do so; but if they do not get accustomed to raise the face, they are
expelled from their society. When, however, they sit, they appear,
like the men of our Earth, erect as to the upper part of the body, but
they sit with the feet crossed. They are extremely cautious, not only
when they walk, but also when they sit, not to be seen behind, but
in the face. They also gladly desire that their face should be seen,
because their mind appears from it, for they never show a face at
variance with the mind, nor have they the power to do so. Those who
are present, therefore, see clearly what is their disposition towards
them--which indeed they do not conceal--especially whether their
apparent friendliness is sincere or forced. These facts were made
known to me by their spirits, and confirmed by their angels. For the
above reason also, their spirits are seen, not like others, to walk
erect; but almost like swimmers, to assist their progress with their
hands, and by turns to look around.

56. Those who live in their hot climates go naked, except for a
covering about the loins; nor are they ashamed of their nakedness for
their minds are chaste, and they love their own consorts only, and
abhor adulteries. They were greatly surprised that the spirits of our
Earth, on hearing of their manner of walking and of their being naked,
should deride and think lasciviously, without in the least attending
to their heavenly life, but only to such details. They said that this
was a sign that they cared more for bodily and earthly things than for
heavenly things, and that indecent thoughts occupied their minds. They
were told that nakedness is no occasion either of shame or scandal to
those who live in chastity, and in a state of innocence, but that it
is to those who live in lasciviousness and immodesty.

57. When the inhabitants of that earth lie in bed, they turn their