Arcana Coelestia (Potts) n. 10334

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10334. And in carving of wood, to do in all work. That this signifies to represent all manner of good, is evident from the signification of the "carving of wood," as being a representative of good (that "wood" denotes good, see n. 643, 2784, 2812, 3720, 8354, 9472); and from the signification of "all work," as being all manner of good. It is said "all manner of good" because there are many genera and species of goods. There is celestial good and there is spiritual good; there is good interior and exterior, exterior good being natural and sensuous; there is the good of innocence, the good of love, the good of faith. Good must be in all truth in order that it may be truth. Moreover, the good with man is formed by means of truths, consequently good is varied and becomes manifold, so manifold indeed that no angel, no spirit, and no man, is in like good with another. The universal heaven consists in variety as to good, and by this variety one is distinguished from another. For if a number had the same good, there would be no distinction; but these various goods are so ordered by the Lord that together they constitute one general good. Be it known that the Divine good is one, because infinite (n. 10261); but that with angels, spirits, and men, it is varied in quality and quantity by its reception in truths; for truths qualify good, that is, give to good its quality; and truths are manifold.


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