo;j arc !oved.. 
 Tiiey ave loved. 
 
 imperfect tense. 
 
 Plvral -^funhfr. 
 We weje io'-ed, 
 Ye or you we;-^ loved, 
 They vte>e loved. 
 
 Singular number. 
 1. I have been loved, 
 3. Thou hast been loved, 
 3". He has been loved. 
 
 PERFECT TENSE. 
 
 Piu>-tl nvmbcr. 
 We have been loved, 
 Ye or yi)u have been loved, 
 They have been loved. 
 
 PLUPERFECT 
 
 Singular number. 
 1 had been loved. 
 Thou hadst been loved, 
 He had been loved. 
 
 TENSE. 
 
 Plvral number. 
 We liad been loved. 
 Ye or you had been loved. 
 They had been loved. 
 
 FIRST FUTURE TENSE. 
 
 Plural number. 
 We siiall or will be lovea. 
 Ye or you shai! or will be loved, 
 Tliey shall or will be loved. 
 
 SECOND FUTURE TENSE. 
 
 Singular number. Plural number. 
 
 1. I shall have been loved, [loved. We sliall have been loved, floved, 
 
 2. Thou shalt or wilt have been Ye or you shall or will have been 
 
 3. He shall or will have been loved. They shall or will have been loved. 
 
 Singular number. 
 I shall or will be loved, 
 Thou shalt or wilt be loved, 
 He shall or will be loved. 
 
 SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD. 
 
 Singular number. 
 1. If 1 be loved, 
 3. If thou be loved, 
 3. If he be loved. 
 
 Singular number. 
 
 1. If< am loved, 
 
 2. If thou art loved, 
 
 3. If he is loved. 
 
 PRESENT TENSE. 
 
 Plural number. 
 If we be loved, 
 Ifye or you be loved, 
 If they be loved. 
 
 Or thus 
 
 Plural number. 
 If we are loved, 
 ifye or you are loved, 
 If they are loved.
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 225 
 
 IMPERFECT TENSE. 
 
 Singularnumber. Plural number. 
 
 1. If I were loved, If we were loved, 
 
 2. If thou wert loved, If ve or you were loyed, 
 
 0. If he were loved. If they were loved. 
 
 Or thus : 
 
 Singular number. Plural number. 
 
 1 . If I was loved, If we were loved, 
 
 '2. If thou wast loved, If ye or you were loved, 
 
 8. If We was loved. If they were loved. 
 
 The remaining tenses of this mood, are similar to the coi- 
 respondciil tenses of the Indicative Mood. 
 
 POTENTIAL MOOD. 
 PRESENT TENSE. 
 
 •Singw/ar number. Plural number. 
 
 1 1 may can, ^r must be loved, We may, c. or m. beloved, 
 
 2. TJiou may SI. c or m. be loved, Ye or you in. c. or rn. be loved, 
 
 3. He may,' c. or in. be loved. They m. c. or lu. be loved. 
 
 IMPERFECT TENSE. 
 
 'Singular number Plural number. 
 
 l.T iniglit, could, would, or should We might, could, would, or should 
 
 be loved. be loved, 
 
 2. Thou mightsi, c. w or s. be loved, Ye or you m. c. w. ors. beloved, 
 9. He might, c. w. or s. be loved. They m. c. w. or s. be loved. 
 
 PERFECT TENSE. 
 
 Sin^tilar number. [loved, Plural number. 
 
 1. I may, can. or must have been We may, c. arm. have been loved, 
 
 2. Thou mayst, c. or m. have been Ye or you may,c. or m. have been 
 
 loved, \o\ed, 
 
 3. He may ,c. or m. have been loved. They may, c. or m. have been loved. 
 
 PLUPERFECT TENSE. 
 
 Singular number. Plural number. 
 
 1. 1 might, could, would, or should We might, could, would, or sljould 
 
 have been loved, have been loved, 
 
 8. Thou mightst, c. w. ors. have Ye w you m. c. w. or s. have been 
 
 been loved, [loved. "loved, 
 
 3. He might, c. w. or s. have been They m. c. w. or s. have beeji lov«d. 
 
 INFINITIVE MOOD. 
 
 PRESENT TENSE. PERFECT TENSE. 
 
 To be loved. To have been loved. 
 
 IMPERATIVE MOOD. 
 
 PRESENT TENSE. 
 
 Singular number. Plural number. 
 
 2. Be loved, be thou loved, or do Be loved, be ye or you loved, or do 
 
 thou be loved. , ye or you be loved. 
 
 PARTICIPLES. 
 
 PRESEKT, Being loved. 
 
 P£RF£CT« JjOVC<i. 
 
 COMPOUND p'ERrECT, Having been loved.
 
 22% 
 
 THE AMERICAN I.XSTRUCTEU. 
 
 PARSING LESSOIn XTV. 
 
 I^assivc Vrrbs. 
 The master teaches the neighbour's little children. 
 The neighbour's little cliildrea are taught by the master. 
 The carpenter built those elegant houses. 
 Those elegant bouses were built by the carpenter. 
 The industrious farmer cultivates his farm well. 
 The farm is well cultivated by the industrious farmer. 
 He should have been carried, had I known his situation. 
 Being ridiculed and despised, he became melancholy. 
 Having been ridiculed, he left the company. 
 Ridiculed, despised, and insulted, lie became discouraged. 
 If he has been seen, he has not been caught. 
 If I were beaten as badly as he, I should complain. 
 You are esteemed because you are honest. [formed. 
 
 Mentally and bodily, we are curiously and wonderfully 
 The person will have been executed when the pardon 
 
 arrives. 
 He is esteemed, both by his parents and brothers. 
 A plain understanding, is often joined with great worth. 
 
 A CATALOGUE OF IRREGULAR VERBS. 
 
