Notwithstanding all that is said to me, my dear M., in opposition to my
state, I cannot have one doubt of its reality. There is within me an
inward testimony to the truth; so deep, that all the world could not
shake it. It is the work of God upon my heart, and partakes of his own
immutability. It seems to me that all the difficulties of theologians
concerning this state, arise from viewing it, not in the light of
divine truth and power, but in the light of the creature. It is true,
the creature, in itself, is only weakness and sin; but when it pleases
God to new-create the soul, and make it one with himself, it is then
transformed into the likeness of Christ.
Who will dare limit the power of God? Who will say that God, whose
love is infinite as it is free, cannot give such proofs of love as he
pleases, to his creatures? Has he not the right to love me as he does?
Yes, he loves me, and his love is _infinite_. I do not doubt it. And
he loves you, too, dear M., in the same manner. This is eternal love
manifested,--the heart of God drawn out,--_expressed_ towards his
creature.
In this state, we understand the mutual secrets of the Lover and the
beloved. Who will so deny the truth of the Lord, as to question this?
When I hold my beloved in my arms, in vain does one assert, "It is not
so,--I am deceived." I smile inwardly and say, "_My beloved is mine
and I am his!_" "If we receive the witness of men, how much greater is
the witness of God?"