1741. In short, insanities-or one could say, delusions-prevail among all those who constitute the outer human parts. For it is the nature of outer parts to labor against the inner ones, yet to be kept in their proper connection and order by the inner ones. However, they do not like to seem to themselves to be controlled by inner parts, but by themselves. Such insane delusions are rampant, arising from numerous causes; and so, as long as people suffer them, they constitute those outer parts, especially skins and membranes, which act against the inner parts. From this our earth, the greatest number are such spirits; for now our world is engrossed in outer concerns, which almost rule over the inner ones, and to the extent that they do dominate, they are tormented in the other life, even until those delusions are tempered so as to establish an equilibrium. Nor are spirits before this allowed to function as membranes, but remain outside of and below the grand body, that is, in the earth of lower spirits and in various parts of hell, from where they are taken out and raised up to constitute those parts. There, because they are also subjected to very many disturbances while being perfected, they are moved still further inside, thus into heaven. For all membranes become more perfect, the more deeply one goes within them. Actually, there is nothing in the human body that does not consist of membranes. Organic forms consist of them, which are actuated by the blood and the spirit. These in turn are organic forms, but active ones in respect to the others, yet still having nothing of life that is not from the Lord. The active elements of life are called heavenly, the passive elements of life spiritual; and just as heavenly elements, which are love, ought to rule spiritual ones, and not spiritual elements heavenly ones, so these elements are arranged accordingly in the body. But while the nature of the influence of one element upon the other can certainly be elucidated by the body's organic structures, yet because of the vastness of the subject, it can never be understood except along most general lines, insofar as these can help develop mental images, which the Lord will enrich and vivify, depending on the use and purpose [they can serve]. 1748, 27 March.