Heavenly Doctrine (Tafel) n. 71

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71. The love of self is also of such a character, that in proportion as the reins are given to it, that is, as the outward bonds are removed, which consist in the fear of the law and its penalties, in the loss of reputation, honour, gain, office, and life, it rushes on headlong in such a fashion, that it not only desires to rule over the whole world, but also over heaven, yea over the very Divine; for there is no bound, and no end to it. All this lies concealed in every one who is in the love of self, although it does not appear in the [natural] world, in which he is restrained by the reins and outward bonds mentioned above. Moreover, when such a person encounters the impossible, he stops until the impossible becomes possible. It is on this account, that a man who is in such a love, is not aware that he harbours secretly in himself such an insane and immoderate lust. That this, however, is actually the case, every one may see from those who wield power, and from kings, for whom no such bridles, outward bonds and impossibilities exist, and who, so long as they are crowned with success, rush on, and subjugate provinces and kingdoms, and aspire to unlimited power and glory. Such is still more the case with those who push their rule into heaven, and transfer to themselves the Divine power of the Lord, and constantly crave to go even beyond this.


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