Practical Truths to Promote Godliness, Sermon 7
Sleeping at Sermons is a Great and a Dangerous Evil.
ACTS 20. 9.
And there sat in a Window a certain Young Man named Eutichus, being fallen into a deep sleep and as Paul was long Preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third Loft, and was taken up dead.
IN this Context, the Evangelist, giveth an account of a solemn Church meeting, which was attended by those Christians, who in the Apostles dayes, lived at Troas. Concerning which divers things are noted.
1. The day of the …eek, when these Christians did assemble themselves together. It was upon the first Day of the Week, ver. 7. Inasmuch as Christ role from the Dead, upon the first Day, that is become the Christian Sabbath. One specialty whereby Christians are distinguished from Jews, is in that Jews observe the Seventh, but Christians the first Day as a Sabbath. It was foretold by the Prophets in the Old-Testament, that in the times of the Gospel, there should be a change as to the Day to be observed for solemn Worship. Thus Ezekiel foresaw that under the Gospel, the Lord would accept of the holy offerings presented unto him by his People, not upon the Seventh (as it was in the Jewish Church) but upon the eighth Day intimating a change, as to the day of Worship, from the seventh Day; unto that which follows next after it, Chap. 43. verse 27. And David Prophesied, that the day of Christs Resurrection, (viz. the first day of the Week) should become the Day wherein the Church would praise the Lord, or that it would become an holy day, wherein the Worship of God should be solemnized from time to time, Psal. 118. 24. And Paul declareth expresly, that inasmuch as Christ hath finished the work of Redemption, and is entred into his rest, there remaineth the Keeping of a Sabbath, or another day of holy Rest, distinct from that of the seventh Day, which was observed by the Jews, Heb. 4. 4, 9, 10. And we find in the Scripture, that Churches did by the Apostles direction, religiously observe the first Day of the week, 1 Cor. 16. 1. Justin Martyr, and other antient Writers, shew, …hat in the Primitive Times, Christians kept the first day of the Week as their Sabbath; and so hath it been in the Christian Church in all ages thereof. The work of Redemption is greater then that of Creation. Upon which account, if the seventh day was set apart to commemorate the work of Creation it is not to be wondred at, if the Lord Christ hath appointed the first day of the Week to be kep… holy unto himself in commemoration of the work of Redemption.
2. The Evangelist declareth for that end it was that the Disciples at Troas, met together on the day mentioned. It was not for Civil but for Religious Ends and Purposes; nor indeed may Christians (excepting when pre…ent and in…itable necessity shall c…ll for a dispensation) meet together on that day of the week, to attend any other work, but such as are of an holy nature. One thing then which these Disciples came together for, was, to break Bread, h…e. to eat the Lords Supper. The breaking of the Consecrated Bread, is a Sacramental Action, whereby the sufferings of Christ are signified; and is therefore by a Synecdoche put for that whole Ordinance, which is appointed to shew forth the Lords Death until he come. Moreover, these Disciples at Troas, met upon the Lords Day, that so they might hear the Word Preached, as well as partake at the …able of the Lord. And because the Apostle Paul, was the next day to depart from them, and it may be never more to speak unto them, in the Name of the Lord; he continued long in his Sermon, even until midnight.
3. Here is noted the particular place where these C…ristians met, ver. 8. There were many lights in the upper Chamber, where they were gathered together. Christians had not in those dayes, the liberty of publick Meeting houses, because the higher Powers then were enemies to the Truth. Therefore the Disciples were glad to meet in private Houses, there to solemnize the Worship of God, according to his own holy Institution. And because of their Persecutors, they did assemble themselves together in the night time, when others were asleep, and would be less apt to observe them. And there were many lights in the room, that so if their Adversaries should happen to come upon them, they might have no occasion from the time of their being assembled together, to reproach them, as if they met to practise the deeds of darkness. Notwithstanding this circumspection, we find in the Apologies of some of the Antients, that the Enemies of the Church, did take occasion to traduce & slander them, as if they did convene for wicked ends and purposes: but when they did manage matters, with such Christian Pruden…e as these Disciples did, there was no occasion given; only maliciously taken.
