sentence makes a distinct
statement and has some dependence on statements in the other member or
members of the sentence.

Wisdom hath builded her house; she hath hewn out her seven pillars;
she hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath
furnished her table.

Each member of this sentence is nearly complete. It is not quite a full
and definite statement, but it is much more than a mere amplification
such as we might get by leaving out _she hath_ every time after the
first. In the former case we should use periods. In the latter we should
use commas.

4. A comma is ordinarily used between the clauses of a compound sentence
that are connected by a simple conjunction, but a semicolon may be used
between clauses connected by conjunctive adverbs. Compare the following
examples:

The play was neither edifying nor interesting to him, and he decided
to change his plans.

The play was neither edifying nor interesting to him; therefore he
decided to change his plans.

5. To indicate the chapter references in scriptural citations.

Matt. i: 5, 7, 9; v: 1-10; xiv: 3, 8, 27.

The semicolon should always be put outside quotation marks unless it
forms a part of the quotation itself.

"Take care of the cents and the dollars will take care of
themselves"; a very wise old saying.

THE COLON

The colon marks the place of transition in a long sentence consisting of
many members and involving a logical turn of the thought. Both the colon
and semicolon are much less used now than formerly. The present tendency
is toward short, simple, clear sentences, with consequent little
punctuation, and that of the open style. Such sentences need little or
no aid to tell their story.

_Rules for the Use of the Colon_

1. Before _as_, _viz._, _that is_, _namely_, etc., when these words
introduce a series of particular terms in apposition with a general
term.

The American flag has three colors: namely, red, white, and blue.

2. Between two members of a sentence when one or both are made up of two
or more clauses divided by semicolons.

The Englishman was calm and self-possessed; his antagonist impulsive
and self-confident: the Englishman was the product of a volunteer
army of professional soldiers; his antagonist was the product of a
drafted army of unwilling conscripts.

3. Before particular elements in a definite statement.

Bad: He asked w