Attending upon God without Distraction

by Nathaniel Vincent

As frail humans, we are often distracted from whole-hearted service to God. Between the bombardment of the world and the vanity of our flesh, all Christians feel the need to become more devoted to God. In this classic work, Puritan Nathanael Vincent shows us how to serve God without interruption. Helping us to understand the weights and sins that entangle us, Vincent provides an abundance of pastoral guidance and encouragement. This book will motivate Christians by showing them the benefits of a focused pursuit of glorifying God.

Genres: Theology, Christian Living, Spirituality

222 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Nathaniel Vincent (1639-1697) was a nonconformist puritan divine. His colleagues called him “smart…brisk and well-rounded as a minister of the Gospel, holding a facetious and jolly humor, as well as being a considerable scholar.”

Reviews

[Bob O'Bannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Distraction of mind keeps the heart away from God.” The Puritan Nathanael Vincent wrote those words in the 17th century, which tells us it is a natural condition of the human heart in all ages to struggle to focus without distraction on God and his glory, whether it be in prayer, scripture reading, or listening to the word preached. But if this was true 400 years ago, how much more true must it be today?

As is the case often when reading the Puritans, there are endless fine distinctions that sometimes can weigh the reader down, but it is always worth it to persevere. Vincent exhorts us to consider that the reason we are so easily distracted is because Satan is hard at work in keeping our hearts from attending upon God, simply because he knows how much this will benefit us (56-57). If Satan can turn our attention away from God, what a great victory it is for him.

Vincent calls us to reflect on the fact that our minds actually are capable of great concentration. We would not be easily distracted, for instance, if we were in the presence of some great earthly authority. “What would not be done to a governor is done to the highest, best and greatest king, of whose dreadful name all the earth should stand in awe.” (129)

And yet Vincent is aware of our human weakness, and devotes chapter 14 to the reality that there are legitimate reasons for distraction, one of which is depression. “What earthly father is angry with a child because he does not do those acts of obedience in sickness that he could and would readily do were his health continued?” (151).

Vincent also encourages us to know that there will come a time when distractions will not be a problem for us. “When militant saints come to be triumphant, their distractions, and their complaints because of them, will be at a perpetual end . . . Having once looked on him, they will never care to look off again.” (204).

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book compiments Keller's "Gospel in Life"' "When Helping Hurts" and the "Immigration Crisis" in that--in the words of the author:

"If religious duties were by well don, everything else would be done the better; for it is from God alone that we have ability to do as we ought in any matter whatsoever. The Lord gives wisdom and grace most liberally to them who most sincerely seek Him. And such as have most help from God will best perform their duty towards man; and both church and state will find them the most useful members. Religion is certainly the ruest policy. The wisdom of this world, says the apostle, and of the princes of this world, comes to naught; but the power of godliness makes men better in every capacity and relation. How it alters and amends persons, families, and nations where it is encouraged and prevails!... All who wish well to this city and nation must desire that God may be better served, and that men by His service may be bettered."

(What an interesting quote from a man who was persecuted by the government of the land in which he lived (England)).

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Difficult book, so 4 stars. I know puritans are hard to read but I keep trying. Lots of convicting, inspiring, and helpful bits in this book. I am easily distracted and look forward to the day I’ll be fully focused on Him.

[curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Equally vigorous in both warning and encouragement, this little book has been of inestimable devotional value to me the past several months. Highly recommended.