203. CONCERNING THE STATE OF SPIRITS AND ANGELS IN PERCEIVING THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE IN THE BODY AND THE WORLD The state of angels and spirits in men is such that they can perceive nothing of those things that are in lower spheres, except only in those persons with whom the gate into heaven is opened. Then the man can concern himself with internal things, his senses having been withdrawn from things external. The angels and spirits can then perceive such things because they then as it were attract man's perceptions, and he communicates them to the spirits and angels by his reflections, which are as it were invitations to perceive those things which are outside of them. This has been confirmed by very many experiences. Wherefore angels and spirits perceive nothing whatever from human beings except so far as the opportunity is granted them by God Messiah. As regards the reflections by which they are enabled to perceive, many things will have to be said. 1747, Oct. 4, o.s.