Bibliotheca parochialis: or, A scheme of such theological heads both general and particular, as are more peculiarly requisite to be well studied by every pastor of a parish. Part. I. Together with a catalogue of books which may be read upon each of those points. / By Thomas Bray ...

The foregoing General Heads of Theology drawn out into Particulars, with a Cata∣logue of Books proper to be Read upon the several Points contain'd therein.

I.

THE Belief of the Divine Existence and Provi∣dence being the Foundation of all Religion, as well Natural as Reveal'd, it is very necessary in such an Age as this, wherein the very Foundations of both are tore up, that every Pastor of a Flock should not only be fully persuaded in his own Mind of the cer∣tainty of these Important Truths, but be very able likewise to give the most convictive Evidence of their Verity to all others: And in order to that End he ought to be supply'd with the Learned Writings of the Best Authors, as well Philosophers as Divines, upon each of these two Fundamental Points, viz.

I. The Divine Existence and Providence.

• Dr. Cudworth's Intellectual System. Fol.
• Dris. Sam. Parkeri Disputationes de Deo. 4o.

N. These or any of 'em are proper to be the first Read upon this Subject, as giving an Historical Account of Atheism and its Authors, as well as a Confutation of their Opinions. And there is no coming to a true understanding of the state of any Question, without first knowing the History thereof; After which may be read,

First, Amongst the Ancient Writers.

• Cicero de Natura Deorum Lib. 3.
• — de Divinatione Libri 2.
• Plutarchus de iis qui tardè à Numine Corripiuntur.
• Juvenalis Satyrae 10 & 13.
• Seneca cur Bonis Viris mala accidunt.
• Lactantius de Opificio Dei.
• Sancti Basilii de Providentia Concio 22.
• Sancti Chrysostomi Orationes 5 de Providentia Divina.
• — de Providentia Dei ad Stagirium Monachum Lib. 3.
• Sancti Theodoreti de Providentia Orationes 10.
• Salvianus de Gubernatione Dei.

N. Vide Minutii Faelicis Octavium p. 16. &c. ex Ed. Ouzelii. Lactantii Inst. Lib. 1. 2.

N. As to the Editions both of the Fathers and Philosophers hitherto and here∣after to be mention'd, I referr the Reader to Dr. Cave's Historia Literaria, Ellies Dupins New Ecclesiastical History, and Sir Thomas Pope-Blounts Censura Authorum, which as they are Books that ought not to be wanted, if possible to be obtain'd; so they give the fullest Account of the va∣rious and best Editions.

Secondly, Amongst later and more modern Writers.

• Sir Charles Wolesley against Atheism. 8o.
• Dr. Henry Moor's Antidote against Atheism. 8o.
• Bp. Ward's Essay towards an Eviction of the Being and Attributes of God, 8o.
• Gerar. Vossius de Theologia Gentili & Physiologia Christi∣ana, sive de Origine ac progressu Idolatriae, deque Natu∣rae Mirandis quibus Homo adducitur ad Deum. Fol.
• Sir Matthew Hales's Primitive Origination of Mankind. Fol.
• Dr. Bates's Considerations of the Existence of God. 8o.
• Dr. Bentley's Sermons at Mr. Boyle's Lecture. 4o.
• Mr. Boyle of Final Causes. 12o.
• Mr. Ray's Wisdom of God in the Creation of Man. 8o.
• Dr. Pelling's Discourse on the Existence of God. 8o.
• Dr. Sherlock upon Providence. 4o.
• Mr. Charnock upon Providence. 8o. or at the End of the Attributes.
• Lessius de Numine ejusque Providentia inter Opuscula. Fol.
• Hackwel's Apology. Fol.
• Dr. Henry Moore's Divine Dialogues concerning Providence. 2 Vol. 8o.
• Mr. Edward's Discourse on the Existence and Providence of God, 8o.

N. Vide Joh. Damascenum de Fide orthodoxa. Lib. 1. Petr. Lomb. Lib. 1. Distinct. 3. And all the other Summaries and Systems of Theology hereafter mentioned, in the common Places de Deo, & de Provi∣dentia. As also the Expositions of the Creed upon the first Article thereof: Particularly Dr. Barrow on the Creed, from p. 87. to p. 139. Dr. Scot's Christian Life, Part 2. from p. 81. to p. 271. Origenes Sacrae from p. 361. to p. 533. Mr. Smith's Select Discourses, from p. 1. to p. 165. and particularly with respect to the Atheistical Tenets of Hobbs and Spinoza may be read;

• Dr. Tenison against Hobbs. 8o.
• Gisberti Coquei Hobianismi Anatome. 8o.
• Regneri à Mansfelt adversus Anonimum Theologo-Politi∣cum Liber singularis, in quo omnes & singulae Tractatus Theologo-Politici Dissertationes Examinantur & Refel∣luntur, cum praemissa Disquisitione de Divina per Natu∣ram & Scripturam Revelatione. 4o.
• Poireti Cogitationes de Deo. 4o.

II.

Natural Religion, or that Train of Religious Principles and Duties resulting from them, which, by a due use of Reason, Experience, and Considera∣tion, a Man may, without the Discovery of Reve∣lation, conclude he is oblig'd to Believe and Practise: This being the Religion that all Mankind, meerly as Rational Creatures, are govern'd by, and without the knowledge and observation of which, the very Pa∣gans themselves will be without Excuse: It will be very requisite that every Divine should well under∣stand the extent and end thereof; and that for these two Reasons, First, That he may be able to warn his People, least, under all the Advantages and Im∣provements in the Principles and Practice of Ver∣tue made by Christianity. they fall short of the very Heathens in both: And Secondly, That he may per∣ceive himself, and shew to Others, the inestimable Advantages we Christians have receiv'd by the Light of the Gospel, which gives us a much better Rule to walk by, and proposes infinitely greater Rewards for

our Encouragement in so doing; And therefore, for the Ends afore-mentioned, it will be requisite our Di∣vine should be furnished with some or other of these following Books:

I. Of the Ancient Philosophers.

Diogenes Laertius de vitis Philosophorum.

N. I place him first, renitente Chronologia, amongst this Sett of Writers, because it may be very useful to know the History of our Subject, before we enter upon farther Inquiries therein; and therefore for that Reason I shall also adventure to place here, though so much more remote in point of Time.

• Stanley's Lives of the Philosophers, Fol.
• Ger. Vossii de philosophia & Philosophorum Sectis Libri 2. 4o.
• Isocrates.
• Zenophon.
• Platonis Opera.
• Aristotelis Opera.
• Aeliani Varia Historia per Kutinium.
• Stobaei Opera.
• Ciceronis Opera.
• Valerius Maximus.
• Seneca per Lipsium.
• Maximus Tyrius.
• Epictetus cum Scholiis Simplicii & Ariani.
• Plutarchi Moralia.
• Salustius Graec. & Latin. Inter Galei Opuscula Mythologica, 8o. Cant. 1971.
• M. Antoninas Τῶν Καθ' εαυτὸν per Gatakerum.
• Plotinus.
• Hierocles.
• Macrobrii Opera.

• Jamblicus.
• Proclus De Theologia Platonica.

N. And to these may be also added those a∣mongst the Ancient Poets, in whom there is found such Excellent Morality, as

• Ovidius. Cum Notis Variorum, aut In Usum Delphini.
• Horatius. Cum Notis Variorum, aut In Usum Delphini.
• Juvenalis. Cum Notis Variorum, aut In Usum Delphini.
• Persius. Cum Notis Variorum, aut In Usum Delphini.
• Senecae Tragediae. Cum Notis Variorum, aut In Usum Delphini.

• Phaedri. Fabulae.
• Aesopi. Fabulae.

N. In these Heathen Moralists may be seen, how far the meer Light of Nature, without the help of Revelation, could direct those that attended to its Dictates, in the Knowledge of God and themselves, and in the Practice of Vertue; except it be said as to some of the later Platonists since our Saviour's Time, that they having had a sight of the Gospel, they were taught thence to refine their Theology and Morals.

II. Of the later and more Modern Writers upon Natural Religion.

• Pfhanneri Systema Theologiae Gentilis Purioris, quâ quam propè ad veram Religionem Gentiles accesserint per cuncta ferè ejus Capita, ex ipsis praecipuè illorum Scriptis ostenditur, 4o.
• Bishop Wilkins of Natural Religion, 8o.
• Raymundi de Sabunde Theologia Naturalis, 8o.
• Dr. Scot's Christian Life, Part 2. Vol. 1.
• Ld. Ch. J. Hales's Knowledge of God and our Selves, Part 1.
• A Discourse of Natural and Reveal'd Religion, or the Light of Nature a Guide to Divine Truth, 8o. London 1691.

N. To these it may be also thought proper to add that Sett of Authors who have written upon the Laws of Nature, as Grotius,

Puffendorf, &c. But these Learn∣ed Writers considering the Duties that Natural Reason dictates,* 1.1 not as respecting God and another World, but as relating to the well-being of the Animal and Social Life here up∣on Earth: These Duties as handled by them, will scarcely come under the Notion of Religious: Or if they do, they are but one part of Natural Re∣ligion, and fall under our consideration properly enough when we shall come to that Article of the Covenant, Evangelical Obedience; whereas our Design is in this Place to set down those Authors both Pagan and Christian, who have deliver'd to us, as well the Principles of Natural Religion, as the Duties resul∣ting from them.

III. And for a Nexus between Natural and Reveal'd Re∣ligion.

• Mr. Boyle of the Use of Reason in Religion.
• —Excellency of Theology compar'd with Natural Philoso∣phy, 8o.
• Velthusius de Usu Rationis in rebus Theologicis, 4o.
• Mr. Glanvil's Vanity of Dogmatizing, or Confidence in Opi∣nions, manifested in a Discourse of the Shortness and Un∣certainty of our Knowledge and its Causes, 4o.
• —A seasonable Recommendation and Defence of Reason in the Affairs of Religion against Infidelity, Sceptiscim, and Atheism of all sorts, 4o.

N. To which also may be added, such as dis∣course of those Dispositions of Mind necessary to the Reception of Divine Truth, especially of the Christian Doctrine: To which End may be read Mr. Smith of the True Way and Method of attaining to Divine Knowledge, in his Select Dis∣courses, from p. 1. to p. 21. Dr. Jackson in his Works fusè.

III.

The meer Light of Nature being not sufficient of it self, to discover to us the full Knowledge of God and our Selves, much less to direct us how to attain to the Enjoyment of God, and all those unspeakable Bles∣sings wherein consists our future Happiness: And the Holy Scriptures being the Fountain of Divine and Sa∣ving Knowledge, from whence the Pastor of the Flock of Christ is to draw forth the Waters of Life, both for his own and others Benefit: It is principally requisite he should be provided of such Books, as shall enable him, I. To know the Text it self, and that both in the Original and Vulgar Tongues; II. To Understand the meaning of it; And, III. To apply it skilfully to the Edification of others.

I. For the Knowledge of the Text it self.

First, It will be requisite to have it in its several Languages.

1. In the Original and Learned Languages.

• Athias's Heb. Bible, Ed. per Leusden, 8o. Or,
• Arias Montanus's Interliniary Bible, Fol.
• The Septuagint Bible, Camb. 12. or Amstel. 40.
• Beza's Greek Testament, Fol. Or,
• Novum Testamentum, Graec. Curcellaei variis Lect. 8o
• Novum Test. Graec. Oxonii variis Lect. 8o. Or,

• Novum Test. Doctoris Millii Variis Lect. when Pub∣lish'd, Fol.
• Biblia Vulgata Sixti 5ti. Rom. 1590. Or, since this is scarce.
• Biblia Vulgata Clementis Octavi, often Printed.

N. Both these last are declared by the Church of Rome to be Authentick, thô they contradict each other. Or instead of all the former (as containing the rest for the most part, and a great deal more, and of as easie a Purchase as all of them will be.)

• Biblia Polyglotta. Waltoni cum Ap. 6 Vol. Fol.
• Biblia Lat. Junii & Tremellii, Fol. or 4o.

2. In the Vulgar Tongue.

An English Bible.

N. Of which the the most useful at pre∣sent is that with Bishop Usher's Chronology, and Dr. Scattergood's References in the Margin, Fol. or 4o.

Secondly, It will be requisite to distinguish the Ca∣nonical Books and Parts thereof from those bound up with it, which are Apocryphal.

• Dr. Raynolds de Libris Apocryphis, 2 Vol. 4o.
• Bishop Cosin's Scholastical History of the Canon of the Holy Scripture, 4o.
• Alexander Morus de Canone Scripturae, 4o.

N. Here may be read the Controversies with the Papists hereafter mention'd upon the Title de Canone Scripturae; as also Elies Dupin's Preliminary Dissertation about the Authors of the Bible in the 1st. Vol. of his New Ecclesiastical History, from p. 1. to p. the 50.

II. To understand the meaning of the Text, it will be requi∣site to have,

First, Such Books as give preparatory Directions for the Understanding, and Explaining, and the Profi∣table Reading of the Holy Scriptures.

1. Amongst the Fathers and Ancient Writers.

• Augustini de Doctrina Christiana Libri 4.
• Hieronomi Ep. ad Paulinum.

2. Among the Later and more Modern Writers.

• Hyperius de Sacrae Scripturae Lectione, 8o.
• Bishop Patrick's Search the Scriptures; A Treatise shewing that all Christians ought to Read the Holy Books; with Directions to them therein, 8o.

Secondly, Such as Interpret and Assoil the Difficulties that Occur in Reading; whether those Difficulties lye in Understanding, First, the Subject-Matter of some of the more extraordinary and uncommon Things contain'd in the Scriptures; or Secondly, in the Language or Expression wherein the Holy Writ does declare the Will of God to Mankind; or Thirdly, in both Matter and Expression.

1. As to the Difficulty of understanding some of the more uncommon Matters contain'd in the Scriptures, such as the Mosaick History of the Creation and Deluge; the Scripture-Geography, Chronology, and History; the Structure and Dimensions of the Ark and Temple, Jewish Laws, Rites, Customs, Worship and Sacrifices;

The Nature of Sacred Dreams, Visions, Oracles and Pro∣phesies; Scripture-Coi••s, Weights, and Measures; and lastly the Natural History of Scripture Animals, Plants, and also Diseases; These Matters being purely Scriptu∣tural, it is requisite a Divine, as he would aim at being perfect in his Profession, should have some competent Skill therein. And for that End,

First, Upon the Mosaick History of the Creation and Deluge may be Read,

• Sir Matthew Hale's Primitive Origination of Man∣kind, Fol.
• Dr. Woodward's Natural History of the Earth, 8o.
• Mr. Whiston's New Theory of the Earth, 8o.

N. Here also Read Origines Sacrae, Book. 3. Chap. 2, 3, 4, 5.

Secondly, Upon Scripture-Geography.

• Adrichomii Terrae Sanctae Descriptio, & Tabula Cho∣rographica. Item.
• Jacobi Bonfrerii Annotationes in Adrichomii Descri∣tionem; &
• Joh. Lightfoot Animadversiones in Tabulas Chorogra∣phicas Terrae Sanctae. Haec tria in Ap. Bib. Polyglot. Walton.
• Bocharti Geographia Sacra, cum Stephani Morini Dis∣sertatione de Paradiso Terrestri, Fol. Ludg. Bat. 1692.

N. Nota Quod huic E∣ditioni accesserunt variae Dissertationes & Epistolae de Paradisi Terrestris situ, ex Epistola ad Bochar∣tum. Initio libri.

• Gas. Varerii de Ophira Disputatio inter Crit. Sac. Tom. 8. p. 459.
• Fuller's Pisgah-Sight of Palestine, and the Confines thereof: with the History of the Old and New Testa∣ment acted thereon, Fol.
• Dr. Lightfoot's Chorography and Map of Canaan, Je∣rusalem, and of the Temple, in his Works.
• More's large Map with Dr. William's Amendments.
• A Map of St. Paul's Travels.

Thirdly, For Scripture-Chronology.

• Ludovici Capelli Chronologia sacra a condito Mundo ad Captivitatem per Romanos, Deducta ex sola Sacra Scriptura, perpetua Serie Concinnata, Certis κρίτη∣ριοις ex ea deductis quantum fieri potest, Firmissimè comprobata, Aliquot Tabulis cum eorum probationi∣bus Comprehensa. In Ap. Bib. Polyglot. Wal.
• Lightfoot's Chronicle, and the Order of the Times of the Old Testament, with his Harmony, Chronicle, and Order of the New, which with the rest of his Works, are in 2 Vol. Fol. London, 1674.

Fourthly, For Scripture History.

• ...Josephus.
• Sulpitii Severi Historiae Sacrae Libri 2. And for both Scripture and concurrent History also, together with a more exact Chronology.
• Ʋsseri Annales Vet. & Nov. Testamenti cum Sacra Chronologia Par. 1673.
• Spondani Annales Sacri a Mundi Creatione usque ad Redemptionem. Lugd. 1659.

N. Spondani Annales ad haec Tempora, Extant 5 Vol. Fol.

• Saliani Annalium Ecclesiasticorum Vet. Testamenti Epitome. Par. 1664. Fol.
• Robinsoni Annales Mundi Sacri & Seculares. Lond. 1677. Fol.
• Jani Bercherodii Lumen Historiae Sacrae Veteris & Novi Testamenti per Tabulas Chronologicas. Fol.

