4776. [4809] CONCERNING FAITH AND THE FRUITS OF FAITH. I once spoke about good works, to spirits recently from the world, who believed them not to be necessary to salvation. [I said] that, nevertheless, they declare good works, whereof the Lord so often, particularly in Matt. 25, speaks, to be the fruits of faith, and [say] that from the fruits the tree is known. It was also granted to speak in like manner as they did, in the life of the body, and I said: allowing that faith is a tree, and good works are its fruits - if so, of what quality do they suppose that tree appears in the heavenly paradise, if it rejoices in leaves only, and is destitute of fruits? whether it would not be, as the Lord says, that such a tree must be cut down? To this they were able to urge nothing in reply.