Page:The Swedenborg Library Vol 3.djvu/143

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SOME GENTILES LIVE A MORAL LIFE.
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other life according to the love with which they are imbued.

There was a certain spirit from among the Gentiles, who had lived in the world in the good of charity according to his religion. When he heard Christian spirits arguing about articles of belief (for spirits argue with each other much more ably and acutely than men, especially about goods and truths), he wondered at their disputing in this manner; remarking that he did not like to hear them, for they argued from appearances and fallacies — instructing them in this wise: If I am good, I can know from good itself what things are true.


GENTILES WHO LIVE A MORAL LIFE.

I have often been instructed that Gentiles who have led a moral life, have lived in obedience and subordination, and in mutual charity according to their religion, and have thence received something of conscience, are accepted in the other life, and are there instructed with anxious care by angels in the goods and truths of faith; and that, while under instruction, they behave themselves modestly, intelligently and wisely, and willingly receive truths and are imbued with them. Besides, they have formed to themselves no principles of the false contrary to the truths of faith, which are to be shaken off, much less scandals against the Lord, — like many Christians who cherish no other idea of Him than that of a common man.

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