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A Comma is used to distinguish Sentences, that have a nearer relation one to ano∣ther, and a greater dependencie one upon another, then membra dividentia have. Such are: 1. Membra subdividentia; Sentences united by any Conjunction, that do not come under any of the three former Rules; the Vocative Case; and Interjections.
2. Exegetical expressions; Substantives by apposition; the Infinitive mood; transposed, or intercepting Clauses, and such like. These, if we would be accurate, ought to be distinguished by a lesser note then a Comma, if we had any such: because these have a nearer relation one to another, then those under the former head. This whole dis∣course may be an Example.
Enumerations are many times so Oratorically digested by pairs, that they seem to be membra dividentia, but are not. As, I am perswaded, that neither life, nor death, nor prince∣palities, nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, &c.
If the Case be so nice, that you cannot determine, whether there is only an enume∣ration; or the Clauses are membra dividentia, use such a distinction, as will make the sense most plain, with respect to the points above, and below.
These are all the ordinary Points Grammarians have assigned, but are too few, as ap∣pears by the Rules for a Comma, and may be further illustrated by this example fol∣lowing, where there is the totum distinguished from its members by a Colon; the principal membra dividentia by a sub-Colon; the membra subdividentia by a Comma; lastly you have exegetical expressions, distinguished by sub-Comma's, if there was such a Point. I presume to add it, and assign it this Character (••). As, God created the world: first the Heavens, where there is the Sun, the fountain of light, the Moon, borrowing her light from the Sun, the Stars, varying their magnitudes; the earth, containing the Sea, the confluence of water, the dry land, supporting living Creatures. Here you see we are necessitated to use a sub-Comma, or to use a Comma promiseuously: Therefore in all cases, that you may be distinct, begin with as great a Point, as the compass of your Period will bear. In some cases it is tollerable to set the Point a note, or two too high, though besides the Rule: because the sub-divisions (being numerous) are more subject to confusion, and the end of Points is, to make the Period distinct in its parts; and intelligible in its sense. As, God created this great, and wide abyss, which we call the World, and all the parts of it▪ and first the Heavens, where we have the highest, or third heaven, the blessed aboad of Saints, and Angels: then the heaven, or firmament: in which we behold the Sun, the fountain of light, and heat; the Moon, the governess of moist things, borrowing her light from the Sun; the Stars, and Planets, differing in magnitude, light, and influence from each other▪ Then secondly this terraqueous Orb, we call the Earth▪ where is the Sea, the confluence of waters, and habitation of Fishes: and dry land, the house and nurse of men, and beasts▪ Lastly, there is the Airy region▪ in which the birds do play, and sport themselves, and without which no breathing Animal can live. In this discourse you have three sorts of Period: he first is periodus pendens, set above the line; the two next are periodi media, set in the line; the last is periodus supina set be∣low the line. You have also Comma's and sub-Comma's, and all little enough. Such a case as this is, seldome occurs. The greater members are distinguished from the lesser, the lesser from the least by proportionable stops.
Doubtless a sub-Comma would be of great use in such Periods, as this, and to distin∣guish Sentences that are under the second head for a Comma. I could heartily wish some persons, of authority in the world, would assert it.
As a key to this whole discourse, I only beg some point to be certain (I do not much matter which) from which all the other Points may take their compass. As in Ringing four Bells, the second is usually made (and therefore called) the certain, ac∣cording to the motion of which, the little Bell below, and the greater Bells above, do rise, fall, or keep their pitch: So I would choose a sub-Colon certain, and to be used only to distinguish membra dividentia in ordinary cases, i.e. Clauses that are opposit, or dis∣parate. What ever Sentences (as in the Rules for a Comma) are below this, shall be Comma'd; what ever are above it, shall be Colon'd. Absolute Sentence: shall terminate in a Full point ordinarily. In extraordinary cases, extraordinary courses must be ta∣ken, as in the last Example.
I purposely omit to say any thing of other Points: because many Grammarians have spoken plainly enough to them.
I offer these Rules only as an Essay, submitting them to better Judgments. I hope, by an accurate observation of all contextures, they may be made more perfect.
I proceed to Rules directing to read Grammatically: because neither Sentences: nor
Periods can be rightly distinguished, unless the Natural, and Grammatical order of them be first apprehended.