144. Or else I will come to thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth, signifies if not, when visitation comes they will be dispersed. This is evident from the signification of "coming to thee quickly," as being, in reference to the Lord, visitation (of which more in what follows); also from the signification of the "sword of the mouth," as being truth combating against falsity, and the subsequent dispersion of falsities (See above, n. 73, 131); but here it signifies the dispersion of those who hold "the doctrine of Balaam," and the "doctrine of the Nicolaitans," that is, of those who are illustrated in respect to the understanding and who teach truths, and yet love to destroy by craft those who are of the church; and of those also who separate good from truth, or charity from faith (See above, n. 140, 142). "Coming quickly" means visitation, because the coming of the Lord in the Word signifies visitation (See Arcana Coelestia 6895). Visitation is the exploration of man's character after death, before he is judged.