Of Communion with God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

This is the condition of a Soul that finds not the wonted presence of Christ in its private and more retired inquiries. Dull in prayer, wandering in Meditations, rare in thoughts of him! I will not bear this frame, what ever way God hath appointed I will in his strength vigorously pursue until this frame be altered, and I find my beloved.

This is the condition of a Soule that finds not the wonted presence of Christ in its private and more retired inquiries. Dull in prayer, wandring in Meditations, rare in thoughts of him! I will not beare this frame, what ever way God hath appointed I will in his strength vigorously pursue untill this frame be altered, and I find my beloved.

2. Then, the way she puts her self upon, is to go about the City. Not to insist upon particulars, nor to strain the parts of the Allegory too far, the City here intended is the City of God; the Church: and the passing through the broad and narrow streets, is the diligent enquiry, that the Spouse makes in all the paths and ordinances given unto it. This then is the next thing the Soul addresses it self unto, in the want of Christ; when it finds him not in any private endeavours, it makes vigorous application to the Ordinances of public worship; in prayer, in preaching, in Administration of the seals doth it look after Christ. Indeed the great enquiry the souls of Believers make in every ordinance is after Christ. So much as they find of him, so much sweetness, and refreshment have they and no more. Especially when under any desertion they rise up to this enquiry. They listen to every word, to every prayer to find if any thing of Christ, any light from him, any Life, any Love appears to them. Oh that Christ would at length meet me in this, or that Sermon and recover my poor heart to some sight of his Love, to some taste of ⟨p. 147⟩kindness. The Solicitousness of a Believer in his inquest after Christ, when he finds not his presence, either for Grace or Consolation as in former days, is indeed inexpressible. Much of the frame of such a heart is couched in the redoubling of the Expression, I sought him, I sought him; setting out an unconceivable passion, and suitably industrious desire. Thus being disappointed at home the Spouse proceeds.