Spiritual Experiences (Buss) n. 515

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515. TWO TORMENTS OF SPIRITS, NAMELY, DISCERPTION AND THE VEIL: HOW THEY TAKE PLACE IN MAN Man cannot be torn asunder between two contrary forces, like a spirit, for the reason that neither his body, nor thus his "animus" - for this coheres to the body - can be torn to pieces without perishing altogether, or dying. Therefore instead of that torment or species of vastation in man, he is held between evil and good affections on two sides, each of which wants to conquer; thus he is held in equilibrium, and drawn hither and thither, and his extreme indignation is kindled into anger, even until it is turned into desperation, or into the thought of his own unhappiness or downfall. This with man is discerption. Men seem to succumb under these kinds of temptations.


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