Page:The Swedenborg Library Vol 1.djvu/107

 avail, but the internals from which externals proceed.

Out of some thousands, scarcely one knows what internals are, and that man has heaven and the church in these; and still less do they know that external acts are such as the intentions and thoughts are, and the love and faith therein, from which the acts proceed. And when they are instructed, they do not comprehend how thinking and willing can be of any avail, but only speaking and acting. Such are most of those who, at the present day, enter the other life from the Christian world.

Nevertheless they are examined by good spirits as to their character, and this by various methods; since in this first state the evil as well as the good speak truths and do good deeds, because,—as stated above,—they also have led an outwardly moral life; since they have lived under governments and in subjection to laws, and since they have thereby acquired the reputation of being just and sincere, have secured favor, been exalted to honors, and obtained wealth.

But evil spirits are distinguished from the good especially by this circumstance, that they attend eagerly to what is said about external things, and give but little heed to what is said about internal things, which are the truths and goods of heaven and the church. They hear these things indeed, but not with attention and gladness. They are also distinguished by this: that they frequently turn