Our want (lack) of experience in the power of this holy intercourse and
communion with Christ ariseth principally from our defect in this duty. I
have known one who, after a long profession of faith and holiness, fell
into great darkness and distress merely on this account, that he did
not experience in himself the sweetness, life, and power, of the
testimonies given concerning the real communications of the love of
Christ unto, and the intimation of his presence with, believers. He knew
well enough the doctrine of it, but did not feel the power of it; at
least he understood there was more in it than he had experience of. God
carried him by faith through that darkness, but taught him withal that
no sense of these things was to be let in to the soul but by constant
thoughtfulness and contemplations on Christ. How many blessed visits do
we lose by not being exercised unto this duty! See Song of Solomon
5:1-3. Sometimes we are busy, sometimes careless and negligent,
sometimes slothful, sometimes under the power of temptations, so that we
neither inquire after nor are ready to receive them. This is not the
way to have our joys abound.
- John Owen (The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded, Chapter 7)
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