Divine Providence (Dick and Pulsford) n. 95

Previous Number Next Number See Latin 

95. Because there is a conjunction of the Lord with man and of man with the Lord, there are two tables of the Law, one for the Lord and the other for man. So far as a man keeps the laws of his table as if from himself, the Lord enables him to keep the laws of His table. But the man who does not keep the laws of his table, which all have reference to the love of the neighbour, cannot keep the laws of the Lord's table, which all have reference to the love of the Lord. How can a murderer, a thief, an adulterer, or a false witness love the Lord? Does not reason declare that to be of such a character and to love the Lord involves a contradiction? Is not the devil such? Can the devil do other than hate God? When, however, a man abhors murder, adultery, theft and false witness as infernal, then he can love the Lord, for he then turns his face from the devil to the Lord; and when he turns his face to the Lord love and wisdom are given to him. These enter man by the face, and not by the back of the neck. Because conjunction with the Lord is effected in this and in no other way, these two tables are called a covenant: and a covenant is a bond between two.


This page is part of the Heavenly Doctrines

© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church