Heavenly Doctrine (Tafel) n. 154

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154. That good ought not to be done for the sake of reward, is taught by the Lord Himself in Luke (vi. 32-35), "For if ye love them that love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do the same. But rather love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the sons of the Most High." That from himself no man can do good that is good, the Lord teaches in John (iii. 27), "A man can receive, nothing except it be given him from heaven." And again (John xv. 4-8), "Jesus said, I am the vine, ye are the branches: as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye except ye abide in Me. He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for apart from Me ye can do nothing."


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