And these are they that are sown among thorns
Such hearers of the word are designed by the thorny ground, upon which other seed fell, as it was sown, who are of worldly dispositions; who are immoderately careful and anxious about the things of this life, and are bent upon acquiring earthly riches, and gratifying their carnal and sensual appetites:
such as hear the word;
who notwithstanding are prevailed upon through custom, or the dictates of their consciences, to attend upon the ministry of the word.