3115. so that he may say, that he cannot be led differently, but that such a leading is the best [per optima] unless he perceives otherwise that hence [comes] the greater evil to him, or evil and not good. Wherefore Infinite Power which sees each and all things at once, and the future as present, can so dispose; and inasmuch as he is able, does also dispose; for the leading [of man] and the bending of evil, that continually tends to worse and worse, may be understood [by this], that he who is evil desires [to proceed] into the worst, by thus wishing to lead himself: but that the Lord bends [him] to less evil and as little as is ever possible. In a word all the moments of life are necessities, because man is of such a nature, that he continually desires and aims to precipitate himself into the worst evil. - 1748, September 10....