During a persistent persecution by inward spirits, when I seemed to be resisting their attempts [2889], a horse appeared, which was galloping toward the left side, where they were, and in galloping it stretched out as a horse does, lengthening as it progressed so that the [whole] space was a horse, so to speak. Then something appeared that suggested the thought that it was the Lord, although it was a different indescribable image, shining around the shoulders, as if flaming at the shoulders. The thought was imparted to me that such a horse is a sign that those among them who are upright spirits, thus possessing understanding, were being separated from the evil ones; and the shining image a sign that those who were good guardian spirits, possessing good feelings, were being separated. For that gang was to be dispelled, and lest the upright should be among them, they were being separated thence. For these inward spirits and demons can easily lead the upright astray so that they do not know that they are not of the same character, for such is their communication and infection. They take away from the upright all their ability, so to speak, of seeing and feeling differently than themselves, for this is how they work, as is clear to me from much experience. 1748, 23 Aug.