University of Virginia Library

1. CHAP. I.
Of the Art of Rhetorick in the Generall.

RHETORICK is the Art or faculty of eloquent and delightfull speaking.

And this eloquent and delightfull speaking, is that which we usually call Oratory.

The difference therefore between a Rhetorician and an Oratour is this; the Rhetorician delivers precepts and directions for this eloquent speaking, and the Oratour doth put these precepts and directions into practice.

In this Art of Rehtorick then or in these precepts and directions for Oratory, three things must be considered.

1. The Matter about which it is conversant.

2. The End for which it serveth.

3. The Meanes by which that end may be attained.

The Matter or Subject of this Art or facultie is any thing wahtsoever which may be discoursed or questioned; any Theam or Case.

A Theam is an infinite Question in which an inquiry is made in the general concerning the Thesis or Position; as, whether it be fit to wage War.

A Case is a Question confined to persons and times, in which a particular inquiry is made concerning the Hypothesis or matter in dispute; as, whether it be fit for England to wage War with the Dutch.

2. The End or Ends for which Rhetorich serveth are these.

1. To tickle and delight the eares of

the Auditors that they may be willing to hear that which is intended to be delivered.

2. To inform their judgments, and by stregth of argument to beget a beliefe of that which is spoken.

3. To move the affections and beget a willingness either to do themselves, or to assist in the actions of others, or to justifie that which is said or done.

Lastly, The wayes and meanes by which these ends may be attained, are three, Nature, Art, and Practice.

Natural abilities do much conduce to the attaining of this excellent faculty; for they that are naturally ingenious, and have a good memory will easily attain to this Art of eloquent and delightfull speaking; but where nature is defective, more care and diligence must be used, that the defects of nature may be in part at least supplied by Art, whose best companion is a general knowledge of things, which if a young Student have not as yet attained into, it is at least necessary, that he should perfectly understand the Theam or case propounded, or else the Rules of Art will stand him but in little stead; for how sohould he dispose of Matter before he hath

it? And in vain do we speak of Use and Practice, where Knowledge which must furnish us with Matter, and Art which must teach us to dispose of it, are both wanting. But naturall abilities being presupposed, and matter acquired by diligent reading and observation; I shall here shew how those naturall endowments may be by art improved, and the prepared matter so disposed and ordered, as that they may make way for Use and Practice.