TCR 215 - The Truths of the Sense of the Letter of the Word

TCR 215

The truths of the sense of the Letter of the Word are,
in some cases, not naked truths,
but appearances of truth,
being, as it were, similitudes and comparisons,
taken from such things as are in nature,
accommodated and adequate
to the apprehension of simple people and children;
but because they are at the same time correspondences,
they are the receptacles and abodes of genuine truth.
They are the vessels that contain it,
as a crystal cup contains good wine,
or a silver dish nourishing food.
They are like garments which serve as clothing,
like swaddling clothes for an infant,
and comely robes for a maiden.
They are also like the knowledge of the natural man,
which comprises
the perceptions and affections of spiritual truth.
The truths themselves unveiled,
which are included, contained, clothed, and comprised,
are in the spiritual sense of the Word,
and goods unveiled are in its celestial sense.