greatest success. It is in any man's power to suppose a fool's-cap
on the wisest head, and then laugh at his own supposition. I think
there are not many things cheaper than supposing and laughing; and
if the uniting these two talents can bring a thing into contempt, it
is hard to know where it may end.

To conclude: These considerations may perhaps have some effect
while men are awake; but what arguments shall we use to the sleeper?
What methods shall we take to hold open his eyes? Will he be moved
by considerations of common civility? We know it is reckoned a
point of very bad manners to sleep in private company, when,
perhaps, the tedious impertinence of many talkers would render it at
least as excusable as the dullest sermon. Do they think it a small
thing to watch four hours at a play, where all virtue and religion
are openly reviled; and can they not watch one half hour to hear
them defended? Is this to deal like a judge (I mean like a good
judge), to listen on one side of the cause and sleep on the other?
I shall add but one word more. That this indecent sloth is very
much owing to that luxury and excess men usually practise upon this
day, by which half the service thereof is turned to sin; men
dividing their time between God and their bellies, when, after a
gluttonous meal, their senses dozed and stupefied, they retire to
God's house to sleep out the afternoon. Surely, brethren, these
things ought not so to be.

"He that hath ears to hear let him hear." And God give us all,
grace to hear and receive His Holy Word to the salvation of our own
souls.