On the Epistle of James

• • Brochman.
• Didac. Daza.
• Fran. Fevardentius.
• • Ia. Laurentius.
• Lorinus.
• ** Jo. Mayer*.
• Dav. Pareus.
• Balt. Paez.
• Aug. de Quiros.

On the Epistles of Peter

• • Amesius.
• Tho. Adams. in Ep. 2.
• • Nic. Bifeild.
• Clemens. Alex.
• Io. Gerardus.
• • Gomarus.
• • Iac. Laurentius.
• Lutherus.
• Dav. Pareus.
• Scholanus.
• Io. Winkelman.
• Turnemannus.

On the first Epistle of John

• Augustinus.
• Clemens Alex.
• • Lamb. Danaeus.
• • Io. Ferus.
• • Io. Lorinus.
• Turnemannus.
• • Zanchius.

On the second Epistle

• Clem. Alexand.
• • Danaeus.
• Io. Iac. Grynaeus.
• • Io. Lorinus.
• Ed. Pocock.

On the third Epistle

• • Lamb. Danaeus.
• • Io. Lorinus.
• Ed. Pocock.

On the Epistle of Jude

• Iac. Bolduc.
• Clemens Alex.
• • Danaeus.
• Fevardentius.
• Hyperius.
• Fran. Iunius.
• • Lorinus.
• Lutherus.
• Sam. Oates.
• ** Will. Perkins*.
• Aug. de Quiros.
• Phil. Pareus.
• Sasbout.
• • Sibelius.

On the Revelation

• Alabaster.
• Albertus. M.
• Alcazar.
• Alsted.
• Anselmus.
• Augustinus.
• Beda.
• ** Brightman*.
• Ioach. Camerarius.
• Dav. Chytreus.
• Will. Cowper.
• Dent.
• Lud. de Dieu.
• Forbes.
• Ioh. Gerhardus.
• Gorranus.
• Io de la Hay.
• A Lapide.
• Laurentius.
• Casp. Melo.
• ** Mede*.
• Napier.
• Perkins in 3. pr. cap.
• Ribera.
• Tossanus.
• Viegas.

Amongst all these Commentators, it would be too great presumption, for any private man to compare them, or say which is best; Since there is scarce any one so well acquainted with all of them, as to be able to passe such a censure. And besides, amongst those that are commonly known, there are but few that agree in the same judgement, one preferring this, and another that. And therefore it will be safest to give only some general character of them.

Some of the Interpreters are more especially eminent for their authority, and antiquity, as the Comments of the Fathers; Ambrose, Augustine, Bernard, Chrysostome, Cyril Alex. Eusebius, Gregary the great, Gregory Nissen, Hierom, Hilary, Origen, Theodoret, Theophylact.

Amongst the later writers, some are eminent for their Orthodox sound judgments, proper and usefull matter. So the Protestant Commentators in general: as Alsted, Baldvin, Brentius, Bucer, Bullinger, Calvin, Chemnitius, Danaeus, Drusius, Gerard, Hyperius, Iunius, Lavater, Luther, P. Martyr, Melancton, Mercer, Moller, Musculus, Pareus, Piscator, Rivet, Rolloc, Scultet Tarnov. Zanchy, &c.

More especially our English Divines, whose abilities and genius’s (when they apply themselves this way) do for the most part raise them up above the common pitch of other Writers. As may appear in the works of Ainsworth, Ames, Baine, Byfeild, Brightman, Cartwright, Davenant, Mayer, Perkins, Sclater, Willet, &c.

Amongst the Popish Interpreters, some are more eminent for their subtilty and rational learning in the explaining of Scripture; such were generally those Schoolmen who have undertaken to comment upon it, as Albertus M. Alexand. de Ales, Aquinas, Bonaventure, Cajetan, Carthusian, Daza, Estius, Mich-de Palatio, Dominic. Soto, &c.

Others amongst them are eminent for solid pious matter, in practical things and points not controverted, as Ferus, Iansenius, Brugensis.

Others of them are useful for their various collections, and observations out of former Writers, as many late Jesuits and others, as Gorran, à Lapide, Lorinus, Maldonat, Masius, Mendoza, Pererius, Pineda, Ribera, Saimeron, Sanct. Serrarins, Tolet, &c.

Besides these Commentators upon the several Books, there are others that have commented upon particular parcels and texts of Scripture. Of which kinde the Homilies of the ancient Fathers are the first and most eminent, as those of Augustine, Bernard, Chrysostome, Chrysologus, Gregory, &c.

As for the common Postillers they are for the most part rejected by our gravest most judicious Divines, as being generally uselesse and empty. But there are some amongst them of better esteem, as Protestants. Papists. Dr. Boys. Besseus. Dietericus. Copperstenius. Iac. Laurentius. Fonseca. Stumphius. Gal. Inchino. Zepperus. Labata. Mussus.

To which may be added those discourses of this kinde upon occasional subjects. As,

Georg. Grossii Thesaurus concionum omnigenarum, nempe Catecheticarum, Praeparatoriarum, Eucharisticarum, Nuptialium, Funebrium, Anniversariarum, Paenalium, Auspicatoriarum, Valedictoriarum, &c.

Pontani Conciones funebres ex variis autoribus collectae.

Io. Noviomagi penu concionum tum nuptialium, tum funebrium.

Io. Geminiani Conciones funebres.

A collection of English Funeral Sermons, stiled, Θρηνοικος.

‘Tis the common opinion that amongst all such kinde of works, our English Sermons and Treatises³⁵ are most elaborate and useful. It was the judgment of a very learned man, That if the choyce and best observations, which have been made dispersedly in our English Sermons (leaving out the largenesse of exhortations and applications thereupon) had been set down in a continuance, it would be the best work in Divinity that has been written since the Apostles times.

And certainly there is either some special eminency in their writings, or else there is some pecular genius in men of the same Country, which makes their notions seem unto one another more proper and acceptable.

Amongst our English Divines, these are for Sermons and practical divinity some of the most eminent: BP Andrews. Mr Attersoll. Mr Ball. Mr Bifeild. BP Bilson. Mr Bolton. Mr Burroughs. Mr Caryll. BP Cooper. Mr Cotton. Mr Dod. BP, and Mr Downham. Mr Dan: Dyke. Jerem: Dr Featly. Mr Gataker. MT Tho Goodwin. Dr Gouge. Mr Greenham. BP Hall. Mr Harris. Mr Hieron. Mr Hooker. Dr Iackson. BP Lake. Mr Mayer. BP Morton. Mr Pemble. Mr Perkins. Dr Preston. Dr Reinolds. Mr Rogers. Dr Saunderson. Dr Sibbs. Mr Smith. Dr Taylor. BP Usher. Mr Whateley.

Thus much concerning the two first kinds of Books that tend to make a man a good Textuary, namely Concordances and Commentators. The third sort that was nominated is Reconcilers.

Those are called Reconcilers, which do purposely insist upon the unfolding and reconciling of such Scriptures, as seem opposite to one another: of which kind are,

• Althameri Conciliatio locorum pugnantium.
• Alba in difficilioraloca.
• Augustinus.
• Gerardi Bergomensis. Conciliatio. V. T. cum. N.
• Cameron.
• Cumerani conciliatio loc. pug.
• Estius in difficiliora loca.
• lunii Parallela.
• Menasseh Ben. Israel Conciliatio.
• Maimonides Doctor Perplexorum.
• Pelargi Quaestiones.
• Scharpii Symphonia Prophetarum.
• Spanhemii dubia Evangelica.
• Mich. Waltheri Harmonia totius Scripture.

In which Authors a man may justly expect to find the great difficulties of Scripture more exactly discussed and unfolded then in other Commentators.

To these may be added such Criticall discourses as do make more particular enquiry after those difficult Texts that are dispersed in severall parts of Scripture. Such are Arnoldi Bootii Annotationes Sacrae. Angeli Caninii disquisitiones. Fulleri Miscellanea. Mr. Gregories Observations upon some passages of Scripture. Mr. Medes Diatribe.

These are the severall kinds of Treatises that do more immediately tend to the explaining of Scripture, and to make a man a good textuary.

2. There are some other very useful discourses, which treat of the body of Divinity, and these are,

Either Positive, as, 1. Catechismes. Latine. English. 2. Common places Epitomes. More Large. 3. Casuists. Polemicall. Schoolmen, upon the Sentences. Summes. Particular Controversies about Discipline Episcopacy. Presbytery. Independency. Doctrine with the Papists. Lutherans. Socinians. Arminians. Anabaptists. Antinomians.

1. Catechismes are of very great variety and³⁶ of excellent use, even for the best Divines, to set before them the Analogy of faith, by which all doctrines must be tried, and the most fundamentall principles of Religion, wherein they ought chiefly to instruct their hearers. These are so generally known, that I shall need to mention but few of them: in Latine there is, Amesius, and Ursinus. In English there is Mr Bals Catechisme, Mr. Bains Cathechisme, Mr. Cartwritghts Catechisme, Mr. Crooks Guide, BP Ushers Catechisme, &c.

2. The usuall Common places of Divinity are³⁷ Systematically handled by these Authors,

• Amesius.
• Alsted.
• Calvinus.
• Keckerman.
• Piscator.
• Tilenus.
• Trelcatius.
• Wendelinus.
• Wollebius, &c.

They are more largely insisted upon in these following discourses.

• Altingii Loc. Com.
• Aretii Problemata.
• Brochmannus.
• Chemnitii Loci communes.
• Danaei Isagoge.
• Gerardi Loci Com.
• P. Martyris Loci Com.
• Musculi Loci Com.
• Polani Syntagma.
• Wallaei Loci Com.

Besides these, there are other kinde of Common places, wherein the matter is Alphabetically disposed of under severall heads, from which a man may be supplyed with the most common observations and notes upon any simple Theme. And though these are by many men rejected as occasions of idlenesse, yet they may be sometimes very usefull, both for learned men to recall such notions of which they retain only some confused remembrance: and for others also, who have not leisure or reading sutable to their imployment: of this kinde amongst the Protestants, there is Gruteri Polyanthea. Magiri Polymnemon. Zuinger Beyerlink

Amongst the Popish writers.