N. My Design here being only to provide for the better Ʋnderstanding of the Scripture; I do not in this place make a Draught of Chronology aend History below the Scripture Times; which however being a most necessary Accomplishment to a Divine, must be done elsewhere in its proper place.

Fifthly, Upon the Dimensions of the Ark and Temple.

1. Of the Structure and Dimensions of the Ark.

• Mathoei Hosti in fabricam Arcae diligens Inquisitio inter Crit. Sacr. p. 103.
• Buteonis Arca Noe, cujus formae Capacitatisque fu∣erit Libellus ib. Tom. 8. p. 83.

N. That that part of Bishop Wilkins's Real Character, wherein he gives an account of the Dimensions of the Ark, and demonstrates its Capacity to contain all the Creatures, which are related by Moses to have been receiv'd therein, together with their Food and Fother, ne∣cessary for their Sustenance, ought especially to be read upon this Subject.

2. Of the Temple.

• Ludovici Capelli Templi Hierosolymitani triplex Delineatio, una ex Scriptura, juxta mentem Vil∣lalpandi, & Descriptionem ab eo factam; Al∣tera ex Josephi mente & Descriptione; Tertia ex Judaeorum in Talmude Descriptione, & juxta mensuras ab ipsis istic traditas. In Ap. Bib. Poli∣glot. Wa.l
• Dr. Lightfoot's prospect of the Temple, especially as it stood in the Days of our Saviour, in his Works, 1 Vol. p. 1049.

Sixthly, Upon Jewish Laws, Rites, Customs, Wor∣ship and Sacrifices.

• Joh. Buxtorfii Synagoga Judaica de Judeorum fide, Ritibus & Ceremoniis. Basil 1661. 8o.
• Spencer de Legibus Hebraeorum Ritualibus & earum Rationibus. Lond. 1689. Fol.

N. But as many Learn∣ed Men will advise, Caute Legendus, and especially on the Subject of the following Author who has perform'd excellently upon it.

• Dr. Outram de Sacrificiis. 4o. or 8o.

N. See also Mr. Thorndike's Religious Assemblies, wherein there is much of the foregoing Argument per totum. And also Dr. Hooper on the Lent-Fast, from p. 149. ad finem.

Seventhly, Upon the Nature of Sacred Prophesies, Dreams, Visions, and Oracles.

• Molinoei Vates. 8o.
• Amyraldus of Divine Dreams. 8o.

N. Here also may be read Mr. Smith's Select Discourses, wherein he Treats of Prophesie, from p. 169. to p. 280. Origines Sacrae, from p. 149. to p. 250. Hermanni Witsii Miscellanea Sacra quibus fusè agitur de Prophetia & Prophetis.

Eighthly, Upon the Jewish Sects.

• Drusius de Sectis Judaicis Commentarius. 4o.

N. Vide Goodwin's Antiquities.

Ninthly, Upon Scripture Weights and Measures.

• Mr. Brerewood de ponderibus & pretiis Hebraicorum, Aliorumque veterum Nummorum, eorumque cum Recentioribus Collatione.
• Briani Waltoni Supplementum de Siclorum formis & Inscriptionibus, cum eorum explicatione.
• Tractatus de Antiquis ponderibus, monetis & mensu∣ris Hebraeorum, Graecorum, Romanorum, ex variis Authoribus. Haec Tria Opuscula in Ap. Bilior. Polyglot.
• Bishop Cumberland's Scripture Weights and Measures. 8o.
• Dr. Bernard de mensuris & Ponderibus Antiquis. 8o.

N. Those who cannot have Leisure, nor think they are much concern'd to be Criticks upon this Subject; may take up with the Account of Scripture Weights and Measures given 'em at the latter end of the Fol. and Qu. Bibles Printed of late Years at Oxford.

Tenthly, Upon the Natural History of Scripture A∣nimals, Plants, and Diseases.

• Valesius de Sacra Philosophiâ.
• Bochartus de Animalibus Scripturae, opus Bipartitum, cujus Pars prior Libris 4 de Animalibus in genere, de Quadrupedibus, Viviparis & Oviparis, pars po∣sterior. Lib. 6. de Avibus, Serpentibus, Insectis A∣quaticis, & fabulosis Animalibus agit. 2 Vol. Fol. Lugd. Bat. 1692.
• Sir Thomas Brown's Observations upon several Plants mentioned in Scripture being the first of his Miscel∣lany Tracts, 8o. or amongst his Works Collected into a Fol.

• Guliel Ader Med. D. Enarrationes. Enarrantur Aegroti Nov. Test. quorum dum Explicantur morbi; ex eorum patria, temperies, Aetas, & Vitae conditio inquiritur, hosque arte Medicâ Incurabiles fuisse de∣monstratur. Inter Crit. Sac. Tom. 9.

Lastly, Upon the preceding, or any other parts of Jewish Antiquities, whether Reducible or not, to the foregoing Heads.

• Philonis Opera Varia.
• Ariae Montani Antiquitatum Judaicarum Libri 9. In queis praeter Judaeae, Hierosolymorum, & Templi Solomonis Accuratam Delineationem, praecipui Sa∣cri, ac profani, Gentis Ritus describuntur.

N. Inter Crit. Sac. Tom. 8. p. 524.

• Cornelius Bertramus de Repub. Hebraeorum Recen∣situs, Commentarioque Illustratus, Opera Const. L'Empereur. ib. p. 750.
• Cunaeus de Repub. Hebraeorum. ib. p. 818.
• Sigonius de Repub. Hebraeorum. 4o.
• Goodwin's Jewish Antiquities. 4o.
• Joh. Dieterici Antiquitates Biblicae de Rebus Judaeorum & Gentilium 2 Vol. Giessae Hassorum. Fol. 1671.
• Herm. Witsii Miscellaneorum Sacrorum Libri Quatu∣or. Quibus agitur de Prophetia & Prophetis, de Tabernaculi Mysteriis, de Synedriis Hebraeorum, de cultu Molochi, de Seculo hoc & futuro. 4o.
• Hospinianus de Festis & Templis Judaeorum, Ethnico∣rum, & Christianorum. Fol.

• Seldeni varia hujus Argu∣menti, viz.
  • De Diis Syris Syntagmata duo cum Bri∣ero, 2 Vol. 8o.
  • De Successione in Pontificatum Hebrae∣orum Franc. ad Oderam 1673. 4o.
  • De Anno Civili & Kalendario Judaico, Lugd. Bat. 1683. 4o.
  • De Synedriis & prefecturis Vet. Heb. Lib. 3. Amst. 1679. 4o.
  • Uxor Hebraica sive de Nuptiis & Di∣vortiis Lib 3. Franc. 1673. 4o.

N. It will not be wondred at that so many Writers up∣on Jewish Antiquities should be prescrib'd, when it is considered that many Christian Institutions are derived by our Saviour and his Apostles from Jewish Ʋsages; nay, the whole Oeconomy and Government of the Church under the Gospel is taken from the Synagogue, and carries an express Analogy and Si∣militude to the legal administration of those Times. So the Baptizing of Chil∣dren bears Relation to the Baptizing the Children of the Proselytes, and is un∣deniably to be Justified from that Ʋsage; the Lord's Supper answers to the Paschal Lamb; Liturgies amongst Christians to Forms of Prayer amongst the Jews; Presbyters and Deacons to Priests and Levites; the Twelve Apostles to the Twelve Heads of Tribes. And St. Clemens Romanus under the Title of High-Priest, Priests and Levites,* 1.2 does ma∣nifestly design the Bishop, his Priests and Deacons. In short, Ordination by Imposition of Hands is deriv'd from their Ordi∣nination in the Synagogue, and the Christian way of Excom∣munication is expresly taeken from theirs. And the Learned Lightfoot, as he has observ'd and prov'd much of this Nature throughout his Works; so of the whole Writings of St. Paul he tells us, that in all his Epistles, especially in that to the Hebrews, he useth exceeding much,* 1.3 not only of the Jews Dialect, Language and Learning; but also of allusion and reference to their Opinions, Traditions, and Cu∣stoms: So that it will be a thing of great Consequence for a clear comprehension of the Gospel, to be well seen in the Jewish Antiquities, both Sacred and Civil; the want of which, in these unhappy bleed∣ing Times, has been the cause of so many wild, and to knowing Men, ridicu∣lous Disputes, about Excommunication, Ordination, Infant Baptism, &c.

2. As to the Difficulty of understanding the Language and Expressions wherein the Holy Writ does declare the Will of God to Mankind; To Master this it will be requisite,

First, To understand something in general of the Nature, Origine, Division, Number, Mu∣tations, and use of Tongues.

• Briani Waltoni in Biblia Polyglot. Prolegomena in Ap∣par.
• Crinesius de Consusione Linguarum.
• Chr. Cellarii Sciagraphia Philologiae Sacrae Linguarum Orientalium usum Genuinum delineans Jenae 1678. 4o.

Secondly, It will be requisite to have some Glossaries and Lexicons for both Hebrew and the Hellenistical Greek.

1. For the Hebrew.

• Castelli Lexicon Heptaglotton 2 Vol. Fol. necessary for those who have the Polyglot Bible.
• Buxtorfii Lexicon Talmudicum, Chaldaicum, Rab∣binicum, &c. which he calls his Opus Triginta an∣norum, and will not only serve for a Dictionary, but is a great Thesaurus Criticus of all Talmudi∣dical and Rabbinical Words and Customs, as well as of purer Hebrew. Fol.
• Robertson's Thesaurus Linguae Sanctae. 4o.

2. For the Hell••nistical Greek.

• Hesychius Or,
• Su••das, Or,
• ...Phavorinus.
• Stapula's Lexicon.
• Robertson's Thesaurus Linguae Graecae, useful also for the Greek Testament. 4o.

Thirdly, It will be of singular use towards the thorough understanding of the Scripture Lan∣guage, to know the Idiotisms, Phraseology, and Schemes of Speech peculiar to the Sacred Pen-men, and to that purpose to have ready at hand the

• Explicatio Idiotismorum seu proprietatum Linguae He∣braicae & Graecae, quae saepius in Scripturis occurrunt. In Ap. Bib. Polyglot.
• Leigh's Critica Sacra. Fol.
• Glassi Philologia Sacra veteris & Novi Testamenti, de Stylo & Rhetorica Sacrae Scripturae. Amst. 1694. 4o.
• Flaccii Illirici Clavis Scripturae.
• Joh. Drusii classes duae in quibus explicantur Proverbia Sacra, & ex Sacris l••teris orta; Item sententiae Solo∣monis, Allegoriae, &c. Item Adagia Hebraica. Opus necessarium Theologis. Inter Crit. Sac. Tom. 8. 1596. And also single by it self.
• Delrii Adagia Sacra. Vet. & Nov. Test. 2 Vol. 4o.
• Andreae Schotti Adagia Sacra N. T. 4o.

3. To clear the difficulties that shall occurr in Scripture, both as to the Matter and Expression, it will be necessa∣ry to be furnish'd with Commentators.

First, General, upon the whole Bible; of which some to be read all over, together with our daily course of reading the Holy Scripture.

• Grotius, 3 Vol. N.

His Theological Tracts make the fourth Vol.

• Heideggeri Enchiridion Biblicum, Analysi Generali singulorum Vet. & N. Test. Librorum, & capitum Ar∣gumento, unicè inserviens. Ed. Amstel. 1688. 8o.
• Clark's Survey of the Bible, or an Analytical Account of the Holy Scriptures. 4o.

N. One or other of these Analyses may be also read in a course, to give us the Method of Scripture, a thing so useful for the Memory, and for the distinct Apprehension and full Comprehension of the Matter thereof.

Others to be consulted upon occasion.

• Critici Magni London. 9 Vol. Fol. Or,
• Critici Magni Amstelodami, quorum duo Vol. jam Extant. Or,
• Poole's Synopsis Criticorum, 5 Vol. Fol.

N. Which may be instar omnium; and seems to be done with good judgment in placing the Opinions of the several Expositors, in such-an Order, that one strengthens and explains, or Corrects and refutes the other. Or,

• Poole's English Annotations, 2 Vol. Fol.
• Musculus upon several Books of Scripture. N.

Audio partium non addictus.

• Calvin upon several Books of Scripture. N.

Ʋbi benè nemo meliùs.

Secondly, Particular upon the more necessary and momentous parts of Holy Writ.

1. Upon the Pentateuch, or some parts thereof.

• Aynsworth upon the Pentateuch. Fol.
• Rivetus in Genes. & Exodum 4o.

N. Inter Opera Riveti. Fol.

• Bp. Patrick upon Genesis. 4o.

2. Upon Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes.

• Bp. Patrick, 5 Vol. 8o.
• Dr. Hammond upon the Psalms. Fol.

3. Upon the Prophets.

• Calvin ut supra.
• Dr. Pocock upon Hosea, Joel, Micah, Malachi. Fol.

4. Upon the New-Testament.

• Dr. Hammond's Annotations. Fol.

N. To be read in our daily course of reading the Scripture.

• Maldonatus in 4. Evangelia. Fol.
• Estius on the Epistles; Fol. Or,
• The Oxford Paraphrase on St. Paul's Epistles. 8o.

N. This later especially Convenient to be perus'd in our daily course of read∣ing the Scriptures, when we come to that so considerable a part thereof, St. Paul's Epistles, as giving at the beginning of each Epistle a general and accu∣rate View of the Occasion and Matter thereof, and of the Apostles Scope and Method therein.

5. Upon the Revelations.

• Mr. Mede on the Revelations, with his Clavis A∣pocalyptica.

Thirdly, More particular upon the more difficult Parts, Passages, and Texts of Scripture, whether they be such as labour in Reconciling the seeming Repugnan∣ces that are found in Holy Writ, or those that criticize upon some particular Parts or Texts of a difficult Nature.

• Cornelii Bertrami specimen Expositionum in difficilio∣ra utriusq, Testamenti Loca.
• Estius in difficiliora loca, Fol.
• Spanhemii dubia Evangelica, 2 Vol. 4o.
• Mr. Gregory's Observations, 4o.
• Dr. Lightfoot's Horae Hebraicae inter Opera, Fol.
• Mr. Mede's Diatribe, Fol.
• Lud. de Dieu Critica Sacra, sive animadversiones in loca quaedam difficiliora vet. & Nov. Test. Fol.
• Mr. Edwards upon Difficult Texts, 2 Vol, 8o.

III. For the more skilful Application of Scripture according to various Occasions.

First, A Concordance of Things.

• Jac. Comis promptuarium Biblicum, ubi totus textus biblicus in suos locos digestus ordine Alphabetico viâ Concordan∣tiae dispositus est.
• Pet. Ravanelli Bibliotheca Sacra, cum additamentis, 3 Vol.
• Wilson's Christian Dictionary, Fol.
• Hen. Witte Repertorium Biblicum Rigae, 1689. 4o.

Secondly, A Concordance of Words.

1. In the Learned Languages.

First, For the Hebrew.

• Buxtorfius, 4o.

Secondly, For the Greek.

1. Of the Septuagint.

• Kircherus, 4o.

2. Of the New Testament.

• Schmidius, Fol.

N. The chief use indeed of these Concor∣dances in the Original Tongues, is much the same as of Glossaries, and of Con∣cordances of Things, that is, to find out the different Acceptations of the same Word, in order to clear an Obscure or Doubtful Text. For in these Concordances every considerable Word of Scripture being presented to the Eye in one View of all those Places where it occurs; it will be easily gathered, by considering the Nature, Circumstances, and Scope of these several Places, what are the diffe∣rent senses it will bear, and what it most properly signifies in any of those, which by an ill rendring are made either Doubtful or Obscure. But however this being a part purely Critical, for which not many of our American Pastors may have leisure, the want of these may be easily dispenc'd with, and may be supply'd by the Glossaries and Concordances of Things before-mention'd. But Concordances in the Vulgar Languages are useful in another way, and necessary for all. To proceed then,

2. In our Vulgar Tongue, or in English.

• Newman's Large Concordance for both Scripture and Apo∣pocrypha, Fol. Or,
• The Cambridge Concordance, Fol.

IV.

The Design of God's revealing to us the Holy Scri∣ptures, and that whole Evangelical Doctrine contain'd therein; being it was to destroy the Kingdom of Satan which ever since the Fall, that Rebellious Spirit had begun to set up in the World, in Opposition to God's; and had advanc'd to almost an Universal Monarchy o∣ver Mankind, by that Time the Son of God descended from Heaven to reduce us to the Obedience of our Maker. And on the other side its Design being to ad∣vance the Kingdom of God, consisting in Righteous∣ness and true Holiness, and withal to humble us with a sense of our own Imperfect Righteousness, by making us depend solely upon the Mediation of Christ for the Acceptance thereof to our Justification; This, I say being its Design, and Satan being therefore enraged, that his Usurp'd Dominion should be wrested from him: So it is, that the Church-Militant is ever since, through his Instigation and the Malignity of his Angels in that Unhappy State, that like the Walls of Jerusalem it must be defended with a Sword in one hand, whilst built with a Trowel in the other: All which consi∣der'd, it is very requisite that our our American Pastor should, next to his Knowledge in the Holy Scriptures (out of whose Materials he is to Build) be provided of those defensive Weapons wherewith he may be inabled to oppose the Gain-sayers to that Christianity he is to

propagate in the World: And for this End that he should be furnish'd with those Apologies, both An∣cient and Modern, which have been written in Defence of the Authority of the Scriptures, and of the Truth of Christianity; And also with such Discourses, as il∣lustrate those Noble and Blessed Ends above-mention'd, which it was design'd to serve.