 In the 
 ularly as well as ii 
 
 Present Imperject 
 tense.' tense. 
 
 Abide abocje 
 
 Am 
 Arise 
 Awake 
 Beat 
 
 following list, the verbs which are conj 
 
 £eat 
 
 Begin 
 Bend 
 Bereave 
 Beseech 
 
 Bid 
 
 Bind 
 
 Bite 
 
 Bleed 
 
 Blow 
 
 Break 
 
 Breed 
 
 Bringp 
 
 Build 
 
 Buist 
 
 Bu7 
 
 was 
 arose 
 awoke i». 
 bore 
 
 beat 
 
 began 
 
 bent 
 
 bereft p.. 
 
 besought 
 
 bid, or 
 
 bade 
 
 bound 
 
 bit 
 
 bled 
 
 blew 
 
 broke 
 
 bred 
 
 brought 
 
 built 
 
 burst 
 
 bought 
 
 •regularly, are marked with an 
 
 Present, fmper/ect 
 
 Cist cast 
 
 Catch caiiglit n. 
 
 Chide chid 
 
 Perfect 
 
 participle. 
 
 abode 
 
 Deea 
 
 arisen 
 
 awaked 
 
 boruc 
 
 beat, or ( 
 
 beaten | 
 
 begun 
 
 bent 
 
 boreft R. 
 
 bcsouglit 
 
 bid, or / 
 
 bidden > 
 
 bound 
 
 bitten, bit 
 
 bled 
 
 blown 
 
 broken 
 
 bred 
 
 brought 
 
 built 
 
 burst 
 
 bought 
 
 to T'r:' — " 
 
 Clioose 
 
 chose 
 
 Cleave, 
 
 clove, or 
 
 /() split 
 
 cleft 
 
 Cling 
 
 clung 
 
 Clothe 
 
 clotlicd 
 
 Come 
 
 came 
 
 Cost 
 
 cost 
 
 <;row 
 
 crow « 
 
 ( reep 
 
 crept 
 
 Cut 
 
 cut 
 
 JDare* 
 
 durst 
 
 Deal 
 
 dealt R. 
 
 Dig 
 
 dug R. 
 
 Do 
 
 did 
 
 Draw 
 
 drew 
 
 Drive 
 
 drove 
 
 Drink 
 
 drank 
 
 Dwell 
 
 dwelt B. 
 
 F,at 
 
 cat, or ate 
 
 Fall 
 
 fell 
 
 or t 
 Jen ( 
 
 i 
 
 ugated reg- 
 
 R. 
 
 . Perfect part. 
 cast 
 
 caught R. 
 chid, or 
 cliiddc 
 chosen 
 cleft, or\ 
 cloven 
 clung 
 clad i(. 
 come 
 cost 
 crowed 
 orept 
 cut 
 dared 
 dealt R. 
 dugR 
 done 
 drawn, 
 diiven 
 drunk 
 dwelt R. 
 eateo 
 fallen 
 
 }>ZTf to challenore, r.
 
 present. 
 
 Feed 
 
 Feel 
 
 Fight 
 
 Find 
 
 Flee 
 
 Fling 
 
 FJy^ 
 
 Foiget 
 
 FoTsuke 
 
 Freeze 
 
 Get 
 
 Gild 
 
 Gird 
 
 Give 
 
 Go 
 
 Grave 
 
 Grind 
 
 Grow 
 
 Have 
 
 Uang 
 
 Hear 
 
 Hew 
 
 Hide 
 
 Hit 
 
 Hoid 
 
 Hurt 
 
 Keep 
 
 Knit 
 
 Know 
 
 Lade 
 
 Lay 
 
 Lead 
 
 Leave 
 
 Lend 
 
 Let 
 
 Lie* 
 
 Load 
 
 Lose 
 
 Make 
 
 Meet 
 
 Mov 
 
 fav 
 
 F«t 
 
 Fead 
 
 Kend 
 
 Rirt 
 
 Rii.S 
 
 Hise 
 
 Jvive 
 
 Run 
 
 Saw 
 
 Say 
 
 See 
 
 seek. 
 
 Sell 
 
 Send 
 
 Set 
 
 (o 
 
 1HE 
 
 AMERICAN INSTRUCTEP 
 
 Imperfect. 
 
 Per/, part. 
 
 Presenl. 
 
 Imperfect, 
 
 fed 
 
 fed 
 
 Shake 
 
 shook 
 
 felt 
 
 felt 
 
 Shape 
 
 shaped 
 
 fought 
 
 fought 
 
 Slliivc 
 
 shaved 
 
 found 
 
 found 
 
 Sheiir 
 
 s beared 
 
 fled 
 
 fled 
 
 Shed 
 
 shed 
 
 flung 
 
 flung 
 
 shine 
 
 shone r. 
 
 flew 
 
 flown 
 
 Show 
 
 showed 
 
 
 forgotten } 
 
 Shoe 
 
 shod 
 
 forgot 
 
 forg^ot ^ 
 
 Shoot 
 
 shot 
 
 forsook 
 
 forsaken 
 
 Shrink 
 
 shrunk 
 
 froze 
 
 frozen 
 
 Shred 
 
 shred 
 
 got 
 
 ROt 
 
 Shut 
 
 shut 
 
 gilt R. 
 
 gilt R. 
 
 Sing- 
 
 sung, sang 
 
 girtR. 
 
 gntR. 
 
 Sink 
 
 sunk, sack 
 
 gave 
 
 given 
 
 Sit 
 
 sat 
 
 went 
 
 g-one 
 
 S!;iy 
 
 sfow 
 
 gjaved 
 
 graven r 
 
 bleep 
 
 slept 
 
 ground 
 
 i^rouiMi 
 
 oiide 
 
 slid 
 
 grew 
 
 grown 
 
 Sling 
 
 slung 
 
 had 
 
 had 
 
 Slink 
 
 slunk 
 
 hungR. 
 
 hung R. 
 
