cause truth, signified by the iron, always separates itself from good when it is received on the authority of others, and not on its own authority. But the same iron is always made to swim when the true prophet is supplicated, and he casts a stick into the water, (see verse 6,) because by such supplication conjunction of life is effected with Jesus Christ, and through the communication of the good of heavenly love and charity from that great and holy God truth is elevated above all falses both of persuasion and of life.
84. The Lord says to His church, Let them come near, then let them speak, (Isa. xli. 1,) to instruct us, that we are never qualified either to speak or think aright but so far as we approach to, and consociate ourselves by our best affections with, the Infinite and the Eternal, from whom alone comes all that is wise in thought and excellent in speech.
85. In the regeneration of the human mind every valley is said to be exalted (Isaiah xl. 4.) and also to be filled, (Luke iii. 5,) because every lower principle of life is brought into conjunction with the higher, and thereby with the highest, which is the Lord Himself, and in that conjunction it is replenished with all celestial love, wisdom, and blessedness.
86. In the regeneration, also, the crooked is made straight, and the rough places plain, [or smooth,] (Isaiah xl. 4; Luke iii. 5,) because the human will, or love, being restored to the order of heaven, is no longer in
