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 other than a true Church. But the endless variety in the New Christian Church, signiied by the New Jerusalem, is distinctly declared in other parts of the Writings. Thus in his explanation of the meaning of "the seven candlesticks" mentioned in the first chapter of the "Apocalypse". Swedenborg first says that they "signify the New Church upon earth, which is the New Jerusalem descending from the Lord out of the new heaven." Then, after referring to previous numbers wherein he had explained the meaning of "candlesticks" and the number "seven," he procceds:—

"By the seven candlesticks are not meant seven churches, but the whole Church in the aggregate, which in itself is one, but various according to reception. These varieties may be compared to the various jewels in a king's crown; also to the various members and organs in a perfect body, which yet make a one. The perfection of every form consists in diverse things being suitably disposed in their order. Hence it is that the entire New Church is described, as to its various particulars, in what follows." (A. R., n. 66.)

We learn from this that there will be great variety in the Church signified by the New Jerusalem, and that this variety will not detract from, but rather add to, its perfection. It will be a truer, grander, and more excellent Church because more like the angelic heaven from which