Ecclesiastes, OR, A discourse concerning the Gift OF PREACHING As it falls under the Rules of Art. showing The most proper Rules and Directions, for Method, Invention, Books, Expression, whereby a Minister may be furnished with such abilities as may make him a Workman that needs not to be ashamed. Very seasonable for these Times, wherein the Harvest is great, and the skilful Labourers but few. The third Edition. By JOHN WILKINS. D. D. 2 Cor. 2. 16. Who is sufficient for these things? London, Printed by T. R. and E. M. for SAMUEL GELLIBRAND, at the BALL in Paul's churchyard. 1651. To the READER. I Have been encouraged to some enlargement of this Treatise, in that part of it, which concerns the account of Books and Authors. There is here some Addition to the several kinds of them. And because it would be of excellent use, if the many choice Treatises upon particular subjects in divinity, were so distinctly reduced, that a man might have recourse to them upon any emergent occasion; therefore I have here attempted something to this purpose, namely, to refer them unto the several heads in the Analysis of Divinity, towards the latter end of this Book. The Latin or Greck Tracts of the ancient Fathers and other eminent Writers, are already thus reduced under several heads in Bolduanus, Draudius, Molanus, &c. by whose direction it is easy to find the chief authors or Discourses in those Languages upon any particular subject. The like is here endeavoured for our English Treatises, which for their clearness and fullness in matters of practical Divinity, are generally esteemed to be of special use and eminency. It cannot be expected but that the first attempt in this kind, must needs be very defective. But it is easy for any one to alter, or add, as his own better experience shall direct. I have now by an Asterisk noted some of those Commentators who are esteemed most judicious and useful. I did farther intend by some mark to have distinguished them, according to their several times & Professions, whether Fathers, rabbis, Papists, Lutherans, Calvinists. The nature of their Works and Comments, whether more brief, by way of Annotation, Analysis or more large, by way of Questions, Common places, or Doctrines, whereby younger Students might be directed in the choice of their several kinds. But I am forced as yet to lay this aside, as being a business which will require more pains and leisure, than my other necessary employments can permit. ECCLESIASTES, Or the Gift of Preaching. IT is the end of all Sciences and Arts to direct men by certain Rules unto the most compendious way in their knowledge and practice; those things of which in ourselves we have only some imperfect confused notions being herein fully and clearly represented to our view, from the discoveries that other men have made after much study and long experience. And there is nothing of greater consequence for the advancement of Learning, then to find out those particular advantages which there are for the shortest way of knowing and teaching things in every profession. Now amongst all other callings, this of Preaching, being in many respects one of the most weighty and solemn, should therefore have its Rules and Canons, whereby we may be directed the easiest, readiest way for the practice of it. Besides all those Academical preparation s by the study of Languages, Sciences, Divinity, with which men should be qualified, and predisposed for this Calling, I say besides all these, there is a particular art of preaching, to which if Ministers did more seriously apply themselves, it would extremely facilitate that service, making it more easy to us, and more profitable to others. There are two abilities requisite in every one that will teach and instruct another: {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} A right understanding of sound doctrine; and an ability to propound, confirm, and apply it unto the edification of others. And the first may be without Luke 21. 15 {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. the other. As a man may be a good Lawyer, and yet not a good Pleader; so he may be a good Divine, and yet not a good Preacher. One chief reason why divers men, otherwise of eminent parts, are herein so slow and unskilful, is, because they have not been versed in this study, and are therefore unacquainted with those proper Rules and directions, by which they should be guided in the attaining and exercise of this Gift. It hath been the usual course at the University to venture upon this calling in an abrupt overhasty manner. When scholars have passed over their Philosophical studies, and made some little entrance upon Divinity, they presently think themselves fit for the Pulpit without any farther enquiry, as if the Gift of Preaching and sacred Oratory were not a distinct Art of itself. This would be counted a very preposterous course in other matters, if a man should presume of being an orator because he was a Logician, or to practise physic because he had learned Philosophy: And certainly the pre-eminence of this profession above others, must needs extremely aggravate such neglect, and make it so much the more mischievous by how much the calling is more solemn. Now there are several Treatises of many learned men, both Protestants and others, who have written particularly and largely upon this very subject, concerning the Art of Preaching, wherein they have laid down such various helps and rules, as they from their own practice and long experience have found most useful. Among whom, these are some of the most eminent, and common. * bowls De Pastore. Hen. Alsted. Theologia Prophetica, Frid. Baldvini Institutio ministrorum. Rich. Bernard. The faithful shepherd. Joh. Clark. Oratoriae sacrae {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. Lamb. Danaei Methodus S. Scripturae in concion●bus tractandae. Hen. Diest De ratione studii Theologici. Des. Erasmi Ecclesiastes. Nichol. Hemingius De Pastore. Barth. Keche●●anus De Rhetorica Ecclefiastica. Geor. Laetus De ratione concionandi ad Method. Anglican. Will. Perkins Concerning the Art of prophecy. Casp. Strasonis Technologia Theologica. De methodo concionandi Anonym. Jo. Segobiensis De praedicatione evangelica. Abra. Sculteti Axiomata concionandi. Will. Zepperus De arte habendi conciones. audiend● Besides these, there are above forty other Authors, who have writ particularly upon this subject, recited by Draudius in his Bibliotheca classica under the head of Concionatorum instructio, pag. 132. To So Jo. Molanus in Bibliotheca materiarum, under the head of Concionandi munus. which may be added the directions to this purpose so briefly and fully comprehended in the Directory, besides those many other discourses wherein these things have been largely handled on the by, though not chiefly intended. In all which, many learned men have laid down various rules, which to them according to their several genius' and observations seemed most useful. And we must not doubt but that in this as well as in all other professions, every days experience may yield some farther advantage, by discovering yet more facile compendious directions to furnish a man for this calling. And that is the inquiry which is aimed at and attempted in this following discourse. This service of preaching may be considered under a double notion, as a Duty. Gift. It is here insisted upon only in the second sense, and may be thus described. 'Tis such an expertness and facility in the right handling and dividing the Word of Truth, as may approve us to be Workmen that need not to be ashamed. It does require both Spiritual abilities. Artificial 1. Such spiritual abilities as must be infused from above, whereby our judgement and affections shall be made experimentally acquainted with all those sacred Truths, that we are to deliver unto others. James 1. 5. Psal. 25. 9 John 7. 17 The only way for the attaining of these, is by Prayer, an humble heart, and a holy life. 2. Such artificial abilities as are to be acquired by our own industry. And these are either more general, as skill in all those Arts and Languages, which are required as predispositions. Or more particular and immediate, for the act of Preaching, or making Sermons, to which the chief helps are these three; Method. Matter. Expression. Each of these do contribute mutual assistance unto one another. A good method will direct to proper matter, and fitting matter will enable for good expression. By Method I understand an Art of contriving our discourses in such a regular frame wherein every part may have its due place and dependence: which will be a great advantage both to Ourselves. Our hearers. 1. To ourselves, and that both for Invention and Memory A man may more easily find out things, when in stead of seeking for them at random he can have direct recourse unto all those places and heads from whence they may be most naturally collected. And more easily retain them, when they are linked together and not scattered; Method being as a chain, in which if a man should let slip any one part, he may easily recover it again, by that relation and dependence which it hath with the whole. 2. And so for benefit of the hearers likewise, who may understand and retain a Sermon with greater ●ase and profit, when they are beforehand acquainted with the general heads of matter that are discoursed of. 'Tis but a bad rule in Alsteà, where he advises to conceal, & alter the method for variety Theol. pro phet. par. 1 cap. 10. sake. Crypsis dispositionis tollit fastidium auditoris. This may be true of itching curious hearers, but not of such as regard their own profit and edification. An immethodical discourse (though the materials of it may be precious) is but as a ●eap, full of confusion and deformity; the other, as a fabric or building, much more excellent both for beauty and use. There might be divers kinds of Methods prescribed, according as men's own fancies and the variety of subjects and occasions shall require. But that which our gravest Divines by long experience have found most useful, is this of Doctrine and Use. This in the nature of it, is very easy, and therefore most natural, being generally appliable unto any subject. In the true latitude of it, 'tis as full and comprehensive as any other, taking in all such notions as are any way useful or proper. In the branches and gradations of it, 'tis very Logical, putting homogeneous things together, handling generals first, and particulars after. The principal scope of a divine Orator should be to Teach clearly. Convince strongly. Persuade powerfully. Suitable to these, the chief parts of a Sermon are these three; Explication. Confirmation. Application. Each of these may be farther subdivided and branched out according to this following Analysis. 1. Explication is either of the Text by Unfolding difficulties in the sense, for which we are to con●ider The phrase itself according to the Original Translations. The cirumstances of the place. Persons Who, to whom. Occasion. Time. Place. Scope or end. Context. The Analogy of Faith. Other parallel or like Scriptures. Distinguishing ambiguous Words. Phrases. Dividing of the Text, which must not be Needless. Obscure. Doctrines deduced from it, by Clearing their inference. Showing the latitude of every Truth. According to their several Branches. Duty. Degrees. 2. Confirmation by Positive proofs from Scripture, in notional truths by direct Affirmation. Negation. evident consequence. practical truths by precepts. examples. Reason, to convince in doctrinal points from the nine topics. Cause, Effect. Subject. Adjunct. Dissentan. Comparats. Name. Distribution. Definitions. practical truths from the two general heads of Necessity. Equity. Solution of such doubts and queries as are most obvious, and material. 3. Application, which is either doctrinal for our information More general in some truth to be acknowledged. didactical instruction. elenctical confutation. More particular of our own estates to be examined by Marks, which are commonly either Effects. Properties. practical Reproof, which hath two parts, dissuasive from The aggravation of the sin. Threats denounced. Judgements executed. Directive, wherein concerning Impediments that hinder. Means to promote, more Remote. Immediate. Consolation by Promises. Experience. Removing of scruples. Exhortation, to be amplified by Motives to excite the affections from Profit. Danger Means to direct the actions, General. Special. Besides those more essential parts recited in this Scheme, which belong to the very nature and substance of a Sermon; there are other less principal parts also (not to be neglected) which concern the external form of it: Such as these; Preface. Transitions. Conclusion. The first thing to be entered upon in this fabric or Method, is the Porch or Preface, which is not always necessary in every common structure; but only when some extraordinary occasion does require it, or by reason of some special reference, which the Text may have to that particular time and auditory. And then it should be clear and p●rtinent, short as being a thing on the by, and such as may quicken attention unto the following discourse. The most general and effectual matter for a Preface, is (that which was so commonly used by the Prophets of old) to persuade the hearers that it is The Word of God which is spoken to them, which concerns their everlasting happiness, and is able to save their souls; That the Ministers Jam. 1. 21. 2 C or. 5. 20. Luk. 10. 16 1 Thes. 4. 