18. 1396. Without the Messiah, the human race would no longer be a human race, but bestial and viler than the wild animal; and, having been dismembered by the Devil Himself, would have been tossed to the wild animals of this earth. They would have been torn to pieces, and there would never again appear anything human. This is a truth so obvious that it should never be called into doubt. From my point of view, having had so many visions and having examined the nature of so many evil spirits that have encompassed me time after time, I am obliged to conclude for certain that if the Messiah should relax His control the least bit, mankind would immediately be cast headlong to its destruction, etc. It could never again be human. See the accounts given below.* If I were to recount all those particulars, it would fill many pages, even sheets;** and indeed, they would be nothing but pure experiences, not just theories. [Lord; Mankind (Man); Universe] [See also WE 1397-99, concluding the explanation of Gen. 32:9.] * The reference here is probably to SE 27; see the heading entitled "The 'missing numbers'" in the Preface to the Second Latin Edition. ** A sheet or "membrana" = 4 folio pages.