4329. There are some who had been dignitaries in the world who undergo such punishments, and this quite frequently, and thereby finally, after many torments, become fearful and horrified, and upon remembering which, they abstain. These are the result of punishments, but they are outer restraints, while inner restraints pertain to the conscience, by which they cannot be tormented, because they have no conscience. 1749, 19 July. 1
Footnotes:
1. Astrological symbol of Mercury, meaning Wednesday.
4329. There are some who were of high eminence in the world who undergo these punishments, and that very frequently, till they at length, after many tortures, contract fears and horrors which being recalled they abstain; this is effected by the punishments. But these are external bonds; internal bonds are those of conscience, by which they cannot be tormented, because they have no conscience. - 1749, July 19.
4329. Sunt qui multae dignitatis in mundo subeunt tales poenas, et admodum frequenter, et sic demum post plures vexationes contrahunt timores et horrores, qui dein cum revocantur, abstinent, haec faciunt poenae; sed sunt vincula externa, vincula interna sunt conscientiae, per quae cruciari nequeunt, quia nulla iis conscientia. 1749, 19 Julius.