A remedy for
wandering thoughts in worship by Richard Steele (Available
from Heritage
Books or free here)
- Read
Chapter 2.
My summary
Now Steele looks at the kinds of distractions that we experience while at worship.
Firstly he teaches us about the different fountains from which distractions flow:
(i) the Devil;
(ii) the mind;
(iii) the fancy;
(iv) the outward senses.
Secondly Steele examines the matter of distractions. They are sometimes:
(i) good;
(ii) indifferent;
(iii) bad.
Thirdly we hear how the distractions are distinguished by their adjuncts, for some are:
(i) sudden;
(ii) unwilling;
(iii) long.
What grabbed me
I loved this statement as to why Satan distracts us in our worship: 'The Devil is afraid of a serious lively prayer at his heart ; he knows that can pull down in a minute what he hath been contriving for a thousand years ; and therefore, if he cannot withold us from holy duties, he will do his utmost to disturb us in them. Hence the vision of that holy man who in the whole market saw but one devil busy (for there Self was at hand, Satan had no need to bestir him;) but in the congregation there were multitudes of them : all their skill and power being little enough to ward off poor souls from Jesus Christ. Alas ! we pray, and hear, and live as securely, as if there were no Devil at all.'
The Devil certainly fears the Christian on his knees.
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 3.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
My summary
Now Steele looks at the kinds of distractions that we experience while at worship.
Firstly he teaches us about the different fountains from which distractions flow:
(i) the Devil;
(ii) the mind;
(iii) the fancy;
(iv) the outward senses.
Secondly Steele examines the matter of distractions. They are sometimes:
(i) good;
(ii) indifferent;
(iii) bad.
Thirdly we hear how the distractions are distinguished by their adjuncts, for some are:
(i) sudden;
(ii) unwilling;
(iii) long.
What grabbed me
I loved this statement as to why Satan distracts us in our worship: 'The Devil is afraid of a serious lively prayer at his heart ; he knows that can pull down in a minute what he hath been contriving for a thousand years ; and therefore, if he cannot withold us from holy duties, he will do his utmost to disturb us in them. Hence the vision of that holy man who in the whole market saw but one devil busy (for there Self was at hand, Satan had no need to bestir him;) but in the congregation there were multitudes of them : all their skill and power being little enough to ward off poor souls from Jesus Christ. Alas ! we pray, and hear, and live as securely, as if there were no Devil at all.'
The Devil certainly fears the Christian on his knees.
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 3.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
No comments:
Post a Comment