261、圣言是用对应，因而用代表写成的。就其字义而言，圣言纯由对应，因而由诸如代表并表示涉及天堂和教会的属灵事物的那类事物写成（1404，1408，1409，1540，1619，1659，1709，1783，2179，2763，2899节）。这样做是为了包含在每个细节中的内义（2899节）；这样做是为了天堂，因为天堂里的人不是照着属世的字义，而是照着属灵的内义来理解圣言的（2899节）。主通过对应、代表和象征语言说话，因为祂从神性说话（9049，9063，9086，10126，10276节）。这意味着主同时向世界和天堂说话（2533，4807，9049，9063，9086节）。主所说的话充满整个天堂（4637节）。圣言的历史是代表，所用的词语是象征性的（1540，1659，1709，1783，2686节）。圣言若要成为与天堂交流和联系的一种手段，就无法以任何其它风格来写成（2899，6943，9481节）。那些由于圣言表面简单又不优雅的风格而小看圣言，认为如果圣言以一种不同的风格写成，自己就会接受它的人大错特错了（8783节）。上古之人当中所流行的写作风格和标准模式是运用代表和象征（605，1756，9942节）。古代智者由于圣言的代表和象征而以圣言为乐，包括亲眼见证的证据（2592，2593节）。上古教会的人若阅读圣言，就会清楚看见内在意义中的事物，对外在意义中的事物则看得很模糊（4493节）。雅各的子孙被领进迦南地，是因为自上古时代以来，迦南地的所有地方就都成了代表（1585，3686，4447，5136，6516节）。因此，圣言能在那里写成；在这部圣言中，那些地方被提及是为了内义（3686，4447，5136，6516节）。然而，圣言由于这个民族而在外在意义上被改变了，但在内在意义上并未改变（10453，10461，10603，10604节）。
为叫人们能知道圣言中的对应和代表及其性质是什么，也有必要说一说它们。凡对应于某种事物之物，也代表并因此表示这种事物，是以这种方式：对应和代表为一（2896，2899，2973，2987，2989，2990，3002，3225节）。什么是对应和代表，包括亲眼见证的证据和例子（2763，2987-3002，3213-3226，3337-3352，3472-3485，4218-4228，9280节）。对应和代表的知识在古人当中是最受珍视、最受推崇的知识（3021，3419，4280，4748，4844，4964，4966，6004，7729，10252节），尤其在东方人当中（5702，6692，7097，7779，9391，10252，10407节）；在埃及比在其它国家更是如此（5702，6692，7097，7779，9391，10407节）；在外邦人或其它民族当中，如希腊和其它地方也是如此（2762，7729节）。但如今它却成了遗失的知识之一，尤其在欧洲（2894，2895，2995，3630，3632，3747，3748，3749，4581，4966，10252节）。然而，对应的知识远远超越其它一切知识，因为没有对应的知识，就无法理解圣言，也不明白圣言所描述的犹太教会的仪式的意义，不知道天堂是什么样，也不知道什么是属灵事物，属灵之物如何流入属世之物，以及其它许多事物（4280节，以及前面所引用的地方）。出现在天使和灵人面前的一切事物都通过对应来代表爱与信的事物（1971，3213-3226，3475，3485，9457，9481，9576，9577节）。天堂充满代表（1521，1532，1619节）。越深入天堂，代表就越美丽，越完美（3475节）。那里的代表因源于天堂之光，也就是神性真理，故是真实的表象；这是一切事物存在的真正本质（3485节）。
灵界中的一切事物之所以在自然界中都有代表，是因为内在之物以适合的外在之物为衣给自己披上，由此取得可见的形式（6275，6284，6299节）。就这样，目的取得适合的衣服，以便作为原因或手段而出现在较低领域，然后作为结果出现在更低领域；当目的通过原因或手段而变成结果时，它就变得可见，或出现在眼前（5711节）。这一点可通过灵魂进入身体的流注来说明；也就是说，灵魂会穿上身体中诸如允许它所思所愿的一切出现并变得可见的那类事物；所以思维在向下流入身体时，以对应于它的动作和行为来代表（2988节）。脸上的各种表情明显代表属于心智的情感，以便情感能在脸上被看到（4791-4805，5695节）。由此明显可知，自然界中的每一个事物里面都深深潜藏着来自灵界的一个原因和目的（3562，5711节），因为自然界中的事物是包含在先事物的最终结果（4240，4939，5651，6275，6284，6299，9216节）。内在事物被代表，外在事物进行代表（4292节）。
由于自然界中的一切事物都是属灵和属天事物的代表，所以古代有教会，教会里的一切外在，也就是仪式都是代表；因此，这些教会被称为代表性教会（920，1361，2896节）。建立在以色列人当中的教会是一个代表性教会（1003，2179，10149节）。它的一切仪式都是代表天堂和教会的内在事物的外在事物（4288，4874节）。当主降世时，教会和敬拜的代表就停止了，因为主打开了教会的内在事物，还因为就至高意义而言，教会的一切外在都专注于祂（4835节）。
261、圣言是以对应，即以指代方式写成的。圣言就字义而言是以纯粹的对应方式写成的，因此是用指代和象征天堂和教会属灵实质的事物写成（1404，1408，1409，1540，1619，1659，1709，1783，2179，2763，2899）。这样做是因“内义”的缘故，圣言的每个部分都有“内义”（2899）；因为天堂的天使们无法根据属世的字义理解圣言，只能根据属灵的“内义”来理解（2899）。主以对应、指代和象征的方式说话，因为祂的话出自祂的神性（9048，9063，9086，10126，10728）。因此主同时在对尘世和天堂说话（2533，4807，9048，9063，9086）。主所说的遍及整个天堂（4637）。圣言的历史书是指代性的，所用的词语是象征性的（1540，1659，1709，1783，2686）。作为沟通联系天堂的通道，圣言不可能以任何其他方式书写（2899，6943，9481）。那些因圣言的形式表面看来简单粗略，而轻视它的人，或以为若以另一种方式书写就会被人接受的人，是大错特错了（8783）。最古老人类中流行的标准书写模式，就是像形指代和象征符号（605，1756，9942）。从见证可知，古代智者因其象形指代和象征符号而喜欢圣言（2592，2593）。如果让一个最古老教会的人读圣言，他会清晰地看到“内义”的内容，而含糊地看到字义的内容（4493）。