4. Here is recorded a Remarkable providence which hapned on the day, and in the place mentioned, wherein a certain young man, named Eutychus, was concerned. To declare which, is the scope of this verse, wherein we have expressed.
1. The evil which Eutychus, was guilty of, in brief, he slept at a Sermon. Yea, and he did not only sl…mber, but gave way unto Temptation, so far, as to fall into a deep sleep.
2. Here is noted the evil which befell him. An awful rebuke of divine providence, did at the very time when Eutychus was sleeping and so sinning under the dispensation of the Word, overtake him. Being asleep, he fell down from the lo…t where he sat, and was killed with the fall, he was taken up dead. His Breath, Life, and Soul was struck out of his body; only the Lord was pleased miraculously to restore him unto life again. He was suddenly surprized with sleep; and he was in danger of being surprized with a sudden sleep of death, for it. And this is Recorded in the Scripture, that so others; yea all Christians in after Generations, who should hear of it, might beware of doing as Eutychus did, that they might take heed of sleeping, when they should be hearkening to that word, which is spoken o… them, in the Name of the Lord.
The Doctrine, which may therefore at present be insisted on, is,
That Sleeping at Sermons is a Great and Dangerous Evil.
In the prosecution of this Doctrine, I shall only attend two things.
1. To Prove. 2. To Apply the Truth.
Q. How doth i… appear, that sleeping at Sermons is a great Evil?
Ans. 1. In that there is sin therein.
Sin is the greatest of Evils. Nor ought any sin to be accounted a little evil. But when men sleep at Sermons, they sin against God: for such a practice is contrary unto Scripture Precept. If men will do as the Scripture requir…th, when the word of God is spoken, they must attend and encline their Ears unto what is said, Prov. 4. 20. Yea, they ought to give earnest heed thereunto, Heb. 2. 1. They then, who instead of hee…ing and hearkening unto what is spoken, shall sleep away the Sermon; transgress against the Rules of Scripture. And we read of those in Scripture who have hearkened to the Word of God with great attention, whose commendable example is Recorded for our Imitation. When Ez…a brought the Law before the Congregation of men and women, and stood upon a Pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; the ears of all the People were attentive to the Book of th… Law, Neh. 8. 3. And it is noted concerning some of Christs Audi…or…, that they were attentive to … …im, Luk. 19 43. They kept their … …n! so their eyes open, whilest the Sermon w… Pre…c…ng. And …h… truth is, that sleeping under Sermon… is a brea… o… the third Commandment, which doth respect the man…er of Worship req…ring the great…st Devotion and attention in the service of God. Sleepy Praying, and sleepy Hearing is a taking of hi… Holy Name in vain. His Word is called his Name. When the Gospel is evil spoken of, his Name is said to be …la…phemed 1 … 6 1. They that shew no more respect unto his Word, then to sleep at it are g…i…ty of … his Name. The Lord said to the Jewish Priests, ye despis… my Name, and when they aske… w…rein have we aespised thy Name, it was replied; in that you say, the Table …f the Lord is contemptible, M…l. 1. 6, 7. So may it be said to Sle…pers at Sermons, you have de…pised Gods Name; if you ask wherein? The Answer is, in th… b… sleeping at Sermons, you practically say, that the Word of the Lord is contemptible.
