2484. it follows clearly that in them is reflected not only the fact that the things from the Lord in the innermost and very inward regions are unfathomable, but that He views all things that are to come from beginning to end down to the very least in their own uninterrupted series, even to the last. For every such potential event is as it were an image of the providence and foresight of the Lord; besides which [He views] what comes from the character of every parent in all posterity. So nature, if we investigate it properly, can teach us that this is so, if we are viewing matters from truth, thus from things we can see. But then from those things [of nature] we ought by no means to make declarations regarding truths and explore them in this way, but from truths revealed by the Lord we ought to see those things as confirmations. In this way one is enlightened, while proceeding in the reverse order, one is obscured, confused, one doubts, and denies. 1748, 2 July.