8 do but stand in Christ's stead; That our receiving or despising of them shall be reckoned as done unto Christ himself: Which being believed and considered, will be a strong engagement upon the hearers, unto those three qualifications which are the chief ends of prefacing, namely to make them Favourable. Teachable. Attentive. The next thing to be done is the opening of the Text, according to its proper sense and meaning; To which purpose we may give some brief Analytical explication of the Chapter, or at least so much of it as may serve to clear the Text, and show the dependence of it on the coherent words. All Scriptures are either manifest or Cryptical and obscure. Matters that are absolutely necessary to salvation, are expressed in the first of these. Other truths whether Historical, Doctrinal, or Practical, may be sometimes involved in doubtful difficult expressions. In the unfolding of which, we must observe; that if the natural & most obvious signification of the words, do manifestly disagree with other perspicuous Scriptures, than we are to seek for some other meaning, which must always be consonant with the words and other circumstances of the place. In the finding out of this, we are not so much to consult with our own fancies; for no prophecy in z Pet. 1. 20. N●h. 8 8. Scripture is of any private interpretation, but with the Holy Ghost himself, who best understands his own meaning. All difficult expressions should first be examined according to their original and most authentic translations, which will give much light to the true meaning of them. Though it will be needless to mention any various readings, translations, or interpretations of Scripture to a vulgar auditory, because it is apt to stagger them, and to raise doubts; rather then to confirm and settle them; But we should pitch upon that, which upon serious consultation, we conceive in our own judgements to be most congruous and pertinent. The circumstances of the place will help much to illustrate any difficulty of it. The rabbis have a saying, Nulla est objectio in Lege, quae non habet solutionem in latere, that is, there is not any doubt in the Law, but may be resolved by the context. We must be careful that all our interpretations be agreeable with the Analogy of faith, and other parallel Scriptures. The consulting of these, will be a good means to preserve us from perverting the Word of God by any dangerous heretical imposition. Beware of that vain affectation of finding something new and strange in every text, though never Dr Reynolds self denial. so plain. It will not so much show our parts (which such men aim at) as our pride, and wantonness of wit. These new projectors in Divinity are the fittest matter out of which to shape, first a sceptic, after that a heretic, and then an Atheist. There are divers Texts that have a double sense, Historical and Literal. Typical & Allegorical. So those places concerning the brazen Serpent, Numb. 21. 9 John 3. 14. Jonah in the whale's belly, Jonah 1. 17. Matth. 12. 40. Abraham two wives and sons, Sarah and Isaac, Hagar and Ishmael, Gen. 21. Galat. 4. 22. The Law concerning the muzeling the ox that treads out the corn, Deut. 25. 4. 1 Cor. 9 9 In all which there is some typical allusion primarily intended. Allegorical interpretations may lawfully be used also, when there is no such natural reference, but merely a fitness by way of similitude to illustrate any doctrine. Saint Paul gives example for this, 2 Cor. 3. 13, 15. Ephes. 4. 32. But here we must observe these three qualifications; there must be, Raritas. Concinnit as. Utilitas. 1. We must use them sparingly and soberly. 2. They must be short and pertinent, not forced and far-fetched. 3. They must be useful, not for airy and unprofitable notions, being more proper for illustration then for proof. It will be a great help for the understanding of the books of Scripture, to know their several times, references, and order. The five books of Moses are as the first bases, by which the whole frame of Scripture may be more easily apprehended. The other Historical books that follow will explain themselves: The Psalms do most of them, in their occasions and historical grounds, refer to the books of Samuel. The Prophets are ordinarily divided into three ranks, 1 Those that prophesied before the captivity, who refer to the history in the books of Kings and Chronicles, especially the second book. 2 Those that prophesied in the captivity, concerning whose times, there is but very little mention in the Historical parts of Canonical Scripture. 3 Those that prophesied after the captivity, unto whom the History of Ezra and Nehemiah hath some reference. And so in the New Testament, the Epistles do many of them refer unto the story of the Acts of the Apostles. As for the ranking and succession of the books in Scripture, they were not writ in the same order as they are placed. But they are set down rather according to their bulk and largeness, than their true order. 1. Those that were before the captivity are to be reckoned according to this succession, In the year before Christ. Obadiah in the reign of Ahab. 1 Kings 18. 3. Jonah 920. Jeroboam. 2 Kings 14. 25. Amos 840. in the days of Uzziah Isaiah Jotham Hosea Ahaz Micah 780. Hezekiah Nahum Joel 700. about the time of Manasseb Habakkuk 680. Josiah Zephaniah Jehoiakim Jeremiah 610. 2. In the captivity there prophesied 580. Ezekiel Daniel 3. From the return out of captivity, till our saviour's coming is reckoned 559 years. About the 18 year of this began Haggai and Ze●hariah, and not long after Malachi. And so in the New Testament though the larger Epistles are placed first, yet they were not written so. 'Tis probable that they were composed according to this order, Since Christ. 1 Thess. 50. Romans. 1 Corinth. 55. 1 Tim. 2 Corinth. 56. Titus. 57 2 Thess. Philip. Coloss. Galat. Ephes. Hebr. 61. Philemon. 64. 2 Tim. So for the Canonical Epistles, that of James is Lud. de Tena Isag. See Ludca●elli Historia Apostol. thought to be written first, than those of Peter, than Jude, and lastly John. Thus likewise for other particular books, that of the Psalms, some conceive that the 108. should be first, where David doth stir up and prepare himself to this work, of making Psalms: O God, my heart is ready, I will sing and give praise. And the 72. Psalm the last, because it concludes with this passage, The prayers of David are ended. The ordering of them is not jure divino, though it be of very great antiquity, for Saint Paul doth expressly quote the second Psalm, Act. 13. 13. The right apprehension of these general notions concerning the proper times and order of several Books, may be one good help to the true interpretation of Scripture. Next to the unfolding of any abstruse and difficult sense, we are to consider likewise, the very words and phrases, amongst which, if there be any ambiguous, they must be distinguished and applied according to their proper signification in the text; Tropes and figures being explained in their natural meaning. As for the division of the text, it will be needless, unless either the explication of Terms, or the deduction of Doctrines from the several parts, do require it. That common practice of dissecting the words into minute parts and enlarging upon them severally, is a great occasion of impertinency and roving from the chief sense. The text having been thus unfolded, the next thing to be done is the inferring of Observations from it, which should always follow from the words by a strong Logical consequence. The wresting of Scripture unto improper truths, may easily occasion the applying of them unto gross falsehoods. These Observations may be of several kinds, either Mediate and more remote, Immediate and principal. Of the first kind are such as are raised from the occasion, coherence, manner, circumstances, order, denomination of the text; As whether it be a precept, exhortation, threat, promise, petition, deprecation, similitude, &c. All which may afford several hints of instruction, and are not to be passed over without notice. Though these points should be only touched at briefly on the by; and those only insisted upon largely, which we conceive to be most agreeable unto the principal immediate scope of the Holy Ghost in that Scripture. And these observations must be laid down in the most easy perspicuous phrase that may be, not obscured by any rhetorical or affected expressions; for if the hearers mistake in that, all that follows will be to little purpose. The Doctrine being mentioned (if there be any necessity) we may briefly clear the inference of it, by showing its necessary dependence on the text. Then (if the matter be capable of it) we may farther enlarge it in its several branches and degrees, by showing the full latitude and extent of every truth or duty. The Text and the Doctrine being thus opened, we should in the next place descend to the confirmation of it. Remembering always to connect these several parts by some plain and brief transition, that so the method may be the more perspicuous. Now here are two sorts of proofs {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. The Quod sit, and Cur sit, that 'tis so, and why it is so. The first is properly from Testimony, either Divine. Human. Divine Testimony is either from some Scripture Precept. Example. 1. For Precepts, it will be needless to heap up many proofs; But 'tis enough to suggest two or three of the most pertinent places, with some brief explication of them. 2. For Examples, it is a rule, exempla magis movent imparia. There may be much advantage in the inequality of examples: lilies, sparrows, Pismires, Heathens. Testimonies of Fathers, Decrees of counsels, Rev. 2. 10 consent of Churches, Confession of adversaries, may all be of good use if they are suitable to the matter and auditory. Testimonies of Heathen men may be proper to show a truth agreeable unto natural light. Though Scripture can best inform us, what is true and false; yet human Records can tell us what is new, and what is ancient. But here we must be careful that we do not let Hagar the handmaid outbrave her Mistress Sarah: that we do not prefer blear-eyed Leah before beautiful Rachel. To stuff a Sermon with citations of Authors, and the witty sayings of others, is to make a feast of vinegar and pepper, which may be very delightful being used moderately as sauces, but must needs be very improper and offensive to be fed upon as diet. The Reasons of the Doctrine should be such as may convince the judgement concerning the reasonableness of any truth or duty, which are herein distinguishable from the Motives, belonging to the Application, because these refer properly to the convincing of the judgement, those to the exciting of the affections. In practical matters, the general heads from whence the reasons are deducible, are these two, Necessity, Equity: which are capable of very many subordinate branches. In other notional doctrinal points, the 9 topics, to which we are directed in logic and rhetoric, may be good helps for the invention of proper arguments. When we have confirmed the Proposition by positive proofs, the next thing to be done is the removing of such doubts and queries, either from carnal reason, or ambiguous Scriptures, as are most naturally emergent, and proper. Not that any evident position or consequence from Scripture does need all this proof in itself, but the better to instruct us in the agreement and harmony of sacred Writ, and the more powerfully to convince the judgement, which in some cases will be apt to find out shifts and evasions, whereby to delude itself and escape conviction, whereas we shall embrace any doctrine, with a stronger assent, and rest upon it with the whole bent of the affections, when it comes in upon us with a full stream of evidence. But here we are to remember that the too long insisting on a confessed truth, is apt to nauseate and flat the attention. Having thus passed over the doctrinal part in the explication and confirmation of the words, we are in the next place to descend unto the application of them, which is the life and soul of a Sermon, whereby these sacred truths are brought home to a man's particular conscience and occasions, and the affections engaged unto any truth or duty. The Application is frequently mentioned by several Authors, according to a double acception; sometimes it is taken more strictly, as it is distinguished from the Uses, and refers only to those particular passages of them, which do more especially concern the present time and auditory. Sometimes it is taken more largely, as it comprebends all the Uses that are inferred from the doctrine. And so I understand it in this place. In the enlarging of this we are to observe this caution, That the several heads or Uses we are to insist upon, must not here be handled, in a general notional way, as in the doctrinal parts, but in such a home and applicatory manner, as may have some peculiar reference unto the hearers. The chief Rules or Canons that concern this part are these two. 1. Every Scripture does affirm, command, threaten, not only that which is expressed in it, but likewise all that which is rightly deducible from it, though by mediate consequences. 2. An example hath the force of a rule. All of them being written for our learning. But than 1 Cor. 20. 11. we must be careful to examine and discern whether the example be extraordinary or ordinary, according to which the application must be properly made. The Apostle tells us that the whole Scripture is given by inspiration from God, and is profitable {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, for Doctrine, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, for redargution, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, for correction, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, being perfectly instructed in every good work, 2 Tim. 3. 16. In that place all the Uses to which Scripture may be applied, are briefly set down. Application is either Doctrinal. Practical. Doctrinal application, is for our information in some truth to be known or believed, which must follow from the doctrine before delivered and confirmed, by a natural Logical consequence, as that doctrine does from the text. And this is of two kinds, Didactical. Elenctical. 1. didactical, in some positive truth, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, which is commonly styled, a Use of Information, and should consist of such pertinent doctrinal truths, as will most properly follow from the Observation: In the deducing of these it would be an endless business to take in all those inferences that are remote or collateral: But we should pitch upon some few that are more principal and immediate. Where those Logical directions may be useful, concerning the collecting, 1. Of a general from a special, as Rom. 4. 