Above all the studies in the world, study your own hearts; waste not a minute more of your precious time about frivolous & unsubstantial controversies. My dear flock, I have, according to the grace given me, labored in the course of my ministry among you, to feed you with the heart strengthening bread of practical doctrine, and I do assure you, it is far better you should have the sweet and saving impressions of gospel truths, feelingly and powerfully conveyed to your hearts, than only to understand them by a bare ratiocination, or a dry syllogistical inference. Leave trifling studies to such as have time lying on their hands and know not how to employ it. Remember you are at the door of eternity, and have other work to do. Those hours you spend upon heart-work in your closets, are the golden spots of all your time and will have the sweetest influence up to your last hour. John Flavel
About This Quote

In the above quote, the Apostle Paul is urging his disciples to study themselves so that they can discover what they need to know. The apostle recognized that every moment of time is precious, and he was adamant that it should be spent wisely. If time is spent on frivolous matters, then it is a waste of a very important resource. The apostle knew that a person’s spiritual life is based upon their heart and that through self-examination, people can make sure they are following the teachings of Christ. He also understood the importance of knowing their own hearts and not wasting time on things which are not important.

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  1. Providence is wiser than you, and you may be confident it has suited all things better to your eternal good than you could do had you been left to your own option.
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  3. The world is not a theater large enough to display the glory of Christ upon or unfold even half of the unsearchable riches that lie hidden in Him. And such is the deliciousness of this subject, Christ, that were there ten thousand volumes written upon...
  4. A saving, though an immethodical knowledge of Christ, will bring us to heaven, John 17: 2, but a regular and methodical, as well as a saving knowledge of him, will bring heaven into us, Col. 2: 2, 3.
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