2872. Evil spirits continually attack-in various ways, by tricks, cunning, malice, recklessness-the good, and matters of true faith. Good spirits do not attack except in self-defense, as I have constantly observed. Evil spirits who were casting shadow and contempt on the things that were being written and were questioned whether they could stop attacking, said "no," so they were told that if their own nature is let loose in them, they cannot stop, but if they are kept in restraints, they can. They do not want to admit this, even though they rightly know it is the case. In short, as soon as the restraint is relaxed they rush to all their deceptions, cunning, malice, cruelty and abominations, to the extent that they are let loose. This it was granted me to learn by much experience. 1748, Aug.