there know who and what those spirits are, and therefore pay no
attention to them. Still, they learn in this way what evil is, and
thereby what good is; for by means of evil one learns what good is,
inasmuch as the quality of good is known from its opposite. Every
perception of a thing is according to reflection relative to its
differences from things that are contrary in various ways and degrees.

78. The chastising and instructing spirits do not come to those who
call themselves saints and mediatory lords, and who have been treated
of above (at no. 70), as they do to others on that earth, because
they do not suffer themselves to be instructed and are not amended
by discipline; they are inflexible, because they act from the love of
self. Spirits say they know such by their coldness, and that when they
apperceive the cold they depart from them.

79. Among the spirits of Jupiter there are also some whom they call
chimney-sweepers, because they appear in garments like those of
chimney-sweepers, and with the face smeared with soot; who and of what
character they are I am also permitted to describe. One such spirit
came to me, and anxiously entreated me to intercede for him, that he
might come into heaven. He said he did not know that he had done evil,
only that he had rebuked the inhabitants of the earth: he added that,
after rebuking, he had instructed them. He applied himself to my left
side under the elbow, and spoke as if with a double voice; he could
also excite pity. But I could only say in reply that I could not
render him any assistance, and that this was possible for the Lord
alone; nor could I intercede for him, because I did not know whether
it would be of any use; but that if he were worthy he might have hope.
He was then sent amongst some well-disposed spirits who were from
his own earth; but they said that he could not be in their company,