254. THAT THOUSANDS, YEA, MYRIADS OF SPIRITS AND ANGELS CONCUR IN ONE HUMAN THOUGHT, ALL OF WHOM GOD MESSIAH DIRECTS AND DISPOSES This cannot but appear as a paradox to the man who supposes that a thought is simply one single thing, and not composed of myriads of things which form it. But it can be demonstrated from very many things in nature, as that for a single action thousands, yea, myriads of muscles and fibers and even the least fibers concur, from the brain even to the action itself. Similarly in all of nature, myriads of rays concur to the formation of one object; so likewise with plants, for their propagation. But that the like takes place in the case of man's thoughts and affections appears as a paradox, because the operation and influx of spirits and angels into human minds has not been confirmed by experience; but by the mercy of God Messiah, I can say from experience that thousands of spirits and angels concur in the production of a thought, although only some of them are near the man. I cannot set forth these experiences, save this only, that it has sometimes been shown to me visibly and sensibly as well. I have also perceived the operations obscurely, yet so distinctly to the apprehension that I am able to affirm it with certainty. I have perceived them in several ways and with alternations, both by sense and by a murmuring; but their situations and states were varied at the good-pleasure of God Messiah. Nor would this be wonderful to any learned person if he but rightly compare those things which are in nature, with those which must be in the heavens. 1747, Nov. 19, o.s. Like the spirit who spoke, and there was shown a bright cloud round about, in order that I might see to what extent he inflowed; also from the speech, etc.