204. THAT THE GENTILES, OR THE UNINSTRUCTED, COME INTO THE HEAVENLY KINGDOM MORE EASILY THAN THOSE WHO ARE INSTRUCTED It was shown me today by living experience how gentiles who are evil as to their nature more easily embrace the faith and exercise charity, than those who had been instructed. There were gentiles [with me] for some time who in some respects were of an evil nature and excited many evil things, but this they did for the reason that they had been unable to hear and perceive what was said and spoken. I supposed that they were evil spirits. Later, however, when of the mercy of God Messiah intellectual light was given them, so that they might perceive as did those who were instructed, they began to speak very piously, imploring the mercy of God Messiah, and from the heart they professed charity towards the others, so they were admitted that they might be present. They behaved themselves so modestly, and so intelligently and wisely, that I could not but be astonished; whilst, on the other hand, those who had been instructed were indignant that the others should be admitted into heaven. Thus those whom they had supposed to be spirits were turned into angels. Concerning the persecution of the same gentile spirits this night and the evening before, I cannot say anything more than that there were persecutions and lamentations; I can suppose that they were persecutions of pious gentiles by those who were instructed. 1747, Oct. 6. Thus it is also confirmed that there would come from Arabia those who would put the instructed to shame, as we read in Isaiah lxvi. Observe: When intellectual light is taken away from them they are then evil, concerning which they also greatly complain; but as soon as intellectual light shines forth again, they are speedily converted, and become good and beloved. It is otherwise with those who are instructed.