A61386:359
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.
SECT. IV.
1IV. SEE hence what cause you have to bless God for freedom from distractions, 2and be sure you do it. Those that have an habitual ability against these snares, O bless the Lord for it! it's he that keeps the heart in tune, not you. We like little children, can break the strings, and put our hearts out of tune, but 'tis the Lord that sets and keeps us in order. You little know the anxiety, and fear, and trouble, that these do cost many a poor Christian; they strive, they mourn, they doubt, they are ready to throw up all: These Vultures do gnaw upon their very hearts; no comfort, no joy of the Holy Ghost, no peace within, and all through the continual assaults hereof. And by the only mercy of God thou art well and free. Thou canst continue instant in prayer, thou canst come to Heaven gates, and get thy errand heard, thy business dispatched, and little distraction in it. O give the Lord praise, lest he leave thee to thy self, and then thy case will be more miserable than theirs. Thankfulness keeps the mercy which ingratitude ⟨p. 233⟩forfeits. And we are Free-holders of these blessings, but 'tis because we hold of his free grace and mercy.
1IV. SEE hence what cause you have to bless God for freedom from distractions, 2and be sure you do it. Those that have an habitual ability against these snares, O bless the Lord for it! it's he that keeps the heart in tune, not you. We like little children, can break the strings, and put our hearts out of tune, but 'tis the Lord that sets and keeps us in order. You little know the anxiety, and fear, and trouble, that these do cost many a poor Christian; they strive, they mourn, they doubt, they are ready to throw up all: These Vultures do gnaw upon their very hearts; no comfort, no joy of the Holy Ghost, no peace within, and all through the continual assaults hereof. And by the only mercy of God thou art well and free. Thou canst continue instant in prayer, thou canst come to Heaven gates, and get thy errand heard, thy business dispatcht, and little distraction in it. O give the Lord praise, lest he leave thee to thy self, and then thy case will be more miserable than theirs. Thankfulness keeps the mercy which ingratitude