244. THE DELIVERANCE OF THE BOUND FROM THE PIT, IS LIKE UNTO A WOMAN IN LABOR WHEN THE FOETUS COMES TO THE MOUTH OF THE WOMB It is a heavenly arcanum concerning which I have sometimes been instructed, that those who were bound in the pit, or vastated, of whom the prophets so frequently speak, are not liberated therefrom until the punishment or vastation has been consummated. When this is ended the deliverance resembles that of a woman in labor in this respect, that there is a certain necessity which can no longer be resisted, which urges that they should struggle forth, and thus be delivered from bondage and set at liberty. But here very many things occur respecting the condition of those who are being vastated or punished, according to the vastation and punishment, according to the state of liberty for which they are striving, and according to the modes by which they are being liberated; these things would fill many pages, but nevertheless, I imagine, would never increase belief. Heavenly states are such that if they were explained to man they would not be believed but would drive him to madness, on account of the incredulity of those who are unwilling to believe anything except what they understand: and as they cannot understand the natural causes nearest to their senses, how can they understand spiritual and celestial things so remote, yea most remote from the senses, by which nevertheless they want to explore them. 1747, Nov. 12, o.s.