so great, that when, as I may say, they have known as much on earth
as is possible for them to know; (that is by ordinary means) he
has come down to them in visions and revelations; or else taken
them up to him for an hour or two into paradise, that they might
know, and then let them down again.

But this is not all, There is a knowledge of the love of Christ,
that we are by no means capable of until we be possessed of the
heavens. And I would know, if a man indeed loveth Christ, whether
the belief of this be not one of the highest arguments that can
be urged, to make such an one weary of this world, that he may be
with him. To such an one, "to live is Christ, and to die is gain"
(Phil 1:21-23). And to such an one, it is difficult to bring
his mind to be content to stay here a longer time; except he be
satisfied that Christ has still work for him here to do.

I will yet add, There is a love of Christ, I will not say, that
cannot be known, but I will say, that cannot be enjoyed; no, not
by them now in heaven (in soul) until the day of judgment. And the
knowledge of this, when it has possessed even men on earth, has
made them choose a day of judgment, before a day of death, that
they might know what is beyond that state and knowledge which
even the spirits of just men made perfect, now do enjoy in heaven
(2 Cor 5:4). Wherefore, as I said at first, To know the love of
Christ that passeth knowledge, is advantageous upon this account;
it begetteth in Christians a great desire to reach, and press
forward to that which is before.

One thing more, and then, as to this reason, I have done. Even that
love of Christ that is absolutely unknowable, as to the utmost