Conjugial Love

angels; with many other similar expressions. “Follow me,” said the angel to them, “and I will introduce you to your joys.” So he led them into a portico original: "portico"; a porch or covered walkway supported by columns constructed of pillars and pyramids. In the front, there was a low porch, through which lay the entrance to the portico; through this porch he introduced them, and look! there appeared to be about twenty people assembled. After waiting some time, they were approached by a certain person who had the clothes and appearance of an angel, and who said to them, “The way to heaven is through this portico; wait a while and prepare yourselves; for the elder among you are to be kings, and the younger, princes.” As he said this, they saw near each pillar a throne, and on each throne a silken robe, and on each robe a scepter and crown; and near each pyramid was a seat raised three feet from the ground, and on each seat was a massive gold chain and the emblems original: "ensigns" of an order of knighthood, fastened at each end with diamond clasps. After this they heard a voice saying, “Go now and put on your robes; be seated, and wait a while.” Instantly, the older ones ran to the thrones and the younger to the seats; they put on their robes and seated themselves.

Then, look! a mist arose from below, which, spreading its influence over those on the thrones and seats, caused them instantly to assume airs of authority and to swell with their new greatness. They became truly convinced original: "persuaded in good earnest" that they were kings and princes. That mist was an aura of fantasy original: "phantasy" or imagination that had taken possession of their minds. Then suddenly, several young pages appeared, as if they came on wings from heaven; two of them stood in waiting behind every throne, and one behind every seat. Afterward, at intervals, a herald proclaimed: “You kings and princes, wait a little longer; your palaces in heaven are being made ready for you; your courtiers and guards will soon arrive to introduce you.” Then they waited and waited in anxious expectation, until their spirits were exhausted and they grew weary with desire.

After about three hours, the heavens above them were seen to open, and the angels looked down in pity upon them and said, “Why are you sitting in this state of delusion original: "infatuation", assuming roles that do not belong to you? They have made a mockery of you and have changed you from men into mere statues original: "images" because of the imagination that has possessed you—the idea that you should reign with Christ as kings and princes, and that angels should serve original: "minister unto" you. Have you forgotten the Lord’s words: that whoever would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven must be the least of all, and the servant of all? Learn then what is meant by kings and princes, and by reigning with Christ: it is to be wise and to perform uses original: "uses"; in Swedenborg’s writing, "use" refers to meaningful service or productive work done for the sake of the common good. The kingdom of Christ, which is heaven, is a kingdom of uses; for the Lord loves everyone and is desirous to do good to everyone; and—”