On scientific principles, _write_
must be considered a noun in the latter sentence, for it does not
_express_ action, or make an affirmation; but it merely _names_ the
action which I wish John to perform, and affirmation is the
_inferential_ meaning.
The verb in the infinitive, as well as in the imperative mood, is
divested of its affirmative or verbal force. In both these moods, it
is always presented in its _noun-state_.
If, after dinner, I say to a servant, "_Wine,"_ he infers, that I
wish him to bring me wine; but all this is not said. If I say,
_Bring_ some _wine_, he, in like manner, understands, that I wish
him to bring me wine; but all that is expressed, is the _name_ of
the action, and of the object of the action. In fact, as much is
done by _inference_, as by actual expression, in every branch of
language, for thought is too quick to be wholly transmitted by
words.
It is generally conceded, that the termination of our verbs, _est,
eth, s, ed_, and, also, of the other parts of speech, were
originally separate words of distinct meaning; and that, although
they have been contracted, and, by the refinement of language, have
been made to coalesce with the words in connexion with which they
are employed, yet, in their present character of terminations, they
retain their primitive meaning and force.
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