Apocalypse Explained # 420
420. Upon the earth, nor upon the sea, nor upon any tree, signifies everywhere in the spiritual world, even to its ultimates, in those who have any perception. This is evident from the signification of "the earth," as being the whole spiritual world, consequently all angels and spirits there. This is the signification of "the earth" in the general and nearest sense, because in the spiritual world, the same as on our globe, there are lands, mountains, hills, plains, valleys, and also seas (respecting which see above, n. 304, 342, 413). It is evident also from the signification of the "sea," as being the ultimates of the earth in the spiritual world, because the last boundaries or limits there are seas (respecting which see above, n. 342); also from the signification of "tree," as being perception and also knowledge (of which presently). This being the signification of "earth," "sea," and "tree," the three joined together in one idea signify all things in the spiritual world even to its ultimates in those who have any perception. A "tree" in general signifies perception and knowledge, because a "garden" signifies intelligence, and all intelligence is according to knowledges and a perception of them; this is why each kind of tree signifies something pertaining to knowledge [scientia] and intelligence. Because a "tree" signifies in general perception and knowledge, it also signifies the interiors of the mind with man, and also the whole man; for a man is such as are the interiors that belong to his mind, and these are such as is the perception from knowledges. (That a "tree" signifies the interiors that belong to the mind, and also man himself, see above, n. 109, 110; that a "tree" signifies perception and knowledge, see Arcana Coelestia 103, 2163, 2682, 2722, 2972, 7692; that the ancients had Divine worship in groves under trees, according to their significations, n. 2722, 4552; that this was prohibited with the Jewish nation, and why, n. 2722; that "paradises" and "gardens" signify intelligence, n. 100, 108, 3220; also in the work on Heaven and Hell 176; and above, n. 110)
Matthew 7
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Judge not, that ye be not judged.
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For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
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And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
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Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
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Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
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Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
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Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
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For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
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Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
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Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
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If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
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Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
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Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
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Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
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Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
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Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
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Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
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A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
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Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
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Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
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Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
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Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
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And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
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Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
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And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
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And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
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And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
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And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
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For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
