From a great deal of experience, I have learned that the worst of all spirits in the last Heaven are those who in the world were called Christians. Most of them have no belief, but attack and hold in hatred everything having to do with true religion and, unwilling to be taught, persistently trample them under foot. They are so terribly cunning, and contrive such strategems in opposition to the Lord,* and against faith in Jesus, and against believers, that one cannot be amazed enough. And that [wickedness] stays rooted in their disposition and character, for then they live from their own character, and when abandoned to that, are like furies. Mohammedans are really extremely surprised about this, who themselves are easily taught, and allow themselves to be guided, and easily receive the faith. After Christians come the Jews, as well as those who had worshipped Abraham as God, the latter also being quite deceitful. The gentlest of all are the Africans, about whom see above [432, 453]. 1748, the 15th day of January. * A.W. Acton, p. 142, footnotes: "With the exception of the reference in no. 258 to 'the prayer of our Lord,' this is the first occurrence of the word 'Dominus' (Lord), instead of 'Deus Messias' (God Messiah). In the next few numbers the term 'God Messiah' occurs, but after this only 'the Lord'" This is not quite accurate, see 1122.