Reformation, next to the translation of the Scriptures into the English language."* The pious Minister who takes the pains to institute a fair comparison between our Book of Common Prayer and the Liturgies from which it was compiled, will be convinced that this is no exaggerated praise.

Let, then, this acknowledged superiority of our Liturgy form a powerful motive for not debasing it by a feeble or careless delivery. Culpable indeed must be our indifference if we pronounce in a cold and lifeless manner this sublime Ritual, so admirably adapted to kindle in our own hearts a sacred flame, which may quickly be communicated to the hearts of our congregations.

See Dr. Adam Clarke's General Preface to his Edition of the Holy Scriptures, p. xxiv.

INFLECTIONS OF THE SPEAKING

VOICE.

BEFORE explaining the system of notation adopted in the following pages to represent the inflections of the speaking voice, it may be necessary to notice some objections which may naturally arise. In doing so, let the original inventor, Mr. John Walker, the author of the "Pronouncing Dictionary," be allowed to speak for himself. "It may perhaps be objected that an attention to the inflections of the voice when marked upon paper will be apt to embarrass the reader, whose mind ought to be entirely occupied by the sense of what he is reading. A similar objection might be made against punctuation, the utility of which is, however, generally admitted. The truth is that every novelty of plan is apt to perplex; and if we have learned an art in an imperfect manner, the means of facilitating a more perfect acquisition of it will at first retard our progress. This system of inflections is not intended for those who already read well. What help do they need who are sufficiently per

B

fect? It is to him who is desirous of improving his delivery-to him who is in doubt as to the most effectual method of conveying the meaning of a passage, that this assistance is recommended; and it may with confidence be asserted, that if such a one will bestow half the time to acquire the knowledge of these inflections, which is usually spent in learning the gamut, he will have no reason to repent of his labour."

If the student is gifted with a tolerably good ear, enabling him to perceive, and readily to imitate the difference of speaking sounds, he will find little difficulty in the system. His first attempts to follow the notation may appear stiff and awkward; but a little practice will remove these defects, and will give ease, smoothness, and harmony.

It is necessary to premise that no clear judgment can be formed of the several examples respecting inflections except by pronouncing them aloud; silent reading will not answer the purpose.

The voice when in the act of speaking may be observed to be constantly moving upward or downward through a certain number of notes on the musical scale. These ascents and descents are called the upward and downward inflections or slides. The upward inflection is denoted by the

mark used to represent the acute accent ('), and the downward inflection by the grave accent (`). The difference of the two inflections will be perceived on pronouncing aloud the following

sentence:

Eloquence ànimates.

The voice appears to slide upwards over three notes in saying eloquence, and to slide down again over three notes in animates. This will become very apparent if the words are uttered distinctly and deliberately, without any sudden jerk or violent effort. The trial does not require forcible utterance; for inflection is not emphasis: inflection means the upward or downward slide of the voice; whereas emphasis, according to the common acceptation of the term, refers to the degree of force which accompanies the utterance of inflection. The primary uses of the inflections are to imply either continuation or completion of the meaning of a sentence. The upward inflection suggests the idea that the speaker has not finished the sentence, and the downward inflection generally implies that he has. These inflections are, however, used in other parts of sentences for marking antithesis, and for other purposes to which the attention of the reader will be directed when they occur in the following notes.