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 done in Sodom. The most of these spirits were professors of faith separated from charity: and there were even some among them, who professed charity, yet led wicked lives.

III. The universal judgment was effected in this manner:—The Lord was seen in a bright cloud with angels; and a sound as of trumpets was heard from it. This was a sign representative of the protection of the angels of heaven by the Lord, and of the gathering of the good from every quarter. For the Lord does not bring destruction upon any, but only protects his own, and draws them away from communication with the wicked; whereupon the wicked come into their own lusts, by which they are impelled into every kind of abomination. Then all who were about to perish were seen together in the likeness of a great dragon, with its tail extended in a curve and elevated toward heaven, bending itself about on high in various directions, as though it would destroy heaven and draw it down. But the attempt was vain; for the tail was cast down, and the dragon which also appeared elevated, sank beneath.

It was granted me to see this representation, that I might know and make known who are meant by the dragon in the Apocalypse; namely, that the dragon means all who read the Word, hear sermons,