886. Moreover, I have observed that while souls are held in a universal state, they think almost nothing, and generals are regarded without a distinct idea, almost as men do when they seem to themselves to be thinking nothing. Nevertheless, this general speculation, as it were, has its own determinations, and thus variations, which are not recognized by the man, but still are recognized in heaven. But I could observe - and it was also confirmed by spirits - that in this state a soul cannot be reformed in respect to his externals, before he is reduced into a state determined to ideas familiar to him, or to those prevailing with him during his life; then for the first time can those things which are conducive [to his welfare] be insinuated and fixed.