Common Proper Common is about which many things together are busied so the common object of all the senses is greatnesse figure and motion for these are apprehended and judged of all the senses in common Proper is which is determined to one as colour to seeing sound to hearing c. Both of them again is Primary Secondary Primary unto which a thing is first carried as universall things 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are the primary object of the understanding And God is of the Philosopher Ethic. 10. acknowledged to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Secondary unto which a thing is secondly carried as things singular in respect of the understanding and things universal in respect of sense Also the object is either Mediate Immediate Mediate which is objected by means of another as sensible substances are objects of the senses by means of the qualities Immediate which is objected without any means so qualities are objects of the senses as colour of sight c. An Object by accident is about which a thing is busied by accident and this is meant both in respect of the action and of the object so evil is the object of the will by accident for about it the will is busied not of its own Nature as it is will but of vice and defect outwardly accident thus also the understanding by accident is busied about falshood the preaching of the Gospel about Reprobates And of the object Sarah Abrahams wife was sensible by her accident when the King saw her not as Abrahams wife but as a fair woman c. Concomitant is either Antecedent 1 Consequent 2 1 Antecedent is which goeth in order of time before a thing so as it cannot be the cause And it is either Necessary Contingent Necessary which goeth before necessarily either by nature or by will as Childhood goes before Manhood Spring time before Harvest Resurrection before Eternal Life Contingent which goes before a thing contingently as the rednesse of the evening in respect of the next day's fair weather the red lowring of the morning in respect of rain at evening Such antecedents may be called signes 2 Consequent is which followeth the thing so as it is not the effect And it is either Necessary Contingent Necessary which needs must follow the antecedent as in the necessity of Gods decree Christs suffering necessarily followed his last Supper death followed his suffering resurrection his death and burial c. Contingent which followeth contingently so fair weather contingently or it may be followeth the white Moon for sometime it doth not c. Of simple Terms arising from the first Having seen the first single Terms next follow those that arise and are conceived by means of the first A Term arising from the first is either of A Word 1 * A Thing 2 * Of a Word The Term of a Word is either the a Explication of a Word b Conjugation of a Word The Explication of a Word is either 1 a Definition of a Name or 2 a Distinction of a doubtfull word or a 3 clearing of a dark word 1 A Definition of a Name is which turneth up and unfoldeth the signification of a Word and is either by a Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Notation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Definition by a word is which declareth the signification of a word by some other that is more known either by a Synonymy and Metalepsis or by a contrary word As when I say a Condition is a Promise Stibium is Antimony Antichrist is he that is against Christ and for the Devil c. Etymologie Definition by Notation or Etymologie is which declares the Word by the Original of it and this not Grammatically but Logically for the meaning and explaning of a thing as Noble is he which by vertue is noscible famous or well known The Canons or Etymologie are three 1 The Etymologie of all words is not to be sought for many words are primitive 2 In Etymologies we must not go on without End but must stay in some that is first as the English word Mix may come from the Latine Misceo and that from the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And the Greek from the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Masach And here we must rest for the Hebrew is the first tongue and many words in it are primitive 3 Etymologies are taken from the end effects proprieties object and opposites of a thing and are therefore from these to be derived and these by those to be declared as a River comes from the Latine Rivus and both of them from the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ravah which signifieth to wet or moisten because Rivers do moisten the dry Land World so called of War old because the older it is the War or worse it is c. Distinction 2. A Distinction is the freeing of a doubtfull word from the variety of hidden significations The Canons hereof are seven 1 The Distinction of a doubtful word must be first in all consideration of things 2 When one word or name is given to things of divers Orders and kinds it is doubtful and needeth distinction as if one speak of a Canker it is to be known whether it be of the Canker-worm or the Canker-sore c. 3 When a word is given to any in a diverse respect viz. Absolutely and by relation it is doubtful and needeth distinction as Justification is taken either absolutely as it is in the Justified person only Rom. 4. or relatively to our neighbour as he may acknowledge us to be justified by the effects of Faith Jam. 2. 