University of Virginia Library

The Praxis.

Every Theam or proposition doth consist of three parts, a Subject, a Predicate, and a Copula. That is called the Subject, of which we speak; The Predicate, that which is spoken of the Subject; and the Copula is some Verbe which joynes the subject with the predicate. In this proposition Clodius is the Subject, because it is of him that we are to

speak, to lay snares is the predicate, because that is the thing which is said of Clodius.

Now therefore if you would find out arguments on this Subject, consider well, which is the Subject, and which is the Predicate in your proposiiton: Then take the Subject and go through every Topick: first go to Definition, and ask what it is, what is the nature of it, and how it is distinguished from other things. Then go to Division, and see into how many parts the Subject may be divided; and so forward from Topick to Topick. And still observe to your self every argument, which doth by this means arise from the Subject, and applie it to the Predicate, so shall you easily see, whether it doth fully confirme your proposition; and when you have done with the Subject, take the Predicate, and run through the several Topicks, with that also; but if the matter require it, and that you judge it more convenient to take the whole proposition, than Subject and predicate apart by themselves, you may in that manner run through all the heads of Invention, but stay not too long upon any one, for if matter offer not it self in one head go to another, for every head perhaps may not afford matter,

at least not such as is apt and fit. But if you would know whether your argument or matter be drawn from the Subject or the predicate, put it into the form of Syllogism, and if the Major be most certain, you may couclude, that the argument is drawn from the Predicate, but if the minor be most certaine, it is then drawn from the Subject. When you have found your arguments which prove the proposition, you must reduce them also into the form of Syllogism, consisting of three propositions; The Major, Minor, and Conclusion; and then in the same manner as hath been shewed, you must seek out arguments to confirm every proposition, if need be: to which purpose, Similies, Examples, Apothegmes, sentences and such like are very serviceable and ought to be had in readiness. But for the more easie finding out of convenient matter you must consult such bookes which are written upon the subject in hand, among the rest Polyanthea, Theatrum vitæ humanæ, Feltham's Resolves, and such like.