雅各的儿子们被带进迦南地，因为从最古老时代开始，那里的所有地处都被赋予了象征含义 （1585，3686，4447，5136，6516），圣言在该处写成，就是因为圣言提到的那些地名，具有“内义”的缘故（3686，4447，5136，6516）。因为该民族的缘故，圣言被更改了，但更改的是“外义”，而非“内义”（10453，10461，10603，10604）。为了能够说明圣言中的对应和象形指代的意思及其性质，我需要做进一步的论述。
任何一件事物若对应另一事物，则其也具有指代性，从而对应和指代的事物合二为一 （2896，2897，2973，2987，2989，2990，3002，3225）。下列各章节用见证和举例说明，对应和指代是什么意思（2763，2987–3002，3213–3226，3337–3352，3472–3485，4218–4228，9280）。对应和象形指代的知识是古人最主要的知识（3021，3419，4280，4748，4844，4964，4966，6004，7729，10252）。 特别是中东人（5702，6692，7097，7779，9391，10252，10407）；埃及人比其他民族使用更多（5702，6692，7097，7779，9391，10407）。也见于外邦人，如希腊和其它地方（2762，7729）。
但是今天它属于失传的学问之一，尤其是在欧洲（2894，2895，2994，3630，3632，3747–3749，4581，4966，10252）。然而这门学问应比所有其它学问重要，因为没有它，人们就无法理解圣言，也无法理解圣言记载的犹太教会仪式的意义；既不知道天堂的样式和灵界的实质，也不知道属灵事物如何流入世上，以及很多其它事情（4280，参见上句中各索引。天使和灵所能看见的都经由对应代表爱与信（1971，3213–3226，3449，3475，3485，9481，9574，9576，9577）。天堂充满了象形指代（1521，1532，1619）。越往天堂的中心走，这些形象就越美丽，也越完美（3475）。这些展示于眼前的形象都是真的，因为它们来自天堂之光，也就是神性真理，这就是天堂万事万物的根本实质（3485）
灵界的所有事物之所以在尘世上都有对应，其原因是每个内在实相都在尘世上披戴了一个相应的外壳，从而使它显明可见（6275，6284，6299）。基于此，一个“目的”在世上披戴合适的外壳，从而在较低的层次上以原因的形式存在，然后它会在一个更低层次以“效果”展现。当“目的”经由“原因”成为“效果”时，“目的”就成为可见的，以某种样式呈现眼前（5711）。这个道理可以通过灵魂流入身体来阐明。借此流入，灵魂披戴上了肉体，使它所思考和意愿的一切都能显现和被看见。因此，当思想流入身体时，思想就由对应的姿态和行动表现出来（2988）。属于心灵的情感，由人脸上变化的表情清晰地表现出来，所以可以被看见（4791–4805，5695）。因此显然，尘世中的所有事物，都隐藏着来自灵性世界的“原因”和“目的”（3562，5711）。因为尘世的事物都是由前因导致的最终“结果”（4240，4939，5051，6275，6284，6299，9216）。内在实相被象征，而外在展现的是象征（4292）。
因为物质世界的所有事物都是属灵和属天事物的象征，所以，在古代有这样一些教会，它的外在表现即仪式都是象征性事物。因此那些教会被称作“象征性教会”（519，521，2896）。由以色列的儿子们创立的教会就是一个“象征性教会”（1003，2179，10149）。它的所有仪式都是外在行为，代表了天堂和教会的内在特性（4288，4874）。当主来到人间后，教会和敬拜的象征性就终止了，因为主打开了教会的内在；又因为在最高意义上，关于教会的一切都聚焦于主（4832）。
261. The Word was composed using correspondences and therefore representations. In its literal meaning, the Word was composed entirely by means of correspondences, that is, by means of things that represent and symbolize spiritual realities that have to do with heaven and the church: 1404, 1408, 1409, 1540, 1619, 1659, 1709, 1783, 2179, 2763, 2899. This was done so that there would be an inner meaning in the details (2899); so it was done for the sake of heaven, because the inhabitants of heaven do not understand the Word in its literal meaning, which is earthly; they understand it in its inner meaning, which is spiritual (2899). The Lord spoke using correspondences, representations, and symbolic language because he spoke from his divine nature: 9049, 9063, 9086, 10126, 10276. This means that the Lord spoke to the world and at the same time to heaven: 2533, 4807, 9049, 9063, 9086. What the Lord said spread through the whole of heaven: 4637.
The historical events recounted in the Word are representative and the individual words used are symbolic: 1540, 1659, 1709, 1783, 2686. The Word could not have been composed in any other style if it was to serve as a means of communication and connection with the heavens: 2899, 6943, 9481. It is an immense mistake for people to belittle the Word because of its seemingly simple and inelegant style and to think that they would accept it if it had been written in a different