Spiritual Experiences (Buss) n. 6032

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6032. THE INFLUX OF GOOD FROM THE LORD EFFECTS NOTHING IF MAN DOES NOT DO GOOD AS OF HIMSELF. - FAITH. This was often told spirits. Nevertheless, in order that it might be confirmed, it was granted a certain evil spirit to be led, from heaven, to do goods; he also did goods, but as he did not do them as of himself, he was like one who is led by another, almost like an automaton, which indeed is moved, but still receives nothing; by which was shown that there is no reception, appropriation and conjunction, through good which man does not receive in his will, or his affection, of himself; for the Lord is Agent, and man re-agent. If the re-agent receive without re-action as of self, the influx of good passes through, nor does the man become better than before. - This is in opposition to those who separate faith from charity. This may also be illustrated by the fact that an evil spirit cannot be withdrawn from evils save by punishments. There was Cederstedt, who did evil, and wanted to withdraw himself from it, because he feared punishment;* but, since the evil accorded with his nature, he could not withdraw himself, as in various ways he tried to do, because he was in evils as to his love. But when punishment is inflicted, he is then so far coerced by the punishment, that he does not will evil; and when he does not will it, he then, of himself, casts away the evil, that is, the society which is in the like evil; which society is then separated from him, but only until he is no longer in fear of punishment. This, also, is the reason why there are punishments in the spiritual world. Hence, also, it may be concluded, that man cannot be introduced into any heavenly society, unless he, from the will, desire good, or flee evil. * In the margin: "Punishments."


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