316. THAT EVIL SPIRITS ALSO CAN ENTER HEAVEN, THUS BE AMONG THE HEAVENLY ONES By living experience I learnt that evil spirits from the devil's crew can also enter heaven and be among those who are there, and they suppose they can do so by means of the deceits thought out by them, which deceits it was also granted me to hear; for they supposed that I did not understand their machinations, but it was given me to hear and to perceive them: thus they discussed the way by which they supposed they could enter safely. Having rejected one way, it seemed to them that they had found another, by which they also ascended, which likewise I sensibly perceived. But, as I have learnt before [see nos. 307, 313], they are then surrounded by such a spiritual sphere that they know no otherwise than that they are then in heavenly joy, because in heaven. This, however, is also by permission. The angels in that heaven do not know at the time that such spirits are present; for if anyone were deprived of that spiritual sphere, accommodated according to every state, and even varied each moment, angels at the greatest distance would then be unable to bear his approach, still less that he should enter, for the cold would be so great that they could not exist at all. It was also granted me manifestly to perceive and feel this cold. 1747, Dec. 8.