Journal of Dreams · §§ 211–240

211. From what followed and from other things I perceive that this signified that I am going to discover truths concerning the internal sensations, but as it were on the back, and obscurely as to their front; because before this happened it seemed as if I were told that it was an announcement in regard to that in which I have hitherto worked; afterwards also it appeared to me that I went to exchange my poor stivers for better coin, and then a little gold was given to me, although there was some copper at the side of it.

212. July 3-4

It was with a special particular tenderness that I was it were said farewell to her [i.e. the former work], kissing her, when another appeared a little distance. The effect was that while in a wakeful state I was in a continual burning of love. Nevertheless it was said, and regrets were expressed, that it was not better understood. This signifies that I have now finished writing on the senses in general, and on the operation of the interior faculties, which cannot be comprehended in the form that has been sketched out; and that I now approach the second part, which is the brain.

213. July 7-8

I saw how everything in an oblong globe concentrated itself upwards in the highest part of the globe, while in the lowest part there was as it were a tongue, which afterwards was spread out. It signifies, as I believe, that the inmost was a sanctuary and as a centre of the globe beneath, and that such things as are indicated by the tongue must as to a great part be considered. I believe that I am destined for this, as was infallibly the signification of the “sanctuary” that I had to do with. This is confirmed by the fact that all the objects of the sciences are represented to me by means of women; as also that there was a deliberation as to whether I should be admitted into the Society where my father was.

214. There came to me also the assuring thoughts that the Son of God was the love which, in order to do good to the human race, took upon Himself their sins, even to the most sever punishment; for if justice existed, the mercy must be effected by means of the love.

215. [July] 9-10.

I was in company with the King and conversed with him, who was afterwards in a chamber. Later on I was with the princes, his sons, with whom I became acquainted. They were speaking among themselves about me. I said that I felt bashful from love and veneration. As I started to leave I noticed that the table had been set by the queen. I was not dressed as was due, because as before I had hastily taken off my white jacket, and I wanted to go up and put it on again. I spoke with my father who kissed me because I reminded him not to swear. Meanwhile the Queen came up with her suite. This signifies that I am becoming acquainted with God’s children, for during the day I chose other lodgings for myself.

[“During the day I chose other lodgings for myself.” This refers to the house of Richard-Searsmith, of Cold Bath Fields, to whom he moved after leaving the house of Brockmer. (Doc II:599.) He lodged with Shearsmith on every subsequent visit to London, and died in this house, March 29, 1772.]

216. [July] 14-15.

I was conversing with Brita Behm who, as it seemed to me, had given birth to a son; yet, as Schwede had been dead for a long time, I wondered how this could be. The child died, however, and in its place were the two Rosenadlers. She took me into a large and costly carriage, of surpassing magnificence, and conducted me to Count Horn.

[Brita Behm, (1670-1755), was the younger sister of Swedenborg’s mother. In 1684 she married Professor Johan Schwede, of Upsala University, who died in 1697. By inheritance she became joint owner with Swedenborg of the mining property of Axmar in the province of Helsingland, but manifested to her nephew a stubborn, quarrelsome and vindictive spirit, so that he was twice forced to go to law with her. Later in life his relations with his aunt seem to have been more pleasant. One of her daughters, Eva Schwede, was married in 1714 to Johan Rosenadler, who, before being enobled, was named Upmarck, and who was one of Swedenborg’s teachers (but not friendly) in Upsala. His two sons (Johan Adrian, and Carl Albrecht) are “the two Rosenadlers” mentioned in n. 216.]

[Count Arvid Bernhard Horn, (1664-1742), the eminent Swedish warrior and statesman. One of the heroic veterans of Charles XII, he became the savior of the country, after the death of the king, by taking the lead in the Diet in abolishing the autocracy and introducing “the era of freedom.” He became the president of the Court of Chancery in 1726, and prime-minister from 1727 to 1738. That Swedenborg was known to him is evident from the fact that there are a number of Swedenborg’s earlier works in the library of the Academy of the New Church, bearing the autograph and seal of Count Arvid Horn.]

