Spiritual Experiences (Buss) n. 1134

Previous Number Next Number Next Translation See Latin 

1134. I have diligently inquired who and of what quality were the men who become those spirits, who thus infest spirits in the other life. It was said that they are men who are eager to elicit from others what they are thinking about, and to learn the falsities which they have uttered against those of whom it is forbidden to speak falsely, such as kings, princes, magnates, friends, and the laws. When they have this knowledge, they use it to perform the malignant use of thereby holding the man, as it were, in bonds and under their disposal for the sake of some gain. They also desire to know the man's cupidities, and then, if they know them, or know the evils he has committed, they hold the man still more strongly in bonds. But, because they then hold the man in hatred and keep him bound to themselves merely for the sake of filthy gain, this is not allowed; neither is it allowed in the life of the body, save as regards those cupidities which men favor, as that they seek after honors and riches, besides other things which they do not regard as disgraceful.


This page is part of the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg

© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church