his self-derived intelligence, but from interior illumination, so that he can diseover and draw forth truths which were not visible from an exterior standpoint. The Word is appealed to in all cases of doubt or difficulty; for the Law of the Lord reigns supreme in heaven. The Word there answers all the questions of the earnestly-seeking soul, as the precious stones on the breast-plate of the high-priest responded to his prayers by beautiful variations of their light.
These copies of the Word shine in heaven with a great light, varying in color, power and beauty with the states of the particular society. They illumine the temples where they are kept, and even the faces of the angels who assemble to hear, as the face of Moses was brightened by gazing on the tablets containing the decalogue. The sphere of the Word, which is in reality that of God himself, cannot be safely approached by those who are in contrary or unloving and unbelieving states. Swedenborg saw this attempted by unprepared spirits, but they were hurled senseless to the ground with phenomena resembling thunder and lightning. This explained to him the miraculous power which emanated from the ark of the covenant, prostrating the statues of heathen gods before it,
