A Body of Practical Divinity

2d. Branch of the 2d. Question. How may we so hear the Word, that it may be effectual and saving to our Souls?

Resp. 1. Give great Attention to the Word preached; let nothing pass without taking special Notice of it. Luke 19.48. All the People were very attentive to hear him. Greek, [Greek or Hebrew], they hanged upon his Lip. Acts 16.14. Lydia, a Seller of Purple, which worshipped God, heard us, whose Heart the Lord opened, that she attended to the things which were spoken of Paul. Give Attention to the Word as to a matter of Life and Death: And to that purpose, have a care, (1.) To banish vain impertinent Thoughts, which will distract you, and take you off from the Work in hand. These Fowls will be coming to the Sacrifice, Gen. 15.11. therefore we must drive them away. An Archer may take a right Aim, but if one stand at his Elbow and jog him when he is going to shoot, he will not hit the Mark. Christians may have good Aims in hearing, but take heed of impertinent Thoughts which will jog and hinder you in God's Service. (2.) Banish Dullness. The Devil gives many Hearers a sleepy Sop, they cannot keep their Eyes open at a Sermon: They eat so much on a Lord's Day, that they are fitter for the Pillow and Couch than the Temple. Frequent and customary sleeping at a Sermon, shows high Contempt and Irreverence of the Ordinance, it gives bad Example to others; it makes your Sincerity to be called in question; it is the Devil's Seed-time, Matth. 13.25. While the Men slept, the Enemy came and sowed Tares. Oh shake off Drowsiness, as Paul shook off the Viper! Be serious and attentive in hearing the Word. Deut. 32.47. For it is not a vain thing for you, it is your Life. When People do not mind what God speaks to them in his Word, God doth as little mind what they say to him in Prayer.