• Labatae Apparatus.
• Langii Polyanthea Novissima.
• Busaei Viridarium.
• Peraldi summa virtutum & vitiorum.

Besides these Treatises of positive divinity there are some other Writers that are stiled Mysticall Divines, who pretend to some higher illuminations, and to give rules for a more intimate and comfortable communion with God. And these of late have been by some much cryed up and followed. But they do in the opinion of many sober and judicious men, deliver only a kinde of Cabalisticall or Chymicall, Rosicrucian Theologie, darkning wisdome with words, heaping together a farrago of obscure affected expressions and wild allegories, containing little of substance in them but what is more plainly and intelligibly delivered by others. Some of the cheif amongst them are these,

• De Avila.
• Blosius.
• Barbinson.
• Behem.
• Climachus.
• Hen. Harphius.
• Thom. à Iesu.
• Barth. Riccius.
• Jo. Rusbrochius.
• Fran. Sales.
• Ioh. Thaulerus.
• Wigelius.

3. The study of Casuists may be very usefull for a Preacher in respect of practicall divinity. Amongst them, these are some of the most eminent.

• Hen. Alstedius.
• Guil Amesius.
• Ir. Azorius.
• Frid. Baldvinus
• Mart. Bonacina.
• Lud. Candidus.
• BP Hall.
• Diana Panormitana
• Vincent. Filliucius.
• Barth. Keckerman.
• Will. Perkins.
• Raynerus de Pisis.
• Tho. Sanchez.
• Greg. Sayrus.
• Silvester.
• Fran. Toll[…].

Unto these may be subjoyned those Authors which have treated particularly of the Lords Prayer. Creed. Decalogue. Sacraments. which are generally much of the same nature and use with the Casuists.

On the Lords Prayer

• BP Andrews.
• Aquinas.
• Babington.
• Bains.
• Calvinus.
• Cyprianus.
• Lam. Danaeus.
• Dent.
• Dod.
• Gregor. Nyssen.
• Greenwood.
• Dr Gouge.
• Dr. Hen. King.
• Jo. Mayer.
• Martinus.
• Will. Perkins.
• Alpb. Salmeron.
• Hier. Savanorolla.
• Hug. de S. Victore.
• Lud. Vives.

On the Creed

• Tho. Adams.
• Hen. Alsted.
• Aquinas.
• Augustinus.
• Babington.
• N. Bifeild.
• Calvinus.
• Cyprianus.
• Danaeus.
• Dr. Jackson.
• Lutherus.
• Mayer.
• Martinus.
• Perkins.
• Del. Paz.
• Zanchius.

On the Decalogue

• Hen. Alsted.
• BP. Andrews.
• Aquinas.
• Babington.
• Calvinus.
• Jo. Dod.
• Elton.
• Ioh. Gerson.
• Lutberus.
• Jo. Mayer.
• Pet. Martyr.
• Martinus.
• Melancton.
• Musculus.
• Will. Perkins.
• And. Rivet.
• Jo. Vossius.
• Hieron. Zanchius.

On the Sacraments

• Pet. de Alliaco.
• Ambrosius.
• Will. Attersol.
• Gerardus.
• Martinus.
• Guil. Parisiensis.
• Greg. Sayrus.
• Guil. Snecanus.
• Paulus Tarnovius.
• Wilhel. Zipperus.

Besides the Authors of Common places, and the Schoolmen that comment on the fourth book of the Sentences, who do largely treat upon this subject.

Amongst the Writers of Controversies, the Schoolmen are in the first place considerable, who dispute over the whole body of Divinity in many nice and subtile Questions. And though this kind of learning do not deserve so much of our time and study, as they themselves bestowed upon it. A great part of it being but as cobwebs, fine for the spinning, but uselesse. And he were an unwise man who having bread and wine hanging on either side of him (the wholesome nutriment of the Old and New Testament) would notwithstanding be continually gnawing upon a flintstone: yet because they were men of acute fancies and great searchers into the more abstruse and intricate parts of Divinity, therefore they are not to be wholly neglected, but in many things may be very usefull.

Amongst these, the two chief are Lumbard. Aquinas.

Peter Lumbard is the first, who is therefore called the Master of the Sentences, his Books being as the Text which are wholly Commented upon by Gul. Altissiodorensis. Alex. de Ales. Tho. Aquinas. Gab. Biell. Dio Carthusianus. Durand. Estius. Ockam. Bonaventura. Jo. Capreolus. Scotus.

The first book of the Sentences does treat of God, his Nature, Names, Properties, &c. This is commented upon particularly by Pet. de Alliaco. Greg. Areminensis

The second book of the Sentences does treat of the Creatures, Angels, Men, Originall sin, Free-will, &c. Upon which these are some of the most eminent Commentators.

• Marsilius Inguen.
• AEgidius Romanus.
• Archangelus Rubeus.

The third book does speak of Christ his Incarnation, Passion, Merits, of Faith, Hope, Charity, and other graces; upon this there is Pet. de Alliaco. Io. de Rada.

The fourth book does insist upon the Sacraments, Resurrection, Judgment, and state after this life. Upon this there is Adrianus. Ricardus de Media villa. Dom. à Soto.

As these books of Sentences, so the Summes of Aquinas are likewise made choise of by the Schoolmen as another text upon which to inlarge themselves. These are Commented upon by Rod. de Arriaga. Dominicus Bannez. Fran. Cumel. Tho. à vio Cajetanus. Fran. de Lugo in primam partem. Did. Ruiz. Fran. Suarez. Greg. de Valentia. Gab. Vasquez.

Particular Controversies about Discipline, are of three sorts; those that concern 1. Episcopacy. 2. Presbytery. 3. Independency.

Concerning Episcopacy there are these Authors: Pro. Con. BP. Bancroft. Paul Bayn. BP. Bilson. Cather wood his Altare Damascenum. Dr. Burges. BP. Downham. Tho. Cartwright. Mason. Mr. Parker. BP. Whitgift. BP. Hall. SMECTYMNUUS. Dr. Heylin. Walo-Messalinus, by Salmasius. Dr. Taylor.

Concerning Presbytery.

Pro. Con. Apollonius. The forecited Discourses that are for Episcopacy. Gersom Buceri Amica Collatio cum Georg. Downham. Issachars Burden. The divine right of Church-government, by the London Ministers. A Declaration concerning Church government and Presbyteries. Mr. Bailies Vindication. Dr. Bramhill Warning against the Scots discipline. Answer to Dr. Bramhill. Mr. Pagets defence of Church-government Mr. Rutherford. Answer to the Reasons of the dissenting Brethren. The Reasons of the dissenting Brethren. Salmasius de Apparatu ad Primatum Papae. Saravia de gradibus ministrorum. Gellius Snecanus. Grallae ab Anonymo. Mr. Gillispy Assertion of government in Scotland. Matth. Sutliv. de Presbyterio.

The debate concerning Independency is but of late years, and hath scarce been treated of in any of the learned Languages. There are these Authors For it. Against it. Amongst the Brownists, Ainsworth, Cann. Robbinson, in several parts of their Writings. M. Ball, Tryall of the grounds tending to separation. Apollonius. Apologeticall Narration. Spanhemius. Vindiciae Clavium. Mr. Cottons Keyes of the Church. M. Edwards Reasons: Antapology. M. Baylies Disswasive. The way of the Churches in N. England. Dt. Stewards Considerations. Duply. Mr. Ioh. Goodwins answer to the Antapology. M. Hudson, concerning the essence and unity of the Catholique Church. M. Mathers and M. Tomsons Answer to M. Hearl. M. Hearl. The independency on Scriptures of the independency of Churches. M. Wells, his Answer to M. Rathband. The 32 Questions. M. Rathbands relation of Church courses in N. Eng.

Particular Controversies about Doctrine are very numerous and of severall kinds: The six before mentioned are in these times most common and generall.

1. The Papists.

For them. Against them. Amesius. Becanus. Chamierus. Chemnitius. Bellarminus. Morney. Pareus. Stapleton. Perkins. Rivetus. Grego. de Valentia. Tilenus. Whitaker, &c.

There are besides some mixt disputes of this kinde in our English tongue, wherein the Arguments pro and con are put together; as,

• Abbot and Bishop.
• Chillingworth and Knot.
• Iewell and Harding.
• Reynolds and Hart.
• White and Fisher, &c.

2. The Lutherans.

Pro. Con. Eckhardi Fasciculus. Bezae Colloquium Montisbelgartense. Io. Himmelii. Calvi. Baptis. Mateol. Calv. Lud. Crocii Examen Matth. Hoe. Matth. Hoe Calvinistarum descriptio. Lamb. Danaei Resp. ad Nic. Selneccerum.

Pro. Con. AEgid. Hunii. Calvini confut. Cal. Iudaizans. Hildebrandi Orthodoxa Declaratio. Conrad. Schlusselburgi Theologia Calvinistarun Dav. Paraei Orthodoxus Calvinus.

3. The Socinians.

Pro. Con. Socinus. Christ. Becmanni Exercitationes Theologicae cont. Socinum Crellius. Hieron. Moscharow. Bisterfeldius. Smaltius. Jo. Botsacci Anti-Crellius. Volchelius. Abr. Calovius de Haeres. Socin. Picesius. D. Cheynels History of Socin. Goslavius. Dr. Cheynell of the Trinity. Ostorodius. Grotius de Satisfact. Christi. Jonas Slictingius. Iunius de divinitate Filii. Catech. Racoviensis. Sib. Lubertus con. Socinum. Martini Synopsis Photinianis. Jacob. ad Portum. Stegmanni Photinianismus. Paul. Tarnovius de Trin. Thalei Anatome Samosatenis.

4. The Arminians.

Pro. Con. Arminii opera. Amesius con. Grevenchovium. Apologia Remonstran. Bertii Collatio Hagiensis. Amesii Coronis. Castellio. Acta Synod. Dordracen. Consessio Remonstrantium. M. Bayly’s Antidote ag. Arminianisme.