I. Ancient Apologists.

• Justini Martyris Paraenesis ad Graecos; Oratio ad Graecos; Apologia pro Christlanis, prima & secunda. Liber de Monar∣chia Dei. Dialogus cum Tryphone Judaeo. Epistola ad Di∣ognetum.

N. This last is que∣stioned by some whether Genuine, but own'd by Dr. Cave. But whoever was the Author, it is an Excellent Apology, most pathetically representing the Innocency and Admirable Vertues of the Primitive Christians, and the Malignity of their Enemies.

• Athenagorae Atheniensis Philosophi Christiani Apologia, seu Legatio pro Christianis. De mortuorum resurrectione.
• Theophilus Contra Christianae Religionis Calumniatores.
• Tatiani Assyrii Oratio ad Graecos quod nihil Eorum quibus Graeci Gloriantur studiorum, apud ipsos natum, sed omnia Barbaris Inventa sint.
• Hermae Philosophi Gentilium Philosophorum Irrisio.

N. All these fore∣going Apologies are placed in the same Order they lye in the Paris Ed. of Justin Martyr, 1636. Cologn. 1685. Fol.

• Clementis Alexandrini Protrepticon ad Gentes in quo Gentiles redarguit, eos{que} ad Christianam Philosophiam amplectendam hortatur. Stromata.
• Tertulliani Apologeticus adversus Gentes. Ad Nationes Libri Duo. De Testimonio Animae. Ad Scapulam. Adversus Judaeos.

• ...Minutii Faelicis Octavius.
• Originis Contra Celsum, Libri 8.
• Sanctus Cyprianus de Idolorum Vanitate Liber ad Demetria∣num: Testimoniorum ad Quirinum adversus Judaeos Libri Tres.
• Arnobii adversus Gentes, Libri 7.
• Lactantii Institutionum Libri 7. De mortibus Persecutorum.
• ...Eusebii
  • Praeparatio Evangelica
  • Demonsstratio Evangelica
• —Lib. contra Hieroclem, qui ex Philostrati Historia Comparavit Apollonium Tyanaeum Salvatori Nostro Jesu Christo. Extat ad ••alcem Eusebii de Demonstr. Evang. Ed. Parisien. 1688. & Colon. 1688.
• Constantini M. Oratio ad Sanctorum Coetum; extat ad Cal∣cem Librorum de Vita Constantini, in Ecclesiastica Historia Eusebii.
• Athanasii Oratio contra Gentes. Oratio de Incarnatione Verbi.
• Ambrosii Responsio Relationi Symmachi, ad imperatores con∣tendentis, veteres Ritus circa Deorum Cultum servandos esse. Epistolar. Lib. 2.
• Chrysostomi adversus Judaeos, Libri sex.
• — Contra Gentiles seu de Vita Babilae, Liber.
• Prudentius contra Symmachum ac Veterem Deorum Gentili∣um Cultum, Libri 2. Poeta Christianus.
• Augustini de vera Religione Liber.
• —De moribus Ecclesiae Catholicae, Libri 2.
• —De Civitate Dei, Libri 22.
• —Oratio adversus Judaeos.
• —Oratio ad Catechumenos adversus Judaeos, Paganos & A∣rianos.
• Theodoretus de curandis Affectionibus Graecorum, Lib. 12.

N. This Sett of Writers had the Kingdom of Satan visibly before their Eyes, that Arch-Rebel having in their Times, and in those Parts where they liv'd, erected his Idolatrous Temples and Altars; and brought it about that his Impious Ceremonies and Rites of Worship were become the Established Religion over all the World, except Judaea: And

therefore the Primitive Fathers did exert themselves upon no other Argument, with that Strength of Learning and Force of Reason, as upon this, namely, in laying out the Absurdities and Vileness of the Pagan Superstition, and the ad∣mirable Nature and Tendency of the Christian Religion. Besides it is to be considered that in these Writings of theirs, possibly we meet with the fullest and ezactest Accounts of the Purity of the Doctrine, Manners, and Discipline of the Primitive Church; and as of the Purity of its Doctrines, so of the Holiness of its Professors; upon all which Reasons, immediately after the Holy Writ, our next Acquaintance ought to be with these Writings.

II. Modern Vindicators both of the Authority of Scripture, and of the Truth of Christianity.

First, Against Infidels and Anti-Scripturists in general.

• Bishop Stiliingfleet's Origines Sacrae, 4o.
• — Letter to a Deist, 8o.
• Mr. Boyl's Authority and Style of Scripture, 8o.
• Sir Charles Wolesley of Scripture-Belief, 8o.
• Mr. Edward's Authority and Style of Scripture, 2 Vol. 8o.
• Dr. Alix's Reflections upon the Books of H. Scripture to establish the Truth of the Christian Religion, 2 Vol. 8o.
• Dr. Nichols's Conference with a Theist, 8o.
• Lowth's Vindication of the Divine Authority and Inspiration of the Writers of the Old and New Testament, 8o.
• Du Plessis de Veritate Religionis Christianae, 8o.
• Grotius de Veritate Religionis Christianae, 12o.
• Huetii Demonstratio Evangelica, Fol. or 2 Vol. 8o.
• Dr. Hammond of the Reasonableness of the Christian Reli∣gion. At the End of his Practical Catechism.
• Parker's Demonstration of the Divine Authority of the Christian Religion, 4o.
• Bishop Patrick's Witnesses to Christianity, 2 Vol. 8o.
• Abady's Vindication of the Truth of the Christian Reli∣gion, 8o.
• Wilson's Discourse of Religion, shewing its Truth and Reali∣ty; or the Sutableness of Religion to Humane Nature, 8o.
• Dr. William's Sermons at Mr. Boyl's Lecture.

N. It is a sad Sign of the Deplorable State of the Christian Church at this day, that there should be more Vindications written in this one last Age, if one were to reckon them all, in Defence of the Holy Scriptures, and of the Christian Religion, a∣gainst Atheists, Deists, and Socinians, than there were Apologies written in all the first Ages of the Church (so far as does appear) against Jews and Pagans. But so it is, that there has been too great a Cause for Learned Men to write such Books: And therefore there is as great a Necessity for every Mi∣nister, who is earnestly to contend for the Faith against such Pestilent Gain∣sayers, to read them, that he may be ready always to give an Answer to every one that asketh him a Reason of the hope that is in him.

Secondly, Against Jewish and Mahometan Infidelity in Particular.

• Raimundi Martini pugio fidei adversus Judaeos & Mauros. Fol.
• Quadragnoli Apologia pro Christiana Religione, qua re∣spondetur ad objectiones cujusdam Mahomedani. 4o.
• Bp. Kidder's Demonstriton of the Messiah. 8o.
• Limborchi Amica Collatio cum Erudito Judaeo. 4o.

N. Ʋpon the whole fore∣going Argument may be also read Dionysii Petavii Dogmata Theologica, Lib. 16. Cap. 7, 8, 9, 10. Bp. Wilkins's Natural Religion, Chap. first and last. Dr. Barrow on the Creed, from p. 188. to p. 233. Bp. Ward's Philosophical Essay, from p. 74. ad finem. Discourse of Natural and Reveal'd Religion, from p. 178. to p. 290.

III. Discourses setting forth the Design of Christianity.

First, As its Design is to dispossess Satan of his u∣surp'd Dominion and Tyranny over Mankind, which before our Saviour's coming into the World, was almost universally enslav'd to him by Idola∣try, Superstition, and filthy Lusts.

• The Ancient Apologists before-mention'd in quibus fusè de hac re agitur.

• Tenison of Idolatry, as also of the means which God hath vouchsaf'd towards the cure of it by the Shechinah of his Son. 4o.

Secondly, As its Design is to Restore us to the Image of God, consisting, not in an outward and legal Righteousness, but a true, inherent and real Holi∣ness, which by Sin is defac'd, and to exalt us to the Divine Life: To illustrate this its Design, ought to be read,

• Bp. Fowler's Design of Christianity. 8o.
• — Christian Liberty also. 8o.
• Dr. Hen. Moor's Mystery of Godliness. Fol.

N. Here also may be read Dr. Scot's Works per totum. Mr. Smith's Select Discourses, most of which have much of this Argument, particularly from p. 285. to p. 452. And to shew how well the Christian Law is fitted in its self to rectifie our Nature, and to what per∣fection we may be restor'd, by the Influence thereof, may be here also read,

• Dugard of the true Nature of the Divine Law. 8o.
• Dr. Lucas's Enquiry after Happiness in several Parts. 8o.

Thirdly, As its Design is withal to humble us with the sense of our manifold Failings, and to mani∣fest the Goodness of God, in accepting through Christ, our imperfect Righteousness; I could be glad if I knew of any who have written just or direct Discourses upon that Subject: Passim there is something of this nature to be found in the Or∣thodox Writings upon the Satisfaction of Christ, and especially in that excellent piece of

• Dr. Scot's Christian Life, Part 2. where the Doctrine of our Saviour's Meditation is so admirably explain'd and prov'd.

N. There is nothing of mightier Importance in our Inquiries after Truth, and towards a through understanding of any Institution, than to have fixt in our Minds a determinate and distinct know∣ledge of the Design it drives at. This is what our Blessed Saviour prescrib'd as the most sure and certain way to discover the Erroneous Doctrines of Sedi∣tious Hereticks, bidding us to beware of false Prophets, which come to us in Sheep's Clothing, but inwardly are Ravening Wolves, and telling us, that we might know them by their Fruits, that is, by the tendency of their Doctrines, which if they were naturally productive of such ill Fruits, as Christianity is design'd to destroy, must therefore necessarily be Erroneous or Heretical. And this very Rule has a peculiar Aptitude in it to discover the three great Errors, which have so much corrupted Christianity at this day, viz. Popery, Antinomianism, and Socinianism; Popery being a Superstition that makes the nearest approaches to the Pagan Idolatry, and tends to Indulge Men in Impurity; Antinomianism being a Scheme of Divinity also that manifestly undermines a Holy Life: And Socinianism tending to make us value our selves too much upon it, by taking us off from our dependance on Christ, for the Acceptance thereof. All which consider'd, As there is the greatest ne∣cessity, that before we enter upon our Enquires into the whole Body of Christi∣an Doctrine, we should be fully possess'd with this Notion concerning it, that the whole and adaequate Design thereof is to destroy the Power of Satan, Ido∣latry, and Sin, and restore and advance the Kingdom of God, and instead of an external Legal Righteousness, to implant an inward and real Holiness a∣mongst Men: And withal, so to Humble the best of us, as to make us depend solely upon the Mediation of Christ with God the Father, for the Acceptance thereof to our Justification; so especially this Notion of Christianity ought immediately to precede our Reading the several Systems of the differing Parties amongst Christians at this day: In most of which, as there are several un∣sound Hypotheses advanc'd; so without this Test, we shall not so easily distin∣guish between their Heterodox and Orthodox Opinions. Not to say, that by thus having our Eye always on the Design of Christianity, and by bringing every particular Doctrine delivered to us, as Christian, to this Touchstone, we shall know how to judge concerning those that are true, which are more, which less considerable in the Body of Christian Doctrine, that so we may be able accor∣dingly to put a different value upon 'em, a thing of no small consequence to the Peace and Ʋnity of the Christian Church.

V.

Our American Pastor being thus far prepar'd towards his great Work of Preaching the Gospel, as to know and understand the Scriptures himself, and to be able to con∣vince others both of their Truth, and of the great De∣sign, they, and the whole of that Religion contain'd in 'em, are to serve, he may be suppos'd capable by this time, to take a comprehensive View of the whole Scheme of Christianity, and also to form a true Judg∣ment of all that which really does, or is pretended by the several Parties of Christians to belong thereunto. And indeed, since it is usually accounted the best Me∣thod in the pursuit of any knowledge, to begin first with some General Institution, and then to descend to enquire into the particular Parts thereof: For the more comprehensive Knowledge of the whole Body of Christian Theology: And that all Divine Truths may be understood in that natural Order and Connexion wherein they depend upon, and add strength one to another, after having, both for a farther Antidote a∣gainst the Poyson of Heresie and Error (a thing so Pe∣stilential and deadly to the Souls of Men, and of which therefore we cannot be too Cautious) and to prevent or Cure whatsoever Heterodoxies may be found in any System contrary to genuine and pure Christianity, and the Apostolical Doctrine and Discipline of this our Church; After having, I say, for these Reasons, been.

I. Provided of the

• Thirty-Nine Articles, with
• Rogers upon the Thirty-Nine Articles, or rather,
• Dr. Ellis's Latin Edition of the Thirty-Nine Articles, with Objections and Solutions therein. 12o.

II. It is much desir'd they should be furnish'd with some Bodies of Divinity, and that both

First, Scholastical, of which sort, one at least, ac∣cording to the different Sentiments of the several most considerable Parties of Christians in the World.

1. For the Papists.

First, Such as have laid the Foundations of their Novel Doctrines; or at leastwise who have first introduc'd them into their Schemes and Bodies of Divinity.

• Johan. Damasceni de fide Orthodoxa, Libri 4.

N. Claruit Anno 730. & primus fuit inter Graecos, qui Theologiam ad Accuratiorem Methodum revocavit, ejusque Dog∣mata in proprias classes distribuit. Cave Historia Literaria. p. 695. He writes clearly and methodically, was a subtle Divine, and an able Compiler, says Dupin, Vol. 6. p. 106. he was a great Propugner of Images, and of the Worship of them, of the perpetual Virginity of the Virgin, of Relicks, &c. And having comprehended the whole substance of Divinity in a Scholastical and Methodical manner, he may very well be ranked here.

• Petrus Lombardus.

N. Libros 4. Sententiarum ex Patrum, praecipue Au∣gustini scriptis, compilavit; ex quo inter Latinos novam faciem induere cepit res Theologica, ad formam Elencticam, dubiisque in orbem recurrentibus in∣servientem, reducta; ad Philosophicum & Acroamaticum dicendi Genus re∣stricta, in Quaestiones infinitas, membratim discerpta, rationibus in utramque partem agitatis, curiosè nimis, penè usque ad ineptias, ventilata, methodo nihilominus brevi, nec usqucq aque inconcinna, & ad subtilem Argutamque de quaestionibus Theologicis disputandi rationem, satis aptè composita. Cave Hist. Literar. p. 695. Prodiit hic Liber Ludg. 1618. cui Ed. ad calcem Operis subjiciuntur Articuli erronei Parisiis olim damnati, adjectis nonnullis ipsius Magistri in quibus communit••r non Approbatur.

• Durandi Commentaria super Libros 4. sententiarum.
• Quae Juvenis Inchoavit, Senex absolvit. venet. 1571. Fol.
• Thomae Aquinatis summae.
• Cajetani Commentaria in totam Summam Thomae.

N. Lombard and Aquinas, are the Text to the rest of the Schoolmen, who under two general Classes Comment upon them, some on the Sentences, others on the Sums. And of these Commentators, these now mention'd are of the chiefest Repute, and may serve instead of more. And as to my placing 'em in the first Rank of Popish Systems, our Learned Dr. Cave will justifie me in that, whose words are Quantum ad plura Romanae Ecclesiae placita Stabilienda contulerit nova haec Scholastica Theologia, caecus sit, opor∣tet, qui non videt. His. Literaria p. 696. And indeed, as in this Shop of the Schoolmen most of the corrupt Doctrines of the Church of Rome were first forg'd, and for several Ages were in hammering, and increasing upon the World, so they receiv'd their finishing stroke and stamp of Authority in the Council of Trent. And concerning the Original and Progress of 'em may be read,

• Danaeus in primum Librum Sententiarum. c. 1.—6. 8o. Gen. 1589.
• Hospiniani Hist. Sacramentaria. Tom. 1. Lib. 4. p. 401.

Secondly, Such as having written their Bodies of Divinity after the Heretical and Erroneous Doctrines of the Church of Rome were arriv'd to their full growth, and receiv'd their esta∣blishment in the Council of Trent; have Incor∣porated all of 'em into their Systems.

• ...Catechismus ad Parochos ex Decreto Concilii Triden∣tini.
• Gregorii de Valentia. Or,
• Vasquez. Or,
• Becanus. Or,
• Suarez. Or,
• Ludovici Abelli Medulla Theologiae. 2 Vol. 8o.
• Du Hamel's Theologia speculativa & Practica. 8o.

2. For the Lutherans.

• Melancthonis Opera. Fol. Or,
• Chemnitii Loci Communes. Fol. Or,
• Brochmandi Universae Theol. Systema. Fol. Or,
• Gerhardi Loci Communes. 2 Vol. Fol.

3. For the Calvinists.

• Calvini Institutiones.
• Ʋrsini Catechismus à Paraeo Edit. Or,
• Turretini Institutio Theologiae. 3 Vol. 4o. Or,
• Turretini Compendium. 4o.