4 When a word meaneth sometime more things sometimes fewer it is doubtfull as Faith is sometime largely used sometime strictly so Church Grace Election c. 5 When the opposite of any word is doubtfull the word it self is doubtful as Election to life hath opposite Reprobation Election to an Office hath no opposite therefore Election is a doubtfull word 6 When a Primitive word is doubtfull the Derivative is so too and if one of the conjugates be doubtfull so is the other as Faith is diversly taken therefore a faithfull man or infidel is diversly to be taken 7 Distinction of a word repugneth not the Nature and use of things neither darkeneth it but cleareth the understanding of the minde viz. a good distinction but evil distinction doth darken and confound things Illustration 8 The clearing or Illustration of a dark word is the reducing of it to perspicuity The Canons hereof be four 1 When a word is dark by barbarousnesse or Soloecism it is to be judged by Grammar Rules as Transubstantiation is a monstrous word and hath bred as monstrous opinions so Opus operatum c. 2 When a word is dark for want of use let a more usuall and safe word be put in place as the Sacrament of the Altar is an unproper word not to be used for the Lords Supper 3 When a word is larger or straighter than the thing
Transubstantiation Moreover the Term of the Relation is not to be tied to the Relate as the Communion with the substance and benefits of Christ is not to be tied to the bread and wine in the Supper nor the washing away of sins to water in Baptism The Table of Relations Followeth Relation is either Natural 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a By Institution 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 b a Naturall which is either 1 Of Measure either Inward and productive as is every cause hither may be referred the degrees of Kindred which is either Outward Ruling as every Rule Square c. Adjacent Place Time Primary as Degrees of consanguinity in a line Right as great Grandfather Grandfather Father Son c. Sideloong Equall as Brother Sister Unequall as Uncle c. Secondary as degrees of affintiy Father in Law Son in Law c. 2 Of Convenience 3 Of Difference 4 Of Disposition 2 Of convenience or Agreement and this either in Substance called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the self-same absolutely Quantity called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 equality and proportion Quality called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 similitude Representation called Signification and all Naturall Signes 3 Of Difference as diversity and opposition of things 4 Of Disposition or order and situation in the world and worldly bodies b By Institution either Divine A Humane B A Divine which is either Of Power General as the Regiment of the world Law of Nature Special as touching The Church as the Regiment of the Church The head of the Church Christ Christ the Mediator Prophet Priest King The Ministers of the Church to Preach Minister Sacraments c. Of Conjunction as The Law The Gospel Of Confirmation as touching Temporall things as the Rainbow Spirituall as Gods Word which is a signe formally considered Figures or Types Sacraments Old Circumcision Passeover New Baptisme Lords Supper B Humane which is either Of Power and Office and Dignity Greater as Kingdom King Prince Duke Earl Consul c. Lesser as Master Tutor c. Of Convention or Consent To be rightly as is Marriage State of the Commonwealth Monarchy Aristocrasie Democraciy To be well as are Societies and Confederacies Contracts Covenants Testaments Obligations c. Contracts specially so called and are either Named Borowing Lending Trusting Pawning Buying Selling. Un-named Of collation either Distinction and Disposition Armies Order and Method of Diciplines signification Vocall as all Towns formally Reall Simple as signing or confirming Seal Diadem Scepter c. Souldier Coats Badges c. Pawns and Pledges Limits Bounds c. Hitherto of the principall Predicaments now follow the lesse principall in which onely things by accident and secondarily so called are disposed And they be four When Where Situation Habit. The Predicament When is that wherein are placed things in the Concrete noting the manner or circumstance of the time Hereunto belong Ages Infancy Youth Old age parts of the yeer Summer Winter Spring Autumn Morning Noon Night c. Also the Concretes of Ages as a Childe an Old man c. The Predicament Where is that wherein are placed things in the concrete noting the manner or circumstance of place As Europe Germany England an English man a Londoner an Ilander a Sea-man c. All Countries and their Inhabitants The Predicament of Situation is that wherein are placed things in the concrete noting the certain position