Pro. Con. Corvinus contra. Bogarmannum. Tilenum. Molineum. BP. Davenant Animadversions on M. Hoard. Dr. Featly Pelagius redivivus. M. Hoards Gods love to mankind. BP. Hutton. Latius de Pelagianis. Scripta Synodalia Remonstrantium. Molinaei Anatome Arminianismi. Vorstius contra Piscatorem. Twissi Vindiciae. Videlius de Arcanis Arminianismi. Thomson. Abbot.

5. The Anabaptists.

Pro. Con. There is scarce any Book of note in defence of all the opinions that are held by this Sect. Cloppenberg. Gangraena, Lucae Osiandri Enchiridion. Io Wigandus. Ios. Symlerus. For that particular against Paedobaptisme, it hath been of late much debated by M. Tombes his *M. Bayly. M. Blake. M. Cook. M. Cotton. M. Marshall Sermon. Answer. Exercitation. Examen. M. Geree. Apology. M. Hussey. M. Laurence. Dr. Featly. Vanity of childish Baptisme. M. Baxter.

6. The Antinomians.

Pro. Con. I know not of any Author who does Scholastically maintain any of these points. They who are commonly cited for it, are M. Geree against Doct. Crisp. History of Antinomians. Lutheri disputationes tres contra Antinom. William Hinde, concerning the office and use of the morall Law. Dr. Crisp. Sermon. Mr. Eaton Honycomb. Dead faith. Dr. Taylor, The use of the Law. Iohan. Islebius Agricola. * M. Sedgwick. Ro. Town. The Assertion of grace. M. Gataker. M. Ant. Burgesse. M. Tho. Bedford.

The third kind of Authors proper for a Divine, are such as concern the study of Antiquity. Under which head the Authors upon these several subjects may be reduced, namely concerning 1. Jewish Learning. 2. The Heathen Moralists. 3. The writings of the Fathers. 4. Ecclesiasticall History. 5. Councels. 6. Confessions. 7. Heresiologies. 8. Lives. 9. Martyrologies.

1. For Jewish Learning.

• Buxtorfii Tiberias? Lexico-Rabinicum. Synagoga Judaica.
• Cuneus de Repub. Hebraeorum.
• Le-Empereur clavis Talmudica.
• Pet. Galatinus.
• Dr. Goodwins Jewish Antiquities.
• Maimonides de legibus Hebraeorum.
• Ariae Montani Antiquitates Iudaicae.
• Pagnini Thesaurus, cum Mercero, &c.
• Schekhardi Examen Comment. Rabinicorum. De Iure Regum apud Hebraeos.
• Seldeni De jure Gentium libri. Uxor Hebraica.
• Mr. Lightfoot the Temple service. Temple.

2. The Heathen Moralists.

The two chief Authors in this kind are Plato and Aristotle, men of clear reason and profound judgments, whose works are sufficiently known. But besides these, there is.

• Antoninus.
• Epictetus.
• Hierocles.
• Maximus Tyrius.
• Plotinus.
• Salustius. Gr. L.
• Seneca.
• Simplicius.
• Stobaeus.
• Plutarchus.

Seneca in traducendis vitiis salsus est & elegans, ac vehemens etiam. De moribus nemo foelicius scripsit³⁸ quam Plutarchus, cujus libelli digni sunt qui ad verbum ediscantur, è quibus Basilius & Chrysostomus multa videntur hausisse.

Unto these may be added those Authors that treat concerning Naturall Divinity, The Religion of the Heathen, or the Light of Nature, And the use of reason in sacred matters, and the like, such as Coelius secundus. Collius de Animabus Paganorum. Lipsii manuductio ad Stoicam Philosophiam. Marinus de cognitione hominis quoad lumine naturali attincre potest. Musaeus de usu principiorum philosophiae & rationis. Raimundi de Sabundis Theologia naturalis. Nic. Videlii Rationale Theologicum. Io. Vossius de Theologia Gentili.

3. The Writings of the Fathers.

The ancient Fathers are usually reckoned up, according to the Age and Centuries wherein they lived.

• Clemens.

• Ignatius.

• Dionysius Areopagita.

• Polycarpus.

• Iustin Martyr.

• Athenagoras.

• Irenaeus.

• Tertullianus.

• Theophilus Antiochenus.

• Clemens Alexandrinus.

• Origenes.

• Gregorius Thaumaturgus.

• Cyprianus.

• Arnobius.

• Lactantius.

• Eusebius Caesariensis.

• Athanasius.

• Hilarius.

• Cyrillus. Hierosol.

• Basilius.

• Gregorius Nazian.

• Epiphanius.

• Ambrosius.

• Gregorius Nyssenus.

• Theodoretus.

• Hieronymus.

• Chrysostomus.

• Augustinus,

• Cyrillus Alexan,

• Chrysologus.

• Salvian.

• Prosper.

• Fulgentius.

• Gregorius Magnus.

• Beda.

• Damascenus.

• Nicephorus.

• Theophylactus.

• Anselmus,

• Bernardus.

• Pet. Lumbar· dus, &c.

Divers other of the lesser Fathers, See in Bibliotheca Graec. Patrum.

Many of the most eminent amongst these are³⁹ thus charactered and censured by Erasmus.

Basilius, dilucidus, pius, sanus, suaviter gravis, & graviter suavis, nihil habens affectatae loquacitatis.

Athanasius in docendo mirus.

Chrysostomi scripta popularia sunt, & adimperitae multitudinis aures animosque accommodata.

In Gregorio Nazianzeno, multum est acuminis, vehementiae satis.

Tertullianus durus est, tametsisalsus in confutandis hereticis, nasutus in traducendis vitiis.

Cyprianus, apertus, vehemens, serius, nec infeliciter fluens.

Ambrosius habet, argutias, & sententias affectatas, saepe etiam subobscuras.

Hieronymus, adomnem dicendi facultatem appositus, ardens in concitandis affectibus.

Augustinus in genere extemporalifoelix est & argutus, sed dulcior est quam gravior.

Gregorius Pontif. Rom. simplex & pius.

Prudentius, licet carmine scripsit, multum spirat Christianae facundiae.

Bernardus, festivus, jucundus, nec segnis in movendis affectibus.

In the reading of the Fathers there is much caution to be used, for the distinguishing of their spurious imposed works, from such as are true and genuine. To which purpose, there are particular directions set down at large in these Tracts.

• Bellarminus de Scriptor. Ecclesiasticis.
• Coci censura quorundam scriptorum.
• Doctor James his censure.
• M. Perkins his demonstration of the Probleme.
• Riveti Critici sacri specimen.

Many of the Fathers are Logically contracted by Scultetus, in the Medulla Patrum, as also M. Rous in his Mella Patrum, which may be very usefull both for those who intend with profit to read any of them over; and for others also, who have not means or leisure to peruse them at large.

4. Ecclesiasticall History.

This subject is variously treated of, either briefly in Epitomes, or more at large; either more generally for a long succession of times, or more particularly for some few ages.

Epitomes

• Jo. Micrelii Syntagma Histor. Ecclesiast.
• Dav. Parei Epitome.
• Sympsons History of the Church.
• Spondani Epitome Baronii.
• Conrad. Hornei. Compend. Histor. Ecclesiast.

More large

• Baronius.
• Centuriatores.
• Dorotheus.
• Evagrius.
• Eusebius.
• Iosephus.
• Nicephorus·
• Ruffinus.
• Socrates.
• Sozomen.
• Sulpitius Severus.
• Theodoretus.

Unto which may be added Bishop Mountague’s Apparatus, and Io. Forbesii Instructiones Historico-Theologicae.

• Hospiniani Historia Iesuitica.
• Mornaei Historia Papatus.
• Luào. Lucii historia Jesuitica.
• BP Usher de Britannicarum Ecclesiarum primordiis.
• Samson Lennard’s history of the Waldenses & Albigenses.
• BP Parkers Antiquitates Britannicae. By Iosseline.
• Goldasti, Histor.

The continuation of the sacred story from Nehemiah to Christ by Dr Mayer at the end of his English Comments lately published.

5. Councels.

Counsels are either General in Large. Particular Little.

Concilia generalia. Binii. Gr. Lat. 10. vol. Romae 4. vol. Crab. 3. vol. Caranzae Epitom. Longii à Coriolano Epitom. Concil. Concilia Gallicana. Sermond. Britannica. Spelman. Hispanica. Garcia. Balsamon in concilia. Zonaras in concilia. Synodus Ephesina.

Iustelli codex Canonum. Ecclesiae Universae.

The Councel of Trent History. Review.

Unto which may be subjoyned as being very usefull and something of this nature, the Canon Law, Corpus juris canonici.

6. Confessions.

• Corpus Confessionum.
• Confessio Augustana.

Besides many other Confessions of particular Churches, which according to the various light and severall occasions of those times wherein they were framed, do comprehend the chief heads of Religion.

7. Heresiogies.

• Augustinus.
• Damascen.
• Epiphanius.
• Petrei Haeresiologia.
• Alph. à Castro.
• Guido Carmelita.
• Irenaeus.
• Schlusselburgii Catal.
• Leontius de Sectis.
• Io. Pontani Catal. Haeret.
• Vincentius Lyrinensis.
• Philastrius.

8. Lives.

• Rob. Barns, and Io. Baleus de vitis Pontificum.
• Ioan. Bismarcus.
• Theod. Bezae Icones virorum illustrium.
• The Glory of their times, or the lives of the Fathers.
• M. Clarke, The Lives of the Fathers.
• Govanus de vitis Patrum Occident.
• Halliox. de vit. & script. patrum 1 & 2di · saeculi.
• Hieronymus de illustribus Ecclesiae doctoribus.
• Lippomannus de vitis Sanctorum.
• Melchior Adam. de vit. Theol. Germ.
• Georgius Major.
• Platina de vitis Pontificum.
• Rosweydus de vitis Patrum Orientis.

9. Martyrologies.

• Baronii Martyrologium.
• Eulardi Martyrol.
• Martyrologium Romanum.
• —Gallicanum.
• Monumenta Martyrum.
• Book of Martyrs.

