Page:The Swedenborg Library Vol 2.djvu/54

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itself to another as a sympathizing friend in the series, then it is complete.

Now 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. That all perfection results from this harmonious arrangement of parts that are different, is evident from all the beauty, pleasantness and delight which affect both the senses and the mind; for these exist and flow from no other source than from the concert and harmony of many concordant and sympathizing parts, either coexistent or successive, and not from one thing alone. Hence it is said that variety is charming, and it is known that its charms depend upon its quality.

From these considerations it may be seen as in a mirror how perfection results from variety, even in heaven; for from the things existing in the natural world those in the spiritual world may be seen as in a mirror


THE SAME IS TRUE OF THE CHURCH.

The same may be said concerning the church as concerning heaven; for the church is the Lord's heaven on earth. There are also many churches; and each one is called a church, and likewise is a church so far as the good of love and faith rules therein. Here also the Lord makes a whole from different parts; thus from several churches He makes one church.

The same, too, may be said of each member of the