This volume contains Reynolds’ most theologically profound work. In forty-two chapters, Reynolds first covers human memory and its weaknesses; imagination and its relationship to the will and to reason; and passions and how they can be used to promote virtue. He then focuses upon human affections such as love, hate, sorrow, hope, boldness, fear, and anger. He examines the image of God and the soul’s immortality then concludes by looking at the faculties of the soul, such as understanding, will, and conscience.

Author  Edward Reynolds was born in November 1593. He showed great knowledge and skill in the study of the Greek language and was distinguished as a good disputant and orator at Merton College in Oxford. After receiving his Master of Arts degree, he entered the ministry and became an eminent preacher, his works comprising 6 volumes in reprint. In 1643, he was chosen as one of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, and is represented as giving constant attendance during the sessions. He was a covenanter and a frequent preacher in London. Following this, he was chosen Dean of Christ Church and Vice-Chancellor of the University in 1648. In 1660, along with Edward Calamy, Reynolds was made a chaplain to the King. He preached several times to the King and to Parliament. The historian Wood said of him, "Dr. Reynolds was a person of excellent parts and endowments, of a very good wit, fancy, and judgment, a great divine, and much esteemed by all parties for his preaching and florid style." He died July 28, 1676. Daniel Neal, the historian said, "he was reckoned one of the most eloquent pulpit men of his age, and a good old Puritan."