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It may be important to add to this Section the course of study for proficiency in the Christian Ministry pursued by one of the most profound Theologians of his or of any age. ‘My method of study’ (President Edwards informs us), ‘from my first beginning the work of the Ministry, has been very much by writing—applying myself in this way to improve every important hint; pursuing the clue to the utmost when anything in reading, meditation, or conversation has been suggested to my mind that seemed to premise light in any weighty point— thus penning what appeared to me my best thoughts on innumerable subjects for my own benefit. The longer I prosecuted my studies in this method, the more habitual it became, and the more pleasant and profitable I found it. The further I travelled in this way, the wider the field opened; which has occasioned my laying out many things in my mind to do in this manner (if God should spare my life), which my heart has been much set upon.’ Life, Works, vol. i. pp. 79, 80. Cecil’s rule must, however, be carefully regarded. ‘Every man should aim to do one thing well. If he dissipates his attention on several objects, he may have excellent talents entrusted to him, but they will be entrusted to no good end. Concentrated on his proper object, they might have vast energy; but dissipated on several, they will have none. Let other objects be pursued indeed; but only so far as they may subserve the reader’s purpose. By neglecting this rule, I have seen frivolity and futility written on minds of great power; and by regarding it, I have seen very limited minds acting in the first rank of their profession. I have seen large capital and great stock dissipated; and I have seen small capital and stock improved to great riches.’