New Jerusalem Church -- Doctrinal and controversial works; Swedenborg, Emanuel, 1688-1772
The Divine Providence differs from all other leading and guidance in
this, that it continually regards what is eternal, and continually
leads to salvation, and this through various states, now glad, now
sad,--states which a man cannot understand at all, and yet they all
conduce to his life to eternity.
--_Arcana Coelestia, n._ 8560
IN THE STREAM OF PROVIDENCE
The Divine Providence is universal, that is, in the leasts of all
things. They who are in the stream of Providence are borne along
continually to happiness, whatsoever the appearance of the means may
be. They are in the stream of Providence, who put their trust in the
Divine, and ascribe all things to Him. They are not in the stream of
Providence who trust themselves alone and ascribe all things to
themselves. As far as one is in the stream of Providence, so far one
is in a state of peace. Such alone know and believe that the Divine
Providence of the Lord is in each and all things, yea, in the leasts
of all things.
--_Arcana Coelestia, n._ 8478
CARE FOR THE MORROW
It is not contrary to order to look out for one's self and one's
dependents. Those have "care for the morrow" who are not content with
their lot, who do not trust in the Divine but themselves, and who
regard only worldly and earthly things and not heavenly. With such
there prevails universally a solicitude about things future, a desire
to possess everything, and to rule over all. They grieve if they do
not get what they desire, and suffer torment when they lose what they
have. Then they grow angry with the Divine, rejecting it together
with everything of faith, and cursing themselves. Altogether
different is it with those who trust in the Divine. Though they have
care for the morrow, yet they have it not; for they do not think of
the morrow with solicitude, still less with anxiety. Whether they get
what they wish or not, they are composed, not lamenting over losses,
but being content with their lot. If they become rich, they do not set
their hearts upon riches. If they are exalted to honors, they do not
look upon themselves as worthier than others. If they become poor,
they are not cast down. If their condition be mean, they are not
dejected. They know that with those who put their trust in the Divine,
all things work toward a happy state to eternity.
--_Arcana Coelestia, n._ 8478
THE SUFFERANCE OF EVIL
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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