Arcana Coelestia (Potts) n. 8796

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8796. Or touch the extremity of it. That this signifies not even to the intermediate things, is evident from the signification of "extremity," as being the intermediate things; for the celestial kingdom of the Lord, which is the inmost or third heaven, is divided from the spiritual kingdom, which is the second or middle heaven, by intermediate things whereby the celestial kingdom flows into the spiritual kingdom, but not the reverse; for all influx is effected through intermediate things from interiors to exteriors; but not from exteriors to interiors (see n. 5259, 5779). From this it is plain that intermediate things are "extremities," and that they who are of the spiritual kingdom cannot reach even to the first bounds of the good of the celestial kingdom (n. 2718, 3833, 6500, 8521). Hence it is that by "take ye heed not to touch the extremity of the mountain," is signified that there shall be no extension to the celestial societies which are in the love of good, and not even to the intermediate things.


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