style: 18783. Indeed, the style and standard mode of writing among the earliest people in general was to use representative imagery and symbolism: 605, 1756, 9942. The early sages enjoyed the Word because of its representative imagery and symbolism: 2592, 2593 (which include evidence from eyewitness experience). If people of the earliest church had read the Word they would have seen what is in its inner meaning clearly what is in its outer meaning dimly: 4493. Jacob's descendants were led into the land of Canaan because all the places in that land had been given symbolic meaning from the earliest times (1585, 3686, 4447, 5136, 6516), and so that a Word could be composed there in which places would be mentioned because of their inner meaning (3686, 4447, 5136, 6516). All the same, the Word was changed in its outer meaning because of that people, although it was not changed in its inner meaning: 10453, 10461, 10603, 10604.
[2] To show the nature and characteristics of correspondences and of the representative imagery in the Word, I need to say something further about them. Everything that corresponds to something also represents and therefore means that something, in such a way that the correspondence and the representation unite: 2896, 2899, 2973, 2987, 2989, 2990, 3002, 3225. What correspondence and representation are: 2763, 2987-3002, 3213-3226, 3337-3352, 3472-3485, 4218-4228, 9280 (which include evidence from eyewitness experience and examples). For the early people, the most highly prized body of knowledge was knowledge of correspondences and representative imagery (3021, 3419, 4280, 4748, 4844, 4964, 4966, 6004, 7729, 10252); especially among the people of the Near East (5702, 6692, 7097, 7779, 9391, 10252, 10407); in Egypt more than any other region (5702, 6692, 7097, 7779, 9391, 10407); but also in other nations, such as Greece and elsewhere (2762, 7729). Today, though, it is one of the lost bodies of knowledge, especially in Europe: 2894, 2895, 2995, 3630, 3632, 3747, 3748, 3749, 4581, 4966, 10252. Nevertheless, this body of knowledge truly does transcend all others, since without it we cannot understand the Word, or the meaning of the rituals of the Jewish church that are described in the Word, or what heaven is like, or what spiritual reality is, or how the inflow of what is spiritual into what is earthly happens, or a great many other matters: 4280 the references cited . All the things that are visible angels spirits represent matters of love faith through correspondences: 1971, 3213-3226, 3475, 3485, 9457, 9481, 9576, 9577. The heavens are full of representative imagery: 1521, 1532, 1619. The deeper you go into the heavens, the more beautiful and perfect are the images that arise: 3475. What these images show you is real because they come from the light of heaven, which is divine truth; and this is the very essential reality from which everything arises: 3485.