 Slil 
 
 slil K. 
 
 heard 
 
 lieard 
 
 Suiite , 
 
 SHioie 
 
 hewed 
 
 hf-'.vn li. 
 
 Sow 
 
 sowed 
 
 hid 
 
 hidden, hid 
 
 Speak 
 
 spoke 
 
 hit 
 
 hit 
 
 Speed 
 
 sped 
 
 held 
 
 held 
 
 Spend 
 
 sprut 
 
 hurt 
 
 hurt 
 
 Spi!l 
 
 SjMh n 
 
 kept 
 
 kept 
 
 Spin 
 Spit 
 
 spiia 
 
 knit R. 
 
 knit R. 
 
 iint 
 
 knew 
 
 known 
 
 Split 
 
 split 
 
 laded 
 
 laden 
 
 Spre;t;l 
 
 spread 
 
 laid 
 led 
 
 laid 
 ]rd 
 
 Spring 
 
 sprung > , 
 sprang ^ 
 
 left 
 
 left 
 
 Stand 
 
 i=tcod 
 
 lent 
 
 ient 
 
 Steal 
 
 stole 
 
 let 
 
 ht 
 
 StJ-ck 
 
 siuck 
 
 lay 
 
 lain 
 
 Sting 
 
 stung 
 
 loaded 
 
 laden r. 
 
 Si ink 
 
 stunk 
 
 lost 
 made 
 
 lost 
 made 
 
 Stride 
 
 strid, <. 
 strode 
 
 met 
 
 met 
 
 Strike 
 
 St: uck 
 
 mowed 
 
 snown v.. 
 
 Siring 
 
 bfiU.-ig 
 
 paid 
 
 paid 
 
 Strive 
 
 ttvove 
 
 put 
 
 put 
 
 Syrcar 
 
 swore 
 
 read 
 
 read 
 
 Swpat 
 
 sweat R. 
 
 rent 
 
 rent 
 
 Swell 
 
 eweiied 
 
 rid 
 
 rid 
 
 ."^ • 
 
 swr.ia 
 
 rung, 
 
 lUIig 
 
 av.rm 
 
 sw.an 
 
 rose 
 
 i iscTi 
 
 Saving 
 
 SWiUlg 
 
 lived 
 
 liyen 
 
 Take 
 
 look 
 
 ran 
 
 ran 
 
 i'.'ach 
 
 taught 
 
 Siivved 
 
 sawH n. 
 
 Tear 
 
 tore 
 
 said 
 
 Sfiid 
 
 Tell 
 
 (old 
 
 saw 
 
 seen 
 
 Tiiiuk 
 
 thought 
 
 soualit 
 
 SCAlght 
 
 Tr.rive 
 
 throve K. 
 
 sokT 
 
 :;^lcJ 
 
 Tfaow 
 
 threw 
 
 .=ent 
 
 sent 
 
 Ttirust 
 
 thrust 
 
 set 
 
 set 
 
 Tread 
 
 trod 
 
 Jie down 
 
 
 \Y><.x 
 
 >Vaxcd 
 
 22t 
 
 Ptrf. farU 
 
 shaken 
 
 shapen r. 
 
 shaven b. 
 
 shorn lu 
 
 shed 
 
 shone K> 
 
 showxij 
 
 shod , 
 
 shot 
 
 shrunk , 
 
 shred 
 
 shut 
 
 sunff 
 
 sunk 
 
 sat 
 
 slain 
 
 slept 
 
 sliddea 
 
 slung 
 
 slunk 
 
 slit R. 
 
 smitten 
 
 sown Br 
 
 spoken 
 
 sj)ed 
 
 spent 
 
 spilt K. 
 
 spun 
 
 spit 
 
 split 
 
 spread 
 
 sprung 
 
 stood 
 
 stolen 
 
 stuck 
 
 sttrng 
 
 stunk 
 
 strid, or 
 
 stridUea 
 
 struck   
 
 strung 
 
 striven 
 
 sworn 
 
 tweat R. 
 
 swum 
 
 swung 
 
 taken 
 
 taught 
 
 torn 
 
 told . 
 
 thought 
 
 thriven 
 
 t.hrown 
 
 thrust 
 
 trodden 
 
 waxen r.
 
 228 TIJE AMERICAN l.r^JSlllUCTER. 
 
 Present. Imperfect.   Per/, part. 
 
 Wear wore uinn 
 
 AVeave wove ^Mncu 
 
 ■\Verp wept wept 
 
 Win ^von ^v(lli 
 
 Present. Imferfed. Per/', jxxrt. 
 
 Wind- wound wound 
 
 ^\'ork wrought n. wroi;ght r. 
 
 \^'^■i^g wrung wrung 
 
 Write wrote written 
 
 %.> Dcfcctive-k'crhs are those which are used only in some of 
 the moods and tenses, and have no participles. 
 The principal of them are the following. 
 
 Present. Jinp'-rfirt. Perfect pari. icaiUing^ 
 
 JVlny, jniftlit. • 
 
 Can, could. 
 
 Will, would. 
 
 Shall, should. 
 
 IMust, iiiiist. - • 
 
 Oiisht, ou^ht. 
 
 . — ((ItOtil. ' 
 
 All tiicso are used as auxiliaries except <>?/»•/;/ and quoth : these two 
 are never used as such. Our^ht is the same in both tenses. Its tense 
 may be determined by the following infinitive. When the following in> 
 finitive i# iu the present tense, ousrlit is in the present tense ; as, " He 
 vuglu to go ;'■ and when followed by the infinitive perfect, ought is ia 
 the imperfect tense ; as, " He oit';ht to liave gone." Quoth is now obso* 
 letc, except in poetry and burlesque. 
 
