Page:A Compendium of the Theological Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg.djvu/273

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There was a diligent inquiry among spirits respecting the disciples,—that they might instruct those who were from the earth Jupiter,—for what reason men of inferior condition like fishermen were chosen, and not any from among the learned: and as I heard them, it may here be related that very many [at that time] were steeped in vanities and the like, so that they could not receive those things which belong to faith, like the unlearned who more easily received and believed them. Therefore they in preference to the learned were chosen. (S. D. n. 1216.)

Internal men, such as the angels of heaven are, do not desire the retaliation of evil for evil; but from heavenly charity forgive. For they know that the Lord protects all who are in good against the evil, and that He protects according to the good that is in them; and that He would not protect if they were inflamed with enmity, hatred, and revenge, on account of evil done to them; for these avert protection. (A. E. n. 556.)

Spiritual fermentations take place in many ways, both in the heavens and on earth; but in the world it is not known what they are, and how they are effected. There are in truth evils and attendant falsities, which admitted into societies act as the ferments put into meal and new wine; by which heterogeneous things are separated and the homogeneous are united, and it becomes pure and clear. These are the fermentations which are meant by these words of the Lord: "The kingdom of the heavens is like unto leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened" (Matt. xiii. 33; Luke xiii 21). (D. P. n. 25.)

"All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing ye shall receive" (Matt. xxi. 22.) By these words the power is described of those who are in the Lord. They desire nothing, and so ask nothing but from the Lord, and whatsoever they from the Lord