Many more of these particles are inelegantly, if not ambiguously used. Instead of “the natives were a different race to what they are now,” say, “different from.”
“He was made much on in the country:” say, “made much of.”
“In compliance of your request:” say, “in compliance with.”
“He doubts if his friend will come,” is not so elegant and accurate as, “He doubts whether his friend will come.”
More instances might be given, setting forth other frequent errors of speaking and writing, at the risk, however, of destroying the due proportion which should exist between the size of a work and the length of the Introduction. But a good heed to what has been said in the few preceding paragraphs, will enable a person who carefully reads this work to mend his modes of expression, to no inconsiderable degree. It is well known that there is no “royal road to learning,” but if there were, it could hardly be expected that such a little book as this would afford a passport to the end of the course. About two hundred years ago, a small volume was put forth by one “John Peters, learned scholar and author,” which had the following long-winded title: “A New Way to make Latin Verses, whereby any one of ordinary capacity, that only knows the A, B, C and can count nine, though he understands not one word of Latin, or what a verse means, may be plainly taught to make thousands of Hexameter and Pentameter Verses, which shall be true Latin, true Verse, and Good Sense!” The present volume must not be expected to accomplish so great a result as this—not having so comprehensive an aim, nor possessing so great a secret of success. But it is hoped that it may incite some who are unfortunately deficient in education, to seek so much additional knowledge as shall enable them at least to converse in a dialect which is within the compass of the language of their country, and free them from the imputation of belonging to another tribe of men, speaking another tongue.
A Welshman, residing near Caermarthon, who was seldom seen at the only church in the parish of his residence, was one day accosted by the worthy clergyman with the question, “My friend—to what church do you belong?” He responded, “To the Church of England.” “Ah,” replied the pastor, “I was sure that it must be some church out of Wales!” There are not a few persons who speak the English language about as truly as the Caermarthon Welshman attended the English Church!