Page:The Swedenborg Library Vol 9.djvu/19

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Marriage and the Sexes

in

Both Worlds.


I.

MARRIAGES IN HEAVEN.

THAT there are marriages in heaven cannot be believed by those who think that man after death is a soul or spirit, and who cherish an idea of a soul or spirit as of a subtle vapor or breath ; who believe also that man will not live a man till after the last judgment ; and in general who know nothing of the spiritual world in which are angels and spirits, and where there are heavens and hells. And because that world has been heretofore unknown, and it has not been known that the angels of heaven are men in perfect form, and in like manner infernal spirits but in an imperfect form, therefore nothing could be revealed concerning marriages there ; for they would have said, How can a soul be united with a soul, or a breath with a breath, as consort with consort on the earths? Beside many other things which, the instant they were uttered, would take away all faith respecting marriages there.