Spiritual Experiences (Odhner) n. 2849

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2849. In the world, or their bodily life also, the deceitful are distinguished [into categories], although these are not discerned by people on earth. For out of inborn habit and practice, some do not premeditate deceptions, but wherever the opportunity presents itself go about their doings in deceitful ways, yet not so much with forethought. It is these who are tolerated, for their nature is well known. There are in the world, however, those who plan deceptions beforehand and conceal them in their mind for a long time, wearing a friendly expression, yet pondering for a long time under a friendly guise opportunities for hurting. It is these who are not tolerated, and who are creeping vipers. About these [categories] I spoke with spirits, for a certain one hurt me very slightly, but [that was] because he was the type that acts from instinct; so that afforded me the occasion to think and speak of these matters. 1748, 17 Aug.


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