2. Sleeping at Sermons doth proceed from evil causes.
Thats another thing that doth evince the evil of it. Things are according to the causes which they ari…e from … Now Satan is the exter… cause of this evil Interpreters observe, that …a…an had a bloo…y are malitious … …n c…using Eutychus to fall into a pro…ound sleep, when the Apostle was in his Sermon, hoping thereby both to occasion ruine to the Sermonsl…eper, and to cause a great disturbance in the solemn Worship of God. Nor did that Enemy to the good of Souls altogether fall in attaining some part of his end. Only God according to his infinite power and wisdome, made this fall of Eutychus to be an occasion of glory to his own Name, both in respect of the Miracle which then was wrought, and in that this awful stroke upon Eutychus, must needs make others afraid to do as he did, so that his sleeping …ath been a means to prevent many an one from sleeping at Sermons, which was the thing that the Lord in…ended, when he permitted Satan so far to prevail as he did; But he De… had another end; h… knoweth that when he VVord of God is faithfully dispensed, in case men attend unto what is spoken, good is like to come unto their Souls thereby; and thats the thing that the Devil is afraid of; and therefore he useth all means he can possibly, to cause the good seed of the VVord which is sown, to become unfruitful. And one unhappy way, whereby he doth accomplish it, is by causing them to sleep at Sermons. Hence in the Parable concerning the Sovver, it is said, of the …eed which fell by the way …e, that the fowles of the Air came and devourea it up, Mark 4. 4. whats meant by these Fowls of the Air? you have it expounded in ver. 15. where it is said, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the Word that was sown. How doth Satan rob men of the benefit. which they might receive by the VVord of God? he hath divers cunning and cursed Artifi…, whereby he can accomplish his design. One and he hath none greater or more effectual) is to prejudice the minds of men against the Truth, or against the Dispensers of it. God complai…s of the false Prophets (who were the Devils Factors) that they did steal the Lords words every one from his Neighbour, Jer. 23. 30. because they laboured to prejudice their neighbours against the true and faithful Prophets of God, and so robbed their Souls of that precious treasure and benefit which the word would have afforded to them. It is never so, but Satan hath a deep hand therein. And another Artifice which he useth, to deprive men of that good, which they might receive by hearing the VVord is, that he causeth them to sleep at Sermons. And from thence it cometh to pass, that men are most sleepy at Sermon time. Before the Sermon began, they were not drowsie, and after the Sermon is ended, they are not so; but just at that season, when they are called to attend unto the word of God, they are apt to drowse and sleep. This is as Satan would have it. He had rather have men wakeful at any time, then at Sermon time. And as for the internal cause, of mens sleeping at Sermons; it is from that Infirmity which they are subject unto, and miserably attended with. In some, it proceeds much from Natural Infirmity. Some are naturally of more wakeful, and others of more sleepy tempers and dispositions. And old age doth naturally incline men unto infirmity in this as well as in many other respects. But especially, this evil proceeds from that sinful and moral Infirmity, which men are wofully subject unto. Hence it was, that the Disciples slept when they should have been fervently praying to God, Mat. 26. 40. 41. Jesus cometh to the Disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith to Peter, what, could you not watch with me one hour. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. There was in the Disciples of Christ, spirit as well as flesh; so far as they were made spiritual, they were willing to have watched with Christ; and had newly manifested their willingness, by professing their readiness to die for his sake; but because of a carnal unregenerate part, which at that time prevailed, they, slept when Christ bid them watch. It was because of their Flesh, their infirmity both natural and moral, that they slept when they should have been watching and praying, and the same is true, if men sleep when they should be watching and hearing. Had not men sin and corruption in their hearts, it is certain, that they would not sleep at Sermons.
3. There are evil effects which follow upon mens sleeping when they should be hearkening to the Word of God.
We shall shew this in some Particulars, all which tend to evince the truth of the Doctrine.
1. One evil effect which follows upon sleeping at Sermons is, That Mens hearing the Word, is thereby rendred unacceptable to the Lord,
The great thing which should be aimed at in every duty, is that we may find acceptance with God, in what we do. And therefore to look well to the manner of performance. For that is necessary in order to the obtaining of divine acceptation, Luk. 8. 18. Take heed how you hear. It is not enough for men to pray, or to come together to hear the word preached, &c. but every one had need consider, after what manner do I pray, after what manner do I hear? If they take not heed how they hear, so as to approve themselves to God in respect of the manner as well as the matter of duty, they will not find acceptance with him, Mal. 1. 8. If you offer the blind for sacrifice is it not evil: offer it now to thy Governour, will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? Thus when a man doth offer a sleeping prayer before the Lord, or a sleeping attendance upon duty in respect of hearing the Word, Is it not evil? doth he not offer the blind? will the Lord accept of it, or be pleased with such services wherein there is no life of devotion? His hearing will be so far from pleasing God, as that it will become a provocation, if he doth willingly set himself to sleep at Sermon time. If an Earthly Prince, should send his Ambassadors, to treat with any about matters of high concernment, and they should manifest no more regard unto what is said, then to fall asleep, whilest the Message is in delivering; would it not provoke? The Ministers of God are in Scripture stiled his Ambassadors, 2 Cor. 5. 20. We are Ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christs stead, be ye reconciled to God.
