1656. From this circumstance a general principle can be inferred applying to the whole of heaven and earth: A spirit is sent ahead to prepare the way for angels who are to come, and he inspires fear, and warns that people should receive the coming angels kindly. Also, that messenger spirit speaks rather harshly, and says that he did not understand what the angels were saying, and later, brought back into a better state of mind, he said that he does understand. And he is constantly at hand, and is thus constantly preparing the mind and trying to turn away everything unkind, or unworthy. This shows plainly how the case is in the universal heaven and earth, namely, that a messenger is sent ahead, as also John the Baptist was sent ahead, announcing the coming of the Lord. The same relationship existed with him and the Lord, as did with this spirit and the angels. And John too doubted, because, as we read, he did not understand what the Lord had said, and afterwards, being better instructed, he understood [Matt. 3:14-5], just as that spirit, who then moved to my left ear [1655]. The same applies to the Lord's speaking, namely, that it contained inward things, and then very inward things, as we read in the Gospel of John, and that finally He spoke things which they did not understand, thus even very in-ward things, comparable to those which appeared to me like atmospheres and auras, as mentioned [1653]. But still there was outer speech, that is, imparted through the outer way. 1748, 23 March.