ae a 
bie. 
fuppofed to be denoted by the written tenfes of a language, 
and according to which they therefore denominated thofe tenfes, 
are not the real times they were intended to exprefs. Thus Dr. 
Clark has proved, in the Greek language, that the tenfe ufually 
called by them the preter or paft perfect, does not properly exprefs 
fuch a time, but a different one, which ought to ftamp it with 
a different name*;, that the time it was intended to exprefs is 
complex, including the confideration both of the paft and of. the 
prefent; and implying, that the ation has been done, and ftill con- 
tinues to be done. ApgiGsCyxas; thou haft proteéted, and doft 
full protect. Tebavuaxes; thou haft admired, and doft ftill admire. 
This opinion is confirmed by the authorities of many other of the 
moft able linguifts, particularly Lord Monboddo and Mr. Hunting- 
ford. i 
Tuis then being in ftritnefs of f{peech the true fignification 
of the preter tenfe, ufually, though improperly, called the pre- 
terperfe&, it is plain that we muft feck in the Greek lan- 
guage fome other tenfe, to exprefs the time of the perform- 
ance of an action which was perfected at a time paft, and 
has ceafed to continue; whofe conclufion was antecedent 
to 
* The appellation he gives it is the prefent perfect. In this appellation I muft beg 
permiffion not to concur with him, becaufe whatever is perfected muft be paft.. 
Non meus hic fermo. Scaliger had heard the name, which did not originate with 
Clark, and laughed at it for the fame reafon, for whatever action or paflion is ftill 
continuing muft be imperfect. Some name is wanting to exprefs this compound of 
the paft and prefent.. 
