Apocalypse Explained (Tansley) n. 15

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15. And keep those things which are written therein. That this signifies, that they do so from the love of truth, is evident from the signification of observing and keeping, as denoting to perceive, to will and to do accordingly; in this case, according to the doctrine of heaven; and from the signification of the things which are written therein, as denoting from the love of truth, or from the delight of that love; for what is done from love is done from delight: delight is from no other source. This is signified by the things which are written therein, because the things which are contained in the doctrine of heaven are inscribed on their heart, and thus on their life; and the things which are inscribed on the heart and life are inscribed on the love, for the heart in the Word signifies the love. (Arcana Coelestia, n. 7542, 9050, 10,336). The reason why it is the love of truth is, because those things are said of the doctrine of heaven, and the doctrine of heaven is from truths. In the Word, frequent mention is made of observing and keeping the precepts, the commandments, the words, and the law; and by observing and keeping, is there signified to understand, to will, and to do, as in Matthew:

"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (xxviii. 20).

In Luke: "Blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it." (xi. 28).

In John: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a man keep my word, he shall not see death to eternity" (viii. 51).

In the same: "If a man love me, he will keep my word. He that loveth me not, keepeth not my words (xiv. 15, 23, 24).

Again in the same: "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you" (xv. 10, 14):

to do is to will, and to will is to do; because in deeds the will is everything.


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