[3] The reason absolutely everything that exists in the spiritual world is represented in the earthly world is that the inner reality clothes itself with suitable materials from the outer world as a means of taking on visible form: 6275, 6284, 6299. Just so, a purpose takes on suitable clothing in order to manifest itself as a means in a lower realm and then to manifest itself as something that results on a still lower level; and when a purpose becomes a result through its means it becomes visible, or takes form before our eyes: 5711. This is illustrated by the inflow of the soul into the body. That is, the soul is clothed with a body that allows those things the soul is thinking and intending to become visible and evident, so when a thought flows down into the body it is represented there by whatever motions and actions 2correspond to it: 2988. Our minds' emotions are represented so clearly by the various expressions of our faces that they can actually be read there: 4791-4805, 5695. We can see, then, that within absolutely everything in the material world there lie more deeply hidden some means and some purpose from the spiritual world (3562, 5711), because the things that exist in the material world are the final effects into which prior realities are flowing (4240, 4939, 5651, 6275, 6284, 6299, 9216). It is inner realities that are represented and outer ones that do the representing: 4292.
[4] Because everything in the material world is symbolic of spiritual and heavenly realities, there were churches in the early times in which all the outer, ritual practices were symbolic. Because of this, these churches were called "symbolic churches": 920, 1361, 2896. The church established among the children of Israel was a symbolic church: 1003, 2179, 10149. All its rituals were outward practices that symbolized inner realities, aspects of heaven and the church: 4288, 4874. The symbolic practices of the church and its worship came to an end when the Lord came into the world, since the Lord opened the inner reaches of the church and since, in the highest sense, everything about that church focused on him: 4835.
Footnotes:
1. Elegance of style-especially directness and simplicity-was highly prized by Swedenborg's philosophical contemporaries. It was not uncommon for skeptics and Deists (see note 5 in Last Judgment 15) to criticize the Bible on the basis of perceived inelegancies in its mode of expression, often identified as being typically "Oriental" by virtue of its fantastical imagery and penchant for repetition (Gargett 2009, 193-204). Voltaire (1694-1778), for instance, who knew the Bible very well and even translated extracts into French, pronounced a characteristically mixed verdict on the Song of Songs in the article Salomon (Solomon) in his Dictionnaire philosophique: "The style is like that of all the Hebrews' books of eloquence, lacking connection and development, full of repetition, confused, ridiculously metaphorical; but there are places that exhale naivety and love" (Voltaire 1994, 36:500-517; translated by Graham Gargett). Compare note 406 on the movement toward a more simplified, "natural" style during the Enlightenment. [DNG]
2. The word "actions," which would be actiones in Latin, is read here as an emendation of the word affectiones, "emotions," in accordance with the language used in the passage cited, Secrets of Heaven 2988. The same emendation is made in White Horse 12:3. [GFD]
261. Not translated.
261. The Word was composed by means of correspondences, and thus by means of representatives. As to the sense of the letter, the Word was composed by means of pure correspondences, and thus by means of such things as represent and signify the spiritual things which belong to heaven and the Church, Arcana Coelestia 1404, 1408, 1409, 1540, 1619, 1659, 1709, 1783, 2179, 2763, 2899. This was done for the sake of the internal sense, which is in each single thing, Arcana Coelestia 2899; and thus for the sake of heaven, since those who are in heaven do not understand the Word according to the sense of the letter, which is natural; but according to the internal sense which is spiritual, Arcana Coelestia 2899. The Lord spoke through correspondences, representatives, signficatives, because He spoke from the Divine, Arcana Coelestia 9048, 9063, 9086, 10126, 10728. The Lord therefore spoke before the world, and before heaven, Arcana Coelestia 2533, 4807, 9048, 9063, 9086. The things which the Lord spoke filled the whole heaven, Arcana Coelestia 4637. The historical things of the Word are representative; the words are significative, Arcana Coelestia 1540, 1659, 1709, 1783, 2686. The Word could not have been composed in any other style, in order that through it there might be communication and conjunction with the heavens, Arcana Coelestia 2899, 6943, 9481. Those are much mistaken who despise the Word on account of its apparently simple and uncouth style, and who think that they would receive the Word if it had been written in another style, Arcana Coelestia 8783. The most ancient people also had a method and a style of writing by means of representatives and significatives, Arcana Coelestia 605, 1756, 9942. The ancient wise men were delighted with the Word, on account of the representatives and significatives therein; from experience, Arcana Coelestia 2592, 2593. If a man of the Most Ancient Church had read the Word, he would have seen clearly the things which are in its internal sense, and obscurely those which are in its external sense, Arcana Coelestia 4493. The sons of Jacob were led into the land of Canaan, because all the places therein had become representative from the most ancient times, Arcana Coelestia 1585, 3686, 4447, 5136, 6516; and that thus there might be written in it a Word, in which places might be named for the sake of the internal sense, Arcana Coelestia 3686, 4447, 5136, 6516. But the Word was, nevertheless, altered as to the external sense, for the sake of that nation, yet not as to the internal sense, Arcana Coelestia 10453, 10461, 10603, 10604. In order that it may be known what the correspondences and representatives in the Word are, and what their quality, something shall also be said concerning them.
