The sum of sacred divinity briefly & methodically propoundedThe summe of sacred diuinitie briefly & methodically propounded

AS in material buildings, the skill of those Workmen is commendable, who can cunningly frame the singular parts, and so beautify & set them forth, as that they may be pleasant to the eye, and convenient for use; as they that can make fair Walls and Windows, a graceful Frontispiece and comely Roof; but they are most praise-worthy, who can well contrive the whole plot, lay a good and sure Foundation, and in due proportion can frame out and set up the principals and chief parts which sustain and bear all the rest: so in the spiritual Edifice, they are worthily to be commended, who skilfully handle particular points of Divinity in their Learned and Religious ⟨image 3⟩Tractates, whereby the judgement of the Reader is thoroughly informed in those divine Mysteries, and the heart and will inclined to draw them into holy use; but, yet none deserve better of the Church of God, nor ought rather to have their names registered with red Letters in the Calendar of the worthiest Saints, then they who in their Writings or Sermons, do skilfully contrive the whole building or body of Divinity in a well-framed plot, lay a sound and sure foundation, and thereupon erect the chief Principles and most substantial parts which are the strength and stay of all the rest. For if the judgement be once thoroughly informed in these main points; then is it able to deduce from them innumerable particular Conclusions for special information and direction in the well-ordering of our lives in all singular actions; then may we with profit and without peril of falling into pernicious errors, read the holy Scriptures, when we are able to interpret them according to these infallible Canons and Rules; then may we hear the Word preached with understanding, and try the spirits of those who preach unto us whether they be of God or no, when we have skill to examine their Doctrines according to this Analogy of Faith, and can try them by this never-deceiving Touchstone, whether they be pure metal, or but reprobate silver, and counterfeit coin. Then shall we be more strongly armed against all assaults of enemies and adversaries to the Truth, false Seducers and subtle Heretics, and be better able to defend that Verity which we profess, and convince ⟨image 3⟩them of their errors and lies;

AS in materiall buildings, the skil of those Workemen is commendable, who can cunningly frame the singular parts, and so beautifie & set them forth, as that they may bee pleasant to the eye, and conuenient for vse; as they that can make faire Walls and Windowes, a gracefull Frontispice and comely Roofe; but they are most praise-worthy, who can well contriue the whole plot, lay a good and sure Foundation, and in due proportion can frame out and set vp the principalls and chiefe parts which sustayne and beare all the rest: so in the spirituall Edifice, they are worthily to be commended, who skilfully handle particular points of Diuinitie in their Learned and Religious