Page:The Swedenborg Library Vol 3.djvu/258
present, as when he is engaged in occupations more removed from it; for it rules universally, that is, in all things in general and in particular.
The principle which rules in man is clearly perceived in the other life; for the sphere of his whole life, which exhales from him, is thence derived.
From these considerations it may be manifest in what sense it is to be understood that God ought always to be set before our eyes; not that we ought continually to be thinking of Him, but that the fear or love of Him should reign universally, in which case He is kept before the eyes in singular things; and when this is the case, man does not think, speak and do what is adverse to Him and unpleasing; or if he at any time offends, what universally reigns and lies interiorly concealed, manifests itself and admonishes. (A. C. 5949.)
THE END IS THE MAN'S SUPREME LOVE.
The saying, that every man's nearest neighbor is himself, and that he should consult first for himself, is to be understood in this manner: Every one must provide for himself that he may have the necessaries of life, namely, food, raiment, habitation and other things which the necessities of civil life in the place where he is, require; and this not only for himself, but also for his family and dependents; and not only for the present time, but also for the future. Unless a man thus procures for himself the necessaries of life, he