A remedy for wandering thoughts in worship by Richard Steele (Available from Heritage Books or free here) - Conclude Chapter 8 (The cure of distractions).
Firstly, this week, Steele briefly says that the sixth cure for distractions in worship is a watchful reflection of the soul upon itself and ejaculation unto God.
Then the bulk of the chapter is spent on the final cure for distractions: grace. Steele says that the more sanctifying grace you have the more:
(i) mortified your heart to sin;
(ii) clear your eye of faith to behold the majesty of God;
(iii) tender your conscience to sin;
(iv) affections to things above;
(v) disposed your heart for the service of God;
(vi) spiritual and invisible sins are observed and resisted;
(vii) strong the resolution you will put on against distractions;
(viii) business you will find you have to do with God in his ordinances
At the end of the chapter there were some great brief tips on how to obtain grace.
Including this one: 'You must manage the means of growth with your whole strength. Attend upon the most edifying ministry, read the most profitable books, consort with the most lively growing christians, and particularly be frequent in the trial of the state of your soul. Each week, if possible, call yourselves to some account, and strive to discern a weekly growth ; but if you cannot, desist not from that work, but try again ; single out some special grace, or duty, to thrive in next week ; as for example, the grace of patience, saving knowledge, the duty of a husband, parent, or child. And still be trying ; you will find one time or other, what will fully pay you for your labour ; only observe, he that thrives in the world takes pains and care and so in grace, he that will grow, must strive and labour for it. A little grace is worth a great deal of pains.'
Strive after grace, it is worth it.
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 9 (Encouragements under the burden of distractions).
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
2 comments:
I enjoyed and profited from this reading very much. Steele helped me to see my distractions as something to be fought against rather than an excuse to give up until my heart was more in tune.
Among many of the very helpful statements in the book, the one that has remained fixed in my mind is the imagery of the blade poised above my head on a string, which taught me that my distractions and wandering thoughts are very displeasing to my God, and, but for His mercy, sins worthy of instant punishment.
Thank you, Pastor Radford, for including it, and thank you again for this blog, and all your efforts on it. It has been an enormous blessing and means of growth for me. May God bless you richly for your work here!
Yes CJ, I agree, Steele's work nicely tackles a common problem that few people seem to address.
And thanks again for your encouragements, they are always appreciated.
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