Spiritual Experiences (Odhner) n. 1169

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1169. Such spirits slip into anyone's feelings, by pretending even an affection for good. Then they speak flatteringly into the person's ears, as this spirit did, thinking he could even lead angels astray. They bring an instinct for this with them from actually having behaved in this way, cunningly talking to everyone in agreement with his or her feeling, even about matters of faith. But still, they cannot help showing their nature in the other life, for something of it is sensed in every word, every idea. In a mental image, whatever departs from truth and goodness is seen quite clearly. Consequently, anyone who thinks that because they did this successfully in the life of the body, they will also succeed in the other life, is very much mistaken. Before the angels of only the inward heaven, this deceitful quality so acquired in the life of the body stands out so lucidly that they notice [it in] whatever he says. The same spirit being discussed is now present, but remains silent. For they are able to be silent and think in a way that I cannot perceive his thoughts. 1748, 4 March. Such are they who speak in one way and think in another, thinking badly of the neighbor, and speaking well, and doing so very busily. So they deceive their companions, even friends, for the sake of themselves and profit. There is a great multitude of them.


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