5245. Feelings bring about convictions, so that the mind believes to be true, and absolutely true, whatever moves it in regard to earthly matters. Enlightened knowledge, though, and resulting convictions in truly spiritual and heavenly matters, prepare the mind for the reception of heavenly feelings. This is demonstrated by many things, including my daily experience, of which some went unnoticed at the time, and some was noticed. But everyone can prove it to himself by common sense, and even by experience. But a person rarely pays attention to this experience, because he or she is too taken up with earthly feelings, and unless these are removed, heavenly feelings never come to light. Yet when they are acknowledged to exist because of being told about, then they do appear in shadow, but this appearance is not so convincing as to actually bring on those feelings. For this reason, in order first to dispel those hatreds, i.e. the loves of self and of the world, God the Messiah makes use of other means - especially misfortunes, afflictions, temptations, etc. etc.* [See WE 5246-49, concluding the general explanation of Exod. 30:17-21.] [See WE 5276-87, explaining Exod. 32:1-35 in general, and 5288-5291, explaining verse 1 in particular.] * In the original, this portion of the text 193 is emphasized by the word "Obs." written seven times in the margin.