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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCharles Buck Theological Dictionary: ORDER
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Method; the established manner of performing a thing. Nothing can be more beautiful in religion and morals than order. The neglect of it exposes us to the inroads of vice, and often brings upon us the most perplexing events. Whether we consider it in reference to ourselves, our families, or the church, it is of the greatest importance. As to the first, order should be attended to as it respects our principles, Heb_13:9. Jam_1:8 : our tempers, Pro_17:14. Eph_4:31; our conversation, Col_4:6; our business, Pro_22:29; our time, Psa_90:12. Ecc_3:1; our recreations; and our general conduct, Php_1:27. 2Pe_1:5, &c.
2. As it regards our families, there should be order; as to the economy or management of its concerns, Mat_12:25; as to devotion, and the time of it, Jos_24:15; as to the instruction thereof, Eph_6:1. Gen_18:19. 2Ti_1:5.
3. In respect to the church, order should be observed as to the admission of members, 2Co_6:15; as to the administration of its ordinances, 1Co_14:33; 1Co_14:40; as to the attendance on its worship, Psa_27:4; as to our behaviour therein, Col_1:10. Mat_5:16. To excite us to the practice of this duty, we should consider that God is a God of order, 1Co_14:33; his works are all in the exactest order, Eph_1:11. Psa_104:25. Ecc_3:11; heaven is a place of order, Rev_7:1-17; Rev_8:1-13; Rev_9:1-21; Rev_10:1-11; Rev_11:1-19; Rev_12:1-17; Rev_13:1-18; Rev_14:1-20; Rev_15:1-8; Rev_16:1-21; Rev_17:1-9. Jesus Christ was a most beautiful example of regularity. The advantages of order are numerous. "The observance of it, " says Dr. Blair, "serves to correct that negligence which makes us omit some duties, and that hurry and precipitancy which makes us perform others imperfectly. Our attention is thereby directed to its proper objects. We follow the straight path which Providence has pointed out to us; in the course of which all the different business of life presents itself regularly to us on every side. Ser. vol. 2: p. 23.