372. 7693. [Is. 16:] verse 12. "When Moab sees himself so completely conquered that he is wearied upon his high place" (for being an idolater, he sacrificed upon high places), "then he will come to the Sanctuary to pray or to implore, but he will not be able." This is what happens to those who convince themselves very deeply, even to the point of taking on principles from which they cannot afterwards go back. When proven wrong, being wearied by the truth, they wish to pray, but because the nature they have acquired from their principles resists this, they cannot. This is clear from much evidence, which I cannot publish - that is, that those who have been steeped in principles and have derived a nature from them, so that they are steeped in love of self, and from that in self-righteousness, cannot pray even if they want to. Outside of themselves they see the truth, but within them there is something that fights against it. [Prayer] 7743. ....[Is. 22:] verse 19. This follows from the same cause, and in agreement with the prediction, namely, that he will be pulled down and cast out, which is meant by "pulling him down from his position."