O U R N E W C H U RC H V O C A B U L A R Y
Part of a continuing series developed by the Rev. W. Cairns Henderson, 1961-1966.
INTERNAL SENSE
The internal sense of the Word lies concealed within the letter and should not be
confused with the genuine sense of the letter. It is characterized by the entire absence of
the elements of person, place and time, and it contains two elements, namely, affection and
thought. This sense is threefold. The inmost, supreme or celestial sense, which treats of the
Lord, is for the third heaven; the spiritual sense, or internal sense proper, in which the subject
is the Lord’s kingdom, is for the second heaven; and the internal-historical, spiritual-moral,
or proximate internal sense, which describes the state as to morals and doctrine of the nation
mentioned in the letter, is for the first heaven. (See Arcana Coelestia 1405, 7233, 4279)
offices Bryn Athyn, PA 19009
published by General Church of the New Jerusalem
editors
Bruce Henderson, Editor
Box 743, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009
[email protected]
Rev. Walter Orthwein, Spiritual Editor
[email protected]
subscriptions New Church Life, Box 708, Bryn Athyn, PA
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