What a man thinks in his spirit in the world, that he does after his departure from the world when he becomes a spirit.
EMANUEL SWEDENBORG, Divine Providence
That honors and possessions are also bestowed by the devil, is known; because for that reason he is called the prince of the world. Now as it is unknown when honors and possessions are blessings, and when they are curses.
EMANUEL SWEDENBORG, Angelic Wisdom concerning the Divine Providence
It is no proof of a man's understanding to be able to confirm whatever he pleases; but to be able to discern that what is true is true, and that what is false is false, this is the mark and character of intelligence.
EMANUEL SWEDENBORG, True Christian Religion
It is evident that there are three means for the formation of faith in man: the first is, approaching the Lord; the second, learning truths from the Word; and the third, living in conformity to them. Now these three means being each distinct from the other, it follows that they may be separated; as for instance, a person may approach the Lord, and yet be acquainted with no truths concerning God and the Lord, except such as are historical; so another may be acquainted with abundance of truths derived from the Word, and yet not live in conformity with them; but in such cases, where the three means are separated, that is, where one is without the other, there can be no faith profitable to salvation.
EMANUEL SWEDENBORG, The True Christian Religion: Containing the Universal Theology of the New Church
A life of kindness is the primary meaning of divine worship.
