4758. [4784] CONCERNING MISFORTUNES AND FORTUNE, AND CONCERNING ACCIDENTAL CIRCUMSTANCES, WHENCE THEY ARE. INFLUX. There were certain spirits, who sent forth a sphere of misfortune, namely, by calling forth such spirits as wished to destroy, or, rather, [they produced] such a sphere among spirits. Then befell misfortunes, which were not foreseen by them; and, because they have employed that art, they were also punished. Hence it was evident whence misfortunes, and unforeseen events which are considered accidents, arise, namely, that they are from spirits who continually attempt to destroy man, thus, from their endeavor [to destroy him]. Hence, also, it was granted to know whence fortune is, especially that which tends to the salvation of man, namely, from the continual will of the Lord that it should be well with man and that he should be saved, and that that sphere itself, by means of angels, should contribute thereto. Unforeseen misfortunes are nothing else than the perpetual efforts of evil spirits; and this, because unforeseen goods exist from the Lord. This [I know] from experience: it appears incredible; but yet it is the case.