nted in a _neuter_
or _non-acting state_.

This argument supposes the essential character of the verb to be
identified with the primary laws of action, as unfolded by the
principles of physical science. The correctness of this position may
be doubted; but if it can be clearly demonstrated, that every
particle of matter is always in motion, it does not, by any means,
follow, that we cannot _speak of_ things in a state of quiescence.
What is _false_ in fact may be _correct_ in grammar. _The point
contested, is not whether things always_ act, _but whether, when we
assert or affirm something respecting them, we always_ represent
_them as acting_.

2. Verbs were _originally_ used to express the motions or changes of
things which produced obvious actions, and, by an easy transition,
were afterward applied, in the same way, to things whose actions
were not apparent. This assumption is untenable, and altogether
gratuitous.

3. Verbs called neuter are used in the imperative mood; and, as this
mood commands some one to _do_ something, any verb which adopts it,
must be active. Thus, in the common place phrases, "_Be_ there
quickly; _Stand_ out of my way; _Sit_ or _lie_ farther."

It is admitted that these verbs are here employed in an _active_
sense; but it is certain, that they are not used according to their
proper, _literal_ meaning. When I tell a man, _literally_, to
_stand, sit_, or _lie_, by _moving_ he would disobey me; but when I
say, "_Stand_ out of my way," I employ the neuter verb _stand_,
instead of the active verb _move_ or _go_, and in a correspondent
sense. My meaning is, _Move_ yourself out of my way; or _take_ your
_stand_ somewhere else. This, however, does not prove that _stand_
is properly used. If we choose to overstep the bounds of custom, we
can employ any _word_ in the language as an active-transitive verb.
_Be, sit_, and _lie_, may be explained in the same manner.

4. Neuter verbs are used in connexion with adverbs which express the
manner of _action_. They must, therefore, be considered active
verbs. The child _sleeps soundly_; He _sits genteelly_; They _live
contentedly_ and _happily_ together.

The class of verbs that are never employed as active, is small. By
using adverbs in connexion with verbs, we can fairly prove that some
verbs are _not_ act