377. 7776. ....[Is. 26: verse] 13. As for the "other lords," they have dominion when God the Messiah slackens the reins; but they have dominion only to the extent that the reins are slackened, and not one whit beyond that, as I am able to affirm and testify from such manifold experience, that it would fill up many pages. I was allowed to observe the very intervals of their domination, and how they were unable to go the least step further, as even the evil spirits could observe. In fact, I have spoken with them many times about this same matter, for it has been granted me, by the Divine mercy of God the Messiah, to speak without any danger with spirits of diverse characters who had been given the power to operate in, and as it were to dominate [me]. I could tell very many things well worth recording that sometimes happened on these occasions, but for the time being it is enough to say that they persuade themselves that they are acting on their own power, and thus think they are in control of themselves. And they are held in this opinion for several reasons, for such spirits do not want to be convinced to the contrary. Yet I can solemnly swear that they have not the least particle of power, but are only instrumental means, employed so that people may be punished, tempted, and thereby reformed; for without these spirits as instruments, man cannot be reformed by temptations. In fact, they then swallow up a person's evils, for they carry the evils away in themselves, etc. etc. [Evil; Permission; Power] That God the Messiah does all works, is said in verse 12; and here, that "by Him Alone they make mention of His Name," that is, call upon His Name. For no one can call upon the Lord except through God the Messiah, etc.