Divine Providence (Dick and Pulsford) n. 192

Previous Number Next Number See Latin 

192. It has been said that no one who from the appearance holds the belief that human prudence does all things can be convinced unless by reasons based on deeper consideration, and these must be drawn from causes. In order, therefore, that reasons drawn from causes may be evident to the understanding they may be presented in their order as follows:

I. All man's thoughts are from the affections of his life's love; and there are no thoughts whatever, nor can there be, except from them. II. The affections of a man's life's love are known to the Lord alone. III. The Lord leads the affections of a man's life's love by means of His Divine Providence, and at the same time also the thoughts from which human prudence is derived. IV. The Lord by means of His Divine Providence arranges the affections of the whole human race into one form, which is the human form. V. In consequence of this heaven and hell, which are from the human race, are in such a form. VI. Those who have acknowledged nature alone and human prudence alone constitute hell; while those who have acknowledged God and His Divine Providence constitute heaven. VII. None of these things can be effected unless it appears to man that he thinks from himself and disposes from himself.


This page is part of the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg

© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church