A61386:300
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…
An antidote against distractions, or, An endeavour to serve the church, in the daily case of wanderings in the worship of God by Richard Steele M.A. and minister of the Gospel.An antidote against distractions, or, An indeavour to serve the church, in the daily case of wandrings in the worship of God by Richard Steele M.A. and minister of the Gospel.
London: printed for Elizabeth Calvert, 1667
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
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⟩him with an open parle with others? This is an high affront, if you consider it well.
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 superiour, 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⟩him with an open parle with others? This is an high affront, if you consider it well.
3. This hath more offence in it. An offence to the Preacher, that hath taken much pains to prepare that, which you will not take pains to hear, or else imply, it is not worth the hearing. An offence to the Congregation that sees it, who must needs, if they fear God be troubled at so public a fault. An offence to the Angels, that, while they stoop down to look into the mysteries opened in the Church, see you sleight them so notoriously: An offence to your own souls, that perhaps in that moment miss of what would most have done them good. O therefore, Christian Reader! mourn for thy misbehaviour this way, and amend it for time to come, lest God refuse to treat with thee, that triflest thus in thy treating with him. Remember, it's work enough for a poor man, to converse with a great God. He needs no other business, to fill his hands.