and order of the parts of the body As standing sitting lying upright groveling c. The Predicament of Habit is that wherein are placed things in the concrete noting some artificiall Adherent As armed cloaked booted spurr'd with a breast-plate c. Of the Cause We have seen the Order of things now followeth the Term without that Order which is no degree of the Predicamental rank And it is either Inward a a And it is either Outward b b Inward is that which inwardly cleaveth with another Inwards be the Cause the Caused the Subject the Accident the Whole the Part. A Cause is that whereon the thing caused doth depend And so it differeth from a beginning which hath not alwaies respect of dependance as God the Father may be said to be the beginning of the Son but not the cause for the cause and the caused differ in essence which the Persons in the Trinity do not The Canons of the Cause are three 1 Every Cause is before his thing caused in order of nature of knowledge and dignity 2 As without a cause nothing is done so also without it nothing is distinctly known Therefore God is without Cause for he is not made nor done but existeth of himself 3 There is a certain Order of Causes neither is there granted in them a Proceeding to infinite There be four Causes The Efficient the Matter the Form the End The efficient Cause is that whereon the effect dependeth and is By it self m By accident n Efficient by it self is that whereon the effect dependeth by it self The Canons hereof be three 1 No Efficient doth in vain but all for some certain End 2 The same Efficient Cause as it is the same alwaies doth the same thing Idem quà idem semper facit idem 3 The Efficient Cause properly so called doth not effect but some good thing in it self For evil things are not things properly but defects of things A Thief puts forth his hand to take another mans goods this moving of it self proceeds from the soul that moveth but the misorder 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in this motion is not from the soul. So the theft is not properly an effect but a defect and ataxie in the motion proceeding from the ataxie of the appetite Moreover the Efficient cause as it is a cause is alwaies a simple thing so when a man is said to be the cause of his own accidents properly he is not the cause but the subject that hath the cause and things are spoken of him not as effects but accidents A man is not the cause of laughter but the commotion of the heart and midriffe by some ridiculous object known neither is a man the cause of the faculty of laughter but a reasonable soul. The Efficient is of it self divided by 1 The Force and the manner of Effecting 2 The order of Effecting 1 Of the force of effecting it is Principall Lesse Principall Principal whereon the effect princicipally dependeth and s Solitary Partaking Solitary is that which hath alone the chiefty in producing the effect and is therefore called the total cause 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 As Sampson was the sole cause of carrying away the Philistines gates Christ the whole or onely cause of Mans Redemption Partaking is which not alone but with others hath the chiefty in producing the effect and is called partiall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And it is partaking or sociated either 1 Necessarily or 2 Contingently 1 Necessarily sociated are when all of them together are needfull if the effect should be produced 2 Contingently
taken from the place of the next efficient cause And it is either Principall c c Lesse Principall d d Principal whose mean is the next principal efficient cause and it is either of the inward cause or Outward Of the Inward whose mean is the next principal efficient Outward whose mean is the outward principal next efficient cause The Canons of both these are two 1. Whereto the next efficient cause is given thereto the effect must needs be given and from what the cause is taken the effect is also 2. A Demonstration of the Inward cause is perfecter then a Demonstration of the Outward cause Examples of Demonstration That which hath the guilt of sin is wretched But all mankind since the fall hath guiltiness therefore it is wretched Whatsoever differeth from the Law and will of God deserveth Gods wrath but every small sin differeth c. therefore it deserveth Gods wrath He that hath satisfied Gods wrath hath perfectly redeemed us Onely Christ hath satisfied c. therefore he hath redeemed us They that are constantly kept of God in the purpose of Election once mode their Salvation is sure But all the faithful are so kept therefore their Salvation is sure Whatsoever hath matter is moveable Every naturall body hath matter therefore Every naturall body is moveable Lesse Principall is whose mean term is a lesse principall efficient cause viz. either Impulsive or first Instrumentall The Canon hereof is Whereto the Impulsive and Instrumentall which is more matching is given thereto also must needs be given the effect and power or faculty unto which the instrument is ordained and contrary from what the