Divine Love and Wisdom (Harleys) n. 220

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220. Since the whole, that is, the body has fixed its powers chiefly in the arms and hands which are ultimates, therefore by "arms" and "hands" in the Word is signified power, and by the "right hand" superior power. Since such is the evolution and putting forth of degrees into power, therefore from action alone which is made with the hands, the angels who are with a man, and in the correspondence of all things belonging to him, know his quality as to understanding and will, also as to charity and faith, thus as to the internal life belonging to his mind and the external life derived therefrom in the body. I have often wondered that the angels have such knowledge from the mere action of the body through the hands, but yet it has been shown several times by living experience. And it has been said that it is from this that ordinations into the ministry are performed by the laying on of hands and that by touching with the hand is signified communicating, besides other similar things. From these things the conclusion is formed that everything of charity and faith is in works, and that charity and faith without works are like rainbows around the sun, which vanish away and are lost in the cloud. Because of this, "works" are so often mentioned in the Word and it is said [we are] "to do" them, and that a man's salvation depends upon these. Also he that doeth is called wise, and he that doeth not, foolish. But it ought to be known that by "works" here are understood uses which are actually done, for in these and according to them is everything of charity and faith. There is this correspondence [of works] with uses, because this correspondence is spiritual, but it is carried out through substances and matters which are subjects.


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