 PARSING LESSON XV. 
 
 Nouns in ajtposition, and in the nominative case independent. 
 
 George, James Monroe the president, is a wise man. 
 
 Solution of George, James Monroe, and president. Georgt 
 is a proper noun, second person, singular number, mascu- 
 line gender, and in the nominative case independent, ac« 
 cording to Piule X"vin. (Repeat the rule.) James Monroe 
 is a proper noun, third person, singular number, masculine 
 {Tender, and jiominative case to the verb is, according to 
 Rule iv, (JRepcat the rule. ) I'rcsidcnt is a common noun, 
 third person, siiiguUir number, mnsculine geiider, nomina- 
 tive case, ami put in apposition* with the ncun James Mon- 
 roe ; according to Ituj^E xix. (Repeat the ride.) 
 
 HULK XV III. 
 
 When a direct address i^:^ nuide, the noun or pronoun is 
 in the nominative case iadependeiit ;i as, " O /cing, live for- 
 ever ;" " O hoifne of krael;" " Ckildrtu, obey your pa- 
 rents; " " O thou man of God." 
 
 • By appobition is understood, the addition of another word or name 
 for the saiiK: persoii or thing, in order mote fully to define *iid explalu 
 the meaning or .M^(i:'e of it. ' * 
 
 t What is infiaui hy its bcinc indeimdmt, is, that it is indepcndcjit oC 
 Boy ycrb. it is iudtpendentonly, wlieu it has nu verb to agree with It.
 
 " THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER/' 33B 
 
 RULE XIX. 
 
 Two or more nouns signifying the same thing, are put, by 
 apposition, in the same case ; as, " Paul the Apostle ,♦" 
 « Solomon, the so7i of David, king of Israel-" 
 
 Girls, you understand this rule very well. 
 
 Boys, I love you for your good conduct. 
 
 Newton the philosopher, was a wise man. 
 
 Washington the general, commanded the army. 
 
 Christ the Saviour, was crucified on Calvary. 
 
 Father, forgive them, they know not what they do. 
 
 It must be so, Plato, thou reasonest well. [rentf. 
 
 Parents, instruct your children : Children, obey your pa- 
 Richard the instructor, teaches his neighbour's children. 
 
 Clinton the governour of the state of New-York, is at 
 Albany. 
 
 James Monroe, president of the United States, is at Wash- 
 ington. 
 
 The nominative case is sometimes composed of the infini- 
 tive mood, or part of a sentence. 
 
 PARSING LESSON XVL 
 
 To see is desirable. To see the sun is pleasant. 
 
 Solution of to see, and to see the sun. To see is a verb 
 in the infinitive mood, and the nominative case to the verb M, 
 according to Rule xx. (Repeat the rule.) To see, the sun is 
 part of a sentence, which is the nominative case to the 
 verb is, according to Rule xx. (Repeat the rule.) 
 
 RULE XX. 
 
 The infinitive mood, or part of a sentence, is sometimes 
 put as the nominative case to the verb ; as, '•' To swear is 
 wicked ;" " That anij thing can exist, without existing in 
 space, is to my mind incomprehensible," 
 
 To err is human : to forgive divine. 
 . To swear is wicked : to steal criminal. 
 
 To live is desirable : to die dreadful. 
 
 To excel others in loarairtg, is commendable. 
 
 To die is the inevitable lot of man. 
 
 To live a life of virtue, is commendable. 
 
 To sleep the sleep of death, is the \o^ of man. 
 
 To love our Maker, is our reasonable dutj'. 
 
 That virtue will be rewarded, and vice punished, is ft doc« 
 trine plainly taught in the bible. 
 20
 
 23C ' THE AMERICAN II^STRUCTER. 
 
 * PARSING LESSON XVTI. 
 
 Nominative case absolute. 
 • The general being slain, the ami}' was routed. 
 
 Solution. The general being slain, being independent ott 
 the rest of the seHience, is tiic nomiiuitive case absolute, ac- 
 cording to Rule XXI. (Repeat the rule.) 
 
 RVLE XXI. 
 
 A noun or pronoun, joined with a participle, independent 
 of a verb, fortns the nominative case absolute ; as, " The 
 lecture being finished, tlie assembly withdrew ;" " Shame 
 being lost, all virtue is lost.'' 
 
 The rain having ceased, the nieti pursued their journey. 
 The sun being risen, the we;)t!ier became fine. 
 She having arrived, we retired to the country. 
 They having departed, we proceeded towards the city. 
 He being dismissed, they returned to the village, 
 ' The assembly being c()nij)()sed, he resumed his- oration. 
 They being friendly, we accomplished our object. 
 The parliament having justified the king's conduct, the 
 mob dispersed. 
 
 PROMISCUOUS EXERCISES IN PARSING. 
 PARSING LESSON XVIII. 
 
 Hope, the balm of life, sooths the soul. 
 
 Bevvare of one who has been your enemy. 
 
 He cannot go wrong whom virtue guides. 
 
 We should be generous but not profligate. 
 
 We should prefer our duty to our jdoasurc. 
 
 Keep yourself from passion ^d peevishness. 
 
 They who seek wisdom, will certainly find her. 
 
 Yielding to immoral pleasure, corrupts the heart. 
 
 We should not practice what we blame in others. 
 
 If our desires be moderate, our wants will be few. 
 
 Indolence frustrates «'very design of our existence. 
 
 To have goorl and kind parents, is a great blessing. 
 
 Guilt often casts a damp over our sprigblliest hours. 
 
 Bad as the world is, respect is always paid to virtue. 
 
 Young people should reverence their parents at home, 
 strangers when abroad, and themselves when alone. 
 
 Learning is the delight of youth, the comfort of «}d age, 
 Knd the only sure guide to honour and preferment. 
 