4. For the Arminians.

• Arminii Opera.

• Episcopius.

N. Cautè Legendus in some things, and particularly in the Articles of the Trinity, and not without Dr. Bull's Judicium Ecclesiae Catholicae de necessitate credendi quod Jesus Christus sit verus Deus, 8o. Oxon. 1694. And the like Caution is to be given about other Authors of that Set; and the rather because being Learned Men, and clear Writers, their Heterodoxies are in greater danger of being unwarily imbib'd.

• Philippi a Limborch Theologia Christiana. Fol.

5. In the middle way, as Reconcilers.

First, Between Papists and Protestants.

• Georgius Cassander.
• Grotii Annotata ad Consultationem Cassandri. Inter Tractatus Grotii. quarto Vol.
• — Votum pro Pace.
• Thorndyke's Just Weights and Measures. 8o.
• Forbesii Considerationes Modestae & Pacificae. Lond. 1658. 8o.

N. Anton. à Dominis Ep. Spalatensis may be also rekcon'd amongst these Reconcilers.

Secondly, Between Calvinists and Arminians.

• Le Blanc's Theses. Fol.
• Theses Salmurienses. 4o.

N. These Scholastical Bodies take in not only what is purely essential to Christianity, but also the Controverted and Disputable Tenets e∣spous'd by that Party of Christians, the Compiler himself happens to be of: And here, in these their several Bodies, the best View of their different Hy∣potheses is to be seen, because here they lye in that Series and Concatenation wherein they support one another, better than when standing naked by them∣selves; so that a true Judgment cannot be made, as of Christianity it self; so not of any Sect of Christians, by examining their Principles separately, so well as by considering 'em connected in their several Bodies: And it is a Justice due to all Parties to see their Opinions in the clearest Light, and to

consider them in their full strength. And as to that general prejudice which has been of late Years taken up against all Systems of Divinity whatsoever; It seems considerable to me what has ••e••en spoken by a Learned Prelate upon that Point in his Pastoral Care, p. 167. viz.

That there is a vast Error in the first forming of our Clergy, that a contempt has been cast on that sort of Books. Indeed, to rise no higher than to a perpetual Reading over different Systems is but a mean pitch of Learning; and the swallow∣ing down whole Systems by the Lump, has help'd to possess Peoples Minds too early with Prejudices, and to shut them up in too Implicite a following of others. But the throwing off all these Books, makes that many who have Read a great deal, yet have no entire Scheme or Method, and so are ig∣norant of some very plain things which could never have happen'd to them, if they had carefully Read and Digested a System into their Memories.

6. And for a Nexus between Scholastical and Cateche∣chetical Bodies of Divinity.

• Corpus Consessionum Fidei quae in diversis Regnis & Nationibus Ecclesiarum Nomine fuerunt authenticè editae; in celeberrimis Conventibus exhibitae, publi∣ca{que} Authoritate comprobatae; 4o.

N. I place the Con∣fessions of the Reform∣ed Churches here, as being of a Nature, not altogether so Controversial as Scho∣lastical, nor yet of so simple a Nature, as Catechetical Theology is, or ought to be. And I do not rank them under that Great Article of the Covenant, fol∣lowing; namely, Points necessary to be believed in order to Salvation, because tho' stil'd Confessions of Faith, yet are esteemed by the respective Churches whose Confessions they are, rather as containing Terms necessary to Communion therein, than as absolutely necessary to Salvation with God.

Secondly, Catechetical, or Bodies that design to treat only upon Practical Points, and such as are more immediately Necessary and Fundamental to be understood by every Christian; and therefore to be taught by every one that has the Cure of Souls. Of which sort,

1. Amongst the Antients may be read,

• Clementis Alexandrini Stromata, with his
• —Padagogus.
• Sti. Cypriani Testimoniorum ad Quirinum, Libri 3.
• Lactantii Institutionum, Libri 7.
• Sti. Augustini Enchiridion ad Laurentium de Fide, Spe & Charitate.

N. Scarce any of these indeed can be pretended to be entire and compleat Bodies of Practical Christianity; nor per∣haps do the Doctrines and Duties of our Religion lie therein in so exact an Order and Method, as in our later Composures; yet however there are many, both Articles of Faith, and Duties of Christianity deliver'd in them; and what is wanting in the exactness of the Composure, is abundantly made up by the Piety of the Discourses, the constant prospect of Death before the Eyes of those Primitive Saints, by reason of frequent Persecutions, to which they were expos'd, and the severity of the Christian Discipline in those Days, ren∣dring their Discourses very Heavenly, and giving 'em such a Spirit and Force, as few of our modern Writings do come up to.

2. Amongst the later and more modern Writers.

• Dr. Hammond's Practical Catechism; with which may be also joyn'd his other Practical Discourses, Fol. as Enlargements upon the same Points.
• Sir Matthew Hales's Knowledge of God and our selves. 8o.
• Cradock's Knowledge and Practice, with a Supplement. 4o.
• Dr. Lucas's Practical Christianity. 8o.
• Dr. Scot's Works, 4 Vol. 8o.

N. By Catechetical Do∣ctrines, I mean no other than such as are necessary to be known, believ'd and practic'd by every Chri∣stian; And therefore do take the liberty, notwithstanding the Title, to range the Catechismus ad Parochos and Ursin's Catechism under the former Head of Scholastical Systems, rather than here; And in like manner I should have dispos'd of, even that call'd the Assemblies Catechism, if I had had oc∣casion to mention it; as containing many Doctrines, viz. concerning Praede∣stination, Election, Reprobation, Grace, and Free-will, which are Points fitter by much to be Problematically discuss'd in the Schools, than Dogmatically treated of from the Desk or Pulpit.

VI.

But thô the Priests and Ministers of Religion, whose Lips should preserve Knowledge, are to take in a much greater Compass thereof, than is necessary they should instruct all Christians in; nay, and thô those narrower Bodies of Divinity, which under the last Particular, we term'd Catechetical, because they treat only of Points necessary to Salvation; Thô Books of this Nature, I say, are what all who pretend to teach others, ought to be well acquainted with themselves (be the Me∣thod they proceed in what the Authors please) yet since the Covenant of Grace; that Covenant, which was obtain d for the fallen Race of Man from God the Father, by the sole Mediation of his only Begotten Son, and that with no less a Price than his own most precious Blood; since this Covenant, we are sure and certain, contains the full Summ and Substance of what God has promis'd to us, and what we have engaged to God: This Covenant must therefore be that Sub∣ject, which, above all others, every Minister of the Gospel ought to penetrate to the very Bottom, and to be most exquisitely skill'd in the Nature, Terms, and Conditions thereof; and in every the least Circum∣stance pertaining thereunto. And therefore, since of all the Catechisms the Church of God has at this Day, that of the Church of England does most fully, without the defalcation of any Article of this Covenant, and

yet most sincerely, without the mixture of any Hetero∣geneous, Disputable, or Scholastical Tenents; and that no Perfection may be wanting, most methodical∣ly also, handling this Subject, first generally, and then particularly; since the Catechism of the Church of England, I say, has deliver'd to us the Covenant of Grace so very full, defecate and methodical; it must be therefore the Concern of every Minister of Religion, as to comprehend intirely this Blessed Covenant, so to study throughly this Excellent Catechism; and all this with the utmost Application, till he shall make both the one and the other the Master-Peice of his Know∣ledge: And therefore, in order to a compleat and exact understanding of both, we cannot forbear here most importunately to desire that our Indian Clergy should be provided of such Authors, as pursuanr to the Method of our Church-Catechism, may accordingly inform 'em in this Covenant of Grace, and thereby enable 'em to instruct the People in all its weighty Parts, so as every Private Christian may fully under∣stand his Baptismal Vow, as well in the general Ex∣tent of the Whole, as in the particular Articles of eve∣ry Branch thereof. And,

I. To understand the General Nature of the Covenant of Grace, or our Baptismal Covenant, may be read,

• Coccaei Summa Doctrinae de Faedere & Testamento Dei, 12o.
• Mr. Thorndike's Discourse of the Covenant of Grace, being the 2d in his Book stil'd the Epilogue, Fol.

• Mr. Allen's Discourse of the Nature, Ends, and Difference of the two Covenants, 8o.
• Joseph Truman's Grand Propitiation, 8o.
• The Benefits of our Saviour to Mankind, 4o.

N. Here also may be read. Dr. Hamond's Practical Catechism, Initio. whole Duty of Man, Preface. Mr. Mede of the Difference between the Old and New Covenant, p. 252. Mr. Smith's Select Discourses, p. 308. Dr. Moor's Mystery of Godliness, Book 9th. Chap. 5. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

II. To understand the particular Articles thereof; namely,

First, The Mercies on God's part, viz.

1. Justification or Pardon of Sins, may be read

• Mr. Allen against Ferguson, 8o. and
• —on Justification, 8o.
• Doctoris Bulli Harmonia Apostolica, 4o.
• Joseph Truman's Endeavours to rectifie some prevailing Opinions contrary to the Doctrines of the Church of England, 8o.
• Doctoris Tullii Justificatio Paulina, 4o.
• Doctoris Bulli Examen Censurae quo Trumanno respondit a pagina, 149. us{que} ad 173. & Tullio in Apologia sua pro Harmonia quae ad Calcem Examinis Censurae extat, 4o.
• Dr. Bates's Sermons of Forgiveness, 8o.

N. Legatur & Dio∣nysiii Petavii Dogma∣ta, Lib. 10. Cap. 16.17, 18, 19, 20, 21. Expositions of the Creed upon the Article of the Forgiveness of Sins. The Systems also in Locum de Ju∣stificatione.

2. Divine Grace and Assistance, upon which may be read.

• Vossii Historia Pelagiana, 4o.
• Augustini Polemica contra Pelagianos.

• Hieronymi polemica contra Pelagianos.
• Mr. Allen of Divine Assistance, 12o.
• Dr. Claget of the Operations of the Holy Spirit, 2 Vol. 8o.

N. Here also Read the Expositions of the Creed upon the Article of the Holy Ghost, Dr. Scot's Christian Life, Part 2. p. 578. Dr. Hammond's pacifick Discourse of God's Grace and Decrees, among his pra∣ctical Discourses, p. 551. Petavii Dogmata, Lib. 10. The Summists and Systems in Locum de Gratia.

3. Everlasting Life and Happiness.

• Lactantius de Vita Beata, Instit. Lib. 7.
• Chrysostomus de praemiis Sanctorum.
• Bellarminus de Aeterna faelicitate.
• Lessius de Summo Bono inter Opuscula.
• Mr. Baxter's Saints Everlasting Rest, 4o.
• Bishop Taylor's Contemplations of the State of Man, 8o.

N. Hic etiam Legatur Vir∣gilii Aeneid. Lib. Sextus, quo tota Doctrina Paganorum de justorum Gaudiis, Impiorum{que} suppliciis habetur. Item Cicero Ora. pro Archia Poeta, & Lib. 1. Tusculan. Questio∣num de contemnenda morte: As also the Expositions on the Creed up∣on the Article Everlasting Life. Mr. Mede of Different Degrees of Re∣ward in the Life to come, B. 1. Disc. 23. p. 48. The Summs and Systems also in Locum de summo bono.

Secondly, The Conditions to be performed on our part, viz.

1. Faith and the Doctrines thereof contain'd in the Apostles Creed. And since on this Subject the first thing to be consider'd, is the Nature and Pro∣perties of Justifying Faith; The second, the Objects or Articles to be believed, vix. those contain'd in the Apo∣stles Creed; towards the full understanding therefore of this great Article of the Covenant.

First, Upon the Nature and Properties of Justifying and Saving Faith.

• Basilius de Vera & Pia Fide.

N. And amongst the Moderns it will be proper to read on this prime Subject the several Expositors of the Creed immediately hereafter specified, which treat upon the words, I believe; and particularly Dr. Barrow's Exposition thereof, from p. 1. to p. 68 Mr. Allen's Discourse on the two Covenants; especially his Appendix to the Discourse touching the Nature of that Faith which is Justifying, and that which is not; and the Reason of that Difference. Dr. Bull's Har∣monia Evangelica; as also his Examen Censurae Harmoniae Evangelicae. Dr. Jackson, Tom. 1. from p. 1. to p. the 10th, and from p. the 601. to p. the 832. In the Oxford Paraphrase, the Preface to the Ep. to the Rom. As also the several Summaries and Systems herein mentioned on the common place de Fide. But more especially Dr. Hammond of Faith in his Pract. Cat. Le Blanc's Thesis prima de Fide.

Secondly, On the Objects to be Believed, it is wished they may be supplyed with.

1. Historical Discourses of the Antiquity and Authority of the Creed.

• J. G. Vossius de Tribus Symbolis. 4o.
• Usserius de Romanae Ecclesiae Symbolo Apostolico vetere & aliis Fidei formulis. 4o.
• Ashwel's Fides Apostolica, with his Double Appen∣dix, the 1st touching the Athanasian, the 2d the Nicene Creed. 8o.

N. Here also read Ellies Du Pin's New History of Ecclesiastical Writers, Vol. 1. p. 9. Dr. Heylin's Preface to his Theolo∣gia Veterum. Dr. Cave's Lives of the Fathers of the fourth Century, in which there is so ample an History of Creeds.

2. With Expositions upon all, or most of the several Articles of the Creed it self.

First, The Expositions of the Antient Fathers.

• Cyrilii Hierosolymi••ani Catecheses 18.
• Gregorii Nysseni Catechetica magna Oratio.
• Sancti Epiphanii Anchoratus; qui complures Fi∣dei par••es continct.
• Ruffini Expositio Symboli ad Laurentium Episco∣pum. Extat ad calcem Cypriani.
• Augustinus de Fide & Symbolo.
• — Enchiridion ad Laurentium de Fide, Spe, & Charitate.
• — De Agone Christiano Liber. N. In quo ad finem, Symbolum Exponitur, & Haereses Contrariae refelluntur.
• —De Symbolo sive Regula Fidei ad Catechu∣menos.
• Ambrosii in Symbolum Apostolicum Tractatus.
• Theodoretus Haereticarum Fabularum Libro Quinto.

Secondly, The Exposition of the later Writers.

• Dr. Heylin's Theologia veterum. Fol.

N. I place him first, because giving something of the History of the several Articles.

• Petavii Dogmata 5 Vol. Fol.
• Dr. Jackson's Works. 3 Vol. Fol.
• Bp. Pearson on the Creed. Fol.
• Dr. Towerson on the Creed. Fol.
• Dr. Barrow on the Creed. Fel.
• Mr. Kettlewel's Practical Believer. 8o.

• Dr. Hen. Moor's Mystery of Godliness, Fol.
• Dr. Scot's Christian Life, 2d Part. Vol. 1. & 2d.

N. These two last Pieces may be reckoned amongst the Expositions of the Apostles Creed; since they treat upon all or most of its Ar∣ticles, though not altogether in the same order as they lie therein.

2. Evangelical Obedience, to understand the true State and Extent of which vast and comprehensive Article of that Covenant entred into betwixt God and us at our Baptism, and so indispensable a condition of our Salvation, as this is; First, Because all Duty is measured by some Law, as its Rule; and a Duty is more or less necessary or incumbent upon us, accord∣ing to the Nature and Obligation of the several kind of Laws that may oblige us thereunto; Secondly, Al∣so because the Acts of some Duties do so nearly bor∣der upon Vices, and the Duties themselves interfering; it is necessary we should be able to state the measures and extent of every single Duty, and to know accord∣ing to the variety of Circumstances occurring, to which of the interfering Duties the preference in pra∣ctice is to be given; And Thirdly, Since through the course of a Man's Life (especially where our People are consciencious, and to render all Men such, is the work we are to mind) there will arise several Cases of Conscience (especially in their Sickness, a time of Doubts and Fears) which every Pastor of a Flock ought to be able to Resolve: And these Cases being Doubts about the Lawfulness, or Unlawfulness, or

Indifference of Actions, arising either from the inter∣fering of several Laws, and different Duties, or from the Ignorance of the Force and Obligation of those several Laws respectively, and of the just Limits of every Duty; it is not possible the Case should be re∣solv'd with safety of the Penitents Innocence, or the Tranquillity of his Mind, if we are ignorant of the Nature and Obligation of the Laws obliging, and the Duties resulting from them; All these things considered, I humbly conceive it is very requisite, as it is expected we should be useful to the World, that we should be very well provided of some of the best Authors up∣on each of these particulars: That is, First, Upon the Nature and Obligation of Law in general, and of the different kinds of Laws in particular: Secondly, Upon Duties obligatory upon us from those several kinds of Laws: Thirdly, Upon Casuistry, whereby the Difficulties that shall upon any occasion perplex Persons Consciences, with reference to those Laws, and the Duties resulting from thence, may be resol∣ved. And,

First, As to the Nature and Obligation of Law in general, as also the Nature, Division and Obligation of the several kinds of Laws in particular; To great Use and Purpose, may be read upon this Sub∣ject, and accordingly it is desired our Pastor should be provided of.

• Suarez de Legibus. Fol.

