Spiritual Experiences-Word Exp. n. 13

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13. 1215. But that Peter their God [was cast] from heaven (whether he is to be restored, I do not yet know), this I do know for certain. And that he was deprived of his key, that is, his privilege, and now walks about like a poor spirit, this I can assure you with certainty. For he has very often asked me to pour out prayers for him before Jesus Christ, but this I was not allowed to do. I could tell much more about this if this were the place for it; but at some other point, if God the Christ sees fit, more will come. [Peter] [See also WE 1216, which concludes the explanation of Gen. 31:19.] [See WE 1266-67, explaining Gen. 31:28.] 1268. After [Laban] had poured out these deceptions, he then said, "Surely you have done foolishly in so doing," that is, in doing this thing secretly, as he had tried to persuade Jacob. But Jacob had an entirely different feeling, as appears from what follows. This is usually the case among those who easily understand the deceptions of another, especially when they let themselves be led by the Messiah. Then nothing can be said that is so cunning as to go unnoticed. For the attitude and mind of the deceiver slips into the least words, and is then secretly exposed. This is a gift of the Messiah Alone, so that His very inward and innermost Church can never be deceived by the evil. The evil themselves do not know this, for they are so blinded as to think that they have deluded the good, as if they were little children and innocents, but just the opposite is the case. It is the evil themselves who are deluded in spite of all their cunning, which they call good judgment; for their deceit is very apparent behind their flatteries. It is different in the case of evil people among themselves.


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