that he will supply thoughts for the understanding and affections for the will, in the degree and manner that in his wisdom he sees to be for our eternal good. And, after all,—though men in general think so much less of it—this is by far the more important concern of the two. The proper supply of the soul's nourishment is far more essential to our highest, that is, to our eternal, interests, than the supply of bodily food. The body will, in a few years, die and return to dust; but the soul is destined to an everlasting existence. And the condition of that existence, whether happy or unhappy, will depend upon the soul's having a due supply of its appropriate nourishment, from day to day, and from moment to moment now, in order that it may grow into the truly human and angelic form, into the image and likeness of the Lord.
Goodness and truth are the food of the soul, and these are meant in the spiritual sense by "bread." Hence, the Lord who is Goodness and Truth, or Love and Wisdom itself, calls himself "Bread." To eat of this Divine bread is to look to the Lord as God, and to become conjoined with him by doing his will and commandments. Then will a stream of love and truth flow from him into the soul, giving light and warmth to the whole inner man, and filling the spirit with peace.
Says the Doctrine of the New Church, "The manna given to the Israelites, and the daily bread mentioned in the Lord's Prayer, signify heavenly food, which is nothing else than love and charity, together with the goods and truths of faith. This food is given by the
