Expl. 90. This A. doth inform us of the right manner of using and managing the word (whether read or preached) with profit as (1st,) our attendance upon the Word must be with diligence, now this doth imply (2) things, (1) the intention of the mind, that when a man is reading Scripture, or hearing a Sermon, he do seriously mind what he is about, do not suffer his mind and thoughts to be roving upon other things; and the reason of this intention of mind is because he knows that the eye of God is intent upon him. (2) An holy solicitude, or a mans being concerned in the issue of the duty, he being sensible that he is now engaged in the use of that means for eternal life that God has prescribed, he now reads every Chapter, and hears every Sermon, as if it were (as indeed it is) for his life; so in this diligent attendance there is something wherein the outward man is concerned, sc. a devout, reverent and serious composure of the outward man to the work. (2dly,) Preparation, and this doth imply (1) a mans laying aside all worldly cares, affairs and business, sports or recreations which might any way hinder him in such holy and heavenly employment, that so he may attend upon it without distraction. (2) A mans laying aside all worldly ⟨p. 155⟩affections, as love of the world, &c. or his putting away all superfluity of naughtiness. (3) A mans putting himself into the presence of God, or a pressing upon himself the sense of Gods authority, majesty and holiness, as well as of the truth and importance of his word. (3dly,) Prayer, that Gods word may do us good; and here we are to pray (1) for the Minister, that he may preach as becomes the word of God, and an Ambassador of Christ. (2) For our selves, that we may receive it as the ingrafted word which is able to save our Souls; yet more particularly (1) that we may mingle it with faith, it being that which deserves the most firm or the highest degree of assent that we are able to give to any thing. (2) That we may receive it with love (1) to God the author of it, and because 'tis his word. (2) To the Preacher as sent by God; (3) to the word it self, because for the matter 'tis that which doth so highly import our happiness. (4) We are to give reception and entertainment not only in the porch of our ear, but in the best room of our hearts;
Expl. 90. This A. doth inform us of the right manner of using and managing the word (whether read or preached) with profit as (1st,) our attendance upon the Word must be with diligence, now this doth imply (2) things, (1) the intention of the mind, that when a man is reading Scripture, or hearing a Sermon, he do seriously mind what he is about, do not suffer his mind and thoughts to be roving upon other things; and the reason of this intention of mind is because he knows that the eye of God is intent upon him. (2) An holy sollicitude, or a mans being concerned in the issue of the duty, he being sensible that he is now engaged in the use of that means for eternal life that God has prescribed, he now reads every Chapter, and hears every Sermon, as if it were (as indeed it is) for his life; so in this diligent attendance there is something wherein the outward man is concerned, sc. a devout, reverent and serious composure of the outward man to the work. (2dly,) Preparation, and this doth imply (1) a mans laying aside all worldly cares, affairs and business, sports or recreations which might any way hinder him in such holy and heavenly employment, that so he may attend upon it without distraction. (2) A mans laying aside all worldly ⟨p. 155⟩affections, as love of the world, &c. or his putting away all superfluity of naughtiness. (3) A mans putting himself into the presence of God, or a pressing upon himself the sense of Gods authority, majesty and holiness, as well as of the truth and importance of his word. (3dly,) Prayer, that Gods word may do us good; and here we are to pray (1) for the Minister, that he may preach as becomes the word of God, and an Ambassadour of Christ. (2) For our selves, that we may receive it as the ingrafted word which is able to save our Souls; yet more particularly (1) that we may mingle it with faith, it being that which deserves the most firm or the highest degree of assent that we are able to give to any thing. (2) That we may receive it with love (1) to God the author of it, and because 'tis his word. (2) To the Preacher as sent by God; (3) to the word it self, because for the matter 'tis that which doth so highly import our happiness. (4) We are to give reception and entertainment not only in the porch of our ear, but in the best room of our hearts;