 Thosf ar»' the be^t inslructcrs, that teach in their lives, 
 »nd prove their woros by their actions.
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTEit. 231 
 
 They that speak without care, often remember their own 
 words v/ith sorrow. 
 
 A)iger may g?ance into the breast of a wise man, but it 
 rests only in the bo«om of fool?. 
 
 Interest speaks all sorts of langunges, and acts all manner 
 of parts ; virtues are lost in interest, as rivers in seas. 
 
 Wisdom Irads''us to speak and act what is most proper r 
 prudence prevents our speaking or acting iniproperlj'. 
 
 Virtuej corrupted with vain glory, turns to pride ; pride 
 poisone(J with malice, becomes envy. 
 
 Join, therefore, humility with your virtue, and pride shall 
 have no footing, nor envy find an entrance. 
 
 A good word is an easy obligation, but not to speak ill, 
 Requires only our silence, which costs us nothing. 
 
 A good conscience seats the mind on a rich throne of 
 lasting quietness ; but horrour waits upon a guilty soul. 
 
 Passion is a sort of fever in the mind, which always leaves 
 us weaker than it found us. 
 
 The expectation of future happiness, is the best relief of 
 aaxious thoughts, the most perfect cure of melancholy, the 
 guide of life, and a comfort in death. 
 
 Dihgence isafair fortune, and •ftrdustry a good estate-: idle» 
 ness wastes a man as insensibly, as industry improves him. 
 
 Diligence, the handmaid of providence, is parent of intel- 
 ligence, and the noble dispenser of excellence ; all arts and 
 scieBces are at her command, she crowns her sons aiid 1oy«» 
 crs with riches and honour^ 
 
 The vJ^^lation of truth, is so infamous a crime, that it ought 
 to be avoided by every one. 
 
 Lying is one of the most scandalous sins that can be coai- 
 mitted between man and man ; a crime of a deep die, and 
 of an extensive nature, leading into innumerable sins ; for 
 lying is practised to deceive, injure, betray, rob, and desU'oy. 
 
 The luxurious live to eat and driiik : but the wise and 
 temperate eat and drink to live. 
 
 Wisdom is better without an inheritance, than an ioberi- 
 tance without wisdom. 
 
 A great fortune in the hands of a fool, is a great misfor- 
 tune, 'llie more riches he has, the greater fool he is. 
 
 True friendship is like souud health, the value of jt Is 
 seldom known until it is lost. 
 
 None are so fond of secrets', as those who do not mean 
 to keep them ; such persons covet secrets, as a spendthrift 
 icovets money, for the piupose of cijcujation.
 
 232 THE AMERICAN' INSTRUCTER. . 
 
 PARSING LESSON XIX. 
 
 A few examples in which the same word differently situa- 
 ted or applied, constitutes several of the parts of speech. 
 Damp air is injurious to health. 
 Guih sheds a dump upon our sprightliest hours. 
 Let no disappointment damp your enterprise. 
 Every being loves its like. 
 The gospel makes like promises to all. 
 I like to see every human being happy. 
 You should acquit yourselves like men. 
 Those that would excel, must be attentive. 
 I wish that that idea might be forcibly impressed 
 I wish that he would lend me that book that you sold him. 
 I will submit, /or submission brings peace. 
 It I?, for our health to be temperate. 
 We all hope for happiness hereafter. 
 Hope is the last thing that dies in man. 
 After a calm, we may expect a storm. 
 It is easier to prevent passion than to calm it. 
 A calm evening often succeeds a stormy day. 
 Still waters are commonly the deepest. 
 We should endeavour to still the angry passions. 
 They are still afraid, though out of all danger. 
 Yid provided vcionoy for his journey. 
 I will go, provided he will accompany me. 
 It is much more blessed to give, than to receive. 
 Much money has been expended to little purpgw* 
 Where much is given, much will be required. 
 The yair was numerously attended. 
 His character is fair and honourable. 
 The hail was very destructive. 
 We hail you as friends and brothers. 
 He has served them with his utmost ability. 
 When we do our utmost, no more is required. 
 Lnttle things appear great to little minds. 
 Little do the gay think of the misery around them. 
 The scholars are employed in a very useful study. 
 The industrious scholars studt/ grammar. 
 To-morro7o may be better weather than to-day, 
 I read to-day, but I sh.ill write to-morrow 
 Mind wluit is dictated by infinite wisdom. 
 Cultivate yonr w/v^. it will render old age happy.
 
 RECAPITULATION 
 
 OF THE 
 
 IIUI.ES OF SVMTAX. 
 
 Exercises in false Grammar annexed, adapted to the dif- 
 ferent rules of Syntax ; to he corrected and parsed by the learner. 
 
 RULE L* 
 Articles belong to nouns which they limit or define ; aa, 
 *' j3 book ; an apple ; th^ house ; the stars." 
 
 RULE IL 
 A noun or pronoun in the possessive case, is govc?ned by 
 the noun it possesses ; as, " John's book ;" " Perry's victo- 
 ry ;" " Every tree is known by its fruit." 
 
 Exercises in false syntax. 
 Moses rod v.'as turned into a serpent. 
 If ye suffer for righteousnesses sake, happy iwe ye. 
 Nevertheless, Asa his heart was perfect with the Lord. 
 Thy fathers offence t^ill not condemn thee. 
 The girls books were kept in better order tlian the boys- 
 Wisdoms precepts are the good hoys greatest delight. 
 A mans manner's frequently influence his fortune. 
 
 RULE III. 
 Adjectives belong to the nouns or pronouns which they 
 qualify ; as, " A wise msn ; a great house ; he is good.'' 
 
 RULE IV. 
   The nominative case governs the verb ; as, '• Thou lor- 
 est ; he walks ; birds sing.''" 
 
