Thoughts on preaching - Alexander - IV - Paragraphs continued

Required reading
Thoughts on preaching by J. W. Alexander (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue the section entitled 'Homiletical paragraphs' by reading 'paragraphs' 111 to 142.

My summary
Among other things, today we look at how rules often constrain, the benefit of reflection and taking time to make decisions, the power of the will, philosophical studies and the manifestation of God in Christ.

What grabbed me
I'm finding these 'paragraphs' to be frustrating.  There seem to be contradictions occurring regularly. 

Again today, at one point Alexander encourages reading, but at another point he says don't read. 

Alexander at one point encouraged 'self-denial and subjugation of the lower part', but at another point he criticises careful planning and control.

I think the problem is that there is no logical flow to the paragraphs.  They are a memory dump and so come across as conflicting.  Whereas if he had structured them into a logically ordered book, everything would have had its proper emphasis.

I particularly disagreed with the following statement: 'I never could understand those people who divide their day into portions, with a pair of compasses, and allot so much to one study, and so much to another. I used to make such schedules when I was a lad. Great credit did I take to myself for making them, and great shame for breaking them ; which I did day by day. I am now convinced that any attainments which have fallen to my lot, were really not made in these compulsory hours.'

Without appropriate scheduling I wouldn't get done nearly as much as I do.  This book club would probably cease to exist.

And I do think proper planning of time is wise and good in God's eyes.  He is not a God of disorder, but a God of peaceful planning.  And it is only right that we should behave like him and make the most of our days.

Next week's reading       
Conclude the section entitled 'Homiletical paragraphs' by reading 'paragraphs' 143 to 166.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.