We must not be carelesse hearers of the Word. [ LXXXVIII]
AS market-folk returning from the market, will be talking of their markets, as they go by the way,* 1.1 and be casting up of their penny-worths when they come home, reckon what they have taken, and what they have laid out, and how much they have gotten. So should we, after we have heard the Word publickly, confer privately of it with others,* 1.2 at least meditate on it by our selves, and be sure to take an account of our selves, how we have profited that day by the Word, that hath been spoken to us, and also by other religious exercises, that have been used of us.* 1.3 And as the market-man counteth that but an ill market-day, that he hath not gained somewhat more or lesse; so may we well account it an ill Sabbath day to us, whereon we have not profited somewhat, whereon we have not encreased our knowledge, or been bettered in our affection; whereon we have not been either informed in judgment, or reformed in practise; whereon we have added no∣thing to our Talent.