Spiritual Experiences (Buss) n. 355

Previous Number Next Number Next Translation See Latin 

355. CONCERNING THE FORM OF SPIRITS Spirits perceive no otherwise than that they are in the human figure, thus that they are in a body with skin, bones and blood, when nevertheless it was shown them that they cannot retain those things which are of no use; as they suppose that they have hair, that they have feet upon which they stand, and many other things, whence it would follow that they also have viscera, such as belly, intestines, bladder and the like, for which, nevertheless, they have no need. When they hear these things they indeed perceive that they have no need of them, but still [suppose] that they retain the figure - if not the internal, still the external; and indeed they retain from the world a shame of nakedness and therefore suppose that they are clothed with garments, for they suppose it disgraceful to appear naked. But of what quality is this form properly is indeed unknown; but it can be concluded in some measure from the least organs of the brain, where are the beginnings of the form of the body; that they are forms not dissimilar to them, but that they can still be restored into a form similar to the human, as often as they direct their mind to it by thoughts. 1747, Dec. 15.


This page is part of the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg

© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church