Practical truths tending to promote the power of godliness

These Ambassadors for Christ, are sent to treat with men about matters of the greatest concernment that possibly can be; yea, to propose unto them in the Name of that God whose they are, and whom they serve, terms of Peace, and Reconciliation; and they do it in Sermons, in that way, they treat with men about the everlasting concernments of their precious and immortal Souls. Now to sleep at the very time when these Messages are delivered, is so far practically to contemn the Word, and must needs be displeasing unto him whose word it is, and in whose name delivered.

2. Another evil which doth follow upon sleeping at Sermons, is, That it doth cause the Word Preached to become unprofitable, nay, hurtful to the souls of men.

It is a sad thing, when Men shall receive the Grace, (i. e. the Word of God,) in vain, 2 Cor. 6. 1. yet so do they do, who indulge themselves in sleeping at Sermons. If it be so, as the Apostle speaketh in another case, then is our preaching vain, Suppose the Truths delivered be never so precious, if people are asleep, it is to them, as if no Word were spoken, excepting that they must give a dreadful account for that which they might have heard for their Souls good; but would not when called of God thereunto. A Minister of Christ had as good speak to the Seats, and Pillars, and Walls of the House, as to men that are (like him whom my Text speaketh of) in a profound sleep. Nay, there is danger that the Word will then (through their own default) become hurtful to their Souls. It was said to the Corinthians, 1 Epistle Chap. 11. ver.17 You come together not for the better, but for the worse If Christians come together, to eat the Lords Supper, but mind not after what manner, their coming together is for the worse. And if they come together under pretence of hearing the Word preached, but set themselves to sleep, instead of reverend attention unto what is spoken, they come together for the worse. It were better not to come, then to come only to sleep, As the Apostle there speaketh, ver. 22, Have ye not Houses to eat and drink in, or despise ye the Church of God, So I say, have you not Houses to sleep