All things which correspond likewise represent and hence signify, so that correspondences and representatives are one thing, Arcana Coelestia 2896, 2897, 2973, 2987, 2989, 2990, 3002, 3225. What correspondences and representatives are; from experience and examples, Arcana Coelestia 2763, 2987-3002, 3213-3226, 3337-3352, 3472-3485, 4218-4228, 9280. The science of correspondences and representatives was the chief science among the ancients, Arcana Coelestia 3021 Arcana Coelestia 3021[1-8], 3419, 4280, 4748, 4844, 4964, 4966, 6004, 7729, 10252; especially among the eastern nations, Arcana Coelestia 5702, 6692, 7097, 7779, 9391, 10252, 10407; and in Egypt more than elsewhere, Arcana Coelestia 5702, 6692, 7097, 7779, 9391, 10407. Likewise among the Gentiles, as in Greece and other places, Arcana Coelestia 2762, 7729. At this day, however, that science is among the lost sciences, particularly in Europe, Arcana Coelestia 2894, 2895, 2994, 3630, 3632, 3747-3749, 4581, 4966, 10252. This science, nevertheless, is more excellent than all other sciences, because apart from it the Word cannot be understood, nor can the signification of the rites of the Jewish Church, which are treated of in the Word, be known; neither can the nature of heaven be known, nor what the Spiritual is, nor how the case is with spiritual influx into the Natural, with many other things, Arcana Coelestia 4280, and the passages cited above. All things which appear among the angels and spirits are representative, according to the correspondences of such things as belong to love and faith, Arcana Coelestia 1971, 3213-3226, 3349, 3475, 3485, 9481, 9574, 9576, 9577. The heavens are full of representatives, Arcana Coelestia 1521, 1532, 1619. Representatives appear more beautiful and perfect, in proportion as they are more interiorly in the heavens, Arcana Coelestia 3475. The representatives there are real appearances, because they are from the light of heaven which is Divine Truth, and Divine Truth is the very Essential of the existence of all things, Arcana Coelestia 3485.
The reason why each and all things in the spiritual world are represented in the natural world, is that the Internal clothes itself with appropriate things in the External, whereby it presents itself visibly and becomes apparent, Arcana Coelestia 6275, 6284, 6299. The end thus clothes itself with suitable things so as to present itself as the cause in a lower sphere, and afterwards as the effect in a sphere lower still; and when the end through the cause becomes the effect, it becomes visible, that is, appears before the eyes, Arcana Coelestia 5711. This may be illustrated by the influx of the soul into the body, namely, that the soul becomes clothed in the body with such things as render it possible for things which the soul thinks and wills to appear and to be presented visibly; when, therefore, the thought flows down into the body, it is represented by such gestures and actions as correspond, Arcana Coelestia 2988. The affections, belonging to the mind, are represented in the face, through the various expressions of the countenance, so as to appear therein, Arcana Coelestia 4791-4805, 5695. Hence it is evident, that in each and all things of nature, there is latent interiorly a cause and an end from the spiritual world, Arcana Coelestia 3562, 5711; since those things which are in nature are ultimate effects in which are prior things, Arcana Coelestia 4240, 4939, 5051, 6275, 6284, 6299, 9216. Internal things are those which are represented, and external things those which represent, Arcana Coelestia 4292.
