Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 6603

Previous Number Next Number Next Translation See Latin 

6603. But it should be recognized that the thoughts and affections which reach communities round about do not specifically move the communities there to think and will in the same way as the man, spirit, or angel from whom the thoughts and affections come forth. Rather, they enter the overall sphere of affection and accompanying thought that belong to those communities. Consequently the communities know nothing about the matter; for that sphere is a spiritual one which includes all the communities, yet varies with each, and when those thoughts and affections enter that sphere the communities remain unaffected. All thoughts and affections enter the spheres emanating from the communities with which they are in agreement. Thus it is that they extend freely in all directions, like rays from objects in the world, which pass freely in all directions into the sight of everyone who is standing around, yet in varying ways according to whether a person's sight is clear or impaired, and also whether the air is bright or gloomy. What corresponds in the spiritual world to the air when it is bright is an affection for knowing truth and good.


This page is part of the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg

© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church