2. To exhort us, by all meanes to study this art of memory.
Which that we may the better do, let us observe these Rules.
Rule 1. That we do not slightly passe over the thought of these things, but look narrowly into the natures and circumstances of them. For the more plainly we come to understand them, the more firmely do we retaine them.
Rule 2. That having come to such a cleare knowledge of them, we should also call them to minde, so as to consider the efficacy of them; for the more they worke upon the affections, the stronger is the impression upon the memory: thence is it, that children are wont to remember many things, which others forget, because they use to admire all things as new and strange; and wee also doe not easily forget those things which we admire, as being things wherewith we are much taken, Psalms 119.16. I will delight my selfe in thy statutes, there is the affection; and I will not forget thy word, there is the memory flowing from the affection.
Rule 3. That we should alwayes carry a memoriall with us, whereby the memory of these things may be kept. Numbers 16.40. This is a memoriall. Now our memoriall is the word of God chiefly, which in that respect we should daily read and meditate upon.
Doctrine 4. Our purification from sinne is a benefit never to be forgotten.
Reason 1. Because it is very great in it selfe and its owne nature, seeing by it we are freed from the guilt and dominion of sinne, from the curse of the law, from the anger of God and eternall death.
2. Because it is of great force and efficacy to stirre us up to labour to be thankfull, and to abound in vertue, as here it appeares by the manner of arguing, which the Apostle useth. For that cause also Paul, Romans 12.1. and in other places exhorteth the faithfull by the mercies of God.
Vse 1. This may serve to condemne those, that do either not think at all upon the mercy of God, and redemption through Christ; or else turne it into an occasion of sinne.
2. To exhort us, daily to meditate upon this benefit, and not to satisfie our selves, unlesse we are daily stirred up by this argument to the practise of piety.