669. The two sacraments, baptism and the Holy Supper, are in the Christian church like two ornaments on a king's sceptre; if their purpose were not known, they would be merely two ebony shapes on a staff. Those two sacraments in the Christian church can also be compared with two rubies or carbuncles on an emperor's mantle; if their purpose were not known, they would be like two cornelians or crystals on some cloak. But for the revelation of the purposes of those two sacraments by means of the spiritual sense, there would only be guesses about them scattered around, like those offered by astrologers, or rather those which in antiquity were offered by men who drew auguries from the flight of birds or from entrails.

The purposes of those two sacraments can be compared to a church, which is so old it has sunk into the ground, and now lies surrounded by ruins reaching to its roof, so that young men and old walk upon it, ride in carriages or on horseback across it, with no idea that such a church lies hidden beneath their feet, containing altars of gold, walls covered inside in silver and ornaments made of precious stones; and these cannot be dug up and brought to light, except by means of the spiritual sense, which has at the present time been revealed for the new church, so that it can be used in the worship of the Lord.

[2] Those sacraments can also be compared to a double church, in which there is one below and another above. In the lower one the good news is preached about the Lord's coming anew, and also about regeneration and so salvation under His guidance. From this church a path around the altar leads up to the upper church, where the Holy Supper is celebrated; and from there a passage exists to heaven, where the Lord receives those who come.

They can also be compared to the Tabernacle, in which on passing through the entrance a table is seen, on which the loaves of the Presence are arranged in order, and also a golden altar for incense, and in the midst a lamp-stand with lamps burning to make all the rest visible. Finally, for those who allow themselves to be enlightened, the veil to the holy of holies is drawn back, where instead of the Ark containing the Ten Commandments the Word is laid up, and set above it the Mercy-seat with cherubs made of gold. These are representations of those two sacraments together with their purposes.