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.

DISCIPLE

But how would a man's body be maintained in the World; or how would he
be able to maintain those who are his, if he should by such a
conversation incur the displeasure of all the World?

MASTER

Such a man gets greater favours than the world is able to bestow upon
him: he hath God for his friend; he hath all the Angels for his friends.
In all dangers and necessities these protect and relieve him; so that he
need fear no manner of evil; no creature can hurt him. God is his
helper, and that is sufficient. Also God is his blessing in everything.
And though sometimes it may seem as if God would not bless him, yet is
this but for a trial to him, and for the attraction of the Divine Love,
to the end he may more fervently pray to God, and commit all his ways
unto him.

DISCIPLE

He loses, however, by this all his good friends, and there will be none
to help him in his necessity.

MASTER

Nay, but he gets the hearts of all his good friends into his possession,
and loses none but his enemies, who before loved his vanity and
wickedness.

DISCIPLE

How is it that he can get his good friends into his possession?

MASTER

He gets the very hearts and souls of all those that belong to our Lord
Jesus to be his brethren, an