Since all things in nature are representative of spiritual and celestial things, therefore, in ancient times, there were Churches wherein all the externals which were rituals, were representative; wherefore those Churches were called representative Churches, Arcana Coelestia 519, 521, 2896. The Church which was instituted among the sons of Israel was a representative Church, Arcana Coelestia 1003, 2179, 10149. All the rituals in it were externals which represented the internal things belonging to heaven and the Church, Arcana Coelestia 4288, 4874. The representatives of the Church and of worship ceased when the Lord came into the world, because the Lord laid open the internal things of the Church, and because all the externals of the Church, in the highest sense, had respect to Him, Arcana Coelestia 4832.
261. The Word is written by correspondences, and thus by representatives.
The Word, as to its literal sense, is written by mere correspondences, thus by such things as represent and signify spiritual things which relate to heaven and the church (n. 1404, 1408, 1409, 1540, 1619, 1659, 1709, 1783, 2179, 2763, 2899). This was done for the sake of the internal sense, which is contained in every part (n. 2899). For the sake of heaven, since those who are in heaven do not understand the Word according to the sense of the letter, which is natural, but according to its internal sense, which is spiritual (n. 2899). The Lord spoke by correspondences, representatives, and significatives, because He spoke from the Divine (n. 9048, 9063, 9086, 10126, 10728). Thus the Lord spoke at the same time before the world and before heaven (n. 2533, 4807, 9048, 9063, 9086). The things which the Lord spoke filled the entire heaven (n. 4637). The historicals of the Word are representative, and the words significative (n. 1540, 1659, 1709, 1783, 2686). The Word could not be written in any other style, that by it there might be a communication and conjunction with the heavens (n. 2899, 6943, 9481). They who despise the Word on account of the apparent simplicity and rudeness of its style, and who fancy that they would receive the Word, if it were written in a different style, are in a great error (n. 8783). The mode and style of writing, which prevailed amongst the most ancient people, was by representatives and significatives (n. 605, 1756, 9942). The ancient wise men were delighted with the Word, because of the representatives and significatives therein, from experience (n. 2592, 2593). If a man of the Most Ancient Church had read the Word, he would have seen the things which are in the internal sense clearly, and those which are in the external sense obscurely (n. 4493). The sons of Jacob were brought into the land of Canaan, because all the places in that land, from the most ancient times, were made representative (n. 1585, 3686, 4447, 5136, 6516). And thus that the Word might there be written, in which Word those places were to be mentioned for the sake of the internal sense (n. 3686, 4447, 5136, 6516). But nevertheless the Word was changed, for the sake of that nation, as to the external sense, but not as to the internal sense (n. 10453, 10461, 10603, 10604). In order that it may be known what the correspondences and representatives in the Word are, and what is their quality, something shall also be said concerning them.
All things which correspond are likewise representative, and thereby significative, thus that correspondences and representatives are one (n. 2896, 2897, 2973, 2987, 2989, 2990, 3002, 3225). What correspondences and representations are, from experience and examples (n. 2763, 2987-3002, 3213-3226, 3337-3352, 3472-3485, 4218-4228, 9280). The knowledge of correspondences and representations was the chief science amongst the ancients (n. 3021, 3419, 4280, 4748, 4844, 4964, 4966, 6004, 7729, 10252). Especially with the Orientals (n. 5702, 6692, 7097, 7779, 9391, 10252, 10407); and in Egypt more than in other countries (n. 5702, 6692, 7097, 7779, 9391, 10407). Also among the Gentiles, as in Greece and other places (n. 276 2762, 7729). But at this day it is among the sciences which are lost, particularly in Europe (n. 2894, 2895, 2994, 3630, 3632, 3747-3749, 4581, 4966, 10252). Nevertheless this science is more excellent than all other sciences, since without it the Word is not understood, nor the signification of the rites of the Jewish church, which are recorded in the Word; neither is it known what heaven is, nor what the spiritual is, nor in what manner spiritual influx takes place into what is natural, with many other things (n. 4280, and in the places above cited). All the things which appear before angels and spirits, are representatives, according to correspondences of such things as relate to love and faith (n. 1971, 3213-3226, 3449, 3475, 3485, 9481, 9574, 9576, 9577). The heavens are full of representatives (n. 1521, 1532, 1619). Representatives are more beautiful, and more perfect, in proportion as they are more interiorly in the heavens (n. 3475). Representatives there are real appearances, being derived from the light of heaven, which is Divine truth, and which is the very essential of the existence of all things (n. 3485).
