491. The word agree is sometimes followed by the wrong preposition. We should say, agree with a person—to a proposition—upon a thing among ourselves.
492. We should say compare with, in respect of quality—compare to, for the sake of illustration.
493. We should say copy after a person—copy from a thing.
494. Between is properly applied only to two objects; among, to three or more. “A father divided a portion of his property between his two sons; the rest he distributed among the poor.”
495. In should not be used for into, after verbs denoting entrance. “Come in my parlor,” should read, “Come into my parlor.”
496. “We confide in, and have respect for, the good.” Such a form of expression is strained and awkward. It is better to say, “We confide in the good, and have respect for them,” or, “We trust and respect the good.”
497. “This veil of flesh parts the visible and the invisible world:” say, “parts the visible from the invisible.” It certainly is not meant that the veil of flesh parts (or divides) each of these worlds.
498. “Every leaf, every twig, every blade, every drop of water, teem with life:” say, teems.
499. “Dr. Prideaux used to relate that when he brought the manuscript of his Connection of the Old and the New Testaments to the publisher, he told him it was a dry subject, and that the printing could not be safely ventured upon unless he could enliven the work with a little humor.” The sense alone, and not the sentence, indicates to whom he and him respectively refer; such a form of expression is faulty, because it may lead to a violation of perspicuity, which is one of the most essential qualities of a good style.
500. The last direction which this little book will give, on the subject with which it has been occupied, is one that long ago was given in the greatest of books—“Let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ.” If obedience to this injunction may not guard him who heeds it against the commission of such mistakes as are numbered in this catalogue, it will not fail to lead him out of the way of errors more grievous and solemn.