If you would hear the word aright, [then] practice what you hear … hearing only will be no plea at the day of judgment—merely to say, “Lord, I have heard many sermons.” But God will say, ‘What fruits of obedience have you bought forth?” The Word preached is not only to inform you, but reform you, conform you, and transform you. . . If you hear the word and are not bettered by it … your hearing will increase your condemnation.

We pity those who do not know where to hear the Word; but oh, how much worse will it be for those who do not care how they hear. To graceless, disobedient hearers, every sermon will be a log to heat hell. It is sad to go loaded to hell with many logs to make it hotter.

Oh, beg the Spirit to make the word preached powerful! Ministers can but speak to the ear, but the Spirit speaks to the heart, and you must apply it.

Thomas Watson (c. 1620 – 1686) was an English, nonconformist, Puritan preacher and author who died suddenly while praying in secret.