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THE Introduction. Numb. I. The design of the following Ad∣vices. II. The danger of miscarriage in the Clerical Calling, the consequent necessi∣ty of a Call from God for un∣dertaking it; how we are to judge of this Call in a rational way, the general requisites there∣unto. III. The first requisite, A pure Intention, what it is, and how to be tryed. IV. V. VI.
The second requisite, Natural Gifts, how we may hence con∣clude a Calling. VII. Why these Gifts are called Natural. What they are that necessary in regard of knowledge. All Theological knowledge not sim∣ply necessary for every ordinary Parochian, but what is more immediately practicall. Men are to be fitted for further knowledge by the practice of what they know already. VIII. The great use and probable suc∣cessfulness of this Method in reducing Hereticks or Schis∣maticks. IX. The knowledge of a Clergieman ought to be not onely that of a Practitio∣ner, but that of a Guide. Hence is inferred, First a necessi∣ty of knowing and understand∣ing
Fundamentals wherein all agree, as of the Apostles Creed. From whence is also further inferred a necessity of un∣derstanding, First the Scrip∣tures, and therefore the Origi∣nals wherein they were written, especially the Greek. X. XI. Secondly, the Fathers of the first and purest Centuries. The necessity of this. XII. The expediency of it. XIII. Se∣condly, a necessity of skill in such Controversies as divide Communions. XIV. Third∣ly, a skill in Casuistical Di∣vinity. The insufficiency of Pulpit-reproofs, and the necessi∣ty of dealing with particular Consciences in order to the Re∣formation of particular persons. XV. XVI. XVII. Requisites
for inducing the People to a practice of their duty, when known: First a skill in the Ars Voluntatis. XVIII. Secondly, Boldness and Courage in telling them of their duty. How necessary this qualification is, and how much to be tendered. How it may be best performed without offending on the other ex∣treme of petulancy. XIX. Thirdly, a sweet and sociable, yet grave and serious, Con∣versation. How these two seem∣ing contradictory extremes may be reconciled. XX. Fourthly, a holy and exemplary life. XXI. That their Lives may be exemplary, two conditions are necessary▪ First, that they be Excellent. XXII. Secondly, that their Excellency he conspi∣cuous.
How this conspicuity may be so contrived as that it may not hinder Humility and Mo∣desty▪ XXIII. The last requi∣site, a firm and stable Resolu∣tion. How to be tryed. XXIV. These Advices seasonable for such as have already under∣taken Orders, as well as such as onely design them. That these personal qualifications will supersede the necessity of parti∣cular Rules. XXV. Two things further requisite for a nea∣rer accommodation of the fore∣mentioned qualifications to pra∣ctice: First, that an observati∣on of them from a principle of Divine love and on a ratio∣nal account, is more expedient both for personal comfort and publick edification. XXVI.
Second, some general Rules in managing a Parochial Cure for bringing the People to a rule∣able temper. XXVII.
The Catalogue of the Wri∣tings of such Christian Authors as Flourished before the Conversion of the Romane Empire to Christianity. Pag. 131.