Page:Sermons for all the Sundays in the year.djvu/20

 pass to the conclusion. This, however, is to be understood when the major or minor proposition requires proof: otherwise, when they express truths already known and certain, it is sufficient to amplify, without proving them. 10. As far as regards the order of the proofs, generally speaking, the authority of the Scriptures and of the Holy Fathers should be first adduced; then the arguments from reason; and afterwards the illustrations and examples. The texts of Scripture should be cited in an impressive and emphatic manner. It is better than to dwell on the exposition of one or two texts of Scripture than to cite many at once, without considering well their import. The citations from the Fathers should be few and brief, and containing some sentiment that is strong and animated, and not trivial. After the citations, the arguments from reason should be adduced; concerning which, some assert that the weaker reasons should be adduced in the first place, and then the stronger; but I am disposed to adopt the opinion of others, who think it better that the strong arguments should be advanced; and that the weaker ones should occupy the middle place; because, were a weak argument adduced in the commencement, it might make a bad impression on the minds of the auditors. After the arguments from reason come the examples and illustrations. I have said that this arrangement should be observed ordinarily; but, occasionally, it will be of use to give some one of the aforementioned proofs precedence of the others: this must be left to the discretion of the preacher. 11. Care should be taken that the transition from one point to the other be made naturally,