"
5. General and immutable truths ought to be expressed in the _present_
tense.
Instead of saying, "He did not know that eight and twenty _were_ equal
to twenty and eight;" "The preacher said very audibly, that whatever
_was_ useful, _was_ good;" "My opponent would not believe, that virtue
_was_ always advantageous.;" The constructions should be, "_are_ equal
to twenty;" "whatever _is_ useful, _is_ good;" "virtue _is_ always
advantageous."
EXAMPLES IN FALSE SYNTAX PROMISCUOUSLY ARRANGED.
We adore the Divine Being, he who is from eternity to eternity.
On these causes depend all the happiness or misery which exist among
men.
The enemies who we have most to fear, are those of our own hearts.
Is it me or him who you requested to go?
Though great has been his disobedience and his folly, yet if he
sincerely acknowledges his misconduct, he shall be forgiven.
There were, in the metropolis, much to amuse them.
By exercising of our memories, they are improved.
The property of my friend, I mean his books and furniture, were
wholly consumed.
Affluence might give us respect in the eyes of the vulgar, but will
not recommend us to the wise and good.
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