1205. Societies sometimes compete for a person's thoughts,
that is, good societies, and evil ones
I learned today by actual experience how heavenly societies were competing for my thoughts. Spirits worrying about bodily concerns were on the outside, a little overhead, trying to create thoughts and desires from everything that confronted my senses. Sometimes they reach out for everything they see.
A good society within were obviously trying to draw me toward themselves. I felt the pull. Meanwhile they spoke about whether they would win out. 1748, 7 March.
1205. THAT SOCIETIES, NAMELY THE GOOD AND THE EVIL, SOMETIMES CONTEND RESPECTING THE THOUGHTS OF MAN
I have found today by living experience, how heavenly societies contended respecting my thoughts. The spirits who care for corporeal things were outside me, a line above the head, and they wanted to form my thoughts and cupidities from every object of sensation; sometimes they long for whatever they see. A good society within me wanted manifestly to draw me to itself; I perceived the attraction. In the meantime, also, they spoke as to whether they would obtain [the victory]. 1748, Mar. 7.
1205. Quod societates quandoque de hominis cogitationibus certant, nempe bonae, et malae
Expertus hodie viva experientia sum, quomodo societates coelestes certarent de cogitationibus meis, spiritus qui corporea curant, extus erant, aliquantum supra caput, et ex quolibet objecto sensus, cogitationes et cupiditates formare volebant, appetunt quandoque quicquid vident; bona societas intus me ad semet manifeste trahere volebant, percepi attractionem, tum interea loquuti sunt, num obtinerent. 1748, 7 Martius.