6073. THE NECK-BAND (NECKTIE*). There was a certain one, who, in his youth, had read the Word diligently, but afterwards, because he did not understand it, banished it from the mind, saying to himself that moral or natural theology is a, better teacher. Wherefore, he fell into that opinion, and forsook the Word. He came to angels and the angels said, What is the use of the Word and that moral life apart from theological life, does not effect any use, does not purify from evils, and by itself does not conduce to life eternal. He, on hearing this, assented; wherefore a neckband was given him by the angels - a white neck-tie;** delighted with which, he returned home. But that necktie made him almost unable to see. The cause was inquired into; and it was stated that it was because he had burst asunder the bond between heavenly and moral things, and that, consequently, with that band on, he was not able to see, but only without it; because those things which are of heaven and the church constitute the head; and moral and natural things constitute the body; and the neck constitutes their conjunction. Hence was manifest what the neck signifies, and what that which clothes it. * Swedish, halsduk. ** Swedish, halsduk hvit.