Book of Collections on the Art of Preaching

Etymology

FROM THE INTERPRETATION of a name, which the Greeks name Etymology and the Latins name Notation (because Aristotle calls that a symbolon a sign/note): thus we shall argue from the force and power of a word. For example, if those are called "regulars" who have solemnly vowed a rule approved by the Church, then surely one who is a concubiner or fornicator ceases to be such. Likewise, it is of this kind: "He loses the name of Bishop who does not correct his sinning subjects." The place is from etymology, the maximum proposition: to whatever the interpretation does not fit, the name will not fit either.

CONJUGATES are those which, arising from one word, are variedly changed, such as: "Wise, wisely, wisdom." Hence that saying from Wisdom 6: "The mighty shall be mightily tormented." And that from Matthew 21: "He will miserably destroy those evil men." And if laughter is joy, to laugh is to rejoice. The maximum proposition: the nature of conjugates is the same.

GENUS is what is predicated of many things differing in species in the question of "what it is." It will not, however, be necessary to fetch it from the beginning; often it is allowed to do so from closer, provided that what is assumed is higher than that to which it is applied. An argument is drawn from this in this way: Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians, chapter 6: "Do you not know that the unjust will not possess the kingdom of God? Do not err, neither fornicators nor adulterers nor drunkards will possess the kingdom of God." The maximum: what does not fit the genus is denied to all things established under that genus.

FORM or species is that which is said of many things differing only in number in the question of "what it is." An argument is drawn from this, as in the canonical epistle of James, chapter 5: "Elias was a man similar to us, subject to like passions, and he prayed in prayer that it might not rain upon the earth, and it did not rain for three years and six months. And again he prayed, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth gave its fruit." Therefore, pray for one another that you may be saved, for the persistent prayer of a just man is of great value. The place is from the species. The maximum: what fits the individuals also fits the species. This argumentation, which is found without induction, is not urging but persuading, like the other oratorical places. A regression can also be made from the species to the genus, as in Paul to the Galatians 5: "I testify again to every man circumcising himself that he is a debtor to do the whole law." The maximum: in the species, the property of the genera is to be viewed.