217. A meal was being prepared there; I went away but intended to return. I was flying evenly, but came to a fine looking town which I saw; I noticed that I was flying in the wrong direction, and I turned back. This signifies my work on the interior senses and the brain, which was compared to Brita Behm’s child. Then I drove in a costly carriage to Count Horn, who was president of the Court of Chancery and Prime-minister of the realm, and then [flew] to another town, means perhaps that I had proceeded too close to the soul.

[“It means, perhaps, that I had proceeded too close to the soul.” Dr. Tafel erroneously translated this “means perhaps that my work will be prolonged to the soul,” although he introduces here the following note: “Swedenborg’s work on the Brain, which is mentioned here and in no. 148 (212), was continued to the Soul. For on pp. 221-223 of Codex 53, (vol. VI of the photolithographed edition of his MSS., pp. 81-83), he introduces into his treatise on the Brain a chapter on the Soul; and after defining the soul on p. 221 as ‘the universal essence of its body,’ he declares on p. 223 that ‘the soul is as it were a divinity presiding over a certain microcosm or universe,’ and proves this at some length. In a marginal note, however, which runs along the whole of this passage, he says: ‘It is to be observed that what is said here must not be inserted in the chapter or thesis, because it is premature; but it is to be kept in reserve. Such seems to be the purport of a command I have received;’ [‘ita videatur jussus;’ instead of the word jussus, Swedenborg first wrote monitus, but he crossed out monitus, and wrote jussus instead]. The admonition that Swedenborg was not to continue there his dissertations on the Brain to the Soul, he seems to have received above in no. 152” (217). (Doc II:200, 201.)]

218. I crossed a sheet of water on a foot bridge; there was a ship nearby; I came to a hole. I then thought of bread, that large and small loafs were brought there every day. It may signify the Lutheran Church. Christ is compared to the spiritual bread.

219. [July] 21-22.

I saw a congregation where every one had a small crown on his head, and two persons were standing in front, having quite large and magnificent crowns. One of them spoke in joy, and it was half in French, half in German. *It signified those who had received crowns of martyrs,* concerning whom I had been thinking during the day. But I do not know who the two [in front] were, or whether one of them was Huss.

[Huss. It is to be observed that Swedenborg at this time was surrounded with Moravians, to whom John Huss was the greatest of all martyrs. He was burned at Constance, on July 6th, 1415.]

220. A little child wanted to love me; and took me in its arms, but after a while I seemed to refuse it. It signified that *we must be like little children to our Lord.* I afterwards pondered upon this, because children have now been represented to me twice, and also in the preceding night. It means that we must not worry about what is spiritual as to [attempt to] provide for it through our own power, nor yet for worldly things, but like a child we must cast all our cares upon our Lord.

221. I made my way into a crowded congregation, and wanted to come out in time, but [the church] was full; nevertheless I made pushed through; I came to an empty bench on which there was a cloth with which I wanted to cover myself. *It signifies that I wished to come into that congregation by my own care, and that I wished to remain unknown,* as I also had done during the day; but such care should be submitted to our Lord.

222. On awakening I had a vision, seeing much gold before me, and the air seemed to be full [of it]. *It signifies that our Lord, who disposes all things, provides for me all that I need both as to my spiritual and worldly things, when like a child I cast all my cares upon Him.*

223. [July] 22-23

It seemed as if I was taking quite a high flight, but in such a circle that I came down safely when I began to feel tired. I saw a magnificent hall with costly tapestry on the walls, all in one piece. It signified that during *the day I had kept in my mind and heart that we must allow Christ to take care for us in all that is spiritual and in all that is worldly.*

224. I saw a boy running off with one of my shirts, and I ran after him. *This may mean that I had not washed my feet.*

225. [July] 24-25

Besides other things, I seemed to be in company with many persons and made merry. I seemed to be the guest of one of them. I went away thence on a journey; it appeared that I was to return, but when I went away I left for a journey which I had not thought of taking. I met a person who said that he had cut out a pair of bed-curtains for me, though to some extent without my knowledge. *Whether I am to take another road in my work and am being prepared for another [work], I know not;* it is dark to me.

