Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 2122

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2122. As regards souls recently arrived from the world, there is more to be said. Those gathering there from the Christian world have hardly any other thought or endeavour than to be the greatest and to possess all things. All are accordingly eaten up with self-love and love of the world, which loves are altogether contrary to heavenly order, 2057. In addition most of them think about nothing other than what is filthy, disgusting, and profane, and talk about nothing else to one another. They also attach no importance to, and utterly despise, everything to do with charity and faith. Nor do they acknowledge the Lord Himself, indeed they hate all who confess Him; for in the next life thoughts and hearts speak. Besides this hereditary evils resulting from the shameful behaviour of parents become more wicked still, which like fires hidden and fostered within incite a person to greater violations of what is decent and godly than ever before. Such people are at the present time swarming into the next life and are filling the outer and the inner spheres of the world of spirits, as has been stated. When evil starts to prevail in this way, and the balance tilts to the side of evil, it is then clearly perceived that the final period is imminent and that that balance must be restored by the rejection of those inside the Church and the acceptance of others outside it.


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