3388. I spoke with them about persuasion, saying that it is of such a nature that when a person has become convinced that something evil is good, or something false is true, that when hearing others he or she may pay close attention and then seem to themselves to be convinced by well connected arguments and eloquent speaking in a moving tone of voice, nevertheless when it is over, they know nothing that has been said, only praising him for speaking well-like those in congregations who praise the sermon year after year, and yet, because they are steeped in persuasion of evil and falsity, their life does not improve at all, nor do they know anything whatever that has been said. 1748, 27 Sept.