"Where do we draw near to God?
"Answer: In the use of His ordinances. In the word we draw near to His Holy Oracle; in the sacrament we draw near to His table. In the one we hear His voice; in the other we have His kiss. Besides, we also in a special manner draw near to God in prayer. Prayer is the soul's private converse and fellowship with God. Prayer whispers in God's ears, Psalm 18:6: 'My prayer came before Him, even into His ears.' In prayer we draw so near to God that we 'take hold of Him,' (Isaiah 64:7). God draws near to us by His Spirit, and we draw near to Him in prayer.
"The 'modus,' or manner of our drawing near to God. God's special res-
idence is in Heaven and we draw near to God, not by the feet of our bodies, but with our souls. The affections are the feet of the soul; by these we move towards God. David drew near to God in his desires, Psalm 73:25: 'There is none upon earth that I desire beside You.' He did shoot his heart into Heaven by pious prayers. Spirits may have fel-
lowship at a distance."
