2306. I have sometimes been surprised, as were the spirits also, when mental images of this kind occur, which are mere fantasies- and fantasies having the same effect on them as the senses themselves in the body. Not only do they seem to themselves to undergo pain and numerous other sensations, but they actually feel them, so that their fantasies have an effect felt as real or sensate. For this reason they could not understand why they could be called fantasies when they are really felt by the senses. But it is a fact that their fantasies do have this real effect, because it is in their nature to believe them. But when they accept faith in the Lord, then they receive as a gift the ability to put them aside, and to be led to believe they are fantasies, so then they are removed by the Lord-not so before this, unless by some miraculous method. 1749, 12 June.