COLON.

The Colon is used to divide a sentence into two or more parts less connected than those which are separated by a semicolon; but not so independent as separate, distinct sentences.

RULE 1.  When a member of a sentence is complete in itself, but followed by some supplemental remark, or farther illustration of the subject, the colon may be properly employed; as, “Nature felt her inability to extricate herself from the consequences of guilt:  the gospel revealed the plan of divine interposition and aid.”  “Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance:  yonder palace was raised by single stones; yet you see its height and spaciousness.”

Exercises.—­The three great enemies to tranquillity are vice superstition and idleness vice which poisons and disturbs the mind with bad passions superstition which fills it with imaginary terrors idleness which loads it with tediousness and disgust.

When we look forward into the year which is beginning what do we behold there?  All my brethren is a blank to our view a dark unknown presents itself.

RULE 2.  When a semicolon has preceded, or more than one, and a still greater pause is necessary, in order to mark the connecting or concluding sentiment, the colon should be applied; as, “A divine legislator, uttering his voice from heaven; an almighty governor, stretching forth his arm to punish or reward; informing us of perpetual rest prepared for the righteous hereafter, and of indignation and wrath awaiting the wicked:  these are the considerations which overawe the world, which support integrity, and check guilt.”

PERIOD.

When a sentence is complete, and so independent as not to be connected with the one which follows it, a period should be inserted at its close; as, “Fear God.”  “Honor the patriot.”  “Respect virtue.”

In the use of many of the pauses, there is a diversity of practice among our best writers and grammarians.  Compound sentences connected by conjunctions, are sometimes divided by the period; as, “Recreations, though they may be of an innocent kind, require steady government to keep them within a due and limited province. But such as are of an irregular and vicious nature, are not to be governed, but to be banished from every well-regulated mind.”

The period should follow every abbreviated word; as, “A.D.  N.B.  U.S.  Va.  Md.  Viz.  Col.  Mr.”

DASH.

The Dash, though often used improperly by hasty and incoherent writers, may be introduced with propriety, where the sentence breaks off abruptly; where a significant pause is required; or where there is an unexpected turn in the sentiment; as, “If thou art he, so much respected once—­but, oh! how fallen! how degraded!” “If acting conformably to the will of our Creator;—­if promoting the welfare of mankind around us;—­if securing our own happiness;—­are objects of the highest moment:  then we are loudly called upon to cultivate and extend the great interests of religion and virtue.”