Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast
Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast is here in full — 197 sentences across 40 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast
Context Illustration Reading 1/39 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.
I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.
Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.
God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.
I know nothing of my family, except through my own youthful recollections, and the accounts I have received from my sister.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast is here in full — 197 sentences across 40 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/39 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.
/ɪn kənˈsentɪŋ tuː leɪ bɪˈfɔːr ðə wɜːrld ðə ɪkˈspɪriəns ʌv ə ˈkɑːmən ˈsiːmən ənd aɪ meɪ æd ʌv wʌn huː hæz bɪn sʌtʃ ə ˈsɪnər æz ðə ˈkɔːlɪŋ ɪz ˈoʊnli tuː æpt tuː prəˈduːs aɪ trʌst ðæt noʊ ˈfiːlɪŋ ʌv ˈvænəti hæz hæd æn ənˈduː ˈɪnfluːəns/
Line 2
I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.
/aɪ lʌv ðə siːz ənd ɪt ɪz ə ˈpleʒər tuː miː tuː ˈkɑːnvərs əˈbaʊt ðem ənd ʌv ðə siːnz aɪ hæv ˈwɪtnəst ənd ʌv ðə ˈhɑːrdʃɪps aɪ hæv ˌʌndərˈɡɔːn ɑːn ðer ˈbʊzəm ɪn ˈveriəs pɑːrts ʌv ðə wɜːrld/
Line 3
Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.
/ˈmiːtɪŋ wɪð æn oʊld ˈʃɪpmeɪt huː ɪz dɪˈspoʊzd tuː pʊt ˈɪntuː ˈprɑːpər fɔːrm ðə fækts wɪtʃ aɪ kæn ɡɪv hɪm ənd bɪˈliːvɪŋ ðæt maɪ ˈnærətɪv meɪ biː ˈjuːsfəl tuː sʌm ʌv ðoʊz huː ˈfɑːloʊ ðə seɪm pərˈsuːt æz ðæt ɪn wɪtʃ aɪ hæv bɪn soʊ lɔːŋ enˈɡeɪdʒd aɪ siː noʊ ˈiːvəl ɪn ðə kɔːrs aɪ æm naʊ ˈteɪkɪŋ waɪl aɪ ˈhʌmbli trʌst ɪt meɪ biː ðə miːnz ʌv ɪˈfektɪŋ sʌm ˈlɪtəl ɡʊd/
Line 4
God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.
/ɡɑːd ɡrænt ðæt ðə ˈpɪktʃərz aɪ ʃæl fiːl baʊnd tuː drɔː ʌv maɪ oʊn pæst ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃən ənd ˈfeɪlɪŋz kənˈtræstəd æz ðeɪ mʌst biː wɪð maɪ ˈprezənt kənˈtentmənt ənd hoʊps meɪ ˌɪnˈduːs sʌm wʌn æt liːst ʌv maɪ ˈriːdərz tuː əˈbændən ðə ˌekˈsesɪz soʊ ˈkɑːmən əˈmʌŋ ˈsiːmən ənd tuː tɜːrn ðer aɪz ɪn ðə dərˈekʃən ʌv ðoʊz ɡreɪt truːθs wɪtʃ ɑːr soʊ ˈpaʊərfəl tuː rəˈfɔːrm ənd soʊ kənˈvɪnsɪŋ wen rɪˈɡɑːrdɪd wɪð hjuːˈmɪlɪti ənd wɪð ə dʒʌst ˌʌndərˈstændɪŋ ʌv ˈaʊər oʊn ˈwiːknəsəz/
Line 5
I know nothing of my family, except through my own youthful recollections, and the accounts I have received from my sister.
/aɪ noʊ ˈnʌθɪŋ ʌv maɪ ˈfæməli ɪkˈsept θruː maɪ oʊn ˈjuːθfəl ˌrekəˈlekʃənz ənd ðə əˈkaʊnts aɪ hæv rəˈsiːvd frʌm maɪ ˈsɪstər/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

consenting adjective US /kənˈsentɪŋ/

having given consent

From this reading “In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.”

contrasted verb US /kənˈtræstəd/

past form of “contrast” — put in opposition to show or emphasize differences

From this reading “God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.”

effecting verb US /ɪˈfektɪŋ/

-ing form of “effect” — produce

From this reading “Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.”

excesses noun US /ˌekˈsesɪz/

plural of “excess” — a quantity much larger than is needed

From this reading “God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.”

failings noun US /ˈfeɪlɪŋz/

plural of “failing” — a flaw or weak point

From this reading “God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.”

shipmate noun US /ˈʃɪpmeɪt/

an associate on the same ship with you

From this reading “Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.”

undue adjective US /ənˈduː/

not yet payable

From this reading “In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.”

weaknesses noun US /ˈwiːknəsəz/

plural of “weakness” — a flaw or weak point

From this reading “God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.”