3, 4. 2. The less from the greater, as ●ohn 10. 25. Rom. 8. 32. 3. The greater from the less. 1 Cor. 9 9, 10. 4. The effect from the case. Heb. 2. 8. 5. The cause from the effect. ●ohn 6. 45. &c. 2. elenctical, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, in some controverted point, which is usually called a Use of confutation, for the refuting of such erroneous positions as do subvert the truth. Where it will be needless to raise up any old obsolete errors, as now lie dead and do not trouble the Church: but we should take notice only of such as being pertinent to the subject in hand, do most infect the present times and places wherein we live. And here we ought to be specially careful that we manage these polemical discourses, 1. With solid pressing arguments, making our answers as clear as the objections; for if these be plain, and those perplexed, in stead of confuting we shall rather confirm the error. 2. With much meekness and lenity in differences, not fundamental, 2 Tim. 2. 25. Soft words and hard arguments being the most effectual way to convince. Another part of this applicatory information may be for the discovery of our own particular estate and conditions, in regard of our assent unto any truth or practice of any duty, where we are to try ourselves by marks or signs, and these for the most part are in the nature of Effects, Properties, which are the surest demonstrations of the nature of any thing. practical application is either, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. 1. For correction of manners, commonly styled a Use of Reproof, terror, dehortation, to dissuade and fright men from any sinful course. In the urging of this, there is much prudence to be expressed in distinguishing betwixt sins of infirmity, and sins of wilfulness and frowardness; and accordingly proportioning the severity of our reproofs. This is generally to be observed, that in all reprehensions, we must express rather our love then our anger, and strive rather to convince then to exasperate. Though, if the matter do require any special indignation, it must be the zeal of a displeased friend, rather than the bitterness of a provoked enemy. 'Tis too much levity to check men in an ironical jeering way, and 'tis too much rashness to reprove men in a furious revengeful manner. This Use should be more especially directed against those particular sins of the times and places wherein we live. And because in itself, it may be very displeasing unto the guilty hearers, which will much prejudice the power and operation of it; we should therefore sweeten it by some gentle insinuations, wherein it might appear that it proceeds from our affection and care of their welfare. That there is a necessity of insisting upon it, both from our duties, and their danger. The proper heads for amplification of this Use are twofold, Dissuasive. Directive. 1. dissuasive may have these three heads. First, the agrravation of the sin. Secondly, the threats denounced against it. Thirdly, the judgements executed upon it. All which are further capable of many subordinate amplifications, by comparing one sin, with others that are like or less. By mentioning the evil effects, consequences, adjuncts, facility, or difficulty, indignity, or any other argument that may breed in us shame and detestation of the sin, compassion of our own selves, repentance for our offences past, and greater vigilancy for the future. 2. The Directive part, should mention the impediments that hinder, and such means or helps whereby we may be enabled to avoid and overcome any sin. 'Tis not enough for the physician to inveigh against the malignity or danger of a disease, but his chief care must be, to direct unto the remedy and cure of it. And for this the prescriptions must be various, according to the several kinds of offences. But this directive part is reducible also under the Use of Exhortation, only here is the difference, that in this place it does properly belong to dissuasion, in the other to persuasion. 2. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, or Instruction in righteousness unto every good Work, may include Consolation Exhortation. 1. A Use of Consolation is, when we apply the comforts that arise from any doctrine unto the particular state and consciences of our hearers. This is one main end of the Scriptures, which were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have Rom 15. 4 hope. And it should be the special care of a Minister, to attend {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, unto Consolation, (as that word may signify) like a wise physician Isa. 40. 1. 1 Tim. 4. 13. to apply Lenitives and Cordials, where the condition of the Patient does require it, as well as Corrosives and Purges. This Use may be amplified by these three heads. 1. By the promises that are made in Scripture. 2. By the experience of others. 3. By removing of such doubts and scruples, as an afflicted soul might suggest. In all afflictions whether outward or inward, we should endeavour to cheer up the faith of the dejected hearer, by proposing suitable comforts, by raising his thoughts from sense to faith, from present things to future. Pressing upon him the Eccles. 3. 11. Rom. 8. 28. consideration of God's wise providence, by which all things are disposed for the best. His sure promises in Christ, by whom we may certainly enjoy plentiful redemption and eternal glory. And though for the present the way of piety may seem to be full of trouble and opposition, yet 'tis most safe in the issue, and the day of redemption does draw nigh, when those that are good shall be delivered from all their sufferings, and every man shall receive according to his work. 2. Exhortation, is for the exciting and quickening of our affections unto any grace or duty. 'Tis so principal a part of Preaching, that Acts 13. 15. all that was to be spoken is called Exhortation. The chief end of an Orator is to persuade, (say the Philosophers) Finis Oratoris est persuasio. And therefore that Preacher, who in his discourses does only flourish in general notions, and does not drive at some particular argument, endeavouring to press upon his auditory, the belief or practice of some truth or duty, is like an unwise Fisher, who spreads his net to the empty air, were he cannot expect any success of his labours. This Use hath two common heads of amplification, Motives, to persuade. Means, to direct. 1. Motives should be such, as do most properly and powerfully work upon the affections, and therefore are derivable from those two general places, of 1. Benefit in doing it. Honestum. Utile. jucundum. Laudabile. Possibile. Facile. 2. Hurt or Danger in neglecting it. Malum. Inutile. Amarum. which are capable of very many subordinate branches, and these may sometimes be the more effectually pressed, by adding to them some affectionate conjurements and obsecrations, like those of the blessed Apostle, Ephes. 4. 1. I beseech you brethren by the mercies of God. 2 Tim. 4. 1. I charge 1 Cor 1. 10 Phil. 2 1, 2 thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead, &c. 2. Means or directions, should consist of such particulars, as may best conduce to the attaining of any grace, or the performance of any duty. And these may be either, 1. general; as, Prayer, seeking it from God who is the foundation of all good. Setting apart some solemn time for our more particular enquiry after it. Improving our abilities and opportunities to this purpose, &c. 2. More special, according as the nature of several subjects shall require, and Scripture or experience direct. These are the chief Uses to which Scripture may be applied. They are frequently mentioned under more and different names, but they are all reducible to these heads: it is not necessary they should be all insisted upon in every Sermon, but only such of them as may be most suitable to the Text, and seasonable to the time and auditory. The Conclusion should consist of some such matter as may engage the hearers to a serious remembrance and consideration of the truths delivered, that they may revolve upon them, and be careful to renew that impression, which has thereby been made upon their souls by conference and meditation. To which purpose, as the milder affections, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, do best suit with the introduction, which must insinuate into the love and attention of the hearers; so {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, more eager and vehement affections will best become the conclusion, as supposing then that we have won the cause we did contend for, convinced and persuaded the auditory beyond all opposition. And therefore here it will be proper to recapitulate some of the most effectual arguments, which may leave the hearers moved and stirred up in their affections. Thus much briefly concerning the most easy method and true logic of a Sermon, which was the first thing proposed to be discussed, and being rightly understood, may be a very great help to facilitate this service of Preaching. The next general head to be insisted upon is, concerning the invention of matter, where there are two things considerable; 1. The seasonableness of it to the time and auditory. 2. The pertinency of it to the text, or subject we are to treat of. The first of these must be left to the prudence of the Minister in distinguishing of times and emergencies, in applying himself to the several conditions and necessities of his hearers; whether they are to be taught and instructed in some necessary truth, or to be excited unto some necessary duty; To which purpose he must consider, whether the generality of his hearers be either ignorant or knowing, whether enemies to Religion, or professors of it, whether merely formal, or truly pious, whether more cheerful and zealous, or more cold and sluggish: According to which variety, his Doctrine and expressions must be variously suited. To use the same matter and manner in all auditories, is as if a shoemaker should make all his ware of an equal size for children and men, great and little, there being as much difference betwixt the inward gifts and necessities, as betwixt the outward statures. As in other invitations we carve that to the guests which is most suitable to their several palates and appetites: So in these spiritual feasts, we should be careful to fit our preparations unto the capacity and edification of the hearers. This is the meaning of the Holy Ghost, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, rightly to divide the word of truth, when like a faithful Steward he does proportion his dispensations according to the exigencies of the Family, when like a wise physician he does fit his prescriptions according to the several necessities of his Patients. This is to have the tongue Luk 12. 42 of the Learned, which knows how to speak a word in due season. 2. The matter must be pertinent and natural unto the subject we are to insist upon; for want of Isay. 50. 4. skill in the invention of this, many men (especially young beginners) are very apt to complain of much dryness and slowness in their composures, and to take any hint of flying out into impertinent amplifications, not being able to enlarge themselves, and keep close to their Text. Now there is a threefold remedy against this: Prayer. Reading. Meditation. By the first we must be prepared and directed, both in our judgements and affections. By the second we may inform and furnish ourselves with materials. By the third we may digest them into the most proper way for the edification of others. Lectio inquirit, oratio postulat, meditatio invenit, contemplatio degustat, (saith a Father,) Prayer August. de Scalis parad. cap●z. does desire, Reading does inquire, Study and Meditation do discover and digest. 1. Prayer. That God would direct and enable us for the particular service that lies upon us. It was a usual saying of Luther, Benè orasse est benè studuisse; He always found himself in best temper for study, when he had first composed his thoughts, and raised up his affections by prayer: And certainly the weightiness of the service may justly deserve this preparation. For if Queen Esther, if Nehemiah, being to speak unto an earthly King for the temporal safety of their people, did first prepare themselves this way, much more than should Ministers, who are to be ambassadors from the great God concerning that weighty business of men's eternal salvations. 2. Reading. It was the Apostles advice to Timothy, 1 Tim. 4. 13. Give attendance to reading, And he says, that it is the study of the Scriptures, that must make the man of God perfect, throughly furnished, 2 Tim. 3. 17. If this were necessary in those Primitive times, when men were extraordinarily inspired with special gifts: much more now, when we cannot expect any immediate infusion, but must apply ourselves unto the natural proper means of attaining any ability. 3. Meditation and study, 1 Tim. 4. 15. Meditate on these things, give thyself wholly to them; {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, Be in them, which phrase implies much intention and industry in our studies. Demosthenes would have such a one branded for a pernicious man to the commonwealth, who durst propose any thing publicly which he had not beforehand seriously pondered. What impudence is it then in the great business of salvation, when a man appears before the Church, Angels, God himself, to discourse in a loose irreverent manner, so as to nauseate and flat the devotion, and attention of the hearers, to prostitute the esteem and authority of that sacred ordinance. Nic. Hemming De pasiore. Let such rash persons consider, Qualis sit res ovile Christi, quam pulchra & Deo grata fit ovium Christi societ as, in cujus medio Dominus ille est, cui sol & luna famulantur, cui adsunt ministri ejus millia millium & decies centena millia; Quantae molis est regnum Christi erigere, & Satanae palatia demoliri, &c. But now because amongst those helps of invention which fall under the rules of Art, this of Reading is one of the principal, therefore it will deserve a more large and particular consideration. There are two things which in our reading and study may be of great advantage. 