Page:Arcana Coelestia (Potts) vol 1.djvu/144

 "between the cherubim" (Exod. xxv. 22; Num. vii. 89). This is plainly described in Ezekiel, where it is said:—

And again:—

From these passages it is evident that the providence of the Lord in preventing men from entering into the mysteries of faith is signified by the "cherubim;" and that therefore they were left to their insane cupidities, here also signified by the "fire that was to be scattered over the city," and that "none should be spared."

. That by the "flame of a sword turning itself," is signified self-love (amor proprius) with its insane cupidities and persuasions, which are such that they desire to enter [into the mysteries of faith], but are carried away to corporeal and earthly things, might be confirmed by so many passages from the Word as would fill pages; but we will cite only these from Ezekiel:—

A "sword" here signifies the desolation of man such that he sees nothing that is good and true, but mere falsities and