instrument is taken from that also the end or effect must needs be taken Thus Demonstration is made that fishes do not breathe because they have no lungs that the wicked eat not Christs body because they have no faith So man is a communicable and sociable creature because he hath speech the Instrument of communion Demonstration of the end is whose mean term is drawn from the place of the finall cause The Canons thereof are two 1. The end being put specially the fitted end needs must the means to the end be put or contrariwise 2. Even as the end is either fitted and principall or lesse principall accordingly the Demonstration is more perfect or imperfect Thus Christ shewed they ought not to buy and sell in the Temple because it was an house of prayer Heresies must be that the approved may be known c. Imperfect Demonstration or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That a thing is whose mean is taken from the place of the effect The Canons hereof are three 1 The effect being put the cause is necessarily put and the effect being taken away so is the cause as it is a cause of that effect So it is shewed that some men are Elect because in time they are called justified and sanctified and contrary that some are not Elect because they are not called c. So Infants are sinners because they die Romans 5. 2. Even as the effect is either principal or lesse principal accordingly is the demonstration more or lesse principal 3. When by the effect it is proved the cause is or not on the contrary also the effect may be shewed by the cause which Reciprocation Logicians call Regresse And thus much of Demonstration Of an Apparent Syllogism or Fallacie Hitherto we have treated of a true Syllogism Now followeth the Apparent which hath a false disposition or matter painted with a shew of a true Whereupon ignorance or naughty disposition is begotten in the mind The Doctrine hereof hath two parts The 1. whereof is the caution of a deprehended Fallacie The 2. is Shewing and loosing of that Fallacie First Of the deprehension or finding out of a Fallacie A Sophism or Fallacie is a deceit either In Form a In Matter b A Fallacie of Form is when men sin against the disposition of a Syllogism violating the Canons either generall or speciall of all the Figures A Fallacy of matter is either In words m In things n A Fallacy of words is either in a word Simple g Compound b A fallacy of a simple word is either Of want of use k Of Ambiguity l A Fallacy of the want of use of a word is either 1. For the darknesse of it 2. For the oldnesse 3. For the Novelty 4. For the impropriety of it These are opened in the first part of Logick Ambiguity of a word is either For the many meanings For the doubtfull forming Ambiguity for many meanings is when a term in a Syllogism is taken in this meaning or in that as That which is begotten beginneth to be The Son of God is begotten therfore beginneth to be Here is ambiguity in the word begetting for the generation that is in the Holy Trinity differeth generally from the generation of the creatures Ambiguity for the forming of a word is either in respect of the 1. Orthography 2. Etymologie 3. Prosodie 1. In respect of the Orthography is when the doubtfulnesse ariseth from the diverse pronouncing of word or writing as If a man pretending to make one his heir should say I will make thee mine hair or to commend one for a full hardy souldier saith He is fool-hardy 2. In respect of the Etymologie doubtfulnesse is which ariseth either of likenesse of ending or confounding one number for another This Fallacy is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3. In respect of Proâ—odie doubtfulnesse is which aâ—iâ—eth from wrong pronounciation a long syllable for a short or otherwise A Fallacy of a compound word is which is in a sentence and is called Amphibâ—lie which is a double uncertainty of the meaning in a sentence And it ariseth either 1. Of the construction and distinction 2. Of the phrase 3. Of the Composition and Division 1. Of the construction when the coherence and construction of words is doubtfull 2. Of the phrase when not the construction but the kinde of speech makes uncertainty of sense as Christ went up to Heaven to fill all things Therefore His body is diffused everywhere It is a Fallacy by not understanding the Apostles phrase Fill all things which is meant of the effusion of the Holy Ghost not of the diffusion of his body 3. Of Composition and Division when words are joyned together which should be disjoyned or contrariwise as Two and three are even and odde but five are two and three therefore five are even and odde A Fallacy in things is either 1. About the conclusion or question a 2. About the proof of the concluon on oâ—â—â—â—ing the Mean b About the conclusion is either 1. Asking of many questions 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. Asking of another question 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3. Ignorance of the argument 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 The Fallacie of many questions is when many questions or conclusions are confounded in one As Were Moses and Aaron and David
