Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 5963

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5963. 'And he said to them, Do not quarrel on the way' means the perception imparted to them that they should be at peace. This is clear from the meaning of 'saying to them' as a perception imparted by the internal, which is 'Joseph', dealt with often; and from the meaning of 'not quarreling on the way' as that they should be at peace. For quarreling with others is an absence of peace because there is disturbance of mind. The varying states in the next life, which are referred to immediately above in 5962, are determined by the perception of goodness and truth among those there, and so by their perception of the Lord's presence. That perception determines the degree of peace they enjoy, for those who have a perception of the Lord's presence also have a perception that every single thing that happens to them is conducive to their own welfare and that no evil influences can reach them. This is what gives them the peace they enjoy. Without such faith or trust in the Lord no one can ever attain that peace, nor accordingly the bliss which joy brings since that bliss resides within such peace.


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