CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTORY DISCOURSES.

LECTURE I.

Of the Science of Theology, and its several Branches

1

LECTURE II.

of the practical Part of the Theological Profession, or the Duties

of the Pastoral Office

18

LECTURE III.

In what Manner the Branches of Theology above mentioned ought

to be treated

29

LECTURE IV.

Of the Conduct which Students of Divinity ought to pursue

41

OF SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY.

LECTURE I.

Of the Study of Natural Religion, and of the Evidences of Chris-

tianity

49

LECTURE II.

Of the Christian System.....the Scriptures ought to be the first

Study.....afterwards Systems and Commentaries may be occa-

sionally consulted....bad Consequences of beginning the Study

of Theology with Systems and Commentaries

66
LECTURE III.

How the Student ought to set about the Examination of the Scrip-

tures.....Directions for forming an Abstract of the Doctrine of

Holy Writ.

81

LECTURE IV.

Directions for forming a System of Christian Morality. Advan-

tages of the Method recommended

101

LECTURE V.

Subject continued. The Knowledge of the Scriptures the most

essential Part of the Study. How far the Study of Controversy

demands our Attention

121

LECTURE VI.

Method of prosecuting our Inquiries in Polemic Divinity..... The

Use to be made of Scholia, Paraphrases, and Commentaries.....

Danger of relying on Human Guidance in Matters of Religion ... 131

ON PULPIT ELOQUENCE.

LECTURE I.

Importance of the Study, and Objections against it answered.....

Helps for the Attainment of the Art

157

Discourses distributed into various kinds, as addressed to the

Understanding, the Imagination, the Passions, and the Will 212

LECTURE VI.

Of the Composition of Lectures

228
LECTURE VII.

Of explanatory Sermons.... The Choice of a Subject and of Texts ..... 243

LECTURE VIII.

of explanatory Sermons.....the Introduction.....Exposition of the

Text..... Partition of the Subject. Unity a principal Requisite

in the Subject.....how this is to be preserved.....Offences against

Unity

259

LECTURE IX.

Of explanatory Sermons....how the Branches should be arranged

and treated....of the Style....technical Language to be avoided

and that of Scripture preferred...Abuse of Scripture Style....

of the Conclusion

277

LECTURE X.

Of controversial Discourses..... Candour and Simplicity ever to be

studied in the Defence of Truth

296

LECTURE XI.

Of commendatory Discourses, or those addressed to the Imagi-

nation

305

LECTURE XII.

Of pathetic Discourses, or those addressed to the Passions. Of

persuasive Discourses, or such as are intended to operate on the

Will

320