2715. Moreover, this also is a truth, that outer things are ruled by inner ones, otherwise they cannot be controlled. And this is done by an order of succession from the first or inward regions. Since, therefore, the outer things are so perverse and inverted that they no longer let themselves be controlled, and are so rooted in human nature and then transplanted into posterity, it follows that such people, or such natures, do not let themselves, because they cannot, be controlled by an order of succession from the first or inward regions one after another, but that the reins have been so to speak let loose, and they are running wild, without a leader and without order. So there are other restraints, called external bonds, by which the Lord governs them, such as the fear of the loss of their life, of their wealth, of their honors and dignities, of their reputation, of punishments by the law, and the like, by which the person is finally controlled by the Lord-and thus not by internal restraints, called the bonds of conscience, consequently not by faith and its bonds, namely, the fear of punishment, the fear of evil, the love of truth and goodness.