It would get forth from the reproach and contradiction of the World by a
conformity to the passion of Jesus Christ; and from the sorrows and
pains in the flesh, which are only the effects of some sensible
impression of things without, by a quiet introversion of the spirit and
secret communion with the Deity manifesting itself for that end. It
would penetrate into itself; it would sink into the great love of God;
it would be sustained and refreshed by the most sweet name _Jesus_, and
it would see and find within itself a new world springing forth, as
through the anger of God, into the joy and love eternal. And then should
a man wrap his soul in this, even in the great Love of God, and clothe
himself therewith as with a garment; and should account thence all
things alike; because in the Creature he finds nothing that can give
him, without God, the least satisfaction, and because also nothing of
harm can touch him more while he remains in this Love. For this Love is
indeed stronger than all things, and makes a man invulnerable both from
within and without, by taking out the sting and poison of the Creature,
and destroying the power of death. And whether the body be in hell or on
earth, all is alike to him; for whether it be there or here, his mind is
still in the greatest Love of God; which is no less than to say that he
is in heaven.