• Dawson's Origo Legum: Or, a Treatise of the Origin of Laws, and their obliging Power: As also of their great Variety; And why some Laws are Immutable, and some not, but may suffer Change, or cease to be, or be suspended, or Abrogated, Fol.

N. Hic etiam Legatur Aquinatis summae, 1. 2. a Quaestione 90. usque ad 109. Gerson Tract. de Vita Spirituali Lect. 2. & se∣quent. Et si Ciceronem audiamus, nullo in genere disputandi, quam de jure, magis honestè patefit, quid sit homini tributum Naturà, quantam vim rerum optimarum mens humana Continent, cujus muneris colendi, efficiendi{que} causa nati, & in lucem editi simus, quae sit conjunctio hominum, quae Naturalis so∣cietas inter se. Cicero de Legibus Lib. 1. Sect 4.

Secondly, As to the Duties Obligatory upon us from these several Laws.

1. From the Law of Nature: such as are deducible from the Law written in our Hearts, may be seen.

First, In the Antient Philosophers, viz.

• Plato de Legibus.
• Cicero de Legibus.
• — De Officiis.

N. As also in all, or most of the Antient Moralists a∣bove mentioned: For as Suarez prooemio ad Lib. de Legibus. Aristoteles licet proprium Opus de Legibus non reliquerit in suis moralibus multa sparsim de Legibus tradidit, sicut & Seneca, Plutarchus, & Alii.

Secondly, In the later Writers upon the Laws of Nature and Nations.

• Gulielmus Grotius de Principiis Juris Natura∣lis. 12o.
• Hugo Grotius de jure Belli & Pacis. 8o.

N. And especially upon this Subject ought to be read those Books, which have been particularly written to Antidote Men against the Poyson of Hobbs's Principles.

• Doctoris Henrici Mori Ethica 8o.
• Bp. Cumberland de Jure Naturae & Gentium. 4o.
• Mr. Tyrril's Epitome of Bp. Cumberland's Law of Nature. 8o
• Sharrock de Officiis secundum Naturae Jus; Seu de Moribus ad Rationis normam conformandis Doctrina, unde Principia, item & Rationes Hobbesii ad Ethicam & Politicam Spectantes, quatenus huic Hypothesi contradicere videan∣tur, in Examen Veniunt. 8o.
• Puffendorf de Jure Naturae & Gentium. 4o.
• — De Officio Hominis & Civis. 8o.
• Parker's Demonstration of the Laws of Nature. 4o.
• Lowd's Discourse of the Nature of Man, both in his Natural and Political Capacity, both as he is a Rational Creature, and Member of Civil Society; with an Examination of some of Mr. Hobbs's Opinions relating hereunto. 8o.
• Dr. Echard's Dialogues between Timothy and Philautus. 8o.

Thirdly, And for a Nexus between the Laws Natural and Reveal'd, may be read.

• Selden de Jure Naturae & Gentium Juxta Di∣sciplinam Hebraeor. 4o.
• Mosaicarum & Romanarum Legum Collatio ex Integris Papiniani, Pauli, Ulpiani, Gaii, Mode∣stini, Aliorumque veterum Juris Auctorum Libris, ante Tempora Justiniani Imperatoris desumpta. Inter Crit. Sacr. Tom. 8. p. 160.
• Crellii Ethica Aristotelica & Christiana, cum Dissertatione praemissa de virtutis Ethnicae, Hebraeae, at{que} Christianae invicem compara∣tione.

2. From the Written and Revealed Laws of God. And the Duties enjoin'd us therein are treated upon,

First, By Ancient Writers.

• Philo Judaeus de Decalogo.
• Clementis Alexandrini Paedagogus.
• — Stromata.
• Cyprianus Libro tertio Testimonior. ad Quirinum.
• Basilii Ethica, Item & Ascetica.
• Grego. Nyssenus de Beatitudinibus Orationes 8. Ambrosius de Officiis.

N. We shall indeed scarcely find many just and entire Bodies of Morality in the Writings of the Fathers; but what is wanting in the Art and Accuracy of their Composures, is abundantly recompenc'd in the Ex∣cellency of their Matter, for those admirable Persons speaking as they lived; as their contempt of the World, and their Mortifications of the Body, were wonderfully great, so their Thoughts were very sublime and elevated, and their Morality pure and refin'd. There are, true it is, many more pieces of Mo∣rality interspers'd in their Works; but these being for the most part, upon par∣ticular Subjects and Duties, they will fall in to be rang'd properly under the se∣veral Heads of Duty, of which I design hereafter, God willing, in a Second Part to draw a particular Scheme, and to exhibit a List, as well of the Antient, as more Modern Writers upon each single Duty.

Secondly, By later Authors: and those,

First, Such who have Written Exposi∣tions and Discourses upon the Deca∣logue and Beatitudes.

• Bp. Andrews. Fol.
• Grotius in 20 Cap. Exod. Inter Annotata.
• Andreae Riveti Expositio in 20 Cap. Exod. 4o.

• Dr. Towerson. Fol.
• Rawlet on the Decalogue. 8o.
• Bp. Hopkins's Exposition of the Ten Com∣mandments. 4o.
• Dr. Barrow's Exposition of the Decalogue. 12o.
• Buck on the Beatitudes. 8o.
• Norris on the Beatitudes. 8o.

N. And to pre∣vent or Cure the Pestilential Infusions of Antinomian Hereticks, who would erase out of the Minds of Christians all sense of Obligations upon 'em to observe, even the Duties of the Moral Law, may be properly and usefully enough here read, both the Discourses against the Antinomians hereafter mention'd, and also Suarez, de Legibus, Lib. 1. Ch. 18. 19. Petavii Dogmata, Lib. 10. C. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27. Dr. Henry Moor's Mystery of Godliness, Book 8. Ch. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Measures of Christian Obedience, Book 1. Ch. 1. Preface to Mr. Allen's Discourse on the two Covenants.

Secondly, Others who have written more compleat Tracts of Christian Morality upon the whole Body of Christian Du∣ties.

• Danaei Ethica Christiana. 4o.
• The whole Duty of Man, together with the other Pieces of that Author. Fol.
• Bp. Taylor's Holy Living and Dying. 8o.
• Dr. Scot's Christian Life. Part 1. and 4.
• Ketlewel's Christian Obedience. 8o.
• Mr. Baxter's Christian Directory. Fol.
• Sam. Cradock's Knowledge and Practice, with the Appendix. 4o.
• Rawlei's Christian Monitor. 8o.

N. Hic etiam legantur Magistri sententiarum Lib. 3. a Distim. 37. usque ad finem; etiiam Thomae Aquinatis Secunda Secundae, quae Anro contra non aestimanda, Item Commentarii in Sententias & in summam supra nomi∣nati.

3. From the positive Laws of Man.

First, Ecclesiastical; and that both

1. General, or from the Canon Laws of the Church in general.

• Arnoldi Corvini Jus Canonicum per Apho∣rismos explicatum, 8o.
• Francisci de Roye Institutiones Juris Cano∣nici. 8o. Par. 1681.

2. Particular, or from the Canon Law more especially in force in our own Country; As all that is said to be, which is not repugnant to the Prerogative Roy∣al, and to the Common and Statute Laws of this Kingdom.

• Rich. Cosini Ecclesiae Anglicanae Politeia in Tabulas digestas. Fol.
• Linwood's Provinciale. Fol.
• Reformatio Legum Ecclesiasticarum. Hen. 8. Ed. 6.
• Godolphin's Repertorium. 4o.
• Book of Canons.
• Sparrow's Collection of Canons. 4o.

N. Nor will it be thought that these are Authors in which a Divine is not concern'd, when it is consider'd, that many Important Cases, De Sponsalibus, de Nuptiis, &c. are no more de∣terminable in foro Conscientiae, than in foro Contentioso without a com∣petent Skill therein.

Secondly, Civil.

1. General or Imperial: Jus scilicet Civile seu Caesareum quod ab Imperiali Majestate pen∣det, quo omnes ferè populi utuntur.

• Zouche's Elementa Juris-Prudentiae. 12o.
• Justiniani Institutiones. 12o.
• Sheidewinus in Institutiones. 12o. Or,
• Corvinus in Institutiones. 12o. Or,
• Vinnii Commentarius in quatuor Libros In∣stitutionum. 4o. Or,
• Julii Pacii Isagogica in Institutiones Imperiales, Di∣gesta, Pandectas, Codicem, & Decretales. 8o.

N. How very use∣ful some degrees of knowledge at least, in the Civil Law may be to a Divine, will presently ap∣pear, when we come to speak of what Preliminaries are necessary to make a Casuist: But that a through Ʋnderstanding in all the Parts of that Noble Faculty is necessary, is more than I dare affirm, being deterr'd from that, more perhaps by the formidable Prospect of so vast a Field of Knowledge to be travers'd over, than by the reason of the thing. But however, that we may have a general View how large it is, take this Account from a Learned Civilian, Julius Pacius in his Isagogica. p. 1. Jus Civile à Justiniano Im∣peratore in tria Volumina redactarum est: Primum Institutionum, quo Juris Epitome Isagogica continetur: Alterum Digestorum seu Pandectarum,* 1.4 quod ex veterum Jure consultorum Libris compositum est: Ter∣tium Codicis, quo Imperatorum Constitutiones continentur, exceptis ipsius Justiniani Novellis, non uno tempore post compositionem Codicis promulgatis, quae in unum volumen à nescio quo relatae fuerunt. His sabjugi solent Feudales à privatis quibusdam Doctoribus literis Mandatae. Or as he elsewhere speaks, ib. p. 46. Institutioues tantum prima Juris e∣lementa continent, Codex practicas Decisiones habet; in Digestis tam Legis Theoria quam Praxis plenè habetur. And now if the two later are thought necessary to be search'd into by those only who are Practitioners

in foro contentioso: However the former; viz. Institutiones Justinia with some Commentators thereon, wherein are contain'd the Principia Boni & Aequi, are what it becomes no Divine to be a Stranger to. And that he may be sufficiently prepar'd for his Enquiries therein, I shall crave leave to add the Advice of that Great Man Hugo Grotius, which he gave his Brother, as the best Method wherewith he ought to begin his Studies of the Civil Law. Auctor sum ut rectè informeris ad Juris Disciplinam, an∣tequam attingas Scholasticos,* 1.5 diligentèr perlegas secundum Ethicorum, Nichomacheorum, & quintum apud Aristotelem, aut ejus Optimum Paraphrasten à D. Heinsio Editum. De∣indè ejusdem Aristotelis Rhetorica, quae seorsim extant cum erudito satis Commentario. Mox Ciceronis Officia, Paradoxa, de finibus, & de Legibus. Item Topica, & de Inventione. Inter legendum vero cui∣piam aut excerpas, aut diligenter ad Marginem Libri annotes ea, quae ad jus Naturae & Gentium, ad Legum ac Magistratuum originem, de∣nique ad Rempub. & jus tam publicum tam privatum pertinebunt. Thus this Great Man prescribes what is requisite to precede our entrance upon the Study of the Civil Law. And as to what Books are to be always ready at hand, when we are actually upon the study thereof; It will be necessary to have such Glossaries and Law Dictionaries as explain the Terms of Law, such as

• Jo. Calvini Lexicon magnum Juris Caesarii & Canonici. Fol.
• Bernardi Brissonii de Verborum quae ad Jus pertinent significatione Lib. 19 Francofurti. 1683. Fol.

2. Particular, or the Municipal Laws of our own Country; To have a general Insight into which, and to know the Reason and Grounds of 'em, as I do think it by no means foreign to the bu∣siness, even of a Parochial Minister; so I shall adventure to lay down these fol∣lowing Books, as proper to be read by him upon the Subject, viz.

• Cook's Institutes. 4 Vol. Fol.
• Doctor and Student, being two Dialogues be∣tween a Doctor in Divinity, and a Student in the Laws of England, of the Grounds of the said Laws, and of Conscience. 12o.
• Wingate's Maxims of Reason, or the Reason of the Common Law of England. Fol.

N. To which must be added for the Interpretation of Law Terms,

• Cowel's Interpreter, and Manley. Fol.
• Blount's Law Dictionary, Fol.

N. And to Apologize for prescribing Books of this Nature, I must take leave to Muster up both Authority and Reason for so doing. And I think Suarez, tho' a very Great Man, is not more considera∣ble for his Authority, than for the weight of his Reason in this case: Whose words are these: Nulli mirum videri debet, si homini Theologiam prositenti, Leges Incidant disputandae.* 1.6 Imo si res ipsa rectè dispiciatur, palam erit, ita Le∣gum Tractationem Theologiae ambitu concludi, ut Theologus subjectum ejus exhaurire non valeat, nísi legibus conside∣randis immoretur. Theologicum enim est negotium Conscientiis pro∣spicere viatorum; Conscientiarum vero rectitudo stat legibus servandis, sicut & pravitas Violandis, cum Lex quaelibet sit regula, si ut oportet servetur, aeternae salutis Assequendae; si violetur, amittendae; ergò & legis inspectio, quatenus est conscientiae Vinculum ad Theologum pertinebit. Tandèm Catholica fides non solùm docet quatenus paren∣dum sit Deo supernaturalitèr praecipienti, sed etiam quid natura vetat, Jubeat, vel permittat; & quatenùs obediendum sit potestatibus sub∣limioribus, ut Paulus dixit, atque adeo quatenùs parendum sit tum Ec∣clesiasticis Legibus, tum laicis, ante Oculos nobis ponit. Ergo ex his fidei fundamentis Theologi est Colligere, quid in hoc, aut in illo Le∣gum genere sit habendum.

And another Ingenious Author in speaking of those

Stu∣dies which are necessary for all Men of Ingenions Birth;* 1.7 As to the Law, he tells us, that every private Person is o∣blig'd to know so much of it as is necessary to keep what he has, and to do nothing against the Laws. Every one is thus far oblig'd by the Laws themselves, which presume that all Citizens are instructed therein, since they impute the Ignorance of them as

a fault, and punish it, either by the loss of Goods, if they have failed to observe the Laws in getting or preserving them, or by more severe Punish∣ments, if this Ignorance has betray'd 'em to some Crime.

And as to such an indifferent Knowledge thereof as is necessary to all, he makes it to consist in these three particulars: First,

In understanding the Terms of Business, and which we meet in the Ordinances, Customs, and other Law Books. Secondly, In Learning the most general Maxims of the Law which relate to particular Subjects, as of Tutelage, Successions, Marriages, the most usual Contracts, without entring into the Subtilties of the Law, or much affecting that Method: And lastly, the manner of prosecuting ones Right in Courts of Judicature, he tells us should be understood. And with∣out descending to all the particulars of the Process, the order of it in general should be observ'd, and the necessity there is, of exactly observing in Ju∣dicial Proceedings, the Forms establish'd. Thus far my Author.

But thus much is farther than I dare venture to declare my Mind, as being aware how jealous the World are, least we should be over skilful in this sort of Knowledge,* 1.8 tho' if we may believe a great Judge, Po∣tius Ingnoratio Legis Litigiosa est quam Scien∣tia.

And indeed, my great Design in prescribing thus much for the Knowledge of the Law, as I have done, is in order to enable us to discharge a quite contrary Duty to Litigiousness. It is doubtless our Duty above all others to be Peace-makers amongst our Neighbours; and in order to that, to offer our Assistance to compose their Differences: But how shall we be able to do that without some general Skill in the Grounds and Reason of our Laws, and e∣specially in the governing Maxims of it, which in few words do concisely In∣struct us in the Equity that pertains to most Cases. I say, in the governing Maxims of our Law, which alone will enable us to Arbitrate equitably be∣twixt Man and Man in most Cases: For as a Gentleman Learned in that Profession tells us;

The vast multitude of Cases which the Follies or Passi∣ons, or Necessities of Men have obliged us to be ac∣quainted with,* 1.9 are all Accountable and Reducible to some few Theses; which being prime Emanations, and Grand Maxims of Reason, govern and resolve the subordinate Miscellany of Queries, and may serve for a Clue and Conduct through the Labyrinth of that perplext Variety: Saving us the labour of charging our Memories with every Particular, which in the Result is less apt to profit, than to burthen and confound us.

Thirdly, As to Casuistical Divinity whose Office it is to determine the Particulars and single Instances of Christian Duty, and to resolve the Difficulties that shall at any time perplex Persons Consciences, with Reference to such Laws as prescribe their Duty, and to the particular Instances of the Duties them∣selves, which arise from the Obligation of such Laws:

1. As preliminary to the Attainment of so excellent, useful, and necessary a sort of Knowledge, it is clear that

• Aristotle's Rhetorick.
• Aquinas Secunda Secundae. And,
• Tully's Offices are such.

N. I take it to be clear, to a de∣monstration, that these Books, being well Studied, are excellent Preparations for a Casuist, because the Incomparable Bishop Sanderson own'd that these were the Books he Studied most when he laid the Foundation of his great and clear Learning, especially in this way.* 1.10 And it may also appear from the Life of the same Bishop, That Zouches Ele∣menta Juris prudentiae, 12o. will be very useful hereunto. And indeed, for the same Reason, All, or any of those foremention'd Books upon the Na∣ture and Obligation of Laws, and of the Laws of Nature and Nations, must have a singular Tendency this way. And if I may have leave to add but another, I know nothing more wanting as preliminary, to make a Man a good Casuist than a good Writer or two upon that Important Title in the Civil Law Lib. 50. Digestor Tit. 17. De Diversis Regulis Juris Antiqui. This Title contains very many Maxims of Law and Reason, such as are so many Principles and Maxims of greatest Evidence and Authority. And if this Prince of Casuists now mention'd may be our Pattern, it is certain that by virtue of such Postulata and self-evident, uncontested Principles of Reason and Morality, he was wont so satisfactorily to determine what was Lawful in the most knotty and intricate Cases. And those who have explicated and limited these Regulae Juris, have been.

