2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which you have heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. The advantages of such modules. Advantage 1. For the ornament of the truth. Whether it be delivered from the pulpit or from the press, in such systems and platforms the hearer or reader may, as in a map or table (sometimes of one sort, sometimes of another) behold Divine truths standing one by another in their method and connection, mutually casting light and lustre upon each other. 2. Such types and exemplars of Divine truths are of great help to the understanding. As the collection of many beams and luminaries makes the greater light, so it is in the judgment, a constellation of gospel-principles shining together into the understanding, fills it with distinct and excellent knowledge. 3. Such patterns and platforms, whether of larger or of lesser compass, are a great help to memory. In all arts and sciences, order and method is of singular advantage unto memory. We do easily retain things in our mind, when we have once digested them into order. 4. Such modules serve to quicken affection. Sympathy and harmony have a notable influence upon the affections. 5. It is a marvellous antidote against error and seduction. Gospel-truths in their series and dependence are a chain of gold to tie the truth and the soul close together. 6. Growth in grace is one blessed fruit of such systems and tables of Divine truths. When foundations are well laid, the superstructures are prosperously carried on.Uses. 1. In the first place, it serves to justify the practice of the Churches of Jesus Christ, which have their public forms and tables of the fundamental articles of the Christian faith drawn up by the joint labour and travail of their learned and godly divines, after much and solemn seeking of God by fasting and prayer; in the solemn profession whereof they all consent and agree. 2. It serves to show us the benefit and advantage of public catechisms. 3. Hence also I might commend to young students in divinity the reading of systems and compendious abstracts and abridgments. 4. It serves to commend methodical preaching. 5. It commends (not least) constant and fixed hearing. Especially when people sit under a judicious and methodical ministry. "Loose hearing may please, but the fixed will profit,"; skipping hearing, for the most part, makes but sceptical Christians. 6. From hence give me leave to commend to you the benefit and advantage of "the morning exercise." (T. Case, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. |
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