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. He… ye not Houses to …eat and drink in, or despise ye the Church of God, So I say, have you not Houses to sleep in, that you must come and openly despise an Ordinance of God?
3. Another evil effect of sleeping at Sermons, is, that it maketh men have a guilty Conscience.
Sin doth so, especially known sin, and in a most peculiar manner breaches of the third Commandment, the Lord having said, that he will not hold those guiltless that take his Name in vain; but all this is true of those that sleep at Sermons. Hence except their hearts are strangely obdurated in the wayes of sin, they feel checks of Conscience for this evil. Men have that in their own breasts which tells them, that they should not do so, when they give way to temptation, and fall a sleep under that solemn dispensation of the Word of God, spoken to them in his Name. And when the Lord awakens Conscience, there are great troubles of spirit for this sin. It hath been so with some of the Elect of God at their first Conversion. God hath made it a sad and a terrible thought unto them, to consider, how many Sermons they have lost, and sinned, and slept away; how they have turned a deaf ear upon the Messages which the Lord hath sent from Heaven to them.
4. Men are hereby exposed unto Judgement.
Guilt binds the sinner over unto the righteous judgement of God. Temporal Judgements are many times inflicted for this sin, and that not only on the profane ungodly world, but on the Lords own servants. As this instance in my Text doth make to appear. Indeed we read of but one godly man in the Scripture, (viz. Eutychus the man whom my Text mentions) that did sleep at a Sermon, and what a memorable and awful death had he like to have suff…red, because of this his sin? and yet a great deal more might be said to excuse him, then most of those that use to sleep at Sermons… can plead for themselves. For Pauls Sermon, at that time was very long; and it was not in the day but in the night; yea, at midnight, when men are naturally more inclined to sleep; yet when Eutychus thus circumstanced, gave way to temptation, so as to fall asleep, when he should have been hearkening to the word of God, he must be smitten with a sudden and a deadly blow; that as Jonathan said, 1 Sam. 14. 43. I did but taste a little Honey, and lo, I must die. So this man, did but take a little sleep, a short nap whilest the Sermon was Preaching and lo! he must die for it. And as for those …hat have been notorious sleepers at Sermons, indulging themselves in that iniquity, God oftentimes cu…s them off, by sudden and awful strokes of his hand. Yea, and spiritual judgements are the bitter fruit of this sin. For this cause, the Lord in righteous judgement doth blast his word to the Souls of men, that they are never converted nor saved thereby, but they become like unto Ezekiels Marishes and Miry places, they are given unto salt and shall not be healed, Ezek. 47. 11. They are smitten with that curse of spiritual and perpetual barrenness of soul. When men are so profane as to set themselves to sleep at Sermons, the Holy God is so provoked at them for the contempt of his Word, as to resolve and swear against them; that they shall never be converted, or receive any saving benefit thereby. And when this … cometh a general prevailing iniquity amongst a professing people, the Lord is sometimes provoked to take away his Word from them. He calls home his Ambassadors, and brings a Famine of his word. VVhen mercies are slighted, God knoweth how to raise the price of them, and to make men know the worth of them, by the want thereof. VVhen the Jews were grown weary of Sabbaths and of Sermons, which were Preached to them, both on the weekly Sabbath, and at their New Moons, that which followed, was, the Lord sent upon them a Famine, not a famine of bread, (but a more dreadful even a spiritual famine) of hearing the Word of the Lord, Amos 8. 5. 11. The Lord may well say, if you have no more respect unto my word, then to sit & sleep under it; you shall hear Sermons few enough, until you have learned to hear with better attention; and know that inasmuch as you have slept Sermons away, you have also sinned them away.
4. Sleeping at Sermons is an evil sign.
For, 1. It argueth great inconsiderateness and …mindfulness of those things which men ought to consider of.
