AC 7601 - Flax

AC 7601 [2-3, 5, 6]

It is from representatives in heaven
that "flax" means truth.
In heaven those who are in the truth of the natural
appear clothed in white,
which white appears as of linen.

The truth itself of the natural is also there represented
as if woven from the purer threads of the flax.
These threads appear like threads of silk
-- bright, beautifully translucent, and soft;
and the clothing made of them appears similar
if the truth which is so represented is from good;
but on the other hand these threads,
which are like those of flax,
do not appear translucent, nor bright, nor soft,
but hard and brittle,
and yet white,
if the truth which is so represented is not from good.

As "flax" means the truth of the exterior natural,
and the exterior natural is what clothes the interiors,
therefore this truth is what was represented by
the linen garments with which the angels were clothed;
and also by the garments of flax (or linen)
with which Aaron was clothed
when he ministered in the holy place . . ..

From all this it can also be seen why the Lord,
when He washed the feet of His disciples,
girded Himself with a linen towel,
and wiped their feet with the linen towel
with which He was girded (John 13:4, 5);
for the washing of the feet meant purification from sins,
which is effected by means of the truths of faith,
for by means of these a person is taught how to live.