Page:The Doctrines of the New Church Briefly Explained.djvu/168

162 the character of the whole phenomenal world in the Hereafter, even the appearance of the Lord Himself.

And not only so, but we are further told that God appears different to different persons in this life—to each one according to his real character or spiritual state. They who are nearest to Him, that is, who receive his unselfish love into their hearts in largest measure, and let it shine out most conspicuously in their lives—who are most like God in the spirit and temper of their minds—see Him most truly. They understand his nature and character, and therefore see Him (for to see, spiritually, is to understand) from the spirit and principles in themselves which are from Him. As we deny self, and encourage and strengthen in our hearts purity of motive, nobleness of purpose, and an unselfish desire to serve and thus promote the welfare of others, we receive more of God's own life, become more like Him, and so have a better understanding or clearer view of Him. As it is written: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." In confirmation of this statement, we cite the following from Swedenborg:

"That the Lord appears to every one according to his quality [or state], may be manifest from this consideration: that He appears to those in the inmost or third heaven as a sun from which