'Apprehensive, however, that no explanatory effort on his part, would shield him from the imputation of arrogance, by such as are blinded by self-interest, or by those who are wedded to the doctrines and opinions of his predecessors, with _them_ he will not attempt a compromise; being, in a great measure, indifferent either to their praise or their censure. But with the candid he is willing to negotiate an amicable treaty, knowing that they are always ready to enter into it on honorable terms. In this negotiation, he asks nothing more than merely to rest the merits of his work on its _practical utility_.' _Grammar_ p. 9. 'Content to be _useful_, instead of being _brilliant_, the writer of these pages has endeavored to shun the path of those whose aim appears to have been to dazzle, rather than to instruct.' _Grammar_, pp. 9 and 10. 'He has taken the liberty _to think for himself_, to investigate the subject critically and dispassionately, and to adopt such principles only as he deemed the least objectionable, and best calculated to effect the object he had in view.' _Grammar_, p. 10. 'Should these feeble efforts prove a saving of much time and expense to those young persons who may be disposed to pursue this science with avidity, by enabling them easily to acquire a critical knowledge of a branch of education so important and desirable, _the author's fondest anticipations will be fully realized_.' _Grammar_, p. 12. 'This flattering success, then, in his first essay in authorship, (alluding to my Grammar,) has encouraged the writer to adventure upon another branch of science, which, for some years past, has particularly engaged his attention. That he is capable of doing ample justice to his present subject, he has not the vanity to imagine; but, if his knowledge, drawn from observation, and experience in teaching elocution, enable him so to treat the science as to call the attention of some to its cultivation, and induce others more capable than himself to write upon it, he will thereby contribute his mite toward rescuing from neglect a branch of learning, which, in its important bearings upon the prosperity of the free citizens of this great republic, stands second to none; and thus, in the consciousness of _having rendered a new service to his country_, he will secure the reward of his highest ambition.' _Kirkham's Elocution_, p. 8.