• Jac Cujacius. 8o.
• Philippus Decius. 8o.
• Everand. Bronchrest. 12o.

2. To Perfect a Casuist may be read.

First, Generally; To enable him to resolve whatever Cases and Doubts may arise at any time in the Course of a Man's Life.

• Sanderson de Obligatione Conscientiae; also,
• —His Cases, and his Sermons.
• Bp. Taylor's Ductor Dubitantium. Fol.
• Lessius de jure & Justitia. Fol. Or.
• Lessii Compendium. 8o.
• Amesius de Conscientia & ejus Jure. 12o.
• Perkins's Cases of Conscience. Fol.
• Bp. Hall's Cases of Conscience. Fol.
• Dr. Hammon's Resolution to 6 Quaeries. In his Practical Discourses. Fol.
• Bp. Barlow's Cases of Conscience. 8o.

Secondly, More particularly to render him a good Confessor to the Sick and troubled in Mind.

• Mr. Kettlewel's Companion to the Penitent. 12o.
• —Death made Comfortable. 12o.
• Dr. Wake's Preparation for Death. 8o.
• Go in Peace, being Directions to a Young Di∣vine to Administer Discourse to the Necessities of the Sick. 8o.

N. Ʋpon this Occasion ought also to be perused, Lohneri Instructionis Practicae Institutio Tertia, complectens varios &

Solidos modos Juvandi & consolandi Diversorum Statuum personas Af∣flictas, praecipue aegras & Captivas. Item & Quinta Complectens de Confessionibus ritè & fructuosè Excipendis Doctrinas, tam Generales quam Speciales, ad Varios Hominum Status accommodatas: As also Taylor's Holy Dying, being the Second Part of his Book, Entituled Holy Living and Dying. And that useful Table of self Examination at the end of the Whole Duty of Man.

Now that most unreasonable and pernicious reservedness of Persons, in not opening their Consciences to the Ministers of our Church, especially as they ought, in times of Sickness, when it concerns 'em so much to take all the Care immaginable, and to require all the Assistance possible to help 'em to state their Accounts with God against the great Audit. Such Contempt, I say, in the People, of our Ghostly Counsel and Advice, has made this part of Penitential Divinity to be so much uncultivated by our English Divines. The Romish Church indeed, as they are in nothing more voluminous that in this, so they abound in Confessories and Penitentials: But instead of tying up the Conscience to the strictest Rules of Holy Living, the more peculiar business of a Casuist, by their great Doctrine of Probability, and some others of the like nature, their Moral and Casuistical, tend as much as their Doctrinal Divinity, to encourage Licen∣tiousness, and to make Mens Consciences easie in a course of unrepented sins; as is evident to those who have either read their own Authors, or what is Col∣lected to our hands, out of 'em, even by the Jansenists, Men of their own Com∣munion,

• In the Jesuits Morals. Fol.
• And the Mystery of Jesuitism. 8o. 5 Vol.

So that the Romish Casuistical and Penitential Divines, for the most part, can be read to little purpose of benefit, but with great danger of Corruption, ex∣cept it be by Learned Men, to enable them to demonstrate to the World, how far that Church is Apostatiz'd in all respects; Morals, as well as Doctrinals from the Truth of Christianity. However the Author above-mentioned, seems to me to have discharged this part of giving us Directions concerning our Visita∣tion of the Sick, with tolerable Honesty, as to most particulars. And to sup∣ply the Paucity of Authors of our own upon this Subject, we must make up the defect by such as have written upon the next, and last general condition of that Covenant established by the Mediation of Christ, betwixt God and Man, viz.

3. Repentance concerning which it is requisite our Indian Clerks should be furnish'd.

First, With some of the Writings of the Antients up∣on that Subject, if possible to be had.

• Tertullian de Paenitentia.
• Basilii ad Amphilochium Epistolae Canonicae Tres.
• Ambrosii de Paenitentia contra Novatianos Libri duo.
• Chrysostomus de compunctione Cordis ad Demetrium.
• —Ad Stelichium de eodem Argumento.
• —Ad Theodorum Lapsum Paraenesis.
• —De Paenitentia plurimae Homiliae

N. These and the like Books written by the Primitive Fa∣thers upon the Subject of Repentance and Penance, do infinitely deserve to be read through and through, by every Minister of the Church of Christ; and that not only, as they do most admirably describe the Nature and measures of true Repentance; But also the Discipline of the Antient Church, with reference to those who had laps'd into hainous Sins. An Account of which, if it were but represented to the People in our Discourses upon that Subject, how far would care∣less Sinners be from thinking that a slender Sorrow, and a Lord have mercy upon me, would be sufficient to reconcile them to God after a very wicked Life, and that only upon a Death-bed?

The Penitents for their parts, out of an Holy Indignation against themselves, for the sins they had committed, did in those days furrow their Cheeks with con∣tinual weeping, and became pale as Ghosts, by per∣petual fasting;* 1.11 and did day and night supplicate the God of Heaven for his Mercy in their Pardon.

* 1.12And such was the sense that the Church then had of the dishonour done to God by a flagitious Crime, such as they accounted Fornication, Adultery, Per∣jury, Murder, &c. that tho' the Penitents did prostrate themselves at the Church doors, and with Lamentations and Moans besought the Prayers of all that enter'd; embrac'd the Knees and kiss'd the Garments of the Brethren, imploring their In∣tercessions with God for Pardon, and that they

might be admitted here on Earth to Communion: Yet it was not without repeated Importunities, Mor∣tifications, and long continu'd Penances, that they were again receiv'd.

And indeed how would it awaken the stupid Wretches in these worst of Ages, to find how long the Penance of such who had fallen into the more deadly sins, was to continue, before they could be admitted to the Peace of the Church? Ʋpon Fornication,* 1.13 was impos'd a Penance of four years. Ʋpon a Woman that had procured an Abortion, ten. Ʋpon Adultery fifteen. For Perjury eleven. Even for an involuntary Mur∣ther, such as we call Manslaughter, eleven; and for voluntary Murther was impos'd a twelve years Penance. And not to men∣tion more: Those who renounced the Faith of Christ, were not to be admitted till the hour of Death. And though having been taken by Barbarians, they were forc'd thereunto by Torments, yet they were oblig'd to a Penance of eight years be∣fore they could be admitted to Communion with the Faithful.

And what then would they have impos'd upon those Miscreants of our days, who without force or compulsion; nay, who contrary to our Laws, and in defiance to their Authority and Penalties, do every day, out of the malignity of their own Hearts, deny the everlasting God, and their only Saviour Jesus Christ; And that with all the spight and scorn, not only in Transient Discourse, but in lewd Songs, and prophane Plays, (which being edg'd with Wit, and flying a∣broad, do corrupt the Minds of thousands, beyond their power ever afterwards to retrieve from the horrid Principles they have infus'd into 'em) what lasting Penances I say, would they have impos'd upon such? Would they have look'd upon it as a wonderful Honour forsooth, to God and Religion, to have such whisper privately upon their Death-bed a few Penitential Confessions within their Curtains? and then upon this would they administer to them the Sacra∣ment of Reconciliation, tho' they offer not so much as a publick and solemn Recantation of those impious Principles they have so industriously propagated, to the infinite Dishonour of God, and Destruction of those Souls for which the Son of God died? Would they not at leastwise have required so much towards the Reparation of the mischief done,* 1.14 as a publick and sorrowful Con∣fession and Declaration to all the World of the sincerity of their Conversion? True it is, as our Church complains in the Office of Commination, that the Primitive Discipline, as much as it is to be wish'd, is not easily to be restor'd; but however it is still, and ever will be in our

Power to declare to Fornicators, Adulterers, Perjur'd Persons, Murderers and Blasphemers, as she does, the true state of their Case, and to let 'em know the Judgments of God hanging over such, as do not in the highest measure they can, make Reparation for the Dishonour they have done to God, and the Mis∣chief they have brought to other Mens Souls. This we may do by letting 'em know, in the Discourses we make, and the state we give of true Repentance, that such a Reparation towards God is as necessary, as Restitution to Man, to render their Repentance acceptable. For tho' it be commonly said in the modern way of stating the Nature of Repentance, that God not suffering by whatever we can do against him, Remission will follow upon our hearty Sorrow and Amendment only, but that our Neighbour being really damag'd by the injuries done to him, Restitution must be part of that Man's Repentance, who has any wise wrong'd him in his Reputation or Estate; yet, with Submission to better Judgments, I do humbly conceive, that God is as capable of suffering Injury from us as Man. All the Malignity indeed of Men and Devils can't make Him suffer in his Essential Perfections, in his Nature and Happiness, as to Himself; but his Honour and Authority in the World, which was so dear to Him, that He sent his only Begotten Son into it to Reinstate Him in his Dominion over it, may certainly be impair'd by the scandalous Impieties of desperately Wicked Men. And therefore if the Good Name of our Neigh∣bour, of which he has been Rob'd by us, must as openly, that is, to all the Pur∣poses of putting Him right in the Opinion of the World, be justifi'd by a Pe∣nitent, as it was formerly Defam'd by him; for much greater Reasons must a Blaspheming or Profane Atheist be put upon the solemn and most open Decla∣ration of his Repentance, and upon such a Recantation of his Principles and Practices, as will reach as far to the setting God right in the Opinions of Men, as his Lewd Speeches, Songs, Plays, or Books have fled abroad to the Dishonour of Him. Thus a late (and till then an unhappy) Gentleman, Sir Duncomb Colchester did; and till such others as he was, do the like; as, notwithstand∣ing the utter loss of Publick Discipline, it is still in, and cannot be out of our Power to refuse Private Communion to such enormous Sinners; so I do hum∣bly conceive we ought not to give 'em the Sacrament of Reconciliation till they have done it. But to proceed,

Secondly, As to our Modern Authors upon the Sub∣ject of Repentance, it is requisite our Indian Clerks should be furnish'd with,

• Bp. Taylor's Discourse of Repentance. 8o. Or in his Polemical Discourses.

• Dr. Ingelo upon Repentance. 8o.
• Dr. Goodman's Penitent Pardon'd. 8o.
• Dr. Pain upon Repentance. 8o.
• Dr. Hammond of late, or Death-Bed Repentance. In his Pract. Disc.
• Mr. Ellis of the necessity of Serious Consideration, and speedy Repentance, as the only way to be safe both Living and Dying. 8o.

Thirdly, And as Appendant to the Doctrine of Repentance, nothing is more Requisite, than that they be furnish'd with Tracts both Ancient and Modern.

1. Upon Fasting and the Lent-Fast.

First, Amongst the Ancient Writers.

• Tertullian de Jejuniis.
• Basilii de Jejunio Sermones tres.
• Ambrosius de Elia & Jejunio.
• Chrysostomus de Jejunio & Eleemosyna.
• — Homiliae plurimae.

Secondly, Amongst the Later and more Modern Writers.

• Dallaeus de Jejuniis Quadragesimalibus. 4o.
• Bp. Gunning of the Lent-Fast. 4o.
• Bp. Patrick on the Lent-Fast. 8o.
• Dr. Hooper's Discourse concerning Lent. 8o.

2. Upon the Power of the Keys, and of Binding and Loosing.

• Chrysostomus de Anathemate.
• Dr. Hammond of the Power of the Keys, or of Binding and Loosing. Amongst his Pract. Disc.

N. Here also may be read, Thorndike's E∣pilogue Passim. Likewise Dodwel of Schism, Passim. In which there is much of this Argument.

VII.

But since it is not enough for a Christian to know his Covenant Engagements towards God; but he must be also acquainted with the Means whereby he may effectually perform all those Conditions pre∣scrib'd for the obtaining the Pardon of his Sins, and Eternal Life and Happiness; 'Tis therefore very re∣quisite, that every Pastor of a Flock should be fur∣nish'd with such Books as treat most judiciously, both of that Divine Assistance, which is the supernatural means whereby we shall be enabl'd to discharge our Obligations towards our Maker; and also of Prayer and the Sacraments, which are the Moral and Positive Means; the former of which is prescrib'd by God as the way to obtain, the latter ordain'd as the means to convey this Grace to the Souls of Men; whereby they may be enabld to perform all the Conditions requir'd of them by Christ in the Covenant, of which we are now speaking. And accordingly it is requisite he should have under his Perusal; As,

I. Concerning Divine Assistance.

The Authors before-mention'd, p. 64, and 65. So,

II. Concerning Prayer, especially the Lord's Prayer.

First, Amongst the Ancient Writers.

• Tertullian de Oratione. In quo Tractatu exponit etiam O∣rationem Dominicam.
• Cyprianus de Oratione Dominica.
• Origenes de Oratione.

N. In quo Libro de Natura, Vi, Variis∣que Orandi generibus, & de Oratione Dominica accuratè satis agit, praeter quòd quaedam haud satis sana Dogmata, idque γυμνῆ τὴ κεφαλῆ profert, & quae vix ullis coloribus excusari possunt Dr. Cave Hist. Liter. p. 83.

• Gregorii Nysseni de Oratione Dominica Homiliae 5.
• Synopsis Patrum in Orationem Dominicam. Trever. 1643.
• Ecloge ex diversis Sancti Chrysostomi Homiliis de Oratione. Par. 1647.

Secondly, Amongst the Later Writers.

• Amyraldus in Orationem Dominicam.
• Dr. Towerson on the Lord's Prayer. Fol.
• Bp. Hopkins on the Lord's Prayer. 4o.
• Dr. Bright on Prayer. 8o.
• Pettis on Prayer. 8o.
• Bp. Patrick's Discourse concerning Prayer. 8o.

N. As also Sir Matthew Hales at the latter end of his Contemplations, Part 2. Rawlet in his Book on the Decalogue: And also Dr. Barrow in his Book on the Decalogue. On which Subject also may be read, the Systems and Bodies both Scholastical and Catechetical in locum de Oratione.

III. Concerning the Sacraments.

First, For explaining the general Nature of Sacra∣ments.

Dr. Towerson of the Sacraments in general.

N. The School-men have written with much subtilty and niceness upon the Subject, and may be usefully enough read in lo∣cum de Sacramentis. And there is also much excellent Learning on this Subject in Dodwel on Schism, Passim.

Secondly, Particularly for the Explication of each Sacrament distinctly.

1. Of Baptism.

First, Amongst the Ancient Writers.

• Tertullian de Baptismo.
• Sti. Paciani Libellus de Baptismo ad Catechumenos.
• Sti. Basilii de Baptismo, Lib. 2.
• Gregorii Nazianzeni Oratio in Sanctum Baptisma.
• Ambrosii de Initiandis Liber.
• — De Sacramentis Libri 4.
• Joseph Vice Comes de Antiquis Baptismi Ritibus.

Secondly, Amongst the Later and Modern Writers.

• Vossius de Baptismo, 4o.
• Harduini de Baptismo Quaestio triplex. 4o.
• Bp. Patrick's Aqua Genitalis, at the end of Mensa Mystica.
• Dr. Towerson's Fourth Part on the Catechism. Fol.

• Dr. Hammond of Infant Baptism. In his Pract. Dis∣courses.
• Dr. Hicks's Case of Infant Baptism. In the London Cases
• Walker's Plea for Infant Baptism. 8o.
• Indecency and Unlawfulness of Baptizing in Private without necessity. 8o.

N. Here also may be read the Schoolmen with other Bo∣dies both Scholastical and Catechetical upon the Sacrament of Baptism.

Thirdly, And as Appendant to the Doctrine of Bap∣tism, it will be very requisite to have Writers upon the Doctrine of Confirmation.

• Bp. Taylor of Confirmation. 12o.
• Dr. Hammond de Confirmatione. 12o.
• Mr. Baxter of Confirmation.
• Mr. Camfield of Confirmation. 8o.

N. Here also may be read Dr. Cumber upon the Office of Confirmation in his Companion to the Temple, as also Bp. Pa∣trik's Discourse upon it, in his Aqua genitalis, from p. 489. to the end.

II. Of the Lords-Supper.

First, Amongst the Antient Fathers.

• Chrysostomi plurimae Homiliae.

N. There is little to be found of set Discourse towards the Explication of this Sacrament, in the Writings of the Fathers, by reason of the Humour then amongst them to conceal the Mysteries (for so they then affected to call this Sacrament especially) from the Infidels and Catechumens.

Secondly, Amongst later and more Modern Writers.

• Hospiniani Historia Sacramentaria, 2 Vol. Fol.
• Dr. Cudworth, 8o. or Fol. At the end of his Intellectual System.
• Dr. Towerson.
• Bp. Patricks Mensa Mystica 8o.
• Glanvil on the Sacrament. 12o.
• Dr. Pelling's Discourses on the Sacrament. 8o.
• Dr. Horneck's Crucify'd Jesus. 8o.
• Kettlewel on the Sacrament. 8o.
• Rawlet on the Sacrament. 8o.

