[ 65 ] 



By the frequent ufe of this phrafeology Johnfon has given 

 a degree of ftrength and folidity to his fentences which he could 

 have given them, perhaps, by no other means, The advantages 

 of it have been pointed out in the effay above alluded to; the 

 cafes in which it may properly be ufed, and the inftances in 

 which Johnfon has ufed it improperly, are there mentioned, and 

 to mention them again would be but to repeat what has already 

 been eloquently faid. 



In the conftruiSion of his fentences he has many peculiarities. 

 One of thefe is, the habit of placing the oblique cafe at the 

 beginning, and introducing between it and the word by which 

 it is governed fome qualifying circumftance. Inftances abound : 

 *' Of two objefis tempting at a dijlancc on contrary Jides, it is im- 

 " poffible to approach one but by receding from the other." — 

 " Many conclufions did Iform, and many experiments did I try^ &c." 

 " From the hope of enjoying affluence by methods more com- 

 " pendious than thofe of labour, and more generally pradicable 

 " than thofe of genius, proceeds the common inclination to experi- 

 " ment and hazard," &c. &c. 



Of this pradice the principal effed: feems to be that of ftrongly 

 imprefling the mind by exhibiting firft to its view the principal 

 objedt of the fentence. In grave compofitions it gives a tone 

 of dignity and ftrength which admirably correfponds with ihe 

 nature of the fubjed, and with refped to found its advantages 

 are equally important, as by affording a liberty of tranfpofition 



Vol. VI. ( I ) it 



