This week, I have read the same couple pages over and over. I can't seem to get beyond a certain point - perhaps because there is something here that seems simple but perhaps needs more attention. So this may be long, and I apologize.
AC 6435
Even to the desire of the hills of an age.
... the signification of the "hills of an age,"
as being the things of mutual love....
Before it is shown from other passages of the Word that by the "hills of an age" is signified mutual love, it must first be told what is meant by the mutual love to which the man of the spiritual church, represented by Joseph, busies himself in arriving.
From what has frequently been said and shown above, it is evident that there are two kingdoms which constitute heaven, namely, the celestial kingdom and the spiritual kingdom.
The difference between these two kingdoms is that
the internal good of the celestial kingdom is the good of love to the Lord,
and its external is the good of mutual love;
they who are of this kingdom are in the good of love,
but not in the truth which is called the truth of faith,
for this is in the good of this kingdom,
insomuch that it cannot be seen separately from good,
and therefore they who belong to this kingdom
cannot even mention faith, because with them
instead of the truth of faith there is the good of mutual love.
But as regards the spiritual kingdom,
its internal is the good of charity toward the neighbor,
while its external is the truth of faith.
[2] But although the good of mutual love
(which is the external of the celestial church) is more interior,
and the good of charity toward the neighbor is more exterior,
nevertheless, as just said,
the Lord conjoins these goods by an intermediate,
and thus conjoins these two kingdoms.
[3] In order to make a distinction between
the external good of the celestial church
and the internal good of the spiritual church,
in the following pages we may call the former good the good of mutual love,
and the latter the good of charity toward the neighbor,
which difference has not been heretofore observed.
These things being first known,
it may be said what is signified by "even to the desire of the hills of an age,"
which is among the blessings of Israel concerning this spiritual church,
namely, that the spiritual kingdom may rise above the good of charity
even to the good of mutual love, which is of the celestial kingdom;
and that in this way these two kingdoms may be intimately conjoined....
[6] ... a 'hill' is signified the good of mutual love,
and by a 'mountain' the good of celestial love,
which is the good of love to the Lord...
The mountains shall bring peace, and the hills in righteousness.
(Psalms 72:3)
For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and the hills should resound with singing,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
(Isaiah 55:12)
Short summary: -
Celestial kingdom - good of love to the Lord
External is the good of mutual love.
Truth of faith is not separate from the good of mutual love.
Mutual love is more interior than charity toward the neighbor
as is from the rational.
Celestial good = the good of mutual love.
Spiritual kingdom -
Internal - good of charity toward the neighbor,
which is from the natural.
External - truth of faith.
Spiritual good = good of charity toward the neighbor
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