VIII.

Farthermore, being the end of all that Divine Know∣ledge before mention'd, is to enable the Pastor to feed his Flock with all that is necessary to Salvation, and since Preaching (now that Catechising is so much ne∣glected, more is the pity) is become in a manner, the sole Method of Publick Instruction; The better to enable our American Pastor both skilfully and success∣fully to apply thereby, the Knowledge he has made himself Master of, to the greatest good of those Souls committed to his Charge, it will be very requisite he should be furnish'd with the best Precedents and As∣sistances to that purpose; if not with the Antient Homi∣lies of the most Renowned Preachers amongst the Fathers (which are easier wish'd than obtain'd) at least∣wise

with the Sermons of later Writers; But especially I must insist upon having some of the Modern Sermons of our English Divines, which as they are (many of them) incomparably the best, and the exactest Perfor∣manes of that nature, and there are scarce any of the forementioned Subjects of Practical Divinity which have not been handled in them; so the best Discourses of that kind are doubly necessary for our Indian Pastor, namely both to the farther improvement of his own Understanding in those great Terms of Mans Salva∣tion, and also for his Imitation in his own Composures of that Nature for the Edification of his People.

1. As to Antient Homilies.

• Sancti Basilii Homiliae.
• Sancti Gregorii Nysseni Homiliae, Conciones & Orationes.
• Gregorii Nazianzeni Orationes.
• Sancti Johannis Chrysostomi Homiliae quamplurimae.
• Sancti Augustini Homiliae.
• Alcuini Collectio Sermonum veterum.
• Combeficii Bibliotheca Patrum Concionatoria, 8 Vol. Fol.

N. That wonderful, and that incomparable Spirit of Piety, Force and Energy, so remarkable in the Discourses of these Holy Fa∣thers; This I say, in Conjunction with the great Accuracy of our Modern Composures, would render our Discourses such, as for their Authority and Weight, would be fit to be utter'd by the Messengers of God, and by their Hea∣venly Air, Life and Spirit would demonstrate we our selves τὰ ἄνω φρονεῖν.

II. As to the later and more Modern Discourses of this kind.

First, Latin.

• Hoornbeck Theologiae practicae Tomi 2. 4o.

Secondly, English Sermons.

• Bp. Sanderson's. Sermons.
• Bp. Wilkin's. Sermons.
• Farrindon's. Sermons.
• Dr. Litleton's. Sermons.
• Sir Matthew Hales. Sermons.
• Bp. Ward's. Sermons.
• Bp. Hopkin's. Sermons.
• Dr. Outram's. Sermons.
• Needham's. Sermons.
• Dr. Claget's. Sermons.
• Dr. Calamy's. Sermons.
• Glanvil's. Sermons.
• Dr. Burton's. Sermons.
• Dr. Barrow's. Sermons.
• Dr. Conant's. Sermons.
• Marchs. Sermons.
• Kettlewel's. Sermons.
• Arch-Bp. Tillotson's. Sermons.
• Bp. Stillingfleet's. Sermons.
• Dr. South's. Sermons.
• Dr. Wake's. Sermons.
• Dorrington's. Sermons.
• Norris's. Sermons.

N. To which might be also added many others of Persons now living, but want to be Collected.

IX.

Hitherto we have been providing only for a Peace∣able and Practical Divinity, whose sole tendency be∣ing to reduce us from the Slavery of Satan to the Obe∣dience of God; to promote in us an Holy Life: And then to humble us in the Sense of its Imperfection by sending us to the Mediation of Christ for the Accep∣tance thereof to our Justification; These being I say, the Noble ends of the Christian Religion; 'tis pitty

that we who are its Ministers, should be troubl'd with any Amusements to distract us from being serviceable in such its Glorious Designs to the Reformation and Benefit of Mankind: And therefore it is not without the greatest regret that I can think of admitting Pole∣mical Discourses into our Foreign Libraries, wishing that the Church of God might be built like Solomon's Temple, without the noise of Axes and Hammers: But since through the Artifice of Satan, the Corrupt Seed of Heresie and Error has been heretofore, and will be hereafter sow'd in the Church, to the Subversion of a sound Faith, and the good Life of too many; to ob∣viate or cure the Poyson thereof, there is too sad an occasion for admitting some Controversial Divi∣nity, even into our Parochial Libraries. And to be∣gin.

I. With the Papists, to understand the State of that Con∣troversie

First, As preparatory, it will be requisite to read Histori∣cal Accounts.

• Forbesii Instuctiones Historico-Theologicae. Fol.
• Fasciculus Rerum Fugiendarum & Expetendarum, 2 Vol. Fol.

N. Here in this later we may see how sensible the best Men amongst the Ante-Trent Papists were of the Corruptions of their Church, and how de∣sirous of their Reformation.

• F. Paul's History of the Counsel of Trent. Fol.
• Steidan's General History of the Reformation of the Church from the Errors and Corruptions of the Church of Rome. Fol.

• Bp. Burnet's History of the Reformation of the Church of England, 2 Vol. Fol.
• Stripe's Life of Arch-Bishop Cranmer, Fol.
• Lud. Seckendorf Commentarius Historicus, & apolo∣geticus de Lutheranismo, sive de Reformatione Religionis Mart. Lutheri contra Lud. Maimbourg. Fol.
• Spanhemii Christianae Religionis apud Genevos restitutae Historia. 4o.

N. It is necessary in or∣der to make a true Judgment of the different Persuasions of Men, to know the History of their Occasion, In∣terest, Rise, Progress, &c. by which alone we may see a great way into the Nature and Tendency of their Doctrines, proportionably to the Good or Evil of which, they are worthy to be received or rejected.

Secondly, To enter into the Merits of the Cause, it will be requisite to have more or less of the following Works.

• Chemnitii Examen Concilii Tridentini. Fol.
• Dan. Chamieri panstratia Catholica, sive Controversiarum de Religione adversus Pontificios Corpus, 2 Vol. Fol.
• Epitome Panstratiae Cath. Chamieri per Spanhemium, Fol.
• Vorstii Anti-Bellarminus.
• M. Anton. de Dominis Archiep. Spal. de Rep. Christiana, 3. Vol. Fol.
• Field of the Church, Fol.
• Joh. and Francis White's Works, Fol.
• Dallaei varia, viz.
  • De Sacramentali sive Auricu∣lari Confessione, 4o.
  • De Confirmatione & Extre∣ma Unctione Latinorum, 4o.
  • Adversus Latinorum de Cultus Religiosi objecto Tradition. 4o.
  • De vero usu Patrum, 4o.
• Bp. Ʋsher's Answer to the Jesuits Challenge, 4o.

• Arch-Bishop Bramhal's Works, Fol.
• Bp. Taylor's Disswasive against Popery, 4o.
• Chillingworth against Knot. Fol.
• Arch-Bishop Laud against Fisher. Fol.
• Bp. Stilling fleet's Vindication of Arch-Bishop Laud. Fol.
• —Idolatry of the Church of Rome. 8o.
• —Defence of it. 8o.
• Rawlet's Dialogue and Answer to a Popish Catechism. 8o.
• Dr. Barrow of the Pope's Supremacy. 4o. Or in his Works, Fol.

Cases of the London Divines against the Papists; with some of the other most considerable Tracts Written in the last Reign against Popery.

II. Against the Socinians.

First, As Preparatory to understand and confute that Heresie, it may be requisite to read,

1. The Ancient History of the Antitrinitarians as we find it in

• Eusebius, Socrates, Sozomen, &c.
• Dr. Cave's Ecclesiastici, or Lives of the Fathers in the Fourth Century.

2. Testimonies and Writings of the Fathers against the Hereticks who deny'd the Doctrine of the Holy and ever Blessed Trinity.

First, As to the former, viz. The Testimonies of the Ante-nicene Fathers concerning the Ortho∣dox Faith in this matter; A Learned Col∣lection of these may be seen in,

• Doctoris Bulli Defensio Synodi Nicenae. 4o.
• — Judicium Ecclesiae Catholicae trium primorum seculorum, de Necessitate Credendi Jesum esse ve∣rum Deum. 8o.

Secondly, As for the Writings of the Fathers who liv'd at, or soon after, the Council of Nice, and who have written in Defence of the Catho∣lick Faith, it may be of good use for those who can be so far Masters of them, to pe∣rufe,

Polemica

• ...Athanasii.
• ...Basilii Magni.
• ...Gregorii Nazianzeni.
• ...Ambrosii.
• ...Chrysostomi.
• ...Hieronymi.
• ...Augustini.

Contra Arianos.

Secondly, To enter nearer into the Merits of the Cause, it is exceedingly necessary at this time, that the Clergy should have under their perusal, some at least, of these following Books.

Dr. Addison's Historical Account of the Heresie, denying the Godhead of Christ.

• Ashwel de Socino & Socinianismo. 8o.

N. Herein we have an Historical Account of the Author of that Heresie, and his Artifices and Methods in propagating his wicked Principles.

• Cloppenburgii Compendiolum Socinianismi Refutatum. 4o.

N. cui premissa est Prefatio Hi∣storica de Origine & progressu Socinianismi.

• Synopsis Errorum Socinianorum sub Praeside Jo. Oleario Lipsiae, 1695. 4o.
• Smiglecii nova monstra Socinianismi. 4o.
• Jo. Hoornbeck Socinianismi Confutati Tom. Tres. 4o.
• Dr. Edwards's Preservative against Socinianism. 4o.
• Gregory's Divine Antidote. 8o.
• Milbourn's Vindication of the Mysteries in Religion. 8o.
• Norris's Account of Reason and Faith, in relation to the Mysteries of Christianity, 8o.
• Bp. Stilling fleet's Sermon concerning the Mysteries of Faith.
• — A Discourse in Vindication of the Trinity, with an Answer to the late Socinian Objections against it from Scripture, Antiquity, and Reason. 8o.
• — Of the Doctrine of Christ's Satisfaction. 8o.
• Amyraldus de Trinitate.
• Archbishop Tillotson concerning the Divinity and Incarna∣tion of our Blessed Saviour, 8o.
• Dr. Williams's Vindication of the Arch-bishops Sermons concerning the Divinity and Incarnation of our B. Saviour, and of the Bp. of Worcester's Sermon on the Mysteries of our Christian Faith. 4o.
• Bisterfieldius de uno Deo contra Crellii Librum de Deo Patre. 4o.
• Placaei Disputatio de Incarnatione J. Christi. 4o.
• Dan. Whitby de vera Christi Deitate. 4o.
• Grotius de satisfactione Christi. 12o.
• Outram de Sacrificlis Judaeorum, Gentium profanarum, nec∣non de Sacrificio Christi adversus Socinum, Lond. 1677. 4o.
• Chr. Wittichii Causa Spiritus Sancti in Tertia Persona asserta. 12o.

N. Here also may be seen in Bp. Bar∣low's Remains, p. 73. Syllabus Quaestionum praecipuarum quae inter Socinianos reliquosque Ecclesiae Reformatae, simul ac Pontificiae Theo∣logos ventilantur.

III. Against the Dissenters from our Church.

First, In General, against all of 'em, of what De∣nomination soever.

1. Upon the Account of their Errors in Faith and Practice, by reason of those Antinomian Doctrines so rife a∣mongst that Party of Men especially; tho' some of them, it must be acknowledg'd to their Honour, have worthily labour'd to expel the Poyson of that Pesti∣lential Heresie.

• History of Antinomians. 4o.
• Mr. Baxter's Aphorisms of Justification and the Covenant.
• — Catholick Theology. Fol.
• Dr. Sherlock's Knowledge of Jesus Christ, 2 Vol. 8o.
• Dan. Williams's Gospel Truth stated and vindicated; wherein some of Dr. Crisp's Opinions are considered, and the opposite Truths stated and confirmed. 8o.

N. To which purpose may be also read those Authors mention'd above, p. 73. in the first Note.

2. Upon the Account of their Seperation and Schism from our Communion and Service; and in Defence therefore of our Liturgy and Worship.

• Dr. Comber's Scholastical History of the Primitive and General use of Liturgies in the Christian Church, with an Answer to David Clarkson's Discourse concerning Liturgies in Two Parts 8o.
• — Examiner Examin'd, being a Vindication of the History of Liturgies. 8o.

• Dr. Durel's View of the Government and Publick Wor∣ship of God in the Reformed Churches beyond Seas also Historically shewing their Conformity and Agree∣ment with the Church of England, as it is Establish'd by the Act of Uniformity. 4o.
• Sir Hammond L'Estrange's Alliance of Divine Offices. Fol.
• Hooker's Ecclesiastical Polity. Fol.
• Dr. Hammond's View of the New Directory, and a Vin∣dication of the Ancient Liturgy of the Church of Eng∣land. In his Pract. Discourses.
• Falkner's Libertas Ecclesiastica, or a Discourse Vindica∣ting our Liturgy and Worship. 8o.
• Bp. Stilling fleet's Mischiefs of Seperation. 4o.
• — Unreasonableness of Separation. 4o.
• Dr. Sherlock's Defence of Dr. Stillingfleet's Unreasona∣bleness of Separation. 8o.
• — A Vindication of the Defence. 8o.
• Dr. Williams brief Defence, in answer to Mr. Mather's Brief Discourse.
• Cases against the Dissenters, by the London Divines. Fol.
• Bp. King's Inventions of Men in the Worship of God, with the Defence. 8o.
• Mr. William Allen's Perswasive to Peace and Unity a∣mongst Christians. 8o.

N. Here also may be read, St. Cyprian de Unitate Ecclesiae.

Secondly, In Particular, against the several Sects, with reference to their particular Principles re∣spectively,

1. Against the Quakers.

• History of the Quakers. 8o.
• The Quakers set in their true Light, by Francis Bug, 4o.
• George Keith's several Discourses, shewing how they Al∣legorize away all the Principles of Christianity.

• A Friendly Conference between a Minister and his Pa∣rishioners. 8o.
• — Vindication thereof. 8o.
• Mr. William Allen's Discovery of the danger of Enthu∣siasm in an Ep. to the Quakers. 8o.
• The Snake in the Grass, or Satan transform'd into an Angel of Light, discovering the deep and unsuspected simplicity of many of the Principal Leaders of the Quakers. 8o.

2. Against the Ana-Baptists.

• Historia Ana-Baptistarum. 4o.
• Authoritates Patrum contra Ana-Bapt. Collectae à Ti∣manno Borckense Col. 1671.
• Mr. William Allen's serious and friendly Address to the Nonconformists, beginning with the Ana-Baptists. 8o.
• Mr. Baxter's Review of the State of Christian Infants. 8o.
• —More Proofs of Infant Church Membership, and consequently of their Right to Baptism. 8o.

N. Here also read Dr. Hammond's fourth Query in his Pract. Discourses. Walker's Plea for Infant-Baptism. Dr. Hick's Case of Infant-Baptism, ut supra.

3. Against Independents.

• Walker's History of Independency. 4o.
• Mr. William Allen's Catholicism, or several Enquiries, touching visible Church-Membership, Church-Commu∣nion, the nature of Schism, and usefulness of National Institutions, for the furtherance of Religion. Amongst his Works. 8o.
• Mr. Lamb's fresh Suit against Independency.

4. Against the Presbyterians, in Defence of Epis∣copacy.

• Ʋsserius de Ecclesiarum Christianarum Successione & statu. Fol.
• Bp. Pearson's Vindiciae Ignatii Epistolarum. 4o.
• Bp. Lloyd's account of the Church-Government in these Kingdoms. 8o.
• Bp. Stilling fleet's Origines Eccesiasticae.
• Dr. Heylin's History of the Presbyterians. Fol.

N. These for the Hi∣storical part, whether in reference to the Catholick Church in General, or the Churches of Britain in Particular.

• Dr. Hammond adversus Blondellum.
• Mr. Woodhead's Account of Ancient Church-Govern∣ment. 4o. 1662.
• Dr. Maurice's Defence of Diocesan Episcopacy, in Answer to Mr. David Clarkson. 8o.
• Campegii Utringiae Archysynagogus observationibus no∣vis Illustratus, quibus veteris Synagogae Constitutio tota traditur, inde deducta Episcoporum Presbyte∣rumque Primae Ecclesiae Origine. 1685. 4o.

X.

And since it has been found by Experience in every Age, that the success of all our Labours, whether in Preaching or Disputing, depends entirely, in a man∣ner, upon the Holiness of our Lives: And through the Malignity of the World, (which is more quick-sighted to discern the minutest Failures, than the most shining Vertues of the Ministers of Religion) the scan∣dals of one vicious Clerk shall Influence a Parish to more Wikedness, and occasion the Peoples running more into Heresie and Schism, than the Industry and Piety of Ten the most Vertuous and Laborious of the Clergy shall be able to retrieve from either: To compleat our American Clergy for the Purposes of their Ministry, and our Libraries also, for the Purposes of making 'em fit for it, and successful in it: It is de∣sir'd they should have always before 'em such Authors as will first direct 'em in their Studies, Offices, and Duties, and excite them to Care and Vigilance in the Practice of them: Secondly, As will lay before them the Best Examples of each to be a Copy and Pattern for them to follow: And Lastly, such Materials and Helps for Devotion, as will advance 'em to the high∣est degrees of Perfection in a Holy and Spiritual Life.

