Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 9364

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9364. Faith is no more than persuasion when people believe and love the Word and the teachings of the Church not with a view to serving the neighbour, that is, their fellow citizen, country, the Church, heaven, and the Lord Himself - consequently not with a view to life, for life involves service to these - but with a view to acquiring gain, important positions, and a reputation for being learned. People therefore with this kind of faith do not focus on the Lord and heaven, only on self and the world.


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