LETTERS FROM STEPHENS. 233 



former of these two reasons, howsoever it pleaseth them 

 to distinguish of habits and powers; the experience is 

 manifest enough, that the motions and faculties of the 

 wit and memory may be not only governed and guided, 

 but also confirmed and enlarged, by customs and exercise 

 daily applied : as if a man exercise shooting, he shall not 

 only shoot nearer the mark, but also draw a stronger bow. 

 And as for the latter, of comprehending these precepts, 

 within the arts, of logic and rhetoric ; if it be rightly con 

 sidered, their office is distinct altogether from this point; 

 for it is no part of the doctrine, of the use or handling of 

 an instrument, to teach how to whet or grind the instrument 

 to give it a sharp edge ; or how to quench it, or otherwise, 

 whereby to give it a stronger temper. Wherefore, finding 

 this part of knowledge not broken, I have, but &quot; tanquam 

 aliud agens&quot; entered into it, and salute you with it ; dedi 

 cating it, after the ancient manner, first as to a dear friend, 

 and then as to an apt person ; for as much as you have, 

 both place to practise it, and judgment and leisure to 

 look deeper into it than I have done. Herein you must 

 call to mind, &quot;Api&amp;lt;roj/ juev vSwp. Though the argument 

 be not of great heighth and dignity, nevertheless it is of 

 great and universal use. And yet I do not see why, to 

 consider it rightly, that should not be a learning of 

 heighth which teacheth to raise the highest and wor 

 thiest part of the mind. But howsoever that be, if the 

 world take any light and use by this writing, I will, the 

 gratulation be to the good friendship and acquaintance 

 between us two. And so recommend you to God s divine 

 protection. 



. To Sir George Villiers. 



oir, 



There is a particular wherein I think you may do your 

 self honour, which as I am informed hath been laboured 

 by my lady of Bedford, and put in good way by the 

 Bishop of Bath and Wells, concerning the restoring to 

 preach of a famous preacher, one Doctor Burgesse, who 

 though he hath been silenced a great time, yet he hath 

 now made such a submission, touching his conformity, as 

 giveth satisfaction. It is much desired also by Gray s Inn 

 (if he shall be free from the state,) to choose him for their 

 preacher : and certainly it is safer to place him there, than 

 in another auditory, because he will be well watched if he 

 should any ways fly forth in his sermons beyond duty. 

 This may seem a trifle ; but I do assure you, in opening 



