24/39 To the science of grammar, the _nature of the ideas_ conveyed by casual examples, is not very essential: to the learner, it is highly important. The best thoughts in the best diction should furnish the models for youthful study and imitation; because such language is not only the most worthy to be remembered, but the most easy to be understood. A distinction is also to be made between use and abuse. In nonsense, absurdity, or falsehood, there can never be any grammatical authority; because, however language may be abused, the usage which gives law to speech, is still that usage which is founded upon the _common sense_ of mankind. Grammar appeals to reason, as well as to authority, but to what extent it should do so, has been matter of dispute. |