the poor for the sake of dominion,—was rooted in their minds, and that they kept all men in the densest ignorance in order to obtain that end; thus blocking up the way to light, and therefore the way to heaven: for the way to light and to heaven is obstructed when the knowledges of spiritual things are overwhelmed by idolatries, and when the Word is adulterated, invalidated and taken away.
Such among them as were in the affection of truth from good were preserved. Those of the Papal religion who lived piously, and were in good although not in truths, and still from affection desired to know truths, were taken and carried into a certain region in front in the western quarter near the north, habitations being given them, and societies of them instituted there; and then priests from the Reformed were sent thither, who instructed them from the Word; and as they are instructed, they are received into heaven.
Since the last judgment is now accomplished, and all things are reduced by the Lord to order by means of it, and since all who are inwardly good are taken into heaven, and all who are inwardly evil are cast into hell, it is no longer permitted them, as heretofore, to form societies below heaven and above hell, or to have anything in common with other spirits; but as soon as they come thither, that is, at the death of each of them, they are altogether separated; and