ended with the consideration of the Name For example If a man would treat of Purgatory First let him weigh the name Then mind the Definition and Declaration of the Name by the Etymologie viz. That by this Name is signified some Infernal fire But somewhat gentler wherein the souls of them that are to be saved must be purged and rosted therein so long as till full satisfaction be made for their sins This Declaration of the name sheweth that such a fire there is no where therefore Not to be sought in any predicament or Rank of things And so it is but folly either to define it or declare it by the causes and properties thereof But here note that this consideration Whether a thing be or not is not to be according to the Existence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in some certain place or time but it is to be minded essentially 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 As if one would treat of Christs Incarnation The question Whether it be or no is not to be minded so as whether it be to day or whether it shall be But this is enough that at any time it hath been and now also dureth in effect although Christ be no more Incarnate nor brought forth The like is also to be minded for things to come as the day of Judgement Resurrection c. For though these have not yet Existence yet have they Essence and because it is sure they shall be they are to be treated of in order and manner of things that now are Treating also is either Of a Perfect Theme a b Of an Imperfect Theme a b A perfect theme is that which is perfectly placed in the order of things or predicaments as an Universall thing one and whole by it self And it is either Substantial Accidental The treating of both these is either Primary 1 Secondary 2 Primary treating is which when the beginnings of the Definition are foreknown gathereth from them the Definition and then useth the other Logical terms for explaning the term according to those Canons that follow pertaining to the explication of a substance 1 When the name of the theme is weighed and the lawfull Genus found let the difference be sought for either by the predicamental Tables or by some notable effect or antecedent of a Theme known to the senses 2 When the Genus and difference are found by its self the Definition must be gathered and made 3 The Definition of a substance being gathered the form thereof and matter is distinctly to be considered 4 Let the Form then be assigned and so far as the perspicuity of the Doctrine will suffer declared 5 After the Form let the matter generally be weighed 6 After the Integral parts which make the matter entire let those parts at least be considered which are most principal and primary Instruments to bring forth the operations of the Form 7 The efficient cause Principal and Instrumental although it pertains not to the Essence of a Substance yet it is to be considered for the knowledge of the Existence The like is also to be minded for the final cause 8 The proper accidents or effects flowing from the Form and cleaving to the whole compound must be reckoned 9 Then let there be added a Division of the proposed substance by the Primary accidents by the Integral parts inferring a manifest distinction and if the Theme be a Genus let the Species thereof be recounted which after may have their peculiar handling also if the handler be so purposed 10 Let the things that are akin to the proposed substance be added 11 And then let there be shewed the things that are diverse and contrary For example Let this Theme Animal or living creaâ—ure be to be handled 1 Weigh the name which in Latine is of Anima a Soul which signifieth any living Form which also is in plants but is by an excellencie given to other sensible creatures in whom the Soul more manifestly appeareth by sense and motion In Hebrew it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cajah of life for that such creatures seem onely to have life Of the ambiguity of the name or concretion or abstraction there needs none ado 2 Next look for the Genus which is found in the Table of Substances to be a living body 3 The difference restraining that Genus is found in the same Table also to be sensitive 4 The whole Definition therefore is that an Animal is a living body sensitive 5 The matter far off of an Animal are the Instruments of life The next matter is the Instruments of sense and motion which taken all together are called the body of the Animal 6 The Form neer is the Soul Vegetant the neerest is the Soul sensitive which by the effects or proper accidents that cleave to the Animal are as it were by the latter words evidently perceived 7 Then come to the existence and here weigh the efficient cause of an Animal The principall Efficient is the Forming of the youngling of an Animal whereby the sensitive Soul is united with the body The Instrumental cause is the Seed the Womb the Birth all which may be treated of peculiarly 8 The end is to be shewed wherefore an Animal was at first created and