559. Again, love of self is such that so far as the reins are given it, that is, so far as external bonds are removed, which are fears of the law and its penalties, and of the loss of reputation, honour, gain, employment, and life, so far it rushes on until it finally wants to rule not only over the whole terrestrial globe but also over the entire heaven, and over the Divine Himself; knowing no limit or end. This propensity lurks hidden in everyone who is in the love of self; although it is not manifest to the world, where he is held in check by such bonds as have been mentioned. That this is so, no one can fail to see in the case of potentates and kings who have no such restraints and bonds, but rush on and subjugate provinces and kingdoms so far as they are successful, and aspire to power and glory without limit. It is still more strikingly evident from the Babylon of this day, which has extended its dominion into heaven, and has transferred to itself all the Divine power of the Lord, and continually lusts for more. That such men, when after death they come into the other life, are directly opposed to the Divine and to heaven, and are on the side of hell, can be seen in the little work on THE LAST JUDGMENT AND THE DESTRUCTION OF BABYLON.