" This
rule, however, is not generally followed by our best writers; as,
"If thou seek the Lord, he will be found of thee; _but_ if thou
forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever;" "_But_ if the parts
connected are not short, a comma may be inserted."
2. Several verbs succeeding each other in the infinitive mood, and
having a common dependance, may be divided by commas; as, "To
relieve the indigent, to comfort the afflicted, to protect the
innocent, to reward the deserving, are humane and noble
employments."
3. A remarkable expression, or a short observation, somewhat in the
form of a quotation, may be properly marked with a comma; as, "It
hurts a man's pride to say, _I do not know_;" "Plutarch calls lying,
_the vice of slaves_."
4. When words are placed in opposition to each other, or with some
marked variety, they must be distinguished by a comma; as,
"Tho' _deep_, yet _clear_; tho' _gentle_, yet not _dull_;
_Strong_, without _rage_; without _o'erflowing_, _full_."
"Good men, in this frail, imperfect state, are often found, not only
in union _with_, but in opposition _to_, the views and conduct of
each other.
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