2283. There are besides prophetical influences different from these, namely that leave the persons completely in control of themselves, with their own thinking, just as at other times, the only difference being that spirits speak with them, and when they are ordered to do certain things, to make certain gestures, as the true prophets were commanded to do-like building walls, or attacking, and such things spoken of here and there in the Word-these influences occur by way of an inner conviction, namely, that one is so commanded by the Lord. When there is this conviction, one cannot possibly resist because one is convinced that the Lord has commanded it, and therefore one does it, as if from oneself. I have been taught this several times by actual experience, and I know for certain that it is really the case.

Written in the presence of spirits. 1748, 10 June.