09. IX. THE USE OF THE MEMORY
IX. THE USE OF THE MEMORY
Because it is customary to preach directly from the heart (or memory), something should be said here in connection with the use of the memory.
Artificial memory aids, like those which depend on remembering places and images can teach us how to commit sermons to memory easily, but they cannot be approved, for several reasons:
Memory aids which involve the stimulation of an image to trigger the memory involve us in an unspiritual activity. Such a method requires absurd, unworthy and, actually, monstrous thoughts. That is especially true of those which heighten and inflame the most corrupt affections of the flesh.
Artificial ways of remembering dull the mind and the memory. They require a threefold rather than a single memory: first remembering the places, then the images, and then thirdly what is actually to be said.
It is more helpful if when preparing for preaching we carefully imprint on our mind - with the help of an axiomatical, syllogistical, or methodical way of thinking - the various proofs and applications of the doctrines, the illustrations of the applications, and the order in which we plan to expound them. There is no need to be overly anxious about the precise words we will use. As Horace says, words ’will not unwillingly follow the matter that is premeditated’. The practice of memorising a sermon manuscript word for word has many disadvantages. For one thing, it involves an enormous amount of work. For another, if in our anxiety we lose the place then the congregation is in difficulties and our own mind ends up in a state of confusion. In addition, this practice hinders freedom of pronunciation, action and the Spirit-given flow of spiritual affections, because our minds are almost obsessed with whether our memory - which we have burdened with so much information - is going to fail us.