226. [July] 27-28

I saw my father in a beautiful surplice before a congregation. He spoke to me in a friendly way, and wished to take me into an inner chamber where there was a person who seemed to be asleep, and to whom he wished to tell about me. I withdrew softly, being afraid of awaking him. *This meant that I had now begun to read the Bible in the evenings, and that I was afraid that I had not properly prepared myself on Saturday evening.*

227. [July] 29-30

I saw a great beast which at times looked like a human being but with a great gaping mouth; he did not venture to touch me. I cut at him with a sword, but had no skill or strength in the arm to strike him. Finally I saw him standing before me with a gun from which he fired some venomous fluid; but it did not hurt me because I was protected. Immediately afterwards I thrust the sword into his jaws, though without great force; I thrust deeper and it seemed as if it was said that he had been slain. *I had been thinking during the day about the woman and the dragon in the Apocalypse, and I wished that I might be an instrument to slay the dragon; this, however, is not within my power, but it is in the power of God alone.*

228. July 30-August 1

I was for a long time in holy tremors, though at the same time in deep sleep. I was wondering if I was to see something holy, and it seemed that I was thrown on my face, but cannot affirm this for sure. Afterwards was taken away from this [state], and behind my back found some one with who I seemed to be acquainted. I was vexed that he had taken me away from it, and when he went away from me I told him that he must not do so again. The tremors then continued, but further I saw nothing. *It meant what is holy had come to me and had thus affected me, and that I was led to this work of mine which this day I had commenced to write: concerning the Senses; and that I wished that it would not draw me away from what is more important.*

[“The work which this day I had commenced to write, concerning the Senses.” Dr. Tafel thinks that Swedenborg now “began writing out for the press Part III of the Regnum Animale, a portion of which was published by him in London, in 1745, under the title “De Cute, Sensu Tactus et Gustus; et de Formis Organicis in Genere.” (Doc I:203.) This was continued, further, in the unpublished work On the Senses.

229. Afterwards I was watching a procession of horses. There came also great, beautiful horses, of a yellowish white color in great numbers; then more horses in beautiful pairs, which came to me; they were fat, large and beautiful, adorned with handsome harness. *This signifies the work which I have now commenced; the latter [horses] signify the work on the Brain. Thus I now perceive that I have the permission of God for this purpose, and I believe He will give me assistance therein.*

230. August 4-5

I saw a person coming against me with a drawn sword. I also seemed to have a sword with a silver hilt, but when he reached me I had nothing but a broken scabbard. He lay down on my back and bit my hands. I cried for help, but there was none to be found.

231. Postea scorto feceram As[sessore] B[renner] praesente. I seemed to boast on account of my strength. *It signifies that I have offended against my God daily by thoughts that have clung to me, from which no human being can deliver me, but God alone; as also that I have boasted before D. [?] H. concerning my work.* I had intended the following day to go to the Lord’s table, but I abstained when I perceived by means of this [the above-mentioned experience] that no one, but God alone, can grant absolution from sins. On this account it was given to me to make some observations concerning confession [before communion].

[Assessor Brenner. This name is suggested by the Swedish editor, but it purely conjectural, and nothing is known of any “Assessor Brenner.” The original has “As. B.”]

232. [August] 8-9.

[I seemed to] arrive in Sweden and found the kingdom divided into two kingdoms; the larger one was at Upland, the other one in the direction of Orebro; there were two kings, the second being less [powerful], yet it was said his kingdom extended to Bohus[lan]. I was with this one, and his kingdom increased. It appeared there was a commission for me to become secretary in Java, but I was found for it as I did not know the language; nevertheless I went. Afterwards I dreamt about some little birds which settled down about my head and which had to be picked off. *It signified that I had not properly arranged and carried out the subject of the corpus reticulare Malpighii.*

[Swedenborg “arriving in Sweden.” This refers to a dream and not to any actual journey. The division of the country “into tow kingdoms,” etc., was purely representative, and not based on any historical facts. Swedenborg remained in London until July 1745, (Doc. II:1119); and the Rev. James Hyde is in error when stating (in his Swedenborg Bibliography, p. 104) that Swedenborg “was in Sweden . . . at the end of October, 1744.” There I nothing but a dream to suggest such a thing.]

