317. * [animals and] birds of darkness. This is a known fact, which I have learned from many circumstances. But this matter is more fully illustrated in the books of the prophets, where such creatures frequently occur, especially in visions, which are heavenly and spiritual portrayals, materialized in this way.
[See WE 6415-17, explaining Lev. 13 in general.] 6418. This is something that goes with the portrayal [of spiritual matters], or with the symbolic Church, for the angels were permitted to punish with leprosy a wholly profane person, or one who tried to mix together holy things with profane ones, and then to cast him outside of the camp.
This page is part of 
© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church