Mankind cannot readily be straightened out. This can be seen from the fact that [those of] the human race are in such a corrupt condition that a person joins a group, becomes enslaved to it, and can only with difficulty withdraw from it. Then whatever the society is like, such for the most part is the person. The state of those who are in heaven as to the spirit is different. For them it is the same as for a spirit or soul: one can be inserted into various different societies of spirits, even of angels, and whatever the society of spirits is like, such is the person or spirit. The contrary takes place with the human race, namely, whatever the society of people is like, such for the most part are the spirits by whom they are led. However, in the true Church, where all are brothers and sisters, it is different. There societies can likewise vary, for they are led like spirits, and do not seek societies from motives of self-love and profit, but only for the sake of the faith and friendship. In this way, according to the order established by the Lord, they can be arranged more directly than can groups living in a corrupt state. 1748, 4 March.