It is an evidence that men are not aware of those things which they ought to remember, whenever they come to hear the Word of God dispensed in his Name. Its a sign that they do not consider of the dreadful place and presence which they are in. We may say of a solemn Church-Assemby as Jacob speaketh concerning that place where the Lord appeared to him, Gen. 28. 17. He was afraid, and said, how dreadful is this place, this is none other but the House of God. There is a special presence of God in Church-Assemblies, which maketh such places to be holy, and therefore dreadful. Its true, that in these dayes, one house is as holy as another. But it is also true, that in whatever house God is worshipped, during the time of worship, there is a special presence of the Lord there, and therefore during the time of worship, the place is holy. Hence reverence in Behaviour is required of men whilest in such places. It was said to Moses, Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, h…c. shew reverence as to thy outward behaviour, (for putting off he shoe was, and is at this day amongst the Eastern Nations, like putting off the hat with us) for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground; namely, because of a special presence of God which was in that place at that time, Exod. 3. 5. So there is in Church Assemblies: if men are so irreverend there as to fall asleep, and it may be to put themselves into sleeping postures, it is a sign that they consider not this. The presence of Holy Angels is awful. Yet such a presence is there, in Church Assemblies. Hence the House of God is said to be the Gate of Heaven, Gen. 28. 17. In old time, Princes kept their Courts in the Gates of the City, and there they had their Ministers and Servants to attend them. Thus the Lord doth as it were sit upon his Throne, in Church-Assemblies, and there are Holy Angels attending him in those Gates of Heaven. The Apostle therefore Exhorts men and women to behave themselves with all due reverence and circumspection, in the solemn worship of God, because of the Angels, 1 Cor. 11. 10. Angels come down from Heaven, into our solemn Assemblies, and observe not only how Ministers Preach, but how People hear; who attends, and who doth not attend, who sleeps and who keeps awake. When People sleep at Sermons, it is a sign that they consider not of this as they ought to do. Yea, it is a sign that they consider not with whom they have to do in Sermons. It is said, that the Word of God is quick and powerful, and that all things are naked unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do, Heb. 4. 12, 13. so that in hearing the Word, men have to do with the All-seeing God. If they sleep under it, thats a sign they remember not this. Did any of you near an Earthly Monarch speaking to you, the consideration of the greatness and authority of the Speaker would keep you awake. And would men sleep, if they know that the Majesty of Heaven is speaking to them?
2. When Men sleep at Sermons, it is a sign that they have not that love to, and delight in the Word of God, which they ought to have.
It is noted of the Primitive Christians that they received his word gladly, Act. 2. 41. There is not so much of that spirit as should be in those that sleep when they should hear. This argueth that men do not (with David) prize the word above all riches, and that it is not the delight and the rejoycing of their hearts. They can keep awake easily enough, when they hear that which they love and delight to hear. A vain and wicked creature, if he hears frothy and foolish Discourse, is not sleepy nor weary, because his carnal, unsanctifie… heart delights therein. Let the same person hear Sermons, or any serious and profitable matter discoursed of, and hees quickly asleep. This is a sure and a sad sign, that he taketh but little delight therein.
Welcome now to Apply this Truth:
And the first Vse may be by way of Instruction or Information.
Instr. 1. We may here take notice that the nature of man is wofully corrupted and depraved, else they would not be so apt to sleep when the precious Truths of God are dispensed in his Name, Yea, and men are more apt to sleep then, than at another time. Some woful Creatures, have been so wicked as to profess they have gone to hear Sermons on purpose. that so they might sleep, finding themselves at such times much disposed that way. This argueth as Satans malice, so the great corruption and depravation of the nature of men, whence it is that they are inclined unto evil, and indisposed to the thing that good is. Yea, some will sit and sleep under the best Preaching in the World. When Paul was alive, there was not a better Preacher upon the Earth then he. Austin had three wishes: one was, that (if the Lord had seen meet) he might see Christ in the flesh: his second wish was, that he might have seen Paul in the Pulpit; but notwithstanding Pauls being so excellent a Preacher, there were some that could sit and sleep under his Ministry. When Soul-melting Sermons are Preached about Christ the Saviour, about the pardon of sin, about the glory of Heaven, there are some that will sleep under them. When soul-awakening Sermons are Preached, enough to make rocks to rend and to bleed; when the word falls down from Heaven like Thu…der, the vo…ce of the Lord therein being very powerful and full of Majesty, able to b…eak the …ed…rs of Leb…non, and to make the wilderness to shake; yet o…e will sit and sleep under it: such is the woful corruption and desperate hardness of the hearts of the Children of men.
