933. And over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name. That this signifies, and who have not acknowledged the doctrine of faith separated from charity, nor anything characterising it, is evident from the signification of the beast, of whose image, mark, and number of the name it is here spoken, as denoting faith separated from charity, or faith without good works (concerning which see above, n. 773, 815); and from the signification of his image, as denoting the doctrine of that faith (see n. 827); and from the signification of his mark, as denoting the acknowledgment and confession thereof (see n. 838); and from the signification of the number of his name, as denoting what is similar as to life and as to faith, thus, its quality; and, consequently, falsities in their whole extent (see n. 841, 845 847). Hence by the image, mark, and number of his name, taken together, is signified the non-acknowledgment and confession of faith separated as to its doctrine, and as to any quality of it. To have victory over them, signifies to reject them in life and doctrine, which is also effected by combating against the falsities that are raised by the followers of that faith.
Continuation:-
[2] In the above article it was said, that at this day it is scarcely known in what charity, and consequently good works, consist, except this, to give to the poor, enrich the needy, doing good to widows and orphans, and contributing largely for the building of churches and hospitals for the poor and the sick. But still it is not known whether or not these things are done from man, and for the sake of reward; for if they are done from man, they are not good; and if for the sake of reward, they are merit-seeking; and neither of these opens heaven; and, therefore, they are not acknowledged as goods in heaven. In heaven no other works are regarded as good but such as are done from the Lord with man; and yet the works which are done from the Lord with man appear in outward form like those which are from man himself; indeed, they are not distinguished even by the man who does them. For the works that are done from the Lord with man are also done by man as of himself; and unless they are so done as of himself, they do not conjoin him to the Lord; thus, they do not reform him. That Man ought to do goods as of himself may be seen above (n. 616, 864, 911). This subject will be continued in an article to follow.
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