Charity (Whitehead) n. 185

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185. (IV.) No one is saved through these benefactions, but through the Charity from which they are done, and which is therefore in those benefactions. These benefactions are outside of a man, but charity is within him; and everyone is saved according to the quality of good or charity in him. After death, very many, who in the world thought about their salvation, when they see that they are alive, and hear that there is a heaven and a hell, protest that they have done goods, have given to the poor, assisted the needy, made some offerings to pious uses. But it is said to them, "From what source have you done these things? Have you shunned evils as sins? Have you thought about them?" Some answer that they have had faith. But it is replied, "If you have not thought within you of evils as sins, how can you have faith? Faith and evil do not conjoin themselves together." Inquiry is therefore made respecting a man's life in his calling; whether he has performed the uses of his calling for the sake of reputation, honor, and gain, as his chief goods, and thus for himself; or whether he has done them for the sake of the neighbor. Many say they have not thus distinguished them. It is answered, "If you have looked to God and shunned evils as sins, then these two have of themselves become distinct, for the Lord distinguishes them." And as far as they have not done this, they have acted from evil and not from good. In the spiritual world the very affection of each one is communicated, and its quality is shown; and such as he is as to affection, such are all the things that proceed from him. In this way he is led to the society where his affection is.


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