The Points or Pauses have a Sort of musical Proportion.
The Period is marked thus (.)——Its Time is equal to two Colons and is never placed but at the End of a Sentence, the Sense of which is perfect and compleat; as By me Kings reign, and Princes decree Justice.
The Colon is marked thus (:) —— Its Time is equal to two Semicolons, and is placed where the Sense seems to be perfect and compleat; but to which notwithstanding something may still be added; as give Instruction to a wise Man, and he will be yet wiser: Teach a just Man and he will increase in Learning.
The Semicolon is marked thus (;) —— its Time is equal to two Commas, and is placed where the Sense is less compleat than the Colon, and more compleat than the Comma; as a wise Man's Heart is at his right Hand; but a Fool's Heart is at his left.
The Comma is marked thus (,) —— It is the last and least Pause or Time that is made use of, and serves to distinguish the simple Numbers of a Period; as arise, my Friend, and come away.
Of the other Notes or Characters.
A Note of Interrogation (?) is used when a Question is asked; as who comes there?
A Note of Admiration (!) is used after Interjections or short Sentences to express our Wonder and Surprize; as O! O Lord!
A Parenthesis (rarely made use of by a good Writer) is used to inclose one Sentence within another.