date

25 Aug. 1813 Logic Ch. Language
25 Aug. 1813

Logic

Ch. Language Grammar

Conjugation Grammar

Imperative future

2

Go to school again to-morrow; you shall go to school again to-morrow. In and by these forms of speech, the mode of optation properly termed imperation, is plainly enough expressed; but neither is it less undeniably manifest that, by the latter, the form in which the command is expressed is much more forcible than in the former. Speaking to a child of mine, and using the first-mentioned of these forms, all that I give him to understand is, that, at the time in question, it is my will, my desire, that he should repair to the place in question. Of the expected efficacy of the will or desire thus notified, I say nothing; but if I say, to-morrow you shall go to school, that which I give intimation of is, not only that such is my will and desire, but that, in my own persuasion, such will be the effect of the notification made of such my will and desire, so strong, so irresistible, the force and influence of the command so notified, that upon, and in consequence of the notification so made of it, obedience, that obedience in and by which the wish and desire will have received its fulfilment /accomplishment/ can not but take place.

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    The imperative form is /seems to be/ improperly put upon the same line with and designated by the same name as those other forms which as above are termed moods.

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    Whatsoever be the species of action, and whatsoever be the portion of time, in which, by the representation given of it, it is placed, - if, in the nature of it, it was susceptible of continuance be brought to view, - it is a matter of no small convenience when the structure of the language is such as admits of the bringing the fact of such continuance decidedly and distinctly to view.

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