10292. Stacte. That this signifies the affection of sensuous truth, is evident from the signification of “stacte,” as being sensuous truth; that it denotes the affection of this truth, is from its fragrance, for “odor” signifies perceptivity; a fragrant odor, the perceptivity of what is grateful; and an offensive odor, the perceptivity of what is ungrateful; and all gratefulness and ungratefulness of perception are from the affection which is of love, and according to it (see n. 925, 1514, 1517-1519, 3577, 4624-4634, 4748, 5621, 10054). In general be it known that all things in the vegetable kingdom, whatever they may be, whether the produce of the forest, or that of gardens, fields, and plains, such as trees, crops, flowers, grasses, and vegetables, both in general and in particular, signify spiritual and celestial things, for the reason that universal nature is a theater representative of the Lord’s kingdom (see at the places cited in n. 9280).

[2] That “stacte” denotes the affection of sensuous truth is because it is mentioned first; for there are four spices of which the incense was prepared, as there were also four of which the oil of anointing was prepared; and that which is mentioned in the first place is the most external, as is also that which is mentioned in the first place for the preparation of the oil of anointing, which was best myrrh (that this denotes the perception of sensuous truth, see n. 10252).

[3] That four spices were taken for the preparation of both the oil and the incense, was for the reason that they signified truths in their order from external to inmost; and they are in the same succession with man; for man has an external which is called the external man, and an internal which is called the internal man, in each of which there is an exterior and an interior; the most external is called the sensuous, and this is therefore signified by “stacte” (what the sensuous is, and its quality, see n. 9996, 10236).

[4] That “stacte” denotes the affection of sensuous truth, cannot be confirmed from other passages in the Word, because it is nowhere else mentioned; but stacte of another kind, expressed in the original tongue by another word, is mentioned among those spices which were brought down into Egypt (Genesis 37:25; 43:11), and which involve such things as are in the external or natural man, because by “Egypt” is signified the memory-knowledge that is of the natural man (see at the places cited in n. 9391).

1288. Their words were one. That this signifies that there was one doctrine in particular, is evident from what has been said before; for “a lip” signifies doctrine in general, as was shown; and “words” signify doctrine in particular, or the particulars of doctrine. For the particulars cause no disagreement, provided they look to one end, which is to love the Lord above all things and the neighbor as oneself; for then they are particulars of these generals.

[2] That a “word” signifies all doctrine concerning charity and the derivative faith, and that “words” signify the things which are of doctrine, is evident in David:

I will confess unto Thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall learn the judgments of Thy righteousness; I will keep Thy statutes. Wherewithal shall a child make pure his path? By taking heed according to Thy word. With my whole heart have I sought Thee; make me not to wander from Thy precepts. Thy word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Blessed art Thou, O Jehovah; teach me Thy statutes. With my lips have I rehearsed all the judgments of Thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies. I meditate in Thy commandments, and look unto Thy ways. I delight in Thy statutes; I do not forget Thy word (Psalms 119:7-16).

“Word” here denotes doctrine in general. It is evident that a distinction is here made between “precepts,” “judgments,” “testimonies,” “commandments,” “statutes,” “way,” and “lips;” and that all these belong to the Word, or to doctrine. And everywhere else in the Word they signify the same distinct things.

[3] Again:

A song of love. My heart hath willed a good word; my tongue is the pen of a rapid writer. Thou art beauteous above the sons of man; grace is poured upon thy lips. Ride upon the word of truth; and of the gentleness of righteousness; thy right hand shall teach thee wonderful things (Psalms 45:1-2, 4).

“To ride upon the word of truth and of the gentleness of righteousness,” is to teach the doctrine of truth and of good. Here, as elsewhere in the Word, the terms “word,” “lip,” and “tongue” signify distinct things; that they are things of doctrine concerning charity is evident, because it is called “a song of loves.” Of this doctrine is predicated beauty above the sons of man, grace of lips, and a right hand that teacheth wonderful things.

[4] In Isaiah:

Jehovah sent a word unto Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel (Isaiah 9:8).

“A word” denotes the doctrine of internal and of external worship; “Jacob” here denotes external worship, and “Israel” internal.

In Matthew:

Jesus said, Man doth not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

Again:

When anyone heareth the word of the Kingdom and heedeth it not, then cometh the evil one and snatcheth away that which hath been sown in his heart (Matthew 13:19);

see also concerning “the word” in the same chapter, verses 20-23. Again:

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away (Matthew 24:35).

In these passages, “the word” denotes the Lord’s doctrine; and “words” the things that belong to His doctrine.

[5] Because the expression “words” denotes all things of doctrine, the commandments of the Decalogue were called “words,” in Moses:

Jehovah wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten words (Exodus 34:28).

Again:

He hath declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, the ten words; and He wrote them upon two tables of stone (Deuteronomy 4:13; 10:4).

Again:

Take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the words that thine eyes have seen (Deuteronomy 4:9);

besides other places.