1. Good Books. 2. A right Method and series of matter to be first and most exactly inquired into. There is no external help more effectual to direct a man unto pertinent useful matter, upon all subjects and occasions, than a Welis contrived Library, whe●ein upon any emergent doubt or difficulty, he may have recourse unto the advice of other grave and learned men, who (it may be) have bestowed a great part of their time and study, in the resolution of that particular business which he hath occasion to inquire into. There are many men whose natural parts would extremely improve and grow very eminent, if they had but the knowledge and help of such Authors, as are most suitable to their genius and employment, whereas on the other side their abilities are much damped and kept low, whilst they are confined only to a scant ill chosen Library. There is as much Art and benefit in the right choice of some Books with which we should be most familiar, as there is in the election of other friends or acquaintance with whom we may most profitably converse. And this knowledge of Books; as it is in itself a very specious part of learning, making oftentimes more pompous show then the knowledge of things, so is it likewise of very great use and advantage. For the attaining of this, the most proper effectual way is by our own study and experience in the works of several Authors; But because that is a business of vast industry and much time, scarce consistent with the frequent returns of public service required of a constant Preacher, unless he be beforehand qualified for this, by his education and leisure at the University; therefore there is another help to expedite our enquiry in this kind, namely, the perusal of such Books as do give a particular account of all Authors, the times when they lived, the Works they have published, with the several subjects they have insisted upon; Their Editions, Translations, corruptions, their esteem and authority; of which kind there are several Writers, both Protestants and Papists. Such are these Discourses: Pauli Bolduani Bibliotheca Theologica. Georg. Draudii Bibliotheca Classica, Eufebius de scriptoribus Ecclesiasticis. Gesneri Biblioth. cum Simleri supplemento. Hieronymus de Scriptoribus Ecclesiast. Fabiani justiniani Index Universalis. Johan. Molani Biblioth. Materiarum. Photii Biblioth. Possevini Apparatus sacri. Sexti Senensis Biblioth Trithemius de Scriptoribus Ecclesiasticis. Dav. Tossani Synopsis de patribus. Gilberti Voetii Biblioth. Theolog. Amongst whom there are some that go by an alphabetical order of the author's names, as Photius, Sextus Senensis, Possevine, &c. Others observe an alphabetical order in setting down the several matters and subjects they insist upon, as Bolduanus, Draudius, Gesner, Justinianus, &c. So that if a man would know either what subject any particular Authors have treated upon, or what Authors have treated particularly upon any subject, he may in them see references to this purpose. These are esteemed the most advantageous helps for the understanding of Books in general: but more particularly the Authors which are most proper and useful for the study of a Divine, are reducible to these three heads. Those which concern the study either of Scripture. The Body of Divinity. Antiquity. The understanding of Scripture being one of the chief businesses of a Minister to which all his other studies are subordinate; 'Tis to be supposed therefore in the first place that he is provided with the Old and New Testaments, both in their originals and most authentic Translations. The chief Translations of the Bible may be distinguished into those which are either in Translations of the Bible. the Learned Language. Vulgar The Translations of the Old Testament into the Learned languages, are chiefly of five heads. 1. Into Chalde, commonly called the Targum or Chalde paraphrase, which in the historical Books do, for the most part render the true sense of the original; but in the Hagiographa is exceeding full of mistakes, and do seldom come near the right meaning. 2. Into Greek, the chief of which is the Septuagint by the 72 Interpreters, (as the Tradition goes) which hath been always esteemed ofgreat authority and repute. The other great Translations by Aquila, Symmachus and Theodosio, are now lost, excepting only some few fragments of them which yet remain. 3. Into Arabic, This Translation hath been formerly published only for some parts of the Bible as the Pentateucb, psalms, and is by some learned men rejected as being ignorantly done, not from the original, but out of some other Translation and by some corrupt copy. It hath since been published for the whole Bible in the King of France his late edition. 4. Into Syriac. This hath been esteemed for genuine and faithful. 5. Into Latin, of which version there are several kinds, but the chief of them are these five. 1. The Vulgar commonly ascribed to St. Hierom, though there be great reason to doubt of it. 2. Pagnines Translation, which is of good antiquity and esteem, published Anno Dom. 1523. Altered by Arias Montanus in the Interlineary Bible. 3. The Tigurine Translation, begun by Leo Juda, and finished by other reformed Divines, Munster's. Anno Dom. 1543. published by Robert Stephens, 1557. with Notes annexed which he ascribes to Vatablus. 4. The Translation of Sebastian Castalio, which is for the most part very elaborate and subtle, but not without too much affectation of Elegance, published first Anno Dom. 1551. 5. The Latin Version which is in most common use amongst us, being performed by those learned men, Fran. Junius, and Eman. Tremelius, with very great diligence and judgement. The Translation of the New Testament into the learned languages, are either into Syriack. Latin. 1. The Syriack is of good antiquity and esteem, but was heretofore defective in some Books, namely the 2d. and 3d. Epistle of John, the 2d. of Peter, Jude and the Apocalypse, which have been lately supplied by Mr. Pocock. 2. The Latin Translations, are chiefly of three kinds, namely. 1. The Vulgar. 2. Erasmus. 3. Beza, which are all commonly known, and in their several kinds of good repute. Now for the translations of the Bible into our own vulgar tongue, there are some of these so ancient as Henry the 8th his time, by Mr. Tindall and Matthewes; but these Translations were not so much from the original Hebrew and Greek, as from some other Latin Version, and therefore are not esteemed of any great authority. The English Translations that have been of most common use and greatest repute, are these three. 1. The Geneva Translation, so styled because it was finished in that place by some English exiles in Queen Mary's time, being first published, Anno Dom. 1560. 2. The Bishop's Bible in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's reign, by Archbishop Parker and others, which because it was not so exact and carefully done, too often following the Greek rather than the Hebrew, and so liable to divers mistakes, (as may appear in the reading psalms of the liturgy,) therefore King James caused another most exact Translation to be made of it in his time, which is by way of distinction called 3. The King's Bible, being that which is now in common use amongst us. The Various editions of the Bible in the learned Editions of the Bible. languages, have been so multiplied, that 'tis not easy (if possible) to recite them. Amongst those that are esteemed either of greatest Antiquity, Elegance, or correctedness, I still mention some of the chief. 1. The Hebrew with other Translations annexed Hebrew with Translations. is of several kinds and editions. The Complutensian in Spain containing the Hebrew, Greek, Latin, together with the Targum upon the Pentateuch, in six Tomes fol. Anno Dom. 1515. Munster's edition with his Latin Version, and some Notes out of the Rabines, Printed at Basil. Anno Dom. 1534. The King of Spain's Bible, Printed at Antwerp, 1571. in 8. Tomes fol. Containing the Hebrew Text, the Septuagint, the Chalde Paraphrase and Vulgar, with a Latin Translation of the 70 and Targum. And for the New Testament, the original Greek, the Vulgar and Syriack Versions,, together with a Latin Translation of the Syriack by Guido Boderianus. Besides an Interlineary Bible and a large Apparatus. All very elegantly and correctedly Printed. Vatablus his edition in 3 vol. fol. 1586. containing the Hebrew, the Septuagint and Latin. The King of France his Bible, lately printed at Paris, containing all that is in the King of Spain's edition, excepting only the Interlineary Bible and the Apparatus, and having further added The Samaritan Pentateuch and a Translation of it, a Syriack Translation of the Old-Testament, and an Arabic Translation of the whole Bible, with Latin Translations to each of them. A very pompous magnificent work, had the Corrector bestowed as much diligence and skill, as the Publishers did cost. 2. The edition of the Hebrew Text without Hebrew alone. Translations, are likewise of divers kinds. By Plantine with much truth and exactness both in fol. 4o— 8o— with and without points at several times. By Robert Stephens at Paris in 4ᵒ in a very fair large Character, and after very elegantly and most correctedly in 16o. By Hutter in a fair elegant Character, which distinguisheth the radical and servile, the deficient and quiescent letters. Hamburgh. 1587. By Buxtorfe, with large rabinical Notes and Comments. Anno Dom. 1618. 3. The Septuagint distinct from the original Text, is printed at Rome, and after, both at Frankford Septuagint. and Paris with a Latin Translation, and the fragments of the old Greek Interpreters, Aquila Symmacus and Theodosio, which fragments may likewise be had distinct in Drusius his fragmenta Veterum, augmented with several other explications and Annotations of his own. 4. The New Testament for the chief edition of it hath been mentioned before, besides which New Testa. there are very many others that are commonly known. Next to these there are some other Discourses that in their several kinds may be very useful. Amongst these some are 1. Preparatory. 2. Principal and more direct. 1. Those may be styled Preparatory, which lay down rules and directions for the profitable reading, and right interpretation of Scripture; such as these. Ferdin. de Escalante, Clypeus Concionatorum. Wolfang. Franzius de Interp. S. Script. Salome. Glassii Philologia sacra. And. Hyperius de S. Script. Lectione. Flacii Illyrici Clavis Scripturae, pars secunda. Jo. Euseb. Nierembergius de origine Scripturae. And. Rivet. Isagoge. Nicol. Serrarii Prolegom. Biblica. Ludov. de Tena Isagoge. Michaelis Waltheri officina Biblica. 2. The Books that do more principally and directly tend to make a man a good Textuary, may be reckoned up under these three heads: 1. Concordances. 2. Commentaries. 3. Reconcilers. 1. Concordances are of very great use, both for the unfolding of difficult Texts, by referring to parallel Scriptures, and to enlarge upon any Theme with the most proper quotations, as also for the directing of us unto such Texts of which we have only some confused imperfect remembrance. These are of two kinds, for Words. Things. Concordances for words are those which reckon up the several places wherein such a word is mentioned. These are either for the Original Old Testam. Hebrew. Buxtorfius. Chaldee, in some places of Dan. & Isa. Martin. Trostius: N. Testam. in Greek. Hen. Stephanus. Lucii Lexicon. N. T. Translations Old Testament into Greek by the Septuagint. Conrad. Kircherus. N. Testam. into Syriack. Mart. Trostius. Both into Latin. Hen, Stephanus. English. Cotton. Newman. A Concordance of things does sum up all the pertinent Scriptures unto any particular head or common place, which drive at the same sense, though it may be of different words. Some of these are in Latin, as, Allotti Thesaurus. Berchorii index moralis. Pet. Eulardi Concordantiae morales. Marlorati Thesaurus. Enchridion. Dan. Tossani Index. Georgii Viti Doctrinale Bibliorum. There are some others of this kind in our English Tongue: Mr. Bernard's Thesaurus Biblicus. The fort-hill of the Scriptures. Clarks Holy oil. Wilsons Dictionary. Unto these may be added those Treatises that handle the several acceptions of words and phrases in Scripture: as Flacii Illyrici Clavis Scripturae. Mr. Leigh's Critica Sacra. Petri Ravanelli Bibliotheca sacra. Commentators are either upon some particular Matter. Books. Those I style Commentators upon matter who do insist upon the explaining of some peculiar subject, dispersedly contained in the several parts of Scripture. Such are those that handle, Scripture Philosophy, as, Valesius de sacra Philosophia. Levinus Lemnius de Plantis sacris. Franc. Rueus de Gemmis sacris. Wolf. Franzius Hist. Animalium Sacr. Joan. Bustamantinus de Animalibus S. Scripturae. Scripture Chronology, as, Hen. Alstedii Chronologia sacra. Hugh Broughtons' Consent. Laur. Codomanni Annales S. Scripturae. Mr. Lightfoot, his Harmony. Sr. Walter Raleigh's History. Jac. Saliani Annales, à Creatione ad Christum. Jos. Scaliger de Emendatione Temporum. Scripture Geography, or Topography, as, Jo. Adamannus de situ terrae sanctae. * Christ. Adricomii Theatrum terrae sanctae. David Chytraei, Itinerarium totius S. Scrip. Chronic. Mr. Fuller, Holy Land. The Travels of the Patriarchs. Scripture Measures and Weights, as, Boizardus. Dav. Chytraeus. Rob. Cenalis. Pet. Ciaconius. Epiphanius. Hulsius. Johan. Mariana. Occho. The proverbial expressions either used or alluded to in Scripture, or Adagialia Sacra. as, Martin Delrius. Johan. Drusius. Andrea's Schottus. Joach. Zehner. The Allegories in Scripture, Isidor. Hispalensis de Alleg. Hieron. Laureti Silva Alleg. totius Scripturae▪ Ottomarus Luscinius. Roberti Holcot Alleg. utriusque Testamenti. The Schemes and Tropes used in Scripture. Beda. Cassiodorus. Flacius Illyricus, in parte secunda. Barthol. Westhemeri Tropi insigniores ex utroque Testamento. There might be divers other the like