I. As to the Ministerial Instructions, relating to the Dis∣charge of our Office, Preaching and Practice.

First, Amongst the Ancients may be read,

• Gregorii Nazianzeni Apologeticus de Fuga sua.
• Ambrosius de Officiis.
• Jo. Chrysostomi de Sacerdotio. Lib. 6.
• Sti. Nazianzeni de Theologia Oratio prima.
• Stus. Hieronimus de Vita Clericorum ad Nepotianum.
• Augustini de Pastoribus in Ezekielis, Cap. 34. Liber.
• — De ovibus in eundem locum Liber.
• Gregorii Pastorale.
• Sententiae Patrum de Officio veri Rectoris Ecclesiae.

Secondly, Amongst the Later and more Modern Writers.

1. As to the proper Directions to form our Studies and Reading.

• Jo. G. Vossius de studiorum Ratione.
• Grotius aliique de studiorum Ratione. 12o.
• The History of the Choice and Method of Studies. 8o.
• Stephanus Gaussenius de Ratione Studii Theologici. 12o.
• Johannes Mabellonius de Studio Theologico.
• Mr. Dodwel's two Letters of Advice. 1. For the Su∣sception of Holy Orders. 2. For Studies Theological, especially such as are Rational. 8o.
• Mr. Penton's Apparatus ad Theologiam. 8o.
• Bp. Barlow's Remains. 8o.

2. As to Directions for Preaching and Catechising.

First, As Preparatory to Preaching, Erasmus in his excellent Book de Ratione concionandi, p. 254. prescribes and prefers before others,

• Demosthenes. Et
• ...Cicero.

N. Nullus est, quem Demostheni & Ciceroni prae∣feramus, vix etiam quem Conferamus sanè quod attinet ad dictionis virtutes. Aristoteles ad Judicandum & cognitionem conducit plurimum, ad popularem dictionem non ita multum. Plato longè ad hoc accom∣modatior, fusus & Jucundus, & per similitudines veluti manu deducens ad veri cognitionem. In Livianis tamen Orationibus, aut si eas non explicet, in proponendis consiliis, plurimum est tum prudentiae, tum Eloquentiae. Cornelius Tacitus alioqui duriusculus, in orationibus acu∣tus est & copiosus.

Secondly, As to the Books more immediately useful for the Composing of Sermons.

• Causabon of Preaching as anciently us'd. 4o.
• Bp. Wilkin's Ecclesiastes. 8o.
• Mr. Glanvil's Essay concerning Preaching. 8o. And for Directions to Catechise.
• Augustinus de Catechizandis Rudibus.
• Dr. Addison's Primitive Institution. 12o.

3. As to Directions which concern both the Exercise of our Ministry in Preaching and Catechising, and the conduct and innocency also of our Lives.

• Erasmi Ecclesiastes, sive de Ratione Concionandi. Libri 4.

• Mr. Herbert's Country Parson. A Book inestimable for its Piety. 12o.
• Mr. Baxter's Gildas Salvianus. 8o.
• Bp. Burnet's Pastoral Care. 8o.
• The late Visitation Charges of the present
  • A. Bp. of Dublin.
  • Bp. of Worcester.
  • Bp. of Chester.
  • Bp. of Bath and Wells.
  • Bp. of Rochester.
• Lohneri Instructio Practica. 6 Vol. 8o. Dilingiae. 1682.

N. This Book in In∣different Latin contains very good Instruction, I shall here subjoin an account of the subject Matter thereof in the Authors own Words:

Hi Libri constant novem partibus sive Instructionibus, prima de Missae Sacrificio juxta Ritum Ecclesiae Romanae Offerendo; Secunda de Horis Canonicis juxta Rubricas Breviarii Romani Recitandis:

Quo utroque Argumento parum quidem est quod ad Institutum Ministrorum Reformatorum attinet, at Sequentibus non ita.

Tertia enim Institutione agit de Conversatione Apostolica à Curatoribus Animarum piè & fructuosè instituenda; Complectens varios & solidos modos Juvandi & Consolandi diversorum Statuum Personas afflictas, praecipuè aegras & Cap∣tivas. Quarta continet Doctrinas & Industrias, ad Pastorale Munus piè, fructuosè, ac securè obeundum pertinentes, unà cum casibus frequentibus cir∣ca idem officium occurrere solitis, & ex communiore Doctorum sensu decisis. Quinta complectitur de confessionibus ritè & fructuosè excipiendis Doctrinas, tam Generales, quam speciales ad varios Hominum status accommodatas. Sexta Institutiones Quintuplicis Theologiae, positivae, Asceticae, polemicae, Speculativae, & Moralis complectitur. Septima est de Munere Concionandi, Exhortandi, Catechizandi. Octava continet Institutiones Theologiae Mysticae. Et Nona denique agit de Sacerdotii Origine & praestantia, variis item in∣dustriis, & praxibus, quibus Sacerdotes boni ad Dei Gloriam, suamque & proximi salutem promovendam usi sunt; Malorum quoque sacerdotum In∣felici Interitu, radicibus, & remediis; To which may be added, as of more particular concernment to those who are Missionaries.

• Josephi Acosta de natura Novi Orbis Libri duo, & de promulgatione Evangelii apud Barbaros; sive de pro∣curanda Indorum salute. 8o.
• Godwyn's Negro's Advocate. 8o.

• Th. Gonzales Manuductio ad Conversionem Mahumeta∣norum. 4o.

II. As to such Writings as lay before the Clergy the best Ex∣ample in all the Parts of the Ministerial Office (a kind of Reading of exceeding good use, the influence of Examples, which is a living Rule, being vastly beyond the power of Pre∣cepts, which in respect of the other, are but a dead Letter) upon this Subject therefore it may be very requisite that the Or∣thodox Clergy of our Church should have always before their Eyes, such as follow, viz.

• Bp. Taylor's Life of Christ, Fol.
• Dr. Cave's Lives of the Apostles and Primitive Fathers, 3 Vol. Fol.
• Ellies Du Pin's new Ecclesiastical History, 7 Vol. Fol.
• Melchior Adamus de Vitis Theologorum Exterorum prin∣cipum qui Ecclesiam Christi Superiori seculo propagarunt, & propugnarunt, 8o.
• Camerarii Vita Melancthonis.
• Humphrey's Life of Bp. Jewel.
• Bp. Burnet's Life of Bp. Bedel, 8o.
• Bp. Fell's Life of Dr. Hammond, 8o. or before his Practical Discourses.
• Jackson's, Bramhal's, Mede's, Lightfoot's, Barrow's Lives be¦fore their Works
• Vernon or Life of Dr. Heylin.
• Bernard's Life of Dr. Heylin.
• Jsaac Walton's Lives of
  • Dr. Don,
  • Mr. Herbert,
  • Sir. Henry Wooton,
  • Bp. Sanderson.

N. Here also I would particularly recommend to the reading of a Minister, all those virulent Books that are Written by our Enemies on all Hands, on purpose to bespatter us. For as the Excellent Plutarch in his Book de capienda ex Hostibus Utilitate, shews, the best Rules and Measures for an ex••••t Government of our Lives, are to be taken from our Enemies, who do narrowly watch our Failings. Quid Impedit quo minus gratis docentem magistrum admit∣tentes inimicum, utilitatem capiamus,* 1.15 & ali∣quid eorum quae nos latebant discamus, multa enim inimicus amico facilius sentit, cum ama∣tor, ut Plato Ait, caecutiat in amata re. And that we may the better know how to reap advantage from our Enemies, I cannot too much commend to our perusal the Book now nam'd, viz. De Capienda ex Hostibus utilitate Plutarchi Libellus. Inter Moralia.

III. As to such Writings as will more immediately serve our Devotion, and tend to advance us to the highest Degrees of Perfection in the Spiritual Life.

First, For Reading.

• Ephraem Syri Opera Omnia cum Scholiis Ger. Vossii.
• Sancti Basilii Ascetica & Moralia.
• Sancti Hieronymi Ascetica & Moralia.
• Sancti Augustini Ascetica & Moralia.
• Bibliotheca Patrum Ascetica, sive Selecta Patrum de Chri∣stiana & Religiosa perfectione Opuscula, 3 Vol. 4o.

N. Per Scientiam As∣ceticam intelligitur ea quae ad perfectionem obtinendam, at{que} ad Vitia Eradicanda, Vertutesque plantandas Ordinatur: tanto{que} magis necessaria est Pastori, quanto magis proprium est illius Officium, Animas sibi commissas dirigere & Juvare, ut quis{que} perfectionem suo statui convenientem consequatur. Lohneri Instruc. Pract. 4ta. p. 24.

• Bernardi Opera.
• Thomae a Kempis Opera, praecipue de imitatione Christi.

• Gersonis Cancellarii Parisiensis Opera.
• Erasmi Enchiridion Militis Christiani, 12o.
• Drexellii Opera.
• Sales Bp. of Geneva's Introduction to a Holy Life, 12o.
• Bellarmini Opuscula, viz.
  • De Ascentione Mentis ad Deum.
  • De Aeterna faelicitate Sanctorum.
  • De Gemitu Columbae.
  • De 7 Verbis Christi in Cruce.
  • De Arte bene Moriendi.
• Robert Parson's Christian Directory or of Holy Resolution, 8o.
• Card. Bonae,
  • Manuductio ad Coelum.
  • Principia & Documenta Vitae Christianae.
  • Via Compendii ad Deum.
  • De Divina Psalmodia, 4o.
  • Horologium Asceticum, 4o.
• Lud. Granatensis Opuscula Spiritualia Varia.
• Causin's Christian Diary, 12o.
• —Entertainments for Lent, 12o.
• Drellincourt on Death 8o.
• Dr. Sherlock on Death, 8o.
• —Judgment, 8o.
• Dr. Horneck's Great Law of Consideration, 8o.
• — Happy Ascetick, 8o.
• —Delight and Judgment, 12.

N. These and the like Books in which there is found a more than ordinary Spirit of Piety, Devotion and Heavenly-minded∣ness, are such as will scarcely fail to mould those into a like temper of mind, who are much conversant in them; even as we are insensibly form'd into the Ha∣bits and Manners of those persons with whom we constantly converse; and there∣fore I think that Books of this nature cannot be too much under our Eye.

Secondly, To promote Religious Conference amongst us, ought to be often read.

• Dr. Goodman's Winter Evenings Conference, 3 Parts, 8o.

N. Christianity being the highest and noblest Philosophy, as the Primitive Fathers where wont to stile it, and lov'd to call it, it becomes us who are its Ministers, upon all occasions, and in all manner of becoming Methods, to express our Sentiments of it as such; And therefore if we scarcely ever find two or three of the Antient Philosophers met together, but the Result was some excellent Disquisition upon Morality, as may be seen in Cicero, Plutarch, and others; How infinitely becoming our Character and Profession is it, to make the great things of another World the Subject of our Conversation, and never to break up, till (as a great Prelate of our Church was wont to call upon his Friends to do, before they parted,) we have warm'd each others Hearts with an Affection to the things above. And therefore as to create in us a contempt of all Discourse when we meet together that savours in the least of Froth and Levity; and to inure our selves to a Manly Con∣versation, as it would be of good advantage in our reading of Plato's, Cicero's, and Plutarch's Morals, nicely to observe the antient way of Dialogues, that we may learn how with dexterity to introduce, and with a right management to carry on a Philosophic and Elevated Conversation; so to perfect it by making it Religious and Divine, we cannot too often read the now mentioned Winters Evening Conference, as also Dr. Hen. Moor's Divine Dialogues, recom∣mended above, p. 26. if it were only on purpose to form our Souls into the like Divine Spirit and Genius with those Excellent Writers.

Thirdly, To direct us in the Excellent Art of Di∣vine Meditation:

• Barth. Riccius de modo rectè Meditandi de rebus Divinis, 8o.
• Lud. Granatensis de Oratione & Meditatione, 12o.
• Bp. Hall's Art of Divine Meditation, in his Works.
• —Meditations, in his Works.
• —Contemplations, in his Works.
• Gerardi Meditationes, in his Works.

Lastly, Helps for Actual Devotion.

1. For the better Performance of Publick Worship.

• Bp. Sparrow's Rationale on the Common-Prayer, 12o.
• Dr. Beveridge's Sermon concerning the Excellency and Usefulness of the Common-Prayer.
• Dr. Comber's Companion to the Temple. Fol.

2. Helps for private Devotion.

• Bp. Wittenhal's Enter into the Closet. 12o.
• Bp. Wilkins's Gift of Prayer. 8o.
• Dr. Sherlock of Winwick, his Practical Christian, or Devotions in Four Parts. 8o.
• Bp. Patrick's Devout Christian. 8o.
• Inet's Guide to the Devout Christian. 8o.
• Bp. Andrew's Manual of Private Devotions. 8o.
• —Gr. & Lat. è Theatro. 12o.
• A. Bp. Laud's Devotions for the Hours of Prayer. 8o.
• Bp. Cosins's Hours of Prayer.

N. These latter have provided De∣votions for the several Hours of Prayer, which is both a Primitive, and most excellent Method of Devotion. As to its Antiquity, see Cardinal Bona de Divina Psalmodia, who C. 3, &c. De varia Diei & noctis Di∣visione, does treat upon that Subject. And as for the excellency of this Pri∣mitive Method of Devotion, I suppose it must needs tend to maintain alive the Fire of the Altar, to have it so frequently stir'd up; besides, that the determinate Times call upon us to that, which, if left to be perform'd at plea∣sure, will be in great danger of being forgot or neglected, through the multi∣tude of business. And I could wish that there were some short Ejaculations and Prayers collected out of our Psalms and Collects for the Country People, which by the frequent hearing of 'em in our Divine Service, would be easily got by Heart. And as the shortness thereof would make it easie for 'em to lift up their Souls in Pious Thoughts, without Interuption to, nay in the midst of their worldly Imployments; so that constant Exercise of such Devotion re∣curring

every third Hour in the Day, would elevate their Spirits Heaven∣ward, and keep 'em up in a perpetual Elevation above the things of this World. But to proceed, there only wants to compleat the Provision of Books I would desire for Devotion, and with that the first Theological part of our Parochial Libraries, to have some of the best Sacramental Devotions, of which the Piety of Learned Men of our own Church have furnish'd us, of late Years, with such excellent choice; as,

• Bp. Patrick's Christian Sacrifice, 8o.
• Weeks Preparation for the Sacrament.

N. Also upon this oc∣casion may be us'd, Sacramental Devotions at the end of the Whole Duty of Man; as also, Kettlewel's Help and Exhortation to Devout and Worthy Communicating.

Notes

• * 1.1

  In Theologia, Lex consideratur prout innexam habet divinam promissionem, & quandam rationem Foederis inter Deum & Homines. Abs qua consideratione jus Naturale abstrahit, quod finis Disciplinae Naturalis tantum ambitu hujus Vitae includa∣tur, adeoque ea hominem format prout hanc Vitam sanabilem exigere de beat. Puf∣fendorf. de Off. Hom. & Civis Ep. ad Lec.
• * 1.2

  Epist. prima ad Corinthios p. 119 Ed. Co∣lomesii.
• * 1.3

  Lightfoot, Vol. 1. p. 341 or as it ought to be Printed, 333.
• * 1.4

  Digesta vocantur quia Tituli non sunt temere congesti, sed ordine di∣gesti. Pandectae verò ap∣pellantur, quia universam ferè juris artem ac pene omnes ligitimas decisio∣ones complectuntur.
• * 1.5

  Grotii Ep. 1751.
• * 1.6

  Suarez Prooemio Tract. de Legibus.
• * 1.7

  Mr. Fleury History of the Choice and Method of Studies, p. 123, &c.
• * 1.8

  Cicero de Leg. Lib. 1.
• * 1.9

  Mr. Wingate's Maxims of Rea∣son. Initio.
• * 1.10

  Bishop Sander∣son's Life, by Isaac Walton.
• * 1.11

  Tertul. de Paenitentia Lib.
• * 1.12

  Volo veniam reus sperat, petat eam Lacrymis petat gemitibus; petat populi to∣tius fletibus: Ut ignoscatur & obsecrat: & cum secundo & tertiò fuerit dilata ejus communio, credat remissius se supplicasse, fletus augeat miserabilior, postea rever∣sus teneat pedes brachiis, os∣culetur osculis, lavet fletibus, ut de ipso dicat Dominus Je∣sus: Remissa sunt Peccata ejus multa quoniam dilexit multum. Ambrose de Paeni∣tentia Lib. primo.
• * 1.13

  Vide Basilii Epistolas tres ad Amphilochium Canones Paenitentiales de his & hu∣jusmodi Criminibus conti∣nentes.
• * 1.14

  Tantum fiat conversio ut qui Deum non Agnosceba∣mus, ipsi eam jam aliis de∣monstremus. Amb. de pae∣nit. Lib 1.
• * 1.15

  τὶ Κωλύει διδάσκαλον ἂμισθον λαβόντα, τὸν ἐχθρὸν, &c. Plu. ib.