The Art of Prophesying

Hitherto pertaineth the framing of Common-place books. Concerning which observe this slender counsel. 1. Have in readiness common-place heads of every point of divinity. 2. Distinguish the foremost pages of thy paper book into two columns, or equal parts lengthwise. In every one of those pages set in the top the title of one head or chief point, the contrary side remaining in the mean while empty, that fresh paper may be put to. 3. All things, which thou readest, are not to be written in thy book, but those things that are worthy to be remembered, and are seldom met with-Neither must thou put the words of the Author in thy common places, but briefly note down the principal points of stories and of things, that thou mayst know from what author to fetch them, when thou shalt have use: and make a point in the author himself, that thou mayst know, that the thing is there handled, which thou wrotest in thy common-place book. 4. Because some things do ⟨p. 30⟩very often offer themselves with a doubtful signification, so as that thou canst not tell, if thou write them in thy common places, from whence to fetch them, therefore to thy common places thou must join an alphabetical table. 5. Always provided that thou trust not too much to thy places. For it is not sufficient to have a thing written in thy book, unless it be also diligently laid and locked up in thy memory.

Hitherto pertaineth the framing of Common-place bookes. Concerning which obserue this slender counsel. 1. Haue in readinesse common-place heads of euery point of diuinitie. 2. Distinguish the formost pages of thy paper booke into two columnes, or equall parts lengthwise. In euery one of those pages set in the top the title of one head or chiefe point, the contrarie side remaining in the meane while emptie, that fresh paper may be put to. 3. All things, which thou readest, are not to be written in thy book, but those things that are worthie to bee remembred, and are seldome met with-Neither must thou put the words of the Author in thy common places, but briefly note downe the principall points of stories and of things, that thou mayst know from what author to fetch them, when thou shalt haue vse: and make a point in the author himselfe, that thou mayst know, that the thing is there handled, which thou wrotest in thy common-place booke. 4. Because some things do ⟨p. 30⟩very often offer thēselues with a doubtful signification, so as that thou canst not tell, if thou write thē in thy common places, from whence to fetch them, therefore to thy common places thou must ioyne an alphabeticall table. 5. Alwaies prouided that thou trust not too much to thy places. For it is not sufficient to haue a thing written in thy booke, vnlesse it be also diligentlie laid and locked vp in thy memorie.