We will notice another frivolous distinction made by Mr. Murray, merely to show how learned men may be mistaken, and the folly of trusting to special rules in the general application of words.  He says, “Thou art a man,” is a very general and harmless expression; but, thou art the man, (as Nathan said to David,) is an assertion capable of striking terror and remorse into the heart.”  The distinction in meaning here, on which he insists, attaches to the articles a and the.  It is a sufficient refutation of this definition to make a counter statement.  Suppose we say, “Murray is the best grammarian in the world; or, he is a fool, a knave, and a liar.”  Which, think you, would be considered the most harmless expression?  Suppose it had been said to Aaron Burr, thou art a traitor, or to General William Hull, thou art a coward, would they regard the phrase as “harmless!” On the other hand, suppose a beautiful, accomplished, and talented young lady, should observe to one of her suitors, “I have received offers of marriage from several gentlemen besides yourself, but thou art =the= man of my choice;” would it, think you, strike terror and remorse into his heart?  I should pity the young student of Murray whose feelings had become so stoical from the false teaching of his author as to be filled with “terror and remorse” under such favorable circumstances, while fair prospects of future happiness were thus rapidly brightening before him.  I speak as to the wise, judge ye what I say.

The adjective that has obtained a very extensive application in language.  However, it may seem to vary in its different positions, it still retains its primitive meaning.  It is comprised of the and it, thait, theat, thaet (Saxon,) thata (Gothic,) dat (Dutch.) It is the most decided definitive in our language.  It is by use applied to things in the singular, or to a multitude of things regarded as a whole.  By use, it applies to a collection of ideas expressed in a sentence; as, it was resolved, that.  What?  Then follows that fact which was resolved.  “Provided that, in case he does” so and so.  “It was agreed that,” that fact was agreed to which is about to be made known.  I wish you to understand, all thro these lectures, that I shall honestly endeavor to expose error and establish truth.  Wish you to understand what? that fact, afterwards stated, “I shall endeavor,” &c.  You can not mistake my meaning:  that would be impossible.  What would be impossible?  Why, to mistake my meaning.

You can not fail to observe the true character of this word called by our grammarians “adjective pronoun,” “relative pronoun,” and “conjunction.”  They did not think to look for its meaning.  Had that (duty) been done, it would have stood forth in its true character, an important defining word.