148 1/2. Evil spirits, especially those who trust in themselves and attribute everything to their own prudence, inspire affections together with persuasion; for there is nothing that they do not arrogate to themselves, thinking themselves to be the wisest of men. Their wisdom, however, is insanity, and they themselves are utterly insane, because wisdom is known from its end, and they lead themselves to an end which is hell. (Finis, Infernum, Insania, Persuasio, Sapientia.)

148 1/3. Evil spirits especially wish to be the Holy Spirit, and think that without them God Messiah can do nothing. But it was asked, From whom do [such holy spirits] proceed? Was it not from some god of the gentiles? From Baal? Or some other god? (Dii, Sanctum, Spiritus).

[The following statements are found at the beginning of Codex 6, the first two at the bottom of the inside of the cover, and the third at the top of the page opposite. They are inserted here for the reasons given in the Special Preface.]* The speech of the Ancient Church was like an earthly paradise from which they perceived the heavenly. The speech of the Prophets was similar, for by means of the things that are read there spiritual and heavenly things are to be understood. But in process of time this heavenly paradise was changed into what was merely worldly and earthly. By the Advent of God Messiah the gate from the earthly paradise to the heavenly was opened, and at His Advent into glory, that gate is again to be opened.** In one who is to be regenerated intellectual things precede; in one who is regenerated voluntary things precede. Man is formed from the world by means of cupidities, and [he enters] into intellectual things therefrom; but he is reformed by means of intellectual things, so that the will may be reformed. This is effected by means of intellectual things, and at the same time by means of heavenly things which enter intellectual things. Hence comes charity, and hence a man's disposition. 1747, 7th August, old style: A change of state in me, into the heavenly kingdom, in an image. * For a transcript of the Latin, see at the end of this volume, p. 418. Codex 6 (Index Biblicus, vol. 1), clearly showing the position of these statements, has been reproduced in vol. IV of the Phototype Edition of Swedenborg's MSS. at p. 356. They are also reproduced less perfectly at p. 1164 of vol. X of the Photolithographed Edition. ** Crossed off: "1747".