Inst… 2. Hence see, that there is great danger in those things which men are apt to …o…k upon as little sins, yea as no sins at all.
As for sleeping at Sermons, some look upon it as no sin; others account it a p…ccadillo, a sin not worth taking notice of, or the troubling themselves about. But my Text sheweth that danger and death is in it. VVe have solemn Instances in the Scripture, concerning those that have lost their lives, because they have been guilty of such miscarriages, as carnal reason will say are b…t little sins. VVhen there was a man that gathered a few sticks upon the Sabbath day, he was put to death or it; and yet men would be apt to think his sin was not (though indeed it was) very great. Men account i… a small matter to add some…hing of their own to the worship of God: but when Nadab and Ahihu did so, there went out fire from the Lord, and consumed them to death. VVhen Vzzah a good man, did with a pious intention touch the Ark, (which he being …o Priest should not have done) God smote him for his Error, that he dyed by the Ark of God. Behold! the severity of God, and let us tremble at it. Common sins, which almost every one is guilty of, are accounted small iniquities; but there is exceeding danger in following a multitude to do evil. Sins of Omission are esteemed small, but mens Souls may be thrown into the fire and burned for ever, not only for bearing evil fruit, but because they do not bring forth good fruit, Mat. 3. 10. At the last day the Son of God will pronounce a Sentence of eternal death upon thousands of Millions, because they have omitted these and those duties which he required and expected from them. Sinful words are looked upon as small evils by many. How common is it for persons to say, what shall we be made offenders for a word? abusing that Scripture which reproveth those that make others offenders for speaking good and faithful words. But doth not the Scripture say, by thy words thou shalt be condemned, Mat. 12. 37. Corrupt communications, obscene discourses, unclean lascivious speeches, discover the persons that delight in them to be amongst the number of those that shall (without Repentance) be condemned at the day of Judgement, yet there are some that make light of them. Thus concerning those words which some call Petty Oathes; some are so profanely ignorant as to think, that they may Swear by their Faith and Troth, and that there is no great hurt or danger in it. But there is danger of no less then Damnation for th…se seemingly little sins, if men shall allow themselves therein, notwithstanding the Commandment of God to the contrary. See the word of the Lord to this purposo, Jam. 5. 12. But above all things Swear not, (i. e. vainly, or except duely called therunto) neither by Heaven, neither by the Earth, neither by any other Oath, therefore not by your Faith or Troth, lest you fall into condemnation.
Again, sinful thoughts are esteemed small evils; but I must te… you, that vain thoughts, and much more vile unclean thoughts, if indulged and delighted in, may hinder the Salvation of a mans Soul. Witness that Scripture, Jer. 4. 14. O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved … how long shall thy vain thoughts lod… within thee? so that there is more then a little danger, in those evils, which men account little sins.
Inst. 3. If sleeping at Sermons be such an evil as hath been evinced, there is then cause to fear, that … Lord hath been contending with his People in … Land, by awful Judgements, partly on the ac… this iniquity.
The late Syno…, who convened on purpose, to enquire into the causes of the Lords controversie with New-England, have mentioned this amongst many other provoking evils. And there is great reason to think, tha…, that holy God who will not hold the …akers of his Name in vain guiltless, hath been not a little displeased for this sin. Inasmuch as it is a common evil. I doubt it may be said, that there are many such offenders in almost every Congregation throughout the Land. I must confess to my exceeding joy, that there are as few sleepers at Sermons, in this Congregation, as in any that I have observed in the Countrey; yet there are some and too many. It is a sin, which Professors and Church-members (as well as others) are guilty of; and 'tis past doubt, that it hath been for their sins in a more peculiar manner, even for the provoking of his Sons, and of his Daughters; that God hath sent the Sword, Fire, and Death amongst us. This is a sin, which is not punished by men, but therefore the Lord himself will visit for it. And truly some of those awful Judgements, which we have sadly experienced, seem to have a special respect unto this sin. Those fearful and amazing voices in the Heavens, even Thundrings and lightnings, which have caused many amongst us to be horribly afraid; and some have (like Eutychus) been taken up dead, the Thunder of God having killed them in a moment; hath not the Lord sent them usually upon the very …ay when Sermons are wont to be Preached, or upon the next day thereto; as if the Lord should say, if you will slight and sleep at my word, Ile make you to hear that which shall awake you with a witness. And doth not God threaten with a Famine of his word? How many bereave… Congregations are there? and some that have been a long time without the Ministerial dispensation of the Word and Sacraments. Well may it be so, if People when they enjoyed a faithful Ministry, shewed no more respect and reverence towards God speaking to them therein, then to sit and sleep under it.
