that Petrus Ramus maketh but one kinde of method, that is to say, to proceed from the first principles or elements: yet I am sure he will not denie, but that to goe forward and backward, be two diuers things, though not contrarie, as doth well appeare by the compositiue and resolutiue method before defined.
I doe not yet perfectly vnderstand by all this, with what method a simple question is to be handled: therefore I pray you shew the true way and order thereof.
The method or way in handling a simple question, dependeth vpon these 9. Interrogatiues, that is to say, 1. First, what signifi∣cations the name or word hath, whereof the question is made, and how it is to be taken. 2. Secondly, whether there bee any such thing, or not. 3. Thirdly, what it is. 4. Fourthly, what be the parts or speciall kindes thereof. 5. Fiftly, what be the cau∣ses. 6. Sixtly, what be the effects. 7. Seuenthly, what things be incident or appurtenant vnto it. 8. Eightly, what things are like vnto it. 9. And ninthly, what things bee contrarie to it. All which questions Aristotle reduceth into these foure, that is to say, Whether it be? What it is? What manner of thing it is? and, Why it is?
Giue example of a simple question handled according to the nine questions before recited.
As for example: If we haue to treat of vertue, first, wee must shew the diuers significations of vertue; for vertue signifieth sometime power and abilitie, as when we say, vertue attractiue, vertue digestiue, or vertue expulsiue: but here vertue is to be ta∣ken for a morall habit, bringing forth good and commendable actions. Secondly, whether vertue be, or not, it plainly appeareth by the diuers doings of men, whereof some bee good, some bee bad. Thirdly, what vertue is, we know by the definition thereof, in saying, that vertue is a morall habit, inclining mans will to doe that which is alwaies good, and agreeable to true iudgement. Fourthly, the kindes of vertue be diuers, as Prudence, Iustice, Temperance, Fortitude, Modestie▪ and such like. Fiftly, the causes of vertue be also diuers; for the cause efficient thereof is good, and mans will obedient to true reason, and to true judgement: the matter or subiect of vertue is the minde or heart of man: the