method in conducting exercises in the composition of discourse shall prove successful or not, the author feels a firm confidence in the substantial correctness of the views which have prompted the attempt, as established not only by mere theory, but proved abundantly in actual trial for many years. As the object of this work is purely practical, only summary statements of the principles of rhetoric are given. For more extended views, with fuller expositions of the grounds of these principles, reference is made to the author's "Elements of the Art of Rhetoric," a work designed for more advanced minds. Only two departments of Invention are here presented; the other two, Excitation and Persuasion, not being so important or so useful, so far as the object of the present work is concerned. In the use of this work, it is recommended that, in case the pupil should encounter difficulty in passing from simple to abstract narration, "Simple Description" be taken up immediately after "Simple Narration." The pupil may be kept on sensible themes until sufficiently trained to undertake abstract themes. Copious lists of themes are furnished. It is recommended that they be regarded rather as suggestive of themes than as statements of themes in the exact shape in which they are to be handled. A richer variety, and a better adaptation to the capacity of the pupil, may thus be secured. It is also recommended that, in order to accustom the mind of the pupil to the study of the elements and progress of the thought in discourse, exercises be proposed from time to time in analyzing well constructed dis course. Narratives, descriptions, arguments, may thus be given to the pupil, that he may dissect them and trace out the members or elements of the thought with the order of development. These abstracts may then be subjected to criticism. The principles of the art of composing discourse, which are here presented in larger type, should be first thoroughly learned by the pupil. Yet Locke's very sensible remark should be borne in mind, that "nobody has made anything by hearing of rules, or laying them up in his memory: practice must settle the habit of doing, without reflecting on the rule." It is believed that by judicious selection of themes, adapting them to the degree of maturity in the pupil, he may be conducted along from the most rudimentary exercises to those of the most advanced stage that can be reached by any mind under the tuition and training of another. With the firmest confidence in the correctness of the views by which this new method of teaching the art of composing discourse has been prompted, yet, at the same time, with much diffidence as to his success in overcoming the intrinsic difficulties with which his undertaking has been attended, and believing that no greater desideratum exists in the supply of educational text-books, than precisely in this field of instruction, the author commends his work to the favoring judgment of the public. COLLEGE HILL, OHIO, May, 1860. |