3559. Come near I pray, and I will feel thee my son. That this signifies inmost perception from presence, is evident from the signification of “coming near” as being presence; and from the signification of “feeling,” as being an inmost and complete perception (n. 3528).

495. How the Most Ancient Church decreased cannot appear unless it be known what perception is, for it was a perceptive church, such as at this day does not exist. The perception of a church consists in this, that its members perceive from the Lord what is good and true, like the angels; not so much what the good and truth of civic society is, but the good and truth of love to the Lord and of faith in Him. From a confession of faith that is confirmed by the life it can be seen what perception is, and whether it has any existence.