 Exercises in false suT^tax. 
 
 He that thinks twice before he spaak once, will speak 
 twice the better for it.^ 
 
 Is thou well ? Has thou been to town to-day ? 
 
 She that art virtuous deserves esteem. 
 ' The girls was here yesterday, but are al sent to-day. 
 
 There is many occasions in life, in which silence is a mark 
 ef true wisdom. ' 
 
 * There are no corrections to be made under the I. III. VII, IX. XVI. 
 and XVIII. Rules. 
 
 20*
 
 2J1 Tiiri AMEIIICAN I.\fc-TRUC]-EU. 
 
 KULi: V. 
 
 A verb must agree whh its noininative case in number 
 and pewson ; as, " lit; writes y the Xr^es grow." 
 
 Llccnisr.s in false syntax. 
 
 Thou should be more tliligent in attending to tliy studies. 
 
 Fifty pounds of -wlicat contains forty poiuids of flour. 
 
 Disappointments sinks the heart of man; but the renew- 
 lil of hope give consolation. 
 
 The mechanism of clocks and watches were totally un- 
 known a few centuries ago. 
 
 What avails the best sentiments, if people do not live 
 suitably to them ? 
 
 RULE VL 
 
 Active verbs govern the objective case : as, " Cain smote 
 Ahel ;" " Truth ennobles wtr." 
 
 Exercises in false syntax. 
 
 He that is idle and mischievous reprove sharply. 
 
 The master loves thou, because thou art diligent. 
 
 The man who he raised from obscurity, is dead. 
 
 Whatever others do, let thou and 1 perform our duty 
 
 They who opulence has made proud, and who luxury has 
 corrupted, cannot relish the simple pleasures of nature. 
 
 Who have I reason to love so much as this friend of my 
 youth 
 
 RULE vn. 
 
 Every adjective pronoun belongs to some noun expressed 
 or understood ; as, " My house ; escry tree ; these books j 
 any book." 
 
 RULE VIIL 
 
 Pronouns must agree with tlieir antecedents, or the nouns 
 they I'epresent, in gender ;uid number ; as, "■'' This is the 
 man whom 1 love." " Thatis the vice which I hate." 
 
 Exercises in false syntax. 
 
 They which seek wisdom will certainly find her. 
 
 The prisoners which broke jail, have returned. 
 
 The exercise of reason appears as little in tiie sportsmeu, 
 as in'the beasts whom they sometimes hunt, and by whora 
 they are sometimes hunted. 
 
 RULE IX. 
 
 Participles generally relate to nouns or pronouns ; as, 
 '* Charles loving his parents, obeyed them ;" " I saw him 
 labouring in the field."
 
 THE AMERICAN INStRUCTER. %2& 
 
 RULE X. 
 
 Participles, derived from active verbs, govern the objec- 
 tive case ; as, " Charles loving his parents^ obeyed them.'* 
 
 Exercises in false syntax. 
 
 Esteeming theirselves wise, they became fools. 
 
 Suspecting not only we, bui they also, he was studious to 
 avoid all intercourse. 
 
 I could not avoid considering, in some degree, they as 
 enemies to me, and thou as a suspicious friend. 
 
 RULE XL 
 
 Adverbs qualify verbs, participles, adjectives, and other 
 adverbs ; as, " He wi ites elegantly /' " We heard them se- 
 cretly contriving evil ;" " She is very beautiful ;" " He 
 tpeaks very gracefully," 
 
 Exercises in false syntax. 
 
 He acted agreeable to his promise. 
 
 He conducted himself very unsuitable to his professioa. 
 
 She writes very neat, and spells accurate. 
 
 Very industrious scholars study constant. 
 
 She was exceeding careful not to give offence. 
 
 He gave bountiful, but they gave sparing. 
 
 He was prodigal, and his property is now near exhausted. 
 
 RULE XIL 
 
 Prepositions govern the objective case ; as, " He went 
 from New-York to Boston ; " I came into the house with 
 him. 
 
 Exercises in false syntax. 
 
 From he that is needy and afflicted, turn not away. 
 
 I hope it is not I who they are displeased with. 
 
 Does that boy know who he speaks to ? 
 
 AVho does he offer such language to ? 
 
 From the character of those persons who you associate 
 with, your own will be established. 
 
 Associate not thyself with those who none can speak 
 well of 
 
 What concord can subsist between those who commit 
 crimes, and they who abhor them ?
 
 236 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 
 
 RULE XIII. 
 
 Conjunctions connect nouns and pronouns in the same 
 case, and verbs in the same moods and tenses ; as, " They 
 saw John and Peter ;^' " I taught hiin mid her ;" " They 
 read and spell." 
 
 Exercises in false syntax. 
 
 My brother and him are tolerable grammarians. 
 
 She and hiui are very unhappily ccuinected, 
 
 -He invited my brother and I to see his garden. 
 
 She is more fond of readiut^ than him. 
 
 I esteem him, and her, and they. 
 
 Peter and me will go to church to-morrow. 
 
 George and him are very good writers. 
 
 RULE XIV. 
 
 When two or more nouns, or prononn5:, in the singular 
 Humber, are connected by adisjunctive conjunction, the verb 
 which agrees with them, must be in the singular number' 
 as, " He or she writes ;" " Daniel, David, or Henry is at 
 school," 
 
 Exercises in false yi/ntax. 
 
 Ignorance or negligence have caused this mistake. 
 
 Knowledge or virtue are preferable to riches. 
 
 His father, mother, or brother, reside at New- York. 
 
 Neither prosperity nor adversity have improved them. 
 
 There are many faults in spelling, which neither analogy 
 nor pronunciation justify. 
 
 Man's happiness, or miserj', arc in a great measure, put 
 into his own hands. 
 
 RULE XV. 
 
