ity is of paramount importance, and that faith without charity is like the sun's light without its invigorating warmth; that "the Lord is not conjoined with man by faith [or mere belief], but by the life of faith which is charity;" that "charity constitutes both heaven and the church, and not faith separate from charity;" that "the church would be one and not many, if charity were regarded as the essential thing;" that "true charity is to act justly and faithfully in the office, business and employment in which a man is engaged, and with those with whom he has any dealings;" and that "charity and faith are only mental and perishable things, unless they be determined to works and co-exist in them when it is possible." A volume might be filled with passages from Swedenborg illustrating the truth of what is here said. But we will only add four or five brief extracts.[1]
"There is no other faith than that which is grounded in charity. He that has no charity cannot have the smallest portion of faith. Charity is the very ground in which faith is implanted. It is the heart whence faith derives existence and life. Therefore, . . . for any one to endeavor to form to himself the life of faith without charity, is like endeavoring to continue bodily life by the lungs alone, without the heart." (A. C. n. 1843.)
- ↑ For a more complete elucidation of this doctrine, the reader is referred to Vol. V. of the "Swedenborg Library," which treats of "Charity, Faith and Works."