These are the severall kinds of books which are most proper and usefull for a Preacher; and these are some of the most eminent Authors in each kind. It would be expedient for a Minister to be provided at least with one of each sort, unto which he might have recourse upon all doubts and enquiries of that nature. And this may be one speciall advantage for the invention of matter.

The second help proposed for this purpose, was a right method and series of matter to be first and most exactly inquired into. When a man studies over the chief heads of the whole body of Divinity, according to some naturall method and dependence; by which means the several parts will give mutuall light to one another, and the better inable a man to see into the principles and bottome of things. And when he has thus deliberately passed over the whole, he may afterwards with the more facility inlarge himself upon any particular text or subject as occasion shall require.

Our chief collections in the study of these heads may be contrived under the form of Sermons. Every Sermon containing either one or more of them, according to the nature of severall subjects.

There is a twofold series or order, that may be observed in the matter of our Sermons; Exegeticall. Methodicall.

Exegeticall, is when a man goes on in a continued course of unfolding some particular book or chapter, which (though it be of very great use, yet) is not so proper for a young Divine to begin withall.

Methodical, is when we propose a certaine Scheme or designe of matter to be orderly insisted upon under several heads.

This again is twofold, Catechisticall. Scholasticall.

Catechisticall does referre to those plain and most obvious principles of Religion, laid down in the Catechisme, contained under those four generall heads.

The Creed. Commandements. Lords Prayer. Sacraments.

The distinct unfolding of which may be of great advantage, and has heretofore been esteemed a very good Method both for Ministers and people.

Scholasticall method, or that which is by way of Common place, is more particular and comprehensive then the former, taking in all those chief heads, that are insisted upon, either in the Schoolmen or the Common-place-writers.

These Schemes of matter are various according to severall mens fancies and apprehensions. But amongst all, that is to be esteemed the best, which is most naturall for the order, and most comprehensive for the extent of it.

There are divers learned men, who in Analyzing the whole body of Divinity, have contrived the Scheme of it under 52 heads, according to the number of weeks in a yeer, so that in that space one who is a constant Preacher, might go through all of them. To which purpose, see Mr. Crooks Guide; BP Ushers Catechisticall Doctrine,⁴⁰ where the whole substance of Divinity is disposed under so many severall heads of matter, and severall pertinent Scriptures for texts to each of them.

But amongst the rest there is a very full elaborate frame proposed by Doctor Staughton, which takes in, (what is much neglected amongst other Protestant Writers) the most profitable points handled amongst the Schoolmen, who were great searchers into Divinity, and their writings in many things very usefull. This frame of his is largely set down in his third Sermon upon 2 Tim. 1. 13.

Where he represents the whole body of Divinity under the notion of an AEdifice or building, wherein there are two things considerable.

The Frontispice or Porch. Fabrick or pile.

In the Frontispice he proposeth four generall heads, which are premised as the praecognita to this series.

In the Fabrick there are two stories, and in each story two rooms.

In the first story is contained the chief principles to be known or beleeved, Either more Generally, in each of these 12. heads. Particularly, In the second story, things for practise, Duties, in each 12 particular heads. Helps,

In all 52. But in some of these the method seems obscure and involved, especially towards the latter part of it.

Besides this, there are divers other draughts and Systems of Divinity in several other Authors, Amesius, Trelcatius, Tilenus, Wollebius, &c. To which may be added Bishop Downhams Abstract, a bookof singular use for direction in this kind; out of these it is easie for any one to compose such an Analysis as shall be most sutable to his owne apprehension, and that is certainly most proper for every one, which he himself shall frame. For instance and illustration, consider this model which is collected from the Authors above named.

Finis.

In Divinity two things are considerable, The Praecognita or generals to be premised concerning Happinesse, Psal. 4. 6. Micab. 4. 5. Religion, Eccles. 12. 13. Act 24. 14. Church, Matth. 16. 18. Scripture, 2 Tim. 3. 16. The Parts containing things to be Known and beleeved concerning God, Vide A. Man, Vide C. Done and practised, commanded in the Law, vid. I. Gospel, vid. V.

Happinesse

Upon this subject, See at large the Moralists. Aquinas 1a 2dae. The Commentators upon Ecclesiastes.

M. Reynolds his three Treatises.

Doctor Staugh ton Happines of man: Righteous mans plea to happiness.

Rob. Bolton, Discourse of true happinesse.

Jo. Downham concerning the vanity of all worldly things. Spiritual warfare

Religion in generall

The controversies against Turks, Jewes, the Apologies of the Fathers for the Christian Religion against the Heathen.

Phil. Mornaeus Deveritate Christianae Hug Grotius. Religionis.

Ed. Brerewoods Enquiries.

Mr. Pagets Christianography.

So. Edwin Sands Relation of the state of Religion.

Church

The Common places. Controversies about Discipline.

Dr. Feild, Of the Church.

Dr. Jackson.

BP. Morton.

Jo. Randall.

Dr Preston, The Churches. Dignity. Duty.

Scripture

Jo. Goodwin. The divine authoritie of the Scriptures assertd.

The Common places: Controversies betwixt us and the Papists. Those preparatory discourses for the study of Scripture mentioned before.

Fra. Roberts Key of the Bible.

Jo. Weems, Exercitation proving the necessity, majesty, integrity, perspicuity of the Scriptures.

His Christian Synagogue concerning the diverse reading, right pointing, translation, collation of Scripture.

Ed. Leigh, Of the authority, editions, versions, end, properties, interpretation of Scripture.

Sa. Hieron. Dignity of the Scripture.

Nic. Byfeild, Directions for private reading of the Scripture.

BP. Jewell. Treatise of the holy Scripture.

Jo. White. The way too the tree of life, in sundry directions for our profitable reading of the Scriptures.

A. Things to be known and believed concerning God, in Himselfe Essence set forth in his Name, Exod. 3. 14. Attribiutes. First Incommunicable Simplenesse, 1 John 1. 5. Infinite nesse. Immensity, 1 Kings 8. 27. AEternity. 1 Tim. 1. 17. Communicable Love, Mercy, Exod 34. 6. Wisdome, Power, &c. Iob 36. 9. Arising from the first. Perfection. Glory. Blessednesse. Persons Father, Sonne, Holy Ghost, Matth. 28. 19. 1 John 5. 7. His actions and works Immanent, His generall counsell and decree concerning all things, Ephes. 1. 11. Partic. of reas. creat. Praedest. Election, Rom. 9. 23. Reprobation 2 Tim. 2. 20. Transient, vid. B.

God

The Common places Schoolmen, Lumbard li. 1. Aquinas p. 1.

Dr. Preston. Treatise of the divine Essence and Attributes.

Ed. Leigh. Treatise of Divinity.

Sam. Hieron. Back parts of Jehovah.

Dr. Jackson. Treatise of the divine Essence and Attributes.

Tho. Morton. Treatise of the Nature of God.

The Name of God

Jerem. Borough’s, Lord of Hosts.

Jos. Mede. Sanctification of Gods Name.

Attributes

Dr. Preston, as before.

Item, concerning Gods all-sufficiency.

Rich. Stock. Treatise of Gods Attributes.

The Trinity

The Socinian Controversies. Lumbard li. 1. Aquin. p. 1.

Dr. Cheynell.

Hugh Broughton.

Ben. Austin.

Hils Collection out of Zanchy de tribus Elohim.

Gods decrees in generall

Lumbard li. 1. Common places.

Ed. Leigh. Treatise of Divinity.

Predestination

Common places. Arminian controversies.

Gomarus de praedestinatione.

M. Cotton & D. Twisse.

M. Perkins. Treatise of the manner and order of Predestination.

Jo. Ailward.

Jo. Veron. Apology for Predestination.

B. The Transient workes of God do refer either to. Nature Creation generall things AEthereall, Gen. 1.1. Elementary, Gen. 1.1. particular Angels, Coloss. 1. 16. Men, Gen. 2. 7. Providence Common, in the order of Nature, Psal. 135. 6. Speciall in the guidance of humane affaires. Small and Great, Mat. 10. 29. Casuall and Neces. Pro. 16. 33. Evill and Good, Amos. 3. 6. Grace contriving our redemption by Christ, who in thatwork may be considered according to his Offices Regall, Psal. 110. 1. Isa. 9 6. Priestly, Heb. 5. 1. & 9. 24 Prophetical, Isa. 61 1. States Humiliation. Nativity, Luk. 2. 11. Incarnation, 2 Tim. 3. 16 Passion, 1 Pet. 3. 18. Exaltation. Resurrection Act. 2. 24 Ascension, Eph. 4. 8. Session, 1 Pet. 3. 22.

Creation

Common places. Lumbard. lib. 2. Aquinas p. 1. Commentators on Genesis.

Geo. Walker. Treatise of the externall works of God.

Tho. Jackson.

Providence

Tho. Jackson.

Gul. Pemble, de providen.

Geo. Walker, of God actuall Providence.

Dr Hackwels Apology.

Dr Gouge. The extent of Gods Providence.

Jo. Veron Treatise of Divine Providence.

Jo. Wilkins The beauty of Providence.

Redemption

The Arminian and Socinian controversies.

Stalham, against universall redemption.

Mr Jo. Owen, The death of Christ.

Spanhemii Exercitationes de Gratia Universali.

Christs Offices

M. Reynolds, on the 110. Psal.

Dr Fowns Trisagion.

Christs states of Humiliation. Exaltation.

Lumbard lib. 3. Aquinas p. 3.

BP Usher. of Christs Incarnation. M. Casaub.

D. Jackson. The humiliation of the Son of God.

Th. Goodwin, Of Christs Death, Resurrection, Ascension, &c.

BP Andrews, BP Lake, Doct. Don, &c.

Nativity and Passion Sermons.

BP Bilson. of Christs sufferings Hen. Jacob.

c. Things to be known and beleeved concerning Man may referre to his severall Parts. Body, its naturall Perfections, 1 Cor. 11 7. Infirmities, as Affliction, Psal 103 14. Mortality. Soul, its Nature Spirituall. Ecclef. 12. 7. Immortall, Faculties, Understanding, And here of Free will. Will, Acts, Habits Affections, Virtues, and Memory. Vices in generall. Conscience, States. In this life, Innocence Covenant of works, Gal. 3. 20. Sacraments, the Tree of Life, Gen. 2. 9. 17. Knowl. Fall, vid. D. Restauration, vid. F. After this life, vid. H.

