20. I was once asked how, from a philosopher, I became a theologian; and I answered, "In the same manner that fishermen were made disciples and apostles by the Lord: and that I also had from early youth been a spiritual fisherman." On this, my questioner asked, "What is a spiritual fisherman?" I replied, "A fisherman, in the Word, in its spiritual sense, signifies a man who investigates and teaches natural truths, and afterwards spiritual truths, in a rational manner."
[2] On his inquiring, "How is this demonstrated?" I said, "From these passages of the Word: 'Then the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up. Therefore the fishers shall mourn, and all they that cast a hook into the sea shall be sad' (Isa. 19:5, 8). In another place it is said: 'On the river, the waters whereof were healed, stood fishers from Engedi; they were present at the spreading forth of nets; their fish was according to its kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many' (Ezek. 47:10). And in another place: 'Behold I will send for many fishers, saith Jehovah, and they shall fish the sons of Israel' (Jer. 16:16). Hence it is evident why the Lord chose fishermen for His disciples, and said, 'Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men' (Matt. 4:18, 19; Mark 1:16, 17): and why He said to Peter, after he had caught the multitude of fishes, 'Henceforth thou shalt catch men' (Luke 5:9, 10)."
[3] I afterwards demonstrated the origin of this signification of fishermen from THE APOCALYPSE REVEALED: namely, that since water signifies natural truths (nos. 50, 932), as does also a river (nos. 409, 932), a fish signifies those who are in natural truths (no. 405); and thence that fishermen signify those who investigate and teach truths.
[4] On hearing this, my questioner raised his voice and said, "Now I can understand why the Lord called and chose fishermen to be His disciples; and therefore I do not wonder that He has also chosen you, since, as you have observed, you were from early youth a fisherman in a spiritual sense, that is, an investigator of natural truths: and the reason that you are now become an investigator of spiritual truths is because these are founded on the former." To this he added, being a man of reason, that "the Lord alone knows who is the proper person to apprehend and teach those things which belong to His New Church; whether one of the Primates, or one of their domestic servants." "Besides," he continued, "what Christian theologian does not study philosophy in the schools, before he graduates as a theologian? From what other source has he intelligence?"
[5] At length he said, "Since you are become a theologian, explain what is your theology?" I answered, "These are its two principles, THERE IS ONE GOD, and THERE IS A CONJUNCTION OF CHARITY AND FAITH." To which he replied, "Who denies these principles?" I rejoined, "The theology of the present day, when interiorly examined."
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