Page:The Swedenborg Library Vol 1.djvu/57

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reason of it was therefore explained to me, which was: that, as all the particulars of thought and will are inscribed on the brain,—for their beginnings are there,—so likewise are they inscribed on the whole body; since all the things of thought and will proceed thither from their beginnings, and there terminate as in their ultimates.

Hence it is, that whatever is inscribed is not only inscribed on the brain, but also on the whole man, and there exists in order according to the order of the parts of the body. By this it was made plain that the whole man is such as his will is, and his thought thence derived; so that a bad man is his own evil, and a good man his own good.

From these things it may also be clearly seen what is meant by the book of man's life, spoken of in the Word, namely this: that all things, as well those which he has done as those he has thought, are inscribed on the whole man, and appear as if read in a book when they are called forth from the memory, and as if seen in effigy when the spirit is viewed in the light of heaven.

To these things I will add a certain memorable circumstance concerning the permanence of memory after death, whereby I was confirmed in the truth, that not only things in general but also the most minute particulars which enter the memory, remain, and are never obliterated. I saw some books with writing in them just like those in the world; and I