Just now I was inspired to realize that one who loves willingly permits [those loved] to be chastened [cf. Rev. 3:19], which is done by a befitting kind of torment and a certain despair. For at the time I constantly kept my mind on the improvement and happiness that follows chastening, so that the purpose was in my mind, and I knew for certain that they would be liberated. 1748, 28 Aug.