 When two or more nouns, or pronouns, in the singular 
 number, are connected by a opulative conjunction, the verb 
 which agrees with them, must bo in tlic plural number ; as, 
 " He and she arc dutiful ;" " Daniel, David, and Henry 
 are at school. 
 
 Exercises in fdsc 'syntax. 
 
 Idleness and ignorance is the paienf of many vices. 
 Sobriety and lumiility leads to honour. 
 Pationcc and diligence, like faith, iciiio ves mountains. 
 Coffee and sugar is imported from the West Indies.
 
 THE AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. 237 
 
 In unity consists the welfare and security of every society. 
 
 The inquisitive and curious is generally talkative. 
 
 Religion and knowledge excels Avealth and grandeur. 
 
 HiS politeness and good disposition was entirely ch; n\^od. 
 
 Humility and love, whatever obscurities may involve re* 
 ligious tenets, constitutes the essence of true religion. 
 
 What signifies the counsel and care of preceptors, wlieu 
 youth think they have no need of assistance ? 
 
 RULE XVI. 
 
 A verb in the infinitive mood, may be governed by a \ erb, 
 noun, adjective, or participle ; as, " He loves to learn hi* 
 book ;" " They have a desire to improve ;^^ " He is eager io 
 learn •" " Endeavouring to persuade." 
 
 RULE XVII. 
 
 The verb to he, through all its variations, and passive verbs 
 which signify naming, have the same case after, as before 
 them ; as, "Zf is I, be not afraid ;" " Whom do you fancy 
 Aim to be ;" " The child was named Thomas ;" '' Hotner h 
 styled the prince of poets." 
 
 Exercises in. false syntax, ^. 
 
 I believe it to be they who raised the report. 
 
 It was not me who made the noise. 
 
 Whom do men say that I am ? 
 
 I would act the same part, if I were him or in llis situatiott 
 
 Thou art him who sold the books. 
 
 He is not the person whom he appeared to be. 
 
 Let him be who he may, I am not afraid of him. 
 
 It might have been him, but there is no proof of it. 
 
 He is not the person whom it seemed he was. 
 
 If it were not him, who do you imagine it to have been. 
 
 He so much resembled his brotlier, that at first sight I took 
 it to be he. 
 
 I cannot tell who has befriended me, unless it is hira. Jrora 
 whom I have received many benefits. 
 
 RULE XVIII. 
 
 When a direct address is made, the noun or pronoun is 
 in the nominative case independient ; as, " O king, live 
 forever ;" " O house of Israel ;" "' Chibh-ni.. oh"V your pa 
 rents ;" "O thon man of God,"
 
 atid THE- AMERICAN INSTRUCTER. ' • 
 
 RULE XIX. 
 
 Two or more nouns signifying the same thing, are put, by 
 apposition, in the same case ; as, " Paid the Apostle ;" 
 " Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel." 
 
 Exercises in false syntax. 
 
 I gave my book to James, he who was here yesterday. 
 
 The estate was left to Sinion and John, the two eldest 
 sons, they that had been to Europe. 
 
 Art thou acquainted with Clarissa the milliner, she whom 
 tve met in our walks this morning. 
 
 Augustus the Roman emperor ; him who succeeded Julius 
 Cesar, is variously described. 
 
 * This house belongs to William, the carpenter, he who 
 built it. 
 
 The money was left to David and Daniel, the two youngr- 
 est sons, they that had been to Englaud. 
 
 RULE XX. 
 
 The infiiutive mood, or part of a sentence, is sometimes 
 put as the nominative case to the verb ; as, " To swear is 
 wicked ;" " That any thing can exist, without eiisting in 
 space, is to my mind' incomprehensible " 
 
 Exercises in false syntax. 
 
 To do unto all men, as we would that they, in similar cir- 
 cumstances, should do unto us, constitute the great principle 
 of virtue. 
 
 From a fear of the world's censure, to be ashiuued of the 
 practice of precepts which the heart approves and embraces, 
 mark a feeble and imj)crfect character. 
 
 RULE XXT. 
 
 A nouu or pronoun, joined witli a li-uiiiiple, indcprndf-n! 
 of a verb, forms the nominative r.ise al)suliite ; as, " The 
 lecture being finished, the os<(juibi!y withdrew ;"' " Shame 
 being lost, all virtue is lost.'' 
 
 Exercises in false synljx. 
 
 » 
 
 Him having f'ndcd his disooifrso,^thp assembly dispersed. 
 
 Them being willing to imj):ove, the ■^tudy was rendere(^ 
 agreeable '-. , 
 
 They were all more or loss censurublo, her only excepted; 
 jvho was very civcninsj)(Vc». ir. in-r conn'iirt.
 