subjects instanced in, but these are some of the chief: Now in all difficulties that refer to any of these heads, a man may expect more full satisfaction from those Authors that purposely insist upon them, then from others who do more promiscuously comment at large. Commentators upon the Books of Scripture are very numerous, and of various kinds: I shall mention only some of those whose names are most common and most eminent. Upon the whole Bible. * ENglish Annotat. Hugo Cardinalis. * Deodate Annot. * Hugo Grotius. Io. de la Hay. Nicol. Lyranus. Mariana. Steph. Menochius. See many other Commentators mentioned in Possevin, Draudius, Schottus. Besodnerus, The Oxford Catalogue. * Pareus. Conrad. Pellicanus. Pisc●tor. Eman. Sa. Jacob. Tir●nus. On the Pentateuch. Hen. Alstedius. Benedict. Aretius. * Henry Ainsworth. Iac. Bonfrerius. Io. Brentius. Tho. de Vio Cajetanus. * Iohan. Calvinus. Seraph. Cappo à Porrecta. Catena Veterum. David Chytraeus. Joh. Drusius. * Paulus Fagius. Ferus. Gregorius Magnus. Arth. Jackson. Cornel. à Lapide. Oleaster. Fab. Paulutius, Piscatoris Questiones. * August. Steuchus Eugubinus. * Theodoret. * Tostatus. On Genesis. Tho. Aquinas. Augustinus. Jo. Chrysostom. Cyrillus Alexan. Mart. Delrio. Benedict. Fernandez. Ioh. Gerhardus. Io. de la Hay. D. Hieronymus. Mart. Lutherus. Aug. Marlorat. * Pet. Martyr. Wolf. Musculus. Ioh. Mercerus. Marinus Mersenius. Origenes. David Pareus. Ben. Pererius. * And. Rivet. Victorin. Strigelius. * An. Willet. Lod. Ystella. Hulder. Zuinglius. Upon Exodus. Jo. de la Hay. Jansenius in 15. prior cap. Arth. Lake in cap. 19 * Lorinus. Christoph. Pelargus. Balthazar Paez. in 15. p. cap. Benedict. Pererius. in 15. p. cap. * And Rivet. * An. Willet. Hulder. Zuinglius. On Leviticus. Cyrillus Alexand. * Jo. Lorinus. Origenes. Christoph. Pelargus. Pet. Serranus. * An. Willet. On Numbers. Guil. Attersoll. Francis. Junius. * Iohan. Lorinus. Origenes. Christ. Pelargus. On Deuteronomy. * Io. Lorinus. Mart. Luther. Christoph. Pelargus. August. de Quiros. * Jo. Wolfius. On Josuah. Augustinus. Bonfrerius. Brentius. Cajetanus. * Calvinus. Carthusianus. Chytraeus. Drusius. Jo. Ferus. Arth. Jackson. Lavaterus. Corn. à Lapide. Jo. Mayer. * And. Masius. Cosm. Magalian●s. Arias Montanus. Origenes. * Nicol. Serrarius. Rupertus. * Theodoret. * Tostatus. Hugo de S. Victore. * Io. Wolfius. On Judges. Augustinus. Iac. Bonfrerius. Io. Brentius. Mart. Bucer. Tho. de vio Caietanus. Chytraeus. Io. Drusius. Io. ●erus. Corn. à Lapide. Ludo. Lavater. Jo. Mayer. * Pet. Martyr. A●ias Montanus. Cosma. Magalianus. Pellicanus. Rich. Rogers. Nic. Serrarius. * Theodoret. * Tostatus. Hugo de S. Victore. On Ruth. Gab. Acosta. Ven. Beda. Iac. Bonfrerius. Io. Brentius. Tho. à Vio Caietanus. Chytraeus. Ioh Dr●sius. Lud. Lavater. Corn. à Lapide. Jo. Mayer. Pellicanus. * Gasp. Sanctius. Nic. Serrarius. Topshell. * Tostatus. * Theodoret. Hugo de S. Victore. On Samuel. Io. Brentius. Tho. de Vio Caietanus. * Io. Calvinus. Dion. Carthusianus. Ioh. Drusius. Hieronym●s. Corn. à Lapide. * Pet. Martyr. Mendoza. Jo. Mayer. Origenes. Pellicanus. Nic. Serrarius. * Gasp. Sanctius. Victor. Strigelius. * Theodoret. * Tostatus. Hugo de S. Victore. * An. Willet. On the Kings. Io. Brentius. Cajetanus. Carthusianus. Io. Drusius. Corn. à Lapide. * Pet. Martyr. Jo. Mayer. Origenes. Pellicanus. Nic. Serrarius. * Gasp. Sanctius. Victor. Strigelius. * Theodoret. * Tostatus. Hugo de S. Victore. On the Chronicles. Caietanus. Carthusianus. Hieronymus. Corn. à Lapide. Lud. Lavater. Jo. Mayer. Nic. Serrarius. * Gasp. Sanctius. * Theodoret. * Tostatus. On Ezra. Ven. Beda. Io. Brentius. Cajetanus. Lauàterus. Corn. à Lapide. Jo. Mayer. * Gasp. Sanctius. Hugo de S. Victore. On Nehemiah. Beda. Brentius. Cajetanus. Ferus. à Lapide. Lavaterus. Jo. Mayer. Mr Pilkinton. Nic. Serrarius. On Esther. Brentius. Caietanus. Drusius. Io. Fevardentius. Lavaterus. Corn. à Lapide. Jo. Mayer. Pet. Merlinus. Raba●●s Maurus. Nic. Serrarius. * Gasp. Sanctius. On Job. Ambrose. Tho. Aquinas. Augustinus. Beda Ioh. Bolducus. Io. Brentius. * Ioh. Calvinus. * Jos. Caryl. Catena 24. Graec. Doct. Io. Cocceus. Balth. Corderius. Ioh. Drusius. Io. Ferus. Gregorius Mag. Lud. Lavaterus. * Io. Mercerus. Pet. Merlinus. Origenes. * Io. de Pineda. * Aug. Steuchus Eugubinus. * Gasp. Sanctius. On the P●almes. Ant. Angelius. Hen. Ainsworth. Alex. de Ales. Amesius. Tho. Aquinas. Augustinus. Beda. Bellarminus. Fred. Baldvinus. Bonaventura. Bucerus. Cajetanus. * Calvinus. Carthusianus. Catena Graec. Doct. Euthymius. Eusebius Caesariensis. * Io. Ford. Gilb. Genebrardus. Gregorius M. Gregorius Nissenus. Hieronymus. Corn. Jansenius. Pet. Lombardus. * Io. Lorinus. * Mollerus. * Marloratus. Ar. Montanus. * Wolf. Musculus. * Muis. Rob. Rollocus. Abra. Scultetus. Theodoretus. Vicars. On the Proverbs. Ro. Baynus. Ven. Beda. Cajetanus. * Tho. Cartwright. Jo. Dod. Hieronymus. Rob. Holcot. Jansenius. Jermin. A Lapide. Lud. Lavater. Luther. Melacton. * Io. Mercerus. * Salazar. On Ecclesiastes. Beda. Bonaventura. Io. Brentius. Hugh Broughton. * Tho. Cartwright. Cajetanus. Io. Ferus. Tho. Granger. Hieronymus. Jansenius. Lavaterus. Lorinus. Lutherus. * Mercerus. Melancton. * Will. Pemble. Io. de Pineda. Fra. Sanchez. Serrarius. Tolle●arius. Hugo de S. Victore. On the Canticles. Hen. Ainsworth. Hen. Alsted. Anselmus. Tho. Aquinas. Pet. Arboreus. Beda. Bernardus. Tho. Brightman. Carthusianus. Catena Grae. Patrum, Jo. Cotton. Foliot. Mart. Delrius. * Mich. Ghisler. Gregorius M. Gregorius Nissen. Hieronymus. Lutherus. Io. Mercerus. Origenes. De Ponte. * Gasp. Sanctius. Paulus Sherlogus. * Theodoretus. On Isaiah. Tho. Aquinas. Did. Alvarez. Beda. Io. Brentius. Hen. Bullingerus, Cajetanus. * Calvinus. Cyrillus Alex. Euseb. Caesari. * Fran. Forerius. Hieronymus. Cor. à Lapide. Lutherus. * Marloratus. Hen. Mollerus. * Wolf. Musculus. Mich. de Palatio. Hect. Pintus. August. de Quiros. * Gasp. Sanctius. Abra. Scultetus. On Jeremiah. Tho. Aquinas. Io. Brentius. * Io. Calvinus. A Castro. * Pet. à Figueiro. * Mich. Ghislerius. Hieronymus. A Lapide. Maldonatus. Origenes, * Sanctius. * Theodoretus. On the Lamentations of Jeremiah. Gab. Acosta. Tho. Aquinas. Bonaventura. Broughton. * Io. Calvinus. Mart, Delrius. Ferus. * Pet. à Figueiro. Hieronymus. Cor. à Lapide. Io. Maldonatus. * Pet. Martyr. Melancton. Origenes. Hector Pintus. * Gasp. Sanctius. * Theodoret. * Dan. Tossanus. John Udall. Hugo de S. Victore. Hulder. Zuinglius. On Ezekiel. * Calvinus. Carthasianus. Georgius Mag. Hieronymus. Junius. A Lapide. Lavaterus. Maldonatus. Origenes. Hector Pintus. * Amand, Polanus. Pellicanus. * Gasp. Sanctius. Pet. Serranus. * Theodoretus. * Villalpandus. Steph, Zegedinus. On Daniel. Hen. Alsted. Tho. Aquinas. Broughton. Bullingerus. * Calvinus. Carthusianus. Hieronymus. Fran. Junius. Cor. a Lapide. Lutherus. Maldonatus. Melancton. * Parker. Ben. Pererius. Hect. Pintus. Amand. Polanus. Rollocus. * Sanctius. * Theodoretus. Io. Wingandus. * An. Willet. On the 12 minor Prophets. Beda. * Calvinus. Carthusianus. Cyrillus Alex. Drusius. Steph. Fabritius. Pet. à Figueiro, Hieronymus. Hemmingius. Cor. à Lapide. Arias Montanus. Fran. Rivera. * Gasp. Sanctius. * Io. Tarnovius. * Theodoretus. On Hosea. Io. Brentius. Hiero. Guadalupensis. Lutherus. * Io. Mercerus. Hen. Mollerus. Da. Pareus. Am. Polanus. * And. Rivet. Imman. Tremelius. Theophylactus. * Hieron. Zanchius. On Joel. Johan. Faber. Lutherus. * Mercerus. Pareus. Hugo de S. Victore. On Amos. Io. Brentius. Lutherus. * Io. Mercerus. Pareus. Mat. Quadratus. Ruffinus. On Obadiah. Mar. Lutherus. * Mercerus. Edw. Marbury. * Io. Rainoldus. Hugo de S. Victore. On Jonah. * BP. Abbot. Gab. Acosta. Pet. Baro. Io. Brentius. Jo. Fevardentius, Fran. Junius. * BP. King. Lutherus. * Jo. Mercerus. Jo. Treminius. Theophylactus. On Micah. Io. Brentius. * Da. Chytraeus. Lutherus. On Nahum. * Da. Chytraeus. * Ludo. Crocius. Lutherus. Hector Pintus. Theophylactus. Io. Winkelmannus. On Habakkuk. * Chytraeus. Lutherus. Theophylactus. Winkelmannus. On Zephaniah. * Martin. Bucerus. Lutherus. Io. Winkelmannus. On Haggai. Frid. Baldvinus. Jo. Ecchius. Phil. Melancton. David Pareus. Winkelmannus. On Zechariah. Frid. Baldvinus. * Da. Chytraeus. Lutherus. Phil, Melancton. * Will. Pemble. Jo. de Reyroles. Balth. Willius. On Malachi. Gab. Acosta. Frid. Baldvinus. Da. Chytraeus. Io. Martinus. Melancton. Hen. Mollerus. Amand. Polanus. Aug. de Quiros. Will. Sclater. * Rich. Stock. Winkelmannus. Balth, Willius. Upon the New Testament. Ben. Aretius. * Theod. Beza. * Tho. Cartwright. Carthusianus. Drusius Annot. * Erasmus. Fulk. Gregorius M. * Heinsius. Fla. Illyricus. Cor. à Lapide. Marloratus. Zach. Muthesius. Alph. Salmeron. Dan. Tossanus. Upon the 4 Gospels. Tho. Aquinas, Ben. Aretius. Augustinus. Sebast. Barradius. Io. Brentius. * Luc. Brugensis. Mart. Bucerus. Cajetanus. * Calvinus. * Cartwright. * Chemnitius. Catena Au●ea. Ad. Contzen. Lud. de Deiu. Io. Gerson. Nic. God ranus. Hie●onymus. * Cor. Jansenius. Maldonatus. Jo. Mayer. Arias Montanus. Aloysins Novarinus. Guido de Perpiniano. Rupertus. Alphon. Salmeron. Scultetus. Theophylactus. Dan. Tossanus. Jo. Trap.. Hugo de S. Victo●e. On Matthew. Anselmus. Aquinas. Alphon. Avendanus. Augustinus. * Ferus. Rod. Gualtherus. Cl●ud. Guilliaudus. Hieronymus. Hilarius. Phil. Melancton. Melo. * Musculus. Aloys. Novarinus. Origenes. Pareus. A Ponte. Rob. Stephanus. Sibelius. Dan Tossanus. * Tostatus. Ward. On Mark. Albertus M. Beda. Lamb. Daneus. Io. Ge●son. Angel del Pas. Rob. Stephanus. Io. Winkelmannus. Vitale Zuccolo. On Luke. Ambrose Beda. Bonaventura. Catena Graec. Pat. Isid. Cla●us. Hier. Guadalupensis. Gas. Melo. Origenes. Rob. Stephanus. * Did. Stella. * Fran. Tollet. Vit. Zuccolo. On John. Aquinas. Bonaventure. Catena Gr. Patrum. Chrysostomus. Cyrillus Alex. Hemingius. * Io. Ferus. Lutherus. Melancton. * Musculus. Origenes. Hieron. Osorius: Michael de Palatio. Ben. Pererius. Chr. Pelargus. Ribera. * Rob. Rollocus. * Fran. Tollet. Paul. Tarnovius. On the Acts. Dan. Arcularius. Beda. Brentius. Bullingerus. Cajetanus. * Calvinus. Catena Vet. Pat. Chrysostomus. Ioach. Camerarius. Lud. de Dieu. * Io. Ferus. Gregorius M. Rod. Gualtherus. * Nic. Gorranus. Co●. à Lapide. * Lorinus. Malcolm. Jo. Mayer. Alos. Novarinus. Oecumenius. Alph. Salmeron. Tho. Stapleton. Theophylactus. Dan. Tossanus. Joh. Trap.. Upon the Epistles. Ambrose. Anselmus. Aquinas. Beda. Bullingerus. Cajetanus. * Calvinus. Chrysostomus. * Dav. Dickson. * Guil. Estius. Nic. Gorranus. Rod. Gualtherus. Ben. Justinianus. And. Hyperius. * Cor. à Lapide. Pet. Lumbardus. Jo. Mayer. * Musculus. Oecumenius. Beat. Remigius. * Theodoretus. Theophylactus. Dan. Tossanus. Joh. Trap.. Hugo de S. Victore. Conrad. Vorstius. On the Epistle to the Romans. Augustinus. Frid. Baldvinus. Io. Brentius. Mart. Bucerus. Adam. Contzen. Lud de Dieu. * Io. Ferus. Marcil. Ficinus. Ioh. Gerhardus. Gomarus. * Pet. Martyr. Phil. Melancton. * Wolf. Musculus. Origenes * Da. Pareus. Elnath. Parr. Ben. Pererius. Rob. Rollocus. Ab. Scultetus. Dominic. Soto. Stapleton. * Fran. Tollet. And. Willet. Wilson. On the Epistles to the Corinthians. Frid. Baldvinus. * Pet. Mart. in Prim. Phil. Melancton. * Wolf. Musculus. Tho. Morton in Prim. * Dav. Pareus. Gul. Sclater. Tho. Stapleton. Geor. Wenrichius. To the Galatians. Augustinus. Frid. Baldvinus. Io. Brentius. Lutherus. * Musculus. * Da. Pareus. * Will. Perkins. Rob. Rollocus. Adam Sasbout. Io. Wigandus. Io. Winkelman. To the Ephesians. * Paul Bain. Frid. Baldvinus. Mart. Bucerus. * Lud. Crocius. Lubinus. * M●sculus. Aug. de Quiros. Rob. Rollocus. Adam Sasbout. Ab. Scultetus. * Hieron. Zanchius. Geor. Wenrichius. To the Philippians. Hen. Airay. Frid. Baldvinus. Io. Brentius. * Gomarus. Lubinus. * Musculus. Ad. Sasbout. Scholanus. Io. Au. Velasquez. * Hieron. Zanchius. To the Colossians. Frid. Baldvinus. * Nic. Bifeild. Tho. Cartwright. * Io. Davenant. Ed. Elton. Melancton. * Musculus. de Quiros. Rollocus. Sasbout. * Hieron. Zanchius. To the Thessalonians. * Io. Gomarus. Io. jewel in Prim. * Musculus. Rollocus. * Will. Sclater. Pet. stevartius. * Zanchius. Zuinglius. To Timothy. Alex. Ales. Frid. Baldvinus. Lamb. Danaeus. * Claud. Espencaeus. Ant. Fayus. Io. Gerhardus. Cosma Magalianus. Melancton. * Musculus. Ad. Sasbout. * Ab. Scultetus. Lud. Soro. Major. To Titus. Alex. Ales●●s. * Lud. Crocius. * Claud. Espenc●us. Cos. Magalianus. Ad. Sasbou●. * Ab. Scultetus. Lud. Soto-Majo●. * Tho. Taylor. To Philemon. * Attersol. Brentius. Danaeus. * Dan. Dyke. Fra●. Fevardenti●●● * Gomarus. Phil. Pareus. Ab. Scultetus. On the Hebrews. * Da. Dickson. Io. Gerardus. * Gomarus. * An. Hyperius. Polyc. Lyserus. David Pareus. Mic. de Palatio● Fran. Ribera. Sasbout. Scultetus. * Ludov. de Tena● On the 7 canonical Epistles. Hen. Alsted. * Tho. Aquinas. Beda. Bullingerus. Cajetanus. * Calvinus. * Estius. Faber. Stap. Nic. Goran. Rod. Gualther. Nic. Hemmingius. Corn. à Lapide. Salmeron. Dan. Tossanus. Mat. Turnemannus. 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. Adam's. 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. Iuniu●. * Lorinus. Lutherus. Sam. Oates. * Will. Perkins. Aug. de Quiros. Phil. Pareus. Sasbout. * Sibelius. On the Revelation. Alabaster. Albe●tus. 