, are varieties of good (n.
3744, 4005, 7236, 7833, 7836, 9002). These varieties exist
through truths, which are manifold from which is each one's
good (n. 3470, 3804, 4149, 6917, 7236). It is because of this
that all the societies in the heavens, and all angels in a
society, are distinct from each other (n. 690, 3241, 3519,
3804, 3986, 4067, 4149, 4263, 7236, 7833, 836). Nevertheless
they all make one through love from the Lord (n. 457, 3986).

42. Moreover, the angelic societies in the heavens are at a distance
from each other as their goods differ in general and in particular.
For in the spiritual world the only ground of distance is difference
in the state of interiors, thus in the heavens difference in the
states of love, those who differ much being far apart, and those who
differ but little being but little apart, and likeness causing them
to be together.{1}

{Footnote 1} All the societies of heaven have a constant
position in accordance with the differences of their state of
life, thus in accordance with the differences of love and faith
(n. 1274, 3638, 3639). Wonderful things in the other life, that
is, in the spiritual world, respecting distance, situation,
place space and time (n. 1273-1277).

43. All who are in the same society are arranged in like manner in
respect to each other; those who are more perfect, that is, who excel
in good, thus in love, wisdom, and intelligence, being in the middle;
those who are less pre-eminent being round about at a distance in
accordance with the decrease of their perfection. The arrangement is
like light diminishing from the middle to the circumference, those
who are in the middle being in the greatest light, and those towards
the circumference in less and less.

44. Like are drawn spontaneously as it were to their like; for with
their like they are as if with their own and at home, but with others
they are as if with strangers and abroad; also when with their like
they are in their freedom, and consequently in every delight of life.

45. All this makes clear that all in the heavens are affiliated by
good, and are distinguished according to the quality of the good.
Nevertheless it is not the angels who thus affiliate themselves, but
the Lord, from whom the good is. The Lord leads them, conjoins and
separates them, and preserves them in freedom proportionate to their
good. Thus He holds everyone in the life of his love and faith, of
hi