Of man in generall

Lumbard li. 2.

Jo. Weems, The portraiture of the image of God in man, in his

• Creation.
• Restauration.
• Glerification.

Ant. Nixon, The dignity of man.

Afflictions

BP Hall, Balm of Gilead.

Mr Hughs, Dry rod blossoming.

Jo: Downham, Spirituall warfare.

Paul Bain, comfort and instruction in afflictions.

Mortality

Mr Perkins, Treatise of dying well.

Manchester, al Mondo. A Contemplation of death and immortality.

Rob: Harris Samuels funeral Barzillai.

Sam: Hieron. Useful meditations on mortality, on Phil: 1, 2, 3.

Will: Cowper, Defiance to death.

Divers Funeral Sermons collected into one Volume stiled Θρηνοικος.

M. Byfeild, Cure of the fear of death.

Sam: Crook, Death subdued.

Immortality of the soul

Aquinas p. 1. The Philosophical discourses de Anima.

P: Morney, Translated.

Sir Kenelm Digby.

Jo: Jackson, Defence of the souls immortality.

Passions

Aquinas, 1a 2dae.

M. Reynolds, Treatise of the passions.

Will: Fenner, Treatise of the affections.

Tho. Wright, The passions of mind.

Conscience

The Casuists.

M. Perkins, A discourse of Conscience.

Sam. Ward, Balm from Gilead.

Jerem. Dyke, Will: Fenner, D. Hammond.

M. Harris Judas his misery on Matth. 27. 3. S. Pauls Exercise, Confidence Acts 21. 16. Get, keep, and use a good conscience, on Heb. 13. 18.

Richard Bernard, Christian see to thy conscience.

• M. Sheffeild. a good conscience the strongest hold.

Free-will

The Casuists, Arminian controversies.

Common places. Lumbard lib. 2.

M. Perkins. Treatise of Gods free grace, and mans free-will.

Jo. Bradford, Dialogue of Predestination and Free-will.

Jo. Veron. Treatise of Free-will.

D. In the Fall of man, there is considerable the Sinne, Originall, Rom. 5. 18, 19. & 7. 7. Psal. 51. 5. Actuall Weaknesse, Rom. 7. 19. Malice, Psal. 19. 13. Heb. 6. 4. Punishment Death, Temporall, Rom. 5. 12. Spirituall, Eternall.

Of Sinne

P. Lumbard lib. 2.

M. Reynolds, Sinfulnesse of sin.

Tho: Goodwin, Aggravation of sin.

M. Byfeild, rules and directions about our sins.

Of Original sinne

The Common places: Casuists: Arminian controversies: Lumbard lib. 2. Aquinas 1a 2dae.

Dr Sibs, The dead man, or the state of every man by nature, on Ephes. 2. 1

W. Teelinck, Pauls complaint against his naturall corruption.

Sins of Weaknesse. Wilfulnesse.

Sam. Hoard, of presumptuous sins.

Jerem. Dyke, of quenching the Spirit.

Dr Hammond.

Dr Preston, The Saints infirmities.

The sin against the holy Ghost

Lumbard li. 2. Casuists.

Will: Bradshaw.

Dr Donne, on Matth. 12. 31.

Sebast: Benefield.

Jo: Denison.

Henry Hoddesdon.

Jo: Meredith, The sin of blaspheming against the holy Ghost.

The punishment of sin

The Common places. Casuists.

Dr Gouge, 3. Arrows.

See after, de quatuor Novissimis.

Tho: Beard, Theater of Gods judgments.

E. In our restauration there is considerable The Covenant of Grace, Gen 3. 15. Gal. 3. 2. 1. Vocation into foederal Communion, the administrations whereof have been various under The old Testament, Which enjoyns some things peculiar to the jews, as A Church, the Ceremonial; A Nation, the Judicial Law. Wherein the Doctrine of the Gospel is Offered more obscurely, Heb. 1. 1. & 10. 1. Sealed Ordinarily in the Sacrifices, Heb. 9. 9. Sacraments Circumcision, Gen. 17. 10. Passeover, Exod. 12[…]. Extraordinarily invarious Types, 1 Pet. 3. 20. 1 Cor. 10. 1. The New Test. Teaching more plainly, Heb. 1. 2. Rom. 16. 25, 26. Sealing in the Sacraments of Baptisme, John 3. 5. The Supper, 1 Cor. 11. Justification, Vide F. Sanctification, Vide G.

The Covenant of Grace

Dr. Preston.

Jo. Cotton.

Jo. Ball. Treatise of the Covenant of Grace.

Peter Bulkley. The Gospel Covenant.

BP. Downham, of the Covenant of Grace.

Rob. Harris. Treatise of the Covenant.

Cameron de triplici foedere.

The Ceremoniall Law. Judiciall

Aquinas 1a. 2ae.

Jo. Weems Exposition of the Ceremon. Judiciall.

Sacrifices and Types

M. Guild. Moses and Aaron unvailed.

D. Taylor, of Types.

Sacraments in generall

Common places: Lumbard lib. 4. Aquinas p. 3. The particular Treatises upon this subject mentioned before, pag. 73.

The New Testament

D. Reynolds. on the 110. Psal. concerning the excellency and power of the Gospel.

D. Sibs. The excellency of the Gospel above the Law, on 2 Cor. 3. 17, 18.

Baptisme

Lumbard lib. 4. The controversies about Paedobaptisme, mentioned before, pag. 81.

Mr Rogers.

D. Burgesse. Of Baptismall regeneration.

Jo. Down. Treatise of the faith of Infants.

Sam. Hieron. Baptizing of the Eunuch, on Acts 8. 36, 37.

The Lords Supper

Jer. Dyke. The worthy Communicant.

M. Rogers.

M. Dod.

D. Preston.

Sam. Bolton.

Will. Pemble. Introduction to the Sacrament.

Will. Bradshaw. A preparation to, and receiving of Christs body and blood.

Tho. Morton. Treatise of the Lords Supper.

D. Gouge. of the Lords Supper.

D. Reynolds Meditation of the Lords Supper.

Will. Cowper, preparative.

Will. Fenner. Punishment of unworthy Communicants. Duty of Commun.

M. Cudworth. A discourse concerning the true notion of the Lords Supper.

Jo. Down. Against Transubstantiation.

Phil. Goodwin.

F. Justification is wrought Instrumentally by Faith, Rom. 10. 10. Efficiently by Christ, his obedience. Active, Matth. 3. 15. Passive, 1 Pet. 2. 24.

G. Sanctification is considerable according to its Parts. Mortification Denying our selves. Mat. 8. 34. Taking up our crosse. Vivification Renovation of the John 33. Tit. 3. 5. Faculties. Habits. Progresse and Increase in grace. 2 Pet. 1. 5. & 3. 18. Priviledges. Liberty, from The Law Ceremoniall, Gal. 5. 13. Morall, Rom. 10. 4. Sinne, 1 John 5. 18. Joy, 1 Pet. 1. 8. Peace, Rom. 5. 1.

Of Justification

Common places. Controversies betnixt us and the Papists.

BP. Downham, Io.

Will. Pemble.

M. Forbes.

Jo. Goodwin.

Rich. Baxter. Aphorisins of Justification.

Sanctification

D. Prestons Saints qualifications.

Jo. Downham, Spirituall warfare.

The Tracts that set down generall directions for a Christians walking with God, as

M. Scudder, the Christians daily walk.

Rob. Bolton, Directions for walking.

M. Brinsley. True watch.

Paul Bain, directions,

Practise of piety, &c.

Mortification

D. Preston. Sins overthrow. Treatise of humiliation. Golden Scepter.

M. Cotton. Sins deadly wound: on Acts 2. 37.

M. Woolfall: of Mortification.

Rob. Bolton. Helps to humiliation.

Self-denyall

D. Reynolds: on Matth. 16. 24.

M. Hooker.

Jer. Bur. roughs. Self-denyall. Moses his choise

D. Preston. Treatise of Self-denyall.

Taking up the Crosse.

D. Hammond.

Those that write on the Beatitudes, ver. 11.

Vivification

M. Wheatleys New birth.

Bp. Cowpers Anatomy of a Christian.

Sam. Hieron, old and new man: on John 3. 6.

Tho. Morton. Treatise concerning Regeneration.

Dr Taylors New Creature. Kings bath of Regeneration.

Progresse in grace

Tho. Goodwin. Growth in grace.

D. Taylor. The Saints progresse.

Ob. Sedgwicks. Christs counsell to his languishing Church.

Christian liberty

Geor. Downham. Treatise of Christian liberty.

D. Saunderson: on 1 Pet. 2. 16.

Sam. Bolton. True bounds of Christian freedom.

William Pemble Slavery of sinne. Benefit of Gods service.

Joy

M. Gataker: on Ps. 97. 11.

Will. Cowper. Heaven opened.

D. Donne: on Psal. 32. 10, 11.

Peace of Minde

See Assurance: Desertions.

Rob. Harris. Blessednesse of a sound spirit: on Pro. 18. 14.

H. Mans state after this life. Resurrection, 1 Cor. 15. 52. John 19. 25, 26. Judgment Particular, Heb. 9. 27. Generall, Acts 17. 31. States Salvation, Joh. 5 29. Damnation, Dan. 12. 2. Place. Heaven, Psal. 16. 11. Hell, Rev. 20. 15.

I. Duties required in the Law, are either More Generall as being conducibleto every duty, in respect of the Manner, with Sincerity, Rom. 6. 17. Readiness, 1 Chro. 28. 9. Zeal, 1 Kings 19. 10. Constancy, Rev. 2. 10. Means; Prayer, 2 Cor. 3. 5. The word, Rom. 10. 17. Good company, Psal. 119. 115. More Speciall commanded in the 1 Table, our duty to God. Internall worship. 1 Com. Vide K. Externall in the 2d Vide L. 3d Vide M. 4th Vide N. 2 Table referring unto Acts or intents concerning Speciall ranks of men, 5. Vide O. All persons Life, Com. 6. Vide P. Chastity, Com. 7. Vide Q. Goods, Com. 8. Vide R. Name, Com. 9. Vide S. The very motion without consent, Com. 10. Vide T.

