On how heaven is governed

"As heaven is divided into societies, and the larger societies consist of some hundreds of thousands of angels, and all within a society, although in like good, are not in like wisdom, it must follow that governments exist there, since order must be observed, and all things of order must be guarded… No other government than the government of mutual love is possible in the heavens, and the government of mutual love is heavenly government." (Heaven and Hell 213)

"Nothing is more important for those entering another kingdom in the world than to know who the king is, what he is like and what the government is, and other particulars in regard to the kingdom, so is it of still greater consequence in regard to this kingdom in which they are to live to eternity. Therefore they should know that it is the Lord who governs both heaven and the universe, for He who governs the one governs the other; thus that the kingdom in which they now are is the Lord’s; and that the laws of this kingdom are eternal truths, all of which rest upon the law that the Lord must be loved above all things and the neighbor as themselves; and even more than this, if they would be like the angels they must love the neighbor more than themselves." (Heaven and Hell 406)

"They also have laws according to which they live together. The governors administer all things in accordance with the laws, which they understand because they are wise, and in doubtful matters they are enlightened by the Lord." (Heaven and Hell 215)

"In the Lord’s spiritual kingdom there are various forms of government differing in different societies, the variety being in accord with the functions performed by the societies; and the functions of these are in accord with the functions of all things in man to which they correspond… As in the body these organs perform various services, so there are various services pertaining to the societies in the Greatest Man, which is heaven; for the societies there correspond to these organs… But all these forms of government agree in this, that they look to the public good as their end, and in that good to the good of the individual. And this is so because every one in the whole heaven is under the auspices of the Lord, who loves all, and from Divine love ordains that there shall be a common good, from which each individual shall receive his own good. Each one, moreover, receives good according as he loves the common good; for so far as he loves the common good he loves all and every one; and as that love is love of the Lord, he is to that extent loved by the Lord, and good comes to him." (Heaven and Hell 217)

"From all this it can be seen what the governors there are like, namely, that they are such as are pre-eminent in love and wisdom, and therefore desire the good of all, and from wisdom know how to provide for the realization of that good. Such governors do not domineer or dictate, but they minister and serve (to serve meaning to do good to others from a love of good, and to minister meaning to see to it that the good is done); nor do they make themselves greater than others, but less, for they put the good of society and the neighbor in the first place, and put their own good last; and whatever is in the first place is greater and what is last is less. Nevertheless, the rulers have honor and glory; they dwell in the midst of the society, in higher position than the rest, and also in magnificent palaces; and this glory and honor they accept not for the sake of themselves but for the sake of obedience; for all there know that they have this honor and glory from the Lord; and on that account should be obeyed…" (Heaven and Hell 218)

"Whosoever would be great among you let him be your minister; and whosoever would be first among you let him be your servant; as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto but to minister " (Matthew 20:27,28)