I was informed that when it is outer bonds that restrain a spirit, such as respectability, shame, fear, various desires, that then it is such spirits that are associated with him, holding him in those restraints. But when they are taken away, he rushes about like an insane person devoid of outer bonds; thus also, reason is taken away from such spirits, for then they have no reason, but act from nature. 1748, 14 Sept.

3159. About those who relate to the general sensation

Spirits came above me at some height and breadth, sounding like many together, and as it seemed to me having no specific mental image, but a general one of all together. I supposed that not anything distinct was to be perceived from them, but an unclear and vague generalness, as usual. Yet they still spoke with me through other spirits that were joined to them, so there was a sound whose mental images I was able to perceive, for such a generalness could not fall into the images of speech except through others who are like them. That they were thinking something general belonging to all together, I saw clearly from so many things together, and almost innumerable things coming up unclearly into my thought. I spoke with them in the way I have told, saying that such generalities cannot have a distinct mental image of any specific thing, as is usual in general