All words in this reading · 147

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

abandonverbUS /əˈbændən/

forsake, leave behind

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

accountsnounUS /əˈkaʊnts/

plural of “account” — a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading I know nothing of my family, except through my own youthful recollections, and the accounts I have received from my sister.

addverbUS /æd/

make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

amauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

aptadjectiveUS /æpt/

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

believingnounUS /bɪˈliːvɪŋ/

the cognitive process that leads to convictions

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

bosomnounUS /ˈbʊzəm/

the chest considered as the place where secret thoughts are kept

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

boundadjectiveUS /baʊnd/

confined by bonds

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

callingnounUS /ˈkɔːlɪŋ/

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

commonadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmən/

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

consentingadjectiveUS /kənˈsentɪŋ/

having given consent

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

contentmentnounUS /kənˈtentmənt/

happiness with one's situation in life

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

contrastedverbUS /kənˈtræstəd/

past form of “contrast” — put in opposition to show or emphasize differences

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

converseverbUS /ˈkɑːnvərs/

carry on a conversation

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

convincingadjectiveUS /kənˈvɪnsɪŋ/

causing one to believe the truth of something

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

coursenounUS /kɔːrs/

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

degradationnounUS /ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃən/

changing to a lower state (a less respected state)

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

directionnounUS /dərˈekʃən/

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

disposedadjectiveUS /dɪˈspoʊzd/

having made preparations

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

drawverbUS /drɔː/

cause to move by pulling

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

effectingverbUS /ɪˈfektɪŋ/

-ing form of “effect” — produce

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

engagedadjectiveUS /enˈɡeɪdʒd/

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

evilnounUS /ˈiːvəl/

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading I know nothing of my family, except through my own youthful recollections, and the accounts I have received from my sister.

excessesnounUS /ˌekˈsesɪz/

plural of “excess” — a quantity much larger than is needed

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

experienceverbUS /ɪkˈspɪriəns/

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

eyesnounUS /aɪz/

opinion or judgment

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

factsnounUS /fækts/

plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

failingsnounUS /ˈfeɪlɪŋz/

plural of “failing” — a flaw or weak point

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

familynounUS /ˈfæməli/

a social unit living together

From this reading I know nothing of my family, except through my own youthful recollections, and the accounts I have received from my sister.

feelverbUS /fiːl/

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

feelingnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋ/

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

followverbUS /ˈfɑːloʊ/

to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

formnounUS /fɔːrm/

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading I know nothing of my family, except through my own youthful recollections, and the accounts I have received from my sister.

giveverbUS /ɡɪv/

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

GodnounUS /ɡɑːd/

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

grantverbUS /ɡrænt/

let have

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

hardshipsnounUS /ˈhɑːrdʃɪps/

plural of “hardship” — a state of misfortune or affliction

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

hopesnounUS /hoʊps/

plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

humblyadverbUS /ˈhʌmbli/

in a humble manner

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

humilitynounUS /hjuːˈmɪlɪti/

a disposition to be humble; a lack of false pride

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

induceverbUS /ˌɪnˈduːs/

cause to arise

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

influencenounUS /ˈɪnfluːəns/

a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

knowverbUS /noʊ/

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading I know nothing of my family, except through my own youthful recollections, and the accounts I have received from my sister.

layverbUS /leɪ/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

leastadjectiveUS /liːst/

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

lovenounUS /lʌv/

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

meansnounUS /miːnz/

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

MeetingnounUS /ˈmiːtɪŋ/

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

narrativenounUS /ˈnærətɪv/

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading I know nothing of my family, except through my own youthful recollections, and the accounts I have received from my sister.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

partsnounUS /pɑːrts/

the local environment

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

pastnounUS /pæst/

the time that has elapsed

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

picturesnounUS /ˈpɪktʃərz/

plural of “picture” — a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

pleasurenounUS /ˈpleʒər/

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

powerfuladjectiveUS /ˈpaʊərfəl/

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

produceverbUS /prəˈduːs/

bring forth or yield

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

properadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːpər/

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

pursuitnounUS /pərˈsuːt/

the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

putverbUS /pʊt/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

readersnounUS /ˈriːdərz/

plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

receivedadjectiveUS /rəˈsiːvd/

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading I know nothing of my family, except through my own youthful recollections, and the accounts I have received from my sister.

