2778. activities the evening before and the day on which they went to the holy supper. And then afterwards they had been their old selves, so satisfied that they had done these things, and not thinking at all further what they had learned in church, what the content of the holy supper is, and so on in regard to the external ritual. Such in the other life were nevertheless among the worst, for the aura of their intentions and motives was as has been said. From this one may infer what the regular attendance of preachings and the holy supper accomplishes, only as a ritual, so that they may make their appearance, namely that these things make such people feel secure, so that they can live more confidently and be strengthened in that very bad life.
2778. and so afterwards were like as before, therefore satisfied because they have done this, and have not thought of anything beyond [as to] what they might learn in the place of worship, [as to] what is implied in the holy supper, and so forth in external rites. Yet such in the other life have been [were] amongst the worst, for the sphere of their intentions and ends was such as has been said. Hence may be concluded what is caused [quid faciat] by the attendance on preaching, and the holy supper, only to make their appearance according to custom: to wit, that it causes such [to be] secure, so that thus they can live more securely, and be confirmed in that very evil life.
2778. [vide 2777]