The reason why each and all things in the spiritual world are represented in the natural world, is because what is internal assumes a suitable clothing in what is external, whereby it makes itself visible and apparent (n. 6275, 6284, 6299). Thus the end assumes a suitable clothing, that it may exist as the cause in a lower sphere, and afterwards that it may exist as the effect in a sphere lower still; and when the end, by means of the cause, becomes the effect, it then becomes visible, or appears before the eyes (n. 5711). This may be illustrated by the influx of the soul into the body, whereby the soul assumes a clothing of such things in the body, as enable all the things which it thinks and wills, to appear and become visible; wherefore the thought, when it flows down into the body, is represented by gestures and actions which correspond thereto (n. 2988). The affections, which are of the mind, are manifestly represented in the face, by the variations of the countenance, so that they may be seen therein (n. 4791-4805, 5695). Hence it is evident, that each and all things in nature have in them a latent cause and end from the spiritual world (n. 3562, 5711). Since the things in nature are ultimate effects, which contain prior things (n. 4240, 4939, 5051, 6275, 6284, 6299, 9216). Internal things are represented, and external things represent (n. 4292).
Since all things in nature are representative of spiritual and celestial things, therefore, in ancient times, there were churches, wherein all the externals, which are rituals, were representative; wherefore those churches were called representative churches (n. 519, 521, 2896). The church founded with the sons of Israel was a representative church (n. 1003, 2179, 10149). All its rituals were external things, which represented the internal things of heaven and the church (n. 4288, 4874). Representatives of the church and of worship ceased when the Lord came into the world, because the Lord opened the internal things of the church, and because all the externals of the church in the highest sense regarded Him (n. 4832).
261. Quod Verbum conscriptum sit per Correspondentias, et sic per Repraesentativa.
Quod Verbum quoad sensum litterae conscriptum sit per meras correspondentias, ita per talia quae repraesentant et significant spiritualia, quae sunt caeli et ecclesiae (Arcana Coelestia 1404, 1408, 1409, 1540, 1619, 1659, 1709, 1783, 2179, 2763, 2899).
Quod hoc factum sit propter sensum internum in singulis (Arcana Coelestia 2899).
Ita propter caelum, quoniam illi qui in caelo sunt Verbum non intelligunt secundum sensum litterae ejus, qui naturalis, sed secundum sensum internum, qui spiritualis (Arcana Coelestia 2899).
Quod Dominus locutus sit per correspondentias repraesentativa et significativa, quia a Divino (Arcana Coelestia 9049, [9048?], 9063, 9086, 10126, 10728).
Quod Dominus sic locutus sit coram mundo et coram caelo (Arcana Coelestia 2533, 4807, 9049, [9048?], 9063, 9086).
Quod illa quae Dominus locutus est, impleverint universum caelum (Arcana Coelestia 4637).
Quod historica Verbi sint repraesentativa; verba, significativa (Arcana Coelestia 1540, 1659, 1709, 1783, 2687, [2686?],).
Quod Verbum non alio stylo conscribi potuerit, ut per id communicatio et conjunctio cum caelis esset (Arcana Coelestia 2899, 6943, 9481).
Quod valde errent qui Verbum propter stylum simplicem et rudem ad apparentiam contemnunt, et qui cogitant quod recepturi Verbum si alio stylo scriptum fuisset (Arcana Coelestia 8783).
Quod etiam modus scribendi et stylus antiquissimis fuerit per repraesentativa et significativa (Arcana Coelestia 605, 1756, 9942).
Quod sapientes antiqui delectati sint Verbo, quia ibi repraesentiva et significativa (ab experientia, Arcana Coelestia 2592, 2593).
Si homo Antiquissimae Ecclesiae legisset Verbum, quod clare vidisset illa quae in sensu interno Verbi sunt, et obscure illa quae in sensu externo (Arcana Coelestia 449, [4493?],).
Quod filii Jacobi in Terram Canaanem deducti sint, quia in illa terra omnia loca ab antiquissimis temporibus repraesentativa facta sunt (Arcana Coelestia 1585, 3686, 4441, [4447?], 5136, 6516).
Et sicut Verbum ibi conscriberetur, in quo loca nominanda erant propter sensum internum (Arcana Coelestia 3686, 4447, 5136, 6516).
Sed quod usque Verbum quoad sensum externum immutatum sit propter illam gentem, non autem quoad sensum internum (Arcana Coelestia 10453, 10461, 10603, 10604).
Ut sciatur quid sunt et quales sunt correspondentiae et qualia sunt repraesentativa in Verbo, ideo aliquid de illis quoque dicetur: -
Quod omnia quae correspondent etiam repraesentent, et inde significent, sic ut correspondentiae et repraesentationes unum sint (Arcana Coelestia 2890, [2896?], 2897, 2971, [2973?], 2987, 2989, 2990, 3002, 3225).
