Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 1507

Previous Number Next Number Next Translation See Latin 

1507. There was a certain spirit who during his lifetime had seemed to himself to be greater and wiser than others. He was otherwise upright, and not so inclined to despise others in comparison with himself. But since he had been born among those of high rank he had acquired a sphere of supereminence and authority. This spirit came to me and for a long time said nothing, but I noticed that he was encompassed as by a mist which spread from him and began to envelop other spirits; as a result these spirits began to feel distressed. As a consequence of this they spoke to me, saying that they could not possibly remain as they were deprived of all freedom, so that they did not dare to say a word. Then that spirit began to speak; he addressed himself to them, calling them his sons, and at times instructing them, but with that authority which he had acquired to himself. This experience made clear what the sphere of authority is like in the next life.


This page is part of the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg

© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church