[The “Corpus reticulare Malpighii;” Swedenborg treats of this subject in Part III of the Animal Kingdom, (pp. 397 to 404 of the English ed.).]

233. August 26-27

During the last few days I was much troubled and as it were oppressed by my sins which, it seemed to me, had not been forgiven, and which prevented me from attending the Lord’s Supper the last time. Then, the last day, I seemed relieved. In the night the soles of my feet appeared altogether white, which *signifies that my sins have been forgiven;* and also many other things [meaning] that I was again welcome.

234. [August] 27-28

I seemed to take a book out of my father’s library. Then I came into a ship, and was sitting with another person who sat down in my place, and when I wished to resume it he sat down higher up and made room for me. A woman was sitting at my left, and another one in front of me. I arose and allowed her to sit there; she sat down, but then there was no fautcuil but only an arm-chair, and I was in front of her.

235. Wine was served in large glasses and it seemed to be primrose wine; a glass was given to me which I at once emptied; it was the most delicious I have ever tasted, and without knowing what it was it occurred to me that it was heavenly nectar. The man [whom I had seen] continually sat in his place highest up by the rudder. *It signifies how I receive help in my work from a higher hand, so that I am simply used as an instrument;* on this account, moreover, I had with me a follower, whose employment, I said, was to sweep clean. This, too, signifies me.

236. August 1-2, [September]

I had intended to go to God’s table on the second of August [September], because I had been assured, as I had understood it, that I had been liberated from my sins, but then I beheld a large dog which ran up to me but did me no harm. I showed it to a person who stood beside me, and the dog did not hurt him either. [This signifies] *either that during the day I wanted to boast of a visit [which I had received], or else that the others around me are flattering me.*

237. Afterwards I seemed I perceived that Didron had left his king, who had shown so much grace to him, and that he had joined the Danes, where he was slain, and that his wife, who was false to him, had caused this, and now was waiting for his body. *I now, at this very moment, heard, and it was also inspired into me, that I ought not to depart from the Church of Christ, but that I must go there to receive the Lord’s Supper, and that otherwise I would again become spiritually dead.* The rest I could not understand, so that there is a mystery beneath it. I kept myself away from it; I was kindled by the Holy Spirit, as is generally the case when I act according to command.

[John Frederik Didron, (1686-1747), a Swedish courtier, soldier and politician, a personal friend of King Frederik I, and an active leader of the party of “Caps” at the Diets of 1738 and 1740, when, with Swedenborg, he opposed the declaration of war against Russia. In 1728 he married Anna Fredrika von Schantz. (Hofberg’s Svenskt Biograpiskt Handlexicon, vol. I, p. 243.)]

238. September 16, Sunday after dinner.

During the night between the fifteenth and sixteenth I beheld in my sleep two kings, the king of France and the king of Poland, and they proposed sublime things. Afterwards I saw a little girl who sang for me as I was going out: *This signified that what I had written was well pleasing; it was the last part of the first chapter concerning the sense of touch.*

[“The last part of the first chapter concerning the sense of touch,”-referring to the Animal Kingdom, Vol. II., pp. 555-461 of the Engl. Ed.]

239. Immediately after dinner, as I was sleeping there appeared to me a woman, but I did not see her face; she was very stout and was dressed entirely in white. I wished to buy from her something to drink, but she said she had nothing left. There was a person present, however, who yielded to me his right to get a glass from her, which she had concealed in her clothes. She was feeling for it, when I noticed how very stout she was, as if pregnant. After feeling for it in the folds of her sleeve, she found that which I was to drink. She supposed it was chocolate, but it was wine. It seemed I was not willing to take it if it was chocolate. Immediately afterwards I awoke. It seemed to me then, as also once or twice before, that I perceived a very strong odor of wine. I wondered most at her snow-white garments. *I do not know well what this signifies,*-whether she was the same woman *that was with me when the word “sanctuarium” was uttered, and that she was now pregnant, for I did not see her face. It may signify that I am now at work writing correctly and give birth to that upon which I am engaged; because during that day I found myself in considerable illustration as to the matters which I had in hand.*

240. [September] 17-18.

I saw the king of Prussia, and a person who said he was going away to cause enmity between the king of Prussia and the king of France.