A Body of Practical Divinity

1. Curiosity. Some come to the Word Preached, not so much to get Grace, as to enrich themselves with Notions. Itching Ears, 2 Tim. 4.3. Austin confesseth that before his Conversion, he went to hear St. Ambrose rather for his Eloquence, than the Spirituality of the matter. Ezek. 33.32. Thou art unto them as a very lovely Song of one that hath a pleasant Voice, and can play well on an Instrument. Many come to the Word only to feast their Ears; they like the Melody of the Voice, the Mellifluous Sweetness of the Expression, the Newness of the Notion, Acts 17.21. This is to love the Garnishing of the Dish more than the Food. This is to desire to be pleased, rather than edified. Like a Woman that paints her Face, but neglects her Health. So they paint and adorn themselves with curious Speculations, but neglect their Souls Health. This hearing doth neither sanctify the Heart nor the Sabbath.

1. Curiosity. Some come to the Word Preached, not so much to get Grace, as to enrich themselves with Notions. Itching Ears, 2 Tim. 4.3. Austin confesseth that before his Conversion, he went to hear St. Ambrose rather for his Eloquence, than the Spirituality of the matter. Ezek. 33.32. Thou art unto them as a very lovely Song of one that hath a pleasant Voice, and can play well on an Instrument. Many come to the Word only to feast their Ears; they like the Melody of the Voice, the Mellifluous Sweetness of the Expression, the Newness of the Notion, Acts 17.21. This is to love the Garnishing of the Dish more than the Food. This is to desire to be pleased, rather than edifyed. Like a Woman that paints her Face, but neglects her Health. So they paint and adorn themselves with curious Speculations, but neglect their Souls Health. This hearing doth neither sanctifie the Heart nor the Sabbath.