271. THE LOWER PLACE OF DAMNATION IS EXCEEDINGLY COLD, AND THE LIFE OF THOSE THERE WAS THEN MISERABLE Those who were in a certain lower place were very numerous. They are in such cold that they seem to need to acquire warmth to themselves by labor, and by cutting wood, for such a phantasy remains with them, nor do they know otherwise; and they suppose that by that labor they not only become warm but also merit salvation. This cold is compared to a chattering of the teeth. These are they who are also represented by the hewers of wood [Josh. ix 23-27]. Who those are that are held in such an exceeding cold prison may be concluded from their loves in the life of the body; namely, that they had been cold then, having been imbued with no true love, but enticed only by the pleasures of the body which are contrary to true love, so that it is allowable to infer that they were rather from the group of gentiles concerning which matter I have not been so informed. They were exceedingly joyful that they would be coming forth into day and would behold the light. Hence also it can be known that they had been in darkness. No one can describe how miserable these crowds were. 1747, Nov. 28.* * Crossed out: "That there are many mansions even in hell." "That they rise up, or it is rather to be said, are elevated by God Messiah."