Commentary

 

Memorable Occurrences in Swedenborg's Writings

This list of Memorable Occurrences in Swedenborg's Writings was originally compiled by W. C. Henderson in 1960 but has since been updated.

From Swedenborg's Works

 

Conjugial Love #356

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356. Having said that, the angel fell silent; and the newcomers realized from the spirit of the angel's discourse that a continual ability to experience delight was possible. Then because this gladdened their hearts, they began to say, "Oh, how happy is the state of angels! We perceive that you in heaven remain to eternity in a state of youth and enjoy therefore the virility of that age. But tell us how we may also attain that virility."

So the angel answered, "Refrain from adulterous affairs as hellish and go to the Lord, and you will have it."

And they said, "We will refrain from them as such and go to the Lord."

But the angel replied, "You cannot refrain from adulterous affairs as being evil and hellish unless you refrain from other evils likewise, because adultery embraces them all; and unless you refrain from them you cannot go to the Lord. The Lord does not receive people otherwise."

After that the angel departed, and those new spirits went away despondent.

  
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Many thanks to the General Church of the New Jerusalem, and to Rev. N.B. Rogers, translator, for the permission to use this translation.