 0ecHon. Pagt- 
 
 1. Observatfofts on rash judgment. - - 16 
 
 2. Monosyllables. .... - • li 
 
 3. The diligent Scholar. - - . - - - f23 
 
 4. Reflectiona on Sua-set. ... . - 24 
 
 5. Select Scntenceg. . - - - . - - 26 
 
 6. Monosyllables continued. ~ - - - - 26 
 
 7. MonitioiT to Children. -■ - - - - 30 
 
 8. The Vill.'.ge Grsen. • - . ^ .. . - 33 
 
 9. To a Child five years old. - - - - 33 
 JO. Monosyllahleo continued. - - - - - 33 
 
 11. On Reading. - - - - - - 39 
 
 12. Mankind ate dependant on rach other. - 41 
 
 13. .\ddre.?s from a Teacher to hi.s Pupils, oa the usefulness of 
 
 learning-. - - - - - - - 41 
 
 34. Monosyllables continued. - - - - - 44 
 
 J6. 1'hc danger of keeping- Bad Corapany. - - 48 
 
 16. True Pleasure, - - - - - - 50 
 
 17. Life is a flower. .... - 51 
 
 18. Mono.svllables continued. ... -52 
 
 19. Mortality. .....,., 55 
 
 . 20. immortalitv. ... . . - 5fl 
 
 21. Health. " . . . . - - b'l 
 
 22. Words of two syllables, accented on the first. - - 68 
 
 23. Description of the Sloth. - - - - 651 
 
 24. The Sluggard. - - - - - - 64 
 
 25. On Earl/Kising. - - - - - - 64 
 
 26. Words of two syllables, Bcccrited on the first ; Continued. 65 
 
 27. .\u Address to Parents. - - - - - 69 
 
 28. Rich and Pour. ...... 79 
 
 29. Select Sentences. ... . - - 71 
 
 30. Words cf tv/o syllables, accented on the first ; Coniiiiued. 73 
 
 31. The Clo.se of Life. - - - • - 77 
 
 32. The Funeral. ... . . . 79 
 
 33. The Rose, - . - . . - - 80 
 
 34. Words of two svllable.t, accented on the fust ; Continued. 80 
 36. An Address to Youth. . - . . - 86 
 36. A view of the Starry Heavens. - - - 87 
 37- Words of two syllriblcs, accented on the first; Continued. 88 
 
 38. Cleanliness. - - - . - - 93 
 
 39. Honour. .- . . ,. .94 
 
 40. VVords of two syllables, accented on the first; Continued. 96 
 
 41. On bridling the tongue. - - . . . , . JOO 
 
 42. An Indian kino-'s advice to his Son. ^ - - - 102 
 
 43. Words t)f two syllables, .accented on th'e second. - 103 
 
 44. The Pupil's address to his. School Cbropaaions. - - 108 
 
 45. The fall of the Leaf. -   - - - - 109 
 
 46. The Cuckoo . - . ... 1]0 
 
 47. Heavenly Wisdosa. - - - - - 110 
 
 48. tVorda of two syllables, accented on the second ; Continued. Ill 
 49 Drunkenness. - v , - . < . . . - 117
 
 CONTENT?!. 
 
 fkction. y^ ^"gf- 
 
 6(). RavaiTCS of Dlssipalion. - • - - ng 
 
 61. Description o! a Battlf!. - - 119 
 
 62. Words of three syllables, accented on the first. ' 121 
 
 63. Filial Affection and Intrepidity. Stovy of Volney Beckner, 
 
 who was devoured by a Shark, at the age of twelve yeais. 126 
 
 64. Divine Providence. - . - . . 129 
 66. Words of three syllables, accented on the first ; Continued. 131 
 
 56. Modesty. ------ 136 
 
 57. The pleasures resulting from a proper use of our faculties. 137 
 58 Words of three syllables, accented on the first ; Continued. 138 
 ft!>. Select Sentenc'e-s. . . - . , 143 
 
 60. Winter. — A Season for remembering the Poor. - 146 
 
 61. Friendship. --..-. 145 
 
 62. Words of throe syllables, accented on the second. - 147 
 
 63. On the .Animal World, and the Scale of Beings. - 151 
 
 64. On Profane Cursing and Sweating. - . - 153 
 66. Words of three syllables accented on the second; Continued. Ifi4 
 
 66. On Procrastination. ..... jgQ 
 
 67. Woman. - - - - - • - 162 
 
 68. Words of three syllables, accented on the third. - - 163 
 
 69. AVords oi four syllaDles, accented on the first. - 166 
 
 70. Agriculture. " - - . - - 168 
 
 71. Extract from a Poem, entitled, " Agriculture, or Happy 
 
 Aniorican Farmer." . ' - . . I7O 
 
 72. Words of four syllables, accented on the second. - - 171 
 
 73. The Wisdom of Pi ovidencc displayed in the Seasons. - 178 
 
 74. Advice to Youtti on decent Behaviour. - - -   179 
 In. Words of four syllables, accented on the third. - - 182 
 
 76. vviiiijip-. . - . . . . - 186 
 
 77. On saying too much. - - ... 186 
 73. Words of five syllables, accented on the second. - - 188 
 
 79. Words of fivf syllables, accented on the third. - - 190 
 
 80. What is time .^' - - - - - - 192 
 
 81. Youth. - - - . . - . 193 
 K2. Night. ... . . - . 194 
 
 83. Wotrls of five syllables, accented on the fourth. - - 196 
 
 t!4. \Vords of si.x, si-von, and eight syllables. - - • 196 
 
 8.5. The Fourth of .Inly. - -a - - 198 
 
 f 6. Ode fur the Fourth of .fuly. - . . . 200 
 
 An Abi idginent of Euglisli Grammar. - - - 201 
 
 Of Articles. - - - - - - - 201 
 
 OfNoi-.ns. - - ... . . 202 
 
 Of Adjectives. .... . . 205 
 
 lOf i'ronouns. .... . . 207 
 
 or Verbs. - - .... - 208 
 
 Of PaMiriphs. - - - - - 212 
 
 Of .'\dv(Mb.^. - - - ... 213 
 
 Of Prcpo^sitions. ...... 216 
 
 Of Coi<junr(i(ins and interjection';. [' . 215 
 
 Exercises in false <i;;imniar. - - 233
 
 LtSJtll<<J«l .^
 
 i
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY 
 
 Los Angeles 
 
 This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 
 
 I 
 
 r' 2 mm 
 
 DEC ^5 Tl: 
 
 VI AR 2 7 1952 
 MAR 1 5 1956 
 
 0^^ 
 
 2.^Vli^ 
 
 Form L9-i:r)»(.9,'47(A5(il8)414 
 
 "Ur-i . - 
 
 'OiiiSiA 
 
 LO^ AxNi^iiLJSS
 
 L 007 626 244 3 
 
 FACILITY 
 
 AA 000 354 003 
 
 J