Page:The Swedenborg Library Vol 1.djvu/132

 All instruction is there given from doctrine derived from the Word, and not from the Word without doctrine. Christians are instructed from heavenly doctrine, which is in perfect agreement with the internal sense of the Word. All others, as the Mohammedans and Gentiles, are instructed from doctrines suited to their comprehension, which differ from heavenly doctrines only in this, that spiritual life is taught through the medium of a moral life in agreement with the good tenets of their religion, according to which they formed their life in the world.

Instruction in heaven differs from instruction on earth in this, that knowledges are not committed to memory, but to life; for the memory of spirits is in their life, inasmuch as they receive and imbibe all things which agree with their life, and do not receive, still less imbibe, those things which disagree with it; for spirits are affections, and thence in a human form similar to their affections. This being the case with them, the affection of truth is continually inspired for the sake of the uses of life; for the Lord provides that every one may love the uses suited to his genius, which love is also exalted by the hope of becoming an angel.

And because all the uses of heaven have reference to the common use, which is the good of the Lord's