Page:The Swedenborg Library Vol 3.djvu/184

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XIV.

THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH.

THEY who are without the church, [that is, the church in Christendom,] hut at the same time acknowledge one God and live according to the religious principles in which they have been instructed, and in a corresponding degree of charity toward the neighbor, are in communion with those who are within the church; for no man who believes in God and lives well is damned. Hence it is evident that the church of the Lord exists in every part of the world. (N. J. D. 244.)

There are many among the Gentiles who know by rational enlightenment that there is one God, that He created all things, and that He preserves all things; likewise that from Him comes all good, consequently all truth, and that likeness to Him makes man blessed: and who, moreover, live according to their religious tenets in love to that God and in charity toward their neighbor; from the affection of good doing works of charity, and from the affection of truth worshipping the Supreme.

They who are such among the Gentiles, are those who are in the Lord's spiritual church; and although they

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