Heavenly Doctrine (Tafel) n. 143

Previous Number Next Number Next Translation See Latin 

143. A man has the freedom of thinking evil and falsity, and also of doing them, so far as he is not restrained by the laws, and indeed for this reason, that he may have the capacity of being reformed; for goods and truths have to be implanted in his love and in his will, in order that they may become a part of his life; and this cannot be brought about unless he has the freedom of thinking evil and falsity, as well as good and truth. This freedom is granted to every man by the Lord; and so far as when he rejects evil and falsity he thinks of good and truth, the Lord implants them in his love and in his will, and consequently in his life, and thus reforms the man. What is inseminated in freedom, remains; but what is inseminated under compulsion, does not remain, because that which is compulsory does not proceed from the will of the man, but from the will of him who uses compulsion. Hence, also, it is, that worship from freedom is well pleasing to the Lord, but not worship from compulsion; for worship from freedom is worship from love, but worship from compulsion is not so.


This page is part of the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg

© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church