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How (My) Writings Seem to Be Received by People

I spoke with spirits about how my writings concerning these things seem to be received when they become public. For evil spirits sometimes instilled [the idea] that no one would perceive these things, but that people would reject them. Now while in the street and talking with spirits, I was given to perceive that there are five kinds of reception: First, those who wholly reject, who are of another persuasion, and who are enemies of the faith. These reject; for it cannot be received by them, since it cannot penetrate their minds. Another class, who can receive these things as facts and are delighted with them as facts, and as curious things. A third class, which receives, intellectually, so that they receive with sufficient alacrity, but still remain in respect to life as the had before. A fourth class receives persuasively, so that it penetrates to the improvement of their lives. They return to these in certain states, and make use of them. A fifth class, who receive with joy, and are confirmed.-1748, August 27. (Spiritual Experiences 2955)