The 4 last things

The Common places. Lumbard lib. 4. Aquinas in supplemento partis 3ae.

Rob. Bolton.

Baxter. The Saints rest.

Resurrection

BP Lake. Sermons for Easter. B. Andrews. Dr Donne.

Judgment

Greenwood: The generall judgment.

Sam. Smith: Great Assise.

Will. Fenner: The judgment of the world passed by Saints.

Will. Attersoll: Gods trumpet sounding the Alarum.

Joseph Mede: The prophesie of S. Peter, concerning the day of Christs second coming.

Sincerity

Dr Preston. Of mans uprightnesse.

M. Gataker: on Psal. 97. 11.

M. Hooker: on 2 Tim. 3. 5.

Dr Sanderson: on 1 Kings 21. […]9. Gen. 20. 6.

Hitherto may be referred the Tracts of Hypocrisie: as, Sam. Torshels Hypocrite.

Sam. Hieron. Discovery of hypocrifie, Mat. 3. 10.

BP Hall. The Hypocrite, on 2 Tim. 5. 3.

Readinesse and Watchfulnesse

M. Gataker: on Mar. 13. 37.

Joh. Downham: Against Security.

Dr Sibs: Gods inquisition, on Jer. 8. 6, 7.

Sam. Hieron: The remedy of Security.

Will. Fenner: Christs alarum to drowzy Saints.

Jo. Rogers: Discourse of Christian watchfulnesse.

Zeal

Dr Burgesse: Fire of the Sanctnary.

Mr Bowles: on Joh. 2. 17.

Dr Sibs: Violence victorious, on Mat. 11. 12.

Mr Greenham: on Rev. 3. 19.

Constancy or Perseverance

Aquinas 2a 2ae. Common places.

Dr Benefeild Gomarus de perseve rantia.

Mr Gataker: on Rev. 2. 10.

Ob. Sedgewick: on Rev. 3. 2, 3.

Prayer

Dr Preston: Saints daily exercise.

Rob. Harris: Peters in largemnt.

Tho. Goodwin. Return of Prayers.

Tho. Ball about set formes. Jo. Cotton Gifford about read prayer, Greenwood

Jos. Mede.

Hearing and Reading the Word

Mr Mason.

Jer. Dyke of the right eating & digesting the word

BP Andrews, on James 1. 22.

Joh. Downham, Treatise of the force and efficacy of reading.

Good Company

Joseph Beutham: The society of the Saints.

Sam. Torshell.

K. The first Commandement does Prohibit, Atheisme, Heb. 11. 6. Polutheisme, Deut. 6. 4. Heresie, Tit. 3. 10, 11. A postacy, Heb. 10. 26. Errors, James 1. 16. Injoyn Knowledge, John 17. 3. Remembrance, Eccles. 12 1: Love, Deut. 6. 5. Trust, Prov. 3. 5. Hope, Psal. 146. 5. Fear, Isa. 51. 12, 13. Gratitude, 1 Thess. 5. 18. Humility, Mic. 6. 8. Patience, Lam. 3. 39. Obedience, 1 John 5. 3.

Of the Moral Law in generall

The Common places: Casuists. Aquinas 1a 2ae.

Controversies against the Antinomians, mentioned, pag. 82. Commentators on the Decalogue, pag. 73.

Dr Reynolds. The use of the Law.

Jo. Weems: Of the Morall Law.

Atheisme or Polutheisme

See the Treatises before, concerning Gods Essence and Attributes. p. 97.

Smiths Arrow.

Mart. Fotherby: Atheomastix.

Jo. Weems: Treatise of the Atheist.

Heresie

Aquinas 1a 2ae. The Tracts of Heresie mentioned, p. 97. Many particular Sermons upon this subject, as M. Ob. Sedgewick, M. Cranford, Mr. Vines, Mr. Clark, &c.

Apostasie

Aquinas 2. 2dae.

Will. Pemble.

Tho. Goodwin: The danger of relapsing.

Dr Featly: on Ezek. 18. 24.

Mt Mede: The Apostasie of the latter times.

Error

Sam. Bolton: Tract concerning Errour.

Jer. Burroughs Irenicum.

BP Davenant: Exhortation to communion.

Knowledge and Remembrance of God

Mr Perkins. A declaration of the true manner of knowing Christ crucified.

Will. Pemble. Mischief of ignorance.

Dr Featley: on 1 Cor. 2. 2.

Pet. Molinaeus, de cognitione Dei.

Love to God. Gratitude

Lumbard lib. 3. Aquinas 2. 2dae.

Dr Preston. Of Love,

Will: Pemble. The Christians love.

Mr Pink. Tryall of a Christians love.

Dr Sanderson, 1 Tim. 4. 4

Dr Donne: on 1 Cor: 16. 22.

Trust and Hope in God

Lumbard lib. 3. Aquinas 2. 2dae.

Mr Harris. Davids comfort at Ziglag.

Fear of God

Lumbard lib. 7.

Mr Greenham. Of Gods fear.

D. Donne. on 1 Pet. 1. 17.

Will. Case. The nature & necessity of godly fear.

Humility

Aquinas 2. 2dae. Sibelius de humilitate Davidis in Psal. 131. Commen. on the Beatitudes.

M. Cawdrey. Humility the Saints livery.

D. Featley: on Matth. 5. 3.

BP Hall. The fall of pride; on Pov. 29. 23.

Patience

Aquinas 2. 2ae. See Afflictions. Drexelius.

Will: Cowper. Praise of patience.

M. Young.

L The second Commandment does Prohibite Idolatry, Psal. 97. 7. Will-worship· Col: 2. 23. Superstition, Acts 17. 22. Traditions, Coloss: 2. 8. Witchcraft, Exod. 22. 18. Schisme, 1 Cor: 11. 18. Confusion, 1 Cor: 11. 21. Injoyn right worship in respect of the Manner Deut: 12. 32. Means John 4. 24. Sorts. Ordinary Prayer, 1 Thess. 5. 17. Preaching, Mal. 2. 7. Sacraments. Discipline, Mat: 18. 17. Extraord. Fasting, Lev. 23. 29. Feasting, Esther 9. 22.

Idolatry

Jo: Weems, Treatise of the Idolater.

M. Perkins. Warning against the Idolatry of the last times.

Superstition and Will-worship

Aquinas 2. 2dae.

D. Hammond Treatise of Superstition· Will-worship.

Witchcraft

M. Perkins, Discourse concerning the damned Art of witchcraft.

Jo. Weems, Treatise of the Magician.

King James, his Daemonology.

Jo. Cotta. Tryall of witchcraft.

Scots discovery of witches.

Schisme

Aquinas 2. 2dae.

Greg: Martin: Treatise of Schisme.

Tract concerning Schisme. Anonym.

M. Brinsley.

Of Prayer: See before. pag. 111.

Preaching

M. Perkins: The Calling of Ministers, declaring their dignity and duty.

D. Stoughton. Preachers. dignity. duty.

Sam: Hieron. Bargain of salt· Spiritual fishing. Preachers plea. Dignity of preaching

Ol. Bowles, de Pastore Evangelico.

Of the Sacraments and Discipline

See divers discourses mentioned before.

Of Religious Fasts

Various Se mons upon this occasion, especially those before the Houses of Pa: liament.

The Tracts of Mortification.

M. Hildersham.

M. Mason, of the Christian fast, Epicures

M. The 3d Commandement does Prohibit more particularly the abuse of Oathes, Jer. 4. 2. Vowes, Num. 30. 2. Lots, Prov. 16. 33. Injoyn the sanctifying of Gods Names, Deut. 28. 58. Attributes, 1 Pet. 3. 15. Word, Psal. 15. 16, 17. Works, Psal. 58, 10, 11. Religion, Ephes. 4. 1.

N. The 4th Commandement concerning the set time of worship, its Institution, Gen. 2. 3. Observance, Isa. 58. 13 Change, Rev. 1. 10.

O. The 5th Command. concerning the duties of severall relations Magistrates, 1 Tim. 3. 2. Subjects, Rom. 13. 1. Ministers, 1 Pet. 5. 2. People, Heb: 13. 17. Parents, Ephes. 6. 4. Children, Ephes: 6 1. Masters, Coloss. 4. 1. Servants, 1 Pet: 2. 18. Husband, Ephes. 5. 25. Wife, Ephes: 5. 24, 33. Noble and rich, 1 Tim. 6. 17. Poor, 1 Sam: 25. 8. Aged, Tit. 2. 2, 4. Young, Levit, 19. 32.

Of Oaths and Perjury

Lumbard lib. 3. Aquinas 2. 2dae.

BP Andrews: on Jer. 4. 2.

Jo. Downham: Treatise against Swearing.

D. Saunderson, de Iuramento.

Of Vowes

The Common places: Casuists: Aquinas 2. 2dae.

Of Lots

M. Gataker: of lusory Lots.

• Treatise.
• Answ. and reply to M. Bamford.

Joh. Down: Defence of the lawfulnesse of lots in gaming.

Of the Sabbath

Brerewood, and Byfeild.

D. Twisse: The morality of the fourth Commandement.

M. Leigh: Primrose.

Jo. Sprint: M. Ironside.

M. Cawdrey, & M. Palmer. Sabbatum redivivum.

BP White, &c.

Politicall duties

BP Bilson, of subjection.

BP Halls Politicks.

Sam. Hieron: on Luke 20. 25.

Upon this subject see many particular debates of these times: as,

D. Fearn: The fuller answer.

Scripture and reason.

The Treatise of Monarchy, &c.

Oeconomicall duties

M. Perkins: Of the right manner of ordering a family according to Scripture.

M. Dod: Of houshold government.

Tho: Paget: Demonstration of family duties.

