III. The thorny-ground hearers —
These are a class who more nearly resemble that of true Christians ; but though their profession is more specious, their end is not more happy.
They maintain a religious character to the end —
[They do not disregard the word like the way-side hearers, or cast away their profession like those of the stony ground. They maintain, for the most part, an uniform regard to the Gospel ; they associate with the people of God in preference to all others ; they worship God in their closet and family, as well as in the public assembly ; nor do they live in any practices which are grossly inconsistent with their character.]
But the fruit which they produce is not of a " per- fect" kind—
[They were never thoroughly purged from " the thorns" which were natural to the soil. " The cares or pleasures of this world" still continue to corrode their hearts. There is always " something which they desire" more than real holiness. Thus the nutriment of the soil is witlidrawn by noxious roots, and the influences of the air and sun " obstructed" by sur- rounding branches. Hence their fruit is never propei-ly ma- tured and ripened. Their confessions want that tenderness of spirit that argues them sincere ; their prayers, that holy importunity, which alone ensures success ; their praises, that love and fervour, which alone can make them acceptable. The whole obedience of their lives is destitute of that divine energy, which results from the operation of God's Spirit.]
The seed however that is sown is not wholly unproductive —
IV. The good-ground hearers —
There is a most essential difference between these and the preceding characters —
They receive the word with humility —
[All the other characters have the soil itself depraved; but these receive the word into " honest and good hearts." Not that their hearts are altogether free from human depravity ; but they have an upright intention and desire to profit. They neither cavil at the word, nor endeavour to pervert its meaning. They wish to be instructed by it, and to fulfil whatever it re- quires. In hearing it, they apply it as the word of God ad- dressed to their souls, and they (which is not said respecting any of the others) " understand it." They see its import, taste its sweetness, and embrace it as suited to their case.]