wherefore in time gendered The End Universal is the glory of God the Creator The particular is the Complement of all the degrees of life and so the perfection of the World and Creatures which require not onely a Body vegetant but also sensible 9 The proper accidents of an Animal are principally 1 Sense Inward and Outward 2 Appetite 3 Going Secondarily 1 Breathing 2 Watching Sleep Dreaming 10 The Integrant parts of the body or matter are 1 Similary parts as blood and other Humours Flesh Bones Sinews Arteries 2 Dissimilary parts principall are the Brain Heart Stomack Liver and other lesse principal all over the body 11 The division of an Animal is 1 By reason of the temperature and parts into Male and Female 2 By the Species into Man and Beast which also may severally and distinctly be considered 12 The things akin to an Animal are Plants especially those that are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Plant Animals and half Animals as Sponges c. 13 The Opposites of an Animal are things that want Life Sense and Motion and Poysons which are pernicious to the Life And thus much for handling a perfect Theme Substantial A Theme Accidental is handled according to these Canons 1 After due consideration of the name First think of the Order or predicament of the proposed accident whether it be quantity quality Action Passion or Relation For so it will appear whether it indeed be an accident or a Non ens and feigned Theme 2 When the Genus is found let the Subject of the accident be shewed And withall consider whether the accident treated of be common or proper For these two have diverse explications Wherefore an accident should alway be reduced to his first
and even subject that of a common it may be made proper 3 Because Relation is busied between two Subjects of which one is called the Relate the other the Correlate therefore in explaning of a relation both of them must be assigned 4 The Object then is to be minded about which the accident is occupied and Objects bear rule in qualities and Actions 5 The Principal efficient causes must be found out First the neer and then the neerest causes 6 In Relations the ground or Fundament must be enquired and it differeth not from the neerest cause 7 Then let the end of the accident be shewed which also bears sway chiefly in quality and action 8 But in Relations the Term must be enquired which is the same with the final cause 9 Then give the definition of the accident according to the nature of every predicament assigning besides the Genus the essential terms as the Subject the Object the Efficient cause and the End 10 Often also the Antecedents Connexes Circumstances and Consequences are to be reckoned As when the propounded Theme is an Action or Passion 11 The effects of the proposed accident must be distinctly told 12 A Division must be added either into the Species if the proposed accident be a Genus or into other members fitting to an accident 13 Then shew the things akin thereto or which have some affinity of nature with the proposed theme 14 Let the diversity which is between Themes akin be shewed 15 Let the Opposites or Contraries be added For Example This accidental Theme is to be handled Calling upon God 1 The Name is absolute 2 The Genus in the Predicament of Action is found to be this a religious action 3 The Subject of this Action is a faithfull man 4 The Object First to whom it should be directed is the whole Trinity and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ reconciled by the Son Secondly The Object of the things to be asked which are Bodily and Spiritual Thirdly The Object for whom is our selves and others 5 The Efficient cause principal is the manner of confidence stirred up by the holy Ghost by the authority and merit of Christ the Mediator Joh. 4. Rom. 6. The outward moving cause 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is Gods commandment and his promise to hear us Joh. 16. Psal. 150. The inward moving cause 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is the feeling of our own wants and remembrance of Gods benefits before received The Instrumentall causes are the Form given by Christ Mat. 6. and our members Inward and Outward as heart tongues eyes hands knees c. 6 The end is the obtaining of benefits and thankfull glorifying of God 7 So the whole definition is this Invocation is a Religious action or operation from the motion of faith kindled by the holy Ghost with trust and authority of Christ the Mediatour done by a faithfull man and directed unto God propitious in his Son for the obtaining of good things needfull and for the glorification of Gods holy Name 8 The proper accidents or things requisite are First That it be done in true faith without wavering Jam. 1. Secondly That it be directed to Gods will Thirdly That it be with devout inward Motions and outward gestures if it may be Fourthly That it be not hasty limiting God a time or manner Jsaiah 28. Fifthly That it be conceived with brief words without any redundance of speech 9. The effects are Union with God joy and comfort of mind the