23. The union of good and truth in others is provided for by the Lord by means of the equilibrium between heaven and hell; for there is a constant emanation from hell of evil and falsity together; but from heaven there is a constant emanation of good and truth together. In this equilibrium every man is kept as long as he lives in the world, and is thereby kept in that liberty of thinking, willing, speaking and doing, in which he can be reformed. For this spiritual equilibrium from which man has freedom see the work HEAVEN AND HELL (n. 589-596, 597-603).