4562. CONCERNING FORTUNE. INFLUX. ((Very often have I spoken with spirits and angels concerning fortune, which, in the world, appears as if accidental, because [men] do not know whence it is, and because everything of fortune appears as if accidental; because, moreover, man attributes it to himself and his own prudence - to, which, also, he bends it - and attributes nothing to the Divine. Very often there had happened to me such an experience as appears as if it were of fortune - as, for instance, trifling misfortunes - and it was afterwards shown, by angels, that they happened because spirits of such a kind [as bring about misfortune] were present; and also because their sphere prevailed against the sphere which was from heaven, thus from the Divine. It was shown to the life. Moreover, evil spirits, by means of their arts, acquired a sphere; and, when they had accomplished this, misfortunes arose, just like accidents or mishaps. Thence, also, it was perceived, that all things, and the least parts of all things, are directed by Divine Providence, even as to the slightest step and slightest nod; and that when such a state prevails as is contrary to the influx from the Divine, misfortune happens. But [real] misfortune is such as concerns man's eternal happiness and felicity, and not that which concerns such things as are in the world; for these appear to man as happy when yet they are hurtful. That fortunate and fortuitous things are thence, and that there is no accident [strictly so-called], I was instructed by many experiences, which I cannot here adduce.))