Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 5978

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5978. The reason two angels are present with each person is that there are also two kinds of angels; one kind acts on the desires in a person's will, the other on the thoughts in his understanding. Those acting on the desires in a person s will act on his loves and ends in view, consequently on his good intentions, whereas those acting on the thoughts in his understanding act on his faith and principal convictions, consequently on the true ideas he has. Those two kinds also are utterly distinct and separate. Those who act on the desires of a person's will are called celestial, while those who act on the thoughts in his understanding are called spiritual. The genii stand opposed to the celestial angels, the spirits to the spiritual ones. Much experience has led me to know these things; for I am constantly in the company of and talking to those from both sides.


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