obtaining of good things needfull 10. The Circumstances are the place now free Joh. 4. publike or private the time also free at all hours c. 11. The things connexed unto it are purity of life sobriety tentations of the Devil much to be resisted 12. The Division is by circumstance of the place publike or private By the object it is supplication 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Prayer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Intercession 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 13. The things akin unto it are diligent reading of the Scripture Meditation of holy things continual diligence in the works of our calling 14. The contraries are A corrupt conscience an unclean life doubting profaness and contempt blasphemy and execration And thus much of the primary handling of a perfect Theme The Secondary is when the Definition of a Theme is put at the first beginning and afterwards is resolved and explained by parts This way is commonly used of many in an their treatises And though it be good yet is it not so artificial and profitable as the former Now followeth the handling of Imperfect Themes Imperfect Themes are they that are imperfectly placed in the Predicaments and Order of things And they are imperfect either In respect of our understanding Of their own Nature In respect of our understanding onely the nature of the most high God cannot perfectly be treated of explained Of its own nature a Theme Imperfect is five-fold 1 A singular thing 2 A Part. 3 A Concrete 4 A Collective 5 A Privation A Singular thing or Individuum is either Substantial a Accidental b Substantial hath these Canons 1 Among substantial Themes those chiefly come to be handled in use which are called persons 2 The Genus and Species are in secret thought presupposed in singulars 3 The persons name and Etymologie and reason of the giving of it is to be considered 4 Then comes to be considered the efficient cause or beginning and birth of the person with the Circumstances of place and Countrey of time when and then the subjects of this birth his Father and Mother 5 These are to be told the accidents of the person First Pertaining to his body as Stature and Health Secondly to his minde as Wit Judgement Memory Learning Also Moral Vertues Chastity Liberality c. And these may be led along his ages as his childhood youth mans age 6 The effects of the person are to be recited what memorable things he hath done in every age especially in his manhood 7 Let the things which are akin be shewed as they that live in his time his friends and the things wherein the person most delighteth 8 Finally let the diverse things and contrary to the person be rehearsed as Foes Enviers and his death with the cause thereof as the disease or if it were violent by what adversity he perished Then the things connex to his death if any strange signes went before or if he spake any memorable thing at last whereto adde the consequents of his death as his Burial and Funerals A singular accident is which cleaves to a singular substance as either the quality or action or Passion or Relation of it The Canons for handling this Theme are these 1 Let the name be weighed as was in a theme universal 2 Let the Genus and Species of the propounded theme be presupposed 3 The Subject namely the singular substance is to be considered as also the Object about which it is occupied 4 Let the antecedents
connexes adjacents and circumstances specially be explaned 5 Let the causes Efficient both Principal and Impulsive and Instrumental be diligently discussed and the final cause also added 6 Let the description be gathered by naming of the Species assignation also of the subject object circumstances of time and place with mention also of the efficient and final causes 7 Let the proper Requisites and Effects be added 8 Let the Consequents be named 9 Let the things akin be rehearsed 10 Let the things diverse be compared and the opposites at last assigned For example Let Christs ascension be the theme to be handled 1 Ascension is the scansion or moving from an inferiour place to a superiour 2 The Genus of it is a motion local whose extreams are 〈…〉 what and unto what and then the mean by which the 〈…〉 is made Now here we are to mind whether Christs Ascention be a Natural moving or Supernatural And we may find it to be a Naturall moving First In respect of the Subject which is a natural Body Secondly and in respect of the terms and mean But in respect of the Efficient cause and end it is Supernatural 3 The Subject of this ascention is Christs whole person not absolutely but restrictively according to that part which could move from place to place which is his humane nature As for the Object Local moving is not occupied about it 4 The Antecedents far off were Christs Ministery and all that he did in his life the neerer are his Passion Resurrection conversing after with his Disciples forty dayes and bringing of them to Mount-Olivet c. The Connexes are the term from whence Namely Mount-Olivet The term whereto namely the Heaven of Heavens The