And they took it. The primary thing of the rational with man is truth, consequently it is the affection of truth, which makes it possible that man may be reformed, and so regenerated. This is effected by means of knowledges that are of truth, which are continually being implanted in good, that is, in charity, that so the man may receive the life of charity. It is on this account that the affection of truth in man is predominant in his rational. In truth, however, there is no life, but in good.
Truth is only a recipient of life, that is, of good.
But when good constitutes the rational, truth disappears and becomes as if it were good. Good then shines through the truth, in the same way as takes place with the angels, for when they appear clothed, it is a brightness inducing the appearance of raiment, as was the case also when angels appeared before the prophets. Swedenborg Copyright 1996-1999 Washington New Church.