60. * are to such a degree merely instrumental means, that they themselves do not know what they are about to say until they are speaking or have spoken. They only understand the things after they have been uttered, and it appears to them at that very moment that they themselves are speaking. Such is the state of spirits properly so called. But there exist different grades of spirits, which here it is not the place to discuss. [Understand; Speak; Prophet] [See WE 2824-32, concluding the explanation of Gen.48:16, especially 2824-25.]
[See WE 2962-70, explaining Gen 49:17-18.] 2971. Since, therefore, this is so dangerous, namely, by means of natural sciences to search out and investigate spiritual and heavenly matters, it has been granted me, by the mercy of God the Messiah, to venture to do this, not from
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