Qui correspondentiae et repraesentationes (ab experientia et ab exemplis, Arcana Coelestia 2703, [2763?], 2987-3002, 3213-3226, 3337-3352, 3472-3485, 4218-4228, 9280).
Quod scientia correspondentiarum et repraesentationum fuerit praecipua scientia apud antiquos (Arcana Coelestia 3021, 3419, 4280, 4749, [4748?], 4844, 4964, 4965, [4966?], 6004, 7729, 10252).
Imprimis apud orientales (Arcana Coelestia 5702, 6692, 7097, 7779, 9391, 10252, 10407).
Quod in Aegypto prae aliis (Arcana Coelestia 5702, 6692, 7097, 7779, 9391, 10252, 10407).
Quod etiam apud gentiles, ut in Graecia et alibi (Arcana Coelestia 2762, 7729).
Sed quod hodie inter scientias deperditas sit, imprimis in Europa (Arcana Coelestia 2894, 2895, 2994, 3630, 3632, 3747-3749, 4581, 4966, 10252).
Quod usque illa scientia praestet omnibus scientiis, quoniam absque illa non intelligitur Verbum, nec quid significant ritus Ecclesiae Judaicae de quibus in Verbo, nec scitur quale caelum, nec quid spirituale, nec quomodo se habet cum influxu spirituali in naturale, et plura alia (Arcana Coelestia 4280, et in locis supra citatis).
Quod omnia quae apud angelos et spiritus apparent, sint repraesentativa secundum correspondentias talium quae sunt amoris et fidei (Arcana Coelestia 1971, 3213-3226, 3457, [3349?], 3475, 3485, 9481, 9574, 9576, 9577).
Quod caeli sint pleni repraesentativis (Arcana Coelestia 1521, 1532, 1619).
Quod repraesentativa eo pulchriora et perfectiora existant, quo interius in caelis (Arcana Coelestia 3475).
Quod repraesentativa ibi sint apparentiae reales, quia a luce caeli, quae est Divinum Verum; et hoc est ipsum essentiale existentiae omnium (Arcana Coelestia 3485).
Causa quod omnia et singula, quae in spirituali mundo sunt, in naturali repraesententur, est quia internum se induit convenientibus in externo, per quae se visibile sistat et appareat (Arcana Coelestia 6275, 6284, 6299).
Ita finis se induit convenientibus ut se sistat ut causa in inferiore sphaera, et dein ut se sistat ut effectus in adhuc inferiore; et cum finis per causam fit effectus, tunc fit visibilis seu coram oculis apparet (Arcana Coelestia 5711).
Haec illustrata per influxum animae in corpus, quod nempe anima induatur talibus in corpore, per quae omnia quae cogitat et vult possunt apparere et visibiliter sisti; quare cogitatio cum defluit in corpus, repraesentatur per tales gestus et affectiones quae correspondent (Arcana Coelestia 2988).
Manifeste affectiones, quae mentis sunt, repraesentantur in facie per varios ejus vultus, adeo ut ibi videantur (Arcana Coelestia 4791-4805, 5695).
Inde patet quod in omnibus et singulis Naturae lateat interius causa et finis e spirituali mundo (Arcana Coelestia 3562, 5711).
Quoniam illa quae in Natura sunt, ultimi effectus sunt, quibus insunt priora (Arcana Coelestia 4240, 4939, 5051, 6275, 6284, 6299, 9216).
Quod interna sint quae repraesentantur, et externa quae repraesentant (Arcana Coelestia 4292).
Quoniam omnia in Natura repraesentativa spiritualium et caelestium sunt, quod ideo antiquis temporibus ecclesiae fuerint in quibus omnia externa, quae erant ritualia, repraesentativa erant; ideo illae ecclesiae dictae fuerunt ecclesiae repraesentativae (Arcana Coelestia 519, 521, 2896).
Quod ecclesia apud filios Israelis instituta fuerit ecclesia repraesentativa (Arcana Coelestia 1003, 2179, 10149).
Quod omnia ritualia ibi fuerint externa quae repraesentaverunt interna, quae caeli et ecclesiae sunt (Arcana Coelestia 4288, 4874).
Quod repraesentativa ecclesiae et cultus cessaverint cum Dominus in mundum venit, quia Dominus interna ecclesiae aperuit, et quia omnia ecclesiae externa in supremo sensu Ipsum spectaverunt (Arcana Coelestia 4832).