On the present occasion, therefore, I intend to shew how, and in what manner we ought to hear them, so as to derive advantage from them; and what I shall say, relating to ourselves in particular, may also serve as a general instruction to all sorts of persons, and teach them how to profit by the hearing of sermons. The first disposition necessary for that end is, that we do not frequent sermons out of custom, nor merely because it is a part of a Christian's duty to do so, but to hear them with a true and earnest desire of improving by them. Let us consider with what zeal the ancient fathers in the desert were wont to resort to these spiritual banquets, and what store of good provisions they carried back with them to their cells. With the like fervour we ought to go to those exhortations that are made for us, and then they cannot fail of doing as great good to our souls, as good meat does to our bodies, which nourishes and strengthens him that sits down to table with a good appetite. St Chrysostom observes, that as hunger is a sign of the body's being in good health, so a longing desire of being nourished with the word of God is a certain sign of a good and happy disposition of the soul. But if you do not thirst after the divine word, nor find any gust in it, it is a certain sign that you are sick; and that your soul is in a very dangerous condition; seeing it loathes that food, which is so proper for its nourishment. Besides, though it were only to hear the preacher speak of Almighty God, that alone should suffice to make us run joyfully to hear him: for, naturally a man is glad to hear another speak well of one he loves. So if you have a true love for God, you cannot but be overjoyed to hear the preacher speak well of him. For, as our blessed Saviour says, " He who is of God, hears the word of God, and the reason why you desire not to hear it is, because you are not of God." (John, viii. 47.)
In the second place, if we intend to improve ourselves by the sermons we hear, we must not hear them with a spirit of curiosity; as for example, to observe the good language, the graceful action and pronunciation, the novelty and turn of thought of the preacher, together with his manner of delivery. It is this for which, with great reason, we blame many seculars, and which is the cause of their profiting so little by sermons. But instead of minding such things as these, we must apply ourselves wholly to attend to the substance of the discourse. What should you say of a sick man, that was going to be let blood, who instead of letting the surgeon open his vein, should
