2. The infinitive can only take, in a sentence, the place of a noun; and the participle the place of an adjective. The predicate always requires a finite verb, otherwise it could not express a complete thought.

3. If the adverb "there," goes before the verb "to be," the two may be regarded as forming a predicate equal to the verb "to exist." There are many stars in the heavens: equivalent to-many stars exist in the heavens.

4. The verb "to be," when used as the logical copula, only expresses a relation between two notions, and consequently requires a notional word after it in order to form a predicate. If, however, it has a meaning of its own distinct from the relation, it can form a predicate by itself; as, God is, (i. e. exists.)

EXERCISES.

17. In the following sentences, underline the exact words which form the predicates; and doubly underline those verbs which cannot form a predicate of themselves.

The bell tolls. The heavens are blue. The oak is a forest tree. Does the moon shine? To walk is pleasant. Be careful. He being afraid, left the room. A stag drinking at the stream saw his shadow in it. I love to walk in the fields. There are many fishes in the sea. Idle boys are not fond of reading. Children should learn to read early. He is from everlasting to everlasting. May you be happy! There are many good and many idle boys in most schools. You should not fall out. How beautiful the clouds are! To err is human, to forgive divine. The property was much injured. The kingdoms were moved. Stand still.

B. THE ENLARGED PREDICATE.

§ XI.

The Simple Predicate is enlarged in two ways. 1st. When we complete the assertion. 2ndly. When we more accurately define or determine the assertion.

The first is called the completion of the predicate; the second the extension of the predicate.

Plato wrote dialogues magnificently.

The predicate requires to be completed, whenever the verb does not suffice to convey an entire notion of the action which we affirm of the subject, as:

William defeated. Here, evidently, an incomplete idea is conveyed, until we specify whom he defeated, viz.—Harold.

This always takes place when the verb is strictly transitive, as well as in some other instances, that will be hereafter explained. The completion of the predicate is usually termed THE object.

x. The subject may be enlarged by employing any number of the methods, above mentioned, at the same time.

No longer Autumn's glowing red
Upon your forest hills is shed.

Socrates, a man of wisdom, beloved by his friends, and feared by his enemies, having been condemned by his judges, and having refused submission to them, perished in prison.

Here the subject, Socrates, is enlarged-first, by a noun in apposition, and a prepositional phrase depending on it; secondly, by three passive participles each followed by a preposition and its case; and, thirdly, by an active participle with its object.

EXERCISES.

9. In the following sentences point out the word or words which form the enlargement of the subject; and shew under which of the above ten particulars each sentence should be classified.

A good man is usually happy. Alfred the Great was a good king. A grateful mind is a blessing to the possessor. Nothing in nature is more beautiful than a flower. It is good to rise early. It is never too late to improve. Zebedee's children are mentioned in the Bible. The boy, being caught, confessed his crime. He then went home weeping. Why do you come running? Whang, the miller, was very avaricious. God's goodness is over all nature. The wisdom of Solomon is much renowned. Cæsar's bravery was undoubted. Return penitent. He went away mortified. The literature of the ancients was good and great.

10. The teacher may next vary this exercise by requiring the pupils to construct sentences with subjects enlarged, according to Nos. i. ii. iii. iv. and v. as above:

11. Proceed with the following sentences as before, underlining the enlargement of the subject, and referring to the rule, in each case.

The good old man at length died. John, having bought a new book, was diligently reading it. England-merry, happy, and free-shall never be enslaved. The King's bounty was inexhaustible. Men of extraordinary courage are generally admired. Robert, being absent in Palestine, did not succeed his father. The French having cultivated the arts, excel in them greatly. Bound by an oath he would not swerve. Surrounded by every comfort why do you complain. The virtue of Socrates was remarkable. Good, wise, and firm counsellors are much needed. Watch and pray, should be our maxim.

12. The teacher may next direct the pupils to construct sentences according to Nos. vi. vii. and viii.

13. Proceed with the following sentences as before, underlining the enlargements of the subject, and referring to the rule exemplified in each.

A scholar of punctuality, diligence, and great obedience, will find his reward. The ship, overladen with goods and damaged by the storm, sunk in the waves. The fragrant beauty of the Spring is always delightful. Having arranged his affairs, sold his estate, and collected all his resources, he embarked for Australia. Cicero, a man of eloquence, a prop to the state, and a terror to its enemies, having been proscribed, was followed and slain.

REMARK.

A transitive verb is often used intransitively. In such cases a completion is not necessary: e. g. The boy reads.

EXERCISES.

18. In the following sentences underline all the words which form the completion of the predicates.

The dog guards the house faithfully. Where have you laid my pen? This I can never endure. How beautifully the ship divides the waves. Never can I sufficiently thank you. Give me my book, that I may read it. Bring some water here. One he kept, and the other gave away. He acquired his knowledge by great diligence.

§ XIII.

The noun, forming the object of a sentence, may be enlarged by adjectives, prepositions with their case, participles, &c., in the same way as the subject.

The dog guards his master's house.

I love a good and useful book.

I saw that tree laden with fruit.

EXERCISES.

19. Underline the words which compose, in the following sentences, the entire completion of the predicate.

The goodness of God we can never too much extol. Some insects inhabit old trunks of trees. Every day brings us many fresh opportunities of improvement. The laws of nature produce a vast variety of beautiful phenomena. The Rhine presents many beautiful scenes