might be expressed also by a simple _Character_, and
on the contrary, that a _Character_, which is simple and only one,
would signifie but one only _Voice_ or _Breath:_ But if the commodious
use of _Short-hand_ may be objected, I would perswade to express all
possible Combinations, of _Vowels_, with _Semi-vowels_, and
_Consonants_, by simple _Characters_.

This is what I determined to say concerning the Letters, and their
Formation; and seeing I am not willing to write a _Grammar_, what
might yet further be said of them, I pass by; but what I have
performed, I leave it to others to judge thereof, not so much to teach
them, as by what is here presented to excite them, being desirous, as
it becomes a young Man, to learn of them: I hope they will pardon my
Errors, because of my Youth. Yet certain I am, had the ancient
_Hebrews_, _Greeks_ and _Romans_, thus describ'd their Letters, there
would have been no contention about the manner of Pronounciation.

CHAP. III.

_Teacheth the Method its self, by which such as are Deaf, and
consequently Dumb, may learn to Speak._

What hath been hitherto said may enough suffice to observant
_Readers_, inasmuch as the Fundamentals of the whole Artifice, are
therein contained; but least the curious should complain, that I have
only made their Mouth water, I shall ingeniously discover to them what
in four Years time, wherein I have endeavoured to instruct some Deaf
Persons, I have observed what is worthy, and most necessary to be
known.

Now what I have effected by this my Method, especially to the Daughter
of Mr. _Kolard_, a Merchant of _Harlem_, I can appeal to a great part
of _Holland_, and universally almost to the whole City of _Harlem_,
and to innumerable other Witnesses, of all Ranks and Conditions.

The first thing which I require in the Person I am to teach, is, that
he be of a docible Wit, and not too young of age; than that the
_Organs of Speech_ be rightly constituted in him; for stupid Persons
are capable of no Teaching, whose Age is yet too tender; nor do they
mind enough, nor know how Teaching will be for their Use and Benefit;
but those whose _Organs of Speech_ are altogether unfit, they may
learn indeed to understand others when they speak, and discover their
own Mind by Writing; but they will never learn to speak.

Having therefore a fit subject, my first Care is to make him to sound
forth a _Voice_, without which, almost all labour is lost, but that
one