4744. [4751] CONCERNING FEAR AND MISFORTUNE THENCE. There were spirits of the female sex, who were good, and had something of innocence, but were timid when any evil befell them; they feared they would be hurt. Such fear was continually experienced by them - as was given to know by this, that when [the misfortunes] were removed, the fear was at once dissipated, and, [which is wonderful] those who continually attempted to introduce the evil, were also removed at the same time. The reason that fear has this in itself was told me: namely, that it diffuses itself thence into the souls of those who are near and conjoined by some affection, and, when there is fear, then are those immediately present, who wished to bring evil about, and who also do bring it about; and that many misfortunes are from this source, some from intention, some not from intention but from a sphere of intention or malice which diffuses itself, and effects misfortunes, with those who, for very many reasons, are to undergo such things. It was shown, also, that many misfortunes are thence. But these things are not at present [known to be] of such a character, without much experience, so that thence there may be some rule [to guide the judgment].