425. To the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea.- This signifies that influx was not permitted so far as to become powerful, as is clear from what has preceded, where the subject is the separation of the good from the evil by a modified or gentle influx. Concerning this influx see above (n. 413:2, 418:2, 419:1), where it was stated that the good are separated from the evil by a moderate or gentle influx, and the evil cast down by a strong and powerful influx. And because in that which now follows the separation of the good from the evil is first treated of, which is the result of a modified influx, therefore these words signify that that influx was not permitted so far as to become powerful. For by the four angels on the four corners of the earth holding the four winds of the earth, is signified the Divine which proceeds from the Lord, and its influx into the whole spiritual world, as may be seen above (n. 417:1, 418:2); and by the earth and the sea is signified everywhere in that world, even to its ultimates. See n. 420.