Arcana Coelestia (Potts) n. 10179

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10179. A cubit the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof. That this signifies equally from good and from truth, is evident from the signification of "length" as being good, and of "breadth," as being truth (see n. 1613, 3433, 3434, 4482, 9487); equally from both is signified by "the length a cubit, and the breadth a cubit," thus by the measure being equal, because by measures in the Word things are determined in respect to their quantity and quality, and the determination is effected by means of numbers. The thing that is here determined by the measure, which is a "cubit," is good and truth; the former by the "length," and the latter by the "breadth." That "length" denotes good is because it is reckoned from east to west, and by "east and west" is signified good from one boundary to another; and breadth is reckoned from south to north, and by "south and north" is signified truth from one boundary to another. For such is the case in heaven, where the Lord is the Sun, and also the East, from which all determinations are there made. They who are in the front there are in the perception of good according to the distance; they who are in clear perception of good are in the east (n. 3708, 9668), and they who are in obscure perception of good are in the west (n. 3708, 9653); but they who are in the clear light of truth are in the south (n. 9642), and they who are in the obscure light of truth are in the north (n. 3708). Hence it is that in the Word such things are signified by these four quarters; and that by "length" is signified good, and by "breadth" truth.


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