Apocalypse Explained, volume 1 - Swedenborg Foundation

APOCALYPSE EXPLAINED 611because “seraphim” have a like signification as “cherubim,” namely,Divine Providence in respect to guarding.[10] “To fly” in reference to man signifies circumspection and atthe same time presence, because sight is present with the object thatit sees; its appearing far away or at a distance is because of theintermediate objects that appear at the same time, and can bemeasured in respect to space. This can be fully confirmed by thethings that exist in the spiritual world. In that world spacesthemselves are appearances, arising from the diversity of affectionsand of thought therefrom; consequently, when any persons orthings appear far away, and an angel or spirit desires from intenseaffection to be with such, or to examine the things that are at adistance, he is at once present there. The like is true of thought,which is man’s internal or spiritual sight. Things previously seenthought sees within itself irrespective of space, thus altogether aspresent. This is why “flying” is predicated of the understanding andof its intelligence, and why it signifies circumspection and presence.283a. Verse 8. And the four animals, each by itself, had six wingsround about, signifies the appearance of the spiritual Divine on allsides about the celestial Divine. This is evident from thesignification of the four animals, which were the cherubim, asbeing the Lord’s Divine guard and providence that the higherheavens be not approached except from the good of love and ofcharity; and as this is the significance of the four animals as regardstheir bodies, they signify also the celestial Divine (of whichpresently). It is evident also from the signification of “six wingsround about,” as meaning the spiritual Divine round about thecelestial Divine (of which also presently). The “cherubim” inrespect to their bodies signify the celestial Divine, and in respect totheir wings the spiritual Divine; because all things that representheavenly things signify in respect to their bodies what is essential,and in respect to what is about them what is formal. So man also,in respect to his body signifies good in essence, and in respect tothe encompassing things good in form. Celestial good is good inessence, and spiritual good is good in form; and this for the reasonthat the will, in which good resides, is man himself, or the man in