28/39 But have they never read Quintilian, who says, (Lib. 6,) that, 'Language is established by reason, antiquity, authority, and custom ?' He therefore does not exclude reason, but makes it the principal thing. Nay, in a manner, Laurentius, and other grammatists, even of their fooleries, are forward to offer _reasons_, such as they are. Moreover, use does not take place without reason; otherwise, it ought to be called abuse, and not use. |