BP Halls Oeconomicks.

D. Gouge: Domesticall duties.

M Whateley Bride bush. Care cloth.

M. Gataker: on Prov. 18. 22 19 14. Col: 3. 18.

Sam: Hieron: on Mat 9 15, Ruth 4. 11. 12,

P. The 6. Commandement concerning our own and our neighbours person, and life, does Probibit Roots, Unjust Anger, Matth. 5. 25. Hatred, 1 John 3. 15. Fruits, Inward desire of revenge, Rom. 12 19 Outward in Words, reviling, Mat. 5 22. Deeds to the Body, Lev. 24 19. Gen. 9 6. Soul by scandall, Matth. 18. 6. Command Friendship, Prov. 27. 9. Mercy, Gal: 6. 10. Placablenesse, Ephes. 4. 26. Meeknesse, Ephes. 4. 32. Overcoming evill with good, Rom. 12. 21.

Q. The 7 Commandement, concerning chastity, does Prohibit all unchastity in the Kindes, Inward, in desire, Mat. 5. 28. Outward, Uncleannesse, 1 Cor. 6. 9. Fornication, 1 Cor. 6. 9. Adultery, Heb: 13. 4. Diorce, Mat. 19. 9. Incest, 1 Cor: 5. 1. Polygamy, 1 Cor: 7. 2. Rape, Deut. 22. 25. Sodomy, Rom. 1 26, 27 Bestiality, Lev. 18. 27. Meanes, Idlenesse, 2 Sam. 11. 2. Intemperance, 1 Pet: 4. 3. Neglect of marriage, 1 Cor: 7. 2. 9. Signes, Immodesty, 1 Tim. 2. 9. Bad company, 2 Cor: 5 9. places, Job 31. 6. Injoyn a care of our owne chastity in the kinde. means. neighbours signes.

Concerning Anger and Hatreds

The Commentators on severall parts of the Proverbs. Plutarchus. Seneca de ira.

M. Greenham, of Anger.

Jo: Downham, Treatise against Anger.

Of Murther

M. Sym. Lifes preservative.

Dr Donne, Βιαθάνατος.

Scandall

Common places, Casuists, Aquinas 2. 2dae.

Jer: Dyke, Mischiefe of Scandals.

M. Tombes, Treatise of scandalizing.

D. Hammond, Of Scandall.

Friendship

The Moralists. Commentators on the Proverbs.

Cicero de Amicitia. Danaeus

Mercy and Peaceablenes

Comments on the Beatitudes.

D. Donne, on Rom. 12. 20

Of Whoredome

The Casuists at large.

Jo: Downham, Treatise of Whoredome.

D. Preston, on Colos. 3. 5

Of Divorce & Polygamy

Lumbard lib. 4. Aquinas in Supplem. p. 3.

The Casuists.

Wigandus de divortiis.

Beza de Polyg. & divor.

Edm. Bunny, Of Divorce for adultery and marrying again.

M Milton Treatise. Vindication. Tetrachordon.

Dove.

Intemperance

Aquinas 2. 2dae.

Junius, The drunkards character.

M. Harris, The drunkards cup, on I say 5. 11.

Jo: Down: against drunkennesse.

Vowing ag: Marriage.

Lumbard lib 4.

Peter Martyr, de caelibatu contra Richardum Smith. Angl.

Jo: Down.

R. The 8th Commandmét concerning our own, and our neighbours goods, does Prohibit Theft, Levit. 19. 13. Oppression, Prov. 14 31. Deceit, 1 Thess. 4. 6. Sacriledge, Prov. 20. 25. Usury, Deut. 23. 20. Bribery, Prov. 29. 4. Prodigality, Luke 15. 13. Injoyn Just dealing, levit. 25. 14. Diligence in our callings, Eph. 4. 28. Frugality, John 6. 12. Liberality, Prov. 11. 25. Almes, Luke 12. 33. Hospitality, 1 Pet. 4 9. Restitution, Exo. 22. 5. Lev. 6. 4. 5.

Of Sacriledge and Tythes

Aquinas 2. 2dae.

BP Andrews.

Sir James Semple.

BP Carleton.

M. Selden.

Rob. Tillesly.

Steph. Nettles.

Sir Henry Spelman.

P. H. Treleinie.

Usury

Aquinas 2. 2dae. Salmasius.

Rog: Fenton, Treatise of Usury.

Tho: Wilson, Discourse of Usury.

Ro: Bolton, Discourse with M. S.

Dr Holmes.

Bribery

Jo: Downham, Treatise against Bribery.

Justice and Equity

Aquinas 2. 2dae.

M. Perkins, Treatise of Christian Equity.

Dt Saundersons Sermons ad Magistratum.

Dr Donne, on Rom. 13. 7

Diligence in Callings

M. Whateley, Redemption of time.

M. Perkins, Treatise of Callings.

Dr Saunderson, on 1 Cor. 7. 24.

Liberality and Almes

Aquinas 2. 2dae.

Jo: Downham, Plea for the poor.

Will: Whateley, The poor mans Advocate.

BP Andrews: on 1 Tim. 6. 17. BP Hall:

Rob: Harris, The old Religion.

Hospitality

Caleb: Dalechamp, treatise of Christian Hospitality.

Restitution

The Casuists.

Aquinas 2. 2dae.

S. The 9th Commamdment concerning Fame, &c. speeches, does Prohibit all Slaundering, Prov. 15. 3. Credulity, Psal. 15. 3. Hearing Talebearers, Prov. 25. […]3. Censuring, Matth. 7. 1. Sinister suspitions, 1 Cor. 13. 5. Flattery. Prov. 27. 14. Silence in defending, 2 Tim. 4. 16. Injoyn a care of The name of Our selves, Phil. 4. 8. Neighbours, Mat. 1. 19. Our speeches that they be Deliberate, James 1. 19. Profitable, Gods glory, Ephes. 5. 4. Good of others, Col. 4. 6.

T. The 10th Com mandment concerning motions without consent, does Prohibit Covetousnesse, Heb. 13 5. Self-love, 2 Tim. 3. 2. 1 Cor. 10. 24. Evill thoughts, Prov. 24. 9. Envy, Prov. 23. 4. Injoyn A pure heart, 1 Tim. 1. 5. Watchfulnesse over our thoughts, Prov. 4. 23. Contentednesse, Phil. 4. 11.

Of Lying

Common places: Casuists: Lumbard lib. 3. Aquinas 2. 2dae.

Jo: Downham: Treatise against Lying.

Of Slandering Talebearers, Credulity, Flattery

See the Comments on many places of the Proverbs.

Censures and Suspitions

BP Hall: on John 7. 24.

Dr Saunderson: on Rom. 14. 3.

Care of our names and credit

M. Greenham: on Prov. 22. 1.

M. Gataker: on Eccles. 7. 1.

Care of our words

The Comments on many places of the Proverbs.

M. Bolton, his directions for a comfortable walking with God.

M. Perkins: Treatise concerning the government of the Tongue.

Covetousnesse

D. Preston: Remedy against covetousnesse.

D. Stoughton: Baruchs sore gently opened.

Rob: Harris: Remedy against covetousnesse.

Jer: Dyke: A counterpoyson against covetousnes

Self-love

M. Rogers History of Naaman.

M. Dyke, of the heart.

BP Hall, the great Impostor: on Jer. 17. 9.

Jo: Downham: Spiritual warfare.

Thoughts

Tho: Cowper: Government of Thoughts.

Tho: Goodwin: Vanity of Thoughts.

M. Perkins: Treatise of mans imaginations.

M. Cotton. The Christians charge: on Prov. 24. 3

• Will. Fenner.
• The use and benefit of divine meditations.
• The Arraignement of vain and evill Thoughts.

Contentation

D. Taylor.

BP Hall.

Hen. Mason.

M. Burroughes.

V. The Gospel, (asiti distinguished from the Law, which was the condition of the first Covenant) does require Faith, which is, Historicall, James 2. 19. Salvificall. ὀλιγοπιστία; And here of Desertions, Ps. 51. 12. Job 6. 4. πληροφορία, 2 Pet. 1. 10. Repentance The parts Search into sinne, Lam. 3. 40. Godly sorrow, 2 Cor. 7. 10. Confession, Prov. 28. 13. Reformation, Isay 1. 16, 17. Thetime, Late repentance, 2 Thess. 2. 10, 11.

Of Faith

Lumbard lib. 3. Aquinas 2. 2dae.

Joh. Wilson, some helps to Faith.

Tho. Ball.

D. Preston.

M. Pemble.

Dr Jackson.

Jo. Down.

Jo. Cotton The life of Faith. Sam. Ward

Ezek: Culverwell. Treatise of Faith.

Tho: Goodwin: Encouragements to Faith.

M. Perkins on the 11th chap. to the Hebrew. Grain of mustard seed.

Tho: Shepheard. The sound Beleever.

Desertions

Jos. Symonds The case of a deserted soul. cure DrSibs Souls Conflict. Bruised Reed.

M. Greenham, comforts for afflicted consciences.

Ro. Bolton. Instructions for afflicted consciences.

Rob. Yarrow. Soveraign comforts.

Jo. Haiward. Strong helper.

Tho. Goodwin. Child of Light.

Will. Whateley: Oyl of gladnesse.

Of Doubting

BP Babington. Combate between flesh and spirit. M. Perkins:

D. Saunderson: on Rome 14. 23.

Assurance

Nath. Cole. The godly mans assurance.

M. greenham. Marks of a righteous man. Sure signes of election.

Will. Perkins. Treatise declaring whether a man be in the state of grace or not.

Another Treatise resolving this case of conscience, How a man may know whether he bee the childe of God.

Sam: Hieron Tryall of adoption, 1 John 3. 10. Spirituall sonneship 1 Joh. 3. 1. The spirituall mans task. 1 Thess. 5. 19. M. Byfeild: Signes of a godly and wicked man. Assurance of Gods love, and mans salvation.

Tim: Rogers. The righteous mans evidence for heaven.

M. Roberts, Beleevers Evidences.

Will. Whateley. Gods husbandry.

Drexelius. The Christian Zodiack.

