Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 7810

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7810. At another time a chastiser spirit came towards me and placed himself by my left side below the middle of my body, like the previous one, and also wished to administer punishment. But he was withheld from doing so by their angels, who were also present at that time. He showed me then the kinds of punishments that they were allowed to inflict on members of their own planet if they behaved badly or intended to do so. Besides the infliction of pain in their joints there was also that of painful constriction round their waist, which feels like being squeezed by a tight belt. Then there was repeated restriction of their breathing till they felt that they were suffocating, and also the denial of all food except bread. Finally if they did not give up doing the things they did, there hung over them the threat of death, which would deprive them of the joy of married partner, children, and companions. The consequent grief was brought home to them at the same time too.


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