It certainly becomes us to humble ourselves before him, if we expect his return unto us. Be often reflecting upon the loss you have had. Consider the sickly condition your souls have been in, whilst the Spirit was withdrawn from you. Let it be your daily concern to beg of God, that he would keep your hearts, your affections, quicken your souls, and not leave you to coldness and formality. Take you words, and turn to the Lord.
Prayer suits all cases, and is never to be neglected.
Often make use of your covenant relation to God, in pleading with him, and with your own souls. The person that sent in the case under consideration does not appear to doubt of his being a Christian. In answer to this, in general, observe So long as you find your viewing and your pleading your covenant relation quickens you, humbles you, sets you against all sin, and tends to fill you with love to Jesus and his service, look upon this as an evidence of your interest in the covenant. Plead therefore, my friends, this covenant relation to God, if you would have it better with your souls, and be in such a frame as to maintain communion with God. Plead it with God.