That he could be so wicked as to be able to tempt the Messiah most deeply, I have wondered at within myself! But I have heard from heaven that because [the devil] was created into a state of perfection, and fell from it, such wickedness as was in him cannot ever be imagined; and because Adam had been infected by that wickedness, he was cast out of the paradise, and the way to the tree of life was put under guard [Gen. 3:24]; for he is able to corrupt every human being, except the Messiah Alone. But now he is kept in bonds; only his gang is let out, which is therefore meant by "the devil," as he is called. 1747, the 23rd day of September (old calendar).