Church a distinct recognition of this wide diversity, and of the large toleration and complete union and harmony thence resulting.
And turning to the revelations made for the use of the New Church (where only may be found the authorized teachings of this Church), we find such expectation completely justified. First, we are told that the Church on earth is or should be like the Church in heaven in respect to variety, or the diversity of its several parts.
"Heaven is a whole, composed of various parts arranged in the most perfect form; for the heavenly form is the most perfect of all forms, All perfection results from the harmonious arrangement of parts that are different. . . .
"The same may be said of the Church as of heaven, for the Church is the Lord's heaven upon earth. There are also many Churches [or ecclesiastical organizations]; and yet each one is called a Church, and likewise is a Church so far as the good of love and faith rules therein. There also the Lord makes a whole from parts that are different; that is, from several Churches He makes one Church." (H. H., nos. 56, 57.)
It is plain that the Church here spoken of, and which is perfected by variety, is the Lord's true Church, such as the New Jerusalem is declared to be; for it is said to be the same as the heaven of angels in respect to the diversity of its component parts; and this could be affirmed of none
