Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 2605

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2605. I have spoken to some who belonged to the Ancient Church and who at that time knew that the Lord was to come and who had been endowed with goods of faith but who nevertheless fell away and became idolaters. They were in a forward position towards the left, in a darkened place and in a wretched condition. Their speech sounded like a monotonous flute; it lacked almost any rationality of thought. They said they had been there for many ages and that they are sometimes brought out to perform certain tasks for others, which are menial. This led me to think about what fate in the next life awaits many Christians who are idolaters inwardly though not outwardly, and who at heart deny the Lord, and so also the truths of faith.


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