Instr. 4. If sleeping at Sermons be a great evil, then their iniquity is exceeding great in the sight of God, who do that in Sermon time, which is worse then sleeping.
e. g. To Play at Sermon time, as wicked children who have no grace nor fear of God in their hearts, will sometimes do. If you do thus on the Sabbath day, you break the third and the fourth Commandment both at once; and then how guilty! how guilty! are you in the fight of the holy Lord God, who is in this dreadful place, but you are not aware of it. So for persons to sit Laughing in the presence of God, when his Word is spoken to them in his Name, their sin and profaness is exceeding great before the Lord. What dost thou think will become of thy immortal soul? dost thou think that God will have mercy on thee. Repent of this thy wickedness, or I do most solemnly declare unto thee in his Name, God will not have mercy on thee: He that made thee, will shew thee no …avour. The Lord saith, he will look unto those that are of a con…ire Spirit who tremble at his Word, Isai 66. 2. Thou then, that ar… so far from trembling at the Word of the Lord, as to Laugh when it is spoken to thee; the infinite Majesty, who hath Heaven for his Throne, and the Earth for his Foot stool, will not look upon thee; he abhors to see or to look upon such a prophane wretch as thou art: But inasmuch as thou dost laugh at his VVord now, repent speedily, or he time draweth on, when distress and anguish will take hold on thy Soul, and then God will laugh a… thy calamity, and mock when thy fear cometh. And therefore hear and fear now and do no more so wickedly. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, Luk. 6. 26. Wo to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. So I say, wo to you that laugh at Sermons now, for you shall mourn, and never laugh more. VVhen wilt thou say? even when thy soul shall be with Dives, crying out, world without end. I am tormented in this flame. And O think how the Devils will taunt & mock at thee, and say, why don't you laugh now? Remember you heard such a Minister of God Preach, he brought you the glad…tidings of eternal Salvation, and the sad news of everlasting destruction, but you laughed when you heard him speaking after the most solemn and earnest manner; is it a laughing matter now think you? were they not the great Truths of God, th… were spoken in his Name? Then will tears of Blood trickle down thy dry and damned cheeks for ever and ever, because thou mayest not be so happy as to hear one Sermon, or to have one offe… of Grace more, throughout the never-ending dayes of Eternity.
Use 2. If sleeping at Sermons be so great an evil as hath been said, then let those that have been guilty, of this evil, be exhorted to be humbled for what's past, and to beware of it for time to come.
Consider 1. Men must give an account another day for every Sermon.
If it be true, (as it cannot but be true, because the mouth of him who is Truth it self hath spoken it) that of every idle word which m…n shall speak, they must give account thereof at the day of Judgement, Mat. 12. 36. Certainly they must give an account concerning every Sermon which they hear. Sleeping at a Sermon is a greater sin, then speaking an idle word. Therefore if men must be called to an account for idle words, much more for this. All those Talents, which the Lord doth intrust any with, they must be accountable for them another day: Now Gospel Sermons, are amongst the most precious Talents, which any in this World have conferred on them. But what a sad account will be given concerning those Sermons which have been slept away? As light as thou makest of it now, it may be Conscience will roar for it upon a Death bed. Not many years ago, there was a young man, that being wont to come to hear the Word in this Congregation, when he was upon his sick-bed, which proved his death-bed, he desired to speak with me, and when I came to him, he had this expression, O Sir, sometimes whilest Sermons have been Preaching: I have set my self to sleep on purpose, and do you think it is possible, that one that hath done so, should ever find mercy with God. And if this be a trouble on a death-bed, will not the thought of it, be a terror at the last and great day? verily there is many a Soul, that will find this to be a dismal thought at the day of Judgement, when he shall remember, so many Sermons I might have heard for my everlasting benefit, but I slighted and slept them away.