Repentance

Dr Taylor. Dan: Dyke.

Mr Stock. Ar. Dent.

M. Perkins Exhortation to repentance. Of the nature and practise of repentance.

Dr Preston Judas his repentance. Pauls conversion.

The Tracts of conversion, as Jo: Cotton, the way of life, or the whole work of conversion.

Tho: Shepheard. The sincere convert.

M. Hooker, the Souls Preparation. Humiliation. Vocation. Exaltation. Union. Implantation.

Those that comment on the 51. Psal, as BP Lake.

Will: Cowper. Sam: Hieron. Mr. Hildersham, &c.

D. Hammond. Of late Repentance.

William Fenner. Danger of deferring repentance.

Though this Analysis does not deserve to be much commended, as being in some respects defective, and besides the rules of Art, yet it may serve for instance and direction to others, in the finding out a better. The severall particulars may be used as Common-place heads, unto which to referre the collections of our reading.

Now (I say) when a Minister hath thus distinctly passed over the substance of Divinity under such heads as these: it will be very easie for him afterwards to inlarge himself upon any particular subject or text with naturall pertinent matter.

There are some other helps of invention to which the Art of Rhetorick does direct, according to the subject we are to handle, whether Demonstrative Praise Dispraise. Deliberative Perswade. Disswade, Judiciall Accuse. Defend.

For each of which there are severall Topicks, but ‘tis supposed that every Minister is acquainted with those things in his preparatory studies, and therefore I forbear any further mention of them.

Thus much of the two first helps unto the gift of Preaching, Method. Matter.

The third and last to be insisted upon is concerning Expression; In which there are two things considerable, Phrase. Eloquution.

The phrase should be plain, full, wholesome, affectionate.

1. It must be plain and naturall, not being darkened with the affectation of Scholastic all harshnesse, or Rhetoricall fluorishes. Obscurity in the discourse is an argument of ignorance in the minde. The greatest learning is to be seen in the greatest plainnesse. The more clearly we understand any thing our selves, the more easily can we expound it to others. When the notion it self is good, the best way to set it off, is in the most obvious plain expression. S. Paul does often glory in this, that his preaching was not in wisedome of words, or excellency of speech; not with⁴¹ inticing word: of mans wisdome, not as pleasing men, but God, who tryeth the heart. A Minister should speak as the oracles of God, 1 Pet. 4. 11. And it will not become the Majesty of a Divine Embassage,⁴² to be garnished out with flaunting affected eloquence. How unsuitable is it to the expectation of a hungry soul, who comes unto this ordinance with a desire of spirituall comfort and instruction, and there to hear only a starched speech full of puerile worded Rhetorick? How properly may such a deceived hearer take up that of Seneca? Quid mihi lusoria ista proponis? Non⁴³ est jocandi locus, ad miseros vocatus es, opem te laturum naufragis, captis, aegris, intentae securi subjectum præstantibus caput, quo diverteris? quid agis? ‘Tis a sign of low thoughts and designes, when a mans chief study is about the polishing of his phrase and words. Cujuscunque orationem vides⁴⁴ politam & sollicitam, scito animum in pusillis occupatum. Such a one speaks only from his mouth, and not from his heart.

2. It must be full, without empty and needlesse Tautologies, which are to be avoided in every solid businesse, much more in sacred. Our expressions should be so close, that they may not be obscure, and so plain, that they may not seem vain and tedious. To deliver things in a crude confused manner, without digesting of them by previous meditation, will nauseate the hearers, and is as improper for the edification of the minde, as raw meat is for the nourishment of the body.

3. It must be sound and wholesome, not tainted with any erroneous corrupt doctrine, or the affectation⁴⁵ of novelty. False opinions do many times insinuate themselves by the use of suspicious phrases. And ‘tis a dangerous fault, when men cannot content themselves with the wholesome forme of sound words, but do altogether affect new light (1 Tim. 6, 20) and new language, which may in time destroy practicall Godlinesse and the power of Religion.

κενοφωνίας.

4. It must be affectionate and cordiall, as proceeding from the heart, and an experimentall acquaintance with those truths which we deliver. Quod procedit è corde redit in cor: ‘Tis a hard matter to affect others, with what we are not first affected our selves. Praecipuum ad persuadendum est amare quod suades, Amanti pectus ipsum suggerit orationis ardorem. ‘Tis said of Iohn the Baptist, that he was a burning and a shining light. Ardere prius est, Lucere posterius; Ardor mentis est, lux doctrinae. This is to speak in the evidence and demonstration of the spirit and of power. There is a common relation to this purpose, of divers learned men, who having a great while, with much argument and strength of reason, contended with another about perswading him to be baptized, he being learned also, could still evade all their arguments. At length a grave pious man amongst them, of no note for learning, stands up and bespeaks him with some downright affectionate expressions, which wrought so effectually upon the other, that he presently submitted; yeelding this reason, Donec audiebam rationes humanas, humanis rationibus repugnabam; caeterum simul atque audivi Spiritum loquentem, cessi Spiritui. And ‘tis storied of Iunius, before his conversion, that meeting once with a Country-man as he was in a journey, and falling into discourse with him about divers points of Religion, he observed the plain fellow to talk so experimentally, with so much heartinesse and affection, as made him first begin to think, that sure there was something more in those truths, then his notionall humane learning had yet discovered: which occasioned his more serious inquiry into them, and afterwards his conversion. Such great power is there in these cordiall expressions.

As for the manner of composing Sermons, it will not be convenient for one that is a constant Preacher, to pen all his discourses, or to tye himself unto phrases: When we have the matter and notion well digested, the expressions of it will easily follow. Whereas to be confined unto particular words, besides the great oppression of the memory, will likewise much prejudice the operations of the understanding and affections. The judgment will be much weakned, and the affections dulled, when the memory is overmuch burdened and vexed. A man cannot ordinarily be so much affected himself, (and consequently he cannot so easily affect others) with things that he speaks by rote; as when he takes some liberty to prosecute a matter according to his more immediate apprehensions of it, by which many particulars may be suggested, that were not before thought of, when he doth expatiate upon any subject, according to the workings of his owne affections, and the various alterations that may appear in the auditory. And then besides, this liberty will breed a παῤῥησία, such a fitting confidence, as should be in that orator, who is to have a power over the affections of others, which such a one is scarce capable of, who shall so servilely tye himself to particular words and expressions, from which he dares not vary for fear of being out.

But a man cannot expect a good habit of preaching thus, without much study and experience. Young beginners should use themselves to a more exact and elaborate way, when a good stile and expression is first learned by penning, it will afterwards be more easily retained in discoursing.

In the elocution there are two extremities to be avoided: too much Boldnesse. Fear.

1. Against too much rashnesse and boldnesse, consider the speciall presence of God, and Angels, the solemne dignity of those sacred mysteries with which we are intrusted, the weighty businesse of saving souls. And who can be sufficient for these (2 Cor. 2. 16) things? It was a usuall saying of Luther, Et si jam senex, & in concionando exercitus sum, tamen timeo quoties suggestum conscendo. And he found by experience, that when he was most distrustfull of his own preparations, then were his labours accompanied with some speciall blessing and efficacy. And on the other side, when hee was most confident, then he failed most.

2. Against too much fear, Consider, it does not become the businesse we are about, we should speake the word with boldnesse, God has promised his assistance, that his strength shall (Acts 4. 29) appear in our weaknesse, It does not become the dignity or excellency of our calling, we are the Angels, the Ambassadors of God, συνεργοὶ, his (1 Cor. 3. 9) fellow-workers, And besides, this timerousnesse in the speaker will much hinder the efficacy and power of the word on the hearers. In brief, the most propermanner of eloquution is with modesty and gravity, which will best sute with our calling and businesse.

To conclude. The observation of these helps and directions, together with frequent diligent practise, will as farre (as Art can effect) quickly produce a good habit, and by consequence a facility.

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← To the Reader · Contents

Footnotes

1. So Jo. Molanus in Bibliotheca materiarum, under the head of Concionandi munus. ↩

2. James 1. 5. Psal. 25. 9. John 7. 17 ↩

3. Theol. pro phet. par. 1 cap. 10. ↩

4. Jam. 1. 21. 2 C or. 5. 20. Luk. 10. 16 1 Thes. 4. 8 ↩

5. z Pet. 1. 20. Neh. 8 8. ↩

6. Dr Reynolds Selfe denyall. ↩

7. In the year before Christ. ↩

8. ↩
9. ↩
10. ↩
11. ↩
12. ↩
13. ↩
14. ↩

15. Since Christ. ↩

16. ↩
17. ↩
18. ↩
19. ↩
20. ↩
21. ↩

22. Lud. de Tena Isag. See Ludcapelli Historia Apostol. ↩

23. Isa. 40. 1. 1 Tim. 4. 13. ↩

24. Eccles. 3. 11. Rom. 8. 28. ↩

25. Laudabile. Possibile. Facile. ↩

26. 1 Cor 1. 10 Phil. 2 1, 2 ↩

27. August. de Scalis parad. cap[…]z. ↩

28. Nic. Hemming De pasiore. ↩

29. Translations of the Bible. ↩

30. Editions of the Bible. ↩

31. Hebrew with Translations. ↩

32. Hebrew alone. ↩

33. New Testa. ↩

34. See many other Commentators mentioned in Possevin, Draudius, Schottus. Besodnerus, The Oxford Catalogue. ↩

35. L. Verulams Advance of Learning. ↩

36. 1. Catechisme.
    ↩
37. 2. Common places.
    ↩

38. ErasmiEcclesiastes. lib. 2. ↩

39. Eccles. lib. 2. ↩

40. See Amesi us his Chrstianae Catechesis Sciagraphia. ↩

41. 1 Cor. 1. 17. cap. 2. 1, 4. 1 Thess. 2. 4 ↩

42. Non quaerit aeger mediqum eloquentem, sed sanantem. sen. Ep. 76. ↩

43. Epist. 49. ↩

44. Epist. 21. ↩

45. 1 Tim. 6. 3. 2 Tim. 13. Tit, 2. 7. ↩