The Bible

 

Genesis 4:4

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4 Abel also offered of the firstlings of his flock, and of their fat: and the Lord had respect to Abel, and to his offerings.

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Arcana Coelestia #341

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341. Verse 2. And she added to bear his brother Abel; and Abel was a shepherd of the flock, and Cain was a tiller of the ground. The second offspring of the church is charity, signified by “Abel” and “brother;” a “shepherd of the flock” denotes one who exercises the good of charity; and a “tiller of the ground” is one who is devoid of charity, however much he may be in faith separated from love, which is no faith.

  
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Thanks to the Swedenborg Foundation for the permission to use this translation.