of this principle is admissible, probably, under material limitations. But it can scarcely be doubted, that the legitimate authority to introduce new words, belongs only to those who exercise legislative power in the republic of letters; and that even in their hands, the exercise of this power, is a highly delicate, difficult, and responsible act.

An essay on this subject, fraught with valuable information, has been recently published, by John Pickering of Salem, Massachusetts.

This little volume, (which is worthy to be annexed as an Appendix to the "Philosophy of Rhetoric,") ought to be one of the manuals of American youth. Its attentive perusal and general circulation, can scarcely fail to check, if it does not arrest, the progress of a species of wanton and most pestilent innovation, to which a swarm of buzzing, vexatious, and egotistical pedants and sciolists, have given temporary vogue.

A work is now in the press, from the pen of an ingenious gentleman, Augustus B Woodward, judge of the Michigan territory; in which the author has undertaken to execute a neological enterprise of unprecedented audacity.

As the writer is pledged to review this work, as soon after it issues from the press, as he can find leisure for that purpose; he will reserve for that article, any additional observations which he may have to offer, on this interesting topic.

The writer has, for years, cultivated a friendly occasional intercourse with judge Woodward, and would regret that any thing may occur to interrupt the friendliness of future intercourse; but in reviewing this work, his motto must be, an old adage, which, although often and proudly quoted, is seldom sternly and conscientiously applied in practice.

Amicus Plato, &e.

SUPPLEMENTARY NARRATIVE.

Nitor in adversum,

Non aliter, quam qui adverso vix flumine lembum
Remigiis subigit, brachia si forte remisit,

Atque illum in præceps prono rapit alveus amni.

To preface this narrative by an apology, would be preposterous; for if its publication stands in need of an apology, it had better be omitted.

Before the reader can judge, whether the publication of this narrative be proper or improper, may or may not require an apology; he ought to read it. The narrator however will frankly premise, that, to the reader who after having perused it may think an apology for its publication necessary; he fears, that he has none to offer, which would be satisfactory.

The period that elapsed, between the nineteenth and the thirty-fourth year of the narrator's life, was devoted with assiduity and enthusiasm, to the instruction of youth, in the state of Virginia.

In the course of study pursued by his pupils, no inconsiderable portion of their attention was devoted, to exercises in elocution, composition and rhetoric. From the earliest recollected period of his life; the narrator had felt, and cherished, not a predilection merely, but a passion, for the cultivation of oratory. Incidental circumstances combined to nourish and inflame this passion.

He imparted instruction principally through the medium of colloquial lectures and explanations, and in forming the minds and correcting the errors of his pupils; he relied principally or solely, on his ability to awaken the curiosity and interest the affections, of ingenuous youth.

He early imbibed and steadily indulged the pleasing hope, (which personal experience gradually ripened into assured

N N

conviction,) that if knowledge be communicated to the unfolding mind, in the lustre and attraction of its own prevailing evidence; it will charm every sensibility of the heart, whilst it expands every faculty of the mind, and emulate the pleasures of sense as much in vivacity and allurement, as it surpasses them in dignity, purity, and permanence.

This mode of instruction, necessarily called for the constant exercise of oratory, and upon the oratorical skill of the instructor, its efficiency, essentially depends.

In the cultivation and exercise of this noble art, and in directing the attention of his pupils to its cultivation and exercise; he was influenced by another, and a still more cogent motive.

The American republic, presents an ampler and grander theatre for the exercise of oratory, than any civilized community, that has existed since the glorious days of Greece and Rome: Ampler and grander far! than those celebrated states presented, even in their most glorious days.

In the American republic, all the causes, essential to the successful cultivation of oratory, and to carry it to all the perfection it is capable of attaining; combine their influence.

At the most enlightened æra in the annals of history, a civilized community, (whose members derive their descent from the freest and most intelligent nations of the old world,) has in the fairest part of a hemisphere recently discovered; commenced its career, under the auspices of a government, permanently and essentially popular.

In such a community, oratory spontaneously revives, and necessarily advances towards perfection; in proportion as the gradual multiplication, and judicious location and management of academical and literary institutions, increase the stock of national intelligence, liberalise public sentiment and enlighten public opinion: as schools and colleges, supply the incentives and instruction best adapted, to inflame the emulation and aid the exertions of aspiring youth, in the attainment of oratorical skill.

Whilst thus employed in Virginia, he was accustomed to hold semi-annual academical examinations and exhibitions; at

which, his pupils exhibited specimens of their proficiency and skill in composition and elocution; in the presence of their parents and guardians, and intelligent persons of both sexes in the vicinity of his academy, who felt an inclination and found it convenient to attend.

The narrator uniformly availed himself of the occasions, which these opportunities presented, to prepare and deliver a discourse, for the purpose of illustrating the methods and objects of the course of instruction which he had adopted; or on some interesting topic, connected with the duties of an instructor.

The impression which these discourses, and the manner in which they were delivered, seemed to leave on the minds of his intelligent auditors; encouraged the narrator, to conceive and attempt the execution of a design somewhat novel.

He proposed to deliver a weekly discourse, on some interesting subject, (literary or ethical,) in the presence of intelligent persons of both sexes, residing within a convenient distance from his academy.

In forming this design, the idea of pecuniary emolument, did not even mingle with his motives.

He was influenced wholly by a love of intellectual distinction, a predilection for the exercise of oratory, and an enthusiastic desire to diffuse a taste for literature; which have long been the idols of his heart, and his " ruling" passions.

In his first attempt to execute this design, no patronage was solicited: The attendance of his auditors was gratuitous and spontaneous.

Self-love in every shape it assumes, is quick to perceive, and eager to pursue, its peculiar gratification.

The attention with which his auditors listened to these discourses, and the manner in which they testified their approbation; not only excited but nourished a hope, (which gradually gained strength,) that he was endowed by nature, or, had derived from education, uncommon skill in a certain species of oratory.

On the delight which this hope imparted; on the restless and fitful yet inspiring enthusiasm it enkindled; on the fondness