Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 10744

Previous Number Next Number Next Translation See Latin 

10744. Because they receive nothing from heaven, in their heart they reject God and the life after death, and as a consequence also belittle everything of the Church. It makes no difference if they do good to their fellow citizen, community, country, or Church, and speak well of them, for they speak and act in that way for selfish and worldly reasons, to the end that they may be seen by others and acquire reputation, position, and gain. For them these aims serve as outward controls by which they are led to do what is good and are held back from doing what is bad. But they lack any inner controls of conscience that urge them not to do anything evil because it is a sin and contrary to God's laws.


This page is part of the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg

© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church