This is no time to be disheartened. When the sinful lusts rebel, leave
them to their disorderly cravings. Let them cry, as a child from whom
we take away a dangerous yet pleasing toy. Strengthen yourself for
crosses and humiliations. You will soon be made alive in Jesus Christ.
The extraordinary peace you have tasted, is the commencement of the
resurrection-life. This peace is not invariable, because the new life
is given little by little, yet, I assure you, it will soon fill your
whole soul. As God has rapidly advanced inward death, and caused you
to run, with a giant step, in the way of self-crucifixion, and this,
notwithstanding all the oppositions of the carnal man, he will also
thus rapidly advance the resurrection.
The loss, of all things of the earthly life, which follows the
resuscitated life, will be deep and extended. The death and burial
which precede the resurrection, cannot compare with that total loss,
which follows the resuscitated life. This is something different, and
in a new state. You will arise from the sepulchre, as the Spouse of
the Beloved.
All is consumed in myself, not in the ordinary way, but in a total
loss; so that there remains nothing which can be named or known. It
seems to me, the death of self is carried almost to infinity, it makes
so many unknown steps. Since this morning, this unworthy creature
experiences a still greater reduction of self than ever before. Die,
live; lose yourself, and find yourself again; then you will have
experience of this state.