Spiritual Experiences (Buss) n. 1171

Previous Number Next Number Next Translation See Latin 

1171. The quality of a man is recognized from the end he has in view during his life in the body, whether it be for the sake of pride or of gain. I heard that it was especially for the sake of pleasure that this spirit had applied himself with such industry, so that he might know the minds [animus] of all as if from instinct, and thus in a word from himself, and might by flattery insinuate himself so as to be loved by them. Because such spirits have not had such an evil end in view as others they can also be among good spirits; but it is otherwise when they have acted from the love of self and the love of the world.


This page is part of the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg

© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church