An antidote against distractions, or, An endeavour to serve the church, in the daily…An antidote against distractions, or, An indeavour to serve the church, in the daily…

And here I cannot but digress a little, but it is to cure a more criminal digression, which is that frequent Abuse of Whispering and talking to one another, in the service of God, which except it be upon such instant indispensable business, as cannot be ordered before or after the Ordinance, is a sin in an high degree, and that

1. Because it brings a guilt and distraction ⟨p. 187⟩upon two at once. If a vain thought there be so evil, as you have heard, how criminal then is this, that involves you both, yea perhaps occasions a distraction to twenty more, that observe you? And the guilt of all their vain thoughts on that occasion will be charged on your account, according to the equity of that Law, Exod. 21.23.

2. Because this hath more of Affront in it. Thy heart testifies to God's face, that thou dost despise his presence. Who but an impudent Renegade would, while the King is laying down terms of mercy and honour to him, be talking and laughing with his companions at some uncouth Courtier that comes in? and who but an implicit Atheist shall be whispering with his neighbour about any thing, while the King of Heaven and Earth is treating with him about Eternity? You hold it no piece of good manners, while any man is speaking to you, especially if he be your superior, to neglect him so far, as to turn from him to discourse another; nay, if the most necessary business call you away, you apologize for your diversion, and crave pardon: And shall you dare while your Maker is in conference with you, to confront ⟨p. 188⟩