thing capable of communion with the Father of spirits, but a
spirit. And, sure I am, the most part of us removes them, and acts little
that way. It is a lamentable thing, that men pretend to please God with
such vain empty shows, and bodily appearances, without any serious
exercise of their souls, and attention of their minds in divine worship.
Neither yet must it be taken so high, and made so narrow, as if it
consisted only in those ravishments of the soul after God, which are
joined with extraordinary sweetness and joy, or in such rare pieces of
access and liberty. For though that be a part of it, yet is it neither
universal to all God's children, nor yet constant in any. There may be
some solid serious attendance on God in his ordinances, which may have
more true substantial life in it, and more of the marrow of Christianity
in it, though a soul should not be acquainted with these raptures, nor
ever carried without the line of an equal walking with God. Therefore that
which I would exhort you to, is to acquaint yourselves with Jesus Christ,
and you shall find a new way opened in him, by which you may boldly come
to God, and having come to God in him, you are called to walk with him to
entertain that acquaintance that is made, till all the distance and
estrangedness of your hearts be worn out. And I know not any thing which
is more apt either to beget or preserve this fellowship, than the
communication of your spirits often with him in prayer, and with his word
in meditation. And this is not to be discharged as a custom, but the love
of God within, drawing the heart willingly towards communication with him,
and constraining to pour out your requests to him, and wait on him, even
though ye should find that sensible sweetness that sometimes is found. It
were an happy advancement in this fellowship, if converse with God,
whether in prayer and solemn retirements, or in meditation, or in our
ordinary walking, were become the delight of our hearts, at least that
they might be carried that way towards the entertaining the thoughts of
his majesty, his glory, and grace, and goodness, and wisdom shining
everywhere, as from a natural instinct, even when we are not engaged with
the present allurements of that sweetness that sometimes accompanies it.

Sermon VII.

1 John i. 3, 4.--"And truly our fellowship is with the Father, and
with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you,
that your joy may b