A09449:8
The Art of Prophesying
The art of prophesying, or, A treatise concerning the sacred and only true manner and method of preaching first written in Latin by Master William Perkins ; and now faithfully translated into English (for that it containeth many worthy things fit for the knowledge of men of all degrees) by Thomas Tuke.The arte of prophecying, or, A treatise concerning the sacred and onely true manner and methode of preaching first written in Latine by Master William Perkins ; and now faithfully translated into English (for that it containeth many worthie things fit for the knowledge of men of all degrees) by Thomas Tuke.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston for E.E., 1607
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
TO THE FAITHFUL MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL: AND to all that are desirous of, and do labour for the knowledge of Holy learning.
TO THE FAITHFVLL MINISTERS OF THE GOSPELL: AND to all that are desirous of, and doe labour for the knowledge of Holy learning.
That common place of divinity, which concerneth the framing of Sermons, is both weighty and difficult, if there be any other throughout all that sacred science. For the matter, which it is to explicate and treat on, is Prophecy; an excellent gift indeed, whether we consider it in respect of dignity, or of use. The dignity thereof appeareth, in that like a Lady ⟨image 5⟩it is highly mounted and carried a loft in a Chariot: whereas all other gifts, both of tongues and arts, attend on this like handmaids a loof off. Answerable to this dignity there is also a two fold use: one, in that it serveth to collect the Church, and to accomplish the number of the Elect: the other, for that it driveth away the Wolves from the folds of the Lord. For this is indeed that Flexanima, that allurer of the Soul, whereby mens froward minds are mitigated and moved from an ungodly and barbarous life unto Christian faith and repentance. This also is that Engine, which as it hath shaken (the foundation of) ancient heresies, so it hath in these few by-past years, cut asunder the sinews of that great Antichrist. Wherefore if it be demanded which is the most excellent gift of all, doubtless the praise must be given to Prophesying. Now by how much the more excellent every thing ⟨image 5⟩is, by so much the more diligently it ought to be adorned with variety and plenty of precepts. Therefore, when I saw this common place so handled of many, as that it would remain naked and poor, if all other arts should call for those things, which are their own: I perused the writings of Divines, and having gathered some rules out of them, I have couched them in that method, which I have deemed most commodious: that they might be better for use, and fitter for the memory. I do also publish them, that they might be approved, if they bring with them that which is good: if any evil, that they may receive their deserved punishment. And whosoever thou art that pleasest to read them, where thou art persuaded of this order of Preaching, which here I handle, walk on with me: where thou standest at a stay, inquire with me: