Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity…

First, The end of preaching is not only to stir up the the affections, but to inform the judgement, and that is performed when it is remembered, now the memory is strengthened by method: and although the other kind of preaching may please (as it is doubtful; for long ways are most tedious where there is no turning) yet when it is most remembered it doth most good, and it is then most remembered when it is most methodically delivered.

First, The end of preaching is not onely to stir up the the affections, but to enform the judgement, and that is performed when it is remembred, now the memory is strenghtened by method: and although the other kind of preaching may please (as it is doubtful; for long wayes are most tedious where there is no turning) yet when it is most remembred it doth most good, and it is then most remembred when it is most methodically delivered.

Secondly, The end of preaching is to beget knowledge in the people, and this is done by method: for it helps the understanding and the memory.

Thirdly, Its necessary that the word be repeated, now method helps that, when one thing is linked to another. And this is needful because we have more then a natural forgetfulness in good things, and the Devil is ready to steal away the word that is sown in our hearts; since therefore we are so forgetful, and the Devil so ready, we ⟨p. 304⟩had need of all the helps we can: and therefore Ministers must make their points plain, and frame their method to that purpose.

Thirdly, Its necessary that the word be repeated, now method helps that, when one thing is linked to another. And this is needful because we have more then a natural forgetfulnesse in good things, and the Devil is ready to steal away the word that is sown in our hearts; since therefore we are so forgetful, and the Devil so ready, we