21. In Asia. That this signifies those who are in the light of intelligence, is evident only from a spiritual idea, such as the angels have, concerning the regions of this earth. When Asia is named, they have a perception of the south, when Europe, the north, and when Africa, the east. And because by the south is signified the clear light of intelligence, therefore that light is signified by Asia. This perception has been granted me also, whenever I have been in a spiritual idea and thought of Asia. The reason such is the idea concerning Asia is, that the church was there in ancient times, being then extended throughout many regions in that quarter, and therefore those who have come thence into heaven, have the light of intelligence. This is why when Asia is thought of there is an influx of light, like that in the south of heaven. (That in ancient, and also in the most ancient times, the church was in Asia, and extended throughout many kingdoms there, may be seen in the quotations from Arcana Coelestia in the small work, The New Jerusalem and its Heavenly Doctrine, n. 247; and that the south signifies the light of intelligence may be seen in the work, Heaven and Hell, n. 141-153, where the four quarters in heaven are treated of.) In this place, however, by Asia are not meant the inhabitants of Asia, but all, wherever they are, who have the spiritual light of intelligence, or, what is the same thing, who are in truths from good; for those who are in truths from good have the spiritual light of intelligence: all such constitute the church of the Lord. (That the church of the Lord exists also among the Gentiles, although specifically where the Lord is known and where the Word is read, may be seen in the work, Heaven and Hell, n. 318-328; and The New Jerusalem and its Heavenly Doctrine, n. 244, 246.)