should you proceed further, and, by a labored and metaphysical
investigation and development of the laws of motion, attempt to
prove to him that "every portion of matter is influenced by
different, active principles, tending to produce change," and,
therefore, every thing in universal nature is _always_ acting, it is
not at all probable, that you could convince his _understanding_, in
opposition to the dearer testimony of his senses. Of what avail to
learners is a theory which they cannot comprehend?

Among the various theorists and speculative writers on philosophical
grammar, the ingenious Horne Tooke stands pre-eminent; but,
unfortunately, his principal speculations on the verb, have never
met the public eye. William S. Cardell has also rendered himself
conspicuous in the philological field, by taking a bolder stand than
any of his predecessors. His view of the verb is novel, and
ingeniously supported. The following is the substance of his theory

OF THE VERB.

A verb is a word which expresses _action;_ as, Man _exists_; Trees
_grow_; Waters_flow_; Mountains _stand_; I _am_.

All verbs are active, and have one object or more than one,
expressed or implied. The pillar _stands_; that is, it _keeps
itself_ in an erect or standing posture; it _upholds_ or _sustains
itself_ in that position. They _are_; i.e. they _air_ themselves, or
_breathe_ air; they _inspirit, vivify_, or _uphold_ themselves by
inhaling air.

Many verbs whose objects are seldom expressed, always have a persona
or verbal one implied. The clouds _move_; i.e. move _themselves_
along. The troops _marched_ twenty miles a day; i.e. marched
_themselves_. The moon _shines_:--The moon _shines_ or _sheds_ a
_shining, sheen, lustre_, or _brightness_. The sparrow
_flies:--flies_ or _takes_ a _flight_. Talkers talk or speak _words_
or _talk_; Walkers walk _walkings_ or _walks_; The rain rains
_rain_; Sitters sit or hold _sittings_ or _sessions_.

To prove that there is no such thing as a neuter verb, the following
appear to be the strongest arguments adduced.

1. No portion of matter is ever in a state of perfect quiescence;
but the component parts of every thing are at all times "influenced
by different, active principles, tending to produce change." Hence,
it follows, that no being or thing can be represe