853. CONTINUATION CONCERNING THE CITY BEFORE GEHENNA, AND CONCERNING THE ASPECT OF GEHENNA THEREFROM That city is almost on the same plane as Gehenna but somewhat, though slightly, higher; wherefore there also appeared to me a bridge leading from the city towards Gehenna. The bridge was of the same color as their room, that is to say, gray. There was an elevation on each side of it, so that it could be crossed quite safely. The bridge was very beautiful. On the city side I saw a black spirit, who, it was said, was there to prevent anyone from crossing, for they hate what is black, and flee from it. But what is gray, being a general color, namely, white mixed with black, with which color they usually paint the ceilings of their rooms, signifies justification from self, whiteness being the color of justice. It is black from which they flee, although it is within their whiteness, for they suppose that they are righteous, yea, pious. Thus from their own phantasy they condemn others, and in this way they appraise and examine the lives and faith of all. Such indeed are all heretics who condemn to Gehenna everyone who does not believe, think and act as they themselves do.