A Remedy for Wandering Thoughts in Worship

by Richard Steele

New York, D. Appleton Publication 1835 God This is an OCR reprint. There may be numerous typos or missing text. There are no illustrations or indexes. When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free. You can also preview the book there.

Genres: Christian, Theology

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1835

About the author

Richard Steele (Steel) (1629-1692), nonconformist divine, son of Robert Steele, farmer, was born at Barthomley, Cheshire, on 10 May 1629. He was educated at Northwich grammar school, admitted sizar at St. John’s College, Cambridge, on 1 April 1642, and incorporated M.A. at Oxford on 5 July 1656. He succeeded Thomas Porter as rector of Hanmer, Flintshire, probably in 1650. Henry Newcome visited him there on 10 June 1654. He was a member of the fourth Shropshire classis (constituted by parliament in April 1647), and, as such, was one of the ordainers of Philip Henry [q. v.] on 16 Sept. 1657. Thirty years later (9 May 1687) he was one of the ordainers, at his own house in London, of Philip Henry’s son, Matthew Henry [q. v.] In September 1660 he was presented at Flint assizes for not reading the common prayer; the prosecution fell through, owing to Charles it’s declaration in October. He was again presented at the spring assizes on 28 March 1661 at Hawarden. He resigned his living in consequence of the Uniformity Act of 1662, preaching a farewell sermon (17 Aug.), in which he said he was ejected for not subscribing his assent to the new prayer-book, which he had not yet seen. He continued to communicate at Hanmer, where he received ‘sitting’ on 19 April 1663. On 25 July he was presented for baptising his own children, and in October was arrested on suspicion of treason. Early in 1665 he was made collector for Hanmer of the ‘royal aid,’ the point being to treat him as a layman. In April 1665 he was again arrested, as he was setting out for London; his pocket diary was taken from him, and passages were misconstrued. An entry of an appointment “on a carnal account” was “interpreted to be some woman design.” Philip Henry records “’a great noise in the country concerning Mr. Steel’s almanack.” The Five Miles Act, coming into force on 25 March 1666, compelled him to leave Hanmer, and he took up his residence in London. Urwick conjectures (Nonconformity in Cheshire, 1864, p. xlix) that his was the license granted on 10 June 1672 for presbyterian preaching in “the house of Rob. Steele” at Barthomley, Cheshire; he certainly contributed to the building of a school at Barthomley in 1675. Though he may have made occasional visits to the north, Philip Henry’s diary shows that he was constantly exercising his ministry in London from 1671. He gathered a morning congregation at Armourers’ Hall, Coleman Street; in the afternoon he preached at Hoxton. He died on 16 Nov. 1692. George Hamond, his colleague and successor, preached his funeral sermon. He had ten sons, five of whom were dead in 1672. His portrait is in Dr. Williams’s Library; an engraving from it by Hopwood is given in Wilson.

[Funeral Sermon by Hamond, 1693: Calamy’s Account. 1713, p. 708; Calamy’s Continuation, 1727, ii. 835; Wilson’s Dissenting Churches of London. 1808, ii. 448 sq.; Williams’s Life of Philip Henry, 1825, passim; Lee’s Diaries and Letters of Philip Henry, 1882, passim; Mayor’s Admissions to St. John’s, Cambridge, 1882, i. 63.] A. G.

Reviews

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really worthwhile.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how specific the focus of this book is. Steele delves into the topic of 'distraction' with authority and specificity. Even though this book was written in the 17th century, it still had incredible application today. It seems as though humans have always struggled with distractions interfering with their worship of God even without smartphones.

There were many good quotes, word pictures, and convicting passages and I hope to return to this one again (though i'm on the hunt for a better edition because the Amazon one definitely had some typos lol)

[Emily F · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was incredible to find such a pressing issue in a bookshop when I was just thinking about it at the time. Many in my generation struggle to focus in worship, and Mr Steele both encourages us in our faith and comforts us, and reminds us that it is still a sin to have a drifting mind.

[Sean Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really helpful if you have been struggling with wandering thoughts, and I believe we all do in some way. Very much recommended.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a lot of help, both practical and motivational, in that area so many of us struggle with: focusing our minds during prayer, Bible reading and church services. It gives so much information that it could bog one down, but overall I found it very helpful. Unfortunately I can't say it changed my life very much. I need to go back through it and make more efforts in applying and considering the truths it gives.

One thing that stood out to me was that the reason we often fail in focusing our minds during spiritual exercises is because we have been so lenient with them at other times and allowed them to have their own way. If we discipline our minds on a daily, hourly basis then they will more easily co-operate when we come to our devotions or to church. This is typical of his help, it is not easy to implement. This is not a book about three easy steps to cure wandering thoughts. This book requires hard work and will only help if we invest hard work in the battle with our minds. But he also does encourages us "that Christ's intercession for you is without distraction.... you have a friend in court who has the art of oratory, and the King's ear beside, who ever lives to make intercession for you; and therefore do your best, and never be discouraged."

When you are overtaken with wandering thoughts he says "Do not cry out, "I am a lost man, this cannot consist with grace"; but "this should not consist with grace." The former conclusion dejects the spirits; but the latter whets the spirit to amendment."

To be able to be helped by this book though you will need to be able to understand 17th century English. So if the King James version is difficult for you, this book is going to be difficult for you too, probably even more so.

[Isaiah Jesch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this work. Richard Steele takes a very practical topic and fleshes out the importance of it. His work contained many practical insights, helpful theological observations, and encouraging statements.

I profited greatly from this book and plan to reference my notes on it for reminders often.

[Gabriel Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Very Practical!