Therefore,
Consider 2. That if men allow themselves in this evil, their souls are in danger to perish.
Its true, that a godly man may be subject unto this, as well as unto other infirmities; but he doth not allow himself therein. If he be inclined to sleep, when he should be hearing the Word, he mourns under it, as his burden. If indeed thou hast grace in thy soul, then in case thy head hath been heavy at Sermon time, thy heart will be heavy for it afterwards. But when persons indulge themselves in this iniquity, when they compose and settle themselves to sleep, their state is dangerous, and their souls like to perish Their spot is not the spot of Gods Children. How was the Lord provoked at them who despised Manna. And their sin is no less who offer contempt to the Manna of the Gospel; as Sermon sleepers, who indulge themselves in this their iniquity, do.
Some it may be will say, but how shall we help it?
Ans. 1. As helps against this evil, there are some things that men should remember to observe before they come to hear the Word. Beware of excessive toiling and moiling in the World, because that doth incline to sleepiness. And remember to be temperate in all things. When men overcharge themselves with meat and drink, and then come to hear the VVord Preached, no wonder if they fall asleep, when they should be hearing for their Souls benefit. And if you find your selves inclined to this evil, remember to pray much against it before you come to hear. I doubt common sleepers at Sermons, remember not this. Did they pray earnestly against this infirmity the Lord would give them power and victory over it. You must be watchful in order unto prayer, and you must pray that you may become watchful.
2. At the time of Hearing, some things are to be done as helps against this Evil.
Strive against it when first you begin to drowse, shake off a sleepy frame. Stir up your selves to hear the VVord, as well as to call upon the Name of God, Isai. 64. 7. If sitting be an occasion of sleeping, rather stand up, then si… and sleep and sin. And keep alive those thoughts in your hearts, which will be a means to prevent sleeping. e. g. The awful thoughts of the special presence of God. VVhen Jacob slept as in his Journey towards Padan Aran, Gen 28. 16. he awaked out of his sleep and said, surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not: it is as if he had said, had I been aware that God was in this place I would not have composed my self to sleep in his presence. Jacob had more grace, then to set himself to sleep in the special presence of God. Surely, if men did know that God is in Church-Assemblies, they would not set themselves to sleep there. Remember when you hear Sermons Preached, that God himself is speaking to you, in the way of his Ordinance, though by mortal men like unto your selves. The Treasure is from Heaven, though the Vessel that brings it, be an earthen vessel. You should therefore receive the Word of God, which you hear, not as the word of men, but as the word of God, 1 Thess. 2. …3. I remember I have re… concerning that great Emperor … that sometimes when he heard Sermon… Preached, he did …se up out of his Royal Seat, and would g…ve that reason for it, because (sa… he) the man that speaketh cometh in the Name of God, and … the messages of God. Nay, when Egl…n the Prince of Moab, heard Ebu… say, I have a Message from God unto thee; he arose out of his Seat. Men would be more like to stand trembling then to sit sleeping, if they did believe and thi…k of this. Again, if thou dost find thy self inclined to sleep under the hearing of the VVord, think how Satan is busie about thee, thou mayst be sure h… is near at hand, if thou growest sleepy … Sermon, and wil… thou give way to his Temptations? Yea, think with thy self, if I should sleep now… I should sin. There was a man that could …y, he had not slept a wink …t a Sermon, for more then twenty years together, and could give this Reason of it, … (sai… he) I… I beg…n to he sleepy, that thought … I should now sleep, I should sin against … I dare not do.
Oh consider what hath been spoken. And learn to hear the VVord of God, …th utmost attention of …, and intention … So your souls shall live.
T… Dom…
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End of the text · Increase Mather, Practical Truths to Promote Godliness (1682)