1149. CONCERNING THOSE WHO WANT TO SPEAK SILENTLY, AS IF INTO THE EAR There are spirits who have spoken with me many times but by muttering, and this near the left ear, so that they wanted to speak into the ear in order that no one might hear them. It was permitted me to tell them that such whispering is not fitting in heaven, for it indicates that such spirits had been whisperers in their life, that is to say, that they had observed the faults and blemishes of others, and told them to their companions when no one was listening, or if others were present spoke into the ear; also that they had seen all things wrongly, namely, they saw the blemishes of others, even though they were not blemishes. There are very many such who observe the least details and interpret them wrongly; they not only have something of deceit in themselves because they want to mock their companions, but they also prefer themselves to others. For this reason they can never be admitted into the company of the heavenly ones for they are immediately rejected therefrom as if by their own weight, for such a disposition is perceived at once. Moreover, such speech is heard at greater distances and more loudly than open speech. 1718, Mar. 3.