198. THAT ALL SPIRITS AND MEN ARE HELD IN BONDS What I have frequently observed is that all spirits are held in bonds, namely, in such bonds as restrain them from bursting forth into lusts and cupidities, the bonds of one species of spirits being different from those of another; and so far as they are allowed they rush headlong, and unless they were held in suitable bonds by God Messiah it would be beyond measure. The angels would also do likewise, for every one of them like man, is radically evil. Today I also found that one spirit, when his bond was relaxed, flew on high and desired to go higher still, and if he had been allowed to fly according to his inclination, I have no doubt that he would have burst or fallen to nothing; for if license be granted a spirit to burst forth according to the impetuosity of his lust, he, like man, does not desist from the heat of his cupidity until he is broken. 1747, Sept. 5, o.s.