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Doo. 208.] HIS SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE IN 1743. 147
some of his remarkable dreams, a practice which he seems
to have continued till 1740. As the record of these dreams
is, however, unfortunately lost, we cannot tell whether he was
as early as 1736, " informed " by his dreams "concerning the
things which he was writing." The next spiritual manifestation,
in point of time, was the appearance of "fiery lights" mentioned
in the footnote on p. 145, which we are able to trace back as
far as 1740; for the article on " corpuscular philosophy," the
truth of which Swedenborg declares was confirmed to him by
"a sign," was written in the early part of 1740, as is proved
by the dates affixed to the various excerpts and observations
contained in the volume from which the article is taken.
The next record of Swedenborg’s spiritual experiences con
sists of the memoranda constituting the present Document. In
these the general contents of some dreams which he had in
the month of December, 1743, are given, together with some
references to his mental states and tribulations at that time.
He began a minute account of his dreams on March 24, 1744,
and of these dreams we know that "he learned in part their
signification ;" and that by them "he was informed of the things
concerning which he was writing." These dreams alternating
with minute descriptions of his mental states and temptations,
and indications of his whereabouts during that time constitute
Document 209.
This most important period of his life will be found more
fully discussed in Note 168 treating of "the date of the open
ing of Swedenborg’s spiritual sight."
After these preliminary explanations we direct the attention
of our readers to the text of Document 208.
1. [December].*-[I dreamt] of my youth and of the
Gustavian family.
?
2. Of Venice and the beautiful palace.
3. Of Sweden and the white clouds in heaven.
4. Of Leipzig, and the one who lay in boiling water.
5. Of him who plunged with a chain into the deep.
6. Of the king who gave something so precious in a
peasant’s hut.
* See Note 163.
L
10*
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