317. CONCERNING THE PERMISSION GIVEN TO SPIRITS OF BRINGING EVILS UPON MEN AND SOULS By the mercy of God Messiah it was also granted me to perceive to some extent, how permissions are brought about: [namely], how evil spirits can bring evils upon men and souls, indeed falsities as to doctrine and evils as to life, and thus pervert them. For everyone is led according to his nature which is evil inrooted from heredity and multiplied by being made actual; and while the man is being carried along hereby, if he were then turned in another direction, it would be to break him, and thus to bring spiritual evil upon him. Thus there are spirits of a similar nature and cupidity who desire this; wherefore they then bring about that which is called permission. But here so many arcana come together that it cannot be told in a few words. 1747, Dec. 8.