646. Moreover, there exists nothing whatever affecting the senses, whether it be outward or inward, which they do not strive to reproduce. They imitate whatever they see and feel, and counterfeit it as if it were real, when yet it is only the outer [appearance], and artificial. Therefore it requires the highest degree of good judgment to tell apart what is true and what is counterfeit; nor can these ever be distinguished except through belief in the Lord, and thus by the Lord, Who gives the ability to discern. The same is true in the life of the body when such demons are present and try to lead people on earth astray. 1748, 5 February.