A remedy for wandering thoughts in worship by Richard Steele (Available from Heritage Books or free here) - Continue Chapter 6 by reading up to the section with the heading: 'Section IX. Satan'.
Firstly, this week, Steele teaches us that weakness of love to Jesus Christ, and consequently, to his ordinances is a cause of distraction in worship. The remedies are:
(i) know him better and meditate more on his real excellences;
(ii) get communion with Christ in his ordinances;
(iii) believe verily that you can be nowhere better, nowhere so well, as in an ordinance.
Secondly Steele says that a want of watchfulness is a cause of wandering thoughts in the worship of God. The remedy is to be thoroughly convinced of the absolute necessity of constant watchfulness.
Thirdly a beloved sin is another distraction in holy duties. The remedies are:
(i) consideration - sit down and think what real good this sin hath ever done thee;
(ii) supplication - kneel down and pray, with faith in the uprightness of your hearts, for strength from above.
I think beloved sins all too often distract us in worship or at least mute our prayers: 'When the soul hath espoused some bosom lust, the thoughts, be you never so busy, will be warping towards it, though God him- self look on. " O Jerusalem, wash thy heart from wickedness : — how long shall vain thoughts lodge within thee 1" Jer. iv. 14. When wickedness is in the heart, vain thoughts will be in thy duties ; they will enter, yea, they will lodge within thee. A beloved sin is like a bias on the bowl, though you throw it out never so straight, yet the bias will draw it off that way, do what you can : so is a beloved sin unto the soul ; aim you with utmost skill, yet there is a secret load-stone in it, which attracts the heart, and makes that prayer to end in hell, which began in heaven. Either sin and you must be at a distance, or God and you will.'
I couldn't help but think of the words of the King in Hamlet. His conscience has just been pricked regarding the murder of his brother and after trying to pray he says: 'My words fly up, my thoughts remain below. Words without thoughts never to heaven go.'
Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 6 by reading up to the section with the heading: 'Section XI. A divided heart'.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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