388. THOSE WHO ALONE WISH TO POSSESS WORLDLY THINGS, AND THEREBY TO EXCLUDE ALL OTHERS, ARE AT LENGTH REJECTED FROM HEAVEN For those who are such that they desire to possess all things on the earth and in the world, and hate others in comparison with themselves, and condemn them as those who should be accounted as the mire of the streets, there remains a contrary lot. At first they seem to themselves to dwell in the highest places of heaven, and indeed, to enjoy, like others, the highest degree of pleasure; so they look down upon all as of no account far beneath their feet. But a like lot awaits them, namely, they are cast down and become the lowest; and they are brought low to the same degree as they had held others in hatred: for the love of all is heavenly and Divine. 1747, Dec. 24.