Charity (Whitehead) n. 195

Previous Number Next Number Next Translation See Latin 

195. These diversions are diversions also to those who have only an affection for gain; but they are carnal, inspired within only by the delight of opulence. Such men are careful, prudent, industrious, especially such who are merchants, or workmen. If in official position, they are vigilant in the duties which pertain to their offices, and they sell uses; if judges, they sell justice; if priests, they sell salvation. To them lucre is the neighbor. For the sake of office they love lucre, and they love the lucre derived from their office. They that are high in office may sell their country, and even betray their army and their fellow-citizens to the enemy. Whence it is evident what their love is in the diversions above mentioned; they are full of rapine. And as far as they do not fear the civil laws, or public punishments, and the loss of reputation for the sake of gain, they rob and steal. Outwardly they are sincere; but inwardly insincere. The uses they perform in their offices and employments are pleasant and delightful to them, as excrements are to swine, or mice to cats. They look upon men as a tiger or a wolf upon lambs and sheep, which if they can they devour. They do not know that the good of use is anything. There is an infernal delight and pleasure in their diversions. They are like asses, that see nothing pleasant in meadows and fields but what they eat, be it wheat or barley in the ear. But these things are said of the avaricious.


This page is part of the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg

© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church