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 pass 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, Chrysosto●e, Cyril Alex. Eusebius, Gregary the great, Gregory Nissen, Hierom, Hilary, Origen, Theodoret, Theophylact. Amongst the later writers, some are eminent for their Orthodox sound judgements, proper and useful matter. So the Protestant Commentators in general: as Alsted, Baldvin, Brentius, Bucer, Bullinger, Calvin, Chemnitius, Danaeus, Drusius, Gerard, Hyperius, Junius, Lavater, Luther, P. Martyr, Melancton, Mercer, Moller, Musculus, P●reus, Piscator, Rivet, Rolloc, Scultet Tarnov. Zanchy, &c. More especially our English Divines, whose abilities and geniuses (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 subtlety and rational learning in the explaining of Scripture; such were generally those Schoolmen who have undertaken to comment upon it, as Albert●s M. Alexand. de Alice, Aquinas, Bonaventure, Cajetan, Carthusian, Daza, Estius, Mich-d● Palatio, Dominic. Soto, &c. Others amongst them are eminent for solid pious matter, in practical things and points not controverted, as Ferus, Jansenius, 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, Mendoz●, Pererius, Pineda, Ribera, Saimeron, Sanct. Serrarins, Tolet, &c. Besides these Commentators upon the several ●ooks, there are others that have commented upon particular parcels and texts of Scripture. Of which kind the Homilies of the ancient Fathers are the first and most eminent, as those of Augustine, Bernard, Chrysostom, Chrysologus, Gregory, &c. As for the common Postillers they are for the most part rejected by our gravest most judicious Divines, as being generally useless and empty. But there are some amongst them of better esteem, as Protestants. Papists. Dr. Boys. Besseus. Dietericus. Coppe●stenius. Iac. Laurentius. Fonseca. Stumphius. Gal. Inchino. Zepperus. Labata. Mussus. To which may be added those discourses of this kind 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, styled, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. 'Tis the common opinion that amongst all such kind of works, our English Sermons and Treatises L. Verulam's Advance of Learning. are most elaborate and useful. It was the judgement of a very learned man, That if the choice and best observations, which have been made dispersedly in our English Sermons (leaving out the largeness 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 em●nency 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 caryl. 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 Jackson. 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 pugnanti●m. 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 Scriptur●. 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 ●uch critical discourses as do make more particular enquiry after those difficult Texts that are dispersed in several parts of Scripture. Such are Arnoldi Bootii Annotationes Sacrae. Angeli Caninii disquisitiones. Fulleri Miscellanea. Mr. Gregory's Observations upon some passages of Scripture. Mr. Mede's Diatribe. These are the several 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 Pos●●ive, as, 1. Catechisms. Latin. English. 2. Common places Epitomes. More Large. 3. Casuists. polemical. Schoolmen, upon the Sentences. Sums. Particular Controversies about Discipline Episcopacy. Presbytery. Independency. Doctrine with the Papists. Lutherans. Socinians. Arminians. Anabaptiss. Antinomians. 1. Catechisms are of very great variety and 1. Catechism. 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 fundamental 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 Latin there is, Amesius, and Ursinus. In English there is Mr Ball's catechism, Mr. Bains catechism, Mr. Cartwright's catechism, Mr. Crooks' Guide, BP Ushers catechism, &c. 2. The usual Common places of Divinity are 2. Common places. 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 kind of Common places, wherein the matter is Alphabetically disposed of under several heads, from which a man may be supplied with the most common observations and notes upon any simple Theme. And though these are by many men rejected as occasions of idleness, yet they may be sometimes very useful, 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 suitable to their employment: of this kind 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 styled mystical 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 cried up and followed. But they do in the opinion of many sober and judicious men, deliver only a kind of cabalistical or chemical, Rosicrucian theology, darkening wisdom 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 chief amongst them are these, De Avila. Blosius. Barbinson. Behem. Climachus. Hen. Harphius. Thom. à Iesu. Barth. Riccius. Jo. Rusbrochius. Fran. Sales. Ioh. Thaule●us. Wigelius. 3. The study of Casuists may be very useful for a Preacher in respect of practical divinity. Amongst them, these are some of the most eminent. Hen. Alstedius. Guil Amesius. Ir. Azorius. Frid. Baldvinus Mart. Bona●ina. Lud. Candidus. BP Hall. Diana P●normitana Vincent. Filliucius. Barth. Keckerman. Will. Perkins. Raynerus de Pisis. Tho. Sanchez. Greg. Sayru●. Silvester. Fran. Toll●●. Unto these may be subjoined those Authors which have treated particularly of the Lord's Prayer. Creed. Decalogue. Sacraments. which are generally much of the same nature and use with the Casuists. On the Lord's 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. Adam's. Hen. Alsted. Aquinas. Augustin●s. 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. Ambrose. 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 subtle 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 useless. 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 useful. Amongst these, the two chief are Lombard. Aquinas. Peter Lombard 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, original sin, freewill, &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, judgement, and state after this life. Upon this there is Adrianus. Ricardus de Media villa. Dom. ● Soto. As these books of Sentences, so the sums of Aquinas are likewise made choice of by the Schoolmen as another text upon which to enlarge themselves. These are Commented upon by Rod. de Arriaga. Dominicu● 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 altar 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. Issachar's Burden. The divine right of Church-government, by the London Ministers. A Declaration concerning Church government and Presbyteries. Mr. Baily's Vindication. Dr. Bramhill Warning against the Scots discipline. Answer to Dr. Bramhill. Mr. Paget's 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. Gillis●y 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, trial of the grounds tending to separation. Apollonius. Apologetical Narration. Spanhemius. Vindiciae Clavium. Mr. Cotton's keys of the Church. M. Edward's Reasons: Antapology. M. Baylies dissuasive. 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 Catholic Church. M. mather's 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 several kinds: The six before mentioned are in these times most common and general. 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 mixed disputes of this kind in our English tongue, wherein the Arguments pro and con are put together; as, Abbot and Bishop. Chillingworth and Knot. Jewel 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. judaizans. Hildebrandi Orthodoxa Declaratio. Conrad. Schlusselburgi Theologia Calvinistarun Dav. Paraei Orthodoxus Calvinus. 3. The Socinians. Pro. Con. Socinus. Christ. Becmanni Exercitationes Theologicae cont. Socinun 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. Ionas Slictingius. Junius 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. Arminianism. Pro. Con. Corvinus contra. Bogarmannum. Tilenum. Molineum. BP. Davenant Animadversions on M. Hoard. Dr. Featly Pelagius redivivus. M. Hoards God's 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 Anabaptiss. 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 paedobaptism, it hath been of late much debated by M. tombs his * M. Baily. M. Blake. M. Cook. M. Cotton. M. Martial Sermon. Answer. Exercitation. Examen. M. Geree. Apology. M. Hussey. M. Laurence. Dr. Featly. Vanity of childish baptism. 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 hind, concerning the office and use of the moral Law. Dr. Crisp. Sermon. Mr. Eton 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. Burgess. 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. Ecclesiastical History. 5. Counsels. 6. Confessions. 7. Heresiologies. 8. Lives. 9 Martyrologies. 1. For Jewish Learning. Buxtorfiis 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 judaicae. 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 judgements, whose works are sufficiently known. But besides these, there is. Antoninus. Epictetus. Hierocles. Maximus Tyrius. Plotinus. Salustius. Gr. L. Seneca. Simplicius. Stobaeus. Plutarch. Seneca in traducendis vitiis salsus est & elegans, ac vehemens etiam. De moribus nemo foelicius scripsit ErasmiEcclesiastes. lib. 2. quam Plutarch, c●jus libelli digni sunt qui ad verbum ediscantur, è quibus Basilius & Chrysostomus multa videntur hausisse. Unto these may be added those Authors that treat concerning natural 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. The 1. Century. Clemens. Ignatius. Dionysius Areopagita. Polycarpus. The 2d. Century. Justin Martyr. Athenagoras. Irenaeus. The 3d Century. Tertullianus. Theophilus Antiochenus. Clemens Alexandrinus. Origenes. Gregorius Thaumaturgus. Cyprianus. Arnobius. Lactantius. The 4th. Cent. Eusebius Caesariensis. Athanasius. Hilarius. Cyrillus. Hierosol. Basilius. Gregorius Nazian. Epiphanius. Ambrose. Gregorius Nyssenus. Theodoretus. Hieronymus. Chrysostomus. The 5th. Cent. Augustinus, Cyrillus Alexan, Chrysologus. Salvian. Prosper. Fulgentius. The 6, & 7th. Cent. Gregorius Magnus. The 8th. Cent. Beda. Damascenus. The 9th. Cent. Nicephorus. The 10th, 11th, 12th. Centuries. Theophylactus. Anselmus, Bernardus. Pet. Lumbar▪ does, &c. Divers other of the lesser Fathers, See in Bibliotheca Graec. Patrum. Many of the most eminent amongst these are Eccles. lib. 2. 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 h●reticis, nasutus in traducendis vitiis. Cyprianus, apertus, vehemens, serius, nec infeliciter fluens. Ambrose 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. Prud●ntius, licet carmine scripsit, multum spirat Ch●istianae 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 problem. 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 useful 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. Ecclesiastical 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. Josephus. Nicephorus▪ Ruffinus. Socrates. Sozomen. Sulpitius Severus. Theod●retus. Unto which may be added Bishop Mountague's Apparatus, and Io. Forbesii Instructiones Historico-Theologicae. Hospiniani Historia jesuitica. Mornaei Historia Papatus. Luào. Lucii historia Jesuitica. BP Usher de Britannicarum Ecclesiarum primordiis. Samson Lennard's history of the Waldenses & Albigenses. BP Parker's Antiquitates Britannicae. By Josseline. 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. Counsels. Counsels are either General in Large. Particular Little. Concilia generalia. Binii. Gr. Lat. 10. vol. Romae 4. vol. Crab.. 3. vol. Caranzae epitome. Longii à Coriolano epitome. Concil. Concilia Gallicana. Sermond. Britannica. Spelman. Hispanica. Garcia. Balsamon in concilia. Zonara's in concilia. Synodus Ephesina. Justelli codex Canonum. Ecclesiae Universae. The council of Trent History. Review. Unto which may be subjoined as being very useful 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 several 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 several kinds of books which are most proper and useful 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 inquiries of that nature. And this may be one special 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 natural method and dependence; by which means the several parts will give mutual light to one another, and the better enable a man to see into the principles and bottom of things. And when he has thus deliberately passed over the whole, he may afterwards with the more facility enlarge 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 several subjects. There is a twofold series or order, that may be observed in the matter of our Sermons; Exegetical. Methodical. exegetical, 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 withal. Methodical, is when we propose a certain Scheme or design of matter to be orderly insisted upon under several heads. This again is twofold, Catechistical. Scholastical. catechistical does refer to those plain and most obvious principles of Religion, laid down in the catechism, contained under those four general heads. The Creed. Commandments. Lord's 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. scholastical method, or that which is by way of Common place, is more particular and comprehensive than 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 several men's fancies and apprehensions. But amongst all, that is to be esteemed the best, which is most natural 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 year, 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 catechistical Doctrine, See Amesi us his Chrstianae Catechesi●● Sciagraphia. where the whole substance of Divinity is disposed under so many several heads of matter, and several 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 useful. 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 edifice or building, wherein there are two things considerable. The Frontispiece or Porch. Fabric or pile. In the frontispiece he proposeth four general heads, which are premised as the praecognita to this series. In the fabric there are two stories, and in each story two rooms. In the first story is contained the chief principles to be known or believed, Either more Generally, in each of these 12. heads. Particularly, In the second story, things for practice, 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 Downham's Abstract, a bookof singular use for direction in this kind; out of these it is easy for any one to compose such an Analysis as shall be most suitable to his own 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. In Divinity two things are considerable, The Praecognita or generals to be premised concerning Happiness, Psal. 4. 6. Micab. 4. 5. Religion, Eccles. 12. 13. Act 24. 14. Church, M●tth. 16. 18. Scripture, 2 Tim. 3. 16. The Parts containing things to be Known and believed concerning God, Vide A. Man, Vide C. Done and practised, commanded in the Law, vid. I. Gospel, vid. V. Happiness. Upon this subject, See at large the Moralists. Aquinas 1a 2dae. The Commentators upon Ecclesiastes. M. Reynolds his three Treatises. Doctor Staugh ton happiness of man: Righteous man's plea to happiness. Rob. Bolton, Discourse of true happiness. Jo. downhanconcerning the vanity of all worldly things. Spiritual warfare Religion in general. The controversies against Turks, Jews, the Apologies of the Fathers for the Christian Religion against the Heathen. Phil. Mornaeus Deveritate Christianae Hug Grotius. Religionis. Ed. Brerewood's inquiries. Mr. Paget's Christianography. S●. 