recollectionsnounUS /ˌrekəˈlekʃənz/

plural of “recollection” — the ability to recall past occurrences

From this reading I know nothing of my family, except through my own youthful recollections, and the accounts I have received from my sister.

reformnounUS /rəˈfɔːrm/

a change for the better as a result of correcting abuses

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

regardedverbUS /rɪˈɡɑːrdɪd/

past form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

scenesnounUS /siːnz/

plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

seamannounUS /ˈsiːmən/

a man who serves as a sailor

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

seamennounUS /ˈsiːmən/

plural of “seaman” — a man who serves as a sailor

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

seasnounUS /siːz/

plural of “sea” — a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

seeverbUS /siː/

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

shallmodal verbUS /ʃæl/

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

shipmatenounUS /ˈʃɪpmeɪt/

an associate on the same ship with you

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

sinnernounUS /ˈsɪnər/

a person who sins (without repenting)

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

sisternounUS /ˈsɪstər/

a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading I know nothing of my family, except through my own youthful recollections, and the accounts I have received from my sister.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

takingnounUS /ˈteɪkɪŋ/

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading I know nothing of my family, except through my own youthful recollections, and the accounts I have received from my sister.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

trustnounUS /trʌst/

something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

truthsnounUS /truːθs/

plural of “truth” — a fact that has been verified

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

turnverbUS /tɜːrn/

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

undergoneverbUS /ˌʌndərˈɡɔːn/

inflected form of “undergo” — pass through

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

understandingnounUS /ˌʌndərˈstændɪŋ/

the cognitive condition of someone who understands

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

undueadjectiveUS /ənˈduː/

not yet payable

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

usefuladjectiveUS /ˈjuːsfəl/

being of use or service

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

vanitynounUS /ˈvænəti/

feelings of excessive pride

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

variousadjectiveUS /ˈveriəs/

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

weaknessesnounUS /ˈwiːknəsəz/

plural of “weakness” — a flaw or weak point

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading God grant that the pictures I shall feel bound to draw of my own past degradation and failings, contrasted as they must be with my present contentment and hopes, may induce some one, at least, of my readers to abandon the excesses so common among seamen, and to turn their eyes in the direction of those great truths which are so powerful to reform, and so convincing when regarded with humility, and with a just understanding of our own weaknesses.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Meeting with an old shipmate who is disposed to put into proper form the facts which I can give him, and believing that my narrative may be useful to some of those who follow the same pursuit as that in which I have been so long engaged, I see no evil in the course I am now taking, while I humbly trust it may be the means of effecting some little good.

witnessedverbUS /ˈwɪtnəst/

past form of “witness” — be a witness to

From this reading I love the seas; and it is a pleasure to me to converse about them, and of the scenes I have witnessed, and of the hardships I have undergone on their bosom, in various parts of the world.

worldnounUS /wɜːrld/

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading In consenting to lay before the world the experience of a common seaman, and, I may add, of one who has been such a sinner as the calling is only too apt to produce, I trust that no feeling of vanity has had an undue influence.

youthfuladjectiveUS /ˈjuːθfəl/

suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh

From this reading I know nothing of my family, except through my own youthful recollections, and the accounts I have received from my sister.

Chapter 1 of Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast by James Fenimore Cooper holds 197 sentences, grouped into 40 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 1 of Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast contain?

Chapter 1 holds 197 sentences of Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast, unabridged, divided into 40 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast by James Fenimore Cooper exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 197 sentences, grouped into 40 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 1 of Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast?

Work through the 40 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 40 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast

Common questions about reading Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast by James Fenimore Cooper on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast?

Yes. All 4492 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #9788 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #9788, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast take to read?

About 374 minutes of reading across 899 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast section by section

How to work through Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 19 chapters of Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast

Words and structures a reader meets early in Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Consenting
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
World
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Experience
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Common
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Ned Myers, or, a Life Before the Mast; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.