AC 1178 - "Hunting"

AC 1178

He was mighty in hunting before Jehovah.

(Genesis 10:9)

That this signifies that he persuaded many,

is evident from its being so with faith separated from charity;

and also from the signification of "hunting" in the Word.

Faith separated from charity is of such a nature

that men are easily persuaded.

The greater part of mankind 

do not know what internal things are,

but only external things;

and most men abide in things of sense,

in pleasures and in cupidities (evil desires),

and have in view 

themselves and the world;

and therefore they are easily captivated by such a religion.

From the signification of "hunting" in the Word 

"hunting" signifies in general persuading;

specifically, captivating the minds of men

by favoring their sensuous 

inclinations, pleasures, and cupidities,

by using doctrinals which they explain at their own pleasure

in accordance with their temperament

and with that of the other,

and with a view to their own self-exaltation and enrichment,

-- thus by persuading.