430. Verse 7. And the likenesses of the locusts, signifies the appearances and images of those who have confirmed in themselves faith separated from charity. By "likenesses," is signified their appearances in a representative image; by "locusts," are signified falsities in outermost things (n. 424); and as falsities make one with those who are in falsities, they also are signified by "locusts." That they who have confirmed themselves in faith alone, or their falsities, are meant by "locusts," appeared evident to me from this circumstance, that the presbyters who were in that faith, embraced the locusts that were seen, and kissed them, and were desirous of introducing them into their houses. For the images, which are forms representative of the affections and thoughts of angels and spirits in the spiritual world, appear as if they were alive, in like manner as the animals, birds, and fishes, mentioned above.