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 authority of the Scriptures assertd. The Common places: Controversies betwixt us and the Papists. Those preparatory discourses for the study of Scripture mentioned before. Fra. Robert's 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. jewel. Treatise of the holy Scripture. Jo. White. The way to● the tree of life, in sundry directions for our profitable reading of the Scriptures. A. Things to be known and believed concerning God, in Himself Essence set forth in his Name, Exod. 3. 14. Attribiutes. First Incommunicable Simpleness, 1 John 1. 5. infiniteness. Immensity, 1 Kings 8. 27. Eternity. 1 Tim. 1. 17. Communicable Love, Mercy, Exod 34. 6. Wisdom, Power, &c. ●ob 36. 9 Arising from the first. Perfection. Glory. Blessedness. Persons Father, son, Holy Ghost, Matth. 28. 19 1 John 5. 7. His actions and works Immanent, His general council and decree concerning all things, Ephes. 1. 11. Partic. of reas. create.. Praedest. Election, Rom. 9 23. Reprobation 2 Tim. 2. 20. Transient, vid. B. God. The Common places Schoolmen, Lombard 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 God's Name. Attributes. Dr. Preston, as before. Item, concerning God's all-sufficiency. Rich. Stock. Treatise of God's Attributes. The Trinity. The Socinian Controversies. Lombard li. 1. Aquin. p. 1. Dr. Cheynell. Hugh Broughton. Ben. Austin. Hills Collection out of Zanchy de tribus Elohim. God's decrees in general. Lombard li. 1. Common places. Ed. Leigh. Treatise of Divinity. Predestination. Common places. Arminian controversies. Gomarus de praedestinatione. M. Cotton & D. Twisse. M. Pe●kins. Treatise of the manner and order of Predestination. Jo. Ailward. Jo. Veron. Apology for Predestination. B. The Transient works of God do refer either to. Nature Creation General things Aethereal, 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. Special in the guidance of human affairs. Small and Great, Mat. 10. 29. Casual and Neces. Pro. 16. 33. Evil and Good, Amos. ●. 6. Grace contriving our redemption by Christ, who in thatwork may be co●sidered according to his Offices Regal, Psal. 110. 1. Isa. 9 6. Priestly, H●b. 5. 1. & 9 24 Prophetical, Isa. 61 1. state's 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. Lombard. lib. 2. Aquinas p. 1. Commentators on Genesis. Geo. Walker. Treatise of the external works of God. Tho. Jackson. Providence. Tho. Jackson. Gul. Pemble, de providen. Geo. Walker, of God actual Providence. Dr Hackwell's Apology. Dr Gouge. The extent of God's Providence. Jo. Veron Treatise of Divine Providence. Jo. Wilkins The beauty of Providence. Redemption. The Arminian and Socinian controversies. Stalham, against universal redemption. Mr Jo. Owen, The death of Christ. Spanhemii Exercitationes de Gratia Universali. Christ's Offices. M. Reynolds, on the 110. Psal. Dr Fowns Trisagion. Christ's states of Humiliation. Exaltation. Lombard lib. 3. Aquinas p. 3. BP Usher. of Christ's incarnation. M. Casaub. D. Jackson. The humiliation of the Son of God. Th. Goodwin, Of Christ's Death, Resurrection, Ascension, &c. BP Andrews, BP Lake, Doct. Don, &c. Nativity and Passion Sermons. BP Bilson. of Christ's sufferings Hen. Jacob. c. Things to be known and believed concerning Man may refer to his several Parts. Body, its natural Perfections, 1 Cor. 11 7. Infirmities, as Affliction, Psal 103 14. Mortality. Soul, its Nature Spiritual. Ecclef. 12. 7. Immortal, Faculties, Understanding, And here of Free will. Will, Acts, Habits Affections, Virtues, and Memory. Vices in general. 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 general. Lombard 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 hugh's, Dry rod blossoming. Jo: Downham, spiritual warfare. Paul Bain, comfort and instruction in afflictions. Mortality. Mr Perkins, Treatise of dying well. Manchester, all Mondo. A Contemplation of death and immortality. Rob: Harris Samuel's 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 styled {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. 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 soul's 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. Paul's 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. Freewill. The Casuists, Arminian controversies. Common places. Lombard lib. 2. M. Perkins. Treatise of God's free grace, and man's freewill. Jo. Bradford, Dialogue of Predestination and freewill. Jo. Veron. Treatise of freewill. D. In the Fall of man, there is considerable the sin, Original, Rom. 5. 18, 19 & 7. 7. Psal. 51. 5. Actual Weakness, Rom. 7. 19 Malice, Psal. 19 13. Heb. 6. 4. Punishment Death, Temporal, Rom. 5. 12. Spiritual, Eternal. Of sin. P. Lombard lib. 2. M. Reynolds, sinfulness of sin. Tho: Goodwin, Aggravation of sin. M. Byfeild, rules and directions about our sins. Of Original sin. The Common places: Casuists: Arminian controversies: Lombard lib. 2. Aquinas 1a 2dae. Dr Sibs, The dead man, or the state of every man by nature, on Ephes. 2. 1 W. Teelinck, Paul's complaint against his natural corruption. Sins of Weakness. Wilfulness. Sam. Hoard, of presumptuous sins. Jerem. Dyke, of quenching the Spirit. Dr Hammond. Dr Preston, The Saints infirmities. The sin against the holy Ghost. Lombard li. 2. Casuists. Will: Bradshaw. Dr Donne, on Matth. 12. 31. Sebast: Benefield. Jo: Denison. Henry Hoddesdon. Jo: Meredith, The sin of blasp●eming against the holy Ghost. The punishment of sin. The Common places. Casuists. Dr Gouge, 3. Arrows. See after, de quatuor Novissimis. Tho: Beard, theatre of God's judgements. 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 enjoins 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. 〈◊〉. 20. 1 Cor. 10. 1. The New Test. Teaching more plainly, Heb. 1. 2. Rom. 16. 25, 26. Sealing in the Sacraments of Baptism, 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 Ceremonial Law. Judicial Aquinas 1a. 2ae. Jo. Weems Exposition of the Ceremon. judicial. Sacrifices and Types. M. Guild. Moses and Aaron unveiled. D. Taylor, of Types. Sacraments in general. Common places: Lombard 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. Baptism. Lombard lib. 4. The controversies about paedobaptism, mentioned before, pag. 81. Mr Rogers. D. Burgess. Of baptismal regeneration. Jo. Down. Treatise of the faith of Infants. Sam. Hieron. baptising of the Eunuch, on Acts 8. 36, 37. The Lord's 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 Christ's body and blood. Tho. Morton. Treatise of the Lord's Supper. D. Gouge. of the Lord's Supper. D. Reynolds Meditation of the Lord's Supper. Will. Cowper, preparative. Will. Fenner. Punishment of unworthy Communicants. Duty of Commun.. M. Cudworth. A discourse concerning the true notion of the Lord's 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 ourselves. Mat. 8. 34. Taking up our cross. Vivification Renovation of the John 33. Tit. 3. 5. Faculties. Habits. Progress and Increase in grace. 2 Pet. 1. 5. & 3. 18. Privileges. Liberty, from The Law Ceremonial, Gal. 5. 13. Moral, Rom. 10. 4. Sin, 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. aphorisms of Justification. Sanctification. D. Prestons' Saints qualifications. Jo. Downham, Spirit●all warfare. The Tracts that set down general 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. sin's overthrow. Treatise of humiliation. Golden sceptre. M. Cotton. Sins deadly wound: on Acts 2. 37. M. Woolfall: of Mortification. Rob. Bolton. Helps to humiliation. Self-denial. D. Reynolds: on Matth. 16. 24. M. Hooker. Jer. Bur. roughs. self-denial. Moses his choice D. Preston. Treatise of self-denial. Taking up the cross. D. Hammond. Those that write on the Beatitudes, ver. 11. Vivification. M. Wheatleys' New birth. B●. Cowpers' Anatomy of a Christian. Sam. Hieron, old and new man: on John 3. 6. Tho. Morton. Treatise concerning Regeneration. Dr Tailor's New Creature. Kings bath of Regeneration. Progress in grace. Tho. Goodwin. Growth in grace. D. Taylor. The Saints progress. Ob. sedgwick's. Christ's counsel to his languishing Chu●ch. 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 sin. Benefit of God's service. Joy. M. Gataker: on Ps. 97. 11. Will. Cowper. Heaven opened. D. Donne: on Psal. 32. 10, 11. Peace of mind. See Assurance: Desertions. Rob. Harris. blessedness of a sound spirit: on Pro. 18. 14. H. man state after this life. Resurrection, 1 Cor. 15. 52. John 19 25, 26. Judgement Particular, Heb. 9 27. General, Acts 17. 31. State's 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 general 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 special commanded in the 1 Table, our duty to God. Internal worship. 1 Com. Vide K. External in the 2d Vide L. 3d Vide M. 4th Vide N. 2 Table referring unto Acts or intents concerning Special 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. Lombard lib. 4. Aquinas in supplemento partis 3ae. Rob. Bolton. Baxter. The Saints rest. Resurrection. BP Lake. Sermons for Easter. B. Andrews. Dr Donne. Judgement. Greenwood: The general judgement. Sam. Smith: Great assize. Will. Fenner: The judgement of the world passed by Saints. Will. Attersoll: God's trumpet sounding the Alarum. Joseph Mede: The prophecy of S. Peter, conc●r●ing the day of Christ's second coming. Sincerity Dr Preston. Of man's uprightness. 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 hypocrisy: as, Sam. Torshels Hypocrite. Sam. Hieron. Discovery of hypocrisy, Mat. 3. 10. BP Hall. The Hypocrite, on 2 Tim. 5. 3. Readiness and watchfulness. M. Gataker: on Mar. 13. 37. Joh. Downham: Against Sec●●ity. Dr Sibs: God's inquisition, on Jer. 8. 6, 7. Sam. Hieron: The remedy of Security. Will. Fenner: Christ's alarum to drowsy Saints. Jo. Rogers: Discourse of Christian watchfulness. Zeal. Dr Burgess: 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: peter's in largemnt. Tho. Goodwin. Return of Praye●s. Tho. Ball about set forms. 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. torshel. K. The first commandment does Prohibit, Atheism, Heb. 11. 6. Poluthe●sme, Deut. 6. 4. Heresy, Tit. 3. 10, 11. Apostasy, Heb. 10. 26. Errors, James 1. 16. Enjoin Knowledge, John 17. 3. Remembrance, Eccles. 12 1: Love, Deut. 6. 5. Trust, P●ov. 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 general. 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 moral Law. Atheism or polytheism. See the Treatises before, concerning God's Essence and Attributes. p. 97. Smith's Arrow. Mart. Fotherbie: Atheomastix. Jo. Weems: Treatise of the Atheist. Heresy. Aquinas 1a 2ae. The Tracts of heresy mentioned, p. 97. Many particular Sermons ●pon this subject, as M. Ob. Sedgewick, M. Cranford, Mr. Vines, Mr. Clark, &c. Apostasy. Aquinas 2. 2dae. Will. Pemble. Tho. Goodwin: The danger of relapsing. Dr Featly: on Ezek. 18. 24. Mr Mede: The apostasy of the latter times. Error. Sam. Bolton: Tract concerning error. 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 Lombard lib. 3. Aquinas 2. 2dae. Dr Preston. Of Love, Will: Pemble. The Christians love. Mr Pink. trial of a Christians love. Dr Sanderson, 1 Tim. 4. 4 Dr Donne: on 1 Cor: 16. 22. Trust and Hope in God. Lombard lib. 3. Aquinas 2. 2dae. Mr Harris. David's comfort at Ziglag. Fear of God. Lombard lib. 7. Mr Greenham. Of God's 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. comen. 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 prohibit Idolatry, Psal. 97. 7. Will-worship▪ Col: 2. 23. Superstition, Acts 17. 22. Traditions, Coloss: 2. 8. Witchcraft, Exod. 22. 18. Schism, 1 Cor: 11. 18. Confusion, 1 Cor: 11. 21. enjoin 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. trial of witchcraft. Scots discovery of witches. Schism. Aquinas 2. 2dae. Greg: Martin: Treatise of schism. Tract concerning schism. 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 discou●ses 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 commandment does Prohibit more particularly the abuse of Oaths, Jer. 4. 2. Vows, Num. 30. 2. Lots, Prov. 16. 33. enjoin the sanctifying of God's Names, D●ut. 28. 58. Attributes, 1 Pet. 3. 15. Word, Psal. 15. 16, 17. Works, Psal. 58, 10, 11. Religion, Ephes. 4. 1. N. The 4th commandment 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 se●erall 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. Lombard lib. 3. Aquinas 2. 2dae. BP Andrews: on Jer. 4. 2. Jo. Downham: Treatise against Swearing. D. Saunderson, de juramento. Of vows. 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 lawfulness of lots in gaming. Of the Sabbath. Brerewood, and Byfeild. D. Twisse: The morality of the fourth commandment. M. Leigh: Primrose. Jo. Sprint: M. Ironside. M. Cawdrey, & M. Palmer. Sabbatum redivivum. BP White, &c. Political duties. BP Bilson, of subjection. BP Hall's politics. 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. Economical duties. M. Perkins: Of the right manner of ordering a family according to Scripture. M. Dod: Of household government. Tho: Paget: Demonst●ation of family duties. BP Hall's economics. D. Gouge: domestical 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. Commandment concerning our own and our ne●ghbours 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 scandal, Matth. 18. 6. Command Friendship, Prov. 27. 9 Mercy, Gal: 6. 10. Placableness, Ephes. 4. 26. Meekness, Ephes. 4. 32. Overcoming evil with good, Rom. 12. 21. Q. The 7 commandment, concerning chastity, does Prohibit all unchastity in the Kinds, Inward, in desire, Mat. 5. 28. Outward, Uncleanness, 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. Means, Idleness, 2 Sam. 11. 2. Intemperance, 1 Pet: 4. 3. Neglect of marriage, 1 Cor: 7. 2. 9 Signs, Immodesty, 1 Tim. 2. 9 Bad company, 2 Cor: 5 9 places, Job 31. 