Page:Illustrations of the Holy Word.pdf/9

 1. What entereth from without is said to purge all meats, (see Mark vii. 19,) whence it should appear, that all external influences from beneath tend to the purification of goods and truths, and it seems questionable whether purgation can be effected by any other means.

2. ''Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; and lo! the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: and lo! a voice from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased''. (Matt. iii. 16, 17.) These words appear to be fulfilled in all cases of spiritual baptism, or purification from evil by the truths of God’s words; the first effect of such baptism is an elevation of the mind out of and above those external principles of truth and doctrine, by which purification was effected; the second effect is an opening of the internal man or mind; the third effect is the manifestation of truth divine from an interior ground; and the fourth effect is the manifestation of good divine, or the good of love to the Lord and true charity.