Heaven and Hell (Harley) n. 596

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596. There are two kingdoms into which the heavens are distinguished, namely, the celestial kingdom and the spiritual kingdom (of which see above, n. 20-38). In like manner the bells are distinguished into two kingdoms, one of which is opposite to the celestial kingdom and the other opposite to the spiritual kingdom. That which is opposite to the celestial kingdom is in the western quarter, and those who are in it are called genii; and that which is opposite to the spiritual kingdom is in the northern and southern quarters, and those who are in it are called spirits. All who are in the celestial kingdom are in love to the Lord, and all who are in the hells opposite to that kingdom are in the love of self; while all who are in the spiritual kingdom are in love towards the neighbour, and all who are in the hells opposite to that kingdom are in the love of the world. Evidently, then, love to the Lord and the love of self are opposites; and in like manner love towards the neighbour and the love of the world are opposites. The Lord continually provides that there shall be no outfiowing from the bells that are opposite the Lord's celestial kingdom towards those who are in the spiritual kingdom; for if this were done the spiritual kingdom would perish (for the reason given above, n. 578, 579). These are the two general equilibria that are unceasingly maintained by the Lord.


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