Page:The Swedenborg Library Vol 2.djvu/35

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IV.

TWO KINGDOMS IN HEAVEN.


SINCE there are infinite varieties in heaven, and no society is exactly like another, nor indeed any angel like another, therefore heaven is distinguished generally, specifically, and particularly; generally into two kingdoms; specifically into three heavens; and particularly into innumerable societies. We shall speak of each in what now follows. The general divisions are styled kingdoms, because heaven is called the kingdom of God.

Some angels receive the Divine proceeding from the Lord more, and others less, interiorly. They who receive it more interiorly are called celestial angels; but they who receive it less interiorly are called spiritual angels. Hence heaven is distinguished into two kingdoms, one of which is called the Celestial and the other the Spiritual Kingdom.

The love in which they are who belong to the celestial kingdom, is called celestial love; and the love in which they are who belong to the spiritual kingdom, is called spiritual love. Celestial love is love to the Lord, and spiritual love is charity toward the neighbor. And since all good is of love—for what one loves is good to