Page:The Judgment Day.pdf/178

 downwards towards hell, is that last judgment which awaits every man. On this subject our author frequently remarks to the following effect:

"Every man after death rises again into another life, and is presented before judgment. But this judgment is thus; as soon as ever his corporeal parts grow cold, which happens a few days after his decease, he is raised again of the lord by celestial angels, who at first are attendant on him; but in case he be such, that he cannot remain with them, he is then received by the spiritual angels, and successively afterwards by good spirits; for all, as many as come into an other life, are grateful and acceptable guests; but whereas every one's desires follow him, he who hath led a wicked life cannot abide long with the angels and good spirits, but successively separates himself from them, and this, until he cometh among spirits, whose life is similar and conformable to that which he led in the world; then it appears to him as if he was in the life of his body, for his present life is but a continuation of his past; from this life his judgment commences; they who have led a wicked life in the body, in process of time descend into hell; they who have led a good life, are by degrees elevated of the Lord into heaven. Such is the last judgment of every particular person, concerning which we have spoken from experience in the first part of this work."—A. C., n. 2119

And again; he says, in regard to those who have recently entered the spiritual world, that:

"They are received by the angelic societies with the inmost charity and joy thereof, and every mark of love and friendship is showed them; but if they are not perfectly willing to continue in those societies to which they first come, they are then received by other societies, and thus successively, until they come to that society with which they are in agreement, according to the life of mutual love in which they are principled, and there they abide, until they become still more perfect, at which time they are elevated and exalted thence to greater happiness; and this by the mercy of the Lord, according to the life of love and charity which they have received in the world. But translation from one society to another is never effected by a rejection on the part of the society in which the translated spirits are, but by a certain will-desire in them which is insinuated from the Lord; and being thus agreeable to their desire, all is done from a free principle."—A. C., n. 2131