3168. And they did eat and drink. That this signifies the appropriation of the good and of the truth thus initiated, appears from the signification of “eating,” as being to be communicated and conjoined, thus to be appropriated (see n. 2187, 2343); and as this is predicated of bread, and by “bread” is signified good (n. 276, 680, 2165, 2177, 2187), it is the appropriation of good which is signified by “eating”—and also from the signification of “drinking,” as also being to be communicated and conjoined, thus to be appropriated (see n. 3089); but as this is predicated of wine, and by “wine” is signified truth (n. 1071, 1798), it is the appropriation of truth which is signified by “drinking.” The real case herein is as before said (n. 3167), that when truth is being initiated into good, and still more when it is being conjoined with it, in the rational, the good and truth of the spiritual man, that is, spiritual things, are appropriated to the natural man.

1394. It is owing to the existence of such perception as enables one to know in an instant what is the quality of another in respect to love and faith, that spirits and angels are joined together into societies in accordance with their agreement, and are separated from fellowship according to their disagreement; and this so exquisitely that there is not the smallest difference which does not dissociate or consociate. Hence the societies in the heavens are so distinct from one another that nothing can be conceived to be more so; and this in accordance with all the differences of love to the Lord, and of faith in Him, which cannot be numbered. Hence comes the form of heaven, which is such as to represent one man; and this form is continually being perfected.