means by which are the Air and Sphere of fire and other Orbs thorow which his Body went The Circumstance of places agrees with the terms The time was forty dayes after his Resurrection The other Connexes were the gazing of his Disciples the appearing of the Angels c. 5 The principal Efficient cause was the vertue of the Godhead the inward moving cause 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is Christs love to his Elect The outward moving cause 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is the profit and salvation of his Elect. The final cause in respect of Christ is the full possession of glory Secondly In respect of his Elect to fulfill his kingly office by defending and ruling of his Church Also his Prophetical and Priestly office by sending the holy Ghost to teach them and the interceding for them with the Father 6 Hereupon the Description ariseth this That Christs ascension was a Local moving whereby he as touching his body leaving the earth on Mount-Olivet came thorow all the Regions of the Elements by vertue of the Godhead into the glorious Heaven to possesse full glory and to defend his Church against all Enemies and by the power of the holy Ghost from Heaven to teach and instruct and by Intercession to commend us to the Father 7 The Effects of his ascension are the sending of the holy Ghost the gathering of his Church by the Ministery of his Apostles the suppressing of the Enemies and defence of his Church sitting on Gods right hand and Intercession 8 The Consequent of his Ascension was the Apostles wondering and returning to Jerusalem Fear and dwelling together till the Spirit was sent down 9 The things akin to his Ascension were his Resurrection the ascending of Enoch and especially of Elias 10 Diversity may be shewed between those for the ascension of Enoch and Elias was not a Victory over sin and the Devil nor a triumph of merit but of grace not by their own power but by anothers c. And the Opposites of his ascension are His base estate on earth and that disparition vanishing away which Ubiquitaries feign of his Body c. And thus much of the handling of a singular accident The handling of a Part hath these Canons 1 Let the name of the part in several tongues be considered and the Notation shewed 2 Because every Part is a thing Incomplete a complete Genus or Species of it cannot be had but it must be referred unto the predicament in which the whole is therefore by Comparison to the whole and Relation to the whole the Nature of the Part is of our understanding to be conceived For every part is part of the whole and if it be cut from the whole it deserves almost no consideration because the use of it is ceased 3 It must be considered whether the part be Essential or Integral 4 If the part be Essential let it be minded whether it be the Form or the Matter If the Form it must chiefly be explained by his Operations or Forces and Effects If it be the Matter the disposition of it must be considered by which it is apt to receive the Form and so the Instruments by which the operations of the Form are wrought and so let the whole body be subdivided into parts greater and principal lesser and least of all 5 Let it be considered whether the Integral part be similar or dissimilar For Similars come rarely under consideration because it is of the same name nature and properties with the whole but dissimilars are wont chiefly to deserve explication 6 In every part therefore besides the name there must be considered 1 The quantity and figure 2 The quality or temperature 3 The situation and how it is placed and knit with other parts 4 The uses or actions of the parts for whose sake this Instrument is of Nature made 5 The lesser parts of which it is compounded 7 After this let the things akin to the part be weighed as are either parts like unto it and finally let the Opposites be added as are in mans body the peculiar diseases of the parts The use of this Doctrine of the Part is chiefly seen in anatomies and in astronomy and architecture or building But most of all in the anatomy and parts of a mans body A Concrete accident is explained chiefly by these Canons 1 Besides the ambiguity of the name and the Etymologie let the Absolute accident be considered of which the Concrete is denominated because the resolution of the Concrete into the Absolute is the best explication of the Concrete 2 In the accident absolute whereinto the Concrete is resolved let the Genus Causes Objects Effects Things akin and Opposites be considered and let them be applied to the Concrete accident after the same manner 3 In relations concrets are often wont to be taken for absolutes by the unheedy therefore there needeth great discretiō 4 When the nature of the absolute accident is perceived the description of the Concrete may be annexed viz. that which is builded by the consideration of the absolute Collectives are diverse things especially substances united together not by any essentiall Band but by Number and Relation The Canons for explaining Collectives are these 1 Besides the Name consider whether