All things in my previous life have been governed by the Lord. This was plain to me from the things brought out regarding my earlier life, but even more plainly from him who was discussed above [3135-41, 3149-50, 3153], who was the most foolhardy of all. The governance of his life was examined, who, if he had not been held back to almost the same degree by outer restraints on account of outstanding fame and glory of his name above others, he would have become excremental beyond others, for only this restraint was such, so he was led by the Lord. This was shown, seen, confirmed by angels. It was likewise shown today, as I was able to discern clearly by a spiritual mental image: if he had not been restrained in this way from the love of women, also from intoxicating drink, so that he drank simple water, then he would have so fallen as to turn out the most excremental. 1748, 16 Sept.