Heaven and Hell (Harley) n. 222

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222. Divine worship itself in the heavens does not, however, consist in going to church and in listening to sermons, but in a life of love, charity and faith in accordance with doctrines. Preachings in churches serve solely as means of instruction in matters of life. I have talked with angels about this, and have told them that it is believed in the world that Divine worship consists solely in attending church, listening to sermons, observing the sacrament of the Supper three or four times a year, and performing other acts of worship prescribed by the Church, also finding time for prayers, and then behaving devoutly. The angels said that these are outward acts that ought to be done, but are of no avail unless there is an internal from which they proceed, which is a life in accordance with the precepts that doctrine teaches.


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