6. enjoin a care of our Own chastity in the Kind. means. neighbours Signs. Concerning Anger and Hatred● The Commentators on several parts of the Proverbs. Plutarch. Seneca de ira. M. Greenham, of Anger. Jo: Downham, Treatise against Anger. Of murder. M. Sym. life's preservative. Dr Donne, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. Scandal. Common places, Casuists, Aquinas 2. 2dae. Jer: Dyke, mischief of Scandals. M. tombs, Treatise of scandalising. D. Hammond, Of scandal. Friendship. The Moralists. Commentators on the Proverbs. Cicero de Amicitia. Danaeus Mercy and peaceableness Comments on the Beatitudes. D. Donne, on Rom. 12. 20 Of whoredom. The Casuists at large. Jo: Downham, Treatise of whoredom. D. Preston, on Colos. 3. 5 Of Divorce & Polygamy Lombard 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 drunkard's character. M. Harris, The drunkard's c●p, on I say 5. 11. Jo: Down: against drunkenness. Vowing ag: Marriage. Lombard lib 4. Peter Martyr, de caelibatu contra Richardum Smith. Angl. Jo: Down. R. The 8th Commandmét concerning our own, and our neighbour's goods, does Prohibit Theft, Levit. 19 13. Oppression, Prov. 14 31. Deceit, 1 Thess. 4. 6. Sacrilege, Prov. 20. 25. Usury, De●t. 23. 20. Bribery, Prov. 29. 4. Prodigality, Luke 15. 13. enjoin Just dealing, ●evit. 25. 14. Diligence in our callings, Eph. 4. 28. Frugality, John 6. 12. Liberality, Prov. 11. 25. Alms, Luke 12. 33. Hospitality, 1 Pet. 4 9 Restitution, Exo. 22. 5. Lev. 6. 4. 5. Of sacrilege and tithes. 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 Saunderson's 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 alms. Aquinas 2. 2dae. Jo: Downham, Plea for the poor. Will: Whateley, The poor man's 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 Slandering, Prov. 15. 3. Credulity, Psal. 15. 3. Hearing Talebearers, Prov. 25. ●3. Censuring, Matth. 7. 1. Sinister suspicions, 1 Cor. 13. 5. Flattery. Prov. 27. 14. Silence in defending, 2 Tim. 4. 16. enjoin a care of The name of Ourselves, Phil. 4. 8. Neighbours, Mat. 1. 19 Our speeches that they be Deliberate, James 1. 19 Profitable, God's glory, Ephes. 5. 4. Good of others, Col. 4. 6. T. The 10th Com mandment concerning motions without consent, does Prohibit Covetousness, Heb. 13 5. Self-love, 2 Tim. 3. 2. 1 Cor. 10. 24. Evil thoughts, Prov. 24. 9 Envy, Prov. 23. 4. enjoin A pure heart, 1 Tim. 1. 5. Watchfulness over our thoughts, Prov. 4. 23. Contentedness, Phil. 4. 11. Of Lying. Common places: Casuists: Lombard lib. 3. Aquinas 2. 2dae. Jo: Downham: Treatise against Lying. Of Slandering Tale-bearers, Credulity, Flattery. See the Comments on many places of the Proverbs. Censures and suspicions 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. Covetousness. D. Preston: Remedy against covetousness. D. Stoughton: baruches sore gently opened. Rob: Harris: Remedy against covetousness. Jer: Dyke: A counterpoison against covetousness Self-love. M. Roger's 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 man's imaginations. M. Cotton. The Christians charge: ●n Prov. 24. 3 Will. Fenner. The use and benefit of divine meditations. The arraignment of vain and evil Thoughts. Contentation. D. Taylor. BP Hall. Hen. Mason. M. Burroughes. V. The Gospel, (asiti distinguished from the Law, which was the co●dition of the first Cov●nant) does require Faith, which is, Historical, James 2. 19 Salvifical. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}; And here of Desertions, Ps. 51. 12. J●b 6. 4. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, 2 Pet. 1. 10. R●pentance The parts Search into sin, Lam. 3. 40. Godly sorrow, 2 Cor. 7. 10. Confession, Prov. 28. 13. Reformation, isaiah 1. 16, 17. Thetime, Late repentance, 2 Thess. 2. 10, 11. Of Faith. Lombard 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 believer. 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. sovereign comforts. Jo. Haiward. Strong helper. Tho. Goodwin. Child of Light. Will. Whateley: oil of gladness. Of Doubting BP Babington. combat between flesh and spirit. M. Perkins: D. Saunderson: on Rom● 14. 23. Assurance. Nath. Cole. The godly man's assurance. M. ●reenham. Marks of a righteous man. Sure signs 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 be the child of God. Sam: Hieron trial of adoption, 1 John 3. 10. spiritual sonship 1 Joh. 3. 1. The spiritual man's task. 1 Thess. 5. 19 M. Byfeild: signs of a godly and wicked man. Assurance of God's love, and man's salvation. Tim: Rogers. The righteous man's evidence for heaven. M. Roberts, believers Evidences. Will. Whateley. God's husbandry. Drexelius. The Christian zodiac. Repentance. Dr Taylor. Dan: Dyke. Mr Stock. Ar. Dent. M. Perkins Exhortation to repentance. Of the nature and practice of repentance. Dr Preston Judas his repentance. Paul's 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 soul's 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 several particulars may be used as Common-place heads, unto which to refer 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 easy for him afterwards to enlarge himself upon any particular subject or text with natural pertinent matter. There are some other helps of invention to which the Art of rhetoric does direct, according to the subject we are to handle, whether Demonstrative Praise Dispraise. Deliberative Persuade. Dissuade, Judicial Accuse. Defend. For each of which there are several topics, 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. Elocution. The phrase should be plain, full, wholesome, affectionate. 1. It must be plain and natural, not being darkened with the affectation of Scholastic all harshness, or rhetorical fluorishes. Obscurity in the discourse is an argument of ignorance in the mind. The greatest learning is to b● seen in the greatest plainness. The more clearly we understand any thing ourselves, the more easily can we expound it to others. When the notion itself 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 wisdom of words, or excellency of speech; not with 1 Cor. 1. 17. cap. 2. 1, 4. 1 Thess. 2. 4 enticing word: of man's wisdom, not as pleasing men, but God, who trieth 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, Non quaerit aeger mediqum eloquentem, sed sanantem. sen. Ep. 76. 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 spiritual comfort and instruction, and there to hear only a starched speech full of puerile worded rhetoric? How properly may such a deceived hearer take up that of Seneca? Quid mihi lusoria ista proponis? Non Epist. 49. est jocandi locus, ad miseros vocatus es, op●m te laturum naufragis, captis, aegris, intentae securi subjectum pr●stantibus caput, quo diverteris? quid agis? 'Tis a sign of low thoughts and designs, when a man's chief study is about the polishing of his phrase and words. Cujuscunque orationem vides Epist. 21. 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 needless Tautologies, which are to be avoided in every solid business, 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 mind, 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 affectation 1 Tim. 6. 3. 2 Tim. 13. Tit, 2. 7. 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 fo●me of sound words, but do altogether affect new light 1 Tim. 6, 20. and new language, which may in time destroy practical godliness and the power of Rel●gion. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. 4. It must be affectionate and cordial, as proceeding from the heart, and an experimental 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 ourselves. Praecipuum ad persuadendum est amare quod suades, Amanti pectus ipsum suggerit o●ationis ardorem. 'Tis said of John the Baptist, that he was a burning and a shining light. Ardere prius est, Lucere posterius; ardour mentis est, ●ux doctrinae. This is to speak in the evidence and demonst●ation 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 persuading him to be baptised, 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; yielding this reason, Donec audiebam rationes humanas, humanis rationibus repugnabam; caeterum simul atque audivi Spi●itum loquentem, cessi Spiritui. And 'tis storied of Junius, before his conversion, that meeting once with a countryman 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 heartiness and affection, as made him first begin to think, that sure there was something more in those truths, than his notional human learning had yet discovered: which occasioned his more serious inquiry into them, and afterwards his conversion. Such great power is there in these cordial 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 tie 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 judgement will b● much weakened, 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 own affections, and the various alterations that may appear in the auditory. And then besides, this liberty will breed a {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, 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 tie 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 Boldness. Fear. 1. Against too much rashness and boldness, consider the special presence of God, and Angels, the solemn dignity of those sacred mysteries with which we are entrusted, the weighty business of saving souls. And who can be sufficient for these 2 Cor. 2. 16. things? It was a usual 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 distrustful of his own preparations, then were his labours accompanied with some special blessing and efficacy. And on the other side, when he was most confident, than he failed most. 2. Against too much fear, Consider, it does not become the business we are about, we should speak the word with boldness, God has promised his assistance, that his strength shall Acts 4. 29. appear in our weakness, It does not become the dignity or excellency of our calling, we are the Angels, the Ambassadors of God, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, his 1 Cor. 3. 9 fellow-workers, And besides, this timorousness in the speaker will much hinder the efficacy and power of the word on the hearers. In brief, the most propermanner of elocution is with modesty and gravity, which will best suit with our calling and business. To conclude. The observation of these helps and directions, together with frequent diligent practice, will as far (as Art can effect) quickly produce a good habit, and by consequence a facility. FINIS. The Table. A AFflictions. pag. 101 Atheism. 112 Anger. 119 Alms and Hospitality. 121 Assurance. 125 C Concordances. pag. 39 Coment: on the Bible. 43 Catechisms. 69 Casuists. 72 Creed. 73 Controversies about discipline; viz. Episcopacy, Presbytery, Independency. 76 Co●troversies about doctrine, with— Papists, Lutherans, Socinians, Arminians, Anabapt. Antinomians. 79 Counsels. 88 Confessions. 89 Church. 95 Creation. 99 Christ's offices, Humiliation and Exaltation. ibid Conscienc●. 101 Covenant of Grace. 105 Ceremonial and judicial Law. ibid Christian Liberty. 108 Care of our words. 123 Covetousness. ibid Contentation. 124 D Decalogue pag. 73 Diligence in Callings 121 Defertions. 125 E Editions of the Bible. pag. 34 Eccles. History. 87 F Four last things. pag 110 Faith. 124 G God. pag. 97 Good company. 111 H Heathen Moralists. pag. 83 Heresiologies. 89 Happiness. 94 Hearing and reading the word. 111 Heresy, apostasy, error. 113 Humility and Patience. 114 I Jewish learning. pag 83 Immortality of the Soul. 101 Justification. 107 Joy and peace of mind. 108 Idolatry. Superstition. 115 Intemperance. 119 Justice and Equity. pag. 121 K Knowledge of God. pag. 113 L Lives. pag. 89 Love, Hope, Fear. 113 Lying and Slandering. 123 M Mystical Divinity pag. 71 Martirologies. 90 Man in general. 100 Mortality. 101 Mortification. 108 Moral Law. 112 Murder. 119 O Oaths, vows, Lots. pag. 117 P Proverbial expressions. pag 42 Postillers. 65 Practical Divinity. 67 Predestination. 97 Providence. 99 Passions. 101 Progress in grace. 108 Perseverance. 111 Prayer. 72. & 111 Preaching. 115 Political and economical duties. 117 R Reconcilers pag. 67 Religion. 95 Redemption. 99 Religious Fasts. 115 Restitution. 121 Repentance. 126 S Scripture. pag. 95 Scripture-philosophy— Chron●logy-Geography-Weighs and measures,- Schemes and Tropes. Allegories. 4● Systems of Divinity. 70 Sacraments. 73. & 105 Schoolmen. 74 Sin. 10● Sanctification. 107 Self-Love. 123 Self-denial. 10● Sincerity. 10 Sabbath. 117 Sca●dall and Friendship. 119 Sacrilege. 120 To Thoughts. pag. 123 V Vivification pag. 108 Usury. Bribery 121 Writings of the Fathers. 84 Watchfulness. 110 Witchcraft. 115 Whoredom. Divorce. 119 Z Zeal. 111 FINIS. These Books are Printed for SA. GELLIBRAND, And are to be sold at his Shop at the Ball in Paul's churchyard. Dr. Twiss Synod of Dorts and Ales. Mr. Paul Bain on the Ephesians. M. Bowles de Pastore Evangelico. M. Robert Bailie's dissuasive against Brownists. Against Anabaptists Historical Vindication of the Church of Scotland. Antidote against Arminianism. M. Cotton of the Way of Life M. Sym. Treatise of Life and self-murder. M. Downh●n Plea for the Poor. Dr. Stoughton Body of Divinity. Dr. Cheynell, The Rise and Growth of Socinianisine. The divine Trinunity of the godhead. M. Goodwin The vanity of Thoughts. M. Morton The state of the Church. Threefold state of Man. Piscator's aphorisms in English. Of Justification. Chillingworthi Novissima. Dr. Saunderson's 14. Sermons. M. Sheffield of Conscience. M. Sedgwick Christ's counsel to Sardis. Sr. Jo. Temple History of the Irish Rebellion. Dr. Taylor on the Revelation. Dr. Wilkins, Ecclesiastes or a Discourse of Preaching. Mathematical magic. The Beauty of Providence. M. Wallis his Animadversions on the Lord Brooks his book of Truth. M. Bradwel's Helps for sudden Accidents. M. Sedgwick against Antinomianism. The Mystery of Iniquity yet working in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Plain English. The Life and Death of Ms. Brettergh. The Art of Surveying. The Jewel of arithmetic. An Account given to the Parliament by the Ministers sent to Oxon. SERMONS Preached by M. Oliver Bowles 1. M. Ed. Bowles 1. M. Bond 1. M. Baily 2. M. Catelyn 2. Dr. Cheynell 3. M. Hall 1. Dr. Horton 1. M. Martial 3. M. Maynard 2. M. Nalton 1. M. Palmer 1. M. Pickering 1. M. Ob. Sedgwick 5. M. Jo. Sedgwick 2. Dr. Tuckney 1. Dr. Temple 1. Dr. Hen. Wilkinson 3.