AC 6128 - What is Influx?

AC 6128

As mention is so frequently made of influx,
and perhaps few know what is meant by influx,
it is necessary to state what it is.
The nature of influx may be seen from a comparison
with such things as inflow in nature,
as from the influx of heat from the sun
into all things of the earth,
from which comes vegetative life;
and from the influx of light into the same,
from which comes what is helpful to vegetative life,
and besides is the source
of the consequent colors and beauties;
in like manner from the influx of heat
into the surface of our bodies,
and also of light into the eye;
in like manner from the influx of sound into the ear;
and so on.
From this it may be comprehended
what is the influx of life from the Lord,
who is the Sun of heaven,
from whom comes the heat which is love,
and the spiritual light which is faith.
Moreover the influx itself is plainly felt;
for heavenly heat, which is love,
causes the vital heat which is in a person;
and heavenly light, which is faith,
causes the intellectual light which is in a person;
but these are varied according to the reception.