OF SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS. 289 ing of it ordinarily. He doth the same work also in prayer, and ofttimes in other holy administrations. For this end, for a participation of this grace, of these mercies, do believers come to God by them. They use them as means to draw water from the well of sal- vation, and to receive in that spiritual sense of divine love, which God by themwill communicate. So Christ, by his word, knocks at the door of the heart ; if it be opened by faith, he cometh in, and sup peth with men, giving them a gracious refreshment, by the testimony of his own love, and the love of the Father. Rev. iii. 23. John xiv. 3. This believers look for in, and this they do, in various measures, re- ceive by the ordinances of divine worship. And al- though some, through their fears and temptations, are not sensible hereof, yet do theysecretly receive those blessed gracious supplies, whereby their souls are held in life, without which they would pine away and perish. So he dealeth with them. Cant. iv. 5, 6. These are the gardens and galleries of Christ, wherein he gives us of his love. Cant. vii. 12. Those who are humble and sincere, know how often their souls have been refreshed in them, and how long sometimes the impressions they have received of divinegrace and love have continued with them, to their unspeakable consolation. They remember what they have received in the opening and application of the exceeding great and precious promises that are given to them, where- by they are gradually more and more made partakers of the divine nature ; how many a time they have re- ceived light in darkness, refreshment under despon- dencies, relief in their conflicts with dangers and temptations, in and by them. For this cause do affec- tions that are spiritually renewed cleave to them. Who 25
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